CHAPTER 4: New Emotions
Thursday
Time 10:00
It had been a couple of days since that Red Hat scene with Crowler in class. He has since been labeled a troublemaker, by both students and teachers. But he didn't care what others thought of him, to avoid further annoyance he decided not to go to classes unless there was an exam. When everyone seemed to ignore him, the only one who treated Red Hat kindly was Professor Banner. He gave him homework to do, even giving him some duel points, to return the favor Red Hat went to his classes. the other reason was because he thought Banner was different from other teachers at the academy.
"I wonder what alchemy has to do with duels? Well, never mind, at least his lessons are a bit fun." Red Hat thought as he sat watching Banner mix two substances that ended up exploding in his face. " That's what I meant." he thought trying to keep from laughing.
After Banner Red Hat's class he went right back to his room. He was preparing his deck for the upcoming match between him and Jaden. In those days he had dueled using the decks he had used until now especially against Obelisks and some yellow Ra. Except for Bastion.
He had accumulated a huge amount of duel points that he didn't even use. He used them at most every now and then to buy packs of cards or to buy some sandwiches to eat. When Slifer wasn't having fried shrimp which was everyone's favorite dish including him.
"Jaden, after everything he's heard about me, he's still excited to challenge me, it seems he wants it more than anything." Red Hat had heard rumors about Jaden. They said he was among the strongest duelists in the academy despite being a first year and a Slifer red. Thinking that there was another Slifer like him stronger than the Obelisks made him smile with enthusiasm.
Red Hat had finished its deck modifications. "Jaden, now I'm ready for you."
After all day working on the deck Red Hat decided to go out to get some air and take a walk. Leaving the room she noticed Jaden returning, along with Syrus and Chumley as usual. He decided to go to him to talk.
"Hey Jaden." greeted Red Hat going near the friend.
"Oh, hy Red Hat." Jaden returned the greeting.
"Did anything interesting happen?" he asked.
"No big deal. Crowler usual boring lesson. But you rather, I don't see you in class except when Banner is there. Where were you?" Jaden asked curious where his friend was.
" I come to class only when there are Banner lessons or when there is an exam, otherwise I stay in the dormitory to modify my deck." He answered calmly.
Upon hearing those words, everyone gasped, except for Jaden who didn't seem surprised by his friend's behavior.
"Wait. So you don't even go to class after the chaos you caused last time in class." Chumley commented.
"I think you should come to class, Red Hat. Now you're going to be Crowler's target. Not to mention, after that scene you've earned the hate of pretty much everyone in Blue Obelisk." Syrus continues.
"Why should I come to class? Most of the things they explain I already know." He answered. "Besides, if Crowler and his obnoxious Obelisk boys have a problem with me, let them come. I'm certainly not hiding from them. I'll show them the difference between us."
"Stop for a moment. So you don't come to class but you still know as many things as the teachers. Wow Red Hat. I wish I knew as many things as you so I could duel all day." Jaden commented.
"Jaden that is not the point." Syrus said with a drop of sweat coming down his head due to his friend's reaction.
"I admit it though, you have guts. Never seen a first year Slifer like you. Except Jaden." Chumley said.
"You're giving me too much credit for something I don't even do voluntarily." Red Hat replied smiling a little.
After a few moments of laughter with his friend, Jaden pulled himself together, remembering why he'd already returned to the dorm.
"Hey Red Hat. Do you want to duel me. Now." Jaden asked with his signature smile of enthusiasm.
"You know what Jaden? I actually wanted to ask you the same thing." Red Hat replied smiling in the same way as his friend in acceptance of the challenge.
As the two challengers were preparing for their challenge, footsteps were heard approaching the group. When they turned around they saw that approaching was a girl with dark blond hair and hazel eyes, wearing an Obelisk blue girls uniform. "I figured I'd find Jaden dueling him too, but I didn't expect it would happen so fast." said the girl.
Red Hat seemed the only one confused as to why an Obelisk girl was in Slifer dorm. But Jaden and the others seemed to know her.
"So you're Red Hat? The Slifer Newcomer who has earned the hatred of nearly every Obelisk blue in the academy." Said the girl turning to him with a stern look.
Red Hat was unresponsive. He kept his gaze fixed on her.
Seeing things heating up between the two, Jaden stepped in between them. "Oh right, you guys don't know each other. Red Hat this is Alexis Rhodes. She's a very good duelist you have to believe me." He introduced Jaden.
"Tell me one thing. Why are you so aggressive against the Obelisk blue." Alexis asked seriously.
Red Hat seemed to pay him no attention to her for a few seconds before deciding to answer her. "I'm just putting in their place idiots who think they're the best for grades they don't even earn."
"Even if that were the case, that's no reason to act this way," she replied.
"I don't expect you to understand my reasons. But I can't believe that such mediocre duelists can be considered among the strongest in the academy." Red Hat said making Alexis angry.
Seeing that the situation was getting even worse between the two, Jaden stepped between them once more. "Hey, Red Hat. So let's get started."
" Yes, certainly." He simply replied walking away from Alexis.
They both went to their corners.
"Great. I've wanted to duel you Red Hat for a long time." Jaden said he was getting emotional.
"Me too, in fact for the occasion I will use my real deck with you Jaden." I confirm him.
The last statement left everyone present surprised. "What does it mean?" Alexis asked confused.
" Apparently Red Hat used test decks against the Obelisk blues he dueled with, never used the real one against them." Syrus explained to her. "By the way Alexis, I was wondering that from before. Why are you here?" Syrus asked him.
"I had heard rumors of a Slifer red duelist causing trouble and beating the Obelisks in a duel. So I came to see him in person to understand what was going on." She explained.
Alexis, Cyrus and Chumley sided with Jaden. "Jaden is going to win right?" Syrus asked worried for his friend.
" Don't worry Syrus. You know Jaden, you know he can perform real miracles. And then maybe this will teach Red Hat a lesson and make him change his attitude." Alexis answered, angry at the boy's arrogant attitude. " But I wonder what cards Red Hat has?" Alexis was thinking in her mind watching the boy. "But I wonder, what can make a person behave like this? Maybe I judged him too quickly? Deep down I don't know anything about him." Alexis was thinking on Red Hat.
Jaden and Red Hat got into their corners activating their duel disks.
DUEL
Red Hat: 8000 LP
Jaden: 8000 LP
"You can make the first move Red Hat."
Red Hat just smiled. " Ok, but i won't go easy on you Jaden. I Draw!" Red Hat draws.
Hand 6
" Damnit, this is bad for the start of the duel." Red Hat was thinking as he saw the cards in his hand." I set a monster facedown than i set a card and end my turn." Red Hat end his turn.
Hand 4
" Now it's my turn. I Draw! " Jaden draws.
Hand 6
" I summon Elemental Hero Sparkman in attack position ( Atk: 1600 – Def: 1400). Go Sparkaman. Attack his monster! Static shock wave!" Sparkman sent a burst of sparks. He strike the opponent monster revealing that was Morhping Jar ( Atk: 700 – Def: 600).
" Morphing Jar flip effect. We both discard all the cards in the hand. Than draw five new cards." Red Hat explained.
" Well, let's see what we draw." Jaden and Red Hat discarded their hand and draw five cards.
"I'm not done, I activate the Michizure trap card! When one of my monsters is destroyed I can destroy one monster on the field. Since you only have one monster my target is obviously your Sparkman." said Red Hat as a pit opened under his monster dragging him.
" Not bad. I set a card facedown and end my turn." Jaden end his turn.
Hand 4
" It's my turn! I Draw! " Red Hat draws.
Hand 6
" Dang it. I have redraw and i'm still in this position. Patience, it's a little risky but i have to do it. I set a monster facedown and set one card facedown. I end my turn."
Hand 4
"Another time, he didn't summon anyone else?" Syrus asked.
" Perhaps for this he have redraw before, because he have a bad hand and he wanted to change it." Alexis responded.
"Damn, it's actually bad when it happens. Oh well, it's my turn. I Draw!"
Hand 5
" I summon Elemental Hero Wildhearth ( Atk: 1500 – Def: 1600). Go attack his monster with Wild slash! " Wildhearth attacks with his great sword. When it hit, the opposing monster was revealed to be Cyber Jar ( Atk: 900 – Def: 900 ).
" Cyber Jar flip effect. All monsters on the field are destroyed. Than we both pick up the first five cards from the top of our deck. If is a level four or lower monster We can special summon in face up attack position or in facedown position. The rest of the cards go in our hands."
" Well, it's a fortune challenge. I go first. First card Hero Signal. Second card, Sparkman in attack position ( Atk: 1600 – Def: 1400), third card, Hero Barrier, Fourth card, Clayman in facedown position, Fifth card, Elemental Hero Avian in attack position ( Atk: 1000 – Def: 1000)."
Hand 6
" Well, now it's my turn. Please, i need good cards now. First card, Snatch Steal, Second card, Graceful Charity, Third card, Sangan in defense position ( Atk: 1000 – Def: 600 ), Fourth card, Pot of Greed, Oh, come on, Fifth card, finally, Dandylion in defense position ( Atk: 300 – Def: 300 )."
Hand 7
" We still are in battle, Sparkaman go! Static shock wave! " Sparkaman shoot a explosion of electrivity against one of the monsters that was Sangan.
" Sangan effect, I add a monster with 1500 or less attack points from my deck to my hand. I choose Kinetic Soldier." Red Hat Said adding the card to his hans.
" Ok, Now it's your turn Avian. Quill Cascade! " Avian destroy Dandylion with a barrage of feathers.
" Dandylion effect, when he goes in the graveyard i can special summon two Fluff Tokens in face up defence position ( Atk: 0 – Def: 0 )".
" Ok, i set two cards facedown and end my turn."
Hand 4
" It's my turn! I draw!"
Hand 8
" I tribute my Fluff Token for summon Jinzo in attack mode. (Atk: 2400 – Def: 1500) With him on the field all traps are now negated. Now i activate Graceful Charity. I draw three cards then discards two (discards Apprendice Magician and Airknight Parshath). Now i remove Apprentice Magician and Parshath from the graveyard to special summon Chaos Sorcerer! ( Atk: 2300 – Def: 200 )"
"What? It can't be? How can Red Hat have a chaos monster?" Alexis said surprised.
"Alexis What's Up? " Chumley asked.
" What is a chaos monster ? " Syrus asked.
" You remember Jaden's duel with Dimitri. That time Bastion mentioned the monsters of chaos. Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning, Chaos Emperor Dragon - Envoy of the End and Chaos Sorcerer, they are very powerful but also almost impossible to find." Alexis explained to the Slifer duo.
" Effect of Chaos Sorcerer, once per turn he can't attack but in exchange he can remove a face-up monster, I choose Sparkaman." Chaos Sorcerer hurled a ball of purple flame at Sparkman which obliterated him. "Now Jinzo Attacks Avian! Cyber Energy Shock!" Jinzo hit Avian with a ball charged with electricity.
Jaden: 8000 – 6600 LP
" I set a card facedown and end my turn. "
Hand 5
"Gee, he's stronger than I thought, I think I underestimated him. Maybe it's time to get serious." Thought Jaden now more determined to win this duel. "It's my turn! I draw!"
Hand 5
" I play Pot of Greed to draw two cards. Then I play E - Emergency Call. I can add an Elemental Hero to my hand, I choose Bladedge. I continue by activating Polymerization to combine Wildhearth and Bladedge to create Elemental Hero Wildedge ( Atk: 2600 – Def: 2300 ). Now I also summon Elemental Hero Bubbleman (Atk: 800 – Def: 1200) and for greater safety I activate R - Righteous Justice. Since I have two Elemental Heroes I can destroy your two face down cards. Then I turn Clayman into an attack position (Atk: 800 – Def: 2000)."
"Now I have no protections. Jaden you are just the person I thought you were." Red Hat thought as he began to smile. For once since arriving at Duel Academy Jaden was finally giving him the duel he'd wanted for so long.
" Wildedge is able to attack all your monsters one at a time. So it means that your monsters are about to be defeated. Go Wildedge!" Wildedge destroyed Jinzo and Chaos Sorcerer with blows of his sword.
Red Hat: 8000 – 7800 – 7500 LP
"Wait because Bubbleman and Clayman are coming now. Go with Bubble Burst and Clay Charge!" Bubbleman blasted a stream of water as Clayman charged into Red Hat.
Red Hat: 7500 – 6700 – 5900 LP
" Ok, now it's your turn Red Hat." Jaden said as he finished his turn.
Hand 2
"I knew Jaden would turn the tables." Syrus exulted.
"Just what I would have done." Chumley said.
" It's my turn! I draw!"
Hand 6
" I activate the equip spell Snatch Steal to take control of Wildedge! "
" I don't think so, I reveal set card. De-Fusion. I return Wildedge to my extra-deck to call the two monsters used to summon him. Now your card has lost its target. "
" Nice move Jaden. In this case I use Raigeki! Who destroys all monsters on your field!" A storm of lightning fell from the sky hitting Jaden's monsters destroying them.
"He had a countermeasure ready." Syrus said worried.
"Not licious." Chumley replied.
" I admit it, he knows how to use his cards at the right time even after taking a disadvantage." Alexis reluctantly admitted.
" Now I play Pot of Greed and draw two cards. I summon Kinetic Soldier (Atk: 1350 – Def: 1800). In case you don't know, when fighting a warrior-type monster his attack points increase by 2000. Now I attack you directly." The soldier fired his blaster at Jaden.
Jaden: 6600 – 5250 LP
"I end the turn with one card face down."
Hand 3
" Ok, now it's my turn. I draw!"
Hand 3
" Who knows how he will try to get around his monster's effect? If he tries to attack him his points will increase a lot." Alexis wondered. "I hope you have a plan Jaden."
"I also play Pot of Greed to draw two cards." Seeing what Jaden had caught, he couldn't help but smile. I summon Elemental Hero Burstinatrix (Atk: 1200 – Def: 800). Then I play Miracle Fusion remove the monsters from the field and graveyard to fusion summon. Now I combine Avian and Burstinatrix to summon the Elemental Hero Flame Wingman (Atk: 2100 – Def: 1200)! " From the union of the two heroes another one appeared with green skin, with only one wing and with the right arm in the shape of a dragon's head. "I'm not done yet. I play another Miracle Fusion! This time I combine Flame Wingman with Sparkaman to summon Elemental Hero Shining Flare Wingman (Atk: 2500 – Def: 2100)! " From the union of the two monsters this time came a hero in shining silver armor that shine with a dazzling light.
"I've never seen Jaden use this monster. In any of his duels." Syrus said surprised seeing that monster for the first time.
"It looks pretty cool." Chumley said.
"Let's hope that's enough against Red Hat." It reminded the two spectators of Alexis.
"Now you will see its effect. Which causes it to gain 300 attack points for each elemental hero in my graveyard (Atk: 2500 – 4000 – Def: 2100). " Shining Flare Wingman attacks with Solar Flare! " The hero jumps up throwing a ball of light at the opponent.
" You forgot the effect of Kinetic Soldier. Now its attack points increase (Atk: 1350 – 3350 – Def: 3800)." Red Hat reminded him.
Even with the increased strength, however, the Red Hat monster was still destroyed.
Red Hat: 5900 – 5250 LP
" The surprises are'nt over yet. When Shining Flare Wingman destroys a monster in battle, that monster's attack points are deducted from your life points." Jaden explained.
The hero stood in front of the opponent starting to shine with an intense light that Red Hat had to cover his eyes, ending up thrown to the ground.
Red Hat: 5250 – 3900 LP
Red Hat lay on the ground for a while in silence. As an even bigger smile began to form on his face. " Jaden, you're not a duelist like all the others, your moves aren't dictated by logic or strategy because you're not like that, I understand that. Maybe that's why I'm finally able to enjoy myself after so much." thought Red Hat. Soon he couldn't take it anymore and ended up bursting out laughing.
The three spectators were surprised by his reaction.
"Wait, is he laughing? I've never seen him laugh since we've known him." He pointed to Syrus.
"You're right. He seems to be happy now." Chumley agreed.
Even Alexis couldn't help but smile at this scene. "He seems like a different person now. I guess Jaden's help was enough."
" Thanks Jaden. You know one of the reasons why I came to Duel Academy was to find someone who could entertain me during a duel, but no one has succeeded, at least until today. The fact that you managed to make me laugh is proof that I'm finally enjoying a duel after a long time." Red Hat said to Jaden.
" Happy to have helped you. I knew you wanted to have fun too. You know you should loosen up when you duel. That's what duels are for, to have fun, you already had this desire inside you just needed a push. "
"Yes, maybe you're right." he answered. " But enough talking now. Let's continue our duel. It's my turn! I draw! " Red Hat draw.
Hand 4
" I activate the spell card Brain Control ! I pay 800 life points to take control of Shining Flare Wingman until the end of the turn."
Red Hat: 3900 – 3100 LP
He explain as Jaden's monster passes Red Hat's side of the field." Then I play Monster Reborn to Special Summon Bladedge! (Atk: 2600 – Def: 1800) "
"Shining Flare Wingman and Bladedge attack you directly!" Red Hat ordered as Jaden's old monsters charged at him.
" If I were you, I'd slow down a bit. I activate my quick play spell Emergency Provisions! I send the two cards face down to the graveyard and recover 2000 life points. "
Jaden: 5250 – 7250 LP
" Even doing so, you still take damage for the attack."
Jaden: 7250 – 4650 – 2150 LP
"Nice quick action Jaden. I set a card facedown and end my turn." Red Hat end the turn as Shining Flare Wingman returned to Jaden.
Hand 1
"Blimey, when one of the two takes the lead, the other seems to come back immediately. They're even." Syrus pointed out.
"Yes, you're right. But in moments like these Jaden always manages to win." Chumley replied.
Instead, Alexis watched Red Hat silently. " He's too quiet, he's up to something. "
"Okay, It's My Turn! I Draw!"
" I activate O - Oversoul! With which I can Special Summon an Elemental Hero normal monster from the graveyard. So here comes Sparkaman (Atk: 1600 – Def: 1400)! " A big purple O appeared on the field and after a few seconds Jaden's hero was back on the field. " Then I activate H - Heated Heart which increases Shining Flare Wingman's attack points by 500 (Atk: 3400 – 3900 – Def: 2100). "
Red Hat kept his head down with his hat covering his face.
"Shing Flare Wingman Attacks Bladedge!"
While the monster was attacking, Red Hat raised his head to show that he was smiling. "I'm sorry Jaden, but I won't let you. I activate a trap! Go Mirror Force! Now all your attacking monsters are destroyed." A barrier appeared which reflected the attack, destroying Jaden's two monsters.
"Blimey, I've almost done it. I end my turn. "
Hand 0
"It can't be true?" Syrus said.
"Now Jaden is defenseless." Chumley added.
"Red Hat was waiting for the right moment to destroy Jaden monsters in one fell swoop." Alexis stated.
" It's my turn! I draw! "
Hand 2
" I activate Follish Burial to send Magician of Faith from the deck to the graveyard. Now I remove Jinzo and Magician of Faith to summon Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning (Atk: 3000 – Def: 2500)! "
"It's not possible, it has another of the chaos monsters!" Alexis exclaims surprised and shocked at the same time.
"Blimey, sweet monster Red Hat and your ace monster." Jaden asked excited to see him.
"You guessed it Jaden, he's my ace. It's my way of thanking you for the duel. Go Black Luster Soldier attack him directly! Chaos Sword Slash!" The knight loads his sword which starts to glow hitting Jaden with a slash.
Jaden: 2150 – 0 LP
When the holograms disappeared, Jaden lay down to rest. Strangely from the other times he was exhausted. At that moment Red Hat approached him reaching out a hand to help Jaden.
Jaden gladly accepted the help. "Jaden was a great duel, I haven't felt like this in a long time." Red Hat smiled at his friend.
"I knew you'd have fun dueling with me. This time you won but next time I'll win." Jaden declared expecting that the next duel between them would be like the one they had today.
Red Hat laughed. " By now I've understood one thing about you. You like duels more than anything else. But I can't wait to duel with you again, too." He expressed the desire to duel again with the friend.
"Well, then when you want to duel with me let me know. I'll always be ready to accept your challenge." Jaden held out his hand
" You can count on it." Red Hat accepted the gesture. They shook hands not only as rivals but also as friends.
Syrus and Chumley watched with smiles on their faces thinking that Jaden had managed to get Red Hat to calm down.
But Alexis was still watching him with a stern expression. "Red Hat, even if you have some impressive skills because you pick on the students of the Obelisk blue." Alexis asked.
"I just hate their ways. They think they're the best at their grade and they think they can do as they please with others. I just show them the truth about who they really are." He replied.
"I understand that some of the Obelisks can be obnoxious but that's no excuse for behaving like this towards them, I'm not surprised they hate you now. Also from what I understand you don't come to class after that scene you made done in class. You should at least come." Alexis tried to reason with him.
"Because I should be bored all day hearing things I already know. I only come to return the favor with Professor Banner or when there is an exam." He replied.
Alexis sighed at his answer. "At least try not to make more trouble please." She asked him.
"I make no promises, but I'll try." Red Hat simply replied as he walked away.
"Hey, where are you going Red Hat?" Jaden asked.
"I'm going for a ride before I go to sleep." He replied as he walked away.
"At this point I think I'll go back too." Alexis said before walking away.
"As you want Alexis, see you." He greeted Jaden.
As Alexis was walking back to her dorm, she thought about what she had seen. "Red Hat managed to beat Jaden. No one at the academy has managed it apart from Zane. Is he on his same level?" Still thinking how strong the newcomer could be. But her thought was driven away when a voice spoke to her.
"So, you've already got an idea about that duelist."
Alexis turned quickly in the direction from which the voice was coming, to find that the owner was an acquaintance of hers.
"What are you doing here, Zane?" she asked immediately.
"Same reason as you. I had heard rumors about the newcomer that he made enemies with almost the entire Obelisk dorm so I came by myself to see what he was like. I also saw his duel with Jaden." Zane explained.
Alexis couldn't be surprised at this. "Well, what do you think of him then?" she asked Zane.
"Red Hat is certainly an aggressive duelist, so far he hasn't seemed to show any respect for his opponents, except today with Jaden. Other than that, I have to say that his dueling is like nothing I've ever seen before." Zane replied.
"In fact, I can't blame you on this since he managed to beat Jaden." Alexis confirmed. "What can you expect from someone like him?" she asked him.
"I can't tell you now. But I must say that he is quite an interesting person." Zane said simply.
Meanwhile
Time 20:00
Red Hat continued walking until I reached the beach of the island, "It's quiet here." He decided to stop there and rest for a few minutes. "The duel with Jaden was the best I've had in a long time. I didn't think I'd end up using my chaos deck. I wonder if there's anyone else here who can keep me as entertained as he is." Thought Red Hat as he saw a group of girls from the Obelisk, he decided to leave.
When he left it reminded him of something I knew about girls if they'd enrolled in Dueling Academy. "The girls here are automatically placed in the Obelisk dormitory, which is another thing that shows that the caste system here is awful." At the mention of the girls, Red Hat's mind doesn't know why, but an image of his mother's face had formed. He quickly pushed those thoughts out of his head. "I don't have to think about her. Maybe I'm really exaggerating, I mean I don't know what kind Alexis is after all, I should be a little reasonable. "
"Maybe I should take Alexis' advice and go to class, if I'm with Jaden maybe I can have some fun." He thought as he walked back to the dorm.
A/N : I will not include a banlist or card limit in this fanfiction. As far as we understand from the duel between Jaden and Dimitri, he wasn't there. So I won't wear it for duels at the academy.
Here is the new chapter. What do you think about the duel between Jaden and Red Hat. I've decided that the official Red Hat deck will be a chaos deck due to the fact that it contains dark and light monsters that seem to represent a little of Red Hat personality that seems to be a little good other times a little bad. Thanks again LoliSupremeKing for your help with my deck problem. I thought of including a deck with Magical Scientist as well as others that have been suggested to me. What do you think will happen next now that Zane seems interested in Red Hat. If you have any suggestions let me know in the comments below.