A wolf in the meiji
As I walked around the garden in our house in Kyoto I couldn't help but look back on the last ten years. I still walked the same streets I used to patrol in the time of the revolution. I still got information from old shinsengumi contacts. I could still smell the blood ten years later.
My wife and I had been childhood friends before the revolution started. We only started dating after the war ended due to the fact that I was constantly on the front line. I never wanted the spotlight during my service during the revolution. My only want was as a soldier to secure the shogunate regime. As for personally I wanted peace and stability for the nation.
I felt a touch on my shoulder I knew to be my wife's. I whirled around pulling my wife into a tight hug as she kissed me on the lips. After a few minutes I released her and undid her hair. Her black hair fell like silk down her back. I buried my face in her hair inhaling the gentle scent.
After i released her she asked me the obvious question
You're going to Tokyo aren't you?
Yeah, I've already waited too long to fulfill his last request.
Look I'm sorry to leave you like this.
Whoever said you were going alone.
What?
You really thought I would pass this up.
What do you mean?
Come on!
our first long distance trip since the revolution ended.
It's one huge vacation!
Alright so when do you want to go?
Next week should be fine.
Next week it is then.
As she left me to my musing I couldn't forget the last conversation okita and I had together.
Flashback
My friend it's been a while.
Ah keisuke how are the men.
Well considering the circumstances.
So kondo and the others continue the retreat.
Yes, more importantly my friend how are you?
Weaker by the day my friend.
My friend I may not be able to visit again.
My friend I would could consider it a greater betrayal to leave the men just to visit me.
Same as ever okita.
I would say the same for you.
Any requests?
Only one.
What is it?
Duel the battousai sometime for me.
That would be an honor.
Give your wife my regards.
Of course tell suzuka congratulations from myself and my wife.
My friend I hope ikedaya was your last battle.
It was my last.
Farewell.
Farewell.
End flashback.
He died sometime later coughing up his own blood.
It was sad to see such a great fighter and commander dieing in such weak state. I Always felt a good amount of guilt for not being there on his deathbed. I scheduled the trip next day and started my preperations.