- Fate/stay night [Realta Nua] instructions and suggestions
- 1) Unzip the 'Fate Stay Night Realta Nua English' file and follow its readme.
- Don't read the 'Frequent asked questions' section of the readme (some spoilers are present there).
- Moreover, do not open the 'Flowchart' pdf before completing at least the first route (100% spoilers).
- Patching recommendations:
- - 'H mod': Recommended. Adds H scenes (which can be enabled or disabled) and some violent pictures
- (which were censored in the 15+ version). Also restores the text that was censored in the Realta Nua
- version, giving the original experience of the original version.
- - 'Vita op': Recommended. Adds new 1080p openings made for the PSVita version.
- - 'Vita ost': Not recommended during the first playthrough. Adds a remixed soundtrack, made for the
- PSVita version, which is not as good as the original soundtrack.
- - 'Flowchart': Recommended. Although it is an ingame version of the pdf, it is only unlocked after
- completing the whole game, so there's no risk of spoilers. After completing the game, the
- flowchart can be enabled from the menu bar during gameplay.
- 2) Download and install the latest LAVFilters from https://github.com/Nevcairiel/LAVFilters/releases
- (Recommended order of routes: Fate -> Unlimited Blade Works -> Heaven's Feel.)
- 4) Remove the / from the game folder's name, otherwise you'll get an error.
- 5) Copy the content of the fix into the game folder, then delete the Fate___.exe file and change the
- name of the file Fate/stay night[Realta Nua] ___.exe to the name of the file you just deleted.
- 6) Read the section about keyboard shortcuts at the end of this guide (optional).
- 7) Run the file Fate___.exe you just renamed and set fullscreen from the menu bar.
- 8) Enjoy.
- N) Don't watch the videos in the Openings section of the Extra menu them before they are shown to you
- Completely skipping the openings of the Heaven's Feel route, especially the second one, is also
- strongly recommended, since they contain heavy spoilers. Just watch them after you finish the route.
- Some graphic processors, like the Intel HD integrated graphics, show some glitches on the sides of
- the screen during and after action scenes. You can either bear with them, or download a program called
- 'Reso', which sets your resolution to 800x600 every time you play.
- If you decide to use the program:
- 1) Download it from http://www.bcheck.net/apps/reso.exe
- 2) Run the program, browse for the exe of the route you're going to play (Fate___.exe) and select
- 3) Click on create shortcut and save the shortcut somewhere (preferably in the Start Menu folder).
- 1) Close every window you don't want to be resized when the screen gets smaller.
- 3) When you exit the screen size is restored automatically.
- Make sure to set 'Keep aspect ratio' in the scaling settings of your graphics device, otherwise the
- images will appear stretched if you're using a widescreen monitor.
- Mouse left click / [Enter] / [Space]
- Right mouse click / [ESC] / [BackSpace] / [Delete] / [Home]
- [Tab] / [→] / [↓]
- [Shift] + [Tab] / [←] / [↑]
- Mouse wheel
- Mouse left click / [Enter] key / [Space] key
- Confirm choice
- Stop automatic reading (when automatic reading is enabled)
- Open game menu
- Hide the text
- Move to the next choice
- Move to the previous choice
- Display the text history
- Scroll text
- Stop automatic reading (when automatic reading is enabled)
- Open the save menu
- Open the load menu
- Open the configuration menu
- Open the 'Back to the title' dialog
- Enable automatic reading
- Skip all the text until the next unread section or the next choice
- Open the text history
- Open the Quick Save menu
- Load the quick save data on the slot of the chosen F key
- Save quick save data on the slot of the chosen F key
- [Alt] + [Enter]
- [Alt] + [F4]
- Written by Clerish
Unlike her Fate/stay night counterpart, Sakura has long hair reaching down to her knees and is a lot more assertive. Despite sharing the same surname as Shinji, they are not related; though she plays the role of his little sister in the Lotus-Eater Machine prologue.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Fate/Extra or Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS. Both are products of Nasu and Konami respectively. Any relation to characters, living or dead, are purely coincidental.
Previously, on Fate/VRAINS!
Hakuno Kishinami has defeated Twice H. Pierceman, the last Master standing in her way towards the Moon Cell's Holy Grail War! However, the Moon Cell has determined that Hakuno is an irregularity and must be erased! As she is being deleted, a lingering fragment of Twice gives Hakuno the means to escape her fate. Using the Regalia and her last Command Seal, Hakuno escapes the Moon Cell and enters a new world...
...in the body of 'Hakuno Zaizen!' With a new role to play and a foreign world to explore, as well as the dangers that are lurking about in the shadows, what kind of future awaits her?
Only one way to find out! INTO THE VRAINS! ! !
Fate/VRAINS
Journal Entry 011
It's been two months now since I've found myself living together with Akira and Aoi. As a sort of 'welcome home' gift, I was given a journal that I could write stuff in. Which is what I'm doing. Or, have been doing these last two months. It feels so strange. Nine months ago, I was fighting for dear life against a machine that was going to delete me no matter what. Now here I am with a 'family' I've only just met.
I can't say it isn't bad. In fact, it feels...nice. It reminds me a bit of my time with Archer, even if he wasn't an ideal 'elder brother' figure. Akira-nii-san works often at SOL Technologies as the Security Manager, but ever since 'Hakuno Zaizen' woke up from her coma, he's been making time to come home more often. Aoi-nee-chan has also been helping me adjust to everything.
I'm still not sure why I came to this world. When I used the Regalia and ordered Archer to save me, I never had a real destination in mind. All I wanted was to escape the Moon Cell. I never expected to find myself in the body of another 'Hakuno.' I feel bad, knowing that the 'Hakuno' that Aoi-nee-chan and Akira-nii-san had been waiting to wake up for three years isn't here anymore, but... I want a chance to live a normal life. One away from the Moon Cell. From everything.
If I could meet 'Hakuno Zaizen,' I wouldn't know what would happen. Would she scream and yell at me for robbing her of her life? Would she understand my selfish request? I wouldn't know. Maybe I never will. Even so, I wish I could somehow apologize to her about these circumstances.
If only for her sake, I'll keep pretending to be 'Hakuno Zaizen' with her family.
Speaking of her family, these two months have helped me understand my surroundings, as well as my new 'family.' Halfway into the first month here, Aoi-nee-chan took me around Den City. It reminded me greatly of the images that I had searched about Earth prior to it being so heavily destroyed and decayed. It looked incredibly like Shibuya, if I remember correctly. Akira-nii-san had also arranged for me to attend the same school as Aoi-nee-chan, though it would be a while before I could actually start classes. They wanted me to settle in properly before I was brought into another environment.
About Akira and Aoi... They're nice. A bit too much so. Sometimes, I find their kindness stiffling and foreign. Yet I always remind myself that the kindness they show is towards 'Hakuno Zaizen,' not Hakuno Kishinami. But they are not bad people. Akira-nii-san always finds ways to spend time with me, even when he doesn't need to. Aoi-nee-chan almost always sticks by my side, helping me with materials that I'll no doubt be learning once I attend Den Academy. From what I caught in small talk between them, the house always used to be so gloomy because of 'Hakuno Zaizen's' absence.
It just made me feel worse.
I wonder, do I even really have a right to live out someone else's life? I always have second thoughts, and I always manage to push them to the back of my mind, but even so... There is no escaping the guilt in my heart. Sometimes I try and rationalize my selfishness by thinking that 'Hakuno Zaizen' would never wake up. That she'd forever remain asleep in that bed until it reached the point where her family decided to pull the plug.
It doesn't help me feel any better.
...I've been writing about this for an hour now. I should probably stop. If I keep writing so negatively, I'm worried it might show how I feel towards them.
The two months that followed Hakuno's discharge from the hospital had come and gone in the blink of an eye, yet even after sixty days she still couldn't get used to this foreign yet comforting feeling of being inside a home and surrounded by a family that cared for her. Because of her lack of memories when she entered the Moon Cell, for some reason, she could not recall having any family. She didn't even bother to look up any information about her past, other than her own current predicament when she had the opportunity to scour the Moon Cell's database. Hakuno believed it didn't really matter at that point, given how she accepted she would be deleted. What would be the point of wondering what sort of parents she had?
Still, she wouldn't deny how nice it was. Aoi had been patient in helping her getting through various subjects that would likely be presented at Den Academy when she would be able to attend while Akira, while normally out for the majority of the day because of work, always came back at various times. In vague recollections, Aoi had mentioned before that Akira almost always came home late and how sullen dinner had been. Likewise, Akira would mention how gloomy Aoi had been, much to the girl's embarrassment.
It was an odd sight to be sure, one that Hakuno didn't mind seeing again.
Her room, however, was just another of the many, many things that she just had to get used to.
...why is it so pink?
She had nothing against the color pink, honestly. However, there was a line that had to be drawn between too much and obsession. The walls weren't pink, thank god, but her bed and everything on it was. She even had a small heart-shaped pillow with some kind of mascot with stubby green legs and arms with a body made of nothing but fur and two googly eyes printed on the front. The heart-shaped pillow was very comfortable, though. However, the pink items didn't just end with the bed. The shelves and bookcases around her room also had pink on them, in some shape or another.
Hakuno sighed and shook her head before she swiped the holographic screen on her console away, finishing her entry in her journal before locking it away in a special folder. It wouldn't do well for her siblings to find it and then question her about its contents. At best, they would be thoroughly confused and think she had some kind of delusions or demensia. Worse case, though, they would learn that she was not 'Hakuno Zaizen.'
That was a conversation she was not looking forward to.
As she closed out the console for the day, she let out a stifling yawn. Glancing at the clock, she realized she had been up for a while. 'I should go wash up.' she thought aloud, standing up and pushing her chair back into her desk before leaving her room. As she entered the hallway connecting to the living room and Aoi's, she saw that the living room lights were still on. Is Akira-nii-san home? Curious, she peeked out from the hallway and found Aoi sitting on the sofa, looking around the room for a moment before taking a breath, looking down at the device strapped to her wrist. It was oddly shaped, resembling a bracelet but with a tulip-shaped flower design on the front.
'Into th-'
'Aoi-nee-chan?' Hakuno called, startling the girl and causing her to cry out in shock, whirling around to find the brunette standing there at the hallway's entryway. 'What are you doing?'
'H-Haku-nee?' Aoi panted heavily before breathing a heavy sigh of relief, putting a hand on her chest and reclining in the sofa. 'I thought that was nii-sama. Don't scare me like that.'
Hakuno smiled slightly. 'Sorry.' she apologized, walking around the nightstand and taking a seat next to her sister. 'I didn't mean to startle you. I saw the lights on and wondered if Akira-nii-san was home.'
'He isn't. He said that he's been swamped with work and won't be home until later.' Aoi sighed. 'I guess the top brass got fed up with him leaving early so much.'
Hakuno frowned slightly. Though it was unintentional, Aoi made it sound as if it was her fault somehow. Then again, maybe it was. She was living out somebody else's life. Thankfully, she didn't dwell on it much. Instead, she directed her attention to the device on Aoi's wrist. 'What is that?'
'What's what?' Aoi looked at what Hakuno was staring at and gave a wry giggle. 'Oh, this? It's my Duel Disk.'
'Duel...Disk?'
'Oh, right. I forgot. Amnesia, duh. You haven't seen anything about Duel Monsters, have you?'
Aoi proceeded to give a detailed explanation, while showing off several videos of duelists. It was easy enough to understand. Duel Monsters was a children's card game created by a genius named Maximillion Pegasus, which was then expanded upon by the disbanded Kaiba Corporation. It exploded in popularity and was spread worldwide, becoming the most popular game in history. At first, it was a simple card game, but it soon expanded into something much more when Duel Disks and the Duelist Kingdom were announced, along with the sudden introduction of Solid Vision. Suddenly, what was supposed to be a simple card game expanded into a massive holographic monster brawl.
The videos reminded Hakuno of a battle between Servants. Obviously, the cards weren't anything remotely like the heroes of ages past, but they were still something to marvel at. She took note of the many and various expressions on people's faces. Competitive. Enjoyment. Thrill. So many emotions running through their faces all at once.
She did notice something odd about them, though. Along with a few of their surroundings.
'Where is this?'
Aoi smiled widely, an excited look passing through her eyes. 'Nowadays, Duels usually take place in LINK VRAINS.' she explained to her. Hakuno tilted her head in confusion. 'VRAINS is three acronyms: Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence, and Network System.'
'Virtual...' Hakuno repeated, her mind suddenly racing back to the digital environment and battleground that was the Moon Cell and SERAPH. 'You mean, it takes place in VR?'
'Sort of. It's hard to explain, but duels in VRAINS are all the rage nowadays. SOL Technologies, the company nii-sama works for, runs it. Lots of people at the Academy are in LINK VRAINS. Same goes for my clubmates in the Dueling Club.'
'Eh? You're in a club?'
'Of course!' Aoi huffed, folding her arms. 'I do actually have a life, you know.' Hakuno scratched her head, chuckling awkwardly. That was strike one against her, she supposed. Still, the idea of people fighting with cards was a bit idiotic, yet at the same time interesting. It must have showed on her face because when she looked back at Aoi, she had an amused look on her face. 'I know that look, Haku-nee. I've gotten you curious, haven't I?'
Hakuno would have lied, but she doubted it would do much good at this point. Instead, she nodded.
'I knew it~ In that case, why don't you make an account? You remember your online information, right?' Hakuno nodded, but before Aoi could continue on, she soon realized a glaring problem. In order to enter LINK VRAINS and participate, you need to have a Duel Disk. Something that Hakuno didn't have. The girl pursed her lips, thinking deeply about how to solve the solution. Hakuno honestly didn't mind if she couldn't participate. It was simple curiosity, nothing more. An idle part of her wondered if it was anything like the Moon Cell. After a moment of thinking, though, Aoi's eyes lit up. 'I've got it! Wait here a sec!'
The girl stood up, leaving the room. After a minute, she returned with something in hand. It was similar to the Duel Disk on her wrist, except instead of a tulip flower piece, it had a square-shaped monitor with a silver and blue guard. Hakuno tilted her head as Aoi handed it to her, giving it a quick inspection. 'What is this?'
'One of the newer model Duel Disks made by SOL.' Aoi said. 'It's a prototype-unit, though, so it doesn't have a support unit AI like the others. Nii-sama brought it home, though I've never actually seen him use it before. I'm sure he wouldn't mind if you put it to good use.'
Hakuno frowned, but then shrugged. She just hoped Aoi was right about this. She then attached it to her wrist - a perfect fit if there ever was one - and pressed the button on the side. The screen then lit up, revealing an azure blue screen. Strands of data danced across it before they vanished, showing off various menus. Aoi then began to instruct her how to make her VRAINS account. It was relatively simple process. Basically, all she needed was to enter her e-mail information and country of residence, as well as birthday before it reached the more complicated segment. Namely, Avatar creation.
Since LINK VRAINS was purely online, it was only natural people would create an identity that they could assume that was entirely different from what they had in the real world. The best example would have been Shinji Matou, the eight-year-old gaming champion. In the Moon Cell, he was older than his actual age, appearing as a high school student with seaweed-like hair. Hakuno contemplated if she wanted to go for a different look, but then decided against it. It didn't matter where she was, anyway.
Even if it was VR, she would still be Hakuno Kishinami.
Coming to a decision, she inputted the appearance of her Avatar, which looked identical to her real life appearance, save for the white highlights that appeared in her hair - a homage to Archer, the Servant who stood by her side. In terms of clothing, she wore a plain black shirt with denim shorts and black combat boots. Covering the entirety of her upper body was a rather large beige jacket, with sleeves reaching as far down as her fingertips. It also exposed quite a bit of her legs, which might come back to bite her in the future. That being said, she was wearing socks. The one on the right leg was longer than the other, reaching up to her thigh. She also had on fingerless gloves, which had her Command Seals embroiled on the back of the hand.
'You aren't going for a different look?' Aoi asked, surprised. Hakuno nodded. 'Huh. Most people would model their Avatar to look different from them.' She then shrugged and smiled as Hakuno finished up her registration. 'Okay, then. Now, all we need is for you to get a deck.'
'There's already one registered.'
'I have an extra deck you can...huh?' Aoi blinked. She leaned over and looked at Hakuno's screen. Sure enough, there was a deck already registered on the Duel Disk. 'Huh. Did nii-sama already use this?' Curious, Hakuno opened up the deck, revealing a wide spread of cards that belonged to the deck. According to Aoi's explanation, Spells had a green border and Traps had a purple/red border whereas monster cards had a orange border. Special monsters, such as Link Monsters, had a blue border. Her eyes scanned the cards before she felt her heart start to beat rapidly when she looked at the 'types' listed on the cards.
Moon Cell.
How? Her mind questioned with a twinge of fear. Why? Is-is this some kind of sick joke?
'Moon Cell cards?' Aoi breathed. 'If I remember right, that's an archtype that was scrapped.' Hakuno's heart started to settle down as she looked at Aoi. At her sister's confused look, the more knowledgable Duelist answered her question. 'There was a leak that a new archtype of Monsters called 'Moon Cell' was going to be released. For some reason, however, SOL Technologies scrapped the card project. Someone said it was probably because of internal problems, but no one really knows for sure.'
Oh. Well, now she felt better. A heavy sigh escaped Hakuno as her shoulders slumped. It was just a coincidence, then. Nothing but a coincidence. True, the monster's designs were similar to the enemy programs that she and Archer met so many times. However, she also had to consider that, technically speaking, this was one of the worlds observed by the Moon Cell. It was possible that the naming theme was only probable because of that through some means or another. Even so, she was still a bit nervous. What if VRAINS was like the Moon Cell?
Now is hardly the time to get cold feet. Besides, what use is a card game in a war?
Really, what was she thinking? Mentally laughing at herself for such doubts, she looked at Aoi who grinned at her. 'You ready?' Hakuno nodded. 'Alright, then repeat after me-!'
'Into the VRAINS!'
In the next moment, Hakuno's world became wreathed in light.
TURN-02: VRAINS
The similarities between LINK VRAINS and the Moon Cell was somewhat startling, but the sheer number of differences and the feel of emerging into this mysterious world had made Hakuno wonder if this was how people felt when entering that damned place for the first time.
Textures and designs were all carefully crafted over numerous codes of data and polygon, forming into a beautiful grand city that was bustling with a wide variety of Avatars, from outlandish cartoon-like characters to humans who looked as if they should be in the real world. In fact, Hakuno briefly wondered if she was even in a virtual world at all as she felt a cool breeze whip up against her face. It took her a moment to realize that she was standing atop a building that overlooked a bustling street down below, where all sorts of Avatars were wandering about.
Sugoi... She thought in amazement, looking around. The sky was pale blue, flickering with data and circuits and masquerading as an actual sky. Even so, the sight was beautiful. Hakuno looked at herself, flexing her fingers and noting how she could feel the digital muscles and bones moving beneath the skin and layers of clothes. I've been in this sort of environment before, but this is the first time I'm actually starting to realize how it feels, much less the fact that I'm letting this sink in. This...is what VR feels like.
'This is... LINK VRAINS.'
'That's right!' a cheery voice called behind her. 'And I'm proud to be the first one to welcome you to the battleground that is Duel Monsters!'
Turning behind her, Hakuno saw a female Avatar with the appearance of a magical girl. She had very long blue hair which reached her chest and tied into two long strands with blue ribbons. Her eyes and eyebrows were also blue and had a green clover tattoo on her right cheek. She wore a blue choker and pink heart-shaped winged earrings. Her outfit consisted of a white sleeveless shirt with a blue necktie. Underneath was a blue and pink dress with wing-shaped frills, and dark blue thigh-high socks. She also wore dark and light blue boots with wings attached to each one. Lastly, she had on a pair of white wings with pink heart-shaped and lavender clover-shaped patterns on each wing.
Given that she logged into LINK VRAINS at the same time as her sibling, she didn't need to guess who it was. Still, it was better safe than sorry. '...is that your Avatar, Aoi-nee-chan?'
Aoi smiled brightly. 'That is correct! Here, I am the top idol of LINK VRAINS! The one and only, Blue Angel!' She ended that last sentence with a wink. For a moment, Hakuno could have sworn she saw a heart emerge before disappearing. 'So, what do you think, Haku-nee? Impressive, right?'
Impressive didn't begin to cover it. At first, she had been nervous that it would feel too much like the Moon Cell, but this was different from what she was expecting. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and charisma, as well as lingering tensions. However, it was not tense nor sullen as the Moon Cell had been. It felt too light for that. Also, as strange as it was to say, the air felt cleaner as well. Enough so that Hakuno found herself greatly enjoying it, even though she had been exposed to it for only a meager minute or so.
'Very much so.' Hakuno nodded strongly.
Aoi smiled, breathing a sigh of relief. 'That's good. Still, you just got here, so there's a lot for you to see. Also, while we're here in VRAINS, call me Blue Angel! It's very bad manners, not to mention sometimes risky to call someone by their real name here.'
Hakuno nodded again. It was understandable, much less basic. After all, the whole point of being online and playing a game was to obscure your identity and become someone else. In her case, though, it was the opposite. In real life, she was pretending to be someone that Aoi and Akira Zaizen had been waiting for. Here, she could actually be herself. Not 'Hakuno Zaizen,' but Hakuno Kishinami.
'Speaking of user name, why'd you pick Emiya?'
Hakuno smiled mysteriously. She could picture Archer's flabbergasted reaction if he learned this. 'That's a secret, Blue Angel.' she answered.
Aoi pouted, but nonetheless accepted the answer with a shrug. 'If I remember right, the Duel Park should have a few open spots since it's so late.' she said. There was undeniable excitement in her voice, no doubt overjoyed at the prospect of teaching Hakuno how to duel. The very idea was enough to make the girl giddy beyond belief. 'C'mon, let's-'
[Goshujin-sama, I must remind you that you are scheduled to participate in a Charisma Duel against Smile Chojiro today at the Colliseum.]
An electronic voice, monotone yet somehow also chastising at the same time, shattered Aoi's delusions and caused her to deflate almost immediately. 'What?' she whined pitifully, looking at her Duel Disk and addressing the support AI inside. 'But-but-'
[You specifically told me to remind you about this, in the event you were sidetracked.] the AI responded, only dampening Aoi's mood and causing her to sulk. Hakuno found it to be slightly cute.
'Mou...'
'It's fine, nii-chan.' Hakuno told her sister. 'We can duel sometime later.'
'B-but...' There was a small protest in Aoi's voice. She had been looking forward to this when she had started to explain to her sister what Duel Monsters was. Or rather, re-introducing her to it, since she had expressed an interest in playing before the accident that caused her coma in the first place. The moment they logged into LINK VRAINS, she was determined to show Hakuno the joys of Dueling. Being reminded that she was already booked had put those plans on ice. True, she could follow through with her original plan, but she also had to keep up appearances. If Blue Angel suddenly played hooky, all her hard work would be for nothing. She was the Idol of Dueling. Yet she was torn also wanting to spend time with Hakuno as well.
Then, an idea came to her mind. It wouldn't be as satisfying as her original plan, but it would definitely give Hakuno a taste of what Dueling was like. 'Can you link me up to Onizuka?' she asked her AI. Hakuno tilted her head, wondering what her sister had in mind. Once the connection was established, Aoi smirked. 'Hey, Go. About that favor you owe me...
...Gatou has nothing on this guy.
That was Hakuno's first thought on the towering muscular man that was Go Onizuka.
He was a tan-skinned man with a built and bulky body with two-toned hair, fashioned in a flattop/hi-top fade: brown from his forehead down, including a neatly trimmed brown chin beard, and blonde on top of his head, fashioned in the flattop style and featuring red-striped highlights. He wore a greenish-grey jacket with a separate collar and a gold, animal-head-shaped necklace. Because the guy was shirtless, with only dark pants and a golden belt with a red stone in the center as his only clothes, she was given quite a spectacular view of an impressive set of abs. His boots were buckled with gold plates. On his arms and abdomen. he also wore the gold plates and dark, finger-less gloves.
'You know, I half expected you to blackmail me or something.' Go said as he folded his arms, though his tone had mostly been joking once Aoi had introduced her to the man. 'So, Emiya is a newbie?'
'Yup. This is her first time in LINK VRAINS.' Aoi told him, hand on her hip and wide smile present. 'I wanted to teach her how to duel myself, but I already have a match scheduled. I'd play hooky, but...'
Go held up a hand. 'Say no more. I understand. Being popular is a pain.' Aoi sighed in relief, cheering mentally in her head. It had been a bit easier than expected to get the man to agree to teach Hakuno how to duel. She couldn't say that Hakuno was her sister, since she would no doubt be hounded for questions and answers - if not by Go, then by her fans. She understood how rabid they could be at times. That, and if there was anyone she could entrust teaching Hakuno the ropes, it was a man who was practically a bleeding heart. 'She'll be in good hands.'
'She better be, mister. Otherwise, we're going to have words!' It was a jest at best, but there had been a threat in there somewhere. Aoi then turned to Hakuno, offering up another apologetic smile as she bowed her head. 'Again, I'm really sorry! I promise I'll make it up to you.'
Hakuno shook her head, waving a hand in dismissal. 'It's fine. You should get going though. You'll be late for your Duel.'
'Okay. Thanks again, Go!'
With a beat, Aoi took off like a rocket, already well on her way towards her destination. Hakuno watched her back fade into the distance before she turned to Go, who looked quite amused. 'Is...something wrong?'
'No, it's nothing.' the man told her. 'It's just, that's the first time I've seen Blue Angel act like that before. Sure, she's always a bundle of energy, but never like that. You two must be close IRL.' If he wanted to know more, he didn't press the issue. Instead, he merely put both hands on his hips, his tone shifting into one similar to that of Taiga whenever she got serious. 'So then, what do you know about the rules for Dueling?'
'The overall basics. Each player has 4000 LPs. There are a few ways to end the Duel. First is that you no longer have any cards to use. The second is the easiest one, depleting your opponent's life points until they it zero. Third is by the Effects of certain cards, like Exodia.'
Go nodded. 'Mm. Of course, no one's summoned Exodia since Yugi Muto, but that's neither here nor there. There are cards with Effects similar to Exodia, but you don't really see them that often. And how many cards do you start with?'
'Five. The person who begins the Duel on the first Turn also doesn't Draw.'
'Good!' the man smirked. 'Now then, let's get started. First, register me to your Duel Disk.' Hakuno nodded and fiddled with her device. A few clicks here and there, and already the Duel System was engaged, registering Go Onizuka as a client. Go accepted, and soon the link went life, designating him as an opponent. A timer then went up. 'That timer shows how much time you've got to cancel the duel, or look over your Deck.' he told her. 'Make sure your ready, kid.'
Hakuno nodded and followed his advice. She quickly scrolled through her deck, looking at her cards carefully. This will be my first Duel. she thought with no small sense of excitement. She could feel her heart racing like mad. I wonder, can I defeat Onizuka-san? No, definitely not. I'm fighting someone who's been in this for years. If I do win, it'll be by a stroke of luck. Her eyes trailed off on a certain card. It had a blue border with a circuit around the picture, along with red arrows on certain angles. This is...
The timer reached zero, buzzing. There was no more time to waste. Ahead of her, Go smiled and thrusted his arm out before swinging it in for a punch into an open palm. 'Yosh! Let's get the match started!' he bellowed, grinning madly before pointing a finger at Hakuno. 'Brace yourself, Emiya!'
She nodded and readied her Duel Disk. A digital field expanded between them, creating a series of spaces that was no doubt the 'Field' that Aoi had mentioned before in her explanation.
This was it. The defining moment. Her very first step. She took a breath, and together with Go, cried out:
DUEL! ! !
Emiya - 4000 LP
Go Onizuka - 4000 LP
Go Onizuka - 4000 LP
'This is your debut in LINK VRAINS, Emiya! Therefore, the first Turn is yours!' Go proclaimed, spreading out his arms like a practiced showman.
Hakuno nodded. Her Duel Disk flared, which brought up numerous cards.
'I should probably choose a Monster with a good defense.' She thought, scanning through the cards displayed.
One card fit that bill. She tapped it, dispersing the digital image. The Duel Disk registered it, though for some reason, all she received was an 'ERROR' message afterwards, causing her to blink.
Wait, what did she do wrong? Somehow, Go must have noticed it because he was chuckling a bit.
'I guess Blue Angel must have skipped a few things. You can only Normal Summon Monsters that are Level 4 or lower. Any higher, and you have to tribute a Monster on your field. Also, you had it in Attack Position. Considering it has a higher Defense, you should have set it in Defense Position.' Go patiently explained.
Hakuno wanted to face-palm. Or maybe just punch herself. Then again, this was her first Duel. At least she knew what she was doing wrong. Pulling the card back, she looked at her hand again.
I guess this one will do.
Another tap. This one didn't come with an error message.
'I set one monster face-down and end my Turn.' Hakuno declared, glad that she had managed to not make a mistake this time.
Go smiled widely. 'I can't remember the last time I was teaching somebody how to Duel.' he said with nostalgia. 'Alright, Emiya! I'll show you the Dueling of a Charisma Duelist! It's my Turn! Draw! I summon Gouki Twistcobra!'
With a swing of the arm, a monster digitized before Go. It looked like a wrestler, and true to name, it had a cobra-like motif to it. Hakuno found herself clapping in amazement. So, this was how summoning a monster looked.
[Gouki Twistcobra / EARTH / Level 3 / Warrior / Effect / ATK 1600 / DEF 0]
'Now, battle! I attack your face-down monster with Twistcobra!' Go ordered, stretching out his hand.
Before Hakuno could react, Twistcobra was in action, leaping into the air and delivering an impressive mid-air kick that slammed straight into the card. It broke apart, revealing the monster she set, which resembled some sort of humanoid machine with a glowing red blade. It then shattered into gold pieces, which broke apart into motes of light after hitting the ground.
[Moon Cell Automation - Offense Program / EARTH / Level 3 / Warrior / Moon Cell / ATK 1800 / DEF 0]
Go blinked when the stats registered on his Duel Disk and looked up at Hakuno in confusion.
'Why didn't you set it in Attack Position?' he asked.
Hakuno tilted her head, leaving him to sigh. He knew she was a newbie, but...she couldn't honestly be this bad, could she?
'When two monsters battle, the one with the higher ATK is destroyed. If you had set that card to Attack Mode, Twistcobra would have been destroyed and I would have taken damage instead.' Go explained, hoping she would at least be able to learn something from the mistake.
At this, Hakuno wanted to smack herself, cursing herself for not asking Aoi about the rules further or clarifying on subjects. This was turning out to be a rather bad start for her first dueling experience. Twice now she'd stumbled.
'If you want, you can re-try your Turn.' Go offered.
Hakuno, surprisingly, shook her head. 'No, we can keep going. I have to learn from my mistakes somehow, Onizuka-san.'
The Charisma Duelist smiled in approval. 'Alright, then. I set one card face-down and end my Turn.'
'My Turn. Draw!' Hakuno declared, drawing a card, which materialized into existence from the lip of her duel disk's deck slot.
'I activate my face-down, Gravity Bind!' Out of nowhere, Go activated the card he had set earlier, throwing the brunette off guard. 'Thanks to its Effect, no monsters that are Level 4 or higher can attack! Since Twistcobra is Level 3, it isn't affected by Gravity Bind!'
Hakuno bit the inside of her cheek. Already, Go was starting to up the ante.
'Calm down. Think.' she chastised to herself. 'Just because I can't attack doesn't mean I can't find a way to work around it.'
She looked at her hand and frowned. 'These are all Level 4 and higher. One of them has ATK higher than Twistcobra, but none of them can attack. Plus, I can't even summon or set them since they have high levels. What to do...?'
Her eyes drifted to the Spell Card she drew, which set the gears in her head. With a nod, she then tapped the card's image.
'I activate the Spell, Moon Cell - Calling. This lets me Special Summon a Moon Cell Monster from my hand or Deck.' she called.
As the card lit up on her field, she was about to pull one of the cards from her hand out, only to remember what Calling specified. Go was quite patient, given that this was her first Duel, so she was allowed the grace period to check her Deck for monsters that could be summoned. One of them stood out. After a quick look at its Effects and a double check, the gears clicked and whirred at top speed.
'I Special Summon Automation Moon Cell - Link Connector in Defense Mode!' Hakuno declared, tapping on the monster she had chosen.
In a burst of light, another machine appeared. It was a sphere-shaped drone with circuits all running into a single glowing blue eye while smaller spheres circled around it, each glowing with a different color.
[Automation Moon Cell - Link Connector / LIGHT / Level 4 / Spellcaster / Moon Cell / Gemini / Effect / ATK 1200 / DEF 600]
'As Link Connector is a Gemini Monster that was Special Summoned, I can also Normal Summon it while it is on the field in order to unlock its effects.' Hakuno revealed as Link Connector's glowing circuits changed, turning pale yellow in color.
'A Gemini monster.' Go whistled, apparently impressed. 'I haven't seen many of those used. You have a very unique deck.'
Hakuno nodded her head in agreement. Go had absolutely no idea. The fact that her monster was a Gemini monster was only the beginning. The Charisma duelist could have no way of knowing what Hakuno was planning on doing next, a faint light in her Extra Deck prodding her onward.
'I next use my monster's Effect!' Hakuno continued, 'Once per turn, I can perform a Link Summon, using any monsters on my Field or in my Hand!' At this, Go's eyes widened in surprise, watching as Hakuno raised her hand. 'Appear, Circuit!'
Overhead, a square-shaped ring appeared, lined with cursors on its corners and sides while radiating a beautiful white light.
'Arrowheads confirmed. The summoning condition is at least two Moon Cell Monsters. I set Automation Moon Cell - Assault Program, Automation Moon Cell - Defense Program and Automation Moon Cell - Summoning Program from my hand into the Link Arrows!'
The cards from her hand vanished, appearing as machines similar to Offense Program, only armed respectively with a longer sword, a shield and a wand. Their forms became wreathed in light before falling into three of the cursors on the circuit, which then lit up as the circuit released a pulse.
'Circuit Combined!' Hakuno proclaimed, feeling the energy from the summoning circuit as it accepted the materials.
Emerging through the circuit's light was a new monster - one more beautiful and far more impressive than the previous machines. It was a machine, obviously, though it was completely black with dark purple trims and gemstones on its joints. It had no feet or hands, as those were replaced by sharp black swords. The headpiece was triangularly shaped, two purple antennas sticking out from the sides of its head while a purple visor ran across its 'face.'
'Appear! Link Summon! Link 3! Black King: Negas Nebula!'
[Black King: Negas Nebula / DARK / LM: Up, Lower Left, Right / Warrior / Link / Effect / ATK 2000 / LINK-3]
Negas Nebula stood perfectly in place, form beautiful and impressive. The way it stood reminded Hakuno of Archer, always standing before her with his back turned, Kanshou and Byakuya in hand. Even the pose was similar, if only far more elegant and graceful. It was one of the few cards that she had seen that was not one of the Moon Cell cards in her deck. For that, she was grateful. She was sure that there was no actual connection between her Deck and the Moon Cell, though regardless it terrified her.
Still, now she had a Monster that could finally turn her bad luck around. Gravity Bind affects Monsters that are Level 4 or higher. Link Monsters, however, don't have Levels if what Aoi-nii-chan told me is true. If that means that they aren't Level 0, then...!
'Battle! I attack Gouki Twistcobra with Negas Nebula! Black Execution Strike!' Hakuno ordered, holding out her hand in much the same manner as she used to when using a command seal.
Negas Nebula charged forward, blades gliding across the ground while Twistcobra retaliated with a roundhouse kick. Nebula easily evaded and brought both of its swords together, swinging around and slashing Twistcobra apart. This time, it was Go's monster that was reduced to golden shards, though he didn't seem to mind. If anything, the man was vastly impressed.
Go Onizuka - 4000 ~ 3600 LP
'Not bad, Emiya!' Go laughed heartily, folding his arms. 'I didn't think you'd learn how to Link Summon so quickly!'
Hakuno smiled bashfully, scratching her cheek. That had been the first, honest praise she'd received outside of battle for doing something right.
'When Twistcobra is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, I can add 1 Gouki card from my Deck to my Hand.' Go explained, drawing a card from his deck.
'I set a card face-down and end my Turn.' Hakuno declared, mimicking what Go had done on his previous turn. Across from her, Hakuno could see Go's smile growing wider.
At that moment, Hakuno felt the tension shift. Go's posture had changed. Before, he stood like a mentor and teacher, watching her for mistakes and reprimanding her accordingly, even if he had not done so. Now, however, that posture was gone. He stood with a new aura. One that sent the hairs on the back of her neck on edge.
'It's my Turn! Draw!' Go declared, voice full of energy, 'I Summon Gouki Suprex to the Field!'
The monster that appeared was equally as ripped as Twistcobra, only it looked quite intimidating with claws on its wrists and a fearsome-looking mug.
[Gouki Suprex / EARTH / Level 4 / Warrior / Effect / ATK 1800 / DEF 0]
'I then activate Suprex's Effect.' Go continued, 'Once per turn, I can Special Summon a Gouki monster from my hand. I'm bringing Gouki Hugbear into the ring!'
The next Gouki was one that definitely sent shivers down Hakuno's spine. Like Suprex, it was intimidating. Much more so, in fact. A fanged grin was on its face and it wore a bear hide on its back, along with numerous pairs of claws on its body.
[Gouki Hugbear / EARTH / Level 6 / Warrior / Effect / ATK 2400 / DEF 0]
Both are Level 4 and 6. That means Gravity Bind won't let them attack. Is he going to Link Summon? Or, is he going to use an Effect?
The latter, as she soon learned.
'I activate Gouki Hugbear's Effect!' Go declared, 'When Special Summoned by the Effect of a Gouki card, I can target 1 Monster on the field and lower its ATK by half until the end of the Turn!'
Hakuno cursed, immediately figuring out what Go had in mind.
'I lower Negas Nebula's ATK!' Go proclaimed. In response, Hugbear released a powerful roar, one that reminded the girl of Rani's Berserker. Negas Nebula stumbled a bit, but remained firmly standing.
[Black King: Negas Nebula - ATK 2000 ~ 1000]
'Then I activate Gouki Headbatt's Effect from my hand! By sending Gouki Riscorpio to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon it to the field!' Go continued, not losing a bit of momentum.
Another burst of light, another wrestler-themed monster. This one, like Twistcobra, had a much more human appearance with a bat-motif to it, as per the name, along with a cocky smirk etched on its face.
[Gouki Headbatt / EARTH / Level 2 / Warrior / Effect / ATK 800 / DEF 0]
Hakuno frowned. 'With the exception of Headbatt, all of your Monsters are Level 4 and higher.' she pointed out. 'And Headbatt's ATK is lower than Negas Nebula.'
'Who said I was aiming to use 'em for an attack?' Go retorted with a smirk, catching Hakuno off guard before he began his preparations for the big showdown. 'From my hand, I activate the Spell, Gouki Re-Match! Re-Match lets me Special Summon 2 Gouki Monsters with different Levels from my Graveyard in Defense Mode! Entering the ring is Twistcobra and Riscorpio!'
The green-clad Twistcobra jumped back out from a dark portal on the ground, along with another intimidating monster themed after a scorpion, complete with pincers and a stinger.
[Gouki Riscorpio / EARTH / Level 5 / Warrior / Effect / ATK 2300 / DEF 0]
That makes five Monsters. Hakuno was puzzled and worried all at the same time. She couldn't tell what Go was planning, but the monsters he had brought to the field had filled up his side completely. Not only that, each was impressive. She couldn't shake the feeling that, somehow, something was about to happen.
Go flicked his nose before he raised his arm into the air. 'Appear, my circuit!' he shouted.
Hakuno, now realized why he had brought out those monsters, recoiling in shock as she noted how much more brightly Go's circuit glowed, like a beacon of sorts.
'Arrowheads confirmed! The summoning condition is two Gouki monsters! I set Gouki Suprex and Headbatt into the Link Markers! Circuit Combined!' Go ordered.
The two wrestlers knocked their knuckles together before becoming spinning hurricane that danced into the cursors. Moments later, something sped out from inside the circuit, dashing straight towards the ground and landing with a loud thud. It had a human-shaped body, but its mouth had sharpened fangs that carried another sharp blade in between them. In hand was a short sword. Attached to its back appeared to be a jet pack, which hummed loudly after being used.
'Appear! Link Summon! Link 2! Gouki Jet Ogre!' Go proudly proclaimed as the monster settled to his field.
[Gouki Jet Ogre / EARTH / LM: Left, Down / Warrior / Effect / ATK 2000]
'A Link Monster...' Hakuno whispered, now realizing how bad this situation was. Not only was her monster with less ATK points, but Go had a monster that wasn't hindered by Gravity Bind. She was open like a sitting duck. 'This...is bad.'
'Headbatt and Suprex's Effect. Since they left the field for the Graveyard, I can draw two Gouki cards.' Go stated before he flicked his nose. 'Then I activate Gouki Jet Ogre's Effect! By destroying a monster that's co-linked to it, I can set all monsters on the field into Attack Position! That includes your Link Connector!'
Riscorpio and Jet Ogre shared a fist bump before the former vanished, letting Jet Ogre release a battle cry and fire up its jet pack. Spinning around in a circle before swinging its sword, Jet Ogre created a powerful gust of wind that shifted all the monsters on the field.
'After its destruction, Riscorpio's Effect lets me add 1 Gouki card from my deck to my hand.' Go continued, adding yet another card to his hand with his monster's efficient replacement effect.
Hakuno tensed. Go was not going to be holding back in this assault. She had to act quickly.
'I activate Negas Nebula's Effect! By tributing a monster linked to it, I can negate the Effects of a Link Monster whose Link Rating is equal to or lower than the Link Rating of Negas Nebula while also reducing its ATK points to zero! I tribute Link Connector and target Gouki Jet Ogre! Sealing Pierce!'
With a stab, Negas Nebula destroyed the monster connected to its bottom left link arrow before rearing back its blade. With a thrust, a beam of purple light struck Jet Ogre in the chest, causing it to fall flat on its back.
[Gouki Jet Ogre - ATK 2000 ~ 0]
Go smirked. 'Not bad, Emiya... But not good enough. I activate Twistcobra's Effect! I can tribute a Gouki on my field, and afterwards, give another Gouki ATK points equal to the monster I tributed! I send Hugbear to the Graveyard and increase Jet Ogre's ATK by 2400! Also, thanks to Hugbear's Effect, I add 1 Gouki card from my deck to my hand!'
The snakes on Twistcobra's head lashed out, biting Jet Ogre and Hugbear. One sunk into a dark portal, and another found itself back on its feet, smirking viciously.
[Gouki Jet Ogre - ATK 0 ~ 2400]
Go grinned, pounding a fist into an open palm. 'Let the match begin! Battle! I attack Negas Nebula with Jet Ogre! Rapid Speed Slasher!'
With a burst of speed, Jet Ogre dashed forward, blade in hand. Negas Nebula swung its sword-arms, but they shattered easily before Jet Ogre delivered a swift swing that separated its head from its shoulders, causing it to explode and cause Hakuno to stumble back from the shockwave.
Emiya - 4000 ~ 2600
'Then I attack directly with Twistcobra!' Go continued, serpentine monster dashing forward in response.
Hakuno's eyes widened as she saw Twistcobra leap into the air again, stretching its leg outwards. Bracing herself, she crossed her arms over her chest. The kick connected, and she was thrown onto her back.
Ow...
Emiya - 2600 ~ 1000
Hakuno groaned as she got up to her feet, wincing as she rubbed her chest. The blow had felt real enough. However, it seemed that Go had been holding back, judging from the concerned look on his face. She assured him she was okay and straightened herself out. She was glad that Gravity Bind was in effect, otherwise she would have been taken down right here. Still, she needed a defense. And she already had one on hand.
'I activate my face-down Trap, Dead Face.' she called out as the card revealed itself, revealing a face covered in black, corrupt data and glowing red eyes. 'If a Link Monster with a Link Value of 3 or higher was destroyed in battle, I can Special Summon it back from my Graveyard to the field.' The dark portal from earlier opened up, letting Negas Nebula step back out into the field, swords at the ready.
Go smiled, nodding in approval of her determination. 'I set one card face-down and end my Turn. At this moment, Twistcobra's Effect ends and Jet Ogre's ATK returns to normal.
[Gouki Jet Ogre - ATK: 2400 ~ 0]
'My Turn.' Hakuno closed her eyes, taking a breath. She only had one monster out on the field. Go had more than that. Sure, they wouldn't be able to attack because of Gravity Bind, but he didn't need to. Her stakes on this Duel depended on what she was about to draw. 'Draw!' She pulled the card from her deck. Opening her eyes, she looked at the card that would decide her fate.
She sighed.
It was Link Break. The last card she needed right now.
Should I just give up? Unless my next Turn, assuming I get a next Turn, has a good Draw, I won't be able to really turn this around. That, or Go has a bad draw. But as it is right now, I'm screwed. Should I concede? ...No. I started this Duel. I might as well finish it.
Sighing again, she continued onwards.
'During my Standby-Phase, the effect of Dead Face increases the ATK of my Negas Nebula by 500.' Hakuno explained as her Link Monster raised one of its swords into the air.
[Black King: Negas Nebula – ATK: 2000 ~ 2500]
'Battle. I attack Gouki Jet Ogre with Negas Nebula!' Hakuno ordered.
The black machine jumped high into the air, descending down and cutting Jet Ogre down the middle, causing it to explode.
Go was hardly fazed.
'I activate my face-down, Desperate Tag! If a monster I control is destroyed, I can reduce the battle damage to zero and Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Warrior-type Monster from my hand. I Special Summon another Gouki Twistcobra!'
Hakuno sighed once again as a duplicate of Twistcobra appearing beside the first one. She was hoping the man was out of tricks after this, otherwise she was pretty much screwed. 'I end my Turn.'
'Bad draw, then.' Go surmised. 'That's another thing about Dueling, Emiya. It doesn't just come down to skill. It's also about luck.' A smirk formed on his face. 'It's almost time to start the three count! My Turn! Draw! I tribute one of my Twistcobra's to summon Gouki Moonsault to the field!'
On cue, another Gouki appeared. This one slightly less intimidating and possessing a rabbit motif to it.
'You already know by now what being sent to the Graveyard means for my Gouki monsters. I add a Gouki card to my hand from my Deck!' Go continued, effortlessly maintaining a massive hand advantage while strengthening his field.
[Gouki Moonsault / EARTH / Level 6 / Warrior / Effect / ATK 1900 / DEF 0]
'Then I use Moonsault's Effect! By sending my Gouki Jet Ogre from the Graveyard back to my Extra Deck, I can add Gouki Headbatt to my hand!'
An afterimage of Jet Ogre vanished in a glow of light while a card was added to Go's hand.
'Afterwards, I activate the Continuous Spell, Gouki Shout! When I declare an attack with a Gouki monster, it gains 300 ATK for every Gouki monster on my field!'
Hakuno frowned heavily. She knew the outcome of the duel by now, but it was still so nerve-wracking to watch him make the preparations for her defeat.
'And now, for an encore! Appear, my circuit! I set Gouki Twistcobra and Moonsault into the Link Markers! Circuit Combine! Appear! Link Summon! Link 2! Gouki Jet Ogre!'
The circuit appeared once again. And like before, that speed demon of an ogre appeared from it, landing back to the ground with sword and blade in hand. Even worse, it had all of its ATK points. Hakuno had one small saving grace, if only to buy time. 'Thanks to Dead Face's second Effect my monster has five-hundred more ATK than your own, meaning you can't destroy it yet.'
'Sorry, Emiya!' Go apologized in advance. 'But the three-count's already started! From my hand, I activate Headbatt's Effect! By sending Gouki Trainer to the Graveyard from my hand, I can Special Summon it in Defense Mode!'
Headbatt emerged, landing next to Jet Ogre and readying its fists.
'When Special Summoned this way, I can increase a Gouki Monster's ATK by 800! Now, Jet Ogre's ATK increases!'
[Gouki Jet Ogre - ATK: 2000 ~ 2800]
Jet Ogre is the only monster he has on the field that can attack me. I don't think he'll be able to switch Headbatt into Attack Mode until his next Turn. By that logic, I would be safe. But... I'm not. If there was anything Hakuno had learned in her time in the Moon Cell, it was that there were no guarantees. Even if Servants were battling, the slightest mistake in planning could cost you. Information was vital. It was why a Servant's true name could often lead one to victory, so long as you knew the correct countermeasures. Dueling was no different. Onizuka-san has something up his sleeve.
'Next, I equip the Spell, Gouki Dark Mask, to Jet Ogre!' Go continued as a black mask suddenly formed on Jet Ogre's face, causing veins to bulge across its body. 'Then I activate Jet Ogre's Effect, destroying Gouki Headbatt!'
As Headbatt disappeared, Hakuno blinked in confusion. 'But...there are no monsters in Defense Mode on the field.'
'True, but that isn't why I'm activating Jet Ogre's Effect!' Go told her. 'Gouki Dark Mask inflicts 500 points of damage when the monster its equipped to activate an Effect!' At this, Hakuno realized what Go's plan was. She could only sum up the situation in three words.
Welp. I'm screwed.
Jet Ogre twirled its body, sending a black crescent-shaped blow at her from its blade. When it struck her, Hakuno gritted her teeth, noting how she felt, as if a branding iron had just been taken to her shoulder, forcing her to step back.
Emiya - 1000 ~ 500
'And now, the grand finale!' Go thrusted his fist forward, shouting at the top of his lungs. 'Battle! Jet Ogre, take down Negas Nebula! Thanks to Gouki Shout, Jet Ogre gains 300 ATK points!'
[Gouki Jet Ogre - ATK: 2800 ~ 3100]
Dark Gouki Blast! ! !'
The Link Monster released a roar, taking off at top speed before becoming a black energy wreathed projectile. All Negas Nebula could do was raise its blades in defense. Hakuno braced herself for the inevitable blow, though when it came, she realized it really didn't matter. Jet Ogre crashed right into Negas Nebula, creating a powerful explosion that knocked her right off her feet and sent her tumbling back, rolling on her backside before falling flat on her back. She coughed haphazardly due to the smoke, which stung at her eyes before it started to part away, revealing only Jet Ogre standing victoriously while her black machine was nowhere to be found.
Emiya - 500 ~ 0
YOU LOSE! ! !
Hakuno stared at the words written on her Duel Disk, which lasted for about five seconds before she sighed heavily, bowing her head in defeat. She knew this was going to be the outcome...but it still hurt. It was better than being deleted, as was the price of defeat in the Moon Cell, but it still hurt. Yet there was still a mysterious feeling beating in her heart. A surge of emotion she couldn't quite understand. What was this? Excitement?
'You okay there, Emiya?' Looking up, Hakuno found Go walking over to her. 'Sorry if I went overboard there.'
'It's fine.' Hakuno told him as she got up, dusting off the soot from her clothes. 'I lost...'
Go laughed at her sulking expression. 'Trust me, all players feel that way when they've suffered their first lost.' he said as he put a hand on her head. Surprisingly, in spite of how big they were, they felt quite gentle. They were rough, no question about that, but they were equally as gentle.
'But that's just one of the best things about the game. Losing is just a step back. A bump in the road you can always overcome.' Go continued, looking wistfully into the distance.
Hakuno looked at him, a bit puzzled by his meaning while he pulled his hand away, rubbing his nose. 'What I mean is, there's no such thing as game over when it comes to dueling. No matter how many times you fall, you can keep getting back up and getting stronger.'
Ah, so that was what he meant. Being able to fight, even after you've lost. Hakuno thought about that with great wonder. Defeat had always meant death. But, that was no longer the case. She should have understood that by now. This wasn't the Moon Cell anymore. This was a world where one was given opportunity. And the battle she was taking part in was nothing more than a children's game. A smile touched her lips as she closed her eyes, thinking of how Archer would be chastising her by now for being so stuck in the past. Right... This isn't the Moon Cell. This isn't the Grail War. This is just a place... A place where people fight for fun.
'So, what did you think of Dueling, now that you've experienced it for yourself, Emiya?' Go asked.
'It was...incredible.' She breathed, lips curving upward into a faint smile.
'The first time always is. And there's plenty more where that came from. Everyone has different play styles and different cards. It's all about adapting to your opponents and luck.' Go told her. Advice she was definitely going to take to heart, especially if she was going to come back here again. 'Anyway, come on.' The girl cocked her head, confused. Were they going somewhere? 'If we make it in time, we can probably catch the end of Blue Angel's Duel. Assuming she hasn't already finished it up.'
The idea of seeing Aoi duel was definitely enough to make Hakuno's feet move. Go then led her away, heading over to the Coliseum area, where Aoi was dueling at this very moment.
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'AH! !'
In the middle of the night, a young man in his apartment building snapped away, panting with skin drenched in sweat. His clothes were soaked, clinging to his skin uncomfortably. Wildly, he looked around his room, expecting to find plain white walls and a VR headset somewhere. When he realized that he was not in that place, his rapidly beating heart started to slow down. His pants slowly fell into short breaths, hot and disgusting for his liking. His head fell in his hand, trying to burn away that damned image in his head.
Why? Am I still not granted any peace, even after six years?
That dream has haunted him for so long, he had hoped he would forget it. But he was wrong. No matter how hard he tried, he would always remember that horrible time. The pain, the sadness, all of it. All of those haunting memories would forever remain with him. They were engraved unto his heart and soul, unable to be washed away. He was foolish for trying to be so optimistic.
If only it weren't for them. If only it weren't for those people who did this.
If only...
As his mind raced back to those responsible, the only real clue to the people who put him in that hell, the boy's face suddenly began to contort in fury. When it became clear that he could no longer just wallow away, that no matter how hard he tried, these memories would stay with him, something inside of him told him, enough.
He pulled the covers off of his body, walking over to his desk. Pulling open the drawer to his desk, he pulled out the one thing he never wanted to see again.
A Duel Monsters deck.
Three things. Three reasons. Three rational ideas for me to be putting myself in this path. One. No matter how hard I try, I can never forget the pain and suffering or the sorrow I felt back then. Two. There is no quelling this burning desire in my heart. Even if I could forget these memories, that fire will still burn and remind me of that time. Three. I want to find that person. The hope that made me keep this deck.
As he held the deck of cards in his hand, his fingers tightened around them. The boy's eyes narrowed before they looked out the window, staring at whatever lay outside. He knew that they would be out there somewhere. The people responsible. And when he found them...he would make them pay.
'Hanoi... I will find you!'
COMING UP!
Now introduced to the world of Duel Monsters, Hakuno Kishinami dives into this mysterious world and wonder! However, not all is as everything appears! Something in the shadows starts to move! And it has set its eyes on Hakuno and Aoi!
? ? ?: TURN-03: ENEMY! Watch as Praetor captures your heart with her devotion to protect her sibling! UMU!
Black King: Negas Nebula / DARK / Link Markers: Up, Lower Left, Right / Warrior / Link / Effect / ATK 2000 / Link -3 / 2+ 'Moon Cell' Monsters / If this card attacks a Level 5 or higher monster: Change that monster's ATK to 0 at the start of the Damage Step. Cannot be destroyed except by battle with an opponent's Link Monster. Once per turn, during either player's turn: You can tribute 1 monster linked to this card to target 1 Link Monster whose Link Rating is equal to or lower than this card's Link Rating; Negate its effects and change its ATK to 0.
Automation Moon Cell - Offensive Program / EARTH / Level 3 / Warrior / Moon Cell / ATK 1800 / DEF 0 / Normal Text / 'A protocol defense mechanism, created for the purpose of testing Royal Candidates. They will attack anyone, be them human or other hostile programs.'
Automation Moon Cell - Link Connector / LIGHT / Level 4 / Spellcaster / Moon Cell / Gemini / Effect / ATK 1200 / DEF 600 / This card is treated as a Normal Monster while face-up on the field or in the GY. While this card is a Normal Monster on the field, you can Normal Summon it to become an Effect monster with this effect. Once per turn: You can perform a Link Summon, using Moon Cell-Type Monsters on your side of the field or your hand.
Moon Cell - Calling / Spell / Normal / Special Summon 1 Moon Cell-Type Normal Monster or Gemini Monster from your hand or deck.
Dead Face / Trap / Normal / During the End Phase, if a Link Monster with a Link Value of 3 or Higher was destroyed during the Battle Phase: Special Summon that Monster back to your field. During the next Standby Phase, that Card gains 500 ATK points.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Special thanks go to Donjusticia who helped me create Hakuno and Go's Duel, as well as beta-ing.
In case everyone is wondering, this story takes place one year prior to the events of Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS. It was never specified at what point in time Yusaku became Playmaker, so I am just guessing that he started a year ago or so. This could be wrong, of course.
REVIEWS
Starlight's Poet: As you can see, this duel gives you the first glimpse of Hakuno's Deck. As much as I wanted to use a pre-existing archtype or deck, I also wanted to give Hakuno a deck that proved to have a connection to her of sorts. For example, Judai and his Elemental Heroes, Yuya and his Entermates and of course Yusaku and his Cyberse and Code-Talkers. For Hakuno, it is Moon Cell and Automations. And this story is pretty set at the point where Yusaku is about to begin his quest for vengeance. I hope I do this project justice, since you handed it to me, my friend.
Donjusticia: A million thanks for the help in creating the duel. I'm glad you liked the first chapter and Hakuno's first experience here. And Hakuno being Aoi's sister not only makes it believable, since in terms of hair and eye color they are somewhat similar, but also because it would help Hakuno transition into VRAINS easier and become friends with the other characters, such as Naoki and Yusaku.
Guest (StrikeDragoon): I hope you continue to enjoy it.
Guest (KO): Thank you for pointing out those mistakes. I'll try and get them fixed as soon as possible.
Guest #1: Romance, sadly, is not my forte. I may make subtle hints here and there, but for now, I am not pairing characters at this point in time. Maybe sometime later in the future.
Guest #2: To be fair, the original handler of this story wanted Hakuno to be male, but I felt that going for the female character would have been the better choice. I'm sorry you don't approve.
edo123698745: Extra and VRAINS blend together so well~
VRAINSFan93: Rest assured, Hakuno is definitely going to be commentating on the crazy hair physics of Yu-Gi-Oh! As for her opinions on dueling and whatnot, well, here is your answer.