TO THE REVIEWERS!
Nobody-running sucks, I just don't run...anywhere, at all lol!...sweet yet mean, hey what do you expect with an assassin!
Dragonlance-predictable, yes, but I couldn't resist! I hope this chapter is more original! Glad you are enjoying it!
Reignashii-THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT! AND I DIDN'T ADD ANYTHING TO THE CHAPTERS YET! ENJOY THE CHAPTER!
Tiaravball15-haha, your rambling is fine by me! The villagers made me mad too, you should see me watch anime, I scream at the tv and stuff...its sad lol, I wonder what my roommates think...
Rain angst-thanks!
Inu n kenshin lovr-townspeople know nothing!!!!! Here is the next chapter for you!
Formerly kuroi tamashii-love the new name!!! stoic=sexy=agreed!!!! I love the tall and silent ones, don't know why, but I do!!! Now fight kaoru for kenshin! gets popcorn to watch battle
Mademoiselle anime-thank you, I am glad that you enjoy the story!
A/N: I just wanted to let you know that Megumi IS OUT OF CHARACTER in this story, I just didn't feel like having her annoy Kaoru right now. Anyway, enjoy!
THE PRICE OF BLOOD
Chapter 7: Hot and Cold
She sighed to herself as she carefully cleaned the stainless supplies in front of her. Her long raven hair fell gently down her back, shining in the morning sun. Her elegant face was adorned with deep rose lips and graceful lines. Cinnamon eyes carefully watched her fingers, giving the task her undivided attention.
It was a slow morning at the clinic. She had yet to see any patients. This was why she resorted herself to cleaning supplies. If she could not treat someone yet, she would at least be prepared. Lifting a gleaming scalpel in front of her face, she sighed after inspecting the spotless blade. Placing the scalpel back on a nearby tray, she rocked back slightly, allowing her full weight to rest upon her heels.
The sound of nearing footsteps gained her attention. It was her first patient of the day. Rising swiftly, she made her way over to the shoji, sliding it open to greet her patient. However, the sight that met her cinnamon eyes frightened her to the core. She could not help but tremble at the scene before her.
Before her stood a man and woman, both looking as death had danced upon them. The woman seemed to be unconscious, her head lying lifelessly on the man's shoulder. Her hair was matted together by dirt and blood, and her kimono was much in the same state. A long rip adorned her side, still bleeding in the morning light. Her titled head allowed her eyes access to the drying cut on her throat. The woman's feet were ripped and swollen, leaving the doctor to wonder just what had happened last night.
The man who held the woman was a frightening sight indeed. He too was marred by blood, though to a lesser extent. A dribble of blood stuck on his mouth, and a crimson river peeked out from beneath the woman. His long flaming hair swayed slightly with his heavy breathing. Despite his gentle hold on the woman, his eyes spoke of viciousness. The yellow orbs bore into her, terrifying her with their wild glaze. The sunlight poured across both figures, creating a warming glow that seemed unnatural with the pair.
Regarding them carefully, recognition began to sink in. Crimson hair, amber eyes, katana...surely this monster was the Battousai. Backing slowly, she could not help her trembling body. Why must they choose her?
The Battousai began advancing towards her, keeping her still with his eyes. He needed her cooperation right now, and if she fought him, he would kill her.
"Woman," he stated, letting her know by his tone that he wanted nothing but subordination. "You will help her."
Her eyes widened, and before she knew it, her head was nodding slightly in agreement. What had she gotten herself into? Moving inside, she made her way to the futon that lay waiting, hiding her nervousness behind a façade of calmness.
Looking back over her shoulder, she saw that the Battousai had already moved inside the clinic. He still glared at her, waiting for her to prepare herself.
"Lay her down here," she whispered quietly, too afraid to raise her voice anymore.
In one swift motion, the woman was lying upon the futon, a small moan emitting from her lips as she left the Battousai's arms. The young doctor kneeled down to the woman, picking up her wrist to listen to the erratic pulse. Turning around to set out supplies, she noticed that the Battousai was still standing, watching.
Narrowing her eyes at him, she ignored the fear inside of her to face him.
"I will need to undress her to treat her wounds. You will need to leave."
The Battousai stared at her coldly before replying, "That will not be necessary. She belongs to me, I may see her body if I wish."
Standing up, she walked over to the cold killer. Staring him defiantly in the eyes, she knew she could face death when she said, "You will do no such thing while I am here. You will leave now so I may treat her properly."
A calloused hand wrapped around her throat, knocking her slightly off balance. Reaching up, she grabbed his wrist, trying to pull the offending appendage off of her. However, the Battousai just tightened his grasp, pulling her closer to him.
"Hurt her in any way and I shall kill you, wench," he spat into her ear, releasing her as turned to leave.
The cinnamon eyed doctor stared at disbelief as the killer walked out, slamming the shoji shut in his wake. Glancing at the battered girl, she tilted her head in thought. It was obvious that the Battousai housed some sort of feelings towards the girl. Something has happening that just left the doctor even more confused. Walking over to her patient, she carefully untied her kimono, revealing her haunting wounds. A dry cry escaped the girl's throat as warm hands gently touched her wounds.
"Mother?" The girl asked timidly, her blue orbs slitting open with difficulty.
The woman raised her eyes to meet hers, sadly smiling as she replied, "No. I am Megumi. Don't worry, you are in good hands now."
Kaoru smiled lightly, relaxing her as sleep came over her once more. She no longer cared about the pain that erupted in her side. All she wanted to was to rest.
Blue orbs opened slowly, being revealed to nothing but darkness. She was laying on a futon, but it felt foreign to her. Sheets were wrapped around her body, yet her kimono was missing from her body. Alarm set off in her mind. Just where was she, and why was she undressed? Had she let Ken..the Battousai undressed her?
Gently moving, she moved her arms to push herself up. A throbbing pain set off in her side, making her wince as she moved. Groaning, she finally got her arms far enough under herself to support her body. However, before she could, a cold voice cut her off.
"Don't move."
Kaoru froze in her spot, recognizing just who that voice belonged to. She shut her eyes fiercely, hoping he would not punish her now for her antics. She waited for the pain of punishment to come, but it never did. A shuffle of clothes was heard, and a hard hand on her shoulder pushed her back onto the futon. A gasp left her lips, but she did not know if it was from pain or from the action itself.
Opening her eyes, bright amber eyes made her shiver.
"Where are we?" she asked softly, shaking lightly from his gaze.
"You were injured badly. You are still at the doctor's clinic. Once you are fully awake we will leave for the dojo," he replied absently, lowering his gaze to the sheet that lay across her body.
Confusion grabbed at Kaoru, wondering just what the Battousai was looking at. Lowering her eyes, she noticed that the sheet had fallen in her attempt to rise, falling just above her bound breasts. A blush spread across her cheeks, yet she did not know why. Yanking up the sheet, she glared at him angrily.
Yet as she looked at him, something caught her attention. Bags ran under his harsh eyes, as if he had not slept for days. Dried blood still lay on his clothes, giving her a glance at the gash on his side. Had she done that before she ran off?
Her eyes trailed off to the wall, pondering before she spoke. As much as she despised and feared him, he had still saved her.
"You're injured, too."
She could feel his eyes bore into her, regarding her carefully as he chose his reply.
"It is nothing."
Whipping her head to face him, a frown came across his face. Must he always be so difficult?
"That does not mean that you shouldn't treat it. It could become infected."
His eyes narrowed at her, displeased at her argumentivness. Does this woman always have to be so difficult?
"It is fine." Rising to his feet, he walked behind her to the corner of the room and out of her range of vision.
She could hear him shuffling things around. This made her nervous, wondering if she had angered him enough to become violent. Kaoru held her breath, hoping that he would leave her soon. Finally, she heard footsteps coming towards her once more.
He stood above her, boredom showing in his dulling eyes. They seemed to be losing the intensity that they once held. He held a dark bundle in his hands that he dropped by her side carelessly.
"Get changed. If you are well enough to argue, then you are well enough to return to the dojo. I will be waiting outside. Do not make me come back." He told her, striding out the door quickly.
She just stared at the door, confused as to what had happened. Had he just said that she likes to argue? Sighing, she pushed herself up slowly before grabbing the kimono. If she did not hurry, she feared that Kenshin would come and dress her himself. Wait. Had she just called him Kenshin?
Hesitantly, Kaoru poked her head out the shoji door. Seeing no one waiting outside, she stepped fully out, trying to conceal her limp.
"How are you feeling?" called out a smooth female voice.
Kaoru tensed slightly, not immediately recognizing who this strange woman was. The tall elegant woman stood before Kaoru, holding a small white box in her hands. Was this the doctor that had treated her?
"I feel much better, thank you," Kaoru replied, beginning to hobble away.
"Wait!" Megumi called out, walking up to the raven haired woman.
Kaoru paused, looking at her curiously. Why did she stop her? Megumi's hand came up, grabbing Kaoru's in the process. Placing the white box in Kaoru's waiting hand, she smiled at her knowingly.
"Take this. It has some medical supplies in it. You are going to need them, and so will your...friend."
"He is not my friend. But I thank you anyway," she replied curtly, turning away to stalk off.
Kaoru looked down at the box, shocked that someone was doing something kind for her, even after they knew that she was with the Battousai.
"Thank you for helping me," she whispered before hobbling off to find the Battousai.
He stood leaning against the wall, his dangerous eyes closed. His head ached from all that had happened. He had saved her, complied to her requests, and taken her here. What was this woman doing to him. Every few moments, he would cringe from the throbbing in his mind. It seemed as though Kami would always be against him. His eyes opened slowly as she walked over to him, being roused out of thought by the heavy dragging of her injured foot. Eyeing her calmly, he pushed himself off the wall, fixing the position of his katana in the process.
He watched her limp to the door, biting her lip to hold back cries. And he still watched as she looked into the black sky, and as confusion clouded her azure eyes. She had no idea as to how long they have been here. She risked a glance over at him, as if deciding to ask him. He had no patience for her hesitation right now, he wanted nothing more than to leave. From the dirt and blood that still marred him, he felt disgusted. It was a constant reminder as to life he hated.
"You have been asleep all day. Let us go," was all he said as he turned on his heel and walked into the night, leaving a blinking Kaoru on the steps of the medical clinic.
Battousai knew that she would not try to escape now. Her body and mind were in no condition for that now. And even if she was foolish enough to try, he would have no difficulties in catching her. Unconsciously, his gait slowed, compensating for her injured feet. His eyes narrowed as he listened for her following footsteps. He heard none. Damn, woman. He had yet to confront her about fleeing. But would he? Growling, he could not help the anger that he felt towards himself. He could not let this woman walk all over him like she has been.
Stopping, he turned to face her, his hair fanning out behind him in the process.
"Now," he growled, knowing his words would reach her.
She slowly shook her head, as if shaking thoughts from her head. Her feet slowly moved forward, as she began to follow him into the moonlit night.
TBC...