Katsura was sitting in his usual, refined manner as his eyes roamed around the room Takasugi had brought them to. Not far from him, Takasugi had adopted a more casual position and was staring at his former comrade with traces of amusement on his face.

'Ne, Zura, remember what happened the last time we met?' He finally asked, causing Katsura to turn sharply in his direction.

'You mean when you bargained the lives of Gintoki and me to the Harusame for your own personal agenda? It's very unlikely I'll ever forget.' He answered seriously.

Takasugi couldn't help the snicker that came out of his lips. 'So then, has your hatred towards me increased?' He asked when he was able to compose himself at last.

'Drastically.'

'I can't help but wonder then, why you would wish to partner with me.' He remarked, casting a suspicious eye on the long haired samurai.

Rather than be fazed, Katsura turned to him with a heated expression, taking the Kiheitai leader slightly aback.

'This isn't about trust or even friendship. I will never trust you again after what you did to us and as I said before, I no longer consider you my comrade.' Takasugi didn't react so Katsura continued.

'Since the last time we met you've allied with the Harusame, the Mimiwarigumi and, if the reports I hear are correct, the Hitotsubashi faction of the Tokugawa family. While I don't approve of your methods, I can't overlook those achievements especially when our resistance grows weaker thanks to the efforts of those Bakufu dogs.' He snarled.

Takasugi leaned back slowly against the wall in response, blending into the dark of the room, and there was a moment of silence before he spoke.

'And are you hoping you can keep me back? Honestly, you should know by now that I'm no better than a rabid dog.' He mused.

'Even if I have to get bitten, I will not allow you to hurt the people of this town.'

Takasugi scoffed in irritation.

'And that is why you will never win. You worry about too many things, carry too many burdens and yet you don't want to let go. When you have nothing holding you back, you are free.'

Katsura's eyes changed in quality, almost akin to pity but not quite.

'Takasugi...there is a difference between being free...and being empty.'

Suddenly there was a knock on the door, causing them to turn to it instantly, their former conversation now forgotten.

'Sorry to interrupt Shinsuke-sama, but we caught someone spying around. We think he might interest you.' Came Matako's voice from behind the door.

'A spy?' Katsura wondered.

Takasugi got up wordlessly and approached the door, sliding it open. He turned to Katsura with a smirk.

'Come along, Zura. Perhaps you might know this person.' He said before taking the lead.

He heard Katsura getting up and following behind him and couldn't help the smile that came to his face. As they approached the darker reaches of the ship, Katsura began to feel a sense of dread, as if he were entering a prison. His hand unconsciously reached for where his sword was, only to grasp nothing. He inwardly swore, remembering he had had to remove all weapons on his person before being allowed to come on board.

They finally stopped at an open metallic door and entered. Several men, including Bansai and Henpeita were standing before someone who had been chained. Katsura strained in the dark to get a clear view of this person as they approached. When he finally recognised the prisoner, he stopped in his tracks.

White was stained with red which was visible even though the room had very little light. The bearer of the blood was silent, perhaps because he could not talk.

'Elizabeth...' He whispered in disbelief.

At that moment one of the men proceeded to punch the amanto squarely in the face, to his outrage. He clenched his fists.

'What do you think you're doing, you bastard?!' He roared, approaching the man with the full intention of beating him to a pulp. Takasugi held him back with a touch to the shoulder.

'Your friend here killed several of our men before he was taken down.' Bansai explained, turning to the prisoner. 'We heard that there was someone else with him, but the initial guards who recognised that person were all killed.'

At that information, his eyes widened.

'Someone...else?'

'Whoever it was, he could ruin our plans if he found out anything.' Matako added, shooting a dark look at Katsura. 'How do we know you weren't behind all this? This is your friend after all.'

Katsura did not even glance in her direction when he responded.

'I did not tell anyone of my intentions, not even my own men.'

'And why should we believe that?! You've ruined our plans before!'

'Matako.' Bansai reprimanded, silencing her. She crossed her arms and pouted in response. Bansai turned his attention to Takasugi, who had been silent throughout the whole exchange.

'What are we to do with him?' He asked him.

'If he won't talk just kill him.' The Kiheita leader replied disinterestedly. Katsura turned sharply to him at this but he continued. 'We have no time to waste on such trivialities. Our plans are too advanced to be stopped no matter what anyone tries to do.'

Bansai nodded.

'Very well.' He unsheathed his sword. Katsura came in between them and Elizabeth.

'No, don't!'

'And why not? He killed some of our men.' Henpeita remarked, crossing his arms. Matako brought out her guns.

'Get out of the way, Katsura or so help me I'll shoot you dead! Without your sword you can't hope to protect yourself from my bullets.'

Katsura stood his ground and turned his attention to Takasugi who was smirking.

'Takasugi, don't kill him, I beg you.'

'I told you, you need to let go of your burdens if you truly wish to win.' He replied, as Matako came forward to his side. 'Consider it a favour from me.' He added as the Crimson Bullet aimed her gun at Elizabeth's head which was over Katsura's shoulder and took the shot.

In that split second, knowing he had no other option, Katsura placed his arm in the way of the bullet. Splatters of blood fell on the shocked Elizabeth's face as he watched Katsura hold his arm in agony but still remain in position.

The stunned members of the Kiheitai turned silently to their leader. Takasugi was looking into Katsura's eyes, as if seeking something, and when he found it he turned round to leave.

'Shinsuke-sama?' Matako was confused.

'Leave him be for now. It's not like he's going anywhere.' He ordered, leaving the room. Bansai nodded in acceptance before glancing at Katsura briefly. A small smile appeared on his face before he also left after Takasugi.

When he was gone everyone else returned their attention to the war veteran, who was looking at them with such rage that Henpeita and some of the men took a step back. They realised that the calm, polite swordsman who had been before them only moments ago was now gone. In his place was the Young Noble of Fury as he had been in the days of the war and he cut an intimidating figure even as blood flowed freely from his left hand.

'Anyone who touches Elizabeth again, is a dead man.' He growled.

The news that an army of Yato were coming had caused panic among the ranks of the Shinsengumi. The Yato were well known for their battle prowess; one was known to have the strength of over twenty normal men. Their only hopes lay in the fact that they had some men who were most certainly not normal in their ranks, though the most powerful of them was still absent.

The Commander, Vice-Commander and the captains of all the units (except the 1st) now stood before their men. Hijikata came forward to speak.

'Listen up everyone. Now that the neighbourhood has been evacuated, this is all out survival. We are the last stand between them and the Bakufu. We will make use of our bazookas and fire at them while they are miles away from us. Our advantage comes in our numbers so DON'T attempt to take them on one on one or even one BY one when they get close. Gang up on them, because they will not show you any honour or mercy. Each captain, including the Commander and myself will assign ourselves to different groups and concentrate on taking down the Yato individually. I'm sorry if the plan sounds bad, but we only received news of their coming from Sougo a little while ago.'

'Vice-Commander, where is Captain Okita? We need him!' One of the soldiers shouted, and everyone else joined in.

'He is on his way, rest assured. But even if he doesn't come on time we need to be ready to defend ourselves without him. Everyone should be prepared to die tonight.'

At this, they were all downcast. Yamazaki brightened up when he remembered something.

'Vice-Commander! What about the Danna? He could help us!'

Both Kondo and Hijikata flinched at this before Hijikata responded.

'Where is your pride as samurai? You're thinking of asking someone you are keeping prisoner for help?'

'But-'

'Quiet!'

At this some of the men began to bicker.

'Hey if he can help us why the hell can't we ask him?'

'He's even stronger than you, Vice Commander!'

'You want us all to die?!'

An angry vein popped on Hijikata's face as he struggled to contain himself. To his relief, Kondo came forward and after a few moments the shouts fell to low murmuring.

'Guys, I understand the desperation that's going through you. None of us wants to die tonight, but we need to remember who we are; we are the Shinsengumi. Take pride in that name! It's all some of us have, let's not drag it in the mud by shaming ourselves. Besides, one man won't make much of a difference.'

Everyone was silent.

'All right everyone, let's get ready!'

Slowly, they got up and made ready to fight, silently hoping the Yato would never come. Kondo was about to leave as well but then he was stopped by a hand on his shoulder. he didn't need to turn to know who was keeping him back.

'What is it Toshi?'

'Kondo-san, you know I respect you more than anything and that's why I've kept many questions to myself. However, now that there is a possibility that I will not see tomorrow, I believe you should also grant me some respect as well, and tell me what is going on.'

He released Kondo's shoulder and watched his Commander turn fully to him. Kondo sighed.

'Toshi, I'm sorry I made you feel that way, it's just that I didn't want to involve you in case...'

Hijikata frowned.

'In case what? Are you doing something dangerous? I promise not to tell anyone but please, at least confide in me.'

Kondo smiled and patted his shoulder.

'I will, you have my word on that. But not now when we should be getting ready. Keep yourself alive Toshi, and I will tell you everything when we are victorious.'

Hijikata's eyes lowered and he nodded his head, though he wondered if they had any chance of winning at all.

In the cells, Gintoki was woken by the sounds of someone entering. He looked up to see Yamazaki entering with what appeared to be strawberry milk in his hand.

'Danna, I thought you might want something sweet.' He said handing it over.

Gintoki took it from him without a second thought and gulped down its contents like it was water. When he was done he let out a great sigh of relief and lay back in a relaxed position.

'So...what's the catch?' He asked silently.

'Eh?'

'A bunch of Yato are on their way to attack and you come to me with strawberry milk. Convenient timing isn't it?'

'H-How do you know about...'

'Oi, oi, I don't have all day. Out with it.'

Realising he had been caught, the young officer sighed.

'Danna, I don't know why you've been locked up, but I do know you are a good man who probably should not be here. I beg you, please help us defeat the Yato!'

He bowed his head at the Yorozuya boss who only scratched his hair apathetically.

'So...you want me to help you fight the Yato in exchange for strawberry milk? You'd have to do better than that.'

Yamazaki brought out another carton.

'How about another one?'

'Oi are you serious? At least make it ten or something?!'

'Ten!? O-okay, I can get some more. So then, if I give it to you will you help us?'

'Hmm...there is something else I would require.' He looked at the spy intently. 'You spy for the Shinsengumi, do you not? I know you would have noticed something amiss. Tell me what you know about what's going on with your Commander.'

'Eh? B-but...'

'If you don't, Yamazaki, then the deal's off. And I ain't giving back the strawberry milk!' As he said this he reached out from the bars and snatched the carton from Yamazaki's hand, taking him off guard.

'Oi!' He protested, watching in amazement as Gintoki drank the whole carton as quickly as he had before. He sighed, knowing he didn't have much of a choice.

'I'm afraid I don't know that much. All I know is, I've noticed the Commander has been receiving information from the 3rd Unit Captain, Saitou Shimaru. I found that strange because Saitou-san is mainly responsible for internal affairs, he's pretty much doing my job now! And as to where he gets all the information on Katsura from, I can only imagine. Okita-san got suspicious, and I'm sure that's why he's not around right now. Also, I was able to intercept one of the letters Kondo-san received. It was about you. It said he should make sure you stay behind bars!'

Gintoki's eyes lowered as he processed the information he'd received. He leaned against the wall silently.

'And that's all I know, I swear! Please, Danna, I beg you to help us.' As he said this he went down on all fours and bowed his head.

'And how do you plan to free me from here?' Gintoki asked, quietly gazing at the prostrated figure.

'Leave that to me.'

'Won't your Vice Commander get mad at you and force you to commit seppuku or something like that?'

Yamazaki raised his head and looked at Gintoki with a face full of resolve.

'If he commands me to, I would gladly do it. All I know is that there are times when one man does make a difference, especially if he's someone like you. I don't want my comrades to die if they don't have to...'

Gintoki smiled and nodded his head.

'Then...we have a deal, samurai-san.'

When the battle finally started several officers could be heard gulping in fear. The Leaders of the Shinsengumi stood in front as their enemies came into sight. To everyone's relief, there were only ten Yato approaching them instead of the army they had been told of, but Hijikata found his eyes narrowing at the sight of Kamui.

'That young one in front is their leader. He looks dangerous.' He remarked aloud. Kondo nodded in agreement.

'They look closely knit too. I'm wondering if we'll be able to isolate them.' He added.

Finally the Yato stopped their advance, leaving a decent amount of distance between them.

'Oiii! You're the Shinsengumi, right?!' Kamui yelled from where he was, to their confusion. They all turned to look at each other incredulously.

'What's it to you?!' Hijikata yelled back.

'Oh well, just wondering how you knew we were coming! Never mind, it makes things more fun this way!' Came the response.

Many of the officers immediately bristled.

'You find killing people fun, you twisted freak?!' One of them shouted.

'Nah, you guys are small fry! Killing you guys will be the boring bit! But your leaders should at least be more entertaining!' Kamui responded with his ever present smile.

'This is just a game to him.' Hijikata muttered in disgust. He gripped his sword tighter in anger.

'Tell you what! The strongest person among you should come out and face me. If he beats me, then I and my unit will leave. Deal?' the young Harusame Admiral continued.

'What?!' The Shinsengumi turned to each other in shock.

'Is he serious?!'

'So we may not need to fight at all?'

'But Captain Okita is not around!'

They heard the sound of screeching tyres and everyone, both human and Yato turned in time to see a car moving in at top speed. As the Shinsengumi made way for it to pass, they smirked in happiness as they made out Okita in the driver's seat.

'The Captain is here!'

'Captain Okita is here!'

'Honestly, what was he thinking taking so damn long?' Hijikata muttered as Kondo smiled beside him.

To the surprise of Kamui and his unit, the car drove straight towards them, forcing them to move out of the way. The car crashed into a nearby wall and exploded into flames.

'Hmm? What was that about?' Kamui wondered aloud.

'Oi.'

He turned round in time to parry a strike with his umbrella, getting a good view of Okita's angry face.

'Heh. Well, this should be interesting.' He remarked, pushing Okita back.

'There's our strongest fighter! Let's see if you can beat him!' Hijikata yelled to Kamui's delight.

Sougo gave him smirk as he prepared his stance.

'Captain of the 1st Unit of the Shinengumi, Okita Sougo, ready to kill you.' He said, causing Kamui to smirk back and resume an offensive position.

'Admiral Kamui of the Harusame pirates, would like to see you try!'

A/N: If you don't want a spoiler for the most recent chapters of the manga don't read this note.

I know Okita and Kamui have already met in the manga but I thought of this long before I read it and just can't change it now. Pls enjoy