Love at first sight (Heisuke x OC)

Chapter 29: "Demon or not, you're still you"

I've decided to change to weekly updates instead of daily since I don't want to run through the story so quickly. 😅

Plus, changing to weekly updates allows me to work on the chapters and perfect them to a standard I can accept.

Sorry for making you guys wait and I hope you understand. And I know this chapter is late, blame life getting in the way for that.

Now on with the story!

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October 1866

I was outside in the courtyard, sitting on a stone bench and enjoying the soothing combination of the sunlight and cool breeze. It's days like this that make you miss summer. I sat with my eyes closed and my face turned to the sky. It's nice to get some relaxation time every once in a while. "...I can't believe you actually joined the Shinsengumi"
"Nani?!" The cold, bemused voice had come from behind me. I quickly jumped off the bench and took a few steps away from it before turning around. Although, I already knew who the voice belonged to before I had even moved.
"You have the pure blood of a demon running in your veins and yet you have chosen to join and help a rabble of ningens?" Kazama's tone was harsh, but his eyes were not as cold as they had been on the night he threatened to kill me.
"Why are you here Kazama?! I already told you, I don't know who you are!" I stepped into a defensive stance as Aka Tatsu was currently sitting by my desk in my room. What should I do?! I can't fight without a weapon and I definitely can't face him alone without a weapon!
"Calm down. I haven't come here to fight. Not today, at least. I only want to know what, if anything, you have to do with Kodo" Kodo? Wasn't he the guy who created the Water of Life?
"And why should I tell you anything?"
"Losing your memories seems to have made you lose some common sense too" I knew he had just insulted me, but what he said before the insult stood out to me.
"How do you know I lost my memories? I never told you"
"Your brain really isn't what it used to be...It's fairly obvious how I know about your memory loss"
"Stop insulting me and get to the point"
"You are supposed to know me, but you don't. Therefore, you're obviously suffering from amnesia"
"I guess it was fairly obvious..." I muttered under my breath. "Fine. I'll tell you about Kodo, if you answer a question of mine in return"
"We'll see"
"Yukimura Kodo...The only things I know about him are that he's a doctor, he created the Water of Life and he's since gone missing"
"I see. Then what is your question?"
"Why do we look so alike? Who are you?"
"I am Kazama Chikage, head demon of the Kazama clan"
"You didn't-"
"I only agreed to answer one question and you asked two. You didn't specify which one you wanted answered"
"I thought it'd be "fairly obvious" which one I wanted answered, but I guess not. Seems you're not as smart as you look either"
"I see your bravado hasn't changed" For a second, a soft smile played on his lips. Then his face returned to its usual cold look. It happened so quickly I wasn't sure if I had actually seen him smile or if it had been a trick of the mind.
"What do you mean by that? How do you know me?!"
"It appears we have company"
"Nani?"
"Trying to sneak into the enemy camp alone huh? Well, not on my watch"
"Hijikata-san?!" He placed himself between Kazama and my unarmed self, settling into a loose fighting stance as he did so.
"What're you doin' out here in broad daylight? Because I hope you don't think we're gonna let ya hurt our nakama here" Harada said with a smirk.
"Get away from her!" Heisuke-kun shouted.
"Heisuke-kun, Harada!"
"You alright Chiyeko-chan? Are you hurt?" Heisuke-kun quickly ran to my side and began checking me over.
"I-I'm fine Heisuke-kun. He didn't hurt me"
"That's a relief..." Heisuke-kun let out a breath.
"The Mibu wolves can only fight in a pack, eh?" Kazama's condescending voice brought all our attention back to him.
"Watch it" Hijikata-san warned. I could feel the tension building around us. Surprisingly, Kazama was the one who attempted to cut through it.
"If you wish to play then I'm happy to oblige, but I'm here today simply to take care of some business" His face then turned deadly serious. "More specifically, to issue a warning. Stop trying to turn ningens into demons"
"...Nani?" Ningens into demons...? Could he be referring to the Water of Life?
"Not your business" Hijikata-san quickly shot back.
"Yeah, what makes you think we're gonna listen to a sleazebag who'd attack a girl in broad daylight?" Harada added to support Hijikata-san.
"Idiots. Are you too blind to see I'm doing you a favour?" He says he's trying to "do a favour" for the Shinsengumi, but his expression certainly doesn't convey that.
"This is our turf! You better shut your trap before we do it for you!" Heisuke-kun yelled threateningly.
"Hmph. The smaller the dog, the louder the bark" I could see that that comment had really gotten to Heisuke-kun. Kazama suddenly looked away from the captains, as if he was suddenly uninterested in them, and pinned me with his cold gaze. "I've found that with most amnesia cases, the memories return on their own"
"Nani...?"
"Stop trying to look for answers and forcing yourself to try and remember something. It's not helping you" Then he turned his back to us and walked away. No one went after him and no one talked until he was out sight. What is happening...? What are demons and why has a specific one got a strange connection with me? And if he is connected to me somehow then what exactly does he know about my past? The inside of my head was a swirling mass of unanswered questions. Who are these men who call themselves "demons"? I decided to ask for the guys input;
"Kazama called himself a 'demon', what do you think he meant by that?" I asked to the group. Hijikata-san crossed his arms with a dark expression on his face.
"After fighting him, I can say he sure as hell isn't human. Not by a long shot. That guy's as skinny as a rail, but he can hit like an ox. Yeah, I'd say 'demon' is a pretty good way to describe him" Kazama and his companions clearly had strength and skill far beyond that of most men. Maybe they are 'demons' after all.
"Well hell, if Hijikata-san thinks he's a demon, then he's gotta be a demon"
"Yup. He's the Shinsengumi's Demon, after all" Heisuke-kun stated with a mischievous smile.
"Shut it you two! This is serious!" Their playful argument caused me to let out a quiet giggle. Even when faced with enemies of great strength, they act just like they've always done. It's quite reassuring actually. "I think it's time to go back to work you two" Hijikata-san ordered causing both men to sigh and reluctantly agree;
"Fine, fine" Harada sighed.
"Whoa! Time sure flies when you're having fun, eh?" Heisuke-kun seemed to be surprised that we had been talking for quite some time now. "Will you be okay out here here by yourself Chiyeko-chan?"
"I'll get Aka Tatsu so I'm prepared if anyone else decides to show up, so you don't have to worry. I'll be fine" I smiled to convince Heisuke-kun.
"Well, okay...Don't hesitate to call for one of us if anything happens, alright?"
"If I need help then I'll call for you Heisuke-kun, now stop worrying and go back to work" He nodded and with that, the three of them left, leaving me alone in the courtyard again. I looked up at the sky to see the sun was already far to the west. Just what does my past hold and how is Kazama connected to it?
"Cheer up Chiyeko!" Harada gave me a friendly clap on the shoulder before jogging to catch up with the others. Amazingly, Harada's touch caused my heart to feel a little lighter and my mind to feel a little less troubled. I'm glad Harada's my nakama. I smiled happily.
"Arigato gozimasu Harada!" I called out to his back. He waved a hand to show he had heard me before he disappeared into the compound.