Hi, everyone! This is a new story! I hope this will work out as well as the last new story! So without further ado, let's start!
Normal POV
Aichi had lost the match to Gouki, who he had just met from Kamui's introductions, when Kai suddenly barged.
" There you are." Kai said
" Kai-kun?!" Aichi exclaimed
" What are you doing here?! I never remembered bringing you here before!" Kamui said
" It doesn't matter. Come on, Aichi. We're wasting our time here." Kai said
" What time is it now?" Aichi ask
" Half an hour before 2pm." Kai replied
" Oh right... Thank you for the match, Gouki-san. I'm sorry, Kamui-kun. I have to go now." Aichi said
" Huh? W-Wait, Brother! Don't leave me with Nagisa!" Kamui shouted
Aichi had already walked out of the shop with Kai as both went towards somewhere.
~ Major time skip~
They managed to win the circuit with straight wins and then they were transported to the top level of the building and they were told by Takuto a story,
" One day, this planet suddenly came under attack by a mysterious force. In the face of a powerful enemy, all of the formerly squabbling clans of Cray came together to fight back. Three clans became the core of the resistance: Royal Paladin, Shadow Paladin and Kagero. Their efforts were spectacular. The mysterious force was cornered, and victory was close at hand. But... Blaster Blade, Blaster Dark, and Dragonic Overlord, who fought and the forefront, were captured by the enemy. Robbed of their leaders, the three clans fell into chaos and lost their strength. That effect even extended to your world, where the decks of their three clans vanished." He explained
" Then..." Misaki said
"... The "Royal Paladin" you were talking about, Brother..." Kamui continued
Aichi just remained silent...
" The disorganized clans didn't know what to do when the enemy stepped up its attack. Right now, Cray is on the brink of destruction." He continued
An explosion and we were back in the real world...
" We need strength. Our powerful enemy even sealed away Royal Paladin. We need a strong power of our own to beat them." he said
" Will you be able to save them if you have that kind of power?! Can you save Royal Paladin?! And my avatar... Blaster Blade?!" Aichi ask
" Yes, if we have leaders with a strong power, who can unite all of the clans and make the mysterious force retreat. I held the VF Circuit in order to choose people with that power. Singapore, Seoul, Hong Kong and Japan... The winning fighters of these four circuits are the saviors of Cray, our new leaders!" He explained
" Everyone..." Aichi said
" Now, everyone... on this stage, I shall open the door to Cray!" He said
The top of the building opened up...
" The path is open... Leaders... Come!"
There was a huge gust of wind and we were transported into Cray...
" Where are we?" Aichi asked
" Aichi Sendou... And your team, Q4... As a leader, if you would fight alongside us to try to save Cray, please proceed. Head for the true final stage that waits for you ahepad. " And he disappeared
" True final stage?"
" Let's go, Brother!" Kamui said and started walking
" You have to get your avatar back, right?" Misaki said as she put her hand on Aichi's shoulder and also started walking
Aichi walked and caught up with them...
" Kamui-kun... Misaki-san!"
" We're a team!" Kamui said
" What you want to do is also what we want to do." Misaki continued
" Right!" Aichi said
They saw the other teams by their side as well...
" Like Takuto-kun said, we have power. We're leaders. So... let's go! Let's save Cray!" Aichi said
" Not so fast..." A voice said
They stopped in their tracks to see Leon standing in front of them...
" Here's where you turn back." He said
" What are you doing?" Takuto appeared and ask
" It's simple. You people aren't the leaders that Cray needs. That person is me alone, Leon Souryu!" He declared
" Leon-kun?"
" The wind doesn't blow on you. You're not taking one more step. The final stage ends here!" He declared again
" Weren't you listening? The final stage is a fight to free Cray!" Kamui exclaimed
" Unfortunately, my true reason for participating in the Vanguard Fight Circuit was to thwart your plan. The Souryu people are going to regain their power and reign over tThe world. For that grand purpose, Royal Paladin, Kagero, and Shadow Paladin must be sacrificed, sealed away for eternity." he said
" You made a deal with them?" Takuto ask
" That's right. By drawing on their power, Aqua Force will come back." Leon said
" What does that mean?" Misaki ask
" Leon Souryu offered them Royal Paladin, Kagero, and Shadow Paladin in exchange for bringing back Aqua Force." Takuto explained
" Leon-kun sold Royal Paladin and the others to the enemy?" Aichi said
" Whether you did it to save your own clan or not, by selling off other clans, you've betrayed all clans... all fighters!" Takuto exclaimed
" How dare you?! You're the one who used all of us when it was convenient to you, Takuto Tatsunagi! I refuse to be your pawn!" Leon said angrily then black mist surrounded him...
" Not only the return of Aqua Force, but your own body...!" Takuto exclaimed
" My ancient clan... resurrect Aqua Force. In order for the Souryu people to once more become the supreme rulers of the world, I'm willing to make any sacrifice." Leon continued
" I won't let you!" Takuto said and his Psyqualia glowed in his eyes
" It's wind is blowing on me. Don't for one minute think Cray's warriors can stop me when they've been stripped of their power!" Leon said
Black mist surrounded Takuto and then he collapsed on the floor and they ran to help him.
" What just happened, Brother?!" Kamui asked
" I don't know..." Aichi said
" He must... be stopped..." Takuto said
Aichi noticed Leon staring at him as he directed his eyes to where Leon was looking at. It was the left side of his chest, where... Aichi then realised why Leon was staring as he blocked the part Leon was staring at with his free hand.
" It can't be... He can't see through my clothes, right?" Aichi thought
" Well now, it's rare to see the Houin around in this world already. Surprisingly, there's one here." Leon said
Aichi silently gasped as Kai went on a defensive stance.
" Houin? What's that?" Ren ask
" A mark of a successor but your Houin is in a completely different color than an average one." Leon said
Kai then walked in front of Aichi.
" Then? What about it?" Kai ask
" K-Kai-kun?!" Aichi exclaimed
" You're not the one I'm talking to." Leon said
" Not when I have this?" Kai ask, taking off the bandage on his right hand and showing it to Leon
Leon had a surprised expression.
" Two of the Houin... Two successors... That means only one thing... Two Kekkaishi..." Leon said
" Kekkawhat...?" Kamui ask
" Kekkaishi." Misaki corrected
" I still don't understand..." Ali said
" Kekkaishi. They can use spells that create barriers or another term is, Kekkai Technique. This has been passed on from generations to generations ever since the beginning of when the technique began." Leon explained
" You seem to know a lot." Kai said
" I read most of those stuff in the books at the island. Now... I have an offer for the two of you. Join me." Leon said
" Not interested." Kai said
" I refuse." Aichi said
" Huh? Brother?" Kamui ask
Aichi flinched when he realized he responded out of habit.
" Well, I already know who's the Kekkaishi... I just have to act with caution when we meet again." Leon said
" That aside, how dare you look through my clothes... Just to look at my Houin..." Aichi said
" Wha?!"
" No wonder you knew..." Kai said lowly, cracking his knuckles
" That means, Leon-kun saw Aichi-kun's whole body without clothes on, right?" Ren ask, not knowing that he just added the fuel to the fire
" C-Calm down, Kai-kun..." Aichi said
" I better send them away before I get into trouble..." Leon thought
" You can say whatever you want when we meet again." Leon said
" Oh no... You're not getting away." Kai said darkly
" But I am." Leon said
Kai heard a scream from behind him as he turned behind to see black mist grabbing Aichi.
" Stop it!" Kamui shouted
" Why you little!" Kai exclaimed
He put up his right hand with his fore and middle finger put together.
" Ketsu!"
A red barrier surrounded the black mist on the ground.
" Metsu!"
The barrier turned smaller before destroying whatever was inside with it as Kai caught Aichi.
" Kai-kun!"
Black wind blew behind them as they shielded their eyes.
" Leaders who are loved by the wind should follow its lead." Leon said and they were blown away
~ A few minutes later~
Aichi and the others woke up. Aichi got up and lightning strike the sky.
" It seems that Leon's newfound power has destabilized this space and merged the two worlds of Cray and Earth." Takuto said weakly
" Hey..." Kamui said when he saw him starting to collapse
" You aren't the one who sealed away Royal Paladin, are you?" Aichi ask
" The thing that captured Royal Paladin and the others, that gave Leon power... Its name is Void. It's a nihilistic power." He said weakly again
" Void... A nihilistic power..."
"It's Cray's greatest enemy. It's said to have no physical form, existing only as a will. And its power is immeasurable. Void is what sealed Aqua Force long, long ago. But none of the clans have ever been able to help Aqua Force. And now Void has sealed away Royal Paladin and two other clans. "
" Is Void more powerful than before?" Misaki ask
" Yes. But so are the clans. The clans have any years of training, so if they join forces, they should be able to save Royal Paladin and the other clans. That's why... I manipulated all of your memories and switched Gold Paladin and Narukami with the clans that were sealed away. You see, a fighter's ability to lead a clan will be necessary for battling Void. "
" Manipulated memories..."
" Fighter's ability...?"
" I gave you new clans, made you compete in the Vanguard Fight Circuit, even encouraged you to level up, all to free Cray." Takuto continued
" You used us... You used us as pawns..." Misaki said
" That's correct... But using all of you has led to this. Now the only thing I can do is put my trust in you. My power has been weakened because of Void. While I still have power, I'll restore all of your memories." his Psyqualia glowed in his eyes and Aichi, Misaki and Kamui restored all my memories
" I remember. I remember clearly... I remember all my time with Blaster Blade and Royal Paladin!" Aichi said
" That's right... You originally used Royal Paladin... Brother Aichi." Kamui said
" I can't believe I'd forgotten all this time..." Misaki said
We hold onto Takuto-kun when we realized that he was falling...
" You must hate me for manipulating your memories and using you as pawns." Takuto said
" No. Just the opposite: I'm grateful to you." Aichi smiled and said
" Grateful?" Takuto repeated
" You gave me a way to help Blaster Blade. And more than anything, you introduced to me Gold Paladin. With them, I'll free Cray and help Blaster Blade!" Aichi said
Takuto nodded... " Void... A fearsome power of emptiness... Right now, emptiness has invaded half of Cray's land... No sound can be heard there, no light reaches through... Nothing moves, and everything is enveloped in silence." he said
" That's Void..." Aichi said
" The power of emptiness has begun to move from Cray to this space. And when the emptiness has filled this space, It'll be destroyed and the emptiness will move on to Earth!" Takuto said
" Earth?!" Kamui exclaimed
" The tragedy that once befell the Souryu people will happen to the entire Earth. The land will rot. The seas will dry up. All of Earth's blessings will be lost. All life will be robbed the will to live. Earth will become a planet of death." Takuto continued
" That'll happen to Earth...? We can't let it!" Aichi said
" What should we do?" Misaki ask
" The only thing you can do to stop Void is to beat Leon Souryu... No one but the Vanguard Fight winners can exist in this space."
" You mean if we win, it'll be possible to send Leon back to Earth?" Aichi ask
" However, it works the opposite way, too. If you lose in a Vanguard Fight, you won't be able to stay in this space either."
" In other words, if we lose, Earth will..." Kamui said
" Leon Souryu may think he's using Void, but its power is vast. He can't control it completely. And Leon's ambition has made him lose his cool-headed judgement. At this rate, everything will be controlled by Void..."
They carried him to a nearby rock for him to rest...
" If he isn't stopped, both Cray and Earth will come to an end. Quickly, go to him..."
" But how can we find him?" Misaki ask
" Psyqualia... You should be able to sense Leon's Psyqualia..."
" Psyqualia..." Aichi stood up, his eyes glowed and Aichi turned towards Leon's direction... " That way!" Aichi said
" Go. Cray is in your hands."
" Right! Let's go, everyone!" Aichi said
" Right!"
They started walking after that.
" Hey, Kai. Why didn't you tell us earlier about this Kekkaishi business?" Ren ask
" It's something called a secret, Ren. Don't ask me something ridiculous." Kai replied
" Meanie!" Ren pouted
" How long have you two been doing this?" Misaki ask
" For me, I think it's after the day Kai-kun handed me Blaster Blade... I didn't think he'd be my partner." Aichi replied
" It doesn't matter. Just don't keep getting into trouble." Kai said
" Kai-kun too. You're too hot headed sometimes." Aichi said
" That was only once..." Kai said
" But how do you always do that job?" Chris ask
" At night. Ayakashi shows up at the school we're supposed to protect and our mission is to eradicate them before they cause chaos." Aichi explained
" I see. So it's a night job..." Ren said
" Yeah."
" By the way, Kai... You were quite defensive of Aichi just now when he almost got caught. Something wrong?" Misaki ask
" Hm? That was in the past... I made a mistake and Aichi was..." Kai said
" It's fine. I don't blame you about it." Aichi said
" Sounds like both of you had it rough." Misaki said
That was when Kamui noticed something under Aichi's sleeve.
" Brother, I haven't noticed it until now but what's with that scar under your right sleeve?" Kamui ask
" Huh? This?" Aichi ask, lifting up his arm
He then smiled and waved the topic off.
" It's nothing. It was just an accident." Aichi said
" Accident?"
Kai frowned at how Aichi had said it in such a carefree manner.
" You should've just blamed me... It was all my fault that day... Because I let my guard down, you put yourself in harm's way just to protect me..." Kai thought
~ Flashback start~
Kai and Aichi were patrolling the school grounds tonight as well. Kai was nine while Aichi was eight. That was when they sense an Ayakashi trespassing.
" Another one? This night is going to be a long one today too..." Kai said
" I-It's our job after all." Aichi said
" Well, whatever. I'll be heading there first!" Kai said
Aichi kept up with Kai as they arrived at the Ayakashi.
" Alright! Aichi, stay back! I'll handle this one! Ketsu!" Kai declared
The barrier surrounded the Ayakashi as Kai sat down on the floor, feeling proud of himself for being able to catch a big one.
" You should destroy it before it creates chaos." Aichi said
" Nah! I'll just rest for awhile!" Kai said
Suddenly, the Ayakashi used its claws to slash the barrier away as it started to bring its claw down on Kai, whose guard was down when it had slashed the barrier. When the claw came down, blood gushed out but it wasn't from Kai... Kai opened his eyes as he gasped. Aichi had went in front of him and protected him. Four large claw marks were on Aichi's right arm as blood gushed out from them. Kai could only watch in horror.
" Ketsu! Metsu!"
The Ayakashi was quickly destroyed as Aichi put up his staff.
" Tenketsu!"
His staff sucked in the particles as the battle was finally over.
" Kai-kun, are you alright...?" Aichi ask
" Aichi... You..." Kai exclaimed
" I'm fine... This wound is nothing... I'm just glad you're... Not hurt..." Aichi said and collapsed
" Aichi! Aichi! Wake up, Aichi!" Kai exclaimed
He started to cry as tears streamed out of his eyes, worrying about Aichi's condition. He removed his outfit and tied it on Aichi's arm, hoping that it would stop the bleeding for awhile as he carried Aichi on his back and ran back to Aichi's house. He knocked on the door hastily as Shizuka opened the door and gasped when she saw blood slowly flowing out of Aichi.
" Hurry and come in, Toshiki-kun! Don't worry, I'll treat him!" Shizuka said
Shizuka took Aichi from Kai as she ran up to the room. Kai waited and waited while sitting on the sofa, his tears not stopping even once. Finally, Shizuka came back down.
" Aichi... How's Aichi?!" Kai ask
" He's going to be just fine. He just needs some rest now. You must be in shock, Toshiki-kun. I'll go get some water for you." Shizuka said
" B-But... I'm the one who caused Aichi to get hurt by that Ayakashi... Why aren't you angry at me...?" Kai ask
" I know you're sincere about your apology and I don't blame you. Now that Aichi's back safe and sound, there's nothing for me to worry about. You did well to keep his blood from flowing out, or it'll be too late by the time he comes back, so I appreciate the help. Now, I'll go get some water for you. Wait here." Shizuka said
Shizuka left the living room and to the kitchen as Kai sat down there, still regretting the fact that he should've listened to Aichi and destroyed the Ayakashi before it had the chance to escape... Now Aichi's hurt because of him...
' Aichi... I swear... I will definitely get stronger and protect you! I won't let you get hurt ever again!' Kai thought
~ Flashback end~
That incident was what drove Kai to become stronger... Right now, in both Vanguard and Kekkaishi terms... Aichi was stronger in the Kekkai Technique than him and in Vanguard, he's pushing forward and also growing stronger. It's always Aichi protecting him... That's why he vowed to grow even more stronger to keep Aichi away from danger.
" I'll definitely get stronger and protect Aichi! No matter what the cause!" Kai thought
" Kai-kun?" Aichi's voice snapped Kai out from his thoughts
" What is it?" Kai ask
" I said that we're starting to close in on Leon-kun. Be careful, the nothingness aura is getting stronger from here on out." Aichi said
" Yeah."
They kept walking forward as they knew they were quickly closing in on Leon. Suddenly, black mist grabbed and restrained Aichi before dragging him further into the black mist until they couldn't see him.
" Aichi!"
Kai ran forward as he got anxious.
" I promised I'll protect you, Aichi! I won't let you get hurt ever again because of me! Never again!" Kai thought
He froze in his footsteps when he arrived at where Leon was as his eyes widened. Aichi was still being restricted and his mouth was also covered by black mist. What caused Kai to freeze in shock was that there was a black blade resting on Aichi's neck.
" Now, what'll you do? If you don't want him dead, then for both of your sakes, join me in this." Leon said
" No! And I know that's what Aichi would say too!" Kai said
" Fine then." Leon said
The blade pressed itself onto Aichi's neck, creating a small cut.
" No! Stop it!" Kai exclaimed
" Your deicision?" Leon ask
At that time, the others arrived after catching up with Kai.
" Fine. Just don't hurt him anymore." Kai said
Aichi and the others had their eyes opened wide. Kai started to walk towards Leon while the others protested. That was when Kai raised his hand.
" Ketsu!"
Leon was hit by a barrier from the ground as he was thrown back. Jillian and Sharlene ran to help him as Kai went to catch Aichi from falling.
" Kai-kun..."
" Are you alright, Aichi?!" Kai ask
" Y-Yeah..."
He noticed Kai staring anxiously at his neck as he remembered the scratch.
" This is nothing and it doesn't hurt at all!" Aichi said
" It's all my fault again..." Kai said
" N-No, it's not! You saved me..." Aichi said
" But..."
" Toshiki Kai... You'll pay for this!" Leon growled lowly
" I'll fight him, Kai-kun. You can rest for now." Aichi said
" But I..." Kai said
" I'll be fine. Now, Leon-kun... I challenge you to a fight!" Aichi said, taking out his deck
" Just what I wanted." Leon said, taking out his deck
And they started their fight...
~ After the fight~
Earth and Cray are now safe from Void and they were immediately transported back to Earth. At night... Kourin was about to enter the room Kai and Aichi were resting in with some snacks and drinks in her hands but she stopped when she heard shuffling of feet.
" Kai-kun! We're going to be late, hurry up!" She heard Aichi saying
" I'm coming!" She heard Kai saying
" Jeez! What were you doing?!" Aichi ask
" Sorry... My clothes got in the way..." Kai replied
" Where's your staff?" Aichi ask
Silence...
" You left it at home... didn't you?" Aichi ask
" Uh..."
" You're lucky I brought a spare. Here. Now let's go." Aichi said
" Yeah."
Kourin opened the door a few moments later, only to find the window open and the room empty.
" You're kidding... right...? This is... the top floor room..." Kourin exclaimed
~ The next day~
Kourin had woken up early and she opened the door to Aichi and Kai's room again to see both of them sleeping on their beds.
" Was what happened last night just my imagination...?" Kourin muttered
She closed the door again as Aichi and Kai opened their eyes.
" I didn't think she would be the one outside the door." Kai said
" Yeah. But we shouldn't let out our secret any more than this. I don't want to endanger everyone." Aichi said
" Yeah."
" If you want, we can sleep for a few more hours. The Ayakashi last night was strong after all. The others will probably wake us up." Aichi said
" I know. Yeah, we should get some rest. Last night was a tough one..." Kai yawned
Aichi yawned as well as both fell asleep. A few hours later, the others woke them up and the final stage began. Once it ended, Team Q4 had won the final stage and were the winners. They were finally happy at least. But what awaits them in the near future will decide whether Aichi and Kai's secret will be kept as a secret or exposed...
And that's the end of this chapter! I hope everyone will enjoy this new story and I'll see everyone in the next chapter!