THE DOGS OF WAR

By Nokoru

Disclaimer: These characters are not mine, but are the property of Watasuki Nobuhiro, Jump Comics, and any other respective owners I have not mentioned here. I give all credit to them and their inspirations. I am only writing this fan fiction for the amusement of myself and others. I do not wish to cause any harm to the owners’ original intent. Also, if any reader should feel that my interpretation of historical accounts shows any disrespect, please realize that this is a fiction piece. I do not mean any harm to any history, but I in fact adore it.

Author’s Note: It’s still written from Okita’s point of view. In case you couldn’t understand what happened, (trust me, it’s normal if you don’t ^^) I’ll explain it here. !!!Possible spoiler ahead - stop here if you are scared!!! I don’t know if you’d consider it a spoiler or not, but I’m warning just in case. ^^() This is my interpretation of what happened after Okita died of tuberculosis. It came to me while I was listening to a song, so it’s kind of dream-like or even surreal. If the colours look familiar, look back to Chapter 1 and read the description of the little girl again. Yes, I did do that on purpose. ^^() Questions, comments, and the occasional compliment are welcomed. Flames and complaints will be thrown into the wind - who might enjoy them more. Please enjoy.

Epilogue

Wind howls through the wide open fields, a place where a samurai’s soul finds its home and where time slows into a tangible thickness as sweet and horrid as one’s imagination. It is the loneliest place to be. And yet, it is the place where I have found the most comfort. Although blood-stained and haunting, its soul reminds me of the innocence of a child I once saw, singing like the wind is now. The swaying blades of grass and the bowing, reverent flowers keep their ears tuned to the wind’s forlorn song. In the wind, I can see the colours and shades of warriors’ spirits lost.

One set of golden eyes stops to look at me - through to my soul. “Are we really lost?” And I wonder for seconds upon seconds, turning my gaze up to the stars in the sky. “No,” I reply, “We are not lost; we are home.” I know. Some of us are waiting for the next battle. Others are hoping for the next peace. Yet still others are searching for the next life. Whether temporary or eternal, our home is here. …Me? I feel a smile spread across my face - one of those knowing ones that used to make Saitou-san stare. I am waiting for a friend, however long that may be. I am patient.

For now, the hearts and souls of the wolves left in the outside world reflect this field. Yes, we are all dogs. Some who fight with their claws and teeth and yet others who fight with their eyes and demeanor. Whether fighting for change, preservation, or peace, we are all still dogs nonetheless. Such noble and loving ones at that.

The Shinsengumi? No, we are not oppressive; we are just strong. Our strength stems from our hearts. By following our hearts, we leave minimal amount of room for War’s controlling. And somewhere in this chaos, all the different universes will collide and shatter to pieces - like a Shakuhachi’s melody across a waterfall’s symphony. Each indiscernible in the other’s presence. Yet… it does not matter who the victorious universe is. The pieces will be picked up and patched together. The new world will be created but controlled by old hearts.

As I heard a Westerner once say, “cry havoc and slip the dogs of war.” And they will fight, and they will die. All will return here - to this field, this home. And time will go onward with its constant vigil. I have been patient - waiting for you… my friend.

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