Hello, all! Here's the next chapter in the story.

I tried to put some character development in this chapter, but the past weeks have been stressful for me in many ways. It has been hard to concentrate on one thing for a long period. I have had to shorten this chapter, and some details have been cut. I don't like doing that, but I figured you all do not want to be bogged down with overly-descriptive things.

I have several plot points juggling at this time, and this chapter will finish one of them (fingers crossed).

Anyway, here are the Japanese-English names for this chapter:

Ushio = Trudge
Takuya = Taka
Misty Lola = Misty Treadwell

DISCLAIMER: I do not own 'Yugioh', or 'Android: Netrunner', or anything created by their parent companies. I do own my OC, and other custom elements in the story not credited to other people.

Onward to the Chapter.

Something crashes over and over near me. I feel water flow across a hand, go away, and then come back, in time with the crashing sound. The rest of my body feels cold, but not freezing.

I open my eyes to a familiar sight: thick clouds covering every inch of the sky. My metal eye automatically scans them, but I ignore the results. I clench my hands and feel something flow through my fingers. I raise a hand to my face, and grains of sand fall onto my mouth.

I jerk upright and wipe my face with an arm. The coat's fabric feels rough against my skin, but it gets the job done. With my face clean, I take in the sights.

Small waves crash onto the sandy shore of an abandoned beach. My Duel Disk, with Deck still inside the card holster, rests a few feet away. I pick it up and strap it to my left arm before looking at what else I can see.

The rotting skeletons of several plastic, metal, and wooden items are scattered on the sand. I can't identify what they are, they are so damaged. A few still-hanging tents surround something in the distance, the only sight that someone else was here recently. The two or three-story buildings that rest beyond a moldy metal railing tell me I am still in Satellite.

I'm alive, and in Satellite. If I'm alive, Martha might be here, too. She was taken to the same place I was, right? I look around again, squinting my eyes to find any sign of life.

Nothing pops out at me. No one stumbles from the shadows. I didn't save anyone.

I failed. Martha is gone. Eaten by an Earthbound God. In other words, dead.

I shut my eyes from the sight and sob. Martha's smile, her determination, her dedication lingers in my mind. Even when she was about to die, she cared about other people more than herself. She wanted the boy, Takuya, safe, and trusted someone like Ushio to take care of him. She trusted Yusei and Jack with saving everyone in Satellite from the Dark Signers… including herself.

Anger takes hold – anger at my own failure.

I had tried to save her. I had risked myself for her, just like she did for the orphans at her cottage. Where she succeeded, I failed. Why? Was I not strong enough? Fast enough? Smart enough?

"Why?" I ask this in my head, and then out loud. I don't get an answer either time.

I then pull my right arm's coat sleeve back. That damn red eye is burned onto my skin. The vines that spread out from it are gone. The eye now feels more like an actual Signer mark, except that I am not a real Signer.

"Why?" I ask the eye, trying to speak to whatever is using it to keep me alive. "Why are you doing this? Why do you care?"

Tears in my eyes blur my vision as I continue: "What have I really done? Everywhere I go, people are hurt because of me. This time around, someone died. I don't want it to get any worse."

My mark doesn't answer. At least, not with any words. It does give a slow pulse that moves through my arm. It doesn't make me feel any better, but it's proof the power behind the mark is listening. It might be the Crimson Dragon, if that creature cares about an artificial Signer like me.

The mark throbs again, stronger. I pull my coat sleeve back over the eye, shutting it out. A few seconds later, it gives off a glow that shines through the coat. I sigh at this thing's insistence, and turn my body to the ocean. The distant horizon combines the gray sky with the gray-and-blue waters.

Maybe I should see what's out there. Just go, and never come back. What's keeping me here, really?

Martha is dead. I failed to protect her when I had the chance.

Chaos Theory and Quetzal are dead, and reborn under the Dark Signer's control. They want to hurt everyone and everything I care about. My mission was to save them, if possible, and I failed to do that.

No one needs me… do they?

My arm shakes on its own. I clutch the limb as I feel my mark pulse again and again. The pulses draw my sight to Satellite's ruined streets. I turn away, and the pulses continue. I walk down the shoreline, try to get away from all these problems. The pulses don't go away, even after several minutes of walking. I pass by a lot of objects that I don't care to look at. None of them matter.

"Leave me alone," I say to my still-glowing mark. "Go to the Signers, they deserve your attention."

The mark keeps pulsing, and I feel an insistence to go into Satellite again. I grit my teeth, and try to think this through. If I go back to them, I'll have to face all my problems again.

My guidance implant chooses this moment to pop in: [It is more logical to solve your issues, and confront them head on, than let them linger over time. A disease, for example, can propagate and mutate if not inoculated immediately. It will be worse when you confront it.]

My problems aren't a disease, though.

[Your problems seem to stem from one source: the Dark Signers.]

That's true. But, what good can I do against them? I'm not a true Signer, and they know it. I could barely stand in the presence of one of their 'Earthbound Gods'.

[Power alone is not what matters. The people who use that power are what matter.]

So, what? If the Dark Signers are stopped, will things go back to normal?

[Unlikely. But, possible. You cannot rule out the option, farfetched as it is.]

That's not good enough for me.

'What would be 'enough', then?'

I stop as my subconscious enters the conversation. A second later, a lookalike of me stands in my way.

Great. I'm seeing things, too? Have I gone insane, is that it?

'Answer the question,' this copy says while poking a finger onto my nose. 'What does the rest of the world have to do to make you happy? Because, it's certainly not you who's at fault here.'

I punch the copy in the face. It vanishes instantly, without even a breeze to mark its passing. Then, it reappears a few feet to my right.

'You think you've never made your own choices,' it says as it walks around a pile of tattered fabric. 'And, whenever you do make a choice for yourself, it goes horribly wrong. Is that it?'

I don't give an answer, which causes the copy to roll its organic eye. I turn away, and it reappears several paces in front of me.

'Sure, the world may seem against you,' it continues as I go by it without making eye contact, 'and that's terrible. No one should have to deal with that. But, that's what you've put yourself into.'

"I want out of it."

'You'll get that chance. You need to see this through, to the end.'

"The cost is too high." I stop in place as I say that. "People are dying."

'That shows you how important this situation is. If the Signers win, all the deaths so far won't be in vain.'

"Then, the Signers can win on their own. I'm not a Signer, so my actions don't matter."

'That's not an excuse to walk away!' The copy suddenly jumps in my face with those words. I take a step back from this aggression, but the copy stays in my personal space.

'You made a choice when you escaped Godwin's facility,' it rants.'You made a choice when you stuck with Yusei and his friends. You made a choice when you accepted the Collective's help, when they first woke you up. You could have walked away from any of them, gone on your own then. But, you didn't: you stuck through, made allies, and made a name for yourself.

'And now, you have another choice to make. If you walk away from this, the failures you had here will stick with you for the rest of your life. That will be your choice, and yours alone.'

Damn it, I'm right.

I let out a deep sigh, turn to the rubble-covered streets, and walk towards them. I see my copy nod at me, and then vanish again. Whatever purpose it had, it's finished its job.

It doesn't take me long to find a stairway that leads up from the beach to the roads. My mark continues to pulse, guiding me on some path. I don't have any real path of my own at this point – why would I, when everywhere I go leads to more problems?

I fall into a rhythm with the pulses. It guides me past too many buildings, vehicle wrecks, and piles of debris to count. The skies don't change color or appearance. Lightning crackles every few moments

I walk, alone, through the wastes of Zero Reverse.

At some point in time later, the pulses change. I look up to see a metal gate in front of me. A small sign, worn with age, hangs on the side. My metal eye magnifies the faded words on the sign. Black letters near the top read, "Staff Entrance". Below that is a small banner that reads, "MONSTER WORLD" in what used to be bright capital letters.

My guidance implant pops in again: ["MONSTER WORLD" is the name of a former Domino City amusement park.]

Huh. Zero Reverse has not been kind to this place.

The gate opens with a few strong tugs. I move through it into a narrow passage between two large vendors. The passage leads to a larger path that curves through several attractions. All of them are broken down, rusted, or just wrecked. The path is covered in dust, debris all over the place. Even so, there is still a clear way for people to walk through.

A shooting gallery I pass has wooden Duel Monsters as targets. The images now broken or missing. Any guns here are gone, not that I wanted to shoot anything here. Near that is an old merry-go-round with different four-legged Duel Monster creatures as rides. I move past both as my mark's pulses continue. Will they ever stop?

Something makes a series of clicks near me. I whip my head around to find the source, but spot nothing. Fear makes me breathe faster. Am I being watched?

I quickly walk past the merry-go-round, going by a discarded pile of wheels and metal bits. The pulses continue as I try to keep an eye out in all directions. All these old, ruined attractions now look dangerous. Any one of them could be hiding some dangerous threat.

The clicks come again. This time, I see a long, thin tail disappear into the shadows. Something is watching me!

"You shouldn't be here, False Signer."

A woman says this from nearby. I look that way, and see a black-haired woman standing at the entrance to a house of mirrors. I see one such mirror inside, the glass surface reflecting the light outside.

This woman looks tall and elegant, but her expression is cold and uncaring. She looks at me with her hands crossed in front of her large chest. Her blue eyes are surrounded by black irises. The robes she wears are equally black, with green stripes accenting the edges. A set of red lines, like my Signer mark, are on her face, in what looks like inverted wings.

[Person identified as 'Misty Lola']

"Misty Lola?" I repeat out loud to the implant. "The famous model?"

Andromeda had worked with her on a photo shoot, right? But, if she's here, and wearing those clothes…

"You're also a Dark Signer."

Misty frowns at my remark. She then states, "This isn't your battle."

"I've heard that quite a lot recently."

"That should be obvious. You have stuck your nose into places it doesn't belong."

I sigh before I reply, "The Crimson Dragon doesn't seem to care about that."

"Indeed." Misty's frown lessens slightly as she lowers her arms. "Despite all odds, you live on. That has become an annoyance. You are an annoyance."

I clench my teeth at that remark. The worst part is, it's kind of true.

"But," Misty continues as her frown changes to a more somber expression, "you are still worthy to the Signers. The enemies of the Gods."

I snort. "I'm not as important to them as you lot are."

"I disagree. I saw their reaction to your last-ditch effort, your desire to save that woman from death. Their faces clearly stated their true feelings… as does yours."

Misty steps towards me. I quickly step back. She isn't getting anywhere near me.

"You can tell a lot about someone from their face," she explains. "I have that talent, and have used it many times. I can see someone's greatest joy, and their deepest fears."

"My face is part metal," I try to counter. "Can you read a machine's face like a human's?"

"That is certainly more challenging. But," she suddenly declares as she stops coming towards me, "you are not worth the effort to figure out."

I tense up. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"You are not my destined rival. Only a true Signer can challenge me, and accomplish something. Anyone else is sacrificing their soul for nothing."

"Who is your destined rival, then?"

"The person who caused my brother's death," she answers with a clenched fist. "The woman who worked for a madman."

My eyes widen. "One of the Signers did that to you?"

"Be quiet." She is angry, again, just like that. "If you want to run your mouth at someone, I will give you someone worth your time."

Misty raises her right arm over the dirty ground in front of her. A purple mark, shaped like a glowing lizard, shines on the raised limb. This confirms she's another real Dark Signer, like Rutger Godwin.

"Come to me," Misty speaks with a disembodied voice, "Shade of Darkness."

Shadows come from all around us, separate lines of dark fire that come together below her hand. They slowly rise, and take a human shape. The form lacks a face, but orange and green fire alternate in its "face".

I mutter, "You again…" as I recognize just who this shade is. It takes another second to fully form, and Misty then lowers her hand.

Both Chaos Theory and Quetzal speak when the shade asks Misty, without looking at her, "What are your orders, Mistress?"

"The False Signer still lives," Misty says. She then turns away from me as she gives her order: "Eliminate him."

"It would be our honor."

I run down the path I came from. A wave of heat washes across my back, from where I just was. I don't look back, and I hear the thud of feet hitting the ground. I get to the exit, and feel something singe the back of my neck. I duck down as a nearby wooden wall blows up into splinters. I shield my face with my arms and hands as I try to keep running.

I hear the shade cry out, "Stay still!" in Quetzal's voice as I try to find a hiding place. Everything around here is old and broken. It won't provide much of a defense against the shade's attacks.

I race past the shooting gallery, just as a ball of black fire blows up several of the targets. The roof starts to sag with loud creaks. It probably won't stay up much longer. Shouldn't hide beneath it, then.

I slow down as the path splits again. On one side is the back entrance I came through. On the other is a narrow trail around a large purple tent. I take the path around the tent. The shade's fire blows a hole through tent's fabric. If that fire spreads, the entire tent could go up in smoke. Heck, the whole park could become engulfed in flames!

I stop short as I come around the tent. A dismantled rollercoaster car blocks my way forward. A piece of a rollercoaster track is here, too, probably broken off the main track. Zero Reverse must have done this, like it damaged the rest of the park. The problem is, I have nowhere else to go.

When I turn around, the shade is there. Her flame-covered form casts a long shadow over this place.

"You see?" Quetzal taunts as she stands in the path, my only chance out. "You had no chance, in the end."

She may be right. I have no chance to escape, and trying to rush past her would fail. Is this how it finally ends?

The shade seems to think that as Chaos Theory shouts, "Embrace your death, Epsilon!"

Black fire flies from her palm, through the air, and onto me, before I can move. The flames lick across my clothes, burning into my skin. The similarities to the Dark Signer's purple fire is all too real.

I let out a long, "Aaaagh!" as the pain grows and grows. I try to fight it, mentally block it out, but the sensation is too strong. I fall to the ground as it continues… and then stops.

The pain goes away, suddenly. Where there was fire, now there's only air.

"What is this?"

I open my eyes at the shade's – no, Quetzal's question. A red bubble, like an underwater sphere, surrounds me and the ground I rest on. She tries again, and the same bubble protects me again.

"This… how are you not dying?" The shade doesn't sound that angry as it asks this question out loud through Chaos Theory's voice. The protective bubble fades away, and the shade doesn't strike again.

I feel my mark throb as the shade's eyes flicker. Feelings come to me, not of my own making. I am safe, I realize, at least for the moment.

"I see," Quetzal says, quieter than before. "Destiny has bound us both. The only way we can kill you is the same way our masters will defeat the Signers."

A ball of red fire travels from her face to her left arm. When the ball reaches her hands, it flattens out and sharpens at the ends. It then snuffs out to reveal a black-colored, bladed Duel Disk. A Duel Monsters Deck is inside the Disk's card holster, probably conjured by the same substance that made the Disk itself.

"Our rebirth gave us new strength," she states as she draws the top five cards. "This strength will bring you to the brink of death in this Duel. Then, you will have to accept the Dark Signers!"

I don't talk back as I ready my own Duel Disk and Deck. Words aren't necessary, here. This is a chance for me to correct some of my wrongs. The Crimson Dragon wants me to fight, I can see that now. That's why it has kept me alive for so long.

"DUEL!"

[DUEL BEGINS] [Epsilon: 4000 LP/Shade: 4000 LP]

[DUEL BEGINS] [Epsilon: 4000 LP/Shade: 4000 LP] [HAND SIZE (Both players): 5]

The shade shouts, "We draw!" as it takes the first turn. It looks over its cards, despite not having any eyes.

[TURN 1: Shade] [HS: 5-6]

She slides a card onto her Disk as she says, "We activate the Continuous Spell, Karakuri Anatomy." [HS (Shade): 6-5]

The Spell activates, and a golden scroll rolls out from the frame. A circuit diagram shimmers on the paper, made for a machine called a "Karakuri". Whatever that is.

"Confused?" Chaos Theory asks with a small chuckle. "You should be. The Karakuri are the Collective's real identity. They are the true machine the Superiors want everyone to be, stripped clean of any lies and false hopes."

"So, the Dark Signers think the Collective are robots?"

"'Robots' is a strong word," Quetzal replies. "But, we'll let you see for yourself. We Normal Summon Karakuri Soldier Model 236, Nisamu!"

The 'soldier' that appears is made of metal gears, nuts, and bolts, all held together by riveted pieces of wood. It clutches a long rod of bamboo in its metal hands, and a large barrel rests on its back like a backpack. It looks at me through a single red optic, though some smaller optics rest on its rectangular face. Its chest has the Japanese characters for the numbers "2", "3", and "6", connecting to its model number.

The soldier stands to the shade's shoulder. It makes jerky, sharp movements as it holds its bamboo staff in front of itself. It looks like a mechanized puppet, or an old robot: is this what Chaos Theory and Quetzal mean by calling the Collective "machines"? (EARTH, Machine, 1800 ATK/600 DEF, LVL 4) [HS (Shade): 5-4]

"You see?" Chaos Theory states as she waves a hand at her Monster. "This is what the Collective really is. A collection of puppets, blind to the truth because they are not programmed to understand it. These puppets, "Karakuri", are what the Superiors want their agents to become. You are already partway there, Epsilon."

I raise a hand to my metal eye at those words. This Monster looks so… unnatural. But, I cannot compare myself fully to it, because I am not a full-blown machine. Is this what I will become if the Superiors have their way with me?

The shade's next action, told by Quetzal, dismisses my thoughts: "I'll finish my turn with one Set card in my backrow." [HS (Shade): 4-3]

"It's my turn." I say as I draw my card.

[TURN 2: Epsilon] [LP: 4000] [HS: 5-6]

What the…? This hand doesn't look very good! There are options, sure, but nothing that can immediately turn the Duel in my favor. A lot of these cards are great in tight situations, though. Guess I will have to plan for a long match.

"I Set one Monster, and three cards to my backrow. That's it."

Quetzal and Chaos Theory chuckle together. Their combined voice sets me on edge. Did I do the wrong thing? Do they know what is coming?

No, I can't be distracted like this. I must win this Duel, if only to redeem myself on how good I really am at my appointed task.

[ROUND 2] [Epsilon: 4000 LP/Shade: 4000 LP]

The fused agents don't give me any clue to their motives as they both say together, "We draw."

[TURN 3: Shade] [HS: 3-4]

"We play a Spell," Quetzal states, "Karakuri Cash Cache." [HS (Shade): 4-3]

This card shows a white-walled shrine with a blue tile roof. Several large barrels and gears are on either side of the shrine – maybe they are connected to the shrine itself. The shrine's front entrance is open, and another metal humanoid is inside.

"When this card is activated," Quetzal explains, "we have to select one "Karakuri" Monster we control. We'll go with "Nisamu". We then add one Level 4 or lower "Karakuri" Monster from my Deck to my hand, and then change the selected Monster's battle position."

The humanoid inside opens something I can't see clearly inside the shrine. A card flies out from the shrine, which the shade takes into its human-like hand. "Nisamu" takes a knee, its spear placed in front of its now blue-tinted metal body (DEF: 200) [HS (Shade): 3-4].

"Since a "Karakuri" Monster changed its battle position," Chaos Theory then states, "Karakuri Anatomy gains a Karakuri Counter."

The scroll glows for a second as the imprinted design changes slightly (KC: 1).

"We now Normal Summon Karakuri Bushi Model 6319, "Muzanichiha"." [HS (Shade): 4-3]

This Monster looks more like a samurai than "Nisamu". Instead of a bamboo staff, it wields a large katana. Its face is covered by a large metal hat, stitched with a mechanical replica of bamboo cords. Its body parts are colored in different shades of brown and tan. Its feet have two large toes with a metal heel, like an odd bird instead of a person.

Despite this, the machine stands tall as "Nisamu" did when upright. It places one foot back while raising its katana to an attack stance. It certainly looks threatening, but that doesn't mean it is threatening (EARTH, Machine, 1800 ATK/600 DEF, LVL 4).

"Before things get interested," Quetzal continues, "we switch "Nisamu" back to Attack Mode. We can do that for each of our Monsters once per turn, as long as it hasn't been Summoned this turn."

The bamboo-wielding warrior stands back up, and the blue tint on its metal "skin" goes away (ATK: 1400).

"Battle!" Chaos Theory shouts. "Since Muzanichiha is in Attack Mode, it must attack if possible. It attacks your Set Monster with Piercing Slash!"

The mechanical warrior lets out several clicks as its gears spin rapidly. It charges forward with human-like movements, and deals a downward slash to my Set Monster. My card flips face-up to reveal a series of flashing, multicolored eyes that blink one after the other. The eyes quickly shatter under "Muzanichiha's" blade (DEF: 800).

Once my Monster's digital pixels fade, with no real damage to me, the warrior walks back to its former position. Seeing it walk shows me how mechanical its actions are. It jerks and clicks, not really offering any sort of stealth. For a machine that looks like a warrior, I imagine it should use stealth.

This is a false warrior, I decide. A copy. Kind of like me. No, wait, that's the wrong way to think!

"You have no defenses left," Chaos Theory triumphantly declares. "Nisamu attacks you directly! Steady Thrust!"

The first machine advances at a steady pace. It angles a pointed end of its bamboo staff at my chest. I look right at its central optic, take a quick breath, and press a button on my Disk. Time for one of my long-term plans to come together.

"I activate my Trap," I announce before the attack connects, "Inside Job! This reduces the battle damage of this attack to zero, and my next direct attack I make against you deals half the regular battle damage."

The shade shouts out, "What the!?" in both its voices as the bald man with wires attached to his head darts past her. He manages to slap some blue wires on her otherworldly Disk, and the device shoots red lightning in all directions.

As the shade shields its face from the bolts, "Nisamu's" arms drop. Its bamboo-spear falls to the ground. It reactivates a second later, and picks up its weapon with a few sharp jerks. The man whips around the shade's form and slaps a larger wire onto her body. She gasps at the touch, and whirls around to punch him. He dodges, rolls to one side, gives me a thumbs-up, and dives down the path behind the shade.

"Nisamu" walks back to its controller, who's face flickers between orange and green fire very quickly. This gives me a glimmer of hope, or maybe it's just interest. Are Chaos Theory and Quetzal resisting the Dark Signer's control? Could they, somehow, some way, be saved?

"Main Phase 2." My hope diminishes at Quetzal's colder tone. "We Set one card in my backrow. Our turn's finished." [HS (Shade): 3-2]

The Set card barely materializes before I shout, "I draw!" to begin my turn.

[TURN 4: Epsilon] [LP: 4000] [HS: 2-3]

I look at my new card, and smirk at the familiar face it shows. I was worried about my immediate plans last round. Help has arrived to fix that.

"I Normal Summon someone you should recognize," I tell the possessed agents: "Rielle "Kitt" Peddler!"

The cyborg telepath emerges in her traditional shower of green sparks. She looks at my opponent with wide eyes, and then at "Karakuri" monsters with unrestrained scorn. She shifts into a battle stance, fists raised for close-quarters combat (WIND, Warrior/Machine, 1800 ATK/1500 DEF, LVL 4) [HS (Epsilon): 3-2].

"You…" Chaos Theory mutters darkly. "I certainly remember you. You're on his side, now?"

"What side she is on doesn't matter," I answer before Rielle can respond. "She was an agent like you two, under the same Collective."

"She is nothing like us! She is more machine than human, a robot with a human face. A fake!"

"That's—!"

My retort is cut off by a notification from my guidance implant: ["Karakuri" Monsters analyzed. Weakness discovered. Battle with stronger Monster recommended.]

Battle? But, Rielle would be destroyed if I do that. She has the same Attack Points as "Muzanichiha". I would be left defenseless.

No, wait, I wouldn't be! My Set cards can help with keeping her alive, at a cost. Am I willing to pay that cost?

I glance at Rielle, wanting her opinion. She doesn't break her gaze from the two "Karakuri" before her. Her determined look tells me all I need to know.

"Battle!" I quickly call out to move the Duel along. "Rielle attacks Muzanichiha. Transcended Termination!"

Rielle conjures a digital spear in her hands at my words, and flings it the katana-wielding machine's head.

"Muzanichiha's effect!" Quetzal shouts before the attack connects. "When it is attacked while in Attack Position, it changes to Defense Position before damage is calculated."

'Oh, so that's what the 'weakness' is!'

The soldier ducks beneath Rielle's attack, and the spear flies over its now-blue helmet before disappearing. The golden scroll from "Karakuri Anatomy" glows again as a few lines in its printed design change places (KC: 2).

Rielle lets out a "tsch" at the result of her attack, and then raises a glowing hand at "Muzanichiha's" head. Her fingers wiggle from her efforts. Is she trying to crush its head in?

"Quick-Play Spell, activate! Golden Gearbox!" Quetzal's announcement signals one of the shade's Set cards to flip up. It shows, true to its name, a gearbox with golden components. It is larger than my head, with each piece carefully put in its place.

"This gives one "Karakuri" Monster," Quetzal explains, "Muzanichiha, in this case, 500 Attack and 1500 Defense Points until the End Phase. Your attack is wasted; suffer the consequences!"

The gold artifact connects to the monster as Rielle clenches her fist. Muzanichiha's stats increase higher than Rielle's own (Muzanichiha: 1800-2300 ATK/600-2100 DEF). I wince as Rielle's fingers snap open again with an audible crack. She clutches the injured hand as I see my Life Point counter drop a bit (Epsilon: 4000-3700 LP).

"I'll skip Main Phase 2." I quickly say, with nothing else to do. "Go."

[ROUND 3] [Epsilon: 3700 LP/Shade: 4000 LP]

Chaos Theory takes over with the words, "We draw." The back-and-forth nature these two have sets me on edge. It's almost like they are working better now than with the Collective.

[TURN 5: Shade] [HS: 2-3]

"We activate Karakuri Anatomy's effect," she states with a motion to the still-active scroll. "By sending it to the Graveyard, we draw a card for each "Karakuri Counter" on it. Since it has two of them, we draw two cards."

The scroll rolls up on its own, and then vanishes. The shade quickly takes her two cards, and looks them over [HS (Shade): 3-5].

"We Normal Summon the Tuner Monster, Karakuri Watchdog Model 313: "Saizan"."

This "Karakuri" is a hound with metal "skin" over a skeleton of wires and gears. Despite its mechanical body, it gives me a very realistic growl with a fang-filled mouth. It stares at me with three red optics, the largest of which is connected to a wire extending from its back. It also has a large cannon mounted on each shoulder; each weapon is almost as long as its body (EARTH, Machine/Tuner, 600 ATK/1800 DEF, LVL 4) [HS (Shade):5-4].

"Before you do anything else," I interrupt, "I activate the Restoration effect the MKUltra in my Graveyard. You destroyed it with "Muzanichihia" earlier. Now, when you summon a Monster, I can Special Summon MKUltra from the Graveyard. If I do, then I have to send the top card of my Deck to the grave."

The multicolored eyes shimmer into view from a shadow on the Dueling field. They don't look any different from the last time they were seen (FIRE, Machine, 800 ATK/800 DEF, LVL 2). I then pick up the top card of my Deck and look at it before it goes to the Graveyard. The sight of one of my newer Trap cards sent to the Graveyard doesn't give me much comfort. But, it's a cost I had to pay.

"Now," Chaos Theory intones, "it's time to face your end! We tune our Level 4 "Saizan" with our Level 4 "Nisamu"!"

The soldier stands at attention as it rises into the air. The dog leaps to meet it, turning into four green rings in midair. The rings surround the soldier as its body turns orange, and then dissolves into four white stars. Green light fills the rings as the ground shakes wildly. Chaos Theory and Quetzal chant together as something big starts to appear…

"Soukenha, shinno mokutekide utsu! Karakuri ha teishi shin a! Shinkuro Shokan! Watishino teki wo korosu! Karakuri Koushogun Moderu 00X, Bureido!"
(Twin swords strike with true purpose! The Karakuri will not be stopped! Synchro Summon! Kill my enemies! Karakuri Steel Shogun Model 00X, Bureido!)

The ring dissipates to reveal a large robot in red-and-white samurai robes. Its gray metal body is made of thick plates, riveted tightly together with decorative spikes along the edges. The robes it wears have several spiked crests behind the neck, and it extends down to its feet. Its large hands have dark red fingers, each one the size of my hand. The metal hands each clutch a large sword; the weapons have ornate metal handles, the blades very large and looking very sharp.

Its face has an angry expression, and the pair of curved horns above its "ears" further show its rage. Those horns are part of a larger helmet with more gears and mechanical parts. It lets out a battle cry as it swings its swords around. Rielle and I both flinch as lightning bolts fly from the swords. A few of them strike our surroundings, which further damages them. Luckily, nothing falls down on me [EARTH, Machine/Synchro, 2800 ATK/1700 DEF, LVL 8]

"Bureido's effect: Shogun's Command!" Quetzal's statement comes before "Bureido" points a crackling sword at a bare patch of dirt. "When it is summoned, we can Special Summon one "Karakuri" monster from my Deck. We Summon Karakuri Komachi Model 224, "NInishi"!

"Bureido's" sword fires a lightning bolt into the ground. A second later, a metallic hand bursts up from beneath the dirt. A second hand joins it, and pushes another machine up to the surface. No dirt, stains, or other such marks are on the green robe that covers its body. It looks more like a woman than any "Karakuri" before it, with gears in its wooden hair replicating a headdress, and metal flowers painted onto its robe. It also lacks any weapons.

["Ninishi's" appearance is modelled off a Japanese "geisha", a woman who accepts money to engage in acts of love with other people.]

'I did not need to know that!' I mentally reply with a shudder. 'If this thing is supposed to represent the Collective, it is doing a poor job.'

Once "NInishi" fully steps onto the field, it brushes dust off its robes with small, silver fingers. Its three green optics look to each of my Monsters, and then at me. My gut twists slightly at its expression – oddly welcoming, yet too bizarre to be comforting [EARTH, Machine/Tuner, 0 ATK/1800 DEF, LVL 3].

'Wait,' I realize, 'they said this monster is another Tuner. Does this mean they're going to perform another Synchro Summon?!'

"We use Ninishi's Request Aid ability. Once during our turn, Ninishi lets us Normal Summon or Set one "Karakuri" monster, in addition to our regular Normal Summon or Set. We'll use this to Normal Summon Karakuri Merchant Model 177, "Inashichi"."

"Ninishi" claps its hands together before falling to its knees. It looks to the dark skies above in what I assume to be a plea for help. That help comes from behind the shade, in the form of a new "Karakuri".

Upon closer inspection, I recognize this monster as the one from the "Karakuri Cash Cache" Spell. It has a round-brimmed hat over its rectangular face, its metal a lighter shade of brown than most of the other "Karakuri". It carries a large wooden rod on its back, with each end of the rod attached to a large metal box by chains. It also has a pad of paper with Japanese kanji hanging around its neck.

This machine's two blue optics stare at me without looking away. The 'merchant' tilts its head slightly, and then nods to itself. Does it know something I don't? If it's a 'merchant', is it related to the Collective's connections to the outside world? Or, is it something else entirely? [EARTH, Machine, 500 ATK/1500 DEF, LVL 2] [HS (Shade): 4-3]

"When Inashichi is Normal Summoned, its Assemble Contraption effect activates. We can add any one "Karakuri" card from my Deck into my hand."

"Inashichi" hoists the rod off its back at the shade's words. The boxes clang on the ground before the 'merchant' opens it up. It carefully pulls out a metal sphere from inside, which it gives to the shade. She doesn't offer any thanks for the gift [HS (Shade): 3-4].

"We now activate that card," Chaos Theory states: "The Field Spell, Karakuri Showdown Castle!"

The ground shakes again, stronger this time, as the shade slips the card into one end of her Disk. I place a hand against the ground as giant stone walls break through the debris around us. The walls, doors, and floors are all made of metal bits, gears, and other components. Like the "Karakuri" themselves, every piece has its place in the grand design.

That doesn't give me much comfort. This place is supporting the shade's plans, and these mechanical representations of the Collective. To me, it's just another false image. I shouldn't think about these representations any longer.

[A logical strategy.]

The cloudy sky of the park changes to a thin layer of fog covering a clear night. Lightning bolts, all the same color as the ones on "Bureido's'" sword, punch through the fog every few seconds. Thunder rumbles in the distance, and all the "Karakuri" stand tall against the storm. MKUltra's eyes flicker wildly as they take in the scenery, while Rielle just shifts her position slightly [HS (Shade): 4-3].

"You'll learn more about this Spell in time," Chaos Theory says before I ask any questions about the card. "For now, we switch "Muzanichiha" to Attack Mode. This triggers Bureido's Battle Tactics effect, which lets me draw a card since a "Karakuri" Monster's battle position was changed. Unfortunately, I can only trigger that effect once per turn."

As the shrouded metal warrior stands back on its feet, the metal "shogun" points its sword at me. A particularly-bright bolt of lightning fills the sky with light, but also casts deep shadows on every "Karakuri" present. The shade draws her extra card as, for a moment, these machines turn terrifying (ATK: 1800) [HS (Shade): 3-4].

"We now Tune our Level 3 "Inishichi" with our Level 4 "Muzanichiha"!"

My gut lurches. This is what I was afraid of!

I just stare as the geisha lookalike turns into three green rings. "Muzanichiha" salutes its Shogun before the rings cover its body. It turns into four white stars, and the familiar green light fills the rings. The two agents, once again, speak as one with a new chant…

"Kazeha watshino teki wo katto! Karakuri ha, hikaku wo koe te I masu! Shinkuro Shokan! Watashia teki wo fukitobasu! Karakuri Shogun Moderu 00, Burei!"
(The wind cuts through my foes! The Karakuri are beyond comparison! Synchro Summon! Blow my enemies away! Karakuri Shogun Model 00, Burei!)

The new Synchro arrives with a sudden gust of wind. I shield my face with my arms, and catch Rielle and MKUltra bracing themselves against this wild arrival. When the winds die down, a new armored "Karakuri" stands beside "Bureido". This one looks similar to the Steel Shogun, with a few noticeable differences.

Instead of samurai robes, this Shogun has a tattered red fabric skirt that flows out from its waist. Its armor is brown, with green highlights, over a dark-gray metal body. Rather than a sword, it holds a strange fan with a silver gear in the center in one red-fingered hand. Its horned helmet is less elaborate than "Bureido's", and it has four sky-blue optics over a thick white mustache on its red face[EARTH, Machine, 2600 ATK/1900 DEF, LVL 7].

"Burei's Summon effect," Quetzal announces: "Wind's Calling! Just like "Bureido", we can now Special Summon a "Karakuri" Monster from my Deck. We Summon Karakuri Ninja Model 7749, "Nanashick"!"

The new Shogun raises its fan to the sky. My ears roar with the sound of rushing winds as air flies around the fan's front end. After a few moments to hold the air in place, "Burei" launches it above the castle walls. Lightning crackles, thunder booms, and a new "Karakuri" flips onto the field from some place beyond my sight.

This "Karakuri" stands on two-toed metal feet, the legs left uncovered. It crouches beneath a dark-purple robe, trails of white coils hanging from its right shoulder. Its three purple optics shine with unnatural light, and the two items it holds in its hands glint with every new lightning bolt from the storm outside. One of these objects, a curved sword, takes the place of its right hand. The other object, a large gear with handholds on the inner ring, rests in its right hand [EARTH, Machine, 2200 ATK/1800 DEF, LVL 5].

[New items identified. "Burei" wields a Bansho fan, a fictional artifact with the power to create large gusts of wind. "Nanashick" wields a katana as its right hand, and a chakram in its left. The chakram is a thrown weapon in the shape of a circle.]

The descriptions my implant provides make me more and more afraid of the "Karakuri's" power. If they can wield these weapons, whatever created them must have wanted them hostile. But, what does that mean about the Collective? Are Chaos Theory and Quetzal implying the Collective is secretly dangerous?

To be fair, the Superiors are very careful about keeping themselves secret. They don't like to be exposed, or judged, by others. I don't recall them using hostile means to get what they want, but will that always be the case?

Gah, this is all so frustrating!

"Our preparation is complete," Quetzal shouts, the shade's face shining brightly. "It's time to battle!"

Battle. That word cements my thoughts, drives away my questions. There's a lot of enemies I have to deal with, and I need to be ready for anything.

Luckily, I have a card to help me out.

"It is time to fight," I say as I press another button on my Disk, "but not on your terms! I activate the Trap, Queen's Gambit!"

Quetzal spits out a surprised, "Huh?" as my Trap reveals itself. A weight settles on the field, something that every Monster on the field has to brace against.

"This forces two opposing Monsters to battle," I explain, "but neither will be destroyed. Also, neither Monster selected this way will be unable to make another attack this turn. I choose "Bureido" and Rielle to fight!"

The cyborg telepath channels her energies to rise off the castle's floor. "Bureido" glares at her as it spins both its swords. Rielle glares right back, her headpiece crackling with power.

"One other thing," I state as the metallic shogun takes a step towards Rielle. "Before damage is calculated for this battle, I can force you to draw up to three cards. For each card you draw this way, your battling Monster loses 800 Attack, and my battling Monster gains 500 Attack. So, I'll have you draw the full three cards."

Three cards fly from the shade's Disk, and into her hand. Rielle and "Bureido" both glow dark-red as the Trap's effects kick in. The giant machine jerks, twists, and finally falls to one knee with one sword slammed into the floor for support. Rielle raises her arms to the sky as her headpiece glows brighter and brighter; a shining beacon of mental energy (ATK (Buriedo: 2800-400) (Rielle: 1800-3300) [HS (Shade): 4-7].

"Go, Rielle," I shout as I point to the wounded Shogun, "Transcended Termination!"

Rielle thrusts her hands down, and two large beams of green energy fly from her palms. The sky gains a green tint as her attack drains almost all outside light. "Bureido" manages to brace itself before the attack connects, and it holds its own against the onslaught. Even so, I clearly hear its body screech as the countless metal bits keeping it together burn under intense heat and pressure.

The shade lets out a very human, "Aaaaagh!" in both its voices at the battle damage, and only stops when Rielle finishes her attack (Shade: 4000-1100 LP). For a moment, I almost see Chaos Theory and Quetzal's faces reflected in the shade's fire, screaming in pain. But, I dismiss it as an illusion, a trick by the Dark Signers to distract me.

I can't afford to be distracted.

Rielle soon lowers herself back to the castle floor. A large scorch mark surrounds "Bureido's" body, and the scent of burnt metal hits my nostrils hard. Even so, the Steel Shogun manages to stand up again as both Monster's Attack Points return to normal (ATK (Bureido: 400-2800) (Rielle: 3300-1800).

"The Battle Phase isn't over," Quetzal growls as the shade clutches its side like it took a wound from that attack. "Burei will attack Rielle. Karakuri Showdown Castle's effect activates: whenever a "Karakuri" Monster attacks, I can change the opposing Monster's battle position. Rielle is switched to Defense Mode!"

'No! That means I can't help her!'

The castle comes alive as I realize Rielle is doomed. "Burei" waves his fan around, and the floors shift to match his gestures. Rielle flies up as the space beneath her pops up on a hidden spring. She tries to levitate, but several disks fire from an unseen launcher in a wall and knock her down. Her body turns blue as she tries to get up (DEF: 1500).

Chaos Theory shouts, "Wild Gust!" as "Burei" charges across the floor with amazing speed. Rielle looks up in time to see the large fan pointed right at her. A small tornado flies from the fan's end, picks her up against her will, and pitches her into the sky. Her scream carries for several seconds as she flies up, up, up, and out of sight

"At last," Chaos Theory happily declares, "that damn telepath is gone! That centerpiece of the Collective is gone!."

"Centerpiece?" I repeat as I force my eyes away from the spot in the heavens where Rielle flew off to. "What do you mean?"

"Hah! More proof the Superiors are not to be trusted: they keep the information of all their agents to themselves. That girl was their original protégé, their first real success in 'synthesizing' mankind with machines. But, they never told anyone the truth."

"How do you know it, then?"

"Our masters have seen the Collective for themselves, fool! The Superiors were brought together by Zero Reverse; the same disaster that made the Dark Signers who they are. The Collective is a warped fragment of the world's true destiny, and our masters know all their secrets!"

'So, it's true.' I realize with a hard swallow. 'The Collective are connected to the Dark Signers!'

"Now, Rielle," Chaos Theory continues, "is special. She was plucked from the streets of Satellite, an orphaned teenager with no name, family, or possessions. Just a very attractive slew of psychic powers. One day, she was living on her own among the poor and weak; the next, she was gone like she never existed.

"She was the youngest agent, and trusted the Superiors with her life. She became the icon of those three's end goals, her body modified to an extreme degree. She became more machine than woman, her powers amplified through augments and implants. The Superiors used her as a moving pair of eyes and ears on the streets of Neo Domino. She recruited several other people with those pathetic promises of "Peace Through Unity"."

Chaos Theory spits after reciting the Collective's motto. The shade actually spits a small glob of fire from its 'face' to mimic the action. The possessed agent then continues to speak.

"She never questioned the Superior's orders, no matter what they were. That proves how much of a machine she was. It doesn't matter she had nothing beforehand; the Superiors took her by force, robbing her of her freedom! They robbed all of us of our freedom, but they learned how to do it through her! Using her as a Duel Monster, talking to her like she is a friend, proves how blind you really are, Epsilon!"

"No!" I shout back with clenched fists. "That's not true!"

"It is truer than you know. You just don't want to see it."

I don't believe it. I refuse to believe it.

"Let's move on," Quetzal states as the shade's 'face' changes back to orange. ""Nanashick" attacks MKUltra with Shuriken Throw. I will not use Showdown Castle's effect to change its Battle Position. No more of your tricks!"

Those last words make me pause. Is the shade afraid of me, now that it realizes I can hurt it?

I then have to duck as "Nanashick's" chakram almost slices my head off. It arcs around me before it cuts through MKUltra's eyes. No blood is spilled before my Monster shatters into golden pixels, but I am sure it certainly felt pain.

"Finally," Quetzal says, "Inashichi attacks you directly with a Flung Contraption."

The 'merchant' opens its other metal box. It takes out a large metal ball, which it hurls at my face with a strong pitch. The ball blows up at my feet, and I cough as smoke gets in my eyes and nose. It doesn't hurt, but it's certainly annoying (Epsilon: 3700-3200 LP).

"During my second Main Phase," Chaos Theory then says, "I set one card face-down. Now, it's your turn." [HS (Shade): 7-6]

'Finally! That turn took forever. Now's my chance to come back on top.'

"I draw." A burning sensation races through my arm as I begin my turn.

[TURN 6: Epsilon] [LP: 3200] [HS: 2-3]

The sensation comes from my newest card; a Monster that I selected because of its versatility. With some luck, it can help me in this Duel. It might even help me win!

"I Normal Summon a new Monster," I tell the shade. "Come out, Wyrm!"

The air to my left turns hot as a portal of green-and-orange fire comes into existence. What comes from the portal is a human-sized dragon with green scales, two orange eyes, and large bat-like wings. A ridge of spikes rest on its back, and a crest of spikes cover the edges of its face. Its body trails off into a long tail that weaves and coils through the air. The claws on its paws, and the fangs in its mouth, look as sharp as "Bureido's" swords.

The dragon coils its upper body up like a snake. Its wings flap a few times as the portal behind it vanishes the same way it appeared. A deep growl bubbles from in its throat as it looks at the "Karakuri" army before it, ready to take them on [FIRE, Dragon/Machine, 1400 ATK/1200 DEF, LVL 4] [HS (Epsilon): 3-2].

"You call that a dragon?" Quetzal taunts. "Hmph, it's just a large lizard with wings."

"A winged lizard that holds the power of a dragon inside it." I reply as Wyrm flicks its forked tongue at the shade. "I'll prove it right now. Battle! Wyrm attacks Burei with Fire Stream!"

"What are you planning, False Signer?" Chaos Theory shouts with an accusing tone. "Wyrm's Attack is far less than Burei's!"

Wyrm's mouth opens as the inside of its chest glows orange. Its nostrils flare as it gathers power, power it unleashes in a whirling torrent of orange fire. It reminds me of Terra-Wing Netrunner Dragon's own breath weapon, albeit on a smaller scale. "Burei" raises its fan up to block the oncoming attack, and gusts of wind divert the fire away from the Shogun.

"Before damage calculation," I state as I press one more button on my Disk, "I activate the Trap, Planned Assault!"

The familiar Trap flips up before Wyrm's fire is snuffed out by the winds. The dragon's body glows orange, and then red, as it roars like a real dragon.

"After I reveal a Monster in my hand," I quickly explain, "I pay Life Points equal to its Level times 400. Then, that Monster's Attack Points are added to a Monster on my field, until the end of the Battle Phase. I reveal the Level 6 Magnum Opus, with 2100 Attack Points."

I take shuddering breaths as I feel the energy inside me get pulled out (Epsilon: 3200-800 LP), and I see the energy flow into Wyrm's body as orange wires. The dragon's inner chest glows bright red as its power sharply increases (ATK (Wyrm): 1400-3500).

"It won't be enough!" Quetzal counters. "I activate my two Set cards, both Quick-Play Spells!"

'Oh, no! Did she plan for this to happen?'

"The first card is Golden Gearbox; you already know what that does. The second," she says with a gesture to a Spell showing "Inashichi" running away under a hail of missiles, "is Runaway Karakuri. This card gives a face-up "Karakuri" Monster I control 1000 Attack Points until the End Phase, but that Monster loses its effects until then. With these two cards combined, Burei gains 1500 Attack and 1000 Defense!"

The Shogun's body glows purple, and it yells a battle cry to challenge Wyrm. It slices the air before it with its fan, creating a buffeting gust that slams into Wyrm's chest and almost snuffs out its flame again (ATK/DEF (Burei): 2600-4100/1900-2900).

"You are finished, False Signer!" Chaos Theory declares as Quetzal laughs at the same time. "Burei, slay this lizard and end its master's life!"

"Burei" twirls its fan at Wyrm, creating a narrow cyclone that slams into the dragon head-on. Wyrm's flies back with a loud crack of bones… and then loops right around with a guttural roar. "Burei" freezes up as the dragon's eyes burn bright red.

"What the?" Chaos Theory shouts as "Burei's" hand starts to shake uncontrollably. "What's happening to him!?"

The shade gets no answer as "Burei's" stats sharply drop to a point far weaker than Wyrm's (ATK/DEF (Burei): 4100-2050/2900-1450). The dragon gathers more heat in its chest, ready to strike again.

"What is going on!?"

"What's going on is that you miscalculated!" I reply over the still-howling winds. "You failed to consider the inner strength of my cards, of me! I am not a puppet, a machine, a tool, or anything like that. I am Epsilon, the Netrunner, and no one can take that away from me.

"Wyrm's effect! Any Monster that battles it has its Attack and Defense cut in half until the end of that battle. This is Wyrm's Inner Power, strong enough to end this Duel!"

The shade cries out, "NO!" in both its voices, but it is too late. Wyrm unleashes a second, larger, dark-red stream of fire from its mouth. This stream is not stopped by "Burei's" winds, or even weakened. The shogun's armor burns and warps under the heat. Its accessories melt away, its mustache turns to black smoke, and its optics shatter into pieces.

"Masters!" the shade screams. "Mistresses! We've failed you!"

She doesn't get any more words out before the fire envelops her. She only screams with two voices at the same time. The image of Seria from the Arcadia Movement pops in my head, their pain being so similar in this moment. Her form hardens from to rock before my eyes, cracks, in several places, and finally crumbles to dust under the flames (Shade: 1100-0 LP).

[DUEL ENDS] [VICTOR: Epsilon]

Alright, that's all for now. I know I'm leaving things on a cliffhanger (I usually do that, I'm afraid), but I wanted to have this issue dealt with sooner rather than later. This clears the way for other plot points, and (I hope) gives you an entertaining Duel.

As usual, any reviews/constructive criticism/comments/feedback is well appreciated.

Draconos is taking off.