And no, I have not forgotten my reviews shout out...but since I am still receiving them...I will place my thanks at the end of the chapter this time....well...
ON TO THE STORY!!!
Disclaimer: I do not now, nor will I ever own Rurouni Kenshin or
any of it's characters.
Chapter Four: A Kick and a Smile
Planet Areth
Kaoru stared at Battousai, the fear showing in her eyes. She immediately put a protective hand on her swollen stomach. Battousai's awestruck face turned stoic.
"How long?" Battousai asked in the calmest manner he could.
Kaoru just stared at him. She wasn't able to breathe, let alone speak. Battousai shifted his weight in annoyance and frustration. "I asked how long!" he grumbled out menacingly.
"Uh...I'm not exactly sure of the date...I imagine it to be around 6 months or so," Kaoru stuttered out her reply.
She just stared at Battousai for his reaction. She was almost certain that he was going to go into an angry rampage and try and rid himself of her...and her baby. But as she stared at him, she saw a look of what seemed to be realization flit across his eyes before disappearing behind a mask of indifference. Battousai abruptly turned and exited the room. She heard the familiar click of the door as the lock was slid into place. What is going to happen now? What is going to happen to my child? A million thoughts whirled through Kaoru's mind. She was beyond scared...but she just could not bring herself to be scared for herself. She was scared for her child. She placed a comforting hand on her swollen abdomen and began massaging it. The baby within kicked in reply to the feeling of its mother's touch. Kaoru got up from where she had been frozen and climbed into her bed. As she lay on her side, she closed her eyes and began to pray, pray that God would watch over the life of her child, and not let any harm come to them. Little did she know, God had heard her prayer and was already working on the heart of the mighty Battousai.
Planet Earth
Kenshin paced back and forth through his kitchen. He couldn't sleep. Visions of Kaoru in danger haunted his dreams...his very existence. He hadn't slept much since his Kaoru had disappeared into the night. He walked over to the lone window in the room. Placing his hands on the counter for support, he stared out into the vast darkness. Tears cascaded down his cheeks as he hung his head in defeat. Kaoru was gone...and he couldn't do anything to get her back for the time being.
"Why Kaoru? Why did you run away from me?" Kenshin whispered into the night. He looked up once more, staring out into the night. "Please Kaoru...come back to me..." he pleaded.
He shut his eyes tightly and was instantly bombarded with the haunting visions. Kaoru, his lovely bride, was in so much pain. He could do nothing for her. And then suddenly, he just saw her face before him. She was smiling and laughing. She whispered his name and giggled in a girlish manner. He was laughing with her...then he turned away. He felt a heaviness upon his shoulders and sighed. He felt her presence come up behind him and he heard her comforting voice. She put a hand on his shoulder...
Kenshin snapped himself out of his vision. How he wished it would have all been that easy. That his life could just flash from the cruel reality he was experiencing to the happy, joyful time. Kenshin sighed. He then felt a hand on his shoulder and a soft voice calling his name. He reached his hand up and placed it over the small dainty hand on his shoulder. "Kaoru..." he whispered.
He turned around slowly, gazing at the girl before him. His mind still swam with the visions of his Kaoru...and then there was this girl...the spitting image of the woman he was so in love with. And then, he was leaning down ever so slowly...it was as if he was no longer in control of himself. His emotions were running him, and all he knew was that he loved Kaoru, and his eyes were telling him that she was right there. She was so close, and before he knew it, he was kissing her.
Kaoru didn't know what to do, or to think when she had found Kenshin. Something just told her to go to him. But when he turned and looked at her, she saw such longing in his eyes...such love. Just once in her life, she wanted someone to look at her like that. But no one ever did. No one had ever wanted her. Her mother and father threw her out on the streets when she was 6 years old because they didn't want her and couldn't afford to feed her. Two years later the Battousai found her wandering the woods alone and kidnapped her, turning her into his whore and his slave. But what could she do??? An eight year old girl could do nothing to stop a man of his stature. No one even missed her...if he had killed her, no one would have known any better. After putting up with all the crap Battousai had put her through the past 11 years...to see Kenshin staring at her the way he was, melted the very core of her being.
So when he leaned down and she felt his warm, soft lips touching hers...she gave in. She reached her arms around his neck and allowed him to deepen the kiss. As their tongues battled each other for dominance, Kaoru's was fighting an inner battle between heart and mind. Her mind was telling her that Kenshin was not really kissing her...but kissing what he thought to be his Kaoru. Her heart fought right back, telling herself that she deserved to be loved...that she could be his Kaoru.
She pushed her thoughts aside as she felt herself being lifted off of the ground. Kenshin was making his ways to the stairs. Kenshin kissed her all the while as he walked up the stairs and into the master suite. He laid her gently on the bed and began removing his clothes. As Kaoru stared into the eyes of Kenshin, she knew this was a mistake. She could see the longing and love filling his gaze...the gaze he directed at her. But the way his eyes were glossed over just told her that he was not really thinking clearly. Wait a second, let's think about this. Can't I just pretend? I have never been able to make love to a man...really make love. I've only been raped and abused. I've never had a man look at me with such love in his eyes, such wanting. Yes, I love Battousai, even after all he's done to me, but all my life I have been praying for him to be a different man. A man just like Kenshin. So is God finally answering my prayer? Is this his way of answering my plea for Battousai to change? By giving me a man who can take his place? Just once...I want to be loved like I know I deserve...just once is all I ask. Kaoru stood up and began disrobing before Kenshin could snap out of his trance and realize what he was doing...and before her mind could jump into her inner ramblings and make her feel guilty. So she climbed back in the bed and was elated when Kenshin climbed atop her and began to kiss her as he had before. She held onto the moment like it was her lifeline.
Planet Areth
Battousai was deep in thought as he walked through the woods and into the town's village a few miles away. When Kaoru had said she was around 6 months along, realization sunk in. That has been what was happening to him. The reason he hadn't been able to hit her, to have his way with her...subconsciously, he must have known about the child. He couldn't hit her as much as normal because he was unknowingly protecting his offspring, and he hadn't had his way with her, because a beating always went with it...
As Battousai walked and thought about the little child he had created, the ice began to chip away from his heart. Suddenly, he was just thinking of ways to protect this woman and their child. His brow furrowed at the sudden and strange thoughts. He shook them off with a chuckle. No one could change that quickly. Why would he all of a sudden care for this woman? It just didn't make sense to him. He didn't care...nope, he didn't care at all. Well, then why are you going to the village? You know you are seeking her out... Battousai stopped in his tracks at that revelation. Why was he going to the village? He hadn't really consciously known what he was doing, but as he glanced up, he realized his conscience was right. He shrugged it off and stepped through the door before him. His eyes sought out a young woman with long black hair...she looked exactly as he remembered her. He waited somewhat impatiently for the woman to finish tending to some young man. The woman had just finished dressing what appeared to be an infected wound and had handed the young man some ointment before turning around and facing Battousai. When her black eyes met his amber ones, she immediately became timid, almost frightened.
"What are you doing here? If you're here to take me back, you can forget it. I won't go back...I won't," the woman said softly.
"Like I want you back? Don't think so highly of yourself, Megumi. Once I found Kaoru, you no longer could please me. But know this, you are coming with me for the time being...you have no choice in the matter," Battousai said harshly, grabbing her wrist and dragging her out of the office.
Megumi put up no struggle, she knew what Battousai's temper was like. She just allowed herself to be pulled back to the small cottage she had escaped so long ago. Kaoru was a God-send for her. When Battousai brought that young girl home from the woods...she immediately began taking her place. Sooner than she knew, Megumi was allowed to go free. She met Dr. Gensai and he began to train her to be a doctor. Once Dr. Ginsai passed away, she took the clinic and ran it herself. When she realized they only had a little further to walk before they would be to Battousai's home, Megumi decided to speak up.
"Why are you bringing me there? And when will I be allowed to return to my clinic, I have patients you know!" Megumi complained.
Battousai just stared ahead as he answered coldly, "You can return just as soon as I show you something. I'm going to need your help on this....and you will give it, mind you! It's not a request that you help me...it's an order." Battousai turned an icy glare on her. She nodded her head meekly. She knew it was of no use to try and argue with Battousai. When they finally reached the small cottage, Battousai led Megumi to the room that she and Kaoru had once shared. She shivered at the memories she had just by seeing that room. She waited patiently as Battousai slid the lock and opened the door.
Planet Earth
Kenshin sat on the bed in the guest room, holding his head in his hands. Tears cascaded freely down his cheeks. He hadn't realized what had happened until he had woken up the next morning. He and Kaoru were both still nude and were embracing one another. He sobbed as he realized he had consummated the marriage that he had never even wanted. He stood up and walked to the window in the room and looked out. How could I do that to Kaoru...how can I ever face her? Now there is another thing added to the list of things I must ask Kaoru to forgive me for. Oh Kaoru, I'm so sorry. I thought it was you...I was praying that last night, you were the one I was making love to. Kenshin sighed deeply as he let his forehead touch the cool glass of the window. His back stiffened as he felt the presence of another in the room.
"Kenshin, can we talk?" Kaoru asked softly.
He turned around slowly. Kaoru stood before him, clutching a bathrobe to herself. Her wet hair was braided sloppily and was slung across her shoulder, dangling down her chest. Her eyes were swollen and red from crying. She looked so remorseful, so regretful. Kenshin softened his stance and nodded to the bed. She took a seat at the foot of the bed, while he remained standing at the window. He leaned up against the wall and nodded to her again, signaling her to speak.
"Kenshin, I'm so sorry. Last night was all my fault," Kaoru said apologetically.
Kenshin held up his hand to stop her. "Please don't apologize Miss Kaoru. It wasn't your fault at all. It was entirely my fault. I'm sorry, I had been thinking about Kaoru and-"
"That's just it Kenshin!" Kaoru said cutting him off. Kenshin looked at her confused and she hurried to explain. "You see, last night...you just looked at me so lovingly. It was like you really wanted me...but I knew...I knew you weren't thinking clearly. I saw the way your eyes were glazed over. I knew you were thinking of her. But just once, I wanted someone to look at me that way...I wanted to feel loved, truly loved. So I took advantage of the situation. I'm so sorry Kenshin, please forgive me..." Kaoru said pleading.
She had watched Kenshin's facial features go from soft to hard during her whole explanation. His eyes began flecking with bits of gold. She knew that he was angry. He didn't even give her a second glance as he walked right past her out of the room. He slammed the door shut behind him. Kaoru threw herself down on the mattress and began sobbing. She had ruined all chances of a decent friendship with this man. She just hoped in time he would forgive her.
Kenshin stormed into the barn and immediately began hitching the team. He needed to get away from the house for awhile. Get away from Miss Kaoru, before he did something he would regret. Like slap her across the room. He couldn't believe how conniving she was. She had tricked his Kaoru into stepping through a portal leading her to all kinds of danger...possible death. And then, in his weakest moment, she had taken advantage of his state and slept with him...allowing him to think she was his Kaoru. He could not trust this woman! Who knows if she had even been telling the truth about the portal. He decided he needed to see for himself. He jumped into the wagon and whipped the reins. The horses bolted down the path leading away from his home, and to the woods where he had lost Kaoru.
He heard thunder as he drove and knew it would be raining soon. He glanced at the clouds overhead. They looked dark and angry. Suddenly, the heaven's opened up and cried. The rain matched his mood perfectly. Even as the rain pounded on his back and stung his face from its brutal assault, he pressed on. Once he reached the edge of the woods, he jumped from the wagon seat and tied the reins over a low hanging branch.
He ran through the woods toward the two stones Miss Kaoru had told him of. He stopped as he found them. He was amazed by the intricate design that was covering the two large slabs of stone. He had never seen such a beautiful design. He prayed that these stones would work...just one more time. That these stones would take him to his Kaoru. He so badly wanted to bring her home with him. To rescue her from this Battousai. Kenshin took a deep breath and braced himself as he stepped between the stones. Suddenly he saw a bright, white light flash right before him. His skin began to tingle and was burning with heat radiating from his very core. Then, everything went black...
Planet Areth
Kaoru sat up quickly as she heard the click of the door unlocking. She quickly backed herself up as far as she could on the bed. She wrapped her arms across her abdomen, bracing herself for whatever Battousai might try to rid himself of the child. When the door opened, she was confused to find, not Battousai, but a young woman just a few years older than herself. She didn't know if she should trust the woman or not. She looked kind enough...then she saw Battousai. He came in right after the young woman and shut the door, leaning against it.
Kaoru looked at the two suspiciously. Battousai glared at Kaoru, "Stop hiding that...show her," he grumbled.
Megumi turned to Battousai, "What's wrong with her? She's acting as if she doesn't remember me..."
Battousai kept staring at Kaoru as he answered Megumi. "That's because she doesn't. This is not the Kaoru you know. But that is none of your concern....look at the girl," Battousai said, suddenly turning his gaze to Megumi. Megumi complied and looked over at Kaoru. She immediately noticed why Battousai had seemed so concerned.
Megumi walked over to where Kaoru was seated on the bed. She took a seat next to her. Kaoru looked at Megumi and put a protective hand over her abdomen. "What do you want?" Kaoru asked softly.
Megumi just smiled at the girl. "Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you. I'm a doctor...I'm hear to help. I need to figure out how far along you are. Would you mind if I checked you?" Megumi asked gently.
Kaoru still didn't look to sure about it. "How do I know that he didn't bring you here just to abort my baby?" Kaoru accused. She heard Battousai growl and looked his way.
Battousai was outraged at the accusation. "Kaoru, shut up! And don't you dare say anything like that again...that brat is mine too!" He then turned on his heel and left, slamming the door behind him. Both Kaoru and Megumi looked at one another as they heard the familiar click of the door.
Kaoru was so confused. First off, Battousai never called her Kaoru...he always called her a wench. Secondly, this so called doctor woman was supposedly here to help her. Why would Battousai bring home some woman to help her along in her pregnancy? It made no sense to her. Why did he care? Did he honestly care about this baby?
"So...how is the baby doing? Moving around regularly?" Megumi asked, attempting to ease the tension in the room.
Kaoru nodded. "She's kicking up a storm," Kaoru smiled softly. Megumi raised a brow, "She, eh?"
Both girls chuckled. Megumi looked sympathetically at Kaoru. She laid a hand on Kaoru's arm. "I know what you are going through. Believe me. Before he had Kaoru...I had her place," Megumi looked down in shame at the remembrance of what her words implied. Megumi looked up after a moment. "You seem to be changing him though...he doesn't seem to be as hateful as he always was with me. I admire what you are doing. You seem to be so strong, the way you are protecting your child...Kaoru, I promise...I won't do anything to endanger that child. But the way you are holding out...please, at least let me check you. I want to make sure things are going okay with the baby. By how big you are, I'd say you were around 5 or 6 months. Am I close?" Megumi asked.
"Yes, by my estimates, I think I'm around 6 months. The baby is kicking up a storm. She's going to be a strong one," Kaoru smiled.
"Just like her mom, huh?" Megumi grinned. She had Kaoru lay back on the bed and she checked her cervix. She wasn't dialated at all which was a very good sign. With as much stress and physical abuse as Kaoru was put through, Megumi was afraid Kaoru may end up going into preterm labor. Megumi did notice several vaginal lacerations and tears though from all of the abuse she had suffered at the hands of Battousai. Megumi pitied the girl and immediately made up her mind to help her as much as she could. Megumi then took Kaoru's vitals. Kaoru seemed to be doing just fine and was in great shape. She told Kaoru she would make sure to come by often to check on her and the baby. Then she walked to the door and gave two light knocks.
Battousai opened the door and led Megumi into the small kitchen. They sat down at the table and Megumi explained to him that everything was doing great. She told him that he needed to make sure she got plenty of vitamins and plenty of protein. She also suggested he stop hitting her. She told him that it wasn't good for the baby and it needed to end. She got a sharp glare in reply and immediately shut her mouth. She stood up and stretched. Battousai just glared at her.
"Well, may I leave now? I have some things I need to finish up at the clinic before I can get home," Megumi said. She was quite annoyed that he had kept her so long.
He just grunted his approval and Megumi took her leave. Battousai stood up and walked back to Kaoru's room. He slid open the lock and walked into the room. Kaoru was lying on her back looking up at the ceiling. She didn't even acknowledge his presence in the room. He walked over and stood above her. She didn't glance his way, for she was afraid what he might do. She was afraid, he would decide to punish her or beat her...like he had so often done before. She just wrapped her arms across her abdomen. What he said next surprised her enough to glance his way.
"Can I feel it kick?" Battousai asked gruffly and somewhat in an embarrassed manner.
Kaoru just stared at him. She didn't know whether he was serious or not. But as she looked into those golden eyes, she saw sincerity. She sat up on the bed and glanced at him. She was still deciding whether or not she should trust him.
"It's my baby! I have a right you know!" Battousai demanded, getting annoyed at her procrastination.
Kaoru chuckled within herself at the way he was whining, but she didn't let it show on the outside. She tentatively reached out and grabbed his hand. Battousai was annoyed at first with her grabbing him but relented and allowed her to pull him to sit next to her on the bed. She then placed his hand on her abdomen. The baby rewarded him with a hearty kick and his eyes opened wide in fascination. Kaoru let go of his hand as she realized she still had hers covering his. Battousai just looked into her eyes. He saw the small bit of fear show up. She was still scared of him, as she had every right to be. And for some reason...this time, her look of fear troubled him. So instead, he looked back down at where his hand was placed. When he once again felt his child kick, Battousai did something he hadn't done since he was a small child himself...he smiled.
Well, what did we think of that chapter? What do you think is going on with Kenshin? What about the slight softening of Battousai? What are your guesses on the gender of Kaoru's baby? I'm dying to know what ya'll think. About as much as I'm sure you are all dying for an update. So I'll make you a deal. You tell me what you think...I'll update ^_~ Well, again I want to thank everyone who gave me such awesome reviews. I still only have 19 so no one has reviewed since I started writing this chapter....which has been about 3 hours or so ago. So here come the special thanks:
The Girl Who Cried Oro: I'm glad that the last chapter was
satisfying...I hope that this one was as well. And by now, I know you've caught
on to the ending of the last chapter. Thanks for your reviews!
Tsugoi
Kakarlena: Well, hopefully this update was soon enough for you. It was a lot
sooner than I expected to write it.
Nanakilover/Brukaoru: Yep, she is
:) I thought that might add an interesting twist. What do you think this will do
now to affect what happens when the ten years are over? What do you think
Kenshin will say? (Those questions to all reviewers)
AmoAnime: I plan
on continuing. I'm glad you like the story ^_^
Shojin Takaru: So now
that you know the reaction of Battousai to Kaoru's pregnancy, what did you
think? Don't get me wrong...Battousai will not all of a sudden go
soft...otherwise he wouldn't be worthy of being called the Battousai. But he is
beginning to soften.
ParanoidNovice: Yes, the pairings are rather
difficult to say. So I guess for right now you can just think of it as K/K and
B/K ^_~ I'm glad to know you are hooked...hopefully I have kept you that way in
this last chapter.
aglaia102: What did you think of it? Was this
chapter worth the two day wait? Do you think it could have been
better?
Oyuki: How did you like this chapter? I will write again
soon.
seashell: I'm glad you love the story...and I'm glad you have
made up your mind to read mine. I look forward to your reviews in the future.
^_^
Angie: Hopefully this chapter allowed you to get some words out.
lol. It's comforting to know that my writing leaves ya speechless. lol. Thanks
for your review. I look forward to your future ones as well.
marstanuki:
Well what did you think of the chapter? Was it adequate? I hope
so!
ChibiBattousai: Thanks so much for your enthusiasm. And thanks for
stating you'd add my story to your favorites. If you do, hopefully I will get
more reviewers. I tend to read stories I find under people's favorites list. In
fact, it was by your favorite's list, that I got hooked to that story Steam.
Thanks for the great compliments. I look forward to your future reviews.
=)
Koishii Sweet: Pregnant it is...though by now I am sure you've
figured that out ^_~. I'm happy to know you think my story is worthy of being
called great. I look forward to future reviews.
battousia-crazy64: I
updated as soon as I can. Now you just have to worry about getting me to update
the next chapter. =)
Black Rose73: Thank you for your kind words. I
certainly hope it ends up being a fabulous story. I would love to have a story
that rivals against the greatest stories out there. I just hope I keep getting
great reviews. The 19 reviews I received for the last chapter pleased me
immensely. Though I'm sure there are other's out there that read the story...and
just don't review -_-. Well, thanks again for the
review!
misskittikarei: All I can do is... *grins slyly* think of
better chapters and better cliffhangers to keep you hooked on the story. And of
course...i will keep updating.
oni-chan: I would love to answer those
questions for you...but that is part of the appeal of the story. You'll
unfortunately have to wait it out and keep reading. If I told you now what would
happen...it wouldn't make the story as fun. So just stick with it and keep
reading (and reviewing ^_~ ).
Lady Senie: Well, I am very pleased
that you stumbled onto my story. Yes, it is rather complex isn't it? Hopefully
it's not too complex that my readers have too hard a time understanding what is
going on. It all makes sense to me but that is because I'm the author and I can
see what is happening in my mind. This chapter gave a lot more insight into
planet Areth. Hopefully that wasn't disappointing but I just had to have it that
way. What did you think of the chapter?
random reader: Thank you so
much for your review. It means more than you could probably ever know. Just to
know that a random reader took the time to review the story pleased me so much.
Now if only I can get the rest of the unknown readers to step forth and
review...I'd be overjoyed. Hopefully I will continue to receive reviews from you
and other random readers as the story goes. I look forward to it.
Well thank you all again for the great reviews, and hopefully I'll cya all again soon!!!