Entrenched Love

Misaki

"How do we even know what the 'challenges' are?" I muttered. I wasn't particularly close to Kai, but I cared about him. After all, Kamui, Aichi, Kai and I made it as far as we did in the VF Circuit with Kai.

I wasn't sure what to think of Aichi. I mean, his emotions were clearly displayed on his face, but I could never understand them. He loved Kai, so why wasn't he completely torn? The only explanation I had was he was too determined to get Kai back.

"Let's go back to Card Capital and think this over," Aichi stated.

Several people of the group nodded their heads, not really in the mood to disagree. Naoki was already lost in thought, but followed when we began to leave. No one spoke on the way back.

We walked inside Card Capital, and Shin greeted us almost immediately. He frowned a little as he saw our expressions.

"You guys, uh..., okay?" He asked awkwardly.

"We have to find Kai." Naoki stated.

"Ren said we have to complete some challenges to get him back." Aichi murmured, his gaze downward.

Shin brought a small package out from behind the counter.

"It's for you, Aichi," he said as he handed the package over.

"Who's it from," Emi asked?

"It doesn't have a return address.." I sighed quietly.

"Open it!" Naoki exclaimed.

"Don't rush him!" Shingo cried.

"Leave him alone, guys," Kamui ordered the others. Kamui rested his hand on Aichi's shoulder. "Take your time. We're all here for you, bro."

Aichi took a deep breath and began to tear the tape that was holding the lid down off. It was a face down Vanguard card, and underneath was a neatly folded note on blank paper.

"What card is that?" I whispered.

By now, everyone had gathered around him to see the item.

Aichi's trembling fingers turned it over.

Star-vader, "Omega" Glendios.

Aichi's eyes swelled up with tears. Someone had thrown a brick in my own stomach, too. Judging from the others' expressions, they weren't exactly happy, either.

My mind was clouded.

Why Link Joker?

"W-what does the n-note s-s-say?" Shingo stammered.

Aichi walked over to one of the tables and put the box down. He slid the note out from underneath, avoiding contact with the card.

The note was carefully handwritten. He read the note shakily, but aloud.

This is challenge one out of seven. You must complete all seven challenges before you can see Kai. Others may help you, but it is ultimately you who must see to the completion of these challenges. So read carefully.

Challenge 1:

Visit Psy Shop. There, they will have your next challenge.

P.S. Keep the card; you'll need it.

"Maybe they'll all be easy," Eiji repeated after Reigi.

"I don't think so," Aichi said, his gaze still planted on the note.

Morikawa finally spoke up, which surprised me.

"Maybe grade 3's aren't so great..." he said as he stared at the card.

I sighed as I checked the clock. "It's getting late guys. We need to continue this tomorrow. Shop hours just ended, too."

"What?!" Naoki yelled immediately. "You can't be serious, Boss Lady!"

I ignored the name. I opened my mouth to speak, but Aichi cut me off.

"Misaki's right. I'm sorry, guys. We all need to be the best we can."

Aichi put the note back in the box. He picked it up and began to walk home, beckoning Emi. The others began to leave.

Shin silently switched the sign from OPEN to CLOSED, and began to stock the shelves for tomorrow.

I ran upstairs to my room and for the first time in awhile, I cried.