The Xyz Dimension

Chapter 2: Friendship Grounds

"If you just moved here, where are you staying?" Shark asked, in thought.

"I have a place near to Heartland Academy that I'm staying in." She gave him a kindly smile. He didn't give it much care however.

"Look, if we are going to be friends, then keep it on the low, okay? I have a reputation to keep, and I'm not about to have it ruined by some random chick suddenly hanging out with me, got it?" He had a grumpy tone as he looked away, looking down the other end of the alley.

"I can do that." She promised. " Well, I'll see you at school, okay?" She knew by his uniform he went to Heartland Academy- It was a good thing she chose to live near it. Not only was it the central point of Heartland City and thus an easy landmark to follow, but it seemed she would be spending quite a bit of time there soon.

"If I have to. Later lady." He shoved his hands roughly into his pockets and began walking away.

She huffed at his goodbye, and shouted after him, "I have a name you know!"

Shark shrugged, smirking out of her sight. He raised a hand to dismiss the motion. "Whatever."

Shark got on his motorbike in the nearby parking lot, leaving for the hospital. I don't have time for a fortuneteller. They're nothing but a sham. I need real evidence, if I'm going to get revenge for Rio... I will find out who started that fire.

As if on autopilot, he climbed the stairs of Heartland Hospital to the darkened room in which his comatose twin stayed. Rio Kastle had been badly hurt, and ever since their home was destroyed, she had lain here, her eyes bandaged over, basically unmoving. Two years... Please Rio... wake up.

Meanwhile, Orianna headed back to the room she was borrowing for the time being. It had a small kitchenette, a tiny bathroom, one closet and a bed. She didn't need much, so she liked it. It was better than the always stone cold room she woke up in at night. At least that room had books though...

I'm glad I found him. I just hope he is going to be okay... Shark is in for some tough times, judging by the look of that Duel Monsters Card. I wonder what a Number card is?

The next day came soon enough for Orianna, and she looked at the Heartland Academy from her room. Figuring she should actually get there some time, she ate a canned meal, then headed off to the school.

"Excuse me ma'am?" Orianna asked the desk lady upon arriving. "I'd like to enrol here please."

"Gemma", as the name tag she wore proclaimed, looked up at her. "What's your name dear?"

"Orianna Narbia." She gave over her necessary details, and everything was quickly in order.

"Since you don't have any school supplies, just take this," She handed over a used sticky note, " and speak with whoever is in the next room, and they will give you everything you need."

Orianna took the note. "Thanks Miss Gemma!" She also grabbed up the timetable Gemma had printed for her, and headed into the next room.

The next half an hour or so was a small blur, mostly in trying to find the uniforms that fit her. Someone had gone through and made the room a mess, so she helped out in cleaning up. Also, having left her usual Dual Disk at her room, they gave her a standard school issue red one, since they hadn't received the new shipment for the blue ones, like her class used.

Though she felt a bit thrown together, she thanked the employees for their help, and headed off to class.

Walking in, she was the talk of the room. But none of the words really reached her ears as she noticed that Shark, of all people, was in this class. Please... don't hate me for this, I didn't choose this.

"Ah, everyone please welcome Orianna. I trust you have everything you need?"

Orianna nodded, and held up her left arm. "I've got all I need right here thanks teach-" She smiled.

"Good, as we were about to head to the dueling field." The class tidied their books.

Shark was groaning to himself. So much for only in private... She really isn't going to leave me alone, is she? I wonder what her "vision" was about. It seems important to her... if it was even real that is.

"Hey Shark! Don't tell me your were zoning out all class, didn't you hear what I said?" Orianna put her hands on her hips, grinning.

"I don't think that's a good idea kid, he's the best dueler in our year!" One of the other, more worried kids tried to warn her.

"Huh?" Shark looked up, broken from his thoughts.

Orianna couldn't help but laugh. "I challenged you to a duel! I want to see how you play, and it looks like we will have an audience~"

Shark rose to his feet quickly. "Oh you're on Orianna!"