Disclaimer: "Yu-Gi-Oh! GX" is not owned by "Whose Liner" and its stories, names, characters, locations and incidents are a work of fiction. Any similarities or resemblance to actual events, places, or people, living or dead (or dueling) is entirely coincidental.

I always wanted to say that...!

Yu-Gi-Oh! GX - Y Duel K

Chapter 2 - Bandwidth

The seemingly endless amount of eyes that belonged to the people of Duel Academy were doing their absolute best to operatre at peak efficiency. Even the most apathetic person in the world might've given some level of attention to what was being unearthed. The engimatic object presented by Chancellor Sheppard was about to be exposed. Everything appeared to moving in slow motion as the tarp covering it was pulled off, like something out of a overdramatic science-fiction flick.

As the giant dropcloth hit the floor, the feverish stares continued. The item on display was a large, round mechanical device with a red light in its center, surrounded by eight small rectangular slots. A thin, black antenna stuck out of each of its sides at a diagonal angel. Some of the spectators who were well versed in the less well-known details of Duel Monsters (including one Ra pupil named Bastion) could soon tell they were large enough to place a card in. A large number of wires and cables were plugged into the back of the strange invention, possibly indicating that it required a huge amount of power to operate.

"No way...it can't be..." Alexis said hesitantly.

"Completely and utterly astounding..." Bastion agreed.

As excited as Jaden was a moment ago, he was now calmly sitting back in his seat with his hands behind his head. Repeatedly looking right and left, he noticed that the majority of the audience was gazing at the machine with with genuine interest. The Slifer Red didn't waste any time unleashing his enthusiasm.

"So, uh...what is that doohickey, exactly?" he asked out loud, stroking his chin.

Jaden's question was followed by an extremely negative response. Teenagers of all different ranks (most of whom were of Ra and/or Obelisk level) picked up nearby pieces of litter from the floor and between empty seats (that had not been swept up), and threw them at Jaden. Thankfully, the scraps of garbage were light in weight, so none of it actually hit their target. Other students just lobbed insults instead.

"THAT'S QUITE ENOUGH! SETTLE DOWN, SETTLE DOWN..." boomed Sheppard's voice through his microphone.

Jaden was clearly confused. But Bastion, someone well versed in historical information for matters such as these, did his best to explain things to his S.R. comerade.

"That 'doohickey' happens to be a true historical relic! Many years ago, when Kaiba Corp arranged the historical Battle City Tournament, they also invented a new improved version of the Duel Disks, the very design that the Duel Acedemy's variety was based on. In preparation for the competition, Seto Kaiba tested the Duel Disk system on this so-called Duel Computer...or Duel Robot, depending on how you look at it! Technology like this we may take for granted these days, but this was the very first one of its kind back then!"

"So that's what it is!" Jaden chimed in, slamming a fist into his palm.

"Took you long enough," Syrus joked.

"I remember reading about it years back! That's the very same contraption that Kaiba fought when he tested out his legendary Egyptian God Card, Obelisk the Tormentor!"

The headmaster cleared his throat and continued his speech.

"Despite that it was destroyed in its initial test, Kaiba Corp has kept this computer in storage ever since! I pulled some strings and convinced the company to donate it to the school! But rather than simply keep it around as a decorative piece, I had our engineers and technicians refurbish, update and reprogram the Duel Robot, effectively making it functional again!"

"You're kidding!" Jaden yelled out loud again. "Y'mean we'll actually be able to duel with it?"

"I wouldn't have brought it all the way out here if the reason was anything less!" Sheppard stated wth a warm smile. "Rest assured, people...within the next two to five days, this device will be made ready to put your dueling skills to the highest test imaginable!"

The next few days seemed to pass by casually, but upon closer inspection...Duel Academy wasn't exactly the same. Students and teachers alike were thrilled to learn that the Duel Computer was being hardwired into the duel arena's built-in electronic and holographic systems. Most of the pupils were capable of waiting before they could play with their new "toy"...except for Jaden, that is.

It was bad enough that his mind wandered off during classes, but the introduction of the "new" dueling Robot that had been so spectacularly presented divided his attention (or lack thereof) even more.

"Raigeki was arguably the most sought after card of its time! But with the god-like ability to destroy all enemy monsters as easily as snapping one's fingers, it's hardly astounding! Of course, this card was created quite sometime before the game developed a variety of creatures with the power to resurrect themselves or leave lasting effects on the field after they were destroyed, such as Vampire Lord or Treeborn Frog..."

That was about all the information Jaden's brain assimilated from the teacher's lesson before fatigue set in.

When the day of the computer's installation had arrived, Jaden found he couldn't immediately run off to see it embark on its maiden voyage. Falling asleep in class on too many occasions, he was forced to stay afterward and write one hundred times on a pad of paper that the endurement of unconsciousness in the middle of school hours was not acceptable. (Or something to that effect.) Ever the loyal friend, Syrus decided to remain in the classroom with Jaden so they could leave together.

"Y'know, it couldn't hurt to at least try to stay awake during class every now and then!" Syrus complained.

"True...but if I did that, then I'd be too tired to goof off late at night!" Jaden joked.

As the two friends lightly jogged down the hallway, they noticed that it was unusually quiet and empty. But it ultimately came as no surprise. Anybody with a shred of intelligence knew that the new super dueling computer was all the rage.

Once the pair of Slifer Red students made their way to the arena, they'd soon find that the word "rage" was a real understatement. Not content with sitting in the surrounding seats, people were crowding around the dueling platform closely observing a match. Jaden saw that Chancellor Sheppard, Dr. Crowler, and a couple of engineers were present, as well.

"Check it out, Jaden! It's Bastion!" Syrus pointed out.

With so much potential at his fingertips, Bastion Misawa deserved every bit of encouragement and cheer that the crowd was offering up.

The boys spotted a small gap inbetween some of the onlookers. So luckily, they didn't have to squeeze themselves past the other spectators in order to get a good view of the action. And even if that hadn't been so, Alexis was also there to provide some commentary.

"Hey, guys! You're a little late...Bastion was chosen as the first student to fight the Duel Robot!" she exclaimed.

"Aw, man!" Jaden whined. "Just my luck someone hadda beat me to the punch...I so wanted first crack at it!"

A handful of people told him to be quiet, as they desired to see the rest of the duel play out, free of any further disruption.

Back in the duel, things might've seemed bleak for the Ra stduent. But anyone who knew Bastion was well aware that of the fact that he possessed a very mathematical mind. He excelled particularly in science and math, always making probability studies and jotting down one calculation after another. With such immense academic abilities, integrated into his more than promising dueling talents, Bastion definately had a shot at becoming one of the greats. Any dubious minds would change their tune as they watched the competition - the A.I. - crumble before him.

Two powerful monsters had been summoned to the field, and each was trying its best to stare the other down. The computer's creature was a huge olive colored dragon, its body covered in shiny armor, weilding a large (and equally shiny) sword and shield. Bastion's monster also resembled a dragon, although the body of this one was composed entirely of water.

"Whoa...it's that Water Dragon of his, ain't it?" asked Jaden.

"Yeah...and that computer managed to summon the Dragonic Knight, equal in attack points!" Alexis noted. "On monster cards alone, Bastion has the upper hand...his monster's special ability completely drains the attack strength of any and all Fire-attribute creatures of the field, like that Dragonic Knight!"

"Then why doesn't he just jump in there and take it out?" Syrus innocently asked.

"The Robot also has a face-down Spell or Trap card on the field. If Bastion overlooks something as critical as that, it won't matter how strong his monster is!"

"We shouldn't worry," Jaden assured. "Bastion has a supreme intellect and really knows how to think his way out of tight situations! He's probably got this whole thing in the bag!"

Jaden didn't know how right he was.

Everyone noticed that Bastion's pokerface was stable, even though he appeared to be losing. He had 950 LPs remaining, while the Duel Computer had 2800.

"I'll pass this turn," he calmly announced.

Directly below the computer was a smaller attaching console which had a single slot that held the remainder of its own deck. A tiny mechanical arm reached out from the bottom of the robot, drew a card and placed it in an empty slot. The two Slifer students who had just arrived on the scene were startled when they actually heard the Duel Computer speak!

"Draw card. Set one card face-down. End of turn."

The voice was soft, automated and feminine-sounding. Even though this technology was about ten years behind the devices used in the modern day, it was still quite the spectacle.

As Bastion drew his next card, he flashed a brief and tiny smile. The first year student generated strategic thoughts at almost frightening speed. Bastion quickly recalled how (most of) the duel progressed, as well as which cards had been drawn, which of them had been played, and what the odds were of drawing the card he needed from (what was left of) his dueling deck.

And the odds just happened to be in his favor this turn. The R.Y. pupil slipped the card he'd drawn into a slot under one of the Monster Card Zones.

"I'll activate my Heavy Storm spell card!" he hollered. "Those two face-downs of yours are no more!"

A strong whirlwind started up on the playing field, revealing the Duel Robots face-down cards for a instant, before they shattered into millions of pieces.

"And now that your Dragonic Knght has no barriers of protection, my Water Dragon can safely move in and wipe it out!"

The mighty creature descended upon the now defenseless Knight and body slammed it, like a huge tidal wave crashing against a shore. Afterwards the Water Dragon readjusted its form and stood up as straight as it could. There was absolutely no trace of the Dragonic Knight.

Everyone cheered as the Duel Computer's Life Point counter dropped to zero, Jaden and Syrus included.

With the duel drawing to a close, Bastion's monster disappeared from the arena. Without a word, he calmly walked over to the other side of the playing field, where the Duel Computer was making a low buzzing sound. In less than five seconds, a small piece of paper emerged from a tiny horizontal slot located at the bottom of the machine. Jaden, who hadn't noticed that small detail, would be the first to congratulate the skilled duelist.

"Man...that was wicked cool, Bastion! Way to show who's boss!"

Bastion said nothing as he pulled the sheet out from the slot it was hanging out off. His eyes darted in a few different directions as he read what had been printed. The expression that the remainder of his face gave off was a neutral one.

"Hmm...yes, I see. Well, that should only make sense..." he said to himself.

"Somethin' wrong?" asked Jaden. "You totally wasted that machine!"

"Not according to this readout the computer printed..."

"What exactly is that?" Alexis inquired, joining in the conversation.

"It's a short list of options, specifically a number of moves and card combinations that I've could've utilized sooner and much more effectively."

"Well, no one can be expected to think of every possible way to use their deck when they're up against a wall," Syrus noted.

"Nevertheless, a duelist should still be at the top of his game in the midst of battle, regardless of how much experience their opponent may weild," Bastion pointed out.

It almost sounded like Bastion was scolding himself, and Jaden wasn't about to let his friend do so.

"Hey, don't be so hard on yourself...y'still won! And your opponent was a super-smart A.I., no less! That ought to count for something!"

"I appreciate the sentiment, Jaden...but the fact remains that I could've dealt with that exchange better than the way you saw...now if you'll excuse me, I need to go back to my room to make some calculations."

Bastion began reading the printout aloud as he walked off, as well as reciting some hypothetical scenarios, presumably for future duels.

"Man, Bastion just won't quit until he's worked out all the kinks in his perfomances!" Syrus realized.

"Best just to leave him alone," suggested Alexis. "You know how he is...a perfectionist 'til the end!"

"No argument there, 'Lex!" Jaden cheerfully agreed. "So, when do I get to test my talent against the Robot?"

"Not for a few hundred millennia, I'm sure!" chriped an annoying voice.

The trio turned their heads and saw the ever-obnoxious, arrogant Dr. Crowler walking in their direction.

"Oh...what's up, Doc! Didn't see ya there!"

"It's Doctor Crowler, not 'DOC'..." the teacher hissed. "You miserable, little-"

"Geez! Detail, details...anyway, what makes you so certain that I won't get to duel the Computer?"

"Jaden, please...everyone's well aware that your low grades bring a new meaning to the word 'horrific,' but are you truly that dense? The faculty wouldn't dare to dream of leaving a fine and delicate piece of machinery such as this in the hands of Slifers! It'd be nothing short of pandemonium!"

Crowler's sarcasm and snide mannerism were the key ingredients in cooking up a nasty atmosphere, so much so that even chipper students like Jaden might admit to having a hard time keeping up a smile. Thankfully, Chancellor Sheppard stepped in once more to unofficially operate as referee.

"Anyone mind telling me what this argument's about?" demanded Sheppard.

The blonde teacher flashed a strange grin, trying in vain to dismiss any vibes of discomfort from the area. As part of his usual routine, Crowler started to lay on the charm.

"Headmaster! I was just explaining to our young friend here that the legendary Duel Robot is to take up residence in the Obelisk Blue dorm! A prized possession like this would only be treated with the utmost care and respect by our top students! And besides...the faculty might face severe scrutiny if we were to deny them nothing but the best!"

Alexis had been observing this exchange of opinion, and decided to step in. She may have been a talented Obelisk pupil, but she was also someone who heavily disliked the hostility shown towards the lower ranked individuals. Being Jaden's friend, she felt it necessary to side with him. If only to provide more proof that she wasn't snotty and mean like the others...

"But if the Slifer students are the ones who really need to improve, wouldn't it make much more sense to have the computer installed in their dormitory?" she proposed with a lopsided smile.

"I admire your generosity, Alexis..." Crowler said. "But the choice has already been-"

"Hey, hold on!" Jaden interrupted.

"What is it now?"

"Why should the O.B. dudes get all the perks? I mean, c'mon...they got roomy rooms with clean sheets, much better food, lots of wide open space around their building, special access to all the best cards whenever they're shipped, and us from the S.R. department get nothing but less repsect than a skunk would! If nothing else, at least let us have the super-cool computer to duel with!"

Dr. Crowler scowled at Jaden, while Sheppard looked as if he was deep in thought.

"Well, I'm sorry to bust your bubble, slacker...but you're-"

"Absolutely right, Jaden!"

Alexis, Jaden, Syrus and Cowler stared at the headmaster in shock.

"WHAT?"

Although the others repsonded simultaneously, they each had a different emotion permeating their voice.

"I think our young Jaden here has a point, Crowler!" Sheppard declared.

"Chancellor, you can't be serious...!" the overly strict teacher cried.

"Quite. Hostility between the students has reached an all time high as of late! Why, just look over there!"

Sheppard pointed towards a quartet of Slifers enduring (at best they could) verbal abuse and light shoves at the hands of a bigger pack of Ra and Obelisk students.

"It's silly to believe that everyone should get along right from day one, but this is ridiculous!" he continued. "We're duelists, not savages!"

"I'm sure those S.R. boys got what was coming to to them..." assured Crowler, while eyeing (and glaring at) Jaden closely. "The discipline this school places on its students can only serve to set them straight and toughen them up! Conditions such as these are what make up the foundation of some of the greatest duelists in history!"

Jaden and Alexis smiled as they could clearly see that Dr. Crowler was fightung a losing battle. But despite the fact that the debate over the Duel Robot's residency was tipping in his favor, Jaden was a sporting guy. Alexis saw in his energetic and enthusiatic eyes a chance to make something fun out of this situation. Jaden indeed proceeded to step into the conversation between the two adults.

"...what's more, I myself know barely a thing about these high-tech computers, chancellor!" the teacher protested, feigining innocence. "Installing it in the Obelisk dormitory would not only educate my pupils, but me as well! Futhermore-"

"Uh...'cuse me, fellas...but why don't we settle this the way things are usually settled around here? With a duel!" Jaden suggested.

"Capital idea!" the chancellor cried, instantaneously breaking away from his talk with Crowler. "But then, I shouldn't expect anything less from you!"

Syrus hadn't said anything for a while, but he was listening closely to what everyone was saying. Chancellor Sheppard greenliting Jaden's proposal caused the short boy's mouth to move on its own.

"Whoa! Honest?" he asked.

"Of course!" promised Sheppard. "As a matter of fact, I'll even-"

"Mister Sheppard!" yelled one of the technicians.

"Yes, what it is?"

"Everything looks good on this end...well, almost."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, the Life Point register is operating like clockwork...but my team is still working a few bugs outta the card database progammer. Rest assured, though...we'll get it up and running soon."

"Good to hear, that's great news!"

The technician smiled, nodded and returned to his post.

"Anyway, Jaden...back to business! I'll see to it that you get a fair chance to fight the robot, one on one! Its difficulty level will be adequately set, an appropriate deck of virtual cards programmed into its memory core...and if you win, I'll have the Duel Computer set up to be used exclusively for the Slifer Reds!"

"Yes!" Jaden exclaimed, stabbing his fist into the air.

"That is, assuming you can pass the exam coming up in two days!"

"No!"

"Fair's fair. Score well on the test, and you'll be given a chance to help decide where the Duel Robot will be placed! So brace yourself! The rest of your S.R. buddies are counting on you to win that duel!"

Jaden stole a glance at the other Slifers, who indeed looked desperate, anxious and hopeful (especially Syrus). Sheppard simply chuckled and walked off with his hands behind his back.

"No pressure, huh?" Alexis playfully asked him. "Better hit those books post haste."

"How could he do this to me?" Jaden wailed. "I can win any duel, day or night...but a test? Chancellor Sheppard might as well have asked me to swim to the moon!"

"You'll survive, Jaden...you always do."

Alexis couldn't help but giggle a bit at her friend's discomfort. But she knew she was right. If there was anyone here who could beat the odds, it was Jaden Yuki.

At the same time, Crowler was shaking with growing rage. The discussion had practically chose its own path to walk without waiting for a particular opinion, namely his. Crowler's dislike of a certain "dropout boy" dominated his thoughts. And there was but a single action to be taken in order to rectify this abrupt turn of events...

Revenge.

"This isn't over, slacker..." the doctor growled. "I'll make sure that you get booted from our precious Duel Academy faster than you can get your game on!"

TO BE (SHOULD IT BE?) CONTINUED...YEAH, WHY NOT?

There's another chapter hot off the press! I don't really have much to say except that I apologize for not posting this sooner (I'm as bad as those so-called "Slifer Slackers"), and I hope you've enjoyed reading this new installment! Next time, Jaden gets all pumped to take on the Duel Computer! (C'mon, did you honestly think a small plot device like that stupid exam was really gonna stand in his way?) But danger is on the horizon, and our young friend ends up getting much more than he bargained for! Hey, that ryhmes! (So what?)

Keep on reading, faithful fans!