Disclaimer: I do not own Hakuoki (and I have only played the game as of now) but I do own my love of the characters. I am not using any of the characters to gain money or anything else. I am just releasing my brain to this world. Please enjoy! This story is a little different from my usual writing in the fact that you will have to deal with switching points of view. It'll slow down in later chapters, please accept it for now. :)

Chizuru walked along the corridor towards the common room. Her eyes focused on her feet. It had been almost a year since she had come to live with the men of the Shinsengumi. They treated her fairly, and some even appeared to like her. But inside her heart she was constantly reminded she didn't belong.

"Ah, kid." Commander Hijikata called her over, "I have a message for you to deliver." His voice was cold and hard just like it always was.

"Okay!" She brightened up for a moment at the prospect of being useful, "What do I do?"

Hijikata sighed, his nervousness for sending the girl out played out across his normally stoic face; it went unnoticed to the excited youth. Ever since she came here it was his job to watch over her. He wanted so bad to feel indifferent but everywhere she was concerned he got over excited.

"Don't go getting all excited. I just need you to deliver this letter to Heisuke. He's out on patrol in the eastern district. Yamazaki will escort you him. He is already out there, otherwise I would send this with him." Rubbing the bridge of his nose, he wondered if this was the right choice, "You are to run straight to him. Do not stop, do not look back. Do you understand?"

Chizuru excitedly nodded. The first trip she could make alone. Usually she was always watched. Taking the letter she protectively shoved it under her belt. "Yes sir! I will be right back!"

"OI! Yukimura." Hijikata grabbed her elbow and spun her around, "You're my responsibility, you come home alive to me, got it?"

Blinking at the word home Chizuru nodded, "I will be back. I promise!" She shook her arm loose with a smile and ran out the door.

Okita walked in and watched her leave, "Hey Toshizo, was that a good idea? Those men are still after her."

Hijikata watched her disappear, "I didn't have a choice." His throat clenched shut as he felt emotions start to rise, "It was an order to let her go. The note explains to Heisuke to walk her to the edge of town and Yamazaki will take her into the next town."

"What?!" Okita turned towards the commander in anger, "Who the HELL would give that order?"

"I did." Kondou walked around the corner, his head hung low, "There was an attack on a shogun yesterday by a young woman that matches our 'boy' and they are inspecting every house in Kyoto."

Okita balled his hands into fists, "Do all the Captains know?"

"Know what?" Saito came around the corner as calm and serious as always.

"That they threw Chizuru out?!" Okita yelled.

Saito shot a look towards his friends, "Excuse me? Want to explain?"

Kondou opened his mouth to speak when Yamazaki appeared before them.

"Sirs, did Chizuru leave here yet?"

The men all looked at each other emotions from fear to anger crossed their features. Harada walked in from his rounds.

"What's all the commotion?" He stretched.

"Chizuru left here a while ago. She's missing and they planned on her leaving in another town." Okita quickly explained.

"Harada go get Shinpachi and start looking for her along the quickest route to the eastern district." Hijikata started to give out orders, "Kondou you get Sannan and keep all the furies inside. Saito you and I will start on the outskirts. Okita you and Yamazaki get to Heisuke." You idiot, you promised to stay alive.

Everyone started running. No one waited to acknowledge their orders, they ran. Hijikata and Saito hurried to the woods along the city and crept through the shadows waiting for any sign or noise. The darkness sounded deafening.

"Yukimura where are you?" Saito focused his energy on listening through the darkness.

So tell me what you think! R&R
I will continue this story and release the next chapter sooner if I find there is significant interest in this series. I know I love this series 3