A/N: Thanks for the reviews and favourites! This story is ending soon so stay tuned!
Several weeks had passed and there were still no signs of Kagura. Okita felt conflicted. He was worried about her safety, but at the same time, she was the enemy. Like Hijikata said, he shouldn't get too close. Just thinking about it aggravated him to the point where then pen he was holding snapped in half during English class. This caused a wave of chatter and whispers. After that, Okita's fan club was too scared to even say 'good morning' for he had a scowl on his face every time they saw him.
While taking care of the regular 'duties' of Shinsengumi corps, Kondo and Hijikata couldn't help but notice that Okita has turned more violent during his missions. Even when they were only to apprehend the target, Okita would sadistically beat him within an inch of his death.
As if fate was playing with them, the Shinsengumi were given an infiltration and purging mission of the Yato corps. Yamazaki was sent on a spy mission as that is his specialty. This decision to purge was made after several weeks by the government. The Yato corps was deemed 'dangerous' on several counts of homicide and the Shinsengumi were to infiltrate their base and purge the miscreants causing ruckus in the city.
After briefing the mission at the headquarters, Kondo turned to Okita. "Sougo, you are not going to do the mission with us."
The boy's eyebrows furrowed in frustration. "What? Why, Kondo-san? What did I do wrong? Why can't I participate?"
Kondo heaved a sigh. "I know how you feel, Sougo. But right now, you are going to bring personal matters into the workplace. A sword in confusion will only bring death."
Sougo laughed. "Heh, you people always treat me like a little kid. Yeah, maybe I am not like you guys. I can separate my emotions from my work."
"Sougo," Kondo said in a sharp voice, "If we are to purge the Yato, we are going to have to kill Kagura-chan, too. As the commander, I think it is wise if you stay behind."
Kill…Kagura? Sougo stood there, frozen on the spot. They, the people who were closest to him, were going to kill China. They are going to purge the whole Yato organization, along with China.
Kondo and the rest of the Shinsengumi set out on their mission, while Okita stood in the same spot.
As they left the headquarters, Hijikata commented loud enough for Sougo to hear, "Useless little boys who can't separate workplace from personal life should just stay home."
Okita clenched his fist. Hijikata was right. He really couldn't put down his emotions. He has fallen in love with the enemy. He just wanted her to be happy. He wanted to give her what she never had. Even though she was from the rival organization, she was still a human. She never wanted this. She never wanted to kill.
The confused Shinsengumi leaned against the wall for support and slumped down. His hands went up to his hair as he ruffled them in frustration. He really wasn't set out to do this at all. Kondo knew. Hijikata knew. Hell, even Yamazaki knew. How can he slay down the person he loves?
The more he thought about it, the more irritated he got. If anything, he should be the one slaying down China. So, he picked up his sword, and head out himself to the rival's hideout.
Rain began to fall harder as countless Yato members were slaughtered. Kagura could hear Kamui's laughter as he finished off some low ranking Shinsengumi members. She was still chained up and weak. Even if they didn't kill her, she would probably die a little later on.
She could hear hurried footsteps nearing her cell. Her death is near. The gate busted open with a loud clang, and in came Hijikata and Yamazaki. They had a shocked face. Kagura had a black eye, cuts and bruises on her face, neck and limbs, and dried blood that matted her salmon-coloured hair.
She closed her eyes, waiting for the sharp pain of being cut. Instead, she felt her chains being cut loose. She fell forward into Hijikata's body.
"Kagura-chan, you look awful," Hijikata then shoved Kagura into Yamazaki's arms. "Oi Yamazaki, take Kagura-chan and head back to headquarters and get the doc to treat her."
Yamazaki gaped at the vice-commander. "Eh? But sir, we are supposed to purge all Yato—"
The black-haired man cut him off. "She isn't a Yato. She's just an innocent hostage that was beaten excessively. Now take her back to headquarters. This is an order." And with that, Hijikata disappeared out the door.
Sougo was soaked to the bone in this rainstorm. The Yato hideout was now adorned in crimson red blood. As he stepped inside, the floor was littered with mangled corpses of the Yato. There were a few Shinsengumi members among the casualties.
The fight was pretty much over. Okita found Kondo and Hijikata, who were drenched in the enemy's blood. Victory was theirs. No words were exchanged between the three men as the government officials came to talk about official business with the Shinsengumi commander.
Okita helped with the cleaning up and noticed that Kagura and Kamui were missing in the corpses. Hijikata informed him that Kamui had escaped with a serious wound to his shoulder. When Sougo asked about Kagura, Hijikata wouldn't tell him directly. The only reply the young man got from his vice-commander was, "Your problem is not my problem."
Yamazaki had returned to headquarters and had the doctor treat Kagura. She was in critical condition but now is in the safe zone. She had a major concussion and several broken ribs. Even though she was unconscious, tears were flowing down her cheeks. The spy of Shinsengumi wasn't sure if she was crying because of the physical pain or emotional pain. Either way, it was heartbreaking to watch.
Sougo got back to headquarters. He was sure that Kamui had taken Kagura with him so he didn't expect to see her. It has been a long day. As he supported an injured Shinsengumi into the room, what he saw almost made him drop his colleague.
Kagura was right here, in front of him.
Kagura was in casts and had bandages wrapped around her head.
Kagura was in a coma.
Kagura was, at least, still alive.
A wave of relief came over him. He helped the colleague to the doctor and went back to the Kagura's bedside.
"Yamazaki," Sougo said with a hint of urgency and anger, "explain."
Afraid of being punished by the first division captain, the spy explained everything from finding Kagura in the prison cell to Hijikata ordering him to bring her back.
"Damn it, Hijikata," Okita cursed. He did not want to be indebt to him. But he knew Hijikata was always like that. Even when he acts like he doesn't care about people's personal matters, he actually cares the most.
On his way out, the golden-haired boy slammed the door shut. Yamazaki jumped at the loud bang. Even though the vice-commander didn't tell him to keep this a secret, he felt that in the next few moments, he will be punished for telling Okita everything.