Silver Moon – Book 3 Chapter 5
Night had fallen over Edo, and the atmosphere at Snack House Otose had quieted down quite a bit. Most of the others had already left earlier that day, leaving behind only Gintoki, Tsukuyo, Shinpachi, and Kagura. Otose was popping in and out from the back room, and Catherine and Tama were off doing something somewhere else. This just left the group of four to themselves as they waited for Sakamoto and Mutsu. They would be arriving any minute now.
"It's been so long since we've last seen those two," Shinpachi commented positively. "You probably never even told them about Tsukuyo-san, did you Gin-san?"
"No, I suppose I never did get the chance," Gintoki replied emotionlessly. He honestly sounded like he couldn't care less.
"Do you think they'll be surprised to find out?" Tsukuyo asked him. For some reason, she still seemed a little worried about meeting these new people.
Gintoki just glanced at her. "Are you still feeling nervous?" he asked her.
Tsukuyo paused before slowly nodding.
"Well, don't be," said Gintoki. "I told you that this guy is just a big idiot, didn't I? If you think about it, this will basically be the same as meeting Zura."
"That's not a very nice thing to say, Gin-san," said Shinpachi.
Kagura just did what she had been doing all day and stopped listening again. I'm sick of listening to the same thing over and over again. I kind of wish the wedding was just over with already. That way, I wouldn't have to hear about it all the time…
But at the same time, I don't want it to happen at all! I-
Kagura suddenly paused. She had just noticed that Gintoki was standing next to her and giving her a strange look. She simply stared back at him, a little confused.
"What are you staring at?" she asked eventually.
Gintoki did not answer her right away. He continued staring at her for a second. "You've been awfully quiet recently," he noticed. "What's up with that?"
Kagura looked away. "What's wrong with being a little quiet?" she asked him.
Gintoki frowned thoughtfully. "Nothing," he said simply, "it's just not really normal for you."
Kagura slowly turned back to look at him. She didn't really know what to say.
Gintoki continued giving her a curious look. "Is something wrong?" he asked suddenly.
Kagura's mouth fell open for a second, but she quickly closed it. "No, everything is fine," she said as she turned away again.
Gintoki knew better than to believe her. Something was up and he knew it. However, before he could inquire the girl further, a loud noise interrupted his train of thought. It was somebody laughing…
Oh great thought Gintoki as he shook his head. He's here…
"Ah ha ha ha ha ha!" came the annoying laugh. "Is this the place, Mutsu?"
"Yes," somebody replied bluntly.
They then appeared in the doorway. Sakamoto walked in with a big goofy smile on his face. Mutsu simply followed behind him with a mild frown. Sakamoto quickly scanned the room until he found the person he was looking for.
"Kintoki!" he cried as he approached the man.
Gintoki glared at him. "It's Gintoki, damn it, get it right!" he shouted.
Sakamoto just laughed it off. "Ah ha ha ha ha! Classic Kintoki! Tell me, how long has it been?"
Gintoki looked away, annoyed. "Not long enough," he said.
Shinpachi suddenly stepped forward to greet them. "It's nice to see you both again, Sakamoto-san, Mutsu-san."
"Same to you," said Mutsu politely.
Sakamoto just ignored the boy. He was too focused on Gintoki at the moment. "So Kintoki, is it really true?" he asked the samurai.
Gintoki just gave him a look of annoyed confusion. "Is what true?"
"Are you really getting married?" he asked eagerly.
"Of course," said Gintoki bluntly. "Why else would I even consider calling you here?"
"Wow!" said Sakamoto, amazed. "Who would've thought that you would end up with a woman? Ha, I thought that you had barely any interest in women! Ah ha ha ha ha!"
Gintoki gave the man a scowl. "I don't see what's so funny about it..."
Sakamoto simply ignored him. He was having too much fun. "Oh man, Kintoki, this reminds of the women you used to date back in the day…hey, remember Anise? Ah ha ha-"
"Alright, shut up already!" Gintoki shouted, interrupting him. "Damn you're annoying."
Sakamoto frowned at this, but it was not long before he resumed smiling. "So where is your new lover? I don't believe I've had the pleasure of meeting her yet!"
"Right, I'll introduce you," said Gintoki. He gestured over to Tsukuyo, telling her to come over and join him. Up until now, she had been watching the duo from a distance. She started walking over.
"It's only proper that I meet her," continued Sakamoto, even though nobody was talking to him. "After all, Kintoki, I'm like your best friend!"
"If you were my best friend then you would get my freaking name right," Gintoki muttered as Tsukuyo arrived next to him. "Anyways, this is my fiancé, Tsukuyo." Gintoki then paused for a second as he eyed Sakamoto. "Did you hear what I just said? Her name is Tsukuyo. Tsukuyo."
Sakamoto just grinned as he held out his hand. "Right, my name is Sakamoto. It's a pleasure to meet you, Tsukuyo."
Gintoki froze as he watched the two shake hands. What did he just say? Did he seriously just get her name right!?
Gintoki just glared angrily at the man as Mutsu approached Tsukuyo. "The name is Mutsu," she said, taking the girl's hand. "Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too," Tsukuyo replied politely. "I believe Gintoki mentioned that you were Sakamoto's partner?"
Mutsu rolled her eyes. "More like his babysitter…"
Tsukuyo just gave a small laugh before she smiled to herself. Gintoki was right, they really are a friendly bunch. She turned to look at him. Apparently, he had started shouting again…
"How's come you can get her name right but you can't learn mine after knowing me for ten whole years!?"
Sakamoto just gave him a look of confusion. "What are you talking about, Kintoki?"
"You know damned well what I'm talking about!"
Sakamoto thought about it as he put a hand to his chin. "Hmm…can't say that I do! Ah ha ha ha ha!"
A vein appeared on Gintoki's forehead. This man truly irritated him to no end.
Tsukuyo just gave him a thoughtful expression. "It's kind of amusing to see Gintoki so easily annoyed. You must have a real gift for this, Sakamoto."
"Ah, yes!" exclaimed Sakamoto gleefully. "Years of practice!"
"Isn't that the truth," Gintoki and Mutsu surprisingly mumbled at the same time. They then glanced at each other for a second before looking away.
"Anyways," said Sakamoto, still smiling, "it really is nice to see you in such a serious relationship. I'm happy for you! I mean, really, who would've thought that after all this time you would eventually settle down? Ah ha, ah ha ha ha ha-"
Sakamoto suddenly stopped laughing as Gintoki punched him hard on the back of his head. Sakamoto winced in pain.
"Ouch, what was that for?" he asked as he held his new injury.
Gintoki just continued glaring at him angrily. "I wanted you to shut up! Your laugh is annoying as hell!"
Sakamoto just innocently looked up at him. "Sheesh, why do you have to be so angry at me all the time? First it's because I call you by the wrong name and now it's because of my laugh? Just choose one thing to be angry about…"
"SO YOU DO KNOW THAT YOU CALL ME BY THE WRONG NAME!"
Gintoki immediately began beating the living shit out of his former comrade as he painfully cried out for mercy. Tsukuyo and Mutsu just watched the scene in silence. They didn't really know what to say…
Kagura, on the other hand, was getting tired of all the noise that those two were making. In fact, she was just sick of hanging around and listening to people talk about the wedding.
I've had enough of this she thought as she stood up. I'm leaving. Maybe I'll just go take a walk and clear my head.
Kagura grabbed her umbrella before she started making her way to the door. As she walked, it seemed like Shinpachi was the only one who noticed her. "Are you going somewhere, Kagura-chan?" he asked her.
"Yeah, it's too noisy in here. I'm going for a walk. I'll be back later."
"Well, alright then. Don't stay out too late," he instructed her.
"Right," she said shortly. She then walked out the door as fast as she could. She didn't think that she could take another second of listening to those two morons screaming at each other. Nevertheless, the screams still carried out onto the street, and Kagura could only give a sigh as she slowly walked away…
At night, it seemed like the streets of Edo were mostly empty, allowing Kagura to walk through them without interruption. As she walked, she silently stared ahead with a small frown on her face. She had opened up her umbrella and was currently holding it over her head. Even though she didn't need it, she liked the feeling of it. Holding it like that always had a strange way of calming her down. From time to time, she would mindlessly twist the umbrella in her hands, making it spin a little.
Kagura didn't really know where she was going. She was kind of just walking around aimlessly, which she didn't mind. Honestly, she just felt like being alone for a little bit. She just wanted a little quiet time so that she could think.
Only one week left she thought. Only one week until everything changes…Gin-chan will move out, and I'll be left all alone in the apartment...
Kagura sighed. It just won't be the same…
Kagura continued walking and she ended up arriving in a park. As it turns out, she was actually familiar with this particular park and had visited it many times before. She just glanced around for a second before she continued her stroll.
I'll bet it will be really lonely after he's gone Kagura thought dismally. I mean, Shinpachi has his sister, and Gin-chan will have Tsukky, but I'll be left all alone. The only one that I have is Sadaharu, and maybe Gran sometimes…
Kagura's frown grew slightly larger as she dwelled on this. She had always been alone. Throughout her entire life, she had been constantly abandoned and left in solitude. First it was her father, who had always been away for long periods of time. Then it was her brother, who had left their family back when they were just kids. And eventually, it was her mother, who succumbed to her illness and unfortunately died, ultimately leaving the young girl alone once more. It was always the same thing, over and over again…
And now this time, it would be Gintoki who was leaving her…
Kagura suddenly stopped walking as she cursed. Stupid Gin-chan. Why did you have to fall in love? We were fine before you met Tsukky, weren't we? Why do you have to get married? Why can't everything just remain the same?
Kagura clenched her fists as she began growing angrier. None of this is fair! I don't want any of these stupid changes! Why does this have to happen? WHY!?
Without thinking, Kagura suddenly kicked the trunk of a nearby tree. The force of the kick was so powerful that the tree immediately cracked at the base. The entire top portion then fell to the ground with a loud crash.
Kagura just winced as she heard the loud noise. She hadn't meant to cause such a commotion. She quickly looked around to make sure that no one had seen or heard. Once she was satisfied, she just raised her umbrella up again as she sighed.
I wouldn't mind if the wedding was canceled she thought to herself. Maybe then things could just go back to normal. But…I guess that's not going to happen…
Kagura's eyes suddenly widened as she ceased all thought. She stood still.
No, I can't keep thinking these things she told herself.
Kagura then took a deep breath before hardening her resolve. This isn't about me. This is about Gin-chan and Tsukky finding happiness together. I don't want to ruin that...
It's for the best if I just keep my mouth shut. My opinion doesn't really matter that much. I can live with this. It might not even be so bad. Just stay positive, Kagura…
Kagura slowly inhaled and exhaled while she straightened up. She then started walking again. I can live with this she told herself over and over. I can live with this…
Unbeknownst to the young Yato girl, three onlookers were secretly watching her movements from a distance. They all stood on top of a nearby building that overlooked the park. The darkness hid them well, cloaking them in shadows…
"Holy shit," said Matako, her mouth open in shock. "Did you guys just see that?"
"Yes," said Abuto calmly as he crossed his arms. "So she knocked over a tree with a kick, big deal."
Matako glared at the male Yato for a second before turning away. She lightly clenched her teeth. "I didn't know that the brat was this powerful."
"Yes, she has matured quite nicely," mumbled Takechi in an approving tone.
Matako just gave him a look of disgust. "You are such a lolicon! How can you even defend yourself!?"
"I am not a lolicon, I am a feminist."
"You just say that as a cover up!"
"Alright, alright, shut up!" Abuto whispered loudly at the girl. "We can't let the target know that we're here, can we?"
Matako just frowned as she crossed her arms. "Whatever," she mumbled.
Abuto rolled his eyes as glanced back at the lone Yato girl. "Anyways, it would look like this is the prime opportunity that we have been waiting for. She's finally all by herself with no one around. Should we go ahead and proceed with the plan?"
Takechi put a hand to his chin as he considered this. "Yes, I don't think that we will get an opportunity as good as this one. Let's go with it."
A smile appeared on Abuto's face. "Great, let's get started then. Are you prepared, Matako-san?"
Matako just gave a nod as she loaded her gun. It was now ready for use. "Did you bring the drug with you, Takechi-senpai?" she asked while she glanced at the strategist.
"Of course," he replied. "You two just do your thing, and then I'll be down there to finish the job."
"Sounds good," said Abuto as he raised his umbrella. He turned to Matako. "Ready?" he asked her.
Matako just looked down at the girl in the park and took careful aim with her gun. "Ready," she replied firmly.
Abuto faced forward again with a small smile. "Right, here goes."
And with that, the Yato leaped off of the building and plummeted towards the ground below. When he reached the bottom, he soundlessly bounced off of the pavement and leaped into the park.
Time to make a little noise he thought as he instantly began running. It was not long before he flew past the girl.
Kagura immediately became alert and turned around. What was that? She quickly looked around. She had definitely just heard something rush past her…
Just then, something struck Kagura in the back of her neck. She flew forward a little bit from the force of the impact. She quickly turned around again. Somebody had actually hit her this time.
"Who's out there?" she yelled. She raised her umbrella up defensively. She was definitely under attack.
Kagura's eyes darted in every direction, wildly trying to locate the position of her attackers. While she did this, she unconsciously began to reach for the back of her neck. It stung back there. She figured that she must have just been shot or something…
Kagura's arm suddenly stopped reaching. It slowly dropped back to her side. Kagura blinked. Huh? she wondered.
She looked around again. Everything was different now. Her vision was hazy, and her eyes began to droop. Her umbrella dropped to the ground. She could feel herself starting to lose consciousness.
"Damn it," she breathed before finally falling forward and landing on the ground. She was now completely asleep.
Abuto just watched in silence for a moment to make sure that the plan had worked. He then smiled to himself before whistling up to his comrades back at the building. This way, they knew that the plan was a success.
He then walked up to the girl and looked down at her. It would be a little while before Matako and Takechi would arrive. In the meantime, he just considered how brilliantly their plan had played out. Their strategy had been to grab Kagura's attention from behind, forcing her to turn around. At that exact instant, Matako would shoot the girl from behind with a sleeping drug, effectively knocking her out. As it turns out, the plan had worked perfectly.
It was not long before Matako and Takechi joined Abuto. Upon arrival, Matako just glanced down at Kagura. "Well, that was easy," she said.
"Yep," agreed Abuto, "she completely fell for it."
Takechi began fumbling about with a small case that he had brought with him. "Doing things like this is rather simple when you have a good plan to follow."
Matako nudged Kagura with her foot. "It looks like it only took one dose of our sleeping drug to knock her out too."
Abuto gave the woman a smile. "I'm surprised that your weapon didn't make any noise when it went off. Very sneaky."
Matako just spun the gun around her finger triumphantly. "Well, you said that the Yato are very alert. I didn't want the loud noise to draw her attention at the last second before my shot hit. After all, that might have given her a chance to dodge."
Abuto continued smiling as he eyed the unconscious girl. "Perhaps."
"In any case," said Matako, crouching down close to the girl, "this dose should keep her knocked out for a while now. She won't be needing this." Matako then reached out and grabbed a small needle-like object poking out of Kagura's neck. This is what she had shot at the girl and what had ultimately forced her to lose consciousness. Matako gently pulled it out before pocketing it. "We shouldn't leave any evidence behind," she explained.
"Good idea, Matako-san," said Takechi as he stepped forward. He then lifted up a shot that was full of a bright red liquid. "I have the Dragon Rage ready to go," he announced.
"Good," said Abuto. "Let's hurry up and inject her with it. We should get out of here before someone finds us."
"Right," he replied, leaning in close to Kagura. He grabbed ahold of the girl's arm, and raised the shot up to it. He carefully positioned the needle before inserting into her skin. Once it was in deep enough, Takechi slowly released the liquid into her bloodstream.
"Once this enters her system, it will take a little time to become active," he explained while he worked. "Before that time comes, the drug will remain dormant, even if she becomes angry or upset."
"How long will it take to be ready?" asked Abuto curiously.
"Based on our studies, we can guess that it will probably become active sometime tomorrow. We can't be sure of the exact time, but nevertheless, the girl should still be ready to blow once it's finished."
Takechi finished with his injection and removed the needle from the girl. He then stood up. "There, now all we have to do is report back to Shinsuke-dono and let him know that the target is ready to make a move."
"Great, let's head back," said Abuto, starting to leave.
"Wait a second," said Matako, pointing down at the girl. "Should we just leave her here like this? Won't that seem kind of suspicious?"
"Oh, there's no harm in that," said Takechi confidently. "I'm pretty sure that she's already suspicious, anyways. She knew that she was being attacked before she was knocked out. She'll just feel a little confused when she wakes up. Hopefully, she'll just shrug everything off and return home. After all, we'll already be long gone."
Matako just shrugged with a frown. "Alright, makes sense," she said simply.
With that, the three of them started walking away from the scene. As they left, Abuto looked back and flashed a malicious grin.
"I can't wait to see what happens next," he whispered to himself.
The next morning, a young Shinsengumi officer casually patrolled through the park. He stopped however, upon noticing something out of the ordinary. Apparently, one of the trees in the park had somehow been knocked over. The young man just stared at the fallen tree while he put his hands in his pockets.
What could have caused this? Okita Sogo wondered to himself.
He decided to take a closer inspection. He soon noticed the jagged, cracked bottom of the tree. Sogo looked over at the nearby stump. It had a matching top. It appeared that somebody had used force to knock the tree over as opposed to cleanly cutting it down.
"Hm," the boy said as he stood up straight. He decided to look around the park. Perhaps he could find a clue as to who or what had done this. He continued walking down the path that he was on. Oddly enough, it was not long before he stumbled upon an unconscious girl lying right in the middle of the park.
Sogo stopped as he curiously stared down at her. "Well, what do we have here?"
Oh boy, it looks like Kagura's in trouble now! She's definitely in for a surprise when she wakes up XD Anyways, that was the chapter! I hope you liked it!
In other news, I actually ended up deciding to start up another story! That's right, I finally followed through on my warnings! XD Anyway, it's a One Punch Man story, and it focuses on the pairing of Saitama x Fubuki. So, if you like that, go check it out! It's on my profile.
On the note of future updates, I'm thinking about going with a rhythmical kind of release schedule. In other words, I'll plan on updating each story one at a time. For example, I'll upload a new chapter for this story, then one for my other story, and then one for Silver Moon again. This is just something that I'll try for now, and if I like it, I'll go with it! I think that sounds pretty fair. So yeah…this is what you can expect unless I decide to focus on only one story for whatever reason. As always, I won't promise anything! XD
In any case, I'll try to make sure that you guys stay informed. I know what it feels like to be left in the dark, and trust me, it really freaking sucks! But yeah, if you ever have questions or want to contact me, please feel free to! You guys should hopefully know by now that I almost always respond to any questions (unless answering reveals spoilers for the story, of course!)
And that's about it for now. As always, feel free to leave a review and look forward to the next chapter! Things are about to start heating up ;)