Intro: why the hell am I making this story so gloomy XD I need to prevent it in future chapter until that part! Readers will leave if I continue this… nnnooooooooo… sorry, in the next chapters I will promise to not make more sad stories that is until the Vanguard plot part.

Anyway you guys be the judge of that so I present chapter 14.

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 14: The truth

~Afternoon~

Aichi was in his room taking a long hard look at his room and then slumped on his bed after a while remembered everyone in the citadel, he thought of if they were able to eat breakfast and lunch, or even try to relax back at the citadel with him gone and in panic, although he thought that everyone will be alright and fine since he is now gone.

He cannot seem to get a grip at the feeling of abandonment, afterwards his thought trailed off to Kiyomitsu "Okita Souji took Kashuu Kiyomitsu into battle with him in the Ikedaya Incident (1864), wherein the Shinsengumi went into armed conflict with the Jouishishi, who opposed the Tokugawa Shogunate. It is said that Kashuu's tip broke during the battle and he was deemed unrepairable, so he was abandoned by Okita." Aichi remembered a book in the library in the citadel and felt sad at the thought of him abandoning him, not just him, he was abandoning everyone.

But then he thought, if he was just there a fight would just stir and everyone will be saddened and then there will be a discord which is what he was trying to avoid, he thought that there was just only a few of them at the moment but it is already causing this much stir. His thoughts trailed again to Kiyomitsu after that he shrugged and questioned himself of why he always keeps thinking of him and just thought that it was maybe because he was the first Sword Warrior he brought to life so he feels he has a special connection with him and agreed at his own thought and then tried to calm down and thing of the right thing to do.

While thinking silently in his room, he didn't notice that he has fallen asleep, he felt too tired and confused and didn't notice that everything went out. But then in his dreams voices kept calling his name over and over as if trying to reach for him.

When he came to he noticed that it was very dark inside his room and hastily sat up from his bed and then saw that darkness filled the whole sky and then a knock was heard and a voice "Aichi?" it was Emi.

She slowly opened the door and saw Aichi that looks like he just had a sleep "Oh, you fell as sleep, well it's time for dinner." She said and then closed the door and then headed downstairs with Aichi following her.

~Kitchen~

When Shizuka saw Aichi coming "Aichi do you plan to go back?" she asked looking at the time.

Aichi looked at the time too and noticed that it is already 6pm and got worried all of a sudden "I think I'll stay here for today and comeback tomorrow after school since I left some of my uniforms left here" he said and then headed to the dining table to be able to start eating.

"That's good since it will be dangerous for you to come back alone." After what Shizuka said, they all started eating supper and then Aichi headed to his room to sleep and waited for tomorrow.

~Monday~

Aichi woke up and came to school like normal but even though he was going to school like any normal day, he can't shake the feeling that he wasn't able to come back to the citadel and even come up with an answer.

After school Morikawa, Izaki and Aichi headed to Card Capital after school, when at Card Capital they noticed that there is a Standing Fight Table and it already became a hit with the others to decide who will play first, after much bickering decision have been decided by Shin that Morikawa and Kamui will get to try it first, while on the game Morikawa and Kamui made a lot of commotion and angered Misaki, inside Aichi was with Miwa and because of him his thought suddenly trailed off to Kai.

Miwa asked why the sudden interest and Aichi answered that he wanted to have a proper battle with him but then Morikawa and Kamui and the others suddenly started another commotion and was now thrown out of the Card capital.

While heading home, Aichi, Miwa and Kamui noticed that they are from the same neighborhood and thought of going home at the same time and while at it, they saw Kai from the other side and decided to follow him to where he lives, they also found out about some facts about Kai and because of that Kamui got interested on fighting him.

Aichi suddenly felt sad about Kai, but his thoughts trail of to the TouDans, Mina and Konnosuke at the citadel. Then when the gang thought of following him but Aichi was 100% against it but in the end he decided to come, afterwards at an intersection they saw Kai turn and then hurriedly followed him but then he went missing and a voice said "What is the meaning of this" they immediately turned around and saw Kai.

Aichi was the one to apologize about following for the reason of wanting to found out more about him but "Stay out of my business" Kai said and continued "If I want to tell you I will tell you myself he said" Aichi offered a fight that if he wins he will tell him but was rudely refused by Kai in the process. Inside he thought he had this much confidence to engage in a battle in Vanguard but he loses confidence at the citadel.

Aichi's phone suddenly rang, he immediately rummaged for his phone in his bag "Mina nee?!" he said surprised at the one calling him, he slowly tried to reach for the answer call thinking if he will answer it or not Miwa and Kamui waited for him to answer even Kai.

Then Aichi slides to answer the call and then "AICHI-KUN! NO CALL NO TEXT DON'T MAKE US WORRY HERE. DON'T TELL ME YOU ARE ABANDONING EVERYONE HERE!" the shout was so loud that even the other three can hear Mina scolding him "I understand your duty as a Saniwa is hard but don't you forget we are always here, please come back we can work this out!" Mina tried to talk over to Aichi and convince him to come back, but Aichi is still saddened at the fact that he can't do anything for them.

"AICHI-SAMA!" everyone from the citadel continued to shout his name one by one "I'm sure you can hear this Aichi…" it was Konnosuke this time "WE'RE SORRY PLEASE COME BACK" all of the TouDans said.

And now because of this, Miwa and Kai well specifically saying it was more Miwa that got more curious and interested although Kamui a little.

"Aichi-sama…" he heard Kiyomitsu in the crowd but it has a sad tone as if he lost all hope "Kiyomitsu" Aichi murmured his name and his chest suddenly tightened up.

But he still don't know "I'm sorry…" Aichi said and then stopped the call and then hastily ran to the direction of his home leaving the three. The three were surprised at the sudden hastiness and got suddenly more curious than ever especially Miwa.

~At the Citadel~

Everyone was heartbroken at the fact that Aichi refuses to comeback everyone's face became too depressed "Are we being abandoned." Imanotsurugi said and the word hit Kiyomitsu very hard his eyes and expression started to almost lose all its light and emotion.

"Kiyomitsu…" Yasusada said worried about the latter.

"Don't worry Imanotsurugi-kun, I'm sure he just need more time, let's wait okay." Mina said comforting Imanotsurugi and the others.

"I know Aichi, he won't abandon all of you, he just needs to find the right answer and when he comes back, let's make sure that even though we are still small we can do it" Konnosuke pepped talked and then all of the TouDans started dispersing.

When the TouDans have left "Konnosuke, I need to talk to you." Mina asked for Konnosuke but since Kiyomitsu lost most of his will he was walking slowly but Mina and Konnosuke waited for everyone to go "It's something about Aichi right." Konnosuke answered.

~Mina's Room~

In Mina's room Konnosuke and Mina were discussing a sensitive matter "Konnosuke." Mina said in a depressed tone.

"What is on your mind Mina" Konnosuke asked.

"Could it be that Aichi-kun heard about the fact that his life energy is the cost of bringing the swords to life?" Mina said sad at the fact that it was hidden from Aichi.

"I didn't plan to hide it from him, I was waiting for the right time, or even to not tell him." Konnosuke said a little bewildered at how he will be able to break the news to Aichi.

"I hope Aichi-kun finds the answer…" Mina said and Konnosuke agreed.

~Tuesday~

Aichi headed straight to card capital and saw a fight between Kamui and Kai. Miwa noticed Aichi coming in and noticed that he was still not recovering from yesterday and didn't say anything and watched the battle with him.

Aichi silently watched the heated battle between Kamui and Kai while Miwa and Misaki helps him explain the mechanics of the game. Such as why Kamui changed his Vanguard even though the other is much more powerful than the changed one.

Aichi was inspired by the heated power battle between the two, to be able to get so powerful and to be able to not give up in the end no matter what happened, and keep pushing until the end.

Aichi got some of his confidence back he was woken up by the two, Kai who was strong and able to understand and anticipate his foe and Kamui who is also strong that even though he was pushed back by an overwhelming power he still didn't give up and kept on fighting and pushing on forward.

The two gave him the courage to go back and apologize, to become someone they can depend and trust not someone who will leave just because they lost the will and confidence to stand up beside them, after all he is just starting there will be plenty of mistakes at first and this time he will be able to face them and not hide his feelings and accept the fact that he is still weak at this moment.

Kai refused to battle Kamui one more time and left the shop but was stopped by Aichi and told him that in the future they want to fight but was told that he doesn't have the power but Aichi found his drive "I know, just as you say, I might not be someone worthy of fighting you now, but… I will become stronger, so one day, I'm sure…" "And I'm sure in the future I will become string and become a better master for everyone in the citadel"

Misaki said that Kai should be more honest about himself while Miwa agreed and Shin said that he was a talented fighter.

Before Kai could go out of the shop when the automatic door slides opens Shokudaikiri and Tsurumaru were outside of the shop.

"Whoa that sure surprised me" Tsurumaru said admiring the technology that is the automatic door he looked at Shokudaikiri smiling and noticed that he was staring at something inside and take a look and saw Aichi.

"Tsurumaru, Shokudaikiri" Aichi said surprised at the two who are outside.

Tsurumaru saw Aichi and then felt shy at the thought and placed his hands on his nape "Uhm… Yo, Aichi-sama…" Tsurumaru stopped and then Shokudaikiri proceeded to go inside while Kai stopped on his tracks and watched the whole thing happen in front.

When Shokudaikiri was in front of Aichi, he bowed so deep "Aichi-sama!" Shokudaikiri started and then Tsurumaru followed and did the same "We're sorry please come back to the citadel!" they said in unison, Aichi flushed at the sudden apologize and then turned to look around and noticed that everyone was looking at him even Kai and blushed even more.

"I-I'm sorry too, but could we continue this when we get back at the citadel" Aichi said raising his hands and trying to get the two to raise their heads.

Shokudaikiri is very much delighted even Tsurumaru "R-really you'll be coming back." Shokudaikiri said.

"Y-yeah, I am, and I did plan to it's just…" he stopped and sighed "Something's happened and I need to think and well, let me go home first and tell my mom and Emi that I will be coming back and then I'll come join you in coming back to the citadel."

"Everyone will be so surprised and happy when we come back." Tsurumaru said and then looked at the crowd "Uhm… Mitsubou" he said while patting his hands to his shoulder and then turned to see what he was referring to.

And then sweat dropped at the sight he saw "we are very sorry about the commotion and we should apologize." He said then turned to Miwa and Misaki "Thank you for taking care of our master."

Aichi heard the word master "Sh-Shokudaikiri!" he said and blushed even harder.

"We will be taking our leave now" he said and then turned to Aichi "Uhm, Aichi-sama do you want me to carry your bag?" Shokudaikiri said while disappearing with Aichi and Tsurumaru outside of the shop.

"Master?" Kamui said and tilted his head.

Then Kamui, Reiji, Eiji, Miwa, and Misaki gathered at the counter "Come to think of it yesterday when we're going home I heard someone from the other side of the phone say that if Aichi was planning to abandon some people" Miwa said recalling what happened yesterday while Kai is listening at the door.

"Oh yeah… and he just listened to the one talking and then said something and then left right after." Kamui said also recalling what happened yesterday.

"This just made much more curios than ever about out little friend." Miwa said while grinning at Kai.

When Aichi, Shokudaikiri, and Tsurumaru successfully made it back home Aichi said his farewell and goodbye to Emi and Shizuka and then headed back to the citadel.

~At the Citadel~

The three of them were now in front of the entrance of the citadel and Aichi is currently having cold feet.

At opening the gate Aichi saw everyone waiting at the entrance and greeted him with glee "AICHI-SAMA!" everyone shouted his name, Mina had teary eyes at this moment and Konnosuke was smiling again but he noticed someone missing.

"Kiyomitsu…" he whispered but then was cut by Tsurumaru.

"Aichi-sama I, no we didn't mean to put pressure on you, will you forgive us." Tsurumaru apologized for everyone.

"No…" Aichi said and made everyone surprised "I should be the one apologizing, I am still weak but I know in the future I will be able to become stronger and support everyone better." Aichi said his resolve while bowing.

Mina still teary eyed hugged Aichi "don't be selfish okay, we are here too you know, let us help" she said and then "But not Konnosuke though" she said jokingly.

"H-hey!" Konnosuke retaliated and everyone laughed and had a smile on their faces.

"Still Aichi-kun, no e-mail nor call it got us worried, and if it weren't for the bell we were able to breathe a little." Mina continued to scold Aichi

Aichi remembered about the reason why Shokudaikiri and Tsurumaru came "Why Tsurumaru and Shokudaikiri did came?"

"It's because it was taking longer and we want to end the drama." Konnosuke said without batting an eye and everyone's mode changed.

"Don't you forget you are the prime suspect you know" Mina said glaring at Konnosuke.

"Yeah, yeah… I'm sorry." Everyone was surprised at Konnosuke's apology.

"He apologized…" everyone TouDan and Mina said in unison except Tsurumaru since he is new.

Then Mina's expression became serious and waited for Yasusada to come up front near Aichi and their expression changed "Aichi-sama" he bowed "Please help Kiyomitsu."

"I know you won't abandon anyone here but it seems…" Mina stopped and Yasusada straightened himself and then Mina looked at him.

"It seems, he didn't take it well" Yasusada finished.

"Although everyone here felt the same abandonment and hardship while they were still swords but it seems he was much more attached to you so he was the one who took it the most" Mina said looking at Imanotsurugi and Tsurumaru and then everyone one by one.

They saw Aichi smile with determination "I will." Mina and Yasusada smiled and everyone cheered for Aichi. Yasusada told Aichi the direction of where Kiyomitsu was and headed there straight with everyone hoping that this gloomy and depressed citadel be happy once more.

~At the entrance of Aichi's room~

At the entrance of his room he saw a crouched Kiyomitsu that is silent, his arms hugging his legs and his head hidden beneath his legs. Aichi slowly approached the silent Kiyomitsu "Kiyomitsu…" he called.

Kiyomitsu flinched at the voice that called him and slowly raised his head and saw Aichi, his eyes widen in surprise and happiness but was still overcome by sadness "Aichi… sa… ma…" he said, but Aichi's heart broke at the sight of Kiyomitsu, his eyes and expression has no more emotion it seems he broke deep inside. Aichi slowly approached Kiyomitsu.

"Are you… going to abandon me also…" Kiyomitsu said almost crying his eyes widen at the word guilty of what he did.

"NO!" Aichi shouted and made Kiyomitsu jump in surprise then gave him an embrace "I won't I'm sorry" Aichi whispered

"But you left and didn't even say a thing." Kiyomitsu said still without emotion but kept listening and reasoning.

"I was afraid." Aichi stopped for a moment while Kiyomitsu continues to listen "I don't know how to face everyone that I am weak and the pressure and expectation are making me more uneasy."

He waited for Kiyomitsu to say something but he didn't say a word and continued "I think you should know better that I won't abandon you, although it is my fault that you felt like that since I ran away and didn't say a word and didn't come back." Aichi started to cry "I was scared that I think I am not able to trust anyone I am scared that they won't help me, I'm sorry that I didn't ask for your help."

Kiyomitsu returned Aichi's embraced and then he continued "You are the only one I could trust, I don't know why and how but I know that if you are by my side you won't leave me and you'll always be there, so…" Aichi started to cry "I'm sorry for leaving, I will tell everyone that if there is a problem I would tell them myself and muster up the courage, but for now Kiyomitsu, I want to lean on you and tell you and please help me on all my troubles." Kiyomitsu allowed Aichi to cry on his chest.

"I was afraid you were abandoning us… me…" Kiyomitsu started it seems little by little his emotions are coming back "I thought I was no longer needed even though we made a promise. I wasn't able to come to your side so it made me felt guilty that I only thought about myself and I didn't think of you. I'm sorry too" he placed his head on Aichi's shoulder.

"I thought that the reason you didn't came back was because you thought that I broke my promise of not being by your side… I thought that you felt betrayed…" he whispered

"But I broke mine too… I didn't tell you what I feel when I promised that I will always say what I really feel." Aichi said back.

"I think we were both on the wrong." Kiyomitsu said and then Aichi nodded in agreement.

Aichi stopped crying and the two broke their embrace they wiped each other's tears and then chuckled.

Then Kiyomitsu held the hands that Aichi placed on his face and then blushed "Uhm… A-aichi-sama." He said "I-I think… I have feelings for you." Aichi's eyes widen and blushed at the sudden confession.

"E-ehh…" Aichi wasn't able to say a word and kept stuttering the word 'eh'…

Kiyomitsu removed Aichi's hands and placed it down still blushing "I-it's okay if… you think it's weird and sudden since… I too don't understand if it is really what I'm feeling so it's fine." He said looking away and stealing glances at Aichi who was now looking away too. "I don't know if these are romantic feelings or just special feelings since you cared of me and didn't abandon me when you first summoned me" at the last part Kiyomitsu widened his eyes and said "Yeah… I should really be the one to understand that you won't just abandon us like that" Kiyomitsu smiled.

"See." Aichi said smiling back but then remembered the sudden confession.

"I…" Aichi started "I don't know if I have feelings for you…" Kiyomitsu saddened and felt a little heartbroken "But…" then his hopes came back "…every time that we spent felt special… and every time that you were by my side I know that I feel safe… I know I can trust you and lean on your shoulder and I don't know if this feelings are the same but I know deep inside that you are special and whenever you're by my side I felt calm and warm." The two blushed ever more.

"I can't find the right answer and you do too… so… let's wait for it." Aichi said still blushing to which Kiyomitsu nodded hastily agreeing.

"Me too… Aichi-sama I feel the same…" Kiyomitsu said and then the two let their foreheads touch and stayed like that for a while.

"Thank you… Kiyomitsu…" Aichi said smiling at Kiyomitsu.

"Thank you too… Aichi-sama" Kiyomitsu said smiling back.

~Downstairs~

A shadow loomed under the stairs out of reach of the two persons of view.

"Seriously…" someone who is listening said

"Yeah… I know" oh my, it seems that there are two people listening, bad very bad.

"These two are sure not progressing…" the second person said.

"I think they need help" the first person said looking quite fired up.

"I agree…" another third person have arrive or is he already there before the other two noticed.

"Do you wanna help." Asked the first person.

"No, I'm cool, I know they can do it themselves." The third person said and then remembered something "Besides this will be good since there is a third person."

"There's a third" the second person said looking quite alarmed.

"Then we need to watch out for this third person…" the first person said and then looked at the third person "Do you know who that third person is."

The third person had a poker face "Did you even think that what I said wouldn't pop out if I didn't know right?" the third person said sarcastically

"So who is it?" the second person asked.

"It's…"

Outro: The information about Kiyomitsu being abandoned is taken from the TKRB wikia.

Also opppssss… no spoilers although I think the vanguard veterans would already know. Anyway thank you for reading the crappy two sad and gloomy chapter again. Thanks for the support!

Ohh… I think you already have an idea who I was referring to the three person who were listening.

Thank you for reading! Please review or pm for any suggestions or problems on the story.