The moon shines high in the sky, and everything around us is quiet. Beside me Chizuru sighs worried <<do you think Itou is already dead? I'm anxious>> I put a hand on her shoulder <<me too, but we can only wait>> and I look toward the moon <<we must trust them>> and I sit on the engawa. She follows me, sitting down <<but, will they be able to convince Heisuke to come back? If he returns in the Shinsengumi...Hijikata promised to let him live>> I shake my head <<i don't know, but Harada and Nagakura are his best friends, if someone can convince Heisuke to come back...it's them>> she nods, smiling a little <<you're right>> but then, we hear someone running toward our direction.

Yamazaki runs toward us <<i finally found you two. You aren't supposed to go out alone, it's dangerous>> Chizuru bows <<i'm sorry>> and I sigh, feeling bad <<sorry for worrying you, but at least if something happen I can protect Chizuru>> but Yamazaki shakes his head <<please, the vice-commander ordered me to protect you both, but I can't do it if I don't know where you are. So please get back inside, we don't have time>> I look at him puzzled <<what do you mean? Did something happen?>> he nods <<but I don't have time to explain here, I need to gather everyone in the main hall>> Chizuru nods <<we can help you>> and then we begin to run around, searching for the others.

After a few minutes me, Chizuru, Yamazaki and Inoue-san were sitting inside the main hall. Saito is not here because he's guarding the outside with Sannan-san, and Okita is sleeping. Yamazaki sighs <<we didn't find Shimada, but I can't wait any longer. we'll just have to start without him>> and Inoue-san nods.

I bit my lip anxious, and Chizuru asks with a trembling voice <<has...has something happened?>> and she looks at me with fear in her eyes. I take her hand, trying to reassure her <<please Yamazaki, tell us>> and he nods looking at us. Inoue-san frowns worried <<did Itou's assassination not go as planned?>> but Yamazaki shakes his head <<no. The assassination was a success, and we were able to lure the guards to Aburano Koji with his body and surround them. Unfortunately, we were interrupted by a third party just as we were about to deal with the guards. I am assuming it is the Satsuma>> me and Chizuru gasp surprised, and Inoue-san frowns more. Shit...this is bad.

Chizuru turns pale <<oh no! Are Nagakura and Harada and...and Heisuke all right?!>> he nods <<our men are outnumbered, but we have the upper hand in skill. Still, i'm unsure how long they'll be able to hold off such an overwhelming force>> and he looks at me <<they need help>> but Inoue-san worried adds <<then we need to send reinforcements right away. Shimada and i can go...and also Nura-san if she wants>> and everyone look at me. I stand up, but then an explosion of noises from outside makes us jump surprised.

We freeze, but after a few seconds Shimada breaks into the room <<we're under attack! it's a demon!>> I snap my tongue. Fuck!

Chizuru jumps on her feet <<what?! right now?!>> but Inoue-san gets up and says <<oh, I doubt it's a coincidence. Can you give us any details, Shimada-kun? Is it just a single demon, or are there two or three?>> Shimada nods <<only one, he's blond and thin and has a sword. However, I'm not the one who saw him first, so maybe there are more>> Yamazaki frowns <<Kazama Chikage, did you already alert Sannan-san and Saito-san?>> but Shimada shakes his head <<no, but the young recruit who gave the alarm said to leave it to him. He was probably a rasetzu, so he surely will warn also Sannan-san>> and then he takes a big breath.

I frown puzzled <<how did you know he was a rasetzu? Their hair becomes white only when they are fighting or when there is blood around, right?>> Yamazaki nods worried <<or also when they are thirsty...so Shimada, how did you know?>> Shimada blinks surprised <<because...he didn't have a hand, so it's impossible that he is a normal soldier because he wouldn't be able to fight>> I turn pale <<oh no, he's here>> Yamazaki jumps on his feet <<Nura-san, it was Mikio?>> I nod worried <<he's here for me>> and Chizuru gasps.

Inoue-san crosses his arms <<then, this means there are two demons. But why he alerted us about Kazama? If he didn't by now he would be here>> Shimada shakes his head<<where Nura-san is. I'm terribly sorry, I didn't realize. It was the perfect chance to catch us by surprise, and I almost let him enter here>> Chizuru grabs my arm scared <<but, if he's not here...where is he now?>> and she looks at me.

I think about it, grabbing my head...but after a moment I figure out the answer.

My hands begin to shake, and a terrible feeling grips my chest <<oh no, please no...it was a diversion>> and I quickly free my arm from Chizuru's grip and run away...outside the room.

I hear everyone calling me shocked and surprised, but I didn't stop and continue to run in panic toward a direction...where Mikio is. He know he can't fight Yamazaki and the others, so he waited and used Kazama's attack like a diversion! And he went there <<Riko! Wait!>> and Chizuru takes my wrist, stopping me <<where are you going?! it's dangerous! We need to stay with the others!>> I take back my wrist, yelling angry <<and who's gonna stay with Okita!? Mikio knows I care about him and went after him!>> and I take out my katana <<i don't have time to explain!>> and I begin again to run toward Okita's room, with Chizuru behind me.

When I arrive, I quickly open the door and run inside the room, but immediately after...something hard and heavy hits the side of my head with force, throwing me on the ground.

I gasp in pain, and my vision becomes immediately black. My hearing becomes muffled, and my head throbs painfully...making me unable to understand what is going on.

I hear far away two voices calling my name with worry, but I didn't understand from where. I move my fingers, realizing I'm on the floor, lying on my side...but every movement was painful, so I stop and try to understand what's happening.

I blink, trying to see and find who was calling me...but an unexpected kick in the stomach takes my breath away.

I cough in pain, breathing heavily, and I feel something wet and warm leaking on my face...something with a familiar piercing scent. Blood?

I feel my eyes heavy, but I take another big breath...trying to stay awake. I can't sleep, or I might never wake up again.

I blink again, and my vision clears up a little. The pain is really strong, and I see black spots everywhere...but someone puts his foot on my side, pressing me on the floor.

I look toward his face, realizing who he is <<M...Mikio...you bastard>> he laughs, and throws on the ground a bloody iron bar <<finally...i've caught you. You damn woman>> and he press more his foot on my side, making me grit my teeth for the pain. My bones creak painfully and I close my eyes, squeezing them.

I shake for the pain, but i take a big breath and focus on my fear...trying to transform. But I immediately get dizzy, and the pain becomes more strong. Thanks to that i lost my concentration, and I almost passed out.

Mikio chuckles <<don't even try. you can't control a power strong like the fear if you're almost unconscious. I didn't break your head, but I did a great job, right?>> and he laughs. But i also hear something else besides him...Kaoru's voice <<needless to say, you followed her here like a lost puppy, didn't you sis?>> and I hear Chizuru gasps.

I move my head with difficult, seeing Kaoru next to the door with a hand around Chizuru's throat. He is smirking, and Chizuru is trying to breath, making a lot of noises. I try to speak and scream her name worried, but then I see another thing besides them...a thing that makes me immediately remember why I'm here. Okita is on his knees next his futon, and he is coughing a lot. His blood is dripping from his mouth, but he is still trying to get up...but he continues to falls down every time.

Mikio laughs <<look at that, your friend can't even hold a sword in that state>> but I ignore him and I raise my hand toward Okita. I want to reach him, help him...please...

another kick in the stomach makes me cough out in pain again. I try to breath, but a second cough stops me, and a metallic taste in my mouth covers everything. Black spots covers again my vision, and my head begins to hurt like hell. I feel my conscious slip away, so I quickly focus on the pain around my body...managing to stay awake.

Mikio says something, but I didn't catch it...and then he looks toward Kaoru <<why don't we kill them already? First the guy, then Riko and lastly your dear sister. Like this, both women will watch the person they most cherish in this world die>> and he looks again at me <<i can't really wait to kill your friend in front of you, and then...it'll be your turn. Finally at last, that woman will be mine, and this time...she won't run away with someone else. your death will be only mine, and my revenge will be complete>> and he moves away his foot, but takes my throat in his only hand...raising me a little from the ground. The movement make me more dizzy and nauseous, but he tightens his grip.

I try to move my arms and legs, but I immediately gasp trying to breath...but then I hear Okita yells something between his coughs. I look weakly toward him, seeing that he is trying to stand, making Kaoru laugh.

Mikio also chuckles and looses a little his grip, letting me breath <<look at your friend, he can't even stand up and try to save you>> but I ignore him. Everything is spinning, and my head is heavy...but I slowly raise my hands, putting them around Mikio's hand on my throat <<s...shut the fuck up>> and I look again at Okita and Chizuru.

Kaoru saw that and drops Chizuru on the ground. She is unconscious now, but Kaoru ignored her and looks at Okita. He takes something from his clothes and offers it to Okita <<this is your choice. If you drink this, you could try to save that stupid bitch and my little sister. You also will be able to fight for Kondo and the Shinsengumi again>> and he waits for an answer. Mikio yells angry <<oi Kaoru! What the hell are you doing? I want to kill him and you offer him the Ochimizu?!>> I widen my eyes...Ochimizu, no please!

Kaoru sighs <<calm down, people need time to adjust on their new body when they drink this thing. It will be more fun if he actually try to save Riko and Chizuru and then fail miserably in front of them>> and he grins.

I growls furious. If Okita drinks the Ochimizu, he will need time to get used to his new powers! it's a really dangerous bet, and his body is already weakened because of the tuberculosis. In the worst case he wouldn't even be able to move!

But then the room's door break, and a lot of rasetzu enter in the room. Four look at me and Mikio drooling, but the rest begin to walk toward Chizuru, who is slowly waking up. Kaoru chuckles and looks at the scene <<dear sister, finally you will suffer. You chose that gray existence instead of me. I'm your brother and your family, not her. She will pay, and you will share her fate>> and he kicks her toward the rasetzu.

I squirm, trying to free myself and run toward Chizuru...but then Kaoru laughs and Okita screams. I freeze and look toward them, seeing an empty glass vial on the floor in front of Okita.

He screams in agony and takes his throat, falling with his forehead on the floor. His hair immediately becomes white, and after a moment he stops screaming. My heart beats quickly and terrified in my chest, but then Okita stands up...and his red murderous eyes looks toward the rasetzu. then with a super fast movement he takes his katana and attacks.

Kaoru moves aside avoiding the attack, but Okita looks at the group of rasetzu near Chizuru...who were closer to him, and in a few seconds he killed them all. He then killed every rasetzu in the room without difficult in a few seconds, and Kaoru turns pale <<wha...?>> but he then jumps away, avoiding again Okita's sword.

Mikio shakes me rudely <<fuck, he's strong! But I won't let you escape!>> and he pushes me down. I fall on the ground hard, but he quickly takes back his hand...ready to strike and kill me with his claws.

I close my eyes scared, but then I hear Mikio screams and Kaoru yells <<no!>> so I open my eyes curious to see what was happening.

Okita's blade is stuck inside Mikio chest...and Kaoru is on the ground with a bloody arm. I tremble, but Okita, without blink, takes back his sword and with a strike cuts off Mikio's head.

The blood splashes everywhere, and Mikio's corps falls on the ground with a thud near me. I shiver, feeling his blood on me...and weakly clean it from my eyes with my fingers. Kaoru stands up slowly, and Okita glares at him with cold eyes <<now it's your turn>> but Kaoru screams <<damn you Okita...you and that stupid gray existence...one day i'll make you pay!>> and he runs away.

I blink, feeling my energy runs out. The pain is too much, and I close my eyes. The last thing I heard was Okita falls near me...and Chizuru screaming our names.

...

I gasp and sit up, making someone near me jump surprised. I blink, noticing that I'm in my room...and outside the sun is high in the sky. I put my hands on my head, feeling under my fingers a heavy bandage, but the person next to me sighs <<calm down, you're safe>> and I put down my hands. I look at him <<Yamazaki?>> he nods <<you're finally awake. I assume you have questions>> I nod <<what...what happened? I remember Mikio and Kaoru...they hit me, and I almost passed out. And...>> I widen my eyes <<Okita, how is he?! he's still...?>> he nods frowning <<he is still himself, but before that. Are you in pain? Or are you nauseous?>> I shake my head <<no, I'm just really confused. And Chizuru? Is she okay?>> but he crosses his arms.

I sigh <<i have only a little headache, I swear. Please now, answer my questions...what happened?>> he nods <<i don't have the details, but you got hit in the head really hard...it's a miracle they didn't break it. Yukimura said that you entered in the room, but Mikio was waiting for you in the corner of the room>> I snap my tongue furious...this is why I didn't see him coming. Yamazaki continues to talk <<after that, it's appear that Yukimura-kun was captured by Kaoru Nagumo. She wasn't able to tell me more, because she passed out in the middle of the action...but you also have some broken ribs, so it's evident they hurt you more>> I nod slowly...remembering it. Yamazaki then offers me a cup of water <<your healing abilities are not fast like those of the oni, but they are still faster than those of a normal human. Still, I believe it's best if you take some medicines>> I nod, and take the cup <<thank you>> and I drink it.

I grimace, recognizing the taste <<the Ishida medicine is always so bitter>> but Yamazaki almost smiles amused <<don't complain, it's only a medicine>> but after that he returns serious <<the babaneko is dead, this mean you can rest without problem>> I nod <<i remember, Okita killed him, but...>> I look worried at him <<please tell me how Okita is doing, and also what happened with Kazama>> and Yamazaki frowns <<Saito-san was able to protect the headquarters from that oni, but the reality is that he was here only as a decoy. Kazama wanted only to stop us from sending reinforcements to Harada and the others>> I nod, understanding <<so...he didn't fight seriously, and after that he just went away>> Yamazaki nods <<he still killed a lot of rasetzu, this is why a group of them lost their minds. There was too much blood, and they ran inside the headquarters in search of more>> I bit my lip <<and this is why a group of them broke inside Okita's room>> fortunately Okita stopped them, but...at what price?

Yamazaki nods <<we though you were able to fight them, but...>> I frown <<i know, thanks to the hit to my head I wasn't able to transform and protect myself>> and I sigh sad. Yamazaki puts a hand on my shoulder <<it wasn't your fault, they fought dirty>> I shake my head <<i still wasn't able to fight, but...Nagakura and the others are okay? If you weren't able to send reinforcements because of Kazama then...>> he interrupts me <<they are alright. Satsuma and Choshu became allies, so that night Shiranui and Amagiri where also there. Fortunately we lost only a few men, but...Todo-kun was heavy injured by Amagiri, so he also drank the Ochimizu and returned in the Shinsengumi>> I yell shocked and cover my mouth. Even Heisuke?!

Yamazaki sighs and stands up <<i know, it's hard to accept...but now you need to rest. We can talk more later. I will tell to Inoue-san that you're awake, he will surely make you something to eat>> and he goes away.

I sigh and look at myself. I have also some bandages around my chest, but I'm still alive. Now...sorry Yamazaki, but I have to see him. I push away the blankets and slowly stand up, leaving my futon. I feel a little pain, and my broken ribs are disturbing...but I begin to walk with trembling legs, and in a moment I was out.

I feel a big anxiety squeeze my chest, and I put a hand on my heart...feeling it beating fast. How am I supposed to ask sorry this time? What can I tell him? But I can't run away, I need to see him...see that he's still himself. See with my eyes what my weakness did.

I trip, and with a yell I fall on the ground. My body screams in pain, but I put my hands on the floor and stand up again...i can't stop here. The sun is still in the sky, so...he's probably in his room. If I'm wrong, I will continue to look for him...and nothing will stop me!

After a long time I arrive in front of Okita's room. I sigh, and after a big breath I open the door...entering inside. Okita is sitting on his futon, with only a white kimono on. He looks at me and smirks <<you're finally awake. What are you waiting for? Enter and come here>> and he pats the place near him with his hand.

I look at him sad and guilty. His hair and his eyes are normal now, but his skin is white and the window is covered with a cloth. I feel my eyes burn, and without thinking I run toward him. I ignored his yelp of surprise and hug him, falling on my knees next to him. I press my face on his chest and cry <<i'm sorry...i'm so sorry! it's my fault, because of me you drank that thing!>> but he puts his hands on my shoulders and pushes me away a little. He smiles with ease <<you're really a narcissist, you know? You assume it's your fault like an idiot>> and he lets go my shoulders <<i didn't drink it for you or Chizuru, so kiddo...stop apologizing like a fool>> and he smirks.

My breath tremble, but he wipes away my tears with a smug expression <<it was my decision, and I don't regret it. You had nothing to do with it>> I shake my head <<but Mikio and Kaoru...!>> he interrupts me <<do you really think I let them screw me like that? I knew exactly what they wanted, but I didn't care. I only wanted to be able to hold a sword again>> and he chuckles adding <<and after so long, I wanted to cut someone up...and that Mikio was the perfect target. I killed him on a whim, because he was irritating...and also because only I can kill you, remember? He tried to do that before me, so I immediately killed him...that's all. I didn't do that for you or Chizuru, understand?>> I look at him for a long moment <<but...they target you because of me. I should have helped you, I should...have done something, but...>> I touch my head <<i wasn't even able to transform. Once again...>> I feel my tears falling on my cheeks <<i wasn't able to protect someone I hold dear! They hurt you and Chizuru...and I wasn't able to stop them!>> he rolls his eyes and smiles amused <<Mikio hit you really hard, mh? Do I look hurt to you?>> and he pinches my cheek hard. I slap his hand away, and he chuckles <<in fact, now I doubt I'll get hurt that easily...i'm not human anymore>> and he frees himself from my hug <<you can also say that there is nothing alive here anymore>> and he turns serious.

I shake my head <<bullshit>> but he smiles <<think what you want, but I felt it when I drank that stuff. I know what I am now>> I frowns angry <<that still doesn't give you the right to talk like this anyway. I'm not completely human either, remember? I'm something indefinite since I was born>> I look away, feeling uncomfortable <<this is why we are called gray existence. We aren't demons or humans...and we also aren't half-demons. We are something gray. What you are feeling, I feel it too...i've always felt it. I understand why you're speaking like this, but...>> I look at him <<in this matter, I have much more experience than you. If I say you're alive then you are alive...you can trust me>> and I slap a hand on his chest <<you're still you, that's all that matters>> and I glare at him <<so...take back what you just said>> and I cross my arms.

He smirks <<man...you're a real weirdo, you know that?>> but I roll my eyes and sigh <<yeah yeah, but...what about your tuberculosis?>> he smiles <<i've stopped coughing, I guess the Ochimizu heals more than wounds, mh?>> but then he sighs upset <<it's not like there isn't a price to pay, though. I can finally fight again, but if i try to do anything during the day is...well, it's rough>> and he looks away, with a gloomy expression on his face.

I look sad at him <<is that why you weren't asleep when I arrived?>> he snaps his tongue and continue to look away from me <<i have no regrets. I drank the Ochimizu thinking that I'd help my condition, and I hoped that I could be useful to Kondo-san again, you know? But if I can't even walk around during daytime, or go on rounds, or kill any bastards for Kondo-san...then what good am I to anyone? I'm just useless>> and he sighs sad.

I slowly put a hand on his arm <<it's not true, and you know that. Nobody think you're useless, the only one who think so is you>> I take his hand, feeling my heart beating more quickly <<I've know you for years, and I saw how amazing you can be. The others have known you a lot longer, and that's why they know even better than me how irreplaceable you are>> he widens his eyes and look at me <<Riko...>> but then Yamazaki runs in the room <<Nura!>> making us jump surprised.

Yamazaki walks near us <<i told you to rest! Why are you here?!>> I sigh, remembering Karasu Tengu's voice for a moment <<please Yamazaki, you're overreacting>> but Yamazaki frowns angry <<don't joke about it! you're even worse than Okita, you need rest! You had a fever for days, and even Dr Matsumoto came and examined you!>> I freeze and look at him <<wait a moment>> and I also look at Okita <<how long was I asleep?>> Okita chuckles <<long enough. Chizuru cried for days next to your bed, you know?>> I gasp shocked, but Yamazaki glares at Okita <<this coming from the guy who asked me every time if Nura-san had woken up>> I blush surprised, but Okita glares at him with a smirk <<mmh, really?>> but then Chizuru runs in the room, and hugs me.

I blink surprised, but then she starts to cry and I hug her <<sorry>>

...

I sigh, and take off the bandages from my head. The headquarters is so quiet at night, but the winter's breeze is cold and pleasant. I move a little my legs back and forth, remaining sitting on the engawa...Chizuru is inside and she's sleeping, but right now I'm not able to do the same.

It's been a day since I woke up, but I'm still restless...so I can't sleep. It was a really long day, but I don't want to pretend everything is alright. Okita right now is out, with Sannan-san and the rasetzu corps...and even Heisuke went with them. I'm worried, but I can't do anything. I'm also a coward...i didn't went to say hi to Heisuke. We are friends, but I didn't say hello to him even though I haven't seen him in months. Harada said he asked about me during my sleep, and also last night he wanted to see me...but I avoided him. Saito also tried to speak with me one time, probably about what happened with Mikio and Kaoru...but I ran away.

I'm not feeling ready to just pretend that nothing changed. Too much has happened, and they weren't here during Hisao's attack...and there is also Sannan-san, who is trying to speak with me every time I'm alone. At night he is not here, and I can breath...this is why I'm outside even if it's winter.

I slowly touch my head, where Mikio hit me...but thanks to my yokai blood the injury is almost healed, so I don't need bandaged anymore. Also my ribs are almost okay, even though they still hurt a little.

I sigh again, crossing my arms shivering...if Yamazaki or someone see me here I'll be in trouble, but even Chizuru is a little too much pushy for my liking after the other night. She has not ill intentions, but I need space and I want to stay alone.

A dry leaf fall down in front of me, and I look at it curious. There is not strong wind right now...so...

In that moment a strange light make me look up, toward the tree in the garden. The cherry tree is in bloom, but its leaves glows with a warm pink light. The night is completely dark, but the tree is radiant...and the figure who is sitting on his branch is looking at me with beautiful but annoyed red eyes <<pathetic>> and she sighs.

I widen my eyes shocked <<you...>> but she ignored me <<you were so lame. You let that pathetic babaneko hurt us with a stupid trick>> I get up <<you are...why are you here?>> she chuckles <<silly question, I am you...this mean it doesn't matter where you are, I will always be there too>> and she laughs a little.

I look around, noticing that no one was coming to see the strange shiny cherry tree. Its light is strong, but is also more brighter thanks to the contrast with the dark of the night. Not long ago Harada invited me to drink with him and Nagakura in his room, and I bet they're still drinking right now...so it's strange that they didn't notice the light.

I look at her <<all of this... i'm the only one who can see it, right? This conversation is happening only in my head>> she rolls her eyes <<obviously. Last time the others were able to see me only because we were inside a demoniac art, but now it's different>> and she crosses her legs.

I nod, understanding the situation <<i see, but why are you here? I thought you and me became one>> she chuckles and puts her chin on her open hand <<you're so naive, it's almost funny...but at least you're cute>> I blush <<don't tease me please>> and she turns serious <<if it was that easy, we would have cut Mikio and that stupid oni with him to pieces in a second>> and she jumps down from the tree <<if we were really one, enemies like them would be dead before they could even blink>> and she walks toward me.

She stops in front of me and crosses her arms <<as soon as you realized Mikio was targeting Okita, you panicked like a fool. Your emotions clouded your mind, and you ran in their trap like an idiot>> I look down ashamed, knowing she is right.

I bit my lip <<if...if I didn't run inside like that, Mikio wouldn't have been able to hit me so easily>> she nods <<and also, you could have transformed before going. If we were me, a hit like that wouldn't have been so problematic! You idiot!>> I flinch, but she ads <<we could have died! And our revenge on Hagoromo Gitsune would have been only a vain promise! We also promise dad that we will be Rikuo's right hand...this mean we can't die now. Our little brother needs us, and not only him. Mum, grandpa, Mana and the others yokai in our clan need us>> and she raises her hand, showing the scar where Shiranui shot us years ago <<this also...you did something really stupid and brave, but it was different>> and she smiles <<we protect our friends, and the people we love...but we can't let death stop us. We have to continue to move on, fight, and become the best vice-commander in history. We are a warrior, not a timid schoolgirl. Life is hard, but we will prevail it!>> and she looks at me with expectations.

I growl angry <<ah, stop that! I don't care if we are the same person! You can't talk to me like that! What do you want me do do, eh?! We are in the same boat! My mistakes are also yours! So stop scolding me!>> and I point a finger toward her <<and if you really have to yell at me at least give me some advice!>> and I huff angry. But then she starts laughing <<finally! You brought out some personality>> I blink surprised <<eh?>> but she puts a hand on my head <<you want some advice? Silly, you just need to understand our roles better...nothing more>> I blink puzzled <<huh? Our roles?>> she nods, and crosses her arms <<yes. I'm the night and you are the day...and together we make the person called Riko. During the night we are a powerful demon, and during the day we are a sweet human...it's our nature. You accepted our humanity, but now you are subconsciously afraid of me>> I widen my eyes offended <<it's not true!>> but she raises her hand <<calm down, if you raise your voice someone might come here>> I cover my mouth <<sorry>> and I look around us...but no one came.

She sighs <<listen, there's no point in denying it. you're afraid of what humans will think seeing this form>> and she points at herself <<when Saito came back, you were afraid of what he would think of you. This is why you still didn't show yourself in front of him and Heisuke. You avoided them all the time because you're afraid of being rejected>> I begin to step back, holding my breath.

She quickly takes my shoulders, stopping me <<the true hurts, but you are stronger than that>> and she smirks <<remember, these bad emotions are useless...just a burden. If people can't accept us like this, then...we don't need them. You have me and I have you...and if we find someone who can accept both then, they will be someone who deserve our respect and our love>> I widen my eyes, struck by her words.

I look down, thinking about it <<if I didn't feel like this...afraid I mean, could we really have stopped Mikio and Kaoru from hurting Chizuru and Okita?>> she nods <<without any doubt, that's why many fear us. Our emotions are our strength, but also our weakness...if you learn how to control them then we will be able to do anything>> I nod, influenced by her confidence <<will you help me?>> she snorts amused and nods<<of course. From today you will be in charge of our human affairs. When the sun is in the sky you can do whatever you want>> she grins <<and if I can suggest something...i want us to pass more time with the people of the Shinsengumi. They are a funny group...especially Okita, who is able to make our heart beats in many different ways. That sneaky bastard is really amazing>> I blush hard <<w...what the hell?! don't say it like that! He only...>> I blush more.

Why am I so worked up? I really need to work on my emotions <<he is our friend, he's special...but he likes to make us worry, this is why our heart goes crazy sometimes>> she hums <<if you say so, you're the part with the human's emotions after all. But returning to what I was saying before...You will be the one who can do what she wants under the sun, but when night falls it will be my turn. I will take our situation in my hands and do what I want, after all...i'm our night form>> I jump surprised <<wait, every day?>> she nods <<it's a simple deal. we will be human during the day, like usual...but every night we will be an ayakashi. At dawn we will return human and start again, in a endless loop. Like this, you will learn to see that it doesn't matter if someone see me, because we are the same being. We both are the girl called Riko, and if someone can't accept it then it's his problem, not ours>> I shake my head <<hold on! We can't transform every night. We will only create problems for the Shinsengumi. And furthermore...i don't want to be left aside every night, our body needs to sleep>> she sighs annoyed <<really? You didn't realize? Our consciousnesses merge together when we become an ayakashi. I can't just left you aside, it's me the one who goes to sleep during the day, because like I said before...you are the dominant part. And for the sleep at night...don't worry, if I'm bored I can always go and sleep in our room with Chizuru>> I bit my lips <<but...the others...>> she rolls her eyes <<you really think we can't hide if we need it? We won't cause any trouble, but at least...we will be ready to fight in every moment>> and she winks.

I nod <<the night is the world of yokai, and if we stay in our yokai form we will be able to defend ourselves...right?>> she nods <<one more thing. Don't ever let Sannan threaten you like that again. His request is unacceptable, and we will never give him our blood. Understand?>> I nod <<i wasn't going to accept his request anyway>> and I sigh upset. She nods <<i know, but don't forget who you are. You are the next vice-commander of the Nura clan, he shouldn't even dare to ask you something like that. He was smart enough to speak with you during the day, but next time tell him what you think...and if he doesn't understand the message, I'll teach him what it's really like to be afraid>> and she smirks with cold eyes.

I sigh and smile at her <<okay, it's a deal. Also...thank you>> she nods <<perfect. huh?>> but then she looks behind me <<and we start immediately>> and she disappears with the cherry's flowers.

I hear three people walk toward me <<oh, Riko-chan!>> but then I feel my body change. I transform and look behind me, seeing Heisuke, Sannan and Okita.

They stop, and Heisuke widens his eyes shocked <<R..Riko-chan?>> I smirk amused <<hello Heisuke>> he blinks a couple of time <<the others told me you are able to transform in a demon, but I didn't expect you to change so much>> I enjoy the moment and put a hand on my hip <<do I scare you?>> but he quickly shakes his head and walks closer <<no! you're still Riko, right? So I'm not scared. Now I understand why Sano and Shinpachi said you're hot when you are a demon>> I snort <<it's okay, you have no reason to fear me, because I'm a nightmare only for my enemies>> and I smile at him <<i'm still your friend called Riko, but I'm also this ayakashi>> and Heisuke nods <<cool, and it's true that Nurarihyon is your grandfather?>> I nod proud <<of course, me and my brother are his heirs. I'm the next vice-commander of the Nura clan, and Rikuo will be the third commander. Really cool, right? and this is the proof>> and I take my necklace out, showing it to Heisuke, who opens his mouth shocked.

Okita looks at me for a long moment <<what happened to you? Tonight you're weirder than usual>> but Sannan looks at me with strange eyes <<it's something concerning the gray existence? Interesting. Can you tell us more?>> and he takes a step toward me, but I quickly put a hand on the hilt of my sword, making them freeze surprised.

I glare at Sannan <<i warn you, don't play with fire. If you bother me again like before...i'll kill you>> and I turn around <<you will never have my blood>> and I jump, landing on the top of the wall that surrounds the headquarters.

I look toward the city, ready to go there...but Okita's voice stopped me for a second, making me look back <<are you going for a night walk? I didn't though you were that stupid>> and Heisuke nods <<please Riko, come back. it's dangerous at night. Tomorrow I'm sure Sano and the others can take you where you want to go, but for now it's best if you don't go>> and he moves his hand, signaling me to jump down.

I shake my head <<the night is still young, and yokai's place is under the moon. I have something important to do, so I will be back in the morning. Bye>> and I jump outside the headquarters, disappearing in the night.

...

I slowly walk in the quite and dark streets of Kyoto, looking around. The others tried to follow me, but of course it was useless. I need to do this alone, and I bet they would have disagreed...but I don't need their permission.

I continue to walk, and In a few minutes I arrived in Shimabara. The red light district is lively and bright...like always, and the streets are full of people.

I shrug and hide in the shadow, I'm not here for fun...so I don't need to be seen by someone. Many drunk men walk near my hiding spot, without be able to see me...so I just jump on the roof of a building and continue toward my destination.

I arrive on top of a ochaya and look down, seeing many girls and men having fun together. I smirk, and jump down, landing in the internal garden. People were too busy to notice me, and I enter inside from the engawa...proceeding toward a quite room in the corner. A familiar fear is surrounding that room, and I smirk...knowing he's here.

I stop in front of the room and open the door <<we need to talk>> and the only person inside the room puts down his sakè cup. Kazama looks at me with his red eyes and smirks <<interesting>>