As I stated in my last chapter, this may be a little weird. I changed the summary and title, since I'm not so good at that. Please don't be angry. I intend to do better. On to the story...

A World of The Unknown

Chapter 4: Weird, weird... EVERYTHING'S WEIRD!

Kai stood there, wide-eyed and speechless. It HAD to be a dream. This little boy HAD to be fake. Still, Kai found himself murmuring,

"Miwa?"

The toddler grinned happily. He moved his outstretched arms.

"Onii-chan!" he pouted, wanting to be picked up.

Kai exhaled and took a step froward. "Is that you, Miwa?"

"Taithi!" said boy squealed, messing up his name.

Kai tried not to panic. Realizing the now three-year-old Miwa wanted to be picked, Kai awkwardly took him in his arms. This is so weird.

Miwa snuggled closer to his 'Onii-chan' and giggled happily. Kai resisted the urge to just drop him on the ground. He would definitely be avoiding Miwa when this was all over. That made Kai wonder: what was going on? Where were they?

Kai looked around. He stood on grass, trees as far as the eye can see. The sun was going down. Kai frowned. It was already night at the party-

Kai tensed. "What happened to everyone?"

Miwa cocked his head, not understanding Kai's words. He held on tight when the brunet started to run. "Onii-chan?"

Said boy ignored him and ran deeper into the forest. He stopped when he saw Aichi and Kamui, a red cat sitting next to them.

"Aichi?" Kai felt suspicious. Something was off about the two.

"Took you long enough," Kamui muttered, folding his arms. His face was cold and his posture showed arrogance.

"Who's the baby?" Aichi had his hands in his pocket, a bored look on his face.

Kai's ears didn't seem to hear right and his eyes must have been messed up too. "What?"

"The one you're holding," Kamui rolled his eyes, huffing.

"No!" Miwa frowned, puffing his cheeks.

Stay calm. Don't panic, Kai told himself. He'd just have to go with this until he figured out what's going on.

"Aichi," Kai addressed him slowly. "Do you know the cat?"

The red cat turned around, knowing he was being called.

Kai slapped a hand over his face. He should have anticipated the impossible after seeing Aichi and Kamui. "Ren."

The cat meowed in agreement, padding over to Kai.

Miwa's eyes sparkled when he saw the cat. He jumped out of Kai's arms and dived forward.

"Kitty!" he tackled the cat, both rolling down a small hill.

"Meow!"

"Nuisance," Kai heard Aichi utter with distaste. Kai sighed and walked down the hill. He was pleasantly surprised to meet Gaillard there. A few others as well.

"What's the deal with the baby and the cat, freaks?" Eiji asked, spitting on the ground.

"Like they matter," Reiji said, his arms lazily behind his head.

"They're not bad entertainment, though," Kamui smirked, walking over to the two, Aichi behind them. The four boys traded comments about Miwa and Ren.

"Oh, he looks so cute!" a little lavender haired girl, around eight Kai guessed, ran towards Miwa, having a little trouble with her over sized dress.

"This place has so many bugs! How do you low-lives live?!" Asaka huffed. Other than her attitude, she seemed fine.

Kai and Gaillard just stood there, watching their changed friends. It was too strange to explain in words.

"We should look for the others," Kai stated calmly. There was no point in freaking out.

"Everyone else is safe," Gaillard said. "These were the only ones who were pulled in. The portal closed after that."

Kai nodded. At least something was going well. Looking back to his friends, he knew it would be hard to do anything with such obnoxious people.

Shaking his head, Kai walked over to Misaki, who was trying to hug Miwa, who was trying to grab Ren, who was trying to get to Misaki. It was a long chain.

"That's enough," Kai stated and picked up Miwa, trying not to grimace. Miwa managed to get a hold of Ren, who was squirming in his grasp.

"We're leaving," Kai said coldly to the four boys. He didn't have time to play nice and be a doormat. "Now."

They shrugged and followed the brunet. Misaki quietly walked next to Kai.

At least she listens, Kai thought. He didn't want to deal with a brat now.

"I think I saw some people over there," Gaillard said, pointing to where he came from. "We can ask where we are," he said.

"It better be, like, some nice place?" Asaka said. Every one of her sentences sounded like a question.

"How's your shoulder?" Kai asked, ignoring the complaining girl.

"I managed to stop it from bleeding," Gaillard said, lightly rolling his shoulder.

Kai nodded.

"And you?" Gaillard asked.

Kai blinked. "What?"

"Your leg," Gaillard stated.

Kai looked down. His pants were ripped and burnt near his left ankle, showing his burnt skin with dried blood. "I hadn't noticed."

Gaillard snorted. "Surprising."

Kai couldn't retort as he tightened his grip on the squirming toddler.

"Meow!" Ren struggled out of Miwa's grasp.

"Hey!" Miwa wasn't about to give up.

Kai and Gaillard sighed in usion. They reached the end of the forest. Ahead stood a small, albeit busy, town. People hustled from shop to shop, cheerfully chatting with one another. Lanterns hung from every shop, restaurant, and house, giving a nice atmosphere. Kids chased each other, laughing and giggling.

"It looks fine," Kai stated slowly, expecting something a little more unorthodox.

"We'll attract attention with our formal attire," Gailard said.

"Who cares?" Reiji asked, already bored with the conversation.

"Excuse me?"

Everyone turned to a young women, magenta hair tied in a long ponytail.

"My name is Akane," she smiled. "Do you need some assistance?"

Kai felt suspicious; he didn't trust easily.

"Absolutely!" Asaka gushed. "Would you happen to have a hot spring? And some FANCY clothes?"

Akane laughed good-heartedly. "Of course. Follow me." She led them down a quiet, almost vacant street.

"Make yourselves at home," Akane said.

Before the group stood a long table, cramped with a variety of food. Gold chandeliers hung above, illuminating the extravagant room.

Aichi, and Kamui were the first ones to start eating. Reiji and Eiji followed. Asaka was busy in another room, trying out all the clothes. Misaki sat next to Kai, calmly eating warm stew. Everyone had showered and changed. Both Gaillard and Kai had got their wounds treated.

"Thweets!" Miwa squealed, reaching with little arms for the pastries. Kai made it easier for him and gave him one. "Thank you, Onii-chan!"

Kai just nodded and returned to his thoughts. Apparently Akane was part of a rich family. It was lucky for them to run into her. Too lucky, Kai's eyes narrowed.

"You're suspicious too?" Gaillard murmured quietly, seated next to Kai.

Kai nodded. "It's too good. Randomly running into a generous rich person. Why was she in town if she could just send someone out?"

"We'll play it by ear," Gaillard stated after a moment. "Just be wary."

"Ah."

Miwa heard their conversation but couldn't understand. "Whyas?" Miwa cocked his head, confused.

"Nothing," Kai said and patted the blond's head, not even sure what Miwa had meant. I feel weird. Miwa and Kai were friends, but to treat each other like this... Kai was reaching his limit.

"How's your role of the older brother playing out?" Gaillard smirked.

"Shut up."

Miwa yawned, innocently interrupting the boys' banter. He stretched and rubbed his sleepy eyes.

"Oh! May I hold him?" Misaki asked with hopeful eyes, noticing Miwa's sleepiness.

The only reason Kai hesitated was because it would be strange to see her hold Miwa.

"Checkmate," Kamui stated, beating Ren in chess. The cat meowed disapprovingly and reset the board with his burgundy paws.

Then again - Kai handed Miwa to Misaki, who smiled happily.

"I've always wanted a baby brother," she explained as she rocked the sleeping blond.

Kai smiled a little. She seemed to fit the role quite well.

"She doesn't have any siblings?" Gaillard asked, wondering if everyone's memories were tampered with.

"No, she's an only child," Kai stated. "And an orphan," he added quietly.

Gaillard's eyes widened. "Does she know?"

"I don't think so," Kai said, watching the lavender haired girl smile.

"It isn't easy to have no family," the dark bluenet murmured.

Kai bit his lip, a shadow going over his eyes. He knew better than anyone.

They finished eating and went to their room. Asaka demanded to have her own room. The rest were fine being in one room, considering how big it was.

Kai laid down on the soft, plush bed. It felt like forever since he had a good sleep. But he couldn't sleep. This could all be a trap. Even with that in mind, his exhaustion nagged until he could no longer stay awake.

Sky blue eyes opened upon feeling cold. Misaki turned to Miwa next to her, who had hogged the blanket. Misaki smiled.

SSSCCCCCHHHHHH!

Misaki gasped. What was the piercing scraping sound. Closest to the door, Misaki seemed to be the only one who could hear it.

SSCCHH... SCCHH... SCCHH...

It was getting closer. Misaki felt her heart pound, shivers running up her spine. Sweat rolled down her chin as she got the sudden gut feeling it was behind the door, which was cracked open.

A silhouette of an overly large mouth with teeth matching its size and a long skinny hand holding something sharp appeared.

Misaki opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. She tried to get everyone awake, but she was frozen solid. She could only stare with terrified eyes at the being before her.

A tall stick-like being with a head too big for its body, its long skinny arms grasped a scythe. A few strands of teal hair stuck out from its head, looking ghastly. A silver chain held a dark green pendent, which glowed evilly. Its body was semitransparent.

"Kkeee," it made a high-pitched screeching noise.

Misaki's lip trembled. "A-A-A... "

"Is there something wrong about my looks?" the thing smirked darkly. It raised its scythe and striked...

"AKANE!"

Everyone jumped awake. Gaillard grabbed both Misaki and Miwa, and pulled them out of the way.

"What is that thing?!" Asaka demanded, getting to her feet.

"I'll kill all of you!" Akane snarled, her inhuman eyes landing on Gaillard.

Gaillard tensed and was about to move when sensation took over. He fell to his knees, using his hands to hold him up. It felt like he was being pulled to the ground.

Kai moved to help them but found he was in the same position. He tried to pus himself up, but the weight only increased.

"Heavy?" Akane tilted her head to the side. "You two knew about me from the very beginning. I had to dispose of you somehow. But it's no fun if I simply killed you without any excitement!" she cackled.

"Tch." Kai started to push himself up.

Akane's eyes widened. "Oh, I'm impressed. Not many can do that. However... " Akane grinned maliciously. "You're only making it harder!" Her pendent glowed darker.

"Kkk!" Kai grunted as his body slammed to the ground. He coughed out blood.

"Onii-chan!" Miwa watched Kai try again.

"Persistent," Akane clicked. "I'll get to you in a minute," she said, turning to Gaillard. She blinked when he wasn't there.

"Are you impressed?" Gaillard whispered in her ear, standing behind her. In one quick movement, he took out his spike and slashed her back.

Akane screamed in pain. She dropped her weapon and fell to the ground.

Gaillard took a deep breath. He had acted calmer than he was. He wasn't used to causing harm to someone.

"How are you able to move, freaks?" Eiji asked, walking next to Gaillard.

"I'm not sure," Gaillard admitted, looking at his hand. The heavy weight had disappeared mere moments after it had come.

"Onii-chan!" Miwa shook Kai's shoulder.

Kai grit his teeth. It was becoming harder to move.

"Are you alright?" Gaillard asked Kai.

"Been better," Kai managed, wincing.

Gaillard helped Kai stand up, though, it was hard for the brunet to keep his footing.

"Y-you...! You insolent mortal!" Akane shrieked, standing up and picking up her scythe. "I'll kill you all!"

Strong winds descended around Akane as her shrieks grew louder. She began to float.

"We better leave!" Kamui shouted over the howling wind. The walls started to crack.

"No one is leaving!" Akane screamed, her gold eyes wide with anger. "You're all going to die!" she headed straight for them.

Kai couldn't move. It was difficult to stand let alone run.

"Don't move," Gaillard told him. "The rest of you should run."

Everyone sensed that Gaillard was in control and did what he said. Misaki had to drag Miwa away.

"Onii-chan!" he cried.

"You won't get away!" Akane howled.

Gaillard tightened his grip on the glowing spike. It began to morph. Gaillard's eyes widened as the spike in his hand grew longer, wrapping itself around his right arm like an arm guard. A black and purple edge stood out from the end. The middle of it was cut open, shaped as a long dagger. Gaillard looked at the spike in his hand, that had grown into a long dagger, its hilt dark blue.

Saving his questions for later, Gaillard took advantage of his new weapon and attacked.

Blood painted the ground as both attackers were injured; Gaillard on his right rib and Akane on her neck.

Gaillard took a painful breath and was about to end it.

"Wait!" Kai called through grit teeth. "Don't kill her!"

"What! Why shouldn't I?" Gaillard asked.

Kai heard a voice. He couldn't make out the words, but he understood what it wanted.

"Aim for that!" Kai said, pointing to the pendent.

Gaillard was hesitant, but he remembered how Kai was right before. He moved his dagger back and stabbed the pendent. Green light broke out. Akane staggered back, screaming in pain.

Kai felt the weight removed from him. He looked up when the ceiling began to collapse.

"Run!" Gaillard called and sprinted out the house alongside Kai. They met everyone outside.

Kai turned around. The mansion fell to the ground. Kai didn't think anyone could have survived that.

"Onii-chan!" Miwa jumped on Kai, wrapping his arms around his neck. His tears soaked Kai's shirt.

"Everything's fine," Kai murmured, rubbing Miwa's head. He turned back to the mansion. A flicker of white caught his eyes. Kai squinted. He saw... Akane!

Akane's astral formed floated above the mansion. She was back in human form, a smile on her face.

Thank you, she mouthed and slowly vanished.

"What are you looking at?" Gaillard asked.

Kai sighed; he was the only one who saw that. "Akane is grateful."

Gaillard gave a confused look but didn't ask. He placed his dagger in the opening of the arm guard. It fit perfectly. The arm guard morphed back into a simple spike. Gaillard carefully placed it in his pocket.

"It returns to normal once put back, huh?" Gaillard muttered to himself.

"What should we do now?" Misaki asked, frightened from what had happened.

"At least we have supplies," Aichi stated, holding a few bags. Kamui, Reiji, and Eiji had a few as well.

"You stole that?!" Asaka questioned.

"She's dead now," Aichi shrugged. "Might as well make it useful."

"I guess," Asaka murmured slowly. "Got any clothes?!" she asked, her voice swinging to excitement.

"We'll need it," Kai said, looking at Miwa and Misaki. "We should find a place to stay for the night."

"The forest sounds good," Reiji said, stretching.

"He's right, freaks," Eiji smirked. "People will be suspicious if they see us right after this."

"I don't mind," Kamui smirked. "It's been awhile since I had a good fight."

"Hn," Aichi smirked along with them.

"We should chose the forest," Gaillard stated. "It's probably safer."

Everyone agreed and slept under the trees.

Kai found it hard to sleep. He gently pried Miwa off of him and laid the toddler beside Misaki.

Kai quietly walked away from the group. He sat by a lake, watching the stars' reflection.

"Couldn't sleep?"

Kai looked behind him. Gaillard stood there, twirling his spike.

Kai returned his eyes to the lake. "Yeah."

Gaillard sat beside him and stared at the stars above. Both sat in silence for some time. Gaillard decided to break it.

"Everyone's changed," he started.

"Not us," Kai replied curtly. "I've wondered why."

"It's obvious you didn't change because you're different," Gaillard said knowingly.

Kai grimaced. "Drop it."

Gaillard sighed. "Fine. So, do you know why I haven't changed?"

"No, I'm not sure," Kai stated.

Gaillard nodded. The silence returned.

Kai stared at his reflection. He hated this. He couldn't do anything to help back there. He only got in the way. Kai bit his lip until it bled. It tasted like rusted metal.

"...What happened back at the party?" Gaillard asked.

"What?" Kai turned to Gaillard, who surprised him as he was deep in thought.

Gaillard grimaced at the blood around Kai's mouth but didn't say anything. "Before that thing attacked."

It took a moment for Kai to remember. Sighing, he explained what had happened.

"I see," Gaillard stated. It wasn't that shocking after everything that happened.

"Hey... "

Gaillard looked at the brunet, noticing how quiet and different he was.

"That roar... " Kai started. "It wasn't the same."

"What do you mean?" Gaillard raised an eyebrow.

Kai stood up. He seemed to be in his own world, murmuring to himself. "It was familiar. But it wasn't the Sanri. It... was... "

"Oi!" Gaillard caught Kai as he fell backwards. "Get a hold of yourself!" he shook Kai.

Kai didn't respond, his eyes hazy. His lips moved slowly. Gaillard strained to hear, but he couldn't make it out. Kai's eyes soon shut, his voice unheard.

Alright! First time making people so different. Tell me how it is. Review!

Disclaimer: I don't own Cardfight Vanguard.