What is power? Some claimed it was strength - the ability to crush enemies beneath their heels. Others believed it lay in wealth, in the glitter of diamonds and the rustle of silk. Yet others saw it in the loyalty of subjects, or in the sharp edge of a blade.

Three thousand years ago, the four great kingdoms clashed over this very question. The Kingdom of Hearts, with its rolling hills and golden wheat fields, faced off against the diamond mines and merchant princes of the Diamond realm. The dense forests of Clubs rang with war cries, while Spades' mountain fortresses rained death from above.

Blood soaked into soil. Cities burned. The air filled with screams of the dying and the battle cries of the living. Each kingdom believed their definition of power would prevail, that their truth would emerge victorious from the chaos.

But one being saw the futility of it all. The Joker, mysterious and ancient, watched as the kingdoms tore themselves apart. In his wisdom, he knew true power lay not in dominion over others, but in the ability to protect and serve.

In his workshop, he forged fifty-two cards of extraordinary might. Each thrummed with magic, each held the potential to reshape reality itself. He traveled to the war-torn kingdoms, seeking those worthy of wielding such responsibility.

Thirteen champions from each realm were chosen - not for their strength at arms or noble birth, but for their hearts, their wisdom, and their desire to serve rather than rule. The cards found their bearers, and slowly, the tide of war turned.

Where once armies clashed, bridges were built. Where hatred festered, understanding grew. The cardholders became guardians of peace, protectors of the weak, mediators between the mighty.

And so the great war ended, not with the triumph of one kingdom over others, but with the recognition that true power lay in unity, in balance, in the ability to build rather than destroy.

Three millennia have passed since that day. The cards remain, their magic undimmed, their purpose unchanged. And still, they guard the peace that was won at such terrible cost.

The cards scattered across the Kingdoms after the Joker's disappearance. Some found their way into ancient temples, others into the hands of noble families who passed them down through generations. A few vanished entirely, their power dormant, waiting for the right bearer to awaken them.

Each card held unique abilities. Some could heal mortal wounds with a touch. Some transformed base metals into precious gems. Some commanded the very forests themselves. Some moved unseen through shadows.

But power came with a price. The cards tested their wielders, challenged their resolve, their morality, their very souls. Those who sought to use the cards for selfish ends found themselves consumed by the magic they hoped to control. Only those who understood the true purpose of power - to serve, to protect, to build - could master the cards' full potential.

What would you do if such power fell into your hands? Would you seek to right ancient wrongs, to heal the sick and feed the hungry? Or would the temptation to reshape the world according to your own vision prove too strong to resist?

Perhaps you'd find yourself holding a Card, with its ability to read the truth in people's souls. Would you use it to expose lies and bring justice, or would you abuse that knowledge for personal gain?

Maybe a card would choose you, offering the power to walk between worlds. Would you explore the unknown realms beyond our own, or use it to escape responsibility?

The cards remain, their magic undiminished, waiting for those worthy of their trust. In every generation, they seek out those with the wisdom to wield them properly, the strength to resist their temptations, and the compassion to use them for the greater good.

So ask yourself - if a card appeared before you today, glowing with ancient power, what would you do? Would you reach out and grasp it, accepting both the gift and the burden? Or would you turn away, knowing that sometimes the greatest power lies in choosing not to use it at all?

* * *

A shrill voice pierced the afternoon air, echoing across the grassy hillside. "Kai!!!"

Dirt and pebbles scattered as a figure emerged from a dark hole in the ground, purple hair dusted with soil. Kai's face broke into a wide grin as he spotted the blonde-haired girl standing at the top of the hill. He scrambled up the slope, clutching something in his palm.

"Didn't I tell you to stop going into those holes? You won't find anything in them. Unless you want some worms?" Mei crossed her arms, tapping her foot against the grass.

"I do need worms." Kai opened his palm, revealing a writhing mass of earthworms.

Mei's eyes widened. She let out an ear-splitting shriek and collapsed onto the grass, her legs giving out beneath her. "Get them away!"

"I'm sorry, Mei, hahaha." Kai pocketed the worms and extended his hand, helping her back to her feet. The trading post bustled behind them, merchants' carts rattling along the well-worn path that led away from the Kingdom of Spades.

"What would you do with those worms anyways?" Mei brushed grass from her skirt, keeping her distance from Kai's pocket.

"I will use them as bait," Kai answered, bouncing on his heels with barely contained excitement.

"Bait for what?"

Kai reached into his other pocket and pulled out a silvery fish with distinctive spade-shaped markings along its scales. The legendary Spade Fish caught the sunlight, its scales shimming with an almost magical quality.

"Oh, I see. Lemme help you with that then, But no worms!!! Hmp." Mei turned up her nose, but couldn't hide the smile tugging at her lips.

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the riverbank as Kai and Mei settled into their fishing spot. Mei pulled out small glass vials from her satchel, each filled with different colored liquids.

"These should work better than your worms." She uncorked a blue vial and sprinkled drops into the water. The liquid spread in spiral patterns, giving off a faint glow.

"What's in those?" Kai leaned closer, his fishing line forgotten.

"Just a mix of river moss and moonflower essence. Fish love it."

Within minutes, their bucket began filling with the silvery spade fish, their distinctive markings catching the light. The fish seemed drawn to Mei's concoction, practically jumping onto their hooks.

"This is amazing!" Kai pulled in another fish, its scales flashing like polished metal.

Once their bucket was full, they made their way to the marketplace. The cobblestone streets bustled with afternoon traders, the air thick with the scent of spices and fresh bread.

Mr. Coin's stall stood at the corner, its weathered wooden sign creaking in the breeze. The stout merchant's eyes lit up as they approached.

"Ah, my favorite young fishers!" His bushy beard twitched as he smiled. "What treasures have you brought old Coin today?"

Kai hefted the bucket onto the counter. "Spade fish, sir. Fresh caught."

Mr. Coin's eyes widened as he inspected their catch. "Such beautiful specimens! The markings are perfect." He reached into his coin purse. "I'll give you double the usual rate for these beauties."

"Really?" Mei bounced on her toes.

"Of course, my dear. Quality deserves proper payment." He counted out the coins, his movements careful and precise. "You two remind me so much of..." His voice trailed off, his eyes growing distant for a moment before he cleared his throat.

"Thank you, Kai. Here's the payment," Mr. Coin pulled out a weathered leather pouch that clinked with the weight of coins inside. "And here's a little extra since Mei is here with you."

A blur of motion. The pouch vanished from Mr. Coin's outstretched hand. A cloaked figure darted through the crowd, shoving past startled shoppers.

"Wait! That's our payment!" Kai's feet moved before his mind caught up. He sprinted after the thief, weaving between market stalls and dodging confused pedestrians.

The thief knocked over baskets of fruit, sending apples rolling across the cobblestones. Kai leaped over the obstacles, his muscles burning as he pushed himself faster. The gap between them narrowed.

"Kai, wait for me!" Mei's voice faded behind him as he focused on the chase.

The thief cut down an alley, knocking over stacked crates. Wood splintered. Kai vaulted over the debris, his boots scraping against rough stone. His target emerged onto a wider street, startling a group of nobles who scattered with indignant shouts.

Sweat dripped down Kai's neck. His lungs ached. But he refused to let their hard-earned coins slip away. The chase led them toward the marketplace's edge, where the crowds thinned and buildings grew sparse.

* * *

Kai and Mei raced through the winding streets, their footsteps echoing off the weathered stone walls. Market stalls blurred past as they navigated the maze of vendors and shoppers. Baskets toppled, fruits rolled, and angry shouts followed in their wake.

"Over there!" Mei pointed ahead where the thief darted between two buildings.

Kai's muscles burned as he pushed himself harder, closing the distance. The thief glanced back, panic flashing across what little was visible of their face beneath the hood. They stumbled over a loose cobblestone, giving Kai the opening he needed.

He launched forward, wrapping his arms around the thief's waist. They crashed to the ground in a tangle of limbs, rolling through the dirt and scattered debris. The impact knocked the wind from Kai's lungs, but he maintained his grip.

"Let go!" The thief thrashed, clutching the money pouch against their chest.

Kai grabbed for the leather bag. His fingers caught the edge as they grappled. The worn material stretched, seams straining under the opposing forces until—

Rip!

Coins cascaded onto the ground, clinking against stone and rolling in every direction. The thief's hood fell back, revealing a dirt-smeared face twisted with rage. Their hand moved to their belt, drawing a blade that gleamed in the afternoon sun.

"You're gonna regret this," the thief growled, leveling the knife at Kai's chest.

The paper slipped from Kai's pocket, its worn edges catching the sunlight as it floated before him. The soft glow pulsed like a heartbeat, casting dancing shadows across the alley walls. Two words burned into his mind, clear as crystal: Deal, Play.

His throat felt dry. "Deal... Play."

The paper whirled, faster and faster until it became a blur of light. It shot toward his chest, vanishing beneath his skin. Energy surged through his body, pooling in his right hand where a small knife materialized, its blade gleaming with an otherworldly sheen.

He brought it up just as the thief's weapon descended. Metal scraped against metal, sparks flying between the crossed blades.

The thief's eyes darted to Kai's face, widening at the sight of the fresh markings beneath his right eye. Color drained from the thief's already pale complexion. "A Jack of Spades?! You're a Card User!"

The knife clattered to the ground as the thief scrambled backward, boots slipping on scattered coins before finding purchase. He bolted down the alley, his footsteps fading into the market's bustle.

"Kai!" Mei's satchel bounced against her hip as she rushed to his side. "Are you okay?" Her fingers brushed his arm, steadying him.

"I think..." Kai traced the unfamiliar markings beneath his eye. "A card chose me."

"What? But how?" Mei leaned closer, examining the fresh markings with wide eyes.

* * *

"Kasai, what are we doing here?" Gejo tugged at his collar, sweat beading on his forehead beneath the scorching sun.

Kasai whirled around, her amber eyes flashing. "Don't even ask that question, Gejo, you annoying dimwit! Our Captain told us to come here because a card user will appear, and we need to get that card for our kingdom."

The marketplace bustled around them, merchants hawking their wares while fishermen hauled their catches to the stalls. Gejo's nose wrinkled at the overwhelming stench of fish and salt air. His fingers traced the diamond-shaped marking under his eye, a nervous habit he'd developed since receiving his card.

Kasai paced the weathered dock planks, her boots clicking against wood. Her gaze darted between faces in the crowd, searching for any hint of card markings. The salt breeze tugged at her black hair, disrupting her usually perfect appearance.

The two Knights of Diamonds stood out among the local fishermen and traders. Their pristine uniforms marked them as foreigners, drawing suspicious glances from passersby. But they trusted Nathan, their prime minister. If he said a card would appear here, in this backwater port town, then they'd wait.

Gejo leaned against a wooden post. "How much longer do we-"

"Shut it." Kasai's sharp tone cut through his question. She pressed her lips into a thin line, scanning the crowd again. "Just keep your eyes open and stop complaining."

A brilliant flash lit up the harbor like a second sun. Market-goers froze, shielding their eyes from the sudden glare that pierced through the afternoon haze.

"Gejo, be ready, I think we found the guy." Kasai's eyes narrowed as she spotted movement in the direction of the light.

The two knights burst into action, their forms blurring as they raced through the startled crowd. Market stalls and fishing nets became streaks of color in their wake.

"Deal, Play!" Their voices rang out in unison.

Crimson light pulsed as card markings materialized beneath their right eyes. Gejo's skin crystallized, taking on the brilliant sheen of polished diamond. His muscles rippled with newfound strength as the transformation completed. Beside him, Kasai's features shifted - black fur sprouted along her arms, pointed ears emerged from her hair, and a sleek tail curved behind her.

The knights spotted two figures fleeing the scene. Without hesitation, Gejo grabbed Kasai by the waist. His diamond-enhanced muscles coiled before he launched her through the air like a projectile. She soared over the crowd, closing the distance to their targets in seconds.

Kasai's eyes locked with one of the runners - a young man with a card mark clear on his face. Her lips curled into a knowing smile that made him visibly tense. She slammed into the ground between them, the impact sending tremors through the street that made both targets stumble.

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The girl with him yanked him aside just as Kasai pounced. They tumbled together, barely avoiding her claws. Kasai straightened, studying the mark on the young man's face with keen interest.

"To think that someone like you holds a card." She reached out, tilting his chin to get a better look.

"Kasai, we need to hurry. Let's bring the kid and move." Gejo's deep voice carried across the now-empty street.

"I would like to have some fun since I got so bored here in this useless town." Kasai's eyes glinted with malice. Her claws extended, catching the sunlight like polished daggers.

She struck without warning. Her claws raked across Kai's chest, shredding his shirt and drawing blood. He stumbled backward, clutching the wound as crimson stained the fabric.

"Stop hurting him!!" Mei's voice cracked with desperation. Her hands trembled as she reached for her satchel of potions.

Kai rolled away from another slash, but Kasai's enhanced speed left him no room to counter. Her movements blurred as she darted around him, each strike opening new gashes across his arms and back. Blood spattered the cobblestones.

"What's wrong? Too slow?" Kasai's laughter echoed through the street as she toyed with him. Her claws found his shoulder, digging deep.

Kai cried out, falling to one knee. His attempts to defend himself grew weaker with each hit. Kasai's attacks came from all angles - too fast to track, too powerful to block.

Kai's agonized screams mixed with Kasai's cruel laughter. She was playing with him like a cat with a wounded mouse, drawing out his suffering for her own amusement. His blood stained the street as he collapsed, unable to match her overwhelming strength and speed.

* * *

The bustling marketplace of Spade Fish Town hummed with activity until a brilliant flash pierced through the afternoon air. Hiro paused mid-step, his hand instinctively moving to the sword at his hip.

"Yo, Senior Pat, I think there's a dealer fight going on in that alley."

Senior Pat's weathered face creased with concern. "We need to hurry and see for ourselves."

He turned to Fi, who stood half-hidden behind him. "Fi, buff us with speed."

Fi stepped forward, her eyes closing as she drew breath. Her clear voice rang out, weaving an intricate melody that wrapped around them like ribbons of light. The air shimmered as her song took effect.

"Yo, this feels nice, Fi. Your voice is so amazing." Hiro bounced on his toes, testing the newfound lightness in his limbs.

"T-t-thank you so much, Hiro." Fi's cheeks flushed pink as she ducked her head.

They raced through the winding streets, following the sounds of combat. The screams grew louder - raw and filled with pain. A girl's sobs echoed off the stone walls.

"Yo, Senior Pat, I think someone is being killed." Hiro's voice tightened with urgency.

"Fi, buff us with strength." Senior Pat commanded.

Fi's voice soared again, deeper and more powerful. The melody thrummed through their muscles, filling them with supernatural might.

Hiro burst into the alley first. His blade flashed in an arc, catching the cat-woman mid-strike. Steel met flesh with a sickening sound. Her body split apart, yet her eyes still blazed with fury.

"Arhghhhh!!!! Who are you people?" Blood stained her teeth as she spoke.

"Yo!, she can still talk, and she's already split in two, what the fuck?!" Hiro backpedaled, sword raised.

"She's a User, be careful Hiro." Senior Pat's warning rang through the alley.

Kasai's severed body dragged itself across the cobblestones, leaving a trail of blood. Her eyes locked onto her other half as her regenerative powers kicked in. The wound glowed with a soft golden light as muscle and sinew began knitting back together.

"You'll pay for that, you brute." Her words came out in a hiss.

Gejo stepped forward, his skin crystallizing into diamond. The afternoon sun caught his transformed body, sending prismatic light dancing across the alley walls.

"Stand down, Kasai. This isn't worth losing another life over."

"Shut up, dimwit."

Fi darted past the standoff, her movements enhanced by her own song. She reached Kai and Mei, who were pressed against the wall. Mei clutched her satchel of potions, while Kai's hands were stained with someone else's blood.

"Come with me." Fi's voice barely rose above a whisper as she tugged them toward safety.

Hiro maintained his defensive stance, sword pointed at Kasai's still-healing form. His usual playful demeanor had vanished, replaced by the focus of a trained knight. Senior Pat flanked him, creating a barrier between Kasai and the escaping trio.

"Yo, you really picked the wrong town to cause trouble in." Hiro's grip tightened on his weapon.

Senior Pat's eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation. "The Diamond Kingdom needs to keep better track of their knights."

Kasai's body had almost fully merged, though her noble attire remained split and bloodied. She pushed herself to her knees, her pride clearly wounded more than her flesh.

The standoff in the alley revealed three of the Spades Kingdom's most formidable knights. Hiro La La Raouta, known as the Star Slasher, stood with his summoned blade gleaming. The third son of the noble La La Raouta family had earned his reputation through countless battles, his Three of Spades card allowing him to manifest weapons that could slice through anything they touched.

Behind him towered Patrick La La Tousaint, the Vice Captain of the Knights of Spades. His massive frame cast a long shadow across the cobblestones as he raised his hand, the Seven of Spades card pulsing with power. The air grew heavy around Kasai, gravity itself bending to Senior Pat's will.

"Rrrroll back now, little cat," Pat's distinctive accent rolled through the air. "Before things get serrriously unpleasant."

Fillomina La La Reigiel, the Chanteuse Harmonia, remained close to Kai and Mei. Her Four of Spades had already proven its worth, her enchanted voice weaving protection and strength into her allies. Though she shied away from direct confrontation, her support abilities had turned countless battles in the Spades Kingdom's favor.

"Yo, we've got you outnumbered and outmatched," Hiro's casual tone belied the deadly grace with which he moved. "And trust me, you haven't seen half of what we can do."

The alley erupted into chaos as Kasai lunged forward, her claws extended. At the same time, Gejo charged, his crystalline form catching the light. Hiro sprang into action, his summoned blade singing through the air as he met Gejo head-on.

Gejo's fist swung in a devastating arc. Hiro's blade struck true against the crystalline hand, the impact sending shockwaves through the narrow space. Dust and debris scattered as the ground beneath them trembled. Both men's eyes widened in shock - Gejo's supposedly unbreakable diamond form showed hairline cracks spreading across his knuckles, while Hiro's all-cutting blade had failed to slice through.

Meanwhile, Kasai darted toward Fi with lethal intent. Senior Pat stepped between them. With a gesture, he seized control of the scattered rubble, launching stone projectiles enhanced by crushing gravitational force.

Kasai's enhanced reflexes allowed her to weave through the barrage. She pivoted, changing targets mid-stride to strike at Pat himself. Her claws raked across his chest, drawing blood - but the veteran knight didn't even flinch. His eyes narrowed as he unleashed a wave of gravitational force that sent Kasai flying backward into the alley wall.

Before anyone could press their advantage, Gejo scooped up the dazed Kasai and bolted toward the marketplace.

"What are you doing, dimwit?" Kasai's voice dripped with venom despite her disheveled state.

Gejo's face split into an unexpected grin. "A strategic run!"

Hiro's muscles tensed as he prepared to pursue the fleeing Diamond Kingdom knights. His feet shifted into a runner's stance.

"Stand down, Hiro." Senior Pat's voice cut through the tension. "There's a dealer who needs our help."

Hiro turned to see Mei clutching Kai's bloodied form. Tears streamed down her face as she cradled his head in her lap. His clothes were shredded, deep cuts crisscrossing his chest and arms.

"Please..." Mei's voice cracked. "Please help him. He's a dealer - he just discovered his powers today."

Blood pooled beneath Kai's still form, seeping into the cobblestones. His breathing came in shallow gasps.

Senior Pat nodded to Fi. "Work your magic, child."

Fi stepped forward, her eyes fixed on Kai's wounds. She drew in a deep breath, and a gentle melody filled the alley. The song floated through the air like moonlight on water, wrapping around Kai's injuries. As her voice rose and fell in the familiar lullaby, the cuts began to close, flesh knitting back together under the influence of her power.

Mei's grip on Kai loosened as the healing song took effect. Her eyes fluttered, then closed as she slumped forward, exhaustion claiming her.

"Yo, what's the plan now?" Hiro kept his sword ready, scanning the alley entrance.

Senior Pat's expression hardened. "We take them to the castle. Prepare for immediate departure to the capital."

* * *

Blood splattered across the cobblestones as Kasai doubled over, her body wracked with violent coughs. Crimson droplets stained her elegant clothes, a stark contrast to her pale skin.

"Are you okay?" Gejo's crystalline form shimmered as he reverted to his normal state.

"Can't you see that I'm not, you useless dimwit? I just lost one of my lives arghh!" Kasai's words came out between wet, painful coughs. Her eyes blazed with fury and pain.

She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "I can't believe that we lost so easily. That sword cut through me like butter."

"At least we didn't die." Gejo crossed his arms, his face a mask of concern despite his matter-of-fact tone.

They made their way back to the Diamond Kingdom, their wounds and bruised pride making the journey longer than usual. The castle's crystalline spires rose before them, catching the late afternoon sun in countless rainbow refractions.

In Nathan Chrononium's study, shadows stretched across floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. The Future Walker sat behind his desk, gray eyes unfocused as if seeing beyond the present moment.

Kasai bowed her head, her voice subdued. "Sir Nathan, we are sorry that we failed you."

Nathan's gaze snapped back to the present, studying them with clinical detachment. "It's... okay... this is expected as I saw the future that you two will fail. I didn't expect that much." He straightened in his chair, shuffling papers on his desk. "Anyways, I have a new mission for both of you."

Nathan Chrononium's gaunt figure cast a long shadow across his study. Dark circles rimmed his eyes, testament to countless nights spent peering into possible futures. His monocle caught the light as he adjusted it, a nervous tick he'd developed over years of climbing the ranks of the Diamond Kingdom.

The room felt heavy with the weight of his presence. Bookshelves groaned under ancient tomes, their spines cracked and worn from his endless pursuit of knowledge. Maps covered the walls, each marked with cryptic notes and symbols that only he understood.

His slicked-back gray hair seemed almost ethereal in the dim light. The Ace of Diamonds pulsed faintly against his chest, a constant reminder of the power that had elevated him from a minor noble to Captain of the Knights. Every calculated move, every carefully orchestrated event - all stemmed from his ability to see the threads of possible futures.

The king and queen's trust hadn't come easily. Nathan had spent years weaving his web of influence, using his precognitive abilities to prevent disasters before they occurred, to win battles before they began. His predictions never failed, and his counsel became indispensable to the crown.

His fingers drummed against his desk, each tap precise and measured. The sound echoed through the room like a countdown. The kingdom danced to his rhythm, though few realized who truly pulled the strings. Every promotion, every mission, every seemingly random encounter - all pieces in Nathan's grand design.

The candlelight flickered across his face, deepening the shadows under his eyes. Years of manipulating events had taken their toll, but power demanded its price. And Nathan Chrononium had paid it willingly.

Nathan's fingers traced the edge of a weathered map spread across his desk. "The Club Kingdom. That's where you'll find your next mission." He tapped a specific location marked with an intricate symbol. "There's someone there you need to meet."

"The Club Kingdom?" Kasai's eyes narrowed. "That cesspool of gamblers and thieves?"

"Your disdain for their culture is noted, but irrelevant." Nathan's voice carried an edge of ice. "You'll be meeting someone of great importance. Someone who could change everything."

Gejo shifted his weight, the floorboards creaking beneath him. "Just the two of us?"

"No." Nathan pulled out a sealed envelope from his desk drawer. "Juuzo will accompany you."

"The White Death?" Kasai's face twisted in disgust. "That psychopath?"

"His skills are necessary for this mission." Nathan's gray eyes fixed on Kasai with an intensity that made her step back. "Unless you'd prefer to face another failure?"

The fresh memory of her lost life made Kasai's jaw clench. She grabbed the envelope from Nathan's desk. "Fine. Where do we find him?"

"He's already waiting at the eastern gate." Nathan turned his back to them, staring out his window at the kingdom below. "Don't disappoint me again."

Gejo and Kasai exchanged glances before heading toward the door. As they reached the threshold, Nathan's voice stopped them.

"One more thing." He didn't turn around. "Trust no one in the Club Kingdom. Not even each other."

The heavy door closed behind them with a thud that echoed through the empty hallway. Kasai ripped open the envelope, her eyes scanning the contents.

"What does it say?" Gejo peered over her shoulder.

"Coordinates, a time, and..." Kasai's brow furrowed. "A playing card. The King of Clubs."