Few weeks ago…

- "Damn it!" - Hijikata smashed his fist down on his desk, making all documents flutter in the air. - "We invited trouble under our roof. Again!"

- "Toshi!" - Kondou furrowed his brows and glared at his friend scoldingly. - "She proved her loyalty to Shinsengumi. We can't call ourselves men if we abandon her now!"

Hijikata bit his lip, nervously.

- "If Kondou-san says she's fine, then I won't comply. Besides, isn't backing down against warriors code? For someone so strict… aren't you a hypocrite, Hijikata-san?" - Okita didn't even try to hide his mocking tone, while talking to the Vice-commander.

- "Shut up, Souji! I didn't say we're backing down!" - Hijikata barked in his direction, but the infamous Captain of the First Division just shrugged.

- "Okita-kun…" - Sannan's mellow voice however made everyone tense. - "Do you think you're in the position to criticize anyone? The main reason we're having this conversation is your reprehensible behavior. If you didn't foolishly get provoked and kill him prematurely, we could extract more information from him…"

Okita clenched his jaw and locked his eyes on the floor. Sannan grew embittered after injury and his remarks stung more than ever. But he simply stated the truth and Okita knew it. Offiacialy prisoner committed suicide, but the truth was slightly different. With Souji already on edge after Reiko shielded him, it required only a small spark for his rage to explode. Nijiro Shuurei, the only one of the attackers captured alive, provided. Okita refused to give any details why he granted him almost painless, instant death. Shinsengumi was at wit's end.

- "I'll take responsibility."- Okita exclaimed.

- "If you're going to say that crap about seppuku, I'll gut you myself!" - Hijikata grabbed his collar.

- "That's not it, Hijikata-san! I'll take responsibility for her life. If she betrays us, then I'll fulfill my duty as the Sword of Shinsengumi." - He added after a short pause.

- "Souji…" - Kondou looked at him concerned.

- "Don't take me wrong, Kondou-san. She saved my life, so it is only natural for me to return the favor. If Kondou-san believes in her, then it will be fine." - Souji smiled at Kondou.

- "That's right! Shinsengumi won't sway under despicable threats like that." - Kondou's lofty voice temporarily cleared the heavy atmosphere around them.

- "Kondou-san tends to see good in all people, but such an unconditional belief in her innocence is too risky." - Sannan adjusted his glasses in usual manner.

- "I don't think she has any bad intentions. There's no room for argument that meeting Reiko was purely coincidental. We brought her here ourselves. I trust in Heisuke's testimony, even if it sounds absurd." - Hijikata's words hung in the air for a moment. - "Human logic simply doesn't apply here."

While Nijiro Shuurei wasn't able to share all the information he had, he did mention one important detail that left them in turmoil. 'Yokai' who was currently under Shinsengumi's custody.

- "What if we're missing the bigger picture and it will bite us when we don't expect it?!" - Sannan openly objected to Hijikata.

- "That kodachi that is in Chizuru-chan's possession…" - Souji interjected. - "It belonged to Reiko's brother, but she stubbornly refused to give details, saying some ridiculous arguments. Honorable to the point of stupid. " - Okita recalled a memory of their fight, when he confronted her about the sword.

- " Yes. It seems that Yukimura is aware to a certain degree about its origin. I happened to overhear their conversation. Perhaps it would be better to confront her about it directly..." - Sannan

- "Do you really think it would be that easy? She can be quite feisty, our yokai lady..." - Souji smirked.

- "I hate to admit it, but our methods might not work. Let's observe her for now. It's not like we can do anything if she's serious. Not until we figure out how to deal with all that damned witchcraft." - Hijikata bit his lip.

- "Commander, if I may suggest…" - Saito, who sat silently, finally decided to speak. - "It would be better for Reiko-san to withdraw from the capital for the time being. Situation is likely to repeat itself and might put us at a disadvantage."

- "We don't have enough men to spare, but I suppose it can't be helped. She can't be allowed to go unescorted though." - Hijikata sighed loudly. - "Without Reiko around, Yukimura might be more talkative. I'll arrange something but from now on, neither Reiko nor Yukimura can be left alone. Try to be discreet. Understood?"

- "Is my opinion worth so little now…" - Sannan mumbled under his nose.

Hijikata just furrowed his brows silently.

- "Souji." - Kondou approached him with pround smile. - "Remember, use your sword to protect, not to hurt. Were you able to talk to her? She asks about you a lot…" - He patted his pupil's back.

- "I know, I know. I'll go tonight." - Souji smiled. In a dimly lit room, his eyes sparkled genuinely. - "I won't disappoint you again, Kondou-san…" - He added silently, while watching Kondou talking to Hijikata.

Before Souji left the room, Sannan's voice reached him from behind his back.

- "I hope your sword is not getting dull, Okita-kun." - He said it with his usual, mysterious smile.

- "What do you mean, Sannan-san?" - Okita raised his eyebrow, confused.

- "If it was you from a few months ago, you wouldn't hesitate to kill anyone if it meant threat for Shinsengumi. Are you perhaps getting attached? It's fine to show gratitude, but I hope that when she turnes out to be an enemy of Kondou-san, it won't cloud your judgment." - He added.

- "You don't have to worry. My sword is always ready to slash. Even you, Sannan-san." - Souji's words were merciless in contradiction to his innocent smile.

- "I hope you mean your words, Okita-kun."

Okita was walking on the path of carnage, and it was Sannan himself who led him to it. Unlike Hijikata, he knew how to use him the best. While Kondou still believed in his innocence, Souji knew that there's no return for him. He became a beast that would turn everything into a bloody mess if it meant helping Kondou reach his dreams. Of course he kept his false image in front of the man he admired the most and despised himself for that reason. When Reiko begged him not to ponder on her secrets, he saw it on her face - the very same self-loathe he feels every time when he had to lie to Kondou. Maybe that's why he could empathize with her.

Souji hasn't seen her since the incident on the bridge. Not that he wasn't worried, afterall she saved him, even if it was affront to his warrior's pride. Sometimes he absentmindedly wandered near her room, but couldn't bring himself to confront her, to find the right words to say. Lost in thought he finally reached the door where Sannan and Reiko resided. He took a deep breath and hesitantly took a step forward. Couple of creepy ropes suddenly erected from nothingingness and tied him to the spot. Left in shock, he immediately forgot about his dilemma. Few seconds later she showed up - the only person he knew that was capable of such a bizarre trick.

- "I don't want to chase you. I'm grounded. We need to talk." - Snake-like ropes wrapped around white, slender arm. Long hair fluttered like silk threats in the color of the night sky. He was stunned by her bold action and... something else. He liked cute girls, but the woman standing before him wasn't like that at all. How someone can look sloppy and sophisticated at the same time? He snapped back to reality, when she pulled the ropes and dragged him inside.

Countless times he repeated in his head words he wished to say, but none of them could fit into the ridiculousness of that situation. Their conversation somehow turned into friendly banter, and before he noticed, the burden on his heart disappeared, leaving only strange tickling in its place.

Would he really be able to pierce her heart if the time comes?


Nothing in Edo resembled a modest city from my memories. It became a big, lively place full of all kinds of merchants or craftsmen. After months spent in the Capital, the atmosphere here was refreshing. It suited my taste better than stiff Kyoto, where people looked like they had masks on their faces.. Salty smell of the sea mixed with blooming summer flowers. All that accompanied by sounds of merchants and street performers. Edo gave the impression of a city where all people could feel at home, at least that was my first thought when I saw it. I ran ahead in excitement, forgetting why I was here in the first place.

- "Don't go ahead alone." - Saito's calm but reprimanding voice reached me from behind.

- "Oh! I'm sorry for acting so childish." - I smiled. - "I just got caught up in the moment. I feel like I'm discovering a world again. It changed so much! What a time to be alive…" - I wiped a tear from my eye.

He raised his eyebrows, then his face softened.

- "Try not to forget our assignments." - He cleared his throat.

- "Yeah. Should we start from Shieikan?"

Saito just nodded silently. However, before we head out, a kid bumped into my back making me fall on my knees. He sneered contemptuously when our eyes met. He bounced back and fall on his butt.

- "Huh? What a girly-faced lad… " - He mumbled and massaged his aching part. His attitude changed dramatically when he noticed Saito.

- "Aaa! A samurai! Please, forgive me! Osamurai-san!" - He quickly composed himself, and bowed deeply a few times, showing regret.

I tilted my head in confusion then turned my eyes to Saito who just sighed, and waved his hand to dismiss the boy. He escaped quicker than a mouse from a pantry. Unlike me, Saito looked like a true samurai and his serious glare could be scary.

- "What a brat…" - I shook the dust from my clothes. - "Maybe I should shave my head…?"

- "That won't change your face."

- "Well, maybe but being called like that is... inconvenient." - I sighed loudly.

Memory of the night before our departure came to my mind. Hairpin wouldn't look good on a shaved head.

- "Are you alright?" - Saito's waving hand appeared before my face. - "Could it be a fever?

- "Oh? I'm sorry!." - I slapped my cheeks.. - "It's too hot here for my liking!"

Saito stared at me for a brief moment, then hesitantly turned around.

- "If you say so… Let us be going."

Saito led me through the busy streets of Shogun's famous stronghold. I tried to remember my way around so I could relieve Saito from his babysitting duty later. After we reached the small Inari temple gates, a woman's voice called us.

- "Could it be Saito-kun?" - She looked at us with wide eyes. A small child clinged to her leg.

Saito turned around and bowed deeply.

- "Otsune-san. It's been a while. It is good to see you."

I followed his example after being baffled for a short moment.

I was surprised that she was… a very average looking woman. Not ugly, but I probably expected outstanding beauty from her. Regardless, she had an aura of a strong and confident woman.

- "It's been so long. You got taller!" - She smiled cheerfully, but her face still looked very elegant.

- "Is… Is that so…?" - Saito hid his blushing face behind his scarf.

- "Is that your friend?" - She turned in my direction, but her smile remained the same.

- "Oh! I'm an acquaintance of Kondou-san. My name is Reiko! It is a pleasure to meet you, Otsune-san!" - I bowed after introducing myself.

- "Rei-kou..?" - She repeated, probably confused after my brief introduction.

- "Just Reiko. I came to deliver this!" - I quickly pulled out a letter Kondou gave me.

She eyed me closely, making me uncomfortable. Not sure what to do I glanced at Saito, silently pleading for aid.

- "I suppose it would be fine to tell Otsune-san…" - He sighed helplessly. - "Reiko is a woman, but due to certain circumstances, the Commander allowed her to stay in headquarters. Shinsengumi allows only men to join, so she had to keep male appearance." - Saito briefly explained my situation.

- "Oh, please pardon me for staring! I thought your voice sounded a little forced..." - A heartful chuckle escaped her mouth. - "Thank you for taking care of Isami. It's nice to meet you… Reiko-kun?" - She asked, confused, how to address me.

- "Just 'Reiko' is fine!" - I waved my hand. - "I admire Kondou-san a lot. It is an honor to met his family." - I bowed again, trying to hide my embarrassing blush.

- "My, my. You flatter me too much." - She hid face behind her sleeve. - "Why don't you come inside? Saito-kun, Reiko?"

- "Mum…" - A kid pulled her mother's hand nervously.

- "Oh, you must be Tama-chan!" - I crouched in front of the little girl. - "Souji told me to hug you in his stead!" - I smiled and tried to pat her head, but she hid behind her mom's kimono.

- "Tama-chan! Come, say hello!" - Otsune softly scolded her daughter. - "She was too small to remember him. I hope he is in good health. Okita-kun was always a sickly boy. Come, let's talk inside!"

Her voice sounded genuine and comforting. Our conversation gave me an idea why Kondou chose that woman for his wife. A daughter of a true samurai, Tsune struck me as a caring and thoughtful person. She led us to a small, but cozy room and went to get the tea. I had a general idea of what their dojo might look like. Heisuke, Harada and Nagakura often shared their happy memories about their days here. Every time they emphasized how poor Shieikan Dojo was, but always smiled cheerfully. Those were probably some of the happiest days in their life. No matter how shabby that place looked, in my eyes it was like the castle of their blissful days.

- "Is there something occupying your mind? You seem to be staring…." - Saito glanced at me, while little Tama played with his scarf.

- "Oh, I'm sorry. I'm just thinking that it looks exactly like I imagined. A place of happy memories…" - I smiled involuntarily.

- "I am fond of it too. Commander was the first person to acknowledge my abilities without calling me a cheater. Only here I was treated as a samurai." - A small, nostalgic smile appeared on his face.

- "That's the kind of man Kondou-san is!" - I chuckled, then felt something bouncing against my knees. Tama ran to my lap.

- "Onii-tan!" - She shouted cheerfully, hanging on my neck. - "Play!"

I thought she would be timid like before, but it seems that she changed her temper easily. Tama looked so fragile and I was mighty oni! I had very little experience with children and couldn't bring myself to touch her. Afraid that I might break her bones, I stopped my hands halfway and looked at Saito in panic.

- "I have never held a human child before! What if I accidentally hurt her?" - My hands got sweaty.

- "It will be fine. She's a Commander's daughter, she must be strong like her father." - He said, while calmly sipping his tea.

- "Oni-tan… Cold!" - Tama said, when her small hands caressed my cheeks. Then she cuddled herself, probably thinking that she could warm me up. I couldn't contain my laugh. I was a monster, but she had no fear. Indeed she was Kondou-san's daughter! I shyly carrased her small, puffy cheeks.

- "So cute!" - I chuckled happily.

- "Oni-tan big! Tama big!" - She spread her hands above and embraced my neck.

I was taller than the average, but to be called 'big' felt strange. However, Tama was so cute, that I wish I could spoil her all I can.

- "Tama-chan, don't trouble our guests!" - Tsune came with a tray of mochi in her hands.

- "Oh! She doesn't trouble me at all!" - I said while Tama was climbing up my shoulders. - "I wish I could play with her a little more!"

- "You like kids, Reiko-chan?" - Otsune smiled heartly. - "Perhaps it's about time to have your own!" - She playfully stung my ribs with her elbow.

- "Well… I think it's impossible for me…" - I looked down. Tama was happily playing with my hair.

Otsune looked at me with sympathy. She didn't ask any questions, just caringly patted my shoulder.

I was a female oni, my duty was to become the wife of another oni and bear his child. I refused marriage countless times in the past. I missed my chance. Peaceful life and motherhood was no longer available for me. There was no use brooding over it.

- "My, my… Living with a bunch of men must be tiring!" - She changed the subject swiftly.

- "It's not that bad." - I raised my head. - "I was glad that Kondou-san allowed me to stay with the Shinsengumi."

Otsune smiled mysteriously, then turned to Saito.

- "Saito-kun, you suddenly stopped coming to the dojo. Everyone was worried. I'm glad to see you're doing fine. You even found my husband in Kyoto. Thank you for supporting him." - She bowed in a thankful manner.

- "I'm the one who is grateful. The Commander and Vice-Commander breathed life into my sword again." - Saito's words made Tsune smile nostalgically.

I could tell from her expression that she's missing Kondou, but also is very proud of him. She accepted his dream. A strong woman indeed.

- "Otsune-san…" - Saito turned to her. - "I have an important errand here in Edo. I'm grateful for your hospitality but we should be leaving soon." - He stood up, and tucked his swords in his sash.

- "You're welcome here during your visit." - Tsune sounded so enthusiastic that I would feel bad about choosing an inn. However, time was crucial.

- "We also need to deliver a letter to Souji's sister." - I grabbed little Tama and placed her on the tatami mat. - "I'll return later to play some more with you." - I said, carrasing her head.

- "Mitsu-san? I met her just recently. I think she's still in the city. Do you know your way around? I can walk you there. Shuusai-sensei can take care of Tama." - Tsune said, while taking her daughter in her arms again.

- "Thank you, but we will be fine. Hijikata-san gave me directions."

- "I'll escort her, so you don't have to worry." - Saito reassured slightly worried Tsune.

- "Are you sure you want to go as soon as you arrive? You look pale. If you want to rest I can prepare a room for you."

- "You don't have to trouble yourself. I would like to finish my business here and return to the capital as soon as possible. If Mitsu's still here, we should try and find her."

- "If you insist. Just make sure to rest later. You may be dressed as a man, but that won't change who you are. Your body is still that of a woman."

- "Thank you for your consideration, I'll be sure to do that!" - I smiled nervously, before saying goodbye. There was no point in telling her about the superiority of the demon's physique. I wasn't at my peak, but I used to travel greater distances in the past. At least I forced myself to think that.

The truth was, my nervousness started to show up. I remembered Souji saying that his sister abandoned him. Was he lonely? Was he mad? He still held a grudge and that made me feel anxious. I wondered if Souji knew that I was going to meet her. I couldn't bring myself to tell him. Did Hijikata mention it to him? Their relationship was difficultbut...maybe? The Demon Vice-commander certainly wasn't as cold-hearted as he would seem. He treated Souji like a troublesome younger brother, but cared enough to keep his sister informed. Racing thoughts in addition to humid, hot air made me feel dizzy. My vision started to blur and I stumbled on my feet.

- "Reiko-san…" - Saito's hand grabbed me, preventing my fall. He led me to nearby shade. - "We're returning. You can't possibly go in that state."

- "I'm an oni! I'll be fine!" - I leaned on a nearby building, slowly allowing my senses to return.

- "If you can't judge your condition properly, you'll fail at your task." - His words were cold, but he didn't mean any offense. He simply stated what he thought.

- "I apologize for causing you trouble, but I'll be fine in a moment. I doubt that my condition is worsening simply due to exhaustion." - I bit my lip nervously, and looked at my wrist. Layers of my clothing hid the sacred rope tied to it. - "Or are you implying that I'm an old lady?!" - I feigned indignation.

- "No! Of course I'm not!"

Saito's distressed face made me chuckle. He was way too serious.

- "I'm just joking." - I waved my hand, then shook off the dust from my clothes.

- "It's not time for jokes." - He cleared his throat, then changed the subject. - "Should we head back?"

- " Let me rest for a minute, and we're going ahead on our way. Well, if we could stick to the shades I would be grateful." - I sighed.

- "COME HERE OR I RIP YOUR LEGS IF I CATCH YOU!" - Someone started yelling, then the sound of clamor followed.

When I turned my head, I saw a group of kids running away from an infuriated man, supposedly a ronin. Among them I recognised a familiar brat's face.

- "It's the kid from the morning…" - I furrowed my brow. - "It looks like he's in for it…"

Kid ran into a woman holding a basket full of vegetables and fishes. Her face looked familiar somehow.

- "Yoshi!" - She called the kid. When she raised her hand I expected her to pat him, but she smacked his head instead. - "How many times do I have to to tell you not to approach a shady man like that!"

- "Are you his mother?!" - Angry ronin towered over the petite woman, but she looked at him fiercely like a beast.

- "I AM! AND I HEARD YOU! IF YOU THREATEN MY KID AGAIN I'M GOING TO BOIL YOUR HEAD IN OIL!"

We both looked at her audacity, dumbfounded. Ronin looked angry enough to smash her with his sneeze, but she didn't move even one step. Instead, she looked straight into his eyes. Something occurred to me after watching this. That bravado in dangerous situation...

- "Could it be… Okita Mitsu?" - It came out louder than I thought.

She looked around and when our eyes met I was certain. That woman was Souji's sister! Those fearless eyes must've been in their blood.

That moment of distraction was enough for ronin to raise his hand and take a swing at a defenceless woman. My legs refused to move, but fortunately Captain of Third Division and his almost inhuman speed didn't fail. Before ronin's hand went down, the dull side of Saito's blade was already blocking its way.

- "Huh?" - Ronin was taken aback by left-handed samurai's skill.

- "Leave. Or next time I'll flip the blade."

Only a fool would involve himself further after a display like that. If Saito had been serious, ronin would have lost his hand by now. He cursed under his nose and left, looking at the woman resentfully. I still couldn't force myself to move. No matter how many times I saw it, Saito's iai always made me shiver equally in awe and fear.

- "I appreciate your help, but that was reckless. He'll have a grudge against you now!" - She yelled, as if he was at fault for helping her.

Saito raised his eyebrows, speechless. Her reaction surely was unexpected.

- "Hey, if someone helps you, you're supposed to thank him!" - I dragged myself to them, then pointed at the kid. - "What would the kid do if he saw his mother being smashed like that."

- "Girly-face!" - Kid jumped in front of his mother.

- "Yoshi!" - She smacked him again. - "Who are you? I heard you calling me, but I've never seen your face. Have we met somewhere?" - She tilted her head slightly.

Unlike Souji, she had raven-black hair and small posture, but her eyes and facial expressions were so much like him, that it would be pointless to deny their kinship.

- "We never met before, but you resemble Souji so much I recognised you immediately." - I crossed my arms.

- "Souji?!" - She dropped the basket. Her face softened, and eyes started to get wet.

- "Mother?" - Boy looked slightly panicked, then started to collect vegetables that fell from the basket.

- "Saito Hajime. And that is Reiko-san. We're here on behalf of Shinsengumi." - Saito sheathed his sword. - "I'm glad we were able to find you here. Otsune-san told us you're still somewhere around."

- "Hijikata-san asked us to deliver you this letter." - I politely handed her an envelope addressed to Okita Mitsu.

- "Oh, Hijikata did…" - She smiled, but she looked disappointed. That spark I saw when I mentioned Souji's name was nowhere to be seen. - "I'm sorry for my rude behavior. My name is Okita Mitsu and that is my son Yoshijirou. It is a pleasure to meet you. Saito-kun, Reiko-chan" - She bowed politely.

- "Huh?" - I looked at her confused. She called me 'Reiko-chan' without hesitation.

- "Don't worry, I'm not telling anyone." - She winked playfully. - "My husband is the leader of Shinchogumi. There's actually a woman among them too. After I learned that, I suspect anyone."

Apparently face wasn't the only thing Okita siblings had in common. Despite growing up separately, they shared their playful nature. However everytime I looked at her, my chest felt tight.

- "Unfortunately, we're short on time. There's one more place we need to visit before returning to Kyoto..." - I bowed, then turned to leave, but she grabbed my sleeve in an attempt to stop me.

- "How is he? Is Souji in good health? Is he eating well?" - She looked at me with desperate eyes.

Something inside me snapped.

- "...Or did he turn out to be a bloodthirsty sociopath?" - I clenched my fist. I didn't want to judge her, but I still rememberd Souji's face when he told me about his arrival at Shieikan.

- "Reiko-san!" - Saito reprimanded me coldly.

Mitsu hung her head low. I sighed loudly.

- "Forgive me. Souji is my friend and I care about him. I hope that someday you will find each other and both of you will be ready to talk like siblings." - I turned around. - "Don't ask me. Reach to him, while you still can, Mitsu-san."

I never had a chance to say goodbye to my brother and friends. Time was merciless, and I will never be able to see them again. I've got nothing left, but there's still a chance for Souji and Mitsu to reconcile.

- "Reiko-chan…" - She mumbled, smiling sadly.

- "Girly-face! I won't forgive you for making momma cry!" - Yoshi jumped in front of me fiercely.

I almost forgot about the brat. All three of us looked at him in mild shock. He was too brave for his own good, just like his mother.

- "What a brat… You act all high and mighty, but wasn't it your fault that big guy almost hit her?!" - I pointed dramatically at him.

- "I would protect her. Samurai-san over there was just faster!"

I towered over him, but Okita's blood was indeed strong in this one. Just like his uncle and mother, he looked right into my eyes. Possibility to playing some trick on him was tempting, but I had to restrain myself to not bring too much attention.

- "Yoshi! I'm whooping your ass back at home!" - Mitsu's grim voice quickly put him in his place. - "Saito-kun, Reiko-chan would you mind coming over? I know you're in a hurry, but I insist. Also, I saw you almost fainting before. And it seems that my kid caused you trouble. Allow me to repay."

- "Mitsu-san…" - I suddenly felt bad about my outburst before. She was nicer than I thought.

- "You're my little brother's friends. Please, just for a moment…"

I looked at Saito, who as usual observed the situation silently.

- "I guess we could spare a moment. It would be better for you to rest anyway." - He replied in his usual, reserved manner.

Okita's home was at the outskirts of Edo. We walked quite the distance and talked on our way. Well, it was mostly Mitsu's talk, but it made me less nervous. For us to meet like that, it felt like heaven's blessing. Souji never told me about his childhood, before joining Shieikan, so it was a rare occasion to learn something about his family. It was a story full of sorrow, about orphaned children and painful decisions. Mitsu didn't try to justify herself even in the slightest way. She couldn't feed her little brother with love and their samurai pride alone. Her choice scarred him for life, but I couldn't entirely blame her. Perhaps my judgment was clouded. I grew up in a much more turbulent and harsh era when parents often abandoned their kids in moutains or sold to brothels.

- "Past can't be changed. But you can still fight for the future…" - I breathed a sigh, then noticed something strange. - " Oh? Are those quince flowers? Isn't it too late for its bloom?"

Bright red flowers were blooming profusely near the humble looking residence.

- "Yes! I thought they died, but fortunately they bloomed again. Those are seedlings from shrubs that our father planted. Mother really loved them." - She picked a single flower and placed it behind my ear. - "You're so pretty. It's a shame you have to dress it like that. Your hair is so long and smooth. It's unfair, you can't wear any hairpins. I hope that you won't forget about your femininity while in Shinsengumi."

Her words and kind gesture made me blush.

- "Um…" - I said timidly. - "Actually… Before we departed, Souji gave me a hairpin. I guess he thought the same. It's funny how you act so similar!" - I chuckled involuntarily.

Mitsu looked at me with wide eyes and mouth slightly agape. Her initially shocked face turned into an almost too-familiar grin. I realized that my words might've been taken wrongly, but it was already too late. She grabbed my hands and brought herself so close that it made me uncomfortable.

- "Is. That. So?" - Her grin went even wider.

I glanced at Saito, but this time he turned away, hiding his face behind a scarf.

- "You're probably misunderstanding something…" - I tried to clear the confusion, but she ignored my words completely.

- "Let's head inside. Saito-kun, come on! Let's go! Let's go!"

Despite being a pushy person, I couldn't help but smile with Mitsu around. I never had a sister, and being with Mitsu I imagined what having one would be like. I leaned over branches of red flowers, before heading inside. One single branch looked like it could be dug up.

- "Mitsu-san, can I take that seedling of quince flower to Kyoto?" - I poked a small and fragile-looking plant.

- "Sure. But I don't know if it will survive the journey. It looks fragile. Wouldn't it be easier for you to find one in Kyoto?" - Mitsu looked puzzled.

- "You said it was your mother's favorite. I want the one from your father. Maybe Souji will like it, too. " - I smelled a flower she placed in my hair.

Mitsu smiled genuinely.

- "I'll think of a container." - She crouched next to me.

I didn't know if I could take it safely to Kyoto, but I had to try. At that moment I believed in that single flower. Perhaps it could connect what was severed long ago.

"Wake up my snowy princess. Soon the ice will melt and the flowers bloom again!"

A voice sealed deep insie my heart echoed in my head. A long forgotten memory pierced me like an arrow stirght in my head. My ears were ringing and suddenly I felt dizzy.

- "Reiko-chan! Hold on! Reiko-chan!" - I heared distant voice, but my conciousness was fading already.