Author's Note:

[Quick note for weekend October 14-16: I am receiving review notifications but they are not uploading on FFnet properly. Thank you to those who have written or do write reviews and please do send them - the system will be fixed soon and at least I can see them!]

There is a great deal to this chapter. I hope that you enjoy it and I would greatly appreciate any reviews or comments that you may have, long or short.

With much gratitude to all of my readers for coming so far along the path...

~ ImpracticalOni

Quote:

Love is of all passions the strongest, for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart and the senses.

- Lao Tzu

Chapter 59 – The Last of the Sakurai (or, The Wedding)

[I] - A Dowery of Swords

With the aid of Osen-chan's servant Mika-san, Chizuru had washed off some of the sweat and dust of the long day with a basin of water and a cloth, and then undertaken the slightly arduous task of re-donning the pretty kimono she had worn before. She was impressed with Mika-san's efficiency and ability, but too tired to talk with the part-Oni woman in the way that she usually would.

Eventually she was dressed, her hair was combed and pinned back, and she was ready to accompany Saitō to the next part of what seemed to be an endless day. Mika-san had left to make tea, and Chizuru was pacing in very small steps across the matted floor, by the time she heard the soft, familiar voice.

"May I come in?"

Chizuru hurried to the door of the dressing room that led into the bathing chamber and slid it open. She had been feeling increasingly overwhelmed by all the strange things that had happened. It felt as though going out on patrol with Okita-san before the events at the Ikedaya had been the last time that she had understood the world around her.

She had drawn Saitō into the room before fully taking in his appearance, and then stopped as the lights from several floor lamps showed that their hostess had provided formal wear for the newest Oni lord in Kyoto. Saitō looked back at her mutely, his face impassive and his blue eyes somehow shuttered.

Instead of his black kimono and simple white under-kimono, he wore dark grey hakama of rather stiff silk, the creases perfectly pressed, a hakamashita of deep, dark blue with tiny sakura blossoms embroidered in silvery white along the outer edge and collar of the garment, and a matching haori adorned with five white mon that could only be the crest of the Sakurai. The haori was held in the front by knotted white silk cord. Only Saitō's indigo hair looked the same; it had been brushed neatly into a low side-ponytail, tied with white cord, and draped over his right shoulder. Without his customary fine white scarf, the pony-tail did not quite conceal the thin white scar on the right side of his neck just above his collar.

Chizuru stared at him, open-mouthed. She couldn't imagine when Osen-chan could have had the clothes made, but everything fit perfectly. Saitō looked disturbingly remote from her, and she unconsciously tucked a hand into his just to make contact.

"Saitō-san?" she whispered.

"Ah no! Not that… Chizuru, everything else feels like it is changing… please… don't change too…" The words were barely audible but clearly pained.

"Hajime, gomenasai, but…" She gestured wordlessly.

"All of the Oni rulers—those of the High Clans—kept formal kimono or other court clothes at the Prince or Princess' estate in Yase." His lips tightened fractionally. "Or so I am told. Sen-hime and Kimigiku-san must have sent for these a day or two ago, I think."

Saitō's hand tightened on Chizuru's.

"I know they are waiting for us. But there is one more thing here, apparently." He gestured toward a heavy-looking chest of drawers and Chizuru suddenly knew what it was: a sword cabinet where men could secure their daisho—their katana and wakizashi—before going in to bathe.

Hand-in-hand, both elegantly dressed but moving as though afraid to make noise, Saitō and Chizuru crossed to the chest and Saitō pulled open a drawer that had evidently been recently used. It slid out noiselessly, revealing a padded interior with room for three sets of swords. There was only one set there, but Saitō stood staring at it hungrily.

"They are bribing me well," he murmured, letting go of Chizuru's hand and lifting out the longer sword of the pair with reverent care. "This katana is from the very earliest part of the new era of swords—see how it is almost more similar to an old period tachi. In fact, I suspect it pre-dates the known production of the new swords, which makes me believe that the Oni had their own smiths. It may even have been newly crafted, since there is very little wear. I wonder what happened to the older sword when it became unfit for battle—or too valuable to risk damaging. Now that sword would be a prize; it is difficult to find a good sword of the koto period now."

Saitō put down the katana and picked up the shorter sword, which Chizuru saw was similar in design to her kodachi.

"Ah, now this is from the old period—like your Shotsuren, Chizuru. This is a very fine blade; I wonder what the markings are? I have a feeling that, like yours, I will not know them and neither will Hijikata-san or Souji…"

Chizuru let him talk. She noted that plain scabbards for the weapons were also in the drawer, which meant that the swords had been deliberately left unsheathed. She didn't think Saitō was being bribed—at least, not precisely—but she understood his meaning. He was being forced, will it or not, into a role that he hadn't chosen and didn't fully understand; a role, moreover, that might interfere with his service to the Shinsengumi. Giving beautiful, ancient swords to a man who loved swords could be seen as proffering a sweet to a child so that he would take his medicine without complaint.

"The Shiranui got them back," Saitō said abruptly. "After the disaster. As the shinobi of the Clans of the East they undertook that task. Bad enough that they had let their allies be slaughtered and couldn't find a single heir. It would be an added shame to leave the Sakurai swords in the hands of the Kazama."

Once again, Chizuru heard the faintest stress on the last name, as though the speaker had to force himself to say it. She hoped that Saitō would deal with that issue quickly, given the other guests in the house.

"If they knew all of this, then why wasn't the treason dealt with sooner?"

Saitō gave a tiny shrug and reluctantly sheathed the two blades in the plain black scabbards. He left the longer blade where it was, but slipped the kodachi through the white sash that she hadn't noticed amidst all the finery.

"No survivors, no proof. They were thorough. The Shiranui probably learned some of the details after a certain amount of digging, especially since they would have known where to look. The Yukimura then learned of it from the Shiranui. Akio-san gave me the gist of it; I assume that Osen-chan or Kimigiku-san asked him to tell me. It likely gave rise to gossip among the great clans for many, many years."

His voice was hard and Chizuru was troubled again. It was as if there was a part of him still back in the past. Saitō continued, still in the same chilling tone:

"That was why they had to kill the children, of course. Any valid Heir with sufficient power would eventually find out precisely what had happened during the Trial of Mind—if they survived it."

"Hajime…"

Her soft voice made him focus on her and take her hands in his. As he stared intently into her eyes, she could sense him regaining control.

"Sumimasen, Chizuru."

He bent and kissed her gently on the lips. It was a light kiss but Chizuru was amazed at the love and comfort it conveyed. They were both very tired, she thought, but at least they were together.

"One last change…" Saitō shifted smoothly to his Oni form.

Chizuru did the same, although it took her longer. When she was done, she discovered Saitō watching her. He was blushing slightly, but didn't say anything. Chizuru took his proffered arm. It suddenly dawned on her that she was going to be formally betrothed tonight; in fact, tonight's ceremony was the important one, the one that really bound them together. The wedding afterward would be more of a gathering of friends and family to celebrate the event, although it also usually represented the time when the wife officially moved into her husband's household.

As far as she could tell, the Oni tradition wasn't much different from what she was used to. After all, one could be married—with the consent of the head of one's family, if any—simply by way of formal agreement and (although she was less certain on this point), by filing the correct documents. Chizuru had not personally known anyone who had undertaken a more elaborate wedding at one of the temples, but she had seen such things. The engagement party, arranged by the matchmaker or other go-between, was the most important thing. The wedding was also important, but the match itself was already essentially complete.

Saitō gave her a small smile.

"Our respective families have had very little opportunity to negotiate an appropriate dowry, have they? And yet, I feel as though we have each been as carefully managed as if the usual matchmaking process had been followed."

Chizuru blushed, knowing that he had followed her thoughts. For all intents and purposes they were agreeing to their marriage contract tonight. It was both a daunting and exhilarating idea. From a practical point of view, of course, it made no sense – Saitō had no home for his bride and Chizuru brought no dowry.

"At least we'll have a fine collection of swords," she murmured, fatigue and pressure making her giddy.

Saitō smiled a little more and walked with her out into the hallway.

"What more can I ask?"

[II] - Lady of the East and Lord of the Sakurai

They assembled in the rituals room. Osen-chan was resplendent in her court kimono and Kimigiku-san was also carefully dressed, though not in a kimono since that might hamper her ability to guard the Princess. Amagiri-san had changed into his usual clothes, but these were rather formal at any time; Chizuru thought that he looked even more sombre than usual tonight and thought she knew why. Chiharu-sama appeared to have found appropriate clothing for herself and her brother from somewhere, although Chizuru had given up trying to account for how Osen-chan and Kimigiku-san provided for their guests.

Hijikata-san and Harada-san looked much as they always did, although they had obviously tidied themselves up. Chizuru felt proud of them, for some reason: they might not be wearing expensive clothing, but they both carried themselves with the grace and confidence (some might say arrogance) of natural warriors; in any event, they seemed supremely unperturbed at being the only guests present without golden eyes and white hair.

The room was large and square and there was something like an altar or table at the front framed by a wide window. The shutters were partially open toward the top, and those in the room could see and hear the building storm outside. Just as Saitō and Chizuru entered, there was a crash of thunder. Chizuru found it ominous, but she didn't want to disappoint Saitō with her cowardice, so she gritted her teeth together and continued to study the room in order to calm her nerves.

The table, if that was the right word, had thick legs of some dark and polished wood. The lower parts of the legs were set with jade and mother of pearl in intricate patterns that seemed to change from moment to moment in the light of the lamps set about the room. The feet were round and heavy, but uncarved; rather, strips of more jade and mother of pearl gleamed across the dark surface.

In contrast, the table-top was plain and covered only by two narrow strips of patterned silk. The bowl in the middle of the table was stone inlaid with silver, and the knife beside it also appeared to be silver, which was odd.

"Good evening, Chizuru-chan, Saitō-san," said Sen in a calm voice. "I hope that you found everything that you needed?"

Chizuru had to try very hard not to shrink away from being the centre of such a gathering under such strange conditions. Fortunately, she could be very stubborn in the face of adversity; moreover, Saitō was a quiet strength beside her, any trace of fatigue erased from his outer presence as though it had never been. Besides, she thought, peeping sideways, how could any woman not be heartened by the impeccable elegance and fine-boned good-looks of her chosen mate?

Looking forward again, she realized that Hijikata-san and Harada-san were staring at Saitou's finery with just a hint of wariness. Amagiri-san's expression didn't so much as flicker, but she read approval on Chiharu-sama's face and interest on Kichirō-kun's. In fact, the younger Oni was looking at her with more than just general interest, she realized, blushing. Kichirō immediately blushed as well and looked down.

"Good evening, Sen-hime," Saitō responded politely. "I found everything that I needed, thank you."

"Mika-san was very helpful, Osen-chan," said Chizuru, a little hurriedly. She still had her hand on Saitō's right arm, so she had felt the muscle tense abruptly when he had noticed Kichirō-kun admiring her.

"I'm pleased that Akio and Mika served you well. Now then, I promised that this wouldn't take long, and it won't, however, the Ritual of Blood can only be witnessed by Oni who are clan leaders or their designated Heirs. I have already explained this to the others, so Chiharu-chan, Hijikata-san and Harada-san have agreed to go next door until I recall them."

Chiharu bowed gracefully to Sen-hime, but Chizuru thought that the two Shinsengumi—especially the Vice Commander—looked unhappy about having to go. They left without demur, however, and Chizuru gestured for Chiziru and Saitō to come straight up to the table.

"This is the great secret of the Oni," Sen told them without preamble. "Silver is anathema to us. Wounds of silver heal very slowly. Left completely untreated, silver residue on a wound can even poison an Oni over time. Ingesting silver would be severely painful and quite possibly lethal."

Kichirō, deprived of his older sister's counsel, was now standing beside Amagiri. To do him credit, he contained most of his shock at Sen's information, but he was evidently hearing this for the first time. Amagiri and Kimigiku were both unsurprised. Saitō's brows contracted sharply.

"This is potentially devastating information against the Oni. Why would you tell me?"

Amagiri finally raised his head, meeting Saitō's challenging gaze.

"You have a great deal to think about in the days and weeks ahead, Saitō. You have a duty to disclose everything you know to your superiors, for example. But even if the enchantments placed on our kind failed with you, and you were able to speak of this to others, would you? Would you put the fate of an entire race in the hands of Hijikata-san or Kondō-san? And what of Sannan-san?"

Saitō was silent, his face showing nothing and his emotions entirely unreadable, even to Chizuru.

"It has happened before, Saitō-san," Sen-hime said sadly. "There were once three great domains: the East, the West and the North. When Suzuka-hime, First Lady of Kyoto and Yase, sought to unite the Oni, the Lord of the Northern Clans and his vassals were at first resistant. They were warriors first and foremost and did not feel jeopardized at the news of barbarian invaders coming from the north and west. But the battles turned out to be brutal and bloody. Whether by design or bad luck, most of the enemy weapons were tipped in silver. Or so the story goes. Our historians believe that most likely the enemy did know the properties of silver and brought it deliberately, but were slowed by underestimating the speed and skill of those they faced.

"The Lord of the North, Yukishima Hiroki-sama sent his youngest son, along with two guards, to beg aid from Suzuka-gozen, in return for pledging themselves to her cause of unification. The two guards were distant kin of the Yukishima themselves, and descended of one of the high-ranking Northern clans. Angered by the fact that Yukishima-sama had not informed the rest of the Oni of the threat caused by the silver weapons until his clans were in dire straits, and already struggling with passive resistance from the Kazama and their subordinate clans, Lady Suzuka agreed to send aid on one condition. The two guards and the son would complete the blood rituals sealing the contract of obedience to Suzuka and her Heirs—to the Okikurune Princes and Princesses, in other words. The son, desperate to help his people, agreed.

"Being an excellent strategist, Lady Suzuka gave the assignment to bring aid to the North to the most restless of the Western clans, the Nishikai. The Nishikai were fully briefed on the dangers, of course, but determined to win glory. To make a long story short, the entire Nishikai army was wiped out in the ensuing battles. The clan lived on for a while after that, but eventually the whole main line died out or was absorbed into other families. Ultimately, the invaders were driven off, in part by the local human populace. By that time, however, the Clans of the North were shattered. Over the course of the next two centuries, the humans and Oni of the North clashed several times. To put it bluntly, the Oni lost."

There was silence after Sen's abrupt conclusion. Then Saitō bowed his head.

"I thought I could be both. Both Oni and Shinsengumi."

"For a time, perhaps. As long as the Oni and the Shinsengumi don't come into conflict."

"There will be conflict," Saito stated.

"Yes," said Amagiri, quickly, before Sen could speak again. "Yes, there will be conflict. Why hold out a vain hope, Sen-hime? But if the conflict concerns only Oni matters, and not the human war that some of us think is coming… in that case there is no need for humans to know about the silver."

Chizuru's head was spinning, trying to understand what was wrong. Saitō was very angry, all appearances to the contrary. He believed that he was going to be required to withhold valuable information from his superiors; specifically, he would have to withhold the knowledge that silver could be used to great effect against the Oni, even if the Shinsengumi were attacked by Kazama Chikage-sama and his allies.

"It is too late to work this out right now," Saitō said in a stony voice. "Moreover, Chizuru is tired as are most of us here. Since the damage is done and you have told me what I needed to know, I propose that we continue."

Osen-chan looked pale, Chizuru thought. The Princess of the Oni might know and understand a great deal, but she had not fully understood the depth of Saitō's ties to the Shinsengumi. To Sen-hime, born, bred and raised an Oni, the choice was simple. Amagiri-san had understood, but had been faced with a choice between letting Saitō die, and helping him to live at all costs. Chizuru had already sensed a little of Saitō's anxiety for Amagiri-san—or rather about what Kazama-sama might do to to his retainer when the red-haired Oni returned with bad news and had to explain his own part in it.

"Osen-chan," she said suddenly, in her quiet voice.

"Yes, Chizuru-chan?" Sen was relieved to have anything break the tension. She could partially sense the depth of the anger and despair within Saitō-san, and it alarmed her.

"I take it that the ritual you are going to perform involves silver?"

"Yes… Or rather, not the blood ritual itself, but as it applies to confirming somebody as the Head of a Clan."

"So you had to tell Saitō-san about the silver so that he would not be concerned when the cut didn't close immediately?"

"Yes." Sen looked pleadingly at her cousin, but Chizuru had already turned back to Saitō.

Mentally, as if she had embarked on such conversation all her life, she said to him: Hajime, there has really been very little choice in any of this. And… and I would make the same decision over again if it meant saving you, although it grieves me that you are grieved.

As she had done before, she simply left her thoughts and emotions open to him. And as he had done before, he refused to go too far beyond the surface, although he accepted the comfort and trust offered: Thank you Chizuru. I lost sight of what must be. And I don't want to spoil anything more tonight. For some reason—the tone was ironic—I am a little edgy right now. But there is one thing we can do. Even though Hijikata-san won't like it. There was the ghost of a smile in Saitō's mental voice now.

"Sen-hime," Saitō said aloud.

"Yes, Saitō-san?" Sen asked him, a spark of hope in her tone. He hadn't sounded as unfriendly as before.

"You said earlier that the betrothal contracts between Oni are almost impossible to break other than by death, is that correct?"

Sen nodded, looking slightly confused.

"Yes… To be honest, the contract seals the marriage. The ceremony makes it public. There is usually a period of time required to arrange for the dowry to be transferred to the husband, or for compensation to be given to the bride's family, as the case may be… If I understand things correctly, it is similar to a human marriage in many respects."

"And are you entitled to marry us—in the eyes of the human authorities that is?"

"Yes. I have the documents here. We Oni have learned to live within human structures. Are you… are you proposing to marry tonight?"

"Yes," said Saitō firmly.

"Yes," said Chizuru in the same tone.

"Your Vice Commander will be concerned."

"I have full confidence in the Vice Commander's ability to explain the situation to Commander Kondō," said Saitō. "In fact, I will be surprised if he is surprised. The Vice Commander always knows or understands a great deal."

"It would be simpler to do as they request, Sen-hime," Amagiri said into the silence that followed Saitō's pronouncement on Hijikata-san's near omniscience. "And you are legitimately Yukimura-sama's closest relative and a citizen of Kyoto."

"It really isn't a problem," said Sen, rather dazed. "It's just… Everyone keeps telling me that I rush things too much, and now this."

"Begin with the blood ritual, Princess," advised Amagiri. "Otherwise, Hijikata-san is quite likely to come in demanding why you aren't done yet."

"That is a good idea," agreed Saitō, his tone quite placid now. Chizuru sensed something else entirely through their mental contact. He had set aside his earlier concern as being unsolvable for the moment, and instead, he was anxious to proceed but somehow also very… pleased? Excited?

Ask me after we're married, dear one. Saitō gave her a kind of mental nudge and then suddenly she couldn't read him anymore.

Sen picked up the silver knife—rather gingerly, Chizuru noticed.

"Saitō-san, please place your arm over this basin. I suggest your right arm, since you are left-handed."

Saitō removed the elegant haori and handed it to Chizuru. He held his right forearm over the bowl.

"Are you prepared?" asked Sen.

"Hai." Saitō didn't bother to point out that he had faced major sword-wounds earlier that day and would likely do so in the foreseeable future; a minor cut—even one that didn't heal immediately—was hardly a problem.

Sen made a neat slit part-way up the arm, cross-ways and away from any danger points. Saitō's expression didn't so much as flicker. However, as the blood trickled slowly into the basin, he remarked:

"It does feel different. Very cold. I can sense the wound trying to close. It's strange though—the cut is clean, so surely there is no residue?"

Mentally, he added: Chizuru, if you press any closer to my back, I will fall over. That would be… embarrassing.

Chizuru blushed and hurriedly gave him more space. Not that he was in any danger of falling over; at most he might stumble and even that seemed unlikely. But she caught hastily muffled amusement from both Kimigiku-san and—although it surprised her a great deal—Amagiri-san. Kichirō-kun just looked intrigued by the proceedings. The poor boy was feeling out of his depth, thought Chizuru sympathetically, conveniently overlooking the fact that she was only a year older than the "boy" in question.

"No residue," Sen responded to Saitō, as if they were discussing a third person altogether, "but silver burns. Good for emergency cautery, not good for clean wounds that could otherwise heal in moments."

Chizuru found it difficult to watch Saitō's blood dripping steadily into the bowl. Surely that was enough? He'd already lost blood earlier.

Sen smiled at her cousin from the other side of the table.

"Almost done, Chizuru-chan. There, that's enough. You can bind up your—Saitō-san's—cut now."

Chizuru took the proffered cloth and neatly cleaned the small cut. It did look as though it had been burned. She shivered at the idea of the kind of damage a silver weapon would do on a larger scale.

"Arigatou, Chizuru," Saitō said quietly, drawing his sleeve down over the cut. "It does not require a bandage."

Chizuru just nodded and put the slightly bloodied bandage down on the table. Saitō picked it up and folded it so that the blood didn't show.

Sen-hime was quickly building Soul Magic over the stone basin. The watchers saw smoke rise and twist around the princess' forearms. She closed her eyes for a moment and then breathed out slowly, dispelling the smoke. When she spoke, it was the "older" Sen-hime—the one who sounded very much like the ruler of all the Oni remaining in Japan.

"Sakurai of the main line, born for battle and also for peace. That is unusual. But it is clear that despite grave self-doubt you have the capacity to build. Shiranui of the main line, born for stealth, born for silence. Also, a gift for accuracy. You are very fortunate. In both cases, service to a greater clan is strongly indicated. Without any doubt, ruler of the Sakurai, holder of the living memories."

There was a short silence, as though Sen was contemplating whether to say more. Finally, reluctantly, she added: "There is pain to come—as if you need more—but long life and good fortune if you survive the coming storm. And… at some point, a greater power has interfered in your life, for better or for worse."

Sen looked at Saitō, meeting his eyes for a long moment. Then she blinked and staggered slightly. Kimigiku steadied her and then stepped back again. Sen smiled a little weakly.

"You can see why it's easier to just keep accurate records… Otherwise you have to put up with a lot of mystical nonsense every time you need to appoint a new clan head."

"Are you alright, Osen-chan?"

Surprisingly, the question came from Kichirō-kun, who looked honestly concerned for his cousin. Chizuru, who had slipped her hand unobtrusively into Saitō's, saw him glance at the boy and hoped that he would finally take in Kichirō as a person and not just a Kazama. Saitō was still reserving judgment, she thought, but it was a start.

"I'll be fine, Kichirō-kun," Sen said airily, and she did seem to be doing much better. "It's more of a case of coming back than it is of needing rest."

Saitō had no idea what she meant and glanced sharply at Chizuru, but as far as he could tell she was not transferring any healing power to Sen-hime. He hadn't actually realized that she was holding his hand until now, which was rather embarrassing. He gently disentangled his fingers with a semi-apologetic sideways glance.

"Saitō Hajime-san, as Princess of the Oni, I confirm you as Sakurai Hajime-sama, Lord of the Sakurai, direct vassal to the Yukimura clan and the Lord or Lady of that clan. Until such time as the Lady of the Eastern Clans, Yukimura Chizuru-sama, can be confirmed in her position, you will owe your fealty to me and you will accept my judgment on all matters relating to your clan." There was a cold, hard silence from the new Lord of the Sakurai, which Sen ignored. She continued: "Due to your present circumstances, and in particular your sworn service to Commander Kondō Isami and the Shinsengumi of Kyoto, I hereby give you leave to take whatever actions are most compatible with your honour and conscience, except that such actions cannot compromise the safety of either Yukimura Chizuru-sama or myself."

Sen waited patiently for a response. Saitō weighed her words and acknowledged that they were as fair as possible, under the circumstances. He couldn't quite understand why he was unable to simply refuse the position offered and let the Sakurai clan disappear for good; after all, it had been effectively dead for three hundred years. It had nothing to do with wanting a noble rank—that had never been his ambition. He suspected that it had everything to do with his vivid memory of Sakurai Chieko, brave in the face of overwhelming odds and near-certain injury and death. To abandon the Sakurai was to disregard her sacrifice; after all, without her, he would never have existed. He would just have to hope that he would never have to choose between Sen-hime's safety and the safety of the Shinsengumi.

"I accept the name and rank of Sakurai Hajime, and give the Princess of the Oni my fealty, on the understanding that I have the Princess' leave to take whatever actions my honour or my conscience deem necessary as an officer of the Shinsengumi. I will not, under any circumstances, compromise the Princess' safety or the safety of Yukimura Chizuru-sama."

It seemed to him that everyone present relaxed when he was done, not least of all himself. He might have to walk a very fine line in the future, but at least the parameters were clear to him.

"Thank you, Sakurai Hajime-sama. I accept your fealty. May it benefit us both." Sen-hime made a gesture and the smoke dissipated from around her forearms. She turned to the room at large, which is to say that her next comments were directed primarily to Amagiri and Kichirō.

"On the basis of previous discussions, we are prepared to accept Yukimura Chizuru as Heir to the Yukimura and to the Eastern Clans without a blood ritual. This is founded in exceptionally strong circumstantial evidence, including in particular her undisputed Oni heritage, her demonstrated power, and her distinctive Gift of healing. Do you agree, Kazama Kichirō-sama, Heir to the Kazama clan and the Western Clans?"

To Chizuru's surprise, Kichirō nodded firmly and without hesitation.

"Yes. My brother, Kazama Chikage-sama, Lord of the Western Clans, believed this to be true as well."

"Do you agree, Amagiri Kyūju-san, Heir to the Amagiri clan of the Western Clans?"

"Yes. The evidence is sufficient."

"Do you agree, Sakurai Hajime, Lord of the Sakurai clan of the Eastern Clans?"

"Yes," Saitō averred flatly. "The evidence is sufficient for me as well."

Sen turned to Chizuru and smiled.

"Yukimura Chizuru-sama, I name you Heir to the Yukimura and to the Eastern Clans. Once you pass the Trial of Mind, and absent any other suitable heir, you will be named as the Lady of the Eastern Clans. As Heir to the Yukimura and to the Eastern Clans, you owe me your fealty. In return, you will have my formal protection with respect to any matter related to the Oni of this country. In the case of a dispute between you and Kazama Chikage-sama, or between you and the leader of any one of the Western Clans, my ruling is binding. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Sen-hime." Chizuru tried not to look as startled as she felt. She thought for a moment and then added shyly: "I ask that I not be required to injure Saito—that is, Sakurai—Hajime-sama or any of the captains or leaders of the Shinsengumi unless there is a compelling and urgent reason."

"Your pledge of fealty and your request are both noted. Your request will be honoured to the best of my ability."

Sen turned her head toward the door.

"Come in, Hijikata-san."

"Thank you," said Hijikata, in faintly sarcastic tones, his eyes taking in the basin of blood and Saitō in the midst of putting his haori back on with Chizuru's able assistance. "I take it that we can return now? All done with your secret blood rituals?"

"Not quite," said Sen pleasantly. "But you'll be pleased to know, Vice Commander Hijikata, that Saitō-san may now more properly be referred to as Sakurai-sama and is the owner of the traditional lands of the Sakurai in the north-eastern part of the country."

Saitō, Chizuru, Hijikata and Harada all turned surprised looks on Sen-hime. Saitō was particularly shocked, since it had never occurred to him that he could recover what he now knew to be his ancestral land.

"Oh yes," said Sen brightly, pleased with the effect of her information on the assembled guests. "A great deal of the time and effort of the various Princesses of the Oni has been expended on tracking down and recovering stolen items, and in some cases establishing and registering claims to—shall we say—misappropriated land. The traditional land of the Sakurai, if not quite all the land held by the Sakurai at the time of the massacre, has been managed appropriately so that it has now produced enough revenue to cover the expenses associated with its recovery and management. There is a little left over, and I hope that Commander Kondō will allow Sakurai-sama leave at some point to speak with the agent who manages the land on my—and now Sakurai-sama's—behalf."

Hijikata had already turned a piercing gaze on Saitō.

"Do you really expect us to adopt your new name?" he demanded.

"No, Vice Commander," said Saitō, sounding so much like his usual self that Hijikata was reassured. "I assure you that I do not. However, I would like your leave to tell Kondō-san that I have been left some land in the northeast through my mother's family, who I can truthfully say that I did not know in any way until I spoke with Sen-hime this evening. I believe that it will reassure him that I am now able to afford to have a wife and family."

"I agree. In fact, he'll agree that under those circumstances it's a good idea to marry. All I can say is that somebody has gone to a lot of trouble to make this all work out. And I can only believe in coincidence so far…"

"Yes, Vice Commander."

"Are you sure that I can't call you Lord Saitō?" drawled Harada, both smile and tone making it clear that this was only a joke.

"Quite sure. If you would prefer, however, we can discuss the matter later."

Saitō's voice, in contrast to Harada's, was flat with just a hint of menace. Chizuru sighed inwardly. She hoped that Saitō's out-of-character irritability would wear off soon. Sen stepped in at that point:

"That's enough of that," she said briskly. "On to the last, and best, order of business then. Hijikata-san, Sakurai-sama and Yukimura-sama have asked me to conclude the betrothal arrangements and to solemnize their marriage at the same time. They may still wish to hold a wedding celebration at a later date, of course. As the one person present who has claims on Sakurai-sama that I am prepared to recognize at this time, will you abide by their decision?"

"Yes, fine," said Hijikata, with an unsurprised but distinctly annoyed look at Saitō. "As long as the bridegroom doesn't snap at every person who asks him why he was in such a hurry to get married."

Chizuru was genuinely confused, but several others in the room politely concealed expressions of distinct amusement. Harada-san laughed out loud and turned an inquiring look on Osen-chan, who vigorously denied any involvement in the couple's decision. Kichirō-kun looked as puzzled as Chizuru felt, but Saitō was blushing, and Chizuru could feel his patience and perhaps even stamina coming to an end.

"I will do my best, Vice Commander," was all he said, however.

The truth must have dawned on Kichirō at the same time as it occurred to her, Chizuru thought, because she and the boy suddenly exchanged horrified looks and both of them turned red. Fortunately, Amagiri-san and Kimigiku-san intervened with sound advice at that point.

"Although it is unusual," Amagiri said in his deep, calm voice, "I believe that the betrothal ceremony should be conducted in human form."

"I agree," said Kimigiku in her most soothing tones. "It will be better for Sakurai-sama, and more comfortable for Hijikata-san and Harada-san."

"That's a very good idea," Sen nodded. "Moreover, it has no doubt been something of an imposition to ask Haru-chan and Kichirō-kun to reveal their Oni forms before those who are not yet full Oni."

Kichirō just shrugged in an uncomfortable sort of way, but Chiharu bowed politely in agreement. Chizuru could tell, however, that Osen-chan was correct. It had been stressful for both of the Kazama siblings to be in Oni form in front of Hijikata-san and Harada-san.

It did not take long for everyone to resume their human forms. Hijikata-san's face remained neutral throughout, but Chizuru thought that Harada-san seemed interested in the process, and not unduly discomposed. She was just relieved that it was becoming faster for her, since she was still slower than anyone else present. Saitō's relief at being in human form was palpable, at least to Chizuru, and it seemed to her that a great deal of his building impatience and annoyance vanished.

Sen waited until everyone was looking at her, and then indicated the basin in front of her.

"Chizuru-chan, first we must add your blood to Sakurai-sama's."

Chizuru carefully pulled back one of her heavy sleeves, and discovered that Kimigiku-san was there to hold it for her. Kimigiku smiled at her.

"Sen-hime wanted to be your attendant, of course, but she had to delegate that task to me I'm afraid." The taller woman bent forward and said teasingly: "Are you sure you really want to marry this one, Chizuru-sama? He's handsome enough, but he seems very short-tempered..."

"But – Kimigiku-san…" Chizuru started to say reproachfully, before seeing the woman's laughing wink. "Oh…"

"Don't worry, Chizuru-sama," Kimigiku told her. "Saitō-san is actually doing much better than most male Oni in this kind of situation. Few of them are especially good at remaining rational—let alone calm— in the face of conflict or other strong imperatives once they have changed form. Female Oni are much better at it."

Chizuru was relieved. The explanation didn't actually change anything, but it made her feel better. She felt a burst of sympathy for her mate, though: Saitō wouldn't take such a loss of control very well.

The silver knife had disappeared, somehow, and the small cut that Sen made on Chizuru's arm barely bled before closing up again. Only two drops of blood fell into the basin.

Sen began to build a new magical construct while Kimigiku arranged Chizuru's sleeve and tidied her kimono. Then the shinobi gave Chizuru—and even Saitō—a reassuring smile and returned to stand beside Sen.

"I see no difficulties for the projected match in terms of the bloodlines," Sen commented aloud at that point. "There are no serious incompatibilities other than the one: the marriage of the Heads or Heirs of two of the Greater Clans is a serious matter. The inheritance of the children must be decided in advance so as not to cause strife within the clans."

Sen turned to Saitō. "As the lord and last of the Sakurai, how will you ensure that your clan continues? If there is no agreement on this point, then all children of the marriage will be considered to belong to the Yukimura clan, as that clan has precedence over yours. In fact, it is only because of your specific situation that I can allow you to keep your own clan name once you marry Yukimura-sama."

Instead of looking embarrassed or confused, Saitō simply nodded.

"It is my preference that the first male heir of my body will be my heir. However, no such designation will be made until there is a female heir for the Yukimura clan."

Chizuru was vaguely aware of nods around the room, but she was focussed on the discussion between Osen-chan and Saitō, not to mention somewhat flushed with embarrassment to be discussing such personal topics in front of an audience. However, she understood that such discussions were quite common between nobles within the human communities, although typically the brides involved had little or no say in the proceedings.

"That is a very reasonable approach," Sen commented approvingly. She looked at Chizuru. "Is this your preference as well, as Heir-presumptive to the Yukimura? If so, then I will give you dispensation to marry Sakurai-sama even though you have not yet completed your Trials and been confirmed as Lady of the Yukimura and of the Eastern Clans. Please understand, however, that there is a difficult balance in such a match. You will be married, and equals, as far as that relationship goes—that is the tradition of the Eastern Clans and of the Okikurune. However, you will be your husband's overlord, with respect to the governance of the Eastern Clans. For example, if there is a dispute between Sakurai-sama and Shiranui-sama that is brought to your attention, your husband will have to abide by your ruling. You will also take precedence over your husband on how his clan is best employed in times of war, and he will have to defer to your judgment on all matters of policy regarding the Clans of the East."

Chizuru felt completely overwhelmed. This was not what she had wanted and certainly not what she had been prepared for.

"I… I think I understand, Osen-chan—I mean, Sen-hime."

Chizuru turned imploring eyes on Saitō, who responded by lightly touching her hand in reassurance.

"We will manage, Sen-hime," Saitō told the Princess, in a firm voice.

"Very well. And Chizuru-sama, do you agree with Sakurai-sama's suggestion in terms of how your lands and titles are to be inherited?"

"Yes, Sen-hime."

"Until such time as you have a daughter, your first son, if any, will be the Heir-presumptive to the Yukimura. Once you have a daughter, your first son, if any, will be the Heir-apparent to the Sakurai and will become the official Heir once he is sixteen and has passed his Trials. You are free to designate the clan of any subsequent children of the marriage; however, by default they will be members of the Yukimura clan. Is that the agreement?"

"Yes," confirmed Chizuru.

"Yes," agreed Saitō.

Sen dissipated the magical construct that she had created and built a third one in its place, still over the basin of (now mingled) blood.

"This will seal the betrothal. I must warn you one last time that the choice you make now is close to irrevocable. Because of the importance of our blood-ties and the connections between our clans and the Gifts, marriages are generally ended by the death of one of the partners rather than by separation or dissolution."

There was a long moment of complete silence in the room, and then Hijikata spoke:

"The points are well-made, Sen-hime, and I believe that they are generally understood; however, I also believe that all of us here know how this will end. With all sincere respect, I suggest that you conclude the ceremony." His words were as direct as possible without actually giving offense, and it was quite clear that no offense was intended, only efficiency.

Sen nodded.

"Yukimura-sama, do you understand?"

"Yes, Sen-hime."

"Sakurai-sama, do you understand?"

"Hai."

"Then I accept your joint wish to marry."

This time the smoky tendrils wrapped around Chizuru and Saitō's arms rather than Sen's. Chizuru tensed, expecting something unpleasant—this betrothal and wedding weren't at all the joyous, lighthearted celebration that she had somehow expected—but instead there was only a sense of Soul magic and warmth. What neither Chizuru nor Saitō realized was that there would have been a great deal more to it had they not already been deeply bound together, whether through their own unconscious magic or through somebody else's. Sen, who had never actually performed the ritual, was nevertheless sensitive to the fact that the magic she sought to impart was already in place.

"Please bear witness," Sen asked—or commanded, really. She looked at Kimigiku, on her right, and then went around the room until she had heard from everyone.

"Witnessed," confirmed Kimigiku.

"Witnessed," Harada murmured, looking a little pale.

"Witnessed," said Hijikata, still sounding slightly unhappy.

"Witnessed," said Chiharu, not sure how she felt about the process. She had never been to a betrothal ceremony or a marriage among her own kind, and she doubted she would ever see one like this again, which was probably just as well. Also, although marriages generally took place in the evening, two or three in the morning seemed a little extreme.

"Witnessed," said Kichirō, struggling with apprehension and generally uncomfortable with the situation.

"Witnessed," intoned Amagiri in his deep voice. "May you have a long life, and may your children prosper."

The smoke dissipated. Oddly enough, so did the heaviness, at least for Chizuru. For the first time since she had walked into the room she felt happy again. Her eyes immediately went to Saitō's. He was looking down at her with a slight smile and unmistakeable affection.

I would give almost anything to be alone with you now, Chizuru heard in her mind, and there was no doubting the sincerity of the words. But I have two more questions that have to be answered first. I believe that Hijikata-san will resolve one or perhaps both of them for me, though.

"Sen-hime, you can keep this pair with you tonight, since you're the one who has decided to marry them out of hand and you seem to have enough space here for them. In the meantime, I have some explaining to do to my superiors." Hijikata bowed politely to Sen.

Sen was slightly irritated by his high-handedness, but she bowed in return, feeling that he had at least some cause for complaint.

"I'll be happy to have Chizuru-chan and her husband as my guests here tonight," she said graciously. "I believe that rooms have been prepared for them."

"No doubt," said Hijikata, rather caustically. "Also, I do not think that Amagiri-san should travel tonight as he intended. Since he is likely as stubborn as the rest of us, please let me offer my and Harada's services if you need assistance in restraining him."

Chizuru sensed from Saitō that Hijikata-san had in fact raised the two questions that were bothering him. She knew that he had been concealing significant concern for the red-haired Oni.

"I agree that we should discuss the matter," agreed Sen, smiling at Hijikata. "However, I believe that we can dispense with the presence of the bride and groom. Amagiri, please take your leave of Chizuru-chan and Sakurai-sama."

Amagiri said nothing to either Sen or Hijikata, but he came over to Chizuru and Saitō and bowed. "I offer you my sincere congratulations, Yukimura-sama, Sakurai-sama. You both have sufficient ability and wisdom to weather the storm." His sky-blue eyes turned to Saitō. "I am pleased for you, Hajime-kun. Be well."

He withdrew before either Chizuru or Saitō could respond, and Chizuru sensed Saitō restrain himself from following. He would have to trust to Hijikata-san and Sen-hime to deal with Amagiri-san.

Sen moved around the table to take Chizuru's hands in her own, her court kimono trailing heavily. She kissed her newly-married cousin on one cheek and whispered:

"Go and be happy together. I would have spared you more if I could have, but at least take the rest of tonight just for yourselves."

To Chizuru alone she added: And I'll probably ask you about it later.

Seeing Chizuru suddenly blush red to her ears, Saitō took her hand, bowed in a rather general way to the assembled company, and drew her out of the room. Kimigiku-san had just informed him—without speaking aloud—which guest rooms had been prepared for them, and as he had said to Chizuru not long before, all he really wanted now was to be alone with his wife.

[END]

A/Note: While Saitou's marriage to Chizuru is, of course, one of the major events of this story, there is still more to come, especially with respect to other major characters in the story (well, along with Saitou and Chizuru). I hope that you are still looking forward to Chapter 60 and subsequent chapters. :)

Also, I have heard from one or two people (or three or four...), that a bit of fluff here and there is not unwelcome. There is a good chance that there will be more fluff in the next chapter along with the usual drama etc.

Finally, I have prepared a revised and updated Oni background/genealogy, to help us all keep track of who is who. Coming shortly.

On a side note, this chapter was somewhat delayed because I've been sick with a bad cold. At the same time, it was important for this chapter to be handled carefully - all 8000 words of it...