One after another, tinting the morning blue sky with a scarlet colour, the temporal portals were opening above him and under his dismayed gaze, transfixing him at the top of the ishidan without him being able to say anything. By dozens, the members of the History Retrograding Force were running across the entire Citadel of Time, determined soldiers whose unquenchable thirst for blood was driving them as soon as they had set foot on the ground to rush towards the imperial guard, weapon in hand, to put it to death.

Amid the bodies falling every second, a battle of the damned had just started. Unexpected and overwhelming, it deprived allies of support and forced the core target to use, up until now, hard-saved resources. The tumult of screams and clashing swords brought him back abruptly to reality and he raced down the stairs, nimbly dodging the fighting to stand near the large doors leading to the main hall.

When had he gone so wrong? He who had refused to face the truth, looking away rather than accepting what he had always suspected... the consequences of his actions could not have been worse, and today it was with a heavy heart that he was watching this massacre unfold.

"Here you are! " suddenly called out a voice behind him, and he turned around in surprise when noticing the two priestesses running in his direction.

"Katsumi-san and Kagura-sama? "

On their faces with delicate features could be seen a sort of mute incomprehension mingled with a worry that none seemed to manage to hide despite the urgency of the situation requiring them to ignore any emotion and only focus on the opponent to be eradicated.

The Sage turned away slightly as they arrived, lowering his head towards the red and gold Uchigatana he still held in his right hand and squeezed it in his trembling fingers before tucking it between the folds of his black and white hakama whilst suppressing a sigh.

"I imagine you couldn't do anything after all? " Kagura asked softly when seeing him do so, saddened.

"No… " the boy confessed, gritting his teeth with shame.

"What do you mean? " Katsumi asked, frowning suspiciously. "I swear, if you know anything about this hell that I don't, I— "

"A Saniwa betrayed us and joined the other side before launching this attack. " the little girl simply answered indifferently, interrupting her.

"What—! How? Who?! "

"Tsuji… Asahi… "

"But— " Igarashi exclaimed protestingly, restraining herself at the last second to let out a bitter huff. "Never mind, we have to stop the Retrogrades by all means! Let's go our separate ways. I propose to go back there to warn everyone. If the Saniwas come together and summon as many Touken Danshi as possible to help us, we could get back on top. As for you two— "

"Someone has to go after Asahi. He is the key to ending this insurgency. " the Saniwa all of sudden related, looking lost.

"What do you mean, someone? Shouldn't it be you? "

He suddenly raised his eyes at the young woman when he heard her say these words, a bit surprised. Hands on her hips, an amused glow dancing in her hawthorn pupils, she was observing him falsely confused, a bothered pout twisting her thin lips.

"Me? "

"Of course. It can only be you. " Ōhara nodded as she smiled back, then adding more seriously: "However, I won't let you go alone. I'll make sure to keep your back. "

"Thank you… both of you. " the Sage whispered in embarrassment, grateful.

"No need to thank us, we know very well how things are. " Katsumi declared, turning to return to the backyard as the cherry-haired boy was already rushing towards the battlefield with the little girl when she abruptly stopped him in his tracks. "One last thing! "

"Yes? "

"Do you only have a plan? I mean, you are ready to… "

The Saniwa smiled sadly as he understood what Igarashi was referring to and, still with his back to her, claimed in a determined tone:

"To be able to face the future, you have to free yourself from the past. I'll do whatever it takes to keep him from doing harm! "

Xxxxxxxxxx

The hours had passed without him realising it. Through the pristine clouds, the midday sun was shining brightly, its warm amber rays rendering battles all the more difficult to fight. Yet hope seemed futile as only a handful of the two hundred Retrogrades who had invaded the Citadel had been wiped out, and the efforts made only resulted in a vague consolation; that of having at least succeeded in containing their adversaries within the ramparts, the town and its inhabitants remaining in safety.

The trail of blood continued to spread between his sticky fingers despite his attempt to hold it back, and he constricted the gaping wound on his left shoulder a little harder, barely suppressing a moan of pain. Even injured, he couldn't give up.

Tightening his grip on the guard of his Ootachi, Seimei set out again through the courtyard until he reached the North Gate in front of which he stood in order to defend it. Enemy soldiers kept coming to meet him, attacking him from all sides, but he remained like a rock at his post, cutting off each of the Retrogrades with force and skill.

The feeling rushed through him as if telling him to flee at once, and he jumped back in a pure survival instinct, banging violently into the wall with a sound of bones breaking whilst a whole troop was setting on him from the air, narrowly missing him. Unable to hold his weapon any longer, Shiraishi collapsed to the ground with clenched teeth, the sabre crashing alongside him in a noisy silence. Around him, the squadron was drawing dangerously close, watching him with treacherous eyes, a sadistic smile twisting their mouths hideously. He then straightened up when seeing them arrive, and was about to withstand their fatal blows without flinching when, out of nowhere, a young woman with amethyst hair appeared behind the backs of his enemies and cut them all with a single powerful and fast gesture, the Retrogrades evaporating in an almost sublime cloud of red and black particles.

"Katsumi. " he huffed, closing his eyelids in relief and getting shakily on his feet.

"What? I did say I'll be back, right?! " Igarashi said with a pout, grabbing the Ootachi on the ground to hand it to its owner.

"Took you long enough. " the saturnine replied mockingly as he retrieved his sword in his right hand, his left arm hanging against his body like the disjointed limb of a doll.

"Next time, you will take care of the evacuation of the administrators and the imperial ministers! "

"Not on your life. "

"So stop complaining! "

The gates leading to the royal gardens suddenly shattered in a shrill bang before their bewildered faces, an armada of Retrograde soldiers disappearing in swirls of dark crimson smoke. Crossing the threshold with a slow but firm step, a young man with indistinct features was heading towards the last members still alive, and charging them sharply, raised above his head a Katate-Uchi with luminescent mauve outlines.

The overpowered blade only grazed its targets as it was cutting through the air, its owner abruptly evading sight of the latter as they were attempting to retaliate, before emerging back behind them at unearthly speed, skidding across the gravel a few yards only to lean against it and throw himself at the battalion once again, crushing them to dust with one nimble movement that pierced their torso from top to bottom.

"Heika… " the hawthorn-eyed woman gasped in surprise, finally recognising the mysterious fighter.

The latter turned suddenly at the call of his title, his cobalt blue hair flying lightly in the cold wind. The prison of leather that once hid a part of his face had been removed and, now in broad daylight was blazing a purple pupil pulling on a garish cyan blue like a jewel encrusted in the socket of his eye.

Seimei frowned as he observed this particular colour easily identifiable. Fuelled by his unnatural power, the Emperor's sabre continued to glow effervescently, its point aimed at the ground like a white flag the sovereign would wave to signify that he wished them no harm. His gaze darkened moreover as he was facing them in silence, the scar running down his cheek following the curvature of his nose slowly dissipating under the flames that seemed to project the nefarious pupil.

"Kebiishi. " the dark-haired man hissed as he stepped forward, his fingers tightening on the hilt of his Ootachi.

"Indeed. " Chiaki preferred to admit with a bitter smile. "But this is only part of the truth. "

"It deserves a long explanation, I agree. " Katsumi acquiesced, though less defensive than her companion. "Only this is hardly the time. "

"You're right. " declared the young king, turning towards the Government of Time buildings in a tense way. "The palace is safe, but there are still countless enemies within the castle— "

A doubt suddenly seized him by the throat and he stopped in the middle of his sentence, lost. Now that his darkest secret was revealed, did he still have the right to claim to be their sovereign, to give them orders whilst demanding their total loyalty? In his chest, he could feel the brambles of guilt wrapping around his heart and bleeding him alive.

And from the truth, no one can hide, the shadows of a lie always end up dying under the moonlight...

"I know that I am not entitled to ask you, but if you agree to follow me, together we will have a chance... " he said in a hesitant voice, facing the two priests again as they were watching him with curiosity.

"Lead the way. " Shiraishi simply expressed with a resolute nod, strangely more relaxed than he was earlier.

Xxxxxxxxxx

Lifeless corpses and cries of agony were filling a field of ruins repainted with the red of its allies as of its enemies. Desolate landscape with which the goddess of war was becoming intoxicated, wrapping in her murderous mantle the souls of her victims on whose lips her name was slipping in an inaudible whisper.

In the deserted castle, no noise resonated except that of fierce fights. However, in those corridors and in between these alleys that daylight could not reach, the Retrogrades still prowled around in search of their next target. And accompanying them in this ballet of fear and suspicion, the withering breath of the winds soughing odes to sadness tinged with regret and wishes for revenge nourished by hatred.

Having escaped the incessant massacres, two persons, strangely calm-looking despite the hustle and bustle, walked through a series of doors reduced to debris of wood before finding an empty room miraculously left intact, and they rushed into it without wasting a moment

"It's just a matter of time now. This insurrection and his intervention will mark the fall of my brother to power. "

"You seem so sure of yourself, Denka. "

"Of course! How could it be otherwise? "

"The Emperor's secrets are a blow to his authority, but who could have foreseen this attack? You should be more level-headed. "

Seiren narrowed her eyes as she faced her interlocutor, the shadow of a doubt obscuring her pale electric blue pupils. The moment seemed too opportune for her not to take a chance, yet the veteran at her side remained on his guard, unable to make any decision whatsoever.

"Could it be that you have lost all the ambition that animated you at the beginning?! We must take advantage of the moment! If Chiaki were to fall in battle, no one will inquire whether it was by the hand of the Historical Retrograding Force or not. " she claimed almost euphorically, an ecstatic smile gracing her shapely lips.

"And they say that hatred renders even the most magnificent of hearts ugly… You are more beautiful than ever. " Mugetsu couldn't help but remark mockingly.

"Enough compliments! I want to end this situation today! " replied the annoyed princess whilst crossing her arms over her chest like a child sulking after being denied some sweets.

The council member huffed as he closed his eyes and took a few steps towards the only window in the room facing the backyard where only the smouldering remains of indescribable chaos could be seen. He who had fought for so many years against these filthy creatures seeking to change time... could now observe the work of a lifetime being reduced to ashes. They only had needed a few hours. Only a few hours... And even he, the great Fujiwara no Mugetsu could not do anything about it anymore.

The Saniwa he had been once was gone. Humiliated, castigated, abandoned, and placed in the rank of a more or less still respected pariah... The memories of his past were dancing behind his closed eyelids soaked in tears of anger. If even the most precious of his allies could have betrayed him, then he would have no mercy. He would rise to the top with the rest of his strength, even surrounding himself in darkness if he really had to.

May they all be witnesses of my triumph. Saniwas and kings. I'll be the one to end this ridiculous war!

"Very well. May the sovereign who has dared to challenge my authority fall under the blows of his enemy... whether he comes from outside or from within. " he exclaimed treacherously, his eyes shining with impatience.

"I prefer that, old man. " the chancellor nodded, turning round to leave the room when she was abruptly pushed back against the wall by a hand clutching her wrist with such force that her knees bent in pain, her magnificent pupils begging for help at her torturer. "What-! "

"Remember though, Denka. As easily as I can get rid of your brother, the more easily I could get rid of you. I grant you my assistance for the sole purpose of you to play the puppet queen whilst the Council and the Saniwas will be under my direct command. Your childish desire to surpass your younger brother does not interest me at all. " Fujiwara hissed, his facial features hardening in annoyance. "I demand the respect you owe me. "

"I-I… don't… f-forget it… " the Emperor's sister stammered, the suffering becoming unbearable as the veteran was tightening his grip.

Grimacing, the latter finally released the lady who fell to the ground, moaning and massaging her aching wrist, and walked towards the sliding door which he opened only halfway before poking his head outside to inspect the premises. Certain that the way was clear, he left completely this time, and taking the direction of the council chamber, turned one last time towards the princess.

"Wait here a moment, then come out again and head to the Imperial Palace. You shall be safe there. When calm returns, pretend that you have lost sight of the evacuation group and had no idea where else to go. "

"Aren't you coming with me?! " Seiren cried out as she was standing up, frightened.

"You will be doing just fine without me. I have a job to do. " Mugetsu simply answered as he closed the door, indifferent to the chancellor's fate.

Crossing the dark corridors once again, he left the buildings of the Government of Time and took the direction of the private quarters, plunging further into the castle until reaching the main entrance where were laying face to the large doors hundreds of soldiers of the imperial guard and Saniwas under a scarlet sea reflecting the rays of the solar star.

The council member turned away slightly at the sight, nauseous. Even after all these centuries involved with them, the war and its consequences continued to make him sick again and again.

A nondescript Yari was laying a few metres away from his feet, his iron-grey blade glistening with a whitish light as if touched by the grace of the gods. Hesitating for a moment, he finally decided to retrieve it, and holding the golden shaft firmly between his fingers, he turned back with determination.

"Check to the king. "

"As the saying goes, Fujiwara-sama, every dog has its day. "

The sound of that hollow voice reverberating near his ear paralysed him on the spot and, pressing the weapon to his chest warily, he slowly turned around only to hastily stagger back upon discovering the person now standing in front of him. Clad in a leather and metal armour with honed spikes over a dark green and yellow kariginu, a black eboshi covering his hair, the Retrograde was remaining still like a spectre among the dead and the living.

Cracking a hilarious smile upon seeing him react in this way, the warrior then unveiled a jaw provided with sharp teeth as he was leaning with all his weight against the scabbard of a long and broad sword blazing with an orange aura.

Fujiwara frowned whilst studying his opponent a little more carefully, all of sudden in doubt. Between the usual characteristics of the servants of the Historical Revisionists was emanating a disconcerting human appearance that made him jump when, drifting his gaze towards the upper part of his face with distorted features, he recognised, at last, the single silver eye hidden between some strands of midnight blue hair.

"Asahi-san… " he whispered in absolute horror that seemed to deeply amuse the young man.

"You say my name like you didn't know anything about the current situation. " the latter stated, laughing.

"I knew what a treacherous dog you were, but I didn't think you could stoop so low that you would willingly turn into one of them. " the veteran scorned.

"Now what, you shouldn't be so disrespectful when you are yourself a traitor. " Asahi said indignantly in an abrupt grim tone.

"Great causes always require sacrifices, it's inevitable! " Mugetsu pronounced forcefully.

"You fool... "

Red drops suddenly floated in slow motion in front of his wide eyes, soiling the walls in long, gruesome projections before time finally resumed its course, and a pain like he had never felt before spread through his abdomen. Lowering his head feebly, he automatically raised a hand to bring it to his stomach, only to realise with dread that a crimson stain was slowly stretching there, fading his bright white clothes.

He then collapsed to the ground with a sinister cry, and the renegade's blade that had hitherto escaped his sight stood out more clearly as it sank deeper into his entrails under the sadistic smile of its owner. Convulsing, the council member abruptly felt a hot, sticky liquid going back up from the bottom of his throat, and choking, began to cough violently as an abundant stream of blood was beginning to flow from his lips without him being able to control it.

"This world is heading for a fall, I offer you redemption before its annihilation. " Tsuji declared as he withdrew his sword in a sharp gesture and crouched down next to his victim.

"W-Wh… W-Why...? " the latter stammered, suppressing a moan as blood now spurted freely out of his wound.

"There is a Saniwa within this Citadel whose accomplishment is very dear to me. Without you, I'm guaranteed to see him succeed where everyone else will fail. "

"T-The... bo-boy...! "

"That's right. " the young man confirmed, grabbing the veteran's face to bring it closer to his own. "The day will come when we will face each other again. And on that day, I'll destroy what he holds the dearest. I'll shatter his dreams and his hopes. I'll drive him into utter nothingness when he has peaked. "

Eventually dropping Mugetsu's body away, Asahi then stood up to put his foot on the Yari having previously rolled to the ground and, pressing vigorously against the shaft, crushed it in two before heading outward, uttering as he darted across the rooftops:

"Please, at least try to die less pathetically. "

Fujiwara let another cough filled with the ruddy liquid flow out of his mouth, his chest tightening in the convulsions, and his breathing becoming more wheezy and irregular. Smiling sadly as he was feeling his strength failing him, he closed his already heavy eyes, and whispered for the last time the name of the being he had so much loved and hated at the same time:

"If only... if only you hadn't betrayed me... Okadagiri... "

Endnote:

Katate-Uchi: A short type of Uchigatana developed in the 16th century, intended for one-handed use. One of the forerunners of the Wakizashi.

Eboshi: Sort of woolly hat worn by the kannushi/priest in addition to his ceremonial outfit.