Fleeting Dream

(玉響の夢 Tamayura no Yume) is the fifth episode of the anime Hakuōki: Hekketsuroku (Demon of the Fleeting Blossom: Record of the Jade Blood) and the seventeenth episode of the season one&two combined version. It aired on November 1, 2010.
==Plot==
April 1868
The Shinsengumi have joined the former Bakufu army and headed for the Aizu. Soldiers that are not part of the Shinsengumi treat them poorly, however, Hijikata does not pay attention as he is focused on appealing on behalf of Kondou in order to rescue him, even though all the attempts so far have been in vain.
11 April 1868
Edo Castle (where the Shogun and Bakufu were residing before their capitulation) has surrendered without a fight. The Imperial Army has gained supremacy in the Boshin War. 
Harada meets Shiranui when spying on the castle and thanks him for the help at Kōfu. Shiranui informs him that the Imperial Army paid Koudou and that Shiranui himself has no ties with them any longer. He also reveals that Koudou is planning to unite with radicals to start a new war and feed his Rasetsu with the blood of the victims of this war to create an army that never dies. Harada is shocked and frustrated but Shiranui claims that he will not let Koudou do as he pleases, even though demons do not care about what kind of history humans carve overall. Harada is astonished to hear about Shiranui's plans, and the demon explains that he used to have a friend who would often say "my Japanese spirit will here remain". Harada promises to pay him back for Kōfu.
Meanwhile, Keisuke Ootori first introduces himself Hijikata by holding out his hand for a handshake but Hijikata does not seem to know the gesture being fully lost in his thoughts and regrets about Kondou's fate. Ootori explains the new military formation and announces that Hijikata is going to lead the vanguard while he himself has been placed as the governor general (the deputy commander).
Later that day Hijikata orders Shimada to go to the main body of the troops instead of the vanguard, which Shimada is upset about. The vice-commander explains his choice by pointing out Shimada's battle experience that other warriors lack. Shimada tries to clarify whether the Shinsengumi are going to disappear because he intends to fight under the Banner of Sincerity but Hijikata does not answer his question. After everyone leaves, Chizuru admits that Shimada's words have been eating at her and asks what Hijikata actually thinks. He says it openly that he does not consider it possible to oversee the Shinsengumi all by himself with Kondou gone. He remembers Harada and Shinpachi's words about Awanokami Katsu being the one to hand Edo Castle over to the Imperial Army and describes the situation as the Shinsengumi being politely kicked out of Edo. When Hijikata opens up about his feelings that there is nothing left to believe in, Chizuru assures him that the soldiers around believe in him. Hijikata seems cheered up when his bloodlust suddenly strikes. Chizuru takes him away deeper into the woods to avoid him being seen by anyone and makes him drink her blood, to which he reluctantly agrees making her turn away and stay still while he is drinking blood from her neck. When he is finished, he asks whether she is okay, and Chizuru promises to do it again since she intends to always stay by his side.
After some time has passed, the Seihei Corps with Nagakura as vice-commander meet with the former Bakufu army at the Kanuma Inn. Nagakura learns about Kondou's captivation from Shimada and feels sorry for Hijikata. 
19 April 1868
The former Bakufu army has laid siege on Utsunomiya Castle which allied itself with the Imperial Army. With over twice their forces, the former Bakufu army crushed Utsunomiya's army, but then they used the castle as a shield creating a standstill. Hijikata rushes into attack and encourages his subordinates, who get inspired by his resolve and swordsmanship, to follow even though being terrified of dying. 
When Hijikata enters the castle, he encounters Kazama and Amagiri in the main hall. Amagiri explains that Satsuma have ordered them to deliver a classified document so they did not expect to get dragged into a battle. However, Kazama decides that it is time for a payback for the 'humiliation' caused by Hijikata (in the last episode of the first season) so he takes out his magic sword with a special blade meant to kill demons. Amagiri scolds Kazama again that he should not have grown emotionally involved with the humans, but Kazama tells him to keep quiet. Amagiri gives him the last warning that if Kazama decides to proceed, it will be at the cost of losing his respect as a demon and the support of his clan, and also banishment. Kazama threatens him with a sword as an answer and starts fighting Hijikata injuring him and mocking his suffering due to being active during the day (since sunlight causes pain to 'fake demons', as Oni refer to Rasetsu). He clams to destroy the Shinsengumi which enrages Hijikata and gives him extra courage to fight back. However, the building gets shot which leads to a huge fire. When the ceiling between the two fighters falls down due to the whole room being caught in flames, Kazama realizes that it is time to leave and disappears. Amagiri confirms that the more Rasetsu power is used, the shorter the lifespan is, and also informs Hijikata that the demons have decided to stop aiding the anti-Bakufu forces. He asks whether Hijikata wishes to stay on the sinking ship by protecting the Bakufu, but Hijikata explains that it is not Bakufu that he is protecting but something he holds dear: the Shinsengumi he created with Kondou. Amagiri claims that Kazama is not their concern anymore and leaves. Hijikata falls down succumbing to his wounds but Shinpachi and Shimada save him.
Despite Hijikata's efforts, 4 days after the siege the Imperial Army took the castle back effortlessly. The Shinsengumi keeps moving towards the Aizu forces, however, Hijikata has to stay behind due to being wounded and getting treatment. Chizuru keeps taking care of him while he is barely conscious. As soon as Hijikata gets better, he starts working which worries Chizuru. Ootori, Shimada and Shinpachi come to visit him, and Ootori praises him for being 'like a demon out there', which lifted up the troops morale, but then scolds Hijikata for his recklessness. Ootori's words remind the vice-commander of Yamazaki's last words about the importance of the head over limbs because losing the head is fatal. Hijikata smiles and agrees with Ootori apologizing for his actions. When Shinpachi enters the room, Ootori gets surprised to see the warm friendship Hijikata shares with Shinpachi and Shimada. 
Category:Episodes
Category:Season 2
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