Chapter Eleven: Tetsu no Okite - (鉄の掟): Iron Law.

"I heard you were asking questions about changing history and saving some former masters from their rightful fate? "

The day was drawing to a close. Beneath immense waves of fuchsia and nacarat colours, the fire star slowly bade farewell, bathing the plain in its rays for the very last time before withdrawing, the weather cooling gently.

Overlooking him from his short height as he himself was seating on the engawa, eyes narrowed with interest, a mischievous look stuck as always on his face, Kogarasumaru smiled mysteriously and sat down next to him, watching, in turn, the horizon.

"Hahaha, where did you hear that? " he argued with a grin as he leaned back mechanically, his weight resting on his hands.

"Oh, despite its size, it's still a very small citadel. News travels fast. " specified the Tachi, nodding his head as if to back up his words "So, is it true? "

"It is. But I was merely making suppositions. "

Between his pearly fingers, the sword kept playing with a fan of lavender and lilac hues, his feet clad with geta moving back and forth like a child on a swing. Probably about to go to bed, he was dressed in a long blood-red and black yukata, his loose anthracite hair cascading down his back until reaching his shoulder blades with only his fringe remaining clumsily held in place by an amaranthine ribbon.

He had never looked more feminine than now.

Finally turning his head toward the Sage, he stopped moving sharply and said in a strangely serious voice:

"You know… The older the crow, the wiser. And as such, I'd like to offer my insight on this subject. "

"By all means, do so. I never refuse a good piece of advice. " the Saniwa simply declared, puzzled.

"Children need to be guided. If they come to believe that fate does not exist, they will inevitably suffer from the reality of life. "

"It's a dangerous line to cross. "

"Precisely. One can save his former master from the fate that was supposed to be his, but for what purpose? He cannot be saved indefinitely. "

"If you can't accept one death, you can't accept any. "

"It's about wanting to fight something that cannot be defeated, no matter how strong you are. Death is death… "

Around them, calm gradually settled down. Getting up, the master and his Toudan made their way to the water lilies pond, crossing the ruddy red bridge before stopping there in the centre, the gaze of the ancient blade plunging into the crystal clear water whilst the cherry-haired boy let out a sigh and clutched at the handrail.

"It takes many forms, some even that may seem unfair. But it is an encounter that cannot be avoided, whether you want it or not. "

"I expected no less from this Saniwa. You are indeed very wise yourself. " Kogarasumaru complimented with delight, applauding theatrically.

"Above all, I remain a priest. It is my role to know the laws of nature and to come to understand them. " the Sage indicated with a shrug, closing his eyes to feel the light breath of the wind against his face. "But despite this so-called wisdom, your point is still too obscure for me. "

"It is a good thing that these children face their former masters and understand that fate cannot be avoided. But don't let them fall under the illusion that they could make this fate better if they chose to take action. "

"Simply put, even if they understand that they can't prevent their former masters from dying, I shouldn't let them think that they could give them a better end than their original ones. "

"The best is yet to believe that history is only bound to unfold in one way and cannot be changed for that reason. "

"But that's a lie. "

"A white lie. "

Xxxxxxxxxx

The flowery scent of jasmine wafted throughout the room as the off-white liquid escaped from the teapot to fill the porcelain cup, the citrus aroma of yuzu subtly blending into it, matching it perfectly. It was already late in the night, the cool breeze of full moon evenings making its way through the half-opened window of the office, contrasting with the stifling heat that had reigned throughout the afternoon. Outside, no sound was heard. Only the stars were resplendent in the dark sky, shining like gemstones in an Indian ink ocean.

The book closed with a snap, breaking the surrounding silence, and he left his admiration of the garden to turn his head towards his Toudan, frowning with curiosity.

"Already finished? "

"This one was boring. I'll choose another one. "

Watching the sword rise slowly, he followed him with his gaze as he was making his way behind his desk, standing in front of the dozens of shelves on which more than a hundred books rested, skimming the cover of each with his fingertips as he was choosing.

"What would tempt you? I can always show you where to find it. "

"I don't have a specific idea. "

A slight smile blooming on his lips, he rolled his eyes in amusement and plunged back into his contemplation of the landscape, his cup of tea in his hands.

He had spent the day at work, writing down files after files before going out to watch the sun disappear behind the summit of mountains and hills in an orange and pink firework, for, then, reaching his room in order to go to bed. But for some reason that still escaped him, and without even feeling tormented or oppressed, he did not get to sleep. So, despite the late hour, he had got up and tiptoed back to his office.

It was when he had wanted to pass the door that his shadow had fallen on him, quiet and discreet. Also unable to sleep, the latter had wandered the halls looking for something to do until finally noticing his presence, choosing to keep him company rather than continue playing the ghost.

Kasen Kanesada was not the type to let anything easily affect him, either psychologically or physically. He had an unswerving strength of character that resulted from many years of studying the intricacies of nature and the human mind. Yet, that very evening, he had felt unable to close his eyelids to reach the realm of dreams. Similar to a foreboding that refused to leave him, wounding him even within his soul.

And as if to prove him right, the writing desk suddenly lit up with an incandescent blue light, a bell ringing between the walls, the sign of a message from the Second Unit.

"What is it? " questioned the amethyst-haired Uchigatana, leaning over the Sage's shoulder as the latter settled into his chair to consult the report.

"Hmm. There were a few inconsistencies during their last mission, Konnosuke is probably keeping me up… to date… " the Saniwa stammered, his eyes widening in horror, the words stuck in his throat.

That's not possible...

"Aruji? " Nosada called out, quickly worrying.

"The Retrogrades attempted to attack Sakamoto Ryōma by bringing in the Shinsengumi… "

"The Shin-…! " Kasen choked on, harried. "And what happened?! "

"Konnosuke says Horikawa is missing. " the boy murmured, falling on the back of his chair, shaken.

"What does he means, missing? "

"…"

"Wh-What do you plan to do?! "

"…"

Xxxxxxxxxx

He was striding through the halls and aisles of the citadel, not minding the loud voices and noises echoing all around him, knotting his cloak around his shoulders whilst slipping on his arm sleeves and hanging his pocket watch to his belt. There was no more time to waste. Things were getting out of hand; His Second Unit was scattered all over Kyoto, one of its members being MIA, and the Retrogrades were having a field day in town, disrupting a little more the time axis with each attack.

It was a disaster. Was it bad luck? Wrong management of the team by its Commander? Or the undeniable proof that this unit had been a mistake on his part since day one? He could not tell. But despite the obstacles they had faced, some good did have come out of it… Izuminokami and Mutsunokami were definitively getting on better now, or at least they were on the right path to. Yagen had learned to relax and be less cold and distant with his comrades on a mission. Tonbokiri had found a new inner strength that he didn't even know existed. And Tsurumaru… Tsurumaru whom he had added to the group to strengthen their bonds and offer them significant assistance in the face of seemingly insurmountable enemies. After all, if it hadn't been for Mikazuki, Tsurumaru would have been appointed to the First Unit.

For goodness' sake, problems keep happening one after another!

The entrance to the sanctuary presented itself to him as he was turning at an intersection, his path suddenly being cut off by Hasebe's impromptu appearance in front of him, his chest heaving at an irregular pace and sweat dripping from his forehead giving the impression that he had crossed the whole estate before finding him here.

"Wait! You're going?! " he exclaimed with a frown, still huffing and puffing from his supposed race.

"I don't have any other choice, do I? " the Sage stated, finishing to prepare himself. "Horikawa is missing, and the time-space flow is more unstable than ever. "

"But… " mumbled the Uchigatana, hesitant.

"If my calculations are correct, the Retrograding Force still wants to prevent the Imperial Restoration from happening despite their failure with Sakamoto Ryōma. The trick is to know where they will strike next time and that I would only know by going there. " explained the Saniwa, bypassing his Toudan to pass the door of the sanctuary.

"A-All right! But what about Horikawa? " Heshikiri stammered, following his master anxiously.

"I'll do my best but if we can't find him, or if he… " the cherry-haired boy whispered with a sad look before shaking his head, not wanting to imagine the worst just yet. "Anyway, could you please tell the First Unit to get ready? I reckon the Revisionists have already played their ace and this is their last chance to achieve their goal. Given their recent moves, I'm afraid they'll use a much bigger strike force this time around… I want to make sure the backups are there in time. "

"Of course. I'll let them know as soon as you'd have left. "

"Thank you. "

Advancing towards his crest engraved on the stone floor, his Touken Danshi still beside him, the Saniwa remained silent for a moment, thinking. He didn't really want to bring up the subject. But, finally changing his mind, he turned round and tilted his head to the side, looking questioningly at his attendant.

"We've never faced this kind of situation before… " the sword asserted, barely concealing his unease.

"Haven't we? You guys sure know how to worry me constantly. " the Sage retorted humorously, a thin smile stretching the corners of his mouth.

"I mean… yes, we did. But it had never gone that far… "

"What exactly are you scared of? That I take drastic measures? " he asked suddenly as he joined the platform.

"Of course not! I've known you long enough to know this isn't how you proceed! " Hasebe hurriedly expressed, offended. Then, closing his eyes, he let out a sigh and, looking at the boy, enquired worriedly: "But… what if… what if it was already too late? "

"I don't know, Hasebe. I really don't… " revealed the Sage as amber-coloured particles began to surround him, his figure quickly disappearing in a golden implosion.