I turn another page of the notebook in my hands. I bit the pen in my hand thinking, and then I write something on the page. A voice nearby says <<i can't believe that you really are doing your homework>> I look up, seeing that Okita is watching me annoyed.

He's lying in his futon, with a heavy blanket that covers him. I sigh, happy that in this new headquarters the rooms are bigger. The last time I tried to do my homework near him, he kept stealing my pen because he's bored...so now I'm in the corner of the room, and he can't distract me too much.

I shrug <<i don't have nothing better to do, so why not? Besides, I don't want to fail the exams>> he sulks and sits up <<you are always using that excuse, it's getting boring. I'm going for a walk>> and he stands up, but then he begins to cough. I quickly stand up, but at the same time he fells on his knees. I run toward him <<Okita!>> but he covers his mouth with his hand <<stay...cough...stay away!>> and he continues to cough.

I sit near him and frown seeing blood on his fingers, so I take a handkerchief from my yukata and offer it to him.

He roughly takes it and covers his mouth...and in a few seconds the handkerchief becomes red. I look at the scene sad, without be able to do anything more...and after a long minute he stops to cough. He doesn't look at me, but we didn't need to say anything. His tuberculosis is getting worse.

Also Hijikata forced Okita to stay in bed, and he also forbidden him to work and go on patrols. He understood that Okita has something serious, and he's trying to help...but for this Okita is really upset.

Right now it's autumn, and Kondo-san asked me to stay with Okita and look after him, because it's getting cold and he always try to go outside. However, I can't really do anything to help him...so at lest I want to stay at his side and keep him company.

Okita sighs and frowns <<don't look at me like that, or I'll kill you>> I blink surprised <<like what?>> but he still doesn't look at me <<like I can no longer do anything. I...i can still be useful to Kondo-san>> I nod, happy to see that he still want to fight his tuberculosis <<i have no doubt, but right now...it's best if you rest a little more>> and I put a hand on his shoulder <<it's almost dinner time, and I'm sure someone will call us soon>> and then we will be able to go out and walk a little, because we still eat with the others in the main hall.

Okita didn't answer, but puts a cold grin on his face <<now that I think about it... I haven't killed someone for the Shinsengumi in a long time>> I roll my eyes <<yeah, but at least now your clothes are not always covered with blood. it's really difficult to wash it away, you know? Me and Chizuru washed your uniform a lot of times and it wasn't funny>> he chuckles a little <<tell me more about your home>> and he puts away the bloody handkerchief.

I blink surprised <<again? What do you want to know this time?>> but he lies down, placing his head on my legs <<what's your favorite thing about living with a bunch of yokai?>> I blush a little, and casually caress his head <<well...it's difficult to answer because I like many things about that>> and I smile nostalgic, thinking about everyone <<there are a lot of demons inside my house, and they are really a lively group...so I always had a lot of fun>> I grin <<after all...grandpa and dad already killed or kicked out the problematic ones, so the most part of who remain are really good people, like Tsurara for example>> Okita asks <<the yuki onna inside your memories, right? The legend about them says that they like to kill people during snowstorms, but she didn't look even able to hurt a fly>> I laugh <<you're right, but she can be dangerous if she wants, trust me>> but he hums unconvinced.

I continue to caress his head <<you have to understand that many legends about yokai only describes something that happened a long time ago. Yes, a yuki onna maybe killed someone during a snowstorm in the past, but this doesn't mean that every yuki onna likes to kill people. Every yokai can be good or evil, it depends on them...but many humans wrongly believe that they are just cruel and heartless monsters. This is why my mum always says that it doesn't matter if in front of you there is a demon or a human...you can't judge anyone before knowing them, because everyone who lives in this world have a heart and deserve a chance>> he looks at me <<hmm, your mum looked really young>> and he closes his eyes.

I nod <<yes, her name is Wakana. She is kind and cheerful, and I really love her. She is really clumsy, but everyday she tries to cook or do something to help everyone>> I chuckle <<she is that type of person who always know what to say, and everyone at home love and respect her. She and Chizuru are close friends, and they often drink tea together with grandpa>> and I sigh, missing them.

He opens his eyes and looks at me, but didn't say anything. I look at him with curiosity <<what?>> but then someone knock on the door.

He sits up, and Inoue-san enters in the room <<sorry, I don't want to disturb you...but it's important. I need that you come with me in the main hall>> we nod and stand up.

In a few minutes we reached the main hall with Inoue-san, seeing that inside there are already Harada, Nagakura and Chizuru.

I sit near her, and she smiles at me...but then Harada asks <<why did you called us here Gen-san?>> and he crosses his arms. Inoue-san frowns <<because something happened. Sakamoto Ryouma has been assassinated>> and we widen our eyes surprised.

I didn't met Sakamoto, but I've heard of him a lot lately. He was a ronin allied with Satsuma and Choshu, so the people on the Shogunate's side wanted him dead...but a few months ago he did an important political move. I don't really understand politics, but he somehow prevented Satsuma and Choshu from starting a war against the Shogunate, making them really angry.

After his crazy gesture also Satsuma and Choshu wanted him dead...so he was the most hunted ronin in the country.

I don't even know what face he had, but I feel sorry for him...because with his actions he prevented a big war, where many innocent people would have died without reason.

Harada frowns <<you serious, Gen-san? Do they know who did it?>> but Nagakura sighs with a serious face <<Sakamoto had a lot of enemies, the list is long. Could have been imperialists or loyalists. Hell, it could have just been personal, in which case my money's on Miura of Kishu>> and he snaps his tongue.

Okita chuckles <<you think maybe they're looking at us for it?>> I glare at him <<i really hope not. The Shinsengumi's reputation is really bad at the moment, and last thing you need is that someone accuse you of a murder so important>> but Okita continues to smile <<i only think that if the bastard was gonna get killed anyway, I should've done 'im in>> I roll my eyes annoyed, knowing that right now is useless try to reason with him because he is in a bad mood.

Nagakura looks at him disturbed <<that's, uh, not very funny coming from you. In fact, weren't we specifically told to leave him alone?>> I nod, remembering when Hijikata told everyone that <<Hijikata said that he was an important political figure, so the Shogunate ordered to Kondo-san to leave him alone>> Inoue-san nods <<she's right. It was a decision made far above us...unfortunately, the rest of the country is unlikely to see it that way>> and he becomes really serious <<a scabbard belonging to member of the Shinsengumi was found at the scene of his death. There has been a request for an official inquiry>> and we all freeze, shocked.

After a moment Chizuru asks, with a timid voice <<a scabbard? Is that really enough evidence?>> I shake my head, crossing my arms <<i doubt that. In my time the story would have been different, because thanks to the fingerprints on it we could have identified the killer...but it's not possible to do it here>> Harada nods <<it's incredible that in your time is possible to find a killer with only fingerprints...but you're right, we can't do that and the scabbard is not enough evidence, but if it's necessary I'm sure they'll just fabricate more because it's obviously a ruse. Who are they saying it belonged anyway?>> but Inoue-san looks directly at him <<actually, they say it was yours, Harada>> and he sighs.

We all look at Harada with shock, and even him turns pale. Chizuru immediately yells <<what?! it's impossible!>> and I nod angry <<everyone know that Harada fights with a spear, not with a sword! The bastard who invented this bullshit is really an idiot!>> but Okita looks amused at Harada <<really Sano? Damn, wish you'd brought me with you>> I put a hand on my forehead, annoyed <<idiot>> and Nagakura nods sighing.

Harada frowns upset <<knock it off Souji. Besides, my scabbard's right here. Man...this is idiotic. If you're going to make shit up do it better...>> but Inoue-san sighs <<calm down, I don't suspect you, and neither does anyone else here. Unfortunately, i doubt the rest of the nation will extend you the same courtesy. I imagine they're having trouble determining the real culprit. There was talk that Kyutaro Miura from Kishu asked the Shinsengumi to kill Ryouma>> I growl angry <<i can't believe it. Like this they can accuse both the Shinsengumi and Miura>> and Nagakura nods angry <<i'm sure there's plenty of people who'd love to pin this one on the Shinsengumi, but unless someone did it and lied about it, there's no way it was us!>> and he slaps his hand on the floor.

Okita grins <<unless Sannan-san decided to go and do a little work off the books>> and everyone shut up worried.

In the last few months there were some problems with him. He is different...more cold and creepy, and for this reason I began to avoid him. But the real problem is that there have been some strange murders around the city during the night. The victims were found with many wounds, but the strange thing is that their blood was gone.

We all suspect Sannan-san and his rasetzu corps, but we can't look into it because the existence of the Ochimizu is still a big secret. In the beginning Harada and the others tried to say something about this, but Hijikata told us to stay put and leave this matter to him. Fortunately people thought that the killer was a beast, thanks to the bite wounds on the bodies...but of course they didn't find it, and the murders are persisting even today...so the situation is bad.

I trusted Hijikata, and like the others I also didn't do anything...but my patience is almost over.

Harada sighs <<how...is Sannan-san these days? Our reputation is grisly enough, but even i think his night rounds are bad these days>> and he frowns.

I understand that it's hard to accuse a friend to be a serial killer, who kill people to drink their blood...but if it's true we can't just continue to wait that Hijikata or someone else do something <<one thing is certain, innocent people are dying>> and I cross my arms upset <<if this situation don't stop...then I will do something about it>> Inoue-san looks at me worried <<please Nura-san, don't say that. I'm sure that Toshi is doing something about it>> I shake my head <<i understand this, but if the situation continues to worsen the exorcists could decide to intervene, or even the demons themselves. Many ayakashi like to live near humans, and if they decide to stop this story themselves...it would be a disaster>> and Chizuru turns pale.

Nagakura sighs <<we'll have to be careful, then. We can't let people learn about the rasetzu>> and Inoue-san nods. Then Hijikata opens the door and enters inside <<about that...>> and behind him also Kondo-san and a third person enter in the room.

We widen our eyes stunned, and Nagakura points his finger toward the third person <<Saito! What the hell are you doing here?!>> and we all wait for the answer.

I bit my lips, remembering that Saito went away with Itou. He wasn't here when Hisao and Kiku attacked us, so he still doesn't know the true about me. I'm a little worried.

But then Inoue-san smiles happy <<oh, hello Saito. it's been a while. What happened to the guard?>> why is he so calm?! What's going on?

Chizuru yells <<what are you talking about Inoue-san?! there's no way Hijikata would allow anyone from the guard here! we're prohibited from even talking to them...>> but Hijikata interrupts her with a sigh <<just shut up for a second, all right? Staring today, Saito's back in the Shinsengumi>> and he crosses his arms, without even blink.

I frown more confused, and also Harada did the same <<hold on a second there. we're glad he's back, don't get me wrong, but...what happened with the guard? And Itou?>> I nod, and for a moment Saito looks at me, but I quickly look away. He sighs <<you're mistaken, but understandably. I was never one of Itou's supporters>> and Kondo-san quickly adds <<in fact, Saito joined Itou and his men as a spy, under Toshi's direct orders>> and finally we begin to understand.

I shake my head unhappy, realizing that they lied to us for all this time. I understand why they did that, but...it was really necessary?

Okita then smirks with cold eyes <<what? c'mon Saito. it's not fair for you to go off and have fun without letting me on it>> and Nagakura sighs and looks at Kondo-san <<man, really? You just about scared the pants off me...not cool, Kondo-san>> and Harada nods. I look at Saito <<at least I'm happy to know that you didn't really followed Itou, welcome back>> and Saito thanked me with a nod.

Kondo-san frowns <<this was all top secret. i'm sorry i had to keep it from all of you>> and Hijikata nods <<it was really important, so only me, Gen-san and Kondo-san knew about this>> and Inoue-san nods.

I scratch the back of my head, not knowing how to ask <<so...if Saito is back, he already know about my situation?>> Hijikata nods, crossing his arm <<he needs to know about Mikio, just in case>> I nod, knowing that he is right. Saito looks at me <<it's still difficult to believe that you're really Nurarihyon's grandchild, but the commander and the vice-commander told me what happened, and they have no reason to lie>> I look at him surprised <well, I'm surprised but happy that you believe my story. If you have questions you can ask if you want>> he nods <<thank you, but before that...there is something we have to discuss. I'm not here without reason. The last six months in the Guard have made it clear. Itou and his followers are going to take action against the Shinsengumi>> and he frowns serious.

The air becomes heavy, and Inoue-san asks worried <<what sort of action?>> Hijikata puts a hand on his hip, with a really serious face <<Itou is going to expose the Rasetzu corps to discredit the Shogunate, there's even talk that he's working with Satsuma to that end>> and Harada crosses his arms irritated <<like this the Shogun's credibility will be destroyed, and we'll be in trouble>> and Nagakura nods <<really big trouble>> but Saito adds <<there's more...Itou plans to assassinate the chief of the Shinsengumi>> and everyone freeze.

I stop breathing horrified, and with the corner of my eyes I see Okita turns pale...but then Chizuru asks with a trembling voice <<y..you mean Kondo-san?>> but no one answered her.

In the end Kondo-san nods, and Hijikata continues to talk <<the guard is moving to destroy the Shinsengumi. You've already heard about Sakamoto, right?>> Harada nods <<yeah, some crap about me being the killer>> and Gen-san puts a hand on his shoulder.

Hijikata nods << right. Well, you have the Guardians of the Imperial Tomb to thank. they've been spreading the rumor that Kyotaro Miura of Kishu hired the Shinsengumi, and that Harada put the sword in him>> i yell <<bullshit!>> but Hijikata sighs <<shut up, I know it. Miura insisted that he didn't do it, but there may be dumbasses who believe that rumor and may attack us. So, Saito's going to be guarding Miura for now. If it looks like he just left and then came back, it won't be too hard for Itou to put two and two together>> Saito nods <<i understand. Until this matter is settled, it is better that i'm not seen here>> and Kondo-san agrees with him.

Hijikata then whispers, with an angry voice <<Kashitarou Itou...it's not enough for you to expose the rasetzu corps. You have to try and kill Kondo-san too huh...>> and then he looks at us with determination <it's too bad it has to be this way, but we don't have a choice. Itou dies>> and we nods. Kondo-san frowns upset << hm, i suppose you're right. It can't be helped>> and then Hijikata begins to explain his plan.

Tomorrow night, he and Kondo-san will invite Itou out. They will take Itou to Kondo-san's second house, and they will drink together until late. Like this, Itou will be forced to go home alone, in the dark...and this will be the right moment to kill him.

After the assassination, Harada and Nagakura will wait nearby, and when Itou's men will arrive to take away the body...they will attack them. Like this Itou and his entire unit will die.

When Hijikata finished to talk Okita looks at him disappointed <<hey, Hijikata. Who do you want me to kill?>> but Hijikata frowns <<no one. you're staying here, in bed. you've still got that cough, don't you? you're sick. Saito'll be here for a few days, so you'll have someone to play with besides Riko>> I bit my lip, knowing he's right...but Okita glares at him really angry <<so...you're telling me that you won't let me participate in the assassination of the person who was trying to kill Kondo-san? you're a real bastard, Hijikata>> if one look could kill...Hijikata would be already dead.

Okita then gets up and leaves, slamming the door behind him. I look upset at Hijikata <<was it really necessary? You are too harsh with him. He only wants to help>> but Hijikata crosses his arms <<don't play games with me, it's not difficult to figure out Souji is sick, and you know that already. I don't need the details, but right now he needs to rest>> I bit my tongue, knowing that I can't say anything more...but I'm still angry, he doesn't need to be so unfriendly with us.

He sighs <<now, what do you want to do? If you want to come your powers will be useful. Itou's men can't win against a real demon, and our losses will be reduced>> and he waits for my answer.

I narrowed my eyes at him, noting immediately his bossy way of speaking. He wants a yes, but I sigh irritated and stand up <<listen, I'm not a cold and bloody demon...and I don't intend to kill people only because someone order me that. Also, don't forget that Mikio is only waiting to an opportunity to kill me. If I go with you tomorrow, then probably Mikio will attack us>> I cross my arms <<i will stay here with Okita, and I will help to protect the headquarters>> and I walk toward the door. I stop before going out <<one more thing. I know you're a good man, but I didn't forgot that Heisuke is still with the Guard, and I will not fight him>> and I run outside.

I walk toward Okita's room, but then someone blocks my path. Sannan-san smiles gently at me <<Nura-san, where are you going in such a hurry?>> but his eyes are strange...and cold. I shiver and step back <<i'm, ehm, looking for Okita. Have you seen him?>> but he takes a step toward me <<i'm afraid not, but it's best if he rest right now. We don't know how much time he has left, right? If he doesn't rest in his condition, his illness will only get worse, and the Ochimizu doesn't work on corpses>> I freeze in shock, and look at him.

He sighs <<don't look so surprised, you already know this is true. Okita can't do anything anymore, but if he chooses to drink the Ochimizu...!>> I stop him <<don't you dare finish that sentence! Stay away from Okita and don't try to offer that fucking thing to him!>> Sannan-san frowns a little <<you don't need to get so angry, the Ochimizu is a medicine>> I shake my head <<that thing is not a medicine, is only an ugly potion who ruins people lives. This is why I will not let you transform Okita in one of your test subjects!>> but Sannan-san doesn't step aside. He looks at me almost surprised <<funny, I thought you and Okita were friends>> I frown <<we are! This is why I want to protect him from you>> but he adjusts his glasses on his nose <<if what you are saying is true, then why are you against it? If Okita becomes like me, he will be able to fight again like he desires. He will return to be himself>> I growl furious <<return himself? don't make me laugh! We both know that it's a lie>> and I pass him.

I continue to walk, but then he says <<if you accept to help me in my research, we can eliminate Ochimizu's side effects and complete it. Then, even your dear Okita can drink it without problems>> and he puts a hand on my shoulder. His fingers squeeze hard my shoulder, but I quickly push him away screaming scared <<let me fucking go!>> and I run away.

No way! I will never give him my blood! I can't believe he really asked me!

I continue to run, but then I see Okita in front of the dojo...with a really sad expression on his face.

I already know Okita's desire...he wants to fight. so...what will he do if Sannan-san offers him the Ochimizu?

I put my hands together in front of my chest, praying.

Please Okita...don't throw away your humanity. Whatever happens, don't drink it.