Chapter Text
Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! Vrains or any of its characters.
This is a tightened and more dynamically paced version of the scene. It focuses on the emotional core of the dialogue and the high-stakes action of the duel, while maintaining the specific character beats you established.
*Episode 116: Farewell Duel! Playmaker vs Soulburner!*
Here's my fan made opening for this story:
Crumbling castle walls, in an endless night
Carrying the final destiny alone
The lost light and the warmth of friends
Holding it in this chest, I just move forward
Fading memories and an important promise
In order to protect them to the end, what should I throw away?
Turning even the traces of tears into strength
Among the rubble my eyes burn
Even if this body of mine, shatters to pieces
Because I will never hand over my heart
Sever the darkness, O final spell
With the light of our bonds, overcome fate
Even if I am to burn out, towards the tomorrow I want to protect
Our story, resound for eternity
The digital winds of LINK VRAINS whipped around them. Playmaker stood firm, his green eyes locked onto Soulburner's gold.
"Duel me, Playmaker," Soulburner said, his voice calm but heavy. "No risks, no world-ending stakes. Just once, I want us to duel without the fear of the past. I want to see you look toward the future."
Playmaker closed his eyes. AI was waiting, and every second mattered. But as he looked at Soulburner's trembling, determined fist, he saw his own reflection. He saw the boy from the Lost Incident who had forgotten how to smile.
High above, *Ai* watched from a hidden monitor, tears pricking his yellow eyes. "Live for the future, Playmaker," he whispered. "I'll play the villain if it means you get to be happy."
Playmaker's lips curled into a rare, sharp smirk. "Fine. I accept!"
"DUEL!"*
Turn 1: Playmaker*
Playmaker moved with practiced precision. "I summon *Poisoning Blocker* in Defense Position! Its effect triggers, boosting its stats!"
(DEF: 1400 2200)*
"Next, the Spell *Cyberse Cache*! Since my monster's ATK is different from its original, I draw two cards. Then, I activate *Gold Sarcophagus, banishing *Necro Link* from my deck. In two turns, it returns to my hand."
"I set one card and end my turn."
Turn 2: Soulburner*
"My turn! Draw!" Soulburner's eyes caught fire. "I send a Salamangreat to the GY to Special Summon *Salamangreat Meer, then Normal Summon *Salamangreat Gazelle*! Gazelle's effect sends a card to the GY, and *Star Changer* raises Meer's level to 3!"
"I overlay Level 3 Gazelle and Meer! *Xyz Summon! Rank 3, Salamangreat Miragestallio!*"
The fiery stallion roared. Soulburner detached a material to Special Summon *Salamangreat Raccoon, then raised his arm. "The circuit that changes the future! Arrowheads confirmed! I Link Summon *Link-2, Salamangreat Sunlight Wolf!*"
Miragestallio's effect triggered in the GY, bouncing Playmaker's Poisoning Blocker back to his hand. Playmaker was wide open.
Suddenly, Soulburner's bravado wavered. He looked at Sunlight Wolf, then at Playmaker. "I'm sorry," he whispered.
"For what?" Playmaker asked.
"For not being there," Soulburner's voice cracked. "Against Hanoi, against Revolver, against Bohman... you were always alone. I failed as a friend."
Playmaker looked at him for a long moment, then let out a soft, dry chuckle. "You really are a moron, Soulburner. Three reasons why."
Soulburner blinked, stunned.
"One: If we'd met back then, I was the 'Emissary of Revenge.' I would have rejected you. Two: You didn't fail against Bohman; you gave me the strength to finish it. Three: You're the reason I can finally talk to Akira and Aoi. You helped me find my heart." Playmaker's smile was small, but genuine. "Thank you for being my friend."
Soulburner wiped his eyes, a fierce grin returning. "Then I won't hold back! *Sunlight Wolf, Jack Jaguar, attack Playmaker directly!*"
The twin pillars of fire slammed into Playmaker, throwing him back as his Life Points plummeted.
(Playmaker LP: 400 400)*
"I end my turn," Soulburner shouted. "Show me that ruthless strength, Playmaker! Give me everything!"
From the shadows, *Revolver* watched, his blue eyes narrowing. "You heard him, Playmaker. Make him regret asking for your dark side."
Playmaker stood up, his aura shifting. The warmth vanished, replaced by the cold, calculating intensity that had dismantled the Knights of Hanoi.
Turn 3: Playmaker*
"My turn! Draw!" Playmaker's voice was like ice. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell *Trap Booster*! By discarding Poisoning Blocker, I can activate a Trap directly from my hand!"
"I activate the Continuous Trap: *Solemn Wishes*! Every time I draw, I recover health. But that's just the beginning. Soulburner... you wanted the old Playmaker? He's right here."
To be continued...*
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