Hey all. I know it was 50/50 for the Promo duels and returning to canon. I was all set to do some promo work, but...events IRL shook me pretty bad. What are these events you ask? I had someone confront me at my workplace. Not a friendly one either.
I know there are people out there who have...problems. I won't go into details, given its my life and not something I want broadcasted. All I say is that it was a form of Road Rage. I'm okay, I'm getting over it, I let the Police know same with my higher ups. I'm hoping it was a one time deal, but I am not going to be naive to think that. I'm taking steps to protect myself if there is a next time.
Now the heavy stuff is out of the way, I've summarized the promo exams and moving back to Canon...for the time being. So enjoy!
The sun was setting on the island. Many students were busy with their school work when two campus wide announcements came on their PDAs. The first announcement was the results of the Promotion Exams that had occurred earlier. Forty percent of the new Slifers were now promoted to Yellow thanks to the study group.
The most talked about duels were Sally's and Fiona's. Sally had been paired against Alexis. The two's deck counter one another in many ways; Alexis's Angels various effects preventing Sally from using her cards, but Sally's deck helped counter her summoning out a whole lot of her monsters. Sally though surprised a whole lot of people when she revealed she used a Black Luster Soldier deck AND had Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Beginning in her deck too. It had been a tough duel but Alexis had won, if only barely with four hundred life points left.
The second duel that was most talked about was Fiona's. She had revealed her new deck to her Ex-boyfriend, Ian who she was dueling. When he had demanded to tell her where their deck was, Fiona told him with a large grin on her face. He lost his shit when he found out she had thrown the cards into the ocean, stating that their past was just that.
In the Past.
Using the new Fur Hire monsters, she wiped the floor with him. She walked back to Miles after the match and gave him one hell of a kiss making Ian go apeshit again.
The second announcement had one boy extremely excited and running through campus looking for his surrogate big brother.
Said surrogate Brother was wrapping up a duel with Miles. Said boy had his Atomic Scrap Dragon out. Jaden had a King of the Skull servant out with three thousand attack points. Drawing, he revealed That Grass is Greener, making Miles groan. After sending much of his deck to the grave, his KotSS ATK jumped from three thousand to eleven thousand.
"Sorry, Miles. That's game." Jaden said, having his King attack and destroy the dragon.
Miles: 3500 → 0
"Ah man...I knew I'd lose, but not that badly." Miles groaned.
Jaden chuckled, stating that the boy did very well, dealing four thousand points of damage to him in a single turn. Only a select few on the island could do that and not many on the Circuit. The smaller boy smiled, rubbing his head. It was then that Syrus charged in.
"Jaden, Miles, they announced it! You'll never guess whose dueling in the pros!" Syrus shouted, excited.
Jaden smiled, having a clue but playing along. Miles did the same. Syrus told them it was Zane and he was facing off against Aster Phoenix. THAT made Jaden concerned. Aster had used a slap deck against him...but for what, he didn't know. What did this mean for Zane?
EODGX
At the Slifer Dorm, everyone was watching the news about the upcoming duel, Alexis leaning against Jaden, said king having his arm wrapped around her shoulders.
"Zane against Aster. Gonna be one hell of a match." She commented, everyone nodding.
"Yeah, specially since Aster didn't use his real deck against Jaden." Chazz pointed out, frowning.
That got many concerned nods. Just what was in store for the elder Truesdale?
EODGX
Far from the school and those who knew him, Zane walked out of a building. He didn't change much, still wearing his school uniform save for a single star on his collar. A man wearing a tux and having brown hair walked up beside him.
This was his manager into the Pro circuit and he was currently speaking to Zane. His company and himself had invested quite a bit of money into Zane and were looking for a win. Here, Zane nodded.
"I'll do my best, but I have done my research into Aster. He'll be tough to beat. Not Supreme King tough, but enough."
"Agreed." The man said, stepping into a limo. "Still, you managed to draw with the King."
Seeing the shocked look, the man chuckled with good nature. He had done his own research into the young man before him. Asking him if he wanted a ride, Zane shook his head. He loved to take walks before a major duel. The man nodded, understanding but his face soon darkened.
"Be on your guard out there, Mister Truesdale. Something or someone has been attacking duelists." The manager said, handing over a newspaper.
Zane looked at the image of a shadowy figure flying off. He frowned. He had heard rumors, but nothing too solid. The limo drove off, Zane discarding the paper. He looked to the skies, walking away.
EODGX
As Zane walked, he was thinking to himself. Aster was a top rank pro, third in the league. The first was obviously Jaden while the second was The D. That meant he couldn't take any chances with Aster whatsoever. He needed to use ALL of his skills and new fusion monsters to best the boy.
There was a sudden cry of pain making Zane and several people stop. The man turned to a nearby alley and saw a figure slumping down. Another figure stood in a shroud dropping the cards of the first.
"You can't escape destiny." The shroud said, his voice distorted.
Zane rushed in, hearing someone calling for the police behind him. He reached the downed figure, a man in a red muscle tee shirt and having a beard.
"You okay?!" Zane asked, concerned.
"T-t-that thing...not human." The guy gasped out, passing out.
By this time, two officers arrived. After checking Zane over, Zane told them it was a demon of some kind. That made the two officers scowl.
"Not another attack...this is the sixth one in a month!" One of them griped.
They got the defeated man into a stretcher, an ambulance waiting nearby. Zane looked up at the skyline, frowning.
EODGX
It had been a long day but now it was time. Aster walked into the room of his manager, the man covered in a white cloak. He was still not happy with his duel at the Academy or the way he had to throw his duel with Jaden. Voicing his displeasure, his manger assured him it was all needed. Power could come from the most unlikely of places.
"Still, challenging him is a gamble, Sartorius. He's unbeaten on the circuit AND he started when he was just twelve. I started when I was fourteen!"
"Quite. But do not worry. You will only duel Jaden on the island, far from any press and fans. Your reputation will be safe...and that forced loss I made you take shall be cleared."
Asking what he meant, Sartorius told Aster after the duel with Zane, he was to duel Jaden again, this time with his REAL deck. That made the boy smirk. Jaden Yuki wouldn't know what hit him.
"Go. Your public awaits."
Aster nodded, leaving the room.
EODGX
The hour finally came. On the island, everyone was gathered in several class rooms with the large screens on it. Edgar was silently cheering to himself. Earlier, he had gotten in contact with a certain manager and got a powerful duelist. Now that red dorm was gonna be history!
Meanwhile, everyone was staring intensely at the screen, many fans crowding the Kaiba dome. Many of them couldn't believe that they were able to get the match all the way out here and live to boot. Midori smiled, seeing Jaden with Alexis on his lap. The rest of their group sat nearby, Miles and Fiona mirroring the two but reversed. The coverage began.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, we are live from the Kaiba dome! The crowd here is energized for what is to be an exciting match up!"
"That's right, T! It's the Zanics against the Asterphnatics!"
The screen shifted to the arena floor where several bursts of fire erupted much to the fan's delight. They saw a shadow ascend from below, one side of the arena cheering in delight.
"WE LOVE YOU ZANE!" Several fangirls cried out, seeing the boy.
On the island, Missy went nuts, waving a banner around and proclaiming her love for the man. Everyone just looked at her, annoyance on their faces. Jaden frowned; something was off about Zane. His aura was different and not in a good way. Still, he expected it to be one hell of a fight.
"Zane has come a long way; top student at Central Duel Academy, and going fifteen wins in a row just joining the circuit. We may have another Supreme King of the Ring on our hands here folks!"
"Rumor even has it, T, that Zane went AGAINST Jaden Yuki, the King himself and DREW. That's already given him a LOT of cred and respect. No one has EVER drawn a duel with the King."
Chazz went into a slump; what did Zane have that he didn't!? That earned some of the reds to rattle off some things.
Good looks.
Personality.
Able to duel well.
That last one made Chazz lose it and started to rant and rave. Now everyone was laughing at his expense. Another flame blew apart, Aster ascending from the depths. All the fangirls on his side cheered for him, one even screaming she wanted his kids. Both Zane and Aster cringed, but shuffled their decks.
"The only real mystery tonight is what is in Aster's deck. He's been hinting all week that he has some new cards to show off." T said, his co-annoucer taking over.
"Which is right now! The duel is underway!"
Zane gave a smile at Aster.
"Gotta say, I've done my research on you, Aster. Thirty wins, no losses, in the pros...impressive."
Here, Aster smiled.
"You're not too shabby yourself. But hey, is it true? You dueled Jaden Yuki to a draw of all things?"
Zane smiled, fondly recalling that duel. Seeing the smile, Aster whistled. No one had ever done that before so Zane was definitely someone he had to watch for. The younger boy inserted his deck, the disk coming to life.
"Well gramps, time to kick things up! Let's see how well you handle me!"
Zane scowled, his attempts at respecting Aster being rebuffed. Both drew their opening hands with a single cry of-
"DUEL!"
Aster: 8000/Zane: 8000
Both drew their opening hands. Aster smirked, knowing another way to get under Zane's skin.
"Beauty before age! I draw!" Aster cried out.
Adding the card to his hand, Aster checked it over. Smirking, he revealed it.
"I summon out the Elemental Hero Avian in attack mode!"
That threw not only Zane, but everyone at the academy. Heroes were Jaden's thing. Said boy was frowning; something was off about that Hero. Aster ended his turn with a pair of facedowns, Zane drawing.
"Due to you having a monster in play, I can bring forth my Cyber Dragon." Zane said, playing his signature card.
The cyber beast appeared, roaring. Aster frowned; what was Zane trying to do. The man continued his turn, playing another monster, Cyber Dragon Core.
(Cyber Dragon Core – LV/**, Attribute/LIGHT, ATK/400, DEF/1500, Type/Machine/Effect.
When this card is Normal Summoned: Add 1 "Cyber" Spell/Trap from your Deck to your hand. If only your opponent controls a monster: You can banish this card from your GY; Special Summon 1 "Cyber Dragon" monster from your Deck. You can only use 1 "Cyber Dragon Core" effect per turn, and only once that turn. This card's name becomes "Cyber Dragon" while on the field or in the GY. )
Zane explained the effect of his core, gaining a spell from his deck. He then played a continuous spell card, Weapon Change.
(Weapon Change – Type/Spell/Continuous.
You can pay 700 Life Points to activate this card's effect. Switch the ATK and DEF of 1 Warrior-Type or Machine-Type monster on your side of the field until the end of your opponent's next End Phase. When this card is destroyed, the effect is negated.)
"I'll give up seven hundred of my life points to swap the attack and defense of my Cyber Dragon Core.
Zane: 7300
Dragon Core – ATK/400 → 1500, DEF/1500 → 800
"Now attack with Strident Blaze!" Zane declared.
The larger dragon roared, sending a beam of blue fire at the winged Hero. Aster though had a trick up his sleeve. He revealed his trap, Draining shield.
"This negates your attack and I gain life points equal to your monster's attack points." Aster said smug.
Zane just revealed his quick play spell, Trap Booster. He discarded his second Cyber Dragon Core, revealing the trap he had chosen. Trap Jammer. Now Aster's trap would be negated. Aster nodded, clearly impressed a bit.
"Normally, that'd work, but I have my own Trap Jammer to jam yours!" Aster said, revealing his other facedown.
Aster: 10,100
Zane scowled, but it was expected. He had his Cyber Dragon Core attack, taking out the Hero.
Aster: 9600
"I'll set this facedown and end." Zane said.
Aster drew, revealing the card to be a pot of greed. After drawing, he showed a the Warrior returning alive to get back his Avian. The he revealed his second card to be Polymerization and used it to fuse his Elemental Hero Avian with his Burstinatrix, creating-
"Elemental HERO Phoenix Enforcer!"
(Elemental HERO Phoenix Enforcer – LV/******, Attribute/FIRE, ATK/2100, DEF/1100, Type/Warrior/Fusion/Effect.
"Elemental HERO Avian" + "Elemental HERO Burstinatrix"
Must be Fusion Summoned and cannot be Special Summoned by other ways. This card cannot be destroyed by battle.)
Everyone on the Academy were shocked, save for the Central Top. Jaden had shown them his decks once and one of those cards was it. He had never summoned it to their knowledge, but it was there.
"Jay?"
"Its immortal in battle. But Zane has a weaker monster out. That means Aster is gonna go for it." Jaden said, watching the duel.
He was proven right when Aster ordered his Enforcer an attack on Dragon Core. Zane covered his face from the monster's attack.
Zane: 6700
"I'll throw down this facedown and call it quits."
Zane drew, looking at his hand. He frowned, knowing it was a gamble to play Power Bond this soon. But what choice did he have?! He needed to take down Aster's Life points a fair bit. He revealed the spell, announcing it to the crowds.
"I use this to fuse two of my Cyber Dragons together! Arise! Cyber Twin Dragon!"
Aster frowned. That wasn't good at all. The twin headed monster arose, roaring. Zane smirked, revealing a Pot of greed of his own. Drawing, he saw a monster who would help him out in the longer run. He played Cyber Kirin, Aster's eyes widening.
"I use my Cyber Kirin's effect and tribute it to negate any effect damage I would take. Now my dragon shall attack!"
Cyber Twin Dragon – ATK/2800 → 5600
The two blasts of the dragon struck the Enforcer. While immortal, Aster's Life points were not so lucky.
Aster: 6100
"There's more! My Twin Dragon can attack a SECOND time in the same battle phase!"
The dragon shot again, hitting the boy.
Aster: 2600
"I'll end my turn at that." Zane said.
Aster drew, a tad concerned as he looked at his life point counter. He had expected Zane to get nailed by Power bond's effect, but that Kirin put a stop to that. Thankfully, he had a few cards still left to play.
"I summon the Elemental Hero Sparkman in attack mode! Next up dude, I play Guard Penalty!"
Now any time a monster he selected was switched into defense mode, Aster would get to draw a card. Choosing Cyber Twin, Aster revealed the next card he had. It was an Equip card called Spark Blaster. He equipped Sparkman with it. Jaden told everyone watching what the card did.
"Aster can now switch any monster of Zane's into defense mode."
"With Guard Penalty in play!" Mindy realized.
"He'll get two cards!" Bonnie exclaimed.
True to their words, Cyber Twin was switched to defense. Aster drew, then made it go back into attack mode. Only to make it go into defense once more. That started the laughter in the arena. One little kid even said that the dragon was doing tricks. The laughter was getting on Zane's final nerves. Aster drew again, Spark Blaster being destroyed. Aster revealed his facedown, Elemental Recharge. Now for every Elemental Hero in play, he gained a thousand points.
Aster: 4600
Finally, he played Polymerization, using it to fuse Sparkman and Enforcer to make a new monster.
"Meet my Elemental HERO Shining Phoenix Enforcer!"
(Elemental HERO Shining Phoenix Enforcer – LV/********, Attribute/FIRE, ATK/2500, DEF/2100, Type/Warrior/Fusion/Effect.
"Elemental HERO Phoenix Enforcer" + "Elemental HERO Sparkman"
Must be Fusion Summoned and cannot be Special Summoned by other ways. This card gains 300 ATK for each "Elemental HERO" card in your Graveyard. This card cannot be destroyed by battle.)
The monster was Phoenix Enforcer, but now wearing cyber wings and armor. Aster smirked, Zane scowling. The boy declared an attack, his dragon being destroyed with ease by the new monster.
Shining Enforcer – ATK/2500 → 3700
"Something tells me that Shining Enforcer gets three hundred points for each HERO in your grave?" Zane demanded, Aster nodding.
"Got it in one."
The Pro put a final card facedown, ending his turn. Zane drew, looking at the card. Smirking, he revealed it.
"I play Cybernetic Fusion Support and give up half my life points! Next, I play Polymerization and fuse from my grave, my Cyber Dragons!"
"Awesome, Cyber End dragon!" Syrus shouted, watching his brother play.
"No, something else is coming." Jaden said, watching intently.
"I fusion summon...Cyber Eternity Dragon!"
That threw everyone for a loop. Cyber Eternity what?!
Zane: 3350
(Cyber Eternity Dragon – LV/**********, Attribute/LIGHT, ATK/2800, DEF/4000, Type/Machine/Fusion/Effect.
1 "Cyber Dragon" monster + 2 Machine monsters
If you have a Machine Fusion Monster(s) in your GY, your opponent cannot target this card with card effects, also it cannot be destroyed by your opponent's card effects. If this Fusion Summoned card you control is sent to your GY by an opponent's card: You can Special Summon 1 "Cyber Dragon" from your hand, Deck, or GY. You can banish this card from your GY; this turn, your opponent cannot target Fusion Monsters you control with card effects, also they cannot be destroyed by your opponent's card effects.)
A large and long Cyber Dragon appeared with a roar, its optics flashing. Aster took a step back in shock. That was new! Zane smirked.
"A new pack of Cyber Dragon supports came out three months ago. This was one of them and I got lucky with a pack. Now, I use my Weapon Change! I give up another seven hundred, swapping my Dragon's attack and defense points!"
Zane: 2650
Eternity Dragon – ATK/2800 → 4000, DEF/4000 → 2800
"Now attack! Your monster is immortal, true, but your life points are another matter! Go Cyber Blaze!"
The dragon opened its mouth and let loose a blast of fire. Aster frowned, knowing that the damage would be meaningless in the longer run. But then he caught Zane's smirk.
"It's over. I play my final card, Limiter Removal! Now my Dragon's power is doubled!"
Eternity Dragon – ATK/4000 → 8000
Aster didn't react, except smirking. Zane was bewildered until he remembered the facedown. The card flipped up to reveal-
"Mirror gate!"
(Mirror Gate – Type/Trap/Normal.
When an opponent's monster declares an attack targeting a face-up "Elemental HERO" monster you control: Switch control of the opponent's attacking monster with the targeted monster you control, then calculate damage. Control of both monsters switches back during the End Phase. )
At CDA, Jaden swore. Everyone looked at him in shock.
"Mirror Gate makes a Hero monster that's the target of the attack get switched with the attacking monster. Now Eternity is attacking for Aster!"
That drew gasps of shock and one of anger from Zane. The two monsters switched places, Shining Enforcer standing tall against the attack. The fire slammed into the monster, several embers of them passing by and slamming into Zane. He let out a roar, falling to one knee.
Zane: 0
"That's game over, dude. You talk a big game, but big talk only gets you two things; beat and fast. I hear the kiddie league is taking people in...you'd have a MUCH better chance there." Aster said, smirking. "You can't escape Destiny."
Hearing that made Zane recall the earlier event that evening. Aster was the Demon the papers were talking about! With a smirk, Aster walked off.
EODGX
The entire classroom was in shock. Zane, their number one student, had lost big time. Many began to say that Aster was unbeatable, but that led to an argument about Jaden. Said boy was currently watching Aster, frowning. On the screen, Aster was stopped by several press members.
"Mister Phoenix, Emma Watts with Domino Gazette. What do you plan on doing next after this resounding defeat you gave to Zane?"
"That's easy, Emma. I plan to go after a duelist at Duel Academy whose been copying my deck." Aster answered, Jaden scowling.
"He better not be talking about me..." He growled.
"Jake Stone with New York Times. Who is this duelist who dares copy you?"
"I won't give out his real name, but it rhymes with Schmaden Smucki."
That did it. Jaden slammed his hand onto the desk he was sitting at. Alexis quickly scrambling off her boyfriends lap.
"It's on, Aster! You want a rumble?! FINE!" The pro declared, storming off, his cell out.
Everyone heard the king's voice as he left.
"Nappa...get me a spot on Duel Links. Aster wants to play hardball? We're going to play Hardball."
Everyone watched the golden eye teen leave, Alexis, Jasmine, Mindy and all the school nodding.
Aster Phoenix may believe in destiny...but he was about to find out how hard destiny could break.
Now, I'm pretty sure Cyber Eternity could and more then likely CAN negate Mirror Gate given its effect. But for the sake of the argument, let's say Zane does not fully understand Eternity's full potential yet given its a new card. This is to set Zane on becoming the Hell Kaiser in Canon while having Jaden lose any form of respect for the man.
Next chapter will have a set up to Jaden dueling Aster...as well as debuting a few new Wicked HEROes I made AND The Sacred Beasts being used. Stay tuned for that!