The Shinsengumi first squad walk in the streets of Kyoto. I look around being careful to don't lose sight of Chizuru and Okita, who are walking near me in the end of the row of soldiers. Kyoto is really a beautiful city, but the people are glaring at us with angry eyes. I look at Okita <<the Shinsengumi protect Kyoto, right? Why the people hate you so much?>> he looks at me with the corner of his eyes <<why do you care? Perhaps is because they are looking at you too? We warned you that our job is dangerous...maybe soon someone might try to kill us>> I frown <<i don't give a damn for that, i just don't get it...if you protect the people they are supposed to be grateful. The Shinsengumi must have done something really bad in the past if they're so angry >> he shrugs with a grin.

Chizuru smiles at me <<you always say what's on your mind, I envy you>> I chuckle <<for so little? Well...it doesn't matter, even like this the city is beautiful>> Chizuru nods <<this is your first time in Kyoto?>> I nod <<yes and finally after months locked up I can see it>> she nods.

Okita crosses his arms <<it's a city like any other, but for a kid like you, who never left her home this must be ridiculously good>> I roll my eyes <<it's true that I never left the region of Kanto, but I don't see the big deal>> he looks at me <<it's look like you're doing a touristic tour, I remind you that you should be looking for your friends>> I stop annoyed tapping the ground with my foot <<we have done that for hours now...i can't just question every single passerby!>> but then someone collides with me. I stumble for a second and turn around angry <<ehi! Watch where are you goi...ah?>> the man is really tall, with red hair and light blue eyes. We look at each other for a few instants...he has a strange aura around him...that makes him stand out in the crowd...fear...he's not human.

The man bow a little <<my apologize>> and he goes away. Why...he looked at me like that? I don't have any fear so he couldn't sense mine...so why he looked like he knew me?

Chizuru looks at me worried <<Riko-san? Are you alright?>> I jump surprised, seeing that she and Okita are looking at me. I forced a smile and nod <<i'm sorry...i got distracted for a moment. I'm doing a terrible job...i'm supposed to stay alert and protect you>> she quickly shakes her head <<don't worry about it>> Okita sighs <<come on you two...>> and we continue to walk.

After some time Chizuru stops and ask information about her father to a man, who point at one restaurant nearby...so Chizuru runs in that direction without waiting for us. I curse and run after her, but then three ronin block my path and another group attack Okita and his men. The three in front of me grin, probably thinking that I'm an easy target, so the one in the center turns around and begin to walk forward the restaurant where Chizuru entered early. Without thinking I grab a rock on the ground and throw it hitting his head <<ehi you bastard! Catch me if you can!>> and i begin to run away.

I continue to run, ignoring Okita who in the heat of the fight sees me run away and scream my name. I arrive in a deserted alley and stop unsheathing my sword for the fight. The three ronin arrived and block the exit <<now you will pay bitch!>> I glared at them and attack. They scream but with three blows I knock them out using the back of my katana.

I look at them on the ground and sigh <<foolish men, only because I'm a woman doesn't mean that I'm weak>> but then a hit behind my neck push me on the ground, making me lost consciousness. The last thing I saw is a man with long blue hair and a gray gun in his hand.

Chizuru pov

when the fight ends I go out from the restaurant. The men in there tried to kill me only because I'm with the Shinsengumi...so scary, but Okita saved me. I look around <<where is Riko-san?>> Okita runs past me, going in the direction of an alley. I follow him worried, but when I reach him I see three men on the ground and Okita is in the center of them, kneeling on the ground with his back to me. I walk forward a little shy <<Okita-san?>> but he stands up quickly and without answer puts something in my hands. I widen my eyes seeing Riko's necklace and her katana.

I tremble but Okita with cold eyes and a cruel grin grabs the one that was regaining consciousness. Okita without even blink stabs the hand of the ronin with his katana and the man screams in pain. I turn pale but Okita grins more <<i was wondering why you attacked us so openly, it was all a decoy. Tell me...>> he plays with the hilt of the sword, making the man wail in pain <<what do you want from Riko?>> the man ignoring his pain grins <<i don't know but you're too late...that brat now is in their hands>>

Riko pov

I suddenly wake up, sitting up looking around in the dark room. There are three men in the room with me...the one from early with red hair and light blue eyes...the one that kidnapped me with blue hair, violet eyes and a big black tattoo on his arm...and the new one with short blonde hair and red eyes. I glare at them <<who are you?>> the red head introduces himself and the others...they are in order Amagiri Kyuju, Shiranui Kyo and Kazama Chikage.

When Amagiri finished to speak Kazama walks toward me and grab my chin roughly <<you look just like her...too much for be only a coincidence>> I try to bite him but he let me go making me miss his finger, so i scream <<don't touch me!>> and I back away a little. Shiranui chuckles <<what a temper...i bet that it's from her demon blood>> I jump surprised, but I try to hide my shock. Kazama glare at me <<don't try to hide it, you can't fool us. You are like that human girl. You must be her relative>> I raise an eyebrow puzzled <<what the hell are you talking about? What woman? And for a fact I'm not denying that I have yokai blood in my veins, but for the most part I'm human>> he thins his gaze <<Yohime, you're almost her copy. Maybe that man had another half-demon child in secret, because this time is a female>> I sigh annoyed <<listen...i have no idea who this Yohime is or who you're referring to!>> Shiranui sighs and point his pistol to me <<it's best for you to don't lie, Yohime is the stupid human girl that lived more or less two thousand years ago...you know her and that arrogant bastard with her>> but Kazama grins a little and look at him <<stop Shiranui, although she's a gray existence she has an impressive latent power...furthermore she's a female with demon blood, it would be a waste if we kill her>> I snap my tongue <<you got it all wrong, you claim that I'm Yohime's relative...a human girl that lived two centuries ago. Well, I'm nineteen years old so it's impossible>> I stand up <<and I'm not a half-demon>> Amagiri frowns <<so what are you?>> but Kazama sighs <<if she's not a half-demon she must be a demon only for a quarter>> I begin to walk toward the exit <<since you've understood I'm leaving>> but Kazama grabs my arms twisting it painful behind my back <<like I said...it will be a waste if we let one of us with the Shinsengumi...even if you're tainted with human blood...your power is something that we can't leave it be>> I squirm trying to free myself <<let me go!>> but his grip tighten making me squeal in pain. He pulls me against him <<only if you stop resisting>> but then I hear a voice downstairs screaming <<we are the Shinsengumi! Who serve under the lord of the Aizu clan! By imperial decree, everyone is hereby under arrest!>> and after that i hear the noises of many fights.

I exclaim with hope <<the Shinsengumi!>> but Shiranui opens the window <<i will go ahead>> and he jumps outside. Kazama grimaces <<the Bakufu's dogs are here, do you really have so much faith in those fake samurai?>> I growl at him <<fake samurai? don't make me laugh...at least they don't kidnap innocent people randomly!>> Amagiri sighs <<we have no reason to stay here any longer, our work was over when the Bakufu's soldier broke in>> Kazama nods at begins to walk toward the window pulling me with him. I scream and insult him trying to break free, but then the door opens and Kazama push me on the ground for fend off Okita sword, who runs in the room with Heisuke. I look at them surprised, but Heisuke attacks Amagiri and they go fight in the next room disappearing from my gaze.

Okita stands in front of me <<looks like we arrived just in time, aren't you supposed to thank me Riko-chan?>> I stand up <<Okita...>> he raises his arm <<stay back now or I will have to kill you after all>> and he attacks Kazama, who parried his attack without difficult. They are so quickly and I don't have a sword...what can I do?! Kazama is a demon...Okita can't win!

But then Okita with abilities accomplishes to cut a lock from Kazama's hair. Kazama then unsheathes his katana <<i see you can bite>> Okita grins <<if you're not careful, I'll do more that just bite you>> and he attacks again, but this time Kazama with a quick movement kicks him in the stomach, throwing him again the wall next to me. I run near Okita and take his katana, putting me between him and Kazama <<leave him alone!>> I want to protect him! Even though I'm only human I want to help him! I...i know that I can't defeat Kazama but...i will be enough!

Suddenly a pink cherry petal enters from the window...and falls on the ground. I look at it noticing that no one else saw it <<...accept me...>> I jump scared hearing a feminine voice thunder in my head. My legs give out to me and I fall on my knees hearing only vaguely Okita screams my name worried <<...accept me...>> and a strange figure appears near the window. she's a woman with long tall hair of two colors...black under and indigo above, but I can't see her face because she is turned away. She turns her head three quarters and two long black strands of hair near her face prevent me from seeing it...but she's so familiar...

Her pale lips turn in a severe frown <<...accept me and don't give up the other...>> I can't answer, it's like I'm paralyzed. She grins a little...almost like she was saying goodbye and she disappeared with the cherry petal.

I hear someone coughing and when I look up I see Okita on his feet in front of me and...he's coughing blood! I tremble scared and shocked <<Okita!>> and I jump on my feet taking his arms helping him standing up on his feet. Kazama is strangely bothered and angry <<a fear like that...now I'm certain that you're like that man>> I bit my lip, glaring at him <<for the last time...i don't know this man and that girl named Yohime! You are not my enemy, but...if you want to hurt more Okita or someone in the Shinsengumi...>> I feel my blood turning hot <<i will kill you>> but Okita with his last strength pushes me against his chest, putting his free arm around my shoulder and pointing his sword to Kazama <<you're fighting me...>> he has blood on his lips and chin, his breath is heavy and rough but...his eyes are on fire <<so leave this stupid brat alone>> I shake my head trying to stop him because he can't fight like this! He's spitting blood, he has no more breath and he can hardly stand on his feet...but he's still protecting me.

Kazama chuckles mocking him <<you want to protect this woman that much? you're a pathetic fool. What are you hoping to do in that condition? You can hardly stand>> I try to pull Okita back, but he free himself from me <<i can still fight!>> but he fall on his kneels. Kazama attacks him but I run and put myself in front of Okita with my arms raised. Kazama's blade cut a little my cheek but I didn't even blink <<you want me alive, right? Take another step and I will...>> he interrupts me <<if you are really connected with those two...it will depends on what side you will choose>> but still he steps back and put his katana away. Chizuru enters running in the room but stops when she see Kazama. They look at each other for an instant, but in the end Kazama walks near the window <<i will come back for finish this matter, be prepared>>and he jumps outside disappearing.

Okita stands up <<wait! I can still...!>> he fall and I catch him in my arms falling on my knees. Chizuru runs near us <<Okita-san! Riko-san!>> I hold him on my chest trembling without saying anything and the noises from the fight downstairs stops.

Chizuru puts a hand on my arm <<Riko-san...>> and she help me make him lie on the floor. She looks around <<where is Heisuke-kun?>> I point the other room <<he went there for a fight>> she nods and stand up <<stay here with Okita-san, I will go help Heisuke-kun too>> and she runs away.

Okita closes his eyes breathing with difficult so I put his head on my kneels and begin to caress his head, cleaning the blood from his face with my sleeve <<Okita...thank you. You protected me, even though you always said that you want to kill me>> I feel like crying <<i'm...i'm really sorry, if I didn't run away during the patrol...>> I rub my eyes. He sighs a little opening his eyes <<only...for this time I will not kill you>> and he feels asleep.

Hijikata and Kondo-san run in the room <<Souji!>> Kondo-san kneels near me really worried <<Souji!>> I hug Okita <<we have to take him to a doctor>> Kondo-san nods <<we are working to transport all the wounded, please stay with Souji until then>> I nod <<of course>> and I sigh.

Hijikata walks near me <<you're hurt>> and kneeling he point to my cheek <<what happened?>> I cover my cheek with my hand <<it's nothing serious, we will talk about this when this is over>> he nods and after that he run away with Kondo-san for helping the others.

...

Yamazaki, a man with brown hair and violet eyes, is an important member in the Shinsengumi. I didn't met him before because he was in a spy mission, but now he's back with another member named Kai Shimada.

Yamazaki comes out from Okita's room with many bandages in his hands. Kondo-san runs toward him <<how is he?>> I reach them feeling my heart beat really quickly. Yamazaki sighs <<he has some broken ribs, but if he rest he will recover>> I sigh in relief, exactly like Kondo-san who puts a hand on my shoulder <<i still have work to do, can you watch over Souji for me Nura-san?>> I nod tapping my cheek covered by a patch <<of course, i'm already meticated>> and I enter in the room closing the door.

Without making to much noise I walk near Okita who is sleeping in his futon. I kneel near it and I watch him...seeing that now he's wearing a white kimono, but I can still see his chest covered by heavy bandages. Well...if he continue to sleep he doesn't have to feel the pain of the broken ribs.

Yamazaki enters the room with a bowl of water and some clean cloths <<here...>> and he puts them near me. I nod grateful and take a cloth, wetting it in the cold water and putting it on Okita's forehead. Yamazaki then hands me two object <<Okita had it in his clothes, I was going to throw it away but Saito-san and Yukimura-san said to give it to you with this necklace>> I widen my eyes moved and amazed seeing my necklace and a little branch of yamabuki rose.

I quickly take the flower's branch and my necklace <<Okita...had the flowers in his clothes?>> he nods <<that's right, now if you excuse me...>> and he goes away.

I sit down putting my necklace feeling a strange sweet feeling in my chest. I put my hand on Okita's hand <<what I'm gonna do with you? You...dummy...thanks>>

...

The evening arrived quickly, Yamazaki finished is medical work and send me outside Okita's room for resting, because I didn't sleep last night like everyone else and I need to rest. I tried to stay with Okita, at least until he woke up but it was useless so I begin to walk toward my room. I stop on the engawa... i want to stay alone for a moment now and Chizuru is surely in our room.

I change direction and walk toward the dojo...at this hour no one will be there.

I arrive and with a sigh I sit on the ground looking at the yamabuki roses in my hand. Okita found it for me, I'm so happy....when he want he can be nice.

I hear someone walk toward me and I look up, seeing Harada and Nagakura with some sakè bottles In their hands. Harada smiles at me <<what are you doing here Riko-chan? it's everything alright?>> I nod inviting them to sit down <<i only need some fresh air, do you want to join me?>> they nod and sit down. I notice that Nagakura's hand is bandaged and I sigh <<so you are hurt too>> but Nagakura shakes his head <<this is only a scratch>> Harada nods but frown <<you too have one>> and he points at my cheek <<i hope for them that those bastards didn't do anything else to you>> I shake my head <<take it easy, they didn't do anything else>> he nods <<good>> but Nagakura points to my hand <<where did those flowers come from?>> also Harada looks at them <<they are yamabuki rose, they have many meanings... grace and serenity if I remember right>> I nod <<they also mean loneliness and distance...Okita gave them to me>> they widen their eyes. I chuckles seeing their faces <<yesterday I asked if I could have one branch for today because...it's important to me>> Harada smiles curious <<flowers are made for looking at their beauty, if it's not what you wanna do then...why do you wanted them?>> I stand up with a bitter smile <<for this...>> I walk near a big oil lamp in the garden and drop the flowers in the fire. I hear them stand up surprised <<why did you do that?>> but I ignored them and i clap my hands together <<today...is the day my father died. Every year he took me and Rikuo to see the yamabukis bloom, because they were his favorite>> they didn't respond for a long moment, but then they walk near me and clap their hands praying with me. I smile feeling sad remembering my dad, but really grateful for their support. I feel a single tear fall on my cheek and after some minutes we stop praying and sit down again.

Harada caress my head <<you're a good kid, next time don't hide something so important, we will help you>> Nagakura nods and begins to drink <<of course, we will bring to you every yamabushi roses in this city!>> I chuckles <<yamabuki rose, not yamabushi>> he shake his hand <<it's the same thing>> and he continues to drink from the bottle ignoring his cup.

Harada shakes his head amused, but I steal his red cup and another bottle. I pour the sakè in my cup and drink it up in one gulp <<fiuuuu I missed this flavor, sakè can really warm up a person>> my throat burn in a pleasure feeling for a moment thanks to the sakè. I continue to drink under their surprised gaze, but in the end Nagakura laughs <<finally! A woman who can drink! don't hold back Riko-chan, after a day like this we deserve it!>> I chuckles and nod <<i've been drinking with my grandpa since I was thirteen, he's so funny when he's drunk>> Harada smiles <<alright, but don't overdo it>>

...

The next morning we all end up in the living room for discussing what happened at Ikedaya. Heisuke has a heavy bandaged around his head, but he's already lively and happy like always, exactly like Okita that is already the old mischievous bastard i know.

Chizuru hands over to everyone who is hurt a cup of water with a small envelope containing a powder medicine. She gives one also to Sannan-san, that looks at her in surprise <<i have to take it too? My wound is already healed>> he's right...his arm healed weeks ago, but in the end he can no longer use it.

Chizuru looks puzzled <<but Hijikata-san told me to give it to you>> Sannan-san looks at Hijikata, but he doesn't answer. Okita next to me grins and eat his medicine <<Sannan-san, give up>> following his lead I eat the medicine drinking the water after <<so bitter!>> and I cough. Sannan-san smiles amused <<if it's the vice-commander's order...>> and he eats the medicine. Chizuru asks <<where this medicine comes from? I've never seen it before, do you need a special prescription?>> Harada chuckles <<the Ishida medicine? it's special in its own way>> Okita nods <<Hijikata's family created it. I'm surprised that you eat it without complaining Riko-chan>> I shrug <<i'm used to eating bitter medicine>> now I know where came from the medicine that Chizuru give us in the Nura clan when someone is hurt.

Heisuke exclaims <<yes! that's right! The pain from cuts and bruises fly away once you take some Ishida medicine!>> he takes the medicine <<now, come on! let's try it! Who knows if it'll actually works...>> and he eats it making a sour face <<it's nasty!>> and Hijikata kills him with his eyes raising his fist <<care to test it out?>> Heisuke raises his arms scared <<ah! Give me a break! it'd be too lame if I got hurt even more>> and we laugh.

After that Inoue-san looks at us with a serious face <<but I'm amazed that they were able to injure Okita-kun and Todo-kun, also they target Nura-san>> Hijikata looks at me <<what did they wanted from you? What really happened?>> I cross my arms <<well...during the patrol one of the ronin targeted Chizuru, so I just threw a rock at him and run away. They followed me and I knocked them out, but a fourth man hit me from behind...and I just woke up in Ikedaya. The man that kidnapped me is Shiranui Kyo, he has blue hair and a tattoo on his arm ...>> Harada interrupts me <<i saw him, he fled from the back door. He has a gun right?>> I nod <<the man that fought Heisuke is Amagiri Kyuju and the other is Kazama Chikage. I don't really know what they wanted for me...they just continued to say that I look like a woman named Yohime>> Kondo-san asks me curious <<Yohime? Do you know her?>> I shake my head <<no, of course not...and I told them but they didn't believed me. They treated me and in that moment Okita and Heisuke entered in the room>> Okita frowns <<i will win next time>> and Saito says with a serious face <<they said that they're not on Choshu side, but the Choshu clan was holding a secret meeting at Ikedaya...>> Nagakura turns serious <<which means...>> Saito nods <<they may have been spies from another clan>> Harada frowns <<but why? What were they after?>> but nobody have the answer. I only know that they are yokai so maybe...their reasons are not so simple.