Asian Princess 61--thank you for your input and historical/technical notes. In response to your last review, yes the Meiji Era was when popular culture underwent tremendous change (due to the end of isolationism and the sudden influence of the West). However, the Meiji period did not begin until after the fall of the Shogun from power in 1867-8 somewhere around then. Peacemaker takes place during the years leading up to the Meiji, but is still considered the Edo period. Kenshin takes place during the Meiji, after the emporer was restored to political power and after the events of Peacemaker. As for the acceptance of homosexuality--just because it was or was not popular doesn't mean people didn't do it. Yes, it is my story.

Slfoodgirl—Sorry but my story is already written. However you're right about Tatsu a nd I do allude toa romance with him in this chappie.Maybe I'll write a sequel to this story if there is demand and fit that into it.

black-red-blue—I don't know how old Umeko is, maybe 19-early twenties. She's a young woman. There's some pairing! I don't like to make it obvious who is going to pair with who—it takes away the surprise!

Later that night Umeko couldn't fight the urge to go back to the training hall again. This time she decided to leave her swords in her room and use the training halls wooden swords.

She then fell into her stance and began to practice. A smooth male voice echoed through the hall saying "Your heel is rather high off the ground."

Umeko froze then relaxed. 'He would have attacked by now if that was his intent.' She looked to the doorway and could only see a silhouette. 'The eyes that I felt on myself…they belonged to him!' "Who are you?"

He laughed quietly and said "Forgive my rudeness milady, but what are you doing up? For that matter, what are you doing here? Also why are you holding a sword?"

"It's only wood. You never answered my question. If you tell me your name your rudeness can be forgiven and your questions will be answered." 'His eerie calm is making me so nervous.'

"A shrewd bargainer, I see" he said. He stepped forward and revealed a gaunt face and narrow eyes. His black hair was tied back in a high, short pony tail and the clothing he wore was dark in color. Umeko did not relax her guard. She kept the sword pointed at the dark and eerie man.

"A few years in court will do that to almost anyone" she replied. "Please, state your name. I am Lady Umeko, Commander Kondo's niece."

"I am third unit captain Hajime Saito, I am pleased to meet your acquaintance, milady. I have heard you are a woman of high breeding," he paused to emphasize his question. "With this in mind, I again ask what are you doing…holding that sword?" His question was not laced with anger, but it seemed to Umeko he was merely curious.

"I am practicing" she said simply.

"I find it…peculiar," he stepped closer and eyed the wooden swords on the wall "that a delicate flower such as you has knowledge of such things." He slowly picked up a practice sword and examined it.

"Compared to yours, Captain Saito, it is a limited knowledge. I have heard my uncle speak very highly of your skills."

Hajime ignored the compliment realizing it was merely a distraction. He said "Would you like to spar?"

"I would" she replied bringing her sword higher "if you take me seriously."

Saito stood across from her and settled into his stance. "Are you not afraid, Ms. Umeko? I will not hold back."

"I am not afraid, no. Whatever doesn't kill me, captain, will only make me stronger." Saito had the feeling she truly believed those words, and was willing to sacrifice some pain if it meant she could learn a new skill.

Saito attacked coming down hard on her blade. Umeko backed off and waited for him to attack again. She said "I appreciate you not going soft, Mr Saito. I see that I will learn much from you." 'That wasn't half of your strength. Either you are holding out, or you are gauging my strength. Interesting.'

Umeko dove in and crashed their swords together for a counter attack. She did not seriously think that she would be able to vest the legendary Saito in such a way, but rather, she got a close up look at his stance, the way his fingers rested on the sword handle, and the details of his clothing. 'Are those prayer beads he's wearing?' she thought. She then backed away.

"Come come, Umeko, you should know by now brute strength is not in your favor. Do not let your temper over take you. Your slight build puts you at a disadvantage if you attack that way" said the captain, seriously.

'I can't believe it. He's actually giving me tips? Does he think I'm that poor a swordsman? I could most definitely use that to my advantage.'

Their swords clashed again and Umeko used her light weight to her advantage. She leaned in toward her opponent as hard as she could. This forced Saito to do the same. He said "I told you Lady Umeko that this is not your strength. Am I to assume you are as stubborn as our page?"

Once Umeko was convinced Saito had settled his weight forward she made her move. She simultaneously shifted her weight off to the side while releasing the pressure she was putting on Saito's blade. As a result of putting so much of his weight forward, and Umeko's sudden release, he stumbled forward and her blade was there to meet him.

Saito fell on his belly stunned. 'This woman? This woman beat me?' He turned over and sat back, leaning on his hands.

Umeko saw the strange man looking up at her with a bored look on his face. She said "Don't feel bad. Most of my victory is not based on skill, but on surprise." Umeko offered her hand to Saito and he took it.

Saito stood and said "You have taught me a lesson, milady. I should be more wary of lovely packages".

Umeko smiled, glad he still called her a lady, glad he was not angry, and always glad to accept a compliment.

Then they both heard a "Hmf" come from the doorway. Umeko was startled, but Saito knew he was there all along.

"Welcome, Vice Commander Hijikata. Are you going to join us?" said Saito, calm as ever.

Mr. Hijikata walked into Umeko's private training session and eyed her up and down. He slowly walked past her and looked up at the wooden swords. "So, Umeko," Hijikata said with an edge to his voice "Where did you learn swordsmanship?"

Umeko looked at Hijikata's back and Saito walked away and leaned on the wall. Tetsunoske's words came back to Umeko ' "He's the demon Vice Commander! Don't cross him Lady Umeko. He wouldn't hesitate in killing a woman. Trust me I know. I've seen him do it.'" At least these are wooden swords' she thought.

Umeko kept her sword at her side and Hijikata watched her out of the corner of his eye while she explained. "My husband taught me all I know about the sword. Please don't think poorly of my up bringing. I was raised by a dutiful mother and an honorable father.

"One afternoon, while my husband and I traveled we were attacked and my life was threatened by a brigand. My husband was restrained by a few of them and I was left alone. My lord told me I should have run. If I had run they would only chase me. I couldn't leave him. I grabbed the sword of the nearest outlaw and threatened him with it. He merely laughed at me knowing I had no knowledge of how to use it.

"The group then focused on me, the ridiculous woman, dressed like a princess, holding a ragged sword. They all looked at me and laughed. This gave my husband the chance he needed. He was samurai, after all and these men were not hard to defeat. He only needed opportunity.

"After we returned to our home we spoke about the event. He was uneasy with my total helplessness; he knew his enemies were drawing nearer."

"So he handed you a sword?" said Hijikata. "Why not a steel tanto? They are more appropriate for women."

"Yes, a sword. We thought it through. The short range of the tanto was not as effective as a katana, especially in battle" replied Umeko. "We didn't know how long I was going to be training before true opponents made their move,and to get around a bandit with a sword I might need a little more metal on my side, sir."

"Are those swords in your room his?" asked the Vice Commander evenly.

Umeko took a deep breath and said "No, Vice Commander." Umeko lowered her gaze unable to meet his eyes. "They are mine. A gift from him."

"I see." Hijikata took a wooden sword down from the wall and tested the weight in his hand. Keeping his gaze on the sword he asked "Do you think to wear the uniform of a Shinsengumi?"

"No sir" she said. Saito was silently standing by and it made Umeko rather nervous. 'Why is he here? Did he test me purposely for Hijikata?'

Mr. Hijikata put the sword back on the wall and walked towards the door. Once there he turned and commanded "Come to my room. We will discuss this in private."

"Sir?" Umeko asked, hesitant and confused. She thought to herself 'I don't feel comfortable going to a man's room, alone, in the middle of the night. Who knows what he'll do.'

Mr. Hijikata half turned to her and, almost reading her thoughts said "Don't flatter yourself. Hajime will stand outside the door to ensure your…hmf…virtue."

Umeko was feeling humiliation, but not fear. 'If I could challenge Saito, I'm sure a few of my tricks could work with Hijikata. I just don't know if I could take both of them on at the same time.' Umeko walked behind Hijikata and Saito followed Umeko as they walked down to Hijikata's room.

Hijikata settled comfortably on his mat and Umeko sat before him, bowing low. He lit the lamp in his room and Saito waited outside. Umeko's mind was racing. 'He wouldn't…would he? Is he going to rape me?' Umeko's eyes darted nervously back and forth as her head touched the woven fibers of the tatami mat.

Hijikata started by asking "Tell me Lady Umeko, why are you here at our base? There are other relatives you could have visited. Why your uncle Kondo? Hm? Are you truly Lady Umeko?"

"I am, the Lady Umeko" she said ignoring the arrogance he used to ask the question. "I was…hoping…that I could…" 'No one is here I might as well explain what's going on.' Umeko looked from side to side. She noticed the young man, Susumu, and looked him up and down. She lifted her head and thought 'He's crouching in the corner, listening to our conversation!' Umeko flashed her eyes at Hijikata out of anger. "I thought this conversation was to be private."

"That is Suzumu, I believe you've met him. Do not be concerned. He is knowledgeable about all the goings on of the Shinsengumi. You are no exception. Continue."

Umeko was upset, but did as she was asked. She bowed a little lower and said "Forgive me, I meant no disrespect. I came here because of my uncle. I came here because of my husband. I came here to learn."

"Learn what? If you think we're going to allow a woman to use the training facilities you're mistaken. This is no place for you, plus you seem to already have had enough training you'll ever need."

"I beg to differ. I'm sorry Vice Commander, but I still have a lot to learn and I can only learn from those who are strong. As I told Tetsu, you only become the best by beating the best. I have nothing to lose, sir, and I want to become the best."

Hijikata was silent a moment then said "No. That is my final word on the matter. No. In the morning I will send a request to Commander Kondo for him to write a letter to your relatives in the west in order to send you away. I will alert him to all of your trickery and mischief. This is no place for a lady, nor a delusional one."

That was the last straw. Umeko brought up her head and said "Is vengeance delusional? Because I am trapped in this body you will not honor my desire to defeat my foe? Where is the honor in that?"

"You are a woman. You do not need to concern yourself with such ideas." Hijikata then busied himself with documents placed on a table at his side. "Practice your calligraphy. Grow flowers."

"That is unfair! I have a right to avenge my husband as much as—"

Hijikata angrily cut her off "You should not be holding a sword!" His voice began to rise and yell "You need to learn your place!"

"I KNOW MY PLACE!" yelled Umeko. "AND IT ISN'T UNDER YOUR THUMB!" She realized how terribly rude and disrespectful she had acted and the consequence for such behavior. She immediately bowed her head to the ground. 'I need to stop and think! I have to stop blurting out such things! I'll never get anywhere if I don't play by their rules!' She caught her breath and said rapidly "I apologize for my outburst, Vice Commander. It was disrespectful. I am sorry."

Mr. Hijikata had just about enough. "You insolent wench, if you weren't Kondo's niece I would have had you beheaded by now! Now go! Before I change my mind!"

'Is it really better this way?' thought Umeko as she stood and walked out the door. Umeko walked back towards her room and found Saito following her. She spun on her heels and whispered "Are you spying on me too?"

"Your husband does not wish for you to seek vengeance"

Umeko boiled. "How dare you! How would you know?" Umeko didn't want to wake anyone else up and continued to whisper.

Saito calmly said "Because that is what he is telling me." Before Lady Umkeo could respond Saito explained "I can commune with those who have passed on to the next world." Saito brought up his hand to a prayer stance and bowed his head.

Umeko again, took note of the beads around his hand. "You're a cracked pot!" she said and tried to walk away, but Saito's next words made her freeze.

"He called you Kiku"

"Anyone could have known that!"

"You have a freckle on your lower back"

"You pervert!" she exclaimed as she spun to face him. "You spied on me while I bathed!"

"He called it a love button. He would often slide his hand under your obi and ruin the knot pretending to search for that same freckle. He loved you very much."

Umeko shook her head and felt a great deal of emotion sweep over her. She knew it was true. "Stop stop…" she said

"He does not want you to kill anyone out of vengeance Umeko. He wants you to be safe and happy—"

Umeko couldn't take any more of it. She shook her head and put up her hands, even though Saito was not advancing. She screamed "STOP!" causing the nested birds to wake and take flight. She ran back to her room and threw herself onto her futon, sobbing. 'Where will I go? What will I do? The emptiness…I guess another death will not fill it.' She felt a presence at her door. She looked up at her closed screen and saw a silhouette there.

"Lady Umeko, I apologize if my words frightened you. Often I forget that my abilities are seen as unusual."

Umkeo wiped the tears from eyes and opened the screen. Saito stood there looking down on her. She noted it was early morning now but the light of the moon had not faded. "It's okay. I was just not expecting it."

Umeko swallowed her tears and closed her eyes feeling the chasm between her and her late husband, her beloved. Hajime put his hand on Umeko's arm and asked "You're not going to do anything foolish, are you?" implying suicide.

Umeko said "No, of course not"

"Ah yes, your promise."

"Yes, my promise." Umeko flashed back to one of her husband's requests. He had fallen very ill once and told her his wishes lest he die. "I promise I promise you my love I won't die before my time. I'll live as long and as well as I can. I promise you." She had told him. He did not want her throwing her life away like some ridiculous tragic heroine of fiction novels.

Umeko was overwhelmed and closed her eyes. She felt the world spinning and her body getting lighter. 'My husband…I'm leaving here…I want to be here…my husband…Hijikata hates me, my uncle…what will my uncle think?...who is this man, Saito?...How do I feel about him?...' Her mind raced with all kinds of ideas.

Hajime noticed her swaying and caught her before she fell. She blacked out.

Umeko opened her eyes after she heard some rustling and birds singing in the distance. She saw two enormous brown eyes and a mass of red spiky hair. Tetsu and Umeko blinked at each other for a moment then Tetsu jumped back and screamed 'Mr. Hijikata! Mr. Hijikata! MR. HIJI---"

The Vice Commander appeared in the doorway. Umeko propped herself upon her elbows and squinted at his silhouette in the open doorway. She then noted Saito sitting in the dark corner in her room. "Vice Commander?" Umeko said, surprised at the weakness in her voice.

"Yes Lady Umeko. I wanted to make sure you were alright. It seemed as though everyone on the compound was worried for you" said Hijikata.

Umeko's eyes adjusted and she could see out the door. Outside was a crowd of familiar faces. Right up front were the three jokers; Harada, Shinpachi, and Todou. Shinpachi waved at her and she smiled and waved back. Shinpachi was surprised and Harada and Todou expressed their envy by slapping him on the back of the head. Some of the men surrounding them laughed.

Tatsunoske was in the crowd holding a few ledgers tightly to his chest. Ayu walked up behind him and put her hand on his arm. He looked at her and Ayu spoke to him. He nodded in response. What Ayu said obviously comforted him. Umeko thought to herself 'I have got to get the two of them together! They make a cute couple! Even if she is a spy.'

Her attention then floated to Tetsunoske who was kneeling next to Mr. Hijikata. The Vice Commander took a few steps closer to her and said "I wanted to inform you that I will not tell Kondo about any of this and will not tell him to right the letter."

Umeko looked at him a little dumbfounded wondering what could have changed his mind.

"After word got out this morning that you were leaving I received…" Hijikata sighed and Tetsu looked up at him angrily. Hijikata had gone over the few lines he was going to spout out over and over again, but each time they didn't come out right. They colored the situation so either he or she looked like a villain. He was searching for the least humiliating way of explaining the situation when Tetsu lost his patience.

"I told Mr. Hijikata that he was a doofus!" yapped the little red head.

"Tetsu!" said Umeko shocked the boy would risk his life like that. Mr. Hijikata was infamous for making people commit seppuku. Seppuku was the punishment that resulted most often for breaking any of the Shinsengumi rules. Mr. Hijikata was the number one disciplinarian on the base.

Tetsu continued despite Mr. Hijikata's angry face. "Then other people backed me up! You didn't do anything wrong, Lady Umeko! He can't force you to leave!"

Mr. Hijikata had come to that conclusion. As much as it aggravated him there was nothing that Umeko had done that could warrant her removal. As for her flirtatious nature, she was not seriously involved with any of the men. The rule forbidding serious relationships itself could, in truth, not be considered official because of it's gray areas, and the men did make trips to Shimabara. She could not be ejected for flirting. Also she had helped keep Tetsu out of his hair and her silent feminine rivalry with Ayu caused the food he'd been eating lately to become absolutely delicious. Ayu must have been reminding everyone who was there first.

Commander Kondo was in high spirits, as was Saito. The eerie captain of the third unit told Mr. HIjikata "I find her….fascinating. She has a tragic history, but a bright future awaits her."

Finally Souji had convinced him to allow her to stay. "She's just looking to be safe. I spoke with her and I'm convinced her motives are pure. Maybe unusual, but pure. We sure do attract a lot of unusual people here, huh Mr. HIjikata?"

"Why all the deception? Why the dainty flower act?" questioned Hijikata still not convinced.

"That is genuine. That was how she was raised. She hides her skills because she doesn't want anyone thinking poorly of her upbringing. Please Mr. Hijikata…" Souji batted his large violet eyes and thick lashes "Pleeeeeeease let her stay!"

The Vice Commander gave Souji an irritated glance then said "Fine. She can stay. It's only because I can't prove she's done anything wrong. Once she has…she's gone!"

Okita said "Right. Got it." He thought 'Yeah, right. This is just like Tetsu. Every other week it's 'Tetsu you're out of the Shinsengumi because you never finish your page duties!' then the next day it's 'Oh, he's just a boy, fine he can stay.'

Back in the present Hijikata told Umeko "You have yet to truly break any rules. I will have to set certain rules down for you, being a civilian living in these walls. They will be a different set from the men. If you break any of them you will have to leave."

Umeko furrowed her brow slightly and Captain Saito said from his darkened corner "Mr. Hijikata will work with Commander Kondo on the rules to ensure that they are fair and balanced."

Hijikata nodded and walked outside. He looked at the small crowd gathered there and said "Mrgf." Souji laughed at his stubbornness.

As Toshi walked away the crowd dispersed. Souji stuck around for a little and noted that Hajime took a place by Umeko's side and spoke with her quietly. She smiled and looked a lot better. "Hmmm" said Okita observing the pair. "What do you think Saizo?"

The pig squiggled in his arms and grunted.

"I think they make a lovely couple, but we'll do what we can to hide it from Mr. Hijikata" said Souji as he laughed and walked away.

Saito had stolen their private moment to ask if she would accompany him to the Tanabata festival. She happily told him yes.

The evening of the festival was warm and clear. The sky shown brightly down and music filled the air. The trio of non-joking jokers leaned on a tree nearby watching a group of kids tie their paper wishes to a bamboo tree.

"Man," said Shinpachi "I can't believe that Saito is here with Umeko! And I'm stuck with you two!"

"I know" said Harada disappointed the delicate flower was not on his arm.

"Hey!" said Todou. "Is that an insult? You'd rather be with some woman than with us, your Shinsengumi brothers?"

"Well…yeah…wouldn't you?"

The other two again clonked Nagakura on the head just as Hijikata and Souji walked by. Shinpachi rubbed his head as the vice commander stopped to speak with them. "So, are you gentleman enjoying the festival?"

"Yes Vice commander!" they were quick to respond in unison.

"I'm pleased that you haven't done anything foolish lately. Keep me pleased and don't be fools tonight" said Hijikata sternly. As he walked away Souji followed him and waved with a laugh and a smile at the trio of shaking jokers.

"Man the demon Vice Commander is scary even when he's paying someone a compliment!" said Harada.

Umeko stood next to a tree with Saito, Tetsu, and his friend Saya. Umeko tied her wish to the tree and spoke casually with her new friends. Hijikata spotted her and felt his stomach tighten. 'She's here with Saito?' His brow furrowed deeply and he let out an unconscious "Mrgf."

Souji noticed Hijikata grunting with irritation. Souji's face fell and he said "Mr. Hijikata! Why the long face? The festival is going great! Let me buy you some sweet buns! I know you'll enjoy them!"

"I'm not hungry, Souji" replied the Vice Commander. 'Of course I knew she was coming. Why is this…no. No. No. No! I am the Vice Commander I cannot have feelings like this for her! Jealousy?'

Souji appeared surprised at his companion's response. He didn't know what to say or where any of Toshi's reactions were coming from. Souji didn't see him throwing glances at Saito and Umeko. Hijikata decided to change the subject and throw off Souji's bloodhound senses for his emotions. "Who's that girl with Ichimura?"

Souji looked in that direction and made the connection immediately. 'Why is he upset Umeko is here?' Then Souji saw Saito handing her an origami ornament for the bamboo tree. 'Oh dear, I'll pretend I don't notice.' "Oh, that little girl? That's Saya!"

Souji saw Hijikata's eyes running over the older couple more critically. "Mm. I see. Good thing he's a page. They make quite the cute couple."

"Yes, I agree." 'Oh no! I hope Hijikata doesn't suspect Saito and Umeko! I guess I can't dance around it. I'll have to convince him otherwise.'

Umeko covered her mouth as she laughed, but the sound still carried to Mr. Hijikata's ears. The vice commander watched as Saya and Tetsu waved goodbye and walked over to one of the game booths.

Saito pointed up to the sky and looked down to a dreamy eyed Lady Umeko. Hijikata growled. Souji grabbed Hijikata's arm before he stalked over to the couple, but only succeeded in slowing him down.

Hijikata shook off Souji's grip hearing, but not listening to Souji say "Mr. Hijikata, leave them! It's Tanabata!" Hijikata's eyes watched as Umeko hooked her arm into Saito's and followed his hand still pointing at the sky.

Mr. Yamanami and Akesato saw Hijikata barreling through the crowd and laughed to themselves. Akesato said "My my, that man just never rests, does he? Always chasin' afta somethin'. He should really spend more time down in Shimabara."

Mr. Yamanami said "I wouldn't say that if I were you, Akesato. His foul temperament may be the only thing that could prevent me from visiting you. If he were there, I just might have to find another tea house."

"Oh Mr. Yamanami! You can't be serious!" she said with a flirtatious lilt to her voice.

"You think he's in a foul mood now? You should see him after his little page disobeys him. I think I might move to China the next time that happens." They laughed again and found an excuse to find a private place.

Hijikata pushed through the crowd but watched frustrated as Saito and Umeko walked arm in arm closer to the edge of the festival. Hijikata's mind was so transfixed on the couple that he was ignorant of the other tall dark and handsome man in the crowd.

Toshimaru Yoshida had instructed his men weeks in advance for this night. Suzu stood and waited in the shadows. 'My master said that lighting this fire would help the emperor, but it will hurt all these innocent people.' Then he spotted Tetsu laughing with Saya. 'How am I going to do this? I can't kill these people! They're my friends! They're the emperor's people! This doesn't make sense!'

Yoshida, walked behind a game booth thought to himself as he gazed up at the stars. 'Aaah yes. The bamboo tree's will spark a fantastic flame. The fantastic flame of revolution!'