Disclaimer: I do not own Hakuoki. This amazing anime was created by Asuka Yamazaki, Kazuhiko Hasegawa and Mitsutoshi Ogura. I only created my Asuna and some side characters.
Beta Reader: Waffle (Thank you for being the bestest!)
Rated Teen for violence, blood, coarse language and / or sexually suggestive scenes (rating will change to Mature in the future as story progresses, readers have been advised).
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Kiss Of Snow
By: Swanna
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Chapter 24: When Battle Begins
Chizuru picked up the knife from the wooden cutting board and froze in front of the table. Her mind began to roam, and soon she was lost in her own thoughts, far away from the hot confined kitchen.
She had pretended it didn't matter. That she and Sanosuke could still be friends, still rely on each other like they always had. Her hope was that if she couldn't tell him the truth, at least they could salvage their friendship. She had tried. She had honestly tried and yet, she hadn't succeeded.
Even when they had conversed with each other politely during mealtimes in the presence of others, the camaraderie was gone. Their conversation was forced, their enthusiasm false. Other times she had avoided being alone with him as much as possible. When being alone was unavoidable, she had refused to be drawn into personal discussions and resisted physical contact.
Afterwards, Chizuru had been left to battle wave upon wave of sadness alone. It seemed to her that the hole in her heart had only grown larger, more ragged. It would always be like this moving forward, she realized. Seeing him every day would just serve as a painful reminder of what might have been if she hadn't learned her true identity as a demon. Since then it had cast a shadow over her relationship with Sanosuke.
She knew it was a cowardly and an unnatural thing to do. It was almost heartless. But her fear of being discovered, of giving in and revealing her secrets to him had overcome her. She couldn't share the truth with him because that would mean truly facing herself, and she had spent too many years convincing herself she was human. Especially after what Itou had told Heisuke and the others about the true nature of demons during their meeting. With Shinohara gone, it was impossible to verify the truthfulness of these assertions.
But if it was true, then there was a world of evil and their power came from a place of pure darkness. Chizuru had come from that world herself. Itou had described the way she would be and had defined who she would be. The more she knew about the demon realm, the more she was frightened of what could happen if Sanosuke were to remain at her side. She feared what she was truly capable of and it was now ruling her life. It dictated her every action and decision in her interactions with him, and it was better to distance herself from him than to do him harm. Because this was the only way to protect him from her destructive potential.
Without being aware of it, she gripped the knife handle tighter as she began chopping the radishes absentmindedly. Yes, she would simply have to continue avoiding him until she could find her father and return to Edo. Once she left the Shinsengumi, she would no longer pose a danger to him and the others. An unbearable pain surged from deep inside her at the prospect of leaving. Of not seeing Sanosuke ever again. She cared about him. Even though he wasn't hers to care about. How could she have fallen so hopelessly in love with him in such a short time?
"Chizuru, where should I put thes-"
"Ah!" She hadn't heard Sanosuke approach, and in her startlement, she nicked herself with the knife.
"What happened? Did you cut yourself? Let me see your cut." He dropped the basket he was holding and came up beside her quicker than she could react, trying to grasp her hand.
Panic threatened to twist her heart into a knot, and she quickly tugged her hand away. It was all she could do to keep herself together. "D-don't worry, I'll be fine."
"You don't have to act tough all the time, you know. I want to help you. Just let me take a look." His hand caught her wrist in an iron vise grip before she could retreat further. Chizuru struggled to pull away, but no matter how she tried she couldn't loosen his grip. He stared at her blood-stained finger with confusion as his brows knit together. A look of bewildered astonishment sprang into his questioning eyes as he looked at her, causing her heart to beat faster and faster. "Your wound is gone…"
She didn't know whether it was out of fear or revulsion but when he finally did release her, she took a step back; her breathing was hard and heavy. He knew...He had found out her greatest, darkest secret. Was he disgusted with her now? With who he thought she was? Spellbound with terror and dismay, she spun around and ran out of the kitchen.
"Chizuru, wait!" He called out, chasing after her. "I want to talk to you."
Sanosuke was much faster than she was, and it was only a matter of seconds until he caught up to her. Two more long strides and he caught up to her as she knew he would, and he grabbed her arm. Chizuru stopped running, but she wouldn't look at him. Looking at him would only make things worse.
"We have nothing to talk about, Harada-san," she said quietly, not wanting to hear his thoughts or feel his anger at her deceit. Her heart couldn't take it anymore. "Please, just let me go."
He stepped directly into her path and placed his hands on her shoulders so she couldn't run away. "I think we have plenty to say to each other, Chizuru. I've been trying to talk to you for weeks now. Why won't you talk to me? What is happening?"
She pressed her lips together tightly, refusing to utter a sound. Aching tears were stinging her eyes and she wanted to let them spill. But not here, not now.
"Please don't walk away from me again." Sanosuke tightened the pressure of his grip on her shoulders, bringing her closer when she tried to move past him. The deep and genuine concern on his face, as though he was anxious about her somehow, twisted her inside more. "Does any of this have to do with your wound healing itself? Can you explain it to me?"
I'm..."
"You're what, Chizuru? What's wrong?"
"It's...I'm...I'm a demon," she whispered brokenly.
There, she had said it aloud. She had finally summoned the courage to tell him the truth and put her secret to rest. Their days of blissful ignorance were coming to an end now. There was no way she could continue hiding what she was from Sanosuke, not after what he had seen in the kitchen. Despite her apprehension and mounting fear of his reaction, she also needed closure now more than ever. If he couldn't accept her, this would be it. Then this would be her chance to let it go, because they just weren't meant to be together.
That beautiful face of his which swelled her heart every time she looked at it, now grimaced at her. "What? What are you talking about?"
"I'm a demon," she repeated again, more forcefully this time. "I have an instant healing ability; I crave for blood and blood alone. I'm not human."
Sanosuke opened his mouth, but then appeared to be at a loss for words. He didn't say anything for a while. His silence was so deep that it seemed to have a weight to it. She couldn't remember a time when his silence felt so heavy to her and she imagined she could almost hear him thinking.
"You don't believe me, do you?"
Her question instantly snapped him out of his musings. "Of course I believe you, but what difference does that make? It doesn't change anything."
"Do you not understand what I just told you?"
"I understood every word you said. You're not a human. You're a demon. I know that." The reply was so certain, so calm, that she thought he couldn't have fully comprehended the incredulity of the situation.
"Aren't you afraid of me?"
He looked unmistakably baffled. "Why should I be afraid of you?"
"Because of what I might be capable of doing. If everything Itou said about demons is true, the-"
His breath left him in a sharp rush, cutting her off. "I wouldn't even believe half the things coming from that man's mouth. And you know what you're capable of, Chizuru. You're capable of kindness and selflessness, more than anyone I've ever seen. You would rather hurt yourself than hurt someone else."
For a moment, Chizuru's uncertainty and heartache almost melted away as she met Sanosuke's desperate, pleading gaze. She wanted to give in to him. She wanted to let him pull her close and promise that everything would be alright from then on. How was she supposed to resist him when he crippled her resolve not with force, but with such tenderness?
"But I-"
His hand reached out and stroked the side of her face before lifting her chin to face him. Meeting his gaze, she was surprised to see his amber eyes were soft with a gentle shine. "You're still who you are, whether you're human or demon. You're as brave, dedicated and considerate as always. You're still the same Chizuru I've known and you're not going to scare me off."
She worked her jaw, yet nothing came out. Unfortunately, Sanosuke was right. He was always right. That was why he was a Captain of the Shinsengumi. The people needed someone with his strength and good character, someone with his intelligent eyes. Those eyes that were always able to assess her mood, and know how to act accordingly. It was downright unnerving at times. And right now, those same eyes saw her for who she was. They saw her as more than who she wanted herself to be.
"Harada-san...thank you."
"For what?"
"For helping me accept myself as I am." And for his unconditional acceptance of her, faults and all. "For a brief moment, I felt like nothing was wrong with me and that the world actually made sense."
"There's nothing wrong with you. You're perfect just as you are. And remember that I'll always be here for you. Whatever you need."
A tear spilled over onto his hand. "Why are you so nice to me?"
"I like seeing the happy and carefree Chizuru. The same Chizuru who helps me to forget a lot of things and makes me feel safe and secure too." His voice was affectionate and earnest, making her go still. "And just because you're a demon doesn't make you inherently bad. And it doesn't make me any less drawn to you."
Her heart skipped two beats. A sliver of hope grew inside her like a new bud reaching for the sun and waiting to burst forth into full bloom. But doubts were lurking in the dark corners of her mind, threatening to take away her newfound happiness. "You're not drawn to me."
"Of course I'm drawn to you. What man in his right mind wouldn't be drawn to you?" he murmured, cupping her face between his big hands. "You know I'm very fond of you, don't you?"
All those powerful feelings of shock, happiness and confusion merged chaotically with the unmerciful pounding in her head. "I don't know what to think anymore..."
He leaned in closer, angling his head as he looked into the depth of her eyes. "Then should I prove it to you with a kiss?"
"Wh-"
Sanosuke lowered his head, and his lips pressed against hers, stifling her response. At first he was gentle, almost tentative. She tipped up her chin to surrender full access to him, whimpering against his mouth. The nature of the kiss shifted almost immediately as his mouth grew fierce, demanding. Her body began to tremble. She gripped his collar, crushing the material in her fists, holding on it as if it was all that could keep her from being swept away in a raging storm.
"Chizuru…" Her name was repeated in fragmented breaths in between kisses, while his powerful body rippled tension.
His tongue stroked her lips before dipping into her mouth, sending a jolt of lightning arching through her back, pushing her upward against him. When he did fully claim her lips again, she nearly fainted. One kiss, one deep kiss, and Chizuru became hot and restless. So very restless.
She wasn't alone. She could feel his need. It was shuddering through his body to hers. His kiss was bold, utterly masculine. Unbelievably erotic. It left her limbs weak and her head swimming, and yet she yearned for more. This urgency was far too potent so early in their relationship, it almost scared her. Things were moving too fast and the situation was skittering out of her control. But then again, when had she ever been in control around Sanosuke?
They kissed until Chizuru felt she would be lost in the haze of sensual pleasure if she didn't bring this to a stop soon. When he finally wrenched his mouth from hers, the lingering glow of excitement was still warming her body.
"Is that enough proof or should I continue?" He whispered, his voice heavy with desire. "But I don't know if I can stop myself if I keep going."
She believed him capable of carrying out his intent of kissing her until she couldn't think straight; until she couldn't distinguish between reality and fantasy.
"Y-you don't need to prove yourself! I believe you!" Chizuru said under her breath, but her body refused to cooperate. It was a miracle her knees could still hold her upright. "Everything is happening too sudden and too fast. I'm so confused right now."
"Confused about what? We like each other, right?" His gaze had enough reverence and heat to set her soul aflame. "Unless you're not attracted to me, and that's fine if you're not. You can just tell me now."
When he started to pull away, she panicked and reached for his arms, which felt to her like pillars. "I do like you, Harada-san!"
He gave her a crooked grin. "I know, I just want to hear you say it."
"You're teasing me again."
Thankfully he seemed to sense her uneasiness and shifted the conversation. "Want to tell me why you're confused?"
Chizuru looked away and lowered her voice. "It's because...You're such a wonderful man. Kind, caring and fun. But of all the beautiful and intelligent women out there who I'm sure you've encountered, why did you choose me?"
Sanosuke hooked her chin with his finger and turned her to face him again. "Why are you doubting yourself? Why are you acting like you're not good enough for me? Do you think I haven't had thoughts about us? Knowing who you are, don't you think I have to wonder why you would want me? But I can't help myself. Whenever I think about you, I smile like a hopeless idiot and my bad days suddenly don't seem so bad anymore."
"Harada-san..."
A regretful look passed over his face for the briefest of seconds and then disappeared, making her wonder if she'd imagined it. When he spoke again, his words were low and almost bitter.
"I admit I've been keeping my feelings for you to myself for a while now. You're my every dream come true, but I didn't think I was good enough for you since I can't give you the stable life that you deserve. So I figured that even if I can't be the man by your side, I can at least be your friend. A friend whom you can confide in and depend on. But I've changed my mind now."
Chizuru had never known a man who did so much for her, but expected so little in return. Here he was thinking for her sake, and making an effort to repress his feelings. But what about her? She was just hiding away from him and hadn't done anything. Soon all this would change though, because she would do more for him in their coming time together. She would let him in on her dreams, her yearnings in life and share every passing thought and emotion with him.
"What made you change your mind?" She asked, curious.
The irrepressible grin returned. "Because Hijikata-san is right. I can't keep sitting on my ass and do nothing. I don't want to lose you."
Chizuru's body tensed and went on full alert. "Hi-Hijikata-san? He knows about us?!"
"Well, he's our Vice-Commander after all, and nothing passes his notice around here." His tone was solemn but his eyes were laughing at her.
"Ah, this is too embarrassing," she muttered into her palms.
Chuckling, Sanosuke reached up and pried her hands away from her face. "Don't worry, he has he own heartache to deal with since Shinohara left. He won't have time to bother us."
"Hijikata-san and Shinohara-san?! I had no idea..."
Thinking back on it now, Chizuru might not have a clue about romance, but somehow she had seen the signs of attraction between those two. They were like yin and yang opposites, which balanced and complemented each other; as if they belonged together. It was too bad, because she thought they would have been a great match for one another. Perhaps nature would take its course if fate would bring them together again someday, when the time was right.
"Watching him go through what he's going through has been tough, and I wanted no part of that experience. I certainly don't want to be filled with regrets after losing you."
"You're not going to lose me, Harada-san," she promised. It wasn't hard at all to make that promise. Nothing either of them could ever do would change that.
"You sure you want to be with me, Chizuru?" He suddenly asked with a seriousness he had never before shown. "You have to be sure. Because if you say yes, you won't be able to walk away."
She caught his eyes fixed on her intently, measuring her facial reactions to everything he said. "I've never been this sure about anything in my life."
Breaking into a wide grin, he said, "Wait till the guys hear about this. They're going to be so jealous of me and I'll be the talk of the town."
"Harada-san, stop trying to embarrass me further!" She fretted as the telltale blush crept into her face.
"I don't think I could ever grow tired of seeing you blush." Happiness and contentment shone in his eyes, and there was so much love in his gaze that Chizuru's emotions formed a lump in her throat.
In this precious moment, nothing else existed except Sanosuke and her, wrapped in a dreamlike fog of their own. And it felt perfect, absolutely perfect finally being in his arms. It was something she thought would never come true. Now she only needed to remind herself not to think of how the fog would likely dissipate rapidly.
X X X
Kazama knew Asuna was up to something, but couldn't figure out what. As they continued to ride the horse towards their destination, he tried to think like the ice princess. His ice princess. It was close to impossible. Shinohara Asuna never did anything predictable. After spending days in her presence, he still didn't understand her.
He cast a quick glance over his shoulder, and noticed her eyes were scanning the sparse trees surrounding them as if with...longing. The tension in her body eased as they entered the tree line. Yesterday when he'd woken up alone, he had gone looking for her and found her up on a tree as well. Was nature where she found her solace? Perhaps he could understand this part of her. Satisfaction and something else warmed his chest at the realization. The forest had been where he found his peace too since childhood. He needed the trees, the tranquility, the solitude. The lack of quiet was the price he paid for being the head of the Kazama family.
His father had trained him well. Taught him lessons he would never forget. They made him a good leader to his clan, and an unparalleled demon. But the lessons of listening and observing others, especially his potential enemies, took something of himself. So he would always return to the forest to hear his own voice again. Although Asuna wasn't what he'd expected, and as much as he wanted to find a common thread between them, why would any demoness find peace amongst trees?
Several more turns and they approached a dirt path that led up to a secluded house in a heavily wooded area. Kazama reined in his horse, purposely coming to an abrupt halt a short distance away. The house stood sturdy and strong against the afternoon sun. The hideout suited demons, he thought, isolated from human contact.
"We're here," he announced, swinging one leg in front of him over the horse's back. He slid off and his feet hit the ground.
Asuna dismounted the horse as fluidly as if she had been riding all of her life. As if this was her horse instead of his. She ran her hand over the animal's muzzle. The horse whinnied, but kept still. Her attention wasn't on the horse however, it was on the lone structure before them.
"Where are we?"
Kazama secured the reins around a thin tree trunk to keep the horse from wandering off. "We're outside of Edo, off the trail of Nakasendo."
"They're all inside the house." It wasn't a question, rather a menacing statement of fact.
"They will come out soon. They can sense our presence as much as we can sense theirs."
"You should leave." There was so much conviction in her tone. She was still seemingly certain of her own ability to overcome the indomitable challenge that lay ahead.
"No, I don't have anywhere I need to be today. Besides, I'm curious to see the outcome of this conflict. Though I'm sure it will be the same outcome as any conflict; the strongest will win."
"Do you find all this amusing?" Her chin tilted up, silently daring him to dispute her words.
"Well, since you asked." Kazama stepped closer and bent down slightly. Her glare was so intense that he could feel the icy flame licking at his skin. He didn't bother to keep his lips from twitching upward. "Yes, it's somewhat amusing."
"Suit yourself. Just don't get in my way." Asuna stalked off, her shoulder brushed against his chest as she passed by.
Heat arched between them in that tiny bit of contact, rising the hairs at the back of his neck and tightening every muscle in his body. Perhaps he had gone way too long without a woman if he had this out-of-control reaction. He let her put a safe distance between them as she walked ahead, removing the temptation to brush against her again. Though her current petulance only intensified his desire to get closer to her as the predator in him rose to the surface, ready to give chase. But not now. There would be a more opportune time when he could revel in that thrill. For now, he needed to make sure no harm would be brought upon Asuna by her own recklessness.
They weren't even halfway towards the house when Einosuke and his men came out. There were four demons with him. Kazama had no doubt all four were adequate to provide complete protection and contain any problem.
Their eyes met. "Kazama, what are you doing here?"
"I'm here to deliver on my promise to bring your family heirloom back to you."
The frankness of his admission made Asuna's eyes flash contemptuously over him right away. "So this is the reason you insisted upon taking me to him yourself?"
Kazama forced himself to ignore her stark stare of distrust to quell the odd feeling in the pit of his stomach. Her accusation disturbed him, but not because he felt the injustice of the accusation. No. What disturbed him was the way her accusation made him feel. There was nothing physically stimulating him. Only the sound and meaning behind her charged words. And yet he felt disappointment, anger and something else within him that he couldn't quite put a name to. It was an unfamiliar feeling that he already knew he didn't like. Almost as if there were heavy boulders pressing down on his shoulders, crushing the life out of him.
Einosuke smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes. "It's good to know that we can count on you to keep your word in a deal."
"That's her," said one of his minions with dark brown hair. "She's the one you're looking for."
"You're the one who killed my sister?" Studying Asuna's face, his eyes narrowed into dangerous slits. "I'm surprised you have the nerve to show yourself after what you did. I was just on my way to Kyoto, but you being here has saved me the trouble of having to hunt you down."
She cocked her head to one side and regarded him for a long moment. "You don't look anything like your sister. But self-conceit apparently runs in the family."
A look of scorn twisted his features. "Wench, return my sword this instant. I'm going to cut you open with it and bleed you out until you beg for forgiveness."
Something dark shifted inside Kazama, calling on every possessive part of his being. His need to protect Asuna every step of the way and take out anyone who threatened his mate was strong. So strong that the smoldering rage within him lay merely below his control level. It took every bit of his willpower not to charge forward and rip that sneer from Einosuke's face, but he needed to keep his head and not be misled by primal instinct.
"Come and get it." Her taunt was answered by two of the demons rushing at her.
They did it with such speed that she barely had time to draw her sword and dodge the whirling chain-sickle as it was released in her direction. Once the other dark brown-haired demon was close enough, he started swinging his blade at her face, only to be deflected. With a quick flick of her wrist, their swords crashed against each other, sending sparks flying. Their silent anger and intent clear until Kazama stepped in and blocked the flying sickle as hard as he could with the ridge of his sword.
"Kazama! What's the meaning of this?!" Einosuke demanded, his voice heavy with menace.
"I said I would help you to locate your sword, and I did. This woman is my mate and if you so much as bruise her, I will destroy you."
Furious eyes met his. Those eyes of pure cold fire looked ready to burn him straight to death.
"I'm not your mate and I don't need your protection," Asuna informed him as if she was stating the obvious and that he should have somehow known that.
Even in the face of danger, this demoness still revolted against him. Desire kindled deep and low in his gut, brought to life by the marvelous brilliance of her emotions, her anger. He already knew she was a fit mate. This female demon would never allow herself to be crushed by his demands and needs. She might meet him halfway, or maybe even more than halfway if he had some reasonable requests. But once he earned her loyalty, she would fight to the death for him, no matter what the fight.
"I don't know what games you're playing, but if you want to stand against the Uchiyama Clan then I hope you're prepared to pay the consequences." A muscle at the corner of Einosuke's eye twitched, the only indication of any emotion on his part. "Though I must say, I'm very disappointed in you, Kazama Chikage. I thought we could forge a good alliance between our clans, and now you leave me no choice but to follow through on the promise of punishment. I hope it's worth it for you, especially when this is all over a woman who doesn't even want you as a mate."
Kazama scoffed in disgust at his pitiful antics. "Looks like you're still under the delusion that you stand above us all. Obsessing over power is what you and your second-rate clan do. And you wish to form an alliance with me? Don't make me laugh."
He watched as Einosuke just stood there, with that flare in his eyes, that expression on his face. Pride, wariness and a twinge of morbid fascination. It was all so pitiful, so pathetic. Yet, it was so pure and radiant that it heightened his need for violence. Deleterious violence that would be impossible to stop. Kazama would show them no mercy. The sooner he got rid of them, the sooner he would be able to keep the worst of the violent urges at bay.
The demon who held the chain-sickle put himself directly into Kazama's line of vision, as if he was someone of importance and deserved even a small part of his attention. "So you're the Kazama Chikage? I've heard your name many times. They say you're one of the most powerful demons in the realm. Let's put that rumour to the test, shall we?"
Kazama smirked as he said callously, "Then you better make it worth my while and don't die under my sword too fast."
Asuna observed as Kazama side-stepped the sickle that flew towards his head. The demon pulled his weapon back only to throw it again, and this time aiming for Kazama's abdomen, but he blocked it with ease. As soon as she was about to return her attention back to Maeda, she unexpectedly caught herself gazing back in Kazama's direction all over again. Shutting her eyes for a split second, she willed herself to concentrate as she couldn't afford to worry about him. It wouldn't make any difference, anyway. This was exactly why she'd told him to stay out of her way. Now he became an annoying distraction for her in battle and his presence was already affecting her ability to defend.
"Guess I can finish what I started the other day. Though it seems that I won't have the pleasure of killing you both since your human lover isn't with you." Maeda's face was unreadable, but his dark eyes focused completely on her. "Perhaps...someday."
"I see your habit of overestimating your own ability hasn't diminished even after failing last time."
He matched her dauntlessness head on, evidently not the least bit perturbed by her insult. "I have no intention of failing in my duty again."
"You appear to be incapable of understanding the difference between loyalty and stupidity. Not that it matters anyway, because you will understand it soon enough." And she would ensure that he did.
With all his strength, Maeda sprang forward and swung his sword at her furiously, almost recklessly. Asuna defended against him, blocking and crossing blades again. Swapping between parries and retaliatory strikes, she used every opening to deliver a thrust or slash with the demon slaying sword whenever an opportunity arose. After fighting with him the first time, she already knew Maeda wasn't a common demon as he seemed extensively trained and wouldn't be defeated by simple maneuvers.
Kazama fought at her side, his sword a steel blur of motion. The other demon swung his chain, forming a circle within a close distance. He swung three more times, then a fourth. Kazama apparently could see the speed and energy his opponent was summoning. Considering a chain and sickle was easy to predict, he shouldn't have difficulty deflecting the attack. Especially since the wielder required to whip the chain in circular motions to gain momentum.
As Asuna concentrated on her own fight, she heard an unmistakable whooshing sound splitting the air. That was when she noticed the other demon had tied down Kazama's weapon with the chain, followed by a forceful yank, and his sword embedded itself into the trunk of the tree nearby. Right away, the thick chain hurtled at him again and it coiled around his right arm, preventing him from moving. With his movement sealed, the demon closed in on him with the sickle, ready to take his life.
She knew she couldn't just stand there; she charged and swung, using her sword to force Maeda back as far as she could. With the moment's advantage, she rushed to Kazama's side to assist him. But before she was able to do anything, Kazama had unleashed his power and transformed; his eyes glowing with crimson fire and his blonde hair becoming a brilliant silver white. The azure aura radiating from his body was staggering. Its sheer intensity was more than what she'd felt in her lifetime.
With the mighty force of the blast energy, Kazama broke the chain and hauled the demon towards him with it. Before he had time to even react, Kazama struck and smashed his sternum, sending him flying back and slamming against a thick tree. He sat dazedly with his mouth open as air punched out of his lungs. He could only stare wide-eyed as Kazama teleported up to him and lifted him straight up by the throat, only to slam him back down onto the dirt path again.
For a moment, Asuna wavered when she felt as if a great river of energy had engulfed her. There was something tugging at her that increased her agitation to a whole new treacherous level. Her skin felt cold and like stone, her eyes dilated to take in every miniscule detail. Fury and rapture grew and fed within her entity. But something felt deeply wrong. A sinister hatred was also rising upward at an incredible speed, and soon it would shatter the barrier of her self-control. It was then that she realized Kazama's aura had somehow forced her transformation and called her demon form to the surface.
Was he acting on his own or had something broken loose within him? Or was she witness to something far more profound?
She was aware that Kazama was dangerous and lethal, a true predator to his core. And of all the demons she'd encountered, he was the only one whose demon form resembled his mortal one the most. Asuna always knew he was powerful, but to what extent she was never certain.
Until now.
Overcome with bloodlust and the longing to wet her sword in her enemy's blood, she spun around and saw Maeda already in his transformed state. Tampering down her own fierce energy, she sprinted forward and slashed her sword at his neck. He threw his head down an inch as he noticed the threatening strike, and the silvery blade passed over him. Asuna swung again, but her attack was halted as he made a swift riposte.
He leaped away from her blade as the tip sliced his arm open, and a thin stream of warm blood flowed down from his wound. Snarling, he lifted his weapon and lunged at her. Asuna parried and brought her sword in a smooth arc aiming for his neck again. But instead of piercing his throat, she held her sword there to immobilize him.
"Why aren't you finishing me off?" Maeda asked, unable to fathom her actions.
"Killing you means nothing to me." Her tone calm, her breathing regulated. It was a state of being which had absolutely nothing to do with emotions. Because a ruthless demon would feel nothing in the height of battles. It made it so much easier to claim lives. "But let's find out exactly what your worth is to your clan leader."
"Come closer and I will cut his throat," Asuna called out her threat when the other two demons who had stayed by Einosuke's side were about to rush forth.
Einosuke gestured for them to drop back. Asuna may have felt nothing, but Einosuke felt even less seeing his ally who had bathed in blood for him being held so cruelly.
"You already killed my sister. You want to add more murders to the list?"
"That is why I came here today, to offer you a chance to avenge your sister's death and to end this without another demon getting hurt. I challenge you to a duel for your leadership position."
For a moment, the demons were too stunned for words, and even Kazama was equally nonplussed. Asuna couldn't argue with their reactions. It was the one declaration none had foreseen.
"Duel?!" Einosuke derided with a crack of laughter as if she had told the funniest of tales. "No female demons have ever challenged a clan before."
"Just because it hasn't been done before doesn't mean I can't make it happen. The law of survival of the strongest rules in our demon world regardless of gender." It wasn't arrogance but simple fact. "If I win, then I will be the head of your clan; if you win, then I will let you take my life."
"Then shouldn't we duel to the death instead?" There was no overt suspicion in his query, though the implications were there.
"I killed your sister, so I understand your thirst for vengeance. But I have no interest in taking your life unless you insist upon it." Asuna knew full well that she could kill Einosuke if she wished to. Moreover, she could kill him without compunction like she did with Mitsuru.
The hard, unfaltering stare of those narrowed eyes met hers. "Tell me this. Why do you want my position? Do you really think you're capable of taking my place?"
"Other demons from the clan will stop coming after me once I become their leader. They will become my source of power and security during my time as the head of the clan, instead of yours. Dealing with you and your vengeance alone would be a lot simpler afterward."
"You believe you can gain their respect and have them follow you willingly after you've killed one of us?" His critical manner was sardonic and disparaging.
"Demons from the Uchiyama Clan have no direct relation with me. They're only acting under your orders to kill me because they are faithful to the one they serve. Otherwise Mitsuru's death would have meant nothing to them; her death would've had no impact on them, particularly considering the kind of demon she'd been when she was alive."
"And if I refuse to accept your challenge?"
Kazama who had remained silent as her situation forbidding interference even though he was deeply interested, spoke again. He flouted Einosuke's attempt to evade the duel. "I know you are many things, Einosuke. But I never knew you were too much of a coward to accept a challenge thrown to you. I wonder what will become of your reputation when words reach the other demons. Not that you have much of a reputation to risk, anyway."
It was encompassed in their Demon Code that clan leaders must accept all challenges to fight a duel. It had always been this way since the beginning of time. As demons being led only by the strongest and wisest would ultimately benefit their race.
If Einosuke failed to accept the challenge, he would lose honor. At that point, his comrades and other Demon Lords would become unable to perceive him. It would be as if he had ceased to exist. Their dismissal of him would extend to their servants, and even members from his own clan would obey no orders he gave.
On the other hand, if Einosuke accepted the challenge, the rest of Asuna's plan would fall into place naturally. And he would agree to the duel as she made sure of it with her contingency plan. She had already come so far and was not about to leave her fate to chance.
"Mind your own business, Kazama!" He lashed out furiously. "You think you're superior but you're just a blind, arrogant fool. Can't you see she's only using you to protect herself against us? After she is done using you, she will forsake you."
Asuna let the words hang in silence, because Einosuke wasn't wrong. All this time she had only expected Kazama to agree with whatever she wanted, but she was unwilling to compromise and gave him what he wanted. She was being selfish and a part of her had realized that. Even after all that he had done for her, she still had no intention of completing the mating bond with him and becoming his mate.
"Let her, by all means. It does me no harm at the present."
She didn't hear any hint of anger or animosity from Kazama. He only had a sort of careless grin on his face. Anger and contempt would have been easier to endure, as she deserved it all and more. But this was hardly the time to pursue the matter, so Asuna inevitably drew their focus back on her.
"If you don't accept then I will hunt down and kill each and every one of you, starting with Maeda here." To enhance her point, Asuna slowly pushed her blade up under Maeda's jaw and against his throat until the sharp tip pierced his skin, drawing a thin trickle of blood. His eyes implacably locked with hers, though he didn't so much as flinch or grunt. "What do you value more? Your power or your people?"
"I will make a bargain with you," Einosuke said after a thoughtful pause. "I will accept your challenge, but the terms must differ and we must both agree on them."
"What are your terms?"
"I want my sword back first," he said. "I won't agree to this duel when my family weapon is in the hands of my enemy used to fight against me."
His eyes were transfixed on the sword Asuna held. His hunger for his blade was apparent. She watched him for a moment before she tossed the sword to Einosuke, and he caught it with ease. "Is that all?"
"No, I have a change of mind. Instead of your death, I will keep you as my slave to be used as I wish and as often as I wish, if I win."
"Uchiyama Einosuke," Kazama snarled unexpectedly, viciously; his lips peeled back to reveal his sharp canines. His anger was as feral as it would've been in his demon form. In a flurry of movement, so fast that his form blurred, Kazama drew her behind him and positioned himself in between them.
"Those are my terms. So what do you say?" Einosuke held her gaze as he waited for an answer, his own unwavering.
She threw Kazama a fleeting glance as she moved past him to take a single step forward. "I agree to your terms."
"Have you lost your mind?" His low voice was a growl that threatened retribution, but Asuna ignored the danger.
"I'm not going to lose," she assured him. It completely did not cross her mind to be annoyed by him and his possessiveness.
Already fully transformed into his true form, Einosuke lifted the demon slaying sword and lowered his stance, waiting for Asuna to make a move. She drew her own sword, the blade ringing as it came out of its sheath, and she launched herself at him. Just when she was about to swing her blade, he disappeared, only to reappear on her immediate left. He was bearing down on her, sword held high, a look of fury on his face. Raising her weapon with a moment left to spare, she managed to block the blow.
Einosuke pushed forward, his blade cutting only air as Asuna was well out of range. "You're quite an arrogant one if you think you can defeat me without transforming."
She continued to pivot and dodge, her feet quick-stepping and keeping herself in balance as she backed away. Einosuke was a solid-looking male demon who appeared to move slow, but Asuna knew it was only an illusion. So she resisted the urge to intercept the stabbing and slashing sword with her own blade, realizing that his strokes were too powerful to be parried with one hand.
"Your sister said the same thing before I killed her."
"Shut your mouth!" He roared, rushing ahead in a short burst as he swung his sword continuously. "You want to know what I'm planning to do to you? I will tear your body and soul apart until I grow bored of you. Your existence will be nothing but an endless nightmare as I sustain your torture for weeks and months to come. And you will beg for death before I am through with you."
Anger flared through Asuna, and chaos flowed after the anger. She didn't want to allow herself to feel it. But now, she couldn't fight it. Bloodlust had surged and filled her again. It was becoming so very hard not to kill Einosuke right here and now. Indigo veins of energy arched across her body as she finally struck back using all the strength she could muster. Swinging again and again with malevolence, she couldn't control the bloodlust she felt. It was a part of her and it was part of being a demon. What would be better than to use such a deadly weapon rather than dismissing it?
Asuna's sword was swift and fluid, keeping Einosuke off balance. The clashing of the swords was the only sound that could be heard, for all else was silent. Almost as if the world was at a standstill until the outcome of the battle between them was determined. Blades were swung in multiple directions, only to be deflected and forced into another defensive block. She tried to follow with her eyes the movement of his weapon, searching and waiting for a good opening for her final strike.
And at last the moment came. She dashed forward and wounded his leg, knocking him down on his side as his weapon flew from his grip. Asuna stood over him with her sword pointed at his heart. "You have three days to make the proper arrangements before I come to claim my title as clan leader. And if you still want to come after me to avenge for your sister's death, I will kill you next time."
Lowering her sword, she turned to leave. As she was walking away, Einosuke screamed obscenities at her. Asuna turned back to look at him, not realizing that he had already risen to his feet and had retrieved his sword. In that split second, he teleported towards her with the intent to plunge the blade into her heart. A flash of blonde momentarily blocked the vision of both and the sword stopped short of its intended target. The blade had punctured Kazama's shoulder and protruded from his back; the tip of the sword grazing her jaw and breaking skin.
For an endless moment her eyes were wide and blank and curiously lost, bracing herself against the emotions that tumbled through her mind and rioted through her body. Kazama had been injured. He had shielded her from the impact of that blow with his own body. He had risked his life to save her. He could have been pierced in the heart and he could have been killed…because of her. Why was everyone, Kazama included, trying to protect her? She didn't need anyone to take care of her. And she had never wanted anyone to die for her. She was not worth saving.
Not even a wince broke Kazama's expression when he landed a forceful kick on Einosuke's chest, sending him falling backward. In one swift movement, he pulled the sword out of his shoulder and a significant amount of blood shot out onto her clothes and the ground.
Feeling a sense of exhilaration and righteous fury, Kazama charged towards Einosuke in that lightning-fast speed of his. He lifted the weapon high in the air, straight above the man's head. "You dishonored our Demon Code and now you will die for it."
That threat snapped Asuna out of her stunned inaction and she dashed in front of Kazama, blocking the downward arc of his sword. "Don't kill him."
For an instant, she thought Kazama didn't hear her. There was a deadly stillness in his features. Then he finally tore his gaze away from Einosuke to look at her. Meeting those eyes, which she knew had gone more demon than human, she lowered her sword assuming that it would calm him further. She was wrong. Kazama suddenly twisted the weapon in his grip and it glided down the right side of Einosuke's head, slicing off his ear in the process.
Einosuke let out an agonizing wail and clapped his hand over the side of his head. Kazama simply stood before him, still clutching the sword tightly and staring at the results of his remorseless action. "You should be glad that I'm only taking your ear and not your life."
"Ki-kill them!" Einosuke screamed and howled like an animal. "Kill them both!"
The other demons looked on; their faces were marked with transparent hesitation. They were loyal, not foolish. They knew they would die if they fought, but Einosuke was their clan leader, and he still possessed the power to command. Snarling, they then swarmed towards Asuna and Kazama.
"Everyone stop." It was a command that came from neither themselves nor their enemies. It came from Amagiri, whom Asuna hadn't expected to meet here. The taller demon straightened his pose and looked Einosuke straight in the eyes when he said, "Uchiyama Einosuke, you have broken the Demon Code. I'm here to relieve you of your weapon and to escort you to see The Ancient Ones, where you will face trial for your violations."
"Hmph. I thought you were never coming," stated Kazama. His tone had an odd triumphant note, as if he was anticipating the sudden appearance.
"Trial?! What did I do to be put on trial?!"
"Or maybe I can spare everyone the trouble and get rid of him for you right now." Those words fell far more naturally from Kazama's lips.
In silence, his energy was a violent heat against Asuna's skin, and she knew he was holding his control by only a snippet of a thread.
Amagiri made his tone as unyielding as his graceful fighter's stance. "Kazama, you should be more than familiar with the rules by now. His life isn't yours to take before trial and you've already carried out unofficial punishment just now."
A wicked smirk worked its way across those lips. "We both know he deserves to have his heart ripped out of his chest."
Ignoring Kazama, the taller demon's attention returned to Einosuke. "As clan leader, you chose not only to turn a blind eye to your sister's horrific treatment of mortals. You did nothing to stop her and even partook in the act."
Einosuke's rage started to boil over again, his hands fisting. "Who cares about the humans! They're nothing but abominations and shouldn't even exist with us!"
"It's not up to you to decide the fate of the mortals. You and Mitsuru were posing a grave threat to humanity and were also endangering the survival of our demon race. Your misdeeds are beyond unacceptable."
"What proof do you have to make such accusations?!"
"Several demons already came forth to corroborate the allegations. You have been hunting and scouring the land for villagers to torment, particularly those who resided near your dwelling." Amagiri's tone was pure steel. He might have let Einosuke live right now, but Asuna knew he was withholding final judgement.
"This is preposterous! Then what about her?!" There was such hatred in his face, such venom in his voice when his finger pointed in her direction. But she remained relatively calm, if not guarded. "She killed Mitsuru so she should be placed on trial too!"
"Senhime already confirmed that Shinohara Asuna killed out of justice and self-defense while protecting her from your sister's cruelty. So Mitsuru's death was justified and Senhime's side of the story was also validated by The Ancient Ones. That's enough time wasted, come with me now."
Einosuke continued to shout as he was being dragged away, though he knew better than to resist the strength of another pureblood demon. Especially one who appeared immeasurably stronger than himself.
Walking past Asuna, Amagiri then said, "Senhime has a message for you, she asked you to return to Kyoto where she will be waiting for you in the city. If needed, you may also be summoned and presented to The Ancient Ones."
"The Ancient Ones?" Her mind was rapt with inquisitiveness, wishing to know more.
"I assume Kazama will tell you more later." He gave her a quick nod of his head and strode off with Einosuke by his side, who continued to struggle to free himself from Amagiri's iron grasp.
Turning around, Asuna noticed Kazama had already begun walking away wordlessly, back down the same path they had come from. There were so many questions she wanted to ask him, so many voids to be filled. With a quick decision, she followed him.
"Wait," Maeda called out to them, halting her steps. "You're walking away just like this? Then what about the clan?"
"I never intended to take over the clan even if I won. You can decide amongst yourselves who the new clan leader will be. But remember this, if any of you still try to come after me or my companions, I will strike back and grant you a swift and merciless death."
X X X
AUTHOR NOTE:
Phew! I did it, guys! I broke my own record and wrote the longest, most action-packed chapter in my life lol. And to be honest, when I first started writing years ago, I've never thought I'd enjoy writing fight scenes almost as much as fluff. I guess that's why they said life is always full of surprises, huh?
As usual, a big thank you to my beta reader, Waffle for making the chapters even better. I know you worked extra hard on this chapter too, so thanks! What am I going to do without you?! Well, it's time to say bye again, and please look forward to next chapter!