I am the worst person. I'm so sorry for not updating for what, a month?!

*wallows in shame*

But please enjoy.

The number 13 has always been considered unlucky...

Kyuzo woke slowly, blinking a few times for his eyes to adjust. He heard a soft yawn next to him and looked down. Kiyoshi still slept in his arms, tucked in close to his chest. He brushed some hair away from her face and softly kissed it repeatedly. She churned a bit and opened her beautiful russet eyes. They observed the world around her momentarily before Kyuzo bent down and kissed her supple lips.

"Good morning." He whispered into her ear. She yawned again and rubbed her eyes. "Morning…" She replied as she stretched and tossed the blanket off herself. Kyuzo habitually shivered at the icy air and he got up. He messily raked his fingers through his hair before reaching for his swords. In a flowing motion, they were over his shoulder.

Kiyoshi offered him a rice ball and tea. The two ate their breakfast in silence and quickly set out for the village. "Hey, Kyuzo?" Kiyoshi said whilst they walked.

"Hm?"

"Remember how I said I would beat you in a sparring match when we were younger?"

"Yes. Are you still certain about that?"

"Of course I am. I'd like to see you try to beat me."

Kyuzo snickered openly which earned him a light punch on the arm. He looked at Kiyoshi then at the village. She got the idea. The two were suddenly gone in a blur, feet barely touching the ground as they sprinted. Kyuzo seemed to have a pretty good lead. Then he felt Kiyoshi leap onto his shoulders, grasp them with her hands, flip over and propel herself forward so she was in front. Kyuzo felt himself be shoved into the ground at her strength. Kiyoshi looked back with a devilish grin and a "catch me of you can" expression. Kyuzo growled in excitement under his breath as he picked up his pace.

The two tied their tace and joined up with everyone else. "So what's today's plan?" Kiyoshi asked as she crossed her arms. "More preparations. I feel as though the Bandits will arrive today. We must be ready for their arrival." Kambei replied softly. "Well, we should probably get started. Let's go!" Gorobei announced in his usual benevolent voice. WE quickly got se to work, until Kambei heard the familiar growling engines of the Bandits. The women immediately evacuated with Kirara and they quickly left the war scene. Everyone was ready for battle.

Then, out of nowhere, a bullet fired.

"I see it!" Gorobei called out. He swung at it, trying to cut it in half. His plan backfired. The bullet exploded in front of him. "Gorobei!" Katsushiro called out. The veternan samurai fell to the ground. Blood could be seen on the damp ground. No one could see the Bandit who fired. He probably escaped. Kiyoshi grit her teeth and scanned the skies through the misty rain. She swore under her breath and jumped onto the roof of a village hut, hoping she could get a better glimpse. Nothing. She thought she could feel tears in the corners of her eyes. She weakly convinced herself it was the rain, but she knew the truth. But why Gorobei? He was the first one to welcome her and Kyuzo... and now he was gone.

"Gorobei! Hey, this isn't funny! Wake up!" Kiku yelled. He was unbearingly loud enough to ruin everyone's mood. The village fell silent and the only thing that could be heard was the rain.

Just the rain.

Hearts were ripped of that friendly void Gorobei had filled.

"Let's give him a proper burial..." Katsu suggested so softly that no one heard him.

But he was grateful for that.