CHAPTER 30: Another Beginning

DISCLAIMER: FIRST! I don't own Rurouni Kenshin nor Saitou Hajime (although I wish)... RK is owned by Nobuhiro Watsuki.

OTHER: Okay... To those reading this story.. I took off most of the authors notes so please just read the notes from prior chapters... Also since fanfiction has this thing against answering reviewers in the story... If you would like to see my answers to your review, please check my profile and there I will post my answers/thoughts. I hope you enjoy the story. Critiques please, please let me know... What you hate.. What you like.. What I need to work on...

italics are thoughts

asterisks/bold are others/sounds/etc

"Take your filthy hands off her now!" Okita demanded as he glared at the two.

Akio touched Midori's face and moved her gently away, then he licked his lips. "Boy... Is it so bad that I enjoy my bride to be?"

Okita inhaled suddenly taken by surprise.

"Say the word boy and we will settle this matter right here." Akio cocked his head.

"Ure..." Okita struggled at his dilemma. He never expected Midori's fiancee to be so disgusting. He threw Midori an incredulous look.

"He's right Souzi." Midori moved closer to Akio's side and placed her arms around his waist. "Sorry anata. Souzi is a friend of mine, he was just being helpful as always. I never did tell you, he saved me that time Saitou wasn't around."

"Ah yes that bastard." Akio let out a chuckle and boldly approached Okita and patted him on the shoulder "So you are that wonderful boy... Sumimasen. I am Shinyou Akio, why don't you join us and have a drink?"

Okita swallowed hard. His whole body stiffened as Akio continued to pat his shoulder as if they were good friends. "I.... "

"Oh anata! Souzi cannot hold his liquor well." She continued to hold him tightly making sure Akio forgot all about his katana. "Go inside, Souzi and I have some catching up to do." She smiled sweetly at Akio.

"One more kiss and I will leave." Akio bent down and claimed her lips. Okita did all he could from gagging at the sight.

"I am sure we will see each other again boy." With that he left the two.

Okita stood stupefied.

What the hell was that?

Midori let out a sigh as he turned back towards her young friend.

"I think Hajime rubbed off some of his personality on you." she joked. The young man did not answer but turned to sit down once more. Midori frowned at the gesture.

An uncomfortable silence passed.

The boy finally spoke up. "So... What was that you wanted to give to Saitou-san?"

"Just a sheath." She picked up a pebble from the ground and threw it into the lily pond in front.

"You know where to find me. We still have an hour, if you can get it to me by then I'll make sure he gets it." Okita stood up and started to leave.

She heard him walking away, suddenly her eyes started to blur as tears threatened to come out.

"Souzi..." she called out but did not turn.

"Hai?" He did not stop walking.

"Betsuni." Her tears fell unwantedly.

Okita heard her croak. He shook his head as he walked further to the entrance.

Hijikata-san... Wakarimasen... Subete...

The hour passed with a very quiet Okita drumming his fingers on the table. He had been watching the couple the entire time.

She puts on a good show. Can't believe she's chosen him over Saitou-san..

"Souzi. We didn't come here to sit around." Hijikata lightly knocked on Okita's head.

"I'm not in the mood. Leave me be Hijikata-san." he brushed the Toshizo's hand away.

"What the heck are you staring at?" Hijikata followed Okita's stare that led to the front left table close to the head table.

"Oh. She is beautiful." Hijikata teased. "Too bad, she has a poor choice in men."

Okita rolled his eyes. "Look more closely."

"Well.. Well... That was fast..." Hijikata smirked. "This is good, then we don't have to worry about Saitou going after her again."

"Urusei!" Okita pounded the table.

"Calm down Souzi. That's not your business."

"It sure the hell is."

"NO IT'S NOT. Stay out of it, nothing good can come out with you meddling. Let it go it's course." Hijikata warned.

Souzi let out a heavy breath. "Aren't we leaving yet?"

"Almost. Come I want you to meet Kanryuusai and the Chief Serizawa Kamo."

"What Chief? Isn't Kondou-san THE CHIEF?"

"Yes he and Serizawa-san, they will head up the Shinsengumi."Hijikata pulled Okita off the seat and herded him closer to the head table.

Shinsengumi... That's right. We are now supposed to be Kyoto's protectors...

Souzi's thoughts were lost as he was introduced to Serizawa and then to the high ranking military officials in Kyoto. The boy barely managed to keep up with the bombardment of names thrown at him that moment.

Hijikata finally finished taking him around. He saw Hijikata walk off with the last person he was introduced to, Sasaki Tadasaburo, leader of the Mimawarigumi. He didn't bother to ask Hijikata if Sasaki and he were friends, he was too distracted by the fact that the Shiyou Akio was wearing the same black hakama and grey/blue haori.

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Saitou Hajime arrived the morning after the ceremonies. As he entered the great city of Kyoto, a grin crept up to his face. It wasn't that he was particularly in awe at the large and majestic castles that greeted him, the city itself was profound. The streets were full of scholars, merchants and of course lingerers. The city was relatively clean, full of beautiful sakura's in full bloom early in summer. Plus, it was easy to find his way around. He grinned for all that and that fact that Kyoto symbolized all that was Japanese.

Now what was all the people thinking going against the Shogunate and assassinating pro-Shogunate officials and nobilities? That was stupid. The peace should be kept and keeping the current form of government is the best way to keep the peace and pride as a people. He filled with pride as he approached the headquarters at Mibu, he will now be part of what has kept Japan great.

"May I know your business sir?" A guard at the gate inquired.

"I am part of Kondou-san's group. I would like to speak with him."

"Do you have any papers?"

"No."

"Sumimasen, you cannot enter without someone vouching for your identity." The guard blocked the main entrance.

"If you would please go in there and announce my presence I am sure someone from inside will vouch for me." Saitou insisted.

"Sorry but the Daimyo is inside and we were ordered to make sure security is tight today. You will have to wait for them to come out."

Saitou let out an exasperated sigh and stood right next to the guard waiting.

Ahou...

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Not far from Mibu, a brother and a sister were enjoying some rice balls and tea.

"So how do you like living here?" Yuuta turned to his sister putting down the study books he was reading but not letting go of the food in his hands.

"It's okay. Why do you ask?" she turned his way.

"Oh nothing. I'm just really glad we finally got here. It's the center for everything! I went to the university today, I miss Kuruma sensei but there's so much more to learn! I'm starting to think that maybe we should open our doors! Just look at Akio he knows so much and no doubt going to Europe was the best for him."

"Urusei Yuuta! Not everything from the foreigners are good. Why do you think we are here in Kyoto?"

"Your wedding of course." the boy looked at his sister puzzled.

"BAKA! We're here because Akio is commissioned to the Mimawarigumi's. He is commissioned because we are close to a civil war."

The young man just shrugged his shoulder "That has been a long time coming onee-san. I'm not surprised."

"Do you not care?" Midori's voice peeked.

"It's not like I can do anything about it." the young man took a mouthful of riceball, "By the way onee-san, with Akio commissioned, don't you find it rather interesting that he's fighting for the bakufu? I mean ever since we got here, I have not heard him boast about his trips nor about his experiences."

Midori shook her head. "He's like that. Wise enough to know when to keep his silence." She frowned at the half-hearted defense of her fiancee.

"I don't know... He doesn't make sense, like he has two faces."

"Quiet Yuuta! Don't ever mention that again. Don't even mention your preference for the foreigners for your own sake." she pleaded.

She opened the shoji doors and looked around making sure no one heard them talking. She let out a sigh of relief and noted how red the setting sun was.

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Saitou Hajime was beginning to lose his patience. It was almost dusk and no one has come out of the building. The cursed guard stood like a statue blocking his way. He finally decided that it was time to "forcefully" announce himself. As he moved to face the guard though, the gates opened and he was greeted by a group of men wearing blue/grey uniforms, behind them were two men whom he recognized. Akio was walking right beside Sasaki. Saitou immediately placed himself behind the guard watching the two closely.

"Sasaki-san, we should have first pick on where to patrol. Those farmers have no right to suggest drawing lots. We are of higher stature and have been here in the area longer."

"Akio it is not a question of status or even time. It does not matter if we are assigned elsewhere as long as it is in Kyoto. The purpose is the same. It is precisely your kind of thinking that has made grievances escalate between the people."

"Tch. Fine."

Serves you right. Ahou.

Another group passed this time though the men circled a central figure, a rather small man who was wearing gosuku (armor) and jinbaori (vest) coupled with yoroi (dress)

Bodyguards?

Finally a familiar face caught his eye and he lunged forward to the surprise of the guard. The guard blocked his way and the supposedly bodyguards formed a line shielding the small man behind them.

"What the hell are you doing?" cried the guard.

"Let go! I have to talk to Hijikata-san!" He wrestled free of the guard and the next thing Saitou saw were at least ten swords pointed his way. He was not fazed though and he shouted again at the man towards the back.

"Nani?" Kondou turned his head right but could not see beyond the bodyguards. Hijikata himself was behind Kondou and saw much less.

"Hijikata-san! Kondou-san I am here... Saitou Hajime." he shouted while the guards pushed him back.

The commotion got the attention of the men who passed prior and they turned back. Sasaki contained his laugh while Akio upon seeing the familiar face, scowled. The small man at the back pushed his way to the front leading to Hajime.

"Matsudaira-san, please stay at the back." beckoned one of the men.

"Hai... Let me pass." The men reluctantly moved and he was face to face with Saitou.

"Son. What is your name?" the man asked in a low but firm voice.

Saitou looked down at the man and decided that it was not time to speak to a complete stranger. He needed to speak with Kondou or Hijikata, or else he will be left standing there again for half the day.

"Hijikata-san!" he shouted again.

"Yarou! Answer the Daimyo NOW!" The guards pointed their katanas again.

"Put those down." the Daimyo motioned to his men and the complied. "Bring Hijikata-san here."

Moments later a much confused Hijikata was brought at the Daimyo's request. He smirked as he realized that the fool who was shouting and got the Daimyo's attention was Saitou.

"Hijikata-san. I've come to join you." Saitou managed to bow slightly.

"Hijikata-san, please introduce me to this young man. He does not seem to recognize people when he is being spoken to."

"Sorry Matsudaira-san, he is a part of our group. He had matters to settle back in Edo which is why he was late in joining us." Toshizo spoke softer, hoping that the Daimyo will forgive the incident.

"Saitou-kun, this is Matsudaira Katamori, Daimyo of Aizu our primary supporter." Toshi gave Saitou a look indicating that he should pay respect but the latter just nodded an acknowledgement.

"He did not get commissioned I suppose?" Matsudaira ignored Saitou's puzzled looks and directed his question to Toshi.

"Iie. He is the one Kondou-san was speaking to Kiyokawa-san about. We were hoping that he would admit him since we can vouch for his person and his swords skills.

"Ah... Sou ka." The Daimyo still did not turn to look at Saitou, who by now was slightly frowning that the Daimyo did not acknowledge his presence. "Tell Kiyokawa that I approve and that he is commissioned starting today."

Toshi could not believe what he was hearing. After that scene and the rude approach of Saitou the Daimyo was giving him special favors? The Daimyo seemed to have read Hijikata's thoughts and chuckled, he then turned to the slightly lost, slightly annoyed Saitou and said, "You came all the way here? Twenty swords at your face did not frighten you? I will be keeping an eye on you Saitou-kun."

With that the Daimyo left and those who remained were kept silent.