Chapter 5

"I hope your evening was fruitful." Sartorius replied without turning his head, but Aster noticed resentment in his manager's voice.

"Can't complain." Aster replied, he was aware he was about to get scolded. He walked closer to the table. His manager had covered his long violet hair with a white cloak and did not raise his gaze. He was shuffling cards on a table with his hands.

"You should stop wasting your time with your silly games and prepare more for your duels! You are about to embark on the greatest challenge of your life."

The teen rolled his eyes.

"You made me lose against Jaden." He answered.

"Yes. And you will challenge him again after your match at Kaiba Dome."

"I don't know why I am doing this yet…" Aster began, hoping to open a dialogue with the fortune teller.

"I told you. It is your destiny, which will be revealed to you in due time. You must have complete faith in me." Sartorious turned around finally looking at him. "But I think you have more pressing matters at the moment." Aster thought it was a sneaky way to avoid the subject, and had no choice but to follow along.

"What's the outcome for today?" The professional duelist crossed his arms. When talking to Sartorious he felt stuck in a constant deja vu. For months, Aster had felt that the conversations with his manager had been going around in circles. Thinking back, he couldn't think of a recent time were they had spoken about lighter matters…Sartorious interrupted his trail of thought.

"Victory, of course."

Aster smirked.

"That 's easy".

The feeling of excitement for Syrus' victory lasted all week, perhaps because they imagined that Zane would win as well. Jade had no reason to think otherwise, based on what her friends had told her about the older Truesdale. The expectation was not only in Jade's core group: she could feel it in the Academy.

Duel Academy had produced many professional duelists however there was something different with Zane, he was loved and respected by everybody. Despite belonging to Obelisk Blue he had never looked down upon Slifer or Ra students; but because of his icy exterior not many people approached him.

"I hope he wins, he deserves it." Alexis said hopeful. Jade had seen the blonde Obelisk student exchange texts on her phone, and she had caught a glance of Zane's name on the screen.

"What does he say about the Pro Dueling scene?" Jade asked.

"Not much. He's been training a lot, though." Alexis replied.

"Does he think he can beat Aster?"

"He said he prefers to judge him in person."

Such an event was that they brought a television screen to the main Duel Arena. All students, regardless of rank or year, could watch the match in high definition. Jade would have preferred not to watch the match at all; she had never watched Aster duel, besides that duel against Jaden. And that's how it always has been.

"Look!" her dad showed her the front page of a duel magazine. "He made it, he is competing in his first tournament!". Jade turned to her father with a disgusted expression. Aster had left Domino City to become a professional duelist for almost a year now. His exit was quite rushed too, one day he was here and the next he was taking a plane to New York, and worst, he had not told Jade a single word about it until one week was left. Jade knew Aster could be a bit clumsy when talking about important subjects but this was a totally different matter. Was he going to leave the apartment and allow Jade to figure out for herself?

"I imagine he trained so hard to reach this point, if only Elias was here to see it." her father said. But Jade stood her ground. Her father accused her if being childish. As an eight year old, Aster had shown promise as a duelist, and he had toyed with the idea of becoming a professional. But in their imaginations it was Aster going Pro, and Jade sitting first row cheering him on. That was the plan, that was how it should have been. But since his move Aster had cut all communication with no explanation. Even if he had promised he would not. Was he now too cool to hang out with her?

Since his debut, and it had already been a couple of years now, she had avoided watching him on television or interviews. Arranging other stuff at that time, going to her room with music; or averting her gaze when she saw him in a magazine. Sooner than later, it had become a habit, and had almost forgotten the reason why she did that. But, it could be said that during those times, she was so focused on avoiding Aster Phoenix that in turn she was hyper aware of his presence.

Aster glanced at his phone, a message from D wishing him "Good Luck", even if both of them knew that Aster didn't need it. It had become a routine, D would always send a quick text before every match and so did Aster in return when the other was dueling.

Zane Trusdale was taller than the silver haired duelist had imagined. He had a slender figure and stood in such a way that demanded to be respected. He walked with elegance towards the dueling arena, not showing any signs of intimidation from the spectacle that was around them. There was a reason his nickname was Kaiser or Emperor, after all.

"I'll go first, and show you how it goes, old man" Aster said as he summoned Elemental Hero Avian (ATK 1000/DEF 1000) in attack position and placed the cards face down. The monster materialized on the field surrounded by a hurricane of white feathers.

There was an uncomfortable silence surrounding Jade's group, until Jaden spoke:

"Hey, that's my card!" Jaden said. Jade preferred to keep watching. She sank in her chair feeling uncomfortable next to Alexis, hoping the match would be over.

"If that's the case then Zane has the advantage, he is already familiar with Jaden's deck." Bastion commented, as a way to reduce the tension.

Much to Aster's disappointment, Zane did not show any kind of expression, he kept his poker face as he drew his card. The Duel Academy alumni special summoned Cyber Dragon (ATK 2100/DEF 1600), in attack position. The metal dragon appeared on stage with a roar, the crowd cheered in return.

Zane moved on to the battle phase, Jade watched as Jaden leaned forward on his seat in anticipation. "Here he goes!" he muttered to himself. Duel Academy held it's breath.

But Aster activated Draining Shield, negating Cyber Dragon's attack. However nobody in Duel Academy was fazed, as they knew Zane came prepared. Just in that instant, the dark haired teen activated Trap Booster, which after discarding one card, allowed him to activate Trap Jammer from his hand, negating Draining Shield.

"I may be young, but I know a thing or too." Aster replied to this move unimpressed, as he revealed his other face down: Trap Jammer. Cyber Dragon's attack was negated and Aster had an increase in life points, from 4000 to crowd at Kaiba Dome roared.

"Not bad!" Jaden said. "But Zane can turn it around, I know it!" he said confidently. Back to Aster's turn, he activated Pot of Greed, drawing two cards from his deck. Using fusion summon he brought Elemental Hero Phoenix Enforcer (ATK 2100/DEF 1200) to the field. The monster was the result of fusioning the Elemental Heroes Avian and Burstinatrix. Jaden's optimistic expression changed.

"What?" the brown haired boy turned to Syrus, looking for an explanation.

"Certain monsters have different fusion results." Bastion explained. "But a Hero deck…and just like Jaden's, that is strange." he commented, placing a hand on his chin, thoughtful. Even if Jaden was surprised that he was seeing his own deck play on a professional tournament, he kept his cheerful demeanor.

Aster moved on to the battle phase and destroyed Cyber Dragon. Despite both monsters having the same attack points, only Zane's monster was destroyed.

"Neat, huh?" Aster said teasingly "That's my monster's effect: it can't be destroyed by battle" He finished his turn by setting a card.

As much as Jade hated to admit, Aster Phoenix was a good duelist and he was entertaining to watch. His jokes, his moves, his posture, everything was under his control. While Zane was very skilled there was something in his personality that was lacking. Aster was a performer and he took center stage wherever he went. Besides his charisma, he was handsome. Jade would not deny that fact. Aster had a short stature, at least compared to Zane who was a head taller than him. But his figure was slender, despite being covered in white suit it was obvious he had an athletic build. His face had an air of youthness and his eyes were a piercing blue. Jade wondered if his fame was due to charisma, good looks, or a cocktail of the two.

"I can do that too." Zane said as he activated Pot of Greed. He used the spell card Power Bond, and fused his Cyber Dragons to summon Cyber Twin Dragon (ATK 2800/DEF 2100).

Because of Power Bond, Cyber Twin Dragon had an increase in its attack points: 5600 in total. He moved to the battle phase, declaring one attack to Phoenix Enforcer. The left head opened its mouth releasing a laser beam which pierced the Hero monster on its chest, however, despite the difference in attack points it was not destroyed. The younger duelist still lost life points: now remaining with 2600.

"Cyber Twin Dragon can attack twice!" Bastion said. The students around Jade held their breath, was this the finishing blow? Duel academy and the arena began to clap and whistle, cheering on Zane.

After the right head released its laser attack a puff of smoke surrounded Aster who remained standing with 100 life points. He extended his hand to reveal the set card which had been activated: Elemental Recharge. The excitement in Duel Academy was changed to silence, while the crowd in the arena, even on Zane's side, clapped and praised Aster.

Even through the TV screen, it was clear that color had drained from Zane's face. Power Bond's effect activated, an electric shock pierced through his arm as his life points decreased from 4000 to 1200.

"That was interesting." Despite using the word interesting, Aster's tone said the opposite "But I never said it was good."

He proceeded to summon Elemental Hero Sparkman (ATK 1600/DEF 1400), he equipped the monster with the card Spark Blaster, allowing him to change one monster's position. Followed by this he activated the spell card Guard Penalty.

"Now look what I can do with that dragon of yours. Sit!" he said as Sparkman pointed the gun to Cyber Twin Dragon. The monster was changed to defense position, its two large heads twirling within its body.

"Good boy!" Aster cheered, the crowd laughing along with him. "Now I go again! Who wants a treat?" Sparkman activated the gun and Cyber Twin Dragon once again was changed to attack position. It was obvious that Aster had the crowd completely under his spell.

"That's so unnecessary!" Alexis commented with disgust in her face. Jade glanced at Jaden who gave her a thumbs up. Despite Jade only hearing about Zane and never meeting him personally, she was certain that not in a million years could Zane pull on a stunt like that. Aster interacted with the crowd from Kaiba Dome in such a way that it felt like he was talking with the people watching from the screen too. The crowd was his and his only. She felt that even those who had paid to see Zane, were ready to turn on him by the end of the match.

"Zane will pull through, he is strong!" he assured everyone.

"Sorry, no treat for you! Now where was I?" Aster repeated as Spark Blaster was shot for a final time changing the dragon monster to defense position. Because of Guard Penalty's effect, Aster drew two cards from his deck: from the two times Zane's monster had changed positions.

"That was very good, Jade!" Jade remembered Aster encouraging her as she revealed her face down card. He sounded genuinely impressed. Sometimes he would make teasing comments, but they only managed to get a laugh out of her. Even if Jade had beaten him on very few occasions it was always fun and games for both of them. His mind and tongue were sharp, but he never used it for malicious intent. But now, the way he was standing and acting, his goal was to humiliate Zane.

With the newly drawn cards, the duelist fusion summoned Elemental Hero Shining Phoenix Enforcer (ATK 2500/DEF 2100), in attack position. The monster gained 300 attacks from each Elemental Hero which rested on the Graveyard, ending in total with 3700 life points. He moved to the battle phase, with a single swipe from its claws, the opposing monster was destroyed with a large explosion. He set one final card and ended his turn.

"Another fusion monster?" Hassleberry asked, looking at Bastion.

"Yes, apparently." he confirmed.

Zane activated Polymerization, and Cybernetic Fusion Support, paying half of his life points for the usage of the last card.

"Getting desperate?" Aster asked amused.

"He will bring it. His Ace card!" Jaden said confidently. Zane banished from the graveyards his three Cyber Dragons, and brought to the field Cyber End Dragon (ATK 4000/DEF 2800). The impressive three headed dragon looked larger than life with its metallic wings and three heads. Zane declared an attack on Aster's monster.

"The crowd loves surprises" he explained as he activated his set card: Destruction of Destiny. He sent the top five cards from his deck to the Graveyard. All the cards removed were Elemental Heroes, Aster knew that was a confirmation of Sartorius prediction, which resulted in Shining Phoenix Enforcer having an increase in attack points, from 3700 to 4900. When both monsters clashed in battle, Cyber End Dragon was destroyed, and Zane's life points dropped to 0.

"Welcome to the Pros." Aster commented as he turned his back on Zane. The crowd clapped and chanted Aster's name, even those who were on Zane's side. The transmission of the duel had been cut, showing images of the arena from above and the people as they were getting ready to leave the stadium. No image of the former Duel Academy student, only of Aster who had turned to the crowd clapping and smiling. Nobody cared if the defeated duelist left the arena with grace or crawling in fear. The show was over, there was nothing left to see.

A prolonged silence extended in the dueling arena of Duel Academy, as the crowd on the TV cheered loudly. The tension could be cut with a knife.

"Zane lost." Chazz was the one who confirmed what was in everyone's mind. Even if it was a whisper, it was probably heard by all of the Academy. Jaden, who throughout the match had remained cheerful, for the first time since Jade had known him seemed to be unsure what to say. Syrus opened his mouth but quickly grew quiet when Aster appeared on the screen being interviewed. He looked confident and pleased with himself as the camaras tried to capture photos of him.

"Maybe I was a bit too harsh on him, I think I scared him off the Pros!" Aster teased. But he didn't sound remorseful, rather found the situation amusing. The reporters laughed with him.

"There is a copycat in Duel Academy. To be honest, I don't know how this person even got a deck similar to mine, I had it prepared months before this year's season!" he pretended to be shocked.

The female reporter pressed for more questions as if it was a matter of life or death.

"It's not surprising, though, I understand. Imitation is a form of flattery after all!" The reporters were nodding and taking notes. "But I can't be beaten!" he warned.

"I will not say their name, for privacy reasons, but it is similar to Shmaden Shmuki. And I am challenging them to show them what real heroes are about. Tomorrow morning at Duel Academy."

The reporters went on a frenzy eager to get more details about these declarations and shoved their microphones in Aster's personal space. But Aster was able to smoothly change the topic, about upcoming duels and other less important topics. One thing was obvious: he had the reporters wrapped around his finger. Just as he had done with the crowd before.

Alexis was the first to stand up angrily. She was frantically pressing buttons on her phone. Jade and her friends returned to the Slifer Dorms, but the blonde student remained outside.

"No, I will call him." Alexis exclaimed. Jade imagined she was talking to Atticus.

"Yes, I know it's par for the course losing duels!" she said.

"No, it is serious. Very serious. He was humiliated!" she exclaimed. The word humiliated echoed across everyone. Zane Truesdale was the crème de la crème of Duel Academy, the poster child of what an Obelisk Blue was supposed to be. Jade had heard about him since her first day at the Academy, without even asking. And in a single duel, his name, and the Academy's reputation had been dragged through the mud.

Bastion sat on the desk and turned on his laptop, while Jade glanced at the cupboard which she knew was stacked with chips and other snacks. Considering it was a friday, she imagined the night would be about celebrating, but instead, the group was thrown into a panic. Not only because Aster Phoenix had beaten Zane Truesdale, but because he had now openly challenged Jaden, for reasons unknown to everybody. The only noise in Chazz's living room was Bastion taping and his conclusions.

"He has two PHDs and photographic memory" Bastion announced, although nobody found that bit particularly interesting.

"He already published a book and many academic articles."

"He is fond of sports."

"What is his weakness?" he asked the screen as if it was an oracle. He kept typing.

Alexis walked in as the Ra student named many of the silver haired boy's achievements. The blond turned to Jade, but the others listened as well.

"Zane is not answering his phone" Alexis lamented.

"Can you say information that actually matters?" Chazz asked Bastion.

Bastion began scrolling further through what Jade realized were all the tournaments Aster had participated in. He scrolled further, reaching the bottom of the page:

Championship of the Americas (1998).

And there it was. Jade's heart skipped a beat. Nine year old Aster Phoenix standing between Maximillian Pegasus and Mr. D holding a trophy which was almost as tall as him. With his short stature, round cheeks and bright blue eyes this was the Aster Phoenix Jade remembered from her childhood. But Bastion and everybody else ignored the picture and preferred to keep scrolling.

"It seems he keeps changing his deck for every tournament. Except for the Elemental Heroes. Even then, he has only used them twice." Bation thought out loud..

"There must be a pattern. The choices look…so random."

Dragon decks, a deck which mostly used traps, another centered around the wind element, psychic…Sure there were certain cards which were consistent cards, like Pot of Greed which most duelists used, but even the strategies surrounding these decks were completely different.

Jade had a thought.

"What if you look at who designed the deck? Or the ace cards?" she asked

"Interesting. Nobody pays much attention to that stuff." he replied, not turning his eyes off the computer.

Alexis let out a chuckle.

"You know Jade's dad is a card designer, right?"

He turned to the girl in question mortified.

"No I didn't." he apologized. He quickly returned to his tapping. But even then, Bation could not find a satisfactory answer. It seemed Aster changed his decks simply because he could.

"Don't you want to see this?" Chazz asked Jaden who was looking at his deck from the corner of the room.

"Nah, I want him to surprise me." the brown haired teen replied.

"With an opponent like him I think you need a strategy." Hassleberry warned. But Jaden paid no mind. As Bastion furiously typed to get answers, Alexis from time to time glanced at her phone, Jaden remained oblivious and Chazz complained about Jaden's carelessness, Jade had one question in her mind: What happened to the Destiny Heroes?


Happy read :)