Author's Note:

With apologies for the unexpected wait - life and a "troubled" computer got in the way.

Thank you to all my readers for your patience and continued support. Thank you especially to HakuSaitosan on AO3 for making me laugh and enjoy my own story all over again as well as to many kind readers on FFN who sent in reviews over the 3-week (unplanned) hiatus:

LadyYomi (welcome! thank you for taking the time to try reading this story!
PoivronRouge
Sabina-san
14Phantom
thePatriarchListens (that was possibly the most backhanded compliment I've gotten so far... hmm... "now if you can only stay focused we might finally get to see the showdown with Kazama Chikage! :)" (to be fair, it's perfectly true, although the computer problem this time was beyond my control) (grin)
Eliz1369 (thank you for the one-year congrats! ~ I have slightly mixed feeling about this though ~ 450,000 words now!)
DancesWithSeatbelts
Shell1331

Now, as for this chapter, you'll see a bit of almost everyone, but especially Hijikata in the first half and Saitou & Chizuru in the second half (with an important cameo by Souji, because he is known for being a cute little cupid-in-disguise... well, maybe not).

Also: the second part of the second half of this chapter is rated M. You can read it in full on FFN under Teachings of Demons (M) or on AO3.

I hope everyone enjoys the "return" of The Teachings of Demons! Comments and reviews are much appreciated. :)

~ImpracticalOni

The Night Belongs to Lovers, Part II

[I]—The Vice Commander, The Spy, and Other Assorted Characters
A Play in Two Acts

Nobody was quite certain whether it was by design or accident that Hijikata met Saitō, Chizuru and Harada on their way back to the compound. Saitō and Harada assumed that it wasn't coincidental; the Vice Commander didn't say anything one way or the other. In fact, their superior officer was annoyed, because he wasn't sure exactly what had prompted him to come this way in the first place, and he didn't like not knowing things—especially recently, when all coincidences seemed to lead inexorably back to the damn Oni.

"Everything go okay?" Hijikata asked, his eyes sweeping the expressionless faces of his subordinates. The fact that Harada was as closed off as Saitō automatically worried him.

"Aa." Saitō responded economically.

"I was just visiting," answered Harada. "But I believe that Saitō's pupils found their lesson satisfactory."

Hijikata's lips twitched a little at Harada's use of Saitō's favourite word.

"Kichirō-kun has natural aptitude," Saitō said calmly. "Chiharu-sama is not as strong, but she is quick, disciplined and she works hard. They are both good students." He paused as though assessing something. "Chiharu-sama improved noticeably over the course of one lesson, both in practical technique and power."

"That's unusual," noted Hijikata. He normally wouldn't bother to comment, but Saitō rarely mentioned something unless it was important somehow. "What was she like to begin with?"

"Competent technically, but clearly inexperienced in actual combat. Her elder brother no longer teaches her; however, she continues to train with Kichirō-kun whenever possible. I believe that she truly formed her resolve to become stronger—as a warrior—since being required to defend Princess Sen recently."

When Saitō stopped there, apparently unwilling to voice his conclusions regarding Chiharu's surprising improvement over the course of an hour's training, Hijikata glanced at Harada. The spearman shrugged; he somehow managed to convey the sense that if Saitō wasn't going to comment then neither was he. Exasperated, Hijikata tucked his hands further into his sleeves and frowned at them.

"You think that she may be—somehow—imagining herself stronger and it's working?" He couldn't keep a note of doubt out of his voice.

"If what we have been told by Sen-hime and Amagiri is true, then belief is as important as anything else for the Oni." Saitō's voice was as flat as ever.

"It'd have to be an awfully strong belief though," Harada mused. "More like a certainty—that feeling when you just know you're right…" He trailed off when it occurred to him to wonder why he was stating a guess as if it were fact.

All three men—even Saitō—were slightly startled when a timid voice said softly: "Haru-chan wants the female Oni to stop being so much weaker than the male Oni." Chizuru hesitated when she realized that she suddenly had everyone's attention. "I-I think that meeting Suzuka Gozen kind of"—Chizuru waved her hands in the air—"reinforced things she was already thinking. From what she explained to Osen-chan, Lady Suzuka pretty much said that she—Haru-chan—could do whatever she set her mind to."

Hijikata cleared his throat (rather ominously, in Chizuru's opinion). "I keep forgetting that we're dealing with myths and legends. I mean, of course the legendary demoness of Yase just happened to drop in for tea to give her descendant—or fellow demoness or whatever—a lecture on how to be tougher like in the good old days."

Saitō was about to interpose—with what, he wasn't sure—when Chizuru surprised him by nodding vigorously, her ponytail bobbing slightly with the motion. Although she found the Vice Commander intimidating, concern for others always made her stubborn.

"Yes, Hijikata-san, that's exactly what happened. According to Haru-chan, Lady Suzuka showed up and pretty much made Haru-chan have tea with her. And after that she came straight to Kyoto! So I agree with Saitō-san: Haru-chan is very determined to become stronger. She was quite upset about not being able to protect Osen-chan better—although obviously she did very well, because Sai-Hajime says so."

Saitō had to repress the urge to bury his face in his hands. He couldn't look at Harada; he suspected the man was laughing at him.

Hijikata just stood there, staring at Chizuru. Then he shook his head briskly. "Fine. Do we know what this bloodthirsty young woman plans to do next?"

This time, Saitō gripped Chizuru's shoulder before she could defend her friend and irritate Hijikata-san further. "Vice Commander: Chiharu-sama's greatest concern right now is her youngest brother—foster brother, that is."

"Amagiri-san's son? Yes, that makes sense. But given that her elder brother seems to be an arrogant prick and most definitely not a friend to any of us right now, what exactly can she do? More importantly, is she going to be a threat to us later if we help her get stronger now? What happens when she goes home?"

Saitō's hand tightened further on Chizuru's shoulder and she bit her lip. She had suddenly remembered the Shinsengumi's solution for those whom they couldn't trust and couldn't otherwise neutralize. Then it occurred to her to find it strange that Hijikata-san was suddenly so wary of Haru-chan when he had accepted her request for training in the first place. Surely Hajime's general comments about her skills hadn't been as troubling as all that? And it was terribly unfair to call Haru-chan "bloodthirsty". Just as she was wondering how to get Hajime's attention, she saw him exchange a flickering glance with Harada-san and then—

Suddenly, Saitō-san was a blur of motion a hundred feet away and Harada-san was at her side with his sword drawn. They must have sensed something wrong before she did, she thought numbly. She'd been preoccupied, though. She felt a great deal of sympathy for Hijikata-san, who had drawn his sword with something like resignation, his eyes scanning their immediate surroundings.

"Same guy?"

"I hope so. It'd suck if there's more than one of them." Harada smiled reassuringly at Chizuru. "Don't worry, Chizuru-chan. Saitō'll be fine. Not sure I can say the same for the other guy though." Chizuru stared at him blankly and it suddenly occurred to him that "the other guy" might be her long-lost twin brother, based on what he'd been told earlier in the evening.

"No such luck. Godsdammit!" Hijikata slammed his katana back into its sheath. Saitō had emerged—noticeably empty-handed—from between two buildings a long ways down the road.

"So you knew there was a problem?" Harada asked the Vice Commander curiously. "I wasn't sure…"

Hijikata scowled. "Well, I'm a suspicious bastard and it didn't seem normal for us to be having an important discussion right in the middle of the street like this. I may have to learn some of Amagiri-san's mind tricks. It pisses me off to have to spend time on all this Oni crap, but I sure as hell don't want somebody fucking with my head like that again. That reminds me: I still have to get the Princess to make sure Sōji's okay." When Harada didn't comment, he added (rather inevitably, in Harada's opinion): "Been wanting somebody to examine that kid's head for years."

Saitō rejoined them, moving more or less normally. His eyes were brilliant gold, which looked distinctly eerie in the dim light. Harada stepped carefully away from Chizuru, trying not to be annoyed with both Saitō and his own instinctive reaction to the man's aura. It was easier to relate to Saitō now, though. Harada could feel himself being sucked into the same maelstrom of conflicting wants, needs, duties and priorities. For example, he hadn't had the energy to remind—or was it tell?—Hijikata-san that the "legendary demoness of Yase" was allegedly his own mother. And he sure as hell didn't want to bring up Satoshi's comments about Kazama and Sen.

"Thank you for alerting me," Saitō said to Harada, placing his hand on Chizuru's shoulder. The brilliant eyes were suddenly dark again.

Harada still found it strange to see Saitō touch anyone so often, even his wife—Saitō had never been one for close physical contact. He was tolerant of his colleagues' roughhousing, but he never participated. In fact, he and Sōji were alike that way. Saitō was quiet and Sōji was brash, but they both discouraged the kind of casual contact that was the norm among everyone else.

Saitō had turned to Hijikata. "I was just becoming aware of the spy when Harada gave me the man's location. I almost caught him, but he is gifted at masking himself and he clearly sensed something amiss the moment I moved. Sumimasen."

Harada saw Hijikata-san give him a curious look when Saitō mentioned that Harada had picked up the man's location first. He rubbed at the back of his neck self-consciously and wondered if he were actually developing stronger abilities or just getting better at using what was at his disposal. Of course, according to Kimigiku-san and others, he shouldn't be able to do any of it without training.

"Get back to headquarters," Hijikata was telling Saitō and Chizuru. "Harada, we'll take a stroll back to your girlfriend's and warn her that we still have a problem. This is getting seriously annoying and I don't want this guy fucking with the Shinsengumi without fighting back. He could do real damage if he decides to play games with our patrols."

"There is one other thing, Vice Commander," put in Saitō at this point. He felt Chizuru stiffen under his fingers, but she relaxed again when he didn't raise the matter of her possibly not-quite-deceased twin. "I saw Takeda-san on his way back to the compound in the brief time that I was scanning our immediate surroundings from a nearby rooftop."

There was a short silence. "I really, really don't like that guy," Harada muttered. He was still trying to decide how he felt about Hijikata-san referring to Osen-chan as his "girlfriend". Although she kind of was, he conceded. More than kind of. Actually, he'd asked Hijikata-san's permission to visit Sen this evening, now that he thought about it. Okay, so he needed to get his head around the whole thing. Satoshi had freaked him out, though; no sense denying it. A sharp mental nudge from Saitō jerked him out of his thoughts, but not fast enough. Hijikata-san was glaring at him, his purple eyes narrowed to angry slits.

"Dammit Harada, Saitō's bad enough—don't go spacing out on me in the middle of the fucking street while you plan your romantic future. I don't care what it takes but get your head out of your ass and back on the job! What the hell did I ever do to deserve you two? Saitō's taking Yukimura home, and I'm betting they have some weird shit to discuss because"—he turned the glare on Saitō—"I can just tell and besides there's always weird shit going on now."

Saitō blinked and Harada winced. He hoped Chizuru-chan was holding up okay.

"Will you want to see me when you return, Vice Commander?" Saitō asked, his voice particularly expressionless.

"Gods no. Good night Saitō, good night Yukimura. Come on Harada, let go pay a social call."

Harada exchanged a look with Saitō, smiled reassuringly at Chizuru-chan, and set off after Hijikata-san. He briefly entertained the idea of Osen-chan using some kind of Oni magic to force the Vice Commander to get some sleep, but decided reluctantly that the cost was too high. No rest for the wicked, he thought wryly to himself. Guess that applies to both of us. Maybe Amagiri-san or Chiharu-sama could keep things from blowing up with Sen.

He was a little surprised when Chiharu-sama came out onto the engawa as they approached, still dressed in the hakama in which she had trained. She looked perfectly calm and collected; presumably she had sensed or "seen" them coming, somehow. She opened the door and ushered them inside with a polite "konbanwa" for Hijikata-san and a slightly puzzled smile for Harada. He didn't dare say anything to her, aloud or otherwise, but he saw her eyebrows arch slightly as she took the measure of the Vice Commander's temper.

"My regards to Sen-hime," said the latter brusquely, "and if she's up then I'd like to have a few words with her. Amagiri-san too if he's available."

Chiharu studied him for a moment and then—to Harada's surprise, given that she was practically royalty and an Oni—she bowed politely and showed them into the reception room. There was no trace of subservience in her actions, but no annoyance either, as there surely would have been with Kimigiku-san.

"I will see if Osen-chan is still receiving visitors, Vice Commander Hijikata. In the meantime, would you like tea?"

Harada could only stare at his superior officer in astonishment when the man suddenly relaxed and gave a short huff of laughter. He bowed to Chiharu-sama before taking his seat, his stern face still holding a trace of amusement.

"Thank you, Chiharu-sama, tea would be greatly appreciated."

She looked at him quizzically, taken aback by his sudden change of mood, but apparently neither offended nor seriously disconcerted.

"Did you come all the way here for the tea, Hijikata-san? You seem very pleased by the prospect." She smiled a little as she said it, to indicate that she was in no way underestimating the probable seriousness of their visit.

Harada couldn't help but be impressed with her poise. He wondered, just for a moment—and only because his own thoughts were preoccupied with Sen—whether Hijikata-san noticed how lovely she was. Chances are that he did, but set it aside as being irrelevant to matters at hand.

"I hadn't intended to come here at all, Chiharu-sama," Hijikata said in response to the slightly teasing question. "But for some reason it did occur to me when I originally set out that it would be pleasant to be offered tea. Just one of those coincidences."

Chiharu nodded understandingly. "I'll be back shortly. Harada-san, what about you?"

"Tea's good, Chiharu-sama, thanks. Do you need a hand?"

"Īe. I'll be fine, but thank you for the offer. And Haru-chan is still fine, Harada-san. Excuse me, gentlemen." She left the room briskly.

"Determined young woman," murmured Hijikata thoughtfully. "Looks demure and probably is—to a point. You weren't there when she chewed me out for not taking her seriously. She was right, too. Well, I promised her the training; guess I won't go back on that now."

"Yeah, I kind of wondered about that," Harada replied. "But I figured you had your reasons."

"Probably." Hijikata caught the surprised look on Harada's face and shrugged. "There were reasons. But I think partly I just want to annoy her brother—the older one, not the kid. Haven't met him, but don't like anything I've heard so far."

"Uh, no, me neither." Harada hesitated and then decided to risk a snarky response. "But you seem to be okay with Amagiri-san now? At least… you asked to see him and you sent Yamazaki to help him out."

"He's a smart man—or demon, whatever. He'd be a good ally if we can trust him, and we have no reason not to trust him at the moment. He's offered to train Yamazaki, by the way—think I might take him up on it. Maybe it'll help us catch the damn spy."

Harada shook his head a little. "You know… It sounds like you're not as opposed to dealing with the Oni as you make it sound."

Hijikata crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes.

"I don't want to deal with the Oni. All this crap is pissing me off when I've got more than enough to do without worrying about myths and legends. And I still have no idea what the hell we're going to do about Saitō—or you!—in the long run. Given a choice, I'd skip all the supernatural shit and go back to running a nice normal fighting unit. But you know what they say: pick your poison."

The door slid open to admit Amagiri. Neither of the Shinsengumi officers twitched—they'd both sensed his approach, and in fact Hijikata had spoken his last words just a little more loudly than necessary.

"And I am your poison, Vice Commander Hijikata?" Amagiri asked smoothly, crossing the room to take a seat.

Harada noticed that while Hijikata-san got a polite bow, the big man only nodded in his own direction. It wasn't exactly rude, just… it was as if Amagiri-san was saying "look, first of all, you're the junior officer, and secondly, didn't you just leave?" For some reason, Harada suddenly wondered how things were going with Kimigiku-san's sister. He immediately squelched the thought and buried it deep. He had no illusions about what Amagiri-san could or would do if he made the mistake of accidentally prying.

"Konbanwa, Amagiri-san," Hijikata told the Oni. "Yes, you're my poison of choice. I still haven't figured out why you took such a big risk for Saitō—and yes, I know Sen-hime asked for your help—but you've played fair with us since then. Plus, we're both practical men, as you once told me. I have to trust somebody, it seems."

"I take it that there has been more trouble?" Amagiri ignored Hijikata's various comments, but Harada thought that there was a slight gleam of amusement—or appreciation—in the Oni's sky-blue eyes. "I only returned here a few minutes ago myself."

The door slid open again and Sen entered, followed by Chiharu. Chiharu was carrying a tray.

There was yet another round of greetings as Sen and Chiharu seated themselves. It turned out that Chiharu had already been making tea, which explained her quick return. Harada had wondered whether Hijikata-san would agree to have her present for the discussion, but he either didn't mind or was concealing his annoyance unusually well.

"How may I—and Amagiri-san—be of assistance, Vice Commander Hijikata," Sen asked at last. Harada had felt the briefest touch of her mind on his; otherwise she had kept her thoughts and feelings to herself. He wasn't sure how he felt about that, but it definitely made it easier to concentrate.

Hijikata's purple eyes were cool and professional again, and his expression was politely neutral. He sipped at his tea before answering.

"As you know, Sen-hime, there is an unknown Oni spying on the Shinsengumi. Most recently he engineered a well-coordinated attack against two of my officers—although I think Heisuke's presence was unexpected—and he has used some kind of malicious magic"—the word came out dripping acid—"on Yamazaki. Tonight, he seems to have made a rather haphazard attempt to incite conflict between us, but he was clearly prepared to flee at once, which suggests opportunism rather than planned aggression."

"Why is that?" asked Sen. "Would he not have an escape plan either way?"

"Could be," responded Hijikata, "but his planned attacks, both subtle and unsubtle, have been pretty focussed, from what I've gathered. For example, he was not only well-prepared to attack Sōji—Okita—but he had come specifically prepared to deal with Yamazaki—and despite your best efforts, Yamazaki is still not completely safe from whatever happened to him. I thought that you and Chiharu-sama were of the opinion that the magic used against Yamazaki was fairly complex?" When Sen nodded, he concluded: "Anyway, my feeling is that when he plans, he plans long and hard. I don't think he had some great plan to protect tonight, which is why he took off so fast. I hadn't even planned to go out until I did."

"Either way, we have to agree with you that he's dangerous," Sen said with a tiny sigh. "And you're here—quite rightly—because a rogue Oni is my responsibility, especially in Kyoto. Are you aware of his possible identity?"

"As Yukimura's long-lost twin brother? Yes, Saitō told me about that. The whole thing's fantastic, though. I mean, if he just wants to say hi to his sister he could have asked—or at least asked you."

"The difficulty, Vice Commander Hijikata," interjected Amagiri's deep rumble, "is that we are beginning to see some very, very disturbing possible connections between Yukimura Kōdō-sama, the late Lady of the Yukishima and her brother, and the creation of part-Oni rasetsu. If your—our—rogue Oni is Yukimura Kaoru then it suggests that he and his uncle may be working together."

Everyone present tensed at the mention of the furies. Hijikata scowled and glared at Amagiri.

"We are not here to discuss that topic," he said flatly.

"It is a problem that affects everyone here," Amagiri responded just as bluntly.

"Then Harada and I are wasting our time—and yours." Hijikata rose swiftly, picking up his scabbarded katana.

Amagiri was on his feet just as fast. "Matte kudasai, Hijikata-san. Your need for our assistance—and your right to request that assistance—have not changed."

Harada hovered behind Hijikata, features set. He hadn't paid quite enough attention lately, it seemed. Or maybe he'd been too preoccupied with personal matters to get his head fully around the bigger implications of the rasetsu at the Yukishima estate. Amagiri's words had startled and dismayed him, since he'd forgotten that Amagiri would probably know, one way or another, about the rasetsu within the Shinsengumi compound.

Sen looked tired and upset, and Chiharu stood slightly in front of her in a way that could only be described as protective. Harada felt a twist of something unpleasant in his gut and realized that it had to do with the fact that he wasn't the one protecting Sen—couldn't be, under the circumstances.

After a long silence, Hijikata assumed a slightly less confrontational pose and drew a deep breath.

"No, the need hasn't changed. But we have reached an impasse."

"Oni do not break their word, Hijikata-san. I offered to train Yamazaki-san and I have not rescinded that offer. Moreover, I need to continue Saitō-sama's training. Harada-san also needs to be taught something about the Gifts that he is already using."

"Satoshi has offered to train Chizuru-chan," Sen added abruptly. Observing Hijikata's expression at the name, Sen managed a rueful smile. "I feel the same way, Hijikata-san, but… he's actually a good teacher. He taught me, in fact, after my mother fell ill. Unfortunately, he has a very annoying personality."

"Osen-chan!" murmured her cousin reprovingly. These part-Oni men deserved respect, but it was improper to criticize an elder and a Prince to them as though they were close family.

Harada had choked at Sen's comment, and even Hijikata had smiled a tiny bit. Only Amagiri's serious expression didn't change.

"Okikurune-sama is probably the best qualified to teach Yukimura-sama," he said simply. "But regardless, you will have the assistance you require, Vice Commander. I did not mean to imply otherwise, only to point out that the probable culprit may be more closely related to—let us say, a difficult topic—than is comfortable for any of us."

Hijikata hesitated. On the one hand, he'd come for a reason and it was still a damn good reason. On the other, his first loyalty lay to the Shinsengumi, and these people were clear in their views on the ochimizu. Hell, personally he felt the same way, but that wasn't the point. Only just that evening, Sannan-san had pointed out that the ochimizu—if refined—might be their only viable option against the demons who appeared to be ranged against them. All of the leaders and most of the warriors had heard about the shockingly powerful men who had been able to take down Heisuke and Okita. And some of Harada's division had actually seen Shiranui Kyō show off with his pistol. (Damn Shiranui! Hijikata still held a forlorn hope that maybe they weren't brothers.)

With a muttered oath that was probably inappropriate under the circumstances—Chiharu-sama's presence, for one—Hijikata reseated himself. "Look. There are certain things that I can't and won't discuss with any of you. But right this moment I'm more concerned with how the holy hell I'm supposed to protect my men from a guy who can twist their minds and bodies into knots. Also"—he noted with satisfaction that Sen and Amagiri were sitting again—"I need Yamazaki back. Also, I need to know if Okita Sōji and Tōdō Heisuke have been tampered with in any way."

Harada gave Haru-chan a crooked smile as he sat down again. He knew that his eyes were as wary as hers, but he felt that the pro tem bodyguards should stick together while their "bosses" fought it out over principles and ways and means. Apparently, Chiharu wasn't impervious to his mild joke, since he got a faint smile in return.

"Let's move on then," said Sen, and Harada suddenly hoped that she hadn't seen or misconstrued his glance at her cousin. You're an incorrigible flirt, said Sen's voice in his mind at that moment, and he winced. But that's okay. I know you like me best.

Her deliberately overdone self-satisfaction gave him a genuine coughing fit when he tried to repress a laugh, and he didn't even bother to try to respond to her statements. Instead, he worked on keeping his emotions and thoughts as guarded as possible. Those lessons that Hijikata-san and Amagiri-san were discussing sounded like a damn good idea right about now. Of course, Shinpachi had suggested that they could both visit Satoshi-sama for training, but Harada had already decided to give that learning experience a miss. Frankly, he didn't want the Oni equivalent of Shinpachi's joie de vivre and Sōji's sense of "fun" poking around inside his head. He'd take his chances with Amagiri-san.

After quite a bit of discussion, a tentative agreement was reached between the Shinsengumi part-Oni (represented by Hijikata-san) and the Oni (represented by Sen-hime and Amagiri-san). Hijikata-san would find a way to bring Heisuke and Sōji to visit Sen-hime in the near future. He would also somehow arrange visits to Sen-hime's estate in order to accommodate a few basic lessons in identifying and resisting mental intrusion and also what to look for in terms of problematic physical symptoms. Harada and Amagiri-san were a little surprised when Hijikata-san, Sen-hime and Chiharu-sama unanimously agreed that Yamazaki seemed to have analyzed the indicators of physical change quite accurately already.

"You know," Chiharu put in toward the end of the discussion, "I don't think that everything really needs to be done here. I agree that there are safeguards here, but Kimiko spoke to me a little about her routine as a geiko within Shimabara. I am not proposing to undertake her role"—she blushed slightly—"but I don't see why I, or Amagiri-san if necessary, couldn't do some routine training in Kimiko's quarters at the—I think it's called the Sumi?"

Sen looked very surprised (as did everyone else, to one extent or another), but she was in full agreement with the idea. Hijikata was also quick to find merit with the arrangement.

"The more we can make this look natural, the better," he said to Chiharu, with a nod of approval. "Especially since our spy seems to be fully aware of Sen-hime's residence here."

"Great idea, Haru-chan," Harada put in. "Guess that means the Vice Commander will be approving some drinking time, right Hijikata-san?" His amber eyes held more than a hint of mischief.

"Moron," retorted Hijikata without heat. "I have full faith in Amagiri-san to make it a challenging experience for all of you."

"And for you, Hijikata-san," Harada pointed out unrepentantly.

"You know," said Sen sweetly, "there's no time like the present to begin, but Amagiri is supposed to be resting. You don't want Chizuru-chan to be angry at me for setting back his recovery, do you?"

There were universal expressions of disbelief at the idea that Chizuru could or would get angry with Sen in any meaningful way, and Sen laughed.

"Still," Chiharu put in, "I do think that Amagiri should get some rest, and you as well, Osen-chan. I don't mind explaining some basic concepts to Hijikata-san and Harada-san before they go."

"Well—" began Amagiri, concerned.

"But Haru-chan—" protested Sen.

Hijikata couldn't resist. He liked Chiharu-sama for her practical suggestions, and he respected the self-discipline she'd shown on the few occasions on which they'd met. Most importantly, taking Chiharu's position would probably annoy the other two.

"I agree with Chiharu-sama," he said firmly. "Amagiri-san, thank you for your input, but based on all reports—not to mention my own observation—you need to get some sleep."

"Says the pot to the kettle," the Oni retorted softly. "But I'll go. Chiharu-sama will no doubt be a kinder teacher."

"I'm not counting on it," Hijikata told him dryly. "I have an older sister and I know what they're like."

The young woman in question gave him a scathing look before remembering that it was below her dignity as both an adult and an Oni. Harada waved his hands in a "hey, not me—remember that, not me!" kind of way.

Surprisingly, Sen didn't protest further. In fact, she was feeling the strain of the last few days; while she hadn't been as badly injured as Chiharu, she also hadn't had the same opportunities to rest. Her eyes warmed when Harada rose from the table with her. He walked her to the door, and she admired the way that his attention stayed on her despite the critical or amused looks of the others present.

"Oyasumi, hime-chan," he told her quietly. Mentally—and praying that he couldn't or wouldn't be overheard—he added: And I do like you best.

"Oyasumi, Harada-san." Sen rested her hand lightly on one muscled forearm for a moment and turned to look back at the Shinsengumi Vice Commander.

"Thank you for bringing this matter to my attention, Hijikata-san. I am generally here in the mornings and evenings at the moment. I would be pleased to speak with Okita-san and Tōdō-san whenever it is convenient. Oyasumi." She bowed slightly to everyone, touched Harada's arm a final time, and left.

Amagiri, who had tactfully allowed Sen-hime and Harada-san at least the illusion of privacy, rose and departed a minute or so later. He had spoken with Kameko again that evening, and he had a lot to think about. He was also becoming increasingly worried about Kenshin, but he had to hope that he had not misjudged Saitō—or Yukimura-sama, Chiharu-sama and Senhime.

Once both Amagiri and Sen had gone, Chiharu turned to her "students".

"I suggest that we work briefly on mental speech and then on identifying and blocking mental contact. I think that will be enough for tonight. These are the things that you would normally learn prior to undertaking any of the Three Trials."

The men nodded, expressions serious and even slightly intimidating. They were warriors, and among the best in Japan—for humans. They weren't Oni, but their auras were clear and bright and hard, if not nearly as powerful as those of a pureblood. Assuming that word meant anything now, after Saitō's transformation. Chiharu settled her thoughts and cleared her mind. She was a lady of the Kazama and a daughter of the Lord of the Western Clans; she had nothing to fear from these men.

[II] - Lovers in a Dangerous Time
A Play in Two Acts (depending on how you count)

Saitō and Chizuru walked the rest of the way back to the compound in silence. Chizuru was still trying to work out what to tell Saitō about the strange aging that she might have brought on herself, and Saitō was simultaneously trying to set aside his concern for Chizuru (who was pregnant!), figure out how to trap an Oni spy (who was likely her brother), and ponder the implications of Hijikata-san paying a visit on Sen-hime to request aid for his officers. His mental checklist had two other major outstanding items: Amagiri Kenshin, still in the control of the Kazama clan; and two young half-sisters.

The guards on duty at the gate bowed to the captain as he passed within, Yukimura-kun at his side. They had heard a rumour that Yukimura-kun was actually a girl, and possibly married to Saitō-taichō, but until it was confirmed—especially the second part—they weren't going to presume. All the indications were that the whole wild story was true, but they would as soon make a mistake on such a matter with Saitō-taichō as with Okita-taichō or Hijikata-fukuchō—which is to say not at all.

By the time that the door to their room finally slid closed behind Saitō, Chizuru was feeling slightly sick with apprehension. She hadn't found any easy way to tell Saitō-san the (probable) truth, and his current expression was especially forbidding. Unlike Hijikata-san, he never scowled and only rarely frowned, but Chizuru knew that particularly blank, distant expression just as well as any man in her husband's division. She shivered involuntarily, despite the rather unpleasant heat.

The tiny tremor, clearly visible to his watchful eyes, made Saitō blink. He realized that by withdrawing so far into his thoughts he had made Chizuru even more anxious than she had been previously. To try to atone for his insensitivity, Saitō gently hugged his wife to him and smoothed a few strands of loose hair. He sensed and heard her inhale deeply and then relax against him. They stood together for some time that way, until Chizuru moved away slightly and sighed.

"I'm better now, Hajime. But I'm tired, so I think we'd better talk now before I fall asleep on you."

Saitō nodded but kissed her before letting go completely. As always, he had to restrain a more fervent gesture, but it seemed to be getting easier. It wasn't that he desired her less, but he seemed to be accepting that she wasn't going to disappear or change her mind—he would be able to hold her and make love to her later, so he could wait now. Besides, his deep concern over her condition—the advanced state of her pregnancy—made him want to hear an explanation as soon as possible.

They settled onto cushions across from each other and Chizuru took another deep breath. She really was feeling exhausted. She wondered if it was the pregnancy or just a normal reaction to so much stress. Unconsciously, she crossed a protective arm across her flat stomach. A flash of some unidentified emotion from Hajime made her aware of the gesture and of how closely he was watching her.

"The others don't know yet," she began tentatively.

Saitō followed the direction of her thoughts. "You mean that only you and Satoshi-sama know what you discussed?"

"Yes. You see… it seems that my uncle—my uncle Satoshi-sama—did not trust my father's brother."

Saitō nodded again. "He strongly implied that before."

"Yes. Well, during the time that he spent with my parents, he learned a bit—well, actually, I don't how much—about my father's healing gifts. As a gesture of trust—at least, I think that's what it was meant to be—my father told him one of the greatest of our family secrets: the Yukimura Gift can extend to healing even the most extreme wounds but the"—Chizuru faltered, but continued to meet the blue eyes across from hers and finally went on—"the power to deal with such wounds was taken from the healer's own personal life force. Or from that of a person nearby."

Chizuru felt immediate comprehension flood through Saitō. He seemed to grasp the problem faster than she had earlier with her Uncle Satoshi. Then it was as if steel doors slammed shut across his mind and face.

"Then Amagiri and Chiharu-sama—and likely Heisuke and Sōji before them—cost you some portion of your own life to heal?"

"Possibly—probably," answered Chizuru miserably, totally unable to sense her husband but knowing with absolute certainty that he was suddenly close to rage.

"And you don't know how you do it?"

"It, um, it was on purpose, mostly, with Chiharu-chan—not that I knew what I was doing, I swear, but at least I was trying to fix that awful wound—but for Amagiri and the others, no, I don't really know."

"Tell me about the children." His voice was somehow flat and ice cold at the same time. Chizuru bit back the strong urge to cry.

"Uncle Satoshi thinks that since I'm physically aging when I draw on myself for the more extreme healing—like with Amagiri-san's injuries or Heisuke-kun's head-wound—and since the babies were just, um, well just part of me, really, then they may have aged with me. Hajime I'm sorry! I didn't mean to do anything wrong! And, and, Uncle Satoshi agrees with me that I would never, never hurt my children—our children—so I probably didn't hurt anyone, I just got… older. And that's everything he told me, and it's all just a guess on his part, and Hajime please, please don't be angry with me!"

Chizuru burst into tears, both arms now folded tightly across her abdomen. Saitō didn't reply to her plea immediately, but then he seemed to collect himself and grasped one of her hands, giving it a tight squeeze. She desperately wanted his arms around her, but that appeared to be beyond him. Behind the steel doors, she could dimly sense strong emotions roiling like a malevolent storm. Through their joined hands, she could feel flashes of anger, hurt, loss and despair. She didn't understand, and it frightened her.

"Chizuru." Saitō seemed to force her name between tight lips. "Chizuru, I'm sorry. Come here."

She practically fell across the few inches that separated them, and when he put his arms around her she burrowed into his chest. Then she cried—she wasn't exactly sure why—for several minutes. One of Saitō's hands stroked her hair, but she could tell that the gesture took effort, and he was still closed to her. Since she didn't know what to do, and the physical proximity helped despite the emotional distance, she stayed where she was, even after the tears slowed and finally stopped. Time passed, although it felt agonizingly slow to Chizuru, as she waited for Saitō to say or do something. Finally, he stirred slightly and his grip on her loosened.

"I need to think about this."

"Hajime?"

Chizuru felt his hands—no his body—tremble slightly with some kind of effort that she couldn't quite understand.

"I am a warrior. We are in a place full of warriors, any one of whom could be badly injured at any time. I will not… I will not have you risking your life for theirs or for mine. To take up the sword is to accept the possibility—the probability—of injury and death. You are no warrior and you never will be."

"But—"

"Be quiet, Chizuru." Chizuru shivered at the repressed anger beneath the words; Saitō didn't apologize. "Don't say anything. Right now I don't care what you think you can do and what you think you can control. The reality is that you are two months pregnant—I'll take their words for it!—when I know that you have been with child for no more than three days."

Saitō gave an uncharacteristically bitter laugh. "Don't worry, I am absolutely certain that the children are mine. It's just another reproach for my weakness in the first place. Somebody like me should never have a wife and children. How am I supposed to protect you from yourself? Tell me that." The question was apparently rhetorical, since he continued immediately: "And I know that you won't stop. You'll want to help. And this—is—a—military—base." He enunciated each word with obvious frustration. "So what am I supposed to do? Send you to Sen-hime's so that you can spend your life force trying to save the Oni race? Or perhaps you should live in Yase with your uncle fretting over the Yukishima."

"Hajime, please, please listen to me."

"What?"

It wasn't going well at all. Chizuru forced down her panic and hurt and bent her will to strengthening the reassurance in her voice.

"We can manage this. We have to manage this. I will do whatever I have to do to protect you and our family."

"Then you will need to leave this place."

"No! I-I can't. Hajime, I will put you first—"

"You can't—to put me first you would need to put yourself first and you don't know how."

"I will put you first." Chizuru's kept her voice steady and firm. When she felt the tears returning, she cleared her throat and continued immediately. "I will trust you to make the right decisions about what I can or can't do until I can control this particular ability. All I ask is that you do what you promised in the first place—try to respect my judgment as much as possible."

Saitō didn't respond, but she could feel him wrestling his feelings back under control. After what felt like a very long time, he shifted a little and sighed. His muscles didn't relax at all, however, and his mind remained closely guarded.

"Tomorrow we will speak with Satoshi—together. Also… it occurs to me that with Amagiri's help, I can probably learn to identify different types of magic, as he does. I take it that you may able to heal less dangerous injuries without harming yourself?"

"Yes, Hajime." Chizuru didn't dare mention that it was all guesswork, really. Besides, she suspected that Hajime already knew. "Does that mean that you won't try to send me away?" She did her best not to sound as frightened as she felt.

"I don't know."

Chizuru hesitated, and then tried a new tack. "Yamazaki-san is good at sensing when people are using the Gifts. At least, I know that Haru-chan and Osen-chan thought so. They had a lot of questions for him, you see, about what happened when he was hurt, and whether he'd sensed anything similar in the past. They think that he may be able to identify my Gift of healing. At least, Osen-chan mentioned something like that."

"That would be helpful, but how does he stop you? Is he supposed to knock you out every time he thinks you're going too far? We don't even know if that would work. Not to mention that he already has a job to do that isn't babysitting you. And there is no way I'm taking you with me on patrol right now—it is too dangerous.

"I could save lives!" Chizuru regretted the words as soon as they were out of her mouth.

Saitō didn't react, however, beyond a further thinning of already tight lips. With a gentle care that belied the hard mouth and narrowed eyes, he pulled Chizuru close for a moment and then set her down on the floor in front of him.

"Chizuru, I need to go somewhere and just… absorb… this information. I want to shake you, and that is neither helpful nor appropriate. Also, if my reaction has been intemperate then I apologize. It is possible that I am somewhat fatigued."

He rose, and Chizuru had to exert all of her control not to beg him to stay. She knew that he was trying very hard not to vent the full extent of his anxiety and frustration on her, and from bits and pieces that she had heard throughout her early adolescence she was aware that he was already a more forbearing husband than most. It was a fact of life that men had nearly free rein where their wives were concerned.

Chizuru hurried to stand up as well. "You-You'll come back soon, Hajime?"

"Yes, dear one. Besides, when you look at me like that"—he slid his arms around her waist—"it makes it difficult to want to go at all. I just think it's for the best."

His wife brightened a little. She stretched up slightly and kissed the no-longer-quite-so-angry lips with her usual fervour. Saitō was a little surprised, but then his body overrode his brain for long enough for the kiss to become far more passionate than he had intended to allow. He suddenly found it very difficult to stop what he was doing. Nevertheless, he managed to disentangle himself and give his wife a rueful half-smile.

"Incentive to come back?"

Chizuru blushed. "Um, no, b-but if it helps then yes?"

"I just want to keep you safe. You and our children."

The smile that lit her eyes at the last part made him afraid and warm all at once, though neither showed on his face. His path, once so clear, was obscure to him now. He touched Chizuru's cheek, picked up the Sakurai tachi, and headed out to the far side of the inner courtyard to see if he could calm his mind (and put in some of the practice he needed, of course). He was beginning to understand the Oni a little better, he thought. Right now he could see the value in a remote mountain village where he could love his wife and raise his family in peace. It was so radically different from anything he'd ever considered before that just the concept was like an intruder within his being.

For several minutes he focussed on nothing other than the feel of the sword in his hands. He had worked with it for some time yesterday as well, and was beginning to adapt better to the greater length and heft as well as the slightly different curvature. The tachi was still fundamentally a slashing weapon and not well-designed for parrying; however, prior examination indicated that this particular sword was better reinforced than most, suggesting that Oni sword design took some account of the greater force behind their blows. What Saitō liked best about this weapon was the way that it fit his height and build, and even his hand. At the same time, that very fact was a tangible reminder that almost everything about him was a bizarre throwback to a long-dead and previously unknown ancestor.

His parentage was his biggest problem right now, he mused. He needed to visit his birth-father and gather more information about his half-sisters in order to meet his obligation to Kimiko-sama (he tried to use the correct name even privately, so as to grow accustomed to it). Chizuru would have to come with him—it would be insulting otherwise, since she was still fit to travel and was the traditional ruler of the Shiranui. He noticed that his swings had gotten faster without his conscious volition—a sure sign that he was still far from calm. He stopped, returned to his original stance, and tried again.

"Would've thought you'd be busy with other things, this time of night," drawled a familiar voice from the engawa about thirty minutes into his practice.

"Sōji." Saitō had sensed the other man's approach and been prepared for some kind of comment.

"You want a sparring partner?"

"Īe. It would make too much noise. Maybe tomorrow."

"Well, we'll see, I guess. I've got news for you—not sure you've heard it yet. At least, did Hijikata-san tell you about Takeda?"

"No."

"Kondō-san's going to make him fifth division captain tomorrow. Not that the division exists yet, but with everything going on, Kondō-san figures we'll be getting a lot more recruits."

"He is probably correct," acknowledged Saitō. "Who will have the fourth then? Matsubara?" Matsubara Chūji was a competent warrior and also functioned as their jujutsu instructor. As an instructor, it would be appropriate to give him a captain's rank.

"What, no comment on our favourite military strategist? Takeda was out this evening, you know. Too bad Kondō-san gave him permission, really. Apparently he's got a new girlfriend or something."

Saitō finished a series of slow movements before replying.

"I may have seen him earlier—while we were on our way back. Would you like to try the tachi? You were too busy yesterday."

"You sure? I got the impression that you were a man in need of a workout. Surprised me, to be honest—I can't imagine either of you in an argument. Chizuru-chan's too infatuated and you're too silent."

"We did not argue. If you'd like to try the sword, let me know." Saitō was a little worried by the idea that Sōji might have been there longer than he'd realized. He was glad that it was dark and any tell-tale blush on his part would be hidden.

"Never figured you'd be the first married." Saitō waited for the inevitable conclusion. "Or ever married, for that matter."

As much as he'd wanted a chance to be alone, the very normalcy of trying to follow one of Sōji's one-sided conversations was somehow comforting. Or maybe it was because the need to concentrate on his footwork and on Sōji prevented him from concentrating on his footwork and on his problems with… the Oni. He didn't like to think of it as a problem with Chizuru, per se.

"It was unexpected."

"Unexpected! Freaking out of nowhere you mean. Guess I should've seen it coming, though, after she started wearing your clothes…"

"Sōji. Is there something that you want to know?"

"Many things," responded Okita. "But… well, I guess mostly I'm curious about all the stuff with the Oni. I mean, Hijikata-san swears he's sick of them, but even he went out this evening and I'll bet he somehow ended up bumping into them."

"He did. There was a half-hearted attack by your spy friend."

"There was? What do you mean half-hearted?"

"I think the spy was expecting to be detected but thought he might as well find out what we'd do about it. He got away."

"Again. Jeez, Hajime-kun, you're usually more efficient than that."

"True," Saitō agreed, with the hint of a smile.

"And? What happened?"

"The Vice Commander decided that Sen-hime should be asked to investigate the rogue Oni. He is concerned about what might happen if the spy continues to play tricks on our captains—especially with the city being so unsettled."

"Ha. Heisuke and I almost nailed the guy last time. I think we can handle it on our own. It's just like Hijikata-san to worry too much."

"He also wants any of the captains who have interacted with the spy—you and Heisuke especially—to get some specific training."

"Big of him to be so concerned," Okita replied acidly. "You know something, Hajime-kun?"

"What?"

"I think you should patch things up with Chizuru-chan. She's kind of dumb sometimes—I mean, look who she married—but she's an okay kid."

"There wasn't an argument."

"Mind you, I don't think sex is as great as it's cracked up to be, but you only just got married."

Saitō replaced the tachi in its sheath and walked over to Sōji. He had stored up quite a few useful phrases over the years, many of which he'd never expected to use. Then again, he hadn't expected to get married.

"Sōji."

"Nanda?"

"If that's what you think, then you are doing it wrong." Without any change in expression, Saitō turned and walked back to his room. Behind him, he heard a deafening silence and then a distinct crack of surprised laughter. Strangely, it made him feel better than he had since Chizuru had delivered her bombshell. And it was a good reminder...

Chizuru jumped up when he walked in, although she knew him well enough to allow him to put the tachi away before greeting him with a hug. Saitō immediately felt guilty about the anxious look in her eyes, but he had already resolved to "patch things up", as Sōji had suggested—not that he and Chizuru had actually argued over anything.

He returned Chizuru's hug and gave her what he hoped was a reassuring smile. It must have helped, because the worried look seemed to fade, although she stayed tightly pressed against his chest after that one quick look up into his face.

"We are going to sort it out, Chizuru," he told the top of her head a little awkwardly.

"Yes, Hajime."

Hmm. He had yet to sort out how best to reassure Chizuru at these times.

"Chizuru? Could you look up, please?"

Dutifully, she relaxed her hold slightly and looked up. Her expression was wistful and somehow also determined. Saitō put one hand behind her head so that he could kiss her more easily. He went on kissing her for quite some time, by which point he could hear her heart beating as quickly as his. He paused eventually for air and also to make sure that he had her full attention.

Apparently he did. She was chewing lightly on her lower lip, eyelids half-closed, when he started removing her clothing, making sure that she knew how much he wanted her and wanted to be with her. It wasn't easy, lowering the mental barriers he'd put up earlier, but he worked at it. [Mature content deleted...]

[Mature content deleted...]

[Mature content deleted...] "Hajime."

"Yes?" He sighed and stared up into her serious brown eyes. "I know what you're going to say. I thought I had distracted you."

"I don't want us to be apart. I know there are risks. I know you don't want me to get hurt. I know I'm being selfish. But please?"

"I am still working things out."

"Okay."

"We will have to reach some kind of compromise."

"I know."

"And for now battlefields are right out."

"I—okay."

"You have ruined my confidence in my abilities now you realize?" he told her, only mostly in jest.

Chizuru peered at him in concern. "B-but Hajime, I was completely distracted! Except then I thought of how much I would miss, um, miss you—and so you see…"

This time his sigh was real. "I do see." It was interesting, actually. Part of his mind was still processing things and trying to scramble for some kind of acceptable solution. Most of his mind was admiring his wife. Much as he had once before, he simply relaxed and enjoyed the different perspective. Even in the dim light he could see that she was turning bright red under his scrutiny.

"Um…"

You distract me more often than you know, he said quietly to her, mind-to-mind. [Mature content deleted...]

[Mature content deleted...]

[END]

A/Note: Tune in next time to find out whether Souji and Heisuke actually get to meet Sen. Or will a new calamity brought on by our favourite rogue Oni interrupt them again? When the Shinsengumi is finally to called into battle with the Choshu, will Saito put Chizuru in a vault?