Hello, everyone! This is a new chapter! Chapter 3! I hope everyone will enjoy it and without further ado, let's start!

Normal POV

Kai looked at Aichi and then back to Naofumi as he glared at him.

" Don't worry. I won't kill him. He did nothing wrong and he seems to not know about those powers. In fact, I think even if he had awakened, he would've been a god who would save the world, just like now. I will protect those gods. But the problem right now is that he hasn't awakened to that power and I wouldn't want anyone to find out and try to use him for their own benefit." Naofumi said

" So you'll bring him back to your home after the Circuit?" Kai ask

" He's already refused me. There's nothing I can do about that. He can be pretty stubborn after all." Naofumi said

" I just want to know... Did he tell you that he could remember Royal Paladin, Kagero and Shadow Paladin? Even after our memories had been messed with?" Kai ask

" Yeah, he did consult me about that. But there's barely anything I can do about memories, especially when it affected the world. My Shield isn't used for that. Why'd you ask?" Naofumi ask

" ... Because he was the only one who could remember them while I..." Kai said as he clenched his fist again

" There's nothing you could do about that. His memories were manipulated too, so he could barely remember those three clans too. And don't worry, he didn't remember them because of that power. It was because the bonds he had with his units were strong, that was why he could remember them." Naofumi said

" But I... what I did to him after all he'd said and done... I abandoned the team without telling them and left him be." Kai said

" ... You heard what he said at the resort, didn't you?" Naofumi ask

Kai stayed silent and looked back at Aichi as Naofumi sighed.

" I have somewhere to be, so you should stay here and watch over him. There's an extra bed here for you to sleep on too. Just don't try anything funny while I'm gone." Naofumi warned

" ... I won't. I'll be leaving to go back to my room after this." Kai said

" And you don't want to stay with him for awhile?" Naofumi ask

Kai stayed silent again as Naofumi sighed and closed the door before going towards the entrance of the building to see his comrades.

" Raphtalia, Filo."

" Naofumi-sama. I assumed it went well since the portal disappeared." Raphtalia said

" Yeah. Aichi's completely wiped out from what happened so I left him to rest." Naofumi said

" Is he okay?" Filo ask

" Don't worry. He's just worn out. Anyway, you found it?" Naofumi ask

" Yes. It is as you suspected." Raphtalia replied

" Alright. Then let's go." Naofumi said

" Right!"

A flash of light engulfed the three as they shot out into the sky and soon landed on another planet.

" Instant travelling makes this so much easier. But it was a pain to find it." Naofumi said

" I sense its presence nearby." Raphtalia said

" Alright then. Lead the way." Naofumi said

Raphtalia nodded as the three started walking in a certain direction until they arrived at a hidden temple inside a cave.

" This is something. To create this must've taken a lot of work." Naofumi said

" Who's there?" A voice ask

The three went on guard as a figure walked towards them from the temple's entrance.

" ... I knew it." Naofumi said

" What are you saying? Why are you trespassing here? Are you minions of the Void?" The figure ask

" None of the above. I'm sure you can feel our presence too. We're the same as you." Naofumi replied

" ... I see. The rumored God Killers. Why are you here?" The figure ask

" No reason. We're just here because we picked up on your presence. You and your other half, that is." Naofumi said

" Oh, my other soul. So you met him. I haven't received any memories back from Earth, so I assume he's still alive somewhere." The figure said

" He's the Vanguard who sent out the Gold Paladin to free the three sealed clans." Naofumi said

" ... That's an amazing feat. I haven't been able to step out of this place, so I wouldn't have known that my other half was so capable. So what do you three heroes want?" The figure ask

" Nothing. We just wanted to know and get answers. You're a chosen Hero after all." Naofumi said

" This instrument just came to me one day. You're saying that this is a proof of me as a Hero?" The figure ask

" The Spirit of the Instrument told us that it chose you. If you were chosen as its owner, then I know that I can trust you at least." Naofumi said

" And why so?" The figure ask

" My second wife, Melty, was the Instrument Hero before you." Naofumi said

" Ah... Your late second wife. I see... But there's no reason for me to step out. It's not time yet." The figure said

" I know. But your other half..." Naofumi said

" I can sense it. He's currently being chosen by some of the other spirits, right? That means he'll soon become like me. We're the same person, and yet we're so different as well. I trust that you can take good care of him, Shield Hero." The figure said

" We're all gods here. That formality isn't needed. You're one of the gods that I know who loves this world too." Naofumi said

" Who knows. I don't really care about what you think. As long as my other half is doing well, I'm relieved." The figure said as he turned to retreat back into the temple

" One more thing. He has a problem and I don't know how to solve it." Naofumi said

" ... Weren't you the same as him before? Besides, an emotion that complicated cannot be said so easily. Give them time and it'll work out." The figure said

" I'm not an advisor for relationships." Naofumi said

" Says the god who had three wives and still has his first wife as a god alongside him. You'll do fine." The figure said

He then walked back into the temple and disappeared as Naofumi and the other walked out of the cave.

" What should we do now?" Raphtalia ask

" Go back home. I still want to keep watch over Aichi, but I don't want to disturb him either. He has a big match tomorrow." Naofumi said

" Shall we watch it together?" Raphtalia ask

" ... Why not? We can have breaks once in awhile." Naofumi said

" Yay!"

The three flew back to Earth and entered the room Aichi was staying in as Naofumi noticed that Kai was gone.

" Probably went back into his room..." Naofumi thought

" ... Hey, Raphtalia." Naofumi said

" Yes?"

" Can you do something for me?" Naofumi ask

" Of course!"

Naofumi told her his plan while Filo already took a bed to sleep in as the night went on. The next morning for the Circuit arrived as Misaki found Ren and Asaka outside a room.

" What is it?" Misaki ask

" Oh, Misa-ki! This is Kai's room but he's not answering my knocks." Ren said

" Misaki! ... This is Kai after all, he could be napping for a little while longer. The Circuit isn't going to start in another two hours after all." Misaki said

" I guess so..."

That was when they heard a scream and Kamui came out of his room.

" That's Brother Aichi screaming just now!" Kamui exclaimed

They ran towards Aichi's room and opened the door to see Kai sprawled out on the floor while Aichi was blushing madly on his bed.

" Kai?!"

" Are you okay, Brother Aichi?!" Kamui ask

" Y-Yeah..."

" You jerk! What were you doing in Brother's room?!" Kamui exclaimed

" ... I would like to know that too! I was in my room when I slept but when I woke up, I was on his bed!" Kai exclaimed as he got up

" Maybe you were sleepwalking?" Ren ask

" Huh?! I don't do that!" Kai exclaimed

" Then explain why were you in his room and what happened?" Misaki said

" Like I care!" Kai exclaimed

" I-I'll go change my clothes first..." Aichi said as he rushed into the bathroom after grabbing his clothes

" Something must've happened while you two were sleeping. He's completely trying to ignore you." Ren said

" Nothing happened! Don't ask me!" Kai exclaimed as he looked away while thinking back to what happened

~ Flashback~

Kai had woken up to the morning sun hitting his face as he yawned while blinking his eyes to get used to his surroundings. His nose then caught a whiff of a familiar yet unfamiliar scent.

" Huh...? When was the bed in my room facing the window?" Kai thought

That was when he felt warmth on his body as he looked down at the bulge in his blanket and lifted it up. He then flinched as he saw Aichi curled up near his chest and asleep. Aichi soon groaned in his sleep as he slowly opened his eyes. Blinking his eyes a few times to clear his vision, he soon looked up to see Kai.

" ... Kai... kun...?"

" Morning..." Kai greeted

Aichi looked back down at where he laid on Kai's chest as he slowly started to blush as he soon screamed from the surprise and pushed Kai off the bed.

~ Reality~

Kai clicked his tongue in annoyance and stood up to leave the room. He then opened the door to his own room and slammed the door shut. As soon as he stepped into his room, he noticed Naofumi sitting on the bed.

" Morning."

" Like I care! Were you the one who did that?!" Kai exclaimed

" What are you talking about?" Naofumi ask

" You purposely put me next to Aichi!" Kai exclaimed

The bathroom door opened as Raphtalia stepped out of it with Filo.

" Naofumi-sama? Oh... Hello." Raphtalia greeted

" ... Who are they?!" Kai ask

" My wife and bird." Naofumi replied

" Huh?! Bird?!" Kai exclaimed

" Master! Where do we go now?" Filo ask

" Let's head over to see how Aichi is doing. He probably had enough rest by now." Naofumi said

" Wait! Explain to me about what happened! You did that, right?!" Kai exclaimed

" Think however you want." Naofumi said

" I don't feel about Aichi that way!" Kai exclaimed

" ... Right. As if that's the truth..." Naofumi said as he scratched the back of his head

" It's true!" Kai exclaimed

" Look, I don't really care. But if that's what you think, then I'll leave you be. Don't regret it if he leaves your life one day without letting him know about your true feelings." Naofumi said

" ... I don't care!" Kai exclaimed as Naofumi and the others left

Naofumi then knocked on the door to Aichi's room as the door opened and he entered it with Raphtalia and Filo.

" It was you who did that, wasn't it?" Aichi ask

" You too?" Naofumi muttered

" I... I don't feel that way about Kai-kun..." Aichi said

" Then why aren't looking at me when you say that?" Naofumi ask

" Naofumi-sama..."

" Raphtalia. You and Filo can head down to get some seats for now. I'll be heading down afterwards too." Naofumi said

" Okay."

Raphtalia and Filo left after that as Naofumi turned back to Aichi.

" Are you afraid of rejection?" Naofumi ask

" T-That's not it..." Aichi replied

" Then look at me when you say that. Or are you lying to me and your own feelings?" Naofumi ask

Aichi stayed silent as Naofumi sighed.

" We'll continue this conversation next time. You have your match to concentrate on. We'll be cheering for you in the audience." Naofumi said

He then left the room as Aichi thought back to what he had said. Soon, the Circuit started and Q4 managed to win the entire Circuit. Before long, Aichi was soon in high school, studying in Miyaji High. Although he wasn't improving socially, after school, he would look forward to meet his other friends in Card Capital and would have cardfights with them to brush off his school days.

" Yo, Aichi!" Miwa greeted

" Hello!"

" How's our Champion doing today?" Miwa ask

" I'm fine. But don't call me that, it's embarrassing..." Aichi said as he blushed a little

" Alright, alright. I'll quit with the jokes. I heard from Emi-chan that you're staying at another relative's place now." Miwa said

" Oh... Yeah. But it's fine. Their place is still close by. I still stay back at my own home once in awhile." Aichi said

" I see."

" My relatives travel a lot after all. So, they find it better to have someone familiar to keep watch over their home." Aichi said

" Well, you're dependable." Miwa said

" I don't think I'm that dependable..." Aichi said

" Anyway, let's fight! Kai over here has been grumpy about something all day and kept beating me until he got exhausted." Miwa said

" Okay."

Aichi took a glance towards Kai before starting his fight with Miwa. Soon, it was close to evening as Aichi left the shop after saying his goodbyes. After taking a few turns near a road he was walking on, he soon arrived at a simple two storey house almost similar to his as he opened the gates and fished out his keys to open the door.

" I'm home." Aichi greeted

" Welcome back." Raphtalia greeted

" Welcome back!" Filo exclaimed

" I'm back. Are you two making dinner?" Aichi ask

" Yes!"

" Can I help?" Aichi ask

" Sure. Get changed and freshen yourself up." Raphtalia said

" Okay."

Aichi went up to his room and grabbed his clothes before taking a shower. He soon came back out and dried his hair thoroughly before heading down to the kitchen to help Raphtalia and Filo.

" What are you making today?" Aichi ask

" Rice, soup and salmon." Raphtalia replied

" Then let me help you make the rice. Where's Naofumi-san?" Aichi ask

" He's been in our room for a few hours already." Raphtalia said

" I see... Is that really okay with you? Leaving him and Alta-san alone." Aichi said

" I'm used to it." Raphtalia said

'" Oh..."

The three continued preparing dinner and set the table. They soon heard footsteps coming down the stairs as they turned to see Naofumi.

" You're just in time, Naofumi-san." Aichi said

" Yeah. Aichi, remember I took your necklace to remake?" Naofumi ask

" Yes..."

" Well, I finally finished the new design so hold your hand out." Naofumi said

Aichi blinked and held his hand out as Naofumi held it in place and slid a thin metal bracelet with a shield depicted on the center and a hollow hole filled with a liquid inside it onto his wrist.

" This should hide inside your school uniform easily. It has the same functions as your necklace and I made it out of a special material so it's not going to break so easily either." Naofumi explained

" What's this water?" Aichi ask

" Yggdrasil water. You'll figure out what it's for when you need it." Naofumi said

" Thank you, Naofumi-san. You let me stay here and even gave me this." Aichi said

" It's to protect you. Anyway, let's have dinner." Naofumi said

" Yeah!"

They all sat down at the table and ate as Aichi thought about something.

" Aichi?"

" I'm just thinking... I wonder if I should make a Cardfight Club in Miyaji High. I want to let everyone know how fun Vanguard is. But there hasn't been any people who seem to be interested..." Aichi said

" It's gonna take a lot of work, but if you decide to, then go on ahead." Naofumi said

" ... It's just the start of the school year, so I still can think about it for awhile longer." Aichi said

" Whatever you say." Naofumi said

" Has the media stopped hounding you now?" Raphtalia ask

" Yeah. Ever since I decided to live here, they haven't been disturbing my household from what I heard from Emi. Although, if I joined another tournament and won... I wouldn't want to think about it..." Aichi said

" Obviously. You're a world class champion now. Of course everyone would be interested in your life." Naofumi said

" At least they stopped for now." Raphtalia said

" Filo can chase them away!" Filo said

" No, you'll destroy the neighbourhood." Naofumi said

" Exactly how big is Filo-san in her normal form?" Aichi ask

" As big as a few storey buildings. Trust me, you wouldn't want to know." Naofumi said

" Okay..."

" Anyway, have a good rest tonight and think about what you want to do." Naofumi said

Aichi nodded as they quickly finished eating their dinner and washed the dishes.

" So... did you say anything to him yet?" Naofumi ask

Aichi flinched and looked away as he cleaned the table.

" ... You two need to talk. If you don't, both of you won't know about each others' feelings." Naofumi said

" ... I'll think about it." Aichi said

" Whatever you say." Naofumi said

Aichi nodded slightly and kept the cloth before going to his room to change into his pajamas and sleep. The next day, he went to school as per normal and when it ended, he went towards Card Capital and entered it.

" Hello!" Aichi greeted

" Long time no see, Aichi Sendou." A familiar voice said

" Chris-kun, Lee-kun, Ali-kun! How have you guys been doing? It's really been a long time!" Aichi greeted as he sat beside Chris

" Yeah. We've come to research the card-playing popularity in Japan, since Japan still has the most Vanguard fighters." Chris said

" You might be right. So, how's Mitsusada-san doing?" Aichi ask

" He's doing well! He's making awesome strides!" Chris replied

" Well, not like us though." Lee said

" Oh? Remind me, who lost to him last time?" Chris ask

Lee sweat drop.

" More importantly, I wanna meet a Japanese maid while I'm here!" Ali said

Aichi could only laugh awkwardly.

" What's wrong with you?" Lee ask

" What's the problem? Everyone looks forward to their own thing." Ali said

Aichi noticed at the corner of his eyes, Naoki was watching him.

" What's up, Sendou? You're like a totally different person here than at school! And you're buddies with some guys from another country? Talk about global! Anyway, how'd you get like this?" Naoki ask

" Um... This..." Aichi said while showing his deck

" What's this?" Naoki ask

" Cardfight." Aichi replied

" Cardfight?" Naoki repeated

" It's Vanguard. Don't tell me you've never heard about it? You fight each other with cards. It's a card game that's really popular worldwide." Chris explained

" Vanguard? Worldwide?" Naoki repeated

" That's right. A lot of countries hold international tournaments, too. You really don't know? It's common knowledge!" Lee said

" Common knowledge?" Naoki said, he placed Aichi's deck back on the table

" Oh boy, you're a goner. Girls aren't gonna go for a know-nothing like you." Ali said

" What did you say?!" Naoki ask, he faced Aichi

" Eh? Me?" Aichi said

" So this is Vanguard?" Naoki ask

" Uh huh. You use this deck to battle. Um, do you want to try it?" Aichi ask

" F-Fine, I'll play along once." Naoki replied

Shin passed him a deck. They prepared their decks and starting Vanguards.

" Stand up, Vanguard!"

The battle continued until the sixth damage fell on Naoki's Damage Zone.

" 6 damage." Naoki said defeatingly

" So, the match is over. Ishida-kun?" Aichi ask

Naoki bought the deck and ran out of the shop. Aichi ran out of the shop as well but Naoki had already left. That was when Kai and the others entered the shop.

" So you had your first cardfight with someone from the same high school..." Miwa said

" But I got caught up in it and won..." Aichi said

" Nah, you went plenty easy on that hot-blooded kid, Aichi." Chris said

" Cause no matter how many times you tell him, he kept calling all of his cards, even the ones he could've used for guarding." Lee said

Miwa and Izaki directed their stare at Morikawa.

" What?!" Morikawa ask

" Beginners have the tenacity to devote themselves into attacking. That tyoe's not popular with the ladies." Ali said

" As if you're the popular one." Morikawa said

That caused them to start up an argument.

" You can't find a fellow Vanguard player from a good school like Miyaji Academy?" Izaki ask

" Nope, it's a school that focuses on preparing for college... Besides, there aren't kids who are interested..." Aichi said

" I see... We've got a Vanguard Boom at our school. Wanna transfer over?" Miwa ask

" Thank you. But..." Aichi sad

Kai suddenly stood up.

" If he bought a deck on his way out, that means he's interested in Vanguard." Kai said

" I see..."

" Get your act together. You're a leader, remember?" Kai said

" Oh that's, but... If Ishida-kun's interested in Vanguard, I've got to reach out to him. Thank you, Kai-kun!" Aichi thanked

" Geez... You're a different person when you fight..." Kai said

Kai walked out of the shop with Miwa following behind him as Aichi frowned a little when he couldn't ask Kai something else. After thinking of a plan for a club, Aichi soon left to get the things he needed and headed home. Once he arrived home, he showered and changed before getting started on his posters for the club. There was a knock on the door as Raphtalia entered with a tray of food and saw Aichi concentrating on the poster before leaving his food on his bedside table and headed back downstairs.

" How is he?" Naofumi ask

" He's really focused. It seems like he finally worked up the courage to form a club." Raphtalia said

" Let's hope he finally get the courage to confess his feelings one day." Naofumi sighed

" Naofumi-sama..."

" Although, my only worry right now would be that guy. He might get stubborn if Aichi makes a move." Naofumi said

" I hope it'll work out." Raphtalia said

And then, days passed soon after. Aichi finally managed to gather his club members and was finally able to officially form the club after many difficulties. After finally getting the club approved, the five went to Card Capital for a celebration as Aichi soon looked over to Kai and timidly asked him to meet him outside the shop. Once the two left, the others immediately.

" You think what I think it is?" Miwa ask

" Is he finally going to say it?" Izaki ask

" How are we gonna find out?!" Kamui ask

" Let's try to listen in." Miwa said

" Jeez, you guys..." Misaki sighed

" What's going on?" Naoki ask

" ... Well, I guess you'll find out soon." Misaki replied

Outside the shop, Aichi fiddled with his fingers while looking at the ground as Kai waited.

" What is it?" Kai ask

" ... I-I... I have something to tell Kai-kun..." Aichi said

" Then get straight to the point." Kai said

" I-I-I... I like you, Kai-kun!" Aichi confessed

Kai's eyes widened a little as he started at the flustered Aichi for a few moments as many thoughts ran through his mind.

" No... Someone like him... can't be around me." Kai thought

" ... Aichi."

" Y-Yes...?" Aichi ask

" Sorry, but I don't feel the same way." Kai said

And that's the end of this chapter! Thank you for reading! I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter and I'll see everyone in the next chapter!