Chapter 30: Parted

Tetsu couldn't help but stared intensely at the man before him with widen eyes the size of dinner plates. Who would have thought that just earlier he dreamt of a distant past, being chased by this man's men for many weeks and even lost one so important to him? So why… why did he have to see him again? Unconsciously clenching his hand, he turns away with a pained expression. Ryouma eyed him expressionlessly. Both were occupied with their thoughts that they didn't even notice anyone coming in.

"How long do you think you two are going to stand right there?" The two of them shot their heads in the direction of the voice. Hijikata-san was staring at the two of them with an annoyed look on his face. "Hijikata-san!" Tetsu shouted without even noticing it.

"I'm right here, there's no need to shout," he replied with a scowled.

"Yo, long time no see!" Ryouma interrupted with a big grin. The two turns to him.

"Long time no see Ryouma," Hijikata-san greeted back with a small smirk. He quickly turn to Tetasu, "Ichimura, let me introduce you to Sakamoto Ryouma, Soji's colleague. It seems your real teacher wouldn't be here until tomorrow, and I have to go back to Tokyo."

"What?" Tetsu asked with confusion. Why would Hijikata-san need to go back to Tokyo so soon, and they just arrived.

"Soji needed help with the shop, beside; I never planned to stay anyway. You will stay here for the time being and improved your swordsmanship. I will come back to pick you up soon," he replied.

Tetsu frowned but nodded anyway. He really had no choice but to agree to this term. Even if he feel abandon. At least he gets to spend more time with Tatsu.

"I want you to do your best while I'm away. I will keep in touch to listen about your progress," Hijikata-san added. Tetsu immediately feel a little better. At least this way, he wouldn't feel abandon or something.

"When are you leaving?" he asked.

"Today," Hijikata-san replied, "I'll come back to pick you up when you improve." He walked over to Tetsu and patted his head, "Behave yourself while I'm away."

Tetsu genuinely smile and nodded. Hijikata-san smile and swiftly walked out of the dojo leaving him with Ryouma. Once he was safely gone, the remaining two turn to each other. Ryouma grin childishly at him. He grins back.

"Shall we get started?" Ryouma suggested. Tetsu beamed and nodded.

Okita-san stared intensely at the brownish white envelope addresses to him. He ripped it open and looked inside. The envelope consists of two items; a folded letter and an old photo. The photo was of him when he was around 10 years old, surround by a bunch of people who smile softly towards the camera. A sad smile creeps onto his face. He put the photo down on the table beside the envelope and turns to the folded letter. The letter was brownish white just like the envelope. He unfold it and started reading.

Dear Soji,

How are you? Have you been eating right? Is everyone nice to you? Mother had been worried sick about you all year long. Little Mai is so cute now. She's around one year and is so big. Toru was afraid that she might be too big for her own good, but I think she's just perfect. I remember you used to be that chubby when you were around one too. I showed your picture to her, and now she wouldn't stop talking about you. Oh, and guess what? I'm pregnant again! The doctor say it might be twins, but they aren't sure yet. I hope they look like us. Mai doesn't really resemble us as much as she resembles you. It's quite weird though if you think about it, but at least she has my eyes and her daddy's hair. Ne Soji, do you remember the fireflies that always appeared at night? Well, they finally appeared again just the other night. You used to always watch them fly around until morning, so I just wanted to let you know. Dad misses you as well. Someti9me he would look at your picture and cried. He always said that he hated you for leaving the house at 13, but he had never stopped loving you despite all the things he said. So Soji, please come home. Everyone misses you and wanted you back in our lives. Haven't you gone long enough? Please co"

Tears blurry out his vision; a few drops manages to get on the brownish white letter. A few drop of brown splash that used to be red also gotten it there. He shakily grips the paper between both hands. A few sobs manages to slip pass his mouth.

He took a long deep breath as he stood outside the wooden door. His heart was pounding extremely hard that he thinks he might be getting a heart attack. He took another long breath and knock. No answered what so ever after a minute of waiting. He knocks again. Still no answered. He hesitantly reached for the door knob and turns it. As soon as he realized it wasn't lock, he rushes inside and into the hallway leading into the living room, kitchen, and upstairs. "I'm home! Mom? Dad? Nee-chan? Nii-chan? Mai?"

"Wahhh!" He turns quickly towards the direction of the wail. The wail sounds like that of a little kid. "Mai!" he immediately blurted out. He dash towards the cries. It led him upstairs and into the hall. He came to a halt outside the upstairs closet. He hesitantly swung the door open. As soon as he opens the door, a little girl with blond hair jumps onto him. She wraps her little arms around his left leg. He softly pried her away and bends down on one knee so that their eyes contact.

"What happened?" he asked in a voice full of concerned and feared.

The little girl continues to cries and clung onto him. "B-Bad Guys… h-hurt m-mommy… a-and d-daddy…"

"Where are they?" he asked in a fearful, impatient voice.

"I-I… d-don't k-know, m-mister," she replied and started wailing again. His expression pained as he pull her into a soft gentle embraced.

"It's alright… it's going to be alright," he comforted her as a few drop of tears appeared around the bottom eyelid, "It's going to be alright."