AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Wow... Chapter 40... hard to believe. I have enjoyed this very much, despite some occasional moments of doubt and hair-tearing. :)
Special thanks to the reviewers for Chapter 39:
nakigaoyuu : For your kind reviews and encouragement! (And for pointing out things I've missed... lol)
red1Rogue : For your continuous encouragement and insightful (and often very witty!) reviews, comments and discussions (by PM, tumblr, whatever!)
NyaPowa : For your fascinating suggestions and insights, both in reviews and by PM comments. Your encouragement is much appreciated. [Side note to other fans: If you like fluff, romance and outright hot-ness, NyaPowa is your advocate! ;)
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I'll also mention here that there was a slight delay in posting this chapter for two reasons: (1) I've been on holiday (and I got SO spoiled); and (2) it just kept getting longer...
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Finally, if you feel like visiting me on tumblr, please do, but be warned that my blog is nothing exciting - although there's a fair bit of Hakuouki (cough! Saitou! cough!) stuff.
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Quotes / Lyrics for This Chapter:
Don't the hours grow shorter as the days go by
You never get to stop and open your eyes
One day you're waiting for the sky to fall
The next you're dazzled by the beauty of it all
When you're lovers in a dangerous time
Lovers in a dangerous time
These fragile bodies of touch and taste
This vibrant skin - this hair like lace
Spirits open to the thrust of grace
Never a breath you can afford to waste
When you're lovers in a dangerous time
Lovers in a dangerous time
- Bruce Cockburn (verses 1 & 2)
"The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved - loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves." ― Victor Hugo
Chapter 40 – Lovers in a Dangerous Time
[I - Moving Pieces]
Amagiri called a polite warning before opening the door to the main receiving room, where Kimigiku was just pouring tea for Sen-hime and Harada-san. He was curious about the undercurrents he could sense.
Kimigiku-san still seemed torn between approval and disapproval regarding Harada-san, although nothing showed on her lovely face. Amagiri still wasn't precisely sure what that was about, but he could guess. For Kimigiku-san, as for himself, it was difficult to believe that anybody not born into one of the ruling families could be considered for Sen-hime as a potential partner. Even as he crossed the floor and bowed to Sen-hime, he was assessing the other red-haired man, who was smiling at the princess in a very engaging way. He turned almost at once to Amagiri, however, and acknowledged him with a polite bow.
Whether as a potential match or just in himself, Harada-san was interesting, Amagiri thought. He managed to be open and direct while retaining a very healthy measure of thoughtful skepticism. He didn't appear to have the same innate power that was apparent in Saitō, and yet Amagiri had the impression that there was more to Harada-san than could be evaluated at present.
In fact, if time and war (and Kazama-sama) were not pressing, Amagiri would have liked a chance to spend more time with Hijikata-san as well. Having met the man under challenging circumstances, his impressions were inconclusive; however, he was beginning to find the make-up of the Shinsengumi leadership quite extraordinary. Almost unbelievable, in fact. Kazama-sama was going to find it all very interesting and utterly infuriating.
"Good evening, Saitō-san!" Sen said with a welcoming smile. She was clearly hoping to take the opportunity to get to know the expressionless Third Division Captain a bit better. "I hope your training went well? And… hmm. I see Amagiri is as demanding a teacher as ever."
"Good evening, Sen-hime," Saitō responded with a suitable bow, taking the place near her that she indicated. "I greatly appreciate Amagiri-san's skill and forbearance."
"Well, you've got a few bruises, that's for sure Saitō," Harada noted. "That must have been one heck of a training session. You don't get hit a lot these days and now you heal fast too."
"The Oni form is very powerful," Saitō told him seriously, "but my technique hasn't quite caught up." Rather improbably, his mouth quirked into a faint smile. "I will have more patience with our recruits in the future, Harada."
"Ha," Harada responded. He looked back at the women and grinned. "Don't let him kid you, Sen-hime, Kimigiku-san. He's brutal when it comes to setting exercises, but I've never seen him lose his temper with even the clumsiest soldier who puts in his best effort. When Saitō decides you're going to learn to swing a sword then by the gods you learn to swing a sword."
"There are a few who simply are not – "
Saitō broke off abruptly.
Harada looked at Saitō, raising an eyebrow. There was no response and he realized that there was something wrong. A moment later, Saitō was out of his seat and out the door. Amagiri was after him almost immediately, but Harada had the distinct impression that even the impassive Oni had been caught off guard by just how fast Saitō had moved. Kimigiku-san raised her brows even as she effortlessly lifted Sen-hime to her feet.
Rushing to the front hall and looking out through the open front door, Harada saw a dark shape – a body? – on the ground, but it was difficult to see any details. While his eyes adjusted to the poor light, he slipped his katana back into his belt, having picked it up on his way out. Meanwhile, he could just make out Saitō attacking Shiranui Kyō with hands and feet, moving so fast that he was a monochromatic blur. Harada found it strange that he hadn't drawn his sword. Then again, Shiranui hadn't pulled his gun either.
Shiranui seemed to be dodging a little more slowly than usual, in Harada's estimation. He was yelling at Saitō to stop and adding a number of descriptive terms, one of which might fairly be said to apply. It took Harada a few seconds to realize that Shiranui was very drunk.
"I said he'll be fine! Damn it Amagiri, call 'im off!"
Harada found himself riveted by the strange fight. Shiranui looked profoundly discomposed and not at all his usual manic self.
A pair of small, but strong hands pushed firmly at the tall spearman – apparently he was blocking the door and hadn't heard the more polite requests.
"Excuse me Harada-san…" said Sen, raising her voice a little. "Amagiri would like us to check on your medic. Yamazaki-san, wasn't it?"
Harada gave her a surprised look, but he immediately stepped through the doorway and went down the two steps to the garden. He paused at the bottom to offer Sen a hand down and then they went quickly to the huddled shape on the grass.
Kimigiku-san was suddenly next to them, or rather between Yamazaki's still form and the ongoing fight.
"How is Yamazaki?" asked Harada, looking at the unconscious man with concern.
"Knocked out. No physical harm. He'll be fine with a couple of hours of sleep and I'll help him recover from the after-effects." Sen had her hand on Yamazaki's forehead. She was clearly relieved that it wasn't more serious.
"After-effects?" Harada gave her a sharp look. "What happened?"
"Well I don't know yet, but I think Kyō-kun put him sleep with combined Soul and Mind magic."
"Does this mean he'll end up like Saitō?" Harada was becoming very concerned.
"No, I don't think so. Though it could speed up certain changes. It's hard to say, since everything going on right now is outside our experience."
Sen-hime looked up at the tall spearman sympathetically. She had straightened out Yamazaki's crumpled clothing.
"It will be alright, Harada-san. I truly believe that. And I'll be there to help."
He saw her glance over at Amagiri-san, who was wordlessly observing the strange fight from closer in. Amagiri-san immediately nodded.
"Saitō, Shiranui, you will stop now,"
Saitō and Shiranui drew apart. Saitō's expression was forbidding; he immediately joined Harada next to Yamazaki.
"Shiranui, I trust you had a good reason for bringing Yamazaki-san here?" asked Amagiri.
"He's fine!" That seemed to be all Shiranui would say for the moment.
"Saitō, can you or Harada-san bring Yamazaki-san in while we find out what happened?"
Saitō knelt down to pick up the medic.
"No bones broken?" Harada asked Sen.
"None. He is perfectly healthy."
"Just unconscious?"
She nodded, carefully brushing off her kimono as she rose with the help of Harada-san's large hand. Not that she needed help, but it was only polite to accept.
Saitō turned and quickly made his way inside. Yamazaki might not be tall, but he was all muscle and no doubt heavier than he looked; Saitō didn't seem to notice the weight.
Harada gave Sen a rueful look. He had released her hand as soon as she was on her feet.
"Sen-hime? I'm not sure, but I may have, ah, pushed things too far – earlier I mean. Too much to think about right now maybe…"
The princess smiled at him. It was the same kind of honest, caring smile as Chizuru's, but more open and less shy.
"It's alright, Harada-san. As you said, you've had a lot to worry you. Eventually we'll sort things out, right? And right now we have to sort out Kyō-kun. This is very unlike him."
"Sake can make it too easy to do strange things…" Harada said in the tones of one who knew all too well. He drew in a long breath. "So… sometime in the next few days? If I can get the time? It would be nice to sit and talk with you."
Sen looked up at him; his eyes were friendly, but serious. The amber glimmered in the dark. She reached forward and touched his arm for a moment.
It seemed to Harada that Oni touched more – at least between friends and family – than most Japanese. He rather approved.
"I would like to see Chizuru-chan again, and I'm sure she has many questions for me. Perhaps you can escort me home afterwards. We can stop somewhere for tea if you are permitted."
Harada inclined his head.
"Then I will pass along your request – and mine – to Hijikata-san when I return."
They walked back to the house in companionable silence, leaving Amagiri still speaking with Shiranui. Kimigiku waited until they were indoors and then did a quick check around the perimeter of the house. She was uneasy, but she found nothing.
[II - Hidden Agendas]
Many houses away, a small figure perched on a rooftop, dark eyes gleaming and mouth curled into a mocking grin. He couldn't actually read other demons' thoughts without being noticed, not when they were as powerful as most were these days, but it was quite easy – for him – to push others into doing what they wanted to do anyway. And so Shiranui had kidnapped the Shinsengumi shinobi and carried him back to Amagiri, instead of just talking to him.
The boy – or young man, it was difficult to say which – hadn't recognized the Oni who had come to the shinobi's supposed rescue, which was strange, but after a twelve year absence from Kyoto it was possible. Also, the aura had seemed rather odd. In any event, he'd left as soon as the other person arrived, to avoid difficulties. He had recognized Amagiri-san's aura without difficulty and fled quickly.
[III - Captains of the Shinsengumi]
Unsurprisingly, the explanation from Shiranui was unsatisfactory. The alcohol was wearing off, but still had a ways to go. Apparently – after studying the problem in the company of several jars of sake – Shiranui had decided that he didn't want any more surprises and had spent the day in search of other potential siblings.
"How?" Amagiri had asked, a little taken aback by the scope of the project.
"Well I didn't wander all over Kyoto using Soul magic, if that's what you're worried about. I just had a few drinks, with a few contacts… asked about the Shinsengumi… listened for any rumours about guys with indigo hair or purple eyes, or just unusual people…"
Saitō's expression was unreadable, but Amagiri looked pained. Sen shook her head in disbelief.
"That was your plan? Hunt up a few more brothers and then what? Bring them back to Amagiri and me?"
Shiranui scowled at her. With his slanted eyebrows pulled into a deep vee above the bridge of his nose, he looked even less human than usual. Harada and Saitō each privately thought that he also resembled the Vice Commander.
"I heard what you and Kimigiku said: that Shizuka-hime made the decision not to have any of the Shiranui part-bloods identified unless their situation required it. Knowing you, Osen-chan, that'd mean I'd never know who else was out there! You always took your mother's decisions as sacred law… And Amagiri's just as bad. Kimigiku is worst of all of course."
Five sets of eyes examined him: icy dark blue, troubled sky blue, thoughtful amber, sympathetic magenta, and exasperated purple. It was Saitō who spoke first, his clipped tones leaving no doubts about his sentiments.
"Shiranui Kyō-san is already a known enemy of the Shinsengumi and the Bakufu. He has now tracked down and kidnapped our chief medic. Outside of this estate, it is the clear duty of the Shinsengumi to hunt down and kill or capture him. Also, it is unlikely that the Vice Commander's decision to consider this area neutral ground will continue if Shiranui-san is allowed to stay here for any length of time."
It was a long speech for Saitō, but as the senior officer of the Shinsengumi present he had felt that he needed to be clearly understood. What he didn't say was that he'd been surprised at how angry he'd been to sense Yamazaki being so roughly handled. He knew first-hand what Oni magic could do and he had always felt a certain responsibility – and even respect – for Yamazaki. Saitō realized with some surprise that if Shiranui was correct that Yamazaki was another half-brother, then he – Saitō – did not entirely dislike the idea.
What did trouble him was that he appeared to be losing his emotional detachment, a valuable trait in his line of work. He hoped that he would become more like his original self again once he'd gotten used to being an Oni.
Harada was nodding his head at Saitō's words. While he had rather liked Shiranui, Saitō was exactly right about the probable consequences of this evening's work. He had some sympathy for Shiranui's position, however. It seemed wrong to leave the known part-Oni in the dark; they could at least be given information and allowed to make a choice. If they were different in some way from their peers, it might help them understand why. But Harada acknowledged that Shiranui had gone about things the wrong way.
Amagiri sighed and inclined his head. He continued to look puzzled, but accepted that they had to deal with the immediate problem before them.
"It is as you say, Saitō. It would probably be best for you to return to Hijikata-san now, if Harada-san is willing to remain with Yamazaki-san until he is awake and can safely return to the Shinsengumi compound."
Harada and Saitō exchanged glances, and then Saitō nodded.
"What can I tell the Vice Commander regarding Yamazaki's condition?" he asked.
Sen cleared her throat, looking unhappy at the turn of events.
"I expect him to be awake and perfectly fit within a couple of hours. However, I do have one request, Saitō-san."
The impassive blue eyes focussed on her. Just for a moment she caught a hint of the steel she'd felt in him before, during the Trial of Body. He really is going to be a good guardian for the Oni of the East, she thought, and it wasn't clear whether she meant Chizuru or the eastern clans generally.
"Could you ask Hijikata-san not to come rushing out here in the middle of the night? It will not accomplish anything."
"Yeah, cause I sure as hell won't be here," jeered Shiranui. He was once again standing at the window with his back to the others.
"I will pass along your recommendation, Sen-hime," said Saitō politely. "The Vice Commander needs his rest, in any event."
That was the closest he could come to saying that he would try to keep the Shinsengumi away from the house until the next day. Or maybe it was just the simple truth. Sen couldn't tell.
"Don't forget to ask about your training for tomorrow," Amagiri put in.
Saitō indicated acknowledgment.
"I will see you out, then, Saitō-san," said Kimigiku, rising gracefully from her knees.
"There is no need," replied Saitō firmly.
"Well I'm coming to the road with you anyway," Harada told him amiably.
Saitō just nodded, and then bowed to Sen-hime and Amagiri.
"Good night, Kimigiku-san," he added, as she knelt by the door as a courtesy to the two captains.
Once they were by the main gate, Saitō turned to Harada.
"Please keep a close eye on Yamazaki. The Shinsengumi are already short of men and it would be a problem to lose him."
"I'll pass along your concern for his health," Harada murmured, trying not to laugh.
Saito looked confused. Then he tilted his head a little and the red-head saw a faint smile.
"You will do well with the Oni, Harada. I am told that I should be more open. However, I think I will leave changing my personality until tomorrow."
"Um… Saitō?"
"Hm?" Saitō's face was more unreadable than usual in the dark.
"Was that a joke?"
There was a soft sigh from the Third Division Captain.
"I wish I knew. I will pass along a report to the Vice Commander, if he is still awake. Did you have a message to pass along from Sen-hime?"
"More or less. She would like to come by and see Chizuru-chan."
"I will tell him. With everything that has happened, though…"
Harada made a face. "I know. But Saitō… I think you'll find that Amagiri is wondering what got into Shiranui tonight. This kind of thing – well it was odd, wasn't it?"
Saitō shrugged.
"You must know him better than I do. He attacked me the first time we met."
Harada barely restrained himself from making a joke of it, as he would with Shinpachi; it wasn't easy.
Saitō looked at him curiously.
"What is so funny?"
"Aw, nothing. Really." Damn mind-reading sensitives, he groused to himself. Then, since Saitō might have heard that too, he hurried on. "Saitō, do me a favour? At least pretend that you don't know what I'm thinking."
"Right at this moment, I have no idea what you are thinking."
"Well that's a start."
"I was just pretending."
Harada, who had been about to turn away, put his thumbs in his sash, raised both eyebrows, and laughed out loud.
"What the hell did you do with the real Saitō?"
"Again… I wish I knew."
There was a moment of silence, and then as if bound by the same internal clock, both men turned to leave.
"Later, Saitō."
"Good night, Harada."
[IV - Puzzling Pieces]
As soon as Harada-san and Saitō-san were gone, Sen walked over to stand beside Shiranui.
"What on earth were you thinking, Kyō?! Hijikata-san is going to be really angry about this and I can't blame him. He turned a blind eye to you being here more or less because Amagiri and I suggested that you wouldn't cause mischief! Or at least that we'd keep an eye on things…"
Shiranui hunched a shoulder, his expression mocking.
"Guess that's your mistake then. Kazama's going to be royally pissed with both of you and frankly he worries me more than some part-Oni with an attitude, half-brother or not."
"We need to know what really happened, Kyō-kun," Amagiri said wearily, from his seat by the square table. "There is something troubling in all of this."
"… I don't know. It made sense to me at the time. I'll admit that I was mad at Kimigiku for holding out on us, and at Shizuka-sama for making decisions for people who didn't even know there was a decision to make."
"It's what leaders do, Kyō," said Sen. She sounded troubled, though. "To be honest, Kyō, I think we should make sure that nobody messed with your head."
"Like hell!"
"I agree with Sen-hime."
"So what else is new?"
"But what if somebody did?" Sen persisted. "That could be really bad, Kyō."
"Alright, I'll tell you what," Shiranui declared, the mischief rekindling in his eyes. "You teach Harada how to check my mind for problems and I'll let him look."
"That's… not really possible," said Sen.
"Up to you. Otherwise, I'm out of here once my baby brother wakes up. And I didn't hurt him."
"That you know of. What has gotten into you?!" Sen was starting to lose her temper.
"I'm old enough to solve my own problems, Osen-chan."
Amagiri watched them coolly while the emotional temperature rose.
He sent a thought to Harada-san. If you see Shiranui try to leave the house, don't let him go.
Harada, who was on the point of walking up the front steps, paused.
Um… Amagiri-san?
He sensed amusement overlie the other man's tension for a moment.
You don't need to yell, Harada-san. You are really quite good at this. Just… don't let him leave. If you can hold him for even a moment then I will be there to help you.
Amagiri got a confused assent from the spearman.
At the window, Sen-hime was becoming more and more frustrated, and Shiranui's temper was flaring. Amagiri, careful not to interfere in any way, could virtually watch the emotions rise and fall. The princess was doing well, on the whole. Shiranui, though… At every point where he could listen to reason, there was a twist of madness, and either temper or pride would get the better of him. But Amagiri was quite sure that it was a created artifact, a subtle but insidious spell that was causing Shiranui to make… poor choices.
Just then, Shiranui's temper finally snapped.
"I'm outta here," he declared, striding to the door. "Say what you like to dear Toshi for me, won't you?"
He spun around and raced down the hall to the front door, knowing that Amagiri would be after him. He was almost to the door when his sixth sense told him to jump the obstacle in his path. It was a spear, he realized, held at about shin level. Right. Like I'll fall for that, Harada – I thought better of you. He cleared the obstacle easily.
A smashing right hook caught him in the stomach in mid-air, and as he crashed to the floor, twisting desperately, Harada landed heavily on top of him.
"Knew you'd jump," the spearman said laconically.
"Bastard!"
"Maybe, maybe not."
Shiranui didn't get a chance to throw him off before Amagiri arrived.
"Let's try this again, Kyō-kun," he said, sighing. "And no, it won't be Harada-san checking your mind for magic. How could he? Shall I do this here, with Harada-san sitting on you, or in the front room, which would be more dignified?"
"Here," replied Shiranui, rebellion still in the ascendant.
"As you wish." Amagiri pulled a narrow ribbon from inside one sleeve and wrapped it around Shiranui's wrists. "But I don't understand why you force me into this unless the magic is itself resisting detection. That would be… worrying."
The ribbon didn't look like anything special to Harada, but Shiranui got the blank look that suggested that it was painful in some way.
"Harada-san, I asked Sen-hime to stay with Yamazaki-san. I expect Kimigiku will go with her. Therefore, you must be my guardian."
"Which means that you follow along while he rummages around in my head; your job is to prevent him doing anything bad to me. Unfortunately, you have no idea what you're doing, so you're kind of useless in preserving my rights."
"Guess that's life," Harada said with a shrug. "What's first?"
Shiranui, who was just about sober now laughed. "You could… not sit on me. Not moving? Oh well. Here goes… I found the shinobi on one of the roofs not far from the Shinsenqmi headquarters. I confirmed the eye colour – purple – and we talked a little and then I knocked him out and brought him here."
"Did you sense anything there, Harada-san?" asked Amagiri. His eyes were closed, but Harada felt the sharp awareness focus on him.
"Um… yes? He's leaving something out. There's a – skip? Something he doesn't want to mention."
"Good – that you noticed. Not so good for us, I'm afraid."
"Harada?" Shiranui's voice had changed. He sounded more alert, less petulant, and concerned.
"Well… there's just… I don't know. It's like there's a flaw in what you're saying – a hole."
"Kyō-kun, there's definite evidence of tampering. Wait."
Not long after, Amagiri signalled for Harada to get up. Shiranui sat up, shaking his head. Slowly, his lips tightened together and his brows drew down.
"That little freak!"
"A powerful young Oni," said Amagiri, worried. "And not only did he goad you into setting yourself against the Shinsengumi, but he got rid of the person who was watching him. Harada-san, once Yamazaki-san is awake, you had better return to your compound."
"Agreed. But for now I'd better follow Saitō's instructions and go watch over Yamazaki."
"We will all go," said Amagiri.
[V - The Shinobi Awakes]
Yamazaki was surprised by several things when he eventually regained consciousness. First, he had been neatly tucked into a comfortable futon in a clean and spacious room. Second, somebody had removed his outerwear and equipment, but had placed everything tidily within reach including his weapons. Third, his head didn't hurt; in fact, he felt well-rested. A glance from under his lashes showed him that it was still dark out, although he had no idea how long he'd been unconscious.
He didn't move, just in case he was under observation. As Saitō-san had taught him, he tried to rely on other senses to determine if anyone was nearby. He didn't have the uncanny ability of Saitō-san or Okita-san for knowing exactly where people were around them at all times, but he was still very good. In any event, his hearing was acute.
"He is awake now," a low, rumbling voice was saying from just outside his door.
"Great." The tone was a brave attempt at nonchalance, but Yamazaki knew bravado when he heard it.
"Excuse me," said the deeper voice.
A tall, red-haired man entered. Yamazaki recognized him as one of the visitors from the night when things had gone… wrong… with Saitō-san. That had been a very strange night and he still hadn't been given a decent explanation. Or any explanation, really.
Trailing behind the first man was his assailant. He looked just as uncanny by lantern light as he had in the shadows and the moonlight. He was almost as tall as the red-head, but not nearly as large. In overall build he reminded Yamazaki of Harada-san: tall and slim but broad-shouldered and very well-muscled. In the better light he could confirm that the man's eyes were purple, about a couple of shades lighter than his own; his hair was almost exactly the same odd – that is, unusual – blue-purple as Saitō-san's.
"Konbanwa. I am Amagiri Kyūju, and this is Shiranui Kyō. I am afraid that Shiranui-kun brought you here under something less than ideal circumstances. However, you will be pleased to know that Harada-san is here and will accompany you home if you are able to walk and wish to leave."
In fact, at that moment Yamazaki noticed that Harada-san was standing in the doorway. It was embarrassing to be found like this – wearing only his under-kimono and lying in bed. He sat up quickly and bowed his head.
"Harada-taichō."
"Yamazaki-kun. How are you?"
"I feel well, taichō."
Harada looked at the other two, but addressed Amagiri.
"Would it be better for Yamazaki-kun to remain here overnight?"
Shiranui stared moodily at the floor while Amagiri considered the question.
He was thinking about Saitō and Yamazaki. His younger brother had detached the Shinsengumi shinobi from him within moments of his arrival at Osen-chan's house. And Shiranui had already seen that his – maybe! – youngest brother revered Saitō; that had been plain from his well-organized but unconscious mind. Worse, they were both devoted to his elder brother the Shinsengumi Vice Commander… Gods. What had he done to deserve this? With his eldest brother – once his only brother – being what he was, he'd hoped that maybe one of these new siblings would be tolerable. Ugh. This was why he usually avoided the family.
Saitō hadn't held back either, when he'd found Yamazaki lolling over Shiranui's shoulder. On the bright side, he hadn't drawn his swords, or changed form, which showed surprising restraint for an Oni fresh from one of the Trials. Or whatever the guy was now. He sure as hell moved like one of them. For a moment, Shiranui recalled that Kazama was going to have to deal with Saitō. Right this moment, he wasn't sure who he wanted to win. Beatings all around sounded okay to him. Not that this half-trained, newly-changed half-brother stood much of a chance against Chikage.
"Sen-hime assisted Yamazaki-san to recover from the after-effects of Shiranui's magic," said Amagiri. "If he can stand and walk he may return with you."
Harada nodded briefly and looked at Yamazaki. Yamazaki was feeling increasingly bewildered, and consequently annoyed. Nevertheless, he remained calm and kept his face scrupulously neutral.
"You would rather return to the compound," said Harada, sympathizing very much with the younger man's current position.
"Hai."
"Then the rest of us will go downstairs while you get your things. I must thank Sen-hime for her hospitality. Saitō's gone on ahead to let the Vice Commander know what has happened."
"The same boy was watching our headquarters, Harada-san. I had just tracked him down again – he kept moving – when…" Yamazaki's eyes flicked to Shiranui, "…this man arrived."
"Got it, Yamazaki. We can talk on the way back. There's one or two things you need to know…"
Shiranui stepped forward.
"I'm sorry for the trouble, Yamazaki-san. I think I was originally just going to talk to you about some things… But I'd had a bit too much sake and somebody, ah, convinced me to try a rather direct approach. Maybe we'll meet under better circumstances in the future."
He didn't wait for an acknowledgement, just waved a hand and left the room. Amagiri watched him go with a suppressed sigh. That family… He had done his best for Kyō, but they were a strange lot. He wondered what Yukimura-sama would make of them if and when she took control of the Eastern Clans. The Shiranui had been the second most prestigious family of the East. Well, after the Sakurai were wiped out several centuries ago, of course. The Sakurai had been the guardians and warriors of the Demons of the East, the shield that allowed the Yukimura to develop their skills as healers and teachers in peace. But… that was all old, old history. There were no longer any living Oni who personally remembered the Sakurai.
Amagiri had to wonder, though, if the Sakurai might not have a remote descendant who was prepared to take back his traditional role. The original Sakurai, according to the records, generally had dark hair and dark blue eyes. It was all very… interesting.
[VI - Love's Labour's Won]
Saitō raced back to the Shinsengumi compound, people and buildings flickering around him. This… power… was both impressive and useful. He hoped that Hijikata-san would allow him to train with Amagiri-san the next day. He wanted very much to use his swords again.
He slowed as he arrived at the main gates and nodded to the two guards who came to attention as he went in. It was past curfew, but well before midnight. He walked across the main courtyard, wondering if the Vice Commander was still up. It was likely, based on recent experience. But if he wasn't up, then Saitō had a more difficult decision ahead of him.
As he approached the commanders' and captains' quarters, he felt the steady beat of his heart start to increase. He had deliberately refused to consider whether Yukimura might still be awake, but his thoughts escaped his control as he passed through the passageway between buildings that led to the inner courtyard. He needed to report to the Vice Commander. And he needed to know if she was safe and well.
He took a deep breath to steady himself, once again torn between the strange warmth that was almost always with him now and irritation at not being able to get on with his duty in unimpaired efficiency. He walked noiselessly along the engawa, only visible by the white scarf wrapped loosely around his shoulders despite the heat.
There was no way that Yukimura could have heard him coming. However, as he approached her room he not only sensed her presence but saw her door slide open. She stepped out onto the wooden walkway, still dressed despite the lateness of the hour, and turned unerringly toward him.
"Saitō-san," she said softly, smiling with obvious pleasure. "You're back."
Contentment and affection was all he could hear in her voice - was all he could sense from her in any way. He stopped in his tracks, just a few feet from her, almost shaking with conflicting imperatives. In his head, self-imposed restraint and devotion to duty were at war with something less familiar but easily as strong.
Wordlessly, he closed the distance between them and took her in his arms, burying his face in her soft hair. Instead of being startled by this precipitate behaviour, the girl only pressed herself closer. Time passed and Saitō finally lifted his head so that he could look down at Yukimura. She stared back up at him, face serious and eyes wide; he thought that she looked very lovely in the moonlight.
A moment later his right hand was tangled in her dark hair and his lips were locked to hers. The sensation was like fire in his blood and he could hear nothing but the pounding of his heart in his ears. His eyes closed and he could feel the flush that spread across his body, not just his face. This time she was surprised, but he couldn't bear to stop and there was no resistance in the surprise, only wonder. Then her lips pressed back against his and he felt her small hands tighten in the fabric of his kimono. Joy and desire trembled along every nerve, until he wasn't sure how he was still standing. And to know without any doubt that he was unequivocally accepted and welcome was almost unendurable. What did this bright and innocent creature see in him? He couldn't think clearly, and for once he was too preoccupied to care. Anxiety and uncertainty and even memories of pain fled before such a light.
Eventually, regretfully, they moved apart, still touching, eyes bright and breathing a little ragged. Saitō sighed deeply. He tucked a strand of wayward hair behind her ear. He was surprised to find that his fingers were steady.
"I should have asked." Clumsy words, when he should be trying to convey something of how he felt. He wanted to reassure her that he didn't take her lightly.
"You did. At least, I felt like you asked."
"Yukimura…" He gestured helplessly.
"Everything is very well," she told him simply.
And it was, with her at least. Her feelings were transparently happy. He finally noticed that they were standing just outside her door.
"Being with you makes me careless," he murmured. "I will have to do better."
He shook his head, trying desperately to pull himself back together.
"You take too much care sometimes."
He regarded her wryly. "So I am told. In any event, I need to see if Hijikata-san is awake."
"He probably is," said Chizuru, frowning a little. "Can you tell him to get some rest?"
"I will try," Saitō promised. How could she be so calm when he still felt… stunned?
"Then come back? I want to hear about how things went." I want to see you.
Saitō looked at her hesitantly. "It is late." What a bizarre thing to say. He mentally cursed his awkwardness.
"Please."
He wondered if he'd ever be able to say no to her. Probably. At some point sanity would reassert itself…
"I will come back."
Impulsively, but a little shyly, she kissed his cheek. Even in the dim light he could see that she was blushing again.
"Thank you," she said softly.
He bowed to her and walked away before he could forget how to move again.
Final verse...
When you're lovers in a dangerous time
Sometimes you're made to feel as if your love's a crime -
But nothing worth having comes without some kind of fight -
Got to kick at the darkness 'til it bleeds daylight
When you're lovers in a dangerous time
Lovers in a dangerous time
And we're lovers in a dangerous time
Lovers in a dangerous time
- Bruce Cockburn
A/Note: (Yes! Finally! Azure-chan, I want you to know that my characters are having one of your signature dialogues in my head...)
Thank you to all for reading!
I would greatly appreciate any reviews, thoughts and comments for this chapter and for the story as a whole. For reviews, please know that long or short, they are all appreciated and taken into account. Also, feel free to send me a PM (or divde your thoughts between a review and a PM) if that's better for you. Sometimes typos or error corrections are better to send by PM, since once I fix the problem the review might not make sense to the next reader. But it's all good! :)
If you can, please take a look at my new avatar! Drawn by kawaii-ash and I love it! I can't wait for the next piece she's doing for me. You can see more of her art on Tumblr and DeviantArt at the same name (note: FanFiction does not allow links to other sites).
Finally, my apologies to Hijikata fans; there will be more of the (now triple) Oni no Fukuchou in later chapters. Especially since we're only a few days from the end of the Kazama Countdown. ;)