Strange Effects
In which Chizuru gets shot and things get interesting. This is a group of multiple oneshots- one for each of Chizuru's possible suitors. The suitors are- Okita, Hijikata, Saitou, Heisuke, Harada, Shinpachi, and Kazama. Read which ever you like, or read all of them but please don't forget to review!
Hello minna! Sorry it's been so long since I have updated any of my stories but I have been busy studying and planning for the next six months that are on their way! Yay college! Anyhow, I have gotten back into Hakuouki and this idea just hit me outta nowhere, and the result is this. Now I know that some of you might be saying at this point- WTF SW where are the updates for Healer Eleven? Well, I'm slowing working on it but things happen. I am still working on it so don't go worrying your pretty little heads.
On to this! Now I know this is a weird story plot but I thought it was fun so no bashing my sleep deprived brain, okay?
Major note: This is not a series. NOT A SERIES! It a two shot the first chapter and then the chosen character's chapter. Of you feel like reading them all fine, but I am telling you that you need to view each story after the first chapter as a separate story.
While unfortunate I do not own Hakuouki or the characters within. I own nothing but the plot.
Enjoy!
CHAPTER ONE~ In which Chizuru gets shot and the Shinsengumi get pissed off and draw straws
The snow had come sometime in the night, coating Kyoto with its purity. As the sun rose that morning, waking the ancient capital, it dyed the white snow red then slowly lightened until it seemed that the sun's light was coming from the snow itself. As the thousands of Kyoto's inhabitants woke and began to shuffle about during another snowy day there was a group a people who had been awake much sooner than the sun itself. These men carried in them the fire of their beliefs, a fire that had enthralled many in the past few years, and led to the deaths of hundreds. Today though, was special and all of these men struggled to repress their excitement.
"Today men, we destroy the Shinsengumi!"
Things were very different in a manor not too far from the river. As the slow sun rose so too did the members of that manor rise. Banners sailed in the faint breezes that swept across the city and danced through the streets, displaying to those few passersby that this manor was the headquarters of the Shinsengumi. By some of the city this group of samurai were known as thugs, to be feared and hated while to other inhabitants the Shinsengumi were heroes, fighting for the Emperor and the good of the land. Although if one looked into to these headquarters now, none of the civilians would have quite believed what it was they were seeing.
A young man, no older than seventeen stood in the kitchen surrounded by steaming pots and the remnants of sliced daikon and other vegetables. Rice was piled high into plain bowls that were somewhat worn from usage. These bowls stood as silent sentries, watching each new addition added onto their separate trays. Soon the young man with the large brown eyes and gentle hands was joined by a man with well-defined muscles, spiky brown hair, and light hearted blue eyes that shone as he looked at all the food.
"Looks like you out-did yourself again Chizuru-chan!" He said, rubbing his hands together in a childlike display of delight.
"Ah!" The young man's voice was high, as he turned and smiled warmly at the early morning visitor.
"Would you like some help carrying those?" Shinpachi asked, grinning ecstatically, as he thought of ways to tease Heisuke. Perhaps he could spike the kid's tea, or maybe the rice?
"Ano, Nagakura-san?" The ponytailed boy called, interrupting the immature thoughts of the older man, "If it wouldn't be too much trouble would you mind taking Kondou-san's and Hijikata-san's breakfast, I can carry the rest." He was aware of the old man's propensity for teasing the youngest Captain of the Shinsengumi and tried to do everything he could to subtly keep Heisuke's teasing down to a minimum.
"Eh? But a girl shouldn't have to carry all of that!" Yukimura Chizuru felt the desire to sigh but bit it back and smiled easily, as she reminded him that almost every day she carried all of the trays to their various recipients and that it wasn't any burden so long as she could be of some help.
The second unit captain sighed but did as asked. Soon he was talking cheerfully, mischief momentarily laid aside, as he and the young woman walked down the hallway to deliver the first meal of the day to the rest of the captains of the Shinsengumi. Everyone was already gathered, though a few were clearly still partly asleep, however when the food was served they all perked up and began to devour their food. The older members did so a bit more properly, while the two youngest and Kondou-san did so with great fervor. Chizuru sat quietly and ate observing the familiar face of the men that sat around her.
The main three were, as usual, sitting at the head of the room in a line with the leader of the Shinsengumi in the middle. Kondou Isami was a kind hearted man who brought those around him together, completing their bonds in such a way as to make them a family. It was Kondou-san who dealt with the precarious politics of their situation, taking care to ease any possible threat that came at their party through unhappy politicians. He seemed to Chizuru a father, who wanted nothing more than to help his Emperor and the people. He watched his leaders with a soft gaze, but sat with a silent dignity that led others to respect him and the quiet power he held.
On his right was the soft spoken Sannan-san, his round glasses flashing slightly in the combined light of the lanterns and sun. While a captain who is much respected, Sannan-san carried within him a great intelligence that was in constant use as he tried to figure out various aspects of the Rasetsu. While quiet there was something about his intense gaze that made Chizuru uncomfortable, and secretly she was glad at the limited amount of contact she had with him.
The long haired Hijikata Toshizo, sat on Kandou's remaining side, his brows already in their furrowed position. As his short span of patience for Heisuke and Shinpachi's childish behavior lessened, he gripped his chopsticks harder until at last they snapped. The duo had yet to notice the warnings of the lieutenant's sparking irritation and continued their argument. Chizuru sighed and quietly left walking down the hall just in time to hear his voice yelling at the two captains. When she returned with a new set of chopsticks he nodded his thanks and went back to eating with slow deliberation. Dark violet eyes steadily observed everyone, noticing every minute change. Out of all the people gathered Chizuru often found him the most capable to lead; even Kondou-san turned to his younger subordinate when there was an unexpected situation that Sannan-san had yet to anticipate or analyze.
Okita Souji sat closest to Hijikata today, his causal seating style belying the power that he held hidden under loose clothes and lithe body. His sharp green eyes were currently paying attention to the latest victim of his sharp sarcastic wit, which happened to be Shinpachi this morning. His sword rested beside him, close enough to grab and draw if there happened to be any trouble. Unlike the others the first unit captain, Okita seemed to hide behind various faces, often smiling when upset or toying with those who had had the misfortune of upsetting him or insulting the man he respected most. Chizuru ate some more of her breakfast in order to hide the smile that tugged at her lips, as she recalled other somewhat gentler sides of the man.
Across from him was Saito, a living enigma. His hair was, as usual, unkempt and tied over one shoulder. Although Chizuru knew he liked swords and that he defined his being off his swordsmanship, she knew little else about the man. He seemed to enjoy the snow and carry ideals not dissimilar to those of the Shinsengumi. There were times when he smiled warmly, mostly when others weren't looking, and times when he sighed over the antics of his fellow cohorts. She knew that he cared for them, but he rarely ever displayed it openly, if at all. For brief moment Chizuru watched as he ate his rice with slow but elegant deliberation and she wondered where it was Saito-san had come from.
Beside Saito-san was Heisuke who frowned down at the near emptiness of his food. He had tried to steal from Shinpachi but the older man had stolen more from his than he had stolen from the older man. Chizuru sighed and mentally made a note to bring him a small snack between lunch and breakfast. The young man with his bright eyes so full of openness and excitement, and his long brown hair that was always in a high ponytail seemed to brighten at some thought or another and soon he was once again eating heartily. Heisuke acted like a child more often than not, even on patrol he seemed more like an apprentice than anything else, but whenever there was some kind of problem his maturity skyrocketed, sometimes giving people whiplash at how fast he could change. He was quick to recover, easy going and friendly, much like those he was most often seen with. Perhaps that was how he had become the person that he was, by being around Shinpachi and Harada. Maybe it was because he aspired to be like one of those men that that was why he wasn't serious often or teasing. His exuberance was of a young man just forming his ideals and seeing just how large the world really was.
Chizuru finished her breakfast and began to pick up the various trays, receiving silent nods of appreciation from others along with loud tanks from two people. Having picked up the leader's trays first she turned only to find Harada-san walking out of the room with all the other trays. Calling after him, Chizuru almost forgot to close the sliding door behind her, but a quick step and slide later she was speed walking after the warrior protesting his carrying the trays.
"It's alright. You were quiet during breakfast so I thought I'd help out since you seemed a bit tired." The tall man said easily, smiling down at her.
Chizuru stopped to blink then smiled and happily chirped her thanks.
With that out of the way, Sanosuke Harada began a conversation, starting off with his compliments on breakfast and recommending foods for lunch and dinner. That was the wonderful thing about the tall spear wielding red head, he seemed to always be so relaxed and content that no matter who it was that he spoke to they always felt equal and relaxed. Unlike the other officers he always seemed to be comfortable with himself. He always had a smile for anyone who passed by, and perhaps a kind word or two. Which is probably why he's so famous in the brothels and drinking houses of Kyoto, Chizuru mused. Along with that thought came a question that had often followed any thought related to the tall man. Why wasn't he married?
Then again that question could be asked for anyone of the Shinsengumi. All of them were handsome and while it was most certainly true that they had taken many lives they were just as responsible for saving lives. Chizuru let her thoughts carry on, as she washed dishes and trays. They were a group of rounin, which meant that money might be an issue or maybe it was because they were so well known that a wife and children could become targets for those who wished them harm. A long sigh escaped Chizuru's lips, her open expressions often following with her varying thoughts.
"Anything I can help with?" Harada asked, making the girl yelp and send soap suds flying. Harada covered his grin at the young woman's shock with a large hand, which did nothing of course to hide his amber eyes that sparked with laughter. In truth he hadn't left as soon as the trays were placed safely on the counter, but rather he had stayed leaning on the door frame, watching as Chizuru lost herself in her thoughts. The expression of worry, flowed by irritation, then puzzlement, then sadness had done some pretty strange things to his emotions. He and the others had seen her lost in her thoughts only one time before and that had the precursor to a cold. Although they all knew that the young woman had a tendency to fret over them the Shinsengumi did try to ease her reasons to worry.
"I-i-iie. I'm almost done, so there's really no need to help." Chizuru's quiet voice made the man smile softly and lay a hand on her head.
"I didn't mean it in that sense. If you ever need to talk, the offer still stands." With that the spear wielder left the kitchen and returned to the officers meeting.
Taking his usual place near the back of the room, Harada closed his eyes and waited for the meeting to start. When several minutes passed he looked up to find multiple gazes on him.
"Is Yukimura-kun alright?" Kondou asked the slight lines of age on his face more prominent as he expressed openly, his worry for the young woman.
Realizing that the others had also seen the strange acting Chizuru and had worried about her made the man smile, and he offered reassurance that she was just thinking too hard.
"Heh? So she's actually using her head?" Okita teased, releasing his emotions with a normal careless remark.
"Souji!" Hijikata called his friend to order, his sharp tone and furrowed brows more than enough to call attention back to the reason for this early meeting.
Slight tension filled the air as all eyes diverted towards Sannan-san who began speaking. "As I am certain you are aware, the Rasetsu have become more numerous in the city. Although Yamazaki has yet to find out why or how, it is certain that these Rasetsu are somehow managing to come into the city from elsewhere."
Kondou continued his strong voice projecting, "Already many innocent lives have been taken and it is time that this is stopped."
Questions floated to the forefront of many of the minds of the officers but none were voiced, as they waited for their leader to continue.
"Tonight all of us will work together to finish off these Rasetsu."
Eyes widened in surprise, and even Saito seemed shocked by the news. Certainly two or sometimes three captains ended up patrolling together, but never all of them at once.
Hijikata looked at his fellow captains his gaze strong, "Two other patrols with continue on their regular rounds, on order not to interfere."
"But-" Shinpachi's voice was cut off by Hijikata's sharp eyes and voice as he pronounced the words that hadn't been said in a very long time.
"We are warriors Shinpachi. At any moment we could die, and the others in our patrol units must have the ability and experience enough to step up and lead. If we do not force them to lead when we are alive, they will all be slaughtered when we are cut down by a well-placed strike."
The air sobered as the men looked to the ground. They hadn't forgotten that they could die at any moment, but those words had never been said aloud. It was the thought that plagued every one of them, the thought that was never addressed, for fear of what that would bring upon them and their ranks.
Shinpachi was the first to return to reality, surprisingly, "And what about Chizuru-chan? I promised to take her out on my patrol tonight ."
Sannan-san looked towards Kondou who rubbed his chin in thought. The tension in the air was thick, and just as Kondou was about to tell the rest that the girl could not come along the door slid open, bringing with it a cold winter breeze and the smell of hot tea. The very topic of the conversation smiled at everyone and walked into the room, placing a tray of hot tea on the floor as she knelt and closed the door behind her. The warm liquid thawed the tension and the warriors relaxed somewhat.
"Yukimura-kun." Kondou looked at the young woman, a pensive look on his face.
"Hai?"
"Tonight myself and the other men here will be going out on a new patrol route. It will be very dangerous and none of us will be able to guarantee your safety if you decide to join us." His voice was very serious as her pronounced his verdict.
"If it's not too much trouble, I would still like to join you. I will do my best to help and not be in anyone's way so please allow me to join!" She bowed and the air relaxed. Smiles spread across more than one face in the room, and as Chizuru returned to her sitting position a little red faced light laughter spread through the room.
The morning blended into afternoon which in turn blende into twilight, and all too soon the group of captain Shinsengumi were on their way. Blue and white robes shifted against the fabrics of their hakamas, lit by the presence of an orange half-moon, which lightened as it rose higher into the sky. Snow fell from the sky in light waves, joining the earthbound snow that lay piled on the ground. There were no lanterns to light the way for the odd group of Shinsengumi, just the moon. Once or twice Saito and Hijikata, who led the party rushed off, coming back minutes later with the edge of their robes stained red. All senses were on alert. This wasn't the first time a patrol had been like this but it never fail to make Chizuru nervous. A small bag of bandages and medicine rested on her back, providing a little reassurance. Beside her Okita walked calmly, a smile on his face that seemed almost sly.
The night air was silent, no horrible screams, no cries of war, just the low breathing of the wind and the dim crunch of snow beneath sandaled feet. Suddenly a blast of wind came from behind announcing the sound of stalkers. As one the patrol turned swords drawn, as a group of men silently rushed forwards their weapons drawn and aimed to kill. Okita pushed Chizuru into the protective shadows of a nearby house and she watched in avid horror as the sight and sounds of battle clawed through the night.
More of the attacking men came, and that's when the gunshots sounded. The wood not too far from where she crouched in hiding splintered as a high speed bullet tore through, hungry for flesh. Chizuru covered her mouth with both hands to prevent her cries of fear from escaping. She saw Okita look for the shooters during a short lull in the fighting, but soon his green eyes caught the danger Kondou-san was in and he rushed to his beloved leader's aid.
Saitou and Hijikata fought back to back, protecting one another as well as working together to kill more of the attacking party. Not too far away Harada, Shinpachi, and Heisuke fought in a whirlwind of destruction fending off attacks to their friends while competing over something. The roar of battle came to a crescendo and yet more gunfire split the air. A voice- Okita's- she realized cried out in obvious pain and large eyes desperately searched for the owner. He was alive but on the ground his thigh bleeding. Another wound bleed profusely from his side.
"SOUJI!" Kondou cried, fighting in earnest to reach the side of his vassal. Two gun men grinned, allowing themselves to part from the protection of the shadows and approach the fallen warrior. They reloading their guns at a safe distance and took careful aim. The first to fall would be one of the Shinsengumi's finest.
"NO!" Kondou roared, catching the other's attention to what was about to happen. The other officer's eyes widened in horror and they struggled even harder to prevent to inevitable. Okita stared at his would be killers, memorizing their faces with deadly intent. Then several things happened, that would only ever happen in the fast paced dance that defined battle.
Harada took the greatest of dares and threw his prized weapon towards one of the men, leaving himself open just long enough to be lightly wounded by an enemy's katana. Saitou threw to short sword stolen from the body of one of the fallen enemy, immediately killing a man who tried to cut Hijikata down from behind. And Chizuru rushed from her hiding spot and stood in front of Okita just as the two gunmen fired. But as their fingers squeezed the trigger two weapons hit their bodies, throwing their aim off and upwards.
Chizuru had not thought of anything more than saving a friend, of letting him live just that much longer. She had no time to move, and Okita's eye widened in horror as her small body bore the brunt of what was supposed to be his injury. She stumbled back then fell forwards, hitting the cold hard ground with sickening thump mere feet away from him.
For a moment time seemed to halt, in remembrance for the life wasted in sacrifice. The eyes of the Shinsengumi had turned as the gunfire sounded and widened in shock at what they saw.
Heisuke let out a pained cry of the girl's name and leapt into action, wanting nothing more than to kill the bastards that had destroyed the life of his friend. Shinpachi and Harada turned savage tearing at any who got in their way, while Saito, Hijikata, and Kondou struggled to keep their thoughts clear though pure anger sang in their veins. As for Okita, he could do nothing but stare at the body of the girl who had placed his life before her own.
One of the men who had so abruptly ended her life lay on the ground, Harada's spear in his belly. The other snarled and tore Saito's blade from his right shoulder, eyes fixed on the target he had failed to kill once. With deliberate steps he drew his katana and walked towards Okita Souji, the man who had killed his teacher and older brother. Kicking aside the body of the boy who had thwarted his plans he advanced raising the sharp weapon high.
The sound of Chizuru's body being kicked aside like a rag doll made the browned haired man snap out of his shocked daze and the green eyes of the demon that was Okita Souji locked onto his aggressor. In a blinding movement the blade he held clenched in his hand went up as he stood, ridding the man of both his hands. The man screamed in pain.
"And now your legs you sonofabitch."
The man died screaming with Okita standing over him and soon the sounds of battle ended, with the Shinsengumi once more victorious. None dared to look at the fallen figure, knowing that what they would find was going to be inescapable. The sound of a blade tearing into flesh repeatedly drew the attention instead, it was Okita. Fanning out behind him the Shinsengumi captains watched as he took out his sorrow and rage on an already dead man. At last Kondou stepped forwards and placed a gently hand on his subordinate's shoulder.
"That's enough Souji. He's dead." His voice was soft and gentle, parent-like. Okita turned to look at his mentor, to look at the man he admired above even the gods. Green eyes burned with a wild swirl of emotions that were nothing Kondou had ever seen before.
While all of this happened Harada walked over to the man his spear had killed and pulled out the weapon from the man's gut. As he walked back he stopped by the body that was once Yukimura Chizuru, and turned it over, his hand never once touching skin. Her large eyes were closed and she looked for the entire world like she was asleep and at any moment would open those expressive eyes and smile at him, accompanied by her voice telling him that she was alright. The most ardent wish of his mind would have worked, had it not been for the dark red blossom that bloomed over her heart.
"It was quick at least." Saito's calm voice by his ear first mad him tense, but then slowly he nodded.
"Ah." Harada shrugged off his stained robe, and with a silent apology to Chizuru's spirit wrapped it around her body.
Saito's arms reached out and picked up the limp body, holding it delicately as though it was more than an empty shell. He gently tucked its head against his shoulder and walked over to join the others. Shinpachi, observing his best friend still kneeling in the snow put a hand on his shoulder and gave it a quick squeeze. Harada took a deep breath and then swiped his hand over the dyed snow, covering it once more with white. Then he stood and walked back to the headquarters with the rest of a very silent patrol.
As they returned towards the building that they called home, several Rasetsu attacked. The Shinsengumi did no more than blink before Okita and Heisuke had them slain. It was during one of these brief moments that Saito jerked to a halt, an expression of utter shock on his face.
"Hajime-kun?" Kondou asked, uncertainly looking back. The rest of the party gazed at him too, wondering what the hell could be going on to make this evening drag on endlessly.
Abruptly the silent swordsman bent towards the ground and removed Harada's robe, and put his ear to the girl's chest. The other averted their eyes, pained at the sight of the flower in the girl's clothes. Then he looked up at his leader with wide eyes, "Her heart still beats."
"That's a bad joke Saito." Shinpachi said eyes downcast.
"What?" Hijikata demanded, slight worry for his friend tingeing his conscience.
"She is still alive. Her heart is beating." Hajime Saito was never one to repeat his words, he had never found it necessary, but now all he wanted to do was say those words over and over again. In a single moment the leaders of the Shinsengumi shared and look and rushed into action.
"Heisuke get Dr. Matsumoto to the headquarters!" Kondou-san ordered. The youngest of their troupe nodded and sprinted off, daring to hope that Chizuru would be alright.
The rest began running back towards their home, hurrying as tough the very fate of the world rested on this simple task. Sannan-san stood at the entry way to welcome them back, but on seeing the blood and injuries as well as the figure that Saito carried in his arms the smile of welcome shifted to one of concern.
"She alive, but we don't know for how long." Kondou-san said, stopping in front of the glasses wearing warrior. "Dr. Mastumoto will be coming in along with an assistant or two and Heisuke, let him through and guide him to Yukimura-kun's room immediately." Then the older man rushed after his subordinates, worried as the rest.
Dr. Matsumoto joined the Shinsengumi and quickly dismissed all the men from the room, ordering Heisuke to pull out another futon, and several heavy blankets, and one of them to boil water. Heisuke quickly rushed about the room, hearing the sound of fabric being cut and removed from Chizuru's body. Not looking he laid out the futon and the blankets and exited to go and wait with the others who were getting their wounds tended by one of the assistants that joined the doctor. Shinpachi walked into the room a few minutes later, having delivered the hot water. The assistant's work was swift and accurate; leaving to help his teacher only after every injury was properly cleaned and bandaged.
That night was the longest those men had ever witnessed. Not a single eye removed itself from the sliding door, though fatigue weighed heavily on their shoulders. The unspoken fear of what would happen if they slept kept them up until at last, as the sun began to rise over the horizon, the sounds of the doctor's footsteps walking down the hall reached their ears. All the men in the room looked at the bald doctor, who by all rights looked exhausted.
Sannan-san silently handed the worn man lukewarm tea, which he drank gratefully. The silence stretched as the man revitalized himself somewhat. At last Kondou-san could bear it any longer and asked the question, "How is Yukimura-kun doing?"
Putting his empty glass on the floor Mastumoto answered him quite seriously, "Neither of the two bullets pierced her heart. She has lost a lot of blood and she will need rest. You must keep a careful watch over the next few days, for that will be when she is at her weakest. If she should become sick in that time period, she will not survive. For now all I can prescribe is rest. When she has awakened please send a message to me as soon as possible."
"Of course." Kondou-san replied and with much thanks he stood and led the good hearted doctor and his assistants out of the Shinsengumi headquarters. When he returned to the room, he dismissed the men, telling them that they could visit Chizuru later. The protests that rose were quickly and efficiently quieted when Heisuke said that Chizuru wouldn't want to them to worry and would want them to get their rest. The rest of that day found the leaders catching up on their sleep and in between short awake periods worrying over the young woman who slept isolated in her room.
For the next few days patrols were seen without their captains leading, but eventually Hijikata set his foot down and routines returned, with an additional one. Whoever went on patrol got to visit Chizuru and the rest had to wait until their patrol in order to see the sleeping girl.
It was Sano and Shinpachi who were the last to see her before things took a turn for the worst. Sano ended up visiting the girl by himself as the bandana wearing warrior claimed the need to drink that night. In the dark of her room Sano sat beside the sleeping girl and he recounted to her the tales of the day, how Shinpachi had had his head in the clouds and slipped in mud, how Heisuke had messed up breakfast and Hijikata couldn't make a good dinner. He smiled down at the unresponsive body, and lightly reached out and brushed her bangs away from her forehead. "You wake up soon Chizuru-chan, okay?"
With those words he left the room. No one saw the shadow that slipped into the room mere moments after the warrior left. Red eyes gazed at the small figure that laid underneath a blue futon. Kazama Chikage frowned and knelt beside his fellow demon, a calloused hand raced out and hovered over the girl's head, and his eyes closed in concentration. At last the hand pulled away and rested in his lap, as he frowned down at the female oni. Puling the covers away just a little he pulled aside her seeping dress to peer at the wound. It was festering.
"Stupid humans." He muttered pulling the clothes and covers back, "They'd as soon as kill her." He grumbled to himself for a moment, debating his next move. While it would not be beneficial in any way to create a bond between the sick woman before him, it would definitely be a problem if she died.
"You better be grateful for this…" He muttered before biting into his wrist and putting it at her mouth. After a few moments he pulled his healed wrist away and wiped the blood off on his clothes, then gently dabbed away the blood from her face. Not once did the woman stir, which told the demon just how far gone she really was. For the first time in a very long time Kazama sent a prayer up towards the gods, asking for the woman to be spared. Light footfalls sounded from down the hallway and Kazama stood. The door slid open and violet eyes scanned the room and the only person within before nodding to himself and walking away.
The next morning Chizuru was flushed and tossed restlessly, her movements weak. Kondou-san was the first to send someone to alert the doctor, when he happened to hear a noise and find that the girl sweating and pale. Word spread like wildfire throughout the Shinsengumi headquarters and soon all the leaders were once again waiting; only this time it was outside her door. When Dr. Mastumoto exited the room he looked saddened.
"The fever has a string hold on her. There is nothing more I can do at present." The doctor was installed in a guest room nearby, should there be any need for assistance. For the first part of the day Heisuke sat beside the ill girl, whispering to her quiet urges, reassuring both her and himself that she would be okay. Outside the leaders of the Shinsengumi could go nowhere without being reminded of the girl in some way.
Shinpachi passed by the kitchen and slid open the door and for a short moment he thought he saw Chizuru standing there slicing daikon. He stepped forwards with a grin only to see the kitchen empty and pristine. For a long while the man stood in that kitchen a hand on the sturdy wooden table.
Saito glimpsed her figure in his private training spot, which happened to be where she washed clothes. The wind blew snow in his face and when his eyes opened her ghostly presence was gone, no sign of her existence remaining. For the first time in a long while Saito found he had no energy or desire to slide his sword out of its sheath and train.
When Harada went on patrol that afternoon he paused, telling the men to go on as he gazed at the empty seats of the closed dango shop. For a moment he thought he saw Chizuru sitting there smiling and laughing only to blink and find that it was the sun and snow playing with his mind, so the man did his best to move on, but he could not do so without looking back.
That evening as he wrote reports Hijikata thought he heard her soft voice accompanied by the sliding of his door. Turning his head to look the man with violet eyes saw nothing and rubbed his eyes, muttering lowly about candlelight and working for too long.
Unlike the others though, Okita suffered the most. Everywhere he went there was always something to bring his thoughts back to the sick girl who was, quite possibly dying. Everywhere he looking it seemed as though there was some memory his mind had of the girl.
Had it been any of the others she had sacrificed herself for, their minds would have been haunted in the same way, for is that not how the human mind works? To suffer and wrack itself with guilt over the death of someone close.
When Okita's turn came around to watch over the girl, he silently sat by her bed, watching as sweat beaded at her forehead, and she tossed restlessly. The irony stung, here he was the man who was slowly dying every day and there was the girl who had done everything in her power to help him live just a day or two longer. His lifespan was short, whereas hers- hers ought to be long and filled with goodness, rather than the hate and bloodshed she was forced to live through.
"Don't you dare die Chi-zu-ru-chan or I'll kill you in the afterlife."
Good news came in the form of Shinpachi, three days later when he burst into dinner with bright news. "The fever's broken!"
Grins eased the signs of strain that had befallen their troupe and cheers echoed through the hallways. Dr. Mastumoto entered the room, and started as he saw the speed in which the Shinsengumi were eating. Shinpachi and Heisuke finished first and rushed towards the door determined looks on their faces. His entrance was soon noted and Shinpachi happily told the older man that they were going to see Chizuru.
Dr. Matsumoto looked down at the Shinsengumi, and they shuddered seeing the look in his eyes, "No."
"EH? Why the hell not?"
"Heisuke watch your tongue. Is that how you so your thanks to the doctor?" Hijikata demanded
Heisuke grumbled under his breath as Kondou-san rubbed the back of his head, apologizing to the doctor, "Although," he added afterwards, "I would like to know why we can't see Yukimura-kun."
Dr. Mastumoto sat down in Chizuru's normal spot, and Sannan-san briefly thought of know sad it was that this man had not continued his career as a samurai. The way he sat and used his authority, he would have made a very useful leader. 'Chizuru-chan is very weak at the moment and- forgive my frankness- there are simply too many of you. You presence at such an early stage of her recovery could, possibly, send her into a relapse. For now, I will say this, one visitor for the next few days- the same visitor." He smiled in thanks at the young man who placed breakfast in front of him and then began to eat, allowing his temporary employers to digest what it was he had said.
"When I return to checkup on her, I will determine if she can handle more." He said, after finishing off the meal.
"Ah. Of course. Please excuse our rudeness, you have our gratitude for all that you have done for us." Kondou-san said as he and the doctor left the room.
Now allow me in inform you, dear reader, of the animosity filled the air. Almost every man glared at one another, silently declaring that he was to be the one to see Chizuru first, by almost I mean the Saito-san face showed his displeasure by a frown, and Hijikata-san's face looked frustrated though it was more because of the immaturity level of his fellow officers and friends.
The argument that broke out, was quite grand, I assure you. In fact it was on such a scale and there was such a general announced level of discontent that it was quite possible that the Shinsengumi would split over the idea that one man would be able to see the young woman for an extended period of time without the others being in immediate attendance nearby.
"THAT"S ENOUGH!" Hijikata's voice called, drawing the attention of the loudly arguing bunch, "If you keep up like this you'll disturb the whole manor with your childishness!"
"But Hijikata-san-!" Heisuke cried out.
"Straws." Sannan-san said, closing his eyes as he smiled at the faces that turned towards him at his simple sentence.
"What?" Hijikata asked, looking that the man with something akin to confusion.
"We can all draw straws, and whoever has the shortest one will get to be the one who visits Yukimura-kun." This rather simple idea left most in the room astounded and silent. Sannan-san left the room, and fetched the items. While he enjoyed the childish behavior of his cohorts he was very much ready for life to return to normal so he could get on with his research. Returning with the items he sat in the middle of the room, and watched as one by one the men drew their fate.
