Anime: Hakuouki Shinsengumi Kitan

Requested by: @embertrion

(Y/n)'s POV

~One year later~

"Give me your life, (Y/n)."

"How rude of a man to demand a lady to hand over her life."

"Has living amongst the humans dulled your sense of identity? Mere 'human courtesy' is nothing to us."

"Kazama, demons need to have basic manners too. Don't exclude yourself just because you proclaim yourself a divine deity."

"I don't see why you think humans as our equals. They lack in strength, agility and longevity. They are useless."

"And so are you. What can you do besides begging me for my life?"

"Well, I was only showing my manners. I could very easily apprehend you."

"Then please, be my guest."

"Killing your father was a piece of cake. I'm sure you'll be no different."

Narrowly avoiding his katana, I deflected the blade with my own, adrenaline-fuelled fury blazing like fire behind my (e/c) eyes. He had muttered my father's death as if such an occurrence was of no concern nor value to anything.

I didn't dare waver. I didn't dare show fear. I didn't dare back down. This man wanted my hand in marriage, he wanted a child. I could not give him such satisfaction knowing that my life was of no value to him afterwards.

To a mere human, our fight may have seemed like flashes of light and metal. My clothes fluttered in the wind, my katana glistening in the moonlight. And yet, Kazama's appearance was no different.

"I'm stronger than you, (Y/n). Give up," he exclaimed.

"Make me."

Nausea overtook my mind, hindering my enhanced vision. This irritating side effect of utilising my power proved to be more of a hindrance than I would have liked.

"You're getting weaker."

"No need to state the obvious."

My scarf scattered in the wind, its soft fabric flowing enigmatically as it caught on Kazama's blade. Kicking off a tree, I reached for its end, my body having already left the tree's branch.

Kazama immediately took this chance to attack, his sword in a position ready to pierce my skin. No...I had barely enough time to dodge...

Suddenly, a samurai dressed in blue arrived at the nick of time and counterattacked Kazama's slash. I landed, my feet placed firmly on the ground.

"The Shinsengumi, huh?"

I turned around at the sound of Kazama's voice only to have a flow of nostalgia flash in my eyes. Saito stood with his back facing me yet the familiar sight of his stature calmed my panicking mind.

"I won't let you lay a hand on her," he exclaimed.

"Did you come alone? That was your mistake. You should have never challenged me. You cannot win," replied Kazama.

Swiftly grabbing a hold of Saito's hand, I sent an advanced spell towards Kazama in order to buy time before activating my teleportation to escape. Kazama's arrogant growl reached my ears before it became silent.

The air around our bodies stilled, the tension gone and the night tranquil. I let go of Saito's hand, panting heavily while leaning against a tree.

Hajime's POV

(Y/n) closed her eyes, her hand holding out my scarf. I reached out and took her hand in mine, the scarf being the only thing separating us. Pulling on her arm, she fell forward, her body leaning against mine.

She had fallen unconscious, her breathing fast and shallow. I hooked an arm under her legs and lifted her off the ground. Slowly crunching the snow beneath my feet, I headed back to the Shinsengumi headquarters.

Yukimura and Hijikata looked at the girl in my arms upon my entry, stopping their conversation midway. Recognition flashed across Yukimura's eyes as she took in (Y/n)'s features.

"Saito, who is this?" asked Hijikata.

"Her name's (L/n) (Y/n). I met her a year ago, and promised to meet her again. She was attacked."

"Women aren't allowed in here."

"She seems to have fainted from exhaustion. Why not let her rest until she's better?" Yukimura asked.

"*sigh* Fine."

I lowered my head in thanks before taking (Y/n) to my room. Putting her down on my futon, I moved the hair away from her face and gazed at her sleeping figure.

It had never occurred to me that our next encounter would be my rescuing her from another demon. Seeing her fight so seriously, I found myself reluctant to bother her yet...a part of me knew that she needed help.

Her skills were effortless; beautiful. She was beautiful. I felt myself compelled to follow her, compelled to look for her. She had managed to stay away from my surveillance, today's meeting completely based on pure luck.

My hand stopped midair, thinking that perhaps she did not see me the same way I saw her. Slowly retracting my hand, I reacted when she tugged weakly on my sleeve, a soft smile visible on her face.

"Saito, you...saved me again," she commented.

"(Y/n), you need rest."

"I'll be fine-"

She coughed, her grasp on my sleeve tightening as pain etched itself onto her face. Worry clouded in my mind. I lacked in the knowledge of demon health and medicine. I...couldn't help her.

"I'm really fine. It'll pass. I just used too much of my power," she exclaimed.

"You're not. Tell me how I can help."

"There's nothing-"

"You're lying."

"I'm really not...why don't you ever trust me?"

I softened my stern gaze once I took in her pleading eyes. There was something. I made a cut on my arm, the warm scarlet blood trickling down my skin.

Her eyes glowed as she covered her mouth as if the sight of blood disgusted her yet she couldn't deny the desire behind her eyes. She drew back, away from my body.

"(Y/n)."

"No, I won't take it!"

I took some blood into my mouth before grabbing her arm. Lifting her chin up, I placed my lips on hers as she widened her eyes. She attempted to pull away but I kept my grip tight.

Once she had drunk it, her exhaustion and stress seemed to have disappeared. However, sorrow and regret took their place as tears threatened to fall down her cheeks.

"Saito, why?..."

"Do you usually wait for the pain to disappear by itself?"

She angrily bit her lip and looked away from my gaze.

"I vowed not to take any blood," she said quietly.

"But you seem different from the other demons. You're..."

"Weak. I'm well aware of that. We can't control how we're born."

"But even so, you should learn to look after yourself."

"...why would you go so far to help me?"

"...I'm still trying to find the answer to that myself."

She cocked her head to the side before a large smile plastered itself onto her face. Without warning, she lunged onto me, wrapping her arms around me in a hug.

A blush immediately stained my cheeks as she whispered a quiet thank you for helping her. I smiled, even if just a little. I was glad...that she wasn't hurting anymore...