The Battle at the Inn was more than they anticipated. Chizuru worries reinforcements won't arrive in time and rushes into danger.

(Continued)

(Chizuru)

"Souji! Are you all right?" Kondou's concern gave his voice a higher pitch.

From deeper in the inn she heard Nagakura. "Damn it, Heisuke. Don't die on me!"

The desperation in Nagakura's voice as he yelled for Heisuke spurred Chizuru into action. Her feet moved with a mind of their own. She couldn't stop from entering. Her fear for her friends was greater than her need for self-preservation. They needed her. If nothing else she could pull the wounded to safety.

She wasn't prepared for the grisly scene she walked into. The smell of blood hit her like a punch in the stomach. Blood and bodies littered the inn. What did she really hope to do here? She took a step back and searched the inn. Rushing in blindly would get her, or someone else injured or worse.

The yell of an attacking ronin froze her with fear. As his blade swung at her head the clash of metal rang out.

"You're fighting me, pal. You don't run unless I say you can." Nagakura intercepted the ronin. With a deliberate strike, the ronin screamed and dropped to the floor.

Blood spurted from the wound in his belly. Chizuru covered her nose and mouth with her sleeve to hide from the stench of blood. Her stomach lurched. Her eyes rounded as she stared at the growing puddle beneath him. There was so much blood.

"Hey, kid. I hate to ask this, but can you check upstairs? Nobody will get past me."

His request went unanswered. Chizuru found it hard to focus on anything but Nagakura's hand. She pointed to the blood covering his left hand, but he shrugged it off as just a scratch. He asked her again to check upstairs. His confidence was the push she needed and she dashed up the stairs.

The coppery tang of blood was heavy in the air. The screams of men, and the sounds of flesh rent by metal echoed around her. She darted to the first door and entered the room. Closing herself away from the battle raging on the other side.

The adrenaline from the earlier excitement left her and she grew weary. Could she just hide here until it was over? She bit her lip, she couldn't. Her friends needed her. But maybe just for a moment it would be okay. She scanned the room. It appeared untouched by battle. Chizuru let the tension in her shoulders ease with a deep sigh.

"Pray tell, what brings you to me?" A man sat at the window staring into the night sky. He studied the stars seemingly unaffected by the battle raging around them. He hadn't even looked in her direction.

His aura drew Chizuru in and she couldn't look away. He looked nothing like anyone she'd met before. His short, shaggy locks held the color of the sun, and his haori was a similar color accented with gold. The richness of the fabric made her pause. What would a man like him be doing here? His coolness and solemn demeanor calmed her jangled nerves. "Um... Who are you?"

His crimson eyes turned her way. "So you question the master now, huh? How interesting. You should turn the mirror on yourself rather than worry about me."

She snapped alert at his words. She'd all but forgotten he was her enemy, and they were in the middle of a battle. She reached for her kodachi.

His eyes followed her movement. "Oh, now there's a pretty blade. You've brought a kodachi to a sword fight. Huh? Is that..." His eyes fixed on her weapon. He stood swiftly and gracefully. She nearly believed she imagined it, until he strode toward her, his eyes never leaving her kodachi.

The door slid open and Chizuru whirled toward the intruder. A ronin rushed in. "The Shinsengumi raided..." He stopped short. "Who are you?" He didn't give her a chance to respond. He rushed forward and swung his sword. Before he reached her the mysterious man behind her roared.

"SILENCE!" The sound of tearing flesh ripped through the air followed by the warm spurt of blood. He cut the ronin down with one strike. "Didn't I tell you. You should be more concerned for yourself." His tone was that of a parent scolding a petulant child. Chizuru bit her lip. Why did it bother her that he hadn't seen through her disguise? She shrugged it off. It was best everyone saw her as just a small boy.

"I don't understand? Wasn't he your ally?"

"Well, he's not, that's why I cut him loose."

He flicked the blood from his sword and sheathed it with grace. His self-possession mesmerized her. There was something about his eyes that held her captive. He stared into hers, drawing her into a lucid hypnosis. Her breath caught in her throat and an odd sensation washed over her skin. He smirked at her.

"Um... Thank you."

His smile lifted his lips, showing perfect white teeth. "Hmm, looks like you have some manners despite being the Shinsengumi's bitch."

He mocked her and the Shinsengumi, but she couldn't find it in her to be offend. "Why did you save me?"

He motioned at her kodachi. "Is the kodachi yours?"

"Well, yes..."

"Then you have your kodachi to thank. My business here is done. You may do whatever you want." He waved a hand dismissively, as if she were a servant he shooed away.

"I don't understand?"

He winked slyly and strode confidently toward the window. He jumped through it without hesitation.

Chizuru gasped and raced to the window. She leaned out the see what direction he took, but there was no trace to be found. He'd simply vanished. She stared into the night dumbfounded. She sensed a presence behind her and slowly moved to grip the hilt of her kodachi.

"Yukimura, are you all right?" Saito's voice put her at ease.

"Saito-san! How are you here?" Chizuru nearly rushed to hug him, but stopped herself.

"Aimi-san told us the Choshu were meeting at Ikeda."

"Is she here? I'd like to see her."

Saito shook his head. "She stayed with the commander."

Chizuru was disappointed to learn her friend wasn't there, but grateful for the reinforcements. The Choshu were quickly subdued, the worst of it was over. Saito escorted her outside, where the wounded were gathered and asked her to tend to them. Chizuru was proud she could help even if in the smallest of ways.

(Aimi)

This was the first time in weeks she was alone with Hijikata. They met during breakfast, but never just the two of them. Her assignments came through Saito or Yamazaki. The increase in Choshu activity required much of his time. She didn't know what to say to him that wouldn't give away her eavesdropping just hours ago. As the silence stretched on she looked up at him.

He smiled at her. "Good job with the message. It might have given us the advantage we need."

Aimi hadn't expected praise from Hijikata over such a small thing. She flushed as she stared back at him. The same light lit his eyes as the night she fought Yamazaki and bested him. The memory of his last kiss brought only the sharp ache of loss. She looked away quickly afraid he would read her thoughts in her eyes.

"So, what about the Aizu and Judiciary Commissioner? Didn't Yamazaki take a message to them before everyone left?" She didn't understand why they hadn't responded to the message.

Hijikata gave her a grim nod and clenched his jaw. "If he returned to the compound, they were informed."

They stepped out of the alley and into the main street.

"Why are we here?" Choshu ronin could be anywhere, it was reckless for the two of them to stroll openly through the streets.

"What kind of man tries to hide all the time?" He gave her a smug smile.

Hijikata was always steps ahead of everyone else. She suspected he was planning something, but what she couldn't guess. It appeared the Judiciary Commissioner had abandoned them to deal with the Choshu alone. So why hadn't he joined the others marching to Ikeda Inn?

Aimi jumped at the sudden appearance of Yamazaki. "Yamazaki! You're safe!" She breathed a sigh of relief, and pulled him into a hug.

"Er.." He stood stiff, his eyes wide as saucers.

"Oh, um, sorry. I was just worried about you." Aimi let him go and stepped back.

He nodded. "I see you are aware of the situation at Ikeda. Colonel Sanan ordered me to inform Aizu and the Judiciary Commissioner, but..."

"Yeah. I'll have new orders for you in a few minutes. Stick close for now."

"Understood." Yamazaki bowed.

He stood beside Aimi with a relaxed stance. She looked him over closely for injuries.

"You're uninjured?"

"I'm fine. I'm glad you made it through safe."

"How could I not, with such a gallant protector?" She fluttered her eyes at him and smiled at the pink creeping over his ears.

"He's not paying attention." Yamazaki's voice was barely a whisper.

Aimi's eyes grew wide.

"Your flirting. I assume it's to make the commander jealous?"

Aimi's cheeks warmed. "Well, it's no fun when you put it like that." She nudged his shoulder and gave him a soft smile. "If it bothers you, I'll stop."

Yamazaki let out a breath and a slight shake of his head.

"Aimi, Yamazaki, stay to the shadows." Hijikata stood straight and glared down the road. "Your commander needs to have a word with a bunch of useless bastards."

Aimi shivered at the cold anger in his eyes.

Just as Hijikata spoke, they appeared. Lines of government soldiers marched down the road. There were hundreds of them. They stretched across the road several rows deep. Their slow pace angered her. The Shinsengumi had far fewer men fighting at the inn, giving their lives to protect Kyoto. Didn't these men have the same responsibility? Why weren't they speeding toward Ikeda?

Hijikata noticed her anger and gave a snort of laughter. "Don't worry. I'll make sure they don't screw us."

He stepped into the middle of the street, directly in the path of the advancing soldiers. He took only a few steps and turned to face them, but his movements held such authority that Aimi didn't doubt he had total control of the situation. Her heart swelled with pride for the man standing before her.

"The Shinsengumi is currently conducting an official investigation of the Ikeda Inn! You will not interfere. You will not enter the inn." His commanding voice gave no room for argument.

The government officials looked at each other. Clearly they intended to make their way to the inn. Aimi began to think they didn't intend to really help, but to simply take credit for the work of the Shinsengumi in stopping the Choshu threat.

Yamazaki spoke quietly beside her, and confirmed her thoughts.

"But it's the Shinsengumi risking their lives!" Aimi's voice rose.

"Then you see now how little respect they have for the Shinsengumi. The Commander is single-handedly protecting the Shinsengumi now. If we allow them into Ikeda Inn, they will spread tales of their false heroism. All that we may do here tonight may be in vain if we allow them to front the raid. That is why the Commander is trying to prevent the Aizu Domain from intruding."

She gripped the hilt of her sword. If anyone dared to force their way past, she would fight at his side.

One official spoke out, but Hijikata brokered no argument from them. He stood firmly planted in the street until the battle was over. Not a single man challenged the Demon Vice-Commander.

Dawn was breaking when they returned to the compound. The Shinsengumi celebrated a great victory, and many Choshu operatives were killed or arrested. Their victory wasn't without cost. During the battle, Souji was struck in the chest and knocked unconscious. Heisuke also suffered a severe blow to the forehead. While Nagakura injured his hand. They lost one Shinsengumi soldier, and two more were gravely injured.

Hijikata sent Aimi to her room as soon as they returned. She paced the small space, agitated that her time near him was so short. She scolded herself for expecting him to have time for her. He was the Shinsengumi Vice-Commander. Whether she wanted to be near him or not, his obligations to his company came first. He wouldn't be Hijikata if he shirked his duty to pander to her.

A soft voice drew her from her grousing.

"It's Chizuru. May I come in?"

"Yes, of course." Aimi rushed to open the door and pulled Chizuru into the room, hugging her tightly. "I was so worried about you."

"I'm okay."

Aimi looked her over and found her without injury, but her skin was ashen and her mood was far more solemn than her usual cheerful demeanor.

"War is a messy business. It takes a strong will to withstand the brutality of it." She squeezed her arms gently.

Chizuru nodded. "It was awful. There was so much blood. So many men died."

Aimi ushered her to a cushion. "Would you like some tea? Inoue brought a pot, and I've an extra cup."

"Yes, please. Tea sounds lovely. I..." She bit her lip. "There was a strange man there."

"Oh? One of the Choshu ronin?"

Chizuru shook her head. "I'm not sure. The fighting was so intense. Okita and Heisuke were in trouble and Nagakura called for help."

Chizuru recalled the events of the night. How the smell of blood hung heavy in the air. How frightened she was, and how hopeless she felt. She ran upstairs and found the first room not affected by fighting.

She hung her head, staring at the floor "I needed to get away from the blood. That's when I saw him. I didn't know what to think. I've never felt like that before. As if I were under a spell. I knew he wasn't one of ours, but I still couldn't see him as my enemy."

Aimi sipped her tea, listening attentively. She spoke only after Chizuru paused. "Why do you think he was there?"

"I'm not sure. A ronin entered the room and started to talk to him, until they saw me. The ronin attacked me, but the man cut him down before he could hurt me."

"Oh my! That sounds dreadful, no wonder you're as pale as rice paper." Aimi expected the events were more intense than Chizuru led her to believe.

"Oddly, I wasn't afraid. When I asked him why he saved me he pointed at my kodachi and asked if it was mine. He seemed pleased that it was."

Aimi tilted her head and raised an eyebrow. Samurai held swords in high regard. Families passed honored weapons down through generations. "What is significant about your kodachi? I know my own wakizashi has been in my mother's family for generations."

"It's the same with mine, it was my mothers." Chizuru held out her sheathed blade.

Aimi took it. She pulled the blade halfway out. The metal gleamed in the candlelight. Intricate details were etched along the back of the blade. The handle was just as beautiful, if well worn. It was easy to see the value of it. The night they met, three ronin had tried to take it from Chizuru.

Aimi pulled the blade free and tested its balance. It was of similar quality as her own wakizashi. Aimi'd always wondered at the details on the blade. Her mother said they were words of a lost language. Those on Chizuru's blade were eerily similar.

"It's a well made blade. That it holds the memories of your family makes its value immeasurable. Keep it well cared for and it will keep you safe."

"That's what my father told me when he gave it to me."

Aimi sheathed the blade and returned it to Chizuru. "You'll be reunited soon."

Chizuru bit her lip. "Hijikata-san said he was seen with someone from the west. But how can that be? The more I learn about him the more worried I become."

"I'm sure your father is safe." Aimi mulled over the information.

"That's part of what worries me. What if he betrayed the Shinsengumi and the shogun?" Chizuru's words echoed her own thoughts. "If he did, will they blame me? Would they think me their enemy?"

Aimi patted her shoulder. "You've earned your place here. I never would have thought they'd willingly take you out on a raid. You aren't just their charge, Chizuru, but their friend. As for your father, you know him best. What does your heart tell you?"

Chizuru brightened. "Thank you, Aimi-san"

"What about the mysterious man? What happened when the Shinsengumi saw him?"

Chizuru bit her lip. "I learned later he was the one who fought Okita-san, and wounded him. I don't know how to feel about that. But he was gone before anyone else saw him."

"If he bested Souji, it's their good fortune he didn't decide to stay and make trouble." Aimi mulled over this information as well. Few men had the skill to best Souji one on one. She hoped, for Chizuru's sake, he wasn't an enemy of the Shinsengumi.

Chizuru nodded. "Saito-san said you were the reason they knew to come to Ikeda."

Aimi smiled and nodded. "Sanan-san sent me with Yamazaki to warn Hijikata-san. I was glad to be of use."

"Then I thank you for the reinforcements." Chizuru bowed.

Aimi waved her away. "It was nothing. Yamazaki was the one who risked his life to see the message was delivered safely. He battled ronin in the street while I ran away."

"Then I will thank him, as well, the next time I see him." Chizuru grew quiet, staring out the window lost in thought. Her brows pinched together.

"What troubles you?"

Chizuru sighed. "I'm just unsure of what I felt when we spoke." Her cheeks turned rosie. "You know how Hijikata holds everyone's attention so easily? This man was like that, and it seemed effortless. He was so regal and commanding."

"How old are you now?"

"Um, almost 18. Why?"

"And have you ever been..." Aimi hesitated, unsure how to ask. "Interested in a young man?"

"No, father asked me that a few months before he left. I think he was worried to leave me alone. I know many girls my age are already married."

"It's a natural question for a parent to ask. I grew up in a private school. There were many girls and everyone grew interested in young men at different ages. Everyone is different."

"When did you find young men interesting?"

"I didn't meet any until I left the school. I was just your age, and while the girls spoke of men they knew, I'd never met any. They had families and friends, and were connected to the nobility. I was an orphan. I had means, but no connections as a foreigner." Aimi grew thoughtful as she remembered meeting Saitani for the first time. "I was on a ship for Japan when I met Saitani."

Chizuru's eyes grew wide. "I thought you met him the day I did!"

"I let everyone think that. The night you and I met I was delivering a list of names to him." Aimi waved away Cizuru's concern. "Hijikata-san knows, so do the rest of them. Anyway, Saitani is a very charming man, and his smile made my heart flutter in my chest. He was so kind, and so...overwhelming."

"He is very charming." Chizuru's cheeks darkened. "I think I know what you mean. Did this man make me feel something?"

Aimi nodded.

"I think so. My heart was already racing before I saw him, but I felt, well, I felt safe with him." Chizuru shook her head. "Even when he was insulting I wasn't angry. When he left I was shocked at how fast he disappeared, and disappointed he was gone before I could ask him more questions. He was so refined. And commanding just like Hijikata-san!"

Aimi smiled and her own cheeks warmed. "You should have seen Hijikata-san last night," she murmured.

Chizuru giggled behind her hand. "Oh! You do like Hijikata-san? You two always seem mad at each other."

Aimi shook her head. "Hijikata-san has many responsibilities. I should be more forgiving, but when he snaps at me like he does everyone else, I can't help but snap back at him. I'm not very good at biting my tongue."

"I don't think Hijikata-san minds so much when you argue with him." Chizuru giggled.

"And just how would you know that?" Aimi raised her eyebrow. Hijikata leveled the same icy glares at her he did the rest of them. After overhearing him and Sanan, she knew he wouldn't hesitate to kill her if she threatened the Shinsengumi and their secrets.

"They tend to forget I'm nearby. I hear a lot of things I probably shouldn't." Chizuru blushed and looked at her hands. "I heard them discussing how much longer it will take him to move you into his room."

"Hijikata-san was discussing that?"

"Oh, no, not him, the captains. They um, well there is a bet, you see."

Aimi couldn't help but laugh. "Yes, you certainly hear things you shouldn't. Ya know, living with a bunch of men is giving you bad habits, kid."

She shrugged. "I'm just trying to blend in. It isn't easy pretending to be a boy all the time."

Aimi ruffled her hair. "Just don't be in a hurry to grow up. Once you do, you can't go back."

Aimi sat in the infirmary watching over Souji and Heisuke. Yamazaki and Shimada were on rounds, but she had been ordered to rest. Not by Hijikata, but by Saito. Even Souji had scolded her for wearing herself too thin. He'd wanted her to join them in the raid. They wouldn't have known about the plot, if not for her in the first place.

Guilt weighed heavy in her chest. She should have been there. Had she been, maybe neither of them would have gotten hurt. She'd worked so hard to be useful, but had let them down. She wept silently over Souji, worried for him. He was pale and sweating, but his body showed no fever. Was his a case of food poisoning, but with different symptoms? Even Yamazaki was stumped at his condition.

"Heh? Tears for me? I'm not on my way out just yet, little sister." Souji brushed the tears from her cheek. "Still, it's kind of nice to have a woman crying over me."

"Souji, you're such a cad." Aimi smiled at him and took a deep breath. "How do you feel?"

"Pissed off. That son of a bitch caught me off guard. I'd like to know how!" He clenched his hands into fists. He looked over at Heisuke. "How is he?"

"The bleeding has slowed, but it will take a while for all of it to stop. The blow damaged all the tiny vessels in his forehead." Aimi bit her lip. Heisuke said the man was unarmed, but how could he have caused such damage with one strike? "I'm just worried there is swelling we can't see."

"I didn't know you knew anything about medicine."

"When I couldn't be a dancer, I started studying medicine. My mother left me a substantial sum, and the school indulged my every whim."

"Were you happy there?" Souji asked, his voice quiet and uncertain.

"I wasn't unhappy, but it was very lonely. I didn't fit in with the other girls. While they worried about running a house full of servants, I studied to be a dancer, and later medicine. They brought in a private instructors for me. I think the girls resented the special treatment I received, though many of them came from far wealthier families."

Souji nodded and let out a sigh. "Sounds like a pain in the ass if you ask me."

Aimi chuckled softly and looked to see that Heisuke still slept. "What about you? What was it like growing up in a dojo?"

Souji shrugged. "I hated it at first. I wasn't the first kid there, but I was the youngest. I had to learn real fast to keep from getting beat up. Kondou-san was the only one who seemed to understand. He sort of, took responsibility of me. Things were good after that, until Hijikata-san showed up."

"It must have been tough to have to share Kondou-san's attention."

"Hijikata-san was always an asshole, but he respects Kondou-san. He's always working hard for Konou-san and the Shinsengumi, so I guess that's good enough."

"I was feeling down one day and Inoue said, 'Everyone has their part to play. No matter how large or small.' You're also important to Kondou-san and the Shinsengumi. And if not for you, I wouldn't be here."

"Oh? Well, I guess not. You'd be dead." Souji yawned. "Go get some rest. Don't fret about last night. You still did good getting the message through."

Aimi smiled at him. Souji, for all his faults was a good man underneath. She leaned down and kissed his cheek. "Good night, big brother."

Souji sighed. "Yep, it's pretty nice having a girl take care of you. You're a lot sweeter than Yamazaki."

"Hey, do I get a kiss too?" Heisuke asked.

"No, you do not!" Hijikata barked from the doorway. "Go back to sleep! Aimi, you were ordered to rest, were you not?"

Aimi jumped to her feet. "I did rest. For the whole day, I've not even lifted a sword since we returned."

Hijikata nodded. "Then get some food and get more rest. You better be ready when Saito-san releases you for training, because it's about to get tougher."

Aimi swallowed the lump in her throat. "I understand." She bowed and rushed past him.

"You sure are a real asshole, you know that, Hijikata-san?" Souji's voice followed her out the door. "That's not how you sweet talk a girl."

Aimi stopped to listen to his reply.

"Aimi isn't just some girl. She's an officer of the Shinsengumi. Her ability, or lack thereof, to do her job reflects on us all. You know this."

She pressed a hand to her mouth. She'd let him down too.

"Still, Hijikata-san. Don't you think you're being too hard on her? I mean Sano said you were sweet on her."

"Harada doesn't know what he's talking about."

Aimi blinked back the tears.

"I don't believe you," Souji said.

"She's an officer now, and that means off limits to all of us. Especially me."

"Did you tell her that?" Heisuke asked. "Before she chose the job, I mean?"

Hijikata let out a loud breath. "I didn't have the heart to. She deserves a chance to figure out what she wants in life. Not tied down as some man's wife and then live to regret it."

"Damn it, just when I think I can hate you, you do something fucking noble." Souji laughed. "Still, I think you're a fool for letting her go."

Aimi rushed to her room before the tears fell. She'd sensed his distance the past two weeks. She'd known it was due to her job, but hadn't thought it was a permanent distance. Still, she admired him for it, even if it broke her heart.