Control

Greetings all! It’s been awhile. I’m sorry I had to leave you all without an update for so long. Sadly, things have been hectic and writing has been a lower priority. That’s what you get when you’re in grad school.

I wanted to take a quick moment and thank my reviewers! Your comments are really fuel for the fire of what I’m doing. For those that have said this is different, I thank you. I really wanted to write something different from what’s out there. I hope I’ve succeeded.

To Sephiress, I want to thank you for your criticism. I hope I’ve improved with this chapter. I plan to go back and edit previous chapters once I finish this. Your words have been most helpful. I’d love your opinion of this chapter as well.

Remember, I don’t own, I borrow.

Enough babble, on with the story.

*******

Kenshin opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling for a moment. The effects of the dart had finally worn off. Turning his head, he saw Miyori curled on her side next to him, still asleep. Lifting the blanket, Kenshin rose from the futon, being careful not to disturb Miyori. Grabbing his clothes, Kenshin quickly dressed. Kenshin added some wood to the fire and sat before the fireplace on a cushion. Staring into the dancing flames, Kenshin’s mind began to work over the reality of the situation he was in.

‘What has this unworthy one done? Do I possess so little self control as to let these darts affect me so? I raped an innocent girl, I took her maidenhead with no thought of what I was doing. How can I face anyone again? Kami…Karou. I’ve ruined everything. I was a fool to believe that I could stay at the dojo without something like this happening. I pray Miss Karou is alright, that she hasn’t been harmed. I didn’t sense a lie. How can I go back after this? What about Miss Miyori? She can’t return to her family and I’ve dishonored her. If I don’t marry her, how can I return her honor to her? I don’t love her. I…I…love Karou. I’ve been such a fool. I’m truly not worthy of her love, especially after this.’

Tears welled up in Kenshin’s eyes as he stared into the fire. He ignored the burning sensation. As the first tear broke the barrier and rolled down his cheek, he whispered, “Karou.”

Unbeknownst to Kenshin, Miyori had awoken when he rose from the futon. Lying quietly, she cracked her eyes and watched Kenshin as he sat in front of the fire. She could see the emotions as they danced across his face. Frustration, heartbreak and despair all made themselves apparent as she watched. When Kenshin whispered Karou’s name, Miyori felt her own heart break at the pain Kenshin was feeling. Curling into herself, she fought the urge to cry. For the first time, Miyori found herself wondering what would become of her.

‘If I get out of here, what will I do? I can’t stay with Kenshin. He belongs with Miss Karou. I can’t return to my family, they were starving as it was. I would be a burden to them. Perhaps I can find a job somewhere. I’ll be alone…and vulnerable. How will I protect myself?

What about my future? No decent man will want me. I’m little better than a prostitute now. I’ve lost my innocence. I remember all of Mother’s warnings about girls who lost their virtue outside of marriage and the horrible things they were subjected to. Will that happen to me? Will I be forced to sell myself on the street to live? Kenshin is an honorable man, but he is in love with another. I don’t love him. I couldn’t stay with him. But what if he were to ask to me to? What would I do? I don’t want to sell myself. I’d always figured I’d settle down someday, perhaps with one of the boys from the next village over. I’d been looking forward to this year’s Spring festival. Father and mother had been discussing finding me a suitor. It wasn’t supposed to be like this…’ Miyori’s thoughts faded into softly falling tears as she drifted off into a troubled sleep. Kenshin continued to mull his own thoughts as dawn approached.

******

Far to the northeast, a troubling night was in store for Karou as well. Retiring to her room, she collapsed on the futon after a long and tiring day.

“I swear I’ll never take inn workers for granted again. All day I’ve cleaned, done laundry and served people. The owners expect you to smile no matter how rude or irritating a guest is. I could’ve sworn this inn was almost dead when we came here. How was I supposed to know this area is involved with mining! Ugh, and the guests! They make Yahiko and Sano seem like angels.”

Sighing, Karou pulled out her pay to this point and counted it. It was just barely enough to cover the expenses of her journey to Matsue.

Muttering to herself, she contemplated things, “It’s going to be tight, but I don’t want to waste any more time. I need to get home. Sano and Yahiko have no idea what’s happened. Maybe Kenshin’s returned and has no idea where I am! He could be sick with worry. Or maybe, he doesn’t even care. Grrrr….baka rurouni!”

Standing up Karou began to pace as she continued her rant, “Why can’t you tell me how you feel about me! You’ve been nice lately, accompanying me on picnics, but you never do or say anything to show me that you care for me as more than a friend. If I wasn’t so afraid, I’d tell you how I feel. Maybe I should tell you. Maybe if I told you, you won’t do stupid things like give up your sword and allow yourself to be taken hostage!”

Dropping to her futon Karou looked out the window. The moon cast light into the room. Staring at it, Karou continued her one-sided conversation with Kenshin, “Why won’t people allow you to live in peace? After everything you’ve been through, you deserve the chance to live out your life with your friends and the people that love you, without threats or challenges or things like this happening! I’ve been afraid for too long. Kenshin, you deserve love and when I see you again, I promise that no matter what the circumstance, I’m going to tell you how I feel. I love you and I don’t care what I have to do to get you to understand that you are worthy of love! You are going to know how I feel Kenshin!”

Smiling, Karou nodded to herself, the determination to share her feelings with Kenshin resounding through her mind. Changing into her yukata, Karou laid down on her futon. Looking to the moon again, she silently repeated her promise to tell Kenshin how she felt. Visions of Kenshin smiling filled her mind as she drifted off to sleep.

*******

The sliding of the slot in the door startled Miyori awake. Turning toward the sound she quickly noted the new provisions. Swinging her eyes around she looked at the screens at the top of the room. Kenshin’s voice startled her.

“I don’t sense any presences up there Miss Miyori,” he said softly. Sitting up, Miyori clutched the blanket around her naked form.
“I…I..,” she began.

“It’s alright Miss Miyori,” Kenshin said cutting her off, “I can understand how unsettled you must feel. I didn’t…I didn’t hurt you last night, did I?” Kenshin asked, turning his face toward the ground in front of him.

Swallowing, Miyori forced her voice to be strong, permeating the awkward feeling in the room. “No, Kenshin. You didn’t hurt me. Are you alright?”

Kenshin twisted his mouth, mulling over Miyori’s words. “I don’t know, Miss Miyori. I feel very guilty for what has happened.” Clutching his fist, Kenshin continued, “I should have been able to control myself. I hurt you the first time and instead of trying to control myself the second time, I just gave into it. I was so afraid of hurting you again…”

Miyori felt a sickening feeling in the pit of her stomach. “Kenshin stop!” she cried out, cutting him off. Breathing deeply she fought off the rush of tears that threatened. Steadying her voice, she looked out the window.

“Neither of us wants to be in this situation. Those darts have a strong effect on you. The first time…you weren’t even aware. I….I….could see that your eyes were vacant. At least this time, you were aware of what was happening. Right or wrong…you were aware and…you didn’t hurt me. I don’t know why this is happening to you and I, but if I have a choice between aware or unaware, I’d rather you be aware and not hurt me.”

Kenshin continued to stare into the fire absorbing Miyori’s words. Turning he looked into her eyes-still staring out the window. “Miss Miyori, I promise you still that this unworthy one will do everything in his power to set things right after we get out of here. I’m so sorry for the pain I’ve caused you.”

Miyori clenched her eyes together, trying desperately to fight off the flood of tears that threatened. Kenshin rose and crossed over to the futon. Dropping to her side, he put his arm around her shoulder. Miyori let the tears go and Kenshin fought to keep his own tears at bay.

*******

Yahiko sat on the porch outside the dojo. He’d already taken care of the laundry and was waiting for Sano to return from searching his old hangouts for any word of Kenshin and Karou. Staring into the dust at his feet, he felt the anger inside of him rising up. Not knowing what had happened to Kenshin and Karou had been eating at the youngster for days. The sound of the gate opening pulled Yahiko out of his thoughts. Turning toward the gate Yahiko’s eyes widened at the sight before him.

Misao bounded across the dirt toward the porch. Throwing her arms around Yahiko she knocked him back with the force of her hug.
“Yahiko! We came as soon as we got Sano’s telegraph. Are you okay?” she asked as she choked him in a tight hug.

“Ugh. Get off me!” Yahiko called out as he broke her hold. “I’m fine. I’m just worried about Kenshin and Karou. It’s been almost a week and there’s been no sign of them,” Yahiko said.

“We’ve already alerted our network and should here something soon,” a new voice said.

Looking up, Yahiko stared into the expressionless blue eyes of Aoshi Shinomori. “Thank you Aoshi,” Yahiko said.

Nodding his head, Aoshi adjusted the packs on his shoulder. “Would you direct me to where Misao and I will be staying?” he asked.

“This way,” Yahiko said as he led them into the house. ‘I hope the Oniwaban group can make some headway where Sano and I have been unable to,’ he thought as he showed them the guest rooms.

******

Miyori was preparing dinner when Kenshin felt several presences surrounding the room. Launching himself up, Kenshin grabbed another thick book from the bookcase. Miyori started at the sound. Spinning around she noticed Kenshin diving for a book. Looking up she saw the screens open a few inches. She noticed a man about to fire.

“Kenshin from your left,” she called out. Kenshin spun and caught the dart with the book. Rolling, Kenshin kept himself in constant motion, catching darts with the book or diving out of the way. Miyori watched as one of the men turned and changed tactics. Her eyes widened as she saw the cylinder the darts were fired from turned toward her. Kenshin glanced up in time to see the man aim the cylinder at Miyori.

“Nooooo!” he cried out as he used his godlike speed to cross to her. Throwing his arm up, he caught the dart in his forearm. The man who’d fired the dart smirked and closed the screen. Miyori stood staring at Kenshin.

“Why?” she asked shakily.

“He aimed it at your artery in your neck. If this one hadn’t taken it, you could have been seriously injured,” Kenshin said, dropping his gaze to the floor.

Kenshin was surprised as he felt a warm hand on his cheek. Looking up he stared into Miyori’s brown eyes. She gave him a wan smile. “Thank you,” she said as she reached down and gently removed the dart.

Walking away from Kenshin, she threw the dart into the fireplace. Staring into the fire she felt Kenshin come up behind her. He wrapped his arms around her. Closing her eyes, Miyori reached back and untied her obi. Kenshin pulled her hair aside and began to kiss the side of her neck.

*******

Elsewhere in the building, the man who’d fired the dart at Miyori walked up to his boss and reported. Kitaro smiled at the man. Turning he knocked on the door of the office behind him. Hearing an acceptance, he opened the door.

“Sir, Battousai behaved as you described he would,” Kitaro said looking into his boss’ eyes.

The man smiled and Kitaro felt the temperature in the room drop a few degrees. “Excellent. I’ll have to come watch the show,” he said as he rose. Walking past the desk, Kitaro fell into step with his boss.

“Sir, may I ask a question?” Kitaro asked.

“Of course,” his boss replied.

“Why did you let the Kamiya girl go?” Kitaro asked.

Smiling, Kitaro’s boss stopped. Turning to face Kitaro, he appraised the man before him. “How much do you know about control, Kitaro?” he asked.

“Control, sir?” Kitaro asked, stupefied.

“The Kamiya girl was an unknown. For my plan to work I needed to know that I had a girl who was capable of producing the desired outcome. I had no way of knowing if Kamiya could do that,” Kitaro’s boss said.

“The desired outcome sir? I don’t understand what that has to do with control,” Kitaro stated.

“I aim to use the bond that is unbreakable to control Battousai. You could’ve brought me the Kamiya girl and perhaps Battousai would’ve done my bidding, but should anything have gone wrong, there would be no long-lasting effects. Should this plan fail, Battousai’s life will never be the same. If he had feelings for the Kamiya girl, his actions here have done irreparable damage. And once Miyori does what I brought her here for, I will hold the power to control Battousai. He will do my bidding whether he wants to or not,” the man said grinning ear to ear.

“I see sir,” Kitaro said.

“Yes. Come now, we don’t want to miss the show,” Kitaro’s boss said, hurrying along the hallway.

*********

Kenshin ran his hands along the edges of Miyori’s kimono. Slowly pulling the sides of the material apart he exposed her soft flesh. Running his hand along her side, he felt the fluttering of her skin as he brushed it. Turning her in his arms, he caught her lips with his. Feeling the dart’s effects beginning, Kenshin ran his tongue along her lips begging acceptance. Slowly Miyori opened herself to him. Kenshin’s tongue rushed in and plundered her sweetness. Deepening the kiss, Kenshin felt the stirrings of his member. Wrapping his arms around Miyori’s waist, he lifted her. Miyori wrapped her arms and legs around Kenshin in response. Kenshin walked forward and felt the wall against his hand. Propping Miyori against the wall, Kenshin slid his hand down under her buttock.

Miyori felt her body warming with each touch. The feel of the hard wall behind her and the hardness of Kenshin’s body were exciting. Reaching down she felt the softness of Kenshin’s skin through the opening in his gi. Bringing her other hand down she tore at the knot that held the gi closed. Opening it, she ran her hands over Kenshin’s skin. She felt wanton, but the ache inside her begged for completion.

Kenshin slid his hand in between their bodies and brushed the apex of Miyori’s thighs. He could feel a small bit of wetness. It wasn’t enough to prevent her from hurting if he took her now. Desperately Kenshin tried to hold himself back. The effects of the dart were in full force and his member throbbed painfully. Taking a finger Kenshin rubbed over her nub. The moan Miyori let out was nearly his undoing. Kenshin continued to flick her nub building a rhythm that left Miyori panting. Feeling more wetness, Kenshin removed his hand and undid the knot at his hakama.

Guiding himself to her opening, he thrust in with one stroke. Breaking away from Kenshin’s lips Miyori let her head fall back as Kenshin began a fast rhythm. Reaching between their bodies, Kenshin rubbed her nub giving Miyori more pleasure as he sandwiched her between the wall and himself.

Miyori felt the hardness of the wall through the material of her open kimono, but it didn’t matter. The angle was causing pleasure deep inside herself and Kenshin’s rubbing of her nub was bringing her close to the edge. As Kenshin increased the pace she felt herself falling and was powerless to stop herself.

Kenshin felt her walls begin to contract around his member. The friction was too delicious to resist. With a final hard thrust he buried himself and felt himself lost in his climax. Vaguely he was conscious of Miyori calling out his name as her climax took her over. Slumping against her shoulder, Kenshin tried to get his breathing back to normal. He was once again, still hard inside Miyori.

Miyori tried to get her breathing under control. Leaning her head back against the wall, she opened her eyes. She saw two men leering through an open screen at the top of the room across from them. She instantly stiffened.

The slight shifting of Miyori’s body reminded Kenshin how painfully hard he still was. Pulling out a bit, he dove back into Miyori. He felt her stiffness but wasn’t aware of the voyeurs near them. The blood still pounded in his ears and all he could concentrate on was the painful erection he had. Reaching in between them, he once again began to play with her nub.

Miyori tried to stifle the feelings Kenshin was causing within her. With each gentle rub he was stoking the fire deep in her. Closing her eyes, she tried to ignore the two men she knew were there. Concentrating on what Kenshin was doing she tried to relax herself. Kenshin sped up the pace, he could feel another peak coming. Miyori listened to Kenshin’s breathing speeding up and knew he had to be close. Clenching her muscles inside she prayed Kenshin would be done soon.

When Miyori’s muscles clenched, Kenshin fell over the edge. Thrusting in to the hilt, he climaxed deep inside her. Panting, he slowly became aware o f another sound besides the roaring blood in his ears. Concentrating, he realized someone was clapping. Turning his head Kenshin’s eyes narrowed as he stared up at two men through the open screen at the top of the room. One he recognized as Kitaro, the other wore a mask. However, at the next words, Kenshin felt he knew this person.

********

And how’s that for a cliffie!!! Hahaha. Yes, I’m evil. I’ll try to update this tomorrow if I get a chance. However, I make no guarantees! I’ve been working two internships, babysitting and carrying a full grad school class load. Time is not something I have a lot of. I’ll update when I can. Enjoy this til then!