Chapter 12: I remembered a debt I need to repay

Author: Yes! We reached the final one! And of course, save the best for last! So I hope you enjoy reading it as I enjoyed writing it. Arigatou Gozaimas!

I do not own Gintama aru!

(Winter)

Smoke. Dark. Cold. That what he can describe the sight he saw as he opened his eyes. That was a tough call'. His heart stopped as he remembered something. Quickly, he stood up but felt dizzy. His leg was badly injured but he tried to walk as fast as he could since he's running out of time. 'Maybe there's still a chance.' Fortunately, there are walls still intact that he can lean on to. He saw the entire Berikaya devastated into ruins. His heart was trembling because he can't find any people or even an amanto in sight, thinking that they were buried alive with those huge cracked walls. He then started searching. Along the way, he saw some people still breathing and he helped them get out from there. He wants to ask further question about what happened but got no time. He looked everywhere.

'Promise me...Come back home alive...I will wait for you to patch you up and nag you at the same time'

'Tsk. I will come home alive...as long as you're waiting for me...'

"Wait for me...Otae...Please..."

But he had a hard time catching his breath 'I…need...to find...her...' His head seems dizzy and already experiencing palpitations. He's thinking that Takasugi might got the manage to insert a drug in him while they were fighting. His eyes turned to blur when he got a sight of a white figure. Then its pitch black.

It's only 6 pm but the atmosphere was already dark, combining the coldness of the season. Heavy snowfall continues as shown through the windows.

'Where am I? Am I dead? What's this? I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel...no way... I have some things to do...I'm serious but I really want to pay the rent...reading the last chapter of Naruto...use the free coupon of sweets... and... and... to see her...' Then he opened his eyes.

"Gin-chan you're alive!" Kagura quickly hugged Gin that made him scream in pain because she was touching his bandaged body.

"Hey! Hey! Relax! What happened?"

"We had a job with Mr. Tokomo and ended up in Berikaya and-"

"-Wait! Where's Otae?" This question made Kagura stopped. "Anego... still not waking up..." Hearing it, Gin hurriedly ran through the hallways in his hospital gown. Some security men blocked his way but he easily flew them out. He opened a lot of down until he finally got one. His hand was already on the knob when he took a peak and saw her state. Just by the looks of it, she was in a severe condition where countless tubes sucked on her.

"Gin-chan...Why don't you go inside?"

"... I don't have the right to visit her-"

"DON'T BE AJERK TO ANEUE, GIN-SAN!" A scream wailed through the hallway, it was Shinpachi. "What are you saying you don't have the right-"

"Because of me, that's why she's suffering..." he said, looking at the tiny window while the two youngsters watched him in pity. "...Because of me, I nearly lose her..." He remembered how he hurt Takasugi by killing their master. He had no choice but to obey his master's promise. He was weak then because he didn't able to protect his master and his comrades. And now his past is haunting him. He didn't able to fulfil his promise to protect her. It keeps repeating and now scared to involve other people he dear most. Sometimes, he regrets meeting Otose, lived in Kabukicho and now he's thinking to leave the place and avoid the people and be attached to them. In that way, no one will be hurt. "...We don't know if she can survive these medications...no one knows what will happen. If she dies, I will never forgive myself—" He was cut off and ended up lying on the floor. Good thing no one saw them.

"I will never forgive you for giving up for aneue! All the doctors are giving their best! All of our friends are keeping their support on me and aneue...Out of all people, you should be the one who should be with her... she did protect you and now she's fighting for her life so protect her this time Gin-san for God's sake! You have your Smile pendant right?" Gin remembered the pendant and just an instinct; he touched his neck and saw the pendant draped on his neck.

"You thought I don't know that right? I always see Aneue smiling while touching her pendant. Guess what? She's still holding the other pendant." Shinpachi pointed out to Gin the thing he was talking about and indeed, despite of the doctors piling up, inserting and injecting and checking her vital signs, it was clear to see that her hand was still holding the Love pendant.

The two youngsters glanced at their boss...who's now relieved and smiling, with tears in his eyes.

(After 1 week)

The snowfall was still heavy at this point but the mood inside the hospital was reverse: it was light and fun. Despite that Otae was still unconscious, her vital signs were good and the developments keep improving. No poison/drugs can be found in her system. Her body might be weak but eating healthy food (No Bargain Dash for a while) and cardiovascular therapy/exercise will be strictly implemented once she wakes up.

Many visitors came in and checked on her: friends at snack Smile, Saigo and Kyoshiro, group of Mr. Tokomo, Shinsenggumi, Tsuky, Sachan, Kyubei, Gengai, Madao, Katsura, Catherine, Tama and Otose. Many flowers and gifts surrounded the room because of Kyubei and Kondo that made Shinpachi screamed, "She's not dead! Give it to her when she wakes up!" But of course, Megane still deeply appreciates them.

One late at night Otose dropped by. She was carrying a basket with strawberry milk, one hot steamy sweet bean rice that was bought at 8-11 and one Jump issue where it was all about the Naruto finale and the debate why Kakashi never reveal his face. Upon entering the room, she smiled. Gin was peacefully sleeping, seated beside Otae's bed. His head was lying beside Otae's body. She remembered one time he asked Gin why there was no people in the house and Kagura was now living with Shinpachi at the dojo. She thought at first that Gin already gave up in paying the rent but she was glad for his answer, "I'm more comfortable sleeping in here..." He didn't say his true motive but just like a mother, Otose knew it. Back to present time, she draped the blanket over his shoulder. Before leaving, Otose patted his signature white permed hair.

The nest day, Gin woke up due to an unexplainable noise. He yawned and stretched. "Good morning!" he said to himself but he heard a murmur. "Gu..d..mmm...ng..." He suddenly felt his heart skipped a beat. He inhaled deeply and turned his eyes to the lady beside him...she was moving.

'SHE'S FRICKING MOVING!' His emotions just got overwhelmed that he suddenly hugged her, "Oh...Otae..." He felt like the happiest guy on the universe. He let himself relax before he contacted the personnel. Doctors rushed in. Gin stayed outside while holding the pendant, believing in miracles for the first time.

One hour after to be exact, Shinpachi and Kagura went rushing to the room. They were about to bombarded Gin a lot of questions when the main doctor came out and delivered the greatest news ever told, "She's awake and she's in good condition. You can visit her anytime." The Yorozuya went it and saw Otae looking at them, smiling. The kids hugged at the same time. "Hey! Don't squeeze her!" Gin reminded them. Otae didn't say anything but she was smiling. Gin really wants to hug her again but she's giving the kids the time. By the looks of it, she still appeared weak and sleepy due to a drowsy medication but she got the time to smile and looked at Gin. They've both felt the happiness despite there were no words that were uttered at the moment.

(During the miracle week)

Many visitors came for the good news. "We're dying to see you at Snack smile! Your customers miss you!" Oryou said.

"Otae! I thought you I lost my eternal love rival! Now you're awake, we'll continue our fight for Gin-san's love...and you think you're safe Tsuky? Uh-uh!" Sachan said while glaring at Tsuky who's busy staring at the ceiling like no one was talking to her and Otae replied with a smile that said 'Once I'm fully recharged, be ready or you're dead meat...'

"Oh Otae-san! I thought I will be forever bachelor but destiny gave me another hope...Oh it's a sign!" Kondo said. Otae replied with a smile that says, 'You're dead meat.' Gin who was also there, commanded Sadaharu to chew his head off.

"Miss Otae! Good thing you're awake! Thank you because I don't have to restrain Master Kyubei to commit seppuku! Arigatou!" Otae smiled at Jugem Jugem and he threw this poop on Tojou and also to Gin in which he replied, "What did I to you?! I now hate two monkeys! (Kondo is the other one)'. Kyubei also commanded Sadaharu not to chew his head off because she will be the one to make Tojou commit seppuku. It was a fun reunion. Otae realized the incident is a blessing in disguise. She is a good person. Why? Because she is loved by many.

One day during sunset, Otae found herself watching Gin preparing her medications, his pillow and blanket and everything in there.

"Gin-san..."She said lying on her bed. Gin didn't turn around but manage to respond, "Yup?" "You don't have to stay here all day. I've heard you never went home. When you're not here, you're at work. You never have your rest. Go home, I'm fine..." Gin went beside her and sit on her bed. He replied but not looking at her, "I have to...Not because I'm obliged to...but because I wanted to...I like to nurse you the way you treated me when I'm sick or injured...That way, I can pay my debt to you..."

"But I don't remember you owing me a thing…"

\ "It's for protecting me...for making me smile...for teaching me how to believe...and for loving me even though I don't deserve it..." Suddenly, he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned around and saw Otae, who's already in a sitting position, looked at him. She then hugged him tight. No one wants to end the moment, seconds feel like minutes, minutes feel like hours.

"...I'm sorry Otae..." he said, controlling his tears from falling down. ' I will be here for you, no matter what happens... I will never leave you again...no matter what the destiny takes us...I will protect you...I will protect her sensei...' Unknowingly, he said the same idea way back when he was a kid and saved that girl in pink kimono.

"You don't have to, Gin-san...I hate to see you cry..." They broke the hug and stared for a while. For the first time since the incident, Otae flashed her prettiest and brightest smile ever. Gin so happy to see it again that he went closer to her face and put his lips on hers. It was a pure love they felt for each other.

(Spring)

The Yorozuya was helping Otae on her therapy when she asked;" I know we're not that rich but how come we can afford to pay the bills?"

"Actually Aneue, every month there was a package lying in front of our dojo and it's full of money. There's a note that will be us for the hospital bills. We tried to investigate but still can't find who it was..."

"I tried to ask Mr. Tokomo aru but he said he can't afford to pay that much money but he said he has a way to pay back a debt" Kagura winkled.

"Ara...that's strange..." Suddenly, a doctor went inside and said she's now dismissed! To her surprise, Shinpachi gave him a kimono that was embroidered with beads and a flower hair ornament. She quickly changed her clothes and made the Yorozuya awe in amazement.

"So Gin-chan...Where's your gift? Don't say that you waste it on your Pachinko?"

"Don't say that! Of course I have a gift..." They went outside and saw nothing but his Vespa, "Where's your gift?"

"Here it is! " He put a pink helmet on Otae. "It's not just an ordinary helmet...Gengai created it to protect your head no matter how heavy the collision is..."

"Wow...the three of you..."

"Come on! Let's go home!" Kagura cheered as the two kids jumped on Sadaharu's back while the couple rode the Vespa. "Hey! Gin-san! I'm okay with you as her BF but it doesn't mean you're okay to me as my brother-in-law!" He scolded.

They went to Yorozuya house but they just passed it," Hey! Is that your home? " But no one answered her. They just keep their poker face. This is really a strange day. Finally, they stopped at the Kodoukan Dojo gate.

"Aneue...Welcome to the Kodoukan Dojo" The gate opened and a lot of confetti threw at her.

"Welcome back Otae!" Everyone was there to cheer her. Even Katsura and Shinsenggumi whose at ceasefire.

"This is my way of paying my debt...Because of the Yorozuya, my family came back safely. I want to help ease their pain so with my tam and all of your friends, we build your dojo." Mr. Tokomo said.

Otae was speechless. Kyubei held her hand, "Otae-chan, here's your new students." And there it was, young kids who want to follow the footsteps of Obi Hajime, Shinpachi Shimura and even Sakata Gintoki. They gave flowers to the lady of the hour. "I...I don't know what to say..."

"There's no other way to say it..."Gin held her shoulder, "It's time to celebrate! Let's party!" So the feast began. There were egg dishes (not Dark matter), Nabe, Dom Perignon and Macadamia Nuts.

"She sure is happy. You're not jealous?" Tsuky was caught off-guard when the demonic vice commander sat beside her, both were smoking, "Are you okay?"

"I'm okay...If Gintoki's happy, then I'm happy. Besides, I trust her..." Tsuky said and smiled at Hijikata who suddenly got paranoid when his cigarette was cut off by Sogou's bazooka. Hijikata was about to run after him but Tsuky offered something, "Here. It's my pipe. You have a pack of cigarette. You can use this to fire that." Hijikata smiled as he obliged the lady's suggestion. The feast continues until a gunshot was heard.

"If you don't bow to him, I will kill you in five seconds. Five, Three, One..."

"That's not the proper way to count Matsudaira. Don't scare them."

"Its...It's..." The Yorozuya and the Shinsenggumi was surprised to see, "It's the Shogun!"

"Thank you for your visit. Do you want to have a drink?" Otae said, just like how she do in Snack Smile. Shogun, with his little sister Soyo, was in Otae's room. Otae served them Dom Perignon and a strawberry milk.

"Did the money and materials helped?"

"Huh?"

"So stupid of me. I'm sorry but I intend not to inform you. I didn't inform everyone but I'm the one who left the money package in front of your dojo. I also left some constructing materials at the Shinsenggumi headquarters."

"Oh my... That's so much of you to help me...All I did was to entertain you at the bar...How can I repay you?

"No need. All I need was if you're in a good condition. After all the Yorozuya had done for me. I heard about it all by this one beside me." He playfully stared at Soyo whose busy blushing, "I was concerned when Kagura told me everything. She just wants the Yorozuya to be back to normal and you being alive...She didn't beg but I want to help her. "

Otae smiled. She was speechless for all the love she was receiving. She realized that the incident may be a blessing in disguise after all.

"Next time, let's play the Stick game, okay?" Shogun said.

As the time had passed, everyone went home. Kagura fell asleep while Shinpachi cleans the house. Otae went out and saw Gin stared at the moon. He was surprised that his empty cup was filled again. "It is a very special day isn't it?" She smiled as she sat down beside him.

"Yeah..." The heat inside of him risen up as Otae lay her head on his shoulder. He realized that there is no more comforting and consoling than knowing you are right next to the one you love. He felt she fell asleep so he grabbed her hand and locked in his, '...I love you Otae...'

The next moment, Shinpachi saw the couple outside, fell asleep and sat next to each other. He put a blanket over them, 'Before, I said I don't like you as my Brother-n-law, well, I'm just kidding! I'll vote for you!'

(Epilogue)

"I don't know if you precious lady is dead or not. The wounds in my heart still don't heal yet. I will erase all the people you loved. Just like how you erase my sensei to my world..." The main antagonist uttered as he fixed his sword. Suddenly, an elite came by, "Do they know you're here? I thought you're part of Berikaya investigation?"

"I am...But I have a debt to repay right? Until I repay it back, I will serve you. That's how an Elite works."

"So you mean, you will betray me after you pay me?|"

"Yup..."

"Tsk... You're really an elite Sasaki. Then be prepared. You know how I get my revenge for those people who betray me."

"Don't be fool. I'm really a unique character that you cannot be miss. One day, I'm on the good side. The next day, I'll be the evil protagonist...I'm elite...By the way, have you seen Nobume?"

"No. Did you use your donut technique?"

"This is not Naruto you know...Anyway, I don't have any contact with her since she was just went outside to buy a dozen of donuts... It is really strange..."

Strange but Takasugi Shinsuke was feeling the same thing.

(On a dark unknown place)

"Why do we have to use her?"

"You know the sign on her nape? She can be a great tool to end the lives of the former students of Shoyou..." Oboro said. Looking down lies the body of Nobume, who's unconscious and tied in pillars.

Okay That's it! It's finish! I'm happy to fulfil my accomplishment to write this fanfic until before the year ends. Hope you're happy! I have a lot of Gin Tae ideas that I really wanted to write but the schedule is blocking me from that since I'm starting my OJT next week (Wish me luck guys!) But stay tuned for that! I'll promise I'll make a lot of fanfics! For the epilogue, it's up to your imagination how it will continue (I'm not good in writing drama and fight scenes except if they involve romance in it) but I'm willing to use my epilogue for your own story. I hope you're happy reading it as I enjoyed writing it. Arigatou Gozaimas!