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Chapter Text

"Damn you all!"

The Supreme King writhed under the final blast of En Flowers, yet remained firm even as his life points dropped to 0. "I... will..."

His power burst forth once more, and the four dragons split from ZARC: Odd-Eyes, XYZ Rebellion, Clear Wing, Starving Venom. The four split off, their talons beginning to tear at the sky. Before long, space-time began fraying at the seams as the dragons dragged their talons, the ground beginning to quake beneath the in the process.  

The onlookers watched in horror as the sight unfolded before them, many of them realizing ZARC’s goal. Only then did dread begin to settle in.

"He's planning on splitting the world into four again!" 

"How does he have this much power still?! We beat him!"

"Dammit... I can't move..."

"If he's able to do that, all of this will-"

"No! I won't let it happen again!" 

Layra stepped forwards. She began to glow, her inert power beginning to manifest itself once more. ZARC snarled at her before he froze, a steady stream of energy beginning to flow from his chest and into her palm. He clutched his chest, feeling himself being pulled out of his human host. 

"ZARC! You will fall here!" Her eyes blazed violet as she pulled one more time, separated his soul from his body. The Supreme King's soul manifesting as a twisted purple visage of the man she once loved, howling at her with ire.

She could only pray that this would bring him the rest he deserved.

Let us end this tragedy with us. Those her were last thoughts before she allowed his soul to enter herself.

The pain was immediate, coursing through her like rivers of fire. Layra cried out, ZARC attempted to rip itself out of her by sheer force of will. It brought her to her knees, but the power within her willed her to endure it.

With the last vestiges of her power, she managed to seal the mad king within herself. ZARC continued to struggle, even as glowing chains began to envelop his spiritual form.

"Do you truly believe this is the end?!" He roared one last time in a feeble attempt to escape his new confines, but to no avail. Layra's power was mending the damage the dragons had done, slowly pushing the dimensions back into each other.

”It’s the end as it should have been, ZARC,” she panted, her breath labored as she continued mending the rift. “Sleep now.”

In a flash, the four dimensions became one again... and for the briefest of moments, Layra's eyes burned gold like ZARC’s.

”Sleep… heh, perhaps you may succumb to it.” ZARC grumbled. “That shall be your downfall, Layra. Both for you and that patron of yours.”

"If you wish to fall with me, so be it!" he sneered. "Let this... be the stain that destroys everything you fought for!"

A final roar tore through the sky, Layra’s form cracking before the mended rift’s energy burst forth.

And everything was gone, awash in a sea of light.

Three worlds as one in the life after. That was what Rio knew Paradise as. 

So when she stirred to the choking smell of smog, she knew something was horribly wrong.

The cottage she called home was subject to whatever destructive force was wreaking havoc. It took quite a bit of effort for her to make her way through the ruins of her home, especially with the fissures and holes that had formed. But she eventually managed to burst through the front door, only to gasp in horror from the sight that greeted her.

The Paradise she knew was burned beyond recognition. The sky was fractured, its three suns vacated from the heavens above. The land beneath her feet was charred, fissures breaking the once-green lands. The spires had crumbled, its crystal luster now dulled with corruption.

”What happened…” It was as though all hell had broken loose, twisting the metropolis into a true antithesis of its namesake. 

If that’s the case… no. Does that mean-?!

Her legs were already running before she even thought about it. Dread began pooling in Rio’s stomach, the oppressive stench of the smog not doing her any favors.

As she moved further towards the center, the damage became progressively worse. The crystals burned black, spires actively toppling like charcoal. Veins of lava flowed from the rifts in the earth, the rivers running crimson from the molten glow. Any buildings that she familiar with had been reduced to smoldering piles lit ablaze by the lava flows. 

Amid the ruins, Numeron Dragon floated above, its form unending and its eyes boundless. The number 100 was ingrained into its scales, though its scales were dull and lusterless beneath the bleeding sky. 

A flash, and her view changes. She sees from not her own eyes, but from the dragon’s, staring back upon herself. Her eyes were glowing the same color as her sovereign's. 

The views swap back, and Rio couldn’t help but stare. Never had she experienced such intense grief from him.

“Numeron Dragon…” she started, skidding to a halt before him. “What’s going on? Why has everything turned out this way?!"

Calamity, my Sight. The dragon’s tone was morose, almost bitter. The Usurper may have been sealed, but even now his influence prevails. 

“You mean… ZARC? But he was defeated by Layra, no?”  

As it should have been. His power was indeed bound thanks to the combined efforts of Layra and the heroes across the Dimensions. The dragon bowed his head. However it remains that what is fractured can never truly be whole again.  

ZARC took advantage of that weakness. The remnants of his power have seeped into the Code, causing untold damage throughout all of creation in the process.

"But how?!” This was getting convoluted in a hurry, and Rio was hating every moment of it. "Powerful as he was, there's no way he could've known about the Code!"

That is what I believed initially. However, I did not take into account that Layra would use herself to seal ZARC away. That move may have costed the world dearly.

“Why do you speak as though she was connected to the Code from the start…?” 

How else would she have the power to split ZARC to begin with?

How quickly the pieces snapped into place almost sickened Rio. Dread filled her stomach anew as she realized what had happened. "...She made a contract with you directly to stop him."

Yes. She knew that no mortal power would have been able to combat Zarc otherwise.

A contract made with Numeron Dragon is no small endeavor. To have the power necessary to split him, let alone seal him... Everything was starting to line up.

"Layra had part of the Code within her, didn't she?" she whispered. “That’s the only way she could have…”

I am afraid so. His eyes narrowed as he contemplated the issue. Her sacrifice has endangered all of Creation, now that the remnants of ZARC’s power has infiltrated the Code. 

That is but the beginning of our woes. The dragon tilted his head to acknowledge the destruction around them. The corruption runs deep, and already signs have begun to arise.

For one, while your friends remain unharmed, their connection to the human world has been severed.

"That includes Yuma and Astral..."  So getting ZeXal to rewrite the Code was off the table. "But wait, we still have my brother! Can't his power-?"

His power would be sufficient. Numeron sighed.  Unfortunately, even your brother wasn’t exempt from suffering backlash from ZARC’s corruption. 

No! “What happened to him?” The words felt heavy on her tongue. 

He lives still. But his authority as the God of Chaos has been stripped from him, he explained. He has been rendered comatose as a result. I have taken the liberty to relocate him in the human world under the care of the Envoys.

Irony is a cruel mistress. Rio grimaced. "Okay, okay. So the Code is being corroded by ZARC’s power. But if it’s just remnants of his power now, can't they be destroyed?"

If only it were as simple as that, my Sight. However, "destroying" these remnants is not too far off for what must be done. 

"What do you mean?" 

As ordained by the Code, the loss of your brother's power is linked to an event known as the Lost Incident, he began. It entails that whatever was created from it is linked to where his power is... as well as the distortions created in its wake. 

With this information, the Envoys have determined the location of the source of ZARC’s distortions. It also happens to be that your brother's power is located there, Numeron Dragon continued. While the corruption cannot be detected by normal humans, its potency makes it so that the Envoys cannot enter.

“...And that’s where I come in,” she realized. 

Indeed, the dragon nodded. As I must remain here and assure the stability of the Code and the Envoys have been dispatched around the rest of the world to assess the damage, I entrust this task to you, my Sight.

“I understand,” Rio bowed her head. “But with the Code in this state - are you sure I can be sent there without complications?"

Fret not. Though the Code is in disarray, I can still call upon its power. I will be able to stabilize it as to ensure your safe passage. 

She could feel her shoulders ease. It was nice to have assurance in the current state of affairs.

Den City is your destination, one that is not too far away from your old home in Heartland City. The dragon began to glow once again. A ball of blue light began manifesting in front of Rio, slowly growing and crackling with energy. Eventually, it expanded into an Overlay portal, the network beyond a multi-colored storm of stars. I have several of my Envoys in Heartland to accommodate you.

”Okay.” Rio took a moment to observed the overlay, noting the neon cracks that littered the void beyond.

Even the Network is in disarray. She shifted uncomfortably at the realization, but didn’t remark on it.

Ah, before you depart... Numeron Dragon gazed upon her, his eyes glowing gold once more. A soothing warmth  filled her body, her deck holder resonating with the light of her sovereign's. 

This is...! Rio flicked open her deck holder, fishing out two new cards from within. 

The first was none other than No. 94: Crystalzero, the Mytherian Number based on herself. She was a welcome presence, and having guidance from someone of her caliber was going to be useful. A cool nudge against her conscious was greetings enough, one that Rio reciprocated.

But the second-

Parting gifts, my Sight, the dragon hummed. Go now. Time is of the essence. 

She nodded, securing the cards back into her deck before stepping into the portal. Rio let the light envelop her, the rushing of energy humming in her ears. She closed her eyes as her consciousness faded, the sights and smells of the ruined Paradise dissipating as well.

As she was about to slip away, Numeron Dragon’s voice chimed in her head one last time:

Only through the greatest sacrifice may the Code become whole once more.

Chapter Text

Five Years Ago

“Vanish, Cyberse!”

At the human’s command, the serpent-like dragon launched another series of fireballs onto the ruined land below. It coiled itself around the tower, roaring at the pentagram-like symbol floating in the sky above it, which trapped five small beings within its grasp.

“Hanoi can’t keep getting away with this…” One of them grumbled.

“What’re we supposed to do?! We’re trapped here still!” Another one of them spat, still squirming against the restraint. The dragon huffed at the movement, paying them no mind.  

But its work wasn’t done quite yet. A sixth one, this one black with purple entails, suddenly appeared in front of the prison. 

“Thanks for waiting! Your savior has arrived!” The tiny being declared, flaunting dramatically in front of his companions. “Oh my! You’re all trapped? Good thing I’m an outcast~”

“Oh well, I guess I’ll save you!” 

At this point, the human had already caught on, ordering the dragon to pursue the being. But the smaller being had put plenty of distance between them, and soon enough it had breached the outer shell of the digital sphere.  

He giggled to himself as he focused on the sphere. Soon, the sphere began to slowly vanish from view. 

“Gah! He’s cutting the signal?!” The human glared at the being. “Capture that Ignis, Cracking Dragon!” 

The Ignis chuckled as he finished his handiwork, the sphere disappearing from view entirely. But that smugness would quickly turn to fear as the giant dragon loomed before him.

He let out a scream before the dragon bit down, destroying his form.

Yet the experience - and his consciousness - managed to transfer itself into his right eye as it fell into the abyss…

-          ~          -

Utter insolence!

Revolver wasted no time in teleporting back to his headquarters. The gall that Ignis had to hide the Cyberse Realm!

“Track him down! That Ignis knows the location of Cyberse!” He ordered as he pulled up screens in front of him. 

Ignis… I’ll hunt you down to the last!

-          ~          -

“Go! Meteor Smash!”

Linkslayer lunged at the Hack Worm, stabbing it in the head. The monster promptly exploded, dropping the Knight of Hanoi down his last Life Points.

“Gah… Who are you?!” The Knight stepped back, the duelist in front of him standing menacingly with Linkslayer at his side. “Why do you oppose Hanoi?!”

“Simple. Wherever the Knights of Hanoi cause chaos, I’ll be there,” the stranger replied. “Know this:

“My name is Playmaker!”

Present Day

Rio awoke with a gasp, hand clutching her chest as she returned to reality. She was drenched in sweat, everything still fresh in her mind. 

You’d think by now I'd be accustomed to reincarnating, but I guess not! She grumbled, looking outside. It was getting close to the afternoon, the sun’s rays streaming through her window. 

It was a welcome surprise to realize that "her window" wasn't that far off from reality. Taking a look around, she was surprised to find that she was in the master bedroom of her parents' estate, noting the family portrait and the king-sized bed she had been sleeping in. The only difference was that it was completely cleaned and refurbished, the dust and wear that she had last seen been completely erased. Rather, the state of the building suggested that it was actively being looked after. 

"Miss Kamishiro?" 

Speak of the devil, Rio perked up at the voice, unfamiliar as it was. "Come in."

The door opened, and a maid entered the room. She seemed young, brown hair tied back into a ponytail and a pair of glasses to fit the traditional maid outfit look. Strangely, her eyes were a bright blue, and Rio could almost swear that they glowed for a moment. 

She was also holding a tray, with a steaming plate of curry with beef tender loins elegantly lined around the rice. 

"Are you alright?" the maid tilted her head, placing a table setup on Rio's lap before serving the platter. "Ah, but of course... you've just been recalled to this world, yes?"

"How do you-?"

Oh. So she wasn't hallucinating when she saw the glow in the maid's eyes. "Numeron Dragon sent you?"

"Yes, milady. But my role here also doubles to monitor the situation in Heartland City," she - a Numeron Envoy - explained. "But seeing as you were arriving here, he put it upon himself to accommodate you."

"I see... thank you." As if on cue, Rio's stomach began growling. Both of them shared a nervous chuckle before she began digging into the curry. 

"Right, one other thing he sent you," the Envoy grabbed a small box and handed it to her. Rio quickly finished the rest of the plate before opening the box. 

Inside was what looked to be a duel disk. It seemed to have been tailor-made to her tastes; diamond-shaped, with a retractable screen that enabled a deck to be inserted in the resulting slot. A silver finish had been added around the screen, giving the the device an elegant, blade-like appearance. 

"So this is the newest duel tech, huh?" Rio asked while attaching the device to her wrist. 

"Yes, it's a virtual reality system ran by SOLTech, the leading innovators in Den City. This will help you blend in."

"His Eminence also added some additional features that will allow you to complete your mission anonymously. One-time usernames, information encryption, those kinds of things," she added with a wink. 

"But I digress. You've done so much for His Eminence, Crystal Sight. This is but a small fraction of the reparation he has done for you while you complete your mission."

Never would have thought he'd do all this, really... Rio couldn't help but smile. "I understand. I'll be sure to prove his faith in me is not unfounded."

With nothing else to do, she got herself cleaned up, donning her uniform before letting the Envoy lead her outside.  

To her surprise, Ryouga's motorcycle was parked in the driveway of their estate. It was covered in a tarp, but the general shape was a dead giveaway. Rio casually lifted the tarp off, revealing the ever-familiar vehicle to her. 

Admittedly, she had zero experience in how to drive a motorcycle. But years of riding with Ryouga had taught her several things. Thankfully, she had opted for the jeans over the skirt, and she was pleased with the quality and comfort of the material anyways.

-          ~          -

Now that she was riding solo, she realized how much she missed talking to Ryouga. 

The feelings of the being on the road itself came back to her naturally: The rush of the wind in her hair, the blur of traffic around her, the scenery around her everchanging...

If it wasn't for her mission, she knew that she'd enjoy travelling a lot. But aside from that, her little road trip felt woefully quiet without her brother, let alone anyone else. 

I'll save that idiot so he can nag my ear off again, she mused to herself. Granted, if everything goes well, he won't be able to question my dueling skill. 

But now wasn't the time to get complacent. The horizon soon revealed the silver outline of Den City in the distance. Rio could admit it wasn't too different from Heartland City, only that there were a noticeably larger number of skyscrapers scattered around. 

That, and the sheer amount of chaotic energy surging from the city. Rio winced back at the intensity, its unfamiliarity and intensity to her being a telling sign that this would be no simple ordeal.

Besides that, she was still mired over the details of the new academy she would be attending. The typical matters such as location, materials, and other like matters. 

Thankfully, she had already made arrangements with Numeron Dragon to rewrite the Code so she could enter the academy's roster without much suspicion. As for her residence, the trust funds her parents left her would more than suffice in sustaining her new life. 

Heh, what am I doing? Rio smirked beneath her helmet. I can't even remember the last time I fretted over these kinds of matters, and now I'm back to doing it again!

It almost felt like nothing had changed from the end of her former life. But knowing the state of the world and the mission at hand, she already knew that everything had changed. 

I can make a difference here, she clenched her fist in anticipation. It had always been her brother, Yuma, and Kaito saving the world, leaving her and the others to be witnesses to the eventual beatdown of whatever new big bad fate threw at them. No, I'll be making more than just a difference…

This time, I will be the difference.

Chapter Text

Sometimes Rio forgot how monotonous school life could be. 

In the academy's defense, the history lessons were genuinely interesting! She had elected to take an anthropology class, and it gave her numerous insights on the various cultures of the world, as well as their histories. 

But it was more so the factors after class that was her biggest peeve. Namely, her popularity.

Maybe it was her being a transfer student from another city. Or maybe it was the fact that she was planning on going pro before the incident with Thomas. She wasn't inclined to ask. 

Whatever the case was, she was left exhausted after the storm cleared. Most of the guys and even some of the girls in her class would crowd around her as soon as the bell rang, either harboring a general interest in her as a transfer or with ulterior motives she seldom wished to fathom. She was quick to develop a habit of finding any excuse to go home, but sometimes even that wasn’t enough.

Kotori’s better than all these fools combined, she thought to herself. Helps more that most of these people are unremarkable in most ways.

So today, Rio decided to stay behind after her computer science class (programming would have been a cinch if she had learned it from Kaito, but it was nice to understand the basics first, she thought), nonchalantly listening to her professor’s ramblings on the basics of AI technology. It was insightful, at least more so than the typical ravings of her peers about her. 

It was half past three by the time her professor dismissed the class. The room was quickly left void of any students, filling the space with a welcome silence. 

Or rather, there was a welcome silence. A conversation had broke out, and Rio turned around to find that she wasn’t alone in the classroom.

Two students were talking in the backmost row of the class, one of which appeared to have just woken up from his nap. He didn’t look familiar to Rio; green eyes and blue hair with bangs tinted with pink in some areas, his lean physique a stark contrast to the student next to him. The green-haired guy, who declared himself as Shima, was far more heftier in stature, though it did betray his general intelligence. 

He was rambling on something about SOLtech’s new Duel Disk, which he seemed to be preening about. But judging from the look on the other boy’s face and his lack of reaction, it seemed both him and Rio shared the same amount of interest in his rant. 

I swear, that’s all I’ve been hearing about for the last three days, Rio groaned internally as she began packing her bag. SOLtech this, Link VRAINS that! Could people pipe down about it for five minutes?!

Her thoughts were soon interrupted when Shima began talking again. 

“...maybe even Playmaker!” 

“Playmaker?” 

“Yeah, he’s the new bigshot!” Shima stressed. “He’s been fighting against the Knights of Hanoi for the longest time now!”

The Knights of Hanoi, Playmaker… That caught her attention. Those two topics were the only things that interested her at the moment. 

But it didn’t seem like the other boy was all that interested. He was quick to wish good luck to Shima before walking towards the exit. 

“Oy, want me to teach you how to duel Yusaku?”

“No thanks,” The other boy - Yusaku -  replied, holding up three fingers. “Besides… I have three reasons why I don’t think you’re a strong duelist.” 

“One. You’re bragging about an object, paying no mind to your deck. Two. The fact you haven’t entered Link VRAINS means you don’t trust your skills. And three. You don’t even look past the surface of any given topic, so it’s hard to imagine you would be a good duelist.”

Well, when you put it that way, I can’t say he’s wrong! Rio huffed in amusement as she saw Shima’s jaw gape open at Yusaku’s observations. 

“That being said, you have three positives. One, you have a strong passion for Duel Monsters if you’re willing to talk so much about it. Two, you were quick to buy the new Duel Disk, which suggests how well-informed you are. Three…”

“You’re willing enough to talk to a loner like me, which means you yourself are a loner as well. You’re a good guy in those respects,” Yusaku finished. 

Just who is he…? She paid no mind as Shima stormed away, the disgruntled student slamming the door behind him as he left. Leaving just the two of them in the room.

“...How long have you been watching?”

She turned over to Yusaku. “From the beginning.”

“Rio Kastle, right?” Yusaku hummed as she nodded, “You transferred to the class recently.”

“I did, yeah,” she straightened up a bit, combing a hand through her hair. Right. I put that last name as part of my cover ID. Better than "Reginald" as a first name, at any rate. 

“Didn’t think you’d be a loner type as well, with how popular you are,” he said.

“You say that, but…” Rio sighed, “Surely you would know they’re only trying to curry favor with me.”

“Hence why you stayed behind today,” Yusaku nodded at the rationale. "By the way... is there a three Main Monster Zone limit?"

I'm sorry, what?  "That might be an alternate duel format that encourages faster duels. But I can't say for certain."

A flash of something passing by his eyes before returning to normal. 

"What am I saying...?" He muttered, turning to leave. "Of course there isn't."

Then why did you sound so certain? She didn't know whether it was the sleep getting to him or not, but the certainty in Yusaku's voice was off putting. "...Doesn't hurt to trust your gut sometimes."

"Maybe."

With that, he quietly exited the room, leaving a confused Rio in his wake.

Evenings were cooler in Den City than back in Heartland. Rio could appreciate that much. 

The evening view was also something to behold, at least from the comfort of her apartment. She was genuinely surprised with how much she could see from the third floor, and the cutdown on neon lights meant that she could rest easier. 

It was with these conditions that she could enjoy tonight's duels from the comfort of her home. Charisma Duelists were the current rage, with Gou Onizuka and Blue Angel starting their exhibition matches tonight. At least it was something to take her mind off of her investigation, at least for tonight. Aside from the taste of chaos constantly at her lips, the information she had was close to none.

Numeron Dragon's been quiet for a while, too...  He must be putting his all into keeping the Code intact. 

Which meant that she had to take her investigation to the next phase. Link VRAINS felt like the obvious choice, considering that Chaos energy loved hanging around duel monsters. Her only hope was that the corruption hadn't affected the virtual space yet. It's gonna be difficult, with Hanoi prowling around. I'll have to find a way around them, too. 

But as she looked back at the screen, her exact worries settled in.

The stream had switched perspectives. A hole had been broken through the digital sky, allowing for a massive dragon to emerge from it. Black metal spines jutted out from many parts of its serpentine body, and glowing green orbs decorated its exterior. Perched atop the dragon was who she had to assume was a Knight of Hanoi. 

"Where are you, Ignis?!" he demanded, commanding the dragon to blast away anyone in his way. "I'll destroy anyone who gets in my way!" 

The video corrupted completely, assumingly a jamming signal emanating from the dragon. Rio could hear screams outside her window, and a look out of it confirmed the rush of panicked citizens fleeing to their homes. 

But worse still was that she was able to feel its presence through the screen. The emergency news broadcast that popped up on her screen wasn't easing her worries in any way, as live footage of the scene of a wrecked plaza and screens only confirmed her suspicions.

And this is what happens when you let duel monsters get tainted by chaos! She was getting flashbacks to when she and the Barian Emperors had sieged the fused human world, the damage materializing itself during the duel. It has to be why. There's no way a virtual being can cause such instantaneous damage!

Which meant...

"Bah... it's getting out of hand," She grimaced as she hastily put on her duel disc, lifting the screen before setting her deck into the port. I can't dally any longer. 

"Deck, set... Into VRAINS!" 

The world around her was washed away, replaced with a with a swirling, virtual network. Rio's disc was quick to bypass the login requirements with fake credentials, allowing her to load her avatar. She couldn't look at herself at the moment, but she knew she would look unrecognizable at the bare minimum.

There were more important matters to attend to, anyways. Rio had loaded in on a high riser, giving her a view of the desecrated city. Digital smoke filled the air as buildings glitched in flames. 

What caught her eye the most was the stream of data flowing all around the city. It was violet in color, with streaks of blue passing through it like snakes. But what was more pressing was the intense Chaos energy radiating from it.

Can't really assess that right now. But at least I shouldn't be too far off away from the duel, she thought to herself, trying to get a better look around from her vantage point. Then where-?

She spoke too soon. As she did, two blurs began approaching from her right. She immediately recognized the Knight of Hanoi, the dragon flying alongside him. But the other... 

Playmaker. It has to be him.

There he was, surfing along the Data Storm. Golden and orange hair flowed in the wind amid sharp green eyes. The player avatar was adorned in a sleek black bodysuit, with dark green highlights and lines that flowed around his chest and legs like an interconnected network. 

Let's see... Rio typed a quick command into her disc, observing the field. Surprisingly, it was just like how Yusaku had described it: only three Main Monster Zones and Spell and Trap Zones, as well as two Extra Monster Zones. 

But that wasn't of too much concern. She returned her focus to the duel only to find that Playmaker's trap card had spared him and Cyberse Wizard from Cracking Dragon's attack, but left him hanging on with a mere 400 Life Points. His opponent was still standing strong at 3000 Life Points, with the dragon poised to end him on his next turn.

Wouldn't be the most dire situation I've seen before. Yuma's made it back at the brink of 50 Life Points. Even she could admit that Playmaker was in a rough patch with his current field. But knowing that he had been opposing the Hanoi for this long, it wasn't much of a stretch to believe that he had a plan ready.

He just needs one opening. All he has to do is-

A shockwave interrupted her line of thought, but that was the least of her concerns. A tornado had formed out of the Data Storm, and was rapidly approaching the two duelists. Even from her vantage point, Rio could still feel the intensity of the winds, and the destruction of the buildings in its path all but spelled out disaster. 

She barely had time to react as the storm consumed Playmaker. Not that she was going to be able to do so anyways. As he disappeared into the tornado, her eyes glowed golden as a harsh wave of nausea hit her. Rio crouched down to one knee, clasping a hand to her mouth as her senses distorted.

What is... this feeling-?

"There are- reasons - win this duel!"

Isn't that Playmaker's voice? The storm coupled with the nausea was enough to deafen some of his words, but she could still make out some of it. 

"... the moments I've lost..."

"...save...brother... from the darkness!"

"...meet the one who gave me courage!" 

Why am I hearing him now? Rio clutched her head in confusion. And who is he talking about?!

She didn't have enough time to think about it as he suddenly burst forth from the storm, miraculously intact. Rio continued to focus observing Playmaker, his next string of played cards allowing him to circumvent Cracking Dragon's effect. Something big is happening.

"Appear! The circuit that leads to the future!" He commanded, the pattern on his suit glowing orange. At his command, a digital gateway appeared, in which his three monsters transformed into three arrowheads marked around the main opening. 

"Link Summon! Appear, Link 3: Decode Talker!"

The purple-trimmed knight appeared gracefully by his side, blade ready to pierce his adversary. The duel didn't last much longer thereafter, as the combination of Decode Talker and the sacrificed Stack Reviver and Cyberse Wizard formed a devastating combo against the defenseless Cracking Dragon. The resulting explosion sent the knight flying into a nearby building, the crash audible even from where she was.

What was he talking about back in that duel? Rio was still wrapping her head around what she had just witnessed. Not to mention what happened when the storm hit him. It felt like one of my old visions!

Not to mention what Playmaker said... with that kind of talk... he sounds like he's-

Rio stopped herself from going that far. She recognized the absurdity of that route of thought, but it seemed right. Unfortunately, the best she had was circumstantial evidence at the moment. 

But she did have a hunch fueled by raw determination. All she needed was an opportunity to get him to notice her. 

-          ~          -

Seeing the Knight of Hanoi about to explode was not something that Yusaku expected. Thankfully, the AI had him covered, the being devouring him and absorbing his code.

"What did you do?" He asked hesitantly, looking that the eye in his duel disc. 

"Protect you, that's what," it responded smugly. "Were it not for me, you'd have taken some serious damage. And it'd be sure to affect you in reality, too." 

"Anyways, you should log-"

"Found you, Playmaker!"

He turned around, only to find Gou Onizuka hopping from the adjacent building. 

Really not the time, Yusaku groaned internally as the Charisma Duelist approached him, demanding a duel. 

"Flashy, aren't you?"

Unfortunately, matters for him weren't getting much better as Blue Angel joined in from his other side, eyes gleaming at the prospect of a duel with him. 

"Sorry, not interested," he replied sternly as the AI prepared a program in the meantime. "Stopping the invasion was my only interest here."

"No need to be stingy!" Gou cracked his fists together. "If you got a problem, I-"

Yusaku flinched as both Blue Angel and Gou froze up, their avatars locked in place. Both of them were struggling against whatever force was holding them, but to no avail.

"Get going, Playmaker," a female voice resonated out of his duel disc. "No need to waste your time here."

This isn't Kusanagi! He realized. But whoever this was, they were allowing him to log off without a hitch. So he allowed himself to go along with the stranger's advice, leaving Gou and Blue Angel behind as he finally managed to log off. 

Though as he felt himself slowly returning to the real world, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was someone else watching him as he logged off. 

Chapter Text

The next day went without incident, much to Yusaku's relief. His previous expenditure into Link VRAINS had left him drained, and Kusanagi insisted that he took the time to rest. 

Not that he minded. It gave him the time to think about a few things. While acquiring Ai had been a big step forward, the circumstances afterward was what bothered him the most.

Namely, who had bailed him out.

Just who was that?  Whoever they were, they was dangerous with such advanced technology. But considering that they had used it to let him escape, he could at least trust them for the moment.

The matters weighed on his mind for the entire day, and Yusaku quickly lost track of time as a result of it. Before he knew it, class was already over, leaving him alone in his thoughts. 

Well, almost. 

"You really know how to tab out, don't you?" 

"It's... out of habit," he admitted, watching as Rio approached him. "Always find myself tired at this time of day."

"Happens to the best of us." She suppressed a chuckle as she settled down next to him. It was pretty common for both of them to be the last two in the classroom, and Yusaku could admit that she was a nice person to talk to. 

He watched as she pulled up a screen on her duel disc. Unsurprisingly, it was about himself, the recording of his duel with the Hanoi already breaking headlines. A quiet huff from Rio was all he needed to know that she expected as much, too. 

"Seems like Speed Dueling is the new buzz nowadays," Rio took the time to zoom in on a few of the images. "Oh, and about what you said yesterday... turns out it uses the format you were talking about."

So she did remember that, Yusaku huffed. "Seems so. What a coincidence." 

"No need to be modest. You might be a seer, if you keep predicting things like this," she joked. 

"I doubt that," he shook his head, though the joke did get a small smile out of him. "Say, Rio..."

"Yeah?"

"Were you watching that duel last night?"

"I was. Saw the entire thing at home," she tilted her head. "Any specific reason why?"

"When I was watching, I saw a part where Gou Onizuka and Blue Angel were locked in place," he explained. "Did the camera show anyone else there?"

"Not that I remember, no." she shrugged. "But come to think of it, I did see that happen. Even Playmaker looked surprised by it before he logged off."

No kidding, "So... someone else is helping him?" he guessed.

"That's what I'm thinking," Rio nodded. "If it helps ease your mind, want me to look into it?" 

Yusaku's eyes widened at the offer. He hadn't been expecting such a straightforward offer.

"I'll take you up on that."

"Y'know, you could've contacted me via the network." 

Having a conversation in the middle of the street wasn't something that Zaizen wanted. But time was of the essence, especially since he swore to take charge of finding Playmaker. The bustle of the street would have to make do for a "private" conversation. 

"We meet in person for important jobs," he replied as the biker took off her helmet. "This one, especially."

"Right," Emma smiled easily, magenta eyes gleaming with interest. "So, what's the job?"

"Investigate Playmaker immediately."

"Oh? The Playmaker that everyone's on about?" She leaned on her bike's dashboard, curious. "He's the one who took what you were looking for, so I suppose it's only natural for you to want to catch him."

"But correct me if I'm wrong, but the job isn't to duel him?"

"Your expertise is wasted with dueling," he stated. "Plenty of other duelists want to fight him." 

"Ah, true," she nodded. "So many simple minds for you to use for your ends, all eager for a stab at the new hotshot. That's how you formulate your plans."

He said nothing at that, though his eyes narrowed slightly. "I'm counting on you, Emma."

"Alright, alright. But only because I'm also interested in him, too," She said, putting on her helmet again. "I'll keep you posted if I find anything."

Both of them went their separate ways from there, the traffic light having gone green once more. Unbeknownst to either of them, a motorbike began revving up behind both of them, driving past them post-haste into the afternoon sun.

Last night had left Yusaku on edge. Revolver's sudden appearance had forced him and Kusanagi to shut off their power, allowing them to barely avoid detection by him.

But what disturbed him the most was how he was able to see him. The real world had glitched out, the night sky becoming a canopy of code.

And above, Revolver had flown above him and Kusanagi, the dragon he rode on powerful enough to hit Yusaku with a blast of wind. 

The duo had turned to Ai for answers, but the Ignis hadn't been of much help, either. The most he could give was his role of leader among the Knights of Hanoi, coupled with his association to the Ignis' assumed destruction. 

All of these questions had sent him down a downward spiral of unanswered questions.

One, Revolver and the Hanoi.

They're going to get more aggressive, now that they know I have Ai, he surmised. But with him, I have the best chances against them. And maybe... I'll find him. 

Two, Ai.

Yusaku had never seen such a highly sophisticated AI before. Between his snarky personality, the Data Storm, and Storm Access, there was far more to Ai than he let on.

The only problem was his continued insistence that his memories were scrapped. Admittedly, it explained why there was a lack of information to analyze from him, but it was frustrating nonetheless.

Three, the Data Storms.

When I was in there, I had this feeling of unease... He couldn't shake the jolt that ran through his spine after he retrieved Decode Talker. These Link Monsters are powerful, undoubtedly. But how did they manifest? 

Ai's existence, the Data Storms, Hanoi... they all felt interconnected.

If I could just figure out the connection, Yusaku clenched his fist tighter. Once I find the connection and find Revolver, I can find the truth of that day-

"H-Hanoi! Hanoi's on Link VRAINS!"

A startled Shima's shout roused Yusaku from his train of thought. Apparently he had been looking at his tablet and caught video feed of a Knight of Hanoi. 

"Show up, Playmaker!" 

Of all times... Yusaku didn't know whether the knight was stupid or arrogant, considering he was actively challenging him despite his record of wiping the floor with them. However, his confidence was a point of worry nonetheless. 

It could be a trap, he realized. Knowing Hanoi, they've probably developed some special program to trap me the second I log onto Link VRAINS. And if that's the case-

No. He stopped himself on that train of thought. It's still a Knight of Hanoi. And Link VRAINS is poorly protected, even with SOLTech. Trap or not, I have to stop him.

But just as he was about to get up and leave, another strangled gasp left Shima's mouth.

"P-Playmaker! He showed up!"

What? 

And sure enough, there he was, landing from their fresh login. The poser, at least. To their credit, they did manage to replicate my getup, Yusaku mused. But that's still Hanoi! This is no time to be playing hero!

"You've arrived, Playmaker," The knight's composure was unwavering.

The imposter straightened up, eyes wary. A sudden jolt ran down Yusaku's spine, almost like the first time back when he had captured Ai. 

It seemed like the imposter had the same realization."...You're not Hanoi." The voice synthesizing was scarily accurate to his own voice, Yusaku could admit. 

The knight began laughing, amused by how fast his cover had been blown. The disguise soon fell away, revealing none other than Gou Onizuka. 

"I knew using the Knights of Hanoi would drag you out," he explained. "Now I get to unmask you for the fake hero you are!"

"Sorry, not interested," the imposter turned around to walk away, unamused by the deal. 

At least, the poser attempted to. Yusaku watched on as a steel cage descended from the sky, surrounding the poser and Gou within. 

There's no way someone like him would have this kind of technology, he surmised. Does that mean he's working with SOLTech?

"Don't waste your time trying to get out," Gou said smugly as the poser turned to face him again. "You can only undo this program by defeating me."

"Then it's a good thing Playmaker doesn't have to waste his time with you."

That voice-! 

The gig was up, but it seemed like it had worked exactly how she wanted it to. The disguise dissipated, revealing a young woman as the poser.

She seemed… different, for a lack of a better word. Verdant green hair flowed from behind her, while light blue bangs fanned off to the left of her face, the lower half of which was covered with a veil-like cloth. The outfit was something else as well; She was clad in a white bodysuit with a blue waistcoat sporting coattails. A silver finish on the front of the suit made it look like she was wearing a breastplate. Fingerless gloves adorned her hands, and a sleek diamond-shaped duel disc adorned her left arm. 

But what caught his attention the most was her eyes. They were heterochromatic, the left one magenta and the other gold. There was a certain gleam in them that put him at ease, displaying her strength with such a simple look.

"Who're you?!" Gou was flabbergasted, the woman's act having been convincing enough to fool him. 

"Does it matter?" she replied. "You've already activated the program. Which means you're dueling me."

"I came here expecting a Knight of Hanoi. But seeing as it's you, with your agenda... I don't mind this outcome, either," Her eyes hardened, duel disc coming to life. Yusaku could make out the older generation duel disc on her wrist, complete with physical cards and an older-generation field projector. 

The Data Storm surged once more, the path for a Speed Duel paved for the two duelists. It wasn't long before the two of them leapt forth, surfing forth on the digital waves. 

You'd better not lose to him. Yusaku silently gritted his teeth. I have some questions for you when this is over.

Chapter Text

Well, isn't this an interesting twist.

In earnest, Rio was half-expecting an encounter such as this. The conversation between Zaizen Akira and Emma - who she had to assume was a hacker - already gave her reason enough to believe so. 

It was a tactical setup. Use the dueling drive of someone like Gou to fight Playmaker, giving him and Emma time to dig through their databanks in the background. 

Her afternoon drive home had turned into an undercover operation. Thankfully, neither of them seemed to notice as she drove home, so she was in the clear for now. 

It was only later in the night that Rio's attention returned to her duel disc. She had considered the Avatar Hold function, but scrapped that idea. SOLTech wouldn't leave their hired guns without some sort of countermeasure. 

From there, she had surmised that SOLTech would use some method to lock their hired gun into a duel with Playmaker in the hopes that their dueling prowess could defeat him and have him surrender the AI. A rich thought, but nothing's impossible. 

Only then did her thoughts trace back to the recent news broadcasts. Plenty of imposter Playmakers were out and about, trying to shamelessly take the spotlight. It was sickening, albeit expected; so long as the real deal's identity was unknown, anyone could claim to be him with visualizing technology.

But from what Rio had seen, all of them had two glaring issues: They couldn't emulate his voice, nor the AI that he had in his possession. 

And if that was the case... After a quick check on her duel disc, there was a fully functional voice synthesizer with an avatar overlayer to boot.

At this point, Rio was convinced that Numeron Dragon had put a small part of the Code into her duel disc. She didn't care how sophisticated technology could be at this point; there was no way it could have this many functions and still reasonably play card games! 

But I digress. It's with this help that I can investigate autonomously. As the wind furled through her hair in the present, Rio knew there was no turning back. Numeron... watch over me. 

"Speed Duel!"

"I'll start us off by summoning Gouki Suprex!" Gou announced. "When he's summoned, I can summon another Gouki to my field! So welcome Gouki Twistcobra to the field!"

The twin monsters entered the field, poised and ready for a fight. He ended his turn there, though Rio was quick to notice that he lacked a set card. 

He has to be up to something. Rio thought to herself as she drew her card. All I can do is play along for now.

"My turn now!" she said, drawing her card. "Let's begin with Lemuria the Forgotten City and Water Hazard!" 

The ancient city digitized around them, and the two duelists soon found themselves surfing above the ocean. Meanwhile, a digital wave began rising around them, serving as bumpers on both sides of them."

"Now I'll summon Blizzard Falcon! And thanks to Lemuria, its gains 200 Atk and Def, allowing it to activate its ability! Since its current Attack is higher than its original Attack, I can deal 1500 points of damage to you!"

Gou winced back as her trusted falcon blasted him with a cold shear. But that one attack was only the beginning. 

"I'm not done yet! With Water Hazard, I can also Normal Summon Floowandereeze & Robina in Defense Mode! Its effect allows me to add Floowandereeze & Stri to my hand and summon it in Defense Position too!" 

The oddball birds joined Blizzard Falcon on the field, ready and willing. 

"Now go, Blizzard Falcon! Take out Twistcobra!" 

It was only another 100 points of damage, but it was enough to get Gou kneeling. Rio set a card as he did, watched curiously as he did.

There's no way he's down this quickly, she surmised. He's VRAINS' number 1! Unless-

Number One... Wait! She had almost forgotten Gou's profession in the haze of the duel. He's a Charisma Duelist, of course! And with a wrestling-themed deck... he's going for a Reversal!

Everything fell into place for her then. He's gonna  Well, if Thomas taught me anything about ‘fanservice’… I think I know how this goes then.  

The crowds were chanting a countdown, and Gou still hadn't gotten up. 

"One!"

"Two!"

"Thre-!"

Just before they could say "three", Gou began to rise. Rio's gaze narrowed as he did, watching the duelist pump his fists into the air.

"All right! I'm pumped up!"

The crowd roared as he stood up fully, the energy coming off of him causing the waters of Lemuria to rock back and forth. 

"Thought I was down, did you?!" Gou grinned widely, triumphantly facing her. "Well, think again!"

"I'll activate my Skill: Fighting Spirit! All Gouki Monsters that were destroyed are returned to the field! I can also add a Gouki with a different name to my hand!"

Twistcobra rejoined Suprex on the field while Gou added Gouki Riscorpio to his hand. He soon proceeded to use its effect to summon it onto the field.

"Now I'll show you why I'm Link VRAINS' Number One! Appear, my circuit!" 

"Link Summon! Arise, Link 3: Gouki the Great Ogre!"

He's got Link Monsters, too. To be expected, Rio grimaced a bit. All I can do is weather the storm from here!

"Great Ogre's effect activates! While it's in the Monster Zone, your monsters lose Attack equal to their Defense!"

Not good! She watched on as Blizzard Falcon's Attack dropped to 0.

"This is far from over!" He announced proudly as the tributed Gouki's effects activated, giving him three new cards. "Now, I'll activate Gouki Rematch to resummon Riscorpio and Twistcobra from my Graveyard!"

His grin got wider as he activated Riscorpio's effect, as well as the effect of his freshly summoned Gouki Headbutt. Great Ogre's attack shot up to 5700 Atk. 

"Go, Great Ogre! Crush Blizzard Falcon!"

I'm not out of this yet! "I activate Prevent and Draw! Damage I take this battle is halved, and I can draw a card!"

She winced as Blizzard Falcon was destroyed, dropping her down to 1150 Life points. Rio exhaled a bit as the shockwave subsided, giving her the time to draw her next card. 

Talk about ferocity! She thought to herself, drawing her card from Prevent and Draw's effect. Rio casted a quick glance at what it was, nodding at what it could do for her.

But now... all the pieces are in place.

"How do you like that?" He laughed a bit as he surfed by her. "This is what you get when you cross me!"

"...You think you're the only one whose a comeback kid?" She smirked confidently at Gou. "Let me prove you wrong, then!"

"I activate Wing Requital! When I have at least two Winged Beast monsters in my field with different names, I can draw two cards!" She barely flinched as her Life points dropped to 550. A familiar wave washed around her as something in her mind switched gears. 

It was ironic, really. For her Skill to activate in these conditions. Never a day where I'm not on the brink. 

Without a second to lose, she let herself fall off her board. 

Gou's strangled cry was mute in her ears, and the shock of the crowd even more so. But none of those mattered to her as she gathered herself once more. 

“When my Life Points are 1000 or less, I can activate my skill, Numeron Access!” Rio called out, her eyes glowing gold as she reached her arm out. Sure enough, a gate was forming beneath her, and she was able to pass through it with ease. 

Lightning crackled around her as she delved further in to the abyss of data. Before long, the source of the light began forcing her back, straining against her hand as she grasped for it. Rio winced, holding her arm in place as she reached out. 

There was no mistaking that feeling. A card was forming in the palm of her hand.

Come to me! Let's level the playing field together! 

Whatever card it was, it seemed to oblige to her wish, allowing Rio to grab the card in full. Her board soon materialized beneath her, allowing her to pass through the other side of the gate and rejoin the duel.

"That's not all! The turn I activate my Skill, I can use Monsters with the same Type on my field as XYZ Materials regardless of their levels! So I'll use Floowandereeze & Robina and Floowandereeze & Stri as materials to XYZ Summon Ice Princess Zereort!"

The frost royal joined her side, holding firm as her Attack Points dropped. 

"What do you hope to achieve?" Gou shouted. "You can't get through this defense with just that!"

"Then it's a good thing she's not gonna be alone for long," Rio shot a smirk back at him. "When a Rank 5 XYZ Monster is on my field, I can detach one XYZ material from it and attach it to my new friend!"

"Let your noble soul purge the wicked! Come, Number 21: Frozen Lady Justice!"

The majestic Number gracefully landed by Zereort, blade at the ready. She offered a nod to Rio before looking back ahead to a bewildered Gou.

"N-Number, you said?!" His eyes were bulging at the foreign monster, mouth agape.

"Don't get distracted now! By detaching an Overlay unit from Frozen Lady Justice, I can destroy all of your Defense Position Monsters!"

Twistcobra was wiped from the field, isolating Great Ogre on Gou's field. 

"That's not all! Zereort's effect activates now! By detaching an Overlay unit, Great Ogre's Attack gets reduced to 0!"

"Wh-what?!" Gou watched on as his ace monster was crippled by her monster's effect. 

"From my hand, I'll activate Aqua Jet on Frozen Lady Justice! Giving her enough Attack to take out Great Ogre!" 

"Now here's the finisher! Ice Princess Zereort, you have the honors!"

The two monsters waltzed in harmony, with Frozen Lady Justice shattering Great Ogre and Zereort hitting Gou with a lariat, sending him flying off his board and taking out the last of his life points. 

"Sh-she did it! The masked challenger has triumphed over Gou Onizuka!" Whoever was commentating on the duel was going wild, the crowd emulating his enthusiasm. "I can't take it! What a complete counter-reversal!"

Goodness... aren't they a rowdy bunch. She groaned internally. At least someone enjoyed it.

She looked down to where Gou had landed, smiling a bit as he got up laughing. Rio watched on, lightly amused.

"I lost! What a stellar duel!" He grinned, rolling his shoulder from the landing. "I'll remember this!"

He didn't stop her as she surfed away, but he never stopped grinning. 

Guess that's as good of an exit as I'll be getting, Rio huffed as the current guided her along. Besides...

A gleam in an alleyway caught her eye. Seems he's finally come looking for me.

It wasn't too hard for Yusaku to intercept the woman after her duel. Her general path lead to an alley way, which would make a fine place for a private conversation. In the case that it wasn't private, Kusanagi could provide additional cover.

She said nothing as she landed, board disappearing at her will. Heterochromatic eyes bore at him, watching his every step intently. 

It didn't take a genius for Yusaku to tell she meant business.

"...You didn't have to do this, you know," he started. 

"Did I, though?" she replied. "You saw how he dueled."

"By 'how he dueled', do you mean..." Yusaku crossed his arms. "That duel was meant to entertain people." 

"Yeah," she continued. "He has a future, a life to fight for. But you?"

"I've seen you fight, Playmaker. You're fight's about revenge," her eyes narrowed, sorrow lining her features. "For someone as bright as him to fall into this war as well... no, it's better for him to stay out of it."

My fight... He blinked at the word usage, but soon understood the depth of it. "Don't tell me... were you there during the Lost Incident?"

She sighed heavily, her shoulders drooping. There was remorse in her eyes, the memory clearly weighing on her. 

"Ryouga Kamishiro. Does that name ring a bell?"

That's-! "... he was one of the Lost Incident victims," he breathed. 

She nodded in affirmation. "Let's just say... we're close."

A twinge of guilt hit Yusaku, but not nearly as much as the realizations that were washing over him. "That's why you helped me."

Another nod. "I want answers as to why he had to suffer. And it seems you want something similar. In that respect... I don't see why either of us should fight alone."

To think I'd find someone else who was collateral damage of the Lost Incident.. Just like Kusanagi. A pang of remorse hit Yusaku's chest, realizing the validity. I... 

He had nothing to lose anymore. And misery loved company. 

“You never told me your name,” Yusaku finally replied. 

She hesitated for a moment, eyes lighting up a bit at his compliance. It hardened immediately, but there was a softer undertone to it now.

"...Just call me Merag."

Chapter Text

Neither of them said much as Yusaku exited Link VRAINS. Merag's sudden appearance had caught both of them off guard, and her motivations even more so. 

"Who would've thought we'd find another victim?" Kusanagi finally remarked. 

Yusaku said nothing. Admittedly, part of him was hesitant to believe her story; it wasn't like the Lost Incident was private knowledge, and the list of victims had been spread through the media after he was rescued. 

But there was something about Merag herself that he couldn't shake. The hardened resolve in her eyes alone was enough to convince him to at least look into her. 

"If we can figure out who she is, perhaps we can know for sure," he decided. "Until we can confirm that, we should at least keep an eye on her."

"Right... she could be a double agent for all we know," Kusanagi sighed. "But still, I don't think it'd hurt to trust her for now."

"We'll see." It's still a lot to take in. I think we both need the distraction.

The following hours had been spent finding potential suspects. Much to their annoyance, their encounter with Merag had been too brief for Kusanagi to get a proper analysis, so it was more brute forcing than Yusaku was comfortable with. 

Should've asked more questions before she decided to leave, he shook his head. But seeing how she looked at me the entire time, maybe keeping it concise was for the sake of privacy. 

Come to think of it, if I'm to assume that she's not aligned with Hanoi, there's a good chance they could have caught onto us had we dragged on our meeting. It wasn't much of a stretch to believe that Merag had that in mind as well.

Ultimately, their search bore no fruit. But in the middle of their search, someone else came to their attention. 

"Aoi Zaizen?" 

"Yeah." Kusanagi replied. "She's no Merag, but apparently she's the face behind Blue Angel."

"Not to mention she's the sister of SOLTech's Security Manager."

"Oh, really?" Even Ai was piqued by the revelation, his eye looking on at the screen. 

Meanwhile, Yusaku was left mildly confused. "And?"

"'And?'" That got a laugh out of Kusanagi. "Look at the outfit. Notice anything?"

Sure enough, Yusaku knew that outfit all too well. "She goes to my school?"

"Seems so," he replied. "Point is, I was hoping you could get closer to her so we could get some answers about the Lost Incident. But..."

"Yusaku doesn't seem like he talks with girls," Ai finished, eye preening off to the side. Both Kusanagi and Ai were left chortling at that.

"Yep, no chance. Nada. Impossible."

"Zero percent. Utterly preposterous." 

On a normal day, I wouldn't deny it, Yusaku shook his head in annoyance. However... 

"Actually, there's this one girl that's been catching my eye recently."

"Can't say I was expecting yesterday's duel."

"Could anyone really?" Yusaku pointed out. "The comments were going crazy. You should have a look yourself."

Meeting up with Rio had become habitual for him. It had barely been a month since they had started talking, yet the two of them had hit it off. 

He was surprised that it came to be, but it just felt right. Yusaku always felt like he was at home when it was just the two of them enjoying a conversation. There was never a dull moment in their talks, whether it was idle chatting or the accumulation of their separate investigations. 

It also helped that Rio was just likeable overall; she was strong, but also the right mix of sassy and kind. After all his time being the loner in the class, Yusaku was more than happy to call Rio his friend. 

"I guess that covers my investigation," she sighed, plopping down next to him. "But revealing herself like that, well... least she wasn't flashy about it."

You and me both. "Still, thanks for offering to help," Yusaku brushed a stray hair out of his eyes. "At least things make sense now."

"And here I thought you weren't interested in the whole Playmaker business," Rio eyed him for a second, smirking. 

Okay, she might be catching on a bit. A hint of nervousness grasped at his chest, but he didn't let it show. "Admittedly, that was a lie to get Shima off my case."

A quiet "fair enough" escaped her lips as she rolled her eyes. Yusaku watched as she scrolled through the comments, an occasional chuckle escaping her as she read. 

He couldn't help but feel that she was in her element doing this. He couldn't help but be reminded of Kusanagi in a sense, her diligence and thoroughness on the matter a testament to their newfound friendship.

Wait. Maybe... A thought entered his mind, but it was a fickle one. Could I... 

Could I ask her to help me on investigating Hanoi?

It was outlandish in reason, but not wholly impossible. Rio had done this much so far; it wouldn't be too much of a stretch to-

...What am I doing?

Yusaku was just confused now. It was already one thing to trust Merag. Involving Rio was another matter. Knowledgeable as she is, Rio isn't connected to the Incident. I shouldn't involve her in this.

Another moment's hesitance bore down on him. Yusaku paused to weigh the odds. 

Kusanagi's sure that we're not going to be enough at some point. And while teaming up with Merag can alleviate some of that burden, having a wider web of knowledge could give us the edge.

At the same time, if she... he stopped with a pang of guilt. No. She wouldn't know what's going on. And she doesn't look like one to take sides without a good reason.

So long as I don't explicitly tell her anything... 

"Rio..."

"Hm?"

"Want to get a bite this afternoon? We can talk over other points of interest while we eat." 

Her expression was unreadable for a moment, eyes thoughtful at his proposition. It wasn't long before she began smiling. 

"What do you have in mind?"

When they arrived at the food truck, they were greeted with silence. 

"I can't believe it, Yu," Kusanagi muttered to him. "How did you manage-?"

"Save it for later," Yusaku hissed. "She may very well murder you if she catches you talking behind her back."

He casted a quick glance behind them. Rio had seated herself at one of the tables, taking a swig from her bottle. Thankfully, she hadn't picked anything up. 

"You wanted a hot dog with some soda right?" He asked her.

"Go for it," she nodded, taking out a book. Yusaku passed a look at the title and nearly froze at what it read: Who Are You Really?: The Surprising Puzzle of Personality.

He tried not to think too much beyond it as he returned his attention to Kusanagi. 

"So you're telling me that she has her own intelligence network," he started. "Yusaku, you're sure about this?"

Frankly, no. But... "She trusts me enough, at least. I want to reciprocate that trust."

"Fair, but..."

"Hey, at least she isn't with Hanoi. She's a transfer student, at that," he replied. "She also doesn't seem like the kind of person to snitch."

"Even then, she could secretly be a hacker for all we know!" Kusanagi protested. "I-"

The look that Yusaku gave him was enough to convince him otherwise. "Okay, might be a bit unreasonable on that..."

Yusaku shook his head. "You were the one who said we wouldn't be enough. I think this would count as a step forward."

"Point is, she has some reliable information. And..." he paused. "She's been doing all of this out of her own volition."

Kusanagi looked conflicted, but eventually he sighed in defeat. "I'll trust your judgement for now, then."

Yusaku nodded, turning back to her. "How does it taste-?"

"Are you serious?"

Both of them turned to Rio, who was looking noticeably more annoyed. Her attention was to the big screen in town square, in which an all-too familiar figure was making a broadcast.

"I'm here to announce that I, Blue Angel, will duel Playmaker and win!" she declared. "So c'mon! I know you're watching this!"

The sudden intermission had attracted quite the crowd, fans and pedestrians alike cheering for the idol. Some were rooting for Playmaker to rise up to the occasion, and others still were chanting for what he had to assume was Merag. 

"Really now..." Rio grumbled as she finished her hot dog. "What's it with people wanting to duel the one guy who's singlehandedly holding VRAINS together nowadays?"

I could ask the same thing, Rio. I really could. At this point, it was getting tiring dealing with these challengers, especially since it was getting in the way of his investigation on Hanoi. 

"So, you gonna duel her?" Ai asked. 

"I refuse," he whispered to him tersely. "And keep quiet. Rio might hear you."

Not to mention... Yusaku thought back to his encounter with Aoi in the duel club. She had been quick to pick up on his duel disc, and had even asked to look at his deck. 

She might already suspect that I'm Playmaker, he concluded. Hopefully that decoy deck was enough to convince her otherwise...

Even as he watched Blue Angel wait fruitlessly for him, he could only hope he was wrong. 

"You've returned, Spectre." 

"That I have," The silver-haired man took a quick bow. 

"I trust you've done what I've asked?"

"Of course. It shall only be a matter of time now."

"Good. Once we lure Playmaker out, we can accuse him for any damage done to Blue Angel and lead Akira Zaizen out as well," Revolver paused for a moment. 

"What bothers you?" Spectre remained unassuming in his tone. 

"...There is one other matter we must keep track of," he replied.

"You mean-?"

"Yes, her," Revolver's foot tapped against the floor. "With her arsenal, she may become a larger problem in the future."

"True, she has aligned herself with Playmaker..." Spectre nodded. "Worse still is the fact that we have very little information about her."

"But it stands to reason that she will accompany him, even if at a distance," he pointed out. "So once we lure him, it would not be too unreasonable to assume she won't be far behind."

"I understand," Spectre nodded. "So we shall do nothing, for now?" 

"Yes. It won't be much longer before she plays her hand." Revolver sneered. "But until then, continue with the preparations. And inform Genome, Baira and Faust that those cards are to be handed out to the lower ranks."

Spectre bowed in acknowledgement before disappearing once more, leaving Revolver in his thoughts. His screen returned to the video of Gou and the mystery girl, rewinding to her activating her Skill. Numeron Access was similar to Storm Access, but the monsters she was summoning were unlike anything he had ever seen before. 

She'll be tricky to combat, especially with her abilities, he realized, clenching his fist. Knowing her, she may very well be able to sense the corruption I intend on using...

No matter. So long as anyone opposes me, I'll eliminate them... So I may finally put this disaster to rest.

Chapter Text

Yesterday hadn't gone quite as planned, at least in Rio's mind. 

She had intended yesterday to be another work day, seeking answers as to why Den City was the epicenter of the anomalies. While she hadn't found any concrete leads, she did have a few points.

But she could admit, hanging out with Yusaku for lunch had been nice. A shared meal was enough to get her mind off of it for the time being despite Blue Angel's sudden announcement. The stand owner, Kusanagi, was kindly and knew how to grill a good hot dog. 

As for Yusaku himself... while not the most talkative guy, he had the right things to say. And their later conversations had proven that the two of them had quite a bit in common.

The Numeron Envoys can't contact me with all this interference, she sighed. Having someone to talk to is nice, if only to keep myself focused.

Speaking of staying focused, Rio could hardly retain it for her English class today. She had more important things to worry about, and BS'ing an assignment wasn't the most time-consuming thing for her.

The only big lead I've got was that vision I got back when I first saw Playmaker duel, she lamented. And the feeling I got as he used his Skill... where have I felt that before?

That instance had been bugging her for the better part of last week. The sensation wasn't like her normal visions with Numeron Dragon. Rather, they felt more similar to when she was a Barian. 

But those only happened because of Don Thousand, as well as me being around Chaos. Even then, just about all of my visions have been because of Numeron. 

Could it be... the Data Storm is triggering those visions? It was a wild guess, but it did have some basis in her evidence so far. If it did have Chaos, it would explain how the storm could cause that much damage in the virtual space, as well as how it could harbor monsters such as Decode Talker. 

And if that's the case... How is Playmaker able to withstand it? The questions were continuing to pile up, and it was leaving Rio more and more confused. Tentatively, she pulled up the footage of Playmaker once again and attempted to review it frame by frame.

She wouldn't get the chance to solve that mystery. Not too long in, a message popped up on her duel disc. Sighing, she tapped the notification, only for her screen to begin glitching out.

She flinched back as she observed her screen. The static was reminiscent of the Data Storm, being purple and blue in color. And it was beginning to move-

Hold up, it's moving? 

Rio blinked as the static began reshaping itself. The shift was slow at first, but it quickly rearranged itself to spell out a message on the screen.

| HANOI’S BEEN FOUND. COME FIND US 
                                            -AI

Her apprehension quickly became concern. Rio watched on as the static cleared. To her surprise, it was live footage of Blue Angel and Playmaker, locked in a rather fierce conversation.

"Enough playing dumb!" she shouted. "You're the one who invited me here!"

Not with a look on his face like that, he did! Rio felt it was long established that Playmaker didn't spontaneously duel anyone.

"Ai, you're sure?" Playmaker looked down at his duel disc. She had to squint a bit to notice the eyeball being projected onto the device's screen. "You said a Knight of Hanoi was here."

"And she is," The Ignis - Ai - remarked. "Faint as it is, I can sense Hanoi's influence in Aoi Zaizen's deck."

Wait, what? 

Rio paused for a moment to process the information. One, the sister of SOLTech's Security Manager was Blue Angel. Two, she was aligned with Hanoi for some reason. And three, she was fighting Playmaker over a challenge that he didn't make. 

Huh. Funny how I'm sounding like Yusaku all of a sudden, she mused at the thought. Maybe he was rubbing off on her a bit.

But it does put things into perspective. Regardless of the circumstances, a duel that once seemed improbable was becoming a reality. And Rio wasn't about to have any of it.

Namely, that everything is wrong with this!

She was glad she took a seat in the far back of this class; the lecture hall was built to accommodate hundreds of people, and the professor usually didn't mind students entering and exiting periodically. Rio slid her duel disc on before slipping through the door, making a mad dash for the nearest bathroom.

The halls were graciously empty, and it wasn't long before she barged into the bathroom and jumped into a stall. Rio steadied her breathing one more time before inserting her deck.

"Deck set... into VRAINS!"

Blue Angel was proving to be more troublesome than he anticipated. The combination of Trickstar Lycoris and Light Stage was quickly whittling away his Life Points with each card he drew, and Holly Angel was getting stronger still. 

"Looks like we gotta wipe her out fast," Ai muttered. 

Yusaku quietly nodded. Decode Talker. He can handle Holly Angel.

Fortunately, his hand allowed him to get everything set up. From Link Spider to Link Bumper to his ace, everything was set now.

"Come, Decode Talker!” he called out, the knight descending onto the field. “Attack Holly Angel!"

"I don't think so! I activate Trickstar Reincarnation! You banish your hand, and then draw the same amount!"

Yusaku winced as he discarded his hand and was dealt the ensuing damage from Blue Angel's combo. But what was worse was that Holly Angel's attack rose once more, quickly outpacing Decode Talker's. 

"Then I'll activate Security Block! Decode Talker isn't destroyed, and I take zero battle damage!"

"Nuh-uh! I'll activate Trickstar Scatter! Since a Trickstar battled, I can destroy your monster!" 

Crap- At least it wasn't the end of him just yet, as he was able to summon Salvagent Driver to his field. But things weren't looking too good at the moment.

"...Playmaker?" 

A voice had registered on his duel disc, acting as a comms device. But Yusaku was quick to recognize it from the get-go.

"Merag?" he asked. "How did you find me so quickly?"

"Oh, that," Ai chuckled nervously. "Figured I could take the initiative to contact her."

"So you were the one who did that," Both of them said simultaneously, mildly annoyed at the Ignis' secretiveness. Ai shriked back, sweating.

"Joking aside, what's going on?" she inquired. "I was resting for a bit, and all of a sudden-"

A shockwave interrupted the both of them. Yusaku whipped around to see that Blue Angel had drawn her next card.

"Hanoi! That's their card!" Ai claimed.

-          ~          -

That's-!

For Rio, there was no mistaking that feel of energy. What's the Hanoi doing with Chaos cards?!

She could tell that Playmaker could feel it, although not as prominently as she was. Not to mention that Blue Angel was acting dazed, hand clutching her head.

A change in pressure brought her focus back to the duel. Sure enough, a tornado had manifested from the Data Storm, and it was headed straight toward the two duelists.

Oh. His Life Points must be low because of Blue Angel's combo, Rio smirked. Which means...

She watched as Playmaker made a hard right toward the tornado, allowing himself to be enveloped by it. But this time, she closed her eyes, attempting to hone in on anything she could sense.

She was rewarded with that act of patience. The all-too familiar sensation began washing over her once more, and for a second, she heard a voice crystal-clear:

"Ride the wind, Playmaker!"

Ai's saying that... curious. Rio opened her eyes once more to see Playmaker triumphantly riding out of the Data Storm, new card in hand. The circuit formed itself once more before him, and Link Bumper and Salvagent Driver dutifully dove into the arrowheads.

"Link Summon! Come, Link 3: Encode Talker!"

The silver and gold knight landed beside Playmaker as he exited the circuit, ready to face off against the assembled Trickstars.

With Frontline Disturbance, he can finally take care of that combo of hers, she realized as he activated the card. 

"Go, Defect Compiler!"

"I won't let you!" Blue Angel was starting to look distressed, but pressed on. "I activate my Skill, Trickstar Fraud! By discarding a Trickstar, you're forced to draw until you have three cards!" 

That wasn't the Hanoi's card she discarded... Rio grimaced. And knowing Playmaker's field... 

"Defect Compiler's effect activates now!" Playmaker countered. "Effect damage becomes zero, and it gains a Defect Counter!"

"Not yet! I still have-!" she cut off as she reached out for the card. Rio watched in contempt as the card pulsed again, sending another wave of Chaos throughout. 

But worse still was the effect it was having on Blue Angel. She barely looked like she was in the duel, and Rio could sense the Chaos rapidly building up in her body. 

Only Hanoi would be despicable enough to manipulate someone as innocent as her. And it seemed like Playmaker had the same thought. 

"That's enough!" he shouted. "She has nothing to do with this!"

Sadly, the words fell on deaf ears. Like a puppet, Blue Angel obliged to Hanoi's commands.

"I... send Dark Angel to the graveyard to activate it's effect..."

The moment she played the card, a torrent of negative energy burst forth from it. Blue Angel screamed as it shocked her, her entire form going stiff. She stared blankly into the sky, barely twitching.

The audacity, Rio watched on as the Chaos began overtaking her completely. And if this continues...

"What did Hanoi do...?" Playmaker muttered over the coms. 

"I can harbor a guess," she could feel her voice strain. "That card... Someone must have manipulated her to add it before the duel began! Hanoi made her a ticking time bomb!"

"So she isn't working for Hanoi at all," Ai chimed in. "She's been a scapegoat this whole time!"

"Gah..." He seemed to be piecing it together for the moment. His focus returned to the duel, an enraged Blue Angel reminding him of his current priority.

"Pointless... pointless! No amount of counters can save you, Playmaker!" 

"Not yet! Encode Talker's effect! Defect Compiler isn't destroyed, and rather than me taking damage, Encode gains the attack of Holly Angel!"

Blue Angel didn't seem to take much notice of this as another pulse of Chaos energy pulsed through her. A scream tore through her throat once more.

Not good! Any more Chaos and she'll take permanent damage! "Playmaker! End this now!" 

"I know! Defect Compiler's effect! By using a counter, Encode Talker gains 800 attack! And now that he has a counter, Frontline Disturbance can use that counter to lower Holly Angel's attack based on Lycoris' defense!"

"Now finish this, Encode Talker! Final Encode!" 

But from the looks of it, he was too late. Blue Angel had slumped down on her board, and Rio could see the tears streaming from her closed eyes. It didn't even look like she registered anything as the ensuing explosion knocked her airborne, taking the last of her life points. 

"Merag!" 

"Way ahead of you!" Rio was on her board long before Playmaker even asked, using a duel tether to catch Blue Angel by the waist. With some effort, she was able to pull her unconscious form up onto her board before softly landing on a nearby building.

Her worst fears were coming true as she texted Blue Angel's reflexes. The Chaos energy had completely overtaken the poor girl's body, overriding her brain functionality.

Dammit, she's not responding... she grimaced. Not sure if I have the capacity to dispel it, either.

But this has undoubtedly clarified my mission. Hanoi has access to Chaos... if I thwart them, there's a good chance I can find the source of the anomalies!

And that means... he might just be the key.

It wasn't long before Playmaker landed beside her, Ai expanding from his duel disc. The Ignis was about to reach toward her before it quickly retracted. 

"Not good... they're coming," he muttered. 

We're out of time. Rio took notice of the surveillance drones rapidly approaching the two of them, and it seemed Playmaker was seeing the same thing.

"Playmaker! Log off, now!" she shouted, gently laying Blue Angel down on the floor. Neither of them needed any more convincing before the two of them simultaneously logged off, leaving the corrupted girl adrift in her fading consciousness.

Rio snapped back to reality the second she exited Link VRAINS, and was immediately met with soreness. Sitting down on the toilet for such a prolonged time was showing its rigors, and Rio nearly stumbled out of the stall. 

But that was the least of her concerns. That vision mentioned something about Aoi being Blue Angel, she realized. And I saw her on campus today. Which means-

A call began buzzing on her duel disc. To her surprise, it was Yusaku. 

"Rio, come to the rooftop!" He sounded out of breath, as if he had been running before calling her. "We have a situation on our hands!"

"Yusaku? What's wrong?" She tried keeping her cool, hearing him steadying his breath. "What's going on?!"

"I'll explain later!" That was all Yusaku said before disconnecting the call. 

Of course. With such a sudden challenge, she must have found somewhere obscure to log on! Rio thought to herself as she sprinted out of the bathroom, making a mad dash for the stairwell. So did Yusaku-?

Her assumption proved to be correct. When she reached the top, he was there to greet her, an unconscious Aoi leaning on his shoulder. Rio hesitated for a moment, sensing the Chaos plaguing the other girl's body.

It's like when I was comatose after the fire, she frowned. In spite of that, she quietly nodded, helping to shoulder Aoi.

"I'll call the paramedics," she murmured. 

"Yeah."

I saw those two talking at the duel club the other day, she realized. Must be quite the shock for Yusaku, seeing her like this now. 

It wasn't long before the thrumming of a helicopter began filling the air. While it was supposed to be assuring, Rio knew that they'd only be able to keep her alive at best. But she did find solace in something else.

Yusaku's gaze had never left hers, and Rio couldn't help squeezing his hand.

Chapter Text

Waiting had been a quiet affair. But to his defense, Yusaku wasn't quite sure to say in these kinds of situations. 

Rio seemed to share the sentiment. She had remained quiet ever since they had been dropped off at the hospital, only offering him a glance from time to time. She had seemed... distracted since they had arrived, her hands idly tracing the spaces of her uniform's pockets. Occasionally, they left the confines, brushing by his hand as a form of pulse checking.  

It's too bright here. Yusaku tried keeping his eyes on the floor, its dull coloring more lenient on his eyes. But it was those small touches that kept him at ease the most, knowing he wasn't alone in these muted halls. 

The silence was soon broken as the elevator doors opened, the paramedics wheeling Aoi into the examination room. Behind them, Zaizen was desperately trying push past them to see his sister.

"I'm her brother!" he protested, wrestling against the nurse holding him back. "Aoi, hang on!"

"No one's allowed in the room, sir," she replied. "We'll do everything in our power to ensure her survivability."

Zaizen gave a disgruntled noise before relenting, stepping back as the staff admitted Aoi into the room. Leaving just the three of them in the hall.

Yusaku could feel Rio tense for a moment before she straightened up beside him, eyes warily watching the man's movements. While he had his own reservations about Zaizen, he made his best efforts to remain neutral on the matter.

"You're the ones who called me?" Zaizen asked hesitantly, turning to face both of them. "Might I ask where you found her...?

"I found her unconscious on the roof," he replied. "I asked her to help me carry your sister."

He seemed to ponder for a moment before returning his attention to them. "Thank you, then."

"It was the most we could do," Rio muttered. "And... my condolences for whatever is happening to her."

Zaizen seemed to take comfort in that, smiling slightly. "I probably shouldn't ask this, but... are you two and Aoi-?"

"We're just classmates," Yusaku shook his head, Rio mirroring the action.

"I see..." Another pause saw him regaining his composure. "You two should return home. Everything should be handled from here."

"Alright."

Yusaku didn't miss the strain in Rio's voice, but paid it no mind. The two of them turned around, starting to make their way to the elevator.

It's not easy dealing with hospital visits, he thought to himself. Can't imagine it would be for Rio, either.

"One second... Could I ask for your names?"

Wouldn't hurt to tell him... Yusaku passed a quick glance to Rio, who merely shrugged.

"Yusaku. Yusaku Fujiki."

"Rio... Rio Kastle."

-          ~          -

"Glad we're finally out of there."

Yusaku nodded in agreement; the night scenery was a far more welcome sight than the lit halls of the hospital. The moon was out tonight, the tapestry of stars around it illuminating the night sky in a remarkable display of colors despite the light pollution.

But it was only a small source of relief relative to his train of thought. What had occurred in his duel with Aoi was still fresh in his mind, and seeing her current condition wasn't making things better.

During that duel... I had this sense of foreboding... He wasn't sure how he was able to tell, but the thought alone made him shiver. It was like when I saw Revolver... 

Back then, it had been his Link Sense detecting Revolver before he reached him and Kusanagi's truck. This time had been different, the feeling much more sinister in nature due to the stakes at hand. Aside from Aoi legitimately suffering from the effects of the card, there were other matters that had Yusaku's concerns. 

One, the circumstances around the duel. Aoi had acted almost aggressively when they had last spoken, and Ai had noted that her duel disc's AI had been acting differently as well. Whatever that card is, it must be powerful enough to directly alter her mental state. 

Two, Merag's reaction. She had sounded rather disturbed about what had happened to Aoi, urging him to end the duel as fast as possible. She said something about Hanoi making her a "ticking time bomb"... it was like she was familiar with this kind of corruption.  

Which brought him to his third point: Three, why was I able to sense it as clearly as I was able to? From his look through the web, no one else seemed to take note of the feeling come off of Aoi in that moment. Even found footage only showed her screaming. But he was certain that he had seen a dark miasma emanate from her as she lost control, and more certain still that Merag could sense it too. There's no way that a card alone could do that... something's going on.

He took another look at Rio. She was staring up at the sky, using her finger to trace out Ursa Major. Must be distracting herself with stargazing, he assumed. She seemed in her element in that moment, and there was a point where Yusaku could have sworn her eyes were glowing.

Something about it mystified Yusaku. But as he gazed on, another thought entered his mind. 

Rio's been accurate with her insight. It's like she knows what's going to happen... kind of reminds me how some astrologists anticipate fate. Fate wasn't something he was really believed in, but how she ordained the events was rather ominous. 

Maybe there's a chance she can predict something again, he realized. Wouldn't hurt to ask, anyways.

"Are you... alright, Rio?" Yusaku poked Rio as they were about to cross a street, the latter coming to as the signal allowed them to proceed. She still seemed a bit dazed, but was okay otherwise.

"I don't know," she muttered, turning to look at him. Her brow was furrowed, and she looked to have been deep in thought. "I have a really bad feeling about all this, Yusaku."

"What do you mean?"

"Think about it for a moment," she began. "For her to be put into this condition... Only Hanoi's capable of this. And if it is their doing... who knows what they'll do next."

What they'll do next, huh? "So you're saying that she could have been... a test case?" he asked. 

"Maybe," Rio raised her eyebrow at the jump, but didn't inquire. "It's not a stretch to believe that Hanoi knew about Aoi being Zaizen's sister. So with this theoretical new weapon, coupled with the fact that he's SOLTech's Security Manager... chances are this might be their way of inciting him."

"And seeing his reaction tonight, I'd wager that's exactly what they were trying to do."

She picks up on things... terrifyingly fast. Yusaku could feel the lump in his throat as he chose his next words carefully. "The real question now becomes what Hanoi wants to incite from him to begin with."

That gave Rio pause. She gave him a thoughtful look as she pondered, magenta eyes searching his own for answers. Seeing as though she was getting none, Rio sighed as she straightened up once more.

"Call it a hunch on my part... but maybe it's to lure Playmaker out."

Yusaku blinked at the thought. From a tactical standpoint, pitting SOLTech against him was a smart ploy. And seeing how Hanoi could wreak this much havoc while rendering the corporation's security division null, they had all the leverage to demand favors from Zaizen. 

Which meant that they probably had the remedy for whatever they used on Aoi. 

"So what you're saying is that Hanoi could be blackmailing Zaizen by offering a means to cure her?" he concluded.

"That's my guess," she nodded. "So unless Playmaker and Merag intervene, it might just be a matter a time before Zaizen caves into their demands."

Well, you're talking to one of them, Yusaku mused. His focus returned to their immediate surroundings, only for him to be surprised once more.

They had clearly lost track of time, the two of them having ended up in the deserted lot of the academy. Rio's motorcycle was still parked next to the lamp, and it appeared to have be unperturbed for the entire time.

"Isn't this convenient," Rio muttered, amused. "Glad no one called for it to be towed." 

"I don't think that would have been the case," Yusaku pointed out. "The staff probably asked to exempt your vehicle from towing, since you were attending an active emergency procedure."

"That checks out," she nodded, unlocking the chain on her helmet and grabbing it. "Do you need a ride?"

"No need. I have someone I can call," he replied. "Oh, and Rio..."

"Yeah?"

"Thanks again," he smiled. "For helping me out as you did. It... it means a lot."

Rio said nothing at first. The look on her face didn't betray any sort of emotion she was feeling from her words. But there was an unmistakable look in her eyes that told him so much more. 

Without another moment's hesitance, she closed the distance between them, planting a kiss on his cheek. 

Yusaku felt himself freeze up, her boldness hitting him straight out of the left field. He could feel the heat rise into his face, and he barely registered that Rio had pulled back from him a half-second after she had kissed him.

She seemed to be satisfied with how things played out, a smirk lining her mouth. "The feeling's mutual, Yusaku," she said simply. "I should be thanking you, but I'll take your word instead."

"Just... promise you'll be careful out there, alright?"

"...yeah," he replied blankly. She just...

The last thing Yusaku remembered was Rio offering him a playful wink before she put on her helmet and began driving away, leaving him alone to his thoughts.

"...ku? Yusaku, you in there? Hello?"

Yusaku woke up with a start. To his surprise, he was in the van again, Kusanagi watching him eagerly. He pulled himself off of the desk, yawning groggily as he looked at his surroundings.

"How'd...?" He started, throat a bit dry.

"Don't remember?" Kusanagi chuckled, crossing his arms. "Can't blame you. You stumbled your way in here before passing out on the desk. Not to mention you looked like you'd just run a marathon! Especially with how flushed your face was."

"Was I...?" Last night had progressed far too quickly for Yusaku to fully process, so most of what happened had been a blur. The last thing he remembered was walking out of the hospital with Rio, talking about what had transpired with Aoi, and then-

"Oh yeah, you said a particular something about Rio before you clocked out," Kusanagi's grin widened. "Didn't know you had it in you, Yu. Color me impressed."

Yusaku sighed in defeat. "So I did mention that last night."

"Believe me, we were chortling about it all night," Ai added snidely. "Of all people, the great Playmaker, enigmatic as he is, managing to hit on-"

"Shut up," he grumbled. "Besides, she took the initiative before I could."

He didn't even realize how much worse he made his case. Ai was wheezing however an eyeball could do so, and Kusanagi slammed his fist into the desk to stop himself from laughing.

"Okay, compensating aside," Yusaku glared at the both of them ("damn, uncalled for," Kusanagi muttered.), "Any luck on finding what happened to Aoi?"

"Oh! About that..." Kusanagi's face grew a bit more serious as he pulled up some screens on the monitor. "While you slept, I hacked my way into the hospital's data banks. And I managed to get access to Aoi's medical records."

"What did you find?" he asked, straightening up.

"Currently, she's in a coma. But no external wounds were found on her person," Kusanagi tapped at the screen. "The doctors still haven't found any conclusive findings thus far."

"Don't blame them," Ai said flatly. "Good chance she's afflicted with a virus, given the reports?"

"A virus?" Yusaku wasn't fully convinced, but didn't interject. 

"Aye. Normally, computer viruses can't directly affect you humans," he explained. "But this particular virus was integrated via Link VRAINS itself, directly affecting her as a result of VRAINS' neural connection system."

So even that has its flaws. But that still doesn't explain something else. "Ai, Kusanagi. Did either of you notice any other anomalies before I logged out?"

"Now that you mention that," Ai pipped up, "When I went to consume the program, it had this awful taste to it... is that the kind of anomalies you're talking about Yusaku?"

"That's what I think, yeah," he nodded, quickly explaining the energy phenomenon he had sensed from Blue Angel during the duel. 

"Weird, my scanners didn't catch any of that," Kusanagi's brow furrowed. "Maybe it's tied to your Link Sense?" 

"I think so." It was the only explanation he had, at any rate. "Whatever the case may be, Hanoi has something much more dangerous in their arsenal. I just know it."

Kusanagi nodded grimly, and Ai had nothing to remark. The former began typing out a few things before something else caught his eye. 

"Hey, what the heck...?" 

"What is it?" Yusaku asked, turning to him.

"Check this out," Kusanagi pulled up another window on the monitor. Yusaku peered over, watching intently.

He wished he hadn't. The news outlet had just started a new broadcast, and the featured person was none other than Blue Angel. 

"Playmaker!" The poser proclaimed. "You're gonna pay for what you did to me! I know you're watching this, so come out and fight me again!"

The transmission quickly cut out. Yusaku got out of his seat, a pang of disgust resonated in his gut. 

"Well, that's obviously a fake," Kusanagi muttered. "And seeing that it's Blue Angel, that almost guarantees this is Hanoi's doing."

"That, or SOLTech's at it," Ai added. "Either way, doesn't seem favorable to go."

Ai has a point. Rio mentioned that Hanoi could be using Aoi as leverage, Yusaku assumed. That, or SOLTech is being manipulated by them to lure me. And if that's the case...

He shook his head as he stood up, walking towards the pod. Ai protested something, but he ignored it.

"Yusaku..." Kusanagi began. 

"Wait a moment, Yusaku! We're talking about a trap made by these organizations of all things!" Ai fretted. "And you're just gonna walk willy-nilly into it?!"

But a glare from Yusaku silenced them both. "I have a responsibility. Trap or otherwise, we still have our mission, Kusanagi."

That was all he said before he entered the pod, the door closing behind him. 

Sorry Rio, Yusaku sighed as he set his deck into the holster. I'm gonna have to go against what you said a bit too soon.

Chapter Text

Yusaku didn't think too much of the scenery in Link VRAINS. It was much too similar to that of Den City, so there wasn't much to anticipate. 

So as he landed atop a nearby skyscraper, he didn't register any anomalies around him. Nothing seemed amiss at the moment, save for the person posing as Blue Angel standing before him.

"So you came, Playmaker," She seemed smug about as arrival.

"Cut the act," he said flatly. "I already know you aren't Blue Angel."

"My, saw right through me didn't you?" the poser shrugged. "Shocker! But it's no matter. My job's done here, now that you left yourself in range."

Before he could react, the poser threw a freshly digitized rose at his feet. The second it touched the floor, a circle of light surrounded him. 

"Wh-what's happening?!" Ai sputtered.

We're about to find out, it seems! Yusaku thought to himself, grunting as the air around him became heavy. It forced him to a knee as he watched

Meanwhile, the entire city had begun to morph and twist around him. The main building they were on was beginning to descend, while the surrounding buildings were spreading out around them, being twisted into the shape of enormous spikes. Eventually, they began to settle, surrounding them in an arena of spiked buildings.

Damn... I can't even lift my hand to log out! he realized. The light was somehow manipulating gravity, keeping him subdued and in place-

"Playmaker!" 

It seemed the worst was coming to be. Yusaku looked down, watching in shock as vine-like constructs began jutting out of the circle, quickly ensnaring him in its grasp. He let out a startled gasp as he was lifted off the ground, bound in the light structure.

"Whoa whoa whoa-" Ai looked around at their new surroundings. "You're telling me the entirety of Link VRAINS is the trap?! That's going too far, is it not?!"

"And it took me a full day to write the code," the poser mused. "If I wasn't out to capture you, I would've wished you'd congratulate me." 

At the snap of her fingers, the light manifestation unfurled wing-like limbs before they wrapped around his entire body. A sudden noise told him that he was being dragged through the tower, so it was safe for Yusaku to assume that they didn't want to kill him just yet. Not long after, the noise stopped, and Yusaku winced at the sudden change in lighting. 

When he opened his eyes again, the first thing he noticed was that they were no longer on top of the skyscraper. Rather, the poser had delivered him to what looked to be the inside of a chapel.

"Name's Ghost Girl, money-for hire and alluring beauty," she casually reintroduced herself, the disguise dematerializing from her actual avatar. "But that's enough about me. My employer's the one who wants to talk with you."

She beckoned over to the altar. On queue, an ever-familiar person materialized next to it, eyes gazing upon Blue Angel.  

Akira Zaizen. So SOLTech's her employer. Yusaku grimaced, but remained quiet.

"So you're Playmaker," Zaizen remarked, finally facing him.

"Rather surprised you did all this for me," he replied, trying to stay neutral in his tone. 

"You don't know how much I've done just to capture you, Playmaker," his eyes narrowing. "...the one who hurt my sister."

So that's what this is about, he groaned internally. "That's where you're wrong. Everything that happened to her was Hanoi's doing."

"Enough beating around the bush! What did you do to her when you dueled?!" 

"Like I said, I did nothing," this was getting on his nerves real quickly. "She was infected with Hanoi's virus before the duel began. And the only way we can save her is if we get the removal program from them."

"Lies!" Zaizen fumed. "I'll get the truth out of you, even if I have to tear it out from you!"

Yusaku cried out as Zaizen raised his hand, a blue light radiating from it. He looked down to find that his bindings were tightening, slowly crushing him.

"Out with it then!" he roared. "Tell me the truth, lest you-!"

The sound of snapping wood interrupted the conversation. The citadel doors had come crashing down, the splintered wood dissipating into data scraps. Yusaku barely managed to twist himself around to find that Merag had managed to find her way to the citadel. Behind her, Frozen Lady Justice was cleaning her blade off, clearly bemused by the situation at hand.

A quick nod from Merag signaled the Number to bow out, returning to card form in her hand. 

"You..." Zaizen glared at her, one that she quickly reciprocated as she put her card away.  

"Here I thought you were a reasonable man, given your position," she huffed. "But it seems like the defense has to make an objection."

"So let's set the record straight. Playmaker isn't wrong here; Hanoi had seeded her a card before the duel, and that in turn was what trapped your sister's consciousness in Link VRAINS."

"Bullshit!" he fumed. "Aoi... she'd never have anything to do with Hanoi!"

"And you're right. She never did," Merag's eyes narrowed at him. "Ever thought someone among Hanoi's ranks could just hack the card into her deck?"

That only seemed to aggravate Zaizen more. "You think I'd believe a made-up story like that?!"

Yusaku cried out again as the bindings began compressing him even more. Merag watched on in shock before she wheeled back around to Zaizen. 

"Are you so mentally challenged that you can't tell truth from lie?!" He could hear the anger boiling in her throat despite the torture he was going through. "What motive would Playmaker have to render your sister comatose?! He doesn't even have anything to benefit from it! Are you even listening to the accusations you're making?!"

"And just why should I listen to you?!" Zaizen brandished a finger at her. "You're equally as accountable as Playmaker, you-!"

"...because I know what it's like to lose a sibling, asshole," she interrupted. Yusaku flinched as he looked at Merag again. Her eyes had begun glowing verdant green, and a looming chill had filled the room. "So here's a fun tip, Zaizen. Making brash accusations and being a helicopter worrywart for your dear sister is going to get you nowhere. The only thing that's going to get you is more suffering, both on her part and yours!"

Every word coming out of her mouth was being spat like acid, and Yusaku could see Zaizen faltering at her words. The grip around him had loosened, allowing him to breath easier.

But wait- losing a sibling? She didn't mention that before-

Before he could continue that thought, a bolt of lightning tore through the roof of the chapel, scattering debris and dust into the room. Yusaku winced back as the strength of the bolt shook the foundations of the building, while Zaizen, Merag and Ghost Girl using their arms to brace themselves. 

The smoke finally cleared, revealing a man within. He was clad in a white coat with grey lining, light green finishes adorning his shoulder. A visor covered his face, a fan of maroon hair fanning out behind it. Knee-high boots adorned in red and green armor completed the design, all of which screamed business.

"Y-you're... Hanoi?!" Zaizen had been distracted by the sudden arrival, allowing Yusaku to catch his breath. Ghost Girl looked concerned with the sudden arrival, and Merag just looked angry. 

But Yusaku was all too familiar with who he was. "...Revolver." 

He said nothing, instead turning to Zaizen and Ghost Girl. "Let Playmaker go. I'll be the one to face him."

"I cannot allow that!" he lashed back. "Who do you think you are?!"

"I see." Revolver raised his hand into the sky. To everyone's shock, an ever-familiar breeze began permeating into the air. The hum in the air soon became a roaring twister as a Data Storm ripped the citadel above them, wrapping itself around Revolver. "If you do not realize your position..."

"Then allow me to demonstrate my power to you!" 

With a wave of his hand, the Data Storm was loosed from Revolver. The turbulent winds shredded the wall behind them, and it took everything within Zaizen and Ghost Girl's powers to not get blown away. Merag seemed to be faring better, having conjured some kind of field around herself. 

Eventually, the winds subsided, the storm changing course to outside the chapel. That didn't stop everyone else from staring on at the destruction it had caused. 

"Just who is this guy?" Ghost Girl finally remarked. "Controlling the Data Storm like that..."

I think we're all wondering that, Yusaku turned to look at Merag. She looked like she was attempting to process everything as well, but there was a certain look in her eyes that dictated she knew something else. But it was clear that Merag saw Revolver as a threat as well.

"Know that I can easily destroy the entirety of Link VRAINS," he remarked. "But that's not my concern. All I'm after is Playmaker's AI."

That got another flinch from Zaizen. "You think I'd give it to the likes of-?" 

"It's not what 'I think', Akira Zaizen," Revolver cut him off. "After all, we're the ones who infected your sister with a virus."

"Told you," Merag deadpanned, sighing at the other man's shock. 

"Only we can remove the virus," he continued. "And seeing as you are after the Ignis as well, you have the option to relinquish."

"Of course, you're welcome to complete your mission of acquiring the AI. But you will have then sealed the fate of your sister on your hands by damning her to the darkness forever," he continued. "However, if Playmaker defeats me in a duel, I will give the code to you."

"You must be insane," Zaizen breathed, glaring indignantly at Revolver. "Entrust my sister's life to people I-" 

"Enough of being the entire peanut gallery, Zaizen!" everyone winced as Merag's temper came rushing back. "Playmaker and I are your only chances of saving Aoi, and you're gonna let your pride of all things cloud your judgement?! You may as well let your sister die at this point, seeing as you can't even make one fucking good decision in your life!"

Seems like she had a lot of arguments with her sibling. Yusaku couldn't help but sweat a bit with how badly Merag was grilling Zaizen. Worse still was that she wasn't even wrong. 

At least it appeared that he finally took the hint, shoulders slacking in defeat. He was clearly conflicted about the decision, but the odds were stacked against him. 

"...she's irreplaceable to me," he muttered, raising his hand once more. The bindings around Yusaku dissipated, allowing him to land safely on the ground. Revolver passed a glance to him, smirking.

"You'll know where to find me, Playmaker," he said. Another Data Storm soon engulfed him, carrying him into the skies above.

The four of them were silent as the winds died down. The revelations were still heavy on everyone's minds, and no one seemed inclined to talk. 

Fortunately, a particular eyeball had something to say. "You're going after him?" Ai asked Yusaku, breaking the silence. "He's our most powerful foe to date."

He looked down at his duel disc. "I've come this far to duel him. No turning back now."

Yusaku passed a glance to Merag, who nodded in agreement. But as he was getting ready to leave, Zaizen spoke up.

"I can trust you two, right...?" he asked.

He stopped, saying nothing. Merag shared the same countenance, refusing to look at him.

"You two would still do this... despite what I did?" he continued, a tinge of guilt in his voice. "Even though you have every right to hate me..."

Ai looked hesitantly at Yusaku, whose expression hadn't changed. His face eventually slacked as he relaxed, facing Zaizen one more time.

"I don't hate you," he finally replied. "I only hate the Hanoi."

With that, he leapt forth, his board carrying him away on the waves of the Data Storm.

-          ~          -

Rio said nothing as Playmaker left, watching as he surfed away. Zaizen and Ghost Girl were quietly conversing between themselves, but a nod from the latter turned Zaizen's attention to her. 

The pause that followed was rather awkward, with Rio's berating still fresh on his mind. But he seemed to move past that, sighing as he began talking again.

"Merag, about what you..." he began.

"Oh believe me, I meant everything I said to you," she replied bluntly. "Just know I didn't mean it maliciously."

"What do you mean...?"

"Well, someone has to open your eyes to the circumstances." Rio gave Zaizen and Ghost Girl a knowing look. The latter seemed to get the message immediately, while it was taking Zaizen longer to piece it together.

As if to drive the point home, the ground began trembling violently beneath them. The streets split open, lava gushing out from the crevices. The surrounding buildings began crumbling from the tectonic shift, bursting into digital flames. Smoke began polluting the air above them, blotting out the skies above. 

"What's going on?" Zaizen muttered as he beheld the ruined city. "It's like hell..."

"Glad you realize that," Rio interjected, "Because this is the true face of what you're dealing with. And hell waits for no one."

He flinched as she said those words. "What are you trying to say...?"

"Is it not obvious?" she sighed, mildly exasperated at his cluelessness. "With this fight against Hanoi, there is no remorse. There is no reason. Either side will do everything to achieve their ends, no matter the backlash to the bystanders."

"As for you and your sister, Zaizen... you do have a choice. But both of you have to be prepared for the consequences of it."

She summoned her board, jumping onto it. But before she left, Rio turned to face them one more time. 

"Don't call it a warning," she said cryptically. "This is a war. The sooner you recognize that, the better you know what you have to do." 

-          ~          -

It wasn't hard for Yusaku to track Revolver after he left. The destruction left in his wake coupled with the Data Storm had narrowed down his location.

"You realize what's at stake here, I assume?" Revolver watched as Playmaker caught up to him, amused.

"Oh I'm sure!" Ai chuckled. "Once Playmaker beats you, I'll eat your avatar right up and get my body back!"

"Very well." He didn't seem bothered by the threat. "But know that if you lose, you're mine, Ignis."

Ignis? Is that what Ai is? It was a strange name, to say the least. 

"You've kept calling him 'Ignis' all this time," Yusaku spoke up. "What's the deal with that?"

A sigh from Revolver signaled that he was disappointed by his question. "You acquired that AI without even knowing what it is?" he shook his head. "Then I'll tell you what it is: AI, this internet world; all of it is fiction!"

"Humanity is defined by its breath, its heartbeat that signifies life! But now, by entrusting ourselves to a fiction has misled us, made us complacent! And that complacency will spell humanity's destruction!"

"What's his deal about? He's a hacker but he's anti-modern?" Ai asked. "But whatever destruction you're talking about, it doesn't matter once we beat you!"

"That destruction begins with the likes of you, Ignis," he declared. "And since you've aligned with him, Playmaker... I'll see you gone, here and now!"

I don't know what your deal is, Revolver, Yusaku's eyes narrowed at the other man as he prepared his duel disc. But I will get the truth of what happened that day. No matter how many aspirations of yours I have to crush!

"Speed Duel!"

Chapter Text

"Oh right, Yusaku..." 

As he was about to enter the pod, Kusanagi had stopped him one more time. As serious as he had been regarding him going to Link VRAINS again, his brow seemed more furrowed about this matter.

"Something else on your mind?" Ai asked, glancing at Kusanagi. 

"Is it really okay to have Merag get involved in this? I mean, she wasn't too involved in this matter..." he began. He did have a point in the matter, seeing as how Merag had been more of a spectator during that duel. 

He looked back at Kusanagi. "I don't think that's within our power to decide, Kusanagi."

"What do you mean by that?"

"It's simple. She has her own motivations," Yusaku explained. "If it's in her interests, she'll be there. Otherwise... that's in fate's hands."

Kusanagi gave him a confused look before sighing. "Didn't know that you could get all cryptic like this, Yu."

"There isn't a better way of putting things," he countered. "Besides, something's been bothering me about her..."

"Oh? And what's is it?" Ai asked.

"Back in that duel, she seemed... rather familiar with what was happening with Blue Angel." Yusaku had tossed that detail around his head for the better part of the morning, yet nothing seemed to come of it. "I have a feeling her animosity towards Hanoi goes further than her friend's involvement in the Lost Incident."

"Now you're just losing me here," Kusanagi shook his head. "You sure this isn't your Link Sense going haywire?"

"No. I'm sure of it this time."

It has to be more than just Link Sense, at least this time, he surmised. The fact that I was able to see whatever was taking over Aoi... there's no way that's just the result of one factor. 

And if Merag could see it, much less surmise what was consuming her... Yusaku clenched his fist as he finally entered the pod, closing the door behind him. She might play a bigger part in the past I've lost that I thought.

The destruction was getting worse as the two surfed around the city. Revolver's handiwork had rendered the city into a molten mess, the streets spewing plumes of lava across the ashen sky. The buildings were in disarray, some of which were crumbling around them as they flew around. 

I have to beat him here, otherwise Link VRAINS will collapse, he realized, looking back to Ai. The sentient eyeball had been rather huffy about their opponent, but had calmed down somewhat. 

"So, what's the plan Playmaker?," Ai asked. "Reckon we can swamp him?"

Revolver's the one who gave that Knight lackey Cracking Dragon, Yusaku recognized. And if that's the case... no doubt he's got a stronger ace up his sleeves. Especially considering he can probably use Storm Access as well, if him him controlling the Data Storm is any indicator. 

He looked back down at Ai. "Don't let your guard down. Knowing who he is, underestimating him will prove deadly."

"You have a point there," the Ignis muttered. "Well, I'm sure we'll think of something once he shows his hand. Then we can go all out!"

Wishful thinking as always, Yusaku grimaced as Revolver began his turn, the latter immediately lowering his Life Points to activate Dragonoid Generator, summoning tokens on his side of the field. 

The tokens on Revolver's side were gone as quickly as they appeared. "Tribute Summon! Come, Cracking Dragon!" he called out, the serpentine behemoth emerging on the field. "And thanks to Dragonoid Generator's effect, I can summon two tokens on your side of the field!"

"Least he's generous," Ai mused. "Now we can-!"

"Don't get hasty just yet," Yusaku replied. "Did you forget Cracking Dragon's effect?"

On queue, beams emitted from Cracking Dragon, splashing onto both the tokens and Yusaku. It was only 400 points of damage, but it was still a major threat on the field.

"That damage is worth it! We still have the pieces to get rid of that scrapheap!" Ai fumed while Yusaku drew his card. "...you have a plan for it, right?"

"Yes, actually," he nodded as he sacrificed one of the tokens to summon Link Spider before using its effect and his Normal Summon to get Backup Secretary and Bitron to the field. Cracking Dragon's effect made him take more hits to his Life Points, but ones that could be compensated for with his plan. 

Honeybot would soon join Link Spider's side as Yusaku set his two monsters into its Link Arrows. But it and Link Spider wouldn't be staying for much longer as the circuit manifested once more.

"The circuit manifests once more! Come, Link 3: Decode Talker!" he cried, the purple knight standing faithfully by it side. Unfortunately, it was still somewhat weaker that Cracking Dragon despite the attack increase from its effect. 

"He anticipated Decode Talker's effect, so he placed Cracking Dragon away from its arrow," Ai grumbled. "Cheeky bastard..."

"I have that covered," Yusaku countered. "I'll sacrifice the other Dragonoid Token to tribute summon Capacitor Stalker!" 

Cracking Dragon shaved off another 1000 Life Points off of him, but Capacitor Stalker's effect finally gave Decode Talker the edge over it. "Go, Decode Talker! Decode End!"

The dragon exploded violently as the knight severed it in half, dropping Revolver's Life Points to 2400. Capacitor Stalker followed Decode's example, blasting him down even further down to 1400 Life Points. 

"So as expected, you took down Cracking Dragon," Revolver smirked. "Not bad."

"He's still acting cocky," Ai glared at the other duelist. "What's his deal? His field's completely empty now!"

Is he, though? Yusaku eyed the other duelist carefully. Even from here, I can sense his conviction. Stronger than Gou's or Aoi's. 

"Now that you've cleared my field," he casted a glance back to the two of them, as well as a further glance to the two duelists behind them. "Allow me to show you an even greater power!"

-          ~          -

Rio didn't know how she managed to find Playmaker and Revolver as quickly as she did. 

Last night, she had woken up in the middle of the night twice, one of those times in which she almost had to dive for the nearest trashcan before she got sick. Back then, she had assumed it was a result of the heavy density of Chaos plaguing Den City. 

Yet here she was now, fighting the same feeling of foreboding that she felt the previous night as she watched Playmaker and Revolver duke it out in the ruined city scape. 

Is it because of Revolver? she thought groggily. He was able to control the Data Storm...

She shook her head in fatigue, instead opting to distract herself with the current duel. He's in a good position, Rio observed. Dragonoid Generator seems to have worked in Playmaker's favor for the most part. But there's no way Revolver isn't going to use that effect to launch a counterinitiative.

That exact thought came to play as Revolver summoned Gateway Dragon, which chained into him bringing out multiple Sniffing Dragons. The first two dragons were quickly made useful as they were used to summon Arrowhead Dragon.

"When Twin Triangle Dragon is summoned, I can pay 500 Life Points to Special Summon a Level 5 or higher monster from my Graveyard!" A mechanical roar signified that Cracking Dragon was returning to the field. "However, it cannot attack this turn."

"What's his deal? All that power's not much if it can't attack!" Ai noted.

Playmaker said nothing for a moment before he blinked in acknowledgement. "That's not the only thing he did. He also lowered his Life Points below 1000."

"Wait, Playmaker..." Rio cut in on their comms. "Are you saying-?"

"-that he could also have Storm Access?" he finished for her. "Seeing as how he's got control of the Data Storm in the way he does."

A laugh from Revolver seemed to confirm that notion. "Seems you've caught on quickly, Playmaker. But unfortunately for you, it is much to late."

Revolver raised his hand triumphantly. By his command, it began radiating an aura that was all too familiar to her. 

You've got to be kidding me, Rio watched on in shock as the power in his hands began reaching a fever pitch before he used his hand to beckon something forwards. Soon enough, a massive wave began forming from the Data Storm, rapidly approaching the duelists by Revolver's command. 

So that's how he can control the Data Storm! she realized. Somehow he has Chaos powers... which means the Data Storm and Chaos are-!

"I activate my Skill: Storm Access!"

The wave crashed upon Revolver, while subsequent waves forced Playmaker to hold onto his board as to not be washed away. Further behind, Ghost Girl seemed to be struggling to keep up, especially with the new waves rolling onto her. 

Unfortunately, she wasn't exempt from the effects of the Data Storm either. Rio reeled as the feeling of another vision began hitting her. But unlike the last ones, which tended to let her ease into the vision without too many complications, the suddenness of the vision hit her with the force of a truck. 

The force of it was almost enough to send her rolling off her board. In a desperate move, Rio unfurled the Duel Tether to secure herself to the board before her vision was awash in white.

-          ~          -

The next time Rio opened her eyes, she pulled herself up immediately, taken aback by her new surroundings.

Wherever she was, it wasn't Link VRAINS. It was the color white in every direction she looked, an endless plane of nothing that spanned all around her. More curious still was the filter that she was seeing the world in; it was reminiscent of one of those older-generation cell phone screens, with greens, blues and reds slightly jutting out of the white. 

Heck, even the entire setting felt like she was on the inside of a blank screen. Rio couldn't tell whether it was the monochromatic setting or some unseen light source, but it was unfathomably bright. It was to the point where she was forced to squint just to even partially see. There was some kind of humming in her ears, mildly comparable to the fluorescent lights she was familiar with back in her time in Heartland City's hospital. 

Okay, this is officially the weirdest vision I've gotten, she huffed, shaking her head. And Numeron isn't hear to help decipher things, either... 

With no other choice, she began walking around, her sense of direction abandoned and no end goal in sight. 

Every now and then, the world would go in and out of the fritz like an old television set. At the very least, her nausea had subsided, allowing Rio to continue walking unperturbed. 

But just where in Abyss' glow does this go to? This was becoming increasingly more frustrating for her, having seen nothing for the duration of her vision. This isn't telling me anything about the current situation...

So she let herself continue to walk, plagued by her own thoughts.

Eventually, a small figure finally became apparent on the horizon. Rio didn't have to think twice as her walk became a dash, running towards the person post haste in the hopes they could give her the answers she was seeking. But as the figure became more in focus, she stopped dead in her tracks.

While blurry and glitching, she knew that look from anywhere; purple hair, with light blue bangs in the shape of a crown. 

Ryouga.

Her brother didn't seem to fully register that she was there, but he did turn to face him. He had been crying, tears still streaming down his face, and there was a noticeable red ring around his eyes. Besides him was a headset, one that looked worn down and constantly used.

She watched on in dismay as Ryouga put on the headset once more, an audible whimper escaping his lips. He sat there for a while, hands reaching out for some unseen interface. 

Is he... dueling? Rio tilted her head as she began recognizing the patterns of his movements. A hint of sadness plagued her as she recalled Ryouga's fondness for dueling. 

How long has it been since I've seen him duel? She couldn't help but reminisce on their past life and their times as Ryouga and Rio Kamishiro, as well as Nasch and Merag. He never had a problem with flooring a fool when necessary, and-

A scream tore her out of her thoughts. Ryouga had crumpled to the ground, screaming as some unseen force began shocking him. He was groping for the headset, desperate to get the device off of his face. 

"Ryouga-!"

Rio tried reaching out for her kid brother. But as she did, the world began glitching and went out of focus once more. She gasped as she awoke once more, her board having carried her away from the duel. Fortunately, she could still see Playmaker and Revolver from her perspective, and the two of them were rapidly approaching her location. 

What... was that? Her head was still throbbing from the vision she had just got, and the image of Ryouga's tear-stained face wasn't helping matters. Tentatively, she pushed herself into a standing position as she fired up her board once more, rejoining the flow of the Data Storm. 

As her breathing steadied, she began making more sense of the scene. That must have been what happened to him during the Lost Incident, at least in this timeline, she sighed. Oh, when I get my hands on that remnant of ZARC's power... I'm going to enjoy pulverizing it. 

But why did I get that vision just now? That was the part giving her the most confusion, especially with it resulting from Revolver's use of Storm Access. Unless... could Revolver-

"Come, Link 4: Topologic Bomber Dragon!" 

Speaking of which, Revolver had surfaced from the Data Storm with a new monster in play. It was a massive thing of bright orange metal, alight with pulsing green orbs. Its arms were coated with what looked to be the same material as its body, with a darker colored metal serving as its joints. Its eyes were mere blips within its armored head, and its mouth contained another green orb. 

Its summoning had caused the tides of the Data Storm to churn and pulsate, forcing Playmaker to hang onto his board for dear life. Ghost Girl wasn't faring much better despite being further away. 

"Oi! That's my personal program, you bastard!" Ai raged. "How dare you use that Skill!"

"What better fun to fight poison than with said poison?" Revolver shot back, amused by the Ignis' frustration. "Now, let me show you its terror!"

"To start, I use Dragonoid Generator to summon a token! And since it was Special Summoned, Topologic Bomber Dragon's effect now activates," he said as a dark look passed on his face. "When a monster is Special Summoned next to its link, I can destroy all monsters in the Main Monster Zone!"

"You can what?!" Playmaker winced as Capacitor Stalker was destroyed, lowering Decode Talker's attack back to its normal value. "But since Capacitor Stalker was destroyed by an effect, we both take 800 points of damage!"

Both duelists were left grimacing as their Life Points were dropped down, yet Revolver still looked triumphant. "100 Life Points is enough to spell your end, Playmaker. Now, Topologic Bomber Dragon! Destroy Decode Talker!"

The attack was successful, lowering Playmaker's life to a mere 300 points. He was forced to land on his board again from the ensuing explosion, and Rio sighed in relief as he was able to pull off the maneuver.

"We're still alive!" Ai fired back. "And your turn's over! Which means-!"

"-That you'll meet your end here, Ignis," Revolver cut him off. "Topologic Bomber Dragon's other effect activates! When it attacks your monster, it deals damage to you equal to that monster's original Attack!"

Just like Comet Cestus! Rio frowned at the circumstances, only then remembering that he still had one bailout. 

"I'll activate Link Restart! I can negate the activation of any card that would deal effect damage this turn!" Playmaker flipped the card in his hand. "Then, by banishing it, I can summon a Link Monster in my graveyard. Return, Decode Talker!"

His Life Points were intact, at least for the moment. But given Topologic Bomber Dragon's effect, the odds weren't looking too good. 

"We just scraped by, but we ain't looking too good if we can't get something going this turn," Ai remarked to get the point across. "We've got one shot at this... and one way to get us through."

Playmaker nodded. "Seeing his monster, we're gonna need a larger Data Storm that his. Think you can do that?" 

The communications got scrambled after that sentence. But apparently, it was for good reason as a purple light emitted from Playmaker's duel disc, entering the digital sky above. After a moment, an entire flood of Data Storm came pouring from the ensuing hole, joining the waves the duelists were already surfing on. 

Okay, that confirms it. Rio thought to herself, hardly batting an eye as the waves crashed onto Playmaker. Both Revolver and Ai are using Chaos to summon and control the Data Storms. Which means... 

She didn't finish that thought as Playmaker exited the Data Storm, new card in hand. Revolver had watched the entire scene, impressed by the other duelist's tenacity.

"Now, appear! The-"

"Unfortunately for you, I'm not about to let you use that card," Revolver countered. "I activate Remote Rebirth! Allowing me to summon Capacitor Stalker to the field!"

"Wait, what?!" Ai took a moment to process the suddenness of the play. 

"And now, Topologic Bomber Dragon's effect activates! Full Overlap!" Both duelists reeled back as the chain effects resulted in their Life Points shooting down to zero. 

"What do you think you're doing?!" Ai fumed at Revolver. "Trying to get away with a tie?!"

"Quite the contrary, actually," Revolver replied. "Because your power is what allowed me to do this!"

A collective gasp was shared among the comms as the Data Storm began rising beneath their boards, forming into a massive tornado. Playmaker cried out as he and Ai were sucked into the vortex, and Rio knew it was only a matter of time before she joined him as well. 

But that wasn't her only concern. Behind her, Ghost Girl was bracing herself from the sudden increase in wind speeds, and looked as though she was about to fall.  

She won't be able to escape in time! In a last-ditch attempt, Rio extended her Duel Tether, wrapping around Ghost Girl and her board. She gritted as she summoned her strength, heaving the other girl out of the way of the storm. 

Hopefully she can relay what happened to Zaizen. Rio offered no more resistance as the three of them were sucked into the vortex, leaving the hellscape world behind them. 

-          ~          -

It was taking all of Yusaku's efforts to not lose himself to the tumultuous winds. Ai was panicking inside his duel disc, and Merag wasn't too far behind them.

At least until they were propelled out of the storm, the three of them floating above what seemed to be a series of aquamarine-colored islands. The winds had gone quiet, instead replaced by a faint whining noise. 

"Looks to be the center of the Data Storm," Ai piqued as a blue aura began coating Yusaku and Merag. Their velocity in the air slowed to a crawl as they began slowly floating down to the isles below them. 

Beneath them, Revolver silently awaited them, looking up as the two continued their descent. He seemed to eye Merag closely before returning his attention to Yusaku. 

"So you've arrived, Playmaker. As have you, Merag," he said nonchalantly.  

"Be careful, Playmaker," Merag looked at him before turning her attention to something else. Yusaku looked up at the sky to see a card descending towards Revolver, glowing a vibrant light. 

I still need to ask you some things. And I don't intend on losing until I get them, the latter nodded. He could feel her eyes on his back, silently eager to witness what would play out. 

He finally made landfall on the island, Merag settling down not too far from him. Across the other island, Revolver raised his arm, activating the duel function. The card inserting itself into his deck holster, and he smirked as its description flashed across his visor. 

"This will be the field for our new battle," he announced. "We'll settle this with a Master Duel!"

Chapter Text

"To begin, I'll actiavte Fire Prison," Revolver announced. "Dragon monsters on my field gain 300 Defense, and we cannot attack with any other monsters except Link Monsters. And if we are to summon one, its Link cannot be lower than that of the Link Monster with the highest Link Rating!"

The world around them trembled as steel bars surrounded them, trapping them in what looked to be a bird cage. Floral ornaments covered the upper stratum of the cage, and a large gold icon held them all together. 

"That's gonna be a problem, limiting our Links..." Ai glowered. 

But is that the only thing? Yusaku pondered. I suddenly have a bad feeling about this spell...

He quickly looked back at Merag. From the look on her face, it seemed she was aware as well. A glare from her told him to stay focused, but no less alert.

Yusaku was quick to abide as Revolver wasted no time in building his field, using a combination of Sniffer Dragon, Quick Revolve and Magnavarrett Dragon to summon Twin Triangle Dragon. 

He didn't use Quick Revolve nor Magnavarrett Dragon before... he must be using his real deck now, he surmised.

"I'm not finished yet. When a Dragon-type Link monster is on my field, I can sommon Beltlink Wall Dragon," Revolver continued. The new dragon was massive and serpentine, and two of its eyes began glowing. "Since it was summoned this way, it gains two Wall Counters. And so long as it has these counters, we cannot attack with non-Link monsters, and neither of us can summon Link Monsters with a higher Link Rating that it has counters!"

It was an impressive field, undoubtedly. Twin Triangle Dragon had given Revolver the setup for a powerful defense. Yusaku was having a hard time planning on his counteroffensive with the limitations of both Beltlink Wall Dragon and Fire Prison. 

"Is it just me, or is he playing more carefully?" Ai asked. "That monster's a real pain..."

"Seems so," he agreed, drawing his card. "But we have to get around it somehow."

"Since your turn begins, Beltlink Wall Dragon gains a counter," Revolver interjected. "Now make your move!"

Like I need you to tell me that! "My turn! To start, since you have two or more monsters on the field, I can summon Linkslayer to my field!" Playmaker announced, summoning the warrior to his field. And since I can't attack Twin Triangle Dragon... "And now that a Cyberse monster is on my field, I can summon Backup Secretary to the field as well!"

"I'll also Normal summon Stack Reviver," he continued. "Now! The circuit that guides to the future! Come, Encode Talker!"

The blue-gold paladin appeared by his side, shield at the ready. "Since Stack Reviver was used to Link Summon, I can summon Backup Secretary from my Graveyard," Yusaku exhaled. "Go, Encode! Attack Twin Triangle Dragon!" he ordered.

"Beltlink Wall Dragon's effect activates now!" Revolver interrupted. " You're only allowed to target this monster for an attack!"

It was only 100 points of damage, but now things were playing into his hands. "Since I took damage, I can summon Interrupt Resistor from my hand by making its Attack the damage I took."

"Even if it's just a mere 100 points?" Revolver questioned, amused.

"That's not what he's here for," he countered, and the other duelist flinched as he realized the monster was in Defense Position. "Now that there's a Cyberse on my field with a different Attack to its original, I can activate Cyberse Cache to draw two cards!" 

Yusaku finished his turn with a facedown card, remaining unassuming as he looked back at Revolver. The duelist had a darker look on his face, but looked no less deterred. 

Knowing you couldn't destroy it, you played around Beltlink to set up for a new Link Monster, Revolver frowned. But that strategy will cost you your life.

-          ~          -

Spectating was something that Rio had gotten used to. It was that experience that let her become more observative over the years.

So for her to believe that everything was wrong with Fire Prison. From the moment it had been played, she had sensed the Chaos stirring around from it, particularly the emblem that adorned the outside of it. But while it was powerful, it was dormant for the moment. That had changed when Playmaker had summoned Encode Talker, the energy had spiked, and was still continuing to stir. 

It was enough to make her shiver, and the feel of impending disaster wasn't helping matters. But it wasn't enough to distract her as she watched Revolver summon Autovarrett Dragon, using it and Twin Triangle Dragon for yet another Link Summon. 

"Link Summon! Come, Link 3: Three Burst Blast Dragon!"

It was still a dangerous monster to be sure, the cannon-wielding dragon capable of wreaking havoc on Playmaker's main field. But there was the glaring fact that he had kept Beltlink on the field.

Just what is his plan? Rio shot a glare at Revolver. Topologic Bomber Dragon could have easily cleared his field...

Nothing seemed to come out of her fretting as the visored duelist attacked Backup Secretary, using its effects to deal 300 points of damage to Playmaker in spite of Encode's and Interrupt Resistor's effects. Yet the playing field was all but even still, especially with Playmaker's field. 

He's going for Decode, no doubt, she surmised, watching as he summoned Balancer Lord to his field. The circuit gateway opened once more, giving way for another Link Summon. And with their combined power, they can-

...Oh no.

Everything made sense now. The sensation she had felt in Fire Prison, the disturbance of Chaos with Encode's summoning, not to mention it was still stirring... Another disturbance would-

"Circuit combine! Come, Decode Talker!"

"-And you've played right into the trap, Playmaker!"

On queue, the emblem of the cage began radiating light, descending onto the field. From what Rio could sense, the Chaos energy was seeping into their surroundings, but particularly on Playmaker's monsters. 

"Behold! Fire Prison's true effect!" Revolver raised his fist. "When two or more Cyberse Link Monsters are on the field, all Cyberses lose their effects, cannot attack or be attacked, and cannot be targeted by the effects of cards!"

Playmaker gasped as his monsters began corrupting, slowly dissolving away from the light of the cage. It wasn't long before they were completely erased, the only indicator of the monsters being the card display beneath them. 

To think it would have that kind of effect! Rio watched on in horror. And this density of Chaos... there's no way Hanoi's not connected to ZARC's remnants!

"Ai! Ai!"

She whirled around to see Playmaker tapping the screen of his duel disc. To Rio's surprise, it had gone dark, and the small Ignis wasn't responding. Heck, it didn't look like he was even there anymore-

Oh. Now that explains it all. She was beginning to connect all the dots, and the final picture was not a pleasant one. Ai had a connection to Chaos as well! Not to mention the Cyberse monsters... this card was meant to destroy Ai and the monsters within the Data Storms!

"...So you had this planned from the start with that card," Rio looked at Revolver. "Knowing that Playmaker would seize the opportunity to get his Talkers out against your defense!"

The latter merely smirked. "I do what I must," he responded, turning to Playmaker. "And with the Cyberses sealed, I'll be able to claim that Ignis of yours, Playmaker!"

He looked up from his duel disc. "You've kept calling him 'Ignis' up to this point," he inquired "What's with that?"

Rio noticed the slight fall in the the other duelist's face. "So you truly don't know..." Revolver mused. "Then allow me to inform you before you lose."

"You're right to assume that your Ignis wasn't an ordinary AI," he began. "For generations, humanity has attempted to recreate life purely with technology, yet have only been able to create regular programs. That was because of a lack of a particular something that defines all life."

"That being?" Rio refused to remain silent any longer. 

Revolver looked over to her, face having gone indifferent. "That something was free will," he replied. "It is something that, even within us humans, remains a mystery to us. Yet we know it to be real, for it is what drives all of humanity today."

"However, that order was eventually upheaved. One man was able to recreate that which God had: Beings of free will!" he continued. "And as God was the one who gifted mankind the flame of heaven to evolve, this man dubbed his program as the Ignis: AI with free will."

It was quite a lot to take in, but most of it lined up with Ai's behavior. Fully sentient AI's... that sounds-

"That shouldn't be possible!" Playmaker exclaimed. "How can a program have free will?!"

"A natural reaction. Thought it doesn't matter if you believe me or not," Revolver shook his head. "What matters is that the Ignis are plotting to conquer us all, and they created the Cyberse as part of that plan!"

"And I will see an end to that plan here and now, starting with you!" He was quick to use Three Burst Blast Dragon's to revive Twin Triangle Dragon, and the additions of two Sniffer Dragons to his field made his intent obvious.

"May my new wind pierce the closed world! Arise, Link 4: Borreload Dragon!"

At first, Rio didn't know what to feel about the new dragon. With fluorescent aquamarine wings, orange casing and guns on practically every major appendage it had, it was a monstrosity ripped straight out of a Gundam fantasy! But it was that reality that spoke to her how dangerous this monster was, especially with Playmaker's essentially empty field.

"Go, Borreload Dragon! Attack Playmaker directly!" Revolver commanded. Rio watched on as the dragon began crackling with Chaos energy, wings retracting as a cannon emerged from its mouth. The Chaos was potent enough for Revolver to put an anti-glare visor over his helmet as Borreload reached full charge.

He won't survive something like that, she grimaced, eyes flaring green as she began preparing a field to slow Playmaker's velocity. The most I can do is stop him from being shot out from the storm!

It wasn't helping that her fellow duelist wasn't doing anything to evade the impact. Gods, I know we're dueling, but that doesn't mean you can't move around freely when your life depends on it! she groaned internally as she worked towards completing-

"Take this! Thunder Varrel Cannon!"

It couldn't have come a moment sooner. Rio managed to put the field on Playmaker before Borreload fired its shot.

The impact was immediate. The explosion blasted Playmaker away, shattering the cliff behind him while the residual force pierced the Data Storm from the inside. The ensuing force had shoved Rio several feet back, forcing her to extend an arm as she held onto him. As he got further away, she could feel the strain on her hold on him, and it took all her concentration too keep him from being launched into the storm. 

The smoke eventually cut off her line of sight, but Rio could sense that she had slowed him enough to where she could let him land without too much injury. She gasped as she broke the connection; Playmaker had held on rather tightly to the connection, forcing her to put a bit more power into severing it.

By the tide, that's a Chaos-born creature if I've ever seen it! Rio swerved around to face Revolver and Borreload Dragon, the former of which was looking rather smug.

"I commend that you managed to prevent him from being launched," he remarked. "You saved me the trouble of retrieving him."

"...I didn't do that for you," she shot back, looking back at Playmaker. He was lying facedown on the ground, arms supporting his head. He was hanging on by a mere 600 Life Points, but whether or not he was conscious or not was the real concern.

Oh, who am I kidding? she shook her head. Since when has anything been that simple? For all I know, he might be getting another flashback right now!

She ignored Revolver's staring as she walked over to Playmaker's unconscious form. Rio crouched down, placing a hand on his shoulder and closed her eyes. 

This is no time to be laying, Playmaker, Rio sighed. When she opened her eyes again, they were glowing bright blue as she summoned Numeron's power, letting trace amounts of it flow into Playmaker. Though...I doubt you want to stay down, either. 

-          ~          -

You lose.

Another shock, the pain wracking his body once more. 

Silence, save the hum of the fluorescent lighting.

He was alone-

"Get up."

Who...?

"Think of three things," the voice continued. "Three things to live. Three things to go home. Three things to defeat the enemy."

"By thinking, you can still live."

-

It was always those words that brought Yusaku back. 

He groaned as he opened his eyes, vision coming back to him as he looked up. Revolver had blasted him quite a lengths away, as he looked rather tiny compared to before. A hand on his shoulder told him that Merag was looking after him.

Three things... he thought groggily to himself. Three reasons to win the duel.

One, to regain those memories. His fingers dug into the dirt.

Two, to learn the truth that I may connect those moments in my life. His arms ached and seared in pain as he slowly pulled himself up. 

Three... His mind flashed one more to the voice who had taught him that virtue back in that isolated hell. To find that person...

If he's still trapped... I'm going to save him! Some unseen force sparked within him, and that was the last push he needed to stand tall once more, eyes blazing with fury at Revolver. 

Next to him, Merag looked somewhat relieved, but no less serious. "You're not out yet, Playmaker. Not out of options, at the very least."

"I appreciate the vote of confidence," Yusaku muttered gratefully as he drew his card. He grimaced as pain laced through his body, the blast from Borreload Dragon having done a number on him. But if I don't do something soon, I'll be done for good. 

In spite of the realization of impending disaster, he felt strangely calm. Yusaku could still feel the ache in his body, yet any fatigue he had just felt was being rapidly erased. It was almost like he was being given a second wind, his senses being refreshed for the task at-

Ba-dump.

Of course. How could he have forgotten? 

Link Sense had been the one serviceable thing he had gotten from the Lost Incident. Then that means... Cyberse hasn't died yet!

And that means... Yusaku looked down at his duel disc. "Ai, you still there? If you are... then lend me your strength!"

He got silence as a response, but he didn't mind. The pulse of Cyberse was enough to keep him going forwards. 

"I activate Cynet Universe!" he began. "With it, Link Monsters gain 300 Atk!"

"Whatever you try is pointless!" Revolver proclaimed. "Your Cyberses are already gone!"

"That's where you're wrong," Yusaku glared indignantly back at him. "Their pulse still beats on! And that pulse is enough to break new grounds time and time again!" 

"The circuit that leads to the future opens once more! Come, Decode Talker! Encode Talker!"

"Blasphemous..." Revolver gawked as Yusaku entered the circuit. "You're sacrificing your ace monsters for a Link Summon?!"

"Who said those two were his only aces, Revolver?!" he could hear Merag retort. "Because if that's the case... Playmaker, give him hell!"

No need to tell me! Yusaku almost smirked as the circuit completed itself. "Link Summon! Appear, Link 4: Firewall Dragon!"

It was a stark opposite to the opposing Borreload Dragon. Black skin and wing webbing with blue lines running through them, encased in white armor and held together with massive gold bolts. A circular disc adorned its head, pulsing blue with the mysterious energy he had received. 

As it landed on his field, the cage around them began disappearing. Merag seemed to sag in relief, while Yusaku felt himself breathe a little easier.

"When the monsters sealed by Fire Prison leave the field, Fire Prison is destroyed," Revolver frowned, eyes locked on the new dragon as its attack rose by 300 while Beltlink's defense lowered by 300. 

Meanwhile, a familiar purple light began emanating from Yusaku's duel disc. Another few moments passed before Ai returned to the screen. 

"Welcome back, Ai," Yusaku smirked. "Glad to see you back as a hostage."

"Wuh? Playmaker?" His response was a bit hazy. "How'd I get back? Did you destroy Fire Prison?"

"I did. But we're in a bit of a scrap here," he showed the Ignis the current situation on the field. "We're hanging on by 600 Life points, and we've still got Borreload and Beltlink to deal with."

"600 Life points?!" Ai exclaimed. "Jeez, aren't you in a pinch..."

"Seems someone's back to their sarcastic attitude," Merag rolled her eyes. "But that's enough of that. You have a plan, Playmaker?"

Yusaku nodded back. "You can go back to sleep if you want, Ai," he joked before returning his attention to Revolver. I'll make my stand here!

"Go, Firewall Dragon! Attack Beltlink Wall Dragon!" he commanded. 

Without Fire Prison, Beltlink was destroyed rather unceremoniously by Firewall's blast. "And now Cynet Universe's effect! I can put Encode Talker back into my Extra deck!" he finished with a couple of set cards, bringing an end to his turn. 

The only monsters left on the field were Firewall and Borreload, both of which had begun roaring at each other in a contest of dominance. Their duelists weren't much different, Yusaku and Revolver locking eyes as the new turn began. 

This is only the beginning, Yusaku thought to himself. Whatever you throw at me, Revolver... I'll see it gone!

Chapter Text

This wasn't supposed to happen!

Fire Prison was supposed to spell the end of Playmaker and his blasted Ignis. Without Cyberses, everything had been set up to end his mission.

But now, he was very much alive, the Ignis and the Cyberse were back thanks to Playmaker summoning Firewall Dragon, and now there was potential for the other duelist to make a comeback.

And it had all been because of her.

Revolver's gaze fell on Merag, which quickly morphed into a glare. Just how was she able to stop him from being launched?! I even had Borreload go for an overkill!

There was a time when he had made a note of inspecting her at a later date, mainly the technology she was using. But even with the sophistication of tech that he had observed from her, she should have still suffered knockback or some other adverse effect.

So for Merag to withstand the destructive force of Borreload meant that there was more to her that met the eye. Whatever it was, it made her that much more dangerous.

Perhaps writing her out of the equation was an oversight, he shook his head. Knowing her prowess, she may prove to be a much greater annoyance if I leave her unchecked...

But I'll deal with her later. Especially considering what's happening in the present. Ultimately, it was Playmaker's tenacity that was proving annoying, and he was even beginning a counterassault with Firewall Dragon. Parallel Port Armor solidified that matter, preventing it from being targeted or being destroyed by battle. 

"Since there are Extra Zone Monsters with the same Link Rating, I'll activate Marker Charge to draw two cards," he declared. Revolver regained some of his composure as he looked at the two cards he just drew. "I'll then activate Squib Draw; by destroying a Varret Monster, I can draw two more cards!"

Don't act so complacent yet, Playmaker, he glowered silently, recognizing his new win condition. You may have defied your destruction once. But twice is where I'm drawing the line. 

-          ~          -

"Well, we've stabilized now..." Ai mumbled. "Do you have a plan to get around this, Playmaker?"

If you keep fretting, maybe I won't tell you, Yusaku groaned internally. The situation wasn't exactly favorable at the moment, despite having Firewall and Parallel Port Armor in play. 

He did, however, have a few contingency plans. Recoded Alive and Cynet Refresh can bail me out for a turn, but only if I play my hand correctly, he thought to himself. Can't afford to slip up now!

Meanwhile, Revolver was continuing his offensive. Revolve Boot Sector got out another Autorokket and Anesthrokket to his side of the field, but none of them seemed like an obvious threat to Firewall. Not yet, anyways. 

That acceptance would soon be realized with his next play. "Borreload Dragon's effect activates! I can target a monster on the field and make it lose 500 ATK and DEF!" Revolver continued. "As for the target... I'll choose my own Autorokket Dragon!"

"Wait, huh? He lowered his own monster's stats?" Ai questioned. 

You're going to jinx it at this rate, Ai! Yusaku frowned as Revolver's confidence seemed to return in full force. 

"Now, Autorokket's effect activates! When it's target by a Link Monster's effect, I can destroy Autorokket to destroy one of your Spells or Traps!" he smirked. "Naturally, I'll be destroying your Parallel Port Armor!"

Yusaku winced as his card was destroyed, Firewall's invulnerability being nulled. Not good...

"Now, Borreload! Attack Firewall Dragon!" Revolver ordered. "But since destroying it won't be enough, I'll activate Borreload's other effect! When it attacks a monster, I can instead take control of it and place it next to one of Borreload's Link Arrows!" 

"What?! You're telling me he can take control of Firewall?!" Ai panicked, watching their ace in the hole suddenly appear on Revolver's field, glitching from the unstable connection between it and Borreload. 

But that connection was all he needed. "Firewall Dragon, attack Playmaker directly!"

I'm not out of this yet! "Then I'll activate Cynet Refresh!" he resolved. "When a Cyberse attacks, all monsters in the Main Monster Zone are destroyed!"

Yusaku exhaled as the field was cleared, saving his life points for the moment. That field would soon be repopulated, with Revolve Boot Sector reviving two Magnarokket Dragons and his Cynet Refresh summoning Firewall Dragon back to his side. Activating Recoded Alive got Encode back on his field as well at the cost of banishing Decode Talker. 

I'm fighting on a tightrope here, but I'm still alive for the moment, he thought to himself, brow furrowing. I'm not giving up here!

-          ~          -

They really know how to make it a close duel, huh? 

Despite the difference in Life Points, Rio recognized what could unfurl within the next couple of turns. Despite Borreload Dragon and the various Rokket Dragons on Revolver's side, Playmaker's combo of Firewall Dragon and Encode Talker had the potential to turn the tides.

It reminded her of Yuma and Ryouga, in a sense. Revolver's superior prowess was a cold reflection of her brother back when he had first dueled Yuma, while Playmaker's tenacity mirrored the knucklehead's unwavering resolve to pull through. 

If this wasn't a duel for war, I'd have enjoyed this a lot more. Rio sighed, watching as Playmaker drew his card. But I can't think like that for now... not until I get to the bottom of this.

Borreload Dragon was the monster bothering her the most. Aside from its monster effect perfectly synergizing with Revolve Boot Sector and his various Rokket Dragons, it didn't hide the fact that it was a behemoth chock-full of Chaos, not to mention it had the same energy signature as the late ZARC.

Yet she had also sensed trace amounts of that same Chaos from Firewall and Playmaker's Code Knights. And that was enough to throw her senses off, if her recent visions were any indicators.

Just what is going on here? It was getting quite frustrating for Rio, but she kept those thoughts to herself. Hanoi's obviously the perpetrator of abusing ZARC's remnants for their ends, yet Playmaker's monsters are utilizing that same power! And all of them have enough power to cause real damage to their opponents, too...

It was a peculiar thought, really. Wait... all of them are Cyberse monsters... Many of which were born of the Data Storm... That can't be a coincidence about what I'm feeling from them...

These two... who are they, really? 

Those questions had to be put on hold as she returned her focus to the Duel. Playmaker had just announced an attack on Borreload Dragon with Firewall after activating Battle Buffer.

"What's the point of attacking if you have less Attack points?" Revolver asked. 

"Well, how about we show you then?!" Ai shot back. "Encode's effect activates now! Since its Link Arrow is pointed at Firewall, it isn't destroyed by Attacks, and battle damage becomes zero!"

The attack bounced off of Borreload harmlessly, albeit in a sizeable explosion. "Now Encode's other effect activates! After damage calculation, Firewall gains Borreload's Attack!"

It was impressive to say the least, seeing Firewall's Attack rise to 5800. But that's not all, is there Playmaker? Rio smirked.

"Battle Buffer's effect also triggers! I can place a counter on it after damage calculation, and my Cyberse Monsters gain 700 Attack per counter!"

Firewall's Attack rose even higher to 6500, but that wasn't the main point of interest. Encode's Attack rose to 3300, barely overshadowing Borreload's Attack.

"Encode Talker! Attack-!"

"Don't be so complacent! Borreload's effect activates now!" Revolver countered, having recognized his gambit. "Encode loses 500 ATK and DEF, and you cannot counter this effect!" 

It was another attack thwarted, and Playmaker even took 200 points of damage as a result. But he didn't seem content to stop just yet. "But now I activate Recode Alive's effect in my graveyard! Revive, Decode Talker!" 

The purple knight arose once more, Link Marker pointing to Firewall. Its Attack shot up to 4600 thanks to its effect and Battle Buffer. "Go, Decode Talker!" he commanded.

But once again, Revolver seemed to have another answer. "I activate Borrel Refrigeration! By tributing Anesthrokket, I can have Borreload Dragon target a monster and make it immune to destruction by battle or by effects! And you remember what happens when Magnarokket is targeted by a Link Monster's effect," he added the last part with a bit more malice to his tone.  

So close! She looked on in dismay as Magnarokket's effect sent Decode Talker to the Graveyard. Blast him... 

"Give it up, Playmaker!" Revolver grinned triumphantly once more. "All your options are spent, your hand is empty, and your Life Points sits at a mere 400. When my next turn comes, I'll finish you!"

"No. I won't lose here," Playmaker glared at him defiantly. "Not now, especially after all I've done to fight you here..."

"I have three reasons why I must defeat you!"

Rio could have sworn her own pulse stopped in that moment. Did he just-

"One, I'll defeat you and uncover the truth about what happened ten years ago!"

"Two, I'll regain the time I've lost!"

"Three... I'll save the one who saved me!"

Revolver also seemed to be at a loss for words. For the first time she had seen him, Hanoi's leader was showing a sense of humanity. "Ten years ago... three things..." he muttered. "You're the one from then...?"

But Rio didn't care about that. What mattered was that there was exactly one person she knew who talked in that manner.

You've got to be... Yusaku?

-          ~          -

Yusaku wasn't sure what had brought the duel to silence. All he had done was say a piece of his mind, and everyone began gawking at him!

Across the field, Revolver was still staring at him. The other duelist seemed fixated on what he had just said. 

"...You're a fool, Playmaker," Revolver said through clenched teeth. "You say all that... only to help SOLTech without knowing the truth...!"

I could care less about SOLTech right now! "There's only one thing that matters to me now," Yusaku clenched his fist, glaring daggers at him. "I'll crush you and the Knights of Hanoi, that I can learn everything that happened that day!"

Revolver took a step back as Yusaku continued his assault. "I now activate Parallel Port Armor's effect from the Graveyard!" he declared. "By banishing it and two other Link Monsters in my Graveyard, my Link Monsters can attack twice this turn!" 

"Get him, Playmaker! Even if Borreload Dragon can't be destroyed, he’ll still take the damage!" Ai glared victoriously at Revolver. 

For once, he was inclined to follow the Ignis’ call. “Firewall Dragon! Finish Revolver off!”

The attack tore through Borreload Dragon, the resulting explosion blasting Revolver back into the cliff as his Life Points were depleted. He crumpled down to a kneeling position, glaring at him with pure hatred.

Yusaku returned the glare, "As promised, I'll take the information you-"

"I'll eat it all up!"

Before he could finish, Ai extended from his Duel Disc, taking on the same form he took back when Yusaku had captured him. The Ignis let out a war cry before lunging forwards at him

Revolver attempted to dodge, but still got an arm ripped off from Ai's lunge. He clutched the glitching stump as he did, but the weakness from the blast force was showing through as he fell to his knees once more.

"That's for reducing me to an eyeball!" Ai snarled. "Now let's see how you like being crushed to dust!"

As he went for a second bite, a bolt of lightning struck Ai, halting his advance. All the while, a beam of green light descended from above, flashing onto Revolver.

Someone's interfering from outside! "Ai, fall back!" Yusaku called out, to which the Ignis begrudgingly abided. His snake-like form retracted back into his duel disc as he recovered from the shock. 

"Bastard! Trying to escape now?!" the Ignis fumed, watching as Revolver being called back by the outside force.

"Call it what you will," he replied tersely, looking back to Yusaku and Merag. "But I do keep my promises."

A card formed in his remaining hand. With some effort, he tossed the card straight into Yusaku's deck holder. 

"Playmaker! Merag! Know this well," Revolver was glaring daggers at the two of them. "The winds may not have blown for me today... but so long as you possess that Ignis, this duel will only be the beginning!" 

That was the last he was able to say before he was taken away in full, the green light disappearing with him. 

Ai was the first to speak up. "Aww, we were so close!" he raged, "But he still managed to escape! When I get my hands on him again, I'll-"

"Save your breath, Ai," Merag cut him off. "You'll need it the next time you face off against him and his lackeys."

Yusaku said nothing, instead opting to boot up the removal program. Around them, the Data Storm began to slow and die off, allowing the islands to drift down and land safely on several nearby buildings. From a quick assessment, the citadel was halfway across the city from where they were. 

"-Ku! Yusaku!" That was a reassuring voice to hear. "Can you hear me now?"

"Loud and clear, Kusanagi," he replied, hoping that Merag wasn't tuned into the comms. "I have the removal program now. Could you teleport me over to the citadel?"

"Alright. Hang tight." Several seconds later, the ruined city disappeared from view, and the cleanlier sight of the citadel materialized before him. 

Zaizen had been standing by his sister the entire time. He seemed relieved by his reappearance, looking towards him hopefully. "Playmaker! Did you...?"

"Here's the removal program," He replied as he raised his hand, activating it. A stream of glowing green code began to fall on Blue Angel, seeping into her avatar. With this, she should...

Soon enough, the stream cut itself off, and Yusaku could have swore he saw a smile on her face before she disappeared.

"Seems like she was able to log off," Ghost Girl remarked, having materialized as well before approaching the altar. She must have been ordered to oversee the duel, he realized. Zaizen sighed in relief, posture relaxing significantly at the good news. 

My job's done here, finally, Yusaku watched as they conversed before turning around and walking away. He got about halfway across the field before a voice interrupted him. 

"Playmaker," he said nothing, but paused as Zaizen spoke up once more. "...Thank you. For saving her."

A pity that it's only the beginning, Yusaku thought solemnly to himself. Enjoy the reprise while you can. 

"And... thank Merag for me as well."

Wait, is she not...? Yusaku took a look around. To his surprise, Merag hadn't accompanied him back, the other duelist being nowhere in sight. She seemed troubled earlier... hopefully she's alright.

"I'll do that much," was his last comment before he logged off, leaving Zaizen and Ghost Girl to their own devices.

-          ~          -

Yusaku nearly collapsed as he exited the pod. Thankfully, Kusanagi had noticed in time to prop him up.

"Are you alright?" he asked, helping Yusaku settle down into a chair. "That's the longest you've been on Link VRAINS up to this point..."

He looked up wearily. "I'll... I'll manage," he muttered. "How's Aoi now...?"

"Right-" Kusanagi cruised onto his chair again, typing away on the keyboard to hack into the hospital's surveillance footage. The screen came to life, showing a smiling Aoi greeting Zaizen as he entered the room. He didn't bother with turning up the audio; considering Zaizen was actively crying in relief, it was safe to say that everything turned out well.

And we got data off of Revolver, he grinned. Nice going, Yusaku. 

"My, he's asleep already?" Ai observed, looking at Yusaku. The other man had drifted into a nap, dozing off peacefully. "Isn't he quite lazy?"

"'Lazy' isn't how I'd put it," Kusanagi replied. "Heroes need rest, y'know."

"So that's how you see him?" If an eyeball could have a curious look, Ai was certainly demonstrating it. "I'd think heroes are more like me: smart, wonderful, and cool-"

"Funny how all of those can apply to Yusaku as well," he smirked. "Merag too... I ought to thank her later for saving his skin back in that duel."

"Hey! I don't get credit for that?!" Ai fumed. "C'mon, at least show me some appreciation here!"

"Well, I can do that for you if you tell me the data you ate off Revolver," Kusanagi grinned, placing the duel disc above the reader. "Or I could just extract it from you like I usually do."

Ai made an audible grimace. "I'd rather tell you than that, pervert," he grumbled. "So anyways... it's, uh... well, it's-"

"Extraction it is, then," Kusanagi was already typing away at the keyboard.

"Geez, you're no fun..."

But now to more serious matters, he thought, brow furrowing as he sifted through the data Ai consumed. There's also what Revolver said... something about Ai having free will. 

Maybe I can find the answer to all that with what Ai got... 

Such was much easier said than done. By the time Yusaku woke up again, the best Kusanagi had managed was wrap up his analysis on the information... though none of it made a whole lot of sense.

"Finally awake?" he asked. "I managed to sift through Ai's code while you were off in dreamland."

The other boy perked up at that. "What did you learn?"

"I've pieced together why Revolver called Ai 'alive'," he remarked. "The possession of free will is his definition of 'being alive', hence why he called them as such."

"Would explain why he's after Ai..." Yusaku muttered. 

"But that's just the surface stuff, unfortunately." Kusanagi sighed with a bit of annoyance. "As for the data... this program's completely incomprehensible. Most I've got is this static-riddled image."

He wasn't lying. Yusaku could maybe make out a hand and a couple of eyes if he squinted, but otherwise it was far too distorted for any normal person to comprehend. 

"What the heck is that...?" he muttered. 

"Oh? Struggling to figure out what I ate?"

Ai's voice permeated from his duel disc, yet the small Ignis wasn't on the screen. 

"...I'm not in the mood for games, Ai," Yusaku replied. "So do be blunt."

"Don't worry, this'll be worth it~" The glitching on the screen became worse as he spoke. "Besides, you two will be the first humans I willingly show my true form in!"

"Your what-?"

A brilliant flash of light filled the room before they could ask properly, blinding Yusaku and Kusanagi. Through the harsh glint, they could faintly make out the outline of a tiny figure emerging from Yusaku's duel disc, pulling itself out of the murk of the screen before standing tall. 

The light eventually dimmed, allowing the two to see him in full. And...

"Ta-daa! This is my true form!" Ai announced. "Behold what I regained from that nasty Revolver!"

Yusaku had to do a double take before reassessing what he was seeing. He was humanoid in shape, with purple linings engraved into his black body. Two glowing orange dots served as eyes, and the screen beneath him was glowing purple where his feet were.

Other than that, he was... largely unimpressive, to be frank. Kusanagi shared a glance with him that mirrored his disbelief.

"Run through the program another time, Kusanagi," Yusaku turned his head back to the screen and began typing away.

"Right you are," he replied, wasting no time in opening the program once more. 

"H-hey! Are you two serious?" Ai looked between the two of them. "No reaction at all? Even after seeing this!?"

Yusaku passed a glance to Ai. "Well, if you had actually ate something useful, I might have at least flinched."

"What do you mean, 'at least flinched'?!" Ai fumed. "I'm awesome and cute! That's what matters here!"

The conversation quickly devolved into a petty argument between the two of them. Neither of them seemed content to back down, and it was quickly becoming more and more apparent that Ai hadn't gathered anything else of value.

"Yusaku... you might want to see this," Kusanagi's tone was grim, distracting Yusaku and Ai from their small argument. 

"What is it...?" 

"Look for yourself," he replied, pulling up the screen. It seemed to be an encrypted message from someone, with most of the text being garbled with a cypher.

"What about it?" Yusaku wasn't quite understanding his partner's concern, and neither was Ai.

"Here... let me show you what I meant."

For the most part, it seemed relatively benign. Most of the top text was taken from local news articles and had been ciphered into the message. With such meaningless scrabble, he could at least rule out it being sent from Hanoi or SOLTech. 

But as Kusanagi unencrypted the message in full, Yusaku's curiousity morphed into silent dread. Especially when he realized the author of the message, as well as their intent in the final two sentences:

We need to talk.

You know where to find me.

Chapter Text

Revolver successfully retreating was to be expected. With an organization of his size, having a backdoor prepared would be all to easy for him and his lackeys. 

Yet Rio had been dissociated with the circumstances for a while now. Her mind was firmly locked on Playmaker... or rather, Yusaku.

The other duelist was quietly conversing with Ai about the validity of the removal program. A happy noise from the Ignis was enough to tell her that it was the real deal. 

At least Aoi can wake up now. It was a modicum of satisfaction, but it was comforting nonetheless. But now... 

"...You're sure you're going to be alright?" he asked, snapping Rio out of her daze. "It seems like something's nagging at you."

"I'll be fine," she quickly responded. "Go on ahead. We can talk about it later."

He seemed skeptical at first, but he eventually nodded. He typed a command into his duel disc, and he was gone moments later. 

Rio said nothing as he took his leave, the distant churning of the magma in the city streets the only noise audible. To say she was distracted at the moment was an understatement.

Is there really anything to feel? She couldn't put a finger on what she wanted. And why do I feel as if I should be more surprised than I am now?

But she could figure out her feelings later, confused as she was. First, there was another wrinkle to attend to. 

"You can come out now," she turned around, looking upwards. "I know you're there, Ghost Girl."

A moment's silence followed, before she got her response. "My, are we perceptive?" The older woman hopped down from her perch, joining her on the same building. "Here I thought you would have gone back with Playmaker already."

Rio suppressed a shiver. Even hearing his moniker didn't sit right with her anymore. "He's the one with the removal program. My job here's done for the most part."

"And by 'the most part' you mean me," she realized. Even with the scarf over her mouth, Rio could tell she was smiling. "Knowing I'm the hired gun."

"...I trust you can keep everything about this duel confidential between us and Zaizen?" she asked.

A curious glimmer streaked through Ghost Girl's eyes. "It's part of my job, darling," she teased. " Though I must say... there's a lot more that meets the eye when it comes to Playmaker and Revolver, don't you think?"

You're telling me. "That's one way to put it," Rio nodded. It was like Revolver was familiar with Yusaku! Is that even possible?

It was already giving her a headache thinking about it. I... might be better off getting the answers from him in person. 

"Zaizen's probably looking for you," she said. "He'll suspect you if you're gone much longer."

"Ah, my only peeve on my employer," Ghost Girl sighed. "But you do have a point. We can talk later." As she mentioned that, she flicked a small coin at Rio, who promptly caught it. 

"'Later?'" Rio raised an eyebrow, palming the coin in her hand. 

"No need to fret! It's just my contact," she assured. "Besides, I've seen the capabilities of your duel disc. Confident as I am in my abilities, I'd be worse for wear if I tried hacking you."

With a nonchalant "toodles", she warped away. Yet Rio had a sneaking suspicion that she had something more in mind. 

We need to talk. You know where to find me.

Neither Kusanagi nor Ai had said a word as they drove, giving Yusaku much-needed reprise. But the second he set out of the back of the van, he had made a mad dash to the doors of the academy.

It was the new problem of reaching her in a timely manner. With no elevators, the only way up was the stairwell. 

So many... damn stairs. Every step was torture, and it didn't help that he only recently recovered from his latest trip to VRAINS. I know we need the privacy, but did she really have to choose the highest-rising part of the academy?!

Despite his personal reservations and the protests of his aching body, Yusaku eventually clambered his way to the roof of the academy, pushing the door open and letting the light hit his face.

He half-expected what he saw at the balcony. Rio was looking off into the setting sun, arms crossed at the wind sifted through her hair. Her uniform's blazer hung on her shoulders, letting her hands freely reside in the pockets of her sweats. It was the classic rebel look, but something about how she pulled it off made her look graceful in the moment, especially with the sun illuminating her in full. 

"There you are," Rio was the first to break the silence. "Sorry about dragging you all the way up here. It was... necessary."

Well thanks for the workout, "I... probably deserve that, don't I?" he replied weakly. 

"I'd rather not put it that way... Besides, I'm sure you know that it's going to get worse from here," Rio didn't bother to look at him as she spoke, her lighthearted tone doing nothing to betray her authoritative intent. "Wouldn't you say, Playmaker?"

"Rio..." No- she's also Merag, he realized. "Guess there's no point hiding it anymore, seeing as I'm here."

"Well, I for one am glad you took the hint," she remarked, finally turning around to meet him in the eye. "But let's not dally too long. I'm sure you also have questions for me."

She's turning up the pressure. He could feel a lump hit his throat, seeing how a simple change in words from her could speak volumes. "How long have you known?" he asked.

"Straight to the chase. I appreciate that." She looked down at his duel disc, Ai shrinking back a bit. "I've had my suspicions. But nothing concrete until that duel." 

"Sure, there were the smaller bits like the similarities in your voice and duel disc. But even I could emulate those factors with a degree of success." Her gaze returned to Yusaku, a thoughtful look visible in her eyes. "As for the harder strokes... well, I'll give you a taste of your own medicine, seeing as I had three major reasons to suspect you."

The last sentence was said lightheartedly, and that tone alone was enough to get him to relax. "I'll hear you out then," Yusaku nodded, ignoring Ai preening off to the side. He noticed a slight smile crossing her lips, one that almost felt like a "thank you" for his understanding. 

"One - this one was surprising, even for me - when we first met," Rio started, holding up a finger. "Speed Duels didn't exist until you captured Ai. It felt too coincidental that you knew about the three Main Monster Zone limit before Playmaker began dueling in that format... unless you had been exposed to it much earlier than your memories suggest." 

"You're scary, you know that Rio?" Ai was more pensive this time, but this time she recognized the compliment with a smile. "No wonder Yusaku turned to you contrary to everyone else he's met."

"Be quiet," Yusaku interjected. "Remember whose the captive here."

"If I recall, right now it's both of you," the stress she put on those words was enough to end their spat. "So let's get back on topic, shall we?"

If A.I.'s could sweat, Yusaku was sure Ai managed to do so. "Go on."

"With pleasure," her tone softened, but was no less stern.

"Two: our first 'date'," she held up another finger, and Yusaku couldn't help but feel intimidated somehow. "This was a continuation of my first hunch... and it was quite the gamble."

"Part of me didn't want to suspect you at first," she admitted. "But I couldn't rest easy without putting that hunch to ease. And sure enough, that book was enough to elicit a reaction out of you, no matter how subtly."

So I unwittingly exposed myself back then, too. He was beginning to realize just how much Rio had put into her investigation on him. "I knew that title was too explicit to be unintentional..." he muttered. 

"I couldn't believe it when I found that book in the library," Rio giggled. "Conveniences aside, it worked as intended. My hunch soon became a hypothesis."

"Which brings me to point number three:" she continued, holding up the third finger. "You asking for my help in person."

"At that point, I had narrowed things down to two possibilities. Either you were Playmaker himself or you were someone helping him from the shadows. But when you asked me that day, it occurred to me that Kusanagi was more likely to be your partner... because knowing you, any friends that you have must be incredibly close to you."

I was playing to her every whim. It was a terrifying thought, but it was strangely not off-brand for Rio.

"Satisfied?" she tilted her head. "Or do I need to tack on a few extra points?"

It's astonishing how quickly she managed to piece things together. Yusaku felt a bead of sweat tracing down his brow. "...It's as you surmised," he bowed his head in defeat. "Are you going to chastise me now, or...?"

"Okay, I'm going to stop you right there," she huffed, raising a hand to interrupt him. "You really think I called you hear just to nag your ear off?"

"You kind of already have..." Ai countered, earning him a light glare that quickly made him retreat. 

"I'll just say it right now: I'm not mad at you," she said. "All I wanted to do was confirm the truth in person. But I also wanted to give you that chance, too."

"My only peeve was that you didn't confide in me sooner," Rio admitted, sighing. "Although... you did have every right to be apprehensive in doing so. You didn't know I had a connection to the incident... at least as me, not just Merag."

She fell silent after that, a hint of remorse apparent in her eyes. Something told Yusaku that it was better that he didn't ask, at least for now.

"Look, what I mean to say is that... Things are going to get more dangerous from here," she continued. "So long as we've devoted ourselves to this path, they won't relent until they've ripped every option out of you. And the more you delve alone, the more likely you won't be able to get back up."

"What do you mean?"

She placed a hand on his shoulder. "I mean that we have everything to lose if we don't work together," she replied. "Skilled as you are, trying to thwart Hanoi alone is a suicide mission. I'm sure you've realized that by now."

Is it really a suicide mission if I'm succeeding? But she did raise a valid point, if the aching in his body was any indicator. Even she can tell I can't last as long as I want to...

"Besides, I'd rather not lose you, either." A smile cracked upon her lips once more. "You're a great friend, Yusaku. If I had to see you lose yourself like this... That would leave a very bitter taste in my mouth if I wasn't there along for the ride."

His eyes widened at that. Yusaku could admit their conversations had been the most lively ones he'd had in years. And the soft moment after their hospital visit had burned something into his chest that threatened to spark.

I let you down once already, he thought solemnly. But now, more than ever... I don't want to lose you either, Rio.

"Never thought that you'd take to a cause like this," Yusaku muttered softly. "But seeing what you've done, both as yourself and Merag... I should have approached you sooner." 

"You think?" she scoffed, but amusement lit up in her eyes. "I've followed crazier causes. Compared to that, this is nothing."

Curse the both of them!

Revolver grimaced as he returned to his headquarters, still holding the stump of his arm. Even though it was just his avatar's arm, the ensuing pain that registered in his body was more than enough to make him sulk.

But that wasn't the biggest thing that was bothering him. Those three things, "the friend who saved him"... how does Playmaker know that? And revenge...  

"It's not often that I see you shaken up like this."

He whirled around to find his father standing behind him. "However, with what Playmaker said today... fate sure can be scary."

"Scary, indeed..." Revolver said nothing as Kogami raised his hand, a stream of code reforming his arm. "But the next time I fight him, I promise...!"

"You needn't fret too much on your defeat," he closed his eyes. "It was not a complete loss, seeing as we have more duel data about him. But the fact remains that the Ignis remains on the loose."

Kogami's face hardened, and the latter was quick to pick up on his intent. "Then... will you be making preparations towards the final plan?" Revolver asked.

"Indeed. Despite this setback, the mission does not change," he nodded. "I will leave the rest to you, son."

"I understand," he quietly bowed, watching as his father disappeared. It was only until after he was gone that he rose.

Three things... that speech pattern... That was the thing he had told that boy back in that lighted cell. Playmaker... are you...?

"Spectre," he called out. Not long after, another man digitized in front of him, bowing. 

"You called?"

"Begin the next step of the operation," he ordered. "And should Playmaker or Merag appear, notify me immediately."

Chapter Text

"You're not bothered at all by your new position?"

"Save for the way you just phrased that sentence, no I'm not."

Emma was accustomed to meeting with Zaizen at a moment's notice. Aoi had been saved and was recovering steadily in the hospital, yet the damage to VRAINS that Revolver had caused was inexcusable in SOLTech's eyes. The failure to acquire Playmaker's Ignis only added insult to injury. 

As such, the news of his demotion hadn't surprised her all that much.

"Seems you have a heartless bunch running SOLTech," Emma mused, cocking her head towards him. "Speaking of which, I heard the new head was your former boss. Is he trustworthy in any regard?"

A sigh from Zaizen seemed to disprove that thought. "The only thing I can 'trust' is that he will anything to complete his task," he replied. "Take what he's doing as his first initiative as an example. Currently, he's launching an entire army of AI duelists to combat the Knights of Hanoi."

"As for how successful he'll be... well." A forlorn look shadowed his eyes, his doubts clear as day. 

"Well, that's what happens when you let scoundrels have that kind of authority," Emma chuckled lightly. "But then again, you hired me when you were Head of Security... so I suppose you can say that about any fast-growing company."

Zaizen gave a disgruntled noise. "It was out of necessity. How else was I going to get Playmaker?"

Oh, you silly man. You were the one who insisted on that plan specifically, Emma mused. But now that you mention him... "Well, if you had paid attention to him a little more, you would have realized his driving motivation is the incident ten years ago."

"I barely know anything about it," he retorted. "That was news for me when he talked about it."

"Really, now?" It was surprising, seeing the clearance he got as the Head of Security. "Here I thought the higher-ups would at least tell you about it. Guess I put my expectations a bit too high."

"It only gets worse from here, I'm afraid," he continued, shoulders slacking in defeat. "With my demotion, the likelihood that I'll be in contact with the admins is slim at best... granted I don't do anything that would risk a further demotion."

How bothersome, really. She had primarily relied on Zaizen for insider information, but it seemed like that outlet was about to run dry.

But I'm not out of options yet. And I'm certainly not done with SOLTech just yet. "Well, seeing as though you have about as much information as I do right now, I suppose I'll have to find them myself."

"How do you intend to do that?" 

"Wouldn't you like to know?" she smirked. "I've managed to make a backdoor program that can infiltrate SOLTech's databank. Maybe then I'll find my answers." 

A startled gasp escaped him. "You what?"

"Why else do you think I've consistently taken jobs from SOLTech?" Emma retorted. "When you work with a group for long enough, connections build between the two parties. And it's with those connections where you start learning all sorts of secrets." 

It had been after a particularly long night, where one of SolTech's higher management got a bit loose-mouthed after drinking too much. While the Data Storm had thrown a wrench in that plan, she had managed to circumvent it and successfully create the backdoor. 

Zaizen seemed to calm down, no longer looking as distressed. "Will you... give it to me?" he asked.

"Alas, therein lies the issue," Emma shook her head. "If you had more information about what happened back then, I might have considered giving it to you. But seeing you don't... I'm afraid you'd have to buy it at my asking price. Forty million Credits, to start."

"Forty million?!" Zaizen flinched away, but his eyes bulged somewhat at the absurdity. "Emma, are you-?"

"Betraying you?" she interrupted. "Hardly. But what I am saying is that you don't have to be the one who buys it, Zaizen."

"I'm not saying I no longer value our connection. But at the end of the day, I'm still a hacker for hire," she continued, looking out on the river bank. "And if I don't get as much value from an exchange between said connections, there comes the intent to find someone else who can provide."

Emma almost chuckled when she saw the scowl on Zaizen's face. "Then if not me... what do you intend on doing with it?" he questioned.

"Simple. There are people who would do anything for the chance at unraveling SOLTech's past," she added smugly. "And I happen to know at least three other people who'd want those answers more than you currently do... namely the ones actually involved in that incident."

Emma got up to leave, striding back to her motorcycle. Zaizen scowled, but didn't make any attempt to stop her. 

"I didn't take you for a gawker, Zaizen," she remarked as she mounted her vehicle, "Or are you going to stop standing there and start thinking of something? The choice is yours."

She left without another word, leaving him stunned as she drove off into the cityscape once more.

-          ~          -

Hanoi hadn't made their next move yet, which was fine for Emma. It just gave her more time to consider her options.

Night had fallen over the city, the streets graciously quiet as she typed away. With the recent Hanoi attacks and Blue Angel's disappearance from the public eye, not many duelists were inclined to duel on VRAINS. Even Charisma Duelists were hesitant to enter the platform, instead keeping their fans updated on social media to ease their worries. 

All of those factors made public duel showcasing a liability, and Link VRAINS a ghost town. That works to my advantage, though, she smirked. No prying eyes means I can work my magic unperturbed. 

Emma took out a portable drive and inserted it into her laptop. A few clicks later, the screen blazed to life with the footage she had acquired while spectating Playmaker's duel. 

Playmaker got himself a secret helper, she observed, fast forwarding to her being blocked by the Data Storm followed by the subsequent intervention of that outside party. They're the one who helped me get through the storm back then. I still have their source code, so I could in fact message them so I could barter with Playmaker. 

The footage continued rolling, eventually playing the conversation between Revolver and Playmaker. Even now, their talk about the origins of the Ignis and Playmaker's involvement in the Lost Incident was fascinating to Emma. Seems Revolver knows something's being hidden by SOLTech, she observed. And if these two really do have history... that'd give further incentive for Playmaker to try and barter for this backdoor. 

It was the obvious route, considering there was no way he'd pass up on learning about the Lost Incident. I can even take a stab at getting Playmaker's AI. We'd probably have to duel for our bargaining chips... but it's still interesting, nonetheless.

But then there's the dark horse in this game... Merag. 

She was the one who was piquing her interest more than Emma cared to admit. Going out to help Playmaker out of her own volition is quite radical. And mostly everything around her is still a mystery.

Yet she was still considerate enough to bail me out from the Data Storm before I was sucked up, she nodded to herself as she replayed the footage of their conversation. She's conscientious in that regard... and perhaps more approachable, too. 

The video paused right as the two parted ways. It'd be safe to assume that she's working with him out of a shared goal, rather than completely voluntarily, she concluded. Which means their partnership is primarily superficial. And that means I have a better chance to get past security with her help. 

But no matter who gets the data, the other will come following soon enough. Emma smiled as she finished typing her message and sent it. So perhaps I owe her a little something... I did promise her, after all. 

Rio let out a groan as she finally made landfall on her bed. The fatigue had finally caught up with her, and the soothing touch of the blankets was a welcome reprieve.

Although the attacks from Hanoi had died down, Rio was more busy than ever. Not long after her confrontation with Yusaku, she had begun detecting spikes in Chaos readings all over the city, some of which had caused noticeable damage to the nearby infrastructure. She had even noticed several ambulances streaming away from those locations, signifying that there were citizens suffering from excessive exposure to the energy.

The past couple of days had been spent using her powers to place wards in those Chaos-dense regions. For all the work she had to do in order to install them, Rio knew that they were a temporary fix at best. Powerful as she was, she knew she could only go as far as thinning the densest patches of Chaos without leaving herself prone. 

At least the worst of the Chaos is contained for now. She let her arms droop to her sides. But it still feels as though I've barely made a dent! 

It wasn't helping things that Numeron had been silent for the last several months. But seeing as the world hadn't collapsed yet, it was safe to say that he was still hanging in there. 

All the more reason for me to focus on my mission, she willed herself to stand up, ignoring the soreness in her body as she settled down on a chair next to her desk. It's not like these last months haven't revealed anything. Better to start here than at square one, at any rate. 

Rio had made it a habit to write down her findings, even going so far as to install a reminder board in front of he desk and pinning them on. She was fortunate that the windows of her apartment were tinted, lest people began making rumors that she was secretly insane. 

Hanoi's the most obvious perpetrator of the Chaos spikes, she hummed, rapping a finger on her desk. Back in that first duel, that Knight of Hanoi threatened to self-destruct. And judging from Ai's reaction, the threat seemed justified. 

Normally, a threat like that would be hollow, considering it's still a digital space. But seeing now that Hanoi has some control over Chaos, that damage can manifest on the victim's actual body in the form of nerve damage. It was a concerning thought, and it further painted the Knights as a terrorist organization.

"If I had a nickel for every time card games were used to harm people..." she muttered, shaking her head out of fatigue. Griping aside, that does seem to be how Chaos has been so rampant here.

The main problem is how Hanoi's infusing them with Chaos. How in heck is Revolver keeping his minions stable, especially with Chaos as potent as ZARC's? Impressive as it was, her past experiences had taught her that normal humans could only withstand so much Chaos before experiencing adverse effects. So the fact that Revolver was controlling it made it that much more infuriating for Rio to crack.

Another thought popped into her head, namely what Revolver had responded to Yusaku indirectly revealing himself. He mentioned "helping SOLTech", despite it being pretty clear we're not on the friendliest terms, Rio lulled over the thought for a moment, realizing the holes in that account. And what "truth" is he talking about? Did SOLTech have some kind of involvement in the Incident?

It was a possibility, at least one she had not considered yet. For all the research that she had done regarding the event, the information regarding that event was few and far between. 

It's a start, though, she exhaled, leaning back in her chair. As to where to start... guess I'll have to get digging.

Fortunately for Rio, she would get her answers sooner than she expected. A notification buzzing on her duel disc gave her a moment's respite. Rio tapped her screen to life, pressing on the pop-up.

What she was treated to was... confounding, at first. The page that Rio had been linked to looked to be a garbled mess of randomly generated symbols, letters and numbers. From an initial read, it looked like someone smashed their face into their keyboard multiple times and called it good. 

But from her time spent watching Kaito and Orbital decrypting ancient runes and dimension-spanning objects, she knew that there was much more to this. With some effort and the help of her duel disc, she managed to decipher to page, revealing... An invitation? 

If you're reading this, Merag, this message is in the right hands.

I'll keep things quick: I've created a backdoor into SOLTech's data bank.

I'm sure you'll find some answers regarding the Lost Incident in there.

Meet me in Link VRAINS at these coordinates. We can negotiate things from there.

                                                                                                  - Ghost Girl

Would explain the coding, she shrugged. It was cleverly encoded, most likely to prevent the Hanoi from deciphering it had it been intercepted. Even with Numeron's augments to my duel disc, that took me a good amount of time to crack!

The rest of the page detailed the entire floor plan of SOLTech's data bank, as well as the safest route to reach it. Unfortunately, there were no other indicators as to what would await her as she followed that path. There's guaranteed to be multiple security measures around here. Gotta be careful about that.

While she did have her reservations, her mind soon wandered back to her first encounter with Ghost Girl. She was able to create that elaborate of a trap out of Link VRAINS' code, Rio set her duel disc down. All in all, her hacking skills are top-notch. So perhaps this backdoor is reliable after all.

The only thing that bothered her was the last sentence; Negotiating always had its price.

There's a chance she could use this as leverage for dueling Yusaku. But knowing her... is that her only goal?

Rio had seen the glint in the other woman's eyes back in their encounter. Coupled with her occupation, more pieces began lining up. She targeted SOLTech, of all companies. No matter how I look at it, they're looking more and more suspicious by the second... So perhaps she also has something else to gain from them. 

Either way, sitting around and waiting won't give me those answers. Her mind was made up at that point. Rio's eyes narrowed as she attached her duel disc to her wrist before lying down on the bed, starting up the login sequence in the meantime. It's high time that I do some snooping of my own. 

-          ~          -

The night cityscape was a more comfortable sight for Rio. Perhaps the darker lighting of Barian World was the reason. 

Admittedly, the city was still recovering from Revolver's attack, visible patches of code silently working to mend the damage. Despite that, the breeze of the Data Storm sifted through her hair, and the Chaos in the air made it feel more lifelike.

Although... that's probably why so many people have been showing sign of injury after exiting VRAINS, she realized. It wasn't too hard to tell which of her classmates had suffered from Hanoi's attacks, either from their lack of presence the next day or any form of first aid apparent on their persons.

All the more reason to see this information with my own eyes, Rio shook her head as she landed, plated flats clacking against the digital cement. Not too far from where she landed, Ghost Girl was standing at the guard rail, watching her intently as she stood up. 

"Glad you came, Merag," she smiled under her mask. "Knew betting on you was the right play."

"Feeling's mutual," Rio replied tersely, eyeing Ghost Girl intently. The other woman's eyes betrayed none of her intent, instead reflecting a curiosity she had been hiding since their first confrontation.

There has to be more... She was not going to be convinced otherwise. "Before we continue, I just have one question."

"I'm all ears."

"You chose to extend this offer to me, rather than Playmaker. And I'm sure you know I have the ability to contact him, as well as divulge the information you intend to share with me," Rio continued. "Unless of course... there's more to this deal than you let on in your message?"

"Straight off the bat, I see," she gave a huff of approval. "It's as you guessed. Mainly because next to his little helper and that AI, you're the person closest to him."

She knows about Kusanagi? But as she reflected on that, things started making more sense. That must be how she spied on the duel. Kusanagi assisted in helping her get in. 

"That's not the entire story, is it?" Rio crossed her arms. "One moment, you're employed by Zaizen to capture Playmaker. But now you're going out on a whim to help us out? Call me suspicious, but your offer doesn't fully add up."

That elicited a smirk from the other woman. "You have a smart head on your shoulders," Ghost Girl commented, leaning on the guard rail. "Truth is, I'm as curious about the Lost Incident as you are. Working in a team of like-minded individuals makes the process more efficient."

"Besides, I'm not bound to one client at all given times. This exchange is one I'm sure we'll both benefit from. And here's why..."

As she outlined the plan, Rio's eyes were opened more. Part of her felt appalled by what Ghost Girl was suggesting, yet she couldn't deny the rationale the other woman countered with. By the time she finished, a chill had begun gripping her chest.

Is this the only way...? She paused, a bit guilty at the thought. Putting him at risk like this... 

But I can't pass up on this opportunity. We might not get another chance...

Even if it means risking everything all over again.

"The truth's not going to unveil itself, considering the people hiding it. And if that's the case..." she extended a hand out, which Ghost Girl clasped in a handshake. "I'll take you up on your offer." 

A glint sparked in the older woman's eyes. "Then I look forwards to seeing our agreement through," she nodded. The key digitized in her free hand before she handed it over to Rio, who promptly inserted it into her deck holder. The material was absorbed, and a ping from her screen signified the integration was successful. 

"We'll convene tomorrow night," Rio typed something onto her duel disc, and the screen went dark again. "Any objections?"

"None from me. Though..." she gazed up into the sky, thoughtful. "The moon's pretty tonight. It always feels like it's watching us from afar, don't you think?"

If only you knew, Ghost Girl, Rio felt a smile tug at her lips. "May it be our only witness, then."

Chapter Text

"Here I thought you were the one who hated stairs."

"You said it best: this is a better spot than any to have a private talk."

Yusaku turned around, smiling as Rio joined him by the railing. Despite the hectic nature of the last few weeks, their friendship had managed to stay strong. Heck, it might even be stronger than before, he recognized. Revealing their alternate identities had alleviated most of the stress that either of them felt before, seeing as they didn't have to hide so much anymore. There was a moment in time where he had accepted that revealing himself as Playmaker would have ended their time together.

He was glad he was wrong. Seeing Rio out of breath and a bit of a mess as a result of asking to meet up with him was enough to tell Yusaku that Rio reciprocated that dedication to their friendship as much as he was. And that was something he didn't want to let go. 

"It's not often you're rushing around campus," he joked, "Did you hit traffic before you got here?"

"Need I remind you that my last class is on the other side of campus?" she countered, combing her hair with her hand. "Wait, how did you know I hit traffic this morning?!"

"Let's call it a coincidence, per se," Ai suppressed a snicker. 

Rio shot a glare at the tiny AI before looking back at Yusaku. Joking aside, I'm guessing you called me to talk about what I showed you last night?"

"Yeah." When she had first sent the information, him and Kusanagi were skeptical at first. The fact that it was Ghost Girl who had offered the information to her only added fuel to that fire. It had taken quite a bit of convincing from Rio before they touched the program, and it was only then that the two of them had warmed up to the idea. 

"How's Kusanagi's progress on the pathfinding?" she asked. "Pretty sure I already did a good job at unpacking it, hopefully."

"It'll be ready tonight." Thanks to Rio expediting the process, the three of them had managed to find a few shortcuts through the system. "Something's been bothering me about that, though..."

"It's strange how she lent you this favor," Yusaku observed as he absentmindedly tapped his pocket. "I was half-expecting her to try and use it as a means to duel me for Ai."

Rio shook her head. "I never said I trusted her motives. All I'm saying is that the route's credible. And that any extra information we can get our hands on is invaluable at this point."

"You're really risking everything, aren't you?" Ai grumbled, crossing his arms. "She could very well have an ambush ready for us."

"I doubt that," Yusaku held up a hand. "One, she gave Rio the data as a favor back in my duel with Revolver. Two, if she did have malicious intent, we would have noticed something by now."

"That tracks, for the most part," Rio nodded. "And we haven't had any negative encounters with her as of yet. Knowing her, she'd want to keep it that way... within reason."

"Which brings me to point Three: Ghost Girl wouldn't do something that doesn't benefit her," he continued. "Which means that whatever she's after is most likely in the data bank itself. And I wouldn't put it past her to look for the same information that we are."

"Sound logic as always, Sherlock." Despite his qualms about the operation, Ai still found room to throw in a few sarcastic quips here and there. "But is that really something you wanna be saying before we commit to the infiltration?"

"He's saying it never hurts to be cautious is all," Rio retorted. "We're obviously going to take the necessary precautions to 'circumvent the worst case scenarios', as you'd put it."

"Worst case scenarios"... yeah. He watched two of them bickered a bit longer before they backed down. And if last time was any indicator... this might hurt more people than I want.

"That reminds me..." Yusaku began, turning to her again. "Have you seen Aoi around lately?"

Rio blinked before shaking her head. "Not recently. Come to think of it, I've passed by the Duel Club a few times after class, and even their members say they haven't heard from her since."

"Maybe her introversion's hitting her hard," Ai proposed.

"Not likely. Why else would she have an alternate persona like Blue Angel?" A sigh escaped Rio as she looked out over the city. "If you ask me, Zaizen's probably keeping her home stuck. And take it from me: that kind of treatment ain't going to help her."

"It was impossible for anyone to anticipate what happened to her," Yusaku nodded in agreement. "A shame that she's being subjected to this, as a duelist."

The three shared the silence for a while after, watching the afternoon sun set lower into the horizon. Yusaku absentmindedly offered a hand to Rio, who took it without a second thought and gave it a gentle squeeze.

Why am I doing this? He couldn't help but twirl the question in his mind. As good of friends they were, intimacy was something that felt wrong to him. 

He knew it wasn't Rio's fault. Heck, she had been the one to engage on him first, with him offering little in return. 

Yet deep down, feeling the warmth of her hand gave him some quietude. 

"...It's nearly time," Rio broke the silence. "Are you ready?"

Yusaku turned to look at her one more time. For a second, he could have sworn he saw her eyes glow a bit. Or perhaps it was the fierce determination that shone through her. 

Whatever it was, it reignited his spirits as well. 

"Let's go."

Getting into the grid had gone smoothly enough. With Kusanagi's guidance, the two of them had been able to avoid the various defense systems that had been implemented into SOLTech's databank.

That wasn't to say that it had been easy, by any means. The detection units and security traps littered within the firewall had forced Yusaku to don a tether-based jamming device, which in turn forced him to be more conscious about his movements. 

Floating around here reminds me of traveling between Overlay Networks, she realized. Rio had more freedom thanks to a few extra functions on her duel disc, but she took her time to guide Yusaku around the obstacles. 

The going became a lot tougher as more and more security traps began plaguing the path. "These are the more heavy-duty ones," Kusanagi observed. "If they're this potent, that means we're getting close to the next area. Take care to not get hit by them."

"Roger that."

Such was easier said than done. With how Yusaku was controlling his propulsion device, he came dangerously close to crashing into a few of the traps. Fortunately, Kusanagi had installed a few "Sphere Kuribohs" to intercept them, while the rest were avoided thanks to Rio's greater mobility. 

You're gonna get me killed one of these days, Yusaku. She refrained from saying it aloud, considering the sensitivity of their operation. But a sideways glance from her fellow duelist was enough to convey her concern.

The only thing concern couldn't account for was a Data Storm to suddenly manifest within the system. Worse still was that it was right where the bridge between Area A and Area B were, jeopardizing anyone who would dare pass through.

Of course, Rio groaned internally. The one time we have a set path, the Data Storm comes to mess it all up! 

But that was only the start to her problems. While she could use the functions of her duel disc and float freely in the system, the same could not be said for Yusaku. And that realization quickly morphed into dread as the turbulent winds slammed a security trap into his tether, severing it and revealing him to the system. 

"Yusaku! Rio! Get out of there now!" The two of them didn't need any more convincing from Kusanagi as they were consequentially swept into the next area by the Data Storm. With little choice remaining, the two of them swapped to their boards, riding the Storm deeper into the system. 

The problems only continued as two duelists suddenly materialized on either side of them. And judging from their models-

"AI-based duelists? That's their new defense system?" Rio recognized the autonomy in their speech patterns. What a way to flex your security budget.

"Less observations, more getting us the heck out of here, please!" Ai stressed, even as the two of them activated their duel discs and engaged the bots.

Unfortunately, the bots' decks and strategies were about as frustratingly methodical as their programming was. Tentacluster Nautilus (which, in Rio's opinion, was easily the biggest red-flag archetype she had heard of) allowed their Tentacluster Drillworms to activate their effects, forcing the both of them to discard their hands. 

Talk about uninspired, Rio fumed silently as she was forced to discard half of her hand. Yusaku was worse off, being forced to discard his entire hand thanks to the RNG of the Drillworms' effects. 

Rebuilding her field wasn't too hard, at least. Abyss Shark helped her get Buzzsaw Shark onto her field, and there was one card in mind that would help a lot here:

I'll thank Yusaku for taking me out to get Link Monsters later, she nodded internally to herself. "Say hello to my new friend: Link-2: Abyss Keeper!"

With the extra Gazer Shark she had summoned with Buzzsaw Shark, she was quick to use Abyss Keeper's effect to banish it and Tentacluster Nautilus from the field. 

But something felt off. They're AI duelists, but they aren't usually dead quiet, Rio observed. From Ai's confusion, the bot Yusaku was dueling was exhibiting the same behavior. Just what has SOLTech been up to with these...?

As if on queue, the AIs' eyes flashed with a new line of code. They began acting more aggressive, the bots flying into them in an attempt to knock either of them off their boards.

It got to the point where Rio and Yusaku were forced to take separate paths, with one of the AI duelists hot on their trails. 

"Th-they're going ballistic! Playmaker, get me outta here!" Ai begged.

"I know!" he responded as another painfully loud impact sounded over the comms. Coupled with the raging Data Storm, the comms had become such a garbled mess that Rio was forced to shut it off for the time being.

She had her own opponent to worry about, anyways. So that's how you want to play, huh? Rio scowled, eyes blazing blue as she imputed a command on her duel disc. Her field projector began shimmering intensely, the petal formation folding like a wing before consolidating into a serrated, blade-like form. Fine. Let me show you firsthand why you don't mess with a shark with fangs!

The second the AI attempted to slam into her again, Rio accelerated her board forwards and lashed out, the blade extension ripping through the robot with the painfully loud screech of metal on metal. It wasn't long after that the upper torso of the bot began sliding off from the cut at its midriff before violently exploding. 

(Meanwhile, a nerve-wracked Kitamura could only watch on in horror as the AI duelist he had poured so many hours into was butchered like a lamb to the slaughter. A few of his subordinates quietly chortled behind his back as not to be fired.)

She watched on with grim satisfaction before a lurch beneath her forced her to crouch on her board. Can't risk going that fast again, she concluded. One wrong move and I'll be swept away too!

But they weren't out of the woods yet. A strengthening in the wind current told her that Yusaku had activated Storm Access. He's still hanging on. Good. 

With some help from Kusanagi, Rio managed to catch up to Yusaku. A quick look at the field suggested that he had used Flick Crown to lower his own Life Points, therefore letting him use his Skill. 

But that was the least he could do. The robot was still making aggressive attacks towards him, some of which were dangerously close to knock him off his board.

Bah- That thing's lucky this Data Storm's here! Had it not been for the turbulent winds, Rio would have been more than happy to slice it apart from head to toe.

Fortunately, her problems were solved prematurely as a lasso of blue vines wrapped around the robot's arm, pulling it away from Yusaku.

"Nice of you to join us, Blue Angel," she hid a smirk as the Charisma Duelist pulled up behind her, dragging the AI and pulling it behind her.

"Just get going," the other girl huffed. "I'm the one whose going to beat Playmaker, and I'm not about to let these trash heaps take that from me!" 

"And besides... I'm here to repay my debt. Both of you had a part in that," she admitted, a forlorn look glazing over her eyes for a moment before sharpening again. One that Rio was quick to notice. 

She wants some answers, too. There was no other explanation for it. But there's no way she could have gotten into the system. Which means there's only one person who could have allowed her in.  

"If you feel that obligated, I won't stop you," Rio replied, her duel projector retracting. "Just don't embarrass your encore by losing to an AI, alright?"

"Hmph, don't need to tell me that!"

With that motivational pep talk aside, Blue Angel split off from the two of them. "Let's get going," she nodded towards Yusaku.

"Right." Yusaku was still holding the card he got from Storm Access, which he quickly inserted into his duel disc. Ai seemed to be excited by it, but let his comments be muted as Kusanagi chimed back in on the comms.

"You two alright?" 

"A few bumps and scratches, but we're in one piece," Yusaku reported. "But now we're off course. Got a plan?"

"Yeah. I found an alternate route while you two were dueling. Just hurry, before they send in more reinforcements."

Neither of them said a word as they closed the data bank. Zaizen was unusually quiet, but Emma paid him no mind as she consolidated the data. Moments later, the packet consolidated into a small crystal, which she was quick to pocket. 

Who would've imagined SOLTech being responsible for something like this? There was a pang of guilt to that thought. Figures why Playmaker and Merag are out to uncover the truth. If this data is indeed credible... this could be a bigger scoop than I imagined!

The distant sound of footsteps interrupted her visions of grandeur. They were out of time. And faster than I had predicted at that. Seems Blue Angel helped move them along.

But as she darted behind the structure, Zaizen hadn't budged an inch. Instead, he pulled up a screen, imputing a command that began adjusting the elevation of the ground beneath them.

"What're you doing?!" she whispered. You're endangering the plan!

He said nothing, instead walking forwards and descending into the newly-formed ravine. Across the field, Playmaker and Merag had arrived, and the two of them immediately noticed what was sure to be their next roadblock.

"Zaizen..." Playmaker was the first to speak, brow furrowing as they locked eyes. Neither said anything as they did.

"Why in heck are you here?" At least Merag was more vocal for both parties. "Ghost Girl, this isn't what we agreed on!" she raised her voice.

Cat's out of the bag, it seems, Emma hadn't wanted it to come to this, but she sighed in defeat as she stepped out from her hiding spot. 

"Believe me, I didn't want him doing this," she shook her head. "Let's just say he can be quite insistent when it comes to fulfilling his goals."

From the look in her eyes, Merag wasn't buying it for a second. "Okay, I'll elaborate," she raised a hand, and Merag seemed to mellow down somewhat. "You deserve that much."

"After that run-in with Revolver, Zaizen showed interest in uncovering the truth from ten years ago," she began. "Particularly, when Revolver mentioned the idea that SOLTech had involvement in that incident. That's actually part of the reason I helped him out."

"The short of it all is that he feels that it's on him to make light of what happened," Emma concluded. "This break-in was his opportunity to find that truth."

"A truth he doesn't need to involve himself in."

There was a cold bite to Playmaker's tone as he interrupted her. He scowled, fists tightening as he turned his attention to the elephant in the room. "Move out of the way, Zaizen. If you know what happened now, you know why we need that information."

"That's something I won't do. It's because of that information that I can't let you pass."

"Why're we being stingy again? Did we not do enough by saving your sister?" the Ignis grumbled. "You two came here for the exact same purpose! And now you're saying we can't access it?!"

"That's none of your concern, Ignis" Zaizen shot back before looking back at Playmaker. "You needn't continue this, Playmaker, Merag. I can bring light to what happened back then. I can reveal the truth, that it can stop hurting more people!"

There was a moment's sorrow in Playmaker's eyes, and one of recognition in Merag's. Both of them remained silent before their temperaments resurfaced, Playmaker taking the lead. 

"I won't repeat myself again; One, I'll uncover the truth on my own terms. Two, this has nothing to do with either of you," he shot a glare at both of them. "Three... if you do intend on stopping me, you know how."

"...You're talking about a duel," Zaizen was quick to piece it together. "That's the only way I can talk you out of this."

"That's right. I'm sure you know the stakes here."

She took another look at Zaizen. He seemed to be contemplating his options before his gaze hardened once more. "Very well. I challenge you to a duel, here and now!" 

"Why does this always happen?!" the AI complained, bowing his head in defeat. "Every time there's a problem, it's always card games!"

Merag gave a weird look to the Ignis, who promptly piped down as Zaizen and Playmaker readied the duel program. The feel of the air was tense, and it didn't look like there was any room for civil discussion.

Knew this would happen... much as I wish it didn't have to, Emma took a step back, giving the two duelists room. Suddenly, a Duel Tether snaked around her wrist and pulled her back into the arena. 

"What-" she looked across the rope to find Merag at the other end of it, the other woman glancing indifferently at her. Emma couldn't help but suppress a shiver.

"Okay, I know I exploited you two to a degree," she raised her hands defensively. "But does that warrant involving me in a duel as well?"

"I can forgive the exploitation. The information here is well worth it," Merag responded, lowering her arm. "Unfortunately, I'm not so inclined to forgive your inclusion of the helicopter worrywart into this equation." 

"But there is another point of contention here: You don't need to be involved in this, either," her gaze hardened, duel disc blazing to life. "And if you're going to keep enabling other people to interfere, I'm afraid I have to teach you a lesson to do otherwise."

The Duel tether around her wrist wasn't getting any less tight, and Merag didn't seem keen on letting her go easy. Perhaps I should have expected this as well, Emma admitted to herself as she fired up the duel program. Seeing the risks I put the two through, doesn't surprise me that she wants a bit of payback. 

But I'll admit... things are getting even more interesting now. She almost grinned as she passed a glance to Zaizen and Playmaker before returning her focus to Merag. Win or lose, I might still come away with something of merit!

"Duel!"

Chapter Text

There was only two ways this duel could go, at least in Yusaku's eyes. But given how stubborn his opponent was, he figured that it would be a long time before either outcome came to fruition.

All that mattered was working towards that resolution.

"Link Summon! Come, Decode Talker!" he announced, proceeding to summon a token and using Stack Reviver to resurrect Cyberse Gadget. "Now, Decode Talker's effect acti-"

"Tindangle Base Gardna's effect activates!" Zaizen interrupted. "Since a monster was Special Summoned next to a Link Monster's Marker, I can tribute it to summon Tindangle Hound!"

The hellish-looking dog descended on the field, snarling at Decode. It was grotesque, looking more like a chimera between a spider, the skeleton of a gorilla, and the skull of a vulture stitched together by whatever living biomass it had.

"Waugh! That's one scary pooch!" Ai stumbled back at the sight. "But Decode's still got more Attack!"

"Don't be so conceited," Zaizen glared at the two of them. "Tindangle Hound's effect! Your Link Monsters lose 1000 Attack for every monster they're linked to!"

The addition of Lemoine Point also prevented them from attacking his facedown monster, effectively barring him from making an attack altogether. 

A lockout deck... somehow a bit too fitting for him. Despite the irony, it was undoubtedly going to be frustrating to deal with. But first, he needed to unburden Decode if he was going to make a step forward.

"The guiding circuit manifests once more! Come, Link 2: Flame Administrator!" he called out, setting the token and Cyberse Gadget into it. Although Decode was still linked to Flame Administrator, the latter's effect coupled with few links restored his attack to a comfortable 2600 Attack. 

"Now, Decode Talker! Attack Tindangle Hound!" 

It was only 100 points of damage, but it was a start. One that was quickly dissolved as Zaizen activated Hound's effect to flip his facedown monster, revealing Tindangle Angel.

"Tindangle Angel's effect now activates! I can summon Tindangle Hound from my Graveyard in facedown position and end the Battle Phase!" 

The duel, for the moment, had come to a standstill. And much to Yusaku's discomfort, it seemed to be more favored towards his opponent. 

-          ~          -

Perhaps Merag had a point after all.

On the other end of the field, Emma finished assembling her board, with Altergeist Primebanshee in the Extra Monster Zone and Altergeist Fijialert and Malwisp in defense position. That didn't stop either of them from observing the other duel from time to time.

That setup... Regardless of what Playmaker throws at him, Zaizen will have a counter. Stubborn as Zaizen was, Emma could admit that shone through in his strategies, often leading him to outlast his opponent. The hound fiercely protects the angel, and the angel revives the hound when it falls. It's quite-

"Could he be any more cliched with his dueling?"

Emma's attention returned to Merag, her comment complimented by a disinterested look at the other man. "So you recognize the strategy as well?"

"Not just that," she sighed. "Even now, he's fighting with his sister by his side, believing it to be the source of his strength. He believes holding onto that bond is enough for him to prevail in any situation."

"But a sibling bond can only go so far," she continued. "Hold onto it for too long, and you cripple yourself in the end."

"Experience, I take it?" Emma tilted her head towards her. "The few times I've seen you talk with Zaizen, sibling talk seemed to be a sore spot for you."

There was a moment's hesitance before she spoke again. "You can say that," Merag admitted. "But seeing how you pointed it out as you did... I'm not the only one, am I?"

Spot on again, The older woman shook her head before smirking under her mask. You truly are sharp...

"But with all that said, do you think that he'll be able to win with just that strategy? They can only stay like this for so long."

"You'd be surprised," Emma chuckled. "A lot of common decks struggle with getting past Zaizen. There's a reason he was the Head of Security for so long."

"As for how well he'll hold up against Playmaker... well, I'll have to return to that later."

"We still have our own duel to attend to," Merag replied. She wasted no more time to activate Icejade Manifestation to summon Icejade Tremora and Abyss Shark to her field. She also managed to normal summon Buzzsaw Shark and use its effect to summon Crystal Shark. Neither of them would be sticking around for long, however.

"XYZ Summon! Come, Number 94: Crystalzero! Abyss Dweller!" she called out, raising her hand as two separate Overlay Networks yawned before her.

She isn't letting me go easily, is she? Emma knew that the other duelist was skilled, yet her aggressive approach was enough to inform her about the potential gap in their skills. Both monsters seemed to resonate with said aggression, poised to wreak havoc on her if she let her guard down.

"Crystalzero's effect activates! Using an Overlay unit, Primebanshee's Attack is cut in half!" 

She winced as her worry became true, the icy warrior being quick to cut down her monster and dropping her Life Points down to 2950. An attack from Abyss Dweller wiped Malwisp off the board.

Don't think I'm going to just kneel over, Emma clenched her fist as she straightened up. "Since Primebanshee was sent to the Graveyard, I can activate Altergeist Revitalization! And with Altergeist Failover, I can summon Altergeist Multifaker next to its Link!"

It was a small setback, but nothing she hadn't worked out of before. And as Emma drew her next card, she knew this would be how she turned the tide.

-          ~          -

"How annoying..." Ai muttered, looking over their opponent's field. "The pooch's scary enough, and it's Flip effect is worse. And we can't even touch Tindangle Angel while it's on the field..."

He has the advantage, undoubtedly. Yusaku could admit, it was a formidable strategy. "Complaining about it isn't going to change matters. All we can do is work around it."

He didn't know whether it was his tone or not, but it seemed to aggravate the tiny Ignis. "You're way too calm for this, y'know? And that's coming from an AI."

"Call it what you want," he replied. "I don't intend on losing."

Strangely, Zaizen hadn't done anything since Yusaku had ended his turn. He seemed conflicted, working his mouth as he stared at him. 

"There's something you want to say," he said flatly.

The former's eyes narrowed slightly, but nodded. "Playmaker... You and Merag... are both of you around Aoi's age?"

Well that's out of left field. Yusaku opened his mouth, but was swiftly cut off. "Though... you probably are," he continued. "Seeing that you're among the victims from ten years ago."

"What's your point...?" Even though Rio isn't...

The older man sighed, closing his eyes. "I'll admit, even after looking through those files, I cannot begin to fathom the pain you endured. Were I in your shoes, I doubt I'd come out alive."

"But what I do understand... is the pain that comes from losing someone."

The atmosphere came to a standstill, with Rio and Ghost Girl pausing their duel to listen in. Even Ai was a bit subdued, watching Zaizen curiously.

"Ten years ago, Aoi and I lost our parents to a car accident." That got a couple of muted gasps from him and Rio. "The loss was so sudden, we had no time to grieve. And before we knew it, strangers had stolen away our inheritance... our world had been turned upside down."

Zaizen looked away, the words sour on his tongue. "But we had to survive. I took to any and all lines of work just to feed the two of us... no matter how immoral the work was. I couldn't bear the idea of her being unhappy."

"Even now, I do everything to protect her. Were I to lose her... I would have broken long ago."

The following silence was even more deafening than the first. Yet Yusaku's mind was screaming, ringing to the point where he had effectively blocked out most of Zaizen's story.

You think... you think you can relate with something like that? He could feel his fist clench, and tightly at that. You're an even bigger fool than I imagined.

Compared to what I went through...

"You know nothing about me!"

Zaizen gasped, taking a step back as Yusaku yelled at him. He could feel the air ripple around him, yet he paid it no mind.

"I get it, alright?!" he could feel his temper flaring up to a fever pitch. "You're a good person, Zaizen. You want more than anything to correct this, that no one else has to suffer. You feel obligated to fix it, as if the pain was your own."

"But you don't know me. All you know is this fictional version standing before you. No matter how much you insist, you could never even begin to relate to the anguish I lived through that day!"

He could feel Rio observing him tentatively from her position, so Yusaku allowed himself to calm somewhat. "You want to keep asking me to back down? Then I'll tell you this one more time: Stay out of the way. Someone like you doesn't need to get involved!"

-          ~          -

It wasn't often Rio saw Yusaku angry. But seeing the shared anger he and Kusanagi shared, this time felt more justified. 

He could not have picked a worse way to try and relate to him, she sighed, crossing her arms. She was angry herself, but experience had hardened her enough to where she could keep it under wraps. Something like parental loss is the thing that forces you to become stronger. The Lost Incident is an entirely different scenario!

Although... Even I only know so much about the details. It was a tough pill to swallow, and she closed her eyes to recollect herself. But if that vision I had of Ryouga was any indicator... This time, I think it's safe to assume the worst.

"That man... always knowing how to press the wrong buttons," Rio turned back to Ghost Girl, seeing that it was her turn to shake her head in disappointment. "Touching as his resolve is to protect Aoi..."

Does that really matter right now? She watched forlornly as Tindangle Hound destroyed Flame Administrator, dropping Yusaku down to 2000 Life Points. "A shame he's poor with his words. But even if he was, I doubt he'd understand anyhow."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Simple. A six year-old doesn't just forget consecutive months of experimentation and torture." Those last words came out a bit too harshly for Rio's taste, but she waved it off. "Worse yet was that he was completely alone for that time. And at such a young age, those scars don't heal... all they do is fester."

"He didn't have anyone to comfort him, who could truly relate to him even after he was rescued. Who could even begin to relate to something like that?"

There was an awkward side glance from Yusaku that she didn't miss, and she flashed him an apologetic look before looking back at Ghost Girl. "If you ask me, Zaizen's too duty-bound, too righteous... someone like him shouldn't be meddling."

No, if anything... I might just be the only one who can reach him. she exhaled, raising her duel disc once more. Because we're both damned to this fate.

A sudden tremor resonated through the databank. Rio whirled around to see that Yusaku had summoned Firewall Dragon, using Linkage Hole to destroy both Tindangles on Zaizen's field. Decode Talker quickly followed up with a direct attack on Zaizen, lowering him down to 1100 Life Points. 

But he didn't look content with standing down just yet. "I activate Tindangle Delaunay! When I have three Tindangles in my Graveyard and you deal battle damage to me, I can destroy Decode Talker and summon Tindangle Acute Cerebus to my field!"

She didn't want to ignore the drop in Chaos that came with Decode Talker. She was more focused on the massive behemoth that looked like it was pulled straight out of Vector's insane mind. And her concern would only fester with its effect, as its Attack rose up to 3000 thanks to both Tindangle Hound and Tindangle Angel being in Zaizen's Graveyard.

Not going to lie, summoning an ace on your opponent's turn is pretty impressive, Rio swore a silent curse. Careful, Yusaku. 

-          ~          -

"Tindangle Acute Cerebus! Attack Firewall Dragon!"

"I activate Doppler Phase Coating! I can equip this card to Firewall Dragon and prevent its destruction in battle once per turn!"

He winced back as his Life Points was cut down to 1500, but Firewall was safe. Unfortunately for him, Zaizen wasn't quite finished with locking down the field, activating Gergonne's End to protect Acute Cerebus. 

Worse still was its other effect. I need to get rid of the tokens, he grimaced. Those things are now ticking time bombs, with Gergonne's End!

Zaizen seemed to have caught onto his plan sooner than he had made it however. Yusaku activated Alter Lance to inflict piercing battle damage by attacking the token, but Zaizen countered by activating Morley's shield to cancel out any incoming damage. Further complicating matters was him activating Nagel's Protection, adding a layer of protection to future tokens. 

"Wait, now we can't destroy the tokens?!" Ai fretted, "How're we going to get past this now?!"

"Would you quiet down?!" Yusaku retorted in a moment's frustration, bracing himself as Acute Cerebus attacked him again, using Nagel Protection's other effect to lower him down to just 500 Life Points. 

As for the card he drew next... Okay, now I have an opening, he thought to himself.

However, someone got the wrong impression of him ending his turn with just that. "Is this not enough, Playmaker?" Zaizen asked. "I'm doing all this that you can move on! That you can walk away from all the pain and hate, that you can live a peaceful life rather than obsessing over the past?!"

He paused, taking a breath. "At the very least... at least answer me this. Why do you continue to fight, Playmaker?" his voice was hushed, more reserved in a sense. "Why continue going down this path of revenge, instead of cherishing the life you still have?"

Yusaku hesitated. Part of him was still angry with Zaizen for pressing the matter of him laying off. Yet a small part of him was scared... scared like that small child in the blinding room-

"I think we're all owed that explanation," Rio cut in. Her gaze turned towards the entrance of the databank, but Yusaku didn't miss the extra glance she passed him. "You may as well come out and listen, Blue Angel."

A mute gasp lured Aoi out from her hiding spot, and Yusaku noticed the tensing in Zaizen's shoulders. Though it was hard to ignore how equally tense his shoulders were, seeing that he was being put in the spotlight.

I'm not doing this for the rest of you, he decided. Rio... it's about time I tell you the truth.

"...I suppose I don't have a choice," Yusaku admitted in defeat. "But this is my past to tell, not yours."

When he woke up, all he saw was blinding white.

It was just walls, walls that rose impossibly high. The only thing in the room was a VR headset.

He hesitated before putting it on. The moment he did, he was transferred to a virtual duel arena, where he was challenged on the spot.

What was going on? 

All of it was coming too fast. He didn't understand. All he could do was try and win.

-

You Lose.

The shock sent him flying back, and he crumpled to the floor. He didn't hesitate to peel the wretched device off his face, letting it clatter uselessly on the ground. 

The delivery drone came in again, delivering his tray of food. He didn't care what it was, he just wanted it over. 

He wanted to survive. 

Even if the ache in his body lulled him to sleep soundlessly, only for him to wake up to the same wretched cycle again.

-

You Lose. 

You Lose.

YOU LOSE.

It was the same message, over and over again. The same shock. The same pain. 

Why? He kept asking himself that question. Why am I here? When can I leave? 

How... long can I live in a hell like this?!

The voice had told him he could leave soon. That he had to be strong.

But for how much longer...?

-

You Lose.

How much time had passed was lost to him now. His stomach barely cried for food anymore. He just felt numb. 

I... I can't...

"You did well."

Whose voice was that? It was the same one...

Three things... those three things...

"You can go home now. You gave it your all."

...the voice was gone. But several dozen more chimed beyond the wall of his cell.

Then people came flooding in. He didn't know how many. 

He was being rescued... right?

"How horrible..." 

Aoi was the first to break the silence, hand covering her mouth in horror. Rio had her eyes closed, pain evident in her expression. Zaizen and Ghost Girl remained quiet, solemnly listening as Yusaku finished his story.

But he didn't care about any of their reactions, although he winced at Rio's quietude. It still hurts to even think about. But...

"Zaizen... that day, did you really think we were saved?"

"Wha-?" 

"Let me tell you then." He could feel the anger boiling in his throat. "We weren't saved."

"I tried living a 'normal' life before. I received therapy after the incident. I even tried going to school, tried making friends... none of it mattered." Yusaku felt his shoulder droop. "No matter how much time passed, those memories never left. They were ingrained into my very flesh and blood. And knowing that, I made a decision... to fight for my own destiny."

"Because the Incident didn't conclude. No... the Lost Incident still hasn't ended for me, even after the last ten years!"

The stunned silence that followed was a welcome one. It let Yusaku catch his breath, letting him collect his thoughts.

"What I mean to say is that... I don't have what you said, Zaizen," he admitted. "Call it what you want, but this path of revenge is all I have left. I won't stop until I have answers regarding the Lost Incident... or should I say the Hanoi Project?"

Aoi and Rio shot up at the new name. 

"So that's why you're after Hanoi..." Rio muttered, eyes thoughtful. 

"Wait, you're saying Hanoi has some involvement in the Lost Incident?!" Aoi exclaimed. "Just what is going on...?"

The adults kept their silence, though Ghost Girl was strangely more quiet. "I see that is the extent of your knowledge regarding the incident," Zaizen said after a prolonged pause. "But it stands that you don't know the full truth regarding SOLTech's involvement."

"The creator of the Hanoi Project is in this databank."

"What?!"

The shock had brought the entire room to silence. Rio snapped to glare at Zaizen, eyes glowing - wait, glowing? - dangerously. Kusanagi was fuming over their comms, swearing profusely at Zaizen's confidentiality around the information. Aoi just looked worried, nervously looking at her brother.

But none of that compared to Yusaku. He felt as though a vein popped in his head, and he didn't ignore the tremble coursing through his body. 

It was a tremble of pure anger. One that he was quick to let loose.

"Who..." he managed to say. "Who is it?! Answer me, Zaizen!"

Chapter Text

Disappointment wasn't something that Rio was a stranger to. It was just a shame that she was forced to deal with it on a daily basis, in this life and the last few.

Note to self, she grumbled to herself, Once I save Ryouga, make sure to not let him meet Zaizen. There was a level of persistence that the older man had that left a rather dour taste in her mouth. 

It didn't help that his reasoning was worse than his rationale. "That I cannot do. What would be the point?" Zaizen glared indignantly at Yusaku. "Your revenge will only destroy you in the end! So I'll stop it here and now!"

"Go ahead and try then," Yusaku scoffed. "Now, resume the duel!"

Cynet Backdoor seemed to be the opening he needed to make a breakthrough, with the banishment of Firewall Dragon destroying Doppler Phase Coating and ending the battle phase. Yet Zaizen had his own answer, activating Euler's Circuit to stop future attacks and putting him on a time crunch.

But Rio soon realized she couldn't watch comfortably just yet. Altergeist Meluseek's effect had just destroyed Crystalzero, and Altergeist Silquitos' effect had returned Abyss Dweller to her extra Deck. 

"Altergeist Primebanshee! Attack Merag directly!"

"I activate Ice Barrier! Altergeist Primebanshee's Attack is set to 0, its effects are negated and it cannot change its battle position!"

She huffed in satisfaction as the serpentine creature was frozen in place. Losing both her Mytherian and Abyss Dweller was problematic, but Rio knew she had the pieces to reverse her own situation. Even if... 

"Since Crystalzero was sent to the graveyard, I can activate my Trap, XYZ Freeze Redemption!" she declared. "By using her as material, I can XYZ summon a monster that's one Rank lower than her."

"Come, Number 103: Ragnazero!"

The sight of her Over-Hundreds Number was a sobering one. She had put in a lot of work to purify and reconstruct the corrupted Number, but her old memories held her back from feeling accomplished. For now, she could relish in the fact neither her nor this monster were pawns anymore.

"Ragnazero's effect now activates! By detaching an Overlay unit-"

"Don't get too ahead of yourself, darling," Ghost Girl teased. "I activate Altergeist Camouflage! Now you can't target Primebanshee with your effects nor your attacks!" 

Rio grumbled as Primebanshee cloaked itself, becoming a spectral outline on her opponent's field. Even if I attack Meluseek, it wouldn't be enough to fully beat her. Maybe if I could-

A sudden surge of energy interrupted her flow of thought, and Rio wheeled around to see that Yusaku was gearing up a string of Link Summons, bringing out Link Spider and Recovery Sorcerer before using the latter to summon Security Gardna. However- 

There's no way he'd ignore Gergonne's End like that, she realized as she looked at the placement of the summoned monster. You'd better know what you're doing, Yusaku!

-          ~          -

"...Since all three of Acute Cerebus' Links are filled, Gergonne's End now activates," Zaizen announced. The card in question began glowing brightly before destroying itself and the linked monsters, sending a blast wave towards the two of them.

...At least, that's what it would had done. Just before the wave hit, it fizzled out and died in front of them, leaving them unscathed. 

"You fell for it! Thanks to my acting, you didn't realize Security Gardna's effect!" Ai pointed triumphantly at Zaizen. "'Cus when Gardna's summoned this turn, effect damage becomes zero!"

"...Your horrible acting skills almost foiled it, actually," Yusaku muttered, and the Ignis quickly drooped down into a depressive state. Gods, he made it far too obvious with how dramatic he was being! 

That aside, now I can finish this. Without Euler's Circuit in the way, Firewall Dragon was poised to take down the last of his Life Points. However... there's one last thing I need to do.

"Zaizen, you said before that this was a duel for justice," he began. "I said to you that I'd follow my own justice."

"You did, yes..."

"Then let me show you exactly what I mean." Let's just hope you understand where I'm going with this.

"I activate Firewall Dragon's effect! Once while its on the field, I can return monsters from either of our Graveyards or fields equal to the number of monsters co-linked to her!"

Everyone else watched in silent awe as Tindangle Angel and Tindangle Hound were returned to Zaizen's hand. Subsequently, Acute Cerebus' Attack dropped down to 0. 

Yusaku didn't miss the flash of recognition in the other man's eyes. I know you're not unreasonable, Zaizen, he thought to himself. See for yourself what I have to fight for.

"Firewall Dragon! Attack Tindangle Acute Cerebus!" he ordered one last time, and his dragon was more than inclined to oblige. 

What he didn't expect was the sudden sounding of footsteps behind him, followed by a rush of blue that swerved around Zaizen moments before the explosion landed.

-          ~          -

"Seems Playmaker's about to finish the job," Ghost Girl remarked, watching the duel ensue. "Even though things could have concluded a long time ago..."

"You don't say," Rio grinned, realizing the card she just drew. "But funny how you mention that... I was just thinking about wrapping things up here."

While I was hoping to save this for later, it's just the four of us here, so... "I activate Rank-Up Magic: Numeron Force! And with it, I can use Ragnazero as material for a Chaos XYZ change!"

"A what?!" Ghost Girl watched in shock as her monster reformed itself into a streak of blue light, entering the new portal that was forming in front of her. The air around them began crackling and sparking with blue lightning, and even Playmaker and Zaizen paused to view what was swirling within the Overlay Network.

"The god-slaying maiden, reborn as my shadow! Come, Chaos Number 103: Ragnafinity!"

It was a bit painful to admit it, but Rio was proud of how well she managed to recreate her using Numeron's power. Ragnafinity's purple highlights were replaced with azure blue ones, the black plating adorning her body now turned a brilliant silver. The horns of the crown now curved behind her head, with smaller claws acting as prongs of her new crown. The Chaos of Don Thousand had been cast out, replaced by the flowing blue energy of Numeron, and the dual-ended scythe had blue blades instead of red. 

But what she could say comfortably was that there no denying that Ragnafinity was powerful. The cowering was evident in Primebanshee, and she didn't notice the unnerved look that Firewall Dragon and even Tindangle Acute Cerebus gave her. And all of that power was about to be directed towards Ghost Girl.

"Ragnafinity's effect activates now! By detaching an Overlay unit, I can banish one of your monsters and deal damage to you if its current Attack is different from its original Attack!"

With Numeron Force's effect, Altergeist Camouflage's effect was no longer protecting Primebanshee. Its original 2100 Attack was dished out to Ghost Girl, leaving her completely vulnerable. 

It won't be much longer before SOLTech comes hounding into here. Let's end this nice and smoothly, Rio exhaled as she raised a hand. "Ragnainfinity! Attack Meluseek and finish this!"

The ensuing explosion was quick to sweep Ghost Girl off of her feet, though the other woman had enough time to land safely on her feet. But that was nothing compared to the other explosion that sounded from Firewall Dragon's attack, signaling the end of both of their duels.

Wait- where'd Blue Angel go? She had almost forgotten that she had been spectating the duel. The dust settling from the explosions wasn't making things easier for her. Blast this Chaos... even a duel like this has enough of it to make these explosions real.

All she could do now was wait until the smoke cleared.

-          ~          -

Yusaku hadn't quite expected what he saw next. Zaizen had his back facing him, clutching his sister tightly.

It wasn't long after that the backlash of Firewall's attack got to him, causing him to slump down before Aoi caught him. 

"I'm okay, Aoi..." he could hear Zaizen mutter before sitting up, grimacing at the pain of his back. He wasn't sure how that pain would translate to the real world, but his previous experiences were enough to tell him that it didn't bode too well for him.

He can take the time to look after himself. Annoyed as he was about the work he had to put in, it was a relief it was over for now.

"As agreed on, I'll be taking the data," Yusaku began walking towards the data bank. The rift between began mending itself and allowing him to proceed.

Rio wasn't far behind, joining him at the base of the bank. "We'd best get going soon," she muttered. "SOLTech will undoubtedly send reinforcements soon."

"Right." There was no way SOLTech's security didn't have surveillance in their data bank. "Ai, eat as much as you want. But be quick about it."

"Yeah, yeah," the Ignis seemed disgruntled at his order, but extended his body into the data bank nonetheless. A muffled "itadakimasu" sounded within the black orb as the surface rippled at his intrusion. 

It took a bit more time than he wanted, but eventually Ai retracted back into his duel disc. 

"Haaah- that's the spot," he muttered, letting out a burp. "Got everything ya wanted too."

Yusaku could have sworn Rio mutter "you better have". Whatever it was, it was enough for Ai to shrink back entirely.

"Playmaker!" 

Both of them turned around to see Zaizen up and about again, though he was leaning on Aoi for support. 

"You chose to destroy Acute Cerebus despite being able to attack me directly..." he murmured. "Why? Why didn't you take that opportunity first?"

Yusaku was about to respond, but Rio beat him to the chase. "Well, you did make the relationship between your cards obvious," she started. "The hound protects the angel, and the angel keeps the hound going if it falls. If that doesn't represent your bond as siblings, I don't know what does."

Figures she'd figure that out as quickly as she did, Yusaku almost smiled at the thought. "You two shouldn't be in the grave," he continued off of her statement. "That's the place for those like me, who've strayed too far into the darkness to escape."

A hint of sorrow lined his voice as he finished that last sentence. Rio shouldn't be... no. She chose this path as much as I did. She knows what she got herself into.

"You should walk where there's light," he finalized as he closed his eyes, ignoring the worried look Rio was giving him. "Leave it to us to end this."

With that, he walked off with Rio, the two of them preparing to log off without another word. Before they did, the latter put a gentle hand on his shoulder, offering a smile for his troubles.

He didn't ignore the tremble in his body as she did.

-          ~          -

The aching was usually bad for Yusaku, but this time was particularly worse than before. He was surprised he was even able to step out of the pod before his legs gave out under him.

At least Rio was there to catch him before he fell over. 

"Is it always this bad for you?" she asked in a hushed voice. There was a hint of worry in her tone, but it was to be expected.

"Regrettably..." He graciously accepted her support as she guided him to his chair, groaning as he made landfall. Beside him, Kusanagi grinned as Yusaku handed him his duel disc, plugging it into the computer.

"Good job you two," Kusanagi nodded towards the two of them. "Rio, mind helping me out with looking through the files?"

"Will do." She flashed an apologetic look towards Yusaku before pulling up another chair, busying herself with the keyboard as the two of them began extracting the files. 

You don't need to apologize, Rio, he thought to himself. If anything, I should be the one doing so. Even with their little confessional talk a couple of weeks ago, he hadn't told her of what he went through during the Lost Incident. 

He said nothing as she and Kusanagi continued to work, manually sifting through the files. Five minutes later, a noise from Rio signaled that she found something.

"You two. I think I found it," she clicked on the image, revealing the profile of an older man with midnight blue hair and a chiseled chin. "Kiyoshi Kogami. Director of the Hanoi Project and a researcher at SOLTech."

So he's the mastermind, huh...? "Would explain why SOLTech would have his information," he observed, looking further down at his profile. 

"Apparently he worked alone with several other of his peers before his superiors found out," Kusanagi pointed out, tapping the screen. "Says here a whistleblower leaked the information, leading to the rescue several days later."

"What about the peers? Did they ever get caught?" Ai squinted at the data. "Hey, any chance that Zaizen knew of it?"

"Wouldn't count on that," Rio shook her head. "He was probably too young to even be employed by SOLTech yet, and he had Aoi to take care of anyways. He doesn't seem like the kind of guy who'd go experimenting on kids the same age as his sister."

"Fair enough." Ai looked back at the page with intrigue. "It was just a thought, anyways."

"Regardless, it's most likely that SOLTech made a cover-up story," Yusaku continued. "The public would be all over their case if they ever found this out..."

"And it seems like the staff in question have all retired," Rio brought up, sighing. "But I'm getting ahead of myself. Reckon the project's mission is in here?"

I think all of us would want that. "Let's keep looking," he nodded.

Unfortunately, the rest of the document didn't seem to indicate that. It was mostly covering the broad strokes of the project, most of which was already public knowledge. At least, until they got to the bottom of the page.

"Wait, what?!" Rio nearly tipped the chair over as she looked at the highlighted information. Yusaku and Kusanagi took their turns to look at it, though their reactions were just about the same.

You gotta be kidding me! 

All three of them silently honed in on the last bit of information before Kusanagi continued reading.

"Kogami... Kogami died seven years ago."

"You've heard the new?"

"Indeed."

With just the two of them in the data sewage system, their voices easily echoed through the empty chamber. Not like anyone else would hear them.

"So, the time has come, father?" Revolver gave him a wary look.

"It has, my son," he nodded, holding up a single glowing card. "We can no longer afford to wait. I have toiled long enough to fulfill my desire."

With that, he dropped the card into the abyss. It disappeared from view before giving off an acid-green sparkle in the darkness. It was followed up by a wave of energy that disrupted the flow of data momentarily, followed by the faint roar of some creature. 

"With that, Link VRAINS - no, the virtual world - all of it will crumble."

Chapter Text

"So we can agree this lead's about done?"

Rio huffed as she closed her laptop, shaking her head. "Seems like it. Gotta hand it to them, SOLTech knows how to bury their company history."

Unfortunately, that had been the trend for a while now. The three of them had spent the holiday weekend picking the data dry, yet they ended up empty-handed at every corner. 

A change in scenery hadn't done much to bolster their efforts. Kusanagi had suggested the location, the cliffside view offering a serene view of Stardust Road that he claimed would keep them motivated after two straight days of bunching up in the truck. But she knew that it really so that Yusaku could get some fresh air.

The sea breeze is nice, though, Rio could admit. The lack of customers helped her focus on digging through the files, and any lead was a plus at that point. The only times she had bothered to pause was for the occasional stretch, though there had been one point where a customer had made an order.

"That customer we had actually lives up in that estate," Kusanagi had pointed out, gesturing to the lavish building perched upon the cliff. "No doubt he's seen Stardust Road come to life a few times."

Wouldn't mind seeing it myself once this is all over. Maybe I can take Yusaku here again if we were a serious thing. It was a charming thought, but it was a luxury that she couldn't afford for now. 

Speaking of which, her fellow duelist was lounging about, drinking the soda that Kusanagi had given him. Judging from his expression, he looked primed for taking a third nap in the span of twelve hours.

"Hey, Yusaku."

"Mm?" 

"Want to walk around for a bit? I think we could both use the distraction," she offered, smiling gently. 

He seemed to wake up at the idea, hesitating for a moment before nodding. "I'll take you up on that offer."

Both of them ignored the chortle that Kusanagi gave them as they stood up, taking their respective drinks along as they started down the walkway. The sun was beginning to set, dying the sky a molten yellow. The seagulls were departing for the day, the shadows of their flock dotting the skies above.

The breeze died down a bit as they walked, but the light scent of salt and ocean spray made for a pleasant aroma along the way. It was about the same serenity she had come to expect from the coast, and here was no different.

"So... did you want to talk to me about something?" Yusaku broke the silence. "It's not often you suggest something like this out of the blue."

You can't be serious here, Yu. "Well, now that you bring it up, maybe I should ask you to relax a little," Rio shook her head. "It's not like it's every day that we get to enjoy some free time like this. And you of all people would benefit the most out of taking this time to recharge."

A muted "oh" escaped him before he sighed. "That's what my naps are for..." 

"Come on, you're not going to get away like that," she smirked. "We both know how boring lectures can be. And if I recall, I'm not the one constantly falling asleep in class."

"That's not even what happens half the time!" Yusaku retorted, glaring lightly at her. "I just happen to lose myself in thought a lot. And... well, I do typically zero out everything else... hence why I've fallen asleep... on more than several occasions."

"Case and point," Rio gave him an unamused look. "Take it from me, having an occasional break can do wonders. With how often you're constantly fighting against Hanoi, you'll burn out faster than you want to."

He opened his mouth to refute her, but quickly stopped. Before long, he gave a defeated sigh. 

"You know we can't afford to do that," Yusaku gave a sad smile. "I don't think I'd properly be able to relax if I tried."

He really sees himself as that far gone. Rio shook her head as she looked ahead. "Maybe one of these days I can teach you then. How about it?"

No response. Maybe he's thinking about his answer?

But when she turned around to ask, she was met with something... different. Yusaku had stopped walking, looking into the sky. He seemed to be fixated on something, yet the general direction he was looking in had nothing to offer in terms of sightseeing.

By the tide, what's going on? Whatever the case was, it did not bode well. 

"Yusaku?" she tried calling out to him. He didn't seem to respond, but he did offer a look to Rio.

From her personal experience, seeing another person's eyes actively glitching like a screen was definitely not something that could be considered normal.

It didn't help that his next move was even more jarring. He looked back into the sky, flinching back. "Why's there an eclipse in VRAINS?"

An eclipse? Rio gave him a nervous glance, putting a hand on his shoulder. "What are you talking about? I-"

The second she touched his shoulder, she froze up immediately. The world around her began glitching and went off the fritz, mirroring the effects she was accustomed to seeing on Link VRAINS.

But it didn't feel like she was having a vision. Rather, it seemed like she was sharing her vision with Yusaku. 

Without another thought, Rio looked in the same direction that he was. Sure enough, there it was: A massive sun, the shadow of the moon covering it entirely to make a perfect eclipse. But as she took a closer look through the glitching, silent dread began pooling in her stomach.

Rather than having a normal orange-yellow outline, the eclipse's outline was an acid green, polluting the sky with its atrocious light.

As quickly as it had appeared before her, the scene glitched once more and returned to normal. Rio gasped as she took a step back, and the subsequent look that Yusaku gave her told her that they had both seen it.

"Was that... your Link Sense?" Rio finally asked. "Just what is going on?"

"...We can talk about it later," Yusaku nodded grimly. "But we need to tell Kusanagi. Now."

"You... yes, you."

It was that voice again. 

"...Yusaku."

"...Who are you? Where-?"

"Wake up..."

"Please tell me... where are you?" 

"Oy! You in there! Class is over already?"

Yusaku finally decided to look up. Shima was standing next to him, looking mildly concerned.

Frankly, it had barely even registered to him that class had ended. The lack of students today had been jarring, but he had paid it no mind. Students skipped class all the time, so he figured that today was one such case.

It didn't stop somebody like Shima to interrupt his daydreams. Speaking of which, his fellow student was looking more relaxed with him being awake now.

"Well that's a relief," he commented. "Could've sworn you became an Athnoer just now!"

A what? "And what's that, exactly?" Yusaku stifled a yawn as he stretched.

That got a chuckle out of his classmate. "Golly, you don't even know about the Athnoers? Aren't you a hopeless case-"

"Commenting like that won't do anybody any favors." Both of them reeled around to see Rio walking up the stairs, lightly glaring at Shima before her face relaxed. "But seeing as we're here, what do you know about them?"

"W-well..." Rio's rebuttal had taken the wind out of his sails, but he proceeded as the three of them began walking. "Apparently, people have been entering Link VRAINS and haven't come back since. From what the rumors have been saying, it's 'cus of a cursed duel disc!"

That's new, Yusaku nodded to himself. "What about this supposed 'cursed duel disc'?"

"That's the interesting part," Shima grinned. "They say at midnight sharp, ghostly hands come out of the duel disc and drag the victim into VRAINS, leaving their bodies as empty shells!"

A slight flinch from Rio told him that she had connected something. But Yusaku refrained from saying anything as the three of them walked towards the front gate.

"Anyways, it seems to only be targeting prospective duelists," he continued. "Hopefully Playmaker or Merag can put an end to this whole mess before they target me... wait, where are you two going?!"

By the time he had realized it, Yusaku and Rio had managed to walk several paces away from him. The two of them stopped to at least tell him they were still "listening".

"I'll correct you on one thing: It's 'Anothers'. 'Athnoer' might sound like a cool Latin name, but it's certainly not what we're dealing with here," Rio smirked, "Thanks for the talk, info man."

"Nice one," Yusaku muttered as they continued on their way, leaving Shima fuming behind them. "But you noticed something, didn't you?"

"You could say that, yeah," she replied, smile dropping. "Call it a hunch, but... well, let's not talk about it here. We can discuss it more with Kusanagi tonight."

-          ~          -

Sure enough, Rio wasn't the only one with something to show. As they convened for the night, Kusanagi already had the monitors pulled up. 

"I'm sure you two have already seen the news," he nodded, "I managed to hack into the surveillance cameras of a convenience store. Lo and behold, I found footage someone getting turned into an Another from yesterday." 

"This should be worthwhile." Ai had been quiet over the last couple of days, but had returned to Yusaku's duel disc as of yesterday. "But why keep it here? Can we not just fast forwards the footage?"

"No, that won't be necessary," Rio's eyes narrowed at the screen. "Note the time right now. Let's see what's really happening..."

On queue, the victim's duel disc began glowing brightly. As he looked down, the light began enveloping him completely. There was a full thirty seconds of panicked yelling and arm flailing before the light receded, leaving the victim out cold on the pavement.

"And he hasn't woken up since," Kusanagi paused the footage, looking back to the two of them. "He's in the hospital, but even now the doctors haven't been able to wake any of them up."

"Wait a second, that sounds familiar," Ai pointed out. "Ain't that the same thing that happened to Blue Angel?"

It does bear some similarities, Yusaku admitted. "It's been taken a step further here. Whatever that light is, it's forcefully logging people into VRAINS. And whatever they met on the other side hasn't allowed them to return since."

"I'm sorry, this just reeks of Hanoi," Rio grimaced. "So much for needing that hunch."

There it was again. She had been muttering about it for the entire walk to the truck, but had divulged none of the information. Now felt appropriate enough for him to ask her.

"So what was your hunch, then?" Yusaku crossed his arms. 

Rio closed her eyes for a moment before exhaling. "Well, after what happened a couple of days ago, I decided to do some extra research," she began. "Namely, the mythology behind eclipses. There was one common theme that I found with them that does warrant consideration."

Yusaku and Kusanagi shared a look before looking back at Rio. "Let's hear it."

She nodded before continuing. "If I'm right, it's not going to be pleasant in the near future." 

"From my research, eclipses used to be feared as a sign of cataclysms... in other words, a devastating world event," she continued. "And among those events... well I'm sure you two can take a guess."

It was then that it clicked in Yusaku's head. "The ghost hands and the Anothers."

"That's right. Obviously, there are obvious differences between ancient mythology and the Anothers cases, but the point still stands," she said as she rewound the surveillance footage back to the point of incident. "If the Anothers cases are just one piece in the scheme of a greater 'cataclysm'... then Hanoi's planning something far worse than just making other people into victims."

It was a grim foretelling, but Yusaku knew better than to doubt Rio's hunches. More times than not, she was right on the money. 

"But we can assess that later," she remarked. "For now, let's look back at the Anothers case. Perhaps there's a trend with all of them." 

"Yes, please. All that historic talk just gave me the creeps," Ai muttered. 

"Let's not waste time, then." The three of them nodded as Kusanagi pulled up the medical records. 

It wasn't long before all three of them regrouped, the similarities having added up so quickly that it didn't take a genius for them to figure things out.

"Prodigy duelists that sport older-generation duel disc and also happen to be hackers," Rio listed off. "They really aren't making it a secret that they're after us."

"So it seems." It was all rather droll to Yusaku, the matter of Hanoi attacking people not being that surprising. But the matter of trapping people inside Link VRAINS left a bitter taste in his mouth.

It seemed like Kusanagi had caught onto his train of thought. "Looks like your mind's decided already," he nodded. "Thankfully, I've already prepared a list of potential victims. We can start tonight."

-          ~          -

Unfortunately, things were not off to a good start. By the time Yusaku and Rio had made it to the first potential victim's apartment, there was already a glow shining in the window.

"Dammit... let's hurry, Yusaku!" Rio wasted no time sprinting ahead, basically dragging him up the stairs with her (though with how quickly she managed to navigate the apartment with his added weight, he couldn't bring himself to doubt that she could do more than just that). But as they reached the door, Yusaku quickly tried turning the knob, only to find it locked. 

Neither of them were keen on wasting time. Both of them nodded to each other before they collectively charged at the door. 

There was a snap of wood as the door fell off its hinges, collapsing onto the floor. But for them, their main concern was the other thing collapsed on said floor. Makoto Kirishima was leaning on his recliner chair, eyes vacant and his deck scattered everywhere.

We're too late. Yusaku grimaced, trying to shake the other boy awake but to no avail. He had already been taken into Link VRAINS.

"Yusaku! Rio! His laptop!" 

The two of them stood up, swiftly looking at the screen. Sure enough, there was live footage streaming his current predicament. His in-game avatar was slowly being backed towards the edge of a cliff, the ocean below dangerously churning. And in front of him was...

"I'll ask you one more time. Are you Playmaker or Merag?"

It was an ugly, sneering voice, and the person talking was equally so. That, coupled with the facial mask and apparel, was more than enough to tell them that this man screamed Hanoi.

"And I'll keep telling you that I'm not! Now leave me alone!" Makoto protested, though the tremble in his legs betrayed his confidence. 

The Hanoi agent merely chuckled. "Very well. Then I'll ask you one last thing. Is your AI an Ignis?"

"I-It's not! What even is that anyways?!"

"Funny how all of you say that," he sneered, raising his hand. "But you're clearly not him. So I bid you good night now!"

A white wave shot from the Hanoi's hand, hitting Makoto head-on. Yusaku and Rio could only watch on as Makoto staggered before tipping off the cliff and plummeting towards the ocean.

At least until a streak of maroon and gold shot towards him, catching his lifeless form before they hit the ocean.

"Gou Onizuka?" 

Come to think of it, he hasn't shown up in the news as of late, Yusaku frowned. It would explain a lot, seeing as he was pure media fodder barely two months ago. 

But as they watched Gou resurface and carry Makoto's body with him, his return was very telling of the current situation.

"You rotten scoundrel! What did you do to Makoto?!" he roared, glaring daggers at the Hanoi agent, who had just materialized in front of him. 

"My, seems your fall from popularity hasn't done much to quell your temper, Gou Onizuka!" The Hanoi agent laughed maniacally. "But if you must know, my name is Dr. Genome."

"I could care less about who you are! Heal Makoto right now!" Gou seethed, taking a step forwards.

"Oh, I can oblige to that," he sneered, haughtily waving the card data in his hand. "All you need to do is help the Knights of Hanoi hunt for Playmaker and Merag, and I'll give you the virus removal program."

"Over my dead body!"

"Hah, very well then," Genome shook his head while smiling. "No matter. I'm more than happy to leave him as he is. Just like all the others!"

"But seeing as you're here, you may as well do me a favor," he continued. "If you see either Playmaker or Merag, tell them this: Unless you want more Anothers on your hands, appear before me!"

With that, he disappeared back into the network, leaving a devastated Gou behind. But for Yusaku and Rio, it only meant one thing:

Hanoi had declared war once again. And this time there would be no prisoners taken.

Chapter Text

Sometimes Rio forgot how diligent medical staff could be in these times.

It was one of the few thoughts she could distract herself with as she accompanied the staff to the hospital. It had only been half an hour after she and Yusaku had called to report Makoto's condition, and the medical staff had arrived on the scene. 

But with Gou having appeared in the confrontation with Genome, Rio knew that a confrontation with him in person was inevitable. And having remembered Yusaku's past, she knew what she had to do.

"Meet back up with Kusanagi," she had told him. "It'd look suspicious if both of us were calling in a hospital again. People might start assuming things."

That was how she ended up on her solo journey to the hospital, having donned a thin jacket to cover her more distinct features. The staff had asked no questions the second she walked in shouldering Makoto's soulless body, and before long they were wheeling him into the critical care unit. 

Although... it seems like things are even worse than I imagined, Rio thought to herself forlornly. From the two minutes she had accompanied the staff in admitting Makoto to the ward, she had spotted no fewer than seven other patients being wheeled in simultaneously. 

And all of them had the same Chaos she had sensed within Aoi during her duel with Yusaku. 

How desperate is Hanoi to capture the two of us? Ai was one thing, but for them to mobilize their ranks and make this many victims was sickening. They're keen on making these duelists Anothers, rather than them just moving onto the next suspect.

Unless... could they be-?

"Move out of my way!"

Her train of thought was interrupted as Gou Onizuka rushed through the hallway, accompanied by who appeared to be his manager. His face was a mask of fury as he looked upon Makoto's unconscious form.

Called it. Rio was quick to duck into another hallway, leaning against the wall so she could assess the situation.

"...done everything we could. But he's still not waking up," the doctor was explaining to Gou. "From our diagnostics, he's exhibiting the same symptoms as the Anothers."

There was a sizeable thump, suggesting that the latter had punched the wall. "Please... don't let him die."

"We'll do our best." 

There was the sound of receding footsteps before the halls were ushered into silence once more. The most she could assume was that Gou was still coming to terms.

With a first-name basis, seems like the two are close, she observed. No other reason why he'd show up here, if not just for what happened tonight.

She was unfortunately right. "...It's my fault he's like this," Gou broke the silence. "I should have stopped him from going the same path as me. He looked up to me as a duelist... and now..."

Oh, how cliched could you- She didn't know what was worse, the fact that she was criticizing someone who was distraught, or the fact that she was fed up with the same self-deprecation she had heard before. 

"Is it though?" his manager questioned. "Makoto chose to begin dueling after you became a Charisma Duelist. With everything you did for him, it was only natural of him to want to follow in your footsteps."

"Even still..."

Glad Yusaku doesn't have to hear this. Rio shook her head, turning to the elevator. Regardless, I've done my part here. 

Unfortunately, the hallway must have been dead silent, considering the sound of her shoes was loud enough to echo through the halls. Before long, she could hear the sound of approaching footsteps.

"Wait!"

On queue, Gou was behind her. He seemed alert at first, but his face laxed as he saw her uniform. "Did you come here because you were worried for Makoto?"

"Let's keep it at that," she nodded. 

Something flashed in his eyes that gave him pause for a moment, almost as if he was hesitating. "What's your name?"

If I had a nickel... Now she was more glad that Yusaku didn't come along. 

"Rio Kastle."

"Hack Worm attacks you directly!"

Yusaku sighed as yet another group of duelists fell to the Knights of Hanoi, Rio tsking with a shared disdain. It was a dismal sight, seeing the hordes of Hanoi that had begun to swarm Link VRAINS as of late. It wasn't helping matters that the entire fallout was being broadcasted to the public, with a sizeable crowd having gathered in the square to watch it on the projector.

Meanwhile, the three of them had spent the day manning the food truck. As good as business was with all the foot traffic, it wasn't enough to lift the mood given the circumstances.

"We have to intervene at some point," Yusaku muttered, tapping his finger impatiently. "Hanoi can't keep getting away with attacking innocent civilians."

"Can't say that's the right move, Yu," Kusanagi shook his head. "With their numbers, they have too much of an advantage. Not to mention that they could fight dirty at any given moment."

That ticked off Rio a bit. "Then what should we do, Kusanagi?" she turn to look at him. "Numerous as they are, it's not like standing by will solve anything!"

"Well, it's saving our skins, if you ask me," Ai shrugged nonchalantly. "Not only can we get a better grasp of the situation, but you're also keeping me safe too!"

"You really know how to make it about you..." 

Their conversation was cut off with a sudden roar from the crowd. The three of them turned back to look at the screen, only to find Playmaker had appeared. Well, a poser at least.

The crowd didn't seem to notice, opting to cheer on the arrival of their new hero instead. Meanwhile, the three of them watched on as said poser made quick work of the rampaging Hanoi, whether it was shoving Knights into each other, heaving them over his shoulder, or even ramming them with his board. 

"...Okay, does he really think he's going to get away with that?" Rio mumbled as she sipped her coffee.

"Eh? Whaddya mean, Rio?" Ai tilted his head. "You're acting like you know who the poser is."

"Maybe I do," she responded. "I can hardly imagine any poser who can pull off an F-5 on a Knight of Hanoi and still reasonably balance on their board."

The pieces quickly began fitting for Yusaku. "Rio, you don't mean... never mind."

"Something wrong?"

"No. Just didn't take you as the type to watch professional wrestling." Kusanagi gave a nervous glance to Yusaku before nodding in agreement.

She quietly chuckled before returning to the screen. Her gaze quickly hardened as Genome came flying by, cackling as he locked eyes with the poser. 

It wasn't much of a surprise that he was quick to discern the identity of the poser. "Don't think you can hide behind that facade anymore, Gou Onizuka!"

"Told you." 

"Don't start with that..." Ai mumbled. The four of them watched unsurprisingly as Gou removed his disguise, glaring at the doctor maliciously. 

"So, you've come for revenge, haven't you?" Genome snarked. "A shame. Your talents would be better off helping us hunt for Playmaker and Merag!"

"Funny how you mention that," Gou grinned. "I've got my own bartering chip. Namely... Playmaker and Merag's identities!"

The crown was stunned into silence while the announcer went utterly ballistic. Despite the noise, Yusaku didn't miss the groan Rio let out. 

"And why should I believe that?"

"Doesn't matter if you do. If you want that information, you'll have to beat me first!" he declared. "Let's duel with their identities and the virus removal program at stake!"

-          ~          -

Yeah, he's bullshitting out of his ass. 

If Gou had only mentioned her name, Rio would have had believed there was a chance he knew. But seeing as how he claimed to know both of their identities, it was evident he knew nothing.

But it seemed it was enough to rile up his opponent as the two initiated in a Speed Duel. She wouldn't be able to relax long, however, as Genome had a surprise ready for the event.

"Allow me to make a stage fitting for our exertion, then!" he announced, holding up a glowing card before tossing it into the air. "Duel Gale, expand!"

The card dissipated after reaching a certain height. Before long, the Data Storm began lurching beneath the two of them, raising them higher into the air. The Storm seemed to become more turbulent, coiling into blackened twisters that formed a massive dome around them. 

It was enough to cause the data structure of the buildings around them to begin glitching from the intensity. And for Rio to be able to feel it in the normal world.

Revolver really is insane, she grimaced. Thinking he can weaponize Chaos without thinking of the ramifications of using such a volatile power. Who does he think he is?!

Unfortunately for her, she could only stay silent as the duel began, with Genome playing Helizz Marmotroll on the first turn to block out Gou's typical strategies. To be expected, seeing his career being out in the public, she observed, watching as the Charisma Duelist set up his field like normal and summoning Thunder Ogre. Just what is Gou planning...?

She would find out sooner than she anticipated. The tone of the duel quickly took a sharp left as Gou equipped Gouki Dark Mask onto Thunder Ogre. His monster struggled as it was forced upon its face, all before it let out a more intimidating roar. 

"Now that Thunder Ogre's gone rouge, I think it's about time..." he grinned before draping a hand over his face. When he moved it aside, he too had donned a darker wrestling mask. "For me to make my heel turn as Dark Onizuka!"

Alito would really like this guy. Rio couldn't help but smile a bit as the crowd went berserk over the twist. Even Genome had stopped yapping as he watched bewilderedly at the change in character. 

"Talk about tacky," Ai muttered. "Is there really a point to this shtick?"

"You'd be surprised," Kusanagi smirked. "Heel turns symbolize that a wrestler's turned into a villain."

"-Which means he's changed his dueling style," Yusaku finished, his observation quickly being proven true as Gou activated Gouki Poison Mist and spat said mist into Genome's face. It wasn't long after that he took to sacrificing Riscorpio twice, using Dark Mask's effect to raise Thunder Ogre's attack to destroy Marmotroll. His brazen attacks managed to lower his opponent's Life Points down to 2300 at the cost of Gou himself losing 600 Life Points.

He's got a solid lead, undoubtedly. Brutal as it was, Rio could admit that it was proving effective. Not bad at all.

The only question now became how well it'd hold. And seeing how quick Genome was to stand back up, she had a feeling she would have to intervene sooner than she thought.

"Quite the story you've got," Genome grinned haughtily. "And all of this was just because of your loss to Merag? How fun."

"Frustrating as it is to admit," Gou retorted. "Even with the backing of my fans, even I had to admit that Playmaker and Merag changed the dueling scope. So I had to evolve my style to win that favor back!"

That got his opponent chuckling in a hurry. "How moving it is, to see the strong strive to hang onto their strength!" he snarked. "But no matter how much you've changed, your DNA remains the same! Which means everything in this duel has already been predetermined, including my victory!"

I've had just about enough of your DNA talk, you creep! "Quit your yapping!" Gou roared. "I'll crush your theory and write my own destiny!"

"Then allow me to show you the limits of your DNA!" he continued, activating Graveyard Incubation to revive his fallen Marmotrolls. It wasn't long after before the ever-familiar circuit appeared above Genome, his monsters promptly setting themselves into the markers.

"The circuit to our future opens! Come, Helixx Gothiclone!"

At first, it didn't look to be much, seeing as it had zero attack. But with Helixx Dreadrat now linked to it, he must have a plan...

His theory was quickly proven true, with Gothiclone's effect negating its own destruction by attack tying with his Thunder Ogre. "Now Gothiclone's other effect activates! Since he wasn't destroyed by battling your monster, I can tribute a linked monster to deal its attack to you as damage!"

Gou grimaced back, his Life Points dropping down to 2000. I have to end this, and quickly!

Unfortunately, even that mindset would be thwarted. Regeneration Cure stamped out Gouki Serpent Splash's effect, and even allowed him to summon a token for his efforts. It only got worse from there when Genome used that token alongside a revived Dreadrat to Link Summon Helixx Necro Darwin. 

Losing Twistcobra lost him another 200 Life Points, but it gave him another opening. "Dark Mask's effect now activates! Since Dark Thunder Ogre's effect activated, you take-!"

"-no damage, because now Necro Darwin's effect activates!" Genome grinned maniacally. "Effect damage becomes zero, and Necro Darwin's attack doubles until the end of my turn!"

Not good! He could only watch on as his opponent proceeded to throw Gothiclone at Thunder Ogre, triggering the same tie that had occurred in their previous battle. At least this time, Gou had Octostretch's effect to halve the damage dealt by Gothiclone's effect.

But it didn't change the fact that he was down to 200 Life Points after the effect. The reviving of Necro Darwin coupled with Genome's skill quickly cut him down to just 100 Life Points and Thunder Ogre's attack to a mere 1700. 

At this point, Gou was barely hanging on, both figuratively and literally. He had barely managed to clamber onto his board after the multiple backlashes, and his options had been run dry.

"You see now!? This is the extent of your DNA, Gou Onizuka!" Genome jeered behind his back. "You never had a chance to begin with, no matter how much you've claimed to have changed!" 

"That's where you're wrong."

What?! 

Both of them looked up to see that Merag had emerged from one of the Data Storm's rampant twisters, heterochromatic eyes watching in earnest. Though Gou immediately noticed that her focus was mainly on him.

"So you've come at last, Merag!" Genome grinned, undaunted. "Here to save Dark Onizuka?"

"Me? Save him? Don't make me laugh."

What did you just say?! He gawked as Merag turned to face him again. "You said you're one to fight for your own destiny, Gou?" she smirked. "So far, all you've told me is that I've come at the perfect time to see you eat your own words."

That was the tipping point. "How dare you!" he roared, glaring at Merag. "You came all this way just to chastise me?!"

If Genome wasn't cracking up already, that snide comment was enough to throw him over the edge. "Oh, the comedy! To think the very person who inspired you is now talking down on you like a dog! You-"

"...I don't recall asking for your input, you lobotomized kale stalk," she snarled, glaring daggers into Genome before looking back at Gou. "Gou! Enough with the kneeling and make him ineligible for a ten-count!"

Ah. So that had been her intent all along. And with the card he just drew, it was practically spitting in his face to do so.

I'll show you, Merag! 

-          ~          -

She was genuinely shocked at how well her plan had went.

All it had taken was a quick incite on her part to fire Gou back up. But it was enough for him to revoke his heel status and use Gouki Face Turn, allowing him to gather the monsters necessary to summon Gouki the Great Ogre.

The duel didn't last much longer, with Great Ogre's effect negating Necro Darwin and Gothiclone's effects. Its ability to attack all of Genome's monsters was the nail in the coffin, and Rio watched in grim satisfaction as the Hanoi general was launched off his board along with his Life Points.

She said nothing as Yusaku entered the world next to her. Meanwhile, Gou had collected the antivirus code from Genome.

"Wh... what kind of evolution is that?" Genome managed to sputter.

"The entertaining kind, that's what," Gou replied. "I'm Den City's #1 Charisma Duelist for a reason!"

Apparently there was some kind of comedy to be found for Genome, who laughed before his avatar disappeared in a flash of dark code. 

No retreat code for them this time, hm? It was intriguing, to say the least. Perhaps that's the consequence of using the Data Gale... 

"Merag!"

No matter. She met Gou's eyes, matching the ferocity of his gaze. Though his eyes were blazing, he still bore a challenging grin on his face. "All that smack on me... I'll remember that in our next duel! Even if you used it all to motivate me!"

He certainly hasn't lost his temperament, Rio gave an amused huff in return. "Take it as you will," she responded. "Besides, I was sure you'd take losing worse than anything I said."

He let out a tch before shaking his head. "I'll get you back for that one of these days," he pointed at her indignantly. "And don't think I've forgotten about you, Playmaker! I will be the one to defeat both of you when the time comes!"

"But Hanoi comes first! I'll crush them before I face you two!"

Seems his mind's made up. Rio gave a knowing look to Yusaku, who nodded in return. However...

"I'm assuming you're here to say the same thing, Blue Angel?"

The other girl had been silent the entire time, but nodded in agreement as she stepped out of her hiding spot. Yusaku gave the two of them a nod, though Rio noted a spot of hesitation in his eyes. 

They've made their choice, she thought solemnly. As for how prepared they are... hm. 

Chapter Text

"Where's Blue Angel been?"

"She hasn't shown up recently... what's up with that?"

"Gah, of all times for her to go off the radar! I wanna see her kick Hanoi ass!"

Aoi had to bite back a sigh as she walked out of her classroom, another day having passed uneventfully. That wasn't to say that the day hadn't had its moments. If by moments, she really meant her own frustrations.

It had been all over the news. Playmaker, Merag and Gou all working towards removing the Hanoi from Link VRAINS with resounding success. There was also Kitamura's announcement on SOLTech's AI duelist force, though the media had quickly exploded once Hanoi had unexpectedly wiped out his forces clean.

And there she was, sitting idly as she watched all of them fight without her.

If she was being honest, it hurt her pride, both as Blue Angel and as herself. It only hurt more that her brother was keen on not letting her access VRAINS while he was around.

"At least with AI duelists, their loss doesn't matter," he had told her. "But that's not the case for you. So... let me handle this. Please."

It didn't take a genius to know he was worried about her safety. He hasn't changed a bit. It's not like I can't fend for myself, unlike most of the other duelists on VRAINS! Those stupid AI aren't faring much better, either!

She had to bite down the urge to protest on several occasions now. And with no one to vent her frustrations to, she knew it was only a matter of time before-

Before something else put her on edge. She had barely registered the sound of approaching footsteps before something crashed headfirst into her, causing her to stumble back and plop herself on the floor. "Wha-?"

"Oof... my bad, didn't see you coming through."

As if the day couldn't get any worse- Aoi was about to snap at the person before they - or rather, she - looked up to face her. Long blue hair, light blue bangs, magenta eyes, there was something- 

"You're... Aoi, right? Again, my bad," she laughed it off, brushing herself off. "I was in a bit of a rush to get back home, you see..."

Would explain the running, I guess. It didn't make the stinging go away. "Wait, how do you know my name?" 

"Right-" The other girl's face turned more serious, and her voice turned more hushed. "I... was one of the people who found you unconscious on the roof."

"Oh." It was starting to feel like the world had a bone to pick with her. But still... it's nice to know the face of the people who helped me.

"I think my brother mentioned your name at one point..." she mumbled. "You must be Rio, right?" 

"Yeah, that's right," Rio grinned, picking up a stray book that had fallen out of her satchel. "Didn't think we'd cross paths again so soon."

If by "crossing paths", you mean running straight into it... "Well, you seem like you're in a rush, so I don't want to take too much more of your time..."

Something flashed in the other girl's eyes before it quickly vanished. Rio exhaled a bit before nodding. "If that's what you want, that's fine. Only if you're okay with it."

"What do you mean?" 

"Sometimes you have to really mean it before people take you seriously," she replied. "And call it a hunch, but your face has 'done with shit' written all over it. If you've got problems you want to solve, fate ain't waiting for no one." 

With that, she was back to the races, zigzagging through her fellow students towards the open gates. Aoi watched on, still confused.

Is it really that obvious? She was certain that she'd hidden her emotions well enough, yet Rio had seen right through her! And why did she seem familiar for a second? Am I going crazy?

Perhaps she was. Not even two whole minutes had passed after she began walking again that a person on a motorcycle came riding by, brushing past her before stopping in front of her.

"Aoi Zaizen, right? Figured we can have a chat." 

But Aoi had had enough for one day. First Rio, now this other girl too! If she had to hear one more thing about her life, she was going to scream. So she knew she had to walk past her and be done with it-

"'I know you're there, Blue Angel.'"

She didn't need any more convincing to face the stranger - at least, she had been a stranger. "You're... Ghost Girl?"

"That's right. But call me Emma while we're outside VRAINS," she offered a hand. "We can talk about it more on the ride over."

Well, isn't "fate" breaking me over its back today, Aoi thought begrudgingly to herself as she took Emma's hand. Maybe Rio has a point. 

"Hey, welcome back you two."

Kusanagi's nonchalant attitude was a welcome one after the drag of the school day. It was almost sundown by the time the three of them had reconvened in the truck, and Yusaku was dirt tired. 

"Didn't you already take a nap in class, Yusaku?" Ai raised whatever he could consider an eyebrow. "How're you still tired?"

"Let's not press him on that," Rio sighed, easing down on one of the open chairs. Yusaku took the opportunity to plop himself between her and Kusanagi. "So, any luck, Kusanagi?"

"Not a lick, unfortunately," he shook his head. "If Hanoi's going to get any credit from me, it's that they know how to keep their trade secrets."

"Whoa, whoa, is that an admittance of defeat from the great Kusanagi?" Ai joked. "We might as well sound the alarms at this point!" 

"You can if you want. I'm only getting started," the former grinned, flicking Ai on the forehead, getting a chortle out of Rio in the process. 

In that small moment, Yusaku couldn't help but feel a sense of normalcy. 

"You can go to bed, Kusanagi. Rio and I'll take over from here," he nodded towards Rio, who gave him a thumbs up. The screens lit up once more, and the two of them quickly got to work.

"Alright then. Though I'll cook something for you two first," Kusanagi replied. "Figured you two would be hungry, anyways."

The atmosphere quickly eased, the three of them taking to their roles for the night. While Rio was in charge of finding a means to cure the Anothers issue, he and Ai were busy looking through the list of victims and the footage that Kusanagi had dug up for them. 

Frankly, it wasn't eventful. Kusanagi was right on how little traces the Hanoi left on their victims, with all the footage showing the same scene over and over again. He looked over at Rio, who, aside from a gentle smile and a shoulder pat (both of which got a small flush out of him, much to the latter's amusement), it was clear she wasn't having much luck either.

The food was served before long, and the three of them agreed to take a break before continuing. With next to nothing on any relevant information, the conversation devolved into debating Revolver's potential motives and the backlash of SOLTech's AI duelist initiative.

It won't matter much if we can't find a fix soon, Yusaku thought to himself. Hanoi taking over VRAINS would be bad enough on its own. We might have to change that if this goes on...

Thankfully, he'd get his desired nuance soon enough.

"Now would you look at that," Rio interrupted the conversation as she looked up from a notification on her duel disc. She wiped off her hand before typing in a website link on one of the screens, pulling up a livestream and putting it on full screen.

Sure enough, Blue Angel was riding her board through Link VRAINS once more, tailed by who looked to be another of Hanoi's generals if the half-mask was any indicator.

And from the look in Aoi's eyes, she was furious. That seemed to translate into her dueling tactics as she battered the Hanoi general with her signature combination of Trickstar Holly Angel and Light Stage. Even though it was just one instance of damage, he could sense the emotions behind each of Aoi's actions.

So she's finally made her choice, Yusaku knew that Aoi wouldn't be one to stay complacent. Wouldn't put it past her for her mood being crappy thanks to her brother. If their previous counter had been any indicator, he hardly imagined Zaizen would be willing to let her on so easily.

Whatever the case was, it didn't matter too much to them at the moment. The situation quickly took a turn for the worse as the general activated Current Corruption Virus and Link Summoned Dark Mummy Surgical Forceps ("Forceps were not used by ancient Egyptians," Rio grumbled, Ai nodding in agreement). The combo was enough to stop Aoi from summoning any monsters to her field, halting her combo.

Let's hope she hasn't bitten off more than she can chew, Yusaku thought solemnly, finishing the hot dog that Kusanagi had given him. He returned his attention back to the list of Anothers victims, scrolling through the list of clips that Kusanagi had found. He soon found the video he had stopped at, tapping it open.

It looked to be the inside of a parking structure, the camera overviewing several cars. The ever-familiar light shone through one of them, and the last seconds of the clip showing the newly-made Another slumping over their wheel. 

The footage looked as unremarkable as the others that had come before it. But as Yusaku rewound the footage, something else jumped out at him.

"What's this...?" He apparently said it loud enough for Rio to look over, and she was just as quick to catch on. While the footage was blurry, there was no mistaking the outline of a person hiding behind the pillar.

Rio mumbled something to herself before perking up again. "Zoom in and enhance, Yu," she nodded to him. 

He obliged, the computer cropping the person into frame and enhancing the person. To their surprise, it was the face of the exact Hanoi general that Aoi was facing. 

Wait... wasn't she also Aoi's doctor? He had remembered seeing her face when he and Rio had admitted Aoi to the hospital that night. Then that means...

"Looks like we've found our Anothers maker," he turned to the others. 

"Eh? You're sure?" Ai asked. "I get she's Hanoi and all, but what makes you think she's the Anothers mastermind?" 

"Three reasons. One, her registration as Aoi's doctor. With that level of access, she could better analyze the effects of the virus when they used it on her," he explained. "Two, her appearance in the camera footage would suggest she's ensuring the program is successful en masse. Three, if you paid attention to the duel going on right now, she's been emphasizing the virus to provoke Aoi more." 

As if to iterate his point, the Hanoi general began turning up her pressure, using her skill to bolster Surgical Forceps and activating Root Ransom Virus to completely cripple Holly Angel. Aoi's trap card managed to save her monster, even though it dropped her down to just 100 Life Points. 

"At least the archetypes are consistent," Rio huffed. "So what's the plan? Surely it isn't as simple as tracking her down, right?"

"Who do you take me for, Rio? I'm way ahead of you on that," Kusanagi began smiling once again. "I've already datamined her info. Turns out she's cancelled her hospital plans for tonight and is hanging out in her apartment."

Nice going, Kusanagi. "Then what are we waiting for?" Yusaku nodded. "Let's get going."

Using her Skill had been a massive gamble on her part. But it was thanks to that maneuver that she finally had a win condition. 

I haven't spent my off time idly, Aoi thought to herself. With both Mandrake and Holly Angel on her field, as well as her newly drawn Narkissus, everything was in place now. 

"All eyes on me, people!" she announced to the crowd. "Even though her effect gets negated, Trickstar Narkissus gets to join Holly Angel and Mandrake on the field!"

From the look on Baira's face, even she was surprised that she still had the grit in her to perform. And I'll multiply that look tenfold, here and now!

"Here goes! Our hope-born circuit!" She raised her hand, her three monsters setting themselves into the markers above. "Everyone, give a heartfelt welcome to Link 4: Trickstar Bella Madonna!"

The crowd roared in applause as her new monster graced the field, axe ready to cut a certain pair of forceps in half. And with Mandrake's effect destroying the Dark Mummy Infuser linked to it, it was all but primed for a cinematic chopping.

This is my stage, she could feel her fist clench harder. I'll show you what I can do on it, Brother!

"Since she's not linked to any monsters, Bella Madonna isn't affected by other card effects," she smirked. "And once per turn, I can deal damage to you equal to the total number of Trickstar types in my Graveyard times 200!"

The damage went through smoothly enough, dropping Baira's Life Points down to 2400. And with that, Bella Madonna had more than enough Attack to finish the duel. 

But as Aoi called her final attack, she noticed her opponent closing her eyes before pulling up a screen and typing something into it. She couldn't exactly see what was on said screen before Bella Madonna made her final attack.

Nor could she decipher why Baira had smiled at the end of it all.

-          ~          -

It had taken a while for the cameras to be off of her. By the time she had, she was finally able to find Baira waiting for her atop one of the buildings. 

"...So I'm guessing that means Blue Angel's back on stage?" the latter asked, fatigue lining her voice. 

I wish. "Only for today. I told you before, I was after revenge, and I got it," she replied. "Today was only meant for me to fight for myself."

"Funny you mention that," Baira began smiling again. "Despite your insistence on that, you still kept the crowd hanging on your every whim. Beating me gave them hope, even if that wasn't your intention."

Though Aoi wasn't going to admit it outright, the noise of the crowd was nostalgic to her. It was enough to raise her mood, if only slightly.

"What are you getting at here?" she asked.

"I'm saying that your actions can change the people around you," Baira replied, taking off her mask. "And... you can see what I mean if you take a look up at the sky."

With little other choice, she did as she was advised. To her surprise, golden code was raining down on the city.

"This is... the removal program?" While it was a relief to see, it didn't ease her wholly. "But why?"

"'Why?'" The older woman sighed, watching as the code rained over VRAINS. "I'll admit, I've asked myself that time and time again. It's been too long, perhaps." 

"Perhaps that's the thing with hope. We never ask why we want it, yet it lifts us up all the same," she continued. "I felt that from your dueling. And I'm sure the people who watched your duel today felt the same."

You say that, but... "But what about you?" Aoi asked. "You still wrapped yourself in all of this. Would that not mean you'd given up hope before?"

"Perhaps I have," Baira replied. "But I know that the future shouldn't be left to someone like me. Not anymore."

"No, if today's duel taught me anything, the future should be guided by people like you. That is, should you choose to carry those hopes with each step you take."

The two stood in silence after that. Aoi let herself lean on the balcony rail, absentmindedly watching the rain of code. 

Was this what Rio meant...? Or did Emma try guiding me to this point? Both of them had been rather cryptic with their words, not offering a direct solution to her. At the time, it had confused her, and even now she had little to no answers.

She didn't even notice that Baira had logged off. All she was left with was a lot to think about. 

"...Well, that's one problem solved," Rio sighed, pulling herself up. "The problem now becomes how we're going to explain to the hospital our third visit there in two months."

"That's what you're worried about?" Kusanagi gave her a nervous glance. "I thought the priority would be getting her medical attention."

Really, you two, Yusaku shook his head, watching as Revolver purged Kyoko's conscious. The screen went dark thereafter, the data sphere surrounding her body disappearing shortly afterward.

"Talk about being uptight..." Ai pouted. "But still, why'd she go out of her way to release the antivirus if she knew this was gonna happen to her?"

"You wouldn't get it," he replied flatly. "She'd accepted the consequences long before she began her duel with Aoi."

Their business, for the most part, was done. The security footage displayed on the screen was showing Anothers victims beginning to wake en masse, with doctors working to assure them of their safety. 

"I'll go call an ambulance," Kusanagi broke the silence, getting up and walking out of the apartment. Yusaku nodded towards him, noticing that Rio hadn't moved much since Kyoko had been purged.

"Rio...?" 

"...You feel it, don't you?" she mumbled. "Something's stirring... I don't think we can stay idle for much longer, Yu."

"...Yeah."

He didn't know how to explain it, and he wasn't going to ask Rio about it. But if there was anything he had learned from their time together, she was never wrong with her gut feelings.

Chapter Text

Despite having traveled by virtual hoverboards and food trucks, Yusaku wasn't quite prepared for the feeling of riding on a motorbike. 

It wasn't to say it was unpleasant, by any means. The rush of wind around him was a familiar comfort to him, and he could admit that the open view was appealing in its own right. 

Perhaps it was the lack of security that the motorbike provided. Without any form of security, any mistake would be costly.

"You can tone the grip down, Yu. We're almost there." At least his fears were mostly abated, knowing that Rio was at the helm. She looked like she was in her element, expertly maneuvering around traffic and bypassing another street light before it signaled to yield. 

"It's still my first time hitching a ride with you," he yelled over the noise of the wind. "And you could maybe not find every opportunity to barely squeeze between cars?!"

"Hey, it's the fastest way!" The next light ahead signaled for Rio to slow down, letting her turn back to look over at him. "Besides, you could use the wake-up call. You were half-asleep before we left!"

"You act like it's easy staying awake," he grumbled. 

That got a chuckle out from her. "It is, if you know what you're doing."

He couldn't get over how simple she made it sound. It was a trait that she managed to exude consistently, from her duels against the Hanoi to the smaller interactions the two shared together. Yusaku could almost say that he was frustrated at how she could navigate a scenario so quickly.

Yet it felt so much like Rio that he couldn't bring himself to deny her.

He couldn't help but think back to what Zaizen had urged him to do. Trying to live a normal life, spending time with friends and family. He knew they were things that he couldn't do; his family were all but gone, his life was anything but normal, and he had been a social loner for the longest time.

Rio had managed to encompass everything that Zaizen had wanted of him. But she had also accepted him for his for his path of revenge, much like how Kusanagi had when they had first met.

It was... complicated, the way that he felt for her. The affection, perhaps even the intimacy was there. Yusaku could still feel hesitance and secrecy between them, barring them from having a stronger bond. But he also acknowledged just how well the two of them got along, both as comrades in arms and friends.

One of these days I'll finally understand. But for now, he still had his mission.

"Yusaku? Hey, Earth to Yusaku?" It was her teasing tone that brought him back, Rio offering him a light smile as he turned to look at her. "We're here."

The back alley under the highway had become their go-to private spot for the trio, the lack of surveillance making it the perfect location to continue their work unperturbed. Rio parked her motorbike a few feet away from the truck before getting off.

"Great timing you two," Kusanagi looked serious as he greeted them. "Check this out."

The two of them turned to the monitor, fully expecting the worst. But to their surprise, what met their eyes was rather unexpected. On screen was a duelist in ridiculously over-the-top armor fighting against a knight of Hanoi. But standing next to the duelist was-

"-Cyberse Wizard?" Rio broke the silence, eyeing the screen. "Now hold on a minute..."

I have the card here, though! Yusaku quickly sifted through his deck, eventually finding the aforementioned card. It still looks in one piece, for the most part. So how...?

The unanswered question was quickly addressed as Ai reached out and tapped the card before reeling back. "Well now! This card's missing its data!" he exclaimed. 

"Okay, that's interesting and all, but that doesn't explain the whole digital card transfer," Rio shook her head. "How in heck did this random guy-"

"-Named Shima, apparently," Kusanagi interrupted. "I managed to dig up the player profile. Turns out he's one of your classmates."

A shared look between Yusaku and Rio was enough to show off their disbelief. "Well now things make even less sense," the latter grumbled. 

Let's worry about that later, Yusaku mused as he watched Shima manage to finish off the Hanoi, forcing his opponent to retreat. He was quick to get a following going as other duelists cheered at his victory. 

"Well, that covers that at least," Kusanagi agreed. "But that does bring up a new problem."

"That being?"

"It's the fact that he has Cyberse Wizard to begin with, Ai," Rio hummed. "There's no way the Hanoi hasn't caught onto this. And knowing Shima, he'll be quick to attract trouble."

The following silence was enough to get Kusanagi back to busying himself with work. Yusaku gave a knowing look behind Rio, feeling a slight tone of concern. Her predictions were never wrong, and it made sense in his head.

She was able to simplify the matter, after all.

Sometimes Yusaku was glad he never made wagers against Rio's predictions. At this point, he was certain she was a prophet of some sort.

Barely a day had passed since Brave Max's debut before Shima had suddenly gone missing. By the time the three of them reconvened in the truck that afternoon, the perpetrator was already confronting the poor student on Link VRAINS. 

"Playmaker. Merag. I know you're watching," the man looked skyward, introducing himself as Faust. "Either of you are free to fight me. Unless you don't value Brave Max's life and the card he holds."

"Whaddya mean?! I got that card from Playmaker!" Shima protested. 

"Really? Then duel me," he replied nonchalantly. "Unless I'm to presume the man who carry Playmaker's will is a coward."

Idiot... he should have listened to me. Yusaku recalled back to yesterday, trying to dissuade his fellow duelist from fighting the Hanoi. And if his panicked screeching was any indicator, Faust was right regardless of the circumstances.

"Kusanagi, how quickly can you track down Shima's location?" he asked. 

"It'll take time," Kusanagi replied. "Go into VRAINS first and save him the meantime!"

That was the plan, at least. But when Yusaku went to grab his duel disc, he was shocked to find that it was missing. 

Where'd it go?! He glanced around the room hurriedly, finding no trace of it anywhere. But just as he was about to barge outside, the screen had switched to new footage. 

"Beep, beep... we're now on the air, live from above Den City!" 

The camera angle soon reversed, revealing Ai flying above the city on his duel disc. It looked to have been modified into a drone, with the small Ignis piloting it with his own program. 

"Ai! What are you-?"

"Tracking down Shima's location, of course!" he replied cheerfully. "Thanks to a small tracker I put on Cyberse Wizard's data, I know exactly where he is!"

Well that's convenient... wait, what?! 

"That would have been a lot more helpful if you had told us earlier, AI!" Rio interrupted his thoughts. "And maybe next time you wanna go sneaking off to 'save the day', you could tell us in advance!"

"Oi! Are you going to save him or what?!" Ai fumed "You should be thanking me for finding him in the first place!"

Yusaku wanted to add something, but stopped himself. Something doesn't add up here... just how was he prepared for this?

The thought wasn't going to get anywhere if he couldn't do much else, at least for now. Shima was still in danger.

"Ai! Come back right now! I-!"

"Forget it, Yu! We don't have time," Rio fumed as she stood up, duel disc already blazing to life. "Follow Ai and make sure Shima isn't outright dead. I'll handle our Hanoi problem in the meantime."

-          ~          -

Looks like I only just made it in time. 

By the time Rio had arrived in VRAINS, Shima looked as though he was about to duel Faust. But her arrival seemed to have diverted the Hanoi general's attention.

She ignored his incessant muttering as she faced Faust. "Real elaborate plan, using him as bait to demand a duel," she grimaced.

"Call it as you want," Faust replied. "My only goal here is to acquire the Ignis. And your defeat will allow me to end Playmaker and you."

Oh you've got some gall saying that. Rio glared back at him. "Then let's stop beating around the bush. Then we can worry about who gets to curb who's ass."

"O-oh, right! Merag, please take this card!" She had almost forgotten about Shima, who was holding out Cyberse Wizard to her. "I'm not ready to hold that kind of power, so I'll-"

"-Stay back in the meantime. And get to somewhere safe," she urged, quickly swiping the card as Faust activated a Data Gale around them. This is born from Chaos as well. So it won't be pretty for anyone aside from me. 

With nothing else to do, she dashed over the edge of the building, her board quickly retrieving her as she and Faust began surfing among the Data Storm. 

"Speed Duel!"

-          ~          -

"Be careful, Rio." Yusaku muttered. 

While it had been annoying for him to sit this duel out, he didn't have a choice. Just how did Ai manage to do all of these modifications, anyways? Though it'd explain how heavy my disc was today...

But things made even less sense when it came to the circumstances. A tracker... wait, there's no way he could have anticipated that. Too many things were lining up with the timing of events. 

So for Ai to conveniently have a tracker on the card... did he set this up?

He could only ponder on the issue as he watched Faust activate Egg Clutch, crimpling Rio's Abyss Dweller and forcing it into defense position. The subsequent attacks were not much better, although her field spell's effect managed to mitigate the worst of it.

"You alright, Rio?" Yusaku asked, absentmindedly slipping his duel disc back on as Ai returned through the window.

"Don't fret on me," she replied tersely. "Did you find Shima?"

"We just managed to arrive now," Kusanagi reported. "Try finishing that duel soon. Who knows what they have planted here." He then turned to Yusaku, who only nodded in turn before exiting the truck.

Here goes nothing, he grimaced. To say he was prepared for the worst was just expected at this point.

-          ~          -

Talk about a close call. 

Faust's Skill would have been enough to take her down had it not been for the combination of Icejade Manifestation banishing Wormhole Defense and Icejade Cenote Enion Cradle's effect, her Life Points would have gone down the drain instantly. 

Sure Abyss Dweller had taken a beating as a result. But now she was in prime position to reverse the situation.

"This ends now, Merag!" Faust shouted. "For the two that failed, I will end you here!"

"Dream on!" she retorted. "You already failed to end me this turn! And I'll show you how that's enough for me to crush you here and now!"

"I'll now activate my Skill! Numeron Access!" 

Her skill went without a hitch, card manifesting in her hand. But when she finally looked at what it was, she quickly sobered.

You... doesn't he still need you? She quietly asked. As nice as it is for you to answer my call...

He'll live, he answered back. Giant Killer and Destiny Leo are still with him, by their own choice. I doubt they will be as willing to part from his side.

Fine. But just know I can't send you back, got it?

Of course, Crystal Sight.

Rio nodded firmly as she exited the wormhole, rejoining Faust on the Data Storm. He didn't seem as pertubed as she had imagined.

"What do you think one card will do for you?" he shot at her. "Your fate was written since the very start of the duel!"

"More than you can imagine," she snarled. "And you really think fate's set in stone if you calculate hard enough? Don't make me laugh. I've learned the hard way that you have to wipe everything away before breaking fate! And this monster will show you exactly how!"

Thanks to her Skill's effect, she could use both of the Tokens on her field to complete her summon. Thomas... watch my "fanservice", will ya?

"Oh humanity's fruit of wisdom, may the wicked dance upon thy strings! Come before us, Number 40: Gimmick Puppet Heaven's Strings!"

Rio couldn't help but sober at the sight of Thomas' Number. Ryouga had told her how he'd use the card to devastating effect against him. Don't hold back now, she met the gaze of the puppet, who nodded in turn.

"Heaven's Strings effect activates! Using an Overlay Unit, all other monsters gain a String Counter!" she declared. "And at the start of the next turn, all monsters with a String Counter are destroyed, and you'll take 500 points of damage for each!"

"And what does that achieve?!" Faust almost laughed. "By my next turn, you're finished!"

"Then it's a good thing that I won't be needing another turn."

"What-?"

"I now activate Rank-Up Magic: Numeron Force!" Rio grinned savagely as she played the card. "And with it, Heaven's Strings gets his very own evolution!"

"Humanity's fruit of wisdom, let the devil revive! Descend, Chaos Number 40: Gimmick Puppet Devil's Strings!" she continued. "But that's not all. When he's Special Summoned, all monsters with a String Counter are destroyed, and you take damage equal to the highest original Attack of the monsters destroyed! So you'll be taking Abyss Dweller's 1700 Attack as damage now!"

While it wasn't a whole lot of damage on paper, the move left Faust's field completely open. He glared indignantly at her as she raised her hand to signal the final attack.

"Devil's Strings! At-"

"Listen to me, Merag!" Faust interrupted, much to her annoyance. "Do you even realize what you're doing, protecting that Ignis?! If you continue to do so-!"

"-then I'll be the one to decide what happens in the future," she interjected. "My future is my own, and like hell I'm going to let somebody like you tell me what will become of it! Because I've already been through hell and back for being a spectator to fate!"

The look of shock on his face was more than enough to convince her to end things. "Devil's Strings! Crush him here and now! Melody of Massacre!"

The ensuing explosion was enough to send him flying off his board, crashing through one of the buildings before continuing to fall from there. 

"Merag!" Faust managed to shout over the howl of the explosion. "Humanity's future... because of you, we-!" 

He never got to finish his sentence, the man dissipating in a mass of black code. Rio grimaced a bit, realizing he had been terminated before he could finish.

Not like she wanted him to finish it, anyways.

This is only the beginning, isn't it? It was difficult to imagine that someone like Faust would let his final words be that regarding the future. Stars above... Seems my work is never done.

"Rio. Rio?"

"Yusaku?"

"Shima's awake now. Seems our job's done here."

Everything had gone as he had expected. For better or for worse.

The white-haired man said nothing as he turned the key to Baira's apartment, his arrival greeted only by the sound of silence. 

Her fall had been the most troubling to him. She had undone her own creation in the Anothers, saving them all on account of her own guilt. 

It's not as though it will save them all in the end.

He grimaced, the thought making his head spin. He had tried to ignore it since the start of the final program, but it had begun to frequent him more often. But he knew he couldn't let himself be distracted.

All he cared about was the camera snugly tucked away behind the array of books. While there had been a twinge of guilt for planting it without Baira's knowledge, he had decided it was for his own good. 

He had to see it with his own eyes. If their first encounter was anything to go by.

Three things... it can't be a coincidence. I refuse to believe it.

The footage blazed to life on his duel disc, replaying the inside of Baira's room. And there they were. Three individuals, standing around her unconscious body not long after he had purged her. They seemed to be talking about it, but he didn't really care. 

A purple-haired man with a goatee and a brown coat over a sweater had accompanied the two, but he knew better. So he's Playmaker's little helper. And... He didn't finish that thought, knowing that he had seen him from somewhere. He eventually moved out of view, leaving two people looking over at Baira's unconscious form. 

On one side, a girl who looked not much older than he was, long blue hair flowing behind her in waves. Sharp magenta eyes were set behind her light blue bangs, a stark contrast to the blues of her uniform. She was dangerous, undoubtedly, knowing her dueling prowess. 

But it was the last person that he truly had his eyes on. Dark blue hair with magenta bangs and highlights, and sharp green eyes. With him and the girl standing close to one another, the two of them could easily have been confused as cousins. 

Most important was the Ignis extruding from his duel disc, mumbling its own rant in the footage. 

He couldn't help but suppress a grin. That same elation also came with a pang of reminiscence, one that he quickly did away with. His goal was all but completed.

Found you at last.

Chapter Text

Ashes. It was not a smell that she enjoyed in the slightest.

Rio grimaced as she tried not to breathe in the smog, navigating her way through the ruined cityscape. 

It was just like before she had returned to Earth to start her mission. Paradise had been charred and burned thanks to ZARC's corruption, his influence violently etching itself into the earth. 

And now the madness was spreading into the material plane. If Don Thousand merging Earth and Barian World had disfigured the planet, whatever this new calamity was looked fully poised to tear the world apart.

Wait, what the heck do I mean, "whatever this new calamity is"?! She shook her head profusely. If this isn't ZARC by some miracle, I'll see myself out before this is over!

With her over-the-top exaggerations aside, she soon noticed that the smoke ahead was beginning to thin. Rio took another breath before picking up the pace, finally making her way through the smog.

It was just about as horrific as she expected it to be. A massive, luminescent tree extended into the heavens, alight with a flow of green energy. The ash seemed to actively avoid it, surrounding it like a cindered crown, its bark and branches its twisted royal garments.

All the while, more streaks of light began surging towards the six rings gravitating around the tree, being absorbed into the bark-like substance before the tree began glowing again. And if the distant screams were anything to go by, there were a lot of souls being magnetized towards it.

This glutinous bastard, she fumed. First his dragon fetish turned full-on conquest, and now he's taking a page out of Dartz's handbook to revive himself? Could he be any more cliched?!

Her rant wasn't going to get her anywhere. The new concern became how the tree got there in the first place. Left with little to do, she took advantage of the Chaos in the air to summon Blizzard Falcon. Her monster nodded to her as she hopped on, taking flight with her into the ashen sky. 

Well, at least they tried to. Not even five seconds after they had entered the airspace, a stream of missiles began to rain down upon them.

"Blizzard! Evasive maneuvers, stat!" she ordered. 

Despite how preemptive she was, it was still rough sailing for the both of them. Rio was forced to brandish her duel disc's arm blade, covering Blizzard's blind spots as she desperately maneuvered around the incoming artillery fire. 

Eventually, the projectiles stopped coming, but left the two of them stuck in a cloud of smoke and debris. But even with the obscuring, she could still sense the different flows of energy around her. And the rain of missiles left a neat little trail that lead to... 

There! Higher up the tree was a smaller energy source, not much further from where she was. Blizzard seemed to recognize it as well, wings flapping harder as the two ascended above the debris. 

She had to squint a bit, but there was no mistaking it. Atop one of the tree's branches stood a dragon that was much smaller in comparison, but no less dangerous if the smoke exuding from its maw was anything to go by.

But there was no mistaking the design: Borreload Dragon.

And next to it, a man in a visor and lab cloak, leering at her from above.

It wasn't long before the figure vanished, a flash of lightning illuminating the ash-filled sky to reveal the silhouette of something massive, its wingspan seemingly endless against the horizon.

But she knew better. It was a sight she'd never want to behold again.

I...

I... am...

I. AM. RUIN.

It was then that he roared, and everything was gone.

-          ~          -

Rio didn't even have the energy to jolt up, instead groaning under the cover of her blankets as she woke up.

At least I'm not keeling over sick like how I did before, she groaned internally. But it certainly doesn't make these visions any less rough...

She would have has less of a problem with it had it not been the fourth consecutive vision that she had been bombarded with in this week alone. It didn't help that the visions were getting worse. Crimson ash in the sky, the outline of a tree piercing the heavens, the twisted roar of some unseen creature... not to mention the screams of untold masses, their voices a river of despair as they flowed into the rings of the tree.

And all of that was becoming clearer and more graphic by the day. She could have sworn the taste of ashes was still on her tongue.

Something big was coming. And if the appearance of both ZARC and Revolver in her visions were anything to go by, things were about to get complicated in a hurry.

Fortunately, it was still early in the morning, the sun having not peaked out over the horizon just yet. May as well get washed up beforehand, she grumbled to herself. Can't be feeling like crap before something this big.

Getting some water on her face was at least a good start. The cold water was a welcome splash of relief to her burning face, and she sighed in relief as she felt the rest of her body cool down. A few more splashes soon calmed her down entirely, finally letting her thoughts settle down.

As she dried herself off, Rio took the chance to look herself in the mirror. Not a whole lot had changed in her appearance, even now; still the same flowing blue hair, light blue bangs, sharp magenta eyes. She was surprised she didn't have any bags under her eyes, but it was enough of an indicator that her vigilance wasn't taking a toll on her. 

Yet she knew that her tenacity had been honed by lifetimes of foreseen tragedies, and whatever was going to pass was only going to hone it more.

Who am I kidding? She smiled sadly, her reflection mimicking the action. It was never going to be simple. When has it ever been-

Disaster... 

"Numeron...?" 

The sudden intermission was enough to drag her out of her pessimistic view. Rio flinched upward, only now noticing the familiar gold glow in her eyes. But something was clearly wrong, the glow tapering out and refocusing at intervals. 

...return... fall... alone...

Humanity... seek him... three worlds... lest... calamity... shall...

"What? Numeron, what do you-?"

She never got her answer. The glow faded from her eyes, leaving her with only her tired reflection staring back. Rio leaned against the wall behind her, rubbing her temples as she processed what she had heard.

The calamity part I get... but three worlds? There should only be two! Barian World and Astral World had long been fused by Yuma and Astral, and the human world was obviously going to be in danger with the destabilization of the Code. And who am I supposed to seek? If it's an invitation to kick Revolver's ass, then that just feels redundant...

But what had been the most jarring part was the stuttering. While she knew that her sovereign was busy with keeping the Code together, Rio had never felt her connection to Numeron sound so unstable.

It could only mean one thing. I'm running out of time. 

At least that small conversation was enough to tell her that, one, he was still watching over her, and two, the Code was still functioning.

It was just a shame that the message had been as dire as it was. I don't think there's a scenario where "disaster" can ever be considered a good thing, she thought as she finally exited the bathroom.

She was promptly hit with a few rays of light coming from the window. As her eyes adjusted, she quickly realized that the sun was finally peeking out over the horizon, casting shadows and light over Den City.

It helped that she was at a higher story of her apartment complex. She could see the outlines of seagulls taking flight into the sky, sunlight filtering through the vegetation of the park grounds below, and the colors of dawn in the sky simply being as mesmerizing as they always were.

For a brief second, Rio felt a twinge of exultation. Be it only for a fleeting moment, she was glad she could find solace in the smaller things. And yet...

All these halcyon days might come to an end if I don't act now.

"This'll be my last time ordering from here."

"Oh. Are you moving?"

"You could say that."

Yusaku said nothing as he watched the customer walk away, bag in hand. It was a pity, seeing one of Kusanagi's longtime customers leave. It also didn't help that business around Stardust Road was pretty lackluster already, seeing the lack of foot traffic in the winter. 

But he could dwell on that thought later. Rather, he was more focused on the news coverage for VRAINS. 

The last week had been rather uneventful. SOLTech had mobilized their AI duelist fleet to take out the remaining Hanoi ruffians, and Anothers were becoming a thing of the past. Peace was quickly being restored into VRAINS, and Yusaku could at least take comfort in not having to intervene for the time being.

Yet that same peace felt... unnatural. Namely the fact that despite the Hanoi cleanup that was happening, Revolver had yet to show himself since their first encounter.

Revolver's not the type to just run. With how vehemently determined he was to destroy Ai, it was far more likely that he was making a strategic retreat. But there's got to be a reason as to why he hasn't revealed himself these last few weeks...

"Something on your mind, Yu?" He looked up to see Kusanagi offering him a freshly grilled hot dog, which he accepted quietly. 

"Yeah," he turned the screen around for him to see. "It's the fact that nothing's been happening on VRAINS. At least anything of note."

"You make it sound like it's a bad thing," Kusanagi joked. "It puts less work on us, not to mention it gives us room to focus our efforts."

"You say that, but there's a rather distinct lack of anything to focus on right now," Ai shrugged. "But that feels wrong. Maybe Revolver's planning something?"

"Seems likely. But that leaves the question of what exactly it could be."

I'd propose something, but I'm not certain, he shook his head. If Rio was here, she'd probably have one of those predictions again...

That had been the other thing that was bothering him. Rio had been more quiet around him after her duel with Faust, having only offering him an occasional smile or glance. But when they were about to go home the night before, she had said something... rather cryptic, for a lack of a better phrase.

"The current peace is in name only," she had told him. "Don't let your guard down for even a second, Yusaku. Once I've finished my own findings, we'll meet up again."

He hadn't heard from her since. She hadn't sent him any form of message, nor had she replied to the messages he and Kusanagi had sent her. She's been distracted for a while, even before she told me that, he noted. It doesn't seem like it's because of what Faust said, seeing how quick she was to refute him. 

But what did she mean? Or... does she also suspect somethings brewing? It seemed possible, seeing what they had just discussed. But what? If Revolver's up to something, then-

SNAP!

Yusaku winced as his vision glitched, another spark shooting through Link Sense igniting his senses. Ai shot up as well. 

"You felt that, right...?" the Ignis passed a worried look to him. "It was just like yesterday's, too!"

And stronger at that, he grumbled to himself.

Kusanagi was quick to take notice. "Link Sense acting up again?"

"Yeah." Yusaku muttered, shaking off the fatigue as he stood up. Not to mention the other times as well. And if that's the case...

"Kusanagi, we need to thoroughly scan VRAINS. Now." 

The other man was quick to take the hint, ushering him into the truck. "I've got a few new pieces of software just for that. Hop on VRAINS and I'll lead you from there."

-          ~          -

He still remembered their faces. 

Yusaku... how could he forget his face? It has to be him. 

The man at the food truck he liked had been with him as well. He must be... connected to one of the victims. There would be no other reason as to why they are close...

But the third one - Rio... why does that name bring so much anger to me? - was noticeably absent. He was somewhat surprised that the other two had not recognized his voice. Yet a small part of him had a feeling that if she had been there, he would have been foiled.

No matter. I will simply crush them all if they intervene, he clenched his fist. Until then, I-

"Revolver?"

He looked over to the voice. Spectre stood beside him, gray eyes unassuming. Right... we were talking about... When had his thoughts become so muddled? Curses....

"...It remains that losing them was detrimental," Spectre remarked. "Are we certain we can afford such a significant loss in our control over VRAINS?"

The three caskets were still open, Genome, Baira and Faust resting in each of them. They were still in comatose, a consequence of the termination sequence he had used. 

Their loyalty was... admirable, Revolver admitted. But now...

"It matters not," he finally said. "They did well to buy us time. And now they'll serve as the foundation for the annihilation of the Ignis-"

He growled as a surge of pain laced through the left side of his face. Spectre passed him a look, one that was quickly erased as Revolver waved him off.

"You're certain you will be able to stay together until then?" Spectre asked quietly. "He's been whispering to you more frequently, hasn't he?"

"I..." his anger tapered off, leaving him solemn once more.

"No, it doesn't matter. The plan must go through, Spectre. And I am willing to pay whatever cost." Revolver turned around, opening the screen once more as he oversaw VRAINS. "Now see to it that the preparations are finished. I have other business to attend to."

"Of course." He vanished without a trace, leaving Revolver alone in his thoughts. The quiet was a welcome reprieve, allowing him to calm down.

He just hoped Spectre hadn't hear him swear under his breath as the burning only worsened, the taunting chiming in his mind along with it.

Chapter Text

"So you think something's stirring up behind the scenes?" Emma asked. 

"That's what I believe," Zaizen nodded. "Contrary to what SOLTech has been claiming."

It had been a week or so after Merag had defeated Faust. VRAINS had experienced a period of solstice in that time, with SOLTech claiming to be eliminating the remaining Hanoi from their virtual servers. 

But Emma was no fool, and for once Zaizen wasn't either. "You're still suspicious that Revolver hasn't reappeared as of late."

"That's right. Even though his commanders were dispatched and defeated, he has yet to make a move," he explained. "This cannot be a coincidence."

Which means something big is happening in the background. Revolver doesn't seem like someone to back off that easily. "I'm smelling a commission on my hands," she smirked.

That got an amused huff out of Zaizen. "Seems I can't get anything past you. But since I did a small part in informing you, how about a discount?"

"Let's wait until after I find anything," Emma rolled her eyes. "But I'll think about it."

-          ~          -

That was how she ended up taking Zaizen's commission. SOLtech had scheduled maintenance for the day, so VRAINS was essentially a ghost town. The perfect opportunity to get started.

Emma tapped an input into her duel disc, releasing a glowing ball of light in front of her. She had aptly named it the FYREfly program, and it had served her well for her career from then onward.

"Alright then... let the hunt begin."

The ball scattered, fragmenting into hundreds of smaller light balls before they split off into four groups. Each group was designated for one of the major directions, which would allow her to cover the most amount of ground.

Now we play the waiting game. There was a certain charged feeling in the air that Emma couldn't shake, and she knew that it was only a matter of time before something sparked it alight.

Her mind wandered back to what Merag had mentioned to her. Something about the moon being their only witness to their conversation. Somehow she seemed... serious about what she said? There had been a tone to her voice that Emma couldn't shake, one that had dwarfed her on a spiritual level. 

Not to mention... the moon seems brighter tonight. It was a virtual moon, to be sure. Perhaps it was the neon glow of the city that was the cause of its unusual lighting. But Emma had a feeling that the moon over VRAINS' skies was glowing more green than usual. 

Her thoughts were interrupted by her duel disc beginning to blip. Emma looked down at her screen, 

Playmaker? Now what might he be doing here? 

Admittedly, she had half-expected him to appear. If there was anything that defined Playmaker, he was nothing short of vigilant in his hunt for the Hanoi. And with the Lost Incident on his shoulders... Perhaps he knows something I don't. 

A smile tugged at her lips as she rerouted the FYREflys near him. It wouldn't hurt to wander with him. And also... we can cover more ground down there.

-          ~          -

Well, the interaction could have gone a lot better... 

It couldn't be helped. Her professional relationship with Playmaker was already shaky, especially after invading SOLTech that one time. They have every reason to be suspicious of me.

Which made it that much more surprising that he decided to follow her down the data sewers. Then again, he's probably looking for the same thing as me. Which means I've got competition... and a correct hunch.

A bit of idle chatter was enough to lighten the mood, though Playmaker's stern gaze never left her. His AI - the Ignis, right - seemed more lax, curiously prodding about her occupation.

So when the corridors reached a fork in the road, she knew that laxness was her opening. 

"So... which way do we go?" the Ignis asked. "Unless we wanna split from here..."

"It's the only option, unfortunately," she replied. "Though which path should we take?"

"Oh! How about a game?"

Here she had thought the Ignis would have a little more foresight before suggesting something like a game. Especially ones she could rig. 

It was easy pickings from there. A decoy deck was enough to fool the Ignis in taking a rather foul-looking card, letting her choose in the process. And since the FYREflys are going right...

She didn't say anything as the two of them split off. The terrain was getting steeper as she moved through the empty corridors, following the FYREflys through the maze-like catacombs. 

It took some running, but eventually she managed to catch up with the stream of FYREflys, which had paused directly in front of the gate to the reprocessing plant. Fortunately, the security measures around said gate were loose enough for her to bypass it. A hard press from her knife was enough to do that job.

What awaited her was nothing that she expected. Rather than some high-end machine at the center of the massive room, there was instead a massive black core, with acid green tendrils coalescing around it. The excess data was flowing into the writhing mass, being absorbed for some unknown purpose. 

It doesn't seem to be reprocessing anything, though... just what is this? Emma's curiosity was quickly morphing into concern as she used the FYREflys to get a reading on the core. That concern almost immediately became worry as the readings began flooding the screen.

What is this?! Just how much energy has this core gathered?! She had never come across something with this much data before, and there was a flash of fear as she realized the repercussions to such a thing. Her fears would only intensify as she realized her FYREflys were no longer observing the core, but instead began flowing into one of the other corridors. 

It wasn't as though she had programmed them to analyze anything else in that moment. So just what...?

With little options left, Emma swung over to the corridor, prodding her screen again for answers. And the results-

Wait.. why am I getting the same energy readings from here? Just what is-

"I didn't expect you here, Ghost Girl."

That voice. "Revolver," she breathed, watching intently as the masked man approached her. There was something different about him, but she couldn't make it out entirely. 

All she knew was that she was in danger. And big time, at that.

"L-look, I stumbled in here by accident, so if you excuse me-"

"Don't bother," Revolver deadpanned. "I have no intentions of letting you leave this place alive."

-          ~          -

This isn't good!

It was one thing for Ghost Girl to trick Ai and make them go the wrong way. It was another thing for her to lead them on the same path as a data-based amalgamation! 

"I told you this was dangerous! Why didn't you listen to me?!" Ai shrieked as the thing's hand barely missed Yusaku by an inch, forcing him to slide between its legs and making a run for it.

"Would you pipe down?" he hissed. "That thing can probably hear your incessant complaints from a mile away!" 

A swing from the monster's tail was more than enough to get both of them to worry about the present. Yusaku barely managed to dodge the incoming attack again, though that maneuver almost cost him a trip into the data sewage. But as he pulled away from the data, another spike of pain sparked through his mind. 

The shocks... they're getting stronger. It was difficult to concentrate on dodging the monster's attacks when the pulse he was feeling via Link Sense was rapidly growing stronger. It took another of Ai's frantic calls for Yusaku to dodge another of the creature's attacks, and he shook his head as he continued running.

But it was nothing but more extended hallways up ahead. 

...lose.

Another turn, more halls.

You... lose.

"Shut up..."

You lose.

Yusaku had to screech to a halt. The pipeline had lead him to a dead end.

Not now!

Y̷̨̺͎͖̰͌́Ó̸̫̬̜͑Ǔ̸̧̜ͅ ̶̗̒̏Ļ̵̙̖̬̞͋̃̏͝O̶͚̩̽̏͑͋S̸͔̠̼͙̉̓͛͜E̶͔͝͝͝ ̶͉̦̙͈͒Ỷ̵͕̕Ơ̴̖ͅŲ̵̮̼͌́ ̵̟̐̿Ľ̸̰̀̔̐͗ͅÔ̸͔ͅͅS̷̢̘̹͉̕Ẽ̵̹͜͝ ̴̕͜ͅY̸̙̱̖̤̌̚O̸̭͛Ǔ̴̯̳̊̅͘͜ ̵̱̗͆̄̄̈͠L̵͔̟̲͖̂O̵̭͎̱̕ͅͅS̴̮͎̩͆̈́̚Ȇ̴̺̦̮͂͐-̷̨̯̯̈

He groaned as the memories ran rampant in his head amid the increased glitching around him. Ai shouted something unintelligible to him, the Ignis' voice lost in the noise. Everything was going out of phase, lost to the roaring of the static...

But as the monster was about to be upon him, the sound of tearing flesh broke Yusaku out of his daymare. 

He looked up, seeing that there was now a blade protruding from the monster's chest. The blade was quick to move once more, sawing the thing in half. That move was enough for the thing to spontaneously combust, creating a smoldering crater in the floor.

And standing just beyond the crater was-

"Rio?"

"Yeesh, I save your skin and that's how you greet me?" It was a relief that her sassiness wasn't lost, even as she retracted the blades of her duel disc. At least she was unscathed, and the look in her eyes told Yusaku that the feeling was mutual. "But never mind that. Mind explaining what's going on?"

"Well..." He took a deep breath before explaining, recapping his encounter with Ghost Girl and the debacle they ended up in. She looked pretty bemused by the end of it, muttering something about "talking" to Ghost Girl at a later date. 

"So you're saying there's something here, even though Ghost Girl lead you astray?" Yusaku nodded in response. "Would explain a bit. And from the looks of that monster you were running from... hm."

"Hey, not to interrupt the conversation, but I think the explosion might've given us a way out of here!"

Both of them peered down. Sure enough, the smoke from the crater had cleared up, revealing that it was less of a crater and more of a hole in the floor. The hall below was cast in green light, which seemed to pulsate at set intervals. 

There was a look of concern on Rio's face that Yusaku didn't miss. It was gone soon after, with her jumping down the crater without hesitation. 

"Rio, wait- aaaand there she goes," Ai sighed. "Yusaku, reckon we should just cut our losses here? She doesn't have Link Sense, so she should be- waugh!"

Unfortunately for Ai, Yusaku was just as inclined to get answers as Rio was. The buzzing in his Link Sense wouldn't have it any other way.

I'm not letting you do this alone, Rio!

 -          ~          -

Dammit... I was too late. 

Rio couldn't call it intuition anymore. When it came to Numeron's visions to her, what was foreseen was destined to pass.

So when she had received Ai's distress call, she had feared the worst. She had spared no time hacking back into Link VRAINS, tracking their location down through the data sewers.

But it had been there where she felt it. The sluggish, pungent feel of Chaos emanating from the data wastes and flowing underground. There had been no mistaking the energy signature that radiated from it.

It had sickened Rio to her core. But saving Yusaku and Ai came first, and that was already enough of an indicator that things were going badly. The monster, while still unpolished, was very clearly shaped from ZARC's scorn. 

This has been developing far more quickly than I care to admit.  Just how far though...?

What awaited her in the chamber was the final nail in the coffin. A massive core, acid green tendrils extending and pulsating from the black mass. The excess data was flowing into it, and it seemed to be growing by the second. The Data Storm was whipping wildly around it, where Ghost Girl and Revolver were presently dueling. 

It's even worse than I thought.  And from the looks of it, it only needs a little bit more before it can wreak havoc.

It was one of those moments where Rio hated being right. All she could do was watch as Revolver summoned Topologic Trisbaena, using its effect to strip Ghost Girl's field clean and wiping out the entirety of her Life Points. The latter was shot off her board, landing with a crash onto the platform in front of them.

"Ghost Girl!" Yusaku was the first to react, clenching the bars as he watched the older woman struggle to push herself up. "Just hang in there! We'll-"

"Forget about me!" The resignation in her eyes was only made known to Rio, who nodded slowly. "Take... this. And go. Promise me you two will get out of here while you still can..."

"What do you mean?! Get ahold of yourself!"

"I've... been had," she admitted weakly. "But it's not too late for you two... hurry... Revolver will..."

They watched in vain as Ghost Girl vanished in a swirl of green code, the mass being absorbed by the writhing core. The second the stream of code touched it, the core began brightening, blinding the both of them for a moment with a flash of green light. 

When the light dimmed, both of them were in for a nasty shock as Revolver stepped in front of them, triumphant in pose but still glared daggers into them.

"Revolver..." Yusaku spoke quietly, conflicted emotions in his voice. "What... did you do to her?"

A smug grin lined itself behind Revolver's visor. "She's faced the consequence of interfering. So the logical course of action was to dispose of her."

"And now, her energy and that created from that duel shall serve as the foundation for this world's salvation."

You wretched salt licker! "You're even more insane than I first thought," she hissed. "Using her data as fuel to destroy Link VRAINS is one thing. But using souls... the extent of your depravity is sickening."

Something changed behind the facade of the visor. And from the dark chuckle he let out, Rio knew that the worst had indeed come to pass.

"Think what you will of me. This world has long since been frayed with the creation of the Ignis," he replied coldly. "The Tower of Hanoi will see to it that this world is reborn under my image."

"You're welcome to try and stop me, Playmaker," he continued, his attention quickly snapping to Rio. "As for you, Merag..."

"My return is inevitable. Cling to whatever fleeting hope you have left, that I may devour it!"

That voice... her concern turned to vicious hatred as she recognized the voice. "ZARC! You-!"

She didn't get the chance to finish her statement as Revolver walked away, piloting his duel board once more. The surging Data Storm allowed him to surf away before he disappeared behind the core. Said core was already beginning to expand, tendrils of corrupted energy lashing out wildly and rooting themselves all around.

"Revolver! Come back!" Yusaku shaking the bars in a futile attempt to move them. "Revolver!"

Rio said nothing as he continued. Of course Revolver would be able to hide something like this in the code of VRAINS. It's the most inconspicuous spot. Something cold dropped in her stomach, and she was loathing it as she was piecing the picture together. Don't tell me... the energy around Den City was just a distraction up to this point. 

Everything makes sense now. ZARC's been possessing Revolver to use this program and synthesize his revival! Rio was still glaring at the direction in which Revolver left, but returned her focus to Yusaku. We'll settle this later!

"We have to go, now!" she yelled, ripping him away from the bars just as another root ripped through the gate in front of them. Rio winced as a bit of shrapnel cut her cheek, feeling the tiny bit of Chaos energy being neutralized as her healing factor kicked in.

At least Yusaku had snapped out of his rage, eyes clear as he nodded at her. The two of them managed to log out without any repercussions before the tunnel collapsed around them.

You want to play like that, ZARC?! When I'm through with you, you'll have wished Numeron tore you apart first!

Chapter Text

And as he exited the pod, Yusaku was not expecting the entire ground to be rumbling beneath him.

"Yusaku!" Kusanagi's expression told him that matters were even worse than he imagined. Rio was watching via video conference, her expression mirroring that of Kusanagi's. 

"What's going on?!" Ai's head darted around, and he was struggling not to fall off the duel disc. "Don't tell me there also happens to be an earthquake too! Really isn't the time-!"

"I'm afraid it's much worse than that."

If the tone of her voice was anything to go by, Rio wasn't messing with them. "What do you mean?"

She sighed before moving away from the camera. From the view of her apartment's window, there was an eerily similar structure protruding from Den City Square. It looked more like a tree, but with dark green bark and glowing cracks within. The rings were also wood rather than scrap metal, being suspended in space by some unseen force.

"That's-!" How in god's name is the Tower of Hanoi manifesting in reality?! Hacking and data scrounging was one thing, but manifesting a network-ending tower into the real world was something that Yusaku knew nobody should be able to do!

"There's... there's no way..." Kusanagi was sharing the sentiment, trembling as he took in the sight. Even Ai was subdued, giving both of them a nervous glance. 

"I wish it wasn't so, but... it seems the two are interlinked." Rio pulled up the news coverage for VRAINS, overlaying the video with her own camera footage. Sure enough, it was an exact fit. "And since that's the case, we're all on a ticking timer."

Rio... you don't mean-

Link Sense screamed to life in his head, Kusanagi's shout mute in his ears as he reeled back. When he opened his eyes again, he was no longer sitting in the truck. Instead, he was outside, standing at where the city square would have been. The base of the Tower of Hanoi extended into the heavens, the occasional glitching between its look within VRAINS and its appearance in the real world. 

Screams. Hundreds upon thousands of human screams, echoing across the network. The people around him were being absorbed left and right, the Link VRAIN avatars being dismantled into green code and real people being dissolved into souls.

The rings... they're not just data. He could feel himself fall to his knees, dread finally finding him. It actually absorbed them all... as souls.

In a flash, it was dead quiet once more. Yusaku shivered at what he had just beheld, the screaming still echoing in his mind. Kusanagi put a hand on his shoulder, helping him to steady somewhat. 

If that's the case, then what am I supposed to do against that?! Handling matters on VRAINS was one thing, but matters of the real world were beyond him. I can barely even function normally out there. Can I...?

"Yusaku..." Rio eyed him with concern. "We need a plan, and fast."

"Well, you two did bring something we could use to start." 

"Right- the data from Ghost Girl! Kusanagi, did you-"

"Way ahead of you, Rio," Kusanagi reported, bringing up another screen. It looked to be the interior of the Tower, which extended down all the way to the data recycling plant they had been to. The schematics also hinted at six rings being applied to the Tower.

"You're telling me Revolver built all of that?" Ai studied the screen. "How'd SOLTech flub by missing that?"

"That shouldn't be your concern right now, Ai," Yusaku shot back at him. "All that matters is that thing is programmed to destroy the network, which includes you."

"Wuh? But I'm part of your duel disc right now, wouldn't that mean I'm safe?"

"That's not the only thing it'll do," Kusanagi interrupted, pulling up the analytics. "With the amount of data this thing will absorb by the time it has six rings, the resulting disruption will be enough to domino into affecting networks around the world... which means even disconnected networks will be erased as well."

"And what about the real-life manifestation? Doesn't that mean-?"

"-that the entire planet will be erased?" Rio finished for him. "It's about as inevitable as it gets."

"...You're kidding me." 

"Oh, I wish I was, Yusaku," she sighed. "But you witnessed what Revolver can do. In his current state, he seems more than happy to watch the world burn!"

"That's why I'm going outside to stop that tree."

That got Yusaku alert. "Are you crazy, Rio?! That thing could absorb you at any moment! You can't be serious about-!"

"I'm not about to let more people die on my watch, Yusaku!" she snapped, and there was a moment where Yusaku could have sworn her eyes were glowing golden. "They have nothing to do with any of this! I'm not about to let them get caught in the crossfire if I knew I could do something about it! And I can do just that!"

'Do just that'... Rio what do you mean?

"That's why I have to go, Yusaku," she continued. "Someone has to help them, and I'm the only one who can handle that. If no one intervenes, even more lives will be lost than just Ghost Girl's. And those aren't just pieces of code we can recover from VRAINS."

"So do a favor for me. Kick Revolver's ass in my stead, will you?" A smile tugged at her lips. "He did say he was the only one who could stop the Tower. Wouldn't hurt to try, at any rate."

It always befuddled him how simple she could make things sound. But in the fervor of the moment, Yusaku realized she was most likely correct with her reasoning. 

He was the one who put these events into motion. And we're running out of time to stop him.

"...I trust your judgement, Rio," he murmured, pressing a hand against the screen. "Just... be careful, alright?"

"I could say the same to you, seeing as you keep throwing yourself at danger," Rio smirked. "But I will."

With that, she gave him one last smile before ending the call, leaving the three of them in silence. 

I have to move forwards. There wasn't much point looking back on past grievances if the entire world was at stake. 

"...Let's go," Yusaku stood up, catching the attention of both Kusanagi and Ai. 

"You're sure...? Even without the Data Storms?" 

"We have to, Shouichi," he grimaced, saying his first name felt almost alien to him. "Otherwise we might not ever get the chance to put anything to rest. Because we'll be put in the dirt first."

Rio's put her faith in me. All I can do now is have that same faith in her. 

-          ~          -

He didn't know if it was Link Sense or the Tower of Hanoi, but Yusaku could feel the hollowness of the air. 

"Yikes, it's a ghost town around here..." Ai looked around nervously.

And it's only going to get worse, he realized. With how far Kusanagi had deployed him from the Tower, Yusaku could see the extent of the devastation it had already wreaked. The main hub had already been erased, the land barren and cracking under the pressure. Nearby infrastructure was toppling down, its code being absorbed into the rings. 

Though from the looks of it, no one else was on VRAINS. They're probably evacuating in the real world. That's good at least.

Now you and I can settle this, once and for-

"Playmaker!"

...spoke too soon. He sighed as he watched Gou and Aoi emerge from the streets. Yusaku had partly expected them, but wished they hadn't.

You two shouldn't be here. He wanted to scream that, persuade them to get out of the equation as soon as possible. But the look in both of their eyes told him that wasn't going to be an option. 

"...since both of you are here, I can only assume you want to stop this as well," he said flatly. "Despite knowing the risks of what we're going up against."

"Risk or not, I can't stand idly," Gou shook his head. "If this thing's really affecting the tree growing outside as well, I've got a responsibility to stop this thing for the kiddos' sakes!"

It would be about them. "And you, Blue Angel?"

"I'd be lying if I said it wasn't personal," she sighed. "But... Gou's right. People have put their trust in me to pull through for VRAINS, and I want to reciprocate that. Even if it means the possibility of losing it all again."

"Aren't you two determined?" Ai chuckled. "Full of energy, at that."

If only that. Yusaku was particularly nervous about Aoi wanting to fight, remembering back to when she had been corrupted by Hanoi. Rio might have been able to keep her stable, but... 

"Then it's best we make our move with that energy," Yusaku said solemnly. "We only have six hours before the tower is completed. And when it is... we're goners."

A silent gasp left both of them, only for their faces to harden once more. "All the more reason to stop that lunatic then!" Gou cracked his knuckles. "C'mon, let's go already!"

Neither Yusaku nor Aoi said anything as he sprinted off, making a beeline for the tower. Ai muttered something about the older man's brashness, but quickly dismissed the sentiment.

"Playmaker? Do you know where Ghost Girl is?"

I wish you didn't have to bring that up. "She got absorbed by the Tower," he explained. "She's the reason I was able to figure most of this out."

"...I see." She seemed to lament the loss for a moment before looking back to him. "Just one more reason to stop Revolver."

"...yeah."

What I would do to be there by your side, Yu.

Rio forced herself to turn off the footage, returning her attention to the matter at hand. It was just like the visions. Ashes high above, a verdant beacon in the sky, a city being reduced to rubble before her eyes.

The time I bought Den City's been used up. She tried reaching out to to the wards that she had set throughout the city, getting nothing in response. I can only pray now that I can still do something. 

"Ursa Major, watch over me..." she mumbled, placing a hand over her chest. A faint glow exuded from beneath, all before a beam of light emitted from her and reaching into the skies.

"Heed my call, Mytherian Guard!"

By her command, seven pillars of light descended from the stormy canopy above, smashing down into the ground behind her. Each of the Mytherian Numbers stepped out from their respective pillars, bowing their heads in acknowledgement to her. 

"Has the time finally come, Sight?" Burst was the first to speak. He had his arms crossed, looking warily at the tree. 

"It has," Rio nodded in turn, eyes burning gold. "ZARC's finally making his move... If the giant glowing tree in the distance is any indicator of that." 

"About time! Been a while since we've had a reason to go all out," Lion Heart cracked his knuckles, smirking haughtily. "Let's show that lizard freak what we're made of."

"Now, let's not be too hasty, Lion Heart," Jinlon mused, tapping his fellow number's shoulder with his tail. "Knowing the situation, I imagine the safety of the people would be Sight's concern, no?"

"That's right," she nodded. "The tree hasn't advanced to another stage just yet, so we still have time to save the people before tackling ZARC."

"Mach, Burst, Lion Heart, help evacuate the civilians. Prioritize the ones closest to the tree so that they don't get absorbed." 

"Of course."

"Got it."

"Rightcha."

The three Numbers dispersed, Mach taking on his pegasus form to take flight. 

"Abyss, Jinlon, Ponta, secure the perimeter of the city. Keep the damage contained in here for as long as possible." Rio paused, looking up to Crystal and nodding. "Crystal will accompany you as well."

The other three nodded, soaring off over the city. That left the two of them behind, watching the storm beginning to form around the tree. 

"You're going after him, aren't you?" Crystal seemed worried, but didn't voice it. "Even though you know you alone won't be sufficient?"

Wish I could say you're wrong. But you know me too well. "That's why I'm going after the tree. It has to be what's sustaining his rebirth."

"That would all but guarantee that the Usurper will attempt to hinder you in the process."

"Would be surprised if he didn't," she grumbled. "That's why once the evacuation's complete, I'll have Burst and Lion Heart join me. Mach will assist with maintaining the dome."

"I understand." There was a moment's pause before Crystal placed a fist to her chest in a salute. "Then may you succeed by the tide's honor, Star-blessed."

The vote of confidence is nice. I'm gonna need it. "By the tide's honor," Rio murmured, returning the salute. Crystal nodded, taking off to the south of Den City. Speaking of which... I ought to ready myself.

Her emblem began glowing, floating above her chest. But she wasn't quite a Barian anymore, the obsidian crest now replaced with a crest depicting five interlocking shapes that flowed into the shape of a card. Rio placed a hand upon it, closing her eyes.

"Codiceforza." 

She could feel the transformation, her uniform quickly making way for her new attire. A full silver breastplate adorned her front, the emblem adorning the center of it amid gold decorative outlining. Her tassets, gauntlets and greaves were adorned similarly, snugly fitting her form. Glowing blue highlights connected the armor pieces, flowing with Numeron's power. 

The shoulder plates were shorter than that of her Barian form, but compensated with a pair of veil-like wings that flowed from her back in a semisolid state. Crystal marks lined her chin and cheeks, and another crystal in the shape of a trident floated just above her brow, taking on the mantle of a tiara. 

Her choice of weapons were a pair of jian blades, the fullers glowing like the majority of her armor. Both of them exuded cold mist, resonating with her elemental prowess she had as Merag. 

Strange how it can feel so familiar, yet so different. Granted, she could still Bariaphose at her leisure. But seeing as it was ZARC she was dealing with, her Envoy armaments would be better at defending her properly. 

On the topic of defending, it was about time for her to get to work. An energy dome had begun to extend from all four directions, encompasing the entire city. It managed to rise above the storm clouds, covering what she had to assume was the top of the tree. 

It's done, my Sight, Abyss' voice was clear in her head. Best of luck.

His voice was joined by the rest of the Guard's voices, all of them wishing her similar wishes. Everyone... yeah. The same to all of you as well. She couldn't help but smile, the harmony reminding her of better days. 

Even as the tree let out a roar, the outlines of winged creatures beginning to show themselves in the sky. Rio's grip on her blades tightened, yet she remained focused.

I'm not sure if I'll be able to keep my promise, Yu. But if there's anything I can do before then, I can at least ensure that you and the rest of the world can be safe. 

Chapter Text

Truly despicable, this man.

Disposing of Kitamura had been a cakewalk. The cowardly director showed no competence in the slightest, whether it was his offer of joining forces with the Hanoi or his dueling skills. Spectre didn't even have to Link Summon in order to pick his deck apart by the end of his second turn.

"I-I give up!" Kitamura shrieked hysterically, attempting to scramble away as soon as he managed to prop himself up. "You've already shown your prowess! So let me-!"

"...I've had enough of your lies, you slime." There was nothing entertaining to be had from him, not even from the start. "How dare you try and latch onto Revolver's ambitions for your own gain. No wonder VRAINS was so easily exploitable under your management."

"But I'm not completely heartless. So I'll allow your wish to join the Hanoi," he sneered. "You'll serve well. As data for the Tree of Hanoi."

The man's final moments were just as pathetic as his first: a panicked shriek from a worm of a man as his essence was dissolved by his command. The data fragments were quickly assimilated into the distant tower, the core of the tree glowing brightly before surging upward, stopping at the second ring. 

Five hours remain. Then it will be over. Deep down, Spectre wanted all of it to be over, for the grievances of the past to be amended. 

So they could finally rest.

I will see this through, Revolver, he vowed. No matter how far you've fallen from-

Spectre flinched as a new sensation overtook him. It was as though the data around him had been agitated some way, disturbed by the arrival of something. I know this feeling... no, I've seen this feeling before.

He doubted he was more attuned to the web like Revolver was, but he was aware of how sensitive he had become to it. As he closed his eyes, the network almost reached out to him, guiding his senses towards the disturbance.

He loathed the feeling. But if it was for Revolver's sake, he'd bear through it.

From what he could gather, three new presences had appeared in VRAINS. Data had begun to swirl around them, though it was more significant around one particular entity. There was what looked to be a much smaller being attached to that entity, small and purple compared to the blue data of the first one.

That one had to be Playmaker. No one else could cause the flow of data to become stimulated in such a manner. He's never too far behind. Especially... if Revolver was correct about who he was. 

He didn't care much for the second one, as Gou Onizuka was not very remarkable in his opinion. Regardless of his reputation as VRAINS' best, the fact that he had been dethroned by Playmaker in the way he had was enough to tell him that he was no match for him, much less Revolver.

But the third one... He couldn't hold back a chuckle. How could he forget the tinge of pink code that he left on her? It had been so fun, so much fun, to toy with her. Now she was giving him another chance to do just that.

As a new rift formed behind him, Spectre grinned cynically in anticipation. 

Come to me then. That we may finish our dance.

-          ~          -

If there was anything that Spectre both loved and hated, it was predictability.

He was keen on forgetting the past. The torment, the shocks, everything. There was nothing left to think about the past but loathing, both from before the Incident and afterward. 

Revolver had helped him with that, blocking off that connection in his brain. He was better for it. He had been reborn from it.

It was only through that reawakening that he saw the flaws of human nature. And oh, how delightful it was to exploit humans for it. 

Aoi Zaizen was the perfect example of humanity's vanity. As he watched her run down the street, it was obvious that she was lost despite the height of the tower.

A misguided angel. How amusing. He could have watched her from afar for as long as he wanted. But he had a mission, and he was keen on seeing it through.

It wasn't like Blue Angel was going to let him, anyways. "I know you're out there. Show yourself already!"

He did as he was told, just to play along. She turned to face him, disgust immediately crossing her eyes as soon as she realized who he was.

"We meet again, Blue Angel." The look on her face was enough to cause her to flinch. "I'm quite fortunate. The chance to meet you twice is one that's hard to come by after all."

"Spectre..." 

"Ah, so you do remember me. An honor, truly," he was inclined to sneer, but her reaction was enough to let him smile it off. "And my name at that. I must be blessed this day."

"Cut the crap, you creep," she grumbled. "And don't even get me started on that. I'd rather erase you from my memory altogether."

It was so easy to incite a reaction out of people like Blue Angel. So predictable. 

He delighted in it. Torturing somebody as drab and oblivious as Aoi Zaizen was like pulling the strings of a puppet. 

Now, she would dance to his whims once more. And for the last time, at that.

"I'm quite surprised that you decided to intervene," he began. "Here I thought after your initial run-in with Baria's virus would make you think twice about returning."

A moment's hesitation. Excellent. "Forgiveness is a long way's out if that's what you want."

"Well consider me hurt, then," he drawled. "I thought such a gift would rub you in the right direction."

"You've got a seriously fucked-up idea of a 'gift'," Blue Angel looked unnerved, taking a step back unconsciously. 

How predictable.

"But you do know what will happen to you if you lose this time, yes?" he internally winced saying that, but didn't let it show. "You won't return. You'll be cast into nothing, fuel for the Tree of Hanoi. Yet you still wish to oppose us?"

It was subtle, but there was a hint of fear that flashed in her eyes. It was gone soon after, replaced with a renewed disdain. "Then I'll just have to crush you instead. Especially for what you've done to me!"

"Hardy, aren't you? Adorable." It was only then that he sneered; tough words only belied a lack of confidence. "Then I'll entertain your determination. Defeat me in a Master Duel... if you can."

You've made your choice. And how noble your desire is: to stop me, the "villain" of your lofty ideals.

Now let me bestow upon you my final gift: despair.

"Duel!"

...Am I really getting bored with this?

Another brute fell beneath her, crumpling into a bloody pulp as she landed behind it. She wasn't one to toy with her opponents, but sometimes it felt that she didn't even have to try with some of these things.

Still, the amount of fodder he has goes to show how long he's been preparing. Rio flicked off the remains of the brute from her blades, surveying the landscape ahead. Which means there's a lot more ahead.

It was dismal seeing Den City in active disrepair, buildings bursting into flames and crumbling all around. The instability had proven annoying at times, with falling debris serving as obstacles from time to time. So knowing what she was dealing with was a precaution, if anything.

At least she wasn't being attacked by anything serious. So far, she had seen recreations of the data brute she killed to save Yusaku in the sewers, as well as small, wyvern-like creatures that travelled in packs. They mainly wandered around the city, seeking any stranded citizen they could find.

While they were certainly pesky when they gathered in groups, it wasn't anything she couldn't handle. But there remained the pressing issue of thwarting the growing tree.

I'm wasting time, picking them off. She tsked as another pack of neon bats (she didn't really care too much about proper naming conventions at the moment) spotted her, rapidly diving towards her. But if he's going out of his way to stall me with cannon fodder, ZARC must really think too little of me.

It was going bite him in the ass by the time she was through with him. She hardly admitted it, but Rio prided herself more in her combat prowess more than her skills in dueling.

And it showed as she stabbed the first two creatures midflight, carving them in half before leaping, spinning in the air to decimate the rest of the pack in a flurry of blades. The next pack wasn't much luckier, as Rio used her Duel Tether to grapple onto one of them in the air, cutting up the rest of the pack as she propelled herself forwards.

She couldn't relax for too long. Larger enemies had begun appearing beneath her, these ones appearing more like Komodo dragons with engines on their backs. The exhaust ports (at least from the looks of it) began shooting out gaseous projectiles at her, forcing her to grapple onto a nearby building to evade them.

Great, more bogies, Rio grimaced, cleaning off her blades. She put in enough strength to propel herself off the building, flying towards the nearest lizard. They didn't seem to notice her in time as she slashed full-throttle through the first lizard's neck, cutting it clean in half. The other two barely had time to react before she pounced, mutilating the second lizard within three seconds and stabbing the last one in the skull with both blades.

Exhaust pipes weren't too far off in terms of description. Yeesh, they reek of Chaos! Better I butcher these guys and be done with it... 

It was an incentive she kept constant with the flow of incoming enemies. Rio spared little effort in clearing the scene, leaving a warpath of blood and ice in her wake. It was beautifully gruesome in a way: patches and trails of ice sporting impaled, butchered, or decapitated monsters as far as the eye could observe.

If she was Vector, she would have happily inspected her kills and laugh to herself. But she didn't have that luxury.

Only halfway there. While she was fine with making such quick progress, it still felt rather slow. To add insult to injury, the shadows of more monsters began growing closer, bolting out the horizon in front of her. And judging from their individual sizes, things were about to get more complicated.

She wiped the blood off her cheek, flicking her blades in preparation. I can't get too conceited. Not even for a moment.

There was no time to lose. As she dashed forwards, Rio's grip on her blades only tightened. Until I have that saltine's head on my blades, I'll rip through everything he throws at me!

"Okay, but seriously, how are we only half way there?"

"If you don't zip it, I'll gladly send you across the other half in no time flat," Yusaku growled, grimacing as he leapt over another crevice in the street. A jolt of pain surged through his legs as he landed, forcing him to slow down. Even in here, I'm still struggling. 

He hoped it hadn't shown at any moment thus far. The ache in his limbs was getting worse as he traversed the degrading landscape of VRAINS. Link Sense was constantly screaming in his mind, and it was taking a lot of effort for him to not shout at whatever was trying to get to him.

But he had to keep going. Despite the protests his body was giving him, he pressed onward, weaving through the alleyways to avoid the degenerating surface streets. He was soon rewarded for that decision as he found himself in front of a massive suspension bridge. 

A way forward. But not for much longer. Yusaku was quick to notice the bridge's cables beginning to dematerialize, and Ai picked up on the matter as well. "Best we get going then, eh Playmaker?" he asked.

He nodded, continuing to run across the bridge. It was still a long ways from the epicenter, but he was glad to be making progress after so much running. The degrading infrastructure wasn't helping ease his nerves, and he was already burning up from to pain.

Hopefully Rio isn't experiencing the same thing right now. Yusaku knew it was no time to fret, but knowing that she could be in the same level of danger that he was in didn't sit too well with him. If it's already as perilous as it is in VRAINS, and she's right about it reflecting onto the real world... 

But how could I not fret about her, though? I...

"Watch out!" 

One of the bridge's support beams had been disheveled due to data disintegration, causing it to swing out of its joints and directly towards him. He barely had time to react, sliding under the beam in a desperate bid to dodge it. The resulting crash rang too loudly in his ears. 

Too close... shit. Were it not for his suit, Yusaku knew he would have suffered from a few road burns. Not to say that the scrapes weren't painful.

Can't slow down here- rrgh... He pulled himself up, running again. No more time to lose.

I can't stop now...

Not now...

I... I refuse to...

I. won't. lose.

I...

...Rio...

"Playmaker..."

"What is it...?" It wasn't often that Ai was serious. So him having a grim tone was nothing good. 

"Ai. What is it? What happened...?"

"Blue- I mean... Aoi's signal just went dark."

Chapter Text

A joke, to the very end.

Spectre watched with silent mirth as Blue Angel fell beneath his feet, wings shredded and gone. His last attack had been left her too damaged to even try and stand up, leaving her body broken on the ground. 

She had put up a fight, to be sure. But he had watched all of her duels, read all of the things associated with her title. Every strategy and monster that she had was so predictable to the point of drollness. 

In the end, you couldn't even save yourself. He almost pitied her, for someone who had been locked out and shunned like he had. 

But your pain is nothing. To hell, I'd be calling this a mercy compared to this world's cruelty.

Nothing in this world came to save me, like in your little fairy tale. And now... I need this world's salvation no longer. 

The ruined state of VRAINS was just the start. Once the Tower was completed, the filth of humanity's vice would be erased. Only then would he know peace.

Right...? 

A sense of doubt began to grip him, and he couldn't help but suppress a shiver. As he gazed upon the Tower of Hanoi, a sad smile crossed his lips, his arms drooping to the side.

So why... do I still feel like I'm breaking? 

Spectre pushed the thought down, grimacing at how weak he sounded saying that. Blast this... 

He couldn't be having doubts when Revolver's lifetime goal was in the palm of his hand. Why he was having them now was beyond him. What conscious do I have left, anyways?

A change in VRAIN's data waves snapped him out of it. That's... coming from the bridges. When he felt what the data was swirling around, it became clear.

So, you've arrived Playmaker. He almost snarled, fists tightening. The "hero" coming to save the day. But this is as far as you're going to get.

The air rippled around him as he activated the code on his duel disc, allowing him to cross over to the bridge. The smile finally found his lips again, seeing the latter's troubled face.

Once I'm rid of you, I can finally rest. There can be no solace otherwise.

She shouldn't have involved herself in this.

There wasn't much left for Yusaku to say on the matter. He had given both Aoi and Gou plenty of incentive to leave everything to him and Rio. 

They're too pure of heart. This isn't just a battle of justice. Part of him wished that he had the time to emphasize that point. Neither of them were ready. I could see it. 

He had seen the doubt clinging at both of them, particularly Aoi. She's been through a lot in just a few months. How could she even think herself ready to fight, for novelty or otherwise?

Yusaku wouldn't get the chance to think much more about it. He was forced to stop as the air began rippling in front of him, Spectre stepping out from beyond it.

"I'm assuming you beat Blue Angel, if you're here to stop me," he deadpanned.

The latter chuckled, snapping his fingers. A thin stream of data arrived at his hand, consolidating into a holographic card. Yusaku instantly recognized the data composition as Aoi's. 

"She was nothing remarkable," Spectre smirked. "But that was to be expected. If you could beat her, it would be child's play for me. And so it was."

"Stuffy, aren't ya?" Ai crossed his arms before looking back to Yusaku. "Just another reason to beat him, yeah?"

"We'll leave it at that." Yusaku took a step forward, glaring at Spectre. But as he did, Link Sense sparked in his mind, and he winced as his vision changed. When he blinked, it wasn't quite Spectre he was looking at, but rather a mass of orange data in his shape. He could even see what looked to be pink code representing his blood flow, coursing through his body.

He looked down at Ai, and sure enough, he looked different as well. Both his arm and Ai mirrored that of Spectre, but the main code was colored purple and black. The pink code was more apparent in him, and tightly condensed in Ai. 

I've never seen this before... just what is this? Everything else around him was composed of blue data, although there was still plenty of it being torn apart and being integrated into the distant Tower. The tower itself was a mass of green code, though he could also see swaths of blue and magenta code swirling around the rings.

And every one of them were screaming out in pain.

They really are the consciousnesses of all the people it's absorbed. Why he was getting another flash of the inner workings was beyond him, but it set the stakes of what more he was fighting for. 

"I won't say it again. Get out of the way," he said it clearly, albeit quietly.  

"You should know that I can't abide by that," Spectre replied, though Yusaku could sense a hint of sadness from the way he shook his head. "Only one of us are leaving this bridge alive."

Then why do you suddenly sound so uncertain...? He was puzzled, but ignored the feeling as the other man straightened up, duel program readying on his wrist device. 

"The least amount of courtesy I can do now is defeating you as well, Playmaker," Spectre sneered once more, having regained his composure. "But I'm certain you'll entertain me more than that drab girl did."

"Then you can stop kidding yourself," Yusaku retorted, temper flaring in return. "If entertainment's what you're after, you chose the last person to ask for it."

"Duel!"

At least she hadn't spoken too soon. 

By the time Rio had realized it, a trail of ZARC's minions were dead at her feet. But while she had been fighting them, they had gotten stronger, boasting more Chaos energy to fuel both their offense and defense. 

They even seemed to be more intelligent, taking advantage of when she had her back turned to them and attacking her then. The attacks weren't enough to bring her down, but it was annoying that they had begun to deploy such tactics.

No doubt because of how much energy he's managed to accumulate. It was the only real explanation; she doubted that he'd want to hinder his revival just for stalling her. Even with the amount of people we've saved... our response was still too late. 

Another earthquake rolled through the area, this one more violent than its predecessor. As it did, the Chaos energy around Rio drastically spiked, and she winced as more souls screamed out to her.

She looked up. Sure enough, the first ring of the tree had formed completely, the core of it rising higher towards the second ring. The space between the first ring and the base filled with what looked like a massive pentagram, adorned with all sorts of profane symbols she was scarcely interested in defining. 

Five hours left. Even though she was halfway there, every second was precious. And she was happier not having to deal with any more lackeys, even as she cut down another brute and leaped off from it. 

She was going to need backup, one way or another.

Lion Heart! Burst! Did you finish the evacuation!

"We've just finished on our side, Sight. We're on our way post haste!"

"Glad to hear it." Hearing Burst's confidence was reassuring. "I'll keep pushing forwards in the meantime. Expect some interference on the way!"

"Not a problem."

And so she continued on, tearing a straight path towards the growing tree. More monsters began plaguing her path, and more still made maneuvering the terrain a massive pain. They're evolving, almost. But they're not enough to stop me. 

It took some time, but eventually Rio managed to burst through the wave of enemies in a frenzy of coordinated slashes. She had to use a little more effort to weave through the artillery fire, considering that it was destroying the streets beneath her. It was bad to the point where she had to jump from building to building, regardless of if the force of her leaps were causing more property damage.

It didn't help that she wasn't the only one wrecking the city. That's... for god's sake.

A massive gate had been wrought around the growing tree, the city's buildings having been used as mortar. And from the looks of it, it was heavily guarded. The more Rio took the time to observe it, she quickly began realizing the reason why everything else up to that point had been manageable.

The dragons had finally begun to show themselves. From what Rio could see, they looked like copies of the dragons that made up ZARC's being: Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon as frontline tanks, Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon as flying bruisers, Clear Wing Synchro Dragon as bombardiers, and Starving Venom Fusion Dragon as grounded artillery. 

He's starting to use more militaristic formations. Just great. As she watched the dragons begin to line up, she knew she had her work cut out for her. But if that sulfur shard thinks that's going to stop me...

As if to prove her point, Lion Heart and Burst landed on either side of her. From the looks of both of them, they looked entirely unfazed. 

"Well, don't we have a wall to get through," Burst grumbled, whirling his blade to whip the blood off. 

"What's a couple more? From the looks of it, we'll have them cleared in no time," Lion Heart cracked his neck, claws at the ready. "What're your orders, Sight?"

"The plan hasn't change, gentlemen," Rio smirked, combining her blades at the hilts and summoning an ice version of them in her other hand. "You know what to do:"

"Tear them all down. Make ZARC regret showing his face in this reality!"

The roar of the dragons signaled that pep talking was over. It was soon met by Lion Heart's roar, the shockwaves making scrap metal of any buildings between them. Any other debris was erased by the magnitude, clearing the way for both sides to clash. 

Even as the flames began bursting around them, damning them to silence. 

"Come, Link 1: Sunavalon Dryas!"

The massive tree bloomed from beneath the road, standing firmly behind Spectre. 

0 ATK... though if he was able to sweep Aoi that quickly, this card must be no joke. Considering how aggressive Aoi was in her archetype, the level that his opponent was at, Yusaku knew something else was up. 

Not to mention... is it just me, or does he look more comfortable? Something had changed in the man before him, as if tension had been lifted from his shoulders somehow. Coupled with what I saw earlier with Link Vision...

"What's on your mind, Playmaker?" Ai mumbled, noticing his absentmindedness. "Not like you to space out in a duel."

"Ai... you saw his data composition, right?" 

"His data? Oh, you're talking about what you saw with Link Sense," the Ignis nodded. "Was wondering when you'd ask about that. And... yeah, something's different about him compared to everyone else we've faced."

"What do you mean...?"

"How do I explain it... right! It's like the two of you... have really similar data, just with different attributes. Kind of like the different monster attributes," he explained. "And... I can't help but sense a familiar aura around him."

That's definitely strange. Something else wasn't adding up either in his head, but he doubted Ai would know in full. 

"Spectre... let me ask you something."

"Oh?" The other man had looked bored at first, but perked up when he began addressing him. "And what might you be curious about?"

"Why is it that you fight? Revolver's aiming to destroy the network despite the casualties," he explained. "Do you have any idea how much suffering Hanoi's caused over the years? Why would you blindly follow Revolver as an outsider to everything?!"

"An 'outsider'? That's where I must disagree, Playmaker," Spectre raised a hand to stop him. "Rather, I'd think myself quite immersed in this for quite some time... perhaps as long as ten years?"

That got his attention. "You... you were part of the Lost Incident, weren't you?"

"There you go. Now you see it," he replied laxly. 

"Regardless, I fail to see how that matters at the moment. Weren't you the one adamant on saving humanity by stopping me? So why should my identity bother you so, if I am just your opponent?"

"...I've been looking for the others who suffered through it," he said through grit teeth. "As well as answers as to why we had to burn in that hell."

"'Hell', you say... hm." The pompous grin on his face slowly fell. "Was that really how you saw it?"

"What's that supposed to mean, mister?" Ai fumed. "Playmaker! Let's-"

Yusaku glared at the Ignis, silencing him. "It was nothing short of a living hell. How else could I-"

"Then allow me to share my perspective on the matter," Spectre offered. "Seeing as you want answers, I'll oblige."

He was silent for a moment longer before sighing, bowing his head lower. Cynical as he is, this can't be easy for him either. Yusaku realized.

"I was abandoned at the foot of a tree when I was an infant," he began. "Iit was enhanced with some form of sentience, being able to manipulate itself to protect me from the elements. And so it did until I was found by the orphanage."

"Even as I grew older, the tree was the only thing I could consider a guardian of any sorts. But it came at the cost my own reluctance to interact with the other orphans. I was shunned for it, and was alone for those early years as a result of it."

"The Incident was the first time I knew I was worth something to anybody in this world," he continued. "Even when I lost, I finally knew the feeling that somebody wanted me, unlike the parents who abandoned me and the orphans who thought me an outcast."

"That's one twisted way of looking at it, if you ask me," Ai muttered.

"Think of it as you will, Ignis," Spectre interjected. "Everything has its price, as I learned from those days. The Incident... was no different. No matter how much I felt for it."

"For when I returned from the incident, I had lost everything else. The adults of the orphanage, forbidding me to speak of it. The other orphans, alienating me more than ever before..."

"Even my guardian tree was lost. When I came back... it had been rendered down to a wretched stump, cut down by humanity for their selfishness."

Spectre twitched at the memory, turning away from Yusaku and Ai. "Perhaps I do know what hell you speak of, Playmaker," he muttered. "But while yours began after the incident, mines has always been present. You were fortunate enough to be spared the horrors until the incident. And if anything... the Incident taught me one truth of this world."

"Don't you get it?! This world. Is hell!" Spectre finally snapped, rage boiling over. "This world has given nothing but pain and anguish, and that cycle will continue on so long as we remain! Try as you want to avenge your past, no one will see you as their hero, Playmaker! They'll only see you another outcast and drive you into nothingness!"

"There has never been a place for me in this worthless world you and Merag are trying to save! So if it means I can do away with that which has hurt me, I'd gladly sell my soul to Revolver! No matter how much of the Devil he has become!"

A shockwave of energy billowed from Spectre, forcing Yusaku back a step. It was also powerful enough to affect Ai, the small being glitching somewhat as the waves hit him. 

That's not how shockwaves work. It was a strange thought to have in the moment while he was vying not to get blown away, but notable nonetheless. I shouldn't be able to feel it that much, and neither should Ai! Just what is he...?

Link Sense sparked yet again, but at least it wasn't particularly disruptive. Spectre's body began resembling the same orange data that he had seen earlier, but something was off. The waves coming off of him weren't waves at all, but rather the pulsing of data. And instead of being orange like Spectre's data, it was colored more like the Tower of Hanoi.

This isn't just his force of will. He struggled to look up over the waves of energy around his opponent, but eventually managed to do so. Sure enough, the waves weren't coming from Spectre. 

They were coming from the tree. And from what he could see through Link Sense, there was a massive amount of energy being linked between the two.

Wait... it's just like back then! Back when Aoi got corrupted by Baira's card! Inciting Aoi had brought out a flood of her worst self manifested, and now the tree was doing the same thing to Spectre. And if that's the case, that means... this isn't really him.

The realization made him sober, Yusaku closing his eyes in shame. How many more times must I do this...? And will it really 'save' him in the way he wants? 

Either way... I have to do what I must. 

"Now, face me, Playmaker!" Spectre proclaimed. "Fight, that I may bury you and the rest of this filthy world into dust!"

Chapter Text

Sunavalon Dryanome was proving to be a much more annoying wall than Yusaku cared to admit. 

His combo Multi Sledgehammer, Binary Sorceress and Binary Blader had been rendered null. Spectre had just restore his life with Glorious Growth, using the same card to then Link summon what seemed to be his ace. Even his pocket plan of going for an OHKO with Sledgehammer's counters had been countered by that single Trap Card. 

The combination had locked the two in a standstill, both of them still fighting with full Life Points. And Spectre's deathly glare was enough to tell him that he was going to keep it that way.

We're running out of time, Yusaku swore wordlessly, passing a glance towards the looming tower. Two of the rings had finished forming, and a third one was on the way. The destruction behind him was becoming more apparent, the bridge beneath them beginning to wobble. I have to break through, and fast!

Things weren't looking up to that future as Spectre proceeded to activate Sunvine Shrine, using a revived Glorious Loci to summon Sunvine Thrasher. And with its effect and its co-Link to Sunavalone, its Attack shot up to 3200. 

"Thrasher! Attack Binary Blader!"

"I activate Binary Sorceress's effect! Multi Sledgehammer's Attack is halved, and Binary Blader gains the lost Attack!"

Yusaku winced back as his monster was destroyed, dropping him down to 3100 Life Points. Not a massive amount of damage given what had happened before, but Yusaku knew that it was only going to get worse. 

"Now, Thrasher's other effect!" Spectre grinned as if to prove his point. "When he destroys a monster, that monster is summoned next to a co-Linked monster's open Link!"

"Wait, on your side?! You just stole our monster!" Ai fumed, even as Binary Blader was revived next to Dryanome, eyes glowing green like Spectre's other monsters. 

"Say what you want," he shot back. "I'll show you my mother tree's true terror and bury you just like I did Blue Angel!"

Binary Blader made quick work out of Binary Sorceress, further lowering Yusaku down to 2900 Life Points. It was sacrificed not long after, Sunavalon Daphne taking its place. Both of Spectre's Gardnas were returned to Spectre's extra deck, ready to fill the missing links. 

So much for that idea. But there's still a path forwards. Yusaku glanced at his cards as he drew his next card. Now it's just a matter of-

Before he could finish that thought, the support cables of the bridge snapped, the decking violently shaking beneath them as the entire thing threatened to collapse. 

"Waaaugh! This whole thing's about to capsize on us!" Ai panicked. "We're gonna be folded into data pancakes at this rate!"

We will, if you keep fretting like that! But the Ignis did have a point, and calling a Data Storm was out of the question. Yusaku was half-tempted to call Kusanagi or Rio for backup, but the bridge didn't look like it was going to hold much longer- 

At least until Spectre pointed his hand towards the cables, eyes glowing green as vines began coiling from Dryanome at his command. They coiled themselves around the broken cables before tightly squeezing together, keeping the cables in place.

It took some time, but the worst of the trembles eventually stopped. Yusaku straightened up, confused.

He had the perfect chance to end me right there, he realized. But he... hesitated? 

Spectre had said nothing since he stabilized the bridge, his face unreadable as he looked back to Dryanome. Yusaku couldn't help but feel unnerved, if only slightly.

Something isn't adding up here... Everything had been so ever since he had summoned that monster. But as he remembered the story that Spectre told him, things began clicking together in his mind.

One, he wasn't nearly as aggressive before I brought up the Lost Incident. Two, he's actively looking to stop me no matter what, but prioritized the bridge over me. Three, he went so far as to call it his "mother" tree. It was a mannerism that had bothered him throughout their entire duel, and one he still couldn't wrap his head fully around. 

That, and the code I saw from the tree... he's intwined with it far more than just familial matters. Implications aside, there was something gravely wrong with Spectre's monster. If that's the case... Maybe he'll back down once I destroy it?

Of course, that was easier said than done. With Spectre's field at the moment, it was going to be difficult to break through. The addition of Sunavalon Force wasn't helping matters, preventing him from targeting his opponent's monsters with effects. 

But... there's still something else I need to do first. If I can pull it off... 

He was a bit surprised that Spectre did nothing as he summoned Draconet and Bitron, using them to summon Link Spider. The same inaction was taken as Yusaku summoned Underclock Taker as well. And if that's the case...

"The circuit opens once more! Come, Excode Talker!"

The green-armored knight landed next to him in place of Digitron and Multi Sledgehammer. Good, he hasn't answered to that, either. Then that means...

"Excode Talker's effect activates! For every monster in the Extra Monster Zone, I can seal off one of your Main Monster Zones!" he announced. "And now Underclock Taker's effect! Trasher loses attack equal to Excode's attack!"

"So that was your plan," the other man's gaze hardened as his monster's attack dropped to 900. "Since Dryanome was out of the question, you're isolating Thrasher and stopping Dryanome's revival effect!"

"That's right! Now that your links are blocked, your combo's broken!" Ai raised his fist triumphantly. "Now's your chance, Playmaker!"

"A chance to be sure. If you're willing to accept the risk."

Spectre snapped his fingers. Not far to Yusaku's right, the air began distorting, going in and out of phase like an old CRTV. When it did fully focus, it revealed a hologram, depicting a rather familiar figure trapped in a cage of thorns.

"...Zaizen?!"

"That's right. Attack me, and the cage will constrict tighter on him," he preened. "And if he is unlucky enough to touch the thorns, consider his life forfeit!"

Lion Heart and Burst's aid was certainly helping with turning the tide. The only problem was the battle in numbers.

It's true both of them are adept at combat in their own rights, Rio noted. But even with our combined strength, they can afford to swarm us if it means stalling out time for ZARC's revival!

The reality spurned her on, jumping between two adjacent dragon clones and stabbing them in their temples. They crumbled almost immediately from the blow, although they spontaneously ignited from whatever fluids they were powered by. 

"Gross..." she moved away as quickly as possible from the corpses, only to run into another pack of dragons. Well, nothing that a blast of frost can't fix. 

It did the trick, the monsters freezing in place from the attack. Rio whipped out her blades again, stabbing them into the ice to shatter it and the monsters along with it. 

I just hope Yusaku isn't pushing himself. He hadn't looked well when she last saw him, and Rio feared that his condition would hinder him at the worst time. 

The voice communication blaring to life in her duel disc was about to reinforce that, if only indirectly.

"Rio! We have a situation!"

Of all the- "Kusanagi? What's going on?!" she had to yell over the explosions. "I'm a little preoccupied at the moment, so make it quick!"

"I'm not going to ask what's happening on your end, but... long story short, I've lost Blue Angel's signal. And Zaizen's got himself stuck in Hanoi's clutches."

Looks like it's even worse than I thought. "...do you know where he is?"

"I can try reverse engineering his position," Kusanagi replied. "But it'll take some time, with all the data scrambling the Tower's been causing."

"Then I have an idea. But try finding Zaizen as soon as you can." She pulled out a card from her extra deck, eyes glowing as the spirit within awakened.

You're the only one who can do this. Once my friend finds that man, go to the coordinates he sends and free him. 

On it, Sight. Leave it to me.

Then go. And keep a low profile until then. Rio inserted the card into the deck slot, her disc's screen glowing blue for a moment before returning to normal. "Make sure Hanoi doesn't notice. Good luck, Kusanagi."

"I'll need it. Thanks."

You and me both. She straightened up, brandishing her blades once more as she rushed towards the looming tree. From the looks of it, three rings had finished forming, and the tremors had become more violent. 

Abyss! What's the situation? 

We've managed to keep the external influence to a minimum, He replied. The remaining civilians are being transported to Heartland City. The Envoys will protect them from the worst of the Usurper's influence. 

Good, that part's stable for the time being. Rio sighed in relief. What of you and the rest of the Guard?

Mach will be joining you soon. Ponta suggested that it would be best if the rest of us remain to maintain the barrier while helping you progress towards the tree. 

I understand. It was risky, but she knew Ponta wouldn't make such a call if he wasn't certain. Mach! Lion Heart! Burst! Change of plans. Clear a path to the tree, post haste! Things are getting too critical to be fighting for this long!

The unanimous agreement signaled through her mind, Mach's being the loudest as he landed next to her in his Pegasus form. He nodded towards her, and she quickly mounted him before the two of them took flight. 

Things had quickly gotten out of hand for Yusaku after the reveal of Zaizen's imprisonment.

He had his reservations about the man, to be sure. But it wasn't as though he wanted something like that to happen to him! And him being used as a hostage was a new level of low for the Hanoi.

He's been a victim at every turn, he frowned. And now... Spectre's using that against me.

The tide of battle had shifted again, the destruction of Underclock Taker coupled with Sunavalon Force dropping him down to 900 Life Points. Meanwhile, he was forced to end his turn with a single facedown, still hesitant to strike his opponent.

Spectre seemed all too pleased with the matter, laughing cynically as he did. 

"You see, Playmaker? Such is the folly of your 'justice'!" he proclaimed. "Now be silenced, alongside your petty sense of justice!"

"Sunvine Thrasher! Finish him off!" 

"I activate Overload Anchor! Excode isn't destroyed, and battle damage is halved!" Yusaku countered. "And when that trap's activated, the battle ends thereafter."

The move seemed to irritate Spectre somehow, and Yusaku activating Link Processing Failure to lock out his monsters only added insult to injury. By the end of his turn, Spectre was particularly livid.

"All this pointless resistance, and for what?! Is your justice so sensitive that the thought of hurting another innocent soul would incinerate you on the spot?" His eyes burned green, and Yusaku could feel the shift in energy around him. "If that's so, allow me to grant your wish!" 

"The circuit that guides the future opens once more! Arise, Link 4: Sunavalon Dryatrentiay!"

An even larger tree replaced Dryanome and Thrasher, completely blocking the path of the bridge. The leaves looked more like sakura petals, the purplish leaves covering its many branches in full. 

"Dryatrentiay's effect activates! By tributing Daphne, I can destroy a number of Spells and Trap Cards equal to its Link! So I'll destroy Link Processing Failure and Overload Anchor and leave you with nothing!"

"N-not good! There goes that plan!" Ai shuddered, looking back up at Yusaku. "Oy, Playmaker, aren't ya going to do something?!"

"Don't bother, it won't mean anything in the end!" Spectre gloated as he summoned another Thrasher, raising its Attack points to 4000 with the shared link. Sunavalon Bloom negated Excode's effects, leaving it effectively defenseless.

"While Thrasher cannot attack due to Dryatrentiay's effect, she herself can still attack. And when she does attack, she gains the Attack points of any monster she's co-linked too!"

"So Dryatrenitay! Destroy Playmaker in full this time!"

Bingo. "That'll prove to be your downfall, Spectre! I activate Link Surge Counter!" Yusaku announced. "By banishing Overload Anchor and Link Processing Failure, Excode's Attack becomes the same as Dryatrentiay's!" 

"And what's that going to do for you?!" Spectre retorted over the sound of the two monsters clashing. "Even if you do that, Excode will still be destroyed, and Sunavalon Bloom will reduce you down to 50 Life Points! I-"

He realized far too late. By the time the two monsters had finished clashing, Dryatrentiay was already collapsing behind Spectre. He looked on in horror, the massive tree disintegrating into dust from the exchange. 

"So that was your plan all along," Ai looked back up to Yusaku. "Goading him into attacking instead of attacking fruitlessly into it yourself! That was the only flaw in his defense, wasn't it?"

"Exactly." The plan had worked, at least. "And when its destroyed, the rest of his field goes with it. So now-"

"...you... you slimes! How dare you do that to her!"

Neither of them were prepared for the sudden rage Spectre showed. Green veins had appeared around his furious face, and his eyes had begun glowing gold. "You're dead meat, Playmaker! And I'll do it with this card!"

"The Continuous Spell Card, Sunavalon Cursed Reborn!" The ground around them trembled as Dryatrentiay returned to his field, the female figure in the base of the tree having become more like a lizard than humanoid. "And while its effects are negated, Dryatrentiay gains 1000 Attack for every Link Marker it has!"

They watched on as its Attack shot up to 4000, Spectre laughing maniacally as it did. "How's that, Playmaker?! You should have ended me when you had the chance, and now that doubt's going to eat you alive!"

"Playmaker! Forget about what will happen to me!" Zaizen shouted. "Don't you get it?! If you keep letting your doubts hold you back, you won't be able to stop the Hanoi! You have to keep going forwards despite the burden! Transform that weight into strength-!"

"Or alternatively, share the burden with somebody else."

Everyone was caught off guard with what happened next. The hologram overlay had expanded, revealing a large box-like creature had burst from the ground and into frame.

For one thing, the thing looked more robotic in nature: It was striped, bearing a multi-jointed tail resembling a scorpion's. A gleaming horn was set into its square head, and a synthetic jaw hung partly open beneath its glowing eyes. Its legs could hardly count as legs, being more akin to just large plates of curved metal.

But something damning caught his eye the most: the large 34 engraved into the creature's rightmost body plating. Is that...?

The creature seemed to pick up on something before it lunged at the cage, gnashing at the thorns with abandon. Electricity crackled from the contact, but the thing seemed unfazed entirely. 

"Blasphemous," Spectre muttered, jaw agape. "If that's just a duel monster, it should be destroyed like humans should be... it's just code!"

Whatever it was, it seemed to ignore the other man's protests, gnawing through the thorns enough for Zaizen to step out of. The latter seemed about as shocked as they were, eyeing the monster with confusion. 

But a look from the creature told him it was high time for him to log off. He didn't need another moment, typing in the emergency code on his duel disc and disappearing. 

Spectre, meanwhile, had been so hyper fixated on the creature that he didn't even have time to damage himself to stop it all. He could only glare at Yusaku, barely able to come up with coherent words.

That couldn't' have come at a better time, Yusaku sighed as he looked down at his drawn card. Zaizen looked as though he was willing to sacrifice himself. And... he shouldn't be dragged into any more darkness because of me. Because that's not what my justice is about. 

Rio... thank you for reminding me of that. 

"Spectre." His words rang clear to the other man. "You kept on saying my justice is weak. That it blindsided me for my inaction to harm the innocent. You couldn't be any more wrong."

"My dueling is my justice, Spectre. And my dueling never loses. And if there's as much of a burden to sacrifice as you've been bashing me in the head with, you're long dead if you think I'll be carrying that burden alone again!"

ROM Cloudia brought back Latency, the latter of which was used to summon Talkback Lancer. Its effect brought back Excode at the cost of Cloudia, the links boosting Talkback's attack up to 1700.

"I now activate Link Atrocity!" he continued. "By sacrificing Talkback Lancer, Excode gains its Attack!"

"What's the point in that?!" Spectre spat. "That will just destroy both of our monsters! I still win!"

"And I told you my dueling always wins!" Yusaku glared murderously at Dryatrentiay, the monster shifting back from his intensity. "Link Atrocity's other effect now activates! For every Link Monster in the graveyard, your monster loses 400 Attack points!"

The other man reeled as his beloved monster's attack was reduced to zero, the veins on his face dulling to black. "N-no..." he muttered. "Don't-!"

"Excode Talker! Finish this and crush Spectre once and for all!"

The ensuing explosion was enough to send him flying, Dryatrentiay combusting from the vicious attack. Yusaku couldn't quite see much else, but what mattered was that he managed to destroy the tree in full.

Let this shatter your delusions, Spectre. Now wake up and smell the ashes. It was the only solace he could offer him.

Even as the roots holding the support cables unraveled, the bridge beginning to collapse beneath them.

This feeling... Yusaku!

In that small moment of panic, Rio had to roll out of the way of one of the dragon's laser blasts, grimacing as the beam grazed her arm. It wasn't the worst injury, but she knew that even the slightest hindrance could prove lethal. 

She quickly recovered on her feet, launching herself at the dragon before it could recharge. Her twin blades carved through its head like it was an overly rotten pumpkin, the crystal finding no resistance as she shredded through it. It crumpled behind her, the body disintegrating not long after.

For disposable lackeys, they sure are annoying. Rio winced as she froze over the wound, new armor forming where there had been burnt flesh. And barely a moment's rest between them!

But Yusaku... Dammit, I need to go back- 

I'll handle it, Sight! Terror-Byte shouted in her mind. I'll attend to your friend. Don't lose focus out there!

She hesitated for a moment before nodding. Alright... as soon you finish rescuing him, reconvene with me. Understood?

Of course. 

Not even three seconds had passed before Rio was jumped by another group of dragon clones. Before she could react, a javelin skewered all four of them, pining them into a nearby structure. 

"Thanks for the save, Burst," she flashed a thumbs up to the Number, jumping over him to clear out a few more clones.

"Can't let you get caught out, Sight," he nodded in turn. "Besides, we're almost there. Just gotta clear out the next bunch of enemies."

"You said that several waves ago, Burst," Mach joked, joining the two of them in his pegasus form. While his wings and hooves were bloody, he seemed entirely unharmed. "But I concur. We need to get you there as soon as possible."

"Wait, where's Lion Heart?"

"He moved on ahead. Let us join him."

The three of them nodded, the rubble clearing from their path as they ran in strides. Burst and Mach efficiently took care of incoming fire from both flanks, while Rio hacked her way through the front. By the time they reached Lion Heart though, the area seemed mostly clear save for the abundance of shredded corpses, the Number standing triumphantly over them all.

"Glad all of you came. But you're a little late to the festivities," he grinned. "Best you get going though, Sight. They'll be upon us soon."

"Right. Thanks for taking care of that," Rio nodded in turn, looking back to the three of them. "You guys got this?"

"We'll hold the line here just fine. Go and stop that damn tree!" Burst cackled. "It'll take a lot more than these fry to stop us!"

"I'll trust in that." She looked back at Mach, who had reassumed his human form. He smiled back, even as he drew his sword and shield once more.

Remember what I told you when you found me, my Sight. Have faith in your friends, that you may be able to move forwards. 

I don't have much of a choice right now, do I? she joked. But, you're right. 

It's the least I can do, lest I die with my doubts laid bare! 

Her mind assured, Rio continued her charge forwards. Lion Heart had done a splendid job of clearing most of the resistance around her, giving her ample room to make her way towards the tree. The few instances of enemies she found on her path were quickly taken care of, her bladework prevailing despite being outnumbered.

With some effort, the mess of buildings finally cleared, and Rio landed neatly on her feet in the cleared ground. It was strangely quiet despite the battle happening just beyond the buildings behind her, the only noise the humming of energy in the air

But when she looked up, it was blatantly clear why.

It was even more grotesque up close. To her horror, the tree's bark wasn't even fully bark to begin with, but rather a combination of withered wood and what looked to be assimilated flesh. The completed rings had what she had to assume was a summoning incantation, the runes glowing the same color as its despicable owner. 

He's used all the natural life force he could find in Den City to sustain himself! The thought was enough to make her sick. This isn't a tree. This is a wretched, breathing cocoon!

Things only got worse when she realized that. The tree had finally noticed her, causing what looked like veins within it to blaze to life with green energy. It wasn't long before a rain of artillery began firing at her, pale green missile splinters being snapped from the bark and weaponized against her. 

I really need to stop speaking so soon. Rio sighed to herself as she took evasive actions, weaving around the hail of blades as she dashed towards the tree. Some of the splinters combusted upon contact with the ground, acid green plumes of gas emitting from them in a bout to obscure her vision. 

If you think that's enough to deter me, think again. As larger splinters began raining down, Rio took the opportunity to jump upon them, leaping from each splinter faster than they could reach the ground. There were a few close calls with the smaller splinters either almost causing her to stumble or pierce her, but she eventually managed to rise above the gas. 

Only to almost fly face first into the massive first ring, Rio using her blades to stop her momentum and suspend herself over the line of fire. It managed to work, the tree unable to hit her from her position.

You think this would be the most fortified parts of this thing, but I'm not complaining. As she pulled the blades out, she began focusing her powers into them. Layers upon layers of ice formed and shaped themselves, forming a massive greatsword that towered over some of the remaining skyscrapers around the tree. 

ZARC... this ends now!

She roared as she swung down, the oversized blade finally making contact with the rancid bark and flesh. The crunch of metal on wood rang in the air, the subsequent explosion being enough to smother the battlefield in a plume of ash.

As the dust settled, Rio was certain she could hear screaming. But it was nothing compared to the demonic roar that emanated from the tree.

So it's begun.

Times of quiet were hard to find. So Revolver was making the most of the calm before the storm, watching over the desolate landscape of VRAINS. 

He despised this... fictious world. Everything about it was a pale imitation of reality, so seeing it laid to dust was only a slight amount of pleasure. But he knew that the real world was being threatened by far more than what his father had created. 

Revolver pulled up a screen within his monitor. He didn't dare ask where somebody was getting footage of the tree in the real world, nor did he really care. But from the looks of it... she is holding strong. 

All that mattered to him was the blue-and-gold streak of light maneuvering around the monstrous creatures the tree was spawning, leaving them eviscerated in her wake. Her own monsters seemed to be handling the swarm of enemies she left, coordinating in a manner he once thought impossible.

But I know now... They weren't just monsters. They were guardian spirits. And all of them were at Ri- Merag's command. 

His eyes widened as she leapt forth, the blade in her hands growing to an inconceivable size before she swung down at the lowest ring. The impact was enough to cause an explosion, the footage losing focus as a plume of dust obscured the view of the tree.

From the pained roar that he could hear afterwards, it appeared as though she was successful in her gambit. 

Even with the stationed guards, she managed to get through it. He almost gave a sigh of relief. Good. That means I have a backup plan should Playmaker fail.

There was a small part of him that hoped the latter would succeed as well. Especially if... he truly is the one from that day. I-

A surge of pain wracked through him, causing him to cry out. He clutched his head, the malevolent influence flooding his mind. 

Fool. Your rebellious thoughts will not save this world. 

Not again... "And you think... you think you will?" 

More than any of your frivolous dreams could ever, boy. A snarl deafened him, and it took all of Revolver's effort to lash out against the corrupted influence.

The same creature that had plagued him for a decade. That same thing that dared use his father against him. The same monster that had twisted their dreams, remaking it into a ploy of mass annihilation.

What do you know of dreams?! He strained against the presence inside his mind. All you've done is shatter them, or twist them for your own gain!

As stubborn and arrogant as your father. Be grateful I even allowed him to live, the vile monster sneered. As I allowed you, and the rest of your pathetic Incident survivors-

Don't you dare invoke their names, Revolver snarled back. Yu- Playmaker and Merag will stop you. And if I must atone with my life, so be it.

The voice chuckled in his mind, a harrowing noise in his ears. A pretty thought. One I will force you to witness broken before your eyes. 

And now... another sacrifice draws near. Do not disappoint me, boy.  

You-!

He was left in silence before he could retort. Revolver clenched his fist, mind spewing silent curses at him. Be glad I'm not the one who'll be your end... Were it up to me, I'd-

"Oy!" 

He managed to snap out of it as he looked up. The dust storm had settled around him, revealing Gou Onizuka standing before him.

"...I'm not here for you," he muttered darkly. "Unless you don't value your life, get out of my way."

"Like I'm here to listen to the rhetoric of a villain," Gou shot back, crossing his arms haughtily. "And like hell I'm going to let you get away with all the destruction you've caused! So I'm gonna stop you before Playmaker gets here!"

A villain. Hmph, that suits me. Revolver smirked behind his visor. Then I'll play that role. But you won't be the one to beat me.

"Very well. If you're so keen to join Blue Angel in hell, I'll gladly indulge," he fired up the duel program on his disc, eyes glowing acid green as he did. "Don't say I didn't warn you."

His opponent paused at the announcement of her death, but his gaze hardened not long after. "All the more reason to beat you, then. I've beaten your commanders, and you're next!"

If only. There was still a hint of fear that was holing itself in Gou's eyes. Genome, Baira, Faust, Spectre... wait for me just a little longer. 

Chapter Text

"Bah... to think I'd foil myself like that."

The impact from Yusaku's last attack had left Spectre sprawled out on the ground. The corpse of Dryatrentiay was quickly being consumed by flames, fading alongside the man's consciousness.

Despite all of that, he looked... content, almost. 

"Uh, did we hit him in the head too hard with that last attack?" Ai looked up to Yusaku. "He looks delirious..."

"No, Ignis. I dare say Playmaker hit it hard enough," he managed, coughing hoarsely. "About the lie I made to myself."

A lie? "What do you mean by that?" Yusaku asked quietly.

"I've already told you most of the story," Spectre glanced towards him. "I'd be lying if I didn't say that my days under him were the only ones I truly believed I've 'lived'..."

"I stripped myself of all remorse, obediently following his words without fail. I thought of him as my master. I... idolized him." he grimaced, pain lacing through him. "Even after his father's influence, I revered him as the one who would save us all... even if it meant destroying ourselves in the process."

"...But perhaps I'm still mortal, after all this time." He tilted his heead towards the tree, smiling sadly. "It must be so. Otherwise I wouldn't have been twisted this way, the only thing I knew being used against me."

So he knew this whole time. "You still fought, knowing there's nothing else for you." Yusaku realized. 

"But is it not the same for you, Playmaker?"

"I don't take pride in that." 

That got a shaky laugh out of Spectre. The move got him coughing again, and his form began wavering as a result. "Is that not what revenge is, though? Is that not what your path is?"

Yusaku remained silent. 

"...This path is complicated. All I can do is walk it."

"Is that so... grh... I suppose it doesn't matter anymore, seeing as you've won. That's just the way of this wretched world," Spectre continued. "But... if it's true that 'history is written by the winners'... hm."

"I tried stopping you for his sake, ignoring the depravity of my own soul to try and protect his. But it is only now that I've already failed my duty... I can't be bothered to care anyone."

"But you... you continue to delve into this pain. You, who should have never gotten involved... yet you remain..." he mumbled, looking beyond Yusaku towards the burning Dryatrentiay. "So if this is all that remains for you... forgive me the audacity of asking you this favor..."

"...Please... save Revolver. His dream...is no longer... his own..."

It was the last thing he managed to say before he disappeared, his body dissolving into the same black code the other generals had. With him gone, the bindings on the support cables snapped out of place again, causing the bridge to rapidly destabilize once again. It was only further accelerated from the inferno Dryatrentiay had left from the duel, the flames beginning to spread all over the bridge.

"Yusaku! We gotta move!" Ai looked around frantically. "Otherwise we're next!"

"I know!" But as Yusaku stood up, pain laced through his torso and legs, and he snarled as he collapsed on the ground. Dammit... I can't go down like this! 

He willed himself to stand again, ignoring his body's protests as he began making a run for the other side. Above him, the support cables were beginning to burn, breaking apart from the heat ("Wait, we're in Link VRAINS. How are metal cables able to burn?" Ai questioned, panicked as he was) and increasing the intensity of the bridge's wobble. 

Yusaku nearly missed a few steps from the shaking, and it was taking all of his dexterity to not stumble. The other side of the bridge was quickly getting closer, although it was difficult to tell with his vision constantly being jostled. 

I have to keep going, he kept telling himself. I have to...

It was the only thing he could tell himself.

Even as the tree collapsed from the prolonged burning, the impact shattering the decking beneath them and sending them plummeting into the dark abyss. 

...

At least, that would have been the case, had a streak of black and yellow not dove beneath him. It wasn't a comfortable landing to be sure, but whatever it was had saved him from an endless fall.

From the cable that had appeared beside them, it looked like it had extended its neck, using its head to latch onto the bridge while the body extended to catch him. 

It was only then that Yusaku noticed the large 34 embedded on its wing.

"You're the monster from before." He held onto the thing's boxy torso, stopping his momentum entirely. The two of them were left hanging around for a bit, the destruction of the bridge above passing.

The creature seemed to ignore him at first. It then let out a garbled noise as it began reeling itself back up onto the ledge. Its wingbeat allowed them to ascend faster, and it wasn't long before they returned to the lip of the broken bridge. 

"How'd it get here so fast...?" Yusaku muttered.

"I think you're overthinking this one, Yu," Ai nudged him. "It saved our hide there. Let's call it a win before another ring-"

As if to spite the Ignis, the first sight they were greeted to was the Tower of Hanoi, the third ring having been completed. The fourth one looked well on its way to being so as well.

"-Done." Ai drooped at the view, defeated. "I don't know why, but that felt petty to see..."

"Ever the comedian, fate is." Yusaku shook his head, gaze hardening once more. "Let's keep moving."

"Right..."

There was only one way of putting the situation: 

Everything was going to shit in a hurry.

Butchering the tree was something that Rio had come up with on the fly. The massive resistance had been something she was expecting. ZARC's stingy about sharing anyone's airspace, I'll be real, she groaned internally.

What she hadn't expected, however, was the corrupted dragon bringing out the heavy hitters by the time she had finished.

Odd-Eyes. Clear Wing. Dark Rebellion. Starving Venom. All four of the real ones had appeared in place of the clones, glaring down at her with their talons and maws ready to try and tear her apart. And they had almost succeeded in several instances.

The disturbance Rio had felt from Yusaku's end had left her on edge, her combativeness had suffered somewhat as a result. Every moment of slight panic had cost her a few injuries, and they were beginning to add up in a hurry. But she couldn't tear her mind off of that deep-seated fear.

Even as she was slammed into the base of the tree, she was quietly praying that he'd pick up after she had issued the orders to Terror-Byte.  

Come on, pick up, Yu... Rio shoved Dark Rebellion off of her with a blast of ice before slashing at Clear Wing as it approached from behind. While it did slow both of them, they weren't out of the count yet. Too shallow at that, she grimaced, the wound on Clear Wing barely phasing it as it charged at her again.

She intended to dodge to the right, but a stream of barrages from Starving Venom forced her back. The wood behind her broke apart and splintered, and she took the opportunity to grab a large chunk of bark and freezing it into a makeshift shield. 

It worked to her relief, though it was taking some effort to keep her stance against the constant bombardment. But the standstill was enough to let her freeze over her wounds, uncomfortable as it was.

"...-io. Rio?"

Oh, thank god. "How's it on your end?" she murmured, straining the frozen wood against the barrage of acid. 

"Uh, maybe we should ask you that," Ai piped in. "What the heck's going on over there? You sound like you're in a battlefield!"

"What gave that away? The constant explosions and blade clashes?" she rolled her eyes. "The entire city's getting attacked by monsters, someone's gotta stop them!"

"...you're tackling the problem right now?" Yusaku asked. He sounded tired, but was otherwise in one piece.

"For the most part, yeah. Something's changed about the city... whatever the case is, it's letting me summon my own monsters from my deck." It wasn't a complete lie on her part, but it sounded believable enough given the current situation. And Rio had a sneaking suspicion that she could pull it off, if she had the time to try. 

"...Anyways, the third ring of the Tower's been finished. I'm going to keep moving ahead." Yusaku muttered, tone unassuming. The sound of footsteps echoing into the comms device. "And, Rio..."

"If you're worried about me dying, save it for yourself," she interrupted, managing to slash through Odd-Eyes' left tendon. The dragon snarled at her, faltering long enough for her to retreat. "I should be the one saying that to you. Knowing how quick you are to jump into danger."

"That... wasn't quite what I was going to say." She could almost hear amusement from the way he sighed. "But you know I can't promise that."

"Good enough, I suppose." She sighed before turning off the connection. It's the most amount of consolidation I'm going to get from him.

Besides... I've got other matters to attend to! Starving Venom had halted his attack, taking the time to recharge. Rio took the opportunity to chuck the molted wood chunk at it, disrupting its charging. The other three dragons rallied to its strangled cry, snarling as they charged her again.

Fortunately, the pack seemed disorganized, attacking her in a fairly predictable pattern. She was quick to dodge the assault, sidestepping laser blasts and even getting a few hits in as they rushed past her.  

...hold on a second. 

The thought about summoning monsters had weirdly wormed itself back into her mind. With the dragons rather far from her position, she pulled out her side deck, sifting through the cards until she chanced upon a particular card.

There! She pulled out the spell from her side deck, grinning as she pulled out the card she needed. If the effect works out here like it does in a duel... 

Wait, Alito use trap cards in the human world when he blew up the coliseum! Rio vaguely remembered her fellow Barian telling her about the time during a particularly slow school day. ...What a weird time to be remembering something like that.

It's worth a shot. Better now than never, then!

"Go! Rage of Kairyu-Shin!" she commanded, raising the card at the oncoming dragons. To her surprise, the card glowed a brilliant blue before a massive torrent of water burst forth from it, slamming against the dragons and pushing them down into the second ring of the tree. They screeched, struggling against the roaring tide as they plummeted towards the surface of the second ring.

It was to no avail. By the time the water had cleared, the most that was left was a gushing hole in the second ring, and an assorted mix of blood around said hole. Anything that would have identified parts of the dragons had been crushed from the water pressure.

That... worked way too well! She made a mental note to thank Alito once she rescued him and the others. But a cracked roar forced her to shove that thought down for the time being. Almost, anyways...

It wasn't quite Dark Rebellion anymore. Its wings had turned crystalline, and more silver plating began covering its entire body as it grew larger and more imposing. By the time it stopped, it was already taller than most of the skyscrapers in the city. 

...If you're mad about your friends, I'll gladly send you there. Rio almost snarled back, blades whipping around as she charged at the beast. Compared to what you and your degrative creator have done, this is a mercy kill. 

He was too late.

Revolver sighed quietly, eyeing Playmaker as he watched the duel. Spectre did too good of a job stalling him out... and he paid his life for it. I would have been happy with that outcome, but...

This could have been avoided, he lamented as he stared down Gou. For someone of his caliber, he had managed to put up a worthwhile fight. Even after using Topologic Bomber Dragon and Mirror Force to wreck his entire field twice, Gou had brushed himself off and rebuilt his field in an instant. 

He had even managed to get him down to 900 Life Points, the combo he weaved using Gouki the Great Ogre wrecking his Booster Dragon. Its effect wasn't helping matters, his monsters' effects having no effect since they had less attack points.

I don't hate your passion, he sighed. But I cannot afford to be anything less than ruthless. And you're testing my patience.

Reviving Triple Burst Dragon was the last step he needed to end it all. And after whiting away at Gou's monster to summon Hibernation Dragon, Revolver knew it was the end.

"Manifest! The circuit that guides the future!" Hibernation Dragon, Booster Dragon and Shelrokket Dragon dove into the links, the circuit crackling with energy as it exploded forth. "Come, Link 4: Borrelsword Dragon!"

It wasn't much different from Borreload, save for the sharper armor and the giant blade protruding from its forehead. It roared at Great Ogre, the force causing it to falter somewhat.

"Borrelsword! Attack Great Ogre!"

"Great Ogre! Don't back down!" 

Both monsters clashed in the air, the shockwaves resonating into the wasteland they stood upon. But with both of their effects, neither were destroyed. 

"What do you plan on gaining from this?" Gou shouted over the noise. "Great Ogre can't be destroyed by battle!"

"Then allow me to crush your resistance," Revolver hissed venomously. "Borrelsword Dragon's effect activates! It gains half of Great Ogre's Attack, and your monster loses that same amount!"

"Borrelsword's other effect! I can switch Metalrokket Dragon to defense mode to activate its effect!" he continued. "When it's targeted by a Link Monster, I can send it to the Graveyard to destroy all cards in the same row as it!"

It almost worked, yet Great Ogre remained. The Attack boost it got due to the change in its original Attack let it negate Metalrokket's effect. But now, this is where you fall. 

"When Borrelsword activates his effect, he's allowed to attack again," Revolver sneered. "Now-"

Such incessant squirming. Finish him, Revolver. 

"Borrelsword Dragon! end this pretentious charade and finish Gou!" He could barely resist the burning in his face as he ordered his last attack. Borrelsword Dragon hacked through Great Ogre, causing it to violently explode like his duels had caused so many time before.

When the dust cleared, Gou was still standing, even as his Life Points dropped to zero. The other man didn't seem to be responsive, and Revolver took the time to fight back ZARC's influence. 

Bah... I let this run for too long. He could still feel the pins and needles running down his arm, and he clutched it instinctively as he recovered. I should have expelled him by force..

Because of that... I'm running out of time.

"Playmaker! This is as far as I go," Gou shouted, bring him back to reality. He had turned his attention to Playmaker, smirking weakly as he was converted into data. "I leave the rest to you."

He never lost that smile as he was deconstructed fully, his data flowing into the Tower like so many had before. Playmaker watched on in silence, back facing towards him.

"...You know it had to end like this," Revolver remarked solemnly. "It was always going to be this way."

"Did it, though?" Yu- Playmaker turned to face him, emerald eyes gleaming angrily at him. "How many more have to suffer for your goals?"

"That's not for me to decide. Not anymore."

The howling of wind began to sweep the barrens, a Data Storm not too far away. Both duelists stared each other down, the winds whipping viciously around them.

"We're the only ones left in VRAINS. And Merag isn't here to mediate." Revolver closed his eyes, turning towards the Tower. "So let us finally end this, as it should have ten years ago."

"...Yeah."

There was no hesitation, no doubt in his voice. Good. He's left it all behind. 

The thought was enough to make him smile, if only for a moment. At least I know I'll be able to rest, if all goes according to plan.

Chapter Text

I could feel it. 

It had been subtle at first. Yusaku had sensed the unwavering conviction Revolver possessed when he first saw him, yellow eyes blazing furiously as he searched VRAINS. Coupled with Topologic Bomber Dragon, he had shown that day his strength and will. 

Their second encounter, and by proximation their first duels, had demonstrated that ruthlessness in spades. Had it not been for Rio's intervention, Yusaku doubted he would be dueling him in the present. But it was there that he noticed a sliver of humanity, as well as an overwhelming darkness that loomed over the man. 

Link Sense burned for a while after that, he recalled. It was as though something else was... boring itself into me. Something other than Revolver. 

Their third encounter only confirmed his suspicions. When Link Sense activated, much of the man's body had been enveloped in acid green code, the same code that the Tower was powering itself with. Beneath said code was an underlying crimson red code, which Yusaku had to assume was his own code.

Coupled with what Revolver had said to Rio before he left, it was becoming increasingly evident that something was amiss. Spectre's final words had added fuel to that flame.

He had said Revolver's vision was "No longer his own dream". And I could have sworn Rio called him something else back at the core... should've paid more attention.

Whatever the case was, Revolver wasn't in the right state of mind. As Yusaku observed him, it didn't feel like he was really there at all. He seemed distracted, occasionally peering at a screen that flashed through his visor or taking several seconds to look directly at the Tower. 

He's the only one who knows the truth. I can't waste this opportunity to pry some answers out of him... granted it's him to begin with.

"How many more victims do you intend on making, Revolver?" he shouted over the wind. "If you're so determined to destroy the Ignis, why go to these lengths?!"

The other man seemed pensive for a moment before glaring back at him. "You still don't know what you're handling, do you?" he glowered. "Ah, but of course... that Ignis wouldn't tell you everything, would they?"

"After all, they are part of the reason why you were thrust into the Lost Incident to begin with."

Yusaku could feel a cold weight in his stomach. "...what do you mean by that?"

"Seems you truly do know nothing." Revolver's expression turned darker as he glared at Ai. "So while I am afforded the respite... I'll tell you the truth, since that thing was unwilling to."

"Before your... serendipitous encounter with that Ignis, the Hanoi had long been pursuing him," he began. "The form you first found him in was Cracking Dragon's handiwork... which had been fully built to absorb his essence and memories."

"However, when I reviewed the data, none of that thing's memories were present. And seeing as how you have been kept in the dark, my father's research was dangerously successful... in the sense that these Ignis are able to lie on top of having free will."

"I think anyone with any will would want to flee for their lives from a massive dragon trying to eat you, don'tcha think?!" Ai fired back. "And just so you know, I'm more of a hostage at the end of the day, and it's not like Playmaker's really acknowledged me as much else!"

At least you learned that much. Yusaku silently mused. But there it is again... Revolver wouldn't lie about something like that, if he's so insistent on killing Ai.

"You mentioned the idea of free willed AI before," he muttered. "So if all your talk on the Ignis' ability to lie and them having free will is true... how exactly was "free will" made?"

"Simple. It learned from the very thing it was based on: you." Revolver continued over Ai's sputtering protests. "That was the true purpose of the Lost Incident: using the six victims as templates for the synthesis of the Ignis' free will. And IGN006 happens to be your 'hostage' in this present moment, the very thing you were forced to suffer for!"

"There. You've been wanting answers for this long, and now you have them," his gaze flicked towards the Tower before looking back to the two of them. "Now here's a question to you. How much longer will you allow yourself to be strung along to that thing's lies?!"

Ai's protests were mute in his ears.

"...he's a means to an end," he decided. "If it means I can learn the entire truth, I'll gladly put up with him, nonsense or otherwise."

"Well, so much for hoping you'd say something different," Ai sunk back into his duel disk. "Guess I'll go back to playing hostage again. Call me when ya need me."

Yusaku didn't say anything, but the silence did allow him to develop a new angle. He's been focused on it all this time. I should try that...

"That still doesn't answer one thing, Revolver," he pointed towards the tower, wary of the flying debris. "If your only goal was to destroy the Ignis, explain why the Tower of Hanoi's manifested itself in reality!"

Something flashed in Revolver's eyes before it dulled. He seemed to falter, looking away from Yusaku and towards the tower. 

There's that shift again. But... why?

"It was my choice, to see my father's dream to its end. However..." Revolver's free arm drooped to his side, and Yusaku didn't miss the tint of remorse in his voice. "it was there that I met my end... and the nightmare began."

He closed his eyes, the ones on his visor allowing him to pilot safely. Yusaku had to squint to see a faint green glow coming from beneath it.

"I fought against it, only to be made its puppet. Now, there is nowhere left for me to go. Only this burned path remains, you its final obstacle... or something more," he sighed, raising his duel sigil. "Let the outcome of this duel decide what will become of this world, Playmaker."

The resolve had returned to his eyes, but there was a slight forlornness to his gaze now.  

"Okay, am I the only one noticing he's acting off?" Ai whispered to him.

"It's more than that," he replied. Just what is real? For all he talked about Ai lying to me... he doesn't even sound wholly arrogant anymore.

Is he... resigned to death? It was the most defeated Yusaku had ever heard him talk, and that made it all that more confounding. He sounds conflicted with himself. Just what is going on?

He thought he had answers. Now he was left with more questions. And from the intensity of the moment, it didn't look like he was going to get any more for now.

You still haven't told me everything yet. And I'm not going to ask you why, either, he decided. Either way, I'm not letting you get away a third time.

-          ~          -

"Decode Talker! Attack Spin-Headed Behemoth!"

"I applaud you for anticipating Mirror Force. But did you think me so naive as not to plan around that?" Revolver sneered. "Spin-Headed Behemoth's effect! Since he was attacked, all your monsters are set to Attack mode! And I'm sure you know what Mirror Force does!"

Ai freaked out as Yusaku's field was wiped clean. Meanwhile, Overflow Dragon and a token were summoned on Revolver's side of the field, the circumstance begging for a Link Summon to happen there.

"Aaaagh, of course he'd have a contingency plan!" he seethed. "Next time I get my hands on him, I'll gnaw his face off!"

If you don't shut up, we might not get that chance! Yusaku swore under his breath, setting a card. Just have to make it through this turn...

It didn't look too promising as Revolver initiated a Link Summon, summoning Flash Charge Dragon to the field. Blast Powder Dragon accompanied it, increasing the dragon's attack up to 3100. 

"Flash Charge Dragon! Attack Playmaker directly!" 

The blast itself was already painful enough, the force sending Yusaku back a pace and dropping him down to 900 Life Points. What he didn't expect was the shrapnel from the debris around him to pierce through his shoulder and side. The pain was more than enough to cause him to cry out, gripping the now-open wounds. 

Just about the worst thing to find out right about now! He almost bit his cheek from how hard he was wincing. I not only have to worry about the duel, but also making sure the debris around me doesn't stick me in a vital?!

The thought almost distracted him from Blast Powder Dragon's attack, the monster powered up from its adjutant's attack. "I activate Spool Code! Blast Powder's attack is negated, and I can summon three Spool Tokens to my field!" he called out.

The move had bailed him out, if only slightly. "But now Flash Charge Dragon's other effect activates! The monster facing its Link is destroyed, and you take 500 points of damage!"

At least the explosion wasn't nearly as bad as the first, but it still dropped Yusaku down to a mere 400 Life Points. He was barely fazed by it, more focused on the damage the debris had done to him. While the wound had sealed, the pain remained, and he doubted that it was just his avatar experiencing it.

That's not going to translate well after I log off, he grimaced, feeling the Data Storm whirl more fervently around him. But now... I have a singular out. I just need to... 

Aren't you being a special kind of tactically annoying?!

If there was one thing Rio knew about dragons, it was that their predatorial instincts were second to none. She had overheard her fair share of tales from Mizael and Dragluon, always keen on how they were born to dominate in the hunt.

Dark Requiem XYZ Dragon - that was the name she remembered - was drawing itself up to be exactly what she expected: fast and deadly. It was still hot on her tail, multicolored wings igniting as it gained momentum behind her. It wasn't long before it reared its head back, energy surging through its throat before it fired another blast at her. 

It got a lot faster after it assimilated the remains of the other dragons! She managed to duck a fraction of a second too late, the beam clipping her left shoulder. The sudden pain sent her spiraling towards the base of the second ring, and it took a lot of effort for her to land safely on the base of the ring.

Just a graze managed that much. Glad it wasn't Starving Venom I left alive! All the dragons spelled danger in her book, but Rio knew Starving Venom was particularly vicious with its arsenal. Looks like Requiem's temperamental, but is still ruthlessly strong at that... I can't afford to get hit by another blast like that.

Icing her shoulder over didn't burn the pain away, but it was enough to bring her back into the moment to dodge Dark Requiem's headlong rush. And it's barely even giving me a chance to recuperate! The moment it smells blood, it goes for the throat!

The smell of burning flesh and rotten wood met her nose, and Rio couldn't help but gag. She turned to find that the dragon's rush had caused the bark of the ring to burn, scorch marks apparent where its talons had made contact. 

Odd... the tree isn't healing. It was unironically in character of ZARC, someone who constantly believed himself omnipotent and untouchable to prying mortals. Seems even his dragons rub off his ego a bit as well.

It didn't take a genius to wipe that thought from her head. Regardless, I have to test this. If that happens to be the case, then...

She'd get her opportunity quicker than she anticipated. Dark Requiem wasn't exactly subtle from his point of attack, the dragon having risen from the lower ring in order to dive at her again. She took the time to exhale before readying her blades, watching as the dragon charged at her.

Now! At the last moment, Rio sidestepped Requiem's attack and swung her blade down, ice meeting flesh as the combined force caused the wood beneath them to collapse entirely. A pained roar shook the battlefield, the noise almost causing her to fall with it had she not caught onto the edge.

Ho-kay, that was too close for comfort! She was fortunate Requiem hadn't changed its direction, otherwise she would have been in a far worse state. But now that I have that insight...

I can do this. And I have just the cards to do it. She took the moment of respite to pull out Icejade Curse and Icejade Ran Aegirine, the cards glowing faintly in her hand. It's a gamble, but... I'm a bit pressed for time!

Ran Aegirine. Do you see where I'm going with this?

"Not a bad plan, Crystal. Let's see to it done."

She was already by her side, several floating ice crystals gravitating around her. The crystals began morphing, ultimately transforming into replicas of Rio, one of which helped pull her up from the ledge.

"Great." She nodded in approval, ripping off the icy patch on her shoulder and infusing it into each of the replicas (Man this is weird, even by my standards, she joked to herself). "Now let's lure that flying dumpster reactor out..."

They wouldn't have to wait long, the dust around the ring dissipating as Dark Requiem let out another roar. Rio and the clones spread out, Ran Aegirine allowing the clones to mimic her movements. It seemed to do the trick, the berserk dragon flying swiftly towards one of the clones. 

As soon as the dragon bit into the clone, it exploded, sending icy shrapnel deep into the base of the ring. It was strong enough for the remnants to pierce through the bark, Dark Requiem's collision force enough to cause the wood beneath to collapse. The massive dragon was sent tumbling below for a few moments before it recovered midair, snarling savagely despite the bits of ice sticking from its maw. 

That... worked. She would have been more inclined to smile if if not for the fact that the world was on the line with that gambit. That's a few more people to thank afterward.

"No need to fret so, Sight. You've already taken quite a few lessons to heart, and that's worthwhile for an old man like me."

"The thought's appreciated, Dragluon," Rio huffed in amusement. "But let's save the compliments for after we've taken down this amoebic guppy."

A distant roar followed by the quaking of the ring beneath her told her that the clones had done their work. Ran Aegirine nodded at Rio before disappearing, returning to her designated card. Just need one good strike now. And then... I'll bring it all down.

There was a streak of black and violet in the distance before it expanded, Dark Requiem spreading its wings for another assault. From what she could see, the ice clones had done their work, the fatigue in its wingbeat pairing with its bloodied state.

And if it's as egotistical as its creator... "That all you've got?! I've seen bulls run straighter than you can, and that's regardless of the context!" Rio shouted at it. 

She'd count her lucky stars later. Dark Requiem immediately caught onto the insult, roaring at her as it charged at her headfirst once more.

Jackpot.

She let out a roar of her own as she drove the sword home, sparing no effort in using her full body force to plunge the blade as far as she could into its neck. 

Unfortunately, the extra force was the final straw for the ring, the glowing glyphs fading from within it as the entire thing came crumbling down, Rio and Dark Requiem plunging along with it.  

-          ~          -

She didn't know how long she had been plummeting towards the ground. But by the time she came to, she was relieved to find herself on solid ground.

"...ight. Sight! You there?!" 

"What happened over there? Are you alright?"

"I'm up, I'm up guys," she grumbled, groaning as the aches in her body made themselves known. Fortunately for her, the injuries felt more like bruises and scrapes rather than lacerations and fractured bones, and she felt like she was in one piece.

"I'm assuming you were the one who caused three rings to crash into one another," Mach's collected voice soothed through her mind. "But frankly speaking, was going down with the ship the right move?"

"That only applies if I intended on dying, Mach," she rolled her eyes. "At least I took that rampant mongoose down."

On that note, Rio looked behind her, smirking as she gazed upon the corpse of Dark Requiem. Its head had been lost in the rubble, but she could guess where it was based on the fumes exuding from the body that she could see.

Her blades were lying not far from the severance point, sticking up from a sea of coagulated black blood pooling from the dragon's neck. The ice was gone, but the metal of the blades looked otherwise intact. 

Would rather not test the nature of that blood. She could feel her nose curl at the stench. So she opted to use her Duel Tether to pick the blades up rather than trying to wade through the bloody swamp. Sewage in, sewage out I guess. Would explain the smell, at any rate!

It was a shame that the respite was fleeting; only a few minutes had passed before the ground began quaking around her once again. "Great... now what?" she muttered to herself. "Did your ego get too shaken after that, ZARC?"

It wasn't that far from the truth. The tree had begun to shake, causing subsequent tremors in the ground it was rooted in. In a rush of energy, the debris of the tree's rings - Dark Requiem's corpse included - were lifted into the air. They remained suspended for a few moments before they became bits of glowing green energy, which the tree began absorbing in rapid succession.

The sound of snapping bark and what she had to assume was flesh sounded in the air not long after. Rio shot her gaze skyward to find the upper rings were beginning to retract as well, being absorbed into the base. 

It wasn't long before the tree had become a singular trunk, its base extending into the sky above.

That's a first. Can't tell if it's for better or for worse... It was then she realized she was able to stand a bit taller, the weight of the atmosphere no longer as suffocating. Is ZARC on the defensive?

It was difficult to tell. Rio took a quick jab at the trunk, and the blade was able to sink in just fine. I don't think I can chop it down in one clean slice. It's too thick. Also...

Is it just me, or is it too quiet now? The tree had stopped absorbing the remnants around her, and the quakes having died down entirely. Even the clashes happening over the hills seemed mute at best.

Something else was bothering her. Despite the cleansing of Chaos in the air, she could still sense the massive amount of it stockpiled within the tree. But what was more pressing was the fact that it was going down into the earth-

Ba-dump.

It was a harrowing noise, the beat echoing all across the ruined city. Rio could hear the cries of the monstrosities in the distance, cries of anguish but... revelry? Wait a minute-

The ground began rumbling again, and streaks of green light began filling the sky. As she looked up, she realized the streaks were going towards the tree, being assimilated back into the molted wood. Its veins began glowing brighter as more light was assimilated, the rumbling intensifying as it did.

"Bad news, Sight. ZARC's lackeys- they're returning to the tree!" It wasn't often Rio heard Buster panicked, so hearing that note of fear was anything but promising. 

"Would explain the lightshow then," she frowned. But what's his end goal? The Tower isn't even complete yet! For the tree to absorb the rings that it had-

...oh no. 

Her realization came too late. The tree had fully absorbed all the lights by then, appearing more like a glorified glowstick as the wood coursed with energy. 

Ba-dump.

It pulsed again, a wave of Chaos emanating from the spire of the tree-

Ba-dump.

-Another pulse, Chaos beginning to flood from it in a sludgy aura, forcing a gag out of Rio-

Ba-DUMP.

-all before the wood began expanding, the cracking and ripping of wood and flesh ringing in the air before it exploded outwards in a brilliant flash of green.

Chapter Text

He remembered that small cut on his cheek. 

Yusaku hadn't paid it much mind, the stinging only being a minor annoyance at best. But the addition of several more wounds from the surrounding debris wasn't boding well. 

But I have to do this. Otherwise... 

"Playmaker! Don't push yourself so hard!" Ai shouted. "At this rate, you're gonna get yourself killed!" 

"We don't have a choice, Ai!" Yusaku retorted, weaving through the debris. "I don't intend on losing, let alone now!"  

"I activate my Skill! Storm Access!"

The winds were roaring as he thrust his hand into the Data Storm. He had never experienced such a wild Storm, Yusaku barely able to keep his hand straight. 

But with a bit of luck, he could feel the familiar sensation of something forming in his hand. Come on... just a little more, he silently pleaded. Gotta.. hang on!

He was so close, the card about to solidify-

-all before a pain ripped through him, the storm tearing his arm off from the elbow down.

Yusaku could barely cry out. The pain exceeded anything he had felt before, and it wasn't long before he could feel himself tipping off of his board. 

Only for something to grab his arm. Yusaku shot up to find Ai was grabbing onto him, using his board as support.

"Ai?!"

"Can't have you dying now, can I?" he grinned, a loose tendril snaking down his arm and towards Yusaku's severed arm. It coiled around and expanded, forming a brand-new arm. "Now hop on, Playmaker!"

He obliged, pulling himself up and steadying himself on his board. Ai shrunk back into his duel disc, the screen flashing with his eyeball once more. 

"Just how long have you been able to do this?" he asked.

"Now's not the time to be fretting about that!" Ai countered. "You're the only one standing between us and Revolver killing us both. So I'm doing this to repay you!"

Beneath him, the engine of his board began firing up, the intakes expanding to make room for more forward propelling. Yusaku could feel them accelerating, although the board was expertly maneuvering around the debris without his input. 

"Let's not screw this up, eh?" Ai expanded, forming a barrier in front of him and the board. "I can only hold this for thirty seconds. So pull off Storm Access by then!"

"Now go! Seize the wind, Playmaker!"

He didn't need much more convincing from there. Yusaku reached out his hand once more, the winds straining against him as he called forth the forces within. This time, Ai's barrier protected him from the worst of the winds, and the card began forming in his hand soon after.

"Once again! Storm Access!"

It came not a moment sooner, the card solidifying in his hand as he pierced through the Storm and back towards his opponent. From Revolver's shocked face, he hadn't expected his return. Yusaku took a quick look down to Ai to find the Ignis had shrunk down to a size even smaller than his normal avatar. 

"Gonna need... a while to recover from that." From the sound of his voice, he was exhausted. "Beat Revolver's ass in the meantime, will ya...?"

"I'll be sure to," he muttered. ...thanks. 

Transcode Talker soon graced his field, Decode entering the picture thanks to the former's effect. Their combined effects, coupled with Cybernet Storm, boosted both of his monsters to 3300 and 3800 Attack respectively.

"Battle! Decode Talker, take out Flash Charge Dragon!"

It was a solid hit, dropping Revolver down to 2500 Life Points. "But I'm not done yet! Transcode Talker, attack Revolver directly!"

Revolver looked like he muttered something under his breath before looking up again. "When I receive a direct attack, I can summon Chobham Armor Dragon to the field!" he announced. "In addition, when it's summoned this way, it cannot be destroyed, and I only take half of the damage!"

The damage was still substantial, further dropping him to a mere 850 Life Points. But that means... is he going to risk it too?! 

"Don't think you've won just yet, Playmaker," he snarled, eyes flashing threateningly. "I'll match you, here and now!"

The intakes around Revolver's board jutted out and twisted inward, and the sides opened up to reveal two additional thrusters. They blazed to life, blazing him towards the Data Storm.

"What the hell?! He's suicidal!" Ai jabbed a finger at Revolver. "You barely came out in one piece thanks to my help. What makes him think he can do he same?!"

No... it's something more than that. It was looking more and more like he was doing it against his will. The eye flash seemed out of character for Revolver, and the moment Yusaku had seen his eyes had told him there was something amiss.

And amiss it was. Once again, the storm rejected Revolver's attempts at Storm Access, blowing the man's arm clean off. 

That really isn't him, is it? Yusaku grimaced as he saw his opponent's pain. Is that what Rio's been talking about the whole time?

"Hah... this is- ngh! N-nothing..." Revolver grimaced. "If it means I can beat him, this body will endure!"

"What is he even saying?! He's really lost it!" Ai shouted. "Shouldn't we do-!"

In that moment, the entire world suddenly came to a halt. The debris halted in place, the world around them stationary. 

Can't move... what just happened? Yusaku found himself glued to the sight of Revolver looking around the paralyzed space. Even their boards had ceased to move, ominously floating in place. It was then that a flash of gold light took over the space, the silhouette of a man manifesting from it.

Is that... Kougami? It was difficult to tell with the position of the debris, but the beard and hair color stood out amid the glow of the data around them. He appeared to be talking to Revolver, who watched in silence.

"... that is my last wish. Now go, and never look back... Ryoken."

What-?

Another flash illuminated the space, and Kougami began dissolving. As he disappeared, a light began flowing through Revolver, reforming his dismembered arm. Beneath his board, a shimmering blue path began trailing towards the core of the Data Storm. 

"Stardust Road..." He could barely hear Revolver, but it was clear what he had said. How is it manifesting here!?

The moment Kougami dissolved completely, the world began to move again. Both Yusaku and Revolver were forced to steady themselves on their boards as the debris began flying at them again. 

Meanwhile, Revolver was making a beeline for the storm once again, body glowing as he followed Stardust Road to its end. 

"Now, I activate my Skill! Storm Access!" 

The data storm seemed to glow brighter as the card formed in his hand. It wasn't long after that Revolver emerged from the storm, trailing ahead of Yusaku. 

"It seems... Stardust Road shall be the path that leads us, Playmaker," he frowned. "And if that's the case... I will not allow this to continue.

"Playmaker! Listen well!" Revolver shouted over the wind. "Remember the path of Stardust Road! Bring Merag with you, that we may truly end this!"

"Truly" end this? What did Kougami say to him? Unless-

"Revolver! Enough of-!"

His plea was too late. Revolver had activated Link Recovery to summon back Flash Charge Dragon, its effect forcing Yusaku to draw one card. From there, the Link was already being formed. 

"Manifest, Link-4: Topologic Gumblar Dragon!"

It was towering, a serpentine monstrosity pulsating with green energy all over its scales and body. It was soon accompanied by Drop Dragon, the smaller dragon looking ready to rain hellfire.

"Topologic Gumblar Dragon's effect! Since Drop Dragon was summoned next to its link, both of us must discard two cards!" 

Yusaku's mind was racing, even as he discarded his entire hand into the Graveyard. "But that's not all! Drop Dragon's effect now activates! Whenever we discard cards, I can sacrifice it to deal 300 points of damage to both of us!"

...He's going for a draw...

...no.

NO!

It was too late. The bombs attached to the dragon had detached, raining down on both of them. The resulting explosion sending both of them and the surrounding debris flying back, the space being flooded with a flash of light.

But all Yusaku could hear was the quiet "you lose" chiming in the back of his mind as his world fell to darkness.

-          ~          -

Exiting VRAINS was even more painful than being in it. What made it worse was how the second Yusaku awoke inside the truck, he coughed and sprayed blood on the door.

He sauntered back, the loss of blood quickly making him lightheaded. Ai's shouts were muted as he tried to remain conscious. This has to be the side effects... but why is it this bad?

As he pressed his back against the door, Yusaku could feel his senses return to reality. Every nerve was on fire, the luminescent lighting doing no favors for him even as he slumped down on the floor. 

I can't be at my limit now... can I? The thought was a terrifying one, knowing the possibility that the Tower was still active. And Revolver... he made it sound like there's still more to do-

"Yusaku!"

He barely registered the door opening on its own, Kusanagi rushing in and holding him by the shoulders. He was pale in the face, worry at his lips as he helped shoulder Yusaku.

"I..." He wanted to thank him, but the fatigue was setting in quick. Kusanagi helped ease him onto a chair, which he graciously accepted. The plush padding was a godsend after standing for so long, allowing him to relax in what felt like an eternity.

He could still feel the phantom pain in his arm. It was only made worse with the fact that he couldn't really feel it at the moment, despite being able to use it normally after Ai had repaired it. 

"I saw what happened in there, Yu," Kusanagi continued. "Why was Revolver talking about Stardust Road? And what did he tell you?"

"...he told me enough." he murmured. "Can you... call Rio?" I...  I know where Revolver is."

A gasp from his partner didn't help with his lightheadedness. But Yusaku had never felt more focused in his life.

It's about time we settle this. Right... Revolver?

"Rgh..."

Rio's ears were still ringing from the blast, the environment around her hazy as she came back to conscious. Ash and dust clogged the air, and she had to cough out the residue before she could properly breathe.

Once she had some oxygen back in her lungs, the issue became prevalent. The explosion had been too sudden, crashing her into the wall of the crater. Rio groaned as she pulled herself out of the rubble, grimacing as pain laced through her body.

The worst of it was coming from her left shoulder, and she could see blood trickling down. Shit... that feel like a dislocation. Freeze cauterizing wouldn't help her in this situation, and she was not too keen on finishing her work in less than one piece.

"-io. Rio!" 

Not helping my headache here, yelling like that... "Kusanagi...?" 

"You had me worried there! Been trying to get to you for ten minutes," he explained. "I look outside for a moment only to find the tree had exploded! What the hell's going on over there?!"

"I'd like to know that as well." Her vision had stabilized as she became more alert, scanning the area for any signs of the tree. Sure enough, any sign that the tree had been there was gone, save for the massive chunks of molted wood that stood out from around the city.

What was in its place was, in her professional opinion, arguably worse. Sitting in the center of the crater was what looked like a massive cocoon. Black veins pulsed through its motley green shell, which pulsed with a harsh green light. 

"...I think it's better that you don't know," she muttered before coughing again. She didn't take too kindly to the practice, the feeling bringing back bad memories to her time in the hospital.

And speaking of... "How's Yusaku right now...?"

From the silence that followed, it didn't sound good. "He's... he's stable," he finally replied. "But as soon as this is over, he needs immediate care, pronto."

That reckless idiot... Rio wanted to shout at him, but she could barely bring herself to do so in her own state. "I understand," she sighed. 

"Oh, and one other thing..." Kusanagi typed something, and a notification flashed on her duel disc soon after. "We found where Revolver's been hiding."

That was better news. "You're certain?"

"Yusaku sure seems like it. And I'm convinced as well. We'll meet you there, alright?"

"...okay."

She disconnected the call from there, wincing as her shoulder acted up again. At least her head was throbbing less, allowing her to recenter her thoughts.

Okay, okay guys. I was in the middle of getting some rather important information, she rubbed her temples in annoyance. We do have a new problem here, so I'd appreciate a rendezvous of anyone available right now.

It shall be done. But, if I may be frank, Sight... are you alright? Mach sounded calm despite his concern. You sound somewhat delirious... did you hit your head as a result of the explosion?

I... might've. It was a dull pain at the back of her skull, but noticeable nonetheless. Since that's the case... I'd appreciate some healing before we plan our next move.

Of course. Crystal and the others are on their way now.

-          ~          -

It wasn't long before they arrived, Burst, Lion Heart, Crystal and Mach landing around her. Crystal was quickly by her side, Mach observing the massive cocoon in silence. 

"You certainly look worse for wear," Burst commented quietly. "And yes, you do have a rather sizeable injury at the back of your head."

Is is that bad...? "I'll take your word for it," she nodded slightly. "Not about to injure myself more."

"Good thought. You look like you're on the verge of not needing a ten count," Lion Heart agreed. "Settle down for now."

It had been a minute since she had been able to sit down, anyways. While the debris wasn't comfortable per se, it at least let Rio steady herself. 

"The sentiment's appreciated... agh!" Rio nearly bit her cheek as Crystal's healing magic took effect, her shoulder bones snapping back into place abruptly. "A warning would've been nice..."

"Apologies. It was the most efficient way," she admitted, soothing over the back of her head and mending the bruise. "But since I do have your attention now, do stay still. Your body's still getting over the shock."

"Alright..." The cooling sensation of Crystal's healing smoothed over her body, the numbness dying away in its wake. The debris in her lungs followed suit, and Rio took the time to cough out any remaining residue. 

"Curious. This does not seem to be the work of ZARC..." 

"Wait, what?" Rio and the other Numbers turned to Mach, who only then spoke up. "You're telling me that wasn't a self-defense explosion?"

"I do not believe so," he shook his head. "There was too little time between the recalling of his minions and the explosion. And I find it difficult to believe that he would risk destroying the tree, being that it was his main power source."

"As such, this may have been an internal factor. Something that had been seeded in there to begin with."

"I concur with your reasoning, Mach. But that leaves the question of who would be responsible," Crystal folded her arms. "Unless... my Sight, perhaps you know?"

It took a moment before it clicked in her head. "I think I do," Rio nodded slowly. He's the only one ambitious enough to pull something as extreme as that off. 

Which means... he really isn't loyal. And if Yusaku and Kusanagi are going to find him...

"Monitor that cocoon for now. I... need to confirm something," she murmured before taking flight, scanning over the wrecked cityscape. The deconstruction had worsened from what she last remembered, the explosion having flattening out the nearby infrastructure. 

Good thing I left a ward on Ryouga's bike. Least I have a convincing means of arriving, she mused. Though I suppose leaving it in the school parking lot wasn't my smartest idea...

The thought reminded her to switch back to her normal apparel, Rio dusting her hair out a bit before landing next to her bike. To her relief, it was still in one piece, the vehicle standing out starkly against the debris-riddled pavement.

As she revved up the bike, she couldn't help but wonder the circumstances surrounding the explosion. But most of her thoughts flowed back into one single thought: 

Yusaku... what happened between you and Revolver?

"To think he's been hiding there all this time..."

"It's hard to believe, I know. But there's nowhere else it could be."

The ride had been rather uneventful, neither Yusaku nor Kusanagi having much to say given the current situation. Even Ai was hesitant to comment like he usually did, the Ignis only giving a worried glance to Yusaku from time to time.

If these two are worrying about me, I don't even want to imagine what Rio's gonna say... he sighed softly. Seems that's going to be inevitable.

"We're here." Yusaku looked up from his lap. The cliffside home loomed over them, one of the few buildings that had remained unscathed from the destruction in Den City. He would want to be far from the epicenter. Lest he wanted to risk being caught in the crossfire.

"Now that I think about it, I might know his face," Kusanagi pointed out. "I didn't think to suspect him at the time, but-"

"Yusaku!"

The two of them turned around to find Rio pulling up not too far behind them. There was a hint of worry in her voice as she dashed towards the two of them. Strangely, she seemed out of breath, and she looked generally scuffed in appearance. Her uniform didn't look much better, her left sleeve having been entirely torn off and exposing her bare arm, where he could spot a few minor scrapes.

"Seems you've been through a rough patch," he commented.

"And you haven't?" she huffed. "You look like you're only just holding it together. And don't you dare say otherwise, Kusanagi's told me already."

The murderous glare in Rio's eyes was enough to snuff out any further resistance. Yusaku bowed his head, careful not to move too quickly. "Guess I'm not getting around that... but first, we have an invitation to attend to."

The answer didn't seem to please her all that much, but she relented, instead putting a hand to his back. "Then let's not dally much longer."

The stairs led upwards to a wide patio, the ocean being in wide view. The sunset illuminated the room, bathing it in a soothing orange light. It was peaceful, almost.

But they hadn't time to dwell on the feeling. In the center of the room was a large medical bed, a lone figure kneeling before someone lying in it. The man seemed to pick up on their arrival, standing up as the three of them paused.

"...so you've arrived." His appearance was a bit of a far cry from his avatar, silver hair adorned with blue highlights running behind his head. "Knew you'd be able to trail me here."

"You're Revolver," Yusaku deadpanned. There was a slight flinch from Rio, but he let it slide. 

He would be lying if there wasn't anticipation bubbling beneath the surface.

"Correct. My name is Ryoken Kougami," he nodded forlornly, turning to face them with bleary blue eyes. "As much as I wished it was under better circumstances... it seems we've finally met."

Chapter Text

Yusaku thought he'd feel something when he finally came face to face with Revolver - or rather, Ryoken.

It wasn't as though he was disappointed per se. Heck, he had expected to feel something more akin to anticipation, after all the effort he had to put forth just to face him now. 

But everything was just wrong with the atmosphere. Either that, or the blood loss is numbing my senses, he grimaced. 

He could see how Ryoken translated into Revolver. The hair color and eyes were different, piercing blue eyes and silver hair beset with blue flecks raised at his temples contrary to the dark maroon and yellow of his avatar. But what caught Yusaku's attention the most were the three gash marks lining his right cheek, the flesh burnt and warped. He could even sense traces of energy leaking from the marks, and Ryoken's occasional winces suggested it was still afflicting him.

It wasn't long before the silence was broken, the troubled man shrugging off the urge. 

“Yusaku Fujiki…” Their gazes met, and Yusaku could see the remorse in the other’s eyes, which quickly disappeared as he peered at Ai. "I see you've brought that Ignis with you as well..."

"Yeesh, I can barely be called my own name around here," Ai sighed, though he shrunk back at Ryoken's glare. "Anyways..."

He really took that name to heart, didn't he...? Yusaku wasn't sure whether it was Ai's comment or something else that caused him to bow his head. It didn't matter much as he continued speaking.

"Shouichi Kusanagi, brother to Jin Kusanagi…” Ryoken refused to look at him, head bowing down. "My condolences, for your brother."

"I'd appreciate some answers first before I go about forgiving you," Kusanagi replied flatly. The former merely scoffed, but nodded anyways. 

“And… Rio Kamishiro, brother to Ryouga Kamishiro.” There was a slight twinge of annoyance in his tone that Yusaku didn't miss. "Though I'd imagine you would have the most questions for me... our time here is short."

"You mean him," Rio gestured towards the markings on his face. "How long has he been plaguing you...?"

"...I've lost track at this point," he shook his head. "It's a miracle that I'm even able to speak with you now. But this was an opportunity I could not afford to lose. Even if it meant risking self-harm in the process."

"Then, that explosion on VRAINS and the tree..." Kusanagi jolted up. "That was all intentional?"

"If only to buy us more time. Thank Merag in that regard as well." Ryoken nodded solemnly before looking back to Rio. "It is with that I am able to speak to you now... and to impart the truth, as you have fought for all this time."

"I don't expect you to believe me. I don't know if you will even forgive me. But my consciousness will allow nothing else. So let this be the atonement for the havoc I have allowed to be ushered into this world."

Yusaku opened his mouth, but Rio beat him to the punch. "Let us be the judge of that," she said quietly.

"Thank you." He winced as pain laced through his scars, the roaring of ZARC chiming louder in his head. Rio passed him a look, but Ryoken waved her off. I'm not the one you can save.

"My father's plans never began maliciously," he began. "He viewed inevitability would bring about humanity's downfall. Since death comes for all humans, he was determined to create their successor. One that could bypass the bounds of flesh and usher in a new age for humans." 

"That was his drive to carry out Project Hanoi: to create AI with free will," he continued. "To do so, he and his assistants enacted the Lost Incident in order to gather data for his vision."

"And you're telling me experimenting on children was the best way gather it?" Yusaku shivered as he heard the growl in Rio's throat. "Unless you're telling me that blight-visioned spinach brain was the one who suggested that. Wouldn't put it past a mongrel like him."

There was a hint of amusement in Ryoken's eyes with that statement. "I'd wager on it," he replied. "Regardless, the experiment continued, using dueling as a medium to help the AI understand humans. I was only eight by the time it started."

"That was when I found you, Yusaku." He turned to face him. "I'm not sure why, but I was drawn to watching you. Of all the other victims, you stood out somehow. So I made it my mission to help you in whatever small way I could."

"Hence the three things you taught me." Ryoken nodded again before looking away. 

"Eventually, it became too much to bear. Even now those screams refuse to leave my head." Ryoken placed a hand at his father's bead. "So I reported the Incident in secret. I hoped by doing so, it would save you and the other victims from any more suffering."

The air in the room became increasingly tense as he frowned, refusing to look at the four of them. "Alas, that was how it was meant to be." 

"What do you mean...?"

"After the Incident, my father was rendered comatose by SOLTech. Using a virus to trap his consciousness indefinitely," Ryoken's hand clenched into a fist. "Even after he was returned to me three years later, they refused to remove it out of fear of the Incident being revealed. That was when..."

He paused, growling as the pain burned in his face again. "When... he appeared, everything changed. Fate must have a sense of humor for him to inhabit my father's body, only to use him against me to further his own goals."

"So whatever this guy is, he corrupted your old man?" Ai crossed his arms. "Talk about using leverage..."

An irritated sigh left Ryoken. "It was. I was powerless to resist as he began using my father's dreams and twisting it into his ambitions. The founding of the Hanoi, the attack on Cyberse World, the Anothers... I quickly lost control, if there was any for me to have to begin with." 

"All of it accumulated into the Tower of Hanoi. My father's last weapon to destroy the Ignis, instead twisted to bring about his rebirth... the return of the Dimensional Tyrant, ZARC."

The name was enough to unnerve Yusaku and Kusanagi. Rio, on the other hand, had her fists clenched, but made no approaches to attack him.

"It won't be long before he begins controlling me again. And when he does..." he looked back towards the body of his father. "He will undoubtedly use me to fight you. To stop you from shutting the Tower down."

"Though I myself would have aimed to do so under my terms... I can now only ask that you stop me, Yusaku. That my regrets may be buried alongside that defiler."

Yusaku's eyes widened. It made sense for Ryoken to have the key to shutting the Tower down. But if stopping ZARC was the plan, why can he not just stop it? He's still in control... right?

Unless... is he really that far gone? That he'd still continue to fight, despite knowing the hollowness of his actions? It was a harrowing thought, to be sure. But as he looked once more into Ryoken's eyes, he could see the lack of light that shined back at him. 

Ten years. He had searched for the one who had saved him all those years ago, but to no avail. 

He would have never imagined that the very person he was searching for would be the one to oppose him. Even if it was against his will.

"There really is no other way...?" Yusaku finally asked. "After all I've done to find you..."

"I know you tried." A ghost of a smile graced Ryoken’s lips. "But surely you knew that it was always going to be this way. I-”

He suddenly jolted, groaning in pain as he fell to his knees amid the pain in his mind. Yusaku called out to him, but the former raised a hand to stop him.

"Forget about me! Remember what I told you!" he shouted. "Stop him at all costs! Even if it means destroying me!"

With that, he suddenly went limp, though he didn't fall to the ground entirely. Rio's outstretched hand was the only thing stopping Yusaku from rushing to his side. 

"What are you doing, Rio...?" 

No answer. But something else would interrupt him. 

Insolent whelp. Even now he continues to resist me. 

What. The hell. Is that. It was unlike any voice he'd heard before, guttural and booming in his ears. Ai whipped his head around to find the source, while Kusanagi's face had gone white as a sheet. 

But it was Rio's reaction that caught his attention the most. She was alert, teeth clenching as she glared at Ryoken's stationary form, which had begun to stir. 

"ZARC. You're an even bigger coward than I thought." It wasn't often that Yusaku saw Rio angry, but this time she was livid.

It wasn't just her attitude that was reflecting it, however. The air around her had gotten colder, and Yusaku bit back a shiver as the room began to tremble. 

The ground began to rumble, and Yusaku was almost swept off his feet from the violence of the shaking. A hand on his shoulder helped steady him, Kusanagi eyeing him with concern. "Don't push yourself too much."

"I'll manage, Kusanagi..." It wasn't entirely true, his right arm and chest still burning from the phantom pain. "Ryoken...?"

A dark chuckle left Ryoken's throat as he straightened up. But as Yusaku met his gaze again, it was clear he wasn't quite Ryoken anymore.

"It's time to end this. Face me, Playmaker," he snarled, eyes flashing acid green. "Once I've beaten you, I will revel in tearing you and that Ignis asunder. For all the wrenches you've thrown into my plans."

The sudden tone shift was enough to cause the hairs of his neck to straighten. But it was when he glared at Rio that he felt himself tremble from something more than just the ground. 

What kind of presence is this?! Yusaku could feel his legs trembling, deep-rooted fear tingling at the back of his brain. Rio, what have you been fighting all this time?!

"And you, Merag," the name came out in more of a snarl. "You've stood in the way of my plans long enough. I will destroy you and that fake prophet of a lizard with my own hands. And that little guard of yours will follow suit."

It was Rio's turn to shoot a glare at him. It wasn't Yusaku's imagination, this time her eyes really were glowing gold. "You've got some gall to insult him as a pond guppy, ZARC," she spat murderously. "You'll be lucky if you soul torn apart when I'm done with you."

"...Then face me. If you are so confident in besmirching me." Ryoken's face broke into a haunting grin as he returned his attention to Yusaku. "Let these pets fight first. A proper side act before I annihilate you."

He became still once more, his expression hollowing out as the maleficent presence left the room. Kusanagi took a knee beside Yusaku, and it took all of his effort not to do the same.

It's like two dragons resonating against each other. It was the only way he could envision it in his head. How... how did things end up like this?

But more importantly... Rio, are you...?

"...Okay, how many layers of fucked are we right now?" Ai was the first to speak. "If he's the guy who spawned the Tower in the real world..."

Aren't you the optimist. 

Yet...

"We don't have much of a choice." he turned to look at them. "Kusanagi, Rio. I'm going."

Kusanagi opened his mouth to protest before sighing. "You would've done so even if I object," he shook his head. "Just hurry. The Tower could be complete any minute." 

"I will." Yusaku was glad to have his reassurance. "Rio...?"

She was silent for a moment, her expression unreadable. Her eyes were still glowing the same gold, and she shook her head as if she were communicating with someone. 

Wait, who would she be talking to? It wasn't like her to be this silent. Oh, wait... ZARC mentioned a "guard". Are they communicating with her right now?

He wouldn't have to wait too much longer. She straightened up, looking towards him. Yusaku could sense a certain air of authority as she began to speak.

"Yusaku." Rio's voice was crystal clear, her gaze equally so even as the glow faded from them. "I know this might not be the answer your wanted. I wouldn't be surprised if you still have more questions."

"But I know one thing is clear right now. All we can do now is honor his wish. For the sake of this world and it's future." 

 "...yeah."

"I guess I'm looped in this, huh?" Ai bowed his head in defeat. "I'll keep watch of Yusaku, if that helps you Rio."

"...Thank you." A faint smile curled on her lips. "Now go. You still want to save him, don't you?"

Even after everything... I can never etch it from my soul. Yusaku closed his eyes. His words were what saved me all those years ago. 

Now... I must be the one to save him. 

"I do." Yusaku straightened up, duel program revving up. "And, Rio..."

"Hm?"

"I'll come back. You can tell me everything once this is over." I don't have time to understand it right now.

Rio's eyes widened for a moment before she leaned in, pressing a light kiss on his lips. Kusanagi almost immediately looked away, and Ai shrunk back into his duel disc.  

"I'll hold you to it, then."

He stared down Revolver one more time before initiating the login sequence, the familiar feeling of his consciousness being uploaded enveloping him. It wasn't long before the room was lost to the noise of the data around him before revealing their new dueling grounds.

Fortunately, they were no longer in the grip of the Data Storm. Instead, they were standing on raised platforms of verdant green roots. The roots also formed the walls of the makeshift arena, even weaving a sparse roof to protect them from the shrapnel. 

Across from him, Revolver had digitized on a separate platform, eyes burning green as he stared him down.

"Talk about setting the stage," Ai mumbled. "You got this, right Playmaker?"

Not a good time to be brining up doubts. "I will do what I must," he replied flatly. 

On the other side, Revolver straightened up, duel program revving up on his wrist. "Now. Face me, Playmaker!" His eyes blazed a fluorescent green. "May we share this dance to damnation!"

"Let's duel!"

I'll hold you to it... What the heck was I thinking?

Sometimes she wished that she wasn't a hypocrite with her promises. Of course she wanted Yusaku to win! They had grown close enough to foster that kind of confidence in one another.  

And yet... there's a chance I might not come out of this alive. A pillar of green light had appeared, piercing the ashen sky above. The skies had turned dark with storm clouds, emerald lightning flashing from above.

And within the pillar, the outline of her nightmares had appeared once more: Towering, its wingspan stretching across the horizon... the unmistakable form of ZARC. 

This is going to be messy. The city was already in horrible shape since she made her detour. Will there be anything left when this is all over? 

Heck, it's a miracle that those two are even able to duel in VRAINS right now. Logic would dictate that the SOLTech servers would have been flattened alongside the buildings. But with how instrumental it was to fostering the Tower of Hanoi, Rio didn't put it past ZARC to ward that building for that sole purpose. I can't lose focus now.

I just have to trust he will win. And that I will do so as well.

The Numeron Guard were awaiting her at the base of the pillar, their expressions grim as she landed. Thankfully, none of them looked injured. 

"Glad you're here, Sight," Jinlon nodded towards the pillar. "It wasn't long after you left that this appeared."

"It's him. He's manifesting in full." Rio glared at the pillar, her armor and blades silently forming as she spoke. "He was always about the spectacle of things."

"Tell us about it. I can barely look at it without wanting to blanch," Lion Roar cracked his knuckles, the noise echoing throughout the barren space. "Why he hasn't emerged yet is beyond me."

"I think I know why." Crystal spoke up. "It seems... he's been waiting for you as well."

Don't say it into existence, Rio silently pleaded. It was a shame she was quickly proven right, the pillar glowing brilliantly before cracking and splitting open from the base up. The large chunks began crumbling into energy shards, which were then absorbed back towards the center. Above, the skies grew black, and rain began to pour forth onto the ruined city.

It took a full minute of blinding light before the cracking stopped. With little choice, Rio willed herself to open her eyes and look up.

It was about what she expected, albeit a lot more disgusting. ZARC still towered over them, standing almost as tall as the tree had but about several dozen times wider. But something was wrong with the dragon tyrant: malformed spines protruded out of the molten-looking wings and rings extending behind his back. His tail had been severed up to a point, a glowing substance leaking from the stub of it. The black of his body seemed more like molten tar rather than actual scales, dripping off of him in massive colligated drops.

But it was still ZARC. Malformed as he was, he was still dangerous and reeked of Chaos. Rio could sense traces of the Code's power he had absorbed, its essence coursing in uneven rivers throughout his body.

"You kept me waiting, Crystal Sight." His voice was warped, sounding more like a low growl with each syllable. "Your little 'audience' didn't hold much of a warm welcome for me..."

"And you expected one?" Burst scoffed. "Say that to the dimensions you almost destroyed."

"Oh, please, those motely places? Give me a break," the dragon sneered. "Were it not for my own love's meddling, I would have forged the worlds into a realm far superior to this despot piece of dirt."

Please, if you were really all that, you'd have won in the first place. Rio kept that comment to herself. "So what makes you think you stand a chance now, cur?"

ZARC turned his ugly gaze towards Rio. "Were you anyone else, I'd crush you here and now. But seeing as it's you, you'll live long enough to see it."

"But no matter. All of you have been thorns to my side for long enough," he reeled back, wings unfurling. "I'll see you all gone!"

The tyrant roared, the shockwave blasting away the city infrastructure in front of him. Rio and the Guard were forced back a whole pace, straining against the force.

Even in this incomplete form, he's managed to amass this much strength, Ponta shivered. Freak of nature.

C'mon, now's not the time to get cold paws, Ponta, Lion Heart chided. Sight's already weakened him. I'm sure you can find a weakness in that sulfur pile!

I concur. These are better odds than we could ask for. Mach drew his blade, pointing it at the waiting tyrant. 

Let us see our duty through then, my friends, Jinlon nodded, shifting into his dragon form. ZARC surely won't wait for us.

Why would he? His arrogance is what felled him the first time, Burst chuckled. Maybe we should let him rush us. We could exploit him like that. 

Not an unfeasible plan. But let us not show our hand too quickly, Abyss added, though sounded no less amused. Otherwise, we'd be setting ourselves back.

Best we not blunder now, then. Crystal placed a hand on her shoulder. Isn't that right, my Sight?

You guys... Rio almost wanted to laugh as well. But with how distracted her mind was, she couldn't bring herself to. Of course.

There's no more room for regrets. Yusaku... she exhaled, eyes gleaming once again. Win. So we can put them all behind us.

"Everyone, to arms!" Rio roared, brandishing her weapons and bounding forwards. "ZARC falls this day! May this be the foundation for the future!"

Chapter Text

"Rio!" Kusanagi put a hand on her shoulder. "Are you just gonna walk away without explaining anything?"

It took all of her effort not to brush him off, and quite literally at that. The trembling in the ground wasn't helping her think any clearer. 

This shouldn't have involved you to begin with, Rio bowed her head, refusing to meet his gaze. And I'm the one who dragged you in.

"I'd tell you, if I could." she sighed. "But we're running out of time . We need to-"

"Don't start with that," he shook his head. "Between the Tower manifesting in reality and you fighting ZARC... Just what are you really, Rio?"

The use of "what" stung. Though... he's not wrong, per se. She could feel her arm slump to her side.

"I've had... a lot, of time to think about that," Rio closed her eyes. "If I'm being honest, I wouldn't be able to give you a straight answer."

"So I'll at least tell you this: Everything I told you was true. But I had to do so slowly, and in moderation," she held up two fingers to iterate her point. "But say that I had told you everything to begin with. Would you have believed me then?"

There. A small glint of hesitance, fleeting to most. Rio knew Kusanagi wasn't oblivious, far from it. 

"...if that's the case... how long have you been keeping, well, this a secret?" he asked, glancing at Ryoken. "Unless you're telling me that you didn't know some of these things were happening?"

She fought the impulse to snicker. "Surprisingly, no. I had my fair share of hypotheses, but nothing concrete until recently. So not a whole lot of secrets to be had then."

From the look Kusanagi gave her, he was stuck between disbelief and confusion. Eventually, he sighed, scratching his head. 

"Normally I'd be a bit annoyed about the whole 'keeping secrets' business," Kusanagi murmured. "But seeing what you've been dealing with... you wanted to protect us, didn't you?"

"Let's leave it at that," she smiled sadly. "This is the fate of all reality we're talking about here. Both of you have already gotten too involved in this mess... when it should have been mine alone to deal with."

"But now... No, that thought won't get us anywhere." Her gaze turned to the door of the VR room. "All I can do is ensure reality isn't wiped, and that sulfur-stain ceases to be. Can you trust me with that?"

"Hey, no need to be stiff, Rio," Kusanagi chuckled, looking back at Yusaku. "Jeez, now I have keep tabs on you, too. What's it with your generation and being this reckless? No wonder you and Yusaku hit it off."

"And your generation is full of comedians, I take it," Rio rolled her eyes, but didn't deny the fuzziness in her chest. "But that's enough of that. Make sure Yusaku stays safe, alright?"

"Do you really need to tell me that?" the former waved her off. "Get going already! You're the one who's complaining about a lack of time."

Kusanagi... thanks. She couldn't help but smile, following him outside before taking a sharp right into the forest. Her powers began boiling beneath the surface, and it wasn't long before she was clad in her battle attire once more. 

As she took flight, Rio passed one more glance back towards the lone building and the hot dog truck parked in front of it. A pang of guilt rolled in her chest before she turned her attention back to the glowing pillar ahead. 

I'm sorry. Once this is all over... I'll make it up to you two. I promise.

-          ~          -

And in the present, Rio half-expected to be smacked back by a swing of ZARC's tail, piling her straight through several buildings before crashing into the ground. 

Gah... that titanic fat fuck! She groaned as she rose from the rubble, wiping off the debris from her cheek. To her disgust, some of ZARC's molted essence had smeared on her, and she blanched as she hastened to wipe it off. Oh, he's gonna pay for that.

She shot back up before leaping, the force leaving a crater in her wake. With the buildings no longer in her way, it was a straight line back to ZARC. The warped dragon was busy swatting at the Guard, with Mach, Burst, Crystal and Lion Heart attacking him while deftly maneuvering around his titanic swings. Abyss, Ponta and Jinlon were providing artillery support from a distance, several blasts of energy peppering ZARC from time to time. 

It seemed like a plan Ponta would formulate. Whittle down the enemy while they were distracted on being defensive. Seeing the size of this pig, it might be our best shot at bringing him down. 

Not like it was going to be that easy. ZARC leaned his head back before launching a laser beam of his own at Mach, the energy distorting the air around it. While the blast did miss its target, the air distortion was enough to cause Mach to falter and begin to descend. 

With the flier temporarily out of commission, the tyrant's eyes locked onto Abyss' group. ZARC began turning his head towards them, the beam following along. 

Oh simmer down, you obese prick! In a moment of annoyance, Rio sliced one of the nearby buildings in half horizontally before kicking the severed half at ZARC. The impact was enough to stop the molted dragon's beam, although it also brought his attention back to her. 

"Tch-! You insolent worm!" Several balls of energy formed on ZARC's left arm before they launched themselves at Rio. Thankfully, they weren't too difficult to dodge, although the blasts were enough to send tremors in the ground when they landed. "How long do you intend to squirm?!"

Like I'd tell you! Maneuvering around the blasts got her close enough to his arm, and she wasted no time cleaving away at the tyrant's flesh. They weren't particularly deep cuts, but they were enough to cause phosphoric blood to burst from them. 

What she hadn't expected was the blood to erode the parts of her armor it splashed on, and Rio was forced to chip off those pieces before they did any more damage. Corrosive blood, how annoying, she fumed. 

It would only get worse as ZARC's body began to tremble before spikes began protruding from his scales. A couple of them snagged her forearm and cheek, but the scratches alone were enough to force a retreat out of her and the other guard. 

Crystal wasn't too far away, so Rio took the opportunity to float a pace away from her. "Isn't he the persistent brat," she muttered, wiping the blood from her cheek. 

"Quite so. But he remains powerful all the same," Crystal nodded. "That has been bothering me, however..."

"What do you mean?"

"Despite the damage you did, it feels as though he's gathering more power from nowhere," her gaze narrowed as she glared at ZARC, who was busy swinging at Mach again. "Ingrained as he is in the Code, he should not be able to extract its power without being close to it... so how is he maintaining his form?"

I really don't want to say "souls", but that seems likely. It wasn't a pretty thought, and it only her belief that Ghost Girl was long gone by now. 

"...it feels unlikely that it isn't the Code," Rio shook her head. "Don Thousand was able to harness part of its power when he merged Barian World with the human world. But seeing how ZARC isn't as powerful..."

...

...no. There is one way he could hold such power from the Code so easily. Memories flooded in from the last time she died, and they were quickly becoming fuel for fear.

It has to be an eclipse. That's the only reason why his powers are this strong! Rio's gaze shot towards the skies. The storm clouds made it difficult to find, but sure enough the sky beyond them was beginning to darken. I have to stop him before it completely does so!

"ENOUGH!" Before she could attack again, the tyrant roared, blasting everyone else back from him. She could feel the energy from the shockwaves of his shout, forcing her to guard her eyes from the oncoming gusts. 

"You motley bunch have entertained me long enough. But now I grow weary," his voice boomed throughout the city, the power in his voice only backed up with the flow of energy coursing through him. 

Gah... the stall tactic worked to his benefit!  Rio shot a glance towards the rest of the Guard, who were on the other side of ZARC. And he planned for it this entire time!

"Everyone, get-!" she tried to scream, but she was too late.

"I will see this land subjugated and reimagined into my image!"

ZARC unleashed another roar, the core on his chest glowing a sickly green light before exploding outwards, releasing a massive wave of energy in the process. Rio barely managed to make it to Crystal's side before the blast strained against her shield, pushing them back in the air. 

"Stay vigilant, my Sight!" Crystal pressed harder against the field, Rio's added energy allowing them to hold back the blast. Both of them could feel the strain against their collective energies, the blast lasting a full minute before dying down.

By the time they lowered the shield, the damage had been done. The crater had been widened by several miles, any buildings or rubble having been flattened and reduced to nothing. The air crackled with energy, green lightning flashing above.

The others hadn't gotten so lucky. Below, Rio could spy Abyss picking up Lion Heart and Burst from the rubble, while Jinlon and Ponta attended to an injured Mach to the side.

To think he'd pull something like that off... she wanted to sigh, but it was par for the course. If I wasn't so injured from my other bouts, I-

...wait a moment. Her senses only realized then that she wasn't fatigued in the slightest. Rather, she felt entirely energized, and Crystal was beginning to notice that as well.

My wounds don't feel like they're there, either. That means-

"Seems you've forgotten something, my Sight." There was amusement in her Mytherian Number's voice, and Rio straightened up as her armor repaired itself. "If the Code does indeed power him right now... the same goes for you, Star Blessed. It seems that we were never on the back foot after all."

"So it seems." It was the only explanation as to how the two of them alone could have held back the blast. ZARC had to waste a lot of energy for that attack. We might not get another opportunity!

"Crystal. Can you Armored XYZ with me?" she breathed, pulling out the card from her deck holder. "We have to stop him now before he recovers."

"Of course. Let us be swift." As the card activated. Crystal's power molded itself around her, the cooling feeling not unlike whenever she summoned her in a duel. It soon solidified into the familiar armor of her Mytherian Number, her rapier manifesting in her right hand. 

Cold mist began permeating from her body as she raised her blade, the energy rising and becoming a brilliant beacon of light. It was flashy enough to get ZARC to notice, the dragon tyrant snarling as he was blinded by the shine.

All in this one strike. I'll topple you, here and now!

She lunged forwards, gathering speed as she pointed the blade directly at ZARC. The dragon tyrant sneered at her, his massive fist barreling towards her. Rio was sure that she heard protests from the rest of the Guard, but she didn't have time to avert herself.

The impact was about what she expected. Cold steel met black scales in the air, the force of collission enough to send shockwaves through the air. Debris, dust, and Numbers alike were thrown back from the blast, all while the two of them remained locked in their clash. The force was enough to shatter-.

Wait... shattering?

In that small moment of panic, Rio whipped her head around to see what had broken. Strangely, neither her weapon nor her gear looked broken, although it certainly looked worse for wear from the battering she had taken.

Least I'm still in one piece, she exhaled. But then what-?

A strangled gasp from ZARC pointed her in the right direction. It was then she realized that the fabric of space between them was beginning to crack, the air falling apart like broken glass. 

Oh, you've got to be kidding me. Rio tried breaking the standstill, but neither ZARC nor her blade would budge. At this rate, everyone could get sucked in!

Her fears quickly turned into reality. Chunks of rubble were beginning to rise beneath them, floating towards the rapidly widening crack. Me and the Guard would be fine, but...

I can't risk Yusaku and Kusanagi getting caught in it. And there was exactly one thing that would be large enough to stop the crack.

"You psychotic- what are you-?!" Zarc cried out, but it was too late. Rio gathered her strength into her fist before swinging, breaking the crack wide open.

The sound of glass breaking rang in the air before the two of them were enveloped in the darkness.

What is going on over there?

That had been the fourth consecutive tremor to plague their duel, both Yusaku and Revolver being forced to pause their duel out of fear of falling off.

I know Rio said she'd handle ZARC, but just how much power does she need?! If the explosion that Revolver had caused was any indicator, then what she was doing was much more powerful. Is her opponent that powerful...?

He shook that thought out of his head, Restoration Point Guard had managed to get past Mirror Force, knocking him down to 3000 Life Points. But it cost me Excode Talker... not to mention my field's not too great right now. 

Revolver seemed to notice the flaw, reviving Voritcular Drumgon using Link Coin's effect and summoning two Sniffer Dragons to boot. He's gonna go for it.

"Link Summon! Come forth, Toplogic Bomber Dragon!" The orange-plated dragon descended from the circuit, and Revolver was quick to make use of Borrel Regenerator to trigger its effect by summoning Metalrokket Dragon next to its link.

Fortunately for Yusaku, Point Guard's effect negated its destruction, and it did the same for Bomber Dragon's subsequent attack. Rescue Interlacer helped to negate the damage, but the dragon's other effect still chipped him down to 3000 Life points.

"But what now? He's for sure got Mirror Force set now..." Ai looked over at Revolver's activated Mirror Force Launcher, as well as the two set cards on his field. "How're we gonna get rid of that dragon?"

It's true. But that doesn't mean his formation is indestructible. With Rescue Interlacer revived to his field, Yusaku blinked as he realized his out. I have everything prepared. If I do this right...

Link Summoning Transcode Talker went without a hitch, and so did reviving Excode. Even with Bomber Dragon's effect activating, Yusaku activated Shield Handler in response, utilizing his trap and Excode's effect to protect both his Talkers and negating the dragon's effect. 

Good. If I can continue this momentum, I can finish this! It was his hope to end this before his body failed him. "By returning ROM Cloudia to my hand, I can Special Summon SIMM Tablir to my field!" he announced, summoning both it and ROM Cloudia to his field. "That's not all. Using Cloudia's effect, I can return Latency to my hand. And I can Special Summon her to the field whenever she's added to my hand from the Graveyard!"

The triad of monsters graced his field, but they wouldn't stick around for long. "The circuit that guides the future, manifest once more! Come, Powercode Talker!"

The red-and-gold knight landed beside his two compatriots, arm blade at the ready. With their combined effects, I can end this. 

At least, that had been the hope. While Powercode's attack had ripped through Magnarokket, the same could not be said for Bomber Dragon. "I activate the Continuous Trap, Link Turret!" Revolver announced. "By sending two Rokket monsters from my deck to my graveyard, Link Turret gains a counter for every Link-3 or higher monster on the field, and my Link Monsters can't be destroyed by battle this turn."

The damage still went through, Revolver's Life Points dropping to 2800. Four counters appeared on the ominous machine above, with a fifth one appearing after he took damage. And knowing Revolver... he has something more dangerous planned, he realized.

"I applaud you for circumventing my Mirror Force strategy, Playmaker. But by doing so, you played right into my hand," Revolver sneered triumphantly, using Squib Draw to restock his hand by sacrificing Autorokket Dragon. "Allow me to show you despair!"

"Oh no... that means he's gonna summon that monster!" Ai looked back to Yusaku. "Can we really handle this?!"

I can only hope so. While he was confident in the potency of his set card, he wasn't going to be quick to assume he was safe. 

Such a sense of safety was quickly erased as Revolver summoned Borreload Dragon to the field, immediately using its effect to lower Powercode and attacking Transcode to gain control of the latter monster. Shit... I'm losing too much attack, he grimaced, watching as Excode's attack dropped to normal before being destroyed by Topologic Bomber Dragon. An attack from Transcode soon took care of Powercode, the subsequent explosion blasting Yusaku back and forcing him to his knees.

To think he had planned this far ahead... Yusaku panted, feeling the drop of his Life Points down to just 800 points. If I could just-

"Don't think you'll survive this turn, Playmaker!" Revovler interrupted his thoughts. "Link Turret's effect now activates! When my battle ends, I can summon any number of Rokket monsters from my graveyard by spending the corresponding amount of Rokket counters!"

The combination of it and Boot Sector Launch quickly filled his field with monsters. He's really going for it-!

"Manifest, Link 4: Borrelguard Dragon!" A new dragon appeared on his field, not too unlike Borreload aside from its wing pattern. "And with its effect, I can send Mirror Force Launcher to the Graveyard to summon Powercode Talker to my field!"

"Wait, our monster?!" Ai sounded panicked, though Yusaku couldn't imagine why. With its sacrifice, Revolver was able to revive Miniborrel Dragon again, while using Link Turret to revive another set of Rokket dragons. 

"Once more, the circuit opens for me! Descend, Link 4: Borrelsword Dragon!"

It was an intimidating sight: four hulking dragons of various designs and sizes, all primed and ready to destroy whoever they saw fit. Borrelguard's effect triggered once more, allowing Revolver to steal Excode from his graveyard.

"The stage is set now," he grinned, Link Turret summoning yet another Rokket dragon to his field. "Now, Playmaker, I will see you gone!"

"Under normal circumstances, only one monster is allowed in each player's Extra Zone," the grin on his face widened into a sneer. "But since I have two extra Main Monster Zones that are mutually linked, I can summon another monster in the other Extra Zone!"

I knew something was off in this arena! Yusaku could only watch on as Revolver summoned Topologic Gumblar Dragon to the other zone. He's been anticipating this from the very start!

"Realizing my plan won't save you, Playmaker!" his opponent sneered triumphantly. "Gumblar Dragon's effect activates! Once per turn while it's Extra Linked, I can discard all cards in your hand, and you take 3000 points of damage for it!"

It's a good thing I placed my trap before this! It was going to hurt far more than the attacks of the other dragons, but he didn't have much of a choice. 

"I activate Drop Frame Wedge! Whenever I discard cards, damage I receive is halved per each card!"

He managed to activate the card several seconds before the blast hit him, the explosion sending him throttling into the arena wall. Feeling himself drop to just 50 Life Points was as brutal as he expected. But that wasn't the worst part.

What was much worse was the searing pain that laced through him as he collapsed. It felt as though every fiber of his being was on fire. Yusaku's vision blurred as he clutched his chest with his free hand, forcing a cough out of him that he was sure was going to translate into blood once he left VRAINS.

...Am I at my limit?  The weakness in his limbs caused him to collapse, and he was forced to use both his arms to keep himself propped up. No, maybe I reached it long ago. It only really showed itself after that Speed Duel- hrgh...

Damn... I... have to... keep-

"...-maker. Playmaker!"

Ai...?

"C'mon, Playmaker! You can't lose here!" Ai protested, using his tiny arms to try and shake him. "If you don't win here, it's the end of us all!"

You... make it sound like it's... easy to stand in my condition, Ai, Yusaku grimaced, barely finding the energy to hold himself up. "I-"

"Your friends are waiting for you to come home!" he interrupted. "It's the same with me, I've got my friends waiting for me in Cyberse World too! But if you die here, everything we've fought for will be gone!"

If you count two people and an AI, then sure. "Cyberse World, huh...?"

"We can talk about that later! You gotta keep fighting now, Playmaker!" Ai shook his head. "What about Kusanagi? Ghost Girl, Aoi, Gou, everyone that was absorbed into the Tower! All of their hopes are on us! And if not that..."

"What about your promise to Rio?!"

Yusaku's eyes widened. For once, Ai was talking sense. And he certainly wasn't wrong about his reasons for fighting.

One. To stop Revolver and the Tower. And whatever is controlling him.

Two. For everyone that's lost their lives in this. I'm going to get them back.

Three... Something sparked within him, and Yusaku grimaced as he finally began to push himself up. I...

I made that promise.

And I'm not about to let that go. 

"You... really need to learn how to pipe down sometimes, Ai," he managed to breathe out. "It's not like- grh... you're the only one who has something to live for...!"

Ai's cheer was welcome, and he was sure Kusanagi was sighing in relief. He could also feel Revolver watching him from across the arena. I promised you, Rio... I'd come back alive. But first...

I'm going to win. Because you... you haven't... Yusaku forced back a growl as he stood up, eyes glinting dangerously at Revolver. The latter only smirked, crossing his arms as he stood up completely. You haven't told me everything yet!

Drop Frame Wedge would end in two turns. Let's make it count.

When Rio opened her eyes, the first thing she noticed was the cold.

Damn... falling through space-time still hurts like hell, she grimaced, not even having the strength to pick herself up in the moment.

But where was here? From the feeling against her skin, it felt like she was on a beach, the starry sky above indicating the blast had at least sent her and ZARC to a different side of the planet. Though... that's probably not good, either, she realized. I really don't need more people to know about ZARC.

The moment she looked to her side, however, cold dread pooled into her stomach. Rio didn't have to be a geologist to know that sand wasn't grey. Wait a minute. This isn't sand, it's moondust! 

The realization was enough to get her springing to her feet, allowing her to finally see the full picture: the Earth was looming to her right, and the Sun was blazing from her left.

Why the hell are we on the moon?!

Her dread turned into worry as she observed her new surroundings. Beyond what she had seen before, there was nothing but deep space as far as the eye could see. But as Rio looked closer, she realized that there were thin cracks in the fabric of space, the tears glowing with ZARC's energy. 

It really is reality breaking at the seams. While it was expected, it didn't make the situation any less dire. I need to end this, and soon-

"Aren't you a crazy bitch, pulling something like that off."

She whirled around to find that ZARC had landed not much further from her. He had shrunk down into his human form, matted grey hair pushed back with dark green bangs. Black spikes protruded from his wrists like arm blades, and he used them to push himself up and face her. 

"Why are you acting surprised?" Rio raised her blade at him. "You think I wouldn't pull out all the stops in killing you?"

"Wow, I'm so flattered by your consideration," he spat on the ground, eyes burning acid green. "But you forgot one thing: It took the dimensions and your sovereign's blessing to even get close to putting me down, and even that fell through in the end! What makes you think this will be any different, Kamishiro Rio?!"

That struck a nerve in her. "I'll tell you what's different, you scumbag," she hissed. "Layra only sealed you because she wanted to be with you to the end. She was the one who had hope you would finally put all your ambitions to rest. And that was the one thing that prevented the dimensions from stopping you."

"But here? No one else is here to interfere." Rio could feel her blood boiling despite being in space, her aura manifesting itself in a bright blue glow around her. "Which means I'm the one who decides how this will end. And that end will be you dead three steps short of where you stand, ZARC."

ZARC was quiet, staring at Rio in what she had to assume was disbelief. It wasn't long before he began chuckling, the noise rising into a twisted, head-throwing laugh.

"Seems I've underestimated you, Sight," he scoffed, a green aura shimmering around him as he extended his talons. "You already have some balls facing me in lone combat, and now you're preordaining my future? It takes some mad courage or sheer stupidity to think you can make that happen on your lonesome."

"So let me make myself clear: I. Don't. Quit." The ground beneath them began to quake, their respective auras whipping around moondust in waves. "And I'll make sure you'll be the last to gaze upon me before I rip this wretched world apart!"

The sound of weapons clanging against each other rang in the void, frozen blades clashing against blighted talons. Even as the world around them began to fray at the seams, there was only one thing they knew for real:

There would be blood. And only one of them was leaving there alive.

Chapter Text

Everything in his body felt heavy. 

Yusaku had felt it since the Speed Duel. Fighting in the fifth ring had done a number on his condition, he could tell. Be it the shrapnel that had dug into him or the temporary loss of his arm, his condition had rapidly degraded since the course of the duel.

The state of the duel's gone south, my options are being snuffed out, and I'm on borrowed time. As if to iterate the point, Revolver was quick to destroy his latest facedown with Autorokket's effect. Leaving just one more turn before Drop Frame Wedge would leave the field.

He was amazed that he was still standing after everything he had went through over what he now realized had only been eight hours, give or take.

It was laughable, so much so he couldn't help himself from doing so. 

"Okay, I know I'm one to joke, but is this really the time for laughing?" Ai looked at him worriedly. "You sure you haven't lost it, Playmaker?"

"Can't help myself," Yusaku smirked. "Back's against the wall, and we're living on a prayer. Hard not to laugh, if you ask me."

The Ignis gave him a confused look. "Well, so long as you haven't given up, I guess that means you still have something planned," he shrugged, peeking over to see the card he just drew. "Is that going to be enough?"

More than you can imagine. Arrow Charge helped get Transaction Rollback and Disconnect Linker into his hand. And knowing Revolver...

"I activate Disconnect Linker! I can use a Link 2 monster in my graveyard to Link Summon! So I'll use Restoration Point Guard to summon Security Gardna!" he announced. "And since it was summoned with Disconnect Linker, monsters in your Extra Monster Zones can't attack it!"

From the look on Revolver's face, he had expected this much resistance from him. But there was that air of confidence that he had that told Yusaku he was going for it.

"Borreload Dragon! Attack Security Guardna!" he roared, the dragon locking on and shooting at his opponent's monster. "And using its effect, you won't be able to activate its effect!"

Good thing I was forced to discard Protection Wizard, Yusaku breathed in relief as the combination of the two monsters preserved Gardna and his Life Points. "In that case, Borrelsword Dragon's effect! Magnarokket Dragon is swapped to defense mode, allowing it to attack twice! And with its effect, it destroys itself and Anethsrokket!"

Well, Security Gardna's stayed his welcome. "I activate Cluster Congester's effect from my Graveyard!" he shot back. "By banishing itself and Gardna, I can summon Congester Tokens equal to the number of Link Monsters on your field!"

The five crystals occupied his field, ready to take on the next barrage. They'll deal damage to him if he attacks them. Even if they're gone by turn's end, they'll stall.

"Such pointless resistance!" Revolver snarled. "Borrelsword! Attack two of his Congester Tokens!"

Now's my chance! "I activate Transaction Rollback! By halving my Life Points, I can activate a Normal Trap Card from either of our Graveyards! And I choose Mirror Force!"

It almost worked. Gumblar's effect protected all of his monsters from destruction. Yusaku could only watch as the rest of his tokens were destroyed by the other dragons' ferocious onslaught, leaving his field completely bare. 

"Don't think I merely glazed over Transaction Rollback when you showed me it, Playmaker." A sneer broke out on Revolver's face. "You think I wouldn't have planned around you using my Mirror Force?! Laughable!"

"Jeez, talk about egotism..." Ai sunk down into the screen. "But! We did make it through again. Reckon you can pull it off again, Playmaker?"

"It's not a matter of can, Ai," Yusaku shook his head. "It's called I'm going to pull it off. Because..."

One. My revenge is over. I finally found you after all this time, Ryoken.

Two. You claim your future has already been set in stone. But you couldn't be any more wrong. His memories flashed back to his time in the room, comforted by his voice. You helped guide a new future for me when I believed it to be hopeless. So I will do so for you as well.

Three... because you lived in the same world of regret I did. 

I'll save you... because that what you did for me all those years ago!

The card he drew was all he needed. He already knew how Revolver would try to shut him down. I'll shatter that delusion of your sealed fate, here and now!"

"Here I come, Revolver!"

"You tenacious cockroach!"

Now isn't that the pot calling the kettle black! Rio held back a profane comment as she sustained another slash from ZARC's talons, the warped bone burning more Chaos energy into the wound. She hissed at the feeling before freezing her leg and swinging it full force at his exposed side. It was enough to send him sprawling off of her, bouncing several times on the moon's surface before creating another crater a few paces later.

It was a moment's respite, seeing how their fight was only close enough to a stalemate. With their arrival on the moon, both of them were now further from the Code. It did weigh down Rio with how powerful her attacks could be, but it also prevented ZARC from tapping into its full power. 

It's not like I'm just hanging on, but he's sure making it difficult for me to finish off the job. She spat in the dust, wiping the blood off her arm with her sleeve. Not like I can, at least for now. The eclipse isn't over. So long as that's the case, I don't think I'll be able to land a decisive blow. Not until... 

"Lamenting won't save you from me, Sight!" ZARC's fist met her cheek, the strength of the impact sending her reeling. You little-

"And you think it'll save you?" Rio slashed at him, her blade skidding off of his scales from the angle of her cut. Scowling, she slammed her elbow on his head instead, causing him to stagger back. It was enough to cause bleeding from the impact, and ZARC licked his chops as the blood trickled near his mouth. 

"Bold of you to assume I need to!" 

Her weapons were forgotten in the moment, and the two were quickly embroidered in an all-out fist fight. The clash of their fists send tremors through the ground, the speed of their punches raising dust all around them. One of ZARC's scales scraped past Rio's left cheek, and that was opening she needed to punch him hard. 

ZARC was sent flying back, the distant rumble of him crashing across the moon echoing into the void. Rio took the time to wipe her cheek, panting from the exhaustion.

I just need to wait for Yusaku. But knowing Ryoken and his dueling style, it was up to chance whether that opportunity would come at all. I can only hold him off for so much longer... much as I hate to admit it.

The Chaos energy enveloping Earth made it impossible to sense him. And I doubt I'll get any reception up here... she joked to herself. He has to win. Simple as that.

All I can do is buy him more time. A roar blasted away the dust, revealing ZARC at the other end. He charged at her again, claws extended as he lashed at her. It was easy enough to parry, Rio using the momentum of his leap to shove him to the side. Several bolts of ice formed behind her, launching themselves at ZARC and nailing his knee and arm. 

The tyrant grunted, slamming his free hand into the ground and sending a plume of dust into Rio's face. She was forced to back off, jumping back a pace to avoid an ambush within while rubbing the scum from her eyes. 

The dust had only just left her eyes before she saw a shadow swiftly approaching her within the cloud. Rio raised her blade defensively, and that turned out to be the correct move as ZARC's tail came swinging in, slamming against the blade and forcing her several feet back. The main article wasn't far behind, lunging at her with his talons.

It took both of her blades to stop the impact, ZARC's velocity forcing her back. Rio grit her teeth as they strained against each other, eyes blazing as she opened her left hand and blasted him with a barrage of ice shrapnel. 

The blast caused him to falter, giving her enough time to channel a massive volley of ice from beneath her feet, launching him back once again. But this time, he recovered midair, his wings stopping his momentum.

"I'd be remising if I said I wasn't enjoying this," he sneered, talons reextending from his forearms. "Far more entertaining than toying with mortals in card games. But now you're just wearing at my patience, Kamishiro Rio."

A sickening green aura began emanating from ZARC, spanning into the familiar shape of his true form. His talons glowed with the same energy, as did his eyes. 

"Playtime's over. I'll crush you before you get to see the next sunrise!"

"I activate Transaction Rollback's other effect! By halving my Life Points again and banishing this card, I can activate its first effect again!" he announced. "And I'll choose Recoded Alive to summon Encode Talker!"

"But now Topologic Gumblar's effect! Both of our hands are destroyed!" Revolver motioned to the dragon, the beast activating its effect. "I tire of this, Playmaker! I will destroy you here and now!"

"Don't get too confident! Playmaker wanted you to do just that!" Ai jeered back, earning him a moment's shock from the other duelist.

"Spam Mail's effect now activates! When this card's sent from my hand to the Graveyard, I draw a card and let you see it!" Yusaku breathed a sigh of relief as he drew Swap Cleric, forcing Revolver to return Autorokket to his hand. Swap Cleric joined Decode on the field, Transcode following suit thanks to Recoded Alive's other effect. And since Shield Handler negated Bomber's effect...

"Transcode's other effect! Resurrect, Powercode Talker!" The red-plated knight rejoined his side, taking his place between the two other knights. "And now I'll use Encode and Swap Cleric to Link Summon Firewall Dragon!"

His ace was more than happy to take the field, roaring at the cohort of gun dragons before her. "Swap Cleric's other effect! By banishing it, I can reduce Firewall's Attack by 500 to draw a card!" 

It was just the one he needed. "I activate Zero Extra Link! Transcode gains 800 Attack for every monster that's Extra Linked!" Transcode's Attack shot up to 6400, more than enough to finish the duel. But since it's Revolver... you aren't lulling me again!

"Transcode Talker! Attack-!"

"Useless, useless, useless!" Revolver screamed. "I activate Link Short! Mutually linked monsters on your side have their effects negated and cannot attack this turn!"

Jackpot! "The only thing that's useless here is that Trap, Revolver. And I'll show you why!" Yusaku fired back. "I set Encode, Powercode, and Firewall Dragon into the Link Arrows to summon Decode Talker! And with Zero Extra Link's other effect, Decode Talker now gains the Attack that Transcode gained prior!"

It was staggering, Decode's attack rising to a massive 9200. Revolver took a step back, eyes bulging at the sight of his monster preparing to strike.

Let me end this for both of us, Revolver. Yusaku closed his eyes. As it was supposed to ten years ago.

"Decode Talker! Finish this and attack Borreload Dragon!"

Something gleamed in his knight's eyes before he leapt forwards, cutting Borreload Dragon in half with an overhand swing. The subsequent explosion was massive, illuminating the arena in a brilliant golden light as Revolver's Life Points finally dropped to zero.

And for a fleeting moment, Yusaku could have sworn he saw the glimpse of a true smile on the other man's face before the light consumed both of them entirely.

-          ~          -

Getting launched back was becoming too common of an occurrence for Rio. But with ZARC suddenly appearing directly in front of her, she didn't have enough time to react before he sent her flying by skewering her on one of his spines.

Shit... why'd it have to be my shoulder of all things?! Her left arm was left hanging uselessly from the spine protruding from her shoulder, and she knew her healing factor wouldn't be able to patch that up any time soon. Worse still was how it was bleeding profusely, the Chaos seeping into the now-open space and burning her from within. 

ZARC was far from finished, quickly abusing her injury by aiming more attacks at her left side rather than her right. The attacks were getting heavier too, and it was becoming increasingly more difficult for her to block them.

A well-placed kick straight to her stomach, forcing her to take a knee and supporting herself with her blade. Rio was left panting, her injuries finally getting to her in the worst possible moment.

Again... just how many times does this keep having to happen?! She silently swore to herself. Never feels like I have the upper hand. Is this last life really going to... end the same way?

The tyrant stood triumphantly across from her, talons gleaming threateningly under the dull glimmer of the stars above. He was grinning again, his aura not wavering in the slightest.

"I've had my fun. And you have done well to entertain me," he jeered at her, and Rio scowled back at him. "So I'll give you the honor of falling by my own hand. That you may be buried here while I claim my rightful throne!"

"This ends, now!"

He cackled maniacally as he sprung up, talons ready to tear her a new one. Rio could barely look up at him, the sight of him repulsive to the very end. That shit-eating grin, his draconic appearance, his aura tapering off-

The aura around him was tapering off.

Wait... what?! The overwhelming presence was rapidly fading, the Chaos she sensed from him burning away along with it. Cracks were beginning to show on his scales, and his eyes were ceasing to glow. Why is he losing so much power right now? Unless-

It was then that it hit her. Rio had to suppress the urge to grin. My faith was not misplaced in the end.

Yusaku... seems you pulled through just in time. She closed her eyes, feeling her power channeling into her blade as she willed herself to stand up. Talk about a close call.

But I think I deserve it, especially now that it's now or never!

It felt like time had slowed down, each second feeling like an eternity as ZARC flew towards her. Fatigue weighed down every part of her body, and it took all of her willpower not to falter in her stance. 

It's time to put this to rest. For everything that's been lost. She exhaled one final time before leaping, launching herself towards him with her blade ready.

The sun dawned, peeling away the darkness of the moon.

And Rio rose alone over the horizon, ZARC's body splitting before her blade.

It's over. 

Never had Yusaku felt more relieved to exit VRAINS. Link Sense dulled from his exposure to fresh air, the energy silently regressing back into his skin. 

From the lack of lighting, the sun had almost completely set. The sky outside was an ashen orange, tints of red peeking through the cloud line. Yusaku could hear the distant cries of seagulls as they departed, seeking solace away from what he could only assume was the entirety of Den City flattened.

Though... where is Revolver? He was nowhere to be seen, the other man no longer standing by his father's bedside. He couldn't have gotten that far... right?

As his eyes traced the room, he saw one of the windows had been shattered, the lack of fragments suggesting that he had leapt through it from inside. 

Then... maybe he managed to live. Yusaku could feel a weight lifting from his shoulders. I really did... manage to pull it off...

Unfortunately, it didn't detract from the mountain of strain he could feel throughout his entire body. Yusaku could feel his arms hanging limply by his sides, his legs only standing from the remaining adrenaline from his victory. Beyond that, it was pure weight on the rest of his body, every nerve burning from just standing where he was. The tightness on his chest only made matters worse, and Yusaku was left struggling for air.

The world began to spin and darken around him. Yusaku couldn't fight the feeling, even if he wanted to. I don't have the strength left. But... 

At least I'm going down knowing I did what I wanted.

He coughed one more time, blood pluming from his throat. Yusaku collapsed on his knees, the pain dulled from his senses. 

...oh... there was one more thing, wasn't there...?

It was a promise. One he had made. And I'm about to let that down.

All he could was look down upon the floor, seeing his own blood stain the tile. It was the last thing he could do before he collapsed on the floor entirely, the darkness swallowing his senses before he could feel the impact.

...Rio.

Wait... for...

Chapter Text

The last time Rio felt this badly, it was when she had last died. 

Vector... well, he had bullshitted his way to his victory. Don Thousand had given him - for a lack of a better word, in her opinion - overzealous plot armor to prevent him from getting the floor wiped with him. 

The blast from High Manipulator of Souls had shredded her out of her Barian form, leaving her flat on the ground before she was absorbed by him. Still triggers me to this day. I'll beat the crap out of him once this is over.

This time was only a slight improvement. Rio felt wounds all over her body, and ripping the thorn out of her shoulder made it difficult for her to concentrate on her thoughts with how much pain she was in. It got to the point where she was forced to put on her school uniform just to stop looking at it while she slowly healed. 

Least I'm still alive, she grumbled internally. And better yet, he won't be for much longer. 

She turned to face ZARC, watching his every move as he laid there with his arms sprawled open. His bulbous gaze was set on the planet below them, watching as the corruption began to burn away along with his power. It's about time I finish this.

"Grh... heh... heh heh..."

Even when he was at death's door, Rio still shivered at the sound of ZARC's voice. "And you called me a tenacious arse," she glowered at him, getting a weak chuckle out of the dying tyrant. "Out with it. What's got you in convulsions in your final moments?"

"Oh, wouldn't you like to know." He still wore a snide grin, and Rio couldn't help but feel the itch of her hand on her blade. "All this work and planning I've accumulated over an entire multiverse, flattened and destroyed by the likes of you and that blasted Guard... how humiliating.

"But at the end of the day, it seems the destruction I've caused hardly compares to what you've done, Sight," ZARC coughed up another bit of blood, the liquid freezing to his chin as it dribbled down. 

Her temper flared as she pointed her blade at his throat, lifting his chin with the tip. "...You think yourself blameless for that? Were it-"

"And you do? Laughable." Some essence of comedy had possessed the felled tyrant, his chuckles only becoming more frequent with her anger. "Face it. Your hand razed Den City to the ground no less than mine. No amount of 'saving civilians' justifies the equal amount of lives you have invariably ruined as well."

"Cut the crap." Her blade dug into his chin, blood welling from the cut. "You started all of this. That alone is enough to justify any means."

"Perhaps so," he shook his head. "But do you really think that little Code of yours will save everyone?"

"...What?"

His grin grew wider as he watched her worry grow. "Think about it. My influence on the Code has already caused the stability of reality to crumble around us. And with your sovereign's life so deeply tied to it, do you really think he'll have any power to spare this one city?"

"Even then, the people still live. Their souls are returning to the planet as we speak," she retorted. "Buildings are as replaceable as they come. You've failed."

"Sure, those souls will return as normal," he sneered. "I doubt the same could be said for the people who die after." 

Those who die after...? There shouldn't be anyone in danger anymore! Rio shook her head. All the citizens, Aoi, Gou, even Ghost Girl- they should be fine! We already freed them from him, Yusaku-

...no.

The realization hit her stomach harder than any blow he had ever dealt her in their fight. "...ZARC... you-!"

"Oh, that look of despair in your eyes! How lovely!" he threw his head back laughing, caring little for the blood gushing out of his throat. "You can't save... everyone, Sight. So I wonder how... that little pet of yours will fare after-"

That was enough for Rio to snap, flinging a bolt of ice straight over his molted mouth. There was a gurgled noise as his mouth was sealed shut, the erosion of his body hastening. 

It did nothing to quell the pure venom seeping into her veins. Something else was possessing her in the moment, and if the energy building in her hands was any indicator, ZARC had breathed his last insult.

"I promised that I'd make your death as anguishing as possible," she hissed dangerously. "If you're in such a rush for me to give it to you, I'll gladly make it a reality right now."

I owe Dartz after this one, for teaching me this technique. Fortunately, Rio never had a good reason to use it up until now, and ZARC was in the prime position to be utterly annihilated from existence. 

Her hands crackled with magic as she raised her hand just below ZARC's waistline. The blood that had pooled from his torso began to gather, consolidating itself into rough droplets before forcefully reinserting itself into his open bloodstream. A moment passed before his skin began to bulge, the feeling worming its way across the swaths of his body.

"What is-"

ZARC didn't get the chance to speak before a bloody spear ripped through his chest, any stray drops of the liquid freezing in the vacuum of space. It wasn't long before dozens more began protruding from every main artery and vein throughout his torso, excluding his head. 

All he could do was let out a choked gurgle as the frozen spears sunk back into the wounds before reemerging from a new patch of skin. Every lift of Rio's hand caused the spears gutted him from within, its fall causing them to retract. And she wasn't going lightly with how fast she was moving her hand.

If there was a moment where he wanted to scream, he would. The seven different blood ice spears protruding from his throat begged to disagree.

What felt like an eternity passed before the spears stopped rupturing from his body. Unfortunately, things weren't getting better as his body was suddenly lifted into the air, being suspended by some unseen force. Rio stood before him, a malevolent blue aura wrapped around her as she used both hands to dig into the center of his chest.

"Get your hands off of me!" He struggled against the invisible bonds, but whatever was holding him proved impossible to budge. He could only observe as his body was split in half yet again, this time parting way for the venom green soul that resided within him. His senses blacked out for a moment before returning to him, only now he was watching from where his soul would be. 

It was a harrowing sight: Him, being forced to look through the cavity of his own chest as Rio clutched a spear of brilliant blue light in her open hand. Her presence was overwhelming, the weight upon his soul forcing him to track his vision lower. 

"This. Was your choice." she muttered, eyes glowing a deep blue. "You declared war with Creation. For that, this is the price you will pay."

"Be cast into oblivion, Usurper. And may your wretched soul never know the feel of Creation's light again!"

It was the last thing he heard before Rio plunged the spear into him, piercing the soul in half. In his final moments of consciousness, all he could see was his entire being bulging out before exploding.

It was only then that he knew no more as everything was wiped away.

-         ~          -

That... felt cathartic. But really good at the same time.

Rio couldn't help but grin in satisfaction, watching as the last of ZARC's essence was scattered into the cosmos. 

...Yeah, I'm never doing that again. That kind of power was overkill in every sense of the word. And now that ZARC had been taken care of fully, there wasn't anyone else that came to mind that deserved such an end.

Her smile quickly fell, replaced with dread as ZARC's last words continued to plague her. I have to get back down there. Now.

In her current state, she couldn't form an Overlay without further damaging herself. So she opted to fly down there herself, ZARC's blood peeling off of her as she reentered the ashen atmosphere. Rio clutched her shoulder, though the pain there was nothing compared to the growing fear stirring in her heart.

Yusaku... you'd better not be...

He knew something was wrong from the start.

There had been relief as Kusanagi watched Yusaku deal the finishing blow, taking the rest of Revolver's Life Points with flair. The blast sent him straight into the wall of the arena, causing it to crumble behind him. 

He couldn't help but cheer, nearly stumbling as he stood up from his chair. You did it. Holy shit, you actually did it. 

That mirth was short-lived, Revolver rising from the rubble. The audio was lost due to the Tower's interference, but it appeared as though he was telling Yusaku something. His avatar then disappeared via a logout, and Yusaku's followed in suit not long after.

Wait, if he's logged out, then-! Kusanagi burst out of the truck, making a mad dash up the patio stairs. Is he trying to get away? After what he's done?!

He didn't care if a giant lizard had possessed him to carry out the Tower of Hanoi. There were answers Revolver hadn't answered to him, and Kusanagi wasn't about to let him escape. 

The sight that greeted him at the top of the stairs was a strange one. Yusaku was standing in the same spot he entered VRAINS in. He was oddly still, arms drooped to his side as he stared towards the empty room ahead. 

Where did he go...? Kusanagi scanned the room, but there was no sign of his opponent anywhere. Why did Yusaku do anything?

Speaking of whom, his partner hadn't moved an inch since he had entered the room. "Yusaku...?" Kusanagi called out to him. 

Silence. 

That's odd... Yusaku not being talkative was one thing, but entirely unresponsive was something he wasn't. 

"Hey, are you alright, bud...?" Kusanagi couldn't shake the sinking feeling in his gut as he approached him, hand about to grab his shoulder and shake him a bit.

There was a slight creak that made him hopeful. But that hope quickly morphed into dread upon him realizing that Yusaku had finally begun to move... straight towards the floor before collapsing into a useless heap on the ground.

"Yusaku!" Kusanagi bolted to his side, lifting him up and propping him on his knee. "Yusaku, c'mon... talk to me man..."

It was an even more ghastly sight than he was prepared for. Yusaku's face had gone pale, blood pooling from his mouth. As Kusanagi took off his sweater to assess his condition, he was shocked to find a large, black bruise had formed on his right arm, and a plethora of angry red marks littered down his neck and on his face.

The sight was almost enough to make him sick on the spot. The adrenaline kicked in to bring him back from that brink, and Kusanagi shook his head as he carried Yusaku's body outside and back into the truck.

He had stocked medical supplies in the case Yusaku's condition ever took a turn for the worse. Let's just hope it's... oh no. It was then he realized that the entire city had been laid waste to. The Tower had manifested in reality, and monsters had razed what remained of the city to the ground. The closest city is miles away... he'll never make it in time!

Which meant that he was the only one who could keep him stable. At least until she comes back.

Kusanagi's breath got heavy as he got to work, pushing off the clutter on the desk and laying Yusaku on it. A few blankets beneath him would help cushion his back, and his sweater would serve as his pillow. 

It was the only bit of comfort either of them were going to get.

-         ~          -

He had never seen Rio look so horrified. 

Kusanagi had only got to work no less than fifteen minutes before she arrived, bursting through the doors of the truck. She looked out of breath, her breathing heavy as she sauntered inside. As she got closer, he could see that her uniform appeared singed at the edges of it, as well as the fact that she was clutching her left shoulder.

All of that was forgotten as she rushed towards Yusaku's side, grimacing audibly from her wounds. "I feared this would happen..." she muttered, hands glowing as she set them over his chest. Rio gave Kusanagi enough room to continue his work, applying several needles to his bloodstream to help stabilize him.

"Guess that's something we both anticipated," he shook his head. "I told him to take it easy... looks like even you couldn't fix that."

"I certainly tried..." Rio's eyes narrowed. Her hands glowed brighter, the light wrapping itself around Yusaku's body. A bead of sweat ran down her forehead as she concentrated, Kusanagi not finding any point to interrupt as he kept tabs on his condition. 

An opportunity that he would get too soon. Rio gasped, the light shattering from her hands and forcing her to stumble back several steps.

That can't be good. "What did you see?" he asked in a hushed voice.

"Th-there's no way..." Rio shuddered, her breathing audible as she gazed upon Yusaku in horror. "He's absorbed that much energy?! But how... How could I not sense it within him from the start?!"

None of those words sounded promising to Kusanagi. "Calm down! What are you even talking about?"

The younger girl twisted her head towards him, eyes burning with fervor. "It's... difficult to explain. But point is, his condition's even more advanced than I thought... and..."

He didn't like that tone in the slightest. "Rio. What does that even mean? Are you trying to say that-?"

"He's beyond saving with any normal treatment," she interrupted him. Her words rang out like the crack of a whip, and Kusanagi was left trembling from how badly it stung him.

"N-no... There has to be a way..." Kusanagi collapsed from his seat, hands covering his face. "You can do something, right Rio? You have to- someone of your power should be able to, right?!"

He cared little for how desperate he sounded in the moment. Tears were burning at the corners of his eyes, but he couldn't tear his eyes away from Yusaku as he laid there. I refuse to believe it. After everything... We can't do anything?!

"Please... please tell me you're lying."

Silence again. Kusanagi curled up into a ball, knees pressed against his forehead as he contemplated their options. There has to be a way... There has to be...

But she can't save him... then what can? What...?

"Kusanagi... I'm. So. Sorry for what I have to do."

"Rio?" He didn't like the tone of her voice. When he uncovered his face, Kusanagi could see the tears running down her face. "What're you-?"

He didn't get to find out. The last thing he could see was her eyes glowing a deep cyan blue before a pain ripped through the back of his head, his world fading to black as he joined the caress of the unknown. 

Sorry Kusanagi. This is a secret you don't need to know. 

Rio bowed her head in defeat as Kusanagi slumped to the floor, out cold from the blow to his head. There was no blood to be seen, though she doubted he would get off completely unscathed. I'll attend to him later. This is more important.

The revelation had hit her as she had assessed the damage in Yusaku's body. Granted, it had cost her precious minutes of pondering how she could heal him, but it was rewarding to finally come up with something feasible.

To think Chaos was the root cause of his affliction as well... Just what kind of power did SOLTech have during the Incident? That was the one thing she couldn't wrap her head around. ZARC's influence ran even deeper than I imagined... and Yusaku had to pay the price for it.

It wasn't to say that her solution was even more insane. But at the very least it was not entirely unreasonable.

This isn't VRAINS... and in my state, can I really...? She shook her head. Doubts weren't going to save Yusaku, and it certainly didn't save her before from grief. All I can do is try. Just hang in there, Yusaku!

Rio raised her right hand, eyes glowing as she concentrated energy in her palm. She could feel tendrils of it consolidating and convening towards her, and a small ball of energy began forming before her. Something began howling in her ears as it grew larger, bits of electricity sparking around her.

But as the energy began gathering further, Rio began noticing the strain. Something about it felt off, despite the energy being entirely Chaos. And why would it be straining against me? Unless... even the energy I'm absorbing is foreign to my senses...

She was quickly proven correct. The core of energy exploded, piling her into the cabinet behind her. Rio gasped in pain, the metal of the now-ruined cabinet pressing dangerously close into her skin in angles she'd rather avoid. 

Gr... this really isn't the time for this! She raised her hand again, this time more feverishly. The same feelings washed over her as another ball of energy began forming. But whether it was her doubts or her fatigue, it wouldn't last much longer than the first, its dissipation forcing her to recoil. 

She was left panting after two consecutive tries, the trembling in her arm apparent as she sank down. Dammit... Is the connection too unstable? That had been the other thing ZARC had hinted at, and it took some effort for her to not snarl at the thought. No, that can't be it. It's possible, I know it!

Before she could raise her hand a third time, something prodded gently at her side. 

"Oi. Don't go wasting your energy like that, Rio."

She shot up at that voice, looking down at Yusaku's duel disc. Ai was sitting there, staring at her intently. "Ai...?" she breathed out.

"C'mon, don't act like you heard me. You're trying to use Numeron Access, right?" he shook his head at her surprise. The Ignis began to grow, taking on the Data Eater form that he had attempted to use on Revolver before. "Look, I'm not gonna ask what you plan to do or why you're choosing to hide all this. I'm not one to talk, anyways."

"But if it's all to save Yusaku... At least let me help out, yeah?"

A sudden breeze began filling the truck, causing all of them to begin rising. Rio blinked as she began seeing swaths of blue and purple fill her vision, only to find that it was the wind itself bearing those colors. 

"Ai... Are you saying that the Data Storm could be compatible with my Skill?"

"It's worth a shot. But don't count on me being able to pull this off more than once," he pointed out. "I'm willing to put this much out for him, even if it means I'll have to take another break. So are you with me or not?"

Rio was half-tempted to hug Ai in that moment. But seeing the strain on his "face", she knew they couldn't afford that luxury right then.

"Then hold onto my arm, and start praying."

He obeyed, his tendrils wrapping around her right arm as she called upon her energy once more. The Data Storm around them became an entire wave, swirling around her like a tornado. Nonetheless, she could feel it: The connection was stronger this time, no other sign of strain being put on the connection.

She gasped as something slashed her arm, the wound left smoldering with Chaos. 

The Data Storm... it carried ZARC's energy along with it. The thought had never crossed her mind, which made the realization sting more.

It was agony, the last vestiges of his energy cutting deep into her skin as she continued to strain. Several more slashes would mark themselves upon her arm, and it took all of her effort to not lose her focus. 

All the while, Yusaku's face was peaceful, unperturbed by the cacophony of noise around him. The blood had chipped off from his face, leaving it mostly clean save for the cuts that littered it. Yusaku... just keep hanging on. I'll... save you...

The moment of sentimentality almost made her break her concentration, Rio steadying her hand as the Data Storm picked up even more violently. She was surprised the truck was withstanding such turbulent winds, but that mattered little in her eyes. This should be the intensity. I just need to find it... and...

There! It had brushed against her hand, but she had felt it: the unmistakable feel of a card. The touch alone was enough to invigorate her, and she dug her hand further into the Storm in the hopes of reaching it once more.

"Be quick about this, Rio! I won't be able to hold onto it much longer!" Ai's voice was becoming glitchy, his arm on the fritz along with it. 

"Just keep it up a little longer! I've almost got it!" 

It took a few more moments of strained flailing before her hand snagged against the card once more. But this time, she was ready to grab it, consolidating the energy they had gathered into it to allow it safe passage through the network.

"Now!"

"NUMERON ACCESS!" With one final push, Rio grasped the card, pulling it out as the winds dissipated. By then, the sleeve of her uniform had been completely torn off, and she could finally see the extent of the damage on her arm. Yeah... that's gonna leave it's mark, she grimaced, taking off her uniform jacket and wrapping it around her arm. 

But she didn't care. She had the Number in her hand, and that was all that mattered. 

"Ai... thanks." she muttered, looking over to the Ignis. He had reverted back to being an eye on Yusaku's screen, said eye only being half-open from exhaustion.

"Y--y-yeah... Save i--i--it for... a-a--fter you... h-elp him..." The glitches of his voice told her he was spent. "Imma... g-g--go ta-a-aa--ke a na--aap... m'ka--ay?"

You've earned it. Rio nodded to him, saying nothing more as the screen dulled and turned off. But it might not matter if this doesn't happen.

So... can you do this?

This is a tall order you're asking of me, Sight, the card rumbled back. Even with my abilities... You're still imparting me upon a human. And you know how that goes...

It would be for any Number. But he's... Her tongue caught on the roof of her mouth. He's different, I can sense it. And even if that isn't the case, I'll do my best to support you from outside. 

There was a low rumble that filtered through the link. 

...I'll do what I can, then. I'll hold you to that promise, Sight. 

Thank you. The connection subsided, and Rio could feel the glow leave her eyes. Tentatively, she tipped the card onto Yusaku's chest, silently praying under her breath as she did.

But as she reached out to put the card in, a presence strained against her. Rio blinked, and sure enough there was a large plated paw with sharp talons resting between her hand and Yusaku's chest. She looked up, gasping as she faced the owner of the hand.

"Firewall?" It was not as though she was surprised that a monster had manifested itself. Rather, she was more interested in Firewall specifically manifesting to protect her owner, molten red eyes staring down at her. "What are you...?

Are you certain this will work? Her voice was flat, but no less guarded. I know little of your abilities. But I have seen the nature of these "Numbers". Is it truly wise to allow such a foreign power to reside within him?

"I..." Rio wasn't going to question how exactly Firewall could sense that much, nor did she really feel like it. I have to persuade her. Carefully.

"...He might be more familiar with the power your speak of than you believe," she began. 

Oh? How so?

"The details don't matter right now!" Rio shook her head. "What matters right now is that if my intuition proves right, he should be able to accept this power into himself without any problems."

"Besides, I have a backup plan that will work," she wordlessly clutched a fist over her chest. I'd rather not have to use that method. That's not a future I want to subject him to.

The dragon glared at her, the webbing of her wings glowing orange. Then why not use this backup plan of yours? What point is there in risking everything on a gamble?!

"Because that other method is nothing short of cursing him again," she shot back. "I'm not about to harm him anymore than he has been, and I'm sure you want that no more than I do!"

Silence filled the truck again as the two locked eyes. Neither of them were willing to back down, and that was bad for the main reason that Yusaku was still not stable yet. 

"Look. I'm not going to ask you for your full trust. Even I can't guarantee what will become of him after I do this." Rio could feel her fists tighten. "But I want nothing more than to ensure that he lives. For him to succumb to this would be too cruel a fate after everything he's done for all of us."

"So, please... give me a chance."

If dragons could grimace, Firewall managed to look the part. She snarled before bowing her head, looking at her with burning eyes. 

...Save him. That's all I can ask of you, Rio Kamishiro, she finally said, lifting her paw from Yusaku's chest. He doesn't deserve this.

"I know. That's why I'm here." Rio closed her eyes as she pressed the card into Yusaku's chest. It shimmered with a luminous red light, the glow brightening as it was pressed further in. It was slower than she imagined it would be, but she wasn't finding any further resistance as continued the procedure.

It took some time, but eventually the card disappeared entirely into his chest. The winds flowed and coiled around Yusaku's body, lifting himself up several inches before gently laying him back down on the table. Bits of ruby energy crackled around him, but it didn't seem to interact with anything around them.

Did it work...? She felt herself hesitate, hand lightly grazing his cheek. Without the blood, it looked like he was having the best rest he'd had in years. Granted he's still...

Rio shook her head that that thought, placing a gentle hand on his chest. To her relief, it was there: a pulse, thrumming softly but steadily beneath his chest. The color was returning to his face, despite his expression remaining the same throughout. Meanwhile, the Number was etching itself upon his chest, the mark glowing as it integrated itself into him.

Exhaustion found her in that moment, her forehead resting on her hand where his chest was. Rio sighed in relief, even as she looked upon her own bloodied arm. The wounds had closed by then, but there had been enough blood lost to soak the entire sleeve. 

Okay, it has to be over now, right? Rio propped herself up, leaning back in the toddled chair. There was no noise coming from outside of the truck, and nothing within the truck was remotely functional enough to really be making any noise at the moment. 

It was silent. And for the first time in a long while, she didn't mind it.

Goodness... to think all of this happened in one day. She began to pull herself up, quietly exiting through the back of the truck. Night had fallen, the sky caressed in a canvas of obsidian black speckled with stars. The ocean breeze had picked up again, and Rio could smell the faint scent of saltwater in the air.

What caught her attention the most was the view of Stardust Road being illuminated beneath the stars. The waves shimmered with a pearlescent light, the shades of neon green and sky blue reminding her of the auroras she once envisioned.

It's gorgeous. It was difficult to phrase it any other way. If only I could share the view with someone else. Firewall was irresponsive, having returned to card form. Kusanagi was unconscious still - she would have to remove a few memories from him after everything was over. And Ai hadn't returned from cyberspace, Yusaku's duel disc screen still completely dark before she went outside. 

Can't be helped, I suppose. Rio leaned her head against the back of the truck, groaning as she got the opportunity to sit down. She was greeted with the view of Ursa Major hanging directly above her, the seven stars gleaming brightly in the heavens. For a moment, she could have sworn Alkaid and Megrez were shining brighter than the others, but she quickly pushed that thought away.

For now, she was content with closing her eyes, letting the night pass as the world was finally allowed to move on.

Chapter Text

The darkness had welcomed Yusaku when he collapsed. 

It was the only thing that comforted him. As it enveloped his vision, there was a sense of peace as he laid there on the ground. It was almost enough to distract him from the pain racking his body. There was a pressure in his chest that he couldn't ignore, the sensation feeling as though he was being crushed.

He just wanted the pain to stop.

For everything that he had endured, was that not the reward he deserved?

He had made his peace.

He had saved Ryoken.

So why... am I still...

...

...no. 

I... told her I'd come back. I promised her.

I can't just... lie down... here... 

It was easier said than done. The pain was still crushing him underneath its oppressive weight. I... I can't give up here... I won't.

I... He wanted to clench his fist in frustration-

...only to feel his nails digging into his palm.

...

What.

Yusaku's eyes shot wide open as he pushed himself up off the ground. He quickly regretted it, the adrenaline only able to partially mask the sudden lightheadedness that struck him. His right arm nearly gave out from under him, and Yusaku had to twist around to his left to keep himself propped up. 

The pain made him aware of... well, wherever he was. It was unlike anything he had seen before: The ground was pure black, laced with a thin, interwoven network of purple light. It pulsated in set intervals, flowing off into the horizon of the inky black hills beyond. Above him, a tapestry of deep violet, purple, and black painted the sky above, lighter tufts of clouds swirling around a supermassive red moon. 

It was eerily beautiful. Yusaku could admit that he could get used to the scenery thanks to the darker setting and lack of bright lights. And yet...

What is this place? It wasn't reality, that was for sure. But it also felt too real to be a dream, if the feeling of his nails was anything to go by. And if it was VRAINS, Link Sense would have gone off. Just what is going on?!

What put him off the most was that it felt too peaceful. The lack of anyone was keeping him on edge, and Yusaku wasn't liking a second of it.

I...

Yusaku Fujiki.

The voice was rough, but no less wizened with age and overwhelmingly powerful. There was an undertone of a growl that Yusaku could make out, the silent threat forcing him to freeze up.

Well, that's just great. Anthropomorphized voices coming out of the blue while I'm mildly dissociating. He withheld that comment, hoping that whatever was trying to talk to him didn't leave. He might just be my only out.

"...Where is this?" he asked quietly.

A construct of your mind, shaped by my power,  the voice replied. But that matters little. There are more important matters to discuss.

That did not bode well. But with the state I was in before I lost consciousness... 

"Then what do you want to talk about?" 

For starters, expressing my relief. There was a noise that sounded like an audible grimace that came from the voice. I'm astonished you are not dead. Just what was she thinking, taking this level of risk? And for a human at that...

"You realize I can hear all that, right?"  Yusaku bit back a scowl. "And if you were just talking about Rio..."

...Bah. A low growl echoed through the void, followed by a sigh. Curse my lack of mindfulness. However, it is as you have surmised. She must trust you so, for you to know her by that name.

Doesn't he have an ego. But the thought of Rio entrusting this entity to him was enough to help Yusaku regain his own composure. 

"If I understood what you are saying, Rio imbued your power into me to save my life?" he exhaled, rubbing his right arm as he got comfortable.

You're a sharp one. The huff that followed had a tint of amusement. It is as you have surmised. His Sight has deemed it appropriate to entrust your safety to me in addition to your recovery. That is as much as I am willing to divulge.

"And why's that?"

She'll be better at explaining it than I. A low hum vibrated the space around him, the world resonating with the soundwaves. There's nothing saying that my role will change in all this. And as peculiar as you are, Yusaku Fujiki, I would expect there to be some in the near future.

Seriously, does everyone that Rio's associated with talk this way? The novelty of it only really applied to her, so hearing someone else talk so similarly was beginning to get on his nerves. Kind of like Ai... wonder what he's doing while I'm out of commission. 

"Well, speaking of the near future, any chance I can get out of here?" he asked. "I'd like to at least know that I'm alive and not still crumpled on the floor."

The voice scoffed, although he could have sworn it sounded more like a snort. 

Have you even tried waking up? Try that first, and we can talk more soon.

As soon as those words left the voice, Yusaku could feel his consciousness slip again. Only this time, something warm and soothing was calling him home, and Yusaku was more than fine to embrace it this time.

The darkness subsumed him, leaving him to his own thoughts once more.

Returning to reality wasn't quite how Aoi expected it.

The last memory she had in VRAINS was being zeroed out by Spectre, his maniacal laughter ringing in her ears as she lost consciousness. The next moment, she was awake, Akira hugging her tightly as if she would disappear again.

"Aoi..." He sounded like he was getting teary-eyed, the grip on her shoulders tightening. "Where do I even begin...?"

Maybe stopping with the death grip on my shoulders, for one. She didn't reject him, resisting her own urge to cry. "Don't force it. A deep breath would help first, though," she chuckled weakly.

It did the trick, Akira pulling back from her and placing his hands on her shoulders more gently. He was smiling, a more determined gaze flashing in his eyes now that she was more comfortable. A comfort that was quick to change into curiosity as Aoi became more aware of her surroundings.

"New place to start: where are we, exactly?" From the looks of the room and furnishing around them, it didn't seem like their high-rise. "What happened to the city? Especially after..."

"My, don't you have a boatload of questions?" There was a pang of relief in Aoi's chest as Emma entered the room, the older woman greeting her with a smile. "I suppose you do have a right to know. But I'll let Akira explain, seeing as he witnessed most of the events for himself."

"Thank you," Akira nodded to Emma as she sat down on the reclining chair across from them. "To put it shortly, Den City didn't fare too well when the Tower of Hanoi appeared in Den City. From the aerial coverage that we managed to recover, a sea of monsters had poured from the Tower and flattened the city."

So they really weren't isolated events. "What happened to everybody? Did they all...?"

"That's where things become more complicated." Akira worked his mouth before sighing. "Soon after, there were accounts of seven monsters suddenly appearing from pillars of light. Whatever they were, they aided in the evacuation when the Tower was created, even going so far as to protect fleeing citizens from the destruction." 

"Monsters? You mean Duel Monsters?"

"I found it hard to believe myself at first," he admitted. "But when I was evacuated from our home, I... witnessed it first hand. In fact, the same monster who helped evacuate me was the same one who found you back in Den City."

"As for what exactly it was... well." His retracted his hands into fists, clenching them harder as he bowed his head. "Let's just say I'm even more in her debt now."

"I'm sure that goes for all of us, Zaizen," Emma shook her head. "We also owe Playmaker. For defeating the Hanoi and stopping the Tower."

"That's putting it lightly, and you know it."

It wasn't often that Aoi got to see her brother so happy. Relaxed wasn't quite the appropriate wording, Akira passing glances to her as he continued his conversation with Emma. He still hasn't processed everything, but he's trying to keep a brave face for my sake. 

"Then what's happening now?" Aoi tilted her head towards them. "If we've been evacuated, where are we now?"

"Was wondering when you'd bring that up," Emma stood up to open the curtains, beckoning Aoi over. She obliged, squinting as the afternoon sun bathed her in light.

What she was greeted with was... well, it was a lot more colorful than she was prepared for. Everything was brightly colored, from the street pavilion below to the highways at eye level to the blimps that soared above. What looked like Christmas lights adorned the many lamp posts that stood over the sidewalks. The patches of grass and other greenery she could spot were the only things untouched, although the flowing river did add a slight gleam to those parts.

Below them, there were rows upon rows of what Aoi had to assume were a crossbreed between a cubicle and a tent. It looked like a compact neighborhood, the constructs neatly sorted into rows so that civilians could pass through with ease. As she looked closer, she spotted a few familiar faces, some of whom were still wearing their school uniforms.

"Quite a sight isn't it? That's Heartland City for you," Emma explained. "As you can see, a lot of this was done on short notice to account for all the citizens of Den City, and our neighboring city was more than willing - and capable - to reach out and help us."

They could at least tone down the lights for the photosensitive folks. She held back a sigh. Never thought I'd be thinking about that psych class I took last semester. 

"I guess that means it'll be a while before Den City's inhabitable again..." 

"'A while' is only on relative terms, Aoi." Emma soothed a hand over her shoulder. "The SOLTech building still remains. It'll expedite the rebuilding process to around three months."

"That's what is projected, anyways," Akira added, standing beside Aoi. "How that building survived the destruction is a mystery... but at this point, I'm counting my blessings on the hope things can go back to normal."

Normal, huh? Something about the term caused her to tense slightly. Ever since my path crossed with Playmaker and Merag, I don't think I've lived a "normal" life. It doesn't feel like it's on the table anymore with what we've been through.

However... it's only because of them that we're all alive. And that's an opportunity I'm not going to waste again. 

She had tuned out whatever her brother and Emma were talking about, excusing herself to grab a glass of water. It was welcome reprieve, pristine and clear like the waters below.

Aoi couldn't help but smile against the glass. 

Besides... I think I know who they are now. I just have to find the time to meet them so I can give my thanks.

"...And that's the situation."

"You make it sound like it was just another Tuesday," Kaito huffed, mostly unimpressed. "Explains how you managed to toddle yourself this badly."

Rio could admit, he did have a point. After ensuring the Numeron Guard had everything covered in Den City, she made a beeline to her friend's lab via Overlay portalling. What she didn't account for was her blood loss finally catching up to her, and the next thing she knew, she was faceplanting into the metal floor. 

Kaito had found her not long after, helping her into the medical station and treating her while she was half conscious. 

Even after everything that had happened, he was still the same: spiked blond hair slicked back, blue bangs adorning his forehead like a crown. While he had put down his Hunter coat in favor of a lab coat, the stylings on said coat told her that he had never let that motif die with him.

That, and the added benefit that his Photon sickness was no more, the Numeron Code enabling him to freely access his innate energy without consequence. And when it came down to working, that made him wildly proactive. 

"Seriously, why didn't you think to call me about any of this?" Kaito gave her a light glare, finishing an adjustment on her brace. "It wouldn't have been my first time saving reality from ZARC." 

"Maybe I should have," Rio admitted, refusing to elaborate further.

Her friend raised an eyebrow. "'Maybe'? Are you sure the blood loss isn't getting to your head again?"

"I wish. But... well, this happened," she gently rolled her left shoulder, wincing as the ache took its due. "Regardless, thanks again for making this on such short notice."

"Don't mention it," he shook his head. "We're already down a lot of people. I don't want you out of commission too."

While most of her other wounds had healed, the hole in her shoulder was slower to heal than she wanted it to be. Cauterizing it was out of the question, and bandages only really held her together rather than doing anything to hasten her recovery. 

Even in death, that slimeball's praying for my downfall, she thought to herself. She would have been worse off had she not sought out Kaito's technical expertise, the shoulder brace granting her arm functionality while her healing factor continued its work. Coupled with how streamline and light it was, she wouldn't have any discomfort performing normal tasks. 

"But seriously... Popping in out of the blue like that, half-bleeding to death and a sword in hand," he smirked. "Who are you, Jason Voorhees?"

"Stars above, please don't tell me that's the humor you got from Ryouga," Rio groaned, punching his shoulder lightly. "And I sure as hell hope you haven't influenced Haruto like that."

"And you sound like you got his serious side," Kaito rolled his eyes before his face grew serious. "Joking aside, you're sure you'll be fine? Even with how slow your healing's been?"

"I'll live, if that's what you're concerned about." She sat down on one of the free chairs, Orbital offering her some water. "Numeron's already erased him. It'll only be a matter of time before the last of his power is wiped as well."

There was a moment of doubt in his eyes before he sighed. "Fine. But let me know if anything is off after you recover. Take it from someone who's been crippled before, these kinds of injuries don't go away so easily."

"I'll hold myself to that," Rio nodded, taking the bottle and downing half of it in one swig. Feels nice to have more people having my back. If only...

She wasn't quite sure if she exhaled too loudly, but Kaito was quick to pick up on it. "...I'm guessing you haven't found a way to get the other back."

"I'm not even sure anymore, Kaito," she sighed, leaning back in the chair and staring at the ceiling. "I'm getting too many mixed messages from deciphering what happened to Yuma and the others. At this point you could convince me that they don't want me to find them or if I just can't to begin with."

"As for Ryouga..." Her tongue felt like it adhered to the top of her mouth as she met Kaito's gaze. "Still nothing."

That was one of the things that was bothering her. He hadn't even stirred after ZARC's death, nor did he look like he would wake up anytime soon. I refuse to believe that those two things aren't connected. There's no way it can't! Surely not...

She didn't expect Kaito to pat her shoulder, the gesture snapping her out of it. 

"Don't beat yourself over it," he murmured. "Sure, you might have lost one lead. But knowing you, that won't stop you from forcing your way into another."

"Not sure how I force myself per se, but thanks anyways," Rio couldn't hold back a small smile. "I will bring them back. I swore it to you, and everyone else."

That seemed to satisfy Kaito, her friend stepping away and beginning to type away at another monitor. Orbital gave her a look before returning to his master's side.

"In any case, don't worry too much on Den City," he waved his hand. "Heartland City's already struck a contract with them, and I'll be partially responsible for overseeing the technical side of things."

"Glad to hear. Thanks Kaito." 

"And you call me stiff." 

Rio couldn't help but snort at that comment. It was moments like those that made it feel like nothing had changed. Something that she could take a moment's solace in.

Oh, who am I kidding? That's some wishful thinking if I've ever heard it, she grumbled internally. If things were really normal, I wouldn't have saved the world alone, would I? 

A buzz on her duel disc added to the sentiment. Rio checked the notification to find that Kusanagi was trying to reach out to him.

Duty calls, it seems. Kaito was looking back at her with a knowing smirk, nodding his head to let her get going. She took the opportunity to leave the room, a quick Overlay Portal moving her to atop Heartland Tower.

"Sorry for the wait, Kusanagi," she quickly said. "What's up? Did something happen?"

"He's awake."

This wasn't right.

Cyberse World had been hidden for five years, he was sure of it! The world had only revealed itself to him after he inserted the safety code.

So then... how was Cyberse World destroyed entirely?! 

What made matters worse was the fact that the destruction wasn't even recent. There were no fires burning, and many of the sights and buildings had succumbed to deconstruction long ago. 

There was nothing left. Nothing but the ruins of a world he thought he had saved.

All Ai could do was collapse on the spot, Linkuriboh trying to comfort him from the side. His old friend had been the only soul he had found in the ruins, the little guy scared out of his mind from something he couldn't tell him.

...

This won't stand.

He could feel his fists clench as he stood back up, glaring up at the ashen sky. 

"Linkuriboh... seems like we have our work cut out for us," Ai hopped onto his back, the monster nodding beneath him. "If you can't tell me what happened, we'll find it together."

Chapter Text

Getting full-on tackled wasn't what Yusaku had in mind for a wake-up call.

The voice had only given him so much as an idea before his eyes shot open. He quickly regretted that decision, the fluorescent lighting momentarily blinding him. 

He didn't have much time before he felt a solid weight crash against him, pushing him further into the pillow he was resting on. A shadow casted over the light filtering through his shut eyelids, and Yusaku opened them to be greeted by a familiar pair of brilliant magenta eyes. 

"Rio...?" 

"Don't start with that," she glowered, quickly cutting him off. "Do you have any idea how much stress you put Kusanagi and I through?! I thought I told you to be careful!"

You know that wouldn't have happened. Even then, Yusaku couldn't help but feel bad. Rio looked like a mess, her hair messy and disheveled in large patches. The strength in her eyes was there, but what he could only assume was several sleepless nights had left her frazzled. 

"You make it sound easy," he retorted. "Look Rio, I was up against Revolver, you really think he'd hold back against me?!"

"All the more reason you should've been careful!" she shot back. "Here I was thinking you would've known your own limits by now, but I guess not! Have you even thought about slowing down for once?!"

"I thought we went over this, Rio," Kusanagi's voice emanated from behind her. "Kiddo doesn't know what 'careful' is, and not like you're one to talk."

"At least I can live through my injuries without concern." She spun around to glare at the older man, allowing Yusaku to sit up and spot his old friend. From the bags under his eyes, he knew that he was hiding his worry better than Rio at the moment. "Besides... I've dealt with worse."

What do you mean, worse? Yusaku didn't know the extent of her injuries, but he didn't like the sound of that. 

"Is there something you aren't telling us, Rio?" Kusanagi asked? "I mean, aside from-"

"We'll tell him later, Kusanagi," she replied hastily, shaking her head. "It's too public here, you know how easy it is to find things."

Yusaku could have swore he heard Kusanagi murmur something under his breath before he reluctantly nodded. "You have a point," he admitted. "He's already confused enough, anyways. I don't think yelling all the information in his face will help."

"Real mature, Kusanagi," Rio rolled her eyes. "And for your information, I only get up close to Yusaku to either tell him something privately or to ki-"

"I would like you to get off me, at least," he murmured, flushing lightly as he stopped her from finishing. "You can yell at me once you aren't directly blasting my eardrums."

"Appreciate your cooperation," Rio scoffed, pulling herself off of him and sitting by the bedside. "You seem alright, if you're able to snark like that."

"You act like I changed somehow," Yusaku shrugged. "But I did what I had to. If it meant stopping Revolver and the Tower, I would have done it all over again."

Rio glared at him for that, but soon her expression relaxed before she sighed. "I know you would've," she smiled sadly. "Just... who am I kidding? Even if I told you to be careful, you would still rush in head-on."

"Glad we're on the same page," he joked, a smirk tugging his lips. "So I can go back to doing my thing as soon as I'm discharged?"

"Oh-kay buddy, now you're just asking to be knocked out for another three days." Rio raised her fist sternly, but Yusaku didn't miss the gleam of amusement in her eyes. "Pull something off like that again, and I'll use my Duel Tether to keep you on a leash."

"Whatever does it for you."

"And what's that supposed to mean?!"

"Sheesh, keep it down you two, would you?" Kusanagi grumbled from behind the two of them. "Don't go scaring Jin off."

The name got Yusaku's attention, nearly crashing into Rio with how quickly he shot up. "Jin? You mean-"

"That's right." He was smiling again as he opened the room door. "You can come in now, Jin."

There was a muffled shuffle before a figure entered the room, immediately shying towards Kusanagi's side upon seeing the two. But there was no mistaking who he was: curly purple hair, deep-set grey eyes, Jin was basically a more quiet Kusanagi with the two of them standing side by side.

"Yusaku..." A pang of guilt stabbed him as Yusaku heard the distance his voice. "...I'm glad you're alright."

He took it worse than me. I can't blame him. "It's good to see you too, Jin," he replied, unable to bring himself to smile. It almost feels like he's not there.

"...Talk about two sides of a spectrum." Rio had been silent since Jin had entered the room, her voice being much more controlled. "You two definitely scream siblings, alright. Unlike me my brother sometimes..."

"I gotta meet him one of these days, then," Kusanagi chuckled, gently patting Jin on the shoulder. "Would love to see the dynamic."

"Let's just say it'll get loud in a heartbeat," she dismissed the idea rather quickly. "I'd rather not subject either of you to one of our arguments. They get fiery real quickly."

Knowing you Rio, I don't doubt that. Yusaku elected to keep that comment to himself. 

The conversation boiled down to small talk on what he had missed over the last three days. Den City was contracting Heartland City to aid in the reconstruction efforts. With the massive crater that had formed in the center of the city, an entirely new plan would be needed to accommodate the awkward formation. 

Kusanagi also caught him up with how Jin managed to wake up, the younger boy having woken up two days prior. At Jin's own admission, he recognized that he was still plagued by memories of the Lost Incident, and that he would be receiving treatment once Den City was rebuilt.

It was enough to put Yusaku's mind at ease. Rio was back to her usual confident self, her hand occasionally tapping against his to make sure he didn't dose off. She also mentioned that she knew someone who would be helping with the construction effort, but she didn't go too much into detail.

Although... there's one thing rubbing me the wrong way. How did the SOLTech building remain entirely intact? It felt too glaring of a detail, knowing Revolver's animosity towards the company. I should keep an eye out once I've recovered. He's not one who'd back down so easily.

He'd have time to worry about it later. From the tight squeeze on his hand, his attention was needed elsewhere.

"I never did ask... how are you feeling right now?" She lowered her voice as Kusanagi continued chatting with Jin. 

Yusaku hadn't even thought about it since he woke up. He had expected to be strapped to an IV of life support being streamlined into his body, not to mention several layers of bandages to cover for a surgery or the like. 

Instead, there was nothing. The fluorescent lighting seemed less harsh, and his vision was clear. There were no aches or pains, and the only sort of weight or pressure he was feeling was Rio squeezing his hand. Contrary to his expectations, Yusaku felt good for once.

"Aside from you almost crushing my hand, I..." he paused to let Rio release his hand, the latter smiling apologetically. "I feel... great, actually. Weirdly so." 

Something flashed in her eyes for a moment before she nodded. "That's a relief. I'd rather not have to see you keeling over while you're in the hospital."

"Weren't you the one threatening to do just that earlier?" 

"That was only if I needed to curb your recklessness, Yu," she smirked, poking him on the cheek. "With luck, we can get you discharged by tomorrow. So that I can make sure you don't push yourself for another few weeks, Mister Charges Head-On Into Danger."

He couldn't help but be amused at Rio's insistence. It was endearing, compared to countless others who had tried to dissuade him from his war-beaten path. 

For once, Yusaku didn't mind. She was the only one who could do that.

"Yeah. That'd be nice."

Rio had been right: not even a full twelve hours had passed before the staff had checked up on him, declared him safe for discharge, and the four of them were on their way.

There wasn't much to do over the following weeks. Link VRAINS only had a few proxy servers up, and school had been canceled on behalf of the building being a pile of rubble at the moment. It got to the point where Yusaku and Rio took to running the hot dog stand, letting Kusanagi help Jin through therapy sessions. 

It was... a change of pace. Heartland City was a lot more colorful than Yusaku was expecting, adding a more vibrant backdrop to what was otherwise business as usual. 

Suffice to say, it was the perfect excuse for Rio to help him relax. Touring Heartland City with her had made for two week's worth of date nights. Yusaku could admit that those nights had been the best part of their impromptu vacation, growing closer to her without the need to worry about any world-ending threats. 

Even now while Yusaku was grilling sausages in the middle of a park, Rio wasn't too far away. She's better at customer service than me, anyways, he noted, watching as she took a new pair of orders.

Despite the distractions, his thoughts drifted back to when he was unconscious. The mindscape he had been in had felt too vivid, all the sensations burned vividly in his mind. It wasn't unlike the scars he had from the Lost Incident, both of them being things that plagued him. 

But is it really plaguing me? 

That had been far from the most unsettling thing to him. That voice from while I was recovering... just who - or rather, what was that? His brow furrowed, his mood translating onto the sausages. They didn't bother clarifying, and they've been silent since they contacted me. 

One, they know Rio. Two, they're powerful enough to influence where we met. Three, they said they'll be helping me, though they never said how. Discounting how sarcastic they were, there was something about the voice that didn't sit right with him. And Rio never mentioned what she did... Maybe I should ask her once I get the chance.

Now wasn't exactly the best time, anyways. Rio was handing a pair of customers their orders, sending them on their way with a light smile. They shared a quick glance before Yusaku turned away, returning his focus to the still-cooking sausages.

She seems happy right now. I don't want to bother her with something like that for now, he resolved. For now...

"With an expression like that, you'll cook the sausages faster than the grill."

He looked up to find Aoi standing in front of the booth, smiling as she watched him relax. With school temporarily cancelled, she had changed into a plain white shirt paired with a navy blue skirt and light blue cardigan. Rio was quick to notice her as well, nodding to her in greetings.

"Didn't know both of you worked here," she commented, tilting her head. 

"He's covering for the owner. I'm just here because I can," Rio shook her head. "Not a whole lot to do with construction going on."

"Well, this is a nice place for business." Aoi took a quick look around "Seems the owner knows their stuff."

I'd argue otherwise, seeing how he opened shop at Stardust Road. It wasn't a bad place, by any means. However, the winter months before dissuaded most people from walking by the seaside, limiting the sales then.  

"Any reason you're here?" 

"Nah, just passed by chance. I wanted a breath of fresh air," she shrugged. "Though I wouldn't mind ordering a coffee and hot dog now, seeing as I'm here."

Her voice lowered as she scooted closer to the truck, taking another look around before speaking again.

"Playmaker, Merag. Thank you."

Yusaku's grip on his tongs tightened, though he then relaxed it as not to break the sausage in half. He felt a pair of eyes burning themselves into his side, and it took all of his effort to remain composed.

...I'm surprised she managed to deduce it. He and Rio had done a rather solid job at keeping a low profile, so seeing Aoi pull that card out was surprising to say the least.

It was Rio who broke the silence first. "Don't mention it," she replied. "I trust you can keep this between the four of us?"

"Make that five, Merag." They were lucky that the park was vacant at the moment, otherwise Gou would have ratted them out with how loud he was as he approached the truck. "Talk about a small world, huh?"

"Maybe you want to keep it down, then," Yusaku sighed, turning over the sausages on the grill one more time before packing them into buns. "...so how did you figure it out?"

"It took a while, I'll admit," Aoi closed her eyes. "It was actually thanks to Gou that I had a solid theory that you two were the genuine articles." 

"Besides... I don't think it's a coincidence that the people who found me comatose also found one of Gou's fans as an Another. Not to mention after that, Playmaker and Merag went out of their way to save both parties."

"The truck was also a bit of a giveaway," Gou added, tapping the truck gently. "Looking back, it's amazing how neither of us noticed the signs back then. But from the looks of it, I'd say that's better for you two."

"I mean, if word got around that Aoi was Blue Angel, I certainly wouldn't trust people to keep their mouths shut," Rio shook her head, Aoi looking sideways with a flush. "Going into hiding wouldn't be such a bad idea with that big of a secret loose."

"Right... that does remind me." Gou's smile fell as he ushered the three of them closer. "Thought I should let you two in particular know," he pointed at Yusaku and Rio. "I've caught wind that SOLTech's started recruiting bounty hunters. And it seems that you two are the prime targets."

That almost caused Yusaku to drop his tongs. Rio's expression dropped in a heartbeat, the sharpness in her eyes threatening to cut someone in half. "You'd better be joking right now," she breathed.

"Afraid I'm not," he sighed. "Zaizen reached out to me, looking to hire my service in a team he's forming for the job. He's got a few guys already, but said that having me around would improve the efforts."

"He never told me about this," Aoi breathed. "Just what is going on...?"

Something very wrong, that's what. "Did you find out anything else?" Yusaku asked.

"He's been tight-lipped about it. That's why I knew I had to let you know the moment I was reached out to." Gou spared a quick glance to Aoi before looking back at the two of them, "I've heard he's stiff, but Zaizen's never been one to be quiet about work. My guess is that someone from the top of SOLTech is blackmailing him into doing so."

"He ought to quit that job," Rio said flatly. "He'll start prematurely aging at this rate."

It took some effort for Yusaku to not crack up at that. And from Aoi's expression, she was thinking something similar.

"Thanks for telling us in advance," he replied. "The question is... will you be taking that job?"

There was an audible scrunch as Gou grinded his boots against the pavement. "Forget that. Sure, I wouldn't mind an excuse to clash with you two. But this is going too far."

"You say that, but didn't you take the first job from my brother just for that opportunity?" Aoi raised her eyebrow.

"Okay, aside from that one instance," he made a frustrated noise. "It'd be a bad look for me anyways. I'm a Charisma Duelist, not a grunt for-hire! Hell, I might just go to Zaizen after this so I can refuse him."

"...What's to say you have to obey him?"

The group turned to look at Rio, who had her arms crossed for a while. "Look, you can call me crazy for this, but this might be a moment for you to do some good, Gou."

"Whaddya mean by that?" Gou took a step forwards. "Me- Rio, I would be hunting you two like animals! What good is there to have from something like-?!"

"Hence my previous comment," she interrupted, holding up a finger. "There's information that Zaizen won't disclose to you if you refuse. But were you accepted... you'd be able to find out anything you'd want. Including the motive behind this entire operation."

"Wait, Rio..." Aoi raised a hand. "Are you suggesting that Gou should go in as a double agent?"

"Precisely. Zaizen wouldn't have a reason to hide as much from you," she explained. "We can stay ahead of whatever plan SOLTech is hatching, and Zaizen won't be as pressured to doing anything reckless on his own behalf. It's a win-win... for all of our behalfs."

It's not a bad plan. Infiltrating from within to gather info. Yusaku's brow furrowed as he thought about the details of the plan. Sounds like something Ghost Girl would do.

"You have a point..." he remarked. "But if you don't want to do it still Gou, don't force yourself."

The older man pinched the bridge of his nose, tapping his foot against the gravel. Aoi was giving him a worried look, though her gaze altered between him and Rio. The latter was watching the other two expectantly, eyes curious as to what the outcome would be.

Gou's a good person at heart. Doing something like this is a bit out of line for his work... not to mention what else he'll be doing. Yusaku sighed quietly. I don't imagine it being an easy choice, seeing his reputation. 

...we'll be the judge of his character.

I'm sorry, what-?

"I'll do it."

His response broke all tension in the space, Aoi breathing a sigh of relief off to the side. Yusaku didn't have time to register the small voice that had responded to him.

"You're certain about this?" he asked quietly.

"I still owe you two for saving me from the Tower," Gou smirked. "This'll be my way of paying you back."

Well when you put it that way... "Good luck then," he nodded. 

"Anyways, VRAINS will be open in a couple more weeks," Gou nodded to them. "So, Pl-... Yusaku, Rio. I might be playin' the part, but don't let your guards down for even a second. Got it?"

"Same goes for you, Gou," Rio reached out for a fist bump, the former tapping fists promptly. "We'll be counting on you for this."

"I'll keep that in mind," he turned his attention to Aoi. "What's your take on this, Aoi?"

"...Well, a lot of this is news to me," she admitted, the other girl crossing her arms. "But if this is all true, I can't stay idle either. So I'll keep an eye on my brother, and I'll be message all of you if anything develops."

"Sounds good." Rio finally turned to Yusaku. "Yu?"

Much as I don't want these two involved... it's the only plan we've got, isn't it? Yusaku passed a glance to Rio, who nodded ever so slightly. I for one want to know what this is all about. And it doesn't look like I get much of a choice.

"Just don't do anything reckless."

Chapter Text

"How's he been these days, doctor?"

"I'll let you be the judge of that," the doctor chuckled, patting him on his shoulder. "To say that he's making significant progress towards recovery would be an understatement, in my professional opinion."

The confidence got Kusanagi to smile. Three months had come and gone in relative peace, the reconstruction of Den City having gone without a hitch. All the misplaced citizens were welcomed to fully refurbished homes, and life in the city quickly returned to its typical busy slog.

Well, almost. For Yusaku and Rio, school had been cancelled for the rest of the semester due to the hiatus caused by the reconstruction effort. Neither of them had much else to do, save for working at the stand or making sure their decks were the strongest they could be. 

That same idle period gave Kusanagi an excuse to focus on Jin and his therapy. As he watched his brother look out at the bay, there was a sense of relief that washed over him. 

He's been through enough. If he can find some peace of mind from the Incident, I'm all for it. The Incident had basically stolen the voice from him, so seeing him starting to open up was a hopeful sign.

It helped that he could be around in the first place. Kusanagi didn't imagine running a food stand was difficult, seeing how long Yusaku had worked with him and how adaptable Rio was. Wouldn't be too surprised if they manage to rake in a good amount of business while I'm gone, he joked to himself. 

With talk like that, it almost felt like he had a normal life again. 

"I should thank you for coming to visit often," the doctor smiled lightly, "But seeing that you're his older brother, it's only natural."

"What can I say? I'm doing what any good sibling ought to," Kusanagi shook his head. "It's the least I can do, knowing what he's been through..."

"I'm sure that means a lot to him. No need to debase yourself over it."

"Yeah. Maybe you're right," he admitted. I don't think it's that simple, though. 

Those doubts lingered in the back of his mind as Jin returned from the railing view, giving a shaky smile to him as they reconvened on the balcony. The doctor's assistant mumbled something to her superior, who nodded in turn. 

"We have a few more patients to check up on today," the doctor turned to Kusanagi. "Do take care."

"Thanks..." he waved the pair off before breathing a sigh of relief. Now I can get it off my chest.

"Hey, Jin?" He was quiet so not to scare him. "There's something I want to talk to you about."

"What is it...?"

"Let's sit down first. It's important." He gave a light smile as he offered a chair to Jin. "I've been meaning to bring this up, but I wanted to see how well you were doing first."

He seemed hesitant at first, but Jin eventually sat down. Kusanagi turned on the television, switching to a random news channel and keeping the volume low for ambience. 

"So here's the thing. I have this hot dog stand I've been operating in the city for a while," he started to explain. "I was wondering if you'd want to live with me there."

Jin's eyes widened for a moment. "O-oh... really?"

"That's right. Yusaku and Rio will be there, too. So you won't have to worry about being around too many strangers," he continued. "It... would also give me peace of mind if we could settle down normally again."

Admittedly, Kusanagi had his reservations. It would be difficult to explain the whole "vigilante" business if he was to ever find out, but he knew it was a hurdle he'd have to get around eventually. 

Although.. it might come sooner, if the briefing they gave me means anything. Why SOLTech would put a bounty on the two of them was beyond any of them ("It wasn't Zaizen's decision, for once," Rio had snarked, much to his amusement). We basically saved VRAINS, they should be thanking us that they're even a corporate entity still!

It then hit him that he was working himself up too much, Jin looking worried as Kusanagi calmed down. "Sorry... still have some things on my mind. I-"

He paused. From the expression on his brother's face, it looked like he was still processing what he had said prior. Jin's an anxious kid, to be sure, Kusanagi reasoned. But I don't think my proposition was that surprising, was it? 

He was quickly proven wrong. Jin had suddenly frozen up, his face a mask of terror as he began to tremble. "A-ah..."

"Jin?" He sat up in his chair, moving to Jin's side and putting a hand on his shoulder. "What's wrong? I-"

A strong shove to his side sent him sprawling, Kusanagi grunting as he hit the ground. "Wha-?"

It was his turn to be surprised. A shining gold figure had emerged from the television, its face a swirling mess of yellow. It looked humanoid, its arms hanging down to its knees and hanging by its sides. The thing took a slow glance at him before turning back to Jin, taking a few steps toward him before firmly grasping the poor boy's shoulder.

"Why you- Get your hands off of him!" Kusanagi stood up to swing at the figure, only to pass through it and crash into the couch. The hell? How come it can move me, but not the other way around?!

He didn't have time to think about it as a scream filled the room. He looked on in horror as the figure began absorbing something out of Jin, miniature purple vortexes entering its mouth.

"STOP!" He scrambled back to his feet and pulled Jin away, dislodging it from the figure's grasp. The force of the movement sent him flat on his back, Jin toppling lifelessly on top of him. 

This can't be happening. Kusanagi tried shaking his brother awake, but to no avail. His expression was locked in a pained state, the rest of his body unresponsive. Meanwhile, the creature was still standing in front of them, watching as he fruitlessly attempted to wake him up.

"What do you think you're doing?!" he roared, "What did you do to Jin?! Answer me!"

The creature didn't seem to register him at all, instead beginning to walk back towards the television. As it was about to set itself back into the screen, the sound of breaking glass filled the room before a glowing red rope wrapped around its neck and arms. The creature had begun to strain against the tether, hands pulling at the bindings keeping it immobilized. 

"Don't just sit there, Kusanagi!" He looked up to find Rio at the other end of the rope, feet slowly skidding off the glass-riddled floor. "Call Yusaku! This thing's trying to escape through VRAINS!"

"Rio? How'd-?" he started. How did she know to be here?

"Just call it a guy instinct! Now hurry up before I lose this thing!" She gasped out in pain as the figure lurched its leg into the screen, her left hand giving out and leaving only her right hand holding onto the tether

She hasn't fully recovered yet, has she? Knowing her, that was a big deal. With no other option, he slammed Yusaku's number onto his phone.

"Yusaku! We got an emergency!" he shouted. "Close the stand and get on VRAINS!"

"Kusanagi? What's going on over there?!" 

"We can talk about that later! Rio'll send you coordinates over VRAINS, just hurry!" 

"I'm on my way." There was an audible slam of the truck's doors before Yusaku stopped the call.

Meanwhile, the creature had managed to free itself from Rio's tether, pulling itself back into the screen. The latter knelt on the floor, clutching her left arm and panting lightly as the tether retracted into her duel disc.

"...fuck, that's what I get for being complacent these last months," she grimaced, giving a pained look to Jin's unconscious body before looking to Kusanagi. "Let's admit Jin to critical care for now. Yusaku can track that thing with the beacon I put on it."

"...right." 

That was the moment when Kusanagi swore to never think about normalcy ever again. The last two years had given him enough confirmation that it was never going to happen.

Can I- no. Can any of us ever catch a fucking break?!

"Thank you all for coming! Be sure to enjoy your time on VRAINS!"

The crowd burst into applause for Aoi, chanting her name as she manned her duel board and surfed off. Several board riders were quick to take a photo of her as she passed by, and people on the rooftops kept the chants going.  

Ever since SOLTech had legalized Speed Dueling and had developed safety protocols for it, VRAINS had become more popular than ever before. She had heard rumors that Heartland City had begun making advances onto the platform, eager to continue relationships between it and Den City. 

Relations seem to be going well then, if there's this many people on. She settled down onto a rooftop, seating herself before ordering a drink for herself. Below, the streets were crowded as far as the eye could see, people moving around through the various stores and attractions to get the most out of their time online.

To think... there was almost a time where none of this would be here. Aoi sobered at the thought, twirling the straw of her drink idly as she began to reminisce.

Even now, it was difficult to wrap her head over the events of the last six months. Between the Hanoi, meeting Playmaker and Merag, and becoming intertwined in the conflict between the three, Aoi had been left in a bit of a hot mess. Heck, she had been the victim of the Hanoi twice, and one encounter had almost cost her life. 

I have some closure now, if that's worth anything. Meeting Yusaku, Rio and Gou in person had given her some peace of mind. And if it means that Pl- Yusaku and Rio can have theirs too, I'm happy for them.

Perhaps it was gaining that closure that motivated her to get back on her feet, taking up her Blue Angel persona and performing on the stage once again. She could feel how confident she was now, the roaring applause bringing her home when she made her comeback.

Guess deep down, I missed this feeling, she assumed. Glad the feeling's mutual with my fans.

At the end of the day, she didn't mind the popularity. Having the time to relax was a bonus, one that she was keen on making the most of-

-at least before a streak of blue zoomed overhead, interrupting her thoughts. The screens of the billboards suddenly being replaced with images of Playmaker, and the crowds below began muttering excitedly as the notifications spread like wildfire.

Playmaker? What's he doing on all of a sudden? Aoi stood up from her seat, watching as her fellow duelist raced across the sky. And not too far behind him was- SOLTech's already been alerted to him.

She then remembered the earpiece that Rio had given her, tapping it twice to boot it up.

"Ri- Merag! What's happening?!" she asked. "I thought you said you were going to keep a low profile!"

"Plan's changed! Something just attacked K- someone close to Playmaker!" She didn't miss the other girl's cutoff, an undertone of stress in her voice. "He's trailing the culprit right now, but he's got some company! I'm logging in right now to intercept that bounty hunter!" 

"Alright. I'll tell-"

"Forget about Gou right now! Calling him now would only draw suspicion to him!" she interrupted. "It's better if I draw that other guy away. I-"

"Yeesh, no need to go playing the hero in your state, Merag! How about letting me take care of him?"

Aoi didn't quite recognize the voice that interrupted Rio. But from the other girl's gasp, it at least wasn't another enemy. 

"That voice... Ai?!"

"C'mon, you think I just left after the whole Tower business? Well, I did, but..." the Ignis' voice mellowed out. "There's something else I gotta do now. And helping Playmaker is step one!"

Aoi gasped as a Data Storm materialized in midair, sending the bounty hunter flying off his board. It wasn't long before the safety logout feature took hold, forcing the bounty hunter out of VRAINS. 

"...nice upgrade," Rio broke the silence. "Saves me some trouble, at any rate."

"Thank me later! Let Playmaker and I handle this guy!" Ai replied. "Make sure the situation doesn't reach the rest of SOLTech!" The line between them disconnected, leaving Rio and Aoi on call. 

...this is getting messy in a hurry, Aoi shook her head as she got on her board. "Merag, I'll make a few rounds here. Keep me posted, alright?"

"Feeling authoritative today, aren't we?" The other girl huffed in amusement. "Catch you later, I'm heading on soon."

They'd better hurry, she prayed quietly as she looked at the cloud-riddled horizon. A storm is coming.

Yusaku already had reservations about their mysterious opponent. But when it summoned Hydra Drive Booster, he knew something was off.

Ai only added fuel to that flame. "A Cyberse card? Here?!" he exclaimed. "How did it survive Cyberse World's destruction...?"

"I'm sorry, what?" That was news he hadn't expected to hear today. "Ai, just what were you doing while I was recovering?"

"Again, later! Let's just finish crushing this guy first!" Ai waved him off. "Don't let them get away!" 

As if you need to tell me that. Despite his resolve, Yusaku couldn't help but feel a tinge of doubt seeping in as their opponent activated High Drive Generator, Link Summoning Flow High Drive with Drive Booster and using Castle Link to set the monster next to the token that the Generator had summoned..

That setup doesn't look too threatening, he observed. So why am I starting to feel uneasy about all this?

That's because you should.

What-?

He wouldn't have to wait long for the answer, even if he had a new question for what the heck the voice was doing back in his head. Yusaku shook his head as the figure stood up straight, its body beginning to glow again.

"I'll activate my Skill, Marker's Portal," it announced, its hands glowing brighter. "When my Life Points are equal or lower than my original points, I can add a Link Spell to my hand! And this Spell cannot be destroyed or negated when I play it."

"Wait wait wait, what?!" Ai's eyes bulged. "Since when was there a Link Spell?! And why have I never heard of it?!"

That's what he was setting up for, using Castle Link like that! Yusaku realized with a scowl. Which means-!

"Manifest, o' heavenly fury! The light that shall cast thou fury onto the land!" The skies above grew dark with storm clouds as the figure completed its chant. "The time is now I activate Judgement Arrows!"

The moment the spell hit the field, lightning burst forth from the sky, several bolts shooting dangerously close to Yusaku. Even though they missed, the spell was powerful enough to affect the flow of the data stream, forcing him to manually stabilize his board.

Is he trying to kill me with this?! It wasn't out of the realm of possibilities, but it wasn't a prospect that he liked. And he hasn't finished his turn yet!

He was only slightly reassured as the thing Link Summoned a second Flow Hydradrive to its field before setting a card facedown. But with the gathering storm around them, Yusaku was more concerned with getting out unscathed.

"Battle! Since you have a Wind type monster on your field, Flow Hydradrive can attack you directly!" it announced. "And with Judgement Arrow's effect, its attack is doubled!"