Responses to Reviews
Thank you to HunterHQ, ZarcEternal, The SupremeKingParadoxDragon, Ethan Kironus, sanedimentio, D3lph0xL0v3r, Germancardfightfan, Jason, Jason Liu, Devil200, Anonymous, KingOtakuOverYou, SakushiRyu, Divadix99, OracleZ-Arc101, savagemaster1999, Noobmaster, guardian of the aura Aursoul, Nixikado, Zero Shadow-01, dianehkri, FlameFireZero X, Via dial, Nirvash Neo, NewComer1, Thunderfan1000, Leonids The and Guests for reviewing Chapter 53.
Now before I get into individual responses, let me clarify a few things from the last chapter that a lot of people commented it.
The first is the Extra Scene. A lot of people interpreted it as being about Jormungand and his origin. You are all half right; the man is Jormungand, but the girl isn't his origin. The girl is Nebula. The scene is meant to convey Jormungand feeling guilty about brainwashing her and justifying his actions to himself. Clearly, I was being too ambiguous about it for anyone to catch.
The second is the list of duels people have suggested since Lightning and Ouroboros can control consciousness data. Let me start with the suggestions about Miyu Sugisaki. Miyu did not have her consciousness data taken; she had a virus implanted in her like with Dr. Kogami. Her consciousness is still in her body. I do have plans for Miyu, but they're for season 3. She won't be dueling. Also, anyone who loses in the Mirror LINK VRAINS arc won't be brainwashed. In-universe, this is partly because of the time needed to apply the program, but mostly because characters like Merlin, Zahhak, and Bohman refuse to use it, each for their own reasons. Out-of-universe, it's because I intend to finish season 2 with Chapter 73, and writing so many duels would just drag it out. And of course, I need to have some duels for season 3, don't I?
Zero Shadow-01: It's Galahad! Remember it already!
Those aside, I hope you enjoy Chapter 54. I wrote it pretty quickly, but I think it's good!
Chapter 54: Miracle of Pride
Darkness. For a long time, that was all she knew. No matter how hard she tried to escape it, no matter how loud she screamed, the darkness never went away.
Until-
"Ugh."
"Hana! Hana!"
The girl slowly blinked her eyes, clearing the fog away. Wha… What was going on? Where was she?
"Hana, can you hear me?"
The girl turned her eyes to look at the woman leaning over. The woman with the tearstained face. She recognized her. She knew her. She was…
"Mom…?" Hana Adachi whispered.
The woman gasped as her lips split into a smile. "Thank God," she whispered. "Thank God. My daughter is saved. My daughter came back."
C-Came back? What… what did that mean?
What had she been doing? She remembered… a duel. A duel she lost. And after that… nothing.
What had happened to her?
Out in the hallway, Katsumi Kurosaki and Takeshi Akino shared a smile between them.
"Well, that's done," Takeshi said. The two turned and started walking down the hallway. "Nebula's safe."
"Yes. I fulfilled my promise," Katsumi said in relief.
"So, does that mean you won't be helping Playmaker anymore?"
Katsumi shook her head. "I still have to repay Zahhak for what he did." Her face morphed into a scowl. "And pay back Jester for using Nebula for an experiment."
Takeshi nodded in agreement. What Jester had done to Nebula had been just plain wrong. He needed to be taken down.
"We'll find them," Takeshi assured her. "And then we'll blow them away."
Katsumi nodded at her boyfriend. "I know, Takeshi. But…"
Takeshi blinked at the frown on Katsumi's face. "What is it?"
"…Nothing," she said, shaking her head. "Nothing important."
Takeshi frowned himself. "You know you can tell me anything, Katsumi."
"I know I can. It's not a secret, I promise. I just… need some time to get my thoughts in order."
"…Alright." Takeshi shrugged. "Just know I'm always available to talk."
Katsumi smiled at him. "I know, Takeshi. I know." She reached out and took his hand. The two kept holding hands all the way out of the hospital.
"That surprised me. Ghost Girl and Blood Shepherd were siblings." Ai turned to look at the monitors. "Did you know about that?"
Back in Café Junpei, Yasutake shook his head. "I got the feeling there was a connection between them, but I never put the dots together."
Ai, Flame, Yusaku, Takeru, and Kusanagi were sitting in Café Nagi, while Yasutake, Sachi, Cam, and Cypher were in Café Junpei, communicating through the video monitors. Though the latter group had a new addition.
"I'd heard of Blood Shepherd and Ghost Girl before, but I never met them," Masako said, leaning back in her chair with a frown. "Considering Blood Shepherd's reputation, I considered myself lucky in that regard."
Sachi frowned herself. "Blood Shepherd was an enemy of ours. He put Yasu in a trap once. But in the end, he fought Lightning to protect his sister. Did that make him an ally?"
Yasutake looked at Sachi out of the corner of his eye and noted that the awkwardness between her and Masako was gone. The two were sitting next to each other and Sachi wasn't shying away from her. It seemed their talk yesterday had done some good.
"He was still an enemy, but one we had a common enemy with," Yasutake answered.
"Still, it's sad that he lost," Ai said. "Now that he and Ghost Girl are apart, I wonder if they'll see each other again-."
Flame coughed, interrupting Ai. The Ignis stared at Flame, who gestured to Kusanagi. "Oh!" Ai gasped in realization. "Sorry, Kusanagi."
"Don't worry about me," Kusanagi assured him.
"You'll see Jin again, Shoichi," Cam said. Kusanagi smiled and nodded at the video.
"In the duel," Yusaku said, getting the conversation back on track, "Blood Shepherd's strategy against Lightning should've worked."
"But Lightning anticipated his moves," Takeru responded.
"Ais naturally anticipate numerous patterns," Flame said.
"And Lightning's data processing is much faster than other AI, including us," Cypher said.
"He's annoying, but he's also dangerous," Ai concluded.
"Hey, look!" Kusanagi said, interrupting their discussion. Everyone turned to look at the monitors.
"We just picked up a signal in LINK VRAINS," Cam explained. "It looks like…"
"An Ignis algorithm!" Yusaku gasped.
"Is it Lightning?" Sachi asked.
"No," Kusanagi said. "The Attribute is… Earth!"
"Earth?" everyone gasped.
"Does that mean Earth is in LINK VRAINS?" Ai asked.
"It could," Cam allowed, albeit with a frown.
"Didn't SOL Technologies capture the Earth Ignis?" Masako asked.
"They did," Cypher confirmed.
"Perhaps he escaped," Flame suggested.
"For real?" Ai said excitedly before putting his hands in the air. "Hooray! Hooray!"
"But we're not sure yet!" Flame reminded Ai, putting a stop to his cheering.
"Didn't Terminus and Revolver say SOL dissected Earth?" Yasutake reminded them.
"Well maybe they lied!" Ai suggested. "The Knights of Hanoi are our enemies too! They could have lied to us!"
Masako frowned. "Lying isn't my uncle's style."
"Neither is it Revolver's," Yusaku agreed.
"Why are you all thinking so negatively?" Ai asked plaintively.
"Because you're too carefree," Cypher answered dismissively. "SOL Technologies is careful; the chances of Earth breaking free are very low."
"You think it's a trap?" Yasutake asked.
"SOL doesn't consider us to be alive," Cypher reminded them, his disdain for the company evident. "They'd have no compunctions about using us as bait."
"Even if it is a trap," Yusaku said. "There is a chance that Earth really did escape. And there's also a chance that Lightning may go after it."
"So we should go investigate?" Takeru asked.
Yasutake frowned. "I don't like it, but Yusaku is right. Trap or not, we don't gain anything from staying away. But if we trigger it, we do have a chance to gain something."
"A calculated risk," Sachi summarized.
"All of our actions so far have been calculated risks," Yusaku said. "This is just another."
The others looked at each other and all nodded. "In case it is a trap, I'll message Galahad, Persephone, and Aoi," Yasutake said. "They'll meet us in LINK VRAINS."
The five duelists rode their D-Boards through the sky. "The signal's coming from the area ahead," Kusanagi told them.
"It must be coming from one of these floating islands," Soulburner guessed.
"Cam, Kusanagi, can you pinpoint the location?" Morningstar asked.
Before either of the two could answer, a sound reached their ears.
"Something's coming!" Playmaker said, looking up.
"You mean Earth, right?" Ai guessed.
Cypher narrowed his eyes. "I'm picking up a signal. And the Attribute is Earth."
"I was right!" Ai cheered. "Earth! I knew you were okay! Jump into my arms!"
It wasn't Earth. It was a shadowed figure, driving their D-Board right towards them.
"Don't jump into my arms!" Playmaker, Soulburner, Morningstar, Cassiel, and Lilith all scattered to avoid the rider. Said rider spun his D-Board around and stabilized some distant from them.
Lilith's eyes widened. "That's-."
Morningstar's eyes, in contrast, narrowed. "Go Onizuka."
"Found you, Playmaker."
"What happened to him?" Cassiel whispered, eyes wide with horror. He was even skinnier than before, his eyes had sunken, and deep wrinkles had settled across his face.
"He looks even worse than before," Cypher commented.
"By having an AI chip in his brain, he's been assimilated," Flame said. "His personality has become warped."
"Playmaker, I'll end things with you today," Go promised.
Morningstar, seeing something out of the corner of his eye. "I doubt that very much, Onizuka."
The man turned his head to look at Morningstar, then turned to where he was looking, but it was too late. A blue cord shot out and wrapped itself around Go's wrist. The man blinked dully before turning to the source.
"I told you before, Go. That you wouldn't get anywhere near Playmaker. That I would kick your ass back into shape!"
"Galahad!" Soulburner said in surprise. The Charisma Duelist in question had the blue cord extended out of his Duel Disk, a grim look in his eyes.
"Playmaker! Morningstar!" The others turned as Blue Maiden and Persephone joined them.
"That's-!" Blue Maiden's eyes widened at the cord between Go and Galahad.
"A Data Anchor," Lilith finished, recognizing the code. "Just like yours, Morningstar."
Said former hunter nodded. "Galahad asked me to make him one. In case he needed to force the issue with Go."
"It doesn't have as many tricks as ours does," Cypher said. "But its code is sufficient to force a duel."
Go broke his stoic expression to scowl at Galahad. "Galahad. This is none of your business. Get out of the way."
"You're my best friend, Go. That makes this my business," Galahad countered. "And now that I've tagged you with this Data Anchor, you have no choice but to duel me!"
Go glared at Galahad. "…Very well. I'll defeat you and then Playmaker." He turned back to face the forward group. "Playmaker. Consider this a preview of what's to come."
The cord disappeared as the former Charisma Duelist and his former friend rode off from the others.
"Speed Duel!"
Go Onizuka: 4000 LP
Galahad: 4000 LP
"I'll go max from the start!" Go declared. "To put an end to this so I can crush Playmaker! Expanding thought capabilities! Brain Hack Overlimit!"
Galahad gasped as Go screamed. "My turn. I summon Dinowrestler Capoeiraptor." A gray humanoid dinosaur in a blue and green outfit appeared.
Dinowrestler Capoeiraptor ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4
"I end my turn."
As the two rode off, Playmaker, Morningstar, Soulburner, Cassiel, Lilith, Persephone, and Blue Maiden leapt off their D-Boards and landed on an island to watch.
"That move is the same one he used on Soulburner," Flame noted. "Capoeiraptor cannot be destroyed by battle while in Attack Position."
"But it changes to Defense Position after it's attacked," Soulburner added.
"This duel won't be an easy one for Galahad," Persephone said worryingly.
"Not just because his opponent is his friend, or because of Go's skill level," Morningstar said.
"Anti-Skill," Playmaker remembered, his eyes narrowing.
"Anti-Skill?" Persephone repeated. "What's that?"
"He used it before you showed up last time," Cypher remembered. "It negates a Skill, then lets Go draw two cards."
"Negates a Skill?" Blue Maiden gasped. "He can do that?"
"It's because of that AI he installed in his brain," Ai said, his eyes narrowed.
"That must be the reason why…" Soulburner frowned.
"Soulburner?" Playmaker asked.
"I can't believe that's Go Onizuka," Soulburner admitted, looking up at the duel. "I used to admire him. As one of the heroes who saved LINK VRAINS with Playmaker and Morningstar."
Persephone frowned. Noticing this, Lilith spoke up, "Still, Galahad does have a good chance to win, right?" The others turned to her. "Go and that AI have spent so much time preparing to duel Playmaker, not Galahad. And even if he can negate a Skill, Galahad doesn't rely on his as much as Playmaker does."
Playmaker thought about it and nodded, conceding the point. "Yes. In truth, Galahad might have a better shot at defeating Go than me." He turned back to watch the duel with a frown. "Certainly, he might be better at getting through to him."
Galahad looked at Go's card and smirked. "Really? A strategy like that? Did you forget how my Deck works?" His eyes narrowed. "It seems I'll have to remind you of it, Go! My turn! Draw! As you control a monster and I don't, I can Special Summon Lord Gaia the Fierce Knight!" A blue armored knight wielding long red lances appeared, riding on the back of a yellow dragon in Attack Position.
Lord Gaia the Fierce Knight ATK 2300 DEF 2100 LVL: 7
"I summon Artillery Catapult Turtle!" A green and black armored tortoise with red eyes appeared. The tortoise had a black and red launcher on its back.
Artillery Catapult Turtle ATK 1000 DEF 2000 LVL: 4
"Catapult Turtle's effect activates! By Tributing a monster, I can Special Summon a 'Gaia the Fierce Knight' monster or a Level 5 Dragon monster from my hand or Deck. I Tribute Catapult Turtle itself to Special Summon Arisen Gaia the Fierce Knight!" The armored tortoise disintegrated, and its place rose a blue armored knight riding a purple horse and wielding two blue lances in Attack Position.
Arisen Gaia the Fierce Knight ATK 2300 DEF 2100 LVL: 7
"I activate the Equip Spell Card: Fairy Meteor Crush and equip it to Lord Gaia. Now, if Lord Gaia attacks your Defense Position monster, it inflicts piercing battle damage!" Go didn't react to Galahad's Spell Card.
"Two monsters with 2300 attack points, and one can inflict piercing battle damage," Playmaker noted.
"Galahad can attack Capoeiraptor with Arisen Gaia, but its effect will prevent its destruction," Morningstar noted.
"But then it will change itself to Defense Position, leaving Lord Gaia to attack it for massive damage," Persephone finished.
"Galahad's really going all out," Cassiel said in awe.
"Battle! Arisen Gaia attacks Capoeiraptor!" The knight charged the humanoid dinosaur.
"Capoeiraptor's effect!" Go declared. "While it is in Attack Position, it cannot be destroyed by battle!" The lance struck, but the monster withstood it.
"But you will still take damage!" Galahad reminded him. Go winced from the shockwave.
Go Onizuka: 4000→3500 LP
"Capoeiraptor's effect activates! After it is attacked while in Attack Position, it changes to Defense Position."
"This is my chance!" Galahad said. "Lord Gaia attacks Capoeiraptor!" The knight on a dragon swooped down, its lance aimed straight for Capoeiraptor.
"I send Dinowrestler Martial Ampelo from my hand to the Graveyard to activate its effect!" Go declared. "Capoeiraptor cannot be destroyed by this battle, and battle damage is halved!" The lance struck, but like before Capoeiraptor withstood the attack, while the backlash struck Go and made his D-Board wobble.
Go Onizuka: 3500→2350 LP
Galahad grit his teeth. "Damn. Not what I was hoping for. I end my turn."
"You seem to be trying to end this quickly, Galahad," Go noted. "Are you that scared of me?"
"Scared? Of you?" Galahad smirked. "Has your personality really been twisted that much? Have you forgotten who I am? The kind of duelist you taught me to be?"
"I have not. I taught you to duel with pride and bring smiles to everyone. But that dueling is a lie. Dueling like that cannot bring victory. The people don't care what you duel for or how you duel; all they care for is whether you win or lose."
"The people?" Galahad scoffed. "What does their opinion matter? What matters is whether your dueling is something you yourself can be proud of!"
"How boring. And not just your beliefs. Your dueling is boring too. It is exactly within my predictions of you. Hurry up and lose so that I can duel Playmaker. His dueling is what is needed to push me to greater heights."
Galahad scowled. "Playmaker this, Playmaker that… If I didn't know better, I'd say you had a crush on him."
"Don't spout such nonsense. My turn. Draw. During my Standby Phase, as Capoeiraptor is in Defense Position, I can Special Summon another Capoeiraptor." Another copy of the humanoid dinosaur appeared in Attack Position.
Dinowrestler Capoeiraptor ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4
"Appear! The circuit to victory! The summoning conditions are two 'Dinowrestler' monsters. I set both Capoeiraptors in the Link Markers!" Go's monsters entered the top and left arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Dinowrestler Terra Parkourio!" A gray-skinned dinosaur wearing red, blue, and gray armor on its chest, waist, and head emerged from the Link portal at the right Extra Monster Zone.
Dinowrestler Terra Parkourio ATK 1000 LINK-2 ←↑
"Only 1000 attack points?" Ai said. "That can't beat Galahad's knights!"
"I activate the Spell Card: Natural Evolution!" Go declared. The card showed Dinowrestler Pankratops with its arms mutating into bulbabous masses. "This lets me Special Summon a Level 4 or lower 'Dinowrestler' monster from my hand. Then, I can declare a Monster Type and change all monsters I control to that Type until the end of the turn."
Galahad blinked. "Changing his monsters' Type?" His eyes narrowed. "What is he planning?"
"I Special Summon Dinowrestler Systegosaur!" A green humanoid dinosaur with a spiked tail wearing a black vest and green pants appeared in Attack Position.
Dinowrestler Systegosaur ATK 1900 DEF 0 LVL: 4
"Then I declare Cyberse Type and change Systegosaur and Terra Parkourio to Cyberse Type!"
Everyone watching gasped. "What?" Playmaker said.
"Cyberse Type?" Morningstar repeated.
"Why would he change their Type to that?" Soulburner asked.
"…Gah!"
Blue Maiden looked down as Aqua fell to her knees. "Aqua? What's wrong?"
"This feeling…" the Water Ignis whispered. "It can't be…"
"Cyberse Type," Galahad muttered. "What are you planning, Go?"
"Systegosaur's effect activates! When it is Special Summoned, I can add World Dino Wrestling from my Deck to my hand. I activate the Field Spell Card: World Dino Wrestling. While I control a 'Dinowrestler' monster, we can each attack with only one monster each turn. And if my 'Dinowrestler' monster attacks, it gains 200 attack points during damage calculation. Terra Parkourio's effect activates! As I activated World Dino Wrestling while it was on my field, I can add a 'Dinowrestler' monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I'll add Martial Ampelo to my hand."
Go and Galahad passed by the island where the others stood. "Playmaker!" Go shouted. "Watch carefully for a preview of the main event! Appear! The circuit to victory! The summoning conditions are two Cyberse monsters." The other gasped on hearing that, and on seeing a blue orb glowing in Go's hand. "I set Systegosaur and Terra Parkourio in the Link Markers!" His monsters entered the left and bottom arrows.
"Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! G Golem Crystal Heart!" A dark red heart made of crystal with a purple gem in its center appeared, summoned to the right Extra Monster Zone.
G Golem Crystal Heart ATK 0 LINK-2 ←↓
"That's-!" Aqua gasped.
"What?!" Ai screeched.
"That monster belonged to Earth!" Morningstar said, making Cassiel's, Lilith's, and Soulburner's eyes go wide.
"W-Why?" Ai asked. "Why does he have Crystal Heart?"
A screen appeared, connecting Go to the watchers. "Oi, Go Onizuka!" Ai shouted. "Why do you have Earth's card? Answer me!"
"It doesn't matter how I have it," Go said calmly. "What matters is how I'll use it."
"That punk…" Ai seethed.
"There's something different about that Crystal Heart than the one Earth used," Playmaker noticed.
"You mean the color?" Soulburner asked.
"Not just that," Cypher said, his eyes narrowed. "This one's been… corrupted somehow. Like it's turned into Onizuka." Cypher blinked. "Turned… into…"
"Cypher?" Morningstar asked, looking down at his partner.
"No. No. No, that can't be." Cypher turned to the screen. "Onizuka, did you-?!"
"That's right." Go leaned forward and widened his left eye, revealing an orange border around it. Everyone gasped.
"Earth," Aqua said in realization.
Lilith scowled. "SOL put Earth's data into the AI chip Onizuka has in his head."
"Earth's data is in that human," Aqua said, her eyes narrowing.
"So Terminus and Revolver were telling the truth," Flame said.
"SOL Technologies did kill Earth," Morningstar said.
"Damn!" Ai cursed. Then he realized something. "Wait. So the Earth signal we followed was…"
"A trap to lure us, like we thought," Playmaker finished.
"Exactly," Go confirmed.
"Stop messing around!" Ai shouted.
"The Ignis is under my control," Go said.
"Under your control?" Cypher repeated, his eyes narrowing.
"They say you Ignis are a threat to humanity. But it's not bad if you're under my control. After I defeat Galahad, I'll put the rest of you under my control."
"I refuse!" Ai shouted.
"…How pathetic."
Everyone, including Go, turned to look at Galahad, who had a small smirk on his face. "I don't really get this whole AI-Ignis-chip thing; I'm not smart like that. But there is something I do understand."
He raised his head to glare at Go. "You stole that Ignis's power for yourself. Are you so insecure that you need to steal power from others to make yourself feel better?"
Go's expression changed into a deep scowl. "Shut up!" he shouted. The change in his behavior made the others blink. "This power is mine now. And with it I'll crush you! Terra Parkourio's effect activates! As it was sent to the Graveyard as Link Material, I can Special Summon a 'Dinowrestler' monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position with its effects negated. Resurrect, Capoeiraptor!"
Dinowrestler Capoeiraptor ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4
"And since the monster Special Summoned by Natural Evolution left the field, I draw a card." Go gestured to his field. "Crystal Heart's effect activates! It Special Summons and co-links with an Earth Link Monster from my Graveyard. Resurrect, Terra Parkourio!" The armored humanoid dinosaur reappeared at Crystal Heart's bottom Link Marker.
Dinowrestler Terra Parkourio ATK 1000 LINK-2 ←↑
"When this effect is activated, I place a G Golem Counter on Crystal Heart. And for each G Golem Counter it has, all Earth monsters linked to it gain 600 attack points."
G Golem Crystal Heart: 0 GC→1 GC
Dinowrestler Terra Parkourio ATK 1000→1600
"Appear! The circuit to victory! The summoning conditions are two or more 'Dinowrestler' monsters. I set Capoeiraptor and Link-2 Terra Parkourio in the Link Markers!" Go's monsters entered the bottom-left, bottom, and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Dinowrestler King T Wrextle!" A maroon-skinned humanoid dinosaur wearing a red vest and blue paints, with a tyrannosaurus skull on its right arm and the spine of the same dinosaur over its left arm, emerged from the Link portal at Crystal Heart's bottom Link Marker.
Dinowrestler King T Wrextle ATK 3000→3600 LINK-3 ↙↓↘
Galahad narrowed his eyes. "Go's ace monster. But he made one mistake. Lord Gaia's effect activates! When a monster with more attack points than it is Special Summoned to your field, Lord Gaia gains 700 attack points until the end of the turn."
Lord Gaia the Fierce Knight ATK 2300→3000
"Galahad raised his monster's attack points, but it's still weaker than King T Wrextle," Playmaker noted.
"And there's nothing to stop Go from attacking Arisen Gaia instead of Lord Gaia," Soulburner said.
"I Set one card," Go said. "Battle! King T Wrextle attacks Arisen Gaia!" The humanoid dinosaur leapt forward at the knight with blue lances. "World Dino Wrestling's effect activates! King T Wrextle gains 200 attack points during damage calculation!"
Dinowrestler King T Wrextle ATK 3600→3800
"When King T Wrextle battles, you cannot activate Spell or Trap Cards until the end of the Damage Step." King T Wrextle's fist impacted with Arisen Gaia's lances, which broke under the pressure of the attack. The fist continued on into Arisen Gaia's gut, destroying it and making Galahad grunt from the assault.
Galahad: 4000→2500 LP
Dinowrestler King T Wrextle ATK 3800→3600
Galahad grimaced. "Not bad, Go. But you're not the only one who can predict people's moves! Trap activate! Soldier's Cross!" The card showed Marauding Captain kneeling on the ground, his sword impaled on the ground and his hands on the hilt, his head bowed over it. "Since my Warrior monster was destroyed, I can Special Summon that monster in Defense Position with its effects negated!" Arisen Gaia reappeared, sure enough in Defense Position.
Arisen Gaia the Fierce Knight ATK 2300 DEF 2100 LVL: 7
"Soldier's Cross then lets me draw a card!"
"So you won't go down without a fight," Go said. "I end my turn. During the End Phase, Lord Gaia's attack points return to normal."
Lord Gaia the Fierce Knight ATK 3000→2300
"Galahad!" Ai cheered. "Win this for Earth! Get that Crystal Heart back!"
"You cannot defeat me, Galahad," Go said. "Playmaker is stronger than you, and I have surpassed Playmaker now. You are nothing more than an opening act to him."
Galahad smirked. "An opening act, huh? Is that how you feel compared to Playmaker?"
"I do not! I have surpassed him!"
"If you deny it like that, then clearly you haven't," Galahad said dismissively. "I hate seeing you like this, Go. The Go Onizuka I knew was a proud Charisma Duelist who dueled for everyone! Not some power-stealing maniac with an inferiority complex!"
"Shut up!" Go shouted, his eyes bordered by orange again. "This is what the people want! They want winners, not losers! It doesn't matter how they do it. All that matters is winning!"
"What utter nonsense," Galahad replied. "Is that what you've come to believe? Then let me show you how wrong you are! My turn! Draw! I summon Charging Gaia the Fierce Knight by making its original attack points 1900!" A green-skinned knight in blue armor with red lances riding a purple horse appeared.
Charging Gaia the Fierce Knight ATK 2300→1900 DEF 2100 LVL: 7
"Appear! The circuit of champions!" Galahad declared. "The summoning conditions are three different named monsters. I set Arisen Gaia, Charging Gaia, and Lord Gaia in the Link Markers!" Galahad's three knights entered the top, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows. "Light and darkness intertwine to open the gates of chaos! Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Black Luster Soldier – Soldier of Chaos!" A pale-skinned warrior wearing blue armor gilded with gold emerged from the Link portal. He wielded a curved silver-and-gold blade in his right hand and a gilded shield in his left. A red cape fluttered from his waist, and blue hair fell down his back. The warrior roared from the Extra Monster Zone.
Black Luster Soldier – Soldier of Chaos ATK 3000 LINK-3 ↙↑↘
Morningstar blinked. "A 'Black Luster Soldier' Link Monster!"
"This is my new dueling, the dueling I have obtained through my own strength!" Galahad declared. "Since Soldier of Chaos was Link Summoned using a Level 7 or higher monster as material, it cannot be targeted or destroyed by your card effects. I Set one card."
Galahad pointed to the field. "Battle! But before I attack, I'll activate this card! By discarding Envoy of Chaos from my hand, its effect activates! A 'Black Luster Soldier' monster In control gains 1500 attack points. And when it battles this turn, your monster's attack points become its original attack points during damage calculation!"
"Yes!" Soulburner cheered. "He can defeat King T Wrextle with that!"
"An interesting effect," Go allowed. "But within expectations. Counter Trap activate! Dino Crash!" The card showed an upturned Dyna Base, Dinowrestler Capoeiraptor leaning against it, catching its breath while its hands were on its knees. "Since you activated a monster effect while I control a 'Dinowrestler' Link Monster, that effect is negated!"
Galahad grit his teeth. "So? What will you do now, Galahad?"
"Damn it!" Ai wailed. "Onizuka saw right through Galahad's play!"
"But the situation isn't helpless," Playmaker noted.
"Normally, King T Wrextle would be able to force Soldier of Chaos to attack. Otherwise it would be destroyed," Soulburner said.
"But since Soldier of Chaos cannot be targeted by card effects, Go can't use King T Wrextle's effect to destroy it," Persephone concluded. "So at the very least, Galahad has a line of defense."
"I think he has a bit more than that," Cypher noted, seeing Galahad gesture to his field.
"I end my turn. And during the End Phase, I activate the effect of Envoy of Chaos in the Graveyard! By banishing the Dark Arisen Gaia and the Light Charging Gaia from my Graveyard, I can add Envoy of Chaos to my hand."
"I see," Go said. "So you can activate its effect in case I attack. You're being rather stubborn about this."
"Of course I am!" Galahad shouted. "That's what you taught me to be! When I became a Charisma Duelist, you're the one who trained me!"
"Awww!" Galahad cried out as he landed painfully on his back.
Galahad: 800→0 LP
"Damn," Galahad said as he pushed himself to a sitting position, rubbing his bruised back. "I thought I had you there."
Go let out a hearty laugh as he held out a hand. Galahad took it and allowed the older and larger man to pull him to his feet. "You almost did; I had to make a gamble on my draw to pull that win off. That's a first for you."
Galahad smirked. "Glad to know I'm getting better. It's hard to tell when you win every time."
Go chuckled again. "Think of it as encouragement. One day, you'll best me!"
"Oh, I intend to." Galahad's smirk became a challenging grin. "I'm going to become #1 someday, Go. I'll have to beat you for that to mean anything."
Go smiled back. "Oh, I welcome the challenge, Galahad. You're a good man and friend. Just remember something." His eyes narrowed as his mood turned serious. "Never give up. It is one thing to have a goal, to have a dream. But it is another thing to see it through. If you want your dream to become a reality, then you must give everything you have to see it through."
Galahad blinked and then smiled. "I know, Go. And that's what I'll do; I'll become the best duelist I can possibly be." For my brother's sake, and for mine. "I'll become a proud duelist who fights for what he believes in. Who rises to the top on his own merit. Just like you've taught me!"
"Right!" Go smiled and pumped a fist. "And when you get to the top, I'll be there to greet you. And we'll decide between ourselves who the strongest is!"
"I haven't forgotten what you taught me," Galahad said. "You taught me to be a proud duelist and duel for what I believed in. You taught me to never give up, to throw everything I am into my goal." His eyes narrowed. "Well right now, I'm going to throw everything I am into surpassing you! Into showing you the proud duelist you made me! In reminding you of the proud duelist you used to be!"
"Pride," Go scoffed. "That's pointless. You cannot win with pride and determination alone. I have surpassed humanity itself. You cannot defeat me as you are. Let me show it to you. My turn! Draw!"
Go looked at his card. "I will defeat you this turn. I activate the Spell Card: Dino Restoration," Go said. The card showed Dinowrestler Eskrimamenchi withering away, strands of light leaving its body and traveling into Dinowrestler Valeonyx, who was glowing with power. "By returning a 'Dinowrestler' monster I control to my hand, I can Special Summon a 'Dinowrestler' monster from my Graveyard with its effects negated. I return King T Wrextle to my hand and Special Summon Capoeiraptor." The large dinosaur disappeared and was replaced by the smaller dinosaur in Attack Position.
Dinowrestler Capoeiraptor ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4
"He traded King T Wrextle for a weaker monster?" Ai said in surprise. "Why would he do that?"
"Because he has Crystal Heart," Aqua said, making everyone look at her and gasp in realization.
"Crystal Heart's effect. I Special Summon Terra Parkourio from my Graveyard and co-link it to Crystal Heart!" The dinosaur with red and blue armor reappeared at Crystal Heart's bottom Link Marker.
Dinowrestler Terra Parkourio ATK 1000 LINK-2 ←↑
"I now place a second G Golem Counter on Crystal Heart."
G Golem Crystal Heart: 1 GC→2 GC
Dinowrestler Terra Parkourio ATK 1000→2200
"Appear! The circuit to victory! The summoning conditions are two or more 'Dinowrestler' monsters. I set Capoeiraptor and Link-2 Terra Parkourio in the Link Markers!" The monsters entered the bottom-left, bottom, and bottom-right Link Markers. "Link Summon! Return! Link-3! Dinowrestler King T Wrextle!" The large dinosaur reappeared at Crystal Heart's bottom Link Marker and let out a powerful roar.
Dinowrestler King T Wrextle ATK 3000→4200 LINK-3 ↙↓↘
Playmaker frowned. "He brought back King T Wrextle and made it stronger through Crystal Heart's effect."
"Yeah, but Galahad has Envoy of Chaos in his hand," Ai reminded him. "King T Wrextle isn't powerful enough to defeat that."
"As Terra Parkourio was used to Link Summon, I can Special Summon Systegosaur from the Graveyard in Defense Position with its effects negated." The green humanoid dinosaur reappeared.
Dinowrestler Systegosaur ATK 1900 DEF 0 LVL: 4
"I told you, Galahad, that I would end you this turn. Consider this another showing of you powerful I have become now. Appear again! The circuit to victory! The summoning conditions are two or more 'Dinowrestler' monsters. I set Systegosaur and Link-3 King T Wrextle in the Link Markers!" Go's monsters entered the top, bottom, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows. "King of kings, arise from your prehistoric domain and bring ruin to our enemies! Link Summon! Appear! Link-4! Dinowrestler Emperor T Wrextle!" The monster that emerged from the Link portal was another maroon skinned humanoid dinosaur. This one wore a red vest and pants, while two skulls – each a Giganotosaurus skull – sat on its shoulders. More bones acted as bracers, gauntlets, boots, and a mask covering its face. All of these bones were black, through the skulls had red streaks on the sides. A mane of black hair fell down the dinosaur's back as it let loose a roar from Crystal Heart's bottom Link Marker.
Dinowrestler Emperor T Wrextle ATK 3500→4700 LINK-4 ↙↑↓↘
Galahad braced himself against the force of Emperor T Wrextle's roar. "A new 'Dinowrestler' Link Monster?" he muttered.
"Onizuka upgraded his ace monster!" Morningstar said in surprise.
"I Set one card." Go gestured to his field. "Battle! Emperor T Wrextle attacks Soldier of Chaos! Due to World Dino Wrestling's effect, it gains 200 attack points!"
Dinowrestler Emperor T Wrextle ATK 4700→4900
"I activate the effect of Envoy of Chaos in my hand!" Galahad declared. "By discarding it-!"
"It won't happen," Go interrupted. "When Emperor T Wrextle battles, you cannot activate cards or effects until the end of the Damage Step."
"What?" Galahad gasped.
"Eh?!" Ai screeched. "Not only Spell and Traps, but monster effects won't work either?!"
"Go! Mesozoic Force!" Emperor T Wrextle charged and punched Soldier of Chaos in the stomach, destroying it with a roar and pushing Galahad back.
Galahad: 2500→600 LP
Dinowrestler Emperor T Wrextle ATK 4900→4700
"This is bad!" Ai screeched. "Monsters that are co-linked with Crystal Heart when it has two or more G Golem Counters can attack twice!"
Persephone gasped. "You mean that Emperor T Wrextle can attack again?!"
"This will be the end for you, Galahad," Go said.
"Not yet!" Galahad declared. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Return of the Fierce Knight!" The card showed Arisen Gaia, Charging Gaia, and Swift Gaia on their mounts on top of a hill, with the rising sun in the background and Lord Gaia riding his dragon in the air above them. "Since I control no monsters, I can Special Summon a 'Gaia the Fierce Knight' monster from my Graveyard with its effects negated. Resurrect, Lord Gaia!" The knight riding a dragon reappeared in Defense Position.
Lord Gaia the Fierce Knight ATK 2300 DEF 2100 LVL: 7
"Yes!" Ai cheered. "Even if Emperor T Wrextle can attack twice, it can't inflict piercing battle damage, so Galahad will survive the turn!"
"Defense Position is useless against me," Go said smugly, making Galahad blink. "So long as Emperor T Wrextle is on the field, all monsters must be in Attack Position and cannot change to Defense Position!"
"EH?!" Ai screeched as Lord Gaia changed to Attack Position. "It forces monsters into Attack Position?! That's not fair!"
"Be quiet!" Playmaker ordered.
"This is the end, Galahad," Go said smugly. "As I told you, you were wrong. Now sit calmly and let me duel Playmaker! Emperor T Wrextle attacks Lord Gaia! Mesozoic Force!" The humanoid dinosaur leapt forward, its fist encased in fire as it roared.
"I am the one who said you were wrong, Go!" Galahad said. "And you're especially wrong about me losing! Because the turn Return of the Fierce Knight is activated, neither of us takes battle damage from battles involving 'Gaia the Fierce Knight' monsters!" The attack struck and destroyed Lord Gaia, but Galahad was unharmed.
Go frowned. "I end my turn. You managed to survive. But why do you keep fighting? It must be obvious by now you can't win. Not against my Emperor T Wrextle."
"Obvious? Can't win?" Galahad repeated. "Quit it with that nonsense. The Go Onizuka I knew didn't care about such words! After all," he clenched his fist and struck his chest, "what good are words against my indomitable soul?!"
"Indomitable?" Go repeated. His eyes narrowed. "Don't be stupid. You can't win with spirit alone. Not against the me installed with an AI chip."
"If you really think that, then I can't help but pity you, Go," Galahad said. "If you really think you can overcome me with stolen power, then you would have defeated me by now. But it's my will that's kept me standing! The flame that my soul carries that allows me to go on!" Galahad raised his right hand. "No matter what, I won't give up! I will make you open your eyes! I will show you the dueling that I believe in! That you believed in!"
"Galahad certainly doesn't lack for spirit," Cypher admitted. "But he's in a bad situation no matter how you put it."
"He can't defend so long as Emperor T Wrextle is on the field," Playmaker said. "Emperor T Wrextle is the only monster he can attack, and it has 4700 attack points."
Blue Maiden's eyes narrowed. "No matter what Galahad does, this turn will be his last."
Persephone watched and then smiled. "Don't get so down," she said, making the others turn to her. "Galahad isn't out yet. If I know anything about him, he's just getting started. And he wouldn't want us to feel upset for him. He'd want us to enjoy his duel to the very end."
"That's all well and good, but…" Ai started.
"Galahad only has 600 Life Points left, and Envoy of Chaos in his hand," Morningstar said. "I want him to win, but the odds are against him."
"…Aren't they always against us?"
Now they all turned to Cassiel, who was smiling with Persephone. "I don't know Galahad all that well, but I do know that we and our friends always do our best when our backs are against the wall. If there's the slightest chance that Galahad will pull off an upset, then I believe he can do it!"
"Cassiel…" Morningstar whispered, staring at the girl.
Go scowled as he glared at Galahad. "You keep spouting such nonsense. I can see every possibility in this duel. There's nothing you have that can defeat me."
"Is that so?" Galahad smirked. "Let's put that theory to the test." He placed his hand on his Deck. "I may not be able to think at the level of an AI, but I trust my instincts! Those instincts are what led me to the Charisma Duelists. They're what led me to become your friend! They're what led me to meet Morningstar, Persephone, Playmaker, and all my friends and allies!" His eyes widened. "I know that if I bet my soul on my instincts, they won't let me down! MY TURN! DRAW!"
For a few seconds, it seemed the world itself held its breath. Then Galahad turned the card so he could see it.
He blinked.
Then laughed.
"Yes!" he declared. "My instincts proved me right!"
"What?" Go blinked.
"I activate the Spell Card: Link Snatch!" The card showed a field with a blank Link Monster card. A white comic glove was reaching over and picking up the card. "Since you control a Link Monster and I don't, I can take control of your Link Monster and move it to an unoccupied Extra Monster Zone!"
Everyone gasped. "A game changer card!" Flame said.
"With that, he can take control of Emperor T Wrextle!" Lilith realized.
"You won't take my monster!" Go declared. "I activate the effect of Dino Crash in the Graveyard, targeting Emperor T Wrextle! Until the end of the turn, Emperor T Wrextle is unaffected by your card effects!" Go smirked. "You can't take control of my monster! You can't win like that!"
"Are you sure about that?" Go gasped as Galahad smirked. "After all… Emperor T Wrextle isn't your only monster, is it?" Go's eyes widened in shock.
"Wait-."
"Does he mean-?"
"I take control of Crystal Heart!" Galahad declared, confirming Ai's and Aqua's suspicions. Crystal Heart disappeared in a pillar of light, then reappeared on Galahad's field. But it was different from before. Before, it had been the color of blood and had a continuous red aura around it. Now however, it was a startling ocean blue, gleaming under the artificial sunlight from the right Extra Monster Zone.
"Yes!" Ai cheered. "Galahad freed Crystal Heart!"
"Since Crystal Heart no longer points to Emperor T Wrextle, its attack points return to normal!"
Dinowrestler Emperor T Wrextle ATK 4700→3500
"Give that back," Go muttered, his eyes shifting to blue and orange. "Give Crystal Heart back!"
"I won't!" Galahad denied. "You stole this card from its rightful owner! It's only fair that I use it to punish you for that! And to remind you of what you lost! Crystal Heart's effect activates! Once per turn, I can Special Summon an Earth Link Monster from my Graveyard and co-link it with Crystal Heart. Resurrect, Soldier of Chaos!" The blue-and-gold armored warrior reappeared and swung his sword from Crystal Heart's bottom Link Marker.
Black Luster Soldier – Soldier of Chaos ATK 3000 LINK-3 ↙↑↘
"Then, I place a G Golem Counter on Crystal Heart, and for each G Golem Counter, Soldier of Chaos gains 600 attack points!"
G Golem Crystal Heart: 2 GC→3 GC
Black Luster Soldier – Soldier of Chaos ATK 3000→4800
"Soldier of Chaos has more attack points than Emperor T Wrextle now!" Cypher noticed.
"And since Soldier of Chaos is co-linked to Crystal Heart, it can attack twice!" Cassiel said with a smile.
"Galahad wins!" Ai cheered.
"No you don't!" Go declared. "Trap activate! Link Chain!" The card showed a number of interwoven deep blue and blood red heavy chains. "When you Special Summon a Link Monster, I can target a Link Monster you control and negate its effects until the end of the turn! I negate Crystal Heart's effects!" A series of blue and red chains shot out of the card and wrapped themselves around Crystal Heart. "With Crystal Heart's effects negated, Soldier of Chaos's attack points return to normal!"
Black Luster Soldier – Soldier of Chaos ATK 4800→3000
"Damn it!" Ai cried. "Soldier of Chaos is weaker than Emperor T Wrextle now!"
"Link Chain also forces you to conduct your Battle Phase this turn!" Go said.
"Neither of Galahad's monsters is strong enough to defeat Emperor T Wrextle," Flame noted.
"Then he could just not attack," Lilith suggested. "The card just says he has to conduct his Battle Phase; it doesn't say his monsters have to attack."
"That won't work either." The others turned to Persephone, who held out her Duel Disk to them. It displayed the data on Emperor T Wrextle. "Look at Go's monster's last effect."
"Eh?" Ai narrowed his eyes as he read. "'At the end of the opponent's Battle Phase…' What?!"
"That monster destroys all of Galahad's monsters that didn't attack and then inflicts 500 points of damage for each of them," Morningstar said in dawning realization.
"If Galahad doesn't attack, Crystal Heart and Soldier of Chaos will be destroyed," Playmaker said with a frown. "And Galahad will take 1000 points of damage."
"I didn't foresee you taking control of Crystal Heart," Go admitted. "But I did foresee you Link Summoning. Now between Link Chain and Emperor T Wrextle, you cannot win!"
Galahad smirked. "Oh? You admit that you didn't see me taking Crystal Heart?" he asked. "That means my dueling trumped yours."
"Only for a brief moment," Go deflected.
"Even so, that means it can happen again," Galahad countered. "And it will happen right now! I summon Envoy of Chaos!" A boy in blue armor with gold gilding, wielding a tiny sword and shield, appeared.
Envoy of Chaos ATK 1500 DEF 0 LVL: 4
"Appear! The circuit of champions! The summoning conditions two or more Effect Monsters, one of which must be a 'Black Luster Soldier' monster. I set Envoy of Chaos and Link-3 Soldier of Chaos in the Link Markers!" Galahad's monsters entered the top, bottom, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows. "The light and darkness that resides in man's hearts, obey the will of your ruler!" Galahad's eyes widened as he raised his right arm. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-4! Black Luster Soldier – King of Chaos!"
Within the portal, there was a palace made of stone. In that palace, there was a throne room, one side covered in shadow while light streamed in and illuminated the other half. Sitting on the throne, half in shadow, half in light, was a cyan-skinned man in black armor with gold gilding. The black and gold helmet he wore had two streamers of black cloth, and blue hair fell down his back. A crown was inlaid on top of the helmet. The man reached to either side of his throne. On his right side, he pulled out a large curved silver blade with a golden handle. From his left, he picked up an ornate black shield with gold gilding, five gems of different colors – a ruby, a sapphire, a topaz, an emerald, and a diamond – embedded in it. The man stood up and leapt forward, leaping out of the Link portal and landing on Galahad's field at Crystal Heart's bottom Link Marker.
Black Luster Soldier – King of Chaos ATK 3500 LINK-4 ↙↑↓↘
"A Link-4?" Go gasped.
"Didn't foresee this, did you?" Galahad snarked. "The King of Chaos is the pinnacle of my dueling. The sign that I will never give up! Let me show you what I mean! As King of Chaos was Link Summoned, it's unaffected by your card effects. And since it was Link Summoned using Soldier of Chaos, I can banish one of your cards once per turn!"
Go narrowed his eyes. "Due to Dino Crash, Emperor T Wrextle is unaffected by your card effects!"
"I banish World Dino Wrestling! Chaos Authority!" King of Chaos raised his shield and blasted Go's Field Spell Card with multicolored light, shattering it.
"I activate the effect of Soldier's Cross in the Graveyard!" Galahad continued. "By banishing it from the Graveyard, all of my monsters gain 1000 attack points until the end of the turn!"
Black Luster Soldier – King of Chaos ATK 3500→4500
G Golem Crystal Heart ATK 0→1000
"Battle!" Galahad declared. "King of Chaos attacks Emperor T Wrextle! Imperial Chaos Blade!" The man swung his sword to the side, where it lit up with black light. The man leapt into the air and brought the blade down on Emperor T Wrextle, but Go gestured to his field.
"I discard Martial Ampelo to activate its effect!" he declared. "The battle damage is halved and Emperor T Wrextle isn't destroyed!" Emperor T Wrextle met the blade with its fist and withstood the attack but Go winced from the backlash.
Go Onizuka: 2350→1850 LP
Go scowled. "You fought well, but unless Crystal Heart attacks, it will be destroyed by Emperor T Wrextle's effect and leave you with 100 Life Points. Even if my victory is no longer certain, it is still very likely."
"I'm afraid that's not true, Go," Galahad said, making his opponent blink. "The result of this duel has already been decided! When King of Chaos banishes your card, it gains an effect depending on the type of card banished. And since King of Chaos banished a Spell Card… it can attack twice during the Battle Phase!"
"What?!" Go gasped. "T-Twice?!"
"Attack again, King of Chaos! Destroy Emperor T Wrextle with Imperial Chaos Blade!" The armored man's sword lit up again as he leapt in the air. Grabbing the sword's hilt with both hands, he brought the blade down with a mighty roar as Emperor T Wrextle tried to block the blow with its fist. For a few seconds, the two struggled. But then King of Chaos's sword broke through the hand and sliced Emperor T Wrextle down the middle. The monster roared in pain as it exploded, pushing Go back as he yelled.
Go Onizuka: 1850→850 LP
"T-This is impossible," Go muttered, his eyes shifting to blue and orange and back again.
"Do you remember it now Go?" Galahad asked. "The meaning of pride in one's dueling? The pride you discarded?" His eyes widened. "Let me remind you of that pride right now! Crystal Heart attacks you directly!" The chains binding Crystal Heart broke apart as the monster glowed blue with power. It gathered an orb of water in front of itself, which it then launched at Go in a continuous stream.
"Open your eyes, Go Onizuka!" The water struck Go, knocking him off his D-Board.
Go Onizuka: 850→0 LP
As Go flew through the sky, his eyes wide, images rushed into his head. Him getting into fights as a kid, his first time in LINK VRAINS, his duel with Playmaker, Dark Onizuka, leaving for the Tower, losing to Revolver, continuously chasing after Playmaker…
Meeting Galahad, dueling with him, laughing with him and Persephone, friendly challenges with them and Blue Angel…
An orphanage full of kids, cheering for their hero.
Tears welled in Go's eyes as he fell, watching his old friend get further out of reach. He held out his hand.
"G-Galahad…"
The former Charisma Duelist fell down into a tree before landing on an island of grass, trees, and waterfalls.
"Hurry!" Playmaker said, leaping off the island and getting on his D-Board. The others followed suit a second after.
Galahad landed next to Go and leaned over him. "Hey, Go, wake up!" he said, shaking the man's shoulder. But he was unresponsive.
Playmaker landed next to them. Ai immediately rose from his Duel Disk in his monster form.
"I'm taking back Earth's data!" Ai declared, biting down on Go's Duel Disk. He began consuming data, but Go's eyes suddenly opened and glowed red. Ai screamed and backed up with Playmaker and Galahad as red tendrils shot out of Go's body and formed a cage around the two humans and single Ignis, Go's unconscious body at the cage's top.
"What is this?!" Ai screeched.
Morningstar's eyes widened. "A capture program!" he realized. "Cypher!"
"I'm on it!" The Ignis rose up, his hands sparking with silver lightning, which he blasted at the cage. "Hakai!" The tendrils broke apart on contact with the lightning, but Go's body disappeared in a flash of blue light.
Ai breathed a sigh of relief. "That was too close."
"What was that?" Galahad asked.
"It was a capture program," Cypher answered as everyone landed with the Charisma Duelist and Playmaker. "I'm guessing it was a safeguard to capture Playmaker in case Go lost." He chuckled. "But it was easy for me to break. I'm just that good."
Lilith looked at the Ignis with a raised eyebrow. "What was that you shouted? Hakai or something?"
"Eh… nothing." Cypher turned his head away from Lilith.
The bounty hunter rolled her eyes, then gave Galahad an appraising look. "That was pretty good for a Charisma Duelist. I didn't think you had it in you."
Galahad glared at the girl. "Your continuous support means everything to me, Lilith," he said flatly.
Persephone chuckled as she stood next to Galahad. "Looks like you fulfilled your promise, though. You managed to beat Go in a duel."
Galahad frowned and shook his head. "That didn't count. I won't consider myself as having surpassed Go until I defeat the real him."
Persephone caught the subtext. The him we were friends with. The him who used Goukis with a smile.
"Did you manage to retrieve any data?" Flame asked Ai.
"Only a little," Ai said. "Oh! But I got this!" He produced a card, which Playmaker took, then held out to Blue Maiden and Aqua. It was G Golem Crystal Heart.
Blue Maiden took it. "This is…"
"That was the only card I managed to get," Ai admitted. "Aqua, hold on to it. That'd make Earth the happiest."
"Now Earth will rest more easily," Flame said. "Especially thanks to you." He turned to Galahad. "You used Earth's card to defeat Onizuka. With that, I can say you avenged him."
Galahad chuckled. "I didn't duel Go to avenge your friend. I dueled him to save mine."
"Even so…" Cypher chuckled. "I can't help but think of the irony; it's probably because Go had that card that you were able to beat him. If he didn't use it, you might have lost."
Cassiel, who had been silent to that point, spoke up with a frown. "Do you guys think Go Onizuka is okay?"
Everyone frowned at her question. "I hope so," Galahad answered.
"He might also be a victim of this war," Soulburner said morosely.
Playmaker narrowed his eyes. "We can't waste time. We have to end this fight quickly."
Persephone turned her head to stare into the distance. Then her eyes narrowed as she nodded to herself. She turned back to the group.
"Playmaker," she said, drawing his attention. "Will you duel me?"
Go Onizuka vs. Galahad
This Duel is conducted as a Speed Duel.
Turn 1: Go
Go Normal Summons Dinowrestler Capoeiraptor (1800/0/4). He ends his turn.
Turn 2: Galahad
Galahad draws. As Go controls a monster and Galahad does not, he Special Summons Lord Gaia the Fierce Knight (2300/2100/7) in Attack Position. Galahad Normal Summons Artillery Catapult Turtle (1000/2000/4). Galahad activates Artillery Catapult Turtle's effect, Tributing itself to Special Summon 1 "Gaia the Fierce Knight" monster or 1 Level 5 Dragon monster from his hand or Deck. He Special Summons Arisen Gaia the Fierce Knight (2300/2100/7) from his Deck in Attack Position. Galahad activates the Equip Spell Card Fairy Meteor Crush, equipping it to Lord Gaia. If Lord Gaia attacks Go's Defense Position monster, it inflicts piercing battle damage. Galahad Sets 1 card.
Arisen Gaia attacks Capoeiraptor, but Capoeiraptor cannot be destroyed by battle while in Attack Position (Go: 4000→3500 LP). As Capoeiraptor was attacked while in Attack Position, it is changed to Defense Position. Lord Gaia attacks Capoeiraptor. As Go's "Dinowrestler" monster is being attacked, he activates the effect of Dinowrestler Martial Ampelo in his hand, discarding it to prevent Capoeiraptor's destruction by battle and halve the battle damage (Go: 3500→2350 LP). Galahad ends his turn.
Turn 3: Go
Go draws. During his Standby Phase, as Capoeiraptor is in Defense Position, its effect activates, and Go Special Summons a 2nd Capoeiraptor (1800/0/4) from his Deck in Attack Position. Go uses his 2 Capoeiraptors to Link Summon Dinowrestler Terra Parkourio (1000/2/←↑) to the right Extra Monster Zone. Go activates the Spell Card Natural Evolution, which lets him Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Dinowrestler" monster from his hand, then declare a Type and change all monsters he controls to that Type until the end of the turn. Go Special Summons Dinowrestler Systegosaur (1900/0/4) in Attack Position and declares Cyberse Type, changing Systegosaur and Terra Parkourio into Cyberse monsters. As Systegosaur was Special Summoned, Go activates its effect to add World Dino Wrestling from his Deck to his hand. Go activates the Field Spell Card World Dino Wrestling. While World Dino Wrestling is on the field and Go controls a "Dinowrestler" monster, each player can only attack with 1 monster during each Battle Phase, and if Go's "Dinowrestler" monster attacks, it gains 200 ATK during damage calculation. As World Dino Wrestling was activated while Terra Parkourio is on the field, Go can add 1 "Dinowrestler" monster from his GY to his hand. He adds Martial Ampelo to his hand. Go uses Systegosaur and Terra Parkourio to Link Summon G Golem Crystal Heart (0/2/←↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Terra Parkourio was sent to the GY as Link Material, Go can Special Summon 1 "Dinowrestler" monster from his GY in Defense Position with its effects negated. He Special Summons Capoeiraptor (1800/0/4). As the monster Special Summoned by Natural Evolution left the field, Go activates Natural Evolution's effect in the GY, banishing it to draw 1 card. Go activates Crystal Heart's effect to Special Summon 1 Earth Link Monster from his GY so that it is co-linked with it, then place a G Golem Counter on Crystal Heart. He Special Summons Terra Parkourio (1000/2/←↑) to Crystal Heart's bottom Link Marker (Crystal Heart: 0 GC→1 GC). Crystal Heart's effect increases the ATK of all Earth monsters linked to it by 600 for each G Golem Counter on it (Terra Parkourio: 1000→1600). Go uses Capoeiraptor and Link-2 Terra Parkourio to Link Summon Dinowrestler King T Wrextle (3000→3600/3/↙↓↘) to Crystal Heart's bottom Link Marker. As a monster with higher ATK than it was Special Summoned to Go's field, Galahad activates Lord Gaia's effect to increase its ATK by 700 until the end of the turn (Lord Gaia: 2300→3000). Go Sets 1 card.
King T Wrextle attacks Arisen Gaia. World Dino Wrestling's effect activates (King T Wrextle: 3600→3800). Since King T Wrextle attacked, Galahad cannot activate Spell/Trap Cards until the end of the Damage Step. Arisen Gaia is destroyed (Galahad: 4000→2500 LP) (King T Wrextle: 3800→3600). As Galahad's Warrior monster was destroyed, he activates his Set Trap Card Soldier's Cross, which lets him Special Summon that destroyed monster in Defense Position with its effects negated, then draw 1 card. He Special Summons Arisen Gaia (2300/2100/7) and draws. Go ends his turn, and Lord Gaia's effect ends (Lord Gaia: 3000→2300).
Turn 4: Galahad
Galahad draws. He Normal Summons Charging Gaia the Fierce Knight without Tributing by making its original ATK 1900 (2300→1900/2100/7). Galahad uses Arisen Gaia, Charging Gaia, and Lord Gaia to Link Summon Black Luster Soldier – Soldier of Chaos (3000/3/↙↑↘) to the Extra Monster Zone. As Soldier of Chaos was Link Summoned using a Level 7 or higher monster as material, it cannot be targeted or destroyed by Go's card effects. Galahad Sets 1 card.
At the start of the Battle Phase, Galahad activates the effect of Envoy of Chaos in his hand, discarding it to target 1 "Black Luster Soldier" monster or "Gaia the Fierce Knight" monster he controls. He targets Soldier of Chaos. Soldier of Chaos gains 1500 ATK until the end of the turn, and every monster it battles this turn has its ATK become its original ATK during damage calculation only. As Galahad activated a monster effect while he controls a "Dinowrestler" Link Monster, Go activates his Set Counter Trap Card Dino Crash, negating the activation of Envoy of Chaos's effect. Galahad ends his turn. During the End Phase, he activates Envoy of Chaos's effect, banishing the Dark Arisen Gaia and the Light Charging Gaia from his GY to add Envoy of Chaos to his hand.
Turn 5: Go
Go draws. He activates the Spell Card Dino Restoration, which lets him return 1 "Dinowrestler" monster he controls to his hand to Special Summon 1 "Dinowrestler" monster from his GY with its effects negated. He returns King T Wrextle to his Extra Deck and Special Summons Capoeiraptor (1800/0/4) in Attack Position. Go activates Crystal Heart's effect, Special Summoning Terra Parkourio (1000/2/←↑) to Crystal Heart's bottom Link Marker (Crystal Heart: 1 GC→2 GC) (Terra Parkourio: 1000→2200). Go uses Capoeiraptor and Link-2 Terra Parkourio to Link Summon Dinowrestler King T Wrextle (3000→4200/3/↙↓↘) to Crystal Heart's bottom Link Marker. As Terra Parkourio was sent to the GY as Link Material, Go can Special Summon 1 "Dinowrestler" monster from his GY in Defense Position with its effects negated. Go Special Summons Systegosaur (1900/0/4). Go uses Systegosaur and Link-3 King T Wrextle to Link Summon Dinowrestler Emperor T Wrextle (3500→4700/4/↙↑↓↘) to Crystal Heart's bottom Link Marker. Go Sets 1 card.
Emperor T Wrextle attacks Soldier of Chaos (Emperor T Wrextle: 4700→4900). Galahad attempts to activate the effect of Envoy of Chaos in his hand, but when Emperor T Wrextle battles, Galahad cannot activate card effects until the end of the Damage Step. The attack continues and Soldier of Chaos is destroyed (Galahad: 2500→600 LP) (Emperor T Wrextle: 4900→4700). As Galahad controls no monsters, he activates his Set Quick-Play Spell Card Return of the Fierce Knight, which lets him Special Summon 1 "Gaia the Fierce Knight" monster from his GY in Defense Position with its effects negated. Galahad Special Summons Lord Gaia (2300/2100/7). While Emperor T Wrextle is on the field, all monsters change to Attack Position and their battle positions cannot be changed. Lord Gaia changes to Attack Position. As Crystal Heart has 2 G Golem Counters on it, monsters co-linked with it can attack twice during each Battle Phase. Emperor T Wrextle attacks and destroys Lord Gaia, but the turn Return of the Fierce Knight is activated, neither players takes damage from battles involving "Gaia the Fierce Knight" monsters. Go ends his turn.
Turn 6: Galahad
Galahad draws. As only Go controls a Link Monster, Galahad activates the Spell Card Link Snatch, which lets him take control of Go's Link Monster and move it to the Extra Monster Zone. Go activates the effect of Dino Crash in his GY, banishing it and targeting Emperor T Wrextle. Until the end of the turn, Emperor T Wrextle is unaffected by Galahad's card effects. Galahad takes control of Crystal Heart and moves it to the right Extra Monster Zone (Emperor T Wrextle: 4700→3500). Galahad activates the effect of Crystal Heart, Special Summoning Soldier of Chaos (3000/3/↙↑↘) to Crystal Heart's bottom Link Marker (Crystal Heart: 2 GC→3 GC) (Soldier of Chaos: 3000→4800). As Galahad Special Summoned a Link Monster, Go activates his Set Trap Card Link Chain, which lets him target and negate the effects of 1 Link Monster Galahad controls. He targets and negates the effects of Crystal Heart (Soldier of Chaos: 4800→3000). Link Chain also forces Galahad to conduct his Battle Phase this turn. Galahad Normal Summons Envoy of Chaos (1500/0/4). Galahad uses Envoy of Chaos and Link-3 Soldier of Chaos to Link Summon Black Luster Soldier – King of Chaos (3500/4/↙↑↓↘) to Crystal Heart's bottom Link Marker. Galahad activates King of Chaos's effect to banish 1 card Go controls. He banishes World Dino Wrestling. Since a Spell Card was banished via King of Chaos's effect, King of Chaos can make a second attack during each Battle Phase this turn. Galahad activates the effect of Soldier's Cross in his GY, banishing it to increase the ATK of his monsters by 1000 until the end of the turn (Crystal Heart: 0→1000). (King of Chaos: 3500→4500).
King of Chaos attacks Emperor T Wrextle, but Go activates the effect of Martial Ampelo in his hand, discarding it to prevent Emperor T Wrextle's destruction by battle and halve the battle damage (Go: 2350→1850 LP). King of Chaos attacks and destroys Emperor T Wrextle (Go: 1850→850 LP). Crystal Heart attacks Go directly (Go: 850→0 LP). Galahad wins.
Go Onizuka:
Dinowrestler Emperor T Wrextle
Attribute: EARTH Type: [Dinosaur/Link/Effect] ATK 3500 LINK-4 ↙↑↓↘
2+ "Dinowrestler" monsters
If this card battles, your opponent cannot activate card effects until the end of the Damage Step. Your opponent's monsters cannot target monsters for attacks, except this one. All face-up monsters on the field are changed to Attack Position and their battle positions cannot be changed. At the end of your opponent's Battle Phase: Destroy all monsters your opponent controls that did not declare an attack during that Battle Phase, then inflict 500 damage to your opponent for each destroyed monster.
Natural Evolution Normal Spell Card
Declare 1 Monster Type; Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Dinowrestler" monster from your hand, and if you do, all monsters you control become the declared Type until the End Phase. If the monster Special Summoned by this card leaves the field: You can banish this card from your GY; draw 1 card.
Dino Crash Counter Trap Card
When your opponent activates a monster effect while you control a "Dinowrestler" Link Monster: Negate the activation of that card. You can banish this card from your GY and target 1 "Dinowrestler" monster you control; that monster is unaffected by your opponent's card effects until the end of the turn.
Dino Restoration Normal Spell Card
Return 1 "Dinowrestler" monster you control to your hand; Special Summon 1 "Dinowrestler" monster from your GY with its effects negated. You can only activate "Dino Restoration" once per turn.
Link Chain Normal Trap Card
When your opponent Special Summons a Link Monster: Target 1 Link Monster your opponent controls; negate that monster's effects until the end of the turn, also your opponent must conduct their Battle Phase this turn.
Galahad:
Black Luster Soldier – King of Chaos
Attribute: EARTH Type: [Warrior/Link/Effect] ATK 3500 LINK-4 ↙↑↓↘
2+ Effect Monsters, including 1 "Black Luster Soldier" monster
This Link Summoned card is unaffected by your opponent's card effects. Once per turn, if this card was Link Summoned using "Black Luster Soldier – Soldier of Chaos" as material: You can target 1 card your opponent controls; banish it, then, depending on the card's type, apply 1 of the following effects until the end of the turn.
-Monster: Make this card's ATK equal to double its original ATK.
-Spell: This card can make a second attack during each Battle Phase this turn.
-Trap: If this card battles, your opponent cannot activate cards or effects until the end of the Damage Step.
Soldier's Cross Normal Trap Card
When your Warrior monster is destroyed: You can target that monster in your GY; Special Summon it in Defense Position with its effects negated, then draw 1 card. You can banish this card from your GY; monsters you currently control gain 1000 ATK until the end of the turn. You can only activate 1 effect of "Soldier's Cross" per turn, and only once per turn.
Return of the Fierce Knight Quick-Play Spell Card
If you control no monsters: Special Summon 1 "Gaia the Fierce Knight" monster from your GY in Defense Position with its effects negated. The turn you activate this card, neither player takes battle damage from battles involving "Gaia the Fierce Knight" monsters.
Link Snatch Normal Spell Card
If only your opponent controls a Link Monster: Target 1 Link Monster your opponent controls; take control of it until the End Phase, and if you do, you can place it in an unoccupied Extra Monster Zone. You can only activate "Link Snatch" once per turn.
Chapter Preview
Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Hidden Memories. Chapter 55 – eXceeding Expectations. She is a girl who has always been hailed as a genius. Success has always been expected of her. But this has led to a strong sense of self-doubt to settle on Katsumi Kurosaki's shoulders. In the wake of Galahad's victory over Go Onizuka, Persephone finds herself doubting her ability to contribute to the group. In a desire to know where she stands, she challenges Playmaker…
Question of the Chapter
Which duel did you like more: Galahad vs. Go, or Playmaker vs. Go?
Author's Notes
This might be the fastest I've ever written a chapter. One week! That's it! Thank you to SakushiRyu and Haoh Ryu Z-ARC for providing feedback on the OC cards in this chapter, and a huge thank you to OPFan37, who served as a beta reader for this chapter.
This chapter, minus the opening scene, is pretty much my retelling of Episodes 81 and 82, only with Galahad against Go instead of Playmaker, thanks to some help from Morningstar. The opening scene is something I wanted to put in last chapter, but there was already so much, so I decided to have it in this one. Not much else to say on that.
The rest of the chapter is the duel, and honestly, this is probably Galahad's best duel. He and Go both go all out, and in the end, Galahad beats Go with Earth's card. That ending, with Crystal Heart defeating Go, is probably the part of this duel I'm happiest with. Along with King of Chaos's summoning. Those aside, this duel is mostly Galahad trying to remind Go of what he gave up, and in the end, he shows Go that it wasn't worth it. It's definitely cheesy to say that Galahad's determination, pride, and will are what allowed him to triumph over the AI-enhanced Go, but I hope I conveyed it in a way that you all think is awesome.
Thank you for reading Chapter 54 of Hidden Memories. It's close to midnight here, so I'll be posting the next profile tomorrow. After losing the last chapter, I bought an uninterruptible power supply, so the chances of that happening again due to a power outage are pretty low. Lastly, I came up with another scene. Unlike last time, this one is just an omake. It's non-canon and meant entirely for laughs. I hope you enjoy it!
Omake
Today was the happiest day of Cam's life. Today was the day of his wedding.
He stood there, next to the priest, and watched as his bride walked down the aisle in a magnificent white dress and veil.
"Don't fidget." Cam turned his head to look at Yasutake, his best man, as he whispered to him. "I know you're nervous, but you don't have to be. This is what everyone's been waiting for."
Cam stilled himself, took a deep breath, and let it out. Yasu was right; this was inevitable. Everyone they knew had been waiting for this day for so long.
His bride finally reached him and turned to face him. Taking another deep breath, Cam reached up and removed the veil.
He couldn't help but smile. "You look beautiful."
Kusanagi smiled back at him. "You look even more handsome than usual."
"AUGH!"
Cam bolted upright in his bed, breathing rapidly and heavily. That… that dream…
"Mmm. Cam?"
He blinked and turned to look at his bed's other occupant, dressed in a white nightgown. "Oh, did I wake you? I'm sorry. I just had a… really weird dream."
His partner turned around to face him. "What about it was so weird?" Kusanagi asked.
"ACK!" Cam jumped awake. This time, he was in the backroom of Café Junpei. He'd fallen asleep while working again.
Breathing heavily, he looked at the empty soda container and Café Nagi back. "That's it," he muttered as he rubbed his forehead. "No more chili dogs."