-Chapter 7-

"Even in death, you drag everyone to your mess."

"Toshi, don't be so harsh, he just woke up."

"Gin-san, I expect you to compensate me with cash. It was not easy to nurse you for more than a week."

"Aneue, stop being like that. It is our duty to look after each other."

"Shinpachi-kun is right. That is why I stayed here so I can take care of Otae-san too."

"Kondo-san, you're taking advantage of the situation to hit on Aneue again."

"Don't worry Shin-chan, I didn't consider that as concern but pestering."

"Eehh! But Otae-san-!"

"Shut up Gorilla."

"Toshi!"

"Don't involve me in your futile flirting."

"Why is everyone against me?! I feel hurt!"

Gintoki laughed. It was hard and painful for his lungs and throat but he couldn't help it.

All four looked at him with confused looks on their faces.

"Gin-san, you should not laugh or show too much emotions right now. That happened to me and I bled and got patched up again and again and again." Shinpachi scolded him with restraint annoyance.

"Patsuan..if you're gonna tell me that, all of you should leave and never show your faces. You all sound like chickens clucking in pain caused by eggs stuck on your buttholes. Except Kondo-san, he is a gorilla after all."

"HUHHH?!" Kondo clutched his chest looking hurt. "Why can't I be a chicken too? How can Otae-san and I get together?"

"Exactly the point."

"Nothing like that will happen, Kondo-san."

"B-But….Otae-san!" He launched himself to Otae who punched him straight in the face.

Gintoki bit back another laugh. Same old, same old. He looked outside the window. The sky was clear and everything was lively as they used to be.

Unlike that barren field and dark cloudy skies in his dream.

'Gin-chan…I'm scared…'

His smile faded.

"Well, I think I have to call Otose-san and tell her the good news!" Otae said in enthusiasm and looked at Hijikata and Kondo for approval. Both men nodded in response and so she jogged outside.

Gintoki followed her with his eyes then turned to his companions. "Shinpachi, for how long have I slept? Please tell me it's past the due date of our rent so I can use this hospitalization as an excuse to that old hag."

"Gin-san, it's not like you're really paying. Anyways, you were in coma for one week and three days." Shinpachi said as he sat on the chair beside the bed.

"One week and three days? That's too long! I wonder if Ketsuno Ana ever noticed she had one less viewer for several days."

"Like hell she would." Hijikata snarked at him.

"You don't have a say on my relationship with Ketsuno Ana, you V-haired freak!"

"What does my hair got to do with your non-existent affair?"

"Gin-san I told you to control your emotions. I woke up just the other day and my wounds had re-opened multiple times already." Shinpachi warned him, his voice sounded tired due to repetitive grumbles.

"Just the other day? Ohhh, not bad Patsuan! You beat me on that!" Gintoki grinned proudly.

"Don't make it sound like a competition, you idiot! Everyone was restless since the incident!" Hijikata yelled at him. His irritation overflowing like lava from an awakened volcano.

"Keh! You tax-robbers surely just walked around the hospital and flirted with nurses then called it work!" Gintoki answered back.

"What the hell did you just say?! Do you really want to die right now?!" Hijikata drew his sword and pointed it to Gintoki.

"How could you threaten a patient inside the hospital?! Minnaaaa! Toshi has lost his mind and is trying to kill me!" Gintoki yelled at the nurses passing by.

"Stop that you asshole!"

"Ha! Ha! Ha!" Kondo laughed. "Looks like you have recovered in an instant Yorozuya-san! No one can say how badly you were while in coma!"

"The only thing that was bad about being in coma was not consuming any sweets for a week."

"Gin-san, your blood pressure kept on surging because of your high sugar levels. You should really quit that addiction." Shinpachi said with mild disgust in his face.

"Nobody can tell me what to do! After all, I have long accepted that I will live a short and fat life." Gintoki defended with pride.

"How can you say that? If that happens, all the funeral expenses will be shouldered by me and Kagura-cha-"

A pause.

The mood dampens. Her name instantly switched the ambiance.

Shinpachi's eyes saddened as he looked down. Gintoki's eyes were fixed on him.

"Yorozuya," Kondo butted in to break the sudden silence. "I sent China girl home the day of the incident. In all honesty, we were too focused on the both of you that we do not have any idea how she was for the past week."

Hijikata glanced at Kondo. Right. He and his Chief do not have an idea how she was, but the Captain does.

"She didn't visit us?" Gintoki asked with a tone of pain and confusion.

"She did yesterday, but….."Shinpachi trailed off. He looked at the two officers. "Kondo-san, Hijikata-san, can I speak with Gin-san in private?"

Both of them nodded and walked out of the room.

Shinpachi adjusted his seat, not sure how or where to start. Kami must have been really listening. One moment he was crying for Gin-san to wake up and talk to him; now he was awake and ready to hear him out.

He recalled the events yesterday. Kagura's face flashed into his mind. He clenched his fists. His guilt was suffocating him. "Gin-san…I…"

He swallowed the lump in his throat.

He won't cry.

He won't cry.

He won't cry.

But his tears betrayed him.

He shut his eyes and clenched his fists tighter. At least hold back the sob. He gritted his teeth. His chest swelled in pain and he could feel his wounds stinging.

This is a man to man talk. He should at least look dauntless.

Gintoki was observing him. The stubbornness, the guilt, the depression-all showing in his face and body. He wanted to pat his head or his shoulder but the casts and bandages on both of his arms prevented him.

The incident may be a nightmare, but it was neither Shinpachi nor Kagura's fault. No one's at fault. If there should be, he's willing to shoulder the blame.

Shinpachi didn't deserve such emotional torment.

"Shinpachi," His voice was deep yet gentle.

Shinpachi struggled to open his eyes without letting a waterfall of tears." H-Hai…,"

"You look constipated," and he smiled warmly.

So warm that Patsuan melted and broke down crying on Gin-san's lap.

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"HE'S AWAKE?!"

Otose exclaimed over the phone. Tama and Catherine instantly turned their heads and ran to her side. "So can I see them now? That stupid officers should've allowed me ages ago!"

"You can see them now, Otose-san." Otae on the other line cannot help but chuckle at Otose's insistence. She knew that the old woman had been worried sick for days and the restraint order angered her. "Hijikata-san and Kondo-san have lifted up the order. "You can freely come any time you want."

"I will come at once! Those officers and the two idiots better prepare themselves!" She slammed down the phone.

"Unbelievable! Those two are so stupid they don't even know how to die!" Catherine commented earning a slap on the head from Otose.

"Otose-sama, shall we go with you?" Tama asked in her straight tone voice.

"No need for now. We're expecting a lot of customers today. Take care of everything here." Otose answered without looking at them.

"I understand. / 'kay." Tama and Catherine replied in unison.

Otose left them and walked to her room. Each step was slow as her mind processed the information. When she closed the door, she slumped on the floor and covered her mouth to stifle her cries. Relief was an understatement of what she feels right now. Her tears welled up on their own and the pressure on her chest blew up like a balloon. She was able to breathe deeply.

At last. She thought. At last.

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"You're too quiet." They both said at the same time.

Silence.

Shit.

It was too awkward.

"I don't have anything to say, yes?" Kagura said as she turned to look outside the car window.

"Me neither." Sougo curtly replied as he kept his eyes on the road.

Another round of silence.

They were currently stuck in a traffic jam. Earlier, Sougo received a report from Kamiyama about a road accident. He advised them to detour to an alternative highway which led them to their present situation.

Kagura pressed her lips as she played with her thumbs. Since when traffic jams occurred to Edo? And since when they became like this?

"This won't do." She heard Sadist's impatient remark.

"We can't do anything about the traffic, yes?" She noted how his forehead creased in annoyance.

"Being a police has a privilege, China." He said casually as he switched on the siren. The loud and high noise echoed throughout the streets and Kagura was completely amazed as the cars moved to give way.

"You tax-robbers really have selfish ways, yes? How could you possibly convince them that this is an emergency run?" She asked as they passed by each vehicle.

"That's where you come in. They'll just think I'm with a criminal." He deadpanned.

"What! How could you use me like that!"

"I can use you however I like, China."

Somehow, it sounded so wrong. Sougo realized it immediately but was too late to regret.

"Don't use me for your sadistic acts!"

It's a good thing that China is dumb.

"I am not your toy, yes?!"

And dense as hell.

Kagura continued on ranting while he just ignored every word she said. He drove faster to make it up for their wasted time.

Just then, someone crossed the street without warning. Sougo's fast reflexes enabled him to react before he could think as he stepped hard on the brakes. The tires screeched in protest and the two almost slammed their faces on the dashboard. Fortunately, the pedestrian wasn't harmed and remained rooted on the spot while hugging a big paper bag which blocked his view.

Sougo gritted his teeth in fury but since he was in uniform, he needed to be fuckin' calm. He stepped down from the car. Kagura followed. They both confronted the pedestrian.

"Oi! Can't you see that the green light is on? You can't cross the street yet!" Sougo said in a moderately-high and threatening tone.

"You almost died, yes?! Are you in a hurry?! Is your bladder about to explode?!" Kagura shouted angrily.

"Eh? Why? What's wrong? What green light?"

Kagura froze. That voice…

An older man with shaggy ash-brown hair came running towards them while carrying another big paper bag. "Hoiii Danchou!"

"Abuto! They were saying something! I can't see them." The pedestrian said behind the bag.

That Abuto was kinda familiar and Sougo racked his brain for memories.

"For godsake, why don't you put it down for a sec?" Abuto stood in front of them and his eyes met Kagura's. He was a bit surprised. "Danchou….I must say, your sister sensor is outstanding."

At this point, Sougo finally realized who they are. His battle instincts rose in full alert at a possible fight in the middle of the streets.

Kagura never expected an encounter like this with her brother. Kamui put down the paper bag and finally recognized them. "My, my. What a coincidence." He grinned at them. "Long time no see, little sis and….you….Omawari-san." His grin turned to a provocative smirk.

"Kamui…what are you doing here?" Kagura hissed.

"Don't be so stingy, I have some business here." He said still flashing his trademark smile.

"What business?" Sougo asked, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword.

Kamui turned to him. "Something that doesn't concern you, Omawari-san."

"It is my business. A criminal like you is not supposed to be roaming the streets of Edo in the first place."

Kamui laughed. "Really, you're a clingy type!"

"Hoi Danchou, do you really plan to talk in the middle of the street?"

Kamui blinked. "Oh yeah, I forgot. Well, do you know any place around here?"

Abuto stopped himself from facepalming. Sometimes, his commander was as dumb as any regular brat. "How can I? We are both visitors here."

"Oi we can settle this in an open space. Far from the crowd." Sougo said not amused by the pair's casualness.

"Wait a minute! I don't understand what's happening, yes?!" Kagura yelled as she looked at her companions.

"Get in the car China." Sougo ordered as he opened the door on the driver's side. Kagura was about to protest but decided to delay complaining about him ordering her around.

They got in the car.

Abuto and Kamui followed them and occupied the backseat.

No words were spoken for a second.

Sougo gritted his teeth and turned his head to his two passengers. "When the hell did I say that you can come with us?"

The pair was sitting comfortably. Abuto looked exasperated while Kamui was munching happily on his food. "Huh? Can we not? And here I thought you were the clingy type." Kamui said while his cheeks were bulging.

"Oi, can you stop that? It's misleading, yes?" Kagura said, totally irritated by her brother's presence.

"Omawari-san said he knows a place to settle this-munch munch- and we don't have a car."

"I never said I'll drive you there."

Abuto sighed. Being with a bunch of brats is tiresome. "You have implied that we can. Now step on the gas or I'll break your neck."

Sougo almost forgot that he was surrounded by three Yatos. Skills and willpower won't do any good right now. He clenched his jaw as he got back on the wheel.

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Otose marched towards Gintoki's room. Her aura was intimidating and dominating that everyone moved aside as she passed. She reached Gintoki's room and composed herself before entering. When she opened the door, she was greeted with the sight of Gintoki, Shinpachi and Otae chatting light-heartedly. "Ah! Otose-san!" The female Shimura welcomed her.

"It's good to see you Otose-san!" Shinpachi beamed at her.

"Yo, Baba! You still look as old as when I last saw you!" Gintoki grinned.

Otose didn't say anything as she walked towards them then stopped in between Gintoki and Shinpachi. The two only looked at her.

"Shinpachi, which part of your face was not injured?" She asked out of the blue.

"Hah? Well, I guess my ears?" He answered while touching his ears to check.

"Gintoki, is your nose alright?"

"What? Yes, it is. What's with the silly question?"

Without a word, Otose pinched and pulled harshly Shinpachi's ears and Gintoki's nose.

"Aaaahhhh! My ears! My ears!" Shinpachi cried while holding on to Otose's hand.

"Atatatata! You'll gonna rip off my nose you old bitch!" Gintoki yelled while wriggling from her grasp.

"YOU IDIOTS DESERVE MORE THAN THAT! BE THANKFUL YOU ARE WRAPPED IN BANDAGES OR I'LL BREAK EVERY JOINT IN YOUR BODY!"

"Otose-san! Please let us recover first!" Shinpachi pleaded.

"I get it! I get it! Now let me go! I will fall into a second coma if you don't let me breathe now!" Gintoki yelled while flapping his casted arms.

Otose withdrew her hands then crossed her arms on her chest. "Don't you dare fall into coma again! Your rent was five days past the due date already!"

"You evil hag! Do you only care about the rent?!" Gintoki ranted while trying to rub his nose with his arms.

Otae giggled. Everything was going fine.

Or not.

She was too occupied by relief to notice that someone was not there the entire time. "Otose-san, where is Kagura-chan?"

Otose looked surprised. "I thought she was already here? She wasn't at the house anymore."

"Ah! She must be with Okita-san. I asked him to bring Kagura-chan here. I wonder if they already know that Gin-san is awake?" Otae said as she recalled the events that morning before Gintoki woke up.

"Who's Okita?" Otose arched a brow.

"You know, that Souichiro-kun," Gintoki butted in.

"Who's Souichiro?" Otose got more confused.

"The young captain of the Shinsengumi. Otose-san, you have met him before." Shinpachi said to her while caressing his ears.

"Captain, you say? Hmm," She thought for a while, "Is he the guy hovering around Kagura?"

"Hovering around?!" Gintoki jolted up in shock then collapsed back as he felt a sharp pain on his abdominal wounds. He winced.

"Gin-san calm down! Otose-san might have meant it the other way!" Shinpachi said in panic.

Otose continued on recollecting pieces of memories from the past few days. "I think he's that moron who visited Kagura and even stayed overnight one time."

"WHAT?!" This time Shinpachi and Gintoki both shouted in shock. The advice about showing too much emotion will re-open the wounds was completely forgotten.

"Shin-chan, Gin-san. Please calm down. Okita-san had looked after Kagura-chan. You should be grateful." Otae calmly commented. She remembered Sougo's face that morning.

'I couldn't care less about her.'

Something's definitely up with those two. Her sister instincts never failed her.

"She's right. That moron did look after Kagura, that idiot girl locked herself up for a week and didn't talk to anyone even me. That boy said she had been drinking and crying when he came to your house and kept her company until morning."

"Kagura-chan…did that?" Guilt brewed once more in Shinpachi's chest. He slumped on the chair. "And here was I who should've comforted her at least but instead sent her away." He clutched his chest. "I am really a terrible brother….Gin-san…I am sorry….I failed you and Kagura-chan…" His tears fell again.

"Who failed who?" Gintoki leaned on his pillow and stared at the ceiling. "Didn't we work together? Didn't we look after each other's backs? Didn't we suffer together?" He looked at the window. "There will be times that we will plunge down to hell but that doesn't mean we failed each other. The Yorozuya family gets back up hand in hand…That is why, Shinpachi, do not blame yourself for anything. You did your part. Kagura knows it but, that tsun will never admit that you are the only earth brother she ever needed."

Shinpachi covered his eyes with his forearm. "But I hurt her with my words…"

"You can heal the wound by words too." Otose placed her hand on Shinpachi's head and nodded at Gintoki.

Otae was teary-eyed when he walked to her brother and placed her hand on his shoulder. "Shin-chan, this family is resilient. We can get Kagura-chan back and we will all return to how we used to be."

Shinpachi wiped his tears and nodded.

Their family would never ever be knocked out by anything. Their bond was made of an unbreakable chain.

They are the Yorozuyas after all.

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"Say, why are the two of you together?"

"We're not together, yes?"

"No. I mean it like, are you two heading to somewhere?"

"Yes, we are."

"Where?"

"Nothing that concerns you."

"Lest you forget, Omawari-san, she's my sister."

"Heeh, long time no hear of the word 'sister', yes?"

"What would you like me to call you then?"

"Call her ugly pig. It suits her."

"Shut up Sadist!"

"Sadist? Hehh, is that your name Omawari-san?"

"Hell no. Who would name their kid like that?"

"You don't need a name Sadist. Your personality speaks for who you are, yes?"

"Shut it China. You have no place in grown-up conversations."

"Grown-up my ass! We all think and speak alike!"

"I guess I agree on that."

"Stupid aliens."

Abuto wanted to get off. He was very much willing to jump off that moving car.

Seriously, his head was aching too much. These fuckin' brats had shouted, insulted and provoked each other ever since they started the trip. How far was that freakin' open space anyway? He rubbed his temples. One Kamui was more than enough to give him a bulk of stress. Did he really need to babysit another pair of terrors? For how long? He wished his commander would get on to business with his sister so they can leave the earth right away.

"We're here."

Finally.

They were at the riverbank. Indeed, it was spacious enough to hold a fight, plus the water can minimize the impact of any expected damages.

Kagura and Abuto sat on the grassy plane while Kamui started stretching. Sougo stood in the middle of an open area and waited.

"I was really looking forward to have a rematch with you Omawari-san. But I'm not here for you."

That was unexpected. Sougo smirked at him. "What's the problem? Too afraid to lose?"

"Not at all," Kamui grinned then turned to face Kagura. "I'm here to fight my little sister." His eyes were sharply focused on her.

Kagura felt a sense of danger. She flinched at her brother's predator gaze. Abuto nudged her. "Show him what you've got."

Right. She shouldn't back down. She stood up and jumped in front of Kamui. She readied her stance as she glared at him.

"Why her?"

They all turned to Sougo who was unmoved from his spot.

"Well, I told you, didn't I? That I have business here." Kamui said, sending a warning concealed by his smile.

Sougo was not convinced. He didn't trust Kamui's intention. This psychopath has an unmatched level of bloodthirst and to fight him is to fight til the last drop of your blood and sanity.

He would not allow it.

He wouldn't let China be provoked too much or else she might lose herself again.

Even with these thoughts, he said nothing and walked towards Kagura then grabbed her arms.

"What are you doing Sadist?" Kagura frowned at him.

"Let's go." His voice was firm.

"Omawari-san, please don't interrupt us." Abuto could clearly see the rising anger behind Kamui's smile.

Sougo turned sharply at him. "No." Then pulled Kagura more forcefully. She staggered behind him.

CLASH!

The hilt of Kiku-ichimonji blocked Kamui's solid fist.

"I told you not to interrupt." Kamui grinned dangerously.

"I already said no." Sougo didn't even flinch at the scent of bloodthirst. Kagura stood shocked behind him.

It was an endurance battle. Abuto watched with furrowed eyebrows. He wasn't worried about anyone. He ran his hands on his hair. "How troublesome. These brats have a lot of energy to spare. Guess, we'll not gonna leave earth soon." He sighed in defeat.

Both sides applied force and Sougo was well-aware that he is at disadvantage. He needed to outsmart him. Using his other hand, he released his sword from the scabbard and flipped his wrist to aim the blade at Kamui. The Yato jumped back but sprinted forward instantly to hit Sougo with his fist. Sougo charged head on with his sword, side stepped to avoid Kamui's fist, changed the dominant hand and directed the blade at Kamui's opened side. He high kicked him and the Kiku-ichimonji was thrown away. Another incoming kick and Sougo planted his feet firmly on the ground then blocked the kick with his arms. He, too, was thrown away at a distance but he immediately pivoted his foot and charged again to Kamui with his own fist.

A bullet passed in their middle and they stopped.

They both looked at the perpetrator. "That's enough, yes?"

"Keep your nose out of this, China." She aimed the next fire to his foot. "You bitch!"

"I see, earth people really like to interrupt?" Kamui dodged the bullet fired at his head.

"Your fight was pointless, yes? I don't even get why we're here." Kagura said as she blew the smoke on the tip of her parasol.

"Well, this was over only if Omawari-san didn't interrupt us first." Kamui said casually as he crossed his arms at the back of his head. Sougo glared at him.

"Get on with it already. We still need to visit Gin-chan and Shinpachi at the hospital, yes?"

Abuto butted in. "Why were they in there?"

Kagura hesitated to answer. "Just…nothing…"

Kamui caught the look in her eyes. It was the same eyes that had looked at their ill mother when they were young-tired and sad.

Abuto caught a glimpse of her clenched fists. He was behind her, he cannot see her face but by the way her shoulder tensed up, he already had a vague idea. "Must it be relevant to-"

"Then shall I proceed with my business with you, little sis?" Kamui cut him off.

"Oi" Sougo stepped in to meddle again.

"I won't ask her for a fight. We'll just talk. You can relax, Omawari-san." He beamed at Sougo. "Stop being clingy as well." There was a hint of mischievousness and suspicion at Kamui's quirked up lips.

Sougo looked at him sharply. "Do as you wish." He picked his sword from the ground then walked towards his car to rest. He slumped on his seat. His eyes didn't leave the three Yatos though, especially China.

Kagura turned to Kamui. "Well? This should be important, yes?"

"An Amanto was killed brutally here on earth just recently." Kamui started off.

Kagura stiffened. She looked away.

"I heard that the murderer was a Yato." He tried to read her expression.

"So?" Was her only reply.

Kamui smirked. "It was you, am I right?"

Kagura gritted her teeth. She clenched her fists tighter. Memories of the incident flooded her mind. "What do you want, Kamui?!" She snapped. Her eyes were brimming with tears as she glared at her brother.

Kamui remained unfazed. "Come with us."

Kagura's eyes widened. "What?"

"Be part of the Harusame."

Inside his car, Sougo had a similar reaction to Hijikata-san's message.

'The last idiot is awake. Where are you? Bring the girl here.'

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A/N: I really wished to see more Okikagu ft. Kamui moments in the anime or other fanfics. Anyway, you must have noticed by now that each event coincides with the other, I hope you're not getting confused. Thank you very much for reading and for your reviews!