A Chance Granted By the Blue Moon [Yamazaki x OC Fanfic]

35

Yamazaki P.O.V.

            Feeling the soft petals against my face, I slowly awoke. When I fell asleep in the lone sakura tree, Ayamei’s hand was held tightly and safely in my own. As I stirred, however, I realized that she was no longer present. In my hand was now a rolled up letter; I frowned and held it tight.

Normal P.O.V.

            “I don’t even know why I bother coming up here during the day. My beautiful Tsuki only appears at night,” I sighed to myself. “…I hope you can hear me, Tsuki. I really do miss you…”

            “I do not understand why you still remain here. After all that has happened, and yet still you refuse to return home.”

            Usually Amagiri’s voice was a sort of blessing, but today… After my beloved Tsuki’s death… “What the hell do you want?” I asked bluntly, glaring down at him. “Don’t act kind with me anymore. We’re nothing of friends, now.”

            “…I see. That is unfortunate.”

            “Unfortunate my ass. You did it to yourself. All three of you disgust me. You’re all simply revolting,” I scoffed, leaping down from the tree to look him in the eyes; to speak face to face.

            “I tried to prevent Tsuki’s death; I had no reason to injure you or your horse. I failed, however, and I apologize for such a failure.” His blue eyes locked onto me; I just rolled mine and looked away.

            “I’m sorry, Amagiri. I can’t bring myself to trust you anymore. Tsuki’s dead, now. She’s gone, simply because you couldn’t get that dog Kazama to back the hell off. Her blood is on both of your shoulders.” As I started to walk off, his hand grabbed my shoulder.

            “Here. I received this and thought you might like to see it.” He handed me a rolled up piece of paper and frowned. “…I am truly sorry, Akiyama.” He finally turned and left, and after I watched him leave I frowned back at him, opening the letter.

Kyuuju Amagiri,

It must be unusual to see a letter from us. Unfortunately, as you have been the middle-man for letters between us and our dearest cousin before, I do hope that the favor I’m going to ask is not too big of a deal. Ayamei has not written back or given any indication that she has received our letters, and the last one sent was returned to us. The courier claimed that our letters were unable to be delivered to the Shinsengumi. I figured that letters might get through to the imperial army if it could not get to the Shogun’s forces.

Included is a letter that I wish to be delivered to Ayamei; we are very worried about her. Please, after you give this letter to her I ask that you seek her out a second time to see if she has written back. Hearing from her would be reassuring and comforting.

Thank-you. May you be well, and may you have luck.

-Tsume

--

Ayamei,

We’re worried as hell about you. You’re down fighting with these humans and you don’t even write to us?! Damn you’re stubborn. Look, I get that things are rough but is a letter so much to ask for?

Anyway, Shiori really misses you. We all do. Tsume’s doing that thing where he eats and sleeps in the room across from yours again. I mean I don’t blame him, but, still. It’s a little creepy.

We have a really big present for you when you get back.

You should come back soon. Really. All of this ‘war’ crap is really just nonsensical bullshit. If you get tired of it, come home. And, as much as I can’t believe that I’m saying this… You can bring that damn human rat with you.

Come home soon. Write to us. Make some effort to keep in touch, kid, or we’re gonna think we lost you.

-Ryu

            The letters bring minor tears to my eyes; to know that they were worried about me. I bit my lip and groaned before calling out. “Amagiri!”

            “Hm?” He glanced back at me; I shuffled over to him.

            “…Look, I’m… Okay, I’m not happy with what happened. Obviously. But the fact that you carried this letter to me… Thank-you. I… I’m sorry if I was rude back there.”

            “It is fine, Akiyama. I understand. Go. I am sure you wish to write back to your kin.”

~~

            I wasn’t quite expecting that sight I beheld as I neared the building. Enemy soldiers completely surrounded the headquarters; I widened my eyes  and didn’t think to hide in the bushes.

            A hand grabbed me, covering my mouth so I couldn’t scream. I was yanked into some shrubbery but I was not roughly thrown against the ground. I was met, instead, by a warm embrace. “Ayamei… You should have stayed hidden.”

            “Susumu, what’s going on?!”

            “Quiet. I will tell you as we move; we need to go. Now,” He spoke sternly, yanking on my arm. “Come, quickly.”

            “Hold on just a moment,” I whispered. “Explain to me what’s going on!”

            “Akiyama!” Yamazaki growled lowly at me, fully pulling me along before I finally decided to run alongside him. As we ran, he spoke as promised. “Enemies surrounded the building. The men were out training, so we had little defense. Kondou… Kondou remained as a decoy so we could escape.”

            “He… He what?!” I let my voice raise a bit now that we were moving farther and farther away. “You… You’re kidding, right? This is… all a joke? Right?”

            “Kondou surrendered himself. Ayamei, we must keep moving.”

            “…Right.” I spoke not another word; I just kept up with Yamazaki. In that very moment, I was truly and completely afraid for the future of the Shinsengumi. I was positive that Yamazaki was, too, and he must’ve felt my suspicions because he reached and grabbed my hand, squeezing it as we ran.

            I squeezed back, letting such actions be our only reassurances of hope.