a/n: I am so sorry for the unnecessary and inappropriately long wait. I promise not to make you wait this long ever again. But with everything that's been going on in the world trying to survive just seemed more important. but without further ado let's try to survive another chapter of the story shall we…I hope you all still find it entertaining.

Chapter 1-4

June 1864

The 4th year of the Bunkyu Era became the Ganji Ganen, and the Summer sweetly blossomed. Spring shed its blooming skin, giving birth to lush, green trees facing the wide-open sky.

During one of these beautiful summer days, I had just finished cleaning after everyone ate breakfast, when Saito brought me to the hall to meet with Hijikata.

Saito knelt upon the ground outside the door, "Commander, it's Saito. I have brought Yukimura."

Hijikata's voice carried to us through the door, "Come in."

Saito responded by quietly opening the sliding doors, gesturing for me to enter the room.

Upon entering, I noticed Hijikata was not alone. Okita, Nagakura, Harada, and Heisuke were also in the hall.

It appeared that the captains, the only ones aware of my situation, were present.

I groaned inwardly as I crossed the threshold into the hall.

Well this can't be good…

"I know you have been waiting for some time, but the time has finally come to let you leave."

"Wait-Really?!"

I could barely contain the overwhelming relief that was suddenly washing over me.

"So there really was a man in Fushimi that matched my father's profile?"

"We're not sure if this is true or not."

Hijikata was trying his best to reassure me but the look in his eyes as he glanced away from mine clearly stated that he thought this to be unlikely.

"It was our intention to let you verify for us, considering his daughter would recognize him best."

I nodded in response.

For now, any information pertaining to my father would be a welcomed relief…but only if said info didn't take us into the red-light district…

"So where exactly is it that this man who resembles my father was supposed to have been seen?"

"Our initial reports outline a place called the Terada Inn in Fushimi. Saito is assigned to check."

"Saito is assigned…?"

I had to admit, I was kind of annoyed by this. If they were so certain that I was the only one who could verify this then why was Saito the one surveying the inn?

Wait…

Was I to accompany Saito or am I to wait longer for him to…

Before I could complete my roaming thought process, Harada chimed in, "But this doesn't necessarily mean Kodo is a guest of this inn."

Shin nodded in agreement, "Yeah. Being sighted in Fushimi could just mean he was venturing around the city of Kyoto."

Hijikata gave a tired sigh, "Exactly."

He then turned his attention back to the other captains in the room minus Okita, "So that's why I am requesting that the three of you, Harada, Shinpachi and Heisuke, take her along on your rounds of the city to assist her search for kodo."

Heisuke seemed a bit stunned by this sudden request, "All of us? But usually, we split up and go on rounds separately…"

Hijikata didn't bother entertaining a response, instead he looked towards me.

Wait…

He couldn't possibly be suggesting...

Well hell...

Of course he was...

These were the men who were responsible for dealing with me should I attempt to flee…

Heisuke must have sensed this as well, so he made no attempt to push the issue any further…

Okita seemed to be the only one bothered by this, which had me wondering if he had changed his tune about me, but then he opened his mouth, "I understand what you're saying, but I don't like the fact that you're making us do all the babysitting." His eyes slid to mine as he finished but then they flicked back to his Commander, "Besides, I thought you planned on patrolling as well, Hijikata."

He flashed the demon Commander a brilliant smile and added, "So, for your own benefit, why don't you show your adorable page the ropes by having her with you?"

"What the hell is this crap you're spouting?! Aren't you the one who pushed her onto me? I'm not having any of your insolence today. And she is NOT my page!"

Okita shrugged and folded his arms in defiance, "Perhaps, but all of the lower-ranking men are starting to believe it."

He then glanced at me with that wolfish grin I'd come to know so well, and then slid his eyes to meet Hijikata's, "There is, after all, a grain of truth in every lie, so why don't you give her a befitting job?"

Fan-flippin-tastic…apparently nobody wanted anything to do with the Page.

As Okita and Hijikata had a not so private bitch-fest with one another, the mood of the room was locked in their tense words, until Harada leaned over and whispered to me.

"Well, Kyoto, as you've seen, isn't the safest place right now, so don't force yourself to leave. I mean, we all know what Kodo looks like too, so the risk doesn't have to be yours alone."

I know he was just trying to be kind and reassure me that my father would be found even without my assistance, but I couldn't help but wonder if there was more to it than just that.

However, my choices were clear. I could look for my Father in Fushimi, or join the patrol rounds assuming he's moved places, or stay put to remain safe from the outside.

Jeez, what did I look like? A Damsel in distress?!

Yeah, that third option was definitely going in the trash. What exactly did I have to fear from the outside?!

There was however the fourth option that Hijikata had thrown into his trash pile and that was me accompanying him as his page…

The answer was obvious, "Well, in that case, please allow to accompany you, Hijikata, Sir."

Hijikata gaped at me, his eyes making it quite clear that he thought this was a terrible idea, "Hey, what the hell are you saying?"

His voice trembled irately as he spoke, which had me suddenly doubting that I made the right choice…

And here I had thought I had a shot at convincing him.

Then I had what I hoped would be a brilliant save, "You see, walking around town with you would heighten my chances of getting leads to finding my father. That and what with the other warriors questioning my place, it may be in all our best interest for me to truly act as your page. It may help convince the others."

I thought of bringing up my sad introduction to Takeda, king of arrogance, who had voiced his skepticism so plainly. However, it became clear that it wouldn't be necessary, for after sharing my viewpoint, Hijikata's expression soured, then he responded.

"Listen, there is no need to believe in what Souji was describing about the city. He's just having fun and messing wi—"

Okita stupidly cut in deciding that I would not be the only one he messed with today, "There, now, aren't you happy you have such an adorable little page, Hijikata?"

"Little…?"

He is so lucky Hijikata is here not to mention the other three captains!

I swear I would have ended him right then and there if Hijikata didn't look ready to beat me to the punch, quite literally.

And once again it appeared we had become trapped within their bubble of silence, but eventually…

Hijikata then turned his angry glare on me, "Very well, but you'd better make absolutely sure to stay the hell out of my way."

"Absolutely! I understand!"

I was so surprised that he had given in that I almost failed to breathe.

But, honestly, why did he always have to be so irate with me?!

It was hard to believe that nearly five months had passed since I'd been able to experience again the world and all its beauty.

Hijikata let out an agitated tired sigh, walking a few paces ahead of me, "Ugh, how did I end up in this predicament? But I can't really go back on my word."

He continued to maintain those few paces ahead of me deliberately, and despite his foul mood, I found myself feeling relieved. Relieved to finally be free again…well…perhaps not as free as I would have liked…but still…free.

However, I could not ignore that his cold demeanor had left me feeling oddly depressed. Why was it so hard for him to be around me? Was I really that much of a burden? More importantly, why the hell did I care so much what he thought…of me?

I was finding it difficult to turn these questions to and fro in my mind, but Hijikata was trudging along to quickly and I didn't want to lose sight of him.

Someone called out as we passed a tea shop.

"Commander, there you are."

The man who had addressed Hijikata was standing near the tea shop's entryway. He had short dark brown spiky hair with a small amount left long and pulled back into a loose ponytail. He appeared to be quite young, about the same age as Okita.

The man ignored my presence, though, as he talked on, now in a lower voice, "I have a report for you, sir, that needs to be disclosed as soon as possible."

I gave the man's outfit a once over and noticed he wasn't in a Shinsengumi uniform. However, the way he had referred to Hijikata as Commander suggested that he was in fact a member of the Shinsengumi.

He stepped closer to Hijikata, probably just so I couldn't hear, and whispered the report in Hijikata's ear.

Whatever, I didn't want to know anyway.

Yeah, you did, replied my stupid curiosity.

The man's words had caused Hijikata's eyes to go blank. I got a sick feeling as he turned to me to speak.

"I have an urgent matter to which I must attend. I am entrusting you to stay at this shop and ask about Kodo."

"Yes, Sir!"

I turned to enter the tea shop but stopped short of the doorway, "But then I'd be alone…Is that really okay with you?"

Is it possible that he trusted me more than I had originally assumed?

In response, Hijikata gave me an examining glance, as if to probe all of my hidden thoughts, then looked down at me while asking...

"I'm assuming you didn't plan on joining me just so you could run away…"

The look in his eyes was so cold and completely devoid of anything resembling kindness, that I found myself struggling just to stand my ground and hold his gaze.

"Of course not, Sir!"

His eyes still narrowed, he folded his arms and turned to leave but stopped as well, "Then, why must you bother me with such stupid questions? You are to do as you are told, then you wait. Got it?"

I didn't hesitate, "Yes, understood, sir!"

I felt that Hijikata had other intentions by leaving me behind… But what they were, I wasn't sure.

However, it would probably be best to do what he asked of me, so I asked the owner at the shop about my father. Besides, it wouldn't hurt to try to get on Hijikata's good side for once.

Inside the Tea Shop

I wasn't exactly sure where to start once inside.

So, I ended up asking several customers that wandered in and out of the store, putting on my best smile as I grabbed their attention.

Unfortunately, it would seem that no one knew anything about my father's whereabouts.

The tea I had purchased just so they wouldn't throw me out for loitering, had grown cold, the little leaf flakes sinking towards the bottom of the cup. I rested my head on my arms and let out a sigh of defeat…

When suddenly a voice called out from the doorway, "All right! The Shinsengumi is here to conduct a search! Everyone remain calm. Who owns this establishment?"

I groaned.

I would recognize that arrogant voice from anywhere. I turned just in time to see the king of arrogance himself barge into the shop.

I had really been hoping I wouldn't have to see him again this soon…or at all.

Takeda Sakaki, the captain of the Shinsengumi's 5th Division.

Why did he have to show up here of all places?!

I had a sudden sinking feeling that Hijikata had sent him to make sure I was still here and if I hadn't been, to hunt me down.

An old man, who appeared to be the owner, sauntered shakily up to Takeda, "Excuse me. But I am the owner of this store. What is the meaning of your business here?"

The owner's voice was trembling, no doubt from the waves of intimidation pouring out form Takeda's intense glare.

I suddenly felt like propelling myself across the room and slamming my fist into the arrogant jerk's pretty boy face. What gave him the right to just barge in here and threaten the poor old man?!

But before I could even move to stand, Takeda forcefully added, "Hmph, I shouldn't even have to answer."

Is this jerk for real?!

"It's come to my attention that you've been allowing imperial ronin extremists to conduct their business within these premises."

Wait-what…?

So this old man what an enemy?

From the looks of him he couldn't even lift a sword…he could barely lift the tray to bring me my tea!

I was relieved that Takeda had yet to notice me for I was fairly certain that he would not be happy to see me considering his current mood.

Takeda towered over the shop owner and looked down on him, "What exactly are you plotting? If you do not give me an honest answer, I will be forced to take you to headquarters where you will be questioned."

The poor old man's knees started to buckle, the fear in his heart clearly reaching its limit, "Please, don't be absurd! I would never do anything of the sort or let such people in and out of my store!"

"Oh…? So, you're calling the Shinsengumi a bunch of liars then, are you?"

The urge to pull an Okita at this moment was almost overwhelming my better judgment. I mean I was beginning to think that this guy alone was the reason behind the tragic rep overshadowing the hard work of the rest of the Shinsengumi.

The poor man's knees finally gave way, "N-No! I'm not saying that…!"

Sweat poured down the owner's face as he continued to shake with fear. Takeda glanced around the store with a sticky glare.

I looked away just as he was about to spot me. I really hadn't thought it would work either, but I had managed to avoid detection as he scanned the store. Though, perhaps he had seen me and decided that he didn't care. Takeda then approached the owner again.

"It is in our best interest to allow local businesses to run as smoothly as possible, as you know. So, depending on how well you…" his lips curled into a sneer, "cooperate, perhaps I could make all of this go away."

The owner seemed insulted by this and he wasn't the only one. I didn't know the Shinsengumi long nor was I well-versed in their ways, but I was fairly certain that bribery was not one of their tactics for getting information while there were witnesses.

"You're implying…"

The next words out of Takeda's mouth nearly had me throwing my cold tea - cup and all - at his stupid head!

"I am merely suggesting that it would be in your best interest to share some of your…goodwill."

I risked a peak over my shoulder at their conversation, I could see the owner's adam's apple move as he swallowed.

I quickly looked back at my cup positively fuming.

I knew it! The Asshole was soliciting a bribe from the shop owner! And in front of all these people, no less!

The owner stammered as he tried to respond, "T-There's no way I could afford that, sir! I mean, there's nothing suspicious going on here-"

However, being the asshole Takeda was, he stopped the owner's attempts to defend himself with a glare of sheer rage, "What's that? You're refusing to help the Shinsengumi, the only protectors of Kyoto's safety?"

I could start to feel myself losing control over the sudden need to put an end to this insanity as the owner started to freak, "No! I would never do such a thing!"

Takeda's voice boomed at the owner, "ENOUGH! I'm going to take you to headquarters. You must be a ronin sympathizer, so I am going to take you back and make you spill your guts."

I had the strong suspicion that he didn't mean verbally.

The owner was practically in tears at this point, "N-No…!"

I suddenly felt sick to my stomach. I couldn't just sit here anymore and just listen to this monster soil the good name of the Shinsengumi, a group of men I had come to think of as family. But just as I started to stand and launch my protest, someone placed their hand on my shoulder.

Whoever it was, pulled me back down and then behind a counter before I could so much as bitch.

I glanced at who had managed to slip us both past the arrogant jerk undetected and nearly screamed at him, "Why did you stop me?!"

But the mysterious man placed a steady finger on my trembling lips and slowly shook his head.

He whispered to me with a volume that I could barely make out, "Shh, don't. A woman should not get involved in such a dangerous situation. This is a man that will not hesitate to hurt you, and I guarantee you that the injury would have been fatal."

I looked down and noticed that he had two swords at his waist. And when I glanced back up at his face, I noticed his skin was incredibly fair and soft, and he was almost as gorgeous as Hijikata. For a moment, I thought that he may be an actor. He was dressed in expensive, exotic-looking fabrics, which led me to believe that he was famous.

I groaned inwardly, I really had to stop letting my brain constantly go on all these tours of stupid thought land!

I glanced up at him with narrowed eyes and hoped he could see in them how pissed I was that he had stopped me.

But he just smiled before saying, "Don't worry. Just leave this to me."

I hesitated for a moment, but then nodded, deciding that it would be best to let this guy proceed with the handling of King Asshole. After all, I don't need to give Hijikata anymore reasons to hate me, by disobeying yet another order.

I just hoped that I didn't have to jump in and save this guy as well.

Takeda, after all, was massive and his temper was very much like that of a child throwing a tantrum…but with swords.

Personally I didn't see how this kind mysterious man could possibly take him on by himself.

But, then again, I have been known to be proven wrong…repeatedly…throughout my life…

I let out a heavy sigh and decided not to make things worse…this time.

The man whose name I had yet to learn, stealth bombed himself right up to Takeda, "Excuse me. May I interject something? You're with the Shinsengumi, are you not?"

Only then did Takeda notice him as he turned in disbelief to face the man that would dare to approach him in such a, in his mind, rude manner.

"So, what is it to you?"

The striking man held Takeda's gaze, seeming completely unaffected by the rage held within it, "The owner of this shop has clearly stated that he is not allowing any imperial extremists to solicit here." The man's smile had become almost as unreadable as Okita's as he added, "So, with what charges do you intend on taking him back with you to your headquarters, hmm?"

Takeda sneered angrily at the man who merely gazed back as though they were just having a moment of friendly banter.

"What? How dare you question me like this." His eyes widened as though he had just realized something of dire importance. "You're one of those Imperial extremists, aren't you? I should have known you'd turn up eventually."

The mysterious samurai just simply smiled and calmly responded, "So, just because I question you, I'm an extremist… I guess a fair investigation is out of the question, then."

"Well, you are preventing me from inflicting justice, which is proof enough…"

Oh. My. God. This jerk's arrogance has no limit!

"Very well, then." The mysterious man let out a heavy sigh, "if things are going to escalate, I wouldn't want to upset the lady here. Would you mind handling our business out there."

I risked a glance over the counter just in time to see the mystery Samurai turning to leave.

What the hell is he doing?! Don't turn your back on him!

Takeda rested his left arm on his swords, a sinister sneer sliding back in place, "Hmph, you sound afraid of getting your pretty face all bloodied up. Not surprising."

The jerk huffed smugly to himself and waddled out of the store to challenge the samurai. His smirk remained on his face as the two met each other outside the store.

He then assumed of offensive stance, and then reached for his katana to threaten him—or not.

"Huh?!"

Not wanting to miss seeing the nice swordsman wipe the floor with Takeda, I rushed to the doorway, but still maintained a safe distance.

As soon as Takeda moved his hand to unsheathe, the samurai intercepted to cover the sword's mouth.

I suddenly recalled Hijikata saying that Takeda was only "decent" with a sword.

I almost squealed with delight. The arrogant jerk was finally being put in his place and it wasn't even by Hijikata!

"L-Let go! Or else, I will-!"

Takeda stuttered his words as he struggled to free his sword.

The samurai let out a sigh and smiled at Takeda. I couldn't read what he was thinking. His eyes held no emotion whatsoever.

"Oh, don't' tell me you really thought you were going to draw your sword, hmmm?" His voice then lowered and became a cold blade of ice, "If you were, then things between you and me are going to get serious, and I am not sure you're ready for things to get…serious."

The samurai possessed a duality: one side was a soft-spoken, gentle man; the other side, a warrior.

Takeda clearly had sensed this duality as well because, after the samurai made his claim, he grew very still.

Before I knew it, people had gathered around the store, murmuring amongst themselves and echoing the general sentiment of confusion and wonder.

(The Mibu Wolves are having a duel?)

(Are they causing trouble again?)

Murmurs such as those caught my ear as I looked ahead.

The Samurai still had his eyes locked on Takeda's, his grip still like an iron lock on his sword, "It would seem that we're drawing some attention. Do you still plan on drawing your sword?"

I was fairly certain the samurai already knew the answer.

Takeda let out a grunt of defeat. He began to grit his teeth angrily, and gruffly shook off the samurai's hand.

"I never forget a face, you bastard. I will make sure you live to regret this day."

His face had flushed red as he made a swift exit and disappeared down the road.

Only as the tension deflated did I finally allow myself to breath normally. I surprised myself by feeling grateful that this man had dealt with Takeda instead me. Who knows how much worse things would have become for Hijikata and the rest of the Shinsengumi if I had intervened and failed?

I let out a sigh of relief.

I watched as the man also sighed in relief and then headed over to where I was standing in the shop's doorway, "That could have become very ugly. Let us go back inside and check on our friend."

"That was very impressive…!" was my dumb response. Hopefully, he didn't take that to mean that I hadn't thought he could pull it off.

"It was nothing."

"I see…" I murmured under my breath.

He turned to enter the store, but a sudden burning question had me stopping him, "Why were you willing to risk your life against him? You really didn't have to stop me back there…"

The samurai seemed to hesitate, then timidly answered, "You remind me of someone from my past."

What the hell kind of answer was that?! Now I was even more confused…!

For a moment I just gaped at him.

"Did I say something wrong?"

I cleared my throat nervously, "No. Not at all. I was just finding it hard to believe that I could possibly remind you of anyone else."

He chuckled softly, "Ah, you even blush like her."

He carefully studied my face as he spoke, his eyes dotting up and down my small face.

Normally this kind of attention would have made me very uncomfortable, but I had to admit, there was something about this guy that was very likable.

Though, remaining clueless about who this person was or where he was from, was beginning to irritate me.

So, swallowing whatever feelings that were beginning to form I glanced at him and said, "I'm really sorry, but I believe you have mistaken me for someone else."

I bowed lightly to him and couldn't help but feel bad when he looked a little taken aback.

He sighed and smiled back at me, though his eyes now held within them a glimmer of sadness, "Oh, don't worry. It seems that I am simply mistaken, my apologies."

His face then became less readable, "Please, let us return to the tea shop. Your tea and snacks must be ruined by now."

"Well…"

His kind demeanor was nearly impossible to say no to, drawing me to return to the store as if I had just caught the scent of the city's sweetest bun.

I had to admit, this guy was good…

Upon our return, the tea shop owner smiled and brought us freshly brewed tea.

The guy who had single-handedly saved the tea shop then looked down at the tea and then at the owner in uncertainty, "Ah, was it you who poured are fresh tea? There's even some sweet bean jelly here."

I slowly slid my eyes down to the table and sure enough, sitting beside our tea was a neatly arranged platter of sweet bean jelly.

The owner answered with a quick nod and smiled with pride, "Yes. Thank you so much for helping me. You've saved me."

Seeming to fear that the owner would next kneel at his feet, the man quickly said, "Honestly, I did nothing to deserve such kindness." He hungrily eyed the sweet bean jelly before adding, "However, I do love sweets!"

The owner gave him a quick bow before saying, "The pleasure is all mine. Please don't be shy, have as much as you would like. And take your time."

I felt bad for the poor owner as he bowed after every sentence, and then returned to tend his counter.

As we both took our seats the mysterious man sighed as his eyes slid from the large plate of sweet bean jelly to meet mine, "What a generous gesture. But to be honest I cannot eat all of this do you perhaps want some of mine?"

"I think not, besides I believe the owner meant for you to eat all of this…"

The man then gave a strained smile as he eyed the plate of sweets, "If you say so. Well, time to dig in."

He then proceeded to cut the sweet bean jelly into elegantly sliced halves, he even expressed delight after each bite.

It occurred to me that during my stay with the Shinsengumi, it was rare to see a samurai smile, unless of course you were insane like Okita, however, every time this man took a bite, he grinned like a child, smiling as if he were the happiest person alive.

Perhaps, it wouldn't be too much of a stretch, to guess that he and I were close in age.

And even as this thought came to mind…

I could still hear customers murmuring, whispering amongst themselves to each other.

"Did that samurai scare away the Mibu Wolf?"

"It looks that way. Perhaps there are some good samurai after all, huh?"

"But he can't be a samurai! He's far too handsome. Though he's got some quick hands…"

I rolled my eyes imperceptibly at that last statement.

However, I was oddly surprised when the samurai retreated from his initial enthusiasm after overhearing their discussion.

As soon as the mysterious man/samurai finished drinking his tea…

He gave me a quick apologetic bow, "Please excuse me. But it is time for me to pay my tab."

He rushed to get up, but not before slipping me some last words, "I'll be on my way now. But please, do be careful and try to avoid getting into any further trouble, okay?"

"What trouble? I could've easily taken him," is what I wanted to say. But the truth is, he did, in fact, stop me from making a complete ass of myself and from very possibly getting myself murdered and making more trouble for the Shinsengumi.

And then the samurai was gone, almost like a dream wisping around one's mind after waking.

Well hell, I didn't even get to thank the jerk…

It wouldn't normally have bothered me, but I felt like he had earned my thanks. And now that I would be unable to give it to him I was becoming quite irritated for not having said it immediately.

So of course I stupidly left my post and rushed after him. Like I've been saying this whole time, I'm just not patient enough to follow any type of order given to me even if it means death.

As I rushed out of the shop I yelled after the jerk hoping he would still be in earshot, "Hey, I said wait!"

When he didn't stop I grew very angry and continue to chase after him yelling hoping to grab his attention. I didn't know why I felt I needed to thank him so badly and I knew I would draw attention to myself yelling at him while running through a crowd.

Finally the mysterious jerk stopped and turned around to face me, "Is something the matter?"

Quick, think of something to say now that you've got him facing you wondering if you're crazy don't just stand there stupid!

"Thank you…"

At first he didn't say anything and just smiled but then, "I did nothing to warrant thanks from you."

But that's not true, I wanted to say.

That creep, Takeda, had given me a bad vibe ever since we met at the headquarters and I now had a sickening suspicion that he's been acting like this everywhere he goes slandering the good name of the Shinsengumi and dragging it through the mud for his own selfish reasons.

The nameless samurai then turned away from me, stopping to gaze at the clouds swirling above us.

"However, it seems like the Shinsengumi's name is dragged through the dirt."

It was almost like he had read my mind. We clearly thought the same way about that jerk, Takeda.

The man continued as his eyes slid back to mine, "If today's incident is any indication, then I can't blame the people for having the reservations."

"You're absolutely right," I thought out loud and then to myself, Something has to be done, their reputation cannot continue to be tarnished, least of all by its own men.

It wasn't as though I knew the men of the Shinsengumi better than most, but I just couldn't let this guy continue to think the same way as the rest of the people of Kyoto about them.

"I don't think all of the men of the Shinsengumi would ever behave like that other guy did. He was just a plain cruel bastard."

He nodded and smiled and then allowed me to continue.

"I'm sure you understand better than anyone, but out of all of the Warriors in the city, there are bound to be some rotten jerks in the bunch."

He then turned his full attention to me, "I completely agree. I don't, however, think that man represents the Shinsengumi at all."

There was a pause in our conversation and the wind whistled softly in the background. And during that entire pause his eyes never left mine. They almost seemed to be searching for something perhaps a faint glimmer of a long-lost memory.

It was making me a tad uncomfortable. Was it possible that he could see something in me that I've been trying to hide my entire life?

There was clearly something he needed to say but he didn't and instead shut his eyes and turned around.

"I'm sorry, but I really must go…"

I couldn't quite put my finger on it but I felt saddened by his sudden need to leave.

"Of course! I'm sorry to have kept you…"

He glanced over his shoulder a genuine smile pulling at his lips, "Do not worry about it. I'm glad I got to meet you, Chizuru."

I stood there stupidly for a few moments oblivious to the fact that he just said my name but then as if carried to me on an echo I heard it but I didn't remember giving it to him.

How did he know it then? Just who was this guy?!

The samurai then turned his back to me and was gone.

He wasn't at all familiar to me… So why was I to him?

However I didn't have much time to consider what any of this meant because Hijikata returned shortly after.

Upon sing me he gave a heavy sigh and then spoke, "Did you have to wait for long? How was it? Did you obtain any information on Kodo?"

"Well…I…"

Unable to think of anything intelligible to say that wouldn't have incriminated the mystery samurai or myself I sighed heavily, shook my head and frowned.

He gave me a gentle yet amused smile, " I see… Well, it's not like people around here are willing to talk easily. Don't give it much thought."

As we were heading back home to headquarters I filled Hijikata in on the earlier proceedings.

His eyes quickly narrowed and became cold but I couldn't decipher whether he had been aware that this had been going on or not.

"Takeda did what?"

His voice shook with a palpable rage, and I got the distinct feeling that he wanted to go after Takeda and take him down himself.

But instead he gave a heavy sigh pushed down whatever rage he was feeling and then turned to face me, anger still in his eyes, "Do not tell anyone what you saw today. I mean no one- -not even the captains to whom I know you confide. Am I making myself clear?"

I said nothing and just nodded. I mean why would I tell anybody. It's bad enough that their reputation is about as bad as it can get. But the fact that it seemed that Hijikata didn't even seem to be aware that this had been going on made it all the more clear, to me at least, just how stealthy and dangerous this Takeda jerk truly was.

"It hardly needs to be said," he continued, "but don't ever let your guard down, especially when in the presence of people you do not recognize."

Hijikata's eyes slid away from mine momentarily before adding, "The Shinsengumi has to protect its secrets, sometimes even from its own members. Most of all from that buffoon, Takeda, who knows nothing."

I gave you single quick nod, "Understood, sir."

Once Hijikata was convinced of my understanding, he finally felt he could ask more questions.

His eyes slid back to mine the anger within them replaced by something else, "You mentioned a mysterious samurai came to your aid. Please elaborate."

I conveniently left out the part where I had nearly gotten killed trying to take Takeda down alone. And then something else occurred to me, "Well crap… I forgot to ask his name…"

The anger once again took its rightful place within Hijikata's eyes, "What?! How the hell am I supposed to thank him now?!"

I don't know why he was getting so angry with me, again! I mean what was I supposed to have done, force the name out of the guy who had saved not only me but the reputation of the Shinsengumi?!

"Look, I'm sorry, but it happened all so fast."

Hijikata closed his eyes and then frowned in clear regret of his outburst at me, "Forget it, it's fine. However, if you happen to cross paths again, be sure to ask him for his name."

He muttered something else incoherently under his breath and then left me with his last thought, "Despite everything, I'm sorry to hear no news of your father came to light. Hopefully Saito or Shinpachi had better luck than you."

I gave a heavy sigh hoping I didn't sound too defeated, "Yeah, hopefully…"

Ah, yes, I had completely forgotten that I had accomplished nothing I wanted to do today. And had I not crossed paths with that mysterious samurai, I may have thought of today as a complete waste of my regained freedom.

As we rushed back to base I held onto that simple yet intriguing event and used it as a beam of hope to help push me forward.

However, once we arrived back at headquarters, we been discovered that the sighting of my father at the Terada Inn had also been false, which ended up crushing the sliver of hope I'd been holding onto.

Only then did I finally admit to myself that I was beginning to worry about him… about my father…