Intro: Alright! Chapter 35 up!
Disclaimer: I do not own Touken Ranbu and Cardfight! Vanguard and other material which came from the said Game/Anime, they are owned by its original creators. The making of this story and this story is made for the fans and the writer XD. Although the plot and some changes in the story are from me ^_^.
Chapter 35: Answers…
~ Saturday Morning – Aichi's room -~
Aichi silently lays on his bed as he looks at the ceiling of his room brooding over his lost in the cardfight and then yesterday's incident.
"Aichi-sama, are you awake? It's me Yagen, may I have permission to come in." It was Yagen who is on the other side of the door. Though his voice says as if he is reluctant to even enter.
"Yes, come in…" Aichi said as Yagen enters the room seeing Aichi not moving an inch on his bed with a listless expression.
Yagen slightly coughed as he makes himself seated near Aichi's bed "Aichi-sama, are you feeling ill or something?" he asks just to make sure.
Answering to Yagen's question Aichi simply closes his eyes as he shakes his head to his left and right.
Yagen feeling a little lost on what to do next "Do you want to have breakfast? I can ask someone to bring food here?" At hearing the word food Aichi looked at Yagen.
"Is Emi and the others still around?" After a long silence, Aichi finally spoke.
Surprised Yagen answered "They decided to leave after having breakfast. The four decided to accompany Emi-chan home."
Aichi continued to stare at Yagen until he shifted his gaze to where the bracelet is on Yagen's wrist. Slowly Aichi moved his hands to try and reach for Yagen's hand.
Figuring out that he was reaching for the bracelet Yagen felt disappointment in himself as he knew he didn't do his job properly as his attendant thinking that Aichi is probably going to take the crest off, when Aichi has successfully reached it he raised Yagen's hand and said "Let's go to the front lines?" he asked.
"Pardon?" Confused and surprised Yagen asked for Aichi to repeat his words just to make sure he wasn't hearing it wrong.
"Call Kiyomitsu and Shokudaikiri to my room." Yagen who doesn't understand what is happening to the sudden order but instead heed it in the end and left the room.
A little while later "Aichi-sama, we are coming in" Yagen called out as Kiyomitsu, Yagen, and Shokudaikiri came with food with them and entered the room.
Aichi who is still listless and is still lying on the bed only shifted his head to look at the three "Aichi-sama, we brought breakfast" at the sight of the food his expression changes as he gulps what little saliva he has left in his mouth since he didn't move an inch from his bed.
Kiyomitsu brought the drinks while Shokudaikiri brought the food Yagen decided to bring medicine as they placed the things they were carrying on top of the table.
The three watches from the table with amusement as they see the difference from his listless to his craving expression, Kiyomitsu and Yagen noticed the unchanging of clothes and both looked at Shokudaikiri for answers.
"Mikazuki said that if we move him he might wake up" Shokudaikiri explained as he scratches his cheeks.
Aichi slowly stood up and sat from his bed as he looks at the food on top of the table slowly looking at the three Shokudaikiri spoke "You can eat first if you want to."
Resisting the urge to eat at the moment Aichi started to explain the reason why he called the three "Uhm… You see…" as he continues to stutter and look at the food, clearly the three understood that he can't think straight because of hunger and that he is too reluctant to.
Completely annoyed Kiyomitsu stepped forward with a vein who looks about to pop at any second "If you won't stand up and eat first… then I will help you." Kiyomitsu said as he moved closer to Aichi.
Raising his two hands forward to a confused Aichi at what he was about to do him "W-what?!" Aichi panics as he raised both of his hands too in defense.
Understanding what Kiyomitsu was planning Shokudaikiri readies as he takes the chair and Yagen who readies the breakfast while Kiyomitsu carried him in his arms as he places him at the chair that Shokudaikiri moved for Kiyomitsu to seat Aichi as he moved it back for Aichi to be properly seated in front of the table.
"You haven't eaten yesterday's dinner, and you weren't able to eat much during lunch yesterday too, so it's better to eat first before you want to tell use want you want, we can wait." Yagen said worried "You should also drink this too." Looks of suspicious was given to him by the two while Aichi stares at the medicine "Don't worry too much it's just vitamins" He sighed.
As Aichi slowly started to move to eat Kiyomitsu started up the conversation of what is the reason of calling the three "Does it have something to do with your complex?" Kiyomitsu cuts through the chase as the Shokudaikiri and Yagen stared at him surprised.
"What? If we don't go straight to the point we won't know right?" Kiyomitsu was as usual too blunt which made the two sigh.
Aichi slowly continued to eating as he silently nod at what Kiyomitsu said, it was helpful that he is that straight to the point since the two are hesitant to ask.
"It's not because of being considered as a girl right? But being weak is right?" Kiyomitsu leans on the table as he bitterly smiled at Aichi "I'm not the very first here in the citadel for nothing you know" He smiled earnestly this time as the two listened to the conversation.
"You read too much into this Aichi-sama, you do know we are all weak at first right, though I think you already knew that is why you called us right?" Kiyomitsu continues to smile while he leans his chin on top of his hands.
Aichi nodded once again as he continues to eat, surprised Yagen and Shokudaikiri looked at Kiyomitsu, after that the three waits for Aichi, until Kiyomitsu decided to break the ice once again "I'm getting jealous of you and Mikazuki though" Kiyomitsu sighs while Aichi choked on his food as Shokudaikiri readies his drink while Yagen tries to recuperate Aichi.
When Aichi choughs up as a sign of recovering, he started flushing at Kiyomitsu's words while Yagen and Shokudaikiri feels the same decided to keep silent about it to him "It makes me feel like you don't like me anymore" Kiyomitsu jokes around.
"N-no! It's not t-true! I still like you!" Aichi stuttered to his words as he slips out in panic, Aichi, Yagen, and Shokudaikiri froze up as Kiyomitsu grins from ear to ear.
At the minds of the two he too is also a force to be reckon with as Kiyomitsu smugly grins at Yagen and Shokudaikiri while Aichi hides his face with his two hands.
"He won't be able to finish eating if this continues you know…" Shokudaikiri said feeling sorry for the trembling Aichi.
"Let's go out the room and let him finish." Yagen advised as nothing will happen if they continue on like this.
"N-no stay…" Aichi muffled while his face is still covered by his hands.
The three stopped from their tracks while Aichi slowly uncovers his face "There is a new area that Konnosuke told me before, he said that a new area is opened and we can start to investigate." Aichi's expression changed from a serious one "Prepare for 1 hour, tell the ones that I will call out the names to prepare and wait for me at the center."
Aichi inhales "Gokotai, Nikkari Aoe, Kashuu Kiyomitsu, Yamanbagiri, and Shokudaikiri Mitsutada…" then he shifted his gaze to Yagen "Yagen Toushirou as captain."
Aichi smiles to Yagen "I'm entrusting it to you."
"Yes, Aichi-sama" he answered firmly responding to Aichi's trust.
"Well then, we'll come clean your table after we get changed." Shokudaikiri said as the three left the room.
When the three successfully left the room Aichi once again covered his face with both his hands.
~Center~
All the toudans await their master and the other three at the center of the citadel, as they know what is bothering Aichi, they simply wait in patience for what will happen, will this be his answer and will this be enough if he can't find it yet.
Still all they can do is understand that he needs this for getting past the weaknesses he wants to conquer, as they too want the same for themselves, since everyone has weakness.
They knew that Aichi won't conquer it in a day as they all know and understand that they won't be able to fulfill something that easily, but they all know that this will be a good start and at least it's better to try some things than to just be idle.
Finally Aichi with Shokudaikiri, Yagen, and Kiyomitsu came as Gokotai, Nikkari, and Yamanbagiri waits for their arrival
Noticing the gathering of all the toudans in the center of the citadel Mina and Konnosuke runs to Aichi without their knowledge that they were planning to go to the front lines "Aichi you didn't inform this to us beforehand, what's happening?" Mina asked confused as to what is happening.
Aichi simply smiled bitterly as he threw the talismans and chanted the spell to travel to their destination, when the beam of light engulfed them as they left to the front lines "Everyone is going along, they understood what Aichi needed" Konnosuke said as they silently watched the success of their travel.
"What is going on?!" Mina confused demanded an answer from the toudans since even they cannot answer those question.
"We too have many questions as to what is going on, but at least we could understand one thing" Mikazuki moves forward as he was the one who understand Aichi the most he explains somewhat the situation is to Mina and Konnosuke "He wants to change" Mikazuki smiled
Understanding a little of what is happening "Mina, let's just wait for what will happen, if this will at least help ease his mind, Aichi has realized something and I think this will be a nice fresh start." Konnosuke slumped on the floor "But it's so hoooooooooot~!"
Mikazuki a little teary eyed "ahh… I do hope he will remember my clothes though" he was eagerly waiting for it, most of the toudans sweat drop as they hear his muffled words when he left the area.
~Toba -The Edo period where it met its demise-~
As they successfully traveled to the area the toudans noticed a stiff Aichi "Aichi-sama is something the matter?" Yagen asked.
"I feel like I forgot something important…" Aichi said trying to remember what it was.
"Maybe it's because you haven't mentioned this to Mina-nee and Konnosuke?" Kiyomitsu said looking at the area.
"I wonder if they'll get mad" Gokotai worries.
"That is something we have to find out when we get back." Nikkari said as he too was scouting the area.
Aichi remembers as he bows his head "Everyone I'm sorry for getting you caught up with this."
"It's because you ordered it that is why we must also do it." Yamanbagiri said awaiting order.
"Lift up your head Aichi-sama, this is our pleasure if we can be able to help." Shokudaikiri said.
Aichi smiles from the warmness he feels from them they have their own way of looking out for him. Aichi started to flip the dice to lead them where the enemy is currently. As the dice locates, they started heading for their destination.
Yagen starts his scouting with the help from the others "Well then, we should find them before we're found." With the help of the others he was able to finish early as he was able to see where the enemies were "There they are. Let's strike! Aichi-sama your orders"
Aichi nodded "All right, Fish Scale formation don't worry about me and finish the enemy!" As he readies his bow to shoot an enemy, he successfully landed a hit to an enemy Wakizashi as all the enemy started swarming at them.
Kiyomitsu who felt his blood boil in thrill that he is once again standing in the battle field "This time... I'm... serious!" he successfully slashes the enemy "Even though I wasn't on the battle field I was training hard you know!" skillfully and majestically he moves like wind.
"I can't believe that this will be my first time in the front lines ever since I came!" Shokudaikiri yelled as he moves forward but was attacked by an enemy Uchigatana successfully deflecting it, thankfully Yamanbagiri was near and helped him attack from behind "Kill!"
The enemy wincing in pain lost his balance as Shokudaikiri strikes for the kill "Whatever defenses you have are useless!"
Aichi hearing from Shokudaikiri that he wasn't appointed once in the front line "S-sorry Shokudaikiri, I'll make up for it next time!"
"I will be waiting for that time!" Shokudaikiri pierces an upcoming enemy as Aichi focuses back on the battle.
Somehow even though Aichi knew they are confused they are all gearing up noticing the exhilarating feelings from just watching them, he understood Kiyomitsu and Shokudaikiri but was surprised from the others.
Noticing an enemy behind Yagen "Yagen!" Aichi shouted as he shots down and impaled the enemy Wakizashi to a tree as Yagen headed to end it "Zuryaaa!"
Nikkari too was somehow very thrilled standing watch for an incoming enemy Wakizashi "I've seen those moves somewhere before." Nikkari strikes once, twice and for the third "Laugh with Nikkari." As if he was playing with the enemy.
Surprised by an attack from behind Gokotai jumps to dodge unfortunately for the enemy Tantou it just added momentum for Gokotai "T-this sort of thing can happen too, once." Gokotai was able to land a critical and killed of the enemy.
When they cleared the area they made sure first if it's okay as they take a short break then continued on to the next location "I didn't think that we'd ended up with a boss enemy in this era on my first time." Shokudaikiri mentioned as Aichi kept feeling guilty about it.
"Still if this wasn't the area where the enemy is we won't get a sure resource area." Yamanbagiri said who was next to Aichi looking at the next location.
"What resources can we get?" Shokudaikiri said as he moves behind Aichi peaking at the map.
"Whetstone" Kiyomitsu answered looking at the map.
"It's a good thing that we won't take long though" Nikkari pointed.
"Although the flow of time is different right?" Gokotai recalls.
"So Aichi-sama while you still have time, have you readied what you will explain to Mina-nee and Konnosuke?" Yagen joked a little looking at Aichi resulting to him flinching that gave them a hint that he still wasn't prepared for it.
"A-anyways, do you want to go to an expedition later?" Aichi tries to change the subject as they simply stared at Aichi for dodging the question, sighing Aichi answered "W-we have some time here, I'll think of an explanation."
"Don't worry Aichi-sama, we will help you talk to them if needed" Kiyomitsu tries to ease Aichi from his words, As Aichi looks at everyone with him right now he knows everything will be fine "I'm in for the expedition though!" He added as they continue on.
~Present day -Afternoon-~
When the team finally came back as the light from the pillar disappear the group noticed that Misaki, Kamui, Miwa, and Kai were waiting with Mina and Konnosuke then one by one all the toudans went to the center, upon noticing the pillar of light as they too wanted answers.
"I see it was a success huh" Mina moved forward as Aichi readies himself for a scolding "Although obtained Minimal injuries, nonetheless Good work for a successful battle in the Front Lines" Mina congratulates "Not bad for Kiyomitsu's come back and Shokudaikiri's first time."
Konnosuke made his way to where Aichi is as he slightly opens his eyes "Aichi… I know that you want something answered by suddenly traveling to go to the front lines, but you could have at least told us about this you know." He closes his eyes as he wags his fluffy tail
"Did you get an answer then?" Konnosuke asked.
"Somehow…" Aichi answered smiling to Konnosuke as he understood that he did find some answers.
Konnosuke grins from hearing his answer and seeing his reaction as his tail wags faster "Alright, as punishment!" Aichi readies himself as he knew that he won't be getting away with it. "You alone will have to repair them, with no help from Yagen nor Mina!"
"Ehhh!" both Aichi and Kiyomitsu shouted in surprise though Aichi was more surprised that Kiyomitsu was also surprised.
"Eh, Kiyomitsu why are you also surprised" Aichi asked as Kiyomitsu slowly backed away.
"Well it's not that you are bad at it, it's just you weren't that… skilled at that time yet…" raising both hands in defense Kiyomitsu tries his best to explain why he was also surprised.
Understanding what Kiyomitsu meant made Aichi let a tear form on his eye as he looked at Konnosuke.
"Ah… eh… it's… it's alright Aichi! You need to learn how to do it properly sooner or later…" Konnosuke said as he himself stutters remembering the very first time Aichi tried repairing.
"For someone who is always at the infirmary…" Yagen stopped at seeing Aichi is now looking at his direction.
"It's alright Aichi-sama, you need to learn and this will be your start, at least hopefully it won't uhm…" Kiyomitsu paused as another tear was now forming on the other eye of Aichi "Just do your best alright!" Kiyomitsu shouted.
Aichi nodded in silence looking at Kiyomitsu "I'll… I'll do my best so… Yagen, Mina-nee please teach me!" Aichi said as he bowed his head.
Mikazuki though just showed up out of nowhere beside Mina and Konnosuke that surprised them "Hmmm… will this finish early… I'm still waiting for my change of clothes though…" Mikazuki muffled with his hands with the sleeves of his yukata covering his mouth.
Aichi slowly positioned himself as tears finally flowed "Ahhh!" some of the toudans shrieked.
~Infirmary~
After a successful first aid to the toudans that only attained scratches or bruises Kiyomitsu tries to move around "It was a good thing that we only had minor injuries as this would have been-" Kiyomitsu flinched as he noticed the tears forming on Aichi's eyes once again.
Yagen sighed "At least it's finished though."
"I'm going back to my room now and get changed, I will be doing something in my room for a while" Aichi said as he scratches his cheeks.
Which the six with Mina and Konnosuke understood what that meant "Its okay Aichi, leave the expedition to me, the area is The Battle of Koshu Katsunuma right?" Mina clarified which Aichi nodded in assurance.
"Call me when dinner is ready" he left the room in a hurry as he finished his words.
When Aichi finally left the area "Aichi-sama didn't tremble when I reminded him of that time…" Kiyomitsu felt as if tears were about to flow.
"Don't go crying now Kiyomitsu!" Yasusada spoke pouting who was waiting outside the room with the other toudans as they were checking if Aichi is alright now than yesterday.
The six were surprised that they were now all outside "I was worried for Aichi-sama too, I mean you tried to make him remember that!" Imanotsurugi said as he made way inside the room.
Although Tsurumaru, Yamanbagiri, Mutsunokami, and Midare had an idea what they were talking about, though Sayo, Gokotai, Nikkari, Hasebe, and Mikazuki doesn't have any idea about it.
"Me and Konnosuke were actually waiting for that time, our hearts felt like it was going to stop" Mina started "But seeing that expression tells me that he didn't cry because of his fear but because of his failure" Mina bitterly smiled and chuckled a little.
"Seeing him in that state before, somehow he has changed" Shokudaikiri said feeling the same relief as Kiyomitsu.
Yagen simply stood quiet looking at the bell with the crest as he hears words of relief he too is relieved although he knows very well what Aichi fears most "I don't think we could say the same if he sees blood though" the others froze as they had forgotten something important "Aichi-sama has indeed changed his view of the battlefield, it's true he did not fear it the same as before but he hasn't seen someone shed blood as of yet" what Yagen said was true, so far everyone was strong enough in clearing current missions without attaining medium injury.
Somehow all of them felt like they are back to square one as they all went silent but then "At least this is a good first step right?" it was Mikazuki who broke the silence "Look at the bright side, Aichi-sama is not scared of the battle field that is one problem that has gone by, now the other remaining will be next, isn't it a good thing that little by little he is overcoming his weaknesses?" He smiled
Mikazuki slowly walked inside the room who seems to be going to Yagen's direction "While our master changes it also affects us right, it affects us for the greater or for the worst" he then looks at Kiyomitsu as he was now in front of Yagen "It's not bad to feel relief when one problem is solved, as this means we can move on to the next step, we are greatly influenced by our master we all agree to that right, if we notice our master changing little by little we feel like we could also do the same. A master is simply not just by name or title, a title of master is earned, hence even though he knows himself that he has not fully earned the title yet, he continues to help us, we know for now that not all of us has fully changed as we are just beginners in this form" Realizing that he has said enough to help them and thought that it would be best not to say all of it.
"Ahahahaha… isn't this brilliant, if problems arise we all think as one, we all worry as one and we will also change as one." Mikazuki left the area "I look forward to that future" Everyone has realized something, something that they know themselves and Mikazuki helped them realized it since they become slowly and slowly become clouded.
Konnosuke opens his eyes as he looks at Mikazuki "He sure is wise." He said as everyone returned to normal.
"I shouldn't be surprised but… he isn't one of the oldest swords for nothing" Tsurumaru spoke looking at Mikazuki's back as he leave the area. Once again they remember that his normal carefreeness is as if just a façade or something.
"A master influence us" Yagen realizes as he stops his brooding too much as everyone felt they have regained something they lost, they felt geared up once again.
Outro: This story is getting ups and downs huh… still I hope you still continue reading this story!
I'm very sorry for my lack of vocabulary and wrong grammars and wrong spellings, but I hope you like the story nonetheless, and thank you for everyone's continuous support!
Thank you for reading! Please review or pm for any suggestions or problems on the story.
