Hey! Sorry for taking so long! This time, it was myself. I had a few rough days so i just needed to step away and recharge. But now I'm back with some new chapters and we return to canon...somewhat. Enjoy!
In the manor Sartorius owned, Aster sat in a bed, still staring blankly. Over and over, the duel replayed in his head. Destiny had declared him the victor, Jaden was fated to lose to him. Yet...this was not what happened. Aster had not only been beaten by Jaden, but had been completely humiliated.
"Well, well, well. Look at the mighty Aster now." A cold, uncaring voice snarled.
Listlessly, Aster looked up. In the mirror next to him, an image of Zane Truesdale was there, several shadows behind him. One by one, the shadows revealed themselves to him. They were various duelists who he had bested. Thugs, criminals, losers...all of them were standing behind Zane, all wearing the same smug smile that the man wore.
"You could dish it out, but you can't take it. Justice? This was all just revenge for something you had no control over." 'Zane' sneered.
"What do you know? It is my destiny to be the best." Aster snapped back, 'Zane' laughing.
"Oh yes, the Best at being the worst! You messed with the best and you got DESTROYED like the rest of us! You mocked us, humiliated us, but as soon as the shoe is on the other foot, what do you do?"
Zane smirked, his eyes becoming pitch black.
"You shat yourself and cried for a nappy just like a little baby bitch. I ROSE FROM MY LOSS! That makes me even better then YOU."
Aster's head rang with the mocking laughter of the specters, Zane's being the loudest. Clutching his head, he closed his eyes, trying to drown them out. Sadly, he was failing and failing bad.
"Look at the big bad Aster Phenoix, calling out for his mommy!"
"Nah, she offed herself at the disgrace of a son she got!"
They continued to mock and jeer him, Zane smirking.
"You destroyed me...but I rose up. Jaden DECIMATED you...and you didn't even try to get up. You just stayed down. So whose the one with the big talk here? I think the Kiddie leagues are waiting for you, Aster."
The door opened up then and Sartorius rushed in. He placed his hands on Aster's and pried them away from his head. His manager looked at him and saw the boy had dug his nails into the sides, drawing blood. Frowning, he quickly got a first aid kit out and began to treat the various marks.
"Aster...can you hear me?" Sartorius asked.
"Sartorius?" Aster asked, looking up. "How-?"
"Nearly four weeks, Aster...and sadly, people are still talking."
Aster groaned, shaking his head. He lost the duel, his fans, and any form of respect he had. Now he was the butt of people's jokes! Reaching out, he grabbed a remote and pushed the power. The seventy inch Plasma Screen TV came to life, only it was showing last night's duel. It was Zane against a freshie.
"And another victory for the Hell King! These past few months had seen him rise up from his defeat at Aster's hand into a powerhouse!"
Aster saw the arrogant smirk on Zane's face, shocked. Zane...had risen? Throwing the remote, the TV exploded in sparks and shards of glass. Aster angrily got out of his bed, storming to the balcony. Sartorius watched, a deep frown on his face. He joined his ward, looking out at the twilight skies. They stood in silence for half an hour, just staring.
"How..." Aster asked suddenly.
"Pardon?" Sartorius asked, confused.
"How are they so much more powerful then me? Jaden...Zane..."
"Aster, you bested Zane."
"NO! I defeated Zane, yes, but not destroy him like I thought! He's...become better! He's winning when he should have dropped out entirely!" Aster thundered, spinning around to face his manager.
Jaden didn't just defeat Aster, but he DESTROYED him. He took away his fans, shattered his resolve, made him question fate and destiny. What was worse in the teens eyes?
Jaden had made Aster question himself.
"How...how are they so much more powerful then me?" Aster said, slumping.
Sartorius could barely contain his glee. Jaden destroying Aster in that duel had made him worry that the damage would be irreversible. But this...this was his opportunity! Putting on his most charming of smiles, Sartorius led Aster away and back in.
"They are strong because they fight for a cause. For Zane, it is to prove himself to be the best there is. For Jaden, it is the same, though that is changing. What you need Aster...is a cause."
"I had one...but Jaden...he made me doubt it." Aster said, Sartorius nodding.
"Yes...so you need another cause." Sartorius said, placing a hand on Aster's shoulder.
The boy looked up at his manager. His eyes went wide as an aura sprang up over Sartorius' frame. His old friend gave a reassuring smile, something that comforted Aster.
"Aster...I can give you that new cause." Sartorius purred. "I just need you to open your eyes and accept the Light."
There was a bright flash of light...and Aster knew nothing more.
EODGX
All of the White dorm was abuzz. Sally, Miles, Anthony, and Ronald stood with their brothers and sisters that had been enlightened. Ian, Jerome, and Amelia stood at the top of the stairs in the grand hall of the White Dorm. All three bore large smiles on their faces.
"Brothers and sisters! It is with great joy that we announce our lord's return!" Jerome started.
"Yes! Our lord that was laid low by the monster that is Jaden!" Amelia proclaimed.
"Please! Welcome, Lord ASTER!" Ian said, stepping to the side with a bow.
Aster walked out, wearing a coat of white. He was dressed like an Obelisk White student, his hair pure white like snow. His blue eyes shone with glee.
"Everyone! Thank you. With the aide of my oldest friend, Sartorius, I have been reborn...and now...all shall witness the Light!"
The cheers and exclamations could be heard all the way to the Red Dorm. After the jubilation died down, Aster turned to the original three members.
"What has been done about Jaden?" Aster demanded arrogantly.
"We've been distracting him with various minor and major pros while we slowly built the SoL, Lord Aster." Jerome reported.
"That did not answer my question." Aster snarled.
"We can't directly engage him, Lord Aster...he's too powerful as yourself knows." Ian said, standing up from his seat.
"Then we attack him in a way that really hurts him." Aster said, a smug smile on his face.
"And that is?" Amelia asked.
Here, Aster's smug smile became preadtory.
"His heart."
EODGX
Jaden stood, scowling as he looked out the window. What was going on at that crazy dorm? Suddenly, his PDA went off. Opening it up, he saw it was an exhibition match to greet their new transfer student. He heard some commotion inside the Red Dorm and turned around to see Alexis walking out of her room.
"Jaden, I need to get to the Arena. I'm facing some new transfer student."
"We'll be there ourselves so we can cheer you on, Alexis."
His girlfriend kissed his cheek and hurried off. The rest of the Dorm soon gathered and took off, heading for the Arena.
EODGX
Everyone arrived at the arena, taking their seats. Maurice, Fiona, and Bunnie looked longingly at the white dorms, where Sally, Miles, and Anthony sat. Jaden looked over too, seeing the smug smiles on Ian, Jerome, and Amelia. Something was wrong. They weren't forcing him to duel someone again, so it wasn't a distraction. The announcement of his girlfriend made him turn around, focusing on the arena.
Alexis walked out to the arena, shuffling her deck as she walked. She looked up at the stands and saw her boyfriend. He gave her a smile which made her smile back. Turning to face the other end, she waited.
"NOW OUR LATEST TRANSFER STUDENT...ASTER PHOENIX!"
That threw everyone for a loop. Aster?! Here?! Alexis felt a bead of sweat form as the entire White dorm stood up. The doors opened and out walked the boy.
Everyone saw that he was different then before. Like the rest of the White dorm, he wore the Obelisk White clothes, his hair was pure white and carried himself with a purpose. Everyone that was not part of the SoL stared, shocked.
"What the-?! How did Aster recover?!" Jasmine exclaimed in shock.
"I don't know...but this situation with the SoL went from bad to worse." Jason said, frowning.
If Aster was under the influence of whatever had the others in its thrall, then Alexis was in for a fight. Aster finished shuffling his deck and slotted it, smiling and winking at Alexis, making the girl's skin crawl.
"Well, looks like you finally got yourself back up. Still, thought Jay beat you down harder."
"He did...but I have now seen the Light." Aster boasted, making Alexis start.
Oh shit! He IS part of it! I can't back down now... Alexis thought, deploying her disk.
Aster did the same, the pair drawing their opening hands.
Aster: 8000/Alexis: 8000
"I believe the lovely lady should start." Aster said, bowing to her.
"Cute. But I already have a boyfriend. One who destroyed your ass." Alexis snapped, drawing a card.
Looking over her hand, she saw that she didn't have any of her hard hitters. Choosing a card, she placed it facedown on the field.
"I play this monster in facedown defense mode and play this facedown." Alexis said, ending her turn.
Aster drew next, looking at the card. He revealed to the crowds and girl. The artwork was of a winged skeletal beast perched on a skull and a head of fire.
"This is my eternal spell, Infernal White!"
(Infernal White – Type/Spell/Continuous.
Play with your hand revealed. During each of your opponent's Standby Phases, inflict 600 damage to your opponent.)
"This spell forces me to reveal my hand." Aster said, turning his cards around.
Alexis saw that he had three Destiny Heroes, two Elementals, and a spell card. That made her frown. Why play that spell? Aster summoned one of the Heroes, Elemental HERO Sparkman.
"Now, Sparkman! Attack!"
Alexis smirked, her facedown flipping up to reveal a stone angel. Several Doctor Why fans screamed in shock at it since it looked like the Doom Angel.
"Thanks, you attacked my Sacred Stone monster."
(Sacred Stone – LV/***, Attribute/EARTH, ATK/100, DEF/2000, Type/Rock/Effect.
If you Ritual Summon an "Cyber Angel" or "Cyber Archangel", you can use this monster as the full requirements.)
The static blast hit the stone angel, bouncing off and striking Aster. Said boy smirked, Alexis going on edge at that.
Aster: 7600
"Impressive. I'll end my turn."
Alexis drew, only to cry out in shock as sparks erupted from Infernal and struck her.
Alexis: 7400
"Oh, I forgot to mention during each of your standby phases, you lose six hundred life points." Aster called out, making Alexis grit her teeth.
Looking at the card she drew, she played it. A pot appeared, cackling. Aster frowned, knowing that it was Pot of Greed. Alexis drew two cards, following that up with Machine Angel Ritual.
"I tribute my Sacred Stone in order to play...Cyber Angel Xapham!"
(Cyber Angel Xapham – LV/********, Attribute/LIGHT, ATK/2900, DEF/2100, Type/Warrior/Ritual/Effect.
You can Ritual Summon this card with "Machine Angel Ritual". You must offer monsters whose star level equals 8. During your Standby Phase, Special Summon 1 "Cyber Seraphim" Token (LV/****, Attribute/LIGHT, ATK/2000, DEF/2000, Type/Fairy). Once per turn, You can tribute 1 monster on your side of the field. Special Summon 1 monster from your GY or Deck whose ATK is equal to or less then the offered monster's ATK.)
Xapham was a four winged angel draped in yellow armor, its head covered by a golden mask. White hair cascaded around it, a sword in its hand. Aster blinked, shocked. How had she summoned such a powerful monster with just one offering?! Alexis smirked, holding out Sacred Stone.
"Sacred Stone allows me to use it for the requirements of a ritual summoning, regardless of its level. Now...Xapham! Attack!"
Aster hissed, watching as the angel slashed through his Hero.
Aster: 6300
"Nice, Alexis has him on the ropes!" Syrus cheered.
Jaden was still staring, not liking this. Aster wasn't playing seriously yet. What was he waiting for? Alexis ended her turn, Aster drawing. He played O – Oversoul, regaining his Sparkman. He revealed his own Pot of Greed, drawing two cards. He revealed one of the two to be Polymerization.
"I fuse my Sparkman with my King of the Swamp monster to make...Elemental HERO Shining Phoenix Enforcer!"
"What?!" Everyone but Jaden and the professors called out.
"King of the Swamp is a fusion sub monster, everyone. It can be used make anything, so long as you have the proper fusion materials." Jaden explained, crossing his arms.
Alexis stared down the Enforcer, scowling. Thanks to its effect, it now had twenty-eight hundred attack points. Alexis frowned, readying herself for an attack. Aster surprised her though. He only set a monster in facedown defense mode, a card facedown, and ended his turn.
Alexis drew, hissing from pain as Infernal White activated.
Alexis: 6800
"Right...now comes my Angel's effect! I get a Cyber Seraphim token to my side of the field."
A tiny fairy with four wings appeared, draped in a white cloth. Here, Alexis smirked.
"But its not sticking around. My Xapham is the Angel of Creation, so by tributing a monster I control, I can summon forth one monster whose attack is equal to or less then the offered monster!"
"What?!" Everyone on the SoL side called out.
The tiny fairy vanished in a beam of light and from it came Blade Skater. Alexis revealed Fusion Sage, gaining her Polymerization. Then she played it, fusing Etolie Cyber with Blade Skater.
"Since you control two monsters, my Cyber Blader has double her original attack points!"
Cyber Blader – ATK/2100 x2 → 4200
"I'm not stopping there! I equip her first with Demotion making her a level five monster!"
Cyber Blader – LV/******* → *****
"Next, I equip her with Fusion Weapon!"
(Fusion Weapon – Type/Spell/Equip.
Equip only to a Level 6 or lower Fusion Monster. The equipped monster gains 1500 ATK and DEF.)
Cyber Blader – ATK/4200 → 5700
"Blader! Attack his Enforcer!"
The skater beauty surged forward, using the newly made weapon she was given to blast at the HERO. Aster grimaced, watching his monster meet hers. Enforcer was immortal, but not his life points.
Aster: 3400
"Xapham! Attack his facedown!"
The Angel brought forth a bow and arrow of mystic fire, taking aim at the facedown. It let loose the arrow, piercing the monster. It was revealed to be Clayman before it burst apart. Alexis smirked, only to see a trap flip up. In the sky, a shaft of light with a large D appeared.
"Meet my Destiny Signal!"
(Destiny Signal – Type/Trap/Normal.
You can only activate this card when a monster on your side of the field is destroyed as a result of battle and sent to the Graveyard. Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower monster from your hand or Deck that includes "Destiny Hero" in its card name.)
"This trap allows me to summon out one of my Destiny Heroes. I chose...Destiny HERO Diamond Dude!"
The man appeared, coated in diamonds and tattered clothes. Alexis frowned. Not good. That monster's effect would play havoc if he played it right. She set a card and ended her turn.
Aster drew, looking at the card. Seeing it was a large clocktower, he instantly played it.
"Arise, Clocktower Prison!"
(Clocktower Prison – Type/Spell/Field.
During each of your opponent's Standby Phases, put 1 Clock Counter on this card. While there are 4 or more Clock Counters on this card, you do not take any battle damage. When this card with 4 or more Clock Counters is destroyed, Special Summon 1 "Destiny Hero" monster from your hand, Deck, or Graveyard.)
All around the pair stone walls shot up, the tops laird with barbed wire. A single clock tower stood, its bell tolling. Aster activated his Diamond Dude's effect, looking at the top card. Revealing it to her, it was shown to be Destiny Draw. He placed it in the grave, following that by playing another monster.
"Meet Destiny HERO Captain Tenacious!"
(Destiny HERO Captain Tenacious – LV/***, Attribute/DARK, ATK/800, DEF/800, Type/Warrior/Effect.
Once per turn, during your Standby Phase: You can target 1 "Destiny HERO" monster in your Graveyard that was destroyed by battle since your last Standby Phase, if you controlled this face-up card when the target was destroyed; Special Summon that target.)
Captain Tenacious was a red-haired, small but heavily muscled man, carrying two large black shields in his hands, black boots on his legs. He grunted, glaring at Alexis' monsters with his red eyes. Here, Alexis smirked.
"Due to you having three monsters in play, all cards effects are negated on your side of the field."
Blader – ATK/5700 → 3600 (Fusion Weapon plus Original ATK)
All Aster did was place a card facedown, switching his Diamond Dude to defense mode. Alexis drew her card, Infernal trying to take away another six hundred, but the fireball fizzled out. During this, the clock hands trying to move forward only to stop. Aster grunted, knowing it was Blader's effect. He needed to make sure his monsters survived.
A token appeared next to her Angel, but she ignored it. Alexis attacked Tenacious with Blader, the monster easily arriving in front of the man. She sliced through, ready to dole out some life point damage, but Aster was faster.
"I discard my copy of Destiny HERO – Zero."
(Destiny HERO – Zero – LV/*, Attribute/DARK, ATK/100, DEF/100, Type/Warrior/Effect.
If a "Destiny HERO" is destroyed in battle, discard this card. Reduce all Battle Damage to 0.)
A young boy in black and red spandex appeared, absorbing the blast from Blader. Alexis scowled, her monster regaining the power she lost. She was about to attack, but stopped. The facedown Aster had wouldn't be negated. She ended her turn, allowing Aster to draw.
"I use the effect of my Destiny Draw. I draw two cards." Aster said, drawing two cards.
Looking at them, he placed one of them on the field. He then revealed Monster reborn, bringing back his Tenacious. Alexis was confused, but then remembered he still had his normal summon.
"I play Destiny HERO Fear Monger in defense!"
(Destiny HERO Fear Monger – LV/****, Attribute/DARK, ATK/1000, DEF/1000, Type/Warrior/Effect.
During your Standby Phase, if this card is in your Graveyard because it was destroyed by battle, target 1 "Destiny Hero" monster in your Graveyard, except a "Destiny Hero - Fear Monger" and Special Summon it.)
Fear Monger was a man covered in armor shaped like a jet. It knelt down, its eyes glowing brightly. Aster smirked, holding up another card.
"I tribute my Fear Monger, Diamond Dude and Shining Enforcer..."
"Oh shit! That's-!" Chazz cried out.
"Destiny HERO DOGMA!"
The large man descended, snarling. Alexis grimaced, bracing herself for the attack. Aster held a another card up.
"I play...White Veil!"
(White Veil – Type/Spell/Equip.
If the equipped monster attacks, destroy all Spell and Trap Cards your opponent controls and negate their effect(s). When the equipped monster is destroyed, its controller takes damage equal to the equipped monster's ATK.)
Dogma was covered in a white aura. Aster smirked, pointing at her Cyber Angel.
"Dogma, attack!"
Dogma roared, charging at Xapham. Alexis quickly went to activate her facedown only for it to blow up as was Fusion Weapon and Demotion. Alexis gasped, covering her face as her angel was destroyed.
Alexis: 6300
"What did you do to my spells and traps?!" Alexis demanded, the dust cloud settling.
"Its White Veil's effect. All spell and traps are destroyed, their effects negated." Aster said, ending his turn.
Alexis drew, wincing from Infernal White's power.
Alexis: 5700
"Don't forget my Dogma's effect. It halves your current life points!"
Alexis: 2850
"GAH!" Alexis cried out, panting hard.
Above, the clock tower moved one. Alexis took no notice of this, ordering her Cyber Blader to attack Tenacious. Aster countered with two facedown traps.
"Eternal Dread!"
(Eternal Dread x2 – Type/Trap/Normal. Place 2 Clock Counters on "Clock Tower Prison.)
Clock Tower Prison – Counters/1 → 5
Blade slashed through the hero, cutting him to ribbons. But Alexis and everyone was shocked when his life point counter didn't drop. Aster smirked, telling them what it was.
Clock Tower Prison made it so he took no damage if he had four or more clock counters on it. Alexis growled, ending her turn. Aster drew, smirking. He played Graceful Charity, drawing three cards and then throwing out two. Both of them were Destiny Heroes, one looking like a man fused with a bike and another that looked like a devil luchador. A glow came from his graveyard making Alexis start.
"Its my Destiny HERO Malicious. I can banish him from my grave and summon another."
The masked monster appeared, growling. Aster didn't stop there, playing Premature Burial and gaining back the second Destiny HERO he had discarded.
"Destiny HERO Dasher!"
The biker rushed out, making a loud roar. A black aura surrounded them and his prison, but Aster just smirked.
"Arise, Doom Lord! Now I use his power to send your Blade two turns into the future!"
Cyber Blader vanished making Alexis's eyes widen. All she had left was her token! Here, Aster smirked.
"I play...Mystical Space Typhoon and destroy my prison to unleash...Destiny HERO Dreadmaster!"
(Destiny HERO Dreadmaster – LV/*******, Attribute/DARK, ATK/?, DEF/?, Type/Warrior/Effect.
If this card was Summoned, you can destroy all monsters you control (except for "Destiny Hero" monsters), and then Special Summon up to 2 "Destiny Hero" monsters from your Graveyard. During the turn this card is 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 total ATK of all other "Destiny Hero" monsters you control.)
Dreadmaster came down from the rubble of the destroyed prison. He was a overly large muscled man, wearing a metal mask, broken cuffs on his arms and legs, an amulet with a large D on it, and torn pants. He growled menacingly at Alexis, making her take a step back.
"Dreadmaster allows me to bring back two D heroes...but I don't need em. Dogma, Doom Lord, Malicious, and Dasher are all that I need."
Dreadmaster – ATK/? → 6900, DEF/? → 6900
"W-what?!" Alexis gasped out.
"Simple. Dreadmaster gains attack based on the sum total of all D-Heroes in play. Now...ATTACK! MAKE HER SEE THE LIGHT!"
Dreadmaster roared, charging at the lone token on the field. Alexis stared at oncoming defeat, tears in her eyes.
"Jaden...I'm sorry." She whispered.
The entire arena was in silent shock; Jaden's face one of unbridled horror, Jasmine and Mindy crying out in a silent scream, Chazz yelling while holding back Atticus who had tears in his eyes. Syrus and Hassleberry both staring in shock.
The fist of Dreadmaster crashed through the token...and smashed into Alexis's stomach. Unseen by all save for Jaden and the spirits, a wave of white energy surged into her, red eyes glowing with a sinister laugh. There was an explosion...and sound returned.
"ALEXIS!"
Alexis: 0
Alexis fell to her knees, many of the crew rushing to her. Jaden stayed back, sensing the change in her. He saw Aster's smug expression as he walked to her.
"Alexis?" Mindy asked.
"You okay?" Jasmine begged.
Slowly, she stood, making her best friends sight in relief. But her next words brought ice to everyone's veins. Jaden's heart stopped dead when his ears caught her words.
"I'm better then okay...I've finally seen the Light." Alexis said, smiling at Aster. "Thank you, Lord Aster."
"You are most welcome, Alexis." Aster said, shooting a smug smirk at Jaden.
All Jaden did was clench his fist. Before, he had taken them lightly...but now? The kid gloves were off.
Uh oh...yes, I went there. I said that Ian, Amelia, and Jerome weren't going to be the ones to turn Alexis or Chazz...never said anything about Aster though! Leave a review!
