Love at first sight (Heisuke x OC)

Chapter 49: Reaffrimed beliefs

After resting for a short while, the two of us set off on our way to Osaka Castle. Unluckily for me, the forest paths to the castle were winding and arduous. It took all the energy I had just to stay upright and even then, I still fell down quite a few times. I became exhausted rather quickly and resorted to being carried by Heisuke. Apparently, I was so tired that I lost consciousness before we reached our destination.

When I woke up I was in a futon, covered by a thick blanket. I sat up and looked around the room I was in. Huh, we must've made it to Osaka Castle...I looked out the window in my room to discover that evening was soon approaching. The sunset coloured the light in my room a warm orange. I wonder if minna made it here alright? I got up, changed into something less blood-soaked and exited the room. I guess I should look for the great hall, that's where I'd expect minna to be if they're here.

After wandering around for a good ten minutes, I managed to find the great hall, but it was completely empty. I didn't see anyone while I wandered around either, just where is minna? Worry began to creep up within my mind. They just had to make it! I won't believe they didn't! I know! I'll find Heisuke, he'll be able to tell me who else is here! I turned on my heel and ran out of the hall...straight into the chest of someone. "Be careful Chiyeko"
"Saito-san!?"
"Daijōbu?"
"Gomen, it's just...I haven't seen anyone around yet and my mind was beginning to think the worst...I'm so glad you're okay...!" My voice cracked towards the end as I started to cry. Saito-san's eyes widened briefly before he smiled softly and placed a hand on my shoulder.
"Don't worry, all the other captains and the commander are present and okay"
"R-Right" I smiled as I wiped away my tears.
"It's good to see you're okay too Chiyeko"
"Arigato Saito-san" I briefly squeezed the hand he had on my shoulder out of happiness. "So, minna's okay?" Saito-san's expression fell as he brought his hand back down to his side.
"Well...It is difficult to say for certain at this time. Especially in the case of Yamazaki. He was badly wounded during the battle and is in critical condition"
"Oh...I hope he'll be okay..."
"Hai...Luckily, the chief and Souji were not involved so they were out of harm's way, but..."
"But nani?"
"...Souji does not seem to be improving with his illness"
"Oh no..." First Yamazaki, now Souji...? This is terrible...! Saito-san looked down with an unreadable expression, but within his eyes I saw sadness. He wanted to share something, but was struggling to get the words out. It was clear that whatever he wanted to share was going to be much worse than any of the news he had departed thus far. "Something else happened didn't it?"
"...Hai"
"What is it Saito-san?"
"Gen-san...In the battle he lost his life..."
"Iie...Inoue-san..." It broke my heart to think that I would never see his warm smile or hear his peaceful voice ever again. To think that he was cruelly taken from us by the Satsuma soldiers filled me with rage. I didn't talk to Inoue-san as much as I would have liked, but when I did he always managed to impart helpful advice with a smile...I clenched my fists tightly to stop myself from crying again.
"Do not worry, Gen-san will be avenged. As will all the comrades we lost in the battle"
"...Right" I took a deep breath to calm myself before looking back up at Saito-san. "So, what's our next move?"
"Once enough warriors return to us, we are to depart for Edo. I'd take advantage of the time we have now to rest and recuperate"
"Got it" After everything I'd heard from Saito-san, I suddenly felt a strong need to be with Heisuke. "Hey Saito-san, have you seen Heisuke around?"
"Heisuke? I believe I saw him outside earlier, he was alone"
"Outside, are you sure?" He nodded. But the sun's still out, what on Earth is he doing!? "Um, I'm worried about Heisuke and want to check up on him, but I'm afraid I'll get lost in a building this large"
"Come. I'll show you to the entrance" He was already walking off before he finished his sentence. I caught up with him and followed him down multiple turns, corridors and stairs. By the looks of things I would've gotten helplessly lost if I went on my own. To be honest, I'm lucky I even found the great hall. A few more minutes of following Saito-san and we had made it to the entrance.
"Arigato gozimasu Saito-san!" I began to bow, but he stopped me saying it wasn't necessary before leaving. Ever since Heisuke became a fury, his mood often wavered. He would be happy one minute, then angry the next. Even I was subject to his extreme mood swings which did nothing, but add onto the worry I was feeling for my other half. I should find him quickly, I don't want him to be left alone...