~Gintoki's pov~
Just what is Arthur, anyway? He just suddenly shows up and I end up getting a job. It's nice having him around, but I hope he has enough dough on him. After his tea, he stood up to fix his yukata.
"Where are you going, Arthur-san?"
Shinpachi asked.
"Just thought I'd go for a walk. Yesterday's tour didn't go very well. So, I just thought I'd go sight-seeing on my own."
I gave him Sadaharu for protection. It seems as if didn't like the idea. But, he eventually gave in. Sucker. He went and opened the door and there stood Tama. She gave him something that was bundled up in cloth. He accepted it, thanked her and then closed the door. He sat down; keeping his eyes glued to the cloth and started to open it. I watched him take his time. It was then that he froze for a moment. At first I thought he was broken, but I saw him flip a note over seconds after. Whatever was inside that note made him smile; seemed a bit odd. I'm surprised he even knows how to smile. It had only been three days and he was shouting throughout. I watched him stand and walk on over to the bathroom. So, I sat back down and continued to read my JUMP; turning a page over.
After a moment, the bathroom opened and there stood the blonde in an outfit completely different from the one he wore. It looks new. Was he going on a date? And why did he look so happy? Why did the old lady send him this; is he going on a date; A rendezvous? Who's he off to see?
Once he walks out that door, I'm going after him. As soon as I thought of this idea, Arthur speaks up, "I'll be back soon." He then, disappeared behind the door.
I made this my chance to head out ad well. "Well, I think I'll head out, too." And I stood.
Shinpachi looked up at me and blinked. "Gin-san, where do you think you're going? What if we have a client coming?"
"There's a possibility one will show, and one will not. Highest chance of there being one..." I trailed off.
"Well, how do you know that?" he asked.
I stared at him blankly and told him, "I don't. I was just trying to make a point to make this conversation really interesting."
"Eh? THAT'S ALL YOU HAVE TO SAY?"
I stood up and put on my boots and headed out. "Bye, Shinpachi!" I waved without looking back.
"WAIT! Y-YOU AREN'T EVEN LISTENING, ARE YOU! HEY, GIN-SAN!" And I closed the door.
"Geez, early in the morning...".
I headed down the stairs and there was a sudden explosion. I wondered if Arthur got caught in that again. Afterwards, I just shrugged and decided to find him. But, on my way there, I decided to just take a break and have a parfait. I haven't even had any sweets in months! Don't judge me!
Sitting down with my parfait, I looked out the window. Usually by chance you just happen to glimpse up at the strangest times. Someone's crack is hanging out, an accident, or just plain finding your lover cheating right in front of your eyes. Of course, this only happens once every so often. Nowadays all you see is Zura hopping around with his business. (Katsura: It's not Zura, it's Katsura! And I am going to revolutionize our government by abolishing the Bakufu-) That's a cool story, Zura. Now as I was saying, all you see is Zura going about his business and the Shinsengumi after him each time. Coincidentally, I spotted Arthur by the window walking Sadaharu. He was easy to spot because of his clothes. He did look pretty troubled and I was wondering what was eating him. He held a book under his arm and walked past from where I sat by the window. He didn't look away nor did he meet my eyes. Just what is it that's running through the guy's head?

~Arthur's pov~
I was walking Sadaharu into town when I felt some kind of strange magic lifting from somewhere. I looked around to find it. As I advanced, I felt it grow stronger. I went even further and felt it grow weak. I strode back and tried to find it again. I felt it yet again and went into an all-out pursuit to find it.
Sadaharu and I began chasing after it. I'm pretty sure that this chase must just be some kind of game to him. But, he didn't seem to be messing around.
After what seemed like hours, I finally managed to find it, completely out of breath. Sadaharu was panting also. I headed towards the magic I was sensing. I didn't have a clue of what it was I was getting myself into, but I couldn't help but keep getting closer. The magic was even stronger than ever before. Just what is it?
The source of the magic was inside this rundown, abandoned Japanese-style house. Everything was in rags, dust sat on the shelves, as spiders made a home on every ceiling corner. Even the floors were dusty. Sadaharu sneezed as we began shifting all over the place. I continued my search into finding where the magic really came from. I walked into what seems to be the living room: there were only pillows lying around and a small table to the side of the room that was knocked over. There was no television set, so I assumed the person who was once here lived in poverty. Behind it were double doors and I noticed that there was a faint glow behind it. Curious, I went on over to it and tried pulling the door open. It was stuck. I tried to pull them apart, but made no progress. I decided to just take care of one door first. I took care of the door on the left and started to force it open. It was opening slightly, but still no luck.
I continued prying it open; suddenly a giant, white paw appeared right next to me. It turns out Sadaharu wanted to help me; so I let him. With a bit of effort, we got the door to open slightly and it started to loosen up a bit. I pushed at the other door and it moved. We were doing well so far.
After realizing there was no need for any more prying, I got the door open on my own. One door fell flat to the floor while the other door remained in one piece. I looked inside and at that instant a bright, light shone and nearly blinded me. Within seconds, it slowly faded dimly. I saw a magic circle on the wall by a skeleton; its grip tightly on a book. Was that... a spell book? I wasn't sure what it was, but I felt as if it was calling to me somehow. Like it /wanted/ me to take it.
I was about to reach for it, when a voice made me jump.
"At long last, you've come." I slowly turned to see the figure of a woman.
She looked quite young. She had skin like snow and her hair was tied into a neat bun, held together with a pair of chopsticks. Her kimono was pink and embroidered with golden butterflies. The sash was purple and had butterflies as well. She looked clean even. What's this wealthy woman doing in a rundown place like this?
"I'm sorry, but do I know you?" I replied.
"No. But, you are the one chosen to hold this book. Wield it well."
"What are you talking about?"
I wondered what was wrong with Sadaharu. He didn't bark or anything. It was like he knows we could trust her. Or... if he really was a stupid dog, after all.
"That book," she said. "That book chose many. But, none have lived to see the day."
"What are you saying?" I panicked a little. All of a sudden, I didn't want to know anything about the book the skeleton held in its arms. The book was well-preserved; even the spine was left unscathed.
"That book is cursed."
"C-Cursed?"
"Indeed," she nodded. "Cursed. Those who hold this book are forever cursed with its demise. That man was able to avoid his fate because he used a seal."
I looked over at the seal that still glowed from its spot. I frowned a bit, not wanting the same thing to happen to me. I wanted to just leave right then and there, but something kept making me want to stay; despite the curse that she was telling me. I wanted to know... what was so important about this book... about the curse behind it... what is it?
These questions needed answers, and I wanted just that. I reached for the book, but stopped. I turned to the woman, "On what circumstances is this book cursed?" I sounded determined on this. But I have to know... She flashed a smile and said, "Circumstances?" she echoed. "You pay a price."
I looked at her suspiciously. "What price?"
"Death."
She had said it so plainly; I felt the air from my lungs die. And, my heart stopped. I could almost feel myself close to fainting, but I held my ground. I needed more than just that.
"Of course," she continued, "once the book is in your care, there is no turning back."
"Is there any other way of stopping this curse from happening; like, to prevent me from dying; or to reverse it?"
"He is no longer with us." she said. "You cannot deny or reverse this curse. You are eternally linked to that book once you take it."
"If for instance, I take the book, and I don't want the curse, can I get rid of it?"
"You can. But, unless you were able to take another's life."
Take... No, no. No, I couldn't. Maybe, I could take the book and not use it? No, that wouldn't be right. But, what are the odds of the curse to be just a rouse and no one would die? What sort of logic am I rambling about? Think, Arthur, think! Pick something...
I reached over to the skeleton and took the book. It didn't require that much effort; it slipped completely out of his clutches. Once I did that, the seal immediately disappeared, and no magic was longer sensed. I looked back; the woman was gone.

Sadaharu and I stepped out into the sun once again. It felt good to be out of there. I felt terribly uncomfortable in that area. I breathed in the city's air and sighed. I glanced at the book under my arm, then up at Sadaharu, who was also looking back.
"Well, old chap; let's not go around telling everyone what happened. Of course, no one is going to believe us, any way."
The dog yipped in response. I gave him a pat on the head and we continued our walk to the town.
After what felt like an hour, we passed by a diner and I realized that I haven't even eaten yet. It was almost time for tea. I looked over at Sadaharu and wondered if he was also hungry.
We would've gone even further, but someone called out to us.
"Oi!" the voice called out. "Oi, Arthur-kun. Where are you going?"
Gintoki. I turned around and looked at him.

~Both povs~
England had his eyes glued to the book. He took a sip of his tea and flipped a page over. These spells. I-I can't read them... Well, I suppose that curse was all for nothing. He admittingly sighed out of relief.
"Just what are you reading that's so interesting?" Gintoki was leaning forward, trying to catch a glimpse.
"What the bloody hell are you doing?" England glared and pulled the book away.
"Hey, I was just curious." the samurai shrugged. "Besides you haven't even touched your food."
England blinked and looked at his plate. It had been at least five minutes since he had been looking at the book; he had forgotten to eat his food. He blushed, bright red and looked away, grumbling. "S-Sorry." he picked up a fork and started to eat.
Gintoki reached over and took the book and leafed through it. "Can you even read this stuff?"
"No, but I can't say I've seen it before. It looks familiar..."
"Hmm..."
"What?"
"Where the hell did you find this?"
England started to pick at his food.
"It's, uhm, a long story..." he muttered.
Gintoki stopped and looked the Brit in the eye. "Try me."
"Uhmm... C-Can it wait?" I don't know if I should talk about here..." England said with uncertainty.
Gintoki nodded in consideration and let him finish his food.

Afterwards, they were walking back to Gintoki's office and England had just finished his story about the book.
"...And, that was pretty much how I got it."
Gintoki nodded, getting every word even though he didn't quite understand why. Even though, England was his temporary client, he didn't have a clue in the world about him. He had only learned his name and other things, but not like this. Not intimately. He had only been here for several days and yet here he is opening up to a complete stranger.
"A curse, huh?" the silver-hair said. "Personally, I don't think curses are that scary. I've seen worse. Better yet, I've experienced it. I don't believe in curses. The only curse we all have is to exist. There's nothing worse than greedy humans."
"Gintoki..."
He looked over at the Brit and smiled. "Keep that book. Whether or not that curse is real or a fake, use that book when you really need it. If you want to protect the person that's important to you, take it. You'll never know; I mean that curse could probably just whither and die away."
I looked at him, then down at the book. I frowned, looking down and finding an interest in my shoes. I wanted to believe his words. I did. But, something inside of me was thinking otherwise. Maybe the curse is true and what if I do die? How would the others find out? Will they just forget? What of America; and my brothers? How will they manage? I don't know what to do...
I was close to tears until I felt a huge lick on my face. I looked up and saw Sadaharu panting. It almost looked as if he was smiling. He made a little whine and licked again. I think he was trying to comfort me. I normally would have been disgusted and pushed him away, but I was so upset that I didn't mind it at all.
"Look, Arthur." Gintoki said. "I know what you're thinking, but you shouldn't go there alone. I've been through many hardships and yet still pull through. We all do. But, don't think it's the end of the world just because you've been cursed." he gave me a smile. "Just put up a smile and live your life to the fullest. It's better to die knowing people, than die not knowing any at all."
One thing's for sure, no one has ever told me that; no one at all until now. In the past, when America fought for his independence, all I wanted nothing more than what was best for him. He eventually got his independence, all because I broke down. Till that day, even now, I always doubted. I know I'm overreacting and people have always told me that it was in the past and that I should forget about it. But, it's not easy forgetting; it's hard when you end up going back to it. At times like this I would've just snapped and walked away from him, but I didn't. Pushing people away was always something I've done many times before. This time, all that's starting to change ever since I had gotten stuck here.

"We're back!" Gintoki exclaimed, closing the door.
"Welcome back," Shinpachi greeted them.
"Eh?" Gintoki blinked. "Where's Kagura-chan?"
"She went to buy more sukonboku." he replied. "She probably won't be long."
Arthur gave Sadaharu a little pet before going into the kitchen and making some tea.
"Uhm, Arthur-san." Shinpachi blinked.
"Yes, Shinpachi?"
"Didn't you just have tea this morning?"
"And he did have tea in the afternoon." Gintoki put in. "Hey, Arthur, when do you plan on quitting?"
And with that joke, England had finally snapped. "Oh, would you quit that? I can't go on one day without you aren't being a total idiot!"
"Welcome to my world," Shinpachi sighed.
Gintoki approached the Brit giggling. "Aw, come on, Arthur-kun! I was just joking!" he said, putting his arms around the man's neck.
Shinpachi blinked and watched them from the living room. "Uhmm..."
"Get off you, bloody wanker!" he shouted, shaking him off. "Why the devil are you so damn clingy all of a sudden? Get off!"
"Did... something happen today?"
Shinpachi wondered, watching the two.
Arthur had decided to leave the kitchen on account of Gintoki actions and just left the tea untouched. "You are seriously getting on my nerves, what the hell is with you? Get off!"
Gintoki looked as if he was mbeing dragged, not clinging to. "Hey, hey, hey, hey! Wait! Wait! My sword! My sword! You're clinging to my sword!"
"What the hell are you talking about; I am not clinging to anything! You are!"
Arthur turned and saw that his sweater vest was stuck to the hilt of Gintoki's sword.
"What the-?" Arthur accidentally took a step backwards; Gintoki stumbling forward and the two fell over.
"GIN-SA-!"
The door suddenly flew open and in came Kagura from the outside.
"I'M BACK!" she exclaimed, suddenly blinked at Gintoki who was on top of Arthur laying on the table while Shinpachi stood there awkwardly; the boy's jaw nearly touching the ground.
"Uh... Uhm..." Gintoki blinked. "Welcome home, Kagura-chan."

Chapter 4 seems kinda, "eh" in my opinion. But, like I said; if there is something I have messed up on, let me know I'll fix it whenever I can. And, thanks for getting this far in the chapter! -bows- And, plus it gets better in the later chapters. What's a little bit of comedy mixed in with a bit of action? Heh. Well, I won't be spoiling anything for you guys any time soon. Besides, if I did, where's the fun if you didn't read it? The next chapter or so might be about England trying to get around to using, the book, but who knows. Anyways, shiiki out~! ;D