Save Me From Myself
By: Hitokiri Musei
Rated: M
Summary: Kenshin's had nightmares before, but when the rurouni becomes sick it gets worse, and dangerous. Can Kaoru stop his nightmares and save him from the Battousai that haunts him?
Warnings and Disclaimer: I don't own RK, though I have Kenshin locked in my closet! (winks) If only. This is a KaoruKenshin, and, in a somewhat twisted way, kind of a KenshinBattousai. You'll get it; at least, I hope you will. I'm going to try and build some bloody scenes that's why it's R. Enjoy!
Chapter 1
(Kenshin)
I ran. No matter how much I wanted to turn and fight I could not compete with my hunter. So I ran, the heavy rain lashing at my face and soaking my hair, hair the color of the blood that stained my hands. I was afraid, terrified. For I knew my hunter well, too well. I knew he would catch me, and I knew he would kill me. Yet, still I ran.
I was always running, I have been for the past 12 years of my life. Every since I became a rurouni this has been chasing me, and I was growing tired. But I could not escape, for this nightmare behind me was me, the Battousai. I could no more escape myself than I could harm a friend, or Miss Kaoru.
I stole a look behind me. There he was, amber eyes burning into my violet ones. I turned back ahead, trying to run faster. 'Here it comes.' I thought. Every time it happens. At that moment I tripped, loosing my balance and falling forward into the mud. I raised my head to wipe away the dirt and water, then looked wide-eyed at my hands. Blood. It was blood I was lying in, thick and fresh. Pain suddenly ripped through me and I screamed in agony and fear.
The Battousai stood above me, nothing but disdain and hate gleaming in his amber pools. He wrenched the katana from my shoulder and I felt the blood work its way down my skin. He stared at me for a moment, and then raised the katana high. "Pathetic weakling."
I screamed.
(Kaoru)
I was awakened by a scream. I sat bolt upright on my futon, staring wide-eyed into the darkness. I could feel it, something was horribly wrong.
Leaping from my blankets I ran out into the hall of the dojo. Sano was there as well, surprise written all over his face. "Kaoru? What was that?"
I shook my head. "I don't know Sano." I looked around. "Where's Kenshin? He'd normally be here by now….." I gasped. "Kenshin!"
Both Sano and I took off at a run for where Kenshin slept, fear coursing though me. I yanked open the door and rushed in, staring in shock at what I had never before seen.
Kenshin was thrashing on his futon, his face in a look of utter terror. Sweat slicked his skin, plastering his red hair to his forehead and neck. The blankets were tangled hopelessly around him and I could hear whimpers echoing through the room.
I went quickly to his side, shaking his shoulder frantically. "Kenshin! Kenshin, wake up!" His violet eyes flew open and he lay gasping, eyes darting from side to side. I watched as the fear slowly drained from those violet pools.
"M-miss Kaoru?" he murmured, looking at me. His voice was raspy, as though it hadn't been used in some time.
"You were having a nightmare." I said softly. "Are you okay?"
He smiled at me, but it was shaky. "I am fine Miss Kaoru, that I am."
I wasn't quite sure of that, but I nodded and smiled. "Alright Kenshin." I stood, going to the door where Sano stood. "Goodnight."
"Sessha is sorry for waking you Miss Kaoru," Kenshin said as I shut the door.
"It's no trouble." I replied.
"I'm going to keep an eye on him." Sano murmured as we walked away from the room. "Something's not right."
I nodded. "Goodnight Sano." I heard a faint reply as I shut my door and lay down on my futon. 'What's wrong with you Kenshin?'
(Kaoru)
Kenshin was up early the next morning as always, making breakfast. I, however, noticed the shake in his hands, the slight pale complexion of his face. We ate in silence, Kenshin sitting away from Sano, Yahiko, and I. He did not eat, only closed his eyes and sat there quietly.
"Aren't you going to eat anything Kenshin?" I asked, looking worriedly at the normally cheerful rurouni.
He let out a soft 'oro' as I surprised him from his thoughts, and then smiled. "Sessha is not hungry Miss Kaoru, don't worry."
I wasn't convinced, but I let it go. He stood, going from the room. This was normal; he would always go outside for a bit after breakfast. I heard his footsteps making their way down the hall. I had just prepared to take another bite when I heard a thud.
I was on my feet in an instant, dropping my food and running for the hall. I gasped. "Kenshin!"
The redhead lay in a shivering heap, his face white as a sheet and sweat trekking down his skin. His breathing was irregular, each breath ragged and being dragged painfully into his lungs.
Sano picked him up, turning to me. "Send for Megumi, quickly. I'll take him to his room."
I nodded and whirled around. 'Don't worry Kenshin; we'll get you some help. Just be alright.'