Eight Months Later

It was a warm afternoon as the sun shone down upon the city of Domino, many of the city's residents taking the opportunity to enjoy the sun. Well, with two exceptions that is. In one of the city's parks and pair of teenage boys were racing along the footpath at speeds that would make any Olympic sprinter proud, all with one goal in mind, to reach their destination in as little time as possible.

"Alright we got our decks, we got our gear and we got two minutes to get to the entry exams before they start." One of the young men said, dressed in a grey blazer and pants with a unruly mop of chocolate brown hair carrying a grey backpack on his back, his name was Jaden Yuki.

"Yeah but put this way, as we're not students yet they can't throw us into detention for being late." The other said.

Jaden laughed and looked over at his companion. "Don't worry, we'll ace whatever test those Academy brains throw at us, I know were both going to get in Tai."

Tai grinned back at him, he was wearing black jeans, black and white sneakers on his feet and a dark grey T-shirt with a black shirt with red flames that decorated the sleeves and along the bottom edge and a red western dragon breathing fire on the back, thrown over the top, he was also wore black finger-less gloves that came partly up his forearm as well as his trademark goggles and a black headband around his neck and a black backpack hanging off one shoulder.

He'd changed a lot since he'd left Odaiba and his old life behind, for one he was a lot happier. He had been missing for just over a month when he had arrived in a town ten miles north of Kyoto, stowing away in the back of a Fed Ex van, arriving in the middle of the night which also just happened to coincide with what had to be one of the worst rain storms he could remember. During that time his money dried up and he had been reduced to sleeping rough, eating whatever leftover food that he could scavenge other people had discarded, the possessions he'd brought with him had either been stolen or pawned for money.

By the time he'd got to Kyoto he had lost a lot of weight, was very pale and running a high fever. He could remember looking in the mirror of a public men's room and he barley recognized himself, he looked almost nothing like the person who had set out into the world all those weeks ago.

Later, during the small hours of the morning, he finally collapsed outside a place called 'Our Lady Immaculate', an orphanage run by two nuns from the local Mission. That's where he'd met Jaden who'd found him lying on the door step, somewhere on his road to recovery the two of them became friends. Through his new friend Tai had been introduced to the game of Duel Monsters, Jaden taught him to play during his time recovering from his illness and with his new friends help as well as the other kids at the orphanage, he constructed and perfected not one but two decks, one was based around Fire attribute monsters whilst the other was focused on Dragon cards.

Tai couldn't help but smile when he was around Jaden, his cheerful demeanor and boundless optimism made him feel as if he hadn't a care in the world, in a way he was reminded of the person he used to be before his life began to fall apart.

As they were running Jaden ran straight into someone and Tai bumped into Jaden both of them dropping their cards on the ground. A man around his late 20's wearing navy blue jeans, black tank top, a belt with his dueling deck, highly polished pointed Italian shoes, and had tri-color spiked hair going in different directions, looked at the young duelists as they gathered their cards together.

"You two are duelists, aren't you?" The man asked.

"Yup, were just trying to get to the entrance exams for Duel Academy, if we get in that is." Jaden answered, both he and Tai looked up and saw the man's face and to their shock and amazement discovered that it was none other than Yugi Muto, the Legendary King of Games himself.

He then knelt down and picked up a card that landed near his foot and looked at it. "So who does this belong to?" He asked revealing the card to be Red-Eyes Black Dragon.

"That's mine," Tai said in a shaky voice as he accepted it, "It's my favorite monster."

"You don't say." Yugi replied, he reached into his deck holster and drew three cards from it, "Here, take these. These cards should bring you some luck."

He handed one to Jaden and two to Tai, the HERO user's turned out to be Winged Kuriboh whist the ones given to Tai which were Little Chimera and Black Dragon's Chick. Both boys were speechless, not only had they run into the King of Games himself, but he'd personally had given them cards with awesome special abilities.

"Uh... Thank you, we'll make you proud." Jaden said as he and Tai bowed to Yugi, the Legendary Duelist paused for a moment and gave the two boys a thumb's up before carrying on his way.

Jaden looked at his new card until he heard a voice. *"Kuri Kuri."*

"Huh? What was that?" Jaden asked to himself looking at Tai he saw he wore the same expression as him, Tai then pulled back part of the glove on his right hand away to look at this watch.

"Crap, look at the time. Now we're going to be late for the exams!" Tai exclaimed showing Jaden his watch, the two of them wasted little time and began running for dear life.

"I can't be the next King of Games if I'm late to the games." Jaden said.

Tai chuckled at this. "Oh yeah, just remember you have to go through me first." He told his HERO using friend, the two of them laughed as they ran putting their new cards into their respective decks.

On top of a hill on the outskirts of town where stood a stadium where the Entrance Exams, outside of it was a desk set up for students to register for their exams being manned by two women in white sleeveless blazers with a yellow sash across the top as well as a man in a suit. "Okay that's time." The may said to his two female companions, "Close it up, looks like nobody else is coming now."

"WAIT!" Before the two women could do anything however a voice was heard and then two figures appeared at the guard rails with bits of vegetation sticking out of their hair.

"Hey don't call us nobodies! We're here for the entrance exams for Duel Academy." Jaden told the three adults.

"Well just as long as we don't lose our grip." Tai added, "Erm, a little help please."

The inside the of the stadium was packed with duelists from all over Japan and even some from overseas had come to enter Duel Academy, who had already passed or failed the exams whilst others who were already enrolled either sat back in the stands or leaned against the rail on the upper level observing the new applicants.

Tai and Jaden rushed over to watch one of the matches standing next to a short guy with spiky turquoise hair and wearing glasses. Scanning the different fields a duel going on between one of the proctors and a guy their age with short black hair, wearing white pants and blazer which was buttoned up got their attention.

[PLP: 1900] The proctor had two monsters in defense mode, Big Shield Gardna and Gear Golem the Moving Fortress whilst the student only had one monster, Vorse Raider and a face down card.

Big Shield Gardna

ATK: 100/DEF:2600/Level: 4/Attribute: Earth/Type: Warrior/Effect

Negate the activation of a Spell Card that designates this 1 face-down monster. At that time, flip this card into face-up Defense Position. If this card is attacked, change the battle position of this card to Attack Position at the end of the Damage Step.

Gear Golem the Moving Fortress

ATK: 800/DEF:2200/Level: 4/Attribute: Earth/Type: Machine/Effect

Once per turn, during your Main Phase 1, by paying 800 Life Points, this card can attack your opponent directly this turn.

Vorse Raider

ATK: 1900/DEF: 1200/Level: 4/Attribute: Dark/Type: Beast-Warrior

"Alright student, here's your current situation," The proctor said in an commanding tone, "I have two monsters, each with a DEF higher than your monsters ATK, do you A) Throw in the towel, B) Beg for mercy or C) Run home to Momma?"

[SLP: 3200] the student smiled. "Since I don't like any of those options I'll chose D) None of the above and activate my trap, Ring of Destruction." he replied.

Ring of Destruction

Type: Basic Trap

Destroy 1 face-up monster and inflict damage to both players equal to its ATK.

"With it I can destroy my Vorse Raider and then we both take damage equal to its attack points." A collar with grenades appeared around the said monsters neck which then exploded [PLP: 0] [SLP: 1300].

"Very well done student. Welcome to Duel Academy." the proctor said as his monsters vanished.

"Thank you wise proctor." The student replied as he bowed respectively.

Up in the stands a black haired student wearing a blue long coat watched on as his two cronies who commenting on the last match.

"He's a punk." He told the pair, "We went to duel pre-school for the last three years, we're ready or the Academy. These newbie's don't know what their getting into but they'll soon learn the hard way. The Chazz Princeton way."

"Whoa, that last guy was pretty good." Tai commented.

"Yeah, he might just be as good as me." Jaden replied.

"Yeah Bastion Misawa. I heard he got the highest score out of everyone on the written test." the shorter kid told the pair.

"Whoa, me and Tai barley passed." Jaden said.

"Yeah me too and I only just won my match as well, although I'll probably never know how." the blue haired kid said, "My names Syrus by the way."

"So you're in, congrats." Tai said as he and Jaden clapped their new friend on the back, "Jay and I will be in too, well just as soon as we win our matches anyway."

"Wait, you two haven't dueled yet?" Syrus exclaimed.

"Just waiting to be called." Jaden said calmly.

"Then you two might have a problem, I think this was supposed to be the last test of the day." Syrus told them.

In the test booth sat a group of test proctors, then the guy who had been on the front desk appeared and addressed one of them as well as handing over the papers of Tai and Jaden. "Uh... sorry for interrupting, but it appears that two more students have shown up to take the exam Mr Crowler."

"Did you just call me Mister?" A man with short blond hair and ponytail wearing a blue blazer which had a frilly pink collar and gold braid on his shoulder as well as wearing purple lipstick replied.

"Uh... sorry Mrs..." the man began but was cut off.

"I have a PHD in dueling, I've earned the title Doctor thank you very much." Crowler said. "Now tell the little truants that if they want to try out they'll just have to come back next year."

Just then Crowler's phone rang, he picked up his pink cell phone and then a cold sweat ran down his face when he saw the name of who was calling. "Yes Chancellor Sheppard." Crowler answered cringing.

"Crowler, I'm calling to see how things are going." Chancellor Sheppard in his office at Academy Island said. "We wouldn't want a repeat of what happened last year when you cut a 3rd of our students for some ridiculous reason. What was it now, calling you Mr or Mrs? Anyway just remember to give to anyone who turns up a fair shot.-

"Yes of course." Crowler replied a dark look decorating his face as the Chancellor hung up, in Dr. Crowler's mind, Duel Academy was for the elite, not for some slackers who won by luck but Sheppard was the boss and what he said goes. "Pardon me a moment gentlemen." Crowler announced as he rose from his chair.

"But who will the boys duel against and which exam decks should we use?" One of the proctors asked, holding up a box with various decks in it.

"Oh don't worry I'll deal with this one personally." Crowler replied as he walked away a sinister grin spreading across his face.

Back in the stands Bastion had returned to his seat and began putting his things back into his bag.

"Tight duel Bastion." Bastion looked up and saw Jaden and Tai looking down upon him from the other side of the row of seats.

"Yeah, that was great to watch." Tai added.

"Thank you." Bastion replied.

"Hey, I'm Tai." Tai said offering his hand which Bastion accepted and shook, "My companion is Jaden and the short guy is Syrus."

"Charmed." Bastion replied.

"Y'know judging by your display you might just be the second best duelist here." Jaden said his trademark grin spread across his face whilst Tai rolled his eyes, just then a voice then came over the PA system.

-Will duelist numbers 110 and 111 report to test field 4. I repeat Will duelist numbers 110 and 111 report to test field 4…-

"Well were up, wish us luck guys." Jaden said, he and Tai went through their bags and took out their duel disks before heading off.

"Wait," Bastion said which made them stop in their tracks, "If I'm the second best duelist here who's first?"

"Yours truly," Jaden replied, "It's what I'm best at."

Tai laughed. "As for me, I hold my own." he added before her and Jaden headed off.

"Wow, those two are so confident and sure of themselves." Syrus said in awe of Jaden and Tai, "I wonder if they're really that good."

"They're going to have to be." Bastion told him and then indicated to the dueling floor, "Look who their up against."

The two boys stepped onto the dueling field, duel disks at the ready and at the other end Crowler was waiting for them. "Alright who's first?" The blond haired Professor said, his tone oozing with authority.

Glancing at one another Tai nodded before taking a step back, allowing Jaden to take the floor.

"Alright your name son?" Crowler asked.

"Ah...Jaden, Jaden Yuki." Jaden said standing to attention, Tai meanwhile just Tai crossed his arms and rolled his eyes.

"Well ah Jaden Yuki, I'm Dr. Vellian Crowler, department chair of techniques here at Duel Academy." Crowler said, introducing himself.

"Really I never would have guessed, and I thought you were some guy who wears a suit and a mask like a mascot at a football game." Tai spoke up, his commented causing Jaden and some of the others in the stands to laugh whilst others muttered in disbelief at the pair.

Doing his best not to show his irritation at this, Crowler activated his duel vest. "Y'know that's a pretty cool piece of kit," Jaden said, impressed by the piece of technology, "Where can I get one of those?"

"Oh this, when you get to the Academy I'm sure we can work out something. Provided that you study hard and receive high marks." Crowler replied officially as he and Jaden drew their first five cards, *'Of course you first have to get into Duel Academy and I'm going to make sure neither you nor your drop out friend ever do.'*

"DUEL!" Jaden and Crowler declared.

[JLP: 4000] Drawing a a sixth card, Jaden surveyed his opening hand. "For my turn I'll summon Elemental HERO Avian in defence mode." He declared.

Elemental HERO Avian

ATK: 1000/DEF: 1000/Level 3/Attribute: Wind/Type: Warrior

A green-clad warrior with white wings and a brown claw on his left arm appeared and knelt down, its arms folded across its chest. "And I'll throw down a face down and I'll end my turn. Get your game on."

[CLP 400] "Fine, don't tell me what to do." Crowler replied, muttering the last part under his breath. A sixth card shot into Crowler's hand and observed his opening hand, *'Not a bad start, but then again since I'm using my own personal deck rather then one of the test decks I expected nothing less. I'll fail both these little upstarts in no time flat...'*

"Alright I'll start off with an easy one." Crowler declared, selecting a card from his hand and slipped it into one of his Spell/Trap zones, "I play the spell card Confiscation,

Confiscation

Type: Basic Spell

Destroy all Spell and Trap Cards on the field

"For a minimal cost I'm allowed to look at your hand and discard one card to the graveyard." Holographic versions of the cards Jaden had in his hand appeared in front of Crowler (Monster Reborn, Hero Signal, The Warrior Returning Alive and Polymerization) [CLP: 3000].

"Oh yes I remember some of these from when I was first starting out. But which one should I choose... Monster Reborn to the graveyard." Crowler announced Jaden grimaced as he discarded his card to the graveyard but he knew Crowler wasn't done yet.

"Now I'll place two cards face down, then I'll activate Heavy Storm!" Crowler yelled.

Heavy Storm

Type: Basic Spell

Destroy all Spell and Trap Cards on the field.

"This destroys all spell and trap cards on the field!" A hurricane emerged with various debris blowing around in side of it, it then shredded Jaden's Draining Shield trap and as well as Crowler's two face down cards to pieces which, both of which happened to be Statue of the Wicked.

"Whoops, looks like you destroyed your cards as well teach." said Jaden then dark clouds collected around them and then from it emerged two sickly yellow snake like demons on the field.

Statue of the Wicked

Type: Basic Trap

When this face-down card is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, Special Summon 1 "Wicked Token" (Fiend-Type/DARK/4 Stars/ATK 1000/DEF 1000) on your side of the field.

Up in the stands Bastion and Syrus looked on. "Can someone tell me what's just happened?" Syrus asked.

"The two cards Crowler had were called Statue of the Wicked," Bastion replied "It's a trap that creates a monster token when destroyed, hence the reason he played Heavy Storm."

"A card of that level couldn't be in any test deck, Professor Crowler must be using his own." One of Chazz's cronies said.

"Then this is already over. No beginner can beat Crowler right Chazz." The other added.

Chazz grinned. "I think I'm going to enjoy seeing Crowler mop the floor with our mouthy little friends down there." He told the pair, "I just wish he treated all the other third rate trash at the Academy the same way."

Above where Chazz was sitting, leaning against the rail was a girl who was Tai and Jaden's age with dirty blond hair and matching eyes wearing a blazer similar to ones warn by the two women manning the registration desk, only here's was white and blue, as well as and a blue mini skirt. "I can't believe Crowler," She told the tall guys stood next to her, her tone disapproving, "Bullying some poor kid with his very best cards."

"You're too soft Alexis." Her companion said, a tall guy a few years older than her with dark blue hair wearing a long white coat similar to Alexis's only with the sleeves attached and had tails, he also wore blue pants. "I just hope we get to see that Legendary rare card Crowler's supposedly got stashed away in that deck of his."

Then a bolt of lightning passed behind the two and reformed into a tall man with spiky blonde hair.

"Let's see if he can get out of this mess." The figure stated.

"Oh hello Laxus." Alexis greeted him.

Back on the field Crowler was about to continue with his move. "I do hope you are keeping up with the lesson plan Mr Yuki?" he said sarcastically.

"Don't worry I think I can bare all this in mind." Jaden replied, seemingly oblivious to Crowler's tone.

"Good because you'll certainly want to pay attention to this." A wicked grin spreading across Crowler's face as he selected a card from his hand, "I now sacrifice both my Wicked Tokens to Advance Summon my ultimate monster...Ancient Gear Golem!" Both of the blond mans tokens vanished in a gulf of flames and from it emerged his ace monster, a giant created that towered over the field, the sight of it sent a wave of shock and awe throughout the arena.

Ancient Gear Golem

ATK: 3000/DEF: 3000/Level 8/Attribute: Earth/Type: Machine/Effect

This card cannot be Special Summoned. During battle between this attacking card and a Defense Position monster whose DEF is lower than the ATK of this card, inflict the difference as Battle Damage to your opponent. If this card attacks, your opponent cannot activate any Spell or Trap Cards until the end of the Damage Step.

"Now, now. I hope you're not too scared of my Legendary Ancient Gear Golem." Crowler said, expecting Jaden to be quaking with fear, the answer he got however wasn't one he expected.

"No way, I've always wanted to see one." Jaden replied, "And now I get to take it on too, this is sweet."

Up in the stands the blue haired boy could hardly believe his ears "He's staring down that monster like he hasn't a care in the world." He said, surprise in his voice, "I guess youth and inexperience have their benefits after all."

"Cut the kid some slack Zane, at least he's got some guts." Alexis replied

"And they'll be decorating the stadium floor after Gear Golems attack." Zane told her.

Crowler let out a sinister laugh. "Now Golem attack with Ultimate Pound!" The mechanical giant's fist collided with Jaden's monster, then an after-image struck Jaden himself [JLP: 2000].

"Wait how come Jaden lost life points?" Syrus asked.

"Because when Gear Golem attacks a monster in defense mode, the difference between its DEF and Gear Golem's ATK is dealt to the opponent as damage." Bastion informed him, "Plus when the opponent cannot activate any spell or trap cards when it attacks."

Jaden's eyes were lowered to the floor, everyone assuming he was crying until he threw his head back laughing.

"Oh boy I am really stoked, now I want to get Duel Academy more then ever. My draw." Jaden said as he drew a card that just happened to be Winged Kuriboh, the card he got from Yugi hearing the same voice when he got the card. **"Kuri Kuri!"**

"What, you want me to play you buddy?" Jaden asked, just then the image of Winged Kuriboh winked at him, the sight of this took him back a little.

"Okay then, I play Winged Kuriboh in defense mode." Jaden announced, the small brown creature with its small angel wings as well as a single brown backed card appeared on the field.

Winged Kuriboh

Attack: 300/Defense: 200/Level 1/Attribute: Light/Type: Fairy/Effect

When this card on the field is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, its effect is activated. After activation, during this turn, any Battle Damage that the controller of this card takes becomes 0.

"Next I'll throw down a face down and end my turn." He continued, "So what do you think teach, not a bad move."

Crowler laughed at this. "No not bad, but did you forget that my Ancient Gear Golem can go through your life points even if your monster is in defense mode?" He told our hero, "Now attack, Ultimate Pound!" Again the giant reared its fist before unleashing a vicious blow, taking out Winged Kuriboh with little effort.

Crowler was confused a why Jaden's Life Points didn't go down to zero yet and said. "Get your gear checked, your life point counter is malfunctioning."

Jaden smiled. "Nothing's malfunctioning." He replied, "When Winged Kuriboh is destroyed, I take zero damage this turn."

The whole arena gasped in shock. "Well looks like there's a technique that even Crowler doesn't know." Alexis said, sounding a little impressed.

"No one can be expected to know every technique in this game Alexis. Especially one as obscure as that." Zane retorted, but in truth he was just as shocked and impressed as everyone else.

"Yeah well that kid Jaden knew about it." Alexis replied.

"Fine, your lame little monster bought you one turn." Crowler snorted as he composed himself.

"Hey just hold on a sec, you may have beat my monster but that doesn't give you the right to kick him when he's down." Jaden retorted.

"Oh that's right I forget that newbie's like you have a habit of getting attached to their cards, I'm sorry." Crowler sneered.

"Yeah well you should be because now I activate the trap card." The brunette said, "Go Hero Signal."

Hero Signal

Type: Basic Trap

Activate only when a monster on your side of the field is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard. Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Elemental Hero" monster from your hand or Deck.

"This summons a new HERO to my field." Jaden explained, "So let's all give a warm welcome to Elemental HERO Burstinatrix."

Elemental HERO Burstinatrix

ATK: 1200/DEF: 600/Level 3/Attribute: Fire/Type: Warrior

The female Elemental HERO appeared, striking a heroic pose. The dark haired woman sporting a red full-body jumpsuit, red gloves that went up to her elbows and a gold crown with a green gem in it.

Jaden then drew a new card. "I play the spell The Warrior Returning Alive." He declared.

The Warrior Returning Alive

Type: Basic Spell

Add 1 Warrior-Type monster from your Graveyard to your hand.

"This allows me to take a Warrior from my graveyard and add it to my hand. So I'll choose Avian and summon him to the field in attack mode." Jaden announced as the green clad warrior returned to the field. "Next I activate the spell card Polymerization."

Polymerization

Type: Basic Spell

Send Fusion Material Monsters that are listed on a Fusion Monster Card from your hand or your side of the field to the Graveyard, and Special Summon that Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck.

"With this I fuse Elemental HEROE's Avian and Burstinatrix." Jaden announced, both of his HERO's were sucked into a Fusion Vortex. "Fusion Summon, come forth...Elemental HERO Flame Wingman..."

A burst of light erupted from the Vortex and from it emerged a green monster with a Dragon's head on its right arm, one white wing on his left side of his back, and a Dragon's tail poking from its rear.

Elemental HERO Flame Wingman

ATK: 2100/DEF: 1200/Level 6/Attribute: Wind/Type: Warrior/Fusion/Effect

Elemental HERO Avian + Elemental HERO Burstinatrix

This monster cannot be Special Summoned except by Fusion Summon. When this card destroys a monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard, inflict damage to your opponent equal to the ATK of the destroyed monster.

"Get ready teach, cos when Gear Golem and Flame Wingman go head to head its going to be like a Clash of the Titans." Jaden told the blond haired professor, eager for the upcoming fight.

"I have to admit your new monster is somewhat impressive but next time trying playing a monster stronger than your opponents." Crowler said offhandedly.

"What's he talking about?" Syrus asked.

"He's saying that even Jaden's new monster is no match for Gear Golem." Bastion informed him, "That's too bad, because when Wingman destroys an opponent's monster, its ATK is dealt to the opponent as damage."

"Alright kid, I don't won't rush you but I am a busy man." Crowler stated looking at his watch, "Are you done yet?"

"Nope. I activate the Field Spell Skyscraper." Jaden said as he played his card.

Skyscraper

Type: Field Spell

When an "Elemental HERO" monster attacks, if its ATK is lower than the ATK of the attack target, the attacking monster gains 1000 ATK during damage calculation only.

The field changed into a scene that resembled the New York City skyline at midnight, Flame Wingman standing atop of a spire of a building that resembled the Empire State Building. "Bring it on, this silly little field spell hasn't change my monsters points at all." Crowler said his monster points unaffected by its new surroundings.

"Yeah but that's not the point, when one of my HERO's fights a monster with more ATK it raises my monsters ATK by 1000." Jaden stated and true to his word, Flame Wingman's ATK sky-rocketed (EHFWM 2100→3100).

"Now attack Ancient Gear Golem, Flame Shoot!" Jaden yelled as Flame Wingman jumped up and turned into a big flaming fireball and crashed into Ancient Gear Golem [CLP: 2900].

"Now comes Wingman's Special Ability, hitting you for Gear Golem's 3000 ATK as damage." Flame Wingman then landed in front of Crowler, pointing the dragons head on its right arm at him and released a gout of flame, wiping out the rest of the Professor's life points [CLP: 0]

"That's game." Jaden announced, striking a victory pose.

As the holograms faded Tai and Jaden glanced at each other, the HERO duellist nodding at his friend. Tai stepped forward and took Jaden's spot, the grey clad duelist flashing him a grin before wishing him luck. "Just remember our promise Tai." Jaden said, "We get into the Academy together or not at all."

A grin spread across Tai's face. "Together or not at all." He repeated, the two of them knocked their fists together, displaying their best friend salute/handshake. Tai then took hold of the goggles and black headband around his neck and pulled them up onto his forehead.

On the other side of the field Crowler was glaring at the pair *'So they have some stupid best friend agreement do they. If his slacker friend doesn't win Jaden will drop out will he.'* Sinister grin spreads across his heavily make up covered face, *'Very well then. If thats the case I'll simply humiliate this wash out, restore my reputation and kiss Jaden and his little friend good bye.'*

Up in the stands Syrus, Bastion, Chazz, Zane and Alexis looked on, they'd all heard Jaden and Tai's agreement. "Are they serious?" Syrus exclaimed, "If Tai lose,s Jaden will give up his place at the Academy."

Bastion said nothing. *'Come on Tai you have to win, it's not just your future that's on the line but Jaden's too.'*

Seated amongst the blue students Chazz was smirking. *'Oh well. Bye bye Jaden, you'll never get into Duel Academy cos your friend will never beat Crowler. You might have gotten lucky but you know what they say, lightning never strikes twice.'*

Above Chazz and his two cronies Alexis's hand was gripping the guard rail so tight her knuckles where white whilst Zane looked on impassive.

Down on the field Tai was deciding which of his decks to use, *'Hmm...which one to use decisions* decisions?' He mused, '*I think my fire deck should do just nicely. Watch out Crowler, cos your about to get burnt.'* He then put one away before shuffling the other and placing it the deck slot of his Duel Disk.

"Alright then boy, your name?" Crowler demanded as he finished shuffling his own deck, he then replaced back it into his Duel Vest.

"Taichi Yuki." Tai replied.

*'What, those two are brothers, possibly twins but they look nothing alike.'* Alexis thought to herself *'Those two must be really close, that explains this pact of theirs.'*

Back on the field both Tai and Crowler had activated their respective Dueling devises and drew their first five cards. "DUEL!" They both declared.

[TLP: 4000] "All right then you Rocky Horror wannabe, I'll go first." Tai announced as he drew a new card, "Hope you can withstand the flames of my deck because I'm summoning Volcanic Slicer."

Volcanic Slicer

ATK: 1800/DEF: 1200/Level: 4/Attribute: Fire/Type: Pyro/Effect

Once per turn, you can inflict 500 damage to your opponent. If you activate this effect, this card cannot attack during this turn

A dinosaur like bipedal creature, its body made of golden metal, appeared. "Ha, thats your opening move." Crowler sneered, "And here I was expecting more."

"I wouldn't get too cocky if I were you, especially with Slicer's ability." Tai replied, "By giving up my attack, Slicer can hit you for 500 damage." The metallic creature launched a fireball from its mouth at the Professor, causing the blond man to let out a girlish scream as he dived out of the way to avoid it [CLP: 3500].

Tai then selected another card from his hand and slipped it into one of is Spell/Trap Zones. "I set a card face down, turn end." He declared.

Picking himself up off of the ground Crowler quickly composed himself. Whilst he did want to admit it out loud, he was unfamiliar with the brunettes monster. What was clear was that he couldn't let his guard down. After all he'd underestimated Jaden and paid the price, he would not make that mistake again.

A card shot into his hand from his Duel Vest and he observed his opening hand a plan forming. "For my turn I'll use Magnet Circle Lv2," He declared.

Magnet Circle LV2

Type: Basic Spell

Special Summon 1 Level 2 or lower Machine-Type monster from your hand.

"This summons a level 2 or lower machine type monster from my hand," he explained, "I now summon Ancient Gear."

Ancient Gear

ATK: 100/DEF: 800/Level: 2/Attribute: Earth/Type: Machine/Effect

While an "Ancient Gear" is face-up on your side of the field, you can Special Summon this card from your hand in Attack Position.

A monster that looked like a complicated cog and mechanism with robot arms appeared. "And now my monster's ability activates I can summon another Ancient Gear from my hand." A second gear then appeared beside the first.

"Don't be scared little boy, my Ancient Gears won't be around for long." Crowler informed Tai, a smirk forming on his face, "Because I now Release both of them to Advance Summon my old friend, Ancient Gear Golem..."

The monster that had driven Jaden into a corner last time appeared once again on the field, a frown spread across Tai's face as he stared up at it. *'Damn, I was kinda hoping he wouldn't be able to summon it this quickly…'*

"Golem destroy his Volcanic Slicer," Crowler ordered, "Ultimate Pound…" Crowler ordered, the mechanical titan launched a powerful punch at Tai's monster, dispatching it with little effort [TLP: 2800].

"And like that my Golem and I have crushed your puny monster." Crowler sneered, "If you like to forfeit now it won't be held against you, after all you simply don't have the skills to compete with a Duelist of my calibre."

Tai glared at Crowler as he drew a new card, right now he unfortunately didn't have anything that surpassed Ancient Gear Golem in strength. *'Looks like I'm gonna have to play this and hope for the best…'* "I play Graceful Charity, so I get to draw three new cards as long as I ditch two." he declared.

Graceful Charity

Type: Basic Spell

Draw 3 cards, then discard 2 cards

Drawing his three new cards, Tai considered his options before picking the two he'd discard. *'This card…yes, that'll work'* "I play a Spell, Onslaught of the the Fire Kings." he announced.

Onslaught of the Fire Kings

Type: Basic Spell

If your opponent controls a monster and you control no monsters: Special Summon 1 FIRE Beast, Beast-Warrior, or Winged Beast-Type monster from your Deck. Its effects are negated and it is destroyed during the End Phase. You can only activate 1 "Onslaught of the Fire Kings" per turn

"Since I have no monsters on my field I can summon a Fire attribute Beast, Beast-Warrior or Winged Beast from my deck," Tai explained, "And the monster I choose is Fire King High Avatar Garunix."

Fire King High Avatar Garunix

ATK: 2700/DEF: 1700/Level: 8/Attribute: Fire/Type: Winged Beast/Effect

During the next Standby Phase after this card was destroyed by a card effect and sent to the Graveyard: Special Summon this card from the Graveyard. When you do: Destroy all other monsters on the field. When this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard: Special Summon 1 "Fire King" monster from your Deck, except "Fire King High Avatar Garunix"

A burst of flames erupted from tai's field and from it emerged a large dragon/bird with multicoloured feathers. Tai then selected a card from his hand. "Next up I summon Volcanic Scattershot."

Volcanic Shattershot

ATK: 500/DEF: 0/Level: 2/Attribute: Fire/Type: Pyro/Effect

When this card is sent to the Graveyard, inflict 500 damage to your opponent. If this card is sent to the Graveyard for the effect of a "Blaze Accelerator" card, you can send 2 "Volcanic Scattershots" from your hand / Deck to the Graveyard to destroy all monsters your opponent controls

Another metallic creature appeared on Tai's field, this one being rust coloured and sporting three heads. "Turn end." Tai declared. No sooner had he said these words, Garunix's body erupted into flames and vanished.

"Wait, what just happened?" Syrus exclaimed in shock, "Where did Tai's bird go?"

"I see, that's his plan…" Bastion said, more to himself then to his blue haired companion.

"What are you talking about?" Syrus asked, sounding confused.

"A monster summoned with Onslaught of the Fire Kings is destroyed during the end phase." Bastion replied.

"I don't get it. " Syrus inquired. "If his monster gets destroyed whats the point of playing it?"

"Just watch." Bastion assured him. "Trust me, there's a reason Tai chose to summon Garunix like that."

Crowler let out a chuckle as a new card show out of his deck. "Well I'd say that last turn of yours was entirely pointless." the blond man sneered, "You summoned a high levelled monster only to have it self-destruct on you."

"Oh I wouldn't say that." Tai replied, a grin on his lips, "And I wouldn't count Garunix out of this fight just yet either." A gout of flame was released from the brunettes Graveyard slot taking the form of Tai's dragon/bird.

"B…but how?" Crowler exclaimed, taken aback by the monsters reappearance.

"When Garunix is destroyed by card effect it comes back during the opponents Standby Phase." Tai explained, "Not only that, it also destroys all other monsters on the field." Flames erupted from Garunix's body that spread out and engulfed the field, destroying Gear Golem and Scattershot in the process.

"Oh and one more thing," Tai continued, "When Scattershot is sent to the grave, it hits you for 500 damage." [CLP: 3000]

All around the arena the gathered students and faculty were staring at the battlefield with both a sense of shock and awe. For the second time Crowler's signature monster had been defeated.

"I don't believe it, he actually did it." Alexis said, a note of awe in her voice, "Just when it seemed that Crowler had him backed into a corner, with one draw he managed to turn things around."

"You little punk…" Crowler snarled, he then snatched a card from his hand, "Don't think for a second that you've won, I play the Spell Premature Burial."

Premature Burial

Type: Equip Spell

Activate this card by paying 800 Life Points, then target 1 monster in your Graveyard; Special Summon that target in face-up Attack Position and equip it with this card. When this card is destroyed, destroy the equipped monster

"I pay 800 lifepoints and summon a monster from Graveyard." Crowler announced, "And I think we both know which monster I'm going to choose. Rise again, Ancient Gear Golem…" Once again the giant Machine monster appeared on its master's field [CLP: 2200].

"Ah man, just when it seemed like we didn't have to worry about Gear Golem anymore." Syrus groaned.

Bastion didn't say anything. *'Seems it was a little premature to think that the Professor was just going to roll over.'* the dark haired Duelist thought to himself, *'Tai, I wonder what you'll do now...'*

Back on the field Tai was staring up at the mechanical giant that once more dominated his opponents field, "Damn this thing is annoying," he growled in frustration, "What's it going to take to put this thing down for good?"

"Golem, attack and crush his bird," Crowler commanded, "Ultimate Pound…" The ancient Machine creature unleashed another devastating blow, the giants fist knocking Garunix out of the air and slamming into the ground before it shattered into data pieces [TLP: 2500].

"Ready to surrender yet?" Crowler said in a taunting manner, "Even if you do defeat my Ancient Gear Golem, it shall always rise again."

"Surrender, no thanks." Tai said as he drew a new card. "And don't be so quick to start patting yourself on the back, especially since you haven't beaten me yet."

"What are you talking about," Crowler scoffed, "I've already defeated your best monster." No sooner had he said that Tai let out a chuckle. "I fail to see what's so funny, care to share with the rest of us?"

"Its just you claim to have beaten my best monster. Don't get me wrong Garunix is a good card, however its far from the best this deck has." Tai replied, "And you know what, I don't need my best monster to beat you."

"WHAT!" Crowler exclaimed, *'This little…who does he think he is?'*

"I activate my trap, Call of the Haunted," Tai declared.

Call of the Haunted

Type: Continuous Trap

Activate this card by targeting 1 monster in your Graveyard; Special Summon that target in face-up Attack Position. When this card leaves the field, destroy that target. When that target is destroyed, destroy this card

"Like you I'm also going to summon a monster from my grave," Tai said, "I return Volcanic Slicer to the field." In an instant the metallic monster reappeared in front of its master. "Next I summon Battle Footballer in defence mode." He announced and a monster clad in multicolored football gear appeared on the field and crouched down on its knees with its arms cross across its chest.

Battle Footballer

ATK: 1000/DEF: 2100/Level: 4/Attribute: Fire/Type: Machine

Tai selected another card in his hand. "Next I play a little Spell, one your familiar with: Polymerization." He announced as he played his card, "I fuse my Pyro type Volcanic Slicer with my Machine type Battle Footballer."

A Fusion Vortex opened up above both players heads, Tai's two monster being drawn into it. "Fusion Summon, come forth...Ignition Beast Volcannon."

Ignition Beast Volcannon

ATK: 2300/DEF: 1600/Level: 6/Attribute: Earth/Type: Machine/Fusion/Effect

1 Machine-Type monster + 1 Pyro-Type monster

When this card is Fusion Summoned: You can target 1 monster your opponent controls; destroy that target, also destroy this card, then if both monsters were destroyed, inflict damage to your opponent equal to the ATK of the monster in the Graveyard that was targeted by this effect

From the vortex emerged an armor clad draconic creature, its body covered with several different guns and launchers. Seeing it Crowler began cackling like a maniac. "That's your monster, your going to challenge my Golem with that." He sneered, "It doesn't even close to my monster in strength."

"Then its a good thing I don't have to worry about fighting it then, instead I'll just use Volcannon's Special Ability." Tai replied, "When its Fusion Summoned I can choose a monster on my opponents field and both it and Volcannon are destroyed. Volcannon, Fusion Blast!"

Volcannon's fuse like tail suddenly ignited and burned down reaching its body, the Machine creature exploded releasing a large burst oft energy and shrapnel which engulfed the field taking out Gear Golem and almost knocking both Duelists off of their feet.

"Don't think you've won," Crowler growled, "You may have defeated Gear Golem but I still have Lifepoints."

"Not for long you don't." Tai replied, "Because now you take monsters ATK as damage." Before he could say anything, several pieces of the destroyed Gear Golem fell from the sky and almost crush Crowler [CLP: 0].

The crowd erupted into cheers at Tai's victory whilst others stared on in disbelief that Dr Vellian Crowler, one of the top educators at Duel Academy, had been beaten. Twice in quick succession.

"No way, it must be dumb luck. No way Crowler can be beaten by two drop outs." Chazz exclaimed, his eyes even wider then they had been after Jaden's duel.

"Alright they did it, they won." Syrus cheered.

*'I'm glad,'* Bastion thought smiling, *'I could use the competition and I feel those two aren't going to make it easy for me.'*

Up on the balcony Alexis was smiling at the scene that played out before her. "Oh wow, they both managed to win," she commented as she watched the two victorious boys once again perform their salute/handshake, "I get the feeling those two are going to make things interesting when they arrive at the Academy." Zane however said nothing as he walked off.

Laxus had a smirk form on his face. This was going to be a exciting first year.

As Jaden danced around Tai was organizing his cards, pleased at how the duel had turned out. However he paused when he came across a particular one, Familiar-Possessed - Hiita, the sight of it causing his smile to disappeared.

It was stupid but when even he played this card he couldn't help but think of her, was that the only reason he included this card in his deck, because it looked like her? *'Sora...'*