Re-edited February 2021


As early as Kaiya's body would allow, she got up and went straight to Kondou's rooms. When she was invited inside, she opened the door to find Sannan, Kondou and Souji sitting around a small table drinking tea. They all looked surprise when she entered, probably expecting Hijikata.

"Good morning, Kaiya-chan we didn't expect to see here! Especially this early in the morning! So, what brings you here, this fine morning?" Said Kondou happily as he indicated her to take a seat.

Kaiya sat down by Souji as was her habit, while they all watched her with intense curiosity. It was rare that she visited any one so early in the morning. "I had an interesting conversation after I left here last night."

Souji stiffened, he probably didn't like her tone and more than likely thought the worse. "With whom." He asked with some hostility.

"Itou-san." Kaiya responded and Souji started clenching his fists. Sannan and Kondou just looked slightly concerned but mostly just interested. Kaiya huffed and looked at Souji. "Calm down Souji, you're getting yourself worked up about something that probably didn't happen." She looked back to Kondou and Sannan. "He told me that I had the wrong impression about him and how he views me. He also told me that he thinks that I am over qualified to be here. He wishes to have a private conversation with me over lunch."

"He wishes to recruit you." Replied Kondou.

Sannan looked at him surprised. "She knows?"

"She figured it out herself." He said with a bit of a laugh. "Did you laugh in his face?"

"No, I was civil." Kaiya said with smirk. "He didn't really give me a chance to respond. He said to sleep on it and left."

"Well obviously you aren't going with him so just tell him you don't want to talk to him." Souji said a little irritated.

Kondou sighed. "Souji, I'm sorry but could you leave us to talk this over with Kaiya-chan."

Souji stiffen and looked at them suspiciously. "Why? You are not letting her go with him!"

Kondou's face became deadly serious. "Souji that wasn't a request. Leave."

Souji stood up obviously furious and stormed out of the room nearly bowling over Hijikata as he came up to the door. "Hey! Watch where you're going!" He yelled as Souji as he stormed off. He turned to those remaining in the room. "What's up with him?"

"Come inside Toshi, you should be a part of this conversation." Kondou said with a sigh.

Hijikata seemed to suddenly take note of Kaiya's presence and gave her a questioning look as he took his seat. Kaiya had to work hard to keep her face neutral, fearing that they were planning on following through with what Souji was fearing they were planning. It was the side effect of being a full member of the Shinsengumi, she had to do what she was told, whether she agreed with it or not. She had been fortunate so far with being able to generally do what she wanted. She had quite a bit more freedom than most of the other members.

"Kaiya-chan was just telling us that she has been approached by Itou-sensei." Said Sannan when Hijikata had been seated.

"He asked you to leave with him?" Hijikata frowned.

"Well not precisely." Kaiya responded. "He felt the need to clarify his opinion of me and then invited me to have lunch with him in a public place so that I wouldn't feel uncomfortable."

"I see. So Souji isn't too happy with the fact that you are actually considering letting her go." Hijikata said to Kondou.

"I think it may be a wise idea to send her. Most of the men probably won't watch what they say around her." Said Sannan.

Hijikata shook his head. "I'm not as certain. She has shown quite a bit of loyalty to us in the past and if Souji remains behind they'll always suspect her."

"We could stage a falling out with them. Make it look like Kaiya-chan has no more love for him." Said Sannan clearly going through scenario's in his head.

It was Kaiya who shook her head. "Souji's already having a fit with just the prospect that I might have to do this, he won't go a long with anything that will help send me there."

"I agree with Kaiya-chan. He loves her too much to put her in a dangerous situation where he can't protect her. I believe this would be something Souji would be willing to commit Seppuku over." Hijikata said gravely.

Kondou nodded his head. "Toshi is right. Souji is loyal to a fault and he'd do absolutely everything he could to keep Kaiya-chan from going with Itou-san. I'm also inclined to think that Itou-san would be more suspicious if Souji didn't become upset with her going with him. If we decide to do that."

"Also, can we afford to let Kaiya-chan leave? Her services here are invaluable, would we suffer more from the loss of her? Especially when she'll be mending Itou's men while ours get injured and sick." Said Hijikata.

"I am happy that you hold me in such high regards but Yamazaki-kun has learned a lot and is quite competent." Kaiya didn't want to go but she didn't want them to sell Yamazaki short.

Hijikata smiled at her. "Yes, he has done quite well but he isn't nearly as talented as you. And I suspect we are going to need him for his other talents soon. You may lose your helper for a time."

"Hijikata-kun, you make it sound like the decision has been made." Sannan said as he crossed his arms over his chest. "You shouldn't let your affection for Kaiya-chan get in the way of your better judgement."

Obviously Hijikata did not like the last remark as he lunged to his feet with hands clutched like he planned to pummel Sannan. Kondou half stood up and put a hand on Hijikata's chest, giving him a look. After a moment he sat down again, crossing his arms over his chest with a peeved look on his face.

"I think we've come to the point to cast our decisions." Kondou looked between the two of them and they nodded. "Toshi, I assume you are against sending Kaiya-chan into enemy territory."

"Like this, yes. I think it's a bad idea and her skills are irreplaceable." Hijikata said firmly.

"And Sannan-san, am I to assume that you are for sending her into enemy territory."

"Yes." Was all he said as he gave Kaiya a bit of a guilty look.

Kondou just nodded and sat quietly in thought for a moment. When he finally made up his mind, he slapped his thigh. "I have made my made decision." He looked Kaiya straight in the eye with a serious face. "Kaiya-chan, I'm afraid I have to agree with…Toshi." Finally, a smile cracked across his face again. "I also don't feel comfortable sending you into such an environment, despite your recent showcase of skills in self defense. Maybe I'm too soft but I don't feel comfortable sending a woman into a den of wolves with only minimal protection."

Kaiya gave him a confused look. "Protection?"

Kondou shook his head. "I'm sorry but I can't say anymore. Kaiya-chan, meet with Itou-san to see what he wants and if he does wish to recruit you, tell him no."

"I understand." Kaiya bowed.

"You are dismissed, Kaiya-chan. You might want to go calm Souji down." Said Kondou with a smile.

Kaiya bowed again. Then got up and left the three of them alone. When she was outside, Kaiya let out a sigh of relief. She had been terrified that they would make her go and Sannan truly believed she should go, but thankfully Hijikata used logic to keep her here. As she walked along, she wondered what they had meant by protection. Were they planning on sending someone to spy on Itou? Of course, they were. Obviously, they would want to keep an eye on Itou's activities.

When Kaiya got to Souji's door, she put her ear to his door and listened a moment. She could hear a constant *shing* with the occasional pause. After listening for a few minutes, she finally knocked and then opened the door without waiting for permission. When she opened the door, she saw Souji sitting on the ground, shirt off with sword and sharpening stone in his lap. He scowled at first, then saw it was her and his face settled into a neutral mask.

Kaiya came and sat down beside him and gave him a big hug. When she pulled a way, she gave him a peck on the cheek. He patted her gently on the back then continued sharpening sword. After a moment of silence, she finally decided to put him out of his misery.

"They aren't sending me." She finally stated.

Souji stopped mid-swipe and looked her in the face. After he determined that she wasn't lying to him, he put his sword aside, smiled and wrapped her in a big tight hug.

"Oh, thank goodness! I thought for sure they would send you! I thought that was why Kondou-san sent me away!" He scratched his head hard with both hands when he sat back again.

"I'm pretty sure they didn't think they could have a civil conversation with you in the room, they knew you would resist. You should thank Hijikata-kun, he made a strong case for me not going you know." She put a bit of distance between the two of them as Souji started to calm down.

Souji let out a bit of a grunt. "Maybe. So, are you still going to meet with Itou-san?"

"Yes. They want to get as much information out of him as possible."

"Yeah, I doubt he'll even approach me with my close connection to Kondou-san." Souji continued to tend to his blade. "I'm surprised he'd even approach you! Everyone knows we're super close."

Kaiya shrugged. "You never know. Who better to get on your side than the one closest to your competition? Maybe even as a spy!"

"If he asked, I'd go…then I'd kill him." Souji's face was deadly serious when he said it but when he looked up at her, he smiled. "I think he suspects that Chizuru is a girl and who knows what else he knows." His face became serious once again. "I think he intends to eventually assassinate Kondou-san, despite his friendliness." Souji made a sour face.

"Do you think he'll approach Hajime-kun and the others?" Kaiya got up and went to a small set of drawers and opened the top drawer.

"Probably. We're all skilled warriors and the more he takes, the more harm he does to Kondou-san." Souji wiped his blade off and returned it to its sheath as Kaiya brought a jar she'd retrieved from the drawer and sat down behind him. "We shouldn't talk about this further. The less you know about what's going on, the better."

Kaiya opened the jar and started slathering ointment on his back and messaged it in. "Fine. I'll stop asking questions about it, but I am going to ask about your health. How have you been feeling lately?"

Souji sighed as he tilted his head forward. "Fine. I'm still coughing a bit at night and the cold air is a little irritating for my lungs but nothing big. Just a small cough here and there." He was trying to sound irritated with her mothering, but Kaiya like he said, he enjoyed the daily back and chest rubs.

"Maybe I should make you start drinking a warm tonic before you go out for your rounds. It might help ease the stress on your lungs. It would also help if you dressed a little warmer." She patted him on the back, and he turned and laid down.

"Tch." Was all he responded as he rolled his eyes.

She smacked him on the chest. "You're supposed to be helping me, help you!"

He laughed. "I am! I let you do this every day!"

"Tch, because this is so hard on you!" Kaiya continued spreading the ointment on his chest.

"Hey, I drink your damn teas and eat whatever crap you put in front of me. It would look suspicious if I started bundling up while everyone else is dressing normal!"

"I still think you should at least be telling Kondou-san. He deserves to know." Kaiya finally sat back and wiped her hands off on a towel.

"It's not affecting my performance and I don't want to make him worry needlessly." Souji sat up and reached for his shirt and put it on.

"Too late, Souji. He's come to me several times asking me if you were alright. I think he knows I'm covering for you. You really should tell him what's going on with you, or at least let me." Kaiya put the ointment away and walked towards his door.

"Wait, he's been asking about me?" Souji winced like he'd been hit.

"Not just him either, so has Hijikata-kun. He said he's heard you coughing during the night and Chizuru had told him that you had a couple of coughing fits during patrol. You really need to tell me when things like that happen, Souji!" She put her fists on her hips.

He crossed his arms and glared at her. "Hey! I'm not the only one keeping secrets. Do you think I'm too stupid to figure out what's going on between you and Hajime-kun?!"

Kaiya paused for a moment, shocked that he had suddenly brought Hajime into the conversation. "My relationships have nothing to do with you not telling me about your attacks or keeping the state of your health from your commanders and forcing me to do the same!"

He stood up and walked up to her. "Look, Kai. Things are really dicey right now and I don't want to add to Kondou-san's worries. I can do my job still!"

"You weren't listening, Souji! He's already worrying!" Kaiya made a frustrated sound.

He looked down with a sigh then looked up again. "Alright fine. I'll talk to him after lunch…and I'm sorry I didn't tell you about that attack. It was just once and I hate making people worry about me, especially you and Kondou-san."

"Souji, you're our family! It's our job to worry about you!" Souji sighed and looked away. "Besides, you worry about me all the time." She kissed him on the cheek then patted it. "Tell Kondou-san to come talk to me if he has questions. I'll answer them the best I can."

He nodded and she turned and left.

111

Later that morning while Kaiya was working in the clinic, Itou made an appearance. He smiled as he entered and sat down beside the desk that she was sitting at.

"Good morning, Ishikawa-sensei! Did you think about what I said last night?"

Kaiya forced a smile on to her face. "Yes, I did and I'm willing to at least hear you out. I don't know if I'll agree with whatever you have to say, but I'll listen."

Itou's smile broadened, it almost seemed genuine. "That is all I ask! Thank you for giving me that chance! How about now? You don't seem to busy and it's nearly lunch!"

"A-alright. Just give me a moment to clean up." Kaiya was a little floored by his bluntness.

"Great!" He stood up. "I'll wait for you by the gate!" Then he turned and left.

Kaiya cleaned her desk off and made sure there wasn't anything laying around, picked up her sword and then turned and walked out. As promised, Itou stood waiting by the gate. As he greeted her, the guards gave her a bit of a strange look but said nothing as they left together.

As they walked down the street, Itou chatted politely about the things they passed and other random topics. Kaiya responded to his idle chatter but to her he seemed like he was trying to butter her up, to make her like him. When they arrived at the establishment that they were to eat at, he let her enter first then guided her to a table.

He continued to chat pleasantly while they waited for their food and while eating. It seemed like he was going continue with his idle chatter but after he took a sip from his tea, he finally got down to the reason why they were there.

"Ishikawa-sensei, are you happy amongst the Shinsengumi?" He asked.

Kaiya shrugged. "I admit it's not an ideal place for me but it's better than where I was before this."

"What if I could offer you something better? Would you be interested?" He stared her straight in the eye.

"That depends on what you mean; what exactly are you offering?" Kaiya was careful to keep her face neutral and not give her intentions away.

"I cannot tell you exactly without you committing but I can say that you would be better treated than you are by the Shinsengumi. You would have all you need as a doctor and we wouldn't expect you to put yourself in harm's way…unless that's what you wanted. From what I've heard from the other men, you handle yourself quite well with a sword. Your pay would be better too if that's what your interest is in. Our goals are generally the same as the Shinsengumi also." He tried to make it sound like he was giving her the world, but it only made Kaiya feel creeped out.

She remained silent for a moment, trying to make it look like she was actually thinking about it. Finally she shook her head. "I'm sorry Itou-sensei but I don't think I can. My cousin Souji is here, he's the only family I have left, and it'd break his heart if I left. He's done so much for me."

"Not enough from what I hear." Itou gave he a knowing look.

Kaiya frowned, "What are you talking about?"

"A little birdy told me that you were assaulted by an elite member of what was then the Roshigumi on a number of occasions and they did nothing about it." He put his elbows on the table and stared at her with a victorious look on his face that probably meant she was betraying more emotion than she should be.

Kaiya forced all emotion from her face. "Where did you hear that?"

"I told you, a little birdy told me. I can guarantee that such things would never with me. Maybe Okita-san would be willing to go with you…if you decided to come with me that is." He gave her an encouraging look.

"Well, you've been miss informed, I'm as safe amongst the Shinsengumi as I am anywhere else. I doubt I'd be any safer with you than I am with them. I'm sorry Itou-sensei but I don't think I can. Thank you for the lunch, now if you would excuse me, I have duties I must attend to." She stood up as did he.

"It was my pleasure, Ishikawa-sensei. Let me know if you change your mind." He gave her a polite bow and watched as she left.

111

When Kaiya arrived back at the compound she headed straight for the clinic, in case there was somebody watching her, then walked down the interior halls to the meeting room. As she entered, she noticed that almost everyone was still in the room, eating their lunches.

"Kaiya-chan! Where you been?" Heisuke greeted happily. "I'll get your lunch!"

Kaiya put up her hands as Heisuke jumped to his feet. "No that's alright Heisuke-kun, I've already eaten. Where's Chizuru-chan and Sano-kun?" Kaiya was about to sit down where she normally sat when she realized that Souji was sitting with Heisuke and Shinpachi.

"Oh, I can move over Kaiya-chan if you want to sit by Souji-kun!" Shinpachi said as he started trying to move over.

"No, no I don't need to babysit him all the time." She said as she took a seat by Hajime. They chuckled at her response then resumed eating. Kaiya glance over at Hajime's food and scrunched her nose. "Maybe it's a good thing I ate out today."

"Oi, I made it! There's nothing wrong with my food!" Shinpachi gave her a pouty face.

"I stand by my statement." They all laughed again.

"Hey did you hear?" Shinpachi suddenly piped up with a sly grin on his face. "Saitou's got a love interest!" Kaiya was thankful that they all focused on Hajime who remained ever unperturbed by what Shinpachi said. If they'd looked at her, they'd have seen her face turn beat red and guilt written across it.

"There was this beautiful girl this morning when Saitou, Sano and I went out this morning! She thanked him for saving her! Saitou was totally embarrassed!" Shinpachi laughed. Kaiya was momentarily relieved that they hadn't talking about her but then she was suddenly jealous.

"I was embarrassed, by your and Sano's behaviour!" Hajime replied while he continued to eat. "She wasn't really interested in me but instead she was interested in Chizuru, since she had been the one who had initially stood up for her. Besides, she isn't really my type."

"What is your type, Hajime-kun?" Asked Heisuke with a smile.

"Not that." Was all he said, indicating that he was not going to continue participating in their discussion.

"Oi, you're no fun." Heisuke griped.

After a bit more complaining from Shinpachi and Heisuke, they all continued on with their conversations they'd been having before she had entered. Slowly one by one they drifted off to do whatever it is they had to do until it was just Kondou, Souji, Hijikata and herself.

Souji gave her a bit of a look, then got to his feet. "Kondou-san can I talk to you privately." He looked surprised but Kondou stood up and followed Souji out of the door.

Hijikata quirked an eyebrow obviously noticing their exchange. "What's that about?"

"I can't say but I think you and I should have our own private discussion."

Hijikata nodded and got to his feet. "Let's talk about this in my room."

Kaiya got up and followed him out the door. She was grateful that he stuck to the interior hallways both because she was paranoid about being watched and the fact that it was getting quite cool outside. She hoped Hajime wouldn't be busy tonight, it'd be nice to have the extra bit of warmth.

Hijikata entered his room and sat down by a table and indicated for her to sit on the other side. "I imagine you wish to discuss your conversation with Itou-san. That's where you were during lunch, meeting with him?"

"Yes, it was." Kaiya confirmed.

"Well? Tell me what he said."

Kaiya told him every detail of the conversation then ended with. "Hijikata-kun, he knew about Serizawa somehow. He didn't give any detail, but he knew that Serizawa had attacked me! How could he know that?"

"He gave very vague information. He might've been fishing, assuming that since you are a woman in a compound of men that something would have happened and then there's your disappearance. He's a smart man, he may have put the pieces together. There is a very select few who know what happened to you, none of whom would willingly betray such information about you. He's just grasping at straws."

Kaiya just nodded her head. "Thank you for informing me, Kaiya-chan. I'll let Kondou-san know what occurred. Return to your duties." Kaiya nodded and left the room.