Chapter Twelve: December - Shiwasu (師走): Stories of Hanamaru days... End.

The preparations for the gathering under the cherry tree improvised by his Touken Danshi were in full swing, deafening the citadel strangely quiet since this morning. Turning their heads at the same time at the sound of the opening shōji, Kasen and the boy watched in astonishment as Hasebe walked through the doors without a single word, just putting a pile of documents on the chabudai before turning around and finally noticing the presence of the other Uchigatana.

"Ah, you were there? " he said in a gloomy voice, almost disappointed.

"You could at least seem less disappointed to find me here. Other than you like to take care of our master. " answered Nosada sarcastically, raising an eyebrow.

Darkening under the amused smile of the Saniwa, Heshikiri shrugged absently before taking a seat in front of the small worktable, starting to sort out the papers as the purple-haired sword stood up to watch the outside from the window.

"Any news from the team gone on an excursion? " he asked, his gaze turned toward the courtyard, his elbow leaning on the sill, supporting his chin with one hand.

"No, not since they left. " pointed out Hasebe, still plunged into his paperwork.

"Don't they take too much time to get back? "

"I don't think that's a problem. " declared softly the Saniwa, finally making his voice heard.

"Are you really not worried? " questioned the light-brown-haired Uchigatana, raising his head to look attentively at the boy, who smiled a little more, announcing:

"I would not have bet with you if it wasn't the case. "

"A bet? What kind of- Aaaah! "

Jumping in one go, the attendant and the master turned in a single movement, observing with surprise Kasen writhing in front of the window for no apparent reason. Narrowing his eyes, the Saniwa was ready to ask him for explanations, when he was abruptly interrupted by the latter rushing to the exit, crying out:

"Who let Yamanbagiri drink!? "

Blinking several times in shock, his mouth still open, the Saniwa exchanged a dubious glance with his other sword, who just sighed loudly whilst resuming his work.

"By the way, do you intend to get changed? "

"What do you mean? "

"Well, this outfit seems a little thin despite today's weather, so I wondered if you were not going to put something hotter..."

Widening his eyes slightly, the Sage lowered them to the kotatsu under which he was burrowed, then to the resplendent sun under the blue sky that he could see through the window left open by Kasen, and said in a flat tone :

"I don't see the point. And, I don't intend to get out of here anyway. "

"Just because you say you won't go outside doesn't mean you should spend all day in your sleepwear. " related Hasebe, now perfectly standing on both his feet, an upset look on his face.

"A least wear this, please. I spent all night sewing it... " he continued, handing a hanten with red and brown striped patterns.

Sihing unrestrainedly, the boy grabbed the garment with one hand, inspecting it from every angle before returning it to its maker, smiling slowly in apology.

"You really shouldn't have bothered yourself, Hasebe. I assure you I don't need it. If really, I have to get out of this room, I would make it easy by dressing. "

"So you don't want it? " argued the Uchigatana, clutching the little jacket between his fingers, disillusioned, pushing the Saniwa to exclaim hastily.

"No! Well, I mean... not for now... but, I'll wear it, I promise. Maybe when it will be a little colder. "

"Aruji, you'll catch a cold... again. " retorted Hasebe, looking jaded.

"Don't worry. We're not even in winter yet. " said the Sage, looking reassured at having convinced the Uchigatana to drop the subject, before suddenly turning to the doors when they opened again, this time in a crash.

"A-Aruji-sama! "

"Gokotai? "

Xxxxxxxxxx

The echoes of the karaoke resonated throughout the estate, filling the citadel with endless ribald songs. But he paid no attention to them, his sight set on the temporal clock he observed from the engawa right in front of it, his shoulder resting carelessly against one of the pillars. Gokotai's revelations about Yasusada's silhouette having completely faded from the photographs had deeply worried him and a bad feeling had begun to twist his stomach at the very moment he had gone to the entrance of the estate, his past apprehensions returning to haunt him even more.

All he could do now, to try to reassure himself a minimum, was to stare at this damn machine until his swords returned home safe and sound...

The rub against his ankle of one of his kitsune made him sadly smile, and he shook his head in pique. No matter how much the signs proved to him that he was right to trust the Uchigatana in a blue hakama, time itself seemed to distort itself in the face of the catastrophe that was about to happen.

"Everything is going to be all right. " murmured Shinnosuke as he climbed onto the boy's back dressed in his usual black and white hakama, his head resting against his free shoulder.

"I know... " sighed the Sage, closing his eyes.

"So why are you tormenting yourself in front of this machine as during Kashuu Kiyomitsu's first missions? " asked the animal, exchanging a questioning pout with the Saniwa

"I did this? " he wondered, really surprised.

"Konnosuke told me. The most dangerous one was at night, and you spent three hours moping in the winter cold until he came back. " recounted the kitsune, slightly saddened.

"Mm-hmm... I remember... " whispered the boy, his pupils suddenly darkening under a veil of memories. "Kiyomitsu came back home crying that day. "

"Why is that? "

"He was completely unkempt and his jacket had been torn during the fight. I had to buy him another one. One with beautiful multicoloured floral motifs on the flaps and the back. But I don't know why, he has sewn back his old jacket, and put the new one in his closet. "

"Maybe he didn't like it. " tried Shinnosuke, raising his muzzle in the air, uncertain.

"It's impossible. He's the one who chooses it. " exclaimed the Saniwa, turning his head suddenly towards the little fox, finally adding, "No, I rather think he didn't want it to end up in the same state, especially since it was the first thing that I offered him since his arrival. "

"It looks like him! " shouted cheerfully the kitsune, succeeding thereby to force a smile out of the boy.

"But I really can't help it... " declared however the Sage, after staying a moment without saying anything.

"Saniwa-sama? "

"There is this thing... I don't know what it is, but it's a danger that this team has never faced so far. " he explained briefly, confused.

"... ".

The silence made him tighten his hold and, hugging himself a little harder, the knuckles of his fingers sinking into the folds of his white cape with light-orange hues, he began to pray mentally. The more he tried to understand what was bothering him so much, the more the threat seemed to grow, leaving him no respite.

Putting suddenly his hand to his chest, he opened his eyes in horror and collapsed to the ground in a violent shock, making tip over the kitsune still perched on his shoulder whilst his mouth opened wide in response to the lack of air that was taking a hold on him.

"Aruji-sama! " exclaimed Shinnosuke, stabilising himself on the engawa, the boy kneeled on the ground bowing with pain under the suffering that was distorting his features, pushing him to bite his bottom lip hard enough to draw blood.

"I'm going to look for- " said the kitsune in panic before being sharply interrupted by the hand of the Saniwa who gripped his fur forcefully, holding him back on the spot.

"No... I... I'll be fine..." whispered the latter in a jerky breath, his hand still firmly hooked to his chest under the pain that was piercing him.

"What's going on? " the animal asked in a small voice, approaching the Sage until he settled against him.

"They... They're coming... " indicated the Saniwa, gasping for breath.

"They? "

"The Ke... Kebiishi...! "

Xxxxxxxxxx

There is a slightly peculiar citadel at the end of the trail that goes most further away from the village. Over there, you can observe a huge cherry tree able to bloom even in late autumn and standing under a constant sunny blue sky covered with infinite white clouds. Over there, are also several Touken Danshi easily writhing under the liberating alcohol and the vicissitudes of the daily life of which they are often the own authors. And then, there is a Saniwa, a sage with great powers who enjoys this incessant commotion without ever really taking part in it. A young boy, who, whilst aware of the importance of his mission, delights in finding comfort in the most ordinary things.

When the weather permits it, the villagers leave their homes and gather to talk at length on the estate at the other end of the village. Sometimes with annoyance, sometimes with amusement. But they are never deliberately mean or insulting. After all, these Touken Danshi were conscientiously watching over them, and this Saniwa was making a point of always respecting others.

As long as the sun would shine on this citadel, the locals knew it, they would never have to worry. As long as history would run as it was written, then joy would reign over the village and its surroundings. At least, that's what they thought... until today...

Still standing on his knees on the middle of the engawa, his hands put flat against the wood to support his own weight, the Saniwa calmly took a breath, the pain that had pierced his chest, like a deep stab in the heart, easing slowly. Looking back at the temporal clock, he frowned as the kitsune at his side were wriggling in every direction.

"You don't seriously think that one of them...? " questioned the animal without being able to finish his sentence.

"Yes, I think so! " immediately cut off the Sage, leaving no chance for doubt.

Yasusada...!

The rejoicing cries were heard more and more in the distance, diverting his attention for a second. He got up with difficulty, leaning on the pillar to prevent himself from collapsing again.

"What can we do? "

"I… "

The situation was getting away from him completely. The appearance of the Kebiishi could only mean one thing: the radical change of history. And he knew that it wasn't coming from the Retrogrades. The Kebiishi were at the Ikedaya Inn and he had no way of intervening directly with his Toudan. If it had been an expedition, then their invocation in the past would have been due to his spiritual powers and he could have easily recalled them all, but since the excursions were accomplished through technology, his field of action was limited.

Despite the brightness of the sun, a dark storm was rumbling inside the boy.

Only Kiyomitsu knew what they were dealing with, and although he did not doubt that the Uchigatana could easily take the lead of the team to face the enemy, at this precise moment, he could not think of anything else except the fact that Yamatonokami Yasusada was literally changing the course of history.

"Something has to be done! Anything! "

Giving an ambivalence look at the animal still panicking, the Sage sighed slowly, and trying to clarify his thoughts, lifted his gaze at the temporal clock which was shining brightly under the rays of the sun. As he did so, he saw in the distance, on the landing of the entrance just behind the torii, the black kitsune he had met the evening before.

His breath stopped again at this vision, and with all the slowness he was capable of, he moved forward to the apparition, his step slightly hesitating. Squatting, he ran a hand through its dark fur, letting go the worry and doubt which had constricted his chest a moment before.

"Aruji-sama? " asked Shinnosuke, his eyes not letting go of the creature either.

"I... I don't think we should do something... " whispered the Saniwa, his hand slipping on the silky coat of the dark fox as the latter lay down, his head resting calmly on his lap.

"But the Kebiishi? "

"Well, I hope I've not mistaken myself in thinking that they will manage things by themselves. "

As if answering his prayers, a dazzling golden light came to illuminate the courtyard, forcing him to turn away for a few seconds as the black kitsune was vanishing into cherry tree petals in his arms. Smiling with sadness, he sighed again as he got up and walked to his Toudan who were standing in front of the device, raggedy and exhausted.

"Aruji... " gasped Kiyomitsu, realising the boy knew what had happened during the mission.

"We'll see that later. " declared the latter, comforting. "First, let's take care of those wounds. "

"And I guess master will have to take care of you first. "

"Nosada?! "

Sketching a distressed pout, Kasen advanced towards his brother, putting his arm around his neck, his own arm wrapping around the long-brown-haired Uchigatana's waist, and thus releasing Horikawa from his weight. Then, rolling his eyes with amusement, he started to walk slowly, making sure not to hurt him more than he already was.

"Thanks... " murmured the latter, sharing the smile of his elder.

"I hope at least that it was worth it. "

"Hehe, I sliced them with style! "

"How lacking in elegance. "

Xxxxxxxxxx

Illuminating the sky with an icy light under the intense cold, the December month's snow had fallen in just a few days, covering the entire estate with white, whilst winter settled silently.

Sitting under his kotatsu, a certain red and brown hanten put down hastily over his shoulders, the Saniwa was writing several reports when two knocks were tapped against the shōji's wood, forcing him to look away from his documents to discover the identity of his visitor.

"Yasusada? "

"Aruji, I have something I wish to discuss with you. Is now a good time? "

"Of course. "

Nodding with a smile, Yamatonokami closed the doors behind him before sitting down in front of the boy, taking a deep breath and stating in a loud voice:

"So, I would like... "

"To leave for some time? " the Sage interrupted him as well as finishing his sentence, provoking an astonished reaction from his Toudan, who widened his eyes and gaped a long minute.

"I'm waiting for you to make this request for a long time now. " explained the Saniwa whilst resting his brush in his inkpot, closing his eyelids and adding: "I knew we would get to this point at some time but I didn't want to rush things. And then... It had to come from you, otherwise, it would have made no sense anymore. "

"So, you're not blaming me? " questioned the Uchigatana in a breath, slightly worried.

"Blaming you? Not at all! " declared the boy, laughing softly. "You all will surely end up doing the same trip some day. It's all about leaving when you feel ready. "

Affirming the words of his master with a new smile, Yasusada clenched his fists under the kotatsu, a sad look veiling his pupils quickly, and he indicated apprehensively:

"I'm sorry... for what happened at the Ikedaya Inn. "

"It seems to me that you've already apologised. "

"Yet I promised Kiyomitsu that I would not fight so selfishly... "

Tilting his head to the side, the Sage rested an elbow on the table, leaning his chin against his hand, and thought for a second before murmuring hesitantly:

"You were standing in front of your beloved former master, at the beginning of his decline, and the only thing that crossed your mind at that moment was that you wanted to fight with him a little more. "

"...Yes... " whispered Yamatonokami once the surprise due to the words of the Saniwa was passed.

"Don't be so shocked to see that I understand your feelings so well. I also fought with people I lost. I know what it feels like. And then, I can't lie by telling you that I don't know exactly what happened at the Ikedaya Inn. In a way, I was there too... "

Taking back a straight stance, the boy smiled at his sword standing awkwardly in front of him, misunderstanding marking the features of his face, and glancing at the shōji as he pointed them with his outstretched forefinger, he announced, cheerful:

"I want you to take all the time you need, but don't make him wait too long, or he might not forgive you, all right? "

"All right! " said the Uchigatana, chuckling, this time perfectly reassured.

Xxxxxxxxxx

Quietude and good mood had finally resumed their place in the flowered citadel, the failures of yesterday becoming the successes of today. Standing under a painting of white and grey hues, through the snow-covered mountains and bare trees, Okita Souji's two former Uchigatana were exchanging a few last words before the next departure of one of them, sorrow and indecision veiling their features to each.

"You really going. "

"Yeah. "

"Where to? "

"I haven't decided yet. "

"When will you be back? "

"I don't know that, either. "

"I see. "

Tilting slightly his head, Kiyomitsu smiled softly at his comrade-in-arms, letting his feelings be expressed in a single short question before quickly indicating, to change the subject:

"So I'll be waiting for you again, then? This is probably what Master was going for when he sent you to the Ikedaya Inn. "

"Huh? " was amazed Yasusada, turning his gaze to the other sword.

"You said you wanted to be stronger, so get stronger and come home. " said Kashuu, confident.

"Okay. " whispered Yamatonokami before turning on the machine, vanishing in an intense golden glow.

Sighing one last time after the disappearance of his partner, Kiyomitsu continued to watch the temporal clock in front of him for a long time. Then, perceiving from the corner of his eye, the Saniwa walking slowly towards him, he exclaimed, falsely disappointed:

"Oh no, it looks like he hates you now... But don't worry, I'll be sure to love you. "

Offering a dubious look to his first blade as he approached him, the Sage raised his eyebrows slightly before facing the machine, smiling maliciously whilst answering:

"I see. But if he hates me, he may never come back. What a pity for you... "

"Hey! That's not fair, you don't even pay attention to what I tell you! "

Chuckling, the boy turned his head to the side and said in an amused voice:

"Aaah, yes, you'll love me, right? But... isn't it already the case? "

Kashuu's eyes widened for a moment before he sighed, complaining excessively.

"Aaah, I can't believe I'll have to wait for him again. What am I supposed to do now? "

"Until the sadness becomes no more than a bad dream and that all the tears of your body have finished streaming, you only have to immerse yourself fully in the work that awaits you. " announced the Saniwa in a calm voice, face to face with his Toudan.

"Huh? What work? " was surprised Kiyomitsu, not understanding.

"Hmm, I have planned to give you an important task for a while. " revealed the boy as he retraced his steps, followed closely by the Uchigatana dressed in red.

"Hey, is it me or I always have to do twice more than the others! " exclaimed the latter with a pout of displeasure, being immediately reprimanded by the Sage who declared:

"If you want my opinion, you always do twice less... "

"Nonsense! If I don't work in the fields, it's only to not get dirty. And if I don't do the laundry, it's not to damage my nails with the household products. And I really don't know how to cook, so why leave this task to me, I would only constantly disturb Shokudaikiri. " assured at length Kashuu, counting on his fingers at each lament.

"You always have a good excuse, don't you? " related the Saniwa, raising an eyebrow, pausing on the threshold of his office door under the obstinate silence of his sword.

Plunging his golden look into the carmine one of his Touken Danshi, the Sage sighed slowly before affirming with confidence, a soft smile stretching his lips:

"You shouldn't be too worried about Yasusada. He'll come back, I'm sure. "

"How? " asked the Uchigatana, looking away, doubt already taking possession of him.

Laying a comforting hand on the top of the head of his sword, the boy smiled a little more and pronounced softly:

"Never forget, Kiyomitsu, that the shadow which stands behind you is the one of your master wielding you firmly against him. This same master will never let you get broken as long as he has a breath of life in him. "

"Aruji... " murmured Kashuu, a thin smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.

"And even if I had to wait a hundred of years, and that the world around me would have collapsed, I will continue to stand here, waiting for your return to all with hope. Because that's what a master is supposed to do, right? "

.

This fiction was about the stories of the Hanamaru days

Of a certain Saniwa surrounded by a certain group of Swords Warriors

In a certain citadel...

.

To be continued…

Part Four: Katsugeki-Touken-Ranbu-Expeditions-of-Tears-and-Blood

Endnote:

Once again, thank you all for following this fanfiction. I sincerely hope that it has been to your liking.

A special thanks to Moonlight Puppet for taking the time to post a review at almost every chapter, even when sick. They gave me a lot of inspiration. I hope you enjoyed this season 2 and that you'll wait impatiently for Katsugeki! ;)