Changes
→Cyberse Beatdown
| headers = true
| image = TakeruHomura.png
| en_name = Takeru HomuraTheodore Hamilton
| ja_name = {{Ruby|穂|ほ}}{{Ruby|村|むら}} {{Ruby|尊|たける}}
| romaji_name = Homura Takeru
| ja_trans_name = Takeru Homura| other_names = * Soulburner (ソウルバーナー, ''SōrubānāSourubānā'')* Teddy (dub, by Kiku)* Burnsy (dub, by Ai)
| relatives =
* [[Takeru's motherMr. Hamilton]] (deceased)* [[Takeru's fatherMrs. Hamilton]] (deceased) * [[TakeruTheodore's grandmother]]* [[TakeruTheodore's grandfather]]
| anime_deck =
* [[Cyberse]] Beatdown<ref name="VRAINSED3">''Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS'' Ending 3: [[BOY]]</ref> (current anime deck name)* [[Salamangreat]]<!--@The Deck is officially called "Cyberse Beatdown" in the third Ending sequence. Do not alter this.-->* [[FIRE]] [[Warrior]] (past deckDeck)
| appears_in_anime = ''[[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS]]''
| anime_debut = {{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|48|ref}}
| ja_voice = [[Yuki Kaji]]<ref name="YGOrg More Info On Season 2">{{cite web | url = https://ygorganization.com/areyoureadyforvrainstogethotblooded/ | title = <nowiki>The Organization | [VRAINS] More Info On Season 2</nowiki> | publisher = YGOrganization | date = March 20, 2018 | accessdate = April 22, 2018}}</ref>
| en_voice = [[Eddy Lee]]
}}
'''Theodore Hamilton''', known as '''Takeru Homura''' ({{Ruby|穂|ほ}}{{Ruby|村|むら}} {{Ruby|尊|たける}}, ''Homura Takeru'')in the Japanese version, and known as '''Soulburner''' (ソウルバーナー, ''SōrubānāSourubānā'') in [[LINK VRAINS]], is a character in introduced the second season of the ''[[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS]]'' anime. He is one of the victims of the [[Lost Incident]], and he is partnered with an [[Ignis]], [[Flame (character)|Flame]], whom he is the Origin of. Inspired by [[Yusaku Fujiki|Playmaker]], [[Skye Zaizen|Blue Angel]], and [[George Gore|The Gore]]'s fight against the [[Knights of Hanoi]], he transfers to [[Den City High School]] to aid Playmaker.
==Design==
===Appearance===
{{double image|left|TakeruHomura-Normal-ConceptArt.png|200|TakeruHomura-VR-ConceptArt.png|200|Full views of TakeruTheodore, both in reality and as Soulburner.}}Takeru Theodore is a fair-skinned bespectacled teen with grey eyes and dual-layered hair; the more predominant top section is silver, while the bottom layer is reddish-orange. He has five prominent, but short, spiky locks in his bangs; the outer two frame his face, while the central three curve to the left of his head in a similar style to [[Yugo]]. He wears ovular green-rimmed spectacles that leave the base of the lens exposed. Takeru Theodore wears the [[Den City High School]] boys' uniform with a lavender-lined collar and pink tie, but more neatly than the disheveled [[Yusaku Fujiki]]; his shirt is tucked in, his coat is closed, and he wears more formal brown shoes.
As a delinquent, he wore his hair slicked back and did not wear glasses. He wore a white jumpsuit with dark yellow zips and lines on the sleeve, a black shirt, a silver necklace, and black trainers with white soles. After he returns to his hometown at the end of the series, he begins wearing these clothes again, but retains his glasses and normal hairstyle.
As Soulburner in [[LINK VRAINS]], he removes his spectacles and his eyes turn gold. His hair becomes slightly longer and his central bangs reverse direction and become more angular. The upper layer of his hair becomes turquoise, while the bottom layer and his eyebrows both become blue and more prominent. His bangs become red; the framing bangs are shot through with orange, while the central bang turns orange. Soulburner wears a grey jumpsuit patterned with orange flames licking the limbs, red rib sections, and a yellow arrowhead shape running down his chest with a triangular aquamarine gem in the center. He has red shoulder-pads, greaves, and a gauntlet on his left hand and an elbow-guard on his right arm, which is bare to the wrist. Soulburner wears gloves with a similar basic design; the one on his right hand is a fingerless red glove with orange knuckles and a square-shaped section missing from the back of the hand, and the one on his left is black, with red knuckles and a red patch on the back of his hand. He also wears red boots with grey, orange-lined tongues and orange soles. Soulburner wears an unusual scarf that protrudes from his back that appears to "flicker"; small sections either hover separately as if they were attached or are constantly emitted. He can retract and extend this scarf when necessary in a flash of flames. When he uses his [[Skill]], "[[Burning Draw(anime Skill)|Burning Draw]]", the gem on his chest glows red and glowing flame patterns spread from it across his right arm.
===Personality===
Following his inspiration by [[Yusaku Fujiki|Playmaker]], [[Skye Zaizen|Blue Angel]], and [[George Gore|The Gore]], he became fans of them, and he was saddened and angered to learn that Gore had joined SOL Technologies as a result. He became more cheerful and full of life, and as Soulburner more playful. He has a light relationship with Flame in comparison to Playmaker and [[Ai]]'s initially more hostile one; playfully bantering with and teasing him, but never insulting him. While Dueling as Soulburner, Takeru Theodore is extremely hot-blooded and energetic, in comparison to being quieter in real life. When Playmaker is forced to Duel and defeat Kolter and is subsequently traumatized by his own actions, Soulburner becomes infuriated by the actions of Lightning and Bohman and erupts into a perpetual rage. This rage is only worsened after Flame sacrifices himself to save him from Windy, and Soulburner recklessly lashes out at Bohman despite him offering to end their Duel. After he is restored following Bohman's defeat, Theodore does manage to calm down, but is saddened by the loss of his friend and remains quieter and withdrawn for a time, particularly as Yusaku was dealing with Ai's departure at the time. ===Abilities===[[File:Vrains 049.png|thumb|250px|Soulburner uses "Burning Draw".]]In [[LINK VRAINS]], Soulburner demonstrates the ability to control flames for aesthetic purposes; flames often appear in his eyes and surround him when he uses his [[Skill]], "[[Burning Draw (anime Skill)|Burning Draw]]", which allows him to lower his [[LP]] to 100 and then draw a card for each 1000 LP lost. He can also run at superhuman speeds, leaving a trail of flames behind him when he does so.
==Biography==
===History===
[[File:YoungTakeru.png|left|200px250px|thumb|A young Takeru Theodore recovering in the hospital after the [[Lost Incident]].]]Takeru Theodore was one of six children kidnapped during the [[Lost Incident]], during which he was subjected to experiments via VR Dueling.<ref name="ep50">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|50|ref}}</ref> The day Theodore was kidnapped, he argued with his parents and said something horrible to them that he later forgot (in the dub, he simply told them he wanted lasagne for dinner).<ref name="ep116">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|116|ref}}</ref> During the Incident, he was defeated using the monster "[[Despair from the Dark (anime)|Despair from the Dark]]", which caused him to develop an intense fear of that monster.<ref name="ep60">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|60|ref}}</ref> After being recused, he was taken to recover in the hospital. His grandparents came to visit him and later took him home, tearfully informing him that his parents ([[Takeru's motherMrs. Hamilton|hisMr.]] and [[Takeru's father|parentsMr. Hamilton]] ) had died in an accident a car crash while searching for him (in the dub, they disappeared while they were searching for him).<ref name="ep52">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|52|ref}}</ref>
Considering the possibility of Dueling for the first time in a decade, Takeru Theodore went to get his [[Duel Disk]] from his closet, only to find it inhabited by an A.I., the voice that had spoken to him. As the voice expressed relief that Takeru Theodore had finally found him, Takeru Theodore freaked out, believing it to be a ghost and tried to break the Duel Disk, but the A.I. told him that his past was connected to Playmaker. Takeru Theodore shut the A.I. back in his closet, and the A.I. explained that Playmaker was also a victim of the Lost Incident, but had been able to face his past and worked with one of the A.I.'s [[Ignis]] comrades. He asked to be let out, though Takeru Theodore claimed his eye form scared him. The A.I. projected his Avatar, but Takeru Theodore found that even more unnerving and decided he preferred the eye. The A.I. urged Takeru Theodore to find his path, but Takeru Theodore was unwilling, as this likely meant he would have to Duel. His grandmother then knocked on the door, forcing Takeru Theodore to shut the A.I. back inside the closet, and she informed him that a friend from class was there. [[Hana]] explained to Takeru Theodore that the Mizunumas Ridley and Taz had kidnapped Kiku and asked Takeru Theodore to come alone with a Duel Disk.<ref name="ep61" />
[[File:Takeru'sDecision.png|left|200px|thumb|Theodore deciding to take action.]]Now much livelier than before, Takeru Theodore came to admire Playmaker, Blue Angel, and The Gore as heroes who had fought those who hurt him and gave him hope, learning their real identities from Flame. As Takeru Theodore was reading articles about the heroes of LINK VRAINS again, he was confronted by Kiku again about skipping school. Takeru Theodore informed her he was leaving and asked that she look after his grandparents for him. She agreed, saying he seemed much more full of life than usual. He departed with Flame in tow, wishing to aide his heroes.<ref name="ep52" />
===Lost Ignis===[[File:A new Duelist appears - with an Ignis in his Duel Disk.png|thumb|250px|Soulburner makes his debut.]]Soulburner and [[Flame (character)|Flame]] observed [[Yusaku Fujiki|Playmaker]]'s Duel with a [[Bohman|glowing Duelist]]; Soulburner noted that Flame's [[Ai|friend]] was with Playmaker. Flame asked him not to associate him with that airhead. When [[HarlanHarlin]] sent two Duelists, [[Bit]] and [[Boot]] to deter Playmaker from pursuing him, Soulburner arrived to deal with them and allow Playmaker to continue pursuing Harlan Harlin and Bohman.<ref name="ep48">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|48|ref}}</ref> Soulburner challenged Bit and Boot simultaneously, and they merged into a single Avatar, BitBoot for their [[Speed Duel]].<ref name="ep49">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|49|ref}}</ref>
BitBoot demonstrated both [[Cyberse]]-[[Type]] monsters and the [[Link Spell Card]] "[[Judgment Arrows]]" as Bohman had, bringing out "[[D-Scale Battle Coela]]" and using it in combination with "[[D-Scale Torpedo]]" to move it around the field and inflict 1600 damage to Soulburner. Flame noted that they could only take the combo three more times before losing, and Soulburner reassured him that he could break it. He attempted to destroy "Judgment Arrows" with the effect of his "[[Salamangreat Foxy (anime)|Salamangreat Foxy]]", but as BitBoot had activated it with their "[[Marker's Portal]]" [[Skill]], it could not be destroyed by card effects. Despite this, Soulburner [[Link Summon]]ed his [[Signature card|ace monster]], "[[Salamangreat Heatleo (anime)|Salamangreat Heatleo]]", using its effect to shuffle "Judgment Arrows" into the Deck before attacking and destroying "Battle Coela". On their next turn, BitBoot used their Skill again, despite normally only being able to use it once since Bit had used it the last turn and now Boot was using it this turn, reactivating "Judgment Arrows" in a zone that "[[D-Scale Fullmetal Dunkle]]" pointed to. "Fullmetal Dunkle" was so large that it damaged the buildings around them, but Soulburner was able to save himself and "Heatleo" with "[[Energy of Fire]]", which restored his LP and prevented the destruction of "Heatleo". Although he was pleased to draw "[[Monster Reincarnation (anime)|Monster Reincarnation]]" on his next turn, Soulburner's field was locked down by BitBoot's "[[D-Scale Chaff]]". Soulburner then used his own Skill, "[[Burning Draw(anime Skill)|Burning Draw]]", lowering his LP to 100 and drawing a card for every 1000 LP lost, drawing "[[Salamangreat Sanctuary (anime)|Salamangreat Sanctuary]]", allowing him to [[Reincarnation Link Summon]] another "Heatleo" and once again shuffle "Judgment Arrows" into the Deck. BitBoot attempted to set up "Fullmetal Dunkle" to destroy "Heatleo" next turn, prompting Flame to cry that they were doomed. Soulburner replied that the match was already over, using the Reincarnated effect of "Heatleo" to make the ATK of "Fullmetal Dunkle" the same as that of the "[[Salamangreat Meer (anime)|Salamangreat Meer]]" in his [[Graveyard]], lowering it enough for "Heatleo" to defeat them. Soulburner pursued Playmaker to the bottom of LINK VRAINS, where Harla and Bohman had escaped into the Restricted Area. As the area's defenses had been triggered, Soulburner suggested that they log out, and he told Playmaker his name and that they'd meet again before logging out.<ref name="ep49" />
The next day, Takeru Theodore prepared to approach Yusaku at [[Den City High School]]. He passed [[Skye Zaizen]] in the corridor, noting that she was Blue Angel. Flame told him that the person she was talking to was [[Naoki Shima]], aka Playmaker's "best friend", The Brave Battler, but Takeru Theodore didn't care. He nervously approached Yusaku, but ducked into a classroom when he apparently noticed him. Flame informed Takeru Theodore that he had sent a message to the [[DARK]] Ignis, and his decision making annoyed TakeruTheodore. Yusaku then approached them, and Takeru Theodore greeted him as Playmaker, prompting Yusaku to ask who he was. Takeru Theodore reassured Yusaku that he was his ally and revealed both that he was Soulburner and that he had an Ignis. Flame and Ai traded barbs about their names, before Flame suggested they relocate. Flame revealed to Yusaku that the [[Cyberse (world)|Cyberse]] had been destroyed by a new enemy while they discussed whether to ally with humanity (Flame dissing TakeruTheodore's tech skills as he did) and that they were searching for the other Ignis. Flame revealed that the enemy that destroyed the Cyberse did so using "Judgment Arrows", suggesting that they might be the same people who kidnapped the consciousness data of one of the other Lost Incident victims, [[Jin Kolter]]. Flame suggested they work together, and Takeru Theodore decided that their priority was to find the escaped Bohman. They went to Jin's brother, [[Kal Cal Kolter]] to ask where Bohman had escaped to, and Kolter served them coffee, welcoming them. Takeru Theodore sympathized with what Jin had gone through, and Kolter asked them to find the ones who had stolen his brother's consciousness. Takeru Theodore stated that they only had to ask, and Flame agreed that Takeru Theodore looked soft, but was really quite strong, prompting Takeru Theodore to mutter about how his partner thought he was better than him. Kolter revealed that Bohman had vanished in the Restricted Area, and that there was an unknown program there. Takeru Theodore didn't recognize it, and asked if Yusaku did (gaining first-name privileges with one another at the same time), and Flame and Ai realized that it was an Ignis program associated with the [[WIND]] Attribute. A hacker named [[Emma Bessho|Ghost Gal]] sent information to them about a gate in the Restricted Area leading to another world, in addition to a stealth program to get them into the Restricted Area, and despite Ai's fears that it was a trap, they decided to follow the lead.<ref name="ep50">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|50|ref}}</ref>
Soulburner and Playmaker logged in and quickly entered the Restricted Area using the stealth program. Playmaker thought that Ghost Gal really wanted them to get to the gate, but Soulburner, noticing the incoming Bounty Hunters, pointed out that this wasn't necessarily the case.<ref name="ep50" /> [[George Gore|The Gore]], [[KenmochiKenchi]] and [[YoroizakaYozaka]] pursued them, and Flame alerted them to a trap set by SOL Technologies. Soulburner and Playmaker were able to evade it, though Kenmochi Kenchi and Yoroizaka Yozaka were logged out. With only The Gore left, Soulburner asked Playmaker to allow him to handle this, stating that while a match between Playmaker and The Gore would be appealing, he didn't want to see the heroes of LINK VRAINS fight. Playmaker agreed, and Soulburner politely asked Gore for a Duel, revealing Flame to him to entice him. Gore agreed to Speed Duel, and Soulburner eagerly wondered how his hero would Duel. Flame pointed out that it was impossible to know due to Gore's continually evolving strategies, but they were surprised when Gore used his Skill right away and used a "[[Dinowrestler]]" Deck instead of his "[[Gouki]]" Deck. Excited by the new Deck, Soulburner opposed him with "Heatleo", but The Gore easily blocked his attacks, though this only delighted Soulburner. To his shock, Gore Link Summoned "[[Dinowrestler King T Wrextle (anime)|Dinowrestler King T Wrextle]]" and destroyed "Heatleo", ranting that he had to defeat Playmaker to be appreciated again and become number one. Hurt by his hero's words, Soulburner protested that The Gore in his heart wasn't a stepping stone, but a great Duelist who had given him hope when he was suffering, and he asked where that Gore was, rather than the lapdog of SOL Technologies he was Dueling.<ref name="ep51">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|51|ref}}</ref>
[[File:Vrains 052.png|thumb|250px|left|Soulburner Speed Dueling The Gore.]]
Soulburner decided that he wanted to fight the real Gore, as he had reasons why he couldn't lose too.<ref name="ep51" /> As he [[Link Fire's Return|revived]] "Heatleo", they were suddenly attacked by SOL Technologies' traps again, and Soulburner was disappointed that Gore had stooped so low. Gore bitterly remarked that they thought low of him if they thought him responsible, and he protected Soulburner from one of the traps, yelling for them to be stopped. The attacks ceased as they moved deeper into the Restricted Area, and Flame noted that Gore wasn't responsible; Soulburner agreeing that The Gore he knew wouldn't do that. He Reincarnation Link Summoned "Heatleo" and weakened "King T Wrextle", prompting Flame to boast that this was Soulburner's special technique. Soulburner complained he was hogging the spotlight, but Flame claimed he was boasting in Soulburner's place to save face. Gore combined the effects of "K T Wrextle" and "[[World Dino Wrestling (anime)|World Dino Wrestling]]" to limit Soulburner's attacks and protect "King T Wrextle", and attacked "[[Salamangreat Jack Jaguar (anime)|Salamangreat Jack Jaguar]]" on his next turn. This allowed Soulburner to freely convert the ATK of "Heatleo" to LP with "Salamangreat Sanctuary" and survive the attack. Before drawing on his next turn, Soulburner reflected on his past and his recent change of outlook, then he used "Burning Draw" to draw an extra card, and he [[Ritual Summon]]ed "[[Salamangreat Emerald Eagle (anime)|Salamangreat Emerald Eagle]]" and [[Tribute]]d "Heatleo" to activate its effect, allowing "Emerald Eagle" to instantly destroy "K T Wrextle" and inflict its ATK to Gore, defeating him. Soulburner approached the fallen Gore, offering him a hand up, but Gore ignored his hand. Soulburner told Gore that he was still a hero to him, and Gore sharply advised Soulburner that he couldn't win forever and that he'd lose and reveal his true self eventually. He logged out, and Flame commented that Gore must lose a lot to be such a sore loser, much to Soulburner's disapproval.<ref name="ep52">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|52|ref}}</ref>
After defeating The Gore, Soulburner met up with Playmaker in the depths of the Restricted Area, and they managed to enter the unknown world through the gate. Immediately after arriving, they were hit by strong winds, which forced Flame and Ai to protect them using Data Storms. At some point, the winds stopped, and they were able to reach a temple where they finally found [[Windy|the WIND Wind Ignis]]. After showing them the world he had build, the Ignis (who decided to call himself "Windy") explained how he did that in order to attract his fellow Ignis, and also to lure the responsible for destroying the Cyberse World. Despite not knowing who was the responsible, Flame pointed out they were after Bohman, who not only had stolen Jin's consciousness, but also had the card used to destroy the Cyberse, and suggested he could've escaped to a world inside Windy's world. They then asked Windy to join them, which he promptly refused, as those statements had no evidence. However, Windy said he could weaken the winds near the area where Bohman supposedly escaped to, under the condition that Playmaker and Soulburner defeat the two invaders, Ghost Gal and an unknown partner.<ref name="ep55">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|55|ref}}</ref>
Upon making contact with the girls, Blue Girl Gal presented herself as actually being Blue Angel. Soulburner was happy to meet another savior of the old LINK VRAINS, but Blue Girl Gal stated they were actually seeking to retrieve the Ignis. While both Playmaker and Ghost Gal were willing to solve the situation without Dueling, Soulburner accepted Blue GirlGal's challenge.<ref name="ep55" /> Knowing of Blue GirlGal's "[[Trickstar]]" Deck and its burn tactics, Soulburner attempted to take the first turn by challenging Blue Girl Gal to a small race, but was overwhelmed by the terrain and lost. From the very beginning of the Duel, Blue Girl Gal was planning ahead to counter his strategies of swarming the field with "Salamangreat" monsters, and his Skill. Soulburner was pushed into a corner by all accumulated burn damage caused by "[[Trickstar Divaridis (anime)|Trickstar Divaridis]]" and "[[Trickstar Lycoris (anime)|Trickstar Lycoris]]", and even "Salamangreat Heatleo" was unable to destroy them due to Blue Girl Gal using "[[Trickstar Calobane (anime)|Trickstar Calobane]]". Despite making no progress, Flame still assured him that they had an advantage, since Soulburner had Flame himself by his side. After nearly being defeated by Blue GirlGal's [[Fusion Monster]], "[[Trickstar Band Sweet Guitar (anime)|Trickstar Band Sweet Guitar]]", Soulburner listened to Flame's advice and used his Skill, managing to draw "[[Fusion of Fire (anime)|Fusion of Fire]]". By using it, he fused "Heatleo" and Blue GirlGal's "Divaridis" into "[[Salamangreat Violet Chimera (anime)|Salamangreat Violet Chimera]]". In the final attack, Blue Girl Gal attempted to reduce the damage by using "Calobane" again, but this was predicted and countered by Soulburner, who used the effect of "Violet Chimera" to double its ATK, and drop her LP to 0 in a single attack. After the Duel, he approached the fallen Blue Girl Gal to compliment her for becoming much stronger, before forcing her log out. Ghost Gal then returned, amazed by the Duel's outcome and aware she wouldn't be able to go any further without her partner. Flame then gave her a copy of Blue GirlGal's evacuation program, allowing Ghost Gal to log out safely.<ref name="ep56">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|56|ref}}</ref> Following that, they resumed travelling through the canyons towards the edge of the Wind World, Soulburner noticed that the winds were getting stronger, and Flame wondered if it was due to Playmaker Dueling. Soulburner suggested they hurry, and they reached Playmaker just after he defeated Bohman. The Wind World began to destabilize, and Flame suggested they log out; Soulburner immediately activated the escape program and did so.<ref name="ep58">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|58|ref}}</ref>
After they logged out, Yusaku explained to TakeruTheodore, Flame and Kolter that Bohman had been given his memories, and Takeru Theodore deduced that Yusaku's past had been researched. Kolter revealed that he'd added another room to [[Café Nom]] for Takeru Theodore to use when he logged in, much to TakeruTheodore's pleased surprise, and they decided to wait for the gate to reappear. At school the next day, Takeru Theodore introduced himself to Skye, and marveled at how different she was outside of LINK VRAINS, expressing regret that he couldn't discuss their Duel with her. Yusaku told him not to, and Takeru Theodore reassured him that he wouldn't. Shima then approached them, berating Skye for missing Duel Club and claiming to be Playmaker's best friend.<ref name="ep60">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|60|ref}}</ref>
The gate soon reappeared in one of the disused islands atop LINK VRAINS, and Soulburner and Playmaker logged in and headed for it. As they approached the gate, it began to draw Playmaker in with winds, and Soulburner and Flame realized that it was a trap. Soulburner shoved Playmaker aside and was drawn into the gate himself, the claustrophobia triggering his trauma of "[[Despair from the Dark (anime)|Despair from the Dark]]" as Flame asked what was wrong.<ref name="ep60" /> Soulburner woke up to find Flame urging him to awaken, and Flame explained that they were in a trap created by [[The Shepherd]] and that he'd connected to Soulburner's memories. The area changed into a lava chamber, and The Shepherd challenged Soulburner to a Duel, declaring that he was taking his Ignis. Soulburner warned Shepherd about looking into his soul and accepted the challenge, but before the Duel started, Shepherd fired a blast behind him to destroy a small bug.<ref name="ep62">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|62|ref}}</ref>
The Shepherd began by protecting his "[[Duplicate Drone]]" with "[[Mirror Coat Unit]]", and his A.I. explained its two effects. Soulburner was annoyed that Shepherd's A.I. would be explaining every little effect, and Flame told him not to allow Shepherd to set the pace of the Duel. Soulburner quickly brought out "Salamangreat Heatleo" and returned "Mirror Coat Unit" to Shepherd's Deck, but this triggered its third effect and allowed Shepherd to amass his "Duplicate Drones" in his hand. Soulburner protested that Shepherd's A.I. had only explained two effects, but Shepherd explained that he hadn't let it say more. Flame explained that The Shepherd had done the same thing against Playmaker, and noted that at least the A.I. hadn't lied this time. The Shepherd asked them who decided an A.I.'s info was accurate, claiming that an A.I. was a tool that simply obeys humans. Soulburner prepared to attack directly, but the A.I. warned Shepherd of the likely attack, and Soulburner realized that the A.I. had been truthful that time; it would mix the truth with lies. Shepherd then activated "[[Drone Barricade]]" to prevent direct attacks, so Soulburner Reincarnation Link Summoned "Heatleo" to get rid of it. However the effect of "Drone Barricade" simply replaced itself, forcing Soulburner to end his turn without attacking. Flame noted that Shepherd had been prepared for them and that Reincarnating "Heatleo" wasn't a secret anymore, prompting Soulburner to wonder if this meant he was famous. To Soulburner's horror, The Shepherd Summoned "Despair from the Dark", and Soulburner remembered his traumatizing memories of the monster. Realizing that The Shepherd was trying to exploit his trauma, but that he was unaware that Soulburner had largely overcome it, Soulburner acted traumatized by the monster, which Shepherd duplicated using his "Duplicate Drones".<ref name="ep62" /><ref name="ep63" /> Soulburner was able to survive the consecutive attacks using "[[Salamangreat Parro (anime)|Salamangreat Parro]]", though "Heatleo" was destroyed and he was reduced to 200 LP. The Shepherd claimed that Soulburner's trauma had scarred his heart and took a long time to heal as it had happened in his childhood, and told Soulburner that he had no future as a Duelist and to give him the Ignis and leave his sight as Flame urged Soulburner to calm down. Refusing to give up, Soulburner drew "[[Rising Fire (anime)|Rising Fire]]" as he had when he overcame his trauma and revived "Heatleo", then Reincarnated it to trigger the effect of "Rising Fire" and banish all of Shepherd's "Despair from the Dark", bidding farewell to despair. Shepherd asked in shock what had happened to Soulburner's trauma, and Soulburner asked what he meant, revealing his deception. He claimed to be over his past, and with the effects of "Heatleo" and "[[Salamangreat Foxer (anime)|Salamangreat Foxer]]" he depleted Shepherd's "Drone Barricades". Flame warned Soulburner that Shepherd had a Set card, and Shepherd asked if he was scared. Soulburner declared that he wasn't, and would take a new step forward with Flame, much to Shepherd's derision. Soulburner attacked, but before Shepherd could activate his card, the trap began to shatter and The Shepherd fled. Playmaker called his name, and Soulburner lamented that they'd stopped him when he was about to win. They logged out before The Shepherd could return.<ref name="ep63" />
===Ai===Theodore approached [[Yusaku Fujiki|Yusaku brought his helper robot ]] after school one day, intending to tell him that he was moving back home, but found himself unable to. Before the conversation could continue, [[RoboppiCal Kolter|Kolter]] called them to [[Café Nom]], explaining that Ai [[Akira Zaizen|Zaizen]] had gone missingcontacted them with a request to meet Playmaker. They logged into the defunct Central Station, Kolter entering as Unnamed as well, and met with Zaizen and [[Skye Zaizen|Blue Maiden]]. Takeru was surprised that Ai had escaped Yusaku's lock[[Emma Bessho|Ghost Gal]], [[The Shepherd]] and Yusaku revealed that it [[George Gore|Gore]] logged in as well, Gore thanking Playmaker but not elaborating. Zaizen explained he needed them to protect them as the CEO of [[SOL Technologies]], [[Queen]], had been removedattacked and her code key stolen, and the culprit intended to steal Zaizen's in three days. Roboppi and Kolter To Soulburner's shock, Zaizen revealed that AI [[Ai]] and [[Roboppi had been on a crossword puzzle ]], who were now using human forms, were behind the attack. Shepherd accused Playmaker of hiding Ai's location, though Soulburner and Gore both defended Playmaker, believing that offered an he would have already pursued Ai pin as a rewardhad he known what he intended to do. Playmaker did not decide to help right away, requesting time to make his decision. That night, Theodore and Yusaku talked about the situation, and Takeru commented Theodore finally told Yusaku that he intended to return home after they stopped Ai .<ref name="ep105">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|105|ref}}</ref> Three days later, Soulburner returned alone to Central Station; Yusaku had been targeted with pinpoint accuracynot accompanied him. Flame Zaizen revealed he had enlisted the [[Knights of Hanoi]] to assist them. Soulburner wasn't happy about working with the Knights again, but [[Roken Kogami|Varis]] reassured him that the puzzle itself intended to turn themselves in after Ai was an Ignis algorithmdealt with, a decision Soulburner was uncomfortable with. Zaizen assigned Soulburner to patrol the eastern exterior gateway, which lead meaning he would be the first to an unknown worldengage the enemy. Takeru suggested As they all go moved out to see their assigned positions, Playmaker arrived, much to Soulburner's glee.<ref name="ep105" /> Playmaker linked up with Soulburner and Varis outside Central Station, and they soon detected three enemies, wondering if the Ignis Ai and Roboppi had a message for themthird ally. Playmaker quickly engaged Ai, and then Soulburner and Varis both also encountered Ai, but Yusaku asked the Ai that Soulburner encountered urging him to go alone, as hate him for causing Flame's death. Soulburner replied that he didn't trust Windyhate Ai, and Flame wouldn't have either, instructing Takeru though Ai claimed there was no way to know now that Flame was gone. They decided to Duel the three Ai to come after him if determine which was the original. Ai swiftly [[Link Summon]]ed "[[Fire Phoenix @Ignister (anime)|Fire Phoenix @Ignister]]" and used "[[A.I. A.I. Wall]]" to prevent them from attacking, and his copies did the same in the other Duels. Ai confirmed that he took too long to returnand the other two were simply copies and that the real Ai was advancing towards Zaizen.<ref name="ep68ep106">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|68106|ref}}</ref> Yusaku didn't returnAs they Dueled the copies, so Takeru noted that something must have happened Kolter contacted them and he decided asked them to follow Yusaku. Kolter gave them code that could temporarily cut an Ignis programhurry, just in case. He logged in and found as the location other Duelists were in flames, with no sign of Playmaker or Aibad shape.<ref name="ep69ep107">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|69107|ref}}</ref> Kolter contacted Soulburner and Flame flew through the world, finding Windyto warn him of Gore's palace surrounded by destroyed Echoes. They met defeat as Soulburner defeated the Ai copy with "[[SpecterSalamangreat Violet Chimera (anime)|Salamangreat Violet Chimera]] outside".<ref name="ep108">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|108|ref}}</ref> Soulburner accompanied Playmaker and Varis as they returned to Central Station, and but they found it empty. Soulburner realized who he asked where everyone was. Specter reassured them , and Varis explained that the Zaizens had been broadcasting from another location that he didnAi wouldn't intend be able to fight them, but would guide reach.<ref name="ep108" /> Varis informed them that Pandor was Dueling Ai on the Zaizen's plane and show them had the true nature of advantage, noting that she was almost as capable as the Ignisthemselves. Playmaker asked Varis what would happen to Ai if he lost, asking and Varis replied that he would not show any mercy to Ai.<ref name="ep109">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|109|ref}}</ref> To Soulburner 's surprise, he, Playmaker and Varis were suddenly shown Ai, Roboppi and the Zaizens; Ai had successfully defeated Pandor and gained access to reconsider his partnership with Flame once he handthe Zaizens and was Dueling them for Zaizen's code key. They entered Soulburner was shocked to find learn from Pandor that Ai's "[[Varis@Ignister]] Dueling Windy" monsters represented the Ignis, "[[Achichi @Ignister (anime)|Achichi @Ignister]]" specifically representing Flame and Playmaker and was horrified when Ai imprisoned by Windy and the activated "[[LIGHTJudgment Arrows (later anime)|Judgment Arrows]] Ignis", Lightningbeliving Ai had crossed a line by using it. Lightning attempted The Zaizens were able to imprison them survive Ai's use of "Judgment Arrows", and Specter toobefore taking his turn, Zaizen apologized to Ai for the actions of SOL Technologies, but Flame much to Soulburner's surprise. Zaizen used Kolterhis cards in combination with Blue Maiden's program to block his efforts Link Summon "[[Tindangle Acute Cerberus (later anime)|Tindangle Acute Cerberus]]", a monster Soulburner called the Zaizen's ace monster, as they'd summoned it through teamwork.<ref name="ep110">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|110|ref}}</ref> Zaizen almost defeated Ai and freed Soulburner praised the siblings' teamwork, but was shocked to realize how lonely Ai was, prompting Varis to tell Ai and Playmakeroff for pitying their enemy. Varis then defeated Windy by Soulburner was worried when Ai [[Synchro Ritual Summon]]ing ed "[[Borreload Savage Dragon Water Leviathan @Ignister (anime)|Borreload Savage DragonWater Leviathan @Ignister]]" until Playmaker reminded him it was a [[Ritual Monster]] and wouldn't be strengthened by "Judgment Arrows". Unfortunately the effects of "Water Leviathan" lowered the Knights ATK of Hanoi used a virus on Windy that began Zaizen's "[[Tindangle Hound (anime)|Tindangle Hound]]" enough to erase him. Lightning saved Windydefeat them, and asked Flame if he though Blue Maiden was siding with humansable to save her brother. Soulburner insisted that Flame wanted cheered Blue Maiden on as she used effect damage to stop any conflict between humans deplete Ai's LP, but Ai countered her last attack and Ignisdefeated the Zaizens, taking Zaizen's data but sparing Blue Maiden and the last Pandor. Soulburner begged Ai to his shockwait as he left with Zaizen's code key, Bohman and Harlan arrivedprotesting he'd gone too far, but Varis insisted Ai had shown his true colors and Lightning revealed that he had Jin's data prisonervowed to destroy him.<ref name="ep70ep111">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|70111|ref}}</ref>
==Deck==
===Cyberse Beatdown===
[[File:Soulburner Deck Picture.png|thumb|200px|Takeru Theodore (as Soulburner) with "[[Salamangreat Heatleo (anime)|Salamangreat Heatleo]]".and "[[Salamangreat Pyro Phoenix (later anime)|Pyro Phoenix]]"]]Takeru Theodore uses a '''[[Cyberse]] Beatdown Deck'''<ref name="VRAINSED3" />, focused on the "[[Salamangreat]]" [[archetype]]. <!--@The Deck is officially called "Cyberse Beatdown" in the third Ending sequence. Do not alter this.--> His [[Skill]] is "[[Burning Draw (anime Skill)|Burning Draw]]", which allows him to give up [[LP]] to draw more cards, so he includes cards that restore his LP. His "Salamangreat" monsters often have effects to Special Summon themselves from the [[Graveyard]], allowing him to amass them to [[Link Summon]] his ace monster, "[[Salamangreat Heatleo (anime)|Salamangreat Heatleo]]". Takeru Theodore can also use [[Ritual Summon]]ing, [[Fusion Summon]]ing, [[Xyz Summon]]ing, and both [[Reincarnation Link Summon]]ing and [[Xyz Evolution#Reincarnation Xyz Summon|Reincarnation Xyz Summoning ]] to bring out stronger monsters.
Initially, TakeruTheodore's strategies are very simple, focusing largely on "Heatleo", but as he grows more accustomed to his Deck in the Ignis War arc, he begins using more complicated combos and his other Link Monsters to generate large quantities of advantage that are not dissimilar from combos used in real-life tournaments, focusing particularly on his [[Xyz Monster]]s in the third season in addition to his [[Link Monster]]s. In the third season, he also uses a high number of [[Equip Spell Card]]s with protective effects in combination with his ace monsters.
{{Decklist|
|skill = [[Burning Draw (anime Skill)|Burning Draw]]
|effect monsters =
* [[Salamangreat Beat Bison (anime)|Salamangreat Beat Bison]]
* [[Salamangreat Spinny (anime)|Salamangreat Spinny]]
* [[Salamangreat Wolvie (anime)|Salamangreat Wolvie]]
* [[Salamangreat Zebroid X (anime)|Salamangreat Zebroid X]]
|ritual monsters =
* [[Salamangreat Emerald Eagle (anime)|Salamangreat Emerald Eagle]]
* [[Salamangreat Sunlight Wolf (anime)|Salamangreat Sunlight Wolf]] x2
|spells =
* [[Burning Draw (anime)|Burning Draw]]
* [[Cybersal Cyclone (anime)|Cybersal Cyclone]]<ref group=Notes name="hand49">This card is [[draw a card|drawn]] in [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 049|episode 49]], but he is unable to play it due to the [[card effect|effect]] of [[Bit]][[Boot]]'s "[[D-Scale Chaff]]".</ref>
* [[Fury of Fire (anime)|Fury of Fire]]
* [[Salamangreat Falco (anime)|Salamangreat Falco]]
* [[Salamangreat Jack Jaguar (anime)|Salamangreat Jack Jaguar]]
* [[Salamangreat Mole (later anime)|Salamangreat Mole]]
* [[Salamangreat Parro (anime)|Salamangreat Parro]]
|link monsters =
===Past===
In the past, Takeru Theodore played a different Deck, focused on [[FIRE]] [[Warrior]] [[Monster Card|monsters]].
{{Decklist|
|spells =
* [[Majesty of Fire]]
* [[Phoenix Gearblade (anime)|Phoenix Gearblade]]
* [[Rising Fire (anime)|Rising Fire]]
* [[Tempest Fire]]
! scope="col" | Outcome
|-
| Unknown Duelist || [[Ryujiro MizunumaYu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 061|61]] || Lose (flashback)|-| Unknown Duelist || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 061|61]] || Lose (flashback)|-| [[Ridley]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 061|61]], [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 063|63]] || Win (flashback)
|-
| [[Bit]][[Boot]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 049|49]] || Win
| [[George Gore|George Gore/The Gore]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 051|51]]-[[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 052|52]] || Win
|-
| [[Skye Zaizen|Skye Zaizen/Blue GirlGal]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 056|56]] || Win
|-
| [[The Shepherd|Kengo DojunKenneth Drayden/The Shepherd]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 062|62]]-[[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 063|63]] || No result
|-
| [[VarisRoken Kogami|Ryoken Roken Kogami/Varis]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 084|84]] || No result
|-
| [[Bit]][[Boot]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 086|86]] || Win
| [[Bohman]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 094|94]]-[[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 095|95]] || Lose
|-
| [[Ai]] copy || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 106|106]], [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 108|108]] || Win
|-
| [[Roboppi]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 112|112]]-[[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 114|114]] || Win
|-
| [[VarisRoken Kogami|Ryoken Roken Kogami/Varis]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 115|115]]-[[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 116|116]] || Win
|}
==Trivia==
* When Soulburner's Avatar disintegrates into data in Mirror LINK VRAINS, his data is red; he and Flame are the only characters to do so, as most characters usually disintegrated into yellow data, Blue Maiden and Kolter disintegrated into blue data, and Varis into green.
* Theodore's hair colors as Soulburner appear to be a combination of [[Yusaku Fujiki|Playmaker]]'s, [[Skye Zaizen|Blue Angel]]'s and [[George Gore|The Gore]]'s, all of whom he refers to as the heroes of LINK VRAINS for stopping the Knights of Hanoi.
* Like many characters, Theodore says "Are you sure?" when he's about to turn a Duel around in the original. However, he says "Soitsu wa dou kana?" instead of "Sore wa dou kana?"
* Theodore is the only character in ''VRAINS'' to use more than one [[Xyz Monster]].
** Out of the characters in ''VRAINS'' that used Xyz Monsters, Theodore is the only one to never use [[Synchro Monster]]s.
==References==
<references />
<references group="Notes" />
{{Theodore Hamilton pages}}
{{Characters/VRAINS/Anime}}
[[Category:Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS characters]]