It has been years since the Shinsengumi has made their last stand in Ezo.

Kazama Chikage had indeed kept his promise and came for me.

The two of us are currently living in the Kazama Clan's household, in a place hidden away from human's prying eyes.

It was winter yet again. I was reminiscing about the past, as snow swirled about wildly in the yard.

"What are you doing?" Chikage asked as he walked into the room, noticing that I was dressed lightly for the weather.

Chikage promptly draped a kimono over my shoulder, a simple gesture that warmed my heart.

I smiled as I looked up into his concerned ruby eyes, putting my brush away. "I am trying to preserve my memories."

"The Shinsengumi?" Chikage asked quietly, having accepted our bonds truly. "It seems that you are still unable to let go."

"I don't want to forget." I closed my eyes, hugging my diary tight to my chest. "Not them, and not you."

"What a selfish woman." Chikage chided me gently, as he made himself comfortable beside me.

"They were men of honor." Chikage murmured after a while.

I nodded, "They are, aren't they."

"You have to live well for them too." A smile formed on his lips, "As Kazama Chizuru now."

I loved the Shinsengumi but the future is important too.

"I know." I kept my diary away, a precious record of the past. "Shall we take a walk in the garden?

"As you wish."

It is time to live in the present.