Disclaimer: I do not own PMK, I only derive a harmless enjoyment from this fanfic, nothing else.
Chapter 8: Shadow
Kichisaburo was bored. Those two sentries were a mistake, the Choushu was unhappy about that. As Okita, he could leave the compound without resorting to violence. The other sentries had greeted him politely as he left the compound, often to report to the Choushu or for a bit of sport at night to keep his sword keen. Little did they suspect that the real Okita-san is dead.
Hijitaka, the assassin growled under his breath. The Choushu hired him to infiltrate the Shinsengumi and, if possible, discreetly remove its leaders. Kichisaburo touched the scar Hijitaka gave him on his last job. Yes, Hijitaka will die once he returns to Kyoto. For now there's always the afternoon practice. His eyes gleamed with sinister delight.
A shadow hung over the compound and they don't need Saitou to tell them so. Kondo massaged his temples as he reviewed the week's report. The past few raids have ended in disaster. Their men charged into buildings either to find them empty or a bloody reception awaiting them. There been a sharp rise in the number of sport-killings of innocent civilians at night. And the murdered sentries.
"Kondo-san, Kondo-san!" Yamanami's voice cut into his thoughts. "I'm worried about Souji." The second-in-command had dark circles under his eyes. "What about the boy, San-nan?" Kondo groaned. As if they hadn't enough troubles on their hands..."Is it his health?"
"On the contrary, he's fine physically..." Yamanami coughed uncomfortably. "It's his manner...He seems, well, subdued. You've been too caught up with your work lately, or you'll realize he hasn't sprung any surprises on us...he may be just sulking over Toshi..." It was true. The normally cheery captain has not dropped in on them for a while.
"Also, he hasn't snuck up on Ichimura-kun since Toshi left." Okita had made a game of sneaking up on the assistant treasurer and surprising the poor man, often leaving the account books in disarray. "You don't suppose it's the wedding...I mean, Tokio is his cousin...it's not uncommon for a boy to feel that way about an older..."
Kondo laughed. How long had he not laughed? "San-nan! You think too much. It's been years since those two met! If I remember correctly, Souji was running away from Tokio-chan then. She trashed him at kendo and he came running to Toshi...Those were the days..."
The shadow over the two men was temporarily lifted by the memory of the past. Yamazaki Susumu waited in the adjoining room with his report. He has spent the better part of his days spying on various buildings, including a dessert shop. Tetsu-kun had asked him to look out for the missing Saizou. He was exhausted.
Why isn't Okita kicking up a fuss about Saizou? What is the Choushu up to? Why is it even with the information he gathered, the raids still failed miserably? It was as if they were expected. Was he losing his touch? Or is it...
Hotaru walked by with the tea tray. An ugly thought popped into his mind. True, he resented Hotaru taking over what was his sister's kitchen. The men had got enough of Shinpachi's cooking and Okita recommended her for the post. She's harmless, right? She's the worst shinobi about! What if that was a farce...
The sickening crunch of bone. A scream of pain. The victim fell with his shoulder broken. His comrades rushed to his aid. The duel should have ended when the captain effectively disarmed his opponent by knocking the wooden sword into the air and across the room. The last blow was unnecessary. Tetsu watched the first patrol's practice session from the doorway.
"Oops, sorry," Okita muttered the words off-handedly. He did not see to his opponent but strode out past Tetsu without even a backward glance. Tetsu noticed the corners of Okita's mouth were turned up as if in an amused smile. He was enjoying himself!
The same slender figure, the same long silky hair but those eyes lacked the gentle warmth he knew so well. Tetsu shivered as he hurried off to his chores. Away from the training hall and away from what he had witnessed.
The Comedian Trio argued over whether to buy Okita a new piglet or continue their search for Saizou when they returned from yet another unsuccessful day's search. Without Hijitaka and Saitou about, shouldn't the compound be in a lighter mood? Instead it was oppressive...
Author's notes:
Told you they are having unlucky streak. Kichi has been a very bad boy (the way we luv him). Poor Okita-sama...