HijiGin - Bittersweet

Chapter 10

  Hijikata opened his eyes, greeted with a worried Yamazaki.

  "Ah...Vice-captain, you're awake."

  "Yama...zaki?" Hijikata suddenly remembered what happened a few hours ago and drew in a sharp breath. "Where is he?"

  "...I'm sorry, but who are you talking about?"

  "That bastard, Yorozuya." Hijikata gritted his teeth, he wasn't going to let him get away until he's confessed everything. He silently prayed for him to be innocent.

  "Ahh...well, about that, he's still not found, sir." Yamazaki looked down, and fixed his gaze to the window. "Do you think he did it?"

  "..." Sensing his distress, Yamazaki decided to leave him at peace.

  "Well, now that you're awake, please take it easy and rest. If you need anything, please feel free to call me. Now then, I shall take my leave." Yamazaki bowed and exited the room, leaving Hijikata to himself.

  Hijikata sighed and closed his eyes. He thinks back to the time when he's just met Gintoki, how he took him as an enemy and had a duel with him on the rooftop.

  He remembers Gintoki's gracefulness as he becomes one with the sword and cleanly cuts his own sword in half.

  He remembers gradually warming up to him, sharing drinks in their favourite bar.

  Then he remembers Gintoki's face when he saw him surrounded by corpses.

  "I'm sorry..."

  No! That wasn't the Gintoki he knew. Hijikata sat up and grabbed his sword. He sets off to find Gintoki. He needs to know what happens. Hijikata lit a cigarette and began walking around the streets, asking the people if they knew anything.

  Eventually, he stumbled upon the warehouse. He surveyed the area, sensing something different about the place. Is it just my imagination?

  A flash of silver passed him. Hijikata whipped his head around and saw him. He's found him.

  "Yoro-"
"Hijikata Toshiro, fouuuund youuu～!"

  "What do you mea—!"

  Gintoki lunged at him before he could finish and swung his sword at him. Hijikata blocked the blow and saw that same demonic face that was present on Gintoki's face that night.

  "Oi, Yorozuya! Why are you doing this?"

  He didn't get a reply but instead another strike, this time being more powerful. Hijikata jumped away to evade it and decided talking was meaningless. Sensing his enemy's sudden change, Gintoki grinned a crazed smile and attacked Hijikata, again and again.

  Hijikata knew he'd lose if they continued fighting, so he's gotta think of something...but what? Seeing his opponent distracted, Gintoki took advantage and slammed his body into Hijikata, blowing him into a crate.

  Before he could have time to recover, Gintoki lunged at him and pierced his sword into his shoulder, forcing out a pained gasp. Gintoki didn't care, though. What he did care for was the scent of blood. The fresh smell, the metallic odour fills his lungs.

But he hasn't had enough. Harbouring the sadistic traits he had naturally possessed, he twists the blade and pushes it in deeper. Hijikata grips the source of pain tightly and kicks Gintoki away.

"Yorozuya! Snap out of it, you idiot!"

His words go ignored again as Gintoki locks in on him, going for another attack. Hijikata couldn't possibly win this fight, but he may be able to make the other take enough damage to make a quick retreat.

Hijikata didn't approve of this method, but he had to. He grabbed out something he thought he'd never use, pepper spray. This was a gift from Kondo-san who persisted so much on him having it that Hijikata just had to accept it. And, for once, he was glad he's accepted it.

Hijikata pulled out the bottle and sprayed it right when Gintoki launched at him. It proved to be extremely effective as Gintoki pulled away screaming and clutching his eyes. Hijikata knew he has no time to waste and beat to a hasty retreat.

  "You can run now, but not forever! And when that time comes for you, I'll be the one to do it...HAHAHAHAHA!"

  Hijikata desperately shut out Gintoki's voice. It was a bad idea to have come out here. He knew, yet he still came. He clenched the fabric above his beating heart. He has already made his decision.

  Gintoki, wait for me. I'll save you...no, us from this horrible, horrible nightmare.