Intro: Hello everyone… this is the fourth chapter I hope you will like it.
Hehehe... Special mention. Thank you to Minako for helping! ^3^ thanks for your support!
Disclaimer: I do not own Touken Ranbu and Cardfight! Vanguard and other material which came from the said Game/Anime it is 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 4: These seven days; his longest day
Konnosuke noticed that Aichi cannot concentrate on what he is doing so he thought of something "Hhmm… Aichi, I think it is time for me to teach you about special tokens" Aichi was listening intently to Konnosuke even though he looks like half interested.
Konnosuke saw that Aichi wasn't listening to him so he told Aichi what exactly are those token for "Those tokens are special, they can either speed up the time of the smithing time or…" he paused for a moment still Aichi is uninterested "or… it can speed up the repair or healing of a sword warrior, although it cannot help you but will be a great help to them." Aichi snapped back to reality and looked at Konnosuke hastily.
"Heh, now you look at me." Aichi had a sorry face to Konnosuke, he knew that he wasn't going to be noticed but at least he gave Aichi a new hope "Oh yeah, Aichi, I have something to tell you." Aichi listened carefully.
"Even though we have this special token, this will all be for nothing if your warriors get destroyed in battle, so make sure to tell them to come back whenever they are at their limit or else…" Konnosuke didn't need to say the last words Aichi already know what he was going to say.
Konnosuke stood up and then asked Aichi to follow him "Imanotsurugi, we are going to do something for a while so you can go anywhere you want just don't leave the citadel and be careful" Aichi instructed, while hearing the instruction, Konnosuke thought that this was right, making sure that they know who is superior and making sure they obey.
"Haaaaaaai~!" Imanotsurugi said and then leaped through the short bridge on the lake.
Aichi followed Konnosuke to where Kiyomitsu is and Aichi opened the sliding door and saw that Kiyomitsu is still sleeping soundly "Okay, even though he is still sleeping it will be alright."
Konnosuke took something from a cabinet and took a wooden plaque from a cabinet "This is called a Help Token, we have limited of this but we may find some of this in expedition or if you successfully finish certain mission given to us as a reward." Konnosuke leaped back and gave Aichi the token "If you need any you can come get some there, but make sure that you don't always use them because we don't have many of them, also expedition is where you will ask your sword warriors to find resources and observe the whole era and they won't engage in battle when they are in expedition."
Aichi thought the word reward, he thought maybe even though he has Konnosuke with him, he is sure that someone is much more superior to him and is only here to help him and supervise him. He thoroughly looked at the Help Token and thought "This will help Kiyomitsu"
Konnosuke looked at Aichi "Just keep holding the Help Token and think hard of what you want to do." Aichi thought hard about repairing Kiyomitsu he wished hard to the token to help Kiyomitsu, then a light flashed on the Token he was holding and went above Kiyomitsu, light gently engulfed Kiyomitsu and all his injuries healed like he had none in the first place, the token then disappeared with the light.
Aichi smiled in glee and ran to Kiyomitsu's side but before he could wake Kiyomitsu Konnosuke stopped him "I think it will be better to let him rest." Aichi stopped midway his hands almost at Kiyomitsu's face. Aichi was a little saddened at the thought but he was happy that Kiyomitsu will be alright.
"Alright time for the next lesson" Konnosuke waited in front of the sliding door, Aichi with no choice followed Konnosuke.
Aichi and Konnosuke made their way to the smithing room and Aichi thought what they were doing here, then the Help Token pooped up, it seems it has something to do with it.
"Okay the next thing I will explain is that you can create how many swords you want, but you got to make sure that you are okay and full of strength and don't make too many at a time, it saps your energy greatly. Also the next time I won't be helping at some things, after some training you will be doing most of the things such as using your ability to take your warriors to the past." Aichi was surprised at those words, he actually has this gift to be able to do such things, although how nice this ability this is, it is not a good news for him.
Aichi was a little excited and scared but he knew that this is all just beginning and Konnosuke and whoever asked for his help and gave him this ability is supporting and watching him, so all he could do is live up to their expectation, because for him, without this ability, he wouldn't be able to change his life, something that made him a little special, somewhere where he is accepted, especially meeting all this new people, starting with Kiyomitsu.
At the thought of Kiyomitsu, Aichi shook his head hard and woke himself back to earth "Okay, let's teach you how to use a Help Token while smithing."
They both entered the room and did what he always did when he smiths after finishing, Konnosuke asked Aichi to follow him and take a Help Token "Alright, before the finished sword wish for it, pray for it."
Aichi held the Help Token and thought hard and prayed for the immediate creation for the sword warrior, Aichi started again with Tantou so that his strength won't be drained, but Konnosuke did warn him that making a second one at the same day is going to tire him out but little did Aichi know that Konnosuke has already something in plan.
At the blinding light from the Token it went above the sword and warmly engulfed it in light and with Aichi's prayer at the sword shone bright and petals flew around the room and revealed a new Sword Warrior.
"Yo, Taishou, I'm Yagen Toushirou, Along with my brothers, I hope to get along with you." The new Sword Warrior Yagen introduced himself.
"Oh, from the Awataguchi School, oh and by the way Imanotsurugi is from the Sanjou School." Aichi looked at Konnosuke who explained who made or created them. Konnosuke thought to himself that he keep forgetting things.
Aichi thought from Konnosuke's words that he wasn't really their creator, only their bodies is what he gave them, he didn't made 'them' themselves, they were already 'them' from the start, he just helped them have physical bodies so that they may help him. Only for the purpose of helping, and he thought, what a cruel fate they have.
"You were thinking something again aren't you?" Konnosuke started while the new sword warrior walked near them "You are like an open book Aichi." It seems that Konnosuke has a fine view of how Aichi thinks.
"Aichi I will not be able to help you about everything or every time, rather I won't always help you, you have to learn things yourself, I am just here to teach you, not to give orders to you, so everything will be your decision from this point on, but I will always be here to lend a helping hand." Konnosuke went out of the room and went to go somewhere.
Aichi and Yagen were left at the smithing room "Let's go outside, from here on onwards please take care of me, my name is Aichi Sendou." Aichi started to introduce himself.
"Same to you Taishou." Aichi smiled at Yagen.
"Well, starting now this citadel will be your home, you can go anywhere besides the outside of the citadel or until there are mission." Aichi finished speaking, Yagen bowed in front of him and then left to explore the whole place.
Aichi sighed, he was happy that the second one was successful but, when Yagen left, all of a sudden he felt his whole body became heavy and his eyesight became blurry then when everything went black Aichi has passed out.
Aichi didn't fell on the floor, Konnosuke who brought someone caught Aichi and carried him back to his room and let him rest.
On the other hand while Aichi was resting, the three Sword Warriors were having a chat on the veranda with Konnosuke and as usual he presented Yagen with the same bracelet with his crest on it.
Konnosuke thought that, this place is getting bigger little by little, and started thinking that it would not be a good decision to let Aichi go to his home but rather let him stay here. So Konnosuke thought of an idea on how to let Aichi's mom agree on letting him starting tomorrow if possible, to live here from now on in the citadel.
Aichi was sleeping soundly on his room, when he started waking up and noticed from the windows that it was almost night, Aichi slowly stood up and thought what has happened to him. He was in deep thought of reasons whys when he remembered that creating Sword Warriors would sap his strength. His thought trailed off when he heard his stomach grumble.
This time, Shizuka gave them food for them to eat in the evening and on the morning. Then he slowly stood up and went downstairs deep in thought about preparing the food, but with this many, he thought that the food would not suffice until tomorrow morning.
Aichi was greeted by Konnosuke and Imanotsurugi near the stairs "Oh! Aruji-sama you are awake, we were just about to come and wake you up." Imanotsurugi bounced to where Aichi is then held his hand and dragged him to come with him.
They went to a direction of somewhat that looks like a dining hall. Aichi then thought that Konnosuke haven't given him a proper tour of the whole place so he wasn't aware of this room.
Imanotsurugi let's go of Aichi's hand and opened the sliding door and showed a meal in front of them and Kiyomitsu and Yagen where already there.
Aichi immediately saw Kiyomitsu and asked "Kiyomitsu, how are you feeling" while asking, Imanotsurugi escorted Aichi to seat at the center.
"Shouldn't I be asking that question to you?" Kiyomitsu said while looking at Aichi who is happy that he was well but he didn't show.
"Kiyomitsu and Konnosuke mentioned in your first battle that you were injured, after the meal, I would like to see you Taishou" Yagen asked for Aichi's approval but looking at Kiyomitsu and Konnosuke it looks as if they won't accept a 'no' as answer.
"Thank you for the offer, after meal then." Aichi accepted and then a little bewildered at the meal in front of them.
Konnosuke noticed the weird stare at the food, thinking that Aichi might be thinking where this meal came from "It was the one your mom gave us, although since there are four of us there won't be enough for breakfast, but Aichi you haven't toured the whole place right, so that means you haven't noticed that we have farms here, you can try to grow plants that will be a necessity for us to eat."
"But of course you have to wait for them to grow, but there is already some that can be used, although there are not that many." Konnosuke finished.
"Tomorrow I will surely give you a tour of the whole place. Also you will notice that the field here is three times the size of the whole citadel, this land is huge." Konnosuke bragged to Aichi, even though he keeps forgetting to do the tour. And Konnosuke mentally noted to remember to tell Aichi everything he needs to learn and to finally give him a tour.
"So there will be fieldwork…" Aichi said, thinking of the additional thing that they will need to do in the citadel.
Aichi sighed and gestured to everyone that it is time to eat. Everyone followed and they have started.
Aichi thought that this was his first night outside home, and eating with other people other than his mom or his sister. It was a new experience, even though he knew this was going to be hard, he always kept in mind to himself that this is all worth it.
~After the meal~
"Okay I have finished cleaning the dishes so Taishou, will it be alright to check up your arm at the infirmary now?" Yagen made sure to remember about his new master's condition, so he made sure that Aichi won't run or forget when they finished.
"Oh, is it alright if I come too?" Imanotsurugi asked for Aichi's permission to which Aichi had let him come, although thinking about it, there is nothing worth coming for.
But still even though Aichi thought that, everyone was following them. Then they finally made it into the infirmary and Yagen asked Aichi to sit down and wait for him to get the necessary items.
Yagen inspected the injury "The same as what Kiyomitsu said this cut is quite deep." Yagen got worried for his master's health "But don't worry Taishou, everything will be alright, I will try to look for some medicine that can be found in this area for your fast recovery." Yagen finished the treatment and wrapped up the injury.
"There is a bath here too, if you guys like you can all go and have a soak." Konnosuke said, but the three sword warrior all looked at Aichi's arm, looking directly at the injury.
Konnosuke sweat dropped looks like it will be hard to let them take a bath, Aichi flinched at the stares "I'm fine you can go take a bath, also if it's alright with you, you can stop with the formalities Aichi is alright."
Although Konnosuke said he was the master, the honorifics are giving him the creeps so he wants to stop it or even avoid being called.
"That's a no good Aichi, remember what I told you. Although even though you can say that they can call you by your name, I won't allow it without honorifics for example if you are outside with other people, I'll allow them to call you Aichi, but with honorifics." Konnosuke lectured Aichi.
"We don't mind calling you our master since it is the truth that you are our master, but then if you don't feel like it, then how about, Aichi-sama" Yagen thought of the right honorifics, to which Konnosuke agreed to and nodded.
Aichi was defeated there was nothing he could do, might as well get used to being called Master.
"Hhmm.. we could still take a bath with Taishou, I just need to do something and then he will be alright. You guys head to the bath I will follow." Yagen took off to the infirmary and the four headed to the open bath.
"Uwah! I didn't think there was something like this here." Imanotsurugi said and immediately came into the water and had a satisfied look on his face and didn't move an inch.
Kiyomitsu didn't get into the water, instead he was waiting for Aichi, while waiting for Yagen and when he came he wrapped Aichi's shoulder with a medicine and a plastic Aichi winced a little from the pain of the tightness of the wrapping. "This should cover it. Bear with it for a moment so that the water won't go in."
"Alright let's go in!" Konnosuke said, running to the water and Imanotsurugi catching him.
Aichi and Yagen went in while they noticed that Kiyomitsu was already in with Imanotsurugi and Konnosuke playing in the water.
The five stayed and took a relaxing bath, and when it was time they bid farewell to their masters and went to sleep.
~Morning =_=~
"Alright Aichi, its morning." Konnosuke woke Aichi up and started the tour with the sword warriors with them, they toured the whole citadel, to the training hall, to the open bath, to the field, and other more places.
But from all of the places that they went, Aichi's eyes trailed of at the huge tree that can be seen from afar. It was somewhat beautiful but mysterious.
"Hey, Konnosuke what is that tree called." But before Konnosuke could answer the question, they had already started to head to the field and started the fieldwork. When nobody was left and everyone had been long gone, he followed them and started.
"Konnosuke…" Aichi called.
"What's the matter Aichi?" Konnosuke asked.
"Is there any seeds here?" Aichi asked and his eyes trailed off the big farm, although the farm is very wide, there were not much plants growing and then he thought of Yagen.
Yagen's names has something to do with medicine and he seems knowledgeable with them so he thought of growing herbs that can be useful for him and for everyone's sake too.
After the long day of fieldwork, Aichi noticed the time for him to come back home, although to tell the truth he doesn't want to come home, it seems he wanted to stay here, longer… Aichi's face saddened at the thought that he needs to go home, just as when he was enjoying.
"Aichi… it's time for you to go home." Konnosuke went to inform Aichi.
"Huh? What do you mean he needs to go home?" Yagen thought about what Konnosuke said was something weird and asked.
"What he means is that he won't be staying here." Kiyomitsu was observing Aichi, he noticed that the words going home is affecting him.
"Eh? Aruji-sama is not going to stay here. Isn't this your home?" Imanotsurugi hurried to Aichi's side with a frown.
"Kiyomitsu, come with us, we are going escort him home." Konnosuke ordered Kiyomitsu and stopped on what he was doing. "You can all take a break, we will be doing the same everyday" Konnosuke wagged his tail "Does who don't work shall not eat."
~While walking home~
Aichi, Kiyomitsu and Konnosuke were all silent along the way.
Deep inside, Aichi wanted to say the words, I want to stay at the citadel, I like this kind of life, doing chores, making new sword, enjoying the scenery at the veranda on breaks, enjoying meal together… "I want to be with them" he thought, "I want to make new friends", and "I want to be able to stand up on his own with them", grow strong with them, he wanted to scream it all out.
This just one week of his life was able to change a part of him, he wants to. These past seven days, these seven days. It was somewhat short but something irreplaceable and special.
Kiyomitsu stopped on his tracks, but why did he stop, when Aichi looked up he noticed that they were already in front of his house, Aichi had wide eyes, he was unsure of what to do, will he stay, will he speak his mind, or will he bottle up his feelings again.
Aichi and Kiyomitsu were staring at each other but it was broken by Konnosuke "We'll be taking our leave" Konnosuke said while walking away, Aichi can see nothing from Kiyomitsu, to him it was hard read him, but on the other hand, Kiyomitsu can read Aichi very clearly he knew what was wrong, the truth is he was waiting for Aichi to approach them, but Konnosuke took off and Knowing Konnosuke Kiyomitsu thought that maybe he had something in mind so he didn't press and followed him.
Aichi was looking at their backs walking away, clenching his fists and went inside and greeted his mom and Emi "I'm Home…" Shizuka noticed the gloomy voice in Aichi, he thought that maybe something had happened, but she didn't press the issue and went back to the kitchen. Emi was sitting inside the living room and noticed the change she thought "was he bullied" or something in between.
But Shizuka thought that maybe something had happened, Aichi was so happy these past few days, it's impossible that something bad had happened. When she was about to go to Aichi's room, Aichi was already in front of the living room standing.
This time it was different he was a different Aichi, this Aichi had determined and hopeful eyes "Mom…" Aichi started and Shizuka listened, Emi was listening carefully too "If ever, is it possible for me to be able to go and live on my own?" Shizuka was surprised at Aichi's request, she doesn't quite understand it yet but there is something behind his words so he let him finish first. Emi was surprised also at the thought that his brother would ask something that she least expected.
"Uhm… well… I won't technically be living alone, I mean I have Kiyomitsu with me, with Konnosuke too, and there are some others there too, there's Imanotsurugi and Yagen, and many more others I haven't been friends with, the place is quite big so there might be so much cleaning to do, there is a farm where we could grow and plant vegetables, there is this big dining table where we could eat, sit and talk, taking baths together, also a veranda where there is a beautiful pond in front where we can stay and take a break when we are exhausted or relaxing… and…" Aichi had teary eyes at the moment and stopped at his words.
Shizuka and Emi were very surprised at the Aichi in front of them, hearing Aichi show his feeling for the first time, ever detail, everything that happened, people who he could call friends, a place where he enjoys and want to stay. Clearly Shizuka doesn't need any more explanation, all that matters is that Aichi is determined and wants to do this on his own, without losing anything but gaining more. Emi was a little reluctant at the idea but looking at her mother it seems she already has thought of the right answer to Aichi's selfish wish.
At this point, Aichi was already crying his heart out "…and I know what I will say is very sudden and selfish but… all I want to say is… I want to stay at that place." And when he finally said the words he wanted to say Aichi cried.
Shizuka was so happy at what Aichi wanted to do for the first time, the first time he brought a friend, the first time he was able to smile again and the first time he asked a very difficult request, although was still Emi a little worried about Aichi.
Shizuka slowly approached Aichi and placed her hands on his cheeks and stroke it wiping the tears "It's not selfish… you don't have to say anymore, if you want to you can just ask and we will find a way." Shizuka continued "It's okay if you wanted too, and if ever something bad happened, don't forget that I and Emi are here too." Shizuka smiled.
Emi was a little scared at the idea, but she has to accept the fact that Aichi wanted this and her mother wants him to experience new things too.
"Thanks you mom!" Aichi said while wiping off the rest of his tears.
"Now go on and pack while it is still early." Aichi answered "Yes!" and hurriedly pack some dress and his uniform since he know he won't be using most of this in the citadel.
When Aichi finished packing he went to the living room "Emi, Mom, take care, I'll visit often! I'll be taking my leave then." Shizuka waved goodbye and smiled, while Emi has a worried face.
Aichi thought that if he runs he will be able to catch up with Kiyomitsu and Konnosuke.
After a while, at Konnosuke and Kiyomitsu's side, they were walking slowly but already nearing the citadel and not speaking to each other, but then they heard a familiar voice calling their names "Kiyomitsu! *huff* Konnosuke!"
Konnosuke knew and smiled, while Kiyomitsu has a very surprised look. He didn't think he will follow them back. He was thinking of reasons why but just turned and waited for Aichi.
Kiyomitsu and Konnosuke could see that Aichi was out of breath and when Aichi reached them Aichi fell from exhaustion when he finally caught up to them but Kiyomitsu was able to catch him.
"I *huff* want to *huff* stay with you guys in the citadel!" Kiyomitsu hugged Aichi tightly to Aichi's surprise. Kiyomitsu didn't notice but Aichi has a pink hue on his cheek, from the sudden hug and the warmth that Kiyomitsu has.
"Welcome home…" Kiyomitsu said softly while still embracing Aichi.
"I'm back" and the two stayed in embrace for a little while.
~At the Citadel~
Kiyomitsu was carrying Aichi on his back, much to his embarrassment "We're back."
Imanotsurugi and Yagen were in the veranda where Kiyomitsu and Konnosuke headed.
"Oh, Welcome back" Yagen greeted them back and noticed a blue silhouette on Kiyomitsu's back.
"Ah! Aruji-sama." Imanotsurugi was already at Kiyomitsu's back looking at Aichi.
Kiyomitsu then placed Aichi down on the veranda still a little red from the running and from being carried by Kiyomitsu.
"Aruji-sama what happened to you?" Imanotsurugi said worriedly sitting beside him while Yagen checked to see his temperature.
"You don't seem to have a fever." Yagen said when he finished examining Aichi.
"Oh, he was actually running trying to catch us." Konnosuke said while sitting near Aichi. They didn't need any more further explanation, they understood the situation and what had happened.
Yagen, Imanotsurugi and Kiyomitsu were looking at each other and looked at Konnosuke and nodded "Welcome back, Aichi-sama." The four of them said in unison.
Aichi has teary eye and answered with "I'm Back."
Outro: Hhhmm… I did change some things, although I did say that I will alter some. So get ready to not see the things that you are used to in the game, cause mine will be a little different.
I liked the big cherry tree in hanamaru so I am going to add it. As I said, I am going to mix the game and the two anime.
I'm sorry for my lack of vocabulary and wrong grammars… :D
Thank you for reading! Please review or pm for any suggestions or problems on the story!
I know it's not much of a story to be liked T_T but I tried! I hope you will come to like it and please guide me.