crimson soul <[okikagu]> on hold

chapter 5

Crimson Soul

Chapter 5: Shinsengumi's Arc (End)

Ruby met ocean blue when they lacked oxygen, both of them stared at each-other, not really coping with the situation. They were sworn rivals or something else? Did the hate grew in another feeling more passionate? Sougo always felt that she was a special person to him, but to think that they just kissed, that she responded to it fervently...He was happy, although he didn't show it with his deadpan expression. Still pinning her down, he asked her in a hesitant voice:

"What are we now, China ?" he leaned a bit more, enough to whisper in her ear. "Or more exactly, what do you want us to be now ?" Under his weight the girl was trying to get out of his grip, her usually pale face looked more like a tomato. It was fun to see her flustered and squirming around, way better than the cold killer face, it did not suit her. At all. He wished to see her stupid smiling face, for her to enjoy life, like how she acted back on the Earth. Honestly, he detested how far she appeared to be since he thought of himself as the one the closer to her, to understand her the best. It hurt when he learned that it was indeed not true. But now, he discovered a new China and he did not dislike this cute side in fact; he loved it.

"Let me go Sadist aru– !" Her heart was pounding. Badump. Badump. Badump. Harder, faster. Badump. Badump. Badump. Although having an inhumane strength, she felt weak, not being able to move the officer that she liked. However, it was certainly not the time for love; she tried to calm herself first before going into a more serious mode. Being an item would just endanger both of them, one can be used as a hostage, an emotional weapon, it was the last thing they needed to survive and win this damn war. " stay rival, Sadist." He blinked. Then, anger took him.

"What are you saying China ? When I just confessed my feelings? That you accepted my kiss ?" He frowned.

"It's not the problem, Sadist, it's just quite not the right time to do things like that, you can measure the risks we're living. We'll be separated many times, both of can die in any moment, love will only get in the way uh–uh". The young man did not seemed to understand her reasoning.

"I am a Shinsengumi's captain and you the first general; that we are officially lovers or not does not change anything. They'll still be coming after our head." Kagura shook her head.

"That's not all, Sadist uh–uh, use your brain a little. For example, I've been kidnapped by the Tendoshu. If they didn't know any link between us, we could trap them by making them think that you guys won't try to save me so we can surprise them. On the contrary, they'll be able to plan that you'll come for me because we are going out. It's all about giving the correct data, aru–" The flaxen-haired officer sighed, not really expecting such a serious side of Kagura, not that she was wrong; it was best to follow the discretion way. After all, they couldn't match the Tendoshu influence and power yet.

"...Fine." But he was getting closer and closer to her, sealing their lips again. "I can still take advantage of this kind of situation though, sadists are greedy." Then, they stood up– they did come to train first– but he hugged her from behind. "Love you, China"

"I hate you too, Sadist" she grinned. "Let me train now, it's important." As soon as she said it, he walked in the direction of the door and left. He could sense a wish of privacy from the female, and he had some paperworks to do (he'll pass this duty to Yamazaki, of course). No, in reality he was going to interrogate Jun and Masamune about the vermillion haired girl. That said, he went to them and began to ask his questions casually.

"How Kagura-chan was before? She was energetic but in a different way I guess...Always helping the others and definitely good mannered too."

"Almost a little princess, you could say!" added the blue haired man.

China...With correct manners? Must be kidding me...We are talking about the same girl who pick her nose shamelessly ?

"You seems surprised, even if it would be pretty normal for her to be like that. I mean, she is among the elite of the elite in the Yato Clan. There are not many person who can pretend to be her equal." Masamune continued, noticing the curious look of the young boy. "It's ironic for Kagura to be in our side."

"What do you mean?"

"Have you heard of the 'Goddess of war" ?"

"Everyone on Earth know about her, despite the lack of details. The unknown woman who made the amantos won the war against the humans, the same who provoked the submission of the Earth to the other species. One of the most hated figures for us." The amber eyes of the demon swordsman pierced him.

"Kana. That was her name."

"What is the point of telling me this? I don't see any connexion with China."

"She was her mother. Kagura is the daughter of Umibouzu and Kana, and it explains many things. The others Yato familys who sold her, have chosen the Earth because they knew how much she'll be hated, nobody would be willing to help her. There was a time where she was even wanted and her head offered a high reward. Can you imagine it? If Jun and I hadn't found her, she would be still living in hell."

China..The daughter of the human killer. How come the Shinsengumi did not know about this ?– Soyo-hime must have done something for her...And Kabuki-Cho is far enough from the capital to not learn any rumours about the appearance of 'Kana'.

"After eliminating Eienchen, only the freed slaves accepted her, the rest of the society feared her skills; she represented a second 'Kana'. The amanto side of the government proposed her a high rank but she promptly refused. Kagura-chan loves her mother, however she did not intended to follow her path; the circumstance pushed her to be what she is now" Jun finished with a bitter voice. "Her pacific nature don't correlate with how her actual life would be."

"Why did she participate in this war, then? She could just stay with Danna in the Kabuki-Cho district. No one forced her."

"Kagura-chan knows the line between dreams and duty, she couldn't let an ill group to control this planet, not when she perfectly realise the extent of her own masteries."

It was already the dinner time when they were done with their chat, a familiar petite figure joined them. She was panting heavily, indeed tired because of an exhausting training with her Yato blood and its after effects; it was faint but they were reminiscing charcoal liquid on her wrist. She must have wiped her mouth many times, the captain furrowed his brows. Everything had a price, but her talent endangered her health too much. He couldn't stop her, she was not going easy on herself. Regardless her naïve and childish attitude, she was more than severe about her role. It relieved him a little to observe her eating twice her weight, her sudden announcement between two bites made his eyes widens, though.

"Tomorrow, I'll go after the Harusame," She said like she was just going to buy some food, like nothing dangerous; except; it is.

"The fuck China? It's too dangerous alone, even for you!"

"Masamune will go with me. At the same time, you guys need to find the Kihetai with Jun, Gin-chan and Megane would have already make Bakasugi side with us. You'll be training the men in their HQ, it's safer than just a space ship. Jun could teach first-aid technics and oversee the soldiers health routine."

"Two is still not enough for a big organisation, China, plus a entire squad made of Yatos. You fainted after dealing with Eienchen which is pretty much a small fry in comparison."

"That's why Masamune will be with me, Sadist. In the chess rules, you don't need to take out all pieces to win, just the King. I'm doing the same, I'm not really aiming the Harusame but the idiotic brother of mine, Bakamui. Defeating him is only possible if I am the one to try." Her hands moved toward his shoulders, gripping it gently. "Trust me Sadist, don't make it harder than it already is. I expect fully trained soldiers when I return or I'll kick your ass uh– uh."

'Like you'll be able to do it, China" he smirked. "Just don't die, or else I wouldn't be able to prank you and it would be boring."

"Tsk, as if Bakamui could kill me, I'll make him cry." Her pink lips opened in a dazzling smile while her cerulean orbs sparkled. They never communicated in a normal way, they had an odd way that only them could understand. Those words were genuinely meaning a simple message:

"Be safe."