HAKUOUKI: THE REVERSED FATE (rewritten)

PROLOGUE

A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the green trees surrounding the quiet and calm modern mansion. Few dried flew around settling wherever the breeze left them. The vast backyard of the mansion was filled with fruit bearing trees and sweet smelling flowers. The area was void of any disturbance or noise which was unnatural for trees that acted as abode for small birds and squirrels. A hushed silence filled the area as if the nature herself was holding her breath so as to not disturb the brown-haired young woman, who was kneeling before the intricately designed altar constructed beneath the canopy of trees. Eyes closed and head bowed lightly which made her soft dark brown hair curtain her eyes. One of her hands rested softly on one of the eight long rectangular slabs, she whispered a small prayer to the resting souls. Her fingers traced the name etched on the marble and a sad smile crept up her soft lips.

The sound of footsteps made her ears twitch ever so lightly and with a final bow of respect to the brave souls, she stood up to meet the gaze of the patiently waiting man.

"Kazama-san, how did it go?" her worried dark brown eyes met rigid ruby ones. She watched as his lips pull down into a frown that reflected the displeasure.

"We managed to destroy the quaint factory, but it seems that they were prepared for this ambush. Some of them escaped with twenty or so vials."

She gasped and a grim silence settled over them.

"We can use that way right?. Kazama-san, we at least need some time to construct strategy. You won't be able to do this alone for long. I insist we consider your health and well- being in this matter."

He blinked due to her sudden outburst and he let an exasperated sigh seeing the stubbornness rear its head. Over a century and a half, still he was not used to her stubborn attack. She always surprised him at unexpected times.

His pride could no longer guard him against this demoness who was able to break down his walls just by giving that I –know-about-your-I'm- fine look.

"I considered that option. Amagiri is looking into it as we speak. As for the 'you won't be able to do this for long' part, I'm seriously offended by how easily you wrote off my strength as a demon lord of the west. Or, is it that you lost your faith on me?" his frown contradicted the playful glint in his ruby eyes.

In response she planted her feet firmly and met his gaze squarely with her disapproving ones.

"That's not what I meant. And you know it! Kazama-san you-"

"But as strong as I wish to argue that I'm capable enough to fight for another century or even long, it's practically will be a careless and stupid move from our part. That's why-"

His gaze shifted from her to stare silently at the altar under a big and strong cherry blossom tree.

The brown-haired girl followed his gaze and as soon as her gaze fell on the altar, a look of disbelief crossed her features.

"You mean......how is it possible?" she stared at his smirking expression. She opened her mouth to reprimand his cryptic silence but stopped short seeing the expression on his handsome features. He wore an expression crossed between bitterness and gladness coupled with a strange one, which was confusing to decipher. Was it nostalgia?.

"You met them" she whispered to herself more than to him.

" They are young pups, but there is no mistaking them."

"Kazama-san!" she reprimanded him for his rude comparison. But the truth and the meaning behind his words hit her like a thundering train. Disbelief, happiness, longing mixed with salty tears ran down her cheeks as she tried desperately to choke down a sob.

"It's true then. I'm glad......finally." Her voice cracked at the end slightly betraying her calm façade.

She wiped the remaining traces of her tears and took a deep breath.

"So what now?" .

She felt his gaze on her as he answered.

"We wait. Now we wait chizuru."