Author's Note:

At long last, Souji and Heisuke are properly introduced to Sen, Chiharu and Satoshi. I hope that you'll enjoy this chapter, which in retrospect seems to involve practically everyone being made to feel uncomfortable at some point - although it's hard to tell with Satoshi, who is occasionally a mystery even to me.

Onward! I promise that there will be a little space to breathe and take stock in the near future - before confronting the situation at the Hamaguri Gate.

~ ImpracticalOni

P.S. Major story point revealed. I'll be interested to know what you all think.

Obscure Quotes That Are In Fact Somewhat Related to This Chapter:

If you cannot get rid of the family skeleton, you may as well make it dance.
—George Bernard Shaw

If it looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, we have at least to consider the possibility that we have a small aquatic bird of the family anatidae on our hands.
—Douglas Adams

Chapter 85—Family, For Better and For Worse

[I]—It's Not Paranoia When They Really Are Out to Get Your Wife

The best thing about being married, thought Chizuru, is waking up next to Hajime. Not that he was precisely next to her, since he was already across the room washing up, but that didn't matter. She felt very sleepy this morning, however. That thought made her suddenly nervous—was it the healing power again?—but in all honesty it felt like no more than too few hours of sleep.

Even as she struggled to sit up, Saitō turned to look at her and she remembered that she wasn't wearing anything. She thought she saw the ghost of a smile on his face when she instinctively drew the thin blanket up around her, but all he said was: "Good morning, dear one. There is no real need for you to get up for a while yet."

With a slight effort, Chizuru managed not to stare at her half-dressed husband, although she loved the lines and planes of his chest and shoulders. Eyes fixed firmly on the floor, she pulled on the white sleeping yukata that she had never gotten to wear the night before. She tried to ignore the sudden queasiness in her stomach as she rose, but the slightest stagger was all that was needed to bring Saitō to her side, his eyes troubled.

"Chizuru. Lie down. You look pale and you are not feeling well."

"I… alright, Hajime. But you can't be like this for my entire pregnancy or I'll—I'll get spoiled."

Saitō gave her a look that suggested that he could and quite possibly would be like this for the next seven months—or however long it took. Chizuru compromised between obeying her husband and following her own inclination to get up and be useful by settling back into bed but remaining sitting up. She was going to need to use the facilities very soon in any event.

"We have not finished our conversation from last night," Saitō commented, eyeing her stubbornly upright figure. He looked as trim and neat as usual in his black kimono and white sash.

It was unlike him to state the obvious, which told Chizuru that he wasn't nearly as calm as he appeared. She had to grit her teeth against her rebellious stomach at that point, and Saitō's expression darkened. She waved a hand at him quickly.

"It's just the morning sickness, Hajime—or at least, I think so. And, and I'm a little tired. But it's all very normal."

"What is morning sickness?"

"It's, um, related to being pregnant." Why did she feel embarrassed? "It a little different for everyone—women I mean—but it tends to be worse in the morning. It usually gets better after the first three months… I think. It helps to eat a little, if possible. And also"—Chizuru had to stop and draw a careful breath—"I'm finding talking is making it more difficult."

She could practically see the wheels turning in Hajime's head as he processed this. She'd managed better yesterday, and wished she could have concealed her discomfort this morning as well.

"I will bring you some rice and speak with Yamazaki," he said, predictably. "And once I have seen the Vice Commander to find out if there are any specific orders for the day, I will return to see how you are feeling. Then I will be away on patrol." Saitō frowned, clearly unhappy with the idea of leaving Chizuru on her own for most of the morning. Then he reddened slightly. "Is it—what we did last night—I should have asked…"

"Īe—it's fine, Hajime," Chizuru told him quickly, feeling her cheeks flush. Of course he would worry about that too. But she'd never heard of it being a problem, exactly, although it was more difficult in late pregnancy and she'd heard other women complain about discomfort. "Please don't worry—"

"Chizuru." Saitō's tone remained level and conveyed frustration at the same time. "I am going to worry. I will try not to, since it is not useful, but with all due respect to your own knowledge of such matters, it seems to me that there is some cause for concern. If you are well enough, then after dinner we will visit Prince Satoshi so that you may speak with Akane-san."

Chizuru smiled. It was just like Hajime to remember how much she wanted to speak with the one Oni—well, part-Oni—woman whom she knew—sort of—and who had already borne children. She had the feeling that her husband was also steeling himself to speak with her Uncle Satoshi about her rather advanced pregnancy, but that was just an educated guess.

"Thank you, Hajime."

"You will rest now?"

"As soon as I've, um, tidied myself a little."

Chizuru felt a warm kiss on the top of her head, and then Saitō was gone. He was really going to have to watch just how fast he moved when he was agitated, she thought fondly.

[II]—For Better: Unlooked for Assistance

Saitō found Hijikata-san speaking with Heisuke and Sōji when he entered, which surprised him slightly. Heisuke was not an early riser, and Sōji's conversations with Hijikata first thing in the morning were often audible at some distance. Heisuke lifted a hand in greeting when Saitō walked in and Sōji waved him over. He suddenly remembered his exchange with Sōji the night before and had to concentrate to keep a neutral expression. A glint in the other captain's eyes suggested that Sōji hadn't forgotten it at all, but for whatever reason he didn't say anything. Grateful, but slightly wary, Saitō sat down with his breakfast and murmured a polite "itadakimasu".

"Kondō-san wants everyone present at dinner," Hijikata told him without preliminary, "in order to introduce the new captains and so on. Have you heard about that?"

Saitō nodded.

"What I'm trying to figure out with Sōji and Heisuke is when they should speak with Sen-hime—and do some training with Chiharu-sama."

"I was just asking Hijikata-san how far we can trust the sister of that blond bastard from the Ikedaya," put in Sōji. "What do you think, Hajime-kun?"

Saitō took a sip of tea while he considered the question. He shared some of Sōji's concern, in all honesty, but he'd come to respect Chiharu-sama and was inclined to extend a moderate amount of trust while taking reasonable precautions. The question was whether they could rely on her to give them basic training in mental communication and defence skills without trying to trick them or sabotage their minds. And what constituted reasonable precautions under the circumstances?

"Hey, where's Chizuru-chan?" Heisuke suddenly asked, looking around as though Chizuru might be hiding behind a door for some reason. "She's usually up pretty early."

"Come on, Heisuke; let the man answer my question. Besides, why do you care? Even before Hajime-kun's whirlwind courtship we'd stopped watching her twenty-four-seven, ne?"

"Yeah, but—I'm kind of used to seeing her around at meals, you know?"

Sōji rolled his eyes and the furrow on Hijikata's brow deepened slightly.

"Leave it, Heisuke," he said irritably. "Well, Saitō—are you still okay with having Chiharu-sama give us some basic instruction? I wish like hell we didn't have to have anything more to do with the Oni"—his eyes dared the Third Division Captain to make the obvious retort—"but if we can pick up some basics it would be helpful. Maybe even useful if we run into Kazama again."

Or Shiranui. Saitō didn't need Oni powers to hear the silent addendum.

"Yes. It would be better to have an observer though, if we can manage it. Yamazaki, for example, or Harada. They both seem to have an affinity for noticing when things aren't right."

"What about you?" asked Sōji. He seemed to hesitate on the edge of saying something else and then didn't.

Saitō thought he knew what was on Sōji's mind, although the other man was always more difficult to read than most. He suspected that Sōji was wondering just how much the Shinsengumi could trust Saitō now that he was—apparently—so deeply enmeshed in Oni affairs. Ironically, both Amagiri and Sen-hime were concerned about what would happen if Saitō—now an acknowledged Oni lord—became too involved in human affairs. For the hundredth time or more, he set that problem aside.

"I could help, of course," Saitō answered slowly, "but it might not be the best use of our resources. Instead, it might be best for me to take the late patrol each night with one other captain—one of those who knows about the Oni, that is."

There was a thoughtful silence.

"I don't think your wife will be very happy about that idea," Hijikata said at last, not quite repressing a smirk. "And what about your men?"

"It will not be for long," Saitō replied. "And you are naming two new captains. I will continue to provide sword training, of course, but my men can take morning or afternoon shifts with the new officers."

Sōji tilted his head at the door, and Harada and Shinpachi came in a moment later. They both paused on the threshold, and then Harada laughed.

"I feel like we're interrupting a secret meeting of some kind—what's up?"

"Oh, we're just discussing training," Sōji told him airily.

"Yeah," agreed Heisuke, suddenly looking mischievous. "And patrols. Hajime-kun thinks your division would like another chance to work with Captain Takeda, Shinpat-san."

"Enough, Heisuke," interrupted Hijikata, before the youngest captain could expound on his theme. "Harada, Nagakura, have a seat. Saitō, you and Sōji have morning patrol today, right?"

"Aa."

"Alright, better keep that as usual. And since Kondō-san wants everyone here for dinner, no exceptions, you and Harada can take Sōji, Heisuke and Yamazaki over to Sen-hime's place this afternoon and make introductions."

"Gods, it'll be an invasion," said Harada, shaking his head. "Four captains plus Yamazaki?"

"Well, Sōji's worried about security," snapped Hijikata. "Maybe he'll feel safer this way."

Sōji gave Hijikata a bored look—one of his long-perfected defenses over the course of years' worth of similar exchanges—and stood up along with Saitō. "You've told Kondō-san about this, right?"

"Yes. As you know, since you asked that question earlier. He's not entirely sure what to believe—and who can blame him?—but he liked the princess and said he can hardly blame any of you for preferring the company of attractive young women to hanging out in the compound. He said he has full confidence in everyone to put their duty first no matter what."

Reluctantly, Sōji nodded. "Yeah, that sounds like Kondō-san. I suppose that means Heisuke and I will have to play nice with Her Highness. Unless she doesn't play nice with us of course…" There was no doubt that he meant the implied threat.

Saitō's eyes had gone to Harada fast enough to see a flash of gold irises before the other man had looked down and made a show of examining his breakfast tray. He was impressed that Harada had controlled his reaction so quickly, but at the same time… Once again, he thought that Sōji was right to worry about the future of the Shinsengumi if too many of the captains got drawn too far into personal matters involving the Oni.

Fortunately, Heisuke broke the tension almost immediately. "Well, I'm looking forward to it. Meeting these Oni ladies, I mean. Like Hijikata-san said earlier, Sōji, we may as well find out what we can. I'm tired of just sitting around wondering what the hell's going on. Besides, that Kichirō kid seemed okay."

Sōji shook his head but gave a short laugh and grinned. "You're just saying that because you liked the way he was all respectful to you! But still—"he raised his hands in a gesture of surrender—"I gotta admit that he held it together under pressure and came as close to catching our spy as any of the rest of us. Of course, I have to wonder what will happen when his big brother gets him back under control."

"We're all wondering that," Hijikata interposed dryly. "But right now let's worry about today's problems. And may the gods help us if Kazama Chikage becomes one of today's problems."

Naturally, Sōji had to have the last word: "Actually, the way Hajime-kun looks right now I'd say we won't need any help. Besides, I have a score to settle."

Embarrassed at having betrayed his feelings, Saitō bowed to the Vice Commander, picked up his tray, and left. He needed his uniform and he wanted to check on Chizuru before collecting his men. Yamazaki had already assured him that Chizuru was almost certainly right that there was nothing wrong with her, but either way she was clearly feeling unwell and he didn't trust her not to get up and overdo things while he was away.

As it turned out, he need not have worried: Yamazaki was sitting politely just outside the door to their quarters. He looked more awake than he had earlier and was carrying a stack of papers.

"I will ensure that Yukimura-san does not overtax herself this morning," he said in greeting, giving Saitō a short bow. "The Vice Commander has ordered me off active duty for the next few days, so I intend to look after various matters here with respect to our medical supplies. There is quite a lot to do, especially since the Commander wants a proper list prepared of all the men and their current fitness for duty."

Saitō found himself at a loss. Everything Yamazaki said made perfect sense—the chores he had mentioned obviously needed to be done, and Yamazaki was the one to do them, especially while waiting to fully recover from the combined effects of a concussion and whatever the Oni spy had done to him. And yet, Saitō was suddenly certain that Hijikata-san and Yamazaki had arranged things between them in order to look after Chizuru.

"Thank you, Yamazaki," he said, after a brief silence. It seemed inadequate in comparison to the relief he felt, but what else was there to say?

[III]—Pointed Questions

Sōji and Saitō left with their squads shortly after eight, walking together behind their men as they often did while making their way from Mibu Village into South Kyoto proper. Saitō had forced himself to put his concern for Chizuru aside—with some success, thanks to Yamazaki—and he was paying close attention to his surroundings, evaluating the greater acuity of his senses despite being in merely human form. That thought in itself startled him: he hadn't really chosen to become an Oni; at what point had he internalized the concept that being human was somehow lesser? To be fair though, he had been forced to see himself as an Oni almost immediately—over and over again. Had he faltered, his own life and likely other lives would have been forfeit. In fact, the one time that he had faltered, Amagiri Hideo-sama had forced him into the necessary mind-set will-he or no.

"What's it like?" Sōji asked, interrupting Saitō's thoughts with uncanny accuracy. He spoke quietly, taking it for granted that his companion could hear him over the tramp of feet and gradually-increasing babble of voices around them.

Saitō continued to watch their surroundings while he decided how to answer Sōji's question. It seemed likely that Sōji would ask the same question of a man who had become a rasetsu—except that few had been in any condition to do more than whimper with pain or turn on those who had created them. What it really came down to was something like: "Was it worth it? Are you stronger? What are the downsides?"

"I am faster and stronger. My senses are somewhat better. As you said yourself yesterday, I still need to adjust my style somewhat."

"What I said yesterday was that you were messier than usual—less controlled. Normally you're the one who gets on my case for scaring the locals, but you were pretty damn scary. Is that part of it?"

The problem with Sōji was that he noticed things. They both did; it was one reason that they worked well together despite their different temperaments.

"Aa. It is part of it, but not insurmountable. Judging by the adult Oni I have seen, control is not an issue with practice and discipline."

"Beats the hell out of being one of them."

"Yes."

"Well, I don't mind getting stronger and faster… and I guess you can heal fast too, right?"

Saitō blinked. For some reason it was unpleasant having it all laid out like this. And yet, Sōji's questions were logical, and it made sense for him to ask them. Why was it, then, that Saitō felt so disinclined to answer? It wasn't just the magic that seemed to help the Oni to keep themselves secret. It was more like a general disinclination to answer personal questions. Except that the questions weren't really personal—a comrade had to know his basic capabilities, as well as be able to assess the impact of such abilities on the Shinsengumi.

"Hajime-kun?"

"Yes, I do heal quickly now. Though it is still possible to take mortal wounds, just as it is with the rasetsu."

"Based on whatever happened during the little dust-up that Sano-san and Shinpachi-san got involved with a couple of days ago, hmm?"

"Aa."

They had reached the main road and their divisions stood waiting for them. Saitō felt rather relieved.

"I just don't know," Sōji said slowly. "It looks to me like there are some prices to pay for"—he gestured expressively—"what you have now. Not the short-term pain; that's not important, as long as you survive." Saitō nodded his agreement. "But long term—I can see the problems already. I'm wondering how long before you can't quite make it all work. That's not what I want. I'm in this for Kondō-san and the Shinsengumi and to hell with the Oni if that doesn't suit them."

Before Saitō could formulate any kind of response, Sōji gave him his trade-mark half-malicious grin. Then he strode off toward his men, waving a jaunty hand in farewell. Automatically, Saitō gave the order for the Third Division to begin their patrol. Sōji's questions and comments made him wonder: if he hadn't come to care for Chizuru as he had—although it was impossible to imagine otherwise, now—would he have had more choice about becoming an Oni? And would he have chosen the same way had there been an alternative other than death? He shook his head at himself. This was not an appropriate time for reflection. Moreover, did it really matter now?

[IV]—Arguably For Worse...

There were no incidents on the way to Sen-hime's home that afternoon. When Saitō had returned from his morning patrol, he had found Yamazaki working—or pretending to work—on a list at Chizuru's desk, while Chizuru held a conversation with thin air. He'd been surprised that she hadn't stopped when he'd opened the door, until he'd realized that Sen-hime would have noticed his approach. He had known that it was the Princess because Chizuru had told him so almost immediately.

"Osen-chan is going to invite Uncle Satoshi and ask him to bring Akane-san. It's very kind of her to arrange all this on such short notice." Chizuru had been dressed, but sitting dutifully in bed; he could only assume that Yamazaki had made her get some rest earlier. She had smiled at Saitō, and he hadn't been able to bring himself to point out that the afternoon's meeting was likely to be a serious one. His wife had made it sound as though she and Sen-hime were planning a small party. Yamazaki's expression had remained scrupulously neutral.

In any event, whether because of Sen-hime's care, or Satoshi-sama's, or just fate, nothing happened to slow the Shinsengumi delegation. Sōji was disappointed, as was Heisuke, but Saitō was pleased. He would have preferred to take Chizuru to Sen-hime's home by less conventional means, but Chizuru had objected, pointing out that she'd been out very, very little in the past six or seven months. Not surprisingly, Sōji had laughed at his edginess, and Heisuke had finally asked him point-blank to slow down. That had led to a brief discussion of Saitō's new-found ability to move more quickly, and Saitō had been grateful to Harada for answering Heisuke's questions while down-playing just how fast he could actually travel. He could feel his discomfort rising at having to rely so much on others in ways that were not easily reciprocated.

Sen-hime greeted them at the door, Chiharu-sama a quiet presence behind her. When her eyes didn't go immediately to Harada as they usually did, Saitō concluded that she had already spoken to him as they approached. In fact, it would be more appropriate to say that Sen-hime greeted Chizuru at the door, treating everyone else to a shallow bow as though they were merely her cousin's escort. This made Chizuru uncomfortable, of course, but Saitō thought that it was probably the easiest way not to exchange awkward introductions in the hallway.

The reception room had been arranged to accommodate all the guests, including Satoshi-sama, who was already present and sipping tea. Saitō didn't see Akane-san, and suspected that she had preferred not to attend a gathering of mostly unknown and certainly dangerous men. Kimiko-sama was not there either; Saitō presumed that she had remained in Yase with her sister and young brother, as well as Akane-san's children.

"Instead of standing on ceremony," began Sen, in her usual cheerful manner, "let me try my hand at introductions."

There were nods all around. Although their katanas had been dutifully left behind at the door, Sōji and Heisuke didn't look any the less dangerous—or wary—for having only short swords in their belts. The whole thing made Saitō uneasy: without Kimigiku there, Sen-hime was relying on Chiharu-sama—who wasn't carrying a weapon—to act as her body-guard. Mind you, Satoshi-sama was probably there for his niece's protection as well. The prince had given Saitō a polite nod when the latter had entered the room, but he'd then proceeded to give Harada a smile that Saitō had interpreted as challenging—or at least deliberately intended to provoke anxiety.

Saitō's discomfort only increased further when Satoshi-sama turned his eyes back to his nephew-in-law with a look that somehow conveyed—without any use of mental speech that Saitō could detect—that if there were any trouble with the Shinsengumi visitors, then the other Oni lord present had damn well better protect the princess. The feeling of being trapped between two duties was acute, and Satoshi-sama's level stare indicated his complete awareness of the problem. As though equally aware of the tension, Sen-hime bowed graciously to her guests and began her introductions.

"Chizuru-chan, you know everyone here, of course. Saitō-san and Harada-san, you do as well. Yamazaki-san, I believe you have met my cousin, Kazama Chiharu-sama?" There was a hint of mischief in Sen's voice—she was no doubt remembering Yamazaki's expression at having the elegant Chiharu wiping his fevered brow. "Let's see, then. You are Captain Okita, and you are Captain Tōdō, is that correct?" She made no reference to having seen them—at least in passing—on the night of Saitō's collapse.

Sōji's eyes held the bright, amused-yet-hard look that characterized most of his interactions with others, and especially others that he didn't know. He acquiesced and bowed with some grace, however. Heisuke was less graceful but more friendly; although his overall manner remained serious, he smiled at Sen-hime, and he was obviously very impressed with the elegance of both the home and its female inhabitants. His emotions with respect to Chiharu-sama were mixed, but it was evident that her lovely appearance and quiet demeanor were rapidly outweighing the disadvantages of the Kazama name and pale hair.

"Okita-san, Tōdō-san," continued Sen, "may I present my uncle, Prince Satoshi, and my cousin Kazama Chiharu-sama."

"I'm pleased to meet any comrades of my son," murmured Satoshi, with an expression that was not really much different in basic character from Sōji's.

"I am pleased to meet you as well, Okita-san, Tōdō-san," said Chiharu, in her calm, pleasant voice. Her smile for Yamazaki appeared quite genuine, as she added: "And it is good to see you looking well, Yamazaki-san." Saitō thought that the Shinsengumi medic reddened slightly, but it was difficult to be certain.

Bows were exchanged all around. If the potential for future disaster hadn't been real, Saitō would have found Sōji's instinctive dislike of Satoshi-sama rather funny. Sōji and Hijikata-san had always had more in common than they would ever acknowledge.

Sen turned to Chizuru. "Chizuru-chan, Akane-san is here. It is up to you, of course, but I thought you might prefer to speak with her while we discuss matters here." When Saitō's eyes narrowed, she added: "Amagiri is with her. They are first cousins, after all."

Heisuke's expression darkened and one hand clenched slightly, but otherwise he had himself well under control. Saitō sensed Chizuru wavering—she disliked leaving his side, but at the same time she wanted to speak with the other woman without an anxious husband hovering over her. For his part, he preferred to have Chizuru where he could see her, but knowing that she was nearby while being away from any immediate conflict—should there be any—outweighed that consideration.

Sensing Saitō's decision, Chizuru rose without fuss, thanked Sen-hime, and took her leave. Saitō found that he had to restrain himself from escorting her—to the kitchen, apparently—but it would look absurd if he did.

"Shall we move on to business, gentlemen?" asked Sen, once the door closed behind Chizuru. Taking their agreement for granted, she went on immediately. "Okita-san, Tōdō-san, are you aware that you may be part-Oni—that is, you may be descended directly from an Oni clan?"

"I guess so," answered Heisuke, not sounding very convinced.

"It's been mentioned," said Sōji, in a less than encouraging tone. "But I thought the bigger concern was that we might have been affected somehow by a rogue Oni, and you were going to check on that somehow. I've been told that Saitō didn't have much choice about becoming an Oni—however that works—but you should know in advance that I'm not in a rush to go there myself."

There was a pause, as everyone present digested his words, and then Sen-hime shrugged.

"It isn't necessarily an option in any event, Okita-san. I will do the best I can to determine if your mind has been tampered with—which may or may not be successful, since you are not inclined to trust me." She raised her hand to forestall Sōji's obvious retort. "I am not saying that you have any reason to do so, only that my examination will be limited as a result. If, in the course of reviewing what I can, I determine some part of your Oni heritage—which may happen—then I can either keep it to myself or tell you, as you prefer."

"You'll tell Hijikata-san either way, won't you?" It was a statement more than a question.

"Yes, most likely, if I think it is relevant or will mean anything to him. Or I might speak directly to your Commander, Kondō-san." Sen smiled a little roguishly. "With all due respect to Vice-Commander Hijikata, Commander Kondō is a more pleasant man.

Sōji eyed her with a mixture of annoyance, suspicion and wary agreement. "I won't disagree with you. But I guess fine—tell me whatever you think you find out."

Sen-hime nodded and glanced at Heisuke. "Tōdō-kun?"

"Huh? Sure tell me whatever. I'm curious, to be honest."

Saitō noted that Sen-hime found Heisuke rather charming. He suspected that she found his attitude something of a relief after dealing with—well, most of the rest of them, himself included.

"I was kind of wondering, though," Heisuke continued, one hand scratching at the top of his head, "where Kichirō-kun was. I thought he was staying here?"

Sen-hime and Chiharu-sama exchanged surprised looks.

"My brother is in the dojo training," said Chiharu. "I know that he would be pleased that you thought of him, Captain Tōdō. Perhaps you might stop in to say hello after we are done here?"

"Ah, sure, I can probably do that."

"You're so considerate today, Heisuke," Sōji put in at that point. "First you were worried about Chizuru-chan, and now Kichirō-kun."

Heisuke rolled his eyes at Sōji. "Whatever. Thought I might as well ask."

There was an interruption from an unexpected source at that point.

"Actually, I believe that Tōdō-san's attention was deliberately directed to something else," said Satoshi. All eyes in the room focussed on him.

"I didn't notice anything," said Sen, shaking her head and waving her hand in front of her face in negation. "Haru-chan?"

"I'm not sure. I thought I caught a trace of something, but… I'm not certain."

"Well, take my word for it," said Satoshi calmly. "You see, I've been watching for signs of something like this, now that I've seen it once already."

"You mean it's like what happened with me when Saitō and I were fighting the Yukishima—ah, I mean the former Yukishima leader." Whatever word had been hovering on his lips to describe Yukishima Chiyoko had clearly not been appropriate for the company.

Saitō nodded silently, his eyes moving between Satoshi-sama and his other colleagues; Sōji and Heisuke both looked tense.

"What do you mean—watching for it?" demanded Sōji, eyes narrowed. "Watching for it how?"

Satoshi-sama studied Sōji, his expression suggesting that there was no need for discourtesy. Reluctantly, Saitō prepared to intercede, but Harada was ahead of him.

"Satoshi-sama," he said coolly, "we're all a little stressed out at the moment. Have you noticed anything else that we should know about?" Without telling us, his tone and posture seemed to add.

Satoshi smiled thinly. "I came prepared to ensure my niece's safety," he responded, rather obscurely. "However, in this case it was purely a matter of knowledge and awareness. Our family"—his blue-grey eyes fastened on Harada's for a measurable moment—"is known for being more perceptive than most. We are more sensitive to various powers, thoughts and emotions."

Heisuke—whether on purpose or not, Saitō never knew—broke the heavy silence almost immediately: "Ah, not to be rude, sir, but that doesn't really describe Shinpachi very well. I mean—with all due respect of course—Shinpat-san's a pretty shrewd guy, but I don't know if I'd describe him as sensitive exactly."

The Oni prince chuckled slightly. "I take your meaning, Tōdō-san, but there are different ways that Oni abilities manifest, especially with—and I truly mean no offense—part-bloods. My son lacks finesse; however, he has survived a rather adventurous life so far due to his uncanny ability to know how and when to move. From what I am told, you are all quite good at that, especially your comrade Okita-san. In fact, Okita-san's ability to know when there is somebody nearby has apparently become somewhat famous over the last year."

Saitō saw Sōji's lips tighten. He didn't like being talked about, although he didn't mind being feared. Satoshi-sama seemed to be going out of his way to needle Sōji. It would be like the man, even if Saitō didn't quite see the point at a time like this. Unless he were hoping to uncover further evidence of tampering the hard way? Sen-hime obviously felt like her uncle had said more than enough.

"All of that aside, I was grateful to Nagakura-san for coming to my aid when he did," she said firmly, with a smile for Heisuke. "It was a relief when he and Harada-san arrived to assist Saitō-san and Haru-chan."

"Well, let's get on with it," said Sōji, all humour absent from his face. "Satoshi-sama seems convinced that we got off-track because of some kind of evil Oni magic, and I've been ordered to cooperate, so here I am. The sooner we're done, the sooner I can get back to my job—along with Heisuke, Harada, Yamazaki and possibly Saitō, though I'm not holding my breath."

Every person present was immediately focussed on Sōji. Heisuke looked puzzled and a bit worried—Sōji didn't usually take shots at Saitō, and when he did it wasn't in front of outsiders. Everyone else sensed the sudden struggle going on inside the man's head.

"Godsdammit!" Sōji pressed both hands to his temples; his face had gone very pale. "Stupid, fucking Oni magic tricks! And you!" He glared at Satoshi. "Stay the hell out of my head. I don't want your help."

"I wouldn't dream of trying," murmured the Oni prince, apparently unruffled. "Besides, it appears to be rather crowded in there already."

Sen-hime hissed her irritation. "That's quite enough, Uncle. Okita-san, while I fully appreciate your concerns—"

"Just wait a minute," interposed Harada.

"Wait, Sen-hime," said Saitō at the same time.

Bit by bit, Sōji's colour returned. Then he straightened, clearly out-of-temper but in control nonetheless.

"As I was saying," he ground out, "let's get on with this. Sen-hime, what are you going to do?"

Everyone in the room—with the possible exception of Satoshi, who was studying his nails—seemed to breathe a small sigh of relief. Sen-hime nodded briskly.

"First, I will use magic to see if I can detect any traces of binding magic on you. I take it that you were able to detect something just now?" Although the question seemed unnecessary, her tone was serious and formal, as if she knew that Sōji would take poorly to any expression of sympathy.

"Yes. I've been able to detect something wrong for the last couple of days, actually." He grinned mirthlessly. "It's made me an even nicer guy than usual, actually, since I can't always tell what's me and what isn't and I don't like being jerked around. Mostly, whatever it is wants me pissed off with Hajime-kun. Which isn't too hard right now, to be honest. Ever since Kazama Chiharu-sama's brother decided to play games with us at the Ikedaya, Saitō's been a little less reliable than usual, which isn't exactly helpful to the Shinsengumi."

Saitō knew that his expression didn't change, but the words stung all the same. Before he could pursue the thought, a gentle voice in his mind caught him off-guard entirely: Hajime? Are you alright? Is everything okay with Heisuke-kun and Okita-san? Also… Amagiri-san just walked out. Do you need me?

Assailed by Chizuru's rapid-fire questions and the awareness that Amagiri's presence wouldn't improve Sōji's temper—or help Heisuke—Saitō rose quickly to his feet. "Excuse me."

"Holy shit!"

Saitō didn't bother to worry about Heisuke's reaction to the speed with which he crossed the room. He made sure to close the door behind him and found himself face-to-face a moment later with Amagiri.

"You cannot help, Amagiri." Chizuru, stay where you are, I am fine. Truly.

The big Oni looked down at Saitō, but there was no contest of wills. Instead, he nodded thoughtfully.

"You are correct. I apologize for leaving Chizuru-sama. For some reason, I felt that it was imperative to protect you from Okita-san. I do not feel as though I have been coerced but… it is the only explanation I have for my intemperate reaction. If this is an example of the magic employed by this rogue Oni, it is impressive but somewhat alarming."

"Agreed."

Without further words, Amagiri bowed and retraced his steps to the kitchen, and Saitō returned to Sen-hime's reception chamber. Harada caught his eyes when he stepped into the room and shook his head slightly as if to say "well, that could have gone better." Saitō had to agree.

"What happened?" Sen asked. She was still reasonably calm, and her eyes betrayed no anxiety.

"I am not sure, Sen-hime," said Saitō quietly. "Chizuru became agitated just now and I didn't want her to come running in." Well, that was true enough. "As Sōji said—shall we proceed with whatever you plan to do." He avoided Satoshi's eyes. The man probably knew exactly what had happened—or had sensed Amagiri's imminent arrival. Of course, the same could be true of Chiharu-sama or Sen-hime—it was difficult to say.

"Hmm. Very well. Okita-san? Tōdō-san? Yamazaki-san? I am creating a—well, think of it as a kind of magical lens. It will help me to see any magical constructs that should not be there."

Heisuke looked uneasy. Mind you, he was still unnerved by the way that Saitō had seemed to almost blink across the room earlier. He sat unusually still while Sen-hime traced her fingers across the air. Saitō suspected that the gesture wasn't necessary, but it did help to pinpoint where the "lens" was being constructed. Knowing where to look made it easier to perceive the energy—the Gifts of Soul and Mind intertwined, he suddenly realized, surprised that he could identify the pattern. It was the basic scrying lens that he'd been taught by Amagiri, and that made him wary. It occurred to him that Sen-hime might have already performed her examination.

"Are you able to sense anything?" Sen asked, half a minute later. "I have used the most basic of magical lenses, and the most obvious to those unused to such things."

"Hey—yeah!" Heisuke's face brightened noticeably as he stared between Sen-hime's hands. "I can't believe it! It's like—I dunno, but there's a bright twisty thing there, sort of."

"I see it," Sōji said briefly, but his curt tone was belied by the sudden interest in his expression. "Well, not exactly see but—yeah. Okay. So now you'll give us a once-over like a doctor? Assuming you haven't already."

Sen-hime frowned at him. "An Oni always keeps his or her word."

"Maybe, but you didn't actually promise not to examine us without our consent, did you?"

"There is coercive magic acting on you right at this moment. Do you believe me?"

Sōji hesitated. "I… don't know. None of this feels like a good idea though. The Shinsengumi and the Oni shouldn't be tangled up like this, simple as that. But Kazama, Amagiri and Shiranui changed all that by showing up at the Ikedaya, you know? Well, mostly Kazama I guess, from what I hear."

Harada sighed. "It's a done deal now, though, Sōji. And… for what it's worth, right this moment you look to me—or feel, I dunno—like you've got a shadow over you. Why not let Sen-hime get rid of it if she can."

"Easy for you to say, Sano-san, since—"

"Don't," Saitō interrupted him. "This is pointless. If they are correct, then you cannot know whether your reactions are yours or not."

"Shit." Sōji's hands had balled into fists. "Do you see it too, Saitō? Is that what you're saying?"

Saitō's eyes remained fixed on Sōji's face. "Īe. I can perceive Sen-hime's lens, but I would have to look closely to see more than that. I have a great deal still to learn—in fact, I have had almost no training. There has not been time."

"How about you, Harada? You sound pretty sure."

"Apparently I'm good at sensing things. I can't change form or do much of anything else, but I can tell when there's a problem."

"Heisuke?"

"No idea. All I know is that Sen-hime has some kind of weird energy-light-thing going on. Also, nobody here seems to be hitting us or threatening to cut us open. Why not go for it?"

Satoshi-sama cleared his throat, and everyone tensed.

"Actually, Okita-san is correct to be wary. While Sen-hime could probably overcome his mind, it would either take time or power. Whereas if he acquiesces to her acting in some way upon him, then it makes it easier for her, for better or for worse."

"I'd kind of figured that one out for myself, thanks," snapped Sōji. "But Heisuke's right, I'm just prolonging the inevitable. Plus, I don't want to give Hijikata-san the chance to keep me off patrol because of everyone's concerns. He's enough of a mother hen as it is."

Saitō wondered if it was Satoshi agreeing with him that had nudged Sōji into making a decision, but it didn't really matter. Chiharu-sama looked uncomfortable; that wasn't surprising, given Sōji's abrasive comments, including his (accurate) denunciation of Kazama Chikage. Sen-hime just seemed relieved.

"Good, I'll proceed then," she said immediately. "Okita-san, I will begin with you."

"Yeah, I kind of figured," muttered Sōji, arms crossed as though that could ward off any intrusive influence.

A few minutes passed in silence, and everyone present noticed the sense of power in the room from Sen-hime's magic increasing. Just when Saitō judged Sōji to be on the verge of protest, the sensation faded entirely. Sen-hime looked tired.

"Well?"

"I'm not sure if it's entirely gone. I think it is, but unless you're prepared to let me work with Chizuru-chan and Haru-chan I can't be certain."

"Chizuru-chan? Why?"

"Because there are aspects of this—we've seen it before with Yamazaki-san—that are linked through magic that I am not wholly familiar with. Chizuru-chan seems to have an intuitive grasp of it."

"And Chiharu-sama?"

"The Kazama clan have the best coercive magic—the strongest Gifts of Mind—of anyone. Short of bringing Kazama Chikage into it, Haru-chan probably knows as much as anyone."

"Yeah, I think I'll keep the Kazama clan out of it thanks—no personal offense intended, Chiharu-sama." Sōji's tone was not conciliatory, and Chiharu's expression was distinctly unimpressed.

"That could be a problem," Sen began, but her uncle cut her off.

"What of the others, Osen-chan?"

Saitō felt a sudden sense of foreboding. Satoshi-sama had been very quick to stop Sen-hime's next comment. A quick look at Harada confirmed his opinion—the red-head had clearly received the same impression.

"Yes, of course. Heisuke-kun—my apologies—Tōdō-san, I sense no extrinsic magic acting on you."

Heisuke looked pleased. "Hey, good to know! And Heisuke-kun's okay, Sen-hime. I don't mind."

Sen-hime nodded and seemed to relax a little. Heisuke had that effect on people—when he wasn't destroying his surroundings. He had a knack with others that Saitō knew that he lacked almost entirely.

"The only thing is—Heisuke-kun—that you are definitely of some kind of Oni lineage. A rather complicated one, to be honest. Also, you're like Saitō-san and Harada-san—and Okita-san and Yamazaki-san. Even without closer examination, I can tell that you're at least a half-blood, probably more. In other words, one of your parents was a pureblood Oni, and the other had at least some Oni heritage."

"Oh." Heisuke looked taken aback. Saitō could tell that he was having the same difficulty processing the news as they had all had. One parent—most likely his supposed father—wasn't actually his parent. Mind you, since Saitō knew that Heisuke was allegedly the illegitimate child of a daimyo—a high-ranking samurai lord—the possibility of a different father entirely wasn't so unbelievable.

Sōji didn't do more than shrug dismissively. "Fine. I can't do much about that, can I? I assume that Hijikata-san is in the same boat?"

"Yes."

"Great. You guys must find his nickname hilarious."

"Not really," Sen responded bluntly. "But I really do need to tell you one more thing, Okita-san—even if you do decide to try to ignore your Oni heritage."

"Oh?" Sōji's drawl was as unimpressed as ever, but Saitō thought that he detected a trace of unease—not through any Oni senses but simply out of long knowledge of his comrade.

"If he doesn't want to pursue it…" Satoshi put in, seemingly as uninterested as Sōji, although minus the discomfort.

"Uh—I'd like to know," Heisuke said, half-raising his hand. "About my own background, I mean. Don't know if I want to do anything about it, but like I said before, I'm curious. I mean, Hajime-kun told us that he, Yamazaki and Hijikata-san are all half-brothers..."

"Surprising exactly nobody," muttered Sōji. "Seriously—it's not like the blood-relationship changed anything, although it was pretty funny."

"Yeah, but—"

"Heisuke-kun? Your Oni lineage has three distinct strands, but only one is really known to me." Sen had clearly decided to simply ignore her uncle and Sōji. Saitō saw Satoshi-sama give an infinitesimal shrug and sit back on his heels, eyes hooded and expression impossible to read. Sen-hime kept her attention on Heisuke. "Your situation appears to be just like the others—all of you seem to descend directly from the bloodlines of supposedly-extinct Oni clans. However, I am perfectly sure of one thing: both you and Okita-san are sons of the main line of the Kazama clan. In fact, it is my opinion that you are most likely half-brothers of Kazama Chikage-sama."

[END]

A/Note: Sen could be wrong, of course. But I suspect she isn't. On the bright side, the picture is almost clear now (although there is the matter of certain strange nightmares and one or two other little things). Until next time! You comments (and possibly cries of horror) are always welcome.

~ImpracticalOni