Chapter Nine: September - Nagatsuki (長月): Because you have that past...

The year is 2205 A.D.

To annihilate the History Retrograde Army who schemes to alter history

Them, who were born from swords,

Engage in mortal combat as well!

Iwatooshi….? You're gonna scare then, you know?

Xxxxxxxxxx

It was an afternoon like so many others. The kind of those where nothing really interesting happens unless some disasters are provoked to beautify the daytime. Shared between the laziness of wanting to spend the rest of the day doing nothing, and his sense of accomplished duty, the Saniwa, sat at his chabudai in his room, remained stubbornly motionless in front of the dozens of scrolls he had in front of him, a bored pout twisting the fine features of his childish face. The sun was shining brightly outside despite the autumnal season that was emerging, and in those moments, the thought of a nap lying on the engawa languishing under the rays, seemed much more attractive than the one of reading several reports all of them longer and mind-numbing.

A sigh escaped his lips at this thought, and as he closed his eyes of pique, ready to dive into the administrative hell that represented his role as an official Sage of the Government of Time, the shōji behind him opened with a crash, making him startle and letting in the disrupter who was greeted with more delight than he was willing to admit.

"This is terrible! "

Turning around slowly at the announcement, a smile gently stretching his mouth, the boy tilted his head to the side, not the least alarmed, and asked in a soft voice:

"What's going on, Shishiou? "

"I have become useless! " exclaimed the so-named, tragically.

Squinting his eyes with incomprehension, the Sage held out his hand to his worktable, inviting the Touken Danshi to sit down to try to figure things out.

"Explain yourself. " he said, smiling again with affection.

"Mikazuki! Everyone takes care of him except me! I mean, I was the sword of Minamoto no Yorimasa! To care of the elderly, that's what I do best! But Mikazuki doesn't need me... " declared Shishiou in a whisper, troubled and saddened at the same time.

If you compare Mikazuki to an old man, I wonder how you'll see Kogarasumaru the day I'll summon him... thought the boy with interest.

"And you think you have become useless because everything you could do for him is already done by others? "

"Exactly! "

Nibbling the inside of his cheek with embarrassment, the Saniwa apologised inwardly to use one of his beloved swords to escape his boredom and pursing his lips in a last attempt to stop himself from speaking, finally answered in a challenging tone:

"What if you surprise Mikazuki so that he knows that there is no better than you to take care of someone like him? "

"Surprise him? " repeated the Tachi, questioningly.

"Mm-hmm, and you and I know the perfect person to help you with this task..." whispered the Sage with mischief, making a complicit wink at his Toudan.

"Tsurumaru! " exclaimed the master and the blade in a single voice, laughing.

Xxxxxxxxxx

Closing the magazine wearily, Kashuu, lying all the way on the floor of the bedroom he occupied with Yasusada, turned on his back with a sigh. This day would never end, and if he had repeatedly tried to deceive his monotony with different activities that he usually took pleasure in doing; painting his nails, reading "fashion tips" in magazines and changing his outfit regularly were no longer enough to distract him.

Rubbing his tired eyes, under which could be distinguished some dark rings vaguely camouflaged by a useless foundation, he yawned loudly. Once again, this morning, he had been woken up by the incessant nightmares of his comrade-in-arms, and the Saniwa's worries about him were slowly making their way into his own mind. If over time, the Uchigatana in the blue hakama had adapted to his new life and to his new master, Okita Souji's unpleasant shadow continued to obscure his judgment and choices.

Standing up in a sitting position and leaning on his hands, Kiyomitsu frowned whilst desperately searching for something to occupy the rest of his day. The door to his right then slid, cutting him off in his reflections, and his face lifted up in a second at the sight of the person who entered his apartments.

"Aruji! "

Guffawing at the reaction of his first sword, the Saniwa approached, sitting beside the blade with delight.

"You bored as much as me, am I wrong? " he asked, already knowing the answer to his question.

"Aaah, you have no idea... Even going on an expedition for several weeks in a row seems more attractive to me than being here. " said Kashuu, seeming to die of boredom.

"Be careful Kiyomitsu, I could take you at your words. " warned the Sage with a mischievous smile.

"Hehe, so we'll say you have not heard anything. " whispered the Uchigatana, embarrassed.

"That's what I thought... What would you say to have a little fun? "

"Hmm... how? "

"Shishiou has a little worry and I have the idea that he could ask for your help. " explained the boy without really going into the details.

"Ah yes? What kind of worry? " slightly worried Kashuu.

"Nothing serious, just a little problem of ego, you know that, right? " added the Saniwa, mockingly.

"Hey! " Kiyomitsu was offended, a pout distorting the features of his face.

Chuckling openly, the Sage clasped his hands in an apology, indicating simply:

"I'm joking. But you'll see, it's going to be a lot of fun. "

"All right, all right... I'll do my best. " replied his Toudan, sweeping the air with his hand.

Smiling tenderly, the boy stood up, slowly moving towards the shōji, adding, however:

"Thank you, I have an excursion to Atsukashiyama to prepare. "

Suddenly turning his head at these words, Kashuu leaned forward whilst questioning:

"Yasusada is sent? "

"Why asking? " inquired the Saniwa, intrigued.

"If it is Atsukashiyama, then Imanotsurugi will be part of the team, and you have the tendency to want to lecture Yasusada without saying anything directly to him. " explained the Uchigatana, closing his eyes embarrassedly, as if afraid to go too far.

"Do you think that will fix things? That I speak to him directly about his problem. Do you sincerely think that he will feel better this way, that his death will not touch him anymore? " asked the Sage as he moved closer, putting his hands on his hips and frowning.

"Of course not... but this constant reminder doesn't seem to work either.. " sighed Kashuu, revealing his true feelings.

"You always have been sorely lacking patience, Kiyomitsu. " objected the Saniwa with a bitter smile.

"I just want master to stop suffering... Because that's the case, isn't it? Whenever one of us mentions his former master for anything other than our talents as a swordsman, whenever one of them manifests the desire to change the past instead of feeling happy to be here and love passionately our current master. "

The boy narrowed his eyes at the way his Touken Danshi had clearly distanced himself from his comrades. "One of them", as if it didn't concern him, or at least not anymore. For, despite the two years he had spent with him, he could easily remember the tormented nights his first blade had spent some time after his arrival in the citadel. He could remember, down the very last details, the supplications that had troubled Kiyomitsu's dreams, the cries of suffering, the tears to the point of having no more tears in his eyes that had shaken his sleep more times than his reason could support it.

Sighing, a burst of sadness shining in its golden irises, the Sage crouched in front of his Toudan, assuring as if it were obvious:

"Again, not everyone has your degree of loyalty to me. "

"... "

The obstinate silence of the Uchigatana made him shake his head with sadness and offering a last smile to the latter, he got up quickly, leaving the room without more ceremony.

Xxxxxxxxxx

The office was filled with a pleasant coolness coming from the gentle breeze that slipped through the half-opened window. Writing the last details of the mission on the small white sheet that would serve as a support for his secretary, he looked up at him, who was waiting patiently on one of the sofas in front of him, and smiled in calling:

"Horikawa. "

"Yes?! "

Straightening with a bound that slightly amused the Saniwa, the Wakizashi rushed to the desk, his hand already stretched forward.

"I'll make sure they do not fall behind schedule. " he announced in his professional tone as he grabbed the leaf.

"Thank you. "

"My brothers are part of the team, aren't they? " he said after a moment of silence he had spent looking at the blank page.

"Indeed. " replied the Sage, blinking, relating for a sake of precision: "I don't have the habits to send Yamanbagiri on missions that do not reveal of his current strength, but I would like him to serve as an observer for this one. "

"An observer? "

"Yamabushi is the captain for this excursion, I would like to know how he manages this role, having an elder who observes him and gives me his point of view will be the best way to evaluate him. "

"I'm sure he'll get by fine! " exclaimed Kunihiro with a broad smile, almost trying to reassure the Saniwa.

"I'm sure too, Horikawa. It's just a pretty sensitive mission, and I'd like everything to be fine. " the boy tried to calm him with a new smile.

"Yes... " whispered the Wakizashi, delighted.

"The fighting ability of the enemy in this place is pretty substantial, so be careful that they do not disperse. "

The little kitsune, hitherto silent, was suddenly being heard by these words, pulling out of the pillows placed on the settee to clear a path to the desk, jumping on the latter with agility. Frowning, and in his serious and authoritative voice, he continued in the same tone:

"I do not like the strategy used by the Saniwa for this mission, but since he is the master, I can only trust him on the procedure to follow. "

The Sage shook his head deplorably, and running a hand over the delicate fur of the animal that had taken place on his knees, smiled at Horikawa whose face revealed without difficulty the dull anxiety that inhabited him.

"Konnosuke's right, you will tell them to work especially with Yamatonokami Yasusada and Imanotsurugi who are both used to battlefields. " he indicated without trying to reassure the young blade, knowing very well that acts are worth more than words. Once the victory would be won, Horikawa Kunihiro would feel much better.

Once his Toudan left, the Saniwa allowed himself to shied unceremoniously and catching the fox in his hands to lift him up to his face so that they can face each other, finally expressed his dissatisfaction.

"I do not appreciate that you doubt of me in front of my Touken Danshi. I never forbid you to give your opinion, but I refuse that others hear it. "

"My apologies. But this team... "

"Is perfect like that. Konnosuke, your lack of trust is displeasing, I'll end up being offended... "

Smiling with mischief, the boy watched, amused, as the kitsune seemed to panic at these words, probably frightened that anyone thinks something of him that wasn't true. Coming close to the Sage, the little creature rubbed against his belly, moaning like a saddened animal, and he could not help but laugh, running a hand anew in his fur to comfort him as best he could.

Really, he truly hates the idea that I can blame him.

A few knocks at the door sounded all at once, and he let go of the little fox which resumed his place on his knees as he allowed the visitor to enter.

"Forgive the inconvenience. " decreed Hasebe, all coming forward, greeting the Saniwa, eyes closed.

"Is there something you need? " asked the boy as he stood up, the kitsune in his arms.

"Are you going somewhere? "

"Just a little distraction that I put in place, I absolutely need to go see how is it going. "

"A distrac-? " Heshikiri stopped suddenly in his question and, deciding to drop it, contented himself with indicating: "I bumped into Horikawa, the composition of the team for this mission... "

"I know, it's pretty risky, you're not the first one to point it out to me. " replied the Saniwa, knowing very well what his attendant would say even without him having to finish his sentence.

Konnosuke darkened at the notion of his intervention, and sinking a little deeper into the Sage's arms, grunted gently to show his irritation.

"I think that between Imanotsurugi and Yamatonokami, there are chances that all of this degenerates. "

"And you don't believe that the other members will be able to prevent them from committing the irrevocable? What's more, I think that, on the contrary, it's a good exercise. "

"To control our emotions or to pay no heed to the past? "

"None of this, Hasebe. It's a good exercise to fight with people you are not used to, simply. "

"I… "

"You didn't know, I know. The reason for forming such teams, as the one with you and Souza in Honnouji, is rather unclear, I grant you, but this decision is based on the trust I have in all of you. If I thought, for a single second, that one of you weren't able to face his past, then I would be the first to choose to let him stay at the citadel. " explained the boy after a moment, trying as best he could to pass his feelings through his words.

"I understand. " declared the Uchigatana slowly, trying to reorganise his thoughts as best as he could.

"If you're so worried about this, I don't prevent you from doing what you consider necessary to oversee the smooth running of the mission. " indicated the Saniwa with a slight smile, walking resolutely towards the exit.

"Thank you. " murmured his Toudan even as his master could no longer hear him.

Heshikiri remained alone in the room for a long time after the Sage had left him, reflecting on his words and his own signals of alarm that kept ringing in his head. He didn't know exactly how to act, he didn't know exactly what opinion to give to the actions of his master. As usual, the reason behind his decisions always escaped him, but he was certain, at least, that if he didn't take the lead, then he would probably regret it. Then, sighing hard, he stepped out of the office, made sure that the door was properly locked, and walked down the hall in search of Yamatonokami.

Xxxxxxxxxx

He paused at the hallway frame, far enough not to be seen, but close enough to be the witness of the surprise that was just taking place in front of his eyes.

"Yes, it's Majirunrun Gokigenmaru, a companion of myself and Kogitsunemaru. " exclaimed Tsurumaru, as if this story, a complete fabrication, had some sort of truth. "He's a super sword warrior that surpasses all others! "

Eyes narrowed in an amused smile, the Sage advanced a little more, wanting to make the most of the show.

It looks like I'm coming sharp at the right time.

"Super sword warrior? "

"Majirunrun Gokigenmaru? "

With a puzzled look, the two Tachi of Sanjou Munechika watched Kuninaga without really seeing him, their thoughts jostling under the flow of curiosity that had just seized them.

They didn't, however, need to ask themselves questions for a very long time as an announcement was heard from the end of the corridor, Hachisuka and Kiyomitsu taking far too much pleasure in their little joke.

"He's coming this way! "

"This is big! "

Wearing several layers of clothes all more eccentric than the other, Shishiou walked on the engawa with a confident step, the face half-hidden by his cap, his scarf flying around his neck.

"UK! Don't worry about reality. "

The Saniwa frowned when Midare and Kashuu joined the Tachi in his foolish performance, repeating his words in a serious attitude whilst displaying a pose worthy of the Magical Girls in the shojo.

"UK! "

"Don't worry about reality. "

I wouldn't have thought other people would get involved so much... Tsurumaru has too much influence... and a little too much-overflowing imagination... the boy thought as he suddenly put a hand on his mouth to prevent a laugh from to crossing his lips and thus reveal himself to the eyes of others.

"He even has his own ways with words! " said the latter, with a much too cheerful air.

"As expected of the super sword warrior." declared Hachisuka calmly, as if it were obvious.

Holding out a friendly hand towards Munechika, Shishiou lowered himself to stand at the same height than the latter, and pronounced as a sign of presentation:

"Kamacho. "

"Kyamacho? " repeated Mikazuki falsely enough, dumbfounded, misunderstanding being easily read in his pupils.

"Mm-hmm... I believe that the true identity of Majirunrun Gokigenmaru will soon be revealed. " whispered the Sage in a small voice, a mischievous smile stretching out his mouth.

"This is surprising. To think that Shishitou's true desire was to become a super sword-warrior. " revealed Munechika, deliberately mistaking on the name of his comrade to better trap him.

The reaction of the blond-haired Tachi was not long in being heard, and annoyed, he exclaimed vehemently:

"It's Shishiou, not Shishitou! "

Chuckling with pleasure, the Saniwa stepped slightly forward into the intersection, amusing himself by both his Toudan's behaviours and the mischievousness that Mikazuki demonstrated.

"You carried all this out to amused me, didn't you? Your ability to care for the elderly is amazing, Shishiou. " whispered this one as he approached Shishiou to face him.

"Was this a success? " asked hesitantly Kuninaga.

"A huge success. " replied Kiyomitsu, seeming relieved to see this story end on a positive note.

"Well, I really did not think it would take such a turn! "

The laughs of his Touken Danshi stopped unexpectedly at his intervention, and turning around, they watched as the boy walked slowly to them, his pupils bright with cheekiness.

"Aruji. " said Shishiou, surprised to discover that the Saniwa had been spying on them from the very beginning.

"I guess you feel better now, aren't you? " enquired the Sage, standing beside the Tachi.

"Yes! " exclaimed Shishiou, narrowing his eyes with happiness.

Exchanging a knowing glance with his first blade, the Saniwa smiled softly, a thought suddenly coming into his mind.

After all, it wasn't such a boring day...

Xxxxxxxxxx

Blazing in the sky, extending its orange and yellow colours between the white clouds, the sun was slowly setting on the horizon, disappearing through the green hills and snow-summited mountains. The office was covered with subdued amber light, and the wide-open window on the wall on the right was letting a thin autumn breeze cool the room.

Sitting against the latter, observing in profile, the ten thousand leaf cherry tree gradually stripping, a cup of hot black tea in his hands, he smiled as he heard the door open without any warning beforehand, and recognising immediately the only person capable of such a gesture, he went to the coffee table, lifting the teapot to pour a little tea in a second cup that he handed to the visitor before he could pronounce a word.

Taking the glass with one hand, the Toudan came to sit on the sofa, dragging an envious glance at the plate of inarizushi laid before him whilst offering a sweet smile to his master.

"I warn you, the ones made with wasabi are far too spicy for you. "

"Huuuuh, but these are the ones I prefer! "

Returning to his original position, the Saniwa chuckled, taking a sip of his beverage, leaving the Uchigatana in the red and black hakama to complain, his mouth already full of a piece of fried tofu with a less spicy flavour.

"The others will be back soon. " indicated Kashuu, drinking a little, adding: "They certainly take their time to see the battle until the end. "

"I see. All the better. " whispered the boy, closing his eyelids, leaning a little more against the window sill.

"You really believe that it's going to be okay. For Imanotsurugi, or Hasebe or even... Yasusada... " suddenly asked Kiyomitsu after the silence that had filled the office became unbearable. "You sincerely think that this kind of technique works? "

"It's a pretty audacious bet, but it's still something I had to try. Even if it's painful, even if it rekindles memories, and even if they end up having nightmares for a few nights, I do think it's necessary. " explained the Sage at length, not being offended at the doubt that his Touken Danshi demonstrated, and freely entering into the details as he had never done before. "Because in the end, they will learn a lesson and realise what really matters. At least, I hope so. "

"You alone are the master of your thoughts. " he murmured low enough to be the only one who could hear himself.

"Hmm... It's a good way to see things... well, I guess. " uttered the Uchigatana, an unconvincing pout twisting the features of his face.

Tilting his head to one side, a rictus capturing his lips as he settled down next to his first blade, the boy folded his arms over his chest whilst resting against the back of the sofa.

"Kiyomitsu, do you remember the first mission I sent you to? "

"If I remember correctly, it was somewhere in Toba around 1868. " related the Toudan, raising his eyes heavenward, thinking as he spoke. (* 1)

"And what did you retain by going there? " continued to question the Saniwa.

"That fighting alone is difficult. " quickly revealed Kiyomitsu without hesitation.

"And what else? " asked the boy, laughing.

"That I could have died! Frankly, you must surely have a sadistic side hidden somewhere! " exclaimed Kashuu, pouting again, looking desperate.

"And what else? " called him again the Sage as he laughed loudly, shaking his head from side to side under the stupidity of his Toudan.

"That the Ikedaya Inn is only one battle among others. To believe that it was a cursed place was stupid of me. I could have broken into the hands of this man at any time. In the beginning, right after he had taken possession of me, as well as at the end when he was only the shadow of himself. " told the Uchigatana, abruptly serious, huffing with fatigue, as bored to have to come back to a subject that was obviously no more topical for him. "The time I have spent with him is the only thing I must cherish. Regret the events of a past that cannot be changed is a waste of time. "

"Exactly... There is nothing you can do. Anyway, every thing, every man is destined to end one day. " expressed the Saniwa with a small smile, moving again on the settee to get closer to his sword, his shoulder gently brushing his own.

"If he had taken a little more care of me, too, I could have stayed longer with Yasusada... " whispered Kashuu, a touch of bitterness and regret mixed with the words he spoke with difficulty.

"Kiyomitsu, the time you spend with him here, isn't it better? " asked calmly the boy, offering a veiled glance of sadness to his first blade who, catching it, began to smile with exaggeration, all exclaiming immediately:

"Much better. "

The Saniwa then smiled at the answer, leaning against the back of the sofa again, his shoulder still brushing the one of Kiyomitsu, his irises narrowing under the light of the sun's rays passing through the window whilst the moon rose slowly.

Soon, this whole story would end, taking back with it pain and regret...

Endnote:

(* 1): I'm relying on Game data here. Indeed, the first mission on which Kashuu Kiyomitsu is sent is Area 1-4, Toba (鳥羽), Memory of the Meiji Restoration, PART 2 of The Story of Okita (沖田の話) and PART 14 of Kondo Versus Ryoma (近藤VS竜馬).

Toba is one of the battlefields of the Hakodate war that ended up the Shogunate regime and brings the Emperor back to the throne and it took place in 1868.