Update
As of this chapter, I'm making a change to Cyspirit Datastorm Dragon's effect. Specifically, the effect that requires it to point to 4 monsters. Now, that effect requires it to target a card.
Responses to Reviews
Thank you to TheBlazingButterfly777, HunterHQ, Daemon of Wrath, savagemaster1999, Unknowedz, DivadX, ZarcEternal, D3lph0xL0v3r, SakushiRyu, Big duels, pokemonking0924, Noobmaster, Unnamed, FlameFireZero X, Ambiguous, Unknown, Kunoichi69, Ethan Kironus, British jack, Jason, E.T. 2000, makotoxvalerie, and Guests for reviewing Chapter 68.
Unknowedz: Sorry; Rock-Paper-Scissors is strictly for settling disagreements between Enforcers. Zahhak won't play against any non-Enforcers. And they need to confirm that Morningstar has his Link-5 on him. Remember that when he lost to Zahhak before, the only reason he didn't lose Superior Seraphim was because it wasn't in his Deck at the time. To keep that from happening again, Ouroboros needs to confirm Morningstar's carrying it.
DivadX: Yeah, you were right, I didn't get any angry reviews actually. I guess I mistook the readership for Hidden Memories for my readership of Fifth Circuit.
ZarcEternal: All hail the power of Rock-Paper-Scissors!
Ambiguous: No, that anti-erase program was a one-time thing. He doesn't have it here. And Zahhak's heart is fine; what happened after his duel with Morningstar was because he neglected to take his medicine for a while. He hasn't repeated that mistake.
Unknown: I have no plans to introduce anyone from Merlin's wife's family. No one in this story will be from Merlin's past.
Thank you again for reviewing Chapter 68. Now fair warning, this chapter… well it can get a bit intense. At least it should, provided I wrote this right.
Oh and before I forget, I want to announce that I won't be writing any profiles for the remainder of season 2; I need to focus on the rest of the season first.
Chapter 69: Mind Games
In a black landscape, Morningstar and Zahhak stand back-to-back. The two walk away from each, Morningstar's eyes closed. His eyes then open and they both spin around, right arms raised. Their fists connect, generating a flash of light. When the light fades, Mirror LINK VRAINS is shown, with the title "Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Hidden Memories" overlaying it.
Yasutake, Sachi, and Masako are shown on one side of a picnic table, across from Yusaku, Takeru, and Aoi. Takeru talks animatedly and Masako laughs heartedly while the others lightly smile. At a nearby table, Cam and Emily are sitting and chatting with a standing Kusanagi, coffee and hotdogs in front of them. Back at the first table, Masako whispers in Sachi's ear while smirking, making the other girl blush as Yasutake and Aoi give her flat glares.
Kengo Dojun is standing in front of a grave that he places flowers on. Emma is off in the distance, holding her own flowers and watching with a frown. Yukaro is shown slumped over a hospital bed, his head in his hands and a wild look in his eyes. Akira is watching a monitor, his hands steepled and concern in his eyes. The monitor shows Go Onizuka strapped to a chair and performing an exercise. Hayami looks over Akira's shoulder nervously while Queen watches smugly in the background.
Takeshi and Katsumi appear standing outside an arcade, talking amicably with each other. Shizuka walks past them, listening to music on her headphones. She briefly stops and turns her head to look at them out of the corner of her eye, then turns and continues walking. At a nearby table, Kenshin, Ryoken, and Spectre are shown drinking coffee. Ryoken then smirks and raises his left hand. He snaps his fingers.
Morningstar and Playmaker appear, back-to-back, with Cyspirit Rapid Revolutionary and Decode Talker appearing behind them. They then spiral downward and are replaced by Cassiel and Soulburner, who have Cyseraph Blazing Uriel and Salamangreat Heatleo behind them. Heatleo fills the screen with orange flames, and when they dissipate, Blue Maiden and Lilith appear, Marincess Marbled Rock and Magical Musket Mastermind Ottokar behind them. They are then replaced by Galahad and Persephone, Black Luster Soldier – Soldier of Chaos and Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss behind them.
The screen cuts to the interior of a palace, where Bohman sits cross legged, his eyes closed. His eyes open and glow. Windy is then shown, wearing a cape and eyepatch, riding Stormridership Bahamut Bomber through Mirror LINK VRAINS. Far below him, in a field of flowers, Jin Kusanagi stands with Lightning as the Ignis raises his hand, a legion of Armatos Legio Centurions and Decurions forming behind him, with Armatos Legio Magnus Dux in the center. The screen pans to show Diana and Goldie across from the Light Ignis. The duo sweeps their right arms to the side as VirtuaBeast Cryptograph Chimera appears and roars.
Techbane and Sylphid are shown back-to-back in shadows, their heads lowered. Techbane raises his head to face Merlin, while Sylphid raises hers to face Thaumiel, anger in her expression. Galahad appears riding his D-Board and plays a card. Black Luster Soldier – Soldier of Chaos appears behind him. The screen changes to Go Onizuka with Dinowrestler King T Wrextle next to him. Soldier of Chaos's blade then meets King T Wrextle's fist, making sparks fly. Galahad's and Go's faces are shown over the monsters, with Galahad shouting while Go's face remains blank.
Spectre appears and smirks, Sunavalon Dryanome growing behind him and two Sunvine Thrashers on either side. Terminus takes his place, Subterror Behemoth Fiendess and Subterror Behemoth Hydrossuary appearing behind him. The two monsters breathe blue flames and envelop the screen. When the flames dissipate, Revolver appears, Borreload Savage Dragon, Borreload Furious Dragon, and Borreload eXcharge Dragon behind him. The dragons roar and then glow with green, purple, and yellow energy.
A chain whips across the screen, before pulling back and reattaching the scythe top to its handle. Cydevil Prideful Helel swings its scythe down and connects with Cyspirit Savage Shogun's sword. Sparks fly as Morningstar and Zahhak are revealed on their D-Boards, facing each other with Morningstar's face set in a grimace. The screen changes to Cassiel, Cyseraph Guardian Michael with her, facing off against Merlin, who is supported by Witchcrafter Haine and Witchcrafter Golem Aruru.
Lilith and Terminus are then shown, back-to-back, their hands raised. They bring their hands down, and Magical Musket Sovereign Ottokar and Subterror Behemoth Fiendess appear and shoot blasts of energy and fire. The blasts impact, but when the smoke fades, Jester is shown unharmed. His mask then breaks, his face splitting into a sadistic grin as his Infinity Transformation takes hold. He raises his own arm as Life Force Trihexa forms behind him and roars.
Morningstar and Zahhak face off against each other in a field of flowers. The former raises his arm as Cyspirits Savage Shogun, Cosmic Crusader, and Martial Mameluke materialize behind him. The three Cyspirits then merge and form Cyspirit Superior Seraphim, who faces off against a massive twelve-winged figure wrapped in shadows.
Yasutake is then shown with Sachi, the two on a hill of grass and the former sleeping with his head in the latter's lap, a pine tree in the background. Sachi looks down on Yasutake's face, a loving smile on her face. Yasutake opens his eyes and both look upwards as the screen jumps to the sky and sun.
"Just a little further; she's on the next island."
Morningstar nodded. "I see it." The island in question was flat and open, similar to Playmaker's island before it transformed into Den City. And standing in the center…
"Cassiel!"
The girl looked up at Cypher's shout and smiled. "Morningstar! Cypher!" The duo jumped off their D-Board and landed next to her. "You're alright. Cam told me you were, but it's nice to have confirmation."
Cam scoffed. "Have more faith in your brother, Sachi. Though I can't blame you, I suppose."
"Cam, can you see everyone else?" Morningstar asked.
"Most of you, yes. Soulburner's dueling Bohman, and Frog and Pigeon are broadcasting them, but the way the former two took is closed; I'm not sure if you can reach them."
It was Cypher's turn to scoff. "Please; give me a few minutes and I'll break through. What about Playmaker and Ai? Are they okay?"
"Playmaker's still unconscious, but Ai's trying to rouse him. Lightning left and Zahhak and Bohman are occupied, but I haven't seen Jester, so…"
Morningstar blinked. "Wait, Zahhak is occupied?"
"Yeah. He's dueling Terminus. The Hanoi shared their feed with me. Revolver is in a field of flowers, but he's alone."
"Why is Zahhak dueling Terminus?" Morningstar wondered. "I would have thought Jester would do that."
"No idea. I don't have any audio. But he's giving a good fight by the looks of it."
"So if Zahhak is dueling Terminus," Cassiel said with a frown, "and Soulburner is dueling Bohman… then where are Jester and Lightning?"
"One of them is right here."
The two duelists stiffened and spun around as an armored man walked out of a swirling portal.
"Jester," Morningstar muttered with a grimace.
"So you're challenging us instead of Terminus?" Cypher asked. "I won't complain about that." The Silver Ignis's eyes narrowed. "You're going to pay for what you did to Lilith, you bastard!"
"Am I?" Jester chuckled. "With the barriers done, Lightning's game has come to an end. So, I decided I would play a game of my own."
"We aren't playing any games, Jester," Cassiel declared. "Not anymore!"
"Oh, I'm afraid you're getting little say in the matter." Jester raised his head.
"Passphrase: Onomatophobia. One-One-Three-Eight. Enter Phase One."
Cassiel blinked. "What? What are you talking about?"
"Onomatophobia?" Cypher repeated. "That… means a fear of certain words or names as a result of some significance they hold. You think he means something, partner?"
…
"Partner?" Cypher looked up. "What's-?" He blinked. "Oi, Morningstar!"
Cassiel turned at Cypher's voice and blinked herself. Morningstar's face was blank, the antagonism and determination wiped away. His left arm, held up for Cypher, fell to his side. "Morningstar?" she asked.
"Walk over here," Jester ordered, his tone infected with smugness and victory. The former bounty hunter complied, silently stepping towards the armored Enforcer.
"Morningstar?" Cassiel repeated in surprise. "What are you doing?"
"Partner, what's going on?" Cypher asked alarmedly. "Why are you doing what this guy says to do?!"
"Cam?" Cassiel whispered.
"I don't know," her brother answered helplessly. "Yasu's not answering me either. His vitals look normal… at least the ones I can see here."
Jester chuckled as Morningstar stopped in front of him. "Even after twelve years, the conditioning still works."
"What?" Cassiel blinked. "Twelve years?"
"Conditioning?" Cypher repeated.
"You don't need to worry about that," Jester falsely assured the two. "Now then… Enter Phase Two. Activate your Data Anchor on Cassiel."
Cassiel blinked again. "What? Morningstar isn't going to-!"
In defiance of her words, Morningstar spun around and shot a red cord out of his Duel Disk. The cord wrapped around her wrist. "What?!" Cassiel gasped.
"Hey! Partner, what did you do?"
Jester laughed loudly. "What does it look like he did? And you were wrong before, Cassiel." Jester tilted his head and spoke in a mocking tone. "I'm not here to challenge you or Morningstar. I'm here to have Morningstar challenge you."
Cassiel stared at the man. "Me? Fight… Morningstar?" She shot a panicked look at her friend and saw the blank look hadn't left his face. "I-I can't do that! Not here!"
"Cypher!" Cam shouted over the comms. "Disable the Data Anchor!"
"We can't have that," Jester interjected, snapping his fingers. A golden light formed around the cord. Cypher reached out for it, only to yank his hands back with a yelp.
"Damn it!" the Silver Ignis cursed. "This code is… Lightning, you bastard. This code is derived from that anti-Ignis program from before! The one Bohman had that kept Ai from eating him!"
"What does that mean?"
"Basically? It's performing two functions. First, it's keeping me from shutting down the Data Anchor. Second, it's also disabling the surrender mechanic. If Morningstar duels while this program is active, neither he nor his opponent can surrender."
"Can you shut it down it, Cypher?" Cassiel asked worriedly.
"…If I was at full power, then eventually yes. But… I used up too much energy breaking those barriers before."
"You should have let me and the Hanoi take them down!" Cam shouted again.
Cassiel grit her teeth. "Cypher, can you disable that program or not?"
"As I am right now?... No, I cannot."
Cassiel blanched on hearing his answer.
Jester laughed again. "None of you are shutting that Data Anchor off. I know how it works: The caster and the one he caught must duel or be stuck together for several hours. And neither of you have that amount of time." His mask's eyeholes gleamed. "So you have a choice before you, Cassiel: suffer defeat at the hands of your closest friend… or defeat him yourself."
The girl's eyes shot from Morningstar to Jester and then back again. Defeat… Morningstar? Defeat him here? Do to him what Playmaker had been forced to do to Kusanagi? She… She couldn't do that!
"You bastard!" Cypher shouted, glaring at Jester with hate. "Why are you doing this!? You aren't weak; your duel with Lilith proved that. Face me and Morningstar yourself, you coward!"
"Coward?" Jester chuckled. "I am simply using the most efficient method to defeat my opponents. I'll have to thank Lightning later for giving me the inspiration for this. But I'm not letting the lot of you procrastinate anymore. Begin the duel."
Morningstar activated his Duel Disk, and through the Data Anchor, Cassiel's turned on as well.
"No!" she breathed. "I… I can't do this!" Her opponent's – her best friend's – face was blank, but she could barely see it. She kept seeing the Yasu she knew, his face stoic but responsive. Small smiles and frowns, the occasional laugh. But above all, a light in his eyes when he looked at her. A comfortable light of recognition and knowledge. That she was there, and he was there, and nothing more needed to be said.
That light wasn't there anymore. Whatever Jester had done, the light had faded from Morningstar's eyes.
"Cassiel!" She blinked again and looked away from Morningstar's face at Cypher. The Ignis still looked angry, but he had picked up on her distress. "I said I can't disable the program, but that's because of my current strength! Buy enough time for me to recover, and I should be able to take it down! Even if you have to duel, just stall!"
…Stall. Yes, she could do that. The idea of attacking Morningstar… left her weak in her knees. But stalling for Cypher to fix this… it was the most acceptable thing she could bring herself to do.
"Right," she whispered. "Please, Cypher, hurry!"
"I will!"
"Duel," Morningstar said, his voice dull.
Cassiel: 4000 LP
Morningstar: 4000 LP
"I'll take the first turn." Cassiel flinched at hearing Morningstar's voice. The pitch was the same, but the tone was… gone. Nonexistent. It was like he was a machine acting on its program. "If there are no monsters on the field, I can Special Summon Cyspirit Illusionist by reducing its attack points to 1800." A skeleton in a tuxedo and top hat appeared in Attack Position, spinning a wand.
Cyspirit Illusionist ATK 2400→1800 DEF 1000 LVL: 6
"Illusionist's monster effect. When it is Special Summoned by its effect, I can add a 'Cyspirit' card from my Deck to my hand. I'll add Cyspirit Coder to my hand. I Normal Summon Cyspirit Coder." A skeleton in a lab coat and small sections of armor appeared.
Cyspirit Coder ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1
"Coder's monster effect. When it is Normal Summoned, I add a 'Cyspirit' card from my Deck to my hand, then send one card from my hand, field, or Deck to the Graveyard. I add Cyspirit Mausoleum to my hand and send Cyspirit Officer from my Deck to the Graveyard. I activate the Field Spell Card: Cyspirit Mausoleum. While it is on the field, my linked 'Cyspirit' monsters are unaffected by your monster effects, and control of my 'Cyspirit' monsters cannot change."
Morningstar raised his right hand. "Appear, my circuit. The summoning condition is one Level 2 or lower 'Cyspirit' monster. I set Coder in the Link Marker." The smaller skeleton entered the bottom-left arrow. "Link Summon. Appear. Link-1. Cyspirit Egregious Electrician." An overalls-wearing skeleton emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone, a power box in its hands.
Cyspirit Egregious Electrician ATK 600 LINK-1 ↙
"Mausoleum's effect activates. When a 'Cyspirit' monster is sent to the Graveyaqrd as Link Material, I draw a card. Egregious Electrician's monster effect. Once per turn, I move a monster at its Link Marker to a different Main Monster Zone, then Special Summon a 'Cyspirit' monster from my hand to Egregious Electrician's Link Marker. I move Illusionist to my center-right Main Monster Zone to Special Summon Cyspirit Lancer." An armored skeleton holding a lance and shield appeared at Egregious Electrician's Link Marker in Attack Position.
Cyspirit Lancer ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4
"Lancer's monster effect. While it is in Attack Position, 'Cyspirit' monsters gain 300 attack points."
Cyspirit Egregious Electrician ATK 600→900
Cyspirit Illusionist ATK 1800→2100
Cyspirit Lancer ATK 1800→2100
"As there is a Cyberse Link Monster on the field, I can Special Summon Cyspirit Prisoner." A skeleton in a blue-and-white prisoner's jumpsuit appeared in Attack Position.
Cyspirit Prisoner ATK 1600→1900 DEF 2100 LVL: 5
"Appear, my circuit. The summoning conditions are two or more 'Cyspirit' monsters. I set Illusionist, Lancer, and Prisoner in the Link Markers." The monsters entered the top-left, top-right, and right arrows. "Link Summon. Appear. Link-3. Cyspirit Bombastic Bombardier." A winged skeleton emerged from the portal at Egregious Electrician's Link Marker, wearing dark green military fatigues, two bandoliers, and holding black bombs in each hand.
Cyspirit Bombastic Bombardier ATK 2600 LINK-3 ↖↗→
"Prisoner's monster effect. Since it was used to Link Summon a 'Cyspirit' Link Monster, I can add a 'Cyspirit' card from my Deck to my hand. I'll add Cyspirit Blast to my hand."
"Oh, this is bad," Cypher moaned as he realized what his brainwashed partner was doing.
"Mausoleum's effect activates. Once per turn, I can target a 'Cyspirit' Link Monster, and until my next Standby Phase, that monster is treated as pointing to a number of monsters equal to its Link Rating. I target Bombastic Bombardier and treat it as pointing to three monsters. Bombastic Bombardier's monster effect. Once per turn, since it is treated as pointing to two or more monsters, I can inflict 400 points of damage for each 'Cyspirit' Link Monster I control." Cassiel's eyes widened. "I control two, so you take 800 points of damage." The skeleton cackled before flinging one of its bombs towards Cassiel. It exploded, hitting her with a shockwave and knocking her off her feet with a cry.
Cassiel: 4000→3200 LP
"Sachi!" Cam shouted.
"I'm fine," she muttered, pushing herself back up. "I just… didn't expect that level of force."
"Appear again, my circuit." She looked up at Morningstar's voice. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'Cyspirit' Effect Monster. I set Egregious Electrician and Link-3 Bombastic Bombardier in the Link Markers." The monsters entered the bottom-left, top, bottom, and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon. Appear. Link-4. Cyspirit Datastorm Dragon." A gray, red, and silver dragon emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone and roared.
Cyspirit Datastorm Dragon ATK 2800 LINK-4 ↙↑↓↘
"I activate the Spell Card: Cyspirit Blast," Morningstar continued. "By negating Datastorm Dragon's effects until the end of the turn and skipping my Battle Phae, you take damage equal to half of Datastorm Dragon's attack points." The card fired a beam of white energy that struck Cassiel, making her cry out as she was knocked off her feet again.
Cassiel: 3200→1800 LP
"Hmm." Jester tilted his head. "She handled damage from Merlin much better than this." He chuckled. "This must be like it was with Playmaker; the damage of Morningstar's attacks are hitting deeper than just a physical level."
"I Set one card. I end my turn."
"Cassiel! Are you okay?" Cypher asked.
The girl breathed heavily as she pushed herself to her feet. "Y-Yes, I'm fine Cypher." Or as fine as I can be in this situation, she thought bitterly, casting a glare at Jester.
"…Sachi."
"What is it, brother?" Cassiel whispers.
"…I know you're going to hate this but… this situation right now looks a lot like what happened to Playmaker and Kusanagi. And even if Cypher breaks the Data Anchor, we don't know how to undo whatever Jester did to Yasu. In the end, you might have to…"
Cassiel's eyes widened as she realized where her brother was going. "Cam, I… I can't!" Yasu was someone precious to her, someone she cared deeply about. The mere thought of hurting him… it made her break out in a cold sweat.
It would be one thing if this was a friendly duel or practice; there were no stakes involved there. But the idea of Morningstar disappearing… the idea that she was the one to do it… Cassiel couldn't bear it. She couldn't!
"Believe me, I know how you feel Sachi," Cam said, his own pain at the idea evident. But… we need to think about the bigger picture. And… I'm pretty sure that if Yasu could talk, he would tell you to put the world first."
He would; Yasu was that kind of person. The kind who could make those hard choices. But Sachi… she couldn't. She was nowhere near that strong.
Cassiel grit her teeth. "My turn! Draw!" She couldn't fight to hurt Morningstar, but she could still stall him. She just had to wait for Cypher to find a way around Jester's anti-Ignis program. "I activate the Spell Card: Cyangel Revelation!" The card showed Cyangels Priest and Disciple looking up into a bright golden light in the sky. "If there are no 'Cyangel' monsters in my Graveyard, Cyangel Revelation lets me Special Summon a Level 4 or lower 'Cyangel' monster from my Deck in Attack Position. Come, Cyangel Cupbearer!" A gold-skinned and gold-robed youth suspending a silver goblet above his hands appeared.
Cyangel Cupbearer ATK 1400 DEF 700 LVL: 3
"I Normal Summon Cyangel Pilgrim!" A gold-skinned man appeared, wearing black robes that covered his body and a cross at his neck. A flat cap was on his head, covering brown curly hair, and a musket was in his right hand. Solid blue eyes glowed while cybernetics trailed down from the left eye and golden wings spread from his back.
Cyangel Pilgrim ATK 800 DEF 700 LVL: 2
"Pilgrim's monster effect! Once per turn, if there are no 'Cyangel' monsters in my Graveyard, I can Tribute a 'Cyangel' monster to add a 'Cyangel' card from my Deck to my hand. I'll Tribute Cupbearer to add Cyangel Hymn to my hand!" Her monster disintegrated and she took a card from her Deck.
"Cupbearer's monster effect! When it is sent to the Graveyard, I can shuffle it into my Deck, then I can add a 'Cyangel' monster from my Deck to my hand. I'll add Cyangel Trumpeter to my hand. I activate the Spell Card: Cyangel Hymn! Since there are no 'Cyangel' monsters in my Graveyard, I can Normal Summon a 'Cyangel' monster from my hand. Come, Cyangel Trumpeter!" A man with gold skin in a white toga appeared, a golden trumpet at his mouth.
Cyangel Trumpeter ATK 1300 DEF 700 LVL: 3
"Trumpeter's monster effect! When it is Normal Summoned, I can add Cyangel Sanctum from my Deck to my hand. I'll activate the Field Spell Card: Cyangel Sanctum! This card increases the attack and defense points of my Light Cyberse monsters by 300!"
Cyangel Pilgrim ATK 800→1100 DEF 700→1000
Cyangel Trumpeter ATK 1300→1600 DEF 700→1000
"Appear, the circuit of infinite light! The summoning conditions are two Light Cyberse monsters. I set Pilgrim and Trumpeter in the Link Markers!" The monsters entered the top and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Cyseraph Ophanim!" A golden angel with four wings in crimson robes emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.
Cyseraph Ophanim ATK 2000→2300 LINK-2 ↑↓
"Pilgrim's and Trumpeter's effects activate! As they were sent to the Graveyard, they are shuffled into my Deck, then I gain 800 Life Points and can Special Summon a 'Cyangel' monster from my hand. I Special Summon Cyangel Friar!" A hooded gold-skinned man in white-gold robes appeared at Ophanim's bottom Link Marker in Attack Position, two orbs floating above his hands.
Cyangel Friar ATK 2000→2300 DEF 700→1000 LVL: 5
Jester tilted his head and then chuckled. "Well, isn't that interesting? That monster can Special Summon itself if you take effect damage, then it inflicts half that damage to your opponent. You could have Summoned that last turn and inflicted damage to Morningstar. But you didn't. Why?"
Cassiel grit her teeth but didn't respond. But her silence was answer enough as Jester laughed again. "I see, I see! You can't bring yourself to hurt your friend on purpose! The fate of the world is at stake, and you can't choose it over your boyfriend!"
"He is not my boyfriend," Cassiel muttered. She shook her head, ignoring Jester for now. "Ophanim's monster effect! When a monster is Summoned to its Link Marker, I add a 'Cyangel' Spell or Trap Card from my Deck to my hand." She took the card, then raised her right hand. "Appear again, the circuit of infinite light! The summoning conditions are two or more Light Cyberse monsters. I set Friar and Link-2 Ophanim in the Link Markers!" Her monsters entered the top, bottom, and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Cyseraph Intercessor Selaphiel!"
A new gold-skinned archangel emerged from the portal and unfurled its four feathery wings, though Jester noted said wings contained violet highlights. The monster wore a violet tunic under a toga that was a darker shade of violet, with a golden cord around his waist. Leather bracers were on his wrists, along with leather sandals, and a heavy tome rested underneath the man's right arm. Gold hair laced with violet highlights curled around the man's hair, and solid blue eyes with gold centers blinked as his wings flapped from the Extra Monster Zone.
Cyseraph Intercessor Selaphiel ATK 2200→2500 LINK-3 ↑↓→
"A fifth Link-3 Cyseraph," Jester muttered. "And assuming the Link Monsters follow a similar pattern to the Cydevils, then that's the last one."
"Friar and Ophanim's monster effects! When they are sent to the Graveyard, they are shuffled into my Deck and Extra Deck. I then gain 1000 Life Points and can target one card you control and shuffle it into the Deck!" Cassiel's eyes narrowed. "I target Datastorm Dragon!"
If I can return the Link-4 to his Deck, it'll slow him down, Cassiel thought. It'll give Cypher more time.
"Continuous Trap activate," Morningstar intoned, catching Cassiel by surprise. "Cyspirit Lineage. I target a 'Cyspirit' monster and Special Summon it in Attack Position, but I cannot target a Link Monster with it. I Special Summon Cyspirit Lancer." The lance-and-shield-bearing skeleton reappeared at Datastorm Dragon's bottom Link Marker.
Cyspirit Lancer ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4
"While Datastorm Dragon is linked, Cyspirit Mausoleum's effect makes it unaffected by your monster effects."
Cassiel grit her teeth. That meant Friar's effect did nothing to his dragon. But at least she still gained Life Points from Ophanim's effect.
Cassiel: 2600→3600 LP
"Lancer's monster effect. All 'Cyspirit' monsters gain 300 attack points."
Cyspirit Datastorm Dragon ATK 2800→3100
Cyspirit Lancer ATK 1800→2100
"As I control a Light Cyberse monster," Cassiel continued, "I can Special Summon Cyangel Guard!" A new angel in a silver cuirass appeared at Intercessor Selaphiel's bottom Link Marker in Attack Position.
Cyangel Guard ATK 1900→2200 DEF 700→1000 LVL: 5
"Intercessor Selaphiel's monster effect! Once per turn, if I have no 'Cyangel' monsters in my Graveyard, I can target a monster I control, and until my next Standby Phase, you cannot target my monsters for attacks except the targeted monster, and that monster cannot be destroyed by battle."
"That effect affects the player, not the monsters," Cypher noted. "So Mausoleum's effect won't work against it."
"I target Intercessor Selaphiel itself! Furthermore, if Intercessor Selaphiel points to a 'Cyangel' monster, I take no battle damage from battles involving my Light Cyberse monsters! I Set one card. I end my turn."
"I see," Jester mused. "Quite clever; Morningstar's monsters can only attack Intercessor Selaphiel, which cannot be destroyed by battle, and because it is linked to Guard, Cassiel won't take battle damage from those battles." He chuckled. "Of course there are ways around that protection. Why don't you show her those ways, Morningstar?"
"My turn. Draw." Cassiel flinched again at the blank tone in the former bounty hunter's voice.
"Cassiel!" Cypher shouted preemptively. "If Datastorm Dragon points to three monsters, it can destroy a monster it battles if that monster isn't destroyed by battling! And if it points to four monsters, Morningstar can Tribute a monster to target a card on the field and shuffle it into the owner's Deck!"
Cassiel grit her teeth. That was one way to get around Intercessor Selaphiel's effect. Thankfully, she had prepared for that. "Continuous Trap activate! Cyangel Humanitas!" The card showed a picture of the Vitruvian Man, but the man's skin was golden, his eyes were solid blue, and his hair was light brown. "While Humanitas is on the field, my Light Cyberse monsters cannot be destroyed by card effects!"
"Protection against battle destruction and card destruction," Jester mused. "But Datastorm Dragon's fourth effect can still be used."
"I activate Humanitas's additional effect!" Cassiel declared. "Once per turn, I can Tribute a monster I control and target a Light Cyberse monster on my field. Until the end of the turn, that monster gains attack points equal to the Tributed monster's original attack points. I Tribute Guard and target Intercessor Selaphiel!" The cuirass-wearing angel shattered, and the robed archangel glowed.
Cyseraph Intercessor Selaphiel ATK 2500→4400
"Guard's monster effect! When it is sent to the Graveyard, it is shuffled into my Deck, and I draw one card. In addition, Cyangel Sanctum's effect activates! When a Cyberse monster in my Graveyard is shuffled into my Deck, I can target a Cyberse Link Monster I control. For the rest of the turn, that monster cannot be destroyed by card effects, nor can it be targeted by my opponent's card effects. I target Intercessor Selaphiel!"
Jester chuckled. "Ah, and now she blocks Datastorm Dragon's fourth effect, with an additional destruction protection. Clever girl. But in order to do so, she had to give up her protection against battle damage."
"I Normal Summon Cyspirit Samurai," Morningstar said, unaffected by Cassiel's moves. A skeleton in red-and-black armor appeared and unsheathed a katana.
Cyspirit Samurai ATK 1800 DEF 1000 LVL: 4
"I overlay Level 4 Cyspirit Lancer and Cyspirit Samurai." A bolt of silver light shot out of Morningstar's Duel Disk and created the Xyz cross, which appeared underneath the two monsters. They broke apart into data and entered the cross, which then fired beams that collided and formed a galaxy before exploding. "Xyz Summon. Come forth. Rank 4. Cyspirit Martial Mameluke." A white skeleton wearing white and brown robes emerged from the explosion, wielding a long in its right hand and a circular shield in its left. Silver wings spread outwards behind it and two orange lights orbited behind it as it was summoned to Intercessor Selaphiel's top Link Marker in Attack Position.
Cyspirit Martial Mameluke ATK 2800 DEF 2300 RNK: 4 OU: 2
Cyspirit Datastorm Dragon ATK 3100→2800
Cassiel blinked. "Why my monster's Link Marker?"
"Because of Datastorm Dragon's first effect," Cam answered her. "If it is linked to one monster, then only Link Monsters can attack. He summoned it to Intercessor Selaphiel's Link Marker so that effect wouldn't keep Martial Mameluke from attacking. But that aside…"
"Martial Mameluke's monster effect. If it is Xyz Summoned using only 'Cyspirit' monsters as material, all cards in your Spell & Trap Zone are returned to your Deck." The skeleton swung its lance, sending a wave of dark energy across Cassiel's field, making Humanitas disappear.
"Humanitas may be gone, but Intercessor Selaphiel retains its increase in attack points," Cassiel stated.
"That's not as helpful as it should be, Sachi," Cam said. Cassiel grimaced; she knew what he meant.
"I activate the Equip Spell Card: Cyspirit Multiplier and equip it to Martial Mameluke. During the Battle Phase, the equipped Martial Mameluke can make two attacks against your monsters."
"If Martial Mameluke attacks a Special Summoned monster," Jester said, "Morningstar can detach one Overlay Unit to increase its attack points by that monster's current attack points during damage calculation. And since Intercessor Selaphiel cannot be destroyed by battle, Martial Mameluke can attack twice."
Intercessor Selaphiel isn't linked, so Cassiel will take the damage, Cypher thought through narrowed eyes. Furthermore, Martial Mameluke's final effect keeps Cassiel from targeting monsters on the field with card effects. That means she can't use the effects of Cyangel Cardinal or Cyangel Sister.
"Battle. Martial Mameluke attacks Intercessor Selaphiel. Martial Mameluke's monster effect. I detach one Overlay Unit." One of the monster's lights hit the lance.
Cyspirit Martial Mameluke OU: 2→1
Cyspirit Martial Mameluke ATK 2800→7200
Martial Mameluke rushed forward, silver light gathering in its spear. "Intercessor Selaphiel cannot be destroyed by this battle!" Cassiel reminded her opponent. The lance impacted the archangel's tome, which it held up as an improvised shield. The shockwave from the attack reached around the archangel and struck Cassiel, making her cry out as she was knocked off her feet again.
Cassiel: 3600→800 LP
Cyspirit Martial Mameluke ATK 7200→2800
"Sachi!"
Cassiel panted and rapidly blinked. "I'm… I'm alright, Cam."
Her brother sighed in relief. "Thank goodness. But… if you don't do something right now, Martial Mameluke's next attack will end this."
And then Morningstar and Cypher would be left alone under Jester's control. She… she couldn't allow that! Cassiel grit her teeth and pushed herself back to her feet.
"I activate the effect of Cyangel Templar in my hand!" she declared. "If I take battle damage and have no 'Cyangel' monsters in my Graveyard, I can Special Summon Templar!" A gold figure in silver plate armor appeared, a heavy rectangular shield in its left hand, and a silver sword in its right. A pair of wings shot out of its back, and under the silver helmet, solid blue eyes gleamed. The monster hefted its shield from Intercessor Selaphiel's bottom Link Marker in Defense Position.
Cyangel Templar ATK 2100→2400 DEF 700→1000 LVL: 5
"Tch. With her monster linked to a Cyangel monster again, she won't take any damage from another attack," Jester muttered.
"I Set one card," Morningstar said. "I end my turn."
Cassiel panted before setting her stance. "Cypher, how much longer?" she asked.
"Almost!" The Silver Ignis narrowed his eyes. "If I were human, I'd be popping a blood vessel right now, but I'm recharging faster!"
"Then I'll buy you more time! My turn! Draw! Appear, the circuit of infinite light! The summoning conditions are two or more Light Cyberse monsters. I set Templar and Link-3 Intercessor Selaphiel in the Link Markers!" Her monsters entered the top, bottom, left, and right arrows. "The commander of the armies of heaven! Link Summon! Appear! Link-4! Cyseraph Guardian Michael!" A golden angel in silver armor lined with gold emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone, swinging his longsword as his eight wings unfurled.
Cyseraph Guardian Michael ATK 3000→3300 LINK-4 ←↑↓→
"Templar's monster effect! It is shuffled into my Deck, then until my next Standby Phase, one Light Cyberse monster I control has its attack points become double its original attack points! I target Guardian Michael!"
Cyseraph Guardian Michael ATK 3300→6300
"I activate the Spell Card: Cyangel Heresy!" The card showed Cyangels Cardinal and Sister standing over a downed man with a green snake wrapped around his left arm. "If there are no 'Cyangel' monsters in my Graveyard, I can target a monster my Light Cyberse Link Monster points to and send that monster to the Graveyard to draw a card." Cassiel allowed herself a smirk. "I'll send the Martial Mameluke linked to Guardian Michael to the Graveyard!" The Xyz Monster shattered at Cassiel's words, allowing her to draw again.
"Huh," Jester grunted. "That card allowed her to use the opponent's monster. But more importantly… Datastorm Dragon has 2800 attack points while Guardian Michael has 6300. She can attack for massive damage. But will she?"
"Sachi…"
"I know, Cam," Cassiel muttered. But… she couldn't. She couldn't attack Morningstar. She-
"There!" Cypher straightened up as silver lightning sparked over his body. "I've recovered! I'm sorry partner, but I'm ending this duel right now!" The Silver Ignis brought his hands down, making the gold-encased red cord reappear. Cypher grabbed the cord and yelled as gold and silver lightning danced over him and the cord.
"Cypher!" Cassiel cried out.
"Don't worry about me!" Cypher grunted out. "I… I… I won't lose to-!"
BOOM
Cassiel gasped as a small explosion enveloped her two friends.
"Cypher! Morningstar!"
"Yasu!"
She watched the other side of the field, smoke obscuring her view. But eventually it cleared. And it revealed…
Morningstar, standing silently. And the cord was still active, still encased in gold. Cypher leaned hunched over the Duel Disk, gasping for breath.
"T-This is… impossible," Cypher muttered. "I… I can't break this thing. What… what kind of code is this?"
Jester laughed out loud. "I told you, didn't I, Silver Ignis? The Light Ignis may have inspired that program, but it is far beyond your power to break it. You're not stopping this duel! This duel can only end in two ways! Either Morningstar loses, or Cassiel loses!"
Cassiel stared, mouth open. "No… No…"
Cypher narrowed his eyes. What could he do? He couldn't end the duel. And he didn't know what Jester had done to his partner. All he had was say some words and…
Wait. Those words.
Cypher looked up. It was worth a try, wasn't it? "Passphrase: Onomatophobia! One-One-Three-Eight! End Conditioning!"
Morningstar didn't react to the command. Instead, Jester broke out laughing again. "Nice try, Silver Ignis! But the phrase to end his conditioning is a different one! And until he hears that one, he'll only take orders from me!"
"You… You bastard…"
"…What do I do?" Cassiel whispered.
"…You attack, Sachi."
She blinked. "Cam?"
"I said it earlier, didn't I? Yasu would rather be defeated than be like this. If you win, then you can take in Cypher and fight Jester and Zahhak yourself. But… if you lose while he's like this…"
Then Jester and Zahhak would gang up on Playmaker and Revolver. They might even make Morningstar duel them first.
"…"
"…He's right, Cassiel."
The girl blinked and looked over at the pained Ignis. "My partner… he wouldn't want things to go like this. I don't know if he's aware of what he's being made to do, but if he is… then the kindest thing you could do is defeat him and put an end to this. At least then we can get revenge on this asshole. Cassiel…" Cypher's eyes narrowed. "Attack. Defeat him."
"…I can't."
"Who… who is that?"
"You don't have a choice."
"That's touching, but it doesn't change the fact that it's inappropriate."
"It's him or the world. He'd want you to choose the world!"
"You'll need training, you know. Cypher said you weren't using the Cyangel Deck to its full strength."
"I know it hurts, but you don't have a choice! Attack, Cassiel!"
"Zahhak is stronger than me. Far stronger. But no matter how strong he is, I won't give up. I'll get stronger too. Strong enough that I can protect what's precious to me."
"I CAN'T!" Cassiel screamed as she fell to her knees. "I can't," she whispered. "I can't attack Morningstar. I can't attack someone I love."
"…Cassiel-."
"I Set two cards. I end my turn."
"Hehe." Jester tossed his head. "Hahaha! Wonderful! Magnificent! You had a chance, the greatest chance possible, to end this, but you let sentimentality get in the way!" He lowered his head. "Zahhak thought you were strong, but you don't have the strength to do what's necessary for the world. You can't sacrifice what you love for others. What a selfish little girl you are."
Cassiel didn't respond. She gave no sign she even heard him. All she did was stare at Morningstar's empty eyes, water gathering in the corners of her eyes. Cypher stared at her before closing his own eyes.
"That pathetic drama aside, a defeat like this is pointless if it's not spectacular." Jester turned his head to his thrall. "Morningstar, defeat her with your strongest monster. Use the Link-5 Cyspirit to defeat Cassiel!"
"My turn. Draw," Morningstar said. "Trap activate. Cyspirit Backup. I return a 'Cyspirit' Link Monster from my Graveyard to my Extra Deck, then Special Summon a 'Cyspirit' Link Monster from my Extra Deck with a lower Link Rating and treat it as a Link Summon. I return Link-3 Bombastic Bombardier to my Extra Deck and Special Summon the Link-2 Cyspirit Zany Zealot." A skeleton in tattered priest's robes appeared at Datastorm Dragon's bottom-left Link Marker, a hacksaw in its right hand and a pistol in its left.
Cyspirit Zany Zealot ATK 1300 LINK-2 ↗→
"As the returned monster was Link-3, Cyspirit Backup's effect also lets me draw two cards. Zany Zealot's monster effect. Once per turn, if it points to one monster and is co-linked with a 'Cyspirit' Link Monster, I can Special Summon a 'Cyspirit' monster from my Graveyard in Attack Position with its effects negated. I Special Summon Cyspirit Prisoner." The jumpsuit-wearing skeleton reappeared.
Cyspirit Prisoner ATK 1600 DEF 2100 LVL: 5
"Appear, my circuit. The summoning condition is one 'Cyspirit' monster. I set Prisoner in the Link Marker." The monster entered the right arrow. "Link Summon. Appear. Link-1. Cyspirit Vivacious Vixen." A fox skeleton emerged from the portal at Zany Zealot's right Link Marker, wearing red and silver metal armor with wings.
Cyspirit Vivacious Vixen ATK 1200 LINK-1 →
"Prisoner's monster effect. As it was used to Link Summon a 'Cyspirit' Link Monster, I can add a 'Cyspirit' card from my Deck to my hand. I add Cyspirit Navigator to my hand. Furthermore, as a 'Cyspirit' monster was sent to the Graveyard as Link Material, Cyspirit Mausoleum's effect lets me draw one card. Vivacious Vixen's monster effect. As it was Link Summoned using a Level 5 or higher monster, I can destroy one Spell or Trap Card on the field. I destroy one of your Set cards."
Cassiel flinched as her card shattered. My Cyangel Shield…
"As I control a 'Cyspirit' monster, I can Special Summon Cyspirit Navigator and Cyspirit Linker from my hand." Two new skeletons appeared in Attack Position, one wearing a pirate's clothes and the other wearing a cape, armor, and red gauntlets. The latter was Summoned to Datastorm Dragon's bottom-right Link Marker.
Cyspirit Navigator ATK 1300 DEF 1100 LVL: 3
Cyspirit Linker ATK 1700 DEF 800 LVL: 4
"As I control a 'Cyspirit' monster in the Extra Monster Zone, I can activate the Spell Card: Reckoning of the Cyspirits." The card showed the instead of an austere courtroom, with all the occupants being skeletons and the skeletal judge bringing his gavel down. "Each player chooses one monster they control. Until the end of the turn, those monsters' effects are negated."
"Damn it!" Cypher growled. "I made that card to get around unaffection effects! Since it affects the player instead of the monster, Guardian Michael's effect won't protect it!"
"…I choose Guardian Michael."
"I choose Datastorm Dragon. Until the end of the turn, both monsters' effects are negated." The two monsters glowed gray and groaned. "Appear again, my circuit. The summoning conditions are two 'Cyspirit' monsters. I set Linker and Navigator in the Link Markers." The monsters entered the left and right arrows. "Link Summon. Appear. Link-2. Cyspirit Thrilled Tunneler." A new skeleton emerged from the portal at Vivacious Vixen's Link Marker and Datastorm Dragon's bottom-right Link Marker. This one wore a prospector's uniform and had a drill for a right hand.
Cyspirit Thrilled Tunneler ATK 1600 LINK-2 ←→
"Appear again, my circuit." This time, the summoned circuit took up the entire field.
Jester gasped. "This is it…"
"The summoning conditions are three or more 'Cyspirit' Link Monsters. I set Datastorm Dragon, Vivacious Vixen, Zany Zealot, and Link-2 Thrilled Tunneler in the Link Markers." His monsters turned into whirlwinds that rose upward before spiraling downwards. They hit the top-left, top-right, bottom-left, bottom-right, and bottom arrows. A pillar of silver light shot out of the portal before constricting to the empty Extra Monster Zone. "Link Summon. Appear. Link-5. Cyspirit Superior Seraphim." Four golden wings shout of the pillar's sides, followed by a pair of skeletal hands, one holding a golden staff. The pillar faded, revealing the large monster wearing gold and silver robes, its blue eyes gleaming from under its headdress.
Cyspirit Superior Seraphim ATK 3300 LINK-5 ↖↙↓↘↗
"…So that's it," Jester breathed. "That's the Link-5 that rivals Divine Gabriel and Sinful Satanael… It's impressive."
"Damn it," Cypher muttered. "With Superior Seraphim out, Cassiel can't win now."
"Superior Seraphim's monster effect," Morningstar continued. "If it is Link Summoned using at least four monsters, the effects of all other face-up cards are negated, and the attack points of all other face-up monsters become their original attack points." The massive monster tapped its staff on the ground as its eyes changed to red, sending a wave of golden energy rippling outwards. The wave hit Cyspirit Mausoleum, Cyspirit Lineage, Cyangel Sanctum, and Guardian Michael, making the former three gray out and the last groan.
Cyseraph Guardian Michael ATK 6300→3000
"I activate the effect of Cyspirit Coder in the Graveyard. By banishing it, one 'Cyspirit' Link Monster I control is treated as pointing to a number of monsters equal to its Link Rating until the end of the turn. I target Superior Seraphim."
"That's bad," Cypher groaned. "Superior Seraphim gains 500 attack points for each monster it points to, and each turn, its number of attacks is equal to the number of monsters it points to at the start of the Battle Phase."
Cyspirit Superior Seraphim ATK 3300→5800
Jester laughed. "Yes! That's it! The duel is over, Cas-!"
CRACK
His words were interrupted by a flash of red lightning that struck the ground next to him. Cassiel and Cypher both flinched before glancing at the lightning. The Silver Ignis's eyes narrowed as the smoke faded, revealing the armored man within.
"Zahhak," Cypher growled. "What are you here for? Are you here to gloat?"
Zahhak didn't respond. His face was turned towards Morningstar. "Jester." Cassiel and Cypher blinked. His tone was… different from before. Not condescending or bored. He sounded… angry. Restrained, but angry. "What. Is. This?"
"…I see you defeated Terminus, Zahhak," Jester finally responded. His glee had vanished, and his body had gone unnaturally still. "And this… Morningstar and Cassiel were together when I arrived. I decided to take the most efficient means to completing my mission."
Zahhak briefly turned his head towards his fellow Enforcer before refocusing on Morningstar. "Enough. Passphrase: Iconoclasm. Four-Two-One-One. End conditioning."
Morningstar blinked and then gasped. Seeing this, Cypher and Cassiel both focused on him. "Morningstar?" Cypher said warily.
"Cypher?" Morningstar asked, rubbing his forehead with his right hand as he grit his teeth. "What… What happened?"
Cassiel breathed a sigh of relief, her tears flowing freely now as she pushed herself to her feet. "Thank goodness."
Morningstar blinked and looked up. "Cassiel? What… are we dueling?"
"Partner!" The bounty hunter looked at the Silver Ignis. "What do you remember?"
"I… I remember Jester saying something, but then I blacked out. What's happening?"
"Whatever Jester said took control of you," Cypher explained. "He made you duel Cassiel!"
Morningstar's eyes widened. "W-What?"
Cassiel heard their conversation in the background, but she was focused on someone else. "I never thought I would say this to you," she said to Zahhak, "but thank you."
"Don't thank me yet," the armored man warned. "Your duel is still on. And with that anti-Ignis program active, no one here can stop it."
"Anti-Ignis?" Morningstar looked at his Duel Disk. "I cast the Data Anchor?"
"Yeah, and Jester applied an anti-Ignis program to it to keep me from disabling it. I tried breaking it, but I used too much power earlier. He also put in a program that's blocking the surrender mechanic."
Jester laughed again, drawing Morningstar's and Cassiel's attention. "Zahhak may have woken you up Morningstar, but the situation hasn't changed. Either you defeat Cassiel or she defeats you! A draw will only end both of you! And do you want to leave Playmaker and Revolver to face us alone?"
Morningstar glared at the man before looking back at Cassiel, the situation finally coming through to him. I… was controlled? And Jester made me fight Cassiel? He took her in; her vest and dress were tattered, and strands of hair were coming out of her ponytail. She had been roughed up badly, and Morningstar felt crushing guilt.
"Cam?" he whispered.
"…I'm glad you're back, Yasu," the other man said in relief. Then his tone shifted to dread. "But… Jester is right. Your duel can't be stopped. One of you has to lose."
"I…"
He had to defeat Cassiel? To erase Sachi? No, no! He couldn't do that!
Morningstar grit his teeth and looked at his field, the cards in his hand, and then his Graveyard. If there was no way out of this situation then… Yes, there was only one choice. Only one option he could consider.
"Zahhak was right," Morningstar said. "This duel is still on! And it is still my turn! I Normal Summon Cyspirit Kid!" A dwarf skeleton wearing a t-shirt and cap appeared.
Cyspirit Kid ATK 300 DEF 200 LVL: 1
"Why summon that?" Jester wondered. "All he has to do is attack with Superior Seraphim."
"I activate the effect of Cyspirit Multiplier in my Graveyard!" Morningstar declared. "By banishing Cyspirit Navigator, I can equip Multiplier to my 'Cyspirit' monster! I equip it to Kid!"
Jester stiffened. "Kid? Why would he-?"
"While Multiplier is equipped to Kid, it can make two attacks against your monsters each turn. I activate the Equip Spell Card: Cyspirit Twin Shield and equip it to Cyspirit Kid! While Twin Shield is equipped, Kid cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects twice per turn!"
Cassiel's eyes widened in shock. "A monster with 300 attack points that can attack twice and prevent its destruction twice…"
"Yasu, what are you doing?!"
"The only thing I can do, Cam," Morningstar muttered. He grit his teeth. In this situation… there was only end he would accept! "I'm sorry, Cassiel. I hoped to see this to the end with you, but I'm afraid I'm going to exit the stage a little early."
"Morningstar…"
"I'm sorry to you too, Cypher," the hunter continued, a regretful smile on his face. "I'm afraid you'll have to fight with Cassiel for a while."
"Partner, you're-."
Jester laughed again. "How amusing! You're really the same as her! You can't bear to hurt the ones you love, so you'll take on the pain instead!"
Morningstar ignored the asshole and contented himself with the knowledge that Cassiel would make him pay. "Cassiel! I'll leave the rest to you! Battle! Kid attacks Guardian Michael!" The dwarf skeleton leapt forward with a yell, leg extended in a kick.
Cassiel stared at the onrushing monster and smiled sadly. "I really am a pathetic person, Yasu," she whispered. "I can never choose between you and the world. I can't sacrifice people like that. If I was forced to choose… then I would sacrifice myself rather than lose you. I suppose we're alike in that regard."
She raised her hand. "Trap activate!" she declared. "Cyangel Patientia! When your monster declares an attack, that attack is negated!" Kid fell out of the air and landed on his rear end. "Then, one player takes 1000 points of damage!"
Morningstar blinked. "What?"
"That effect wouldn't do any harm to you, partner; your Life Points are still at 4000," Cypher pointed out. "The only one it would hurt would… be…"
"Sachi, what are you doing?!" Cam asked panickingly.
"The only thing I could ever do in this situation," she answered her brother. Louder she said, "I have to correct you, Morningsar; I'll be leaving the rest to you."
"What?" Morningstar whispered, his body shaking. "Cassiel, don't-!"
Cassiel spread her arms. "I inflict Cyangel Patientia's damage to myself!" A bolt of lightning shot down and struck her, sending her flying backwards.
Cassiel: 800→0 LP
Cassiel smiled sadly as she fell. I'm sorry everyone. I'm sorry I was so weak.
"SACHI!"
Cassiel blinked as the sound of pounding footsteps reached her ears. She blinked again on seeing their source.
Morningstar, all stoicism gone, eyes alight with horror and panic, tears flowing freely, was running towards her, hand outstretched.
Her sad smile only grew at the sight. You know… I've never seen you cry before, Yasu. And I hate seeing you like this. But… that you're crying because of me… I can't help but be happy about that.
She closed her eyes as her body turned green and she started to break apart. Jester was right; I am a selfish girl.
Morningstar's hand closed on empty air, Cassiel's particles all around him. "S-Sachi," he whimpered. Cypher narrowed his eyes but raised his arms, drawing in the green particles. The Silver Ignis's partner fell to his hands and knees, tears hitting the ground.
…
"Hahaha!" Jester laughed as he approached the collapsed duelist. "Ah, that was truly a magnificent sight! First, you tried to erase yourself to save her, only for her to do the same thing!" He laughed again. "You two truly deserve each other! Two foolish children who cannot sacrifice others for the greater good! No wonder Playmaker is the one who inspires hope and not Morningstar!"
Jester's taunts breached the fog of despair around Morningstar, making him clench his fists and breath sharply. He turned his head, no more tears to shed, and grit his teeth before standing up and spinning around. "Jester, you BAST-!"
SHINK!
Morningstar stopped, rage forgotten for the sake of shock. Jester stiffened before slowly looking down.
At the red-clawed hand emerging from his chest.
"Z-Zahhak?" Jester breathed. There was no more amusement, no more arrogance. Just confusion.
"I warned Merlin not to attempt anything like this," Zahhak said softly. "I did not warn you because I assumed you were smart enough not to try this." His eyes gleamed red. "Clearly. I. Was. Mistaken."
He leaned in closer. "Did Jormungand know you were planning this?" he whispered, Morningstar and Cypher unable to overhear. Zahhak recognized the program Jester had used to keep the Data Anchor active.
"…No. I just asked for the program. I never told him what it was for."
Zahhak thought about it and accepted that answer. With that, he pulled his fist back, and like a puppet with its strings cut, Jester collapsed to the ground. The masked man coughed raggedly as his body glitched out. Then he chuckled.
"You know what? I suppose… this is fair. Are… Are you going to let me log out?"
"…No." Zahhak held out his hand. "I'll hold onto your consciousness for a while longer. You can spend that time thinking about how this was a monumentally stupid thing to do. Also…" His eyes gleamed again. "I am never playing Rock-Paper-Scissors with you again."
Jester's body turned red and started to break apart, the particles headed for Zahhak's hand. The man chuckled again. "Again… I suppose that's fair." He raised his head, looking at Morningstar. "It's a pity. I would have liked a rematch with you. But I guess… I'll have to wait a while." Those were his last words before his head broke apart. And all that was left of Jester was a red sphere in Zahhak's hand.
"…You didn't need to do that," Morningstar said into the silence.
"After that stunt he pulled? Jester didn't deserve to go down in a duel."
"Then why?" Cypher asked. "Why did you take him out? Why did you restore my partner's control?"
"…Ouroboros can be rather lax when it comes to punishing certain behaviors," Zahhak finally said. "But every Enforcer has lines we won't cross. Actions we won't tolerate. And that… is mine."
The armored man turned around. "Bohman has finished his duel with Soulburner," he said. Morningstar breathed in sharply at the news. "Lightning is confronting Revolver."
"…Then does that mean it's our turn?"
"No. Not yet." Zahhak turned his head to look at them with one eye. "Silver Ignis. There are still a few truths you need to learn. After that… we'll have our duel." He leapt upwards, summoning his D-Board.
"…I don't know what he's talking about, but I think he wants us to follow him. But partner… are you okay?"
Morningstar grit his teeth at Cypher's words, his mind filled with images of a girl who switched between white and green hair. "…No, I'm not. But I can't break down now. We still have to win this war."
With that declaration, and ignoring his shaking hands, Morningstar leapt up, summoning his own D-Board, and chased after Zahhak.
Cassiel vs. Morningstar
This Duel is conducted as a Master Duel.
Turn 1: Morningstar
As there are no monsters on the field, he Special Summons Cyspirit Illusionist (2400/1000/6) in Attack Position by reducing its ATK to 1800 (Illusionist: 2400→1800). As Illusionist was Special Summoned by its effect, Morningstar can add 1 "Cyspirit" card from his Deck to his hand. He adds Cyspirit Coder to his hand. He Normal Summons Cyspirit Coder (0/0/1). As Coder was Normal Summoned, Morningstar can add 1 "Cyspirit" card from his Deck to his hand, then send 1 card from his hand, field, or Deck to the GY. He adds Cyspirit Mausoleum to his hand and sends Cyspirit Officer from his Deck to the GY. Morningstar activates the Field Spell Card Cyspirit Mausoleum. While Mausoleum is on the field, his linked "Cyspirit" monsters are unaffected by Cassiel's monster effects, and their possession cannot switch. Morningstar uses Coder to Link Summon Cyspirit Egregious Electrician (600/1/↙) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Morningstar's "Cyspirit" monster was sent to the GY as Link Material, Mausoleum's effect lets him draw 1 card. Morningstar activates Egregious Electrician's effect, targeting Illusionist at its Link Marker. Illusionist is moved to Morningstar's center-right Main Monster Zone, then Morningstar can Special Summon 1 "Cyspirit" monster from his hand to Egregious Electrician's Link Marker. He Special Summons Cyspirit Lancer (1800/0/4) to Egregious Electrician's Link Marker in Attack Position. While Lancer is in Attack Position, all "Cyspirit" monsters gain 300 ATK (Egregious Electrician: 600→900) (Illusionist: 1800→2100) (Lancer: 1800→2100). As there is a Cyberse Link Monster on the field, Morningstar Special Summons Cyspirit Prisoner (1600→1900/2100/5) in Attack Position. Morningstar uses Illusionist, Lancer, and Prisoner to Link Summon Cyspirit Bombastic Bombardier (2600/3/↖↗→) to Egregious Electrician's Link Marker (Egregious Electrician: 900→600). As Prisoner was used to Link Summon a "Cyspirit" Link Monster, Morningstar can add 1 "Cyspirit" card from his Deck to his hand. He adds Cyspirit Blast to his hand. Morningstar activates Mausoleum's effect, targeting Bombastic Bombardier and treating it as pointing to a number of monsters equal to its Link Rating until his next Standby Phase. As it is treated as pointing to 2 or more monsters, Bombastic Bombardier can inflict 400 damage to Cassiel for each "Cyspirit" Link Monster Morningstar controls (Cassiel: 4000→3200 LP). Morningstar uses Egregious Electrician and Link-3 Bombastic Bombardier to Link Summon Cyspirit Datastorm Dragon (2800/4/↙↑↓↘) to the right Extra Monster Zone. He activates the Spell Card Cyspirit Blast, targeting Datastorm Dragon. Its effects are negated until the End Phase, and Cassiel takes damage equal to half its original ATK (Cassiel: 3200→1800 LP). Morningstar Sets 1 card. He ends his turn.
Turn 2: Cassiel
Cassiel draws. As there are no "Cyangel" monsters in her GY, she activates the Spell Card Cyangel Revelation, which lets her Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Cyangel" monster from her Deck in Attack Position. She Special Summons Cyangel Cupbearer (1400/700/3). Cassiel Normal Summons Cyangel Pilgrim (800/700/2). As there are no "Cyangel" monsters in her GY, Cassiel activates Pilgrim's effect to Tribute 1 "Cyangel" monster she controls to add 1 "Cyangel" card from her Deck to her hand. She Tributes Cupbearer to add Cyangel Hymn to her hand. As Cupbearer was sent to the GY, it is shuffled into Cassiel's Deck, then she can add 1 "Cyangel" monster from her Deck to her hand. She adds Cyangel Trumpeter to her hand. Cassiel activates the Spell Card Cyangel Hymn. As she has no "Cyangel" monsters in her GY, she can Normal Summon 1 "Cyangel" monster from her hand. She Normal Summons Cyangel Trumpeter (1300/700/3). As Trumpeter was Normal Summoned, Cassiel adds Cyangel Sanctum to her hand. Cassiel activates the Field Spell Card Cyangel Sanctum, which increases the ATK/DEF of her Light Cyberse monsters by 300 (Pilgrim: 800→1100/700→1000) (Trumpeter: 1300→1600/700→1000). Cassiel uses Pilgrim and Trumpeter to Link Summon Cyseraph Ophanim (2000→2300/2/↑↓) to the Extra Monster Zone. As Pilgrim and Trumpeter were sent to the GY, they are shuffled into Cassiel's Deck, then she gains 800 LP and can Special Summon 1 "Cyangel" monster from her hand. She Special Summons Cyangel Friar (2000→2300/700→1000/5) to Ophanim's bottom Link Marker in Attack Position (Cassiel: 1800→2600 LP). As a monster was Summoned to Ophanim's Link Marker, Cassiel can add 1 "Cyangel" Spell/Trap Card from her Deck to her hand. She adds Cyangel Humanitas to her hand. Cassiel uses Friar and Link-2 Ophanim to Link Summon Cyseraph Intercessor Selaphiel (2200→2500/3/↑↓→) to the Extra Monster Zone. As Friar and Ophanim were sent to the GY, they are shuffled into Cassiel's Deck, then Cassiel can target 1 card Morningstar controls and shuffle it into his Deck, and gain 1000 LP. Cassiel targets Datastorm Dragon, but Morningstar activates his Set Continuous Trap Card Cyspirit Lineage, which lets him Special Summon 1 "Cyspirit" monster from his GY in Attack Position, but he cannot Special Summon a Link Monster. Morningstar Special Summons Lancer (1800/0/4) to Datastorm Dragon's bottom Link Marker. Friar's effect resolves, but since Datastorm Dragon is linked, it is unaffected by Cassiel's monster effects due to Mausoleum's effect (Cassiel: 2600→3600 LP). While Lancer is on the field, "Cyspirit" monsters gain 300 ATK (Datastorm Dragon: 2800→3100) (Lancer: 1800→2100). As she controls a Light Cyberse monster, Cassiel Special Summons Cyangel Guard (1900→2200/700→1000/5) to Intercessor Selaphiel's bottom Link Marker in Attack Position. As she has no "Cyangel" monsters in her GY, Cassiel activates Intercessor Selaphiel's effect, targeting itself. Until Cassiel's next Standby Phase, Morningstar cannot target Cassiel's other monsters for attacks, also Intercessor Selaphiel cannot be destroyed by battle. As Intercessor Selaphiel points to a "Cyangel" monster, Cassiel takes no battle damage from battles involving her Light Cyberse monsters. Cassiel Sets 1 card. She ends her turn.
Turn 3: Morningstar
Morningstar draws. Cassiel activates her Set Continuous Trap Card Cyangel Humanitas. While Cyangel Humanitas is on the field, her Light Cyberse monsters cannot be destroyed by card effects. Cassiel activates Humanitas's effect, Tributing Guard and targeting Intercessor Selaphiel. Intercessor Selaphiel gains ATK equal to Guard's original ATK until the end of the turn (Intercessor Selaphiel: 2500→4400). As Guard was sent to the GY, it is shuffled into Cassiel's Deck, then she draws 1 card. As a Cyberse monster in her GY was shuffled into her Deck, Cassiel activates Sanctum's effect, targeting Intercessor Selaphiel. For the rest of the turn, Intercessor Selaphiel cannot be destroyed by card effects, and it cannot be targeted by Morningstar's card effects. Morningstar Normal Summons Cyspirit Samurai (1800→2100/1000/4). Morningstar overlays his Level 4 Lancer and Samurai to Xyz Summon Cyspirit Martial Mameluke (2800/2300/4) to Intercessor Selaphiel's top Link Marker in Attack Position (Datastorm Dragon: 3100→2800). As Martial Mameluke was Xyz Summoned using only "Cyspirit" monsters as material, all cards in Cassiel's Spell & Trap Zone are returned to her Deck. Cyangel Humanitas returns to Cassiel's Deck. Morningstar activates the Equip Spell Card Cyspirit Multiplier, equipping it to Martial Mameluke and allowing it to make two attacks against Cassiel's monsters during the Battle Phase.
Martial Mameluke attacks Intercessor Selaphiel. As Martial Mameluke is attacking Cassiel's Special Summoned monster, Morningstar detaches 1 Overlay Unit to increase Martial Mameluke's ATK by the current ATK of Intercessor Selaphiel during damage calculation only (Martial Mameluke: 2 OU→1 OU/2800→7200). The attack continues, but Intercessor Selaphiel isn't destroyed due to its effect (Cassiel: 3600→800 LP) (Martial Mameluke: 7200→2800). As she took battle damage and has no "Cyangel" monsters in her GY, Cassiel activates the effect of Cyangel Templar in her hand, Special Summoning it (2100→2400/700→1000/5) to Intercessor Selaphiel's bottom Link Marker in Defense Position. Morningstar Sets 1 card. He ends his turn.
Turn 4: Cassiel
Cassiel draws. She uses Templar and Link-3 Intercessor Selaphiel to Link Summon Cyseraph Guardian Michael (3000→3300/4/←↑↓→) to the Extra Monster Zone. As Templar was sent to the GY, it is shuffled into Cassiel's Deck, then she can target 1 Light Cyberse monster she controls and make that monster's ATK double its original ATK until her next Standby Phase. She targets Guardian Michael (3300→6300). As she has no "Cyangel" monsters in her GY, Cassiel activates the Spell Card Cyangel Heresy, which lets her target 1 monster her Light Cyberse Link Monster points to, send that monster to the GY, then draw 1 card. She targets and sends Martial Mameluke to the GY, then draws. Cassiel Sets 2 cards. She ends her turn.
Turn 5: Morningstar
Morningstar draws. He activates his Set Trap Card Cyspirit Backup, which lets him return 1 "Cyspirit" monster in his GY to his Extra Deck, then Special Summon 1 "Cyspirit" Link Monster with a lower Link Rating and treat it as a Link Summon. He returns Bombastic Bombardier to his Extra Deck and Special Summons Cyspirit Zany Zealot (1300/2/↗→) to Datastorm Dragon's bottom-left Link Marker. As Bombastic Bombardier was Link-3, Morningstar draws 2 cards. As Zany Zealot is co-linked with a "Cyspirit" Link Monster, Morningstar activates its effect to target and Special Summon 1 "Cyspirit" monster from his GY in Attack Position with its effects negated. He Special Summons Prisoner (1600/2100/5). Morningstar uses Prisoner to Link Summon Cyspirit Vivacious Vixen (1200/1/→) to Zany Zealot's right Link Marker. As Prisoner was sent to the GY to Link Summon a "Cyspirit" Link Monster, Morningstar adds Cyspirit Navigator from his Deck to his hand. As a "Cyspirit" monster was sent to the GY as Link Material, Mausoleum's effect lets Morningstar draw 1 card. As Vivacious Vixen was Link Summoned using a Level 5 "Cyspirit" monster, Morningstar can destroy 1 Spell/Trap Card on the field. He destroys Cassiel's Set Cyangel Shield. As he controls a "Cyspirit" monster, Morningstar Special Summons Cyspirit Navigator (1300/1100/3) in Attack Position. As he controls a "Cyspirit" monster, Morningstar Special Summons Cyspirit Linker (1700/800/4) to Datastorm Dragon's bottom-right Link Marker in Attack Position. As he controls a "Cyspirit" monster in the Extra Monster Zone, Morningstar activates the Spell Card Reckoning of the Cyspirits, which makes each player choose 1 monster they control and negate their effects until the end of the turn. Morningstar negates Datastorm Dragon's effects and Cassiel negates Guardian Michael's effects. Morningstar uses Linker and Navigator to Link Summon Cyspirit Thrilled Tunneler (1600/2/←→) to Datastorm Dragon's bottom-right Link Marker. Morningstar uses Datastorm Dragon, Vivacious Vixen, Zany Zealot, and Link-2 Thrilled Tunneler to Link Summon Cyspirit Superior Seraphim (3300/5/↖↙↓↘↗) to the Extra Monster Zone. As Superior Seraphim was Link Summoned using 4 monsters, the effects of all face-up cards on the field, except Superior Seraphim, are negated, and the ATK of all other face-up monsters are changed to their original ATK. Cyspirit Mausoleum's, Cyspirit Lineage's, Cyangel Sanctum's, and Guardian Michael's effects are negated (Guardian Michael: 6300→3000). Morningstar activates the effect of Coder in his GY, banishing it and targeting Superior Seraphim, treating it as pointing to a number of monsters equal to its Link Rating until the end of the turn. Superior Seraphim gains 500 ATK for each monster it points to, and at the start of the Battle Phase, its number of attacks is equal to the number of monsters it points to (Superior Seraphim: 3300→5800).
At this point, Zahhak breaks Morningstar's conditioning, returning him to normal.
Morningstar Normal Summons Cyspirit Kid (300/200/1). He activates the effect of Cyspirit Multiplier in his GY, banishing Cyspirit Navigator from his GY to equip it to Cyspirit Kid. While Kid is equipped with Multiplier, it can make two attacks against Cassiel's monsters each turn. Morningstar activates the Equip Spell Card Cyspirit Twin Shield, equipping it to Kid and preventing its destruction by battle or card effects twice per turn.
Kid attacks Guardian Michael. As Morningstar's monster declared an attack, Cassiel activates her Set Trap Card Cyangel Patientia, which negates Kid's attack, then has Cassiel inflict 1000 damage to either player. Cassiel inflicts the damage to herself (Cassiel: 800→0 LP). Morningstar wins.
Cassiel:
Cyangel Pilgrim (name credit to Fenghuang0296)
Attribute: LIGHT Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 800 DEF 700 Level: 2
Once per turn, if there are no "Cyangel" monsters in your GY: You can Tribute 1 "Cyangel" monster you control, except "Cyangel Pilgrim"; add 1 "Cyangel" card from your Deck to your hand. If this card is sent to the GY: You can shuffle this card into your Deck, and if you do, gain 800 LP. You can only use each effect of "Cyangel Pilgrim" once per turn.
Cyseraph Intercessor Selaphiel
Attribute: LIGHT Type: [Cyberse/Link/Effect] ATK 2200 LINK-3 ↑↓→
2+ LIGHT Cyberse monsters
If you have no "Cyangel" monsters in your GY: You can target 1 face-up monster you control; until your next Standby Phase, your opponent cannot target monsters you control for attacks, except the targeted monster, also that monster cannot be destroyed by battle. If this card points to a "Cyangel" monster, you take no battle damage from battles involving your LIGHT Cyberse monsters. If this card is sent from the field to your GY by an opponent's card: You can return this card to the Extra Deck; Special Summon up to 2 "Cyangel" monsters from your Deck in Defense Position. Monsters Special Summoned by this effect cannot activate their effects the turn they are Special Summoned. You can only use each effect of "Cyseraph Intercessor Selaphiel" once per turn.
Cyangel Templar (name credit to Fenghuang0296)
Attribute: LIGHT Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 2100 DEF 700 Level: 5
If you take battle damage and have no "Cyangel" monsters in your GY: You can Special Summon this card from your hand. If this card is sent to the GY: You can shuffle this card into your Deck and target 1 LIGHT Cyberse monster you control; until your next Standby Phase, that monster's ATK becomes double its original ATK. You can only use each effect of "Cyangel Templar" once per turn.
Cyangel Revelation Normal Spell Card
If there are no "Cyangel" monsters in your GY: Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Cyangel" monster from your Deck in Attack Position. The turn you activate this card, you cannot Special Summon monsters, except LIGHT Cyberse monsters. You can only use 1 "Cyangel Revelation" per turn.
Cyangel Humanitas Continuous Trap Card
LIGHT Cyberse monsters you control cannot be destroyed by your opponent's card effects. You can Tribute 1 monster you control, then target 1 LIGHT Cyberse monster you control; that monster gains ATK equal to the Tributed monster's original ATK until the end of the turn (even if this card leaves the field). You can only use this effect of "Cyangel Humanitas" once per turn.
Cyangel Heresy Normal Spell Card
Target 1 monster your LIGHT Cyberse Link Monster points to; send it to the GY, then draw 1 card. You must have no "Cyangel" monsters in your GY to activate and resolve this effect. You can banish this card from your GY; for the rest of the turn, monsters destroyed by battle with LIGHT Cyberse monsters you control are shuffled into the Deck instead of going to the GY. You can only use 1 "Cyangel Heresy" effect per turn, and only once that turn.
Morningstar:
Reckoning of the Cyspirits Normal Spell Card
If you control a "Cyspirit" monster in the Extra Monster Zone: Each player chooses 1 monster they control and negates their effects until the end of the turn. You can banish this card from your GY; negate the effects of all monsters in the Extra Monster Zones. You can only use 1 "Reckoning of the Cyspirits" effect per turn, and only once that turn.
Chapter Preview
Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Hidden Memories. Chapter 70 – To Have Free Will. The war in Mirror Link VRAINS has reached its climax. Only six duelists remain, and the next to battle are Lightning and Revolver, where everyone learns the truth about the Light Ignis and the meaning behind his actions. And when their duel resolves, the final battle between Morningstar and Zahhak finally begins…
Question of the Chapter
What additional summoning methods, if any, should the canon cast of VRAINS learn for season 3? For example, should Blue Maiden learn Xyz or Synchro, or should Spectre learn Fusion?
Author's Notes
Thank you to Haoh Ryu Z-ARC for helping with the OC cards.
Now, I remember back when I introduced the brainwashed duelists, some people suggested Morningstar duel a brainwashed Cassiel. Well, you kinda got your wish here. Also, how much are you all hating Jester now? Even more than after he defeated Lilith? About the same?
Anyway, I won't talk about how Jester did what he did to Morningstar; all I will say is that the answer will be revealed in the next two chapters. Admittedly, my biggest concern with writing this chapter was whether I would be able to properly portray just how painful this whole experience was to both Morningstar and Cassiel. It's definitely a Playmaker vs. Kusanagi moment, but I'd like to believe it was even more painful for these two because of the circumstances. And in the end, when Morningstar regained his free will, he tried to take himself out to save Cassiel, except she pulled the same trick. It's sad certainly, but I felt it appropriate that Cassiel go out protecting Morningstar to the end.
I will comment on Cypher and the anti-Ignis program. If Cypher had been at full strength, he would have had about a 70% chance of breaking it, but he wasn't when he tried, so it didn't work. This was to portray both the strength of anti-Ignis programs in general as well as Jormungand's power. And I do want to clarify that Jester was telling the truth: Jormungand did give Jester the program, but he didn't know what Jester was planning to use it for. If he had known Jester would do this, he wouldn't have given him it. Though that's less because of it being wrong and more because Jormungand knows Zahhak would be angry about it.
And finally, we have Zahhak's reaction. I won't explain why he hated what Jester did; we'll be getting the answer in the next few chapters. But he restored Morningstar to normal, and after Cassiel was erased, erased Jester himself. I admit this was the part of this chapter I was most uncertain of, at least in terms of concept. Originally, I planned for Zahhak to duel Jester as a sort of punishment. Then I thought Morningstar should duel Jester as revenge. But time constraints forced me to have Zahhak take Jester out like he did, along with the fact that I felt Jester didn't deserve to go out in a duel. And unlike Merlin and Techbane, he didn't log out. Instead, he's in time-out right now. This also means he won't be learning about what happened to Thaumiel until he's freed, which was another reason to have it happen this way.
Thank you for reading Chapter 69 of Hidden Memories. We've reached the climax of season 2 people; Morningstar's duel with Zahhak will happen over the next two chapters and after that… well, I hope you're looking forward to it!