Hello everyone! This is the start of a new chapter! Chapter 7! I hope everyone will enjoy this chapter! Without further ado, let's start!
Normal POV
Kai returned with two cups of water in his hand as he gasped a little after seeing a boy in kimono standing by Aichi's bed as he balanced the two cups on one hand, opening the door.
" Who are you?" Kai ask
" Relax. No one else other than the two of you can see me, so you better act normally or people will think you're acting crazy." The boy warned
Kai set the cups down on the table beside the bed as he made sure Aichi was still resting.
" Have you heard about how the second Anna Itako suppressed her demons? It was due to the kindness she had received from her spouse. She lost that power after that." The boy said
" But Aichi is constantly surrounded by kindness after getting into Vanguard, yet that power never disappeared." Kai said
" The effects of the power did lessen, but from what I checked, it will never disappear from his life. He just needs a little teaching and training to learn how to control it so that he doesn't breakdown like that." The boy explained
" ... And? What are you here for?" Kai ask
" Just doing a quick checkup every now and then. Honestly, how many people are in this stadium, I wonder? Heard of how the 1080 earthly desires created an Oni like no other? I know you're being careful but it can only get you so far. This boy though, is actually doing a really good job holding everything in. But it's also why I gave him Zenki and Goki in the first place. I have the feeling that he'll be a master at controlling Onis." The boy said
" Those Onis...? ... Wait. The original owners of those Onis were..." Kai exclaimed
But once he looked up again, the boy had disappeared as his sweat dripped.
" It can't be... Hao Asakura?!" Kai exclaimed
" But if these two Onis were from him, then who's the last spirit from?" Kai thought
There was a loud cheer from the audience, indicating that the match between AL4 and Brilliant Stars were over.
" Is it over...?" Aichi ask, opening his eyes
" Y-Yeah... I think so. But Katsuragi and Tokura will be having their fights first, so take this time to continue resting." Kai said
To assure Aichi further, Kai turned on the television to show the matches that was going to happen.
" What about you?" Aichi ask
" It's alright, I'll stay here." Kai replied
" Oh..."
Kai helped to prop Aichi up enough for him to watch the television at a comfortable position.
" Is this okay?" Kai ask
" Yeah..."
They turned to the television to watch the match afterwards.
Ren was watching the match between Team Q4 and Team Caesar as his eyes were fixated at their waiting area.
" Tetsu. Go look for Kai and Aichi Sendou. I want to know what they're up to." Ren said
" Yes."
Tetsu walked out of the room as he made his way around the stadium and stumbled upon the infirmary. He took notice of Aichi and Kai inside as Kai immediately felt his stare and walked over to close the curtains around them.
" Kai-kun?"
" It's nothing." Kai said
Kai walked back to take a seat as Tetsu left to inform Ren about his report.
Although Misaki had lost her fight against Yuri, Aichi managed to clinch the win for the team against Mitsusada.
" You did it, Aichi." Misaki said
" Yeah."
" With this, we just need to win against AL4!" Kamui said
" Right."
They walked out of their waiting room to see Team Caesar already outside as they decided to walk out of the stadium together.
" Are you alright now, Aichi-kun?" Yuri ask
" Yes. I'll manage." Aichi assured
" I wish you wouldn't keep that secret to yourself, Brother!" Kamui exclaimed
" I'm sorry..."
" If you ever feel uncomfortable again, just tell us." Misaki said
" Okay..."
Shin went to get the van as Aichi soon spotted Kourin in the distance, waving him over as he excused himself to meet her.
" What is it, Kourin-san?" Aichi ask
" Tonight, you should go to Foo Fighter's headquarters. You might want to see what will happen there." Kourin said
" What will happen?" Aichi ask
" You'll see."
With that vague reply, she left as he returned back to his friends while wondering what it was about.
When he arrived at the headquarters of Foo Fighters, he was brought up to the level where there were fight tables as he was surprised to see Kai there as well.
" Kai-kun? Ren-san?"
" Aichi!"
" Huh."
" Uh... Kourin-san told me to come over." Aichi said
" He has a right to watch this." Kourin added
" Interesting." Ren chuckled, " Now everyone who has a connection to the power is here. No better stage could have been set."
" Aichi, watch our fight. Watch it closely!" Kai said
" You two are fighting?" Aichi wondered as Kourin nodded in confirmation
" Apparently, the power I have is called 'Psyqualia'..." Ren said
" Yeah. I know."
" Then I don't need to explain. I'll just show you... this magnificent power!" Ren declared as he activated his Psyqualia
They were all dragged into Psyqualia's image and as soon as it was over, the two set their field and drew their hand cards.
" Stand up the Vanguard!"
As the fight started, the others watched as the two continued exchanging blows.
I never thought the day would come when the three of us would gather here again. But everything has changed. Kai, you have zero chance of winning. You can't even imagine how powerful Ren is now." ... It's not zero... As long as there's a small chance, Kai-kun won't have zero chance of winning." Aichi said
Tetsu just looked at him with his eyes slightly widened before turning back to the fight. Unfortunately, Kai had lost the fight even after bringing out Dragonic Overlord The End. Ren had defended himself and overwhelmed him with Phantom Blaster Overlord.
" I won, just like I said I would. Everything happened the way Psyqualia showed me. Our friendship ended that day. It's too late to go back. The end!" Ren declared
" Ren..."
" Kai, you're of no value to me anymore. All I need is Psyqualia." Ren said, before turning to where Aichi and the girls were, holding up a card, " I'm grateful. Thank you for giving me this Phantom Blaster Overlord."
" ... Suiko-san, you gave that to Ren-san?" Aichi ask
" Of course, even without this, my victory was never in doubt." Ren said
" Why?" Kai ask
" We need his power." Suiko said
" Even though that power changed Ren?!" Kai exclaimed
" We don't care whether the results of the power are good or bad. There are things that only someone with the power can do." Suiko explained
" I'm going to use this power to take everything. And nothing can stop me." Ren said
He then left as Kai tried to call for him again one last time desperately before kneeling in defeat.
" Kai-kun."
" Get away from me! Leave me alone!" Kai exclaimed
" ... I won't. Just wait for me." Aichi said
Kai flinched a little as his way out had been blocked by Goki and his shield. Suiko approached Aichi and held up a card of light and darkness in front of him.
" Ren Suzugamori chose a card of darkness. Light that consumes the darkness... Darkness that blankets the light... Aichi Sendou, which do you choose?" Suiko ask
" ... I choose..."
After a few moments, a card appeared on his hand as he blinked.
" It seems like that card will suit you." Suiko said
Aichi looked at the card and muttered the name written on it before keeping it. Thanking Suiko, he went after Kai at the exit as Goki allowed them to pass and they left the building.
" Why are you following me?" Kai ask
" Because you're hurting." Aichi replied
" I'm not."
" ... You, Ren-san and Tetsu-san were really good friends, weren't you?" Aichi ask
" I...!"
" That's why I'm following you, no matter what." Aichi said
He had messaged his mother about the situation and continued following Kai until they arrived at the park.
" It's already night time. You shouldn't stay here." Aichi said
" I'll do whatever I want." Kai said
" Kai-kun..."
Aichi sat down beside Kai as they sat together in silence.
" Why?"
" You're my friend too. And if you're hurting, then I want to do what I can to comfort you." Aichi said
" I don't need it. You still need to prepare for tomorrow." Kai said
" I can do it anytime." Aichi said
He then stood up and looked into Kai's eyes.
" But I can't leave you alone. You've helped me before, so it's my turn to do that. I'll get back the Ren-san you know." Aichi assured
" But..."
" After that, apologize to each other and be good friends again. That's what you wanted the most, right?" Aichi said
Kai looked down at his lap and clenched his fists as Aichi wrapped his arms around his head and held him close.
" Don't worry. It'll be alright. Everything will work out." Aichi assured
It's frustrating...
" I know." Aichi said
I wanted to bring the old Ren back, but I lost... It's too frustrating...
" Yeah, I understand." Aichi said
Before he knew it, Kai had also wrapped his arms around him as his shirt started to feel a little wet, but he didn't move until Kai had finally calmed down enough to loosen his grip.
" Better?" Aichi ask
Kai nodded as he finally lifted his head off from Aichi's chest and flinched. He looked up at Aichi's face and then down again before releasing his arms and backed away, hiding a small blush in the darkness.
" S-Sorry."
" It's alright."
Aichi sat down and turned away to hide his own small blush before scratching his cheek sheepishly after his stomach growled.
" I can make dinner at home. It's not far." Kai said
" O-Okay, thank you..."
Kai led Aichi to his apartment as they settled down and Kai made a quick dinner for the both of them.
" Thank you for the food." Aichi said
Kai nodded as they began eating and Aichi praised Kai's cooking most of the way. Afterwards, Kai insisted on washing the dishes while Aichi edited his deck.
" You can take a shower. It's getting late, so just tell your Mother you'll be staying over." Kai said
" Okay... Hope it's not too much of a trouble." Aichi said
" No, it's okay. I'll lend you some clothes to wear." Kai said
Kai picked out the smaller fitting clothes he had from his wardrobe and handed them to Aichi as he thanked Kai and headed into the bathroom. Having nothing much to do, Kai just sat down on the floor as he thought back to what happened at the park, the blush returning for a few moments.
" Your face is easy to read. You're letting your guard down." Ophy appeared and teased
" Ophy...! Shut up!" Kai hissed, checking that Aichi was still showering, " What are you saying?!"
" What? It's a fact. That kid's breaking your mask." Ophy said
" Huh?"
" You can't act normal around him like you usually can. Just admit it, you're a huge softie for him." Ophy said
" Shut up!" Kai hissed again, his cheeks red
" Seriously, what do you think he is? One careless thought and he'll know what you're hiding. But whether you wanna keep it in or admit it is up to you." Ophy said
" Tch!"
" So I'm asking you. Who is he to you?" Ophy ask
" ... He's..."
As Kai hesitated, the door to the bathroom opened as Aichi came out of the bathroom. Ophy vanished right before he came out as Kai tried to compose himself again.
" I heard some noises, did something happen?" Aichi ask
" Nothing... I was just talking with my spirit." Kai replied
" Oh... I've never seen it after going out of my Grandfather's place." Aichi said
" Ophy... doesn't like showing up much." Kai said
" Ophy... That's a nice name." Aichi said
" It's actually Ophiuchus... But Ophy was an easier name to pronounce so I've been going with that name ever since I got him as a Guardian Spirit." Kai said
" I see..."
" ... I'll take a shower then." Kai said
He grabbed his clothes and went to take a shower as Aichi sat down by the bed, yawning. A few minutes later, Kai came out of the bathroom, his breath hitched a little after seeing Aichi sleeping with his head resting on the edge of his bed. Ophy had been watching and observing him, well aware of the Onis and the third spirit that were keeping watch over Aichi.
" Ophy?"
" I'm not gonna hurt him, but these guys are pretty defensive." Ophy said
" Oh..."
Kai walked over to them as he carefully moved Aichi onto the bed and laid him down carefully. As he was about to grab the futon from his cupboard, he was surprised to see Zenki and Goki sitting by both the edges of the bed in guarding stance, preventing him from crawling off the bed. After much hesitation and tries to go past them, he gave in and laid beside Aichi.
" Don't. mention. this. to. Miwa." Kai sternly ordered
" Okay, okay." Ophy said, vanishing
He laid down on the bed and tried to not get closer to Aichi as much as he could on the small bed. He then closed his eyes to sleep.
The next morning, Kai awoke to a bed of blue hair in his vision as he groaned and slowly blinked to get the sleep out of his eyes. That was when he realized that Aichi and him had somehow ended up sleeping closer together with Aichi nearing his chest. He quickly but quietly got up to change as Zenki got out of his way and went to freshen up. Once he came out, Aichi had also woken up and rubbed his eyes.
" Kai-kun...?"
" You're awake." Kai said
" Yeah..."
" Go and take a quick wash. I'll have breakfast ready soon and you'll be on your way to Card Capital." Kai said
" What about you? You'll be there, right?" Aichi ask
" I..."
" I swear I'll bring him back to normal, Kai-kun." Aichi said
" Right..."
Aichi nodded as he got himself ready for the big day and ate breakfast made by Kai. They then got ready to head out.
" I'll... I'll watch the match from the audience... So I'll just take public transport over." Kai said
" But..."
" I'll trust you, Aichi." Kai said
" ... Okay."
Kai made sure that the pin still had enough scent to last for the day and sent Aichi off to Card Capital before quickly walking away to take public transportation to the stadium. Once he arrived at the stadium, there were crowds that were still trying to get inside as he soon saw a familiar face.
" You're Aichi's... grandfather?" Kai ask as he looked at Keijin up and down, " Uh... Right?"
" Oh yes, yes! I'm Keijin!" Keijin greeted
Kai accessed his outfit as he was more casually dressed with disguised guards holding some cheering placards for Aichi.
" You look..." Kai muttered, unsure of what to say
" My grandson is having the biggest match of his life today and I wouldn't want to miss it!" Keijin exclaimed
" R-Right... Does Aichi know you're here?" Kai ask
" I think he does, but he just doesn't bother." Keijin said
" Well... Dressed like that, I'm pretty sure Aichi's just embarrassed... I guess his mother's talk really got his grandfather thinking..." Kai thought
" And plus, today's also a trial for him." Keijin said
" A trial?"
" In this stadium today, including all of us here, 1080 earthly desires will be heard by him. If he manages to endure it and control his power, then he'll be ready for the next phase of training." Keijin said
" What?! You know what will happen to this place if he can't?!" Kai exclaimed
" I know, but it's also because he's very well aware of that fact. He'll try his very best to keep it in." Keijin said
" Your grandson has a very important fight today! These 1080 earthly desires and wishes will mess him up!" Kai exclaimed
" This is his trial. If he doesn't wish to inherit what I want him to, at the very least, I want to be able to hand down something important to him. This trial will prove whether he's ready or not." Keijin said
Kai looked at the stadium and ran inside to where the holding area for the fighters are. He found the holding area for Q4 as he entered the doors.
" Kai!"
As soon as he had entered the doors, Kai noticed how Zenki and Goki were more restless in their guarding stances while Aichi was using one hand to clench his deck and the other on his head. The aura he'd been trying to suppress for a long time was leaking out.
" It's almost time for your fight, Katsuragi. Don't think too much about it." Kai said
" But..."
" Just go." Kai said
Kamui clicked his tongue but left for his fight while the cheers of the crowd grew louder. Kai walked over to Aichi and calmly cupped his hands on his ears. Finally, Aichi breathed out a long sigh as he slowly opened his eyes.
" Huh...?"
" You okay?" Kai ask
" Y-Yeah..."
" Kamui just went up for his fight with Tetsu Shinjou. Do you want to take a rest in the infirmary first?" Misaki ask
" ... No, I'm okay. I can manage." Aichi assured
" I won't be going up for any fights, so just tell me if you need anything." Kai said
" Okay..."
If it gets too much, just let me handle it." No... I can bear with it..." Aichi whispered
Kai sighed and nodded as they watched the match between Tetsu and Kamui.
And that's the end of this chapter! Thank you for reading! I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter and I'll see everyone in the next chapter!