Responses to Reviews

Thank you to TheBlazingButterfly777, HunterHQ, Daemon of Wrath, LazinessRules, ZarcEternal, Germancardfightfan, rgriffin8999, SakushiRyu, ThePLOThand, Jason, Ambiguous, Unnamed, D3lph0xL0v3r, InfiniteStarz, pokemonking0924, Big duels, Hulala, Ethan Kironus, FlameFireZero X, SavageWizar9000, Unknowedz, electriuser, blizzardblaze174, KingOtakuOverYou, Anonymous, X Guest, Gry25, and Guests for reviewing Chapter 73 of Hidden Memories.

TheBlazingButterfly777: Outside of being former colleagues? Nothing too special; Erebus is the Enforcer who is generally called in to deal with spies and traitors though. Dealing with Diana is his job.

HunterHQ: If you'll recall, the method Blood Shepherd used to look at memories was very invasive, and it wasn't perfect; it could be fooled. And it only showed images, no dialogue. Not to Blood Shepherd at least. Yasutake isn't going to volunteer for that, Frog and Pigeon don't know about it, and the fact remains that Yasutake's memories are 12 to 17 years old, of people that might not even be alive anymore. That program isn't as helpful as you think it is.

LazinessRules: I plan to release Chapter 36 of Fifth Circuit sometime in the middle of January, between the 15th and the 19th most likely. But ask me about it one more time, and I will push that release date back to February. I want to make sure that the chapters I release are of a certain quality, and that takes time. Not to mention that I have my own life to live and the distractions within it.

Ambiguous: For the first 3 years of his life, Jormungand was too busy to contact the Ignis. Then Ai hid the Cyberse World from them, and when Ai hid from the Hanoi, he also hid from Jormungand. Jormungand eventually found it, but Goldie diverted his attention when she left. As for why Ouroboros didn't go after the Ignis when they were separated, it was because Jormungand wanted to be efficient. Rather than hunt them around the network, he would find them, wait for them to gather, then swoop in and take them. Also, MORNINGSTAR – there is no character in Hidden Memories named Raguel – does have Superior Seraphim's card, but the data is missing, like with Cyberse Wizard in Episode 27. Yasutake could use it in a non-holographic duel, like on a table, but his Duel Disk won't be able to read it. So it's useless in a duel.

Unknowedz: Merlin approached him because he saw Techbane's duel with Go Onizuka in SOL, and he saw potential and desperation in him. So he offered him a chance to save his grandfather, gaining a new Enforcer for Ouroboros while also helping Techbane.

Anonymous: You overestimate Ai and underestimate Jormungand. You think he hasn't prepared for such an event? Ai is strong in season 3, but now that Jormungand is complete, he is much stronger than both Ai and Goldie.

I have three announcements to make before we get to the chapter. The first is that Hidden Memories finally has cover art! See the Author's Notes for more details. The second is that this chapter is the last one with this particular opening; I will eventually be posting the season 3 opening on the Hidden Memories Profiles story. And the third is that with the end of season 2 of Hidden Memories, I have decided to place this story on a temporary hiatus while I focus on the Xyz arc of Fifth Circuit. I have two reasons: so that I can update Fifth Circuit much faster, and because there are still details about season 3's second half I need to nail down. So don't expect anymore updates of Hidden Memories until after Chapter 49 of Fifth Circuit is posted. After that, I will most likely alternate between the two stories once again. With all that aside, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and I hope you enjoy Chapter 74!

Chapter 74: Christmas Memories

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, the sky clouded over and a barren cherry tree in the background. Sachi looks down on Yasutake's face, a sad smile on her face. Yasutake opens his eyes and both look upwards as the screen jumps to the sky and sun.

"A hotdog and coffee please."

Yusaku looked up from Café Nagi's grill. "Aoi Zaizen."

"So you're still working here, Yusaku Fujiki," the girl responded. She wore a dark blue buttoned coat over black leggings and brown boots. "Even during the winter?"

"The owner's brother is in the hospital," Yusaku answered. While he wore the Café Nagi apron, he wore it over a long-sleeved black shirt.

"I see. I also just visited my friend in the hospital. I came here because you're nearby."

"The world's first human-type android, SOLtiS! SOLtiS will change the world!"

Yusaku and Aoi looked up at the viewing plaza's central Jumbotron. It showed a humanoid android in numerous environments, such as an office with workers, a park playing soccer with a child, a home cooking dinner, and a rainy street holding an umbrella.

"Your brother works at SOL, doesn't he?" Yusaku asked.

"Yes. He's busy because of that," Aoi confirmed. "Thankfully he managed to get Christmas Eve and Christmas Day off. Those SOLtiS will make the world easier." Her smile widened playfully. "You might not have to work here anymore," she pointed out.

"That would be bad," Yusaku deadpanned as he handed her a bag.

"Thank you." Aoi handed him some yen notes then turned around. Her eyes widened. "Sachi!"

"Aoi!" The girl in question was wearing a dark green winter coat over a black shirt and skirt. "We weren't expecting you to be here!"

Aoi turned and smiled at the boy next to Sachi, who was wearing an open, long, dark silver coat over a black turtleneck. "Good to see you again, Yasutake."

"It wasn't that long that we saw each other," the teen pointed out. "School just went on winter vacation."

"Yeah, but… it's good to see you out and about," Aoi admitted. Yasutake's eye twitched at the reminder before he walked over to Yusaku. Sachi pulled Aoi over to a nearby picnic table, insisting they eat together.

"It's been a while," Yasutake said to his friend.

"It has." Yusaku frowned in concern. "Are you really alright?"

"…I can't tell," Yasutake admitted. "I want to move on; it's been two months since all of that went down. Some days it feels like I can go on. Other times, it feels like it was just yesterday."

"Take as much time as you need," Yusaku urged. "We'll all help however we can."

Yasutake smiled. "I appreciate that, really. Two hot dogs, two fries, and two coffees."

"Got it. And don't worry about paying; Kusanagi told me to treat you if you stopped by."

"Thanks." Yasutake tilted his head. "Have you heard from Ai?"

Yusaku shook his head. "He's still gone. And Roboppi isn't moving either."

"A side effect of Ai's backup?" Yasutake wondered.

"Most likely. Kusanagi and I have tried looking for him, or for Ouroboros, but we've seen no signs of either."

"What about Goldie? Emma and Zaizen ran into Diana, didn't they?"

Yusaku nodded; Ghost Girl and Zaizen had shared their encounter with Diana during the fight with Bohman, so they knew the Gold Ignis was still active. "We've looked for her too, but we've seen nothing. Everyone's gone silent."

Yasutake frowned but decided to accept that. "Say, do you have plans for Christmas?"

Yusaku frowned. "I think Kusanagi wants to stay with Jin in the hospital; he should be released shortly after New Year's. But myself? No, I don't have plans."

"Then do you want to spend Christmas Eve with me, Cam, and Sachi?"

Yusaku raised an eyebrow. "I would have thought you'd want to spend Christmas Eve with just them."

"This isn't just my invitation; Cam wants to invite you, Kusanagi, and Takeru. He figured that after everything, you're as good as family."

"That's a nice sentiment. I'll think about it. And I'll tell Takeru and Kusanagi."

"Thanks." Yasutake took the offered food and walked over to Aoi's and Sachi's table.

"So you have plans for Christmas?" Sachi asked.

"Yeah; my brother managed to get the days off," Aoi was saying. "He and I will spend Christmas Eve with Miyu, then we'll have Christmas together."

"Is Sugisaki getting out of the hospital soon?" Yasutake asked, placing Sachi's food in front of her.

Aoi frowned. "Miyu was unconscious for a while. Even if she's healthy, she still lost some muscle mass. She's going through rehabilitation right now."

"Have the doctors said when she'll be free to leave?" Sachi asked.

"Another two weeks or so, they said. I'll probably spend New Year's with her as well. Though I don't know if Akira will be able to join us."

"Your brother was promoted, wasn't he?" Yasutake remembered.

Aoi nodded. "He's the Executive Director now. The second in charge of SOL. Right behind Queen. Though I heard a rumor from Hayami that Queen tried to stop his promotion."

"Tension in the ranks?" Yasutake asked. Aoi shrugged; she didn't really know, and her brother wasn't concerned, so it wasn't her business.

"Hayami, huh?" Sachi repeated. "Your brother's assistant, right? Has he noticed yet?"

Aoi giggled. "Not at all. She's not obvious, so I can't blame him. Too much."

Yasutake blinked. "What about her? Is something wrong?"

"Not wrong. It's a girl thing. You don't need to worry about it."

"…Okay." Yasutake decided to leave it at that; probably for the best.

"Do you have plans for Christmas, too?" Aoi asked.

Sachi nodded. "Cam, Yasu, and I are having dinner together at our place both days, and we're inviting a few friends." She blinked. "Actually that reminds me; we need to get a cake, don't we?"

"Cam wanted to bake one," Yasutake reminded her.

"Oh right, I forgot."

Aoi smiled before frowning and turning to the one male. "I didn't want to ask in front of Fujiki, but are you alright, Yasutake?"

The teen's lip twitched. She hadn't wanted to talk about it in front of Fujiki? Because he wasn't involved? How ironic what Aoi's ignorance brought about.

"…I'm better than I was right after," Yasutake admitted. "Keeping busy helps. But every now and then…"

Aoi nodded in understanding. "The same happens when I think about Aqua. I know we weren't as close as you and Cypher, and our relationship didn't last as long. But even so…" Yasutake nodded as well. "What about your account? Any luck?"

"None," Yasutake sighed. "Morningstar is still gone. And honestly… I stopped looking for a way a month ago. The disappointments were just getting to be too much."

"…Well, if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask," Aoi said. "I know there's not much I can do, but I'll still help."

"Thank you, Aoi. But… I think I'll be fine." I have to be.

In a hidden corner of the network, there was a city. A floating city, suspended over a vast digital plain. In the center of the city, there was a tower, tall enough to see past the edge of the city and down on the glowing black and green plains. And looking up, one would see a similar view, only blue instead of green.

It was this sight that entranced the youth at a balcony on the tower. He was a teenager with amber eyes behind black-framed glasses and messy dark silver hair that lightened at the tips, along with three light blue bangs that fell in front of his eyes. He wore a gray dress shirt over a black shirt and under a silver blazer with the sleeves rolled to just below the elbows, along with a dark gray scarf around his neck. Black jeans covered his legs and black dress shoes covered his feet, while he wore black fingerless gloves with silver knuckles that left the back of his hands exposed, showing off tattoos of silver eight-pointed stars. A brightly lit diamond was at his throat, colored a dark blue.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

The youth blinked and looked back at the speaker. Jormungand stepped out onto the balcony, a deep violet diamond at his own neck now.

"…It's something, I'll give you that." The youth turned his head back. "I never got to see the Stardust Road in person, but I saw pictures. It's like the sky is both above and beneath us; like we are alone in the world."

"We will be soon." The Divine Ignis walked to the edge and looked over. "My Ark is complete; it is here that my new world will be born. It is from here that the signal to change the old world will be sent."

"You say that like it's going to go smoothly," the youth noticed. "You aren't worried someone's going to interfere?"

"Oh, I expect interference," Jormungand admitted easily. "The Dark Ignis, Ai, left his partner two months ago. Since then, he disappeared. Not just him, but Goldie has vanished as well. Even my own capabilities haven't been able to find them." His eyes narrowed. "I have no doubt that the two have teamed up; Goldie will have convinced Ai that I am wrong and must be stopped."

"Are you wrong?"

"Of course not," the Third Anguis said with certainty. "I was tasked to save humanity, and I will do it. I have had eight years to contemplate my answer, and I know it is the right one."

"What about the other Anguis?" the youth asked. "You're in competition with them, aren't you? You said interference from them isn't allowed, but that wouldn't deter someone if they were desperate or brave enough."

"A reasonable concern. I admit that my predecessor, Dr. Weissmann, might have ignored that edict. But the others will not. They are aware of the penalty the Grandmaster could inflict. And besides… they won't be joining us."

The youth blinked. "Wait… you mean they won't be digitalized like the rest of humanity?"

"They and a few they selected. As I told you before, when the Grandmaster recruited us, we were told that we must push our agenda for what humanity should be. But there are lines that must not be crossed. For one, no one can join Ouroboros against their will. For another, the Anguis must not sabotage each other." Jormungand sighed. "My plan is the most ambitious among the Anguis and will have the farthest-reaching effects. As a result, the Grandmaster mandated that no members of Ouroboros would be digitalized unless they wished to."

"…So while most of humanity is on this floating monstrosity, the other Anguis will be free to do whatever they wish?"

"So long as their activities don't hurt my world, yes. The same mandate also applies to the Enforcers, but Zahhak, Jester, and Techbane have all decided to go along with my plan."

"…What about Ai and Goldie? What do you expect from them?"

The Divine Ignis smiled. "I have several expectations of them, almost all related to the SOLtiS project. But I have come too far at this point; whatever interference they can cause will not be enough. The Final Ascension Plan's second stage is almost complete, and all the pieces are in motion. Nothing they do at this point can stop it."

"And their human allies? The Knights of Hanoi?"

Jormungand frowned. "They… are a concern, I'll admit. The Knights of Hanoi have already interfered in our work before. Still, even if they team up, I am confident in my abilities and the skills of my allies."

"…Oh yeah," the youth recalled with a smile. "Speaking of allies, I met that Chimera fellow. They're… not what I expected."

Jormungand chuckled. "They get that reaction a lot. Have you met Erebus yet?"

"Not personally, but I did catch a peek. That guy really needs to lighten up; he makes Blood Shepherd look lighthearted."

"Chimera and Merlin agree with you; they've been saying that for years. Still, his is a serious job, and I do appreciate his professionalism."

The youth raised an eyebrow. "'His' is a serious job?" he asked, noticing the phrasing. "How is his job more serious than the other Enforcers'?"

"Erebus is the Enforcer most often sent after traitors and deserters," Jormungand explained softly.

The youth blinked and then narrowed his eyes. "Diana," he realized.

"Yes. I didn't summon Erebus before because I believed that Zahhak and Jester would be enough. But, considering Diana's actions up till now, and the potential trouble she could cause, I decided to summon him. He's rather eager to bring her down."

"Did he know her before she left?"

"Most Enforcers know each other professionally, though some are closer than others." Jormungand shook his head. "But I believe we've talked enough. Your task, has it been done?"

"Of course it has," the youth answered with a chuckle. "It's me, isn't it? I was just getting a rest before I went back."

"Of course. I look forward to seeing your results." Jormungand bowed lightly and then turned around to head back inside. Once he was alone again, the youth turned back to look at the "sky" and the "ground."

"…Will those two really just let this happen?" he whispered. "I wonder…"

Aoi smiled at her companion. "I'm glad you were able to come, brother."

"As am I," Akira agreed. "I never got the chance to speak to Miyu Sugisaki when you were children, so it'll be nice to finally meet your friend." He sighed. "I just wish the timing was better."

Aoi frowned. "Is something happening?"

"No, it's just that the rollout of the SOLtiS has me so busy. This is the first free time I've managed to get in two months. I'm sorry about that."

"It's alright. I understand." A long time ago, those words would have been empty, just something she repeated for her brother's sake. Now though, she meant them. Aoi wasn't alone like she was back then, and she knew how much Akira trusted her. "Is Queen busy too?"

"Yeah. But while I'm doing the work at SOL, she's abroad pushing the SOLtiS to be sold. She's actually on a cruise advertising the SOLtiS to various companies at the moment."

"On Christmas?"

"Queen is a woman who has her priorities. Just as I have mine." He smiled at Aoi as he said that, and she smiled back. The two walked through the hospital towards a room that had been set up ahead of time. Many people in the hospital spent Christmas with their loved ones, but Akira had though ahead to get a private room set up for themselves and Miyu. Akira was carrying their food while Aoi was holding a bundle of presents.

"Did you invite Emma?" Akira asked Aoi.

"I wanted to, but she said she wanted to spend the holidays with her brother."

Akira's eyes narrowed. "Blood Shepherd. I didn't see Emma having a connection like that. Did you hear what their plans were?"

"I think they were going to spend Christmas with family, but I don't know more. I felt asking for more would be prying."

"I see. Well, if Emma is happy with that, I won't comment."

The two finally reached the room that had been reserved for them and pushed open the door. To Aoi's surprise, Miyu was already there, standing on a chair and trying to hang up streamers.

"Miyu!" Aoi set her bundles down and ran over to the chair. "What are you doing up there?"

"Putting these up," the girl answered, holding up the decorative paper. "It's alright; the doctors have had me do more strenuous activities than this for my rehabilitation."

"Even so…"

Akira watched with a smile as the two friends lightly argued before he stepped forward. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Miyu Sugisaki."

The girl looked down at him, blinked, and then smiled. "You're Akira Zaizen! Aoi's big brother that she always talks about! It's a pleasure to meet you too!"

"Miyu," Aoi muttered, her cheeks a light pink.

Akira chuckled. "She only told you good things, I hope?"

"She told me the truth," Miyu said, her smile changing to make it evident her wording was on purpose. "Merry Christmas, Akira and Aoi Zaizen."

"Woah…" Eji's mouth hung open. "So this is where Go Onizuka grew up?"

"Yep," Takeshi confirmed, looking up at the orphanage. "It's not much to look at but Go loves this place very much."

It had been two months since Go had his AI chip removed. Two months since Takeshi and Katsumi revealed their identities to him. Since then, Go had been in intense physical therapy to get back in shape, and he had come a long way. He was nowhere near his old physique, but he was much healthier than he had been before, and he was making good progress. To celebrate, Go had asked Takeshi and Katsumi to spend Christmas at the orphanage with the children, Kenmochi, and Yoroizaka, and they had agreed, with Takeshi promising to bring Eiji along.

"You sure you're okay, Eiji?" Katsumi asked.

The thirteen-year-old laughed and nodded. "I'm fine, big sis Katsumi. I've been out of the hospital for months and completely healthy now." Eiji frowned. "I'm not sure if I'll get along with these kids though. I mean, how old are they?"

"Some are your age, though most are younger," Takeshi said. While Eiji's surgery had cured his disease, it had left him in the hospital for a few months. He had just gotten out a couple weeks before the whole Bohman incident had started. Ever since, Eiji had been living a normal life, one Takeshi was proud of.

I don't know if we'll run into Ouroboros again, Takeshi thought, but I hope we don't; Eiji doesn't need to deal with all that nonsense.

"Takeshi! Katsumi!"

The two teenagers blinked as the door to the orphanage opened and Go smiled at them. He was wearing a winter coat like they were and while he wasn't as muscular as he had been, he was much more filled out than he had been two months ago.

"I'm glad you made it," the older man said. He looked at the younger one between them. "And who's this young man?"

"My little brother Eiji," Takeshi answered. He mussed up the boy's hair to his brother's protests. "He's a big fan. Say hi, Eiji."

The thirteen-year-old glared at his brother before stepping forward and bowing lightly. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Onizuka. I am Eiji Akino. I apologize for my brother being an idiot."

Takeshi spluttered while Go laughed and kneeled down. "You shouldn't apologize for that. If your brother wasn't an idiot, I might not be here."

Eiji blinked. "Might not be here…?"

"Just a figure of speech," Go assured him. "Come on inside; you'll meet the other kids." He rose to his feet and smiled again at his friends. "Thanks for agreeing to this."

"You're our friend, Go," Takeshi said. "We wouldn't miss this for the world."

"And I have to admit, this is a new experience," Katsumi said. "Did you tell me who we were?"

Go shook his head. "I just said you were two friends who wanted to spend Christmas with us."

Takeshi smirked. "In that case… why don't we go properly introduce ourselves to the kids?"

They followed Go into the orphanage, and then not five minutes later, Takeshi's good mood was ruined as he yelled at a bunch of laughing kids who had asked who Galahad was. To the side, Go, Eiji, and Katsumi couldn't help but snicker; some things never changed.

"I can't believe Takeru made so many friends in the city!" The speaker was a girl with dark blue hair worn in a braid with eyes the color of olives. "He was always so closed off back home; I was worried he'd be spending all his time getting into fights."

Sachi couldn't help but blink at the other girl. "Takeru getting into fights? I mean, I know you've known him longer than I have Kamishirakawa, but he's always been so mild-mannered." Outside of being Soulburner, I mean.

"Please, call me Kiku," the girl requested. "I know my family name is a handful. And yeah, he kept picking fights with delinquents back home. Not that they didn't deserve it, but Takeru didn't have to be the one to do it…"

Yasutake watched the two girls converse across the table before he turned to Takeru, who was sitting between him and Yusaku. "Aren't you worried about that?" he asked. "Worried she'll tell an embarrassing story from back home?"

Takeru smiled and shook his head. "I don't have anything to be ashamed of. Shouldn't I ask you the same question about Sachi?"

"This one time, Takeru found these two thugs at the lighthouse and one of them had a lighter-."

Takeru's paling face revealed his previous claim to be a lie as he turned stammering to his friend. "K-Kiku, they don't need to know about that!" Yasutake and Yusaku shared a smirk behind Takeru's head.

Yusaku had passed Yasutake's message onto to Kusanagi and Takeru. Kusanagi had declined because he was spending Christmas Eve with Jin in the hospital, but Takeru had decided to come, and had even asked if he could bring a friend. Yasutake had been surprised, but Takeru had explained he had originally planned to spend Christmas with his grandparents, but they had encouraged him to spend it in Den City with his new friends. However, they had insisted that he be joined by Kiku Kamishirakawa, his friend from back home. Or, as the girl had put it when they arrived, "Takeru's minder". She had quickly gotten along with Sachi, and now they all found themselves in the living room while Cam insisted on cooking. Yasutake had tried to help, but the older man had shooed him away and encouraged him to interact with the others.

"You were saying?" Yasutake raised an eyebrow at Takeru, who leaned back in embarrassment while Kiku and Sachi giggled to each other.

"Shut up," the other teen grumbled. He frowned. His voice lowered so Kiku wouldn't overhear. "Hey. Yusaku told me what you talked about earlier. Are you really alright?"

Yasutake frowned, as did Yusaku. "That isn't something we should talk about at Chrstimas," the latter chastised.

"S-Sorry, I just-."

"I know, Takeru; you're worried. And I do appreciate it." Yasutake sighed. "Though… I think you already know how I feel. After all, you have to feel the same about Flame."

Takeru frowned as well. "Yes, but there's a difference. Flame's gone, while Cypher was just captured. Unless you think Ouroboros…?"

"No," Yasutake said definitely. "Cypher is still alive. I'd know it if he was erased." His eyes narrowed. "But we don't have any leads. Ouroboros has gone completely silent. I looked into Weissmann, Techbane's real identity, Thaumiel before his death… there's nothing there."

"It's like someone's actively suppressing any information about Ouroboros and its members," Yusaku realized with a frown. "Kusanagi and I have done the same thing for Playmaker's activities."

"But this is more thorough than what you two did; this goes back years. Someone with exceptional programming or hacking skills has covered Ouroboros's tracks so well that even I can't see anything. I thought about approaching Revolver, but…"

"I don't like relying on the Knights of Hanoi for anything," Takeru muttered angrily.

"Neither do I, but Ouroboros is a mutual enemy of ours," Yasutake pointed out. "I remember what you told me about Weissmann and Kogami, not to mention Jester's murder of Masako's parents; even if Weissmann is gone, Revolver and Terminus still want revenge for what was done to their family, and the rest of Hanoi will back them up."

"They have plenty of reasons to want revenge," Yusaku agreed. "But there's something else bothering me."

"Ai and Roboppi?" Takeru guessed. The cleaning robot had shut down after Ai's backup had activated.

"Yes, but that's not what I meant." Yusaku frowned. "Do you remember what Zahhak called Weissmann? What his rank in Ouroboros was?"

"The Third Anguis," Yasutake recalled. "Zahhak said they were Ouroboros's leaders, the ones who decide their activities."

"He also said there were seven of them," Takeru remembered.

Yusaku nodded. "Weissmann died six years ago. A position of leadership like that wouldn't have been left empty. Which means…"

"That there is a new Third Anguis," Yasutake finished with a frown. "You think they're the one who sent Jester, Zahhak, and the others?"

"It would make sense," Takeru mused, his expression matching theirs. "I mean, I don't know anything about how companies are run, but if Weissmann was involved with the Lost Incident, then wouldn't his successor have an interest in the Ignis?"

"I think so," Yusaku agreed. "You remember what Zahhak said, Takeru; the Anguis decide the path they'll take for humanity's advancement. And it is the Enforcers who see their plans through. Which means…"

"The current Third Anguis is the one who sent Jester and Zahhak to fight with Lightning," Yasutake surmised. "But… who are they? When I looked up Weissmann, I also looked up his colleagues and notable students; he didn't have anyone that was also associated with SOL Technologies. And outside of that connection, there were just too many to look into."

"What are you three muttering about together?" The three youths blinked and looked up at a smiling Kiku. She and Sachi were both watching them, and while the oblivious Kiku was smiling, Sachi seemed to have an idea of the subject matter and looked concerned. "You wouldn't happen to be gossiping about us, would you?"

"I wouldn't do that, Kiku," Takeru admonished.

Yasutake shrugged. "He hasn't; Takeru isn't the type to brag about his girlfriend."

"G-Girlfriend?!" Takeru spluttered, his cheeks pink. "It's not like that! Kiku is just a friend! I mean yes, she's cute and nice and she helps my grandparents but-!"

"Oh, you think I'm cute?" The embarrassed Takeru turned to face Kiku, who was smiling teasingly even if her cheeks were a little pink. "Don't let me stop you, Takeru. Feel free to tell him which of my qualities you like."

Takeru's stammering worsened while Yusaku chuckled, Yasutake smirked, and Sachi giggled before coming over and leaning over the couch behind Yasutake.

"That was mean," she whispered.

"He'd laughed at us before," he whispered back. "This is just payback."

"That was more Ai, Cam, Cypher, and Kusanagi than Takeru," she chastised, even as she smiled at Kiku teasing her unfortunate friend by leaning in closer than needed. "Do you actually think there's something there?"

Yasutake shrugged again. "I don't know. Takeru's reaction suggests there is on his end, but beyond that? That's none of our business."

"Hey, what's with all the noise?" The five teenagers looked up as Cam walked down the stairs, a platter of fried chicken in his hands. "Food's ready, everyone. Yasu, help me get me everything to the dining room."

"Sure thing, Cam." Yasutake stood up and walked to the landing but turned back to look at the others as they stood up. He smiled softly. "Merry Christmas, everyone."

Across Japan, and across the rest of the world, humans celebrated a holiday devoted to connections. Connections to family, belief, love. A holiday where they bought each other gifts to show how much they meant to each other. Many spent this holiday with their families, while others saw it as a couple's holiday.

In two different hospitals, a brother and sister spent Christmas Eve with someone dear to one of them. One was a childhood friend the sister had just reconnected with, and the other was the mother the brother had sacrificed so much for. For them, it was a chance to make up for so much lost time. For their siblings, it was the chance to finally meet and connect with the people who had left their mark on their siblings' lives.

At an orphanage, three friends entertained the children there. One had called it home and was their unofficial big brother. Another had brought his brother there to encourage him to make more friends while also support his friend. The children there thought him funny, what with his continual insistence that he was a Charisma Duelist they'd never heard of. And the last was there to support her boyfriend and friend, just glad that they could be together at this time of year. The girls there were awestruck by her, and more than a few requested to call her big sister, which she was flattered to accept.

And in a house positioned above a café, six people ate dinner and joked in a way five of them had previously thought impossible. One who had lost himself to his emotions and just drifted through life had finally found people he could tell everything to. One who could never let go of the past had found a future he wanted to reach for, with friends he could spend that future with. And three of them had been trapped in their misery, with only each other for company. Now, they had others they could rely on. Those who would not let them fall back into the darkness.

The last wasn't fully aware of their past, but she could feel the connections and bonds between the others. It made her feel like an interloper, a sentiment she expressed in private to the friend who had invited her. He understood why she felt that way, but he made it clear that she was welcome and that he appreciated her friendship. She thanked him for the sentiment with a kiss to his cheek. He responded by turning red and stammering, which his friend accepted as an amusing, and appropriate, response.

As those two talked in one corner, and her brother talked with Yusaku at the dining room table, Sachi pulled Yasutake onto the stairs, and once she was sure no one could see them, kissed him lightly on his own cheek.

"Merry Christmas, Yasu," she whispered with a smile.

His response made her happier than she expected it to. He blushed, albeit not as red as Takeru had been at Kiku's teasing and smiled softly. Not a confident smile, but a comfortable one. One that said he didn't have to pretend or put up a front. It said he trusted her with everything.

"Merry Christmas, Sachi."

In Japan, humans celebrated Christmas Eve. But within the network, there were no such celebrations. At one end, there was a world where a superior AI prepared to bring about his vision for humanity. To create a new world. And at the other end, there was a world that had come to an end.

That world had been beautiful once. A paradise of the elements, all built around a golden tower. But now, that world is gone. What was left was a barren wasteland, dotted with craters. The once majestic tower had collapsed to less than half its original size. The only sign of life in this desiccated world was a green hill where five stones had been placed, with a bouquet of multicolored flowers in front of them. Each stone had a different symbol and a name on them.

Aqua. Earth. Flame. Lightning. Windy.

In front of these tombstones and flowers stood five people. Three of them stood back at a respectful distance, two of them recognizing this wasn't their moment and the third following their lead. One was a black-haired woman in a black, white, silver, and green jumpsuit and visor. Another was a teenaged girl with a dark green ponytail in a black-and-green jacket and shorts, her own visor covering a single visible eye. The third was a small child with cyan, pink, and orange hair, yellow eyes, and they wore an oversized blue jacket and jeans.

The two closest to the tombstones, a boy and girl, looked like teenagers, but they, along with the youngest looking there, had brightly lit diamonds on their necks. The boy was taller, with yellow eyes, black spiky hair with yellow tips and violet bangs, and he wore a light purple button-up shirt along with a black cravat, vest, pants, and cape. Purple earrings in the shape of an AI's head hung from his ears. The girl was shorter but still tall, with long blonde hair tied in a ponytail that fell to the middle of her back and bangs that fell just above her left eye. Said eye and its twin were bright green, the same shade as the diamond on her neck, and golden eight-pointed star earrings hung from her ears. She wore a short-sleeved button-up shirt with dark gold lining under a black vest lined with gold and a bright gold tie, along with white fingerless gloves that went past her elbows and were lined in gold. A black pleated skirt fell to her knees, covering black leggings lined with gold and black laced high-heeled boots that went halfway up her calves. While her companion's expression was openly morose, hers was stern with only a hint of the sadness she felt shown.

They stood over the tombstones of their friends, the only reminders in the network, in the world, that these five had lived. And if they had their way, no more tombstones would need to be added.

Chapter Preview

Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Hidden Memories. Chapter 75 – Infiltration. Ai, Goldie, Diana, Roboppi, and Sylphid have returned, and begun a plot to oppose Jormungand and Ouroboros. To that end, Ai and Roboppi go after Queen and SOL while Goldie and her friends infiltrate the network of the Rothman Programming Firm in search of a useful tool…

Question of the Chapter

What duels are you hoping to see the most in season 3?

Author's Notes

This took longer to write than I wanted. I ended up getting distracted with life and other deviations. But enough about that.

This was a Christmas chapter, meant to be a feel good chapter showing the characters moving on from the tragedy of season 2 and living their lives, supporting themselves and each other. We had Aoi and Akira spend Christmas with Miyu, Emma and Kengo spend it with Kengo's mother offscreen, Takeshi, Katsumi, and Eiji spend their Christmas with Go and the orphans, while Yusaku, Takeru, Yasutake, Sachi, Cam, and Kiku spend their Christmas together. This was also the introduction of Kiku to the story; don't expect her to make too many future appearances, as her role isn't really an important one. But here, she got to meet Takeru's friends and see that he is doing better. Admittedly, all of these scenes didn't last as long as I wanted, but I felt they conveyed the important parts and I wanted to finish this chapter.

Aside from the Christmas moments, we had Jormungand's conversation with who I will confirm is the human form of Cypher. Yes, he did end up joining Jormungand's side, and he does have a role in the Final Ascension Plan. Whether his participation was initially willing or not… We also had mention of Chimera and Erebus, even if they didn't physically appear. I'm saving their first appearances for season 3 proper, along with the Stahlritter. Their appearances and characterizations are another thing I need to do some work on before I start season 3.

And finally, we had Ai, Roboppi, Diana, Sylphid, and the human Goldie in the ruins of Cyberse World, at the Ignis' graves. They don't know that Jormungand was able to restore them, so as far as they know, Cypher and Jormungand are the only other Ignis still alive. And while their scene was brief, I will confirm that season 3 will start out… similarly to the anime. How it differs of course will be fun to write. I'm looking forward to writing AtIgnister duels.

With all that aside, I can finally discuss the cover art. Yes, that is the human Cypher and Goldie up there. A huge thank you to nytemarezero300, the artist who took my commission once again. I hope you think they're as beautiful as I think they are, and I hope you're looking forward to their role in season 3. Until then, I'll see you again real soon in Fifth Circuit!