The next day, well, technically it wasn't exactly the next day. I was only lying down on the couch just thinking. I am just about tired of lying on this same old couch every night. But, most of the time, I'm just tired of thinking. I glanced over at the book every now and then. What's so important about that book that everyone's after. Besides, the contract… what else could it be? Were the pages hiding something?

It was obviously handed down through the centuries, and well-preserved. I wonder… just how many people had used that book before I did…

That woman's features were still fresh in my memories…. But, just who is she? These questions just gave me more questions and answers and added up to even more problems. I need to get out of here to clear my head. I thought to myself as I stood from the couch and straightened out my clothes. I reached over to the table and grabbed the book. I waited for a moment. It was dead silent. I had to make sure they were asleep in case they thought I was going to leave—which, I was, but not to find my way back home. I needed to know what it was that this book had that everyone wanted answers to. But, I won't look through it here.

I looked at every page and yet, I haven't found a single thing about it that had any significance relating to what that Shinsengumi officer was explaining and to what that woman was talking about. It was just a bunch of jumbled up letters and symbols to me. But, I couldn't read them. Not a single word of it. Whatever was in there, I'm going to try to find out for myself before someone else does; despite the book being in my care.

I set out alone to go see what the book was all about. Whether or not I had any information, I was determined to know the secret behind it even though it may as well be under my nose for all I care. But, it was better to be safe than sorry.

I gathered my shoes and put them on. Little did I know that the closet door had opened and out Sadaharu went. I heard huge, soft footprints and they stopped directly behind me. I turned and saw the huge ball of fur staring at me. I blinked at him and stood.

"What is it?" I asked him quietly, not wanting to wake up the others.

Sadaharu sat down and stared at me with something in his mouth.

"What's that? Give it here."

I held out my hand and he opened his mouth, a leash dropped into my palm. I stared for a long moment before looking back at him.

"You want to go for a walk?"

"Arf!" he barked in reply.

I flinched and placed a finger over my lips.

"Shhhh... You'll wake everyone up!"

He whined a bit sadly. I gave him a pat on his head and flashed a smile.

"Tell you what; I'll take you with me but not a single peep from you until we're out of here. Is that a deal?"

I was making a bargain with a dog. Is this making sense anymore? I have been in this year for too long. It's affecting me.

Sadaharu panted and nodded in response.

"Good boy." I said petting him. His fur was quite silky, just how often do they bathe him?

We were finally out of Gintoki's office and walked past Otose's bar. Things were doing well so far. If I could get to walking Sadaharu I could be able to find the time to look through the book for anything. I wonder what could be in it...

I space out every time that woman comes to mind. Who is she? I felt a huge tug on my wrist and soon I realized that I was literally flying.

"AAAAAAHHH!"

I screamed as I flew through the air, grabbing hold of the leash as Sadaharu walked me instead. But, it looked more like concrete skiing if you asked me.

"SADAHARUU! I'M STILL ON HERE! STOP!"

Sadaharu just wouldn't listen and turned a corner. I gasped as I noticed I was closing in on a pole. I closed my eye and waited for the impact. And then, nothing. I opened one eye to peek and the last thing I could see was an opening and a set of swings.
I guess we're at the park. I saw Sadaharu make a stop and I ended up flying again when I had let go of the leash.

The only thing I remember was the sand box and blacked out for a bit.
I was woken up by one of the bums and they asked if I was homeless, too. Of all the-Well, there are people like these here back in London... So I don't have room to complain.

I explained to the man that I wasn't and left him a small bit of cash Otose gave me. He thanked me generously with a tight hug and left. Oh, I hope he doesn't give me lice. I stood up and brushed the sand away from my clothes. Sadaharu walked up to me, the book in his mouth. I have to admit, he looked quite adorable when he tilts his head like that. Such a curious creature this one is.

I retrieved the book and made my way down to sit on a bench while Sadaharu began running around the wide, open space the park had.

I opened the book and there were the pages. I closed the book and looked about it. Looking at it a second time, I noticed it was exactly how that officer described it; a serpent at both ends. And the pages: pure gold. He had explained it so well; it was unbelievable that it was really in my hands. It was practically frightening. I decided to do a little more digging while I had the privacy.

I scanned the park to see if there were any curious on-lookers about from the get-go ready to snatch the book out of my hands and use it for their own selfish purposes.
I opened the book and decided to read a page. To my surprise, it wasn't like anything I've ever seen before much less read it.

...ΣİÄØYĘWΔΟΔΔΩÈCÂTŒÅVİŪÜĖÕCŠXĒÜΘĀÊRÚÖMSXYZ...

What in the world...?

"Bloody hell!" I exclaimed. "I can't read a single damn word except 'XYZ'! Is this really from the old era or was this some alien plot? I don't understand! And... Is some of these Greek?" I sighed. It sounded pretty hopeless.

I put the book down and looked up at the sky. Sometimes I wonder what sort of thing this blue sky sees. Especially, through time... While this whole world is changing, the clouds are at a standstill. They shift from place to place; form various shapes and sizes without a care in the world. They aren't alive, but they've witnessed many hardships, seen war and all its 'glory'. Sadly, it seemed more like hell to those who have been through it. I've had my share in war stories. Some still hurt me; even to this day still haunt me in my dreams.

I thought about these things and curled up from all the pain it inflicted upon me. I felt tears gushing down my cheeks. They were warm and moist as they rushed down my chin as well as the corners of my lips. It tasted salty.

Sadaharu may have sensed my sadness. I heard him walking over and gently pawed at me. I looked over and gazed into his huge, brown eyes; the tears, still fresh continued to roll down my cheek. The pup tried to lick off the tears, instead, licked my whole face. Normally, I would've gotten angry and shouted, but I wasn't in the mood to feel grouchy as well as angry. This dog was trying his best to comfort me. I didn't want to push him away. I smiled and gave him a gentle pat on the head. He nuzzled his head onto my lap. I chuckled softly and continue to pet him.

"You have nice fur, Sadaharu." I told him.

He barked in response and licked my hand.

"I'll take that as a 'thank you'. So, you're welcome." I scratched behind his ear and his tail wagged vigorously. I laughed at the sight. He truly was an adorable chap I'll admit. I wasn't so much a fan of dogs, big ones more or less.

We spent nearly the whole afternoon at the park. Sadaharu was too big for all the play structures. (Plus, I didn't want to pay for anything broken and to have Otose or Gintoki to take care of it.)

After one last game of fetch, Sadaharu and I decided it was time to go home. He had the stick- or should I say, tree branch, deciding to take it home with him. I put his leash back on and grabbed the book that, surprisingly, was still on the bench where I left it. I felt a nudge behind me and looked at Sadaharu, who was staring back at me. He leaned forward and looked up at me. I blinked and decided to try my best to guess. And I guess he wanted me to get in his back.

"You want me to get on?" I had asked him.

"Arf!" came the response and he waited till I got on.

"Oh, alright." I smiled. "If you insist."

I got on his back and he stood. He looked over at me and wagged his tail. I giggled and patted his head.

"Come on, now, tally ho!" I told him. He barked and made his way out the park.

I watched as he stopped to examine a bug. It was, of course, small and bright green. I didn't know what it was until it flew away; a dragonfly. I didn't think this timeline had any left. I was surprised there was hardly any at all. After it had disappeared from eyesight, Sadaharu resumed walking again.

Still, I can't help but wonder why there was strong magic lingering here. It was strange; usually with magic this strong, something would have appeared and I would've sensed it in seconds. But, there were none. Could there be something blocking off access to all the magical creatures? Or could there be some sort of strong magic hidden and it was sealed to ward away anything to make it fall to the wrong hands? Whatever it was, it was going to haunt me.

Sorry, loves! Shiiki here! Took me a while to start updating again. I was planning on working on another fic much different from this. The reason for my hiatus is the fact that I had adult school and I didn't have time to work on this fic. Plus, I finally graduated! UGHHH! Third time truly is the charm. Staying after just to complete missing assignments is a pain! Stay in school, kids. Shiiki out!

(I also made a few edits thanks to one of my readers. I am always open to opinions and will go with the changes suggested.)

P.S. I will make sure to start updating often whenever I have free time and when college doesn't eat that extra time, which sadly, it might. But, for my readers… if they are still here. I thank you guys for putting up with me and my absence as well as my procrastinating. -bows- I'll try my best to keep updating whenever I can! I love you guys and have a great day!