Author's Note:

Well, it's been a roller-coaster as I've introduced you to the truly AU aspects of my story. Thank you all very much for the kind, encouraging and insightful reviews over the last several rather breathless chapters. Your various comments have helped me shape how I have presented and will present my ideas on the Oni and on the part-Oni Shinsengumi.

I completely agree with all those who have noted that some people haven't even gotten a nap in since the Ikedaya - that's pretty rough on the Shinsengumi leadership, especially with Kondou-san and Gen-san off being wined and dined by various dignitaries. Oni power is a harsh mistress. Or something like that...

Welcome to those who have found this story more recently. I always try to write back to all reviewers through PMs. Also, if you ever have questions or comments that you'd rather send to me directly, please feel free to send a PM.

Bienvenu en particulier à NyaPowa. :)

To my Guest readers - hello! (wave)

And so, onward...

Quote for the Quarter-Century Chapter:

Some roads will get you to heaven
Some roads will only wear down your shoes
Some roads you know will be hellbound
But there's a road that'll get you through
Love is the soul's road calling you

So where is that road? - Soul's Road, Gowan

Chapter 25 – Crime and Punishment, Part II

In the center of an ordinary room lay an extraordinary man. His like had not been seen in many centuries and his existence could throw an ancient race into an internal conflict that it would not survive. He was a part-blood Oni who had managed a full physical transformation and taken the first, critical step toward reclaiming the power of his full-blood ancestors.

While this man was innocent of the knowledge that could have predicted the inevitable storm to come, the two Oni with him were not. The warrior and the princess had each made a conscious choice to save the man's life and maybe their race in the long term. Maybe. The cost would be too high if Kazama Chikage ultimately decided to turn against them.

[I]

It was either very late, or very early, depending on your point of view. For Hijikata Toshizō, it was at least twenty-four hours past the time when he should have gotten some sleep. Unfortunately, sleep was going to have to wait – again.

The man beside him was almost as tired and had been up just as long, but he also showed no signs of moving. At the moment they were both watching the strange sight only a few feet away, where two Oni knelt to each side of a third white-haired form whose body bore the unmistakable signs of a mortal struggle.

Saitō's skin was paper white in some places and raw, bleeding red in others. From the center of his chest spread a livid bruise which itself surrounded a hand's-breadth of scorched flesh. Other than its unnatural pallor and the black smudges pressed deeply into the skin under the half-lidded golden eyes, the face still resembled the austere young human of a few hours before. However, long white hair fanned out around Saitō's head, falling away from two white horns.

"Amagiri-san?" The name was spoken hesitantly, in a voice not only rough with suffering but one or two tones lower than its usual pitch.

"Saitō-kun. I am pleased to see you are well."

It was fortunate that the warriors present understood "well" to mean "still alive". In contrast, Sen-hime looked taken aback as she studied the burns, bruises and wounds.

"Okage sama de," Saitō said quietly to the red-haired man.

Amagiri looked across at Sen-hime, who nodded for him to finish the ritual.

"We welcome you, Saitō Hajime, Third Division Captain of the Shinsengumi. Good health and long life to you. May you choose your mate wisely, raise your children with honour and bring prosperity to the clans."

"I am in your hands," murmured Saitō. The golden eyes finally closed in exhaustion.

He did not see Amagiri-san or Sen-hime shift effortlessly back to their human forms, although he sensed it. It was sufficient to lie still and not be in pain. Obviously a great deal had happened and it would take time to recover enough to be able assimilate the changes. There was absolutely nothing he could do right at this moment so he would be patient.

Hijikata rose to his feet, followed by Sannan-san.

"We have to talk. But first, Saitō needs his wounds treated – or does he?" He directed an inquiring look at Amagiri-san, but it was the Oni princess who answered.

"He will rest easier and heal more quickly if he is comfortable. Perhaps Chizuru-chan could help him? He should really have Amagiri here, but there are things that we must discuss urgently – privately – and Kimigiku prefers to be at my side."

The Vice Commander glanced at his immediate superior, but Sannan-san didn't seem inclined to answer.

"Will Yukimura be safe with Saitō?" Hijikata asked bluntly. He didn't bother to ask how Sen-hime had suddenly become acquainted with the other girl.

With his eyes closed, Saitō greatly resembled one of the rasetsu and that was a large part of Hijikata's concern; he'd never been happy with the decision to undertake that so-called research. He had no idea how similar these Oni were to the furies and Saitō appeared to be one of them. And that was a problem all on its own. Where were his loyalties now?

"Yukimura-san will be safe," Amagiri confirmed with absolute certainty. He was still thinking about the additional complication of the origins of the unknown Oni girl, which he had finally surmised from the name in Saitō's mind. Once Kazama knew that she was the heir to the Eastern Clans he would likely become even more unmanageable.

"Very well then," Hijikata was saying, "but I'll leave Yamazaki on guard outside just in case."

The tall Oni just shrugged and put on the black jacket that he had set aside earlier.

"There is much still to do, Fukuchō, I do not dispute this. However, both the Princess and I have limits." His blue eyes seemed to suggest that the human Vice Commander might have limits as well, but he was too polite to mention it.

Without another word, Hijikata crossed the room, found and set out Saitō's futon. Sen-hime bowed slightly to Sannan-san.

"If you would be kind enough to escort me outside, Deputy Commander," she said softly, lowering her eyes demurely. "I believe that your medic is in need of assistance. Among others."

Sannan's face quickly masked his surprise at her request, leaving only a polite but somewhat ironic half-smile. He bowed deeply and as gracefully as his awkward left arm would allow.

"As you wish, Sen-hime."

[II]

Once the door closed, Amagiri looked warily at Hijikata and found the look returned in kind. As far as either of them could tell, Saitō was either unconscious or so profoundly asleep that they couldn't tell the difference.

"He will not want Yukimura-san to see him like this, despite what Sen-hime believes," Amagiri said after a moment.

Hijikata nodded in agreement. He felt simultaneously pleased and annoyed that the Oni understood these things.

"I'll see if there's water handy," he responded.

Amagiri located fresh clothing. Together, he and the Vice Commander worked rapidly to wipe away the worst of the blood and sweat. Fortunately, Saitō kept a shallow basin of wash water as well as a water jug in his room. When they saw the first visible signs that Saitō was actually starting to heal, Amagiri didn't bother to hide his relief.

"Ability to heal varies," he said in response to Hijikata's questioning look. "Healing, strength, speed – all of these depend on natural talent and adaptation following the Ritual of Body. Some Oni are able to develop their physical skills to an advanced degree. Saitō Hajime is a warrior who has likely been training most of his life; there is a good chance that he will eventually be able to heal rapidly. As with many things connected to the Oni, belief and perception is critical."

"What does that mean?" asked Hijikata, curious despite his best efforts to stay aloof.

They had finally moved Saitō to his futon and dressed him in one of his white under-kimonos. Now Hijikata was watching as Amagiri deftly combed out the worst of the matted, tangled hair. He found it profoundly disorienting to see Saitō with white hair and gold eyes and horns.

"It means that how and what we think can greatly affect how well we do things. It is similar to how morale affects your troops but more pronounced. So the more Saitō believes himself to be an Oni, the faster and better he will heal. I was concerned that he might not regenerate at all, which would be a grave disadvantage for him. Fortunately, it appears that his practical instincts as a warrior have overcome his natural disbelief. He is an uncommonly rational man."

"Hmm." Hijikata had reached his limit for sharing insight with a potential enemy. "Well, I suppose we should fetch Yukimura now."

[III]

Yamazaki appeared to be unconscious but stirring. Sannan knelt swiftly to check on the black-clad man and then tried to rouse him.

"Yamazaki?"

The medic looked up, saw his Deputy Commander on one knee beside him and hurriedly pulled himself together. Sannan raised a hand before he could start apologizing.

"No need, Yamazaki-kun. You were not the only one… affected. We are now resolving the issue. If you are well enough, continue to stand guard here."

"Wakarimashita." Determined to make up for his embarrassing failure, Yamazaki rose quickly and scanned the area. "Deputy Commander – is that Okita-san?"

Not far away, a familiar figure was sitting on the edge of the engawa, sheathed sword beside him and one hand against his chest. His head was turned toward them and his trademark grin suddenly showed white in the gloom.

"Ah, ohayo gozaimasu Sannan-san. At least, I assume that the sun will rise eventually, ne?"

"Yes, that is Okita-kun," Sannan agreed with Yamakazi dryly. "Another casualty, your highness?"

Sen smiled briefly at him, curious about the man who had been injured by Chikage, but more tired than she cared to show. Maintaining multiple shields and mental links, not to mention summoning Amagiri in the first place, had been challenging, exacting work and she was almost spent.

"I don't know, Deputy Commander. Perhaps your medic should examine him. After that, there is also the matter of Harada-san. Given his involvement in the original affair, he was likely affected."

Sannan-san's eyebrows rose. "But if they heard something, Sen-hime, why isn't the entire compound awake?"

"I blocked any normal sounds. Evidently I could not shield all of the mental noise; apparently I misjudged the strong bonds between your captains." Sen didn't feel the need to add that she'd never actually participated in any Testing Ritual quite like the one just performed.

As Yamazaki moved to examine Okita, there was the sound of footsteps and arguing voices and then Harada and Nagakura came into sight further along the wooden walkway. The men had evidently been fighting and sported what would eventually be fine bruises, split lips, and a black eye apiece.

"Sorry Deputy Commander. He's fast for such a beanpole and he finally went right by me. I thought he'd given up." Nagakura was panting slightly. "Bastard was quiet for ages, I swear…"

"How is Saitō, Sannan-san," asked Harada immediately, coming to a stop.

"Hey, almost everyone's here!" Okita chirped brightly. "Aren't you going to introduce us to the girl, Sannan-san?"

"I know you!" Harada said almost at the same time, suddenly seeing Sen and not giving Sannan a chance to answer his first question. "But what are you – hey! Sannan-san, she's going to -"

The spearman caught hold of her as she crumpled. Sannan decided to put an end to the dramatics. He was almost certain he'd caught the ghost of a smile when Sen-hime had fainted. She'd done it very gracefully, he conceded. He doubted that the others had been fooled either, but it was difficult to call her out on it and it created a useful distraction.

"Saitō is alive, Harada-kun. Nagakura-kun, you and Yamazaki-kun get Okita back to his room and while you're at it, check on Tōdō. Yamazaki-kun, as soon as you're done, resume your place outside Saitō's door. Nagakura-kun, meet us in the common room. Harada-kun, we'll wait for Sen-hime to recover and then go to the common room."

Yamazaki, Nagakura and Okita left as instructed, although not without reluctance in Okita's case. He demanded to be told what "alive" meant and whether they'd gone ahead and punished Saitō even though he'd obviously been out of his mind to begin with. Only Nagakura's threat to pick him up and carry him had shut him up at last.

Harada wanted to ask the same questions as Okita, but he waited for the others to leave, since Sannan-san could be as scary as Hijikata-san when he got that particularly icy look on his face. He shifted his hold on the girl, who was still clasped against his right side, and her eyes blinked open. His suspicions about the convenient faint were confirmed when she straightened with a bright smile and a twinkle in her magenta eyes. He immediately loosened his hold.

"Thank you Harada-san. It would have been very awkward if you hadn't caught me. I think I'm beginning to understand why my cousin likes it here." She clasped her hands in front of her chest. "I'm Sen, by the way."

"Uh… Sen… -hime?" Harada ventured, suddenly remembering what Shinpachi had told him. "And, who is your cousin? "

"Well, second cousin. My mother was her father's cousin."

"You mean Chizuru-chan? She didn't tell us she had family here…"

"Oh, well, families do lose touch sometimes, right?"

He gave her a straight, serious look out of his amber eyes and she suddenly realized that fatigue was making her say more than she should. He didn't quite believe her, which was fair enough, but on top of that he was warning her not to take him too lightly, especially not right now.

"Maybe they do, sometimes," he finally agreed. Then he tilted his head slightly with a warm smile and held her eyes. "It's great to meet you properly this time. I did try to catch up with you, you know."

Sen blinked. She had only been teasing Kimigiku before – mostly – but it suddenly dawned on her that even tired, upset and hurt he was extremely attractive. She gave herself a hard mental shake. I really have to be more careful. And I'm pretty sure he still has some kind of interest in Chizuru.

"Uh, Princess?"

Now he just looked polite and a little puzzled. Sannan-san also seemed to be waiting for her to say something. She tried to make herself think.

"… Does Hijikata-san know where we'll be meeting?"

"Yes. Shall we go, then?"

"Of course, Deputy Commander."

Sannan-san bowed slightly and then led the way toward the meeting place. Harada-san automatically walked to her left along the edge of the engawa and she was startled to realize that he'd sensed how tired she was and was watching in case she stumbled. It made her a little nervous, for the first time, to be alone with these men, although it wasn't precisely that she felt threatened. They weren't typical humans in any way, but somehow it was different to know that in practice rather than in theory.

Kimigiku?

I will be there momentarily, Princess.

They entered a bigger room that appeared to be used for both meetings and meals. Sannan-san sat in what was clearly his usual place. Harada-san placed a cushion for Sen so that she would be facing both commanders once Hijikata arrived, as well as a cushion clearly intended for Kimigiku. He then quietly took a place toward the back corner of the room and focussed his unusual eyes on his hands. Sen-hime took the opportunity to close her eyes and regain her equilibrium.

Not long after, Nagakura-san and Kimigiku came in. Sen opened her eyes and smiled at her bodyguard, who bowed to her and then waited to be introduced before taking a seat.

"Sannan-san, Sano, this is Kimigiku-san, bodyguard to Sen-hime. Kimigiku-san, this is Deputy Commander Sannan Keisuke and Captain Harada Sanosuke."

Nagakura-san completed his introductions by bowing politely to Sen and then sat down with apparent relief beside his friend. He did not appear to be especially comfortable with formality; Sen had the distinct impression that it was Sannan-san's presence that compelled it. She watched as the two captains exchanged wordless glances that apparently settled their earlier dispute and also forgave any damage done. She found it rather fascinating.

Polite bows and greetings were exchanged, and Kimigiku took her place beside Sen. Sen was amused to note that Harada-san was frowning slightly at her shinobi, as if trying to place her. Well, Kimigiku had said that he and some of the other Shinsengumi had occasionally visited the expensive teahouse where the shinobi combined her profession as a geiko with her information-gathering activities.

Time seemed to pass slowly, but in reality it was only ten minutes later Hijikata-san and Amagiri entered and the final introductions were completed. The tension in the room rose appreciably with Amagiri's presence. Sen was not surprised to find that while she and her shinobi were regarded with suspicion but no appreciable fear or hostility, the same could not be said for the imposing male Oni.

Harada-san and Nagakura-san were especially unhappy with his presence, apparently on behalf of an injured friend. Amagiri himself was as impassive as usual, and knelt in silence throughout the protests of the two captains. Hijikata-san silenced them almost immediately in any event.

"The two of you didn't want Saitō to die, right? You both made that pretty clear to me after things went off the rails earlier. Well this man's the only reason that he didn't, as far as I can tell. So shut the hell up."

"The Vice Commander and I require his presence at this meeting whatever our personal sentiments may be," the Deputy Commander said more temperately, but with chilly impatience. "We will now proceed."

He nodded at Amagiri.

"I came at the request of Sen-hime. She was concerned that Saitō-taichō would die if I could not help him master the power he used earlier to attack Harada-san. Once I understood that Saitō- taichō was being held pending disciplinary action I suggested resolving the matters together. As most here can now testify, the process required to allow the captain to live through the consequences of his actions was severe."

Harada shot to his feet, hands balled into fists.

"That was you? You made him scream like that? You goddamm son-of-a-"

Nagakura hit him in the stomach hard enough to double him over gasping for breath. An instant later, Hijikata was also there, one hand clenched in the top of the red hair. He glared into the furious, near-gold eyes of the Tenth Division Captain.

"Don't do this Harada. You have to hear this out. Otherwise I'll have to discipline you too and nobody wants that. You will hold onto your temper or I'll lock you up until you can. Are we clear?"

Harada hesitated and then nodded once, unable or unwilling to speak. His eyes were still ominously light, but Hijikata let go of his hair and he sank backward against the wall.

Amagiri's calm was absolute.

"Sen-hime, Kimigiku-san and I are not human, we are Oni. We had reason to believe that Saitō-taichō had Oni ancestry and so Sen-hime was watching over him. When he was unable to control the power that started to manifest recently, the Princess came here to his aid and asked me to help him survive his adaptation. He has done so, but it is the first time that a part-Oni of his power has ever done so within my knowledge. He has great courage."

"Harada-san," said Sen in her gentlest voice, "Saitō-san would have died without Amagiri's help. In fact, Amagiri had to endure much of the trial with him, although he suffered less since he already has the ability to channel the power that was causing your comrade so much anguish."

"That aside," Kimigiku said in blunter tones, "you are currently demonstrating the same symptoms as your comrade, Harada-taichō. If we are right, you have already begun to question certain anomalies. Therefore, I recommend that you do not alienate those who might be able to assist you."

Harada stared at the two women for a long moment and then at Amagiri.

"I'll think about it," he said at last in a low voice.

"And now we must return to the matter of Saitō, who is accused of leaving his patrol and of threatening a fellow-officer."

Sannan-san's matter-of-fact tones brought everyone's attention back to the most immediate matter.

"Harada-kun, you were the one threatened. You have said that you do not wish us to propose a severe punishment. Is that still your wish?"

"Yes."

"Hijikata, I believe that we are in agreement that neither of the offenses can be overlooked."

"Aa." Hijikata's arms were crossed and his scowl was formidable.

"Then the only question is whether the punishment that has already been exacted and witnessed is sufficient. I am prepared to rule that it was sufficient. Hijikata?"

"I concur."

"Harada?"

Harada looked up, obviously surprised to be included in the final decision.

"Yes, absolutely. More than sufficient."

"Then in the Commander's absence I rule that no further punishment will be required. Hijikata, you will inform Saitō as soon as you deem it advisable."

[IV]

Chizuru had involuntarily returned to her human form the moment that Saitō-san was out of danger. Kimigiku had assured her that eventually she would have much more control.

"Although, Yukimura-sama, when you are very angry or feel seriously threatened you may find it difficult not to change."

This time Chizuru was too overwhelmed to notice the shinobi's slip and she didn't comment on the excessive honorific.

"Will he be alright, Kimigiku-san? It seemed like he was in pain."

The other woman hesitated and then decided to tell the truth.

"He was in a great deal more pain than Sen-hime and Amagiri-san allowed you to realize. I assume that he will be alright. The Testing Ritual has been completed. My lady and Amagiri-san have now welcomed Saitō-san to the clans."

"May I see him now?"

Kimigiku smiled at that. At some point she had also resumed her human form.

"Sen-hime will arrange it. Although I should mention that she is very curious…"

"Curious?"

"Yes. When everything hung in the balance, you were the one who persuaded him that accepting Amagiri's help without reserve was preferable to death. While that seems like an easy choice to you, for Saitō-san it meant admitting that he needed help to control his own body and worse, it required him to absolutely acknowledge a close bond with a man who had recently been his enemy. The strongest Oni magic does not allow half-hearted measures; therefore, the acknowledgment had to be genuine and free from doubt."

Chizuru nodded dubiously; she could see the shape of the problem, but her own nature was open, so as Kimigiku had said, the choice seemed straightforward to her. But she had spent a great deal of time with Saitō-san now, and that helped.

"I think I understand, a little, Kimigiku-san."

"Very well. Then you will understand why we are curious about the relationship between you and Saitō-san. At your entreaty he overcame an almost insurmountable hurdle. I asked earlier what he is to you – a lover, a brother or a friend. You could not or would not answer the question. Yet you clearly mean a great deal to him…"

Chizuru was blushing a deep red. Her hands fluttered in front of her face.

"He was… that is, I thought… that he was becoming a friend to me. I never considered… anything else."

"Why not?" Kimigiku asked frankly. "I only studied them as part of gathering information for the Princess, but they are unquestionably good-looking men on the whole. And while I must deplore their tendency to solve their problems by killing, I will admit that they have fewer options than I do."

"I… I had not really noticed, Kimigiku-san," Chizuru lied.

"No, not even Hijikata-san? His beauty is remarkable, in my opinion."

"Ah, well, perhaps I did notice… that. But, Kimigiku-san, you look very much alike – you are v-very beautiful too. Perhaps…"

To Chizuru's great surprise, the woman opposite her laughed. It was a genuine, lovely sound.

"We will obviously have to talk more in the future, Yukimura-sama. No, I am not interested in the handsome Fukuchō in that way; in this case, I merely admire beauty for beauty's sake. You have evaded my questions quite well, haven't you? You are wise to do so, except that I'm not sure how much time you will have to sort out your thoughts in the present situation. Would you like my impressions on the matter?"

Still desperately embarrassed but as curious as always, Chizuru nodded emphatically.

"Well then, I think you have a young girl's natural crush on a very good-looking man who is also – in your view! – safely out of reach. But the men that you spend your time with have become dear to you, especially since it seems that they have treated you with more kindness and good sense than I ever would have expected from any man let alone these men. I think that if you were not so hesitant to trust your own judgment you would see that your feelings are not really all that unclear."

Kimigiku rose gracefully and went to look out the window so that the girl could recover her countenance a little. She spoiled her good intentions almost immediately, however, by giving in to her own inner amusement.

"Let me ask you something, Yukimura-sama," she asked gently, but with a ripple of laughter in her voice. "Why do all your clothes smell like his? I do wonder about such things. And sandalwood is rather distinctive..."

Chizuru could only be grateful that the other woman had turned away. She could feel her ears burning so brightly that they hurt.

At that moment, she heard footsteps outside the door and then the Vice Commander's voice.

"Yukimura, Kimigiku-san. Excuse me."

The door slid open brusquely and Hijikata-san entered along with a man she recognized from the Ikedaya. Chizuru tried to will her heartbeat to slow, without any noticeable success. With a deep breath, she rose and bowed to her somewhat unexpected guests. Hijikata-san returned his usual quick nod, but the other man bowed deeply.

"Yukimura-sama, I am very pleased to meet you in person. My name is Amagiri Kyūjyu. I hope that we will have the opportunity to speak more in the future."

Chizuru stared at him in bewilderment, though without hostility. She had not associated the constant unseen presence that had supported Saitō-san through his terrible ordeal with the big man who had nearly killed Heisuke. She found it very difficult to reconcile the mental impression she had formed over the hour and more of Saitō-san's suffering with the terrible wound on the youngest captain's forehead. And the form of address was starting to sink in as well, which raised even more questions.

"We need to go, Yukimura. Could you look after Saitō while we meet with our… guests? He is doing much better, but I don't want to leave him alone. Yamazaki will stay on guard outside the door, but I'd rather he didn't go in just yet."

The brown-eyed girl was tremendously grateful for Hijikata-san's dry, unemotional tones, although the request made her self-conscious in a way that it wouldn't have a day ago.

"Of course, Hijikata-san. I'll go right away." She stooped and picked up the small medical satchel she kept handy now for emergencies. She had carried it at the Ikedaya, she realized – and that was only the night before.

Chizuru looked around for Kimigiku, but somehow the woman had managed to leave without her noticing. She saw Amagiri-san nod gravely at her.

"The shinobi is very adept at what she does. You will excuse her, I am sure. She has been very worried about Sen-hime."

"Oh… yes, of course. Osen-chan and Kimigiku-san have been very kind. So, ah, I'll go now then?"

"We'll go with you," Hijikata replied. "Just to make sure everything is alright."

"O-Okay."

Amagiri-san politely held the door for the other two. Chizuru managed just enough awareness despite her very long and troubling day to notice that neither man felt comfortable with the other one behind him. Consequently, she made her way to Saitō-san's room with more of her attention on her two solemn attendants, who walked like a nobleman's escort side-by-side behind her, than on her suddenly constricting heart.

A/Note:

I have a number of people to thank since last time, but for now I'd just like to send a special hello to ArchimedesAckermann, who recently posted her own Hakuouki story The World Rests At Your Feet that you may want to check out.

Archimedes-chan is the first person I have done beta-reading for on this site. :)

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