It was akin to rebirth in mind and body alike. Such was the scent of the mountain air, unblemished by the stain of industry. It was more, though. Aster Phoenix had discovered that soon after entering the mountain range. This was a mystical place. A place where the lines between myth and reality were… blurred. He’d fled from the vibrant green scales of a Naga, its sheen glimmering under the harsh summer sunlight. He’d battled with his nightmares brought to life in the dead of night, as solid and physical as a brick smashed against one’s head. He’d dodged onslaughts of sharp feathers sent raining down from the heavens by a territorial Roc, only to be led to a dead end with no cover.
Perhaps that was the final straw, the culminating event that Aster needed to overcome the remnants of his own weakness. The weakness in mind that led him to fall for Sartorius’s sweet words. Aster only learned months after his departure from the island that the seer had violently attacked the island.
He considered himself complicit in those deaths. Not because he had a hand in it, but because he stood by and did nothing. For pity’s sake, Aster had been on the island mere hours before the attack had happened. If he’d stuck around for a bit longer, perhaps he could have helped.
Then there was the weakness in spirit that caused Aster to fall not only to Zane Truesdale, but to Syrus Truesdale as well. Aster, a professional duelist, lost to two duelists fresh out of Duel Academy. Well not anymore. Aster Phoenix was simply a duelist now. Nothing professional. He was a duelist who’d realized he had failed to see the mountain before him with his own eyes, only seeing it after the Truesdale siblings had forcibly opened up his vision. After that realization, the pro circuit held little for him.
That rowboat from the island was able to take him back to the mainland, to Domino City so he could lick his wounds in disgrace. His resignation from the pro series gave him even more time to do that. To think. Aster had done a lot of that lately.
It wasn’t until a letter arrived at his doorstep that things changed once more. It was nothing complicated. Just a string of numbers he eventually realized were coordinates. One visit to the library to look at the maps, and the purchase of a handheld GPS unit later, and Aster realized it led to a mountain range. Remote, unbothered by civilization, and owned by Seto Kaiba.
“Of course, I hardly realized that at first. Not until I saw the sign right outside the mountain range.” Aster Phoenix grimly remarked, poking the dead Roc on the ground with the toe of his scuffed-up Bespoke business shoe. No one replied. Not even the muscular man standing next to him. The man simply oozed danger, scars littering his body in between the shattered pieces of sturdy iron chains and a brutal metal mask that hid large parts of his face. There was something… otherworldly about the man’s presence. It wasn’t his size, though he was quite large. No, it was the crackling aura of blue energy that sifted like electrical snakes around his body. It was how the man had flown up to the Roc, still attempting to send its knife-sharp feathers piercing through Aster’s skull, and broke the creature’s spine over his knee in one efficient yet brutal movement.
Aster turned away from the Roc, fixing his attention once more on the horizon. He could see it, just barely. A plain wooden building, similar in appearance to an ordinary dojo, poking out between a cluster of mountains.
His goal.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
By the time Aster made it to the building in the distance, thunderclouds were gathering in the horizon. Electricity crackled through the air – though it was not all caused by the storm. No, there was an invisible tension, invisible volts of energy sparking between the gaze of Aster Phoenix and the two men that stood, arms crossed, in the courtyard.
The courtyard was a simple affair. A circle set up in front of the wooden dojo doors, mainly being packed earth with stones being the border between the courtyard and the rest of the area. Essentially it was one big ol’ dirt circle surrounded by stones. A simple courtyard for a simple dojo.
“It's been a while." The first man stoically greeted Aster. A slight wind had picked up, doubtlessly fueled by the gathering storm in the distance, but the man’s black leather coat remained perfectly still. On his left arm was a silver duel disk, the gem in the center glowing a soft, gentle blue. Zane Truesdale had long shed his academy blues. Not through disgrace, nor anger, but simply because he’d outgrown them. The unstoppable, relentless master of the raging Cyber Dragon had outgrown his past at the academy and soared to greater heights. Yet, the presence of the Duel Academy-style duel disk at his wrist declared that the past was still worthy of honoring. That the Kaiser had grown past his roots, but still recognized how vital the academy was for his growth. Honoring the past by striving proudly into the future.
“And here I was betting he’d get lost on the way. Guess I owe Sheppard a tenner.” The second man smiled, though his jest was made without any ill intent. He appeared truly interested that Aster had arrived. That was how Atticus Rhodes always was. He too had discarded his Obelisk Blue uniform after graduating from the academy, but the soft blues of his new clothes spoke of a continued connection with the dorm. The fact that his shirt was a rather loud Hawaiian button-up only served to make the man’s personality quite clear. Still, blue it was, with etched bright blue flowers like morning glories and bluebells covering the white fabric of the shirt.
Nothing on Atticus’s person suggested he had once been possessed by foul forces Aster hardly believed even now could exist in the real world. He hadn’t believed it at all, not until encountering fantastic sights beyond human comprehension in his travels. If Zane was a man who’d moved forward by honoring his past, Atticus was a man who’d moved forward by learning the lessons of his past and discarding the rest. Aster hardly blamed him. His own actions while influenced by Sartorius were… unsettling in hindsight. To be actually possessed by dark forces? It must have been quite a hurdle to overcome that trauma.
“You sent me the coordinates.” Aster said in a neutral tone, posing the words as both a question and a confirmation of what he already suspected.
“Guilty as charged,” Atticus shrugged. “Ol’ Zaney here heard the news outlets calling you crazy. Something about abandoning a promising pro career? That got us curious, That got us thinking.”
Zane stepped forward. His duel disk was at a readied position.
“It did.” Zane said. His eyes locked on to Aster’s own, blazing with the unyielding fighting spirit Zane Truesdale was known across the world for. “It made me wonder, what kind of man is Aster Phoenix now?”
Aster let out a wry smile but held his tongue. There was only one good answer to a question like that.
He activated his duel disk.
Above, the storm finally caught up with the dojo. Lightning crackled in the sky. Rain showered down in unending torrents. However, not a single drop of water, nor a single bolt of lightning got near the dojo or the courtyard. It all stopped short by several tens of feet, blocked by an invisible dome that stretched over the area.
Aster: 4000 Zane: 4000
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
The arrogance of a professional duelist was in his case, that of a frog in a well. A frog in the well knows nothing of the sea. Aster Phoenix thought he’d learned that in Domino City after Zane Truesdale’s final attack landed. Then he thought he’d learned it at Duel Academy when Syrus Truesdale broke past his offense to reduce his life points to zero.
Perhaps he was learning that a third time. It was funny, almost. Zane hadn’t played a single card yet. In fact, it was Aster’s turn. He’d received the first turn, even though Aster knew in full how much Zane thrived going second. Aster hadn’t played a single card yet, but his skin prickled in unease. His mind continuously brought forth memories of his defeat in Domino City.
Was he still a frog in a well?
Aster didn’t know.
He bit his lip. It wasn’t hard enough to draw blood, but it was enough to shake his head out of the rabbit hole it was going down.
“I draw!” Aster shouted. “First thing’s first, Destiny Draw activates! By discarding Destiny Hero – Celestial, I draw two cards! Then it’ll be my field spell. Count down the turns until midnight, Clock Tower Prison! Now, Destiny Hero – Dread Servant (400/700), heed my call! I summon him in defense position, which activates his effect to place one Clock Counter on my field spell. I’ll follow that up by placing two cards face down and ending my turn.”
Zane merely glanced at the yellow-cloaked hero, watching its dreadlocks wave in the wind before starting his turn. The grim, unyielding stone of the clock tower loomed behind Aster’s back like a stalwart castle, but its presence did little to soothe the pure adrenaline shooting through Aster’s veins. What would Zane respond with? Even with a defending monster, Clock Counter gaining a second counter during Zane’s standby phase, and two face down cards, he hardly felt safe. He’d seen the Kaiser break through more in one turn before.
"Draw card." Zane said in that same stoic voice. The same immovable, unbreakable amount of confidence imbued his moves like it did in every other duel the man participated in. “A similar play to last time. Beginning with Clock Tower Prison to provide defense while also being a lurking threat in the background. Are your strategies revised or do you hope to catch me with the same trick?”
Aster remained silent. He knew well enough that Dreadmaster would not be sufficient. Perhaps Dogma and even Dystopia would not be enough. Zane was a powerful duelist. Honorable to a fault, but powerful. Not only that, but it was like he’d practically grown wings since graduating from the academy. Rumors of devastating new strategies swirled around the man’s feet like inky black shadows obscuring the line that separated the possible from the impossible. Only, after already seeing many impossible sights on this journey so far, Aster wasn't sure if there was such a thing as impossible for Zane Truesdale.
“Come to me, Cyber Dragon (2100/1600)!” Zane shouted, breaking Aster out of his thoughts. A familiar metal dragon shimmered onto the field, letting its presence known with a mighty roar. It was an expected sight to see whenever Zane went second in a duel. “I’ll follow that with Cyber Dragon Drei (1800/800), summoned in attack position! Battle phase!”
As soon as the metallic dragon attacked, its body glimmering with soft yellow accents that reflected the lightning bolts surging overhead, Aster composed his face and revealed the first of his two face down cards. It was a shame he couldn’t use it on the stronger Cyber Dragon, but if he didn’t use it now, he’d be at under half his starting life points by the end of the turn.
“D – Counter!” Aster flipped the card over as a burning white light began to build behind the ragged yellow cape of Dread Servant.
“When my Destiny Hero monster is targeted for an attack, your attacking monster is destroyed,” Aster explained.
“Which will protect your life points.” Zane murmured and then nodded his head in approval. The burning white light continued to build up, only unleashing its rage once the courtyard was almost completely illuminated by the effect. Cyber Dragon Drei was struck squarely on the side and fell to a ragged heap in the dirt, its form fading away to nothing.
Zane hardly spared a glance toward his monster. Not out of any obvious disinterest or malice that Aster could see, but instead a sense of respect, an intention to finish what his first monster started.
“Cyber Dragon, destroy Dread Servant!” Zane briskly commanded. To this Aster had no counter, and his monster was erased by a single blast of blueish-white energy spat out by the mechanical dragon’s jaws.
Then Zane placed one card face down and ended his turn.
Aster drew a card. His face tightened slightly, but otherwise he showed no reaction. His poker face was much improved compared to the last time he’d dueled like this. He had a face down trap, Clock Tower with two counters, no monsters on the field, and only a few cards in his hand. Meanwhile, Zane’s hand was about halfway full, and he had both a Cyber Dragon and a trap to deal with.
Fine. He would make do with what he had.
“Activating the spell card Over Destiny.” Aster said, “By targeting the level four Celestial in my graveyard, I can special summon a Destiny Hero from my deck with a level less than or equal to that of Celestial’s. Fight by my side, level one Destiny Hero – Dreamer (0/600)! He won’t be here long though, because I sacrifice Dreamer to tribute summon Destiny Hero – Double Dude (1000/1000) in defense position!”
In quick succession a dancing jester of a hero jauntily stepped onto the field, green clothes sparkling with stars, before disappearing to reveal the form of a well-dressed gentleman in a black suit. However, a brutal savagery seemed to emanate from his form, and the faint outline of a muscular beast of a man hovered behind him. He knew it was a stopgap measure. From the looks of it, Zane guessed that too. Still, with no way to summon a monster with a higher attack than Cyber Dragon this turn, all Aster could do was set up for the next.
“I’ll place another card face down and end my turn.”
“The boy of destiny fails to go on the offensive." Atticus smirked, though Aster could feel neither malice nor mockery behind his words. It was just an attempt at humor.
Aster simply smiled, closing his eyes for a moment before responding.
“Once upon a time, maybe. I make my own destiny now.”
“Good.”
Aster opened his eyes to stare at Zane. If he wasn’t mistaken… did the man seem genuinely… happy for him?
Before Aster could fully process Zane’s comment, his turn began at a blistering speed, even as Clock Tower Prison gained a third counter.
“Pot of Greed will give me two more cards. Then, the trap card, Cybernetic Revolution, activates! By sacrificing my Cyber Dragon, I can special summon Cyber End Dragon (4000/2800) from my extra deck in attack position, though it cannot attack directly and will be destroyed at the end of the next turn.”
A pressure far greater than any monster Aster had encountered on his travels bored down on his shoulders like he was trying to hold a skyscraper above his head. He could see the dirt below his shoes vibrate. He could see beads of sweat dripping down his hands, feel them traveling down his face. It became harder to breathe. Harder to move. Overhead the lightning, though it still raged within the storm, almost appeared to slow down in its strikes. Like an unfathomable creature was bending the very energy of the world to its whims.
And then it appeared. Aster had seen it a few times before, both in person and over video, but there was something… different about the monster now. Zane's ace monster felt more… alive. More present. As if it wasn't a hologram anymore, but instead a massive, three-headed beast of silvery metal had been summoned from another world into this one.
It didn’t stop there. Once the fearsome might of Cyber End Dragon settled onto the field, Zane revealed another monster card from his hand.
“Cyber Dragon Zwei (1500/1000), fight by my side! I summon this monster in attack position! My battle phase begins.”
Aster took an unconscious step back as soon as the three heads of Cyber End Dragon swung around to stare in his direction. If they had been human heads, he imagined they would be licking their lips right now.
“Cyber End Dragon, attack Double Dude! Pierce through his defenses and inflict the difference as battle damage!” Zane shouted, pointing right toward the well-dressed gentleman on his opponent’s field.
Aster gritted his teeth. He hadn't wished to use it this soon, but he had no choice. He knew what Cyber End Dragon could do. It was simple but effective. 4000 attack points with a piercing effect. With Double Dude's 1000 points of defense, that meant Aster would take 3000 points of damage to his life points.
An unacceptable number this early in the duel.
“Not so fast!” Aster called out. “Destiny Hero – Dreamer’s (0/600) effect triggers in the graveyard! During damage calculation, I can summon Dreamer in defense mode to prevent Double Dude from being destroyed by that battle. Oh, and I also don’t take damage from that battle as well.”
Before the jester-like hero even finished forming onto the field, Zane had already disregarded his failed attack and moved on to his second monster.
“Very well.” Zane said, “Zwei, change of targets. Destroy Destiny Hero – Dreamer!”
Aster’s face twitched. At this stage it would have been fine to lose Double Dude, as the monster’s effect would summon two Double Dude Tokens to his field next turn. That meant on his turn, counting the tokens he could have three monsters on the field – something that would prove quite advantageous. Now… he could either accept Dreamer being destroyed and bank his luck on drawing a way to summon two monsters in one turn…
Or he would have to go for the suboptimal, but still completely usable play.
Luck or caution.
Luck.
Caution.
Aster grinned. Luck could get a man far, but it could never be relied on. Only used to its fullest potential when it happened.
“Sorry, but you’ve activated my trap card!” Aster flung his hand out to reveal the card he’d placed face down the previous turn. “D-Fusion! I sacrifice Destiny Hero – Dreamer and Destiny Hero – Double Dude to fusion summon Destiny Hero – Destroyer Phoenix Enforcer (2500/2100) in attack mode!”
At once the metal of all the machine dragons on the field began to glow as flames sprouted from the dirt all the way up to lick at the edges of the barrier. Steam hissed out in response as the rain hitting the other side of the barrier began to evaporate.
“While my fusion monster is on the field, all your monsters lose 200 attack points for each Hero monster in my graveyard. Double Dude, Dread Servant, and Celestial make three, so that’s a nice 600 attack point loss. It’s a pity Dreamer gets banished by his own effect when leaving the field for the second time, but it is what it is.”
Cyber End Dragon (4000/2800 -> 3400/2800), Cyber Dragon Zwei (1500/1000 -> 900/1000).
Zane sent a searching gaze up and down the flame-covered hero, taking in his dark-feathered wings, the dragon-like tail, and the constant surge of flames that surrounded the monster.
“Well played.” He eventually commented. “A powerful monster born from two relatively weaker ones. I have to admit, you truly are stronger than the last time we met. My only question, however…”
Zane revealed a spell card in his hand.
“My quick-play spell card activates. Cyberload Fusion! By shuffling Cyber Dragon from my graveyard and Cyber Dragon Zwei from my field back into the deck, I fusion summon Chimeratech Rampage Dragon (2100/1600 -> 1500/1600)! Not only that, but when this monster is fusion summoned, I can target spell or trap cards on the field up to the number of monsters I used to summon Rampage Dragon and destroy them! My choices are your remaining face down card and your unfinished Clock Tower Prison! No Dreadmaster for you this time!”
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Aster very nearly spat out a curse, but held his tongue in favor of responding with an effect of his own. It was a shame his field spell and face down D – Fortune were on the chopping block, but he could do little to counter it.
“Fine by me, but since I can’t stop you, I might as well use my face down card as fuel for another effect before it leaves the field! Phoenix Enforcer’s effect activates! Once per turn I can destroy one card I control in return for destroying a card you control.”
"An admirable play, if not for my second quick-play spell card." Zane shot back, revealing another spell in his hand. "Forbidden Chalice will activate! By targeting your Phoenix Enforcer, its effects are negated until the end of this turn, though it will temporarily gain 400 attack points in return."
The flames around Aster’s fusion monster settled down from the raging bonfire they used to be. All at once, the sheen returned on the metal of Zane’s monsters, signifying that the attack loss was removed, albeit temporarily.
Destiny Hero – Destroyer Phoenix Enforcer (2500/2100 -> 2900/2100).
Cyber End Dragon (3400/2800 -> 4000/2800), Chimeratech Rampage Dragon (1500/1600 -> 2100/1600).
“I know what you’re thinking. My monster still lacks attack points. You would be right, if not for my third quick-play spell card! It’s time for Limiter Removal! The attack points of all my machine monsters are doubled until the end of this turn!”
There it was. Aster had seen Zane activate that card in video recordings time after time. One of his biggest trump cards, the ultimate embodiment of high risk, high reward. And though his Cyber End Dragon had already spent its attack, the other fusion monster was still very much ready to go.
Chimeratech Rampage Dragon (2100/1600 -> 4200/1600).
Even as Chimeratech Rampage Dragon reared its screaming heads of black and silver metal to strike, Aster had to wonder – was the reason Zane hadn’t used Limiter Removal at the start of his battle phase because he already suspected Dreamer had a graveyard effect that could turn things around? Normally it would have been an instant game over if Cyber End Dragon had attacked Aster’s defending hero while under the effects of Limiter Removal. Even looking at the 8000-attack-point monstrosity patiently waiting by Zane’s side sent chills down his spine. The thought of that monster attacking…
If he hadn’t used Dreamer, Aster would have lost from the piercing damage and then a direct attack from Zwei. But now that it was out of the way, Zane had been able to summon a fresh monster and use the attack boost from Limiter Removal, which wouldn’t have come into play for that fresh monster if he’d used it when Cyber End Dragon attacked instead, in order to overpower Phoenix Enforcer.
Just how farsighted were Zane’s dueling instincts?
Aster gritted his teeth. Zane was farsighted, but it appeared he wasn’t aware of the intricacies listed in D – Fusion’s text, nor the powerful resurrection effect possessed by Phoenix Enforcer. Or… was he? Was Zane perfectly prepared for every possibility that could happen in this duel?
He wasn’t given time to agonize any further. Chimeratech Rampage Dragon slammed its mechanical bulk into Aster’s fusion monster, but when the dust cleared, both monsters remained.
“D – Fusion’s effect!” Aster declared, “For this turn only, my fusion monster cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects.”
Aster: 2700 Zane: 4000
“Hm.” Zane revealed a rare smile. “You still take the damage, but I suppose I shall end my battle phase after that. I place one card face down… and end my turn.”
All at once, Zane’s field detonated. Both Chimeratech Rampage Dragon and Cyber End Dragon fell to the dirt, their bodies smoking and deformed from the stress of having their limits removed. In a matter of seconds, Zane’s field was almost completely bare.
“A chance!” Aster roared, practically tearing the top card off his deck in his haste to start his turn. The face down card Zane placed still posed a threat, but this was the best chance he’d seen so far to close the game out. “Face my spell card, Doctor D! By banishing one Destiny Hero monster from my graveyard, I can special summon another one of my fallen heroes! My target to banish will be Dread Servant. Not only that, but I will also activate the effect of Destiny Hero – Destroyer Phoenix Enforcer in response to my card!"
"Allowing you to destroy your spell card and my face down, I presume?" Zane stroked his chin in thought. Aster neither confirmed nor denied Zane's words. Phoenix Enforcer didn't target, so he needn't specify his choice until the effect was resolved.
“Very well,” Zane snapped his fingers decisively before flipping over his face down card, “Cyber Eternal activates! This quick-play spell card allows me to special summon Cyber End Dragon from my graveyard, ignoring its summoning conditions along the way!”
Aster’s heart raced from the pure flood of adrenaline shooting through his body. It was all coming together!
“A good play, if not for Phoenix Enforcer! Now that his effect is resolving, my spell card and your Cyber End Dragon will be my choices for destruction! Furthermore, as my spell card does not need to remain on the field to resolve its effect, say hello to Destiny Hero – Celestial (1600/1400)!”
In a matter of seconds, Cyber End Dragon was destroyed for the second time, falling once more to the dirt under the volcanic heat of Phoenix Enforcer’s attack. Not only that, but before the flames could even fade, a hero in a black and red bodysuit sprung out from Aster’s graveyard, posing dramatically with two circular blades floating behind its back.
“Attack!” Aster called out his next move quickly. “Destiny Hero – Destroyer Phoenix Enforcer, strike directly!”
Aster: 2700 Zane: 1500
Zane stumbled back upon taking this hit, but before the dust had even settled, he grimly revealed a monster card in his hand!
“Well struck, but your offensive is over now! I activate the effect of Gorz the Emissary of Darkness (2700/2500 -> 2500/2500) in my hand! Now that I’ve taken damage while my field is empty, I can special summon him from my hand. Then, I can create a token with attack and defense equal to the damage I took. Don’t say I’m not a generous man, because I call this sharing the pain!”
Emissary of Darkness Token (2500/2500 -> 2300/2500).
Aster’s pupils constricted in shock as he looked at the new monster up and down. A red-haired man in form-fitting black clothes, with a bloodred cape that swirled under the winds summoned by the storm overhead. While its attack points were lowered thanks to the passive effect of Phoenix Enforcer, it was undeniable that the original was a match for his monster, while the token was only slightly less formidable. One solid offensive would be all Zane needed to end the game, a far cry from how his turn had started.
However, the game wasn’t over yet, as his fusion monster’s effect would be usable once more as soon as Zane began his turn!
“I place one card face down and end my turn.”
“I draw.” Zane began his turn, carefully eyeing Aster’s fusion monster before making any moves.
Aster’s eyes widened. An opening!
“At the end of your draw phase, Phoenix Enforcer’s effect will activate. Destroy Celestial in return for destroying Gorz!”
Almost as quickly as it had appeared the previous turn, the red-haired warrior disappeared under a rain of molten fire, leaving only the token behind – a monster that appeared as a more ghostly version of the original, slightly see-through and just a little bit weaker.
“Fine.” Zane grimly intoned, moving further into his turn. “I summon Cyber Dragon Core (400/1500 -> 200/1500) in defense mode. Core’s effect triggers! I add the spell, Cyber Repair Plant from my deck to my hand. Then I activate that same spell card! While Cyber Dragon Drei is on the field or in my graveyard, its name passively becomes ‘Cyber Dragon’. This means I can use the effect of my repair plant to add one light machine monster from my deck to my hand. Hear my call, Jizukiru, the Star Destroying Kaiju (3300/2600)!”
Aster’s face contorted in confusion. This was a card he’d never even heard of before. But before he could question Zane’s move, it was all revealed to him in one fell blow.
“Jizukiru has an interesting effect,” Zane explained, revealing the card in his hand. It disappeared in a shining mote of light to appear not on Zane’s field, but Aster’s! “I can special summon him to your side of the field by tributing one of your monsters! Say auf wiedersehen to your fusion monster!”
The metallic orange hues of the kaiju’s skin appeared on Aster’s field before he could even fully process the move – completely ignoring the powerful recursion effect of Phoenix Enforcer that would have normally been triggered if it had been destroyed, instead of tributed. Though… Aster sent a quick glance toward his face down card. As long as he had that, the game wasn’t over yet. Moreover, while his monster was removed from the field, Jizukiru still possessed a truly formidable attack point value. It was only a shame that he couldn’t easily get back his fusion monster anymore.
Emissary of Darkness Token (2300/2500 -> 2500/2500), Cyber Dragon Core (400/1500).
“I admit that this turn I cannot defeat that kaiju right now, so I shall place one card face down and end my turn.” Zane calmly explained, motioning for Aster to take the reins.
Aster yanked another card off the top of his deck, smiling slightly upon seeing the name of it.
“I place one card face down. Now that I have no cards in my hand, I banish Celestial and Double Dude from my graveyard to draw two cards. Then, I reveal my face down card, Pot of Greed! Two more cards! And now that I have options, here’s the card behind curtain number one. I summon Destiny Hero – Drawhand (1600/1000) in attack mode. Jizukiru, destroy that token!”
“Not so fast!” Zane countered, flipping over his face down to reveal a continuous trap card. “Cybernetic Hidden Technology! When your monster declares an attack, I can send one ‘Cyber Dragon’ from my field to the graveyard to destroy your attacking monster. Core counts as a ‘Cyber Dragon’ while on the field or graveyard, so in return for my Core’s valiant sacrifice, Jizukiru will be destroyed!”
Back to square one. Now he didn’t have anything with the strength to destroy Gorz. Aster shot a glance over to the tuxedo-wearing hero on his side of the field. The token wouldn’t have any issue defeating it in battle. That meant in order to preserve his life points, other considerations would need to be made.
“Fine. In my second main phase, I activate Burial from a Different Dimension! It lets me return my banished Destiny Hero – Dreamer, Destiny Hero – Celestial, and Destiny Hero – Dread Servant back to my graveyard.”
“Saving you from another attack.” Zane concluded as Aster ended his turn by setting another face down card. “Smart. I draw.”
A slight crinkling of Zane’s brow was the only indication Aster got that the man’s draw was not particularly useful at the moment, at least until he simply placed one card face down, pointed toward the Emissary Token, and ordered it to charge into Aster’s Drawhand.
“Dreamer’s effect.” Aster said with a sweep of his hand, “But of course, you knew it would happen.
Right when the bladed fist of Gorz was about to slice through Drawhand’s silvery tuxedo, the clownish Dreamer pranced onto the field to protect not only Aster’s monster, but also his life points.
“Draw.” Aster said once Zane ended his turn. His next move would be risky… but without making it, the game state couldn’t be advanced. And every turn Zane got was a turn the man’s explosive deck could use to utterly change the game against Aster’s favor.
“I summon Destiny Hero – Decider (1600/1000). Its effect activates, allowing me to add one Hero monster from my graveyard to my hand in my end phase. Furthermore, I have three monsters on the field!” Aster declared, listing off the names one by one. “Drawhand, Dreamer, and Decider! By sacrificing all three of those monsters, I can summon the winged embodiment of strength! The hero that swoops through the night to judge all enemies of justice, Destiny Hero – Dogma (3400/2400)!”
A chained hero, dark leathery wings beating at the stormy air while the wickedly sharp blade on its arm gleamed under flashes of lightning, hovered silently at Aster's side.
“Attack.”
One word from its master sent Dogma into a frenzy of violence, swooping forward to tear bodily into the token and reduce it to slivers of bloody meat strewn across the courtyard.
Aster: 2700 Zane: 600
“But now that your monster has attacked, I can retaliate with my trap card!” Zane suddenly sprang into action as soon as the dust settled from Dogma’s strike. “Necro Fusion’s effect triggers! By banishing Drei, Core, and Chimeratech Rampage Dragon face down, I can fusion summon Cyber Eternity Dragon (2800/4000) in defense position!”
A beast of silver and gold metal swam through the air like a dragon soaring through the heavens, casually moving through the barrier to curl protectively around Zane. It was both larger and longer than any Cyber Dragon monster Zane had summoned so far, with its tail stretching out far past the barrier that held back the raging storm.
Aster felt a shaky grin spread across his face. It was less of an excited one and more of a 'Are you serious, how does this guy keep spitting out these insane fusion monsters?'
“That’s my turn, I suppose. In my end phase, Decider will allow me to add himself back to my hand.”
Zane drew a card to start his turn, but before his standby phase could end, Aster held up a finger to stop him.
“Two effects will be activated during your standby phase.” Aster pointed first at Dogma, and then at his graveyard. “Dogma’s effect will halve your life points. Then, Drawhand will special summon himself from my graveyard in defense position, triggering his effect to force us both to draw one card each.”
Aster: 2700 Zane: 300
Zane took the second card without complaint, looking almost curious as to what Aster’s strategy was. Aster, of course, failed to inform his opponent that his only strategy right now was to freaking survive.
"Well played." Zane eventually complimented him. "I cannot destroy your Drawhand unless I also defeat your Dogma this turn. Otherwise, you can attack the monster I use to defeat Drawhand next turn and reduce my life points to zero. However, if I leave Drawhand alone, you get to keep a monster for a fusion or tribute summon.”
“Maybe.” Aster smiled noncommittedly, neither confirming nor denying anything Zane said.
Zane narrowed his eyes, deep in thought. Every moment his opponent was silent was another bead of sweat that dripped down the nape of Aster’s neck. He was thinking. That meant Zane had options.
A Zane with options was a terrifying prospect.
“Well, since you were kind enough to give me an extra card, I think I’ll use it. I summon Cyber Dragon Herz (100/100) in defense mode. While it’s on the field, Herz’s name becomes ‘Cyber Dragon’. That allows me to use my spell card, Machine Duplication! By targeting my newly renamed Herz, I can special summon two real Cyber Dragons from my deck! They won’t stay long. Aster! Prepare yourself!”
Zane paused, almost appearing to brace himself. But for what? He took several deep breaths.
“Aster. Take this as a sign of my respect. I overlay my two level five Cyber Dragons to XYZ summon Cyber Dragon Nova (2100/1600)!”
It was different than any summon Aster had seen before. Zane stumbled back, clutching at his stomach, but then he straightened and looked ahead with a stoic glare as an entirely new monster formed on the field. It was a silver dragon, similar to Zane's other Cyber Dragons, but it possessed red-tinged wings and patches of pure black metal dispersed around its body. Moreover, there was a… presence to the machine monster that even felt like it overshadowed the mighty feel of Cyber End Dragon. It was an oppressive presence. One that screamed power and the will to dominate all who opposed its master.
“X…YZ?” Aster groaned out the words with all the effort it took to stand still and power through the pressure.
"But that isn't the end of it!" Zane bulldozed through Aster's confusion. Somehow, the pressure built up even more. Aster could feel his bones creaking as he endured the monster’s presence. “Using Cyber Dragon Nova, turning both it and its materials as fuel, I XYZ summon Cyber Dragon Infinity (2100/1600 -> 2700/1600)!”
The silvery wings of Cyber Dragon Nova almost appeared to sharpen themselves. The monster doubled over, the color of its core deepening from a bright orange to a dark, aggressive red. More than that, slivers of red and orange lightning leeched off the monster’s body to brush against the barrier keeping out the storm, causing the invisible substance to spark on the contact.
Zane began to explain the monster’s ability, even as Aster fought desperately to stand straight and remain strong.
“For each material Cyber Dragon Infinity possesses, it gains 200 attack points. Not only that, once per turn I can turn one of your attack position monsters on the field into material for my monster. In fact, I’ll take advantage of that right now! Infinity, strengthen yourself upon the shoulders of Dogma!”
At once, Dogma’s leathery wings began to swirl as the monster folded into a whirlwind of flesh and blood that raced to settle around the metallic wings of Zane’s XYZ monster until there was nothing left.
Cyber Dragon Infinity (2700/1600 -> 2900/1600).
“I switch Cyber Eternity Dragon to attack mode. Eternity, strike down my opponent’s remaining monster while Infinity follows behind!”
At this, Aster smiled. If he hadn’t triggered Celestial’s effect earlier, the game would be over. Since he did…
“Sorry, I’ll let you destroy Drawhand, but I draw the line at a direct attack! See, I traveled the world before coming here, and when I was in New York, an interesting card came to me! When you declare the direct attack with Cyber Dragon Infinity, I activate the effect of Swift Scarecrow in my hand! By discarding this monster, your direct attack is negated and the battle phase ends.”
“Not so fast.” Zane quickly responded, “Cyber Dragon Infinity does far more than simply turning your monsters into material. By detaching one material from it, your effect activation is negated!”
Cyber Dragon Infinity (2900/1600 -> 2700/1600).
Another chill ran down his spine. An effect negation. That was a powerful boon to Zane’s board, and the monster still had enough attack points to finish the job to boot.
He closed his eyes. Not in defeat, but because his hand was forced. Using this next card… it would be considered dishonorable by many. That was why he used Swift Scarecrow first. But… he didn’t want to lose. It wasn’t his destiny or anything. It was just his spirit as a duelist crying out for him to grasp the reins of victory no matter what.
“You may have negated Swift Scarecrow.” Aster began, opening his eyes to stare resolutely at Zane with a brittle smile on his face, “But can you stop this? I accept your attack, but the guy in my hand does not. During the damage calculation, I discard Destiny Hero – Dynatag to prevent the damage from this battle. Then, both of us will take 1000 points of effect damage to our life points. I can handle that much. Can you?”
Aster: 2700 Zane: 0
Just like that, it was over. Both of Zane’s Cyber Dragon monsters faded away, their fearsome presence fading to nothing.
“Truesdale lost…” Atticus whispered. Zane was silent, looking at Aster with curiosity sparkling in his gaze.
“Some say a duelist’s pride does not allow for effect damage to decide a close duel.” Zane finally spoke, his voice overpowering the sounds of the storm above.
“I say such things are worthless. Pride is important. What is just as important is the overpowering drive, the sheer unbridled will to grasp every single scrap of power to turn the duel around. The Aster Phoenix I met in Domino City was too self-important to consider such a play. Ending a duel with effect damage? I see no problem. It is my fault for allowing my life points to dwindle to the point where I could be caught by that.”
Zane glanced off into the distance, his gaze running over the mountain peaks as he continued to speak. “As for respect, some would say your final effect showed the utmost respect to your opponent. It showed you respect your opponent’s ability by refusing to hold back even an inch of your own, using every card at your fingertips to its full potential.”
A steely glint entered Zane’s eyes, and he walked toward Aster with steady strides, his hand outstretched.
“The Aster Phoenix I have met today is a duelist willing to claw up a mountain for a chance to get just one more turn in a duel. The Aster Phoenix before my eyes knows pride has its place, but does not let his pride decide his limits. Even in the face of cards you’d never seen before, you held your head high and fought me on equal grounds. Aster Phoenix. Such is my right as the heir of the Cyber Style dojo, I invite you to join us.”
Aster met his handshake with a firm grip of his own, but in his mind there was confusion. The Cyber Style dojo? He didn’t play Cyber Dragons.
Before Aster could voice his questions, Atticus stepped up to explain.
“The dojo isn’t solely for the Cyber Style anymore. It’s something different, something more. Think of it more like an elite dueling league.”
“A place for all worthy duelists to gather. Only a worthy duelist could find this place, only a worthy duelist could withstand my onslaught.” Zane continued.
“And,” Atticus broke back into the conversation, “This is also a dueling league, like I said. Sponsored by Kaiba himself, we’re preparing to take the professional scene by storm. Once we sweep the main league, Kaiba has given us his blessing to create our own official tournament series, a tournament of champions! Where only the best of the best can compete! Isn’t that a crazy cool idea, dude? Of course, we’ll also be on the lookout for stuff like the Society of Light. So we can take care of the problem before it becomes a problem, if you catch my drift.”
Aster closed his eyes for a moment before reopening them, his gaze steely and resolute.
“I accept your offer.”
“Great!” Atticus cheered. “Come inside, Alexis is inside, she has some bentos all ready for us!”
“Another member of your group?” Aster guessed, but Zane shook his head.
“Alexis is good enough to join, but she wants to put it off until she graduates. No, Atticus started whining that he missed his sister and gave her the GPS coordinates to this place.”
A box of steaming hot food whizzed by Zane’s head, the man barely ducking in time to avoid it and catch it in his hands. Alexis’s annoyed voice followed.
“Yeah, I sure am busy! You know as well as I do that mom and dad were worried you boys aren’t eating well enough, cooped up in the mountains in such a basic dojo.”
Atticus zoomed forward, running around the corner to sweep Alexis up in a bear hug.
“Ooohhh! My cute little sister! You were worried about us! I knew it!”
Alexis hung in his grip like an annoyed cat being picked up by an excitable little kid, causing Aster to snort with laughter. Immediately a death glare shot from Alexis’s eyes to nail Aster right on the head, though he got the feeling she wasn’t as annoyed by Atticus as she appeared to be on the outside.
“The others are out back. Gecko saw you enter the mountain range a few weeks ago when he was training, so we’ve been prepping for your arrival.”
Aster nodded along to Zane’s words and stepped through the door into the dojo proper. The wooden floors were polished yet bare, and another door near the back of the room was propped open to reveal a stone patio that looked out onto the rest of the mountains. The stone patio was populated by a few strange characters standing around a sizzling grill. A one-eyed duelist sporting a cowboy hat stood next to the grill, a chef’s apron with the words ‘duel the cook’ emblazoned on the front of it. Near his feet was… a live crocodile? Smoking a cigar?
Aster shook his head in exasperation. What a bunch of loons. His eyes wandered to glance over the rest of the crowd. A well-built man with what looked like a cross between a revolver and a duel disk strapped to his hip talked in calm tones with an excitable blue-haired boy Aster vaguely recognized as the inheritor of Pegasus’s unique Crystal Beast cards, along with the fearsome power that was Rainbow Dragon. Then there was finally a duelist Aster recognized immediately – the always calm Adrian Gecko, talking to a woman that had to be Anastasia Capet. The two friends were rarely seen apart from each other, and if one managed to join this league, then of course the other would find a way as well.
Chazz Princeton poked his head around the corner, eyes narrowing as he met Aster’s gaze. He said a word, quiet enough that Aster couldn’t tell precisely what it was, and soon the short figure of Syrus Truesdale poked his head through an open window, waving cheerfully. A brown-haired boy in a Slifer Red uniform, most likely Jaden Yuki, appeared over the side of the stone patio with a brown sack of what Aster assumed was more food.
A slight bit of movement behind Aster revealed that Zane had caught up with him, leaving behind the Rhodes siblings to their good-natured squabbling in the background. Aster smiled, drinking in the scent of the burgers frying on the grill.
For the first time in a long time, he’d felt truly unburdened as the process that had begun a certain day in Domino City and continued through the duel on the island of Duel Academy finally finished. It was as if the shadow of Sartorius and the weight of his destiny had been fully removed from his shoulders to be tossed away, into the corner of the room where it could sit forgotten. Aster didn’t need it anymore. Not now that he’d found his own path.
Aster Phoenix smiled brightly and walked forward to introduce himself. The sun shone overhead; the storm having just broken. And all was right with the world.