AN:….. . ! I have no reason for the late update….well, besides being lazy (LOL) and wrecking my mind for the ending for this story which I'm still thinking about *sighs*
Well, I have no promises to update regularly until I managed to buy a new laptop so I hope you guys can patiently wait until then.*bows down*
I don't own Cardfight Vanguard G or any of its characters, just the plot~
Enjoy the combined chapter of 2 and 3!
~Chapter start! ~
Aichi sighed. A few days had passed since then and he felt a bit better. Right now, he was tidying up the café. He and Kai had an argument the day before. Aichi had wanted to continue his work at the US branch since he miss a few days of work but Kai refuses to let him go. In fact, Kai wouldn't let him go anywhere until he's all better. Luckily, Aichi managed to get Kai to agree on letting him work at the café.
'Well, it's better than staying at the penthouse, 'Aichi thought.
The owner of the café had already went off, leaving Aichi to finish cleaning up the café before locking up the place.
Aichi stood up from the counter when he heard the café door rang. He had put up the sigh, saying that the café is closed. Surely, the customer had seen it? Aichi blinked upon seeing the same man who helped him before when he nearly fainted.
"I'm sorry, sir. The café is closed now. Please come back tomorrow." Aichi politely said.
"I know. I've seen the sign. I was walking by when I happen to see you cleaning up. Are you feeling better now? I was worried when you didn't show up for work these few days…"
"Oh! I'm feeling better now. Thank you for your concern….Mr…?"
"How rude of me. My name is Ivod. It is a pleasure to meet you, Sendou Aichi."
Aichi froze. Why does this man know his name? He had never met this man until a few days ago. As if Ivod knew what he was thinking, Ivod smiled and showed him something.
"Many of us have heard of the legendary and powerful cardfighters- especially you, Sendou Aichi."
Aichi's eyes widen upon seeing a deck on Ivod's hand. "You're a cardfighter?"
"I am. I was pleasantly surprise to see you working here."
"Ah…I have no choice in that matter. There's some…issues that I have to handle."
Even though Ivod is a cardfighter and knows of him, Aichi can't just tell him that he is the leader of US. Not many cardfighters know of this. Only the higher-up of the Vanguard Council and his friends know.
"Is that so?" Ivod's smile widens and the atmosphere suddenly turned cold. Aichi stiffen when he felt Ivod's aura changed. "Well then, would you like to have a fight with me?"
Aichi stared at the deck. Just like its owner, the aura of the deck turned cold and it suddenly looked sinister. For some reason, Aichi felt his deck glow. Was it trying to tell him not to have a fight with this person?
"I'm sorry, Ivod-san. I'm in a rush right now. Maybe next time?"
Something flickered in Ivod's eyes when Aichi replied. The atmosphere went back to normal as Ivod continue smiling at him. "I see. Perhaps next time."
Ivod came closer to Aichi and took hold of his hand. "Till we meet again, Aichi." He then kissed the back of Aichi's hand as he bid his farewell. Aichi blushed as he looked at the hand that Ivod had kissed. No one had ever did that to him. Seeing the bluenet's red face, Ivod smirked and left the café. He may have lost the chance to take Aichi now…but there is still some other time. Afterall, he has all the time in the world to do it….
~Page Break~
"Kai is going to kill me for this, you know?"
"He won't…I think…."
"That's not really assuring, Aichi."
Right now, Miwa is driving Aichi to the United Sanctuary Branch. Kai had asked Miwa to take care of Aichi while he settles a certain problem. Seeing that Kai is nowhere to be found, Aichi had pleaded Miwa to take him to his branch to settle some paperwork. At first , Miwa refused , knowing about the 'problem' in the US but later relented as he make a mistake at looking at the bluenet's pouting face. No one can ever say 'no' to Aichi's puppy look.(He's TOO cute! XD) Not even the almighty cold king Kai Toshiki or the chilling king Ibuki Kouji could resist Aichi's cuteness.
Miwa parked his car at the underground carpark of the branch and followed Aichi up the elevator to the staff area. They greeted the staff on the way to Aichi's office. Entering the office, Aichi gasped at the mountain of paperworks he had to sign.
"M-Miwa-kun, how long has it been since I last check in on the branch?"
"Two weeks tops. Why are there so many paperworks, Aichi?"
"This is NOT the usual stack of paperworks I usually seen."
"Oh. Then why are there so many of them…?"
"Have you forgotten that we're having a joint program with the Dragonic Empire Branch?"
A new voice came into the conversation. Miwa and Aichi turned to see Ibuki who was seated down on one of the office sofa. He was reading one of the paperworks with a cup of steaming coffee at the table infront of him.
"Ibuki-san! Good evening." Aichi greeted his co-worker and friend while Miwa just smiled.
"Are you feeling better, Sendou?( I forgot what Ibuki called Aichi. Can someone please tell me?) What are you doing here?" The white-haired man enquired before sipping his coffee.
"Ah….about that…Aichi begged me to take him here. Kai's not here, is he?" Miwa replied for his friend and nervously glanced around.
"Kai is having a meeting with Mamoru at the Dragonic Empire Branch. You're very lucky that he's not here at the moment."
Miwa nervously laughed at the meaningful look Ibuki had on his face. Ibuki sighed and looked at Aichi who had already started working on the paperwork.
"Sendou, you don't have to do that. You've just recovered."
"It's alright, Ibuki-san. You've been covering for me these two weeks. I can handle these paperworks."
Ibuki nodded, knowing his 'boss' for quite some time now, he know that he can't argue with Aichi once the younger man decided on something. Miwa sat down across Ibuki and started helping him to arrange the paperworks.
-Page break-
The next few days pass by quickly. Miwa was lucky that his best friend never find out about him taking Aichi to the US branch, Ibuki and Kai had tried to find out more about Ivod but they hit a dead end. Even with everyone's help, information on Ivod could not be found. Seeing no other choice, they all tried their best not to let Aichi meet with Ivod. However, they do not know that every once in a while, Ivod would pop in the café to visit Aichi and they would talk about Vanguard and other stuff.
Now, Aichi was in a joint meeting of Dragonic Empire and United Sanctuary. They were discussing about the joint program.
"Seeing that all the game booth and food stall are settled, we will now discuss about the main event. What should we do?" Mamoru asked, looking around the round table.
There were several suggestions but none of them seems interesting. They needed something interesting and unexpected.
"A cooking competition…."
Everyone stopped talking and turned to looked at the person who suggested it.
"Sendou-san, isn't that a little weird to be in a vanguard event….?" One of the members asked.
Aichi stood up and walked towards the middle of the table.
"That's exactly it. This event is an open event. Anyone could join in the event. Vanguard and non-vanguard players will be there. Meaning, there are families coming in. They wouldn't know anything about Vanguard and this event is to promote Vanguard. We need something that could grab anyone's attention." Aichi replied, looking at everyone in the eye.
"A cooking competition is unexpected to be in this event. However, the cooking competition has to have a Vanguard theme inside. The competitor has to cook under certain themes. For example, they could cook using a lava fire to cook their dish if they want to do under a Kagero theme. Or if they want to a Royal Paladin theme, they could make or cook a dish that represents friendship or loyalty. Or make a dish that royal people would usually eat. Or if they want to do a free theme, they cook or make a dish that looked like a certain Vanguard Card…"
Aichi stopped talking and looked around to gauge their reaction. Everyone was silent for awhile.
"That….could work!"
"Yes! Like Sendou-san pointed out, this is to promote Vanguard and anyone will come."
"That would be like killing two birds with one stone!"
"So, we all agree on the cooking competition?"
A smile broke out on Aichi's face when everyone agreed. Looking at Kai who nodded and smiled, Aichi hoped that this event will be successful.
~Two month later~
Aichi was looking around and checking to see it everything is in order. Naoki and Shingo are following behind him. They had wanted to help out with the event so Aichi had asked them to check in with the games and food stall to see if they needed help. During these two months, Aichi had asked for a temporary leave from the café to help out with the preparation.
"We're all done here, Aichi! What's next?" Naoki asked, stepping out from a stall.
Aichi scribbled something on the paper he is holding and checked it before looking at his friends.
"Our job here is done. All that is left is the main event. Kai-kun and Ibuki-san is handling that."
"Oh! That means we finished what we set off to do, right?"
"Un!"
"Yosh! Since we're done here, I'm going to the cafeteria to eat. Want to join me?"
Shingo pushed up his glasses. "It is nearly time for our break so I'm going to join you. What about you, Sendou-kun?"
Aichi shooked his head, "You guys go ahead. I'm going to check on Kai-kun and the others."
"Alright. See you later, Sendou-kun."
Aichi nodded and the three of them went on their separate ways. Aichi was about to reached the stage when he bumped into someone.
"Oh! I'm sorr-Ivod-san?!"
Aichi was surprised to see Ivod here. Only those working under the two branch are helping out with the event. Ivod was about to snapped at the person who bumped into him when he heard his 'nightingale's voice.
"Hello, Aichi."
"H-hello, Ivod-san. W-what are you doing here?"
"I'm helping out with the event. I'm a committee member of the US. What about you?"
"H-huh?! Ivod-san is a member of the US?! How come I never see you there? Ah-!"
Aichi covered his mouth. Oh no! He slipped out the truth! Ivod chuckled at the young man's expression.
"I'm working as an informant of the US. I'm always at the lab. That's why you never see me there…..boss."
Aichi gasped. The informant of any branch would always know what was going on. They also knew who everyone else is. That would mean…..
"You knew about me this whole time? Why didn't you tell me?"
"The workers of the US are sworn to secrecy. Besides, you couldn't even tell me about your real occupation….am I right?"
Aichi looked down and blushed. That was true. Ivod chuckled again as he patted the bluenet's head. Aichi blushes again and looked around. He couldn't bear to looked at Ivod in the eye now. He then noticed a couple of cards and deck-holder scattered around then.
"Oh! I'm sorry, Ivod-san. Let me help you."
Aichi put aside his folders and proceeded to pick up the scattered cards. As he did that, he noticed a deck holder near him. Picking it up, he suddenly felt very cold. It frightens Aichi terribly. He slowly takes out a card to see what clan it is. He gasped upon noticing that the card belong to a link joker clan. Even though the link joker clan is already considered as part of the Vanguard, Aichi could not help but shudder at the sight of it. This clan had caused misery to others at its first appearance. Aichi had tried again and again to be comfortable around this clan but to no avail. Seeing this clan at this very moment, at the place where many people is about to visit, scared Aichi.
A hand came into his line of vision, taking the card holder away from him. Aichi blinked and stared at Ivod who was suddenly infront of him.
"Is something wrong with my deck?" Ivod enquired.
"Y-you're a link joker fighter…?"
"That is correct."
Aichi stiffened. That must be the reason why his golden paladin cards glowed back at the café. They were trying to warn him about this.
"Are you afraid of this clan, Aichi?" Ivod was staring at him with curiosity.
"N-NO! I loved all of the Vanguard clans! It's just that…..that when link joker first appeared, it hurt so many of my friends and family. I….I was also affected by it….I-I'm frightened of this clan….."
Normally, Aichi would have stopped answering by then. But Aichi has a sudden urge to tell this white haired man the truth.
"I'm afraid that the link joker will become evil again and people may suffer again. I-I don't want to go through that distress again….."
Tears suddenly came out as he spoke. Why is he feeling this way? Normally, Aichi would keep his feelings bottled up whenever he sees the link joker deck but now….he was crying out his fears infront of someone he doesn't know well. As he cried, Aichi failed to see Ivod's smile turned into a full-blown smirk. Well, well. It seems after three years, the link joker 'war' still clinged to Aichi. This was better that what Ivod had expected. Ivod walked a few steps forward and bring his arms around Aichi.
"Hush now. The war three years ago won't occur again. Many Vanguard players are using it the correct way and the clan is already accepted by many players. Have faith on those players,"
Upon hearing that, Aichi's sob slowly ceased. Pulling away from Ivod's hold, Aichi wiped his tears away and looked at Ivod.
"Thank you. I needed that," Aichi smiled sweetly. His smile turned into a frown upon noticing that he had stained Ivod's shirt.
"I'm sorry about that."
"It is not a problem. I could easily dry it again. Now, don't you have some place to be…?"
"Ah! Thank you, Ivod-san! I'll see you again next time."
Picking up his folders and passing the scattered cards to his co-worker, Aichi bowed and quickly walked towards the direction of the stage. Watching Aichi, Ivod's right eye turned purple as he smirked. "It's almost time."
~PAGE BREAK~
Time skipped to the day of the joint program
The day of the joint program finally arrive. Many Vanguard fighters from many different branches came to visit and explore the event. All of the booths were operating well but the most successful one is the main event. All of the visitors were surprised to see that. Nonetheless, it was well-received. Vanguard fighters and non-vanguard fighters all joined in the cooking competition-and they all had fun. Many non-vanguard fighters became interested in Vanguard. They went around enquiring about it and had watched some Vanguard match.
Kai watched all of this with critical eyes. He was pleased that the event was successful and they had gained more Vanguard fighters through this. At the corner of his eyes, Kai watched Aichi happily explain about Vanguard to the group of curious visitors. Kai smiled. Aichi looked so happy. Kai's smile disappeared when he heard his other best friend calling out his name. Kai turned to see Miwa standing beside him.
"Looks like we can say that this event is a hit!" Miwa exclaimed.
"Hmph."
Miwa watched as Kai turned back to looked at Aichi.
"Aichi seems better now. Aren't you glad, Kai?"
Kai twitched at his best friend's teasing voice but ignored it.
"Hey, Kai. When are you going to confess to Aichi? It's been a few years already.."
A glare was seen in Kai's face as soon as he heard that.
"Come on, Kai! You had seen many people lusting after him. Look! There's already some pervert man hitting on Aichi right now."
Kia immediately turned around to see a man standing too close to Aichi. Seeing that the bluenet is too naïve, Aichi continued talking to the man. When Kai noticed the stranger's hand moving towards Aichi's hip, he snapped. Walking towards Aichi, Kai gripped Aichi's arm and pulled him away from the man's grasp.
"K-Kai-kun?"
Aichi was surprised when the brunet suddenly pulled him away from the man. Kai glared at the man before looking at Aichi.
"We need to check on Mamoru's progress now." Kai muttered as he pulled Aichi along.
"A-Ah."
Miwa snickered as he noticed what was happening. 'Looks like someone is jealous~~'
Miwa stopped snickering as he noticed Kai's glare pinned at him. The three of them proceeded to the tent where Mamoru is.
"Mamoru-san, how are things going?" Aichi asked once they got his attention.
"Everything is successful especially the main event thanks to you, Sendou-san!"
Aichi blushed, "It-It was nothing. I'm just glad that this entire event is successful."
"If it's Aichi-kun's idea, then everything will be good!" A cheerful voice called out.
Everyone turned to see four persons coming into the tent. Aichi beamed upon seeing them.
"Ren-san! Leon-kun! Jillian-san! Sharlene-san! When did you arrive?"
"Just a few hours ago. I wanted to bring along Leon-kun and the girls along since they're here."
"More like you dragged me here. We just stepped out from the ship when you popped out of nowhere." Leon scrowled as he rubbed his arm. Leon then smiled at Aichi.
"It's been a long time, Sendou. How have you been?"
"I'm fine. How long will you be staying this time?"
"Jillian and Sharlene wanted to do some shopping here so we shall see."
"Then let's cardfight! It's been a long time since we did!" Miwa suggested.
Ren immediately agreed to that. The two of them pleadingly looked at the others. Leon sighed.
"Sendou….?"
"Un. Let's fight."
Miwa smiled and was about to walked off when he suddenly felt someone's hand on his shoulder. It was Kai.
"Hold it. You and I have some business to attend to."
"Eh….?" Miwa tried to recall but nothing came to mind.
"I seem to recall something very important two months ago. Do you remember the time where I told you to take care of Aichi when I'm away?"
Of course Miwa remember. It was when Kai and the others were trying to find out about Ivod. That was also when Aichi-….Oh. OH Crap!
The other five friends watched their exchange in confusion. When Miwa suddenly became pale, Aichi spoke up.
"Kai-kun? What's wrong with Miwa-kun?"
"It is nothing. You five go ahead first. I have something very important to DISCUSS with Miwa."
Leon and Ren smirked when they figure it out while Aichi looked on in confusion.
"Sure! We'll see you at the Vanguard Room!(AN: I don't know what it's called!) Good luck, Miwa~. Let's go, Aichi-kun! Leon-kun!"
Kai waited until everyone was out of the tent before facing his so-called best friend.
"Miwa…"
"O-oi, Kai! I can explain! W-wait….!"
People all around the tent could hear thumping and screaming before a certain well-known voice could be heard.
"YOU IDIOT! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!"
~ LOLOLOLOL~
Jillian and Sharlene wanted to explore the booth some more so it was only Aichi, Ren and Leon who was walking to the Dragonic Empire Headquarters. Mamoru had gone off to check on other things. While walking, Ren and Aichi chatted while Leon keeps quiet-only answering when being asked. When they were about to reached the HQ, Leon suddenly stopped walking.
"Leon-kun, what's wrong?"
Leon was facing the general direction of the tree. Seeing Leon's expression, Ren pulled Aichi behind him and stared at the tree. Aichi was confused but didn't say anything. A few minutes passed but nothing happened. Aichi was about to speak but was cut off by Leon.
"I can sense your wind, Show yourself!" Leon said loudly.
Some silence before a rustling can heard. A white haired came out from hiding.
"Ivod-san?! Why are you hiding behind a tree?" Aichi enquired upon seeing the man.
Ren and Leon's eyes narrowed upon seeing the man. So, this is the man Kai and Ibuki is talking about. Seeing that Aichi know this man means that they had meet before.
"Aichi-kun, who is this man?" Ren asked as Aichi stepped out from behind him.
"Ah, gomenasai! Ren-san, Leon-Kun. This is Ivod-san. We first meet at the café I'm working at. Ivod-san, this is Suzugamori Ren-san and Souryuu Leon-kun. I'm sure you have heard of them right?"
Ivod nodded, his green eyes staring at the two famous fighters. "Yes but I'm curious about why you three are doing here…"
"Oh! I wanted to have a Vanguard fight with them since it's been a long time since we did. Do you want to come along?"
Since Aichi is hesitant about fighting against Ivod alone, he would be okay if one or two of his friend is with them. Ren and Leon noticed something flickering behind those ebony green eyes. It was as if Ivod could hear what Aichi was thinking of. Both of their eyes narrowed some more.
"No. As much as I love to, I can't. I have to attend to something soon."
"Oh. Maybe next time then." Aichi bowed and walked inside the building.
The other two stared at Ivod for a few seconds before following the bluenet. Ivod's right eyes turned purple as he glared at Ren's and Leon's back. Damn it! Two more protectors came in. He needed to speed up his plans before more could come in. Ivod breathe out slowly, calming himself down. No matter, his nightingale will soon be back in his arms. He will be the victor in the end….
And no one will get in his way-not like last time.
~Coming to the end of the chapter soon~
Time skipped to the end of the Vanguard battle. (An: I'm really lazy to write down the battle. I'm really sorry to those who loved reading the Vanguard battle.)
The battle between Aichi and Leon slowly came to an end.
"I attack your vanguard!" Aichi declared as he turned his vanguard card. Leon placed three of his card onto the damage zone, earning him a total of six damages. As the two collected their cards, Miwa and Kai came sliding in. Miwa cried out as Kai landed harshly on him.
"Oi, Kai! I said I'm sorry already!" Miwa shouted at his best friend who ignored him as he stepped onto Miwa's back again before climbing out of the bean bag(?).
Miwa grumbled to himself as he pushed himself out of the bean bag and looked towards the other three.
"Yo! Is the battle over already?"
"Yup~ Aichi-kun beat us again. Aichi-kun is growing stronger every time we meet!" Ren replied.
"I'm not that strong, Ren-san. I only have time to battle someone whenever I'm free. Ano, Miwa-kun? What happened?" Aichi gasped upon noticing a big bump on top of Miwa's head.
"Just a little accident concerning my head and Kai's fist." Miwa replied as Aichi walked closer to inspect the injury.
Ren and Leon walked over to Kai as Aichi continue fretting over Miwa.
"Kai, looks like we can't keep Aichi away from Ivod anymore." Ren informed Kai.
"What do you mean?"
"Sendou has already met with Ivod, Kai."
Kai's eyes widened. "Nani?!"
He looked over to Aichi who was now lightly touching the injury.
"Sendou says he first met him at the café he worked at." Leon continued.
Kai begins to think. This is really bad. To think that Ivod have already made contact with Aichi. Did Ivod already have a battle with Aichi…? No. If they did, Aichi would have told him about it. But to be certain…..
"Kai-kun?"
The brunet looked to his side to see Aichi staring up at him in concern.
"Ren and Leon told me that you already met with Ivod, is that true?"
Aichi nodded.
"Did you have a battle with him?"
"No. He did ask me to battle him but I didn't. I don't know but I feel so uncomfortable when he takes out his deck back then. My golden paladin comrades even glowed then."
Kai nodded. "When did you first met Ivod, Aichi?"
"Erm… I first met him when I was taking his order. I had a dizzy spell that day. It was the same day when you came back, Kai-kun. The second time was when I came back to work. That was the time he asked me to have a battle with him…."
"…"
"Kai-kun, why are you asking me all of this question?"
"Do you know that Ivod is the informant of the US branch?"
"I know. Ivod-san told me." The four older men stared at the youngest one.
"He…told you?" Ren hesitantly asked.
"Un. I met him again at the final day of the preparation. That was also when I found out that he's a link joker fighter."
"LINK JOKER?!"
"But why would your deck glow when Ivod asked you to have a battle with him? I mean isn't Link Joker good now?" Miwa thoughtfully asked.
"I don't know but when I picked up Ivod's deck- I felt frighten. His deck has a strange, scary aura around it. Sometimes, I feel the same strange, scary aura around Ivod-san too."
"I see.."
The five of them went quiet. It was then Aichi received a message from Naoki. After reading it, Aichi apologies to his seniors as he had to check on something and ran off. The four men exchange glances. Was it a coincidence that Ivod appeared infront of Aichi whenever he sense something bad? Who is Ivod really is? There's so many questions surrounding this newcomer but they are going to figure out this puzzle before something goes wrong….
AN: Annnnndddddddd done! That's a wrap! I hope you enjoyed this combined chapters of 2 & 3. I'll see you readers in the next chapter~
Mirai Haruka signing off.
