Author's notes: Thank you for all the super nice reviews. I had some trouble writing this chapter, sorry it took so long. Anyways, I think it turned out pretty good. There are two more chapters to go, I hope you don't mind. Stay tuned. : )

Chapter 9

Kagura and Sougo entered the hotel through the side entrance. Kagura was following Sougo, he seemed to know where they were going. Few other Shinsengumi officers walked past them with radiophones. Why so many guards? Is Orochi worried that something is seriously going to happen here? Kagura thought.

Sougo's senses were on high alert. He checked every turn and every corner. Sougo made sure that Kagura was close to him at every point. Finally, they reached a door with a sign that said: "STAGE". Sougo took out a radiophone and spoke to it: "Target is in the building, surroundings secured." "Copy that Sougo," Hijikata answered from the radiophone.

Kagura walked to the door and asked: "Do I go in now?" Sougo turned to Kagura and said: "No, you are supposed to wait here." "Oh, okay..." Kagura said quietly. It felt so stupid to act as they didn't care for each other. Sougo placed his hand on his katana and stuffed his other hand to his pocket. Sougo felt something round and familiar in his pocket. Oh right...I should return this. Sougo thought.

Kagura was fiddling her veil. When do I get to be a normal person and get this stupid thing out of my face? She thought. "Hey, Kagura..." Sougo said and Kagura lifted her gaze to him. Before he could continue Sougo sensed a dangerous aura behind him. Sougo turned swiftly, yielded his katana and pointed it to a man's neck.

"No stop!" Kagura screamed. Sougo was pointing his katana to Orochi's neck, eyes glistening like he was a hunting tiger. "Heh, cool your head boy, I'm just here for my beautiful bride," Orochi laughed. He had a floor-length black and golden uniform with a dragon on his back, just like Kagura had. Sougo withdrew his weapon and gave Orochi his usual deadpan look. "You told me to protect Kagura from anything dangerous," Sougo grunted.

Orochi laughed and said: "Oh, and you think I'm dangerous? You really can crack a joke." Kagura was looking at the two men just glaring at each other. "Uh, haha haha!" Kagura laughed nervously. Both men turned to look at her. "Yeah! Good one sadist...I-I mean Okita-san," Kagura grinned. Sougo couldn't help but feel amused about Kagura's choice of words. Okita-san...it sounds so cute coming out of her foul mouth. He thought.

Orochi walked past Sougo like he was air. "Hello my beautiful Kagura, it's so wonderful to hear your sweet voice. I can see you are wearing the veil. It is a tradition among us Kuro Orochi members," Orochi said and gave Kagura a charming smile. Kagura tried to look at Orochi, but Sougo's handsome face behind him made it a tad difficult.

"Kagura, did you change your hair to a more appropriate colour?" Orochi asked with a hint of seriousness in his voice. "Yes," Kagura answered through her veil. "Good. I can't wait to see it. Black hair makes you look like a real Yato woman. Only a real Yato woman can become the proud queen of Kuro Orochi," Orochi explained with a proud face. Sougo rolled his eyes mockingly and it made Kagura giggle.

"What is so funny?" Orochi inquired. Kagura wrapped her hands around Orochi's arm and said with a sweet voice: "You are just so cute when you get so serious about stuff like this." She is quite good at improvising. Sougo thought. Orochi laughed at Kagura's words and asked: "Well then, shall we go and get our engagement party started?" "I can't wait!" Kagura cheered.

Orochi opened the stage door and turned to Kagura. "I'll go first and when I call you, join me on the stage," Orochi said. "Okay, make it quick!" Kagura chirped. "And boy, your superior wanted to see you at once, so be on your way," Orochi said and prepared to take the stage.

Spotlights were pointing at the stage and everything seemed to be ready. Kagura let go of Orochi's arm and he walked to the stage. Sougo was supposed to leave already, but he was just standing there, behind her. Kagura knew he was still there, but she couldn't look at him.

As Orochi entered the stage, people began to cheer and clap their hands. Kagura peeked to look at the cheering people. She saw her Yourozuya family, her father and many of her friends there. There were many Kuro Orochi's members (probably all of them) and dozens of Shinsengumi officers guarding. So many people are here to celebrate...us? Our union? Maybe this isn't going to be so bad after all. Kagura thought to herself.

Sougo heard the cheers but decided to ignore them completely. He was looking at the stubborn woman he loved. Maybe, just one last touch... Sougo thought and walked closer to Kagura. Orochi began his speech. Kagura stopped peeking and returned to her spot and waited for Orochi to call her name. Then she felt a feather soft touch on her upper back. It was Sougo tracing his bent index finger softly down her spine, lingering with every inch. Kagura felt shivers all over her body. Then she felt him leave without any words.

That didn't help at all...dammit Sougo. Hmm...I wonder what my life is going to be like? Sougo can make me feel more with just one finger than Orochi ever could with his whole being. This is madness, I should be focusing on my damned engagement party and to be happy about it... Kagura thought and clenched her fists for a second.

Sougo made his way to Hijikata who was standing on a small balcony. The whole venue could be seen from that balcony, so it was perfect for observing. "You wanted to see me Hijibaka-san," Sougo said. Hijikata glanced at Sougo who was as deadpan as ever. "Yeah, your job is still the same, act as a bodyguard for Kagura. Can you handle it?" Hijikata inquired. Sougo huffed and said: "Why are you asking such a stupid question?" Hijikata sighed and said: "Fine, go to your post and drop the attitude." Let's keep pretending you are okay with this...so stubborn. Hijikata thought.

Sougo made his way to Orochi and Kagura's table. He saw Orochi still speaking on the stage and felt a deep annoyance inside. He is a complete asshole. Kagura deserves so much more than a bossy geezer like him...Shit, I have to pull myself together. If I'm not fully focused I can't protect Kagura. Ugh, I couldn't even control myself with her...I just wanted to touch her...just a little bit. Heh, she really makes me act like a lovesick dog. Sougo thought and smiled slightly.

"...and now, ladies and gentleman I present to you, my fianceƩ Kagura!" Orochi announced. Kagura shook herself slightly like a fighter preparing for a battle and then she entered the stage. People cheered even louder for her. Damn, I could get used to this. Kagura thought and walked next to Orochi. Orochi turned to Kagura and smiled widely.

Orochi removed Kagura's veil completely and placed it on her as a shoulder scarf. People in the audience were gasping at her beauty and grace. Her pale skin and bright blue eyes really popped out. Her black dress made her look very slim and elegant. Kagura pulled off the whole black look but it didn't bring out much of her radiant personality. Still, in Sougo's eyes, she was the most beautiful woman to ever exist, black or red (he preferred red).

Kagura was glancing at their surroundings. Everything was so carefully thought out. The room was filled with white roses everywhere. Tables were round and each one had an extravagant flower centerpiece. Tablecloths were black and the setting was golden. Hundreds of candles were lit on candelabras and chandeliers. It looked like money wasn't a problem when this party was being planned.

Guests had formal clothes on, even Umibouzu had managed to find one. Kagura saw her father smiling, it made her remember why she was doing this whole thing. Kagura saw many of her friends among the guests. Otae, Tsukuyo, Sarutobi, Soyo, Nobume, Otose, Catherine, and Tama were all there. Katsura and Elizabeth were attending in disguises, of course. Oh Zura, it's so you to attend a party swarming with Shinsengumi. Kagura thought.

Then her eyes caught a tall man staring at her. He had his deadpan mask on, but Kagura saw his eyes were saying a thousand words. Those crimson eyes that can freeze enemies just by one fierce stare. Maybe he secretly has Sharingan. Kagura thought for her own amusement. Kagura's thoughts were interrupted by Orochi's hand touching her chin. He turned Kagura's face to his.

Kagura swallowed and looked at Orochi's emerald green eyes. His eyes were saying a thousand words too, but Kagura couldn't read any of them. Orochi leaned to kiss Kagura for the whole audience to see. Sougo squeezed his katana to endure. He wished nothing more than to look away, but he just couldn't. Sougo's eyes were twitching and his knuckles were turning red from the pressure. Hijikata was observing Sougo from the balcony. I knew it, there is something more going on between those two than just one night. Hijikata thought.

Orochi's kiss was surprisingly gentle and he backed away very quickly. Kagura smiled gently for him. Orochi led them off the stage and waved for everyone to take a seat. When they arrived at their table, Sougo didn't say anything, he was just keeping watch with a serious face. Orochi was being a gentleman and he helped Kagura to her chair.

As the Yato couple were sitting down a waiter brought them two glasses of champagne. "I got a little carried away and had a special glass made for you," Orochi said. Kagura examined her glass, it had the word queen and emblem of the Kuro Orochi painted on it. "It's so cool, thank you!" Kagura cheered. Orochi raised his drink and said: "To us, I hope we can remember this celebration for the rest of our lives." Kagura raised her glass, gulped her drink and burped loudly. Orochi looked a little embarrassed and Sougo chuckled silently.

"Orochi, why do we have such a high security here? I mean, I wasn't expecting a bodyguard or anything," Kagura asked. "This is all just a precaution. You see, I have made many enemies during my life. If even one of my enemies has learned about our engagement beforehand, you could be a possible target. I want you to be safe," Orochi explained.

Kagura was touched by Orochi's words. He really seems to care for me. Kagura thought. "Oh, one more thing my pure, innocent, untouched Kagura," Orochi said and leaned to whisper into her ear: "After our party, we are going to retreat to my suite on the top floor and in there I am going to show you what it means to be my wife." Kagura felt really uncomfortable. Was that supposed to be sexy or something...Kagura thought.

Orochi backed away from Kagura's ear and glanced at Sougo with a smug face. Even though Orochi had whispered his words for Kagura, he somehow managed to whisper just loud enough for Sougo to hear everything. Sougo felt sick, he didn't want to hear anything like that. Why the hell is he looking at me? Fuck, I should have just sliced him in half when I had the change. Sougo thought.

"Kagura you look really gorgeous with that hair and that braid," Orochi said. "Thank you, you don't look so bad yourself," Kagura purred for him. Orochi hummed and said: "I see you are wearing just one of your hair ornaments again. Couldn't find the other one?" "Yeah, I have no idea where it might be," Kagura answered. "That's all right, just don't tell me it's laying in some other man's bedroom," Orochi said. Kagura stared at him with wide eyes and mouth gaping slightly.

"I'm only kidding silly," Orochi laughed. Kagura tried to laugh as naturally as she ever could. Still that madao sense of humor, horrible. Kagura thought. Something is wrong... Sougo thought and shook his head. "You look perfect with or without your ornaments," Orochi said with a smile. Kagura smiled too and Sougo kept observing Orochi.

The engagement party could finally begin. Waiters were serving delicious food and extra sukonbu for Kagura. Guests came to greet the happy couple one after another. Kagura felt like a celebrity everyone wanted to meet. All of this almost made her forget that Sougo was only a step away from her, standing in complete silence.

When Gintoki, Shinpachi, and Umibouzu came to greet and congratulate the couple, Kagura sprang up from her chair. She ran to hug her earth family. "I already missed you guys!" Kagura said with a smile. "You look beautiful Kagura-chan, even with a different hair," Shinpachi said. "Thanks, formal glasses," Kagura chirped. Shinpachi decided to let that one slide. "Is he being good to you?" Gintoki asked and scratched his hair. Kagura smiled with her eyes closed and nodded quickly. She couldn't let Gintoki see her eyes, he would see that something was off.

Kagura then went to hug Umibouzu. "My daughter, you really look like a grown woman. And you still look like your mother," Umibouzu said. "Thank you papi, that means a lot to me," Kagura said. Orochi came to greet the three men. Orochi wrapped his arm around Kagura's shoulders and looked at Umibouzu neutrally. Umibouzu thought he saw Kagura's smile drop for a microsecond when Orochi touched her.

"Take care of her," Umibouzu said firmly. Orochi nodded his head once. "Kagura-chan has nothing to worry about, she has the Umibouzu 2.0. and Souichiro-kun here," Gintoki said. "It's Sougo, Danna," Sougo corrected out of habit.

"PLEASE! I can very well take care of myself. I'm strong as hell!" Kagura gloated. "That's our Kagura-chan!" Gintoki and Shinpachi cheered. Sougo saw Umibouzu staring at him for a second during his words. Did he tell me to take care of Kagura? I must be imaging things again. Sougo thought.

As Gintoki, Shinpachi and Umibouzu were returning to their seats Umibouzu was very quiet. "Oi baldie, is something on your mind? Gintoki asked. "I just want my daughter's happiness, that's all," Umibouzu answered. "Well isn't she happy with the man you sort of chose for her?" Gintoki asked bluntly. "I hope so," Umibouzu said.

The baldie knows something... Gintoki thought as he was looking at the slightly restless Umibouzu. "Don't worry Umibouzu-san, Kagura-chan looked really happy with Orochi-sama," Shinpachi said. "Yes, now excuse me, I have to go and take care of some business," Umibouzu said and left their table.

As soon as Umibouzu was out of hearing distance Gintoki moved closer to Shinpachi and whispered: "Do you really think Kagura-chan looked happy with Orochi?" "No, of course not, I was just trying to make Umibouzu relax," Shinpachi hissed. Gintoki sighed and said: "So you saw through her act too. Shinpachi, we need to be prepared for anything tonight. If Kagura needs our help in escaping or something." Shinpachi gave Gintoki a deep approving nod.

The party went on. Kagura met so many people, she ate so much food, she enjoyed the party to the fullest. Sougo followed her where ever she went, no matter how unnecessary it was. After Kagura ate her sixth piece of cake, she decided that some action would be fun. "Orochi, let's go dance!" Kagura said cheerfully. "I'm not much of a dancer, go dance with your friends," Orochi said and returned to talking with one of his subordinates.

Lazy madao... Kagura thought and huffed quietly. Sougo observed Kagura's actions quietly next to her. "Fine," Kagura said and turned on her feet. She and Sougo exchanged longing looks. Stop looking at me like that... Both of them thought. Kagura walked past Sougo and she headed for the dancefloor. Sougo saw Orochi glancing at Kagura with a sly look. What the hell is he up to? Sougo thought and went after Kagura.

There was a small crowd of guests dancing. Kagura didn't see anyone she knew, except for her dear bodyguard. They were both standing on the edge of the dancefloor. "How are you holding up?" Sougo inquired. "I'm trying my best, he's just so weird sometimes. I mean did you hear his joke about my hair ornament?" Kagura said quietly to Sougo. "I sure did, I still think he's an asshole," Sougo said bluntly.

Kagura looked at Sougo, but she didn't try to correct him this time. She actually giggled a bit at his words. "He kinda is...he won't even dance with me," Kagura said. Sougo leaned to Kagura's ear and whispered: "I sure as hell am not a dancer, but I would dance with you..." Kagura blushed slightly and said: "I would like that a lot...but...ugh..."

Kagura grunted in pain and pressed her hands on her forehead. "China, are you okay?!" Sougo asked with a worried voice and placed his hands on her shoulders. "M-m-my head, it feels so weird," Kagura groaned and felt her legs going numb. Sougo catched a weak Kagura in his arms and huffed: "Oi, Kagura!" Before anyone had the change to react there was an explosion.

Sougo covered Kagura with his body, but the explosion's pressure made both of them and many guests fall down. After the smoke cleared from the explosion Orochi jumped up and yelled frantically: "Kagura! Where is Kagura?" Gintoki and Shinpachi were looking around them and calling for Kagura. "We are under attack! Evacuate the civilians and eliminate the enemy!" Hijikata ordered through the radiophones.

People were running and screaming. Rubble from the explosion was all over the dancefloor. Kagura was safe and unharmed under her bodyguard. Sougo recovered quickly from the impact and focused on Kagura's condition. He was checking Kagura's pulse and breathing. "You're alive, thank the gods..." Sougo said quietly. "Heh...gods didn't cover me...you did," Kagura whispered and smiled. Kagura opened her eyes and Sougo took a relieved breath.

Sougo helped Kagura up gently and made sure she was unharmed. "I'm fine, thanks Sougo," Kagura said. "Before the explosion, you said your head felt weird and you collapsed, what was that about?" Sougo inquired seriously. "I don't know, but I feel normal now, so maybe it was food poisoning or something?" Kagura said. "Food poisoning doesn't work like that stupid!" Sougo yelled. "I'm okay now, calm down," Kagura said with a reassuring smile.

Sougo took a look around them. Shinsengumi officers were running everywhere and the whole situation was chaotic. "We must be under attack, we have to get you out of here," Sougo stated. "Kagura-chan! Are you okay?" Shinpachi yelled as he and Gintoki were running towards Kagura and Sougo. Kagura was about to answer but she felt weak again.

Kagura collapsed on her knees and instantly Sougo dropped on one knee to support her. "What's wrong with Kagura?" Gintoki asked as he and Shinpachi reached the sickly looking Kagura. "She feels very weak, we have to get her to a hospital!" Sougo almost yelled. "That won't be necessary, I have a skilled medic upstairs," Orochi said firmly as he appeared in front of them.

Kagura was awake but she was too weak to speak. "We are under attack, it's not safe to stay here!" Gintoki said. "I am a Yato warrior and I have my best Yato men with me, we can defend Kagura from upstairs while you deal with the downstairs," Orochi stated. Sougo supported Kagura back to her feet. Orochi walked to Kagura and pushed Sougo away to take his place. "I'm her fianceƩ, I don't need you all over her again!" Orochi snapped.

Orochi began to walk Kagura towards the elevators. Sougo stomped to block their way. Kagura looked at Sougo with worried eyes. "I'm her bodyguard, I'll come with you," Sougo said adamantly. Orochi sighed deeply and said: "Captain Okita Sougo, you are the best swordsman of the Shinsengumi, I want you to stay here and fight off the enemy before they even reach my suite. I trust you that you are capable of doing that."

Gintoki and Shinpachi were looking Sougo. He hesitantly decided to step away from Kagura and Orochi's way. "Thank you Okita-kun, I knew I could trust you with this," Orochi said. "We'll escort you to the elevators," Gintoki said. As they reached the elevators, Shinsengumi officers were still running everywhere. Where are all the enemies? Sougo thought.

Orochi and Kagura entered the elevator and Orochi pushed the top floor button. "Oh right, boy, I've been meaning to say that you have a quite messy room," Orochi said and the elevator doors closed. What the hell was that supposed to mean? Well, it doesn't matter, we have more important things at hand. Sougo thought. "Let's go find that mayonnaise freak!" Gintoki ordered and the three men charged towards Hijikata's balcony.

"That explosion really did come out of nowhere," Shinpachi said. "Yeah, I'm really glad that you were there for Kagura, Samba-kun," Gintoki huffed. "It's Sougo, Danna. Oi Yorozuya, prepare yourselves for a tough battle," Sougo said an readied his katana. "Where the hell did that baldie go, just when he was needed..." Gintoki mumbled to Shinpachi.

After a while they found the vice commander giving out orders. "Oi Yorozuya, you need to go and calm down your friends or escort them out!" Hijikata commanded and pointed his fingers to a distressed Otae, Tsukuyo, and Sarutobi. "Great, this is going to be fun..." Gintoki grunted. After Sougo and Hijikata were alone Sougo asked about the situation: "Where is the enemy?" "That's the problem, we can't point them out...it's like they don't even exist," Hijikata explained.

"What are you talking about? What do you mean never existed?" Sougo inquired. "No hostile action outside, no gunfire, absolutely nothing," Hijikata answered. Sougo scratched his head. Something is terribly wrong... Sougo thought and he let go of his katana. He stuffed his hands to his pockets and tried to evaluate the situation. Oh right, I still haven't returned this. Sougo thought as he felt the round object in his pocket.

"Oi Hijibaka-san!" Sougo called. Hijikata turned to look at the young captain. "I found your lucky charm yesterday, don't worry I didn't have time to rig it," Sougo said and threw a lighter shaped like a mayonnaise bottle at Hijikata. Hijikata caught his lighter and gave it a tender look. I thought I lost you for good Mayonaighter... Hijikata thought and

gave the lighter a quick kiss.

"Did you just seriously kiss it..?" Sougo asked with a 'are you kidding me' look on his face. "No...No I didn't! Shut up! Go find our hidden enemies or I'll make you commit seppuku!" Hijikata yelled and put the Mayonighter into his pocket. Sougo smirked slightly and followed the vice commanders orders.

As Sougo was searching around the venue he decided to go through the whole night in his head. I don't understand how the enemy got inside. When did they have time to blow something up? Maybe it was a guest...or...maybe it was an inside job? No...could it be? Then everything began to clear up for Sougo.

Orochi...when he was at the compound, he saw my name somewhere...my name is over my door...he said my room was messy... "Oh no..." Sougo said quietly. Orochi's joke about Kagura's hair ornament...he didn't want me to be "all over" Kagura again...again? Did he find the missing hair ornament from...my room? "This is bad..." Sougo said nervously.

Kagura is upstairs and she is too weak to defend herself...this explosion was an excuse to get Kagura upstairs alone and a decoy to keep us downstairs..."FUCKING HELL!" Sougo yelled and few other Shinsengumi officers looked at him in confusion.

Sougo ran like he never had before. The adrenaline was pumping all over his body. "No no no, how can I be so stupid to get fooled like this," Sougo mumbled. Hijikata saw a running Sougo and called for him. Sougo ignored him and just kept running. The elevators were shut down after Orochi and Kagura used them. I have to take the stairs...dammit...I'm coming Kagura! Sougo thought.

Sougo charged towards the fire escape staircase and he kicked the door in. Orochi's suite was on floor 40. Great, but this won't stop me! Please be safe... Sougo thought. As Sougo was leaping the stairs as fast as he could there was only one clear thought in his head: He knows, Orochi knows. Kagura is in serious danger.

FLASHBACK

Orochi left the meeting hall to look for a bathroom. He asked directions from Yamazaki, but he took a wrong turn once. Orochi wandered to the sleeping quarters. One room's door was open. Orochi glanced at the name tag above the door. 1st Division Captain Okita Sougo, hmm...this is the sassy boy's room. Orochi thought.

He took a quick peek inside. These Shinsengumi members seem to very tidy, but obviously not as tidy as us Kuro Orochi. Orochi smiled to himself. Then something caught his eye, something familiar. It was under Sougo's dresser and Orochi picked it up. This is Kagura's hair ornament...why the hell it's in here? Orochi thought. Then he felt a raging anger filling his mind.

Oh...oh I see. That little bitch and that smug boy are screwing behind my back. No one gets away unscathed if they betray me, the GREAT OROCHI...Well, I guess there is no other choice then. I have to make some changes to the party and show that devious girl what it really means to be my wife...and kill the boy if I get the chance.

Orochi forgot his bathroom trip and made his way back to the meeting hall. He was planning on how to make everything as miserable as possible for Sougo and Kagura. He heard two men talking behind a corner. "...if he ever found out about last night." One of the men said. Orochi recognized the voices and decided to toy with the men. "What about last night?" Orochi asked casually as he made his surprise appearance.

Sougo and Hijikata jumped a bit. Hijikata was blabbering something, but Orochi was looking only at Sougo. He felt his Yato blood boiling as he looked at the crimson eyed captain that had touched his property. Orochi managed to contain his desire to kill Sougo right there, but he wanted to give him something to think about. A look of intent to kill. Then he made his way into the meeting hall.

FLASHBACK ENDS