Very, Very Special Thanks:
The Girl Who Cried Oro: Is Battousai developing feelings for our Earth
Kaoru? You seem to think so, and he just may be...question is...will he be
humble enough to show it, or will his pride get in the way? As for Megumi, Sano,
and Yahiko...you'll just have to wait and see. ^_~
marstanuki: Yes, it
was a fast update. When I get reviewed like crazy, it's very inspiring. =) I'm
glad you have thus enjoyed every chapter. Hopefully you will continue to.
=)
Shojin Takaru: I'm glad that smile touched you so much. That is the
part that makes this one of my favorite chapters to have written. An ordinary
person just opening up and smiling may not be a very big deal any other time,
but the fact that this was Battousai...it says a lot about the way he is
changing. What you said about Kenshin...never had any intention. You'll see what
I mean very close into this chapter.
Special Thanks:
AmoAnime: I'm really glad you like the forth chapter. I will keep it
up...providing you keep reviewing...I will keep writing. The more reviews I get,
the more it inspires me to continue. You want me to email you
with updates....Email me at Videl621@yahoo.com with the subject as Captive
Hearts Mailing List
Riokai Guardian of the Night: Yeah, I
attempt to put regular twists into the story. I'm glad you like it.
Hentai
Jane: Nice theory on why the baby should be a girl. Only later will you know
though, what the baby is indeed. Oh and as for your question on when is the next
chapter....the answer is, up to you...either in a few minutes as you finish
reading the shout outs...or right now if you skip the rest.
=P
aglaia102: I'm glad you loved it. And I thank you for your faithful
reviews. I'll try and update regularly.
Tsugoi Kakarlena: My story is
good, yet evil at the same time...hehe. Lol. I will update about as regular as I
get reviews...you keep 'em coming...I will keep the chapters coming.
^_^
Koishii Sweet: Will the other Kaoru get pregnant too? You will
have to wait and see!!! ^_~
oni chan: I'm glad it's getting better as
you go. I'm glad to know you are hooked...hopefully I can keep you that way. And
I'm thankful for your statement that provided I keep updating...you will keep
reviewing. =)
Oyuki: I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. And yeah, some
of my characters are bad at times. Lol. And "naughty" as you put it. Lol. I will
update.
ccs_lover: Why do you feel sorry for the married Kaoru? She
has been very deceitful thus far in the story. So anything that has happened
thus far, she brought upon herself. If I felt sorry for anyone...it would be
Kenshin. lol...but that's just my opinion. Though, that may change later on in
the story. ^_~
Angie: Thank you for the encouragement. I am so glad
you like my story. I try to keep it unpredictable. I have a feeling that some
readers may be shocked with this chapter as well. Thanks for the
review!
Lady Senie: Thank you so much for your review. Yes, I hate the
fact that people just show glimpses of the Battousai. I see them as totally
separate people...so I decided to make them that way. I will keep up the
work...whether it is good work or not...that opinion belongs to my reviewers.
I'm thankful to know though that you believe it is good. =)
Brian, Dark
Emotionless Shadow: Interesting indeed. Especially that profile of yours.
Curious to know which of your personalities is reading the story.
^_~
Easy_As_ABC: '?' ? Yeah...you lost me there
=p
inca-dove: Lol...yeah Kenshin is being kinda jerky but can you
blame the guy after all Kaoru did? She took advantage of his pain to sleep with
him when it was HER fault that he was even in pain. She purposely let his Kaoru
walk through that portal knowing that it only opened every ten years and knowing
what she would be subject to once she stepped through. I personally can
understand where the guy is coming from...then again...I'm the author
^_~
polochick6789: For being speechless, nice review! =) I'm curious
to know how Kenshin will react IF he finds out Kaoru is pregnant. See that's the
beauty of being the author...I know what will happen while you all have to
guess. Will I let him find out she's pregnant? Will he even see her? Will she
even carry the baby to term? All things that will just make you think. Thank you
so much for the review and I truly hope that this story will continue to amaze
you. Hopefully I will be able to take this story above and beyond the
expectations that you hold for it.
misskittikarei: As you
wish...let's hope I keep you hooked. =)
MissTeya: Thanks so much for
the kind review. Yes, I already do have an ending planned. But if you wish you
can give your input anyway. You can reach me at Videl621@yahoo.com. Thanks
again.
Princesskaoru: I'm glad you love it. And don't worry, I know
how this will end...I think a lot of you will be pleased, but the ending is
still a ways away.
chickamoomoo: First let me say that I absolutely
love your Pen Name...that is so cute. I cracked up when I saw it. And now, let
me thank you for the great review! Lol...don't go crying on me...you just may
inflate my ego...which in reality doesn't need to be buffed. I write just for
the fun of creating stories. I post to get peoples opinions on them. If people
didn't like my story...I would still write...I just probably wouldn't post it.
That's why I really ask for reviews. I want to know that people are actually
interested in it. There is no point in taking up web space on a story that no
one reads. *shrugs* Just my opinion...but reviewers like you make me continue
the posting of my stories...so thank you!
Okay, some of you may be wondering why I have two Special thanks categories. The reason I have given a Very Special thanks to 3 reviewers...is because those three reviewers have reviewed every chapter! (Not the Summary Chapter...but that is not what I consider to be a chapter) So I wanted to thank them especially for being there for all chapters. So thank you to those three! Now...
ON TO THE STORY!!!
Disclaimer: I do not now, nor will I ever own Rurouni Kenshin or any of it's characters.
Chapter Five: Struck
Planet Earth
Kaoru wiped her sleeve across her face, removing the tears that stained her eyes. She stood up and walked to the window that Kenshin had been looking out. She saw him storm into the barn in a fit of rage. He's leaving...Maybe I should just give him his space... Just then, she heard the thunder crash through the skies. Oh no, it's going to be raining soon. Kenshin in his angry state of mind didn't even think to grab a jacket. Kaoru quickly sprinted out of the room and down the stairs. She grabbed a jacket for herself and retrieved one for Kenshin as well. As she ran out of the house, all she saw was the dust the horses had kicked up. She heard another violent clap of thunder and decided she better bring him a jacket anyway.
Kaoru sprinted into the barn and saddled a single horse. She dug her heels into the sides of the horse, bringing her to a gallop. After a while, the rain started to pour down. She immediately was drenched, and shivered against the cold. The long ten minutes she rode seemed like an eternity to her, but she had finally caught up to Kenshin. She saw the team and wagon tethered to a low hanging branch and tethered her horse there as well. She knew from her surroundings that Kenshin was going to go to the portal.
Kaoru took the jacket from the horse and started to walk towards the place the portal stood. She took her time getting there, not knowing what she would say to Kenshin. She saw flashes of lightning overhead and quickened her pace. She had heard many stories about how it was bad to be under trees during a lightning storm. She began to feel uneasy...her stomach suddenly making her nauseous...cautioning her that something was about to happen. And then she saw it.
Kenshin had stepped right through the portal just as the lightning struck...and it hit him. He remained standing for a few seconds before falling to the ground. (AN: And all you people thought he had made it through the portal, huh? ^_~) Everything was in slow motion for Kaoru. She tried to run, but her feet were frozen to the spot. The brightness from the lightning bolt still tingled her eyes. When she collected herself enough, she screamed out his name and ran to his side.
"No, Kenshin!!! Kenshin, wake up!" Kaoru pleaded as she shook him violently, trying her best to wake him from his death-like slumber. "Kenshin, I'm going to get you to a doctor...please, just hold on!" Tears cascaded down her cheeks. She grabbed his wrists and proceeded to drag him to the tethered wagon. His dead weight was so heavy, yet, she was moving surprisingly fast. When she finally reached the wagon, she had no idea how she was going to be able to lift him up to the floor bed. Then she noticed his face. It was ashen white. She checked his pulse and it was very faint, yet seemed still to be fading. In a moment of adrenaline-rushed madness, she hoisted him over her shoulder and laid him in the bed of the wagon. She untied the team and in one swift motion, seated herself on the wagon bench.
Kaoru's tears blinded her as she tore away from the forest and directed the horses towards town. "Kenshin, please...hold on...we're almost there!" Kaoru said. She didn't think he could even hear her, but she spoke to him anyway; mostly for her own comfort, rather than his. The ride was seeming to take forever...but she pressed on. Every step closer to the doctor they came, her gut told her that Kenshin was doing worse.
Before she knew it, Kaoru was in town and right in front of the doctor's house and clinic. She jumped out of the wagon hastily, ripping the hem of her dress on the wheel. She ran up the steps to the doctor's home and began pounding on the door. A young man answered the door.
"Lady Kaoru, what are you doing here?" Sano asked.
"Where's Dr. Sagara? Kenshin is hurt!!!" Kaoru blurted out. Sano noticed how pale she had become and quickly invited her in to sit down.
"MEGUMI!!! Come quick!!" Sano screamed as he rushed out the door. He found Kenshin lying in the back of the wagon. He swiftly swung him over his shoulder and ran back up the stairs and into the house. He walked past Kaoru, who was resting in a chair in the kitchen, and walked through the door that connected his wife's clinic to their home. He found Megumi already at the examining table putting on her gloves.
"Kaoru! Come here please!! Like, NOW!" Megumi hollered through the open door. Kaoru bustled into the room.
"What happened to him?" Megumi asked as she looked over Kenshin's body. He didn't appear to be wounded severely anywhere. He only had a swollen, angry, red welt on his head. He was running a high fever and his pulse was very faint. She glanced up at Kaoru for her reply. She was just staring at Kenshin, tears pouring from her eyes. Megumi took off her gloves and walked over to Kaoru. She took her by the shoulders and forced her to look at her.
"Kaoru, he's going to be fine, okay? I can take care of him...but you have to tell me what happened. I need to know what I'm dealing with here," Megumi stated.
"He...he was mad at me and left the house in a storm...and I went after him, but he was already gone. And I had this jacket, and then I saw it...and he..h-he...the lightning...he..and then he fell...and I tried to drag him...and he was so white..." Kaoru rambled through tears. Megumi just nodded at her. She had been able to piece together what happened. Kenshin had been struck by lightning.
Megumi looked at Sanosuke and her eyes conveying her instructions. He walked over to where they stood and took Kaoru by the hand. He began tugging her towards the kitchen and pulling her away from Kenshin.
"Come on Kaoru...how about we go make some tea and get you warmed up?" Sano suggested. Kaoru just followed him in a daze. All she could think about was Kenshin and whether or not he was going to be alright.
Planet Areth
Kaoru just gazed at Battousai in wonderment. She had seen the faint smile set on his face. Though it didn't last long...she still saw it. A genuine smile...she couldn't believe her eyes. She was starting to become very aware of his large hand resting on her stomach, occasionally rubbing her belly. Why is he doing this? What does he care? He may have been the one that created this baby...but this is still MY baby and I don't want him to have anything to do with her!
Battousai felt Kaoru stiffen. He felt the angry gaze that was burning into him. He turned and glanced at her, the smile long gone. "What is your problem?" he said in a low, cold voice.
"I don't want you to have anything to do with her! I don't want her to know that her father is just some arrogant prick that raped me. I don't want her thinking that she's not loved by me, just because she wasn't planned. So you just stay the hell away from my baby..." Kaoru spoke angrily. She saw Battousai's face firm into grim angry lines. "Please..." She added meekly as an afterthought. What was I thinking??? Am I crazy spouting off like that? He's going to kill me for that one... Kaoru paled at the thoughts of her inner ramblings.
Battousai couldn't believe Kaoru had the guts to voice her little outburst. She's right though. I don't love this girl...don't even give a crap about her. And she certainly doesn't love me. But that is still my baby! What am I doing? Do I really want my child to know I'm just some rapist. I hated my father for raping my mother and then deserting us. Growing up, I always put the blame on her...knowing that it was truly his fault. Do I want my son doing the same things I did? Hating Kaoru for pushing away the only father he could have known? Do I want him killing her out of contempt for me, and then raping various women like I have become accustomed to? Battousai glanced up at Kaoru. Her face was white with fear. She still feared him. He wanted to believe that knowing he frightened her was a good thing...but lately, it just made him all the more uneasy. Battousai stood up and walked to the door. He glanced back at her, his hand resting on the handle.
"What makes you think that brat is a girl? The world doesn't need anymore women. All women are deceitful liars who are good for only one thing. And I'm sure you know what that one thing is...a little eye candy and a good screw. But don't worry, that brat is your problem...not mine," Battousai growled. Then he twisted the handle on the door and walked out, leaving Kaoru alone.
Kaoru flinched as she heard Battousai slam the door. She couldn't believe that he hadn't slapped her across the face and into the nearest wall. She released the breath she hadn't even realized she was holding. The baby kicked sharply causing her to gasp for air. She rubbed the spot tenderly and sighed. I am such a fool. What on earth is going on? And why didn't he slap me into tomorrow? He is changing so much...he didn't even- Kaoru's eyes widened in surprise at her realization. She hopped off the bed and ran to the door quickly. I can't believe it...why didn't I hear the door click? He wouldn't have left it unlocked, would he? Why wouldn't he lock it...he ALWAYS locks it!
Kaoru closed her eyes in hope as she twisted the door knob. She was hoping with all that was within her, that she was correct. She thought for a brief moment that perhaps her inner ramblings had distracted her from hearing him lock the door. As she pushed, she was elated to find the door open. Kaoru's heart quickened as she stepped through the door that had locked her in her prison for so long. She had a sharp intake of breath as her gaze fell upon Battousai. He was seated at the kitchen table just staring at her.
"I...was j-jus.." Kaoru stopped and dropped her gaze to the floor.
Battousai just ignored her and stood up. He walked right past her and into the living area, sitting down on his sofa. He felt Kaoru's eyes upon him and ignored her once again. He felt her presence standing in the doorway and just staring at him.
"If you are going to leave...you better do it now, before I change my mind," Battousai growled out.
Kaoru didn't need a second prompting. She turned and walked to the front door and left. Once she was outside in the fresh air, tears fell freely from her eyes. She couldn't believe he had just let her walk out. How long will it last though? How long will he let me go, before he drags me back to that insignificant existence? I don't know if I would be able to stand it... Kaoru put her mind at ease. Even if it was only for a few moments, to a few days, Kaoru was going to enjoy the smell of freedom. She continued to walk straight ahead, not knowing where she was going. She hoped she was heading towards the town. That Megumi woman had said she would help her, and help was what she needed desperately at that point. So on she walked, her heart light and merry.
Battousai stared straight ahead. When he heard that front door shut quietly, he felt a sharp pain in his chest. Something about her leaving made his chest just ache. Why? Why do I even care? Is it because she left with my baby? Will I ever see him? Do I want to even see him? What if he grows up like me? Battousai's brows lowered in anger at the thought. He had no problem with the way he lived...but no way, no how, was he going to let his son turn into him. Son, eh? A son... Battousai gave a small chuckle at the thought. Kaoru was so set that their child was a little girl. And yet, here he was calling the baby a 'him'.
He turned his face towards the door she had left from. He released a sigh and stood up. He would let her go, make the choice to cut him off from his child's life. But he would follow her. Someone has to make sure my son doesn't get hurt. Stupid woman can't even take care of herself, how is she going to take care of my brat? And somehow, I have to make sure he does things right. I have to make sure he doesn't turn into an arrogant, pompous jerk like his old man. With his mind made up, Battousai left and stealthily made his way to where Kaoru was. Then he just followed her, watching her from afar.
Planet Earth
Kaoru yawned and resituated herself in her seat. Megumi had taken good care of her husband and said he would be fine in a couple days. He was heavily sedated and Kaoru had decided to watch over him. Kaoru looked up as Megumi walked into the room.
"Thought you might be able to use these. You should try and rest some. If he stirs at all, wake me," Megumi said, handing Kaoru a pillow and a quilt. Kaoru took them thankfully and nodded her agreement.
Megumi looked at the young girl sympathetically. She's been through so much with Kenshin. I can't believe he's actually married though. Knowing Kenshin for the past couple of years has been such a trip. Such a quiet, passive guy. But lately...He's been so irritable. I wonder if that is the reason he blew up at Kaoru. Never would have guessed he would have. He's been rambling on about how much he loves her for years. Megumi chucked. Never would have expected the dope to land her though. He always said she would never willingly marry him. Guess he underestimated her...she really cares for him a lot. I'm glad...she's good for him. He deserves a girl like her. Good for you Kenshin, good for you... Megumi gave a small smile and exited the room, leaving Kaoru and Kenshin alone.
Kaoru just stared at Kenshin. I'm sorry Kenshin. It's all my fault. You'll pull through...I know you will. And I am going to stay right here until you do... Kaoru watched over Kenshin as much as long as she could before sleep claimed her.
Sorry ya'll, I know this chapter didn't really have a lot of stuff in it, but it did have some big changes. Like Kenshin getting struck by lightning...and becoming kinda semi-comatose. Bet you guys weren't expecting that huh? Now how many of you HONESTLY thought he was going to make it through to Areth? I'm curious to know. Was that a shock for you guys at all? And what of Battousai just letting Kaoru leave? How many of you are expecting him to eventually drag her back? Or do you think he will just let her go? Really dying to know what you think...so please review!!!
If anyone is interested in knowing when I update email me at Videl621@yahoo.com with the subject title: "CAPTIVE HEARTS" and I will put you on a mailing list. Thanks for reading and please remember to drop a review in the box on the left as you exit our reading theater. Please come back and see us!
Videl621