Because of how the others are cut in it looks like Yami Marik doesn't have a lower body and Kaiba got really short. XD

Yugi and friends were really lucky Kaiba won that duel with Pegasus to obtain the Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon to begin with. XD

It's April Fools' Day, so here's a bunch of Toon cards! <3 I feel like this is Pegasus's favorite holiday by far.

Had two pretty epic dreams about Yu-Gi-Oh! One was the gang playing Capsule Monsters together—Tea had Black Luster Soldier, Yugi had Dark Magician, Joey had Black Skull Dragon, and for the life of me I don’t remember what Tristan had…Sorry T! But it turned from fun to serious as soon as they started to play and Yami Yugi felt something off about them—he could sense they were filled with souls, and Yami Bakura was involved! Sure enough, it turned out to be a Shadow Game as Yami Bakura had sealed part of himself in the board and some of Ryou’s old friends in the pieces (‘It wasn’t Monster World but it’d do’). An interesting thing was that Bakura had done this early enough in his timeline that he had no idea who Yugi and friends were, but they knew who he was, so it was a more experienced Yugi and friends playing against a wary Bakura—but he was still up to his old tricks so it was pretty even-handed.

The second part of the dream was short but sad…Toei Kaiba approached anime Kaiba and asked if he was a humanitarian. Anime Kaiba said yes and waited for more but Toei Kaiba walked away, and he didn’t think anything of it until he saw Death-T on the news and footage of Toei Kaiba’s past and realized it had been a cry for help.

Got a new Akira event in Duel Links!

Akira: Hmm...? A call from HQ... This is Zaizen. Hayami: Zaizen- I mean Mr. CEO sir! How long are you going to be in Duel Links? Akira: Why do you ask, Hayami? Is there a problem? Hayami: Nothing major...except for a very important meeting that's about to start soon! Akira: Oh yes. That. Please proceed without me. Hayami: Whaaa? Akira: I'll read your notes later. Just mark me absent for today. Hayami: But... Akira: I trust every employee in our company. They're capable of doing their jobs without me. Hayami: Sigh...Okay, I'll let the others know. But don't forget you're the CEO! We count on you! Akira: Thank you. As a CEO, everyone needs my time. But this is one situation I must prioritize over all others. I cannot keep relying on Playmaker and his allies to solve every problem for me. I must do my part! I must fight alongside them!

I unlocked Akira as playable! Go me!

Akira: As the CEO of SOL Technologies, I have the obligation to protect the people. Not just my employees and their families, but also Duelists worldwide who come to LINK VRAINS. That includes Skye! My one and only family! I will fight for those I love! I open the circuit that links us together! Link Summon! Emerge! Link 3 Tindangle Acute Cerberus! This represents the bond that I have with my sister! I will fight for her forever!

Got an Akira event in Duel Links!

Akira: Skye. Blue Angel: Akira!? Akira: Still working hard as a Celebrity Duelist, I see. Blue Angel: Uh yeah... So why are you here? Akira: I wanted to see for myself what should be done with this world. Blue Angel: Akira... Akira...I...! Akira: I know, Skye. I know that you're hoping Aqua will return. Blue Angel: Oh... Akira: Since Flame was able to resurrect, I think Aqua's odds have increased as well. But not everyone wishes for the Ignis to return. Blue Angel: .................. Akira: But I want to reassure you. I will allow the Ignis to revive. And I have no intention of capturing them. Blue Angel: But...why? Akira: I think I've told you before. Though humans created the Ignis, if the Ignis are alive, we can't act like we own them. And I do believe that the Ignis are alive. That they are a unique form of life. And if I have to, I will fight to protect that belief. Skye...If that time ever comes, I hope you will be by my side. Can I count on you? Blue Angel: Of course! Anything for you, Akira! If you need my help, I'll be there anytime, anywhere! Akira: Thank you, Skye.

@bellamy-taft @intheshadowofsignificance I had a dream about a role reversal of Glass where Kaiba kept Pegasus kidnapped for...some reason. The 'carrot' reward was working on a hologram of Cecelia, and the 'stick' punishment was selling Industrial Illusions shares to SchroederCorp. XD

Here's Akira highlights.

I also got two Akira events!

Akira: Apologies for my lateness, Ghost Gal. Ghost Gal: Actually, you're right on time. What's up? It's rare that you step out of your office. Akira: I wanted to see Duel Links with my own eyes. ...And speak to you about your findings. Ghost Gal: You mean the fact that the second Ignis is back? Akira: Soulburner's partner Flame... Ghost Gal: What's SOL Tech going to do about him? You're not the type to sit on the sidelines. Akira: That's another reason why I came here. I want to meet Flame in person. Ghost Gal: I see... Oh - one more thing. Akira: What is it? Ghost Gal: It's about Skye. She's obviously hoping Aqua - her Ignis - comes back too. Akira: ...Yes, I do realize that. Ghost Gal: If SOL Tech is against the Ignis, that means you're against your own sister. Akira: SOL Technologies is currently not investigating the Ignis because we have no reason to do so. Unless I change my mind. Ghost Gal: So you're keeping your options open. If the returning Ignis are like Flame and Aqua, that's fine because they're no threat. But what if it's Windy or Lightning? Akira: We don't have the ability to choose which Ignis can resurrect and which cannot. And even if we could, dong so would make us no better than Dr. Kogami. It is not for us to judge which Ignis are allowed to exist. Ghost Gal: Well Mr. Philosophical, sounds like you have a lot of thinking to do. So fee free to check out this world. And you don't need me as your bodyguard - this world is safe. At least for now...

Akira: Playmaker. And Soulburner. I was just looking for you. To discuss the future. Flame: I bet it's about the future of the Ignis. Ai: SOL Technologies can't stop thinking about us. It's easy to understand why. It's because we're awesome. Akira: SOL Technologies has no intention to hunt down the Ignis anymore. However... Playmaker: Windy... And Lightning. Akira: Yes. Playmaker and Soulburner, I would like your opinion. Soulburner: Our opinion? Akira: Yes. Because you were the ones most involved in ending the conflict. Soulburner: Then here's what I say - you'll never get Flame! And if Lightning and Windy show up, I'll stop 'em! Flame: Simple and straightforward. Like the mind of a child. Soulburner: C'mon! It's at least teenage level! Akira: If I can be honest, I would like you to make the final decision on what we should do. Soulburner: What? Akira: As CEO of SOL Technologies, I'm the one who determines the future of LINK VRAINS. But the existence of the Ignis is an issue for all mankind - not just me. That's why I... Playmaker: Zaizen, I think you believe the Ignis are more than just programs - that they're actual life forms. Ai: Huh? Really!? Playmaker: He would have no problem erasing a program. But he's struggling with what to do. Akira: ................. I saw Earth's last moments with my own eyes. It was clear to me he was... alive. Soulburner: Then...! Akira: I know! That's why I don't want the same mistakes to repeat again! Playmaker: Zaizen...Here's what I think. I...

Finally, here's Akira's dialogue with Ghost Gal.

Ghost Gal: Hasn't it been forever since you last stepped foot into a digital world? Akira: You may be right. My real world duties have kept me away. Ghost Gal: Remember the time you and I were in a different digital world to chase down a hacker? Akira: I do. It was me, you... and The Shepherd. Speaking of The Shepherd, how is your brother doing? Ghost Gal: Same ol' same ol'. We've been working together a bit more recently. Akira: If he gets wind that I hired you for another dangerous mission, he'll become very worried. Ghost Gal: C'mon now. He's not like that. Akira: You're wrong. And I would know. Brothers always worry about their sisters. Ghost Gal: (That's true...But you and Skye are on a whole different level...) Akira: Did you say something? Ghost Gal: Nope. Just thinking it must be rough to be a CEO - having to worry about anything and everything.

Here's Akira's dialogue with Varis and Spectre.

Varis: The fact that SOL Technologies' CEO is here means you're finally taking this threat seriously. Akira: Believe what you want, Varis. But to prepare for the future, I want to form an alliance. Varis: Does this mean SOL Technologies agrees that the Ignis must be destroyed? Akira: ......... Varis: No, you don't. You agree with Playmaker instead. Let me make this crystal clear, Zaizen. The Dark Ignis, the Flame Ignis - they're no concern. But the Light Ignis is not the same as them! Akira: I know...But destroying the Ignis? That's no different than what happened before! If there's a chance for a peaceful resolution, I will take it - no matter how small the probability! Varis: ...Then our discussion is over. Zaizen, you're too weak. Not just as a Duelist - but also as a leader. That weakness will not only destroy SOL Technologies - but also the world! Akira: .........

Spectre: Oh my. Why would the CEO of SOL Technologies be hanging out in a place like this? Akira: Because I need to talk to your boss. Spectre: Ah ha! You want to help us terminate the Ignis. Akira: That's not quite right. Spectre: Oh...Then I believe your discussion will be very short. But if you still want to talk to Master Varis, I have no authority to stop you. However...I sense that you have something else you wish to say to me. Akira: ............. Spectre: Please. I'm all ears. Akira: ...I challenge you to a Duel. Spectre: Ah! Akira: Even though we've teamed in the past, I haven't forgiven you for what you did to Skye. You also used me to trap Playmaker. So this Duel isn't for business. This Duel is for myself! Spectre: You're challenging me not as the CEO of a multinational corporation - but as just another Duelist. How exciting! You're giving me goosebumps! But can you actually defeat me? My Sunavalons are a perfect defense! Akira: I've faced worse than you to survive the power struggles within SOL Technologies!

Here's Akira's dialogue with The Gore and Blue Angel.

The Gore: Zaizen...What's the head honcho of SOL Tech doin' here? Akira: The Gore...I have a favor to ask. If the Ignis resurrect and threaten LINK VRAINS- Not just LINK VRAINS, but all of humanity...I want you to come to my aid. The Gore: You're not my boss anymore, so I don't have to do what you say. But if anyone or anything threatens my kids, that's a different story. I need this world to be a safe haven for children to Duel. So I'll fight to keep it that way. And that's MY choice - not because you're ordering me to! Akira: Thank you, Gore! The Gore: By the way, you really think all the Ignis are gonna revive? Akira: I'm simply preparing for whatever may come. The Gore: You worry too much. Akira: Perhaps. But that is also the secret to my success. The Gore: Heh...I guess you have a point. You did climb the ranks to become the CEO of SOL Tech. Akira: Now now. My promotion was simply a matter of luck.

Blue Angel: Goooo! Link 2 Trickstar Holly Angel! Akira: Skye... Skye and I didn't have such a wonderful childhood. We had no family, no home, no money...It was just me and Skye. The two of us against the entire world. It was my duty to take care of Skye, so I was forced to grow up fast. Desperate for food and shelter, I did whatever I could to earn a dime. I didn't want to do dirty work, but it was the only work I could get. It was a dark time - but a single glimmer of light kept me going. Skye. Making her happy meant the world to me. And making sure she felt safe. Even to this day... .......... Blue Angel: Here I go! Attack, Trickstar Holly Angel! Hooray! There'll be no encore for you! Akira: You've grown, Skye. Grown so much that you no longer need my help... Blue Angel: ...Akira!? Akira: Skye... Blue Angel: What are you doing here? Akira: I...I just suddenly felt like Dueling. Will you Duel me, Blue Angel? Blue Angel: ...Of course. I'd be glad to.

Here's Akira's dialogue with Playmaker and Ai, and Soulburner and Flame. We learn a little more about how Duel Links works in the VRAINS world...It's magic! XD Thanks DSOD Kaiba.

Akira: Playmaker. Playmaker: Zaizen... Akira: Playmaker, I can't thank you enough. Remember when I told you to step away? I'm only here today because you ignored me. [flashback] Akira: Even if you lose your opportunity to uncovering the mysteries of your past, you've won your freedom. The past is a ball-and-chain. It keeps you from moving forward in life. But now - you can. Go make new friends. You can do anything when you're no longer consumed with revenge. Your future is right before your eyes. [end flashback] Playmaker: Zaizen, I understood what you were trying to tell me. I knew that your intentions were good. That is why when you later made the ultimate sacrifice, I listened and learned. Akira: The ultimate sacrifice... [flashback] Akira: Playmaker cannot win this Duel if he chooses to save me. So I'll take that option off the table. I still don't know if I fully trust you, Playmaker. But you must do one thing for me. Do not let my sister's sacrifice go to waste. Playmaker: Zaizen...? Don't do it! Akira: Agh... Ahhhhhhhhhh! Well Playmaker...I hope I'm the hero you always wanted me to be...the hero you are to me. Spectre: Heh heh heh...Hahahahahaha! What an absolutely useless gesture! He sacrificed himself for nothing because you still have no chance of winning! Playmaker: Is that so? I happen to have a differing opinion. I didn't ask Zaizen to do what he did. But he did it anyway in order to save me. I do not know what is so humorous about one making the ultimate sacrifice! I don't know what I've done to earn his trust, but I will not betray it! [end flashback] Akira: I was willing to go above and beyond back then...And I may need to go above and beyond again. Ai: ...What? Whattya mean, Zaizen? Playmaker: ........

Akira: It's been a while, Soulburner. Soulburner: Zaizen! I hate turning you down, but I'll never let you have Flame! Akira: Don't worry. There is no one left at SOL Technologies who's hunting for the Ignis. Soulburner: Does that mean SOL Technologies is no longer our enemy? Flame: Then greetings, my non-enemy. I'm Flame. That's F-L-A-M-E. The "F" stands for "fantastic!" Akira: So you're Flame...Flame...And Soulburner. I have a request. Can you use your Ignis power to separate Duel Links from LINK VRAINS? Or even erase it? Soulburner: Erase Duel Links!? Akira: I've tried numerous methods, but they've clearly failed. Perhaps the Ignis can do what I cannot. Flame: It's flattering that you think I'm so powerful. But this world is built from tons of data. I'm not saying it's difficult. I'm saying it's impossible. Akira: !? Flame: There are many reasons why, but I'll explain it simply so that even Soulburner can understand. Soulburner: You're just gonna casually throw that in there, huh? Flame: I am unable to differentiate between LINK VRAINS and Duel Links. Soulburner: Huh? You can't tell the difference? Flame: I can't extract one from the other when I don't even know where the other begins. Soulburner: If you can't see the difference, maybe your eyes are going bad. Flame: My eyes are perfect - thank you very much! ...Or maybe you have a point. When Duel Links revived me, i can't say for certain there weren't any side effects. Soulburner: What if you can't see it because...Duel Links doesn't actually exist? Flame: Or what if it's because both worlds have completely fused into one? Akira: That can't be...That would be like magic! Complete nonsense! Flame: Magic...? That's an interesting way to look at it too. I resurrected from...well...nothing. Couldn't you consider that magic? Akira: Magic or not, I'd like your help to avoid any danger that may occur in the future. Flame: I'll do whatever I can. But you shouldn't count on Soulburner. Soulburner: Why not? Flame: Because you're scared of spooky stuff. And spooky stuff is maaagical. Soulburner: Aw c'mon! Why do you have to spill my secrets!? Akira: Well...I hope we don't have to fight against evil magic.

In Duel Links, a new event has begun in the VRAINS world... It's Akira Zaizen!

Akira: ..........Duel Links...This place doesn't feel any different than LINK VRAINS... ......Oh? Blue Angel: Are the best fans in the world ready to have a great time? Every one of your cheers gives me the heart to Duel even stronger! Akira: Blue Angel...Even though I know she's Skye, I pause because she's so different.