To Find Hope: Chapter 3
-Hope divided-
A/N: Been going through some serious feels after Zexal ended but inspired lately to write more lovely characters from CFV! 3 MisaKou, Kaichi…Same old drill. Extra long delay in updates sorry, so extra long chapter. I felt sad writing this so please don't be too sad, more happy in the next chapter, Leon to the rescue again! :)
"No..It can't be", The scene of Kourin appearing before their eyes, teleported by that white light, it all came rushing through Misaki's head again.
She could tell Kai, Miwa and Naoki all turned back to look at her for a moment. It wouldn't be a surprise if they had caught on what was between them. If only such a notion had caught on to Kourin herself, perhaps if she had known how dear she had been to Misaki…since transferring…
Misaki bit down on the tip of her thumb, a salty taste reaching her lips, as she realized how hard she clenched her teeth. Containing everything, her eyes were surely just one wave of emotion, falling yet again and again toward the ground, as she found trouble looking the idol in her eyes.
"….Kourin.." the beloved name left her lips as soon as it came out, it was all she felt she could say. Kai stepped forward, looking back towards the group, before he met Kourin's gaze. He wasn't frozen by the blonde, much like Misaki had been, almost as if he could have expected this all.
All of those memories Misaki Tokura, held dear to her: Kourin's gaze upon her when she finally snapped out of the trance brought upon her by Link Joker, the look of being powerless, a trembling lip and darkened eyes, hearing she'd lose her memories…all of these came back.
To think she saw her as a rival of sorts…one trying to take her place on Q4 next to Aichi. When really you were truly lonely all along weren't you?
Kai had the one-track mind to follow countlessly for Aichi, it was beyond obvious to their world around them how much they belonged to each other. Why, any of this was happening was beyond the comprehension of anything but a deity.
"Kourin," Kai had finally spoke, "Alright I'll challenge you…in return you will bring us to Aichi. Where is Aichi?!" His eyes turned a blaze, a great light heightening the depths of Kai's green irises, it all showed more of how far he'd go. Years ago, Kai would deny he even would look twice at his mate, although now…it was far from it.
The emotion was falling from, the air in his lungs, words from his lips, in tears from his eyes, his flesh as it went through a literal hell to save his beloved, and screaming to burst from his heart and soul as well. Misaki could only imagine and wonder when such a terrifying feeling could come from her.
Kai had denied so much of himself for so long, and now it's all he could live for. At which point would it consume Misaki as well or has it already begun?…had the harsh feeling against her chest this moment, the blurry vision and drizzling expression, meant she too was broken. How could it be she fell for such an illogical still completely, unexplained feeling. It's not like she hadn't already memorized hypothesis' in high school about love and hormones. So how this all happened, how after so long she was able to see the girl again. Why was this agonizing pain back just as much as when she first grew fond for Kourin?
Her heart was all but screaming against her chest, the thought of whether Kourin could hear it now ran across the lavender girl's mind. Yet, as Misaki took just a small step forward, it felt as though a weight was pulling her back.
Almost like the time she first saw Kourin at their school. That uncertainty, the tightness in her chest, a part of her wanting to run towards the reason for her current anxiety and the other part forcing her to stay back. Misaki had repeated that same name again...the one who crossed her mind constantly.
"Kourin..." Misaki had whispered, the pressure of her teeth against the skin on her finger becoming too much. She had bitten down on her on finger hard enough for it to ache, leave a mark of sorts, yet that only had become apparent now.
It can't be. It can't be. It can't be.
Not like this. Not where we have to fight again, where we'll see you only long enough to hear the same words as the other knights. For us to hear that 'Our mate, our dear friend only wants to live in solitude.' Kourin do you too...believe this? If only I could recollect what happened after that final Link Joker fight...Yet it's all in fragments.
Misaki felt these thoughts overwhelming her, and within seconds she saw as Kourin prepared to fight. Kai had taken the lead once again. It was fitting right, being the leader...right? Yet it all felt so wrong.
From the second Kourin opened her eyes... Kourin.. Misaki tried to fight with herself, staying all focused on the match ahead. If this had been anyone else, the need for victory would feel so much lighter yet...
Perhaps it was all for the best? Misaki hoped. Kai would fight Kourin without any reserve, to find his eternal mate, that part of him, he would go through anyone.
A flicker of hoped crossed Misaki's mind as she noticed two familiar emerald eyes glancing over at her. Perhaps...they could reach her.
There was a strain behind the hollow gleam in the blonde's eyes however, an emotion of some sorts that seemed to cast out the others.
Misaki shook her head, looking down at the black ribbon around her wrist and holding it tight against her chest. No they would win this, they would have to. What other choice did they have? It's not as though there was much else she could do at this point, the match had begun.
"Stand up"
"-the" Kai had as always interjected
"Vanguard"
The two revealed their first unit cards, and something struck within Misaki, as she studied the blonde idol throughout the game. Emerlad green eyes would drift over so suddenly towards her, and Misaki would again hold the black ribbon against her chest. Almost as if she could hold it tight enough to wrap around her heart, so that part of her Kourin had become would always be with her.
It came down to a point where both Kourin and Kai were tied for damage, the next move would be deciding of it all. The brunette looked over towards Kourin, his mind lost in Aichi more than the world of cray.
'Final Turn' is what he wanted to declare yet he still couldn't just move past the idea of a morbid thought ,this had all been hopeless. He turned back, to see his friends distraught, yet still having that glimmer of hope, Kai would pull it off this turn.
Then the fear they were only losing another friend in the process kicked in. Was this truly the same Kourin? Striving so hard to keep them away from Aichi, and even use the Link Joker cards. Kai vowed to bring his friend back, and along the way..Kourin would have to snap out of this as well. That was his reasoning as he declared for Thing Saver Dragon and Blaster Blade to attack, the combination of both his own precious card and his love's most precious card. The card that dictated their fate to meet again, for all eternity no matter what holds them apart.
Kai had vowed the day he saw Blaster Blade again, he wouldn't stop until he saw Aichi. For the rest of eternity...and possible even longer than that.
"Kourin...why?" Misaki had softly spoken, not much louder then a breath. There seemed to be a fractal of pain breaking through to the blonde as she turned over.
Kourin had closed her eyes for that moment. As if there is another way... "If you truly, are looking to save Aichi, you should leave now," she all but begged of them, her voice not leaving a monotone register as her eyes shot towards her deck. I don't have a choice here, and I need you to know...What i'm doing, it's all to protect him. To save Aichi from anymore pain, they need to forget him. I can promise you all...Kai...Misaki...the quarte knights will protect him from anymore suffering. Even if it costs us our old life...everything...and everyone I had.
"I can see that your feelings are genuine," Kourin noted seeing that expression of Kai, eyes that had once seemed lifeless, struggling to find a purpose, had now awakened to find all they needed. A feeling Kourin had once thought of with Aichi, and perhaps... Kourin's stare turned over to the owner of those soft blue eyes and lavander hair, perhaps...I would have awakened yet again, to that feeling with you. Or would have...had circumstances changed.
"but-" Kourin continued, a coursing pain through her body again, she couldn't allow them to truly get any closer, not now. Kourin guarded and intercepted making that attack which could have very well given Kai victory, a deterrent.
Kai grit his teeth, declaring, yet another attack hoping to seize through the barriers Kourin would try to put up this turn, and through his very own doubts.
There was that moment, that glimmer of hope again.
Before a seemingly lifeless voice had broken out to declare her "Guard,"
Misaki, Kamui, Miwa and Naoki...all stood there eyes widened to see Kourin now was so different not letting up for a moment, and holding her own-no-winning again Kai Toshiki.
"A second ago, when talking about saving your precious 'mate'" Kourin began eyes closing as she held closely to her units. " 'Even if we have to pay dearly for it' but can't you see that's not at all what Aichi wants!" Kourin's eyes opened wide, revealing a new emotion. She was firm with her resolve.
It can't be another way. This is Aichi's will...he did this to stop pain coming to his loved ones. Especially you Kai...
Kourin had thought, with what would have beena great deal of envy had she not known about the fate that connected both Kai and Aichi together all this while. Perhaps they couldn't turn away now...but she had to try, to save Aichi from suffering anymore then he has.
Regardless Kai declared his final attack, leaving Kourin's life to a current total of five...just one away...from his Aichi. From saving him..
The frustration and broken looks upon her friend's expressions. Kourin must have gone soft over those years. "If you truly do want to know that badly, I'll tell you.." she spoke.
Gaillard looked over towards the blonde, a bit of shock to momentarily show in his expression. He turned towards her, speaking her name in an inquisitive manner, "Kourin-san?"
The blonde continued her gaze had focused from the brunette in front of her to Misaki, and occasionally over the rest of her group. The friends she had once known. "You see, it's not just the sacrifices you are speaking of that Aichi doesn't want..." Kourin paused seeing that angered yet still broken glint within Kai's eye as if there was reasoning still to bring Aichi back.
"He also does not want to be rescued," Kourin explained, her voice as passive as when she began, though she knew she had already gotten broken around them. So she would show them to Aichi, just long enough to see the truth.
"What?" Kai asked, he bit down, his teeth gritting against each other. The idea of that truth, it couldn't have been. Not after all this time, this suffering, what he brought himself into and his fellow mates. Not like this, this wasn't their reality now. It can't be.
Gaillard stood by Kourin finally spoke out, "Kourin? What are you trying to do now?", he feared for this worst, she had become to attached already, to truly be a guardian.
Kourin held out her hand, as she finished her explanation, "Everything up until this moment, the quarte knights, memories being lost, All of that was according to Aichi's will,"
"What!?" Kai repeated in shock as his eyes jolted wide open, the possibility of this all being true, of Aichi being the one that caused himself to be locked away. This couldn't have been.
Misaki looked over to her friends, they hadn't a word to protest with not now. They couldn't give up hope like this. She finally faced Kourin, looking her straight in the eye, and build her courage. Misaki pleaded with the blonde, her hand still against her heart, unknown to herself.
"Kourin, No...that must be a lie!" her voice had softened saying the younger girl's name, but the truth that all they have done so far. It can't be worthless. This can't be a result of just selfish actions meaning to be selfless. To bring Aichi back and Kourin...we will succeed with this. This all had to have been mistaken. She had become fooled, like with the Link Joker. That's right-It-
Kourin turned towards her, her green eyes seeming almost darkened as they met Misaki's gaze. Neither of the girls felt too strong at the moment, yet they couldn't turn each other away.
Naoki had agreed, sitting down still exhausted from their previous battles as he spoke out, "Aichi would never say something like that!", and his determination remained strong.
Kourin had been the first to turn away. "I'll show you," she wouldn't let them influence or harm Aichi, but have them be there just long enough. She had reasoned, then they could finally understand. "Aichi's true form."
A flash of light appeared before them, that blinding white light was all that had kept them away. Now they would truly see their friend, their mate they had been searching for all this time. Kai's eyes fought to stay open, not wanting to miss even a second of seeing his mate again.
Then there they were, everyone of Aichi's mates, in what appeared to be like a prison of sorts or a perhaps in the most positive light a castle. Although it felt far from it.
It was hard to distinguish with the current atmosphere and the blue/white bars decked all along the room. Kourin and Gaillard had appeared at the opposite end of the room.
"What is this?" Kai broke out, looking all throughout the room. He swore he felt his own heart stop as he saw the boy in the center of the room.
He hadn't even bothered to turn back but hearing his voice, had been a revelation to Kai. This couldn't be hopeless, not with how complete he felt right now. Aichi I can't just-
Before Kai could finish his sentence the bluenette spoke "Everyone..", his voice calm, soft yet...lacking of something that had made him, who he used to be.
"Aichi.." Kai breathed out his love's name, some of this all feeling like a dream. Had this been do to the isolation or them stopping him in his plan to only have the knights by his side. "I don't want to meet with you guys anymore," the blue haired boy had spoken in such a cold, distant voice, void of much else but to keep others away.
It was clearly Aichi, which struck Kai the hardest, he had known that boy all these years, when they were just children and again as if the gods themselves dictated their meeting. The voice however, seemed nothing like the Aichi he knew which threw him off. There had to be more reasoning, why had this all begun? He was to suffer from hurting others, being seduced by the power of link joker itself, but why was it Aichi was the one most effected.
Aichi took on his grave sin, but now they were both kept away from each other. Utterly broken down from the inside-out.
A grave silence filled the room, even Kourin appearing to be hurt as she winced slightly, almost expectant of the words. "Forget about me," Aichi started, saying the words that had cracked through that feeling of hope inside of Kai. Kai still hadn't come to the complete realization of what he just felt. "I want you to stop trying to rescue me," he finished off, and Kai questioned his own reality.
"Stop trying to find me," the words repeated from that lost voice, they could hardly compare to Aichi, the Aichi them all along. From such a lonely world and bring them together. The voice that would bring Kai out of his isolation and into becoming a true person, with meaning.
"But, Aichi-" Misaki began seeing as even the knights were in complete silence. Did anyone truly understand the reasoning behind what he's been doing? Aichi had seemed to be in deep pain.
"Aichi," Naoki finally spoke, seeing his once idol now closest friend saying such things, he had to forget him already and now again he expected them to give up.
"I can't believe this," Kamui retorted, his friend, his rival, the person who was like an older brother to him, this couldn't be real! "Kourin, this must be a fake version of Aichi-oniisan"
Kourin remained as usual, in silence, like the moment she entered this sacred isolated kingdom.
'No...although I wish I too could say this was all an illusion. I've never felt this way...not with anyone else, as broken or completely complete. It could have only been Aichi saying such things. Kai's thoughts confirmed this. 'I can tell, but why...why are you seeking to be alone like this? But still...'
"Why, Aichi!", Kai's subconscious voice broke through until he was speaking the words aloud, needing to seek the answer, now sure this was the true Aichi he had been searching for all this time.
"I..." Aichi paused for just a moment, If only you could know there is no other way out of this, my love. "Don't want to see you.."
Truly he knew what he was doing, how badly he had hurt Kai with that answer. As if needles were slowly etching their way into Kai's heart, piercing him, when most vulnerable. The last thing Kai would ever want to hear from his eternal mate was now spoken, those nightmares confirmed into a reality.
"Sayonara..." he had whispered, as if this was truly their last time to ever coexist like this. The flash of white light had begun to form. Kai couldn't just accept such a cruel fate, not after all they've had together. "Aichi!" Not again, they had taken so long to find each other, to finally reach that same place, to become equals. "WAIT!" he pleaded, a hand reaching out before him, wanting-needing to hear more...It couldn't all end like this.
Just like that they were back into their regular duel. The feeling their hope had been lost, all coming back to Kai. He couldn't lose now...not without seeing Aichi again yet...he had said. Why Aichi...
"What was that just now?" Kamui spoke as if still in a daze.
"Those were Aichi's true feelings," Kourin answered, "And I want you to accept it," her voice remained in a cold distance, much like Aichi's... "But if you say you can't, connect with a solitary soul, in an exitless underworld! Seek mate!" She had called, and the rest of the match all came on like a never-ending nightmare to Kai. Everything before his final card fell upon his damage zone, it all blurred.
What Aichi said may not be true afterall, perhaps he doesn't want us to look for him...but..I..
That image, Aichi so lonely over there, saying goodbye to us forever...after everything we've been through. It may be your will but I-
The memory of Aichi sitting all alone, unable to even turn around to see them. It would never feel right. No one deserved to live like that! He couldn't leave Aichi alone, but. "But I..."
Kourin looked with sympathy "It seems you can't decide, in that case I will have no choice but to strike, I'll sever those bonds and give you so much pain, it will never go away" She ordered an attack with her Legion Mate.
"Kourin, No. Don't!", Kai turned around, seeing Misaki pleading with her, her voice completely breaking through not only their battle but the blonde as well. It seemed for that moment she had paused..
Misaki had spoken with such vulnerability. This reminded him much of himself just minutes ago...begging for Aichi to let them stay.
Misaki's eyes threatened to tear up, as they glistened, turning towards the blonde. Kourin closed her eyes briefly, before turning toward Misaki. Again they met each other's gaze, it had been too strong for Kourin to fight this anymore. She had to stay with her duties, her emotions couldn't have been swayed anymore. I'm sorry...but-I can't allow anyone else to get hurt...Not Aichi...and not you.
"Kai Toshiki," she directed herself back towards the battle, "This is the end for you,"
The final battle damage was given, as the others still looked in shock Kai had been defeated like that. Was that piece of hope they've had all this time...gone? "I'm sorry, Blaster Blade," Kai apologized formerly, bowing his head down. I couldn't restore our bond...and bring him back.
"If she's using Link Joker then-" Miwa started.
Naoki bit down on the inside of his lip, "Does this mean Legion Mate is like link Joker and since she won- Kai is..."
Kourin breathed a heavy sigh, "No..I won't be reversing Kai Toshiki. But he will go back to where he belongs..."
As if more devastation seemed impossible, Kai noticed the symbol of their bond being targeted. Upon his Legion Mate, Blaster Blade had levitated before him, glowing a bright light before landing within the palm of Kourin's hand. "You don't belong here...return to the person who shares that same soul." Kourin instructed, It's not in the hands of fate for him and Kai to meet again, after all. You've done well.
"No, Give me back Blaster Blade!" Kai ordered of her, only to see the angered look upon the other Knight's face. He couldn't lose his bond with Aichi anymore, that card meant the world to him it's what brought them together all this time!
"You have yet to receive your punishment...Judgement!" the blue haired, knight called out as the arena all around Kai became engulfed in blue flames. Kai let out a cry in pain as the realization he would have to start from square one, began again. Aichi...is this truly what you've wanted.
The stage of the battle seemed to fade away and they were back to their real world, upon the ruins where the Knights had sought to hide-out.
Kai had fallen to his knees, feeling the burning pain course through him, he couldn't stand up and hunched over his legs, holding tight to his stomach. "Ahh.." he winced in deep pain, Miwa was the first to rush over.
"Kai!" he shouted, concern coursing through him as he immediately stepped by Kai's side, holding the older boy up right and against him. "Hang in there."
"Kai.." Misaki began preparing to help out Miwa before hearing the stubborn brunette reply. "Damn it." he cursed, still toppled over in deep pain.
Gaillard turned around, letting Kourin know their job was done. She had gone farther then he expected, allowing those who have hurt Aichi so much to see him again. That should not have been forgiven, but he figured getting her away now would be good.
Kourin nodded in a silent agreement as she turned on her heel right before anything else could-
"Wait!" Misaki called out to her, now secured Kai was going to be alright, she couldn't let this go. Her heart felt as though it was frozen over, the moment she saw that unknown expression in Kourin's eyes. Their gaze met again, and Misaki wouldn't let it go, despite her shaking eyes and the sound of protest that escaped her lips as Kourin full on faced her.
"You're going to Aichi arn't you," Misaki began her hand again right up against her heart. She stood up and now remained just a few feet away from Kourin.
"Yes," the blonde replied simply, You should know by now that Aichi doesn't have a choice.
"Is this truly all of Aichi's will?" Misaki asked, the others may have been confirmed enough hearing Aichi, and focused solely on the blue haired boy. But Kourin too...she couldn't have been okay with all of this. Her eyes shook, as a glossy shine fell over her usually calm blue eyes.
Kourin turned towards Misaki, focused on her expression. The blonde knew fully well what she was getting herself into, and she was beginning to understand Kai's feelings the moment he was told to leave. I don't have a choice either. She glanced at that old black ribbon. The silky black ribbon, she wore in her hair through her idol days and in school. Almost a good luck charm, one she had given to Misaki back then.. "You held onto that," Kourin confirmed aloud.
The lavender haired girl looked down at her wrist, a soft gasp escaping her lips. So she noticed...all had remembered us...
Kourin finished with her final words, hoping to leave now without regrets to her former friends. "I wouldn't lie to you.." For that was the one promise she could maintain, the one part about herself she'd keep. She'd never lie to her friends, especially not to Misaki, mainly because she couldn't.
Miwa, Naoki and Kamui all had made their own protests. Miwa had to restrict Kai from running after them. "wait!" he sounded before toppling over in pain.
Kourin turned around before vanishing in front of their eyes. "Don't look for Aichi."
It seemed as though on that day, several hearts had been broken open, and the current course of fate wouldn't stop in their motions. There had to be some form of hope, but now it seemed inevitable.
"Aichi!" Kai called out, one last time, before feeling his vision fade before himself.
The brunette felt the piercing sting in his chest, as he had settled in his home. The images of last nights battle fresh in his mind. He found himself, simply staring at the Vanguard channel, it was only a local tournament but all he could do to keep himself from spacing out. He had overslept again, completely devastated at their misfortune.
He took a sip of coffee from his favored red coffee mug, staring off into his own world, rather than focusing on the one-sided match. To think Aichi was once that way, and now he was his everything.
He could hardly sleep, no matter how hard he tried, not since that duel. Why would Aichi, or anyone willingly put themselves through that kind of isolation. To an extent even the Quarte Knights could deserve some pity coming out to stop him and his mates from saving his beloved. Yet, at least they could leave. How much time had past since the time Aichi saved him from Link Joker's grasp. "Why did you take it all upon yourself..." Kai thought, feeling a stinging guilt.
A pounding at the door followed by a loud "ding-dong, ding-dong!" broke Kai out of his trance. He looked through the small slit in the door to see a wide eyed blue haired grinning moron, but it was his moron.
"Miwa..." Kai called out, opening the door with a bit of hesitation, truthfully feeling the need for some company after all. "What are you doing here?" he sighed as the blonde made his way inside with a large brown bag bursting with food ingredients, onions, noodles, chips and other groceries.
"Hey~ Nice to see you again too~ Kamui organized us all to meet up at card capitol today, but I thought before that I thought we'd make some curry~" Miwa cheered and before Kai could protest, grabbed the brunettes arm leading him into the kitchen.
Kai smiled a small bit, sighing after, "I suppose I don't have a choice in this."
"Nope~" Miwa responded with his optimistic grin on him, determined to not let Kai suffer anymore alone like this.
The next morning had indeed approached like a curse and not only for Kai-san. The sun seemed to come on much faster then she wanted, then she'd usually notice. "Misaki-chan, Are you up yet!?" she heard an older male's voice, of course her Uncle Shin.
She remained silent covering the blankets above her head, trying to hide away from it all. Following her silence was several series of knocking. The green haired manager, sighed from behind the door. 'Not again...what had happened to her she hasn't been this torn up...since before she entered Vanguard.'
"Misaki-chan~ Let me in please~ You've slept through most of the morning. You can talk to me you know."
The lavender haired girl peeked out from the blankets above her just to see the red flashing numbers by her alarm clock. 1:30pm it had read.
How long have I been asleep? I haven't woken up this late since I was a kid...I only can remember going to sleep as soon as I got home, after seeing her leave and yet.
"Misaki-chan, I know you're going through that age where you need privacy but if you don't open up now i'm going to have to come in there. Your friends are already at the shop, even Kai-san." he announced, preparing to turn the door nob only to see the concerned look on his niece's face as she opened the door.
"Ah You're already ready!" Shin said, happy to see Misaki hadn't allowed herself to become more holed up today. He enjoyed seeing Misaki happy ,but knew there wasn't a possibility for things to be like that all the time. Still this was a step further.
"Wait," Misaki said, looking up at Shin with a perplexed look. "If you're not at the store, then who's watching Card Capitol?"
The green haired man smirked, answering with a "The assistant manager of course~" And the image of a small grey haired cat napping on the counter came to mind. "And Ren~"
"Ren-san?", Misaki repeated, he was the one who told them of their location after all, to find the knights. What was he doing over at card capitol?
The manager smiled and replied with a "You better get dressed and ready for today, I have some good news to tell you and your friends when we get back to the shop." he explained, looking back down at his niece, "So try not to worry what you're working through now you won't have to be alone...Okay?"
Good news. Misaki had only nodded. Was there anything like that, at this point?
Misaki came in through the store doors as she noticed, Kamui, Naoki, Kai and Miwa all sitting upon the one center table in the middle of the store. Naoki and Kamui had been playing a duel against each other which appeared to be in Naoki's favor, Miwa refereed, she supposed and Kai sat in silence.
"Misaki-san" Kamui grinned, seeing her entering the shop.
"Boss lady~" Naoki announced.
"Nee-san" Miwa replied with a cheer.
"You're here.." Kai spoke simply, a hand under his chin, as he appeared to be just as lost as after the duel with Kourin. He appeared to simply stare off towards the wall behind him.
"Hii there Misaki-chan~" Misaki heard a very chipper familiar voice, she noticed Ren behind the counter, all smiles with a Card Capitol apron on. Misaki nodded and waved over to him, before taking a seat across from Kai at their table.
I don't want to see you anymore. Sayonara... Aichi had said, as that same old scene replayed still fresh in Kai's memory. Aichi turned away from him, all his mates as he spoke so coldly.
"Aichi..." Kai whispered out the name of his love, a voice beyond broken.
The match between Naoki and Kamui had finally finished up as Naoki declared his last attack, it was only a matter of drawing a heal trigger or not.
You kept that all this time...I wouldn't lie to you, Kourin spoke looking directly at Misaki before turning to leave. That expression she held what was she feeling then, what made her come to that point where she could say such things so effortlessly and still manage to keep taking Misaki's breath away.
"Kourin.." Misaki hummed out, unnoticing of the final outcome of Naoki and Kamui's duel as she buried herself in her folded arms upon the table before her.
The rest of the group looked toward each other, the whole Heartbroken look had been obvious to see in Kai and Misaki's expressions. They had both lost their eternal mates.
Miwa broke through the conversation, "It can't all be over now I mean we still remember Aichi, there has to be a way to find the knights again."
Kamui nodded in agreement. "Ah, It's like the knights only goal is to keep Aichi all by himself. Then saying he'll be hurt if we do anything to find him again. They're trying to force our feet with this~"
Naoki grinned a bit hearing that, "I think you mean force our hands. But yeah I ain't giving up now!"
"That's the spirit!" Shin answered looking over at the group with a smile on his face. "We received this in the mail, from a Soryuu Leon."
This caused all members of their group to look towards the manager. "What?" Misaki looked up.
"Yes~" Shin responded happily, "He sent us an invitation to train over at his private island. Apparently hearing from Ren about how things have been with your latest Vanguard fight
"Leon?" Kai said, having not heard from him in quite a while. He meditated on their last battle and shook their head. We still lack the strength...going off to just see an old. 'Friend' isn't getting us any close to Aichi, besides he doesn't want to be saved...isn't that right?
Kai turned away, "I won't be going"
Misaki looked over towards her friend, We are so far from our goal, and if activity comes up with the knights we'll miss them. Besides our mates we are seeking to find...And Kourin is already gone. "I'll stay back too," Misaki tried her eyes glancing downwards as her lips curved into a frown.
The manager sighed before taking something out of the envelope.
"Well I can't be taking no for an answer, besides we already have our tickets right here." Shin explained, a grin on his face for his brilliant plan. This had to bring them all out of their current slump.
"Wait...all?" Misaki finished. So Leon is helping us...that's a surprise one of the few people to not be keeping us away from him.
"Well you will be needing a Chaperone after all." Shin answered, assuring them they had someone to watch the shop while they were gone and simply excited to take on a new trip away from work.
"Ah!" Miwa spoke in a rather pleasant voice as they arrived on the island. A calm looking, blonde teenager and two similar looking twin girls stood beside him.
"I'm glad you could come," Leon said, allowing them all into the resort like island area. There were several tables for cardfighting both old school style and with new 3D technology. "Feel free to make yourselves at home here." he continued, "I'll show you to your rooms"
Below the palace like exterior lay a small hallway with rooms all along either side. "I'll guess I'll be choosing this one," Miwa announced following after Kai as he entered the room with two large beds and plenty of space. The design had a rather old fashioned look, reminding them as if they were in some old fairytale or hideaway away from their usual town.
Leon saw as Misaki, looked down in distraught, Kamui all but jumping on his new bed and Shin attempting to take pictures of every square inch in sight. He noticed Misaki hardly looking around the room before placing her bags down, not bothering to look around as she silently got settled.
The blonde felt a stinging feeling upon his forehead. So they truly had gotten broken down. There's a lot of training to be done, but first-
"Alright well we'll be having dinner in an hour feel free to make yourselves comfortable" he announced, looking over to the brunette simply staring out the window, as the blonde placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. So he as well...is completely lost.
"Ah this is the best!" Kamui exclaimed reaching for his plate across the table hoping for yet another serving of the delicious food. Vegetables, meat, fish of all sorts of kinds, and even plates for of desserts decked throughout the large table!
Miwa smiled, "It's really great," he said, eating the food, but with a bit less excitement then Kamui, which wasn't all that hard to do. The boy seemed to get an automatic burst of energy from food. Naoki too was piling food onto his plate, grinning. "This is really delicious ya know. Thank you." he spoke, looking over at Leon who nodded.
He turned towards the end of the table, near to Miwa was the brunette. It seemed his utensils had made contact with the food, but the plate which had little food to begin with had hardly been touched. "Thank you, I'll be going now." Kai nodded, looking towards Leon and the twins as he headed in the direction of the hallway.
Shin had spent a few moments talking between the blue haired twins and to Leon as well. Meanwhile, Naoki and Kamui seemed to be arguing about who would get the next piece of well...whatever dessert they had decided to argue about this time. It's good to see they haven't lost their spirit.
"I'm finished as well, Thank you," Misaki announced suddenly, already scooting her chair back against the table as she made her leave.
It's the same with this one, huh.
"You want us to what?" Sharlene asked in a surprised tone.
"Yes, I thought they were all supposed to train together right, so why shouldn't we just bring them all together in the first place, instead of talking to them individually?" Jillian asked, quite a bit confused as well.
"Kai and Misaki are both stubborn...but Misaki seems to have more reasoning, and Kai could use a bit more convincing before we can get him to train with us. I'm counting on you~" Leon explained with a soft smile as both girls looked over at him, feeling their heart race that bit.
"We'll do it!" They cheered in determination!
Naoki and Kamui stood by each other looking through their deck as Leon, Jillian and Sharlene approached them into the cardfight circle upon the island.
"Where's Misaki and Kai?" Kamui had asked, looking all across the area, as far as he could see from the Vanguard table, hoping to spot the two.
Miwa sat back against one of the rocks behind the vanguard table, as he answered. "They didn't quite feel up to it.." he responded a bit sheepishly. Knowing all too well what both Kai and Misaki had been feeling, losing their friends and soul-mates in that battle, at least for now.
Kamui cocked his head to the side. "Eh?" as he was approached with the twins, decks against the palm of their hands and ready to battle. "Another battle is a way to get more practice and become stronger right?" the girls asked in almost perfect unison.
Kamui smirked, feeling a bit of his old determination back to him. Kamui and Naoki looked to each other before deciding. "We'll do it!"
"And how about you, wouldn't you want to cardfight?" the blue haired girl asked, as Miwa turned a hand waving in front of his face defensively.
"Thanks but I'll pass for now" Miwa responded, preparing to simply watch the fight.
Both the twins and Kamui and Naoki took their place at the card-fight table. Preparing to do whatever it took, however long it took to save their dear friend.
The blonde had looked down from upon a tell ledge on the island to see Naoki doing drills, repeated a card draw over and over. The repetition prepared them, for some things but perhaps a push wouldn't hurt.
Leon had stepped down calling onto Naoki ishida. The red-head turned around.
"Your training is good but if you still are truly working towards saving Aichi, why don't you try something else."
"Something else?" Naoki questioned. This led to Leon issuing the challenge, "Try to get over to that islet" he pointed at a small grass covered island in the distance. "If you wish to battle me again~"
Naoki looked a bit surprised. He then took a great look at the distance. "What?!"
You gotta be kidding me. Why would I have to swim that far!?
Naoki tried to find reasoning, but knew regardless of the task he had no choice, he'd already come this far.
Misaki had been sitting in an empty room, leaning over the table before her. Her deck had been spread out as she began to lose herself in those agonizing thoughts again.
"Kourin.." she sounded out that name again. Why would you too say those things?
I wouldn't lie to you.
Of course I'll believe it from you. It was you..right? .but why then are you too, keeping us away? From Aichi and from you..
"Do you always wear that?" Leon asked inquisitively as his voice broke Misaki out of her slight trance, his gaze had been focused on the blonde ribbon that was often held so tightly against the girl. He knew the answer already.
"It's proof of my relationship with Kourin..." Misaki began with a pained smile. "Proof that we were together..."
"I see," Leon began seeing the girl in a distraught state much like Kai had been earlier.
'So you're sitting on the fence..' Kai had spoken, quite upset, clearly having a one-track mind for this training camp.
'Sometimes the wind does stop, and this will be the time to take action to prepare, Kai...and you Misaki.
'You sure have a ways to go. I suppose the path of soulmates is a strange one'
His attention turned to Misaki not letting his thoughts wrap himself up anymore..
So all along it had been her and that idol. It would explain her current state of mind. She too was suffering.
"Kourin was using Link Joker." Misaki began her hand brushing up against her face as she continued to look down at that ribbon. It seemed she too had been just as lost as Kai. "That makes me suspect both her and Aichi have been possesed by link joker. And she..must have not been herself" Her blue eyes shook as her gaze still remained on that symbol.
Leon could see her judgement too had been clouded. Whether it was hope this was all a dream or not she needed to snap out of it. It was the only way to save anyone, breaking out of this mindset and into accepting reality. "She's not," Leon assured her, causing Misaki to focus in on him.
"How can you be so sure?" Misaki replied back, after all he hadn't even been there. Near her...and she could just be being used by a corrupt power. Even Aichi could.
Leon breathed inwardly and closed his eyes. "The wind had told me. You felt it too Kourin's wind.." he began
"Kourin's wind?" Misaki asked, her eyes still shaking wanting to break into tears yet still so delirious.
"You'll find your answer within that. As I've always known the path of soul-mates is a strange one. But it's through that bond you two will always be connected, always know of each other. Know when you are near each other. There is no escaping those circumstances.." Leon finished his answer, as he noticed Misaki had gone silent, this time finally beginning to concentrate on her choice.
The bit about soul-mates not even bothering to throw her off for much more than a blush, no there were other questions that needed to be answered first.
The winds have prepared to blow again.
As Misaki entered into the Vanguard circle she felt a sense of familiarity as she once again entered the card circle seeing all her friend's even Kai having arrived before her.
"There's no telling that was really her though" she heard Miwa's voice reply.
"If she had been trying to keep us away from Aichi and it really is her then she would be our enemy though...right?" Naoki asked the group who pondered the idea for a moment.
"Why is she doing this? Either way she seems like she's become our enemy until we can bring her back to normal. She's keeping Aichi isolated from everyone just like the quarte knights we have to find a away to get stronger." Kamui had finished.
Hadn't they come to realize yet? Aichi wasn't the only one in pain. The way Kourin sounded and looked all throughout the fight. How she even let us see Aichi again for that short moment. "No that was definitely the real Kourin," Misaki announced, an act that caught even Kai of guard as he and the rest of the group turned towards her, it reminded him briefly of himself. There were some things that simply were known.
"But how can you be sure?" Naoki asked, "I mean-"
"It had to be her," Misaki snapped at them, knowing their questions all to well, but she'd seen beyond that. There was more at stake then Aichi right now. "We've spent our time worrying about Aichi and I care for him dearly as well...but haven't you noticed that was Kourin, our Kourin. Hasn't anyone else noticed she's been suffering all this time?"
Misaki broke out, feeling her truth all unravel, she knew that was Kourin's wind, and she'd do what it takes to meet her again. "Kourin looked like she was crying on the inside. Had no one else seen how she's been suffering. She definitely kept her suffering bottled up! That's what it looked like to me!" Misaki ended, seeing only looks of confusion from her friends. She turned on her heel and left.
Even if no one else is able to sense it...I will find you Kourin, and save you as well. From that loneliness.
Misaki returned to find Leon, still sitting at that same table before looking up at her. The wind's changed again.
He saw the lifefull and determined expression, the fire in Misaki's eyes and realized this had worked. She was back to her usual self.
"I've been thinking of remaking my deck, and I want it to be perfect. I'd like to have your advise but first please fight me" she issued the challenge with her head bowed before him, in all due respect. I'll do what it takes...to see you again and help with your suffering in any way possible...and along the way I know I'll find Aichi too.
Leon smirked. It seems she's found her way.
"Even under these circumstances, Misaki has faith in Kourin. Despite her wishes for us to be kept away..."
Kai pondered over the idea. Yet how I am supposed to reason, with Aichi doing this all on his will. To be the one who brought us together and-
Misaki's broken expression flashed through his mind, "Kourin looked as though she was crying on the inside. Does no one else see how much she's suffering?!"
"It all can't be that simple. No! If she's keeping us away from Aichi she is our enemy...right?"
SPLASH
Kai felt the impact of gravity as he fell into the water. The two blue haired twins grinning and laughing at the sight of the fearless leader Kai falling helpless into the water below him, hair in a mess.
"Again?" Kai responded, remembering his previous doubts landing him back in this same spot.
The girls however, just replied again. That look of determination they would only continue this action until he truly cooled off.
"Do you think you're the only one who's suffering" one of the twins has replied.
Kai looked still rather put out by their previous actions. The other girl continued, "Everyone is suffering but they're finding a way to get by somehow. Until then you should relax. Thinking too much about one thing, will make you stupid~
The brunette pondered over their words as the girls hapilly rushed their way back towards their rooms on the island.
Everyone's the same...yet...Aichi was always..
Could everyone have felt this pain all along? Had he been blind to those close to him, his mates, dearest friends. Even if their feeling wasn't the exact same for Aichi it was a possibility.
That beautiful night sky approached as Kai led the boy with him. They had been assigned pairs and Kai had yet to even explain the half of how much Aichi meant to him. He waited silently for the boy to catch up to him as they approached the end of a cliff.
'It must seem like a cliché' Kai thought for a moment, before shaking it off, he had to take note of when the fireworks were going off after all. Within a moment Aichi ran up to him standing right by his side.
Kai didn't have the strength to look over towards the younger boy now right beside each other their arms rubbing against each other momentarily. Kai felt a part of himself heat up at the small connection. He turned away from Aichi's gaze as he spoke, stealing glances at the boy whenever it seemed okay. If their gazes met right now he wasn't sure if he could stop himself from simply blurting exactly what's been on his mind lately and how much he needed him.
The idea of scaring of his companion, and perhaps...,hopefully his future lover away, too soon was far from what he'd ever want to occur.
"Aichi..." Kai hummed out the boy's name as he had all but called for him to be closer, he could feel the boy's gaze upon him. "Right now you and I are in different places..but-"
The memories flashed through Kai's mind as he looked down upon the ocean before him. "Dammit..."
"As long as you keep moving forward. Keep moving forward,"
"Why had I not realized it earlier, expressed what I needed to say then, given us more time"
"Our paths will definitely cross, as long as you keep moving forward" the brunette spoke eyes in a mist as they looked towards that glistening sky.
"Our paths will cross?"
Aichi felt his voice let out a soft gasp, as the previous pang against his chest, lifted, he felt a sincere smile not only upon his lips but into his heart. Aichi turned toward the older boy, their eyes just about meet.
"Kai! Aichi!, Ah-there you are." Miwa's voice had came through as he saw him and their friend's leading up to them. Aichi turned back with a slight blush. Miwa gave Kai and knowing look which he shrugged off. The two still remained side by side, as the fireworks began. Words still unspoken. Aichi looked up towards the one he had been in love with for so long. He had sworn he felt a hand brushing against his own all throughout the rest of the night.
"Those words were a wish...a wish asking for you to come up to my level, and over time you've become someone irreplaceable. Up until I met you again I had become so obsessed with winning, I had become isolated. Then you..you had become strong on a different level, a fighter who still valued his rivals as friends. It wasn't long before you overtook me. You had become my rival and much more than that." Kai began his reminiscing, as images from their first meeting, reunion and tournaments flashed before him. "
If our two paths cross again, I want to enjoy a passionate fight with you. It may have all started from my wish to be released from isolation, and I would have not seen anything wrong with being alone. but now, Aichi you must know even now my life without you is unthinkable...We've gotten so close, so close. you've become a part of me...and I can't live my life without you...you are my first..." Kai finished looking down towards the once again beautiful night sky. Love. Aichi we will meet again.
"But," Kai "If it all turns out to be your will...do I have that right to interfere? Would Aichi be truly better off alone like that?"
"If that is your will.." a voice came from behind Kai, the blonde male looked directly into his eyes, meeting his gaze, asking for him to come along. He had enlightened Kai with his own story, that of his once very isolated life on his island. How he had been saved through vanguard and Aichi. How he lost himself and convinced himself to do just about anything to save that island. Yet he had been wrong.
"If it hadn't been for Aichi I wouldn't have been able to see another way to finding happiness to saving the Soryuu's. You see now, Kai, you need to Picture it," Leon finished "That's what you truly need to do now. You will find your answer and if you see Aichi as suffering...you need to do what's right..." It's your turn to dictate fate.
Kai looked over at him with a look of determination. I need to know why you're doing this. I can't have you suffer in isolation like I had those years ago. Not now...or ever.
Kai turned into his room, heading past Miwa and onto his own bed. The blonde grinned over at him.
"You seem like your back to yourself" he noted, throwing something over towards Kai. It was his deck. "You'll be needing those."
Naoki too had resolved his answer making it to the other end of the Islet, and challenging Leon to a duel.
So it all became a victory. The winds have changed their path yet again. I'm sorry Aichi but I could never be your knight, it would mean betraying your friends, those who you've kept by your heart for all this time. The ones who will save your from your pain..one day.
It had all seemed to be okay. Naoki began as he reached his victory..."Oh yeah what was that called like treatment but not to the same affect," he relished in the idea of the sweet revenge against the one who caused his friend's so much pain. "Judgement!" Naoki shouted his finger pointing towards the purple haired knight.
It had been their first victory so things could only look up yet. Kamui, Miwa, Kai and Misaki they had all rejoiced and praised Naoki for his victory. A small piece of hope was being restored.
As the mates continued on their journey to find Aichi they only found themselves isolated from one another.
Miwa Taisha had found himself up against a member of the knights. He felt the confidence from Naoki's latest victory guide him this far. Yet after his attacks had been blocked that glimmer of hope they had returned seemed to fade away.
"Even if it seems hopeless, I know that Kai needs Aichi, before they had met...or well Kai has always been awkward..but there was always something that drew me to him. I was drawn to him and for the first time-" Miwa began as he noticed his own damage zone and the fate of this match. "Kai had relied on us. I'll do all I can until my last moment of this duel to protect that bond. The one that's kept those two together...and to keep Kai happy," Miwa admitted his usual joyous expression turned serious. Come on Aichi...don't leave him alone like this, we all may be by his side. But he'll never truly find happiness until you, come back.
He stayed true to his promise, although the knights had claimed yet another victory.
The next match had begun between Misaki and Rati. The flicker of hope remained in her. "You see Rati...I want to become your friend too, when this is all over you'll understand." And we'll save Aichi as well as Kourin from this continous isolation.
The young girl remained relentless with her attacks. She had declared her final one, shouting out to the battlefield, and responded. "You see I don't need friends anymore...and i'm not going to lose Cray to you. Now the final blow!"
Misaki took the attack, nothing left to block this attack, it had been up to fate itself for this final ending. She revealed her last card. Not a heal trigger... Could this all be it? No I haven't reached them. Aichi...Kourin..and Rati's heart either.
"Memory Judgement!" Rati ordered in her cruel yet still childish voice, she had something she wanted to protect yet saw friends as being useless. There was no longer a way to fight, not like this.
"Bye, bye Misakin, Thank you~" she spoke before the ruthless blue flames overtook Misaki.
"Nooo!" Misaki screeched out in a pained voice that could have very well reached the heaven. The small girl before her who spent so much time needing friends now kept her away. The seething pain took over her sense.
"I don't want to forget you.." Misaki had whispered, as she saw the blinding flash of light before her, the image of a blonde idol remained friend in her mind.
"Even now...even if I forget everything. Kourin I'll hold onto this...I love you"
Misaki found herself in Card Capitol. She looked all around her, it appeared to be mostly empty and morning time, from the looks outside. Like when she and her friends had begun to leave for-
"Ah.." A coursing pain ran through Misaki's head as she held tight to it, there was something blocked out.
Wait, what had she been doing until now? Those memories seemed to be like another life. This ribbon on her arm, it stung but-it was what she had always worn right.
"Ah Misaki," the green haired man walked in through the door a large box against his chest. "You're back already Misaki?" Shin asked, looking over towards his niece.
"Shin.." she responded, a bit perplexed, where had she been? Did she leave earlier?
"Sorry to bother you but since you're here can you open this," he began, a smile on his face. "The new card packs came in after all. I have to bring in another box"
Misaki took the box into her own hands, "Sure" she said and the ribbon again came into her field of vision. Why had it ached like this...? Her dark blue eyes began to shake, as a feeling of familiarity rushed over her, that stabbing feeling inside of her. She gasped. Tears began to fall out of her eyes, slowly, without any reasoning she could mention. She wasn't sure why she even responded to something so simple, a black ribbon...Yet her body seemed to react to it, that searing pain.
"Misaki?" the green haired man voiced his concern, looking over towards his niece, as the tears started to fall, her expression fixed downwards. His mouthed gaped open as he made a surprised sound. "What's wrong, hey Misaki?"
"Are you not feeling well," Shin spoke as his parental instincts kicked in. What had been going on with her lately. She still looked down like that, not saying a word as she continued to cry. Something she hadn't done in years. There was something wrong. His eyes grew worried, darker and more concerned as he held his hands out towards Misaki unsure if holding her close would help or to keep his distance or to stay back listen. He took the box from her. She can have the day off of helping, if it's something this serious of course...
"I don't know.." Misaki at last spoke, torn as she continued, "But I feel like i've forgotten something important. Something I shouldn't have forgotten and yet...I" Her tears began to overflow and overwhelm her. That hand with that simple black ribbon she held it tight to her chest. It was simply upon reaction.
As if I could wrap this around my heart, to keep the pain away. Isn't that an illogical thought?
So why? Why had she held it close when it only made the aching continue. Shin wrapped Misaki up into a hug, after placing the box onto the ground. "Ah I don't know what's been happening but you can talk to me, okay? It will all be okay." he assured her, knowing he'd do whatever was in his power to make his niece happy.
Her eyes flooded with tears as she rested them against Shin's chest. Feeling much like a younger child. I can't even be sure...what it is that's causing this pain, however, what am I feeling?
From somewhere on an isolated section of an island stood a rather distraught Blonde cardfighter. Leon Soryuu closed his eyes taking in the rather rough course the wind had been making. "It seems the wind had taken an unexpected turn.."
His eyes shot open seeing the young blue haired twins crouching down behind that familiar rock. "Is it time to interfere, ...why Aichi have you taken this upon yourself?...to be away from your eternal mate..and your friends?
Aichi sat alone in thar dark blue prison, whose floors resembled much of a crystal clear lake. He remained in that chair looking beyond at the star-lit sky.
"Everyone, I wish I could have another option. Another way to handle the punishment from Link Joker..And Kai, I wish I could just run...back into your arms, but-" Aichi felt yet another tear drop slide down his cheek, as the feelings began to overwhelm them. The images of their first meeting, their reunion at card capitol, being a part of Q4- to their first kiss, saying I love you and first time it all seemed easy enough then...and to their past meeting. Kai's confusion of it all. "There are some things beyond our control. But i'm keeping you all, Kai I'll take on your sin from Link Joker...Whatever it takes? So please, forget about me. No one else should be hurt like this. Please stop trying to save me...I love you, but please leave me be, Kai."
As those words were said in a bitter silence, a certain blonde figure turned behind the pillar a hand up against her chest, as she too felt her eyes about to burst out with tears.
You still kept it...all this time. Please know this, my memories of my friends...keeping Aichi safe...and my time with you Misaki, I'm able to recall them all again since joining Aichi here. So for that, I'll remain here. I need you to stop coming back here...but I'm still...happy very happy, you've held onto that all this time Misaki-you've remembered me as well. If only things could have remained like before.
-END? Chapter-