Author's Note:

Yes! Shotsuren finally makes it out of its sheath (other than for cleaning). One of my favourite Hakuouki scenes. After this we plunge into the action of the Ikedaya Inn and, good heavens, the demons actually make an appearance.

Thank you for the kind reviews for Chapter 12 from ArchimedesAckermann, nakigaoyuu, and 2human (guest).

And as always... thank you all for staying with this story through all its meanderings. Every favourite, follow and reader is much appreciated!

Welcome to Chapter 13, the fabled "Legend in Her Own Mind"...

~ Imp

A/N: Edited April 29, 2019

Chapter 13 – A Legend in Her Own Min

Since Chizuru knew nothing about cultivating lavender, she thought it would be best to try different soils and light levels. Rather to her surprise, and Okita's amusement, Saitō designed a plan to optimize success. This included using marked clay pots with different types of soil, different watering schedules and different fertilizers. The fertilizer was Kondō's suggestion—he had taken an interest in the experiment, and would now and then request a 'report' from Chizuru, which often led to a pleasant conversation that they both enjoyed. By late May, Chizuru knew that at least some of the lavender seeds had germinated successfully.

For some reason, the first clear sprouts of lavender caused the captains to hold a short, impromptu party out by the well. Even the Commander and Vice Commander came by, and there were a few muffled chuckles when Saitō was heard explaining gravely to Kondō that dryer soil and plentiful sunlight appeared to be the best combination for the new plant.

"You've worked wonders here, it seems," murmured Harada, who had strolled over to stand beside Chizuru, a small saucer in one hand.

Chizuru smiled up at him, delighted to see everyone enjoying a peaceful break together. She had heard that the rumours from the city were alarming, and the Shinsengumi had been involved in numerous small skirmishes with dissidents.

"Yes, the herbs have done quite well, thank you Harada-san! And everyone is very pleased that Hijikata-san's lavender may prosper too."

Harada-san laughed at that for some reason, and for the first time in quite a while his large hand lightly ruffled her hair. She looked up inquiringly.

"Oh, I agree, Chizuru-chan," he said, in answer to her unspoken question, amber eyes glinting in the sunlight. "Your garden has done well too."

Chizuru looked around as Harada-san moved away. She was sensitive to tone and mood, and she could tell that a number of the men present were happy to be there together, but also a little sad. She hesitated, gauging the feelings and the conversations around her. Kondō-san was now telling a story to Gen-san, Okita-san and Heisuke-kun, and they were all laughing aloud, even though each one knew how the story ended. She saw Hijikata-san watching them, and a shadow passed briefly across his face before he joined Nagakura-san and Harada-san under the sakura tree.

"They all – especially Kondō-san and Hijikata-kun – want these moments to be the rule again, rather than the exception. It reminds them of how it once was at the dojo where we all used to train."

Chizuru turned and saw Sannan-san standing nearby, also watching the others, his left arm still in its sling. He was the one person she had seen less and less of throughout the spring. He came to meals in the common room more often than not, but he rarely spoke with her now, and she could tell that he was starting to avoid the other Shinsengumi leaders altogether.

She knew that the Deputy Commander's wounded arm had healed as much as it was likely to; she could sense no immediate, physical pain. But she had watched the shadows grow behind the light brown eyes that were themselves always half-hidden by his glasses. A few times, she had seen Sannan-san out in this quiet courtyard late at night, trying to preserve the strength in his healthy right arm by practicing with his katana. Even to her mostly untrained eye, it was as Saitō-san had said – the movements that should have been sure and powerful had been off-balance and weak.

"Konnichiwa, Sannan-san," she said cheerfully, setting these gloomy thoughts aside resolutely.

"Good afternoon, Yukimura-kun. I was looking for Kondō-san and Hijikata-kun. We were supposed to have a meeting before the evening meal. But I see that there is some kind of special occasion being celebrated?"

His brows lifted inquiringly above his round spectacle frames. He was as polite as always, but somehow, he conveyed the impression that he was used to being left out of anything pleasant that might be going on. Chizuru hastened to correct his misimpression, even though she knew that much of his isolation was self-imposed these days.

"Ah, no, Sannan-san. It is only that today, we were able to confirm that a number of the lavender seeds that Hijikata-san provided to me appear to be viable and are growing well. Saitō-san and Okita-san came here after their patrol, and Harada-san and Heisuke-kun were already in the courtyard… Truly, I do not know exactly how it all came about, Sannan-san."

"Is anybody cooking our evening meal?" Sannan asked gently.

"Oh…" Chizuru looked around. Harada-san and Nagakura-san were walking toward them.

"Sannan-san!" called Nagakura. "We've come to ask Chizuru-chan to help us with dinner tonight." He grinned at Chizuru. "Since we decided to have a party, we should have a meal to go with it, don't you think?"

"Yukimura-kun is certainly a better cook than either of you," Sannan allowed, his expression lightening. "Well then, you had probably best go in now. Perhaps I'll have a cup of sake with Hijikata-san…"

For some reason, all three men smiled at that, and Sannan seemed in a better mood as he crossed to where the Vice Commander was trying to extract Kondō-san from a rather lively circle made up of Okita-san, Heisuke-kun and … well, no, Saitō-san didn't exactly look "lively". But he was smiling slightly as he sipped from his small cup.

The moment Chizuru looked towards the group, Saitō turned his head, set down his cup, and walked to meet her and her two tall companions. For once, Chizuru could sense his presence, as if his formidable control had relaxed a little for a time. He seemed… content.

"You are going to assist with the meal?" he asked Chizuru.

"I think so – at least…"

"There is no difficulty, I will tidy here."

"Thank you, Saitō-san!"

He gave her an expressionless look, nodded to the two captains, and moved back toward the garden.

"You know, he keeps telling you to stop thanking him," Harada said with a slight smile. "I think you're starting to annoy him."

"Yeah, and you really don't want to annoy Saitō," added Nagakura. "I hear he can be pretty mean when he wants to be."

"Saitō-san?" asked Chizuru, frowning. "No, Nagakura-san, that doesn't seem very likely to me. He's very patient."

Blue eyes met amber for a moment above her head.

"Well, as I said before, Chizuru-chan, you've done wonders," Harada said lightly.

Nagakura-san turned away with an unconvincing cough. Chizuru knew they were amused at something, most likely her, but there was nothing malicious in it so she let it go in favour of enjoying the evening – including cooking a meal with two of the Shinsengumi's more outgoing spirits. And they were less destructive than Heisuke, so she could overlook the occasional chuckles at her expense.

The next day, Chizuru was washing dishes by the well after breakfast when it occurred to her that perhaps now it was finally time to ask again about finding her father. Everyone had seemed to relax yesterday. Maybe they would finally trust her enough? It had been almost six months since she'd arrived…

She looked over at Saitō-san, serious and focussed as always as he moved tirelessly, swing after swing, through one of his sword katas. Okita-san was watching him from the wooden walkway, half-leaning against a post, chewing meditatively on a piece of grass.

She stood there gathering her courage, alternately glancing at Saitō-san and the bowl in her hands. Before she could speak, however, the Third Division captain had sheathed his sword and turned to face her, so that when she next looked up her gaze was caught by his unwavering dark blue eyes.

"Is there something that you wish to ask me, Yukimura-kun?"

She froze for a moment like a startled animal. Okita-san was also looking at her now, green eyes inquisitive. It occurred to her that he had seemed kinder over the last two weeks. She took a deep breath and set down the bowl, wiping her hands on the drying cloth.

"Aa."

She took another breath and pressed her hands together.

"Would it be possible for me to go search for my father, Saitō-san? It has been six months since I arrived in Kyoto and… there has been no word of him. I would recognize him at a glance! I swear that I would not try to run away, but I came here to find my father and I am worried about him."

She had met the sapphire eyes steadily throughout, but she finally lowered her gaze, realizing that she had behaved more like the boy that she pretended to be than the girl she actually was.

"Please Saitō-san."

"It is not possible at this time. We do not have enough men to escort you."

Even with her eyes lowered, she saw Saitō-san restart his pattern. She sighed.

"Well, you could go with us on our patrols," Okita said in a slightly provocative tone.

She looked up at him, wide-eyed. He had been looking at Saitō-san, but he shifted his gaze to her and smiled. She never knew whether to trust that smile. Okita-san could be almost as hard to read as Saitō-san, although for different reasons. The green-eyed man seemed capable of masking his presence, but more often he was unreadable because he projected so many things at once.

"Really, Okita-san? Please take me with you, then!"

"But it's dangerous, and we can't afford to look after you. So, you could only come if you're able to protect yourself."

She could tell that he expected the matter to end there, but she picked up her kodachi from where she had laid it nearby and gripped it firmly in her hands. With calm determination, she met Okita-san's eyes.

"I can protect myself, Okita-san. I took lessons in self-defence with the short sword for several years."

"Really?" The First Division Captain stared at her appraisingly, evidently taken aback. "Since you didn't draw your sword when we first saw you, we assumed it was just… part of your disguise."

Chizuru heard the measured sound of Saitō-san's katana moving through the air stop. She knew he had turned to look at her again.

"Show me."

"I – I beg your pardon, Saitō-san?"

Hesitantly, she turned toward the indigo-haired man. His expression was as remote as she had ever seen it.

"I will test you. If you are able to defend yourself then I will recommend to the Vice Commander to allow you to patrol with us."

Okita-san stirred a little at this.

"Really, Saitō? She's…" He shook his head dubiously, but didn't complete his thought.

"You gave your word. She has the right to try."

Saitō-san turned his attention back to Chizuru, who was securing her kodachi in her sash. She was nervous, but still clung to the determination that had carried her this far. It might not work, but she was going to do her best to show them that she was not helpless.

Her examiner studied her for a few moments, gauging her stance and confidence. Not for the first time, though not yet acknowledged, he admired the steel resolution in her small frame. For as long as it was compatible with his orders, he would ensure that she wasn't hurt. In any event, the Shinsengumi – through the Commander – had promised to protect her, as long as she didn't betray them.

He took up a relaxed stance, katana and wakizashi both sheathed on his right hip, hands at his sides.

"Come at me with your strongest attack."

Chizuru was at first confused and then upset. He hadn't even drawn his sword! Her hand remained poised above her hilt, unwilling to unsheathe the blade against an undefended opponent. After several months with Saitō-san and Okita-san the blade was not only clean and oiled, but honed to a fine edge.

Saitō-san frowned when she wouldn't draw, thin dark brows forming a vee above a darkening expression.

"Yukimura, is that sword just for show? If you will not draw your blade when you need it, then we waste our time here."

Chizuru's frown almost matched that of her would-be opponent. Reluctantly, she drew her sword and held it in front of her, sun reflecting off the polished steel.

"It's not just for show! But… I could kill you!"

There was a moment of absolute silence, and then Okita-san's expression changed from sardonic to astonished. He burst out laughing, a deep, honest laugh that lit up his emerald eyes.

"You're worried you could kill Saitō?! Your skill with a sword must be legendary, Chizuru-chan! Hey, who knew?! Oh man, wait until I tell the guys! You're the best Chizuru-chan!"

Chizuru watched him laugh, still frowning.

"But I could seriously injure Saitō-san, Okita-san! It's dangerous!"

The auburn-haired man was laughing too hard to respond at once. Saitō-san still hadn't moved. Chizuru couldn't tell what he was thinking, but he didn't seem angry.

"O-okay, Chizuru-chan…" Okita said, eventually capable of speech again, "I get it. But if you don't let Saitō test you, then you definitely can't go out with us."

Finally, the graven image that was the Shinsengumi's Third Division Captain spoke:

"If you do not wish to risk harming me, Yukimura, then you may use the back of your blade."

Okita's chuckles faded, and he registered something like surprise when Chizuru took Saitō at his word and deliberately reversed her blade so that the back faced down instead of the edge.

"Ready!" she called.

"In your own time."

Having made her decision, Chizuru tightened her grip, shouted her challenge, and drove forward with her best attack, sword unwavering. In all honesty, she was much faster than the First Division Captain had expected, and she showed no hesitation in her stroke. However…

There was a blur of motion. In one smooth movement, Saitō's katana cleared its sheath, knocked Chizuru's kodachi from her hand, and stopped at the girl's throat. The tableau froze there for a heartbeat, and then the black-robed man silently replaced his sword and straightened his white scarf. Chizuru stood mute with shock, velvet brown eyes so wide they were almost round.

Okita mentally applauded the consummate skill of the other captain. He'd seen the move hundreds of times – faced it more times than he cared to count – but the control required to gauge an unknown opponent's speed and strength and then pull one's own blow perfectly so as not to injure the other's hand or throat was worth admiring.

"You'd be dead if Hajime-kun had actually wanted to kill you," Okita commented to Chizuru. "But don't feel too bad, he's a master of the Iai style. You never had a chance, but neither would most people."

Saitō walked over and picked up the girl's short-sword. Her eyes tracked his movements, but she was still frozen to the spot. And yet – the courage was still there. She hadn't screamed or cringed or fainted. He was pleased that she was unharmed.

"You should thank your teacher," he told her, as he held out the kodachi. "Your blade was unclouded."

Chizuru shook her head as if to clear it, and finally sheathed her sword.

"He means you did okay," Okita clarified. "Praise from Hajime-kun! That's rare."

"You have sufficient skill to come with us on our patrols," said Saitō calmly. "I will inform the Vice Commander. The final decision must be his."

Chizuru bowed, still overwhelmed. The two swordsmen walked away toward the inner rooms of the house.

"A-arigatou gozaimasu!" she called after them, genuinely grateful.

Okita-san turned back to Chizuru, and this time she thought she knew his smile all too well.

"Sure, Chizuru-chan. But if you try to run – or interfere with a patrol… we'll kill you."

Chizuru just watched as he followed Saitō-san around a corner and out of sight. Then she sighed, the memory of the sunlit steel at her throat a few minutes before all too vivid. How could she have forgotten that first night? This was the skill of a captain of the Shinsengumi. She had not been wrong—it was beautiful death.

She was still standing there, lost in thought, when Harada came looking for her. He was about to ask why she hadn't brought back the dishes yet, when he caught her expression. Instead of asking questions, he crossed the short distance between them and gently sat her down on the edge of the walkway. They were still sitting there together in silence when Saitō came to say that Hijikata-san wanted to speak with her.

"Well, I'll just get these dishes then," Harada said with a smile. He helped the girl up onto the walkway, the warmth of his hand giving silent encouragement with whatever was going on.

"Thank you, Harada-san," Chizuru told him. "I'll… see you later then."

He watched to make sure that she didn't mind going with Saitō, but she just took a deep breath and trotted off behind him, leaving Harada to watch them go.

A/Note: I hope you enjoyed this scene... It's a blend of the game, the anime and my own take on the characters in my story. In every version, one has to wonder - why did Saito go out of his way to help Chizuru get out on patrol? And like Chizuru, I have no idea where the party in the first part of this chapter came from. I think there's a bit of "calm before the storm" going on - one last happy party before things get (more) complicated. :)