Hakuouki: Dragon Circles in Quiet Summer

Chapter 38

~~3rd POV~~

"Sakura, what's-"

"I have to do this on my own." She says softly.

She appears in front of him with wide, glossy eyes, filled with tears, happiness, love, and... Despair. "I love you. More than this."

She whispers, pressing something in his hand and holding it there as she pressed her lips against his firmly. "I love you."

He whispers back just as he feels himself fall.

She catches him, gently laying him on the ground. She quickly pulls off her red sash and ties his fist close around what she gave him. "Keep him safe, brother." She looks up to the hidden figure and he steps from the shadows.

"Sakura..."

"Do as I say and keep him safe!" She yells at him, making him startle. "Keep everyone away from here as soon as I finish taking care of everything." She says, standing up.

"What are you gonna do?" He asks as she flicks out her fans.

"Kill."

~~~

She was a shadow, no one knew how but they all knew that Sakura, their Sakura, was helping them. Although they couldn't catch her face, they saw the familiar flash of her fans and that was confirmation enough as they signed with relief that their friend was back to her normal self and protecting them again.

Countless furies fell at least two at a time with swift moves. The once over bearing crowd of furies that outnumbered them had decreased significantly.

She worked fast, darting from place to place, saving each warrior from expected death. She didn't stop no matter how many times she heard the captains call out her name.

The last one was with Hijikata. She appeared in front of it, catching the furies sword with her hand while driving her fan into its heart.

"Sakura..." He whispers in shock and adoration. She always seemed to reach him just when he needed it.

"Keep everyone away from my area." She whispers as she disappears again. He couldn't help but feel worried and curious. Was it not done?

~~~

"I'm getting tired of you. So ungrateful, so rebellious as to protect those humans. Those humans who tried to wipe is out." She froze, staring into the shadows. It was... Dr. Osana.

"Told you father, you keep thinking we can use her while her will is still intact but I hope you realize that we have to get things done ourselves. Should I go and kill them?" Takeo steps forward making her immediately go defensive.

"I won't let you pass." She says softly but firmly, as she took stance. Her clan backed her up but she shook her head. "I have to end this myself. Stay back and keep away no matter what happens. I want no help."

They all nodded, acknowledging the pride of a Tatsumaru demon. And as their leader, they could not refuse her.

"Are you trying to disobey us again?" Osana stepped out of the shadows, his bald head and angry face was all too familiar. She had to fight her instinct to step back.

"No because you have no authority over me, you never will. Not ever again."

"You're forgetting something, little sister." Takeo points the black Tatsumaru sword at her.

"I think you forget that I will end this at all costs."

Just as Dr. Osana pulls out his own sword they all charge at each other.