Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Here’s what Abuto expected to happen on a fine day like this.  He imagined being tired out by the twins’ antics, being chewed out by the Admiral for things beyond his control, and unreasonably expected to put them back into order. At the same time, his happily oblivious superior and family wrecked everything around him.  Then, he would collapse into his favorite chair, put up his feet, and lose himself in a long novel while listening to some smooth jazz.

So, why was he in the middle of the capital fighting with a psionic rabbit kaiju instead?

“GRAAARROOO!”

“Calm down!  Girls, you need to stop this, please!  It's me, Abuto!” Yelling at the top of his lungs, Abuto leaped over the panicking crowd frantically trying to escape the chaos.  He couldn’t believe his eyes when hundreds of sister clones ascended to the air like possessed demons before weaving their psionic tendrils together to create a bounded psionic field in the shape of an 80-meter rabbit.  It was their final form representing the Psi Network.  Psi Bunny.  But in this case, Berserk Bunny was more fitting.  Unlike its default pink and intricately woven appearance, the beast form was disjoined, red, and out of control.  The sisters usually needed Kagura to head the crown and manipulate their movements, but it was clear that there was no thought process behind the beast.  Jade Resort was no longer standing - instead. It was a pile of white and glass shambles that littered the plaza.

The sisters were artificial Yato.  As such, they only possessed a quarter of a Yato's strength and resilience, but dealing with an entire army of them was nothing to sneeze at. Primarily since Kagura herself trained them well.  It didn’t hurt that they also happen to be psions.  However, it would undoubtedly hurt him if this kept going on.

“Cover me, you guys!” The lieutenant yelled at his squadron as they tossed him some ammo.  Scaling a fallen building, he ran towards the 80-meter rabbit and fired.  Bullets bounced off its glowing hide.  When that didn’t work, he issued the order to fire explosives.  The fire hissed and roared, followed by plumes of smoke.  If anything, this only frightened the rabbit into lashing out with defensive rage.

“RAAAAR!” Berserk Bunny slammed her giant paw through the road with a deep roar, causing debris and smoke to immerse the now-empty streets. A part of him was relieved it didn’t connect with any of the sisters inside, but it was getting frustrating as the situation started looking hopeless.

“Abuto, watch out!” His fellow Yato subordinates shouted from their cover.   Behind him, he didn’t notice the large set of glowing red eyes locked on him.  He would’ve been swallowed up inside a cavern of teeth if it hadn’t been for Yoruzuya Gin-chan sweeping in to save him.

“Got you!” Atop a sprinting Sadaharu, Shinpachi grabbed him right before the kaiju could gobble him up.

“You almost got eaten!  Be more careful, old man!” Gintoki shouted with a grin.

“You guys…!” Abuto never felt as happy or relieved to see the swanky samurai as he did then.  He was even more surprised when Kuei and Kwan appeared, waving at him frantically.  “And you guys, too?!  Where are your parents!”

“Papa is fighting with Auntie Kyoko over that way!” Kwan pointed to an area ahead of them between a cluster of buildings where a reservoir was.  Distant explosions reverberated, along with the all-too-familiar lightning qi bolts zapping the moon’s atmosphere.  It was none other than Kamui.  In the distance, everyone could see Harusame’s Admiral battling a fierce death match against a crazed Kyoko, attacking him with all she had and dodging his lightning bolts using her teleportation.  The difference in strength was evident, as Kamui was physically more powerful than her.  However, regarding specialized abilities - Kyoko was the perfect counter to him as her teleportation aided her in dodging critical lightning attacks, and her unpredictability of appearing made it difficult for Kamui to gauge her next move.  Kyoko was relentless in her suicidal charge.  Her hair was wild and knotted.  Her purple cheongsam was ripped up.  She didn’t even seem to register the severe injuries he dealt her, not even as blood gushed from her open wounds and broken arms dangled uselessly at her sides.  Her usually stoic face was nowhere to be found.  Instead, her lips parted in a wide, unsettling grin with eyes unhinged.  She wasn’t saying anything but was fixated on Kamui with a visceral desire to kill - even at the cost of her own life.

“Kyoko… she removed her limiter?!” This was bad.  Abuto had never seen this woman like this before.  One glance at her and Berserk Bunny containing hundreds of angry, murderous sisters, made something click.  “No way… by giving into her Yato Blood, she set off a chain reaction within the other sisters, too?!  The Psi Network… she’s taken control of it!”

“But how?!” Shinpachi cried out.  Sadaharu leaped over debris and swatted the rocks the Psi Bunny sent him.  They managed to land a safe distance away from the rampaging beast.  “I thought Kagura-chan was in charge of their network!  She’s supposed to be the coordinator!  If she just issued some mental command for them to stop, wouldn’t they obey her?”

“That’s usually the case.  But when they’re berserk like this, it’s very difficult for me to subdue every one of them.  With these many sisters rejecting me with such strong emotions, not even I can’t overturn their will so easily.” Turning around, the men were surprised to see Kagura dressed up in glamorous red and white silks - as though the moon’s empress had come down to greet them.  Her eyes were bright pink as she attempted to regain control of the Psi Network.  Veins branched across her pale, sweaty forehead as she gritted her teeth, using every ounce of mental energy she had.  This made Kyoko momentarily stop as she clutched her head with a howl.  The rabbit kaiju also screamed in pain, throwing cars and demolishing nearby structures with thrashing.

“Kagura!”

“Kagura-chan!”

“Young miss!” 

“Mama!”

“Mother!”

"Woof!

Sadaharu and the men and boys shielded her from the flying debris.  Abuto and his men fronted the brunt of the avalanche by blocking the falling rocks with open umbrellas.

“UGGGH!  AGGAH!!  NRAAAAHHH!” Kyoko shrieked in agony, fighting back against Kagura’s attempt to stabilize her mind.  Kamui stood ways away, cautious and holding up his umbrella gun just in case.

“Tch!  So… stubborn!  Come on… already, Kyoko…!” Panting and flushed, Kagura swore as she clutched her aching head.  Psi energy swirled around her.  “Listen to me!  AGH!” As though being struck, stray pink volts bounced off her forehead as Kyoko, and the other sisters again rejected her command.  Kagura began to fall.  Gintoki, Shinpachi, and Abuto felt panic seeing this as they couldn’t catch her in time.

“Onee-san!”

“Onee-sama!” 

Kazari, Kobato, and Kureha fluttered to their sister’s side before she could hit the ground.  They appeared to be in discomfort as they fought against Kyoko’s bloodthirsty influence, but Kagura’s presence seemed to stabilize their minds.  It was clear that they were determined to keep control of themselves.

“Haha… see?  Stubborn, aren't they?” Panting from exertion, Kagura grinned at the worried men.  “Besides these three, they’re all blocking me out.  They won’t listen to me when they’re like this.” Her worried sons knelt on the ground beside her.  She caressed their anxious faces as they stared at her.  “Don’t worry. I’m alright.  Your sister is, too.”  Another bestial cry grabbed everyone’s attention as they looked to where Kamui and Kyoko were fighting.

“GARAAAGGHH!” Freed from mental restraints, Kyoko went for Kamui again.  This time, she used several metal rods nearby and teleported them straight through Kamui’s limbs.  Blood spurted from his mouth as he regained his footing.  Just as she teleported right before him, he used all his leg strength and kicked her straight across the water and into the cluster of trees.

“Young miss, is there no way we can help them?  The girls… is there no way to change them back unless we beat them to death?” Abuto was quiet in his inquiry, but his eyes held insurmountable concern for Kamui and his adopted daughters.  Kagura almost chuckled at seeing him look like a worried father.

“I never said that… don’t jump to conclusions, Abu-chan.” Kagura attempted to stand.  Kuei and Kwan immediately helped her and the other sisters up.  She petted a worried Sadaharu before continuing.  “If I can’t stop them from outside the Psi Network, we will have to deal with them from inside it.  I’m not exactly in a state where I can fight with all I have,” Saying this, she cradled her protruding stomach before looking at everyone with determination.  “So I’m going to need to ask all of you to assist me.”

“We’ll help you, ma’am.” Harusame’s Yato elites knelt before her in subservience.  “You’re the woman Harusame’s Admiral adores from the bottom of his heart - his beloved sister and wife.  He may be our leader, but we’d follow both of you into Hell.  He would want us to stand by you.  Use us how you will.”

“Thanks, you guys.” Kagura smiled at them appreciatively.  She gave a wary glance at her sons.  “Kuei, Kwan.  You two stay back.  It’s going to be dangerous.”

“Not happening, Mama!” Kuei retorted with a wild grin.  “We’re men, too!  Apart from protecting Mama, Papa, and everyone here - we gotta take a stand for our little sister, too!  Otherwise, we won’t be able to tell her how cool her big brothers are!  If she’s ever in trouble, she has to know she can rely on us to protect her!”

“Un.  Besides, Auntie Kyoko is my woman,” Kwan added thoughtfully, making everyone present arch their brows in bewilderment.  “Like Granny Otose said, it’s a man’s job to carry his woman’s burdens.  If something weighs her down, I’ll carry her until she can stand up again.”

“It’s a man’s pride to protect women they love!” Both boys declared with fiery resolve.

“I see…” Seeing their determined expressions reminded Kagura of a younger Kamui during childhood, when he fought to protect her from bullies and looked after their mother.  It brought a sweet ache of nostalgia to her chest.  “Well, if that’s your reason, then I have no choice but to rely on you.  Just be careful.” Hearing their mother say this brought bright grins to their faces.

“How about you guys?” Abuto asked Shinpachi and Gintoki.  “Are you going to protect these princesses, too?”

“Hah?  Princesses?  We’re not working for a cute, sentimental reason like that.” Gintoki sighed as he scratched the back of his neck.  “Our client is more like a witch working her minions over time.  But even so, she’s our client, we have to help, and we'll see this job to the end.”

“Be honest, Gin-san.” Shinpachi smiled.  “It’s better to admit that you want to look after these sisters.  They’re Kagura-chan’s sisters, after all.”

“Gin-chan…” Kagura stared at Gintoki.

“Well, fine… you’re right about that.” Gintoki snorted before he broke into a sheepish grin.  "Man, these Yato customs are a drag through the mud.  It's always fighting first and then talking later.  Pachi boy, let’s never take up a request from these guys ever again.”

“Sure, Gin-san.  But let’s deal with this first.”

"Woof!" Sadaharu barked in agreement, his tail thumping against the cracked concrete.  Kuei and Kwan went over to him and clambered atop his back.

“We got your back, young lady.  Just tell us what to do.” Abuto affirmed before turning to the sisters with a frown, his voice softening.  “Kazari.  Kureha.  Kobato… are you girls going to be alright?”

“Don’t worry, Baba,” The calmest sister, Kureha, explained their feelings with a smile.  "Kyoko's fury is affecting us, but we are conscious of our actions.  Within the network, we can feel every sister has a blood thirst for strife.  They are so agitated that they want to wrangle every man in sight.”

“It would be a lie to say that we don’t feel the same,” Kazari said.  “Especially since we want a piece of Nii-san for slipping past our defenses and getting to Onee-chan.  But Kyoko - who has always disliked Kamui from the start - is having it much worse.”

“We’re all in pain not because we share each other’s emotions but because Kyoko has been enduring these feelings all alone.  I can feel it…” Kobato whispered, her face contorted with distress.  “She’s lonely.  She’s scared.  She wants to be saved.” Looking at Kagura, her eyes became misty.  “Onee-chan… everyone… I’m sorry.  Don’t leave me.  Help me.’  This is what her heart is crying out.”

“I know…” Kagura whispered, her face falling before she hardened her resolve and faced the giant rabbit.  “But I can’t come to her aid right now.  These girls are my little sisters, too.  We can’t let them destroy this city or hurt themselves, so we have to help them first.” She closed her eyes as a soft smile appeared.  “In any case, I believe in Airen.  If anyone can save Kyoko, he can.”

“Nii-sama will…?  But…” Kobato inquired doubtfully, appearing concerned as she recalled that whenever one Yato lost control of their mind, the other naturally followed suit.  They would fight to the death as a result.  She has never battled Kamui before, but she knew of how violent and ruthless he was towards his enemies.  Kyoko was no doubt a threat to his survival.

"Don’t worry, Kobato-chan.  Kamui-san isn't the man he was many years ago who never had self-control." Shinpachi put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "After all, he's supposed to be the strongest man among your kind.  A male among men.  He won't lose so easily to his killer instincts after years of tempering his bloodlust.” Turning to Harusame’s Lieutenant, he smiled.  “Right, Abuto-san?"

“Of course,” Abuto answered proudly.  “We believe in our Admiral.  We wouldn’t follow him if he weren’t an upstanding man in the first place.”

“Right.  Kagura-chan believes in him, and his men believe in him.  So let’s believe in Kamui-san as well.” Seeing everyone’s resolute faces, Kobato felt better as she nodded.

“Onee-san… with this many people protecting you, we’re confident you’ll be alright.  We want to help, but Kyoko is our big sister, too.  So we’re going to save her as well.” Kazari informed Kagura.  Kureha smiled in agreement.  “We’ll get going then.”

“I see.  Alright then…” Kagura answered softly, waving her hand in a motherly gesture.  “Take care, you two.  Come back safely.”  Nodding, they armed themselves with their umbrellas and took off.  “Listen up, you guys!  My sisters aren’t pushovers, so if you don’t wanna die, you better pay attention!  Here’s what I need you to do!” Kagura grabbed everyone’s attention as she reviewed a plan to stop Berserk Bunny.  The goal was to draw the sisters to the reservoir away from the city.  After that, they would restrain them while Kagura recalibrated their minds one by one by mentally diving into the heart of the Psi Network.  That would take apart the bestial form from the inside out, like untying a knot in a ball’s center.  Everyone listened carefully and occasionally spoke their thoughts.

“Yeah… that might work.  Solid plan, Kagura.” Gintoki chuckled as he drew his wooden sword.

“Leave it to us!” Kuei and Kwan said atop Sadaharu.

“It’s risky, but we’ll be fine if we work together.” Abuto agreed after pondering for some time, and no objections were raised.

"Looks like we're all in agreement," Shinpachi pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose before nodding to the woman.  "Just say the word, Kagura-chan."

“Okay, then!  Men, get into your positions!  Drive these stubborn sisters of mine to the lake!  Let's remind them to kneel before their elders!"

“Yes, ma’am!” Noises of affirmation as the men spread out to follow her command.  Drifting over to her youngest sister, Kagura surprised her nervous sister with her unexpected request.

"Kobato, please lend me your power." 

“H-Huh?! M-M-Me?!” Eyes wide and uncomprehending, Kobato couldn’t believe what her big sister was asking of her.  “But, Onee-sama.  What you’re asking me to do is… I-I’m not confident that I can pull that off.” Looking at the reservoir in anxiety, she swallowed.  “You know how clumsy I am in battle!  Everyone else here is much more experienced than me.  My power won’t help you.  I-I can’t even control my mass very well…”

"On my own, my power isn't enough,” Kagura stated.  “I can't control everything that happens.  That's why we need to rely on each other.  Family is important.  When one of us isn't strong, another will support your weight."

“B-But I’m scared!  If I fail, it’ll p-put everyone in a difficult situation,” Kobato whispered, her eyes falling to her trembling hands.  “Look?  I can’t stop shaking.  If I’m like this, I won’t be able to help you… I’ll run out of energy.” Biting her lower lip, she let out a shaky exhale.  “Onee-sama, I’m timid and useless.  If only I were more like other Yato, I could be so much more useful."

“Everyone will siphon their emotions to you so you won’t run out of energy.  I’ll also guide you through the network, Kobato.” Kagura took her little sister’s hands in her own.  Her face was stern but not unkind.  “I used to be like you, Kobato.  I hated my weakness, and I wanted so badly to change.  When I lost against my Yato Blood for the first time, I was terribly frustrated.  Everyone else around me seemed so much stronger.  I wanted to be anyone but me… but we can only be ourselves, Kobato.” Her voice fell to a hush as the fighting continued in the background.  “So when you're scared, think of what you want to fight for.  Don't think about what others would do in your shoes - think about what you want.  What do you want to do?" Her gaze became fierce as she questioned.  “Why do you want to change?!  What do you want to use your strength for?!”

"I…want to save my sisters!” Kobato replied, a fire slowly building in her eyes.  “I-It's my turn to protect them after all the times they saved me!  Even just as I am... I want to do all I can to help them!  I wanted to be strong enough to do this myself, but... I need help.” She admitted before squaring her shoulders and rising.  She was still afraid, but she stood tall.  “So, please, Onee-chan!  Let's combine our power and save them together!"

"We will,” Satisfied and proud, Kagura pulled Kobato to the reservoir and waited.  The Yato division used explosives and fireworks to scare the roaring bunny into the clearing.  Shinpachi and Gintoki were close behind.

“Pull, men!” Abuto ordered as they roped cables around the resistant rabbit’s legs.  The seventh division assembled in front of several lines, screaming at the top of their lungs.  “HEAVE!  HO!”

“GRAAARRGH!” Ears flattening, the corrupted Psi Bunny let out wild, heavenly shrieks so high-pitched that it caused the men’s ears to bleed, but they overrode their pain to save their daughters.  She kicked up the white sand and moved her head, causing the men to cry out as they were flung into the air while still hanging onto the cables.

“This way, Aunties!” Atop Sadaharu, Kuei and Kwan waved frantically to get the beast’s attention.  “You’re almost there!  Nya, nya!  You can’t catch us!”  Sadaharu herded the pink rabbit by snapping at her heels, driving her to where Kagura and Kobato were waiting.

“Do it, little lady!” Abuto shouted over the chaos.

“Kagura!  Now’s your chance!” Gintoki yelled, striking the bunny’s lower leg with the back of his sword.  The sharp actions startled her into bucking him and taking off.  Everyone stood back as the rampaging bunny headed directly toward her.

“Get in the reservoir, Kobato.  Wait for the signal.” Kagura told the other girl without looking at her.  Kobato did as she said and waded into the water several feet from the shore.  Taking a deep breath, Kagura activated her psionic limbs.  Pink tendrils weaved and braided together until forming an elongated whip that stretched across the beach.  Taking the other end into her hand, she swung it with a powerful flick of her wrist.

PHIT!  PHIT!  PHIT!

The glowing pink whip shattered the air like thunder, frightening the wild beast.  Sparks of light lit up the night sky whenever she cracked her whip in an attempt to tame her.  But whenever the beast tried to retreat, Gintoki and the others would herd her right back - forcing her back to the water.  Kagura went on the offensive and dispersed her braided whip, stringing up its body with multiple tendrils and dragging the struggling, bad-tempered rabbit towards her until she was almost a foot away.

“RAAAAARGGHH!” The rabbit kaiju roared right in Kagura’s face.  The force of her scream caused her hair and clothes to shake violently. Still, Kagura remained undaunted as she stared directly into her red eyes, which reflected the many of her sisters hiding within the beast.

“What are you so afraid of, my sisters?  It’s just me - Kagura.” Frozen in place, the beast quieted upon hearing her low, unrelenting voice.  “Onee-chan is here.  I’m sorry I broke my promise to you… I know you’re upset with me, but holding back your disappointment put you all through so much pain.  I didn’t mean to hurt you.” The triangular tomoe spun in her repentant gaze as she locked the rabbit in place, taking advantage of her surprise to muzzle her.  She opened her arms towards them in a loving manner.  “But it’s alright now.  Even if I can’t live on the moon, you’ll always be my cute, sweet little sisters.  I’ll always be here for you.  If you’re angry or want to cry, throw a fit as much as you want.  Then you can rest in my lap until you feel better.”

“Onee-chan… it hurts… please… help us…”

Hundreds of their crying faces appeared in Kagura’s mind as they called out to her.  A giant tear appeared in the rabbit’s eye, rolling down her furry cheek.  Feeling the depth of their emotions within the network, Kagura felt tears of her own well up and overflowing.

“Now, Kobato.”

After feeding off the emotions of Gintoki and the others, the youngest sister activated her ability.  Everyone’s feelings became a huge energy source for Kobato’s psi output.  Concentrating hard, she psionically collected all the water in the reservoir and absorbed it into her own.  The river bed was almost empty.  Pink eyes glowed behind a rising wall of water as she climbed higher and higher, casting a shadow over Kagura and the rabbit.

“EHHHHH??!!!” All the men gawked in alarm and awe at the sight of the weakest sister clone becoming a literal force of nature.  Instead of a puddle, Kobato turned into a tsunami.

"WOOO!  GO, AUNTIE KOBATO!" Kuei and Kwan cheered.

“Let’s make up, my sisters,” Kobato spoke into the depth of every sister’s heart.   “Family is best when we all get along.  Let’s eat under the stars and have another picnic when this is over.  Together, with everyone.”

FWWOOOOSHHH!

A thundering crash erupted throughout the beach as the giant water vortex belted atop the weakly struggling rabbit, pinning her down save for her head.  The force of the widespread splash created a short rainfall as all the Yato opened their umbrellas and watched the sisters from afar.  Kagura reached out and embraced the rabbit’s enormous head.

“There, there… good girls.  Onee-chan will help you feel better, so it’s okay.” Kagura whispered, burying her face into her soft fur.  “Don’t be scared.” Whenever the rabbit struggled, Kobato managed to gently restrain her by increasing her water mass and pressing down on her like a weighted blanket.  Kagura focused on stabilizing the Psi Network by temporarily severing the sisters from Kyoko’s mind.  Delving deep into the heart of the network, Kagura initialized a slow, hard reset by calming each sister's mental state.  She needed to take it slow, or it would seriously mess up their neural system.

“Man… women are amazing.  One moment they’re scary, then loving and gentle the next.” One of the Yato men whistled.  “As expected of the boss's wife.  She really is like a goddess.  She’s the strongest female of our kind with a long history of breaking up family fights.  Even if they go too far, she’ll stop them.”

Remembering what happened on Rakuyou all those years ago, the Yato division chuckled.

"Kagura’s strongest weapon isn't her fists or psionics.” Gintoki agreed.  “It's her unshakeable love for her family."

“Yeah… do you think the boss will be alright?” A younger man spoke up.  “I’m sure he won’t kill Kyoko, but…”

“Don’t worry,” Abuto answered without taking his eyes off the ladies.  “It's just another sibling quarrel, after all.  Kyoko didn't cry when her big sister was taken away from her, and she didn’t say anything when they married.  But now she’s finally throwing a fit in front of the Admiral for once - just like a little sister would.” A sordid chuckle left him as he looked up at the starlit sky.  “It's a big brother's job to soothe his little sister when she's having tantrums.  And when she’s done." He looked back to the scene before him.  The Psi Rabbit’s bounded field came undone as an unconscious sister rolled out of the water individually.  They were caught by Shinpachi and the twins, who gently roused them awake and greeted them with happy smiles.

“He has to be there to wipe away her tears.” Abuto finished with a soft smile, putting away his umbrella to attend to his confused and alarmed daughters.  When they saw him, however, they immediately relaxed and opened their arms to him since they were too weak to get up.

“Baba…”

“It’s alright.  I’m here.” Kneeling at their level, Abuto comforted them.  He stroked their heads as though they were little girls.  “Jeez, you almost gave me a heart attack.  Don’t ever do something like that again.” He tried to scold them, but the relief pouring out of him ruined the effect.

“Sorry… sorry, Baba!  Sorry!” Choking back their sobs, many sisters buried their faces in his black cloak and blew their noses on it.  “BWAAA!” Snot and tears covered his clothes, but the lieutenant held them as they bitterly cried their hearts out.

Airen… the rest is up to you now.  As Kagura continued to soothe her little sisters, she recalled their previous conversation and Kyoko's lonely smile.  Kyoko doesn’t realize it, but I’m not the only one she needs.  Her sisters, Abuto, Pappy… everyone in Edo care about her.  But right now, she needs her big brother to save her.  I can’t be there, so you must find your reason.  She felt her energy drain to the point of sleepiness, but she forced herself to stay awake - at least until the job was done.  It’s fine to tell her to stand up and be strong.  But when she’s at her lowest point, reach out to her with your gentle hand… just like how you did with me all those times before…

In a far-off dream, she imagined an alternate reality where the three of them walked hand-in-hand on the streets of Rakuyou as children.  Kyoko and Kagura held his hands on either side as they walked under the rain, using their umbrellas to shield him from it.  On one side, little Kagura would be laughing up at her smiling brother.  Meanwhile, little Kyoko would look off to the side with a distant expression before being tugged along by Kamui, admonishing her to walk correctly.  She would look at her siblings before breaking into a soft smile.  Then they would all go home where their mother and father would be waiting at the table to eat dinner with them.

Because Kyoko is your little sister, too.

.

.

.

“Haa… haa…”

“Heh… heh… heheh…”

The smell of gunpowder, burnt wood, and spilled blood wafted about the pale bamboo forest as two siblings faced off.  Both were heavily injured, but the desire to win overrode their exhaustion from long ago.  Kyoko’s arms were broken, and she was bleeding everywhere.  Kamui had little to no injuries, but mental fatigue was catching up to him.  He was running out of ways to subdue her without snuffing her life out.  

“I thought you wanted a formal duel, Kyoko… but this is more like a thrashing,” Kamui smirked as he wiped the blood from his busted lip, pushing down his inner beast that wanted so badly to come out and finish this farce of a fight.  “I knew it.  You truly are a Yato.  You won’t give up unless one of us kills the other.  But, you know… if I get too serious, I’ll end up killing you.  Aren’t you afraid of dying?” A chuckle left him as he shook his head.  “No… I think that’s what you want me to do.  You’d rather me kill you than live with your mistakes.  What a stupid sister… you’re an even bigger coward than I am!”

For a moment, Kyoko’s smiling face broke as anger momentarily seized her.  However, she reverted just as quickly.  Giggling, Kyoko tilted her head at a strange angle as she tore down another section of trees and teleported where he was standing.  Acting fast, Kamui moved out of the way and charged his qi into lightning as he blasted them away.  Both of them had already broken their umbrellas a while ago.

“AAGAAHH!” A howl of pain escaped Kyoko as he managed to hit her.  He electrocuted her with thousands of volts, and she couldn’t move.  Kamui was careful not to apply too much voltage and limited the length of her punishment.  After ten agonizing seconds, she collapsed in a boneless heap.  Kamui stayed back, hoping this was finally the end.  But then, her eyes snapped open as her heart forcefully restarted.  Her charred fingers reached beneath the slit of her dress where her thigh holster was - containing all her senbon.  She didn’t give him time to react as she teleported all the sharp needles directly into his qi points, rupturing his arteries and disabling his ability to use qigong.

“GUNGHH…!” Pain knifed through his musculoskeletal system as his nerves were set ablaze.  He hissed as he shakily reached to remove the needles, but Kyoko was faster.  Grabbing a nearby bamboo stick, she impaled him through his abdomen - slowing his healing factor.  Then she followed up with a vicious kick that sent him into another grove.  This made the needles dig deeper into his veins, and he couldn’t move.  Kyoko’s shadow cast over him as she leaped above him.

“AHAHAHAHA!”

Ah… this is a pain.  Looking at her makes me sick,  Kamui didn’t look away as he stared into her frenzied eyes.  It’s like seeing my past self at my worst.  Kyoko, huh… you named her well, Kagura.  She really is like a reflection.

Just before her leg could connect with his head, two women moved in front to shield with them their bright umbrellas.  Kamui couldn’t believe his eyes as they fought their sister with the ferocity to protect him.  Pink tendrils tangled with each other, twisting and slamming the oldest sister clone several yards away.  She landed on her feet, but not without stumbling from shock.

“You two…” Kamui uttered.

“Nii-san, you look worse for wear.” The pigtailed sister greeted him calmly, her gold bells swinging with her ribboned pigtails.  Her eyes didn’t leave Kyoko’s as she continued speaking.  “I never imagined we’d ever rescue the likes of you.  Please don’t get used to this behavior from us.  We’re here for Kyoko.”

"There's no need to be shy, Kazari.” Kureha crooned, cupping her teasing smile with her long, bell sleeve.  “It's okay to say you came to help because you were worried about Nii-san.  I was worried, too."

"Quiet, Kureha...” Kazari scowled, though her ears turned pink.  “You don’t need to tell him unnecessary things.”

“What are you doing?” It was more of a demand than an actual question.  Kamui looked at them with dark eyes.  “If your sister is like this, you’re only endangering yourselves by being here.  I don’t feel like beating you guys up, either.  Hurry up and leave.  You should be helping Kagura.”

“This ungrateful Nii-san is still saying stupid things.” Kazari snapped.  “You’re the one who’s skewered like a porcupine.  Throw away your pride and accept our aid already.”

“I don’t remember asking for it,” Kamui answered just as coldly.  “I haven’t fallen so low as to need your hand holding.  Now, go.”

“Nii-san, we’re here because you’re our family, too,” Kureha calmly cut in before Kazari could lash out.  “You don’t need to worry about us.  Years of meditation and spiritual training keep me detached from my bloodlust.  And Kazari is too proud to be wrangled into submission.  I realize you dislike asking for help, but it’s better to fight together back-to-back than to struggle alone.” She glanced at him then, a silent plea in her eyes.  “Please.  We won’t get in your way, so let us support you.”  Kazari didn’t say anything, but her expression said the same thing.

“Ah… seriously, that’s cheating.  This is exactly why I hate having so many little sisters.  No matter the situation, you team up against me until you get your way.  Why couldn’t I have had brothers instead?” Kamui grumbled, allowing Kureha to pluck the senbon out of his body.  He breathed in relief as he was able to move again.  Rolling his shoulders, he shook off the remaining numbness.  “Fine.  Do what you want.” He wasn’t looking at them, but the tips of his ears were also pink.

“You’re probably aware of the situation already, but let me reaffirm it,” Kureha said.  “The Psi Network has gone berserk due to Kyoko releasing years of pent-up resentment, fury, and sadness.  Because we share each other’s emotions, most sisters have also gone berserk.  As a result, the sisters reject Onee-san's shut-down command and act on behalf of Kyoko's rampage.” She paused before looking at a wary Kyoko, who was waiting for them to make the first move.  “But, of course, even if Onee-san and the others manage to stop their rampage, we still have to deal with Kyoko."

“So, what are our options?” Kamui asked, standing on his own as he glared at their opponent.  He grunted as he removed the bamboo branch from his stomach.  He pressed down on his abdomen to prevent blood from spilling out.  With the senbon removed, his wounds slowly began to close.

"In her current state, Kyoko won't listen to reason,” Kazari stated, giving him a furtive glance.  “She will also not hold back against us if we continue to aid you.  Therefore, Nii-san has only two options. Either destroy Kyoko or die at her hands to subdue her rage." Her eyes flitted to his.  “So, what will you do?”

“Unlike you guys, I’m not the type to sacrifice one thing to achieve another goal.  I want to have it all,” Kamui answered with a smirk.  "You think I'd die for someone else’s sake? Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm too selfish to do something like that. Because, as I said before, I don't intend to lose. But I don't intend to harm another sister ever again."  Everyone was completely still - it was the ultimate standoff.

"...Why are you trying to save Kyoko?” Kazari asked quietly, her face contorting in confusion.  “It may be unconscious on Kyoko's part, but the fact that she genuinely hates you enough to want you dead is a testament to her deep-rooted grudge.  If I recall, you dislike her as well.” Kamui remained silent.  “Why go this far?  Is it because of Onee-san that you’re doing this?  Or is it for Kuei and Kwan?”

"...It's true that I want to keep my oath to Kagura. I also don’t want my sons to cry if their precious Auntie gets hurt. But I have my reasons, too."

“You do…?” Kazari didn't understand.

"Yeah," He replied.  "Everyone has hated someone at least once in their life. So if Kyoko despises me because she cherishes Kagura to the point of enduring pain when she sees her suffer, then I can understand.” Having said this, he thought of his parents and how hard he desperately tried to save his mother from the father he perceived as his worst enemy.  “That's why instead of killing her, I'm going to scold her with all I have.  And I won’t stop even if she cries.” He watched their pink tendrils lick the air like fire.  “The only one who can save her is herself.  But if she reaches her hand out for help, then I’ll grab it and pull her back up.” He then addressed Kazari and Kureha. “It's the same with all of you guys. You're not only Kagura's little sisters - but mine, too.  So, Onii-chan is going to protect you with all I am."

“Nii-san…” Kureha managed to say, her jaw dropping in shock before a smile bloomed.  “Heh, heh.  As I thought, you’re like sour candy.  Your exterior is corrosive and harsh, but you’re sweet inside.  The shock value of your gap moe is no wonder you’re popular with female fans.  This is what people call a ‘tsundere,’ right?”

“Quiet, you.  Don’t push your luck while I’m still nice.” Kamui huffed.

“What part of this man is ‘dere?” Kazari bluntly asked.  “He’s an immoral and carnal beast who needs to be baptized.  In short, he’s just an idiot who lives to kill and defile Onee-san by impregnating her.  I don’t get this guy’s appeal.” Hearing this made Kamui’s cranial vein throb in anger.

This bratty bitch… her mouth is even worse than Kagura’s and Kyoko’s combined.

"Oh, Kazari. Just admit that hearing him say that made you happy.  I can feel your emotions, you know.  You’re starting to like him, too.  Right?"

"Gngh…!” Kazari turned red before hissing.  “Be quiet, Kureha. Stop saying unnecessary things!"

“Like me or hate me - think what you want of me.  Both of you, shut up and concentrate right now.” Kamui replied with a sharp smile.  “Don’t get overexcited.  If you get in my way, I might accidentally kill you.  Now, it’s obvious I can’t just bludgeon her to death, so is there another way we revert her to normal?  From the inside, maybe?”

“Impossible, that’s….” Kazari started before stopping.  “Wait.  We might be able to do that…”

“Go on,” Kamui urged.

“As you know, Nii-san,” Kureha said.  “Usually, Yato can be beaten into submission until they return to their usual state.  However, we are not natural Yato.  Triggering our Yato Blood is an irreversible change.  That’s why we rely on Onee-san to regulate our network to keep us stabilized.” Kureha informed, analyzing the situation.  “But Onee-san is already busy with the other sisters.  So, what you're actually suggesting is to delve into Kyoko’s mind and reverse her trigger manually.”

“Meaning… what exactly?”

“Not many sisters can do this, but Kureha and I can combine our abilities to grant you temporary access to the Psi Network,” Kazari explained.  “We can connect your minds - enabling you to pass through Kyoko’s subconscious barrier and deep into her psyche.  When this happens, you’ll see her most important memories and confront her inner self.  We can win if you can convince her to accept herself.” She then directed her attention to Kyoko, who gathered an immense collection of shattered trees and prepared to attack.  “Looks like she’s tired of waiting.  Tell us what to do.”

“Go all out with a pincer attack.  Pin her down so I can get close.” Kamui ordered his sisters.  “Her teleportation is tricky, but as long as you’re touching her, she’ll have no choice but to take you wherever she goes.” He then addressed the pigtailed woman.  “Kazari, when you get the chance - hypnotize her into a deep sleep.”

“I can do that,” Kazari answered.  “Then what?”

“Kureha,” Kamui addressed the other sister.  “When Kazari puts her to sleep, use your psychometry to trigger her most significant memories.  Then you guys can connect our minds.” When Kureha nodded her assent, the Yato siblings crouched in defensive positions.  “Alright, huddle’s over.  Think you can keep up?”

“Like you even need to ask.” Both women replied at the same time. Their eyes flashed pink as they summoned their tendrils.  The elder brother broke into a savage grin as he cracked his knuckles.

“Then get going.”

All three dispersed in different directions at the same time.  Kyoko sent a rain of bamboo down on them.  Branches spliced the air and embedded into the ground as they weaved around to dodge.  Kamui and the sisters ganged up on Kyoko, barely giving her time to counterattack.

“Take this!” Kamui reappeared above her with a fist raised, and his punch splintered the ground just as Kyoko dodged him - cornering her right into their ambush.

“HYAA!” Kazari and Kureha closed in on her from both sides, engaging in close combat while their tendrils and umbrellas clashed like a storm of swords.  They sprang apart before closing in on the eldest sister again - who manages to grab their umbrellas and warp them elsewhere.

“GNNNGH!” Kyoko split her legs and kicked their faces simultaneously - shattering their cheekbones.  However, she was surprised when they locked onto both legs and ensnared her form using their tendrils.  She struggled and howled as she teleported them into multiple structures to shake them off.  When she warped inside an abandoned temple and threw them against the rotting walls, they still didn’t let her go.

“Thrash all you want!” Kazari spat out blood as she dug her nails into Kyoko’s thighs.  She gritted her teeth as Kyoko grabbed handfuls of her hair, ripping out several strands and leaving her scalp raw.  “Ggh!  You’re not getting away from us, sister…!”

“Ah…!  You’re merciless, Kyoko.  You are as ferocious as the elephant Nāḷāgiri,” A strained laugh escaped from Kureha.  Tears of pain flooded her eyes as she endured her sister’s wrath.  “But we will not allow you to sink into Naraka as Devadatta did.  You do not contain even a shred of his evil.  So please return to your senses already!"

"A-Aaah!" Conflict briefly broke Kyoko's enraged face as she appeared affected by Kureha's heartfelt plea.  Then she continued her violent struggle of trying to pry them off her.

“You’re a disgrace to the sisters!  If Onee-san could see you right now, she’d hate you to death!  No, she’d want to kill you herself!” When Kazari spat these venomous words, there was a falter in Kyoko’s movements.  Of course, Kazari didn’t mean what she said, but her words had the intended effect.  Taking advantage of her hesitance, Kazari yanked her down by the hair and forced her to look into her hypnotic gaze.  Kazari forced the older sister to fall asleep when their eyes made contact.  Meanwhile, Kureha tied her down to the temple’s interior structure using multiple tendrils - connecting to the shrine, beams, and the foundation itself.

Kamui sat in front of Kyoko’s weakly struggling form, trying to reawaken but to no avail.  He allowed Kazari and Kureha to phase through his head using their transient limbs before connecting him to Kyoko’s head.

“Just so you understand, once you’re inside the network, there’ll be no escape until it’s over,” Kureha warned him in an unusually grave voice.  She and Kazari looked like a wreck like he did, their hair undone and clothes ripped up.  Discolored bruises littered their faces and arms, and they looked to be having difficulty breathing - likely due to several broken ribs.  Kamui's respect for them grew, as they didn’t even complain.  “Because you’re invading Kyoko’s mind, she won’t let you leave until she opens the door herself.  Naturally, Kazari and I won’t be able to come to save you if you’re in trouble.”

“This is the first time someone besides us sisters is entering the network through unusual means.  So we don’t know what will happen.” Kazari stated.  “But then, you’re an unusual man, to begin with.  Knowing this, are you still prepared to go?”

Instead of a snarky retort, Kamui nodded and closed his eyes.

“I’m ready.”

“I see,” Kureha answered, her eyes activating a triangular tomoe as she used her psychometry to trigger Kyoko's buried memories.  “Then, let’s begin.”

A jolt of strange energy ran through his nerves as he felt the strange sensation of falling.  He felt his mind disconnecting from his body and saw a peculiar light immersing him.  As his consciousness receded, he could hear Kazari telling him something in a faint voice.  She sounded so far away.

“Don’t lose, Nii-san.”

I don’t plan to.

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.

.

Sinking deeper down into a gray expanse - it was a bother for Kyoko to open her eyes.  She’s shut herself inside her world: an endless limbo beyond a mirror.  On the other side, she was vaguely aware that fighting was happening.  Faintly, she could hear the roaring of the network’s beast and everyone shouting to contain it.

The last thing she remembered was running up to Kagura’s suite after realizing the former had not returned for some time.  When she saw Kamui with her, she could no longer think.  There was only fear, sadness, rage… and loneliness.  Her most tremendous pain was being rubbed in her face by the man she refused to call her brother.

Kyoko only wanted to be Kagura’s little sister forever… but Kagura didn’t need her anymore.

No one could find her in a dark place like this.

“I’m alone, and that’s the story of the embittered witch.”

That was the last thing she remembered thinking at the time.

Now, Kyoko no longer heard anything.  She couldn’t see anything.  She only felt the sensation of falling through endless limbo.  But then, she felt another presence.  Someone else was here, but their company wasn’t known.

“Who’s there?” She called out, or at least, she thought she did, but she couldn’t feel her mouth moving - let alone her body.  Her spirit and body were disconnected.  Someone was opening a lid on her past.  Soon enough, she found herself immersed in old memories…

.

.

.

“See the bunnies sleeping till it’s nearly noon~

Shall we wake them with a merry tune? They're so still. Are they ill? 

Wake up, little bunnies!

Hop, little bunnies, hop, hop, hop

Hop, hop, hop!

Hop, hop, hop~!

Hop, little bunnies, hop, hop, hop~

Hop, hop, hop…!”

Within the training room in Sector 101, twenty little red-haired girls surrounded Kagura as they played double dutch using their tendrils.  All of them were wearing uniformed navy frocks with their color codes listed on the back.  This memory was the first time Kagura taught her and the other sisters what “playtime” was.  After Kyoko was born, nineteen more sisters soon followed.  They were singing a childish rhyme that Kagura taught them.  Singing at the top of her lungs, little Kagura jumped alongside two other sisters as the pink ropes picked up speed. 

“Jump, jump, jump~!

Hop, little bunnies, hop, hop, hop!

Hop, hop, hop~!

Hop, hop, hop!

Hop, little bunnies!

Hop, hop, hop, hop, hop, hop.”

Just then, the bell chimed, indicating it was time to eat.

“Time to eat, aru!  Choo-choo~!  It’s time for the Kagusister train!” Eyes bright with delight, little Kagura herded her sisters into filing behind her in a single line as they all held hands.  “Come on, Kyoko!  You’ll be in the front with me!” Tugging her younger self along, they waited until the doors opened and left the room as the lively leader imitated a train horn.  On their way to the dining room, several scientists gave them strange looks before shaking their heads.

A long, steel bench table awaited them with plastic cutlery and cold prep lunch boxes.  Angry-looking amanto security guards guarded the doors, but the little girls paid no mind to them as they took their assigned seats.

“Kyoko!  Sit with me!” Kagura urged her confused little sister, pulling her by the arm before the latter could sit down.

“But…” Blinking in bewilderment, the younger girl tried to protest.  “Subject Rouge, my seat is-”

“No, aru!  You have to call me Onee-chan!” Kagura corrected before puffing her cheeks.  “Who cares about assigned seats?  I’m your big sister, and I say you sit with me!” Kyoko blinked in confusion as she hesitantly stood up with her lunch box.  This made Kagura smile as she took her by the hand and led her to the front of the table.  This made the guards glower, but Kagura merely stuck her tongue at them before making Kyoko sit down.  Then, they enjoyed their meal.

At some point, Kyoko noticed Kagura looking around with a napkin raised.  She looked excited for some reason, but her face started to fall.  Kyoko sensed her dissatisfaction and stopped eating.  Kagura kept watching her sisters as they continued to eat without spilling a drop.  One by one, they finished and went to throw away their trash.  Kagura’s shoulders slumped in dismay as she gripped her napkin.  Something clicked within Kyoko’s young mind.  She wasn’t sure why the other girl wanted this, but…

“Mm… ahm,” Kyoko picked up her fork and began eating messily on purpose.  Soon enough, food stains appeared on her face and clothes.  It wasn’t long until Kagura took notice.

“Oh!” Brightening like a flower, the older sister went rosy with joy.  “Y-You’re such a messy eater, aru!  Jeez, it can’t be helped.  Turn this way, Kyoko.  Onee-chan will clean you up!” Dabbing her mouth with the napkin, Kagura continued to smile happily at her.  It was clear that she had wanted to do something like this her entire life.  Kyoko couldn’t help but stare as she felt warmth blossom inside her small chest.

‘Ah, this must be affection.’  She remembered thinking at the time.  It was the first time Kyoko honestly noticed and appreciated Kagura’s innocent smile.

.

.

.

Then came another memory.  This time, it took place in the pod she shared with Kagura.  It was the middle of the night, and she stared at the wall containing pictures they drew together.  Among them was the family Kagura told her about.  Her “Pappy,” her “Mummy,” and her “Nii-chan.”  They were all holding hands before what appeared to be Kagura’s old house.

“Ughh…” Hearing sniffles, Kyoko turned around to find Kagura moaning and crying out in her sleep.  She kicked off the blanket during her struggle.  Her hand reached out as though searching for someone.  “N-Nii-chan, come back… don’t go…” She cried even after Kyoko went over to put the blanket over her.  She almost moved away until Kagura surprised her by grabbing her hand and refusing to let go.  Immediately, the older girl’s distress disappeared in place of a content smile.  Nuzzling against her palm, she murmured her brother’s name before falling back into a peaceful sleep.

“Kamui…” Kyoko repeated the name her sister whispered.  She wondered what kind of person he was to this girl.  She looked over at the fallen books her sister had smacked away earlier.  Until today, Kyoko thought this girl was always happy, smiling, and laughing.  How wrong she was.  It was a particularly loathsome week for Kagura as Nugo forced her to undergo limbic surgery to insert alba implants inside her skull.  It put her body through tremendous pain, and she inevitably lashed out at Kyoko.  Though she apologized afterward, Kyoko couldn’t forget her earlier anger and her desire for the men in her life to be cursed.

Drifting away from Kagura, she returned to the family picture she was looking at earlier.  Her expression darkened as her eyes fell on the red-haired boy.  She remembered all the times Kagura smiled when she talked about him - how happy she looked.  But now…

“I see…” Kyoko murmured as her eyes grew cloudy.  “So this 'Nii-chan' can make her smile like this even when he isn't here.  This 'Nii-chan' can also make her cry even though I am in front of her."

A bitter, burning feeling churned inside her.  Unbeknownst to her, Kagura woke up and stared at her in sleepy confusion.

"I see... so this is 'dislike.'  I dislike this 'Kamui' who has the power to make Kagura unbelievably happy or sad."

Or rather... It was resentment.  Because somehow, her chest ached when her sister cried out his name during her sleep.  A part of her was thankful to him- even though it was terrible.  Because if it wasn't for him - if it wasn't for him leaving her... Kyoko never would've met Kagura and her warmth, to begin with.

Indirectly, this "Kamui" was responsible for Kyoko being alive.

Who is this 'Kamui', she wondered.  A part of her wanted to meet him, but at the same time - she would probably be relieved if she never did.  Because then Kagura would go back to being his sister and not Kyoko’s.  And she didn't want that.

Kyoko wanted to be this girl's little sister until death.  To see her smile forever.  Thinking this, Kyoko took down the picture and held it in her little hands.  Then, without hesitating, she tore in half - effectively separating Kagura and her mother from her father and brother.  She took the hated half and proceeded to tear it apart with relish.

Die.  Disappear.  Be erased from her heart.

If these people went away forever, Kagura would be her sister forever.  And she would never have to think of these terrible men ever again.

“K-Kyoko!” Horrified, Kagura flung the covers off and cried out.  “Stop that!  What are you doing?!”  Her fear mounted into panic as the other girl continued destroying the faces of her brother and father.  “No… no…!” Unable to watch any longer, Kagura grabbed the girl’s arms and shook her violently - sobbing.  “I TOLD YOU TO STOP!”

“Ah…” Upon seeing her sister's pained expression and tears, Kyoko finally snapped out of her violent trance.  Kagura’s grief electrocuted her through the network, and a grainy image of her getting in between her father and brother’s fight appeared before their very eyes.  Paper fluttered in the air.

“You destroyed it!  I can’t believe you would do such a horrible thing!” Kagura sounded betrayed as she fell to her knees, desperately gathering the fallen pieces and trying to mend them together.

“Horrible?” Kyoko repeated, unable to understand.  “Onee-chan, you asked me to curse them.  So I did.” Seeing her sister’s horrified bewilderment, she felt a strange urgency to rationalize herself.  Kagura had never given her that look before.  She didn’t know why, but she felt fear seizing her lungs.  “They made you cry, and they left you behind.  Especially this ‘Nii-chan’ of yours.  He betrayed you.” Kyoko tried hard to remind her sister of the incredible pain these unforgivable men put her through.  “If I destroyed these memories, you would forget about him.  If you forget his face, then you won't be sad anymore.  You would be happy, and-”

“SOMETHING LIKE THAT WOULD NEVER MAKE ME HAPPY!” Clutching the paper shreds containing her brother’s face, Kagura screamed at the top of her lungs.  Kyoko staggered back in hurt astonishment, unable to retort.  “It’s true… I’m really mad at them for leaving Mummy and me.  I want to hit them and make them feel sorry for doing bad things!  I want them to know how much they hurt my feelings!  I’m so angry I feel like I will explode…!” Kagura’s voice fell to a whisper as tears wetted her lap.  “But even though they were mean, that doesn’t mean I want to forget about them.  They made me cry, but before that - they always made me laugh and smile!  I love Nii-chan.  I love Pappy.  So, wishing them to be destroyed is the absolute worst!” Turning to Kyoko, her fury dissipated into a sad realization.  “Kyoko… I was wrong to ask you to curse them.  I’m sorry.  But please… don’t ever do something like that again, okay?  Don’t hurt my family.” More tears rolled down her rosy cheeks.  “I don’t want to see my family fight anymore.  Pappy and Kamui got so mad at each other that they tried to destroy each other, and I couldn’t stop them.” She sniffled.  “It’s my fault.  I’m a bad girl and a weak crybaby… so I have to get stronger.  That way, we can be an unbeatable family when we see each other again.”

“Onee-chan, I…” Kyoko hesitated before hanging her head in shame.  “I’m sorry, Onee-chan.  I shouldn’t have ruined your picture.” Though she didn’t understand why Kagura was blaming herself for their decision to hurt each other and leave, she did know that she misunderstood Kagura’s heart and ended up hurting her instead.

“Kyoko…” Kagura looked at her in mild surprise as that was the first time her sister had ever looked so contrite - even apologizing to her.  It made her heart soften with affection.  “It’s okay.  D-Don’t be sad, aru.  I-I said selfish things ‘cause I was mad at them, and that’s why you did this.” Kagura sniffed as she reached out to grab Kyoko’s hand, squeezing it for support.  “But I don’t want to be like those selfish Yato who hate and kill each other.  I don't care about being the strongest.  I just want to be strong enough to stop my family from hurting each other - that’s all.” Smiling at her through red-rimmed eyes, Kagura swallowed back her tears.  “That’s why, when you and the others meet Kamui and Pappy, I want you all to get along with them.  Okay?”

“Get along…?” Kyoko echoed with furrowed brows, making Kagura nod.

“Yeah.  Mummy used to say we must kiss and make up after a fight.  Then we have to try our best to get along.” Kagura told her.  “So, that’s what we’re going to do.  After I make up with them, I want Kyoko to get along with them.  Because they’re your family, too.”  Then, after awareness dawned on her, Kagura leaned in and kissed Kyoko's cheek.  The confused girl touched where she was kissed.  "There!  Now, you do it, Kyo!"  Kagura said as she held out her face.  After some hesitation, Kyoko copied her actions.  It was strange but warm.  Kagura looked at her and smiled.  "There.  Let's not fight anymore, okay?"

That was the only time Kyoko ever fought with her sister.  It was the only time she ever made her cry.  Knowing this, Kyoko made herself promise that she would never act out of her selfish desires again - that she would never hurt Kagura’s family.  Even though she disliked them, Kagura still loved them.

What made Kagura happy was more important than anything else in the world… All she needed to do was make sure that would happen.  If Kagura didn’t like being a Yato, then neither did she.  So instead, she would be her perfect magician - her reflection.

Reflections didn’t need to worry about things like happiness or desires—only the person in front of them.

.

.

.

But in the end, she couldn’t even do that…

"I'm not trying to lecture you, but I hope you realize that holding onto the past only makes you its prisoner.” Silver hair and the owner’s morose voice flickered in her memory.

She knew that already… but what else could she do?

"Accepting change is difficult, but it's even harder to accept change for ourselves... is it not?" A woman’s silky, low voice echoed.  “ As I'm only stating my thoughts aloud, it's okay to say this: I have to try to be honest with myself every day, even if it means facing the ugly and secretive parts I'm afraid of showing others." Indigo hair and carmine eyes came to mind.  "Because sooner or later, they'll resurface whether or not you want them to."

Then, brown hair and matching eyes behind glasses appeared in her thoughts.

“Maybe you’ve never considered us friends, but I’m sorry to say that isn’t the case with us.  We care about you and want you to find your place in the world… but doing it like this doesn’t feel right.”

Kyoko never cared for change, friends, or finding her place in the world.  She was always content with staying the same, but other people weren’t like that.  If only things could have remained the same forever.  Kyoko wished she could’ve stayed inside a frozen capsule of innocent childhood.  That’s why she never wanted the fork in the road called “growth” to arrive because that would mean farewell for them.  Kagura graduated from girlhood and blossomed into a woman, but Kyoko stayed behind.

It was lonely and frustrating, but Kagura looked absolutely beautiful when she finally took flight.

“Hm… so even you can be self-aware at times.  It’s too bad such a docile little girl grew up to be such an icy, domineering woman who only cares about her Onee-chan.  I see why, though.  You didn’t think you could be anything more than a copy.” A mocking voice pierced through the fog of her trance.  Kyoko couldn’t find the source of that voice.  She knew it was familiar but couldn’t remember who it was.  But for some reason, hearing it was enough to make her blood boil.

“What, are you mad?

How irritating… who did this person think he was?  He was a coward for not showing himself.

“Look who’s talking.  You’re the one who doesn’t want to show your face.  This is your mind, after all.”

Her mind… then what was this person doing, barging in here and picking apart her private memories?  What kind of entitled bastard was this?

“Bastard?  Tch.” There was a dissatisfied tongue click.  “You’re the one who made things more complicated by being stubborn.  This place is a fucking maze.  When I find you, you’re going to get an earful.  Hm… well, this looks like a promising memory.  Maybe it’ll lead me right to you.”

Wait, no.  Don’t touch that!  There was no way that she could let herself be shown.

So, leave me alone already…!

“Sorry, but I’m not good at listening to others.  Especially when they’re stubborn, hopeless cowards like you.”

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.

.

When she officially spoke with Kamui for the first time after the incident on Rakuyou, she imagined he would be a hulking, ugly beast.  She was right in a way.  As opposed to Kagura's budding beauty and generosity, he was a greedy animal who devoured everything and everyone in sight without knowing how to give back.  He didn’t match the memory of the kind, upstanding young boy who protected his mother and took care of Kagura as a child.  

This Kamui always said “Onii-chan” or “stupid sister”.  Kyoko believed that his familial and romantic love became mixed up within his complicated mind somewhere along the way.  Whatever the case, his criminal life was surrounded by illegal activities and his bad company left no room for romance.  The women around him were either evil colleagues, spoils of war, or enemies as coldhearted as he was.  But he’s only emotionally moved by Kagura - his precious little sister who’s known him since they were children - the only girl alive who knew of his hidden gentleness.  He was a twisted, troublesome man, but he knew and cared for her when she was a baby - a side of her that even Kyoko didn’t know about.

Kyoko wasn’t oblivious to the lingering glances he sent Kagura when he thought no one was looking before immediately reverting to nonchalance.  She was, after all, the only woman who ever managed to best him in a fight.  It wasn’t surprising that he would grow an interest in her growth, considering that she was no longer the crybaby sister he knew before.

However, Kyoko couldn't let such an animal devour her beloved older sister because Kagura's smile was the most precious thing in the world.  She was confident that even if he could gobble her up, she only needed to cut open his stomach and rescue her.  Time passed as she watched their exchange range from teasing, fighting, and stilted interactions to quiet, contemplative conversations.  Kamui would stay stupidly hurtful to vent his frustrations whenever he got jealous or sulky due to her having many people in her life.  It couldn’t be helped that Kagura was a social butterfly at heart, but the man he was then couldn’t adequately express his insecurities.  And the girl Kagura was back then couldn’t correctly see through his guise.  She would rise to his provocations before running off half-shaking, half-crying back into Kyoko’s arms.

“He’s always so mean to me!  He’s the worst!  I’ll never talk to him again!” Kagura would whine, but even so - she didn’t let her negative feelings drag her down and would nonchalantly act like nothing happened the next day.  But Kyoko would sense the flicker of anxiety followed by relief whenever Kamui came down to Earth to visit her in a grumbling, reluctant attempt to make up with her. 

Even though Kyoko convinced herself that nothing was going on between them - the brother and sister who were more like strangers than siblings - Kyoko still disliked seeing them together.

‘Ah, this must be jealousy.’ This is what she thought at the time.

After that, she always realized that Kagura would be the first to turn away from Kamui whenever their eyes met.  Kyoko remembered thinking how troubling that cute, lovely expression was that she never showed to other people - let alone men.  The worst part was that not even Kagura herself realized it.

When did Kyoko realize it, then?  How many times was it?  Whenever her sister’s eyes met his?  Someone, stop this countdown before her sister realizes her feelings for him.   During the aftermath of defeating Utsuro and his army, Kyoko could no longer ignore the countdown to the dreaded inevitability that her sister would realize her feelings for him.  It happened at dawn when everyone broke camp to recover from their injuries.  That was when Kyoko and her sisters came to Kagura to announce their departure.

“Onee-chan… the sisters and I have decided to search across the other galaxies to help you find a cure for Sadaharu.  So, we’re going to leave Earth tomorrow.” Kyoko declared their intentions to the surprised Kagura, who had been sitting with Gintoki and Shinpachi.  Everyone else was also there, either going over plans for rebuilding Edo or trying to repair their broken ships.  Kamui and his division were off to the side, stranded on Earth since their ship was a wreck.  Umibozu was having his injuries tended to by Nobume.  However, Kagura’s outcry drew their attention as she raised her voice in protest.

“Tomorrow, aru?!  And you’re just telling me this now?!” Her bruised hands clenched around the marble that Sadaharu was residing inside.  “But… all of us have finally managed to reunite!  Now, you want to leave?  Even you, Kyoko?” She looked hurt.  “Why?  Do you guys not like me anymore?”

“That’s not it, Onee-san,” Kushina, the second sister clone, answered.  “But just as Sadaharu is important to you, he’s also important to us - so we want to help you both.” She paused as she exchanged knowing looks with the other sisters before nodding.  “Also, we want to find out who we are.  Onee-san has struggled and grown up to be strong.  We feel like we cannot do that if we don’t go on our adventures.” All of the sisters bowed before Kagura.  “Please, Onee-san.  Send us off with your blessing.”

“But if you go so far away, I won’t be able to protect you… I won’t know where you are, what you’re doing, or if you’re safe…!  I don’t want to go through that again!” Kagura protested, her face contorting into frustration and dismay.  Emotionally and physically drained from days of battling without sleep and losing Sadaharu made it difficult for her to contain her emotions.  “No, I won’t let you guys out of my sight!  We just lost Sadaharu and a lot of people!” Fists trembling, she continued shouting.  “It’s my fault that Sadaharu is like this, so you don’t have to push yourself to clean up after my mess!  Just stay here, and I’ll find a cure for him myself!  You guys need to make up for the time I took away from you and enjoy living!”

“Kagura-chan…” Shinpachi, Soyo, and Nobume gasped.  Others like Tsukuyo, Gintoki, and Okita remained silent.  The Shinsengumi, Harusame, the members of Kabukichou - soon, everyone was watching this heated exchange.

“Onee-chan…” Kyoko uttered before fixing her expression into one of resolve.  “We’re not interested in gallivanting while you take on everything alone.  Everyone else here has their work to do.  We might not be as strong as you but come from the same unbeatable blood.  We will survive.” She stepped forward, meeting Kagura’s fierce stubbornness with quiet determination.  “Please.  You have to let us go, Onee-chan.  We’ll regroup with you as much as we can.  This is the best way to help Sadaharu.”

“No!  No, no, no!  You can’t go!” Kagura refused, childishly stomping her foot.  “I won’t let people I love get hurt again because of me!  I’m not-!”

“Enough, Kagura-chan,” Umibozu’s rumbling voice cut in, ending her tirade.  He placed his left prosthetic hand on her shoulder.  “They’re not little girls anymore, and neither are you.  Look.” He pointed out the fire blazing in their eyes.  “They’ve truly become of our kind now.  They’re ready to head into battle without fear, but unlike us stupid men - they realized that the most important thing to fight for is family.  As a fellow Yato, you need to respect their wishes.”

“Pappy…” Kagura’s expression wavered.  “But…!”

“He’s right, Kagura.” Gintoki agreed from his mat on the ground.  He tried to sit up, relying on Otae’s assistance.  “Ugh… they helped us save Earth.  So… the least we can do is give them some leeway.”

“B-But Gin-chan, I-”

“Kagura-chan, they’re your sisters.” Shinpachi reminded her.  “You helped them become strong.  They trained hard under your watch and are ready to do their first mission alone.” His gentle hand came to rest on her other shoulder.  “I know it’s hard when you’ve spent your whole life looking after them, but there comes a time when every child is ready to leave the nest.  That time is now.”

“Shinpachi…”

“Isn’t it fine, China?” Okita yawned, rubbing his baggy eyes.  “If they’re in trouble, all you have to do is charge after your baby sisters and beat up the guys who hurt them like you always do.  With a meddlesome, overprotective, aggressive big sister like you - only suicidal fools would go after them without thinking twice.” Turning to the other sisters, he nodded.  “Even if that happens, I’m sure that you guys can handle them even without your Onee-chan’s help.  Right, sisters?”

“That’s correct, Sadist.” All 1200 sisters echoed in perfect unison.

“Uwah, that’s so creepy it’s almost cool… makes me wish I had a twin,” Okita remarked without passion.  “Then we could double-team in torturing Hijikata-san.”

“HEY!”

“Sadist, even you…” Kagura breathed in disbelief.  She went quiet as conflict appeared on her face.  After some time, she sighed, reminiscent of a deflating balloon, before looking at her sisters in defeat.  “Alright, already.  You guys win… I’ll…” Her voice cracked with emotion as she tried to smile.  “I’ll send you off with my blessing then! But this isn’t goodbye.  Because, after all - we are sisters!  So we’ll meet again someday!” She took a deep breath before fixing a mature smile on her face.  “I won’t say that I’m lonely.  No matter where we are, our hearts will always be one.”

“Onee-san…” The sisters stared at her with contrite and worry etched on their faces.

“C-Come on!  Don’t look so sad, aru!” Kagura tried to cheer them up.  “Take care, you guys!  Be sure to call me when you get there!  Don’t talk to weird perverts or forget to eat.  Make sure you always wipe from front to back.  Wash your underwear, and… and…” An uneasy laugh escaped her as she rubbed the back of her head.  “Ah… what else should I say?  I don’t know.  I thought I had lots to tell you, but my mind is blank.  Haha, I’m starting to sound like a mummy.”

“Onee-chan…” Kyoko murmured.

“I-I know!  Let’s play one last game!  Whoever cries first is the loser!” Kagura suddenly shouted, although her eyes began to water.  “And if they cry, they have to….” Before she could come up with the penalty, she suddenly burst into tears.  “BWAAA!”  Her sudden surge of powerful emotions triggered a chain reaction within their network.  Soon enough, every sister was bawling along with their Onee-chan - whether they meant to or not.

“Kyoko-chan, here.” Shinpachi offered the sobbing girl his green handkerchief, which she gratefully accepted.

“H-Hey!  What’s wrong, my dear daughters!?” Spluttering, Umibozu frantically tried to placate them.  However, he was flustered with the overwhelming numbers.  “Daddy’s here.  Come on, don’t cry!”  Soon enough, everyone present was trying to cheer up the crying sisters.

“Now, now.  Girls shouldn’t let their noses run.” Otae said as she patted several sisters on the back, allowing them to cry on her chest.

“O-Otae-san!” Kondou cried out.  “I think I’m hurt, too!  Please let me cry in your bosom, as well!”

“You can cry far away from my bosom, Gorilla,” Otae answered sweetly as Kyuubei shot him a threatening glare.

“Ahh, it’s a free show of waterworks.  I should’ve brought my swim trunks.” Okita commented as he stared at a weeping Kobato, who melted into a puddle.  “Oi, look out.  You’ll fall into a crack.  Here, use this mayonnaise jar I stole from Hijikata.”

“Damn it, Sougo!  I was looking for that!”

“Uuu… T-thank you…” Kobato gave a sniff as she moved inside the container.  Tearing up even more, she turned to Kagura.  “Onee-sama, your emotions… they’re too painful.  P-Please settle down…”

“But I can’t help it!  Saying goodbye is too sad!” Kagura cried.  Covering her face, she blindly ran past several people until crashing into the last person everyone expected her to seek consolation from: Kamui.  

“You…” Kamui stared at her in disbelief, almost choking on his spit.  His usual cocky, suave self was nowhere to be found.   His entire body went stiff, and unlike Kagura, he was painfully aware of all the eyes watching them.  His arms awkwardly hovered over her, and his face slowly turned red.  Judging from his reaction, it was clear he wasn’t used to dealing with her as she was.   Although Kagura initially did a double take, she was either too upset to care or subconsciously sought him all along.  Upon seeing his stunned face, her eyes reddened as she collapsed, sobbing into his arms.  Soon enough, his black silk shirt was wet and hot from her tears.

“Waaah!  Nii-chaaan!”

Everyone watched in astonishment as the usually headstrong and independent girl sobbed like a little girl into the 7th captain’s chest.  Her knees went weak as she leaned all her weight against him, unable to stand anymore.  Gintoki and Shinpachi were wary, knowing the man was violent and unpredictable.  However, they were in for the surprise of their lives.  Instead of shoving her away like they expected him to, he did something even more shocking.

“Yeesh.  Some things never change.  Even though you went out of your way to act tough, you reverted to old habits.  Night rabbits shouldn’t crumble so easily.” Kamui sighed as he prevented her from falling.  Being a good head taller than her, he had no trouble pulling the disconcerted girl into his arms and holding her with care.  He appeared exasperated but not angry.  Despite his supposed nonchalance, his gentle gestures were nuanced, as was his voice.  “You really are a crybaby.”

Beside him, Abuto and his crew gaped at the pair in disbelief as just hours ago, as they were bickering so stupidly in the middle of battle.

“Goodbyes aren’t forever, Kagura.  So stop crying.  You have to see them off properly,” Kamui murmured dispassionately.  She sniffled and buried her face deeper into his chest, wrinkling his shirt.   “No?” He sighed, closing his eyes.  “I guess it can’t be helped.  Onii-chan is here… so hide that shameful face until you’re ready to smile again.”

Through her tears, Kyoko saw a pair of children hugging in the rain and wondered if she was being affected by Kagura's cherished memory of him.  To any other bystander, they looked like siblings sharing a hug.  Kyoko, who has observed their complicated relationship since the beginning, knew there was more to it than that.

After Kagura finally calmed down, she and the others saw everyone else off until Harusame’s turn came to leave Earth again.  Too embarrassed to look at Kamui, she kept her head down as she muttered goodbye.  Kamui didn’t answer.  Instead, he plucked one of the bay flowers from the bouquet he bought earlier - a gift meant for his mother’s grave - and tucked it behind Kagura’s ear.  She looked up at him then, surprised as she touched the petals.  Seemingly bored, Kamui fixed a lingering stare on her before walking up the ramp to his ship.

“Let’s hit the road, Abuto.  I’ve had enough of this tacky planet for a while.  And get me a change of clothes.”

“Yeah, yeah.  I’m right behind you, Admiral.” Grinning over his shoulder, Abuto winked knowingly at Kagura.  “See you guys next time.”  The others left when the ship took off to the sky, but Kyoko witnessed her sister staying behind - watching it go with a shimmer in her eyes.  Reaching up to undo her childish buns, Kagura allowed her hair to tumble down her shoulders.  Blushing, she took the flower in her fingers and softly kissed it.  In all the years Kyoko has known her sister, she has never appeared as womanly as she does now.

‘Ah, the countdown has already ended.  I’m too late.’ Kyoko recalled, identifying the sinking feeling in her stomach.  Because her sister is drifting away from her - no longer the girl who needed to be babied, but a woman who desired the attention of a man she loved.

Kyoko regretted not foreseeing that this was the turning point of their no longer ambiguous relationship.  Maybe she could’ve stopped Kagura from spending two years with him while searching for Sadaharu’s cure.

If she could’ve done that, she might have just stopped their romance from blossoming.  Deep in her heart, however, Kyoko knew it wouldn’t have mattered one way or another.  Inevitably, it would’ve evolved.

.

.

.

Finally, the last memory arrived - playing out like a dreary movie scene as she laid on her back and stared defeatedly up at Rakuyou’s gray, stormy sky.  Rain pelted her bruised face and torn clothes as a disbelieving noise left her lips.

"I lost...?"  It was vexing when the realization of her defeat sank in.   Then she closed her eyes.  “I see…”

That’s right. She fought with Kamui earlier after he declared his intention to marry Kagura.  Yato tradition required him to fight her family to receive their blessings.  He fought Gintoki, Shinpachi, his division, his father, and the sister clones.  Kyoko had served as Kagura’s last line of defense.  She fought hard, but he beat her almost effortlessly, even though she spent weeks planning to counteract his strengths.  It was terribly frustrating to be defeated like this.

Footsteps crunched against wet gravel as Kamui’s shadow fell over her, causing her to blink at the strange sight of him extending his hand toward her.

“Here.” His fair face was expressionless, but his unusually gruff voice was low and barely gentle, as though trying to soothe her.  His treatment confused her as she was not Kagura or his sister.  She didn’t recognize this awkwardly kind man before her.  Feeling cold, she ignored her body crying in pain as she shakily stood alone.  Kamui tried once to support her as she stumbled but backed off once he realized his help was unwanted.  Before regrouping with the others, she said one more thing just as she brushed past Kamui.  

"If you are the universe's most powerful man, protect her with all her strength. Shoulder her pain and happiness as one." She couldn’t see his face as she stared ahead where her other sisters were waiting with Kagura in front with a first-aid kit ready.  "I will cast a spell that separates you from her forever if you ever leave her to cry in the rain again."

Kamui didn’t answer, and she didn’t force a response from him either.  She then completed her walk of shame.

Then he finally faced his last opponent - Kagura.

Their battle was a sight to behold - the psion versus the pirate, settling their engagement event not as enemies or siblings - but as lovers.  Like iron sharpening iron, these two sharpened each other.  Kagura didn’t hold back, and neither did he.  Everyone marveled as lightning and psi energy lit up the sky like fireworks.  Their clash lasted for the entire day, and the aftermath was a close one - ending with Kagura’s narrow defeat.  When she lost, Kagura - usually very vocal about losing in a pouty and petulant way- wore the most enormous, silliest grin as she brushed herself off and leaped into Kamui's awaiting arms.

Kagura’s overflowing joy and love tasted sweet like candy, and the other sisters closed their eyes in contentment.  Kyoko, however, found it stale.

Amid her emotional blubbering, Kamui tenderly wiped her tears of joy with his index finger as he kissed the crown of her head like comforting a child.  He then slid her ring onto her finger- like paying tutelage to a goddess in mortal form.

Kyoko watched as Kamui and Kagura embraced again and felt a pang of emptiness eat away at her chest.  For this episode, a rabbit princess and her beast were enough to conclude the story.  A magician did not need to help her find her happy ending when she already found it alone.

‘Ah,’ Kyoko remembered reflecting on the dull ache in her heart.  She felt the weather was mocking her when the sky cleared up and shone down on the red-haired couple who hid their kiss beneath the shade of their shared umbrella.  ‘This must be loneliness.’

.

.

.

In the end, Kyoko couldn’t outgrow her dependency on Kagura.  She couldn’t grow up as the other sisters did.  She even hurt her precious loved ones out of spite.  So it was better to fade here until the end of time… if she did that, then she would never trample on Kagura’s happiness again…

“Moron.  Do you think doing something like that would make her happy?  Wake up and come to your senses already.”

That voice again. 

When Kyoko finally opened her eyes, she found herself floating in a maze of large mirror fragments replaying old memories.  She continued to sink willingly, trapped inside her mind where neither day nor night existed.  There was no gravity or ground to stabilize her, and she didn’t know which way was up or down.  Whenever she reached out, her hands met cold glass.  She couldn’t leave or find the voice’s source.  She didn’t know what to do, but then a ray of light pierced through the darkness of the void.  She looked up and saw the light dancing atop a reflective pool in which she was submerged.  She realized that she could reach it if only she tried, but a current distorted it out of her view. 

Laughter and fighting intermingled as one, and she could hear the many voices of her sisters and everyone else.  It left her feeling warm like the sun - so bright and dazzling that she almost wanted to break loose.  However, she didn’t dare surface as she knew that coming out meant exposing her ugly, true self.  The black sea would still not allow her the courage…

“You don’t have to keep denying yourself anymore.” Memories dissipated as the large fragments pieced together to form a ring around her.  It showed her a boy who was running up an endless stairwell in an attempt to chase her.  He was looking right at her.  At first, she thought it was Kuei or Kwan.  Upon closer inspection, however, she realized it was Kamui.  He was wearing the indigo changshan from his childhood.

“There you are,” In place of his usual cultured voice, he sounded boyish and young.  “I found you.”

“You…” Kyoko was dimly aware that her voice sounded different.  “Why do you look like that?”

“Me?” He snorted.  “Take a good look at yourself.”

“Ah…” Touching her face, she found that her body and features were smaller and younger than she remembered.  Her navy frock fluttered against her pale legs.  Kyoko saw that the mirror fragments reflected her not as a woman but as #d2042d.  Cherry.  At some point during her breakdown - she regressed into a child.  Her arms fell back down as she stared at him in disbelief and wariness.  “Why are you here after all I’ve done?” Her girlish voice sounded alien even to her.  “You ought to despise me by now.  Enough for you to kill me.”

“I think you’re annoying, but I don’t remember wanting you dead.” Came his calm reply.

“I tried to kill you.” Astonished, Kyoko reminded him.

“Don’t worry. Onii-chan is used to it.” The boy sounded sarcastic.  Seeing her befuddlement, he sighed.  “Kyoko… I have committed worse sins that you, and I’ve had people pull worse things on me.  Compared to them, you’re a greenhorn regarding evil.” His black sash swayed as he moved upward.  “Besides, if I let myself be killed by you so easily, I’d probably deserve it for being weak.  Unfortunately for you, I’m not interested in dying.”  There was a mischievous sparkle in his eyes.  “But you’ve got the potential to become stronger.  We better have a proper rematch if you want to keep fighting with me.  That’s why you have to leave this place first.”

“You…” 

“I’ll be frank with you.” Kamui started levelly.  “You’re a pain.  Your selflessness, refusal to partake in life’s pleasures, and the fact that you’d rather die than trouble others have always got on my nerves.  Trying to live up to a false perception of yourself and failing to meet those expectations only means you can’t accept yourself.  You can’t accept people or grow when you can't do that.  That’s just a different way of cheating yourself.” He was reprimanding her, but there was a bitterness in his voice.  He appeared as though he were reflecting on his past.  “But it’s not just because of self-hatred.  It’s not like you believe you can’t change - you’re just afraid of trying.  Now, you’re trying to drown yourself instead of facing reality.” His eyes met hers.  “But you don’t have to make the same mistake I did.”

His piercing words shot through her.   Kyoko overflowed with feelings she couldn't voice.  In the next moment, he suddenly vanished.   The uneasy girl was flustered as darkness hid him, leaving her alone.

“N-No, where…?” The unfree girl put out her hand and shouted.  “Where are you?!  Don’t go!”  She thought she was okay with this fate, but fear began to creep into her heart now that she was fully conscious and aware of falling through nothing.  “Don’t just say all that and then leave!  That’s not fair!”

“Why not?  I thought you wanted to be left alone.”

“I-I know I asked for this, but…!” The little girl struggled to speak.  “I don’t know what I want!  I don’t know anything anymore!  But right now, I don’t want to be alone.” She choked out, tears budding up as she looked around for him.  “Don’t go… please come back…”

“Huh, so even you get lonely sometimes.  It’s about time you became honest.” Again the light poured down and dazzled. They met eyes again.  He hovered above her in another fragment and drifted upwards, still climbing an abstract stairwell that floated without gravity.  Kyoko had to wade towards him to avoid losing sight of him again.  

“You really do take after her—a stubborn, hopeless crybaby.  No, wait.  I shouldn’t compare you guys since you’re worse for suppressing it for years,” Crossing his arms, he fixed his expression into a mature frown.  “So let’s hear more of it then.  Don’t worry.  It’s not like anyone unimportant is listening.” Although she didn’t know what he meant by that, his undivided attention and her frantic desire not to be left alone overtook her.

“I can’t stand you!” Words she suppressed for so long, like a broken dam, finally burst forth.  Slowly, the scale began to tilt. "You took Onee-chan away from all of us.  Then to make matters worse, you made her fall in love with you.  No fair... No fair... Even though we were by her side this whole time... Even though we worked so hard... Even though we prayed for her happiness the most... you just snatched her out of our hands before we could do anything.  You're the worst kind of man there is...!" The girl cried.  “But more than I hate you… the one I hate most is myself. I am not a star, moon, or glint of light. Me and the sisters… we are not true Yato or humans. We don’t belong to the world of light or night. We are only reflections.”  Sniffling, she stopped swimming momentarily to cup her face in shame.  “Do you know that the moon reflects the sun's light because it can’t make its light?  That’s why I thought staying there would be a fitting end to my chapter.  But now, I ruined everything.”

Her tears glimmered and hit the fragment where Kamui’s unsmiling expression remained.  The figurative scale wobbled, and the weights on each end shifted uncertainly.

“As for me, I’m only a witch who came out of a mirror. Just an empty reflection without color. And what can a mirror do but reflect the person looking into it?”

“Bzzt.” The boy bluntly rejected her notion.  “Incorrect.”

“Huh…?” Her hands fell away from her face in bewilderment.

“I told you before that you’re not Kagura’s perfect reflection.  You don’t belong here either,” Young Kamui told her as he climbed, jumping up two stairs at a time.  Kyoko followed him.  “A perfect mirror reflects all the colors comprising white light. That would mean that your soul is white - which it isn’t, by the way.” His eyes were like a blade of unmelting ice as he pierced through her muddled state.  “That said, not even real mirrors are flawless. Living beings are just like imperfect mirrors. We have distortions and bend light around us.”

“Distortions… imperfect…” Kyoko echoed, her eyes widening.

“Your name might mean ‘mirror,’ but that doesn’t mean you have to live that way.” He suddenly smirked. “Don’t tell me that it's just hitting you now.  Here I thought Kagura was the slow one.”

“Don’t mock me!” Red-cheeked amid the fading darkness, Kyoko got angry.  “I was doing what I thought was best!  I’m not like you or Onee-chan or Baba!”

“Of course not.  That’s because you’re Kyoko.  It doesn’t matter if you’re real or fake - you and the sisters are alive.” Kamui stated as though it were obvious.  His voice quieted then.  “Hm, but fine then.  I’ll let you know a little secret, so you quit pouting.  I was just as jealous of you as you were of me.  After all, even though I’m her brother by birth - you’re the one who grew up with her.  You saw a lot of sides to her I never got to see, and you got to make her happy in ways that even I couldn’t.  So you’re right when you said you were the perfect sibling I could never be.” His voice trailed off in thought before he sighed.  “I was seriously pissed at being called out by a sister even younger than Kagura.  Having my pettiness being pointed out to me made me so angry I could hardly stand it." His scarlet braid fluttered as he turned to her again.  “But that’s just one example of the many distortions I have.  I’ll never be the ideal brother or upstanding, moral prince others want me to be - but I’m alright with that because I’m more than just my flaws.  So, I won’t apologize for taking Kagura from you because the fact that you want to stay by her side should be enough.” His smirk lightened as he regarded her.  “Learn from my example, you stupid sister.”

“What?” Irritated, she continued swimming up toward him - kicking harder.  “If you’re trying to teach me something, I suggest you get to the point instead of belittling me.  When I catch up, I’ll show you who’s stupid.”  Ignoring her threats, he continued.

“Like a funhouse mirror that distorts what it reflects, your imitation will differ greatly from the original.  Maybe even better. Kyoko is not a perfect reflection of someone else. You’re a flawed, natural living being. Just like me. Just like Kagura. Just like everyone else.  The same applies to Kobato, Kureha, Kazari, Kagome, Kodachi, Kushina, Kikyo, Kokona, Kasumi, Kanae… and the rest of the other sisters.”

This made Kyoko pause.

“You… remember their names?”

“Well… I’m still learning who’s who. Remembering names is one thing, but telling you guys apart is something I’m still working on.  Kagura is the only one I can pick out of your crowd, even when she pretends to be one of you during her pranks.” Kamui said with a sigh, combing his bandaged fingers through his undone hair. “Being a big brother of all these little sisters is tough. Onii-chan sure has his work cut out for him." He glanced down at her ruefully.  “We’ll probably never get along, but you’re still my little sister.  And I’ve come to take you home.”

“Home…?” Kyoko faltered.  She couldn’t believe what he was saying.  He gave her an exasperated look as though to ask her why else he was there.

"I’m not looking forward to all the weddings I’ll have to attend or the shopping sprees Kagura will drag me out to carry your bags. But it can’t be helped. I’m your big brother, whether you like it or not. And I must look after you and all my sisters properly."  That troubled, gentle smile was the same he always gave Kagura in their childhood. It was the same smile her sister fell in love with. The same smile he was giving her now. His blue eyes were no longer cold - but almost kind. Seeing it reminded her of Kagura at her happiest. It brought an ache to her chest.

“You say that Kagura no longer needs you.  If that’s true, then that would mean nobody needs each other.  So obviously, both are lies.  After all, she’s the one who made me promise to come to save you and bring you back if you got lost.  And here you are, throwing yourself a pity party with no guests.” His blunt words made her flush, but he looked down at her with an almost brotherly tenderness.  “Well.  What you said is partly true.  Kagura doesn’t need a perfect little sister or a magician.  She wants Kyoko.” He said, and this made her tears overflow.  “Your big sister loves you, cries when you’re fighting, and wants you in her life… isn’t that a good enough reason to come back and make up?”

“I…”

“Those samurai are worried about you, too.  So are your sisters.  So is Abuto.  Kuei and Kwan await your return and keep your promise.” Hearing this made Kyoko’s throat close as she fought back a sniffle.  That’s right… How could she forget?

Kwan, Kuei, Abuto, Gintoki, Shinpachi, her sisters… everyone… Kagura.  Everyone was waiting for her.  They already accepted her without her knowing and needed her to return.  Even if things were different, that didn’t mean she needed to disappear.

Ah, I’ve had a place there all along in their hearts.   Her once cloudy eyes began to clear up with clarity.   Oh... I can't believe I realize it just after all this time.  Family is home.

“I… Is it really okay for me to go home?” She asked almost timidly, hope blossoming in her tiny chest.  “Even though I haven’t changed?  Even though I don’t have a color in my soul like the rest of you do?”

“What are you talking about?” This time, Kamui wasn’t mocking her.  He sounded genuinely confused.  “You do have color in your soul. I can see it. It’s a different hue than Kagura’s and yours alone. It’s called cherry. The next time you look in a mirror, remember that hue and carve your path in life.”  He sped up his climb, and when darkness flickered in and out - he was gone again - but his voice remained.  “Now then, what are you going to do?”

“I… I want to go home!  I want to change!  I want to play with Kuei and Kwan!  I want to convince Baba to stop smoking!  I want to eat more beef seaweed bowls!” Her hands dug through the air.  “I want to make mistakes, laugh, cry, and argue with Onee-chan!  I want to see everyone!” Crying out, Kyoko clawed frantically towards the light.  “I don’t need the moon, a goddess, or anything else!  I want to be myself with all I am - flaws, distortions, and hue!” She resisted the tide that tried to pull her back under.  She was almost there.  “Even though I’m troublesome, even though I’m not perfect… I don’t want to live trapped inside a mirror anymore!”

The light was blinding now, hurting her eyes, but it was unbelievably warm.  It made Kyoko want to come out all the more.  Her shaking fingers brushed against the glass that separated her from the other side.  Crying in frustration, she banged against the surface, causing it to crack.  She fought harder against the undercurrent that tangled her legs and began pulling her back down.

“No… let me go!” Kyoko screeched with all her rebellious might.  In the distance, she felt Kagura beckoning her - calling her to come out.  Wanting to see her, she shouted at the top of her lungs.  “I don’t want to be a witch or magician anymore!  I’m Kyoko - and I will live on the other side now!  Even if she no longer needs me, I want to be beside her!”

“Well said,” An approving, satisfied voice commented above her.  Glass shattered as a pair of rough hands broke through.  Young Kamui lunged into the cold void, pulling her into a strong embrace as he lifted both of them out of the reflective pool.  Reflexively, her arms shakily went around his back.  Both children held each other for the first time as siblings.

“I’m sorry…” Tears continued falling down her cheeks as she was reduced to a sobbing little girl clinging to his shoulders.  Her voice was raspy and raw from emotion.  “I’m sorry, I’m sorry…!”

“Yeah, I know.  Me, too.  Let’s go home.” Kyoko gasped as his once boyish voice deepened into the male, velvety voice she knew and used to despise.  She felt her body growing and changing in length, and it was the same for him.  A rough hand settled atop her head.  “It’s time to start your growth spurt, you late bloomer.”

Finally, the scale balanced out.

.

.

.

Warm, wet, and salty.

Was it raining?

Slowly, sleepily, Kyoko lifted the weights of her eyelids.  For a moment, her vision hazed over as she thought she saw two small children, both red-haired and blue-eyed, staring down at her like older siblings concerned for their ill younger sister.  However, things became clear as Kuei and Kwan were on either side of her - each twin holding a hand.  They were crying with relief.

“You’re terrible, Auntie Kyo!” Kuei choked out, his little hands squeezing her fingers almost painfully.  Hot tears dripped onto her bruised cheeks.  “You deserve to swallow a thousand needles for trying to leave us!”

“The penalty for breaking your promise is to stay with us forever and ever,” Kwan muttered, using his green tangzhuang to blow his nose and wipe his eyes.  He gave her a sullen, accusing look.  “We’re not going to let you out of our sight anymore.  No buts.  You’re not allowed to complain.”

“Kuei… Kwan…” She reeled in shock before her face softened, squeezing their hands back.  “...Okay.  I’m sorry.   I didn’t mean to make you cry.  I’ll stay with you.” Nodding fiercely, both boys hugged each of her arms - making it hard for her to move.  Then, soft fingers brushed the hair out of her eyes.  A gentle, sweet scent filled her nostrils.  It occurred to Kyoko that her head wasn’t lying on the hard ground but on a warm lap.  Her eyes drifted upward to find Kagura smiling down at her, wearing the dress she and the sisters gave her.  She was a sight for sore eyes - a magnificent sight like a goddess comforting her subject.

“Welcome home, Kyoko.” The older sister greeted softly, gathering her messy hair and combing it with her fingers before tucking something cold and hard behind her ear.  It was her white hair stick.  “You dropped this earlier.  Don’t lose it again, alright?”

“Onee… chan…” Her voice was as weak as water as she struggled to speak.  A sharp pain shot throughout her body as she tried to get up, only to be stopped by Kagura.  It was clear she received medical treatment but needed to take it easy.  Still, Kyoko knew she needed to apologize.  “Onee-chan, I’m-”

“Shh.  I know, Kyoko.  I heard what you and Kamui said through the network.” Warm pride colored her voice as she regarded her little sister.  “You’ve grown, Kyoko.  It makes me feel a little lonely, but I’m glad you’re choosing to stay on Earth with everyone.  Thank you.” Then her expression became stern, making Kyoko’s heart waver.  “But don’t ever go off on your own like that again!  You made everyone worry.  Now, apologize.”  As she and the twins slowly helped her stand, Kyoko realized that they were on the acres where all the pomegranate seedlings were planted.  All the sisters, the 7th division, and Yoruzuya were there - including Sadaharu.  They were nursing injuries but shared relieved looks upon seeing her.  Jade Resort was a wreck behind them, and the authorities struggled to prevent the news anchor from entering the premises.  Guilt and embarrassment shot through her as she bowed her head with contrite.

“Kyoko, we’re just glad you’re okay,” Kobato spoke for her sisters as she tearfully clutched her hands.  Flanked on either side of her, Kazari and Kureha also gave her knowing looks.  “Thank goodness… thank goodness…”  

“But… the hotel is…”

“We can always build another one, Kyoko,” Kureha reassured her.  “One hotel isn’t worth losing our big sister.” Seeing her sisters appearing so relieved made her feel self-conscious as they weren’t necessarily touchy-feely with one another despite their closeness.  It went to show how much they cared for each other.  While it was embarrassing, it did make Kyoko happy.

“Kobato… Kureha, Kazari.  My sisters…” Kyoko rasped.  “I’m sorry, and thank you.” Seeing their kind smiles, they clarified that they already forgave her.  Then she turned to the other men, apologizing as well.

“Eh, this is just Monday for us.” Gintoki dismissed her with a wave.  “As long as you’re paying Yoruzuya Gin-chan a big bonus, we’ll let bygones be bygones.  Yeah?”

“That’s right.” Shinpachi gave her a sheepish grin as he rubbed the back of his neck.  “Though I hope the next time you give us a request, it’ll be something easier like following a shopping list or fixing up your roof.”

“Next time…?” Staring at him with mild disbelief, the cherry clone then chuckled.  “Indeed.  I’ll be sure not to overstep the next time I request you.  I look forward to continuing business with you guys.”

“ARF!” Sadaharu gave a wolfish grin as he panted.

“Yare, yare.  For someone who’s usually well-behaved and restrained, it was a shock to see your rebellious phase.  The admiral and his wife were easier to deal with than you because I knew what to expect from them.” Abuto appraised, making her blush in mortification.  “Ho?  That’s a cute look.  But don’t feel bad.  I mean, you understand now - right?  You’re not getting rid of us that easily, just like I won’t quit smoking anytime soon.  But do me a favor.  Next time you feel like rebelling, duke it out with me instead of summoning a giant rabbit to wreak havoc.”

“I will…” Kyoko murmured, cheeks still red as she wasn’t used to being on the receiving end of being scolded - especially from Abuto.  “I won’t do it again.” The light brightened across the moon’s pale surface, and everyone raised their umbrellas.  A large red umbrella unfolded above Kyoko, Kagura, and the twins as Kamui shielded them from the emerging sun.

"Okay, your scolding is over now.  Hopefully, you’ve learned your lesson to always be honest with your feelings!” Expression bright, Kagura exclaimed before pouting.  “Besides, you should've said you didn't want me to marry Kamui!  I wouldn't have done it if it would make you cry like this!"

"...Oi.  You don't mean that, right?" Behind her, a smiling Kamui exerted pressure, but Kagura only huffed.

"Be quiet, Airen.  We hurt Kyoko's and the other's feelings, so we must make them feel better."

"What about my feelings?"

"Your feelings don't matter right now."

“My feelings don’t matter?” Kamui repeated in disbelief.  “Don’t forget I went through a lot of trouble recovering from all the times you rejected my proposals.  I’m still reeling from that.  I’m going to need therapy because of you, Kagura.”

"Oh, you really wanna go down history lane?” Kagura narrowed her eyes at him, marching right up to him and jabbing his chest.  “Well, now you know how I felt in Yoshiwara when you came out of nowhere and bitch slapped me against that pipe!” She growled in his scowling face, their noses almost brushing.  “My face still hurts just thinking about it!  Ah! Here comes another traumatic flashback!"

"Woman, that was nine years ago!  And I did not bitch slap you, so don’t use that term.  Believe it or not, I was holding back!  Besides, I already said I was sorry, so let bygones be bygones already!"

“Ahh, look who’s talking!  Domestic abuse!  Domestic abuse!”

“Domestic abuse, my ass!  If you look back on all the times you smacked me out of rejection, it’s clear who’s more violent!”

“Whaaat!  I was defending my virtue, you horny beast! ” Her voice rose in an arc.  "You dare accuse your adorable, sweet wife of being abusive after all I’ve done for you?  Carrying your babies and putting up with your drunk tantrums!  Be more grateful, Airen no baka!”

While they were bickering, Kyoko remembered when Kamui stopped fighting Utsuro’s men and was the first to rush to Kagura’s side to protect her.  He even got impaled twice for her sake.  Maybe it was then she realized that he changed but willingly chose to avert her eyes due to her transgressions. She was starting to understand a little bit as to why Kagura chose him after all... No, rather.  She knew it all along but chose to be willfully blind.  Staring at the man who saved her, an epiphany came to her.

Kagura would never give her heart to just any man.  Although Kagura certainly played an important role in his change of heart, he ultimately decided to work hard to become a better man.  Kyoko realized she’d been discrediting his efforts to change because it was convenient for her.  She just wanted to lash out at someone with these feelings she'd been suppressing for years.  As Sakata Gintoki said, she was bound by the past because she couldn't let go of her resentments.  Until now, that is.

His master had been a frighteningly empty man, and Kyoko had been confident that Kamui had been well on his way to walking down that same road. But he instead chose to redeem himself.  Change was just a word, but in the hands of those brave enough - it was a weapon powerful enough to trigger a transformation as dramatic as a caterpillar becoming a butterfly.

“Ahh, quit fighting already, you idiot sibling couple.” Abuto broke up the fight with an exasperated roll of his eyes.  “I swear the more I’m around you guys, the grayer and grizzly I’ll be.”  Both redheads rolled their eyes at each other but then chuckled as they recalled how they used to argue like old times.  Then, Kagura turned to her sister once again.

“Do you get it now, Kyoko?  Even though we fight, we always make up and laugh about it later.” Kagura said.  “We’re already adults, so we’ve outgrown those fairy tale roles from long ago. I’m not a crybaby princess anymore. Kamui isn’t a prince or a beast anymore. And you… you’re no longer a witch or a reflection.”

“Then…” With trepidation in her voice, Kyoko poised her next question.  “What are we, Onee-chan?”  Kamui and Kagura shared a knowing look before smiling at her.  Beside them, the twins also grinned up at her.  Together they said.

“We’re family.”

Family…  Kyoko felt like a huge weight was being lifted off her shoulders, allowing her to breathe again.  Gintoki’s phone rang as he answered it.  Eyes wide, he looked at the sky as a low roar resonated.  

“Oi, Kyoko.  They’re finally here.  They are waiting for the signal.”

“Here? Who’s here?” Kwan and Kuei asked, turning to their parents, who were just as clueless as they were.  The roaring grew louder.

“Kyoko, you guys…” Seeking answers from the Psi Network, a gasp left Kagura’s lips as she gaped at them in disbelief.  Seeing Gintoki and Shinpachi grinning guiltily, she almost squeaked.  “You guys were in on this, too?!  No way… you didn’t!”

“We did,” Shinpachi confirmed with a laugh.  “Everyone from home wanted to celebrate the end of the lunar cycle with you.  But not just that - they wanted to give their blessings to your family properly.  So we brought them all here.” Turning to the oldest sister clone, his eyes brightened.  “It was Kyoko-chan’s idea.”

“Kyo…” Kagura uttered, her hands flying to her mouth to contain her trembling voice.

“You…” Even Kamui was shaken as he stared at her.  For the first time, Kyoko smiled at him.  It was a warm albeit sheepish smile, making her look her age.  Maybe even younger.  

"I told you... I like to have a contingency plan for everything.  We would celebrate the end whether you beat me or vice versa." A sigh left her lips as she looked somewhat dismayed.  “Although I would've been more than happy with launching fireworks and rotten fruit at you if you’d lost instead.  Pity.”

“Oi, you’re still acting bratty.” A vein throbbed in Kamui’s head as he smiled threateningly at her.

"It’s a joke.  Don’t be mad.  I’m accepting this as my loss, Mui-san.” Kyoko chuckled.  “The witch has been defeated once again.  But surprisingly… I think I can move on now." Closing her eyes, she surprised everyone by rushing up the hill despite initial protests.  Turning around like a proud child, she threw her arms out theatrically and laughed aloud.  The wind rustled through her hair and extended fingertips as she gave everyone the brightest, most innocent smile they’d ever seen from her.  "With the moon as my witness, this magician will cast her final spell!”  Nodding to a smirking Gintoki, he returned the gesture before firing a flare gun to the sky.  The green light lit up and fizzled out.  And then, it happened.

Spaceships containing everyone from Edo to the furthest outreach of space appeared as they shouted, waved, and whistled down at them.

“Happy Year of the Rabbit, everyone!” Using a megaphone, Otae cheered at the top of her lungs.  Kyuubei, Ayame, and Tsukuyo were behind her - scattering rice and flowers atop the couple as their ship circulated. However, Tsukuyo had to stop Ayame from throwing natto and herself at Gintoki.  Another vessel containing Otose, Catherine, Hasegawa, and Tama followed as they also gave their greetings.

“Kagura-chan!  May you and your family enjoy your bright future!” Otose shouted, waving her arms frantically despite her age.  “I watched you and your sisters grow up, and I hope I’m alive to see your next generation do so, too!”

“Be happy, damn it!” Catherine screamed as she almost threw Hasegawa off the ship in high excitement.

“G-GYAAA!  PUT ME DOWN!  I’M NOT SPARE LUGGAGE YOU CAN THROW OVERBOARD!  H-HELP ME, TAMA-SAN!”

“Understood.” The android replied, whipping out rope with an unnerving glint in her eyes.  “I’ll make sure you’re hogtied first, Hasegawa-san.”

“WHY MEEE?!”

“Anego, Kyuu-chan, Sacchan, Tsukii…” Kagura swallowed thickly.  “Otose, Catherine, Tama… even you, Madao…” Her voice began to crack with emotion.

“Kagura-chaaan~!  Everyone~!” Princess Soyo called out as she leaned over the railing of her ship, causing Nobume to steady her affectionately as she hugged the princess from behind.  “This is our first time celebrating out in space like this!  Humans might not live as long as you, but every moment of living is joyous!  May you enjoy many years of happiness!”

“Congratulations.” Nobume mouthed to Kagura with a gentle smile.

“Soyo-chan… Nobutasu…!”

“This one’s for you guys!  Bombs away, Elizabeth!” Katsura yelled as he and his men chucked colorful explosives containing confetti and streamers.  They went out doing aerial tricks until Gintoki shouted in a teasing voice.

“Hey, Zura!  You fumbled that one!”

“It’s not Zura. It’s Katsura!  And no, I didn't!”

The merchants of Kaientai arrived with Satsuma and a pregnant Mutsu heading the bow of their vessel.  Everyone was even more surprised to see Umibozu was there as well.

“Pappy!” Kagura exclaimed.

“Baldy, you’re here too?” Kamui uttered, eyes wide.

“Hey, stupid son!  Kagura-chan!  Beloved daughters and grandkids!  Have you guys been doing well?” The universe’s strongest alien hunter saluted his children with a grin before gawking at the ruined hotel as well as seeing them roughed up.  “W-What happened here?!”

“Guess what, Gramps!  We fought a giant rabbit!” Kuei shouted excitedly.  “Mama and Auntie Kobato were so cool!  Auntie Kobato turned into a big tsunami!  She was like, SPLASHH!”

“EHHH?!  GIANT RABBIT?  YOU MEAN YOUR AUNTIES?!” This caused the sisters to look down in embarrassment.  “ARE YOU HURT?!”

“We’re fine, Gramps!” Kwan called back while flexing his arm.  “Our blood doesn’t lose so easily!”

“YO!  KINTOKI!  EVERYONE!” The Dragon of Katsurahama proved his namesake with his voice.  “YOU GUYS LOOK LIKE YOU’VE BEEN PULLED THROUGH THE SEA!  WHAT’D WE MISS?!”

“YOU’RE LATE, YOU IDIOT!  WHAT THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN DOING?” Gintoki shouted at the top of his lungs.  “AND HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU THAT IT’S GINTOKI, NOT KINTOKI!  YOU CAN ONLY GET MY NAME WRONG AFTER SO MANY YEARS OF MISHEARING ME!”

“AHAHAHAHA!  SORRY KINTOKI, I CAN’T HEAR YOU!  THE ENGINE’S TOO LOUD!”

“YOU LYING BASTARD, YOU TOTALLY HEARD ME!  WAIT UNTIL I GET MY HANDS ON YOU!”

“Now, now.  Calm down, Gin-san…”

“This is the start of our children’s future!” Mutsu announced on a megaphone, acknowledging the red-haired couple with a rare, soft smile.  “Let’s show these Earthlings how we Yato celebrate the end of the lunar cycle, you two.”

“Mucchi, Matsu…” Kagura was shaking so hard that Kamui had to stand behind her to keep her from falling over.

“Greetings!  We’ve come to commemorate your spectacular family as well!” Takechi Henpeita announced Kihenai’s arrival as their ship pulled into view.  Beside him was Matako carrying a young Takasugi in her arms.  The child locked eyes with Kamui for a moment, appearing to exchange a silent understanding that no one else knew about.  Kamui broke into a grin, making the child smirk as well.  If anyone had to guess, it was a promise made between men to engage in fisticuffs when the right time came.

“Kagura-chan, Kamui-san!  May you give birth to a beautiful and healthy daughter!  And if you’ll allow me to be her godfather, I’ll happily watch over her day and night!  No, day and night and evening and dawn!  I'll bathe, sleep, and feed her like my own!"

“DIE, LOLICON!” Matako, Kagura, and Kamui shouted angrily at the same time.

“I’m not a lolicon; I’m a feminist!”

Pulling out his phone, Gintoki scoffed.  “That’s it. I’m calling the police.” Right on time, the stellar clouds parted to reveal Edo’s police in tow.  

“Sorry to disappoint you, but we’re off-duty right now!” Chest exposed for no reason other than to show off, Kondo belted out with a hearty laugh.

“Hey, Kondo-san.  We could arrest everyone right now if we wanted to.” Yamazaki pointed out.

“What nonsense are you spewing, Yamazaki!  Celebrating with enemies and criminals makes this a sacrilegious occasion, but since we’re off Earth - we’ll turn a blind eye just this once!  Ready, Toshi?  Sougo?”

“Fire, men!” Okita and Hijikata yelled at the same time.  The Shinsengumi forces fired their cannons on their signal into the eternal night sky.  Fireworks lit up the darkness like a fountain of light.  Flower petals, rice, and other confections rained from the sky in torrents to celebrate the stunned Yato.  Even the miko sisters arrived with Komako and Otsu-chan, who blared her new hit single.  Everyone brought along their usual chaotic antics: Okita casually tried to push Hijikata off the ship, Kondo tried to jump on Otae, and Otose desperately tried to stop her workers from throwing poor Hasegawa overboard.

“Unbelievable.  Earthlings sure like to raise a ruckus when they party.” Abuto snorted as he stretched out his hand to capture falling petals.  The sisters and pirates also looked up at the fireworks in marvel, appearing younger than usual as though the clock turned them back to young boys enjoying playtime.  He looked at the twins picking up as many petals and streamers as possible to play with.  “But well, it’s fine.”

“No fair… all of you, ganging up on me like this!  You’re going to make me cry!” Kagura spoke in a tight voice, clearly trying to suppress her tears.  Her hormones made it even harder.  “I can’t believe you guys kept this a secret from me!  Especially you, Kyoko!”

“I know.” Kyoko acknowledged from atop the slope.  “But please go easy on me, Onee-chan.  After all, I’ve given up already.” Staring into the couple’s eyes, she softened.  “It’s regrettable, but I can’t win against you two.  You’re both too strong for me, after all.”  She really was no match for her sister’s indomitable will or Kamui’s growth.  Or their enduring love.

“They’re the ultimate idiot couple.” Gintoki teased them good-naturedly, earning their withering glares.

“If that’s true, I’m just as big of an idiot.  But this idiot sister will give you her blessing now.” Content eyes falling on Kamui’s surprised orbs, she readily admitted. “You’ve earned it.”  The beast has decided to turn back into a man for his family's sake.  He wasn’t a prince anymore, but that no longer mattered.  Since promises are for children, he has finally grown up enough to make a man's oath.  Kagura only deserved a man among men - after all.  Shoulders relaxing against the fiery and festive backdrop, she cast her final spell.

"May you both be happy.  May your union be filled with many years of prosperity.  May the pillars of your dynasty remain tall and strong.  This is my blessing unto you.  I, Kyoko, bless your marriage." Finishing with an innocent, childlike beam - Kyoko tucked her hands behind her back and chuckled at their jaws dropping in astonishment.  "We've run out of pages at last.  My role in the story has been fulfilled.  The conclusion is up to both of you from now on."

“Kyoko-chan, good for you!” Shinpachi appeared thrilled as just Gintoki seemed content.

“Hmm~ so even the ice empress can smile like that.” The White Demon chortled.  “It suits her.”

"You… it took you long enough... stupid little sister." Despite his complaints, Kamui's eyes were shimmering with heat.  He didn’t say it aloud, but the relief and appreciation in his expression were evident.

"Kyoko...!  Kyoko!  Kyoko!" Unable to contain her emotions anymore, Kagura began bawling at the top of her lungs - startling the others.  She could no longer voice her feelings, but it didn’t matter.  Kagura was very touched.  Joy, exhilaration, and love flooded the network as she cried tears of pure happiness.  Her powerful emotions caused Kyoko and the other sisters to cry as well inadvertently.  

“Ahhh!  Not again~!  This is just like last time!” Kobato cried along with her sobbing sisters.

“O-Onee-san, please…” Kazari gasped, clutching her heart as her eyes watered.  “C-Calm down.  Your emotions are too much for us!”

“Hehe.  T-This is fine.  It’s a test of endurance.  I can handle this…” Smiling in discomfort, Kureha’s expression shook as she tried to maintain her composure, but to no avail as soon enough, she succumbed to insurmountable emotions.

“Even if you ask me to do that, I can’t~!  I never thought anything like this would happen!” Kagura blubbered.  “That was too beautiful!  It’s your guys’ fault for making me cry like this!”

It was a hilarious case of deja vu—the sight of hundreds of grown women crying while everyone tried to comfort them again. Several sisters rushed to Abuto to be spoiled, much to Umibozu’s jealousy as he yelled at the baffled lieutenant while everyone laughed at his expense.  It was just like what happened seven years ago.  Kwan and Kuei were running around trying to cheer up their aunts, wiping their faces.  When they ran out of tissues, they settled for using their sleeves instead.  Kyoko herself pretended that it was Kagura’s tears instead of her own - if only to get away with hiding the fact that she is a crybaby too.

“Haa… why do emotional females always surround me?  You started this mess.” Kamui blamed Kyoko as he held Kagura, weeping into his chest.  He settled his chin atop her head.  “Look, you overdid it.”

"Stop complaining and just be satisfied with this rare, once-in-a-lifetime outcome.” Kyoko’s retort lacked her usual bite as she wiped her tears away.  “I concede to Onee-chan… and you as well…” For a moment, she hesitated before averting her eyes.  “大哥.”

(“Big brother.”)

“What!” Perking up, Kagura suddenly stopped crying as she stared at Kyoko with wide eyes.  “Kyoko, you just called him…!”  Feeling a wave of bashfulness come over her, Kyoko refused to look at them.

“Call me what?” Kamui, however, remained oblivious and slightly offended.  “What’s Dage?  Did you insult me?”

“No, Airen.” Rolling her eyes with an exasperated chuckle, Kagura continued.  “She called you-” Suddenly, she was very still before clutching her abdomen with a pained look.  A whimper left her lips.  “Ahh!  Ow!”

“Kagura!” When she suddenly doubled over in pain, Kamui caught her by the shoulders and frantically looked her over. “What’s wrong?!”

“Mama!”

“Mother!”

Both boys came running over and knelt beside her with worry.

“Airen, my water just broke.” Kagura gasped, her face pinching in agony as she began having contractions.  “Ow!  OW!  The baby… she’s coming!” Her exclamation caused everyone on the ground to cry out in shock.  

“We’re going to meet our sister?!” Excited and terrified, both boys stared at their mother’s moving belly.  “Whoa!  It’s true!  She’s gonna pop out!”

“Onee-san!” All the sisters came running over, along with Abuto.

“The baby?  Right now?!” All color drained from Kamui’s face as he gawked at her, his mind unable to catch up with his mouth now.  “B-But you’re not at full term yet!  It’s too early for it to be time!”

“Maybe you’re not hearing me…” Growling in discomfort and annoyance, Kagura glared at her nervous husband.  “I said that the baby is ready now!” She then started to scream as labor pains began.  “GAHHH!  IT BURNS!  IT HURTS SO MUCH!”  Finally snapping out of it, Kamui’s expression hardened with resolve as he lifted Kagura into his arms and carried her princess-style.  He then turned to a stunned Kyoko.

“Kyoko, do you know where the nearest hospital is?”

“A-Ah…” Blinking, Kyoko fumbled to answer.  “I do… there’s one northeast of here.  About twenty miles.” At his expectant glance, she flinched and looked down apologetically.  “I-I overused my teleportation during our fight.  It’s going to take some time for me to recover.”

“Damn.” Kamui cursed before turning to his lieutenant.  “Abuto, how fast can you get a cab here?”

“With the crowd fighting to get in, it’ll be a while,” Abuto replied tersely before an idea hit him.  “Fly there!  Get a lift from one of those guys!” Pointing upward at the spaceships, he frantically waved them down.

“What’s going on?!  What’s wrong with Kagura-chan?!” Umibozu shouted down below.  Realization dawned on Mutsu’s face as she whispered into his ear, watching with mild amusement as the older man reacted as though struck by lightning.  “WHAT?!  SHE’S HAVING THE BABY NOW?!”  This news, of course, triggered a chain reaction within the sky.

“EHHHH?!” Everyone let out a collective cry of shock, awe, and worry.  Voices overlapped as they argued about what to do until Kureha finally snapped.

“WHAT THE HELL DO Y’ALL THINK YOU’RE DOIN’???!!” Projecting her voice into a sonic scream loud enough to be a shockwave, the suddenly aggressive sister nearly blasted everyone away to kingdom come.  Her usually peaceful and pliant persona was long gone - replaced by a dark entity roiling in demonic wrath.  “ARGUING AMONG YOURSELVES WHEN ONEE-SAN IS IN LABOR?  CAN’T YOU SEE SHE’S IN PAIN?!  HOW INSENSITIVE CAN YOU BE??!!  IF YOU WANNA MAKE YOURSELVES USEFUL, ONE OF YOU FLY DOWN HERE AND TAKE ONEE-SAN AND HER FAMILY TO THE HOSPITAL!” Baring her teeth like an animal, she roared.  “NOW!”

“Kureha…” Kazari and Kobato gawked at her.  All the sisters did the same.  Then, as though snapping out of a trance, Kureha became all smiles and flowers again.

“Oh dear me.  I’m sorry.  It was getting so loud I couldn’t even hear myself think.  I don't know what came over me."

"Kureha..." Kobato gulped, hiding behind a nervous Kazari. "I-I'm starting to think you're more terrifying than Nii-sama..."

"You are quite frightening," Kazari told her, and the other sisters readily voiced their agreement, causing the woman to tilt her head at them.

"There's no need to be so afraid." Smiling serenely, Kureha laughed.  "Why are you all moving away from me?  Come back.  It's lonely over here."

"But it's safer over here."

“Oh, I quite like her.” Tsukuyo chuckled as she covered her ears.

“Gungh.  S-She reminds me of Kouka…” Umibozu muttered, sweating bullets as he recalled some painful flashbacks.

“Y-Yes, ma’am!” Trembling and afraid, Hasegawa fumbled for the controls and lowered the ship.  Kagura moaned and clung to Kamui’s neck as he carried her aboard.  Kuei and Kwan also hurried after them, not wanting to be left behind.  Otose, having experience as a midwife, knelt beside her and soothed her in a motherly voice for her to relax.

“Kagura-chan, do your best!” Shinpachi yelled over the turbines.

“You can do it, Mother!” Gintoki shouted as well.

“ARF!” Sadaharu raised a paw in support.  Soon enough, everyone encouraged Kagura to have a safe and healthy birth.

“Thanks, you guys… unghh!” Leaning against Kamui as he held her from behind, Kagura managed a weak smile before turning to Kyoko and reaching out a hand for her to grab - which she did.  “You’re staying here?”

“As much as I want to come with you, I know you’ll be alright with these guys here,” Kyoko answered, smiling somewhat sadly as she looked towards the ruined streets of downtown.  “It’s my responsibility for what happened today.  I must address the public when they hold a press conference and apologize to the citizens for the destruction we caused.” Her shoulders sagged somewhat as she thought of the rest of the holiday budget going down the drain for repairs and compensation they would need to make.  So much for the party and picnic.  “This isn’t goodbye, Onee-chan.”

“You’re right.  It’s called: see you next time.” Kagura agreed.  “Hang in there, Kyo.  I’ll do the same.” Squeezing their hands together one last time, they finally let go as the ship took off.  Kuei and Kwan waved goodbye to everyone.  Kyoko exchanged one last silent look with Kamui as he nestled beside Kagura.  Then he tore his eyes away and held her clammy hand as tightly as possible, murmuring low words to ease her.

“My blessing… I hope it will be of use.” Kyoko whispered as Abuto, and her sisters stood beside her in silent contemplation.  “You’ll surely bring your daughter into the world safe and sound.” Thinking back to the mural in the baby room, she imagined them eating in a fully grown orchard while bathing beneath the twilight.  "You were right, after all, Mui-san.  The Year of the Rabbit is lucky.  This will be the first time a child will be born on the moon."  Smiling at the other members of her family, she stated.  “But knowing them, perhaps they won’t need luck after all.”

And so ended her first and only serious act of childish rebellion.

Tian District, Edo

One month later…

.

.

.

Summer breathed a gust of wind through the tower windows, causing the curtains to flutter as a mother carrying her baby moved across the bedroom.

“Alright, we’re finished now.” A red marker jotted down the time and date of completing another feeding.  Fastening her bra, Kagura buttoned up her blouse and exited the rocking chair.  She cooed at her newborn baby girl dressed in a fruit-themed onesie and pomegranate headband.  The little one had striking blue eyes and a head full of fine vermillion locks that curled slightly at the ends.  Motherly love shone in Kagura’s eyes as she rubbed noses with her daughter.  “Are you ready to get going, my lucky fruit?  This is your birthday party, after all.”

“Ahhh… Mwa…!” Kagero replied as she kicked the air happily.  Kagura laughed and carried her out the door.  As she climbed the stairwell, one glance outside revealed the lively festivities on her property near the lotus pond.  The wind brought laughter and chatter to Kagura’s ears.  Everyone was enjoying food, music, and dancing beneath decorative paper lanterns.  Since they didn’t get to have a party on the moon like planned, everyone rescheduled around a time to celebrate their daughter’s belated birthday instead.  As though heaven decided to cut the family a break, today was an unseasonably cool and cloudy day - perfect to go out without needing an umbrella.

As Kagura slowly continued her ascent, she recounted the events leading up to this happy occasion.

Despite initial reservations about how early it was, the birthing went smoothly, primarily thanks to Otose taking charge before the labor happened.  Being surrounded by Amanto medical staff instead of the human doctors she was used to was unusual, but they were professional and helped her along the labor well.  Kagura expressed her gratitude by shrieking at the top of her lungs, damning everyone, especially her husband, to the deepest depths of hell.  She remembered how helpless and frustrated he looked while enduring her deathly grip on his hand - he was distressed seeing her go through tremendous agony a second time without being able to do anything about it.  When the doctor pulled out their crying daughter and confirmed her robust health, both parents melted with relief.  

The baby shrieked to the heavens as they cut the umbilical cord, letting the world know she made her debut.  Looking back now, her husband’s reaction made her heart swell for him in affection.  The man stared at their daughter as though she were the most priceless treasure he'd ever come across before turning that same look to Kagura with tears in his eyes.  He cradled her cheek in his rough palm, looked at her with those deep lagoon pools of his, and sincerely thanked her in a quiet voice.

Ah, I really do love this man.  She remembered thinking at the time while nuzzling his palm as he cooled her off her feverish head with temperature.

After cleaning their baby up and swaddling her in a yellow blanket, the nurse handed Kagura her baby and allowed a blubbering Umibozu and their children inside.  While the alien hunter took a moment to compose himself, Kamui guided their curious, almost frightened sons to Kagura’s bedside as she showed them their new little sister.

“She’s so tiny.  Her face looks like a prune.” Kuei had whispered in awe, azure eyes round with wonder and joy.

“What’s her name?” Kwan had asked, tugging at his father’s hand.  This made Kamui blink as he darted his eyes to his tired but satisfied wife.  One shared glance made something click between them.  After weeks of agonizing over countless names and light bickering, they finally knew what to name her.

“Kagero.”

Bringing Kagero into the world made her feel as though her womb was burning her from the inside out.  It was tremendously agonizing but, at the same time, exhilarating as it made her grateful to be alive and strong enough to bring a healthy daughter into their world.  Everything was utterly worth it.  Everyone was excited to meet her when they took her around Edo for the first time.  Kankou especially doted on her every chance he got, though sometimes this ended up stirring rivalry from Kamui - who doted on her just as much.  Kagura wasn’t ashamed to admit that she was excited to see him rock the baby carrier again - it reminded him how he used to carry her on his back when she was just a baby.

Some things never change. Kagura inwardly sighed before grinning at her baby.

“Coochie-coochie coo~!” Kagura tickled Kagero's tummy, making her shriek with delight and kick her legs up again - a habit she would be known for in the future.  Kagura mused that she would make a glorious kickboxer or swimmer someday.  No matter what she chose, their family would support her.  She remembered telling Kamui with pride that Kagero would grow up to become loved by everyone - even more than herself.  Kamui merely snorted before telling her softly that it went without saying - because she was their daughter.  Then his face went dark as he schemed how to murder Kagero’s potential suitors.  Kagura remembered telling him in a calm voice to put his umbrella away.

The aftermath of Kagero’s birth was a chaotic trip.  Luckily, no one died or was seriously hurt during Psi Bunny’s rampage.  Kyoko and her sisters went to trial for it since, obviously, people couldn’t suddenly turn into an angry, psychic giant rabbit and wreck the city without dealing with severe consequences.  They were jailbirds for a time, and they took it surprisingly well.  Although Kazari, Kureha, and Kobato weren’t part of the rampage - they voluntarily joined their sisters in prison out of loyalty.  Of course, thanks to their family’s wealth of connections and the twins’ heartfelt plea at the hearing, the moon jury decided to grant them clemency in exchange for a rather hefty fine to pay off the city’s damages and hundreds of hours of community service per sister.  They were officially as chaotic and criminal as the rest of their family - and Kagura couldn’t have been prouder.  As of right now, her sisters were all working to pay off their debt to Lunar Capital.  Despite everyone offering to help pay off their debt, the sisters refused as they wanted to take responsibility for their misdeeds.  They wanted to train more to prevent such a thing from happening again.  As Jade Resort was currently undergoing construction, they were temporarily staying on Earth for now.  Some sisters were currently staying with Kagura’s family in their tower.  Many of them rented out rooms in Edo’s inns.

When Kagura made it up to the roof, she found all her lady friends enjoying a show by Kuei and Kwan.  They used their umbrellas, green and orange, to spin clattering plates.  When they were done, they caught every plate without breaking them and finished with deep bows.

“Ta-da!”

“Bravo!   That was amazing!” Soyo cheered from her chair.  Beside her, Nobume and Tsukuyo were clapping as well.

“You guys are so cute!” Ayame squealed.  “Even I wasn’t as agile when I was your age!  Do you want to become ninjas?  I can train you!”

“You’re very talented.” Mutsu complimented, making the boys flush at all the female attention they received.  Sitting in another chair beneath the sunshade, Kyoko clapped as well.  Then everyone noticed Kagura and baby Kagero.

“Kagero~!” Kwan and Kuei bounded to open their arms towards their blinking little sister.

“Can I hold her, Mama?  I wanna feed her next!” Kuei begged.

“I’ll be careful, Mother!  Please let me carry her!” Kwan, blocking his huffy brother's way, also pleaded.

“In a little bit, you two.  Besides, your sister already ate,” Kagura sidestepped the bouncing twins as she went to where her friends sat and enjoyed pomegranate cake and hibiscus tea.  “That was a good show.  I know how hard you’ve been practicing your routine.  Well done.” Her praise made the twins grin from ear to ear as they high-fived each other.

“Next time, we’ll do five plates at a time!  No, ten!”

“How very ambitious.” Soyo giggled before turning to Kyoko.  “Ah, thank you for attending my speech the other day!  I also appreciate your feedback on our plans for city development.  It helps to get a second opinion from someone who understands the diversity of our citizens.”

“It was my pleasure,” Kyoko answered, taking a delicate bite of her cake.  “Your litany regarding opening up affordable education and provisions in the rural areas is an admirable goal.  Everyone saw how hard you pushed the rich class into donating, and this will surely boost your public popularity.” She paused before remembering to add.  “Also, Kazari wanted me to tell you how much she appreciates your huge donation to the national wildlife preservation.  She listed you as a sponsor on the plaque.  Feel free to come by and see.  Your generosity inspires us to do better.”

“I agree with Kyoko-san.” Nobume gave the younger girl a fond, admiring smile.  “My princess is generous and compassionate.  A pure angel who’s beautiful in heart and appearance.  But I already knew that from the get-go.”

“A-Ah, N-Nobume-san, you’re embarrassing me!” Blushing a fiery red, the princess fanned herself before downing her tea.  However, she drank too fast and ended up coughing.  Immediately, the indigo-haired woman patted her back.  “T-Thank you, Nobume-san.  But please don’t tease me in front of others like this.”

“I wasn’t teasing.  I really do think you’re wonderful.” Nobume answered seriously.  Seeing the couple getting along so well made the other women chuckle.   Soyo blushed even harder as her friends began to tease her.

“You’re a lucky woman, Princess.  Airen isn’t half as forthcoming as Nobutasu.” Kagura snickered, adjusting Kagero so that she could rest against her breast.  “It must be amazing to have such a gallant guardian for a partner.”

“She has a manly side to her, that’s for sure.” Ayame sighed as hearts appeared behind her red glasses.  “But not as manly as Gin-san, for sure!”

“Ugh… you praise him too much, Sacchan.” Tsukuyo clicked her tongue in distaste, but the faint blush on her face suggested that she thought otherwise.

“You two are very sweet together.” Mutsu supplied with a faint, playful smile.  She smoothed down her slight tummy.  “I hope my child will someday learn how to treat their special someone the way Imai-san treats you.” Turning to the boys, her voice softened.  “Kuei-kun, Kwan-kun.  I hope you can become friends with this one.  If she’s a girl, maybe one of you can marry her.” She joked, making Kagura laugh aloud at the twins’ pale faces at the thought of having to wed a girl.

“Ew, no way!” Kuei complained.  “It better be a boy, Mucchi!  It’s no fun fighting girls when you gotta be nice to them all the time, or they’ll cry if you’re mean!”

“Gross!  Blegh!” Kwan made gagging noises.  “No way we’re marrying one either!  Mother and Father act lovey-dovey all the time, kissing and hugging and all that?  Ugh!  We don’t want cooties!”  

“Oh?  But you’ll kiss Mommy or Kagero.  Or even your aunties.” Kagura pointed out.  “We’re all girls, too.”

“You guys are different!  You’re family - you don't have cooties!” Kuei and Kwan huffed at the same time.  While this banter continued, the other women continued teasing Soyo until she finally had enough.

“Ugh!  You guys are teaming up on me!  That’s cheating!” Desperate to forget about the situation, the chagrined princess turned to Kyoko.  “B-But it’s my pleasure, Kyoko-san!  Please give my regards to Kazari-san.  Now, if you’ll all be so kind as to excuse me, I’m returning to the party to keep what little dignity I have left.”

“Ah.” Finishing up her plate, Nobume followed her. “I’ll come with you, Princess.”

“Oh, I should check on that idiot husband of mine.” Mutsu sighed as she got up.  She sighed again when she heard his raucous laughter from below, followed by angry yelling.  “I wonder who he annoyed this time.”

“I think I’ll do the same.  It’s about time I check on Hinowa and Seita, anyway.” Tsukuyo rose as well, and Sacchan soon followed with a slight scowl.

“I better make sure that Gorilla girl isn’t putting the moves on my Gin-san!”

“See you downstairs then?” Soyo asked the remaining ladies but looked pointedly at Kyoko, who nodded.

“Yes, you will.” Pausing for a brief moment, Kyoko then gave a soft, almost awkward smile.  “That is, we’ll be right there… Soyo-chan.”

“Oh, wonderful!  Then I’ll save you some seats-” Soyo suddenly stopped.  It took her a moment to register what she just heard before covering her mouth with tears in her eyes.  “A-ahh.  Bwaa!  K-Kyoko-san… no… Kyoko-chaaaan~!” She sounded close to crying as she almost hugged the other woman, who looked like a deer caught in headlights at the thought of physically contacting another person outside her immediate family.  Luckily, Soyo was stopped by Nobume.

“Baby steps, Princess.” Nobume reminded her while appearing somewhat pouty, making Soyo catch on as she apologized with a nervous laugh as her guardian all but dragged her away.

“We’ll be right there!” Kagura replied as she took Kyoko’s hand and led her to battlement, sitting atop the low wall and dangling her legs over the edge despite Kyoko’s initial worries.  Kicking off her slippers, she beckoned Kyoko to do the same before turning to the boys.  “You guys go, too.  Go check on our guests, okay?”

“Okay!”

“It’s good to see you getting along with everyone,” Kagura told her sister as she held Kagero away from the edge, bouncing her in her lap.  “Usually, I’d have to drag you to get you to socialize.  Look at you - taking your growth so seriously.” Pride tinged her voice.

“They’re lovely ladies.  I never disliked them… I didn’t appreciate them until now.  Light banter is not my strongest suit, but I welcome the opportunity to improve relations.” Kyoko readily admitted as she stared at Kagero.  Noticing her curiosity, Kagura grinned and asked if she wanted to hold her.  Kyoko, eyes wide, shook her head and became flustered when Kagura handed her over anyway.

“L-Like this, Onee-chan?”

“Don’t be so meek.  Hold her tighter, so she doesn’t fall.  Also, relax your face.  You look like you’re passing a kidney stone.”

“I-I just don’t want to hurt her by accident.”

“Kamui acted like you did when he held the twins for the first time, too!  I knew it!  You guys are so much alike that you couldn't help but hide that you care about each other.  Deep down.  Really deep down."

"...Care is a strong word, Onee-chan.  For now, let’s stick with… tolerate within reasonable boundaries.”

"Psh.  You say that now, but you will be best friends one day.  I’ll make it my life’s goal to see it happen."

“Please don’t.”

“Guwaa!” Kagero gurgled and shrieked as though feeling indignant that she was being left out of the conversation, startling Kyoko and making Kagura laugh at seeing how flustered she was.

“Amazing.  People start like this when they’re born…” She wondered what everyone she knew was like as babies, including Kagura and Kamui.  Pictures could only say so much.  “Kagero is tiny, but her voice is strong - just like how Onee-chan was when we were little,” Kyoko recalled as she stared into the baby’s eyes.  Her heart skipped a beat as Kagero stared back and gave her a toothless smile.  “Ah, she smiled.  Do you see that, Onee-chan?”

“Mhm.  She’s a happy baby and doesn’t cry a lot.” Kagura replied with a blithe smile.  “You should see her when she’s with Airen.  She never stops laughing.  What a Daddy’s girl.” This made Kyoko smile as well as this news didn’t surprise her.  After all, she’d seen how Umibozu turned into a teddy bear who doted and cooed on his only granddaughter.  Girls had a unique way of affecting men in their lives.

“Uuu… waah!” Kagero suddenly started crying - much to Kyoko's shock as she wondered if she had done something wrong.  Turning to Kagura with a panicked expression, she felt somewhat indignant as her sister laughed at her expense once more.  Honestly, it wasn’t funny at all!

“Don’t worry; she’s just getting tired.  It’s around her naptime, anyway.” Taking Kagero back, Kagura soothed her fussy daughter as she rocked her back and forth.  "There, there, my lucky fruit.  You're a good girl.  Don't cry." Kagero settled and began sucking her thumb.  Movement rustled in Kyoko’s peripheral vision as she turned to find the twins hiding behind a planter.  Kagura knew they were there as she casually called out to them.

“You two can stop eavesdropping on us now.” Frowning at them, Kagura weighed them down with a disapproving stare as they came out sheepishly, rubbing the back of their heads.  “Your auntie Kyoko and I are trying to have a private conversation.  If you want to be helpful, take Kagero downstairs and give her to your father so he can put her to sleep.  Kwan, it’s your turn to hold her.  Be careful.”

“Yes, mother.  Okay, Kagero.  Nii-nii is here." Careful not to let his glee show too much, the younger and calmer twin took his baby sister from their mother and cradled her as he was taught.  Although he and Kuei were sometimes rowdy and mischievous, they didn’t slouch when protecting Kagero.  Kuei was off to the side, pouting about how he didn’t get to hold her.

"If Kagero cries, Onii-chan is taking over.  She likes me more!" He told Kwan, who merely stuck his tongue out in reply.

“Okay, you two.  Get going.”

“Yes, mama/mother.”

Before leaving, however, they exchanged impish grins before going over on either side of Kyoko and kissing her cheeks on opposite ends.

"It's our new and improved sneak attack.  What do you think?"

"...Indeed.” Once Kyoko overcame her surprise, she cupped her cheeks and smiled at both boys.  “It's a deadly technique.  You must wield its power with responsibility." Both boys returned her smile before walking off, keeping their voices low so they wouldn’t aggravate their sleepy baby sister.

Down below, both sisters watched the lively party in the garden.  Kamui was competing with Umibozu in an arm-wrestling contest, with Tian’s residents pooling their money and gambling over who would win.  Abuto sighed as Kobato, Kureha, Kazari, and several other sisters pulled him onto the dance floor, causing Umibozu to throw the match since he wanted to dance with them, too.  An annoyed Kamui shouted at his father to come back and settle their score.  Shinpachi and Kyuubei were desperately trying to prevent Otae from adding her “fried eggs” to the potluck.  Katsura- no, Captain Katsura was livening things up on the dance floor with Elizabeth. Otose was with Catherine and Tama, who were watching Takechi do the honors of pouring the champagne fountain - clapping as it flowed perfectly over the wine glasses.  Satsuma was annoying the neighbors with his usual antics, causing his wife to pull him away by the ear.  Hasegawa was not subtly stuffing as much food as he could into his bag, invoking the ire of the other sisters.  Matako was helping Takasugi get seconds at the buffet area.  At the tables, the Shisengumi were eating.  When Hijikata wasn’t looking, Okita dumped an entire bottle of hot pepper flakes onto the man’s food before feigning innocence when the man took a bite and screamed for water.  Hinowa and Seita were trying to get Tsukuyo to ask Gintoki to dance.  Once she finally worked up the courage to do so, Ayame tackled the unsuspecting man from behind.

“Gin-chan is popular as always,” Kagura commented.  “I wonder if he’ll ever pick between those two.  He’s always been a free spirit, though… it makes me worry he’ll never settle down and die alone.  That hopeless guy.”

“Perhaps he will or won’t, Onee-chan.  A man’s heart is difficult to understand, after all.” Kyoko answered.  “Though… it might sound silly, he might be more into men.” Hearing this made Kagura do a double take.  “I mean it, Onee-chan.  Looking back, he’s always been more actively involved in tense affairs with his male colleagues.  Now to mention his strange chemistry with Toshizo Hijikata.  It’s up in the air, don’t you think?”

“W-Well, you might be right about that.  There’s nothing wrong with being gay, after all.  Still, it’s too soon to assume these things, especially since Gin-chan hasn’t even brought anyone home.” Kagura chuckled somewhat nervously before reflecting on her thoughts aloud.  “Gin-chan… gay?  I never imagined such a possibility…” She then turned to look at her sister again, who was taking in the sight of the party below with a soft, content smile.  Kagura felt relaxed seeing her like this.

“By the way, how is your job search going?”

“I’ve attended some interviews, but I don’t think they’ll call me back.” After losing her job at the airport due to her involvement in Lunar Capital, Kyoko was asked to resign since it was terrible for their business image.

“I see.  Then how about you live here for a while as our nanny?  You can take it as a permanent position!  You’re good with getting Kuei and Kwan to do their homework.  Even Kuei seems to enjoy doing it when you’re around to help.” Kagura then gave Kyoko the puppy-dog look she used on Kamui to get her way.

“That sounds lovely, Onee-chan.” Touched that Kagura thought of her to such an extent, Kyoko smiled before blinking.  “Oh, but… is that alright with Mui-san?”

“We reached an agreement!” Kagura nodded eagerly.

“I see. Then I’ll happily accept your offer.  I look forward to working with you, Onee-chan.”

“Aw, no need for formalities!  We’re family like I keep telling you!”

In her mind, Kagura wondered how Kyoko and Kamui were getting along since they hadn't spoken to each other since the moon incident.  Of course, everyone has been busy dealing with the aftermath of that fiasco.  Although she knew about how they made amends within the network, it wasn’t as though they were suddenly the closest of friends.  Still, Kagura wondered if they would go back to ignoring each other again like always.  She hoped not.  They didn’t have to be chummy, but it would be nice to see them leveling on an eye-to-eye level.

Am I hoping for too much?  I guess they’ve come to an understanding… oh wait!  Face brightening, she remembered what she came up here for and pulled out a small box covered in simple wrapping.  She happily presented it to her sister.

“For me, Onee-chan?” Kyoko murmured as she accepted the gift.  “You didn’t have to go through the trouble.”

“I didn’t!  Not this time!  It was Kamui’s idea.” Kagura wanted to take a picture of the priceless reaction Kyoko made.  “Don’t look so baffled.  Kamui has been giving the other sisters presents as well.  ‘To make up for his missed birthdays,’ he said.” Kagura imitated his words with a grumpy expression before giggling.  “But he had me help me pick this one out for you.  He’s too shy to give it to you himself.” She gave her a foxy smile. “You’re the one sister he had the most difficulty winning over.” Kagura laughed. “You two are starting to resemble each other. Your stubbornness is the same.”

“Onee-chan, no. There’s no way I would ever resemble that future Baldy. So please take it back."

“Yes, yes.” Kagura appeased her.  “Oh, just so you know… he made an amazing expression when I told him you called him your big brother on the moon.  He’ll never admit it out loud, but I’m sure what you said made him very happy.”

“Hm…” Kyoko wasn’t sure how she felt about hearing that.  “Well… it was a once-in-a-lifetime moment.  So please don’t expect me to say it ever again.” After all, she still couldn’t stand him for taking Kagura away from her in the first place.

"Whatever you say.  So, aren’t you going to open it?  Come on!  Open it, open it!”

At Kagura’s childish urging, Kyoko carefully unwrapped the present and blinked at what she saw inside.  It was a slim, circular case with a silvery luster.

“A compact?” Murmuring in wonder, Kyoko opened it.  It contained rouge, but the color code was unmistakably hers. Looking into the mirror that reflected her surprised eyes, she remembered his refutation from last month.

“You do have color in your soul. I can see it. It’s a different hue than Kagura’s and yours alone. It’s called cherry. The next time you look in a mirror, remember that hue and carve your path in life.”

That man… really… who asked him?   Although she would never say it out loud, that was the first time she saw him as a “cool big brother.”  Applying the rouge to her lips, a small smile began to form.  Maybe, just maybe - their awkward relationship was slowly but surely starting to move forward.

“Oh, you’re smiling!  Success!  I can’t wait to tell Airen how much you love it.” Kagura clapped her hands in joy.  “Airen is interested in getting to know you, by the way.  The sisters, too.  He’s too stubborn to say it, but feel free to talk to him whenever you feel like it… or fight, I guess.” Kagura told her in a gentle voice.  “Everyone also wants to become friendlier with you guys, too.  Gin-chan, Shinpachi, Otose, Anego are all your family too.  They already like you, you know.  So you don't have to keep your distance from us anymore.”

“I… I will keep that in mind, Onee-chan.  Although it will take time getting used to all this.” Kyoko answered after some hesitation, keeping the compact against her chest.  

"Take your time.  No need to rush.” Kagura chuckled as she suddenly leaned in and kissed Kyoko on the cheek.  “In the meantime, thank you for being born… my silly little sister." Having said this, Kagura leaned her head on the woman’s shoulder with a content sigh - dozing off under the cloudy sky.

“Ah…” Kyoko quietly murmured as she caught a glimpse of the winking moon.  Then she came to a realization that made warmth bloom from her head down to her toes.

I see.  The goddess we’ve been searching for has been beside me all along.   Staring at Kagura’s sleeping face, Kyoko leaned back against her sister, smiling at their family and friends on the Earth below them.  Closing her eyes, she exhaled.  I truly am blessed, after all.

Unbeknownst to the women, Kamui hid behind a pavilion, watching them from afar with amusement and satisfaction.  The twins were hiding with him, thrilled and giggling under their breath.  Their father put a finger to his smirking lips to quiet them.  Leaning against the black marble pillar, he cradled baby Kagero in his arms as she slept away in his strong arms.  Content and safe, her eyelashes fluttered like butterfly wings as she entrusted her little life to her father.  Suppressing a chuckle, the man kissed her little head before silently returning downstairs to put his daughter back in the nursery.  The twins tiptoed after them, grinning from ear to ear.

A new picture was added to the scrapbook gallery, left open as they passed a fireplace.  A drone took the photo, which contained everyone on the moon posing after Kagero’s birth.  It was taken right before they went back to Earth.  Front and center was Kagura sitting on a chair, holding Kagero in her arms.  The twins were in front of her, and Kamui was behind her, touching the back of her chair.  Beside him was Kyoko - just a shoulder away.  Some of the smiles were muter than others, but there was no denying the joy they all felt.

And so came the end of the lunar cycle.  But the Year of the Rabbit was beginning for the family of Yato and their friends.

Once upon a time, there lived a family of rabbits.  When one rabbit lost their way, another returned to guide them home.  The princess, the beast, and the witch graduated from their respective roles.  On the moon, they fought and cried and made up just in time to celebrate the birth of a beautiful, rosy-cheeked rabbit.  It's rumored that rabbits gather in a particular pomegranate orchard every century and eat on the full moon - blessing their family's children for many years.  Sometimes, if you listen closely at night, you can hear them laughing.

fin.

陽炎 [Kagero] - translates to "heat haze."  It may or may not reference Gintama's 18th opening number.