Kiss Of Snow

by Swanna

To make Kondo a great samurai was Hijikata's goal in life. His simple world became complicated on the night he met a pureblood demoness, Asuna who came from a realm devoid of feelings. As she was granted the permission to stay with the Shinsengumi, he soon discovered this icy cold demoness who initially knew nothing of emotions was actually very capable of passion {A Vampires Tale}

29. Chapter 29: The Calm Before The Storm

Beta Reader: Waffle (Thank you for being the bestest!)

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Kiss Of Snow

By: Swanna

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Chapter 29: The Calm Before The Storm

It was a calm, refreshing summer day in June without too much heat. It had rained in the morning, and the humidity had left behind an earthy scent of soil in the air. Almost as if the weather pleaded to be enjoyed, which was quite fitting for this afternoon's much-anticipated big event that was due to take place very shortly.

The Commanders and Captains were all wound tight with anticipation and excitement at the prospect of the Shogun's visit. Everyone was prepared for this exclusive event, knowing they were representing the Shinsengumi in its most unique pride and unrivaled competence that were required of them to begin their upcoming important duties.

Hijikata was well aware that the recognition the Shinsengumi was receiving now was due to the leaders working tirelessly over time. They had finally established a name for themselves. This was indeed one of their greatest accomplishments yet, one that none of them would ever forget until they drew their last breaths.

The bright sun and clear sky were now obscured by thick clouds, and following this was an instant silence throughout the courtyard as the Commanders alongside Itou waited patiently for the arrival of the Shogun. Since Kondou had been given strict orders to keep this visit a secret between the leaders and no one else, he had to limit themselves to a discreet greeting only. Finally the Shogun, Tokugawa Iemochi, and his small group of attendants made their way inside. Kondou and the rest approached closer and bowed deeply with respect.

"It is our greatest honor to be in your presence, Tokugawa-sama," said Kondou. It was subtle but Hijikata could hear the emotion in his voice, quite different than his usual composed self.

"It's a pleasure to meet everyone and the honor, may I say, is mine," the Shogun gave a slight tilt of his head in acknowledgement. "And please forgo the formality. Just treat me and my son, Iesato as regular guests during our stay with the Shinsengumi."

It was Hijikata's first chance to take a good look at the Shogun. The young boy, barely a man, was tall but hadn't yet filled out. With his rich black hair and dark brown eyes, he looked even younger than Hijikata had first thought. Not that it mattered at his age, in particular when he was already fully in the prime of his youth.

Although Tokugawa Iemochi was merely 19 years old, he had been appointed the 14th Shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate for almost seven years now. During his reign, it was without question that he had reached the height of his powers, while some would argue that he had yet to reach the height of his fame. Especially when the country was currently in turmoil with the Choshu Clan's rebellion clashing with the shogunate. But it was true that despite the uprising, Tokugawa Iemochi was still able to maintain control over his dominion.

The Shogun looked around and regarded the man beside him, presumably his chief retainer, with a small frown. "Speaking of Iesato, where is he?"

"The prince might have wandered off in the wrong direction just now," the auburn-haired man answered with a dip of his head. "I will go and look for him right away, my lord."

"Be quick," ordered the Shogun.

"Understood." The man then motioned for the rest of their four guards to come with him.

Having only a handful of men with the Shogun may have seemed inadequate to protect him against whatever dangers they may encounter on the route, but Hijikata knew just how well trained they were and that they weren't ordinary soldiers. It was in their eyes.

Kondou chose that moment to speak. "Tokugawa-sama, why don't we continue our conversation inside where it's cooler and more comfortable for you?"

"Yes, that sounds like a great idea since we have much to discuss."

With an amicable smile, Kondou led the way and escorted the Shogun through the spacious courtyard of the Nishi Hongwanji temple adorned with a luxuriant growth of flowers and tall trees. Once inside the opulent house, they navigated through the now familiar halls and into the large common room.

"This seems to be an excellent location to serve as the headquarters for the expansion of the Shinsengumi," the Shogun commented as Kondou gestured for everyone to be seated.

Kondou took a seat to his right. "Indeed it is. This place is definitely suitable to make into our humble abode, and I also believe it will yield success and victory for us."

"Very good."

"By the way, Tokugawa-sama, please allow me to introduce you to our Military Advisor, Kashitarou Itou." Their Commander motioned to each of them as he mentioned their names. "And over here we have the Shinsengumi's Vice-Commanders, Sannan Keisuke and Hijikata Toshizou."

The men bowed their heads at the Shogun politely, who in turn greeted them with a gracious nod. "With so many competent and dedicated Shinsengumi leaders present, I can see the welfare of the city is in good hands."

For someone who couldn't refrain himself from ingratiation and idealization, Itou said, "The Shinsengumi will certainly continue striving to the utmost of our abilities and work for the eternal prosperity of our country."

Hijikata had noticed the Shogun glance his way several times since they'd entered the room. Having half-turned in the Shogun's direction, he was studying him again with a peculiar curiosity and interest that Hijikata found a trifle baffling.

"And I've heard a lot of extraordinary things about you, Hijikata Toshizou." The Shogun's voice enthused. "Even a close friend of mine has mentioned you to be a man of talent and integrity. Those are words of high praise coming from him since he doesn't give compliments lightly. I'm glad to finally meet you in person."

Momentarily, Hijikata was caught off guard as the full implication of the Shogun's revelation hit him. Experiencing an instance of doubt, he couldn't help questioning Nakajima's motives for taking such a step. After all, he had been quite adamant in his refusal to be betrothed to his daughter. Was that man acting out of goodwill or personal spite? Only one thing was certain though, Nakajima Kagefusa wasn't an individual who would ever do anything without a good reason.

But under the current circumstances, Hijikata bit his tongue and said, "The honor is all mine, my lord."

"Once again, let us be less courteous toward one another and more straightforward. I prefer us to be ourselves in a less restrictive way when we're alone."

A soft chuckle escaped Kondou. "No wonder others said that Tokugawa-sama is a very forthcoming person with a realistic disposition. We know the rumors are true now."

"I still remember when I was a child my father always told me I had a mature head for my small and young shoulders." The Shogun smiled while he reminisced, as if he was silently savoring those childhood days, not so long ago.

"It seems like your father was a very wise man," Sannan spoke for the first time in a respectful tone.

"Yes, he was. Sometimes I still wish I could have at least a fraction of his wisdom."

"Perhaps you are too modest, my lord. So how long did you plan to stay for your visit?" The query came from Itou.

"Just for five days, as I am expected to return to my position at Edo Castle and will no longer be able to travel for a while."

It was never convenient or wise for the Shogun to journey far beyond Edo. And if he wanted to travel that far then there was the fear of the large number of guards that would typically travel with him, drawing more unwanted attention. So it was understandable that the Shogun had been careful to dissimulate his travel preparations to satisfy his desire for adventure.

"Is there anything you want to do or see during your visit in particular?" Sannan asked next.

Hijikata knew what the men were doing. The Shogun had chosen to stay with the Shinsengumi, which meant it was now their solemn duty to protect their lord and his prince on their visit through the city. And these were only routine questions that needed to be treated as such.

"I want to travel in plain-clothes disguise to observe the livelihood of the citizens. I also want Iesato to explore the heritage and values of our capital city before I bring him back to Edo."

"To help a boy develop the strength to face life early on is a good valuable lesson a father can teach a son." Kondou conceded. Since he was a father himself, he understood what the Shogun was trying to do. "We all know that life will not always be easy, especially for men today. There will be challenges that boys must face when they grow up and they won't be easy to handle without proper guidance."

The Shogun nodded in agreement. "Although he's my adopted son, I know he would make me proud. I have my pride in him."

"Then what about the plan regarding your servant acting as your double?" Asked their Commander.

"He, along with my Captain of the Guards and other officials will be staying at Nijo Castle at this time as a diversion."

Glancing at their lord who had almost too-pale skin, nothing about him suggested leadership or valor. But Hijikata recognized quality of the time the Shogun had utilized to hone his competence and reinforce his unbreakable confidence.

Itou met the Shogun's words with a lopsided grin. "Everything was arranged in such a clever way that it will arouse neither doubt nor suspicion, even from our own men themselves. With those Choshu criminals still at large, we can never be too careful with your safety."

"If the Choshu men are still roaming within the city, then we would stand a much better chance of catching them quicker," said Sannan, his relaxed pose was at odds with his tight jaw.

Their previous military expeditions at Ikeda Inn, Kuge Gate and Mount Ten'nou were just the tip of the iceberg. The Shinsengumi were already tasked with the huge responsibility of apprehending the Choshu and pushing them out of the city to regain control of the territories. In the right circumstances, bad could be good.

"They'll be dealt with and the matter will end." The conviction in Hijikata's voice was apparent and indisputable to all those who heard him. He had lived with the thought so long it had almost become truth to him.

The Shogun's lips curved into the optimistic smile of a leader. "With so many of our courageous men willing to make sacrifices to protect our country's values and beliefs, I'm certain that order will be restored and confidence will be revived."

Hijikata considered his options and weighed the outcomes carefully. He was a cautious man and would not rush into action if he were to be held responsible for their fulfillment. Nothing could be done without proper strategy and tactics.

"In the meantime, we will have our Captain of the third division, Saito Hajime, and Captain of the tenth division, Harada Sanosuke, as well as myself dress as commoners and accompany you on the streets during your stay with us, my lord." Hijikata said, thinking fast and coming up with a twist to the established plan as he had done so often when unexpected eventualities presented themselves on missions in the past. "We will also have Itou-san, Sannan-san and our Captain of the eighth division, Toudou Heisuke travel to Nijo Castle tomorrow and manage the section to keep others from suspecting your double's true identity."

The elaborated arrangements were accepted in the form of an approving nod and smile from the Shogun, which for Hijikata was enough. "Yes, that is an excellent precaution. I knew that I could trust the Shinsengumi to protect me on this journey."

"We won't disappoint you with our service, my lord," Kondou's tone was both reverent and reserved.

"I know you won't," the Shogun replied with certainty as though he recognized they possessed more skills and abilities than they were aware of themselves. "You're all really quite good, as I'm sure you know. That was why the Shinsengumi were selected for this responsibility."

"The sun is setting, my lord. Allow me to show you to the quarters that we have prepared for you and ensure that you have everything you need," Itou suddenly reminded the Shogun, who had the known tendency of retiring rather early in the evening.

With another brief nod from the Shogun, the meeting was adjourned and everyone rose to bow towards him. He smiled, bowed in return and followed Itou to the hallway that led to an outdoor veranda behind the compound which overlooked the backyard and gardens. Meanwhile the three remaining men stayed behind to further discuss their next course of action in greater detail. After all, they had to maintain constant vigilance and be in a position of combat readiness as the Shogun's safety was their primary responsibility.

X X X

Asuna returned to the Shinsengumi's new headquarters and made her way past the threshold of the gates, and continued walking through the massive courtyard. Her routine today had been no different than the past few days, where she'd spent the majority of her time outside in the wilderness to seek peace and quietness. Especially lately when exhaustion had been settling in on her bones, and she'd somehow felt detached from her physical form. As for her mental condition, it had deteriorated to the point that her focus was shattered by the cold welling in her chest. Cold that was nothing like the icy chill of death, but something so much worse.

She felt broken.

Asuna still remembered that night when she had stepped out of the dark alley after the heated confrontation with Senhime. She'd walked down the street at a steady pace with no destination in mind, her only thought being that she should put as much distance between Sumi and herself as possible. It had been difficult, but she'd managed to keep a clear mind while walking and paid close attention to the townspeople around her. She'd been able to divert her thoughts; being aware of everything without thinking about anything. Until her mind had begun to wander again, pondering about the way things used to be. Then a wave of hopelessness had hit her, followed by the longing to be anywhere but here. To be as far away from any beings as possible.

And that was when she'd recalled the sound of the waterfall from the day that Hijikata had led her up to the clifftop. But Asuna didn't want to go there. For her, the clifftop was above all a place that would doubtlessly trigger a flood of sharp memories, reminding her of the man who insisted that he wanted her. So instead, she had gone to the waterfall. The beautiful waterfall that had seemed to impinge more powerfully on her consciousness this time while she was lost in the beauty of the scenery.

For the next several days since then, Asuna had gone out of her way to return to the waterfall every morning. It had helped to effectively repair her inner shields and control her rampaging emotions before they crippled her. It was where she needed to be. By the time she'd entered into the Shinsengumi's premises again in the evening, her heart was locked behind so many layers of cold steel that she betrayed nothing, even when she had come face to face with Hijikata that one night. Had they not been alone, she knew he wouldn't have let her walk past him without a word or gesture. But Hijikata had Kondou with him when they'd gone to attend a meeting. There had been no looks to behold, no words of exchange. Yet, she realized the tension was still heavy between them like a coiled snake, waiting for the slightest disturbance to make its strike.

And of course, none of all this had eased the increasing restlessness that was seeping into her. Hijikata Toshizou's presence was only making her feel worse. Her everyday life was no longer enough to keep her thoughts in one place. What worried her even more was that she didn't know the consequences of her current fragile state of mind…or how to stop it.

But more important than any of it was the thought that if she could leave without looking as if she were running away, she would be on her way out of those gates in an instant. She had no qualms about walking away. Yet instead of running, Asuna decided to stand her ground until she heard back from Amagiri. She told herself that eventually seeing Hijikata would get easier. It would have to. There was no possible way could it get harder than it had already been.

The sudden high, bright voice of a child took Asuna out of her thoughts and she followed it. When she circled around to one of the three gardens surrounding the temple, she was surprised to find an unfamiliar young boy running after Yoshiro. As he took up the chase, the cat veered left and scrambled up the tree trunk, disappearing among the branches.

She moved in behind him without making the slightest sound. "Why did you chase my cat up the tree?"

Startled at her quiet inquiry, he jumped and spun around. Asuna was standing so close behind him that he almost ran into her. "You scared me!"

Disregarding his fright, she glanced up to find Yoshiro looking down at her from a branch of the tall tree, swishing his tail back and forth; his glossy black fur blending perfectly with the shadows. The child started forward as if to climb the tree.

"What are you doing?" The question came soft but reproachful nonetheless.

"What do you think I'm doing?" He shot back defensively. "The cat will be stuck up there. I have to get him down."

Knowing that he wouldn't be able to climb that far and was likely to fall and get injured, Asuna leaped up into the tree to retrieve Yoshiro herself. It all happened so fast that when she landed with the cat in her arm, the boy's jaws dropped out of shock.

"How did you do that?!" he asked, still gaping at her in utter wonder. Asuna evaded his question as she petted Yoshiro's spine with a few long, soothing strokes before releasing him. The moment his paws touched the ground, he bolted across the garden for shelter inside the house. Again came the curious query. "Where did you learn to do that?"

As soon as she turned back to the boy again, she gave him a stern warning look. "Don't chase the cat again."

Faint in the distance, there was a commotion and noise coming from the other side. Asuna had no desire to interact with anyone, much less with those who might raise a series of questions when an unknown child was involved.

"He might be over there," a man's voice called out, drawing the boy's attention as he looked away.

Taking advantage of the distraction created for her, she immediately teleported up to the roof of the protective walls and crouched low to remain hidden, just as three men came into view. She watched them studiously for a moment and didn't recognize their faces. That realization brought an abrupt frown to her face. Very few visitors would be allowed to come this far into the property and roam freely without supervision.

"Prince Iesato," an older man whispered as if he didn't want to be heard when he hurried towards the boy. "What are you doing here? We've been looking for you."

A prince? Asuna's frown deepened further as she tilted her head; her innate curiosity overcoming her.

They should be hiding away in their castles and watching over other mortals actually living their lives. That was what all royals did, wasn't it? So what was a prince doing here at the Shinsengumi's headquarters? Let alone chasing her cat around a garden and up a tree.

"I was just-" The boy looked back to where Asuna had been standing, only to find that she had disappeared. "S-she's gone?!"

"Who's gone?" The man searched his appalled face, following his line of sight but didn't see anything. "Nevermind that. We must return to your father at once."

His servant beckoned, leading him away by the arm. As they strode away, the young prince kept glancing back over his shoulder in her general direction again and again. Almost as though he could sense her and knew that she was still there. Hoping to avoid running into this group of mortals, Asuna decided to teleport along the structure's rooftop until she reached the entrance of her new living quarters. The moment she slid the door open, she saw another strange man standing there with his back facing her.

"Who are you?" She demanded. Her tone was far more aggressive now.

The man didn't notice her presence right away, but he whirled around when he heard her voice. One look at her and he froze with his mouth halfway open. Time seemed to stand still as Asuna took in this strange figure; this man who appeared young and looked to be almost the same age as Heisuke. But when she looked at the man's eyes, she saw a striking difference. While Heisuke's eyes were deep sea-green, this man's eyes were dark brown like the color of wet tree bark. He continued to gaze unblinkingly at her face for a while without uttering a single word, as if he didn't hear the question.

"I don't know or care why you're here, but you're standing in my room. And in the next moment, I'd prefer you weren't. I trust you can find your way back to wherever you came from," Asuna insisted, her patience waning to nearly nothing. This time he seemed to acknowledge her comment and had finally snapped out of his trance.

"Your room?" His smile bemused. It was meant to charm her, she realized. He didn't do a single thing to try and conceal what he was thinking. "Perhaps there's been some mistake. I was told that this would be my quarters during my stay with the Shinsengumi. But I'll be more than glad to have you share the room with me."

Words failed her as her eyes narrowed at him with indignation. It was pointless to indulge in a sparring match with this man even though he was the one invading her personal space. But if he wanted the quarters so badly, then he could have it. All she wanted to do was get away from everyone and back to normality. Putting her thoughts into action, she purposely spun around on her heel to leave but he rushed forth and blocked her path.

"It was a joke and I apologize if I have offended or disgraced you with my informality. It wasn't my intention. I meant no disrespect and I'm afraid I have spoken out of turn," he said, stepping forward and reaching for her with a boldness that only amounted to brashness.

She dropped the calm façade for an instant when she jerked away from his hand before contact could be made. "Don't touch me."

Asuna started for the door again, but this time he caught her elbow and held it steady. "Wait a moment, what's your name?"

"I said," she drawled icily, grabbing his wrist and twisting his arm behind his back in a restraint. "Don't touch me."

The man whimpered and grunted through the pain, though to her surprise he didn't resist. At the same time there was a thud of heavy footsteps from the hall right before the screen door was violently pushed aside. Two individuals, possibly his bodyguards, scuttled into the room and hurried to his defense.

"Who are you?! How dare you attac-"

He raised his other free hand to stop his bodyguard from saying anything further. "I promise I meant no harm. Now, if you will unhand me…"

Even if this mortal had meant no harm, it was still careless, imprudent behavior coming from him. And from that one small mistake, he could have placed himself in a dangerous predicament with a less than civilized demon. But Asuna knew if she lost control of the smoldering rage that she had so desperately tried to keep in close rein, it would end in blood. Finally she let go of him, and he immediately retreated from her and clasped his hands together as if to keep from touching her.

"Next time I won't be so restrained if you touch me again without permission." A sinister intensity followed Asuna, warning him to stay away or suffer deadly consequences.

"Stand down," ordered the man with considerate calm as his bodyguards took a step forward.

Even with the humiliation that had been imposed on him, he was still able to project authority into the chamber. It left no doubt in Asuna's mind that this was a man of importance and would not react well to being ignored.

His brown eyes darkened as he looked at her, willing her to understand. "It won't happen again."

Although she didn't comprehend the note of quiet elation in his voice, she heard the words she wanted to hear. And with that she turned to leave the room, ignoring the curious stares of the man as he called after her.

X X X

The next morning, Kondou and Hijikata met with the Shogun for a quick debrief before they headed out into the streets for the day.

"My lord," Hijikata began, inclining his head. "In order to ensure your safety, Prince Iesato and yourself should not depart the house unless accompanied by us. You will be closely guarded by Saito and Harada during each and every outing. Please do not leave this house without them."

The Shogun nodded. "I am pleased to be placed in your competent hands."

The room once again grew silent. Only the distant chirping chorus of crickets and cicadas could be heard. Kondou and Hijikata exchanged a knowing glance at each other, unnoticed by the Shogun and waited for him to continue. But his attention didn't seem to be on their current topic, his dark eyes were out of focus with a vacant stare. He must be thinking about something else. Something quite far away, unreachable but apparently still there in the back of his mind.

Unable to take the silence any longer, Kondou then asked, "Is there something the matter, Tokugawa-sama? Anything you would like to discuss further?"

"As a matter of fact, there is, Kondou." It was rather evident that the Shogun no longer cared about the initial discussion at hand. "I want to ask about the girl who resides here. I heard she is your niece."

Hijikata flashed him a brooding dark look as the grinding tension in his body slammed into a wave of raw protectiveness.

Since the incident that had transpired between him and Asuna, he could feel the invisible wall separating them grow more substantial, more insurmountable. For a week now she had gone out all day, every day, and didn't return until late into the night. She never told anyone where she was going or invited Chizuru to come along with her.

It didn't help matters when Hijikata had hardly seen her too. Not that he hadn't been busy himself with the relocation of their headquarters and the planning of the Shogun's security and protection measures. Either circumstances were against him or Asuna was deliberately making a strenuous effort to avoid him. Hard as he tried, he could never seem to make any headway in reaching her. He was beginning to feel like a fish swimming upstream to spawn.

The only reason he hadn't intervened was because he wanted to honor her desire for solitude, as that was the obvious method she had chosen to resolve all her problems and exerted its influence. All this only led to the question of when the Shogun had even met her? And what did he want with her, anyway?

Kondou looked just as confused by all this as Hijikata was. "You mean Asuna?"

"Asuna…" The Shogun took a slight pause as he let a grin curve his lips. "So that's her name."

The protectiveness spiked as the familiar chill of apprehension and accumulated irritation flared inside Hijikata. There were many things he could get used to, even unpleasant things as long as they were known. It was the unknown that rasped his nerves, twisting his emotions until he was ready to boil over.

"I hope she didn't cause you any trouble, even inadvertently," said Kondou.

"She attacked me."

Hijikata froze at that statement. He knew Asuna had been fighting to control herself lately, but he hadn't been aware it was this extreme. Or perhaps he just hadn't considered what her cold and rigid rage had really meant.

Kondou's eyes widened in disbelief, going completely statue-still. "S-she attacked you?!"

"I have never been physically assaulted by another person before, especially a woman. I never believed women were capable of such action."

Their Commander seemed to grapple with his thoughts before saying, "My lord, I'm sure Asuna didn't-"

A lifted hand cut him off. "I provoked it and it was entirely all my fault."

"Even so, I still must apologize on her behalf." It was a deep bow of apology, Kondou's head almost touching the floor. "Her behavior to you was rude and it is very unlike her to be this wary of outsiders who come in peace."

The Shogun grinned once more. "That is all in the past now. Speaking of which, I haven't seen her since yesterday. Is she not here?"

Straightening himself into an upright position again, he began to struggle. "Ah, she…"

Hijikata decided to break into the conversation to explain her whereabouts. "She usually has errands to run in the morning, but will return by late evening."

"I see."

After another thoughtful pause, Kondou made an attempt to redirect everyone's focus back to their previous discussion. "Regarding the visit to the city today, we shoul-"

"Kondou," the Shogun started again in a completely different tone. A tone of eloquence and sincerity. "I will be straightforward with you. I was captivated by your niece's beauty the moment I saw her and am now contemplating marriage with her. That is why I came to you with every respect due to you as her uncle, for your consent."

Training, years of control, every emotion, every possible chance of giving himself away, nearly failed Hijikata. The violent fury he had been burying in the darkest core of his soul gathered itself, filled with blinding strength, with territorial possessiveness that threatened to break free. To emerge in a way that he knew he could never pull back.

"You wish to take Asuna as your concubine?"

Bearing a grave expression, the Shogun gave Kondou a sharp nod of his head. "I will not dishonor you, my wife and myself by making her my mistress. But I promise to love and cherish her as my concubine for the rest of my life."

"This is all too sudden," Kondou hedged, frantically searching for a way to get out of this situation without offending the Shogun. Hijikata already knew Kondou's apparent openness with the man could become a potential problem if any of them ever learned the truth of who and what she truly represented. "And the truth is that Asuna isn't real-"

"My lord, I regret to inform you that Kondou-san cannot agree to this marriage."

Kondou's look was intent, almost confused, when he stared back at Hijikata as if he were trying to figure out a puzzle he had never seen before.

On the other hand, only the faintest flicker of an eyelid, the slightest tightening of his jaw muscles betrayed the Shogun's surprise. But almost instantly whatever chagrin he had experienced was smoothed over and his words gushed out when he asked, "And why is that?"

Hijikata stared straight into his eyes, a feeling of rightness in his senses. Although Asuna might infuriate, anger and frustrate him, she also made him feel in a way no one else ever had. She made him want not just her body, but also a future. A chance. A life together. She made him want things with her that were so complicated.

That was why he would do everything in his power to prevent anything or anyone from driving a wedge between them. And there wasn't a chance in hell he was giving away her either. Hijikata would even make enemies with the ruler of the country if that was what it took to keep Asuna with him, even though she wasn't his to keep. He had no limits when it came to her. None. With that thought in mind, he concluded his answer to the last question.

"Because she is my fiancée."

X X X

"No." The insistence in Asuna's tone was so domineering, it suggested that this matter wasn't up for negotiation. "I'm not posing as Hijikata's fiancée."

It was exactly the one and only reaction of hers Hijikata had anticipated to materialize in this conversation. He recognized that it was a brutal choice, but it was one that would serve to deter the Shogun from pursuing her and take his mind off the prospect of marriage with her. It was one hell of a mess.

"It's not my place to tell you what to do in that regard, but-"

"I'm making it my place to tell you what to do." Hijikata cut in before Kondou even had a chance to finish his sentence. His tone was as sharp as hers. He had no intention to losing what he'd barely found. "I'm not asking for your cooperation, I'm demanding it. And you just need to do as you're told."

"Or else what? What do you think you can do?" She cast him a defiant stare, daring him to accept her challenge and counter this assertion.

"Stop wasting time picking a meaningless fight! Do you even understand the precariousness of your situation?!" He ordered in a harsh tone, his voice holding the rough edge of a growl.

Feeling that there had to be something he could do to diffuse the straining tension between them, Kondou coughed to hide his uneasiness. "Asuna, let me also say that it is in your own best interest to do what was suggested. If we stand any chance of resolving this problem, then we must work together on the inside. Otherwise, we cannot protect you from the Shogun."

"And you're not expected to." Another unsurprised response coming from this relentless demoness.

Hijikata had seen Asuna could be as stubborn as he was. But she could also be as persistent to do what she thought was right no matter the consequences, and just as adamant in her refusal to back down from anyone no matter their status. She would never change, and neither would he. There was no doubt in his mind that together, they would find misery…and rapture.

"Then…?" Kondou let his voice trail off as he rubbed the back of his neck to relieve the tension.

Shinpachi, being the more physically impatient one, made a random movement and changed his sitting position to face her while collecting his thoughts. "I mean, he's the Shogun here, isn't he? With his power, I'm sure he will have any woman he wants."

"You can't leave, either." Saito commented with the same dispassionate logic with which he approached his military missions. "If you leave here, then the Shogun will place the blame on Kondou-san in retribution for aiding your escape."

"That won't work with Asuna-chan, anyway. She's too visible. Unless she could just disappear into thin air, she wouldn't be able to run away even if there was a way out." Leaning back in a relaxed position with one knee raised and his arm propped atop it, Souji pointed to his own eyes. "Nothing can hide those eyes of hers."

"I don't see that we have any other choice then." Sanosuke's words hung in the air, stifling the room.

"You're all mistaken about one thing," Asuna said into the quiet. "I never said I'm disagreeing with the plan proposed. My disagreement is on the person chosen to carry out the plan with me."

Everyone exchanged glances while her face remained an inscrutable mask. Hijikata stared at her, his own expression was almost exasperated. He couldn't help but noticed the men's stares were then rested on him after their initial exchange of glances, as if he had done something wrong and they were trying to figure out what was going on between them.

"I'm not the best person to act as a woman's prospective spouse," Saito said at last, coming back to the point of discussion.

"I like the idea of having someone to pose as Shinohara-kun's fiancé, but unfortunately I will not be able to help her for personal reasons," Sanosuke added with a grin that intended to take the sting out of his response.

Of course, Hijikata knew what the man's reasons were for declining. Though it was the way he said it, as much as what he said, that made everyone pause and snap to attention. It was almost as though he knew something, but decided to withhold sharing his own knowledge with others.

Sitting right beside him, Shinpachi arched an eyebrow as his curiosity had been incited. He leaned his face forward until his mouth was close to Sanosuke's ear. "What personal reasons?"

Instead, he was met with Sanosuke's extended hand shoving his face away. "Mind your own business and move your face away. The smell in your breath is murderous."

"Huh?! Your nose must be clogged. The ladies at Shimabara always told me they wanted to smell me like they smell a rose!"

Sanosuke snorted with humor. "In your fantasies, maybe. And while you're hanging out in your imaginary world, we're trying to keep Shinohara-kun's from falling apart so stop interrupting."

"I'm not going to say a word or else someone will threaten to cut off my tongue again." Souji flashed a mischievous grin in Hijikata's direction, somehow looking pleased beyond measure.

"I think you already said too much." A blunt statement coming from Saito.

"Alright, this really leaves me with no other option. I guess I'll just have to rise to the occasion to keep Asuna away from-"

Shinpachi began to leap into the air, but Sanosuke pushed him down with a hand on his shoulder. "Sit your ass back down."

This time, Shinpachi pursed his lips and grimaced lightly. "What? You think I'm not capable of-"

"One of you, and I don't care who, can pose as my fiancé. But it has to be someone other than Hijikata." A flat statement that may as well have been a blade, as it held such supreme conviction that it sliced through Hijikata.

Grinding his teeth, he recovered in less than a second to summon all his patience before he spoke again. "Say what you want, but it won't change anything. Because I already told the Shogun that you're my fiancée, so you might as well save your breath."

Hijikata's confession was met by absolute silence so deep he could hear the sputtering of candles and every creak of the woodwork in the room. Asuna's shock was vivid enough to escape even her incredible control. The cold stare and accusations penetrated his defenses, breaking him down, stripping him of resolution.

No, he reminded himself sternly.

Hijikata tried to shroud his mind, knowing that what he felt would be misconstrued and dismissed his concerns. This wasn't the time for doubts and he didn't do this to hurt her. She might be feeling blindsided by what she thought was a betrayal right now, but she would come to terms with it when she understood his intention.

After all, if something happened to her when he could've done something to protect her, he would never forgive himself. That was why he wasn't going to apologize for wanting her safe. But despite his own voice of reasoning, he couldn't ignore the sinking feeling in his stomach as he realized he had lost even more trust.

It was Souji's voice that broke the silence. His chuckle was low and mocking. "What can we say? Nothing can stop Hijikata-san once he's made up his mind. He charges ahead, sweeping everything out of his way like a bull."

Kondou gave a great sigh of relief. "Well, we can always count on Toshi to put out whatever fires are burning."

Before anyone could comment further, Asuna abruptly rose from her seat and left the room. Without even a second thought, Hijikata succumbed to his urges and chased after her. Each time she'd walked away, he had only wanted to chase after her and bring her back. And he hated this feeling and wanted to run from it. Because he already knew if he ran after her, he would always be running after her, trying to convince her to stay.

He also hated to think how she would fight him on every other level when he caught up with her – and he had no doubt she would. He pursued Asuna through the veranda near the garden and caught up to her, then blocked her path. When she spun around to storm off in the opposite direction, he gripped her wrist and turned her back to face him.

"Why are you being so stubborn?! Why can't you understand this isn't some kind of a joke?!" Once quiet, the corridors now rang with his voice.

"Is this your plan?" The soft question knocked him off guard and he hadn't expected it, which with all things considered, was something of a miracle. And there was no flare of hatred in her gaze. There was only confusion. "Was this your plan all along to force my hand?"

Hijikata was disappointed. In his life, he could count on the number of times he was actually shocked into silence. This one nearly overshadowed all others. It wasn't an unfair conclusion, just not what he had hoped the woman of his dreams would brand him. How easy it would be for her to destroy him with a few careless comments.

"You think I had a hand in all this?" He snarled quietly, leaning in to look straight into those unearthly eyes that were so close, he could see his irate reflection in their depths. That shock was now converting into anger, and anger into knife cuts of pain that ached with a life of its own. "You really don't think much of me, do you?"

Asuna tugged her wrist free and stepped away, putting some distance between them. "I told you to find another human girl to give you what you want. Have I not made myself clear enough for you? How many more times do I have to repeat myself to you, before I am able to get you to leave me alone in peace?"

To hell with that! Hijikata knew she was pushing him back on purpose and she knew just what to say to do it. He didn't want another woman. He wanted her. For whatever foul deed he'd committed in his past life, he wanted only her. He had no idea how his desire for her had come to this, but it had. And he would just have to deal with it whichever way he could.

"This isn't about you and me, and you know it."

Asuna knew Hijikata was enraged with her, but she was too mad to care. How could he have forced her into this? Part of her was more than aware that not only had she no business staying with the Shinsengumi now, but that there was absolutely no reason to do what she'd been doing with Hijikata. Something that she had been continually doing - allowing him to get closer than she had allowed any other beings.

That could not be permitted. Not anymore.

She couldn't allow him near her when she was coming perilously close to losing herself and all those tightly held untouched feelings she carried in the deepest, darkest part of her. Not to mention the conscious effort it had taken these days to put herself back on the correct path. That was why she knew his plan to pose as her fiancé was a dangerous one, which at the very least would decrease her control into an abyssal chaos. At worst, she preferred not to think about that.

"But it affects you and me." Even as the words left her lips, Asuna knew they were a mistake and she should've concealed the truth. So why hadn't she? Why did Hijikata always make her act in opposition to her own decisions? "If you know what is good for you, then you should stay away. Because whatever tactics you may come up with would only prove useless on me."

"You seem to have forgotten you were the one who encouraged the Shogun to fawn all over you." He glared at her as though a crime has been committed.

She could feel it now. The dark violence inside her was pacing once again, straining at her control and demanding release. "Fawn over me? Why do you think you're in the position to say such things to me? And why was the Shogun sent to my quarters in the first place?"

That was when Asuna saw it. That flicker of realization in his eyes, the momentary glimmer of surprise before his mask of anger reasserted itself. But she couldn't care less what he thought at the moment. Not when she was already skirting that fine line between humanity and the clawing darkness that constantly whispered at the corners of her mind. She was so tense, yet so determined to control her own fury that her body was strung as tight as a bow.

If she gave in, just once, then it would all be over. She would never rein those impulses in again. She would never regain control of herself or her demon instincts that were all too willing to attack, nature's gift to her.

Taking a deep inhalation of the scent of grass and heat, she then said coolly, "I haven't behaved improperly, and even if I had, you have no right nor authority over me."

"Just shut up and listen to me!" Hijikata growled, seemingly unable not to respond to her constant challenges any further.

On the contrary, his rage was overpowering, lashing through the air surrounding them. The sheer power of it was like an invisible wave of searing heat engulfing her senses.

"I didn't start any of this, but I'm definitely going to be the one to finish it whether you like it or not. I don't care that you think it's not your fault for the disorder yesterday, but you know damn well you played a part in it. Regardless of how big or small you think it is, you are as responsible as the rest."

"Ah, it's the cat lady!" A child's voice interrupted, and they found themselves looking down at a small, big-eyed face. It was the same boy who'd spoken to her in the garden yesterday. "By the way, it is true that you will be my new mother?"

Asuna wasn't able to stop her frown. "Mother?"

A decisive nod. "That's what I heard from our attendant this morning."

Hijikata was visibly trying to contain himself when he said, "Prince Iesato, I believe there's been a misunderstanding that was already cleared up. Asuna can't be your new mother because she is my fiancée."

Tried as she might, she couldn't disregard the sensation of her skin stretching tight over her bones and her heartbeat hammering in her ears at those two words. A punch of memory, of a hard male body holding her close as he kissed her, his voice an intimate roughness against her senses, his hand so big and hot on her skin.

No, Asuna forced out those images circling around her head that wrapped her in a web of turmoil.

The boy thought about it for a second, lines wrinkling up his smooth forehead. "Who are you? And don't you know it's bad manners to speak before you're spoken to?"

Hijikata was far from pleased with the prince's response. Not only had the angry scowl returned, his voice hard as iron again. "You have nothing to say as a child that a man needs to hear. So why don't you go back to your father's side and let us finish our conversation."

Brown eyes, the same dark shade as his father's, turned wide. "H-how dare you talk to a prince like this?! If I tell my father, then you'll be punished for-"

"You can tattle to your father or whomever you want, but we'd like to be left alone right now. And prince or not, that doesn't make you any less of a brat."

"A b-brat?!" Shock suffused his colored face, his mouth falling open and eyes growing impossibly wider. "Listen, whoever you are! I'm going to remember this and you won't get away with it!"

The boy then swirled, those short legs pumping as he ran in the same direction he came from. The moment he was out of sight, their gazes dueled once more until a line was drawn by Hijikata. He closed his eyes to drag in a heavy breath, which he immediately released in a sigh.

"You know what we have here? A fight neither of us will win." The tension lining his jaws fell away. "It will probably take me until hell freezes over to convince you, but we don't have the time. At this point, both the Shogun and his prince know that you're my fiancée now and there's no turning back unless you want to be his concubine."

Asuna could feel her mind racing now, an ominous warning beginning to tingle through her. Rather than allowing him to sense so much as a hint of her uncertainty, she met his eyes with cool calm as she restrained any emotion that might slip free.

"You should know better than anyone that no one can force me to do anything I don't want to do," she reminded him in a quieter voice. Too telling by far and she thought he heard that, because he studied her for a long moment without speaking.

"I know." She didn't understand that particular light in those violet eyes of his. She didn't want to. "I also know what you're worried about. You think that agreeing to pose as my fiancée would mean more time together, not less, and you're not comfortable with it. But that's what we have to do."

Again, that searching intensity of his gaze, much too knowing. It only made her feel even more trapped, more exposed, than before. How did he do it? How did he know what she was feeling and thinking when the emotions themselves confused her?

In this instance, Asuna still couldn't get that raggedness inside her under any kind of control. She still couldn't do a thing about the wild livid tide that rose inside her, as pertinacious and unstoppable as he was. She knew she was on the verge of flaming out at an alarming pace.

"Just for five days. We only need to hold out just for five days. Then when all of this is over, you will have your freedom back. I promise you that."

Asuna saw his elaborate attempt to reassure her, and she couldn't dispute his sincerity. Because Hijikata had never, in all this time, broken his word to her. No matter how arduous, no matter how difficult, he'd always come through for her. But that didn't imply she would resolve herself to allow him to have his way and do things as he thought best, regardless the cost. And there was nothing he could do if she chose not to follow through with his plan.

So then, how come she had been so certain before and was faltering now? Worse yet, how come she felt that he had won?

That he would keep winning.

There was no denying it. Her efforts to guard herself against him seemed to prove fruitless time and time again. He kept taking her by surprise, disarming her when she most needed to protect her heart. She was quickly coming to suspect that she had no weapon against him, no way to avoid what now seemed inevitable.

Straightening, Hijikata stepped back and let his expression soften marginally. When he spoke again, his tone was gentle. "Do as I ask, just this once."

Asuna didn't speak. She didn't answer him because she didn't have to. Especially when he appeared to have known her well enough and could sense things deep enough to know she understood exactly what she had to do. Even if it meant she would only be stepping into her own destruction.

The question was, could she actually do it?

X X X

AUTHOR NOTE:

Hi folks, once again I apologize with the delay as I've finally hit the obstacle known as writer's block lol. But thanks to three of my good friends for giving me inspiration, I was able to finish this chapter!

Onto other updates with me, thanks to a friend of mine (yes, you know I'm referring to you lol) I actually became quite addicted to fanart. And I finally got a drawing of Asuna completed, so she's come to life now! As a treat for all you sweet and loyal fans of this story, you can visit my mini blog to view my fanart (see my profile for link). More drawings will be posted on there in the future. Hope you will enjoy it!