Chapter 3: A New Beginning

As Kai and Misaki had approached the pier, the two didn't once exchange faces or glances due to the intensity of what was to be said, and the obscurity of Kai's sudden change of heart. Neither one said a word, even as they began walking on the wooden boards that made up the pier alongside the beach. As the gentle breeze carrying the essence of the sea hit Misaki, she began to feel a sense of easiness and tranquility, making it easier for her to relax.

Finally, the two had approached the end of the pier.

"So, what did you want to talk to me about?" Misaki said as she finally turned to Kai.

For a few brief moments, he stood there, gazing at the endless ocean, and then finally turned towards Misaki.

"I wanted to apologize for earlier today" he calmly said.

"Like I said earlier, it's okay, if anything, I should be the one apologizing I shouldn't have pressed you so much. You're right, it's none of my business" she said as she crossed her arms.

"It goes deeper than that" he said.

Misaki's heart began racing again, and she couldn't understand why.

"You were right, we are very similar, Misaki. You and I both lost our parents at a young time in our lives and we both had to fend for ourselves. We both had no one to turn to just to know if things would be alright, and we were both left in the dark".

"It's a crushing feeling, isn't it? Knowing that when you go to bed, no one is there to wish you goodnight, no one is there to help you up when you fall down. Luckily Shin was always there for me, but I couldn't fully imagine how you felt all these years" she replied.

Kai suddenly looked away in shame, but finally mustered his courage.

"The problem isn't so much our similar pasts; the problem is how ashamed I feel"

"Ashamed? What for?" she asked.

"Every day and the next, I can't look myself in the mirror and I can't look at everyone around me the same. Because of my obsession to reach the levels that Aichi and Ren had achieved, I willingly sold my soul to the Void. Ever since that day, I've felt so repulsed at how far I was willing to go to obtain power"

"Kai…"

"I didn't learn anything. I had once lost Ren to Psyqualia and it consumed him, and all the years I spent searching for that next level to bring my friend back, and I failed him. I witnessed Aichi fall into Psyqualia's grip, and even though I managed to pull him out, I just didn't learn anything"

"But, in the end, you saved Aichi, and Aichi saved Ren, and you all reconciled, didn't that mean anything to you?" Misaki asked.

"Don't you get it yet? I told Aichi to grow on his own steam, and to face me as an equal on equal grounds as a card fighter. Yet, as Aichi did just that, I became overwhelmed by the level of power he and Ren achieved. I did exactly what I had stood against; I gave in to false power. And for what? To become the world's arch enemy at the cost of those that I love and respect?"

Kai had finally looked away as he couldn't bear to face Misaki. Misaki had made her way a little closer, and placed her hand on his shoulder, and turned him around.

"Kai, I understand why you did what you did. And yes, you were a very grave threat to our entire world, but our friends did for you what you had once did for them, they dove into the heart of darkness and they brought you back. But you haven't noticed people's attitudes towards you? Your friends still care about you so much they would do anything for you, and they still see Toshiki Kai, one of the greatest card fighters they have ever seen. Not mention, one of the best I've ever seen" Misaki said smiing.

Kai, for the first time in his life, tried his hardest to stop the imminent smile that was about to break from his face, making his lips curve a funny way.

"What's that I see? Is Kai actually going to break out smiling? Or are you just constipated?" she said giggling.

"I'm not smiling" he said still fighting the smile.

"You should smile more often, Kai. Besides that silly grin you make when you beat an opponent" Misaki said imitating his usual grin of confidence.

"I have no idea what you're talking about" he said looking away.

"Now that I think about it, I'm in the mood for some tea" she asked.

"That was out of the blue, wouldn't you say? Nevertheless, I'll make you some at my house" he said as he began walking.

"Are you sure? I don't want to intrude on your house" she said somewhat blushing.

"It's not intruding if I invited you" he said still walking.

Misaki was completely taken back from what was to happen. Never once did the thought ever occur what Kai's house may look like, or where it even could be. Her heart began to race, being happy that Kai had opened up to her, and poured his heart out to her.

As the two finally made their way to Kai's home, Kai had made his way to the kitchen as Misaki had placed herself on a bar stool by a table overlooking the kitchen.

"This is a really nice house, do you live here alone?"

"For the most part, but sometimes Miwa crashes here, most of the time without me knowing about it" he said as he began making tea.

Misaki still couldn't believe the fact she was in Kai's house. She had felt she discovered something that very few people have seen, and was elated to be a part of it. She looked around the room and noticed CD's neatly stacked and alphabetized, a game console near the television, and near the corner of the living room, was a table set with cards scattered about.

"I had no idea you were into video games, I never would have guessed"

"I play in my spare time, I'm actually fond of fighting games and some racing games here and there" he said setting both cups down.

"And what about all the CD's, what kind of music do you listen to?" she asked very intrigued.

"Mainly smooth jazz, but I really came to like American Rock" he said sipping his tea.

"And I'm assuming that space over there is your little workshop for working on decks?" she said smiling.

"To be honest I can work anywhere that's quiet, but yes, that's my area where I like working on my deck"

"I gotta say I'm fascinated" she said giggling.

"Why's that?" he asked.

"I never would have guessed any of these things about you. You've always been such a mystery, you never opened up to anyone else before, save for Miwa"

"True, but I recently decided that it's time for a change in life, so why not start with someone I know and trust" he said as he sipped more.

"You trust me?" she quickly asked.

"Sure, you're a card fighter I respect, you're always to the point with things, definitely a good listener, and…"

"And what?" she said leaning a little closer.

"Your new haircut looks really nice"

Misaki couldn't help but blush, seeing as no one really noticed her new haircut, and the feeling that Kai noticed it made her feel really happy.

"Hey, what are you doing tomorrow? I have the day off from the shop and I wanted to go to the strip mall that just opened up" she said

"Yeah I heard about that, they have a new card shop over there too, I've been meaning to check it out"

"Maybe we can go together then?" she asked.

"Sure, that sounds nice" he said, smiling once again.

Sorry guys I gotta cut it here, but don't worry more is on the way. Sorry I didn't post at my normal speed I had a lot going on, but I hope this makes up for it!