DISCLAIMER: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! It is a property of Konami. This story is a work of fiction. Any relations to persons, living or dead, are purely coincidental.

ERROR. CANNOT ESTABLISH CONNECTION.
VERIFYING CAUSE…
CAUSE IDENTIFIED.
SYNC WITH USER HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED.
ATTEMPTING RE-SYNC…

I enjoyed this feeling. The feeling of the wind splashing across my face, accompanied by the loud humming of my D-Runner, created an incomparable rush. I couldn't get tired of it, especially as I rode across the Daedalus Bridge. Between the wind, the beautiful ocean view, and the silhouette of New Domino City in the distance, I never felt so fulfilled.

…okay, that was a lie. The only thing that could have made this better was a duel.

After a minute of riding, I came to a stop. A familiar orange D-Runner parked on the side with its owner leaning against the barrier. His signature blue jacket was nowhere to be found, leaving him only in his black tanktop.

Hearing the loud roars of my D-Runner's engine, Yusei Fudo turned to greet me. "Hey." I smiled back as I parked my own D-Runner alongside his. "It's a nice day, don't you think?"

I nodded in agreement, walking up and leaning against the barrier. "What brings you here?"

"Came for some fresh air," Yusei replied. "And to get away from the city for a while. What about you?"

"Felt like going for a ride. The wind's nice, and I haven't rode my D-Runner in a while, not since Rally fixed it up for me."

Yusei chuckled. "Ah, that's right. I almost forgot. Yours got totaled when we dueled Z-one, didn't it?"

The duel was chaotic, not to mention destructive. I was still peeved that the wrinkly bastard wrecked my D-Runner so bad it took three weeks to get it repaired. Rally was astonished it could even still run after repairs, as the extent of the damage nearly made him certain that it would never be back up and running.

It was still surreal. Who would have thought I'd ever duel Yusei's evil twin? Well, a fake evil twin that came from the future, but an evil twin nonetheless. Aporia had nothing on Z-one.

"What will you do now?" I asked him. "Jack's been itching for a rematch against you."

Yusei didn't answer at first. He looked out at the sea, as if looking for something beyond it. I said nothing, waiting patiently for his answer. After a few minutes, Yusei spoke with uncertainty. "To be honest, I don't know. I'm thinking of taking up my father's research. At the same time, though, I don't want to give up dueling." Yusei looked at me. "What would you do in my situation?"

I hummed thoughtfully. After a moment of thinking, I gave him my answer. "Why not be both?" Yusei's eyes widened. "I mean, last I checked, there's nothing that says you can't be a duelist and a scientist."

The Turbo Duel King stared at me, wide-eyed and in disbelief, before throwing his head back in laughter. "I guess I should have expected that answer from you, huh?!" I joined in with his laughter.

After our laughing fest ended, Yusei dug inside his pocket and handed me something. "Here. This is for you." I took it from him. It was a deck, safely kept within a pouch. Undoing the button I removed the deck from the pouch and flipped through it. To my surprise, it was near identical to Yusei's own deck. It even had a copy of Stardust Dragon! "It took me a while to find all the cards for it, but I figured this would be a good gift for you."

Yusei pulled away from the barrier, turning to face me fully. He looked lost in the throes of reminisce. "It feels like our first meeting was nothing but a dream. Even so, I'm glad to have met you." He extended a hand. "You are both my greatest comrade…and someone I'm proud to call a friend.

I accepted Yusei's hand. His grip was tight, almost as though he didn't want to let go. I never told anyone about my circumstances, but it seemed like he figured it out. He didn't understand it, but he knew.

This was his way of saying goodbye. I was leaving New Domino City behind. Not because I was in search of a new beginning or explore new horizons, but because I had to. It was hard to describe, but a part of me seemed to understand that my part here was fulfilled. There was no reason for to stay any longer.

I felt this way before, back in the Duel Academy on graduation day. I hated this feeling, leaving people I came to consider dear friends behind. But I couldn't ignore this feeling either.

Reluctantly, I let go of his hand and stepped away.

Yusei's smile became strained. "Next time you're in town, let's have a duel. All of us. Together."

I nodded. I was about to leave, but I stopped myself just short of a few steps. It felt wrong, leaving it just like this. I turned back around and removed my cap from my head, holding it to a stunned Yusei.

"Hold on to this for me," I told him. "So neither of us forgets."

"…yeah!"

Yusei accepted my hat. With a terse smile, I hopped back on my D-Runner and took off.

One day, I will come back here. When I do, I'll make sure the two of us will have a duel for the ages.

Count on it, Yusei.

…RE-SYNC COMPLETE.
ESTABLISHING CONNECTION TO USER.

Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS
TAG FORCE: LINK EVOLUTION — prologue —

It was disorienting, finding yourself in a new world so suddenly. Imagine being underwater, at the bottom of the ocean, where its so dark and so heavy you can't move, or see, or hear. It's suffocating almost, then you're abruptly pulled to surface and bombarded with sensations you thought you lost. Loud sounds, bright lights, etc.

Even after going through this crap countless times, I'm still feeling as if I'm going to lose my lunch. I stumble slightly and orientate myself before I fall flat on my face. My vision is blurry for a moment before it starts to correct itself. The first thing I notice is that I'm in a city, bustling with so many odd characters and people that I have to rub my eyes to see if I'm seeing things. Some look relatively normal while others are outrageously outlandish, be it from being actual animals to people with animal parts of various degrees.

The second thing I notice is how different this world feels. Every world and place of time I've been to feel unique. During my time in Duel Academy, the place where my story first began, I felt a sense of danger and thrill, like something amazing was happening. In New Domino City, I felt melancholy and sadness from the people of the Satellite. Those feelings were countered by Yusei and the others, people brimming with hope to look forward towards the future. In Heartland City, I felt a sense of peace. A peace that was upended when the Barian Emperors made their appearance.

Here, though… How to describe it. This place feels artificial. Made-up, like it wasn't alive if that makes any sense.

I take a moment to look at myself, wondering if my wardrobe changed on me again. Sure enough, it did. My sleeveless Slifer jacket was gone in favor of a red longcoat and the collar with the gold pendant was gone as well. Definitely one of the more minor changes to my wardrobe. Thankfully, I still had my hat on me.

…aaand of course the goggles were there. Really, what was the point of having me wear goggles if I was never going to use them?!

I shake my head and prepare to explore when—

"Ack! My bad, man!"

Someone bumps into my shoulder. A man, no, teen wearing teal power armor with a green visor stops to apologize. On his forearm is a familiar sight. It was a Duel Disk, high-end by the look of it and very compact. I almost mistook it for wristwatch or something along those lines. The only reason I knew it was a Duel Disk was because I could hear the high-pitch monkey squeals coming from inside.

Sheesh, this guy didn't use his deck very much, did he?

"It's fine," I tell him. "No harm done."

The teen rubs the back of his neck sheepishly. "Again, I really am sorry. This is my first time in LINK VRAINS, you know?"

"Is that the name of this place?"

"You don't know what LINK VRAINS is?!" For some reason, the teen looks shocked. "Come on, you're pulling my leg! There's no way. Everyone and their mother knows what LINK VRAINS is."

I wonder what his reaction would be if I told him, I'm actually from another world. I refrain from it and instead offer the best excuse I could come up with now. "My friend sort of dumped me into this place without explaining anything to me. Said it would be better to experience it for myself." It wasn't a lie, per say, but neither is it the truth.

The teen accepts my lie easily. "Is that so? Still, to not know about LINK VRAINS… Have you been living under a rock your whole life?" The teen mumbles to himself for a moment before he nods and starts talking about. "I'm in a bit of a hurry, but I can tell you about this place on the way!"

"On the way?" Did he really expect me to follow him after we just met? "Where to?"

"To Blue Angel's concert, duh! I got a ticket to see it live! It's the only reason I mustered the courage to actually log in!" He turns on his heel and starts to run, beckoning me to follow. "Come on! This is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Onwards!"

I sweatdrop.

What the hell is up with this guy?

The teen, Lonely Brave as he calls himself, told me about LINK VRAINS. As it turns out, the reason why the city feels artificial is that it's actually part of cyberspace domain privaley owned by the mega corporation and tech giant SOL Technologies. The full name was "Link Virtual Reality Artificial Intelligence Network System" and accessed on a daily basis by duelists all over the world. This also explains why everyone in the city had such wild appearances; it was not their actual appearance but their avatars in this world.

It reminds me of the Augmented Reality Duels back in Heartland, albeit now encompassing cyberspace.

Lonely Brave never asked about who I was or where I came from, so I assume matters involving real-life were a forbidden subject here. On that note, though, I had to wonder if I'm a pure digital entity here in LINK VRAINS or my real body is somewhere in the real world taking a nap. That last thought brought chills down my spine. Didn't that mean I was vulnerable to some creep?!

First chance I get, I'm going to figure things out. To do that, though, I need to get away from Lonely Brave. Sadly, the teen prove to be more insistent than I thought as he more or less shanghai'd me to see this Blue Angel woman in person.

"We're here!"

Lonely Brave's shout is drowned out amid the blaring music and shouts from everyone else. We arrive at what looks to be a stage, stage lights floating about and switching colors so quickly I feel like I'm about to go colorblind. Colorful wings decorate the back of the stage where I'm assuming this Blue Angel person is going to pop out of.

Going by the set-up, I'm guessing this Blue Angel was some kind of idol. And a very popular one at that if the size of this crowd is any indication. I glance over at Lonely Brave, finding him squirming and shaking with anticipation.

As much as I like music, idols were not my thing. I should probably—

"Thank you for waiting everyone!"

I grimace as the crowd's screaming becomes deafening. Even Lonely Brave seems overwhelmed and has to plug his ears. A group of girls step out onto the stage, all wearing different clothes with wings attached to their backs. At the head of the group is a girl with blue hair in pigtails. Her Duel Disk is shaped vaguely like a tulip flower with a blue gem at the top.

I assume the girl with blue hair is Blue Angel.

"Looks like we've got a huge crowd tonight! Thank you all so much for coming for today's concert!"

With that out of the way, the concert began. Music starts to blare out from the spears floating mid-air and the stage lights focus all on the group of girls dancing on stage. Blue Angel and two other girls sing in perfect unison.

She's not half-bad.

"I'm so glad I came to LINK VRAINS!" Lonely Brave cried. "This is the best day ever! I bet your happy you came along too, huh new guy?"

I shrug. "She's good," I admit. Lonely Brave just gawks at me like I said something wrong. "Has she been an idol long?"

"What?! I can accept you not knowing about LINK VRAINS, but Blue Angel?! How could you not know her?! She's been an Idol Duelist for three years now!"

Lonely Brave proceeds to give me a run-down on Blue Angel; she debuted three years ago, having first started out as a regular duelist like everyone else in LINK VRAINS. Fortune came her way when, after a duel, an agency offered her sponsorship. As part of their agreement, Blue Angel changed up her avatar and took up a new career as an Idol Duelist. From what I understood, Idol Duelists were a type of Charisma Duelist, a duelist receiving official backing from an agency or company, and were Entertainment Duelists in all but name. In this case, Blue Angel was a duelist whose specialty was singing and dueled someone from the crowd after a concert wrapped up.

I get the feeling Yuya would love this place.

During his explanation, Lonely Brave mentions a few names among the celebrity duelists that populate LINK VRAINS. By his own admission, Lonely Brave was a fan of Go Onizuka, who he describes as being among the most straightforward Charisma Duelist for his wrestling theme, aided by the fact his deck was themed after wrestlers.

"Is he strong?" I find myself asking, longing for the touch of battle.

Lonely Brave grunts. "Of course he is! He's one of the top Duelists in LINK VRAINS! Him and Blue Angel are considered to be the best duelists in all of Japan!" He pauses before a goofy grin forms on his face. "That's not counting Playmaker, of course. No one knows who he is or what he does, except that he's fighting the Knights of Hanoi!"

"The who what now?"

Before he can go into another long-winded explanation as to who the Knights of Hanoi are, Blue Angel speaks up. I guess the concert was over. "Thanks again for coming everyone! This has been a bash! Give it up for my friends for our marvelous collab today!" I grimace and plug my ears as the crowd goes wild again. "And guess what? It's time for another Concert Duel!"

Hands start flying up immediately, some trying to crawl on stage and beg to duel her. Only reason they fail is because they're either pulled off the stage or get trampled on by others doing the same thing.

"…being popular is scary," I mutter as I turn on my heel to leave. Although I'm grateful for Lonely Brave explaining things to me, I think I'm better off exploring LINK VRAINS for myself. Maybe find somebody willing to duel me? Now that I think about it, I haven't had a good duel since Zarc.

I barely leave the swarming crowd when Blue Angel shouts. "Hey, you with the red cap! Where are you going?" I sigh and look over my shoulder. Blue Angel is pointing at me. "Come on up! Let's have a duel if you're up for it!"

…fans are scary. I swear, if looks could kill, I'd be dead a hundred times over by now! I sigh and adjust my hat before pushing through the crowd, hopping up on stage.

Blue Angel smiles at me. "What's your name?"

"Red Hat," I reply.

She gives me a funny look. "That's a little too on the nose, don't you think?"

I shrug. Since no one in LINK VRAINS goes by their actual name, I don't see a reason to divulge my real name here. Besides, I've always been called 'Red Hat' since my days in the Duel Monsters Duel Academy. The whole reason I even got that nickname was because Jaiden was so tired after waking up he could hardly remember my real name, and kept calling me 'Red Hat' the whole morning. Before long, the whole school started calling me that.

"So, are you up for a duel? Are you scared?" Blue Angel asks teasingly. Wordlessly, I raise my Duel Disk in response. She grins and reciprocates.

A connection forms between our Duel Disks, recognizing us as participants. The Field manifests between us, but the duel itself hasn't started. I took notice of the layout of the field. Like my Duel with Fake Placido, it had two extra Monster Zones between our fields, but we both had five instead of three.

Blue Angel seems to notice my confusion and asks me, "What's wrong?"

"What Master Rule are we using?"

She tilts her head. "Master Rule 4, same as always. Why?"

Master Rule 4? "I've only ever dueled using Master Rule 3 up until now."

"Really?" For some reason she seems amazed. "Wow, I didn't think anyone dueled using an older format. In that case, let me explain. The two extra Monster Zones between your field and mine? Those are the Extra Monster Zones. Monsters summoned from the Extra Deck go there and can't be summoned in the Main Monster Zone unless you use a card or monster effect that says you can or a Link Monster's Link Arrow points to one. Oh, and the Pendulum Zones are the leftmost and rightmost Spell/Trap Zones, so if you use Pendulum Summoning, you'll only have three Spell/Trap Zones to use!"

…I can hear Yuya whimpering from here. I had a vague understanding from my duel with Fake Placido, but after hearing that, I'm definitely not thrilled. I wonder if whoever was in charge of Duel Monsters created this new format to limit Pendulum Summon for that reason.

Still, I appreciate a challenge. My Duel Disk beeps and shows me a list of decks to use. To my relief, it shows all the decks I have come to own over the years. Among the decks listed is the Processlayer deck I used during my duel against the Fake Placido. I almost tap the deck to use it, but stop when I hear a familiar roar emanating from within my Duel Disk.

I smile. "So, you want to spread your wings in this new world too, huh?" A soft growl rumbles in my ear. "Okay, partner. Let's do this."

I change my deck and load it. As soon as it registers, both I and Blue Angel shout in unison:

"Duel!"

RED HAT vs BLUE ANGEL

[Master Duel Format]

LP 4000

"Ladies first!" Blue Angel takes the first turn. "Since I don't have any monsters out on my field, I can Special Summon Trickstar Calobane (LV5/ATK2000/DEF1000)!" A white-haired fairy in a stage outfit wielding a staff appears with a twirl and smile. I swear I saw stars twinkle right as she winked. "Then I summon Trickstar Candina (LV4/1800/DEF400)!" Appearing next to Calobane was a blonde fair wielding a megaphone. "When Candina is Normal Summoned, I add a Trickstar card from my deck to my hand. I reveal the Trickstar Lycorissica (LV3/ATK1600/DEF1200) I added to my hand and return Candina to my hand to Special Summon it to my field!" In place of the megaphone-wielding fairy was a smaller one, this one wielding a small rapier with a pointy edge.

A familiar sensation fills the air. Unlike with Fake Placido, whose monsters gave up corporeal form to become part of a great machine, this feeling was stronger and brighter. A sense of unity, but at the same time, reaching out in the hopes of grasping something invisible in front of it.

"Come out! The circuit of dreams and hope!" The circuit forms above Blue Angel's head. "Arrowheads confirmed! The summoning condition is two Trickstar Monsters! I set Trickstar Calobane and Lycorissica into the Link Markers! Circuit Combine!" The two monsters wave at me before leaping towards the circuit. It absorbs them, incorporating their strength into itself before it opens a doorway. "Link Summon! Link 2! Trickstar Holly Angel (L2/ATK2000)!"

A woman with long, platinum-blonde hair wielding a wicked-looking morning star emerges from the circuit. When she lands on the field, she shoots me a smile and winks. I smile back, not wanting to be rude before cringing as the crowd behind me explodes into cheers.

"Uwooo! There it is! Blue Angel's signature monster!"

"She's going all out from the start!"

Was she really? I couldn't tell. All I knew was that her monsters were having fun just being the center of attention.

"I activate the Equip Magic Trickstar Magicorolla! I equip it to a Trickstar Monster in my Graveyard, then Special Summon it to my field! Return, Lycorissica!" The sword-wielding fairy returns, wreathed in a faint blue glow. "Whenever a Trickstar Monster is summoned to a Main Monster Zone Holly Angel points to, you take 200 damage!"

I wince as Holly Angel shoot s a bolt of yellow energy at me, hitting me in the shoulder.

RED HAT LP: 4000→3800

"When you take damage from a Trickstar Monster's effect, Holly Angel gains ATK equal to the damage you took (Holly Angel: ATK2000→2200)! I end my turn here. Holly Angel's ATK returns to normal (Holly Angel: ATK2200→2000)." Having finished her first turn, Blue Angel grins. "What do you think?"

What did I think?

"Well, you're no amateur," I say without thinking. Blue Angel blinks and stares at me while her fans fling curses and promises of pain at me. I ignore them and focus instead on my counterattack. "My turn, then. Draw!"

"Trickstar Lycorissica's effect!" What? "When you add a card to your hand, you take 200 damage!" Another bolt of energy strikes me.

RED HAT LP: 3800→3600

First Holly Angel's effect, and now Lycorissica's… Was she using a burn deck? Well, this is going to be annoying.

"When the Trickstar Monster equipped with Magical Magicorolla inflicts battle or effect damage, I Special Summon a Trickstar Monster from my hand once per turn! Come, Trickstar Lilybell (LV2/ATK800/DEF2000)!" A fairy wielding a staff with a large bell at the top appears beside Holly Angel's…ah, crap. "Holly Angel's effect!"

Another bolt of energy hits me, this one square in the chest.

RED HAT LP: 3600→3400

"I hope you haven't forgotten about Holly Angel's own effect (Holly Angel: ATK2000→2400)? I should also tell you that, so long as Lycorissica and Lilybell are next to Holly Angel's Link Markers, they can't be destroyed by battle or by card effect."

Increasing her monster's power and protecting the weaker ones while inflicting damage to her opponent huh? Interesting…!

"I send Junk Converter and a Tuner in my hand to the Graveyard to activate Junk Converter's effect and add a Synchron Monster from my deck to my hand." I braced myself as another of Lycorissica's bolts hits me.

RED HAT LP: 3400→3200

Holly Angel's morning star grows larger (Holly Angel: ATK2400→2600). I could live with the needling, but that monster has to go. "By sending a monster in my hand to the Graveyard, I can Special summon Quickdraw Synchron (LV5/ATK700/DEF1400)." A robot coming up to my waist appears in front of me, designed to resemble a stereotypical western cowboy with a gallon hat and a cape while brandishing a toy gun. "Then I summon Junk Synchron (LV3/ATK1300/DEF500)." I can't help but smile when I saw a familiar orange-plated machine appear by my side, looking equally as happy to see me as well.

As I expected, the crowd was ridiculing and belittling me for using what they thought was a useless deck. Blue Angel, on the other hand, made no such remarks and instead looks on with wariness. "Synchron? Then, that means…"

She must have figured it out by the names alone. The fact she does tells me Synchro Summon does exist in this world. Good. That saves me the trouble of being accused of cheating or of showing off an "unknown" Summoning like when Yuya accidentally showed off Pendulum Summoning for the first time.

"When Junk Synchron is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a Level 2 or lower monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position and its effects sealed. I summon Junk Converter (LV2/ATK400/DEF200)." A robot as big as Quickdraw Synchron appears, brandishing RCA Connector plugs as claws. "Since there's a Tuner monster on my field, I can Special Summon Bolt Hedgehog (LV2/ATK800/DEF800) from the Graveyard." A brown-furred rodent with nuts fixed into its back leaps onto my field, standing proudly beside the others. "I activate Jet Synchron's effect, sending a card in my hand to the Graveyard to Special Summon it to the field (LV1/ATK500/DEF0)." Circling around me is a jet turbine with a head, red eyes glaring at Holly Angel and her fellow Trickstars.

With this, my whole field is full. Normally, this would be the part where I would start spamming Synchro Summoning, but I remember what Blue Angel told me before we started the duel. Monsters summoned from the Extra Deck could only be summoned in the Extra Monster Zone. They can only be summoned in the Main Monster Zone either due to an effect or if a Link Monster points to a Main Monster Zone. And unfortunately, Holly Angel's Link Markers aren't pointing at my field.

This was going to be a hell of an inconvenience for me, but I was never one to shy away from a challenge.

I adjust my hat. "Let's rev it up," I declare. "I tune the Level 2 Junk Convertor with my Level 3 Junk Synchron!" Junk Synchron leaps into the air pulls at his engine, being two green rings Junk Convertor passes through, revealing two sparkling lights within him. "Even the tiniest scrap has value! Be polished and reveal the star that lights the path forward! Synchro Summon! Level 5! Push forward, Junk Warrior (LV5/ATK2300/DEF1300)!"

A purple-armored machine appears from the column of exploding lights, pounding its fists together and eager for a fight. "When Junk Warrior is Synchro Summoned, he gains the ATK of all monsters on my field that are Level 2 or lower (Junk Warrior: ATK2300→3600). Battle! Junk Warrior! Send Holly Angel to the scrap heap with Scrap Iron Fist!"

"I don't think so!" Blue Angel counters. "I send Trickstar Calobane to the Graveyard and activate its effect!" Junk Warrior's empowered fist clashes with Holly Angel's morning star. "During the Damage Step, when a Trickstar Monster battles one of your monsters, I can increase the battling Trickstar's ATK equal to Calobane's original ATK! Calobane's has 2000 ATK! Holly Angel's ATK becomes 4600 (Holly Angel: ATK2600→4600)!"

Ultimately, Junk Warrior's the one who's sent to the scrap heap as Holly Angel's mace tears through its arm and destroys it.

RED HAT LP: 3200→2200

I grimace at Junk Warrior's destruction. I wasn't expecting that. I suppose the Trickstar archetype isn't just a burn deck. Still, I think I'm starting to notice a glaring weakness in her deck. I need to probe her defenses a bit further first. "I set a card face-down and tune my Level 2 Bolt Hedgehog with the Level 5 Quickdraw Synchron!" Once again, a series of rings forms in the air. Bolt Hedgehog leaps into the rings, revealing two lights within that explode and give rise to a new monster. "Anger born from a brutal god! Reveal the entranced warrior with the unquenchable fever! Synchro Summon! Level 7! Rage on, Junk Berserker (LV7/ATK2700/DEF1800)!"

The ground shakes as a red-clad behemoth wielding an ax much larger than itself lands on the field. The crowd backpedals lest they are in its swing. Blue Angel gulps upon seeing it. "No wonder you play with Master Rule 3 if you have that…"

I smile wryly. "Thanks for the compliment. Normally, Junk Berserker requires Junk Synchron as a Synchro Material, but Quickdraw Synchron's effect allows it to substitute for any Synchron Monster required for a Synchro Summon. At any rate, I end my turn."

"Trickstar Candina and Holly Angel's effect end, so Holly Angel's ATK is returned to normal (Holly Angel: ATK4600→2000). Anyway, it's my turn! Draw! I activate the Field Magic Trickstar Light Stage! When activated, I add a Trickstar monster from my deck to my hand! I summon Trickstar Candina!" The megaphone-wielding Trickstar reappears on Blue Angel's field. "Thanks to Candina's effect, I add a Trickstar card from my deck to my hand. I set a card-face down." The air fills with power once again as the circuit manifests above Blue Angel. "Come out, the circuit of dreams and hope! I set Trickstar Lillybell and Candina into the Link Markers! Link Summon! Link 2! Trickstar Sweet Devil (L2/ATK2000)!" In place of the two fairies stood a mischievous black-clad fair with a cheshire-like smile sporting twin cat tails and a staff vaguely resembling a microphone stand.

A bolt of energy from Holly Angel hits me and deals damage to my Life Points while raising Holly Angel's power (Holly Angel: ATK2000→2200).

RED HAT LP: 2200→2000

"I activate the Magic Card Trickstar Hallucination! I summon a Trickstar Monster from my hand, but its ATK is halved and its effects are sealed! We also draw one card! I summon Trickstar Nightshade (LV1/ATK100/DEF0)!" A fairy in a fancy dance dress with a pointing stick appears at Blue Angel's side. Both of us drew a card, though I was the only one who took a bolt to their chest.

RED HAT LP: 2000→1800

"Since you took damage, Holly Angel gains 200 ATK (Holly Angel: ATK2200→2400). Light Stage also activates! When a Trickstar Monster on my field inflicts battle or effect damage to you, you take an additional 200 damage!"

Oi oi, isn't this getting a little ridiculous?!

RED HAT LP: 1800→1600

"And don't forget about Trickstar Magicorolla! With its effect, I summon Trickstar Lillybell!" Next to Sweet Devil was the staff-wielding fairy from earlier. Blue Angel then smirks. "I should also tell you that Trickstar Sweet Devil lowers your monsters' ATK by 200 for each Trickstar Monster next to its Link Arrows every time you take damage from a Trickstar Monster's effect!"

Sweet Devil proceeds to sing a catchy but haphazard tune that causes Junk Berserker to falter (Junk Berserker: ATK2700→2300).

"Next, I activate the Quick-Play Magic Trickstar Agent! By returning a Trickstar Monster on my field back to my hand, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Trickstar Monster from my Graveyard. I return Lilybell to my hand and summon Candina from the Graveyard! Then I Special Summon Lilybell back to my field using her effect!" Blue Angel raises her hand upward. The circuit appears above. "I set Trickstar Nightshade and Candina into the Link Markers! Link Summon! Link 2! Trickstar Sweet Devil!"

A second Sweet Devil appears next to the first one, both smiling and promising trickery. Thankfully, the new one wasn't summoned next to Holly Angel's other Link Marker.

"Since Nightshade was used as Link Material, I can Special Summon her back to my field from the Graveyard," Blue Angel continues as her monster emerges beside her. "However, if Nightshade leaves the field, she's banished. I now activate Trickstar Light Stage's effect! Once per turn, I choose a set card in your Spell/Trap Zone and prevent it from activating until the End Phase!" I sigh. There goes using Scrap-Iron Scarecrow to save my ass. "Let's go! Battle! Trickstar Lilybell can attack you directly!"

I counter. "I activate the effect of Swift Scarecrow from my hand. I send it to the Graveyard and negate your attack and end the Battle Phase." A robotic scarecrow wielding twin sticks and wearing a tattered hat leaped in front of me, stopping Lilybell's attack dead in its tracks. After repelling Blue Angel's assault, it descends down into the black portal opening up at its feet.

Blue Angel is miffed that I managed to evade damage this turn, but accepts the loss and continues by manifesting the circuit again. "I set Trickstar Lilybell and Nightshade into the Link Markers! Link Summon! Link 2! Trickstar Sweet Devil!"

I raise a brow as she summons the last of her Trickstar Sweet Devils, assuming the "only three copes of the same card is allowed" rule still applies. I take a minute to realize what her plan is when I remember what Sweet Devil's effects she can activate Holly Angel and Sweet Devil's effects as many times as she wants, so long as their activation requirements are met, she's effectively building a wall that will break down on my monsters. Strengthening and protect her own while weakening mine and dealing damage at the same time…

It's a wonderful strategy, but something feels off. Why can't I feel an "edge" from this girl?

"I end my turn! Holly Angel and Junk Berserker's ATK return to normal (Holly Angel: ATK2400→2000, Junk Berserker: ATK2300→2700). Due to Trickstar Light Stage's effect, you have to decide whether to activate your set card or destroy it."

I sigh again. "Scrap-Iron Scarecrow only activates when my opponent declares an attack, so I don't have much choice but to destroy it, don't I?" My Trap Card shatters. "My turn again! Draw!"

"I hope you haven't forgotten Lycorissica's effect!"

RED HAT LP: 1600→1400

"And let me guess, Trickstar Light Stage is next?"

Blue Angel grins cheekily. "You're catching on~"

RED HAT LP: 1400→1200

"I summon Trickstar Candina with Magicorolla's effect!"

With this, all three Sweet Devils connect to monsters. Lycorissica with the leftmost Sweet Devil and the newly summoned Candina with the rightmost one, with the Sweet Devil in the middle linked together with her sisters. I knew what came next when the three mischievous-looking fairies started to sing (Junk Berserker: ATK2700→1100) as Holly Angel's strength rose (Holly Angel: ATK2000→2200).

As things stood, Sweet Devil isn't my concern. Rather, my concern is Holly Angel and Lycorissica. Holly Angel protects her fellow Trickstars while the tiny fairy will continue to whittle away at my Life Points every time I add a card to my hand. This is probably Blue Angel's preferred combo, given how effective it is.

That being said, if she expects me to just sit here and take her love taps, she has another thing coming.

"I activate Junk Berserker's effect. I banish a Junk Monster in my Graveyard and target a monster on your field. Your monster loses ATK equal to the Junk Monster I banish. I banish Junk Synchron and reduce Holly Angel's ATK by 1300 (Holly Angel: ATK 2200→1000)." Junk Berserker stomps on the ground, causing Holly Angel and her fellow Trickstars to stumble. Blue Angel stares in surprise. I continue. "Battle! Junk Berserker, destroy Holly Angel! As of this moment, I activate the Quick-Play Magic Junk Armor! If I battle with a Junk Synchro Monster, I banish a Junk Synchro Monster in my Graveyard. My Junk Synchro Monster then gains 200 ATK for every Level the banished Junk Synchro Monster has. I banish Junk Warrior and raise Junk Berserker's ATK by 1000 (Junk Berserker: ATK 1100→2100)! Furthermore, Junk Armor protects Junk Berserker from being affected by other card effects until the end of this turn! Now, Junk Berserker! Scrap Ax Demolition!"

Purple armor slaps on to Junk Berserker as it charges forward, ax raised. Before it reachs Holly Angel and destroys Blue Angel's monster, Blue Angel calls out. "When you activate a Spell, Trickstar Candina deals 200 damage (Holly Angel: ATK1000→1200)!"

Two bolts, one from Candina and another from Light Stage, hit me in the chest. It's a fair trade as Blue Angel can do nothing to stop Junk Berserker's ax from coming down upon her ace monster and destroy it.

RED HAT LP: 1200→800

BLUE ANGEL LP: 4000→3100

I ignore the angry shouts of the crowd behind me and smirk slightly. "Looks like I finally scored a hit."

"Don't get cocky," Blue Angel glares. I can tell by her expression that she shares a bond with Holly Angel and did not appreciate me destroying her favorite monster. "I still have more Life Points!"

I nod in agreement. "True, but a duel's not over until the last card has been played." Having said that, I still can't feel as if something's off with this girl. Despite all the moves she's done and bringing my Life Points down to where they're at now, she's not pushing. It almost feels like she isn't trying hard enough. Why?

A low growl echoes from my Duel Disk. I smile and nod. I've kept you waiting long enough, my friend.

"Let's rev it up!" I declare with all my heart. The intensity of my shout takes everyone by surprise. "I tune the Level 7 Junk Berserker with my Level 1 Jet Synchron!" A torrent gale starts to pick up around us as Jet Synchron kicks off into the air, followed by Junk Berserker. Jet Synchron became a green ring Junk Berserker passes through, revealing seven bright stars that explode into a pillar of beautiful white light. For a brief moment, I can almost see a crimson flame burning within. "The hopes of the world coalesce into a single star! Shine brightly and illuminate the path forward! Synchro Summon!"

Glittering light pours out from the pillar as Yusei's ace monster emerges, flying across the field before taking its stance in the air behind me. It raises its head and spreads its wings further, releasing a war cry unlike no other.

"Take flight! Stardust Dragon (LV8/ATK2500/DEF2000)!"

For a moment, the stage engulfs in silence. The crowd, who up until now had been shouting and screaming curses and words of hate, stared in awe at Stardust Dragon. Blue Angel was stunned, staring at the dragon in utter awe.

"Pretty…" I hear her whisper.

"Stardust Dragon is one of my dearest companions," I tell her. "He's been eager to spread his wings here in LINK VRAINS. If Jet Synchron is sent to the Graveyard as Synchro Material, I add a Junk Monster from my deck to my hand."

Blue Angel snaps out of her daze when I say that. "L-Lycorissica and Light Stage's effect!"

I barely even feel the bolts hit me this time.

RED HAT LP: 800→400

"I activate Junk Supporter's effect. By banishing it from my hand, I target 1 Synchro Monster on my field. If that monster was Synchro Summoned using a Junk Monster as its Material, I gain 200 Life Points equal to the Level of that monster. Junk Berserker was Level 7. I gain 1400 Life Points."

A soothing green glow washes over me, courtesy of the bouncing metal ball with a spark plug for a tail bouncing around me before it goes off to join the other monsters in my Graveyard.

RED HAT LP: 400→1800

"I set a card face-down and end my turn."

Blue Angel is nonplussed by this turn of events and instead begins her turn. "My turn, draw! I activate the Quick-Play Magic Trickstar Sparkle! I destroy a Trickstar Monster on my field! For every Level that monster has, you take 200 damage! I destroy the Level 4 Trickstar Candina!" Candina is wreathed in light as she sings into her megaphone, sending a soundwave at me that nearly knocks me off my feet.

RED HAT LP: 1800→1000

"When a monster next to Sweet Devil's Link Marker is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, I activate its effect and inflict 200 damage! Then you receive another 200 damage from Trickstar Light Stage!"

Okay, not going to lie, this is starting to get a little-OW! Okay, what the hell! That one hit me in the face! Was that because I destroyed Holly Angel earlier?!

RED HAT LP: 1000→600

"Sweet Devil's effect reduces Stardust Dragon's ATK by 1000 (Stardust Dragon: ATK2500→1500)! I also activate the effect of Trickstar Light Stage and-!"

I smirk. "No dice! I activate my Counter Trap Scrap-Iron Wish! If it's targeted by my opponent's card effect, I banish a Junk Synchro Monster in my Graveyard. Then a Synchro Monster on my field gains 200 ATK equal to the level of the banished Junk Synchro monster and cannot be destroyed by battle this turn. I also gain 300 Life Points equal to the Level of the banished Junk Synchro Monster. I banish Junk Berserker, raising Stardust Dragon's ATK by 1400 (Stardust Dragon: ATK1500→2900) and gain 2100 Life Points!"

Another soothing green wave washes over me while the phantom image of Junk Berserker bellows and bequeaths his strength to Stardust Dragon, encasing the dragon in a vermillion aura mixing with its own stardust glitter.

RED HAT LP: 600→2700

Blue Angel gapes at the sudden reversal, clearly not expecting this. She bites her lip before she slumps her shoulders in…resignation? Wait, what is she-

"Battle! I attack Stardust Dragon with Trickstar Lycorissica!"

What?!

I stare in shock as she sends her monster up against Stardust Dragon. With barely effort, Stardust Dragon destroys Lycorissica with a Cosmic Flare. The flames reach Blue Angel who shields herself from their intensity.

BLUE ANGEL LP: 3100→1800

What the hell is she doing?!

"Sweet Devil's effect activates since a monster next to its Link Marker was destroyed! Trickstar Light Stage also deals damage! Sweet Devil lowers your Stardust Dragon's ATK by 800 (Stardust Dragon: ATK2900→2100)!"

RED HAT LP: 2700→2300

"Trickstar Sweet Devil! Attack Stardust Dragon!" Sweet Devil fairs no better than Lycorissica, reduced to ashes before it has a chance to land a hit. "Sweet Devil and Light Stage's effect (Stardust Dragon: ATK2100→1700)!"

I don't register the bolts of energy hitting me, feeling too stunned by what's happening in front of me. I now understood why Blue Angel felt so off to me, why she lacked an edge.

Irritation replaces my feelings of anticipation. I can't bring myself to enjoy this anymore.

BLUE ANGEL LP: 1800→1700

RED HAT LP: 2300→1900

"Why would she keep attacking him like that and sacrifice her monsters? She was in the lead, wasn't she?"

"Yeah, but now his monster's pretty weak now."

"And she still has a few monsters…"

The crowd murmurs in confusion, unable to understand Blue Angel's actions. I did. She knew that she if wants a chance at victory, she has to take a serious risk. Even though it meant losing Lycorissica and a Sweet Devil, she did so in the hopes of evening the playing field. I've seen plenty of duelists use similar tactics, but the way she did it infuriates me to no end.

"One more time! Sweet Devil, attack Stardust Dragon!" Stardust Dragon shot its Cosmic Flare in defiance of the blaring music sung by Sweet Devil. "I also banish Trickstar Agent from the Graveyard to activate its effect! If a Trickstar Monster on my field inflicts damage, I can double it! Devilish Tune!"

The Cosmic Flare is blown away and repelled. Scrap-Iron Wish protects Stardust Dragon from being destroyed, though neither of us enjoys being struck by own attack. Light Stage fires a bolt that hits me in the knee.

RED HAT LP: 1900→1100

"The final attack! Sweet Devil, attack Stardust Dragon! Devilish Tune!" Another wave of blaring music hits Stardust Dragon and me, followed by a bolt of energy hitting me on the shoulder. I still can't feel the hits connecting, feeling too irritated to notice.

RED HAT LP: 1100→600

"I set a card face-down and end my turn! Your move!" Blue Angel challenges.

Stardust Dragon looks at me, feeling my irritation. I meet its gaze and sigh. I can't get so worked up over this. Every person has the right to duel however they see fit. I have no right to judge them for it. That still doesn't mean I can't get upset. I take a moment to compose myself, then continue.

Regardless of how Blue Angel conducts herself in a duel, she's given me an advantage. I'll make her wish she hadn't.

"Let's wrap this up," I declare, causing the crowd and Blue Angel to look at me in shock. "Draw! I send the top card in my deck to the Graveyard and add a Synchron Monster to my hand! I summon Speed Synchron (LV4/ATK1400/DEF0)!" A blue-and-white machine that comes up to my waist dances in front of me, sliding about on its futuristic roller-skates. "Speed Synchron can't be used as a Synchro Material unless the monster I'm tuning is a Synchro Monster! I now tune my Level 8 Stardust Dragon with the Level 4 Speed Synchron! Speed Synchron's effect treats its fellow Synchro Material as Level 1!" Stardust Dragon takes off after Speed Synchron, revealing only a single star in its body as it passes through four green rings. "Pieces of scrap joined together to pave a new road! Roar your engine and blaze forth our path! Synchro Summon! Level 5! Let's go, Junk Speeder (LV5/ATK1800/DEF1000)!"

A silver-armored machine blitzes across the sky before it descends beside me, arms folded and glaring at Blue Angel's monsters challengingly.

"When Junk Speeder is Synchro Summoned, I can Special Summon as many Synchron Tuners as possible with different Levels to the field in Defense Position, straight from the deck! However, the turn I activate this effect, I can't Special Summon any monsters from the Extra Deck except Synchro Monsters! Come together! Nitro Synchron (LV2/ATK300/DEF100), Road Synchron (LV4/ATK1600/DEF800), Stardust Synchron (LV1/ATK500/DEF400), Drill Synchron (LV3/ATK800/DEF300), Quickdraw Synchron!"

Appearing in front of me is an assortment of Tuners, all standing proudly before me. Among them is a baby dragon with white and blue scales; an almost miniature version of Stardust Dragon.

Blue Angel's eyes widened. "S-so many Tuners… B-but, you can only use one Extra Monster Zone! The rest may as well be useless."

"…after hearing you say that, I'm certain of it now," I mutter under my breath before raising my voice. "Any self-respecting duelist knows that there's no such thing as a useless card! Let's rev it up! I tune the Level 5 Junk Speeder with the Level 2 Nitro Synchron! Gathering minds will become a greater force! Break through the barriers in your path! Synchro Summon! Level 7! Break 'em down, Nitro Warrior (LV7/ATK2800/DEF1800)!"

With a guttural roar, the green-skinned demon descended onto the field and smashed its fists together, eager to fight.

"When Nitro Synchron is sent to the Graveyard as Synchro Material for a Nitro Synchro Monster, I draw a card. Then I activate the Magic Card Mystical Space Typhoon!" Blue Angel's eyes widen. "I destroy Trickstar Light Stage!" She can do nothing as a ferocious twister sweeps over her field, swallowing up and destroying the Field Magic that had been a major pain up until now. "When I activate a Magic Card, Nitro Warrior gains 1000 ATK (Nitro Warrior: ATK2800→3800) during the next Damage Calculation. Speaking of… Battle! Nitro Warrior! Send Sweet Devil packing with Dynamite Impact!"

Nitro Warrior roars and leaps at Blue Angel's monster. Behind Nitro Warrior are two giant fists made of energy, following the motions of Nitro Warrior. Blue Angel quick counters. "I activate the Quick-Play Magic Trickstar Deadflower! I banish a Trickstar Link Monster in my Graveyard and raise a Trickstar Monster's ATK by 100 equal to the banished Trickstar Link Monster's Link Rating! I banish Trickstar Holly Angel and raise Sweet Devil's ATK by 200 (Trickstar Sweet Devil: ATK2000→2200)!" She puts her arms in front of her when Dynamite Impact lands and obliterates her monster, the shockwave nearly sending her flying.

BLUE ANGEL LP: 1800→200

"Sweet Devil's effect!"

Oh, right, almost forgot about that effect.

RED HAT LP: 600→400

"I activate the Trap Card Trickstar Glimmer! If a Trickstar Monster on my field is destroyed, I destroy a monster on your field and deal 200 damage to your Life Points, equal to the total Level of your monster! I destroy Nitro Warrior and deal 1600 damage!"

Sparkling lights gather around the spot where Sweet Devil once stood and begin to intertwine, steadily growing and increasing in size. It soon reaches its maximum size and explodes in a blast that tears its way towards Nitro Warrior.

In the next moment, everything engulfs in light.

Aoi Zaizen, or rather the Idol Duelist Blue Angel, let out a deep sigh of relief. Trickstar Glitter exploded and destroyed Nitro Warrior in an instant, though much to her chagrin the blast also kicked up a cloud of smoke that prevented her from seeing the aftermath. In truth, she was actually nervous and worried that the Trap failed to defeat her opponent. His odd lack of Link Monsters aside, he was easily one of the toughest opponents she had faced in a long while. She hadn't worked up a sweat like this since the last time she dueled Go Onizuka!

"Finally, it's over…" she breathed and relaxed. She was about to walk away when she noticed that the Field had yet to dismiss and her sole remaining Trickstar Sweet Devil was still present. "What? But why is…?" Her face paled when she looked down at her Duel Disk to check her opponent's Life Points.

Her eyes widened.

RED HAT LP: 400

At that moment, two powerful wings blew the smoke away. In place of Nitro Warrior was that sparkling white dragon from before, standing triumphantly before the red-themed duelist she picked from the crowd.

"Stardust Dragon?" she gasped. "But how?!"

"Stardust Synchron," Red Hat answered her. It is only then that Blue Angel noticed the missing presence of the aforementioned white baby dragon. "I can Synchro Summon a Dragon Synchro Monster from my Graveyard by using monsters on my field as Materials, even during the Battle Phase."

Blue Angel paled. "T-then, just now, you-!"

"I tuned Nitro Warrior with Stardust Synchron," Red Hat nodded before adjusting his cap. "I told you before, didn't I? I'm wrapping this up. Stardust Dragon! Destroy Trickstar Sweet Devil! Cosmic Flare!"

Blue Angel screamed as the dragon breathes pure white flames from its maw, engulfing her monster and knocking her off the ground. Her monster destroyed by the blast that sent her flying. She found herself lying flat on her back, laid out on the ground and groaning in pain.

BLUE ANGEL LP: 200→0

YOU LOSE.

Blue Angel sat up and looked at the field as it dissipated. Stardust Dragon vanished with the rest of Red Hat's monsters; though she could faintly see sparkles linger in the air for a moment before disappearing. Her fans were disappointed she lost, shouting and booing at Red Hat or cheering for him. The latter group's actions hurt a little, though not as much as it would have had she not known they were in love with the image of "Blue Angel" and not who she actually was

She was about to pull herself off the ground when she saw Red Hat holding out a hand in front of her face. "Here."

She stared at it for a moment, then wrapped her hand around his. She lifted off the ground and on to her feet. Looking at her opponent, it was hard to tell what was going on inside that mind of his, his face neutral and revealing nothing. She couldn't even see his eyes properly because of his hat.

"Looks like I lost," Blue Angel forced a smile. She was a little bitter, but a single loss wasn't going to set her back by much. It was not the first time she lost a duel, though this was the closest match she had in a long while. "For someone who hasn't dueled using Master Rule 4, you're not bad."

Red Hat didn't say anything. He looked at her a while longer before he turned around and started walking away. Blue Angel frowned. Had she said something wrong?

"…hey."

Red Hat's voice was quiet, but in spite of the noise from the crowd, she could hear him.

"I don't make it a habit to judge people by how they duel. Everyone's got the right to duel as they please. But if you're not going to duel seriously, then you shouldn't be dueling professionally."

"What?"

Blue Angel watched him go, eyes glued to his back. Her words caused her stomach to churh.

Did he know…?

To Be Continued In:
Three Counts To Victory

Trickstar Agent / Spell / Quick-Play / Target 1 "Trickstar" monster you control: Return that target to the hand, and if you do, you can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Trickstar" monster from your GY. If a "Trickstar" monster you control inflicts battle or effect damage to your opponent's LP: You can banish this card from your GY; Double that damage. You can only activate 1 effect of "Trickstar Agent" per turn and only once that turn.

Junk Armor / Spell / Quick-Play / If a "Junk" Synchro Monster you control battles: You can banish 1 "Junk" Synchro Monster from your GY; Your battling monster gains ATK equal to the Level of the banished monster X 200 and is unaffected by other card effects until the end of this turn.

Trickstar Sparkle / Spell / Quick-Play / Destroy 1 "Trickstar" Monster you control, and if you do, inflict damage to your opponent's LP equal to the Level of the destroyed monster X 200. If a monster your opponent controls is destroyed: You can banish this card in your GY to target 1 "Trickstar" monster in your GY; Special Summon it. You can only activate 1 effect of "Trickstar Sparkle" per turn, and only once that turn.

Scrap-Iron Wish / Trap / Counter / If a card you control is targeted by an opponent's card effect: You can banish 1 "Junk" Synchro Monster from your GY to target 1 Synchro monster you control; That target cannot be destroyed by battle this turn and gains ATK equal to the Level of the monster banished for this effect X 200, then, the controller of that monster gains LP equal to the level of the monster targeted for this effect X 300.

Speed Synchron / WIND / Level 4 / Machine / Tuner / Effect / ATK 1400 / DEF 0 / Cannot be used as a Synchro Material unless all the other Synchro Materials are Synchro Monsters, also, any non-tuners used for a synchro summon involving this card are treated as Level 1.

Trickstar Glimmer / Trap / Normal / If a "Trickstar" monster you controlled was destroyed by battle or card effect this turn: You can target 1 monster your opponent controls; Destroy it and inflict damage to his/her LP equal to the Level of the "Trickstar" monster destroyed X 200 or Link Rating of the "Trickstar monster destroyed X 400.

Stardust Synchron / WIND / Level 1 / Dragon / Tuner / Effect / ATK 500 / DEF 400 / Cannot be used as a Synchro Material except for the Synchro Summon of a Dragon, Machine, or Warrior Monster. If a face-up Dragon Synchro Monster you control leaves the field: You can Special Summon this card from the GY, but banish it when it leaves the field. (Quick Effect): You can Synchro Summon 1 "Junk" or Dragon Synchro Monster from your GY using monsters you control.

Junk Supporter / WIND / Level 2 / Tuner / Effect / ATK 100 / DEF 500 / (Quick Effect): Target 1 Synchro Monster you control. If that monster was Synchro Summoned using a "Junk" as Synchro Material: Gain LP equal to that monster's original ATK x 200. You can only activate this effect of "Junk Supporter" once per turn.

Trickstar Deadflower / Spell / Quick-Play / Target 1 "Trickstar" Link Monster in your GY: Banish that card, and if you do, raise the ATK of 1 "Trickstar" monster you control by 100 x the banished "Trickstar" Link Monster's Link Rating.

AUTHOR'S NOTE

Before I get into my usual thing, I'd like to address something. Followers of my works might know this already, but for any unaware, I have recently caught the attention of a troll going by the name striberz (not be confused with Striberx, who I am acquainted with) who claims myself and others are plagarizing his works and is accusing me of being a pedophile. I've grown used to dealing with trolls, but this is just taking it too far. And assuming myself and some of my fellows from the Kamen Rider forums on Spacebattles are correct, he's using multiple accounts as well. He's a known parasite on the Kamen Rider side of things over here on Fanfiction.

Please warn your friends about this individual and to steer clear of him. It's individuals like this that I am glad to have discovered other writing media sites such as Spacebattles and Sufficient Velocity.

With that out of the way, let's talk about the chapter.

As always, thanks to Donjusticia for beta-ing this chapter (even though I swear this has more than just a single mistake in it), as well as creating the outline for the duel you see here.

I will admit, I was not expecting this to get as popular as it is. Especially since the real action is still so far away and we're only introducing Red Hat to his future partners at the moment.

Given who Red Hat is, who he's fought with and against, it'd make sense for him to have multiple decks, including ones used by his partners. Decks used by antagonists will also be featured in the series, so you can expect a few curbstomps along the way. Having said that, do keep in mind that when it comes to dueling, there are three things to factor: The luck of the draw, the ability of the deck, and the overall skill level of the duelist. On a good day, Red Hat would be unstoppable, but even he is prone to tripping up, especially since, unlike in Arc-V, he has to adapt to a new whole duel format and a new set of rules.

At any rate, the next chapter will feature Red Hat's meeting with Go Onizuka, and following that, future meetings with Ghost Girl, Playmaker and Revolver. As I stated in the first chapter, the "storylines" you can expect to see after - prologue- is finished will focus on Aoi, Go, Emma, Yusaku and Ryoken. There will obviously be more storylines on other named and important characters, but those won't be until we've reached the events of Season 2. The plotlines of Go and Aoi's storylines will be different and will be removed from the canon timeline of events while Yusaku and Ryoken's focus on the events of the anime. Ghost Girl's storyline will take place at the same time as canon events and is more a "behind-the-scenes" type of affair.

That will be all for now. My next update will be Kamen Rider Zero-One: Edge of Dawn. Please look forward to this update.

REVIEWS

Donjusticia: You'll learn who this "observer" is in due time, my friend.

HunterHQ: I won't say you're not wrong, but at the same time, you're not on the mark either. I will say that Revolver's story is probably going to be my favorite to write, if only just because I'm a Ryoken fanboy and he's one of the best human antagonists I've seen in Yu-Gi-Oh! in a while, if only just because of his goals.

Excite22: Some storylines will be full of fluff and manly bonding. Others are times of reflection and introspection. And there will be some tearjerking moments as well. As for which applies to who, you'll learn soon enough.