Author's note: Hey guys! Plot bunnies just keep coming. I'll still be using the same OC from A New Dawn however, there will be some changes as to how Aya was brought up. I'm really excited to write this story. Please enjoy! Reviews and constructive criticisms are always appreciated!
"Life hands us many different things, good and bad.
One of the greatest gifts we receive
is the love of a good friend."
– The Gift of Friends by Karin Schaefer
Chapter 1: "Meetings"
"Kondou-san, you summoned us…?"
The chief commander of the Shinsengumi looked up from the letter he was reading and gave a bright smile as he saw his trusted comrades. Kondou Isami made a gesture, telling them to sit on the floor.
"Good, you all came. You see… I've just gotten a letter from Himura Makoto."
"Himura Makoto? What does he want?" His Vice-Commander inquired.
"He asked us to protect his daughter, Himura Aya."
Okita Souji blinked. "Himura Aya? Why so sudden?"
"Simply for being the only heir to the Himura clan. In recent years, they had gained both various enemies and allies; either to get rid of them or to seek her hand in marriage."
"And? What does this have to do with us?"
"I'm sure you all have heard the rumours. There were a few attempted break-ins to get inside the household. One incident in particular, angered the Lord and he does not wish to see it happen again. Furthermore, I'm sure you all know that they are related to the Shogun himself."
"The Shogunate…?" Harada blinked.
"Our job starts tomorrow. If we do it right, we might be able to meet the Shogun himself. This is an excellent opportunity for the Shinsengumi to gain recognition. Make sure you're prepared adequately. There's a possibility that we might have to stay there for the time being."
"Ah, so we'd be able to jump into action more quickly."
"That's right, Shinpachi." Kondou beamed at them. "They're expecting us tomorrow. Get ready by tonight and we will proceed as planned."
"Sir!"
{Family}
"Just like every life, the cherry blossoms bloom when the time is right. And just like every human being, they too, will wilt when their time is up…"
Himura Aya nodded to herself and gently placed her brush on the wooden table. It was the beginning of Fall. Autumn has always been her favourite: there was nothing like watching the cherry blossoms fall to the ground. It was neither too hot nor too cold; just the right temperature for people to take a morning stroll.
A knock resounded throughout the room and sky blue eyes glanced at the door. It slid open and one of her personal attendants bowed slightly.
"Aya-sama, my Lord requests your presence in the main hall. There are visitors today."
"We have guests…?" The redhead pursed her lips. Was it another man who had come to ask for her hand in marriage? But Chihiro-san mentioned visitors; meaning there was more than one.
"Hmmm, alright… Thank you for informing me. Leave me, I'll be there shortly." Aya gave the blue haired girl a kind smile before dismissing her with a wave of her hand.
Chihiro bowed once more before exiting the room quietly. Aya glanced at her table, on it perched was a painting of cherry blossoms that she had finished just a few minutes ago. The redhead let out a soft sigh
"Alright, let's go see what Father is up to now…"
{Family}
"Himura-san, thank you for giving us this opportunity to serve you."
Hajime Saitou watched the exchange quietly, a blank expression on his countenance. To tell the truth, he was pretty curious himself, not that he would ever admit it. Then again… it wasn't every day that the Shinsengumi got such a request.
"As you all already know, my name is Himura Makoto. I have asked you all to come here because I have faith in your abilities to protect my daughter. You see, she is highly sought after by many nobles of different blood, and after one incident, it made me realise that I was so close to losing her.
"She is precious to me. Aya has a kind heart albeit her eccentricities… She sees others as equals, never humiliating them. However, there were a few scums who actually dared to lay a hand on my precious. Members of the Shinsengumi, I ask that you protect her with your life.
"Father…?"
Everyone turned their attention to the woman who had just entered the room; Saitou was no exception. Even he had to admit that she was beautiful. Her hair was long and silky, the colour of blood. Just like him, she had blue eyes too.
"Woah…" Nagakura murmured softly, awed by the sight of her.
She blinked and twin pairs of blue clashed.
{Family}
Oh… Aya stared at the blue haired male sitting across the room, facing her. She really didn't mean to stare, knowing that it was rude of her to do so. But he was just so beautiful…
She was brought out of her dazed stupor as someone chuckled.
"Ah Hajime-kun, looks like you've got yourself a beauty."
She blinked. Hajime-kun? Why did it sound so familiar? Hajime... Hajime… Ah! He must be Hajime Saitou from Shinsengumi! But why were they here? There's no reason for them to be here unless…
"Father!" She glowered at the black haired male that had painstakingly brought her up. "What have you done wrong this time?"
He waved his hands, trying to placate her. "Aya, I didn't-"
Aya narrowed her blue eyes. She was not fooled. "You must have done something wrong! If not, why are the Shinsengumi here?"
"Look, Himura-san, we're just-"
She swiveled to the black haired man with purple eyes and her own blue orbs widened comically, her worst fears confirmed.
"D-demon…" Aya gaped at him.
His brows furrowed, "Demon…?"
"Oh, dear lord… You're the Demon Vice Commander of the Shinsengumi, Hijikata Toshizo!"
Author's note: There we have it! I hope you enjoyed it! Next chapter: Aya finds out the real reason why the Shinsengumi is at her house and she is not pleased.