Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Once upon a time, a rabbit princess lived on a rainy planet. She had a family of four. Her mother was once a planet protector but fell ill after marrying her father, the galaxy's strongest hero. But the one she loved most was her older brother - the prince of her heart and her beloved hero.

For a time, they all lived happily… and all was right in the world.

Years passed, and it turned out that the father was not a hero- but a greedy villain who plucked the mother from the only planet she could survive. And the brother she loved was not a prince- but a beast. He revealed his treachery with cruel words of dismissal. He fought with his father and took his arm. The man would've killed his son if it weren't for the princess who interfered. Then, horrified at his sins, he left his daughter and wife.

As for the boy, he decided to trade his crown for a life of strife. He decided to become a thief of lives. Because both males chose to throw away love and embrace the night, they no longer belonged in the world of light.

When the mother died, the rabbit princess was left all alone. Eventually, she was kidnapped by evil people and locked away in a dark prison to satisfy their ambitions.

Crying and left alone, she longed for the warmth of another. To be saved. Most of all, she wanted a family again—a big family who would surround her with love and shelter her from the cold rain.

What came out of the mirror was not a prince, a hero, or a knight - but her reflection. The evil people created her as a clone of the princess's likeness. But the princess, in awe and wonder, took her hand and declared she was a magician. Much to her delight, many more followed, and she called them her sisters.

"One day, we will go to the moon and meet the goddess who lives there!" She promised her sisters. "When Pappy and Kamui rescue us, we will all live together on the moon!"

To protect her family, the rabbit princess swore to become strong. So that one day, they might leave their prison and enter a world of light.

Tian District, Edo

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Orange gradients streaked into the fading blue sky as the summer sun announced the end of another day. The Edo outskirts were at low terrain. It was flood-prone due to typhoon season and heavy rains, and the Tian District was no exception. Inside a green taxi were three visitors - two samurai and an artificial Yato. The vehicle drove up a winding road that led to a residential area. After driving past an endless blur of bamboo and shrines, an agricultural community came into view. Amid rice paddies and sloping valleys, bamboo dwellings were raised by high stilts and pitched roofs.

It was the Tian District.

The apple of their eye was a pale diaolou standing over the bamboo dwellings like a watchful mother. It pierced the night sky like a white dagger cutting open the stratosphere. Unlike its wood counterpart - the pagoda, the Yato family built the diaolou tower for sturdiness rather than flamboyance. Home to a family of four Yato, or rather - it was a stone fortress that housed a particular red-haired warrior couple and their twin boys. On a raised platform, white stairs led to a multi-storied building painstakingly carved with intricate stonework and red windows. The highest rooms had balconies. Shimmering emerald tiles caught the moon's light and glinted like a wink. Stacked at the top was an expansive terrace with domed pavilions flanking each corner. That was where residents of the Tian district could usually see the twins sparring with their father or watching the world go by with their mother beneath colorful umbrellas.

A white-eared heron pierced the cicadas' chorus with its trill. The taxi drove under the branch where the bird was perched.

"Hunh. No matter how much I visit this place, I can never get used to how rural Tian is compared to Kabukichou. That tower sticks out like a nail out here." Silvery blue hair bobbed behind the window as a ronin stretched his arms to the ceiling and yawned. He dressed in waves of blue and white, and his haori and kimono flowed like water whenever he moved. "Seeing it again is almost worth the forty-five-minute drive. Imagine if we drove here by scooter. Glad I don't have to waste any gas on this trip. Poor Sadaharu is down with a cold, too, so there's no way we could've fit all that luggage you brought with you."

"They're not luggage. They're souvenirs for Onee-chan and the twins." A feminine voice corrected him.

"Oh yeah?" Gintoki blinked as he dug a finger into his ear canal. "What about the idiot brother-husband?"

"I will give him the choice of picking an urn or a coffin for his imminent death." Came the low, murderous reply. "There's no need to burden my widowed sister with funeral fees. But, naturally, I will be making all the arrangements."

" Waaait ! Imouto-chan! You make it sound like you're plotting an assassination! We don't want another repeat of a certain arc, so don't make us your accomplices!"

"Sakata Gintoki and Shimura Shinpachi won't be accomplices. Rather, you two will be key witnesses to his unfortunate yet untimely death to rule out any terrible suspects."

"You want us to create an alibi for you while you commit familicide!"

"We may be technically blood-related since I am Onee-chan's clone, but it's not familicide because that perverted pirate is not my brother." The woman answered earnestly. "Rest assured. This is a long overdue extermination of unwanted insects buzzing around Onee-chan's loveliness and defiling her petals."

"Don't try to fool me! You just admitted that you're only using us to get away with murder! Screw this job! I want out! I don't want a family of angry Yato after me, especially not that perverted pirate brother or that cueball she calls 'Pappy!"

"I see. What a shame… then I suppose I have no choice but to take back those free coupons for strawberry sweets and cancel that one-year subscription for JUMP I paid for you. It's regrettable, but I'll have to hire someone else more suitable for the task."

"W-W-Wait a minute, Imouto-chan. No need to get hasty. I was kidding… please don't withhold a man's reason for living, nee~?"

"Now, now, settle down. Anyway, Gin-san," A comely young man with a gentle voice and round glasses, spoke up. His jinbei was dark blue with his sleeves pinned back by black sashes, "Out here is where Kagura-chan lives now. Most of our local ingredients come from here, so farmwork and raising livestock needs all the space it can get. It's the heart of our agriculture now."

Both men possessed wooden swords in their scabbards, clearly visible to the public to identify them as samurai. They were in their mid-to-late twenties. Their potential to become popular with ladies conflicted with their impoverished occupation as Yoruzuya Gin-chan and selective obliviousness (or, in Gin-chan's case, intentional ignorance as he possessed quite an unwanted harem of including but not limited to psychotic gorilla girls and masochistic kunoichi stalkers).

Turning to the third occupant, Shinpachi addressed her with a smile.

"Thanks again for paying the cab fare. We would've done it ourselves, but the recession has made our business take a nosedive." He was sincere in expressing his sentiments, unlike his freeloading boss, who merely rolled down the window so he could flick a booger outside, much to the disgust of the driver. "To reiterate, Kagura only expects Gin-san and me over for dinner. She will be in for a surprise when she sees you."

"Speaking of surprises…." Gintoki drawled with a lazy smile. "How does it feel coming back here after all these months? As you mentioned, you haven't visited after your argument with her idiot brother-husband. Well… Kyoko?”

Squished uncomfortably between them was a busty young woman whose likeness resembled their aforementioned former vice president. A soft layer of makeup covered her face. Dressed in a lilac purple cheongsam with silver embroidery, her appearance was more appropriate for a formal gathering rather than tonight’s casual dinner. She wore no jewelry except the black moon-shaped ornament from her white hair stick. The decoration swayed like a pendulum, accentuating her cherry chignon.

Unlike her lively older sister's ever-changing expressions, Kyoko constantly wore a blank slate for a face, just as the other sister clones did. Although she was terrible at communicating, her heart contained a pure wish that burned like a light within a paper lantern. Yet her mind was at war with the dam holding back a tsunami of nervous energy and apprehension towards the inevitable reunion.

Of course, having the social skills of a brick, Kyoko could only reply with a flood of information.

"Mouth dry. Armpits are perspiring. Chest palpitations. Heart rate at 150 bpm. Respiratory rate at thirty breaths per minute." Her hands clutched the leather seats, tearing the fabric and causing both men to panic at the thought of paying for the damage. "Today's weather is sunny with thirty percent of rain. 31.11°C. Capillary blood flow is increasing and spreading to my face. Tomorrow's forecast- HRUGGH !" She covered her mouth and mumbled through trembling fingers. "Probability of projectile vomiting is 99%!" When she started to dry heave, both samurai knew it was every man for himself.

"GUWAAH! GET AWAY FROM ME!" Shinpachi flew into panicked flight mode as he tried to wrench open the doors. "AGAHH! THE DOOR'S LOCKED! IT WON'T OPEN!"

"DRIVER! DRIVER STOP THE CAR! SHE'S GONNA BLOW!" Then, an idea hit Gintoki as he snatched the cap off the baffled driver and shoved it into Kyoko's face. "Here, use this. Make sure you don't spill."

"THERE'S NO WAY THAT WILL CONTAIN ALL OF IT!" Shinpachi shouted over the confusion.

"BLAARRGGHHH!"

Night fell by the time the taxi arrived at its destination. The ride ended with Kyoko ejecting the contents of her stomach all over the car's interior and men. When they pulled up in front of the tower, the fed-up driver kicked them out and dumped Kyoko's luggage onto the grass. Then, he drove away in a huff. Disgusted complaints left the men's lips as they tried to wash out the stench and wet stains from their clothes in a nearby duck pond.

Wandering around the province at night felt as though time was at a standstill. Yet, it was a natural environment of idyllic and harmonious countryside scenery formed to draw the attention of tourists and the favor of the occasional government official. Water surrounded the province with rice terraces and clusters of lotus blossoms.

"Well, at least our ride back will be here later…." Kyoko reminded herself as she kneaded her sore stomach.

"Man, I just washed this, too." Shinpachi groaned. "Aneue is going to get mad at me when she sees me coming home like this… ughhh…."

"Aw, I liked this kimono. It was my favorite." Gintoki ignored the annoyed mother duck pecking his head as he splashed around. Soon his fluffy head became home to a nest of quacking little ducklings. While cleaning her mouth, Kyoko couldn't stop staring at the strangely cute sight. So naturally, she decided to take a picture of him with her phone and save it in her archive if she needed to dupe Sarutobi into taking care of certain insects. She didn't understand that woman's heart and her hunger for romance, but she could certainly use such things to protect her Onee-chan.

"That makes no sense, Gin-san. All your jackets have the same design."

"Patsuan, you don't get it. Men can never go wrong with just one classic look. You have to have backups as well. This one was my favorite backup."

"As I said, that makes no sense…." Shinpachi took a tentative sniff of his clothes before gagging. "Ugh. I smell like I rolled in Yoshiwara's sewage."

"No. It's like natto mixed with rotten cabbage and old men's armpits."

"Gin-san, stop it before I throw up."

"My apologies…" Kyoko muttered as she wiped her lips. "I suppose I should've stopped at thirty bowls of beef seaweed soup before deciding to take a cab with smelly bachelors who reek of virginity and poverty."

"Hey, that's mister smelly bachelor to you. And who exactly are you calling a virgin, ahh? Like big sister, like little sister - your mouths are vulgar, and your bottomless stomachs don't know the meaning of the word 'restraint.' But, well, you are her clone, after all." Gintoki retorted as he wrung the water from his clothes. Shinpachi took it upon himself to pluck the ducklings from his hair and guide them back into the water to rejoin their quacking mother. "Besides, you don't have to hide that you're starting to get cold feet about going through with this plan. I know you hate the idea of your sister being mad at you."

The silver-haired samurai was on point as Kyoko flinched.

"In any case, we're only here to fulfill your outlandish request. Although I don't know how I feel getting wrapped up in family matters again since it involves Kagura and that guy. Going behind their backs like this isn't like you." Glancing at the young woman, he sighed. "Women are scary since they can hold onto grudges for years. I remember you and your sisters and that Baldy fighting tooth and nail against that guy when he declared his intention to marry Kagura. But it's already been five years since they tied the knot. Are you still dissatisfied with their union?"

"This isn't about how I feel. Do not make this about me." Kyoko quickly answered. "My sisters and I are doing what's best for Onee-chan. You might disagree with my methods, but we know better than to undermine the effects of how powerful her pheromones are. This is also for your well-being. No man alive can resist a Yato female when her body is most sensitive and fertile. Once the full moon arrives, annoying masses of men will swarm her. So now is the time to act."

"So this has nothing to do with keeping your beloved Onee-chan away from Kamui as much as possible?" Gintoki asked with a sly grin.

"... I do not recall ever mentioning that dogmatic alpha male," Kyoko answered stiffly, her ordinarily stoic face revealing a hint of distaste. "Please refrain from bringing him up so casually over and over. It's annoying enough having to see his face several times a year at every family gathering."

"This is a very roundabout way of contending your differences." His chocolate eyes probed her blue ones. "I'm not trying to lecture you, but I hope you realize that holding onto the past only makes you its prisoner.” His otherwise blunt words hinted at sadness and nostalgia as he stared at the pond. His somber reflection rippled as a frog surfaced to croak. He seemed to think the same thing as her, and his following words confirmed her suspicions.  “We can't blame anyone for what happened to her last year…. Not even that guy."

By 'that guy,' of course, he meant Kamui. He was right. She knew it was childish to blame him for not being there when that happened. She knew it was underhanded to resort to trickery to get back at him, and she knew it was illogical and low… but…

"Sorry, Kyoko. But I want to be alone right now. Can you come back later?"

Kyoko remembered the times Kagura refused to leave her bed last year. Kyoko was all the more determined to prevent a repeat of that incident. That being her miscarriage. It made her wonder if she should've fought harder to keep her from marrying that man in the first place if such incidents would only result in her unhappiness.

But now wasn't the time to dwell on such things. The present was at hand.

"That may be true…." Kyoko trailed off as she lowered her eyes in chagrin. "Even so, drastic times call for drastic measures." She renewed her resolve and squared her shoulders, meeting Gintoki's dubious expression. "It's too late to backtrack."

"Ho… are you sure things will go as planned, Imouto-chan?"

"That's for me to worry about, not you."

"Aw, don't be like that." Moonlight illuminated Gintoki's broad shoulders as he strolled up to Kyoko to exert pressure. "Poor Sadaharu will be lonely if Kagura doesn't return and visit Kabukichou on her usual days. And what will we tell her stupid, two-faced husband when he comes busting down our door and demanding to know where his pregnant wife is?"

"Firstly, Sadaharu will be fine. I do not doubt you will oversee the inugami playing with the boys at your place. It's important to supervise children when they're playing with animals at all times." Kyoko replied matter-of-factly, folding her arms over her large breasts. "Secondly, Kobato has informed me through the Psi Network that Kamui has recently embarked on a week-long journey to conduct business on another planet. He won't be back until Tuesday. That should give you more than enough time to fortify your defenses."

"Why are you talking like we must get ready for a siege?! Are we going to become fugitives?" Shinpachi's cries went ignored.

"Be reasonable, Kyoko~ that's not fair." Gintoki pressed on. "It's important to tell us at least where you're taking Kagura, right?"

"If I tell you where we're going, you won't be able to resist following us. That and such information of our whereabouts would only risk exposing us to that troublesome husband of hers." Kyoko pointed out. "Enough already. Please don't try to provoke any more details out of me, Sakata Gintoki. I'm not taking the bait."

"Oi, oi…"

"Now, now, Gin-san." Shinpachi hurried to alleviate the situation by bodily getting in between them. "It's rare for Kyoko-chan to come asking us for help. We already agreed to the job, so let's proceed. If you were against it, you wouldn't have come out here in the first place." Then, turning to Kyoko with a reassuring look, he continued. "Besides, right now, we only need to worry about looking after Kuei-kun and Kwan-kun while they resolve things once and for all. So let's have faith in these guys."

"Indeed, Shimura Shinpachi." Kyoko nodded to show her appreciation. "I'm glad that of all the hopeless men my sister has befriended, at least she has one rational friend. Those glasses are not for show, after all. Being a twenty-something-year-old virgin with no girlfriend enables you to think with more than just your testicles. I am feeling compelled to take you along with us…." She seemed to consider the idea before fiercely shaking her head. "But I can't risk you succumbing to your loneliness as a beta male and pathetic desperation to hold a woman. You might attack Onee-chan in her sleep, and I would be forced to kill you. Therefore, I must regretfully bar you from her as well."

"Uh… you know, Kyoko-chan. I want to sympathize, but I'm pissed off now." Shinpachi deadpanned with a malicious glint in his eyes. Then, it was Gintoki's turn to appease the tension.

"Take it easy, Pachi boy. Let's get this over with." Clapping the younger man on the shoulder, he guided him toward the giant ringed black and brass gong to announce their arrival. With a two-handed swing, Shinpachi struck the large metal disc with the mallet. A low, satisfying roar belted throughout the compound, causing night birds to scatter into the sky and the lights within the tower to flicker on. The adults could hear rapid footsteps coming down the stairwell as the impressive ornate door swung open with a bang. A blur of orange and green moved faster than the speed of light.

"Gin! Shin! Sneak attack!" Two boys, no older than five, announced their arrival before ambushing the samurai with readied fists. Because they announced their intentions, this gave Shinpachi and Gintoki enough time to draw their wooden swords and counterattack. The boys were prodigal trainees in numerous martial arts, demonstrating their preferred style - changquan in whirling kicks and acrobatic strikes. It was very physically demanding and required flexibility to perform aggressive feats. However, it was clear Kamui had them start early on building their stamina so the training would pay off in later years. The twins, just like their fighting style, were ferocious and relentless in their assault.

"Kuei-kun. Kwan-kun. Energetic as always, you two." Shinpachi laughed as he easily deflected their blows. Even though the boys were young, they were still strong enough to splinter wood, as proven by the small cracks forming in Shinpachi's blade. Nevertheless, he dodged their strikes as he gave them constructive criticism. "But if you plan to ambush your enemy, you should consider using subterfuge next time. Sneak attacks don't work in your favor if you give away your position by shouting."

Gintoki danced around their combined assault with fancy footwork. Then, with a quick spin, he blinded the boys with a flash of his white clothes before closing the distance to disarm them.

"YOU IDIOTS!" Finally, he dealt twin blows to their unsuspecting skulls with Lake Toya's hilt - putting an end to the scuffle.

"Ow!"

"Ouch!"

Both boys whined as they knelt over in pain. They rubbed the small, swelling bumps forming on their heads. Gintoki stood over them with a long-suffering sigh.

"Yesh, you guys are too much like your father! Swinging your fists the first chance you get!" But, unlike Shinpachi's gentle feedback, Gintoki didn't mince words as he chastised them. "Kuei. You have good momentum, and your hits are strong. But! Your movements get sloppy when overexcited, and you must remember that your allies are trying to support you. You're impatient, so you rush in without thinking. Because of this, you're blind to your surroundings and risk exposing yourself or your team to unexpected attacks." Then he turned to the younger twin. "Kwan, you have the opposite problem. It would help if you planned things out more quickly. It's good that you don't risk life and limb to preserve your pride and have a handle on reading your opponent. However! You overthink things and get flustered when the enemy overwhelms you. Since you don't want to slow your brother down, you imitate his brazenness. But your hits don't carry the same weight because you're afraid of inflicting critical injuries on your opponents. Don't hold back! Have more confidence in your abilities."

"Heh heh heh! That hurts, Gin! I was just happy to see you!" Kuei, the older twin, laughed. His unruly vermillion hair and dark blue eyes were wild, just like his grandfather when he was young. He carried a merry countenance that eerily resembled his father's. And, despite his friendliness, he enjoyed fighting more than anything. Kamui's blood ran too strongly in him, indicating that this troublesome son would take after him in more ways than one. Knowing this made Gintoki roll his eyes behind closed lids at the reflection of what kind of troublesome teenager he would become.

"Ow, ow, ow... guess I messed that up." The boy winced as he touched his bruise. "Still, you didn't have to hit so hard! Even Papa and Gramps know how to hold back against a kid. You're meaner than you look, you know!" His pufferfish pout was like his mother's as he cleaned off his apricot tangzhuang and white trousers.

"I have to, or else there's no way of getting through your thick skull." Gintoki snorted before turning to the sulking younger twin, Kwan. "How about you? You can cry out in the bathroom if you have any complaints."

"Shut up! I won't cry!" Kwan retorted as he wiped his watering eyes. He refused Shinpachi's offered hand as he stood up and dusted off his pine green tangzhuang and white trousers. "I need to get better so that I can become stronger. I hate losing to the likes of you, but Father says blaming others for my weakness is what cowards do. So next time... I'll beat you for sure!" Cheeks rosy, he reflected as he ran his fingers through his pin-straight raven locks. His round eyes were the same as his brother's; only his were severe. He reminded Gintoki of Kagura when she was at her best. Even though he was disappointed in losing, he took after her excellent sportsmanship. "Yeah, I think I learned a lot this time." His blush deepened a fraction as he averted his eyes to grumble. "...Thanks."

"You've improved your footwork like I suggested since I last saw you." Shinpachi appraised, intending to soften the blow Gintoki's thrashing left on him. "I better work hard so you don't surpass me, Kwan-kun."  This made said boy perk up at the praise.  But of course, this didn’t last long the moment Gintoki opened his mouth.

"Aw. You're taking it like a grown-up." Gintoki teased. "Good for you. Next time I hit a bar, you can come along, and I'll buy you apple juice."

"Shut up, cotton-candy hair! Don't mock me, or I'll spit gum on you from above on Father's ship!"

"Rude brat! My hair is naturally permed, so don't diss what a man can't control!"

"Bwahaha!" Kuei was laughing with tears in his eyes. "Gin and Kwan got mad at each other!"

"Now, now, Gin-san..."

As their banter went on, Kyoko was wondering about one thing.

"Kuei. Kwan. What happened to your hair?"

As soon as she voiced her question, everyone froze.

"Auntie Kyoko?" Shock registered in the boys' faces before their eyes brightened with delight. They excitedly repeated her name as they thundered over to her and tackled her in a flying hug, surprising her with the intensity of their affection compared to how they greeted the samurai.

Cute, Kyo thought as they looked up at her with sad and wistful looks reminiscent of puppies begging for affection. Their earthy smell of pignolias and figs brought to mind the orchard where they loved to play.

"Where have you been? You haven't come to see us in forever. I thought you didn't like us anymore." Kuei asked, sounding hurt. "The other aunties come to visit us, but we haven't seen you since Christmas! You didn't even come to the cherry blossom viewing..."

"You made Mother worry..." Kwan muttered as he glared at her with accusing eyes, but his arms clung tight around her waist. "She missed you." He buried his face in her stomach as he went on to admit. "I wanted to see you. We missed you..." Knowing how hard it was for the usually petulant Kwan to say his honest feelings, Kyoko felt her heart grow warm.

"...I missed you both, as well. I do like you, of course. I always have." Kyoko said sincerely, her face softening as she stroked their hair. She knew the twins liked her as much as she did them, but she never expected this reaction. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you or your mother's feelings. I won't do it again, so don't be sad."

"You mean it?" Kuei asked with a hint of suspicion. When she nodded, he thought it over with a hum. "Well, as long as you're sorry... but if you're going to go somewhere far away, you have to tell us next time! That way, Mama and we can go with you!"

"What about father?" Kwan asked his brother, only to receive a laugh.

"No way! He got mad at me when I joked about taking Mama away from him! What kind of dad beats up his kid over something so small? So he can stay here alone!"

"No, Kuei. You're the one who kept pestering him to fight you the last time he came home. Then you got whiny when he ignored you." Kwan pointed out with a grimace. "Father stopped holding back after you teased him by saying you'd marry Mother after killing him... and then Mother had to break you guys up."

"Heeh~" An angry vein was pulsing in Kuei's head. "What lies are you spouting about your big brother in front of Auntie Kyo, stupid Kwan? Shut up, or I'll kill you!" As fond as Kyoko was of the red-haired twin, she worried he was starting to take too much after his father. Even his threats were starting to sound like his.

"Who's gonna kill who, stupid Kuei!?" Kwan barked back as he was sensitive to provocations. "You're the one who's lying! And we're only five minutes apart, so don't call yourself 'big brother' like you're better than me! Being older doesn't mean you're stronger or smarter! You're as dumb as a pile of bricks! You fell asleep during study hour yesterday!"

"Hey! You swore you wouldn't tell anyone!"

"Well, I changed my mind!" Kwan retorted. "I don't have to be nice to a dummy like you! So I won't let you copy my homework anymore! Let's see what happens next time Mother wants your grade report!"

"Ugh...!" For a moment, Kuei sounded apprehensive before recovering. "Suits me just fine! I won't let you copy my homework, either!"

"Who'd want to copy your homework? You never do it!"

"Oh yeah?" Kuei growled as they butted heads.

"Yeah!"

"Oh, brother." Gintoki sighed.

"Enough fighting, you two. We'll all be in trouble if we keep your mother waiting," Shinpachi called as he and Gintoki carried Kyoko's luggage up the tower. "Let's go."

"Ah! Gin, give me a piggyback ride!" Kuei shouted as he ran over and clambered up the man's back.

"Oof! Hey, get down! You're too heavy! I'm already carrying this stuff upstairs!"

"Carry me, too!"

"You're not listening to me at all. Ugh. So bossy and selfish... just like your Mama when she was young." Gintoki grumbled as he lifted the boy higher onto his back. "Grab my shoulders, or you'll fall."

"Okay!"

"I'll carry these for you, Auntie." Kwan took the remaining bags from Kyoko as he started up the stairs. He adamantly refused when she pointed out they were heavy and to let her carry some. "N-No way. A man always carries his woman's burdens when traveling...! That's what Granny Otose told me!" Carrying seven bags at once, he strained to climb the stairwell. Kyoko wondered if she should point out that he called her 'his woman' just now but decided it was an adorable mistake she could overlook. He started to stumble from its dragging weight until Kyoko, secretly summoning her pink tendrils, gently pushed him upright and lifted the cargo so it would be lighter for him to carry. She walked behind him so he wouldn't see her helping him, knowing he would get upset if he knew.

"Thank you, Kwan. You're such a gentleman. You've become much stronger since I've last seen you." Kyoko complimented, noting his ears were turning pink with pleasure. "I can see you've been training hard."

"W-Well... more or less."

"So, about your hair..." Last winter, their hair used to be long enough to tie back into braids. Now, they sported short ponytails that barely reached their necks. They resembled puppy tails wagging whenever they moved.

"Oh, that!" Kuei shouted atop Gintoki's shoulders. He was wearing Shinpachi's glasses. "Well, you know! The other day, me and Kwan wanted to see where Papa used to rule as the Night King before he gave up his throne to Tsukii and Hinowa-nee. That Yoshiwara place, you know! So, we tried sneaking in and saw a naked lady. It was weird. Tsukii caught us, though!" His blue eyes twinkled with mischief as he stuck his tongue out at the memory, but his grin dimmed somewhat as he continued. "Mama was mad when we got home, but she got more upset when Papa told her we would've found out sooner or later and that boys like us get curious about sexy women. So Mama was jealous when she asked him if he knew sexier ladies than her."

"Haa..." Shinpachi sighed at the memory, recalling how Kagura called him to complain.

"They argued until mother ended up chasing him out of the tower. She was throwing pots and pans at him. We didn't want to be alone with her when she was like that, so we hung onto him while he ran away." Kwan recalled with a wince as he touched his short ponytail. "Mother was trying to grab him with those pink coils she uses with her mind, but she ended up cutting off my hair by accident."

"Mine, too! It was scary!" Kuei chimed in as he touched his wild flyaways and tugged on his ponytail. "The neighbors were complaining about the noise again! So we had to go and say sorry."

As Sakamoto Mutsu said: "The strongest men become the weakest in their household." Kyoko thought to herself.

"That sounds like your mom, alright!" Gintoki's raucous laughter echoed throughout the stone-paneled stairwell. Fires flickered inside iron braziers hung from the wall. Shadows melted together as they continued their climb to the main floor.

"Well, pregnant women are sensitive to hearing those kinds of things. She doesn't want you to grow up into bad adults." Shinpachi stated, taking back his glasses. "You two should try to be good boys for her."

"You mean no more pranks?" Kuei sounded slightly disappointed.

"Well, all in moderation." Gintoki, who was always one for good fun, compromised.

"Hooray!" The boys cheered and high-fived each other.

"It's understandable that boys your age need to burn excess energy but keep in mind not to worry your mother." Kyoko reminded them in a firm voice that left no room for disagreement. "She's incubating your little sister within her womb. That alone expends tremendous energy from her. Since you two are the house's men, you must do what you can to support her. She needs your help."

"Yes, Auntie." They answered thoughtfully this time.

They arrived on the main floor; the kitchen adjoined the living area and several bathrooms. Kyoko recognized many of the interior decorations were from Tian's local market, painstakingly crafted by humble artisans. It was clear that Kagura arranged bamboo furniture for this room as she came to dislike extreme extravagance the older she grew. Hanging ivy stretched across the walls from woven baskets. Silk tapestries hung here and there, depicting ancient landscapes and mythical creatures from the East. In the corner, a decorative and domed censer burned with sandalwood incense. Oil lamps illuminated their path to the kitchen. 

"I embrace the overwhelming sadness my tears wet this moonlit night... my love, undying, will reach you wherever you are…." Then, through a circular doorway, they entered to find a curvaceous woman swaying to a song she had often sung in her childhood - one Kyoko recognized.

Crying moon - it was Kagura's favorite lullaby, taught to her by her late mother. When they were little, Kagura sang this to her and the other sisters to sleep during the darkest nights in Sector 101. It was about the moon goddess who pined for her lover. However, the tragedy behind the story was that since the goddess drank an elixir of immortality brewed by the jade rabbit, she and her lover could never reunite in the afterlife. Hence, the song's name.

Kagura... my wish for you is never to end up like that goddess who forever cries and waits in vain. Kyoko kept this apprehensive thought in her heart. 

"Before long, the wind carries the clouds and sweeps my spirit away, you and me, the moon watches over us, our love floating in our sky...." Kagura's eyes were closed, lost in the bittersweet lyrics she could sing by heart. She stroked her swollen belly through the thin layers of white and yellow silk as though to cradle her unborn child to sleep. She wasn't wearing any makeup, and her skin emanated a healthy glow. A 24-karat gold band circled her ring finger.  It was encrusted with a cut blue space diamond surrounded by smaller crystals. Glossy, claret hair swung behind her in a waterfall of red. Her turquoise comb caught the light as she moved to prepare several dishes at once. "Your heart from that day lives on inside me. So I'll boldly move on facing what lies ahead until the day comes when we become one."

A mouthwatering aroma mingled in the air, causing the hungry men and boys to drool in anticipation. There were hot, steaming dishes of Chinese cuisine on the marble counter—dim sum, baozi, shitake fried rice, leek congee, Peking duck, and wonton soup. Side dishes consisted of sauteed bok choy and seaweed salad. In addition, there were deep-fried durians, candied fruit kebabs, and almond tofu for dessert.

"Shinpachi, I think I've died and gone to heaven," Gintoki muttered in marvel, wiping excess drool from his mouth as he stared at the feast. "Everything looks so good. Oh, look, the kebabs have strawberries."

"You and me both, Gin-san." Shinpachi agreed, patting his growling stomach. "I can't believe the same girl who used to burn rice whenever she cooked is the one who prepared all this food." 

"Mama! Look who's here!"

"Oh?" Kagura intoned with her back facing them. She summoned wispy pink tendrils to carry multiple dishes at once. Her white jade earrings caught the light as she balanced the duck entree on her head and turned around, ballooning her sleek maternity dress's white and yellow layers. "Finally! Here I was wondering what kept you-" Her smile froze in place upon locking eyes with Kyoko's. Then, out of reflex, she retracted her tendrils and let go of everything she held. Gintoki and Shinpachi dropped the luggage and made swan dives to save the food before it hit the floor.

"Ahh! Hot, hot, hot!" Shinpachi shrieked.

"My fingers!" Gintoki groaned. "I think they're broken!"

"Now's our chance! I smell food coming from inside. These must be presents!" Kuei excitedly told his brother as he proceeded to open the fallen bags. Unable to resist his curiosity, Kwan followed suit.

Disbelief. Uncertainty. Anxiousness. These were the feelings Kyoko could sense from Kagura through the Psi Network. Her brainwaves collided with hers, sending her a signal similar to an SOS alert the sisters gave one another if they were in mortal danger. Kyoko wasn't sure what appropriate response she needed to provide, so she said the first thing that came to mind.

"问候，我的妹妹," Kyoko spoke in their mother tongue. "我很高兴看到你和你的宝宝都很健康."

("Greetings, my sister.") ("I'm glad to see that you and your baby are healthy.")

"Kyoko...?" Kagura uttered before her face lit up with tearful joy. "Kyoko! Kyoko!" Repeating her name repeatedly like a child, she crossed the gap between them and pulled her younger sister into a warm embrace. Kyoko caught a whiff of her ylang-ylang perfume mixed in with her natural scent. "你去哪里了？ 你已经很久没有来见我了."

("Where have you been? You haven't come to see me in so long.")

Kagura's usual confident voice was instead tentative and anxious, as though she feared she would scare her away. Her arms tightened around Kyoko, who was surprised at how the foreign words flowed from Kagura's lips like a natural spring. There was no trace of her previous stilted, awkward pronunciation when she spoke Chinese.

"你的语言有了进步. 我可以看出你一直在练习." Kyoko complimented with a tinge of pride in her otherwise neutral voice, returning her hug. "你一直在和你的邻居们练习. 听起来你现在和他们相处得很好."

("Your language has improved.") ("You've been practicing with your neighbors. It sounds like you are getting along well with them now.")

"学长们给了我很多帮助. I worked hard so I could talk with you properly the next time we saw each other," Kagura confessed with a blush, pulling away to look at her with tears in her eyes. Her fluctuating hormones most likely amplified the depth of the woman's feelings. But that didn't deter her from sharing them with Kyoko, who felt her eyes water because of Kagura's sensitive state.

("The seniors helped me a lot.")

"You're not mad at me, are you?" Kagura asked. "If I did something wrong, let me know so I can fix it. I don't want you to avoid me."

"It's not like that," It wasn't her she was avoiding - it was more accurate to say that it was this planet. Even after all these years, she still couldn't call this place her home like Kagura did. It wasn't as though she disliked Earth- it was full of kind people who helped her and the other sisters. But Kyoko, who only knew of enclosed spaces and has always kept people away at arm's length, didn't dare to settle here. She was always used to moving from place to place for survival - a habit she found difficult to break. Many other sisters felt the same way - wondering if they truly belonged on the planet that Kagura grew to love so much. Neither Kyoko nor her sisters wanted to overshadow their big sister after all the years she spent protecting them. After all, a moon with too many shadows wouldn't be able to shine brightly.

Kyoko and her sisters agreed not to trouble Kagura with such vexing thoughts. Kagura, sometimes too kind for her good, learned long ago not to pry into people's minds without their say. She didn't know what they felt, and they were all determined to keep it that way - enclosing her in a bubble of happiness.

"I'm sorry, Onee-chan. Work at the intergalactic airline has been keeping me busy. So I was waiting for the right time to visit." Kyoko came up with an alternative explanation that had some truth to it. "I didn't wish to trouble you by staying here. Your family is already busy enough as it is. Even though many of us sisters have accumulated to Earth's customs, I still need to get used to this culture. So I don't want to get in your way, Onee-chan..."

"Trouble me? Get in my way? Don't be ridiculous, aru!" The woman huffed as she released her. Although Kagura kicked her childish way of speaking years ago, it still reared its head whenever she was agitated or excited. "You're always welcome here! So don't be so reserved when we're sisters! And promptly answer whenever I message you! Don't just respond with short sentences like 'yes' or 'doing fine.' Tell me more about what you're doing! It makes me worry when you take forever to respond!"

Kyoko thought to answer that she wasn't good at keeping up with text conversations but decided to nod instead. She'd already agitated her sister enough.

"Good!" Kagura cheered before her face clouded with uncertainty. "But you aren't angry with me, right?" Kyoko gave a gentle shake of her head, and Kagura expressed relief. Facing her former coworkers, she put her hands on her hips. "Gin-chan, Shinpachi! This is no time to be lying around. Hurry up and take those to the roof! We're going to have a midnight picnic!" She turned to her boys, who were holding snacks and souvenirs in their small arms. "Kuei. Kwan. It's bad manners to open people's things without asking first. So put those back and help out."

"Okay, mama/mother!" The twins chirped and helped Shinpachi carry the food upstairs. Kyoko observed the tender way he treated the boys as he reminded them not to run while holding hot food. He had a way with children and would make an exceptional parent one day. 

"You cooked enough to feed an army," Gintoki sighed as he took a pitcher full of pomegranate juice and cups from her and put them on a tray. "Pomegranate juice again?"

"It's what the baby is craving, aru! Besides, you should cut down on your drinking, Gin-chan. Your metabolism isn't what it used to be! I can see you growing a beer belly!"

Gintoki made a face in response to her teasing.

"I don't like how the seeds always get stuck in my teeth." He sighed. "What's next? Are you going to stuff and roast us come next holiday's feast? If you eat that much, your baby will pop out."

"You should appreciate the lovely Kagura-sama who went out of her way to cook for you! Don't gripe when you're eating here for free," Kagura playfully nudged him with her elbow. "I'm eating for two, and my growing boys have a ravenous appetite. Having a big family taught me to cook big portions ahead of time. Now that Kyoko is here, you guys will be lucky if there are any leftovers to take home."

"Right. You're the boss, miss alien hunter." Gintoki chuckled as he headed upstairs. "Don't take too long to wrap up your reunion, or we'll start eating without you."

"Come this way, Kyo!" Taking her by the hand excitedly, Kagura tugged her like an impatient child. "You have to see all the rooms I redecorated since you left! I'll show you the baby's room! Oh, and you can sleep with me, of course! Airen isn't here, so it'll be fun! We can bathe together, stay up until dawn like we used to, and talk all night! So, the other day... Soyo-chan and Nobotasu...." The big sister continued to chatter while the little sister listened in attentive silence, just like in old times. Kyoko glanced down at their clasped hands and felt nostalgia wash over her. It was like they were little girls again, with Kagura leading the way to show her what new and exciting place they would play next. But, no matter how often they held hands, Kyoko would never tire of her inviting warmth.

Stubborn and silly, sometimes Kagura said crass and selfish things. She was sneaky when teasing others. Even so, her heart was as abundant as her beloved blue planet. Her profile exuded a loveliness that rivaled-no, that exceeded the moon. Kyoko surmised that what Hinowa said was true: motherhood changed women.

Kagura gave her an updated home tour as though she were a potential buyer. Everything was mostly unchanged except for the moved furniture. The diaolou was big enough to house several guest bedrooms and bathrooms. There were new decorations here and there, such as hanging scrolls and tropical planters. A new armory held a vast weapon collection that needed to be secured with multiple locks to prevent the boys from breaking in (though this was mostly in vain). Also, there was the occasional expensive vase or statue, which Kagura tried (again, in vain) to keep out of reach from her curious boys. 

As they traversed the corridor, Kyoko stared at the expensive, handwoven tapestry that elongated the wall. It depicted numerous rabbits paying homage to the goddess who lived on the moon. Amid the warren was a jade rabbit who catered to their patron deity by presenting a crystal decanter full of what appeared to be the elixir of immortality.

"Oh, that Kamui," Kagura huffed when she noticed Kyoko's staring. "He caught me looking at it one day and insisted on buying it. I told him I didn't need it and that it was too big to take home, but he arranged for a merchant's vessel to import it here. The neighbors couldn't believe their eyes." She shook her head with a scoff. “Airen tends to splurge when it comes to spoiling me. He usually does this whenever he's away for several weeks. So I feel bad when an old guy like Abu-chan comes crying to me to do something about him." She shook her head. "Whenever that happens, I have to scold Airen and reign him in to control his expenses since he won't listen to his men! I can't believe he used to say I was bad at spending!"

Kagura was complaining, but the twinkle in her eyes made it clear that she was irrevocably in love with him even after all these years.

"One day, we will go to the moon and meet the goddess who lives there!" Kyoko wondered if Kagura remembered her promise to her and their sisters so many years ago. Right now, Kagura was happier than all the women combined in Edo, and Kyoko was glad. However...

"Get those books away from me!"

PUM.

A memory of six-year-old Kagura's shrill voice rang in her mind when she struck her once favorite stories out of Kyoko's hands out of frustration and anger. The entire time she was shouting, she shed bitter tears.

"I don't need fairytales! Princes, heroes, happy endings...! It's all a lie! No one will ever come to save us even though we were good! My family will never be whole again, and I'll always be alone...!" The little girl hid her face as she continued to tremble. "Pappy, Kamui, even Abu-chan... they're all liars who broke their promises to me! They all deserve to be cursed! I want someone to curse them for forgetting about me!"

"Onee-chan..."

"Kyoko... you're a magician. Can you curse them for me? Please teach those guys a lesson if you can do it."

The forgotten pain of that memory echoed to the present, where Kyoko wrestled to maintain her composure.

Please don't break it, Kyoko reminded herself as she shoved her growing resentment to the bottom of her mind. Suppress it... don't break the magic spell.

"Kyoko, what's wrong?" 

Ah.

Snapping out of her trance, Kyoko met her sister's worried eyes. No doubt, she took notice of her internal struggle through the network. She squeezed her hand.

"It's nothing," Kyoko answered quickly. "I just remembered something unpleasant, but it doesn't matter anymore." Then, to dissuade her sister's worry, she gave her an inquiring smile. "Earlier, you mentioned the baby's room. I would like to see it."  Kagura's searching gaze told Kyoko that she knew more to it than that, but it was clear Kagura didn't want to force her to say anything. Instead, she wanted Kyoko to open up on her terms. Because of that, she would never forcefully pry open her mind's secrets. Or anyone else's.

"...Okay," With an understanding squeeze, Kagura buoyed Kyoko into the next room with both hands. "It's over here. Hurry, Kyoko!"

"No need to pull so hard, Onee-chan. I'm right behind you."

A lotus-shaped chandelier basked the master bedroom in a gentle glow. Kyoko could smell sandalwood incense wafting from the nearby urn. They walked across the quilted rug and past two recliners with matching stools accompanied by a bookshelf at the far wall. This room Kagura shared with Kamui came with a private bathroom. Decorative fans accented the paneled walls. Koi fish circled within a grand painting. Moonlight shone through a large window, spilling across a new queen-size round bed with expensive sateen bedsheets. Black dividers towered over a vanity full of Kagura's jewelry and perfume that Kamui had gifted her over the years. The walk-in closet contained their clothes- one side belonged to Kamui, and the other to Kagura. Kagura was most excited to show off the annex next door.

Padding across the woven rug, Kagura did a twirl as she presented the new and improved nursery. While the rocking chair was still next to the window nook, she added a diaper-changing table and an armoire for baby clothes. It used to belong to the twins until they outgrew the small space. Kagura said she repainted the walls with soothing lavender - hopefully, to raise a girl who could balance out the chaotic men in their household, she said with a laugh. Kyoko admired a mural depicting a family of rabbits eating in a pomegranate orchard. They watched the sunset. Her eyes lingered for several moments before skirting the corner. There. Kyoko recognized the canopy crib with curtains- a gift from Soyo Tokugawa during Kagura's first baby shower. Only this time, there were pink curtains instead of blue.

"In terms of aesthetics, this nursery is pleasing to the eye," Kyoko told her sincerely. "What are the pomegranates for, Onee-chan?"

"In many of Earth's cultures, the pomegranate is a powerful symbol of fertility," Kagura murmured as she cradled her expanded stomach. She was wholly content. "It's an old wives tale, but the elderly women here said the number of seeds inside the fruit represents the number of generations of children a family would enjoy." She glanced at Kyoko. "Females born to our race are scarce, so Kamui and I were shocked when the doctor said we would have a girl. Abu-chan even said that our children gave his generation hope for a prosperous future. He's even writing a novel about them saving our race- can you believe that?" A disbelieving chuckle left her lips. "Even so, I consider this child my lucky fruit."

"Your lucky fruit?" Kyoko repeated.

"I remember the pomegranate seedling that Papi gave me on my wedding day," Kagura explained. Kyoko blinked as she recalled the universe's once-feared and mighty alien hunter in the universe bawling like a baby when he gave away the bride. It was quite an unforgettable spectacle. The seedling was planted in the backyard, slumbering beneath the soil.

"I have a new wish now, Kyoko. It's not grand or ambitious, but... I want that tree to grow up looking after my wonderful children. Kuei, Kwan... and my lucky fruit... I hope they can climb it and eat pomegranates until they fall asleep under its shade." Kagura declared as she touched the mural, eyes shimmering with hope and anticipation. She stroked what looked to be the rabbit parents nestling close to their children. "When they grow up and have their own families, I hope they can all eat the fruits under this same tree for many generations."

It was a wish reflective of a woman, wife, and mother. Yet, it differed from her innocent and straightforward wishes as a child. For Kyoko, who grew up watching Kagura struggle through trials and tribulations, there was nothing more rewarding than seeing her stand tall as a mature and wise woman. Her happiness was in full bloom, and this made Kyoko content.

"...Yes," Kyoko whispered as she stood beside her, facing the mural. "I'm sure it will."

After sharing a quiet moment with her sister, they headed up to the roof. Gintoki, Shinpachi, and the boys were waiting by the patio full of food. A string of lanterns lit up the night, and the stars appeared closer than ever.

"About time," Gintoki greeted them with a lazy wave. "You kept us waiting longer than we did."

"You must have been immersed in a deep conversation," Shinpachi remarked, pulling out the chairs so they could sit. He was especially mindful of Kagura as he scooched her in. "So, what were you two talking about?"

"It's a secret between women," Kagura replied with a wink.

"Secret, huh." Gintoki snorted as he reached for the strawberry kebabs. "Well, keep your secrets short next time. I thought I was going to pass out from hunger."

“We weren’t even gone that long.  You’re so impatient!” Kagura scoffed.

"Mama, I'm starving! Can we eat now?" Kuei asked in an eager voice. 

"Go ahead, Kuei. But chew twenty times before swallowing your food so you don't choke."

"Alright!" Kuei beamed and started piling food on his plate - going for the meat first. He chewed between bites while counting. "One, two, three..." Everyone followed suit and exclaimed about how delicious everything was. Instead of eating, Kwan took the pitcher and poured pomegranate juice into everyone else's cups before stopping beside Kagura.

"Mother, can I fix your plate for you?"

"That's very sweet, Kwan. But there's no need to fuss over me. I get enough of that from your father." Kagura chuckled as she kissed the younger twin's cheek, much to his chagrin when Gintoki and Kuei snickered at his expense. She smoothed the wrinkle between his dark brows and smiled. "Eat with us. I can hear your stomach growling."

"N-No, it's not!" A blushing Kwan exclaimed as his left fist twitched the slightest bit. "That's the sound of my muscles growing!" 

"You even lie the same way he does," Kagura covered her mouth to contain her laughter. "Soon, you both will go bald as your grandfather did. So you better eat as many nutrients as possible to prevent that."

"Y-Yeah, right, as if that'll happen! Ugh...!" Flushing sakura-pink and clutching his belly, Kwan hurried to his seat and shoveled food into his mouth. When he started coughing, Shinpachi offered him a glass of water which he gratefully drank.

"Ah! You're supposed to chew twenty times before swallowing!" Kuei shouted, earning a glare from his twin. Ignoring this, he jumped out of his chair and went to Kagura to brag. "See, Mama? I listen to you!"

"That you do. Well, here's your reward." Then, it was Kuei's turn to be embarrassed when Kagura cupped his cheeks and kissed his nose, causing Kwan to cackle at his expense. "Mama~! I'm not Papa! You can't kiss me in front of the guys!  It’s not cool!" This made everyone laugh.  Dinner was lovely under the waxing moon. Gintoki and Shinpachi chatted about their latest misadventures, with the boys listening with rapt attention. Kagura reminisced about the planets she visited to exterminate the troublesome aliens and preserve the natural ecosystem. As the food began to disappear, the casual atmosphere turned into a playful chopstick duel competing over leftovers.

Kagura's homecooked meals were (as Abuto put it) to die for. Too anxious to have an appetite, the knot in Kyoko's stomach prevented her from enjoying the food as she forced herself to finish her plate. She came a long way in surpassing her teachers, Shinpachi and Kamui. The latter ensured he was her exclusive instructor for domestic lessons. 

He's a ludicrously possessive and petty man, after all... Kyoko thought to herself with a frown as she stabbed a slab of meat with her fork. Once she finished her task, she opened a photo she had swiped from a nearby bookshelf. It was a gallery detailing Kagura's life and the people important to her.

There was a worn picture of baby Kagura with her parents and Kamui as a child. Her eyes lingered on Kouka's gentle countenance. She was a stunning woman, and those who knew her spoke fondly of her even to this very day. Kyoko wondered what she was like in person. She flipped the pages and found several photos of Kagura and Kyoko during their time with Yoruzuya. Others were big group photos with the Shinsengumi, residents of Kabukicho, and several others. Kyoko was the only sister who accompanied Kagura to Earth before they began rescuing the other captive sisters with help from Yoruzuya and others. She remembered all the times she declined to have her picture taken whenever there were large groups. It wasn't that she disliked people - she just felt better when they weren't around. However, Kagura would drag her into taking part one way or another- much to her disgruntlement.

Kagura and 1200 of her sister clones, including Kyoko, played at the beach with colorful umbrellas and pool toys. It was a perfectly cloudy day at the time, and everyone was happy to be able to swim without their umbrellas. Kyoko remembered how Gintoki robbed Hijikata's flying police car to take the photo from a bird's eye view. Several images featured them at festivals or visiting different places. The memories flooded Kyoko with warm nostalgia.

"Hm..." Flipping through numerous pages, Kyoko stopped at an individual collage of photos taking place after everyone battled Utsuro's army in an intergalactic dispute. One image depicted an awkward Umibozu and miffed Kamui with Kagura between them. She held Kouka's framed picture with a big smile- their first family picture after so many years. It signified their rebuilding relationship. However, even though Kagura wanted Kyoko and her sisters to be part of the photo, they all refused.   As she advanced the pages, more photos featured Kamui and his men from the 7th division. Slowly but surely, the distance between Kagura and Kamui began to close as more pictures of them together surfaced. Then, finally, Kyoko got to the wedding pictures.

Kyoko frowned. As she recalled, the days leading up to their ultimate yet inevitable joining was no small matter. Night rabbit culture was rooted in fighting, after all. On Kouan, their tribe used to uphold a law that concerned marriage. When a Yato couple wished to marry, the suitor had to battle his woman's entire family to obtain their blessing. Then, he would have to engage the woman in battle. She would not be allowed to hold back, or the family would reject their arrangement.

Umibozu revived this tradition since he wouldn't hand over his only daughter to his idiot son without throwing the fight of his life.

When Kamui contended for Kagura's hand in marriage, he clashed with everyone she considered her family (who could fight, anyway)- Gintoki, Shinpachi, Abuto, the 7th division, and 1200 of her sisters. It was a prime event that took almost a week to conclude, but Kamui earned their blessings one by one.

Except for mine, Kyoko noted with a bitter twist of her lips. She stared at an image of Kagura and Kamui having their first dance as newlyweds. Other couples, such as a reluctant Gintoki with Ayame, surrounded them. Unfortunately, what was the most joyful time for everyone coincided with Kyoko's worst memory... one she cursed with all her heart.  Suppress it, Kyoko reminded her selfish feelings to stay down. Tonight was not supposed to be about her regrets but about caring for her sister. Then, without meaning to, she scraped the photo's surface with manicured nails. She immediately regretted it, and hot shame surfaced.

"Ah! Hot!" An alarmed cry escaped Kagura as she pulled back her reddened fingers. She burned herself by touching the grill where she wanted to reheat her food. Kyoko cursed herself for being distracted and failing to prevent her from getting hurt. Shinpachi and Gintoki were already hovering over her.

"Kagura-chan, are you alright?" Shinpachi asked with worry as he took her fingers to examine.

"Ahh~ what were you thinking? The coal was burning red, you dunce." Gintoki scolded her as he wetted a rag and wrapped her hand inside.

"I-I'm okay, you guys," Kagura placated them. Her eyes wandered over to Kyoko. "Sorry for worrying you. I was just... distracted." It took all the younger sister she had not to flinch from the woman's telling gaze. Once again, she took notice of her intense displeasure through the network, which ended up hurting her. Kyoko internally scolded herself to do a better job of controlling herself in front of her big sister. She was starting to get suspicious.  Then Kyoko caught the enamored, half-lidded looks the samurai gave her. Finally, clouds parted to reveal the waxing moon, amplifying Kagura's allure.

"H-Hey... why are you guys suddenly quiet?" Kagura stared at them in befuddlement. "What's wrong? Didn't you hear me?"

It's happening, Kyoko realized with alarm. The lunar cycle is causing her body to overflow with estrus. No matter how strong they are, the situation points to Onee-chan being the target of all males. Soon, these men won't be able to hold themselves back from attacking her. I must get her out of here.

"Kuei. Kwan." The boys stopped eating and looked up when Kyoko called them. "I know it's sudden, but I have a favor to ask you."

"A favor?" They repeated in unison and exchanged quizzical looks.

"That's right," The busty woman stood up and rounded the table. Twin pairs of azure eyes followed her until she knelt in front of them where they were sitting. "It's difficult to explain to children, but I must take your mother on a long, relaxing trip to protect her from beasts. Of course, I want to take you with us, but I have an essential task that only you two can fulfill."

"What's that?" Kuei asked, on the edge of his seat. Kwan also seemed highly interested.

"Well. I need you two to look after these guys and Sadaharu while we're away. They might not look like it, but they get lonely easily. As long as you're staying with them, your mother won't worry." It was a roundabout way of asking the boys to stay with Yoruzuya and keep them out of the way. However, as endearing and helpful as they were, they proved to be a handful. Kyoko perceived that bringing them along would backfire on her goal of helping Kagura relax. Therefore, they needed to stay behind. Kyoko would make it up to them by bringing them loads of sukonbu later.

"In other words, you want us to babysit them?" Kwan inquired with a pout. He weighed her with a sulky look. "You promised you wouldn't leave us anymore, and now you want to take Mother with you? That's mean, Auntie."

"That's not it," Kyoko hurriedly said, glancing over her shoulder at the others. Kagura could handle herself fine, but dealing with hoards of lascivious men would be challenging even for her. "It's all so we can protect her and your little sister. We would only be gone until the new moon comes." That would be when the pheromones would wear off. "Your mother is a beautiful woman, and there comes a time when men become ravenous beasts who want to eat her alive. That time is now."

"It is?!" Both boys exclaimed in alarm.

"Yes," Saying this was the best way she could put it to preserve their innocent minds. They soaked her every word like it was the law. "I know it's a lot to ask, but please help me. You can play in Kabukicho for as long as you want. The other aunties and I will do our best to protect your mother, so you don't have to worry. Think of this as a vacation."

"But father..." Kwan spoke up with wrinkled brows.

"Won't Papa be lonely, too?" Kuei chimed in, matching his brother's concern. It showed that as rowdy as they could be, their hearts were full of pure love for their parents. "When he gets back, we won't be here for him. It'll be a lot of trouble for him."

No, Kyoko thought with a grimace. If anything, he's the most troubling obstacle of all.

"Your father is a hormonal-no, a rampant beast who needs to control his inhibitions now and then. He might be the strongest man among the Yato, but unfortunately, he also wants to devour your mother."

"He does?!"

"Yes. So this is his test of character."

"Oh!" Kuei raised his hand as though he were in a classroom. "You mean like when Mama tells me to wait until after dinner before I can have dessert?"

"In a sense, yes." Letting them think this way was best to preserve their pure, untouched minds.  She didn’t want them to grow up and become perverted like their no-good father, after all.

"Okay... then I guess you want us to help him pass this checkpoint. You want us to help you discipline him, right?" Kwan nodded as though he understood. For once, Kyoko was grateful for their overactive imagination, allowing them to make lofty assumptions. She decided to go with it.

"You're exactly right. So, do I have your cooperation?" After giving it some thought, they agreed.

"Well... okay! If it were anyone but Kyoko or our aunties, there's no way we would agree!" Kuei chirped. "You can borrow Mama for a while. But you must bring her back as soon as possible and make sure nothing happens to our little sister!" Then he broke into a grin. "Heh heh... I guess you'll have to fight Papa at some point, though. I couldn't beat him, but it's your turn to take Mama away from him! You can succeed where I failed, Auntie!" The unruly redhead grabbed her knee to lean up to her face. "You must promise to play with us when this is over!"

"And please bring back a year's worth of sukonbu," Kwan added thoughtfully. Then, both twins offered their pinkies, and she hooked hers around theirs. A ghost of a smile touched her lips.

"You drive a hard bargain, but a deal is a deal."

"Pinky swear~ ten thousand punches! Whoever lies will swallow a thousand needles~ promise made!" Then, after sealing their vow with a childish song, they stood beside Kyoko and looked at the men fawning over a very bewildered Kagura.

"Sakata Gintoki and Shimura Shinpachi have already fallen under your mother's spell," Kyoko informed. "Drag them away from her and pack your mother's suitcase for her with all the clothes you can find. Don't worry about toiletries- I'll take care of that." She paused to make sure they understood her instructions. When they nodded earnestly, she continued. "Then, when they come to their senses, please tell them to only look at Kagura directly once we leave. Otherwise, don't let them near her. That's all, so do you think you can do as I ask?"

"Yes!"

Leaping to action, Kwan and Kuei grabbed both samurai by their ears and dragged them none too gently downstairs.

"Ow, ow, ow! What do you think you're doing, brat?" Gintoki cried as a smiling Kuei led him away, forced to bend at his level so the latter wouldn't rip his ear off.

"ACCK! My ear! That hurts!" Shinpachi shrieked as an annoyed Kwan also pulled him along.

"What's gotten into them?" Clutching her restless heart, Kagura wondered this aloud as she looked at the other woman for an answer. Kyoko was feigning nonchalance as she proceeded to put away the dirty dishes. "That's a lot! Here, I'll lend a hand." Kagura smiled as she moved to help, only to be astonished when her younger sister immediately wheedled her away and made her sit down.

"No need, Onee-chan. Let me take care of this so that you can relax." Kyoko's staunch refusal was unusual to Kagura since she and her little sisters usually listened to her. However, everyone was acting weird today.

"Not you, too, Kyo." Kagura groaned, rubbing her temple. "Lately, everyone's been treating me like a porcelain doll. It's worse than last time. I'm more resilient than that." She fanned herself as the humidity caused her hair to curl. "I admit I'm not in my prime, but I'm still an alien hunter," Her frustration began to show as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Like I told Kwan earlier, I don't want people fussing over me. I'm pregnant- not crippled. So the last thing I need is excessive pampering. So-" Her scolding trailed off as she took in Kyoko's silence.

"... Is it no good?" Kyoko asked, making Kagura blink. "To let others take care of you for once, I mean. You, who works herself to the bone taking care of others... who helped protect Earth and saved all the sisters... and me, too..." Turning around in melancholy, she stared at Kagura with mournful eyes. "Is that no good at all, Onee-chan?"

"C-Come on, that's not fair..." Kagura protested weakly, reaching over to take her hand. "How should I react if you look so sad while saying such things? Don't give me that look..."

"There are still many things the sisters and myself don't understand. Things like falling in love, having children, immersing in this planet's community are hard to comprehend." Kyoko stated as she squeezed her hands. "But we do know one thing. Protecting family and caring for them are the best expressions of love. It's what you taught us and how we want to express our feelings for you." Her voice trailed off for a moment before strengthening with resolve once again. "That's why Onee-chan. Even if it's for a little while, can you please become our princess again and let us, your magicians, cast a spell on you that will take you away to paradise?"

"Oh... Kyoko... I had no idea you all felt that way..." Teary-eyed and touched, Kagura gave a maudlin sniff as she clutched her heart. Her stirring emotions influenced Kyoko through the network as she felt her heart melt with shared relief and joy. Kagura's emotions were so strong that they made her eyes water. Her big sister beamed as she clasped their joined hands and nodded eagerly. "Well, alright. How can a big sister refuse such a cute request from all her little sisters? Only a monster would do such a thing."

"Thank you," Hearing this pleased Kyoko. Reaching over to touch her umbrella sheath, she pressed the button that served as a beacon to the other sisters. "Now let's get going then, Onee-chan. Quickly."

"Huh?" Puzzled, Kagura was about to ask her to clarify, but someone else beat her to the punch.

"And where exactly are you taking my wife without my knowledge?" A smooth, cultured voice inquired in a hum.

It can't be... An icy sensation crawled over her skin as she felt someone's eyes piercing her from behind. It was an all-too-familiar feeling of being targeted by a savage barbarian. Sweat dotted her forehead as she forced herself to keep her breathing even. Hopefully, it was only the trees murmuring in the wind or the fireflies buzzing. Yes, that's right. It must be my imagination. Kobato's information is correct. He's not here - he's off on a wayward voyage stirring up chaos as always.

Kagura's reaction, however, crushed her hopes.

"Airen...!" A disbelieving gasp left Kagura's throat as she looked over Kyoko's shoulder. Her blue eyes rounded with exhilaration. The smile brightening her flushed face was like watching a rainbow bridge across a sunlit sky after a particularly stormy evening, only it crushed Kyoko's spirit rather than uplifting her.

She only shows this kind of romantic expression to one man...

With bated breath, the first sister clone turned around to face her greatest obstacle and arch-enemy- Kamui of the Yato tribe. The man in his mid-twenties appeared like a visiting divine being that fit his name to a glove, but his personality was that of a cad's - in Kyoko's disdainful opinion. Kamui lounged atop the pavilion's green roof as he flashed his usual devil-may-care smile. Moonlight bathed him in an otherworldly glow, accentuating his broad frame and strong shoulders - a stark contrast to the lanky teenager he used to be.  A Chinese ladder braid sectioned his lurid scarlet hair instead of the plait he wore during his childhood and teenage years. His hair wasn't as long as hers or Kagura's, but it flowed well past his shoulder blades. Kagura was the one who suggested he change his look now and then and would braid his hair every morning in different styles until he learned how to do it by himself. His emerald changshan had a rich luster with dark threading, and his tan cloak rippled in the blustering wind. His usual red umbrella was inside its holster, resting against his hip.

"I heard from Kagura that she and my sons were having a midnight picnic with the samurai," Kamui spoke with an easygoing smile, but there was no warmth in his eyes as he regarded Kyoko. "I didn't expect you to show up, too."

"What are you doing here?" Kyoko didn't bother feigning politeness as she questioned him. She remained expressionless, but her insides were churning with hostility towards him. "You're supposed to be off-planet. So don't tell me you ran off and left Baba to do all the work in your stead. Typical selfishness from an erratic, unjust man. You're so bored with pirating that you've returned to squander this place with your corrupting presence. Please do us a favor and take a swan dive into the nearest black hole, thank you very much.  That will save you the trouble of having your brain forcibly, painfully ripped out of your skull.”

"This sister has such a vulgar mouth. What a terrible way to greet your brother-in-law." Kamui's smile twitched in annoyance. His shadow cast fell over hers, and she immediately moved out of it with a distasteful tongue click. "In case you've forgotten, this happens to be my home. I can come and go whenever I like. So this tower's master will forgive you if you bow down and call me 'Nii-san."

"Who is Nii-san? All I see is an uncouth creature with a pretty face and baseless instincts. I pity the poor soul who has to die looking at you when you kill him. I'll visit the temple and pray they find peace in the afterlife."

"How about you rephrase that in a way that doesn't make me wanna disembowel you, you four-stomached sow? Of all the sisters, you're the only one who dares to be this insolent to me." An angry vein throbbed in his head as he gripped his umbrella's handle. "I see you haven't fixed your bad behavior since we last saw each other.  I’m going to beat some sense into you-"

"Kamui! Airen, welcome back! I missed you~!" Kagura excitedly waved at him with both arms, immediately catching his attention. "Stop fighting with Kyo and come down already!"

The redhead's temper cooled as he relaxed at the sight of his pregnant wife. He dismissed Kyoko with a wave, but his eyes softened as he looked at Kagura, who opened her arms to him invitingly. He came down as ordered and slid between the sisters, lifting Kagura off the ground by her waist. She shouted at him playfully as he spun her around once before setting her down. Then, he pulled her into his arms. It was unusual for Kyoko to see this usually violent and capricious man treating another being with utmost care. But, of course, it wasn't just anyone- but the woman he chose as his lifelong mate. She was the only woman strong enough to withstand his passion and return it tenfold, the woman who agreed to marry him and bore his children- Kagura of the Yato tribe.

"I'm home, Kagura. Finally, I get to see you..." He breathed into her shoulder, inhaling her sweet scent as he cocooned her into a deeper embrace. He could be completely and utterly content in front of his wife like this. His voice was low and tender, a tone solely reserved for her. His callused hands were gentle as he touched her swollen tummy. "I couldn't find you in our room, so I climbed up here. It looks like our little princess is deep in slumber."

"Mm-hm!" Kagura nuzzled the crook between his neck and shoulder as she pressed bodily against his chest. Pulling away from him slightly, she looked over his body to check for injuries. When she found none, she appeared satisfied. Her hand moved over his as they cradled their unborn child. "Do you feel that, daughter? Daddy is home~ he couldn't wait to see you~." She cooed to her stomach in a hushed whisper. "Ah! She kicked! Did you feel that, Airen? She knows you're here."

"As expected of our daughter. She's receptive to hearing her parents' voices. She'll be born with good senses." He boasted with fatherly pride as he brought his face close to hers. Their foreheads touched as they held each other's gazes. Grudgingly, Kyoko observed that abundant love and warmth buoyed this couple. The depth of their unspoken trust resulted from many years of rebuilding and nourishing their relationship. Their stable and loving marriage was the fruit of their combined efforts.

In the past, the foundation of their relationship was initially unstable.

When they were teenagers, Kamui and Kagura used to do nothing but bicker. They were close as children, but their time apart and hostile reunion made their relationship rocky. Moreover, as members of opposing parties, they were natural enemies at the time.  They spent more time apart as strangers and enemies as opposed to siblings.  As a result, they fought whenever they crossed paths. Things improved after they made amends in Rakuyou, but lingering tensions remained. Kamui would needlessly say cruel, barbed words, and Kagura would rise at the provocations and fight back. But when no one was looking, she would fret about her insecurities to near tears. Kyoko couldn't count how often she needed to hold her trembling hand to soothe her.

It took a long time for that worthless pirate to come to his senses and occasionally think beyond his dick. But, somehow - somehow - he went through a change after realizing his feelings for Kagura. As a boy, he abandoned his family to chase gold and glory but then came crawling back as a beggar pirate on his knees to collect pennies - realizing too late that the gold was Kagura all along. When he did learn, well... Long story short, Kagura put him through the wringer- working him and her father to the bone to earn her forgiveness.

Kagura especially made it difficult for Kamui, who was used to being spoiled by others, to earn her affection. He was so entitled and used to lording over others that he failed to appreciate how much his sister loved him way back. Bribes and feats did nothing to sway her- only months of patience and old-fashioned labor bought her attention. And goodness, did she make him work for it. Kyoko missed watching the man squirm in frustration whenever she rebuffed his advances. In Kyoko's opinion, it would've been better to enslave and make him into her pet. But, alas, her sister was too compassionate to string him along and leave him with nothing. So she threw him a bone instead. And then, against all logic - she fell in love and eventually decided to marry him.

It was the only thing that baffled Kyoko about her sister. Kagura's best trait was her unconditional love, which only frustrated Kyoko in this case. Her love transformed the former feral beast into a man she deemed worthy of affection. But this was the man who used to be why she cried every night - the one who caused her the most transgressions.

In Kyoko's opinion, her sister could be too forgiving sometimes.

Before things officially soured between them, Kyoko and Kamui used to put up a pretense of civility. However, the truth was that they never got along. At family gatherings or informal social events that Kagura would often drag her into coming, she and Kamui would exchange forced smiles at appropriate moments or even dabble in several minutes of mundane small talk, but it never went beyond that. They merely tolerated each other through Kagura's presence. Kyoko made sure of this despite Kagura's best attempts to bring them together so they could "get to know each other better." She never asked for such a thing, honestly. She didn't understand her sister sometimes.

Call him "Nii-san"? That was the one thing she could never do - not even for her sister, who would pierce her heart with beseeching eyes to treat him like an elder brother. But, unlike the other sisters who deferred to that man respectfully, this was the one exception Kyoko couldn't indulge her sister's wishes. She didn't want to accept a lousy man like him as her sister's lifelong mate. And she never would.

Because secretly, even though she wished for her sister's happiness, she cursed their union from the bottom of her heart.

What a petulant magician I make, Kyoko thought with a self-loathing smile. I can't even cheer her on like this.

"I'm on family leave now, so Abuto is taking temporary charge of my duties," Kamui announced with a quick grin. "It wasn't easy, but we managed to postpone the expedition until fall, so I'll be on Earth until after the baby is born."

"Really, aru? That's wonderful news!" Kagura was pleased to hear this. She became mischievous as she bent her tippy toes to cup his startled face. "Before you eat and bathe, Airen needs to accept a reward from his wife for working so hard."

"Ah, is that so?" Hearing this appeared to put him in a good mood as he returned her flirty banter. However, his disgusting happiness made Kyoko want to skewer him. "Well, then. I'll happily accept. I hope your husband won't be mad when he finds out."

"Eheh! He's a jealous man, but it'll be our little secret" Giggling, she pulled him down for a passionate smooch. Kamui returned the gesture wholeheartedly as they kissed under the starlit sky. However, it became apparent that Kagura's pheromones drew him in as his mouth hungrily overlapped hers. He dipped her body and stared at her with half-lidded eyes laden with desire. Kagura was also breathing heavily, as her feelings for him caused an excess overflow of estrus. They could not keep their hands and eyes off each other the longer they held each other.

"Tch... again, this damn perverted pirate plans to defile Onee-chan." Deadly killing intent surged through the typically composed sister clone. Having heard and seen enough, she decided it would be best to kill this man now. "If I let them continue, my plan will be for naught." So she marched over to separate them. The sudden return of Gintoki, Shinpachi, and the twins did her job for her as they parted.

“Wow, you two.  Get a room.” Gintoki sneered.

“Don’t be rude, Gin-san.  This is their home.” 

"Papa, you're back!" Kuei exclaimed with genuine joy as he and his brother ran up to their father to tackle him in a bear hug. They curled their legs around each respective leg like baby koalas. Kwan didn't say anything as he buried his teary face in his father's stomach and clung to his waist. It was clear by their reactions that they hadn't seen him for some time. Well, even Yato boys were children, after all.

"Hm~ I don't remember teaching my sons to attack in such a cutesy way. It's hard to walk," Kamui spoke with light sarcasm, but the fondness in his touch was evident as he rubbed their backs in slow circles. They trembled and held onto him tighter, fighting back the tears. This made him laugh. "You can't help it. The moon has a strange effect on Night Rabbits, after all. Just this one time, I'll accept this as my loss." He didn't say it aloud, but it was clear that he missed them as much as they did.

The homing beacon on Kyoko's handle beeped several times in a high trill, drawing everyone's attention. Kyoko looked down from the banister to find a sleek cardinal station wagon fast approaching, tearing up the stonework road. Three sisters were inside. One was driving while the other two were leaning out the window and signaling Kyoko that it was time to leave.

"Our ride's here." The oldest sister clone informed Kagura, who blinked at her in bewilderment. Then, she took the suitcases from the samurai and turned to the twins. "Boys, remember what I told you."

"Yes~" Twin eyes glowed with wicked intent as they sat and dragged Kamui down, refusing to let go of his arms. They wouldn't let him move, no matter how he tried to squirm out of their vice grip.

"How conniving. So you planned to bring down my defenses by giving me a pure welcome?" Kamui asked calmly. "What a shame. Just when I thought you guys were cute."

"Sorry, Papa~ but there's no way we're letting you go." Kuei grinned up at him. "Your opponent is us!"

"We can't let you eat Mother," Kwan added while baring his teeth.

"Eat me?" Kagura echoed with furrowed brows. She let out a yelp when Kyoko teleported before her and swept her into a princess carry. "What are you doing, Kyoko? Put me down!  AH!" She clung to her neck as they blinked through time and space and reappeared beside the door.

"... Do you guys even know what you're saying?" Kamui narrowed his eyes at Kyoko, who tugged Kagura to the railing and spat out. "Using my kids against me so you could abduct Kagura? That's low, even for you."

"What's the lowest of the low is not heeding my warning when I told you not to come near this planet during the lunar cycle. But, unfortunately, you refused to listen to me, so I had no choice but to resort to this." Kyoko replied as she teleported Kagura's luggage down to where her sisters were, who packed suitcase by suitcase into the trunk. "You two are on the clock, so it's time you earn your hourly wage. Show me how credible the Yoruzuya Gin-chan is."

"I thought little sisters were supposed to be cute and docile, but I guess there's no choice but to heed this bossy client," Gintoki said with a smirk, drawing his wooden sword. "Hey~ pervert pirate. Welcome home. We're not sexy women, but you must make do with our company. It's time for a rematch!"

"Ah~ what an unexpected development, but then again, I thought something like this might happen." Shinpachi sighed as well as he copied his superior. "I'll watch your back, Gin-san!" Then, both got into stance as they faced the admiral of Harusame.

"HYAAA!!" Letting out battle cries, they kicked off and charged toward him.

"Four against one? Aw~. That's not a fair fight." Laughing blue eyes dimmed as his smile darkened. "For you guys, I mean." He lifted his astounded boys off the ground with immense strength, prying them off and throwing them at the two samurai.

Meanwhile, Kyoko took advantage of the distraction to teleport her objecting big sister and herself down the tower's structure. Once on the ground, she stowed her sister away in the backseat and got in the driver's seat. Once the other sisters were in, she turned the key ignition and sped away.

"Is someone... haa ... going to explain... ugh ... what the hell is going on?" Kagura breathlessly expressed her dissent against her other four sisters. The wind undid her hair from the side bun it was in earlier. Her face was red, and her chest was heaving from screaming during Kyoko's frightening teleportation. She wasn't often afraid of heights but appearing in and out of space without knowing where her feet would end up was enough to shake her to the core. When Kyoko used her ability with her, she usually communicated beforehand through their network about her warp points. But for some reason, she didn't do it this time.

"You said we could take you to paradise, Onee-chan. You said you would be our princess again," Kyoko reminded her as they rolled out of the compound and into the district's road.

"I DIDN'T THINK YOU MEANT IT LITERALLY!" Kagura shrieked as she held onto the grab handle for dear life. She's had her fair share of road rage and speeding, but this was ridiculous- primarily when her usually docile and mellow sisters acted like this. "Why are you driving so fast anyway, aru? Slow down, or we'll crash!"

"I apologize, but I must put as much distance between you and that man as possible. Knowing him, it won't be long until he breaks free since I stole you right under his nose. His pride won't let us off easy."

"Well, you're right about that..." Kagura sighed as she massaged her temple. She blinked over at her sister sitting on her left. One scan of her brainwaves told her who it was.

"Kureha? What are you doing?"

"I am fixing a fruit beverage to meet you and your baby's nutritional requirements. The key to attaining enlightenment is having balance. Religion isn't necessary to value this principle," Kureha, the one with a braided updo and long fringe, stated. The yin-yang barrette shook lightly in her hair as she put down the drink tray and laid a cute, bunny-patterned cover over it. Next, she whipped out a portable blender and mixed fruits before pouring Kagura a cup of freshly squeezed acai juice.

"Please partake, Onee-san." Unlike the other sisters, Kureha could better express social cues to varying degrees. She carried an elegant, mature air as she hid her usual zen smile behind a bell sleeve. "It's important not to stress yourself out while you're pregnant. So please drink this and relax."

"No..." Kagura looked tired for some reason, which the sisters couldn't understand why. "It's you guys who are stressing me out right now." Despite saying this, she accepted the drink. Seeming happy, Kureha dabbed her mouth with a handkerchief as she drank.

"Tch, already? He's persistent." Kyoko pressed the accelerator when she checked the mirror and found Kamui gaining on them by huge bounds. Despite being scraped and bruised in several places, he somehow managed to free himself from his other enemies and was now pursuing them with the ferocity of a predator. She glanced at the other sisters. "Kazari. Kobato. Shake him loose. There's no room for stragglers."

"I will do it," Bells tinkled from Kazari's low, lengthy pigtails as she armed her umbrella gun with ballistic rounds. Then, despite her neutral expression, she turned to Kagura and patted her shoulder to comfort her. "Fear not, Onee-san. We will protect you."

"Protect me from what exactly?" Kagura asked point-blank. "You're the dangerous ones." Kazari didn't answer her and directed a steely gaze at a trembling Kobato - the 1200th and youngest of the sister clones.

"Kobato, you don't have to force yourself. We all know how much he intimidates you. Just let me handle this."

"N-No... I want to protect Onee-sama, too. M-My fighting skills might not be on par with the rest of you, but... I'm going to stand on my own, too, someday. Even I can do this much." Kobato's fingers trembled as she armed herself. Her face was rigid with tension. The bunnies pinned to her high buns seemed to exacerbate her mounting anxiety, sinking within her scrunchies as though to hide. "Nii-sama is scary, but that's why I-I'm not going to hide behind my big sisters anymore!" Determination sparked as she leaned out the window and aimed at Kamui despite sweating up a storm. 

"I see." Sitting on the edge of the window, Kazari made an uninterested noise as she started firing shots at Kamui. "If that's the case, be sure not to cry and turn into a puddle again if he gets close."

"B-But...! T-that... Kazari ..." Kobato sounded betrayed. "That's a horrible thing to say! I already said I wouldn't do that anymore!"

"If you're going to whine, pierce that man's eardrums instead of mine. You're distracting me. And your aim needs improvement."

"You're so mean...!" Kobato shouted as she continued shooting. "I-I'm sorry, Nii-sama! Please give up and go home! H-HYAA!" She dropped her umbrella and immediately melted into a literal puddle. "S-Scary, scary, scary !" She wailed like a little girl. "He gave me a scary face! He's going to bully me!"

"Why did you two bring Kobato, to begin with?" Kyoko asked her other sisters with mild annoyance. "You know she becomes immobile whenever we fight him."

"It is not my fault, Kyoko. First, Kobato intercepted my private telepathic channel with Kureha when we discussed bringing Kushina. Then she got jealous and insisted on following us even though I told her our chances of success would significantly drop to .000021% if she joined."

"Kazari..." Kureha gave her a pointed look as she collected a sniffling Kobato into the blender to prevent her from soaking into the fabric. "When you say something like that to anyone, it's the same as provoking them into doing the opposite of what you want them to do. So Confucius said, 'do not impose on others what you do not desire for yourself."

"Confucius also said, 'only the wisest and stupidest never change," Kazari replied as she dislodged explosives from her belt and tossed them out the window. Deafening explosions followed. The cacophony of violence awoke the neighborhood as house lights flickered on. Chinese neighbors came outside in their nightwear, grumbling and shouting at the Yato family as they sped past.

"因为你们，我花了一万块钱买了这个降噪耳机!" A moody, ill-tempered teenager chucked a pair of expensive-looking headphones at the tires. It bounced off and broke on impact. "把我浪费的钱都还给我!"

("Because of you guys, I spent $10,000 on these noise-canceling headphones!") ("Give me back all the money I wasted!")

"又是你们?! 已经多少次了?" An angry mother carrying two grumpy toddlers shook her fist at them. She shouted one final complaint before slamming the windows shut. "你们这些夜行的阿曼托人真是疯了! 要考虑到你的邻居想睡觉的人!")

("You guys again?! How many times has it been?") ("You nocturnal Amanto are insane! Be considerate of your neighbors who want to sleep!")

"啊，重新变得年轻. 多么活泼的一个家庭." A bent, elderly cobbler laughed as he sat beside his wife of ninety years on their porch. "很难相信我们的祖先是夜兔的后裔，后来经过多年的杂交，他们的血统逐渐稀少." 

("Ah, to be young again. What a lively family.") ("It's hard to believe that our ancestors descended from the night rabbits, and then through years of interbreeding, their lineage gradually thinned out .")

"神乐和她的丈夫就像我们年轻时一样." The cobbler's wife rasped in a weak voice as she held her husband's hand. "他们是如此可爱的一对。我希望他们在未来的许多年里继续住在这里."

("Kagura and her husband are just like we were when we were young.") ("They are such a lovely couple. I hope they continue to live here for many years to come.")

"Ah... not again." Kagura groaned as she covered her face in embarrassment. "And right after we apologized for last time's incident."

Kobato appeared downright pitiful as she looked at Kagura from inside the blender. 

"I'm sorry, Onee-sama... I failed you... I know my poor fighting skills, and I can't use my tendrils or psionics very well like the other sisters." She sniffled. "But I want to change. Even though turning into water is all I can do..." Kagura softened in understanding as she extended her hand in compassion.

"Don't be ashamed, Kobato. I used to feel that way, too." Whenever her little sisters were distressed, Kagura would soothe them in a comforting voice. "I'm proud of you for trying your best. Airen may be moody and stupid sometimes, but he won't bully you. Even if he tries to, your big sister won't let him! So don't rush - you'll become strong one day. Everyone is here to help you." This declaration appeared to cheer Kobato up as she murmured her gratitude. Kagura then turned to Kyoko. "Now, your turn. I wanted to wait until you were ready to tell me what's been troubling you, but this has gone far enough. So why are you doing this, Kyo?"

"That's... I..." Feeling pressured by Kagura's probing gaze, Kyoko tightened her grip on the steering wheel. Whenever she looked at her like that, she felt exposed. Kyoko couldn't hide anything from her. She opened her mouth to form a resistant reply, but something heavy and oversized landed atop the car roof. Kagura and her sisters, to their credit, didn't bat an eye when a red umbrella embedded through the metal and pried open a roughly cut hole. In Kobato's case, however, she fainted from terror after making a silent scream.

"Kyoookoooo..." A night demon who took a man's form growled his enemy's name with murderous intent. His fight with Gintoki, Shinpachi, and his sons left him worse for wear- bruises, gashes, and burns charred him black. The end of his braid was smoking. Yet, his wounds began weaving close as he used qigong to accelerate his healing factor.

"Stop the car. Now." White teeth flashed into a savage grin as he pushed the barrel of his umbrella into the back of her skull. Kazari and Kureha, without hesitation, drew their umbrellas at him as well. Kazari's glare was cold, while Kureha kept her zen smile. They showed how displeased they were with him.

Kagura, finally having had enough, mustered her psionic tendrils and put a stop to everything. Pink fibers twined around the muzzle of Kamui's umbrella, yanking it down to prevent anyone from getting shot. It was the same with her sisters, who blinked in shock as they, too, were restrained. Finally, the last set of tendrils roped around Kyoko's wrists away from the steering wheel and pressed the brake, stopping the car just outside the district where the rice paddies were.

"What is the matter with all of you?" Kagura questioned, her voice calmly controlled, but her eyes flared pink with displeasure. "Fighting as soon as you see each other and ignoring me - this is worse than five years ago!" She exclaimed. "You're all acting like children fighting over a toy! I won't have this!" She sent a sharp look at her husband. "Kamui. When you asked me to marry you, I agreed in exchange for an oath- to use your strength to protect our family instead of destroying them. These sisters are your family, too." She reminded him, appearing pained. "I may love you, but hurting my sisters is out of the question, as I said before. Killing them is the same as killing me, Papi, and our children. And I will never forgive you if you betray me." Kamui gazed at her momentarily before chuckling and showing her the blanks he used for ammunition.

"Fierce words. Loving words. Well said from the love of my life," He stated with warmth. "You wouldn't be yourself if you let me off so easily. I wouldn't have it any other way. No woman except you would've strived to become a better man. Without you to question my character, I would've stayed the same cowardly and destructive boy I used to be." His voice conveyed relief and admiration for the woman who triggered him to change for the better. "I betrayed you once before, and I still carry that sin on my back to this day. I would rather you kill me than let me inflict that pain on you again."

"Kamui..." Kagura's countenance softened a fraction. She relaxed slightly with relief but remained alert. Then she turned to Kyoko. "Kyo, you've been avoiding this place because you've been fighting with Kamui again, haven't you?" Her silence was all the answer she needed. "I know you never liked each other, but your scuffles have never been this bad. Explain." Her stern tone left no room for argument as Kyoko finally turned to face her.

"Onee-chan... have you ever asked yourself if you're content living like this?"

"Huh...?"

"Several months ago, Kureha and her archaeologists unearthed a hieroglyphic tablet in the ruins of Kounan - your ancestors' home planet. It was a calendar that many female Yato used to track their ovulation- the lunar cycle." She paused to gauge Kagura's reaction, who merely blinked. "After translating it, Kureha discovered that when the moon and stars align over a certain point and get close to a planet, it influences a Yato female in her most fertile stage, especially during pregnancy."

"My team and I have called this phenomenon 'Year of the Rabbit," Kureha said. "We named it after the rabbit in the zodiac since it was fitting..."

"Year of the Rabbit..." Kagura repeated as she took in this new information.

"Yes. As a result, a female Yato emits powerful pheromones that attract males within her immediate vicinity. They will be drawn to her regardless of race and lose all reason. They'll kill each other to mate with her." Kyoko stole a glance at Kamui, whose face became unreadable. "Before the fall of Kounan, Yato males fought and battled each other to ruin because of this - and it contributed to your species' endangerment. We went to your Airen's ship with this knowledge and asked him to refrain from returning to you until the lunar cycle was over. He refused to listen."

"And I told you that I wouldn't reduce myself to a mindless animal who would ravage their mate to death," Kamui growled back, his azure eyes flashing angrily. "But you refused to believe me."

"You cannot prove that you can overcome your instincts when thousands of your kind have failed to do the same." Kazari refuted. "That is completely arrogant and illogical. No man recorded in history has ever managed to do this."

"I am no mere man," Kamui asserted with utmost seriousness. "I won't let any other man touch or take her away. Kagura is my woman - my mate for life. I would be a fool to leave her alone while she's carrying our child. As I said, I'm not interested in war with you sisters. So we should all protect her together instead of dividing like this."

"Airen... you..." Pure happiness made Kagura glow like a beacon. Her expression was that of a woman falling in love all over again. She looked proud of him as she finally smiled. Her blue eyes were moist and dilated with warmth and affection for Kamui - her pirate - her Airen.

It's clear why she chose this man, Kyoko acknowledged with no small amount of begrudgery. However...

"Onee-chan. This man has indeed changed; I don't discredit that. But even though he has reformed his organization and helped save this planet, he is still an intergalactic criminal who stirs up chaos on other planets - this endangers you and your boys. You know this already but choose to remain with him of your own will. Still, a dirty past can't be washed clean without leaving permanent stains." Kyoko stated in a matter-of-fact tone. "Speaking of the past, he tried to kill you, your father, your friends, and every single one of us sisters." Hearing this made Kamui's expression twitch as she knew how much he loathed remembering his stupidly painful and selfish choices as a teenager. She took advantage of his agitation to continue. "He was a remorseless murderer, a selfish traitor, and a gallivanting hedonist... there is no changing that." It was so quiet that not even the cicadas dared to utter a sound.

"Kyoko..." Kagura stared at her in disbelief. In all her life, she'd never known her little sister could say such bitter things about someone else. She was both appalled and dismayed that she realized the depth of her resentment for Kamui. It saddened her that her closest sister despised the man and brother she loved most. But she knew the harsh things she said weren't wrong and had every right to feel like she did. And yet... it still stung to hear such things.

"Humans say that a woman's heart has a soft spot for her first love." Kureha quoted, her long sleeves curtaining her mouth. "Kyoko... you're frustrated because Onee-san has always had a special place in her heart reserved for Nii-san. You're mad that she forgave him so easily. Because even when they were still enemies, she couldn't bring herself to truly hate someone she loved from the bottom of her heart. Especially when it happened to be a gentle boy she's loved since she was a little girl." She glanced at Kagura's blushing face, and her eyes crinkled with amusement. "Oh my. It seems I hit the bull's eye. Onee-san's lovey-dovey expression is adorable."

Kagura couldn't say anything but meet Kamui's tender gaze and nod. But Kyoko didn't give up.

"Even so." She interjected, evoking a glower from Kamui. "He committed mass crimes before- and nothing assures me that he won't repeat these wrongdoings." She gave her sister a piercing look. "Are you truly satisfied to continue loving such a man when he leaves you alone to pursue battlefields in space? Or is your desire to stay with him simply a misguided obligation from your maternal instinct?" Before Kagura could open her mouth to refute, Kyoko shook her head and turned away. "I'd prefer to wait before hearing your answer. I want you to think about these before making a decision." 

"You..." Kamui's jaw ticked as his eyes grew cold. "Repeating this nonsense even after I defeated you on my ship. How long do you intend to be stubborn? I've never forced her to stay with me - she chose me alone." He snapped. "Don't take your anger out on me because you didn't get your way. You're acting as you did five years ago when I fought for Kagura's hand against the entire family. You're still the same sore loser you were back then, Kyoko. You didn't even grant us your blessing after I defeated you on fair terms. I let it go because Kagura didn't want me to continue fighting you, but you're clearly harboring resentments."

... True, it was petulant of me. Kyoko reflected. But I didn't believe it was relevant when everyone else blessed you two. Lofty sentiments don't make a happy marriage. It's illogical.

But she couldn't suppress the pang of guilt she felt remembering her sister's sad expression when she brushed aside Kamui's extended hand to help her up and shouldered past him instead of gracefully wishing them well.

"....When you defeated me, there was only one thing I had to say to you. Do you remember what it was?"

Kamui stared at her back but didn't respond. Because honestly - how could he forget?

"If you are the universe's most powerful man, protect her with all her strength. Shoulder her pain and happiness as one." A battered and limping Kyoko murmured to him just as she was about to walk past. "I will cast a spell that separates you from her forever if you ever leave her to cry in the rain again."

But - rather than a spell, it sounded more like a witch's curse.

"That was my one condition." Kyoko reminded him. "But you didn't uphold your end of the bargain - last year proves my point. Kagura was the unhappiest I've ever seen when she lost her baby." Her words were calm and cold. "You were who knows where to fight your enemies. You weren't home for those three long months when she needed you most." Kyoko's voice hardened as she tensed her jaw. "Why is that, Admiral?"

"...You know why," Kamui answered slowly. "It wasn't my choice. But I realize that whatever I say will only be called out as an excuse."

"At least you are perceptive."

"Kyo..." Kagura sounded sad this time. "It's not what you think..."

"Nothing has truly changed since then.” Kyoko coldly informed.  “When you were stranded on that planet, she sang Crying Moon every night.  Do you want her to become like that goddess?” She sighed when he didn’t give any outward indication as to understand what she meant.  "It's undeniable that you are monumental for her happiness.  However, securing her well-being is my top priority.  A broken heart is never easy to overcome, but Onee-chan is strong.  So she can move on from you."

"What?” Kagura protested.  “Wait a second. Kyoko, listen-"

"Shhh, just let it happen, Onee-san. Kyoko is carrying out her spell, and you will enjoy yourself," Kureha told her in a soothing, melodious voice. "This man is no longer suitable to be your mate in her eyes. As she is the oldest of all sisters, we feel inclined to help her. It's our first rebellion as little sisters, so please bear with us."

"That's why we're going to steal you away." Kazari seconded. Then, activating the triangular tomoe in her eyes, she turned Kagura's face towards her and triggered her unique ability- sleep hypnosis. The latter's eyes widened briefly before slipping into sweet unconsciousness, calling into the pigtailed woman's arms.

"Kagura!" Kamui shouted his wife's name in alarm before Kyoko, grabbing his umbrella and teleporting them hundreds of feet in the air. They engaged in aerial hand-to-hand combat until Kyoko warped into the bamboo grove. She sliced down several trees and teleported them right above Kamui.

"Out of my way...!" He opened his umbrella and knocked away the sharp bamboo rain as best as possible. The ordeal left him with several scrapes and reeling from a hard blow to the head. Unfortunately, he didn't have a chance to react when Kyoko reappeared above him and wrapped him in several tatami mats held together by chains.

"What the hell are you doing, you idiot? As if this is enough to contain me!" He spat at Kyoko, who only tightened the chains.

"Maybe not, but I like to have a contingency plan for everything." Just as she said this, her hired entourage appeared. Shinpachi and Gintoki finally caught up with them, carrying the boys in a pulled rickshaw. They were injured but full of adrenaline as they went on the offensive.

"Aha! Look what Auntie Kyoko got us, Papa!" Kuei called out with a smile. Shinpachi lit the fireworks the boys were aiming at their father. "Here, catch! Don't die, okay!"

"You crazy bastard! Don't get fired up on your own and forget about us! We're the ones you're fighting!" Gintoki fumed before dropping the cart's handle and readying Lake Toya like a baseball. "Kyoko! Batter up!"

"Damn, you meddlesome bunch..." Kamui growled in annoyance as he clutched Kyoko's ankle, squeezing it hard with enough force to break. She didn't wince as his grip began to bruise her.

"Accept your loss, Mui-san. Stay away from Onee-chan until the Lunar Cycle ends." She warned, returning his livid glare with an icy stare of her own. "If you get in my way again, you'll face the wrath of 1200 sisters. At worst - we will castrate you." Having said this, she stomped on his head as hard as possible and sent him flying into his awaiting enemies. Then she teleported back into the station wagon and drove off into the night.  Fireworks lit up the night, and the exasperated residents of the Tian District gathered outside to watch the violent spectacle with drinks and food in hand - accepting that there would be no sleep tonight. But at least there would be a free show.

Ultimately, no prince or hero ever came to the rescue. Instead, fate's whim decided their freedom, separating the rabbit princess from her sisters. Only the first sister - her magician - managed to stay by her side.

Before they left their crumbling prison, the rabbit princess squeezed her magician's hand and whispered her fear.

"I don't want my story to end in tragedy like those lovelorn maidens at the end of those fairy tales," the princess had told her magician. "Instead, I want to spread my arms under a sunlit sky. The dark is scary. I don't want to see it anymore."

The magician could not be a prince, hero, or the knight she adored in her storybooks. She couldn't sweep the princess away and take her to a shining castle to live happily ever after. So instead, the magician peeked into her heart and asked.

"The prince's kiss to awaken his princess will not come. Then will you let me cast a spell of happiness on you in exchange for your tears?" This tender question returned hope to the princess's once lightless eyes. She didn't answer but managed a shaky smile when her magician reached over and wiped away a stray tear. 

They left the dark place together and entered a new world's light. 

"That's right. Smile like you always do, Onee-chan. Now, let us be off..."