Chapter 7

The hours pass quickly for us as I learn the ins and outs of the game. I realize that I have a very good mind for strategy and I love the challenge of the game. Currently we are match for match and we have begun to lose track of our scores. Rebecca has been an awesome teacher her intellect and mind for this game at her age is an amazing rarity.

We had barely begun our next match when we both are startled by a voice from behind us, both having been caught up in the current match.

" What are you two up to?"

"Oh!" Rebecca Jumped at the sudden sound of her grandfathers voice from behind me at the same time that i felt myself startle at the sound as well. She looked up suddenly and instantly relaxed with a sigh, "It's just you. Don't do that! You scared me Grandpa!"

It only took me a moment to recover from my shock when i heard her respond to the Professors question.

" We were just playing Duel Monsters. Shiko said she had never really played before so i offered to teach her. Although now i feel as if maybe she has more experience than she let on." She shot a playful glare at me and i shrugged with a laugh.

"i promise i have never played this game before. I only just got my deck this past week from my older sister as a birthday present. I just happen to like games. Especially challenging ones." i say in my defense.

"you say that, but even your cards are crazy good and your strategy is amazing. If i didn't know any better i would think you were a champion in disguise." Rebecca praised and i couldn't help the embarrassment that i could feel bloom on my cheeks. I don't think i will ever get used to so many compliments.

" Is that so?" the professor interrupted our banter and i could hear the curiosity in his voice. "So then her instruction is going well?" he chuckles as he examines the current field of cards.

"I would say better than well. She just beat me again. That's like a record! I don't even remember how many rounds we have played but i know she has won more than i have and is currently on a winning streak! He ability for strategics speaks volumes for her intelligence. I defiantly think you made an excellent choice for an intern." Rebecca tells her grandpa and i see the him grow even more curious and he almost seems excited.

' I'm probably only winning on beginners luck.' I think to myself as i listen to her almost review of my progress.

'i don't think you are winning just on luck, Shiko.' I hear Nadeshiko's voice for the first time in hours.

'What are you talking about?' I ask. ' and where have you been this whole time anyway? You have been silent for most of the flight. I almost forgot that you were even there. I didn't even sense you.'

'I'm sorry if i worried you. I have been here watching you play. I masked my presence so that you could concentrate. You seemed to be having such a good time, i felt as if you could use the break from weird for a change. That and as i was watching you it seemed to have triggered something of a memory. Not a vivid image or flash, more of muscle memory or instinct. I don't really know how to explain. Its almost as if i have played something similar but i really don't remember any details.'

'that's good though right? I mean it is at least something.' hope blooms in my chest at the prospect of progress.

'i suppose you are right. Something is always better than nothing. I just wish i knew more about what it actually meant.'

"Shiko, Earth to Shiko!" I hear Rebecca before i notice the hand waving in my face. I had not realized i had spaced out as i was speaking to my companion.

"I'm sorry. I did not hear you just now. I guess i got lost in thought." i say as i try to hide my embarrassment at being caught spacing out.

"that is quite all right," the Professor laughs at the blush on my face. "i was just saying that if you were up to it, i would like to challenge you myself to a Duel. I would like to asses your abilities for myself. It has been a while since i have had a new opponent. The only other person i have played in years besides Rebecca was an old colleague of mine, Solomon. You remember me mentioning him, don't you Rebecca. I actually lost my most valuable card to him, the Blue Eyes White Dragon. It was a very limited card and was my most prized possession. That's a story for another time however." He explains. " so what do you say then, Shiko? Up for a duel with this old man?" he asks.

" I would love to accept your challenge. I don't think i am that good though. I really do think its just beginners luck."

"Stop being so modest. You are a very smart young woman. You should be proud of that." He glances at his watch then looks back at me. " we should be arriving in Domino within the hour. That should be more than enough time for a duel. Are you ready then?"

"I'm ready when you are."

"Then Lets Duel." He says as we begin our match as we count down the time till we reach our destination.

We started to land just moments after our duel had concluded with me as the victor. I'm still not sure how i had managed to beat anyone when i had just learned the game and it was really touch and go there with the professor. I just seemed to have really good luck. I managed to draw exactly what i needed when i needed it. The more i continued to think on the luck i had the more i recalled what Nadeshiko had spoken of earlier. Perhaps my ability has something more to do with her. Come to think of it, i am almost certain that anything unusual that happens is gonna somehow be related to her. The answers that we both need however, isn't so much the what of it but the why. Why is she missing what seems to be her most crucial memories and how exactly am i tied to her? I find this list of questions flowing through my mind as we all wait silently for the plane to reach the ground.

The professor spoke moments after we felt the plane begin to slow down, " i think we should gather our things. Don't worry about the rest of your luggage our driver will grab the rest. I really enjoyed our match. I am truelly impressed by your skill and deck as well. It is rare to see such skill in a beginner and i think that if you chose to do so you could become a champion. Either way, keep practicing. I know there are many very skilled duelist that live in Domino so it is a good thing that you know the game. It will help you adapt quicker to your new surroundings. We can continue speaking in the car." He finished as we all cleaned up our things and returned to our rooms to gather our carry on luggage. It only took us moments and we were back out in the main room waiting by the exit door.

It didn't take long before we saw the attendant come to open the door as we exited down the steps. A black Suv was waiting for us not too far away. Our driver walked over to us from the car and took our bags after he opened the door for us to climb inside. After the door closed behind us i turned to the professor, "so, i haven't even asked where exactly i will be staying. I honestly hadn't even thought of it till now. So much has happened so fast."

"That's right, I had almost forgotten to tell you myself. So since you need to be an area resident to go to Domino High School, your parents decided to rent you your own apartment. Rebecca and i will be staying in a hotel for a bit. I agreed to help you get situated there. Then once you have settled and started school, you will then pick up your intern job with me at the museum here. Only a couple days a week." He explained the situation to me as we felt the car begin to move. It wasn't long before i was on my way to my home and it began to sink in that i was on my own for the first time and finally had as chance to be myself and start over. I hear Nadeshiko speak moments later. Its the first time she had spoken since we began our duel with the professor.

"you should ask about the photos while you have him in the car.. Who knows how much time you will have or when exactly you will see him next.'

' You are right. I keep getting distracted by all the craziness going on. ' I turn to the professor , " So did you find out anything else out from the photos?" It was hard to hide the hope in my voice and I heard him laugh at my enthusiasm.

" I haven't been able to really analyze the photos properly but we will be able to find our answers. This mystery came at a good time considering you are going to be joining me at the museum and they have everything we will need to figure out these secrets. I will begin as soon as I get to the museum and I will contact you. Which brings me to our next bit of business." The driver interrupts him before he can continue.

"I'm sorry to interrupt but I thought you would like to know that we will be arriving in only a few short minutes at Ms. Shiko's apartment. I have been informed that the movers have finished setting up the apartment and are getting ready to leave now."

"Thank you." The professor says kindly then returns his attention back to me. "The only things that we had the movers leave untouched was your room and boxes marked as yours. They didn't want invade your privacy and we also did not set up any kind of electronics like your television." Rebecca and I would be more than happy to stay and help you set all that up if you would like. That is up to you otherwise we can just show you to your apartment and then leave you to settle in. Everything around your place is within walking distance. There are also the many trains and buses that run around here if you choose. We have left you a map of the city and a phone book on your dining room table if you decide to go exploring. I have also taken the liberty of setting you up with a phone line. It is mainly for work but it is yours to do with as you please. My number is already saved as well as Rebecca." He finished explaining everything to me then handed me a new phone. I was about to reject such a generous offer and tell him that he did not need to go through so much trouble for me but he cut me off before i could even form the first words.

"I don't want to hear any protest. Besides this is standard procedure for all my interns." he finished just as we felt the car come to a stop. As I climb out of the car behind the professor and look up at the building before me I see a place that looked more like a small cozy cottage than an apartment. I looked around at the buildings that were around me and noticed that we were in what looked like a subdivision made up of small cottage houses. Each house had a tall fence that enclosed a back yard. I was glad at the display of privacy that surrounded me and felt calm and excited at the chance to actually be on my own. This is the first time my family had allowed me to travel on my own. Each of my sisters had had the chance to go someplace and do their own thing and I became the one that was needed at home. So I stayed and accepted my role. I hardly ever complained sand did what I felt I had to do. I don't know if they even realize how much this means to me. This chance more than makes up for it. I started to tear up as I thought of these things. I stared out at my new home and allowed the feelings of gratitude to wash over me.

It was moments later that Professor Hawkins and Rebecca had started to walk to the front door of the home. I followed behind as I wiped the tears from my eyes with the back of my hand. I waited as the professor unlocks the front door and opens it. He then turns to me and hands me the key to my new safe haven.

"This key is for both the front and back doors and it is the only copy right now. Follow me and I will give you a tour while our driver unloads your luggage."

We walk inside and I take a look around. "This place is amazing!" I find it difficult to control my excitement and start to explore and roam before the professor had a chance to show me around. He smiles at my curiosity. "Well as you can see to your right is your living room. Straight back from there is your kitchen and dining room followed by the door to the back yard which has a deck and garden with some furniture as well." I follow him into the kitchen as he speaks and begin to explore all the cabinets and appliances.

"You can see that you also have a four seat dining room table and your kitchen is also stocked with dishes. You will have to go shopping for groceries though." He finished speaking and then began to walk toward the exit. We passed a small room on the way that looked like the laundry room. He turned right and began to walk down a hallway that made an L shape. He showed me each room as we passed them. The first and second doors were small bedrooms and the second door was just after the hall turned. Both of the bedroom doors were on the same side and a large bathroom was across from the second door. It was a small place overall but had multiple rooms which I was grateful for.

"Well that's the tour. Its not a very big space but for one person it allows you some extra space for guests." the professor lead us back out into the living room and stopped near the door. "So did you want us to stay and help you with anything?" he asked as Rebecca let out a large yawn. I shake my head no before replying with a sympathetic smile.

"I can handle the rest on my own. You should get her to the hotel to rest. She looks dead on her feet and I was thinking of napping myself. Thank you for the kind offer though.Its only 8 am right now. I have plenty of time. You guys go." I walked them to the door as I let out a yawn. "Thank you both for everything."

"You are very welcome. If you need anything feel free to call me. Your classes start in a couple of days. Enjoy your weekend. Domino High school is only a few blocks away. When you go in check in with the front office for your schedule." he shakes my hand and turns to leave. Rebecca was behind him, she was so quiet the whole time you could tell she was exhausted. She looked up at me with a sleepy smile.

"I had fun teaching you to duel today. I'm glad to have met you. You are much nicer to me than a lot of other kids. I always get made fun of because of how smart I am for my age. " She confides in me and I smile sadly at her confession. "I know how you must feel. I had to get used to being a target for my differences too. I will never treat you like that. Feel free to come over whenever you want. I'm glad to have made a new friend." I say as I give her a hug. She wiped the tears that had formed in her eyes as she turned to catch up with the professor.

"Come along Rebecca. Lets go get some rest and leave Shiko to do the same." he says with a smile. They both wave goodbye before turning and walking to the car. I watched as they got in and closed the door after they drove off. I let out a sigh as i listen to the silence. "its so quiet in here." I say out loud to break the silence.

'At least we can talk without others thinking you are crazy.' I hear Nadeshiko speak as i see her materialize next to me. Well that's kinda new...

" So umm, Nadeshiko? Are you really floating next to me or is it all in my head?"

' I think that I am actually visible to you now. Your sight is growing the longer we are together. I do not think anyone else will be able to see me. Not unless they have the same gifts as you. I still must be careful however, this form takes up much energy for us right now. I will still reside inside as I have been when others are around. I don't want to expend unnecessary energy. We will need to work on your training soon.' She explains to me about her new spirit form and I cannot help but to agree with her about saving our energy.

"Well it is still a relief to be able to speak with you in a more normal fashion. Now I guess I am gonna try to get some rest." I say as I lay on my bed and adjust the pillows to try and get comfortable. As I feel myself start to drift off I am startled awake by a loud growl from my stomach. I try to ignore it but it was not long after that I heard another loud growl. I sat up with a sigh. 'I suppose I should make a shopping list and go to the store. I'm not that tired anyway. ' I think as I walk into the kitchen to start my list. I decide to just buy enough for a couple of days. I look at the map that was left for me on the dining room table. I am relieved to see that the store was only a few blocks away. I also notice that there is a restaurant nearby as well.

'So I guess i will go grab a burger for lunch and then just get the basics today.' I think to myself as i start to make my plan. I couldn't help but to be excited and nervous at the same time. I had just gotten here and am about to go out into a completely strange city, alone.

'Do not worry Shiko. I will be with you as well. I do not think it is safe to be apart at such a crucial time. Besides i think we both can use an adventure.' I hear Nadeshiko say with a laugh at the end. I don't know how I feel about more adventure. At least to me it feels as if that is all I have had since my birthday. I take a deep breath to help rebuild my courage.

"Ok. Lets do this!" I say with conviction as I look myself over in my bedroom mirror. I only get one chance to make a first impression after all. I had on my new top from my sister. It was a strapless top that was long and flowed lightly around the bottom. It flowed like a dress and had two different lengths that settled about the knees.It was dark grey with black and red flowers and lines. I loved this shirt. It made me feel cute and sexy at the same time especially when paired with my favorite pair of tight dark blue skinny jeans. I finished off the look with a cute pair of black dress flats.

'What do you think?' I had decided to leave my hair down and the curls fell down my front and rested on my chest.

'I think it makes you look very confident and mysterious. You should put on your black Ankh choker to go with the look.'

I take Nadeshiko's suggestion and put on the choker. I then grab my purse and map and head out the door. I make sure to lock the door and then turn to head in the direction that the map shows the restaurant. I walk in silence as I observe my new surroundings. The walk was only a short 30 minutes before I arrived at the place. I read the sign that was above the entrance as if it would have been hard to miss. This place stood out. I walk towards the doors which to my surprise opened automatically. I stepped inside as the doors closed behind me. It was only moments later that I was approached by a woman with a greeting.

"Hi! Welcome to Burger World! I'm Tea! Allow me to show you to your Seat!"

I froze when she said her name. Could it be? Was That even possible? I hadn't really though it would be this easy to find my friend. I had to find out for sure.

"Hello? Is everything Ok? Do i have something on my face?" I hear her say. I shake my head to clear it as i speak, No. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to stare like that but you said your name was Tea. Would your last name be Gardner?" I ask and wait for her to reply.

"Why Yes, actually."

Authors Note: I appologise for this chapter taking so long. I had wanted to get it out before Christmas and the New Year but work was more chaotic. This chapter starts us off with our favorite characters finally joining Shiko's world of weird. I hope that you all enjoy it and I would love to hear any feed back from my followers. Thank you all again for your patience! Hope the New Year is a good one for all!

Blessed Be!