AN
"Blah"- Normal speech
'Blah'- Thoughts
"Blah"- Spirits
Yugioh GX
Coming of the Twilight
Chapter: 10: Duel of Destiny
As the Destiny HERO duelist stared out at the ocean a pool of black sludge had appeared behind him on the deck of the ship and from it rose a man in a black jump suit, his short black hair was spiked and sporting a pair of sunglasses on his face. 'Target located, the other HERO user.' Trueman thought as he stared at Aster who just that second had caught on to the dark messenger's presence. Spinning round Aster saw Trueman standing there.
"Wha…how did you get onto my ship without me noticing? Who are you?" he demanded.
Trueman said nothing, he merely glanced down at a card in his hand, memories of how he acquired its cause his face to twist itself into a grin. "Hey I'm talking to you, who are you?" Aster demanded.
"Why Aster don't you recognize me?" Trueman said. As he said these words his form shifted changing into that of a man clad in a red shirt and beige slacks, his hair loosing its spikiness and becoming longer and finally his sunglasses changing into regular glasses.
Aster looked on in shock as before him, standing there was his father Hiro Phoenix. "D…dad…" he gasped out.
"Yes Aster, my son." Hiro said to his awe stricken child, "Its me."
"But…but how?" Aster spluttered, unable to believe to see what he was seeing,"You…you're dead."
"Never mind that, all that matters is that I'm here now." Hiro replied, he then held out his hand towards the grey haired teen, "Aster, come here. There something that I must tell you."
Without hesitation Aster began walking toward the father that he had long ago lost.
"Aster…I…I…" Hiro said as his son grew closer, "I despise you…" Seeing the stunned look on his face Hiro lashed out at Aster, backhanding him across the face and sending him crashing into the deck.
"Dad…why " Aster gasped out, a look of hurt and confusion in his eyes.
"Silence worm, you have no right to even look upon me after all your failures." Hiro retorted, disgust in his voice, "I created the Destiny HERO's to make you powerful and yet you fail used them properly. You failed to defeat Jaden Yuki. And most damning of all you are the one responsible for my death."
"Wh…what?" Aster exclaimed.
"Did you never think it was odd that after I died that a complete stranger whom you've never met or heard of before appeared from out of nowhere and claimed to be my close friend." Hiro said, venom in his voice, "Or did it never occur to you that your oh so precious D was the one who killed me."
"No…that can't be true." Aster protested.
"I told you to be silent." Hiro snapped, "Not only did that piece of human garbage kill me, he also stole my final Destiny card. He stole my life and my life's work all because of your actions."
Just then dozen of what looked like black cards appeared from nowhere and formed around Hiro's left am taking the form of a Duel Disk. "Now come, its time for you to taste the wrath of this deck I've prepared just for you. Do not keep me waiting." Hiro said before vanishing only to reappear on the docks side.
Still rather stunned about his father's words Aster shook his head before heading below deck to get a Duel Disk. A few minutes later Aster joined his father on the dock.
"It seems that the stage is almost set." Hiro said, "Only one thing remains." Snapping his fingers a dozen orb of blue flame appeared which floated to the ground that ignited and created a wall of flames around the two Duelists.
"Just a little something to ward off outside interference," Hiro said, seeing the confused look on Aster's face, "Also to ensure you don't try to run."
"Who says I'm gonna." Aster retorted, as he said these words his Duel Disk activated "Lets do this already."
"Very well, since you're so eager to die." Hiro said as his own Duel Disk activated, both of them drew their opening hand.
"DUEL!"
[ALP: 4000] Aster drew his first card. "My move, I summon Destiny HERO - Diamond Dude." He declared.
Destiny HERO - Diamond Dude
ATK: 1400/DEF: 1600/Level: 4/Attribute: Dark/Type: Warrior/Effect
Once per turn: You can reveal the top card of your Deck, and if it is a Normal Spell Card, send it to the Graveyard, otherwise place it on the bottom of your Deck. During the Main Phase of your next turn, you can activate the effect of that Spell Card in your Graveyard (even if you no longer control this face-up card)
The familiar monster appeared on the field. "Now I use his ability and draw the top card on my deck." Aster announced, he then slid the top card off of his deck and looked at it, "Well would you look at that, its Cost Down. I send it to my Graveyard and next turn I can activate its effect."
The grey haired Duelists slipped the card into his graveyard. "I'll now set two cards face down. Turn end."
[HLP: 4000] A smirking Hiro Phoenix drew a new card. "I summon Armageddon Knight." he announced.
Armageddon Knight
ATK: 1400/DEF: 1200/Level: 4/Attribute: Dark/Type: Warrior/Effect
When this card is Summoned, you can send 1 DARK monster from your Deck to the Graveyard.
A man clad in rusty looking samurai armor with a piece of ragged red cloth wrapped around its mouth appeared on the field. "Now I send one Dark Type Monster from my deck to the Graveyard." A card slid out of Hiro's deck that he placed into his Graveyard slot. "Next I discard a Level 5 Dark Monster from my hand to the and Special Summon Dark Grepher."
Dark Grepher
ATK: 1700/DEF: 1600/Level: 4/Attribute: Dark/Type: Warrior/Effect
You can Special Summon this card (from your hand) by discarding 1 Level 5 or higher DARK monster. Once per turn: You can discard 1 DARK monster; send 1 DARK monster from your Deck to the Graveyard
A Dark version of the monster Dai Grepher appeared, a sinister grin on its face as it glared at Aster's Monster. "Next I will use Dark Grepher's ability, I discard another Dark Monster in my hand along with another from deck and send them both to the Graveyard." Hiro selected another card from his hand as another slid out of his deck and slipped both of them into his Graveyard slot.
"Now Dark Grepher, destroy Diamond Dude." Hiro ordered, his monster then used its sword to cleave Aster's in two [ALP: 3700].
"Trap card open," Aster declared, "Destiny Signal."
Destiny Signal
Type: Basic Trap
When a monster you control is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard: Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Destiny HERO" monster from your hand or Deck
A spot light with a D symbol appeared in the sky "Since you destroyed one of my monsters, this summon's a Destiny HERO from my hand or deck in its place." Aster said, "I now summon to the field Destiny HERO - Doom Lord."
Destiny HERO - Doom Lord
ATK: 600/DEF: 800/Level: 3/Attribute: Dark/Type: Warrior/Effect
Once per turn: You can target 1 monster your opponent controls; banish that target. You cannot declare an attack the turn you activate this effect. You must control this face-up Attack Position card to activate and to resolve this effect. The banished monster returns to the opponent's side of the field, in the same battle position, during your 2nd Standby Phase after activation
In an instant Asters pale skinned monster clad in its armor and a blood red cloak appeared. "So what, your new monster too weak to challenge my Armageddon Knight" Hiro snorted, his knight charge at Aster's monster, its sword raised above its head.
"Then it's a good job I have this other face down card." Aster retorted, "Go trap, D-Shield."
D-Shield
Type: Basic Trap
When an Attack Position "Destiny HERO" monster you control is targeted for an attack: Target it; change it to Defense Position and equip it with this card. The equipped monster cannot be destroyed by battle
A white aura appeared around Doom Lord's body forcing it into defense mode. Armageddon Knights swung its sword at Doom Lord on to be repelled by a barrier that formed around the Dark HERO.
Hiro selected two cards from his hand. "I set a card face down, then I will play the spell card Dark Door."
Dark Door
Type: Continuous Spell
Both players can only attack with 1 monster during their respective Battle Phases
"With this in play both of us can only attack once per turn. Turn end." Hiro announced, two cards appeared on his field.
"Then it's my move." Aster announced as he drew his new card, "Now from my Graveyard I use the effect of Cost Down."
Cost Down
Type: Basic Spell
Discard 1 card from your hand. Downgrade all Monster Cards in your hand by 2 Levels until the End Phase of the turn this card is activated.
"By ditching a card I can down grade the level in my hand by two." Aster explained as he slipped a card into his graveyard, "Now I summon Destiny HERO - Double Dude."
Destiny HERO - Double Dude
ATK: 1000/DEF: 1000/Level: 6/Attribute: Dark/Type: Warrior/Effect
Cannot be Special Summoned. This card can attack twice during each Battle Phase. During your Standby Phase, if this card was destroyed since your last Standby Phase: You can Special Summon 2 "Double Dude Tokens" (Warrior-Type/DARK/Level 4/ATK 1000/DEF 1000). This card must be in your Graveyard to activate and to resolve this effect
A monster clad in a suit and hat appeared. "Next I switch Doom Lord to attack mode and use its ability, Banishing Dark Grepher two rounds into the future. Destiny Road..." Doom Lord grabbed the dark warrior with his clawed hand, it then shimmered out of existence. "Turn end."
'Poor Aster, your so predictable.' Hiro though as he drew a new card, 'Very well then, never let it be said that I am not a giving father.' "Armageddon Knight, attack his Double Dude." The knight lunged at Aster's monster, dispatching it with a single swing of its sword [ALP: 3300]. "Turn end."
Aster drew his next card. "Double Dude's ability activates, when it's destroyed 2 Double Dude tokens are summoned to my field during my Standby Phase." He announced, two identical monsters appeared on the field.
"Tsk predictable," Hiro scoffed, "I knew you were going to do that."
"Well did you predict this?" Aster shot back, "I Release my tokens to summon...Destiny HERO - Dreadmaster."
Destiny HERO - Dreadmaster
ATK: ?/DEF: ?/Level: 8/Attribute: Dark/Type: Warrior/Effect
If this card is Special Summoned by "Clock Tower Prison": Destroy all monsters you control, except face-up "Destiny HERO" monsters, then you can Special Summon up to 2 "Destiny HERO" monsters from your Graveyard. During any turn this card is Special Summoned, "Destiny HERO" monsters you control cannot be destroyed, and you take no Battle Damage when they battle. The ATK and DEF of this card are equal to the combined original ATK of all other "Destiny HERO" monsters you control
A large clap of thunder was heard and from above Aster's huge hulking monster descended. "Dreadmaster arrival triggers its Dread Wall ability, summoning 2 Destiny HERO's from my graveyard. So lets welcome back Diamond Dude and Double Dude." Aster said as his two monsters reappeared, "Not only that Dreadmaster's ATK and DEF become equal to the combined ATK of all the Destiny HERO's on my field." (DHDM ?/?→3000/3000).
"Now Deadmaster, wipe out his Armageddon Knight." Aster ordered, "Predator of Dreadnaught…" The massive HERO roared as its slammed its mighty fist into Hiro's monster, crushing the knight with a single blow [HLP: 2400]. "Turn end."
Hiro drew his next card. "I play the Spell Allure of Darkness." He declared.
Allure of Darkness
Type: Basic Spell
Draw 2 cards, then remove from play 1 DARK monster from your hand. If you don't have any DARK monsters in your hand to remove, send all cards in your hand to the Graveyard.
"I draw two new cards then Banish a Dark monster in my hand." Hiro drew two new cards and slipped one of his cards into his shirt pocket. "Next since I have five Dark Monster's in my Grave, I summon Dark Creator in defense mode."
The Dark Creator
ATK: 2300/DEF: 3000/Level: 8/Attribute: Dark/Type: Thunder/Effect
This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. This card can only be Special Summoned, by having 5 or more DARK monsters in your Graveyard while you control no monsters. Once per turn, you can remove from play 1 DARK monster in your Graveyard to Special Summon 1 DARK monster from your Graveyard.
A black monster similar to the Creator appeared looming behind Hiro. "Now I use Creators ability, I Banish a Dark Monster from my Grave to Special Summon another Dark Monster to my field ." Hiro said as his as two cards including his Armageddon Knight slid out of his graveyard, he place the knight in his pocket, "The monster I revive is Dark Archetype."
Dark Archetype
ATK: 1400/DEF: 400/Level: 4/Attribute: Dark/Type: Spellcaster/Effect
When this card is destroyed by battle, you can Special Summon 1 monster from your Deck with an ATK less then or equal to the amount of Battle Damage you received from a battle involving this card.
A strange looking monster appeared on the field. "Now I will activate a spell card, Inferno Reckless Summon. Since a monster with 1500 or less attack points has been special summoned to my field I can now play all the copies of that card."
Inferno Reckless Summon
Type: Quick-Play
Activate only when 1 monster with 1500 or less ATK is Special Summoned to your side of the field while your opponent controls a face-up monster(s). Special Summon all cards with the same name as the Summoned monster from your hand, Deck, and Graveyard in face-up Attack Position. Your opponent selects 1 face-up monster they control and Special Summons all cards with that same name from their hand, Deck, and Graveyard.
Two more Dark Archetypes appeared on the field. "Next I activate my face down card, Necro Rebirth, with this I can summon a Dark Type Monster from my Graveyard by Banishing the required number of Monsters from my field as tribute."
Necro Rebirth
Type: Basic Trap
Select 1 Dark Type monster in your Graveyard, special summon this card by tributing the necessary number of monsters from your field.
"I Release all three of my Dark Archetypes and from my Graveyard I summon my ultimate creation, the one your oh so precious D murdered me for." Hiro said as his three monsters vanished, "Behold Aster, the ultimate Destiny Hero. Destiny HERO…Plasma…"
Another clap of thunder tore across the sky as a pillar of light shot up from the ocean floor in which could be seen the silhouette of Hiro's new monster.
Elsewhere on the island Jaden's eyes shot open, in an instant be was on his feet, causing the chair he'd been sleeping in to clatter to the ground, looking this way and that about the room for any sign of what had disturbed him before his eyes fell upon the bed that was next to where he had been sitting, upon which lay Syrus, the blue haired Roid Duelist showed no sign of stirring.
'That's right, we agreed to take turns watch over Syrus in case he woke up. I must have dozed off.' Jaden thought, shaking his head he tried to recall what had waken him from his slumber.
Looking round he saw Yubel standing by the window. "Yubel, what is it?" the brunette HERO user asked.
"Don't you feel it Jaden, there is a large surge of light energy." The hermaphrodite Fiend replied as he approached her side.
Confused at first, Jaden tapped into the dark power within him and stretched out with his mind to find what Yubel was talking about. "I see it now, must have been the thing that woke me up." He said, just then something else caught his attention, "Wait, there's something else there to."
Just then Jaden's eyes shot open. "Aster, whatever is out there its dueling Aster." He exclaimed.
"So it seems." Yubel said, "What do you want to do about it?"
"We need to get out there," Jaden replied, "Aster is a strong Duelist but if worst comes to worst we need to be there to make sure whatever he's fighting doesn't spread to the rest of the island." Grabbing his Duel Disk the brunette HERO Duelist was soon out the door, Yubel following behind.
The moment the door closed Syrus's eyelids slowly parted, the bluenette letting out a groan as they did. "Ja…Jaden…" he managed to groan out before slipping back into unconsciousness.
A bead of sweat rolled down Aster's face as he stared up at his opponents newest monster. It had many things in common with Elemental HERO Flame Wingman, however instead of looking heroic this monster seemed positively demonic. A strange white aura radiated from its body, which made Aster feel ill at ease.
Destiny HERO - Plasma
ATK: 1900/DEF: 800/Level: 8/Attribute: Dark/Type: Warrior/Effect
Cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. Must be Special Summoned (from your hand) by Tributing 3 monsters you control, and cannot be Special Summoned by other ways. Negate the effects of all face-up monsters your opponent controls. Once per turn: You can target 1 monster your opponent controls; equip that target to this card, and this card gains ATK equal to half the ATK of that equipped monster (you can only equip 1 monster at a time to this card with this effect).
"Impressive isn't it." Hiro said as he stared up at it, pride in his voice, "My ultimate creation, the perfect monster."
"But how?" Aster asked, "That card, it was stolen that night..."
"Fool, before coming here I paid my killer a visit to take back what he stole from me." Hiro retorted, "Now I use Plasma's ability, once per turn it can ensnare one of my opponents monsters and equip it to itself. Gravity Blood..."
Several tendrils emerged from Plasma's wings which impaled Diamond Dude who was then absorbed into Plasma's body. "Plasma's ATK is now boosted by half of Diamond Dude's." Hiro explained as his Monsters ATK rose (DHP 1900→2600) (DFDM 3000→1600).
"Plasma wipe out Dreadmaster, Rain of Blood…" Dozens of blood droplets were released from Plasma's wings striking Aster's monster, the great behemoth letting out a cry before disintegrating into data bits [ALP: 2700]. "Turn end."
Grunting Aster drew his next card. 'Damnit…Plasma, that is one seriously broken card.' He thought as he looked down at his hand, 'Right now I have nothing that can beat it, even if I did I still have his Dark Creator to deal with. Right now all I have going for me is that he can't attack all my monsters because of Dark Door.' Aster switched all his monsters into defence mode and placed a card face down, as he did Dark Grepha reappeared on his father's field. "Turn end."
Hiro drew a new card as he did his Diamond Dude reappeared on Aster's field's (DHP 2600→1900). "Plasma, absorb Doom Lord." He ordered, Aster could only grimace as Plasma's absorbed another of his monsters (DHP 1900→2200).
"Now Plasma, destroy his Diamond Dude." Without hesitation the Dark HERO unleashed another torrent of blood like rain from its wings, striking Aster's monster as well as several striking Aster himself, the force of which sent him reeling backwards and crashing into the ground.
'What…what was that?' Aster grimaced, 'Solid Vision Duels are supposed to be realistic but nothing to this extent.'
"Look at you down there, you're pathetic." Hiro said, "As I thought, your nothing but a miserable failure Aster. No matter what you continue to be a disappointment to me. You led my murder to my front door and practically handed my ultimate creation to him. Not only that but you associate yourself with trash like Sartorius and that whore of a sister of his."
Hiro gaze then shifted from Aster to Plasma, all traces of disgust vanished from his face and stared up at the monster with love and admiration. "But none of that matters," He said with pride, "Not now that my true son has been returned to me."
'True son…' These words shook Aster to his core, 'He…he values Plasma more then he values me….' Images of the past flooded Aster's mind, times he'd spent with his father. The laughter the tears, had they all been a lie?
Hiro took the remaining card from his hand, "I set one card face down," He announced, "Turn end."
Shaken Aster got back to his feet. "Aster…." A voice called out, "Aster, keep fighting…"
Surprised Aster began looking about for the source of the voice. 'That voice, it…it sounded like my dad…' He drew a new card. "I summon Destiny HERO Defender in defence mode."
Destiny HERO - Defender
ATK: 100/DEF: 2700/Level: 4/Attribute: Dark/Type: Warrior/Effect
During each of your opponent's Standby Phase: Your opponent draws 1 card. This card must be in face-up Defense Position to activate and to resolve this effect
A monster clad in armor that resembled cinderblocks appeared crouched on its knees. Hiro took his turn, Doom Lord reappeared on his opponents (DHP 2200→1900). "Turn end."
"My move, and thanks to your Defender I get to draw an extra card." Hiro said as he drew two cards from his deck. "Plasma, reabsorb Doom Lord." Once again Aster's hero was absorbed by the winged monster (DHP 1900→2200).
"Now Plasma use Doom Lord's ability and Banish his Defender for two turns." Once again another of Aster's monsters was banished from the field. "Next I switch Creator into attack mode so he can attack you directly." Rising up the dark monster summoned up an orb of black lightning which it hurled at Aster catching him in the chest [ALP: 400].
Finished with his attack Hiro moved to his end phase, Aster's Double Dude reappearing on his field. "Turn end."
Gasping for breath Aster drew his next card. "I…I play Pot of Greed." He said as he slipped a card into one of his Spell/Trap Zones.
Pot of Greed
Type: Basic Spell
Draw 2 cards from your Deck.
Drawing his additional cards Aster looked at what he picked up. "I switch Double Dude to defense mode and I summon Destiny HERO - Dunker in defense mode as well." He announced.
Destiny HERO - Dunker
ATK: 1200/DEF: 1700/Level: 4/Attribute: Dark/Type: Warrior/Effect
You can send 1 "Destiny HERO" card from your hand to the Graveyard; inflict 500 damage to your opponent
A tan skinned monster with dread locks appeared on the field. "I use Dunker's effect, discarding another Destiny HERO in my hand to the Graveyard Dunker can hit you with 500 points of damage." Aster explained as he slipped a car from his hand into his graveyard slot, a glowing orb appeared in Dunker's hand that it then hurled at Hiro [HLP: 1900]. "Turn end."
"Next I set a card face down." Aster said, a card appeared on his field, "Turn end."
Hiro drew a new card. "I use Plasma's ability to equip your Dunker to itself." He declared, tendrils emerged from the demonic HERO's wings that dragged the selected Destiny Hero into itself (DHP 1900→2500). "Now Plasma use your power to wipe out Doom Lord, Rain of Blood…"
"I play my trap," Aster announced, "Hero Formation."
Hero Formation
Type: Counter
If a Face-up "HERO" Monster you control is selected as an attack target, select another monster as the target of the attack.
As the torrent of blood rushed at Doom Lord the dark hero vanished with Double Dude taking its place, the attack pelted the suit-clad monster reducing it to data bits. "Tsk, turn end." Hiro said.
Aster drew a new card, as he did two more Double Dude tokens appeared on his field. "I play Allure of Darkness." He declared, he drew two new cards then slipped a card from his hand into the pocket of his blazer.
"Now I Release one of my Double Dude Tokens and Advance Summon Destiny HERO - Dasher." He announced.
Destiny HERO - Dasher
ATK: 2100/DEF: 1000/Level: 6/Attribute: Dark/Type: Warrior/Effect
Once per turn: You can Tribute 1 other monster; this card gains 1000 ATK until the End Phase. If this card attacks, change it to Defense Position at the end of the Battle Phase. One time only, when you draw a Monster Card during your Draw Phase while this card is in your Graveyard: You can reveal it; Special Summon it. This card must be in the Graveyard to activate and to resolve this effect
One of the two identical monsters vanished and in its place appeared a monster clad in black armor with wheels on its feet. "Now I play the Spell card Doom Grip."
Doom Grip
Type: Basic Spell
Activate if you control a Face-up "Destiny HERO Doom Lord" on your side of the field. You can target 1 monster your opponent controls; banish that target. The banished monster returns to the opponent's side of the field, in the same battle position, during your 2nd Standby Phase after activation.
"Since I have a Doom Lord on my field I can use this Spell to Banish Plasma from the field for two turns." Aster explained, a phantom image of Doom Lord appeared behind Plasma and latched onto the winged Destiny HERO, Dunker remerged from Plasma's body causing it to shatter into data bits, and the pair shimmered out of existence.
"Now I use Dashers ability, by Releasing my other Double Dude token Dasher gains 1000 ATK." The remaining token vanished and the wheel footed Destiny HERO's strength rose (DHD 2100→3100). "Dasher, take out Dark Creator," Aster ordered, "Lightning Strike..." His monster hurtled towards Dark Creator, tiny bolts of electricity sparking off of its wheels as it did so, before leaping into the air, performing a vicious midair flip before delivering a vicious drop kick [HLP: 1100].
"I set one card face down." Aster said, "Turn end."
Hiro drew a card. "Enough games." He said sternly, "Since I have exactly 3 Dark Monster's in my Graveyard I now special summon Dark Armed Dragon." In a flash a dark version of Armed Dragon Lv7 appeared on his field.
Dark Armed Dragon
ATK: 2800/DEF: 2300/Level: 7/Attribute: Dark/Type: Dragon/Effect
Cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. Must be Special Summoned (from your hand) by having exactly 3 DARK monsters in your Graveyard, and cannot be Special Summoned by other ways. You can banish 1 DARK monster from your Graveyard to target 1 card on the field; destroy that target.
"Now I activate Dark Armed Dragon's Special Ability, by Banishing a Dark Monster in my Graveyard my Dragon can destroy one card on the field, and the one I pick your Destiny HERO Dasher," Hiro announced, as card slipping out of his Graveyard, "Dark Armed Dragon, Dark Genocide Cutter…" The bladed disks set into the dark Dragon's chest began to spin before being launched outwards, eviscerating Aster Monster.
"Now Dark Armed Dragon, send this worthless maggot to hell." Hiro commanded, "Dark Armed Punisher…" Letting out a roar Dark Armed Dragon lashed out at Aster with one of its clawed hands.
"I don't think so." Aster retorted, "Trap card open, Negate Attack."
Negate Attack
Type: Counter
Activate only when a target opponent's monster declares an attack. Negate the attack and end the Battle Phase.
A barrier formed in front of Aster which blocked Dark Armed Dragon's attack. Hiro growled in frustration. "Before I end my turn I set a card." He said, taking the remaining card in his hand and set it in one of his Spell/Trap Zones. "Turn end."
Aster drew a new card. 'What am I gonna do? It sees like he's always got some new card to play no matter what move I make. How I don't see how I'm gonna win this duel?' Aster thought, a bead of sweat rolling down his face.
"Aster!" a voice cried out and looking round the grey haired duelist saw Jaden standing there on outside the barrier of flames panting heavily. Hiro glared at Jaden, a dark look forming on his face.
"Jaden," Aster exclaimed, "What are you doing here?"
"I…er, I noticed something weird over here and decided to check it out" Jaden replied not wanting to give his abilities away, he really didn't want to explain that he was from an alternative future as well as being the reincarnation of a prince from another universe not to mention Yubel, he then glanced over at Hiro, "Wait, is that Aster's dad, but he's meant to be dead."
"Enough stalling Aster," Hiro barked, "Make your move so I can put you through the same torment I have."
Slowly Aster looked down at his new card. 'This might be a mistake, but at the same time it may be my only chance…' "I use Dasher's ability, one per game I can summon a monster I've drawn." Aster announced, "I summon Destiny HERO - Dogma."
Destiny HERO - Dogma
ATK: 3400/DEF: 2400/Level: 8/Attribute: Dark/Type: Warrior/ Effect
Cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. Must be Special Summoned (from your hand) by Tributing 3 monsters, including at least 1 "Destiny HERO" monster, and cannot be Special Summoned by other ways. If you still control this face-up card during your opponent's next Standby Phase after you Special Summoned it: Halve your opponent's Life Points
In an instant one of Aster's most powerful monsters was on the field, its dark armor glinting in the moonlight and its red eyes giving off a slight glow. "Dogma, destroy Dark Armed Dragon…" Aster ordered, "Death's Chronicle…" Spreading its wings and extending its twin blades, the Dark HERO took to the air and with a swing of its arms decapitated the dragon [HLP: 500].
"I set one card face down and end my turn." Aster said.
"Not bad Aster, but don't forget now Plasma returns to my field." Hiro said as the demonic hero reappeared on his field.
"What, Plasma?" Jaden exclaimed, "But how can he have that card? Just then Yubel appeared at his side.
"Jaden, the strange power, its coming from that monster there." She told him.
"You sure?" Jaden asked, his eyes changed from his usual brown to the green and orange of his protector and the aura of light energy became visible to him. However doing so also revealed a second aura, this one appearing around Aster's father. '
That aura, it feels…familiar.' He though as he tried to remember where he had felt it before. Just then his eyes went wide. 'Wait, now I remember….'
"Aster listen to me, that's not your dad." He called out.
"What?" Aster exclaimed.
Jaden shifted his focus to Hiro. "Of all the duelists to run into you were never one though I would ever see into you again, I assumed you were sucked back into the World of Darkness along with Nightshoud." Jaden said, "You figured you could mess with Aster's head in the same way you did Axel's, you can change your appearance into whom ever you want but in the end it's just a trick. So why don't you drop the act and show us your real face…Trueman."
"Trueman?" Aster said in a confused tone.
"What are you talking about, I am Hiro Phoenix." Hiro said firmly.
"Cut the crap. You can't fool these eyes." Jaden retorted, "You may look like Aster's dad but its just an illusion and I see through it."
Just then Hiro began chuckling. "Very perceptive, however there is something those eyes cannot see." He told the brunette, "Within me is the soul of Hiro Phoenix, I can feel his anger flowing though me, his need for revenge against the one responsible for his death."
He then pointed straight at Aster. "Aster, you are the one responsible." He said in a stern tone, "For that I will drag you into the World of Darkness."
"Cut it out." Jaden yelled, "Aster, don't listen to a word he says."
"Enough chatter on with the duel. My turn, draw." Hiro announced as he drew a new card.
"Dogma's effect kicks in." Aster retorted, "He now cuts your lifepoints in half." [HLP: 250].
"Like it matters." Hiro said in an uncaring tone, "Plasma, use your power to absorb Dogma." Blood red tendrils emerged from Plasma's wings that bound Dogma.
"Trap card open, Fiendish Chain." Aster announced.
Fiendish Chain
Type: Continuous Trap
Select 1 face-up Effect Monster on the field. Its effect(s) is negated and it cannot attack. If it is destroyed, destroy this card.
A dozen chains emerged from Aster's card that wrapped around Plasma and bound it. "With this Plasma's abilities are negated and it can't attack." Aster explained.
"What a coincidence." Hiro said, "Go trap card, Fiendish Chain…"
"What?" Aster exclaimed, an identical card to the one he had just used rose up on Hiro's field. From it chains emerged that bound Dogma. "It seems we've reached a stalemate." Hiro said, "Neither of our monsters can attack and one of use destroys the other trap the trapped monster will be destroyed. Turn end."
On the side liens Jaden looked on, a scowl decorating his face. 'Danmit, is there any way for Aster to win?'
"There is one way." Yubel said sensing his thoughts, "However there is only one card that can bring him victory, and you are the only one to poses it."
Jaden looked over at the spirit; reaching into his deck he drew a single card, 'This is it, the card that can win things for Aster. What should I do, should I give it to him?' Jaden thought, just then he shook his head and slipped it back into his deck, 'No, I have to believe that Aster can win using his own power.'
Grimacing Aster drew a new card. "I play the spell card Foretold Hope." He declared.
Foretold Hope
Type: Basic Spell
Target 5 "DESTINY HERO" cards in your Graveyard; shuffle them into the Deck, then draw 2 cards (draw 3 cards instead, if you had no other cards on your side of the field and in your hand when you activated this card).
"This takes five Destiny HERO's from my Graveyard and sends them back to my deck, then I get to shuffle it and draw." Aster explained, "Normally I'd only draw two cards but since I have no other cards in my hand I can draw three."
Destiny HERO's Dreadmaster, Dasher, Dunker, Diamond Dude and Doom Lord slid out of Aster's graveyard that he placed back into his deck and reshuffled, placing his pointer and index finger on top of his deck Aster slid his top card off of it.
'Blade Master, no good.' He drew his second card, 'D-Spirit, that's no good in this situation.'
Aster looked down at his deck, 'This is it, my last draw, I need a card that can help me win.'
Just then a terrible though occurred to him. 'Wh…what if I can't? even if I do will it matter, my father hates me. He holds me responsible for his death' Aster though, 'Worse of all, what if he's right, what if I am responsible?'
"Aster." Just then a voice caught his attention and he looked over at Jaden. "Aster listen to me. You gotta stop listen to Trueman, he's just trying to mess with your head. No matter what he looks like the guy before you is not your father." Jaden told him, "You built your deck using the cards that your father created, meaning his soul is as much a part of that deck as yours is. Every time you play a card you are expressing just how much you love him, and in turn the cards sense that love. Although he maybe gone your not alone, your father is still at your side supporting you in every duel you fight because that's how much he loves you."
As Jaden said these words Aster's deck began glowing and the silver haired duelist found himself in a different location, the same place Jaden had fought Captain Gold. "Whaa…what's going on?" Aster wondered aloud, "What is this place?"
Just then Aster's cards began glowing again, that glowing rose up in front of Aster and took the form of Hiro Phoenix. "Dad…" Aster said in a surprised tone.
"Aster, my son." Hiro said, "Please forgive me."
"Forgive you?" Aster said in a confused voice.
"Yes, all this is happening because of me." Hiro said, shame coloring his voice, "All this is happening because I created that card, Plasma. If only I had been strong enough I could have resisted its influence…"
"What are you talking about?" Aster demanded.
"Aster, I haven't much time left. But please know this, I love. As a father I could never be happier that you are my son." Hiro said, he then placed his hand on top of Aster's and it began to glow, as he did the silhouettes of seven unfamiliar Monsters appeared around him.
"Wh…who are these Monsters?" Aster asked, "I've never seen them before."
"These Aster are the second generation of Destiny HERO's, the ones that I imagined but never got the chance to make." Hiro told him, "Take theme use them to to win and reclaim Plasma. The Destiny HERO's are my legacy to you, use them to protect the people you care about."
The seven Monsters then transformed into glowing cards that appeared in Aster's hand, the grey haired HERO duelist sporting unsure of what to say or think about all this.
A sad smile formed on Hiro's face. "I'm proud of you, my son." And with these words Aster suddenly found himself back on the dockside, his opponent standing opposite him.
Still rather confused Aster looked down at his hand and found a he was holding a card, "Wait, this is…"
"So you finally made a move, are you going to do something or are you finally ready to surrender." The fake Hiro barked, "Either way quit stalling."
Steeling himself, Aster slipped the third and final card off of his deck. 'This card, it's…' Seeing the image printed on it a plan began forming in the grey haired HERO Duelist's mind. 'Thank you, dad…' "I summon Destiny HERO Blade Master." In a flash the blue haired Destiny HERO was on the field, moonlight glinting off its silver armor.
Destin HERO - Blade Master
ATK: 300/DEF: 600/Level: 3/Attribute: Dark/Type: Warrior/ Effect
During your opponent's Battle Phase: You can discard this card; all face-up "Destiny HERO" monsters you control gain 800 ATK until the End Phase.
"That thing, you're actually going to play it? Your not even using it right." The fake Hiro scoffed, "Of all the Destiny HERO's Blade Master is the weakest, its only good for its effect."
Aster took hold of one of the remaining cards in his hand. "Shows what you know, that just goes to prove what Jaden said is true. Your not my father." He retorted, "If you were then you'd know that HERO's, even ones as dark as my Destiny HERO's, their true power is revealed when they work together. Now I play Polymerization." He declared.
Polymerization
Type: Basi Spell
Fusion Summon 1 Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck, using monsters from your hand or your side of the field as Fusion Materials
A large Vortex appeared above the field, a fierce wind kicking up that blasted through the area. "I fuse Destiny HERO Dogma with Destiny HERO Blade Master." Aster declared, both of his HERO's were drawn up into the Fusion Vortex, the chains that had bound Dogma shattering as the winged HERO was drawn upwards. "Fusion Summon, come forth…Destiny HERO…Dystopia…"
The Fusion Vortex flashed and from it emerged a man in a black bodysuit with pieces of dark blue armor worn over the top, his face covered by a golden mask with the mark of the Destiny HERO's engraved into it.
Destiny HERO Dystopia
ATK: 2800/DEF: 2400/Level: 8/Attribute: Dark/Type: Warrior/Fusion/Effect
2 "Destiny HERO" monsters
If this card is Special Summoned: You can target 1 Level 4 or lower "Destiny HERO" monster in your Graveyard; inflict damage to your opponent equal to that target's ATK. During either player's turn, if this card's current ATK is different from its original ATK (except during the Damage Step): You can target 1 card on the field; destroy it, and if you do, this card's ATK becomes equal to this card's original ATK. You can only use each effect of "Destiny HERO - Dystopia" once per turn
"Wh…what is this?" Fake Hiro exclaimed, the appearance of Dystopia throwing him completely off guard, "There aren't any Destiny HERO Fusion Monsters!"
"No, there aren't. This monster is one of many my father came up with never got the chance to make. From the depths of his dreams they've come to aid me." Aster said, his voice filled with determination as well as a touch of sadness, "I now use Dystopia's ability, when its Special Summoned I select 1 Level 4 or lower Destiny HERO in my Graveyard and Dystopia hits you for damage equal to the selected HERO's ATK."
Aster's Graveyard flashed and a ghostly image of Doom Lord appeared on the field. "Destiny HERO Dystopia, Squeeze Palm…" Aster ordered, extending his hand out Doom Lord was absorbed into its palm which began to glow with energy. Dystopia then leapt into the air where it fired a burst of energy from its glowing fist, knocking 'Hiro' off of his feet and knocked him to the ground [HLP:0].
"Argh, damn you Aster, damn you." The dark haired man let out a cry as his Lifepoints depleted fully, transforming back into Trueman. Pushing him up onto his knees, 'Trueman' looked up and glared at Aster.
"This isn't over, I will drag you into the dark." As he said these words his body began to change transforming into a large mass of black looking ooze, its head transforming to resemble Nightshrouds.
"What the…" Aster gasped.
The large black mass suddenly shot out a tendril from its body but instead of being aimed at Aster it rushed past him and smashed into the building behind Jaden, debris raining down towards him. In an instant Yubel appeared and used her body to shield him from the rubble.
"JADEN!" Aster cried out.
Just then a large shadow fell over him and looking up he found the large black mass looming over him.
"I'd be more concerned about yourself." Trueman said before launching another black tendril this one aimed at Aster, closing his eyes and gritting his teeth Aster prepared for the black mass to make connection with him.
However it never came. Opening his eyes once again he saw a winged figure blocking the mutated Trueman's tendril. "No way," Aster gasped, "Plasma…"
Plasma glanced over its shoulder momentarily at Aster before knocking the tendril away. Plasma glared at the mutated Trueman."Keep your slimy hands off of my son." The monster growled.
"D...dad?" Aster gasped. Plasma spread its wings wide and fired a hailstorm of blood like rain at Trueman, the messenger let's out a cry as the attack ripped through him.
"Damn you…" Trueman hissed, "Damnit…" Smoke from the flames then enveloped him and he vanished from view, no sooner had he gone the flames surrounding them vanishing as well. His task done Plasma's body began to dissolve into particles.
"No wait, dad…" Aster cried out, "Don't go…"
Plasma looked over his at Aster, his mouth twisted into a sad smile. "Goodbye son." With these words he vanished completely leaving Aster to fall to his knees.
Crouched there Aster watched as a card floated to the ground before him, looking down at it tears began to well up in his eyes at the image printed on.
As he stared at it the sound of footsteps was heard and Jaden approached him. The brunette said nothing; he merely stood silent as he watched as Aster picked up the card, tears now rolling freely from his eyes.
In an instant Aster spun round and buried his face in Jaden's chest, the younger boys tears soaking his shirt and still he said and did nothing. There was nothing he could do or say that would to ease Asters pain so he just let him let out all his anguish and frustrations, the pair stayed that way for quite sometime until Aster had no more tears left.
Elsewhere on the island Sartorius was seated at his divination table, his deck of tarot cards laid out before his in preparation of a new reading. "It seems that Aster is now lost to us." Said a voice from behind him.
"Unfortunate, however not totally unacceptable." Sartorius replied, "Since his defeat to Jaden Aster has become distant and unreliable, in the end its better this way."
"Are you sure, his retrieval of the Destiny card has occurred much quicker then you had envisioned." The voice asked.
"That it is true, it is earlier then I would have liked but it makes little difference." Sartorius said as he rose from his chair, "Besides Jaden is our real target."
He then turned to face the person he was talking to and found sitting on his couch was a second person came into view, a rather attractive woman with long black hair clad in the red and white garb of a miko. "Tell me Sarina, is your champion ready?" he asked.
The woman identified as Sarina nodded her head. "Yes my brother." She replied.
AN And with that another chapter of this story is fini. Hope you all enjoyed the duel between Aster and Trueman/Hiro.
Whilst I'm on the subject in neither the show or the manga was Aster's dad given a name which when you think about it is pretty incredible considering how important of a character he is in both.
In season 2 its revealed he created the Destiny HERO's, the cards Aster uses through out the rest of the series, and was the original host for the Light of Destruction before it transferred into the D and Sartorius, thus setting up the events of that season. In the manga he was the original host of Tragoedia before it transferred into Principle Mackenzie and under it's control created the Planet cards which are the main plot point of the whole series.
Anyway your probably wondering why a GX character is using a Monster from Arc-V, well later on the Aster uses the Arc-V Destiny HERO's in a duel and this was redone to explain where they came from rather then just have them magically show up from out of nowhere. Also originally how Aster was going to defeat Trueman was quite different, however it came about from a misunderstanding of how Fiendish Chain actually works and after I actually read what was actually printed on it I quickly realised that how the original ending doesn't work.
Also funnily enough the conclusion that I originally went with was not the one I had in mind when I originally wrote this. My original plan was to have Jaden toss Super Poly to Aster so he could make Destiny End Dragoon but that was scrapped because whilst I was writing this I came to the conclusion that having to depend on Jaden is kind of an insult to Aster as a duelist, plus its kinda, y'know, cheating.
Anywhoo I'm done, hope you all enjoyed this new chapter and all feed back is much appreciated.
Next time...
Jaden: Hey, I recognize this place. Wait, who's that?
Sarina: Welcome Jaden, here I present your greatest challenge
Jaden: Whoa, who are you?
?: Activate field spell, Colosseum - Cage of the Gladiator Beasts
Yubel: Next time on Yugioh GX Coming of the Twilight: Roar of the Gladiator
Jaden: Man, this guy is tough.