What makes history (Hijikata x OC)

Oni

I had been sorry to hear that the kimono I murdered was one of Kondō's wife. The ensuing apology had allowed us to clear the air, and I resumed my duties by his side. When I wasn't conversing or writing for him, I trained with Harada.

His swordsmanship was different than Saitō's, but the man had no cause to blush when it came to skill. Surprisingly, Hijikata sometimes joined us. Perhaps he sought to vent some frustration, or just keep his skills honed. The fact was that he allowed me to train with his captains; I was grateful for it. I learnt how to strike with a bokken, how to parry, watched the commander and Shinpachi cross blades and observed.

To each their own style. And even though Shinpachi was also pretty impressive with a blade, I noticed that Hijikata held back. I never got the guts to duel him, albeit he treated me like one of his captains now. I knew I didn't match his skill, not with a bokken. Many of the moves I'd use with my elvish blade would be awkward with a katana. The hilt, for one, was much longer, allowing for more fantasies in the fighting. I could use my second hand to leverage my elvish blade without losing a finger.

I'd seen Hijikata do it once, but didn't trust myself with a katana. The necklace wouldn't reconstruct a missing finger after all... In the evenings, before the sun set, I trained some more in the courtyard. This time, I used my own blade, and tried the moves I learnt by day to adapt it to the weight and feel of my elvish sword.

I also knew my sword was much sturdier than theirs; it could take a side blow without breaking. The wonders of mithril. This gave me more leeway, more flexibility in my attacks. If I parried hastily to the side, I didn't risk damaging my weapon. They didn't have this luxury; their whole fighting style accounted for those particularities. Sloppiness wasn't an option when you followed the Bushido.

Those were busy days, for I also helped Chizuru with her chores – except for shopping, thank the Valar! I didn't mind helping her clean and cook; being idle suited me ill. This routine built up my stamina, my skills, and kept my mind focused on the present. At night, I danced a bit, then stretched, and hopped into bed when I didn't patrol. Somehow, the Shinsengumi had provided me with food and shelter. But more than that, their philosophy of life was slowly creeping into my mind.

For once, I felt at peace.

I should have known it wouldn't last.

I ignored where the commotion started, but the characteristic noise of gunfire woke me up in a start. By the time I was running outside, Chizuru was nowhere near her room, and Okita laid on the ground, unconscious. I checked his pulse in haste. The captain still breathed, but he was out cold. I couldn't find any wound on his body, and gathered he'd been knocked out. Damn. Where was the girl? Had she run into danger again, at the expense of her own life? That kid had no regard for her safety. Someday, Hijikata would blow a fuse running after her. I wasn't looking forward to it. Despite my feigned nonchalance, the Vice Commander wasn't a man to be trifled with. In other words, he impressed me.

For the moment though, the sound of fighting called me to the gates. More gunfire echoed and I picked up speed. White-haired men lay in a pool of blood, heart pierced, or beheaded. Rasetsu, dead. I winced, but couldn't tarry as I followed the trail of bodies. Where was Saitō when we needed him, uh? In the courtyard, the captains were engaged in a battle with three distinct people. Sanan, hair white, had turned to his fury form but kept being pushed back. I frowned; his opponent seemed faster and stronger than he was.

How was it even possible, given how skilled he was? Given his additional speed and strength due to Ochimizu?

Somewhere, Harada and Shinpachi were struggling with a tall man who held a gun. He fired twice, my heart leapt into my throat. Fortunately, none of the captains fell. Near the fountain, Hijikata was trading harsh words with a blondish guy with a serious hair problem. The man's arrogance, really! Assaulting the Shinsengumi's headquarters was suicidal, at best, especially dressed in a kimono. And with barely three men, against all of us? What did they want?