Hakuouki: The Masked Cherry Blossoms

Chapter 9

I've been out all day and have figured out the exact location of the meeting. I was now listening in on all the information they were exchanging and such, staking out the area with a black mask on my lower face to hide my identity. I took special precautions in case I was caught. I would have to-

"Raid!" Someone yells out a warning signal. Raid? Who would've found out and raided this place?

"It's those Shinsegumi-" Someone begins to say before they suddenly stop, cut down dead. Of course, who else?

How did they know I'd be here? I would've known if someone was following me... But I'd find out later, right now I would just have to focus and watch until-

I hear a crash and I can tell its from the upper level. Since I was hiding on the roof, I could take a look and see what was happening.

I get there as soon as the attacker leaves in a blur of red. Toudou is slumped against the wall, triggering my instincts of protection. "Heisuke, come on wake up." I say shaking him but he's knocked out cold. I can't just leave him here... I pick him up, carrying him on my back. I had no other choice.

In the next room I see Okita on the ground coughing up blood. The blonde man stands above him grinning maliciously. I throw my fan  at him but he evades it with a step back. He grins at me as I set Heisuke down and take out my other fan.

We fight with close calls but no direct hits. He was obviously skilled and kept me from getting my other fan I had thrown at him earlier.

"It seems I'm out of time. We'll meet again, masked one." He sheaths his sword and leaves in a blur of gold.

"Souji." I call, handing him a handkerchief. He takes it and cleans up as I tuck away my fans and help Souji up after picking up Heisuke again. He grudgingly leans on me for support and I don't complain of the extra weight. I heard someone yelling about back up and the noise of battle has seem to quiet.

I bring them downstairs and the captains are outside. Everyone else is too busy to notice us so we walk pass them.

"Heisuke!" They call and I use a hand to pull down my mask.

"Sakura?" Kondou takes Souji and Harada takes Heisuke. I fall to my knees from the sudden lift of the weight.

"Idiots. I said not to come here. I should kill you for-" I notice someone coming from the inn, their haori bloody. Was he hurt? He staggers towards us and suddenly he draws his sword and charges. The others barley have time to react but I do and he sees his target.

I jump in front of Hijikata and catch the blade. I look down and see he got me. His eyes widen as he stares at my hands keeping the blade from going too deep but I can't tell. Someone kills him from behind and I pull the blade from my torso. "Sakura!" Someone's voice echoes as I fall back on Hijikata.