Hakuoki: An Unexpected Adventure
I do not own Hakuoki or the Shinsengumi. That honor goes to history and the companies affiliated with the game/show franchise. I just own Aryssa and her family's huge secret which is slowly starting to show itself to her.
Chapter 11
After walking for a short time we come to a stop at a crossroads and Heisuke turns to me
"This is where we are parting ways Tousani." He says and points to the path leading to our left, "This road will take you into the middle of Kyoto where all the shops are set up. Once you get there someone should be able to point you in the right direction for what you need."
"Thanks," I tell him and with a bow to them I head in the direction he had indicated. After walking for a few minutes I find myself in an outdoor marketplace as well as a few different shops. Looking around at the different stalls and shops I start to get really excited and start looking at some of the displayed goods before walking into what looks like a general goods store. As I step through the curtain at the entrance I look around until I see a large selection of men's clothing towards the back of the store and head in that direction. After looking at a few things I catch movement at the corner of my line of sight and turning see an old woman coming towards me whom I bow towards to show her my respect
"Hello Ma'am," I tell her as she returns my bow
"Are you buying clothing for a family member?" She asks me
"No, it's for me I need new clothing." I tell her
"Then you are looking in the wrong place young lady." She says with a small smile and grabbing my hand pulls me towards the kimonos
"I don't need a kimono." I tell her, "And how can you even tell I am a girl?"
"You can't fool this old woman child." She tells me, "I can always tell and even if I couldn't, you are much to pretty to pass as a male if anyone pays close enough attention."
"You have good eyes ma'am," I tell her, "But regardless I need to buy men's clothing."
"Very well," She tells me, "I will help you in a few minutes." With that she vanishes into the back of the store as I return to the male clothing section. True to her word the old woman returns with a tape measure in a matter of minutes and starts taking my measurements. Within a matter of seconds she has handed me a few shitage and hakama.
"These will suit you well." She says and walks to the counter waiting for me to hand her everything so she can wrap it for me. After a moment I walk over, set the stuff down and pull the coin purse out to pay her. After I pay her for the clothing and she wraps them up her granddaughter walks out of the back room with another package and hands it to her. "This is also for you child, I was told a long time ago as a young girl that if a girl matching your description ever came to this store, that I was to give you a special package. I was told to tell you to make sure you do not open this package unless you are alone and that as long as you do that everything will be fine."
"Thank you …" I trail off as I realize I don't know the old woman's name. As if she can read my mind she speaks up
"My name is Rei," She tells me,
"Thank you Rei," I say and accept both packages cautiously. With a bow of my head I exit the store and step into the street I hear a whisper on the wind
'All will be explained in time my Konohanasakuya' with those words I shiver slightly before I feel a short sharp pain on the side of my neck. As the sensation fades as quickly as it appeared I start walking and suddenly smell something sweet. Following the scent I find myself in front of a store selling sweets and I order a plate of dango. Setting my stuff down on a bench in front of the store I sit beside it and wait for my order. As I am handed the food I sit it on my lap and rubbing the side of my neck absently I start to eat. Finishing the Dango I return the dirty plate to the vendor and pay him before grabbing my stuff off of the bench and heading in the direction I had come from originally. As I stop to admire a pair of katana in the window of a katana store I suddenly feel a pair of eyes watching me and turning in the direction it is coming from I meet a pair of red eyes with my own. A second look at him reveals that he has blonde hair and I suddenly get a very uncomfortable feeling. Turning away from him I quickly walk away from him and head back to the shinsengumi headquarters. As I approach the turn towards Mibu I stop dead in my tracks as I see the man who had been staring at me blocking the path ahead.
"How did you know I was coming this way?" I ask him grabbing the hilt of my sword as my packages hit the ground beside me
"Relax, I am not going to hurt you." He tells me, "You simply have me curious about you."
"Do you really expect me to believe that?" I ask him drawing my sword and holding it at the ready.
"I promise I will not harm you," He tells me, "I am Kazama Chikage, and you are?"
"Who I am is none of your business." I tell him the cold edge returning to my voice, "Now leave me the hell alone or I will run you through."
"I am just wondering what you are." He says and his eyes glance at the side of my neck before returning to my face. "That mark on your neck indicates that you are neither human nor Oni. I look forward to discovering your secrets girl." With that he simply vanishes into thin air. After a few minutes I return my sword to its sheath and grab my things off the ground.
"Aryssa," I hear as I start walking and recognizing Chizuru's voice I stop and turn in the direction I had just come from to see her walking towards me with Okita who is also wearing a shinsengumi Haori. "I was on patrol with Okita." She tells me as I give her a questioning glance.
"I see," I tell her and we continue on our way.