Control

So those of you who typed Takayoshi’s name into a search box on the Internet may have figured out who he is. For those that haven’t, you’re about to find out. I don’t know a ton about him, so I can’t say if this is historically accurate. However, it’s a fiction and I’m taking some license. Enjoy!

‘thoughts’

“dialogue”

I don’t own, you don’t sue.

Control
Chapter 10

Kenshin sat in front of the laundry tub. He was almost finished with the day’s laundry. His mind was processing everything that had happened in the past two weeks. He and Kaoru had admitted their feelings to one another and in one sense, he was in heaven. In another sense, he was in hell. Guilt wrapped its fingers around his heart as he thought about Miyori and her possible condition. He’d considered telling Kaoru, but ruled against it. He didn’t want to break her heart or cause her undue suffering. Until he knew for certain, he just couldn’t bring himself to tell her. Scrubbing at a pair of Yahiko’s hakama, Kenshin smiled as he saw the food stains beginning to come out.

A pair of running footsteps alerted Kenshin to Yahiko’s presence. The youth ran by with a muttered, “see you,” before continuing on out the gate. Kenshin smiled as he felt Kaoru’s presence running up.

“Yahiko, come back here! You haven’t put your sword away…,” Kaoru yelled, uselessly. “Mou,” she said, stamping her foot. “That boy won’t ever learn.”

Kenshin rose from the tub and crossed to her. Gently retrieving the sword, he smiled as he gazed into her sapphire eyes.

“He’s young and still learning. He’ll improve with time. I’ll take care of the sword,” Kenshin said, blushing as his fingers grazed Kaoru’s holding the sword.

Kaoru let out a small sigh at the touch. Kenshin began to walk back toward the dojo when Kaoru spoke again.

“Kenshin, since Yahiko’s gone, would you like to eat lunch out in the garden?” Kaoru asked.

“Hai, this will be one of the last semi-warm afternoons. It’s a good time for it,” he said, smiling at the girl.

Kaoru returned the smile and walked toward the kitchen while Kenshin headed toward the dojo.

Half an hour later both were seated on a blanket in the garden area of the dojo. Kenshin had been surprised to learn there was a small koi pond here. He’d always thought it was just an undeveloped part of the dojo grounds. Kaoru’s face had colored with embarrassment when she admitted she just wasn’t a good gardener. Kenshin had taken over and now the small garden was a beautiful retreat on the dojo grounds.

Kenshin and Kaoru ate in silence, enjoying the last few warm sun rays of the season. Finishing their meal, Kaoru placed the bento boxes to the side. Scooting over she wrapped her arms around Kenshin while looking out at the small pond. Kenshin placed his arm over her shoulder and pulled her tight against him. For awhile they sat in silence. When Kaoru began to speak, Kenshin turned his head to look at her and they were face-to-face. Kaoru let her thought trail off, unfinished. The two stared into each others’ eyes for a moment, when suddenly Kaoru leaned forward and touched her lips to Kenshin’s.

Kenshin felt his blood begin to heat. Kaoru’s lips were soft and when her hand came up to cup his cheek, he couldn’t help but pull her closer until she sat in his lap. Their kisses soon passed from chaste to deep and passionate. Kaoru moaned slightly as Kenshin’s hand massaged her back. When she opened her mouth, his tongue darted in and plundered her sweetness. Gasping for air, they broke apart. Kenshin tried to catch his breath but lost it again as Kaoru began to kiss his neck. Cupping her cheek he led her lips to his again. He felt his blood pounding in his ears and as Kaoru shifted on his lap he felt his member harden.

A memory triggered in his mind of his hardened member and kissing Miyori. Pulling away from Kaoru he tried to calm himself. Kaoru tried to lean in to kiss him again, but he held her back gently. Finding his voice Kenshin addressed Kaoru, as she sat with a confused look in her eye.

“Miss Kaoru we must stop, that we must,” Kenshin said, breathing deeply.

“What’s the matter Kenshin?” Kaoru asked, concern lacing her voice.

“We are moving too fast, that we are. I do not want something to happen that we are not ready for,” Kenshin said.

“Kenshin, I love you and I trust you,” Kaoru said softly. “If you want to lay with me, I will. I want to show you how much I love you. I don’t want to miss an opportunity to be with you.”

Kenshin clenched his eyes. Kaoru’s declaration of love and her willingness to express it was more than Kenshin had ever dreamed of. He was tempted to take her right there, but the voice of his conscious was whispering in the back of his mind. He couldn’t take the risk. The damage to Kaoru’s reputation would be irreparable and Kenshin didn’t want her to lose everything because of him.

Clearing his throat, Kenshin stared into Kaoru’s eyes.

“Miss Kaoru, I want those things. I love you as well, but we should wait, that we should. We are not married, nor engaged and it would be improper. I do not want to hurt your reputation. I love you too much to do that,” Kenshin said.

Kaoru nodded and stared shyly into her lap.

“I’m sorry Kenshin. You must think less of me, that I’m wonton,” Kaoru said softly.

Kenshin cupped her chin, raising her head until she gazed into his eyes.

“Never, Miss Kaoru. You were expressing your feelings and it is natural to feel a strong physical desire for the one you love. I feel the same way. I just want what will be best for both of us. I never want to be something you regret,” Kenshin said, feeling the last words to the depth of his soul.

Kaoru smiled and hugged Kenshin.

“You’re a good man Kenshin, I could never regret meeting you,” she whispered.

Inside, Kenshin felt guilt building up as he worried that his secret may be their undoing.

*******

Later that week, Kenshin was washing down the porch while Yahiko worked at the Akabeko and Kaoru gave lessons at another dojo. Wetting the rag, he ran down the length of the porch, cleaning away the dust and dirt. A brief flash of ki was all the warning Kenshin had to roll from his current position at the doorway. Feeling something fly past, Kenshin immediately set his reflexes to battle-ready status. Rising, he scanned the area, but could only feel a glimmer of ki headed away. Turning he saw a dagger embedded in the doorpost. A paper was wrapped around the hilt. Pulling the paper away from the dagger, Kenshin opened it.

As Kenshin read the words, he felt himself tremble. Steadying his emotions, he pulled the dagger out. He cast a look toward his room. Taking a deep breath, he turned and headed toward the gate. Locking the dojo, Kenshin walked down the road toward a forest area not far from the dojo. Following the instructions in the letter he’d received with the dagger, Kenshin followed a path that led deep into the forest. Rounding a rock, Kenshin could feel several hostile ki surrounding him. Continuing on the path, Kenshin counted a total of ten men surrounding him and following his path. Coming to a fork in the path, Kenshin followed the left track until he saw his destination. Standing up the path about 15 yards away was a group of six men. To either side of them were large rocks. Kenshin could sense another five ki behind the rocks and one was very afraid. Approaching the men, Kenshin’s eyes widened when the men parted and a familiar face greeted Kenshin.

“Greetings Himura, it’s been a long time,” the man said, grinning.

“Takayoshi Kido, if I recall,” Kenshin said threateningly.

“Your memory serves you correctly. Please drop the dagger. My men noted you brought it and you were to remain unarmed according to my instructions,” Kido said.

Kenshin tossed the dagger on the ground near Kido’s feet. Kido kicked it away towards his men. Kenshin narrowed his eyes as he addressed Kido.

“You were the one in the prison. You’ve been behind this whole thing,” Kenshin ground out.

“Yes,” Kido said, smiling.

“Do you want to tell me why one of my former Ishin Shishi leaders would do this?” Kenshin asked, clenching his fist.

Kido’s eyes flashed with merriment.

“It’s very simple really. You were the reason we were able to overtake the Shogunate. Your sword carved the way toward a new era. But then you went and did a silly thing like take a vow never to kill again. I need that sword Himura, I need you,” Kido said.

“You want me to commit manslaughter, is that it?” Kenshin asked, his eyes flashing amber.

“That’s exactly it. The Revolution was supposed to change the way this country was run. Instead it’s the same, just new people in place of the old. And if you aren’t part of that select group, you have no say. I need to change that,” Kido said, appraising the man in front of him.

“I’ll never help you. I fought for peace and those times have come. People are living their lives and I won’t destroy that peace so you can have power. My sword will remain free of blood,” Kenshin said, anger stirring in his voice.

Kido cocked his head to the side and sighed.

“I thought you might say something like that. You see Himura, because I was involved with the Ishin Shishi, I got to know you and your ways. I know your strengths…and I know your weaknesses,” Kido said, making a motion with his left hand.

Kenshin noted movement and looked as the men behind Kido separated. Kenshin’s eyes widened and he felt a sick feeling in his stomach at the sight approaching him.

Miyori was led by one of the men with Kido. Her eyes never left the ground in front of her. Her hands were tied behind her. She tried to curl in on herself, but was unable to. She was dressed in a royal blue yukata and as Kenshin’s eyes roamed her, they came to stop at her stomach. Her belly was rounded and it was obvious she was pregnant. Kenshin closed his eyes.

Kido watched Kenshin’s reaction with satisfaction. He saw the shock and the resignation as Kenshin took in the girl’s condition. Breaking the silence, Kido watched as Kenshin’s eyes opened to full amber.

“I thought you might need some persuading,” Kido said, smiling widely.

Kenshin glared at the man and the men behind Kido gave an involuntary shudder.

“Come now, Himura, that won’t work with me. I hold the cards here, not you. Now I’ll ask again, will you do as I ask and give me your services?” Kido asked again, satisfaction etched on his face.

Kenshin shook with anger. Looking toward Miyori and back at Kido he remained silent.

Kido smiled and began to pace before Kenshin.

“Battousai, you try my patience. Let me explain to you what will happen if you choose to refuse me. I will kill the girl and the child, slowly and…painfully. As a man who once said that each child of the new generation is irreplaceable, would you really allow your own child to die for your beliefs? Would you have the blood of Miyori and your child stain your hands? You’ve killed your first wife, perhaps it wouldn’t bother you to lose another…,” Kido said, stopping and smiling predatorily.

Kenshin growled. Kido chuckled and continued.

“Perhaps the child means nothing to you. After all, it’s not your beloved kendo teacher who’s carrying it.”

Kenshin had had enough.

“Leave Kaoru out of this, she has nothing to do with it,” Kenshin said.

“Ah, I see. It’s different when you love the woman, isn’t it,” Kido said, turning and looking at Miyori.

Kenshin followed his gaze and felt his heart clench.

Miyori still looked at the ground, but tears stained her cheeks. She was trembling.

Kenshin lowered his gaze. Breathing deeply, he raised his eyes to Kido’s gleaming ones. Slowly Kenshin nodded his head. Kido smiled in victory.

“I’m sure you remember how this is done. Toshi, the envelope, please,” Kido said, satisfaction ringing through his voice.

A man stepped forward from the group behind Kido. He was the only one in the group unarmed. Walking up to Kenshin, he reached inside his jacket and pulled out a black envelope. He handed it to Kenshin. Kenshin crushed it in his hand as he kept his eyes pinned on Kido’s face.

“You have three days to complete your assignment. Involve anyone else and I will have no qualms about killing the girl and hence your child. Don’t worry about contacting me, I’ll know when you’ve completed your chore,” Kido said, turning away from Kenshin.

Kenshin’s voice stopped him.

“How many?” Kenshin asked.

Kido turned and faced the rurouni.

“How many?” he parroted.

“How many do I have to kill until you’ll let Miss Miyori go?” Kenshin asked, his body shaking at his words.

“As many stand in my way. Right now I’d say that’s about 10. However, it could change. I’d hurry along and get started if I were you,” Kido said, turning back toward his men. He made a signal with his hand and the man next to Miyori tugged at her arm.

Miyori raised her mahogany eyes and locked with Kenshin’s. She felt all hope leave her as she took in the dejected slump of his shoulders and his angry eyes. Lowering her gaze again, she turned to follow the man. Kenshin’s voice stopped her.

“Please hold on awhile longer, Miss Miyori,” he called out.

She looked back over her shoulder to see soft amethyst eyes and a sad smile. Nodding her head once, she walked at the insistence of the man beside her. Tears blurred her vision and she felt as bleak as the grey clouds above.

******

Okay folks, I hope this explains why everything happened. Please feel free to let me know what you think of it. Good, bad or other.