Author's Note:

Difficult decisions, more secrets uncovered, and a few new faces...

Thank you to all my readers. To everyone who reviewed last chapter, please know that your kind words, your interest, and your speculations about what is coming next are wonderful.

~ ImpracticalOni

Quotes:

"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."

―Seneca (Roman writer, born 54 BC) [Also, admittedly, a song I like called "Closing Time" by Semisonic. I'm guessing the latin came first.]

"Non nobis solum nati sumus.
(Not for ourselves alone are we born.)"

― Marcus Tullius Cicero (Roman philosopher, born 106 BC)

Chapter 73—Lady of the Yukishima

[I] - Picking up the Pieces

Kichirō would have dropped the unconscious Yukishima Mamoru, but even as his eyes widened at the sight of his sister's white face and blood-stained kimono, Saitō caught and held his gaze:

"Chizuru can heal Chiharu-sama, but we must get both of them out of this place. Your sister did her duty with great courage and honour."

After an appreciable pause, Kichirō swallowed and nodded. Saitō and Hijikata exchanged almost imperceptible glances, and then Saitō turned and led the other two toward the small group in the middle of the room. Harada was now supporting Chiharu, who appeared to have fainted, while Chizuru examined the deep puncture wound in the blond woman's shoulder. Meanwhile, Sen had moved to kneel beside Kimigiku, who was still crouched over her sister's unmoving form.

Chiharu's eyes opened as soon as Saitō reached Chizuru's side, but her first words weren't for him or even for her brother. With almost perfect calm, she looked up at Hijikata's unsmiling face and watchful eyes and inclined her head politely:

"This is a surprise, Hijikata-san. I thought that you intended to avoid further involvement in Oni matters."

Hijikata's eyebrows rose sharply for a moment. He appeared to be torn between irritation and amusement. Kichirō, who had been anxious to find out how his sister was feeling, was instantly reproachful.

"Haru-chan! Hijikata-san came to fetch his officers; if he hadn't, then I could have been in a lot of trouble! You shouldn't make it sound as though he shouldn't be here!"

Only the slight pressure of Saitō's fingers on her shoulder kept Chizuru focussed on her work. She could sense that Haru-chan was struggling with conflicting emotions, but it seemed strange that wounded pride should factor into the equation, along with other things that Chizuru couldn't quite define.

In contrast, Hijikata, Harada and Saitō had no difficulty at all imagining that Kazama Chikage's sister might be embarrassed that the Shinsengumi had turned a potential disaster into a qualified success. Also—and Saitō and Harada carefully avoided looking at each other, but shared the thought nevertheless—there was something like relief under the slightly chilly words. In fact, Harada would have given odds that Chiharu-sama was pleased to see the Vice Commander.

"Kichirō, I—"

But Chiharu's protest was cut off by Hijikata, who stood back so that Kichirō could get closer to his sister, saying:

"Don't be rude to your sister, Kichirō-kun, especially under these circumstances. She's hurt, she's probably in a lot of pain, and besides, she's right. I shouldn't be here, I hadn't planned to be here, and I can see that this is going to take more time than I'd hoped."

Apparently unmoved by either Sen's glare from her place by Kimigiku or Chiharu's startled expression, Hijikata beckoned to Nagakura.

"You and Saitō haven't had time to secure the grounds, I assume?"

"No. I was just thinking about that. There could be more, ah, enemies just here in this house, for all I know."

"There shouldn't be," said Kimigiku, sounding strained. "With the exception of my great-uncle, Masanori-san, I think all of the family is here. One way or another."

There was no possible reply to the unspoken grief in Kimigiku's voice, so Hijikata continued to collect information.

"Is—would your great-uncle not be here, Kimigiku-san?"

"No. He left years ago, as any sane person would, if they were able."

"Alright. Yukimura, can Chiharu-sama be moved?"

Chizuru started, caught unawares. She had been able to stop the bleeding and even close the wound to a limited extent, but it was taking a great deal of concentration to help Haru-chan's regenerative abilities to function. In fact, Chizuru was surprised that there wasn't more pain—for both patient and physician—since her first attempt to seal the puncture had made her gasp involuntarily: there had been a searing, brutal jolt along her nerves just from engaging with the ugly magic twisted through the injured skin and muscle.

Chiharu spoke before Chizuru could formulate a response:

"I believe that I can stand on my own now, Vice Commander, thank you. Chizuru-sama has an extraordinary Gift."

"Then allow me to assist you," said Hijikata.

Without waiting for an answer, Hijikata bent and nodded to Harada to shift Chiharu's weight to him. A moment later, the young woman was on her feet, leaning more heavily than she'd expected on the strong arm now around her waist. With admirable tact, Hijikata ignored Chiharu's flushed cheeks and the way that her expression had suddenly tightened in pain. and helped her toward the shattered window. Chizuru and Kichirō trailed after them, but Saitō turned to the others.

"Sen-hime, Kimigiku-san—can Chikame-sama be moved? If so, can you bring her? I have the impression that leaving this room would be beneficial."

"Do you need any help?" asked Harada, as Kimigiku gently picked up her twin.

"Īe… no, I'm fine," Kimigiku answered dully. Then she seemed to focus on him more clearly, and a faint spark of animation reappeared on her face. "But I believe that the Princess could use your assistance. She has exhausted herself to the point that it is becoming a strain for her to shield me from the worst of my reactions to… all of this."

Sen gave her mentor and bodyguard a surprised look, but Harada quickly realized that Kimigiku hadn't overstated the situation. His experienced eye and partially trained senses caught the first wavering of Sen's composed mental and physical façade, and he immediately lifted her off the floor and into his arms. He ignored Shinpachi's smirk at him from the direction of the window, where the other man was helping Hijikata and Kichirō step across the splintered window sill onto the engawa.

"Please excuse the familiarity, Princess," Harada told Sen with a warm smile, as he cradled her light weight against his chest. This close, he could sense a fuller measure of the grief and anger under her determined composure, and he began to understand Saitō's urgency to get all of the injured out of the corpse-strewn room: for full Oni, with their keen physical senses and their attunement to atmosphere and residual power, it was a terrible place to be.

Saitō followed the others out through the window in silence and found a place where he could watch over Chizuru without getting in her way. Hijikata said nothing, but he could see the tell-tale signs of distress despite Saitō's outwardly impassive features, and he had a shrewd suspicion that he knew what was happening. It would have to wait, however.

Chiharu-sama gave Hijikata a small, but genuine smile of appreciation when he helped her to sit down on a cushion at the edge of the large porch at some distance from the broken window. He was taken aback by this, but it appeared that she had conquered any earlier resentment, for the time being at least.

"Thank you, Hijikata-san," she murmured, her expression shy rather than sullen. "I was more tired than I had expected."

Kichirō had finally been able to put down his burden, and he was standing awkwardly near his sister, as if unsure what to do next. Hijikata sighed internally, as he saw the boy's eyes stray to Yukimura, who was examining Chikame-sama and Mamoru-kun. He hoped to all the gods that Saitō would handle the boy's slight crush without drama. Amagiri-san had explained to Hijikata that it might take some time for Saitō's usual equilibrium to fully return, at least where Yukimura was concerned. It was exasperating.

"I'm glad I could help, Chiharu-sama." Hijikata bowed slightly, surmising that courtesy would be most reassuring to her right now. Then he turned to her brother. "Kichirō-kun, what the hell did you do to the Yukishima boy? He's still not conscious."

"I don't know Hijikata-san. I mean, I know that I knocked him out, but I don't know why he hasn't recovered."

"I'm afraid that it might have been the shock of his parents' deaths," said Chiharu. "Something so traumatic has likely affected him deeply."

Hijikata looked back at her. "Even though he hasn't been told yet?"

"Yes, definitely."

Strengths and weaknesses, Hijikata mused to himself. Sometimes the human ability not to know has advantages, I suppose.

"Hmm. Kichirō-kun, wait here. Excuse me, Chiharu-sama."

Hijikata walked quickly back to Nagakura and Saitō, who had been joined by Kimigiku-san. The Oni woman was still extraordinarily pale, but she had her feelings under tight control. She bowed gravely to him when he reached the small group.

"I am grateful for your assistance, Hijikata-san. I realize that you have other priorities, and I must thank you and your officers for coming to the aid of Sen-hime and Chiharu-sama this morning. Perhaps when things are more settled I will be able to pass along my appreciation to Commander Kondō. There is one more detail to attend to, however, and I hoped that one of your captains might assist me."

"Oh?" Hijikata was wary. He admired the way that Kimigiku-san was holding up under shocking circumstances, but he also needed to get back to his own duties, which were becoming pressing.

"Yes. I have now had more of an opportunity to survey the area more closely, and there are people—most likely part-Oni—located in the far end of the family wing of this house. They are not known to me."

"I'll go with Kimigiku-san," Nagakura volunteered immediately.

Hijikata considered the problem. His pragmatic side told him to let Kimigiku handle whatever it was herself, but he couldn't quite bring himself to do that to her under the circumstances. Besides which, Harada and Nagakura would almost certainly object, if he refused to help altogether.

"Are you fit, Saitō?" he asked at last.

"Hai, fukuchō."

It was only partly untrue—the indigo-haired man was in much less distress than he had been just a few minutes before, Hijikata decided.

"Alright, you and Nagakura go with Kimigiku to find out who's still in the house. Nagakura, get back to headquarters with Harada as quickly as you can when you're done—I'll have both your asses if you aren't back within an hour. Understood?"

"Yes, Vice Commander."

"And me, Vice Commander?" Saitō asked quietly.

"You can have the afternoon. Be back for dinner. Oh—and bring Yukimura." Hijikata couldn't restrain a smirk. "You'll be happy to know that Gen-san supports your rather impetuous marriage for some reason and has arranged quarters for the two of you."

He was rather pleased to have startled Saitō.

"Ah—Inoue-san is arranging quarters, Vice Commander?"

Nagakura chuckled at that. Apparently Hijikata wasn't the only one who derived unfair amusement from Saitō's sudden discomposure.

"Oh yeah, Saitō, it's the talk of the place," confirmed the muscular Second Division Captain, grinning maliciously. "Don't worry, I don't mind giving up my room, although a couple of the other guys aren't feeling as generous. I guess Kondō'll make the official announcement tonight when you're back."

"I… see."

Hijikata thought that even Kimigiku-san wore the ghost of a smile for a moment, regardless of what she thought of the plan for Yukimura to return to the Shinsengumi. Saitō didn't actually believe Nagakura, of course, but a seed of uncertainty had been planted. Topic concluded, at least for Hijikata and Nagakura, all four of them returned to the main point.

"So you're returning to headquarters?" Nagakura asked Hijikata.

"Well somebody has to be there. Sōji and Heisuke are on patrol this afternoon, although I'm dubious about Sōji's condition; that's why I want you and Harada back as soon as possible." Hijikata turned to the one woman in the group. "Kimigiku-san, you can have Nagakura for an hour, for what it's worth. And Harada, since Sen-hime seems to have fallen asleep on him."

Nagakura and Kimigiku looked around. Sure enough, Harada was seated propped against one of the engawa pillars with Sen asleep in his lap. Again, said Kimigiku's slightly annoyed expression.

"Is that your secret with women, Sano? You put'em to sleep?"

Harada flushed a little, and promised himself a chat with Shinpachi later about making him sound like a womanizer in front of Kimigiku, who already seemed to have a poor opinion of his drinking trips to Shimabara. He didn't move, however, just returned a comfortable grin, being careful not to appear smug. He could feel both Kazama siblings and Chizuru looking at him, and he sensed protective fondness for Osen-chan from all three of them. Oddly enough, it was Saitō who came to his defense, more or less.

"The Princess overextended herself. If she can rest, so much the better. Kichirō-kun will keep a watch along with Harada. Chizuru can monitor the injured." His blue eyes glanced over to Chizuru, who immediately smiled at him and nodded. Every person present—who wasn't asleep or unconscious—saw the faint blush rise to Saitō's cheeks in return. He cleared his throat:

"We should go, Kimigiku-san, Shinpachi-san. By your leave, Vice Commander?"

"Go," responded Hijikata immediately. "Nagakura, I want a full report when you return."

"Hai."

Shortly afterward, the only people left awake on the shady porch were Chiharu, Kichirō, Harada and Chizuru. Reluctantly, Harada moved Sen so that he was in a better position to respond to a threat if he needed to. Seeing that Kichirō was starting to look a little overwhelmed, as the reality of what he'd seen sank in, and that Chiharu was less than comfortable, between her injury and her torn and bloodstained clothing, Harada decided to turn their attention to something happier.

"We're looking forward to having you back, Chizuru-chan," he said with a smile.

"O-oh, thank you, Harada-san," answered Chizuru. "I'm very glad that Kondō-san, and Sannan-san, and Hijikata-san decided that I could still live with the Shinsengumi."

"Wouldn't you prefer to stay with Osen-chan?" Chiharu asked her, interested. "With all due respect to Commander Kondō, it can't be very comfortable to stay in such a place."

"Oh no, it's fine," declared Chizuru firmly, conveniently setting aside the many dreary hours during which she'd dreamed of leaving.

"As long as Saitō's there?" teased Harada.

"Hai." Chizuru blushed, but spoke without hesitation, and the spearman shook his head at her.

"We weren't even sure that Saitō really noticed girls," Harada told the Kazama siblings in a confidential tone, and was rewarded by a distinct twinkle in Haru-chan's eyes, although Kichirō looked uncomfortable. "But I suppose that having saved Chizuru-chan from ronin, he couldn't help but notice her. And then the Vice Commander brought her back to the compound since she had nowhere to go—and of course Kondō-san took her in because that's what he does."

"And you really didn't know Osen-chan or that you were an Oni?" Chiharu asked Chizuru curiously. "It must have all been a great shock for you… I'm glad we got to meet, though."

"It was a shock," Chizuru admitted, "but although it hasn't been easy, meeting the Shinsengumi—"

"Saitō," murmured Harada, deliberately loud enough to hear.

"Ah, um, and, Osen-chan, and Amagiri-san—who is much kinder than he appears, I think—and Kimigiku-san, and now you and Kichirō-kun, has more than made up for it."

Harada could see Haru-chan start to smile at Chizuru's earnestness—as most people did, eventually. He waited for the twinge of disappointment that usually accompanied this thought, but it didn't come, which was a good sign. Sen, though… He suspected that Sen was in love with him, or something very close to it, but he didn't know why, given how little time they'd known each other. He suspected that their first kiss—which had been far more passionate than he'd ever intended—had been more her doing than his, which made him a little wary. On the other hand, he was strongly attracted to her: not only did she have an amazing smile and soft curves, but they were able to laugh together, and she had the same kind of rock-solid determination and courage that had appealed to him in Chizuru. Sen was more forthright, though, and every inch a princess when she chose to be. He wondered if he had it in him to be her match, even though it seemed very early to be thinking of the future. None of which changed the fact that he wished very much that they were alone right now, and not in danger, so that he could hold her close like before and maybe try kissing her again, although not like before.

It was Saitō who broke in on his musings, his mental voice as terse as his normal voice often was:

Locked door, upper floor, far wing of the house. Found a woman and two children, all part-Oni, but strong. Saitō's visuals showed a tall youngish woman with coppery red hair and grey eyes, and two children not quite into their teens with black hair and light eyes. The woman says she's Yukishima Akane, wife of Yukishima Masaru, and these are his children, Michi and Mikio. Kimigiku-san is… surprised.

[II] - The Hidden Family

Shocked would have been a better word. They'd approached the door cautiously, because there were two heavy bolts thrown across it on their side, which was odd. The door had also been locked and warded with magic, which Kimigiku found puzzling: she'd never seen artifacts imbued with power before, other than the two demon-slaying swords.

"At the very least it's unusual," she had explained, studying the problem. "Non-living artifacts do not hold Oni magic very well, having no Soul or Mind to work with. That's why wards are generally anchored on living people. In any event, this magic is decaying, but not as quickly as I would expect."

"I am certain that Yukishima-sama's brother used enchanted weapons," Saitō told her.

"Yes, I suppose that makes sense," Kimigiku had responded, hands on her hips, face wooden with the effort of ignoring the existence of the bodies in the rooms below. Those bodies would have to be dealt with quite soon, given how hot it was. "My uncle was very fond of enchanting toys. He fascinated us when we were children…"

Her voice had trailed off, but just a few minutes later the door was open. It led into a wide hallway lit by a large window at the far end. The shutters on the window were open, but metal bars had reinforced Saitō's and Nagakura's first impression that this area had been designed as a prison of sorts, if a comfortable one.

It was at that moment that one of the hallway's many doors had slid open, and the woman with red hair had stepped out. Her grey eyes had gone immediately to Kimigiku, and she had bowed deeply.

"Yukishima Kimiko-sama. Welcome. What is your will with us?"

It had been obvious to Kimigiku and the two Shinsengumi that she was frightened, but resigned to whatever fate had in store for her. Saitō assumed that she was a part-Oni and judged her to be in her mid-twenties, based on her clothing and general appearance.

"I beg your pardon," Kimigiku had said, "but who are you and who is with you?"

The woman had hesitated, palpably uncertain what to do. Then she had straightened, although her hands had remained clasped submissively in front of her.

"I… I am Yukishima Amagiri Akane, Yukishima-sama. Could you tell me, please, if my husband—that is—if Yukishima Masaru-sama is dead? I believe it is so, but I must be sure."

Kimigiku had seemed so shocked by the news of her uncle's marriage that Saitō had answered the question for her.

"Yukishima Masaru-sama is dead, Yukishima-san."

"Ahhh." The red-haired woman had breathed out a sigh that had sounded more like a prayer, or perhaps thanks for a prayer answered. Then she had bowed again, this time to Saitō and Nagakura. "Forgive me, sirs, for not greeting you sooner. It was… not permitted... before."

Before her husband's death, Saitō assumed, still wary despite the woman's manifestly non-threatening appearance. Nagakura obviously did not share Saitō's concerns; his face bore an expression of ill-concealed distaste for Yukishima Masaru's more-than-old-fashioned way of treating his wife. Saitō's first thought was less personal: he wondered at such subservient behaviour given that the Yukishima clan supposedly followed a matriarchal tradition.

"Not permitted?" Kimigiku had echoed. "By my uncle? And you are—were—married to him?"

Akane-san had bowed deeply again, apparently somewhat at a loss. Nagakura, less bewildered than Kimigiku, and more willing to be sympathetic than Saitō, had smiled at the woman.

"Yukishima-san, is there anyone else with you? This must be quite a shock for you. Perhaps it would be best to speak, ah, outside? Once you've let us examine the rest of the rooms here?"

"I-yes, of course. This is just… a long-awaited moment." Akane had turned abruptly, and led her three visitors through the door into a spacious living room.

Kneeling together quietly at one end of the room, were two children, a boy and a girl, with the regular good looks and dark hair of the Yukishima. They had both bowed when they saw Kimigiku enter. Neither had said a word.

"My daughter and son, Michi and Mikio. We had some idea that the Princess—the new one—was here with you, Yukishima-sama, because my husband mentioned her name, but there was nothing we could do."

"Sen-hime is outside in the garden," Kimigiku told her. The shinobi was eyeing her new cousins with increasing surprise. "But, Akane-san… how old are your children? I never knew I had cousins through my uncle."

"Ah, no…" The woman reddened and looked down. "We did not come to this house until a little more than two years ago. Michi and Mikio are twelve." Another pause, and then Akane had added: "I was married to Masaru-sama when I was fifteen."

"I see." Kimigiku's voice had been gentle, but Saitō and Nagakura had been in no doubt of her opinion of her uncle marrying a fifteen-year-old girl. "And your father is of the Amagiri clan?"

"Yes, Amagiri Hitoshi-san. Hideo-sama is my uncle."

While Kimigiku digested this strange new piece of information, Saitō had contacted Harada and then conducted a thorough search of the entire living area—thorough, at least, in terms of making sure that there were no more people. He touched nothing, noting only that Yukishima Chikame-sama appeared to be residing with Yukishima Masaru's wife and children. He saw no evidence that the man had lived there himself.

When he returned to the others, he found Kimigiku speaking with the children, who were listening gravely. Nagakura was introducing himself to Yukishima Akane-san, although he glanced up inquiringly on Saitō's return to the room. Saitō shook his head to indicate that he'd found nobody else, but remained in the doorway. The blood on his shirt and hakama was beginning to make the material unpleasantly stiff, and he couldn't imagine that the sight or smell of it would be reassuring to either Akane-san or her children.

"That's Saitō Hajime-san, also of the Shinsengumi," Nagakura told Akane-san. "He tends not to talk a lot, but he's handy in a fight."

The quiet woman bowed deeply to Saitō. He could sense that he alarmed her, although overall she had herself carefully controlled.

"Ah… Nagakura-san?" she said hesitantly. "I am not a full Oni myself, but I do have some skills…"

When Nagakura nodded to encourage her to continue, she gave Saitō a slightly uncertain look, but then spread her hands diffidently.

"Saitō-sama is an Oni. Also… I do not wish to offend… but…" She paused again, and Nagakura gave her a reassuring smile that made Saitō suddenly wonder if his colleague was attracted to the young widow.

"I promise that you won't offend me, no matter what you say about Saitō," Nagakura assured Akane, his blue eyes the picture of innocence.

If he had hoped to make her laugh then it didn't work.

"Saitō-sama wears the four-pointed crown. I was not aware that there was an Oni lord in the Shinsengumi."

Nagakura stared in perplexity at Saitō, who found himself at a loss. It was a rather meaningless title just at present… or at least, that's what he told himself. The Oni part of him knew better, and had the power to prove it, but it still didn't make rational sense.

"You are correct, Akane-san," Kimigiku said from across the room, her voice indicating interest and a hint of suspicion. "You must be unusually gifted in reading auras, to have seen that without using Soul magic."

"I am," the other woman confirmed, without either concern or pride. "That is why Masaru-sama desired me, even though I am not a pureblood."

"Can you shift to a full Oni form?"

"No, Yukishima-sama. Such Gifts as I have are primarily within the realm of Soul and were carefully developed by my husband—that is, my late husband. My attempt to complete the Trial of Body was unsuccessful."

Kimigiku had risen, signalling for the children to come with her. At these words, however, she had stopped, looking shocked.

"You attempted the Trial of Body? But you survived?"

"Yes. My husband wished it, after the children were born. I survived, but mostly because Masaru-sama was able to divert the accumulated power built up within me through one of his devices."

"But—no, never mind, this is not the time for such a conversation."

Kimigiku looked frustrated, and for a moment she looked so much like Hijikata-san that Saitō and Nagakura exchanged startled glances. Akane-san's presence, her abilities, and her children all raised significant issues for the shinobi and for Sen-hime, assuming that the woman was telling the truth. As if the situation weren't complicated enough.

"We should go," said Saitō from the doorway. "We can escort Yukishima-san and her family to Sen-hime, and then complete a quick search of the estate grounds for any other inhabitants."

"I agree with the first part," said Nagakura, "but this place is huge. Even a superficial search would take a while."

"Saitou-san and I can complete it faster than you would think, Nagakura-san, as long as Saitō-san is sufficiently recovered from the fighting earlier."

"Fighting?" The question came from the girl—Michi-chan. Her eyes went wide and frightened as soon as she realized that she had interrupted the conversation. She bowed contritely. "G-gomenasai deshita, Yukishima-sama! Sumimasen, mama!"

"There is no need to apologize, little one," Kimigiku told the girl firmly. "I was careless with my words. Yes, there has been fighting, but Saitō-san is right: we should all go out to Sen-hime. It is far less stuffy, for one thing, and for another, Nagakura-san's time here is limited."

"Oh—is that so?" asked Akane-san. "Then we will go at once. At least… may I please ask one other question, Yukishima-sama?"

"Of course."

"I am sorry if I presume, but… is Chikame-sama with the Princess? I have been very worried about her."

Face neutral and control firmly in place, Kimigiku nodded.

"My sister is with Sen-hime. My brother, Mamoro-kun, is also there."

"My friend Harada is looking after them," put in Nagakura. "I expect they're fine."

"Harada Sanosuke-san is the Captain of the Tenth Division," the boy said abruptly, apparently to his mother. "That means that three of the Shinsengumi captains are here: Nagakura-taichō, Saitō-taichō, and Harada-taichō. Father will not be pleased."

"Miki, be quiet," his sister told him, in worried tones. "Also, you must be more polite to Yukishima-sama and Saitō-sama."

"Saitō-taichō of the Shinsengumi is not an Oni," Mikio persisted, ignoring the warning entirely. He looked directly at Saitō in the doorway. "Also, he is a very famous bushi, and much taller."

The boy's mother and sister both flushed in embarrassment, and Akane-san began to apologize. She was cut off by Nagakura, who had laughed out loud, and by Saitō, who met the boy's gaze unemotionally and responded to the odd accusation.

"I am Saitō Hajime, Captain of the Third Division of the Shinsengumi. I am also an Oni. You must have been misinformed as to my height."

"And Saitō's not that famous," added Nagakura. "Okita, maybe, or me…"

Mikio was still staring at Saitō, but after a moment, his gaze dropped and he swallowed.

"Gomenasai deshita, Saitō-sama. Mama, is it true that father is dead?"

"Yes, Miki. And now you will be quiet, and we will go outside as Yukishima-sama wishes." The red-haired woman bowed to Kimigiku. "Shall I bring clothing for Chikame-sama?"

"No, she is fine," replied Kimigiku. If she was surprised by the cold way that the woman had confirmed the death of the boy's father, she said nothing. "But if you could bring some kind of robe or coat for Sen-hime and also for her cousin, Kazama Chiharu-sama, that would be helpful. Nagakura-san, would you assist Akane-san?"

"Of course." All of the adults knew that Nagakura's "assistance" was more in the form of guard-duty, but Akane-san appeared not to mind the arrangement. If anything, she seemed relieved.

"Saitō-san," Kimigiku continued, "I will let Sen-hime know that we will join her in just a few minutes. I do not anticipate any difficulties here. Could you please begin your search?"

Saitō hesitated. First, he wasn't sure how well Kimigiku-san had recovered from the multiple shocks of the morning. Second, he didn't know the layout of the estate in any detail, which would slow him considerably. Predictably, the shinobi addressed both concerns.

I can manage here, especially with Nagakura-san to charm Akane-san. It may reassure you to know that I am reasonably certain that it is not the other way around, at least, not in any coercive or manipulative sense. Also, if you will allow it, I will provide you with the layout of the estate—at least, as it was ten years ago.

Reluctantly, Saitō assented, and for the second time he made himself accept information directly into his mind. Although he still felt somewhat clumsy with mental speech—other than with Chizuru, or Harada—he raised the question that was troubling him.

What if there are other… creatures… on the estate?

I doubt that you will find any, but all we need is a quick survey to see if there is anyone else living here. I'm hoping that not all the part-Oni families have… died. And it is beyond troubling that the Shinsengumi recognize rasetsu.

Saitō ignored the last comment and didn't bother to note that her concern about recognizing furies was better saved for her own family. It didn't need to be said.

[III] - Uneasy Lies the Head That Wears a Crown

Saitō found the search more difficult than he had expected, thanks to the jagged cut on his right side. It was improving, he discovered, but very slowly, and it definitely slowed him down. Yukishima Masaru had designed his daggers to inflict pain over a considerable length of time, especially to other Oni. Despite this, Saitou was done within ten minutes. He had found no other furies, but neither had he found any other part-Oni. Kimigiku-san would be saddened by the news.

When he returned to the group now gathered on the engawa, he discovered Chizuru waiting for him, her eyes unusually accusatory. She came down onto the front path to meet him, and he knew what she was going to say even before she reached him. In fact, neither said anything at all at first. Instead, Saitō reached almost involuntarily for his wife's hands, cradling them between his own much larger ones. Once again, he had the sense of the world righting itself a little, as if he were just slightly off-balance when he was away from Chizuru. He would have liked to kiss her, but it was not an appropriate time or place.

"Hajime…"

"I know, Chizuru. But it was not a serious injury, and Chiharu-sama had to be our first priority."

"May I look after it now?"

"No, it isn't bothering me—much—and I would like to change my clothing and bathe more than anything else. That means we need to see the rest of this through as quickly as possible."

Chizuru acquiesced. She knew that Saitō would allow her to look after his injury once they were alone together, and although she was keenly interested in Kimigiku's newly-discovered part-Oni family, she was determined to have some time alone with her husband before they had to return to the Shinsengumi compound.

They walked back up onto the engawa side-by-side if not quite hand-in-hand. Chiharu-sama was looking noticeably better, Saitō thought with some surprise. Chizuru answered his unspoken question.

"I was able to unbind more of the harmful magic with Kimigiku's help just now, while Osen-chan spoke with Akane-san. It's weakening, which makes things much easier. And less painful."

Chizuru looked up at her husband, the reproach back in her wide brown eyes. Saitō shrugged uncomfortably. He'd known that Chizuru would find out eventually, but he'd hoped that it would be later rather than sooner. On the bright side, he had proven that he was rapidly gaining control of the abilities of the lords of the Sakurai. It forcibly reminded him that the title was not an empty thing at all, since the ability to assume any pain or injury of the Lady of the East had allowed him to take on most of the pain that Chizuru would have suffered while dealing with the worst of Chiharu's injury. It had been a considerable challenge, even for him, especially while keeping the stench of blood and betrayal at bay.

I knew that there would be more for you to do later, Chizuru, he explained, mostly truthfully. Then, faithful to his promise not to lie except as an absolute necessity, he added: I didn't want you to suffer any more than you had to. Just being in that place was bad enough.

Chizuru softened immediately, reminding herself that they both had a lot to learn about their relationship. Saitō wasn't going to change just because she now had more of a right to worry about him. The best she could hope for was that he would remember to allow her to share the burdens—most of the time.

For a moment, it didn't matter that they weren't touching, or even looking at each other. The connection was so bright that every conscious person nearby inevitably looked over at them. Saitō remembered Amagiri's warning too late, and had to endure the smirks of his comrades, a smug look from Sen-hime, and very curious stares from the Yukishima twins. Kichirō's expression was almost funny, because disappointment and envy was mixed with a strong impression of "you know what, I'm not sure I'm ready for that just yet, thanks." Worse than the unwanted attention, though, was the flash of deep sadness from Kimigiku-san, and flat despair from Akane-san; it made him want to flee—a hard-fought battle with broken weapons against a dozen rasetsu seemed preferable in comparison.

Fortunately, Sen-hime recalled everyone to business almost immediately. She was no longer leaning against Harada, but there wasn't a great deal of distance between them either. Saitō saw that Shinpachi continued to watch over Akane-san and her family, which relieved him at the same time as it made him wonder about the other captain's motivations—his expression was unusually difficult to read.

"Yukishima needs a clan head as quickly as possible," Sen told those assembled, most of whom were conscious of being not more than thirty or forty feet from where the late clan head lay dead, executed by her own husband.

"Chikame-sama is the Heir," Kimigiku said immediately, hands clenched on her knees and her face grim.

"She is not fit to rule at the present time," Sen replied. Her position was unassailable, as Chikame-sama still lay unconscious nearby, and Kazama Chiharu-sama had already given her opinion on the matter. "Nor is it clear that she will ever be able to do so, based on my own examination of her mental state."

"Mamoru-kun…" Kimigiku began, but own her voice betrayed her opinion of such an arrangement.

"There is only one person fit to take on the position at the present time," Sen continued inexorably, as though Kimigiku hadn't spoken. "However, she is presently barred from the succession by the will of Yukishima Chiyoko-sama, the previous clan head. The reasons for Kimigiku's exile will not be discussed here; however, as Chiyoko-sama has been found to be a traitor, I propose to reverse her decree and reinstate Yukishima Kimiko as a member of the Yukishima clan. Do you refuse to accept this reinstatement, Kimigiku?"

There was a long, heavy silence. Kimigiku had been thorough in cutting herself off from the Yukishima family and their concerns. She was devoted to Sen, and saw no clear path ahead of her as the head of her clan, such as it now was. However... She had been raised to eventually lead the Yukishima for more than twenty years prior to her exile. In her absence, the affairs of her family had come to their present state: a mother, father and uncle dead and branded as traitors; the family's part-Oni dependants turned into rasetsu and slaughtered; and a sister wounded in mind and soul so deeply that it was unknown if she would recover. To demand that responsibility for the clan be given to a potentially disturbed, much younger brother, who had just lost his parents under shocking circumstances, was unconscionable.

"Sen-hime… you know my reasons for resisting this…"

Almost everyone present, both Oni and part-Oni, knew that Kimigiku, for all her strength, was at the breaking point. Saitō and Harada exchanged glances and then Saitō indicated that he wished to speak.

"Yes, Sakurai-sama?" Sen's use of the Oni name was deliberate and conveyed that any intervention on Saitō's part would be a matter of official record.

"If there is any difficulty with the succession, or Kimigiku-san does not wish to marry, can an Heir be adopted?"

Sen-hime nodded immediately, indicating that she had also considered the possibility.

"Yes, subject to my approval. Adoption is not unheard of, although it is rare. There are few candidates to choose from, however."

"There would be more if my Shiranui half-sisters were healthy, or if Mamoru-kun were found to be fit," said Saitō, making the same suggestion that he had made to Harada only a day or so before.

"Kimigiku-san, do you agree with Sakurai-sama?"

The shinobi gave Saitō an unreadable look, as though she wasn't sure whether she approved of his input or not. The she nodded slowly.

"Yes. I agree. Will Sakurai-sama allow his wife, Yukimura Chizuru-sama, to make the health of those three possible heirs to the Yukishima a priority? Will the Princess of the Oni, who is Yukimura-sama's guardian at the present time, do the same?"

"I will not refuse my permission," answered Sen. "As long as it is clear to me that such intervention would not be life-threatening to Yukimura-sama or her own heirs or the heirs of Sakurai-sama."

Saitō's normally expressionless face conveyed his dislike of any scheme that bound Chizuru to a potentially dangerous task. There was a wide margin for error between "dangerous" and "life-threatening". Despite this, he inclined his head.

"I will not oppose my wife's wishes in this matter, subject to the conditions set out by Sen-hime."

Sen looked at Chizuru, seated on her husband's left.

"Yukimura Chizuru-sama, will you promise to lend your aid in this matter?"

"Oh yes," Chizuru said clearly, "of course. Especially now that I know that Hajime-san has sisters who could use my help."

Sen had to repress a strong desire to laugh. Saitō-san should have discussed his thoughts with his wife, as well as with Harada-san.

"Then, Kimigiku, best and most loyal of protectors, I restore to you your place as Yukishima Kimiko. Any exile is hereby revoked."

Kimigiku sighed, and her expression was better suited to being sent into exile than the reverse.

"I would have preferred to remain with you, Sen-hime. I am doing this for my sister and my brother and because, somehow, I should have been able to prevent what happened here today."

Sen nodded, although her face remained carefully neutral.

Saitō knew what she was waiting for, but wasn't surprised when Shinpachi shifted uncomfortably.

"Sumimasen, Sen-hime, but Harada and I need to leave."

"I understand, Nagakura-san, but please wait one more minute. You should be here to see a part of what you have helped to accomplish today."

Puzzled, Nagakura settled himself again. Sen suddenly looked concerned.

"Amagiri! He should be here!"

"It… can't… be helped… now…" said Kimigiku through clenched teeth, shifting to Oni form. "Princess… I wish…"

"Kimigiku-san!" Chizuru started to rise in alarm, as drops of blood appeared on the hairline on Kimigiku's forehead, and the Oni woman's face flushed with a combination of fever and pain. Saitō placed a hand on his wife's shoulder, effectively immobilising her.

"It is fine," he said, imperturbably. "Or it will be fine."

Chizuru nodded. She wished that they hadn't all been so cryptic about what was going to happen, but even as the thought crossed her mind she realized that they'd been worried that nothing would happen at all, because Kimigiku—Yukishima Kimiko—had been so ambivalent about returning to lead her clan and family.

It took more than a minute, but less than five, for two short, very sharp-looking horns to emerge from Kimigiku's forehead to join the longer horns that already rose from her white hair. The Oni woman bore the process stoically, although she periodically brushed impatiently at the blood and sweat that mingled on her forehead and ran down her face. The observers sat perfectly still and quiet, including twelve-year-old Yukishima Michi and Mikio.

Once it was entirely done, Sen took Kimigiku's right hand and held it tightly.

"Thank you for your endurance and for taking on this terrible responsibility. We'll hold the official ceremony later—but not today, I promise. For now…" Sen raised her voice a little, coughing to clear her throat of unshed tears: "I wish you long life and prosperity for your clan, Lady of the Yukishima."

[END]

A/Note: Another rather difficult chapter in terms of angst and drama. Hopefully there will be lighter moments coming up! Items on the agenda include: Saito and Chizuru's return to the Shinsengumi; Amagiri's reunion with Chikame (will she regain consciousness? will either of them want to see the other?); the actual canon/historical events at the Hamaguri Gate (i.e., Hijikata's first clash with Kazama Chikage); Heisuke and Souji's determination to catch the elusive spy (and will Yamazaki recover or will he continue to become an Oni?)... So, lots still to come!

Thank you for reading, and your reviews are much appreciated. As always, you can also contact me by PM with comments or concerns.