The Student in Red

Volume 1 – The Scarlet Newbie Saga

Chapter 4 – Testing the Waters

"Alright, here's an easy one. Last turn, you set Gift of the Mystical Elf , Trap Jammer, and Ring of Destruction on the field. Your opponent has the card Barrel Behind the Door set on his side of the field. Your Life Points are 500, whilst your opponent's are 1500. There are three monsters on your side of the field, and two on your opponent's – the strongest one on the field being your opponent's Gemini Elf. Your move?"

"Simple. Start the Battle Phase, and then activate Gift of the Mystical Elf. That brings my Life Points to 2000. Use Ring of Destruction on his Gemini Elf, and since it's the Battle Phase, use Trap Jammer to stop his Barrel."

Today was the day of the Academy's Monthly Exams. While most people would be freaking out, he was rather nonchalant about it, bordering uncaring. Still, Dark Elf insisted that he studied, so the two have been going over duel puzzles.

He was curious about why he hadn't seen hide nor hair of his other spirits so far that day, but decided not to ask, they have their own lives after all.

"Correct." The duel spirit spoke with a smile. "While I have no doubt you'll do well, it pleases me that you're taking the time to study for once."

Konami simply shrugged in response. "You insisted." He then sighed before taking another look at his surroundings. As per Dark Elf's 'request', he was in the classroom, in his seat, about an hour before class even started. "Why are we here again?" He allowed himself to speak rather than think due to him being literally the only one in the room.

"You need to study, and the blue imp's chanting would not help in that matter." Dark Elf deadpanned, referring to how Syrus seemed to be praying to Slifer.

Before he could respond, he hear a voice call out to him from behind.

"Well isn't this a surprise?" A British male voice spoke. Turning, Konami saw...some Ra student. He looked familiar, but at the same time, not at all. "I wasn't expecting to see someone else here this early."

"What can I say?" Konami said to the approaching Ra. "It's Exam day, and I take my studies seriously." He could hear Dark Elf scoff at his statement.

"You and I both." The Ra said to Konami before extending his hand for a shake. "The name's Bastion Misawa. Pleasure to meet you."

"Konami Takahashi, likewise." Konami responded, accepting the handshake.

"Ah, the new student." Bastion said, nodding to himself. "I've seen your duel against Pipin, Very well played."

"Thanks." Konami said with a shrug. "So, know anything about the test?" Konami questioned.

"Only what we've been told before." Bastion said with a shrug of his own. "There are two parts of the test – written and practical. The written test should go over everything we've learned this month, although the test changes depending on year and dorm."

"And the practical exam?" The red-capped Slifer asked, genuinely curious. "A duel, right?"

"Correct." The Ra nodded. "Not much to this one – duel an opponent from the same dorm. Win, and you pass, with a chance of promoting to the next dorm."

"Not like you have a shot at moving up anyway!" A rather arrogant sounding voice exclaimed. Approaching the two was an Obelisk Blue male student with wildly spiked black hair and a smirk on his face. "You're dead wrong if you think they'll let a nerd and a reject get promoted."

"Nerd?" Bastion questioned, slightly baffled.

"Reject?" Konami followed suit, narrowing his eyes slightly.

"That's right!" The Obelisk answered, smugly. "Not everyday someone gets denied from their dorm."

"How many times do I need to go over this?" Konami shook his head. "They ran out of uniforms. I couldn't be a Ra without demoting someone else."

"And if you did, I'd be leaving you alone and having this discussion with that guy, Ra Reject!" He quickly retorted.

"Are you here for a reason?" Bastion spoke up, giving the Obelisk a small glare. This caused the blue-garbed student to pause for an instant.

"Actually, yes I am." He answered, before stepping up to Konami, looking him dead in the eye. "Listen here, Reject." The Obelisk spat out the word. "Between you and that Slacker, Jaden, you've caused quite the commotion. I honestly don't care what losers you lucked into beating. You both are Slifers – the lowest of the low. Right now, I'm reminding you of that. Don't think that a few lucky wins mean anything, so learn your place."

"And just where would 'my place' be?" Konami shot back, irritated at the student in front of him.

Konami's question caused the teen to smirk. "Why, beneath my boots, of course." He let out a chuckle. "I'm done here." Without waiting for a response, he turned around, walking to his seat in the room. He stopped after the first few steps, though. "By the way, Reject?" He turned his head back to Konami. "The name's Chazz Princeton. Don't forget it." And with that, he left the Slifer and Ra to their own devices.

It was silent between Konami and Bastion for a few moments. Bastion kept glaring in Chazz's direction, annoyed at the unwanted interruption.

Konami, however, was beginning to feel his blood boil. He could handle a few insults – it happens – but Chazz, for no good reason, just verbally spat in his face. Reject? Beneath his boots? That was an insult to his pride.

"So that's Chazz Princeton, huh?" Konami grunted out.

"I suppose you've heard of him?" Bastion responded. "Then I suppose you'd know he's supposed to be one of the best in this Academy."

"Who almost got beaten by a Slifer Red." Dark Elf deadpanned.

"Is he that good?" The red-capped Slifer questioned, ignoring his spirit.

"Indeed, although I am certain he is not nearly on the same level as Zane Truesdale, so he is far from unbeatable." The Ra answered, a small smirk playing at his lips.

'Zane Truesdale.' Konami repeated the name mentally. "No, I suppose not." Konami spoke out, before noticing the increasing number of students in the room. "I guess study time's almost over." Konami frowned.

"Quite." Bastion responded, nodding his head. "I'll see you later, I suppose." The Ra said, sending a small wave as he went to his seat. "Good luck on your exam."

Nodding to the Ra, Konami sat back down, waiting for the class – and the following test – to begin. Doing his best to keep his mind focused entirely on his recent studying, he just barely noticed as Syrus took his seat nearby.

Konami did notice, however, that Jaden didn't arrive with him.

Turned out, Jaden slept in. At least, that was the answer that Konami thought up that made the most sense. Then again, knowing his energetic friend, it's also quite possible that he simply forgot it was a school day, or took the wrong turn and ended up going to one of the other dorms before getting on the right track.

'Hell, maybe he helped an old lady cross the street or something.' Konami thought, barely suppressing a snort.

Syrus ended up falling asleep rather quickly, mumbling about how spells work.

Granted half of what he said was wrong, but still.

Jaden arrived about halfway through the exam, and after a humorous (in Konami's opinion) exchange with Chazz, the tardy Slifer grabbed a test of his own to work on.

Only for him and Syrus to fall back asleep soon after, much to the annoyance of pretty much every other student in the classroom.

Konami could've sworn he heard a familiar voice laughing maniacally while the two boys slept.

'Crowler?'

"Crowler."

It wasn't long before Professor Banner – the one overseeing the exam – called the written exam to a close, dismissing the students. Of course, with the news of rare cards being shipped in, nearly every student in the room ran out, eager to get some.

The only ones left in the room were Konami, the sleeping Slifer duo, and, surprisingly, Bastion. The Ra and Slifer shared a look, before attempting to wake up the duo.

Konami, uncertain as to how to wake up the two, simply settled for poking Jaden in the arm.

"Jaden?" He attempted. "Jay-den?" All he got in response was even louder snoring from the teen. Bastion, getting a tad annoyed at the sleeping Slifers, let out a sigh, before roughly shaking Syrus's arm.

"Say." He called out. "You might want to give some serious thought to waking up." It seemed to work for Syrus, who shot up like a bullet, before realizing what had just happened.

"Aw, I flunked, didn't I?" The smaller Slifer asked, a bit depressed. "I'm a complete failure..." This in turn seemed to have woken Jaden up.

"Sy, if they were grading on melodrama, you'd get an 'A'!" The teen joked, raising his head up. Konami himself let out a chuckle at the line.

"Hey, where'd everyone go?" Syrus questioned, looking around the room.

"The card shop." Konami answered, unintentionally cutting off Bastion. "There's new rare cards coming in today."

"What?!" Syrus exclaimed. "New cards?! How come no one told us?!"

"You were asleep." Konami deadpanned.

"That, and everyone wants the best cards for themselves, to use in the upcoming field exam." Bastion added, sending a small glare to the red-capped Slifer.

"Why aren't you two getting any?" The small Slifer accused.

"Please." Bastion scoffed. "One errant card and my deck's delicate balance would be completely thrown off." The Ra explained.

"I'm satisfied what I have for now." Konami shrugged. "While I could fine tune a few strategies, I won't be using those today, so I'm not in a big hurry just yet. Plus, I pre-ordered a pack so I should be fine." The other three looked at him, surprised at the new information.

"You can pre-order?" Jaden asked, awe evident on his face.

"Not exactly." The red-capped Slifer admitted. "But I have my ways."

"If you want those cards, I'd suggest hurrying up." Bastion chimed in. "You're already pretty late as is."

"So let's go!" Jaden exclaimed. "There's nothing like the smell of new cards in the morning!" He started up and began leaving. "C'mon Sy!"

Shaking his head, Konami decided to follow them. "See ya, Bastion." He waved before darting after the other Slifers.

He caught up with them, but Jaden's card excitement forced the three to run all the way to the card shop.

"C'mon guys, hurry up!" Jaden called towards the other two as they approached the shop. "We gotta...get...in line?" The cause of Jaden's hesitation was the fact that, aside from Sadie at the counter, the entire shop was empty.

"I...guess they ran out?" Konami questioned. Of course. Syrus groaned loudly at this, while Jaden ran up to the counter.

"Excuse me, Counter Girl – ?" Jaden began.

"Sadie." Konami corrected.

"Whatever, Sadie?"

"Yes, what can I do for – ?" She paused at seeing Konami, before breaking out into a big smile. "Oh, hey, it's so nice to see you again! These must be your little friends, hmm?"

"You know her?" Syrus asked.

"Long story." He whispered, before speaking up. "Um, yeah, they're my friends." He responded to the young woman. "Jaden and Sy." He gestured to them as he said their names. "Sorry, but, uh, they were wondering, did you have any cards left?"

The other two Slifers watched, confused as the third one spoke. He acted, well, different than before. His voice was raised a couple octaves, making him sound a bit younger. His posture changed a bit as well, for he gave a small fidget every so often.

"Well of course we do." Sadie responded in a perky tone. "But only the regular ones, though." She then slid two card packs onto the table.

"Only two?" Syrus questioned. "Aw, I'm done for!"

"Actually, one of these is for Konami here." She said, picking one up and handing it to said Slifer. "Here you go, sweetie."

"Oh! Th-thank you very much!" He said, giving small bow.

"So, we only get one?!" Syrus despaired.

"Okay, then, you take it." Jaden shrugged handing to pack to the smaller Slifer.

"Really?" Syrus asked, looking utterly moved. "You'd let me have the last pack?"

"It's cool."

"But what about you? What if...you fail?"

"Hey, c'mon, I may flunk every now and then, but I never fail."

"You're friends are kinda weird." Sadie whispered to Konami.

"Thank you!" He heard Dark Elf exclaim.

"They have their moments." He agreed. All conversation ceased as a 'yoo-hoo!' was heard. Approaching the counter was another woman, this one quite a bit older than Sadie, but dressed in the same uniform.

"Oh, hey!" Jaden exclaimed, apparently knowing her. "You work here, too?"

"Oh no." She said grinning. "I don't work here, I own here. Pretty cool, huh?" She asked, winking.

"Pretty cool." Konami agreed.

"No it's not." Jaden retorted, waving his arm at the red-capped Slifer. "It's not cool, it's totally sweet!"

"So, how do you know her?" Syrus questioned.

"The carburetor, I think." Jaden said, looking a tad sheepish.

'He actually was helping out an old lady.' Konami thought to himself, sweat-dropping.

"Here I have something for you." The card shop owner said, giggling, as she handed Jaden a card pack. "Just call it a thank you for helping me."

"Will someone please turn off the damn confetti already?!" Dark Elf exclaimed, sounding extremely annoyed.

To be fair, she did have a reason to. After all, only Jaden would have the luck of missing the first half of the written test, sleeping through the second, only to impressively beat an Obelisk because he made a friend in the card shop owner. In addition, the entire school seemed to be cheering the Slifer on, and the Chancellor even promoted him to Ra Yellow!

It did seem like the confetti was a bit much, though. Sure, a Slifer did just beat Obelisk – and a powerful one at that – but there were other duels that needed to play out, and with six at most at a time, one would think they'd constantly have the fields full.

Finally, after celebrating Jaden's win, they began calling names to the field.

"Bivin Ito and Nova Yamada, please report to Duel Field One." A teacher's voice announced. "Aite Nakamura and Hiro Sato, please report to Duel Field Two. Shannon Suzuki and Syrus Truesdale, please report to Duel Field Three. Konami Takahashi –" The red-capped Slifer perked up after hearing his name. "and Gillian Kurotsuchi, please report to Duel Field Four."

Konami ignored the rest of the announcement, not caring who would take up the last two fields. No, after Jaden's duel, he was itching for one of his own.

Heading down to the field, he noticed that Gillian was already there. A look that was both calm and confident rested on his face. Gillian was a fellow Slifer student with short blond hair that spiked in the back.

Konami frowned when he saw his exam opponent. Something about this guy just...doesn't add up. Something about this guy gave him a bad feeling. That's when he saw it. His dread wasn't coming from his opponent, but the card spirit he saw floating beside him.

It was a green reptilian looking creature. The monster had fins on it's face, and it's hands and feet were webbed. Aside from it's tail, the only other noticeable feature is the maniac grin with razor-sharp teeth. If Konami remembered correctly, this monster was Amphibian Beast.

Konami swore he saw the monster look at him with an interested expression.

"Sorry I'm late!" Konami almost jumped when he heard the voice of White Dolphin, before said monster appeared beside him. "I'd hate to miss this." His tone was both apologetic and humored.

'Where were you guys?' Konami questioned his spirit, only turning his eyes slightly to acknowledge him.

"Dark Elf didn't want us disturbing your studying." The dolphin responded, sweating slightly.

"Well what do you know?" The opposing Slifer unknowingly interrupted, a good-natured tone in his voice. "Konami Takahashi, the kid in the red hat." He started. "You're quickly getting famous, you know."

"I just duel." The red-capped Slifer shrugged. "It's not like I'm the only one with any skill around here."

"Either way, I'm a bit excited to duel you. That being said," Gillian then readied his Duel Disk. "there's no way I'm planning on failing!"

"Same here." Konami let out a smirk, his own Disk readying.

DUEL!

Gillian Kurotsuchi – 4000

Konami Takahashi – 4000

'Do you see it, too?' Konami asked his spirit, narrowing his eyes at his opponent.

"The green monster? Kinda hard not to." The dolphin responded, his tone unusually serious. "Be careful."

'Right.' He nodded before speaking to the Slifer standing across from him. "If you don't mind, I think I'll go first! Draw!"

TURN ONE – KONAMI TAKAHASHI – HAND: SIX

"I think I'll start off by summoning Space Mambo in Attack Mode!" Space Mambo was simply a large blue fish covered in odd, magic-looking lines.

Space Mambo – Water/Fish – LV4 – 1700/1000

Konami glanced at his hand before continuing. "Next I'll place a card face down before ending my turn." He noticed that the opposing Slifer had a smirk on his face.

"Alright, then, I guess it's my turn." Gillian spoke before reaching to his deck. "I draw!"

TURN TWO – GILLIAN KUROTSUCHI – HAND: SIX

"First off, I'll summon Giant Red Seasnake in Attack Mode!" The self-describing monster slithered onto the field, hissing at Konami and his monster.

Giant Red Seasnake – Water/Aqua – LV4 – 1800/800

"Next, I'll use my Field Spell – Umi – to give my monsters a boost!" As he tossed the Spell into the Field Spell Slot, water began pooling around the two, until both of them were waist-deep in it.

"You must be confident if you're willing to boost my monsters too." Konami called out to his opponent.

"Doesn't matter." Gillian waved off. "Right now, there's still a hundred-point difference in our monsters. And I'll prove it, Seasnake, attack his Space Mambo!" The snake slithered over to Konami's fish before biting down – hard – destroying it.

Gillian Kurotsuchi – 4000

Konami Takahashi – 3900

"Next," The opposing Slifer continued. "I think I'll set a card face down before ending my turn."

"Alright, then, my go! Draw!"

TURN THREE – KONAMI TAKAHASHI – HAND: FIVE

"Alright! I summon 7 Colored Fish in Attack Mode!" A large fish surfaced onto the field. The monster had sharp teeth and it's body was multicolored, giving it a rainbow-like look.

7 Colored Fish – Water/Fish – LV4 – 1800/800 (Umi – 2000/1000)

"Next, I equip it with the United We Stand! Further increasing it's power to 2800!" A blue aura enveloped the fish. "Now! Destroy his snake!"

"Not today!" Gillian exclaimed. "I activate my Trap – Waboku! Your attack wont work."

Konami let out a scowl at the other Slifer. "Fine, then." He called over to his opponent. "I guess I end my turn."

"If you're sure." The blond Slifer smirked. "Draw!"

TURN FOUR – GILLIAN KUROTSUCHI – HAND: FOUR

"First," The opposing Slifer began. "I'll summon Star Boy in Attack Mode!" Star Boy was a red starfish-looking monster with a single eye. "This little guy gives all Water monsters on the field an additional 500 point boost!"

Star Boy – Water/Aqua – LV2 – 550/500 (Buffs – 1250/700)

"Next, I'll use two Equip Spells, Steel Shell and Power of Kaishin, and Equip them to my Seasnake and Star Boy respectively." The blond continued. "That gives my Seasnake enough power to destroy your Fish!" Giant Red Seasnake, now sporting a spiked blue shell on it's back, lunged to 7 Colored Fish.

"It would." Konami replied. "If I didn't activate my Trap! Metal Reflect Slime!" A metallic spiked orb materialized onto the field.

Metal Reflect Slime – Water/Aqua/Trap – LV10 – 0/3000 (Buffs – 700/3200)

"Now, with two monsters on my field, my Fish's 800 point boost doubles, increasing it's power to 3600, and your monster's no match." The Seasnake stopped within an inch of the other monster, slowly slinking back to it's side of the field.

Grunting, Gillian glanced at the last card in his hand. "I place one last card face down before ending my turn."

"Fine by me. Draw!"

TURN FIVE – KONAMI TAKAHASHI – HAND: FOUR

"First off, I'll summon White Dolphin in Attack Mode!" Konami's duel spirit swam onto the field excitedly, doing a few flips to show off.

White Dolphin – Water/Fish – LV2 – 500/400 (Buffs – 1200/600)

"Next, I'll activate Horn of the Unicorn! Increasing it's stats by another 700!" The duel spirit seemed to flip with joy at the sudden power it received. "But I'm not done yet. From my hand, I use the Ritual Spell card, Fortress Whale's Oath!"

"Fortress Whale?" Gillian repeated, stunned. "Wait, Ritual Summoning? You'd sacrifice two powerful monsters for that?"

"No." Konami responded. "White Dolphin and 7 Colored Fish don't make up the levels needed to summon it." He then smirked. "But Metal Reflect Slime does!" The metallic creature dove into the waters, only for something much larger to slowly rise out. "Rise, culmination of land and sea! Come forth and seek vengeance on those who have wronged you! Ritual Summon! Fortress Whale!"

Fortress Whale was very intimating in appearance. In addition to it's beady eyes, sharp teeth, large horn, and visible ribs, cannons were mounted on it's back. All in all it was a rather monstrous and unnatural look.

Fortress Whale – Water/Fish – LV7 – 2350/2150 (Buffs – 3050/2350)

Konami was about to call an attack, his victory in sight, but then he had a good look at his opponent. Gillian looked calm, almost overly so for someone in his position. His look wasn't resigned either, but one of thinly veiled desperation.

'It's that face down.' Konami thought to himself. "Alright, then!" Konami called out, testing his theory. "White Dolphin, destroy his Star Boy!"

"There goes my Trap!" Gillian exclaimed. "Negate Attack!" White Dolphin's attack immediately ceased, much to the spirit's annoyance. "You can't attack, and you have no monsters in your hand! So, it's my turn! Draw!"

TURN SIX – GILLIAN KUROTSUCHI – HAND: ONE

The opposing Slifer instantly smirked. "I'll sacrifice Star Boy to summon my ace monster! Come on out, Amphibian Beast!" The spirit Konami saw before jumped out of the water, replacing the weaker monster.

Amphibian Beast – Water/Fish – LV6 – 2400/2000 (Umi – 2600/2200)

"Attack! Amphibian Beast, destroy his Whale! Seasnake, destroy his Dolphin!" The two monster lunged at their targets. Konami winced at the cry of pain White Dolphin let out.

Gillian Kurotsuchi – 4000

Konami Takahashi – 2850

"And with those two gone, your monster's now that much weaker." The blond smirked as the Fish weakened down to 2800. Konami knew what he meant, too. 2800 may be a threat, but with the monsters on his side, one good card could give Gillian the advantage.

"It may be weaker, but you forgot something, you know." Konami called out.

"And that is?"

"Horn of the Unicorn comes back! Draw!"

TURN SEVEN – KONAMI TAKAHASHI – HAND: ONE

"Whenever Horn of the Unicorn is sent from the field to the graveyard," Konami continued. "It comes back to the top of my deck."

"What?!"

"And now I'll re-use it on my 7 Colored Fish! Increasing his power from 2800 to 3500!" The multicolored fish seemed to grin as it's power increased. "Now! Destroy his Seasnake!" The fish eagerly swam up to the serpent before biting it hard, destroying the monster.

Gillian Kurotsuchi – 2900

Konami Takahashi – 2850

"I can't do anything else, so I'll end my turn." The red-capped Slifer spoke.

"Fine then." The blond shot back. "Draw!"

TURN EIGHT – GILLIAN KUROTSUCHI – HAND: ONE

The opposing Slifer scowled at his card. "I activate the Spell, Share the Pain!"

"Share the Pain?" Konami raised a brow.

"Each of us must sacrifice one monster on our side of the field. And since we each only have one..."

Konami grunted as both monsters vanished.

"Go ahead." Gillian prompted with a strained smirk. "Draw." Both knew what the card would be.

"Fine."

TURN NINE – KONAMI TAKAHASHI – HAND: ONE

Horn of the Unicorn. Unfortunately not useful for his situation.

"I end my turn." The red-capped Slifer called out.

"Well, if you insist." The blond smirked slightly wider. "I draw!"

TURN TEN – GILLIAN KUROTSUCHI – HAND: ONE

The blond's smirk fell right off his face. "I end my turn."

Konami eyes his deck hesitantly. He needed a good card – now. "I draw!"

TURN ELEVEN – KONAMI TAKAHASHI – HAND: TWO

The red-capped Slifer's eyes widened under his hat. This was it.

"Alright then." Konami spoke out. "It's time to end this." Before his opponent could question him, he slammed his newly drawn card on his disk. "I summon Piranha Army in Attack Mode!" As it's name implies, Piranha Army is a school of small-yet-viscous fish.

Piranha Army – Water/Fish – LV2 – 800/200 (Umi – 1000/400)

"That's it?" Gillian questioned, dumbfounded. "That's your winning move? Even with that Equip Spell, I'll still survive this turn!"

"Actually you won't." Konami replied. "Before I explain, I'll do like you said, and play Horn of the Unicorn once more, bringing them up to 1700 ATK!" Humorously, instead of just one monster getting the horn, every single fish in the Army got one. "Now, to explain. When Piranha Army attacks directly, the damage it deals doubles."

"Oh, no!" The blond Slifer exclaimed.

"Well, good, at least I won't have to teach you basic multiplication." Konami drawled. "Piranha Army! End this now!" The school of fish swam up before jumping out and diving at the opposing Slifer. As the fish bit him, his Life Points Slowly drained to 0.

Gillian Kurotsuchi – 0

Konami Takahashi – 2850

DUEL END

"I swear, the Chancellor's playing favorites."

"Hey, you heard him – I wasn't dueling against an Obelisk or Ra, I was dueling a fellow Slifer."

As Konami lied in his bed, the days events were rather heavily discussed between the Slifer and his spirits.

"Even so. You pulled off some great techniques, put on quite the show, and we're just brushed away for the next competitor?" Dark Elf was furious at the lack of recognition Konami was receiving. "You beat a Ra, pushed an Obelisk to surrender, and just won an intense duel, and we don't even get the damn confetti Yuki got?! Let alone the Ra recommendation –"

"That he turned down." The red-capped Slifer countered.

"Face it, Dark Elf." White Dolphin chimed in. "You're not gonna get him to care." There was an aggravated tone in his voice, most likely due to being destroyed so quickly after his summoning.

Before anyone could respond, a giggle was heard in the room.

"That's Curran again, I guess." Konami muttered, pulling out the card. "Did you guys figure anything out about her yet?" There was a trio of 'no's from Dark Elf, Key, and Mace, but White Dolphin stayed quite. "Do you know anything?"

"I think..." He began softly. "I think she's like me." He answered, a bit more firm.

"You mean a Trapped Spirit?" The red-capped Slifer questioned.

"Yeah. In fact, it's possible that the Amphibian Beast we faced earlier was one, too."

"So, there's probably going to be quite a few, huh?" Konami guessed.

"Maybe." Konami was certain if dolphins could shrug he would have. "It is rare, though, so you might find, at most, ten."

"Unless something big happens." Konami said before sighing. "Find all ten Trapped Spirits to beat the game." The red-capped Slifer muttered to himself.

"This is anything but a game." Dark Elf chimed in, only for Curran to giggle again immediately after.

"Well, it does sound fun, and might break up the monotony of school." Konami mused. "Maybe I'll talk to Gillian later – see if I could trade for his Amphibian Beast."

While Konami was making plans for his new mission, Dark Elf couldn't help but frown. While Trapped Spirits were not unheard of, the monsters trapped were either legendary creatures – or even gods – or severe criminals of the Spirit Realm, doomed to stay connected to a card in the mortal realm for eternity.

So why did only one of the three Trapped Spirits she'd seen on this island fall under those categories? What happened to them? Or rather, what's happening?

In the next chapter:

"What?! Afraid you'll be beaten by some 15-year-old kid?!" Despite his boasting, Konami felt terrified. He had to play the big hero didn't he? Sending his only backup away to get help, while he dealt with the man by himself. Still, better than letting Alexis – or he and Alexis – get kidnapped. All he had to do was stall while Jaden, Alexis, and the others find a teacher that happens to be out past midnight, and then explain that while going to check out the forbidden Abandoned Dorm, they came across a seven-foot tall giant that - 'Oh, God, I'm going to die, aren't I?'

Omake #4 – I Have My Ways:

"I hate when you do this." Dark Elf scowled.

'But it works every time.' Konami countered, a light blush on his cheeks. Why was he blushing? He wasn't wearing his hat, leaving his unkempt brown hair free for all to see. Thankfully, since the only ones who've seen his actual face were Jaden and Alexis' respective groups, most people – whether they ignored or stared – thought he was a totally different person.

He let out a grin as he approached the card shack. 'Operation: Shotacon is on!'

'Step one: Play the part, and play the part well.'

As he approached the counter, his steps became increasingly timid, his eyes glancing down at the floor, only looking up on occasion. "Um, excuse me?" Even his voice took on a more innocent-yet-nervous tone.

"Yes, sweetie?" The woman at the counter responded. "What can I do for you?"

'Step two: Do not ask for anything too specific, let them do that.'

"I, uh, I heard about cards?" Konami questioned, sounding uncertain.

"Yes, we got cards here." She responded, sounding amused. "Or do you mean the new cards coming in tomorrow?"

"Yes, those!" He answered, excitement lacing his tone.

"Well, I'm sorry, sweetie, but you'll have to wait tomorrow, like everyone else." At this, Konami visibly deflated, looking down.

Step three: There's no such thing as over exaggeration.

Also, step four: Begging and compliments will get you almost everywhere.

"I'm sorry, Miss...?"

"Sadie, call me Sadie."

"Wow, that's a pretty name!" Konami almost smirked when he saw her blush at that. "I'm sorry, but isn't there' anything you could do?" Konami pleaded. "I just want one so I don't miss my chance!"

"Well..." She seemed hesitant. Perfect.

'Step five: Make promises. Doesn't matter if you keep them or not, just make them.'

"Please?" Konami emphasized. "I'll duel extra hard so I can pay you double later!" She contemplated for a second before sighing.

"Well, I suppose I can do something." Sadie muttered.

'Step six: Big finish. And if you have them really hooked, make sure you only take what you need – you'll look even better for being humble.'

"Really? That's wonderful!" Konami then let out a big smile. "Thanks, Onee-chan!"

The girl blushed again at the boy's words. "Actually, don't worry about paying. I can handle it myself."

"No, no!" Konami pouted. "I couldn't do that to you! I'll pay, promise!"

"Alright, then. Is that everything?"

"Yeah! Thanks again, Onee-chan!" Konami said before darting off.

"You're welcome, sweetie!" He heard behind him.

'Stop doing that.' He heard Dark Elf mutter to him. 'It makes me nauseous.'

'I know. But, it's genuinely fun sometimes, and it does have it's benefits. Now, I wonder what I'll get...'

Reviews:

Infernal Hunter: I'll do my best to throw in original chapters from time to time (more as the story progresses). I enjoy writing those. Unfortunately, Chumley's role won't be too different from canon, but I'll do what I can to make him more than just 'there'. As for Curran and the spirit, you're right in a sense. Too bad Curran's just a disembodied voice at the moment.

Thunder Crush: Konami's popularity will get complicated from time to time. At least in his circle of friends – for the majority of the school, he'll be just another student for a good while. While him denying Ra was an idea, I figured it was a bit too overused, so I just made it not even an option (at least not this time.)

Argorok: Thanks. And, I'm continuing, don't worry.

jack: Thanks.

Sir Godot: I'm glad you enjoy both the work and the character.

Chapter four...damn. Three months? That's just depressing. I could've posted (or written) mid-January and have been able to use Christmas and New Years as an excuse, but no. I got lazy. I admit it, and I apologize.

On the positive side, next chapter should come soon-ish. I've actually gotten pretty interested in it.

A couple notices. One, about Omakes, they'll fall under one of two categories: either behind-the-scenes action, or what's essentially The Student in Red Abridged. This Omake could very well fall under both, since it did happen in TSiR canon. Behind-the-scenes isn't limited to just stuff not shown, either, you might get one of Konami's memories in an Omake, for example.

Secondly, there's a poll on my page. It's asking about your thoughts on how the story should go. Now, I know I've harped about this a bit, but I am interested in whether or not you are. However, for the most part, it's already decided. Unless I get dozens and dozens of people saying no, and two yes, I'll write how I currently have it planned. I'm interested in your opinions, but the current plot can stay mostly the same even if I do have to change a few ideas.

Well, that's it for me. Hope you enjoyed, and see you next chapter.