[Yuna's POV]
This is the first time I'm meeting with Aster again since our talk several days ago. Unlike his calm and confident demeanour from last time, the boy before me now sat fidgetily in his seat, and his nervousness made me let out a small chuckle.
"Let me pour you a cup of tea. Since you're here, I assume you have made your decision?" I asked, and the boy nodded nervously.
"Yes... Please tell me everything you know about my father's death..." Aster spoke with an ashen expression, his knuckles turning white under his clenched fists.
"Of course..." I set down the tea cup.
Reaching to the side of the sofa, I revealed a thin binder and slid it across the table. Holding the binder, Aster gulped and slowly took out the reports inside.
"I have sent a team to reinvestigate your father's suspicious passing. Based on the information we found, there is one primary suspect... Kyle Jables, your foster father..."
Aster froze in shock, the papers almost slipping out of his hands. His pupils trembled, and he was unable to form words in his mouth.
"Aster..." I called out, and he instinctively flinched, "I understand this may be hard to believe..."
"This has to be a lie..." Aster ushered while grasping his head, "You said he's only a suspect, right?! So it might not necessarily be true!"
"Yes..." I nodded, "However, please take a look at this." Pushing the tablet across the table, I tapped the button, and a video began to play.
Watching the Duel Monsters move in the video, Aster held his breath, and I watched his eyes flicker in recognition. "You're familiar with the monster in that video, yes?"
"Destiny Hero Plasma... It's the last card my father created before his death... And the card that was missing from the scene."
"While the footage is blurry, I believe that this person is Kyle Jables," I explained and pointed at the man standing before the Duel Monster.
"Where... did you find this?"
"This was recorded five years ago in the Underground Duelling Arena," I answered, "It is a vile sport where people turn duelling into more than a game, with real physical consequences when you lose life points."
As the video began to play, the blurry man shouted something unintelligible as Destiny Hero Plasma began to move. It lunged as the person on the other side screamed in agony before falling onto the ground, motionless.
"Unfortunately, the victim died when the duel ended, and this is the only evidence we have. Recordings are highly restricted due to the criminal actions these people are committing." I said while clenching my fists at the bad memory
I will never forget the pain I felt inside a shadow game. While our bodies have gotten used to these intense sensations, these shadow games still weigh heavily on all of us. Yet there are people out there happily inflicting this pain on each other...
Taking a deep breath, I regained my composure as my aloof demeanour subsided, "I understand you wish to know more, but that's all the information we can find."
"Aster," My tone softened, dispelling the heavy atmosphere, "What do you want to do?"
Staring at the floor, Aster bit his lips as his body trembled, as the various emotions conflicted with each other in his heart. Suddenly, Aster froze, and he stared at my outstretched hand, patting his head.
"I'm not asking you to make a choice right now. I know you have a lot to think about." I spoke gently, "But regardless of whether you want to be involved, we can't let a murderer get away scot free."
"I understand..." Aster muttered, "If my foster father really did what you've claimed, then..." He clenched his fists, "I want to be involved, to know the truth once and for all."
"Very well," I agreed readily, already knowing what Aster would have said, "You must still have a lot to think about, don't worry about school for now and take the rest of the day off."
Nodding, Aster quietly left the room, his expression vacant as if he had no idea what to do. When the door closed, I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose as the pent-up exhaustion overwhelmed me.
Groaning, I collapsed onto the soft sofa, my long hair cascading to the floor. If I have to compare Sartorius with the D, the former is a misguided boy corrupted by an evil spirit; the latter was already a scummy criminal who only needed the Light of Destruction to push him over the edge.
It was The D's own choice to try to steal Destiny Hero Plasma from Aster's father. The Light of Destruction only corrupted him enough for him to murder him in cold blood. While I met The D years ago during the Duel League, I have tried to keep a close eye on him, and thankfully, he has kept to himself all this time.
But it's time for me to finally take action...
[3rd POV]
"Ladies and gentlemen, duelists from near and far! Welcome!" A male announcer shouted excitedly as cheers erupted from the stadium, "This is your announcer, Daiki! Once again, we're here today to see the World Greatest Duellist fighting to claim the throne!"
"As always, beside me is my co-host Mika-san, and we are coming to you live from the grand arena!"
"Thanks, Daiki-san, while we were always excited to watch the Duel Monster Pro League! I believe this tournament will be one for the history books!" Mika exclaimed while slapping the desk.
"How so, Mika?" Daiki asked.
"Well, haven't you heard? There will be a special contestant competing tonight, and they will surely shake up all the duellists participating tonight!"
"Then what are we waiting for?! Let's get this show on the road!" Daiki yelled as light poured through the stadium entrance, "Let's introduce tonight's great duellist, once again fighting for the number one spot!"
Footsteps quietly echoed through the halls as the audience watched with bated breath. Gradually, figures emerged from the dark tunnel, each dressed in their own distinct way.
"Walking on the left is France's best duelist and ranked number eight in the world, Maitre'D!"
"Close behind him are the respectfully numbered ninth and tenth, both from the United States, Elroy Prescot and Mathmatica!"
"But wait, there's more!" Mika interrupted, "Recently, there has been a rise of new, strong duellists in our midst! Someone who graduated from the infamous Duelling Academy just a year ago and has already made a well-known name for himself!"
"The master of the cyber dragons, Zane Truesdale!"
"That's right! While Zane's skill was terrifying, his conquest was halted by another young, upcoming duellist..."
"Then I believe it's this tournament that will be his second chance! As the next duellist is none other than Aster Phoenix!"
Walking onto the field, Aster frowned at the bright light looming over his head. The sound of cheers erupted all around him, and he habitually waved his hands, turning the screams even louder than before.
Standing in the middle of the field, Aster listened to various famous names leaving the announcer's mouth.
Howard X Miller
Prince Ojin
Orlando
Gelgo
No matter how big or small, each of these duellists was famous worldwide, and their skills are nothing to scoff at. As more and more people were announced, Aster placed his hand on his chest as his heart beat with anticipation. However, this time, it was beating for another reason entirely...
"While all these duellists were strong, can they truly topple the mountain that stood firm all these years!? Here he is, the Pro League reigning Champion for the past five years! The one and only, THE D!!!!"
Aster bit his lips as a complicated emotion swirled in his body. He stared anxiously as his foster father slowly walked up to the field, stopping beside Aster with a smile. The D, someone Aster have looked up to all his life, the one who taught him how to duel, words can not describe his gratefulness to him.
Yet with his belief shaken, that sincere smile felt anything but warm and Aster forced a stiff smile of his own, suppressing the deep pain in his heart. As the cheering slowly died down, everyone waited for the two announcers to continue.
"And now… we arrive at the final duelist competing in tonight's tournament. The one we've all been waiting for! The dragon that has been asleep for the last five years has finally awakened, the one whose presence has sent fear shivering down all duellist spines!"
"Ladies and gentlemen! It's my honour to present, the one and only, Queen of games, YUNA KAIBA!"
Silence spread through the field as slow footsteps reverberated through the dark tunnel. A woman appeared dressed in a sharp white suit and a black vest. A large white coat draped over her shoulders like a cloak as she grasped the tip of a white, peaked cap with a smirk.
Instantly, the audience erupts into absolute chaos. It was like a switch had been flipped as people began chanting her name.
"WAAAAAHHHH MAMAAAA"
At the very top of the seats, in the private booth, a childish scream reverberated through the stadium, and Yuna's lips formed a large grin as she waved in acknowledgement, causing the voices to go even louder.
Glancing at his foster father, Aster noticed the sincere expression on The D's face crack, and under everyone's tense gaze, Yuna confidently approached The D with a welcoming smile.
"No time long see, Mr Jables, how have you been?" Yuna asked politely, and the D's lips twitched.
"I have been well, I never expected Mrs Kaiba would return." The D replied, and Yuna laughed.
Watching all other duellists from the corner of her eyes, Yuna shrugged, "I've been feeling pretty bored lately. So I thought that this tournament may shake things up a little."
"So I hope it wasn't as underwhelming as last time!" She exclaimed loudly with her hand on her hips.
Aster coughed awkwardly at Yuna's brazen performance, while the other duellist desperately held back their irritation at the shameless provocation. However, no one could truly speak up because they knew how tall a mountain the woman before them truly is. While the others could only listen begrudgingly, The D felt her blood rising at her direct insult.
Despite not showing it publicly, Aster knew how much The D's defeat at Yuna's hands affected him. Although he became the champion after her brief retirement, most people believe his rise to the top was solely due to Yuna's absence from the Pro League scene. Hence, a new name was given to him behind The D's back.
The False King.
"I believe Mrs Kaiba won't be thoroughly disappointed..." The D muttered with a strained smile, and Yuna nodded.
"Alright! With every duellist introduced, it's time to start this party!" The announcers roared as a big screen slowly descended from the ceiling.
"Tonight, this is the following matchup! As you all know, tonight is only the preliminary rounds! After losing, the duellist won't appear again in the matches tomorrow!"
While everyone was staring at the screen, Yuna quietly observed The D's expression. That early little fiasco was merely testing the waters, and it was safe to say that she had gotten the reaction she wanted...
"With everything ready! We will begin having our first match! Yuna Kaiba and Maitre' D, please make your way onto the duelling arena!"
[Yuna's POV]
Explosions and roaring filled the stadium as Duel Monsters clashed with one another. My ears were deafened by the enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. Keeping a composed smile, I watched my opponent, Maitre' D, frantically play cards from his hands.
However, no matter what he does, he can't break through my defences, "Don't underestimate me, Madamme Kaiba! I'm still the number eight in the entire league!"
"My Big Vintage Magna Mutton, show her how it's done!" He shouted with a thick French accent as the monster charged at my Blue-Eyes White Dragon on the field.
The two beasts crashed into each other, yet to Maitre' D's shock, Blue-Eyes White Dragon effortlessly held its ground and pushed the lion-looking monster back.
"When one of my level seven or eight monsters is destroyed, I can banish the Return of the Dragonlord spell card from my graveyard instead!"
"Now it's my turn!" I yelled, revealing the trap card on the field, "I will activate Dragon's Rebirth, banishing my Blue-Eyes White Dragon and summon a dragon monster from my graveyard!"
As if already anticipating my intentions, the screams from the crowd grew louder, filling my eardrums. With a wide smile, I raised my hand towards the ceiling as a golden portal formed beneath my feet.
"The divine guardian, reawaken from your slumber! I call upon you, my partner! Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand!"
A huge thunder erupted through the field as a golden form slowly rose from the portal. Its body is slim but toned, with scales and muscles, as the creature unfurls its wings. Its red iris honed into Matire D's monsters, and the dragon unleashed a devastating roar, generating a shockwave around it.
[Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand: 2800 Attack]
"THERE IT IS! YUNA'S ACE MONSTER DIVINE DRAGONLORD FELGRAND HAS LANDED ON THE FIELD!" The announcer shouted at the top of his lungs, and the audience screamed alongside him.
Some people even stood up, flaunting their golden outfits and merchandise, clearly flaunting their affection for the dragon. Given my reputation, it was natural that Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand became a sought-after card, and, taking this opportunity, Pegasus recreated it for the public, and it became a card that everyone could play.
Of course, it was a rare card similar to the Dark Magician, and that's why it has become something even more desirable. While I was overjoyed by my partner's infamy, some part of me is saddened that my Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand aren't special any more.
But no matter how many cards were printed, it can never be compared to my partner...
The virtual projection flickered wildly, becoming more and more vivid, and everyone gasped as if the dragon had truly become real.
"Heed my words!" I shouted as the dragon's pupils turned towards me in recognition as it planted its limbs firmly onto the ground, "I will activate Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand's ability and banish your Big Vintage Magna Mutton! Then it will gain an attack equal to that monster's level multiplied by one hundred!"
[Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand: 2800 ->3600 Attack]
"Now Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand, attack Matire' D's lifepoints directly!"
Getting onto all four, a golden glow slowly formed from the dragon's chest. Opening its jaw, Divine Dragonlord fired an orange beam that tore through the ground and with a scream, Matire D fell backward in shock.
[Matire D: 2200 LP -> 0 LP]
"AND THAT'S THE END OF THE MATCH!" The announcer screeched in enthusiasm, and the crowd followed along with booming applause throughout the stadium.
Waving my hands, I spotted The D watching the duel from a distance, 'I look forward to your match...' I mouthed the words, and his face contorted briefly, but caught under my observant gaze.
Walking off the stage, I calmly moved towards the private viewing room near the top of the stadium. As soon as I opened the door, I knelt down and quickly spread my arms as Miyuki eagerly ran towards me.
"Mama cool!!" She screamed excitedly and refused to peel off my stomach.
Smiling sheepishly at her admiring expression, I turned to my husband with expectation: "Someone like him is way beneath your calibre. It was natural for you to win." He snorted but still gently patted my head.
Watching Miyuki trying to reach for the Duel Disk on my wrist, a small realisation came to me, "Come to think about it, I don't think Miyuki has ever seen us duel before..." I mumbled as she tried to reach for the cards with her tiny fingers.
"Perhaps, I should have participated in this meaningless tournament as well..." Seto muttered with jealousy, and I laughed.
As if noticing Seto's displeasure, Miyuki hurriedly wobbled over and grasped his trousers with a worried expression. Like a deflating balloon, Seto's frown disappeared in an instant, and he broke into a smile.
"While on the subject, I believe you are still withholding a few more details from me. From your claims, we should already have enough evidence to arrest Kyle Jables?"
"Of course, but I want to make sure that there's no possible way for him to escape. So, I wish to catch him red-handed." I explained, my aloof mood quickly switched to a more serious one.
"Besides, it's Aster Phoenix's right to confront the truth himself. I merely wish to help him." I added carefully, knowing that it would only add unnecessary risks, "I wouldn't take that away from him."
"Nonetheless, what is your plan?" Seto probed uneasily, hesitating to hear my answer.
"Fu fu fu... It's quite simple, really." I exclaimed while flicking my bangs.
"For someone like The D, they are exceedingly proud of their skills as a Duellist. That means they enjoy basking in the glory and look down upon people who are weaker than they are. In short, that man has a gigantic amount of Ego." I smirked.
"On the stage, I could already sense his discomfort at my sudden arrival. His defeat in the past must still be eating away at him to this day. It won't be difficult to provoke him enough for him to do something drastic, so I can confront him directly. How is it, my great plan?" I asked while grinning with pride.
"Denied." However, as if pouring cold water over my head, Seto immediately shut down my idea in a heartbeat.
"What, why?!"
"Besides the point at how absurdly dangerous it is, what makes you believe something like that will work?" Seto scolded, and I could tell he was far from pleased.
"He's the type of person I'm the most familiar with. It would be easy for me to push his buttons. After all, I'm married to someone like that."
Seto: "...I'm not like that..."
"Oh? The first time we met in this timeline, you kidnapped Yugi's grandfather and me, just to steal the fourth copy of Blue-Eyes White Dragon."
"But it's alright, you're perfect the way you are!" I hurriedly added while Miyuki and I patted Seto's shoulder when the light faded from his eyes. "So don't worry, I got this all under control!"
"For people with Big Egos, I know exactly how to make them crack!"
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Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoy.