I've realized the only way to get the content I crave is to create it, so I'm back on my bullcrap again, weebs. There will be an Author's Note at the end, so we can just hop to it.

Disclaimer: I don't own Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress/Koutetsujou no Kabaneri/甲鉄城のカバネリ/you get it at this point.

"Princess, it is almost time."

Her ink brush lightly clattered against the wooden table as she set it down, neatly placing it in a small divot in the wood. Her kimono - made from silks finer than gold - moved seamlessly as she stood up. Her dresses piled at her feet. She had yet to trip because of this, much to her pleasure.

The princess smoothed out the creases in her skirts, straightened her obi, and clasped her hands daintily near her stomach. With a small smile, she replied, "I'm ready."

.x.

"You'll be presented to the princess shortly."

He prided himself on his stoicism despite his age, but he couldn't help but feel the faintest prick of anxiety wriggle in his gut at the attendant's words. He snuffed it out as quickly as it surfaced, and he nodded curtly in response.

As per protocol, he was not allowed a weapon within the Yomogawa heir's presence - at least for now. He understood why, but he wondered how she would trust his skills if he could not demonstrate them. He supposed there would be another time for it. He shifted on his knees, using his toes to scratch the sole of his other foot. Scratch, scratch.

How much longer would it be?

His fingers curled into his trousers. He was waiting patiently - although, that was slowly thinning - on the engawa, trying not to shiver in the early spring breeze. The veranda surrounded a courtyard, housing a magnificent garden. At least, he was giving some scenery to chew on while he waited. He watched the wind disturb the lone sakura tree, shaking its pink petals, and they showered the garden. One stray cherry blossom drifted near him, landing just at his knees. He looked at it blankly.

The sound of the sliding door raking along the rail rang in his ears. "Kurusu."

He raised his head, blinking.

"You may enter."

Kurusu rose to his feet - his feet tingled - and followed the attendant in.

.x.

Kurusu once again found himself kneeling, this time on tatami mats instead of bamboo. The distinct smell of the flooring hit his nostrils, and instinctively, he breathed in deeply. Something about it soothed his nerves.

Before him, on an elevated platform, sat the lord of Aragane Station - Kenshō Yomogawa, patriarch of the Yomogawa family. His status as lord shone in his proud and regal posture, staring down at the young boy before him with an iron gaze. But even so, Kurusu had seen things scarier than the old lord's eyes. Yes, much scarier.

"Kurusu," said Kenshō, his voice steely as his gaze.

Kurusu sat up straighter. "Yes, milord."

"I hope you understand the importance of your duty," Kenshō continued gravely.

"I do, milord."

Another person kneeled beside him, and the contrast was stark. She was delicate, like the blossoms dancing in the wind, and her robes matched the pale color. Her long hair appeared silky, dark amethyst strands pooling behind her, and they shimmered in the light bleeding in through the shōji.

Kurusu stared at her, almost transfixed - curious, more than anything. He had never seen the princess before.

"You must protect my daughter." Kenshō reached to place a weathered hand on the girl's tiny shoulder. "With your life."

His last words carried a tone that Kurusu found almost threatening.

"I understand, milord," Kurusu said, unwavering.

"Good." The lord closed his eyes. "The Kabane are a ruthless virus plaguing this world," he murmured. "It may be a matter of time before they break into Aragane Station, despite our precautions to prevent that."

Kurusu knew that well. His fists clenched.

"Pray it is only humans you will need to protect Ayame from."

"Yes, milord." Kurusu bowed his head. He glanced at his charge, sitting silently next to her father.

When their eyes met, she smiled at him.

.x.

"Would you like to walk with me, Kurusu?"

Her words had surprised him. But, as she was his superior, he obliged her request. Once again, he was exposed to the spring air, chilled by a breeze that ruffled his hair.

The pair walked aimlessly - Ayame never hinting she had a destination in mind - and the bamboo floors creaked beneath their light footsteps. Kurusu's eyes flickered to her briefly, wondering what thoughts swirled in that delicate head. He could swear she was a doll from her graceful movements and round, perky face. This cruel world had yet to taint her.

He supposed he would need to prevent that from happening.

"So," her light voice finally broke the peaceful silence, "how old are you, Kurusu?"

He didn't see why that mattered. But… "13, Yomogawa-sama."

"Really? A year older than me…" Ayame giggled at the thought. Kursu frowned. Strange girl. "I find spring beautiful, don't you?" she continued cheerfully.

"I suppose I do, Yomogawa-sama."

"Especially the sakura - when they're in full bloom. It makes the whole world pink! And it smells wonderful, too!"

"It does, Yomogawa-sama."

"And also!" Chatty. "In the rainy season, the irises bloom - aside from cherry blossoms, they are my favorite flower." She looked at him with a wide smile. "Did you know I was named after them? Irises?"

Kurusu nodded faintly. "That is what your name means, Yomogawa-sama."

She blushed. "O-Oh, I suppose that's true…" Ayame glanced away for a moment. Kurusu waited. "My mother chose that name specifically because I was born when they were in bloom."

"I see."

"She had the servants plant a small iris garden outside my room. Every time I went outside to watch the rain, I'd see it too."

"Ah."

There was a pause, and Kurusu found himself grateful for this pause. While he would uphold his duty with the utmost conviction, he didn't think he would bear her endless prattle much longer. "You're not much of a talker, are you, Kurusu?" Ayame asked quietly.

He grunted noncommittally.

"Oh...I'm sorry. I get carried away with myself sometimes." She gingerly fiddled with her sleeves, pursing her lips. "I don't often see many people my age - it's quite boring here at times."

"Ah."

"You know Father was so hesitant to let me practice archery?" she said suddenly. There she goes again. But, Kurusu was intrigued by this little girl stringing up a bow. He found the image amusing. "I rather enjoy painting and writing poetry, but that gets dull eventually. It's not fun if there's no one to share them with."

"I suppose so, Yomogawa-sama."

"So, I managed to get Father to let me practice archery! It's rather fun - but that bow is difficult to pull back…" Ayame frowned, puffing out her cheeks childishly. "I hope I'll be able to score a bullseye someday."

"Mm-hm."

"What about you, Kurusu? What do you like to do?"

Kurusu's eye twitched. "Swordplay."

"That's all?" Ayame looked at him strangely.

"Yes, Yomogawa-sama."

She pouted. The floor beside him stopped creaking, and Kurusu halted in surprise. He turned around to view the sulking princess, her bottom lip puckered out and eyebrows knitted. He blinked.

"That simply won't do!" she declared, stomping up to him. Ayame abruptly grabbed his hands, shocking him, and clasped them earnestly. "What good is it to only have one hobby that's simply fighting?"

"But…" Kurusu replied slowly, confused, "you've taken up archery, Yomogawa-sama." Why did his face feel so hot?

"But it's not my only option," she pointed out firmly.

This princess grew more strange with every passing minute.

"I could show you how to paint - or even write poetry! Maybe even arrange flowers! Did I mention that was my other hobby?"

"No."

"Well, I could teach you it then. It's a very relaxing pastime."

"I…" Kurusu couldn't find the words to respond.

"Would you like to do it now?" Ayame's eyes sparkled eagerly. "Father said I could take a break from my studies today."

He stared at her in pure confusion - he realized he'd been doing that a lot today - and Kurusu desperately tried deciphering this tiny princess. He had been strictly told he would be her bodyguard, her protector, not her playmate. Did she not understand that? Samurai did not fiddle in such trivial manners (to his knowledge), especially with undead monsters plaguing the countryside. The Kabane could strike at any minute and devour Aragane Station swiftly, leaving nothing but death and destruction in their wake.

And the Princess of Aragane Station was asking her bodyguard to play house.

"How can someone like you exist in this world?"

Ayame seemed taken back by his words, her dainty shoulders jumping slightly. He hadn't meant to speak that aloud - but it was too late.

Daringly, Kurusu continued further, "The Kabane could overtake the station at any time. We could die this very moment, and you...you act as if…" He shook his head, snatching his hands back from the princess's grip. "You act as if the world could not break at any moment."

Ayame said nothing, but her dark eyes shimmered.

"What use do I have for poetry and flowers? I'm a bushi - I am supposed to protect you from any threat, not create whimsical poetry no one will listen to."

She bit her trembling lip. His words seemed to have cut deep.

The wind filled the tense silence. It was cold.

"I know."

Kurusu narrowed his eyes. How much more perplexed could one person become?

Ayame lowered her head, her hair spilling over her shoulders. "I know I'm foolish for acting this way. What right do I have? People could - no, they are - suffering elsewhere, outside of Aragane Station." Her gaze drifted out - from her, the buildings of the city were visible to them. Looking at her profile, she seemed older. "Food for the Kabane. Lost to the virus." She sighed. "Father...has sheltered me well, I guess. He actually doesn't put much stock into the Kabane invading the station, at least around me… I guess he wanted to scare you."

With the threat of failing him and his daughter? He believed that.

"But even so…!" Ayame said, her voice rising. "What good is it to live in fear of the Kabane?" She turned back to look at him, her eyes burning with passion. "I want to enjoy what life I may have left, so, if a Kabane may come for life, I can say I lived it!"

Kurusu's lips parted. He was amazed by this little girl's conviction - he almost found the naivete refreshing. While foolish - definitely foolish - it was…

"But, Yomogawa-sama, I wouldn't let a Kabane hurt you," Kurusu stated bluntly.

She blinked, amazed. She then laughed, holding a hand to her mouth. "Ah, that is your duty, isn't it?

Kurusu's mouth thinned. He should've said that less...passionately.

"But, until the time comes when you need to protect me…" Ayame said tentatively, "perhaps, we could be friends?"

"Friends?"

"Yeah…" Ayame smiled. "Oh! And that means you don't have to keep repeating 'Yomogawa-sama' all the time!"

"I beg your pardon?"

"Father might get prickly if you call him anything other than that or 'milord', but! You can call me Ayame, Kurusu!"

For once, Kurusu visibly showed his astonishment, his face opening with a gaping mouth. "But, Ayame-sama…"

"Good, good!" chirped Ayame, clasping her hands together.

"No, I didn't mean - "

"Come!" she interrupted, grabbing his hand and pulling him along. "While you don't seem to be in the mood for flowers, you can show me your samurai skills!"

"B-But…"

But, Kurusu's words fell on deaf ears, and the princess dragged him along - her strength surprised him. He chewed absently on his inner cheek, mulling his next words over. "Maybe...uh, Ayame-sama, you could...show me how your archery is coming along."

She looked over her shoulder.

"I could...give you some tips…"

Her violet eyes brightened. "You will? Thank you, Kurusu!"

.x.

The air was sour with death, the blood of Aragane Station's citizens filling his nostrils and suffocating him. Kurusu gritted his teeth, watching the Kabane swarm the Koutetsujou.

The station had fallen.

Lord Kenshō had not returned, not even given the signal for the party to head for the Koutetsujou. The strange girl Mumei had torn through the Kabane like they were helpless livestock, creating a path for Kurusu, Ayame, and the others to run straight for the iron train.

He peered at the train tracks ahead, a horde of Kabane leering towards them. Through the smoke, spewing from the burning city around them, he noticed one Kabane particularly stuck out to him - ragged black hair and purple robes that were now tattered and stained with human blood.

Kurusu grimaced. It seemed the worst had come to pass for the Yomogawa patriarch.

"Kurusu? What's going on up there?" someone called out. The iron ladder rattled - that someone was climbing it.

Dread overcame Kurusu like a tidal wave, his stomach tying itself into knots.

"Ayame-sama," he protested hoarsely. "Stay down - "

Her head popped up beside him, disregarding his plea. Ayame said with a firm voice, "I want to know what's happening."

"It's Kabane - now, please, head back inside - it's dangerous."

But, she ignored him, looking out at the carnage, at the horde crawling towards them.

"Ayame - !"

When Kurusu saw the horror wash over her violet irises, he knew she saw.

Her hand covered her mouth as she gasped, and Ayame's widened eyes glazed over. "No…" she whispered, her voice weak and thin. "F-Father…?"

Cursing under his breath, Kurusu gripped the manhole cover and yanked it down, lightly pushing Ayame back into the Koutetsujou. They both climbed back down the ladder. Once their feet rested on iron flooring, Ayame again clutched her face, curling into herself. She seemed so small. "Th- ...Kurusu, that was - "

"That's enough, Ayame!" Kurusu bellowed. He gripped her shoulders, and Ayame jumped. "That wasn't your Father - it was a Kabane," he insisted.

She looked at him with those doleful eyes, the color as deep as twilight, and her lower lip trembled. Inwardly, Kurusu winced.

Ayame whimpered - the sound stabbed him through the chest - and she cupped her lips again to hide their tremble. Tears leaked from her closed eyes, spilling over her pallid cheeks.

Kurusu realized that Kabane could hurt Ayame without defiling her flesh with a damning bite.

And it was something Kurusu couldn't protect her from.

A/N: I have returned from the shadows once again. I still need more KuruAme in my life, and there is still not enough.

I suddenly wanted to write something about their first meeting. Of course, the anime has yet to give us anything on when and where they met, so I've put in my creative juices to the test. It's simple, but I still think it's kinda cute. However, I feel I got rather aimless - that's what I get for not planning things out. I hope I've written Kurusu and Ayame true to their characterizations in the anime - I think I have some leeway since they're younger in this story and they've first met.

As you've probably noticed, the ending references a scene in the anime. I haven't been able to watch it in a while, so I'm fuzzy on the details. I might go back and fix it when I rewatch it, but we'll see.

I've probably missed some glaring errors, as usual, buuuuuut, yeah. I hope you enjoyed my little story. I'll try to write more KuruAme. What that will be, I have no clue. Probably short things. Those are easier to write than multi-chapter.