Hello! Feel free to throw rotten eggs at meeee! *troll*
Okay, so it's already 1.5 years since the last time I updated my story. I'M TERRIBLY SORRY!
I know I just do this for fun and my readers are patient (By the way, are you guys still with me? If not, then I can't blame you... I really can't since it's my fault), but I'm not lying when I said I love all of my stories so I never wanted to take a long (not supposedly) hiatus... But you know, life happens and blah blah blah... okay, I won't write a long Author's Note once in a while hehe :3 But let me say THANK YOU to those who have reviewed, favorited, and followed this story. Thank you also for the encouragements sent via PMs ^_^ If not for you guys, lunar9ueen might have been dead already T_T
Okay...so as you know, I haven't been writing for a while so there might be some mistakes here and there (although I have triple-checked it) but I hope they're all unnoticeable ones hehe.
For now, just enjoy my comeback chapter! XD
BLURRED KALEIDOSCOPE
CHAPTER 7: THAT NIGHT AND TONIGHT
He was egocentric. He was thinking very highly of himself. He was strong, and feared even by his comrades.
For he was Kazama Chikage, the lord of oni. One of the last pureblood demons existed.
But nowadays, it was a mere title. Oni was a rare existence. Those who survived had their blood mingled with humans' already and chose to stay away from the war business, and this was the reason Kazama's mood often went bad. He felt betrayed by his own kin sometimes.
However, today was different.
As he made his way to Satcho headquarters while staring at the trembling soldiers for a moment, a grin of satisfaction graced his cruel, but ironically handsome face.
"W-welcome back, Kazama-sama," one of the Satcho soldiers greeted him, only to be ignored.
Upon seeing Amagiri and Shiranui, who was waiting for him. He ordered, "Let's leave this place at once. It reeks of worthless humans."
Shiranui grinned and tilted his head to the side, "By 'leave,' did you mean we've finally been free from supporting these humans in war? Or would it only be temporary? Because like you, I've grown tired hanging out with—"
"Shiranui," suddenly Amagiri cut his friend's monologue. "Don't be a fool. Satcho has been a great help by offering shelters to our ancestors when they were being chased by other humans... I'm sure that Kazama just needs some fresh air."
However, there was red fire blazing in Kazama's ruby eyes as he couldn't hide his excitement, "No, Amagiri. We are going to leave this place for good. We have done enough efforts to help Satcho, and I never planned to do more than what we owed them in the past. On top of that, I have found my bride, Yukimura Chizuru... But unfortunately, she has been married to another man from Shinsengumi."
Amagiri's and Shiranui's eyes widened in disbelief. Whomever dared to take Kazama's precious bride, the last pureblood female oni, must be crazy enough. It was alright if he didn't know anything about the whole oni-business, and Kazama would kill him quick without any further torture... Yet this was... Someone from Shinsengumi? Clearly that traitor named Yukimura Kodo had planned it all along with Lord of Aizu so no powerful demon heir could be born.
"He is a captain as well... The one infamous with his deadly left-handed sword technique," Kazama continued, a malevolent smirk played on his lips.
A captain of Shinsengumi! Now that was worse than ever.
But...
"Kazama, why don't you seem concerned?" Amagiri asked in confusion. For him and Shiranui, this was clearly a serious matter.
This time, Kazama couldn't hold back his maniacal laughters, "Hahaha! You know what?! That girl is still pure and untouched! We are lucky the one who married her is the coldest captain of Shinsengumi. I doubt he has any interest in Yukimura Chizuru at all! I've seen this man once that night...He looked like some emotionless killing machine. The rumor is true, after all..."
"There's only one left-handed samurai in the entire realm...," murmured Shiranui. "If I recall correctly, his name is..."
"Saito Hajime...," Kazama seemed satisfied instead of worried. "He should be proud because I will remember his name from now on as a shit who steals my wife...and because of that, he will never have a peaceful death!"
After leaving Satsuma-Choshu alliance forever without even telling the leaders, Kazama, Amagiri, and Shiranui went into the deep woods where Yukimura house used to stand. Yet there was nothing here now, not even a trace of burning.
"Kazama, why did you bring us here?" Shiranui couldn't understand why his lord was interested in a deserted place like this.
Kazama smirked, "Hmph, because I saw this so-called husband here that night, and he did something awful... Very awful that I'm sure he must keep it secret from Yukimura Chizuru or else it will ruin their little marriage game."
Ignoring his two subordinates who were still completely clueless. All of a sudden Kazama spoke, "You may show yourself now. There is no use hiding yourself from the lord of oni... Besides, our main purpose to go here in the first place was to find you. It was quite a gambling. I didn't know you're really here..."
Slowly, Kazama turned his body around and faced an amber-eyed young man. Amagiri and Shiranui had readied their fighting stance upon seeing this newcomer. But a slight motion from Kazama's hand told them it was going to be alright.
"I'm here to demand an explanation from you, because you were also here that night, right? Don't worry, what I'm offering now is an alliance to destroy Saito Hajime, one of the Shinsengumi's captain. I couldn't care less about the others. If you agree, then state your name and swear your loyalty to me... If you disagree... Well, you can always be a wandering demon forever, can't you?"
The new demon didn't need to think twice. Quickly, he knelt down before Kazama and took out his katana as a symbol of loyalty. A longer sword that had identical design with Chizuru's short sword. The symbol of Yukimura family.
"I, Nagumo Kaoru, swears to be always by Kazama Chikage, lord of oni's side as his loyal subordinate. My life is yours, my heart is yours, my sword is yours."
Meanwhile in the meeting room of Shinsengumi mansion, Saito had regained his usual calmness and was explaining to the rest of Shinsengumi captains that the red-eyed invader was not human.
"He is a dangerous demon," said Saito."Even you guys could tell by his abnormal and powerful movements, right? On top of that, he is trying to kidnap Chizuru."
The executives nodded. Saito didn't usually talk much so when he did, it meant they were in a serious matter.
"If I'm correct, he did say something about reunion with you," Hijikata narrowed his amethyst eyes.
His most loyal subordinate only gave a small nod as a retort.
"Just where exactly did you meet him, Saito?" asked Kondou confusedly. If Saito ever met someone suspicious who was that powerful, he would surely warn the rest of Shinsengumi members before. But he didn't.
After some seconds, Saito stated, "I'm afraid it's a bit personal, Commander." Then he continued, "But I believe we could know more about this demon by asking Yukimura-dono, who was with Satcho before."
The captains nodded in agreement, and Saito offered to summon Kodo by himself. As he slid the door open, he found his wife, who looked kind of sad. It didn't take a genius to read between the lines. The maiden had grown tired of being protected. She wanted to prove herself. She was no weakling anymore, having been through a lot and being an elite force's captain's wife. Still, Shinsengumi didn't understand or rather...they kept seeing her as a fragile thing.
"Don't worry, I will protect you," said Saito upon meeting Chizuru's amber eyes. "Because your safety is Shinsengumi's top priority..."
See?
"...And mine."
Chizuru was sure her ears had deceived her before a gentle pat landed on her head and a rare, small smile was given to her by the leader of Shinsengumi's third division.
"Besides, I know that you're already strong enough."
By Kodo's information, it was known that the intruder from before was a demon indeed, namely Kazama Chikage. He was also the main reason why Saito had to marry Chizuru to begin with. Unsurprisingly, Kodo and Shinsengumi didn't feel too frightened about this because after all, Chizuru was a married woman now. Her husband was a human and it was already too late for Kazama to kidnap her. Chizuru had lost her ability to give birth to a powerful oni...
...At least that theory only existed on their minds.
It was kind of difficult for Saito. He just couldn't touch that girl in bed. He was not good at something like that and now his comrades had mistaken him as someone who did it wonderfully that Kazama gave up and went away just like that. Seriously... Was it even funny?
Even when the last petal of cherry blossoms fell to the ground and spring transformed into summer, this bedroom secret remained unrevealed. Still, Saito kept protecting Chizuru with his soul. Who knew when this demon lord would try to abduct his wife again?
However, Kazama didn't show himself again even once. This fact sort of ensured Shinsengumi, except Saito, that he would never show up anymore and they could focus on their fight with Satcho, who had lost the supports from the demon clan.
And although Saito didn't say nor protest about anything, signs of exhaustion were clearly seen on his stoic face. As he had to fight yet protect his wife alone at the same time, he often came home late and didn't eat. It was so like him, willing to shoulder all of the burdens for the sake of Shinsengumi's glory.
And of course, aside of missing him, now Chizuru was worried about Saito's health as well.
On one fine summer night, Saito finally had time to relax his strained muscles. He was standing in front of his room, leaned a bit onto the wooden pillar while enjoying the lone moment with the enchanting full moon above. His loose, beautiful purple hair and pure-white sleeping yukata made him look less intimidating and softer than usual.
"May I join you?"
Saito tilted his head to the side and nodded slightly to his wife. Upon seeing that gesture, Chizuru's feet led her to the place where Saito was, so they were standing side-by-side now.
"You look tired, Hajime-san," said Chizuru, trying to get rid of the awkward silence.
Saito threw a glance at her, "Do I?"
"Yes," answered the maiden, "You seem to lose some weight as well. I'm worried..."
The young warrior only sighed, "Is that a habit of yours? Worrying about every small detail?"
"You need some rest. That's all."
"I don't."
This stubborn man was really something. Just a few months ago he acknowledged her as a strong woman, though Chizuru wasn't sure whether Saito remembered such unimportant stuff like that, or if he did that out of sympathy.
"...At least..., listen to your wife when she's talking," Chizuru glared at her obstinate spouse.
Saito narrowed his eyes into blue slits, "Please remember that the life we have right now is not only ours."
Chizuru gulped, but she managed to maintain her courage. It was true that Saito didn't see her as his wife, but she still was, and she would do the best to understand him in this fated arranged marriage.
"Then..., why are you letting me do this?" Gently, her fingers lingered on Saito's chiseled features, which were illuminated by the moonlight.
Seemed like thinking and wondering for a while, Saito's lips parted open to answer that question though he did nothing to stop the girl's action, but Chizuru had silenced him.
"Please don't say something like 'it's completely ordinary for a wife' or something duty-related. It's hurting me..."
Surprised by her own stupid honesty, Chizuru pulled her hands away from Saito's face. There was also a glimpse of shock in her husband's deep cerulean eyes. Now she felt like the worst wife ever. How could she wish for a selfish, special moment with this gallant warrior, who was in the middle of a serious mission to protect her? It was a great mistake to wish that someone like Saito could understand a woman's feelings.
Moreover, how could she suddenly felt like a weakling all over again?
"Chizuru..."
Here it goes! He will lecture me for not understanding the situation we're in!
"...What are you trying to say? You seem scared, but your eyes just now were genuine. So..."
Huh? What?
"Eyes are one's mirrors of soul, Chizuru. I can tell that you're an honest girl." A ghost of serene smile lined Saito's lips, as if his burdens so far were lifted from his shoulders. "You may say everything you have in mind right now... Aren't I your husband?"
The last sentence was so true it moved her soul. And this time, no word 'duty' was mentioned. Feelings overwhelmed Chizuru's heart that she didn't realize some layers of tears had begun to coat her brown irises. She knew she had to be strong for everyone's sake and this was embarassing. Yet still...
...The emotions in her heart were real, and so was that gentle thumb that wiping her tears away right now.
"Hajime-san, you've changed..."
Upon hearing his wife's response, Saito chuckled lightly, "Is that true? Strange, I used to believe in things that don't change... But I guess you're right. Changes are needed sometimes, especially when it comes to—"
"Firstly!" Chizuru shouted, knowing what word Saito was going to say next —and she didn't want to hear it— "Don't overwork yourself! Eat your meal properly! You can't live your life for other people forever! And please..."
Those words were followed by a choking noise that failed to be restrained from coming out along. Some minutes were needed for Chizuru to reclaim her ability to speak.
"...don't make me miss you everyday..."
The time had frozen as the young couple locked their gaze onto each other. It was strange. When they first met, Chizuru didn't even dare to look at Saito in the eyes but now... Although those same eyes still looked lonely and the owner himself never said anything about his feelings, she could say that tenderness had dominated those twinkling blue diamonds tonight.
Yes, tonight...
If only for tonight...
Fixing her gaze onto Saito, Chizuru came closer and probably between conscious and unconcious state, rested her right palm on Saito's toned chest. She could feel his steady heartbeat, and every line of his muscles under his thin sleeping yukata. Little by little, the Earth seemed to be disappeared, leaving the two youths alone in their own tiny world.
"...You asked me to speak out my mind, so I did."
Even though it was a summer night, unusual cold yet comforting wind blew as Saito spoke in a low voice, which was almost inaudible, "Is that all?"
"No," Chizuru replied almost immediately, now her left hand had found its way to Saito's waist, drawing him even closer to her. "Actually, I..."
Saito said nothing and planned to wait patiently until the girl had finished all she needed to say. After all, he had given her a rough time and this was at least he could do. Letting the girl feel like a normal wife once in a while was not a bad idea. However seriously, was it only out of obligation? If so, how could he explain his own arms, that slowly circling that said girl's body protectively as though he didn't want to lose her?
The night was quiet. The moon and the stars were watching the couple from above, awaiting what would come next. They were so close now, much closer than ever. Their noses were touching... Their eyes were glancing at each other lovingly... And their lips...were only one inch away.
"Hajime-san...," Chizuru breathed out in Saito's embrace, her right fingertips played with his silky, beautiful violet hair which falling forward onto her face. "I..."
"If...," suddenly Saito whispered at the young woman's earlobe, without releasing her from his strong arms. "If I want to pretend that I don't know what you are going to say next, would you be angry at me?"
Nothingness prevailed, only to be followed by a weak voice from Chizuru's throat, "...Why?"
"Because I'm not worthy of such feelings."
"...Why? Aren't you my husband? Aren't you the one who asked me to speak out my mind?"
Saito made a hesitant move to break the embrace, but Chizuru held him even tighter. They were so close, yet so far away.
"Do not run away."
"I don't."
"Then say the truth. I know you just need somebody to understand you..., and I'll be willing to be the one who hold you close and give you happiness."
Again, silence descended upon them. However, what she just said was as true as ever, of this she was sure. No matter what kind of response Saito would give her... She wouldn't care.
"...Because you're my wife?" asked the azure-eyed male with his deep, calm voice.
As she brushed her knuckles on Saito's perfect cheekbone, Chizuru answered, "Look at me, Hajime-san..., you already know it's not the only reason...We're going to live happily ever after, forever, just like a common married couple once it's all settled."
"...Are you sure?"
"Yes, of course. If only for tonight we could—"
However, those words remained unfinished, because a strong arm had gripped around her waist, and another hand was pushing her back so she was thrown into a lean, muscular chest. The owner of the arms embraced her even more tightly now and gave her a seal on the lips, namely a kiss... It was very soft, tender, and not hurried..., as if it came from a prince and not a fearsome samurai. As Chizuru felt Saito's velvety lips against hers, she knew that she had been in love with this man long before she realized it... Maybe... Since the first time she missed him while he was away on missions.
Meanwhile Saito was lost in train of thoughts. He couldn't explain why he was doing this. What was this bizarre emotion that enveloped his soul and stirred in his usual cold heart? Something... that was there but wasn't there yet? Was it duty? No... It was obviously something else that he wanted to pretend not to know.
When finally the kiss ended, the blushing maiden gave the young Shinsengumi captain a questioning glance. Could it be... her feelings had reached him?
Saito closed his eyes in solemnity, feeling the sweet touch of Chizuru's lips that was still there. As he opened his eyes again, he stated firmly, though there was a ghost of sad tone in his voice, "Unfortunately, 'forever' doesn't exist for us, Chizuru..."
Furrowing her eyebrows in confusion, Chizuru could say nothing more. After a moment that seemed like eternity, Saito broke the embrace and made a small gesture to the bedroom, clearly he wanted to end this rare wonderful evening already and go to sleep. But now it had come to this...
Abruptly, he felt a pair of delicate hands wrapping on his figure from behind. That girl wanted more, of this he was sure. She only wished to treasure every second of these moments, expressing her feelings that weren't worthy for someone sinful like him.
Oh, did he just think of himself as a sinful man? True, his swords had bathed in a great river of blood. But in this case, he had stolen a certain innocent girl's happiness by...
"...Murderer..."
Whomever let out that voice all of a sudden in the middle of the silent night, must be good at reading minds.
Why did the time and fate have to be so cruel?
So, what do you think? Do I still have my magic or has it grown softer like Saito in this story? O_O Either way, please leave a REVIEW so I can improve and hopefully don't need another year to post the next chapter! D8
Thank you for reading~
