Bedlam Shamble

Chapter 2: Into the Castle we go

The three Knights of Spades trudged along the dusty path, their precious cargo in tow. Hiro's muscular frame bore Kai's weight with ease, while Fi cradled Mei in her arms like a delicate flower. Two days into their three-day journey, fatigue began to set in.

Hiro broke the silence, his voice tinged with curiosity. "Yo, Senior Pat, are we going to recruit Kai?"

Senior Pat's brow furrowed. "I am not sure yet, we need to know if he has talents for fighting. The power he holds might help the kingdom and I don't want him to go to the frontline if he has a weak card. He will just die."

Hiro's gaze drifted to the horizon, lost in thought. 'I know Kai, he's one of the strongest people I've ever known...'

Suddenly, Mei jolted awake, her voice piercing the air. "Kai!"

Hiro attempted to soothe her. "Yo girl chill, you are both safe now."

Mei's panic subsided quickly. She turned to Fi, gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you so much for carrying me, but I can walk now."

Fi's lips curved into a shy smile. "You are welcome."

"Where are we going Sir and Ma'am?" Mei inquired.

Senior Pat explained, "To the castle, we are going to meet the Queen and see if your friend is qualified to join the Knights of Spades. Since he has become a dealer."

Their conversation was interrupted by Kai's sudden awakening. Disoriented and remembering the attack, he shouted, "Deal!, Play!"

A bright light flashed, and a small knife materialized in his hands. Kai lashed out, his movements frantic.

"Hiro, stop him!" Senior Pat barked.

Hiro reacted swiftly, tackling Kai and slamming him to the ground. The impact cleared Kai's mind, leaving him dazed and confused.

Mei's voice cut through his fog. "Kai! Calm down, they helped us against those diamond knights!"

"Yo Kai, chill bro it's me Hiro," Hiro added, still pinning Kai down.

Kai blinked, his senses slowly returning. "Ouch, my head, what's happening? Where are the people trying to kill us?"

Hiro chuckled. "Yo, we saved you from the fight earlier. Well, it wasn't really a fight but a one-sided beating."

Concern etched Kai's features as he turned to Mei. "What about you? Mei, Are you ok?"

"Kai! I'm okay, don't worry. The knights helped us and mended our wounds," Mei reassured him.

Kai suddenly embraced Hiro, his arms wrapping tightly around his friend. "Thank you so much for saving us," he said, his voice filled with genuine gratitude.

Hiro's face flushed a deep crimson, his heart racing at the unexpected contact. He'd harbored feelings for Kai for years, but fear of judgment and societal norms had kept his emotions locked away.

"How long has it been? It's so good to see you, Hiro!" Kai exclaimed, oblivious to his friend's inner turmoil.

"Y-yo, it's g-good to see you too," Hiro stammered, his usual confidence faltering. "I'm sorry I wasn't able to visit you often. I've been busy with my knight's training. Ever since the card chose me, everything became hectic."

"All good, at least you're better and well. It's perfect to see you doing well," Kai replied with a warm smile.

Fi tapped Hiro on the shoulder, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. Mei caught the exchange, her eyes narrowing as she sized up this potential rival for Kai's affections.