Notes:

Despite my best efforts, I somehow lost track of my historical timeline. To be specific, I ended up confused between the Japanese dating system and the western calendar and managed to use one date from each, which placed the events of the Ikedaya Incident and the Kinmon Rebellion (also called the Hamaguri Gate Rebellion) about ten days apart. In fact, the incidents were over a month apart (either in June and July, or July and August). I should have remembered my original plan to use PoivronRouge and her wonderful story Sabres des démons as a good guide to my dates.

It's embarrassing, because I've tried to pay attention to the historical setting wherever possible. Using the July/August dating system, the Ikedaya Incident was July 8, 1864, and the key date for the Kinmon Rebellion was August 20, 1864. If I ever revise Teachings of Demons as a whole, I will correct my error, because it annoys me (you wouldn't believe how much odd research I've done while writing ToD, so this particular mistake is galling). However, for now, I'd like to continue this story as planned, with one delay that is still in keeping with historical fact—the time between the two major incidents was turbulent, and it is perfectly possible that the Shinsengumi were put on alert in early August, only to stand down again for a couple of weeks. This way, at least the Kinmon Rebellion can take place on August 20. It makes a rewrite at a later date much easier.

Thank you for your patience with the delay for this chapter. The above comments are part of it, literal fatigue (not to do with ToD) is another. To the extent that I have done other writing in the meantime, it is because I was working out my thoughts for ToD. (That being said, I'm pleased with how First Steps and Beyond came out, and Gajeel of the Shinsengumi has been interesting.) There is a lot coming up in the next few chapters, specifically, Nagakura's chat with his dad, Saito's chat with his dad (especially about his sisters), further conversations between Hijikata and Chiharu, and, of course, Kazama Chikage (and Shiranui Kyo, who is directly related to Hijikata, Saito and Yamazaki). And probably some Harada-Sen because they deserve it!

I'd like to add a special thank you to all those who posted reviews to the last chapter. Regarding Amagiri/Kameko's conversation: It means a great deal to me that so many of you felt that there was real tension and feeling in that scene.

And now—Ikuzo! ["Let's go!"—more or less.]

Chapter 79—The Calm Before the Storm, Part I

[I]—A Little On Edge

Chizuru woke up very early on the first morning after returning to the Shinsengumi compound. She was curled up on her side, her back pressed against Saitō, and she could sense that he was just waking up as well. Although it was probably too warm for sleeping close together like this, and they had dutifully laid out two futons, they had ended up sharing the same bed by unspoken agreement. After making love, that is, because it would be neglectful not to take advantage of every reasonable opportunity that presented itself, especially with war—or something like it—on the horizon.

It had been slightly surreal, at first, to be in this room with Saitō after Okita-san had taken his leave. The Shinsengumi compound still stretched out around her just as it had a week before, as though nothing had changed. As she awoke more fully, she wondered if perhaps Saitō had felt the same way, because they had been equally tentative about re-establishing their more intimate relationship, although it hadn't taken long, really. Chizuru smiled to herself, remembering how her efforts to change into a clean yukata the night before had been thwarted by strong, greedy fingers and her lover's mouth on her neck. They had been quieter than in the past few days, however.

"You make it very difficult to get out of bed, dear one," Saitō murmured, sitting upright with obvious reluctance. He looked down at Chizuru, who turned so that she could see him better.

"O-oh, I'm sorry" Chizuru apologized, blushing. It would take a while before she could think of the things they did together—as husband and wife—without at least some embarrassment. More specifically, it was being caught contemplating such things with pleasure that discomfited her. She sat up hurriedly, tugging her yukata into place.

"There is no need to apologize," Saitō said patiently. "It was an observation, not a complaint." He kissed his wife, stood up, and helped Chizuru to her feet. "I'll fetch water."

Chizuru nodded and started to put the futons away. She caught sight of herself in the mirror that Saitō had given her and blushed to see herself smiling like an idiot. Though… it was disappointing that she didn't look as beautiful as Kimigiku-san—or was it Kimiko-sama now?—or Chiharu-sama—though she was rather exotic-looking—or Sen-hime with her large, brilliant-coloured eyes and captivating smile. Chizuru had dark brown eyes and brown hair. Somehow, she'd managed to be the only ordinary-looking Oni in existence. Although her eyes were an unusually clear brown, weren't they? And most people had black hair, whereas her hair had more colours to it—maybe?

Saitō returned five minutes later with a pail of water to find one bed put away and Chizuru frowning at herself in the mirror, one arm wrapped around the second futon. She started guiltily when she heard the door open.

"O-oh!" What could she say? Her cheeks reddened further and she looked down, mortified.

"Chizuru?" Saitō sounded puzzled.

"Yes, sorry, I'll just put this away, one moment…"

She tried the stuff the second futon into the small cupboard, but it wouldn't cooperate. A moment later, Saitō took the unwieldy bolt of padded cloth from her hands and stowed it without difficulty. Being taller and stronger helped, of course, but still… She was just flustered.

Saitō touched her shoulder reassuringly and then stripped and washed with the cool well-water. Chizuru found herself distracted again, and despite her best efforts she was unable to be as straightforward as Saitō about being so undressed in the dawn light. Turning around and focusing on something—other than her husband or the mirror—helped. She didn't look up again until she could tell that Saitō was dressing, which was only a couple of minutes later.

She was fully dressed other than her hakama when Saitō put his arms around her from behind. She squeaked and immediately felt tears prickle at the corners of her eyes.

"Chizuru."

Chizuru turned around under the steady pressure of her husband's hands. She forced herself to look up into his dark blue eyes.

"I'm s-sorry, H-Hajime. I don't know what's wrong with me this morning. I'll do better now, I'm sure I will."

"There is nothing wrong with looking in your mirror for a minute or two. There is no emergency. Also, it is more difficult to store two futons than just one. Why are you distressed?"

"I wish I was prettier. And better at doing things, like Chiharu-sama or Osen-chan! I'm so useless." Chizuru hung her head, tears starting in her eyes again. She had no idea where the stupid words had come from. The last thing she wanted to do was sound like a petulant child instead of an adult, married woman.

Saitō was silent, but although his face was nearly expressionless, she could tell that he was completely confused and trying to understand. Finally he tried a different tack.

"You are not useless. Perhaps if we have something to eat? You can finish getting dressed and we can go to the kitchen—it would be fine to have a piece of fruit while we wait to have breakfast."

Chizuru blinked away the tears. "Yes, of course." She started to apologize again, decided that Saitō would prefer her to just dress, and hurried to pull on and straighten her hakama and short-sword.

Saitō was baffled. He had no idea what he could have said or done to make Chizuru unhappy. Also, when she wasn't self-conscious, she was rarely clumsy—in fact, she was quite neat in her movements. Of course, she became self-conscious rather easily, but that would pass; she was only sixteen, after all. And as for being pretty… he thought she was beautiful. He had told her that before. He hoped the food would help.

[II]—Fatigue

Amagiri had left Sen-hime's Yase residence rather late. He had spent longer than he had expected speaking with Kameko, before she had grown too tired to stay awake. In fact, he was the one who had fetched Kimiko-sama to put her to bed, because she had been fascinated by the story of Saitō and Chizuru-sama (which he knew would embarrass Saitō very much), and had refused to call her sister herself. A pointless debate (Amagiri's description, kept very much to himself), had only been averted when he had agreed to return the next day to tell her more about the Shinsengumi and Harada-san in particular. Subject to Saitō's wishes, of course.

"It's very strange that you have to obey a man without any obvious rank or Oni ancestry," Kameko had mused. "But the story you have told is compelling, and although—understandably—you've said little of his Trial of Body, I do realize that you must know him very well. I look forward to meeting him."

Amagiri had studied her warily at that point, wondering how she might try to trip up or otherwise discomfit Saitō, should they meet, but to his surprise, she had seemed genuinely interested. She had moments of—he would describe it as panic—from time to time, but it didn't stop her from being fascinated by what had been going on among the humans-who-might-become Oni. The difficulty was that it meant touching near her mother's plans—although Amagiri still wasn't completely clear what those had been, other than the proposed marriage to Yukimura Kōdō-san.

He and Kimiko-sama had argued very briefly over how Amagiri should address the formerly clanless bodyguard, but he'd lost on almost all points. First, he'd been forced to agree that it would be some time before any of them would associate the name Yukishima-sama with anyone other the late and distinctly unlamented Yukishima Chiyoko-sama. Second, he'd been forced—under some duress—to concede that he'd recently agreed that they could use each other's first names again. He had insisted on the proper honorific, at least, but Kimiko-sama had just smiled and said there was plenty of time for everyone to become close friends again.

Amagiri had also spoken with Satoshi-sama and Sen-hime before leaving Yase. He had even contemplated staying, once he discovered that the matter under discussion involved yet another part-Oni among the Shinsengumi—and one with clear parentage, apparently, at least on the father's side.

Amagiri was surprised to discover that he took a small amount of satisfaction in knowing that the infamous Oni prince, Okikurune Satoshi, had not emerged from his many affairs entirely unscathed. However, Amagiri wasn't nearly as startled as Sen-hime when Satoshi-sama casually mentioned that he suspected that Suzuka Gozen might have been involved in his "downfall". Having considered matters, Amagiri had begun to suspect that the First Princess might have implicated Oni lords other than the wandering Shiranui Toshio-sama in her schemes (assuming that she existed and had schemes, which seemed more and more likely).

"You mean you've met her too?!" Sen-hime had demanded, shooting up from her seat looking thunderous. "Did my mother know about this? And why, in all the gods' names, did nobody ever think to mention to me that my revered ancestress was wandering around meddling in everyone's lives?"

Since Amagiri had no answers for the princess, and Sen-hime was scowling at her uncle, the usually indefatigable red-haired Oni had decided that he would go home—that is, to Kyoto—before he became further embroiled in the matter. Satoshi-sama had sped his departure with a broad wink the moment his niece's back was turned—she'd started pacing—and the comment that young Kyūju-kun should really ask himself whether he might also have one or two half-brothers wandering around somewhere. Or serving in the Shinsengumi.

Amagiri had felt enough genuine concern for Sen-hime to ask whether she would be staying in Yase. The young princess had been looking rather beleaguered—for a storm cloud.

"I can't," she snapped, before moderating her tone with an apologetic look at Amagiri. "Haru-chan got badly hurt in my defence and I'm her hostess. It would be improper, if nothing else, to leave her there with nobody but Kirō-kun to protect her from unwanted advances."

Satoshi-sama and his niece had suddenly looked remarkably alike, as they'd both turned identical, mischievous looks on Amagiri. Once again, over ten years of serving Kazama Chikage-sama stood Amagiri in excellent stead. He hadn't so much as blinked at the grossly unfair insinuation. Instead, he'd agreed that Chiharu-sama would no doubt be glad of the Princess' company and left with a suitable bow to each of the Oni ruling family.

"You are absolutely no fun, Kyūju-kun," Satoshi had complained, just before Amagiri could close the door. "And it sounds like you've modelled the poor Sakurai boy after you. There's some hope for him, though—you're surprisingly open-minded, for a Westerner. And you've actually made love to a woman, so you have that going for you as well."

Amagiri had shut the door with something of a snap, feigning total deafness. Not even a human could have missed Sen-hime's biting rejoinder to Satoshi-sama's provocative words, so he had left the Princess to deal with it. He'd had enough for one evening.

He made sure to speak with Chiharu-sama and Kichirō-kun before going to bed, assuring them that Sen-hime would be back reasonably soon. The boy looked dispirited, and Amagiri could imagine why: the siblings had no doubt been discussing what to do next, which would no doubt include a visit—or a return—to their elder brother. Chiharu-sama seemed restless, which was unusual for her.

"I haven't been very good company for Kichirō, I'm afraid," the young woman told him, with an apologetic glance at her brother. "It's been a strange day—that's an understatement—and my injury does hurt a bit… But I've been asleep or resting all day and I have this strange desire to go out for a walk, even though I know it isn't safe, considering that an unknown Oni, who may or may not be Yukimura Kaoru-sama—or possibly Nagumo Kaoru-sama—is out there somewhere with unknown powers and a bad temper."

Amagiri watched as Kichirō-kun tried and succeeded in restraining himself from saying that the two of them together would be fine. Harada-san's warning to the boy to look after his injured sister had apparently done more good than previous admonitions—or maybe there had been a cumulative effect.

"Why don't we go out into the garden?" Amagiri suggested.

"Because I've never seen you look quite so grey before," Chiharu replied immediately. "What do you think, Kichirō?"

"It's true, Amagiri. You look rather tired. Do you think my sister and I might go out, though, as long as we don't leave the grounds?"

Amagiri hesitated. Chiharu-sama should not be risked. But that was treating her like an object, a way of thinking he would have to reconsider, given all the changes in his own circumstances.

"I think that the two of you are the best judges of that, Kichirō-kun. Despite your adventures today."

Kichirō-kun winced a little, but turned to his sister.

"I think we should go out for a little. Maybe wait for Osen-chan to come back."

"Alright. But first let me get tea for Amagiri. No, don't bother arguing, Amagiri. I won't make it myself. Osen-chan's maidservant is extremely competent, and my cousin insisted on leaving both servants here."

Eventually, Kichirō-kun went down to Amagiri's room with him. Chiharu wanted to "dress", whatever that meant. The teenage boy couldn't understand why she couldn't just go out as she was.

"And I honestly have no idea what I'm supposed to do to help you!" the boy said cheerfully. "But tell me what to do and I'll do it."

As they crossed the front hallway area near the base of the stairs, Amagiri paused and looked toward the front door, sensing somebody other than Sen-hime coming up the front walk. Taking his cue, Kichirō went cautiously toward the door, obviously trying to understand what had caught Amagiri's attention.

"Who is it, Amagiri? It's not Sen. Actually, it's kind of hard to make out."

"That's your first clue, then," rumbled Amagiri. "Part-Oni, but with some power. I have a feeling that Hijikata-san sent his medic. That's very helpful of him. I'm surprised he sent him alone, though. Ah—he didn't. "

Whatever else he'd been going to say would have been spoken to empty air. Kichirō-kun had finally tired of his newfound maturity, opened the front door and gone out to see for himself. Since Amagiri had already determined the names of the late-night visitors, Kichirō-kun's enthusiastic cry of "Hijikata-san! Yamazaki-san! Please come in!" did not surprise him, although he sighed deeply. The medic's help would be useful, but Amagiri was certain that there would be a price, most likely in the nature of providing information to Hijikata-san.

When he heard light footsteps on the stairs behind him, he didn't bother to turn around.

"Did you know he was coming, Chiharu-sama?"

"I hoped that Yamazaki-san would come to re-bandage your wounds, yes," Chiharu answered calmly, coming to stand beside him. "I knew that you were going out, and that we would be without a physician to check on you afterward. It seemed like a good idea to ensure that Saitō-sama would inquire whether one could be spared—at least briefly—this evening. Naturally, he had already considered the matter."

Amagiri looked sideways at her. He didn't bother to respond. He had not been referring to the young medic. Moreover, based on how she had dressed for a short walk in the garden—ostensibly with her brother—she had definitely known at some point that the Vice Commander had accompanied his shinobi. Amagiri wondered, as he had done before, whether Hijikata-san ever got enough sleep. He had remarkable stamina for a human.

Since the front door was already open—Kichirō-kun had probably assumed that Amagiri would want to come with him—Hijikata-san raised a hand in greeting when he stepped onto the engawa and saw Amagiri standing in the hall.

"Konbanwa, Amagiri-san." There was a slight pause, as Hijikata-san's eyes adjusted enough to the extra light to make out the slim figure beside the Oni warrior. "Konbanwa, Kazama Chiharu-sama." This time the man bowed, Amagiri noted wryly.

Suitable greetings were exchanged, and Amagiri was tired enough and in enough pain to accept Yamazaki-san's assistance without demur. Hijikata-san excused himself to the Kazama siblings for long enough to see Amagiri to his room… and to ask a few questions about what had transpired since the morning's crisis. Amagiri decided to allow Sen-hime, or Satoshi-sama to tell Hijikata-san the truth about Nagakura-san. It could wait.

"I do have a final question that I'm hoping you can answer…" Hijikata-san looked directly at the big Oni. Yamazaki-san was re-wrapping the stump of the missing right hand, and it was a painful operation on several levels. Amagiri wondered if the timing of the question was by design. Not that it mattered.

"Yes?"

"We believe that Chōshu rebels may attack government forces stationed around the Imperial Palace in the very near future—even though the Chōshu are supposed to be loyal to the Emperor. We also hear that the Satsuma and the Aizu are working together for once. Do you know if some or all of this is true?"

Amagiri considered what he'd heard prior to being banished from the Western Clans. It was an odd position to be in, he thought—declared a traitor through no direct actions of his own (not that Kazama-sama looked at it that way)—and now asked questions that could truly make him a traitor—although to which side was unclear. To borrow a phrase from his guest: damn humans.

"There was going to be some kind of attack tomorrow," he said at last. "However, I don't know whether it will proceed as planned. The incident at the Ikedaya may have delayed things, as some of the more militant supporters of armed rebellion were killed or detained. On the other hand, it was hardly a meeting of the highest-ranked Chōshu and sonno joi members, so I am only speculating."

"Fair enough," returned Hijikata, "but I'm also interested in whether there may be Oni involvement if there is a skirmish."

"It is possible."

Amagiri was starting to feel true weariness; despite his immense control, his attendant apparently noticed, because he saw Yamazaki-san shoot a warning look at the Vice Commander; the patient was going to need rest very shortly, unless Hijikata-san intended to interrogate the Oni under duress. The Vice Commander scowled slightly; Amagiri suspected that he wanted answers but without giving offense or overly-pressuring a wounded man.

"Then you expect Shiranui to continue supporting the Chōshu?"

"Yes. Although, as you've already seen, he is not interested in fighting for them directly. He seems to be acting more as an extremely unlikely guardian angel. In fact…" Amagiri frowned this time, and Yamazaki murmured a polite apology, which was unnecessary since the frown was unrelated to his treatment.

"What is it?" Hijikata asked. "And then I promise to leave you in peace for the evening."

"I don't know if anyone has explained it to you in so many words, but by ancient law and ingrained custom, Oni are not supposed to get involved in human affairs. Whenever that rule has been broken to any significant degree, there have been repercussions. Without getting into all of the other things that have me concerned, Hijikata-san, it worries me that Saitō-sama is now a full-blood Oni clan leader. If he takes an active role in combat on a regular basis, which I assume that he will as an officer of the Shinsengumi, what will happen? Might it not raise the stakes in the current human conflict and result in both sides wanting to rely on Oni and on perversions such as the ochimizu?"

Hijikata had no answer for Amagiri, who was clearly too tired to soften his words. It wasn't as if he hadn't already wondered the same thing. At the same time, the Shinsengumi needed Saitō right now. And what if all or most of the captains developed Oni powers at some level?

"In the short term," Amagiri said, in the face of Hijikata's silence, "it may provoke both Shiranui and Kazama-sama to use greater strength against the Shinsengumi than they normally would. But I am just speculating. They are both—whatever you might think—honourable men. And… Shiranui Kyō is your brother after all. And yours, Yamazaki-san."

Hijikata had folded his arms and was glaring at Amagiri; however, the expression in the amethyst eyes lacked its usual sharp edge of anger. Even Yamazaki, who had started slightly at the sound of his name and then returned to silently tidying away his bandages, could sense that both men were just… tired.

"Damn Oni," Hijikata said at last, although with very little heat. "I came for basic information and you give me insoluble riddles and half-voiced catastrophes."

"Then ask me tomorrow, Vice Commander" Amagiri told him bluntly. "Tonight, riddles and catastrophes are all I seem to have. You have no concept how much this morning's carnage could affect the Oni clans—it is a political and cultural nightmare." He paused, trying to cudgel his thoughts into more productive channels. "No, wait; I can answer one so-called 'normal' question: The Satsuma and the Aizu are presently allied. But you are wise not to put too much trust in such uneasy bed-partners."

Hijikata unfolded his arms and smirked. "Unlike our love-birds. Who knew that Saitō could be so devoted to a woman? It's annoying."

Amagiri returned a faint smile. "I can see your perspective, Hijikata-san, but as an Oni and a loyal vassal, I can hardly share it. From our perspective—mine and Sen-hime's in particular—he is behaving quite normally and just as he should."

"Vice Commander." Yamazaki's voice was low, but emphatic.

"Right. Time to leave Amagiri-san to his rest and for us to get some sleep as well. Oyasumi, Amagiri-san."

"Oyasumi, Hijikata-san. Enjoy your walk in the moonlight."

This time the glare had some force, but Amagiri ignored it as fully as he had ignored Prince Satoshi's comments earlier in the evening. Frankly, he might be better off simply to leave the Kazama siblings—perhaps even the whole family—to the Vice Commander's care… as soon as he got his tea. He had sensed Chiharu-sama approaching.

"Excuse me. I brought your tea, Amagiri."

Amagiri smiled inwardly as Hijikata-san shot him a second glare, recognizing the voice. On the whole, though, it was a relief when Yamazaki-san quietly and efficiently managed to open the door, take the tea, and withdraw with a bow, somehow ushering the others out ahead of him.

[III]—A Request From a Lady

"Thank you for joining us for a few minutes, Hijikata-san, Yamazaki-san," Chiharu said politely, as the four of them took path around the back of the house. Hijikata-san had agreed to lengthen his visit by a circuit of the back garden before taking the path out to the road through the front garden.

"I am pleased that you are feeling better," Hijikata replied, equally politely.

Despite himself, and despite Yamazaki's no-doubt interested gaze, he had assisted Chiharu-sama down the stairs into the garden, and she had her hand lightly on his arm—although he doubted that she had any difficulty walking notwithstanding the pretty kimono and high-soled sandals that she was wearing. Then again, she had been very badly injured just that morning, and Yamazaki had confirmed to him later in the day that the wound was healing very, very slowly. He and Yamazaki had yet to speak of it directly, but the concept of demon-killing blades was of clear interest to the Shinsengumi, although they didn't know for certain whether humans had anything that could mimic the properties, or how they were made. The difficulty, of course, was that Saitō might know. And what would happen if they asked him?

"You are facing a number of challenging problems, Vice Commander," said a soft voice from beside him.

Hijikata shook himself, shocked that he had gotten completely lost in his thoughts when the here and now not only deserved his attention—for courtesy's sake—but required it. He already knew that Chiharu-sama could read minds—or whatever the Oni called it—better than most.

"There is a lot going on, ōjo-sama," Hijikata agreed.

An instant later, he shook his head at himself again. Spending time with Amagiri-san always seemed to have this effect on him—his speech patterns became more formal almost automatically. Although, if he had understood the various conversations he had now had with the Oni, the daughter of the Lord of the Western Clans could claim to the title of "princess" or "high lord's daughter". Hijikata tried to picture Yukimura in that role and couldn't.

"Yes." The response was delivered in a flat tone, without the musical timbre of earlier. No fool, Hijikata realized immediately that it was bad enough to be inattentive, but to compound his error by thinking of another woman—when speaking with an Oni sorceress, or whatever she was—was indeed foolish.

The young woman beside him looked every inch an exotic creature of some kind, especially with her pale hair almost white in the moonlight. He wasn't sure what he thought of her—she was lovely, but also rather distant, until he saw her with her brother or with Sen-hime, when she seemed to become much warmer and more vibrant. He had even felt a tug of attraction when she had defended herself from his teasing the other day. Reluctantly—but being fair enough to do her justice—Hijikata even had to admit to a certain admiration for the way that she had clearly fought bravely, sword in hand, against the madwoman's rasetsu. From Saitō's report, she had not only fended off two of the creatures, but done so after a vicious attack from the madwoman's brother had left her with only one usable arm—and she'd injured the Oni man badly, as well.

They were in sight of the front garden now, Yamazaki and Kichirō trailing behind them on the path. From what Hijikata could hear, Kichirō was asking questions about Kyoto, and Yamazaki was trying to provide reasonable—which is to say, more than one-word—answers. Kichirō had probably decided that it was safer, and more polite, to ask about the city than the Shinsengumi. It was a stilted conversation at best, and under different circumstances would have amused Hijikata a great deal.

"You seem preoccupied, Chiharu-sama," Hijikata said blandly, deciding that blatant unfairness would most easily capture that lady's attention.

Sure enough, her head came around immediately, chin up (for reasons other than merely the difference in height), and purple eyes flashing.

"I beg your pardon, Hijikata-san?" she asked, her words somehow carrying an edge like sharpened steel.

The conversation behind them ended abruptly.

"I just thought that you must have a great deal to think about, with everything that has happened," Hijikata responded smoothly, tilting his head toward her as though surprised by her tone.

"Oh yes," the lady returned, the edge even sharper, if anything. "Yes, it is difficult being a lady of leisure visiting the capital for the first time. I must go shopping, for example. And see the palace, perhaps? Visit the greater shrines and temples, of course. It is difficult to know where to begin."

Hijikata blinked at her, momentarily confounded by the intensity of her sarcasm.

"Excuse me, Chiharu-sama?" He stopped, as they were now at the top of the front garden path leading down toward the road back into the main part of Kyoto.

The Oni woman withdrew her hand from Hijikata's arm and folded her palms together. Her posture was demure, but her words were not.

"I thought—wrongly—that you were capable of seeing people as people, without being deceived as much as most men are by outward appearances. Kichirō's good opinion of you seemed to support this, because he is not as easily deceived by people as you may think. However, I am beginning to appreciate Kimigiku's—no, Kimiko-sama's—opinion that most men are idiots. I have no idea why I was under the impression that I could have a sensible conversation with you, Vice Commander, when you are determined to alternately ignore me and then tease me on every occasion that we meet."

Both the Shinsengumi and Kichirō were staring at the blonde woman, speechless. Kichirō, in particular, had never seen his calm, refined sister so worked up—except immediately after Suzuka Gozen's visit. He even looked around rather wildly, as though the allegedly thousand-year-old princess were hidden behind one of the blooming shrubs.

Hijikata recovered quickly, having dealt with quite a few women in his life. It was irritating to have to deal with this now, but the girl had some justice on her side. He had chosen the wrong approach. In all fairness, the custom of the time was not to deal with women as directly as men, but Chiharu-sama had already called him out on his methods during their last conversation.

"Chiharu-sama, I had no intention of offending you. I even agree with you that most men are idiots. Any of my officers will tell you that I wholly endorse that sentiment. You would prefer me to be direct—without being impolite—and blunt—without being offensive. It isn't an easy line to walk and I do have a great deal to do this evening, including prepare for battle."

The Oni woman bowed slightly. "Of course. Thank you for coming to help Amagiri."

Hijikata felt his temper give way. "What exactly do you want? You can have five minutes and I promise that I won't be distracted by the fact that you're a woman—although I have no doubt that you'll take that the wrong way as well."

"There would have been some compliment, at least, if you had been distracted by my appearance," Chiharu returned bitterly. "But it wasn't that at all. You were just distracted by various problems—of which there are many, I agree!—and since I'm not a man you felt no need to actually speak to me about any of them."

"Excuse me." Kichirō was looking from one to the other, obviously both confused and concerned.

Chiharu turned to him immediately. "I'm sorry Kichirō! I've been too worried about too many things and it's not your fault. Why don't we say goodnight to Hijikata-san and Yamazaki-san, and go inside? No doubt a good night's rest will be good for all of us."

"Kichirō-kun," said Hijikata, as soon as Chiharu had finished speaking. "Your sister is right that we need to go. However, I would like to mend my fences and find out if I can answer your sister's question. Chiharu-sama? If you will accompany us down to the gate, maybe you could tell me how I can assist you."

He was in control of himself again and curious to see what she would say. There was enough truth in her comments to be irritating, but at the same time she had no right to scold him as she had, and she knew it. As she had once before, the young woman surprised him by choosing to pursue her goal rather than assuage her pride.

"I will accompany you." Her voice was cold, but she didn't hesitate. "Kichirō?"

"Oh, I'm sure I can invent more questions for Yamazaki-san," her brother said airily, relieved that the immediate storm had passed.

"Vice Commander?" Yamazaki's flat voice was somehow soothing to all three of the others.

"I'm sure that you can invent appropriate answers," responded Hijikata. "You two walk on ahead, though, we'll follow you."

Surprisingly, the party moved on without any further debate, and as soon as Yamazaki and Kichirō were far enough ahead to lend at least an illusion of privacy, Chiharu began:

"Chikage-sama, my elder brother, is with the Satsuma troops. I am undecided whether to join him. The difficulty is this: although Amagiri has now spoken with Yukishima Chikame-sama, he said nothing to me about Kenshin, who I still consider my younger brother. Are you aware of his situation?"

Hijikata, in an effort to be conciliatory, had slowed his pace to Chiharu's.** His eyes widened a little when the young woman began with an item that was of considerable interest to him.

"I got the gist of it from Harada: Amagiri-san and—Kimigiku-san's sister, whatever names they're using now—have a son together, who has been passed off as your younger brother for the last ten or eleven years. How do you know where your brother—Kazama Chikage—is right now?"

"I almost decided to speak with him this afternoon. Chikage-sama, that is. I'm not as strong as Osen-chan, but I'm not bad, as long as I know the person very well and have a good idea where they are. Osen-chan has certain heirlooms that she uses to focus scrying ability, and she loaned me one yesterday so that I could look in on my mother and Kenshin. I used it to track down my elder brother. He may have noticed, but I didn't watch him for long. I decided that I wasn't ready enough in my own mind for that conversation. And yes, you have the gist of Kenshin's situation. Can you imagine—at least a little—why I am worried about him?"

Hijikata had paid careful attention to Chiharu's forthright—and helpful—answer to his question. However, rather than allowing his mind to wander down the path of the possible military uses for magical scrying, he made sure to listen to Chiharu's immediate concern.

"Yes, I do understand. I believe that Saitō shares your concern—or at least part of it."

"Saitō-sama fears for his immediate safety. That is reasonable, given his responsibility toward Amagiri. But I don't know how far he has considered my younger brother's feelings."

"In your opinion, are Amagiri and the child's mother likely to, ah, reunite?"

"I don't know. I understand from Sen-hime that not only was the breach between them very serious, but Chikame-sama's overall health has been seriously compromised."

"Alright. Now, what is it that you wanted to ask me?"

Chiharu looked unaccountably embarrassed.

"My brother and I train with our weapons most days. My elder brother does not approve of the fact that I have recently continued my training, but Kichirō is pleased and likes to help me. I wondered if it were possible—and I realize that this is a lot to ask—but, do you think that one of your captains, who already knows about us, could spare a little time each day to train with us?" She suddenly rushed on, as if to get it all out before being told no. "You know that my brother is much stronger than most humans, even fully-grown warriors. But I have been thinking about things, and—"

Chiharu stopped, both in speech and forward motion. Hijikata, curious despite himself—because what she was asking was an imposition, or might be unless his captains could get something out of it—also stopped, and waited patiently for her to continue.

"I haven't told Kichirō this, but I asked Suzuka-hime why female Oni are so much weaker than male Oni—even to the point that some are not even as strong as humans or part-Oni. She told me that it was all in our heads, collectively and individually. She pointed out that she—Lady Suzuka—had been one of the strongest Oni in Japan during her original rule. Of course, she was legendary in her time, but still…"

"To be clear, Chiharu-sama: you are asking for training more for yourself than for your brother, although you would want him included?"

"Yes, Hijikata-san."

"Even though that will likely annoy Kazama Chikage even more than he is aggravated already?"

Chiharu hesitated, then nodded. "Yes. If things were different, I might ask Kimiko-sama—Kimigiku-san, you called her—for instruction. But I think that she has enough to do right now. As do you, of course! Still, you were very helpful with Kichirō—with the swords, I mean; saving his life is another matter entirely."

Recognizing that she wasn't presenting her case very well, Chiharu bit her lip. She wanted to be stronger. She didn't want to trouble Amagiri or Kimiko-sama. Nobody from the Western Clans would train her against Chikage's wishes. There were several Shinsengumi captains who might be willing to help. It had all sounded so logical earlier.

"Okay, Chiharu-sama. I will send you word if and when somebody is available. I have to warn you, though, that we are currently on alert, so it may not be feasible immediately. And I gather that sooner would be better than later, since your elder brother may just drag you home?"

"Yes. And thank you." Chiharu bowed, all at once seeming very much more herself. Her profound relief showed Hijikata just how much this training meant to her, even if he didn't wholly understand the reason for it.

"Wait until we find out if we can do anything to help you before you thank me," Hijikata warned her.

He felt unaccountably satisfied, however, that they were able to part on good terms. He reminded himself firmly that he didn't have Harada's susceptibility to pretty women—there were good tactical reasons to stay on good terms with this particular woman. For one thing, she could provide a significant amount of information. Plus, there was something to be said for doing something that would annoy Kazama Chikage; for whatever reason, Hijikata had come to dislike the man quite a lot. If nothing else, he had singlehandedly created this entire Oni mess and dumped it into Hijikata's lap.

Endnote:

**The author can only report what Hijikata-san was thinking; she is not responsible for dropped honorifics in this particular case.

A/Note: Please leave a review if you get the chance. I had hoped to get to at least one more of the other items on my list (especially Satoshi/Shinpachi!), but that will have to wait until next chapter. Thank you for reading!