What makes history (Hijikata x OC)

Toba Fushimi

The sun was already initiating its afternoon course when it happened. All of us were on high alert, for the troops dispatched from Ōsaka by the Shōgun were due to arrive today. Strangely, all troops stood their ground in the streets of Kyōto. Cannons had been aligned on the Toba route – as per Yamazaki's data – and more SatChō awaited the Shōgun's troops on Fushimi route, nary a kilometer from our temporary and cramped headquarters.

From my rooftop, I couldn't distinguish more than a sea of heads and a bit of the bridge that controlled movements from Ōsaka to Kyoto. I sighed; I missed Neko. She had not followed us in our moving. I missed Hijikata's frozen room, and his warmth when we huddled together under the covers. The elvish armour was already clad upon my frame, except at my chest where the standard metal plastron had replaced leather. This thing was heavy as hell, but Fukuchō had been inflexible about it; I wouldn't be allowed out without the cuirass. It would deflect the bullets, provided they didn't come straight at me.

We were ready.

A loud boom rattled my bones, and I knew this was it. Cannons had been set loose at the north. Yelling arose then, the clash of metal, and loud neighs from terrified horses. I took a long breath and hurried down to the common room – our dormitory. Most of the captains had spent the entirety of new year day groaning about sunshine and too much booze; now, the room was a command center, and the mood solemn.

They all sat in seiza, hachigane upon their brow, light blue haori on their back and plastron shielding their chests. Dark bracers protected the back of our hands and forearm, a tad rigid, but efficient enough. Gaze serious, the captains awaited Kondō's orders. Antsy, I sat amongst them and shared a look with Hijikata. His nod, imperceptible, told me he was satisfied with the way I had arranged the plastron in the midst of my leather pieces.

From the determined gleam that danced in his eyes, I knew our strategy was laid out. Kondō-san exchanged a loaded glance with both his comrades, and nodded to Toshizō.

"Saitō, you get your men to Ryuu'un-ji and take that cannon down before it busts our ass."

"Hai, Fukuchō".

Saitō's voice was as expressionless as ever; he would deal with this order as he had dealt with any other; diligently, and without complaint.

"Be careful, Saitō-kun", Kondō interjected. The young captain bowed, before our Kyokuchō's attention turned to the Baka trio.

"Shinpachi-san, you will be in charge of the first and second division with Shimada-san. We need that bridge to hold."

"Hai, Kyokuchō", Shinpachi exclaimed, as brash and confident as ever. For once, I didn't feel the need to bash his head; his tone fuelled my determination.

"Harada-san, you will guard their back."

Sano nodded in turn, and my heart squeezed. Will we be separated ? Between leaving my heart behind, or my brother in arms, none of those options appealed to me. I shouldn't have worried, for the Shinsengumi had found use of me.

"Kitsu", a familiar voice rumbled. "You'll cover their asses from above."

"Hai!", I clamoured in tune with the others. My admiration for Hijikata's sturdiness only grew; I feared for his life as he no doubt he feared for mine ... yet, he acknowledged my abilities by putting me in the face of danger. It also was a show of trust; to me and his captains alike.

"You're in charge of the riflemen of the first and second division. Find a good spot, and rain fire upon them", Kondō ordered with steel in his voice. I'd never known Kyokuchō in a battle mood, but he certainly was impressive. Overwhelmed by the trust they placed upon me, I simply bowed.