It was now mid-February, and the winter air had yet to depart Kyoto, which seemed worse than Edo from what the men would often tell her in their complaints, as if she could do much about it. Per usual, to put the other men at ease for the most part, Mei wore a casual winter kimono Harada helped pick out the other day. It seemed to be a rarity when Mei would wear her own clothes from home now. Rare but she'd still wear them proudly, and on those days men wouldn't approach her as often either.

Harada had told her it was because she looked more intimidating that way. Mei didn't really understand the sentiment but nodded, acknowledging the odd ways of Japanese men.

The search for Kodo was still slow going, unfortunately. Any leads and tips they'd get would all lead to a dead end. Mei was forced to move into the room beside their new guest since they wanted someone to keep on eye on her when the other men couldn't. It wasn't the most glamorous job being that Mei could hardly ever leave if none of the men could take watch for her, but it did get her out of doing chores most of the day.

Mei sat just a bit outside Chizuru's room, out of sight, as she gazed out towards the sky, thinking back to the night Chizuru was allowed residence with them…

-memory-

"The Shinsengumi will look after you, but we do not allow women to simply wander our doors." Hijikata stated as he glared down Chizuru before him. He followed the girls gaze as her eyes landed on the pink-haired female in the corner. "She's the only female we've had here, but she is also a servant here; a page. Her situation is different from yours, and if we could, we would have had her disguise herself as well… however she is…" he trailed off. But everyone knew what he wanted to say. Mei was more developed than Chizuru Yukimura. Mei wouldn't be able to pass off as a guy even if she wanted to.

Chizuru looked down a bit.

"The Shinsengumi keeping a female civilian here..." Hijikata trailed off, "If such rumors were to spread, tongues would begin to wag. Even worse, it may invite guests who are also searching for Kodo to come here, looking for you." He stated, looking down towards the ground.

"Tongues already wagged in the beginning when we first brought Mei on our rounds." Heisuke murmured.

Harada nodded, "The only reason they are relatively gone is because-"

"Shut up you two." Mei hissed before looking at Hijikata to continue.

Hijikata nodded to her in a silent thanks, a thanks that was as far she'd get from him, before looking back towards Chizuru to continue speaking, "It is still up to speculation, however, whether or not he has been taken or attacked… So many unanswered questions hovering about, all the more reason to keep recklessness at a low. In other words, you need to keep this facade as a man. Do I make myself clear?" The man's cold eyes narrowed on her form, watching her movements, her expressions.

Chizuru simply nodded, "Clear."

"I don't expect this to be an issue, but having a young lady like you around could… disrupt morale, so to speak." Sanan added with a small smile, whether it was empty or amused, Mei couldn't tell. "For that reason, only we, the Shinsengumi's leadership and our only other female within our organization, will know the truth of your situation." His eyes slowly closed as a more passive expression crossed his face, "It is imperative for us to keep this under wraps, for there is no telling what becomes of rumors…"

The child nodded again, "I understand the situation. So, what should I do while I'm here?"

"Nothing. You're will be receiving a room, and you're going to stay in it." Hijikata said roughly.

"Really? I could have sworn we decided she was going to be someone's page…" Okita hummed with his usual amused grin on his face.

Hijikata shot him a glare, "Souji… Keep your tongue in your mouth, or I'll cut it off." He warned. HIs body was tense before his friend, Sanan, set a hand on his shoulder before looking at Okita.

"Okita, I believe to assure us that she will be in good care while staying here, Mei should move into the room beside the young lady's once it's appointened." Sanan suggested, giving Mei one of his signature smiles. For some reason, Mei felt like he was laughing at her. "It may even help her feel less alone with a fellow woman now within reach to speak to and help with the rough transition." He added before looking at Okita.

Okita looked at his page, who had remained silent up until that point, saying nothing in approval or protest, but her eyes were staring at Chizuru. Confusion clear in her eyes as she gazed at the smaller female. Looking back at Sanan, Okita shrugged, "I guess if that's what you think is best. But I do still will use her as a page."

"Of course." Sanan nodded.

Mei frowned a bit, but said nothing, which was quite unusual for the very opinionated female. Her focus stayed on Chizuru, looking as if she wanted to say something but was resisting the urge to. I want to ask… But I can't with all the guys around… She thought, her eyes finally pulling away from Chizuru once she felt a certain someone's gaze on her form.

-Reality-

Mei sighed deeply.

A week or so had passed since then, and Mei still hadn't been able to bring the conversation she wanted up with Chizuru Yukimura. It was frustrating. It was to the point the guys noticed Mei was a little more annoyed when she was around Chizuru, but they figured it was because she didn't like babysitting. In reality, Mei was having an internal conflict about a conversation she wanted to have.

"...Um … excuse me?"

Mei blinked a bit in confusion before she remembered she was supposed to be babysitting Chizuru, and turned to the girl whose head peeked out passed the door frame. "... Do you mind… if we talk for a bit? I'm… Getting a little restless doing nothing." She smiled nervously.

Mei waited a moment to think before moving closer to the door till she sat in front of it and turned a bit to Chizuru. "Alright… Let's talk…" She hummed, waiting to see what the girl would speak about.

"... How long have you been here?" Chizuru asked, sitting more comfortably now as she looked at Mei.

"... About 9 months…" Mei replied, "... Hopefully, you won't have to get used to the men here, and we'll find your father soon." She added, watching for the girls reaction. She was so young, and seemed completely oblivious to a few important things.

Chizuru looked down, "Are the men here as bad as the rumors say?" She asked, looking a little frightened of the men.

"Not really…" Mei murmured a bit, as if the response just fell from her lips without her even thinking. "... They're prideful men, but as fair as they can be. They often think of those around them over themselves… They tease and play with each other like a bunch of children when off duty, and have their own idiotic quirks that call for a babysitter at times." She hummed, thinking back on all their happy quiet days. "Hijikata is a hard ass, through and through, but not without reason… And so far, they've always been good ones… Sanan is like his older brother, watching out for him as best he can while he helps Hijikata and Kondo with the Shinsengumi. Kondo is the father of the group, looking out for everyone and making sure everyone can smile by the end of the day, ready to give them a pat on the back and a 'job well done' with that goofy smile of his…" She looked towards the sky, "... Heisuke is the younger brother who is always picked on and sometimes feels like he has something to prove. He's loud and shines like the sun. He wants to cheer anyone up when they're feeling down. He's a little innocent in his own way and a part of all of us, want to protect and preserve that while we still can… Shinpachi is the loud middle brother that doesn't know the meaning of socially right or wrong. He follows what he thinks is right and sometimes wears his heart on his sleeve. Harada is Shinpachi's best friend, and is a real ladies man, suave and kind. He's someone to confide in and look for when you need to cry. He's a real gentleman when he wants to be, but a fierce warrior when it comes to his spear. Those three are the three musketeers..." She played with the hem of her sleeve as she closed her eyes, feeling the soft winter breeze caress her exposed skin. "... Saito is silent, and doesn't really bother anyone. He keeps to himself be he has his own reservations too. He has his own strong beliefs and will do anything to live by them. He will also do anything he can for his comrades… He also sucks at hitting on women." The sight of Saito's blushing face made Mei let out a small laugh, but the mirth faded as she thought of her problematice master. "... Okita… Is… Chái jùn māo.…Yīgè èmó." Mei looked back at Chizuru once she realized she had spoke Chinese to her and sighed, "Like a cheshire cat.. And a demon, with a sword at least. He's always grinning away, having way too much fun in situations he isn't supposed to, and when he's annoyed he'll become childish and petty. He's problematic because no matter what he's always thinking about Kondo, and not about anyone else-let alone himself. He has a blatant disregard for his own well-being and is so damn picky when he eats, pouts when he doesn't get what he wants, and sulks when Kondo scolds him. But when he has a sword… He's sharp, and harsh. His movements are swift and without hesitation. I have yet to see any enemy escape his blade… He's a demon."

Chizuru watched the female in complete awe. A woman, just like her, had been living with these men for only six months and yet she could speak about them with such a fond look in her eyes.

"They all have this spirit, that makes you route for them… That make you want to stand by them and watch them grow and achieve their dreams." Mei stopped for a moment, wondering why she had just said all of that out loud to a female she didn't even know. It all just spilled out of her, as if she wanted someone to hear what she thought of the men. As if she wanted someone to know how truly admirable these men were. "... You'll get along well with Gen though… He's also like a father to everyone. He's always smiling and always warm, I've never seen him be cruel either. He does things with honesty and a bowed head, praying for even his enemies safe travels in death." She murmured. They were all admirable men.

Silence enveloped the two women for a while, though it wasn't uncomfortable. The two stared up towards the sky in silence, enjoying the serenity that followed. Minutes, maybe almost an hour had passed before Chizuru spoke up again, "... Do you think, they'll find my father?" She asked softly.

Mei couldn't answer at first, she wasn't sure in all honesty if Kodo Yukimura was even in Kyoto anymore, but she didn't want to believe that the men couldn't find him. "... I know they will… It just, might take longer than any of us would like…" She admitted softly. She thought how she could help find Kodo faster, but she could barely remember his scent, let alone his face after the few times she saw him. If she saw him again it might take a moment for her to realize it was him. Going on the rounds with the captains, they all kept an eye out for Kodo, with no luck. "Come with me." Mei stated, an idea suddenly hitting her as she got up.

"Where are we going?" Chizuru asked as she put on her sandals and stood on the grass with Mei.

"We're going to see someone that can help you start going on rounds to find your father." Mei stated as she began walking to the nearest courtyard. "I don't know if you'll be able to do much but maybe it can help." The Chinese native came to a stop as she saw two people she was looking for, Saito and Okita. As they approached, the two captains turned to greet them leisurely.

"Morning Mei, Chizuru. Did something happen?" Okita asked as he leaned against the pillar.

"I have a request." Mei stated as she glanced at Chizuru, "One that might be beneficial in locating Kodo Yukimura."

Saito now looked at her with a bit of curiosity in his gaze, "Out with it."

Mei took a breath before she set a hand on her hip, "Take Chizuru on your rounds with you." She stated, and before her master could decline for the fuck of it, she continued, "She knows his habits, his behaviors, little quirks. She'd be able to identify him even if he was hiding with some sort of disguise, unlike the rest of us who only some him briefly at a time."

"The rounds aren't just strolls through the city. You know this." Okita started with a raised brow.

"I'm aware."

Chizuru looked a bit confused, "... What exactly… happens on these rounds?" She asked, peeking around Mei and looking up at her curiously.

Mei looked down at her before sighing, "The rounds are patrols through the city. Once outside of this compound your life is on the line more so than if you were to stay here. If you don't want to get cut open by some angry Ronin, you need to be ready to fight back." She turned to Chizuru, "Do you know how to wield a sword?" She glanced at the kodachi at the girls side, "... I would hope that isn't for show, otherwise this was a waste for me."

Chizuru immediately held her kodachi and nodded, "I know self defense swordsmanship… My father had me take classes so I could protect myself while he was away if I needed to."

"If that's the case, allow me to test your swordsmanship skills. Let me see if that blade of yours is merely for show or actually a self defense weapon." Saito said as he laid his hand lazily on his.

Chizuru looked surprised.

"I will hold back, but you need not. Come at me with your most powerful strike." He instructed.

Okita and Mei looked a little amused with the situation unfolding before them.

Saito looked at Chizuru, a brow raised, "Is something wrong, Yukimura? Draw your blade, unless it is merely decoration." He insisted, trying to get her to take this a bit more seriously.

Mei and Okita moved to the side and sat upon the veranda as they waited to see what would transpire. "This was a neat surprise." Okita hummed.

"Y-Yes sir." Chizuru murmured as she and Saito took their spots a few feet away from the veranda, the girl still clutching her kodachi to her chest. "I understand sir, but.. I don't want to hurt you…" She admitted. "If my hand were to slip and I cut or stab you, not only would you be injured but you could die. Your health is really important to me…"

All three looked at the child with widened eyes. No one said anything for a few long seconds before Mei covered the grin that tugged on her lips with her sleeve, and Okita plain out laughed in open amusement. "Hahahahaha!" The two were quite perplexed and amused by the girls remark, as true as it was for an amature-this was Saito she was up against. "You? Killing Hajime? That's funny. Oh man, that's too good." He turned to Chizuru, "I think you're a little full of yourself telling him that. Gotta give you credit for moxy though." He grinned.

"It's nothing to laugh about you know! Swords are really dangerous!" Chizuru defended. Her eyes narrowing on the master and his page. She pouted a bit before she looked at her Kodachi and closed her eyes in thought. They all thought she would continue to make a fuss about it, however she looked up at Saito with a defeated look, "So… this is to test my skills right?"

"Exactly." Mei said from behind her sleeve, "Prove to them that you can use your sword, and they can-if you get Saito's consent, talk to Hijikata when he returns about taking you on their patrols." She stated. "This is your best bet. So don't hold back Chizuru."

"If you are so concerned for my safety, then use your scabbard, or the back of your blade." Saito suggested, looking as cool and collected as he always did.

Chizuru unsheathed her sword and flipped it to the dull edge, before staring down with Saito. "Alright." She settled into a stance.

Mei, Saito and Okita all looked a bit amused at the display before Chizuru stepped forward, lunged and yelled as she aimed to strike him down. But as expected, Saito moved fast, and sooner than it began, it ended. Her blade was knocked from her hands and Saito was mere inches from her face as his blade was only a hair away from cutting through her neck. The confusion in her eyes changed to absolute defeat as the reality of the situation sunk in. This was the strength and skill of a Shinsengumi captain.

"Any second longer and your head might've come off." Okita teased.

"Saito wouldn't have let that happen unless he had the intent of ending your life though." Mei added. "You have some room for improvement, Chizuru."

Saito silently sheathed his sword before walking over to where her blade fell and picked it up gently, staring at the craftsmanship as he handed it back to the girl, "Your master should be proud. Your blade was not clouded, that's a good thing. You certainly have some skill, you were blessed with a good teacher."

Chizuru still looked in shock, and she even dropped her sword again before she scrambled to pick it up.

Her hands must be numb from the blow… Mei thought lightly.

"You all right? Gave you a bit of a start, didn't he? Not surprising. Hajime's a real iai master." Okita bragged, making Mei think he was gloating about his "boyfriend".

The page giggled.

"Yes… I suppose I'm okay. But, what's iai?" Chizuru found herself asking. She looked a little ashamed at asking such a question but the three weren't put off by it. She was a doctors daughter, not a samurai.

Saito looked at her, "A technique where one draws the sword from its scabbard and strikes the enemy, all at once. I wear my katana as you would wear your kodachi." He explained efficiently. "Older katana were once hung facing blade-down, but modern blades are worn at the waist, blade-up. Normally, one waits until the blade is drawn, then flips the blade over and faces their opponent."

"In iai, the sword is drawn with one hand. Some think it diminishes the power of your swing. It isn't really all that popular. Hajime here though is a real bloodsport… He'd have finished you off right after he knocked the sword out of your hand if he were serious." Okita started with a very amused grin, "Lucky for you."

The conversation looked like it spooked Chizuru, and Mei decided to speak up to comfort the child, "Don't beat yourself up about it. You only took defense classes. The Captains, and the other men here took specific technique classes and went through months to years of training. Some even training since childhood. It's not something to feel smaller about."

"You have skill, just enough that we might take you along with us." Saito suddenly reassured.

They seemed to have perked her up, "Really?"

Okita clapped his hands in congratulations, "Congrats kid. Hajime himself gave you a pass. That's pretty amazing, you know." He smirked. "Now all we need is Hijikata's approval."

That meant more waiting however, being that Hijikata had departed for Osaka a bit ago. "At least they can talk to him for you, Chizuru. You just have to wait a bit longer till Hijikata gets back."

Chizuru shook her head, "I don't mind. Thank you."

-later that day-

It was Mei's turn to prepare dinner that evening, so as she always did, she made sure to prepare everyone just enough for them to have seconds if they wanted. She set up the common area with the captains trays of food before finally preparing Chizuru's. Just as she walked in to set it down, Harada spoke up.

"You're late."

Mei turned towards the door to see Heisuke, Okita and Saito walking in after Chizuru, guiding her to her seat before taking their own.

"You kids are late. Who's gonna answer to my crying stomach?" Shinpachi asked with a childish scowl and crossed arms on his chest.

Heisuke and Harada shared a look before Heisuke grinned, "You mean 'growling' Shin. Really, he's so simple sometimes." He hummed amused by his older friend.

Shinpachi, however, was having none of it. His hands set on his thighs as his scowl deepened, "You guys outta apologize to my stomach! He wanted to dig in, but I said 'No, we've gotta wait for 'em.' " He grumbled in disapproval. He took meals way too seriously sometimes.

Mei set Chizuru's down in front of the new girl and bowed her head before she stood up and headed back to the kitchen once everyone began to eat-ergo, fight for food. She went to fetch more food for Shinpachi. By the time she got back, the expected situation was transpiring. Shinpachi was trying to snatch away Heisuke's food. "Shinpachi…" She groaned in exasperation.

"Well I'm still growing, old man, so I gotta eat more too!" Heisuke protested.

"Sorry you gotta see this, Chizuru. They're always like this…" Harada whispered as he looked at his friends slightly amused but mostly embarrassed.

Everyone began to have their two cent on the situation before Mei slammed a bowl of rice and a plate of fish in front of Shinpachi, "SHINPACHI." She growled, gaining the large mans attention. "Quit picking on Heisuke and eat the damn food I gave you, or fucking starve, do I make myself clear?" She hissed before she stood to her feet again.

"As long as I get a little sake to sip, I'm good." Okita suddenly spoke up, causing Mei to turn to him before she rolled her eyes and got to her knees in front of him. The page grabbed the sake bottle off to the side before pouring him a cup. She bowed her head a bit to him before doing the same with Harada, however, with a warm smile. The green eyed samurai didn't let that detail slip his line of sight, but he wouldn't say anything yet. Instead… "Try not to worry about eating too much or being a freeloader or something, Chizuru. Just eat your little heart out, okay?" He teased.

The comment caused Mei to turn back to him with a glare, "Let her eat in peace you little-"

"Temper, Mei." Harada warned gently, trying to keep the woman from lashing out at Okita.

Mei took a deep breath before she stood to her feet and was about to leave to return to her room for the night, when Inoue opened the door and made her stop in her tracks. "Ah…! Inoue?"

The elder man looked troubled, more so than she had ever seen him before, even when they plotted to kill Serizawa all those months ago. "Apologies, Mei. Does everyone have a moment?" He said as he opened the door wider and stepped inside, glancing at all the men. His voice as leveled and still carried that warmth, however his tone was… Solemn. Everyone in the room became quiet as they looked at the senior. "I've just received word from Osaka. Sanan has been gravely injured in battle." He stated. Everyone, even Chizuru, looked shocked and worried.

"What!?" Chizuru gasped.

Mei's eyes remained wide before she, and Okita, spoke, "What happened?"

"A dry goods store in Osaka was invaded by a group of Ronin … Toshi and Sanan arrived in time to enter the fray and subdue them, however… Sanan was stabbed during the encounter." Inoue explained, his face twisting in pain as he thought of his old friend hurt.

Mei shook her head, "Is his life at risk?"

Inoue turned to Mei, "According to the letter, he is gravely hurt, but the wound is on his left arm." He clenched his fists a bit as he added, "It will be hard for him to wield a blade, but he will almost certainly survive."

All of the warriors in the room looked towards the ground.

"He should be returning here in a few days. Now please, excuse me. I must speak with Kondou." Inoue said before bowing to his comrades then leaving with haste towards Kondou's sleeping quarters.

Everyone was silent for a short while, most of them thinking similar thoughts.

It was Saito who ultimately broke the awkward silence. "An injury so grave, he cannot clutch his sword… Perhaps, the wound severed an artery." He murmured. "To wield a blade with one arm is a disservice… he may never carry a blade again if it's true." He stated.

Mei didn't comment on his statement, being that she wielded her blades with one hand each. This wasn't the time to be upset over something trivial like that.

"Fighting with a single hand would mean less strength behind blows. Against an opponent of similar skill, he would almost certainly lose." Saito added in a low tone.

Okita sighed as he slipped his hands into his sleeves, "If push comes to shove, he'll have to take it. I don't think Sanan's just going to give up."

At that, Mei glared at Souji with such a icey look in her eyes, it was scary. Her hatred for those beings hadn't died down, not in the last 11 years, nor in the last few months. It only grew, festering within her heart, as she was more and more aware of their existence within the Shinsengumi. She didn't think she'd be able to see Sanan as anything but a pitiful, bloodthirsty creature if he ever became a fury. The thought not only aggravated her, but filled her with fear.

"Don't jinx him, Souji. It's gonna look bad if officers start joining the Furies." Shinpachi reprimanded.

"What are… the furies…?" Chizuru suddenly asked, making everyone now very aware of her presence within the room.

Heisuke opened his mouth to explain, when suddenly-

BAM!

Harada got to his feet and punched the boy in the face, sending him back a bit as he hit the floor.

Mei moved on instinct, rushing to Heisuke's side and helping him to sit up as she inspected the wound immediately. She was relieved it would only bruise and be sore for a short while, "Harada. You went too far." She murmured as she looked back at the golden eyed samurai.

"My bad, Heisuke. I slipped first." Shinpachi apologized.

"Is he all right? Sorry…" Harada murmured, looking a little ashamed of his actions.

"It'll bruise if we don't put something cold on it, but he'll be fine…" Mei informed as she looked back to Heisuke.

Heisuke shook his head, "Nah, I should've been watching what I said. Still, Sano, you didn't have to hit me." He smiled weakly before looking at his friend.

Shinpachi turned to Chizuru immediately and frowned, "Chizuru… Everything you just heard is something you are never to repeat." He stated. "I'm sure you're curious, but we can't tell you anything else, so don't ask. And forget what you just heard from Heisuke." His voice remained his usual friendly tone, but his eyes were cold.

Mei frowned, knowing what this girl must have been feeling, so she looked to Harada, "Use your sword on his feet a bit. Press the coldest parts to his cheek, when it gets warm, move the sword to a colder spot. It should help the swelling, and help the bruise to fade quicker." She stated before she moved from Heisuke to Chizuru.

Okita spoke up now, "The Furies that Heisuke spoke about are men to be pitied." He said, as flat as he had ever sounded before.

"It's nothing you need to worry yourself about. You don't have to get all worked up." Shinpachi reassured, however, Mei doubted his words. Everyone should worry about those damned furies.

"Put it from your mind. Involving yourself in our affairs will only put you in greater danger." Saito advised, his eyes closed.

Mei set a hand on Chizuru's head, "... Why don't you finish up eating, and meet me in your room. I'll prepare something sweet for you to drink before bed. It'll help you sleep." She suggested before leaning away and heading to the kitchen. The woman slid the door behind her before she clenched her fists glared at the floor, "Damnit… Sanan… You better not do anything stupid…" She hissed.

-Memory-

Mei sat beneath that tree as she stared up at the moon past the branches. Her mind wandered onto her memories of the past, how far she had come, and who she had become. She remembered those days of solitude, those days of silence… No one around to hear her cry for a hand, or keep her warm when the nights were harsh. And she took it all without whining, without a complaint. Only a passive expression or an anger that could only be quenched by violence. Then her encounter with the Shinsengumi, or rather-the Roshigumi, changed everything. People picked at her, held out their hand, became angry with her, became angry FOR her, fought beside her and worried for her. They chipped at her walls till that passive front became nothing but a far off memory for her.

She laughed with them, smiled and cried for them, even gotten angry at them. Helped their wounds as she nursed them to health. Watched out for them.

They became so important to her without her realizing it, by the time she noticed, she could do nothing about it.

They became her light and pulled her from the darkness that she had became isolated in. They became people she wished to protect. Even if the rank-and-file men gave her a hard time, attempting to dehumanize her, and put her down because of not only her Nationality but her gender. She had never been vocal about the bullying she got from the men to the captains. It was so trivial… But it did make her not want to step out of her room sometimes. She wasn't used to allowing things like emotions to dictate her actions, she was still relearning what emotions were and how to deal with them.

"Mei?"

The female slowly looked over to the veranda to see Sanan, walking along the grass, with his hands in his sleeves and his eyes peeking over his glasses. "It's quite late, you should be in bed." He suggested as he slowly approached the female.

Mei chuckled, "I could say the same for you Sanan… What are you doing up?" She asked.

"I couldn't bring myself to sleep, so I decided to take a stroll." Sanan admitted with a light smile, "Could I take a seat with you?"

"By all means, sit wherever you like." Mei gestured.

Sanan sat beside the tree, just as she did, as he looked up towards the moon. "Mei… I'm not sure if you have heard this before, but I would like to tell you… You are strong."

The sudden praised caused the female to look at Sanan surprised and confused. It came out of nowhere-no warning, no nothing. It was a bit of a shock.

"Most men, if any, cannot wield a katana with one hand. But you, you wield not one, but two with each of your hands as if it were easy." Sanan hummed, "It's admirable, as unpopular as your sword style is, it is just as valuable. You have strength that many would probably never attain at this point in their life. So don't let the words of others make you seem like you cannot fight alongside us… I believe you have proven to be more than just an ally to the Shinsengumi… You are a friend, and warrior."

"How did you-"

"I heard them speaking about you while you were cleaning." He hummed before slowly getting up, "You should really be getting to bed. It's about time we both turned in for the night." He suggested as he began to make his way back to his room.

Mei was left awestruck by the words Sanan spoke, they didn't carry his usual sarcasm, and in fact seemed, dare she say-warm. He left silently, leaving her to remain perplexed by his praise.

-Reality-

Mei punched the counter a bit as the memory flashed through her mind, her eyes shutting as she thought of the man even thinking about drinking the Water of Life. It angered her and yet, also made her want to cry out. "Please… Don't waste your humanity… Sanan."

Hello my lovely readers! I truly appreciate all the support and the love this fanfiction gets. I'm just so glad that I was able to upload this chapter sooner considering work, other FF chapters, roleplay replies and my life have just been so hectic and troubling. I love you all, please review! I love hearing from you all, I want to know what you think so far, what you like and dislike, hope to happen. Favorite and follow so you can stay updated whenever I finally upload chapters! Thank you again to every who's Favorite, followed and reviewed so far I greatly appreciate you all.

Love always,
Chess