AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Elements of tragedy, which isn't usually my genre. Fortunately, the Oni aren't quite as idiotic as the Montagues and the Capulets.

Many thanks for reviews to

Scintilla of Myself - Kazama Chiharu might very well end up getting in Chikage's way... we'll see! I am very pleased with my first really significant OC; I hope my readers are finding her interesting as well. I do tend to stick to canon characters, but... in a story this complex I needed a couple of my own. And I hope that you like Kichiro as well - he's a good guy and a good brother.

\(O-O)/ As for the legendary, but not-so-deceased Lady Suzuka, she's not precisely an OC, but I have claimed her for my own nefarious purposes! (evil laughter here) (by the way, did you know that Shotsuren and Daitsuren, owned in Hakuouki canon by Chizuru and Kaoru respectively, were Suzuka-gozen's swords according to some versions of her myth/legend/history?)

AzureArchxngel - Just a thought, but if Suzuka-gozen is a powerful Oni, she can probably appear however she wants; on the other hand, she told Chiharu that this was her own, natural form. So yes, you may have to just allow me my artistic license... Glad you're back with the story! :)

red1Rogue - Suzuka isn't exactly evil, but she's not exactly good is she? And I'm glad you noticed Yamazaki trying to stay faithful to his ideas by not calling Souji rude names, even in his head. Plus of course, the word "bastard" takes on a whole new meaning now, lol. (By the way, I rather like jealous Saito myself. Of course, at the rate he's going at expressing emotions, he'll become emo-Saito which just wouldn't do!)

NyaPowa - as always, I laughed so much reading your review; also your guesses are great! I think this chapter will answer some of your questions... I got a few comments from people concerned about Souji with mind-reading powers. It is a truly scary thought. However... let's not forget that Heisuke tends to be a "loud" individual in many ways, and he just may have been broadcasting with Souji right beside him. On the other hand, maybe Souji will have mind-reading skills. (evil smile) The idea of an infatuated fangirl is pretty hilarious though. And I'm glad you liked seeing Heisuke! Yes, Sano needs to have his drink. And Shinpachi deserves one too.

nakigaoyuu - Thank you! A quote from the PM (can't resist because you mentioned Kenshin):

"Suzuka Gozen is still alive! What a heck of Oni. Super legendary wife of The Great Sakanoue Tamuramaro. Lol
Her son? Plus OMG I love that Chikage's youngest brother is Kenshin with red hair and violet eyes.
Seriously you're going to make him Himura Kenshin from Rurouni Kenshin!? You just made my wildest dream come true!
I also love your move on making Chiharu go to Kyoto. She really needs more spotlight! Plus romance."

\(^O^)/ Yes! Off to Kyoto! Romance for all! Well, many... Well, some.

Er, just not in this chapter... sumimasen.

_(v _ v)_

Chapter Quotes

"Love is a smoke raised with the fume of sighs;
Being purged, a fire sparkling in lovers' eyes;
Being vexed, a sea nourished with loving tears.
What is it else? A madness most discreet,
A choking gall, and a preserving sweet."

- from Romeo & Juliet by Shakespeare

"My bounty is as boundless as the sea,
My love as deep; the more I give to thee,
The more I have, for both are infinite."

- from Romeo & Juliet by Shakespeare

Chapter 43 – Family, Friends and Lovers

Of Parents & Children

Kazama Chiharu contemplated the lovely oval face across from hers, once again noting that this woman showed horns – three – and golden eyes even in her non-demon form. Given the other talents that Suzuka-hime had displayed, it was quite possible that this form was actually partly illusion, but if so it was a strange choice, by current standards. The woman was also very tall.

"I don't have much more time here, Kazama-chan," Suzuka was saying, her voice more gentle and less authoritative than it had been earlier. "That is, here at your lovely summer home. I would like to tell you a little of what I suggest, if I may."

"With all due respect, Princess," Chiharu returned, in pleasant tones that held just a hint of irony, "it is hardly a suggestion when you hold my brother and me under mental domination of some kind."

Suzuka-hime laughed softly, her face once again very like Osen-chan's at least in expression.

"A fair comment, my dear. Remember, hold onto that Kazama pride – you are the daughter of one of the great houses even though women have become physically weaker in this era. Also… never forget that we are Oni and we are whatever we think we are."

For the first time, Chiharu felt great sadness from her uninvited – and still unwelcome – guest. It was gone in an instant, but she hadn't imagined it.

"Who are you really?" she asked suddenly. "Suzuka-gozen, Lady of Yase and Kyoto, first Princess of the Oni, lived over a thousand years ago."

"True," the other woman replied, apparently unperturbed. "But did you ever hear that she died?"

Seeing that Chiharu still looked sceptical, she continued: "It doesn't really matter much, you know. Whoever or whatever I am, I am here for a reason. At this particular moment, I am hoping to convince you to go to Kyoto to visit your cousin Sen-hime. Your brother will accompany you, of course, and I would be happy to look after the young Amagiri – I met him earlier and he is just like his father isn't he? Strong and contemplative at the same time. The best of that line were always like that."

"I could not possibly leave Kenshin with you. He is my brother – and not an Amagiri – and he is in my charge."

Suzuka-hime appeared to be amused.

"Well, if that's what you believe then who am I to tamper? At least for now… Just remember that unless things have changed very much, the women of my line have always known the clan bloodlines better than anybody else."

Chiharu was uncomfortable. There had been some speculation about Kenshin's ancestry when he was born, but not much and not for long. It didn't pay to upset the Kazama clan's ruling family.

"Either way, I don't see how – or why – I would get to Kyoto. My eldest brother asked me to wait for him and he will make arrangements for me to visit Osen-chan when he returns."

"I'm afraid this can't wait, Kazama-sama. Your cousin – my grand-daughter (for lack of a better term) – is very ill, more than she realizes. Meanwhile, there is far too much going on in Kyoto that requires her attention, both in personal and practical terms. Please. I should have mentioned this sooner, but your mother will be here tomorrow and she can look after your youngest brother."

Only the faintest hesitation on the last word indicated Suzuka's doubts regarding Kenshin. Otherwise she appeared to be completely in earnest, and Chiharu felt the force of her plea. She did wonder a little why Osen-chan would need her – Chiharu – so much, when Kimigiku-san was already there to do everything necessary, but for some reason she didn't pursue that thought. Or why Suzuka-hime hadn't mentioned Osen-chan's illness from the beginning.

"I can't leave Kenshin on his own… not even overnight. I will pack today and prepare the house for Mother's arrival. Kichirō and I will leave in the morning."

Suzuka-hime appeared to be disappointed; however, all she did was lean forward and take the blond woman's hand. Her golden eyes searched Chiharu's purple ones.

"Do you promise me that you and Kichirō will leave tomorrow morning as soon as you know that your mother is coming? That you will go to Kyoto as quickly as possible?"

"Yes," declared Chiharu resolutely, the prospect of adventure bringing a slight flush to her cheeks. "As soon as I can tell that my mother is on her way we will leave."

"Excellent! Thank you, Kazama-sama. One more thing: please ask Sen-hime to tell you the so-called legend of Suzuka-gozen."

"But… wouldn't it be better for you to tell me yourself?"

"Unfortunately, no. It would make things easier wouldn't it? But don't worry; Osen-chan knows enough that you will be able to work it out for yourselves. Her mother, Shizuka-hime, was a truly remarkable woman – one of the best of our line. She has given more for the Oni than anyone knows…"

Once again, Chiharu felt great sadness. This time, however, it wasn't immediately hidden. Rather, it felt as though Suzuka-hime was sharing with her a brief tribute to a fallen warrior: grief for the passing tempered by fierce pride in an honourable death. Suzuka-hime rose and smoothed her elegant robes.

"Kazama-sama. You once wondered why it is that legend tells of a demon princess – a strong and cunning warrior – whereas now Oni women are generally slight and much weaker, physically at least, than men. As a gift to you, for your civil hospitality, I'll tell you this: I was a warrior, and I rejoiced in battle in a way that would seem abhorrent to you; but the world changed and that was partly my own doing. Never, ever forget that the Oni will always be what they make of themselves."

Chiharu rose as well, once again feeling small and rather insignificant compared to the other woman. But her mind seemed to be clearing and a number of questions were suddenly dawning on her. Most importantly – had she just promised to leave for Kyoto in the morning? Before she could speak, Suzuka-hime shook her head slightly, one hand raised to prevent an outburst.

"I know, my dear, I know. But I have your promise now, and your very own Kazama Chikage-sama would tell you that an Oni never breaks her word."

"It was given under coercion!" Chiharu flung back at her, purple eyes flashing.

Suzuka-hime smiled faintly. "If that is true, then you are not bound by it. But I don't think that you were averse to going to Kyoto."

"Still! And is Osen-chan really sick? Or was that a lie to soften me up for your ridiculous request?"

Golden eyes narrowed suddenly and Chiharu felt a genuine ripple of fear.

"Do not presume too much, young Kazama. I respect your clan and your ability, but you are nowhere close to being my equal, especially in battle. In my time, any peace between the Kazama and the Okikurune was tentative at best and the old imperatives are always near the surface for me in this form. Your brother and his generation – and his parents and their parents – have learned the hard way that true peaceful cooperation is the only thing that will allow the Oni to survive. Oni cannot and should not kill other Oni. But it was not always so. I expect you will see that for yourself when your brother fights for his chosen mate."

"He was right about Yukimura Chizuru-sama, then, Suzuka-hime?" Chiharu kept her voice level with an effort, but tacitly accepted the other woman's dominance.

"Yes. Your brother is quite intelligent, in some ways."

Suzaka-hime turned and walked briskly toward Kichirō, still standing in uncanny silence by the door.

"Good afternoon, young bushi. Thank you for your care."

"It was my pleasure, Lady." Kichirō suddenly looked rather confused, but he bowed low with athletic grace.

"Wait – Princess – please."

Suzuka-hime looked back over her shoulder at Chiharu, but made it clear that she was impatient to leave.

"Princess, about Chikage… He is strong you know, and he would be good to Yukimura-sama, I know he would. This would mean a great deal to him… Why do you keep saying it is not possible?"

The tall woman's countenance relaxed and her gaze softened.

"From the little I have seen, you could be right and the Yukimura Heir might have chosen him, under different circumstances. But there is a debt owing by the Kazama to the Sakurai, even though it is about two-hundred-and-fifty years old; therefore, he has fate – or whatever you would call it – against him. Moreover, it is now a moot point. The girl has already made a choice, wisely in my estimation and my grand-daughter's. You will like him, you know, in spite of yourself. Let me ask you something…"

She studied the blond-haired young woman.

"You fancied yourself in love with one of the young Shiranui at one point, I gather. But if you are honest with yourself – if you look back now – who was it that you really cared for? Kazama Chikage-sama saw it instinctively and tried to protect you I think, by focussing your attention on Toshio's son."

Once again, Chiharu was defeated. It didn't help that Kichirō was standing there listening, mouth slightly open in surprise and confusion.

"I do know better now. I realized some time ago that he loved somebody else," she told Suzuka-hime quietly, but with dignity. "I think he still does, although he never lets it show."

"Yes, unfortunately for him." It wasn't clear whether Suzuka was commiserating with a frustrated lover or criticizing him for not showing his emotions. "But I have high hopes that my grand-daughter will take care of that problem. I know that you will be of great assistance to her."

"I will try." Chiharu watched silently as the alleged former Princess of the Oni patted her middle brother on the cheek, walked out of the room and then disappeared in a small shower of white petals that smelled of citrus.

"Um…" Kichirō said, staring at the place where the woman had disappeared.

"Quite."

The brother and sister watched the garden for several minutes.

"Miko will wonder why we ate so little," said Kichirō when they finally came back to the table.

"Let's eat while we can and I'll tell you about our trip to Kyoto tomorrow."

"Kyoto? Tomorrow?! Are you crazy? Onii-sama will tear me apart!" Kichirō paused, considering. "Of course, it might be worth it. He needs to be shaken up from time-to-time."

"We'll need supplies, money… a wagon would be good to spare us the first part of the walk. It's a long way on foot. Horses would be better. Or maybe – Kichirō, has Chikage shown you how to Fast Travel?"

"What? Well, sort of. I'm not great at it. I can move pretty quickly, though, and I don't get tired easily. And, um, Haru-chan, what about Kenshin? We can't bring him to Kyoto, it's too dangerous."

"I know. But apparently Mother is coming here tomorrow morning. But I was thinking… if it's true and we find out where she is then we could take Kenshin to her now. Rather, I could take him and then catch up to you. If we have horses I can get a bit of rest while riding."

"Haru-chan? I haven't asked any questions. But I don't remember much about that woman's visit. Who was she?"

Chiharu gave him a helpless shrug.

"She claims to be Suzuka-gozen. First Lady of Yase and Kyoto."

Kichirō's jaw dropped, and she couldn't blame him.

"Okaaaay. And did I, uh, do anything weird when she was here? Because I can tell the after-effects of some kind of Soul or Mind magic, you know. Chikage managed to show me some stuff in between all his recent secret missions… And Mother started giving me lessons last year."

His sister was torn. On the one hand, she thought it was typical that he cared more about whether he had done anything dumb than about their very strange visitor. On the other hand, she could only imagine what Chikage had made him do while demonstrating coercion spells. Chiharu had already realized that all males had a strange sense of humour that appeared to verge on cruelty to poor, unenlightened females.

"Well, you did stare at her, ah, figure a lot; I'm not sure that you ever saw her face. Does that count as weird?"

Chiharu then blushed almost as quickly as her brother.

"Chiharu! Since when do you say things like that?!"

"Gomene, Kichirō. Look, how about I promise to tell you what I know while we get ready for our trip?"

"Sure," said easy-going Kichirō, whose blush had already faded. "But I still don't know what we're going to tell Kenshin. Or Mother."

"I was thinking that we could say nothing… Just kind of slip away."

"She'll think we've been kidnapped. Kenshin will chase after us. What's gotten into you, anyway? You're the calm, logical one in the family. You know… Mother fusses, Chikage huffs and puffs and gets all 'more lord of the Oni than thou', I tend to do whatever I feel like unless you or Chikage pin me down, and who knows what Ken's thinking half the time? You kind of hold it together. Now you want to run off to Kyoto on the word of some strange woman out of legend – I mean who knows what she really wants?"

"I promised."

"Yes, I get that – though I'm not sure why you did. Mind you, it probably wasn't a tough sell – you've wanted to go for years. Didn't Chikage say he'd take you in a month though?"

"I'm going to get packed and find out if there are horses to be had."

Chiharu turned and walked into the house, abandoning the lunch she just couldn't eat. Kichirō trailed after her, finally realizing that his sister was completely serious.

"Argh, Chiharu! This… shouldn't you think this through?"

"I have. I think two extra kimonos will be enough. I think horses are my next priority. I think I'll see if I can farsense mother – that will save time."

"Yeah well I think that Chikage's going to ground you for life after this."

Chiharu, who had been methodically packing two small rolls of clothing plus brushes and combs, finally turned to her brother.

"I'm twenty years old. One thing that Suzuka-hime pointed out to me – more or less – is that I don't have to do what I'm told just because I'm a girl – a woman. You can stay here. Princess Suzuka said that I should take you for protection; however, it's fine if you want to wait for Mother with Kenshin. It's not fair for you to get into trouble because of me anyway."

Kichirō sighed deeply. "Right. So we're running away from home? I mean, I understand that you're technically an adult, but you're also supposed to obey Chikage."

"He didn't expressly forbid me from going to Kyoto. Besides we're hurrying off to help Osen-chan. She's quite ill and needs my help."

"Oh please. She's got Kimigiku-san, her family – well her uncle's family – not to mention the Yukishima clan."

Chiharu put a slender hand on her brother's shoulder.

"I know. But I need to go anyway."

Her brother shrugged.

"Okay. I'll pack. No – you pack for me and I'll see about horses. But I still don't understand. What about Ken?"

"Hush – he's just come in." Chiharu got a faraway look for a moment, and then smiled. "You see if there are horses. Kenshin's coming up to talk to me."

In fact, just a moment later she heard her brothers exchange a few words on the stairs

"I'm going too," announced Kenshin, following his sister down the hall into Kichirō's room.

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because I'll worry, Kichirō will worry, Mother will worry and Onii-sama will worry and be angry with all of us."

"I won't be in the way. Besides, Kichirō says my sword skills are coming along very well and I don't want to miss training."

Kenshin ignored his sister's words without effort. Chiharu was used to this, however.

"You admire Kichirō's sword skills?"

"Yes. Of course, Onii-sama is stronger, but one day I think Kirō will beat him. Only with swords though," Kenshin added thoughtfully.

"Well, Kichirō is going with me to protect me. This matters a lot to him, as a warrior. You are going to stay here with Mother because you admire Kichirō's skills as a warrior and you want him to succeed on his first mission. Also, this trip matters a lot to me. We need you to do something much harder than learning to use a katana."

Kenshin, not being stupid, knew where this was going.

"You want me to stay here and be patient. So that you and Kirō can do what you have to do."

"Yes. And I know you will."

Purple eyes locked for several long seconds, but Chiharu was the winner. In fact, she was very proud of her youngest brother. He was an intelligent, well-behaved child, with a strong sense of integrity – like all her brothers, she reflected. She mentally apologized to Chikage, again, for what she was about to do. It was her greatest regret. She hoped that it wouldn't cause a true breach between them.

Like Kichirō, Kenshin accepted the inevitable. Onee-san could be strict, but she was also kind, and she rarely complained or scolded. But mostly… she was always up-front and fair with them. That meant that if she said that it was important then it really was (although sometimes only to her – she had a strange aversion to dirty hands, for example).

It was generally understood in the family that any serious problems in the family were to be dealt with by either Onii-sama or Onee-san. Mother was a sweet and beautiful person who was rather fragile and not to be troubled with extra cares. On the whole, Kenshin enjoyed spending time with Mother, because she would read him really interesting books and scrolls, and had taught him to play card and tile games, but he was glad that Nee-san was sturdier. Of course, he knew that all girls were to be treated with great respect and protected at all times.

"How did you know that I was going to Kyoto?" his sister asked, as she rapidly filled two light travel bags for Kichirō, packing not only clothes but all the sundry items that he would have forgotten.

"Well, I met Suzuka-hime and she seemed interesting so I followed her back to the house. Of course, I missed a lot of what you talked about, but I heard the part about Kyoto."

Kenshin was as brazenly honest as ever. In his own way he was also utterly devious. His directness made it difficult to stay angry at him for long and often baffled or embarrassed adults who didn't know him well – not that he met many of those.

"You were eavesdropping?"

"Not exactly," Kenshin said judiciously, violet eyes glinting up at his sister. "The Princess did see me when I first arrived; I know, because she told me to be very quiet."

"I see. Well, as long as you were only half eavesdropping then of course that's fine," said Chiharu with a certain amount of sarcasm in her usually gentle voice. Kenshin ignored it without difficulty.

"Please go help Kichirō get things ready now. I'm going to see if I can contact Mother."

"Hai."

Chiharu went to her own room, which was large and airy and as cool as anywhere else in the house. She seated herself comfortably on a cushion, closed her eyes, and reached outward. It occurred to her that if she saw Osen-chan then she'd be able to pick up more information on farsensing and farspeaking. With a little concentration, she allowed her mind to travel along the path that her mother would take to travel to the summer house. If she was coming.

After only a few minutes – and in fact, Sen would have been impressed had she been watching her cousin – Chiharu found her mother riding along the usual well-cleared path. She must have left home a few days ago, thought the younger woman, mentally saluting Suzuka-hime. It was very unusual to see her mother travelling in such heat and under such conditions. She could only assume that Suzuka-hime had been as persuasive with Kazama Kazue-sama as with Chiharu herself.

Her mother signalled for her groom to pull up and help her alight. A maid brought her a cushion. The servants were long-time family retainers, part-Oni who had grown up around the main Kazama lands.

Not long after, her mother spoke to her. The Lady Kazue had a strong Gift for mental speech with her close relatives, even at a distance. Of course, the fact that Chiharu had been trying to reach her helped.

Yes Haru-chan? We must be brief I'm afraid.

In fact, Chiharu could sense her mother's fatigue; the afternoon heat had evidently sapped her limited strength. Her mother had never been quite well after the birth of her twin girls, and the death of her younger daughter had made her even weaker.

You knew?

Yes. I spoke with Suzuka-hime. Very remarkable woman.

? Understatement!

Yes dear. But I know the old legends, you see. I will stop in the usual place. I will see you there.

You… but Chikage?

I know dear. But I think… it will work out. I believe…

Good bye Mother.

… (affection) …

Chiharu blinked. This was truly bizarre. Her mother was almost as protective as Chikage. What had the mysterious Suzuka-hime told Kazue-sama that would bring her out in this weather to take charge of her youngest son while sending her precious daughter and (almost) as precious middle son into potential danger?

Less than an hour later, Chiharu was moving swiftly through the forest, holding Kenshin tightly by the hand. Fast Travel was not a Gift she used easily or often. Chikage was very competent, and Amagiri was outstanding, but few female Oni were comfortable with the Gifts associated with the Trial of Body. Chiharu thought of what Suzuka-hime would say to this and turned her mind as well as she could to the task of believing that she was as able to use her Gifts of Body as any male – or at least as well as any male without a special talent for the Gift.

She was in Oni form, needing the extra strength and speed it would give her. Almost all the Gifts were used more easily in Oni form. She still couldn't quite fathom what was driving her toward Kyoto; she no longer felt as though she were being coerced by an outside force; she simply had a strong premonition that she needed to go.

Whether it was the advice of the mysterious Princess, or her own determination, the trip only took two hours – far longer than Amagiri would have taken but not bad at all considering that she had her brother with her. In fact… she'd never tried to take anyone with her. Amagiri had explained to her how it worked, with his usual courtesy and patience. But not even Amagiri treated female Oni as fully capable of using the Gifts of Body.

It was late afternoon when she and Kenshin stepped into the clearing where her mother had stopped to rest for the day (and most likely the night). There was a small lodging there, on the edge of a tranquil pond fed by a forest stream. Kenshin looked a little white around the eyes, but he had made no complaint, although he must have been pushed to his limits. At only ten years of age, he was not quite ready to assay the Trial of Body, despite his overall potential. She hugged him tightly.

"Thank you Kenshin. I will make it up to you, I promise."

"It's fine, Nee-san. But I think I'd better rest a bit…" He yawned hugely.

Her mother's maid smiled at both of the young Oni and then took Chiharu in to see her mother, while the groom unobtrusively got Kenshin into the second bedroom and helped him to settle on top of the futon that was waiting for him.

"Chiharu… you look so lovely. One forgets, sometimes!"

"Thank you, Mother. How are you?"

Her mother was half-reclined on a soft futon piled with cushions. She smiled fondly at her daughter. In human form – as now – Kazama Kazue-sama had shining black hair and violet eyes that were a bit lighter than her daughter's. She looked more like her Yukishima mother than her Shiranui father, but without the vibrant strength that usually characterized the shinobi clan.

"I will not keep you, Haru-chan, except to have a cup of tea to refresh you. I am very proud of you, my daughter." The words were kind, but clearly an evasion.

"Thank you, Mother."

"There is one thing that I must speak to you about. It will be a shock to you, I am afraid. But you must know this before you go…"

The dark-haired woman was clearly troubled.

"Mother?"

"You must understand… or try. Only a few people know the whole truth. Fewer now than ten years ago."

Chiharu took her mother's thin hand.

"It's about Kenshin. He's not your brother. I think of him as my son of course. But… will you swear to tell nobody of this?"

"As you wish. Yes…" Chiharu's mind was reeling. "I promise."

"About seventeen years ago, Amagiri Kyūju and Yukishima Chikame – then called Yukishima Kameko – met and fell in love. They kept this a secret, as it was not certain that they would be allowed to marry. It seemed quite possible that Chikame would be required to marry Chikage; at the time, of course, neither Yukimura Chizuru nor Sen-hime had been born. However, when Yukimura Chizuru was born strong and healthy, it seemed likely that your brother Chikage would have an even more suitable bride in her. You see, Yukimura Chizuru had a twin brother, Kaoru, who could be named Heir if Chizuru-sama were to leave the clan. Unfortunately…"

Chiharu's mother heaved a deep sigh, her troubled eyes fixed on one of the pretty cushions. She had withdrawn her hand from her daughter's, possibly so as not to share any more of her thoughts and emotions than necessary. The younger woman was sitting bolt upright, transfixed by the story – somehow far more unbelievable to her than the idea that Suzuka-gozen had returned to the Oni one thousand years after her supposed death.

"Well. As you know, twelve years ago, the Yukimuras were destroyed. Suddenly, Kameko – that is, Chikame – was once again the obvious bride for your brother, although less ideal than Yukimura Chizuru, of course. But there was a problem. As far as Chikame was concerned, she had already chosen a mate and although they were not married, she had become pregnant. There were disastrous repercussions. My cousin Yukishima Chiyoko-sama, came to me and asked me to take the child. She said that it was the only thing that she could think of to keep the situation stable at the time; after all, the boy could be mine in terms of age and colouring and so on. And my sister Kazumi - Kyūju-kun's mother - knew that I would love the boy, her grandson, for her sake. Well... we are twins and we understand each other very well. Kazumi thought it was outrageous that the boy should give up both of his parents, but Yukishima-sama was adamant and your father was furious and - well, at least Kenshin had us, Haru-chan. And Kyūju-kun has seen him quite often..."

Kazama Kazue-sama looked very pale and thin. Nevertheless, she continued:

"Chikame was devastated. Kyūju-kun as well of course, although he spoke very little at the time and hasn't much ever since. But because of the… injury… to the Kazama clan – no leave having been sought either for the alliance or the child by Kyūju-kun – he was required to give his word to protect and obey your brother Chikage until such time as Chikage found a suitable bride and produced an heir. Or until the oath was rescinded by the head of the Kazama clan."

Chiharu's hands were balled into fists.

"This is evil! Monstrous! Was it Father's doing? Did Princess Shizuka have no say in this… this travesty of justice?"

"Your father was involved, of course. As well as Chikame's mother and Amagiri-sama, Kyūju-kun's father. I could not turn down either my sister or my husband or Yukishima-sama; and… I admit that I was still mourning your sister. Nobody else was told. Princess Shizuka had become weaker since the birth of Sen-hime. Besides, the Kazamas have never taken well to any authority but their own. By the time Shizuka-hime found out, the situation was even more tangled."

"Surely Chikage would not be a party to this scheme! Once Father died?"

"He doesn't know about Kenshin. And the next calamity – which I won't discuss with you – meant that Kimigiku left the Yukishima clan without producing a child, so that Kameko was forced to become Yukishima Chikame, the clan Heir. Now there was an even greater problem: Kyūju-kun was the Heir to the Amagiri clan as well as bound by oath to Chikage, and as the Yukishima Heir, Chikame was no longer free to marry either her lover or Chikage without significant changes to the clan structures."

"But Amagiri has younger brothers now! If one of them was named as Heir to the Amagiri clan then he - Amagiri Kyūju - would be free to marry Chikame-sama!"

"Kyūju-kun is bound to serve your brother."

"Then tell Chikage about Kenshin. He will release Amagiri."

"Perhaps. Will you be the one to force your brother to choose between his clan and his vassal? Would Kyūju-kun agree with your decision? Until Yukimura-sama is secured for Chikage, Chikame is the only real choice, even with the political problems resulting from marrying the principals of two clans together... At least the Yukishima are really only a subordinate clan. Imagine the problems if Chikage marries Osen-chan! But Yukimura-sama would be much better than either, since the Yukimura are now a clan in name only. And I believe that the Shiranui would not object to serving the Kazama. Or perhaps they could serve Osen-chan."

"Amagiri Kyūju-sama, to give him his proper title for once as Heir, has lived for ten years without his wife or son! Isn't that enough?"

"She is not his wife. That is the point. But Chiharu… if you can convince Yukimura Chizuru-sama to accept Chikage then this whole knot will unravel. Suzuka-hime told me that the girl is alive and well."

Chiharu rose, tears clouding her vision. It all seemed quite simple to her. Her parents and Yukishima-sama had perpetuated a terrible lie just so that the Kazama clan would have a suitable, pureblood Oni woman free and available for Chikage to marry. The despair of a dying race, surely! Chiharu did understand that the Yukishima, with their absolute matriarchy, would never accept Chikame-sama's son in her place as an heir. Suddenly, the young woman was in a hurry to get away from her mother and to talk to Sen.

"I – I will consider everything you have said before I say anything more on this subject. Good afternoon, Mother."

She turned on her heel and stumbled blindly from the room and from the house, her thoughts in turmoil.

Yukimura-sama. Osen-chan. Chikame-sama. And herself.

That was all there were. Unless Shiranui Kyo's young sisters became stronger and able to marry and bear children. But right now they were ten – like Kenshin! – and very unlikely to live. The problems seemed insurmountable.

When Hijikata finally left his room to go to breakfast, he discovered something of a delegation in front of his door.

Souji and Heisuke were both fully fit and ready to resume their duties, according to Yamazaki, who could only be heard once Hijikata had told the two captains to shut the hell up. Yamazaki looked no different than usual - that is, very serious - but Hijikata knew that the shinobi-medic had just found out about some of the more bizarre aspects of the recent days' events. He wasn't surprised when Yamazaki requested a meeting with the Vice Commander after breakfast, and he nodded his agreement.

Harada and Nagukura arrived just as he was listening - or rather not listening - to Souji's and Heisuke's claims to phenomenal strength and good health. Nagakura spoke before Souji, Heisuke and Yamazaki could leave.

"If there's any way that Sano and I could go out tonight, Hijikata-san, we'd really appreciate it," said Nagakura with a smile that didn't completely reach his eyes. "It's been a rough few days and we'd like to cut loose just a little - nothing major, you know?"

"But Kondō-san will probably be back for dinner," Sōji protested.

"Well, if he's here for dinner that's great and we'll be here, but he's going to be talking with Sannan-san and Hijikata-san anyway, right?"

Sōji looked slightly put out, but couldn't disagree.

"What do you propose?" Hijikata asked, cutting off anything that Sōji might want to add.

"Let me and Sano take the morning patrol. Heisuke and Sōji can take the afternoon. Saitō can go out tonight. It's kind of his turn for the night shift anyway."

"You just got back from patrol four hours ago," Hijikata noted, arms crossed. "And Harada was out late too." It wasn't an outright no but he wasn't especially happy about the suggestion either.

"Yeah, but it can work, and Sano and I are used to this, and we were never really injured at the Ikedaya. Seriously, Hijikata-san, we want to go out."

It was a fairly forceful request, and Hijikata had to admit that Nagakura and Harada both deserved a break.

"Okay, but no slacking this morning. I take it you'd rather not take the morning shift tomorrow though?"

Sōji, Heisuke and Harada all laughed, and so did Nagakura after a moment.

"Thanks Hijikata-san. And uh, no." Nagakura glanced around at the group. "Well, let's go get breakfast, I'm starving!"

"I suppose Chizuru-chan and Hajime-kun are making breakfast?" asked Sōji with a slighty malicious grin. "How domestic of them. I'll go let Hajime-kun know about the change in schedule. He'll need to take off his apron and let his men know that they aren't needed until tonight."

"No," said Nagakura firmly, immediately stopping to look back. "I'll tell him. Sano and I are the ones who asked for the change, least I can do is bring him the bad news and see if he needs any help now."

"I'll go too," Harada added. "That way one of us can make sure that breakfast gets served on time while the news of the schedule change gets passed around to all the men."

"Good, go get things straightened out. I suppose a normal day is too much to hope for, but you never know." Hijikata started on his way to the common room, Heisuke following along with Sōji, chatting animatedly about his miracle recovery from his forehead injury.

Yamazaki had disappeared at some point during the discussion.

Probably went to warn Saito about the schedules, Hijikata decided. I wonder what he thinks about being a demon ninja.

Then he answered himself: He'll probably say it's fine as long as Saito's fine with it and I'm fine with it. And thank the gods for that.

END

A/Note: An unusual chapter because it deals almost entirely entirely with OCs. I didn't mean for that to happen, as I know that as a reader I tend to prefer seeing my favourite Hakuouki characters. I hope that you will persevere, however, as we move into the new and very active phase of this story.

Your reviews and comments would be much appreciated! Thank you for reading. :)