In the moonlit night, wolves are howling. Neverending cycle of death revolves.

- "So, they plan to transform the Capital into a battlefield." - Low, melancholic voice filled with bitterness broke the silence. - "What a magnificent city. Unbelievable that it was built by humans. Now, they wish to turn it into a sea of fire, to attain their petty goals. To make an effort, create something so beautiful, then destroy it without hesitation. How utterly foolish. Is it not, Amagiri?" - Blonde man turned his crimson eyes at his colleague. Elegant black haori, worn over a very refined kimono, together with his exquisite gestures beamed with mysterious and elegant aura.

- "Satsuma ordered us to spy. I believe their meeting will be held in Ikedaya inn." - Man called Amagiri replied with a low and dignified voice, ignoring the question.

- "How impudent!" - He furrowed his brow, showing much displeasure.

- "We have obligations, Kazama." - Amagiri answered, a stoic expression remained on his face.

- "Ancient debt. Thanks to the courtesy of my predecessors, the Shimazu are trying to exploit us." - Kazama's face was calm, but a hint of cold rage glistened in his eyes.

- "Remember why we are doing this."

- "I know." - He sighed. - "Let us get over it."

Both men disappeared like smoke without a trace.

There was a time when Chizuru thought that Reiko excessively sheltered her from Shinsengumi matters. Constantly telling her, she shouldn't ask questions or wander through headquarters alone. Even talking to soldiers was forbidden. Of course, the less she knew the better - after her first encounter with Shinsengumi, it was obvious they held some kind of gruesome secret. But is it really alright to turn away from this?

Only after Reiko left for Edo, Chizuru experienced the dark side of "Mibu Wolves". Probably all according to Okita's plan - to scare her and get her to know that Hijikata isn't exactly a nice guy. Demon Vice-Commander is more than capable of torturing people if it meant Shinsengumi's profit. Interrogation of Furutaka Shuntaro was something Chizuru never wished to be aware of. If Reiko was in Kyoto, she would never allow her to experience that horrible feeling of dread, when she saw crimson shade on Hijikata's hands. Perhaps she would even try to stop him.

Ultimately, what mattered were the results. After this brutal questioning, they managed to intercept wicked schemes of Sonno-joi patriots. So-called "followers of the Emperor'', would stop at nothing to reach their goal. Even if it meant kidnapping and forcing him to entrust the power to their domain. They waited for a windy day, so the burning city would distract everyone from their deeds.

Plan also contained murdering the Military Commissioner Matsudaira and other daimyos supporting the Shogunate. One may wonder if the power gained that way really had its value? Judgment would be left to history itself.

Kyoto witnessed rivers of blood. Apparently this evening was no different. In order to prevent Choshu's revenge, time was crucial. Chizuru didn't understand all of it, but Hijikata wanted to apprehend the schemers as soon as possible. They decided to raid two possible inns where Choshu used to gather - Shikokuya and Ikedaya. Hijikata took twenty-four people, and went to Shikokuya, since chances to find them there were higher. Kondo took only ten people to Ikedaya, but among them was Nagakura, Heisuke and Okita - some of the strongest warriors she ever met.

To top it off, an issue with the priest-oni still lingered. Chizuru never had a chance to speak to Kondou about that matter, and Okita's constant gaze didn't lessen her concern. She told him about her experience: that the only thing she remembered was a butterfly and the scent of incense, but never mentioned he was probably an oni - just like her.

- "You know, you could die accidently if you get in our sword's way." - Souji's jovial tone didn't match his cruel words.

Chizuru highly doubted he would kill her by chance. His skills are too refined for his sword to deliver accidental deaths. However, after all that happened during that crazy day, his patience was truly pushed to its limits.

- "I understand." - Chizuru replied with a timid, distressed voice. Her stomach twisted in knots. - "But Okita-san… About that priest…"

- "Don't worry your pretty little head about it." - Okita sighed. Even teasing Chizuru wasn't appealing at all. - "Leave it to me for now."

Since the first day she came to Kyoto, all kinds of misfortunes flew to her like moths to fire. It's as if the city itself was cursed. She missed her peaceful days at Edo with only her father by her side, when she was oblivious to the perils of the world. The dreadful winter night came to her mind. Encounter with ronins and white-haired monsters wearing Shinsengumi robes. Since that day her life was thrown upside down. When Reiko came, and told her that she's not a human but some mythical creature, she felt like she was having a long nightmare. The dawn came, but she never awakened. Coming to terms with her circumstances, she slowly adapted to her new reality as Hijikata's page. Deep down she knew that scene she saw that night was the very reason they won't let her go freely. However, recently things started to change.

- "Yukimura!" - Kondo's cheerful voice reached her ears. - "I want you to stay vigilant. In case we need help."

- "I think Yukimura-kun should go." - Sannan suggested.

- "What?" - Hijikata frowned.

- "Well, I am sure she would come in handy." - Kondou scratched his chin.

- "Let's take her with us, Kondou-san! " - Intercepting Kondo's words was unlike Okita, everyone looked at him in bewilderment.

- "Are you out of your mind, Souji?!" - Hijikata barked. - "It's not a place for kids!"

- "There's no need for her to fight, she could be a messenger. We're low on people anyway. As the daughter of a doctor, in case someone needs treatment, her presence would come in handy. If they really are in Ikedya, I would feel more assured if a useful person like that assisted Kondo-san." - Sannan added, grabbing his left arm.

Hijikata and Sannan often argued, but lately their banter was becoming a daily routine. After a brief glaring contest Hijikata looked away.

- "What about you Yukimura? Do you want to go?" - Kondou, oblivious to his friend's little conflict, asked the person in question. - "It could be dangerous there, but we're short on people."

- "It will be fine if she just stays out of fighting." - Okita's large hand ruffled Chiziru's hair, before she could answer. He squinted his emerald eyes, and slightly moved her head upwards, to point her in a certain direction.

- "I…I'll go!" - Chizuru widened her eyes at the sight of a large swallowtail sitting on the ceiling. - "I can do the first aid and also be a messenger if needed!" - With a face full of determination, she clenched her fists.

Going right into a potential battlefield frightened her, but nothing compared with the terror engulfing her heart, when she met that priest earlier. Simply remembering made her shiver with cold sweat. As if he poured the darkness to her heart, trying to clutch it and freeze it with invisible hands. What did he want from her?

Okita smirked with satisfaction before his eyes sharply darted to the butterfly, which gracefully flapped its wings.

Since Okita came to Kyoto, miracles and oddities outside human comprehensibility became a sort of new standard. Potion giving one superhuman strength, at the cost of their sanity, sounded like kabuki drama. Few months later, they found a mysterious witch with fairytale-like powers. Okita never regarded himself as a sagacious type, but he wasn't blind. His world was growing dangerously, and that meant new, bizarre threats lurking beyond the boundary of human cognition. Surprisingly, Souji didn't find himself scared of that new reality. He would simply kill all the enemies of Isami Kondou. That was his principle.

If only he is able to cut them.

Reiko's existence helped him realize that no matter how much he honed his abilities, he's not invincible. Using words to force her will or bound someone with ropes coming out of thin air. How to fight something like that?

Someone who could move as fast as sound, with steps lighter than a cat's paws, would push his perceptiveness to its limits. Intrigued by her bizarre power, he began to constantly observe her in order to find a way to counter her skills and find if she's friend or foe. Reiko clearly saw a lot of battles and wasn't easily intimidated. She had the strength of two men, but it was her speed and reflexes that truly made her a formidable opponent. However, she was completely clueless when it came to swords. After a few weeks he noticed Reiko usually chose to sit in chilly areas near doors and windows. Sometimes Souji purposely tried to force her to walk on the sunny side, but she always swiftly made her way into the shade. She often refused to wear a juban, making Hijikata furious. While seeing the Vice-Commander pulling his hair out wasn't a bad thing, it was too easy to peek inside her clothes, so in the end Souji was glad she forced herself to bear with it. At some point of time everyone got used to her, as if she was a normal human being. She laughed, cried, drank like an old boozer, asked stupid questions and was quite easy to mess with. Moreover, she was exceptionally loyal to Kondou. Had some secrets, but in the end, she didn't feel like an enemy. The more they got to know each other, the harder it was to part with her.

It's only after Reiko left, Souji realized he became so attached to her, to the point that simply mentioning her name roused his attention. Everyone knew about her aversion to swords. Priest never said it out loud, but it was obvious what he meant. That alone spawned a rage deep within him, so he was ready to cut his tongue if he would simply call her name. That man felt perilous. Even Chizuru acted unlike herself, to the point Okita was genuinely worried about her. Feeling of uneasiness crept through his head. If he knew Reiko, it could mean he was someone of her kin. He looked young, but what if oni ages differently? Chizuru was horrified, and the priest messed with her head. What if it is one of those things his blade won't be able to reach?

- "Okita-san." - Shy, timid voice pulled him back to reality. They were about to march on. - "I know it's not the best time, but…"

- "You'll stay outside." - He sighed. - "Don't come in unless it will be absolutely necessary. Try to avoid my sword or I might actually kill you today." - He joked, trying to brush off gloomy thoughts. He knew about her worries, but right now they had a battle to win, and he needed to focus.

- "Y-yes." - Chizuru replied with a dejected face.

The sun had already headed toward the horizon. Shinsengumi was on their way to Ikedaya and Shikokuya respectively. Sultry air made it hard to breathe. Even though it was evening, the weather was merciless.

- "Well, that is if they really are there. It would be pretty stupid if you ask me. Gathering at their usual spot the very day Furutaka was caught." - Shinpachi overheard them. - "Besides, we're strongest among Shinsengumi. We'll protect you, so no need to worry, Chizuru-chan. " - He gave her a little too strong pat on the back.

- "Oh! O-of course, Nagakura-san!" - Chizuru forced a smile.

- "Well, they are trying to set Kyoto on fire. If that's not stupid, then I don't know what is…" - Heisuke casually chimed into conversation.

- "Oh, Heisuke, You're so small, I forgot you're here. Well, don't worry Chizuru. We're still strong. I can cover up for that little runt here!"

- "You want a piece of me, Shinpattsan?!"

- "Well, my sword is especially thirsty today. I don't mind feeding it with some Choshu blood." - Okita's hand rested on the scabbard as he grinned with excitement.

- "You look scary, Souji…" - Heisuke commented, while his face showed almost as much amusement.

- "Everyone is so excited!" - Kondou's assuring voice joined their conversation. - "Yukimura-kun. You don't have to worry so much. These are the most capable swordsmen in this city."

- "I know. I'll pray for your safety." - Chizuru beamed as Kondou. His reliable attitude was able to lift even the most downed spirit up.

- "Let's go!" - Kondou exclaimed, as their team left Yagi Residence, and rushed toward Ikedaya.

Moon showered the streets of Kyoto with its silver light. It was unusually silent, as if people were afraid to come out after echoes of Furutaka tortured screams were carried by the wind. All leadership of Shinsengumi went out. Sannan was left behind to protect headquarters, along with unusually many sick soldiers. Everyone knew that the only reason he couldn't go was his inability to fight. Even Yukimura was more useful than him. Feelings of shame and regret started to wear him more and more. Countless times he brushed off thoughts of leaving or even committing seppuku. Even more alluring was the crimson drug he secretly worked on. Reiko hindered his research many times, but while she was far away he could continue without any protest and complaints.

"Promise to wait for me."

Sannan recalled her firm voice, eyes shining with unique shades of violet and blue. How many times that memory prevented him from placing a wager on his life...? Despite promising, he failed to cease his research, but somehow he couldn't manage to break that small vow they exchanged. Reiko was now officially assigned to the First Division, and wasn't even his "assistant" anymore who constantly peeked behind his back. Nuisance gone, he should focus on his work. Yet, he clinged to that small ray of hope, that she would be able to find something useful in Yukimura Kodo's house.

- "What if she won't be able to return with results?" - Sannan murmured, dim candlelight sparkled in his eyes. It flickered, as three large moths gathered around it, fanning a faint fire with their wings.

If he only was capable of fighting, he wouldn't be left behind.

- "Colonel." - Amagusa's voice sounded raspy, his face thin and pale. However, not once losing himself to his bloodthirst. That convinced Sannan to let him walk around compound freely, as long as he will stay away from other soldiers' sight.

- "What is it, Amagusa-kun?" - Sannan smiled as usual, hiding his grim thoughts behind a mask of cold politeness.

- "Pardon me if I overcome my boundaries, but may I ask something? Fighting at night is a perfect opportunity to use Rasetsu soldiers. If not tonight, will there ever be any use of us? I wanted to wave my sword for Shinsengumi. I may have lost my way somewhere in the process, but I still wish to fight for Kondou-san. Even if he doesn't want to see us anymore." - Last sentence was like a stab to Sannan's cold heart.

- "Until we will find a way to countermeasure difficulties resulting from the excessive bloodlust, we can't allow the Rasetsu Corps to fight. We have to maintain our public image, and I am afraid you know very well how hard it is to keep sanity if you come in contact with blood." - Sannan replied with a faint smile.

- "You know I am different! Reiko-dono's spell worked on me! I have the will to resist my bloodlust! Why can't I fight?!"

Sannan furrowed his brows watching Amagusa all worked up.

- "You're officially dead. Some of your former friends are fighting today. Should we allow them to see a ghost?" - Sannan's eerie stare was a sight that even Hijikata found intimidating.

- "I know, but…"

- "You're protecting headquarters. That's a big responsibility. My arm is useless so you have to do it in my stead." - Sannan cut Amagusa's protests short.

- "Yes, sir." - Amagusa hung his head low, leaving only the faint sound of rasetsu wailing.

- "Not sure if they're brave or stupid. Meeting here? So close to the government building." - Nagakura sighed.

- "I knew they would be here. They always meet here." - Okita crossed his hands and leaned his back against the wall.

- "On the very day Furutaka was captured?!"

- "Of course they are. They're stupid."

Chizuru silently listened to their casual conversation, which sounded a little out of place, considering they were about to attack the enemy's base. She just looked around to see if Aizu's soldiers were on their way. They were supposed to support Shinsengumi in this battle.

- "I haven't seen anyone." - She answered with a worried face.

- "Who needs them? Let's do it ourselves! " - Shinpachi exclaimed enthusiastically.

- "Isn't it reckless?" - Heisuke frowned.

- "Wimp." - Okita shrugged.

- "Toudou-kun is right. Going inside with such an amount of people IS reckless. We should wait for Aizu." - Takeda Kanryusai, Captain of Fifth Divison voiced over his thoughts. He always stuck close to Kondou and Hijikata told Chizuru to stay away from him.

- "If Takeda says it, then let's wait." - Kondou took Takeda in high regard, since he was a scholarly man.

Souji frowned, but wouldn't dare to complain if Kondou already decided.

While Captains of the First and Second Divisions seemed oddly relaxed, Chizuru was a nervous wreck. Her oni senses made her anxious. By the dint of Reiko's presence in her life, she was more and more conscious of her power. She still couldn't compare to her, but simply being aware of her heritage opened many locks in her body and mind. Inside that inn resided something powerful, but she was too afraid that her cover would be blown if she voiced her feelings. Of course sooner or later, they will get to know the truth, but was it really a good moment? Apparently, fierce fighting awaited, and adding needless worries wouldn't do them any good. On the other hand, if they knew what they're up against, maybe it would keep them safe? Kondou was the best person to tell, but he was busy talking with Takeda. If she would approach him now, she would bring unnecessary attention to herself. The only choice left was Okita.

- "Okita-san…" - She whispered, while crouching next to him. - "Can we talk for a moment? There's something I need to tell you…"

- "What is it? If you want to confess, that's not really a good moment." - Souji smirked.

Chizuru was taken aback by his remark. After she gathered up all the courage, he made light of the subject.

- "It's… It's serious..." - Her voice was a little louder than it should.

- "That's unfair, Souji!" - Heisuke approached him. - "First Reiko-chan, now Chizuru."

- "Wait, what is it about Reiko-chan?" - Nagakura suddenly sounded interested.

- "I think Heisuke is delusional." - Okita shrugged.

- "You cut my hair, when I was going to ask her to ask her out!" - He pointed his finger at Okita.

- "I did it, because you got a fly stuck in it."

- "Like hell I had!"

- "Wait, Heisuke, you wanted to ask Reiko out?!" - Nagakura almost dropped his jaw.

- "Not in 'that' sense, Shinpattsu. I wanted to take her with me to do some shopping since she's more capable than any guy. Is that even a reason to cut someone's head?!"

- "Head?" - Nagakura raised eyebrow.

- "Or maybe it was a wasp, I don't remember." - Souji grinned.

- "What the hell? Now that you mention it, Souji often wanders near her quarters…" - Shinpachi sounded annoyed, but he obviously had fun.

Chizuru was at loss. Their conversation went in a bad direction, moreover Nagakura and Heisuke joined, leaving her out completely.

- "You're too loud. You'll scare away those bastards, before we even manage to get them." - Okita decided to end this topic, before Chizuru managed to say anything.

Her stomach twisted in knots. Strange presence inside didn't feel as ominous, but that was all she could tell.

- "Yukimura-kun. Can you find Yamazaki and tell Toshi that they're here?" - Kondou approached her.

Chizuru nodded, but wasn't able to tell Kondou about her worries. She had to deliver a very important message, so she couldn't allow any delay.

- "Kondou-san. Please be wary of enemies inside." - She bowed.

Kondou raised his eyebrows, but seeing her worried look, he nodded.

Chizuru clenched her fists, and quickly ran in the direction of Shikoku Inn in hope to find Yamazaki along the way, after making short eye contact with Okita one last time.

Souji's face remained indifferent during their brief interaction.

- "That was cute, but I bet they're just a bunch of pussies, who know only how to plot and scheme…" - Shinpachi sighed. He yearned for a good fight.

- "Yeah…" - Souji looked up at the starry sky.

She clearly tried to tell him something, but couldn't. No, he chose not to listen. He didn't need any distracting thoughts. All he had to do was to kill their enemies as the Sword of the Shinsengumi.

Chizuru ran with all her might, ignoring ears ringing from exhaustion. Her physique wasn't very different from an ordinary human woman, so she ran out of breath quickly. Of course wounds healed at an extraordinary pace but that was it. Only recently, she began to grasp power lying dormant in her body, but those few months simply grazed the surface of the whole oni business. Reiko also made it clear that Chizuru shouldn't even try to reach the same level of power and proficiency as her. Never explaining any details, simply stating its impossible. Reiko was her benefactor, so Chizuru made a point to never ask, since the topic seemed somehow taboo.

Above all, thanks to her, Chizuru learned to accept her own body. She used to hide regeneration ability at all costs, which resulted in fright of blades. Shotsuren was a very light and versatile blade, but she couldn't use it properly despite taking lessons, because of that fear. Chizuru thought of herself as a freak of nature. However, slowly but surely, she started to accept her quirk.

- "Hahh….." - She gasped for air. Every breath she took, her lungs felt like they were on fire. Straw sandals painfully dug into her feet, but she never stopped running, until she saw familiar white uniforms. - "Harada-san!" - She panted heavily.

- "Chizuru? Why are you here?" - He looked at her with his usual warm and caring face.

- "They're… at Ikedaya!" - Chizuru rested her hands on her kneecaps, trying to take a breath. - "No Aizu yet."

- "What?" - Hijikata approached Chizuru..

She couldn't utter a word, but nodded.

- "Damn, those bastards!" - Hijikata clenched his teeth. - "Harada! Gen-san! Take everyone and go to Ikedaya!"

- "What about you, Commander?" - Yamazaki's voice came out of the shadows.

- "I'm going to intercept Aizu's forces. Come with me."

- "W-why?!" - Chizuru couldn't believe her ears.

- "Hijikata wants to make sure no one is stealing our fight." - Harada patted her head.

- "What?"

- "It is possible, they're late on purpose. Shinsengumi will do the dirty work and they will come to claim success. That way we won't make a name for ourselves. Hijikata's truly demon commander!" - Harada grinned.

It didn't even occur to Chizuru, that the same factions could still be at odds. Shinsengumi was infamous and they had to fight for their reputation. Hijikata decided to take a risk and bet his people's lives for a greater purpose. She often heard that he was called Demon-Vice Commander, but she simply thought it was because of his harsh attitude. Chizuru realized Hijikata became a demon for Shinsengumi's sake. Willing to drag himself to hell and back only to make Kondou the man recognised by Shogunate. No matter how much blood will stain his hands, he won't stop.

- "Still no signs of of Aizu…" - Nagakura sighed.

- "It would be lame if we stay here all night, Kondou-san." - Okita said half-jokingky. He was bored. Passively waiting like that was tiresome. And he especially itched to relieve some bloodthirsty tension that accumulated that day. He wasn't able to cut that troublesome priest, so he wanted to at least make himself useful for Kondou-san, by slaughtering some sonno-joi.

- "You're right. Souji, Nakagura-kun, Heisuke. Come with me." - Kondou's serious face got them all motivated.

- "Then I'll be at the front door." - Takeda said with a hint of resignation.

- "You won't be coming?" - Heisuke raised his eyebrows.

- "Well, I don't want him to stab me by accident. Or the other way around…" - Devilish grin formed on Okita's face.

- "What are you implying, Okita-kun?" - Souji's provocation obviously irritated Takeda.

- "Nah, we need reliable men for charging, anyway." - Nagakura seemed to rub salt into Takeda's wounded pride.

- "We don't plan to let them get away, but they will try to run. We're coming in!" - Kondou's voice ended their verbal skirmish.

- "Yes!"

Soji, Nagakura and Heisuke went inside, following Kondou's lead.

- "We are Shinsengumi! Under lieutenant general of Aizu! We'll be investigating by searching the premises!" - Kondou loudly exclaimed, right after crossing the doorstep.

- "That's our Kondou-san! To purposely announce a raid with a loud voice." - Souji giggled, full of admiration. Kondou was his paragon of justice, always fighting fair and square. - "Letting his enemies know he's about to smash them!"

- "Where's the harm? It's a good custom." - Nakagura smiled widely. - "It's good to let them know what they're up against!"

- "By putting us at disadvantage?" - Despite his words, Heisuke sounded amused.

- "By the authority of the government, resist and you will be shown no mercy!" - Kondou raised his sword, leading his men.

- "I'm going upstairs!" - Okita rushed toward the narrow staircase, leading to the second floor.

- "Wait!" - Heisuke followed.

- "Souji stealing all the fun. Well, I guess I have to take down all the bastards here!" - Nagakura grinned, like he came for a drink, not to fight.

Thus, the onslaught began.

By the time Chizuru, Harada and the rest of the Shinsengumi reached Ikedaya, sounds of fierce fighting could be heard outside. Silence of the night was disturbed by the screams of slaughtered men. Clash of steel echoed thunderously. Whole area was filled with a cacophony of a battlefield. For a moment she completely forgot about the surrounding world. She couldn't hear Harada or any other soldier said and focused solely on voices coming from the inn.

- "That fucking monster! He butchered the whole second floor!"

- "Damn you, Shinsengumi!"

It was hard to distinguish anything from all the screams, but soon her ears picked single voices.

- "Heisuke's wounded!"

- "Nagakura! Your hand!"

- "Captain Okita seems to have internal bleeding!"

Chizuru paled instantly at the sound of gruesome news. Her knees felt weak. She was scared of blood and blades more than anything else. Situation inside was probably worse than anyone anticipated, but at the same time she would never forgive herself if her fear prevented her from saving their lives. Voices inside proved they needed her help. Kondou took her with them for first aid. She's an oni.

- "No…First of all, I'm a doctor's daughter! I'm going inside!" - Clenching her fists, she jumped inside, leaving Harada's hand hanging in the air.

Chizuru wasn't prepared for what she saw. The moment she crossed Ikedaya's doorstep the smell of blood and viscera filled her nostrils. Humid air mixed with the nauseous odor of human flesh made her want to escape the very moment she came in. She couldn't count how many ripped apart bodies were lying on the floor and the staircase. Some of them were still moving, despite being deadly wounded. It was a hellscape.

Quick flash of steel blinked out of corner of her eye and soon blades clashed.

- "Yukimura!" - It was Kondou's sword that protected her.

- "Kondou-san!"

- "Can you please go upstairs? I think Souji's in trouble!" - He pushed back the enemy with a smooth and strong swing.

- "Yes!"- She nodded and quickly went upstairs.

- "Go!" - Nagakura was bleeding from his hand, but it appeared he could hold his sword without any problems. He pushed away the ronin standing in her way, so she could safely go to the second floor.

Compared to downstairs, this place was much more silent. The reason was a pile of corpses lying quietly on the floor - red and sticky from all the blood shed there. Some of them still had their eyes open and it felt like they were staring at her with their soulless bodies. Her feet were already wet, like she was walking on puddles of freshly poured rain. Except everything was stained with dark crimson shade. Those men were slaughtered, but their death was probably quick and painless. Cuts were clean, ensuring swift departure from this world. Relative silence was interrupted by the sound of shoji door breaking. Sudden crash startled her, but true horror came to her mind when she saw Okita lying atop the broken door. He was wincing in pain and clearly had trouble with breathing. His face and chin were covered with red trails. The very moment she ran into him, a spurt of sticky blood coming from his mouth splashed on her clothes. Over half of a year she saw him fighting fiercely, but not once his own blood stained them. Moreover, it appeared he had a major internal injury. His cheeks were white and eyes had trouble focusing. Covered in cold sweat he gasped for air.

- "Okita-san!" - Chizuru quickly supported his wobbly body.

- "Chi…zuru…!" - Simply speaking was too much for him at the time.

- "Is that the extent of your skill? Pitiful." - A low and calm voice came from the direction they came.

That is when it occurred to her. An overbearing feeling of anxiety she felt earlier. It all came together when she looked at his crimson eyes.

- "Who…?" - With her voice barely above the whisper, she couldn't avert her eyes from the blonde man in front of her.

He also stared at her for a while, but she was unable to tell what's on his mind. After a brief moment of silence, a ronin came out of nowhere. Seeing her supporting an officer of Shinsengumi, he assumed she was an enemy and raised his sword. Okita tried to cover her, but he was too late. He reached out to move her behind him, but the ronin was able to graze her calf.

- "Interesting." - Blonde man smiled mysteriously, before mercilessly slashing the ronin.

- "W-why?" - Chizuru muttered. He fought and defeated Okita, but right now he turned his sword against his own comrades?

- "It would be a shame to let a rare female oni die like a mongrel. Especially of noble Yukimura blood."

- "What?" - All blood drained from her face.

- "Is that kodachi yours?" - He pointed at the small blade she carried with her.

- "Y-yes…"

- "Then you have your answer." - He looked at the moon peeking from the window. - "It seems there's no use for me to stay here. See you next time, Yukimura oni." - He jumped out and disappeared like a fog.

Chizuru had a hard time processing what just happened. She stared at the empty window, pondering about the crimson-eyed man in a kimono. All the bones in her body were telling her he wasn't an ordinary human. Both his behavior and aura of unmatched strength were screaming to her that he was an oni. He easily outmatched Okita and sent him flying like he was a doll. While he appeared strong, his aura wasn't that intimidating as the priest's. He felt more like Reiko, probably even more powerful. Chizuru looked at Okita, who also seemed to be having symptoms of a heatstroke. He was exhausted and beaten. It was truly a miracle he was alive. Perhaps that man didn't fight him with all his might.

- "Chi…zuru… your wound…?" - Okita could hardly speak, but he still worried about her more than his own state. He couldn't believe his own eyes when he saw, that wound is gone. - "What does it…mean…ugh…?" - Unable to speak due to shock and injuries, he coughed up blood profusely.

Okita found out about her heritage. In the worst possible way. After everything is settled, she will have a hard time explaining herself. However, at that time there were more urgent matters.

- "Okita-san, please try not to speak." - She pressed her shaky fingers against his chest a few times. - "You have your ribs broken. There's probably blood in your lungs!"

- "Don't… change… the subject…" - He didn't have the strength to resist.

With each word his voice was weaker.

- "I'm sorry, Okita-san. I promise I will talk with you, but please, save it for later. We need you to get out of here!" - She grabbed him by the arm and helped him up. - "It looks like it's over."

Sound of fighting could no longer be heard.

- "Reiko… she…" - He winced.

- "She told me who I am." - Dragging wounded Okita with her, she grimaced with both exhaustion and remorse. - "Only Kondou-san knows. I'm sorry for keeping it from you all…"

Mentioning Kondou's name was like a spell. Of course he was shocked by the sudden revelation and started to grow suspicious, but if Kondou knew…

- "I see…" - His consciousness was fading until he lost it, making both of them fall over.

- "Okita-san! Please hang on!" - She fruitlessly tried to pick him up. He was much heavier than he looked. - "Someone! Please, help!"

A few Shinsengumi members came.

- "Chizuru-chan!" - Harada looked like he had just fought a fierce battle himself, but didn't seem to be wounded.

- "Souji!" - Kondou looked aghast, when he saw his beloved pupil in such a severe state.

- "Harada-san, Kondou-san. We need to take him to the doctor. I don't think I will be able to do much…" - With a face full of grief and regret, she pleaded with watery eyes, desperately grabbing Okita's blood stained haori.

- "Got it!" - Kondou without any hesitation grabbed Okita and left the inn.

- "You were brave, Chizuru-chan!" - Harada's ruffled her hair. - "But you shouldn't be here. It's not something a woman should look at. Let's go back."

Hijikata looked at unconscious Souji with a pale face. He cared about him like an older brother would, but understood his resolve. Despite their quarrels, they were close to each other. Seeing him in such a dire state was like a bucket of icy-cold water splashed on his head. Price for their victory was high.

It appeared that Aizu forces indeed came, but just like Hijikata predicted - purposely delayed their arrival. They helped arrest those sonno-joi who escaped earlier, but it didn't lessen Shinsengumi's success. Death counts on Shinsengumi's side were much lower, but a few soldiers were killed and some died days later, because of their injuries. Heisuke was severely wounded, and it is said that a man he fought, broke his headguard with bare hands. Ultimately Shinsengumi prevented a diabolical plan that would cost countless innocent lives, and finally made the names for themselves. Everyone in Kyoto recognised them by that day and no matter what their opinions may be, no one dared to question their triumph.

So-called "Ikedaya Incident" brought them the attention of a few unique individuals.