Entrenched Love

Aichi

The group - consisting of Naoki, Misaki, Shingo, Reiji and Eiji, Morikawa, Emi, Kamui and I- began to make our way to the head quarters of Team Asteroid.

Team Asteroid consisted of three top world players. Asaka, Ren, and Tetsu. I've had history with Ren, way back when I was competing in the VF Circuit. Ren is a close friend of mine.

On the way there, Kamui flirted with Emi, once again attempting to tell her that he loved her. As usual, he failed at getting the words out. She looked a little confused, trying to figure out why he would love emus. Reiji and Eiji walked behind Kamui, encouraging him to confess his love for Emi.

Naoki and Shingo continued to argue. "Shut it, Granny Glasses!" Naoki demanded. "You should respect the Vanguard God!" Shingo shot back, referring to me.

I walked quietly in front of the group, Misaki to my right. She was quiet, too. It was like her to be reserved.

I glanced back over my shoulder, frowning a little at the thought of Kai's empty place.

"You okay?"

The voice belonged to Misaki. The words brought me back to reality. I nodded in confirmation prior to staring at the ground as I walked, and I knew Misaki understood.

When we finally arrived, I immediately knew something was wrong. Ren, the leader of Team Asteroid, was already there. A girl named Asaka stood behind him, her dark blue peaking out. Not far to the side stood Tetsu. Despite the fact he was taller- and not just because of his purple hair- Ren was still the leader due to skill.

"You're here already?" Ren asked, a sly smile plastered on his face.

The entire group of mine, including me, jumped back a little.

"Huh?" it was said in variations between us.

Ren rolled his eyes, bored. "You came here for your beloved Kai, yes?"

What does he know about it?

Naoki shot up from the back. "What do you know about him?" he demanded firmly.

"I know you won't be getting him back," Ren replied, indifferently.

"What?!" the word slipped out of my mouth.

"Unless..." Ren began, "you complete a series of challenges."

"How do we know you're not lying?How do we know you're telling the truth?" Kamui asked.

Ren sighed, annoyed. "What reason do I have to lie?"

"W-well... how do we know you're not holding him captive?!" Kamui asked.

Ren rolled his eyes. "Because, I'm not the one who purposely lost myself to the reverse."

"Kai what?!" Misaki exclaimed in disbelief.

"He wouldn't do that." I stated.

"Well, it's not my job to make you believe me." Ren said. "Now, Asaka, could you go and make us some tea, please?"

Asaka nodded, scurrying off.

Ren turned around, walking towards the elevator to take him upstairs as he motioned for Tetsu to follow.

I felt Emi's arms wrap around my own arm. "I'm scared," she whispered.

"I know," I replied. "but we're gonna get him back. no matter what."