The dark road is full of yellow petals flowers and on the edge there are a few street lights. Rikuo stops and kneels down taking the flowers on the floor. I approach him <<what will you do with that yamabuki flowers Rikuo?>> he smiles and raising his arm he offers them to me <<for you big sister>> I blush and smile, taking them <<thank you>> he nods happy <<they are daddy's favorite flowers, every year he takes us here for see them when they bloom>> I nod worried <<you're right but...he become sad every time, I wonder why...but he likes them very much>> Rikuo nods <<you're right, we can make a gift for him! Maybe a garland of flowers! So he will not be sad again!>> I nod smiling <<good idea little brother>> I ruffle his hair, but then a voice behind me asks <<do you want to play?>> I turn around quickly seeing a little girl, with long hair and beautiful black eyes smiling at us. She smiles kindly, with her arms behind her back waiting our answer <<if you want to make a garland I can help, I'm really good>> Rikuo nods <<of course!>> and I follow them hesitant near the bushes, for pick the garland's flowers.

After some time a man really familiar comes closer...with black hair and golden eyes. I turn and smile happy <<daddy!>> and I run to him. He smiles with a kind gaze taking me in his arms <<what are you doing my sweet little bear?>> I chuckle and Rikuo shows him the finished yellow garland <we made a gift for you dad!>> he smiles surprised closing his right eye <<thank you my little warrior>> but then he sees our new friend, that is looking at the flowers with her back to us. Dad looks at her <<guys, who is she?>> I wrap my arms around his neck <<our new friend>> Rikuo nods taking his sleeves <<yeah! She helped us to make the garland for you!>> the girl turns around and smiles...but dad turns pale.

...

I wake up suddenly and sit up feeling pain all over my body. I bit my lip leaning forward for muffling my groans of pain and surprise. After a minute the pain decreases and I realize that I am in a futon wearing a night lilac yukata and my injuries have been treated. My broken arm is splinted, my head is bandaged like my chest and on my cheek there is a big gauze, where Kyuso slapped me. I put a hand on my chest but my necklace is not here...someone changed me and took it.

I look around me in search for my necklace, seeing that I'm in a small room similar to the ones in Nura House...but the vibe here is really different...there aren't any laugh or crazy yokai that bicker with each other...here there is only a scary silence. I shake my head, I will not be scared! I'm a yokai daughter! it's a joke if something like this can scare me. But...where I am? The Chizuru from the other night didn't recognize me...and the yokai with white hair...who were they? it's the first time that I see a yokai like that.

I think hard for a minute and in the end I decided that if someone will ask me something I will lie, I can't say who I really am because if I am outside the Nura territory I'm in danger...grandpa has many enemies. Now, first I have to understand where I am.

The door opens and by reflex I pull the blankets up to my chin with my good arm. Chizuru smiles kindly and enter the room...now that I actually look at her I notice that she's different from the Chizuru that I know. This Chizuru has short tied hair and her eyes are not kind and severe, but innocent and insecure. This woman in front of me is completely different from my Chizuru.

Chizuru comes closer and kneel near my futon <<how do you feel? You slept for two days. You are in pain? My father is a doctor and I can to help you>> I nod and put my good arm on my chest <<i feel pain everywhere, but when I breath I feel much pain here>> she nods <<you have three broken ribs, they will take time for heal...just try not to make any unnecessary movements and breath slowly>> I nod <<i understand but...where I am?>> but then a new person enters the room <<oh you're awake! I'm so relieved>> he is a old man, with kind eyes and dark hair...he also is dressed with ancient clothes. He comes closer <<i imagine you're very confused right now, but it is understandable. First of all you have to eat something, then we will think about the rest>>> and he gave me two onigiri with a glass of water <<Yukimura-kun, I'm sorry this was your dinner, but I will make you another later if it's not a problem>> I take one onigiri and offer it to Chizuru <<i'm not really hungry now, we can share>> she looks at me reluctantly <<you need it more, please eat. Oh my name is Yukimura Chizuru, and you are?>> I take a bit from the first onigiri <<Riko...Riko Nura>> the man nods <<i'm Genzaburo Inoue, it's a pleasure to meet you>> I nod <<the pleasure is mine, can I at least ask where I am?>> he nods <<you are in the Shinsengumi headquarters>> I widen my eyes shocked <<Shi...Shinsengumi? Like the one in Kyoto?>> he nods skeptical <<we are in Kyoto>> I turn pale...the Shinsengumi was a group of samurai that lived more that a century ago! And...if grandpa finds out that I'm a Kyoto he will be really furious...when dad died he said to never go to Kyoto, it's his only rule that me and Rikuo can't break. I don't know why Kyoto is so dangerous, but I think that the reason is that this isn't our territory and the yokai here are enemies.

Chizuru smiles with a supportive gaze <<don't be scared, everything will be fine...for now keep eating, you need to get your strength back>> I nod slowly <<it may seem like a strange question, but can I ask you something? What year is it?>> Inoue grimaces worried <<January 1864, I think that we underestimated your head injury>> I stop breathing for a moment, it's impossible but...there is not doubt...that Hisao send me 146 years in the past! What...what can I do now?!

But then Inoue-san asks me <<can you stand up? We need to ask you some question and it will be disgraceful interrogate a woman in her bed>> I nod finishing to eat <<my legs are fine, as long as you don't ask me to run everything is okay>> Inoue-san nods <<follow me please>> and he stands up. Chizuru says <<Inoue-san, please don't tie her wrist like you did for me two days ago, her arm is still broke>> Inoue-san nods smiling <<i didn't mean to, please Nura-san this way...>> I pull back the blankets and then stand up, wobbling a little. Chizuru takes a piece of cloth and ties my arm near my chest, making a node behind my neck <<don't move that arm please>> I nod thanking her and follow Inoue-san outside the room.

We walk on the house's engawa...this house is in a old japanese style like the Nura house but it's not old. Inoue-san smiles at me <<it's lunch time, I'm sure that the others are in the main hall>> I nod and continue to follow him.

We stop in front of a door and Inoue-san opens it <<excuse me>> and he enters and sit in a corner leaving me alone on the entrance. I look around the room, seeing many unknown faces...but on the right there is a man with long black hair and violet eyes...Shiro? no...he's not him, but I think I know who he really is.

Near the left wall there are three men, in front of me there are two more...and two on the right wall with Shiro's father...and everyone is looking at me. I bit my lip fighting my fear. I feel really uncomfortable. A guy with brown hair and jade green eyes grins <<ooh? The sleepyhead is awake, did you sleep well?>> I blush a little <<ye..yes, thank you for helping me>> and I bow. A man with red hair and amber eyes nods <<don't thank us...we couldn't just let you die like that, what kind of men would we be otherwise? so...who's the bastard that did this to you?>> I tried to answer, but Shiro's father speaks with a cold and sharp voice <<we are not here for small talks and we didn't save you out of pity>> he is much more serious and...scary than Shiro. I nod closing the door and sit on the ground <<i know, but you still save me, I'm grateful for that so thank you>> and bow again just a little with my head. A boy with long brown hair and light blue eyes looks at me and blush <<so, what's your name? I'm Heisuke Todo>> I smile a little <<Riko Nura. Sorry for asking but...what's the real reason for me to be here?>> the man with jade green eyes smiles coldly <<so polite...but it will not help you>> I look at him annoyed...what's his problem?

I keep his gaze and make a sharp smile <<so rude...but it will not help you for sure>> I narrow my eyes <<listen...i don't know what's your problem with me or why we are talking, but I know that jump at each other's throats will not help anyone>> the man with glasses nods <<Nura-san you're right, but we need to ask you a few questions>> I ignore the sharp and cold gaze of the man with jade green eyes and look at the man with glasses <<well then, I'm all ears>> and a man with gentle eyes asks me <<did you remember what happened two days ago? Please, tell us what you remember and who attacked a young girl like you>> I grimace, hoping that they will believe the lie that I think up early in a hurry <<that night...i don't remember very well what happened, but I will tell you everything I can>> the man nods happy <<let us introduce first, I'm Kondo Isami, the Shinsengumi's commander>> he points his finger to the man with the glasses and the one similar to Shiro <<he's Sannan Keisuke, Shinsengumi's colonel and Toshi...i mean, Hijikata Toshizo is the vice-commander>> I knew it! This man is Shiro's father! I'm really in the past, there is not doubt now.

Hijikata barks angry <<Kondo-san! We already told you...you don't need to introduce us to a person we need to interrogate>> Kondo-san widens his eyes <<but...Nura-san is a woman, we need to show some civility>> the man with red hair smiles <<i'm Harada Sanosuke and this is Shinpachi Nagakura>> and points his finger to a man with dark brown hair and light blue eyes. I bow in greeting and look at the man with jade green eyes and the man next to him, with a white scarf around his neck. The man with jade green eyes looks at me with a mean gaze <<you don't look scared>> I raise a eyebrow <<i should be?>> his grin becomes bigger <<we are deciding if kill you or not, you're lucky to be still alive>> I face him really pissed off <<whatever you say you won't scare me, because I will not die here>> but Inoue-san says <<please calm down. If we introduce ourselves we can begin. They're name are Okita Souji and Saito Hajime>> Kondo-san thanked him, ignoring the fact that me and Okita look glare at each other for a long moment. Hijikata looks at me <<speak now>> I sigh <<like I said my name is Nura Riko and I came from Edo, where a few months ago two of my friends disappeared. I searched in Edo for many days, but then I heard from a traveler that they are here in Kyoto somewhere>> maybe also Yura and Kana breathed that thing and are here, it's unlikely but if there is a little possibility I have to find them. Kondo-san frowns <<two young girls disappeared? This is worrying>> I nod <<i don't know if they are really here, but I have to search and help them>> Hijikata crosses his arms <<now...tell us what you saw the other night>> I nod serious <<well...i had just arrived in town and five guys attacked me. They beaten me, but for a lucky chance I managed to escape...so I arrived in the alley where Chizuru found me. My vision was really blur but I saw three ronins following her, so she hided near me and helped me and then...>> I bit my lip nervous <<those things attacked the ronins...they were like yokais with long white hair and red eyes. They killed them and after that they came for us, but...>> I put a hand on my forehead trying to remember <<a man...with a blue haori saved us and after that...i don't remember anything else, I think I passed out>> Harada smiles <<you're really honest you know? It's not a bad thing but in a situation like this is surprising>> I bit my lip smiling a little...yeah, honest...i lied just a moment ago <<well thanks>> but Okita chuckles <<or she is just really stupid>> I glare at him <<you think I'm stupid?>> he rolls his eyes <<you don't get it right?>> I grind my teeth <<really? So...let me clear what I think. Hijikata-san was really insistent that I told what I saw that night so...you are interested in the strange demons with the white hair. There is another proof for that...your haori, the Shinsengumi's uniform...they were wearing it. Then you captured me and Chizuru, but you didn't killed us and now you are interrogating me. You take us here because we saw them...that is the problem right? You have a secret to keep and that secret is in danger because of us. I knew all of this, but I didn't lie>> and to my satisfaction I see their faces become shocked and surprised. Okita looks at me with a scary and cold gaze and Todo asks me <<we could decide to kill you, are you really not scared?>> I grin <<who isn't scared of dying? But I already said that I will not die here even if you will try to kill me. cut my arms if you want and I will use my legs...cut also my legs and I will use my teeth but I will fight back and live because I can't afford to die here>> Harada looks at me with a funny gaze and put his chin on his hand <<you may be a woman, but you have more determination that some of our soldiers>> and he chuckles.

Kondo-san crosses his arms <<don't worry, we will not kill you...even after that you are still a young woman and a civilian>> Okita sighs <<but if we kill her we resolve the problem, right? I will do it if is that the problem>> but Hijikata glares at him <<shut up Souji. We already decided that we will not kill Yukimura...so there is no point in killing Nura. The important thing is that she has to keep her mouth shut or we kill her. She will stay here under our surveillance...but she will not be my responsibility like Yukimura!>> why he's so angry? Chizuru will be his wife so I know that he doesn't hate her...what did I miss?

Kondo-san smiles happy <<don't worry Toshi. Yukimura-kun became your page right? So I will take Nura with me, we can say that she's my page>> but Sannan-san shakes his head <<there is a little problem for that, she is still a woman, we can't let a woman enter in the Shinsengumi. I was thinking that she can disguise herself like Yukimura-kun but...i don't think that it will work, with such delicate face and curves it's impossible>> I look down at my big chest...in fact it will be a pain in the ass hide my boobs. In the corner of my eyes I see Todo looks at me and blush again but I ignore it and sigh...i don't know if my face is really so delicate but I'm happy with the compliment.

Harada nods <<you're right, you will see that she's a girl from miles away>> Nagakura nods smiling <<she's a beauty!>> I cough in embarrassment blushing. Hijikata sighs <<shut up you two! it's true that we can't recruit a woman in the Shinsengumi, but we can say that she is the relative of someone...it will not be a pleasant situation but we don't have other choice>> Okita crosses his arms <<we have>> but Hijikata ignored him and I look at Okita with a smug gaze...take that!

Sannan-san looks at Hijikata and nods <<it's a good idea, it will be easy like this to explain why a woman is here in the Shinsengumi's headquarters>> Kondo-san smiles <<problem solved, so who will be her fake relative?>> Hijikata answers quickly <<Heisuke will do it, they are similar in age and a little in the appearance>> I nod happily with their choice <<as long as you don't try to kill me it's okay>> Okita smiles a little <<Chizuru-chan can come in handy in the search of her father, but her?>> I roll my eyes without answer.

Kondo-san smiles at me <<we have a deal>> but Hijikata with a serious gaze says <<don't think that you're safe, if you try to escape we will kill you...the same is for speaking about the other night. A wrong move and you'll die>> I frown knowing that he is not joking <<i understand, but can I continue to search for my friends? it's something that I can't give up even in this situation>> Kondo-san nods quickly <<is our duty to protect the civilians, we will search for them I promise>> i smile happy <<thank you very much>> and I bow. Then I remember something <<i have another question if I may. When I woke up I noticed that someone changed me>> Okita sighs amused <<you're not embarrassed? It was really funny changing you>> I bit my lip holding back a vulgar response <<Chizuru already told me that she was the one that treated my wounds>> Saito sighs <<as you guess she was the one that changed you>> and Okita looks at Saito with the corner of his eyes <<how cruel Hajime-kun, you spoil the joke>> but Saito ignores him.

Kondo-san continues to talk <<don't worry, Yukimura-kun's father is a doctor and she is the only woman besides you, so you don't have to worry>> I nod happy to hear that <<thanks, but that wasn't my question. My necklace...do you have it?>> I frown clenching my fists <<it's very important to me>> Kondo-san nods and take it from his kimono's sleeves <<this necklace right? I would have given it back to you later anyway>> and he hands me the necklace.

I take it happy and put it around my neck pressing my finger on the kanji 'osore' for a second <<thank you>> but Okita snorts <<she doesn't blink when you threaten her or when she finds out that she's been undressed in her sleep...but she make a scene for a necklace? I don't know if you're stupid or just really weird>> I growl really angry and look at him <<you've been trying to make me angry or frighten ever since I came in, if you have a problem with me just say it! But if you're just disappointed because you can't kill me then find something else to do!>> and no one said anything after that.

I snap my tongue and blush a little feeling the other's eyes on me <<it's a gift...this necklace is a very important gift to me>> Harada frowns <<do you have a man waiting for you at home? What kind of man is he?! Making a girl go on such dangerous journey alone>> I shake my head chuckling <<no, I don't have anyone like this at home, this necklace is from my grandpa>> and Inoue-san says <<you have to write to you're family later, I bet that they are really worried for you>> I shake my head hiding the necklace around my neck inside my yukata <<they know where I am, If they need me they will come here>> I really hope that Rikuo and the others will find me soon, but at least I bought myself some time to figure out how to get home myself.

Sannan-san nods <<we resolve this problem, now Nura-san I think that you have to return in your room and rest, you may seem alright but you are still hurt>> I nod and follow Inoue-san that takes me back to my room where Chizuru was waiting.

Inoue-san goes away closing the door behind him and Chizuru takes my good arm and pull me toward the futon <<you have to rest now>> so I sit on the futon and she fixes the blankets <<what happened?>> I smile at her <<it seems that we will share this room for a while>> she smiles shyly <<i'm happy to hear that, we will keep each other company because we can't leave this room>> I take a good look at her...i really miss the old Chizuru, I bet that she would have an advice in a situation like this...but for now I have to keep my promise and stay here, I just hope that Rikuo is okay and that he and the others will find me soon.

...

the cold air enters from the little window on the room's wall. I sigh bored and put my elbows on the window's ledge, looking at the white snow that covers the garden moving away my blue yukata's sleeves from my arms feeling the cold on my skin. I sigh again and Chizuru, who was sitting near, looks at me <<you'll get sick if you don't close the window>> I snort <<if that happen I will have something to worry about...i'm so bored. We've been locked in here for two weeks>> Chizuru sighs <<i know but still you should rest, your wounds haven't healed yet>> I ignore her, thanks to my demon blood my wounds heal faster than those of a normal human being...i'm alright but I have to pretend that I'm healing slowly like a normal person because Chizuru doesn't even know that she is a yokai! How is this possible?! I can't really reveal to anyone my true situation.

My arms and my ribs are almost healed, I have only a bandage around them and my other injuries are almost gone. I really miss Mana, Shiro and the others now...i want to see them and go home but I'm stuck here.

Chizuru stands up and comes closer <<i wonder for how long we will be locked here...at this rate I don't think I'll find my father anytime soon>> I nod even more bored. Chizuru told me how she came in Kyoto for searching her missing father...the doctor Yukimura Kodo that worked for the Shinsengumi months ago and now also they are looking for him <<Hijikata is in Osaka now, only he can let us out so we have to wait. Even I want to go out and search for Yura and Kana but we can't help anyone if we are dead>> and I yawn. At least they let us in a pretty room with two comfortable futon and some clothes, Harada told me that they bought two simple yukatas blue and red for me in the city market so I just have to wash them and I'm good. Chizuru nods sad <<you're right but...i'm really worried. At this rate we would remain imprisoned for life>> I roll my eyes <<you know Chizuru...i understand you're point but it's not a good thing that you said that. If a Shinsengumi's captain hear you he might think that you're thinking about escape...right Okita?>> Chizuru turns pale and look down, finally seeing Okita sitting under the window with his back on the wall <<ah! How...how long have you been there?!>> I bit my lip holding back a laugh and Okita looks at her with an amused gaze <<eh? You didn't notice me? And to think that Riko-chan early closed the window on my face. I've been here for four hours, it's my turn to keep and eye on you>> I nod <<it make sense...you listen to everything we say for prevent our escape or kill us>> Chizuru puts her hands on the wall, hiding her face completely embarrassed...i admit that making fun of this Chizuru is funny...she is so naive.

I look at Okita with the corner of my eyes <<at lest I take comfort in knowing that you too are bored>> he looks at me <<you could try to escape, so I can chase you and kill you>> I half smile <<but like this it would be fun only for you, it won't be fair. You really don't have anyone else to bother?>> he crosses his arms <<don't flatter yourself, if I wasn't working I'll be somewhere else>> I sigh and look at the garden <<asshole>> he grins <<bitch>> Chizuru looks at us in disbelief <<i can't understand if you are getting along or if you hate each other>> I look at her annoyed <<do you really think that someone can get along with a man like him?>> Okita sighs <<oh really? Do you really think that someone could stand you?>> I roll my eyes and try to answer but Saito arrives <<stop arguing you two...again>> and Chizuru looks at him with relief <<Saito-san, what are you doing here?>> he points to the two trays in his hands...he brought us dinner.

Heisuke appears behind Saito <<ehi why are you taking so long? If we don't hurry Shinpachi will eat everything>> Saito looks at him with a stoic face <<i have to finish my work and guard these two, start without me>> Okita stands up <<never lose sight of them...this is Hijikata's command>> Heisuke looks at us and say <<so? They can eat with us no? Look at them eating is really boring>> Saito shakes his head <<the vice-commander said to don't let them leave their room>> Heisuke sighs <<i don't see the problem, Hijikata is in Osaka now>> and after a few seconds Okita nods <<you're right>> and he takes the trays from Saito's hands and gave them to Heisuke.

Heisuke takes the trays without understand <<why are you gave them to me?>> Okita grins <<because it was your idea>> and he looks at me and Chizuru <<come on, come out...for this time I will not kill you>> I jump outside the window happy <<finally! I was going crazy in there>> Heisuke looks at me surprised <<are you sure that you can already move like this? You look okay, but you have still some broken bones...you don't have to pretend to don't feel any pain>> right...i forgot <<thanks, but I'm okay...i need to stretch my legs or I will never heal>> he nods smiling <<okay>> and we follow Saito and Okita.

We arrive in a little living room, maybe it's the private lunch room for the Shinsengumi's captain.

When Heisuke enters I hear a stomach grumble and I see Nagakura with a hand on his belly <<finally! Were you trying to starve me? I even wait for you>> but he stops when he see me and Chizuru <<what are they doing here?>> but Heisuke stops in front of us <<i invited them, do you have a problem with that?>> and Harada smiles <<so that's why you were so slow>> and Nagakura chuckles <<it's not a problem, the food is more good if you eat it in company. Come on sit down that I'm hungry!>> we smile and sit down.

Chizuru sit between Harada and Nagakura, but Harada invited me to sit on his other side, so I did that, finding Okita in front of me...it will be a long dinner.

Okita grins at me, but I turn my head ignoring him <<mh!>> and I hear him chuckles. Heisuke looks at me <<come on eat Riko-chan! This is really good!>> he and Nagakura are already eating quickly and Harada rolls his eyes, but in the end everyone begin to eat the good dinner...because when Okita, Saito and Nagakura cook the food is really bad. Okita doesn't know how much spices put in the meal, Saito cooks only tofu and Nagakura burn everything.

Harada smiles at me <<don't worry, today it was Gen-san turn to cook>> I chuckles and nods <<fortunately>> he sigh with amuse <<at first I thought you were faking, but you're not worried at all>> Chizuru nods <<Riko-san is really confident>> Okita grins <<i say she's just stubborn, I bet that she grown in luxury with a good family and she doesn't know how is the real word>> Harada frowns <<i have to remind you in what condition we found her? For our luck Chizuru knows a bit of medicine and helped Gen-san treated her>> I raise a hand stopping Harada <<thank you but...he's right. I have a really good family, with a wonderful mother, a lovely little brother and the best grandpa...but I don't see the problem, I'm calm because you all said that you will not kill me for now>> Okita frowns <<you're also really naive, people can lie>> I clench my fists remembering for a instant that little girl with black hair <<i...know that really well>> I feel their gaze on me, but then Chizuru says <<Riko-san! you're hands>> surprised I look down and open my hands seeing blood...i break my skin with the nails <<oh>> and Chizuru sighs <<please be careful>> I nod cleaning my hands on the napkin.

No one said anything and in the end I sigh <<ask away, I bet that you are curious>> Heisuke is serious <<it was those ronin fault?>> I shake my head looking down sad and angry <<Okita was right, my family is very protective...but there is a reason for that>> Harada nods <<don't worry, you don't have to tell us anything. The perfect family doesn't exist but I bet that you miss them>> I nod quickly <<of course! But for now I can't go home so I have to bear it>> a few days ago I wrote a letter for my family, so Inoue-san and the others won't get suspicious, but I wrote wrong the address so no one will receive that letter. Chizuru smiles <<even like that I think that they are really worried for you>> Harada nods <<if your family is protective I bet that it's true, but I'm surprised that your father let her daughter travels alone, it's too dangerous for a woman to do that. I bet that he's worried for you like Chizuru's father is for her>> I run a hand through my hair <<i also think that Chizuru's father is worried for her...but not mine. My father...he was killed in front of me a long time ago>> Okita doesn't even blink <<people die every day, fools more than others>> I jump standing up furious <<don't you dare! He was not a fool! He was a wonderful person! You can tease me all you want but don't talk about my father like that>> Okita is amused that I respond so angry <<if you attack me I will consider it like a escape attempt and I will cut you with my katana>> and he puts a hand on his katana. Saito annoyed speaks up <<stop Souji, you've gone too far>> Okita shrug his shoulder <<it was only a joke>> but Heisuke change the subject <<so Riko-chan...you have a little brother right?>> I nod sighing deeply <<yes, his name is Rikuo. I have two friends that are like brother and sister for me...but Rikuo is my brother by blood>> Harada smiles <<Rikuo? Your name and his are really similar>> I chuckle <<mum said that...it was my father that insisted to call us like that. With a similar name we could have more in common that only our blood...he wanted that we protect everything important together with happiness. My mum was really happy with the meaning behind our names so...they became our names>> Chizuru smiles <<you told me funny stories about your mother, she is really a happy and cheerful person>> I nod <<indeed she is>> and I laugh <<she always broke the dishes and kick grandpa outside the kitchen when she's cooking with Kejoro>> Chizuru chuckles and Harada smiles <<finally you two smile together. Riko-chan is really strong, but also you Chizuru can chill out. No one want to hurt you here>> I look dubious at Okita <<really?>> but Okita ignored us.

Nagakura then raises his hand with the chopstick <<even today the dinner is not much...so ah!>> with a quickly movement he steal some Heisuke's food and the two begin to fight making us laugh.

But then someone opens the door and Inoue-san with a worried and sad face enters <<excuse me, can you listen?>> he shoves a letter in his hand <<it's from Hijikata-san. It appear that Sannan-san was injured in a fight>> we turn pale and Nagakura asks <<how bad is him?>> Inoue-san frowns <<the wound is on his arm, but is really bad>> I cross my arm <<if they cut his nerves...he can no longer move his arm>> but Chizuru didn't get the point <<but he is alive, for our luck>> Heisuke shakes his head <<no it's not! Like this he can no longer hold his katana>> Saito nods <<you can't use a katana with only one hand>> and in the end Chizuru get it.

Inoue-san sighs <<i will go to Kondo-san now..>> and he goes away closing the door.

Okita with a serious and sad gaze says <<if it will be necessary...we will need to use any medicine possible>> Nagakura looks at him with a serious gaze <<don't say something so stupid, what will happen if the Shinsengumi hear that?>> what the hell are they talking about?

Chizuru asks <<but...Sannan-san is the Shinsengumi colonel right?>> Heisuke shakes his head <<you're wrong, Shinsengumi is written with the kanji 'new chosen group' but we are talking about a Shinsengumi...!>> Harada jumps and punch Heisuke screaming <<Heisuke!>> throwing him painful again the wall. Chizuru screams and Nagakura stops her from run to Heisuke, but I stand up and run toward Heisuke, kneeling near him worried. Nagakura serious says <<you've gone too far Sano! Think of him and the girls as well...and Heisuke...learn to keep your mouth shut>> Harada breath deeply <<i'm sorry>> and Heisuke put a hand on his cheek <<no, I was wrong too...but Sano you're too quickly to take a punch>> I gently take Heisuke's wrist and take it away from his face, seeing his red cheek <<put something cold on it or tomorrow morning it will be swollen>> he nods <<thank you Riko-chan, I will go now>> and he stands up and go away. Harada apologizes to me and Chizuru and follow Heisuke. Nagakura sighs <<Chizuru-chan, Riko-chan...i bet that you are curious but don't ask anything>> Chizuru tries to insist, but I put a hand on her shoulder <<okay, I think that it's best if we return In our room>> Okita sighs <<for the first time you said something clever Riko-chan. The Shinsengumi Heisuke mention...is only a group of sad children>> I nod and drag Chizuru away.

We arrive in our room and Chizuru asks me <<why did you stop me? This story is really strange>> I sigh <<think for a moment! Why we are here?>> she stops surprised and scared <<for search my father and your friends>> I shake my head <<no, why we are locked here? Because we saw the monsters with the white hair. I bet that early Heisuke was talking about them...and if we find something else about that matter they will kill us. I understand that you are curious but think before speak>> she turns pale <<you...you're right, I'm sorry>> I smile and pat her shoulder <<now that you understand everything is alright and don't speak about it ever again>> but a voice behind me says <<so you're not stupid after all>> I turn around seeing Okita on the door. I frown <<what do you want?>> he smiles <<or...you really want that I kill you or you would have closed the door>> i growl and close the door on his face, but I hear him laugh.

I look at Chizuru <<it's better if we go to sleep>> she nods and turn around for changing...she is still embarrassed thought we both are girls. I sigh and untie my obi undressing me and walk in front of the wardrobe. I feel Chizuru eyes on my naked back and sigh <<you're curious right? Every day you look at my back and didn't say anything>> I dress myself and turn around seeing that she is blushing <<i'm sorry>> I sigh <<this scar...is something that I hate, but I'm proud to have>> she widens her eyes <<what do you mean?>> I smile sad <<do you want to guess...what did this?>> she frowns <<i...i don't know>> I put a hand on my shoulder...thinking about the time that I saw my back on the mirror in my room at home for the first time. My back is crossed by a large and narrow scar, which starts from my right shoulder and reaches my left hip <<it was a sword> she turns pale <<with a wound like that...you're lucky to be alive>> I nod <<i know. I really hate the person that did this to me...because she is the killer who killed my father in front of me and Rikuo...but I'm proud to have it because I shield and protect my brother from her>> she looks at me with sad eyes <<i'm...really sorry for your loss, you are really brave>> I grin <<no...don't be sorry because one day I will kill her with my hands even if it will kill me...this is why I can't die now. I will protect Rikuo and have my revenge for that day>> she trembles <<who...was her?>> I look on my side <<this is...really a good question>>