Summary:

Duel Academy, the school built by Seto Kaiba to foster a new generation of talented duelists is one of the greatest institutions in the world... that said, with the knowledge of three dangerous cards sealed under the school it might be a good idea if someone there was able to keep an eye on things and let Kaiba know what's going on at Academy Island. Perhaps, the young boy with the new Kuriboh monster? He'll need a special deck to use for emergencies but maybe this Jaden Yuki can keep Duel Academy running smoothly while enjoying his special entrance?

bopdog111: Well this is a new idea Ulrich gave a try. A different AU.

Ulrich362: Honestly... not super confident about this one though.

bopdog111: Well, we will see what will happen. This is an AU set to where 'what if' Winged Kuriboh's ability ACTUALLY works like in canon?

Ulrich362: Exactly, so... enjoy the chapter?

Disclaimer: We don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! GX, all rights go to the creators.

It was one afternoon in the Duel Academy Entrance Exams. And unknown to all of them one of the people in the audience was Seto Kaiba who didn't feel like dealing with usual matters like paperwork as he is nothing but a guest to view the students. Some were promising, some were disappointing it's all the same to him; if they have the potential to enter his Duel Academy, they would need to call it. If they don't, they have no place, and work harder to achieve it.

First case was from seeing this blue haired glasses boy who has a massive case of test anxiety but somehow won his match. More of an underdog type of thing, that can have great potential, but has a massive case of nervousness. Reminds him of Wheeler...

The next is a British Accent sounding kind of student who used clever strategies, and used his own answer in his teacher's multiple choice questioning by responding with "D. None of the Above" before using Ring of Destruction on his Vorse Raider for the win. He doesn't know why, but feels this student might be similar towards Espa Roba.

Another was a black haired teenager that uses a Deck based on stealing his opponent's cards, or causing some severe damage. He has great potential but should lose that arrogant like quality he has, and maybe even feel like he could be his equal. But he feels more like a Bandit Keith kind of person. (Personal Note: That bastard...)

And then there was him... A young student by the name of Jaden Yuki, who arrived late at Duel Academy. Being a stickler for rules, Seto Kaiba, has no interest in those who arrived late but had been growing soft around them due to his wife Serenity Wheeler, and his little brother Mokuba about giving people like him a fair shot.

He sorta sees himself in this Jaden as he felt it would've been him if he wasn't orphaned or if adopted into the Kaiba Line but can feel something amiss. Well he's about to find out in the match he will see with this young man, and Crowler of all people. Remind him why he's the PhD of Dueling?

"Alright test time!" Dr. Crowler called in a authority tone while his Duel Vest is active, "So son, your name?"

"Uh... Jaden Yuki." the boy answered.

"Well uh... Jaden Yuki." Dr. Crowler mocked from the name. "I am Dr. Vellian Crowler, Department Chair of Techniques here at Duel Academy."

The boy, Jaden, couldn't help but grin. "Wow a Department Chair? I had no idea from how you are dressed." He then started rubbing his head with closed eyes, "I was thinking you were some kind of weird Academy Mascot." It made the so-called good Doctor sweatdrop while the boy in front of him continued, "Like a majorette or a cheerleader haha!"

Seto Kaiba couldn't help but let an amused grin cross his feature. It takes a lot of guts to say something like that in front of someone like Dr. Crowler's face, and think nothing of it, but this kid did it without flinching. He can certainly feel this kid will be interesting...

"Duel Vest on!" The opponent activated the Duel Vest as he hummed a tune while catching five cards that were ejected from his Duel Vest as Jaden watched the creative Duel Disk in amazement.

"Whoa, that's awesome how do I get a sweet jacket like that?" Jaden asked eagerly.

"For being a highly educated student of course." said his opponent from at least taking his question as a compliment before he smirked thinking to himself, 'Of course, you have to GET IN to Duel Academy, and I intend to make certain it won't be happening.'

"Well, I'm ready!" Jaden grinned as they both readied.

"DUEL!"

Jaden: 4000

Dr. Crowler: 4000

Jaden 1st Turn:

"Alright, I'll go first." Jaden grinned drawing a card. "I'll set one monster in defense mode and throw down a facedown. That's all for now."

'A fairly standard start, testing to see what his opponent will do before trying a big move.' Kaiba noted seeing that. 'He knows the basics if nothing else, but what kind of deck will Crowler play to test him?'

"Yes very good..." Dr. Crowler said sarcastically as his Duel Vest ejected a card a card. Taking it he looked at it, and his hand before smirking already having an idea, "Alright then boy, I use the spell, Confiscation!"

Confiscation

Normal Spell Card

Pay 1000 Life Points. Look at your opponent's hand, select 1 card in it and discard that card.

"Okay so what's it do?"

Dr. Crowler smirked explaining while reveling in the nervousness. "What it does is allow me to pay 1000 Life Points to peek into your hand, and toss one of your cards into the Graveyard."

Images of Jaden's cards appeared as his points dropped. (Dr. Crowler: 3000/Hand: 5)

While looking over them Dr. Crowler made a comment meant to provoke Jaden. "Oh yes I remember some of these back when I was a naive rookie." It was evident that Jaden wasn't amused from his stare or cause of the spell letting him see his hand. "Hmm now which one shall I banish...?" Soon Dr. Crowler made a decision deciding to rid the card that could be the most trouble, "Monster Reborn to the Graveyard!"

The image of Jaden's card was flipped before dissolving to particles as Jaden grunted slipping the card in his Graveyard.

'Confiscation, that's not in the test decks.' Kaiba frowned seeing that. 'Just what are you planning Crowler?'

Dr. Crowler continued on with his turn. "Next I place two cards face-down." Two face-downs appeared on Dr. Crowler's field in front of him before then showing another spell card. "And last but not least I will play, Heavy Storm!"

Heavy Storm

Normal Spell Card

Destroy all Spell and Trap Cards on the field.

"This spell card destroys every other spell, or trap card that's out on the field!"

From there a fierce wind storm appeared on his side blowing over the field which Jaden defended as his face-down was the trap card, Draining Shield, a trap that negates an attack while regaining life points of the attacking monster's attack points before being destroyed. Draining Shield wasn't the only one destroyed however as Heavy Storm doesn't destroy only Jaden's cards as Dr. Crowler's two set cards were shown as two identical traps showing of golden Egyptian Statues before they were destroyed by the spell's effect.

"Big mistake teach, that destroys your own cards too." Jaden pointed out.

"Now now, we mustn't speak out of turn young scholar." A deep black fog surrounded the bottom of the arena as Jaden looked around suddenly feeling nervousness.

"What's happening?"

"Nothing's happening... NOT YET!"

Suddenly two golden like snakes emerged from the ground growling.

(Attack Position)

Wicked Token

DARK

Level 4

Fiend/Token

ATK: 1000

DEF: 1000

Special Summoned with the effect of "Statue of the Wicked".

"But that's about to change!" Dr. Crowler made a smirk to Jaden's awe-struck look.

"Huh, what happened?" asked the blue-haired boy.

"That was a trap known as Statue of the Wicked, it summons a token when sent to the graveyard." the boy with the British accent explained.

Kaiba frowned seeing that. From what he knows Test Decks are suppose to be mildly strong to test the applicants to see if they have the potential to enter Duel Academy. It was quite clear from him that Dr. Crowler is not using a Test Deck, and from what he sees he can feel he knows what Deck, Dr. Crowler is using.

"Ready for your next lesson?"

"Haha! You bet! I can't remember last time learning was this much fun!"

Dr. Crowler frowned seeing the kid wasn't afraid. Ah well he will be by what's next. "Yes, well I'm quite an excellent teacher thank you. I now sacrifice my two Wicked Tokens! And summon Ancient Gear Golem!"

At that the tokens burst to flames before what rose up from the ground was a huge rusty mechanized golem with a red eye in a hollow head letting out a roar.

(Attack Position)

Ancient Gear Golem

EARTH

Level 8

Machine/Effect

ATK: 3000

DEF: 3000

Cannot be Special Summoned. If this card attacks, your opponent cannot activate any Spell/Trap Cards until the end of the Damage Step. If this card attacks a Defense Position monster, inflict piercing battle damage.

Kaiba's eyes narrowed seeing that. 'That card confirms it, he's using his own deck. Still, this Jaden hasn't lost any of the fight in his eyes... let's see if he can overcome something this powerful.'

"Now now I hope your not to scared of my legendary Ancient Gear Golem." Dr. Crowler smirked towards Jaden with his ace monster on the field.

Jaden however held no ounce of fear, or nervousness. No it's more like he is giddy to face something as powerful as Ancient Gear Golem. "Ah no way! I always wanted to take one on!"

Dr. Crowler's eyes widened hearing that before he frowned.

"This kid is something else right Zane?" asked a blonde girl watching the match.

"Confidence is one thing Alexis, but how he handles himself is something else entirely, Alexis." a dark blue-haired boy mentioned.

"Oh give it a rest Zane at least that kid is showing some back bone."

"Their won't be much left of it to show after this."

Dr. Crowler laughed like he founded a joke. "Golem attack! Mechanized Melee!"

The Golem's gears started to spin before it readied giving out a punch towards Jaden's face-down which was flipped revealing as a green suited winged warrior similar to a Super Hero in Defense.

(Defense Position)

Elemental HERO Avian

WIND

Level 3

Warrior/Normal

ATK: 1000

DEF: 1000

A winged Elemental Hero who wheels through the sky and manipulates the wind. His signature move, Featherbreak, gives villainy a blow from sky-high.

Avian shattered as Jaden lost life points.

(Jaden: 2000/Hand: 4)

"Huh, what happened?" Jaden asked seeing that.

"Hahaha, my Golem has the ability to deal damage if it's attack points are more powerful then your pathetic shields' defense." Dr. Crowler arrogantly explained with a laugh. Catching Jaden shaking he grinned, "Oh, don't feel bad this is the top dueling school in the country some people certainly..." When he started to hear laughing, Dr. Crowler slowed down. "... aren't... cut out... for..."

Jaden was actually shaking in laughter before looking up with a grin not seeming to care he lost half of his Life Points just now. "Boy I REALLY want to come to this School now! You really know your stuff teach!"

Seeing that Kaiba couldn't help but smile. 'Staring down a monster on par with my Blue-Eyes White Dragon and he doesn't even flinch.'

Unlike him Dr. Crowler wasn't as pleased more like feeling insulted, 'Can't he take a hint!? He will NOT be allowed to pass this exam, and he certainly won't be permitted to make a mockery of MY deck!' He ends his turn silently from there.

Jaden 2nd Turn:

Jaden drew his card grinned. "Awesome, I'll set a monster in defense mode and play this facedown. That's all for me."

Kaiba raised an eyebrow at that. 'The same move as last time, and he knows Ancient Gear Golem deals piercing damage which means he must be counting on that facedown card... but that won't help him.'

Dr. Crowler 2nd Turn:

"Whatever, don't you learn?" Dr. Crowler drew before calling, "Now Gear Golem attack his face-down with Mechanized Melee!"

The Gear Golem charged a second punch launching as the face-down flipped. What it was wasn't what neither Dr. Crowler nor Kaiba expected. It was a Kuriboh that has Angel Wings.

(Defense Position)

Winged Kuriboh

LIGHT

Level 1

Fairy/Effect

ATK: 300

DEF: 200

If this card on the field is destroyed and sent to the GY: For the rest of this turn, you take no battle damage.

Kaiba's eyes widened in shock. 'That's Yugi's card! But if he has it then...'

Seeing that Kaiba frowned before taking out a phone. "Serenity, there's an applicant who's likely about to lose his match, but I want you to stop him before he leaves... you'll recognize him, his hair looks like a Kuriboh."

"Go buddy!" Jaden called as Winged Kuriboh was hit from the fist being destroyed.

"That was not a bad move, however it's defense points are no match for my Ancient Gear Golem." Dr. Crowler reminded Jaden.

"Sorry to disappoint teach, but when Winged Kuriboh is destroyed I don't take any damage." Jaden grinned.

But the fist went right through striking Jaden which caught him off-guard.

"Huh?" Jaden asked in shock as he was hit.

Jaden: 0000

Dr. Crowler: 3000

Dr. Crowler wins!

"That... what happened? Winged Kuriboh's ability stops damage right?" he asked in confusion.

"You moron, didn't you know that damage plays out before destruction happens?" Dr. Crowler asked with a laugh. "I can tell you added that card recently. Trying out a card you just gotten before you came here wasn't real smart, as you have no moves to strategizes with it. Now hope we see you next year." Satisfied that this young man is now out of Duel Academy, Dr. Crowler walked out leaving a stunned Jaden on the field.

Jaden looked down before exiting the arena walking to exit the building. His hopes, and dreams to one day catch up to Yugi are now gone now that he lost, and it was a one time only thing that his parents tried doing, and he failed them... What can he do now that Duel Academy is now out of his grasp? That's when a young woman with long brown hair walked over to him. "Excuse me, do you have a second?"

Hearing that Jaden looked over seeing her before blinking, "Do I know you from somewhere?"

"Probably, my name's Serenity Wheeler Kaiba." she answered with a smile.

Widening his eyes Jaden said, "Whoa, no-way Joey's sister, and Kaiba's wife is here?" He then asked curiously, "What are you doing here?" He was right to ask that since something like this isn't something that the Kaiba's are fond of.

"I came with my husband to see the exams." she answered before smiling.

"Jaden Yuki right?" asked a male voice from behind him. "I saw your duel."

Turning over curiously Jaden widen his eyes seeing who it was, "Your...!"

"Answer something for me, where and when did you get that Winged Kuriboh card?" Kaiba asked him.

Jaden blushed rubbing his head admitting, "Well... I got him just earlier today. I was running to get to the Entrance Exams, and didn't see where I was going." He closed his eyes with a wince. "I just bumped into the King of Games myself, and gave me Winged Kuriboh saying the words, 'Something just tells me that it belongs with you'."

Kaiba closed his eyes hearing that. "You love Duel Monsters, am I right?"

Jaden looked up before he nodded, "Yeah, I was hoping to get into Duel Academy to one day be a Professional Player, and duel against Yugi, and even you one day."

"Let's take a walk, I want to talk with you about something." Kaiba told him. "But while we do I want to look at your cards."

Jaden blinked before slowly nodded hardly believing a chance to have a moment with Seto Kaiba of all people. With that they walked out of the building together while Serenity watches on with a smile already knowing what Kaiba is up too. They exit the building while Jaden softly handed Kaiba his Deck.

Kaiba took and slowly started to look through it. "You lost, but I could tell you were never disheartened."

"Well it's what some people say, 'you live to fight another day'." Jaden gave a soft smile, "Sure I may have lost my chance at Duel Academy but I will find another way to be a Professional."

"True, I lost the Battle City Tournament so I can speak from personal experience that losing isn't the end, not by a long shot." Kaiba agreed. "However, you're wrong about one thing."

Jaden turned to him confused over what it was he's wrong about.

"What would you say if I told you I'd be willing to make an exception and let someone who failed their entrance exam enroll at Duel Academy?" Kaiba asked handing Jaden his deck back.

Jaden widen his eyes while taking his Deck, "Your... gonna give me a free pass?"

"I didn't say that." Kaiba told him before frowning. "Now listen very closely what I'm about to tell you is highly confidential and you are not to tell a single person."

Jaden blinked before nodding.

"There a set of three cards underneath Duel Academy known as the Sacred Beasts. Incredibly dangerous cards that are only slightly weaker than the Egyptian God cards themselves." Kaiba told him.

"Sacred Beasts?" Jaden asked hearing that.

"Yes, incredibly dangerous cards that need to be kept sealed away." Kaiba answered. "Unfortunately, I can't stay at Academy Island myself. That's where you could come in."

"Sooo... you want me to make sure the seal is still strong?" Jaden asked getting what Kaiba wants him for.

"Partially, if I give you special permission to enroll there are four conditions." Kaiba told him. "First, you'll enroll at Slifer Red the lowest ranked dorm on the island. Second, not one person is to know about the Sacred Beasts unless absolutely necessary. Chancellor Sheppard is the only person who knows about their existence. Third, I want a report on any unusual or strange activity while you're a student on the Island no matter how small it seems."

Jaden nodded not having a problem with the first, he felt honored to start at the bottom, for the second, it was needed for the Sacred Beasts to remain a secret unless a wide out panic ensures, and the third, it is Kaiba, a small leak can sink a great ship. He watched Titanic to know that. But Kaiba said 'four conditions', and he only listed three, "And what's the last condition?"

Kaiba only smirked as a young man with short black hair and a briefcase walked over to them who Jaden recognized as Mokuba.

"The last condition, is that if something happens I want you to use these cards." Kaiba answered as Mokuba opened the briefcase revealing a deck. "Your cards are strong and have quite a bit of potential, but these cards are for emergency use only. I suggest you familiarize yourself with how both decks work."

Jaden looked curious softly taking the Deck, and looked through it.

"Whether or not you go to Duel Academy you aren't to tell anyone about what I told you." Kaiba told him. "Though I can see in your eyes, you're the kind of person who wouldn't turn down this once in a lifetime chance to enroll. So what's your answer Jaden Yuki?"

While looking stunned from the cards he's seeing Jaden widen his eyes before he grinned before asking, "Well before I make my answer may I ask you something involving this Deck here?"

"What is it?" Kaiba asked him.

"I know this Deck can only be used in emergencies, but for me to be more familiar would you oppose I have several test matches with this? Experience is the best teacher, and it'll help me learn more." was Jaden's answer.

Kaiba couldn't help but smirk. "Balancing two different decks isn't easy for the best of duelists, but if you think you can handle it then go ahead."

Jaden nodded before offering a hand, "Okay, then you got yourself a deal Kaiba!"

Kaiba smirked taking it. "Then I suggest you get your things packed before heading to Academy Island, I'll make the call to Chancellor Sheppard."

"Okay gotcha!" Jaden placed the Deck he received in a Deck Holder moving to run before calling, "Thanks again, and nice to meet ya Mokuba!" He ran off to start packing.

"He's going to be someone to keep an eye on." Kaiba mentioned. "This is going to be an interesting few years."

"Seto, not that I don't think it's a good idea, but can we really trust him?" Mokuba asked Kaiba curiously.

"I could see it in his eyes, we can trust him Mokuba." Kaiba nodded.

Mokuba nodded as they looked off where Jaden ran off while Kaiba makes a call.

Ring ring ring.

"This is Chancellor Sheppard." a pleasant voice answered the phone.

"Sheppard, it's Seto Kaiba. We need to talk about something." Kaiba answered.

"Ah Mr. Kaiba. Is there a problem? Did Crowler not listen to what I tell him about giving everyone a fair shot?" Sheppard asked him concerned.

"About that, he failed a student... using his own personal deck." Kaiba answered. "But, I'm giving that student special permission to enroll as a Slifer Red. His name is Jaden Yuki and he knows about them."

"Jaden Yuki?" Sheppard asked surprised hearing that, "I see, I'll be sure to have a word with Crowler about his choice of Deck. I'll also talk to Mr. Jaden Yuki about his new situation so we can be clear about what you told him."

"Good, I'll be in touch." Kaiba nodded before hanging up. "Come on Mokuba, it's rude to keep a lady waiting."

"Right." Mokuba nodded before he then grinned deciding to tease, "And don't you mean TWO ladies? You promised Naomi you show her how strong you are."

Kaiba rolled his eyes as they walked back.

Ulrich362: Well, things are going to be interesting at Academy Island wouldn't you agree Bopdog?

bopdog111: Oh yeah definitely. I'm a bit interested over the Deck, Kaiba gave Jaden can do.

Ulrich362: Maybe we'll see next time? Oh, and for the curious the four Kaiba family members will have a more involved role than in canon.

bopdog111: That 'forth' is Naomi that Mokuba mentioned.

Ulrich362: Exactly, see you in the next chapter.

bopdog111: Be sure to review!