Once upon a dream (Hakuouki fan-fic) (Hijikata x OC)

Chapter 33

Victoria's POV

"In terms of the Itou faction's movements, they are clearly trending toward aggressive action against the Shinsengumi," Saito briefed. We were gathered in the Founders Hall, listening to Saito-San explain what he had learned while spying on Itou and his troops. Chizuru had stepped out earlier to make everyone tea and had yet to return. "Aggressive action?" Inoue-San repeated, taking in the information. "Listen to me. To hasten the fall of the Bakafu, Itou is trying to expose the existence of the fury corps. He's also the one who's spreading rumours about Harada being involved in Sakamoto's murder. He's attempting to bring down the Shinsengumi," Hijikata informed. His tone told me that he was certain. This was no guess of his. It was fact.

"What was that?" Shinpachi enquired, the information wracking his brain. "Kashitarou Itou. That crafty bastard," Sanosuke cursed. His words were laced with contempt for the Imperialist. If only this were the sole issue that the Shinsengumi would have to face, but it was not, as Saito would remind us later. "We have another problem facing us," The indigo-haired Captain continued, not even so much as missing a beat. "The Itou faction is working toward a plan to kill the Shinsengumi Commander." The remainder of the Captains, including Inoue-San, were shocked by the news.

"Kondou-San," Okita voiced thoughtfully. I had to remind myself that Kondou practically raised Souji; this man was his father figure, and no one cared for him like he did not even Hijikata-San. "Luckily for us, Itou-San never gets the opportunity to follow through with this plan," I announced casually. Multiple heads turn toward me, giving me looks as if to elaborate. "It's like I said from the beginning," Drawing my thumb across the base of my throat. "We kill him first," I conclude nonchalantly. "Don't act daft. It won't be that easy," Hijikata challenged. "But do we have any other choice?" I argued. I wasn't actually looking for another solution, merely bringing the reality to his attention, but he knew that already. I wanted Itou's blood on my hands, craved it even.

"That's how things stand at the moment. Itou-San's death is our top priority," The Vice-Commander concluded. At that exact moment, the shoji slid open, and Chizuru appeared with the tea tray as she had promised. Having heard Hijikata-San's last words, the girl gasped, almost dropping the tea. The look on her face read, 'What's going on?' "We're taking on the Guardians of the Imperial Tomb," Sanosuke mused, letting the words roll off his tongue.

Kondou-San's expression was still furrowed. "It can't be helped," He sighed. "It's kill or be killed. This has been the instinct of animal and man-alike since the beginning of time," I rationalized. "What do we do about Heisuke?" Shinpachi pressed worriedly. The room went silent for a moment, everyone finally acknowledging the elephant in the room. "If he stands against us, we must kill him," Hijikata stated firmly, standing abruptly and making his way out. Chizuru's eyebrows furrowed at the man's harsh words. "Hijikata-San!" She called out, hoping to get a reaction or rather an explanation from him. Her face held a pleading expression, but Hijikata paid her no mind, slamming the shoji open and storming out.

His sudden exit was shocking. He was obviously mad about the current situation. The captains all remained silent, prompting a frustrated shout from Chizuru. "You're fine with this?! None of you have a problem with this?!" She exhausted, fists clenched in her lap. "That's not it at all. The truth is, Toshi wants to help him as much as any of us," Kondou-San informed her, him and Sanosuke rising to their feet to exit. I gracefully followed suit. "So do we, all of us want Heisuke to come back. He's our friend," Sanosuke voiced sincerely, passing her as he made to leave the room. The brunette girl still sat there on her knees.

"Chizuru, don't jump to conclusions. You didn't hear the entire discussion, and you missed the key point that we based the decision on," I lightly scolded. She looked down at her lap shamefully. "Oh," She half-whispered. Dismissing myself, I made to walk back to my room, but I found myself suddenly restless. A thought occurred to me, and my gut told me to ignore it, but my better judgment flew out the window, and my feet moved on their own.