Intro: To be honest chapter 19 was supposed to be the ! 5+ (this means last ! = L ; = A ; 5 = S ; + = T) , since I was busy with school and then I was having writer's block but then seeing messages, fav's, follows, and reviews motivated me even little by little I will continue and try to make it a good story. Thanks for everyone's support!

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 20: Family

Morning came and the shining blinding light from the sun tries its best to peer into a certain room in the second floor of a certain citadel to say hi to a person sleeping soundly trying to wake him up in the process. But even the piercing blinding light from the sun was no match from the person thus a second wave has come to try and wake the sleeping lad to a new day.

"Aichi-sama" A man called from the other side of the door but alas it seems it was to no avail also "Aichi-sama?" the man called again from the other side "A-aichi-sama?" the man seems to be losing his will and confidence since there was not a single response.

But then another footstep can be heard from the other side with sigh "You won't wake him up like that, I've told you before." The other said.

"But we should keep trying to not intrude." The first man said with firm resolve and respect to person on the other side.

The other clicked his tongue and hastily opened the door in annoyance "Oi, Aichi-sama, wake up!" he said rushing into the room while the other in panic of what outrageousness the other one has did.

The other shook the sleeping lad on the bed calling its name again "Five more minutes" the lad answered back.

Angered he shouts "I know its Saturday but don't forget you have things to do!" the man shouted while the other flinched and froze.

The lad rose up from his bed slowly "Ah… Sorry, I was just really tired from yesterday" he stretches his arms up then proceeded to rub his eyes and yawns a little.

Hearing from the lad about being tired from yesterday had calmed him "A-ah… I see…" the last thing he said was of a whisper "S-sorry"

"Eh, what was that?" the lad asked.

"Nothing, you can go change now then head to the kitchen for breakfast." The teen stood up from the side of the lad's bed and headed to the entrance of the said room trying to wake up the frozen man.

"Hasebe, Kiyomitsu" the lad called the two's attention "Good morning" he greeted with a smile

The two smiled back and greeted "Good morning, Aichi-sama."

The start of a brand new day ever since that faithful day has come, even for just a mere one month he didn't think that it would be like this and so Aichi Sendou our protagonist of our story will continue his duties and fulfill the task that is given unto him with resolve.

~After breakfast~

Konnosuke and Mina who were at the garden looking at the pond were in deep thought while sipping hot tea and eating another batch of fried tofu respectively, seeing as they seem to be having trouble Aichi who is passing by noticed the sighing and troubled look from the two.

"Mina-nee, Konnosuke, is there something troubling you?" Aichi asked making the two flinch a little in surprise that made Aichi curious.

"I-it's nothing Aichi-kun" Mina said as if trying to hide something.

Making Konnosuke sigh in the process and internal face palm "We just don't know what we should make you do for the day"

Mina sweat dropped "Y-yeah, it seems there are a lot of stuff we don't know which to start sooo…" Mina started

"We were thinking of making a training regime for you to do." Konnosuke said while wagging his furry tail left and right.

"For now we can let you try and make an Uchigatana." Konnosuke said that made Aichi surprised and uneasy.

Horikawa who was passing by heard the conversation "An Uchigatana?!" Horikawa hurried to the three people conversing "But I thought Aichi-sama is prohibited to make one."

"We know Aichi can do it." Konnosuke smiled

"But it also mean it will be a while for him to make a new one so because of that…" Mina started

"Aichi also needs to slowly get accustomed to battle again." Konnosuke and Mina had a serious look on their faces.

"But we decided to start with him joining the expedition teams first." Mina said assuring Aichi

"So Aichi are you alright with making a new sword for today?" Konnosuke asked Aichi who seemed to be in deep thought.

The thought of making a new sword made Aichi happy and excited but worried at the same time "I'll try"

"But Aichi-sama?!" Horikawa opposed to the ideas of the two but what he was about to say next was cut by Aichi.

"It's alright Horikawa-kun, do you want to help me?" Aichi asked who seemed a little uneasy.

Horikawa waited for the response of the two that gave him a nod saying yes to Aichi's offer, after the confirmation Horikawa followed Aichi to the smithing room.

~Smithing Room~

Aichi instructed Horikawa about the things that is needed to prepare into making a sword and how many resources depending on the recipe, after that Aichi proceeded into making it while Horikawa keeps watch. After some time has passed of preparing Aichi was done and told Horikawa that the time he decided is one hour and thirty minutes so Aichi told Horikawa to continue doing his unfinished chores.

After one hour and thirty minutes has passed, Aichi went back to the smithing room noticing Horikawa was waiting for him near the entrance of the said room, Aichi asked while Horikawa simply answered "I have finished my chores" upon saying his reason both proceeded into the room and proceeded with performing the ritual Aichi always does when bringing a sword to life.

As Aichi chanted and prayed to the gods the talismans swiftly went to the sword and enveloped it with its blinding light while Aichi and Horikawa hid their eyes from the light when a gust of wind passed a voice was heard "I'm Yamanbagiri Kunihiro. ... What's with the look? Does the fact that I'm a duplicate bother you?"

When the blinding light disappears Aichi was staring at the new TouDan hence the remark that it gave. This new TouDan has a vibe around him, but what looked more interesting is the fact that it is wearing a cloak and the quote about a duplicate clearly he needs to learn more.

"Yamanbagiri!" Horikawa hurried to the latter with smile on its face, seeing this Aichi moved slowly to where the two are. Surprised, Yamanbagiri stepped back a little "Y-yes?" he answered to Horikawa.

Horikawa collected and pointed a finger to himself "Horikawa Kunihiro, brother"

Aichi thought for a while why Horikawa said brother but maybe because of Kunihiro in their names "Welcome Yamanbagiri Kunihiro, I am Aichi Sendou the master of this citadel, I hope we could get along." As Aichi was about to say another word it seems the burden of creating an Uchigatana has taken a toll on him making his knees weak and almost lost balance, fortunately Yamanbagiri and Horikawa was there to support him and helped him stand back up.

"T-thanks" Aichi thanked while clenching his chest and breathing heavily.

Horikawa moved hastily "We will take you to Yagen!" but was stopped by Aichi.

"It's alright I'm fine" Aichi assured.

"No matter how you look at it, you don't look fine" It was Yamanbagiri this time surprising Horikawa and Aichi.

Having lost this argument Aichi gave up and was then taken to the infirmary afterwards.

~Infirmary~

"Hey Aichi…" Konnosuke spoke that made Aichi flinch and seeing his reaction Konnosuke sighed "It's not your fault I won't scold you, remember we were the one who gave you the option making us the one at fault." Konnosuke serious spoke.

Aichi was about to say something when his mouth was closed off by someone's hand from behind, Yamanbagiri who was in the room was surprised by the person "Aichi, we have an idea." Mina spoke "How about you take both a day off and doing a chore?" Mina finished.

"Isn't that still working?!" Kiyomitsu exclaimed, and because of this Aichi figured out who the person that stopped him from speaking giving him the conclusion that Kiyomitsu might have known what he was about to say no to be specific he really really knows.

"Y-yes well but you see, we have some ingredient that needs to be bought Shokudaikiri asked and since this means going out it's the same as a day off while running an errand." Mina explained while Aichi nodded in understanding what she meant while Kiyomitsu took off his hands from Aichi's mouth.

"So with that I suggested Horikawa since he finished his chores and Yamanbagiri to accompany you." Konnosuke instructed.

"Really?!" Horikawa was clearly excited. Konnosuke and Mina nodding in affirmation made Horikawa more happy and excited.

"You can go anytime, but the ingredient is needed before dinner" Mina gave Aichi a short list of what needs to be bought.

After Yagen finished taking care of Aichi, after that Aichi showed Yamanbagiri his room with Horikawa. Then Aichi hurried to his room and changed to his normal casual attire and asked Yamanbagiri to take off his armor and told the two to meet him at the entrance.

~Outside~

Horikawa and Yamanbagiri were surprised at the whole scenery in front of them, clearly this place was different very different in fact. But to other people Yamanbagiri was the one that is very different, people makes remark about why was he wearing a dirty torn cloak and remarking how good looking and pretty he is while others remark how cute Horikawa is, Aichi hasn't gotten used to hearing this kind of stuff so it was kind of awkward whenever he goes out with them although he wasn't the one that stand out but sometimes people does comment about him and it wasn't good things and it makes him uncomfortable.

Finally hearing the remarks from other people Yamanbagiri lowered his head and hid his face into the hoodie of his cloak forgetting the feeling of astonishment and surprise from seeing this new era that was replaced by shyness and uneasiness "Don't call me pretty" Yamanbagiri murmured under his breath, hearing this Aichi released a small chuckle that he immediately noticed and closed his mouth in surprise in his own action that didn't go past Horikawa and noticed that made him smile.

Both Horikawa and Aichi are worried about the fact that Yamanbagiri continued to put his head low throughout the time. While walking Aichi had a thought that maybe he could make the same matching outfit as Horikawa for Yamanbagiri.

A little farther away from the group, Miwa and Kai noticed Aichi, Horikawa, and Yamanbagiri, with a light bulb on his head, Miwa thought of following the three in hopes of figuring out the mysterious new cardfighter Aichi Sendou to which Kai highly disagreed to. Although Miwa tried his best to persuade Kai but it still didn't work.

Kai left the mall in annoyance to Miwa's childish personality of minding other people's business, but then lucky him a mighty companion has shown up, it was none other than Kamui Katsuragi. Miwa persuaded Kamui to which he hastily agreed to since he too wants to know about his future brother-in-law. With the pact made the two followed the three throughout the day.

Although on the way back home not knowing that Horikawa and Yamanbagiri are warriors their presence have already been noticed by the two but didn't bother before, but now that they have followed them outside and on the way home, Yamanbagiri who has his head hung down turned on to a serious one and tries to catch Horikawa'a attention to notice that he already has understood his intentions.

With the things they bought from the stores they visited Horikawa passed some to Yamanbagiri so his hands would be free and then hurried to get Aichi's hands and made a run for it. Miwa and Kamui knew that they have been noticed but they don't want to go back down that easily so they immediately hurried to try and catch up to the three. Unfortunately for the two, the three headed to a street full of intersection now they don't even know where to start looking for the trio and decided to stop the chase.

Miwa suggested to follow only Aichi next time since maybe Aichi hasn't noticed their presence but the two certainly did and Miwa is sure that the others that was with Aichi before definitely can feel their presence. Miwa was really sad though he thought he is going to be able to find out but he should have known his opponents first, and with a new plan Kamui and Miwa waits the time that Aichi is left alone to follow him.

The two said their farewell to each other but Miwa has a feeling of because of what they did, they probably wouldn't let Aichi be alone, for now he knows hints about the background of the little fighter, that all of his companion revere him as master and that that someone hinted that they live in a citadel, has a sister, plays cardfight because of Kai and the thoughts came pouring and pouring in.

Yamanbagiri headed out first in search of the presence that was following them, to his surprise the presence was there no more, relieved but still a little cautious he heads back to where Aichi and Horikawa were "I don't see nor feel them anymore, I think it's safe" Yamanbagiri assured the two.

Horikawa nodded confirming that he understood the situation, Horikawa then continued held Aichi's hand never letting go when they proceeded in going back home making our Aichi flush.

~Back at the Citadel~

Yamanbagiri and Horikawa told Aichi that they will be the one to give the things they have bought to Shokudaikiri telling him to head straight to his room and change and wait for Yamanbagiri to come for the measurement of his clothing.

A little short while Yamanbagiri came to his room and proceeded in his measurement being taken, after that Yamanbagiri informed Aichi that dinner is ready at the garden and that everyone is all waiting.

"The garden?" Aichi said in surprise, thinking that it was a little weird that dinner is at the garden and not at the dining hall. Yamanbagiri only nodded to his surprised statement and just followed him to the garden.

~Garden~

Aichi smelled various type of delicious found while nearing the exit of the citadel to the garden, but something is different, he doesn't hear anyone it was so silent unlike whenever he comes to the dining room where everyone talks to each other with happiness in their voices.

A little while later "Aichi-sama Happy first month as a Saniwa, please continue taking care of us, congratulations, let's do our best!" everyone said in unison even Mina and Konnosuke. Everyone was there with smiles on their faces, the Tantou's Imanotsurugi, Midare Toushiro and Gokotai hurried to Aichi with Midare and Imanotsurugi hugging Aichi in the process, Aichi who noticed the shy Gokotai simply patted his head a little that gave a smile on Gokotai's face.

The next were Yagen Toushirou, Horikawa Kunihiro, and Nikkari Aoe who brought many types of dishes with them.

While the Uchigatana's Yamatonokami Yasusada and Heshikiri Hasebe were preparing the table while Yamanbagiri Kunihiro prepared the seat and Kashuu Kiyomitsu took the guest of honor's hand and asked him to follow him and instructing to sit on the seat to which Aichi did although Aichi is still shock and feelings welling up at this moment.

And lastly the Tachi's Shokudaikiri Mitsutada and Tsurumaru Kuninaga prepared the table setting plates, kitchen wares and drinks while the Wakizashi's with Yagen placed the food onto the table.

Aichi looked left and right, there were no tables nor chairs for the others but there were many food and drinks aligned and presentably decorated on the tables. Aichi felt like he was in a dream although the family was small he can feel how big and warm everyone is.

Aichi noticed that everyone was smiling in front of him, then Konnosuke dropped by Aichi's table with Mina at Aichi's side looking at Mina in the process still dumbfounded "Aichi everyone wants to explain something to you."

Shokudaikiri raised both his hands in defense while sweating a little "Y-you see Aichi-sama, yesterday… when you saw us in the kitchen…" Shokudaikiri can't seem to find the words that he wanted to say.

"Basically Aichi-kun, at that time that you saw us at the kitchen, we were actually preparing for this very day and time." Mina started off

"We really didn't mean to feel surprised but because we were anxious that you would find out we kind of freaked out it didn't cross our mind for it to look like a normal preparation for dinner since there were many people inside and ingredients sprawling over the tables and being cleaned and being brought" Shokudaikiri added.

"And then when we came inside to bring ingredients, to be honest we were so surprised that you came we don't even know what to do." Tsurumaru said smiling wryly while placing his arms on the back of his head.

"We were preparing the ingredients to be able to use today yesterday so that we will be able to only cook it the next day to reduce time and have plenty of time to think of the decoration." Horikawa added

"But then you surprised us when you checked the kitchen so we panicked but then we weren't able to continue because of what happened yesterday so we had to buy time today, we really messed up yesterday, we are sorry Aichi-sama" Hasebe bowed and cried in front of Aichi comically to which Shokudaikiri and Tsurumaru tried to stop him.

"This celebration was actually for your First month as a Saniwa and a celebration as a budding Vanguard fighter, the game that you love" Yasusada smiled happily to Aichi with his arms open wide in delight and excitement.

"Well it was actually also a consolation for what happened in the tournament" Nikkari stopped while the others gave him a weird look then chuckled at the process as if saying he is not done yet "It was for your effort that you didn't give up and your love for the game, and how you took care of us, even though we are still surprised and confused, but happy that we get this once in a lifetime and miraculous chance" Nikkari smiled warmly, the first he ever did that surprised them and had sparkles in their eyes that shows how surprised and unusual that was.

"I'm only new here but with how everyone treats you and highly speaks of you with affection and warmth I could say that I don't need any explanation nor back stories about how you treat everyone, I hope to be in your care from now on" After Yamanbagiri has finished his sentence he was deep red and tried to cover it with his hoodie but then it seems that it was too much that looks like he blew a fuse with his eyes swirling and seems to be unresponsive right about now, fortunately Horikawa was there to comfort him and help him.

"A-although I don't know how I can't help much I hope to be able to support you!" Gokotai said with confidence and resolve.

Imanotsurugi huffed "As I am the first Tantou, I am sure that I am going to be of big help to Aichi-sama! Let's play as always!" Imanotsurugi said while holding one of Aichi's hands.

"I… I can help too…" Gokotai said while his voice stuttered a little.

"We can all help!" Midare said raising his arms in the sky "We will all do our best." Everyone nodded in agreement.

"I hope this will give you courage to be able to go back to the battlefield and to fully fulfill your duties and training as a Saniwa with your full resolve and not half-heartedly, also we know you will get stronger in the future both as a Saniwa and the game you love." Konnosuke wagged his tail "Cheer up Aichi."

"I'm sure this will be a story that the next sword would love to hear." Yagen said while repositioning his glasses

"And I'm sure they would have liked to experience this too" Tsurumaru said

"I'm sure there will be plenty of other chance to celebrate again!" Yasusada said

Yagen smiled "I'm sure everyone here will support you in every way we can." Yagen paused for a moment with a hint of sadness on his expression "Please rely on us and believe that we will always be here to support you, you aren't alone"

When Yagen finally finishes what he said, unconsciously Aichi shed a tear on his eyes that surprised and worried everyone.

"I…" Aichi started while sobbing "I was so immature that I always jump to conclusion that I didn't even try to hear what everyone would want to say. I feel so ashamed that I didn't trust anyone of you and only thought highly of myself and thinks that I am alone because of my status, but everyone was so kind to me the very first they saw me, even though I wasn't everyone's original master." Kiyomitsu came forward wiping the tears off from Aichi smiling

"Everyone thinks differently, everyone here has different opinion, different personality, different perspective, different masters, different history, but Aichi, because of you we are here once again and is able to enjoy something that I'm sure others would want to have, we are able to have a reunion with our comrades, partners, brothers, although I don't know a time if ever someone won't like this but be sure that we will always be here." Kiyomitsu spoke to Aichi with everyone smiling warmly.

After the long night of explanation and stories, everyone proceeded to eat while standing up and conversing with each other, while Aichi sat happily and felt everyone's warm embrace without the actual thing with everyone around him happily smiling and enjoying their time.

~Midnight at the garden~

Footsteps can be heard from the hallway of the garden while a certain fox silently sat at the veranda of the said garden "I see that you cannot sleep too." Mina said while sitting beside Konnosuke who is looking at the moonlight with a serious expression.

"Did you know that making an oath or promise helps both the sword and the master bestowing additional ability and maximizing their power but importantly gives them a much stronger bonds?" Konnosuke started with something on his mind.

"Yes I have heard." Mina nodded slowly "But I have heard that breaking it will turn their strength to normal and will even have a problem with the ones that taken the oath that the effects vary depending on the oath." Mina explained sadly.

"Yes, something so strong that can also be a powerful drawback." Konnosuke sadly explained "The oath is also the sacrifice if broken so it must be treasured."

"A double edge sword." Mina finished what Konnosuke would say next "You know Aichi has taken the oaths right? Also the reason why you have approved about Aichi-kun making a new Uchigatana"

Konnosuke nodded in response clearly he planned it to test Aichi once again "The bell they have had Aichi's sakura flower symbol that is not that noticeable but there." Konnosuke explained.

"So you are one step ahead as usual." Mina was surprised at how Konnosuke thinks.

"I take certain measures" Konnosuke and Mina continued their conversation about the oath, about Aichi, and about the sword's future the path that they chose.

Outro: To be honest I know I am still a crappy writer and still needs practice so I'll keep doing my best. Although to be honest part of the reason that made me write again is because of Tales of Zestiria (game) filling me with feels. And as usual my head is full of drama hence this first of like the second season. What a weird start….

Oh yeah if some of you know Tales of Zestiria the oath or promise give me an idea that Konnosuke was talking about is from that game with some little tweaks that I plan with the toku of the sword thingy added to the oath.

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