Author's Note: A New Dawn would be my first ever fanfic published! I really, really enjoyed this anime and the characters in it especially Okita Souji and Hajime Saitou. And to add into the mix, we have Kazama Chikage as well... ^^;; This story would be revolving around my OC and her relationships with the Shinsengumi. Please enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Hakuouki and the Shinsengumi...

Warnings: Bad grammar, unbeta-ed.

"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler long I stood,

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth"

The Road Not Taken – Robert Frost

Chapter 1: Prologue

Edo, January 1848.

"Take her and run!"

"What about you!? You can't defeat them! They're from the Kazama Clan!"

"It doesn't matter! Take Aya and go! It's her they want! Who knows what they will do with her!? Hurry, they're coming!"

He watched as she nodded, tears glinting in her blue orbs. His wife proceeded to open the back door of the Himura household, gripping his daughter tightly in her hands and ran.

He sighed as he braced himself for the onslaught of attacks. They both knew he wasn't going to survive the night. Praying silently to the Gods, he let out a roar as he took on the true form of a demon and charged towards his enemies; his gold eyes blazing with determination and strength.

{A New Dawn}

Kyoto, January 1864.

There was a different atmosphere in the streets of Kyoto. A redheaded beauty made her way past the streets; either she was oblivious or just simply indifferent to the fact that many heads turned in her direction. She had decided to forego the usual Shinsengumi robes for that of a sky blue kimono. The girl was not alone. A female with striking blue hair accompanied her.

The townsfolk could sense that there was something different about her for they stayed as far away as they could. To the commoners, she was perceived to be someone of a high status and a force not to be reckoned with. And they were right; in the sense that she was the second Vice-Commander of the organization that volunteered to protect the town from harm and the Shogun, the Shinsengumi. They watched from afar as she stopped in front of a roadside stall; one that was frequently visited for its ornaments and charms.

Three wooden tables were neatly aligned, with accessories of various sizes placed on it. The shop owner, Fujioka Ayumi, was standing behind the one in the middle and she smiled warmly at her customer as the redhead reached out for an ornament in the shape of an eagle.

"That, my Lady, is a lucky charm. It is said to be blessed by Hachimi, the God of War and Divine Protection. For some reason, this pendant has escaped the eyes of many people. Maybe it is Fate that it should be bought by you."

"Is that so...?" Aya pursed her lips as she picked the pendant up and observed it attentively.

"Aya-sama, are you planning to get it for him?" The blue haired beauty inquired.

"Hmmm... It does resemble Souji, does it not? What do you think? It's January now, his birthday is approaching in a few months time..."

"I think it's a perfect gift for him, my Lady. The eagle is said to be powerful in battle and protects others from evil."

"That's true. Alright, I think I'll get it for him then. Ayumi-san, how much is it?" Aya asked politely.

"I'll have none of that, my lady. It will be free of charge; seeing that it is for someone who holds your affection." The old lady gave her a warm smile.

Sky blue orbs widened and Aya shook her head. "I can't possibly get it for free..."

Ayumi simply waved her concern away. "Yes, you can, my dear. Just take good care of it for me, won't you? If you need anything else, you can always come back here again and call for me."

A small smile graced the redhead's face and she gave a slight bow. "Thank you very much..."

Just as she was about to leave, yet another pendant caught her eye. It was a pretty blue stone, one that was carved to perfection. It glinted brightly as the sun rays were reflected. With a delicate hand, she picked up the sapphire.

"My, my," Ayumi let out a warm laugh. "You sure have a good eye. Consider it another free gift from me. Treat it as a small token of appreciation for protecting the town."

"Thank you once again, Ayumi-san. If you ever need help, please go to the Shisengumi and call for me. I'll assist you in any way I can." The redhead bowed politely.

"Thank you, my dear. I shall not keep you here any further."

"I bid you farewell. Come, Chihiro... Let's head back."

"Yes, Aya-sama."

The two women left the shop, not after giving the shop owner a slight bow. Aya glanced upwards; the darkening of the sky due to the clouds. She frowned. There was a sinking feeling in her chest and she prayed silently to the gods, hoping that things would be alright. However, things don't always go the way people want, right?

And there you go! Reviews and constructive criticisms are always appreciated! Next Chapter: Chizuru joins the gang and we get to hear Aya's opinions on the Shinsengumi! Stay tuned!