A/N this chapter has rewrote 2023

Also, I started to write this in 2011 before the manga ended. Now I have finally watched the anime and read the manga and all I can say is that this is an AU story.

English isn't my first language, but I truly hope that after these years (though I haven't written anything for about five years) I have gotten a little better at it. This is my summer project to finish this story, finally.

Chapter 1: Prologue

Do you really want to die early in the morning when the sun rises, it's just too cliché!

And why is there Shinsengumi and also Katsura?

It was over, finally. Gintoki leaned against the broken wall and took a deep breath that cradled his lungs. He vaguely realized that Kagura was leaning over him, the red hair now loose and there was a nasty wound over her left eye.

"Gin-chan, are you all right? I mean, do you handle yourself?"

Gintoki nodded. If he opened his mouth to say anything, there would be only the truth to say. He had promised. Stupid of him. He had to carefully think what to say.

"It's okay now, I think. Go, I think they need your help more than me." Gintoki glazed over the ruins of the Terminal. It was utter chaos. The night had been long and now that the morning was breaking they could see how much it all had cost them.

Kagura didn't turn to watch. She just stared at Gintoki and he tried to muster a smile on his face. He wasn't so sure he succeeded, but he truly tried. Just now he wanted to be left alone. No more lies.

" Oi, I'm okay, really, just go. Patsuan was really hurt, you know. Go find him. My wounds aren't so deep."

He could see Kagura's hesitation. How much those two fighted, they truly loved each other and Gintoki was using that bond. He felt a bit guilty about that.

"I know that, but you are also wounded, Gin-chan. And I'm sure Anego is there to watch over Shin-chan."

"Kagura, please, go check on him for me. I'm a bit worried. I promise, I'll just sit here and watch the sun rise." Gintoki smiled at her. Kagura relaxed a little bit.

" Promise?"

"I promise. I'm not trying to move anywhere right now. Just, go see how Shinpachi is doing and then come back. I manage. I just sit here." Gintoki assured. He was sure he couldn't even stand even if he wanted.

" Okay, but I'm coming back soon, Gin-chan." Kagura still hesitated when she straightened.

"Yes yes." Gintoki sighed and watched how Kagura finally hurried to find Shinpachi.

His wounds weren't so severe, but still, Gintoki knew that there wasn't something right. He felt so tired, too tired. Like he was drained out. He watched how the sun rose, so golden, so beautiful.

And suddenly there was pain. A terrible pain. He shivered fiercely. He bit his teeth together.

I knew it. Damn you Takasugi!

But he only smiled, trying to focus his eyes over the sun.

They were alive, his friends. All of them. Not like in the war. He lost so many of them there. Too many friends. Now he has successfully protected his friends. So many friends. He couldn't understand how he had gathered so many friends over his time in Edo. His family.

New shiver forced him to close his eyes.

Is this the price? If it is, it's fine, I accept it.

" Gin-san, there you are!"

Gintoki forced his eyes open. But he only saw the sun.

I know this voice.

"Zura?"

"Not Zura, Katsura." Katsura said annoyed when he crouched next to Gintoki. " I hate that name, Kintoki."

"Gintoki, Sakata Gintoki, you moron." Gintoki muttered. It was now just a reflex to answer.

"Yes, you are. And I would appreciate that you would honor my name. But, I have to go soon. The Shinsengumi do not look through their fingers forever. Ceasefire is over soon enough. And I bet that the Mimawarigumi will be here very soon. The Kiheitai, or what is left of them, are already bolted."

Gintoki only half listened to his oldest friend. His hand reached out and took of Katsura's yukata.

" Zura?"

"Yes." Oh, now he sounded alarmed.

"Promise me something." His voice was quieter.

"What now?"

Gintoki could feel Katsura's hand on his hand, his tight squeeze.

" Keep them safe."

"What? Who? Gin? Hey, buddy, are you okay?"

Katsura leaned forward and looked at his friend more closely.

" No, you are not okay, I can see that. Oh god, what is this? Gin? Gin?"

" I know my name, Zura." Gintoki muttered.

"Gin, where are you hurt?"

Gintoki laughed a loud.

"Everywhere."

And the pain took him.

"Gin!"

He heard them, but he couldn't answer them.

A poison Takasugi? You sure are slimy.

And then there was only the sun, the golden sunrise.

Then, nothing.