"You lose, Kai kun."

Aichi stared hollowly at a defeated brunet, who hunched over the space at where used to be the table, which was now sinking back into the pool of water, glowing water disturbed and rippling as the table descended back into the floor.

Gaillard stifled a sigh as Kai started cursing himself, shaking his head. He was now no longer a Quatre knight, but that wasn't the reason the teal haired man seemed so disappointed.

He was actually looking forward to Kai Toshiki's battle.

It only felt like it had been seconds since they started the game. Aichi had pulled a lucky draw trigger, Kai not being as fortunate and losing the game when the corrupt Blaster Joker lifted his blade, and shattered the mighty red dragon, a defeaning roar dying away, along with Kai's determined face.

The bluenet did not say a single word as Kai collapsed on the floor, wondering why he was defeated, why he had come so far only to lose, staring at him with... disappointment in his eyes.

But nonetheless, he kept his promise, turning to the former Quatre Knights.

"I'm sorry, you three, I hope you understand what I am doing. If you wish, I will not take your memories, and you may keep your talismans." He murmured, and for some reason his azure gaze locked specifically on Gaillard.

Gaillard glanced at the two other Quatre Knights. Rati had lost her happy vibe, her empty expression making her seem centuries older, that mischiveous gleam in her eye fading. Neve just closed his eyes, a pained nod forced, lifting up a large hand and pressing his two steel balls to his chest.

The teal haired knight spoke for them, bowing slightly with the utmost respect, closing his eyes with a hand to his heart, ultamitely symbolizing eternal service. "We understand, Aichi-sama. But deep in our hearts, we will remain your Quatre Knights forever."

Aichi just nodded as Gaillard blinked the black darkness out of his vision again, following his former king's gaze as he spoke. "Kai, Naoki, Ren, Leon. You four are the new Quatre Knights, as promised, and you will from here on seal me and protect me for the eternity you call the rest of your life."

Kai said nothing, his crouching lithe figure shaking, barely audible sobs escaping his throat. Gaillard could hear disappointed grunts from Ren and Leon, and Naoki facepalming, obviously doing his best to retain his anger and frustration. Gaillard could not help but give them a sympathetic but respectful nod, despite them not really noticing.

"Aichi-sama." He suddenly blurted out.

The addressed boy turned to look at him, grimancing slightly at how the knight kept on addressing him so respectively.

Gaillard winced.

"It's nothing." He murmured, refusing to meet Aichi's puzzled gaze.

Aichi cleared his throat. "Very well. Kourin and I will prepare the seals. Gaillard, Neve, Rati, you are free to go at any time you would like."

Neve sighed, walking away, followed by an aimlessly depressed Rati. The teal haired man stretched his legs, which were stiff from standing for such a long time, and turned to follow after them, but not before passing in front of a now standing Kai Toshiki, who just stared at the stars above them with a sorrowful look.

"You ruin everything, you know that?" Gaillard hissed in his ear, and he was not surprised when the brunet replied with,

"Yeah."