I'm back sooner than I thought!

SO once again it is a short chapter the next chapter will probably be updated by tomorrow. No dare because I haven't finished yet. Sorry! But I bring you chapter 26 enjoy!

Aichi's POV

I reached Card Capital just in time for the tournament I entered the shop and everyone stared at me. Of course it was awkward I just started walking towards Misaki and that was when the manager cleared his throat and announced the details of the tournament. While he was discussing Misaki leaned down next to my ear and whispered something.

She asked "Where were you?" I gave her a weak smile and told her "I was at the book store."

She then replied "The book store isn't that far." I explained to her what happened "I was on my way back when an old lady called my attention and we had a small conversation."

She smiled and then whispered "What kind of conversation did you two have that was enough to keep you from leaving?" I smiled and turned to her and decided to lower my voice as well to avoid being heard "Let's just say we had a talk about my emotional being." She chuckled and I pouted and asked her if I said something funny. She stopped and replied "Oh I get it I guess it's what they call as old people's wisdom."

I sighed and then I said "You know sometimes I really can't catch that wisdom of yours." Then she muttered "Perhaps it's just because you're too dense to notice." "Come again?" then she smiled and said "Don't mind me you should look at the chart first."

I turned around and saw the chart. I think it represented the battles. Let's see… Me versus Izaki while Misaki battles against Morikawa. Somehow I feel that Misaki will not lose that battle. Though I think it's a bit cruel for me to think of that. After all Morikawa is still a friend of mine. Well technically bully-turned-ally. 'Goodluck both of you' I thought.

I looked at Kai for a bit and smiled 'Kai-san…do your best!' I cheered in my thoughts of course. It would be really awkward if I'd cheer for him out loud. People would probably think I kind of have…some…feelings for him? The more I think about it the more I get uncomfortable and more nervous.

There are situations like that before but this is the real world not anime. Okay! So I went to my Vanguard table and looked at my opponent. It's Izaki, Morikawa's long time friend and also bully-turned-ally. His deck is much more balanced compared to Morikawa's 'Invincible Force'. As invincible as it may sound it isn't undefeatable, it's actually the other way around. Due to his love and belief that Grade 3's are stronger his deck is mainly composed by it. Since he greatly lacks grade 1's and 2's his deck is very vulnerable and thus easy to defeat.

Enough of that though, my opponent is Izaki. He's different from Morikawa. What if I lose? Will Kai never battle me again? No! Now is not the time to think about that. I must win this battle no matter what. I want to win to face Kai in a battle one more time!

I have made my resolution although I doubt it will be enough to overcome my nervousness. After all my lack of experience in tournaments makes me feel really incompetent compared to others and this is my first. I have to make sure to at least have one victory in a contest.

"Then let the tournament begin!" the manager announced and right after that I faced Izaki and muttered a 'Goodluck' to which he replied 'You too'

Planet Cray

A knock was heard from the door of the vice-commander of the Royal Paladins a.k.a Blaster Blade.

"Master may I come in?" he recognized the voice coming from the unit that spoke and immediately he allowed him to enter.

His assistant is known as a really intelligent person and an excellent tactician. He was also in charge of the Great Library. The library contained books about Cray and the other world Planet Earth. Blaster Blade's assistant is also known as the Little Sage, Marron or just Marron for short.

"Master I have brought the book you seek." He said

"I see, kindly place it on my table and you may report to me about your findings about that."

"Yes sir!" his loyal assistant then complied to his order and placed the book on his desk and reported about his findings about that certain thing his Master had ordered him to do.

"According to my sources that thing you were asking me to research for is indeed a vanguard. The reported Vanguard had sided with the dark zone and is currently planning a rebellion against all of the clans especially against us, the Royal Paladins. The knights are currently making their move and went to various clans and asked for an alliance against the upcoming battle."

"I see how about that other certain thing I asked you to search?"

"…"

There was silence in the atmosphere and it was very eerie. Blaster blade kept his composure and usual no-place-for-a-joke face up as he waited patiently for his assistant's report. A few minutes later the pale Marron regained his color and continued his report.

"Sir…your suspicions are confirmed. That being is from another world similar to the other Vanguard."

"In short, that being is also a vanguard."

"…Yes sir."

"However it is very strange that the being is not aware of its purpose. Does it suffer from any head injury?"

"I'm afraid not sir. The being came to our land without any idea what our planet is or any of its inhabitants. It, however, has not caused any mayhem to happen."

"How would you explain the FLAME incident then?"

The assistant visibly flinched and continued reporting nevertheless "The FLAME incident happened weeks ago. When arrived at the dragon empire the knights immediately spread out and searched for the target. One of them managed to track down the target and actually find it. When the rest of the team arrived the Kagero Corps had captured our target and escaped."

"Were you able to find them then?"

"It wasn't hard to figure out where they were headed to. They were headed straight to the temple to bring the target to their ruler's custody and bestow judgment upon its actions. We followed the corps discreetly to avoid further combat as it is unnecessary and very dangerous for we were inside their territory.

We have successfully invaded their temple and immediately rescued the target from the dungeon. We were also able to escape from the temple without any battles ensuing."

"If you were able to avoid bloodshed then how come the incident was named as FLAME if the dragons were not able to track all of you?"

All of a sudden the atmosphere became very serious. Marron's expression became really serious and said "That's because the battle did not happen within their territory. It happened when we were nearing our territory. It seems that the dragon's have noticed our presence and simply decided to let it slide because their ruler did not want a battle within his territory thus he ordered his men to chase them and if possible slaughter all of them and bring the target back to his hands."

"Do you think that the ruler knew of that thing's power?"

"It is possible but I highly doubt that. Their race was known to be very prideful and valued it over recklessness and emotion. They will not kill their prisoners unless they were proven guilty by their ruler. If a prisoner does manage to escape they will track it down, bring it back and bestow judgment but that was based on a source from a long time ago. Everything might have changed since then."

"Perhaps so…continue."

"Yes, so we managed to fend off a few because it would be very bad if they were to die. We were outnumbered when all of a sudden the target began moving and slaughtered all of them single handedly. One of the corps tried to burn the target however he failed and got burned instead. The target took the source of the fire and tossed it to the corpses and they instantly turned to ashes. Then the target became unconscious once more and well the rest… you know."

"…Very well that is all I need to know. For now you may return to work. Report back if there are any suspicious movements about that thing."

"Yes sir!"

His assistant has left. He then sat down and contemplated on a few thoughts. Then he decided 'I must not allow my emotions to take control of this situation. For now the 'vanguard' must be closely guarded. Vanguard, ally, or enemy I will not hesitate to bring anyone down that dares to threaten this clan…'

Somewhere inside the manor, the assistant has traveled to a room and knocked. There was no response therefore he entered. He looked at the figure in front of him and he had a forlorn expression.

'…I'm sorry…Ai…'

This chapter is a detail about how Aichi/Ai managed to escape the Dragon Empire. Afterwards well yeah several stuff happens because of my horrid writing I wasn't able to clear all details out. GOMEN so yeah I dedicated this chappy to explain the happenings in the DRAGON EMPIRE ARC. LOL!

Well I will see you guys soon! JA NE!