Dragon's Chick

by The Poarter

Some people duel to forget about life. Some people do it for fun. It used to be both for Jaden and yet here he is dueling for the chance to get into Duel Academy. Is it worth it? Perhaps it is. He made his choice. Now it's time to live with it. Two things are for certain though; time does not heal all wounds and you can not hide from you past forever.

1. Duel 1

Dragon's Chick

Duel 1

XXX

"I'm never going to beat you father am I?" questioned Jaden as he looked at the older man. Though it seemed strange to consider the man his father, seeing as he hadn't seem to age a day since eighteen.

"Don't worry about it too much. I got somewhat lucky in drawing the right cards. It's how I finished you off in one turn," smirked the man.

Jaden just rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, "That might be true. But I was hoping to beat you just once."

"And you might one day. Like I promised I did not hold back," chuckled Jaden's father, "That does not mean that you haven't earned that card. It just means you have a much longer distance before you surpass."

"But will I ever?" bowed out Jaden.

"One day my son. One day. Remember though. Don't try to become my equal. Surpass me and show the world that you are more than my shadow."

XXX

Truthfully Jaden wasn't a very impatient person most of the time. However the situation in front of him made him want to sigh. He could had dealt with the fact that he was going to ra yellow instead of obelisk blue. That was life sometimes.

Just because it was so he starter deck didn't mean that it was a certain possibility. It would not have mattered if he was one of the last person in line for his duelling exam. That happened as well.

That was the problem at the moment. The issue now was that he was literally he last person. The even more glaring issue was the fact that he had been one of the first people to finish the written exam. So combined with his early finish and he late test and Jaden had more than five hours to spend doing nothing.

Of course he had spent some of the time talking to his mom. Since that was almost always busy, it was Jaden's mother who most of his parental interaction occurred with the most. The same issue arose with his siblings.

This was compounded with the problem that Jaden wasn't allowed to actually leave the building until the final duel had ceased.

Apparently the proctors were concerned about cheating. That was true to a certain extent. Students had to register on an independent data base for the type of cards they were using going to use during their duel. To be fair the whole process took less than five minutes to do but that didn't make it any nicer.

Not that it mattered. He had already witnessed several students using extremely rare cards and whole it wasn't illegal there was a reason why only professional duellists could afford such cards. But lien Jaden thought it didn't matter in the end.

XXX

Crowler was not having a good day. The testing grounds were always under immense pressure at this time of the year. The duelling contractors had to go through a very selective review board and training method. Then there was seating arrangements to consider for parents who wanted to see their children duel. He could literally see Serenity Kaiba from here because her husband had asked for such a placement.

Then there was grading to consider for every single duellist, dorm arrangements and actually making sure that the welcoming dinner was properly set out. Class timetables, equipment for students and etc. the list could literally go on.

In many cases it did. Which was why Crowler was in such a bad mood when he was called to the arena. The academy was paying good money for the extra duelling contractors and the fact that they had to call the head of the department up for assistance today was going on their report.

Crowler groaned. At least he could take relish in the fact that this was going to be the last test taken today. It had been a long day and he didn't want to stand on his feet for a minute more than he already had.

Which was why he was using his own personal deck today. Get this over with already.

XXX

Jaden found himself frozen in shock from the person in front of him; Professor Crowler. Was this another set of tests or a pop quiz idea of a joke?

"Good evening," greeted Crowler as he activated his duel disk.

"Hello Dr. Crowler," returned Jaden, "Are you here because my test scores were that impressive?"

Crowler just snorted, "Don't embarrass yourself with that attitude child. Let's see how much of your knowledge is book work and how much is practical."

Crowler was surprised that a random student had been able to recognize him so easily.

Then again I am the head of the Obelisk dorm. Every potential students wants to get into my good graces. It's only fair that they know who I am.

Although there is something ... off about this boy.

Jaden grinned at the reply. He had a feeling that this was going to be fun.

"Let's duel!" They both shouted.

XXX

The screen above them flashed between the words protractor and student repeating until it final settled on protractor.

Crowler nodded at the screen, "I go first."

Jaden looked at his hand. What did he have and what could he use to win this?

Okay let me look through everything in my hand and register it properly; I have Giant Red Seasnake, Interplanetary Invader A, Luster Dragon, Pot of Greed, and Frost and flame dragon. Nice

Crowler grunted at the student in front of him, "I play my Ancient Gear Wyvern in attack mode."

Card Codex: Ancient Gear Wyvern

Level: 4

Attack: 1700

Defense: 1200

Type: Machine/ Effect

If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: You can add 1 "Ancient Gear" card from your Deck to your hand, except "Ancient Gear Wyvern", also you cannot Set cards for the rest of this turn. You can only use this effect of "Ancient Gear Wyvern" once per turn. If this card attacks, monsters in your opponent's possession cannot activate their effects until the end of the Damage Step.

"Furthermore I then use Ancient Gear Reborn and Ancient Gear Wyvern's special ability to bring forth one ancient gear monster from my deck to my hand. I now shuffle."

Card Codex: Ancient Gear Reborn

Type: Trap Card

You can only control 1 "Ancient Gear Reborn". Once per turn, if you control no monsters: You can target 1 "Ancient Gear" monster in your Graveyard; Special Summon it, and if you do, it gains 200 ATK.

Then he drew a spell card, "Finally I equip Ancient Gear Fist to Ancient Gear Wyvern. It's now your turn."

Card Codex: Ancient Gear Fist

Type: Spell Card

Equip only to an "Ancient Gear" monster. At the end of the Damage Step, if the equipped monster battled a monster and is still on the field: Destroy the monster it battled.

XXX

On the stands the appearance of the ancient gear soldiers drew gasps from several students.

"The kid is going to lose the match," stated Zane as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"Don't be like that," retorted Alexis, "Although I will admit the examinee is about to have a really tough time."

Zane just shook his head, "Crowler is using his own personal deck. That alone makes it nearly impossible for half the students in the academy to beat him. Once he activates his Ancient Gear Golem though then it's over."

XXX

So that's how Crowler wants to play right? Well I can play just as well.

Jaden drew out a single card looked at it then nodded," I play Spiral Serpent in Attack mode! Then I play Pot of Greed! Do you want to know what it does?"

"Of course I know what it does," remarked Crowler, "I'm not an idiot."

Jaden laughed, "Yes. It lets me draw two cards."

Card Codex: Pot of Greed

Type: Spell Card

Draw 2 cards.

Jaden sees the cards he drew. They were different Dimension Dragon and Hyozanryu. Nice but it demonstrated his weaknesses. While his cards were generally powerfully the fact remained that Jaden knew his deck was oversaturated with too many powerful monster cards. Yet he couldn't think of any other way to eliminate the dilemma for the past week without crippling his deck.

Especially after what happened in the warehouse.

Jaden then ordered, "Now I summon Luster Dragon in attack mode. Now attack Ancient Gear Wyvern Luster Dragon!"

Card Codex: Luster Dragon

Level: 4

Type: Dragon

Attack: 1900

Defense: 1600

A very beautiful dragon covered with sapphire. It does not like fights, but has incredibly high attack power.

Crowler's Life points - 4000 - 3800

Crowler frowned at bit at the situation.

XXX

"Well this is going to be interesting," commented another boy up on the stage to another one.

Chazz just bit back, "You idiots. Don't think for a moment that he'll win this match just because Crowler's life points' have dropped a bit."

Raizou explained, "No what I meant was that the kid's card wasn't destroyed in battle. Then again I guess Ancient Gear Fist only works when it's your card that's doing the fighting."

Taiyou chimed in, "Pretty worthless card then. I mean I can just use a normal monster to do the same thing and save myself some lifepoints."

XXX

Crowler admitted to Jaden, "I see you have some skill. Then put down two cards; one in defense mode. Then I play Ancient Gear Reborn to special summon one monster from my graveyard should I desire."

A single card lay face down on Crowler's side of the field. Jaden knew that it would have to be a strong defense monster but if he wanted to beat Crowler now he'd have to go through it.

Jaden pulsed, "I summon Giant Red Seasnake in attack mode."

Card Codex: Giant Red Seasnake

Level: 4

Type: Aqua

Attack: 1800

Defense: 800

A sea-dwelling snake that attacks passing enemies with its sharp teeth.

"Now Luster Dragon attack that face down card!"

Crowler smirked, "You should have done your homework boy. The card I draw is Ancient Gear Box!"

Card Codex: Ancient Gear Box

Level: 4

Type: Machine/Effect

Attack: 500

Defense: 2000

If this card is added from the Deck or Graveyard to your hand, except by drawing it: You can add 1 EARTH Machine-Type monster with 500 ATK and/or DEF from your Deck to your hand, except "Ancient Gear Box". You can only use this effect of "Ancient Gear Box" once per turn.

"That's bad," scrowled Jaden.

XXX

"The examinee can say it many times," commented Bastion from the stands hearing Jaden's words over the loudspeaker, "Ancient Gear Box had a massive amount of defence points and to summon a monster to beat that would mean paying one of his as a tribute."

"That's part of the game though," noted Syrus.

"That's true but if Crowler is using the cards he is then tributing would be a bad idea," reminded Bastion glaring at the protractor. This duel wasn't turnout out well. Especially if Crowler managed to get another Gear Box onto the field.

XXX

Jaden life points 4000 - 3900

Jaden sighed at the loss of lifepoints, "I end my turn"

Dam. There's quite a few ways around this but I'm not getting into Obelisk Blue now.

Crowler cackled as he drew his card," I use Ancient Gear drill which allows me to select one spell card from my deck and set it onto the field. I then discard one card from my hand. In this case it's Ancient Gear Beast."

Card Codex: Ancient Gear Drill

Type: Spell Card

If you control an "Ancient Gear" monster: Discard 1 card; Set 1 Spell Card directly from your Deck. This turn, that Spell Card cannot be activated.

The mechanical attack dog card was slipped into Crowler's graveyard.

XXX

Alexis moaned in exasperation at Crowler's move, "He just threw away a chance to win this duel. Isn't that right Kyrie?"

Kyrie took on much of her mother Mai's looks, wavy golden blonde hair, violet eyes and a body that made it very easy for her to seduce boys, and in some cases girls. But now she was glaring down at the stadium as the duel turned ... weird.

"I don't like how this duel is going but you are right," acknowledged Kyrie Wheeler, "Crowler just threw away his one chance to win this. Even if Ancient Gear Beast can't be tribute summoned it is still a useful card."

XXX

Back at the stadium Crowler was taking his time, building up the anticipation and waiting for this finale.

Then as a final taunt, "Now I play Ancient Gear Knight in attack mode!"

Card Codex: Ancient Gear Knight

Level: 4

Type: Machine/ Gemini/ Effect

Attack: 1800

Defense: 500

This card is treated as a Normal Monster while face-up on the field or in the Graveyard. While this card is a Normal Monster on the field, you can Normal Summon it to have it become an Effect Monster with this effect.
● If this card attacks, your opponent cannot activate Spell/Trap Cards until the end of the Damage Step.

The knight's attack points were impressive for a normal summoned monster. But Jaden had something more up his sleeve. That is if his Luster Dragon wasn't already stronger than that thing.

Jaden drew his card and smiled at it; Armored Dragon. Just what he needed.

Jaden called out as he brought it forth, "I play Armored Dragon onto the field in attack mode. Now attack Ancient Gear Knight Luster Dragon!"

Card Codex: Armored Dragon

Level: 4

Type: Dragon

Attack: 1900

Defense: 1400

A dragon that has once said to be a mounted knight. Few wish to cross it.

The destruction of Ancient Gear Knight brought Crowler's life points down further causing the man to grimace.

Crowler's life points: 3800 - 3700

Crowler just scrowled and drew one card. Apparently it was very good. because he actually grinned. Flipping it around to Jaden so that he could see Crowler shouted.

"I play Ancient Gear Explosive and sacrifice one monster from my hand. In this case I choose Ancient Gear Box!"

Card Codex: Ancient Gear Explosive

Type: Spell

Target 1 "Ancient Gear" monster you control; destroy it, and if you do, inflict damage to your opponent equal to half its original ATK.

Jaden growled at the card effect. Knowing what was about to come didn't exactly make it any easier.

Jaden's Life points: 3900 - 3650

Crowler added, "Then I play Limiter Removal."

Card Codex: Limiter Removal

Type: Spell

Double the ATK of all Machine-Type monsters you currently control, until the end of this turn. During the End Phase of this turn, destroy those monsters.

"That doesn't change anything though. I then use my Ancient Gear Reborn and use it to play Ancient Gear Knight in attack mode."

Ancient Gear Knight Attack Points: 1800 - 3600

Moving his hand in a sharp manner Crowler signalled the card to attack Jaden's Spiral Serpent.

"Attack!"

Jaden's Life points: 3650 - 1850

Jaden drew one card. This was turning into an attrition fight. Although he knew there wasn't that many problems when it came to this match so far, if he didn't end it this turn ... His eyes widened a bit again at the card he drew. Graceful charity. Exactly what he needed to end this.

Card Codex: Graceful Charity

Type: Spell

Draw 3 cards, then discard 2 cards.

XXX

"Still think Crowler's going easier on him Alexis?" questioned Zane as he looked at the kid's rapidly diminish life points.

"No," shrugged Alexis, "But if Crowler doesn't play something good soon this kid's going to embarrass him in front of the entire academy."

Zane nodded at the statement, "I agree that was a stupid move on Crowler's part. I only use Limiter Removal when there is more than two monsters on my side of the field unless I'm really desperate."

XXX

Jaden roared, "I play Graceful charity which allows me to draw three cards from my deck but give up two immediately after."

Then Jaden drew the three cards; Card Crush Virus, Monster Reborn and Mirror Force. Just what he need.

With those card in his hand he discarded Interplanetary Invader A and Frost and Flame Dragon showing those cards to Crowler.

"Then I use to summon High Tide Gyojin."

Card Codex: High Tide Gyojin

Level: 4

Type: 4

Attack: 1650

Defense: 1300

A very agile half-fish warrior known for its relentless attacks.

"I then activate Monster Reborn which lets be bring back one monster from the graveyard."

Card Codex: Monster Reborn

Type: Spell

Target 1 monster in either player's Graveyard; Special Summon it.

"Come back out Giant Red Seasnake."

The coiled serpent hissed in glee at its return.

Crowler's life points dropped once again.

Crowler: 3700 - 3600

The half-fish warrior croaked in glee as if knowing what was about to come.

"Then I use Luster dragon, Giant Red Seasnake and High Tide Gyojin to attack Professor Crowler," finished Jaden.

The trio of monsters growled with glee as they attacked Crowler who could only sweat at their actions.

Crowler's Life points: 3600 - 0

"Winner of the match - Student" the announcement, well announced.

XXX

Back on the stands Chazz was watching everyone leave carefully, keeping an eye on potential challengers and in generally taking a note of important incidents. As the future king of games this was completely necessary.

Chazz grunted, "So this Ra Reject has some talent after all. What do you think Zane?"

Zane who had just been walking by with Alexis and Kyrie turned to Chazz, " I will say he's better than most of the evidence in the first year already. And perhaps better then you Chazz."

Chazz just smirked at the taunt, "We will see about that Zane. We will see about that. But let's just say that if Crowler had been able to summon his Ancient Gear Golem this match would have been finished "

Zane just chucked, "True. Very true. Come on we have be there on time."

Alexis nodded just before turning to her friend, "So do you think we will be roommates Kyrie?"

"I hope so," sparkle Kyrie Wheeler as she looked down onto Jaden below. The former exam student was tellingly walking back to the entrance in a relaxing and confident manner. The duel had been more than it had initially seemed at first glance for him.

"I have a feeling that thinks going to be a very interesting year."