Control

“dialogue”

‘thoughts’

I don’t own Rurouni Kenshin, I make no money off this and I hope people are still reading this fic.

Control
Chapter 21

Ever since Megumi’s ultimatum to Kenshin, he’d been thinking over what to do. His heart and soul still wanted Kaoru, but his head understood the duty he had to Miyori. For weeks he’d been attempting to figure it out. To make matters more complicated, he never found any time to speak to Miyori alone. She was always either with his Master or Kaoru. Without speaking to her, he didn’t feel he could make any decisions. As he lay on his futon, he tried to reason out what to do. He would have to rise soon and begin his day.

As Kenshin left his bedroom he gazed out over the morning sky. It was one of those ominous skies with dark brooding clouds. Kenshin felt his mood sink. With a sigh, he began his daily routine.

Miyori awoke to a slight twinge in her back. Rolling over she silently cursed her heavy body. The child inside adjusted itself-right onto her bladder. Cursing out loud, she struggled and rose. Hurrying to the bathroom, she prayed that this pregnancy would be over soon.

Later at breakfast, everyone sat quietly while they ate. The air hung heavy with humidity and no one felt as though they had much energy. When Sano took an extra helping, Yahiko let it go…he just didn’t have the strength to argue.

“It’s such an ugly day today,” said Kaoru. “The sky looks awful and its just so sticky.”

“Hai Kaoru-dono,” Kenshin said. “Perhaps it would be better not to train today.”

“I think you’re right Kenshin,” Kaoru said. “I just don’t have the energy for it.”

“How are you this morning Miss Miyori? You’ve been very quiet,” Kaoru said.

“I’m fine. I think I may go for a short walk this morning. Megumi said exercise is important at this stage,” Miyori said.

“You shouldn’t go alone,” Kaoru said. “I just don’t think I’m up to it in this weather.”

“I could escort Miss Miyori,” Kenshin said.

Kaoru smiled.

“That would be great. I’ll clean up in your absence,” she said.

“Miss Miyori, shall we?” Kenshin asked.

Miyori nodded.

As the two started on the path into the forest from the dojo, neither said anything. Miyori tried to ignore another twinge in her back. Kenshin gathered his courage.

“Miss Miyori, we need to talk,” he said.

“Hai, we do,” Miyori said.

“I’m sorry we’ve not had the chance before now. I know I’ve put you in a bad position,” Kenshin said.

“You love her,” Miyori said.

Kenshin stopped in his tracks.

“There is the problem,” he said. “I love her, but I cannot be with her.”

Miyori stopped and turned toward him.

Smiling she said, “But you have been with her. Kenshin the dojo is not as big as for others to not know what is happening. I know you love her, you talked about her when we were imprisoned. And I know you’ve been with her, I’m happy for you.”

“No Miss Miyori, I can’t be with her. I have an obligation to you and our child. I can’t let you live on the streets, I can’t ignore the fact that I’m responsible for what’s happened to you. The only way for me to make it right is to marry you,” Kenshin said.

“Kenshin, you can’t! You love Kaoru. She loves you back and I don’t want someone I don’t love,” Miyori said, tears starting to form.

“Perhaps we can learn to love one another…,” Kenshin said, his heart breaking at the words.

Miyori shook her head.

“No. I won’t do it. I can’t…I won’t. You ca-,” Miyori stopped speaking.

Kenshin’s head shot up.

“Miyori, what’s the matter?” he asked, approaching her.

Her face had gone completely pale.

“Miyori?” Kenshin said, grabbing her arm.

Alarmed mahogany eyes met violet.

“I think the baby is coming,” she said softly.

Kenshin’s eyes widened.

Miyori clutched her stomach and cried out.

“The baby’s definitely coming,” she said, gritting her teeth.

Kenshin scooped her up and using his god-like speed, he rushed back to the dojo.

Rushing in the gate, he saw Yahiko on the porch.

“Yahiko, go get Miss Megumi! Tell her Miyori is having her baby,” Kenshin shouted, running toward Miyori’s room.

“Right away,” Yahiko yelled, running for the clinic.

“Kenshin,” Kaoru called out, running from the kitchen. “Did you say Miyori is having her baby?”

“Hai Miss Kaoru,” Kenshin said, hurrying for Miyori’s room. Laying her down on the futon, he sat beside her.

Kaoru rushed to Miyori’s side.

“Hold on Miss Miyori, Megumi will be here soon,” she said.

Miyori nodded.

Hiko came out of his room at the commotion. He took one look at Miyori and knew.

“Baka deshi, go boil water,” he instructed.

“Oro?” Kenshin said.

“You baka, go! You’ll need hot water for after the baby arrives,” Hiko said.

“How do you know that?” Kenshin asked?

Hiko sighed.

“My mother was a midwife, now go!” Hiko ordered.

Kenshin nodded and ran for the kitchen.

The minutes ticked by and after almost an hour, Yahiko returned. Panting he ran to Miyori’s room.

“Megumi…she…can’t make it,” he panted.

“What?” Kaoru asked.

“Why not?” Kenshin asked.

“There’s been a fire downtown. Lots of buildings have collapsed and both she and Dr. Gensai are treating dozens of injured. She said she’d be here as quick as she could,” Yahiko said.

“What are we going to do?” Kaoru said, panicking.

“We’re going to deliver a baby,” Hiko said.

Everyone looked at him like he was mad.

“We’ve no choice in the matter. Kenshin, help me get Miyori on her feet. Miyori, you’re going to need to walk some. It’ll help speed the labor,” Hiko said.

Kenshin merely stared at him with his mouth open.

“Now baka!” Hiko shouted.

“Hai master!” Kenshin said, springing to his feet.

Together they helped Miyori up and made their way to the garden. Hiko instructed them to walk in circles until Miyori’s contractions were close together. He instructed Yahiko and Kaoru to keep hot water on hand and to bring all the clean linens in the dojo.

The hours passed and still no Megumi. Finally Miyori’s contractions were very close together. The pain was blinding her. She felt as though she was being ripped in two. Little did she know her limits were about to be extended.
“It’s time to move her inside,” Hiko said. “Her contractions are very close together. The baby should be coming.”

“Master Hiko, are you certain?” Kaoru asked.

“Hai,” he said.

The men helped Miyori back to the room and laid her on the futon.

“Miss Kaoru, check to see if you can see anything,” Hiko instructed.

“See anything?” Kaoru asked.

“Hai,” Hiko said. “Check to see if you can see the baby’s head.”

“Oh…I don’t think…,” Kaoru began.

Miyori cried out as another contraction hit.

“Please Miss Kaoru, you’re the only woman here,” Kenshin said.

“A-Alright. Miyori, I’m sorry,” Kaoru said, scooting down to Miyori’s legs. Pushing up her kimono, Kaoru looked between her legs and gasped.

“Is everything alright, Kaoru-dono?” Kenshin asked.

“There’s a head!” Kaoru cried out.

“Good,” Hiko said. “Miyori, on your next contraction, push.”

Miyori nodded her head.

“Kaoru, grab a piece of cloth to catch the baby in,” Hiko ordered.

“Hai,” Kaoru said, grabbing one of the linens they’d brought.

“Miss Miyori, this is it,” Kenshin said. “Your baby is almost here.”

Miyori’s eyes met Kenshin’s as her contraction hit. Crying out, she bore down with all her might. Her body was on fire. Everything hurt and then suddenly as though a dam burst, it was over.

Kaoru’s eyes widened as the baby came down into her waiting arms. It was covered in blood and goo and she wiped the baby’s face. As she did, a strong cry filled the room.

Kenshin felt his heart stop at the cry of his child. Miyori was crying.

“What is it?” Hiko asked.

“What?” Kaoru asked, still amazed at the miracle she held.

“Boy or girl?” Hiko asked.

“Oh,” Kaoru said, looking down. “A girl,” she said smiling.

Rubbing the linen over the baby, Kaoru made a frightening discovery. On the top of the baby’s head was a fine down the color of scarlet. Kaoru felt her breath leave her lungs as she raised her eyes to meet Kenshin’s guilty ones.