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Later that night, in the common room everyone was seated for dinner except for Sen-chan, who had been called back to her village by Kimigiku to attend to some royal duties.

Chizuru POV

I wish Sen-chan could be here when I tell them, but she said she would come back as soon as she could, and if there was an emergency we could send for her at any time. Well, I have to tell them sooner or later but I'm still really scared.

As if sensing my fear, Sanosuke reached for my hand, saying "Everyone, if I could have your attention, Chizuru has something she wants to show you." He looked at me with everyone else.

"Um, well, I would like to show all of you my newfound powers and my... demon form as well." I close my eyes and concentrate on what I learned earlier today. After a few minutes, I could feel my body changing and I heard everyone gasp. When I opened my eyes, everyone was staring at me, even Sanosuke. I'd almost forgotten that he hadn't seen me like this yet.

I stood there waiting for someone to say something until Heisuke-kun spoke up with pure excitement. "Man Chizuru, that is so cool." Hijikata-san and Kondou-san just smiled at me kindly, while Nakagura-san jumped up and said, "That's so amazing. I wish I could do that."

I was so happy that they were all accepting my true self. Sanosuke was right, they are like my family. Wait, I wonder what Sanosuke thinks of this form. I look over to him and he stands up and approaches me. "You look so beautiful and perfect." He pulled me closer to him giving me a kiss with true love behind it. We stayed like that for a little while before breaking the kiss and looking at everyone.

That's when I realized that Souji hadn't said anything about our public display of affection so I asked him what was up. "Um, Okita-san, why haven't you made any jokes about me and Sanosuke yet."

He stared at me so Saito-san spoke for him. "I believe he is scared of what you can do now."

"Shut up, Hajime, that's not tr... Well ... I mean, ugh, don't judge me okay. I really am happy for you, Chizuru, even if you do scare me a little," he mumbled the last part but everyone heard it and we all started laughing. Once the laughter died down, I thanked everyone for accepting me we finished dinner then we all went to bed, as I realized I really did love them as though they were my real family.

A month later

Chizuru POV

Things around the base had returned to normal for the most part. Everyone was happy for me and Sanosuke, plus I now knew how to use my powers. so when I go on patrol with Sanosuke, I can help capture the Choshu or other enemies of the shogunate. I told Sen-chan that she didn't need to come back unless there was a problem since I was doing a lot better. I still have nightmares sometimes but Sanosuke is always there for me ready to help, Although Sanosuke was upset that we hadn't found Shiranui yet, on top of it all we discovered that my father is working for the Choshu to create furies and I couldn't be more disappointed, despite it all though.

I was happy for the first time in a long time. Sanosuke and I were on our way to bed after dinner had ended. We got into bed and as I snuggled closer to Sanosuke, I noticed that something was bothering him, so I asked, "Um Sanosuke, what's wrong? You seem upset about something."

He looked down at me. "I'm mad that we haven't found Shiranui yet. I don't want him to hurt you again."

I stared at him lovingly before leaning in to kiss him saying, "Don't worry. As long as we have each other, we will be fine. I love you."

"I love you too. Let's go to sleep now." We curled up together and even asleep we knew we would always be together. At least I hope we will be.

1 week later

Third Person POV

In the middle of the night, there was a big crash at the front gate and all of the captains were outside, along with Chizuru. Everyone was surprised at the sight in front of them. There at the front of the gates were Kazama, Amagiri, and Shiranui with a bunch of Koudou's furies. Kazama spoke first. "Hey Mibu mutts, we've come to take the female demon" before he attacked the Shinsengumi.

Chizuru POV

I was shocked at what I saw before me. They dared to attack us in the middle of the night. Before I would have been scared and hidden, but not this time. Not now that I've finally unlocked my true self. I changed forms without thinking and rushed into the battle. I managed to kill several furies without any hesitation. I guess what people say is true, pain does change you.

I saw Sanosuke locked in battle with several furies. Then out of the corner of my eye, I saw Kondou-san, injured and exhausted from all the fighting, and Shiranui approaching with his gun pointing at him. If that bullet hits Kondou-san, he'll die, but I'll survive if it hits me. With this thought, I jumped in front of the bullet just before it hit Kondou-san. It went right through my shoulder and I screamed out, but it wasn't healing. What's going on?

Harada POV

I heard Chizuru scream and looked over to see her on the ground with blood pouring out of her shoulder and Shiranui standing over her. I was in front of her in seconds.

"WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER? WHY INS'T SHE HEALING?"

He looked at me with a big grin and started laughing. I was beyond pissed. "Hahahaha, the stupid little slut isn't healing because the bullets are silver. We demons can't heal from them either. I mean, I was aiming for the old mutt there, but this is way better. The look on your face, heh. Well, we'll leave for now. I've had my fun."

"YOU SON OF A BITCH!" I tried to attack him but he was gone with the others. Then I came back to my senses and remembered Chizuru's injury. She was close to passing out from the blood loss. "Chizuru honey, come on, talk to me. I'm so sorry." By now all the captains were around us.

Kondou ordered, "Heisuke, go get Matsumoto-sensei." He ran off and Chizuru lifted her hand to my face. "Sanosuke, I'm fine. Don't worry."

"Chizuru, why did you protect me?" Kondou had tears in his eyes like all of us.

"You're like a father to me and I thought I would heal. Don't worry, I can still endure wounds better than you guys."

This entire time, Yamazaki was wrapping her shoulder so we could move her, but she passed out. "Okay, we can move her now, but be careful," Yamazaki said.

I picked her up bridal style and laid her down on our bed. While waiting for the doctor to get here, the other captains went to get supplies and secure the perimeter. "Please don't die on me. I need you."

"Sano, Matsumoto's here"

"Thanks Shinpachi." I sighed, "Well Chizuru, it's going to be a long night. Please pull through." I leaned down and kissed her forehead just as Matsumoto entered.

A/N Okay I know after not posting in forever this is a cruel way to end this chapter but I couldn't resist. Plus I lost motivation to write anymore. Don't worry I will update.