~~~~(Katie's POV)~~~
I situate my bag that rests against my back, with the sash across my shoulder and chest. I feel small arms wrap around my legs, and look down to see Soji hugging me. I crouch to his level and hug him back.

"I'll be back Soji. You kids be good and listen to Kenji senpai." I say looking to the girls, getting nods in confirmation. I stand up, not bothering to look at the Shinsengumi or Saizo's gang. I made my way towards the temples stairs. "Come Kuroro."

Kuroro meows and jumps to my shoulder. I leave the temple and am entering the village. The villagers seem very lively today. I weave through the crowds and finally slipping into the forest. As I entered the forest, I have this feeling of being watched.

I continue to walk trying to shake this feeling, but it's not helping. Kuroro went stiff on my shoulder growling at the trees beside us. This confirmed that I was being watched. "Kuroro?" I look to the trees and see nothing, but I can sense there's something there.

"Who's there?" I shout, but am met with the breeze of the wind and birds chirping. "Whoever you are, show yourself!" That was probably the dumbest thing I could've said. The bushes rustle more as a figure walks out from behind a tree.

The figure turns out to be Heisuke with Entei on his shoulder. I was a little mad that he disobeyed my order, but at the same time, I'm honestly glad he did. I feel safer when he's around. "What are you doing here?"

Heisuke walks out of the bushes and onto the dirt road, brushing the leaves that had fallen on him.

"To make sure you stay safe." He responds. Wait! If he's here then does that mean....?

"All of you can come out now. No sense in hiding." I state and keep my eyes on Heisuke. Saizo and the Shinsengumi walk out from behind the trees, as Sasuke, Kortaro, and Goemon leap down from the tree tops.

"Why did you come?" My voice harsher than intended. Saizo steps forward and says,

"You shouldn't be out here in the open unprotected."  I can feel my anger rise once again.

"And why would you care? I'm not a child so your services aren't need anymore." I turn around to keep walking to mount Hiroshima.

"Katie just listen t-" Sasuke reasoned but I wasn't having any of it.

"What listen to you guys lecture me for being selfish? Not being the perfect princess that my mother once was? Well I'm sorry to disappoint all of you. I'm going after Mikki whether any of you like it or not. Now you can tag along or go back to the temple, the choice is yours." I finish my rant and turn around to keep my mind clear, sorting out the best plan that seems fit.

I hear the pounding of feet behind me as I keep my gaze forward. Neither of them spoke a word, which in turn I feel guilty.

'Don't fret child, they know you mean no harm.' I hear Akira's voice echo in my mind.

'I know but I still feel bad. I'm worried about Mikki, and it's my fault she was taken in the first place.' I sigh mentally.

'Your heart's in the right place child.' Her voice gave me comfort and reassurance. I smiled at the compliment. After awhile the sun began setting behind the trees, giving the sky a golden like glow.

Goemon built a fire while Kortaro makes dinner. The others just lounge around our makeshift camp. I sit by the fire, watching the flames dance in wonderful colors. Orange, yellow, a small hint of blue towards the bottom.

"Princess," I blink my eyes as a small makeshift plate of fish was presented to me. I look to see Kortaro with no emotion evident on his face. I take the food and place it in my lap.

"Thank you Kortaro." My voice quiet but audible. He gave a curt nod in response and went back to his spot by the food. Everyone is now gathered by the fire eating their dinner peacefully, but the tension was still there. I could possibly cut it with one of the guy's sword.

The silence was broken by Sanosuke, "Princess I mean no disrespect but why are you so determined to rescue Mikki?"

I know he means well, his voice was full of curiosity. They deserve an explanation which I can provide.

"It was just my father and I when I was younger. As I grew up my father was rarely home and it was just Kuroro and I. I'll admit I was lonely, until I was brought here to Japan. When I first met Mikki, she was so sweet and lively that I enjoyed having her around. When she introduced me to Rin, Sango, and Soji, I was just so happy." I said with a big smile on my face.

There was a short pause until Sasuke spoke up, "You've never had friends?"

I sadly shake my head, my smile turning into a frown. I sighed as said, "No. So when I met Mikki and became close, she and the others became my friends. I finally feel like I belong somewhere." Then the ambush on the temple came to mind. "It's my fault that she was taken in the first place. And as a princess, it's my duty to keep my people safe and I plan doing that by rescuing Mikki." I declare, making eye contact with everyone. A sudden feeling of power and pride flowed through me.

My tone strong and all seriousness. Then I remembered my outburst from earlier. "I-I want to apologize for earlier. I shouldn't have yelled or gotten angry with any of you. For that I'm sorry."

"We're not mad princess, we're just concerned about your safety. If we lost you, then everything we did was for nothing." I smiled but also shake my head.

"That's not true." I said.

"What?" Shinpachi sounds confused. I just giggle and say,

"Before my mother died, I remember her saying something to me. If you truly believe in something, nothing can stop you except yourself." I smile as my if she just said it yesterday. "And please don't call me princess, we're pass being formal."

Everyone just laughs and I join in. I don't think I've seen them all smile in awhile, so this was truly a wonderful sight indeed. The night was growing, and we all turned in for the evening. Goemon laid out a mat for me that they brought along.

I fell asleep as a blanket was draped over me. Kuroro and Entei curl up next to me, soaking up the warmth from the fire and blanket. The sounds of crickets and other night critters lull me to sleep.

~~~~~~~~
I hear hushed voices all around, the shifting of supplies and feet. A hand on my shoulder shakes me gently until I open my purple orbs.

"Morning Katie," I sit up and rub my eyes as a yawn escapes my lips. After I'm done rubbing my eyes, I see its Heisuke who had woke me up.

"Morning," he helps me to my feet, then packs up the bed. I look around to see the others are packing up getting ready to head out. I hear a slight rumble and look up at the sky to see storm clouds moving in from the south. "Looks like it's going to storm."

All eyes stare at the clouds and Saizo says,

"We should be able to reach the village in time of the storm."

"Village?" I didn't see a village nowhere close, then again, I've never been here before.

"Just a few miles down the river. Hajime found it doing a quick patrol." Sanosuke explains. I just nod my head and grab a bag to carry.

"Let me carry that princ-Katie." I gave Sanosuke a quick look when he almost called me princess. I shake my head and sigh.

"I'm not made of glass, I can handle carrying a small bag." I walk behind Saizo, Toshizo, Goemon, and Souji. Sasuke and Heisuke were on either side of me. Hajime, Kortaro, Shinpachi, and Sanosuke were right behind us.

We've been walking for miles and the storm clouds grow closer. We were coming up over a hill when the rooftops of huts came to view. As we got closer something didn't seem right. There's no people out an about. It's dead silent, and that's never a good thing.

"Where's all the people?" My voice seem to echo and I slowly inched closer to Heisuke.

"Goemon, Kortaro, scout the buildings." Saizo orders and the two take off.

"Souji and Hajime, go with them." They nod and run to catch up. This village is giving off a vibe that I can't explain. The light thudding of feet brought me out of my thoughts. The others ran up to us and stop directly in front of Saizo.

"The village is deserted. No sign of life anywhere." Goemon states as Saizo closes his eyes in thought.

"Just as I expected." Thunder rumbles in the distance. "We'll stay in the chiefs home until the storm passes." We began walking down the main path through the village. But we came to a sudden stop as pain shot through my skull, like an explosion just went off.

"Ah," I gasp out and clutch my head. Images ran through my mind like home projected movie.

"Katie!" I hear people shout in concern. I feel my body tipping forward, but arms lock themselves around me. Screams, shouts, and pounding of feet followed the images. Splattered blood flashed across my eyes as I watch the villagers flee.

I open my eyes to see that everyone is looking at me with concern. I notice my hands are shaky and am in Heisuke's arms. He helps me to my feet and keep his hand on the small of my back.

"Are you alright?" His voice laced with concern. I nod my head afraid my voice might crack. He and Sasuke didn't look convinced but let it slide. Saizo went back to walking as did the rest of us.

Later that evening we all gathered for dinner in one of the large rooms. Chatter fills the bare room, but my gaze stays on my uneaten food and my mind somewhere else.

"Katie?" My head jerks up and my eyes snap to Sasuke. "Is everything alright? You haven't eaten your food."

I look down at my untouched dinner of cooked fish, rice, and freshly picked apples. I nibble on my bottom lip debating.

"I-i think I know what happened to the villagers." My voice almost inaudible. All eyes are on me, that seems to happen a lot.

"What do you mean?" Toshizo asks a little curious.

"Just before we entered the village, images projected through my mind like a movie. I could hear their pained screams, panicking cries, and blood was everywhere." My voice almost cracking at the end. I feel a warm hand engulf my shaky cold one.

I jump from their touch but calm down hearing his voice. "You're safe here, promise." Heisuke. His voice alone makes me feel safe and at ease. I nod my head and go to eat my food. The pounding of rain almost sounds like hail nailing the roof.

The storm has been going on since this afternoon and still shows no sign of lightening up. I almost missed Saizo's comment being drowned out by the thunder.

"You must've had a vision from one of the villager's spirit." Hajime voices his thoughts before drinking his tea.

"Could it be a warning of some sort?" Shinpachi asks before shoving a piece of fish in his mouth. I didn't like the sound of that, and it doesn't help that my nerves are a little shaken up.

"Still whatever it is worries me." Toshizo has his eyes closed in thought.

"Whatever it is, I don't like it. I have a bad feeling, and I even had it upon seeing the village deserted. Everyone needs to stay alert." We all nod and continue eating dinner. After dinner I'm escorted to my temporary room.

"Here we are Katie." Sasuke opens the door and it's completely bare, except the small futon in the middle of the room. "We are just in the room next door. Holler if you need anything, goodnight." Sasuke dismisses and heads for his room.

Heisuke walks over to me and wraps me in a warm hug. Instantly I wrap my arms around him, breathing in his intoxicating scent of outdoors and water.

"Heisuke, I have a bad feeling about tonight." His arms tighten around me.

"I can stay until you fall asleep?" I nod not wanting to be alone. We walk into the room and I lay down, Heisuke by my head. The storm still raging on in the night, it sounds like a hurricane. Kuroro meanders into view with Entei behind her.

She comes to my side and curls up, Entei curls up by my head. I close my eyes and relax my body, but my nerves make that almost impossible. A gentle hand was placed on my cheek, caressing it and then moved to my hair.

I loved it when Heisuke did this, his touch always soothing me. A sigh escapes my lips at the loving touch. My eyes begin to close as Kuroro's and Entei's soft breathing fills my ears. Then my body succumbs to sleep.
***************
Thump...thump...thump..

I open my eyes at the sound of heavy footfalls outside my room. I sit up, pushing the blanket aside to turn and look at the window. A shadow of a figure was limping outside the window screen.

I can't tell who it is so I did what any person would do.

"Heisuke?" I whisper, hoping it's just him taking a midnight stroll. The figure stopped right outside the screen and slowly faced me. The sudden feeling of fear courses through my veins once again.

Suddenly the screen is pushed down as the figure limps in. My body freezes as the person in front of me wasn't normal. The skin is deformed and a ghostly white, hair black as raven, and eyes rolled at the back of the head.

"Sss...ahg.." Hisses and groans escape his crusty lips. It's left arm was big and bulky, as the right arm is like a twig. "Eeh...Ahhh!" The monster shouts and lunges at me. I release an ear piercing scream and my eyes are shut tight.

"Aaahhhh!" I saw a quick flash and I pushed out of the way. Growling fills my ears and the door is bust down. My eyes fly open to see Kuroro attacking the monster, and everyone else is filing in the room.

Heisuke pulls me to him as everyone gets in a fighting stance. The monster stops moving and Kuroro comes to my side.

"We need to leave." Saizo orders as more hisses grew closer. We run back to the hall to see more of those things fumbling towards us. A pair of arms wrap around my back and under my legs lifting me up bridal style.

Next thing I know, the ceiling is crumbling and breaks to pieces as Goemon, Souji, Hajime, and Sasuke jump through it. Suddenly Heisuke jumps through the hole and are followed by the others. I took a quick glance down to see that the village was full of those monsters!

"What are those things?" My voice quivering.

"The undead." Toshizo says with his sword drawn.

Heisuke, Sasuke, get the princess out of here. We'll catch up later, go!" Kuroro and Entei jump off the building and transform to their bigger size. Sasuke climbs on Entei and Heisuke climbs on Kuroro with me still in his arms.

We take off and are sky high, when I look down to see that there are maybe a hundred zombies surrounding the house. Why are we fleeing? We should stay and help them, but I knew I wouldn't have been any help. I would've only gotten the way.

Hands are gently placed on my upper arms, then the hands start to rub my arms making me relax.

"Everything alright Katie? You're shaking." Heisuke whispers in my ear. I nod my head and respond,

"I'm fine, just a little shaken up." I say leaning back into him. I close my eyes and listen to his soft heartbeat, as we fly through the night to who knows where.

'Rest child, you need your strength.' Akira says, and I did just that. Bask in Heisuke's warmth, I feel myself slowly slipping into sleep, as the cool night air hits my already cold skin.
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I'm so sorry for the late update. I've been very busy with college, that I haven't had time to write. I won't delete the book, but I'm running out of ideas. I'm open to ideas if you'd like to share, so don't be shy 😄. I hope you enjoyed the chapter!
The picture is what the zombies look like.
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