We're in the double digits! Chapter 10! God, this took forever—

Wow, it's been a while! Procrastination, writer's block and school got in the way. I was planning to update… for a while now, but this chapter was like 'Nuh-uh Jen, not today!' you know from that commercial when that guy smacked that kid's box of cereal—Anyways, I'm really sorry for the looooong wait! ;; Hope I can get a review from you! They help me out a lot! Hakuoki and it's characters, minus Kira, are not mine.

Kira woke up the next day rather calmly, despite the events that occurred last night. She was silent and remained lying down, staring at the ceiling above her. Her mind relayed the horrifying event, the clawed hand that grabbed her and the petite demon-child with super strength. She remembered the pain that raced through her body, and she could feel it lingering still. And then there was that time when she broke down and cried her eyes out, and Okita was the one who comforted her. Everything else was a blur; she couldn't even remember when she fell asleep.

Lost in her thoughts, she didn't hear the sound of knocking at her door before it slid open. It was his voice that broke her out of her daze. "Morning," Okita said. No smart remarks or even a slight sing-song tone to his voice.

"Morning." She replied.

Her attention was brought to the tray he held in his hands. She spotted a bowl and a cup. "Oh, you didn't have to do that," she said and sat up a bit too quickly. She was right about one thing, she was still in pain. A sharp sting ran up and down her back, and her head throbbed. Kira cringed.

"Relax, I have to. I did say that I'd look after you. Besides, Hijikata-san would throw a fit if I didn't do anything about it." He said as he took a seat beside her and set the tray next to him.

All she could do was nod. She looked at the bowl, filled with soup still steaming. Silence lingered in the air.

"We couldn't find that girl you kept on mentioning about," he said, annoyance tinted his voice. "You certainly caused a ruckus over the night." He chuckled, but Kira didn't find that funny. She lifted a brow at him and he quickly amended himself. "Don't worry, we'll find her."

"What about Kazama? And that missing girl?" She finally asked.

"Nothing, that damn demon definitely knows how to hide when we're looking for him." He paused. "You know, you're taking this pretty well." An amused grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. He propped up his head with an arm on his knee. "You're pretty tough."

Kira shrugged. "I guess..." she thought for a moment. He had a point there. "I'm just in too big of a shock right now to panic. But is that what you guys always feel like? When you're out on patrols." She added quickly.

"Nah, the idiots we fight are basically rookies with swords."

"Like me?"

"Would you be upset if I said yes?" She could sense his usual self poking through those words.

She gave him a look and smiled tightly. "Not really. If they fight as bad as me, then I guess you have nothing to worry about. But I can protect myself!"

"I didn't say you couldn't!"

Her moments of terror from last night seemed to have faded away, as if it were a horrible nightmare. Not real. Her sore body made her think about stretching her muscles a bit too much instead of being thrown to a wall. Was it okay to say that she felt better when she was talking to him? Of course! She thought. He was starting to grow on her, even though his personality sometimes drove her nuts.

"You should eat before your soup gets cold. Hijikata-san also made you some medicine." He said, pointing to a small cup near the bowl.

Her eyes flickered to both bowls. "I guess I should."

"Or maybe I should feed you," he chuckled.

"No!" She said quickly. "I mean... no. I'm not a kid." Her hands picked up the bowl and the spoon and she took a tentative sip. The hot liquid poured down her throat, and it burned. "Ohh... still hot." She grimaced. She could still feel the burning liquid sit in her stomach before fading. She was sure that her tongue was burned.

"I'm glad you haven't gone into a panicked state after last night. It would be boring with you being all quiet and timid."

She scoffed.

"Seriously! It wouldn't be fun to tease you if you were too serious," he grinned. "Oh, how do you feel? You said you were thrown across the room..."

She didn't remember telling him that, but when she was delirious, it must've slipped. "I'm just sore. It's not like I've broken a bone." She never knew how that felt like though, since she didn't want to spoil dance season because she would do something stupid. Taking another sip, blowing it this time, she set the bowl down on the tray, her hands couldn't deal with the hot bowl.

"You think you would be able to go on patrol with me tonight? Not sure if Hijikata-san would mind if you stayed, since you're injured. But he might throw a fit if you leave," he grinned.

"I'll let you know." She wasn't fond of going back out there, knowing that crazed people were after her. Who knows if there were more! But since hiding out in Headquarters wouldn't work, due to last night, she was indecisive.

"Well," Okita started to get up. "If you need me, scream." He grinned before quietly leaving the room, resulting in Kira being alone again. She looked at the closed door and then at the bowl of soup. Might as well finish it. Picking it up, she started to scoop up the broth with the spoon.

…

Kazama appeared in the manor of the demon girl he hated so much. He was more pissed off than usual, and he had a reason for it. He had to hide a growl that was threatening to escape from his lips.

The green-haired demon rounded a corner and ended up in the same room as he. She blinked, and a grin tugged at her lips, followed by a soft giggle. "Well, this is surprising. Why are you here, Chikage-san?"

"How dare you use such formality," he let out an exasperated sigh. She was distracting him from his real reason why he was here. "Last night, you went to the dogs' headquarters." It wasn't a question, more of a statement.

Folding her arms, she walked up to him, taking light steps as usual. "Yes, I did." Her smile was replaced with a glare, anger was visible in her eyes. "And you still didn't capture her! Are you that weak? Are you afraid of those humans?" Her voice rose with every second. "I don't like waiting for things, so I paid that pathetic human girl a visit!" She took a calming breath. Her voice softened, but irritation tinted her voice. "She still doesn't know a thing, and it'll be a matter of time before she figures everything out! My plans will be ruined!"

"Why does it matter? And I refuse to be intimidated by you. I'll get her from those mongrels when I feel like it," he said as he squinted his blood red eyes at her. "Why create so much trouble? You could've been done with it the second she arrived."

Her anger suddenly vanished, an amused grin grew on her lips. "I thought the answer would be simple. I love to see those pathetic humans in pain. What else are demons supposed to do than to meddle with them? It makes time go by fast."

He was quiet for a moment.

"What is it, Kazama?" She feigned innocence and tilted her head to the side, like a child. She basically looked like one too.

"What are these plans? It just seems like this is going nowhere."

"Do you really think that I'll tell you now?"

Annoyance was growing inside him. Without a word, he turned and headed to the doors, slamming them shut behind him.

…

Waking from her third nap, Kira sat up slowly, letting out a yawn. The medicine she took earlier… was actually effective after a few minutes of taking it, other than the numerous pain meds she took sometimes back home. Her head didn't hurt, and the pain in her back dimmed tremendously. Her conversation with Okita flashed in her mind.

Maybe I should consider his offer…

She pushed the blanket off and got to her feet. Walking to the door, she slid it open, surprised to see Okita about to knock. She looked at the tray that he held. "Oh, seriously, you don't have to—"

"You're awake and walking… guess you feel better now?"

Kira sidestepped to let him inside. Okita set the tray down next to her futon, containing a couple rice balls and tea. "Yeah, I am, actually."

He looked at her. "So, did you make a decision?"

She nodded. "I'll go with you."

"Can't stay away from me, can you?" Okita smiled.

Kira scowled at him. "You're so full of yourself."

He ignored her comment. "Get ready, we'll be leaving soon."

How long was she asleep this time? Her eyes shifted to the sky outside her room, trying to find the position of the sun. She could already see the pastel pinks and oranges in the west.

…

By the time Kira hurried out of her room, her recently acquired sword at her side, they were about to leave. Rushing up to Okita, who wore his blue haori and forehead protector, she said, "Ah, sorry I took so long."

"We were going to leave without you," he half-joked.

The small group moved past the gates and out onto the streets of Kyoto. The light given off by the lanterns touched the walls of buildings and created shadows that stretched in their movements. Their footsteps echoed in the quiet town.

Kira looked up at Okita. "So, Hijikata-san was okay with me leaving?"

He shrugged. "He didn't look very happy about it, but he said yes anyways."

She nodded and scanned the area, wondering if this was really a good idea. She created a mental list, weighing out the pros and cons about each choice. If she went, Kazama or that other lady could find her, and if she stayed… the same thing would probably happen, considering that that lady managed to sneak into Kira's room.

Her train of thought was cut short when she heard a man screaming in the distance. They froze for a moment. "This way!" Okita said to his men before the group rushed in the direction of the scream.

Coming up to a corner, Kira heard maniacal laughter, as they turned left. She couldn't forget that laugh. The first day she got here—

She stopped running, and the men rushed past her. Okita stopped a few feet ahead of her and glanced over his shoulder. "What are you doing, Kira-chan?"

"This isn't right," she muttered.

"Of course it's not right, it's left!"

She mentally face palmed. "No! That's not what I meant! Did you not hear that laugh?!"

"Sir!" One of the men came up to Okita. "You need to look at this!"

Okita and Kira looked at each other before breaking into a run, Kira gripped her sword tightly, unsure if she would actually use it. When they rushed up to the sight, Kira glanced at the scene for only a moment.

A man was sprawled out in a pool, probably of his own, blood. His arm was severed, and his sleeve was coated in a rich, crimson red. And his head… was missing.

Even though she saw it for a split second, she could feel her stomach churn, and was grateful she didn't eat her food earlier. The smell of blood was so potent, and it made her scrunch up her nose.

"What the hell…" Okita muttered as he crouched down to further inspect the bloodied body. Moment later, he stood straight, his face was hardened. "Dammit," Kira heard him say.

She felt something stare at her and goose bumps crawled up her arms. "Okita," she started off, only to be cut off with a few men limping out of the shadows. Blood stained the corners of their mouths, the same color of the eyes. One of them licked the dried blood from their hand and grinned maliciously.

Rasetsu.

"How did they get out?" A member muttered.

Okita shook his head. "I don't know, but we need to get rid of them before they kill another. Make sure you save some for me though," his joke clashed with his serious face. He unsheathed his sword in a quick motion, and the sound of metal being pulled out was mashed together into one sound. He looked at Kira, "You better use that sword, or I'll kill you."

She furrowed her brows, frustrated. "Why are you joking now?"

Three more red-eyed demons appeared, all around them. Emerging from alleyways, some from rooftops. They all held up their bloodied swords and lunged at them, emitting screams and insane laughter, drunk from the smell and taste of blood.

Swords gave off a metallic rasp, men yelling as they slashed at the demons. Kira gripped the handle, ready to defend herself…or at least try. She was in the middle of a bloody fight, all around there were swords clashing and blood staining the ground. The smell and the sounds were overwhelming. One Rasetsu locked eyes with her, and her heart dropped into her stomach.

Uh-oh…

The demon darted away from its current opponent and charged at Kira. She gasped and yanked out her sword. Taking a step back, she held onto the sword for dear life, squinting her eyes, not wanting to see it so up close.

"Kira!" She could hear Okita's voice, but her focus was put onto her attacker. Their swords clashed, and she was nearly thrown back from the strength the blow had. Her hands were tingling, and the urge to drop her sword was immense. Arms shaking, she looked at the demon, pupils dilated, red eyes staring straight at her. She could smell the odor coming from its mouth, making her gag.

Her heart thrummed against her chest, making it feel like it was going to explode. In her mind, she screamed at the top of her lungs. This wasn't like a video game. It was real, and she had the chance of getting hurt, or even killed.

He laughed at her, giving her a toothy grin, pressing his weight towards her. She took another step back, resulting in her stepping into the still warm blood.

She shuddered. "Ew, ew, oh my God…" she whimpered. Her arms gave in, and they broke contact, making her stumble a bit. The demon lurched towards her, the tip of his stained sword aimed straight at her. She took a step to the side, hearing the woosh of the blade next to her ear.

With her sword down at her side, she continued to dodge the attacks with ease, thanks to dancing. It brought its sword above his head, slashing down. Her arms shot up, deflecting the blade with hers. A familiar tingling sensation ran up and down her arms, making it feel like they would shatter.

Taking its sword back, aiming towards her stomach, it lunged for her. She brought her sword down right before it could pierce her, but it resulted in the sword being knocked out of her hands, lying ten feet away from her. Her hands ached, absorbing all of those powerful blows.

Kira paled, suddenly wishing that someone would come up and kill it. She was too stiff to move, lacking in her only protection which was now feet away.

It must've gotten a feeling that it was going to claim another life, because a large grin curled its lips and it swiped its sword at her.

She screamed, screwing her eyes shut waiting for the blade to finish the job.

But it never came.

Opening one eye, she found a blade, a different one, pierced through the demon's chest. Its eyes widened, mouth agape. It dropped its sword, clattering on the ground. Seconds later, it crumpled to the ground. Her savior pulled out the sword. Her eyes followed the sword and then the hand. She was about to thank the person, but she held her tongue.

Which was worse? Being confronted by a crazed Rasestu, or someone who had been chasing you since day one? She was torn between the two, after meeting his red eyes, not like those of the Rasestu.

"You," she said, trying not to let her fear get in the way of her speech.

"I assume that she wants you alive." Kazama said.

Okita's stained sword was pointed at Kazama in two seconds flat. "Bastard, why can you just leave her alone?" He growled.

Was he finished killing the other…? Her eyes flickered to the bodies, now sprawled out on the ground. Blood everywhere. She averted her gaze, looking at the back of Okita's head. The only part of him that wasn't covered in blood. She let out a sigh mentally, wanting to let out tears of relief.

Kazama didn't even flinch at the sword. "I wasn't addressing you, dog." Venom dripped from his words despite his calm expression. He looked over Okita and at Kira. "Why do you let them protect you, human? Don't you want to go home?" The rest of the men gathered around them, waiting to attack.

The last sentence struck a chord with her. She didn't think much about home, since she was gone for a while. If she didn't know any better, it seemed that she forgotten about home entirely.

"Don't listen to him, Kira." Okita remained firm, ready to defend. "She obviously doesn't want to go with you." He said to him.

"Why don't you let her talk?" He made no move to remove Okita from in front of him, however.

Being put on the spot right after a battle didn't settle well with her. "Did you do this? T-this attack?" She bit her tongue for slipping.

He lifted a brow, probably not happy that she avoided his question. "No. But it was a good distraction for these dogs."

"Tch, you lost. You're not going to get her." Okita said.

"She's going to be mad." He said, ignoring Okita. "It would be best to come with me than her."

"Who's 'her'?"

"You've seen her before… that female demon." he said before turning. Kira picked up her head. That girl with green hair with inhuman strength. It clicked. How else did she acquire such strength?! She was getting curious, wanting to know more.

Swords were still pointed at him, but he paid no mind to them. As soon as he disappeared, the men eased and put their blades down. Kira was now clinging onto a single thread that could lead to why she was brought here.

Okita let out a frustrated sigh, whipping his blade to the side and the blood splattered the ground. He sheathed his sword and picked up Kira's discarded sword and handed it to her. "Are you okay?" He looked at her foot, the one that stepped in the blood, and gave her a look.

She nodded numbly and sheathed the sword. Noting his eyes, she added, "I-I just stepped in some blood." That was the most disgusting thing she had said in her life.

"Guess I shouldn't take you out on patrols, huh?" He grinned at her and turned to his men. "We need to get rid of these bodies."

They nodded and started to drag them away.

Kira looked up at him; his face was dusted lightly with specks of blood. "I d-didn't say that! I'll still go on patrols! And I've figured something out." Her heartbeat was going back down as she continued to talk to him.

Okita gave her a look, signaling for her to continue.

"That girl… from last night. She's a demon… and she knows Kazama." She said.

He was silent for a moment. "Damn, is every demon in on this?"

Ahhhh, I like this chapter length, even though it was a pain in the neck in the middle of the chapter. Thank you for the reviews (even though I was taking forever to update orz) I can't say when I'll update again though ^^" I hope it'll be soon though!