Chapter Text
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Suggested Listening: Wanna Tell You (Henry Krinkle Remix) by Village
Of Pride and Honor
Chapter Twenty Eight: Boundaries
"That's good!" Kagome called out to her student. "Keep holding that position." Azure eyes narrowed on Chizuru's form. She was definitely a novice, but she had just enough skill to work around her inexperience.
Maeda stood before the girl. His features were impassive at the display. He circled around before stopping next to her.
"Your stance is too wide. Bring your feet together." The teen pushed at her toes with his. Chizuru heeded his directions, tightening her stance into something more easily defended. "Your smaller frame means that you need to keep your center of gravity lower. Use your speed as your advantage."
Maeda's teaching methods were stern but effective. Okita watched them from afar. He slipped by a few times during their session, observing the girl's improvements with a keen eye.
Thus far her husband had chosen to avoid interfering. She suspected that he would rather keep a hands-off approach to someone that was more emotionally fragile like Chizuru. His methods would be far too harsh for her to handle just yet. For all of his bluster, Okita was considerate towards others—even if it didn't appear so at first to outsiders. Kagome smiled a little. Chizuru was improving rapidly. The girl was a notice but did well under strict supervision. It wouldn't be long before she could begin sparring with Okita directly. Until then she'd need to improve her defensive strategies.
Okita passed by once more, this time edging close enough to brush the tips of his fingers against her lower back. She knew exactly what the man wanted right now. Kagome turned to give him a pointed glare. She certainly enjoyed the attention he showered her with.. Each time she felt the slight ghost of his touch a warmth spread through her. The only problem was the fact that this was not the time or place for such antics.
Okita rolled his shoulders. His lips quirked into a self-satisfied smirk. She swore she was going to strangle him one of these days if he kept this up. It'd seemed that his only goal in life now was to frustrate her in the best way possible.
Chizuru's quiet hiss of frustration drew her attention away. Kagome fought the urge to rush forward. She would have to learn to fight on her own. The girl wobbled on her feet. Her stance was weak, and her breath labored by the effort it took to hold herself up after Maeda's strike.
"You need to brace yourself better."
Chizuru attempted to settle into a firmer stance. The young man nodded once in approval.
"Good, now there's a few things you can do when you see an enemy's strike." His finger crooked in a beckoning motion. Chizuru charged. She raised her kodachi above her head. The glean of silver in the light nearly blinded Kagome. She felt Okita come to stand beside her. His eyes were focused—unmoving from the training session occurring in front of them.
"They do good together." His voice was quiet enough so that only she would hear. Kagome gave a sound of agreement.
"First," Maeda tucked under her strike. He thrust his katana against her side, stopping just as the edge grazed against her haori. "Is to anticipate and counterattack. You'll need your speed to execute a maneuver like this." The teen slid back into his defensive stance. The point of Chizuru's throat shifted as she swallowed thickly. "The second is evading," She tried bringing her sword down onto him again. Maeda crouched low, rolling to the side and missing her attack by a wide margin.
Kagome nodded to herself. That was likely to be one of Chizuru's best options should she get caught up in the midst of battle. Tuck, roll and flee when she can. Living to fight another day was well worth its salt in tactics. Okita dipped his head towards her ear.
"Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on her while we're on patrol." His voice was warm and soothing—reminding her of all the reasons why she adored him so much. A smile touched her lips.
"I trust you."
The words were true in more ways than just one. It wasn't just with Chizuru but every aspect of their life now that she'd given her faith to him. She interlaced their fingers together. A slight jeer rose up from the crowd of men but one look from Okita caused them to quiet down. He was stern when he needed to be, but above all else he was respected.
The rest of the training went about as expected. Kagome had allowed Maeda to lead the session with Chizuru for the duration of their time. It'd be good for her to bond more with a few of the men from her husband's Division. She'd heard him discussing some of his concerns with the others about how they needed to do something to keep the rank-and-file soldiers from starting up rumors about her. This was just the excuse they needed to cut off the issue before it spiraled out of control.
"Alright, pack it up! We're heading out." Okita called an end to the training. The men gave a collective sigh of dread. Even though the weather was milder than it'd been, it was still difficult to trudge through the streets for so long without break. Her husband turned to face her. A furrow was creased along his brow. "Did you need anything while I was out?"
Kagome shook her head, "No, I'm fine. Only one thing." She beckoned him closer with a quick wave of her hand. Okita leaned down. "When you take Ono-san to meet Shippou I'd like to come with you. Can't say why but I've got an odd feeling about it." He rose to his full height. His eyes shifting from her to Hayato with a clouded look.
She folded her arms over her chest, "That wasn't a request." She knew exactly what he was deliberating on. She could see it written across his face like an open book. Okita tried his hardest to keep others from reading him, but to her, his motives were always easy to figure out. He had only two goals: protect his family and serve the Shinsengumi. All others were secondary in his perspective. It was an aspect of his personality that she appreciated. Any other man would have probably fled from her the moment they'd realized she wasn't exactly 'normal'. Okita was not that sort of man. He was dedicated; loyal in a way she'd never seen in a person before. It made her love him all the more for it.
The ronin sighed. He flashed her a wry smile, "I can't win with you, can I?"
"Of course not." Kagome teased back. She didn't have to look to know what came next. His lips felt soft and warm upon hers. His fingers curled all the tighter around hers—a silent reassurance that he'd abide by her wishes. At least for now. He could be tricky when he wanted to be. "See you tonight?" Kagome smiled.
"Tonight it is." His lips pressed against her brow in an affection gesture. He remained for a moment longer than what was usual for them. Kagome closed her eyes. She could never want anything more than this moment.
Okita trained his eyes on the crowd. He scanned each face meticulously, searching for any sign of suspicious activity. Chizuru padded quietly beside him. She kept one hand upon the hilt of her kodachi while she did her best to keep pace with him. The girl was still meek around them. She'd make an 'eep' and duck her head whenever he looked at her. Conversely, she'd taken to Maeda quite well. She practically stuck to the teen's side. The boy didn't seem to mind her company.
Okita kept pushing forward. He didn't like the idea of bringing Kagome to the meeting later. There was no telling how things would play out, let alone how Hayato would react to the news. It'd easily turn into a dangerous situation. His wife was a stubborn sort but that didn't make her impervious to attacks. Even if Hayato could accept that his sister was being held against her will, there was still the risk of Kagome getting too involved and becoming a target herself. She'd mention that she had the power to stave off an oni like Kazama. His stomach twisted uncomfortably at the thought. She was strong—there was no doubt in his mind about that. However that didn't make him comfortable with the thought of her being placed in harm's way.
"Is something wrong Captain?" Hayato fell into step beside him. "You've been unusually quiet since this morning."
Okita fought the urge to sigh. The man was too sharp for his own good. Okita gripped at katana a little tighter.
"There's someone I need you to meet tonight." He kept his voice low to avoid gathering the attention of the other men. "Kagome and I will be with you but shit can get serious real quick, if you know what I mean." He chose to give him some of the information involved. It'd be best to leave out the 'your sister is a captive' detail for later.
"An enemy?" Hayato's expression grew fierce.
Okita didn't respond. How could he? He had as much information as Hayato at this point.
"Keep on guard and don't lose your damn head." He lengthened his steps. Whatever would happen tonight would be entirely up to Hayato. He couldn't do anything else at this point.
Kagome peered under the engawa. A tuft of white fur bristled followed by the hunching of a tiny form. This was the third kitten she'd found today. Maybe a mother had given birth recently? The little feline gave a low meow at her unwelcome presence. Hijikata and the others weren't too fond of having them hang around, so she'd taken to ushering them out of the compound whenever she found them. It was difficult work but necessary all the same.
"Come on kitten. Don't you want to find a good home?" She stretched her hand towards it; still leaving just enough of a gap to avoid stressing it too much. The calico hissed—swiping a open-clawed paw at her finger. Kagome sighed. Well this wasn't going to work. Maybe there'd be some leftovers in the kitchen to draw it out.
She stopped at the sight of a familiar figure towering beside her. The young woman sat back on her haunches, a smile pulling at her lips.
"Did you come here to visit with the kitten, Saito-kun?"
Saito glanced between her and the cat. His brows were knitted in concern. However Kagome did not miss the small bag of treats he had clutched in his hand.
He looked away, "I was merely going to offer my help."
She rose to her feet, "That'd be greatly appreciated."
Kagome hadn't had much of a chance to talk to the other captains one-on-one like this. Sure she trained with them but simply visiting was on a whole other level. She wouldn't deny the slight twinge if sadness over her lost friends. She no longer had the option of just talking to people she was close to. Perhaps having moments like these were what she needed the most right now.
Kagome observed as Saito set out the treats on the ground. They moved out of the kitten's line of sight to allow it time to grow comfortable.
"Are you a fan of cats, Saito-kun?" It was a simple question meant to break the silence. However her companion's shoulders twitched uncomfortably.
"No, I merely decided to help. The Commander does not like having them in the compound." His words came off as strangely defensive.
A smile warmed her lips. Saito was a man of few words. It was his actions that indicated the things he felt. If he'd only done this out of a sense of obligation then he would not have brought the food.
Kagome clasped her hands behind her back, "Your secret is safe. Although," She looked around conspiratorially. "Hijikata-san doesn't normally do room checks. Plus they say it's going to get quite hot this year. I'm sure the kitten would do better as a pet then a stray."
His brows furrowed at the thought. Contemplation wrote itself across his expression. Maybe she was being a little sly here, but it was clear that Saito had a keen fondness for cats. That and she really didn't want to see the kitten become a homeless stray. Okita would probably help her hide it if she asked, however she had a feeling that the animal would do best with a man like Saito.
"I would need to think about this." The captain dropped his gaze to the tiny cat. It'd emerged from its hiding spot to feast upon the treats he'd left for it. The calico tipped its head towards him. It opened its mouth and gave a long, low meow of complaint once the food was gone.
Kagome grinned, "I think it's trying to tell you something."
Saito scooped the kitten into his arms. He brushed his fingers through its fur affectionately. The cat purred at the attention it was being given.
He cocked his head towards her, "Might I ask for your assistance with this?" Kagome didn't have to guess to understand what he meant. He had decided to keep the kitten. Which meant they would need a plan to keep it a secret from Hijikata.
She grinned, "Of course!"
Her eyes softened at the tiny yet happy smile that curved the corner of Saito's lips. He was a reserved man but that didn't mean that he was unfeeling. She trailed after him with a slight skip in her step. This was going to be fun.
Okita led his men back through the winding streets of Kyoto. Chizuru remained close to Maeda for the duration of their rounds. Now that the day was over he could safely claim that their issues would slowly subside the more she was allowed to join them. His gaze shifted back towards the arched gate of the Shinsengumi Headquarters.
As expected, Kagome was standing by the entrance for him. Her hands were clasped behind her back as her gaze sought him out.
"We're home," Okita teased, wrapping an arm around her waist as they approached. His wife grinned back at him.
"Welcome back. How'd things go?" They began the short walk towards the Yagi House. Chizuru trailed after then much like a shy child.
He gave her a wry smile, "Like shit. I've got to give my report to Hijikata-san but after that we'll head out." Okita cocked his head over his shoulder, "Hey short stuff!"
Chizuru jumped. She made a quick 'eep' of surprise before meeting his eyes.
"You did good out there." It was a praise he didn't like to give freely. The girl's face turned a stark shade of red before he turned back to face his wife. Kagome's smile was both warm and encouraging. He'd have to help the kid build her confidence. Being the main instructor for her wasn't going to work well in that end but he'd at least acknowledge her efforts. Kagome ran her hand down the length of his back. It was the wordless emphasis of her support for his decision.
Okita dipped his mouth next to her ear, "Want to spend some time together before we go?" His meaning wasn't lost on her. Kagome shot him an exasperated look.
"Later tonight." The words were a sweetly spoken promise; purposely remaining vague as to not tip off their guest still following behind them. He cast a cautious glance at the girl behind them. It seemed that he hadn't been as sly as he thought. Chizuru's face was flushed a deep shade of scarlet. Kagome pinched his side.
"Let's get going. I'll go talk to the others and get them ready while you give your report." His wife offered him a wide grin. "Just try not to take to long. Otherwise we just might leave without you."
Okita scowled. She did not just go there.
"Kagome," His voice was a low warning. The young woman shrugged her shoulders and smiled even wider.
"What? That's what you get for thinking about going without me earlier." She prodded at the side of his cheek with her index finger. "How does it feel?" Kagome was rarely the type to throw things back in his face. She'd always been kind, reassuring and overall just loving in general. With that said, it would seem as if he'd created a pit for himself when he'd let slip the notion of not taking her to the meeting with Shippou.
Okita gave a heavy sigh, "Fine, I get your point. I won't do that again." His lips pulled into a pout. "I can't win with you, can I?"
His wife smiled, "Never. So better to just accept that fact now and learn from it."
His heart warmed at the playful attitude she'd taken on. Slowly over their time here at the Shinsengumi she'd began to work her way out of the shell she'd protected herself with. No longer was she shy and meek—but a confident woman who actively took part in their training sessions and was quickly earning the respect of the men in their organization. There would always be those who opposed her presence here but he could deal with them as they came up.
The ronin's lips quirked upwards. Now all he had to do was just everything sorted for tonight.
Hayato shifted awkwardly. Kagome stood beside him with a small smile upon her lips. She'd sought him out while Okita had gone to report to the Commander. He'd already heard from him before that they were going to meet someone later that evening but who and for what reason he had no idea.
By the time the Captain arrived it was already well past dark.
The man gave a sigh as he approached his wife, "That took longer than expected." He curled his arm around her shoulders protectively. "But I managed to get permission for us to be out past curfew. So there's that."
Azure eyes flicked to him in a playful manner, "You blackmailed him, didn't you?"
Okita looked away. A sly smirk stretched across his lips, giving the only answer they needed for that question.
Hayato shifted again. Why was he being dragged along for this again?
He'd rather not be involved if it had anything to do with pissing off the Commander.
Hayato trailed behind the couple. His hand remained upon the hilt of his blade. Onyx eyes shifted from one side of the alley to the next. They'd walked these streets every day. The suspicious glares would have been enough to drive off any sane man; but the Shinsengumi was a stubborn force. Not one of them would be cowed so easily by the locals dislike for their presence. His lips dipped downwards.
Something about this meeting caused his stomach to coil uncomfortably. Where were they going? Who were they meeting? Also why was Okita being so guarded? His eyes shifted towards the man's stiff posture. He had his arm wound tightly around his wife—a genial smile was upon his lips but something fiercely protective glinted in his eyes.
Hayato was used to Okita's bouts of possessiveness and overprotective nature where Kagome was involved. What was unusual was how close he was guarding her this time. Typically he'd allow her some space. Not this time. The man was practically melded to her side.
She didn't seem to mind it at the very least.
Conversely Kagome kept her hand at the small of his back. She'd flash him a reassuring smile and a warm look whenever she'd notice his discomfort raising. The two really did operate on a deep level. It were as if they could instinctively understand what the other was feeling.
The group paused as they came upon a familiar restaurant.
"Wasn't this where we ran into Higurashi Daisuke?" His brows furrowed. Okita hadn't been keen on the man at the time. The use of Kagome's maiden name had thrown him off—as too did his interest in her presence overall. Perhaps Okita had talked to him afterwards and sorted the issue?
He thought carefully. That would make sense but what would they need his presence for if it was sorted? Why bring Kagome if he felt there was a credible threat? This was getting strange.
"Smart man," Okita drawled with a slight jesting tone. "Yes, this is the same place. He's got something he needs to talk to you about. Just don't flip your shit."
The man paused mid step, "Flip shit?" Was that a new saying people were using now? He hadn't heard of it before. Okita was known by his peers for adopting 'strange' colloquialisms as of late. A few had put it down to his time spent with Kagome's family yet she rarely seemed to use them herself.
Okita rolled his eyes, "Just get your ass in here before we get caught."
Hayato didn't need to hear anymore before he stepped into the familiar setting. The restaurant was just as he remembered it before. Quaint, lit by the ample paper lamps and the tables and chairs shifted out of the way of the center to allow for them to gather.
"As, so you did decide to come after all. I was beginning to wonder if I'd gotten stood up." The man he knew as Daisuke approached them. His features grew soft as he glanced down at Kagome. "This one's been taking care of you, right?" The flicker of affection in his gaze rattled something in Hayato. He did not look related to her in the slightest yet carried her maiden name. What more could be between their relationship?
The young woman waved her hand in a placating manner, "Oh Souji's always been kind. You shouldn't worry so much." Her smile widened as she took her husband's hand. "I couldn't be happier."
For the first time he spotted his captain blushing. He blinked once then twice before the image fully registered. Now that was something he didn't see every day. His lips curled upwards. It was nice to see the man let down his guard once in a while. Figures it'd take Kagome praising him to make that happen.
Daisuke laughed, "Well that's perfect then. Anyways," His gaze shifted towards him. "You're Ono Hayato correct?" The shop keeper offered him a polite inclination of his head. "The real name is Shippou and I think we've got a few things to discuss."
Saito fumbled as he cradled the calico in his arms. He'd gotten in way over his head. The feline purred incessantly. Its little claws kneaded at his chest and shoulder with a great amount of affection. Kagome had said that she'd help him care for it if the need ever arose. He was grateful for the offer. However Kagome was not here right now and the kitten had decided that he made a perfect claw sharpener. His brows furrowed.
Gently, he took its paws between his fingers and held them; preventing the kitten from digging its claws into his skin any further.
"That's enough." He tried to ease the cat off of him. Instead it gave a low mewl of disappointment—curling up in his lap and staring at him with an unshakable gaze. Were cats always this determined? He moved his hands to come his fingers through its fur.
Saito wouldn't deny the caution he felt when the news of Okita's marriage had first broke. None of them truly had any faith that the man had secured a wife the proper way. He was prone to temper tantrums, was fiercely guarded and often treated women coldly. He was the sort of person who kept everyone at a distance except Kondou. His respect was hard to earn but once it was there, it was forever.
To imagine a woman who'd so completely captured him and vice versa had been difficult to imagine.
The first time he saw her, he didn't really think much. Harada, Nagakura and Heisuke had been gossiping in the days leading up to her arrival—but at that moment there was no stunning reveal except her impeccable manners. It was clear early on that Kagome was the voice of reason for Okita. Her influence had calmed him and offered balance in his personality where none had been previously. That'd been evident in the way he'd handled Chizuru's arrival.
Saito scratched at the calico's ears. What stood out the most to him was during their battle. Kagome was fierce. She fought with her heart upon her sleeve. Her moves were elegant and honed—a far cry from the amateur he'd expected her to be. Perhaps that'd been his own bias speaking, but he found her skills far superior to many of the new recruits he'd scouted previously. It was nice to know that she'd be able to handle herself and wouldn't require twenty-four seven protection. Okita had done well to round out her techniques before he brought her to the compound.
Cobalt eyes narrowed as his door slid open. Harada appeared at the entry way. A wry grin split his lips as he looked between him and the cat upon his lap.
"You mind having some company?" He raised a bottle of sake. "I'll keep my mouth shut about the kitten."
Saito sighed, "Very well." It wasn't as if he could deny him in the first place either. He was stuck between a rock and a hard place.
The red-head slid into a spot beside him. He popped the cap of the bottle before pouring them both drinks.
"I've been thinking a lot lately," Harada started the conversation. "She's really done a good job smoothing him out, hasn't she?" He was referencing Kagome.
Saito nodded once, "Yes." He took a drink from his cup. The sake burned at his throat as it went down. "He's matured since she's arrived."
Harada leaned back onto his palm, "You got that right. Although he's got a mean streak in him." His lips pulled into a playful grin. "Half the guys in his Division have a crush on her. He caught one of them trying to show off some of his battle scars to her. Souji just about chased the idiot out of the compound before she calmed him down." Harada took a drink. "Not the first time he's done something like that either."
Saito felt his lips quirk, "He threatened to skewer a new recruit that Heisuke brought back."
Harada grinned even wider, "Yeah I remember that. His guys thought it'd be funny to haze the newbie. Told him that she was single or something like that and Souji was only her guardian. Poor man was in for it the moment he walked up to her."
Saito gave a noncommittal grunt in reply. If he recalled correctly, the recruit in question had to be sent to Dr. Matsumoto for several days due to the injuries Okita had inflicted upon him. Granted that was mostly due to the fact that he wouldn't walk away either. Hijikata had been less than thrilled at his subordinates' behavior and punished them both to house arrest for several days. Okita's punishment had been served immediately but the recruits was fulfilled the moment he returned from his say with the doctor.
Those had been some rather unpleasant times.
Harada looked towards the kitten curled into a tiny ball upon his lap, "I take it she was the one that convinced you to keep it, huh?"
Busted.
Saito didn't respond that time. He focused on his sake; taking another drink as if he hadn't heard the question in the first place.
Harada gave a breathy laugh, "Alright I get it. You're not gonna say." He filled their cups once more. "But just so you know, Hijikata is planning on doing a room check in the morning. You'll have to put it somewhere out of sight for the time being."
The ronin blinked then nodded, "I will see to it that it will not cause an issue."
They both fell back into silence for several minutes.
"You know," Harada finally started. "I've been meaning to ask." Golden eyes shifted onto him intently. "Is there a reason why you can't tell her no? I sort of noticed it before." He went on to explain. "But whenever something comes up you're usually the first person she asks to help her. I've never actually seen you tell her no even when you're busy." There was something suspicious in the way he addressed him. "Is there a reason for it?"
Saito stopped. He paused, looking down at the feline in his lap before glancing back at his comrade. Of course there was a reason. It wasn't as nefarious as Harada was probably suspecting but it was a valid one all the same.
His lips pulled into a tiny smile, "Because she's Souji's wife." Harada shot him a unimpressed look. He pressed forward, "I respect Souji but I also respect her. If he'd chosen her and taken her into this compound with the knowledge that their life would not be easy then I cannot in good faith make it any harder for them." He polished off the last of his alcohol. "Kagome is strong in many ways. If she's what's keeping Souji together and functioning in a more positive manner than I will do what I can to ensure her comfort as well when he cannot. That is all."
Harada remained unconvinced, "So that's it? No one-sided feelings starting to bud anywhere?"
Saito met his gaze, "None." The words were the truth. His respect for Kagome and Okita were what drove him. Nothing else. Not ever.
Harada allowed a small smile to grace his lips, "Damn you're a better man than me, Hajime." A slight glint of mirth reflected in his eyes. "She's pretty cute."
He felt his lips quirk even further up. He would not deny that.
Kagome sucked a breath between her lips. Her eyes shifted between Shippou's stiff form and Hayato's pinched expression. Okita rubbed his thumb against her knuckles in a soothing manner. She relaxed at his touch. No matter what happened tonight, they were in this together.
"What do you mean she's been taken captive?" Hayato's voice grew sharp. "I thought the last person she spoke with was Captain Harada?"
Both she and her husband looked up at that. A flash of realization flickered across his expression before it settled. Kagome curled her fingers around his all the tighter. So that was the reason why he'd joined the Shinsengumi. He wanted to investigate his sister's disappearance.
"Harada may have been the last person who'd spoken to her but there is no doubt that Kazama is holding Kayo captive." Shippou opened his palm. The blue flame of his fox fire curled around each dexterous finger. Within the center it coiled and furled; creating an image of a young woman that looked remarkably like Katsumi. Kagome blinked—staring at it for a long moment. The girl in the image was resting her head upon her arm. Her eyes were unfocused as she stared out into the scenery beyond her window. She was thin; her face sunken and a glimmer of despair hanging over her. Kagome felt her heart twist. That look did not suit her—not one bit.
"He's going to attempt to make Kayo his wife. He's dead set on creating a pure bloodline and will use her to make that happen." The image in Shippou's palm shifted and curled. The girl suddenly transformed into an image of men with fearsome expressions and blood splattered clothes. "Kazama has been working with someone capable of instilling oni attributes in regular people. Only downside is that they have a nasty case of bloodlust."
Okita went stiff. His eyes sharpened as he glared over at their host.
"What do you mean by 'oni attributes'?"
Shippou shot him a stern glance, "Improved strength, faster healing and damn near immortality on the battlefield." The fox allowed the fire in his palm to die away. "However that power comes at a price. I've seen those things turn to ash right in front of me. I think the strain burns away at their life span until nothing is left."
She traced her thumb along the knuckle of his own. Kagome turned her head to cast him a quick glance. They'd have to talk about this later tonight. If what Shippou was saying was true then there was a high chance that the things he was referencing were the furies. Their bloodlust was one thing but did their lives truly end that quickly by comparison? Her brows furrowed.
"What does Kazama want to use them for?" She steered the conversation in a different direction.
The fox slumped in his seat, "I'm not entirely sure but he's with the Satsuma*. Those guys have been itching for a fight for a while."
Okita gave a slight grunt, "Yeah and they're gonna find one too if they keep at it." She didn't bother to correct him for that statement. It was true to some extent. Her mind ran through the possibilities. Satsuma… why exactly did that name sound familiar? She cocked her head to the side. Were they important somehow?
Kagome tapped her chin, "It's one thing for this Kazama to secure pureblood lineage for his future offspring," She gave Hayato an apologetic. "But why make a pact and use such creatures in the first place? He has to have another goal if he's utilizing both."
The four were silent for several moments. The information didn't make much sense. What purpose would Kazama have to capture both Ono Kayo and use the furies? It seemed overkill.
Hayato was the first to speak, "He wants to restore oni reign." At first she wasn't sure that he'd spoken at all. Until the shadows over his face darkened with the flicker of fury. "Once, a very long time ago, the oni ruled the lands and kept other youkai at bay. They'd established a pact with the humans and kept them protected so long as they adopted the oni culture as their own."
Both she and Okita leaned forward. This was the first time she was hearing anything about this. Sure she'd known that taiyoukai* existed but their image did nothing but instill fear in the locals they presided over.
The dark-haired male crossed his arms over his chest, "Oni were one of the first youkai to be able to hold human-like forms. As such they were able to live peacefully amongst their kind for several generations. The blood became intermixed and weakened in the time that'd passed. Now most oni are either half blood or less." He scratched behind his head. "Myself and Kayo are one of the few remaining 'full bloods'. Ono, Yukimura, Kazama and Gozen. Those are the four families that ruled over all oni."
Shippou nodded vigorously, "That's right. So if an oni were to try to 'keep the lines pure' they'd have to search out one of the heirs of those four families."
Kagome mulled it over, "So are you saying that Kazama wants to have an heir and raise an army capable of defeating humankind?"
Okita stepped in, "That and establishing a new reign of oni leadership over humanity once more. If he's gonna do that though he'll have to fight with the shogunate."
All eyes widened at that moment.
"He's going to start a war." Kagome felt bile rise at the back of her throat.
"And using the battlefield to feed the bloodlust of his soldiers would be the perfect setting to turn the tides." Hayato added in. An uncomfortable feeling settled over them. His eyes narrowed as he faced Shippou once more, "What do you need me to do?"
Shippou pressed his lips into a thin line, "I was going to have you protest their marriage. However with this extra knowledge I think it might be best if we just got her out of there as quickly as possible." The fox glanced towards her. "We'll need your help for this one if you're feeling up to it. You don't have to force yourself."
Her husband went rigid beside her. She knew that he opposed the idea of her getting involved in these matters. It wasn't so much that he didn't think that she couldn't handle herself, but rather that he worried she'd push herself far too hard. Kagome gave him a reassuring smile.
"I'll do it." Her smile sharpened, "Besides, I think it's about time we put a certain oni back in his place."
Okita woke to a weight upon his chest. He lifted his arm and rested it over his eyes. He didn't have to look to know what, or rather who, it was. His jaw clenched. He'd expected Hayato to burst out in rage and anger—he just didn't expect for Kagome to be drawn into another fight. As her husband was it not his job to keep her safe from dangers? Yet here he was, dragging her right back into the same shit hole she'd pulled herself out of in the first place. His heart wrenched in his chest; heavy with the guilt he felt. He promised Momo that he'd make Kagome happy. Part of that would mean keeping her safe as well.
His free hand came to rest in the thick of her hair. He'd need to talk to her and soon. This whole situation was starting to eat at him.
"Souji," Kagome murmured into his bared chest. The heat of her breath caused his flesh to warm. His expression lightened. He felt her arms brace themselves upon his shoulders as she sat up. "You've got that look." Her index finger prodded at his cheek in a playful manner.
"What look?" He gave her a warm smile.
His wife was as unconvinced by it as he was, "The one where you look like the world is falling in on you." She sat up. Her thighs wrapped around his waist as she straddled him—preventing him from moving. "You do realize that I'm not an idiot, right?" That time she poked the tip of his nose to emphasize her point.
Okita didn't have the heart to swat it away, "I never said you were." He never thought it either. Not even once. The notion that she'd believe that he'd think of her in such of way bothered him even more. Had he done something to give her that idea?
Kagome pursed her lips into a thin line, "Maybe not but I know that you're upset. So don't try to bottle it up inside of you. I did that before and look where it got me. I'm still having trouble opening up to people because I put too much pressure on myself back then. I have to relearn how to let my guard down. I don't want you to go through that."
He stopped, looking up at her carefully as she continued.
"You're an amazing person, Souji. I know that the only reason why you weren't keen on me going last night was because you didn't want me to get dragged into another fight." Her lips quirked up into a tiny smile. "Is that right?"
She got him.
He spread his arms out in defeat, "You're right." Okita didn't try to deny it. What was the point? She was the best at piercing through his guards and seeing the shifts in his moods in an instant. There would never be another woman like her.
He took his chance to explain, "Kid, I may not know everything that happened but it left scars." It was in the way she couldn't open up to others without great difficulty. It was in the terror she felt at the sight of blood. It was in the subtle nervous glances she'd given him when she thought he wasn't looking.
The ronin lifted his finger to trace along the high bone of her cheek. His eyes softened at her. "I made a promise and I'm not going to go back on that. Right now the only thing I want is for you to be happy. I don't want you to feel like you have to go diving back into that kind of shit just because you're asked to." His eyes narrowed. "If it's something you truly want to do then I'll support it but I don't want you to feel like you're being forced into it."
Okita sucked a breath through his nose. What he had to say next would be difficult but it was absolutely necessary. "Would you have said yes if it were anyone else asking?"
His wife stilled. Her eyes sought his; searching for an answer. Then her expression warmed. He felt her hand upon his cheek.
"I think that I probably would've said yes regardless." Her fingers shifted to lace together with his own. "This situation isn't the same as before. First of all, I've got you." He smiled at her as she grinned. Something about that was purely infectious. "Secondly, I'm not being forced in any way. I want to help because it's something I can do. We can talk about our hard line boundaries before we start on this though if that'll help reassure you as well." She sat further back, dropping her palms to his stomach in order to balance herself.
Okita wrapped his hands around her waist in return, "That's a no-brainer." His lips curled into a wide smirk. "But if you want to start there then let's start with this. Don't be reckless." He raised his legs behind her back to give her more support. "I need my wife alive and healthy, thank you very much."
Kagome laughed, "That's a given. No recklessness here!"
He threw her an unamused look, "Really? Then what do you call that fight you had with Daichi the other day?"
His wife suddenly turned a bright shade of red. His lips pulled upwards. Just as he thought.
"What? He was the one who started it." Kagome turned her nose up in the air. "Shouldn't pick fights that he can't finish."
Okita quirked his brow, "So you threw him across the room?" He knew that he was needling her a bit but it was good to have a little bit of fun during these sorts of conversations. It kept things from getting to stiff between them.
"Hey, he asked for it with his comment about our sex habits." He felt her lean into his legs, pushing herself further away from his grip.
The ronin gave a throaty laugh, "I mean he was right that we're something of fiends when it comes to sex." He allowed his voice to shift into something sultry. "Want to have a go right now? I mean the others are fast asleep and Hijikata is in Osaka with Sanan."
Kagome laughed wildly as hauled her atop of him.
"I think you've already got your answer."
He smirked. That he did.
Chizuru paused. Her face flushed as she reminded herself not to pry. A feminine moan caused her cheeks to burn. She never thought she'd hear such things. Especially not like this.
The young woman turned her attention to the plethora of light-blue haori strewn about her room. She'd chanced by Hijikata before he and Sanan had left for Osaka a few days prior. She'd asked him for a few additional chores to tend to while he was away. Sure going to the training with the Okita family and their Division was one thing but it did little for the boredom she felt while stuck in the compound. Walking about freely wasn't an option either. Hijikata had made that much clear. Therefore, he'd ordered her to mend the cloth of the other soldiers Shinsengumi haori.
She clenched her fists with determination.
"I can do this!"
That time she heard Kagome cry out. Chizuru flushed again. Would it be possible to work somewhere else though? The sounds finished and she was left wondering if it would be polite to inform them that they'd had an audience.
Chizuru shook her head, "Now isn't the time." Her eyes narrowed on the cloth at her feet. "Just got to get through this!" She dove head first into her work. The hours passed like minutes. Soon, she'd nearly forgotten about the incident overall.
The door to her room slid open with a mighty force.
"Chizuru!" Heisuke barged in. His head swiveled around as he looked for her. "Hey, where'd she go?"
"Down here." She laughed a little—realizing that he hadn't noticed her on the floor.
"Whoa! What are you doing?" The teen squatted beside her. His bright eyes widened as he took in the scene around them. "It looks like you've got your hands full."
Chizuru smiled, "Oh I asked Hijikata-san for some work to do before he left. This is what he gave me." She pulled the haori taut to emphasize the stitching across a previously torn seam. "You guys are pretty rough with your clothes, huh?"
Heisuke rubbed the back of his neck, "Yeah well it's not like we're all that popular around here anyways." He stared at the pile of clothing with an odd look. "You're not a maid, you know." The voice was calm, collected almost. It cut through her much the way a blade would. In that moment she remembered that it was not simply another teenage boy that she was speaking to; but rather a man who'd proved himself worthy to be called a Captain of the Shinsengumi.
"Doing all this isn't going to make your situation any better."
She pulled the haori close to her chest, "That may be true but doing this is makes it easier to take my mind off of my father." Chizuru lowered her gaze to her lap. "There's only so much I can do. Okita-san was kind enough to allow me to go with him on his rounds but we haven't made much headway in finding my father. At the very leasing filling the gaps in my day with chores keeps my mind from wandering. The more I sit here and stew, the crazier I'll get worrying about him."
Heisuke fell silent. A flash of guilt wrote itself across his features. She knew that the men here had their own motives. Their priorities would lie with the Shinsengumi first and foremost. She was merely the outsider that was permitted mercy until further notice. She knew that she was little more than a prisoner to them. Heisuke's caution towards her was well warranted. She couldn't fault him for that… even if it did hurt.
"I'm sorry," He apologized quickly. "I didn't think…"
The door slid open once more, "Do you ever think?" It was Okita that time. A sly grin played across his lips as he surveyed the two of them. "This idiot said something stupid again, didn't he?" His thumb jutted in Heisuke's direction accusatorially.
"Oh no, I wouldn't say that!" A flame of embarrassment rushed through her. Should she defend him? Should she cover for him? What was she supposed to do?
"It's alright short stuff. You can smack him around if he pisses ya off." Okita wrapped his arm around Heisuke's neck. "I do it."
"Souji!" The teen clawed at the older male's arm desperately. "Let go!"
Okita's grin grew malicious, "Nope! Not until you cry mercy!" Their wrestling moved outside where Okita had dragged him. Heisuke tried his hardest to wring himself from the other Captain's grip but to no avail.
"Fine, mercy damn it! Mercy!"
The ronin let him go in a heap. Heisuke clutched his neck with his palm, breathing deeply; as if he never thought he'd ever be able to breathe again.
"What'd you bust in here for anyways?" The teen scowled. The mark on his neck became red and bruised. Was this really considered play fighting around here? Chizuru remained rooted to her spot.
Okita casually leaned against the side of her shoji screen, "The wife says that dinner's ready. So get your scrawny ass in the Common Room." His gaze shifted towards her. "You too short stuff. Hijikata-san is out so we can sneak you around a little bit more."
Her face flushed, "But I couldn't ask that of you! What if you get in trouble?"
Okita's grin grew wide, "Then I'll sick Kagome on him. He'll shut down if she so much as scolds him. Man's got a soft spot for strong women." He whispered the words as if they were a conspiracy.
Chizuru blanched. Would that be alright? Could she defy the Commander's orders?
A thick palm wrapped around her wrist, "Come on. The others are waiting. Plus I know Kagome wants to see you there." Okita pulled her out of the room and down the hall. It looked like she wouldn't get a choice in the matter.
Heisuke trailed after them. His face was still drawn and dark. Should she say something to him? The young woman stretched her hand out. She managed to curl her fingers around his before offering him a tiny smile. The teen stared at her before returning the smile with a weaker one of his own. At the very least she wouldn't hold it against him.
"Let's go." She smiled even wider at him.
Okita didn't have to look behind him to know what'd happened. Kagome had asked him to fetch the girl for dinner and he'd managed to grasp the final part of their conversation. His feelings were similar to Heisuke's at the moment. The girl was an unknown factor. Her ties to the Yukimura oni clan were compounded in his issues with her. However he knew that Kagome would grow upset if Chizuru were to feel alienated in any way. Her situation wasn't by any fault of her own. She was just in a bad place at a bad time. Nothing she could've done.
Teasing Heisuke was just his revenge for having unknowingly put him in a bad spot.
"Brought the stragglers!" Okita dragged the other two into the Common Room behind him. Harada and Nagakura were already waiting in their usual seats. "We decided to bring the shrimp with us today. The wife's orders so no bitchin' about it."
He knew that the others wouldn't complain. Harada had been voicing his concerns about keeping the girl under such strict surveillance. He was a gentleman through and through. Not that he could knock him for it. Okita knee that he could be a bit of pushover himself in certain situations.
"This spot is open." The red-head patter the empty seat beside him with a genial smile. "Don't worry about us and just relax."
Chizuru made her way over timidly. She curled her hands towards her chest and nodded once. She didn't speak. It was a habit of hers. Any time she was scared or stressed she'd clam up into her little shell of silence. So far on Inoue, Kondou and Kagome could encourage her to speak when she got like this.
Heisuke took the spot opposite of Nagakura, "Who made dinner this time anyways?"
Okita sat across from them, "Kagome and Hajime-kun. Last I checked they were making miso with the leftovers." Then she'd promptly kicked him out of the kitchen after he'd dumped their stock of green onions into the compost. He'd seen Kagome angry once before but his dear wife was bordering on the vicious when she'd caught him.
"I'm so jealous!" Nagakura started in on him. "You got to eat like this every day when you were with her family." The other Captain's face soured with his palpable envy. "You just brought her here to rub it in, didn't you? You could've bought a private residence for yourself but you wanted to flaunt her in front of everybody."
Okita felt his grin turn sharp. He'd been caught. Hell Hijikata had put that together the first night they'd arrived at the Shinsengumi. He wasn't happy about it but he also wasn't in any position to tell him no either. Besides more than just flaunting his amazing wife, what he really wanted was to be near both Kagome and Kondou. He couldn't fight if he was so far removed from the action.
"Don't go causing trouble," Kagome appeared at the entry way. Her arms were full with trays; making her lean heavily to one side. Okita shot up. He ran to her, quickly grabbing a few from her grasp before she tumbled over.
"Thanks dear, but that doesn't mean that you're not in trouble." Azure eyes flicked to his suspiciously. Okita tried to remain casual. If he didn't play his cards right then he was looking at the next several days without sex.
"When isn't he causing trouble?" Nagakura sniffed. He took a tray from Kagome as Saito followed in behind them. "He's got a knack for being a jackass."
Okita didn't bother to argue that point. Why would he? It was true on some level. Hijikata always did like to call him 'twisted'. He just liked to prove his point.
The three helped set up the food. Once everyone was settled he took up a seat beside his wife. Saito took the spot on her opposing side.
Kagome sighed, "You just can't help yourself, can you?"
Okita smirked, "Never."
Her gaze shifted towards their guest. She pointed an index finger in his direction, "Just let me know if this one causes you trouble Chizuru-chan. I'll deal with him." The sickly sweet smile playing upon his wife's lips caused his stomach to cool uncomfortably. Now that just wasn't fair.
Chizuru waved her hands frantically, "Oh no, I couldn't! You've both been nothing but understanding. I don't want to cause either of you any issues."
Okita fought the urge to sigh. There she went again. The excessive apologies and meek demeanor. Chizuru wasn't a bad person but she had a habit of over-apologizing. She wasn't all that different from someone else he knew. His gaze slid back to Kagome.
Her smile was warm as she addressed the younger girl, "If you say so. Now eat! You must be starved after all the work you put in earlier." Her grin widened. "I took a peek earlier while you were busy. Hijikata-san really gave you quite the work load, didn't he?"
Chizuru flushed, "Oh no I prefer things that way. I'm not as restless when I have things to do."
The conversation settled as Nagakura and Heisuke began to fight over food. This was a nightly occurrence. It was part of the reason why he liked taking Kagome out for dinner frequently. It got tiresome dealing with their antics every day. Plus it was nice to be able to get away for a few hours.
Saito was largely silent during the conversation. Oddly enough he only spoke when someone addressed him directly. His quirked his brow at that. Was something on his mind?
The door slid back once more. All eyes turned towards the aging man. Inoue's expression was drawn. His lips were pressed thin as his face took on a pale sheen.
"What's wrong?" Okita was the first to question his appearance.
His eyes sharpened, "We just received word that Sanan was injured."
Just like that, the jovial atmosphere ended.
A/N: I'd actually wanted to push a little further plot-wise in this chapter but then I remembered that I hadn't gotten to Sanan's injury yet. So I have to tackle that now and then in chapter twenty nine I can dive deeper into the main plot while reintroducing another character from Inuyasha. Not going to spoil which one just yet. ;)
Also I do apologize for the long wait on this one. I ended up trying to rework things plot wise and see about speeding things up a bit since I felt that it was starting to drag a little. So hopefully I can start pushing a little further in chapter twenty nine and start in on the main bulk of the conflict for the story. If my estimations are correct then hopefully the big section will hit around chapter 35. So we'll see.
Anyways thanks so much guys! You're all the best for sticking around even when I hit these awful dry spells.
**Satsuma – The Satsuma Domain encompasses the Satsuma, Ōsumi and Hyūga provinces in Japan. During the Bakumatsu Era this domain opposed the Bakufu* forces. In game, Kazama Chikage served under this domain.
**Bakufu — Also known as the Tokugawa Shogunate, it was the last Feudal Japanese Military Government that lasted from 1603 to 1867. The Shinsengumi served under this government.