I'm pretty much giving up on updating once a week 'cause it doesn't look like it's gonna happen. I'll be lucky if I update this story once a month, honestly. Eh, either way, at least I got a new chapter up. ^_^
Thank you to NickStriker, Guest, Sorcerer of the Stories, bobmanv2.0, EndlessNight025, decode9, Kamen Rider Necrom, Darkpheniox343, ilovevolcaloid93, a1993, ShadowSpirit020, Team5dsforever, Numbuh24Insane, JD98, and StrawHatLuffy94 for reviewing the last chapter. You guys are awesome as usual.
And, also as usual, a huge thank you to EndlessNight025 for being an awesome beta-reader.
I hope that you enjoy this chapter and reviews, as always, are much appreciated.
16
The Supreme King's Return
Jaden…Jaden…
The voice echoed in Jaden's head, jolting him out of his sleep. Getting to his feet, he rubbed his eyes and gazed around, searching for the source of the voice. He spotted a plume of smoke coiling into the air and narrowed his eyes and made his way toward it.
A yawn echoed in the back of his head before Haou mumbled, 'What now?'
"Don't know, but it just feels like I'm doing the right thing," Jaden said.
'Wonderful. The last time you said that, we got hit by a shooting star,' Haou huffed indignantly.
"I'm sure that won't happen this time," Jaden said.
'You better hope it doesn't. You no use to me dead,' Haou said and fell silent.
Jaden shook his head and didn't respond as he continued to walk in the direction of the smoke, nearing the volcano as he did so. The slope up the volcano was not that steep, making it easier for Jaden to climb up to it to the crater he could see in the distance.
Reaching the edge of the crater, he noted that there was a tunnel and began following it down, wishing he had thought to bring a flashlight with him. The tunnel emptied out on a small ledge jutting over a pool of bubbling magma. He then watched, in surprise, as a wave of magma rose up and revealed the form of a familiar duel spirit.
. . .
Meanwhile, back at Duel Academy, Chazz, clad in his white attire, made his way down the main walkway away from the main building, his hands clasped behind him, only half-listening to the murmurs that were echoing around him. His thoughts were on what, exactly, it was that he was supposed to do next; Master Sartorius hadn't given him any orders, other than to recruit new members.
He was doing his best to follow his orders, but hadn't found any possible candidates. That was until he heard his old friends Raizou and Taiyou and he stopped, which caused his former friends to backtrack a bit in surprise.
"If you're interested in this uniform then do you want to wear one, too?" he asked.
"Uh, no thanks, we're fine." Within seconds, the main walkway was devoid of people and Chazz just closed his eyes. I'll just have to find someone else if I want to follow orders. Shame there's nothing I can really do right now, he thought as he opened his eyes and began walking again.
. . .
In Chancellor Crowler's office, Crowler was working on paperwork while Bonaparte was gazing out the window. Finally, the short Vice Chancellor broke the silence. "It seems like this is our chance," he said.
"The chance for what?" Crowler asked absently as he continued working on the dreaded paperwork.
"It's time to crush the Slifers. Jaden Yuki's whereabouts are unknown and Chazz Princeton is acting weird," Bonaparte said, walking out in front of Crowler's desk. "We'll take this opportunity to wipe out the slacker hindrance and, if we can raise this school's reputation, the 'temporary' in Temporary Chancellor Crowler can be removed."
"But recently I've finally become accustomed to the chancellor's signature," Crowler said as he continued to sign papers rapidly and then let out a sigh of relief when he finally finished the paperwork.
"Yes! Finally!" he cheered.
"There's more," Bonaparte said, placing another stack of paperwork on the desk, causing Crowler to blanch. The Vice Chancellor then leaned forward and added, "If the 'temporary' is removed from Temporary Chancellor then the signature and work will be easier."
"Even if Jaden and Chazz aren't around, that dorm still has Alexis Rhodes as well as Raiden Yuki," Crowler said. "Very few duelists can win against those two."
"Well, I suppose that's right," Bonaparte said, turning away from the desk and folding his arms across his chest. "Both of them are rather troublesome, especially Raiden Yuki. Did you hear about his outburst in Professor Satyr's class yesterday?"
Crowler grimaced. He had heard about that. Raiden had fallen asleep in Satyr's class and the Ra Dorm Headmaster had woken him up before telling him to pay attention and Raiden actually yelled at him. He ended up getting detention for talking back to a teacher as a result. It was different from the Raiden Yuki that Crowler was used to and it made him somewhat worried.
Crowler did care about his students, after all. He made that clear when he willing went against Camula to protect his students. He just didn't know if there was anything he could do to help.
"But, this school does still have one duelist who can win against either Miss Rhodes or Mr. Yuki," Bonaparte added with a smile.
. . .
Aster walked into his manager's room.
"You came quickly, didn't you, Aster?" Sartorius said, not taking his eyes off the table in front of him. Not waiting for Aster to respond, he went on, "Last month, I went to Duel Academy and I found something interesting in that school."
"You went to Duel Academy?" Aster said, a little surprised.
"At the school, something against my predictions is happening," Sartorius said.
"Something that was impossible for you to predict?"
"What's wrong, Aster?"
"I'm shocked. This is the first time I've heard you revoke your own prediction."
"I'm not revoking my prediction. I'm just saying there is someone who can overcome the fate I predicted," Sartorius said, picking up a card and gazing at it.
"Someone who can overcome fate? Who is it?"
"If you're interested, then go to Duel Academy once more," Sartorius said.
"I have no business at that school." Aster turned around and left the room, walking down the pillar-lined hallway leading away from his manager's room. Almost self-consciously, his thoughts went to the first time he had met Sartorius, at his father's funeral.
"I will guide your fate." Sartorius's words from back then echoed in Aster's head.
The fate Sartorius indicates should be absolute. To overcome that…? Who exactly is it? Just then, Aster's phone rang and he, momentarily surprised, answered it.
"This is Aster Phoenix," he said.
"Oh, Aster Phoenix. I finally found out your number," a voice with a French accent said. "There's something I need to talk to you about. The truth is…"
. . .
Back at Duel Academy, Kasumi was heading back to the Slifer Red Dorm and noticed Alexis, Arina, Hassleberry, and Chazz, in his white attire, standing in front of a sign. She came to a stop on Alexis's other side, frowning. "What's going on?" she asked and glanced at the notice.
Hassleberry read it out loud: "'The dormitory leader of this dorm and the representative of the school will duel. If your side loses, we will mercilessly crush the dorm'."
Chazz scoffed. "Before long, this school—no, the entire world—will be the color white," he said. "I don't care about what happens to this dorm anymore." He then walked off, laughing.
"Jerk," Kasumi huffed.
Alexis nodded in agreement. "This duel, I will accept," she said. She glanced at Kasumi. "That is, unless you want to."
"No. I don't mind if you're the one who duels," Kasumi said.
"Thank you, Alexis," Hassleberry said. "Geez, where did Jaden go at a time like this?"
. . .
Later, Alexis, Arina, Hassleberry, and Kasumi were waiting on the main walkway at midnight. Fog rolled across the land as they waited.
"Alexis!" Alexis turned to find Syrus, Bastion, Kyle, Celina, Kira, Hikari, and a tired-looking Raiden running toward them.
"What are you guys doing here?" Alexis asked.
"I heard," Bastion said.
"We came to show our support," Celina said.
Alexis nodded, determination going through her. She was not going to let the Slifer Red Dorm get torn down, no matter what.
When they heard laughter behind them, Alexis turned around to find Bonaparte and Crowler walking towards them.
"You don't know when to give up. It seems like you really intend to fight," Bonaparte said.
"I came as promised," Alexis said. "Who is the duelist that I will fight?"
"Well, that is…" Bonaparte began.
"It's me," a new, slightly familiar voice said.
The gang turned around to find the familiar silver-haired form of Aster Phoenix walk toward them through the mist.
"Aster Phoenix!" they all exclaimed as one.
"I will be your opponent," Aster said as he came to a stop in front of Alexis, catching her off-guard. She was going to be dueling one of the best pros in the entire Pro League, the very duelist who defeated Zane himself.
"What's Aster doing here?" Crowler whispered to Bonaparte.
"Because I called him, of course," Bonaparte replied.
"But what terms did you give him?"
"I heard previously that he's looking for a person in order to avenge his father," Bonaparte explained. "Since I know the boss of the duel underground, I told him if he won the duel, I'd tell him about the person he was searching for."
"Do you really know that person?"
"There's no such person." When Crowler reacted with shock, Bonaparte quickly covered his mouth and added, "Using any method is fine as long as we can crush the Slifers." Turning his attention back to the group, he added, "Come, let's head to the duel stadium."
Chazz, meanwhile, was leaning against one of the pillars that lined the walkway. He watched as Aster walked by, remembering that Sartorius was his manager. "Did you come on Master Sartorius's orders?" he asked.
"Sartorius's orders?" Aster repeated.
Confusion. "That's right, the Society of Light's orders," Chazz said.
"The Society of Light? What's that about?" Aster said.
Still confusion in his voice. Does he not know about the Society? Hmm. "Is that wrong? I thought for sure that you came on Master Sartorius's orders to obliterate Jaden," Chazz said, straightening up.
"Jaden, you say? Why would I fight him?" Aster said. "I have already won against him. There's no reason for me to fight him."
Hmm… Chazz tried something else. "When you fought with Jaden the other day, Master Sartorius's power lay in your deck," he said. "But even though Jaden lost to you, he didn't become a member of the Society of Light. In other words, Master Sartorius's powers doesn't work on Jaden."
"Sartorius's power in my deck…what do you mean?"
Again, confusion. "You don't know anything?" Chazz asked. "This school will soon belong to Master Sartorius. Jaden will show himself soon, but if you don't fight, I will beat him." He then walked away, ignoring Aster shouting at him to answer his question.
So Aster doesn't know about the Society. Best keep that in mind, Chazz thought as he walked.
What's with that guy? But the thing Sartorius said about the person who can overcome destiny, could it really be Jaden? Aster thought.
. . .
Back in the duel arena, Aster and Alexis were strapping on their duel disks while Syrus, Bastion, Hassleberry, Arina, Celina, Kyle, Raiden, and Kasumi sat in the audience with Crowler and Bonaparte across from them.
Alexis narrowed her eyes as she observed Aster. He was projecting the confident aura of a pro-duelist and she had to swallow her nervousness. I can do this, she thought.
Bonaparte stood up. "The duel wagering the continuance of Slifer Red will now take place," he said.
"I'm ready," Alexis said.
"Then let's start," Aster said and they inserted their decks into their duel disk.
"Just a minute!" a very familiar shout sounded.
Raiden's head shot up and Kasumi's eyes widened while Syrus exclaimed, "I know that voice!"
Everyone turned to find an exhausted-looking Jaden Yuki rushing into the main arena, panting and looking as though he had just gotten into a fight with nature and lost.
"Jaden!" the majority of the gang shouted.
"Judai!" Raiden exclaimed, relief shining in his light brown eyes as he all but bolted out of his seat, down the stairs, and onto the main arena's floor.
"Jaden?!" Aster exclaimed, surprised at the appearance of the E-Hero duelist.
Managing to get his breath back, Jaden added, "Hold that duel," before jogging past the main arena, uttering a quick apology to Aster as he ran over to the other side.
Almost immediately, he was engulfed in a giant bear hug from his brother.
"You're okay, Judai," Raiden exclaimed.
"Gah! Can't…breath!" Jaden gasped.
Raiden, smiling sheepishly, released him and Jaden took a deep breath, only to find himself wrapped up in someone else's arms. He smiled and wrapped his arms around Alexis and gently kissed her. She kissed him back before pulling away, relief in her eyes, for a moment anyway.
"Just where the hell have you been?" She demanded, releasing him and folding her arms across her chest, giving Jaden a glare. "You shouldn't have just left without telling anyone where you were going! You had all of us worried."
Jaden rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Sorry, Lex. I…wasn't really thinking 'bout that when I left," he said.
"Obviously."
"I didn't mean to make any of ya worry," Jaden added apologetically.
Alexis sighed, unable to stay mad at her boyfriend, though she was still upset. "Just tell us if you decide to do something like that again so we won't worry," she said.
"I will." Jaden glanced at Raiden, expecting his big brother to scold him for leaving without telling him anything.
Raiden just shrugged. "Alexis took the words right out of my mouth, Judai," he said. "No sense in basically repeating what she said, even if that might cause it to sink into that thick skull of yours."
"Unlikely," Kasumi said.
"Haha," Jaden said.
"Where did you go?" Syrus called from the stands.
"The truth is, after I was wandering through the forest, I came across a new Hero deck," Jaden said.
"A new Hero deck?" Aster repeated with a frown.
"That's right, and not just any deck, either. Rai, remember those cards I created for the Industrial Illusions competition?" Jaden added, briefly glancing at Aster before turning his gaze back to his siblings and his friends.
Raiden nodded, his eyes widened. "Your Neo-Spacians? But I thought those were sent into space," he said, confused.
"Yeah, so did I," Jaden admitted. "It's a long and complicated story that you probably won't believe, but all that matters is that I got 'em and, even more importantly…" Jaden glanced to the side and grinned as the familiar form of Yubel and Winged Kuriboh appeared at his side. "I can see my cards and my duel spirits again."
Raiden smiled, relieved. "That's great, Judai," he said. "I'm sure your duel spirits must have missed you."
Winged Kuriboh cooed and rubbed his face against Jaden's, causing the E-Hero duelist to laugh.
'Of course we missed him,' Yubel said with a fond smile at Jaden. 'I am thankful that whatever caused him to not see us is gone now.'
"And I got a lot of new duel spirits and cards. It took me some time to see them all once I got back, though," Jaden admitted with a sad smile. "I didn't come into contact with Winged Kuriboh and Yubel until after I got all my Neo-Spacians, but it doesn't matter now. My deck's truly complete now." Jaden didn't tell them that he had two decks now that he had gotten his Neo-Spacians; one for him and one for Haou.
Jaden then lifted his gaze and locked eyes with Aster. "Aster, I want you to be the first to see my new deck," he said.
"A new Hero deck? I told you already that there are no heroes stronger than the D-Heroes on this earth," Aster said.
Jaden chuckled. "Maybe on Earth, no, but whoever said these heroes come from Earth?" he said. He then turned to Alexis and smiled. "Mind if I take your place, Lex?"
Alexis smiled. "You are the official representative of the Slifer Red Dorm anyway," she said. "Go for it."
Jaden smiled and jumped onto the duel platform to stand across from the silver-haired pro.
"But…" Bonaparte began.
"This duel is wagering the existence of Slifer Red. Jaden switching in shouldn't be a problem," Bastion said.
"That's true," Crowler agreed while Bonaparte frowned. "I approve of the duelist change. Is that okay, Vice Chancellor?"
"I guess it can't be helped," Bonaparte muttered in response.
Jaden smiled, determination going through him. "Let's do this, Aster," he said. "And we should try to enjoy ourselves while we're at it."
Haou scoffed. 'I'm going to keep an eye on him to make sure he isn't one of the Light's little lackeys again,' he said.
'As will I,' Yubel said.
"No matter how many times we do this, it'll be the same," Aster said.
"Jaden," Alexis called and threw her duel disk to Jaden, who caught it and smiled at Alexis.
"Thanks, Lex," he said and strapped it on.
"This duel will start now," Crowler stated.
"Let's go, Aster," Jaden said.
"Duel!" they both declared as they drew their opening hands.
Aster: 8000
Jaden: 8000
"I'll go first. Draw," Aster said, drawing a card. "I activate Destiny Draw and discard Destiny Hero – Dasher to draw two cards." He did so before adding, "Next, I summon Destiny Hero – Fear Monger in Defense Mode, set this card face down, and end my turn."
A warrior in dark-olive green armor with a blaster on one arm and a claw on the other and red eyes as well as jet-like wings on its back appeared on the field and knelt down (A: 1000/D: 1000).
"All right. Time to show ya what my Neo-Spacians can do. My turn, I draw," Jaden said, drawing a card and then placing it on his duel disk. "I summon Neo-Spacian Aqua Dolphin in Attack Mode."
In a burst of water, a blue humanoid dolphin appeared on the field, arms folded across its chest (A: 600/D: 800).
"Next, I activate Fake Hero to Special Summon my newest Elemental Hero," Jaden said with a grin.
"Newest?" Aster repeated.
"Yup. I summon Elemental Hero Neos!" Jaden declared, placing the card on his duel disk.
In a burst of light, a white armored alien with blue eyes and red and blue markings all over his body jumped onto the field (A: 2500/D: 2000).
"Impossible! Even I, who uses Heroes, have never seen this Elemental Hero," Aster exclaimed.
"So he really did get new monsters," Syrus said to his friends in the stands. "And it sure does look like an alien. Did Jaden really create that card?"
"Yup. I saw him draw it when we were younger," Raiden said. "It's amazing seeing his designs come to life so to speak, honestly."
"Of course," Jaden said with a shrug. "Though, 'cause of Fake Hero, it can't attack and will return to my hand during my End Phase, but that doesn't matter."
"Oh? Why's that?"
"You'll see," Jaden said with a smirk. "But first, I activate Aqua Dolphin's effect and discard one card to look at your hand. I then choose a monster, and if that monster has less Attack than a monster I control, it will be destroyed and you'll take 500 points of damage."
Aqua Dolphin unleashed a soundwave that rippled across the field, revealing Aster's hand.
Jaden chose Destiny Hero – Captain Tenacious. "Since Tenacious has less Attack than Neos, it's destroyed and you get dealt 500 points of damage," he added.
Aster discarded the card as another rippling soundwave crashed into him.
Aster: 7500
Jaden: 8000
"And I ain't done yet," Jaden said with a grin. He couldn't help but be excited. To actually be able to use the cards that he had spent so much time designing for that competition so many years ago was amazing and made the game more fun. Even with the threat of the Light of Destruction hanging over his head, he couldn't help but be excited. "Time to show ya just what my deck can do. Neos! Aqua Dolphin! Contact Fusion!"
Aqua Dolphin and Neos leapt into the air, heading toward a nebula that had formed above them.
"Now, come on out, Elemental Hero Aqua Neos," Jaden added and, in a burst of light, a warrior in pale-blue and dark-blue armor with green markings and a red gem at the center of its chest appeared on the field (A: 2500/D: 2000).
"So his Neo-Spacians are centered on Contact Fusion like Dante's Gladiator Beasts," Bastion said thoughtfully. "Interesting."
"Now, I activate Aqua Neos's effect and discard one card to destroy a random card in your hand," Jaden added, discarding Elemental Hero Necroshade and Aqua Neos unleashed a rippling soundwave that slammed into Aster's hand, destroying one of his cards.
"I also activate H-Heated Heart and equip it to Aqua Neos, increasing his Attack by 500 and giving him to ability to inflict piercing damage this turn," Jaden added as Aqua Neos was surrounded by fire (A: 2500-3000). "Now then, Aqua Neos, attack Fear Monger!"
Aqua Neos nodded and leapt forward, slamming a water-coated fist into Fear Monger, destroying it.
Aster: 5500
Jaden: 8000
"I activate Destiny Signal and use it to Special Summon Destiny Hero – Diamond Dude in Attack Mode," Aster said, revealing his face-down. A moment later, his diamond-clad Destiny Hero appeared on the field (A: 1400/D: 1600).
Jaden nodded. "All right, I end my turn, which means Aqua Neos's last effect activates, returning him to my Extra Deck," he said.
"That's a big drawback since it leaves his field wide open," Bastion noted.
"But I'm pretty sure Jaden has something planned. He usually does," Syrus said.
That's a pretty big drawback, Aster thought as Jaden's field was now empty. "I draw," he said, drawing a card. "And, since I drew a monster during my Draw Phase, I can activate the last effect of Destiny Hero – Dasher in my Graveyard, allowing me to Special Summon this monster: Destiny Hero – Dreadmaster!"
The large muscular man with the chains around his wrists and ankles appeared on the field behind Aster (A: ?-1400/D: ?-1400).
"Him again," Jaden muttered, since it was Dreadmaster that cost him his duel against Aster last time. It was going to be the toughest monster to beat.
"And, as you already know, Dreadmaster's Attack and Defense is the total attack of all Destiny Heroes on my field," Aster added. "Also, during my Standby Phase, since Fear Monger is in my Graveyard, I can Special Summon a Destiny Hero from my Graveyard, except for Fear Monger. I'll go with Dasher."
In a burst of light, the black-armored warrior with wheels on his feet appeared on the field (A: 2100/D: 1000) (Dreadmaster A: 1400-3500/1400-3500).
That's not good, Jaden thought.
"Now, I activate Diamond Dude's effect, revealing the top card of my Deck. If it's a Normal Spell, I can activate it during my next Main Phase." Aster drew a card and revealed it to be Spellbook Inside the Pot before he placed it in his Graveyard slot.
"Jaden, if you can overcome the path of defeat, then do so, but the result will be the same. Now, Diamond Dude, attack Jaden directly," Aster ordered and Diamond Dude jumped into the air before firing shards of diamonds at Jaden.
Aster: 5500
Jaden: 6600
"Dasher, attack now," Aster ordered and Dasher darted across the field before kicking Jaden in the gut.
Aster: 5500
Jaden: 4500
"Dreadmaster, attack directly," Aster ordered.
"I activate Necro Gardna's effect in my Graveyard, banishing it to negate your attack," Jaden said.
Aster's lip twitched. "Fine. Since Dasher attacked, it's switched to Defense Mode," he said and Dasher knelt down, crossing his arms in front of him. "I end my turn."
"My turn then, I draw," Jaden said, drawing a card. "And since he's the only card in my hand, I can Special Summon my Elemental Hero Bubbleman in Attack Mode."
The blue-armored Elemental Hero appeared on the field (A: 800/D: 1200).
"And since he was summoned while I have no other cards, I can draw two cards." He did so before adding, "Now, I equip Bubbleman with Bubble Blaster."
Bubbleman was now wielding a blaster that he aimed at Aster and his monsters (A: 800-1600).
"Next, I Normal Summon Elemental Hero Prisma in Attack Mode," Jaden added.
A hero made entirely out of crystal appeared (A: 1700/D: 1100).
"Bubbleman, take out Destiny Hero – Dasher."
Bubbleman aimed his blaster at Dasher and fired, unleashing a stream of bubbles that slammed into Dasher and exploded upon contact (Dreadmaster A: 2500-1400/D: 3500-1400).
"Prisma, attack Dreadmaster," Jaden ordered and Prisma leapt into the air before slamming its crystallized fist into Dreadmaster, destroying it with ease.
Aster: 5200
Jaden: 4500
Jaden heard his friends cheering him for taking out Dreadmaster, though Aster looked irritated as Jaden signaled the end of his turn.
"My Dreadmaster was destroyed…just like that," he said. "But this isn't over yet. I draw!" He drew a card and glanced at it before adding, "Now, due to Diamond Dude's effect, I can activate the effect of Spellbook Inside the Pot." They each drew three cards and Aster added, "And I activate Diamond Dude's effect again." He drew a card and revealed it to be Galaxy Cyclone and he placed it in his Graveyard slot.
"Now, I tribute Diamond Dude to summon Destiny Hero – Double Dude in Attack Mode," Aster added.
Diamond Dude was enveloped in a blast of light and replaced by a figure dressed in a black suit with a black scarf around its neck and a hat on its head with a cane in its hand (A: 1000/D: 1000).
"Next, I activate Dark City!" The arena changed and now they were standing amidst cartoon-like buildings with a moon hanging in the star-speckled sky above their heads. "Now, every time a Destiny Hero battles a stronger monster, it gains 1000 Attack. Now, Double Dude, take out Bubbleman."
"Bubble Blaster is destroyed instead and reduces the Battle Damage to zero," Jaden said as Double Dude, his Attack jumping to 2000, darted across the field toward Bubbleman and struck Bubbleman's blaster with his staff. He then jumped back to Aster's side of the field as the blaster exploded, lowering Bubbleman's strength (A: 1600-800) while Double Dude's Attack went back to normal.
"Fine. Double Dude can attack twice in the same Battle Phase, so I'll have him attack your Prisma," Aster said and Double Dude, his Attack going back up to 2000, suddenly transformed into a shaggy-haired muscular monstrous man. The monster then charged forward and slammed a fist into Prisma, causing it to shatter into tiny crystals.
Aster: 5200
Jaden: 4200
"I place this facedown and end my turn," Aster said, inserting a card into his duel disk.
'I haven't sensed anything malicious around Aster this time,' Yubel noted as Jaden drew his card. 'I don't believe the Light is using him this time.'
'He could be working for the Light willingly this time,' Haou said.
'You're just being paranoid.'
'Tch.' Haou fell silent.
Why would anyone willingly work with someone who wants to destroy the world? Jaden wondered silently. Granted, he supposed, it was likely Aster didn't know that the Light was trying to destroy the world. He probably didn't even know that the Light of Destruction actually existed, unless whoever had powered his deck with the Light last time had told him. But the Light of Destruction wasn't something that anyone would just believe and it wasn't well known. Besides, when most people thought about light, many automatically associated it with good.
He pushed the thought away since he did have a duel he had to focus on and win. "I summon Neo-Spacian Air Hummingbird in Attack Mode," he said out loud and a humanoid hummingbird with long pink-and-white wings flew onto the field in a cyclone of wind (A: 800/D: 600).
"And now to pad my Life Points a bit. I activate Air Hummingbird's effect, increasing my Life by 500 for each card in your hand," Jaden added and Aster's eyes widening briefly as a large flower appeared out of the three cards in his hand that Air Hummingbird fed from.
Aster: 5200
Jaden: 5700
"Now, I activate Common Soul, target Air Hummingbird, and Special Summon Neo-Spacian Flare Scarab from my hand in Attack Mode," Jaden added and, in a burst of fire, a humanoid purple-and-black scarab with black wings appeared on the field next to Air Hummingbird (A: 500/D: 500). "And Flare Scarab gains 400 Attack for each Spell and Trap card that you control."
Flare Scarab was surrounded by a fiery aura as his power increased (A: 500-1300).
"Also, due to the second effect of Common Soul, Air Hummingbird now gains Attack equal to the Attack of Flare Scarab."
Aster narrowed his eyes but said nothing as Air Hummingbird was surrounded by flames (A: 800-2100).
"I also activate Space Gift," Jaden said, inserting another card into his hand. "This lets me draw a card for each differently named Neo-Spacian that I control." He drew two cards and glanced at him.
"Now, Air Hummingbird, attack Double Dude," Jaden ordered.
"I activate my face-down, D – Chain," Aster said, revealing his facedown. "This equips onto Double Dude and increases his Attack by 500."
A silver chain with a red like claw at the end wrapped itself around Double Dude (A: 1000-1500). Then the powerful gust of wind that Air Hummingbird had conjured crashed into the monster, destroying it (Scarab A: 1300-900) (Hummingbird A: 2100-1700).
Aster: 4600
Jaden: 5700
"Flare Scarab! Attack Aster directly," Jaden ordered. Flare Scarab unleashed a blast of fire that slammed into Aster's duel disk.
Aster: 3700
Jaden: 5700
"Your turn, Bubbleman," Jaden said and Bubbleman let loose a blast of water that struck Aster as well.
Aster: 2900
Jaden: 5700
"And then I'll place this facedown, and that's it," Jaden said.
Aster mutely drew his next card. "I activate the second effect of Double Dude, Special Summoning two Double Dude tokens in Attack Mode," he said and two more copies of Double Dude appeared on the field (A: 1000/D: 1000) x2.
Aster smirked and added, "Now, due to Diamond Dude's effect, even though he's not on the field anymore, I can activate the effect of Galaxy Cyclone. This allows me to target one Spell or Trap Card on the field and destroy it, and I choose your facedown."
Damn, Jaden thought as his face-down shattered. He hadn't known about Galaxy Cyclone's effect, though he wouldn't have been able to stop it even if he wanted to.
"I also activate Galaxy Cyclone's second effect in my Graveyard, banishing it to target one face-up Spell or Trap card and destroy it, and I choose your Common Soul card," Aster added, pocketing the card and Common Soul shattered, lowering Air Hummingbird's power (A: 1700-800).
"Since Common Soul was removed from the field, Flare Scarab returns to my hand," Jaden said, adding the card back to his hand.
"My first Double Dude Token attacks your Air Hummingbird," Aster said and Double Dude Token #1 jumped forward and struck Air Hummingbird, destroying it.
Aster: 2900
Jaden: 5500
"And my second will go after Bubbleman," Aster said and Double Dude Token #2 attacked and destroyed Bubbleman.
Aster: 2900
Jaden: 5300
"You may have the advantage now, but it won't last. I end my turn," Aster said.
Jaden drew a card and then inserted it into his duel disk. "Maybe but the duel ain't over yet. I play Pot of Greed," he said and drew two cards. "Now, I activate the Field Spell Neo Space!"
Dark City shattered and was replaced by a colorful nebula that the two duelists were standing in the middle of. "Now, I activate E-Emergency Call to add Neos from my Deck to my hand." He did so and added, "And I also activate the effect of Necroshade in my Graveyard, allowing me to summon Neos to the field without Tributing."
In a burst of light, the white humanoid alien appeared on the field, prepared to fight (A: 2500-3000/D: 2000).
"Oh and Neos gains 500 Attack due to Neo Space," Jaden added. "Now, Neos, take out one of those Double Dude Tokens."
Neos jumped forward and slammed a first into one of the tokens on Aster's side of the field, causing it to shatter. The backlash knocked Aster off his feet.
Aster: 900
Jaden: 5300
"And then I place this facedown and end my turn," Jaden added.
Aster pushed himself to his feet, scowling in frustration before he glanced at his deck. All I have left are the Destiny Heroes that my father left behind, he thought, placing his hand on his deck. I owe it to him to defeat everyone who stands in my way. I have to win this. "I draw," he said and drew a card before glancing at it.
"I activate Graceful Charity," he said and drew three cards before discarding two.
"Next, I activate D – mind to Special Summon Destiny Hero – Departed because I don't control any Destiny Hero monsters since the tokens don't count as a Destiny Hero monster," Aster added and a warrior in a gray suit with wild dark-blue hair wielding a staff topped by a golden-helmeted skull appeared on the field (A: 1000/D: 0).
"I also Normal Summon Destiny Hero – Disk Commander in Attack Mode," Aster added and a warrior in blue and gray armor with disks on each forearm and two large disks on its back (A: 300/D: 300).
"Now, I tribute Disk Commander, Departed, and my second Double Dude token in order to summon this monster: Destiny Hero – Dogma!" Aster declared. In a burst of light that enveloped all three of Aster's monsters, a large green-and-black armored warrior with a blade sticking out of the back of its right hand, chains around its neck, bull-horns jutting out of either side of its black helmet and large black bat-like wings appeared on the field (A: 3400/D: 2400).
Whoa, that's a strong monster, Jaden thought. Good thing I have my facedown.
"Now, Dogma, take out Neos," Aster commanded and Dogma charged forward.
"I play Hero Barrier," Jaden said and a shield spun into view in front of Neos, blocking the blade Dogma had thrust at the hero.
Aster gritted his teeth. "I place this facedown and end my turn," he said.
Jaden drew a card.
"Now, Dogma's effect activates and halves your Life Points," Aster said. Jaden's eyes widened as his Life Points took a large hit due to Dogma's effect.
That is a strong effect, he thought, studying the card he had just drawn before picking another card in his hand.
Aster: 900
Jaden: 2650
"I Normal Summon Flare Scarab again," Jaden said and Flare Scarab returned to the field (A: 500-900/D: 500).
"Now, Flare Scarab! Neos! Contact Fusion!" Jaden ordered and Flare Scarab and Neos jumped into the air before fusing together and, in a burst of light, a new monster appeared on the field. It was a tall, humanoid scarab-warrior in black and red armor (A: 2500/D: 2000).
"Another one of your new alien friends?" Aster said dryly.
Jaden nodded with a smile. "Sure is," he said brightly and a bit proudly. He really was proud of the monsters he had created so many years ago. They definitely brought back bittersweet memories of a time when he and Raiden were still innocent and he didn't have his hands stained with blood. He bit his lip and shove the thought aside.
Aster shook his head. "You're crazy," he said. "You obviously still don't have a purpose to duel besides having fun. I've already told you that I do, I duel for justice."
Jaden narrowed his eyes. "This isn't justice," he said with a shake of his head. "If you win here then it will lead to many students leaving this Academy thanks to the stakes that were placed on this duel." He knew about those stakes because he had spotted the notice in front of the Slifer Red Dorm as that had been the first place he had gone to once he got back to the Academy. The stakes were callous, dooming students who just wanted to learn how to get better and become a pro but either didn't do well on the practical exam or on the written exam. And, in truth, sometimes the latter was due more to test anxiety than anything else. Still, it would hurt those students if they were kicked off the island.
"Would your dad really want you to use the cards he designed to hurt innocent people?" Jaden added softly, studying Aster.
Aster frowned, his thoughts drifting back to when his father had created the first Destiny Hero and showed it to him. He's right, he thought. What would Dad think of me now, using the Destiny Heroes to cause pain? Maybe that's what's wrong with me.
"Hey! Get on with the duel!" Bonaparte shouted.
"Bonaparte's a jerk," Kasumi muttered to Raiden who nodded in agreement.
Giving a cool glare at Bonaparte, Jaden shrugged and decided not to respond. "Flare Neos has an effect. Not only does he gain 500 Attack from Neo Space, he gains 400 Attack for every Spell and Trap card on the field."
Flare Neos was surrounded by fire as his Attack jumped up (A: 2500-3000-3800).
"Now, Flare Neos, attack Dogma! Flare Storm!" Jaden commanded and Flare Neos jumped into the air and preparing to attack.
Aster pulled himself from his thoughts and pressed a button on his duel disk. "I play D – Shield, switching Dogma to Defense Mode and equipping him with D – Shield, which means it can't be destroyed," he said as the blast of fire slammed into Dogma.
"All right, I place this facedown and end my turn," Jaden said, inserting a card into his duel disk (Flare Neos A: 3800-4200). "Oh, and I guess ya should know that while Neo Space is in play, Flare Neos doesn't return to my Extra Deck at the end of my turn."
"I draw," Aster said, drawing a card. "Now, Destiny Hero – Departed's effect activates and it Special Summons itself to your side of the field in Attack Mode."
Jaden frowned as Departed appeared on his field (A: 1000/D: 0), wondering what Aster had planned. His silent query was answered a moment later.
"Now, I switch Dogma to Attack Mode and equip him with Cyclone Blade," Aster added and Dogma was suddenly wielding a large fan-like blade in its hand (Flare Neos A: 4200-4600).
"Now, Dogma, attack Departed," Aster ordered. With the Cyclone Blade spinning rapidly in his hand, Dogma charged toward Departed, carving through it with the Cyclone Blade. The aftershock crashed into Jaden, sending him to the ground.
Aster: 900
Jaden: 250
"Yes! It's almost over! One more turn and I'll be rid of the Slifers for good," Bonaparte cheered in the stands as Jaden pushed himself to his feet.
"It's not over 'till the last card's played," Raiden called back to Bonaparte who scowled at him.
"After the Damage Step, Cyclone's effect activates and I have to target one Spell or Trap card on the field and destroy it and, I choose Neo Space," Aster added and cracks appeared in the colorful nebula that surrounded them before it shattered, returning them to the main arena (Flare Neos A: 4600-3700).
"And I end my turn," Aster said.
"Due to Flare Neos's effect, it returns to my Extra Deck during the End Phase if Neo Space isn't in play," Jaden said. "But I chain that effect by activating my face-down, Contact Out. Now while Flare Neos still goes back to Extra Deck, Neos and Flare Scarab come back to my field in his place."
Flare Neos vanished and was replaced with Neos (A: 2500/D: 2000) and Flare Scarab (A: 500-1300/D: 500).
Damn. Aster knew that meant that Flare Neos would, most likely, return to the field during his next turn. At the very least, he knew that Flare Neos would still be too weak to take out his Dogma.
"Not a bad move, though," Jaden added as he drew a card. "But I'm still in this duel, and I can still move on."
"Even if you do create Flare Neos again, it won't be enough to take out my Dogma," Aster scoffed.
"That's what you think," Jaden said. "I Contact Fuse Neos with Flare Scarab again to bring back Flare Neos." In a burst of fire, Flare Neos returned to the field, his power increasing due to there being two Spell or Trap cards on the field (A: 2500-3300/D: 2000).
"Now, it's time to end this duel!" Jaden said, holding up the card he had just drawn and inserting it into his duel disk. "I equip Flare Neos with Elemental Sword!"
Flare Neos was suddenly wielding a black-hilted sword in his hand (A: 3300-3700).
"Even if Dogma's defeated, Aster will still have Life Points left. It's over for Jaden, and the Slifer Dorm," Bonaparte cheered.
"Bonaparte obviously doesn't know the effect of Elemental Sword," Raiden said, rolling his eyes skyward. "And Jaden's got this duel won."
"Yeah, he does," Kasumi said.
Crowler didn't say anything but he could tell that Jaden did have the duel won since he knew Elemental Sword's effect as well.
"You do know I can hear you, right, Professor?" Jaden asked with a raised eyebrow. "And it ain't over yet. When Flare Neos battles a monster with a different attribute, Elemental Sword increases his power by 800. Now, Flare Neos, attack Dogma, Flare Storm!"
Aster's eyes went wide as Flare Neos flew into the air, black fire spiraling around the sword in its hand as it dove toward Dogma. That means Jaden wins! But Sartorius said that I was destined to win this duel. Is Jaden really more powerful than destiny?
Flare Neos's blade sank into Dogma and there was a powerful explosion, causing smoke to envelop Aster's side of the field.
Aster: 0
Jaden: 250 WINNER
"That's game," Jaden said with a small salute at Aster.
"He won!" Syrus and Hassleberry cheered, hugging each other and then quickly let go once they realized who they were hugging.
"That was a splendid duel, Jaden, Aster," Bastion said.
Raiden smiled. "Congrats, Judai," he murmured.
"Way to go, Jaden!" Kasumi called.
"Nice job, Jay. Now Slifer Red is safe for now," Alexis said with a smile.
On the duel platform, Aster was walking up to join Jaden. "Jaden, I lose for today," Aster said. "But it doesn't mean that D-Heroes lose. It's just my skill that is imperfect."
"Of course," Jaden said. "Nobody thinks D-Heroes are weak. Everybody has their own hero, the strongest hero for themselves. Let's not count our first duel, okay? We're even now."
"Yeah. One day, I'll clear it with you." Aster turned around and walked away.
Meanwhile, in the stands, Bonaparte and Crowler were surprised by Aster's defeat.
"I've got a self-contradictory feeling," Bonaparte said, "for 'Aster lost so that my lie won't be exposed'. I don't know whether I should feel lucky."
"All in all, the abolishment of Slifer Red will be postponed," Crowler said.
"Hey."
Crowler and Bonaparte turned and jumped when they found Aster standing there.
"I forgot one thing," Aster said. "I'll make the school my base, but the pro league is busy. I can't come frequently." He closed his eyes and then walked away.
"No way," Bonaparte said.
"Good luck with that," Crowler said with a nervous smile.
. . .
Aster left the main building into the fog-shrouded main walkway, pulling out his phone and calling his manager, only to discover that the phone was disconnected for some reason. He frowned as he lowered the phone. "Sartorius has disappeared?" he murmured out loud. "I have to ask him something. That man said 'Society of Light'. What are you planning, Sartorius?"
He lifted his head and started walking again. "But as long as this school is here, I'll see you again," he said to himself softly. "Together with the duelist who overcomes your prophecies."
. . .
'I need to take control, Jaden,' Haou said later that day. Jaden was relaxing on his bed, having told his friends that, after spending the last couple of days roaming the island trying to find the Academy, he wanted some rest, after washing up that was. 'There is something that I have to do.'
'Take control? What are you talking about?' Yubel demanded, materializing in spirit form next to Jaden's bed. 'What have you been up to, Haou?'
"He's been helping me with my powers, Yubel," Jaden said. "Since the Light's back, I need to know as much as I can about my powers and, when I couldn't interact with you, he was the only one left who could help me and I told him that he could take control as long as no one else was nearby."
'You. Did. What?!' Yubel looked shocked.
Jaden sat up. "Calm down, Yubel. It really wasn't that bad," he assured her. "Even if I can't remember what happens when he's in control, for some reason."
Yubel glared, though Jaden knew it wasn't directed at him.
'Oh don't give me that look,' Haou scoffed. 'There are side-effects to taking control. Now, Jaden, if you would be so kind, this is important.'
Jaden nodded and was quick to fall unconscious as Haou took control. Haou stood up, picked up Yubel's card, and smirked.
Yubel scowled in fury. 'You're not letting me go along with you, are you?' she asked.
"Of course not. The more people who know, the less likely it will be kept a secret," Haou said, placing the card on the desk before he strode out of the room, knowing that Yubel wouldn't be able to follow him since he didn't have her card.
He made his way down the hall toward a certain door and raised a hand to knock. There was a moment of silence before the door opened.
Golden eyes locked with gray.
"I would like to speak to you…in private," Haou said.
The door opened fully. "Come in," was all that was said.
. . .
A/n what do you think?
Blaze: and that was chapter 16
Bakura: yeah, yeah, whatever
Jaden: why do you keep him around, Blaze?
Blaze: he and Ryou are my favorite original Yu-Gi-Oh characters
Jaden: oh
Jesse: so what happens next?
Blaze: Crowler versus Bonaparte
Bakura: the readers are probably gonna have to wait three months to get the new chapter
Blaze: it won't be that long. I'm gonna try and get it up next week
Bakura: that's what you said last time and look how well that turned out
Blaze: oh shut up, Bakura. I hope that you enjoyed this chapter and reviews, as always, are much appreciated.