WARNING: Though I did my absolute best to keep this chapter as non-graphic as possible, Hatsuharu was kidnapped for three days as a result of saving his middle school girlfriend, Satomi and that isn't going to just be glossed over by happy memories of having her back.
This chapter contains implications of violence and nonconsensual advances, and if either of these things will trigger you, please don't read it. I'll leave a summary of important information at the end of this chapter for you.
Hatsuharu left quickly after hearing of Akito's death, unable to sit still in the Main House any longer. However, as left out the back way, he instantly wished he hadn't.
The three attackers coming out of nowhere, intent on grabbing the middle school girl with the pretty eyes. Sati, freezing in a defensive stance, fear dancing across her face. Haru, getting in front of her, going Black instantly.
"Run, Sati! Go!" Haru shouting as the largest of the attackers brought him to the ground. Sati obeying, too terrified to do anything else.
The first night was rough. Strung up and beaten on- the predators didn't appreciate losing their prey. Being unable to remember the rest of the fight, thanks to Black Haru, but also unwilling to think too much about it. Praying that Sati would find Yuki or somebody, that someone would find him before he died.
The second night was harder. With no Sati, Haru was apparently elected to take her place, not that that went over well. Black Haru almost earned him freedom, but only gave him another severe injury and a merciful blank space in his memory.
The third day, Haru was half-conscious and unable to do anything but keep breathing. The attackers talking about next steps- killing Haru, now that he wasn't any 'fun', grabbing Sati or a different girl they'd been watching. Haru had always been Black or White, but now he was so mentally exhausted that he remained in a limbo sort of Grey- unable to calm down, unable to find the energy to fight back.
The Sohmas arriving, bringing a fierce dog, a venomous snake, and a vicious boar, an army of rats and a pissed off Kazuma, all of them phasing in and out of humans with incredible martial arts skills and animal with tooth and claw and tusk. Haru being picked up by a shocked Yuki, being unable to respond to anything in his relief and exhaustion.
Waking up a week later in Hatori's home. Returning to his own home a week after that. Hearing from Akito how a smarter zodiac wouldn't have needed the rescue. Being comforted by Shigure, Hatori, Kagura, Yuki, and even Kazuma that the accusations were false.
Returning to school, to normal life, to Satomi. Satomi, who hadn't eaten or slept in the three days it had taken his family to find him. Satomi, who had only returned to school when Yuki had sworn on everything he had that Haru would pull through.
Returning to training with Kazuma, determined to enhance his skills. Itching to try them out on Kyo- the easiest zodiac to pick a fight with and the only one who hadn't doted on him during recovery. Haru could fight Kyo without ever feeling guilty about it.
Sati, taking everything really well. Staying with him, helping him through panic attacks and bouts of paranoia.
Apologizing to Sati after meeting Tohru – Sati had worried herself sick when he'd gone missing on his trek to find Kyo. Satomi making him swear to never leave without telling her again.
Black Haru had taken on an edge that no one knew how to deal with, least of all his family. Apparently, the side Haru could hardly remember had picked up a thing or two from his captivity.
Getting the word that Akito was dying, feeling guiltily relieved. Finally, he could be with Sati without worrying about Akito's reaction, without being scared sick that one day more attackers would come and this time Akito would decree that Haru wasn't worth saving.
Haru sat next to the house and did a few breathing exercises. Akito had warned him, but that hadn't registered. Now… Haru retched.
"Hey," Hatori crouched by the cow, his hand on Haru's shoulder, "take a deep breath. In and out, that's it." Though the majority of Hatori's new memories were ones the dragon would treasure, the weeks of uncertainty about whether or not Haru would pull through, the defending him to Akito, the talks with other adults about how to deal with the boy's PTSD – Hatori wondered how many nights it would take before his own nightmares stopped, let alone Haru's.
"I… I'm okay," Haru managed to bite out, "I just… She's worth it, of course she's worth it, I just can't… Give me a minute, yeah?"
"Of course," Hatori said lowly, though he didn't leave Haru's side. So Haru had saved his middle school crush, Satomi. It made more sense than Hatori cared to think about.
After a few minutes, Haru stood up and brushed himself off. Hatori stood with him, removing his hand.
"I'm good. It's okay, I can handle it," the cow assured his doctor. Hatori studied him for a moment before nodding and taking a step back. Haru gave a small smile and turned away, intent on speaking to Sati.
"I believe you can," Hatori said to himself, "I believe you can."
Summary: Hatsuharu has flashbacks when he leaves the Main House, but he goes out the back so Hatori's the one who finds him. Hatori stays with Haru until Haru gets his bearings and helps him through the initial shock. Haru goes to talk to Sati and Hatori gives his vote of confidence in the cow. I also hinted that the reason Kyo was so surprised in the anime about how aggressive Black Haru could be was because Black Haru had taken on some aspect of his kidnappers.
I'm sorry about any concerns this chapter may have caused you, but this is the worst chapter. It should be mostly sunshine and rainbows from here on out!