Love at first sight (Heisuke x OC)

Chapter 53: Trapped

{The Shinsengumi had been renamed the Kouyou Regulatory Company in an attempt to disguise ourselves from the Imperial Army. We were then sent to secure the area surrounding Koufu Castle. Kondou had also returned, along with new orders after his long absence.

While everyone geared up for the expedition to Koufu, the Fury Corps was ordered to remain in Edo as their recent actions had garnered some scrutiny. For many warriors, this expedition was their first-ever opportunity to gain merit on the battlefield.

However, for some of the veterans, this order only reminded them of the truth: that war was ugly and each expedition brought the threat of losing more allies. This was the first time the Kouyou Regulatory Company members had seen a large-scale battle since the Battle of Toba-Fushimi. A fact that filled me with great anxiety.}

One night, Hijikata-san called for Heisuke and myself. He looked slightly more haggard and more stern than usual. "It's gonna be rough for Kondou-san, but this's a battle we won't win. Honestly, the campaign's starting to look like a lost cause" He sighed.
"Na-Nani, lost cause...?! How do you know the outcome of a battle that hasn't even started yet?!" Hijikata-san's words shocked me to say the least.
"If Hijikata-san thinks so then he's probably right"
"But...!"
"Calm down Chiyeko. No matter the odds, victory's never assured. So think of it as if he means that we should prepare for the worst, just in case things don't go to plan"
"You're right...Gomen, that just came out as a bit of a shock" I bowed my head.
"I'd imagine so, but it's true. As of now, if we can fortify the castle before the Imperials arrive then we stand a pretty good chance"
"I sense a "but" coming"
"But anything goes out on the battlefield. Don't wanna let anything come and bite us in the ass out there"
"If you think all this then why haven't you told Kondou-sama?"
"Kondou-san wasn't at Toba-Fushimi so he still thinks we can win if we get close, regardless of how powerful their guns are, but it's...not that easy, as you two know" Kondou-sama's courage and-if we were to be honest-recklessness had inspired the Shinsengumi in the past, but this was different. This enemy was unlike any we'd fought before. For a moment, my mind flashbacked to the grim Battle of Toba-Fushimi. The air had been thick with bullets, little pieces of shaped metal that could end your life in an instant if they hit the right place. I involuntarily shivered. At the time, I wasn't afraid because of adrenaline, but looking back...Let's just say, I'm thankful we survived.
"Pardon my language, but...If you already know you're gonna lose then why the fuck are you going?!"
"If we want to raise our stature then we gotta start winning battles. Big ones. At the rate the shogunate's going, they're a sinking ship whether or not they put up a fight"
"Huh, you make a lot of sense" Heisuke agreed with a downcast expression.
"Plus, you know Kondou-san. You really think he'd back down from a fight? Iie. So, If we're gonna go down with this sinking ship then you can bet your ass I'll be looking out for my men and keeping the casualties to a minimum" I seem to know a lot of stubborn people, don't I? "Which is why you're here. I want you two to start the preparations for our contingency plan. Work with Doctor Matsumoto and gather up all the guns and ammunition you can get your hands on. Can I trust the two of you to get that done?"
"Yeah, sure thing" Heisuke smiled. "Man Hijikata-san. Always gotta be two steps ahead, don't you?" He does have a point. Ever since our defeat at Toba-Fushimi, Hijikata-san has gained a wiser head and a greater sense of cunning. He never appears too optimistic nor too pessimistic. It appeared that the bitter memory of Toba-Fushimi was enough to keep him on his toes and that was reflected in his leadership. Although, there was one thing on my mind about the upcoming battle that I just had to have answered. After a short pause, I asked Hijikata-san what was on my mind;
"Um...Hijikata-san? Not to sound rude or anything, but why do you want me to stay here? As a member of the Kouyou Regulatory Company aren't I supposed to fight?"
"You're getting a special pardon from the upcoming battle. Like I said, I'm hesitant to call it a sure bet, but the situations not looking too great. Then again, who's to say this place'll be any safer for you?"
"Hey, c'mon. I'm gonna be here with a bunch of the other guys. You think we aren't strong enough to protect her? That it? That's messed up!" Heisuke began to anger, but Hijikata-san just shook his head as his frown deepened in response.
"Hey, watch it. I'm not doubting you or your abilities Heisuke, you're plenty fine. It's just, well...Lately, there's been a string of murders going around Edo. I took a gander out there at one of the crime scenes and...Sheesh, it was pretty fucked up. The body was hacked up so bad we couldn't even identify it"
"I've definitely heard the rumours about that..." The killer doesn't seem to care who his victims are. Men or women, old or young, he'll kill anyone...He makes me sick. But why bring that up? I'm pretty sure that a killer won't try to attack our headquarters.
"Doesn't that alarm you? Didn't we get wind of similar reports back in Kyoto?"
"Oh shit...are you talking about Sanan-san...?" Heisuke tentatively suggested.
"Yeah. It's a little too close for comfort, but I've got no proof"
"I get what you mean..." From what Heisuke told me when we were travelling to Osaka Castle, I'd have to say that these Edo killings sounded very similar to the ones committed by Sanan in Kyoto. "In Kyoto, he killed outlaw ronin. But now, ordinary civilians are being murdered...Do you really think Sanan-san could...kill...innocent people?" I asked Hijikata-san to gauge his reaction.
"I already told you. I've got no proof so I'm not saying anything yet. However, we should be prepared for the worst...And you sure as hell better keep your mouth shut about what we've talked about right now"
"That goes without saying"
"Heisuke, while we're gone make sure to keep an eye on Sanan-san for me. Don't let him out of your sight...While you're at it, keep Chiyeko safe. Clear?"
"Yes, sir...Clear"
"You're dismissed" We both bowed before leaving the common room. When I was sure Hijikata-san was out of earshot;
"I'm not a child, I can keep myself safe...!" I pouted.
"It's just Hijikata-san's way of showing that he cares about you" Heisuke chuckled.
"It's nice that he cares, but he doesn't have to treat me like a helpless child"
"You can't win 'em all Chiyeko"
"Whatever..."