Hakuouki: The Masked Cherry Blossoms

Chapter 35

They calmed me down eventually and Souji put me to bed, making sure I wouldn't escape from his arms. But this morning I decided to let it all go. I couldn't destroy what I had built now, I had to stick by it. I couldn't run. No more running. If I'm a part of the Shinsengumi, I had to fight as fiercely, as devoted as them. I had to keep my resolve. I had to be strong I couldn't be weak anymore.

This time I braided my hair. I put a bandage on my other arm and hand but left my fingers exposed. And now, I was skipping breakfast to train. But this time I worked without my fans. I needed to be strong in every aspect of fighting.

"Sakura." Yamazaki calls. I let my legs fall from the air and turn to him. "I brought you some tea. Do you wanna break?" I nod.

"Thanks." I smile going to go sit with him. I drink all my tea in one gulp making him shake his head with a chuckle.

"I remembered." He says handing me a second cup. I laugh leaning back on my elbows.

"You seem more relaxed." He comments. I sip the tea moderately.

"Yeah, I've realized that I just panicked. It's your guys job to do that. I provide the relief and resolve your worry. I just needed to focus on something different." He nods.

"That is vary progressive of you." I smirk.

"Yeah, if I had any respect in my work I knew I would have to learn to adjust. I have you to thank for this. Out there you really helped me."

"It was the purpose." I bump him with my shoulder.

"Stop being so humble. Just smile. You did something good." He nods and I drain the rest of the tea. "Okay, well I think I've reached a stopping point in training for now. I think I should go talk to Kazama and see what he can gather." He nods.

"Be careful." He says as he takes the empty cups.

"I know, I'll be back soon. It shouldn't take long." He nods.

"And were you planning on telling me this?" I hear Hijikata asks.

"I knew you were listening so I didn't think I had to." I say walking down the steps to face him.

"Is that necessary?" I nod.

"I wanna ask him. It's better than going out as the Masked Fox or it'll draw criminals here." He nods.

"Than be back by lunch." I grin at him.

"No promises. Maybe I'll walk around, see a few places..." He narrows his eyes at me and I laugh.

"I'm joking. I'll be back by lunch Hijikata-San. Promise." I nod and he nods, skeptically eyeing me.

As I'm walking out, Souji catches me, coming back from patrol. "Hey, where are you going?" I grin.

"Kazama's to gather information on what happened." He nods.

"So you're staying?" I pretend to think.

"It wouldn't be that fun without you so I guess I'll stick around." He chuckles.

"You look different." He says, running the braid down between his fingers.

"Hm? Well I'll take that as a compliment."

"It's nice. You look nice." He says making me slightly blush as I narrow my eyes at him.

"You didn't need to say it twice. Was that on purpose?" He looks away grinning.

"I think I'm the only one who can make you blush."

"Well I think I'm the only one who can get you to get all soft."

"Soft?" He raises an eyebrow. I nod.

"Yep. You might be losing your touch." I wink walking away with his wife eyes watching.

~~~

"He was able to get cherry blossoms in your heart? That sounds impressive." He says after I explain what had happened but left a few things out.

"Do you have any clue to anything?" He thinks.

"There are one particular group that could have caused it but... I want something in return." Kazama grins at me.

"Is Amagiri out searching?" I ask and he nods. "Call him back because Tatsumaru is in Kyoto and will be staying for a while." His eyes widen. "Now tell me."

"It's a group of elite demons. They're looking for Tatsumaru as well and must've heard you had the information. Manipulation." I shake my head.

"I think they already know where Tatsumaru is. I think it could be demons because I wasn't able to sense anyone but I think they might be working to continue the furies. I am the obvious key to them." He nods.

"Yeah, but most demons despise those failures."

"But if they know what I am than I wouldn't be a failure. My strength was at merit to yours, even if you weren't at full strength. That's impressive compared to the real thing." He nods understanding.

"You might be right. I will keep my ears open and see what I can find out."

"Could you ask Karou and Kyo? They might be honest if it's from someone like you asking." He smirks but agrees to it.

"But before you go I can't help but notice your change in-" I hit him in the head on my way out.

~~~

Back at the Shinsengumi something had happened while I was out and they had waited for me. In my room, my vials were all smashed. My hidden sword, tossed in the broken glass.

I crouch near the glass and pick up the sword, clearing it of glass. "Any note?"

"No." Hijikata responds.

"Well it's a clear message. He knew my first idea or at least heard it." I smirk down at the mess, holding up a chunk of glass to look at in the sunlight, chuckling.

"Well, they certainly know me well. It's been a while since I felt this kind of fear, this thrill. I've forgotten how exhilarating it can be." I shake my head dropping the glass. "It's been a while since I played this kind of game. We do nothing. Let's let him have another turn." I stand up.

"You're treating this like a game? You were rather scared yesterday." Sannan says.

"But I was being rash yesterday. Today I think clearly. No one has come this close to killing me, scaring me. It's his goal to do both. The last time I played this game, Itou was the one who tried to kill me to find the Masked Fox. But the way he went about it kept things interesting. It's obvious this person wants to play. And I'm not one to deny a request." I say looking up to the sun, leaning against the door frame.

"Did you find anything on this at Kazama's?" Hijikata asks.

"No, but we have a good theory and he'll ask around and tell me if he can find anything out." They nod.

"So you're not bothered by this!?" Heisuke asks.

"I am, it's just that I have more things to worry about. Being a person of the shadows requires patience. So we can only wait it out. I'll clean up here." Everyone nods heading out. Kondou-San puts a hand on my shoulder with a small smile and a nod before leaving me alone with Souji who insists on helping.

"You're taking this well." He says not looking at me.

"It's my job to."

"What do you mean?" He pauses.

"I still hold it as my responsibility. I caused it, I have to see it through. As well as being your guy's protector."

"That's... Is that the only reason why you stayed?" He asks and I know what he means.

"Well, I also met this man I could maybe like but..." He laughs shaking his head. "Well he might have something to do with the decision but I'm not gonna tell you why or how." He laughs and we freeze when we see shadows appear. We look up. Kazama, Amagiri, Kyo, and Karou, dressed as a girl, all standing over us.

"We need to have a word."