Responses to Reviews

Thank you to jdkeller2000, streetlife34, ZarcEternal, savagemaster1999, ThePLOThand, Nirvash Neo, guardian of the aura Aurasoul, D3lph0xL0v3r, SakushiRyu, electriuser, HunterHQ, PhotonBlade2000, Lightning, suppes1, JaneValentine007, Frost190, SolonaLeonhart, Yasutake Fan, Warrior Werewolf, DivadX, Zero Shadow-01, animegamefanatic, Flick, Lindia Fullmoon, Unknown, cmcollinspg9, Unnamed, and Starlight Anubis for reviewing Chapter 43.

Nirvash Neo: Just as 666 is seen as the Number of the Beast, which is why all Cydemons have 600 defense points, 7 is seen as a sacred number in several circles, which is why all Cyangels have 700 defense points.

electriuser: It would have been nice for him to lose while using Superior Seraphim but remember: he can't use Superior Seraphim in a Speed Duel; if he did, the duel would be canceled out, like what happened when he dueled Terminus.

Yasutake Fan: "Bound Link" is the OCG name for the card Link Bound; that chapter and duel were released before the card was released in the TCG.

DivadX: No, actually. I got ideas for Helel's description from the fanfic "A Demon Among Devils," a Persona 3/High School DxD crossover by The Crimson Lord, while also building on the design of Covetous Leviathan. But I do think Satanael has a great design.

Unknown: The Cydemon Deck was stolen eight years ago, and at that point Cypher's data had already been split among the Cyspirit cards. Not much he could really do about that.

Now before I begin, I decided I would save the updated OP for next chapter, as a monster that appeared in it will appear in this one. That aside, I hope you enjoy Chapter 44!

Chapter 44: The Girl with the Cyangels

Emma stared at her monitor in horror. "No way…" she whispered. "Morningstar… lost?"

A scrapping sound made her look behind her to see Aoi strapping on her Duel Disk. "Aoi?"

"I'm going in, Emma," the younger girl said, a fierce expression on her face. "Yasutake's my friend. I can't…"

Emma's face softened. "I understand. Go."

Aoi nodded and raised her arm. "Into the VRAINS!" Sachi, she thought as the blue orb materialized around her. I won't let you lose him.

A boy fell through the sky. As he fell, his speed accelerated. When he finally hit an island, the impact created a crater. When the smoke from his landing cleared, it revealed that the boy was unconscious and covered in bruises.

Zahhak leapt off his D-Board and landed next to his downed opponent. "How anticlimactic," the older man said dismissively as he walked up to the teen. "Though I suppose it is a fitting end for a 'Devil.'"

He reached down and grabbed the youth's left arm, lifting his Duel Disk. "And now…" He gasped. Then he chuckled. "Well. How unexpected."

"Morningstar!"

Zahhak turned his head as Playmaker and Soulburner landed a few meters away.

"Get away from him!" Soulburner said angrily as he glared at Zahhak.

"Hmm." Zahhak let go of the former bounty hunter's wrist and stood to his full height before turning around to look at the duo. "Playmaker and Soulburner. Partners of the Dark and Fire Ignis." His eyeholes glowed red. "You're both too weak to give me a challenge. But I suppose taking both of you on at once would be interesting."

"You bastard…" Soulburner growled through gritted teeth.

"ZAHHAK!"

Playmaker, Soulburner, and Zahhak all looked up and the former two gasped. Cassiel, a murderous look on her face, was steering her D-Board right at Zahhak. The prow of which was aimed right at his face.

Zahhak growled and braced his legs before raising his left arm. Cassiel's D-Board hit his hand, generating sparks of red lightning as he blocked her attack. After a few seconds of struggling, Zahhak released a pulse of lightning and knocked Cassiel back. The girl's D-Board disintegrated as she jumped backwards and then somersaulted when she hit the ground.

Kneeling on the ground, Cassiel raised her head and glared at the armored man. If looks could kill, Zahhak would have been dead a million times over.

"Get away from him!" she growled out, her voice low with anger.

Zahhak chuckled before raising his right hand over Morningstar. It glowed with a red light as the hunter disintegrated. When he was gone, an orb of golden light had materialized in Zahhak's hand.

Playmaker grit his teeth. "Let Morningstar go!" he said.

"Why would I do that?" Zahhak asked dismissively.

"Playmaker!"

They all turned as Blue Girl appeared on the island above them. "Blue Girl!" Cassiel said in surprise before grimacing. "This isn't a good time!"

"I know, I saw the duel," the blue-haired girl said with a grimace as she glared at the man who looked up at her out of the corner of his eye. "I don't know who you are, but you hurt my friend! Release Morningstar's consciousness data!"

Zahhak grunted contemptuously. "The sister of SOL Technologies' security chief," he said. "You have no power over me. And should you challenge me, you would fare worse than these three." Blue Girl grit her teeth at his dismissal. But the man turned back to give Cassiel an appraising look.

"While you remain a disappointment, I'm not averse to bargaining," he said. "I'll offer you the same deal I offered Morningstar: defeat me and I'll release his data. I'll even throw in Nebula's as a bonus. But if I win, I'll take your consciousness data. And the Link-5 you carry."

Cassiel gasped, momentarily confused. "What? Why would you want that?"

"You don't need to know why," he said as the golden orb vanished. "Do you accept?"

Cassiel grit her teeth. "Of course I do! I won't let you hold Morningstar hostage!"

Zahhak chuckled. "Good. Then why don't we-."

BA-BUMP

Zahhak gasped and stumbled, his hand over his chest. Everyone else blinked in surprise.

"Eh?" Ai said, emerging from Playmaker's Duel Disk. "What's wrong with him?"

Zahhak inhaled sharply and then growled as he clenched his chest. "Not now…" he muttered. His breath started coming out heavier as he looked up at a confused Cassiel. "Tomorrow," he said lowly. "Return here tomorrow." He pressed a button on his Duel Disk.

"Wait!" Cassiel cried out, but she was too late. Zahhak had already logged out.

"W-What was that?" Ai asked. "Did he have a heart attack or something?"

"I don't know," Flame said, emerging from Soulburner's Duel Disk. "But this isn't good; he has Morningstar and Cypher now."

"Yasu…"

The four males present turned to Cassiel. The anger seemed to have bled out of her at Zahhak's departure. Unshed tears started to gather in her eyes before she wiped them off and logged out.

"Cassiel…" Soulburner said worriedly.

Playmaker frowned in sympathy. "We need to go," he said. Soulburner looked at him and nodded. The duo logged out, leaving Blue Girl alone.

"Sachi," she whispered, hugging herself. "I'm sorry…"

When Yusaku and Takeru returned from LINK VRAINS, they found Café Nagi already in motion. Kusanagi kept driving until he reached Café Junpei. The trio got out of the hotdog truck and entered the bakery. They ignored the steward bot behind the counter and raced up the stairs to the second floor. Cam met them there, a grim look on his face.

"Cam!" Kusanagi said, his worry evident. "Where-?"

"…Follow me," Cam said softly. He headed further up the stairs, leading them to the fourth floor. He took them to one of the bedrooms.

Yasutake was lying down on the bed, his eyes closed. Sachi was kneeling next to him, her head in her arms. She lifted her head and turned to look at the newcomers, tears running down her cheeks.

"Yusaku," she said. "Takeru. Kusanagi."

"Sachi…" Kusanagi muttered as the three entered and looked down at Yasutake's body. Takeru grit his teeth as his body shook. Yusaku had an expression of utmost grief as he stared at his unconscious friend.

"Yasutake," Ai said softly as he looked down at the teen, tears in his own eyes.

"…So. What are we going to do?" Flame asked. It was the first time any of them had heard uncertainty in the Ignis's voice.

"…We defeat Zahhak," Yusaku said, his voice hard. "And get Narahiko's consciousness data back."

"I don't disagree, but…"

"That's easier said than done," Kusanagi said, finishing Ai's thoughts. "You didn't see the start of the duel Yusaku, but I did. Zahhak's Deck has great offensive power and punishes linking. He might be beyond your ability to defeat."

"Even so, I can't abandon Narahiko," Yusaku countered.

"You won't have to."

They all turned to Sachi, who was staring at Yasutake's face. Tears still stained her cheeks, but she had stopped producing new ones. Her own face was set in a mask of determination. "Zahhak is mine," she said.

Cam scowled and opened his mouth, but Sachi turned to him and beat him to the punch. "I know what you're going to say, Cam: that I'm inexperienced and I should leave this to Yusaku and Takeru. But I can't."

She looked back at Yasutake, sadness briefly overwhelming her face. "Yasu fought so hard for you and me," she said softly. "He fought for three years in the hope that I would one day escape my own darkness. Now it's my turn to save him."

Cam's frown deepened. "I don't disagree with you," he said slowly. "But Zahhak defeated Yasu while holding back. He didn't even use his Skill. I know you've gotten stronger, but you're not at that level yet. You can't beat him."

Sachi shook her head. "I'm the only one who can." She lifted her Duel Disk so it was level with her stomach. "Have you forgotten? Cypher made the Cyangels, the Cyspirits, and the Cydemons. If any Deck can defeat him, it's the Cyangels."

Cam grit his teeth. "She's right, you know."

Brother and sister blinked and looked down at Sachi's Duel Disk. Then they blinked again and Sachi cried out.

"Cypher?!"

The Ignis flinched and tapped the side of its head. "Why do you humans keep shouting around me when I show up? Are you trying to drive me deaf?"

"You're here!" Ai cheered, relieved to see his friend.

"When Zahhak took Morningstar's consciousness data, we thought he took you as well," Flame said.

Cypher's eyes narrowed. "He almost did. But right before that last attack hit, my partner activated a forced ejection program." He looked over at the comatose teen. "Damn you, Yasutake. I thought we were a team. You shouldn't make such decisions on your own!"

Yusaku blinked. "Forced ejection program?"

Cypher nodded. "It was an emergency program we wrote in case Morningstar would ever lose," he explained. "It would remove me from the Duel Disk so the opponent couldn't take me. I never thought we'd actually use it, though." He growled and shook his head. "Still, the damn thing discombobulated me good. It took me a while to get my head back on straight. Then I just had to find an acceptable Duel Disk. No complaints, right Sachi?"

The girl smiled. "None, Cypher. I'm glad you're safe. That's one less worry."

"Is she right, Cypher?" The girl and Ignis turned back to a frowning Cam. "Are the Cyangels the best chance to defeat the Cydemons?"

Cypher narrowed his eyes in thought and crossed his arms. "Truthfully, I'm not sure," he admitted. "The Cydemon Deck is the strongest of the three I made. And Zahhak has at least one card that I didn't make, so he probably has others." He uncrossed his arms. "But the Cyangel Deck does have a better chance than the Cyspirits, Salamangreats, and Playmaker's Deck. With the information I have, the Cyangels have a 50% chance of victory, compared to 25% for the Salamangreats and 35% for Playmaker." He turned to look at Ai and Flame. "No offense, you two."

"Some taken," Ai said, glaring at Cypher. Flame nodded in agreement.

"Then give the cards to Yusaku," Cam argued. "He's the best duelist here; give him some time to get familiar with the cards, and he'll probably duel better with them than any of us."

"No." Sachi shook her head. "It has to me. After everything he's done for me… I can't just let someone else fight my battle."

"…Let her duel, Cam."

The green-haired man blinked and turned to Yusaku. "I know what it feels like to want to do something by yourself," he said softly. "If your sister believes she needs to do this, then I have no problem with it."

Takeru nodded. "Same here," he said. "She nearly beat me, after all, and she's stronger now. She can handle Zahhak."

Cam frowned and looked at Kusanagi, who just smiled and shrugged. "You can't stop her, can you?" he asked.

Cam sighed. "No. No, I can't." He turned back to Sachi. "Alright. You win. But how are you going to find Zahhak?"

"Before he logged out, he told me to come back tomorrow. So I'll go there after school."

"What was that, anyway?" Ai asked. "It looked like he had a heart attack. Do you think he's okay?"

"We should hope so," Flame said. "He may be an enemy, but he's also the only chance we have of getting Narahiko's consciousness data back."

The blue orb disappeared from the darkened room. The man inside gasped as he regained consciousness. He grabbed his chest as he felt the pressure return. "Damn it," he muttered, getting up from the sofa. He stumbled over to a nearby desk, hand at his chest and his breath quickening.

He pushed aside papers and grabbed a bottle. Opening it, he shook loose a few pills, then popped them into his mouth. He grabbed another bottle, this one filled with water, and took a deep drink. He fell back into a nearby chair, still gasping for breath as he clutched his chest.

Slowly, the pain faded. His breathing returned to normal and he breathed a sigh of relief. "Damn it," he muttered. "Why did that have to happen?"

With his panic and pain subsided, he finally noticed a beeping sound and looked down at his wrist. He pressed a button on his Duel Disk. "Yes?"

"Congratulations are in order," the distorted voice on the other end said. "All of LINK VRAINS witnessed your duel. And your attack. Has it subsided?"

He swallowed, then responded. "Yes. I forgot to take the medicine earlier." He scowled. "With all the excitement since Bohman appeared, I forgot the treatments."

"Regrettable, but given the results, it was acceptable. Did you acquire the Silver Ignis and Link-5?"

"…No."

"…Explain."

"Morningstar activated an ejection program in his Duel Disk before Prideful Helel's last attack hit. The Silver Ignis was forced to leave. And the Link-5 Cyspirit wasn't in his Extra Deck. He likely removed it prior to coming to LINK VRAINS." A sensible decision, since it couldn't be used in a Speed Duel.

"…How irritating. I had hoped to finish a vital step for the Final Ascension Plan, but it seems our enemies are smarter than I anticipated. You did recover Morningstar's consciousness data though?"

"I did. And I've already made plans for him. I'll duel Cassiel tomorrow, with the Cyangels' Link-5 and Morningstar's consciousness data on the line."

"A good proposal. But not one you will see through."

He scowled again. "This is my mission and she-."

"You had an attack because you forgot your medicine. You need to let it build up again before you can enter LINK VRAINS without worry of an attack. That will take a few days. I can't allow my best Enforcer to take unnecessary risks."

His scowl turned into a frown. "I assume then, that you have plans for a different opponent?"

"Yes. Jester is still investigating the missing Ignis, and as I understand, he is close to locating them. Unfortunately, Merlin's flight was diverted by a storm over central Russia. It will be a few more days before he arrives."

"So… Ah. I see. That's your intention."

"Indeed. Going off your assumptions of Cassiel's skill level, she should serve as little difficulty to your associate. It will be enough."

"Good. I'll give him instructions tomorrow. Zahhak out." He ended the call after that, then pressed a different button. A golden orb materialized above his Duel Disk. "Alright Morningstar," he mused. "Let's find out who you are."

School was horrible.

Not because of the company. Aoi had met Sachi at the halfway point, offered her sympathies for Yasutake, and held her hand the rest of the way. And while they were at school, Aoi stuck by her side. When a boy she'd never met tried talking to her, Aoi shooed him away. When Sachi went to Music Club, Aoi went with her. And unshed tears gathered at the corners of her eyes when Sachi sang Ichiban no Takaramono.

Yusaku and Takeru were there of course, but they kept their distance. She didn't know if they were giving her some space or just watching over her from a distance. Probably both. She didn't mind. Nor did she mind Aoi staying at her side. They were doing what they thought they needed to do for her sake. What they knew that only they could do.

It was a relief when school ended, and Sachi picked up homework for Yasutake. Aoi walked her to the crosswalk, but she walked the rest of the way to Café Junpei herself. As it turned out though, Kusanagi had once again parked Café Nagi outside of the bakery, and Yusaku and Takeru were waiting for her. The two guys and the girl walked into Café Junpei's backroom, where Cam and Cypher were waiting for them.

"Sachi," Cam said with a frown, "you're sure this is what you want to do?"

She nodded without hesitation. This was something she, and only she, could do. Cam sighed. "Alright. I won't stop you. Just… be careful." He turned to the boys with her. "Look after her, will you?"

"We will," Yusaku assured him.

"If anything, she'll probably be looking out for us," Takeru said.

"This won't be like your duel with Takeru, Sachi," Cypher said, looking up at her from the Duel Disk she'd left behind on the counter. "You're stronger than you were before, but Zahhak is far stronger than Soulburner. No offense."

Takeru smiled at Cypher's comment. "I know Zahhak is strong," Sachi said, placing her Duel Disk on her wrist. "But if I can't face him, then how can I possibly help Yasutake? Or look myself in the eye again?"

"Try a mirror. They work wonders." Sachi smiled and rolled her eyes at Cypher's stupid joke. The Ignis turned into his eye form. "Still, I'd be a poor partner if I didn't help get mine back, so I made a few upgrades, both to your Deck and your Duel Disk."

A text box popped up above the Duel Disk, which made Sachi smile after she read it. "Thank you, Cypher." She turned to Yusaku and Takeru. "And thank you, both of you, for letting me do this."

They nodded. "We'll meet you in LINK VRAINS," Yusaku said.

"Let's save Yasutake!" Takeru cheered.

Sachi nodded and entered Yasutake's sealed room.

"Into the VRAINS!"

The trio landed on the island they had left yesterday and looked around. "I don't see any sign of Zahhak," Flame said.

"I don't sense him either," Playmaker said.

"Me and Morningstar both sensed him when he got close," Cypher said. "So either he's not here or he's concealing his presence somehow."

"By the way," Soulburner said, looking at the Silver Ignis. "Zahhak asked Cassiel to bring a Link-5 monster with her. Do she actually have one?"

Cassiel nodded. "Yes. It was with the rest of the Cyangel cards."

"But why would Zahhak want it?"

"I've been wondering that too," Ai said. "He asked for her Link-5 specifically. Is there something special about it?"

"Aside from not being able to be used in a Speed Duel, no," Cypher shook his head. "When I made the three Decks, I made a Link-5 for each. Power-wise, they're between the Egyptian God Cards and Nordic God Cards. But aside from that, there shouldn't be any reason for Zahhak to want her Link-5."

Playmaker frowned. Could he want her card simply because it is a powerful card? he wondered. Or is there some other reason?

His eyes widened as his head swiveled, looking around. "Someone's here," he said.

"Yes," Ai said, eyes narrowed as he looked around. "I'm sensing them too."

Cypher narrowed his gaze as he followed Ai and Playmaker's action. "I sense them as well; but it doesn't feel like Zahhak. It feels more like…"

Soulburner also looked around, then his eyes widened as he saw a red light on Cassiel's back. "Cassiel! Look out!"

"Huh?" Cassiel turned to look, but not fast enough. A shot rang out and then she cried out in pain as the bullet struck her in the right shoulder.

"Cassiel!"

Playmaker and Soulburner rushed to her side and checked the wound. Glowing golden light spread out across her arm. Their eyes widened. "This is…" Playmaker muttered.

"Statement: Target acquired."

The humans and Ignis looked up and saw a rust-red skeletal machine standing on a nearby ledge, compacting its sniper rifle and clipping it to its back.

"That's the AI duelist Ghost Girl dueled!" Ai said, recognizing the machine.

"Correction: The machine that Ghost Girl faced was model 70 of the HK series," the machine said as it jumped down to their level. "I am model 71, and I have been sent by my master to retrieve the Cyangels."

Cassiel grit her teeth. "So Zahhak sent you in his place?"

"Answer: Yes. My master is indisposed at the moment and so sent me to duel you, with Morningstar's consciousness data on the line." It held up its left hand as a golden sphere appeared above it."

Cypher gasped. "That's my partner's data!"

"Statement: My shot has placed your avatar in a Duel Lock; you cannot log out or engage another in a duel until you face me. Nor can I duel anyone else until we duel."

"Just like before with Ghost Girl, when she took the shot meant for Morningstar," Playmaker remembered.

"Didn't it say that it engaged in Player Kill duels?" Ai asked, making Cassiel's eyes widen.

"It did," Flame confirmed. "Though considering the circumstances, that is a minor concern."

"Statement: I tire of this posturing," HK-71 said. "Let us begin our duel, female meatbag!"

Cassiel grit her teeth and then grinned. "You weren't the opponent I thought I would have, but I'll take you on all the same!"

HK-71 nodded and then ran towards the edge of the island, Cassiel chasing after it. The two jumped off and landed on their D-Boards before speeding away. Playmaker and Soulburner followed after them.

"Oi, Playmaker, are you sure about this?" Soulburner asked. "I know this will probably be easier than if she dueled Zahhak, but still…"

"It's out of our hands," Playmaker replied. "All we can do know is hope for Cassiel's victory."

Girl and AI faced off against each other, the AI duelist in the lead.

"Speed Duel!"

Cassiel: 4000 LP

HK-71: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn!" Cassiel declared. "Since there are no 'Cyangel' monsters in my Graveyard, I Special Summon Cyangel Cupbearer!" A golden-skinned young man wearing a golden robe and holding a silver goblet suspended between his hands appeared in Attack Position.

Cyangel Cupbearer ATK 1400 DEF 700 LVL: 3

"Next, I summon Cyangel Trumpeter!" A gold-skinned man in a white toga appeared. He had solid blue eyes, short gold wavy hair, and small wings growing out of his back. His right arm was mechanical, and he held a golden trumpet, which he brought up to his mouth and played.

Cyangel Trumpeter ATK 1300 DEF 700 LVL: 3

"Trumpeter's monster effect! When it is Normal Summoned and I have no 'Cyangel' monsters in my Graveyard, I can add Cyangel Sanctum from my Deck to my hand." She took the card, then played it. "I activate the Field Spell Card: Cyangel Sanctum! While this card is active, my LIGHT Cyberse monsters gain 300 attack and defense points!"

Cyangel Cupbearer ATK 1400→1700 DEF 700→1000

Cyangel Trumpeter ATK 1300→1600 DEF 700→1000

"I activate Sanctum's effect! By shuffling a card in my hand back into my Deck, I add Cyangel Cherub from my Deck to my hand." She took the card, then pointed upwards. "Appear! The circuit of infinite light! The summoning conditions are two Light Cyberse monsters. I set Cupbearer and Trumpeter in the Link Markers!" Her monsters entered the Link portal's top and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Cyseraph Ophanim!"

A new golden angel emerged from the portal. This one wore crimson robes over a golden tunic and had blonde hair shaped in an undercut and swept to the right. Solid blue eyes with gold lights in the centers shone in its face, and four golden mechanical wings emerged from its back, though the lower set of wings was half the size of the other set. The Link Monster folded its hands in prayer as it was summoned to the right Extra Monster Zone.

Cyseraph Ophanim ATK 2000→2300 LINK-2 ↑↓

"A Link-2 Cyseraph?" Soulburner said in a surprised tone.

"Curious Statement: I was not aware of the Cyangels having a Link-2 monster," HK-71 noted.

"They didn't initially, but I came up with one to make the Deck easier to use," Cypher admitted shamelessly.

"Cupbearer's and Trumpeter's effects activate!" Cassiel declared. "Since they were sent to the Graveyard, they are then shuffled back into my Deck. Then, I can add a 'Cyangel' monster from my Deck to my hand and Special Summon a 'Cyangel' monster from my hand. I add Cyangel Choir from my Deck to my hand, then Special Summon Cyangel Cherub!" A bare-chested golden-skinned child with wings appeared at Ophanim's bottom Link Marker in Attack Position.

Cyangel Cherub ATK 1800→2100 DEF 700→1000 LVL: 4

"Ophanim's monster effect! When a monster is Summoned to its Link Marker while I have no 'Cyangel' monsters in my Graveyard, I can add a 'Cyangel' Spell or Trap Card from my Deck to my hand."

She took a card, then gestured upwards. "Appear again, the circuit of infinite light! The summoning conditions are two or more Light Cyberse monsters. I set Cherub and Link-2 Ophanim in the Link Markers!" Her monsters entered the top, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Cyseraph Blazing Uriel!" A golden man in red-and-gold armor emerged from the portal and spread his four golden wings wide as a red-and-gold longbow formed in his left hand. The archangel posed as he was summoned to the right Extra Monster Zone.

Cyseraph Blazing Uriel ATK 2500→2800 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"Statement: A Link-3 Cyseraph has appeared."

"Cherub's and Ophanim's effects activate! I shuffle them into my Deck and Extra Deck respectively, then I can Special Summon one 'Cyangel' monster from my Deck in Defense Position and then gain 1000 Life Points. Come to me, Cyangel Abbot!" A golden-skinned bald middle-aged man with a light brown beard appeared at Blazing Uriel's bottom-left Link Marker. He wore black robes with a cross hanging outside them, had a pair of golden wings sprouting from his back, and one of his solid blue eyes was cybernetic in origin.

Cyangel Abbot ATK 2400→2700 DEF 700→1000 LVL: 7

Cassiel: 4000→5000 LP

"I Set one card. I end my turn."

"A strong opener," Flame complimented.

"Yeah," Soulburner said with a smile. "She's really improved since our duel."

"Declaration: My turn! Draw!"

"You saw Ghost Girl's duel data on this thing, right?" Cypher asked his temporary partner. Cassiel nodded. "Good. This one pays Life Points to destroy our cards, then uses Link Monsters to inflict effect damage and heal itself. It's good you grabbed Cyangel Choir; that'll undo any effect damage we take."

"Statement: When I control no monsters, I can Special Summon Mechassassin Scout." A machine that resembled an elongated cylinder that tapered out towards the front appeared. It had two wings on its sides, both tilted inwards and up. The machine made several beeping noises as it was summoned in Attack Position.

Mechassassin 5C-UT 1200 DEF 0 LVL: 3

"Declaration: Scout's monster effect! I pay 500 Life Points and skip my Battle Phase to target and destroy one Spell or Trap Card you control. I destroy Cyangel Sanctum!" Cassiel flinched as her Field Spell Card disintegrated.

HK-71: 4000→3500 LP

Cyangel Abbot ATK 2700→2400 DEF 1000→700

Cyseraph Blazing Uriel ATK 2800→2500

"Statement: Scout's effect then lets me add one 'Mechassassin' Spell or Trap Card from my Deck to my hand, but I cannot activate or Set that card this turn. I add Mechassassin's Termination to my hand."

Cassiel gestured to her field. "Continuous Trap activate!" she declared. "Cyangel Industria!" The card showed several golden-skinned people carrying beams of wood, either on their shoulders or on carts, across a well-paved cobblestone road. "Once per turn, I can add a 'Cyangel' Spell or Trap Card from my Graveyard to my hand. I return Sanctum to my hand."

"A way to recycle her cards that her opponent destroys," Flame mused. "A good card for her Deck."

"Taunt: It does not matter what you attempt. Your fate was sealed the moment you opposed my master. So I shall eliminate you. When you control a monster, I can Special Summon Mechassassin Drone!" A floating silver machine with two wings and a raised head appeared in Attack Position.

Mechassassin DR-N3 ATK 800 DEF 0 LVL: 2

"Continuation: When Drone is Special Summoned by its own effect, I can Special Summon a 'Mechassassin' monster from my hand with its effects negated. I summon Mechassassin Sniper!" A brown armored humanoid machine armed with a sniper rifle appeared in Attack Position.

Mechassassin 5N-PR ATK 2000 DEF 0 LVL: 5

"Statement: Drone's monster effect! I pay 500 Life Points to add one 'Mechassassin' card from my Deck to my hand."

HK-71: 3500→3000 LP

"Statement: I Set two cards." HK-71 pointed upwards. "Appear! The circuit of assassination! The summoning condition is one 'Mechassassin' monster. I set Scout in the Link Marker!" His monster entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Mechassassin Spotter!" A silver and brown bipedal android carrying a compact rifle emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.

Mechassassin 5P0-T3R ATK 800 LINK-1 ↓

"Statement: I summon Mechassassin Hunter!" Another humanoid machine, this one wearing silver armor and carrying a rifle, appeared.

Mechassassin HNT-3R ATK 1600 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Statement: Hunter's monster effect! I pay 500 Life Points to destroy Blazing Uriel!"

HK-71: 3000→2500 LP

Hunter pointed its rifle at the archangel and let loose several bolts of energy, but Abbot stepped in front of Blazing Uriel and held its cross up. A barrier formed around the two monsters that deflected the machine's shots.

"Sorry," Cassiel said with a smirk. "But so long as I have no 'Cyangel' monsters in the Graveyard, Abbot's effect prevents you from destroying my linked monsters with your card effects."

"Clever move," Playmaker said with a small smile.

"Yeah," Ai agreed. "Since that AI's monsters all have an effect that skip its Battle Phase, it can't destroy her monsters at all."

"Annoyed Statement: It seems I'll have to leave your monsters alone for now. No matter. Appear again, the circuit of assassination! The summoning conditions are two or more 'Mechassassin' monsters. I set Drone, Sniper, and Hunter in the Link Markers!" Its monsters entered the left, top, and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Mechassassin Commander!" A humanoid machine with dark green armor emerged from the portal and unslung its sniper rifle as it was summoned to Spotter's Link Marker.

Mechassassin C0M-D3R ATK 2400 LINK-3 ←↑→

Cypher narrowed his eyes. "Be careful, Cassiel. That's its ace monster." The girl nodded in understanding.

"Declaration: Spotter's monster effect! You take damage equal to half of the linked Commander's attack points!" Spotter fired a burst of energy at Cassiel, who winced from the hits.

Cassiel: 5000→3800 LP

"Continuation: When Spotter inflicts damage, it then destroys your Spell or Trap Card." Cyangel Industria disintegrated at its words, but Cassiel didn't react. Instead, she gestured to her field.

"I activate the effect of Cyangel Choir in my hand!" she declared. "When I take effect damage, I can Special Summon it and regain Life Points equal to the damage I took!"

"Denial: That will not be happening," HK-71 said as it gestured to its own field. "Counter Trap activate! Mechassassin's Sharp Shot!"

"What?" Cypher gasped as the card revealed it itself. It showed Mechassassin Sniper looking down at a highway from a ridge, a bolt fired from its rifle. "You can't activate that card the turn it was Set!"

"Explanation: I can if I control a Link-3 or higher 'Mechassassin' Link Monster," HK-71 revealed, making Cypher growl. "Sharp Shot negates the activation of Choir's effect, then shuffles it back into your Deck!" Cassiel gasped as her card disappeared.

"Tch," Soulburner growled. "It anticipated her move."

"It's definitely more advanced than the AI duelists SOL and Hanoi developed," Ai said.

"Statement: Since you took effect damage from Spotter's effect, Commander's effect activates, and I gain Life Points equal to the damage."

HK-71: 2500→3700 LP

"Declaration: Commander's additional effect! As the linked Spotter destroyed your card, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower 'Mechassassin' monster from my Graveyard to Commander's Link Marker and inflict 800 damage to you! Resurrect, Drone!" The silver machine reappeared in Attack Position at Commander's left Link Marker.

Mechassassin DR-N3 ATK 800 DEF 0 LVL: 2

Commander then fired a shot from its sniper rifle at Cassiel, who winced as it struck her stomach.

Cassiel: 3800→3000 LP

"Statement: Drone's monster effect! I pay 500 Life Points to add a new 'Mechassassin' card from my Deck to my hand."

HK-71: 3700→3200 LP

"Statement: As inexperienced as you are, female meatbag, you still wield an archetype that my master worries about," HK-71 said. "Therefore, I will not hold back against you. I activate the Spell Card: Mechassassin's Shooting Gallery." The card showed an open plain with Mechassassin Hunter and Commander in it. Hunter was throwing clay pigeons into the air while Commander was aiming its rifle. "By Tributing my 'Mechassassin' monster, I inflict 500 points of damage for each monster you control." Cassiel and Cypher gasped. "I Tribute Drone. You have two monsters. So you take 1000 points of damage!" The card struck Cassiel with a beam of energy, making her cry out in pain as she fell to one knee.

Cassiel: 3000→2000 LP

"Statement: I end my turn."

"This isn't good," Ai said worryingly. "She took 3000 points of damage in one turn."

"It seems stronger than it was against Ghost Girl," Flame noted.

Soulburner blinked. "You think so?"

"Yes," Playmaker agreed as his eyes narrowed. "Like how Bohman got stronger too."

"We're down to 2000 Life Points," Cypher told Cassiel. "But that's not going to stop us, is it?"

Cassiel smiled. "Of course not," she said. "I promised to rescue Morningstar. And I will absolutely fulfill that promise! My turn! Draw!"

She drew, then smirked. "I activate the effect of Cyangel Industria in my Graveyard!" she declared. "When it was sent there by your card effect, I can Set it and then activate it!"

"Confused Query: What?" HK-71's eyes dimed and then glowed, as if it was blinking as Cassiel's Continuous Trap Card reappeared.

"And now that it's been activated by its own effect, Industria's additional effect activates!" Cassiel declared. "And I replace its original effects!"

"Replace its effects?" Ai repeated in surprise.

"That's a new twist," Flame commented.

"Now, so long as Industria is in play, the first time you try to destroy my 'Cyangel' Spell or Trap Cards, they aren't destroyed," Cassiel continued. "And if my Light Cyberse monster attacks, you cannot activate cards or effects until the end of the Damage Step!"

"Annoyed Statement: So by destroying your card, I gave you the opportunity to bring it back with an even stronger effect," HK-71 surmised. "How irritating."

Cypher laughed. "Don't underestimate the Decks I put my heart and soul into!" he said tauntingly.

"Correction: You are an artificial intelligence, Silver Ignis. Much like me, you have no heart or soul."

Cypher growled. "It's a figure of speech!"

"I activate the Field Spell Card: Cyangel Sanctum!" Cassiel declared. "And once again, my Light Cyberse monsters gain 300 attack and defense points."

Cyangel Abbot ATK 2400→2700 DEF 700→1000

Cyseraph Blazing Uriel ATK 2500→2800

"I activate the Spell Card: Cyangel Prayer!" The card showed Cyangel Sister kneeling in front of a podium in the center of a chapel, a stained-glass portrait of a four-winged angel looking down on her. "Since I control a LIGHT Cyberse Link Monster, I can add a 'Cyangel' monster from my Deck to my hand. I add Cyangel Priest to my hand, which I'll now summon!" A golden-skinned bald man in golden robes materialized at Blazing Uriel's bottom Link Marker in Attack Position.

Cyangel Priest ATK 1600→1900 DEF 700→1000 LVL: 4

"I switch Abbot to Attack Position. And I Set one card."

Cassiel gestured to her field. "Battle! Abbot attacks Mechassassin Commander!" The black-robed man raised his arms and crossed his hands as a golden circle materialized in front of him. A bolt of golden energy shot out of the circle and struck the green armored machine, destroying it and making HK-71's D-Board wobble.

HK-71: 3200→2900 LP

"Declaration: Trap activate! Mechassassin's Bounty!" The card showed a slab flanked by Mechassassins Spotter and Commander. The slab bore the features of a man reaching out. "Since my 'Mechassassin' monster was destroyed by battle, I gain Life Points equal to that monster's original attack points!"

HK-71: 2900→5300

"Addition: The turn Mechassassin's Bounty is activated, I take no battle damage from direct attacks."

Cassiel narrowed her eyes but continued with her turn. "Blazing Uriel attacks Spotter! Holy Fire!" Blazing Uriel pulled the drawstring of its bow back and created an arrow of fire. It released the arrow, piercing the machine and destroying it, making HK-71's body fizzle and its D-Board wobble.

HK-71: 5300→3300 LP

"Blazing Uriel's monster effect! When it destroys your monster by battle, you take damage equal to its Link Rating times 200. And since it was linked, the damage is doubled! Heavenly Blaze!" The archangel hurled a ball of flames at the AI duelist, who flinched from the blast.

HK-71: 3300→2900 LP

Cypher growled. "No point in attacking directly thanks to its Trap Card's effect."

"I end my turn," Cassiel said, a grimace on her face.

"Statement: My turn! Draw! I summon Mechassassin Drone!" Another copy of the small machine appeared.

Mechassassin DR-N3 ATK 800 DEF 0 LVL: 2

"Normal Summon instead of Special Summon?" Ai asked. "What's up with that?"

"It can only Special Summon itself if you can Special Summon a 2nd 'Mechassassin' monster from the hand as well," Playmaker explained.

"But since it doesn't have that, it has to Normal Summon Drone," Soulburner continued with a nod.

"Declaration: Drone's monster effect! I pay 500 Life Points to add Mechassassin's Guild to my hand."

HK-71: 2900→2400 LP

"Statement: I activate the Field Spell Card: Mechassassin's Guild!" The card showed the interior of a spacious building, with a counter at one end and mechanical secretaries behind it. The rest of the room was filled with lines of various Mechassassin monsters. "While this card is active, 'Mechassassin' monsters gain 600 attack points."

Mechassassin DR-N3 ATK 800→1400

"Continuation: I activate the effect of Mechassassin's Shooting Gallery in my Graveyard! By banishing it, I can Special Summon a 'Mechassassin' monster from my Graveyeard with its effects negated. Return Commander!" The green-armored machine reappeared.

Mechassassin C0M-D3R ATK 2400→3000

"Declaration: Appear! The circuit of assassination! The summoning conditions are two or more 'Mechassassin' monsters. I set Drone and Link-3 Commander in the Link Markers!" HK-71's monsters entered the top, left, right, and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-4! Mechassassin Master Assassin!"

The monster that emerged from the portal was another bipedal machine, though this one was thinner than the others and covered in black armor. It carried a blaster rifle in its left hand and a pistol in its right hand, and its head was cylindrical with several red lights on it. It twirled the rifle in its hand as it was summoned to Blazing Uriel's top Link Marker.

Mechassassin M4S-T3R 4SS-S1N ATK 2800→3400 LINK-4 ←↑↓→

"A Link-4 monster?" Cypher said in surprise. Then he blinked. "Wait. Why did it summon its monster to Blazing Uriel's Link Marker?"

"Declaration: Master Assassin's monster effect! When it is Link Summoned, I can negate the effects of one of your monsters and then destroy it!" Cassiel's eyes widened as she gasped. "I negate Cyangel Abbot's effects and destroy it!" Master Assassin fired a shot from its pistol at Abbot. The bolt struck, but instead of destroying Abbot, a green substance spread across its body, making it cry out in pain. Master Assassin fired again, and this bolt shattered Abbot and made Cassiel wince.

"Abbot's monster effect!" Cassiel declared. "When it is sent to the Graveyard, I shuffle it back into my Deck and one of your monsters' effects are negated! I negate Master Assassin's effects!"

"Denial: That's pointless!" HK countered. "While Master Assassin is linked, it is unaffected by your card effects!"

Cassiel grit her teeth but gestured to her field. "I activate Sanctum's effect!" she declared. "Since my monster was shuffled into my Deck, Blazing Uriel cannot be targeted or destroyed by your card effects for the rest of the turn!"

"Condescending Boast: The actions you take to prevent your imminent demise are irrelevant. I look forward to spattering your meatbag avatar on the islands below and watching you dissolve into data. I find sights like that so very soothing."

Cypher sweatdropped. "This thing is really bloodthirsty."

"Statement: I activate the Spell Card: Mechassassin's Termination!" The card showed Master Assassin looking down from atop a skyscraper, a bolt of energy fired out of a massive sniper rifle. "By paying 1000 Life Points, I can activate an effect depending on the total number of 'Mechassassin' monsters I control."

HK-71: 2400→1400 LP

"As I control one 'Mechassassin' monster, I can negate the effects of one monster you control and destroy it. I'll destroy Priest!" A large rifle appeared in Master Assassin's arms, which it leveled at Priest. It then fired a beam of energy as Cassiel gestured to her field.

"I activate the effect of Cyangel Prayer in my Graveyard!" she declared. "If my Light Cyberse monster would be destroyed, I can banish Prayer instead!" Priest pressed his hands together and bowed his head. A golden barrier appeared around him that deflected the shot.

"You'll have to try harder than that!" Cypher shouted.

"Rebuttal: My goal was not to destroy your monster. My goal was to pay Life Points." Cassiel gasped. "I activate the effect of Mechassassin's Guild! Once per turn, if I pay Life Points for the effect of a 'Mechassassin' card, you take damage equal to the same amount!" Cassiel winced as her avatar fizzled.

Cassiel: 2000→1000 LP

"Master Assassin's additional effect! Once per turn, when I pay Life Points for the effect of a 'Mechassassin' card, I gain Life Points equal to that amount."

HK-71: 1400→2400 LP

"Declaration: I activate my Skill, Assassin's Snipe! By paying 800 Life Points, you take 300 points of damage for every 'Mechassassin' card in my Graveyard."

HK-71: 2400→1600 LP

"There are eight 'Mechassassin' cards in my Graveyard," HK-71 said as it unslung its rifle and pointed it at Cassiel. "So you take 2400 points of damage!" The machine fired several bursts at the girl, who gestured to her field.

"I activate my Set Quick-Play Spell Card: Cyangel Elixir!" she declared. The card showed a table in an alchemical laboratory. The centerpiece of the table was a large flask full of golden flames. "I gain Life Points equal to the current attack points of a Light Cyberse monster I control. I target Blazing Uriel!"

Cassiel: 1000→3800 LP

The shots then struck Cassiel, making her flinch and fall to one knee.

Cassiel: 3800→1400 LP

"Cassiel! Are you okay?"

Cassiel grit her teeth and moved to push herself up. "Yeah. I'm fine, Cypher."

"Threat: You won't be." She looked up at HK-71. "I end my turn. During the End Phase, Master Assassin's final effect activates. You take damage equal to the total Link Ratings of my 'Mechassassin' Link Monsters times 200 and I gain Life Points equal to that amount."

Cassiel's eyes widened. "Oh no…"

Master Assassin raised its pistol and fired several more shots at Cassiel. The hits were enough to make her cry out and force her to her knees.

Cassiel: 1400→600 LP

HK-71: 1600→2400 LP

"Assurance: Your defeat is inevitable, meatbag," HK-71 said. "Blazing Uriel isn't strong enough to defeat Master Assassin, and you cannot lower my monster's attack points or negate its effects while it is linked to Blazing Uriel. With only 600 Life Points, your chances of victory are 0.1%. That said, please don't surrender. I so enjoy watching the meatbags' expressions of terror as I erase their accounts."

Cypher growled. "Okay, this AI duelist is really starting to annoy me," he said.

Cassiel giggled a little as she pushed herself up to one knee. "I'm with you Cypher," she said. "It's a little too bloodthirsty for my tastes."

"Still, it isn't wrong; we aren't in a good position."

"No, we aren't," Cassiel whispered before closing her eyes. "Just like before…"

"Cassiel?"

Cassiel smiled sadly but kept her eyes closed. "I honestly don't remember much of the Lost Incident. I remember waking up in the white room. I remember losing and being shocked. But everything that happened seem to blur together, to the point that I couldn't even guess when it was that I broke."

She spoke softly so that HK-71 couldn't hear them. "But I do remember one thing. Three. Think of three things. Three things to live. Three things to go home. Three things to defeat the enemy. By thinking, you can still live.

"I remember hearing those words during the incident. I can't remember when I heard them; I can't even remember how many times I heard them. But I know I heard them. And…"

Cassiel opened her eyes as her melancholic smile grew. "They didn't help. I fell into darkness and despair. Just like the incident, the last ten years seem like a blur. I know I was aware of some things; I was aware of Yasu, that he and Cam were with me. But I didn't really know him, not like I do now.

"And then… when I was having a nightmare, he spoke of three things. He reminded me of the comforting voice from the incident. He gave me the means to calm down. And through that, he gave me the keys I needed to escape the prison I built around my heart."

"Cassiel…" Cypher whispered, looking at the girl with wide eyes. "I…"

Cassiel's smile turned confident as she stood up fully. "Morningstar saved me from the darkness that I allowed myself to wallow in. He gave me hope that I could find a way forward. Now it's my turn. My turn to save him!"

Cassiel raised her right hand. "One!" she declared, making Playmaker gasp. "I will defeat this AI duelist and retrieve Morningstar's consciousness data. Two: I will find Zahhak and make him regret hurting the people I care about. Three: Just as I'll save Morningstar, I'll help Playmaker and Soulburner finish their mission. Because that's what it means to be friends!"

"Cassiel…" Soulburner said in a touched tone.

"Statement: Your intentions are irrelevant, female meatbag," HK-71 said. "You cannot hope to win."

Cassiel smirked. "Are you sure about that?" She looked at her Duel Disk. "Cypher? Do it."

"With pleasure!" the Ignis declared. "Execute program! Skill Switch!" A green screen appeared above Cassiel's Duel Disk. One showed a winged figure holding up a sword. The other showed a card emitting light. "We change our Skill to another Skill!"

Cassiel pushed the card icon, then swung her hand outwards as it started to glow gold. "I activate my Skill!" she declared. "When my Life Points are 1000 or less, instead of drawing, I can add any 'Cyangel' card from my Deck to my hand!"

"Astonished Query: What?"

Cassiel smirked as she placed her hand sheathed in golden light above her Duel Disk. A card appeared and glowed in conjunction with her hand. "Behold! This is my new Skill! So bear witness to the power of my Sacred Draw!" She drew, generating a stream of golden light.

"Oh!" Soulburner blinked. "Is that a Skill Cypher made for her?"

"Yeah," Flame nodded. "It seems he took inspiration from both Storm Access and Burning Draw to make it."

"Go for it, Cassiel!" Ai cheered. "Pound that AI Duelist into the dust!"

"Appear, the circuit of infinite light!" Cassiel declared, her hands shining with golden light as the Link portal appeared above her. "The summoning conditions are two or more Light Cyberse monsters. I set Cyangel Priest and Link-3 Cyseraph Blazing Uriel in the Link Markers!" Her monsters turned into streams of golden energy and entered the top, left, right, and bottom arrows. "The commander of the armies of heaven! Link Summon! Appear! Link-4! Cyseraph Guardian Michael!"

A golden cocoon emerged from the Link portal. The cocoon then split open, revealing that it had been eight golden wings made of mechanical feathers that spread out behind their owner. The man the wings were attached to had glowing golden skin and wore shining white armor with golden trim that was even more ornate than Righteous Raguel's. The armor covered his chest, abdomen, upper arms and upper legs. Gauntlets and boots of the same color and design covered his hands, forearms, and lower legs, leaving the golden skin of his elbows and the back of his knees exposed. His golden hair was long and wavy, and fell to his shoulder blades. His eyes were solid blue with gold light in the centers, though they shone with something else that the other Cyseraph Link Monsters' eyes hadn't. An intelligence. A power equivalent to his station as one of the greatest among them. A sword formed in his right hand. It was a thing of sheer beauty, made of solid silver steel. Just over four feet long with a wide quillon, the hilt was partially wrapped in black leather and a golden jewel was set in the pommel. There was an indentation in the center of the blade, along which an inscription, "Quis ut Deus?" was written. The archangel swung his sword and spread his wings as he was summoned to the left Extra Monster Zone.

Cyseraph Guardian Michael ATK 3000→3300 LINK-4 ←↑↓→

"Wow!" Ai said, awe in his voice. "Wha-What kind of monster is that?"

"I've seen some impressive monsters, but this…" Flame whispered.

"Yeah." Soulburner nodded.

Playmaker stared at the archangel. This monster… it had the same presence Prideful Helel had. But with a key difference. Prideful Helel's had been oppressive, demanding those around it bow down to its authority. This presence was uplifting, bringing hope and awe to those around it.

Cypher chuckled. "So Cassiel, what do you think? Does this monster live up to your expectations?"

Cassiel smiled. "Yes. It does, Cypher."

"Statement: A Link-4 Cyseraph has appeared," HK-71 said. "The existence of such a monster was speculated, but not confirmed."

"Guardian Michael isn't the only thing you need to worry about," Cassiel said. "Since Master Assassin isn't linked anymore, it's no longer unaffected by my card effects! I activate Priest's effect in the Graveyard and shuffle it into my Deck. Then, your monster loses 800 attack points until the end of the turn!"

Mechassassin M4S-T3R 4SS-S1N ATK 3400→2600

"Statement: I activate the effect of Mechassassin's Bounty in my Graveyard!" HK declared. "By banishing it, Master Assassin's attack points become equal to double its original attack points!"

Mechassassin M4S-T3R 4SS-S1N ATK 2600→5600

"Boast: With 5600 attack points, you cannot hope to triumph over Master Assassin!"

Cassiel smirked. "Let's put that belief to the test. I activate the Equip Spell Card: Spear of Glory – Inaerion and equip it to Guardian Michael!" The sword in the archangel's hand disintegrated. Its place was taken by a long spear with a silver haft. Its tip was also made of silver, but glowed internally with a golden light, a signal to the heavenly fire that coursed through its body.

"Confused Statement: That is the card you gained from your Skill, yes? But it is not a 'Cyangel' card."

"Inaerion's effect treats it as a 'Cyangel' card," Cassiel explained before she gestured to her field. "Battle! Guardian Michael attacks Master Assassin!"

"Eh?" Ai screeched.

"Oi, Cassiel!" Soulburner shouted. "Are you self-destructing?"

"Guardian Michael's monster effect!" Cassiel declared as the archangel began twirling its new spear. "When it attacks your monster and I have no 'Cyangel' monsters in my Graveyard, your monster's effects are negated, and it is unaffected by the effects of your other cards until the end of the turn!"

"Astonished Query: What?!"

"Guardian Michael's effect overrules that of Mechassassin's Bounty! So Master Assassin loses its boost from your Trap Card and from your Field Spell!" Michael's wings glowed with golden light that struck the machine, making it slump over.

Mechassassin M4S-T3R 4SS-S1N ATK 5600→2000

"Continue your attack, Guardian Michael! Lightning of the Heavens!" The archangel paused in twirling its spear as it lifted it upwards. A bolt of lightning struck the spear, infusing it with power. Michael then threw the spear at HK-71's Link Monster, piercing its body and destroying it. The AI duelist winced from the damage.

HK-71: 2400→1100 LP

"Inaerion's effect now activates!" Cassiel declared. Golden lines manifested on the haft and head of the spear as it continued flying, the heavenly fire within given a purpose. "When the equipped monster destroys your monster by battle, you take damage equal to that monster's original attack points!"

"The damage is 2800!" Cypher said. "So get lost, AI Duel Assassin! And give me my partner back!"

The spear pierced HK-71's chassis, striking right in its core. The AI duelist grabbed the spear and tried to pull it out, but the spear didn't budge as golden flames started to engulf the humanoid whose chassis it was lodged in. HK-71's eyes flickered as flames consumed it.

"S-Systems… failing…" HK-71's eyes dimmed as it keeled over.

HK-71: 1100→0 LP

The AI disintegrated into red light and golden flames, leaving nothing behind. Nothing except a single golden sphere. Cassiel flew over to it and hovered by it.

"That's…"

"Yes," Cypher said in response to Cassiel. "Morningstar's consciousness data." He raised his arms and drew the sphere to him, where it was then subsumed into the Duel Disk. The Ignis breathed a sigh of relief. "It's over. Now we just need to give this back."

"Cassiel!"

The duo turned as Playmaker and Soulburner approached her. "Congratulations!" Soulburner cheered.

"That finishing move was amazing!" Ai said.

Cassiel smiled. "Thank you, Ai and Soulburner," she said. "Thank you, all of you, for letting me do this."

Playmaker smiled softly. "Let's get back to the real world." They all nodded and logged out.

None of them noticed the girl sitting on a nearby island, kicking her legs through the empty air. Sylphid breathed a sigh of relief and pressed a button on her Duel Disk.

"Hey, the duel's over," she said. "Cassiel won. But it wasn't against Zahhak; He sent that pet AI of his instead."

"Really? I assumed he would have sent Jester," the feminine voice on the other end said. "I suppose Enforcer No. XIII was too busy. That, or this was another test."

Sylphid hummed. "It is difficult to tell with them, isn't it? Anyway, Cassiel took back Morningstar's consciousness data. And she had the Silver Ignis with her. Looks like he'll be back in the fight."

"That's good, but…"

Sylphid frowned. "You know he can't beat Zahhak. Not as he is."

"No. None of them can. Enforcer No. I is simply too strong."

"So I guess you're going to be giving them some help?"

"My friend is, certainly. We've located the Light and Wind Ignis, and we don't think it'll be long before they contact the Dark and Silver Ignis. We'll approach them then."

Sylphid smirked. "Good luck Diana."

"Thanks, Sylphid."

Sachi, Cam, Kusanagi, Yusaku, and Takeru all headed to the top floor. It had been decided that Cam and Sachi would be the only ones who would be in the room so as not to crowd their friend when he awoke.

Sachi stood over her roommate's comatose body and held up her Duel Disk as its occupant emerged from it. "Ready, Cypher?"

"Yep. This is it."

The Ignis held out his hand and brought out the golden orb. He held it over the teenager's body and then released it. The orb fell and hit the boy's chest. It dispersed across his body, briefly illuminating the room before it fully disappeared.

"Now what?" Cam asked nervously.

"Now we wait," Cypher said simply, eyes narrowed in concern.

"Yasu…" Sachi muttered, frowning to herself.

Darkness.

He found himself surrounded by darkness. He tried to stand up but found there was no floor. Thinking that perhaps it was like water, he tried treading, moving his arms and legs in pushing motions. That achieved the same result.

When he realized that he could do nothing but float, he called out for help. For the man who had taken in him out of the kindness of his heart. For the girl that had helped him find meaning to life again. For the boy who had shown him the truth, who made him realize that he couldn't run away from the past anymore.

He cried for the priest who had saved him before, who had shown him how precious kindness really was.

When no one answered, his thoughts turned introspective. How had he ended up here? What was this place? He remembered the answer to the first question easily enough: He had lost to an overpowering opponent. No, "lost" was too small a word for what had happened. "Been utterly decimated by" would be a more accurate phrase.

He took slight solace that he had saved the AI that had been with him, that he had prevented his partner from falling into the enemy's hands. But that solace wasn't enough to change his situation, nor the fact that he knew no way to get out of it.

He did not know how much time had passed in this forsaken place. He had no way of knowing. It could have been minutes. It could have been hours. It could even have been weeks, though he hoped it hadn't been that long.

And then, without warning, without indication of it having been there, there was suddenly light.

He turned his head and saw the outline of a door. The door opened, though it was far too bright to see what was on the other side.

He found that there was now a floor underneath him and he could stand on it. And walk on it. So he walked for the door. He walked for what he hoped was a way out of this hell. And as he crossed the threshold, an idle thought crossed his mind.

I really hope this is the good "walk towards the light" story, because if it isn't, I will be so pissed.

"Augh…"

Yasutake groaned as awareness returned to him. It had been a while since he'd been in his real body. It took him a few seconds to figure out how to work his fingers and toes. And a few seconds more to force open his eyes.

He was back in his room. In the top floor of Café Junpei. But he wasn't alone. He titled his head so he could see who was standing over him.

"…Sachi?"

Tears filled the girl's eyes and threatened to spill down as she smiled. "Thank goodness," she whispered in a relieved tone. "You're safe, Yasu. You're back."

"Welcome back to the world of the living, partner." Yasutake turned his head again to look at the Ignis that emerged from Sachi's Duel Disk. "Next time you try pulling a stunt like that, don't leave me behind. We're partners, remember?"

Yasutake opened his mouth, but before he could respond, Sachi dove down and hugged him. He gasped in surprise at the sudden pressure and looked down at the crying girl holding him. Frowning in concern, he reached around and placed his right hand on her lower back. The physical contact seemed to reassure her. That it was him. That he was back.

"Well." Yasutake looked over to see Cam looking very relieved in the corner. "I'm glad you're back, Yasu. Now this whole mess is over and done with."

"…No." Cam blinked at Yasutake's words then blinked again on seeing the seriousness of his expression. And… something else. "This isn't over. Far from it."

The man leaned back in his chair and sighed. Well, that had been a disappointment. HK had failed to acquire the Cyangels. And now they had to rebuild him again. This was the second time in as many weeks. Still, it hadn't been a total loss; he had seen more of the Cyangels, enough to get a better idea of just how strong the Deck was. And how strong Cassiel had become.

But all these thoughts were but small distractions from the revelation he had yesterday. The epiphany he had when he looked at Morningstar's memories. The discovery he made when he saw the small boy in the white room…

BEEP-BEEP.

The man blinked and turned to the Duel Disk on his desk. He picked it up and pressed a button. "Zahhak here."

"I registered HK-71's deletion. Cassiel won the duel."

"I know. I watched the whole thing."

"You also gave Morningstar's consciousness data to HK-71. That was unnecessary; with its Duel Lock, HK had no need of the data to compel Cassiel to duel. Now the former hunter will become an enemy again. And armed with the Silver Ignis and the knowledge of you, he will be even more dangerous than before."

"Perhaps," Zahhak allowed. "But I made a promise; a duel with Cassiel for Morningstar's consciousness data. I don't go back on my word. And this outcome benefits us as well. Now that he knows he can't take us lightly, Morningstar is more likely to hold onto the Link-5 Cyspirit. And now that we know of the forced ejection program, we can work out a countermeasure."

"…Your argument has merits. Still, we can't afford to give our enemies too much leeway; the longer this conflict continues, the more time Morningstar and the Silver Ignis will have for devising countermeasures. As you need a few days for the medicine to build up, I shall assign Jester to retrieval; he has narrowed down the locations of the other Ignis enough that he can be reassigned at this point."

"No. Morningstar and Cassiel are my assignment. I'll be the one to fight them."

"Zahhak, I know how you feel about the Cyspirits and Cyangels-."

"It's not that," the man denied. "Morningstar is one of Dr. Weissmann's."

…

"…You are sure of this?" Even while scrambled, Zahhak could still make out confusion and shock.

"I looked through his memories. I saw his face. And I saw he had no memories before the age of five. It's him."

"…I knew the child was among the Lost Incident victims," the voice said in a hushed tone. "But I had assumed it to be Playmaker. For him to be Morningstar, the origin of the Silver Ignis, and the owner of the Cyspirits… Fate really does have a bad sense of humor.

"…Very well, Zahhak. You have my permission. Morningstar and Cassiel are yours to deal with as you wish. Just be aware that the longer you wait, the more difficult your task will be."

"I am aware." The call ended after he said that, prompting Zahhak to lean back in the chair and sigh.

"To think it would be you," he murmured. "I guess you are interesting after all, Morningstar." He smirked. "I look forward to seeing how far you're able to go."

Cassiel vs. HK-71

This Duel is conducted as a Speed Duel.

Turn 1: Cassiel

As she has no "Cyangel" monsters in her GY, Cassiel Special Summons Cyangel Cupbearer (1400/700/3) in Attack Position. She Normal Summons Cyangel Trumpeter (1300/700/3). As Trumpeter was Normal Summoned while she has no "Cyangel" monsters in her GY, its effect activates, and Cassiel adds Cyangel Sanctum from her Deck to her hand. Cassiel activates the Field Spell Card Cyangel Sanctum. While Sanctum is active, her LIGHT Cyberse monsters gain 300 ATK/DEF (Cupbearer: 1400→1700/700→1000) (Trumpeter: 1300→1600/700→1000). She activates Sanctum's effect, shuffling Cyangel Litany in her hand into her Deck to add Cyangel Cherub from her Deck to her hand. Cassiel uses Cupbearer and Trumpeter to Link Summon Cyseraph Ophanim (2000→2300/2↑↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Cupbearer and Trumpeter were sent to the GY, their effects activate, and Cassiel shuffles them back into her Deck. Their secondary effects then activate, letting Cassiel add 1 "Cyangel" monster from her Deck to her hand, then letting her Special Summon 1 "Cyangel" monster from her hand. Cassiel adds Cyangel Choir from her Deck to her hand and Special Summons Cherub (1800→2100/700→1000/4) in Attack Position to Ophanim's bottom Link Marker. As a monster was Summoned to its Link Marker, Ophanim's effect activates, and Cassiel can add 1 "Cyangel" Spell/Trap Card from her Deck to her hand. She adds Cyangel Industria from her Deck to her hand. Cassiel uses Cherub and Link-2 Ophanim to Link Summon Cyseraph Blazing Uriel (2500→2800/3/↙↑↘) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Cherub and Ophanim were sent to the GY, their effects activate, and Cassiel shuffles them into her Deck and Extra Deck respectively. Their secondary effects then activate, letting Cassiel Special Summon 1 "Cyangel" monster from her Deck in Defense Position and gain 1000 LP. She Special Summons Cyangel Abbot (2400→2700/700→1000/7) from her Deck to Blazing Uriel's bottom-left Link Marker (Cassiel: 4000→5000 LP). Cassiel Sets 1 card. She ends her turn.

Turn 2: HK-71

HK draws. As it controls no monsters, it Special Summons Mechassassin 5C-UT (1200/0/3) in Attack Position. It activates 5C-UT's effect, paying 500 LP and skipping its Battle Phase (HK-71: 4000→3500 LP) to target and destroy 1 face-up Spell/Trap Card Cassiel controls. It targets and destroys Sanctum (Abbot: 2700→2400/1000→700) (Blazing Uriel: 2800→2500). HK can then add 1 "Mechassassin" Spell/Trap Card from its Deck to its hand, but that card cannot be activated or Set this turn. It adds Mechassassin's Termination from its Deck to its hand. Cassiel activates her Set Continuous Trap Card Cyangel Industria, which lets her add 1 "Cyangel" Spell/Trap Card from her GY to her hand. She adds Cyangel Sanctum to her hand. As Cassiel controls a monster, HK activates the effect of Mechassassin DR-N3 in its hand, Special Summoning it (800/0/2) in Attack Position and Mechassassin 5N-PR (2000/0/5) in Attack Position with its effects negated. HK activates DR-N3's effect, paying 500 LP (HK-71: 3500→3000 LP) to add 1 "Mechassassin" card from his Deck to his hand. It adds Mechassassin Sharp Shot from its Deck to its hand. HK Sets 2 cards. It uses 5C-UT to Link Summon Mechassassin 5P0-T3R (800/1/↓) to the Extra Monster Zone. HK Normal Summons Mechassassin HNT-3R (1600/0/4). HK activates HNT-3R's effect, paying 500 LP (HK-71: 3000→2500 LP) to target and destroy Blazing Uriel, but as Cassiel has no "Cyangel" monsters in her GY, Abbot's effect prevents the destruction of her linked monsters by HK's card effects. HK uses DR-N3, 5N-PR, and HNT-3R to Link Summon Mechassassin C0M-D3R (2400/3/←↑→) to 5P0-T3R's Link Marker.

HK activates 5P0-T3R's effect, targeting C0M-D3R. Cassiel takes damage equal to half of C0M-D3R's ATK, then HK can destroy 1 Spell/Trap Card Cassiel controls. Cassiel takes 1200 damage (Cassiel: 5000→3800 LP) and HK destroys Cyangel Industria. As she took effect damage, Cassiel activates the effect of Cyangel Choir, attempting to Special Summon it and gain LP equal to the damage she took. HK activates its Set Counter Trap Card Mechassassin's Sharp Shot, which can be activated the turn it is Set if he controls a Link-3 or higher "Mechassassin" Link Monster, and negates the activation of Choir and shuffles it back into Cassiel's Deck. As Cassiel took effect damage from the effect of a "Mechassassin" monster linked to it, C0M-D3R's effect activates, and HK gains LP equal to the damage (HK-71: 2500→3700 LP). As Cassiel's card was destroyed by the effect of a linked "Mechassassin" monster, C0M-D3R's effect activates, letting HK Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Mechassassin" monster from its GY to its Link Marker, then inflict 800 damage to Cassiel. HK Special Summons DR-N3 (800/0/2) to C0M-D3R's left Link Marker in Attack Position (Cassiel: 3800→3000 LP). HK activates DR-N3's effect (HK-71: 3700→3200 LP) to add Mechassassin's Shooting Gallery to its hand. HK then activates the Spell Card Mechassassin's Shooting Gallery, which lets it Tribute 1 "Mechassassin" monster on its field, then inflict 500 damage to Cassiel for each monster she controls. HK Tributes DR-N3 (Cassiel: 3000→2000 LP). HK ends its turn.

Turn 3: Cassiel

Cassiel draws. During her Standby Phase, as it was sent to the GY by the effect of HK's card, the effect of the Continuous Trap Card Cyangel Industria in her GY activates, letting her Set it, and then activate it. As Industria was activated by its effect, Cassiel's "Cyangel" Spell/Trap Cards cannot be destroyed by HK's card effects once per turn, and if her LIGHT Cyberse monster attacks, HK cannot activate cards or effects until the end of the Damage Step. Cassiel activates the Field Spell Card Cyangel Sanctum (Abbot: 2400→2700/700→1000) (Blazing Uriel: 2500→2800). As she controls a LIGHT Cyberse Link Monster, Cassiel activates the Spell Card Cyangel Prayer, which lets her add 1 "Cyangel" monster from her Deck to her hand. She adds Cyangel Priest from her Deck to her hand. Cassiel Normal Summons Priest (1600→1900/700→1000/4) to Blazing Uriel's bottom Link Marker. She switches Abbot to Attack Position. Cassiel Sets 1 card.

Abbot attacks C0M-D3R. Due to Industria's effect, HK cannot activate cards or effects until the end of the Damage Step. C0M-D3R is destroyed (HK-71: 3200→2900 LP). As its "Mechassassin" monster was destroyed by battle, HK activates its Set Trap Card Mechassassin's Bounty, which increases its LP by the destroyed monster's original ATK (HK-71: 2900→5300 LP). Blazing Uriel attacks and destroys 5P0-T3R (HK-71: 5300→3300 LP). As Blazing Uriel destroyed a monster by battle and Cassiel has no "Cyangel" monsters in her GY, its effect activates, and HK takes damage equal to 5P0-T3R's Link Rating x 200. Since Blazing Uriel is linked to a "Cyangel" monster, the damage is doubled (HK-71: 3300→2900 LP). The turn Mechassassin's Bounty is activated, HK-71 takes no battle damage from direct attacks. Cassiel ends her turn.

Turn 4: HK-71

HK draws. It Normal Summons DR-N3 (800/0/2). It activates DR-N3's effect (HK-71: 2900→2400 LP), adding Mechassassin's Guild from its Deck to its hand. HK activates the Field Spell Card Mechassassin's Guild, which increases the ATK of all "Mechassassin" monsters it controls by 600 (DR-N3: 800→1400). HK then activates the effect of Mechassassin's Shooting Gallery in its GY, banishing it to Special Summon 1 "Mechassassin" monster from its GY with its effects negated. It Special Summons C0M-D3R (2400→3000/3/←↑→). HK uses DR-N3 and Link-3 C0M-D3R to Link Summon Mechassassin M4S-T3R 4SS-S1N (2800→3400/4/←↑↓→) to Blazing Uriel's top Link Marker. As M4S-T3R 4SS-S1N was Link Summoned, HK can target 1 card Cassiel controls, negate its effects, then destroy it. HK negates Abbot's effects and then destroys it. As Abbot was sent to the GY, its effect activates, and Cassiel shuffles it into her Deck. Its additional effect then activates, and Cassiel can target 1 monster HK controls and negate its effects. She targets M4S-T3R 4SS-S1N, but M4S-T3R 4SS-S1N is unaffected by Cassiel's card effects while it is linked. As her Cyberse monster was shuffled back into her Deck, Cassiel activates Sanctum's effect, targeting Blazing Uriel. Until the end of the turn, HK cannot target Blazing Uriel with card effects, nor can it destroy Blazing Uriel with card effects. HK activates the Spell Card Mechassassin's Termination, paying 1000 LP to do so (HK-71: 2400→1400 LP). HK can then activate 1 effect depending on how many "Mechassassin" monsters it controls. It controls 1, so it can negate the effects of one monster Cassiel controls and destroy it. HK negates Priest's effects and attempts to destroy it, but Cassiel activates the effect of Cyangel Prayer in her GY, banishing it instead. As HK paid LP to activate the effect of a "Mechassassin" card, Mechassassin's Guild's effect activates, and Cassiel takes damage equal to the amount of paid LP (Cassiel: 2000→1000 LP). HK then activates M4S-T3R 4SS-S1N's effect, gaining LP equal to the LP it paid (HK-71: 1400→2400 LP). HK activates its Skill, Assassin's Snipe. It pays 800 LP (HK-71: 2400→1600 LP) to inflicts 300 damage to Cassiel for each "Mechassassin" card in its GY. There are 8 cards, so she takes 2400 damage. Cassiel activates her Set Quick-Play Spell Card Cyangel Elixir, targeting Blazing Uriel. She then gains LP equal to Blazing Uriel's current ATK (Cassiel: 1000→3800 LP). HK's Skill resolves (Cassiel: 3800→1400 LP). HK ends its turn. During the End Phase, M4S-T3R 4SS-S1N's effect inflicts damage to Cassiel equal to the combined Link Rating of HK's "Mechassassin" Link Monsters x 200, then increases HK's LP by the same amount (Cassiel: 1400→600 LP) (HK-71: 1600→2400 LP).

Turn 5: Cassiel

During her Draw Phase, Cassiel performs a Skill Switch and then activates her Skill, Sacred Draw. As she has 1000 or less LP, instead of drawing, she can add any 1 "Cyangel" card from her Deck to her hand. Cassiel adds Spear of Glory – Inaerion, which is always treated as a "Cyangel" card, from her Deck to her hand. She uses Priest and Link-3 Blazing Uriel to Link Summon Cyseraph Guardian Michael (3000→3300/4/←↑↓→) to the left Extra Monster Zone. As Priest was sent to the GY, its effect activates, and it is shuffled back into Cassiel's Deck. Its additional effect then activates, and Cassiel lowers M4S-T3R 4SS-S1N's ATK by 800 until the end of the turn (M4S-T3R 4SS-S1N: 3400→2600). HK activates the effect of Mechassassin's Bounty in its GY, banishing it to make M4S-T3R 4SS-S1N's ATK equal to double its original ATK until the end of the turn (M4S-T3R 4SS-S1N: 2600→5600).Cassiel activates the Equip Spell Card Spear of Glory – Inaerion, which she equips to Guardian Michael.

Guardian Michael attacks M4S-T3R 4SS-S1N. As she has no "Cyangel" monsters in her GY and it declared an attack, Cassiel activates Guardian Michael's effect, negating M4S-T3R 4SS-S1N's effects and rendering it unaffected by HK's card effects until the end of the turn (M4S-T3R 4SS-S1N: 5600→2000). The attack continues and M4S-T3R 4SS-S1N is destroyed (HK-71: 2400→1100 LP). As the equipped monster destroyed HK's monster by battle, Inaerion's effect activates, inflicting damage to HK equal to the destroyed monster's original ATK (HK-71: 1100→0 LP). Cassiel wins.

Cyangel Trumpeter
Attribute: LIGHT Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 1300 DEF 700 Level: 3
When this card is Normal Summoned: You can add 1 "Cyangel Sanctum" from your Deck to your hand. You must have no "Cyangel" monsters in your GY to activate and resolve this effect. If this card is sent to the GY: Shuffle this card into your Deck, and if you do, you can Special Summon 1 "Cyangel" monster from your hand. You can only activate each effect of "Cyangel Trumpeter" once per turn.

Cyseraph Ophanim
Attribute: LIGHT Type: [Cyberse/Link/Effect] ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↑↓
2 LIGHT Cyberse monsters
If a monster(s) is Normal or Special Summoned to the zone(s) this card points to (except during the Damage Step): You can add 1 "Cyangel" Spell/Trap Card from your Deck to your hand. You must have no "Cyangel" monsters in your GY to activate and resolve this effect. If this card is sent from the field to the GY: You can shuffle this card into your Extra Deck, and if you do, gain 1000 LP. You can only activate each effect of "Cyseraph Ophanim" once per turn.

Cyangel Abbot
Attribute: LIGHT Type: Cyberse/Effect] ATK 2400 DEF 700 Level: 7
If you have no "Cyangel" monsters in your GY: Your linked monsters cannot be destroyed by your opponent's card effects. If this card is sent to the GY: Shuffle this card into your Deck, and if you do, you can target 1 monster your opponent controls; negate that monster's effects. You can only activate this effect of "Cyangel Abbot" once per turn.

Mechassassin 5C-UT (Scout)
Attribute: DARK Type: [Machine/Effect] ATK 1200 DEF 0 Level: 3
If you control no monsters: You can Special Summon this card (from your hand). Once per turn: You can target 1 face-up Spell/Trap Card your opponent controls and pay 500 LP; destroy that card, then you can add 1 "Mechassassin" Spell/Trap Card from your Deck to your hand. That card cannot be activated or Set the turn you activated this effect. The turn you activate this effect, you cannot conduct your Battle Phase.

Mechassassin M4S-T3R 4SS-S1N (Master Assassin)
Attribute: DARK Type: [Machine/Link/Effect] ATK 2800 LINK-4 ←↑↓→
2+ "Mechassassin" monsters
When this card is Link Summoned: You can target 1 card your opponent controls; negate its effects, and if you do, destroy it. This linked card is unaffected by your opponent's card effects. Once per turn, if you pay LP to activate the effect of a "Mechassassin" card: You can gain LP equal to the amount paid. You cannot conduct your Battle Phase the turn you activate this effect. During each End Phase: Inflict damage to your opponent equal to the total Link Rating of all "Mechassassin" Link Monsters you control x 200, and if you do, gain LP equal to the same amount.

Cysperah Guardian Michael
Attribute: LIGHT Type: [Cyberse/Link/Effect] ATK 3000 LINK-4 ←↑↓→
2+ LIGHT Cyberse monsters
While you have no "Cyangel" monsters in your GY, this card and your monsters this card points to are unaffected by your opponent's cards and effects. When this card declares an attack on an opponent's monster: Until the end of the turn, that monster's effects are negated, and it is unaffected by the effects of your opponent's cards. You must have no "Cyangel" monsters in your GY to activate and resolve this effect. Once per turn, when your opponent activates a card or effect that targets a card(s) you control (Quick Effect): You can negate that effect, and if you do, destroy that card. If this card is sent from the field to the GY by an opponent's card: You can shuffle this card into your Extra Deck, then Special Summon up to 2 "Cyangel" monsters from your Deck in Defense Position. You can only activate this effect of "Cyseraph Guardian Michael" once per turn.

Cyangel Industria Continuous Trap Card
You can add 1 "Cyangel" Spell/Trap Card in your GY to your hand. You can only activate this effect of "Cyangel Industria" once per turn. During your Standby Phase, if this card is in your GY because it was sent there by an opponent's card: You can activate this effect; Set this card, and then activate it. You can only activate this effect of "Cyangel Industria" once per Duel. If activated this way, replace this card's effects with the following effects:
-The first time each turn your "Cyangel" Spell/Trap Card(s) would be destroyed by your opponent's card effect, it is not destroyed. If your LIGHT Cyberse monster battles, your opponent cannot activate cards or effects until the end of the Damage Step.

Mechassassin's Sharp Shot Counter Trap Card
When your opponent activates a card effect while you control a "Mechassassin" monster: Negate the activation, and if you do, shuffle that card into your opponent's Deck. If you control a Link-3 or higher "Mechassassin" Link Monster, you can activate this card the turn it was Set.

Mechassassin's Shooting Gallery Normal Spell Card
Tribute 1 "Mechassassin" monster you control; inflict damage to your opponent equal to the number of monsters they control x 500. You can banish this card from your GY and target 1 "Mechassassin" monster in your GY; Special Summon it with its effects negated. You can only activate 1 effect of "Mechassassin's Shooting Gallery" per turn, and only once per turn.

Cyangel Prayer Normal Spell Card
If you control a LIGHT Cyberse Link Monster: You can add 1 "Cyangel" monster from your Deck to your hand. If your LIGHT Cyberse monster would be destroyed: You can banish this card from your GY instead. You can only activate each effect of "Cyangel Prayer" once per turn.

Mechassassin's Bounty Normal Trap Card
When your "Mechassassin" monster is destroyed by battle: Gain LP equal to the destroyed monster's original ATK. The turn you activate this card, you take no battle damage from direct attacks. You can banish this card from your GY and target 1 "Mechassassin" monster you control; its ATK becomes double its original ATK until the end of the turn. You cannot activate this effect the turn this card is sent to the GY.

Mechassassin's Guild Field Spell Card (credit to ThePLOThand)
"Mechassassin" monsters you control gain 600 ATK. Once per turn, if you pay LP to activate the effect of a "Mechassassin" card: You can inflict damage to your opponent equal to the amount of paid LP. If you control a "Mechassassin" Link Monster: Effects that require paying LP cannot be negated by your opponent's card effects.

Mechassassin's Termination Normal Spell Card
Pay 1000 LP, then activate one of the following effects, depending on the number of "Mechassassin" monsters you control.
-1: Target 1 face-up monster your opponent controls; negate that monster's effects and destroy it.
-2: Target 1 face-up Spell/Trap Card your opponent controls; negate that card's effects and destroy it.
-3: Target up to 2 monsters your opponent controls; negate their effects and banish them.
-4: Target up to 2 Spell/Trap Cards your opponent controls; negate their effects and banish them.
-5: Negate the effects of all monsters in your opponent's Main Monster Zones, then destroy them.
-6: Negate the effects of all cards your opponent controls, then destroy them. The turn you activate this effect, only "Mechassassin" Link Monsters can declare an attack.
You can only activate "Mechassassin's Termination" once per turn.

Cyangel Elixir Quick-Play Spell Card
Target 1 LIGHT Cyberse monster you control; you gain LP equal to its current ATK. The turn you activate this card, your opponent takes no battle damage. You can only activate "Cyangel Elixir" once per turn.

Spear of Glory – Inaerion Equip Spell Card
(This card is always treated as a "Cyangel" card.)
Equip only to a LIGHT Cyberse Link Monster you control. If the equipped monster destroys an opponent's monster by battle: You can inflict damage to your opponent equal to the destroyed monster's original ATK. If the equipped monster would be destroyed, you can send this card to the GY instead.

Chapter Preview

Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Hidden Memories. Chapter 45 – Bonds of the Soul. Sachi rescued Yasutake from Zahhak, but his recovery isn't complete. Worried for his friend, Yusaku approaches him with an offer…

Question of the Chapter

Of the three "Cy-" Decks Cypher made, which Deck do you think would stand the best chance against Fullcross of OPFan37's story Cross-VRAINS?

Author's Notes

Credit and thanks to ThePLOThand for the creation of Mechassassin's Guild. I changed its effects around, but I still think it's a decent Field Spell. See below for the inspirations of the new Mechassassin monsters.

Okay, I admit some of you might be disappointed in this chapter, if only because it isn't some massive 3 v. 1 brawl against Zahhak. But let's be honest: Zahhak, as the strongest duelist in season 2, is clearly final, or at least climax boss material. Should he really lose at this point in the story after defeating Morningstar? I think not. And him bulldozing over Playmaker, Soulburner, and Cassiel at this point would just derail the entire season. Some of you also might be disappointed that I didn't drag out the "Morningstar's consciousness data was taken" arc, but I figured it would be a bad idea for the main hero to have an extended absence at this point in the story. Thus, he was saved at the end. That said, his lose will have consequences for his character, consequences I'm looking forward to exploring.

As for Zahhak's heart issues, well, I won't say anything on just what his problem is. But part of the reason I added them, as well as the final scene, is to expand on his character, so that he isn't just this dark juggernaut who's impossible to overcome. Scenes and problems like that help humanize him and show there are depths to him beyond just being a threat to the heroes. In fact, scenes that humanize the villains are some of my favorite parts of anime, as it helps you relate to them. Of course, this can backfire, but I'm hoping I can strike a balance.

On Sachi, I felt this chapter was a good way to show her growth, both as a character and as a duelist. She also got a new Skill, Sacred Draw, which is a sort of combination of Burning Draw and Storm Access while also being a call-back to Shining Draw, albeit less game breaking. And she also got to show off her Link-4, which I'm very proud of, particular its sword, which has the same design as Andùril from Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings movies, and the inscription on its blade is taken from the sword Glorious, which appears in Cassandra Clare's book City of Lost Souls. The name Inaerion, I got from The Crimson Lord's "A Demon Among Devils," as the spear of Metatron, another archangel. I also highly recommend reading said story for the author's unique way of writing, humor, and action. I also recommend listening to Ichiban no Takaramono from Angel Beats, but only if you want to cry.

Finally, I want to apologize for this taking so long. I did have this chapter almost done earlier last week, but Trails of Cold Steel III and a new expansion for SWTOR both came out on the 22nd, and honestly, those two take precedence over this. For anyone who has played either, I'm sure you understand.

Thank you for reading Chapter 44 of Hidden Memories. I was going to post the updated OP, but because of Guardian Michael, I decided to wait until the next chapter to do that. I hope you enjoyed it, and I'll see you all next time!

Mechassassin Scout: ASN Courier Droid

Mechassassin Master Assassin: IG-88