Chapter 2 - Mecha Entrance Exam: An Ancient Bar? Of the Rusted and Rigged

. Bold words: Name Introductions; Card names; Monster Stats; 'Special Attacks'; Player(s) Life Points.

. (A) / (FM): Anime / Fan-Made - Cards used in the Anime/Manga; Cards created by the author.

. Italic: Non-English words; Epilogue and Prologue.

. " " - Normal Talk

. ' ' - Thoughts; Summon Chants

Special Thanks: Zeon Paralysis Crystal, Miki-chan13 (Story Proof-Read)

The duel arena was quite literally ablaze. Debris clunked down as smoke filled the area, driving its occupants away… saving the two duelists lying inside the ring.

One was a well-muscled man with little more than a tight shirt and pants. As he struggled to his feet, his bruises and scratches cracked open and smoke billowed off of his wounds.

The other was a boy who couldn't be older than ten, his clothes reduced to rags on his emancipated body. Blood trickled down his face freely, his body still.

Any other place would have stopped the atrocity that dared to be called a duel. But this was only standard fare for Domino's Underground Dueling Circuit.

"Wake up. Please wake up… Don't leave me alone. Please, I beg you, my Prince! Please, wake up…"

The figure cradled the child to their chest, as they attempted to shield him from the falling debris. Tears trickled down their face, heedless of their injuries and their incredibly smoke-filled lungs.

If they couldn't keep their prince safe, their life would be meaningless.

"...up! ...wake up! Oi..."

Brown eyes creaked open to look at this very much actual bedroom. They immediately closed as the boy rolled on his side, pulling his blanket over his head.

"5 more minutes. Good night.", he grumbled.

"JADEN YUKI!"

Jaden yelped as he was quite literally scooped up out of his bed, blanket and all; and plopped on the ground. The flutter of bat-like wings flickered up to throw open his curtains, making sunlight shine directly in his face.

Jaden covered his face in protest. "Hey, come on Yubel!"

Yubel crossed her arms; Amber, red and cyan glaze looking over him, with an unimpressed glower. "You need breakfast. Registration starts at nine, and it's 8:30 now!"

"Yeah, yeah… I know.", the boy grumbled again, combing his hand through his messy brown hair.

"… Or would you rather I get 'Her' to help wake you?"

Jaden was on his feet, throwing open the bathroom door and slamming it in less than ten seconds.

"That's what I thought…"

"Duel Disk?"

"Check."

"Uniform?"

"Check."

"Packed Lunch?"

Double Check."

Green eyes looked over the assorted school supplies as Jaden was finishing up his shower. While Yubel wore a more conservative black suit, the young blonde wore a shorter blue ruffled skirt with a blue tank top and a pink jacket with a blue beret.

It wasn't what she would prefer wearing, but the Dark Magician Girl couldn't exactly go out as herself while laying low.

"Are you sure about this, Dee?", Yubel asked, not for the first time.

Dee's eyes closed, taking in a breath. "It's what will be the best for us all, especially me. I'm no longer a student. And Master Ebon always said that having someone to teach is the greatest learning experience of them all."

"I can believe that.", Yubel chuckled, eyes sliding to the side with amusement.

Dee's eyebrow twitched in annoyance.

"I'M HERE! IT HASN'T BEEN FIVE MINUTES YET!"

Jaden burst in, hair still damp and still struggling into his pants.

"Pants first, then shoes," she sighed, rubbing her temples.

The boy quickly obeyed. "Okay! Okay, I'm good to go! Right?! Right!"

Yubel quickly grabbed Jaden's shoulder before he burst out the door and handed him his supplies. "Seriously?! Do I have to put this on just for a registration duel?"

"Do you want to get in and be taken seriously?" Dee countered.

"I just wanna have fun and duel!"

"Then PUT ON the uniform!"

Domino City hummed with activity, the sun shining brilliantly down on its people.

And at the center of this bustling activity was the Domino City Duel Stadium. Normally the home of big-name duelists and tournaments, it was now refurbished as the Dueling School Registration Grounds.

Only those who could show their mettle and fortitude as a duelist and student would be able to pass.

"-AAAAAAAAAAH!"

So, the sight of a yelling boy suddenly falling into a thicket; Jaden's head popped with some leaves from the bushes, cheerfully announcing himself with a peace sign, forcing a quiet laugh.

"I'm Examinee #50; Jaden Yuki, here!"

It didn't inspire confidence… Except in Yubel, but that was more in how they were able to get their charge in on time.

Syrus Trusdale felt a little better after splashing cold water on his face.

Only a little though.

His stomach still curdled with anxiety just from spectating all the duels. How could he measure up to them just by himself? But, if he wanted to get closer to his older brother… even by a little, this was his only choice.

"NICE! Look at them going at it!"

Syrus yelped in surprise, falling out of his chair at the unexpected voice and presence beside him.

"Sorry if I scared you, buddy. Are you okay?", the offending teen offered his hand.

Syrus hesitantly took it; he didn't see any malice in the boy, but he could never be too careful. "I- I'm fine. Thank you."

"Mind if I watch with ya?"

Syrus forced himself not to wince before nodding.

'I'm so spineless.'

Turn 5

Examinee (E) - 3200 LP

Instructor (I) - 1900 LP

"Your skills are nothing before my Hyper-Defense Deck!" the current Instructor declared, laying down Big Shield Gardna.

Big Shield Gardna (ATK 100 / DEF 2600); Gear Golem the Moving Fortress (ATK 800 / DEF 2200)

"Bold of you to assume you're safe from all damage!", the dark-haired boy declared. "I activate my Trap card; Ring of Destruction!"

(A) - Ring of Destruction - Normal Trap

Target 1 face-up monster; Destroy it, and if you do, inflict damage to both players equal to its ATK.

"Fool! I told you: my ELITE defenses-"

"And I target my Vorse Raider!"

"What?!", The Instructor was shocked. "But what will impact your life points as well!"

The boy smirked. "Then it's a good thing I have enough life points, unlike you…"

Vorse Raider (ATK 1900 / DEF 1200)

Vorse Raider's hard light visage smirked in satisfaction as the necklace of grenades went off, reducing his master's life points but obliterating the rest of their opponent's.

(E: 3200 - 1300 LP)

(I: 1900 - 0 LP)

EXAMINEE WINS THE DUEL!

"Exam Duel complete! Congratulations. You won!", the instructor congratulated.

The crowd clapped, while the examinee and the instructor shook hands. A few students in more opulent blue uniforms murmured to one another, sneaking glances back at the young man below before looking to their leader.

The young man with a pallid complexion and spiky black hair remained unimpressed.

"Rumors are rumors. How dare you two waste my time with this nonsense." Onyx eyes deliberately turned away from the arena. "Understand this – There can be ONLY one King at Duel Academy, and that's me… Chazz Princeton!"

"As expected of that examinee, he was amazing. Did you see that crazy combo he pulled?!" Jaden exclaimed, nearly shaking Syrus off his seat from his enthusiasm.

"He did get the highest score on the written exam." the blue-haired boy sighed, adjusting his glasses. "It's to be expected of the #1 Examinee Genius, Bastion Misawa."

Jaden's fist plopped into his palm. "Riiight. That's where the exam numbers come from. I thought they were just being mean."

Syrus sweat-dropped. Who WAS this guy, and how did he qualify in the first place?

"Well anyway, I'm Jaden Yuki! Examinee #50!", he presented Syrus with his hand, grinning with all his teeth.

Syrus could barely look him in the face; he was shining so brightly. Face burning, he accepted his hand.

"Syrus Truesdale. 15 years old. Blood Type A+. My favorite food is fried shrimp. Milk is the worst."

"Cool! I'm 16! My blood is red, I love Chicken Wings and Cheetos! I don't like veggies though.", Jaden cocked his head, still smiling guilelessly. "So, what's your number?"

Syrus avoided his eyes. Jaden tried to meet his gaze, but Syrus turned around. Jaden followed his increasingly contorted body to try and look him in the eye.

"Stop it already! I'm not giving you a reason to make of fun me!" Syrus blurted.

Jaden became serious for a moment before he crisscrossed his heart. "I promise in my family's lives that I won't make fun of you."

"... Examinee #69."

"Sweet!" Jaden gave him a genuine thumbs up, making Syrus cringe.

–

"Look at him, making new friends from the get-go!" Dee cooed happily. "And with such a little cutie-pie too!"

Yubel's gaze was more passive. At one point in time, the sight of Jaden beside another would have driven them into a frenzy. But now…

"I hope that the two will grow to support one another."

Dark Magician Girl beamed their way.

The best and brightest (cough elitist cough) teachers of Duel Academy continued to look over the results of the duels.

Dr. Crowler was one of them; He was satisfied enough with what students had made it in, especially after Bastion. Strong, bright, and serious applicants were what was needed for their Academy to flourish.

… After getting the news that another examinee had made it in right before registration closed in, made his previous good mood deflate.

If he had his way, Crowler would have the student thrown out on pure principle. Arriving at the eleventh hour certainly looked impressive enough in films and books. But in real life, coming so late only showcased a lack of care and preparedness for what lay ahead.

Ergo; a slacker. And Duel Academy did not need slackers.

However, the teachers out-voted him and the headmaster even called to chastise him, as though knowing what he was about to do.

So, what if there was a train accident and traffic? If the student cared enough, he wouldn't let such things stop him! Not to mention he barely passed the written exam!

'Peu importe (It doesn't matter)!', Crowler thought with a sneer as he gathered his best personal deck. 'I will not allow such DRAG to taint Duel Academy. That slacker will REGRET ever dueling once I'm done with him!'

Bastion walked up the stairs, smiling again to see a familiar face. "Why I'm glad you were able to watch me duel, Syrus."

Syrus laughed quietly. "Aha… sure did, Bastion. Congratulations on your win."

"Thank you."

"Yeah. You're really good. I would say you're good enough to be the #2 strongest among this year's examinees."

"I'm sorry?"; Bastion replied, but then the group heard the Stadium's Speaker.

"JADEN YUKI! PLEASE REPORT TO THE EXAM, FIELD 2!"

"Well, it's my call."; Jaden walked down the stairs for his duel field.

"Hey…"; Bastion called him, receiving his attention. "Why do you think I'm #2 strongest?"

"Why of course, I'm #1!", Jaden answered with a challenging tone. He noticed Yubel floating close to him, knowing it was time. "Wish me luck, guys."

Watching him walking down the stairs, Syrus had a worried look. "His written exam score was 19 places above mine. How can he be so confident of himself?"

Unaware of the Dark Magician Girl's presence, the Spirit smiled awkwardly. 'Well, this is Jaden and I know him well, that's why. He's always so confident of himself when comes to a duel.'

At the field zone, the Professor was getting his last touches ready; Jaden approached the spot where they would begin their duel.

"Buon Giorno! (Good day!)"; the teacher greeted.

"Good day. Examinee #50, Jaden Yuki!"; the boy greeted by bowing excitedly.

"Signor Jaden. I'm Professor Vellian Crowler! I oversee the academy's practical training."

"What an honor!", Jaden grinned. "I didn't know the one charge of practical training would want to duel me personally. That means you must have high hopes for me, do you?"

Yubel almost burst into laughter after hearing her host say that as if she sensed Crowler's intentions to have this duel be as unfair as possible.

Professor Crowler didn't even know what to say about that comment, 'I'm simply speechless. The disrespect…'

Chazz's group was watching the way Jaden was behaving in the face of the high-strung but formidable professor.

"This examinee's opponent will be Dr. Crowler? One of the strongest teachers from Duel Academy?"

"Is this Jaden really that important?"

While the lackeys were worried about that, Chazz was looking at the late applicant feeling some sense of trepidation. He shouldn't be so sure of himself… I never heard of him before.'

"Duel Coat, On!", Crowler pressed a red button from his Duel Coat. The Deck Slot was stuck on his chest, he was holding on the disk with his left hand; while picking the starting cards with his right hand.

"That's some awesome dueling gear. I'm almost feeling jealous… oh well. I'm fine with my personal duel disk."; Jaden replied, turning on his disk.

From the railing, Syrus' eyes noticed something about Jaden's disk; 'Why does it look too familiar? Where have I seen that disk before?'

Yubel stood closer to Jaden and whispered with a Cheshire-Cat-like grin. "You better not lose this duel, my Prince."

'You do know I won't. You'll enjoy this, as much as I will.'; he grinned as well.

"DUEL!"; they shouted.

Turn 1

Jaden (J): 4000 LP

Dr. Crowler (DC): 4000 LP

"I'll start the duel – no ne. Draw!"; the teacher drew his card. "I'll give you the 1st sit to have a taste of my 'Dark Medieval' Deck – na no ne! By playing my Continuous Spell Card, Ancient Gear Castle!".

A giant closed gate was shown. "Each time a monster is Normal Summoned or Set, a Counter will be placed on this card. I'm setting two cards face-down – na no ne."; two set cards were placed on his Spell and Trap Zone.

"Now, swoop to the field; Ancient Gear Wyvern!"; a mechanical flying dragon screeched, landing on his field (ATK 1700 / DEF 1200).

"With Ancient Gear Castle on the field, my 'Ancient Gear' monsters will get their Attack increased by 300 – no ne." (ATK 1700 – 2000 / DEF 1200).

A Counter was added to the Spell Card (C: 0 – 1).

"And I activate Ancient Gear Wyvern's effect: I'm allowed to add an 'Ancient Gear' card from my deck to my hand. And with that, I'll end my turn – na no ne.", Dr. Crowler declared, while adding a card to his hand.

Syrus was looking at the duel so far, he was looking a bit confused.

"Hmm... why would Dr. Crowler set his cards before summoning and activating his Wyvern's effect?"

"That's because his Wyvern's effect has a drawback.", Bastion explained to him with his arms crossed. "You see, during the turn Ancient Gear Wyvern activates its effect, you're not allowed to set any card on the field."

Syrus understood it, still looking at the field. "Let's see now what #50 is worth on his turn."

Dee smirked. "Oh, you'll see it. And hopefully, you'll enjoy it."

Meanwhile, Chazz was having a good time watching Dr. Crowler's setting for Jaden's turn.

"If that examinee thought he was so special, then he made a huge mistake. Professor Vellian Crowler really intends to give that slacker's fragile dream a well-detailed obituary."

Jaden looked at Yubel, while she with silent confidence nodded back at him; sharing a similar thought with a fun-loving smirk. The latter was smaller than the former.

'This is where the fun begins.', they thought.

Turn 2

J: 4000 LP

DC: 4000 LP

"Alright, my turn. I draw!"; Jaden smiled. "I'm counting on you, Elemental Hero Blazeman!", an Orange Suit Hero suddenly appeared with his blazing fists bumping each other (ATK 1200 / DEF 1800)

'Splendido! That means another counter for my Castle…', Dr. Crowler grinned like an imp when looking at his card. (C: 1 – 2)

"I'm activating my Blazeman Special Ability: I'm allowed to add Polymerization to my hand!", his Spell Card was revealed and activated on his disk. "I'm now fusing my Elemental Hero Avian and Burstinatrix from my hand!"

The green-feathered man and the woman in a fiery skintight red outfit suddenly jumped toward each other to engage in fusion. "I Fusion Summon! Present yourself, the coolest hero of blazing winds; Elemental Hero Flame Wingman!"

With a fiery vortex heralding his arrival, a taller humanoid hero landed on his side of the field, a white wing on his left; a red dragon head on his right arm. He had green skin in a muscular body and a red dragon tail attached to his back (ATK 2100 / DEF 1200)

"Isn't he cool, teach? Cause he's ready to Battle! Go, Flame Wingman; Attack his Ancient Gear Wyvern. 'Flame Shoot'!"; his Warrior flew directly to the mechanical lizard at high speed, his dragon head arm crashing through and destroying the monster.

(DC: 4000 – 3900)

"Delusione (Disappointed)… couldn't make me chuckle.", Crowler mocked.

"But I'm sure his Special Effect will; When my Flame Wingman destroys a monster by battle, you take damage equal to the Attack of the destroyed monster!", his flying hero charged a flaming sphere from his dragon arm and shot it straight at Crowler's body.

(DC: 3900 – 2200)

"Dio Mio! Now that one hurt!", the teacher shielded himself while cringing in pain.

"Your field is empty, teach. Blazeman, attack! 'Flare Strike'!"; his orange suit Hero extended his arm and jumped straight to the angry teacher.

"Try harder next time – na no ne; I flip over my Continuous Trap, Ancient Gear Reborn!", a crater got opened on his side of the field. "Since I control no monsters, I can Special Summon my Ancient Gear Wyvern from my Graveyard!"

Blazeman's attack was interrupted by watching the mechanical flying machine appear and roar in front of him (ATK 1700 - 2000 / DEF 1200).

"Also, Ancient Gear Wyvern Special Summoned by the effect of Ancient Gear Reborn will receive an additional 200 Attack points – no ne."; his machine monster suddenly fell some sparks covering his metal skin. (ATK 2000 – 2200 / DEF 1200)

Jaden could feel some cold sweat sliding down his head. "That's odd. His Wyvern Attack is now stronger than my Flame Wingman."

"But I'm not done yet – na no ne.", Dr. Crowler declared, his other set card getting revealed. "Continuous Trap, activate; Ancient Gear Spark Shot!", a support cannon was placed on top of Crowler's gate.

(A) Ancient Gear Spark Shot – Continuous Trap

If exactly 1 "Ancient Gear" monster is Special Summoned from the Graveyard while you control no monsters: You can inflict damage to your opponent equal to half the ATK of the Special Summoned monster.

"Since my Wyvern was Special Summoned from my Graveyard, this card will inflict you damage equal to half its Attack Points – na no ne."

Syrus gasped at that realization. "His Ancient Gear Wyvern has 2200 Attack points. So that means…"

"That Jaden is about to take 1100 effect damage from that Trap card.", Bastion concluded. "Now that's a fierce combo."

The cannon from the Castle's gate prepared a beam direct to Jaden's field. "Ehehe… What we have here dear applicants; is what we call 'A Big Fish from a Small Pond'. Care for a Splash!"; the cannon instantly shot that same beam straight through Jaden's defenses, while he shielded himself.

(J: 4000 – 2900)

"Now that's cheap. I wasn't expecting that one; Dang…", Jaden laughed out, surprised at the blast.

"If you thought that blast was unfair, don't forget that I'm also allowed to add another 'Ancient Gear' card to my hand, thanks to Wyvern's effect."; Dr. Crowler grinned while adding his card. "Ehen… Grazie, signori."

"Heh… Dem's the breaks. I play now my Continuous Spell, Mirage of Nightmares. And I'll end my turn, throwing down two face-downs.", a Spell card and 2 set cards were placed on his Spell/Trap Zone.

One blonde teen girl was looking down from the railing with a hand placed on her cheek. She had hazelnut eyes and was wearing the female Obelisk Blue standard uniform.

"This looks bad for that rookie, Zane. It looks like Professor Crowler has it out for him."

"But this is worth watching his 'Dark Medieval' deck, Alexis.", the tall teen talked, Alexis looking at him. "You should thank that kid; we might have a chance to see his Legendary Rare card."

Turn 3

J: 2900 LP

DC: 2200 LP

"It's my turn – no ne. Draw!"; the teacher smirked. Suddenly, Jaden's spell card started glowing.

"During your Standby Phase, Mirage of Nightmare activates! I draw cards until I have 4 in my hand."; Jaden picked the top four cards of his deck to add them to his hand.

"Hmph… I hope Lady Luck did you well in drawing your cards because this next move will have you feeling sorry – na no ne."; Crowler picked a card and placed it on his field. "Step Forward, my Ace Monster. The Marvel of Medieval Engineering; Ancient Gear Golem!"

The gate behind him suddenly opened, to welcome a giant mechanic rusty android; wearing a Traditional Roman Helmet, revealing many interconnected giant gears moving within his body. (ATK 3000 / DEF 3000)

Alexis showed a surprised look. "That's it! It's his legendary rare card."

Syrus and Bastion had a shocked look on their faces.

"It has 3000 Attack and Defense Points. That's indeed Dr. Crowler's Ace monster.", Bastion confirmed.

"B… But, it's a Level 8 monster, isn't it?"; Syrus looked at Bastion. "How come can he summon without any sacrifices?"

Dr. Crowler started laughing the moment the giant was next to him. "Wondering how I was able to Summon my Ancient Gear Golem without any sacrifices, Bambino (Kid)?"

"I have no clue… You must've done something I wasn't aware of during my turn or something."; Jaden guessed.

"Close enough – na no ne. My Ancient Gear Castle becomes the ultimate sacrifice for my Ancient Gear Golem; as long as it has the number of counters equal to the number of sacrifices needed for the summon."; the teacher explained, the gates behind him suddenly disappearing.

"Now, let's see. I'm activating my Spell Card, Iron Draw! Since I only control 2 machine monsters, this card allows me to draw 2 cards from my deck!"; Crowler picked one of the cards that he drew. "And then I play the Spell Card, Confiscation! By paying 1000 Life Points, I'm allowed to look at my opponent's hand; to then discard 1 card you have in it"

(DC: 2200 – 1200)

Jaden's hand was suddenly shown in holograms in front of his opponent.

'I see, I see… Elemental Hero Liquid Soldier, Shadow Mist, Sparkman, and Dimension Explosion. So then, this is what that slacker's deck looks like. Wonder if he fancies himself a Hero himself with that behavior', the teacher thought looking at the cards, while Jaden felt a little uneasy.

"I'm sending your Liquid Soldier to the Graveyard!", he pointed at the hologram showing one of his Heroes, Jaden placed the card on his grave slot. "And next, I'm equipping my Ancient Gear Golem with this Equip Spell; Ancient Gear Tank! It increases my Golem's Attack by 600!"

One of the giant's arms was holding a barrel gun, making the giant's power grow stronger. (ATK 3000 – 3600 / DEF 3000).

"It's time for our battle – na no ne! Ancient Gear Golem; Smash his Flame Wingman. 'Ultimate Pound'!"; the Golem pulled his fist, and suddenly extended it to crash against the Fusion Hero, destroying it; Jaden gritted his teeth from the shock of the attack.

(J: 2900 – 1400)

"And now, Ancient Gear Wyvern; show his Blazeman no mercy. 'Precious Pursuit'!", his flying lizard started his pursuit to catch Jaden's Hero.

Jaden's friends were worried by the Wyvern guiding his mechanical claws to destroy his Hero.

Chazz and his lackeys make snide remarks about the upstart's fragile circumstances.

Alexis and Zane awaiting the rookie's response to his situation.

Finally, Dr. Crowler's premature gloating at the Applicant's situation; on the inside, he was curious about Jaden's answer to this conundrum but confident all the same.

- To be Continued –