Silence.
Even the babies were quiet as if they were mourning the loss of their mother. I sat beside her, not once shifting my gaze from her face, almost as though I wanted to make sure that she wasn't faking it and that perhaps a miracle could happen but no. Senhime cried out, a cry that if I could, I'd do it too. This rocked the compound as Kondo and Sanansan entered, unaware of the events that unfolded. Kondo fell against the door frame whilst Sananasan with wide eyes, his head then lowering in respect for the dead. Heiskue was next to cry out. He tried to stay composed but his body trembled and his hands shook until he took Chizurus hand that was strategically tucked under the blanket, that blanket. It made everything seem alright but, as Heiskue pulled it back the smallest amount, the blood was exposed and he gasped as he took her blood soaked hand into his and rocked for a moment by her head. "She's cold," mumbled Shinpachi that held her foot, Harada almost vomiting at the discolouration and the blood. How dare blood stain my Chizuru like that. Her entire lower body is drenched as it continues seeping, staining everything, even my heart. Her lips turned a hue of blue as her hair became dull. Death worked fast. As much as I wanted to stay there forever, by her side, all that was left was a vessel. Her souls and being is somewhere much more higher as this body in front of me is empty, like my heart. I kiss her forehead, my tears rolling on to her delicate face as I bid my final goodnight. I leave, the twins remaining Yamazaki and Saito as I can not look in the face of Rija and Sakura like this.
Okita POV
I joked with her multiple times. We always had fun and were there for each other when need be and yet here I am, sitting beside my partner and crime and not feeling that fun I should be. Instead, I want to curl in a ball and never look at another person again for, if I can't see her, then what's life all about?
"How can we go on without Chiz. She is what made us better warriors," cries Heiskue, his hand adorning blood from holding hers so tightly. Tears marathon down his face whilst I cannot cry. My body is too hurt, hurt to the extent that crying is next to impossible.
The purple blanket was now all shapes as Senhime came over sluggish, sniffing as she said,"Brace yourself a." At that she lifted the blanket and placed it back down to cover Chizuru. In that mere moment, gasps of horror and sadness filled each corner of the room. It almost looked fake, the amount of blood that was there. When Saito seen it, he began crying, clutching Sakura tightly to his chest whilst Heiskue kissed her hand saying he was sorry. Nakagura and Harada both stared then Harada said," Her death is not in vain, look at the legacy she has left." He points to the twins and, for a moment, relief washes over me. Rija grumbles at that as his hands reach up to Yamazakis face. "She should be sitting there, crying over their cuteness whilst offering us food," I mumbled as Kondo took my shoulder and added,"I'd expect no less from her."
"Chizuru, without you, this Shinsengumi would not be what it is today and to that, we owe our thanks."
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Saitos POV
Everyone left after Kondos speech to go retire for the night as I remained, still holding Sakura who was sleeping peacefully in my arms, her chest rising and falling just like her mothers should be.
"Chizuru, I love you. I cannot express my regret enough for never telling you in person but I've grown to adore and love everything about you. If there's any God out there, please don't let this end before it even starts." I whisper into her ear before I kiss her cold lips, for the first and last time.
This memory will haunt me forever.
