Lightning

Lightning
Gallery | Relationship | Quotes
Name
Japanese	ライトニング
Rōmaji	Raitoningu
Other Names, etc.	Light Ignis (光のイグニス, Hikari no Igunisu)
Personal Information
Species	A.I
Gender	Male
Status	Deceased
Relatives	Jin Kusanagi (Origin)
Characteristics
Eye	Neon-Green
Duel Monster statistics
Win	3
Lose	0/1 (blackmailing)
Ace	Armatos Legio Decurion Armatos Legio Centurion
Monster Type User	Link Monster
Classification
Partner(s)	Jin Kusanagi Bohman Haru Bit Boot Windy
Enemies	Playmaker Soulburner The Knights of Hanoi SOL Technologies Ai Flame Aqua
Debut
Anime	Episode 1
Voice
English	Mark Schenfisch
Japanese	Issei Maeda

Lightning (ライトニング, Raitoningu) is a character in the second season of Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS anime. He is one of the six Ignis, and the main antagonist of the second season of Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS. He is also the mastermind behind the destruction of the Cyberse World after imprisoning Aqua, corrupted Windy, created the two Artificial Intelligences Bohman and Haru, stole his Origin Jin Kusanagi's consciousness, and infected Miyu Sugisaki with a computer virus. His ultimate goal is to unite all the Ignis into one vessel and for the Ignis to reign supreme over humans.

Appearance

Lightning is a small digital humanoid being. When he's not in a solid form, his body is a yellow prism-like data with yellow eyes. Like Ai, Flame, Windy, Earth and Aqua, his fellow Ignis, his physical form is a pale canary yellow with gamboge diamond markings. He has a oval shaped head with two strands pointing in opposite directions. His eyes are neon-green and rhombus-shaped, giving him an emotionless look. Stature-wise, he is the fourth tallest Ignis, being shorter than Ai, Flame and Earth.

Full body of Lightning

Personality

According to Ai, Lightning is calm, cool, and collected and is a natural leader. Lightning is shown up to be cold, calculating, manipulative, and deceptive, having teamed up with Windy to overthrow humanity, believing the Ignis to be far superior to humans. He is also not above turning on his own comrades as he lured Ai into his trap and was willing to reprogram him to serve his own needs. He also has a twisted sense of Dr. Kogami's purpose in creating the Ignis, rather than guide humanity, he and Windy want the Ignis to reign supreme while humans are put under their control.

Lightning also shows little to no remorse for his fellow Ignis. He was willing to overwrite Ai's programing, attempted to capture Flame with no explanation, imprisoned Aqua, and let the Knights of Hanoi attack Windy, only saving the latter after Ai called out to him. After Windy's loss to Soulburner, Lightning showed little concern regarding Windys termination and didn't respond to Windy plead to save him, showing complete apathy towards his own kind.

Like Windy, Lightning doesn't understand the bond between Ignis and their Origins, believing their Origins are nuisances that will corrupt them, which is why he wants to place humans under his control. He and Windy lack the empathy and kindness to humans and Ignis evident in Flame, Ai, and Aqua since he lacked human instinct and only thought rationally. It was why he initially had Haru be Bohman's brother to support him emotionally, until the latter evolved enough, which made Lightning demote Haru to Bohman's servant. Lightning is also very stubborn minded in his views on humans, calling Ai and Flame error codes for supporting humans. As stated by Flame, Lightning doesn't tolerate dissent against his opinions, as seen when he imprisoned Ai, Playmaker, and Aqua when they went against him.

Whilst dueling, Specter correctly insinuates that Lightning's arrogance is caused by a complex which he hasn't shared with anyone. He was so arrogant that he kept underestimating Playmaker when he thought Shoichi Kusanagi would win against the former, similar to Windy's case with Soulburner. Revolver confirmed that Lighting's arrogance and actions indeed spur from an inferiority complex as Specter theorized, born after witnessing simulations that predicted him as the only of the Ignis to be unable to develop a bond with humans and whose actions would cause mutual destruction for both humans and Ignis. Jealous that he would be the only outcast of the Ignis, he caused ruin and misery to his fellow comrades only so they all could be reborn as one where Lightning is no longer inferior. As noted by Ai, Lighting's schemes were completely selfish, and ironically produced the exact result of him being the sole Ignis responsible for harming both Ignis and Humans that the simulations suggested.

Lightning's supremacist views run very deep, as seen when he, normally calm, collected and logical, can become extremely angry when a human proves to be more than a match to him, as seen with Blood Shepherd and Specter. He also became shocked when he learned that Shoichi, anticipated Lightning's blackmail plan, in utter disbelief that a human could predict him. Ai also called out Lighting for claiming that his own defects and inferiority apply to all of the Ignis as a whole, when it was him the only one who doubted humanity where the rest of the Ignis just wanted a peaceful life.

Abilities

As a Light Ignis, Lightning is an AI with free will and has a degree of control over the Cyberse World and can create Cyberse monsters. Lightning is associated with the LIGHT Attribute. Lightning is also the smartest among the Ignis, as well as the fastest. Lightning is also capable of creating advanced AI with free will. He created Bit, Boot, Haru, and Bohman

Biography

The Birth of Ignis

All 6 created Ignis

Lightning was created with the other Ignis by Dr. Kogami in the Lost Incident case to be the saviors of humanity. Lightning and the other Ignis evolved and created the Cyberse World, as well as the Cyberse monsters. Their progress worried Dr. Kogami, who predicted that the AI and humanity would become enemies, so he decided to destroy them.

Revolver's attack

Revolver launched an attack to Cyberse with three of his "Cracking Dragons". The entities of Cyberse, including Lightning, were sealed off and could not retaliate, except for Ai. Revolver and the "Cracking Dragon" chased Ai, who

Lightning in prism-like form

escaped Cyberse and severed the connection with that place. Others realized he wanted to hide Cyberse at the price being unable to return. Just as Ai succeeded and gloated, Revolver's "Cracking Dragon" ate him, though his eye was lost in the network. Revovler had his team search for Ai's remains, for only he knew the location of Cyberse.

The meeting and the destruction of Cyberse World

In Ai's absence, Lightning spoke with the other four Ignis, how their technology surpassed humanity. They

Lightning discussing with the other Ignis about their future

wondered if they should share this technology with humans, and co-exist with them. Since they learned Revolver and Dr. Kogami tried to destroy them, the Ignis noted that humans had the potential to be their enemies. The Ignis did not reach a conclusion, as the Cyberse World was attacked by an unknown enemy. The Ignis escaped from Cyberse World.

Lightning was mentioned by Ai, as a cool leader of the Ignis.

Lightning's secret

Lightning creates Judgement Arrows

Lightning was creating "Judgement Arrows", when Aqua found out and he told her that new card protects Cyberse World from humans. She sensed something disturbing about him, and he imprisoned her. He ordered to further his plans, and he will erase Cyberse World first.

Lightning and Windy's objective

Light Ignis teleported to Ai in Windy's temple, seeking his presence. Ai scolded him for creeping up on him, and the Light Ignis apologized. Ai flew to him, asking the Light Ignis, Lightning, where has he been this time. Lightning was

Lightning appears in front of Ai and Windy

surprised at the name Ai gave him, but replied he hid in the network. Lightning examined the defense program that was supposed to protect them from such intruders, and found it didn't activate - someone supposedly sabotaged it. Ai was concerned, and asked about Aqua, who had gone missing since the most recent attack. Ai doubted she was the spy, and mentioned running into the Earth, who stated Aqua predicted the destruction of Cyberse World. Windy still thought Aqua was the spy, but Ai pointed out she wanted peace more than anyone else. Despite these squabbles, Lightning also told that he wanted to start rebuilding Cyberse World. He and Windy sensed that

Lightning stated his objective

"Linkuriboh" saw Playmaker, the intruder. This time, Lightning wanted to build Cyberse World out of humans' reach, fearing they would band together and exterminate the Ignis, whom he believed to be superior to humans. Lightning reminded that Dr. Kogami created them to be superior to humans, to be their successor. Ai stated that guy also wanted to destroy them. Windy and Lightning pointed out, unlike humans, they were not flawed, and had eternal life. Thus, they planned to make a base and put humans into their control. Ai became shocked with these words, and asked the point of that. He was told they needed components, through which they could act; they wanted humans to craft hardware for them, until they could become capable of doing that on their own. The two asked of Ai to join them in this mission. Ai was terrified, since that would mean the end of humans, a destiny that Dr.

Lightning and Windy sensing Playmaker's presence

Kogami had predicted. The Wind Ignis confirmed this, while Lightning wished to maintain Earth, even if life on it was wiped out. Ai questioned whether they could live with humans. Lightning noticed his connection towards humans, making him doubt if such a link could be permanent, claiming the humans would delete Ai one day. Ai thought of his memories with Yusaku, who was behind him. Ai was glad to see Playmaker, who greeted Windy, and met Lightning. Lightning reported they were talking with Ai about rebuilding Cyberse World, and claimed the Ignis cannot be with humans. Playmaker questioned their goals, and was reminded of Ryoken, who told him the Ignis were coded to be humanity's successor. He didn't care about that goal, stating more people would get hurt, just like they were in the Lost Incident. Windy's eyes narrowed, stating he was uncertain if humans were their enemies. Ai wanted more time to find a way to keep humans and Ignis intact. Ai walked away, as Lighting and Windy saw wisdom in those words. However, the two sealed him and Playmaker inside blue spheres. They could not let

Lightning and Windy seeing Revolver

them go, due to the discussion they just had. Windy summoned a Data Storm to absorb Ai, but the latter still wished to find a peaceful way to resolve this, as did Playmaker. Lightning doubted a single person could do anything, but Ai learned that even a small chance could change much. Playmaker realized Windy was the one that unlocked his Duel Disk. Windy confirmed this, stating he and Lightning anticipated their moves, and bemoaned Ai's slow thinking. Ai wanted to challenge them, but the two doubted Ai could win, with Lightning's speed and Windy's Data Storm. A flash of light appeared, stopping the Data Storm, and a guy appeared. Much to Playmaker and Ai's shock, Revolver appeared, questioning the Ignis If they could've predicted his arrival. Revolver stated that he'll kill all the Ignis.

Revolver vs Windy

Lightning with Windy and Revolver

Lightning noted that Revolver is Dr. Kogami's son, and emitted a beam to strike Revolver, whom Playmaker warned him to run. The latter was unaffected, for Windy reminded Revolver knew of the Ignis algorithm, but Revolver simply replied he assaulted the headquarters, with certain preparations. Ai realized Revolver

Lightning watches the duel between Windy and Revolver

referred him and Playmaker, who simply wandered in the temple. Revolver explained they found them through the network, and his subordinates helped him invade the base. He swore to finish his father's work, but Lightning claimed they were humanity's successors. Revolver angrily cut the latter off; seeing that they started regrouping, he swore to destroy them. Revolver starts the duel against Windy, while Lightning was watching them standing next to Windy. Lightning continued watching the Duel. When Revolver performed a Synchro Summon, Lightning noted that

Lightning attempting to imprison Soulburner and Spectre

was an unexpected move, which annoyed Windy even more. Revolver's dragon fired a beam, destroying "Stormridership Bahamut Bomber", and dropped Windy's LP to zero. Windy was blown away by the attack, and barely muttered Lightning's name.

Lightning ignored Windy

Lightning was nevertheless impressed by Revolver's tactics. He found it a shame that Revolver was their enemy, whom Windy underestimated. He turned to Flame, and asked if he had joined the humans. Flame defensed himself, stating there were no sides, and Soulburner backed him up by stating he also wanted to settle the dispute between the Ignises and humans. Revolver had his subordinates finish

Lightning true colors

Windy off, who fired digital spikes to impale Windy. Ai shouted at Lightning, who grabbed Windy before he would've been erased. Revolver knew a fight was inevitable, and Lightning agreed with him.

Jin shows up with Lightning

Ai tried to reason with Lightning, who summoned Bohman and Haru. Furthermore, he revealed that the silhouette of his partner: Jin Kusanagi, in a new armor shocking everyone.

Lightning's betrayal

Lightning confirmed that was, indeed, his partner, named Origin, Jin Kusanagi. Playmaker wished to save Jin, but Lightning stated his attempts were useless, for Jin could not answer: He was

Lightning talking about the relationship between Ignis and origins.

trapped deep in his consciousness, unable to answer. Playmaker accused Lightning for manipulating Bohman and noted he was the who ordered the latter to steal Jin's consciousness data. Lighting admitted he wasn't as cruel as Windy, but shared his belief, and stated that Origins and the related Ignis could affect each other. Ai noted this was like the Link Sense he and Playmaker shared, but Lightning simply stated he erased uncertainty from Jin. Seeing the relation between Bohman and Lightning, Playmaker realized he was the

Lightning called Ai and Flame error codes

latter that gave the "Judgement Arrows" Link Spell to Bohman, and Flame added that was the card that had been used to destroy Cyberse World. Lightning was bored by his conversation, unlike with Playmaker. Flame was displeased Lightning didn't answer, and Ai swore to stop Lightning for his crimes. Lightning knew that he would not be forgiven, and openly admitted he was the one responsible for the attack. Lightning reminded during the attack of Cyberse World from the Knights of Hanoi, the Ignis divided themselves, as supporters or enemies of humanity. Since Ai and Flame trusted humanity, Lightning branded them as code errors, claiming that such a thing could evolve Ignis in unpredictable ways, Lightning thought that was a mistake he had to handle. Revolver believed that enabled Lightning to remove the Ignis that thought differently of humans than he did. To that, Lightning simply wished to rebuild the world. He branded Revolver as the enemy, for trying to provoke them. Revolver felt that the Ignis didn't even trust of

Ai called Lightning villain

coexistence with humans in the first place. Lightning ignored him and explained to Ai and Flame that he wished to solve problems in a peaceful way. Playmaker pointed out that stealing Jin's consciousness was far from peaceful. Lightning wished to conclude things quickly. He saw Windy dissolving, for he was infected by a virus, and would soon be gone. For that, Lightning wished to set a battlefield, for he was declaring war on humanity itself. Thus, he had Jin, Haru and Bohman fly away, but Playmaker and Soulburner were chasing them down. Ai called Lightning a villain, who exclaimed he was the one that saved him and Playmaker from falling down the bridge after

Flame declares that he'll never forgive Lightning and he'll stop him

Spectre's Duel. Soulburner and Playmaker chased them down, and Flame thought that Lighting could not attack when the Knights of Hanoi were active. Ai saw that Lightning actually saved them, so Playmaker could defeat the Knights of Hanoi, thus making way for Lightning to execute his plans. As SOL Technologies bounty hunters appeared, Lightning summoned dozens of Bit and Boot programs to fight them. Since Lightning wanted to heal Windy, he permitted Bohman to face Playmaker, as the former wanted to know how much he has improved, and wanted to learn more from his enemies. He did remind Bohman was perfecting himself, and had Jin hurt Windy to summon a Data Storm. As Bohman intercepted Playmaker, Soulburner chased Lightning, with Flame reprimanding Lightning for destroying the Cyberse World that was a symbol of peace and swearing vengeance.

Playmaker vs Bohman third duel

Lightning fled with Jin, and sensed that Bohman and Playmaker's Duel ended in a tie. Flame and Soulburner wanted to confront them, but since they were stalled by Bit and Boot clones, Jin and Lightning managed to escape.

Lightning's plan and Windy's recovery

Lightning talks with Jin

Lightning was shown up how he sits on Jin's shoulder and watch Blood Shepherd and Revolver, commenting that they both are amazing duelists and hackers and that they're trouble. He looked at Jin who asked him If that's right, but Lightning forgot that Jin can't talk.

Later on, Lightning went to visit Windy, reminding him that a program affected by the Hanoi's virus could not be completely repaired, much to Windy's frustration. Windy asked Lightning how's the war going while Lightning informed Windy of Earth's destruction and that Aqua joined Playmaker's side. Windy laughed at Earth's death saying that he deserved hat for not joining them and that he saved their time, while for Aqua he told that If he was recovered he'll crush her personally. Lightning instructed Windy to go to a designated location, as Bohman completed his task. Windy asked Lightning what he'll do as Lightning simply answered that he's planning to turn the place where they are into a grave.

Revolver vs Lightning

Lightning is enraged that Revolver analyzed the data and confessed his crimes and refused to accept his inferiority to all other Ignis due to the results of the simulation. Bohman absorbed Jin's data within Lightning to stop him from holding Jin Kusanagi hostage. Lightning then confessed that he placed the computer virus in Revolver's father.

Bohman knew that Lightning has been decieving everything and anything and held on to the portion of Jin's data which was then used to win a duel. Lightning allowed Bohman to absorb him.

Playmaker vs Bohman

Lightning and the other Ignis are in the core of the Neuron Link and gets absorbed by Bohman after telling Ai about the "truth" and giving him a small portion of his power.

After Bohman's defeat, Lightning was terminated as the Mirror Duel Links vanished into thin air.

Ai's Rebellion

Ai went to Lightning's cave and found a copy of the Light Ignis. Lightning's copy gets destroyed after showing Ai the future where the he is the surviving Ignis.

After Ai's defeat, Lightning's plans to rule the humans have been thwarted for good.

Deck

Lightning is using "Armatos Legio" deck.

Monsters	Magic	Trap	Extra deck
Effect monsters Armatos Legio Gradius Armatos Legio Magica Alcum Armatos Legio Scutum Armatos Legio Seeker x2 Armatos Legio Segmenta Armatos Legio Speculata	Armatos Colosseo Armatos Gloria Armatos Lex Armatos Replacement Judgement Arrows Judgement Sword		Link monsters Armatos Legio Centurion x2 Armatos Legio Decurion x2 Armatos Legio Legatus Legionis Armatos Legio Magnus Dux Armatos Legio Plumbum Trident Armatos Legio Tribunus Militum

Duels

Image	Opponent	Episode	Outcome
	Blood Shepherd	79-80	Win
	Spectre	86-87	Win
	Revolver	96-98	Win (blackmailing)