Gintama: The Third Leg of a Crow

General Fic Warning: Genderbend, Female!Gintoki, Whole series spoilers, AU, OOCness, Not as humorous as Sorachi-Sensei's work - or anywhere near, Lack of fourth wall breaking, Any and all other Gintama warnings apply, Swearing, Child abuse, Darker then canon(?), Mentions of; beheadings, organ removal(hinted), blood, war,

Summary:

It isn't a passing whisper that catches his attention. In fact there is nothing soft in the way he learns about the 'Corpse Eating Demon'.
Shouyou still came across the Corpse Eating Demon, only it was a white haired, red eyed female child.

Title: The title of this fic comes from Japanese mythology of a flying creature depicted as a three-legged crow called Yatagarasu, (八咫烏, "eight-span crow") which is seen as evidence of the Will of Heaven and is symbolised as a form of guidance from Heaven.

Disclaimer: I don't know Japanese nor do I get half the references in this insaneness, stands to say that I don't own Gintama in any way, shape or form.

Gintama belongs to Sorachi-Sensei, our wonderful Gorilla who gifted us with this work of art!

Note: I don't know when I'll be working on the next arc, I want to wait until Silver Soul arc is done (But I don't want it to end so...) but you never know.

Thank you to those who have reviewed, favourited and/or followed!

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

The Demon and The Crow.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

A funeral held.

Many tears shed.

And Gintoki stumbles her way through the empty streets.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

I see doubt in your sword. A police hound shouldn't be ignoring a lost cat and getting lost himself. Want me to spar with you? Honestly, right now I bet I can beat you with this third leg of mine.

A laugh.

I'll pass. Not even the police can say where a forever lost and stray cloud will end up.

I know one place I wouldn't end up sober. And that's here, you got quite a filthy place here, when was the last time you cleaned? That isn't way you asked me out here is it? Better not be, this place is as empty as the streets, where are all the others?

Beats me. Probably at the funeral. I don't have the right to go. But it's convenient that nobody's here now. Because if this had been under any other circumstances, a legendary Jouishishi and the Shinsengumi Kyokuchou, would never get the chance to share a drink.

A bottle of sake held up.

A sad smile.

Join me for a drink, Shiroyasha.

Two empty cups filled.

Who asks an injured woman to drink with them?

If you keep caring about stuff like that, I'm going to think you were dropped on you head at birth.

Maybe I was. Would explain a lot of shit.

A glance shared.

Besides that, there are wounds only this stuff can heal.

A cup drained.

War really is cruel, huh? Whether you win or not, you always lose more then you gain. The victor can still console themselves by counting their gains, but the defeated can only count everything they've lost. The allies they couldn't protect, the enemies they cut down and the crimes of war. All of it adds up and weighs heavily upon them. They wonder what they even fought for, and whether there was any point in paying the price and sullying their hands. Tell me, is that how you've felt in all the wars you fought in?

An empty cup placed down next to another.

There's no point. No matter if you win or not, no matter what you protect or lose, there's no meaning to war. Glorify it all you want, but it's a pointless exercise that leaves nothing behind but corpses and sins. There's nothing worth going that far to protect. If there is something, it's the will to create a world free of senseless crap by fighting oneself instead of the enemy. And that will isn't dead yet. No as long as there are others who carry the torch.

A smile.

A cup drained and placed down.

Three cups filled.

Three cups shared.

Then we don't need funerals or farewells, do we? Sharing this drink is plenty.

A sigh.

Yorozuya. I'm glad we feel the same way. That no matter whose corpse you have to walk over, there are something that must be protected. Give Toushi and the others a message for me.

A muffled gasp and crimson widens.

Tell them not to do anything stupid and that Edo still needs them. Well, I've passed the torch. I'm glad the three of us got to share a drink in the end.

A smile.

Though I wish we'd done it sooner.

Wrists bound.

Three cups left empty.

Hold it. What's the meaning of this? Gorilla, you…

It's too bad. I thought there'd be sword fights, but the others are away. Would you like to take me on instead?

Cold crimson.

Swords drawn.

Depending on your answer, I'd be glad to dye that uniform red. What's the meaning of this?

What a surprise. You've always been at odds with them, and yet, you are making that face. Did sharing the sin of letting the Shougun die develop a sense of camaraderie between up?

You're not a very good watchdog if that's what you got.

He must be smiling up in heaven. You lost something that meant the world to you, but you've recovered to the point where you hold something dear again.

You're unusually talkative today. What the hell do you know about me?

Nothing.

An answer too quick.

But if you don't want to lose it all again, then don't you have something else to do? That man probably knew that the Shinsengumi wouldn't last long in Lord Nobunobu's government. If he were to be arrested in front of the squad, his family, they wouldn't take this lying down. That's why he put them on funeral detail. But he called you here. You understand what that means, don't you?

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Three eyes catch.

Two widen.

One left with sorrow and acceptance.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Black and white clash.

Uneven footsteps.

And everything freezes.

"Forgive me."

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

This is bullshit! What crimes has Kyokuchou committed? Is Nobunobu trying to make him take the fall for the Shougun's assassination?!

Let's raid Nobunobu's place! The Shinsengumi will be destroyed anyway!

Then let's use our lived to save our general!

Yeah!

Even so, he told us to live. The Shinsengumi may disappear, and we may be torn apart, but we each have to do what we can as members of the Shinsengumi. Isn't that what Kondo-san said?

Even if it means walking over his corpse? Is it really worth it, Hijikata-san? If we have to watch Kondo-san die, is there any point in serving this rotten Bakufu and being samurai? Do we still have to protect Edo, even though we've lost what keeps us here? I say to hell with that. If we can't protect our general after failing to protect the Shougun, then we're no longer samurai. Only cowards.

Do what you want. If that's how you want to be the Shinsengumi, then I won't stop you.

Fukuchou!

I can't tell who's right at this point. But just like you guys, I don't want to let Kondo-san die. And just like Kondo-san I don't want to let you guys die. I don't have the authority to tie you down anymore. The Demonic Fukuchou and the Shinsengumi code are no more. But if there's still something that ties down your hearts, then I'm sure that's the most important thing to the Shinsengumi. Believe in that and fight. No matter what path it takes you down, you guys are the Shinsengumi.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

There's the thump of two bodies falling to the floor, warm red mixing with cold alcohol, screams and multiple coloured eyes left to watch.

"Do you really think I would be satisfied by the same things as him?" Nobunobu asked, "I, Tokugawa Nobunobu, am the man who will bring about a new era. Thus, my alcohol, my women, and my subordinates must far surpass their predecessors. If you do not have fine wine, bring me fine women."

Sickly green eyes locked onto silver. "Shinsuke said you were an interesting one, that words could not describe a Demon dressed up in red. I do not see it." Nobunobu's face pinched into a frown when Gintoki payed no attention to him and instead placed a hand on the shaking shoulders belong to Tae as the teenager felt warm liquid flow over her hands.

"What the hell are you people doing? Hurting innocent people one after another, changing the world to what suits you best. New era?" Tae spat before rounding to pin tearing eyes on Nobunobu. "Who in their right mind would follow people like you?!" She stood up, uncaring for the blood staining her clothes, Gintoki's hand stayed firm in place "If you don't protect the populace that keeps this country afloat, how can you call yourself a Shougun?! How can you call yourself the police?!"

Nobunobu stood and folded his arms behind his back, "This is my new era." He walked forward, passing Hijikata to stand in front of Tae and Gintoki. "Which means that the incompetent police who can protect the populace but not the Shougun and incompetent Shouguns who die unable to protect the country have no place here."

A Mimawarigumi grunt knelt down behind the new Shougun, offering Nobunobu his sword. Unsheathing his sword, Nobunobu gripped onto Tae's chin, lifting it roughly so he could glare sickly green eyes into strong coffee. "Nor do the foolish people who oppose this new era."

It was a hand gripping onto his wrist that made the man sneer, and glare up into dull crimson. "Release me."

"Now why should I do that Nobunobu-san? That is what you told us to call you wasn't it?" Gintoki pushed at the wrist, forcing the new Shougun to release Tae as the silver head forced herself between them. Multiple swords where drawn and Hijikata was left watching over his shoulder, lips parted. "That you wanted to know how us peasants work and all that?"

She gave a smirk, "Since you're struggling so much to understand, I'll give you a few starting points." Nobunobu pulled at his wrist and sickly green eyes are left to widen in panic when the female samurai's grip didn't loosen. Crimson burned. "First; don't bite at someone unless you're willing to be bitten at back."

"Release me!" Nobunobu ordered as he brought his sword up to the silver heads neck, sharp metal digging deeper than any warning threat should.

Bloodlust.

"Second;"

In the time that it took for Hijikata to turn around, fist balled and raised. Gintoki's other hand had snapped up to the arm holding the sword and gave it a twist, disarming the Shougun while her other hand pulled back, bringing the man forward into a raised knee.

"Always bear your teeth at whoever's the most dangerous in the area."

Releasing both wrist, Gintoki let Nobunobu fall to the floor – eyes rolled back and stomach acids pooling under his head – and fish like crimson locked onto disbelieving navy blue. "You should save that punch for the idiot boss that left you guys behind.

There was only a chance for a soft mummer before the Mimawarigumi pointed their swords as Gintoki's neck.

"Y-You knave! What have you done to the Shougun?!"

"'Knave'? Heh, that has to be the least insult sounding insult I've come across. And it sounds like the doggies lost their eyes wagging their tails too much."

"Hello?" Isaburo called out as he brought his phone up to take a photo of the Shougun twitching on the floor, "Are you alive, Nobunobu-sama? Mind if I take this chance to exchange email addresses?" With a few presses of the phone buttons, he sent Nobume the photo, "And just when your wounds from before had almost healed, too. How sad." He flipped his phone closed and moved to look at Gintoki, "Sakata-san, I never expected for you to act out before Hijikata-san. And for such a worthless reason, you went and committed a sin that a hundred beheading will never atone for."

Gintoki smirked, "You're kidding me, right? Is making a Shougun throw up worse than knocking a few teeth out of one? Try again. But then again, you can you really add that on? After all, that harasser lying there is simply Nobunobu-san. I was only teaching him the way of a peasant, did you know that the best way to learn is to experience firsthand? And now our great leader has learnt something new for the day."

"I see." Isaburo came to a stop in front of the silver head, "The Shougun may change, and so may the era, but fools will stay fools." He turned his attention to the two of his mean, "Treat the wounded. I'll give you this, Nobunobu-sama went too far tonight. Rather than let the new government's reputation get worse," He turned back to Gintoki who lifted her wrists out, a smirk playing on her lips, that taller male answered as he placed the cuffs on her wrist. "We'll have a Demon take the blame."

"Gin-san!" Tae called out, coffee eyes watching as Gintoki was escorted out, the Mimawarigumi flanking her sides. The group of white only stopping once Hijikata placed himself in the middle of the walk way.

"What are you doing Hijikata-san?" Isaburo asked.

"We can't let you take him away," Haji jumped in, "If we keep quiet here, we wouldn't be cops anymore, let alone hard-boiled. Right Aniki?"

"Regardless of how we are up against, if we can't tell who we should punish and who we should protect, we cops are done for." Kozenigata agreed. "You guys are the weird ones here. At this rate, this country will fall to ruin."

"Do you know why humans have survived so long in Earth's ever-changing environment?" The Mimawarigumi leader asked, taking a step towards Hijikata, "It's because we adapt. To put it in a term simple enough for you non-elites to understand, when a new series begins, you are against something new, but by the times it ends, you find it hard to say goodbye. What's happening now might not look good, but you'll get used to it. You have no choice but to accept the fact the old era, the old heroes, will never come back. If you don't adapt then you'll just end up dying, like that Shinsengumi of yours."

Ink fell over navy blue, "None of us have died."

"That's only if you don't move, Hijikata-san." Isaburo started walking, the Mimawarigumi and Gintoki a step behind him. "If you so much as move a finger, you and your comrades will vanish from history as traitors. It should be clear to you now, you can no longer be heroes." The group of white passed Hijikata.

"Are you leaving already?" The group once again came to a stop when a female with a serving tray stepped out. Crimson widened. "But I have just brought out your orders."

"I don't recall ordering those." Isaburo stated.

"Ah, but I did." Gintoki walked pass the commander of the Bakufu police force, ignoring the tension rising in the room as the Mimawarigumi unsheathe their swords again to point them at the silver head.

Crimson and caramel met.

Let us meet a dawn.

The room went up in smoke.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Kintoki? What's wrong? You never call this number.

Tatsuma, we got a problem.

A pause.

What's happened?

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

A newcomer? You must be quite the criminal to get thrown in here. What did you do?

Beats me. I don't think I did anything wrong, but if I had to say, it would be picking a fight with the country.

Is that so? I did the opposite, I thought I was protecting the country, but I ended up in here before I knew it. Talk about ironic. Had we met outside these bars, we'd be enemies.

I don't know. The outside seems just as bad, only the prison is a lot bigger and there are many people locked up. If you think about it, take away what you believe as right and wrong, the whole country would be executed or maybe we would fight together. Jouishishi alone cannot overturn this situation. So let me ask you, Kyokuchou of the Shinsengumi, Kondo Isao, would you lend me your strength so that we can have a chance at protecting this country?

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Rain fell.

Did you forget something?

Yeah. But if I take it back, that'll be the end. If I open these doors, I'll never be able to come back here again.

You're not the only one. A long time ago, I went through something similar. There were two things I wanted to protect. I didn't wanna lose either. However, I ended up in a situation where if I didn't throw one away, I'd lose both.

Which did you choose?

I was greedy and tried to protect both, but I may as well have thrown them both away.

Shocked navy blue.

I still dream about it and wonder. Had I listened to him, would it be any different? If I wasn't so greedy, would I still have one? But that's neither here nor there.

Crimson met navy.

For you, you don't have to dream about 'what if's'. After all, it's still not too late.

A door opened

Rain fell.

You can still be greedy. All of you.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

If they do something like that they'll die! Both your men and my men will die in vain!

Nobody's going to die. I know all too well how tough the Shinsengumi are and you should know all too well how tough Jouishishi are. If the Shinsengumi and the Joui Rebels join hands, then there is nothing to fear, be it the country of whatever else. While we may stand on opposite sides, Kondo, surely we share the same desire to fight for our country.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Two sides of the law meet.

Both prepared to throw away their identity.

And raise their swords together.

All in order to save someone they care for.

A group of nobodies leave.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

A crow's cry.

Lose the bloodlust, Mukuro. We may have parted ways before but we both serve the heavens now.

I have no intention of ever serving those jerks again. If I didn't know better, I would say the same for you. You caught them by surprise. You could have killed either of the disciples at any given point, but you didn't. Why?

If you give a Demon the chance, they'll rip your life away without a second thought.

You seek them to end your life.

A black feather falls.

One already has.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Looks like we won't be able to take our time in our escape. That's a Yatagarasu tattoo, they're assassins from the Tenshouin Naraku, Crows.

Well these Crows of yours have killed the guards, Katsura.

Maybe there's someone who can't wait for our executions, or maybe someone has anticipated our next move. Either way, we can't sit here and wait. We have to move, Kondo, Matsudaira.

Katsura, if they know what we are doing doesn't that mean they know what Toushi and the others are doing? We have to find them! How do we get out of here?

Getting out of these walls is easy. I've lost count of the many prison breaks I've taken part of. It's what's outside these walls that we won't be able to tackle without outside help.

What is it?

Oh? So you were brought here without even knowing what kind of place this is? This massive prison goes by the name Kokujo Island. I'm sure the name gives the surprise away.

Is-Island…?

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

One entered smoke, two exited.

One skull cracked.

One neck left open.

Crows shot forward.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Gintoki snapped her bokken out to knock a Naraku across the jaw before she leant back, letting a bladed staff pass over her before her hand touched the deck of the blood stained and burring ship, allowing her to kick booted feet up into the chin of another assassin. Landing back on her feet she tilted her head, allowing a jingling staff to pass over her shoulder before her hand latched onto it and pulled, bring the Crow into her elbow.

"Looks like we made it in time for the party!"

She twisted and her leg caught the man she just elbowed with enough force to send him into another one before she threw the staff, digging it into their chests. Lashing out her bokken, she caught another Crow by the head, snapping it further then it should turn while her other hand caught the falling staff and shoved it out behind her, catching another by the chest.

"I couldn't make it to the funeral!"

Gintoki paused and grinned at the three Crows in the air. She brought her foot down, catching a loose – and burning – plank and sending it reeling into a surprised assassin.

"So I thought I should at least take part in the battle for revenge! Or else the Shougun may come back to haunt me!"

The silver head pushed herself back, letting two staffs hit the deck where she was just standing and with a snap of her bokken, two heads connected together.

"And that's really not something I want!"

Hijikata rounded past a Naraku, leaving him to have a staff jabbed through his neck before he kicked out at the body, sending it on top of the other assassin where he stabbed his blade through both bodies before slashing sharp metal out. He twisted and caught a staff on his blade.

"Do you realise what coming here means?!"

Pushing himself forward, Hijikata grabbed onto the non-bladed part of the staff and lashed his foot out, connecting it with a Crows chest before he twisted the staff out to catch it on the flesh of a hand as he rightened himself up. Keeping his grip on the staff, Hijikata turned down the extended weapon to lash his blade over a neck.

"If you come with us, you can never return to this country!"

He threw the staff out to dig into another chest before he brought his sword up to pry a down head swing, the Fukuchou slashed out before he move forward towards Gintoki, who planted a foot into another Crow, sending him towards Hijikata who ran his blade down the assassins back.

"A bit late to be saying that. I think we all came too far without knowing it."

Gintoki winced as hers and Hijikata's backs met. Red bleeding through white bandages.

"Gotten attached without knowing it too, because home doesn't sound right when there's no tax robbers to rile up, no Zura to mess with, no sadist to play around with, no monster watching Zura's back, no Mayora ruining everything with mayonnaise, no no-good brats… that's why we're all going to make it out of here."

Hijikata tightened his grip on his sword.

'Kondo-san, I'll be honest. Until now, I saw protecting Edo as my job and nothing more. I simply swung my sword because of who we were: Shinsengumi and samurai. But now, from the very bottom of my heart, I want to protect Edo. I want to protect our home! Kondo-san, I've finally become a proper member of the Shinsengumi.'

Hijikata and Gintoki shot forward.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Prepare for battle, men. Once we arrive at Kokujo Island, immediately begin searching for the escaped inmate and their accomplices.

Sir!

That's it? That's out mission?

Complaining again? If you don't stop soon I would begin to think you hate me, Nobume.

There is no one else for us to cut down? So you really believe that Kondo and his group killed the guards and escaped?

Who can say? I imprisoned Katsura Kotaro in the same prison on purpose. I would find it troubling if he wasn't capable of getting them out.

What about exposing Lord Nobunobu's cruel nature to the public? Is that also part of a plan to stage a rebellion?

All I want to do is clean up something far larger than anything the Shinsengumi members can get their hands on.

If you aim is not to kill off the rest of Kondo's group, it involves something with either of those two Jouishishi's.

Who's to say?

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Katsura can't help but smirk as Kondo voiced his worries.

Worries he should also be taking into account but doesn't.

He only really needs to worry about getting the three of them out of the walls of the prison.

Because he knows.

Knows that his hope is out there, free and still moving – injured, but moving.

Knows that his hope will meet him at dawn.

Knows that his hope won't let anything major happen to the three groups banding together.

Knows that his hope will lead the mixed group without much trouble.

Knows that his hope will do anything to get him out.

Knows that Gintoki won't let a repeat happen.

So Katsura smirks at the ships that burn on the open side of the island.

"They'll make it here. Just like you left your hopes outside these walls, I did too. We weren't known as the Four Heavenly Kings just because of our fighting styles. This is one of the tricks Gintoki used a fair bit during the war, Sakamoto was only happy about it if it led to us gaining more supplies then what we had before she set fire to half of it. It's a distraction. Meaning we need to head in the opposite direction of it."

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

They made the prison on this island on purpose. On one side is straight cliff face, the other holds a clear view of the sea. It makes it easy to spot ships from the front and almost impossible for attacks to happen from behind.

You say almost impossible. I don't see how we are meant to climb up this at all!

That's the point, the enemy would think the same, so they won't keep a lot of guards around here. And who passes up a free ticket into the show grounds, sexual harasser-san?

I don't see any foot holds until half way up, Danna. It'll be an easy climb after that point, but how do we get up to it?

Well, we really only need one person to get up there first to dangle ropes down for the rest of us.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Katsura tilts his head, listening to the faint sounds of footsteps echoing their own as they dart around the trees that blocked their path.

"How many?" Kondo asked, grip tightening on the stolen sword.

"You noticed, huh? Probably a few dozen Crows." Caramel eyes darted up to the branches that broke the sky apart. A black feather fell. "And some scouts."

"Scouts?"

"The birds." Katsura answered, lifting his pace up a little, forcing the other two to pick up theirs, "Unless we kill them all, we won't be able to escape their eyes. We needs to get to the others, fast. They've likely already been spotted."

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

A crow's cry.

We'll split into two groups once we get up to the top and dispatched any guards. One group will stay along the cliffs, the other will head inland to meet up with Zura and the Gorilla.

Are you sure they have made it out, Gin-san?

Yep. He's probably trying to beat his record too.

"Record"?

Last I heard, it was forty-three minutes and something-a-rather seconds.

Silence.

I'm not going to ask. I'm really not going to ask.

A crow's cry.

Does anyone have a way to shut those birds up?!

Hijikata-san, you can throw yourself at them. Who knows, they might teach you how to fly.

I'll bloody teach you how to fly!

Hey, Yamazaki?

Yeah, Danna?

How those crows looking?

They're scouting, aren't they?

Yep. Damn eye eaters know we're here.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

There's a gun aimed.

White catching.

A gun fired.

And Matsudaira takes a bullet.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

A played out sigh.

Geeze. What an awful sight. We made it to the top but it's already covered in crow shit. You go ahead Fukuchou.

Huh?

Isn't it your job to be cleaning up Gorilla shit? I'm sure as hell not doing it, I'll stick to cleaning up crow shit.

What are you-?!

Dull crimson glows.

Besides, I need to collect some payment.

Two sets of steps.

So you'll handle that side Danna? Guess that leaves me with our Shiro-Hime. Sounds good to me.

Sougo?

Truth is, I want to go too, unfortunately, Kondo-san has given me a role to fulfil. I'm Okita Sougo, Shinsengumi Taichou of the First Squad. My job is to be on the front lines, creating a path for people to follow. Meanwhile, you're the Shinsengumi's Demonic Fukuchou, Hijikata Toushirou. Your job is to lead people down that path without ever looking back.

A circle made.

A path left open.

Hijikata-san, no, Fukuchou. I leave the Kyokuchou to you.

A lip bitten.

Listen up. I'm adding one last article to the Shinsengumi Code. Until now, you've staked your lives to uphold the 46 articles of the Shinsengumi Code. Even if you have to violate them all, live!

The group of mixed nobodies run.

A smirk.

Make sure not to drop the wig on your way back!

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Katsura dug his nails into the bark of the tree the three hid behind, a bitten off curse on his lips as caramel eye spot the increasing glow of fire lit lanterns. "Kondo," He whispers, catching the attention of the two police officers as he turned to crouch down next to Matsudaira. With a muttered apology, Katsura lifted the older males back away from the tree and ran a hand over blood soaked cloth.

"It won't be long until they catch up to us." Katsura continued, pressing lightly on Matsudaira's back, forcing out a low groan. "Listen, you need to take him and run, I'll stay and distract them. The gunshot isn't a through-and-through, meaning he's not going to bleed out as fast, but if he doesn't get it patched up, he will. You need to get him out of here."

There's silence for a moment before Kondo wrapped one of Matsudaira's arms around his neck and hosted the wounded man up. Katsura stood up with them.

When the long haired samurai gave a nod and made to leave the cover the tree gave them, Kondo darted his hand out, gripping onto the others arm and stopping him.

Caramel met ivy green.

"You better get out of this alive."

Katsura gave a smirk, "You've seen Runaway Kotaro at work, but it's the Rampaging Noble that has your back." His smirk grew when the other's brows narrowed in confusion. "Go." He gave a nod and turned again, leaving the cover of the three with his sword drawn.

There was no turning back.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

There's a gun aimed.

A swipe of a sword.

A gun cut in half.

Useless.

A smirk.

I can't let you do that, see if he dies, I lose the cooperation of the Shinsengumi.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Kondo-san!

Toushi!

A weight lifted.

What happened?

Tou-san's been shot. Damn idiot was protecting me…

-Where's Katsura?-

Teeth gritted.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Why?

Why is it that you fight?

Why is it that you resist?

You, the Shinsengumi, were supposed to disappear before you even existed.

So why?

Why do you point your blades at Isaburo?

He's the one who saved you all back then.

He's the one who tried to save all of us children.

But there was never someone to save him.

No one could.

There still isn't.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Isaburo's hand held up in the air is the only thing that stoped any more of the Mimawarigumi members from attacking the lone Jouishishi standing under the moonlight with blood dripping off of sharp metal and red splattered over cheeks and dark clothing. "Continue after Kondo. He is only here to distract."

"Maybe," He smirks back, "But how many of you will be able to get pass."

Bleach blonde eyebrows narrow.

Black hair hangs over caramel eyes.

"Just because none of those three are here with me right now, doesn't mean I can't hold the back line all by myself against a bunch of humans. I mean I've held out this long haven't I?"

Shoulders fall relaxed and Katsura lifts his sword towards the sky.

White tenses further.

"I still haven't worked out how they work out the timing on everything."

The sword is brought down, there's a rustle and-

"This is the Shinsengumi!"

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Gintoki kept her guard up, even as Oboro lets down his.

"You really don't know when to give up. I guess it's only fair to tell you this. Sasaki Isaburo is a thorn." He lets his lead coloured leave dull crimson to look off towards the tree line. "His goal isn't solidifying the new government or a position in it. All that man wants to do is bring about the end of the samurai era and himself."

"Revenge then?" She questioned and lead bounced back to crimson, letting a silence fall over them.

"The Crow didn't kill its target. And Sasaki didn't kill his because the enemy he saw that he was meant to cut down wasn't a child the Heavens used to kill, but rather the Heavens themselves. He's not a Demon crying to the Heavens like you disciples, but rather a thorn forcing itself in that the Crows are trying to pluck out."

There's a rumble and Gintoki's eyes are drawn to the sky and a strained smile makes a home on her face. "You guys are more like cockroaches then Crows."

Canon fire sounds.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Scarlet was forced to look away from the ship a vast number of Naraku assassins ran out of and towards dark crimson as Nobume brought her sword down.

"You're going to stand by and watch as your Kyokuchou commits suicide along with this country?" Okita asked as he pushed back on the female's sword.

"That is my duty." Nobume angled her blade and swiped up, releasing the two blades from the deadlock before they lashed out at each other again.

Once.

Twice.

And they pushed themselves away from each other.

Tears ran down cheeks.

"Stop right there!"

And Kagura stands between them.

An umbrella stoping Nobume's sword and a hand griped around Okita's face.

"That's enough. You two have done enough.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

The hell? What is this? Why are the Mimawarigumi and the Naraku fighting?

Looks like we've all been played.

Katsura?

It's impressive though, being able to use such a large group of conflicting personalities, Isaburo.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Your time is up, Shiroyasha. If you'd have given up he would have lost interest with you, but instead you had to keep howling at the Heavens and now they've answered back.

There's a bright, white light.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

That's where-!

Gin-san!

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

What the hell are you playing at? Move, China.

Do you want me to? If you want to continue this fight, then go ahead. But if you want to stop, then do so. Had you two been fighting seriously, I wouldn't be standing. Look around, at this rate, both the black police and the white police will be destroyed. You both know this isn't the time to be fighting each other.

Who do you think the cause of this is? They-

I know nothing about them, but I do know her. I don't care for what she did in the past, but I do care for who she is now. She's not a bad guy.

A sword held next to a neck.

A tense blade.

What if I cut you down from behind? You don't know anything. I'm someone who can stab you in the back.

Go ahead. If that's what you really want to do, then go ahead. But don't cry anymore. Don't lie to yourself no more. I used to be the same, but after meeting everyone here? I felt free to do as I wish. This isn't a planet bound by chains. This is a planet of freedom.

Shock.

Everyone here is free to live how they want to.

Dark crimson widens and moves.

There's a staff deflected and a blade digging into muscle.

Bright blue and scarlet are left to watch Nobume fall.

"Nobume!" Kagura yells as she ran forward while Okita spun, scarlet darting for any sing of were the attack came from.

"Where-?"

There's a crash, drawing the attention of three sets of eyes over to where dust drifted up from stone.

As it parted, the three teenagers were left with widening eyes because with scorches running up white and black clothing, blood tangling in silver hair, crimson glowing a red bloodlust and hands forcing a bokken through a chest, Gintoki didn't look normal.

Gintoki leant her head down next to the white heads ear, "You should really make sure you opponent is dead before you move onto you next mark, Crow." She moved back and let a hand grip tight around Oboro's jaw, forcing lead to meet crimson, "You've made a mistake. You can do whatever the hell else you want to me. But don't you dare lay a hand on those kids." Nails pierce past skin as she places her remaining hand on the white haired male's temple.

Crimson and lead stay locked.

There's the sharp sound of bone breaking as Gintoki pushes. Snapping a neck.

"G-Gin-chan…?"

Gintoki blinks and lets out a short sigh before she picked herself up off the dead man's body, removing her broken bokken from the guy's lung as she did so. The silver head doesn't pay any attention to the new layer of blood splattered onto her nor does she meet the gazes of the three teens as she walks past them to stand on the edge of the rock formation.

"We're pulling out!" Her voice carries over the sound of fighting, catching the attention of all sides of the war. "Those closest to the water, head that way! Those more in land, head for the trees! Keep the injured in the middle of your groups!"

"Danna?" Okita asks, sand coloured eyebrows biting down in worry.

Gintoki ignores him, "You want to see those generals of yours? Live! And then snag a drink or ten from their pockets!"

There's silence, then a click and Nobume's voices echoes over hand held radios.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Kondo! Hijikata! We need to pull out! We're not going to last long cut off from the rest!

Damn it! We'll have to head to the retreat point, the others will rally there once the signal flare has been sent out. Shimaru and the others with Tou-san should be almost there by now.

Which one's the closest to here?

How-bloody Jouishishi's. Back towards the cliffs, but I wouldn't be surprised if they've already pulled a retreat, our group was already stretched thin, having to go against reinforcement wouldn't be doing anything in their favour.

I haven't seen Sasaki anywhere either since...

Canon fire.

We can look for him as we head out. Hijikata! Where's the other rally points?

The docks. And if you get desperate; jump and swim.

Gintoki gave you that one didn't she? Always keep jumping as an escape route.

-Is that why we found you two on the beach?-

Yes Elisabeth! We jumped ship!

…Past experiences chasing this guy and dealing with Yorozuya says we shouldn't ask.

I agree with you there, Toushi.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Gin-san, they're already here!

Keep moving! Okita, take the front. Kagura, hand her over to someone else and hold our flanks. I got the rear. Keep your guards up and don't stop moving!

On it!

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Oboro.

Utsuro-sama, I apologise. I didn't think that that rat you have taken an interest in would be able to survive the canon blast. I let down my guard. I will dispatch the rodents that scamper over this island immediately.

I will join you.

Utsuro-sama, there's no need for you to stain your hands with the blood of those rodents. We, your feathers, will take care of it.

You don't need to treat me like a retired senior citizen, I may be old but I can still move my legs. Besides, it's not often I get to walk on this planet and it'll be more fun to hunt down the rats then have them displayed for the picking. The thrill of the hunt, it's been some time since I last felt that. And, there's still that third leg of mine running amuck.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

There's the sound of metal trembling and a crow's feather falls before the flutter of cloth brought the attention of multiple eyes to the crouched, cloaked man in front of the retreating group.

And there's the sudden sense of death.

Of blood.

Of danger.

Of nothing.

Metal continues to rattle.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Okita tightens his grip on his sword.

He wants it to stop.

He wants the rattling to stop.

Because it shouldn't matter that his body understands what his brain is still trying to process.

It shouldn't matter he's come face to face with someone he may not be able to defeat.

It shouldn't matter that he could die.

None of it should matter.

Because he shouldn't freeze in the first place.

Because what does matter is the fact that those standing behind him can die.

So why can't he move?

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Kagura's nose twitches.

Because the man smells so familiar – if only a little different.

He smells of death.

Of blood.

Of sugar.

Of nothing.

It's such a familiar sent.

One she never saw to question.

One that shouldn't make her freeze – make her fear.

Because the scent of sugar is to cover the cloud of death

Because the taste of sugar is to cover the tang of iron.

Because sugar is meant to be something.

She should never – ever – have to fear the combination.

Because Gin-chan would never harm her.

So why is it suddenly the worse scent out there?

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Shinpachi forces down the collection of whatever it is that's gathered at the back of his throat.

Because now isn't the time to choke up.

Now isn't the time to let his head get to him.

Now isn't the time to let down his guard.

Now isn't the time to have a repeat.

Now isn't the time to be afraid.

Not with Yamazaki clinging onto him like a life line.

Not with Ane-ue waiting back at the boats for all of them to come back alive.

Not with Kagura-chan looking like a rabbit about to be run over.

Not with Okita-san shaking.

Not with Gin-san right behind him.

So why can't he do anything?

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

None of them notice the assassin moving until the tip of a blade threatens to take the sight of Okita's right eye and it's metal catching metal that rings out over them as Gintoki directs the dark blade away from scarlet and skimming pass an ear before she planted a hand in sand coloured hair while a leg kicked Okita's out from under him, forcing him down to let the assassins blade pass over his head and once again catch on Nobume's blade before both Gintoki and Okita fell to the floor.

The Shinsengumi Taichou didn't resist as he felt the hand move from his head and wrap around his chest to grip onto his shoulder before Gintoki rolled them out of the way of the blade that dug into dirt.

"You gotta move, Okita!" The silver head picked herself up as Kagura caught Utsuro's blade on her umbrella. Gintoki rounded around the Female Yato to bring her sword up, catching it on the metal of the man's forearm guard that he used to stop her attack. With a yell on her lips, Kagura brought her leg up to land a kick to his ribs and bright blue eyes are left to blink wide when her leg made contact with the butt end of the black guarded blade instead, leaving blood seeping through white.

Gintoki twisted the borrowed blade and jabbed it down to cut into Utsuro's leg.

A crow's feather falls and Gintoki snaps her blade out to the side, catching dark metal.

Crimson and crimson met.

Once again, Utsuro disappeared in a flutter of a crow's feather and Gintoki was already running forwards to where the assassin's feet land before anyone else in the group can locate him.

There's a painfully familiar smile and crimson blinks wide.

Gintoki snapped her blade out, deflecting the light eating blade before she twisted to lash out her blade again in a jab only for it to catch against Utsuro's blade that's already there. Pulling herself back slightly, Gintoki brought her booted foot up to plant it on the horizontal blade before she pushed herself forward with her other foot, locking her heel along the blade as she rounded her blade up and sliced through a crow's feather.

Her other hand snapped forward, throwing her weight with it to avoid a wound to the back. Still rolling in the air, Gintoki swiped her blade out, snagging it on straw before her back made contact with the ground. She forced her upper body to follow her legs until she rolled into a crouch, twisting, she brought her sword up to catch the black guarded blade.

"Get out of here!" Gintoki called out as metal rattled against metal.

"But Gin-san!" Shinpachi protested, his grip on Yamasaki's side tightening.

"Go!" The deadlock broke apart and the swords were brought together again, "Half of you are injured! You need to concentrate on that!" The blades twisted against each other and Gintoki forced Utsuro's blade away from her as she twisted to stand and slash her blade out once again.

A feather cut in half.

"You need to listen to her." Nobume closed a dark crimson eye in an attempt to hold down a wince. "That man is no ordinary man. Utsuro. The name of the man who reached the Heavens and became a Tendoushuu."

Metal continued to ring.

"Damn it." Okita muttered as he grabbed Kagura's wrist and pulled, making the Yato stumble. "Let's go!"

"Wait! Let go, Sadist!" Kagura growled out as she pulled at her arm, "We can't leave Gin-chan!"

Okita tightened his grip around Kagura's wrist, "Stop it China." His voice is soft.

The female Yato snapped her head around, a snarl on her lips as bright blue glared and her comment falls silent as she catches Okita biting down harder on his lip, splitting it. "You…" Kagura lets Okita drag her.

The mixed group of Shinsengumi, Mimawarigumi, Jouishishi and Yorozuya's ran in silence, the echo of metal crashing against metal faded.

"Danna wasn't reacting."

"What?" Shinpachi asked as he hoisted Yamasaki up higher.

"It's like she's familiar with that monsters sword." Okita continued, "She knew where he would be before we could even see him. Something like that only happens when you cross swords with someone so many times. Who is he?"

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

You know this soul don't you, third leg of mine?

Metal shatters.

In a memory that you shy away from.

Metal shards cutting into a palm.

But cannot forget.

Red rides down skin.

A memory of loss.

A broken sword jabbed forward.

Of defeat.

A mask lost.

But because of that.

A familiar smile.

You will never win, little Shiroyasha.

And Gintoki freezes.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

It's the rustle of leaves that make Katsura, Kondo, Hijikata and Elisabeth tense up and level their swords as they turned towards the sound, too on edge to pass it off as the wind.

Obsidian blinks, "Sougo!" Knodo cried out in relief as the sand hair coloured teen pulled out of the bushes, a group behind him.

Okita gave a tired smile, "Kondo-san…"

And it's the sound of unnatural rustling that makes the combined group snap their attention back to their surroundings, weapons raised as they move to keep an eye on the environment.

There's another rustle and multiple coloured eyes are left widening in variances amount of horror, as Gintoki's back makes contact with the ground of the clearing in front them – unarmed, white yukata nowhere to be found and black clothing ripped and red, blood and dirt mattered in silver hair and painting pale skin – before she rolled to a stop at the base of the lone tree.

She made no attempt to get up.

"Gintoki!" Katsura called out as he ran over to the silver head.

Dull crimson blinked slowly.

Katsura let his sword slip form his grasp as he landed on his knees heavily, caramel eyes darted over Gintoki's form, looking for anything that indicated turning her over wasn't a smart idea before he pushed lightly, but firmly on her upper arm, turning her onto her back and showing dirt clinging onto a wound above her hip and once white bandages dyed red. "Gintoki?" The long haired samurai asked as both Kagura and Shinpachi land on the other side of the female, the cry of Gintoki's nickname on their lips.

Dull crimson continued to blink slowly.

"Zura." Gintoki turned her head to Katsura and her hand moved slowly to scrunch a fist into his stolen clothing, "Tell me I'm seeing things."

"What?" Katsura blinked in confusion as he ran a hand over her bloodied forehead, the other falling over the top of Gintoki's bleeding hand.

"Tell me this is a nightmare. Tell me I'm seeing ghosts. Tell me I'm delusional. Tell me he's not real. Tell me he's not here. Tell me he's dead." She begged, tightening her grip.

"Gintoki, I don't-"

A crow's feather falls.

And there's nothing.

All eyes are pulled away from Gintoki to look at the man that now stood behind Katsura - who's turned as pale as Gintoki, caramel eyes constricting in distress and lips parting as memories of the past flash over the present.

"Zura, tell me I killed him." It's not a whimper, but a near thing that Gintoki speaks with.

Shouyou – Utsuro – smiles down at the two before he rounds his black guarded blade out.

Kagura locked her fingers around Katsura's long strands of hair before she pulled, ripping hair from skin but also pulling the male under the blade. "Zura!" She called out, bright blue eyes filled with fear and making both crimson and caramel blink just as Okita brought his blade up and Hijikata rounded his blade down.

Red flicked out onto bark and unfamiliar crimson blinks wide before falling neutral as Utsuro's sword arm falls to the ground – grip still tight around the light eating blade.

"Danna!" is called out and Gintoki blinks wide before she grits her teeth, her hand twisting in Katsura's pants leg further as she used the long haired samurai as leverage to plant a booted foot into Utsuro's chest, sending the assassin to the outskirts of the clearing.

There's silence as the mixed group watched as Utsuro caught himself before he could fall, an eerie smile in place.

A heart beat is shared.

Horror.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Sakata Gintoki.

It doesn't matter how many times you cut him down.

Tear him apart.

You'll never escape this karma you have taken on.

As long as you cry at the Heavens.

Defy them.

You will always end up having to cut down the one person you love.

You are after all, his third leg.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

His arm…

What the hell?

It grew back…?

Canon fire.

A body engulfed in flames.

Obnoxious laughter and eyes are torn to the other side of the clearing.

Oi! Kintoki! Zura! It ain't fair, Kintoki, thought I said ta wait!

Ta-Tatsuma…

Isaburo!

Nobume stumbles.

Ohh? So that's yer name, huh? Found 'im stumblin' around, so I asked Mutsu to grab him while we were gettin' you lot. Got a ship waitin' for us, we don't have time to wait around.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

'What about "Tomoko", Meaning "Affable Girl"? I don't have many friends myself, but I want our daughter to have many good ones.' – Received

'Maybe "Kyoko" then? Means "Cooperative Girl?" As you know I don't cooperate very well, I hope that if we name her that then she'll be able to work together with others in hopes of achieving her goals.' – Received

'How about "Yuko", "Gentle Girl"? In hopes that our daughter grows up to be a kind girl who cares for others.' – Received

'"Ganko" then? Meaning "Strong-Willed Girl". She'll grow up to be just like you, someone who's bull-headed and won't give in to anyone.' – Received

'Look, how about you give some suggestions then? If you don't, I'll write "Vagina" on her birth-certificate and you can be the one to explain to her why.' – Received

'I guess the name doesn't matter. So long as she lives strong. Everything else… I'll just believe in her. She's an elite after all. Let's call her "Nobume", "The Girl of Faith".' – Sending…

– Sending…

– Sending…

– Sending…

– Sent.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Gintoki absently pulled her fingers through long strands, detangling the clumps of blood that gathered and dried Katsura's hair together.

"The police fellows have been dropped off on their ships now." Sakamoto said softly over the sound of the three teenagers snoring as they used Elisabeth as a pillow – all three of them wanting to us Gintoki's lap, had it not already had an occupant. He gave a short sigh when nether crimson or caramel look away from the metal surfaces they were staring at and wood clanked on metal as the merchant moved to sit down next to the two. His legs stuck out further then Gintoki's as he pulled his tinted glasses off and moved to fiddle with them over his lap.

"What is it?" Sakamoto asked and azure eyes catch medical garbed bodies tense up slightly.

Lips part.

And fingers tangled softly in pink tinted silver hair.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Lightning cracked.

Rain fell.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Don't you think it's high time you stopped doing this?

A warm smile.

You'll catch a cold.

Why'd you have to say something like that on today, of all days? I wish you'd have acted like you normally do, called me a perverted stalker, hit me like you always do…

A huffed laugh.

You're making it hard to say goodbye, Otae-chan.

There's no need to say goodbye. After all, so long as you're around the Shinsengumi will stay alive, no matter where all of you go, because you'll be fighting to protect Edo, all of us. I know that. So there's no need to look so gloomy. Leave with your head held high and a smile on your face. If you don't, I won't be able to keep my promise to Shin-chan. I won't be able to say "take care" or "welcome back".

When you come back this time, don't so it from the roof or under the floorboards. Walk right on through the front gate. We'd be more than happy to offer you some tea.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Danna's staying behind because Edo has lost both Shinsengumi and Mimawarigumi? That if you stay here, we'll be able to leave Edo without a worry, that's what you're saying? Don't make me laugh. Not again, I won't freeze again. I can't let anyone else die.

So you're saying we can't protect Edo by ourselves? Do you wanna see for yourself, then?

The smack of an umbrella hitting skin.

The splash of water breaking.

The hell you doing, China?! None of us are fully healed yet!

Then why are you here? Did you come here to say goodbye like some stray? You? Don't you have something else to worrying about before us? Both of our families are in equal danger. But with the way you're acting, yours'll be the first to die.

You're right. There is something I need to worry about…

A smirk shared.

Weapons drawn.

Which one of us is stronger!

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

We knew things would end up like this, but it's still ironic. We always fought to remain as the Shinsengumi, no matter what. And yet, because we did just that, we can't remain as the Shinsengumi no more.

Silence.

Yorozuya, what are you going to do now? You helped us out, so I doubt you can stay in Edo anymore either.

Even if we took off after you lot, what the hell is Edo meant to do without its Yorozuya?

You're going to stay then? Do you even understand the situation you're in? Edo…

A smirk.

That's why, huh?

A smirk dropped.

Silence.

…You said you had to make a choice. What…?

Fish like crimson looks into green tea.

Depends on who you ask. Was it between two promises? Between a person and two others? I can't tell anymore.

Ash tapped into a dish.

I've got some good alcohol stocked up here. I hate drinking in crowds, so I come here to drink by myself. You can have them. They're expensive, so drink them one bottle at a time. By the time you've finished them all, we'll be back. And I'll pay the rest of my debt then.

Crimson looked away from navy.

You won't hear any complaints from me, but when did I do any favours for you?

Looks like that faulty brain of yours has forgotten, but that doesn't matter, I remember. And I'll never forget.

There's nothing to repay. If you have to bring back something, bring back a bottle of alcohol of some type to share with a big group, not some missed placed debt.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

"Looks like we've both got a ways to go." Kagura coughed.

"Obviously. We couldn't do shit against that damn Crow." Okita picked himself up from the shallow river water. "Keep this in mind. The next time we meet,"

A grin shared.

"I'll be stronger then both you and that Crow!"

Water splashes.

"So make sure you…"

Weapons hit.

'Don't lose to anyone else!'

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

A bowl placed in front of the right person – but also the wrong.

Two bowls swapped.

"Here's to never having to make that choice again."

A meal shared.

Two screwed up faces.

"That's awful."

Laughter.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

A salute shared

"I'll be back."

"Tale care."

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Rain stops.

Clouds part.

The sun shines.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

No education, no status.

The only thing we can trust is our own swords.

And we want to make a name for ourselves using them.

So we gathered in Edo.

Today, we have to leave it, but our dreams won't end here.

Let's come back, no matter what, to the Shinsengumi's home.

We'll swear it as many times as it takes.

We're gonna become samurai here in Edo!

Footsteps echoed by others.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Chapter 6 End.

And that's all I have this time around!

Hope you've enjoyed!

Please leave a review on your way out!

Till next time, ninjapanda16 out!