Disclaimer: I do not own any of the recognizable RK characters, and if I did… *giggles* Lord only knows what I'd be doing with them.
Tenshi's Notes: Well, chapter 2 definitely didn't do as well as Chapter 1 did, and I'm mainly posting this chapter up for the few faithful readers for it. I realise it's awfully confusing at this point, but just bear with me here. Just a note to remind my readers: they're *illusions* and not dreams. I might've messed up some of my terminology last chapter but that's what Kenshin/Kaoru are caught up in. And oh yeah, I'm in my cruel mode again for this chapter. *laughs*
Dedications: As always, to Angel-chan (Eternal SailorM) for being such a wonderful and supportive friend. Do read her original fic Butterfly Wings if you get a chance. It's one of the best fics I've ever come across! To Xu Xin, Au-chan, Elise-chan for always being there and reviewing. To Kirstian for leaving me funny reviews that motivate me to write *giggles* And to Stormlight as well for reviewing! Thanks to everyone who cared enough to review ^_^
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Chapter 3
So caught was she in the throes of her illusion that she remained still as death. Kenshin thought his heart would explode out of fear for her and for this unknown enemy in front of him. How was it possible that Kaoru could somehow possess powers that could bring this man immortality? It was true that she possessed courage beyond anyone he knew, along with a loving heart that could heal all wounds, but she was human. Frowning, he found himself doubting what his eyes were telling him.
Despite the fear that he had thudding in him, his mind was scrambling desperately to fin a solution. Kenshin also found himself wondering what illusion could've kept her so captivated and trapped within. Whatever it was brought the most beautiful smile he had ever seen from her, and that somehow gave him hope and strength. Even in his darkest hour, it was always thoughts of her that saved him from his ugly past.
The other man's brow furrowed and his arm tightened around Kaoru's unconsciously. Kenshin emitted a low feral growl at the sight, and his opponent raised startled green eyes to stare back at him.
"This is taking longer than expected."
Kenshin could hear the confusion from the other man's voice. His greatest gift as one of the most skilled warriors was his ability to read his enemy. Despite the threat he posed to Kaoru, Kenshin did not sense an evil aura hovering about.
"Kisama, I'm running out of time here."
Panic laced his words, causing Kenshin to quirk his brow quizzically. Something akin to fear flickered in the forest green depths. The tightened hold he had on Kaoru caused her to moan softly. His body tense, Kenshin found himself ready for action should the bastard even mar her delicate skin.
"Why don't you let her go, and we'll try to figure this out?" Kenshin chose his words carefully. Offending the man who held Kaoru in his arms like that was definitely not an option, although a part of Kenshin simply wanted to jump up, flick his sakabatou over, and slice his head off.
Something in his expression must've given it away for the other man laughed if only for a moment.
"I'd be upset too if I saw a strange man touching my woman, but I need her."
Kenshin's jaw nearly fell to the ground. If he wasn't mistaken, the man almost sounded apologetic. He watched attentively at the way the stranger was staring at her, as if willing her to do something with herself.
"Who are you?" Kenshin asked finally.
"Names are unnecessary. I don't understand! Look at how happy she is… work for me damn you. Give me the power!"
Kenshin carefully stood up and the stranger's gaze flickered at the movement. "Stay put, Battousai."
~ Now this was interesting. I thought he said that if I severed his hold on Kaoru incorrectly, she would die. If that were the case, why would he want me to stay where I am? ~
Raising his eyebrow, he met the other man's green gaze unflinchingly. "What do you want from, Kaoru?"
"What? No honourific at the end?"
At those words, Kenshin fought hard to control his temper. Whatever happened between Kaoru and himself was private business. He had no right interfering, or holding her the way Kenshin had always wanted to.
~ Look at how far depriving yourself got you, rurouni. After all that's said and done, you *still* can't protect the woman you love. ~
"Just tell me what you want from her. Maybe I can find another way to help you," Kenshin said slowly.
The stranger only laughed harshly, and it sounded as if he were in pain. "I wish it didn't have to be this way."
"Why her?"
"Because she possesses the power I need."
"Masaka," Kenshin whispered. "She's just a human being with no special abilities, besides the strength of her heart, and her ability to love." He nearly winced at the regret that coated each word. ~ If only I had told you, Kaoru… and now, it might be too late. ~ He wasn't sure if his heart could withstand this pain once again. First Tomoe… and now Kaoru. He hadn't told her about that chapter of his life yet either. What would she say? She had always seemed reluctant to know about his past as Battousai. Was she disgusted by the young man who had shed the blood of so many innocents?
He felt the strength of the other man's gaze upon him, and he forced his own violet eyes to meet them. He was completely taken aback by the brief glimpse of sympathy he saw before they reverted back to unfathomable forest green depths.
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Kaoru was drowning in his warmth, and for the first time, it felt almost stifling in nature. She nearly shrieked out and pushed him away but she grabbed hold of her runaway emotions in the nick of time.
"Kaoru-dono?" Kenshin asked softly, and she found herself struck by the emotion in those purple eyes. How many times had she wished that she could see what he was thinking about? How she had always wanted him to shed that rurouni façade? She wanted to see the man beneath, the combination of the fierce and protective hitokiri, and the gentle peace-loving rurouni. And now, everything was bared for her to see. Every nuance of emotion he felt… she almost felt as if she were invading his privacy.
Why did everything feel so wrong?
"Kenshin… how did you know I'd be here?"
"Saa, sessha was waiting for you to return after your practice but by the time dinner came, you still weren't there."
A slight blush stained his cheeks as he continued. "Sessha… sessha got worried, and it was most logical that you would come to a clearing where you could practice."
"It still doesn't explain how you knew where I was…"
The colour burned even brighter as Kenshin turned an unhealthy shade of red. "Sessha can't explain it. I just know. It's like I have this sixth sense about you. I know where you are if you're in trouble."
He was so sweet, and he was saying everything she'd ever imagined he would say to her. ~ What's wrong with me?? ~ her mind screamed inwardly. ~ This is everything you've dreamed of and yet here you are, pushing him away? ~
Tears welled up in her eyes unexpectedly, startling the redhead next to her.
"Kaoru-dono? Daijoubu de gozaru yo?"
"Daijoubu, Kenshin."
She felt his arms tightening around her, and she could feel his concerned gaze upon her. Suddenly, she felt his fingers touching her chin ever so gently. Helplessly, she watched as he tipped her face upwards so she could meet his eyes.
"Don't lie, Kaoru-dono. What's wrong?"
The words somehow became lodged in her throat and her hand moved even before she could stop herself. This was everything she had ever wanted in life. She wanted to be loved by this man. The look in his eyes made her heart accelerate even further. Never had Kenshin been so open with her. She touched his cheek tentatively, and Kenshin closed his eyes in response. Her thumb grazed the scar, feeling his skin burn her own as her other hand brushed aside the fringe of red hair upon his forehead. Cupping his face in her hands, she struggled against the tide of emotions rising within her. She wanted this. She had never wanted anything more in her life.
"Kenshin…"
Hyacinth eyes fluttered open at her soft command, staring at her with the most loving light she had ever seen. She only wanted to be loved by this man. That look in his eyes… she had never seen in before, but had dreamt about it countless of times.
"Kaoru…"
It was gone. There was no more distance between them. No 'dono' to ruin the possibility of a relationship. From the expression on his face, he appeared to be struggling with something within himself. His hand moved up to encompass one of her hands, and a strange tingle stole upon her, like shock through her veins. She gasped softly, and he only smiled his gentle smile at her.
Her heart sounded as if it would jump out of her chest as he leaned in closer. Her eyes fluttered shut in anticipation and she could feel his warmth surrounding her. The strange sensation returned full force just as his lips were about to touch hers. Pulling away, she could see the confusion upon his face.
"Tell me about your past, Kenshin."
A shuttered look came over him and she could feel those walls returning full force. She was being kept out once again.
~ I would've told you Kaoru… all you ever had to do was ask. ~
Gasping aloud, she pushed herself away from Kenshin, scanning the room for the mysterious voice that had sounded so much like him. Masaka. How could he be in her head when he was right here in front of her?
"Iie!" she screamed out as Kenshin moved closer to her.
"Kaoru-dono!!!"
She felt his hands gripping her arms tightly as she shook her head to clear her thoughts. Illusions. When would this all end? She fought his hold, trying to escape from him.
"Kaoru! It's me, Kenshin! I would never hurt you… stop this, please."
The fight drained out of her abruptly as she stared at him blindly, tears cascading down her too-pale cheeks.
"Uso… everything… lies."
She closed her eyes, to shut him out, to try to shut out the pain from deep within. And when she opened them again, she only had heartbreak to stem the loneliness and despair. Falling to her knees, she clenched her fists so tightly that her nails bit into her tender skin.
"I can't take this anymore… dame… dame…"
It hurt so much. When would she ever see her home again? Or her family? Or Kenshin?
"Somebody help me, please…"
Though she didn't know it at the moment, the man who had been controlling her illusions snapped.
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The other man hunched forward without warning, leaning against Kaoru heavily. The once-blissful expression on her face had long since fled, to be replaced by a look of unearthly pain and suffering.
"Kaoru!!!" Kenshin cried out hoarsely, as with considerable strength, halted the forward motion abruptly. He wanted to protect her from this pain, and despite his best intentions he ever did, he only wound up hurting her even more. ~ Naze? Why am I capable of bringing pain to people? ~
"What have you done to her?" he demanded, eyes shining fiercely, the hyacinth depths tinged heavily with amber. His hand had completely rested on the handle of his sakabatou, ready to draw out at any given moment.
"I've never experienced such emotions," the other man whispered absently. "She…"
He closed his eyes to collect himself before the calm façade took over. Lifting his hand, he stroked her back while murmuring strange incantations.
"What are you doing??"
The urge to kill was fast destroying what remained of the rurouni. ~ Stay back! ~ he pleaded silently. ~ I cannot allow you to harm yet another innocent. ~
Drawing in a harsh breath, Kenshin fought to control the tumultuous emotions churning within. To lose his temper now might cause his opponent to do something rash. There was something within those green eyes that signified a high degree of confusion, as if he himself was unable to decipher what was going on.
"The key was to create an illusion which amplified everything her heart desired, at which point I would become immortal. But this… this does not make sense. Why is she feeling this way? How is it possible?"
It was clear that the other man was talking to more to himself than Kenshin.
"Because you underestimated her, and the power she has within," Kenshin replied softly.
Eyes snapping in his direction, the other man shot out, "Explain yourself, Battousai."
"She wants something more than what your illusions can give her. Clearly she doesn't believe whatever it is that you're programming her mind to believe."
Satisfaction filled it. Kaoru would fight this bastard and break out of the hold that his opponent had over her. She would. She had to. It didn't bear thinking if anything should happen to her. Life, as it were, would cease for him.
"Then, we'll have to find some way to make her believe, ne?"
Kenshin found himself transfixed by those eyes momentarily, and saw the briefest flicker of regret in them before losing consciousness.
"Gomen nasai, but I need this too badly. I have to stop this before my world comes to an end."
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Tenshi's Blurb: Will Tenshi ever write about who the heck this villain is? When will Kaoru and Kenshin ever get to kissing? What the heck happened to Yahiko and Sanosuke anyway? And what's this "world comes to an end" business? Remember, *nothing* will be explained unless you review and keep Tenshi a happy camper. *giggles*