Chapter Four: Respite

The officers followed Lady Shin through a series of doorways, each room growing brighter and lovelier than the previous. Chizuru tried in vain to count the many green-gold thresholds they passed through, but quickly lost count as they traveled deep into the fortress. True to its facade, the interior was like a magnificent shrine, and just as spacious. The walls were nearly twice as high as the ones in the Shinsengumi compound, and Chizuru had to toss her head back in order to see the gold-plated ceilings.

She felt overcome by its extravagance.

Most of her experience with the castle had been from the outside. Even if she had managed to memorize the various courtyards, galleries, and porticoes from her day's patrol, that information gave her little advantage from within. Stifling a yawn, she would just have to trust the others to remember how to find their sleeping quarters and hope they would retire shortly after dinner. For now she would allow the warmth to calm her thoughts, as they made their way toward the feast.

The main hall was a long room situated in the heart of the fortress. Upon entering, Chizuru admired the amber light filtering through the paneled walls. Torches danced behind sections of a lush water garden, playing tricks on her eyes as she grew accustomed to the light. Silvery mist shimmered above porcelain blue water, an effect that brought life to the silk tapestries. Underneath a waterfall, two magnificent cranes stood with their necks intertwined, their wings spreading out across the room. The Shin crest was a red hexagonal shape that resided between them. When Chizuru walked passed the textile, she noticed that individual names had been embroidered into their feathers. Each generation of the Shin Clan was recorded in gold thread, creating an expansive family tree.

The sight induced mixed feelings of loss and admiration, as she considered her own family history.

Had her ancestors lived in such refinement too?

She could see that very fine, expensive furnishings had once organized the hall for receiving guests, but most of it was bare now except for a long trestle table. It traveled the length of the room with one horizontal section resting on a shallow dais. The room seemed rather bare compared to the rich history sewn into its walls, but it was heartening to see so many familiar faces gathered under its roof.

Samurai and shinobi were found mingling with one another, giving introductions and sharing recounts of the battle. It was the first time Chizuru had seen the two groups act so welcoming towards one another since their abrupt partnership in the forest. The alliance between herself and Senhime had come about so suddenly, most of the Shinsengumi remained wary of the elusive members of Senhime's taskforce. Chizuru could hardly blame them. Just like Kimigiku, the shinobi were an extremely quiet and elusive group…almost inhuman.

The kunoichi that served in her personal guard had also made her feel nervous at first. When Senhime had introduced her to Seiko, Chizuru had taken one look at the silver-headed captain and wondered if she wasn't another oni in disguise. The woman had a fearsome scowl that could rival that of the oni-fukuchou. Her cold presence made Chizuru want to rethink the need for a personal guard altogether. But in time, she realized that underneath that frozen veneer was a capable and loyal individual willing to sacrifice everything to protect her charge. Seiko and the others would do everything in their power to honor the alliance which meant they would risk their lives to protect their samurai comrades.

Evidence of this had already been demonstrated in the rescue of Kondou and his men, but the shinobi were even more brilliant during the attack on the castle, earning the complete trust of the Shinsengumi. The swordsmen's wariness had been replaced with ardent curiosity, and tonight the social gap between the two warrior classes was virtually nonexistent. Even now, Chizuru could see her personal guard mingling with members of the Shinsengumi and Akahori militia.

The sight was promising. Perhaps this alliance would work after all.

As she made her way past the crowd, she saw servants bring in trays of hot vegetable stew, roasted boar marinated in plum chutney, and rice cakes hot from the oven. The savory aroma engulfed her like a cloud, making her realize how terribly famished she had become since the single onigiri she had for breakfast. Her stomach gave a low growl in eager anticipation.

Lady Shin invited them to sit at the head of the table along with Akahori's remaining statesmen. There on the dais, they would inevitably conduct business on the nature of Yuu Sugitani's benefactor and the brewing rebellion in the capital. Kondou took his place near Lady Shin and Lord Ishihara. Hijikata joined him on his right. When Chizuru attempted to discreetly excuse herself to a location of the room that wouldn't conflict with her status as a 'supposed' soldier– she was still unaware of how to position herself among the three encampments – Hijikata caught the end of her sleeve and forced her to sit.

"No one will raise a fuss with you here," he assured her quietly. "Besides, you ought to be here for this."

Encouraged by his insistence, Chizuru folded her legs neatly and reclined at his side while Inoue took the spot directly across from her.

She took a moment to remove her scarf and gloves, feeling a little shabby in her stolen uniform. The ronin whom she had pillaged it from had suffered from a blow to the head, fortunately sparing the garment of any tears. She was still damp from the snow, but the thin black kimono underneath her clothes remained dry. It was among several of the items given to her by Kimigiku to protect her against the cold. Dining with Tsundora safe at her hip had become customary since their journey from headquarters, but wearing her chest plate made her feel especially impenetrable. It was a far cry from the all the kimonos she had grown up wearing as a girl, but she wouldn't have it any other way. Caked in dirt, sweat, and blood, she was a product of her own perseverance.

A moment later, a pair of servants brought them tea to which Chizuru helped herself to two full mugs, handing one to Hijikata. They both drank deeply, welcoming the spread of warmth in their bellies. When the rice cakes and stew had been laid out alongside the platter of roasted boar, the conversation at the table dropped to a low murmur. A few moments later, Lady Shin rose to give a ceremonial toast before bidding everyone to replenish themselves of food and drink.

"Go on, help yourself," Inoue encouraged her from across the table.

Chizuru politely helped herself to a bowl of stew and two rice cakes, pleased to discover they were filled with sweet anko. The insides were still gooey and soft like the kind sold by the street vendors in the capitol. The flavors were so robust…She was quite sure that this was the most delicious meal she had ever tasted. Hijikata filled her plate with choice cuts of roasted boar and urged her to eat, clearly intent on seeing her well-fed that evening. She didn't need much encouragement though. It was a tremendous improvement compared to the minimal travel provisions they had been living off of since they left the capitol over a week ago. Even Inoue kept helping himself to bowls of stew, the spices turning his cheeks red.

As the banquet commenced, a team of musicians began to play, filling the room with a jovial melody that further lightened the atmosphere in the room. Chizuru listened to the whimsical tunes of the shamisen wielded by a young woman, and, for a moment, felt entirely at peace.

It was a fleeting moment, but a moment of bliss nevertheless.

The cheeriness of the room must have sat heavily on Hijikata's conscious as well. He plucked a rice cake from the platter with a solemn grin.

"Yamazaki would have enjoyed these," he told her softly. "Daifukumochi are his favorite." Tearing the pastry between his fingers, he became pensive. "I hope he's alright."

Chizuru thought of the Shinsengumi spy and his brave offer to return to headquarters alone. It was a suicide mission traveling solo through woods crawling with ronin, and yet Yamazaki had volunteered without hesitation. He was the only possible candidate Kondou could trust with reporting news of Lord Kazuhiro Shin's assassination to Sannan, and for that reason he had agreed to leave.

Chizuru recalled his confident salute before he parted ways on the riverbank of Nori Creek. The memory drew a grave smile from her as well.

"Yamazaki is Yamazaki," she assured him. "With his skill, I imagine he is already at home eating a dozen of these with the others right now. Right, Inoue?"

The veteran swordsman passed her another rice cake with an affirmative nod.

"That's right. I believe these are a sign from the gods that our Yamazaki is safe. I'm sure of it," he said.

"Hn. Perhaps," agreed Hijikata, holding his pastry aloft. "To Yamazaki."

"To Yamazaki," Chizuru and Inoue toasted.

They grew silent for a moment, chewing thoughtfully as they became absorbed in the commotion of the room. Chizuru reached for her tea and sipped it demurely, wondering if Yamazaki was indeed alive and safe. The road had been fraught with peril, but at least he would have missed the worst of the blizzard. This thought brought her a little comfort. She hated the idea of him suffering in the freezing temperatures all alone.

"Luckily he missed this storm." Hijikata echoed her thoughts aloud. "Our chances of survival will be twice as bad with the ice. It took us forever to secure the roads today."

His comment troubled her.

"Wait…you don't mean we intend to head back straight away?" She asked, sounding upset.

The probability of that was impossible. Even she knew that Akahori Castle was by no means stable enough to defend itself in their absence. There was still the matter of the embargo in the north and the Chosu Clan. Not to mention, their wounded soldiers were not fit for travel anytime soon. The horses would have to be tended to, as well as their provisions for the winter climate. They had exhausted all of their resources in order to reach the fortress in the shortest amount of time, but it would take days to fully recover. To leave so soon would be detrimental to everyone involved.

Hijikata understood her concern, but responded in a way that made him seem harsh.

"We leave in four days."

"Four days?!" She nearly choked. "But Hijikata that's way too soon. What about our wounded?"

"In war, timing is precious. Every second becomes critical to our strategic standing with the enemy." Inoue explained, stirring the remains of his stew wistfully. "The longer we remain here, the more danger we're in."

Hijikata nodded his agreement.

"Kondou wishes for us to rendezvous with the others before Itou makes his move on the Bakufu. The wounded will be assigned here to convalesce."

Although this made sense, Chizuru was still bothered by the prospect of abandoning comrades.

She stared into the depths of her tea mug, feeling anxiety creep back into her chest.

"And what about Akahori?" She asked him heatedly. "Will the castle be able to defend itself while we are gone? Are you sure our men be safe here?"

She watched his eyes flicker in response to her words; a deep, amorous warmth radiating from his expression as he regarded her curiously.

"You sound like a fukuchou," he said as he studied her closely. "Are you sure we don't share more than a lifeline? You echo my thoughts more and more each day."

He murmured the last part more to himself, sounding bemused.

Chizuru flushed, having been caught unawares. Their train-of-thought did seem to share a common trajectory, but it was uncertain of the blood seal had anything to do with it. She could feel Hijikata's emotions to some extent, but they were far too complex for her to be able to understand intrinsically. Most of the time, she was unaware that the heavy feelings in her chest were not her own, but his. Perhaps their thoughts shared a similar bond? A finer connection between shared emotions?

"You don't want to leave them either," she deduced. "You're concerned about their safety too."

Hijikata nodded.

Leaning slightly toward her, he rested his chin against his palm.

"Tonight, we intend to strike a second alliance," he said quietly, his eyes straying to the mistress of the castle, "this time with Lady Shin. If our terms prove favorable, and our men's safety can be assured, then and only then will Kondou give the order for us to return."

Chizuru followed his line of sight, and saw the lady engaging in deep conversation with the commander.

"She is very brave," she said. "To prepare for war after such tragedy…she is a very strong woman."

Hijikata returned his gaze to hers, a shadow of a frown on his lips.

"Yes," he said, fixating on the small wound on her cheek, "she is."

The tone of his voice was filled with a tender irony that made Chizuru fluster. Even in a room full of mixed company, he could still make her heart pound against her ribcage. Memories of a stolen kiss returned to her in that moment and she would have burst into flames if her chikara wasn't already spent from the day's escapades. Flicking her eyes to the other inhabitants at the table, she unintentionally caught the gaze of Lady Shin who was regarding her with a peculiar amount of interest.

The lady peered at her with pursed lips, obviously intrigued by the close relationship between herself and the Vice Commander. Mortified, Chizuru did her very best to appear as a dutiful soldier in front of the mistress of the house. Straightening her spine, she placed her mug back on the table with a prompt, "Ah, very good, sir."

Hijikata quirked a brow in confusion at her sudden formality before realizing they were being observed.

"Hijikata-san, I was unaware that you have taken on a protégé." The lady spoke, causing the statesmen at the table to grow silent. "Last we saw each other; you were in the company of Master Kamo Serizawa on your way to the capitol. Much has changed since our last meeting."

Hijikata blinked, sparing an uncertain glance with Kondou.

"Er…hai, milady."

"Forgive me, we have not been formally introduced, but Lord Ishihara sings your praises, Yukimura-kun." She said with a graceful nod. "You have my thanks for securing the conservatory today."

Chizuru began to sweat under her collar, as she gained the special attention of the Akahori elite.

"Th-Thank you, milady." She responded politely. "It is an honor to be of service."

"For one so young, you must have exceptional talent to gain the special tutelage of the Vice Commander of the Shinsengumi," Lady Shin continued. To this, Chizuru and Hijikata both flushed, as the noise in the room became suddenly deafening and the space between them incredibly close.

Chizuru took a moment to clear her throat.

"Oh no, I erm…I still have a very long way to go," she offered humbly. "Our officers are far more superior."

From his place at the table, Inoue half-chuckled, half-coughed into his bowl of stew.

"He's being modest," touted Lord Ishihara behind a broad smile. "Those of us who saw his swordplay last night know otherwise. You are very talented, young man. You move incredibly fast."

Chizuru had no idea that her movements during the siege had been worthy of surveillance. She was grateful that Senhime had spun a master illusion capable of masking all chikara usage from their human relations. Otherwise, her demon crystal barrier would have been the topic of conversation amongst the Akahori elite instead of her sword skills. Grateful for this small measure of security, Chizuru redirected the praise to the individuals who were most deserving of being recognized.

"Thank you, but I feel it is you who deserve our recognition, Lord Ishihara, Lady Shin." She bowed with the deepest respect. "Your words were able to stir the hearts of many in our most crucial hour. I will never forget your strength."

The lord and lady both blinked, taken aback by her honest words. Staring at each other in astonishment, they shared a soft smile.

"That is quite a catch you have there, Hijikata-san," Lady Shin acknowledged with sharp eyes. "So much potential. You must be very proud."

It was Hijikata's turn to hide his embarrassment, as all eyes fell to him.

"Yes, milady." He said careful not to look at Chizuru.

Fortunately, Lady Shin resumed her conversation with the commander while the others returned to their meal, sparing Hijikata and Chizuru from their continued scrutiny. The pair remained silent as they collected themselves, inching away from each other every so slightly. Hijikata still refused to look at her, absorbing himself in his meal while Chizuru hid burning-red cheeks behind her sleeve.

"Oh dear…" murmured Inoue with a small grin.

Not a moment later, familiar voices traveled from the far end of the room. When Chizuru looked up from the table, she was surprised to see Senhime and Okita entering the hall together. Kimigiku was not in attendance which made the situation all the more perplexing. The captain and demoness were whispering to each other, their heads bent close together, as they approached the dais.

"I'm telling you it won't work," Senhime was hissing under her breath, looking irritated.

"How would you know? You've never tried it before," insisted Okita.

"Because it's impossible! That's why. You are asking the wrong person."

The captain seemed unperturbed by her surliness. "No I'm not."

"Can you just drop it already?" She huffed exasperatedly.

"Never."

Senhime growled in frustration, sounding very much like a cornered cat, but quickly recovered her composure once she spotted Chizuru.

"Ah, we found you…thank god," said the demoness in a sigh of relief as she flopped down beside her. The smell of tree bark and frost still clung to her damp hair, but she was dressed comfortably in the black, fur-trimmed attire of her shinobi companions.

"Osen-chan, is everything alright?" Chizuru asked her worriedly.

"Hmm? Oh yes, your friend wants to pick a fight that's all." She replied, rolling her eyes. "He's keen on wielding his new katana."

"We promised each other we would have a duel, but she absolutely refuses to accept my challenge," countered Okita as he took his place besides Inoue. "Chizuru, talk some sense into your ally for me please. She gave me her word."

"Okita, I don't think you are in any position to challenge her. Take my word for it," Chizuru counseled him, hoping that her hidden inference to his condition reached the stubborn captain. "Your strength should be saved for the fight in Kyoto, not wasted here."

Senhime smiled with the deepest satisfaction.

"Thank you, Chizuru."

Okita crossed his arms on the table looking veritably put out. "You disappoint me. Both of you."

"Serves you right," the demoness said self-righteously.

Mumbling under his breath, he resigned himself to a hot bowl of stew.

"Osen-chan, where is Kimigiku? Is she not going to join us?" Chizuru asked, offering her a mug of tea.

Senhime crunched her nose, and asked if there was anything stronger. A tray of hot sake was sitting next to Okita who was kind enough to shove the whole thing towards her. Plucking a carafe from the bunch, she poured herself a cup and drank deeply.

"She and Seiko are tending to our guest," she replied, quietly so as not to be overheard by the others at the table. "They are the only ones powerful enough to keep Karou detained until his chikara is weakened. Until then, they will stay with him until he is no longer a threat to the other shinobi."

Chizuru darkened her expression, growing instantly taciturn at the mention of her twin brother. She had kept her distance from him ever since they had taken him captive on the banks of Nori Creek, but she still carried a powerful mixture of loathing and betrayal that threatened to consume her whenever Kaoru was concerned. It was the one thing she was still unable to come to terms with, and she hated herself for putting everyone at risk by insisting they hold him captive. Chizuru thought she was being benevolent by sparing his life, but the turbulent feelings in her chest suggested otherwise.

Disinclined to let her brother spoil her evening, she quickly changed the subject.

"Well, I don't know if Seiko already told you, but we encountered an illusion cast by Kazama today."

"What?"

To this, Senhime and Okita both perked up, as Chizuru gave a detailed account of the events that unfurled in the garden earlier that afternoon. Even Hijikata listened as she told them about the illusion and how she was able to break it in time to save the others. Inoue added a few details from his account, and when they told them about what Seiko had presumed, everyone seemed unsurprised by the prospect of being spied on.

"Kazama has been dabbling in human affairs since before the Ikedaya incident," said Okita sourly. "It wouldn't surprise me if he was pulling strings in this rebellion from the beginning."

"If he serves to benefit, then there's no holding back." Senhime agreed. "I wonder what became of him anyway. Suppose he was caught in the explosion after you shattered his barrier?"

Chizuru hunched her shoulders.

"At the very least we know he's still alive; otherwise, his illusion would have disappeared. My guess is that he's gone into hiding," she offered, sharing a look with Hijikata. "I suspect he was the one who tipped off the rebels who apprehended us that night. Not Karou."

"It does seem strange that we didn't see Kyo Shiranui or Amagiri Kyuujyu that night," said Hijikata. "Normally they are the ones responsible for stirring up a commotion. It might be possible that he acted out on his own."

All five of them groaned. Things were already difficult as they were, but having a dissident demon prince on the loose was even more troubling. Fortunately, Senhime was the one to offer insight to their boon.

"Well, he won't be able to catch us unawares now that I'm involved. I can promise you that."

Chizuru offered her a grateful smile. "You have my thanks."

"And mine," Hijikata joined in much to her surprise.

Senhime raised her cup of sake in salute.

The feast continued without a hitch, and soon the hall grew quiet as soldiers began to retire to their barracks. As the crowd thinned out, Lady Shin decided it was an appropriate time to begin the peace negotiations.

"Shall we proceed with the war treaty, Lord Ishihara?" She asked, calling her statesmen to attention.

"Yes, milady. As you wish."

Lady Shin motioned for the table to be cleared. Most of the dishes had already been removed from the table, but tea and sake were replenished for everyone who remained. A servant tended the braziers at the far corner of the room, but the main doors were slid shut behind the last few soldiers who exited the room. Lord Ishihara procured a giant map that was laid out onto the table along with several legal documents and a formal seal. These were arranged in front of Lady Shin who called their group into session.

Resting her hands on the table, she resumed as the Lord of Akahori Castle.

"Head Commander Kondou, Vice Commander Hijikata, Captains of the Shinsengumi," She acknowledged each of them ceremoniously; "I speak on behalf of the estate as Lord Kazuhiro Shin's principal executor. All alliance negotiations and principal settlements between our two parties will be formally ratified through myself and Lord Chancellor Ishihara. Tonight you are joined by our newly appointed Captain of the Guard, Lord Arata Takemori, State Inspector, Lord Kurou Shinsaku, and Master of Ceremony, Monk Umo Matsuo. I wish to also introduce you to my new Secretary of State, Lady Suzume Utagawa, who will be presiding over our meeting this evening."

The named officials paid their respects with a polite bow to which Kondou and Hijikata returned respectfully.

"May our alliance preserve the posterity of both our houses and country," Kondou said with an austere voice.

Once the formal introductions had been made, the details of the war treaty came under full scrutiny.

"The situation is this gentleman– Yuu Sugitani's siege has resulted in the death of not only my lord husband, but our leading officials and heir to the estate. The Red Demon was tasked with ridding Akahori of its lord and heir so that there would be no opposition when power was transferred to the Choshu Clan." Lady Shin explained. "The only reason I am still alive is because I was made executor of the estate in the event of both my husband and son's deaths. Should I remarry, all political and monetary assets would be legally transferred to my new husband. In other words, wedding an official of the Choshu Clan would have lawfully ceded Akahori under their governance."

There was a shared gasp of abhorrence, as everyone reeled against the cruelty imposed on Lady Shin. To not only have her family taken from her, but forced into a marriage with the enemy…it seemed too barbaric even for the rebels. Chizuru felt a wave of anger, realizing that she had much more in common with Chiasa Shin than she had originally thought.

Kondou pounded a fist on the table.

"Yuu Sugitani was truly a monster. I knew of his predilection for targeting aristocratic families, but I never imagined he would lay hands on your children as well. Tell me, have any of your kin survived?"

"Yes, my daughter Nyoko and her two sons were absent during the siege. They live with my son-in-law who manages an estate of his own to the north of us. I suspect the embargo was a way of deterring their ability to reach us. But thanks to your officers, the roads appear to be cleared of all mercenaries. I dispatched a team of riders to send word to my daughter and son-in-law this very evening."

"But the storm. Are you sure they will be able to deliver the message in such severe conditions?" Asked Hijikata.

"Oh yes," answered Lord Takemori, Captain of the Guard. "Our horses are bred from a stock that is notoriously hardy and sheer-footed. Our men should be able to deliver our message within two days."

"Kondou, perhaps we can propose a trade for these horses?" Hijikata murmured discreetly. "If they are bred to endure the frozen terrain, it might be worth investing for our journey home."

"Hai," agreed Kondou.

"And what of reinforcements, milady?" Hijikata asked her next. "Will your son-in-law be able to provide a militia capable enough to defend your people? Our main concern is leaving your fortress vulnerable in your time of need. Our alliance will also make you a target for our enemies."

Lady Shin nodded.

"Yes, I believe he will be able to spare a taskforce two thousand head strong. Your wounded soldiers would be safeguarded in your absence. Once our fortifications are repaired, I'm sure we would be able to offer our support in your fight in the capitol."

Kondou bowed his head deeply. "Your assistance in overcoming the rebellion would be most appreciated."

"Suzume-san, let us begin transcribing the treaty," Lady Shin commanded.

. . . . . . . . . .

From that moment onwards, the meeting was rather straightforward, as the officers and statesmen discussed the finer details of the treaty. Chizuru did her best to participate in the negotiations, but finally succumbed to her exhaustion halfway through the meeting. Kondou was discussing the exchange of material goods for Akahori's snow-bred horses when her eyelids began to droop unmercifully. Now that her stomach was full and her body warm, there was very little to keep her from falling asleep.

Aware of her predicament, Hijikata excused them both from the assembly, promising to adjourn with everyone in the morning. As they both got up from the table, Chizuru thought it was peculiar that Hijikata and Senhime shared a private look before she was escorted from the hall.

Seeing the two behaving so friendly toward one another was baffling. It would have puzzled her more if she wasn't already so tired.

"Hijikata, I'll be alright on my own if you want to stay," she said, feeling guilty for pulling him away from the meeting. "I don't want you to miss anything important on my account."

The lieutenant slid the door shut behind them before offering her his arm.

"My absence is permissible so long as the Head Commander is present. Kondou will notify me of anything important in the morning." He assured her calmly. "I am more concerned with making sure you get proper rest tonight. You've been sleeping poorly ever since we left the river."

Chizuru took his arm, leaning her head against his forearm for support.

"When I sleep, I dream," she said, "and when I dream, I begin to remember things. It's painful."

"Memories?"

"Mm hmm. Ones from when I was a child…before the fire." She said with a sigh.

"I see."

Hijikata lifted a lantern from a hook on the wall and used it to light their way.

They walked through dark and silent halls, their footsteps the only sound echoing through the dormant fortress. Hijikata wrapped an arm around her shoulders just as he had done the night they walked through the moonlit woods. His body was warm and solid, something she could count on to keep her safe. Chizuru trusted him completely and allowed him to navigate the maze-like rooms, as she leaned into his side for support.

It felt so nice to be alone together. They hadn't had a chance like this since that night at the creek.

It felt like they had traveled through the inner-most layers of the castle until Hijikata brought them to a doorway at the end of a short hall. The sudden pause in their journey was enough to rouse her from sleepiness, and Chizuru felt instantly uneasy about spending the night alone in a dark, foreign room. Would her personal guard come to keep watch over her or would Senhime join her as she had on the nights they spent in her pavilion out in the woods?

Rubbing her eyes, Chizuru straightened.

"Is this my room?" She asked, as Hijikata pushed the door aside to reveal a spacious apartment with two antechambers. A futon had already been prepared at the center of the room, a thick white cushion piled high with feather down blankets. A decorative screen served as a type of headboard where a brazier sizzled and cracked behind it. The walls were simple, yet elegant. They were lined in silk just as the main hall had been, but instead of a water garden, clouds and flying birds decorated the space. Chizuru thought it was lovely, but rather expansive for a simple soldier.

"This is our room." Hijikata announced much to her astonishment.

Chizuru turned around and gapped at him with wide eyes, her drowsiness momentarily forgotten.

"O-our room?"

Hijikata gently nudged her inside before shutting the door behind them.

"Before you panic, you should know that we'll be sharing our company in sleep and nothing else." He said without turning around to face her. "I would never dream of imposing myself on a woman unless she was my wife, but with our circumstances, necessity gives precedence over decency."

He was speaking so fast and so formally, Chizuru took a moment to gather what he was saying. He had a tendency to behave this way whenever he was nervous. It was probably why he couldn't bring himself to face her. He continued to stand with his back to her, looking rather tense.

The sight compelled her fondness for him.

Approaching him slowly, Chizuru placed her hands on his back.

"I don't feel panic, just pleasant surprise." She said, hoping the tone of her voice would further calm him. "You know I trust you, but isn't it a little dangerous for us to be doing this. What if someone catches us?"

Hijikata finally turned around to face her.

"No one can know. We'll have to keep this our secret or the others will get the wrong idea."

They both dwelled on the incident with Lady Shin, and how they had to skillfully exhibit their relationship as mentor and pupil rather than demon and pairbond. If Lady Shin or any of the other castle inhabitants were to learn the true nature of their relationship…well, the resulting awkwardness would be a little too much to bear on top of everything else. Chizuru was still disguised as a male soldier after all.

"I'm not unhappy about being able to stay close to you, but why go to such trouble? I don't want to be a burden to you."

"Chizuru, I can see that you're suffering." He said, threading fingers in her hair. "You hardly eat, you hardly sleep, and you don't tell me when you are hurting. You act strong in front of the others, but you forget that I can feel when something is wrong. Our separation was hard on you today, wasn't it?"

Chizuru avoided his gaze, unwilling to confess, but he had already gathered the state of her condition for himself. Sighing, he lifted her chin so that they were eye-to-eye once more.

"I know you don't want us to over-analyze things, but perhaps we should give some thought to Senhime's theories. She believes that you are able to draw strength from me when I remain close to you. These past couple of days…we haven't been able to be alone like this, but now we have an opportunity to test her theory and see for ourselves if it's true."

Leaning in close, he nuzzled his mouth against her cheek. "I hate seeing you suffer like this."

Chizuru was instantly awash with guilt and realized how selfish she was behaving. The reason Hijikata was so civil towards Senhime was because Senhime wasn't hiding information over their blood seal as Chizuru had been doing. Her unwillingness to discuss the matter had forced him to seek answers from someone else. Overcome with worry for her, he had been willing to put his disagreements with Senhime aside in order to learn more about their bond. It was a selfless act, and she realized the depth of her error.

She needed to make amends.

Pulling back, she brushed the dark strands of hair from his face and planted a warm kiss on his lips.

"I'm sorry." She said. "I never want to cause you trouble, but in the end I always make you worry."

"Love is a heavy burden," he said, sounding slightly sarcastic, "but that is what makes it worthwhile, I suppose."

Chizuru offered him a doubtful look. "Is that so?"

He kissed her, tugging strands of hair as he cradled her face. Chizuru laughed despite herself, happy that their night's quarrel had ended in sweet nothings.

"Promise me you'll give this a try?" He asked her.

Chizuru was beyond debating the issue, now fully flushed in the rosy glow of love.

"Alright." She agreed. "But you'll have to help me out of this dou. Senhime usually unlaces it for me."

Hijikata offered her an incredulous smirk.

"You can blow up trees and shatter illusions, but you're still incapable of disrobing your own armor?"

"Just the dou." She responded defensively. "The rest I can manage on my own."

"Hai, hai," he murmured, as he began untying the knots of her shoulder straps.

Chizuru stood still, letting him work the knots loose until he could lift the chest plate over her head. She raised her arms so that the metal panels cloud slip free, but once it was off, she felt decidedly more naked in his presence.

Without moving away from her, Hijikata placed the armor on the floor at their feet and began unlacing her arm guards. Hooking a finger underneath the strings at her wrists, he worked them free of their catches before slipping the guards free from her arms. His movements were soft and slow putting her into a deep trance.

She had taken these off herself a hundred times and never thought the act could be so sensuous.

Hijikata laid the arm guards over her dou, and slowly fell to his knee so that he could undo the laces of her leg guards. By then, Chizuru's heart began to pound rapidly against her rib cage in reaction to his gentle touches. Having such a powerful man tending to her on his knees was almost a little too much to handle. Fingers ghosted the back of her legs, traveled down her calves, and over her ankles. She had to lean forward and brace a hand on his shoulder for balance as he pulled the guards free in order to untie her sandals. These too were added to the pile of armor.

When he was finished, he rose to his feet and undid the knot holding her hair back in place. Thick brown tresses fell down her shoulders in windswept waves.

"There," he whispered quietly. "You're free."

That telltale familiar magnetic pull was manifesting itself between them again, and for a moment they stared at each other with intense longing. Hijikata might have vowed that they would share no more than company in sleep, but Chizuru felt it was going to be much more difficult than that.

Visually feasting on the entirety of her pairbond, Chizuru took a moment to find her voice again.

"Is there a washroom to clean up?" She asked him.

"Yes. In that room there," he pointed to one of the antechambers. "Inside, you will find a sleeping yukata as well."

"Good. I think I'll go wash up then. Is that alright with you?"

"Of course. I will use the other room."

"Perfect."

"Good."

"Well then…"

They inched away from each other slowly just as they had at the dinner table earlier that evening. Hijikata moved left while Chizuru moved right until they were on opposite sides of the room. Only then were they able to turn away from each other and barricade themselves in their separate washrooms.

Shutting the door with a firm click, Chizuru rested her back against it and sank helplessly into a puddle on the floor. Her heart was still beating like a hammer inside her chest, but now fresh adrenaline was coursing through her body to the tips of her fingers and toes. She let out a long, deep breath and swept the hair out of her face.

Sleep would be the furthest thing from her mind if she didn't find a way to calm down right this instant.

"Focus, Chizuru, focus."

Returning to her feet, she set her mind on the task at hand with such industry it was as if she had received a second dose of energy. The room was equipped with a tiled tub, but it was far too late in the evening to draw a full bath. Instead, Chizuru heated some water in a small kettle and poured that into the basin. A cabinet in the corner contained fresh linens, homemade soap, and a wash cloth for her to use. Grabbing these items, she placed them on the lip of the bathtub, and worked quickly to remove the rest of her clothing before stepping in.

The water scorched her skin, but it was a glorious sensation. It worked away the residue from battle, leaving her skin raw, clean, and smelling like green clovers. Chizuru massaged the soap into her hair, letting it soak into her roots before she rinsed herself off. The water drained out quickly from the tub, squelching and gurgling, as she wrapped herself into a linen towel.

"How about a toothbrush and a comb," she murmured to herself, as she rummaged through the cabinet once more. These items were present, as well as several bottles of lotion, rosewater, and perfume. The palace staff had truly taken great measures to ensure their hospitality, she thought with a smile. Unplugging the stopper on an orange, syrupy-looking liquid, Chizuru accidentally burned her noise with the intense smell of orange rind.

"Oh!"

She put the bottle back with haste.

When she was at last finished combing her hair, she wrapped herself securely in the simple white yukata waiting for her on the dresser. The material was gauzy-thin against her skin, but just a tad too long in the sleeves and hem. She left the hem, but rolled her sleeves up to her wrists. With one final glance in the mirror hanging on the wall, Chizuru took a deep breath of courage before stepping out into the room.

The lamps were still alight, but Hijikata was already resting on top of the futon, his body stretched over the thick layers of blankets. He too was wearing a plain white yukata, but it seemed to fit him perfectly. His eyes were already closed, and he had his fingers laced together atop his stomach. Chizuru observed him for a moment and smiled when she found him sound asleep. His lips were parted as he breathed softly, dark hair worn loose around his neck.

"You're supposed to be under the blankets," she whispered with a small shake of her head.

The illustrious Demon Vice Commander, devil among men, was also a definitive gentleman. Chizuru was well aware that he was sacrificing his creature comforts in order to protect her chasteness, and even this selfless show of chivalry made her insides melt.

Blowing out the lamps in the room, Chizuru crawled over to his side and peeled several of the blankets over so that that it covered them both in a cocoon of warmth. She snuggled her cheek against his chest, and was delighted to hear the steady beating of his heart. It lulled her into a thick sleep sweeter than she had every experienced.

"Chizuru…" Hijikata murmured in her ear as she began to drift into slumber.

"Hmm?"

"Let's get married when we return…a proper ceremony…so that we no longer have to hide."

Chizuru nuzzled deeper into his chest, mumbling her agreement happily before fading into a dream.

A/N: This chapter came together so quickly it practically wrote itself! I am immensely grateful for those of you who took the time to review and shared your thoughts with me. This story has been a wonderful experiment for character development and plot-building, and I am so happy that you enjoy it as much as I do. Your words gave me the volition to press on, and for that I am extremely thankful.

Here is the soundtrack that helped inspired this chapter:

Bad Apple – Shou Rinka (Shamisen Performance)

Ellis Brings Flowers – Rob Simonsen (Chizuru and Hijikata Scene)

Thank you so much for reading. There is plenty more to come!

girliebird