Thank you for your reviews! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Here is a little action, I hope you'll find it entertaining.
To Sera; I'm so glad to have someone that follows Frances' stories from the start. There is a sequel from the lord of the rings, written in French, that I have to translate where Frances actually gets her sword back. It happens in 2008, so 5 years after her initial travel, and 2 years after her clone found her way back to Legolas.
And yes, Harada is just a dear !
I had been sorry to hear that the kimono I murdered was one of Kondō's wife. The ensuing apology had allowed us to clear the air, and I resumed my duties by his side. When I wasn't conversing or writing for him, I trained with Harada.
His swordsmanship was different than Saitō's, but the man had no cause to blush when it came to skill. Surprisingly, Hijikata sometimes joined us. Perhaps he sought to vent some frustration, or just keep his skills honed. The fact was that he allowed me to train with his captains; I was grateful for it. I learnt how to strike with a bokken, how to parry, watched the commander and Shinpachi cross blades and observed.
To each their own style. And even though Shinpachi was also pretty impressive with a blade, I noticed that Hijikata held back. I never got the guts to duel him, albeit he treated me like one of his captains now. I knew I didn't match his skill, not with a bokken. Many of the moves I'd use with my elvish blade would be awkward with a katana. The hilt, for one, was much longer, allowing for more fantasies in the fighting. I could use my second hand to leverage my elvish blade without losing a finger.
I'd seen Hijikata do it once, but didn't trust myself with a katana. The necklace wouldn't reconstruct a missing finger after all… In the evenings, before the sun set, I trained some more in the courtyard. This time, I used my own blade, and tried the moves I learnt by day to adapt it to the weight and feel of my elvish sword.
I also knew my sword was much sturdier than theirs; it could take a side blow without breaking. The wonders of mithril. This gave me more leeway, more flexibility in my attacks. If I parried hastily to the side, I didn't risk damaging my weapon. They didn't have this luxury; their whole fighting style accounted for those particularities. Sloppiness wasn't an option when you followed the Bushido.
Those were busy days, for I also helped Chizuru with her chores – except for shopping, thank the Valar! I didn't mind helping her clean and cook; being idle suited me ill. This routine built up my stamina, my skills, and kept my mind focused on the present. At night, I danced a bit, then stretched, and hopped into bed when I didn't patrol. Somehow, the Shinsengumi had provided me with food and shelter. But more than that, their philosophy of life was slowly creeping into my mind.
For once, I felt at peace.
I should have known it wouldn't last.
I ignored where the commotion started, but the characteristic noise of gunfire woke me up in a start. By the time I was running outside, Chizuru was nowhere near her room, and Okita laid on the ground, unconscious. I checked his pulse in haste. The captain still breathed, but he was out cold. I couldn't find any wound on his body, and gathered he'd been knocked out. Damn. Where was the girl? Had she run into danger again, at the expense of her own life? That kid had no regard for her safety. Someday, Hijikata would blow a fuse running after her. I wasn't looking forward to it. Despite my feigned nonchalance, the Vice Commander wasn't a man to be trifled with. In other words, he impressed me.
For the moment though, the sound of fighting called me to the gates. More gunfire echoed and I picked up speed. White-haired men lay in a pool of blood, heart pierced, or beheaded. Rasetsu, dead. I winced, but couldn't tarry as I followed the trail of bodies. Where was Saitō when we needed him, uh? In the courtyard, the captains were engaged in a battle with three distinct people. Sanan, hair white, had turned to his fury form but kept being pushed back. I frowned; his opponent seemed faster and stronger than he was.
How was it even possible, given how skilled he was? Given his additional speed and strength due to Ochimizu?
Somewhere, Harada and Shinpachi were struggling with a tall man who held a gun. He fired twice, my heart leapt into my throat. Fortunately, none of the captains fell. Near the fountain, Hijikata was trading harsh words with a blondish guy with a serious hair problem. The man's arrogance, really! Assaulting the Shinsengumi's headquarters was suicidal, at best, especially dressed in a kimono. And with barely three men, against all of us? What did they want?
Chizuru laid, unconscious, against the pillar. I rushed to her, avoiding the worst of the fight. Her pulse was steady under my hand, and I debated whether to take her away, or leave her here altogether.
Circumstances didn't give me the luxury to decide, for Hijikata's expert move had cut off the tip of his assailant's sword. The commander was heaving, but his arms were steady as he pointed his sword at the other's throat. Instead of surrendering, the man's eyes narrowed.
Wait, red? Fury-like red?
Instead, he smirked, and jumped in the air with inhuman reach, landing beside Sanan in the split of a second. The fury captain was sent sprawling to the ground, helpless. Dread filled me, flooding my veins when the man lifted his sword for the kill. I heard Hijikata's desperate cry; he was too far away to make it. But I wasn't. My body didn't ask my brain before I took off running. Sword in hand, I leapt just in time.
Was it my battle cry that surprised him, or my stupidity? The red-eyed warrior barely deviated my blade before I crashed into him. It felt like hitting a wall. Elbow first, the impact should have crushed his sternum. Instead, I tumbled away with a sharp pain, alive, but banged up.
I rolled, ignoring the pain, and taking my fighting stance at once. By my side, Sanan regally stood, sword pointed to the man in a white kimono. For a fury, he still retained his classy demeanour.
"A woman," the strange man said. "Interesting."
"Shut your trap already, and deal with me," I retorted, diving at him with everything I had.
The man sidestepped, faster than any human could. Faster than Legolas. Fortunately, the magic of the blade infused me, and I followed its call. Twisting around by reflex, I met the man's blade with a blow of my own. A trance took hold of my body, and the dance began. Sanan inserted himself in the fight with grace, a much-needed support for my opponent was too fast. His blows devastatingly strong. I kept evading to try to turn him into a pincushion. The sword hummed in my hand, giving me power and lightning fast reflexes.
It wasn't enough. Neither Sanan nor I could find an opening, despite the greater skill of the Shisengumi Colonel. Damn, how had Hijikata managed to sever the tip of his sword? The red-eyed man's evasions forced me to use two hands. To no avail; he was stronger than I was. A vicious blow, coming from the side, sent my blade spinning upwards.
"Kitsu !", someone yelled.
Shit. I rolled, extending my left hand by reflex. My sword miraculously landed in my palm, like a rhythmic gymnast retrieving its club. I lifted it just in time to block the next slice that would have cloven me in two separate pieces.
The guy took a step back, slightly winded, and I was grateful for the reprieve. Sanan had, once more, been thrown to the ground beside me.
"So," the man's devious voice drawled. "You're the Kistu Itōu-san talked about." There was such arrogance in his voice, ugh! "Stupid human," he spat. "Cannot even recognise a Kitsune from…" The man sniffed the air like a dog before his red eyes narrowed at me. "What are you?"
I stood, finding myself surrounded by both Sanan and Hijikata. Their presence by my side, framing me like my brothers would have, gave me the courage to face my foe with bravado.
"I'm Frances, can't say it's nice to meet you."
His eyes flashed gold when he growled: "Don't play games with me."
"What are you?", I retorted, sending his question back to him.
"I am Kazama Chikage, leader of my Oni clan."
A demon, a true one? Well, I'd never met such kind. I filed up the characteristics for later use. Speed, strength, and arrogance. Still, I couldn't help but snort.
"You are dethroned, Fukuchō."
I exchanged a look with Hijikata by my side, and I swore I saw the corner of his eye cringe in amusement … being the seething rage and the rapt awareness, of course.
"Are you mocking me, human?"
"Am not. Don't get your fundoshi in a twist."
The long-haired demon that was battling Harada laughed out loud.
"I like her, Kazama. She's the only one that can shut you up."
Kazama's eyes zeroed down on me, and I roamed my brain for ways to delay the fight further. Those guys were definitely more skilled than us, and we needed to find a solution before they hacked us to pieces. Even though I had held my own for a moment, I was under no illusion that he'd make a steak out of me if he so wanted.
"Your aura is not from here, and your soul is tangled with the blade."
"And the artefact around your neck can rip the fabric of time and reality."
This voice, much deeper, belonged to a red-haired man who had effectively discarded Shinpachi. How had he sensed the necklace? I kept it hidden at all times under my clothes, and the gem didn't look magical at all. Did they sense auras?
A small gasp, by my side, told me Hijikata was surprised. Fuck. We had just found a truce. My silence only caused Kazama's smirk to grow.
"Interesting. You welcome two females in your ranks, one is an Oni, and the other a magical creature. You need to work on your intelligence skills, Vice Commander."
I lifted my blade, hissing between my teeth.
"I am not…"
"Don't lie to me, woman!" Kazama spat. "Your sword comes from another world. Where did you get it, uh?"
As if I'll tell you, I thought. At the same moment, Shinpachi rose and threw himself at the tall red-haired Oni. The man just grabbed him in a choke hold, and lifted the captain from the floor. I remained jaw slacked, terrified by that incredible show of strength. By my side, both Sanan and Hijikata fidgeted; if they attacked, he might very well crush Nagakura's windpipe.
"Kazama !", the Oni called. "There is a legend amongst our people. The one that travels time."
His strange blue eyes found mine, and I nodded. If I was a legendary creature amongst creatures, maybe I could use that authority to sway them.
"Aye. I am the Keeper of Time. Now, can you let my friend go?"
As a response, Shinpachi fell to the ground, rasping for air. Sanan was by his side this instant, but the tall man kept my gaze trapped in his.
"I am Amagiri, at your service. I shall not fight you."
I nodded with relief. This guy was pretty much invincible, and his reluctance might provide a way out of this mess. My secret, though, was blatantly exposed and I didn't like it one bit. Kazama and Hijikata were locked in a staring contest by my side, and the sound of footsteps rushing on the gravel caught my ear.
"Chizuru !", a broken voice yelled, interrupted by some coughing.
"Okita-san !", the little lady exclaimed, rushing to his side. The captain's face softened at her voice, but his expression turned to thunder when he spotted Kazama.
"You!" he yelled as he charged. Hijikata jumped in his way, holding up a forbidding hand.
"Sōji! Stand down!"
"He tried to take Chizuru!" the swordsman protested before he fell to his knees, coughing some more. The little lady threw her arm around his waist, trying to coax him away. But no matter how much Okita's body spasmed, his sword was still drawn to the Oni. I couldn't help but admire his determination; he'd die before he allowed anyone to take her.
"I want your magical blade," Kazama stated.
I whirled away, gaping at the gall of the Oni.
"No fucking way."
"You females are really annoyingly stubborn." His tone was bored and whiny, like that of a child who cannot get the toy he covets.
"Because you have such a way with girls," I retorted hotly.
His third friend, the man with the revolver, scoffed and came to stand by his side. Behind us, Harada rested his spear on the ground, unharmed. I wondered if those two had not been sparring rather than trying to kill each other.
"Chizuru," Kazama drawled. "Why are you staying in humans' company? This is degrading."
The young woman's eyes flashed, and she turned to both Okita and the rest of the Shinsengumi members. "I trust them." Her words warmed my heart, but they certainly were sour for the Oni who gave us a disgusted pout.
"Don't bother, we're leaving. But if you fail at protecting her, I'll get her back."
Yeah, right, when we're all dead, you mean. Unfortunately, red-eyes wasn't done with me.
"As for you, Keeper of Time, I'll get what I want."
A cold shiver ran down my spine as his red eyes pinned me into place. He smirked, and turned tail, swaggering as if he owned the place without even fearing that we might throw a spear in his back. The gall of the man … demon! But the third guy, Amagiri, bowed to us all, stating a very polite "We are leaving," that almost made me laugh. Then, he turned to me, and bowed deeper. "My lady, may the stars watch over you." Then he disappeared out of thin air.
I blinked. What, they could teleport? Or was it just invisibility? I could see no footsteps on the gravel, hear no sound. Teleport, then. Fuck, as if we didn't have enough with Itō-sod and the brewing war.
"This sucks, big time," I sighed, suddenly feeling all the aches and burns of my previous fight with Kazama.
"Well," Okita quipped. "You sure have an admirer, Kitsu. And he's pretty good-looking."
I shook my head, exasperated even though I was glad to see Sōji on his feet. And alive. By my side though, I could feel Hijikata's scowl without even having to meet his gaze.
"Jealous, Oni no Fukuckō?" Okita drawled.
My eyes widened. Did he really mean …? Or perhaps Okita was just speaking about the Oni title.
"Certainly not," Hijikata ground out. "But that's one secret too many." His hakamashita appeared in front of my eyes, and I had no choice but to meet his angry stare. "Tomorrow, you'll explain," he growled. He was standing so close that I could see the patterns of his kimono. I suddenly felt so weary that I debated the idea to slam my arms around his waist, and just plain hug him.
OK, I'm tired.
Unfortunately, the chief commander wasn't done chewing me out. "I need sleep before you spin your fairy tale," he added, before striding away, the gravel crunching under the weight of his anger.
Fuck.
"Well," came a silky voice. "This was in interesting development. Not from this world?"
I turned to Sanan with a sigh. "The blade is not, but I am."
"You are not a Kitsune, right?" Harada chanced.
I eyed him warily, wondering if he, too, would condemn me for the deception. I only found an earnest gaze; I guess he'd known it all along.
"No. I'm just a woman."
Okita scoffed, then coughed.
"The Keeper of Time. A legend amongst legends cannot be just a woman."
Bed. I wanted to go to bed, and return to that peaceful life I'd managed to weave this past month. Wanted to do simple chores, train, cook, and watch the sunrise in the east from my favourite spot on a rooftop. Wanted to watch the monks sweep at the ground, outside, with their brooms in hopes to clear dead leaves away.
I caught everyone's gaze in the moonlight, searching their faces. I wished Saitō was here; he wouldn't judge, I'm sure.
"It doesn't make me magical. I'm sorry," I eventually said. "This must be disappointing."
Shinpachi massaged his throat where bruises were already forming.
"Being saved by a girl is disappointing," he whined. "The rest is just plain crazy, and I don't care."
"Well," Sanan concluded. "Let us get some sleep. We'll talk it out tomorrow after breakfast."
"Hai," I nodded. "Before I forget though, do you think you can help me procure a revolver, Sanan-san?"
The Colonel cocked his head aside, his dark hair falling around his face.
"A gun, Kitsu-san ?" I nodded. Times were changing, and I could protect our men from further away in patrols if I owned a revolver. It would be less cumbersome than Tristan's bow. And that stupid Oni had no qualms discharging his weapon on my friends.
"Yes. Next time, I'll get that guy square in the face."
"Back off," Harada retorted. "Shiranui's mine."
I gaped at my favourite spearman. He'd nearly been killed twice with that gun, and fought with a very unfair advantage. Still, he would stop me from harming his favourite enemy. Sometimes, I didn't get the warrior's spirit at all.
"You guys are weird."
"Says the legend," Okita quipped.
"Fuck off, Sōji."
Hope you enjoyed this memorable fight. I just wrote three more battles of the end of season 1, and I'm spent :p It might take a few more 50 chapters to get there, though :D