The Demon

Jaden and Bastion were currently in the middle of a duel.

"My move and I fuse Sparkman and Flame Wingman to summon Elemental Hero Shining Flare Wingman."

Elemental Hero Shining Flare Wingman: 2500/2100

Tyson was watching the duel.

"Now attack Water Dragon with Shining Emerald Orb."

Bastion: 0

"That's game Bastion." Jaden said.

"Good show. You'd be the Academy's top pupil if you actually attended class."

"I don't know." Tyson said. "Reggie is the top Freshman in my year and he lost to Chazz who is in Slifer. Jaden is the strongest duelist so far and he's in Slifer Red. What does that tell you?"

"All I'm saying is that good grades help. You do hope to be a professional someday, don't you?"

"Yeah, but I've defeated pretty much everyone on the island. What I really need is a challenge. Then I'll be ready to duel in the pros like Zane."

"Careful Jaden Professional Dueling is different than dueling students." Tyson said. "Arisa wants to be a lawyer, but she still duels for fun."

Syrus then ran into the arena.

"Hello Syrus." Tyson said.

"Guys, guess who's dueling tomorrow."

"Let me guess, Zane." Jaden said.

"It's not really a surprise." Tyson added. "Neither is the person he's facing."

"Yep Aster Phoenix." Bastion said.

"Arisa would've been a good choice, but Professional Dueling is only a secondary career choice for her." Tyson said.

That evening, everyone was in Chazz's room to watch the big match. Ryan and the Shiba siblings also watched the duel.

"Who do you think will win?" Alexis asked.

"I don't know, but I'm gonna say that it would have to be Aster." Davis said. "Odds are, he's probably got more skill on the professional circuit."

"There's also the fact that we have no idea what his real deck is." Ryan added.

"And the fact that he was skilled with his mishmash deck shows that whatever it is he's gonna be tougher to beat." Kaoru said.

Over in the Chancellor's office, Bonaparte was on the phone with Aster's manager. He was trying to convince him to get Aster to come to the Academy.

The new Headmistress of the Red Dorm knocked on the door.

"Hello Vice-Chancellor." She said.

"Rumiko." The Vice-Chancellor said nervously, knowing she was not someone to be crossed. "What brings you by?"

"The red dorm." Bonaparte knew what was coming next.

"That dorm needs a serious upgrade." Rumiko said.

"I thought the Shiba siblings upgraded the dorm already." Bonaparte said carefully.

"It's still a work in progress." Rumiko replied.

"What more do they want?" Bonaparte asked.

"Better food, updated dorm rooms and cleaner bathrooms." She answered.

"The answer is no." Bonaparte said. "Why should I waste anymore time and money on those slackers?"

"Funny you mention that because Kathy McBride the new Headmistress of the Obelisk Blue girl's dorm is on speaking terms with Seto Kaiba." Rumiko said. "And I will be telling her and by extension Kaiba about all that you've done."

Bonaparte started to panic.

Meanwhile, Zane met one of his sponsors and the man walked to his limo.

"I hope you're ready for tomorrow. As our newest spokesmen, we expect a victory. Do I make myself clear?"

"You can count on me. I haven't lost yet and I don't plan to start now."

"Care for a ride?" The sponsor offered.

"Thanks, but I like to walk, especially before a big match."

"That's a good idea."

Zane and the sponsor saw someone approach.

It was Arisa Shiba and she was still in her old Duel Academy uniform.

"How's it going Zane?" She asked.

"You two know each other." The sponsor questioned.

"We're friends from Duel Academy."

"Yep we were in the same year." Arisa said.

"Anyway, be careful." The sponsor said.

"Why?" Arisa asked.

"Haven't you read the paper? There's some sort of demon on the loose."

"That sounds like the stuff my family has dealt with for over the last 300 years." Arisa said.

"Don't forget we want a victory."

Zane wandered to his hotel room, but his mind was focused on the conversation with his sponsor.

*'That demon is the least of my concerns right now.'*

"Someone help me!"

Zane then ran into the alley as a man collapsed with another figure leaving.

Arisa then followed Zane to make sure he didn't do anything reckless.

"You can't hide from destiny."

Zane and Arisa ran down the alley to help the person that had been attacked.

"Are you alright?" Zane asked.

"That thing, it wasn't human." The man said.

"Who exactly was that?" Arisa asked.

Zane thought he spotted something.

Then two police officers ran up to the three.

"Are you alright Mr. Truesdale?" One officer asked.

"I'm fine." Zane replied.

"What of you, Ms. Shiba?" The other officer asked.

"I'm okay." Arisa spoke.

"What could have done this to him?"

"A demon." Zane said.

In a unknown location, Aster contacted his manager.

"I trust your evening was fruitful?"

"You could say that. So what's up?"

"I wish you would spend less time on your juvenile games and more time preparing for your duels. You're on the heels for the greatest challenge of your life."

"Please, you know I'll win." Aster scoffed.

"Yes, the cards do predict a victory but Zane is merely a stepping stone on the path to your true destiny."

"Any chance you're gonna tell me what my destiny's gonna be?" Aster asked.

"No, but you shall find out in due time and until then you must put your complete trust in me."

"What about Jaden? I threw that match for you. Do you have any idea how embarrassing that was? I've got my career to think about ya know. It's bad enough you made me enroll in that lame school, but insisting I lose to that Jaden kid?"

"It was the only way to test him. He has more ability than you know."

"But he's not even a pro."

"Often the greatest power can be found in the most unlikely of places. Now, after you defeat Zane, you will return to Duel Academy where you will challenge Jaden Yuki to another duel."

"Alright, but do I get to win this time?"

"There is one more duelist you should watch." Sartorius said. "Her name is Kaoru Shiba. She also uses Elemental Heroes."

"First things first, your public awaits."

"Yeah, good point. I've got a big night ahead. After all, it's the night I reveal my new deck."

The next night, the whole academy had gathered to watch Zane's duel in one of the classrooms.

"I can't believe Crowler sprung for cable." Alexis said.

"He wouldn't want to miss seeing the Obelisk who defeated the Slifer that beat him in action." Davis said.

"The sad thing is, you're right." Ryan sighed.

"Good evening folks. My name is Jean Collins."

"And I'm Arthur Mannings."

"And we're here to bring you all the pulse pounding action tonight at the Kaiba Dome."

"That's right Jean and this crowd is split right down the middle. It's the Zaniacs versus the Aster Phoenatics."

"And this game is underway. Tonight's big mystery: what's in Aster's deck?"

"Looks like we're about to find out."

"I've heard a lot about you Aster. 30 professional duels and not a single defeat? That's not too shabby for a little kid."

"You're too kind. Thanks gramps."

"Grr. Let's do this."

"Game on."

Aster: 4000

Zane: 4000

"Alright, beauty before age."

"Time to check out Aster's real deck." Jaden said.

"I'll start by summoning Elemental Hero Avian in defense mode."

Elemental Hero Avian: 1000/1000

"That's my card." Jaden said.

"No way. A deck of Elemental Heroes?" Zane was shocked.

"Exactly. Just like your old Academy chum Jaden. Like my surprise?"

"Come on bro, that's not cool. Show some originality."

"I'll throw down a couple face downs and end my turn."

"A solid opening move by Aster Phoenix." Jean said.

"I have to agree Jean. Plus, a sneak peek into that new mystery deck of his." Arthur added.

"Alright, my move." Zane drew. "And I summon Cyber Dragon in attack mode."

Cyber Dragon: 2100/1600

"When you're the only one with monsters on the field, I can special summon this. And before I attack, I activate Trap Booster. By discarding a card, I can activate trap cards from my hand this turn. Now Cyber Dragon, attack Avian with Strident Blast!"

Cyber Dragon reared it's head back before firing a beam of blue energy at Avian.

"I activate Draining Shield. This negates Cyber Dragon's attack and I gain 2100 life points."

"Sorry Aster. Since I used Trap Booster, I can activate a trap from my hand, like this Trap Jammer. Draining Shield is negated."

"That's your move? Come on, Zaney, don't you realize a card like that is a dime a dozen? I activate my own Trap Jammer, so my Draining Shield is no longer negated."

An energy barrier appeared in front of Aster, blocking Cyber Dragon's attack.

Aster: 6100

"What an even match." Bastion commented.

"Aster is anticipating Zane's moves." Kaoru said.

"They're neck and neck. Now this is what I call combat." Hassleberry stated.

"I wonder what else Aster has in his deck."

"You can smell the tension in the air folks." Jean commented.

"Let me tell you Jean, I haven't seen two pros go at it like this since Kaiba and Yugi." Arthur added.

"It's my move." Aster drew. "I play Pot of Greed."

He drew two more cards.

"Next I'll kick it Polymerization style and fuse Elemental Heroes Avian and Burstinatrix. Give a big Kaiba Dome welcome to Elemental Hero Phoenix Enforcer."

Elemental Hero Phoenix Enforcer: 2100/1200

"Elemental who? But Aster fused Avian and Burstinatrix, where's Flame Wingman?"

"With Elemental Hero Fusion Monsters, you can choose which monster bring out." Kaoru explained.

"You've seen Kaoru do this multiple times in her duels." Davis reminded Syrus.

"Each one has different powers." Alexis said.

"Oh, so when Jaden fuses Burstinatrix and Avian, he can choose between either Flame Wingman or Phoenix Enforcer." Syrus realized what she was saying.

"Or Nova Master and Great Tornado." Kaoru added. "Don't forget that."

"Wait, I can? Wow, who knew?"

"Wow, you're even dumber than I thought, and that's saying a lot."

"Yet, he managed to defeat you in a duel." Tyson remarked.

"When this duel's over we are doubling your training and studying." Kaoru said.

"What for?" Jaden asked.

"You need to improve."

"She's right about that." Davis agreed with his younger sister.

"If you say so." Jaden agreed to accept the training.

"Pretty rad outfit, don't you think Zaney? Now Phoenix Enforcer, attack Cyber Dragon with Phoenix Flame!"

"But they have the same strength! It's a wash."

"Not quite." Bastion corrected him.

Phoenix Enforcer raised it's arm and raked it's claws against Cyber Dragon, destroying it, but when the smoke cleared, Phoenix Enforcer was unharmed.

"Guess I forgot to mention Phoenix Enforcer's special ability. He can't be destroyed in battle. I'll set one card face down and end my turn."

"Alright kid, settle down. What do you know, I drew Pot of Greed, so I'll use it." Zane drew 2 more cards. "And now I play a old favorite: Power Bond!"

"Wicked." Jaden said.

"What is he going to bring out?" Davis asked.

"I use Power Bond to fuse the two Cyber Dragons in my hand and summon Cyber Twin Dragon."

Cyber Twin Dragon: 2800/2100

"And due to Power Bond, it's attack points double."

"And now attack Elemental Hero Phoenix Enforcer with Dual Strident Blast!"

Aster: 2600

"Cyber Twin Dragon can attack twice per turn."

"Which means Aster's gonna lose." Chazz said.

Cyber Twin Dragon unleashed twin beams of energy from his two mouths at Phoenix Enforcer, kicking up a dust cloud that obscured him and Aster from everyone's sight.

"Good night Irene, this duel is over."

"It's not that easy." Tyson said.

Aster: 100

"Unbelievable Jean, he's still standing." Arthur was shocked to say the least.

"You're right. Somehow Aster survived with 100 life points left."

"How? I should've won."

"I had Elemental Recharge set. It gave me 1000 life points for every Elemental Hero on the field, which is currently 1. And due to Power Bond's drawback, you lose 2800 life points."

Zane: 1200

"I end my turn." Zane said.

"My move." Aster drew. "And I summon Elemental Hero Sparkman in attack mode."

Elemental Hero Sparkman: 1600/1400

"Now I equip it with Spark Blaster. But before I use it's effect, I activate Guard Penalty. Whenever your Cyber Twin Dragon switches battle position, I can draw a card." He said. "Now I'll switch Cyber Twin Dragon to defense position and while's he taking a nap, I draw."

"Not good." Bastion grimaced. "Aster can use that effect two more times."

"Am I going too fast for you Zane? Why don't I use Spark Blaster to switch your dragon back into attack mode? Now then, how bout an instant replay? Back to bed, little dragon."

Everyone then started laughing at Zane.

"Is this a duel or a circus?" Tyson asked. "Because Aster is making Zane look like a clown."

"I don't believe it." Jean said. "The crowd is laughing at Zane."

"Can you blame them?" Arthur asked. "Aster's playing with that dragon like a pup on a leash."

"Hear that?" Aster questioned. "Sounds like the crowd is on to you. They know you're a joke."

"Shut it!" Zane growled.

"I've never seen Zane like this." Syrus said.

"He can't lose to some kid." Chazz commented.

"You do realize who the kid in question is, right?" Tyson asked.

"In a few turns, he's made a mockery of our number one graduate." Bastion pointed out.

"Since Spark Blaster has been used three times, it's destroyed, but not before I draw another card." Aster said. "Now I Elemental Hero Phoenix Enforcer and Elemental Hero Sparkman to summon Elemental Hero Shining Phoenix Enforcer."

Elemental Hero Shining Phoenix Enforcer: 2500/2100

"Oh great." Zane muttered.

"Here we go again." Davis sighed. "This guy pretty much has Shining Flare Wingman's attack boosting effect."

"And likely Phoenix Enforcer's inability to be destroyed in battle." Ryan added.

"Now show him why you got your name with Shining Enforcement."

Shining Phoenix Enforcer surrounded himself in a bright light before he crashed right through Zane's monster.

"I'll place a card face down and end my turn."

"What a move by Aster Phoenix." Jean said.

"You said it Jean. And if Zane can't pull off a miracle, his pro career may be over."

"Sorry Aster, but the joke's on you and it's time for the punch line. I draw!" Zane drew. "And I activate Cybernetic Fusion Support. I give up half my life points to fusion summon by banishing materials from my hand, field or graveyard. Which is great for me because I can now bring out Cyber End Dragon."

Zane: 600

Cyber End Dragon: 4000/2800

"Listen to that crowd. Their laughter turned into cheers of admiration."

"You said it Jean. Zane-a-mania is running wild here at the Kaiba Dome."

"It's been a blast kid, but all good things must come to an end. Cyber End Dragon, attack with Super Strident Blaze! Nice knowin' ya."

"I gotta say, you talk a wicked game." Aster admitted. "Guess the only thing for me to do is activate my trap."

"What?" Zane gasped.

"Destruction of Destiny. I send the top three cards on my deck to the grave. If any of them are spells or traps, I lose 1000 life points for each one."

"If any more Elemental Heroes go to the graveyard, Shining Phoenix Enforcer will be strong enough to finish Zane off." Bastion noted.

"But if it's a spell or trap, he'll lose." Alexis added.

"Alright. First card! Elemental Hero Bubbleman."

"Second! Elemental Hero Bladedge."

"Come on, spell or trap please." Syrus begged.

"Third!"

Aster looked at the third card before smiling and showing it to Zane.

"Elemental Hero Clayman."

"No way!" Zane exclaimed.

"Looks like your little dragon picked the wrong fight. Shining Phoenix Enforcer, counter attack with Shining Enforcement."

The class was shocked.

"Zane is about to lose." Kaoru said.

Elemental Hero Shining Phoenix Enforcer intercepted Cyber End Dragon's attack and pierced through it, causing it to explode.

Zane: 0

"Unbelievable! Ladies and gentlemen, Zane has lost."

"History has been made here at the Kaiba Dome."

"How could I lose?" Zane asked himself.

"It's simple. You can't hide from destiny."

Arisa made her way over to Zane after the duel.

"Are you the Demon?" She asked.

Aster didn't respond and just walked off.

"I can't believe Aster beat my brother."

"He can't be beat." Bastion said.

"We'll see about that." Jaden replied.

"Nobody is unbeatable." Davis said.