Chapter 14
"Stand up, Vanguard!"
It was just a usual night. Two kids were in a card shop, smiling giddily at each other as they fought each other to the fullest.
"Ride! Ice Prison Necromancer, Cocytus! Nightmist skill, I superior call 2 Sea Strolling Banshee units to the rearguard circle. With their skills, I draw. Cocytus skill, superior call another Banshee and I draw again."
The boy smiled happily as he combo-ed his cards. The girl looked in worry at her hand, thinking she might not have enough to survive the turn.
"Cocytus attacks. Limit Break!"
"Sigh. No guard."
"Haha! I win again!"
The girl sighed for the umpteenth time of the night, placing the 6th card on her damage zone.
"Wow, you really are strong. You didn't even let me do my break ride turn," the girl pouted.
"I am sorry, I would feel bad if I held back," the guy said and smiled cheerily, the girl following suit.
"Yup, that's totally true. But, I will get stronger and get back at you one day!" the girl said with a determined look on her face.
"I look forward to it."
Aika opens her eyes to the blinding rays of the sun glowing through the rifts of the partially-open curtain.
Another dream, huh. She thought to herself, but shrugged it off, deciding that she should face the day with a smile.
She sits up from her bed and stretches her body. She glances up at the clock beside her bed, trying to read the time on the clock, to no avail.
To her annoyance (or morning annoyance as she would call it), she rummaged through the undersides of her pillow, searching for her glasses that she normally doesn't use. When her hand touches a smooth, oval case, she grabs it and to her relief, it was her glasses.
She opens the case with a bit of trepidation, slowly taking the glasses from the case and puts it on her eyes, pushing it a bit so it rests on the bridge of her nose.
Much better, she says to herself and takes a mental note to use her glasses more often. Her vision is getting more blurry by the minute.
She glances back again at the clock, able to read the time displayed on the mechanical clock.
It's 6:30 AM in the morning.
With a bit of smile on her face, Aika faces her day with renewed vigor and enthusiasm. Today is going to be a good day, or so she believes.
She stands up from the bed and decides to stop by the bathroom to wash her still-fresh-from-sleep face. Just before she could continue to the bathroom, her phone rung.
The annoying sound of the phone filled her room, almost spoiling her vigor. Sighing, she takes it up and answers the phone.
"Hello," she says with a still-sleepy voice, not caring if the person from the other line hears how annoyed she is right now.
"Aika? Is that you?! I am glad you finally answered!"
Oh, it's just Rika.
"Oh, hi Tadashi-san," Aika says, yawning.
"Oh sorry Aika, I was just worried about you. You weren't answering any of my calls lately, so I thought I should try this morning. I haven't seen you attending school either," Rika said, concern evident in her voice.
Aika stiffened.
So someone caught her escaping from school, huh? This is getting worse than she imagined.
Should she tell her the real reason why? Or should she settle for a lie instead?
"Ah, I am just fine. I was feeling sick these past days so I decided to take some time off. Don't worry, I will be returning back in no time," Aika said, trying to convince the other girl that there's nothing to worry about her.
In the end, Aika chose to lie instead.
"Is that so? I will just visit you later-"
"No, I am just fine. I will be back to school by tomorrow. No need to worry about me," Aika said.
Oh right. Aika has been absent for 3 days in both school and Card Capital. She felt depressed, regretful, guilty and other emotions thrown in because of her decision to leave the team. She doesn't want to remember those days anymore. She doesn't want to bring back the painful memories. But, somehow, she became attached to Chrono and now is confused whether she should take back her decision or keep up with it.
Her phone would always receive messages these past days. She didn't dare to look at them. Ryuu sometimes would check on her and bring her food, being considerate not to ask Aika why she is coddled up in her bed for three days. He would only bring her food, ask Aika if she's fine, and go and do his own thing.
Aika is glad that he has a sweet, considerate brother like this. She is sometimes tempted to tell him why, but she decided that it's something she shall decide on by herself.
She grimaced at the idea of her sleeping the whole day with traces of tears on her face. She decided she shouldn't keep this attitude.
She should keep the decision. She should move on.
"Alright then... if that's what you are saying. See you then. By the way, I... asked my brother to put a letter to your desk last night, so... please read it. I don't know much of the details, but someone asked me to send it to you. Seeing you're still not in the shape, I decided to tell your brother to put it on your desk," Rika said.
"Okay," Aika simply said, her mind picking up a newfound curiosity for whatever letter Rika is talking about.
Aika put down her phone to her bed, her enthusiasm lost in the lies she made Rika believe.
There's no choice. She has to lie. She needs to. She doesn't want to look like the weakling she was.
Standing up from her bed, Aika eyed the pristine, pallid letter sitting on her desk. She takes the letter with a sigh emanating from her lips.
So this was what Rika was telling her about earlier.
With a scowl, she tears open the letter, albeit aggressively. Her eyes widened like saucers as she read the words scripted on the paper.
To: Nishimura Aika
From: Nishimura household
?
I sat on my revolving chair, a frown gracing my face. I tried to avoid fidgeting as much as possible, but this is a very grave matter.
Where are those guys? I need to formulate a plan to counter whatever they are planning.
I have heard some nasty rumors roaming around Tokyo. I need to find out if they shed some truth in them.
"Good morning, sir," the messenger finally appeared, bowing down gently, his ragged breathing slightly heard from where I am.
"Good morning too. What took you so long to come here?" I asked, masking my trepidation with a stern tone.
"Um, we... got some... news today," the messenger said.
"News?"
What news?
"Sir, I have heard that... he is back."
Wait, what? Picking up the nuance in his words, I slammed my fist on the table with a bit too much anger. The messenger flinched.
"... you mean, the White Spirit?" I asked, praying that whoever he is isn't the fabled White Spirit.
The White Spirit is a notorious assassin who killed civilians and others during the full moon. While he is not much of a threat, he almost killed the prime minister last year which caused his name to be widely announced nationwide. Up to this day, he is still a wanted person by the police.
But, his whereabouts disappeared without trace after his failed assassination of the prime minister.
To hear that he is back... this is not good, especially with the ongoing crisis.
"...are you sure whoever he is that you saw is the White Spirit?" I asked again, trying to make myself believe that he is not back.
"Yes Sir. I got source from Shion Kiba himself, so there's no way we could be wrong about his apparent return," the messenger said, putting down a folder.
"I see," I said, still trying to regain my composure.
If it's Kiba who gave this information, then no doubt.
The White Spirit is back.
I opened the folder to see photographs of the White Spirit himself. His iconic pallid mask covering his face, emanating a mysterious aura about his identity. His emerald green eyes producing a murderous glint, fear striking my heart as I tremble slightly at the idea that this heartless assassin is back to business.
Those months of peace where none of us have to worry about an assassin on the loose are over.
"... we can't take this lightly. The White Spirit can foil our plans in counteracting our enemy. We need to find a solution about this," I said.
I can't let them destroy my plans. This time, I will truly succeed. I will reclaim her, the hope of the world and bring an end to this abomination that tries to put my world to an end.
The Destiny's Arbiter.
Wait for us, hope of the world. Your hope will be the savior of this world, of this messed up world.
"Call all of the board members. We shall form an intricate plan to turn the tide of this silent war against them," I said, scrambling through my desk to get all the files we will need.
"If it's fine to ask... what is the solution you are thinking of sir?" the messenger asked.
"Silence them. No mercy shall be shown to everyone who will try to destroy the world."
Chrono sat behind the counter, boredom apparent on his face. Today, Card Capital is empty. Literally. Only a few customers have come by the store from the past hours.
It confuses Chrono a bit. It's weekend and there should be more people in the Capital right now, so why would there be no people here right now?
Not that it matters. It gives him time to think and space out a bit. He needs to know how to keep his team up if he wants to challenge Onimaru.
Sigh... She hasn't answered any of my messages. Neither did she answer any of my calls. Why is she ignoring me? Did I even do something that warrants this punishment? Just when I thought we would be all good when she accepted Kazuma in the team.
Chrono sighed for the umpteenth time of the day. He still hasn't found out why Aika suddenly ignored him all of the sudden.
He wants to. It's been worrying him too much these days. He wants to help Aika if she has a problem or something that she just needed some time to mull over on. But, if she needed some space, wouldn't it be better if she just told him that she needs it? He would gladly give her space if she needs it. Just... it pains him that Aika has been ignoring him without him knowing the reason.
I don't really understand her. First, she denied Kazuma entry to the team despite Kazuma being an individual with potential. Yes, she has a point that Kazuma might be a liability, but why isn't she giving someone a chance to prove himself? Then now, she is not even giving me the chance to explain or something about whatever bad I have done to her? Why is she like this? She should learn to give everyone a chance!
Chrono sighed angrily, trying to control his disappointment and anger from exploding. For some reason, he is getting annoyed at Aika. He just wanted to join U20. There was no need for this useless drama or anything. Why would this happen right now?
This is just another obstacle, right?
Ugh... Chrono, control yourself! You can't give up on Kazuma or Aika. There must be a reason why Aika is doing this. You are going to enter U20 and get back at Onimaru. Believe, believe, believe!
The glass door of the shop opened, the bell chiming as a person entered the shop. Chrono was snapped out of his daze and he fixed himself.
And to his shock...
It was Aika.
Nervousness overpowered his annoyance. Butterflies swirled in his stomach as he saw his teammate and workmate walk to the store.
Okay, just show your usual face. Be casual, Chrono.
"Good morning and welcome," Chrono greeted with a smile on his face.
Aika's "glowing" face (or what she would call it to signify her enthusiasm) dropped and was replaced with a blank look. She didn't even look at Chrono, glancing around the shop, trying to find someone.
Why is she acting like I am not here? Is she here to insult me or something? Chrono thought to himself, trying to mask his annoyance.
"Excuse me Shindou-kun, is Shin-san here? I got to talk to him," Aika asked, trying to act casual too.
Chrono flinched at how cold Aika called his name.
I must have done something really bad for this to happen. Chrono thought to himself, confusion and disappointment reverberating in his stomach.
"Shin-san, Aika is calling for you," Chrono called out at the back of the shop, while trying to remove his focus from Aika.
A few minutes later, Shin appeared from the back of the shop and his face lighted up at the sight of Aika.
I will just listen a bit, Chrono thought as he decided to busy himself with fixing decks on the counter.
"Oh, Nishimura-kun! How are you? You didn't appear for three days and we were so worried about you. Is there a problem?" Shin asked.
"I am sorry Shin-san, I was sick these past days so I wasn't able to come to school and here," Aika said with a smile on her lips, masquerading the true reason why she was absent for days.
"I see. I am glad you are fine," Shin said with a smile on his lips.
"By the way, Shin-san, I have decided to resign from my job."
Chrono looks petrified and shocked as he heard what Aika said.
Wait... resign?
"Huh? Did something come up Aika-kun?" Shin asked.
"Yeah. I have some family matters to resolve and I got told off by my guardian to leave my part-time job. I am sorry if this is sudden, but thank you for taking me in when I needed a part-time job," Aika said with a smile, bowing down and handing a letter to Shin.
"I see. That's sad then. But since that's your choice, I can't really do anything about it. Thank you for your service, Aika-kun. I hope you will still stop by," Shin said with a smile.
"Of course I will, Shin-san. I will see you then," Aika said with a smile and walked away.
Chrono gritted his teeth.
She's running away? She doesn't want to solve whatever problem she has with me? I am going to take this into my hands!
"Shin-san, I will just talk to Aika for a bit," Chrono said, trying to hide the fact that he and Aika has a strained relationship.
"Okay then, just be back fast," Shin said with a smile as Chrono ran away fast, silently thanking Shin.
Luckily, Aika hasn't come that far. Chrono grabbed Aika gently but firmly by the arm and pulled her to a hidden part of the city.
"Shindou-kun what are you doing?"
"Aika."
Aika was shocked as Chrono pulled her, but she made no qualms. Instead, she immediately hid the shock with a smile.
"Is there a problem Shindou-kun? By the way, thank you for being my workmate. I think this will be the last time we will see each other. So, farewell," Aika said as she tried to get away.
But, Chrono's grip was firmer, holding her in place.
"What's your problem Shindou-kun? Let me go," Aika said, her smile replaced with a scowl.
"No. I am not letting you go. We need to talk," Chrono said, not wanting to let the probably last chance to save their relationship slip away.
"What do we even need to talk about, Shindou-kun? None anymore, right? Then let me go," Aika said as she tried to remove Chrono's firm grasp from her shoulder.
"You have something you are not telling me, Aika. Why are you treating me like this? Did I even do something to you for me to deserve this?" Chrono said, trying to placate his annoyance and disappointment.
Aika was silent for a bit.
"What do you mean?" Aika said, trying to feign innocence over the topic.
"Please don't avoid the topic anymore, Aika. Back in the Dragon Empire Branch, you just suddenly left without telling me why. You aren't even responding to any of my messages. You are also calling me again by my surname when you just started to call me by my first name. Please tell me, Aika. I want to know what I did for you to suddenly be like this to me," Chrono said.
"... you won't understand anything, Shindou-kun. No one will," Aika said.
"Why are you like this?" Chrono released his grip of Aika's shoulders and clenched his fist in anger.
He isn't able to hold back his anger anymore.
"You are not giving anybody a chance to prove themselves or to explain why or whatever! Why? Give me a simple reason why you suddenly became cold to me! That's all I am asking from you! Is that too much to ask?" Chrono said, trying to lower his voice and hide his frustration.
"...you don't really know anything, Shindou-kun. You think that you understand everything but the truth is, you don't. You try to force yourself into others when they are clearly denying you. You think everything will go your way?" Aika said, venom dripping from her voice.
"I am not trying to act as if I understand you! I just want to help you! I am just worried about whatever is happening to you because I care about you!" Chrono said.
"Your care is misplaced. Or should I say, it's not even care that you are feeling for me," Aika said, looking at Chrono with a murderous glint in her eyes, "You just pity me."
"You pity me because of the past I shared with you that day when we were going back home. You think I am someone who can't solve my own problems and is just running away from my issues. I am right, Shindou-kun?" Aika said, smiling.
"... you don't have the right to tell me what I am feeling, Aika," Chrono said.
"Huh?"
"You also don't understand me, Aika. You babble about how I don't understand you when you clearly don't understand me too."
Aika's face fell, her face replaced with anger.
"What you said was wrong. I don't feel pity about you. I feel amazed about you," Chrono said.
"What do you mean?"
"The fact that you are fighting for your own future even without your parents, the fact that you found someone to fight for, the fact that you are so strong and independent despite of facing those problems... I think they are all amazing. They are things I won't be able to do, Aika. That's why, you can't just tell for me what I am feeling." Chrono said, looking intently at Aika.
"...you are just saying that right now. Don't lie to me, Shindou-kun. You will never reach places when you do th-"
Aika was silenced when she felt something warm and soft pressed against her lips.
Chrono was kissing her.
Aika's words died down on her mouth, blush spreading on her cheeks. She wants to push Chrono away, or to stop the kiss right away, but for some reason, she can't. She just stood there, frozen.
That's when she realized something.
She's in love with Chrono.
She can't live without Chrono. Chrono has became a very important part of her life that she cannot let go of him anymore. Chrono is now a part of her.
And, that's something she can't accept.
After an eternity has passed, Chrono pulled away. They were panting very hard, as if they just chased away a very fast truck.
Chrono's mind was fuzzy, his mind blurry after what he has just done. After a few minutes, he blushed hard, realizing what he has just done earlier.
"S-sorry Aika! I didn't mean to do that! It was a mistake sor-"
A very loud slap was heard. Aika's hand has landed harshly on Chrono's left cheek, her face covered in tears and with anger.
"Wh-what did you just do, Shindou-kun?! Who the fuck told you to do that?! You just made everything worse, Shindou-kun!" Aika said, crying angrily as she tried to control herself.
"Why are you like this, Shindou-kun? You are caring for me so much even when I am just a lowly person! How can you do this to me? I don't want to remember anymore painful memories of the past, yet whenever I see you, I remember them! I want to forget them, that's why I decided to ignore you and just move on. But, even if I do my best to ignore you, I just can't! I don't know what's happening with me. Since when did I become so attached with you? We just met for freaking 2 weeks and yet I am this attached to you! How? Why? Ugh, I just hate myself! I don't even understand what the fuck I am feeling right now!" Aika said, pulling at her hair angrily.
Chrono was dumbfounded and he can't bring himself to speak. He felt guilt and pain as he watched Aika cry and shout in anger.
Why did you do that, Chrono?! You just messed this up! You just threw away your chance to fix this!
That's when he realized.
Chrono is in love with Aika. And he did the wrong move before he realized it.
"Shindou-kun, I don't want to feel this anymore. Please, let me go. Don't contact me anymore or come near me again. I am tired of feeling these feelings. Ignore me and I will ignore you. It's simple as that. Thank you for being a part of my life even though it was for only a short period of time," Aika said, composing herself and smiling at Chrono before running away fast, leaving behind a dumbfounded Chrono.
Chrono gritted his teeth, blaming himself for messing up so hard. How the heck is he supposed to fix this mess now?
Chrono punched the wall hard.
"Damn!" Chrono said as he kept on punching the wall until his knuckles are bleeding.
When he felt pain seep into his wounds, he sat down against the wall, clutching his head in frustration and anger at himself.
He felt tears prickle his eyes as he sat down there, blaming himself for messing up the only chance he might have to fix their relationship. Instead of solving it, he just made it worse.
"Chrono-kun? Tokoha is he-"
As he sat down, wallowing in self-guilt, he heard Shin say. He didn't bother looking at his direction. He's too tired, too hurt, too messed up to even answer that call.
"Chrono-kun! What happened to you? Why are your knuckles bleeding?" Shin asked as he pulled up Chrono from the ground, still unresponsive.
I don't know what to do with my life now.
Hello, Alex here!
Sorry for the... angst chapter. But, I thought it would be too fast if the conflict between them just stops here. So, please bear with it! Don't worry, hope's not lost yet. We are not yet in the middle of the plot. Also, I hope Chrono's still in character despite of everything that happened in this chapter. I'm doing my best to keep all characters in character.
By the way, thank you to Bad Rolls and to our guest reader for leaving a review! I hope you will still look forward to the future chapters of this story. And I'm also glad that you both are liking it! To our guest reader, I'm not really keen in writing lemons/confessions myself, but I won't give a definite answer whether there will be a lemon or not in this story. For now, I want this to have no scenes like that or whatever. They're just teenagers, and I don't support doing the do before marriage.
Also, we're nearing the 1st anniversary of this fic! There will be probably another update + a special fic on January 7, so please wait for it!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all have a happy holiday!