Last time, I've finally made some progress on the romance front! (And this time, a revelation is made... That I knew about already.)
Warning!: This is based upon a game that's rated M for Blood, Strong Language, Suggestive (read 'Sexual') themes, and
Violence. If any of these things offend you, don't click on the link.
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-Chapter Three: Part Two-
July 1867
Shimohi Yukimura: "I should go to sleep." ...As if chiding myself would help.
Okay, that's an odd right there...
'My mind was wide awake. I wasn't falling asleep anytime soon. But why? I was nervous, certainly, and I'd trained earlier that day, but neither of those was anything new. I needed to get to sleep soon, or I'd oversleep in the morning, and that would be embarrassing. As I forced my eyes shut for the thousandth time, I heard the door to my room slide open.'
Seriously, people, learn to knock!
???: "Are you awake?"
Hijikata?
Shimohi Yukimura: "Y-Yes!"
'The voice outside belonged to Hijikata. I scrambled to my feet.'
(Wow, you guessed right.)
Shimohi Yukimura: "What is it?"
Toshizo Hijikata: "You have a visitor."
Really? Who?
'A visitor...? Who would come to visit me?'
Somehow, I'm doubting I would like the answer... (Aw, come on! That could be Heisuke rather than Chikage!)
Toshizo Hijikata: "You'll see. Hurry up."
Shimohi Yukimura: "R-Right!"
(Later...)
'I shuffled down the hallway after him, and burst into the common room. Kondou, Okita, Harada, Nagakura... All of the top men in the Shinsengumi were there, ans so was someone else...'
Sen: "Hello, Shimohi! How are you doing?"
Oh. I'm... (Relieved, yet disappointed at the same time.) Yeah...
Shimohi Yukimura: "Sen?!"
'My visitor was Sen?!'
(I know, I'm about as surprised as you are.)
'We'd met in Kyoto proper some time ago. She was near my age, but had a unique and...overwhelming personality, which had allowed her to see right through my disguise. But...why had she come to the Shinsengumi?'
That is the question at the moment...
'Only then did I notice a beautiful woman dressed as a ninja seated next to Sen.'
Sen: "Oh, yes. She is with me. My bodyguard, one might say."
'Bodyguard? That answered nothing, and only prompted more questions. The captains kept silent, content to simply observe our conversation. Whatever was about to transpire, it seems they intended to leave the decision to me.'
Shimohi Yukimura: "So, um, Sen...Why are you here?"
Sen: "I've come to take you."
What! What?
'That had not been on the short list I'd begun to compile of reasons Sen had sought my company in the middle of the night. A quick glance around the room revealed that it had not been on anyone else's either.'
Shimohi Yukimura: "Um... Pardon? I don't understand what you're saying..."
Sen: "No, what you don't understand is the situation. But you needn't worry. You do trust me, don't you?"
"I certainly didn't suspect her of anything untoward, but..."
(Hold on, I need to do some research...)
???: "There's no time. We must make preparations to leave immediately."
Are you done yet? (...Yeah, if we're going on the route you want. I suspect this might be a good thing.) Seriously? ...If you say so...
'Silent until that moment, the woman at Sen's elbow finally spoke.'
Shimohi Yukimura: "Wait, wait, hold on. Why should I got with you?"
Sorry Akurei, I'd rather ask and be sure.
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Yeah, that's a damn good question! You just barge in here, ask to see her, and spring this on us! I think it's about time you told us what the hell's goin' on here!"
(Despite what I said earlier, this could just be Chikage and Daemon's work... *looks down* Speaking of which... Won't say, spoilers!)
Shimohi Yukimura: "Please, Sen."
'I didn't let my gaze waver from her eyes.'
Sen: "...Yes I do suppose you have a point. Very well. I shall begin at the beginning."
'She cast her gaze around the room; this explanation was not simply for my benefit.'
(It was also for the audience/player.)
Sen: "You are familiar with Kazama, yes? I head you have crossed swords with him once or twice."
Toshizo Hijikata: "How'd you know that?"
Sen: "Oh, ah, well, I hear of most things that happen in Kyoto. Eventually."
Toshizo Hijikata: "Hnn. You're something like Kazama and his punks, aren't you?"
(Ding-ding-ding! We have a winner! Sen's also a demon! A demon princess to be precise!)
Sen: "I would rather prefer not to be associated with his ilk, but yes, in a sense you are correct."
Toshizo Hijikata: "...Fine. You were talking about Kazama."
Sanosuke Harada: "He showed up at Ikedaya, Hamaguri, and Nijo. He's got something to do with Satsuma and Choshu, doesn't he?"
Souji Okita: "Well, most of the time it seemed more like he was there for his own reasons, not any kind of domain politics."
Toshizo Hijikata: "Either way, he's an enemy of the Shinsengumi."
Sen: "Then you are also aware that he is pursuing your lady friend here?"
Sen... Could you NOT have reminded me of that...?
'Sen gestured at me for the captain's benefit, then fixed me with a level stare. What was going on? This was getting stranger and stranger, and I was starting to think I didn't really want to know the rest of the story.'
Isami Kondou: "We are aware of that. We are also aware that Kazama and his compatriots call themselves demons--not that we're inclined to believe such a claim, of course."
Keisuke Sanan: "Regardless, we must consider it. They have demonstrated several times that they have strength and skill beyond any human."
Souji Okita: "Ha! Heh heh... Guess you'd know, huh Sanan?"
"..."
Yeah... (I think the implication was that Sanan would know what's beyond human capacity because he was once human himself...) (*ji...*) (Why are you staring at me?)
'The room grew slightly more uncomfortable. I didn't think Okita had meant to offend with is remarks, but...'
Shimohi Yukimura: "So, um, go on Sen..."
Sen: "Ah, then you know they are demons. Excellent. That will save me some time, then. I am not a human either. I am also a demon."
(*looks up* Called it!)
'A demon?! Sen was a demon?!'
'Encyclopedia updated.'
Princess Sen: "I am, in fact, a princess. Princess Sen."
(See, I even told you about that!) (...A demon...PRINCESS!? *faints*) Akurei, I think you broke Niyagi.
'With that, she gave us an elegant bow, exactly like what one might expect from a princess.'
???: "I come from a family of ninja who have served Princess Sen and her family for generations."
Toshizo Hijikata: "I'd wondered why you were being so friendly. You were gathering information on the Shinsengumi."
???: "I have no idea what you mean."
'She tilted her head to the side politely, and met Hijikata's glare with an innocent smile.'
Shinpachi Nagakura: "You know here?!"
'Encyclopedia updated.'
Sanosuke Harada: "Move your eyes up about six inches, Shinpachi. That's Kimigiku. She's, uh, dressed a little different from when we met her at Shimabara, but that's her face all right."
Shinpachi Nagakura: "What?!"
'Nagakura nearly fell over in shock. After recovering, he made a great show of staring pointedly at Kimigiku's face. For his effort, he received a smile identical to the one Hijikata had received.'
Princess Sen: "We demons have lived in this country since... Well, since a very long time ago. The top officials in the shogunate, and in many of the domains, already know of us."
'It was still something of a shock, but after meeting Kazama and his companions, it was somewhat easier to accept Sen's explanation as the truth.'
Princess Sen: "Most demons had no interest in human matters, and preferred to be left alone, to go about their own affairs in peace. However, humans in positions of power saw that they might achieve great things with the assistance of demons, and so demanded that assistance."
(What!? How dare they make such demands of demonkind!?)
Shimohi Yukimura: "And...did the demons obey?"
Princess Sen: "Many did not. The felt they had no obligation to involve themselves in human affairs. Human ambition meant nothing to them."
(Indeed, good for them!)
Princess Sen: "But when they refused, the human lords were furious. The sent out great armies to destroy the villages of the demons."
Shimohi Yukimura: "How horrible..."
(I know... And you humans wonder why most demons want your kind to be dead.) You, on the other hand, wanted the human race to be dead just because... (Because...why?) (Because I'm such an evil demoness.) So, pretty much, "Because I can".
Princess Sen: "The demon clans scattered across the country, and were, perforce, sent into hiding. No longer isolated in their own communities, demons began to mate with humans. these days, there are few demons who can claim a pure bloodline."
Isami Kondou: "And I assume Kazama is one of these?"
'Sen nodded.'
Princess Sen: "Currently, the largest pureblood family in the west is the Kazama, who have the support of the Satsuma Domain. The head of that family you have already met: Chikage Kazama."
But, sort of like how I'm assuming the identity of "Shimohi Yukimura"... (Daemon Spearmeister's assuming the identity of "Chikage Kazama". Rather fitting, since his given name sounds like the word "demon"...)
Shimohi Yukimura: "Chikage Kazama..."
Princess Sen: "In the east, the largest family is the Yukimura."
...Wait a minute. *looks up* My current form has the family name "Yukimura"... (That's why you couldn't change the family name: plot reasons.)
Shimohi Yukimura: "What?!"
Princess Sen: "I had heard the Yukimura family had been destroyed, but it would seem there is a survivor. That survivor is her. Shimohi, the blood that runs in your veins is pure and strong. I sense great power from you."
(You know that this calls for.) Right... [simultaneous] "It's a fate determined by my blood!" ("It's a fate determined by her blood!") [/simultaneous] (Really!? You just had to paraphrase the the final line of the first opening theme of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure!?) Yes, yes we did. (Why did I even ask...?)
Shimohi Yukimura: "No way...I...but..."
'Encyclopedia updated.'
Princess Sen: "No, you are very much a demon. I apologize, but there it is."
'The finality of her words brought a cold silence to the room. I had no desire to believe her story, but the more I thought back to events that had seemed utterly nonsensical, the more it made sense. Now I knew why Kazama was after me, and why I'd always healed so much more quickly than anyone else.'
Princess Sen: "If Shimohi is indeed the descendant of a pureblooded demon, then Kazama's desire for her is clear.'
Dude, that's creepy as hell! (Uh... Shimohi...) Akurei, I'm not normally a demon like you are. If I want to use the usual associations between heaven and hell, I will. (...Okay, fair enough.) (Huh?) (Oh yeah, you still don't get it. Demons just do what they want; if you're not strong enough to keep another demon from forcing their will upon you, that's your problem.) Which is why I'm glad I'm not usually a demon myself...
Princess Sen: "Should two purebloods mate, they will produce an even more powerful demon."
Isami Kondou: "Ah... So he wants her for his bride."
Nope! That's never going to happen! (So, you don't want to marry him but he wants you. This is clearly going to be a contest of wills...) My will is powerful enough to no sell Dio's charisma; no contest!
Princess Sen: "After a fashion, yes. Kazama will definitely return for her. Thus far he as been content to toy with you, but I cannot guess how much longer that may last. Should he devote all of his formidable abilities to his task, I do not think you will be able to protect her. Even the Shinsengumi cannot stand against the true power of a demon."
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Whoa there, Princess. You don't think that's going a bit far?"
Sanosuke Harada: "Shinpachi's right. You aren't givin' us enough credit."
Princess Sen: "The only reason you are still alive is because Kazama and his companions have not turned their full strength on you."
Keisuke Sanan: "Then let them. I should dearly like to see the power of a true demon."
(And spoken like a true rakshasa!) (The correct term is "fury"!) (No! It's rakshasa!) (Fury!) (Rakshasa!) Enough! (Aw man! I could've pulled a "duck season/rabbit season" gag on the Pansy!)
Shimohi Yukimura: "Sanan!"
'Kazama and his friends had already demonstrated incredible strength; even the captains of the Shinsengumi had been easily brushed aside. If that was not even the full extent of their strength, then a battle to the death against one of them would be...'
(A curb-stomp battle. And not in our freedom-loving favor for that matter.)
Toshizo Hijikata: "Let me be clear, lady. We're the Shinsengumi. The Wolves of Mibu. We're not going to piss ourselves over a demon or two."
(Heaven! Even Jonathan Joestar picked a fight he knew he wasn't going to win because it was the "right" thing to do.)
Souji Okita: "Very true. Besides, we've got the Demon himself in command, don't we?"
(Okita, that's just a badass nickname. That doesn't make him an actual flesh-and-blood demon.)
Toshizo Hijikata: "Always have to have the last word, don't you?"
Princess Sen: "I understand how you feel, but... You must realize that these men are unlike any other foe you have faced before. That is why I must ask you to leave Shimohi to us. In our care, her chances of survival will be much higher."
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Hey, give us a chance, all right? Are you trying to say we can't protect her?"
Sanosuke Harada: "Besides, what do you mean 'chances'? If you can't guarantee her safety, I don't see why we should hand her over to you."
Souji Okita: "Look, lady, you're not part of the Shinsengumi, so I'd appreciate it it you could keep your nose out of our business, all right?"
'They had made it quite clear that they weren't interested in Sen's offer. Perhaps they'd been a little harsh, but I couldn't deny the warm feeling of being part of a family who was unwilling to let me go.'
Kimigiku: "What about you, Hijikata? You've acknowledged Kazama's strength. Surely you must at least consider the princess's offer. Please, give Shimohi to us."
Dude! I'm right here! And I'm not a motherfucking object!!! (Yikes!)
Toshizo Hijikata: "That's different."
'Kimigiku's smile froze.'
Toshizo Hijikata: "I don't know how strong our enemy really is, but that doesn't change the fact that we'll protect her, in the name of the Shinsengumi. Besides, you're a demon, too. Why should we trust you?"
'Encyclopedia updated.'
Kimigiku: "Do you know who you're speaking to? Princess Sen is a descendant of Suzuka Gozen--'
Princess Sen: "Kimigiku, please. That is not necessary."
'Her tone was calm and friendly, but it left no room for argument.'
Keisuke Sanan: "I agree with Hijikata. She should stay here, with the Shinsengumi."
'Kimigiku glared at Sanan, but said nothing.'
Princess Sen: "I see. That is a problem, then. There is no way I can convince you?"
'Kondou had remained silent for most of the discussion, his arms folded in thought, but at last he spoke.'
Isami Kondou: "...Yukimura. What do you have to say about this?"
Shimohi Yukimura: "Me? Um... Well, I...uh..."
This maybe be complicated to explain, so I'll just do my best right now. I like Princess Sen, but I will not go with her if that means having to marry and/or bear Chikage's child! (Well, that's pretty much it.)
Isami Kondou: "I see. It must be difficult to discuss with an audience. You ought to speak with Princess Sen, alone."
Toshizo Hijikata: "What the hell, Kondou!"
'Hijikata wasn't the only one to object; most of the room rose up in protest.'
Keisuke Sanan: "There should be at least one witness. The princess may take Kimigiku as well, of course."
Isami Kondou: "No, that's not necessary."
'Kondou swept his gaze across the room.'
Isami Kondou: "Yukimura has shown herself to be reasonable. I've no doubt she won't do anything foolish. Am I correct, Yukimura?"
(Yeah, but that's not what I think you should be worried about!)
Shimohi Yukimura: "Of course. I would never betray you. Any of you."
Souji Okita: "Well, if Kondou says so..."
'His words spoke for the rest of them as well. They might not like it, but Kondou was the cheif. What he said, went.'
Keisuke Sanan: "You won't steal her away the moment the two of you are alone, will you?"
Damn it! Again with the "women as property" language around here!
Princess Sen: "You needn't worry. I am not like Kazama."
Shimohi Yukimura: "I'll be fine. Sen isn't a bad person."
Princess Sen: "Why thank you, Shimohi."
You're welcome!
'She smiled.'
(Awww...!) ... (...) (What!? I'm able to feel empathy for my close friends and/or fellow demons!)
'A few moments later, we found ourselves alone in my room.'
Yeah, it is rather late at night...
Princess Sen: "I know I've given you a terrible amount of things to think on this evening, and I'm awfully sorry."
'Now that we were alone, she was less formal: This was the Sen I had met in Kyoto, all those months ago.'
Shimohi Yukimura: "No, it's all right. ...I'm sorry about, you know, them. They said some pretty mean things."
Princess Sen: "Well, that's to be expected I fear. I was asking rather a lot of them, and rightfully suddenly. Not many humans would accept the existence of demons so readily. But enough of that! On to business. What do you say to my offer? Have to thought on it?"
'I had indeed.'
(If you readers, assuming you even exist, forgot what those thoughts were; just scroll up. You'll find them.)
'If Sen had come to me when I'd first arrived in Kyoto, I might well have taken her up on her hospitality. But now...'
Princess Sen: "The Shinsengumi seems to believe that it can protect you. Though I do not doubt their dedication, I confess I do doubt their ability."
Shimohi Yukimura: "..."
(Well, she does have a point. Most of them are only human, in every sense of the term. And the rest that aren't human are only pseudo-demons.)
'Perhaps what she said was true. To stand against demons would be no mean feat. The Shinsengumi was powerful, and skilled. I'd seen them face overwhelming odds and emerge victorious, but always those odds had been only human. The strength of even a single demon was something great and terrible; of that, there was no doubt. We had all seen so firsthand, and some had even lost their lives to that strength.'
(Now, a salute and a moment of silence for the Redshirt Army...)
'Even the captains had nearly fallen before them.'
Princess Sen: "Will you come with us, then? It is dangerous for you to remain with the Shinsengumi."
Shimohi Yukimura: "Sen..."
'Her eyes were serious, but warm and honest. Whatever else she might be, her concern was real.'
Shimohi Yukimura: "Thank you, Sen, but..."
'I hesitated.'
(*facepalm*)
Princess Sen: "Is there a reason you wish to stay?"
Shimohi Yukimura: "...Yeah."
(Huh... Heisuke left, remember?) No... Well, that as well but, do you remember why we went to Kyoto in the first place? (...Oh, right! To find your, likely adoptive, father.)
Princess Sen: "Oh my... One of those gentlemen, perhaps?"
Shimohi Yukimura: "Wh-What?!"
(Not quite on target, but close enough for government work.)
'Her question had been entirely innocent, although it had caught me off-guard. I couldn't possibly lie to her...'
-Yes.-
-No.-
Huh... *looks up* Oh, right, "why I went to Kyoto in the first place"... (But if the question is "Do you want to stay because you have a crush on one of the men?" That'd also be a yes.)
Shimohi Yukimura: "Yeah."
'I nodded, and did my best to look confident.'
Princess Sen: "...I see."
'She smiled.'
Princess Sen: "Well, I shan't ask who, but I can certainly understand your dilemma. That being the case, I couldn't possibly tell you to leave."
(Later, with the others...)
Shimohi Yukimura: "Thank you for waiting."
'The common room was just as we'd left it, and every head swiveled to look at Sen and me as we stepped back in. It didn't look as though they'd tried to kill each other in our absence, which was something of a relief.'
Isami Kondou: "Have you reached a decision?"
'Before I could speak, Sen stepped forward.'
Princess Sen: "After some discussion, we have decided to leave things as they are."
Shimohi Yukimura: "Sen..."
'She bowed deeply to the captains.'
Kimigiku: "Are you sure, Your Highness?"
Princess Sen: "Quite. For now, I believe it is of utmost importance to prioritize Shimohi's desire."
Isami Kondou: "Very well. The Shinsengumi accepts responsibility for her well-being."
'No sooner were the words out of his mouth than all the captains rushed toward me.'
Woah! No need to do that! I'm fine!
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Just relax and leave it all to me!"
Sanosuke Harada: "Oh, I'm sure Shinpachi'll give you all sorts of other things to worry about. Still, glad to have you around."
Souji Okita: "What kind of girl would want to stay here?"
(A woman who seeks adventure and loves to be in harms way.) Well put.
Toshizo Hijikata: "This doesn't make you some kind of special guest. You get the same treatment you always have."
Shimohi Yukimura: "Right. Thank you, all of you, for letting me stay!"
'Sen took my hands in hers, and let her eyes rest on mine.'
Princess Sen: "Do be careful. And remember, I am on your side."
Shimohi Yukimura: "Thank you, Sen."
'She gave me one last warm smile, and then Sen and Kimigiku were gone.'
Yeah... (Those two were cool. Wish we'll see them again soon.) Akurei, you're taking the words out of my mouth. (...Wait. Those two are supposed to be demons?) (Yeah, are you going to do something about it?!) (It's just that... Those two were decent people! Unlike the gleefully sadistic and cannibalistic "monster" of a demon I see before me.) (Yeah... Not all demons can be as badass as I am!) Niyagi, just... Let it go. (No singing!) Okay! Okay! That song hasn't even been written yet. (That didn't stop you and the Monster from singing...THAT Monty Python song!) Anyway; later, back in my room...
Shimohi Yukimura: "*Sigh*"
'Once again, sleep refused to come.'
(Just close your eyes and daydream, that eventually gets you asleep.)
'My mind worked furiously, turning over everything Sen had told me, examining it from every angle. I was a demon.'
(Indeed you are. Welcome to the club! In this world anyway...)
'Not only that, but I was the head of a pureblooded demon clan that that been nearly destroyed, and my heritage was the reason Kazama had developed such an interest in me.'
At first, I thought it was just Daemon's influence; but now I'm thinking that's why Daemon ended up with him.
Shimohi Yukimura: "Gosh..."
'I had decided to stay with the Shinsengumi, but was that really the best idea? Should I have left instead? I'd wanted to stay, of coruse, but I didn't really think leaving was a reasonable choice, but... What if I'd made a mistake?'
'...'
*sigh* We'll just have to wait and see on that...
'It wasn't an easy question to answer. The relentless flow of thought had at least begun to subside when I heard noise erupt from outside.'
Sounds a lot like clashing blades...
'Roars and shouts of battle, accompanied by the sound of steel against steel, echoed through the night.'
(You're going to check to make sure it's an actual sword fight or not, are you?) Yes, yes I am!
???: "I'm sorry for bothering you so late, but this is an emergency!"
What...!? Did a fury or rakshasa go berserk again?
'There was someone just outside my door...Shimada?'
Shimohi Yukimura: "Y-Yes?!"
'The word was barely out of my mouth when the door snapped open and Shimada stepped into my room. His eyes darted back and forth nervously, and his body was tense.'
Shimohi Yukimura: "Has something happened?"
'He nodded.'
Kai Shimada: "The demons have attacked us. Here."
It's worse than I thought... (There's a good chance we'd run into Kazama and Daemon again. So, "It'd be dangerous to go alone." We should take that, whatever it is.)
Shimohi Yukimura: "What?!"
'I leapt for the door, but he threw out and arm to stop me, and his eyes met mine.'
Kai Shimada: "They're after you, which means you need to stay here."
Shimohi Yukimura: "B-But--!"
'I was the reason they'd come here! How could I justify sitting on my hands while the others fought my battles for me? I didn't know what to do...'
-Go outside.-
-Stay in my room.-
Well, if they know enough that I'm here, there's a chance they'd also know where my room is... (I'm mostly sure you're overestimating both their mental abilities and your own physical abilities. But sure, let's see where your need to be in harms way leads us.) (Most likely to our death.)
Shimohi Yukimura: "I have to go, Shimada."
Kai Shimada: "I can't let you do that!"
Shimohi Yukimura: "Those demons are here for me. If anyone gets hurt... Maybe they'll listen to me. That's why they're here, right? What if I can convince them to leave peacefully?"
Well, it's either that or trying to actually fight them. *sigh* Too bad my combat skills can't be expressed in this world...
Shimohi Yukimura: "Please, I'm begging you! Let me go!"
'Shimada's brow furrowed, and his mouth drew into a tight line, but at last he sighed and shook his head.'
Kai Shimada: "Fine. I was told to protect you though, so if you're going then so am I."
Okay, fair enough. (Later outside...)
'We ran out of the house and then I paused momentarily, unsure of where to go.'
Kai Shimada: "This wa--Grraagh!"
(And...he's likely dead.)
'One moment Shimada was there, and the next he wasn't. He flew several yards through the air, then landed hard on the ground, slid another few feet and lay still.'
(Yep, totally dead.) Still, that had to hurt...
Shimohi Yukimura: "Shimada?!"
'I froze.'
Chikage Kazama: "Just where do you think you're going?"
Indeed, just where do you think you're going!? You know where I'm going! As far away from you as I can, douche bag!
'That cold, flat voice... Chikage Kazama?!'
(Yeah, it's the asshole wannabe demon overlord...)
'In the same instant that I recognized his voice, I felt his arm snake around my neck, pulling me toward him.'
Let me go! Or do you want me to rapid-fire punch you into the nearest trash pit!? (Well, it's not like combustible trash trucks even exist in this time period.)
Shimohi Yukimura: "Urgh!"
'I struggled, but his grip was as immovable as steel.'
Shimohi Yukimura: "Let me go!"
(Yeah, what Shimohi said!)
Chikage Kazama: Hmph. What sort of business do you have with false demons, hmm?"
None of your fucking beeswax! (Oh my God! Such language...)
'His voice was like a cold breath in my ear, and I could almost hear a sneer in his tone.'
Chikage Kazama: "No matter how much you give to these humans, they will betray you. You've seen those abominations they've created, haven't you?"
I've known Akurei for at least a decade, I know that demons are just as likely... (If not more so.) ...to betray you as humans are!
Chikage Kazama: "What could you possibly hope to gain from them?"
Dude! It's possible to like someone without expecting something in return! Then like ME! Your fated lord and master! Nope, only in your dreams!
Shimohi Yukimura: "I..."
'I was at a loss for words.'
Mostly because a conversation with you is most definitely a waste of my time.
'The creation of the furies was hardly something I approved of, but I wasn't part of the Shinsengumi. What right did I have to criticize their actions?'
(*sigh* ...Well, it was an order from higher up after all.)
'Especially when the very concoction that allowed them to create their "false demons" had been created by my father.'
Toshizo Hijikata: "Breaking into our headquarters, huh? Takes balls, but that fun's over now, pal."
(Is he an ancestor of Detective Dick Gumshoe?) Not likely...
Sanosuke Harada: "Hey! Let her go!"
Shimohi Yukimura: "Hijikata! Harada!"
The big damn heroes have arrived!
'Behind them, I could see Yamazaki and several of the other Shinsengumi soldiers. Some men were missing, though... Had they been injured by the demons? Perhaps even...killed?'
(Most likely.) (Which one?) (Both of them.)
Chikage Kazama: "You fools have no idea of her worth. She is most baluable when used by a fitting partner."
I'm not sure about you, but I'm no TOOL! (Ah snap! [sarcasm] Somebody get Kazama and Daemon some lotion for that burn! [/sarcasm] *LOL*)
Sanosuke Harada: "If you're that into her, then just bring her flowers and stuff, like a normal guy. This stuff is just creepy."
What Sanosuke-kun said!
'The Shinsengumi had surrounded Kazama by now, but his grip on my hadn't wavered for even a moment.'
Toshizo Hijikata: "She's worthless to you as a hostage."
Indeed, I still remember what happened that first night in Kyoto...
Chikage Kazama: "I have no intention of using her as such. She is my goal here, not a hostage. The rest of you are simply obstacles."
'The ring of men around him began to draw in. I could feel the tension build, like a robe being pulled taut. Soon it would reach its breaking point. What was I going to do?'
-Try to attack.-
-Try to escape.-
-Trust the Shinsengumi.-
(*sigh* Given Shimohis action girl tendency’s, it should be no surprise what she's going to decide to do. I just hope this doesn't...) (End up like what happened to Jonathan Joestar on his honeymoon.) (Enough with the "Jojo" references!)
'Kazama had a good hold on me from behind, but he hadn't bothered to restrain my arms. Perhaps he'd simply though that there was nothing I could do, or that I wouldn't dare to attack him.'
(Of course Shimohi would dare to attack Daemon. Like she said herself, rapid-fire punching and the combustible trash truck and all...)
'...Or perhaps he thought that even if I did, he'd have no difficulty dealing with my attacks. I wasn't foolish enough to think I might actually beat him in a fight, but at least I could try and defend myself! I'd let the Shinsengumi deal with my problems on their own long enough!'
(Fuck yeah!)
Shimohi Yukimura: "Yah!"
'I jerked my kodachi out of its scabbard and swung it at him. Before it could even reach him, Kazama's hand shot out to grab my sword arm, stopping me as surely as if I'd hit a wall.'
Shimohi Yukimura: "Hnng!"
'His hand slid to my wrist, and he twisted viciously. It was strong enough that I thought for a moment my bones would break. With a cry, my sword flew from my fingers.'
(Well, that ended badly...)
Chikage Kazama: "Pointless. You thought you'd actually hit me?"
You might have caught me off-guard with that nerdy barrage... (And the incinerator.) ...but this time, I'm prepared!
Toshizo Hijikata: "No, but I will!"
(Well, at least that worked as a distraction.) I hope...
Chikage Kazama: "What?!"
'My aborted attack had distracted Kazama for only a split second, but that was al the time Hijikata needed. Within the space of a breath, he closed the distance between himself and my captor, the tip of his blade leaping toward Kazama's throat.'
(Yeah! Gut the bastard like a fish!)
Chikage Kazama: "Damnit!"
'Almost too quickly to see, he leaned out of the way, Hijikata's blade hissed through the air centimeters from his neck.'
(*checks a ruler* Wow, that's a close shave. Ba-dun-tish!) (Just what is it with you two and puns...?)
'A lesser man--a human--would have been dead, and so for a moment Kazama's demon strength and reflexes were focused on the sword at this throat. That moment was enough time for me to break free.'
(...Yeah. "...focused on the sword at his throat." would make a lot more sense, but whatever.)
Shimohi Yukimura: "Ah!"
At least that achieved my ultimate goal at the moment. So, hurray!
'I felt a gentle, powerful arm curl around my body, catching and sheltering me at the same time.'
Shimohi Yukimura: "Hijikata...?"
(Yeah, both Hijikata and Okita are tied at the bottom of the love rankings.)
Toshizo Hijikata: "Thought you were supposed to stay in your room. You're a real pain, kid."
(That's our rebelling, risk-taking, got-to-be-in-harms-way Shimohi!) (Did you just paraphrase the "phrasecather" for "Cactiod Jim"?)
Shimohi Yukimura: "I know, I'm sorry..."
Toshizo Hijikata: "Still, you did good."
Thanks. Wait...
Shimohi Yukimura: "...What?"
Toshizo Hijikata: "Wouldn'ta had that opening without you. Good job."
'Praise from Hijikata was...not something I was accustomed to.'
Of course, that's like hearing Akurei actually say "Thank God." rather than her usual "Thank Satan."
'I opened my mouth to say...I wasn't sure what, when--'
Chikage Kazama: "The girl is mine. I will not give her to a mere human."
Dude! I'm not your property! Same thing to you Daemon! Just quit denying your fate already!
'Kazama had recovered quickly from the attack, and his eyes smoldered with cold fury.'
Toshizo Hijikata: "Sorry, but I can't give her to you."
Well, I'm not his to give either; but the point still stands. (Besides, she's practically already given her heart to Heisuke; not you, Kazama or Daemon!)
Toshizo Hijikata: "The Shinsengumi's responsible for her now. We gave our word. No going back."
'I felt his grip on me tighten as he spoke.'
Chikage Kazama: "Shimohi. You know you're a demon, yes?"
And, if I am, that means I do what I want! And that's NOT to be your trophy wife! (Blessed straight!)
Chikage Kazama: "Then come. Join me."
Never! Like I just said, I'm never, ever, going to do that!
Shimohi Yukimura: "No! I'll never join you! I'm staying here! Now please...please leave!"
(Dude, I think it'll take stronger words than that to make him leave. Something like, "But I refuse!") (Quit it with the Jojo's Bizzare Adventure references!)
Chikage Kazama: "...You would choose a simple human, then?"
I'd choose a human over you any day.
Kyo Shiranui: "Ha! Aww, too bad, Kazama. Looks like you got dumped."
Dude, the better term to use here would be "rejected". We were never in a relationship, period! End of discussion!
'I hadn't even noticed Shiranui appear, but behind him I could see the Fury Corps, ready for battle.'
(I think they mean "the Rakshasa Corps".) (No! It's "the Fury Corps"!) Save that argument for later! We've got more pressing matters at hand!
'At their head was Sanan.'
Keisuke Sanan: "He he he... There you are. The Fury Corps will be your opponent. This is an excellent chance for you to witness our tremendous strength."
Kyuju Amagiri: "...These men are fresh, ready to fight. What would you do?"
'Amagiri, too, had betrayed no hint of his presence until he simply...appeared.'
(Like a ninja!) (*ji...*) (Stop staring, Pansy! We saw a ninja earlier in the plot. Not that I'm saying she was a GOOD ninja considering we saw her in the first place...)
Kyo Shiranui: "So? They could have a whole army of these chumps, and they wouldn't be a match for us. I say we take 'em apart."
(So, that's what it's like to face an important character in a Dynasty Warriors game without an important character on your own side as well... I don't like it!)
'His tongue flickered over his lips, and his grin was almost hungry.'
Keisuke Sanan: "Ah ha ha ha ha! Yes, do! Show us just how 'superior' you are!"
Dude, that sounded a lot like an evil laugh... (Can't blame him though, it is fun to do.)
Chikage Kazama: "This is a farce. We retreat."
'With no further deliberation, they leapt over the wall to the street and were gone.'
(Yeah! You'd better run! After we're done with you, Diavolo's "retirement" is going to look pleasant in comparison!) Akurei, that's got to be an over-exaggeration...
'The Shinsengumi did not pursue them. My body sagged with relief as the terrified energy of the last few minutes quickly ebbed away.'
(There goes the adrenaline...)
Toshizo Hijikata: "All right. Won't see them again tonight."
'The warmth of his arm lingered for a few moments after he'd let go of me.'
Shimohi Yukimura: "Um...Hijikata? Thank you..."
Toshizo Hijikata: "Hey! What's the status of the injured?!"
Shimohi Yukimura: "Oh..."
He's busy right now.
'The moment he'd let go, he'd turned away to deal with his men. He hadn't even heard me. His face was cold and hard; the face of the Demon of the Shinsengumi.'
(...Okay, yeah, he's close to deserving of that title. Not there yet, but close...)
'As the last of his warmth left me, I shivered in the cold night air.'
(Later...)
'It seemed like morning came altogether too early.'
And I likely got little to any sleep last night... I wouldn’t be surprised if I'm going to be yawning all day.
'I sighed, splashed my face with cold water to clear my wits, and headed for the common room. The captains and several other men were already there, including Inoue and Yamazaki.'
Shimohi Yukimura: "Good morning."
'They nodded or mumbled return greetings, but their faces were universally dour after the night's events. I heard Inoue and Yamazaki mention Shimada's name, and edged over to listen in on their conversation.'
(Let me guess, I was right, he's dead.)
Genzaburo Inoue: "How is he doing?"
Susumu Yamazaki: "The hit knocked him out, but aside from some bruises he seems to be fine. He'll be back on duty soon."
'I sighed with relief, and felt some of the tension leave my neck. If Shimada had been seriously hurt guarding me...'
(Aw man! I was wrong about that!) (Monster! You tend to treat humans as though we're made of extremely thin glass or something!)
Susumu Yamazaki: "Oh, Shimohi. Shimada wanted to apologize to you for not doing a better job."
(Well, he was dealing with a demon after all! He just did the best he could.)
Shimohi Yukimura: "What?! I'm the one who should be apologizing to him!"
More like I should apologize because it's the socially acceptable thing to do. ('Cause you'd do that again if given the chance.)
'I felt the conversation in the room ebb, and turned to see Kondou walk through the door. Ha was usually calm and collected, but today his face was especially stern. Something was wrong...but what?'
Genzaburo Inoue: "Uh oh. What's happened? You've got a scary enough face to begin with, Kondou. Now you're just terrifying. Look, you're even scaring her."
Shimohi Yukimura: "N-No, I'm not scared!"
Less "scared" and more "worried"... (Still having trouble with communicating, huh? Not surprised, most of your expressions look the same except anger.)
'I waved my hands desperately, and the men laughed.'
(Wow, you invented jazz hands before jazz itself was invented...) (No, it's not!)
Isami Kondou: "Sorry about that."
'He gave me a tight grin, but then looked down, his face grim.'
Shimohi Yukimura: "Please, just tell us what happened. Is it bad?"
(Most likely, it is.)
Isami Kondou: "Well, you'll find out soon enough, I suppose."
'He wasn't just talking to me any more. The rest of the men moved closer to hear what he had to say.'
Isami Kondou: "Nishi Hongwanji doesn't want the Shinsengumi here any more."
Looks like we're moving headquarters again...
Susumu Yamazaki: "They're telling us to leave, you mean."
Isami Kondou: "Well, they didn't say that in so many words, but... yes."
Genzaburo Inoue: "I had a feeling this day would come eventually, but now that it's here... What should we do?"
'The monks at the Nishi Hongwanji temple were imperialists and allies of the Choshu. They'd never been fond of the Shinsengumi, but we'd decided to force our way into their temple anyway. It was no surprise they wanted us out, but I'd finally begun to feel like the temple was my home... On a more practical level as well, it was far more convenient for our work in Kyoto.'
("Our work..."? Face it, Shimohi, you're an honorary member of the Shinsengumi now. I'd rather not see how our father would react...) (Kenshin HImura...!) [simultaneous] [sarcasm] Right, whatever you say... (Right, whatever you say... [/sarcasm]) [/simultaneous] (I didn't even finish.) The two of us knew what you were going to say anyway.
'I was sure I wasn't the only one who felt that way.'
Susumu Yamazaki: "Still, this is awfully sudden. Do you think last night's incident triggered this?"
Yes. (Yes.) (Without a doubt.)
Isami Kondou: "I don't have to think; I know. They don't want fighting on the temple grounds. I'm sure someone else has a hand in this too. Choshu, maybe, or Satsuma."
'The fight the night before had only happened because of me.'
Shimohi Yukimura: "I'm sorry... This is all my fault."
(Shimohi, it wasn't you per say; it was more the "horrible" fate dumped upon you by your bloodline in this world.) Niyagi, I know you think this whole "women as property" thing is the natural order of the world; but I say that's complete bullshit.
Isami Kondou: "Not ture. We came to this temple and forced themt o yield to our admittedly unreasonable demands."
(At least you admitted as much.)
Susumu Yamazaki: "But what are we going to do? If we have to move, then we need to start looking for a new location..."
*looks up* Called it!
Isami Kondou: "Actually, we don't. We'll be provided with a new site, courtesy of the Nishi Hongwanji temple."
Genzaburo Inoue: "That's awfully generous. They must really want us gone."
Isami Kondou: "Yes on both counts, which is why I decided to accept their offer. Things are going to get busy around here soon."
'Encyclopedia updated.'
'A plot of land was purchased and a new compound built, all paid for by the Nishi Hongwanji temple. It became the third headquarters of the Shinsengumi: The Fududo Village location.'
(Aside from the new encyclopedia entry, the ominous music's back.)
'By the time summer came, the Shinsengumi had left Nishi Hongwanji, where they'd spent more than two years.'
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(Why... Why did you have to include so many references to Jojo's Bizzare Adventure!?) Let me check that... *looks over entire entry* ...there's six different references to Jojo, eight if you count another three toward sources that'd already been referenced before. (The title of this very post and a specific event from the third playthrough of Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors which is, itself, a Jojo refernce...) To a scene involving my favorite Jojo... (Which is kind of bizzare considering Shimohi's dislike of Dio...) ...Giorno Giovanna! See you next time!
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