The Xyz Dimension

Chapter 3: Equals

Orianna and Shark's duel took the attention of everyone in the dueling area, with Shark's renown as a powerful dueler catching the attention of student and teacher alike. So far, they had been even in their moves, but now, even with the power of her Fortune Lady cards, Shark's Xyz summon had her outdone.

Panting upon the ground after another attack from Shark, Orianna struggled back up to her feet, ready for him to continue. Drill Barnacles had already attacked, and she only had 400 attack points left to Shark's 1900. With his Submersible Carrier Aero Shark ready to attack also, her life points were perfectly matched to its attack points. However, so were Shark's, and Orianna had the perfect trap set, so that this wouldn't end in a complete loss for her.

"Aero Shark! Attack Orianna directly!" Shark shouted as he sent his monster in to attack, he himself covered in scratches from their close call duel. Despite his smirk, a look of confusion crossed his face as a smirk appeared on Orianna's face as well.

"I activate the trap card Return the Favour! I still take all 1900 attack points, but now you do as well!" She laughed, ready to take the attack.

"WHAT?!" Shark was knocked back by a whirlwind as Orianna suffered a direct hit from Aero Shark. Knocked onto her butt, she kept laughing until Shark held out a hand to her.

With a new respect for the new girl, Shark said quietly among the applause of the onlookers, "You're not all that bad. Good duel."

"You're pretty skilled yourself." She dusted herself off after using Shark's hand to stand up. She fixed up her dual disk and put it away, along with her deck. Shark removed his duel gazer, and put it into his pocket, along with his hands. He turned to walk away, but Orianna grabbed his shoulder, the crowd already dispersing, as they coursed with excitement from the entertainment the previous duel gave them. "I'm sorry, about appearing in your class. I didn't know."

He shrugged her hand off of him, and spoke over his shoulder in reply. "It's whatever. Really."

"Does this mean... I can be your friend properly now?" Shark stopped again.

"I don't need friends... But I won't stop you from hanging around either." Orianna let out a grateful sigh. Well, that's a start!

After the class was over, Orianna spotted Shark walking off, and decided to go join him. It was her first day after all, and with only an hour and a bit having passed since actually joining a class, he was the only person she knew. "Hey Shark!" She jogged to catch up.

"What do you want now?" He grumbled.

Orianna rolled her dual coloured eyes. "You're the only guy I know around, alright? Sorry for wanting some company for once..." She crossed her arms.

"Then go make more friends or whatever, I don't know. Don't blame me for a problem that isn't mine." Shark didn't stop. He was headed for his motorcycle. Orianna stopped, watching him walk away. There is more, much more to him than he lets on. I can't blame him though, as he surely isn't the only one...

Shark slipped his helmet on, and revved up his cycle. He left behind only dust, and she had to wave the rubble cloud out of her eyes and nose. Well, if he gets to skip school, I suppose there isn't much point in my sticking around.

Casually strolling out of the school ground, the newcomer took her time to enjoy the scenery. She explored the mall, before wandering back to her small one-room apartment. Taking a chance to rest, she laid on the bed, dressed as she was, and closed her eyes.

Day two of her schooling was equally as simple. She made it to the academy on time at least, and met Shark out the front. He was watching a bunch of kids in the distance behind her, much less than impressed. One had spiky black and pink hair, one green hair, and one with a cap on, backwards. When she reached the stairs he was at, she asked softly, "So, who is the shark bait you are eyeing off?"

"Just some stupid twerps..." He spoke with obvious disgust. After kicking his foot against the ground, he turned to walk into class. Orianna walked along with him, though after a moment, someone barreled into her.

"Yuma, look out!" The green haired girl shouted, too late to stop the collision.

Yuma was standing on the duel field, duel gazer on. His pendant was missing from around his neck.  Something akin to a laugh sounded out, but it was hard to tell for certain because it sounded like it came from underwater. Someone threw Yuma his key, and it was  broken in two. He was in a duel, and he had about half of his health left. When Yuma caught the key, he was erupted in white light. He was transported so he was standing in front of a huge gate in his eyes, though to everyone else, he was simply staring into space.

"This is just like my dream!" Yuma exclaimed in surprise.

A loud rumbling voice replied with:

This is no dream. Have you the courage to unlock this power? It is time to decide Yuma....

"Let's flow!" said Yuma. He had his key in his hand and he thrust it into the hole in the gate and turned his arm. He was flung back, a bright blue light following him.

With the light, the vision also faded. On the ground, on her hands and knees, Orianna shook her head. A vision? About that kid? Let's see... I need to find out more about this one.

"I'm so sorry, here!" Yuma held out a hand to help her up, but she batted it away, and got up on her own, dusting down her skirt. "Woah, what's up with your eyes??"

"Aren't you late for class?" Orianna grumbled, and the boy panicked.

He began running on the spot. "Oh I am too! Well see ya-!" He bolted.

"Yuumaaa wait for meeee!" The green haired girl shouted after him.

Shark was on the next landing of stairs as Yuma and the girl raced past him, the one in the cap already ahead due to riding a skateboard. "Hey, you alright there? You didn't catch a case of idiocy from him right?"

The question took her by complete surprise and made her laugh. "Oh, no I don't quite think so! C'mon, before we are both late too!"