What makes history (Hijikata x OC)

Cowards

Retaliation came hard and fast in the most dishonourable way. This day, I understood why the Captains called Itō a snake. I wondered if any of those suffixes – san or sama – could be twisted around to insult; he'd deserved all of them; - sod would be particularly fitting.

I was nearly naked when they appeared in the bath house – I'd been in the process of getting dressed after a much-needed soak. So far the panties were the only thing I wore. The captain in charge of watching me always remained outside, of course. So it was the best moment to get me, and subdue me to their will. Three men, snickering in the silence. Gaping like a fish, I took a look at the sliding door, only to see Heisuke's feet, unmoving, upon the wooden floor.

Damn! I hoped they had not damaged him too badly. For now, though, I had to think of my own life.

"How dare you," I ground out, soaked hair cascading down my back. I pulled a few strands hastily in front of my breasts – a siren attempt – before they smirked, and advanced upon me. Anger rose within me so suddenly that I exploded, running at the first man with my claws out. Well, nails. My attacker recoiled, surprised by the feral cry that tore out of my throat. Even naked, I was a force to reckon with.

My elbow greeted his face before he could pull his knife. My knee ... his groin. Before he fell to the floor, I was already spinning around to tackle the leg from the second man. He skidded onto the floor with a surprised 'oof', but not without landing a harsh blow to my ribs. I cried out, my breath short.

Unfortunately, the third man had recovered from the initial surprise; he grabbed be from behind. His fat, gross hands slid along naked skin, pinching my thigh. I clawed at his hand in desperation, panic bubbling in my chest at the unwelcome contact. "Let go, I growled," watching the second thug climb to his feet. He leered at me, taking in my naked body with a lustful look.

I should have panicked at the thought, but adrenalin was now flooding my veins. Red... A red veil descended before my eyes, and I lashed out. My head snapped backwards with such force that I broke my attacker's nose. His arms went limp, and I twisted him around with an aikido move, sending him flying into the second attacker. They toppled over each other, and I swooped down on them like a wild animal. I grabbed a face. Cries rose in the bathhouse as my knee collided with it.

I felt, more than I registered, blow and slices upon my skin. I was too far gone to care, too enraged to let it stop me. My elbow greeted his temple; he grabbed my foot, causing me to fall down with a cry. Pain exploded in my elbow. Fuck. Even wounded, they were still bulkier and stronger than me. I should have run ... should have. I clawed my opponent's hand skin raw, painting my nails red. I couldn't even discern if the cries were human or not, they saturated my ears.

A swift kick freed eventually me from my attacker, and I skidded on the tiles in hopes to get away ... only to land, head first, into someone else. I screamed, ready to attack once more but a set of strong arms circled me, warm fingers encasing my wrists.

"Kitsu ! Kitsu !"

That voice... I knew that voice. But my body was in fight or flight mode, and my legs started kicking again. A muffled grunt told me my knee had connected with something.

"Stop struggling damn it, I've got you !"

I froze, blinking out of my murderous haze. What ...?

"You're safe," he said. Then once more, much lower. "You're safe, now."

Stunned, I felt my legs turn to jelly, and my arms wrap around a solid body. I was granted a quick, if awkward embrace before a second set of hurried footsteps echoed on the tiled floor. The man tensed, his head whipping around, sending his long raven ponytail swishing over my head.