Games are not boring. Games purify our souls and leave room for new development that challenges the mind! They are the products of human's wisdom. -Seto Kaiba
Finally! The geek squad was off on another misguided adventure, no more boring lectures to interrupt his precious day, and having left his cards behind in the Slifer dorm, the Chazz was going to enjoy his precious alone time. He blocked out all the distractions as he walked to the school pool, passing the courtyard as people went to and fro. He looked over towards the ocean and the Obelisk Blue dorm, repainted after the whole Society of Light business. He shuddered. For some reason he thought about it being painted again, despite much time passing since. Why had that bubbled up again?
"Yeah, yeah." He thought to himself as he passed the dorm. It had been a fleeting thought. He couldn't help but wonder though, thinking to himself. "You just had to beat Jaden didn't you. That Sartorius guy did have a convincing argument and all but still; just look at what happened." It wasn't all bad though considering the result. He chuckled to himself as he admired the GX tournament medal still on his neck. He was the champion of the entire school and deserved some time alone.
He made his way to the large pool and tried to find an island to disappear to, making sure to search for any duel monster spirits that might drag him down to some other dimension. One time was enough for the Chazz even if he got to see Jaden lose and he was keen to not repeat it. Besides, he was here to relax. Nothing could bother him, or rather, he could not be bothered with anything else getting in his way. He slipped into the water by a bit of sand and simply laid down and closed his eyes, listening to the sound of nothing. Usually there was at least someone here doing something or making some kind of background noise. This time would be different, and not in the way Chazz expected it.
He'd almost gone to sleep as he lay along the beach and upon coming to, decided he'd rather soak in some sun than become a prune. As he sat up though, he saw something quite misplaced. Make that something's. About twenty feet away from the shore the water became red like blood in a small circle and then expanded outward slowly. Then came another in the same manor, close by the first. Chazz rubbed his eyes and looked out again. Was this really happening or was he finally going crazy? It was probably Jaden's fault he was like this anyways, being constantly annoyed by his pranks or whatnot. As he looked again, he realized there was a person floating amid the red circle. They didn't move or say anything but just floated there face down.
"What's going on here?" he mouthed aloud. Were they dead? "Hello! Are you alright?"
No answer.
"Well that's just great. Next thing you know I'm going to have to come get you so just-"
Maybe they really were dead, he thought. Suddenly the figure in the water moved. They thrashed about softly for a bit, obviously not realizing they were in water. Finding this realization, they tried to keep above the water but to no avail. After a moment they disappeared below the water, not coming up. Realizing the person in the water was actually drowning, Chazz looked around for anyone else to help out. Alas, he was the only one there.
"Fine then. I'll just do it myself." He muttered, more to motivate than to acknowledge.
He jumped in the water and managed to find the person weakly moving around, grabbing an arm and finding the rest of the body. He somehow managed to get above the water and managed a gasp of air before going under again. The water was not deep however, and they were close to the shore. Before too long he managed to get himself and whoever-it-was to land. Panting, he crawled into a sitting position and looked back towards the water a last time. He wished he hadn't. There was another body floating in the red water, and this one looked worse for wear than the first.
He mustered himself and walked back into the water before breaking into a swim. This girl, as he realized her to be, seemed a bit heavier than the first, though he was more tired than before. He pulled himself and her out of the water, noticing for the first time the wounds she had. He laid her beside the other and examined them. The first, another girl, had several darts and needle like things in her arms, chest and leg. Slashes and holes in her clothes revealed deep cuts and stab wounds alongside bruise marks and various swelled bumps. He found her red streaked hair oddly blending in with the rest of the blood covering her body.
The one he just brought out was the same, if not worse. Slashes, puncture marks, stab wounds and various bruises covered her as well. Somehow, both were alive if only by a thread. Grabbing his shoes and jacket, Chazz darted out of the large room housing the pool and ran to the nearest person he could find with a phone. He had to get the nurse. Honestly though, he just wanted to find someone. Literally anyone else to help him out would have eased his discomfort…
Chazz walked out of the infirmary in a bit of a daze. It wasn't often he got his nerves rattled but then again, today was not an ordinary day. "I don't know what happened to those two girls back there, but it sure messed them up good," he thought. "Maybe keep the lights on tonight. Actually for several nights. Maybe the whole week to be safe…and lock the door…and the closet…and th-omph!"
He bumped right into Alexis, who gave him a quick scold.
"Ow! Hey watch it!"
"Huh?! Oh, um h-hey Alexis. Wha-um-why'er you here?"
"Yeah I'm all right, thanks for asking! Wait, Chazz? Did something happen to you? Looks like you've seen a ghost or two. The nurse check you out or something?"
"The nurse? Who me? No."
"Oh, I just thought I saw you. You did just come from there didn't you?"
"Yeah, but it wasn't for me."
He walked on past, ignoring her remaining questions leaving an I'm-not-sure-what-happened look on her face. She turned towards the infirmary wondering to herself. "What's up with Chazz? He's acting strange-well stranger than normal I guess. But still…" She made it down the hall and found a mess of people around the infirmary door. Chancellor Shepard was talking to Professor Crowler. All she heard was something about a boss coming to visit in several weeks and now something else has happened. What did that mean? Strange things happened here all the time it seemed so why was today especially strange? She then noticed Tyranno Hassleberry talking to Nurse Fontaine. He seemed to be leaving so Alexis hurried to catch him before he left.
"Hey, Hassleberry!"
He spun around to see Alexis walking quickly towards him, brushing past Crowler and Shepard and finally coming beside him. She quickly asked him what was happening and why he was there. He wasn't the most aware person she knew but somehow he usually got a good jest of the situation.
"Hey ya Alexis! What brings you 'round here?"
"Well I was hoping you could tell me what all the buzz around here is. The nurse looked pretty rough back there. And what's up with Crowler? He seems to be freaking out…well more so than usual, which is saying a lot."
"Well, I don't rightly know everything but what I did get don't seem too bad. Seems that some big wig is comin' for a visit in a bit."
"I gathered that. Do you know who?"
"Not really. I heard that whoever owns the school is going to be here though."
Who was the owner of the school, she thought? Did they mean that old guy that dueled Jaden with the Sacred Beast cards? He was long gone, so who else could it be?
"I don't suppose they elaborated?"
"Negative. Didn't tell me a thing."
"Oh well. So why'd you come to see the nurse?"
"Every now and then I come to get my leg checked up on. It don't bother me at all, but when I got here they asked for a check up when my medical records came through. They just don't want me turning into a real dinosaur I guess. Thing is though, there were two others already inside when I got there. Didn't really see them too much as they were sleeping and she had the blankets covering them. All she said was they needed a lot of rest."
At this the two noticed Shepard move into the infirmary and Crowler, still flustered, moved past them muttering to himself. A minute later Shepard came out, his face telling more than he let on.
"Hey Chancellor, what's going on?"
"Well it seems we have a few unexpected guest here with us and they are not to be disturbed, understand?"
"Yeah, no problem."
"Good. Be sure let the others know not to bother the nurse unless absolutely necessary. Now, if you'll excuse me there are important matters to attend to."
The pair could only shrug and carry on. They did let the others know about the infirmary, and with no questions being answered, everyone would have to wait. They waited for over a week.
There was pain, and darkness. It was unfamiliar, but then a faint light appeared. It went out only to then reappear again sometime later. Time. How much time had passed? Did it matter? Maybe it did, but the only thing that mattered once Ryuko awoke was to find Satsuki. Sitting up proved to be more of a struggle than initially thought and that pain kept coming back. Despite this, she managed to sit up to find herself in a bed in some place she'd never seen before. Somehow this was all noticed before the mask over her head providing oxygen or the IV in her arm. She finally turned to see a nurse coming over to the bedside to take some vitals. Her grim stature perked up in amazement as she read the numbers from Ryuko's monitor finding them vastly improved from the day before. She turned to Ryuko and addressed her.
"Glad to see you up but do take it easy. How do you feel?"
"I, um, well, so…wait! Where am I and who are you? Also…where is…"
"If you mean your companion here then she has been sleeping soundly since we found you."
"Found me?"
"Yes, though it is a bit strange to me."
"Whatdaya mean?"
"Well the circumstances of your arrival were a bit odd to me. See, I don't recall seeing you here before and I have a list of all the students in the school. Did you transfer in from somewhere? "
"I uh, well…I mean…wait, transfer?"
The question confused Ryuko more than it should have. At least, that's what her brain was trying to tell her. At the moment there wasn't much success in that department and the significance went straight over her head.
"Yes. Which school did you attend before coming here? They must have you files on hand. They would certainly help in my diagnosis and possible treatments."
"Um yeah. School. Got it! School…actually I don't think they have anything. I-
"Don't worry about it now. We can come back to that later. Do you remember how you got all those cuts and stab wounds? They were quite extensive and to be honest I thought you both were dead. I had to pull all these slivers out of your body. Did you fall into a forest of sewing needles? Or ninjas? There were some darts and a throwing star."
The pain was receding and Ryuko managed to lay back down, thinking and trying to sort out what had happened. Ah, the pier. Yes, then those nincompoops that attacked them did…what? She really didn't remember much after this.
"Well we got into a fight and got beat pretty bad. Man! I can't believe we got thrashed like that!" she exclaimed, putting the nurse off for a moment. "But I really don't know what happened after that."
"I'm just trying to figure out why you were in our pool. One of our students found you both in the water unconscious."
"In yer pool huh? Welp… I dunno."
"I see," replied the nurse. "Well you need to stay here for a few more days until your vitals level off, and from there we'll go day by day."
There days passed, Ryuko's war with medical equipment began, Satsuki slowly began to show signs of life and the nurse, Fontaine, was nearly at her wits end. Changing out the IV in Ryuko's arm became a battle, and when Fontaine tried to give her shots, she resorted to threatening Ryuko with bigger and bigger needles until she fainted. They came to the agreement of a smallish needle and the same face Mikisugi saw when activating Senketsu. A day or two later and several more slivers and foreign objects removed, the nurse finally agreed to let Ryuko out and walk around. After a few feats of strength and agility, she agreed to release her formally. The truth was that Ryuko had recovered quite early and thus became testy during her stay. It also happened that Alexis finally got a few of her answers.
Now then, it could be considered a good thing when your school uniform doesn't come alive and transform into a Super Saiyan suit. I think, for the rest of us here, that this is the case. However, when your previous uniform was your best friend it may be considered a letdown. Whichever the case was for Ryuko, she kept it to herself as she toured the Obelisk Blue dorm with Alexis. It was a nice place she admitted as she walked past the kitchen, rooms, large halls and whatnot. She barely heard all the things Alexis described to her as her thoughts kept her busy. How did she get here anyways? She remembered the fight of course, but past that it was all muddy. Then there was the biggest question, at least for Ryuko and it bothered her enough she actually found some time to think about it. How had she, who had been nearly cut in half before and recovered in minutes, been disabled and hurt like this? This was a troubling thought and more research would be needed, but not now. Now, she needed to figure out where she was and if Satsuki would recover. Maybe some of the people here would know. It suddenly occurred to her that there was a question that bugged her more than the rest: why was everyone here obsessed with a children's card game?
Ok, maybe that's not quite it. Actually the whole not regenerating thing was a concern that needed addressed sooner than later but…Ryuko needed to figure this place out. After several blue clad students ignored her or simply passed by, she decided to walk the grounds. Maybe there were some answers there.
Presently Ryuko discovered why everyone was busy ignoring her: they all had to go to…a class?! Was this really a school? If so, it was nothing like Honouji Academy, which wouldn't be a bad thing if one considered going to a school where the goal was to improve yourself and family situation by defeating your classmates in battles to obtain stronger power suits. No, here you improved yourself and your situation by defeating your fellow students with giant holographic monsters to get stronger cards. To learn this skill, you went to classes that teach specific functions of the monsters and powers that support them. Secondly, all of these monsters are on cards and the whole deal is actually a game of sorts. Third, the rank system the school used was based on three of these cards…
What on earth was wrong with this place? It made no sense and by the time Ryuko made it to the cliff overlooking the docks, her jaw hit the ground. There was a large boat in the harbor delivering suitcases guarded by soldiers. The students eagerly followed them as they proceeded to the card shop. Soon lines of students lined outside the doors until they were scheduled to open. A pair of students rushing to catch up and yelling at each other zapped her out of her trance.
"I told you they were coming today! See, we're not going to get anything now!"
"Relax Cy. It's not like everything will be gone."
"How can you know? I knew I should've gone ahead but NO. See, that's what being a good friend does to you."
"What, make you miss out on getting better cards? Ha! Maybe you should just practice more with what you have!"
"Real funny Jaden. Hey! Wait up!" shouted Cyrus. His long light blue hair was blown into his face as he ran, causing him to stop and turn. He caught sight of Ryuko standing on the hill dumbfounded as she examined the pair. "Well, at least we're not the only ones late," he thought.
"Hey!"
Ryuko turned to regard the pair.
"You just going to stand there? C'mon hurry. You can wait with us."
"Um, what? Oh, yeah, I guess so. Where are we going?
"To the card shop silly. This day only comes around a few times a year!" responded Jaden, the taller of the two.
They ran up to the long line forming in front of the shop. Cyrus was in despair until he saw a large man in a yellow vest waving at him near the front. "Hassleberry!" he cried, seeing his friend motioning for them to join him. The trio arrived to him and Blair discussing the possible additions they could make to their card decks. As the shop wasn't to open for another ten minutes, they started to talk among themselves, introducing Ryuko to Tyranno and Blair. After getting a look at her, Hassleberry thought for a second, realizing that she'd been in the infirmary the day he'd gone in for a checkup.
"Hey I recognize you! Weren't you in the infirmary the other day?"
"Um, yeah. Guess so."
"Wow! You sure made a quick recovery. I mean, I didn't see you much seeing that the nurse shoo'd me out real quick but you looked like you lost a fight with an allosaurus."
"Um, a what?"
"You know, a big scary dinosaur with claws and teeth like a small T-Rex."
"Sure.." replied Ryuko, shrugging her shoulders. "Hey not to sound like an idiot here, but what's the deal with all this talk about cards and stuff. For that matter, what is this place? Like a school or something?"
"This is Duel Academy." replied Blair. "It's a school where you learn all about the game Duel Monsters. If you're real good you can turn professional too. Sometimes professional duelists come here as well. Usually for the big tournaments and things like that.
"So…this is a school that only teaches you how to play a game?"
"Yep!" said Cyrus. "My brother Zane turned pro a while ago. He made a name for himself with underground dueling. Something happened to him after he lost a match to Aster Phoenix but that's not my point. I mean, dueling is fun and this is a place to get better at it."
"Totally is!" quipped in Jaden. He then continued in a puzzled tone: "Wait, if you don't know about dueling, then why are you here? I mean, this is probably the best place you can learn about dueling, but still.
"Well, I didn't exactly come here by choice…"
"Hey everyone!" Interrupted the short girl beside the group, "The shop is opening. C'mon."
"I'm coming Blair. Hang on."
The trio followed Blair and Hassleberry into the card shop where various students were looking around and ogling over various packs and cards. There were various posters and memorabilia scattered around the walls and display cases, each gathering its own following as the students congregated around their favorites. The crowds thinned after a while, allowing Ryuko to look around with Cyrus and Jaden. After a bit, they bumped into Chazz, who was on the way out.
"Hey ya Chazz! Find anything good?" asked Jaden in his casual lighthearted tone.
"Hfph! Like you dorks know what the Chazz thinks is good. But in fact, I did find a thing or two…"
He turned a bit pale. That red streak in black-blue hair. This was definitely the girl he'd pulled out of the pool. For some reason he felt a bit nervous about seeing her again. He quickly turned around and walked off.
"Look, the Chazz doesn't have time for chit chat. Later losers."
"Well ain't he a ray of sunshine today." remarked Hassleberry.
The others nodded in agreement and left soon after. The afternoon sessions were soon to begin so they headed off to their classes. Since she had nowhere else to be, Ryuko tagged along with Jaden and Cyrus to Crowlers class. To her (almost) disbelief, Jaden went to sleep. Cyrus started complaining that Crowler had called the class at this special time for an announcement and that Jaden was just as bad here as in the morning classes. Never the less, he snoozed away and reminded Ryuko of Mako. She wished Mako was here now, but these people weren't too bad either. It doesn't matter that much when you're already homesick and miss your friends. Soon enough Crowler came out to the front of the room and began to speak to the students, giving the usual lines about safety and wellbeing and other nonsense. He then turned somewhat grave as he gave the next announcement.
"Now then, as I sure some of you may know or have heard rumors of, let me ease your minds. There have been reports of a black figure seen around the abandoned dorm. Needless to say, it is still off limits to all of you. Absolutely no exceptions! These reports are just that: reports. I don't mean to unnerve anyone here or frighten you in anyway, but simply to give you the basics. Ah! Our newest transfer student seems to be attending today. Good for you, although I must advise against the company of slackers such as these. Well, that concludes today's announcement, and I must see you after class, new student. You too Chazz. I will be in the Chancellors office after this. Just ask someone to show you where it is. Now, are there any questions?"
The blank stares gave him the information he already knew to be coming and so he dismissed the room. Most were muttering about the waste of time and about having this and that to do. Jaden had woken and was excitedly rambling on about supper and Cyrus was now contemplating the various ways he could be dismembered by a mysterious black figure. Hassleberry seemed to agree with Jaden about the food, and Blair went off to find Marcel. The group headed back to the Slifer red dorm while Alexis found Ryuko and the two headed off towards the Chancellors office. While they walked, Alexis explained the abandoned dorm to her confused companion.
"You see, there were some students who tried to invoke shadow games at the old dorm. My brother Atticus was there too. They summoned some kind of dark power and the shadows took them. Ever since, it's been closed off from students. That being said, Jaden rescued Atticus from the shadow's power, so it's possible that whatever was spotted there is just some other student from before. You shouldn't worry about it much though. Weird stuff seems to happen here all the time."
"Whadaya mean weird?"
"Well, along with Atticus there were six other shadow riders that tried to get some keys to unlock the hidden monsters under the island. That was wild. Sartorious tried to brainwash the whole school into believing that something called 'The Light' was going to come to earth and do something or other. Aster and Jaden defeated him though. Also the school got transported into some weird dimension before."
"And by 'defeated' you mean they fought him? Jaden doesn't really seem like the kinda guy who fights a lot."
"Maybe not fighting, but he duels really well. He's probably one of the best duelist on the island right now. Aster and Zane are good too."
"So this dueling stuff; is that what everyone does here? I mean, I've been to some pretty weird schools, but this one is in my top ten at least. Maybe top five."
"Well, yeah. This is Duel Academy."
"I gotcha. So why did that weird woman want to see me?"
"Who? Oh, Dr. Crowler. Yeah, he's a little strange sometimes though I think he really cares about the students here but honestly with the kind of stuff that happens here who knows why."
"Huh", Muttered Ryuko. All of this over collector cards? "Say, would ya stick around for a bit? I wanna go by the infirmary afterwards."
The pair arrived and Ryuko found herself in the Chancellors office with Shepard, Crowler and Chazz. They had been there for seemingly some time before Alexis and Ryuko arrived and were talking before interrupting to greet the newcomers. Shepard explained the nature of the meeting.
"Alrighty then. Since we're all here we had better get started. Might we have the room?"
"Of course. I'll be waiting outside for Ryuko."
"Ok, now I think I owe you all an explanation here. I've gathered you together so we can sort out what happened and how you got here. Ryuko was it? Well the nurse tells me that you've made quite the recovery in the past few days, enough to be walking about it seems. Sadly, the same cannot be said for you companion. She is stable but taking much longer to recover. Now, I asked Chazz to be here because he's the one that found you in the first place. He's already told me how he found you and I won't go into the details here, but I wanted to hear it from you. It seems odd that you would be floating in our pool quite so injured."
"Yeah, been thinkin' on it. Oh, ah, sorry about your pool and the blood and stuff."
"Don't fret over it. Now, what can you remember? Did someone here do this to you?"
"What? No, not here. Really, I don't know where 'here' is, to be honest. They told me it's a school and all, but that doesn't make any sense to me. I was at the pier with Satsuki when these guys in ninja armor came up looking for a fight. Guess we got it handed to us. Didn't think they'd be able to do all that y'know? I think I got knocked out cause after they were finished wackin' on me I woke up in the bed here."
"Chazz said you seemed a little bit awake when he found you as if you didn't know where you were."
"Huh?!"
"No, what I said was, you were in the water but you didn't seem to notice. Like you were thrashing around and finally tried to swim, but I guess you'd had it then."
"Yes, I do remember Chazz saying as much. Still, it seems strange that you were in one place as you claim, and yet you end up here." interjected Crowler.
"Yeah…Guess I was still fighting unconsciously or somethin'."
"Do you often get into fights where you're from?" Asked Shepard.
"Well…I used to. Growin' up and stuff. But after the life fibers were gone we didn't have to fight anyone so I got no idea who these guys were."
"Could they have had something to do with your being here?" asked Shepard.
"I mean…they could've, I guess."
"Hmm. It's a shame we don't know more about this situation, but if something comes up I'll let you know. There have been strange events here before and I think this one is no exception. Usually these things happen for a reason. In the meantime, you're welcome to stay here until we can get to the bottom of this. Now, since this is a school and you seem to be of age, you're welcome to attend any of the classes we have here and I encourage you to talk to some of the students here. Maybe make a friend or two who can show you around."
"Ah, thank you. Actually… I wanted to go by the infirmary on the way back to the big blue building and see if Satsuki is doing ok. She was still asleep when I left."
"Well we can certainly do that. I'll take you there on our way back. Ok, Chazz, you can go now. Tell Alexis the same. You all have things to take care of, I'm sure. Crowler, could you lock up things here?"
"Hmph! Of course I can. Now, get along everyone."
Chazz, Alexis and Crowler went about their business, with Alexis questioning Chazz about his involvement in the whole affair. He seemed reluctant to speak on the matter and avoided the subject. Shepard took Ryuko by the infirmary, where Satsuki was still asleep. Her vital notes read good however and the nurse had indicated she was awake for a short while that day. Ryuko was frustrated that she'd missed her but decided to return the next day and wait till she woke up.
Naturally, Ryuko slept in…and almost forgot about Satsuki till she became hungry. The cafeteria proved to be just as crazy as the rest of the place as several students were trying to guess what mysterious fillings the sandwiches contained. There was something about an egg-wich thing and some guy who'd managed to get several in a row and bla bla bla. Ryuko didn't really care about it. In fact she was starting to miss the croquettes Mrs. Mankanshuko made. Eventually she made her way to the infirmary (only getting lost twice) and found Satsuki somewhat recovered but still sleeping. The blunette smiled seeing her sister again. How long had she been out? A day? A week? There was much that still needed explaining, such as the run in with the ninja people in Hounno City. Maybe some answers would come their way soon but for now she simply sat down and while listening to the rhythmic breathing of the sleeping Satsuki, nodded off.
Her eyes opened to a bright room filled with beds. The only thing she knew was that she had a headache and everything else hurt. A moment later her ears found the rhythm of the monitoring equipment beeping and booping while the sound pounded her head. Looking around she dismayed to find everything the same. If memory served, though doing a poor job currently, she'd been awake before. The room was somehow familiar, so she figured to have seen it before. Then again, most hospital rooms tended to look the same though she'd never been in one as a patient. She moved to rub her forehead, but a sharp pain following jolted her mind to notice her condition. Yes, everything hurt but there were muscular tears and bruises that prevented movement. Dissatisfied yet defeated she settled for observation: she seemed to be the only patient in the room filled with beds and beeping equipment. The nurse noticed her head turning and after an introduction proceeded to take some vitals.
"You know your friend came in here see you earlier. It was several days ago when she first started coming and each day she comes to check on you. She has come and gone today but I am glad to see you awake. How are you feeling?"
"I have been better." Had it been that long since she'd been awake? Oof.
"I could imagine so. You've taken very hard beating. I've never seen such wounds in person before and I'm surprised your recovery has gone so well. You must be made of something tuff. Your friend certainly is. She has been running around the place for several days now."
"Hmm… Do you mean Ryuko?"
"Yes! I've never seen anyone quite like her. The way she recovered so quickly was incredible. You on the other hand, seem to be coming to in a slow way. It's odd."
"Odd? How?"
"I noticed that most of your muscles seemed strained or taunt even after being out for so much time. You probably have unconscious responses to certain stimuli. Despite this you look pretty good and my machines show gradual improvement."
"I see."
Well, she wasn't actively dying in this stupid bed so that was good. Second, the nurse seemed to care about her wellbeing, so that was good too. Third, which hospital was she in now?
"Could I make a call to my estate?"
"Perhaps, if you could give me a few minutes."
She waited in the bed covered in gauze, bandages, blankets and pillows for what seemed to be too long a time for a phone connection. The nurse was talking to a bald man outside the room and though she strained to listen, the walls were well insulated. After some time, the pair were joined by another and once the bald man left they entered the room. The struggling blunette's eyes lit up as she recognized Ryuko coming over to sit beside her.
"Took ya long enough. Were you just gonna sleep forever? That's more of my kinda thing."
"Glad to see you too."
"When did you get up? I was waiting every day but you just laid there."
"Well it… seems I'm not as spunky as you are."
"I can't help being amazing, I'll admit."
Though her eyes might've deceived her, Ryuko thought she saw a smile crack through the (noticeably relaxed) exterior of her sisters' usual stoic face. The pair were left alone to chat and catch up, though there were plenty of surprises outside the medical center to look forward to. However, they would have to wait until Satsuki was cleared by the nurse and this gives us the opportunity to pause and consider an important thing that will definitely absolutely realistically never come up again in the history of forever.
We should take a moment to figure in the pair's relationship with each other as it might help explain a few things later on. The first thing is the two don't know much about the other. (Did I mention that before?) They were related, but most commonality ended there. Fighting together makes a certain bond, but neither really had any desire for fighting anymore; not more enemies nor each other save with words. Still, there existed a strange rivalry betwixt the two. The only real times they could communicate before were full of sorry-but-not-that-sorry-for-kicking-your-butt and make-up-then-team-up moments. This said, they are in a strange world in a strange walk of life. Perhaps they can work out some of this if we let them be…
Satsuki remained in the medical center for the next week. To say the experience was maddening might be understatement. Ryuko came by each day when she could and gave her sister news as to what was happening in the world. The much smaller world that they now inhabited was still very strange to Ryuko and completely foreign to Satsuki. You see, Ryuko was a good fighter and starting to be a somewhat caring sister, but she wasn't very good with words or important details and Satsuki began to accept that her sister's lack of refinement was in all categories, not just fighting. The two butted heads several times, but Satsuki couldn't do anything about it and Ryuko refused to budge while she held the advantage. Despite it all, the pair pushed every button they could find on the poor nurse until she relented and discharged them. They weren't completely healed and some wounds are deeper than others, but at least they could walk around. Now, if Ryuko had thought the school was familiar, Satsuki was seeing double. Her sister's explanation was probably off and I won't bore you with the details, so here's the abridged version: since no one knows the complicated rules to a children's card game, they have to attend a school where it takes several years of practice to learn all the inner workings and details of how to play. Somehow some of the students already know how to play so they are the best around. Also, when you lose people make fun of you and you get demoted in rank. Also, if you win you can get promoted unless you're a girl, because then you just stay in blue the whole time. Also, this school has a hierarchy based on some colors of cards and it affects your living conditions. Also, Satsuki tuned out after this. It wasn't that she didn't want to listen to her sister's rant about the game and school but there might be better ways to learn what she wanted to know. Also, the whole 'stay in blue thing' is probably sexist and the school could get sued for title IX or something.
"So then…" thought the older bluenette, despite Ryuko blabbing on about the school, "This place is like my own academy albeit based differently, but surly I would have heard of it before now…Perhaps due to the nature of its learning it was not a known target of our raids." She only lingered on it shortly before they retired for the night. Being anywhere but that stupid room was a welcoming thought.
After a restless night in the dorm, the two decided to attend a duel in the arena if only to pass the time. As there were several duels taking place, Alexis and Atticus decided to tag along and explain the game so the pair could understand what was happening. Throughout the duels Alexis and Atticus began to bicker, so they agreed to pair off with Alexis helping Satsuki and Atticus helping Ryuko. After the duels were over the pairs re-paired and went their own ways, with the Rhodes off to classes and Kiryuins to the yard. An announcement over the intercom reminded all students to be cautious as a student had disappeared. Remembering that it was somehow a common occurrence for people to go missing, Ryuko ignored the speaker as she left. The pair retreated to the dorm and after trying to work out how the game was played spent another hard night.
Satsuki woke first the following morning as she normally rose early and after breakfast watched the sun move along the water as its beams crept up to meet her gaze. Taking it all in, she was assured somehow. It was a strange place after all, but there were a few things one could always look to be there. After finding a few essentials, the growing activity guided Duel Academy's newest student to the main building. Indeed, it had the hallmarks of a school and while about in the halls, she happened upon Crowler, who inquired her being.
He was glad to hear their accommodations to be well received and after a thank you and directions, the pair parted. As she was told, Sheppard was the 'one in charge here' and that he was wanting to see her at the earliest convenience, something that intrigued the bluenette. Her visit there one might find intriguing, but it was mostly a bunch of Q and A about herself and Ryuko. Though he was concerned about the circumstances about the pair's arrival he gleaned little else. The woman in front of him was more refined than Ryuko and her tact was superior. In the end he only told her to wait until the Owners meeting was over and then the staff could give them the attention required. As the meeting was only a few days away, Satuki relented. She hadn't left one dull meeting to be wrapped up in another. She wanted to rest anyways. There was just one more thing to do.