Hi everyone! I'm presenting to you a new chapter! Chapter 3! I hope everyone will enjoy this new chapter! Without further ado... Let's start!
Normal POV
Kikuoka then sighed after that as he leaned on the table.
" But we couldn't save her Fluctlight in time... By the time we noticed, two days have already passed and her Fluctlight has already been corrected by the Axiom Church. If that didn't happen, our research would've made huge advances." Kikuoka said
" Fluctlights have the authority to do that?" Chris ask
" We're not sure yet, but the church is quite mysterious after all." Higa said
" And what about the mark of A.L.I.C.E?" Ibuki ask
" For us, that's also a mystery. Why did Alice decide to do that? And in what ways were your friend and Alice similar to resonate this way? Anyway, he might be another key to helping us complete this project, so don't lose it." Kikuoka said
" That's not much of an answer!" Kai exclaimed
" Just know that both of them are connected. They feel each others' pain, emotions and memories. They see what the other sees. Maybe one day, they might be able to travel back and forth to each others' bodies. Just take care of him. Once the answer is clearer, we will chat again." Kikuoka said
" Tch!"
Kai stormed out of the room as Ibuki sighed.
" Chris, keep in contact with them. We'll inform you if there's any updates." Ibuki said
" Yeah, got it." Chris said
" If anything dangerous happens to our friend because of this, you will not be hearing the last of us." Ibuki warned and turned off the call
Meanwhile, Kai went back into Aichi's room as he carefully opened the door to see that he had fallen asleep while drawing as he crept quietly into the room. He looked around to see that he had not touched his breakfast and sighed. Then, he slowly pried the drawing block out of Aichi's fingers and set the pencil down on the bedside table along with it. He took the tray for his breakfast and left it in the microwave again before moving back to Aichi's room to lay him down on the pillow while he groaned.
" Alice... Be careful..." Aichi muttered
" Another vision...?" Kai muttered
Kai then looked over to the drawing block as he took a chair and sat beside the bed while flipping through Aichi's drawings. That was when he noticed a drawing of the same tree outside the room as he compared it with the drawing.
" It's the same... But the surroundings..." Kai thought
He continued flipping through the drawings as he sighed quietly and closed the book.
" I guess everything really is true. But why were they connected to each other?" Kai thought
Setting the book aside, Kai got up from the chair and sat on the bed beside Aichi while brushing his hair strands aside. Slowly, he leaned forward towards him. His lips slowly brushed Aichi's before he was suddenly stopped by Aichi's hand and pushed down to the ground, knocking over the chair.
" Ow..."
" What are you doing?" Aichi ask as he got up
" ... N-Nothing... You didn't have to push so hard." Kai said as his ears flushed red after thinking back fo what he was about to do to Aichi, " Are you feeling better?"
" I'm the one asking the question here. What were you doing?" Aichi ask
" 'I'*? Are you okay, Aichi?" Kai ask
" 'Aichi'...? What nonsense are you talking about?" Aichi ask
Ibuki ran into the room after hearing the noise as Aichi had his guard up again.
" Who are you guys? How did you get into this place?" Aichi ask
" Calm down. Look, just don't get up. I'll get something for you, okay?" Ibuki ask
He slowly and carefully made his way over to a desk to get a mirror and showed it to Aichi.
" You're Aichi Sendou. A cardfighter." Ibuki said
Aichi looked at himself and his hand before looking around.
" What's the meaning of this? What's this body?" Aichi ask
" ... I knew it. You're not Sendou right now." Ibuki said
" What do you mean?" Kai ask
" Have you forgotten? That guy said that there was a possibility that they could switch bodies at some point of time. This is the result." Ibuki said
" Switch bodies? Explain this to me." Aichi said
" If I would guess, your name is Alice. Isn't that right?" Ibuki ask
" ... Yeah."
" Sendou told us a lot about you. He's been having dreams of your life and told us many things." Ibuki said
He picked up the drawing block and showed the drawing to 'Alice'.
" This is indeed the Cathedral. I can believe this story." 'Alice' said
" Then you must have also..." Ibuki said
" I have. I have been seeing dreams that never made sense to me. You were all in that dream, but I never thought it would become real." 'Alice' said
" You and Sendou are both connected because your souls resonate. You feel Sendou's pain while he feels yours as well." Ibuki said
" That's why my ankle suddenly acted up during training." 'Alice' said
" Yeah. Sendou had hurt himself by accident. We suspected that enemies had came here to capture him. And that caused him to panic and hurt himself." Ibuki said
" I see."
'Alice' then lifted up the injured ankle and a light started healing it as the two gasped.
" Hey..."
" What is it? Does your world not have healing powers?" 'Alice' ask
" N-No... Just don't do that so recklessly." Ibuki said
" That's inconvenient." 'Alice' said before coming into a realization, " ... So why..."
" Who knows..."
'Alice' then got up as the two led him around the place.
" This world is really different than mine." 'Alice' said
" Figures." Ibuki said
" Can we head outside?" 'Alice' ask
" Sure..."
The doors opened as soon as they approached it as 'Alice' noticed the tree that was standing tall and bright in the middle of a garden.
" This is..."
As soon as he touched the tree, it glowed brightly before turning into a golden sword and floated into his hands.
" My Divine Weapon. Why does it exist here?" 'Alice' ask
" Looks like it's not just your feelings, pain and souls are connected. You guys are also sharing powers with each other." Ibuki sighed
" Impossible..."
The three then headed into the meeting room where Ibuki handed 'Alice' a bag to wrap and hide the sword in.
" Soon, we'll have a meeting taking place here. Do you know what it is?" Ibuki ask
" ... According to his memories, it could be about these 'Apostles' or 'Gyze'. Is that right?" 'Alice' ask
" Yeah. Please act as accordingly to how Sendou would talk and act. We can't have more people finding out about this situation as it is." Ibuki said
" I'll keep watch over you just in case." Kai assured
" ... Must I trust someone who tried to take advantage of him while he was sleeping?" 'Alice' ask
Kai blushed a little before he waved the topic off.
" A-As if! A-Anyway, we just need to make sure that you don't screw up!" Kai exclaimed
" Huh..."
" Although, when we think about it now, will Sendou be okay with your body? I'm sure no one in your world knows about this." Ibuki said
" I'm sure Uncle will be able to help him." 'Alice' said
" Hopefully so... Sendou can be clumsy." Ibuki sighed
Meanwhile, in the Underworld, 'Aichi' sighed after a few days had passed living in Alice's body.
" I still haven't gotten used to this body and world... What should I do...? I can't keep avoiding the other Knights forever." 'Aichi' sighed
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door as she flinched and looked at it.
" Y-Yes?"
" Little girl, it's me. Can I come in?" A male voice ask
" That voice sounds like... I think she calls him 'Uncle'..." 'Aichi' thought
" S-Sure..."
A tall man opened the door as 'Aichi' gulped a little.
" I knew it... It's the Knight Commander, Bercouli Synthesis One..." 'Aichi' thought
" Is something wrong, little girl? It's unlike you to lock yourself in your room for so long." Bercouli said
" I-It's nothing, Uncle. I just wanted to have some alone time for awhile." 'Aichi' said
" ... Look here. Your acting as the little girl isn't gonna cut it if you're going to be stuck here for awhile." Bercouli said
" Huh?! Y-You knew...?" 'Aichi' ask
" Of course. Little girl always talked about a life that she has never lived before and yet, she feels like she has a connection with this person's soul. It's you, isn't you?" Bercouli ask
" ... Yes... I am Aichi Sendou... A few days ago, I woke up as Alice and I didn't know what to do. I didn't mean to do this, but I really don't know this world well." 'Aichi' explained
" It's understandable. So how different is your body and hers?" Bercouli ask
" ... Very different. I... even have difficulties just going to the bathroom. This body is her own privacy." 'Aichi' said
Bercouli then laughed out loud as 'Aichi' sighed dejectedly.
" Don't worry. I'm sure the little girl is having the same problems too." Bercouli assured
True to his words, 'Alice' had been fidgetting around while the other Branch Leaders have gathered as Kai noticed it immediately.
" What's wrong?" Kai whispered
" I-It's nothing." 'Alice' whispered
" ... Get over here." Kai whispered
Kai dragged 'Alice' out of the room and stood there with his arms crossed.
" Alright, talk. What do you need?" Kai ask
" Th... This is just too embarrassing... Using a male's body to..." 'Alice' muttered
Looking at 'Alice's' fidgets, Kai soon realised what was happening as he scratched his cheek and dragged 'Alice' to the bathroom.
" I'll stay outside. Take your time." Kai said
" I... don't know how..." 'Alice' said
Kai breathed out a heavy sigh before he took 'Alice' into the bathroom and helped him out. The two exited the bathroom with flushed cheeks after that.
" Let's never remember that. Don't mention this to anyone." Kai said
" I understand..."
" If this wasn't Aichi's body, I wouldn't be having so much trouble..." Kai muttered under his breath
The two headed back to the meeting room after that as they sat down like nothing happened. Ibuki then reviewed all of their plans again while 'Alice' tried to keep up with the information while remembering things from Aichi's memories.
" Sendou, do you have something in mind?" Ibuki ask
" ... It's almost weird. If the Apostles wanted to revive Gyze with the Zeroth Dragons, shouldn't they have one more Apostle? From what I've remembered, they don't have a United Sanctuary Apostle." 'Alice' said
" Yeah. It seems that they've tried to get an Apostle by using Diffride on Kanzaki-san. Though, we're not sure who else could qualify for that role again." Ibuki said
" Then wouldn't that put those people who uses clans from the United Sanctuary candidate for an Apostle?" 'Alice' ask
" Depending on which units that they have an incredible bond with, it's not hard to narrow them down. Kanzaki-san is still the top candidate though." Ibuki said
" I see. I guess they wouldn't try it again with him, huh?" 'Alice' muttered
" It's probably not too much of a worry for now. Though it is an issue that we should be aware of too. We need to be the ones to make the first move against them this time." Ibuki said
" Yeah!"
" By the way, Aichi... About the Relic's remnants, I might have a slight breakthrough but it'll take a little more time. Could you help me check out some of the data for me too?" Chris ask
" S-Sure... Just send them to me, I'll have a look..." 'Alice' replied
" Thanks."
The meeting adjourned afterwards as 'Alice' sighed in relief.
" Was I awkward at all?" 'Alice' ask
" Fortunately not. Looks like no one noticed. Except Suzugamori, I guess." Ibuki replied
" This world is complicated... Time even goes really slowly." 'Alice' said
" I'm not surprised. Anyway, Shindou and the others might drop by for awhile, so keep up the act for a little while longer." Ibuki said
" The 'Gyze candidate'... I guess that's fine." 'Alice' said
'Alice' then sat down and took out the sword to wipe it as Kai shrugged to Ibuki.
" Continue watching over him for me. We can't have him running around like this." Ibuki said
" I know."
As soon as 'Alice' finished inspecting and wiping the sword, he wrapped it up again before the door opened up for Chrono and his friends to enter.
" Hey, Ibuki." Chrono greeted
They all exchanged greetings before sitting down while 'Alice' nodded in greeting.
" We were discussing about our plans to keep you guys safe after rescuing you guys from Relics. We'll have close friends and people to protect you guys from the Apostles." Ibuki said
" Leave that to us!" Tokoha assured
" Please. Also, while you guys were recovering, the Apostles also dropped by here for something. We're still investigating on it-" Ibuki said while quickly glancing over to 'Alice', " -but luckily, they never took anything important."
" Was sending us to Relics not enough?" Kazuma ask
" We're not sure yet, but just be careful. Who knows when they might strike again." Ibuki said
Suddenly, 'Alice' picked up his sword and stood by the door.
" Sendou?"
" Hostile presences." 'Alice' replied
They immediately responded to that by standing up and getting ready for any attack. The door slid opened as a few figures entered. 'Alice' immediately unwrapped the sword and drew it up but was met with a clash of blades.
" Impressive. You reacted quickly." 'Alice' said
" For a light sword, it weighs heavily on impact." Valeos said
'Alice' then turned back to the others.
" Stand back." 'Alice' warned
He then parried away Valeos's sword before lifting the sword again to face him.
" What are you here for?" 'Alice' ask
" The United Sanctuary Apostle. He's still missing, so we came to diffride one." Chaos Breaker said
" Noa!"
" Heh! I brought these just in case!" Darkface said, taking out dynamites
" ... What a ruckus. No one here will be touched with me here." 'Alice' said
" Hey, be careful! Those are explosives!" Ibuki exclaimed
" Doesn't matter. As long as they can't use it, nothing will happen." 'Alice' said as he lifted up the sword, " Enhance Armament."
The blade glowed and scattered into golden flowers as they wrapped around the three Apostles.
" What is this?!" Darkface exclaimed
" This can't be...!" Chaos Breaker exclaimed
" I see...! You're...!" Valeos exclaimed
" Get out of here right now." 'Alice' said
The flowers then brought the three outside and flung them into the sky while they returned to 'Alice' and turned back into the blade.
" Those humans can survive, right?" 'Alice' ask
" You threw them into the sky... I wouldn't know..." Ibuki sighed
" At least it's safe now." Kai said
'Alice' sheathed the sword back before suddenly collapsing as they ran over to him.
" Hey!"
" Get ahold of yourself! Wake up!" Kai exclaimed
Aichi groaned as he opened his eyes and looked around.
" Huh...? I'm back...?" Aichi ask
" ... You're Sendou this time, right?" Ibuki ask
" Yes... How long was I unconscious for...?" Aichi ask
" A few hours..." Kai replied
" I see... Wai- Huh?!" Aichi exclaimed as he shot up, " A-A few hours?!"
" I don't think you knew, but Alice had taken over your body during those hours." Ibuki said
" Ah... I guess it really wasn't a dream..." Aichi muttered
" Hey. What's going on?" Chrono ask
Aichi looked over to Chrono and the others before looking at the sword beside him.
" I caused trouble, didn't I...?" Aichi ask
" Alice saved us with that sword. Don't worry about it. Though, she did blew our cover-up." Kai replied
" We're glad you're back at least. Does your body feel any different?" Ibuki ask
" Nothing to be concerned of..." Aichi said
Kai sighed as he tried to pick up the sword, only to drop it again.
" Huh?"
Kai heaved as he lifted the sword up and stood.
" How did she even carry this...?!" Kai exclaimed
" Is it heavy?" Aichi ask
" Of course it is...!" Kai exclaimed
" Let me help." Hayao said
Hayao tried to help Kai lift the sword as both collapsed from its weight.
" This isn't normal!" Hayao exclaimed
" Weird..." Aichi muttered as he took the sword into his hands, " It's pretty light for me."
" Is this a joke...?" Ibuki muttered
" Try it out yourself." Kai said
" I'll pass." Ibuki said
" Maybe it has something to do with the Authority Level or something... Although I'm not sure if it applies in our world. It shouldn't apply at least... From what I think." Aichi said
" Kai. Take him to the room for some rest. I'll explain to them." Ibuki said
" Yeah."
Kai took Aichi back to his room to rest as he settled on the bed while setting the sword beside the pillow.
" How long were you in the Underworld?" Kai ask
" A few months." Aichi replied
" Months?! Time really passes that fast over there, huh? But what did you do there?" Kai ask
" Oh... Uncle trained me and helped me act out Alice's role in the Cathedral." Aichi explained
" 'Uncle'?"
" He's the Knight Commander of the Integrity Knights, Bercouli Synthesis One." Aichi said
" The Knight Commander, huh? I guess it makes sense." Kai said
" There weren't any troubles while I was gone, right?" Aichi ask
" ... The Apostles attacked but Alice sent them away. And..." Kai trailed off as he remembered the bathroom incident
" Are you alright, Kai-kun? Your ears are red." Aichi said
" Uh... I'm sorry." Kai said
" What's wrong?" Aichi ask
" I... I had to go to the bathroom with Alice and... help her with using your body. So, I saw it." Kai said as he slowly turned away
" ... O-Oh... It's okay, you were just helping her because she wasn't used to this body... Besides, we're both guys so it's fine." Aichi said as he blushed
" Yeah, that's right... I mean- No! It's not fine! This is your body we're talking about!" Kai exclaimed
" I don't think it's a problem... It's not like we're..." Aichi trailed off
Kai looked around hesitantly while brushing his hair in frustration.
" K-Kai-kun?"
" ... Whatever...! Come here." Kai said
Kai pushed Aichi down on the bed before pressing his lips on Aichi's. Aichi's eyes widened before he quickly got used to it and reciprocated. The two held the kiss for a few more minutes when the door suddenly slid opened and shut quickly. The two finally snapped out of their trance and got up, embarrassed, as Aichi took the courage to open the door after straightening his clothes.
" Oh, Ibuki-san. Is something wrong?" Aichi ask
" Chrono and the others wanted to talk to you while they were here." Ibuki said
" I-I see... Come in." Aichi said
Kai had already stood up and straightened his shirt as they all came into the room to play Vanguard and have a conversation, all while Aichi and Kai were taking glances at each other.
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!