Disclaimer: I do NOT own PMK or its characters.

Weird idea 1: Wonder why Kichisaburo of Yogatoya or whatever that is resembles Okita so much? Two people from totally different backgrounds, so alike they could be twins…

Weird idea 2: Why did Kichisaburo 'target' Hijikata? Coincidence?

Weird idea 3: Why is Okita always hanging about orphanages? (Mows down any suggestion of shota-tendencies with Gattling gun)

Put all these ideas on the stove to stew…


An Assassin's Tale

Chapter 1

"Oneesan… I want Brother back…" Okita Mitsu looked down at the little boy tugging tearfully on her sleeve. "I'm sorry… he's gone… the fire…" Her voice cracked as she engulfed her remaining brother in a hug. The boy let out a heart wrenching sob. Before them stood the smouldering ruins of the once proud Ueda house compound.


Six months ago…

Two brothers crept noiselessly towards the crack of light from the hall and peeked as a pair of curious eight-year-olds would. They were twins, alike in almost every aspect. They shared the same large innocent eyes. Through these eyes, they observed the grownups and eavesdropped on their conversation. The younger one reached out for his brother's hand. The older boy responded with a firm squeeze to reassure his twin.

Snatches of conversation drifted lazily out into the dark corridor.

"Okita-san, as you understand, we have not been blessed with children. I am getting old, and my wife isn't getting any younger. We ask your permission to allow us to adopt one of your sons. I promise you we would treat him as we would our own…"

"One of my boys, Ueda-san? Even if you are the cousin of my wife, this request…"

"Please, Okita-san… " The boys watched in amazement as their proud uncle bowed so low, his forehead touched the tatami. "I beg of you…"

"Very well… you may take…"

Fearfully, both boys crept back to their beds, all the while holding hands tightly.


I want to go home…

The soot-covered youngster plodded aimlessly through the streets of Edo. His throat burned from the smoke. Home, he wanted to go back…

"Hijikata Toshizou… not here…" A woman's giggly voice.

"I beg to differ…" A man's husky voice. The rustle of cloth. More giggling. Timidly, the boy peered into the alley. A young couple was locked in very passionate embrace. The woman's kimono was almost falling off her. The man was young, not more than a teenager, but muscular and rugged, and very scary to the little boy.

"Help…" The boy managed a weak croak that went unnoticed. He tried again, tugging at the man's clothes. A loud jingling sounded as the man's money pouch fell onto the ground. Now he had their attention, but not the kind he wanted.

"You little pickpocket!" The man growled almost demonically. His lady friend let out a shriek on seeing the sooty-faced child, and fainted clean away into her companion's arms, provoking more angry curses from the man. The terrified boy turned and ran.


I know I am hoping against hope…that we will meet again…

"Jeez, what's it with you? Every time you hear of a temple orphanage or school, you always find an excuse to visit it…" Hijikata's words fell on deaf ears as twelve-year-old Soujirou ran off, his kendo practice session forgotten after hearing of a small orphanage just over the hill ten miles away.

"Come on, the boy's probably looking for some playmates his age…" Kondo chided gently. "He wears you out playing tag."

"Skinny brat…" Hijikata murmured somewhat mildly before returning to his practice.


Lunchtime. Yagi compound. 1863.

"Okita, there is a shadow behind you…" Saitou spoke solemnly as he tucked into his soba lunch.

"Eh?" Okita instinctively looked over his shoulder. Yamanami went pale and dropped his chopsticks. The atmosphere suddenly became oppressive… After all, there was a violent death recently…

"Saitou-san, don't you have a better conversation starter?" Kondou laughed nervously as he patted Okita on the back. They had just seen off a thorn in their side, Kamo, and it wouldn't do them any good going on some guilt-trip. Saitou shrugged and dropped the topic. The atmosphere lightened considerably with Kondou's laughing and joking… Then the Trio started a comedian act…


Mibu Temple Orphanage, 1864.

"Big brother, tag! Tag!" A little girl squealed as she tugged on Okita Souji's hand the moment he entered the temple gate. "Piggy-back!" A four-year-old hugged Okita from behind.

"Hai! But first let's share the candies!" He waved a large paper bag in the air, eliciting more childish squeals of delight from the children. He sat on the veranda and dug into the bag.

"Guess which hand has the candy." He held out both hands clenched. Something caught his eye in a shady corner of the compound. They were being watched. Immediately, his body was on alert. He was standing there… a phantom. Rising to his feet, Okita blinked. It was gone.

"Is Souji-nii feeling well?" A concerned older child asked when she saw the change in Souji's face.

"Uuh, it's just the sun…" Okita wasn't too sure of his own words as they left his lips. He was certain he had seen a mirror image of himself standing near the overgrown cherry trees. It's impossible… He's dead… Burnt to ashes literally in the fire that wiped out his foster family…There is a shadow behind you… Saitou had said…


Author's Notes:

I'm back! Bear-hugs Shinsengumi plushies. Reviews please.