As they continued running through the streets. Akito noticed how quiet Setsura had gotten; it's not like she was a talkative person from the beginning. Akito knew how awkward she was with words. But, even then it surprised him whenever she didn't speak. Maybe he's just gotten used to hearing her voice. Setsura is one of the few people he actually talks to.
'These days, it seems like she is plagued more with nightmares.' Akito didn't know when it started, but before he knew it, he was always watching over her. Not because he was asked to either, but because he wanted to. Setsura is a strong girl, but there are times where she is fragile. Naturally, she came to a time that differed from her own - and with amnesia to boot. Things aren't easy for her at all.
Whenever she is weak, Akito would envelop her in his arms and unconsciously inhale her scent like he always does. Setsura would subconsciously sigh at his warmth and the comfort he always, always gives. Her fingers would make it's way to his back. Slowly, she would relax, and her lips would change into a tender smile. Occasionally, if Setsura is especially distressed, he would caress her forehead with gentle kisses and remind himself not to drown in the intoxicating mixture of rain and her scent. Akito convinces himself that he is only reassuring her, and nothing else.
He would hold her just so until she settles into a deep sleep. Then, when she knows that she would not awake in the way only he knows, Akito would rise and carry her to his room, careful to avoid being seen by others. The maids already gossiped enough as it is, Akito didn't want to make things worse for Setsura.
Sometimes, his brother would be in the room when he entered. Eisuke would open his mouth and complain about his work. But that is only for a moment until he saw Setsura. Then his brother's gaze would darken. His eyes will flicker, and Akito would always wonder at that unreadable look. Akito knew of course what Eisuke was thinking, 'She shouldn't be here.' Indeed, Akito understood that better than anyone. Setsura shouldn't be here; she doesn't belong in this time. She just got caught in some mess because of the guardians. However, whenever he thought things like that. Akito would recall the girl's appearance on the day they first met.
It looked like somebody tried to molest her and failed. Akito clenched his fist at the sheer thought of it. 'What kind of bastard, would do something like that?' Just the mere thought of it, made his blood boil. That day, she looked so afraid, so weak and lost. But even then Setsura tried to stand her ground. How did Setsura feel at that time? She just went through something terrible, and yet she landed in the Meiji era. Considering the state of her clothes and the wounds on her body, Akito figured that she landed here not too long ago.
"Akito?" Setsura's voice interjected.
"Ah. Yeah?"
"Put me down."
Akito blinked, confused but did as the girl asked and Setsura suddenly turned away. "I'm going to head over there, you distract those people for me," with those words said Setsura swiftly left.
It took him a few minutes to process what she just said. "Please take care of the rest," Akito scratched his head. "How can I leave you alone? It's not just my wish to protect you, but somebody else's."
That woman gave him this order on the day, the day before they entered. She said it in a voice that prevented anyone else from overhearing.
___
A few days ago - XX Manor
"Your priority isn't the monsters, but Setsura's safety. If I see even one physical mark on her, then you wont be let of easily."
Akito blinked surprised. This woman seems to get worked up whenever it came to Setsura.
"What if her request endangers her life?" he asked slyly.
"You must listen to her orders, and guarantee her safety."
---
Present
A deep sigh escaped his lips. After what happened with his wife, he practically went rouge and did whatever he wanted. But six months ago, that woman found him and asked him to join her. It's not like he had much of a choice too. Then again, it's not like that woman is completely unreasonable. Following her and once in awhile doing a mission for her - it wasn't bad. It certainly didn't interfere with the isolated lifestyle he built for himself. He wanted solitude, and yet he still wanted to fight. She provided that for him.
Akito was uncertain about mentioning Setsura to her, and yet he knew that she would find out eventually. So, it would be better to hear it from him than anybody else. To his surprise, she already knew about Setsura and even asked for daily updates. It was so unusual, and yet Akito went along with it.
'Such an unreasonable request,' Akito thought. Protecting her in this situation and getting rid of that. A massive sigh escaped his lips as he ran his hands through his hair. Setsura must be long gone now; the girl surprisingly ran fast.
_______
Somebody told her once a long time ago that she got into trouble and caused people problems far too easily. Setsura understood she was making trouble for Akito, but she had to do this. Something in her head was telling her that this was something she ought to do. Setsura paused in mid-thought, 'she's starting to sound like that crazy girl from the cafeteria.' Something she has to do?
Nothing obstructed her way, so she ran smoothly to where the birds were. It actually surprised her how freely she ran through the streets.
"Wa..."
The threads of light flashed around the birds. The air gradually turned suffocating the closer she got. Setsura felt a throbbing pain in her chest, what is this feeling? It feels like she cannot breathe. Is it because of the light? How unusual, it feels like, this is something that's happened before. Her thoughts broke off when she hears the sound of a fight breaking out. The scent of blood was heavy.
The sound of weapons clashing against each other's seemed to hurt her eardrums. So Setsura covered her ears and crouched down on the ground.
"It really is you guys!"
Setsura blinked surprised, 'Isn't that Jina's voice?' She opened her eyes and looked over, sure enough, not too far from where she was, was Jina. The girl, however, was carrying a sword and in a fighting posture. Her eyes widened at the elegant's girls fighting. To think she accused her of being some kind of weirdo. No, no, just because she fights doesn't mean she isn't weird. But it still felt surreal to her, somebody who looks so elegant can fight like this?
Numerous shadows suddenly appeared before her.
These people wore a mask resembling the head of a fox, and they each held different weapons. Setsura held her breath. She couldn't tell who was male or female. They all wore cloaks, with their heads covered by the hood and their faces covered by masks. 'It looks quite mysterious, why are they hiding their faces?' Akito told her before that if they were mere assassins, then there would be no need to hide their faces. People here supposedly get discovered sooner or later, so people know better than to conceal their identity in such a bland way.
Setsura turned to the scene of the battlefield and deeply exhaled. It would be unfortunate if they caught her. Setsura ensured that she was safely hidden and slumped on the ground. 'Aaah, what kind of mess is this.' Then again, how many odd things did she see since she came here? Why does she keep feeling so surprised...
Setsura buried her face in her arms. She didn't know what to do. Even though she said, she came all this way because she had something she needed to do. Now that she's here, Setsura was filled with uncertainty. Whenever she felt like this, Akito would hold her in his arms and reassure her. She would bask in his scent and relax. She didn't understand why, but whenever she was with him, she could relax. She doesn't get nightmares whenever he insists on not leaving before she gets to sleep. Sometimes Akito would fall asleep in her room, and during those nights she would have no nightmares.
The nightmares only start if he leaves the room. Whenever she is by his side, she does not feel so afraid. It's strange; it felt like somebody else made her this feel reassured before. But whenever Setsura focused on that thought, it would disappear again, just like the white butterfly. It's probably related to her memories again; however, now was not the time to dwell on it. She has to figure out what to do now. Setsura looked up at the sky and noticed that the light grew stronger by the minute.
"It's so bright," Setsura murmured. So bright, and yet how come nobody else but she can see it?