Disclaimer: I do not own Owari no Seraph (Seraph of the End). I write this for your enjoyment only. On another note, this story is a direct sequel to my previous fem!Yuu fic, Who She is Within and I strongly recommend newcomers to this fic to read that one first because I will be making many references to it throughout the story, which will be an alternate version of the Shibuya/Shinjuku arc. This is intentional on my part because I want to make things different and interesting instead of just repeating the canon timeline with Yuu's gender swapped. I would also like to thank my beta reader, ResidentialPsycho, of DeviantArt for her help in making this fic possible. Enjoy and please review!
Broken Bridges, Mended Hearts
Chapter 1: Swordmaiden of the Demon Army
October 16, 2020
"Hey, big brother Yuu? Will you take us to America with you someday?" Little Aiko's voice rang out with a bright, melodic lilt as she tugged playfully on the hem of Yuichiro's livestock uniform shirt. Her wide, sparkling eyes radiated innocent curiosity, reflecting a world of dreams and possibilities while her older sibling diligently swept the dust and crumbs from the living room floor of their modest family home.
Yuichiro paused mid-sweep, a warm smile blossoming across her face at the sight of her little sister's exuberance. Setting down the broom, she scooped Aiko into her arms, lifting her effortlessly into the air. Spinning her around in a joyful whirl, they both laughed as Aiko squealed in delight, her laughter echoing like music in the cozy room.
"Of course, I will—if I ever get the chance!" Yuichiro responded cheerfully, her heart swelling with affection for Aiko, whose giggles filled the air and lightened the burdens of the day.
At that moment, Akane, who had been busily preparing dinner in the kitchen, caught the sound of her sisters' laughter. Intrigued, she stepped into the living room, a playful smile creeping onto her face as she observed the charming scene. However, she quickly recalled the urgency of her task and knew she needed Yuichiro's help to manage the impending dinner chaos.
"Hey, Aiko! Can I borrow Yuu for a minute?" she called out cheerfully, waving her hand to catch Yuichiro's attention.
Understanding the cue, Yuichiro gently set Aiko back down, ruffling her short brown hair affectionately with a broad grin before turning her focus to Akane.
"Yes, Akane? What do you need?" she asked, her tone warm and inviting.
"I could really use your help in the kitchen, Yuu. You know how chaotic it gets when everyone's hungry," Akane replied, her voice light yet underscored with urgency.
"Of course!" Yuichiro answered promptly. Before following Akane into the kitchen, she leaned down and gave Aiko a playful flick on the nose, eliciting another round of giggles. "I have to go help Akane now, so you, Mika, and the others can have dinner soon, okay?"
"Okay, Yuu! I'll go find Chihiro to help set the table!" Aiko chirped enthusiastically, her excitement bubbling over as she dashed off to locate their blue-haired sister.
With Aiko busy, Yuichiro followed Akane into the kitchen, where the rich aroma of vegetable soup simmering on the stove enveloped them, filling the air with warmth and comfort. It was a simple meal, typical of their evenings together, yet no one ever complained. Since their arrival in Sanguinem, the Hyakuya children had learned to appreciate every morsel of food, grateful for the tireless efforts of Mika, Yuichiro, and Akane in providing for their family.
As they stood by the kitchen doorway, observing Mikaela and the younger children working together to set the dinner table, Akane placed a reassuring hand on Yuichiro's shoulder. The warmth of the gesture spoke volumes.
"The kids really look up to you, Yuichiro. I hope you'll tell them the truth someday…" she said softly, her voice tinged with a mix of hope and concern.
Understanding exactly what her sister was implying, Yuichiro nodded, placing her hand over Akane's and giving it a gentle squeeze.
"I will, Akane… when I'm ready…" she promised quietly, her heart heavy with the weight of unspoken truths.
Akane studied her sister for a moment, her expression shifting to a gentle smile. "Hmm… okay, I trust you," she replied, her eyes filled with sisterly love and unwavering support.
Although Yuichiro Hyakuya fully intended to keep that promise, fate had other plans in store for her.
Especially now, as she stood among the lifeless bodies of her brothers and sisters across the cold tile floor at the gates of Sanguinem…
"I can't just leave you! We were going to see America together, remember?!" she cried out, her voice breaking with despair.
"Just go, you idiot! You can see America for me. Now go…" Mika pleaded earnestly, his eyes filled with a desperate urgency.
In that moment, a final kiss and a heartfelt confession hung in the air…
"I love you, Mikaela… goodbye…" she whispered, her heart shattering with the weight of loss.
And just like that, a life irrevocably shattered, leaving only echoes of dreams unfulfilled and a future that now felt impossibly bleak.
"No… I don't want to go… but I have no choice. They're all dead… and there's nothing I can do, nothing!" she lamented, the tears flowing freely as she faced a world that had turned so cruel in an instant...
SSSSSS
"Hey, Miss Hyakuya! It isn't wise to space out while we're outside the walls!"
Yuichiro jolted back to reality, her heart racing as she heard the familiar voice of her fellow guardsman and long-time classmate, Satoshi Hiwatari. *1* The sound of his urgent tone cut through the stillness of the moment, pulling her from her thoughts. They had been training together for nearly four years, and his concern was always evident, especially in situations like this. Both of them stood in their crisp black and green uniforms of the Japanese Imperial Demon Army's Shibuya Guard Division, where duty and vigilance were paramount.
As was customary, Yuichiro was dressed in the women's version of the uniform, which consisted of a tailored one-piece dress complemented by a flowing cape. The medium-length pleated skirt allowed her to move freely, a necessity given the unpredictable nature of their patrols. However, Yuichiro had her own preferences when it came to her attire. Abhorring the thought of exposing her skin to the elements and potential dangers lurking just beyond the walls, she had opted for thigh-high stockings that hugged her legs snugly. Completing her ensemble were knee-high black leather boots that not only added to her height but also provided the support she needed for their demanding duties.
Her long, raven-black hair cascaded down her back, neatly tied in a low ponytail, a practical choice that kept it out of her face while she wore the cap that was part of her guard uniform. As she glanced over at Satoshi, she could see the concern etched on his face. His brow was furrowed, and his eyes scanned the surroundings, ever watchful for any signs of trouble.
"I'm sorry, Sato," she apologized. "I just needed a minute…"
Satoshi's brow knitted together in worry as he surveyed the dimly lit landscape beyond the fortifications. He and Yuichiro had been stationed on guard duty for the last few hours, and with the clock inching toward ten o'clock, they were nearing the end of their shift. The evening had unfolded without incident, but a nagging suspicion tugged at Satoshi's thoughts: his companion seemed off, perhaps fatigued or unwell.
"Are you alright, Yuichiro?" he asked, his voice laced with concern. "If you're not feeling well, you should have taken the night off. I'm sure Daisuke, Takeshi, and I could have managed without you, at least for tonight. And let's not forget—it's your birthday."
"I'm fine, Sato," Yuichiro replied with a firm tone, her gloved hand resting on the hilt of her sword, a gesture that belied the unease she felt inside. "As for my birthday, there's really no need to fuss over it; I don't see it as anything worth celebrating."
Beneath her stoic facade lay a deeper truth. Yuichiro's birthday carried a heavy weight, marking not just the passage of another year but also the painful anniversary of the night she lost her first family—the Hyakuya orphans. The haunting memories of that fateful evening clung to her, a relentless reminder that her freedom had come at an unimaginable cost.
In the years that followed her escape from Sanguinem, Yuichiro had found solace and camaraderie with a new family: Guren Ichinose and his closest friends. However, that sense of belonging was short-lived. When she was accepted into the Shibuya Guard, she had to leave them behind as well, moving into a dormitory near JIDA Headquarters as she enrolled in Shibuya High School.
Despite the challenges, she had excelled, passing the entry exam for the Demon Army with impressive marks just a year prior. Now, with her sights firmly set on joining the prestigious Moon Demon Company, she was fully immersed in her studies, preparing for the additional and notably more difficult entry exam that lay ahead.
The weight of her aspirations mixed with the shadows of her past, creating a complex tapestry of determination and sorrow. As she stood there, the night air crisp and cool, Yuichiro felt the familiar pull of the memories she tried to suppress, reminding her of the sacrifices made and the battles yet to come.
Satoshi stood there, utterly taken aback by Yuichiro's remark. It was one thing for older adults to dismiss their birthdays as they aged, but his companion was only sixteen—a milestone that was typically celebrated with gusto, especially among girls.
"You know, when you say things like that, you really sound like an old lady, Yuu. You're sixteen, not sixty for Christ's sake!" *2* the blue-haired boy exclaimed, his voice laced with disbelief.
Yuichiro shot him an annoyed glare, her expression hardening. "Forget about that," she retorted sharply, clearly unimpressed by his teasing. "We have a guard duty shift to finish, in case you haven't noticed."
Satoshi let out a resigned sigh, lifting his hands as if to signal his surrender. Deep down, he was genuinely concerned for Yuichiro. He understood that when her mind was set on something, arguing with her was as futile as trying to move a mountain. Unless he held the rank of her superior officer—which he did not—there was no compelling reason for her to listen to his opinions, and they both knew it.
Satoshi couldn't help but wonder what had shaped his companion into someone so serious at such a young age. He knew that their friendship had weathered many storms, yet Yuichiro's steadfast demeanor often left him scratching his head.
"Alright, alright, I get it. But seriously, why do you have to be so difficult sometimes, Yuu?" he continued, a hint of exasperation creeping into his tone. "After nearly four years of knowing each other, I'd hope you would have loosened up a bit and learned to take a joke."
Yuichiro gave him a blank look as if he were an an idiot.
"Loosen up? Seriously? It's a bit hard to 'loosen up' next to someone who actually bribed Takeshi Saehara into pulling up my skirt just to check if I was really a girl," she retorted, a disdainful snort escaping her lips.
Satoshi rolled his eyes. "Seriously, are you still bitter about that, Miss Hyakuya? We did say we were sorry and gave you some presents so why can't you let bygones be bygones?"
Before Yuichiro could respond, a frantic shout pierced the air behind them.
"Yuu! Sato! Look out! It's a Four Horseman of John!"
With a fierce curse escaping her lips, Yuichiro instinctively drew her blade from its sheath, the metal gleaming ominously in the dim light of their surroundings. A monstrous Four Horseman of John broke materialized before her, a grotesque, white arachnid with multiple eyes glistening like dark jewels, its mandibles clicking hungrily as it shattered through the remnants of a nearby billboard.
A rush of adrenaline surged through Yuu's body, sharpening her senses and heightening her awareness. The familiar weight of her sword felt reassuring in her grip, a comforting presence amid the chaos that threatened to engulf them.
Satoshi, alarmed by the sudden turn of events, reached out to grab Yuichiro by the shoulder, trying to restrain her.
"Not so fast!" he cautioned, his voice urgent. "You can't take that thing on by yourself! Let the boys cover your back first!"
Despite his intentions, Yuu misinterpreted his words, taking offense at what she perceived as a challenge to her combat skills simply because of her gender.
"What? You think I can't handle that damn monster just because I'm a girl? Well, screw you, Satoshi Hiwatari!" she snapped, her voice laced with indignation. With a fierce determination igniting her spirit, she broke free of his grip and charged toward the menacing creature, her sword drawn and ready for battle.
As Yuichiro pressed forward with unwavering determination, her heart raced, driven by an intense blend of anger and adrenaline. This was more than just a confrontation; it was a chance to prove herself not only to Satoshi but also to anyone who had ever doubted her abilities. The monstrous figure loomed ominously ahead, and with each step she took, Yuichiro felt her resolve solidifying. This was her moment to shine, and she was more than prepared to face the challenge head-on.
Satoshi, despite his best intentions, had tried to dissuade Yuichiro from advancing. He couldn't bear the thought of her getting hurt needlessly. Yet, he realized too late that his words had struck a nerve, igniting a fire in her that he hadn't anticipated. The look of determination in her eyes was unyielding, and Satoshi could only watch helplessly as she forged ahead, fueled by an unquenchable desire to prove herself.
The air was thick with tension, punctuated by the creature's guttural growls that reverberated through the atmosphere like a dark omen. Each growl sent shivers racing down her spine, intertwining with the distant echoes of her comrades' frantic shouts. Despite the chaos surrounding her, Yuichiro's focus remained razor-sharp.
With fierce resolve, she dashed forward, her boots pounding against the cracked pavement, the sound echoing like a war drum in her ears. Each step was fueled by a potent mix of fear and determination, the ground trembling beneath her as the beast lunged towards her, its massive legs striking the earth with a force that felt like thunder.
As she closed the distance to the monstrous creature, a flicker of doubt momentarily clouded her mind—was she truly strong enough to face this beast alone? But then, the haunting memories of her lost brothers and sisters surged within her, igniting a fiery spirit that propelled her forward with renewed vigor. The pain of her past became her armor, and she refused to let it weigh her down.
In that moment, she was not just Yuichiro Hyakuya; she was a warrior, more than capable of taking down a fearsome Horseman of John. With a swift, practiced motion, she locked her gaze onto the creature's weak spot, her heart pounding in anticipation. In a decisive thrust, she drove her sword deep between its eyes, feeling the surge of power coursing through her as she sliced the beast clean in half. Dark blood splattered across her, but the visceral sensation only heightened her adrenaline. The monster let out a deafening screech, a sound that echoed in her ears, but it was drowned out by the rush of victory washing over her, mingled with the bitter taste of blood on her lips.
As the monstrous figure collapsed lifelessly to the ground, Yuichiro felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. She removed her sword with a steady hand, shaking off the blood with a single, confident swipe in the air. With a sense of finality, she slid the blade back into its sheath at her belt, knowing she had not only conquered the beast but had also begun to reclaim her own identity and strength in the process. This was just the beginning of her journey, and she was ready for whatever lay ahead.
After an intense sprint, Satoshi, Daisuke, and Takeshi finally caught up to Yuichiro, who stood confidently over the lifeless body of the monster they had been tasked to eliminate. The adrenaline of her recent victory was quickly overshadowed by concern as they realized the recklessness that had led to it.
"That was incredibly reckless, Yuu!" Takeshi exclaimed, his voice rising in frustration. He couldn't shake the unease that settled in his gut as he thought of the risks she had taken.
Daisuke, arms crossed tightly over his chest, nodded in agreement. "And let's not forget that this was an act of insubordination," he added sternly. "You know we'll have to report this to the higher-ups when we return, right?"
Yuichiro's expression hardened, her eyes narrowing as a fierce determination ignited within her. She brushed off their warnings as if they were mere flecks of dust on her uniform.
"I don't care," she replied coolly, her tone unwavering. "You can report what you like. But let this be clear: never underestimate me just because I'm female, understood?"
Satoshi threw his hands up in exasperation, raking a frustrated hand through his disheveled blue hair.
"Dammit, Yuu! That's not what I meant!" he shouted, his voice a mix of concern and irritation. "I was merely trying to look out for you! This isn't about gender; it's about being smart in a fight! You could have gotten yourself killed! Why do you always take everything I tell you the wrong way!?
"Must be PMS..." Takeshi muttered under his breath, a hint of sarcasm in his tone.
That comment earned him glares from both Satoshi and Daisuke, not to mention a fierce scowl from Yuichiro herself. They all knew by now that Takeshi had a regrettable knack for saying the wrong thing at the most inappropriate moments, often exacerbating an already tense situation.
"Like you would know anything about that, Saehara!" Yuu shot back, her voice sharp as she turned on her heel, ready to head back within the safety of the walls they guarded. "Anyway, I believe our shift is over, and I, for one, could really use a hot meal and a long bath. Good night, boys!"
With that, Yuichiro Hyakuya strode away from her fellow guards and classmates, leaving them in a mixture of frustration and admiration. As she walked away, the weight of their unspoken concerns hung in the air, a reminder of the fine line they walked between bravery and recklessness in their dangerous world.
Once the sound of her footsteps faded into the distance, Daisuke let out a deep sigh, his frustration palpable. "Honestly, working with girls can be such a pain, even if it is Lieutenant Colonel Ichinose's orders," he muttered bitterly.
Satoshi, who had been standing nearby with his arms crossed, leaned against a nearby wall and raised an eyebrow. "Well, if you ask me, I think this is probably Ichinose's way of getting back at us for what we did to Yuichiro back in seventh grade," he speculated, his tone laced with a mix of sarcasm and seriousness.
Takeshi chimed in, shaking his head in dismay. "It's times like these that I really wish Yuu was actually a boy. Wasn't she listening when our superiors said never to act alone when facing the enemy? It's like she didn't even consider the risks."
Satoshi chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Heh, honestly, there's no guarantee that she'd be any easier to deal with if she were one of the guys. We've all dealt with our share of difficult male comrades too," he pointed out, his expression shifting to something more contemplative as he turned the conversation back to the pressing issue at hand.
"Anyway, we should probably head back now," Satoshi said, the weight of the situation settling heavily on his shoulders. "So, who'll do the honors and report Yuu's act of insubordination to her guardian?"
As the question hung in the air, Satoshi's voice faltered. The boys exchanged uneasy glances, the memory of their mischievous prank—pulling Yuichiro's skirt—still haunting them, a ghostly reminder of their past.
"Do we really have to?" Daisuke muttered, his arms crossed tightly over his chest, as if to shield himself from the impending decision. "What if we just… let it slide? She was only trying to protect us out there."
Satoshi shifted uncomfortably, his gaze dropping to the ground as he processed Daisuke's words. "Yeah, but if we don't report her, we might get in trouble too. You know how strict Lieutenant Colonel Ichinose is about insubordination. He won't take it lightly."
"But we also know how hard Yuu fought," Takeshi countered, his voice rising with frustration. "She took down that monster all on her own! Doesn't that count for something?"
"It does," Satoshi agreed reluctantly, "But we can't just ignore the rules. If we don't report her, we'll be just as guilty. It's not fair to her, but it's not fair to us either. We need to think this through."
The tension among the trio thickened, each boy grappling with the weight of their collective guilt and the looming threat of discipline from their superior officer. The air was charged with an unspoken understanding that they were on the precipice of a difficult decision.
Finally, after a moment of heavy silence, Takeshi broke the tension with a quiet suggestion. "How about we draw straws for that, Sato? That way, it's not just one of us choosing."
"Good idea, Takeshi," Daisuke snorted as he extended his hand toward the other boy. "You got any straws on you?"
Takeshi looked down, a hint of embarrassment coloring his cheeks at suggesting a plan they didn't have the means to carry out.
"Um… not really," he confessed sheepishly.
Satoshi, quick on his feet, offered an alternative. "Alright, how about we play rock, paper, scissors? The first one out has to report to the lieutenant colonel."
The other boys nodded in agreement, a sense of camaraderie forming amidst the uncertainty. "Agreed," they said in unison, the decision made, but the weight of what lay ahead still loomed over them.
With a sense of urgency, Satoshi, Daisuke, and Takeshi formed a tight-knit circle, their expressions a mix of apprehension and determination as they prepared to confront the daunting task of reporting Yuichiro's act of defiance to her guardian. The air around them was charged with tension, each boy acutely aware of the significance of the moment. To determine who would have to carry the weight of this responsibility, they engaged in a tense game of rock-paper-scissors. The silence was palpable, and the anticipation hung heavily as they deliberated their fates.
When the brief contest reached its conclusion, it was Takeshi who emerged as the reluctant loser. He stood there for a moment, grappling with the reality of his new role. A heavy sigh escaped his lips, echoing the burden he now had to bear. The knowledge that he would be the one to report Yuichiro's actions settled heavily upon his shoulders, filling him with a sense of foreboding.
As they turned to retrace their steps toward the perceived safety of the walls, the boys found themselves caught in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. They marveled at Yuichiro's fierce determination, her unparalleled combat skills, and the unbreakable spirit that seemed to radiate from her very being.
Yet, alongside this admiration, there was an undeniable sense of exasperation. Her impulsive nature and penchant for acting without fully considering the consequences often left them feeling frustrated and anxious about the potential fallout of her decisions. Still, they couldn't ignore that it was precisely these qualities that had shaped Yuichiro Hyakuya into the formidable warrior she had become—a force to be reckoned with, albeit one that often led them into uncharted waters.
Once they finally reached the sanctuary of the walls, the trio made their way to the headquarters of the Shibuya Guard Division, where they were tasked with reporting the incident to Lieutenant Colonel Ichinose. As they approached his office, Takeshi paused, casting a fleeting glance back at Satoshi and Daisuke, both of whom offered silent encouragement despite their own reservations.
After a moment of hesitation that felt like an eternity, he steeled himself and raised his hand, poised to knock on the lieutenant colonel's office door. The sound of his knuckles against the wood resonated in the air, a harbinger of the difficult conversation that lay ahead.
SSSSS
As Yuichiro Hyakuya stepped away from the heated confrontation she had just experienced with her fellow guardsmen and classmates, she felt a whirlwind of emotions swirling within her. The sanctuary of the fortifications loomed ahead, offering a brief respite from the chaos of the battlefield that still echoed in her mind. The adrenaline from the recent skirmish pulsed through her veins, a reminder of the intensity of their fight and the stakes involved.
Although her comrades had chastised her sharply for her impulsive actions during the battle, a flicker of pride ignited within Yuichiro, mingling with a stubborn defiance against their harsh criticism. Yet, beneath this bravado, there lay a tempest of conflicting feelings—pride intertwined with guilt. She had acted out of a deep sense of necessity, but at what cost to her relationships and her standing among her peers?
As Yuichiro made her way along the familiar path to the women's dormitories, her mind drifted back to the tumultuous events of the night. Once she reached her room, she shed her uniform and cape with care, folding them neatly and hanging them over the back of a chair, a small ritual that provided her with a sense of order amidst the chaos. Fatigue began to settle in her bones, but her mind remained a flurry of thoughts, replaying the chaos of the evening and the choices she had made.
Taking a seat at her desk, Yuichiro opened her textbook, redirecting her focus to the looming Moon Demon Company entrance exam. The remnants of adrenaline still coursed through her, driving her to prioritize her training and sharpen her skills in preparation for the challenge ahead.
Ignoring the faint stirrings of hunger from having skipped dinner, she threw herself into her studies with fierce determination. Her singular ambition—to secure her place in the prestigious Moon Demon Company—burned fiercely in her heart, pushing her to prove herself as a capable warrior. The tribulations she faced during her guard duty only intensified her resolve to grow stronger and more capable, solidifying her commitment to her goals.
The entrance exam loomed like a towering obstacle, stirring a mix of excitement and trepidation deep within her gut. Despite the weight of this challenge, Yuichiro remained steadfast, poring over her textbooks, absorbing every detail with laser focus. The soft rustle of pages turning echoed in the stillness of her room as she barricaded herself against distractions, her eyes locked on the words before her, determined to master the material.
As midnight approached, her determination surged even further. The Moon Demon Company represented a crucial turning point in her life, a golden opportunity to prove her worth and rise above the adversities she had faced. Though exhaustion tugged at her, threatening to pull her under, Yuichiro pressed on, her resolve unyielding. She envisioned the life she aspired to lead within the ranks of the Demon Army, and the thought fueled her passion.
The soft glow of her desk lamp illuminated the pages, casting gentle shadows around her room. Her thoughts were consumed by dreams of what lay ahead, yet the reprimands of her classmates echoed like a haunting melody in her mind. She understood their concerns; her actions during the battle had been deemed reckless. Yet, she was resolute in her belief that these choices stemmed from an unwavering sense of duty and an insatiable desire to avenge her fallen brothers and sisters from the tragic Hyakuya incident.
The looming threat of the Four Horsemen served as a stark reminder of the dangers they faced daily as members of the Shibuya Guard Division. However, Yuichiro refused to be deterred by fear or doubt. With each passing moment, she felt herself drawing closer to her aspiration of joining the Moon Demon Company, ready to embrace whatever challenges awaited her on that path. This was her moment to shine, and nothing would stand in her way.
Footnotes:
1. Satoshi Hiwatari, Daisuke Niwa, and Takeshi Saehara are all major characters in another one of my favorite anime series, DN Angel, and will be making cameo appearances in my AU OnS fic. They also appeared in my prequel "Who She is Within".
2. About 3 million people in Japan are Christians so after the apocalypse, some may survive and mention Christ in difficult or awkward situations.
