bopdog111: Well now the Thieves have a deadline.
Ulrich362: True, and a very strict one... probably the second strictest deadline they've ever had.
bopdog111: Can you remind me what the first was?
Ulrich362: Yaldabaoth, they had to navigate the entire dungeon and steal the treasure in a single day.
bopdog111: Well if they handled a one-day deadline then a five-day one will be a cinch.
Ulrich362: True, so let's see what happens. Enjoy the chapter.
Disclaimers: We don't own anything but the OCs.
(Cue Theme: Beneath the Mask)
(Deadline: Days Until Skye is Sent to Boarding School: 4)
After that from yesterday everyone retired back home to recover, and rest up for the day. Now it was a day in class where the teacher is speaking about culture, and literature. Then he went over a lecture. "In the Feudal Ages in the Warring States of Japan there existed a big battle that turned things around for the Oda Forces. While they were resting in the Temple of HonnÅ-ji, they were ambushed, and assassinated by one of Nobunaga's own retainers." He looked over the class before calling. "Yusaku Fujiki!"
"Huh?" he asked looking up.
"Name the retainer that betrayed Nobunaga Oda." the teacher gave him a question to answer.
Yusaku blinked at that. "That was... Akechi Mitsuhide?"
The teacher clapped nodding. "That is correct! While there are many theories, and speculations over why exactly Mitsuhide betrayed the Oda Forces before Toyotomi Hideyoshi united all of Japan, the prevailing one is that Mitsuhide had seen Nobunaga's ruthlessness in battle, and decided to take over the land away from his own forces to seize his own ambitions. Now after that..."
During this Yusaku overhears his classmates whispering to each other that he managed to get it right impressed. Axis whispered over to him from his Duel Disk. "Good job answering that right. Your standing has increased a little from answering that correctly. Keep it up, and your charm will be beneficial in the long run."
Yusaku blinked at that but nodded slightly.
Soon after school he went over checking that it's Tuesday which means time to visit the Duel Club to try seeing if he can increase his Social Links with Shima. Walking over he hears footsteps seeing Skye walked beside him as she smiled. "Heading to the Duel Club, Yusaku?"
"Yeah, I am." he nodded only to pause. "Are you sure you're alright?"
"I'll be okay. Akira's refusing to listen to me about me needing to be free." Skye answered over with a frown before looking determined. "But it only makes me more then willing to help you guys set him straight."
"We will, even if we're beginners we have people teaching us the ropes." Yusaku mentioned. "Don't worry, it'll work out."
She nodded walking before arriving at the Duel Club walking in.
"Ah Yusaku, Skye good to see ya!" Shima is there with Tenya chatting looking over when they hear the door opened. "We were about to start."
"You been okay Skye?" Tenya checked over Skye after she excused herself the other day cause of her brother's worrysome nature but looks to be better.
"I'm ok, thanks. What did I miss?" she asked him.
"Both Yusaku, and Shima tried there Decks out, and Yusaku was really resourceful with his Deck that beat Shima's Baboons." Tenya gave the short story over to her. "Within time they'll both be good duelists if they stick together, and assist there strategies together."
"Not Yusaku, I want to show him some stuff, I've learned." Shima grinned over shuffling his Deck. "I've made some adjustments, and placed in more easy monsters, Yusaku so you can expect me being stronger now!" It sounded like he's challenging Yusaku now eager to show him what he has, and to increase his Social Link with Shima this seems to be the best course of action.
"Hang on Shima, Yusaku probably has things already planned." Tenya moves to point out Yusaku is probably already have plans for that to happen.
Shima nodded while Tenya shrugged over with a smile walking over.
Over the next hour, Yusaku, and Shima dueled together practicing with each other. Yusaku can see Shima improved slightly from there last duel including more monsters that can defend themselves, and have some benefits from being destroyed such as Berserk Gorillia or Scrap Kong which helps him summon his Baboons easier. But despite this Yusaku's resourceful tactics with his Dummy Deck still proved to be a step ahead of him, and after a hard match Yusaku won with only 1200 points to spare.
"Aahh! I lost again!" Shima complained over with his hands on his head not a good sore loser.
"Keep it down, Shima." Tenya softly reprimanded over.
Yusaku does seen that Shima's new tactics allowed him to be more alerted as normally from his earlier Deck, Shima only get to 2500 or even 2300 LP remaining from him but these improved strategies made him go lower where over time Shima will succeed in defeating him with his Dummy Deck.
"Your deck looks a lot better, a little more work and you just might be able to beat me." Yusaku admitted. "I just got lucky in that last match to be perfectly honest with you."
"Well luck is the one thing that changes a Duel. And compared to you my luck is bad." Shima crossed his arms contemplating that seemed to be the thing that's different. "How come your so good at it?"
"Well it helps to be resourceful, and predict how the duel will go but planning future strategies."
"Agh man you seem to be a Dueling Psychic." Shima sighed hearing that. Suddenly a phone call was heard from Shima who perked checking, and answered. "Hello?" A few seconds passed before he looked surprised.
(Cue Theme: Tension)
"What-how did you get this number!?" some people looked over to Shima surprised seeing him like this. He shakes his head telling him. "Listen man we already decided about it! You can't change it now!" Soon he looked deflated over. "One of these days, someone will knock you off your high horse!" Then looking down he sighed over. "Yeah, I know how you are. Fine... but don't expect another portion by next week since you decided to overindulge now." He flinched from the next words the caller spoke. "Bye." He hanged up sighing face-palming.
"Shima, what was that?" Skye asked him turning from her own match where she had the clear advantage.
He looked over putting up a friendly smile. "Oh don't worry about it. Just some family drama is all." He turned walking after packing his Deck, and turned to Yusaku. "Sorry man gotta be off early but we will catch up sometime. Peace." He offered a fistbumb to him.
Yusaku returned it but frowned only for time to seem to freeze.
"Thou will have our blessing when creating a Persona of the Moon Arcana."
Naoki Shima/The Brave Battler: (Moon; RANK 2)
Time soon unfroze where he waved. "See ya guys." He walked out at that leaving them alone. Tenya sighed facepalming shaking his head looking worried for him.
"Is that normal?" Yusaku asked turning to Tenya.
"Well... more or less. Shima, and his family had been facing a difficult time ever since his Grandfather died half a year ago." Tenya admitted over to him. "He never told us what exactly is going on with them but they seem to be getting on his case for something."
Yusaku frowned hearing that but decided to only ask if Shima offered.
So after that both Skye, and Yusaku walked back over to Cafe Nom arriving in just as the rest of the Thieves are chatting about recent development. Confused over Yusaku walked over. "What's going on?"
They looked over to him before Cal explained over to him. "While you were at school someone sent a public challenge to duel you Yusaku. And there betting the Key to SOL Technologies' Data Banks."
"A key to SOL Technologies... who is it?" Yusaku asked him.
"Well the identity is coded. Whoever this is there good cause neither I or even Futaba can crack it." Cal admitted over.
Skye walked over, and widen her eyes. "Let me see!" She ran over to see the message.
"If I had more time I could crack the code." Futaba frowned.
She was ignored cause everyone is focused on Skye telling them to let her see as they checked over. Skye checked the message, and typed in pressing the enter key which cracked the code revealing the name of the sender.
Ghost Gal.
"Ghost Gal?" Yusuke inquired. "Is she a SOL employee?"
"H-Hey wait how did you do that!?" Cal asked a more important question seeing Skye cracked a code he, and Futaba together had trouble cracking. "How did you do that so easily!?"
"Hacking isn't a strong suite but she taught me how to decode codes like these from shady identities like these." Skye explained over to him before turning back to the message. "But she isn't a SOL employee. She's a Bounty Hunter." It was when the Thieves remembered that in Zaizen's Palace Futaba found info that he worked with three Bounty Hunters, one of them was a Ghost Gal. Could it be that this could be the same Ghost Gal?
"That.. would explain things." Yusuke noted. "Should we trust her?"
"She is a family friend of me, and Akira." Skye admitted over to them. "She always had our back, and helped us out. So I don't have any reason not too. But she's betting her SOL Data Bank key so publicly like that? What's she doing?"
"We will find out soon." Yusaku said over to them. "Right now this is a crucial part to finding out the true inner workings of the Lost Incident, and figure out what Varis truly meant by saving that SOLs is involved within."
"Should you go alone, or do you want back-up?" Morgana asked him.
"To prevent something like my match with Blue Angel better bring a backup." Yusaku answered over before turning over to Yusuke. "You'll be with me."
"Understood." he nodded at that.
They both gathered readying themselves. "INTO THE VRAINS!" The Duel Disks glowed traveling in Link VRAINS.
In Link VRAINS...
Both Playmaker, and Fox appeared together onto a building. Axis pinged on Fox's Duel Disk calling. "Okay I have a track on Ghost Gal's location! She's at this area!" Her face formed an arrow to direct where.
"Behind the city?" Fox inquired. "That's an interesting location to find her."
"Come on." Playmaker readied a Duel Board heading off where the arrow directed.
Fox nodded getting on his own and following Playmaker. Soon they arrived at the location jumping down landing on a area with Ghost Gal's back directed to them. Soon she turned around revealing to Fox, and Axis it's the same woman that had them able to see Oracle's Speed Duel with Varis.
"You!" Fox called recognizing her.
"That explains how you were following Oracle and Varis." Playmaker noted calmly.
"Glad to see you remember me Phantom Thief." Ghost Gal winked over to Fox. "It wasn't easy to make sure Hanoi doesn't track me but I managed to give you a clear signal for your comrades."
"We got your message, is it true?" Playmaker inquired.
"If by me betting the key to SOL's Data Bank, then yes it is." Ghost Gal raised her hand as what appeared was a data orb. "My key here for you to see. Of course I can't give this for free."
"I figured. What do you want in exchange?" Fox asked her calmly.
"Well I don't mean a trade. But if that's the way then your Ignis, Playmaker." Ghost Gal grinned over to Playmaker who blinked. "I've grown interested over you, and your Phantom Thief friends since your comrade defeated Varis by using old Chaos cards, and your AI is worth a lot of money. I'm a Bounty Hunter for SOL after all, I gotta carry my duty."
"I have a better idea." Playmaker mentioned jumping onto his Duel Board. "We duel, if I win you give me the key, but if you win I'll hand over the Ignis."
"I was planning on dueling you anyway." Ghost Gal grinned over at that.
She moved to summon a Duel Board but Fox called. "Wait!" Confused they checked over with Ai turning over as he stared over before moving his hands examining Ghost Gal's current pose with her behind the city.
"What... are you doing?" she asked staring at him in confusion.
"Oh yes... this complexion... this grace... this style! It looks dazzling!" Fox called over much to there confusion. Turning to Axis he asked over. "You have a camera with you Axis-kun?"
"Huh? Well uh... sure." Axis while confused launched the camera up as it appeared in front of Fox.
"Okay now stand still." While Ghost Gal holds confused she watches as Fox takes some pictures in different angles.
Playmaker, and Ai blinked together seeing this part of Fox they've never seen before. They've been warned that his personality as a artist will make him... different but to see it like this?
With Cal...
"Is he... always like that?" Skye asked blinking really confused from what she's seeing.
"Unfortunately." Ann sighed. "Even now Fox is... well Fox. There's not really any other way to describe him."
"Eh, you get used to it after a while... or, you learn to just accept it." Ryuji agreed.
"Is this really the best time to be doing this now?" Cal couldn't believe Fox is doing something like this right now since there out getting the Key, and Fox decided to snap pictures of how this is looking.
Futaba frowned. "Inari what do you think you're doing!? We have more important things to worry about than a picture!"
Blinking at hearing the familiar voice he paused. "Ah yes, my apologies to you both but when inspiration strikes you must take it."
"Uh... huh." While still confused from that sudden artist hit Ghost Gal shook her head. "Whatever your done now right?" At his nod she nodded back. "Good. Then let's duel!" She ran summoning a Duel Board jumping on it. "Which one wants to try there luck?"
"I think it would be best if you handled this Playmaker." Fox mentioned.
Playmaker nodded over. "Guess we will see your Deck another time Fox."
"Apparently so, I hope it will be worth the wait." Fox nodded.
"Ok Playmaker, I'm guessing you want to Speed Duel but who goes first?" Ghost Gal inquired with a wink.
"Whoever passes that building decides who's first. Agreed?" Playmaker pointed to a building.
"Sounds good to me." Ghost Gal smiled
With that the two shot off with Fox following behind in a race. They gone as fast as they can, and eventually Ghost Gal passed back.
"Looks like you're first Playmaker." she mentioned.
"Alright then!" Playmaker called.
"DUEL!"
(Dueling Theme: The Takeover by Girl on Fire)
Playmaker: 4000
Hand: 4
Field: Nothing
Ghost Gal: 4000
Hand: 4
Field: Nothing
Let the duel commence!
Playmaker 1st Turn:
"I'll make a turn to last against what she has." Playmaker said over starting off with a defensive move. "I start by sending Latency from my hand to the graveyard to summon Defcon Bird!" A digital bird rose up above him.
(Attack Position)
Defcon Bird
WIND
Level 3
Cyberse/Effect
ATK: 100
DEF: 1700
You can discard 1 other Cyberse monster; Special Summon this card from your hand. You can only use this effect of "Defcon Bird" once per turn. Once per turn, when your Cyberse monster is targeted for an attack: You can make its ATK/DEF become double its original ATK, then you can change it to Defense Position. This ATK/DEF change lasts until the end of the Damage Step.
"Then I summon ROM Cloudia!" Playmaker included a black sheep like monster raising up.
(Attack Position)
ROM Cloudia
DARK
Level 4
Cyberse/Effect
ATK: 1800
DEF: 0
When this card is Normal Summoned: You can target 1 Cyberse monster in your GY, except "ROM Cloudia"; add it to your hand. If this card is destroyed by battle or card effect: You can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from your Deck, except "ROM Cloudia".
"When this card is summoned, I take 1 Cyberse from my graveyard, and add it to my hand!" Playmaker adds the card he just sent before adding, "And as Latency was added to my hand from the graveyard, I can summon her!"
A small pink cyberse that's shaped as an angel with a halo with an hourglass rose up.
(Attack Position)
Latency
LIGHT
Level 1
Cyberse/Effect
ATK: 0
DEF: 0
If this card is added from your GY to your hand by a card effect: You can Special Summon it from your hand. If this card Summoned this way is sent to the GY as Link Material: You can draw 1 card. You can only use each effect of "Latency" once per turn.
"Three monsters already, you're certainly not pulling any punches." Ghost Gal noted with a grin seeing that.
"Well here comes 3 consecutive Link Summons!" Playmaker called raising a hand. "Appear the circuit that leads to the future!" The circuit appeared as Latency shot up entering the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Link 1, Link Disciple!"
What rose was a small warrior like monster holding a small blade.
(Attack Position)
(Extra Monster Zone)
Link Disciple
LIGHT
Link Rating 1
Cyberse/Effect/Link
ATK: 500
Link Marker: Bottom
1 Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster
You can Tribute 1 monster this card points to; draw 1 card, then place 1 card from your hand on the bottom of the Deck. You can only use this effect of "Link Disciple" once per turn.
"As Latency is used to Link Summon when summoned from it's ability, I draw 1 card!" Playmaker drew before calling. "Appear again circuit that leads to the future!"
The circuit appeared while ROM Clouldia, and Defcon Bird entered the arrows. "Link Summon! Link 2, Space Insulator!" Raising up was a blue cybernetic warrior readying.
(Attack Position)
(Co-linked to Link Disciple)
Space Insulator
DARK
Link Rating 2
Cyberse/Effect/Link
ATK: 1200
Link Markers: Top, Bottom
2 monsters
Monsters this card points to lose 800 ATK/DEF. When a Cyberse Link Monster is Link Summoned to your field, while this card is in the GY, except the turn this card was sent to the GY: You can Special Summon this card to your zone that monster points to, but it cannot be used as Link Material, also banish it when it leaves the field.
Link Disciple: (Co-linked to Space Insulator)
"Appear the third time, circuit that leads to the future!" Playmaker added over while Space Insulator, and Link Disciple entered the Link Markers. "The truth ahead is far beyond the path! But now the truth can be grasp with the aid of the lone avenger! An avenger he is that can aid those who are wronged with him! Link Summon! Link 3, Decode Talker!"
Raising down was Decode Talker readying his blade readying out.
(Attack Position)
(Extra Monster Zone)
Decode Talker
DARK
Link Rating 3
Cyberse/Effect/Link
ATK: 2300
Link Markers: Top, Bottom-Right, Bottom-Left
2+ Effect Monsters
(This card is treated as a "Persona" card.)
Gains 500 ATK for each monster it points to. When your opponent activates a card or effect that targets a card(s) you control (Quick Effect): You can Tribute 1 monster this card points to; negate the activation, and if you do, destroy that card.
"Your ace monster, consider me very impressed Playmaker." Ghost Gal smiled. "You're every bit as skilled as I thought you'd be."
"Well if you got time to complement me then you probably have time to think of a counter move." Playmaker sets the rest of his hand to end his turn.
Playmaker's Hand: 0/Field: Decode Talker (Attack Position/Extra Monster Zone), Two Set Cards
Ghost Gal 1st Turn:
Ghost Gal drew her card before looking as she smiled. "I'll start things off with a tricky little monster known as Altergeist Marionetter."
(Attack Position)
Altergeist Marionetter
LIGHT
Level 4
Spellcaster/Effect
ATK: 1600
DEF: 1700
When this card is Normal Summoned: You can Set 1 "Altergeist" Trap directly from your Deck to your Spell & Trap Zone. You can target 1 "Altergeist" card you control and 1 "Altergeist" monster in your GY; send that card on the field to the GY, and if you do, Special Summon that other monster from your GY. You can only use this effect of "Altergeist Marionetter" once per turn.
"Of course when she's summoned I can set an Altergeist trap from my deck and I'll go with Altergeist Haunted Rock."
"Setting a trap card that we know?" Fox asked hearing that. "Seems a little backing to do that as we know what it is which makes it easier to avoid didn't you?"
"Your wrong Fox." He looked at Playmaker who pointed out. "She wouldn't set a trap that we seen what it is for no reason."
"You're right about that Playmaker, since I set Haunted Rock with Marionetter's ability I can immediately activate it." Ghost Gal revealed.
(face-up)
Altertest Haunted Rock
Continuous Trap Card
If this card was Set by the effect of an "Altergeist" card, you can activate it the turn it was Set. When this card is activated: Send 1 "Altergeist" monster from your hand to the GY. When your opponent activates a Trap Card (except during the Damage Step): You can send 1 "Altergeist" monster from your hand to the GY; negate that effect, and if you do, destroy that card. You can only use each effect of "Altergeist Haunted Rock" once per turn.
"When I activate this trap I sent an Altergeist in my hand to the graveyard." she continued with a smile. "Of course since I used a trap card I can summon Altergeist Multifaker to my field."
(Attack Position)
Altergeist Multifaker
DARK
Level 3
Spellcaster/Effect
ATK: 1200
DEF: 800
If you activate a Trap Card (except during the Damage Step): You can Special Summon this card from your hand. If this card is Special Summoned: You can Special Summon 1 "Altergeist" monster from your Deck in Defense Position, except "Altergeist Multifaker". You cannot Special Summon monsters the turn you activate this effect, except "Altergeist" monsters. You can only use each effect of "Altergeist Multifaker" once per turn.
"Then when Multifaker is Special Summoned I can bring out another Altergeist in defense position and who better than another Marionetter?"
A second Marionetter appeared alongside them.
Altergeist Marionetter: (Defense Position)
"Like you she also summoned three monsters at the first turn." Ai said seeing this with crossed arms. "What 3 consecutive Links like before?"
"Not exactly, appear the circuit that connects the known with the unknown!" Ghost Gal called as her circuit appeared. "The summoning conditions are two Altergeist monsters but I think... I'll double that and put Multifaker, both Marionetters, and Altergeist Pookuery in my hand in the Link Markers! Circuit Combine! Alright Playmaker, say hello to my Altergeist Adminia!"
(Attack Position)
(Extra Monster Zone)
Altergeist Arminia
DARK
Link Rating 4
Spellcaster/Effect/Link
ATK: 3000
Link Markers: Top, Left, Right, Bottom
2+ "Altergeist" monsters
If this card is Link Summoned: You can Set 1 "Altergeist" Trap directly from your Deck. Once while this card is face-up on the field, during the Main Phase (Quick Effect): You can send 1 card you control to the GY, then target 1 Effect Monster your opponent controls; take control of that target, and if you do, it is also treated as an "Altergeist" monster. You can only use each effect of "Altergeist Adminia" once per turn.
A link 4 pink/white spellcaster lowered down readying to fight.
"3000..." Playmaker trailed off seeing it.
"When I Link Summon Adminia I can set an Altergeist trap card from my deck, but that's not all she can do." Ghost Gal smirked. "I'll send Altergeist Haunted Rock to my graveyard to take control of Decode Talker and treat him as an Altergeist!"
"What!? Oh no no no no no!"
Despite Ai calling back Adminia chanted a spell which captures Decode Talker forcing him to Ghost Gal's side.
Decode Talker: (Treated as an Altergeist)
Playmaker gritted his teeth seeing his Persona is now in enemy hands. Ghost Gal glanced at Playmaker's set cards. "I'll set this and end my move without attacking."
"Huh? What she up too? She isn't attacking?" Ai asked surprised from this.
Playmaker narrowed his eyes. "So you've studied my Deck, and Skill."
"That's right." Ghost Gal confirmed with another wink.
Ghost Gal's Hand: 0/Field: Altergeist Adminia (Attack Position, Extra Monster Zone), Decode Talker (Attack Position/Treated as an Altergeist), Two Set Cards
Playmaker: 4000
Hand: 0
Field: Two Set Cards
Ghost Gal: 4000
Hand: 0
Field: Altergeist Adminia (Attack Position/Extra Monster Zone), Decode Talker (Attack Position/Treated as an Altergeist), Two Set Cards
Playmaker 2nd Turn:
"Well let's see if it can help!" Playmaker drew looking to see what he drawn.
'I doubt he has anything too powerful and even if he does I have Altergeist Camouflage facedown.' Ghost Gal thought confidently. 'I'll go on the offensive once I draw that old card.'
"I start by summoning Cyberse Gadget!"
At that Gadget rose up readying.
(Attack Position)
Cyberse Gadget
LIGHT
Level 4
Cyberse/Effect
ATK: 1400
DEF: 300
When this card is Normal Summoned: You can target 1 Level 2 or lower monster in your GY; Special Summon it in Defense Position, but its effects are negated. If this card is sent from the field to the GY: You can Special Summon 1 "Gadget Token" (Cyberse/LIGHT/Level 2/ATK 0/DEF 0). You can only use this effect of "Cyberse Gadget" once per turn.
"Since I summoned it, I summon back Latency!"
Latency rose up from the graveyard.
Latency: (Defense Position/Effects Negated)
"Now appear circuit that leads to the future!" Latency flew entering the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Link 1, Talkback Lancer!"
A small green armored cyberse with a banner rose up.
(Attack Position)
(Extra Monster Zone)
Talkback Lancer
DARK
Link Rating 1
Cyberse/Effect/Link
ATK: 1200
Link Markers: Bottom
1 Level 2 or lower Cyberse monster
You can Tribute 1 other Cyberse monster, then target 1 "Code Talker" monster in your GY with a different original name from that monster; Special Summon it to your zone this card points to. You can only use this effect of "Talkback Lancer" once per turn.
"Then I activate my face-down, Cynet Regression!" Playmaker activated a trap.
Cynet Regression
Normal Trap Card
If you Special Summon a Link Monster(s): Target 1 card on the field; destroy it, then draw 1 card. You can only activate 1 "Cynet Regression" per turn.
"As I summoned a Link Monster, I can target a card on the field to destroy it!" Playmaker explained the effect.
Ghost Gal's eyes widened hearing that.
"Oh yeah so take out that big monster!" Ai grinned over pointing at Adminia.
"No." Ai slumped turning at Playmaker shocked. "I'm not going for Adminia! I'm going for Decode Talker!" The trap fired the blast at Decode Talker.
Ghost Gal's eyes widened as Playmaker destroyed his own monster.
"Huh? Sure Decode Talker's out of Ghost Gal's hands now but why do that?" Axis asked over confused wondering why he didn't choose the stronger monster.
"Just what are you planning?" Fox inquired seeing that.
"As Regression's effect destroyed a monster, I draw a card!" Playmaker drew. "Then as a Link Monster was summoned while in the graveyard, Space Insulator is summoned!"
Space Insulator rose up at Adminia's top arrow.
Space Insulator: (Attack Position/Banished when leaves the field/Co-linked with Altergeist Adminia)
Altergeist Adminia: (Co-linked with Space Insulator)
"And as Cyberse Gadget was sent to the graveyard, I summon a Gadget Token!" The token rose up.
(Defense Position)
Gadget Token
LIGHT
Level 2
Cyberse/Normal/Token
ATK: 0
DEF: 0
This card can be used as a "Gadget Token".
*If used for another Token, apply that Token's Type/Attribute/Level/ATK/DEF.
"You had two set cards and you pulled off this? No wonder you're so famous around Link VRAINS." Ghost Gal smiled.
"Well now as Space Insulator points too Adminia it loses 800 points!" Playmaker revealed over as Space Insulator generated gravity on Ghost Gal's Link 4.
Altergeist Adminia: (ATK: 3000 - 800 = 2200)
"Then I activate Talkback Lancer's ability!" Talkback Lancer raise it's banner releasing a flag. "By Tributing the Gadget Token, I summon a Code Talker from the graveyard! Code-Data Retrieval!"
The banner's flag appeared bidding the Gadget Token's departure as the graveyard portal opened before what popped out was Decode Talker again.
Decode Talker: (Attack Position/Co-linked with Talkback Lancer)
Talkback Lancer: (Co-linked with Decode Talker)
Ghost Gal's eyes widened.
"And as Decode Talker is linked to a monster it gains 500 points! Power Integration!"
Decode Talker powered up at this. (ATK: 2300 + 500 = 2800)
"Oh, I get it now!" Axis called seeing this. "He used the trap on Decode Talker so he can use that Link 1 to summon it back, and make it stronger then Adminia!"
Ghost Gal frowned. "That might be a problem."
"Well now here I come! Battle! Decode Talker attack Altergeist Adminia with Decode End!" Decode Talker readied it's sword jumping up to slash down.
Ghost Gal braced herself as her monster was destroyed.
(Ghost Gal: 3400/Hand: 0)
"And now Space Insulator attack her directly!" Space Insulator charged a gravity orb firing it at Ghost Gal.
"Not so fast Playmaker, I have the trap Altergeist Manifestation!" Ghost Gal called.
Altertest Manifestation
Normal Trap Card
Target 1 "Altergeist" monster in your GY; Special Summon it in Attack Position, and if you do, equip it with this card. When this card leaves the field, destroy that monster. You can banish this card from your GY, then target 1 "Altergeist" Trap in your GY; add it to your hand. You can only use this effect of "Altergeist Manifestation" once per turn.
"This brings Adminia back from the graveyard in attack position."
Her Link 4 reappeared back at full strength.
Altergeist Adminia: (Equipped with Altegeist Manifestation)
Altergeist Manifestation: (Equipped with Altegeist Adminia)
The Gravity orb vanished as Playmaker grunted seeing this isn't gonna be easy. "I end my turn."
Playmaker's Hand: 1/Field: Talkback Lancer (Attack Position/Extra Monster Zone/Co-linked with Decode Talker), Decode Talker (Attack Position/Co-linked with Talkback Lancer/ATK: 2800), Space Insulator (Attack Position/Banished when leaves the field), One Set Card
Ghost Gal 2nd Turn:
Ghost Gal drew her card before closing her eyes. 'Well, no time like the present.' "I'll start by sending my facedown card to the graveyard to activate Adminia's ability again and you know what that means Playmaker. Decode Talker is mine."
Adminia moves to do the spell again only this time Playmaker is prepared. "Not so fast, I activate Decode Talker's other ability! When your card targets a card on my field with an effect, Decode Talker Tributes a monster it points too to negate the effect, and destroy it!" Talkback Lancer vanished as Decode Talker resisted the spell but this made it weaker.
Decode Talker: (ATK: 2800 - 500 = 2300)
"You aren't the only one with something planned, that trap I sent to the graveyard was called Altergeist Camouflage and by removing it from play Adminia isn't destroyed."
The effect failed to destroy Amindia as Axis admitted over to Fox. "This is really intense here, just neck-to-neck!"
"Agreed." Fox nodded watching the duel. "I should have brought my paintbrushes into Link Vrains to capture this."
"Time for a little payback Playmaker, Adminia attack Decode Talker!"
Adminia charged in which Playmaker called over. "I activate Alchemy Cycle!"
Alchemy Cycle
Normal Trap Card
The original ATK of all face-up monsters you control becomes 0, until the End Phase. Each time a monster that had its original ATK reduced to 0 by this effect is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, draw 1 card.
"This card makes the original attack points of all monsters on my field to 0!"
Decode Talker: (ATK: 0)
Space Insulator: (ATK: 0)
Shocked Ghost Gal couldn't cancel the command as Amindia fired the blast striking down Decode Talker easily while Playmaker got pushed back taking quite a bit of damage. (Playmaker: 1000/Hand: 1) "Then for every monster destroyed by battle that lost there points, I draw a card!" He drew a card making his hand 2.
"Alright they met the requirements for Neo Storm Access!" Axis cheered over.
"Not so fast, I'll use my Skill Secret Cure!" Ghost Gal mentioned quickly. "I reveal cards from the top of my deck until I get a monster and then we both gain life points equal to its attack points."
The lines on her suit glowed at the Skill's activation.
Secret Cure
Ghost Gal's Skill
Excavate the top cards of your Deck for a monster. Both players gain LP equal to the ATK of the excavated monster. Add the excavated monster to your hand, and if you do, send any remaining cards to the GY.
"What?" Playmaker, and Ai asked hearing that as Playmaker frowned. "So she still has a backup against Neo Storm Access."
"Exactly." Ghost Gal smiled drawing. "Altergeist Meluseek has 500 points so we both gain 500 life points."
"Nononono! Far too kind, don't worry about us!" Ai's pleading was no match for the skill taking effect.
(Playmaker: 1500/Hand: 2)
(Ghost Gal: 3900/Hand: 2)
"She stopped us from using our Skill..." Ai held his head in his hands from this.
"I think that's enough so I'll end things there." Ghost Gal smiled.
Ghost Gal's Hand: 2/Field: Altergeist Adminia (Attack Position/Equipped with Altergeist Manifestation), Altergeist Manifestation (Equipped to Altergeist Adminia)
Back outside...
Skye frowned at this. "She certainly learned to get creative when we last met."
"Any advice to help him beat her?" Makoto inquired. "At this point, he might need it."
"I don't know. Me, and Ghost Gal never dueled so I don't exactly know her Deck." Skye admitted over as they watched.
Playmaker: 1500
Hand: 2
Field: Space Insulator (Attack Position/Banished when leaves the field)
Ghost Gal: 3900
Hand: 2
Field: Altergeist Adminia (Attack Position/Equipped with Altergeist Manifestation), Altergeist Manifestation (Equipped to Altergeist Adminia)
Playmaker 3rd Turn:
"Well I have to admit Ghost Gal, your certainly a challenge." Playmaker admitted over towards her. "I didn't expect that Skill, and it's really useful even against my own Skill. But I think it's time this duel is over, do ya agree?"
"What are you plotting?" Ghost Gal questioned hearing that.
"Watch, I draw!" Playmaker drew looking at his cards, and picked one of them, "I'll start with Balancer Lord!"
Balancer Lord popped up readying.
(Attack Position)
Balancer Lord
LIGHT
Level 4
Cyberse/Effect
ATK: 1700
DEF: 1200
Once per turn: You can pay 1000 LP; during your Main Phase this turn, you can Normal Summon 1 Cyberse monster, in addition to your Normal Summon/Set. (You can only gain this effect once per turn.) If this card is banished: You can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower monster from your hand. You can only use this effect of "Balancer Lord" once per turn.
"Once every turn, I can pay 1000 life points to use it's ability!" Playmaker called glowing. (Playmaker: 0500/Hand: 2)
Ghost Gal's eyes widened in shock.
"Yeah he's at the sweet spot!" Axis grinned over.
"Ready it." Playmaker directed to Ai.
"Righty-o, Playmaker!" Eagerly accepting Ai generated a Data Storm nearby as it headed over to there direction.
"That's a rather large storm." Fox noted seeing it.
"Should mean there's a powerful monster in it!" Playmaker moved in entering the storm.
"Let's see how it works." Ghost Gal quickly followed him in.
"Kolter?" Sophia asked watching that. "Would it be ok if I went in next time?"
"I don't see why not." Cal answered as they watched before noticing Ghost Gal. "Wait what she's doing!? She's gonna get torn up!"
This made they look over.
"Emma!" Skye cried revealing Ghost Gal's real name out of fear for her.
Ghost Gal in the Data Storm held onto her Duel Board watching Playmaker as he tries the skill, "How do you do it Playmaker?"
"I activate my skill! When I have 1000 or less LP, I bring a random Cyberse from the Data Storm to my Extra Deck!" Playmaker raised a hand calling out as a dragon visage appeared roaring flying in his hand.
"I am thou, thou art I... I belong to the Collective Unconscious now a part of your soul." spoke the dragon as it materialized as a card.
"Collective Unconscious...?" Ghost Gal then lost her balance. "Oh no!"
Overhearing her Playmaker turned before grabbing the card seeing Ghost Gal rocketing before losing her grip falling off screaming. Quickly moving Playmaker reached, and grabbed her wrist making her look at him in shock as he stared at her. "Looks like your okay." He placed her back on her board before grabbing the card. "NEO STORM ACCESS!"
Neo Storm Access
Playmaker's Skill
Can be used if your LP are at 1000 or below. Add 1 randomly-generated Cyberse monster well-suited for your Deck from a nearby Data Storm to your Extra Deck. The more intense the Data Storm, the stronger the monster will be.
The dragon visage roared generating, and the storm broke off revealing there both okay.
"You saved me... thank you." Emma smiled softly. "But don't think I'm going easy on you, this duel is over on my next turn Playmaker. There's no way you can beat me."
"Don't expected to go easy." Playmaker grinned to her before adding. "Too bad you won't get a chance." She blinked as she raised an arm. "Appear circuit that leads to the future!"
The circuit appeared as Balancer Lord, and Space Insulator entered the arrows. "When Space Insulator leaves the field when summoned from it's ability it's banished!"
"Link Summon! Link 2, Cyberse Wicckid!"
A small green haired boy wearing a robe, and a wand rose up smiling.
(Attack Position)
(Extra Monster Zone)
Cyberse Wicckid
DARK
Link Rating 2
Cyberse/Effect/Link
ATK: 800
Link Markers: Bottom, Bottom-Right
2 Cyberse monsters
This Link Summoned card cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects. Cyberse monsters this card points to cannot be destroyed by card effects. If a monster(s) is Special Summoned to a zone(s) this card points to while you control this monster (except during the Damage Step): You can banish 1 Cyberse monster from your GY; add 1 Cyberse Tuner from your Deck to your hand. You can only use this effect of "Cyberse Wicckid" once per turn.
"What are you up to?" she asked curiously.
"Well first as I have a Cyberse, I can Special Summon Backup Secretary!" Playmaker placed down a card as Backup Secretary rose up.
(Attack Position)
Backup Secretary
LIGHT
Level 3
Cyberse/Effect
ATK: 1200
DEF: 800
If you control a Cyberse monster, you can Special Summon this card (from your hand). You can only Special Summon "Backup Secretary" once per turn this way.
"Then Cyberse Wicckid's effect activates! Since a monster was Special Summoned next to it's Link, I can banish Balancer Lord to add Cyberse Synchron to my hand!" Balancer Lord's card vanished as Playmaker added a card.
"Synchron?" Ghost Girl questioned as she looked at the card in Playmaker's hand. "That usually means a Synchro Summon."
"Well now as Balancer Lord was banished, I can summon a Level 4 or lower Cyberse! And I summon Knightmare Corruptor Iblee!"
What rose was a black haired sinister looking girl with a grin.
(Attack Position)
Knightmare Corruptor Iblee
DARK
Level 1
Cyberse/Effect
ATK: 0
DEF: 0
When this card is Normal Summoned: You can target 1 Link Monster in your GY; Special Summon it to your field so it points to this card, but change its ATK to 0, also negate its effects. You cannot Special Summon monsters, except Link Monsters. If this card in its owner's control is sent to the GY: You can Special Summon this card to your opponent's field in Defense Position. You can only use this effect of "Knightmare Corruptor Iblee" once per turn.
"Link Summon!" Wicckid, and Iblee entered the bottom, and top arrows. "Link 2, Pentestag!"
A mechanical beetle like monster rose up.
(Attack Position)
(Extra Monster Zone)
Pentestag
DARK
Link Rating 2
Cyberse/Effect/Link
ATK: 1600
Link Markers: Up, Down
2 Effect Monsters
If your linked monster attacks a Defense Position monster, inflict piercing battle damage to your opponent.
"Iblee's effect activates! When it's used for a Link Summon, it's summoned to your field in Defense Position!" Playmaker added as Iblee appeared beside Adminia kneeling.
Knightmare Corruptor Iblee: (Defense Position)
"To my field?" Ghost Gal asked seeing the monster. "What's the point of that move?"
"You'll find out. For now due to Balancer Lord's effect, I can Normal Summon another Cyberse such as Synchron!"
A cyberse with a ring around it appeared.
(Attack Position)
Cyberse Synchron
DARK
Level 1
Cyberse/Effect/Tuner
ATK: 100
DEF: 100
Once per turn: You can target 1 Level 4 or lower monster you control; increase its Level by its original Level until the end of this turn. If your monster(s) in the Extra Monster Zone would be destroyed by battle or card effect, you can banish this card from your GY instead. You can only use this effect of "Cyberse Synchron" once per turn.
"And now Cyberse Synchron's ability activates! It doubles a monster's level on my field!" Synchron glowed as Backup Secretary glowed.
Backup Secretary: (LV: 3 x 2 = 6)
"I had a feeling you were planning to Synchro Summon." Ghost Gal admitted.
"Well get ready to see it close hand!" Playmaker called as Synchron turned to 1 ring while Backup Secretary formed to 6 stars.
(LV: 1 + 6 = 7)
"Flash of Lightning! The unknown power transforms into a soaring dragon! Synchro Summon! Descend! Cyberse Quantum Dragon!"
What flew in was a white, and blue dragon with four glowing blue eyes with small arms, and large wings roaring.
(Attack Position)
(Linked to Pentestag)
Cyberse Quantum Dragon
DARK
Level 7
Cyberse/Effect/Synchro
ATK: 2500
DEF: 2000
1 Tuner + 1+ non-Tuner monsters
(This card is treated as a "Persona" card.)
While you control a Link Monster, monsters your opponent controls cannot target monsters you control for attacks, except this one, also your opponent cannot target monsters you control with card effects, except this one. Once per turn, at the start of the Damage Step, if this card battles an opponent's monster: You can return that opponent's monster to the hand, also, this card can make a second attack in a row.
Pentestag: (Linked to Cyberse Quantum Dragon)
Ghost Gal only smirked glancing at her hand.
"And now battle! Cyberse Quantum Dragon attack Altergeist Adminia!" Quantum Dragon roared charging in at the stronger monster who braced herself.
'I don't know what he's planning but I won't let him do it.' Ghost Gal thought taking a card. "Sorry to disappoint you Playmaker, but I'll use the effect of my Altergeist Konquery in my hand. When you declare an attack I can summon her in defense mode to negate your attack and then I can also negate the effects of your Cyberse Quantum Dragon!"
"ERROR!" Her Duel Disk went off suddenly.
"What?" Ghost Gal questioned only to freeze as her eyes widened. "Your monster!"
"Looks like you now found out." Playmaker grinned over. "I knew you have a monster that can summon itself to stop what I do so I give you Iblee. While on the field it's controller cannot Special Summon except by Link Summoning!"
"Well, even if that's true Adminia has 500 more points than your dragon which means this duel is over." Ghost Gal pointed out.
"Which is why I have Quantum Dragon's ability! Before calculation, it returns the monster it's battling to your hand!"
"What!?"
"Driveback Shot!" Quantum Dragon flew pass Adminia as it returned to Ghost Gal's Extra Deck. "Quantum Dragon's additional effect! When Driveback Shot succeeds it can attack again!" Quantum Dragon flew around at Iblee. "Quantum Encryption!" Quantum Dragon fired a dark purple blast at Iblee.
"Wait, but that monster's in defense position." Ai pointed out.
"Pestentag's effect! Monsters that are linked on my field gain piercing damage!" Playmaker explained over.
Ghost Girl's eyes widened as the blast destroyed Iblee. "He went through all my expectations!"
(Ghost Gal: 1400/Hand: 2)
"Now Pentestag finish this! Attack Ghost Gal directly!"
Pentestag charged in at Ghost Gal. Ghost Gal could only watch as the attack hit wiping out the last of her life points.
Playmaker: 0500
Hand: 0
Field: Pestentag (Attack Position/Extra Monster Zone/Linked to Cyberse Quantum Dragon), Cyberse Quantum Dragon (Attack Position/Linked to Pestentag)
Ghost Gal: 0000
Hand: 2
Field: Nothing
Playmaker wins!
They all gathered at a rooftop as Playmaker smiled to Ghost Gal who's sitting criss-crossed on the floor. "Well that was fun Ghost Gal. You were tough."
"True, but not tough enough. You're definitely skilled Playmaker." she sighed as she tossed him the orb of data. "I'll be keeping an even closer eye on you from now on."
He takes it storing it in her Duel Disk before walking over offering her a hand.
"We should do that again sometime." Playmaker smiled over.
"I'll be waiting." Smiling she took it getting up only for time to seem to freeze again.
"I am Thou, Thou Art I...
Thou has acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion
that breaketh the chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Empress Persona,
I shall become the key that shall lead
to promise, and truth..."
Emma Bessho/Ghost Gal: (Empress; RANK 1)
Time unfroze which made Playmaker mutter to himself. "Empress, huh...?"
"What was that?" Ghost Gal asked. "Did you say something?"
Realizing he said that aloud he looked seeing her confused look which he assures. "Oh sorry, I was talking to myself. Thanks for the key, and the match."
She nodded. "I suppose I should be thanking you for the match too."
With that she jumped on her Duel Board and raced off. They stared before he turned to Fox, "Well Fox we got what we came for. Let's go."
"Indeed." he nodded as the two of them logged out of Link VRAINS.
Yusaku, and Yusuke sighed when they returned only for Futaba to glare at Yusuke. "Inari, that was one of the worst times you have your little artist episodes."
"Inspiration struck me Futaba." Yusuke answered calmly.
"Well now we got the key to SOLs' Data Banks." Yusaku said over towards them. "And that's the important part."
"Alright. Yusaku do we head in now?" Cal asked him.
Yusaku shakes his head. "No, not yet. After that match, I need to recuperate. We will be heading into the heart of SOLs so we need to be at our full strength before continuing on. There's also Zaizen's Palace to go over to change his heart so Skye won't move."
"Should we divide and conquer?" Sophia asked him. "I could go to the databank while the rest of you go to the palace."
Yusaku shook his head. "As of now we don't have the infiltration route secure or sent the Calling Card so we can't do that now. Once the Calling Card is sent we make our move on the Data Banks since I think Zaizen will be busy at SOL that his Shadow won't be around." Of course that's hopeful thinking the Shadow actually isn't around the Palace by the time they take the Treasure.
"We're on a strict deadline, we only have three days." Makoto pointed out. "We need a strategy quickly."
"Morgana how much of the Palace have we covered?" Yusaku asked him.
"If I had to guess, just about half." Morgana answered.
"Then tomorrow we head in, and reach the room the Treasure is at." Yusaku stated over at that. "No matter what, we keep going until we secure that infiltration route so that we can be ready to send the Calling Card, and head in to SOLS' Data Banks. You all better be ready cause it's definitely gonna be difficult at this rate."
"Then if I may make a suggestion of my own?" Akechi noted. "We should go in three separate teams, if some of us use up too much energy we can swap with the second or third team to guarantee we reach the Treasure. Akira will lead one group, I'll be charge of the second and Yusaku can lead the third."
"One team takes the battles, and if there tired enough another team switches out so they can rest." Zenkichi cups his chin in thought before nodding. "Don't see a problem with that."
"Alright, then who's on which team?" Ann asked them.
They all chat it over before they all decided.
Akira will have Ryuji, Sumire, and Ann.
Akechi's will have Haru, Makoto, and Yusuke.
Lastly Yusaku will have Skye, Morgana, and Sophia.
Ulrich362: Well, it sounds like they have a plan to get through Zaizen's palace... but will it work?
bopdog111: Well it's tough to say.
Ulrich362: True, only time will tell... though with a new Confidant with Ghost Gal and his bond with Shima growing Yusaku is getting to be a more powerful Wildcard.
bopdog111: Yeah he will be.
Ulrich362: Well, we'll just have to see what happens. See you in the next chapter.
bopdog111: Be sure to review!