[i]I took too long talking to Kaeru,[/i] Gale thought to herself. [i]I really hope I don't get in trouble for being too late.[/i]

She moved swiftly through the halls toward the Ritual Classroom, dodging around other students. After getting there, she had to stop momentarily, leaning over, hands on her knees, panting from the push of energy it had taken to get to the room. Then she heard the voice of one of her classmates, "There she is!"

[i]Darn,[/i] Gale thought, but then looked up to see that the girl who had spoken--a sassy student named Rebecca--wasn't talking to the teacher, but to a student who Gale knew wasn't part of the Ritual Course. Though, just as expected, Rebecca was pointing at her.

"Someone looking for me, Rebecca?" Gale asked, walking over to Rebecca, who had paused mid-Duel to point out to a patron that Gale had entered the room.

"Actually," Rebecca replied matter-of-factly, "this guy was looking for a good opponent for a Duel."

"Really? Well, I'd be happy to!" Gale said. "I'm Gale," she continued, offering a handshake to the male. "What's your name?"