Two More Lives: Card Holders, #2

By Kaitlyn Legaspi

The second set of battles of the Card Holder tournament has commenced.

 

After months of rigorous training under platinum card user Brochan Cordis, Neela Blydes begins the remaining half of the solo rounds, determined to succeed and become Card Holder of the Queen of Hearts Domain. Though focus is critical in her battles, another set of burdens consumes her mind.

 

During the day, Neela searches for her connection to the leader of the rogue organization and the reason behind the death of her father. At night, her dreams are overtaken by darkness and distress, with one filled with destruction and death. Despite any brief moment of happiness that blesses Neela, nothing is enough to overcome the fears it plants within her.

 

Not after she wakes to a room of living shadows.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kaitlyn Legaspi
• Release date: Mar 25, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201117658

Kaitlyn Legaspi

Kaitlyn Legaspi is the self-published author of the Dark Irregular Trilogy, a young adult fantasy trilogy she wrote in middle school. Writing passionately on a daily basis, she plans on adding more to her repertoire in the near future. Now a third-year business undergraduate student at the University of Florida, in addition to writing, Kaitlyn enjoys singing, studying in the nearby boba tea shop, and reading whatever has caught her interest. Currently, she is working on publishing the second book of her Card Holders series, Two More Lives.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Jacen! I shouted, bursting into his hospital room. Rushing to the side of his bed, I slid to a squeaky stop on the waxed tile flooring and sat myself down on one of the chairs by his bed, nearly missing it. "Jacen, I have great news. You’re not going to believe this!

You’ve been accepted into the academy! You passed the entrance exam! I took one of his hands in mine and gave it a light squeeze. It was still cold and weak, but it felt firmer somehow. You’re a student in the domain’s top academy! Once you wake up, you’ll be able to attend the school of your dreams. You’ll meet more nerds with the same interests you have, and girls won’t be flocking around you anymore, I ranted. You’ll be learning the subjects you’ve always wanted to learn, talking in-depth with your professors about topics you’ve been so interested in. You’re that much closer to becoming a mechanical engineer in the domain’s core. Isn’t that great, Jacen?

All of a sudden, a high-pitched whine filled my ears. I whirled around and stared in horror at the EKG monitor. A straight line stared right back at me.

No, no, no! Sitting up in a state of panic, I hovered my ear over his nose, trying to listen for a steady breath. When I heard none, I patted his cheek desperately. My pats turned into slaps as tears started to well in my eyes. I didn’t receive any kind of response.

Jacen, I whimpered. I resorted to shaking him. Jacen, wake up! Jacen!

My vision blurred, and a steady stream of tears began to run down my face. All I could see was a blurry picture of his still body. After a few more seconds of fruitless shaking, I stopped. Holding back choked sobs, I dropped my head onto his cold, lifeless chest, letting my tears taint the pure, white sheets that covered it.

Jacen, I looked out the hospital window and saw a single, white star shimmering against a dead, black sky, you weren’t supposed to go up there so soon.

~ ~ ~

Ah! I shot up, darting my eyes around the darkness surrounding me until they adjusted. When I started seeing faint outlines of familiar objects in my room, I let out a slow breath and tilted my head up to stare at the blank ceiling. It helped me to calm down somehow. After a minute, I took another breath and closed my eyes.

God, I ran a hand through my hair and sighed, hanging my head between my legs. That dream again... that memory...

Why the hell is it so vivid? I squeezed my head with my knees for a few seconds before popping it back up to look at my digital clock. It was five in the morning. Why have all my dreams been so detailed lately?

Ever since I’d met Redd Ember, I’d been having vivid dreams, dreams of how my family died. It was so bizarre. These dreams... every detail, every sound, everything I touched... everything was so clear. I could make out each and every minute detail.

Including twelve-year-old Redd and his sinister crimson eyes.

It’s been four months since then. I rubbed at my head again, clicking my tongue when I felt a knot in my auburn-dashed black hair. Surely... surely these dreams shouldn’t be so clear. At least, they shouldn’t be this frequent anymore.

My phone rang, snapping me out of my thoughts. Reaching over, I lifted it off my bedside table and took a look at the caller ID. It was Brochan.

I answered the call, saying, Hello?

Morning, he said. Sleep well tonight?

Uh... I bit the inside of my cheek, it wasn’t... great.

I gotcha, hon. I could tell he was holding back a sigh as he said, Well, remember we have training within the hour. Might as well start getting ready now since you’re up.

Yes, sir.

And Neela...

Yes?

Are you sure you don’t want to work on your Manipulator powers at all? They could prove to be a great asset during matches. I know and understand why you don’t want to, but—

Sorry, Brochan, I interrupted. I’m not interested.

I’m not interested in playing with someone’s memories again... not like how I did with Redd’s. They’re too precious to be treated so horribly. I can’t do that to someone. Not even for a second.

Alright. Then, he tried to perk up and said, Well, at least you’re making a decision Jacen would certainly approve of. I’m sure he wouldn’t want his little sister messing with other people’s heads, especially when she does so quite well already with her smart mouth.

Yeah. I glanced at my side table again, honing in on a picture of Jacen and me. There he was, smiling like he always did, as if nothing was wrong with the world. He’d be pretty relieved.

~ ~ ~

I didn’t attend my brother’s funeral. Even though the ceremony and burial took place at the site of my old home, I didn’t go. I didn’t want to accept he was dead, that he’d already become a star. The seemingly endless gray sky and biting winds of the winter season made my feelings worse.

For two weeks, I holed myself up in my room, wrapped up in a cocoon on my bed, staring out of the windows, blankly examining the bustling streets of the core. Unlike last time, I left my door unlocked, letting Will, Lily, Brochan, and Amil walk in whenever they wanted.

Lily and Will visited frequently. Every time they came by, they left me a plate of food from the HQ cafeteria. They would leave the plate on my side table and say a few encouraging words. I never replied. I remained silent, mentally wishing to be left alone, and after a few minutes of repeating my wish over and over again, it would be granted. Lily and Will would walk out the door, discouraged. This pattern continued for two weeks. For two weeks, Lily and Will didn’t touch me.

However, it was a different story for Amil and Brochan. Almost every day, Amil would enter with a loud, Hey shrimp! Then, he would hop onto my bed and sit propped up against my headboard, lifting me easily into his lap. The first time he did this, I let out a small squeak, and he only laughed before telling me random stories about his day. They always seemed to cheer me up, and it was his stories that took part in helping me out of my slump.

Brochan’s visits were the complete opposite of Amil’s. Every day, the old man would silently walk into the room and sit down slowly on my bed. I would continue to stare out the window as he lifted my head onto his lap and started to run his fingers through my usually tangled hair. He would do this until I fell asleep, and when I woke up, he would be gone. Though he was absent every time I awoke, I still felt refreshed.

The routine of these two men continued for two weeks, and for each day of those two weeks, they brought me out of my slump little by little. Finally, on the fourteenth day, I felt refreshed enough to pull myself out of bed, get dressed, and walk out the door with one particular thought in mind. I had to train for the tournament. More specifically, I had to become stronger to defeat a certain rogue executive: Redd Ember.

Chapter 2

Ah, shoot! Gotta go, gotta go! I mumbled to myself, shoving a piece of toast in my mouth. Darting out of the HQ sliding doors, I slid to an abrupt stop before pivoting on my boot-clad foot and running in the direction of the arena.

Oh, come on. This is what I get for taking an extra long shower after training, I grumbled, swallowing the last bit of my toast. I glared at the sight of congested sidewalks and busy roads. Cars blared their horns at each other, and their drivers hollered obscenities at other drivers who replied with even more profanity. The sheer proximity of everything meant that I couldn’t use my power to its full extent.

Then again... a big smirk crept onto my face as I pushed past people, keeping one hand on the grey beanie sitting snugly atop my head. Soon, I was standing in the middle of the chaotic city road.

Hey, kid! a taxi driver yelled at me, one elbow leaning on the edge of the car window. Get off the road or somebody’s going to get hurt!

I turned to the man and smiled brightly at his smug face. Okay. With little effort, I hopped onto the roof of his grimy, deteriorating cab.

Hey! he roared, popping his head out the window. The cigarette in his mouth nearly fell out. Get the hell off, you little—

But you told me to get off the road, I interrupted, smiling sweetly.

Smart-ass!

Sir, I’d love to stay here and chat, but I have a rendezvous to make. Giving him my two-finger salute, I took a single step forward, and off I went, hopping from car to car, earning a healthy number of expletives shot my way.

In less than a minute, I found myself at the entrance to the arena. Decreasing my speed, I ran into the lobby, greeted the sweet lady at the desk, and clumsily made my way into one of the many dimly-lit hallways. When I entered the corridor, the sound of excited cheers bounced off the plaster walls and echoed in my ears. I smirked when I saw a bolt of blue lightning coming from the dirt battlegrounds. The cheering increased in volume for a quick second before dying back down.

I was greeted by the deafening sound of the cheering crowds when I ran out of the corridor. Slowing to a light jog and an eventual stop, I let out a chuckle as the spectators roared at the sight of another bright bolt of lightning. I started to make my way down the stairs, keeping my gaze on my best friend as he dodged every attack thrown at him by his opponent. Another flash of lightning brought yet another roar to my ears.

Well, look at who’s an unexpected crowd pleaser, I thought, lazily dropping myself into an empty seat. And I thought he was a skilled ex-assassin... what the hell is up with today’s combat clothes, Amil? I’m surprised you don’t have a scratch on your arms.

To my annoyance, the gold-dashed cinnamon-haired boy was wearing a pair of blue jeans and a rather fitted muscle shirt. On his feet, he wore a pair of sneakers. His outfit was very casual, far too casual for a tournament fight.

He’s so reckless. I groaned, leaning my elbow on the seat’s arm and placing my chin on my hand. He’s going to get an earful from me, and I’m sure he knows it.

After about a minute of watching Amil prance around the dirt arena like some disgraceful ballerina, I huffed out of boredom. What’s up with him? He should’ve taken out his opponent before I even got here. Why is he taking his sweet time?

Then, as I tilted my head to the side, I saw nearly invisible blue lines covering the expanse of the entire arena, sticking to the iron walls like a spider’s thread to a plant’s stem. Don’t tell me he’s using that technique this early in the card rounds. Is he crazy?

My question was quickly answered. Amil lightly touched a finger to one of the thin blue strands. The whole arena was soon filled with a bright blue light, blinding every spectator for a few moments before dying out. There, lying in the center of the arena, was Amil’s opponent, twitching helplessly from the strong surge of electricity coursing through his body.

And the winner is Amil Galway! I sighed as the crowd erupted into cheers at the announcer’s rather obvious statement. Amil coolly walked toward the iron gates, acting as if everything was normal.

Ugh, he thinks he’s so cool, using his supposed secret technique like that. He won’t feel so cool when his future opponents read right through his moves. Forget his clothes. This is more serious than that!

As I stood and made my way down the carpeted steps, the iron gates finished closing, groaning behind my smiling friend. His honey-brown eyes were as bright and sparkly as ever. Their luminous shine seemed to grow as he laid his eyes on me.

Hey, shrimp. He greeted, his smile widening ever so slightly. Nice outfit you have on today. Trying something different?

It was true. I was wearing something rather... girly for my tastes. I wore my only pair of sandals, a pair of denim shorts and a flowy, over-the-shoulder blouse. Around my neck, I wore the locket of Brochan’s late daughter, Natalle.

As much as I’d like to acknowledge that compliment, let me just say, I took in a deep breath before shouting, don’t you hey shrimp me! Are you stupid, showing off one of those moves like that this early in the tournament? Do you want your future opponents to know all your tricks?

Whoa, calm down. Amil placed his hands on my shoulders. I continued to glare at him. I know what I’m doing, Neela. You don’t need to worry about me so much.

I can’t help it. You’re so reckless sometimes, I grumbled, brushing his hands off of my shoulders. Take it down a notch, alright? Plus, Reina made me promise to take care of you, and that includes making sure you don’t do anything daft.

Over the past four months, Reina had accompanied Amil and me on our frequent outings, taking us on detours to the core’s more scenic areas and even a few of its malls. Even though Amil viewed her as a bit of an annoyance, I saw her as a joy to have around. The little girl and I became close quickly, and I had gained a great amount of her trust. She trusted me to take care of her brother outside of their estate.

It’s the thought that counts, I guess. He sighed. Well, I’m sorry for showing off. Are you happy now?

Hardly, I huffed, crossing my arms.

Aw, come on. Is that how you’re gonna treat your best friend on his eighteenth birthday? He pouted.

I merely smirked at his statement. I thought you just said that it’s the thought that counts. I’m just thinking about your wellbeing.

Then, I’m definitely thinking about yours. Now, he held out his strong arms, where’s my birthday hug?

Ugh, I’ll give it to you later, where there are fewer people around, I said, ascending the steps.

Heavy disappointed footsteps thumped behind me. Aw, why? Amil whined.

Come on, I don’t want anybody making any assumptions, jumping to conclusions, and starting rumors, I replied. You know how I feel when people assume we’re dating.

"Yeah, you get all teary-eyed and bashful, just like you did

on our first date," he teased, sending me a cheeky grin. He knew he had just struck a nerve.

And what a nerve it was. That was not a date!

~ ~ ~

Amil sighed, glaring down at my plate, as he sat himself in the chair across from me. Four months have gone by, and your appetite still hasn’t changed a bit.

I plan on keeping it that way, I replied, smirking. My small stomach always seemed to annoy him.

Taking a bite of my chicken panini, I stared out the café window, thankful that nobody was staring at us. Amil and I were regular customers at the café, eating there at least once a week. The employees adjusted to our frequent visits rather quickly, and the other regulars soon followed suit; however, there was always that one new customer that was visibly shocked to see the compassionate Specialist and the second son of the domain’s assassin leader dining at the same table.

Seriously, though, you should eat more. Amil swallowed a mouthful of his mile-high burger. You burn more calories than you regularly take in. I swear you’re getting skinnier every day.

I weigh myself each morning, and I’m still where I should be, I said, taking another bite. I almost sighed at how harmoniously the flavors melted in my mouth. Ah, their sandwiches are so good.

Well, how is training anyway? Amil asked. Is the old man doing alright?

Brochan is doing fine. He’s as strict as always. Shaking my head with a smirk, I continued, As for training, I feel as if my spine is going to snap in two at any moment. Our sessions are so grueling.

Over the past four months, Brochan and I became inseparable. He had me training almost every day, and on my rest days, we would relax in the forest or take a drive through the core, talking about whatever topic came to mind. He even let me drive his car once. That was the only time he ever let me drive, which was understandable considering I ran a red light and almost took out a stop sign.

Times like those were what made us become quickly accustomed to each other. In fact, we became so comfortable that we could spend hours together in silence without feeling awkward. As good as it felt, having someone I could confidently rely on and feel okay acting like myself around, I also couldn’t help but be a bit wary. There was a part of me telling me to keep my distance, but I tried to ignore it. Our interactions were harmless. That’s what I believed.

Is that so? Amil asked, worriedly looking out the smudged window.

You can come visit me while I’m training, you know, I said, balling up my trash. If I remember correctly, Brochan even invited you to participate as my sparring partner. That’s how much he’s grown to trust you.

He trusts me to fight his practical daughter?

I’m not his daughter, okay? Lifting my arms above my head, I shot my wad into a nearby trash can with a perfect arch. I still got it.

You may as well be, Amil commented, copying my actions. His paper ball sailed straight into the bin. It’s difficult to not see you two in that kind of light. Even people who don’t even know you well think so too.

Yeah, well, it’s sort of necessary, I said, toying with the long, golden chain around my neck. He’s my trainer and guardian after all.

Then, why do you wear that locket around your neck every day? Amil eyed the golden locket dangling on its chain.

It belonged to his late daughter, his real daughter. Standing from my seat, I placed a ten-dollar bill on the table. He gave it to me the day of her birthday, so I feel obligated to wear it. Plus, he trusted me of all people to take care of it.

Sighing, Amil stood from his seat and held the café door open. I walked through it, welcoming the sun’s warm rays. No matter what you say, Neela, I know you definitely think of him as a new father-figure.

Maybe, I mumbled, taking my place next to him on the sidewalk.

As much as I hated to admit it, I did think of Brochan as a new father figure of some sort. The way he treated me, took care of me, talked to me... his actions were all so similar to my real father’s; however, it was because of my real father that I wasn’t able to accept the fact that I thought of Brochan in that way one hundred percent. I didn’t want to feel as though I was replacing dad.

Or... is he the only reason?

Hey, Neela, I was snapped out of my thoughts literally when Amil snapped his fingers in front of my face.

What is it? I asked, ever-so-slightly annoyed.

You still haven’t given me my birthday hug. My friend stared at me with a face of pouting lips and wide, honey-brown, puppy-dog eyes. The way his cinnamon, gold-dashed hair framed his long face and partially covered his eyes just strengthened the effect his look had on me.

You want it now? I whined. Can’t you just wait until we’re at HQ? It would make more sense then since we’ll be parting ways for the day.

But you said you’d give me my hug when there were fewer people around, Amil childishly complained. Well, there are fewer people around, so can I please have my hug?

Groaning, I covered my eyes as Amil’s puppy-dog-face increased its power tenfold. Amil, I sighed in close regret when I peeked through my fingers. That expression was just too cute and sad. It made my chest heavy with guilt.

Alright, come here. Reluctantly opening my arms towards the none-too-gentle giant, I squeaked when Amil wrapped his arms around my thin waist and easily lifted me into the air. He spun me around a few times before plopping me dizzily onto my feet.

Smiling widely, he gave me one last bear hug, swaying back and forth, pressing the side of my face to his broad chest. You are the best, Neela. It’s so nice hugging you.

Really now? I asked sarcastically, rolling my eyes.

Yeah, because you’re short. I immediately whacked his arm a dozen times in annoyance. He merely laughed at my violent retaliation.

Oh, shut up, I growled, crossing my arms over my chest.

Well, he’s right, hon. My face probably burst into a billion shades of red when a familiar, baritone voice entered my ear. A warm, familiar hand rubbed my head affectionately. Hugging you is nice because of your height.

Hey, Brochan, I said nervously, turning on my heel slowly. Please tell me you didn’t see any of that.

See what? Amil swinging you around like a ragdoll? He then leaned in, emerald green eyes glinting, and added, Nah, I didn’t see any of that.

I scowled and fixed the beanie on top of my head, positioning it over my ears. You boys are such teases.

Yet, that’s why you love us so, Amil said dramatically, pulling me into another hug. Thanks for the hug, Neela.

Happy May 1st, you idiot, I mumbled.

Happy eighteenth birthday, Amil, Brochan said, gently pulling me out of my friend’s long embrace. Now, I hope you don’t mind me taking Neela from you so soon. I’m sure you are aware that we have a few important things to discuss.

No, I don’t mind, Amil answered, putting his hands into his pockets. I mean, I should be the one asking you if you mind me hanging out with her.

Which you did before you took her out on another ‘outing.’ I appreciate that. In a final attempt at a good-bye, Brochan held out his hand. Amil took it without a moment’s hesitation and shook it firmly. We’ll see you at your party tonight, Amil.

Internally, I was split between grimacing and grinning. Of course, with Amil’s family being as wealthy as they were, it was practically uniform for his parents to throw him a birthday party for every one of his birthdays. I was happy that he was going to be able to celebrate his eighteenth birthday, although reluctantly. Yet, that didn’t mean I was willing to go to one of his extravagant rich-people parties, especially with what happened at my first one.

I’ll be looking forward to seeing you two. Sending me one last smile, Amil turned, took one step forward, and disappeared among the tall skyscraper buildings of the core.

Immediately, my smile disappeared, and I turned towards the old man with what I knew was an almost commanding expression on my face. Did you get info from him this time around?

We got all we could, but I think what little he told us is enough, he answered, shoving his hands into his pockets. That’ll be up to you, though, when you actually read the information we managed to acquire.

Well, little information is better than none, I said. Taking my place next to him while walking next on the nearly barren sidewalk, I added, I’m just glad we’re finally getting somewhere with this investigation.

Chapter 3

As Brochan and I walked through the HQ’s sliding doors, we were pleasantly greeted by the cool air conditioning, a welcome sensation after spending time in the overbearing heat outside. The lobby was as pristine as ever, clean and immaculate with its reflective marble floors and dark, wooden furniture. The stone statue of the card of the queen of hearts was still standing proudly at the lobby’s center, displayed for everyone to see.

I never get tired of this sight, I mumbled, looking up at the chandeliered ceiling. It never fails to stun me.

Like when I happen to witness you and Amil during your sweet moments? Brochan bumped me with his elbow teasingly.

I rolled my eyes at the toothy smile on his face. Aren’t you supposed to be, I don’t know, against him touching me, let alone hugging me?

It’s the kid’s birthday, Brochan said, shrugging. For his birthday, I’ll give him some leeway.

You’re growing awfully soft, old man.

Cut this ‘old man’ a break, hon. You know I trust you.

Suddenly, a pair of slender arms wrapped around my small frame and hugged me affectionately. Aw, you trust our baby girl with her future husband?

Lily! I exclaimed, jumping out of her arms. I looked at her incredulously. Husband?

The young, brunette woman merely laughed at my reaction and sighed. Aw, don’t worry sweetie. I was just teasing. I’m aware of how strongly you stand by your no relationships rule.

You’ve been teasing me a lot lately, I mumbled, rubbing the back of my neck. It’s fun and all, but can you please take it down a notch? I don’t want any rumors to start.

Sure thing, Neela. Lily gave me a reassuring smile before turning to her older brother. Are you two going down below today?

Yep, Brochan answered with a hint of reluctance in his voice. We managed to squeeze some information from him today, and I want Neela to get it as soon as possible.

Okay, Lily said quietly. She slipped a small card out of her uniform pocket and handed it to him. Here’s today’s code. Neela, please, don’t become so engrossed in this investigation. Remember to focus on other, more urgent things.

Of course. I nodded. There’s no way I’m letting something like this take over my life.

That’s good, sweetie. Rubbing my head affectionately, Lily lightly kissed my forehead. She pulled away and gave us her signature infectious smile. Well, don’t stress yourselves out too much. Take care of each other.

Thanks for your help, Lily, Brochan said, giving his sister a quick hug. I know how much you’re against this.

Well, whatever makes Neela feel any kind of relief. She patted her brother on the shoulder. I have to pick up Will from the academy before continuing my shift. I’ll tell him you two said hi.

Bye, Lily! I called out as she walked away. She gave me a short wave and a forced smile before walking out of those glass doors. She didn’t turn back. I’m so sorry for worrying you.

Feeling bad? Brochan wrapped an arm around my shoulder and guided me toward the nearest elevator.

I can’t help it, I said, pursing my lips. Lily is like an aunt to me. Will has been concerned with how much I’m working on this, too. I can’t help but feel guilty, making them worry about me so frequently.

Did you tell Amil yet? he asked, pressing the elevator button going down. He of all people, including his family, deserves to know about what you’re doing.

No, if I tell him, he’ll explode. It’ll trigger his short temper, and I can feel he’s already suspecting me of something.

Well, the elevator doors opened, and the compartment was fortunately empty, you’ll have to tell him sometime, especially since he’s already suspicious of you.

I sighed as I stepped into the elevator and turned, watching as the steel doors closed on the immaculate lobby. I know.

Lily, Will, and Amil had a very good reason to constantly worry about me. I’d been working day after day trying to figure out why Ember killed my family.

About a week or two after I’d gotten over my slump, I had worked up the courage to tell Brochan about my wish. He first answered me with a firm no, and we didn’t have any of our friendly conversations for the next few days.

However, that didn’t stop me from bringing up the topic every now and then. Of course, Brochan replied with the same hard no. Soon, he ignored me because of my persistence, yet he finally broke because of it. I remember the look on his face when he gave in and agreed to begin the investigation. He was clearly exasperated, but underneath that thick layer of irritation were hints of concern. That was understandable. After all, I was trying to reach into the depths of the rogue leader’s past. In addition, our first order of business was to locate and capture my opponent from the fourth round of solo battles: Ian Andrews.

It was rather easy to find Andrews, given that I had professional help, thanks to Brochan’s connections and authority as a platinum card user. Capturing him without drawing any attention, though, that was the hard part. Luckily, we learned that the man loved to visit a particular bar once a week. One of Brochan’s buddies was sent to speak with him, and he was brought to HQ face flushed, drunken, and just about ready to pass out.

Ever since then, Andrews had been strapped tightly to a metal chair, blindfolded, in one of the