Reviews or criticism is helpful. Here's another chapter.

NOTE: The thing with my stories is that I make the story in my mind as I write, and the story just shapes itself... So... if things don't add up or make sense, please tell me~

Thank you.

Enjoy ~

DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything. Just the storyline and the OC.

Chapter 5

BEFORE MY WINGS could completely come into view, I heard the rustle of the trees and brushes. Then, four figures burst into the clearing. I was just able to make out their faces, as my eyes slowly adjusted with the darkness.

Hijikata, Okita, Saito and Sanosuke.

They pointed their swords at the demon. I hastily prevented my wings from coming out, sighing in relief.

"Kazama." Hijikata stated coldly.

The others stared at him hard. Taking one last glance at me, Kazama placed Chizuru down with surprising gentleness as she began to stir. Then, with a warning that he will be back, Kazama was gone.

As I rushed forward to help Chizuru, the other men came closer. If these men so readily accept Chizuru, would they accept me as well?

They may accept me, but I was not ready to reveal what I was unless it was necessary.

Chizuru opened her eyes, body tense, and when her eyes landed on me, including our company, she relaxed. Hijikata turned to me, and I could see that he had a lot of questions for me.

"Shiro." He started "What business did these kidnappers have with you, that they had t…"

Hijikata was abruptly cut of when a man, clad in a black shinobi uniform complete with a flowing black scarf and forehead protector, came kneeling. Hijikata gave me a look that said my questions would be put aside for later. I let out the breath I was holding.

Saito, Sanosuke and Okita regarded me with suspicion in their eyes. My gut clenched in guilt.

"Yamazaki. Report."

"Yes. The kidnappers were gone when we found the clearing. It seems they were alerted with the threat of discovery, as soon as they realised the women had escaped." The ninja, Yamazaki replied.

Before anyone could say anything else, Yamazaki continued on.

"However, we have discovered that the kidnappers plan to hold a meeting tomorrow night Shimabara. All the kidnappers will be gathered then. It's the best time to strike."

I zoned out of the conversation, and raised my head to take in the sight of the moon. My thoughts drifted into times long past.

Darting through the thick forest of trees, I ran as fast as I could. I was around eight years of age and I had finally escaped the cage that I was meant to call home. My legs ached, unused to running. My bare feet already had a few cuts and scrapes on it. My wings sometimes got caught in low branches or brushes. I ignored all of that though, because for the first time, I was free. I entered a small clearing and all that could be heard was my sharp intake of breath.

The light of the moon shone down upon me. The stars, sparkling as though they were made of diamonds. I opened my wings and leaped. Feeling the rush of the air and, there was a moment of free falling just before I was flying.

I laughed, a rush of pure happiness flowing through my body. The smell of the night, the sounds of life, and the taste of fresh cool air. It was all so new and foreign to me.

"Mai! Oi Mai!" I scowled before turning around as Yuki appeared behind me. "The guards are in an uproar! I have to take you back."

I knew that Yuki was right. Although, it felt so suffocating to be locked inside all the time. I know that they do it to keep me safe. Before surrendering to him, I took a final glance, full of longing, and gazed at the moon. This was my first time outside after all. My first time flying so high, and so freely. I closed my eyes, as Yuki came and embraced me in his arms.

"I know." He whispered. "I know that to you, it is a prison. Just wait, my sweet little Mai, but I will make this world a place where you can fly free. I promise." He held me tighter. Yuki had always had a distinct scent that could not be described. It was like the smell of winter, with a trace of cinnamon and vanilla. It was comforting, and to me it was the scent of home. I snuggled into his warmth as he took me back to my lonely cage.

".. Shiro will do it then!"

"…Eh?"

I was pulled out of my thoughts and I saw Sanosuke grinning at me. I reached up to touch my cheek and felt something warm and slightly wet.

"Weren't you listening Shiro? We can't let Chizuru into Shimabara! She's a girl! We shouldn't put a girl in danger!" He cleared his throat.

"So.. You can go instead. You can easily pass off as a woman and you can sing and dance! If you look like this already, you sure will be a stunner as a girl! They'd want you to serve them."

Hijikata, Yamazaki, Okita, Saito and Sanosuke had their gazes all focused on me. Without asking if I agreed or not they all turned to leave the forest.

I stood there, alone for a while. Yuki can't keep his promise now. He's gone.

I steadied myself and eventually, followed the others.

Preparations were made for tonight. I was dressed up in an elegantly designed Kimono completed with an extravagant obi. The colour of the kimono was a light pink, while the obi was deep purple with a depiction of sakura leaves flying across the sash.

My hair was tied up and decorated with rich looking head pieces. However, when the person doing my hair was about to place in a comb, I stopped them and pulled out my own. Shiro's comb.

The makeup was done in a simple manner. Rather than using white powder, my eyes were accented, and a pink rather than a red gloss, was placed over my lips.

The person assisted me from the room, and led me out and displayed me to the Shinsengumi who would be on the mission tonight.

It was still rather warm, and the sun was only just beginning to set. I heard several sharp intakes of breath. Uncomfortable with the silence, I looked up and caught the eye of Heisuke. He blushed and seemed unable to speak full sentences. Sanosuke however appraised me before grinning.

"Ehhh. If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were a real lady. I bet anyone would fall for you, hook line and sinker."

The rest agreed blushing and glancing away. Chizuru flashed me a timid smile.

"Y-you look very beautiful Shiro."

"Thank you." I bowed to all of them. "For tonight, I have decided to go by the name Mai."

Yamazaki nodded and approached me, holding out his arm. "Shall we get going?"

I wrapped my arm around his.

When we finally arrived in Shimabara, Yamazaki announced his presence to the lady of the house and introduced me. He created a story of how he had too many women to take care of and had to make a choice to release some. As he explained my talent for singing and dancing, the lady of the house simply nodded.

When Yamazaki left, after being paid a price for me, the lady turned to me.

"You will call me by Mother from now on. What is your name?"

"Yes Mother." I bowed deeply. "My name is Mai."

"… It suits you. Now, let me see your skills."

As I danced and sang, the mothers eyes lighted in delight, entranced with the sound of my voice. I was unsure of what songs they sang now, and had instead chosen to sing a song in the language of the angels. No one would recognise it after all.

"Ahh such talent. What language was that? Never mind, it is a blessing you came. There is a large number of guests tonight and I was rather short of staff. No matter, I'm sure the men will be pleased with just you."

As night fell, I prepared myself.

I could hear laughter from inside the room full of the kidnappers, as I stood just outside. I knew that members of the Shinsengumi would be around in the other rooms, but I still felt a little uneasy.

Taking a deep breath, I announced my arrival and slid open the door. All the talking stopped, as heads turned my way, and eyes widened.

I smiled. This was my element after all.

"My name is Mai, and I, Shall be your host for the night."

End. If there are any mistakes please do tell me. Thank you to any reviewers~!