Aichi's POV

After separating with Ren, me and Gaillard set off for the land of the Gold Paladins. "Oh yeah Aichi, I forgot to ask you before but shouldn't your destination be the Royal Paladin clan?" Gaillard asked out of the blue. "Actually, Blaster Blade said that I am still one of the two Gold Paladin Vanguards so I have to interact with them as well. I'll head to the Royal Paladins after two and a half days." I said.

"Wait, one of the two vanguards? There's another one?"

"The other one would be you of course. Isn't that why we're both here?"

"Ooops, I forgot. Sorry!"

"You don't have to apologize Gaillard. It's not like you did anything wrong." He didn't reply anymore. After a few minutes, we were at the home land of the Gold Paladins.

"Welcome, our Vanguards, to the land of the Gold Paladins." Percival suddenly spoke. The moment he said that, the units stopped what they were doing and surrounded us.

Gaillard's POV

"Uhhhhhhhh... what just happened?" After we've been surrounded by the Gold Paladins, the Liberators, save those from the Royal Paladin, came in and guided us to their castle. Both me and Aichi couldn't process what happened next. Now, we are at a big table with a feast fit for a king.

"You have had a long day, our Vanguards. It is best if you rest for today. Training will start tomorrow." Percival then left us alone, speechless. "I have no idea how to respond to that." Aichi said.

For the rest of the day, we had nothing to do but explore this place. Luckily, Merron was there to give us a tour (and a quick view in the history of each of the places.) Finally, she showed us to our rooms for the week. Aichi and I have separate bedrooms but luckily, he's was just next to mine. After everything that's happened today, I felt exhausted so I quickly went to the bed and let sleep take me.

Percival's POV

"Are you planning to hide forever or do you want to come out and show yourself?" After separating with the Vanguards, I went to see an old friend. Blazing Lion, Platina Ezel is known as one of the bravest Gold Paladin units as well as our leader so I don't understand why he's afraid to appear before our Vanguards. "Is there something you want to do before seeing Aichi Sendou?"

"It's not that... it's just... I don't know what to do anymore." Ezel sighed. There's no point in asking so I just let him decide whether to continue or not. Of course, Platina Ezel knew me too much not to notice. "I'll tell you after the first training. Right now, I would appreciate it if you'd give me time to think."

The next day...

Aichi's POV

For some reason, I felt an awkward atmosphere with Blazing Lion, Platina Ezel. He wouldn't talk to me no matter what I do until we reach the field. "This is where we are to train, my Vanguard." Ezel said.

》》time skip《《

Due to the strange atmosphere, we hadn't done much today. Ezel seemed to be avoiding me but I still don't understand why.

Ezel's POV

"You seriously didn't talk to him the whole day?" Percival said after I gave my report. "Not 'the whole day'. Just most of the day." I replied.

"Is something the matter with the Vanguard you've been assigned to? I mean, Master Aichi's not bad but why don't you want to form a close bond with him?"

"It's not him." I sighed. "Aichi Sendou is the greatest Vanguard I could have ever been assigned to. It's just, I don't know what to do. We've got but half a week to pass this and I just wasted our first day. I don't think I can form an unbreakable bond with him in a day and a half."

"Well, then try other things besides training."

"Like?"

"You could try having a conversation to get to know each other better. It usually builds trust which builds bonds." Never thought of it that way. "Fine! You win. I'll try that." I said. "Good" Percival smiled then we went our separate ways.

Gaillard's POV

On the second day, Percival said that we won't be training. Instead, we'll do the other things he does when he's not doing just that. The Liberators came with us to wherever we were going so it must be important. When we got to our destination, Blaster Blade suddenly came out. "What's going on?" I asked. "You'll find out soon enough." Percival replied.

Percival's POV

"So, what was it you wanted to discuss?" Blaster Blade inquired. Straight to the point are we? "We have matters concerning our leader." I replied. "Ezel?" Even I would be surprised if I wasn't the one who confronted him first hand. "Yes, ummmm... it has occurred to me that Ezel has been having a hard time strengthening his bond with Aichi Sendou. To his concern, they have, but a day to do it." I explained. "I've already suggested one strategy but the leader still seems uneasy."

"And what do you suggest me to do?"

"At least give him more time to complete his task. I know you are also Master Aichi's avatar but still..."

"I never said he was to form a bond with our Vanguard for half a week. Aichi Sendou needs to go to the Royal Paladin clan after half a week. Ezel can continue training with him there. Only, they won't be alone anymore. The King will be accompanying both of them then." Blaster Blade noted. "And you? I am aware that you and two of the Vanguards possesses a deep bond with each other. So while we are training, what is your task to accomplish?" I asked out of curiosity. "I have been assigned to help the Genesis units find their Vanguard." Wow! That explains a lot of things. "Understandable. I'll inform our leader immediately. The news will surely help him calm down." I said. "I'm sure that would put his mind at ease." Blaster Blade sighed, then took a glance at my Vanguard. "And you, how is your training with your Vanguard?"

"All is well for us. Though we still have a long way to go." I said. "That's good. I hope Ezel does the same." The warrior of light smiled.

After that encounter, Blaster Blade decided to stay for awhile. He said he'll be the one to accompany Aichi and the leader on their way to the Royal Paladin clan. We went to visit the leader and his Vanguard only to see a horrible scene. Both Master Aichi and Ezel laying on the grass, as if half dead. Blood had spread since both were bleeding. The leader looked more injured than his Vanguard. We quickly rush over and carried them back for treatment.

Aichi's POV

"Uhhhhhh" I groaned. The place is different from the training ground I was in just a moment ago but that familiar sight made me feel at ease. I'm in my room. Remembering all that's happened, I winced. "Oh, your awake." I turned to see the owner of the voice entering the room. "Gaillard!" Just behind him was... Blaster Blade? "Good to see you finally alright." The warrior of light spoke. "What happened?" I asked. "That's what we want to know." Gaillard replied. "We found you and Blazing Lion, Platina Ezel in the field unconscious and with plenty of bruises, Ezel with more injuries than you. The plain itself looked drastic. It was a terrible sight, as if you were attacked..." When he could no longer continue, Blaster Blade finished his statement. "We carried you all the way here." "How long have I been out?" I asked. "About two to three hours." Blaster Blade said. I sighed then he continued. "What happened during your training with Ezel?" My memories were still a bit blurry but I told them all that I recalled before and during the attack.
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(Flashback)

"Don't worry Ezel. I'm sure we can do it! We've overcome bigger challenges than this in the past so there is nothing to worry about." I reassured my avatar after hearing of his distress. "I just hope your right about that." He smiled. But that smile quickly faded when the atmosphere grew colder and a dark figure began to form in front of us. It didn't feel evil but it wasn't good either. All I know is, it isn't Yami. The figure suddenly shot a dark arrow at me. Small it may be, the arrow looked like it could kill an army. Before it could hit me, Ezel tackled me as to prevent the arrow from killing me. The next thing I knew, my Gold Paladin avatar stood up and began to counter all of the enemy's hits. I stood up as well in hopes of helping him but that proved to be futile. I was shot by the arrows a few times before everything went black.

(Flashback end)
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Percival's POV

"Are you sure you saw the enemy right?" I asked. "Yeah. It's bad enough that the Vanguards are worried about the Genesis Vanguard and with the unit I faced that time, I don't think they would be happy about it. Whatever happened there, things are changing for the worst on our side. Yami is gaining the upper hand." Ezel said sadly. "Let's hope that changes for the better." I said. "Yeah"

Gaillard's POV

Aichi and his avatars left after half a day of recovering. Blaster Blade wanted them to rest a bit more but Aichi didn't want to keep Kai waiting. Now, it's just me and my avatar versus whatever obstacles that come our way. We still have half the week to form our bond and I know that all will work out in the end.

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Hello minna-san! Jemiluc here. Sorry for the late update and the boring chapter. I tried my best to finish it before exams so... that's about it.

Read, comment, vote and enjoy minna~♡