Don't care if he's guilty, don't care if he's not ...

''Well, damn.''

That's how you lost your first arrow. Okita sent you pointed look, which you promptly ignored. Damn you and your average shooting skills.

Jakotsu Baba ignored you, with an onmious giggle started to walk into the direction of the storage room. Seeing as you were probably not any sort of a danger to her, she was ignoring you. The overwhelming hiss of the snakes surrounded you and your only way was to burn then with Akagitsune's fire. Using your spiritual energy you allowed the red fox to get bigger, his height comparable to the size of an St. Bernard. His tail wiggled with excitement as he started to clear the way for you.

You saw figure of Ashiya as he went into the opposite direction, sealing every patient door along the way. He disappeared in the corner.

You heard a loud noise and looked into the corridor. There he was, yokai who turned upside down yesterdays event. Grand Tengu walked along the hall, his dark, almost pitch black wings melted into the darkness. The mask that would hide his face was now half shattered, which you could only guess was result of his fight with Okita.

''Crow,'' the samurai seethed, as he tightened his grip on the dagger.

Golden eye of Ogiwara turned to you, his sprear ready.

''You will not stop us this time,'' he spoke. ''Give us the sword Okita Souji.''

That would be a tiny bit problem, you mused as you took another arrow and pointed at Ogiwara.

''Why in the world you want this sword so much?" Okita asked. For a moment you thought of leaving Okita here and go after Jakotsu Baba, but since all he had as mean of defense was a kodachi that could hardly be a weapon agains giant spear, you reconsidered.

''It's essential for our master.''

Oh, so he worked for somebody else. Just great, some kind of organized yokai group was after Okita's katana for gods know what reason. Well, number one rule of dealing with yokai; you do not give them what they want.

Okita's lips curved into a wolfish grin as got himself ready. From tengu's stance you could see he was also reading himself for the attack. He jumped and you were ready to let go of the arrow.

And with this distance you were sure you'd be successful. But seconds before your arrow slipped from your fingers, something wet curled around your hurt ankle. It yanked you so hard that you fell almost flat on your face, only helping yourself with your forearms. You looked at the snake with eyes glowing like two red coals. You took arrow that was still in your hands and with curse on your lips you jabbed the snake with it. The snake turned into ashes and black mist.

At the same time a gunshot echoed in the hallway and your gaze fell on the police officer. Kanbayashi stood at the doors where you left him, now holding a gun. He was succesfull, but only at angering Ogiwara. Tengu stopped and turned his blazing glare at Kanbayashi. The police officer shoot again, but it only turned out to be futile, because normal bullets done no damage to the yokai.

''Hey, crow!'' Okita shouted. ''Your enemy is right here or your attention span is worse than pigeons?"

It seemed like Ogiwara wished to get rid of Kanbayashi, who probably was just a hindrance to him. But before he could let his spear fall onto police officer, Okita threw the dagger at his back. His back arched as he let out a growl and turned to you.

''You will regret that later," he spit and took out the dagger out of his back. He threw onto the floor. You jumped and intercepted the dagger. You kicked it further into the corridor, into direction where Jakotsu Baba was slowly moving. With a stumble you fell beside Kanbayashi. Ogiwara was still focused on you, and you sent Okita a look. You hoped he would get the message and go after Akagitsune, to the magazine area.

He jumped into the direction of the dagger just as you pulled the bow. It glowed in your hands with golden light.

''What the hell?" Kanbayashi was trembling with his gun in his hands.

''Don't shot at him anymore!" you shouted back. Aimed and shot. It was for the first time in forever clean shot, that thanks to Ogiwara being distracted with Okita, finally reached him. It sunk into his shoulder but other that letting his blood flow, it didn't turn him to ashes as you wished it would.

Okita, not slowing even when a coughing fit caught up with him, raced along the hallway. Ah, you hoped he'd be okay.

You turned to yokai, who was already turning to go after Okita.

''Why do you need the sword?" you asked him, reaching for another arrow. You couldn't see Ogiwara's face, as this was side that the mask was still intact.

''And who are you to ask me?" he turned to you, as if he only noticed your presence. Rude, you thought.

''I'm just curious,'' you said. It was truth though anyway. ''Why would flock of tengu go after one samurai and his katana?"

''Curious, huh?" he looked at your posture, as you were now pulling the bow slightly. Something lit in his head. ''Onmyouji? I thought you were a dead meat already.''

You raised a brow. You had to keep up with this as long as you could, even though your ankle was hurting like a hell.

''Yet here I am!" you smiled to him, even though his mere presence was causing you goosebumps all over the body. ''So?"

Kanbayashi, in spite of your earlier remark, shot again. This time he aimed for Ogiwara's feet. It didn't seem as if it hurt him, but certainly a damaged feet could be obstacle. He snorted and as if the conversation was over and he got ready to go to the magazine. You gave your best and instead aimed at his wings, pulling the string you held your breath. The arrow, packed with your energy flew through the air and nailed his wing to the wall.

Ogiwara shouted, which gave you indication as this was the best spot to aim further.

In mean time Okita was racing through the hall, going after the trail the fox left. Scattered ashes, limbs of youkai and blue fire was fairly a good indication where Okita had to go. The dagger in his hands was hardly a weapon he was accustomed into and hardly one to be able to fight with. Maybe if he was Yamazaki, Shinsengumi's spy and ninja, perhaps it could be deadly. For now, he was a swordsman, so to the hell with daggers.

He saw red tail in the distance and a growl. For instance, once Okita saw Akagitsune getting bigger, but never this big. He wasn't going to complain, as it made it easier to go through all the yokai here. Had he knew he'd be 150 years into the future, fighting demons and coughing his lungs out in mean time, he'd laugh. It really seemed like an joke, but further he ventured into it, the less amusing it was. Maybe if he hadn't encountered this miko-hime, then he'd have it easier. But really, he though to himself, what was he expecting from a woman of so vastly different world than the one he was accustomed to?

He used his dagger to kill some imps, that were still alive and tried to go against him. In the dim light he finally saw the main source of the problem; old woman like demon, that was now getting into a room. ''Magazine. Personel Only!", he read from a plate on the door. His destination .

All he had to do is to find his katana, and rush back to the tengu. He was really annoyed that yesterday he didn't get to kill that crow. Well, he was close to, but the girl had to jump in before he could. He could admit, that maybe driving his sword through a bystander was not 'moral' thing to do, but he couldn't care less. He was just here for a little while and then he'd go back, right? To bakumatsu, to serve under Kondou-san, just as before. This all was just a bit of a hindrance and a headache.

He went into the magazine after the red fox and saw as his sword was being picked up by the demon. At least was easy to spot, right? Akagitsune growled and blue fire surrounded them both, but only burning underlings of the Jakotsu Baba. She started to scream, but it seemed that the blue fire wasn't strong enough to kill her. Okita jumped and with an intent to kill, and using a momentum where she was distracted, tried to drive his dagger through her heart.

Last snake on her arm intercepted his blade and with inhuman strength yanked him, making him scrape his bare feet on the cold floor. He fought with him, with gritting his teeth. He reached with his hand for his sword but another push from the snake successfully stopped him. Okita saw as shikigami jumped through the room and caught the yokai's ankle in his teeth. With crushing power of its jaws, Jakotsu Baba was soon on the floor, only her one last snake as he defense. Still, the sword was clutched in her hands.

''Kusanagi no Tsurugi....'' she croaked, and her voice sounded like breaking old tree wood. She repeated, ''Kusanagi no Tsurugi...Master, I have it...!"

Okita didn't have time to listen to the old hag, and instead yanked his arm as hard as he could, curving the blade just to cut though the snake scales. It grazed it and the snake hissed, flaring at him. It sunk its teeth into Okita's hand. The pain shoot through his arm but he only bit his lips and yanked harder. The hold on his hand was lesser and he was able to free himself. Sinking the dagger into its body in revenge he watched as the creature screeched in pain.

Without missing the momentum, choosing the moment where Jakotsu Baba was writhing in Akagitsune deadly cluster, Okita went for her heart. The dagger went through her body like a knife into butter, and soon enough she was falling into mist.

Well, there you go – magical blades from miko-hime.

He picked up his sword and turned to the door. He had one last enemy to fight, yet why in the hallway he saw a flock of tengu's in the hallway? He had to deal with that before his arm went numb, he could feel pain pulsating through his veins. He took a hold on his sword, and instantly he felt so much confident and better having it in his hands. He kicked from the floor and without giving crow's time to react he went through them like a tornado.

Damn, he thought, as his vision was beginning to get blurry. At least they were done. He turned into the corridor just to see Ogiwara charging at miko-hime and the other man. He started to run, but he was not fast enough to reach them. In a blink of an eye, the woman shoot her arrow at Ogiwara's wings, and the said tangu in flurry of black feathers and inhuman screech pushed her, making her tumble on the floor.

Okita noticed arrow just above Ogiwara heart. He was blazing with anger, that even Okita could feel. Every his breath was heavy, his wings were mercilessly nailed with arrows, marking the walls and hallway red with blood. It seemed as if they were hurting him greatly unlike gunshots from the man that was standing by the hallway.

Ogiwara gave out a strangled yell and with a great speed went towards miko-hime that was now yet again pulling the bow string from the kneeling position on the floor. It seemed it was last arrow she had. Okita tightened his grip on the katana and just as the woman let go of the arrow he went for a blow. The arrow hit the tengu in the shoulder, and his blade slashed through his stomach.

It seemend as if Ogiwara realized he had been doomed, so in a tornado of black feathers and mist, he made a run for life, just before Okita could go for a blow into his heart. Ogiwara flew towards the window at the very end of the hallway, broke the window and with a glistering light of broken pieces of glass, he fled.

''I'll be back! Kusanagi no Tsurugi will be ours!" hiss was only what left of him.

Okita was breathing heavily, and he had feeling of déjà vu, as he watched Ogiwara. He honestly hoped he won't experience another déjà vu like this, because seriously, it was annoying as hell.

''Oh my god...'' the man from before sighed, sliding down on the doorframe.

Same, Okita thought as he leaned on the wall. Sun was creeping again in the hall as they all breathed a sigh of relief.

''Are you okay? Kanbayashi-san?" miko-hime turned to the man. Okita just closed his eyes, as he slowly felt his arm further numbing.

''Y-yes? What was that?" Kanbayashi asked.

''Tengu, Jakotsu Baba, snakes..." Okita spoke, just to not fall asleep, ''have I forgot about anyting else?"

''Imps," she spoke. Her voice tired for the fatigue. He heard some shuffling and somebody sat by him. ''Are you okay?"

He opened his eyes to be met with hers, tainted with worry. He pointed at his hand.

''I might've been bitten."

He clutched katana with his healthy hand. It was really bad situation, but he at least hoped he'd be able to use his hand soon. Snake bites weren't too dangerous, were they? Or yokai snakes. A thought of not using his arm again casted wave of worry inside him.

''Here,'' new voice joined them. Okita remembered this person, he appeared before. Bald man in a monk grab. He took out a talisman and started to chant. Instantly he felt better and got back feeling in his fingers. ''You're lucky they were just some small fries. Had it been some stronger poison your arm might've not worked."

''Thanks,'' Okita sighed. He moved his hand and waited for the numbness to subside.

***

Four of you gathered in Okita's room. There was nothing you could do really, a nurse came in soon after yokai were gone and ushered Okita to his bed. After that she plucked a drip into his hand, she told him to stay in bed. The doctor would be there soon.

You picked up a blanket from your room and stumbled into his room. You didn't really want to talk to Okita still. You weren't sure how to approach him either, so you just sat at the edge of his bed. His room was quiet, as no other patients were admitted. By the window stood Kanbayashi, frown etched on his face. You weren't surprised though. By him stood Ashiya Doman, he seemed to be deep in thought.

''I know you,'' Okita started as the silence was a bit to uncomfortable. He pointed at you, and then looked at two men by the window, ''but who are you two?"

Kanbayashi looked starled. Well, he witnessed Okita on his murderous escapade after Ogiwara. But at least this time you were greatful, because if he didn't appear there, then Ogiwara would surely hit you next time.

''I'm Ashiya Doman,'' the older man introduced himself to Okita. ''I'm family friend.''

''My name's Kanbayashi Ryo... I'm police officer.. I've been working on Miyako Odorki case, uh. Yeah."

He finished clumsily and gave a bow. As if he was reminded of something he took a deep breath, ''I want to thank you, uh, for saving my life. You have my gratitude, mister...?"

Okita looked at you. That was tight spot, but Kanbayashi was a witness to all of what happened. So maybe it was okay to tell him? You shrugged your arms and snuggled deeper into the blanket. Kanbayashi looked between two of you.

''Okita Souji,'' he spoke in confident manner.

''Okay," Kanbayashi nodded. ''Nice to meet you," after a second he blinked, ''that's a peculiar name."

You looked around the room and your eyes feel on the piece of paper. You knew it well, it was admission paper. One that would need to be filled in and since nurse made no indication that Oktia was going to be released today, and even said something about doctor... you were doomed. Okita did not exist.

You looked at Kanbayashi. He was police officer, he could probably make some documents for him. Right? Besides you kinda saved his life, and even if it seemed to be a bit not moral to push police officer to forge documents, that was only a chance.

What bothered you was fact that you were still willing to help him.

He noticed your gaze.

''Uhm?," he shook his head violently, ''I would like to know what just happened in the hallway. I mean...''

You smiled and turned to Okita. He was surprised to see you brightened eyes.

''I get a feeling that you're up to no good," he said, his arms crossing themselves. You turned to him fully, resting your arms on his lifted knees. He made an attempt to shook you off but you focused on his eyes and ignored him.

''Souji-san," you started. ''You don't exist."

''Excuse me?"

''You have no papers, just as when I was trying to admit you to the hospital. You have none, because you don't exist in these times."

His mouth went a bit agape but he nodded in realization.

''What are you two talking about?" both Ashiya and Kanbayashi asked in confusion.

''Kanbayashi-san,'' Okita shot him a wolfish grin. You turned to see Kanbayashi flinck. ''I have a story to tell you."

So Okita spoke about his appearance here, who he was, and that he planned to return to his times. But for now he was stuck here, more like a ghost that didn't exist.

''That's why, Kanbayashi-san," you said as he finished. Kanbayashi in middle of Okita's story sat down, shook to the core. But he was taking it well, he wasn't screaming about him spouting lies. You continued, ''we need documents for Okita.''

Police officer looked at the floor and for a moment he looked few years older. He raised his eyes to meet yours.

''How do I know you're not some criminal on the run?"

''I'm pretty sure he is not in any files you have. Besides, you saw all what happened in the hallway, right?"

He took a deep breath to calm himself down.

''I mean, for years I could see yokai...,'' he confessed. ''Small or bigger. But I always ignored them and they ignored me. Why today...?"

You sent him a comforting smile and spoke, ''it's on us, not you. Don't worry about that."

''But the fact is, that you saved my life."

He stated nodding to himself. He looked at three of you with gratitude, but still in his eyes flickered a doubt.

''Then do us a favor and we'll be even," Okita encouraged.

Kanbayashi was visibly fighting with himself. He was police officer, it was against his morale, you knew that. But you felt as if there was no other choice. Gosh, you'd feel guilty later.

''I'll see...," he gulped. He looked at Okita, ''I'll see what I can do.''

You sighed in relief, and bowed to him.

''Thank you so much!" you sent him a smile. He meekly returned it as he scarped his head and adjusted his glasses. ''Ah, right. We've been sometimes using name Okiwasa Soujiro.''

''Okiwasa Soujiro huh? Alright. But I can't promise anything.''

''All help will be appreciated sir!"

After that Kanbayashi decided that he had to go back to precinct, afterall he was still on duty. He promised to be back tomorrow. You said your goodbyes, and he left the room.

Only person left was Ashiya. He seemed to take news quite well. You realized that now more people knew about Okita, and you hoped it won't come back to bite you in the arse. Ashiya as usual looked like was in deep thought, and nothing appeared on his face.

''_____-chan,'' he turned to you. ''I think I'll also be going. I will come by to visit soon too. Until then."

''Oh! Alright!" you smiled to him and watched as he left. What a mysterious man he was. You hoped you could trust him. Kanbayashi was easier case, he was indebted to you. But Ashiya, was just friend of your family. More so, friend of your grandfather and you hadn't seen Ashiya ever since he died. So all in all, you didn't know that man too well, and at best, your memories of him were fuzzy.

You sighed as most of the tension left you. But then you got reminded why you didn't even want to talk with Okita in first place. He terrified you yesterday to no end. You shook your head.

''I wonder... what Ogiwara ment,'' you mused aloud, playing with your necklace, as if it were to give you piece of mind.

''Huh?''

''When he spoke about Kusanagi no Tsurugi," you finished. You remember distinctly him saying this name. Name of the sword, which was one of Three Sacred Treasures.

''Ah, I honestly have no idea," Okita shrugged. ''They were spouting the same nonsense since I was back in 1866."

You nodded.

''Wait. In 1866? You've met them?"

''Not Ogiwara, no,'' he shook his head. ''But the crows, yes."

Your eyes widened.

''How?"

He looked towards the ceiling, weighting whether or not speak further.

''I was at night patrol back 1866,'' he said. ''I went around your temple and there I was attacked by some other demons and tengu. They drove spear through my abdomen and pushed into the water. Next thing I remember is this place. And being in 2016.''

Your mind worked fast, trying to put puzzles together. You remembered first thing Okita did in your times was to 'settle scores with crow' and then try to drown in a river.

''So they wanted sword?"

''Yep."

You frowned and you rubbed your temples in frustration.

''Why the sword? Did you steal it from them?"

This served a hard glare into your direction. You met it with one of your own. It felt as if Okita was the one who brought all the troubles your way. From 1866 no less!

''Who you take me for? I didn't steal from anyone."

''So why are they after your sword?'' you questioned. Your voice rose a few octaves.

''How would I know?" he spat. The situation was turning ugly again. His green eyes flashed, ''stop blabbering some nonsense, or you'll regret using your tongue."

''Oh, so you're gonna kill me?" you flared back. ''That's just perfect way to deal with situation isn't it? Sorry but this place doesn't work like this! I though samurai were all about honor and protection!"

''Do you think I wanted it?!'' he bursted. ''To be stuck in a place when I have no idea what to do? To be so frigging lost?"

Your eyes widened. You looked into his eyes, now sparking with something akin to anger, but not really.

Lost.

His word stuck you and perhaps you finally realized something, what you were oblivious to. You hugged yourself in your blanket as you stared at white sheets of the bedding. Okita fell back to the pillows and looked out of the window, as both of you collected your thoughts.

''Hey...'' you said softly, cutting though the silence. ''Do you want to go on a walk?"

Okita looked at you.

''A walk?"

''Yes,'' you nodded and sent him a bit of a crooked smile.

''Will they let us?" he raised a brew.

''Since when are you concerned about it?'' you attempted at joking. It didn't rise his mood a tiny bit, but either way, you didn't expect it to. You stood up, conscious of your ankle and waited for him. You knew there was no problem with patients going into the garden with drips, so you weren't worried about that.

He walked a bit behind you, as you maneuvered though the corridors and down the stairs. In reception you met one of your ex-coworkers; a middle-aged woman with messy bun and glasses. She smiled as you approached.

''What can I do for you?" she smiled.

''We're going for a walk, okay?"

She frowned but in the end she gave in.

You went into the gardens, with your blanket flying behind you on the breeze. Okita was silent whole time as you led him to the small pond crossed by the bridge. You leaned on the railings and watched koi fish swimming in glistering water.

''So?" he asked, as leaned in similar manner. He tapped his fingers on the red wooden railings.

''To be perfectly honest,'' you began, ''you scared me back then in the Miyako Hall.''

You glanced at him, but his expression didn't change. There was no mischievous smile upon his lips or glint in his eyes. Or even anger. Just blank face. 

''To the point that I was wondering, who was the real demon out there. And for some time I didn't want to have anything to do with you'' you continued. You gulped down your silva, slowly putting your thoughts together, ''but perhaps I didn't realize how much I didn't understand you.''

''No shit, you don't understand me," he scoffed. He was looking down at koi pond.

''Yes, that's true. It feels like we're two strangers on the opposite sides of the riverbed, with no bridge to connect us'' you said as you looked ahead, and you almost could see the river that flown near the temple. ''Yet still, not understanding the other shore, I tried to apply rules of mine.''

You sighed. You didn't look at Okita, but instead at the fishes. It was easier.

''What I'm trying to say is that, I have no idea what you're going through and I wanted you to deal with thighs when you had no idea how to" you explained. ''After all I know nothing of being a samurai or Shinsengumi or anything really.''

''What's your point?" he asked. His tone a bit careful.

You looked at him and waited till he lifted his eyes to meet yours.

''I want to understand you,'' you declared. Okita widened his eyes a bit. ''No matter how awful it sounds, we're kinda stuck together for a longer run and I don't want to stay ignorant to you and your feelings. Say we're reluctant partners or something. Hell, maybe it's god's wish to bring you here for whatever the reason. And I honestly have no idea what actual goal is, but I want to know more about you and understand you."

You took a breath in.

''I promised you that I will help you to go home, and I want to keep that promise. Honestly, I have no idea what to do or how to do it, but I won't ditch you. It's just not who I am. So, let's try to be friends?"

''Friends?" he sent you a crooked smile. ''I don't really have friends.''

''Well, then let me be your first friend or something. A comrade. A companion. A partner, a –"

''Okay, I get it," he waved his hand.

You smiled.

''What I want you to understand,'' he started instead, ''is that I am sword of Shinsengumi. I have to go back to my times no matter what I will do anything to do it. Shinsengumi and serving under Kondou-san is what is most important to me. I won't be afraid to kill anyone who stands in my way.''

''Well then let's hope no one stands in your way."

He was deadly serious, just as you were. But you knew that if something like this would happen, you'd stop him. Maybe he'd have to go through you. Well, that was the price of letting him stay.

''But maybe,'' he spoke again. ''Maybe, for time being things are going to change, no matter how much I try to fight against it.''

''As in?"

''I'll be stuck here for a while yet, so until that time I need to somehow live through this era. I dislike compromises, that don't end up in a favor of silencing someone entirely, but –"he took a deeper breath. ''I certainly understand your point of view.''

''So, let's be mature adults and make this ridiculous situation somehow work?"

''Yes, make it work.''

...he's good and he's bad and he's all that I've got 

___****____

I'm done! Well, after those rather action filled chapters we'll slow down for a moment. Anyways, I finished yet again Okita's route, and as usual my little heart is broken. Yet here I am writing this.

Lmao.

Also! Cover change! Until I can draw something good enogh to be satisfied, it'll be one for now!

I hope you enjoyed!