Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin.

Each time a character has a thought or flashback the words will be Italic.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

This chapter has been edited.

Due to Toba-Fushimi taking place in January 27, 1868 – January 31, 1868, this would mean that this will be the first time anyone sees Hitokiri Battousai in the plain open. Therefore, Okita and Saito have not encountered him in battle.

This story was inspired by World War I when there was a Christmas truce in 1914. The idea of British and German troops coming together to an unofficial truce for Christmas and New Year's sake despite the bitterness of war truthfully impacted me.

This is set during the last year of the Bakumatsu era, when war was finally going to come into a conclusion.

Kenshin has the cross-shaped scar on his left cheek by this time. Tomoe is no more.

Enjoy!

"I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity."

Dwight D. Eisenhower

"How can we be sure this is safe!?"

The rowdiness of the Chōshū Ishin-Shishi men who were sitting in a tight circle argued over a proposed truce from the Shinsengumi. Due to Kohagi-ya inn getting burnt to the ground, the swordsmen were forced to meet in a hidden cabin that was large enough for them.

"This is outrageous! How can they expect us to accept this ignorance!"

Another man prattle on, pressing the seriousness of the seemingly peaceful proposition. The fact that they were getting closer to the end of this war meant that both sides would become desperate to gain the upper hand. And if this truce was any indication that they were planning to ambush them, they felt the Shinsengumi were ridiculing their intelligence.

Despite the noisy and tensed atmosphere, a certain red-head sat quietly at the far end of the room. Amber colored eyes stared at the wooden floor, his Katana rested on his shoulder while his hand was kept on its sheath. A purple shawl was loosely tied around the hilt.

"That's enough." Katsura Kogoro spoke softly, not needing to raise his voice to proclaim authority.

The group of men immediately fell silent. Those that had stood from their fits of anger settled down and sat seiza, a position that was proper for their leader. They each kept their eyes locked on their leader, waiting for his response to this.

"We will accept their truce." Katsura announced, earning an earful of men shouting disapproval at their leader's choice. They could not understand the reason as to why he would be so reckless. "The reason," He spoke, waiting for a few seconds for the men to fall silent once more. "Is because our victory is assured. We will not only be celebrating. We will tactfully earn as much information as we can of the Shinsengumi. The wives and children of theirs will be there, and so will ours."

The tension grew once more, though it did not feel as heavy. They could see what the plan was, though they could not understand why they were going head on with such a suicidal truce. Despite their wariness, they regarded the thought of meeting each others family as odd. It was a truce but also a celebration of Christmas.

"I understand your worry, and I am confident that you will all be alert. This truce eliminates weapons, for we will not be heading into battle─but a celebration. If others were to be involved, such as family, there is a higher chance of no conflict. I do not wish for this celebration to be in vain and an embarrassment to our fallen comrades as well as to us. Do I make myself clear?"

Each of the men eyed at each other, concern was clearly visible in their faces. However, no further disagreement was brought to be known. Slowly, each man looked at Katsura with trust and confidence.

"Yes sir!"

Their words echoed rhythmically as they bowed their head. Katsura's expression softened and took the cup of tea in front of him. He sipped it peacefully, the liquid soothing his sore throat. "We will meet tomorrow as early as the sun rises above the north mountain. Do not bring any weapons, though be wary of any suspicious activities. The Shinsengumi will meet us as the sun reaches its highest peak."

Without further delay, the men left promptly to their respectful homes. They were to bring their family and have no weapons in themselves. "We neath no weapons." Katsura looked towards the seated figure by the corner of the cabin, one which had not moved in the entire section. "For he is our sword."

"Himura," He acknowledge the young man. The red-head promptly stood up, and walked silently towards Katsura's seated form. The Hitokiri sat down in front of him. "It was approved that Saito Hajime, leader of the third unit of the Shinsengumi, will be the only one carrying his swords for safety reasons. You will be the only one carrying a weapon as well, for our own safety."

The red-head sat emotionless, though his eyebrow twitched. "Katsura-san, you already discussed this with the Shinsengumi." He spoke softly. It was not a question, but a statement.

"That's correct." Katsura responded warily. "I know that we are at risk by doing this, but this will give us enough time to get our gear ready as well as give time to those that were wounded in battle. I understand you feel uneasy, for this will mean the Shinsengumi will know of your appearance. However, they would have eventually in our upcoming battle."

Kenshin nodded his head solemnly. He understood Katsura's plan, though he was edgy over how he was meant to protect everyone tomorrow. His expression did not reveal his worries, Though Katsura could easily read his thoughts by looking into his amber gaze.

"How are you doing?" Katsura asked quietly. He noticed Kenshin's shoulders tensed for a moment before they relaxed. He knew the boy was anything but fine, though he wanted to be sure to let him know he was concerned about him.

"Fine." He responded, looking at his lap for a moment before he gazed up to look directly at Katsura's intense stare. "Do not worry. My sword will not waver, I will continue to fight." For the new era.

Katsura stared a moment longer. He nodded his head firmly, and lifted the cup of tea to sip on it once more. The hitokiri sat there, quietly listening to all the men who were around the cabin. He noticed not one had eavesdropped or muttered any profanities about the truce. As soon as all men had left, Kenshin bowed his head and left promptly. He needed to learn the terrace and remember the map for escape routes and danger zones.


To Be Continued...

Thank you very much for reading!