Disclaimer: I do not own any characters from RK, however there are a few OC's scattered throughout that are of my own creation.

Duty Calls

Chapter 8

Kenshin's lips curled into a smile well hidden beneath his long bangs as he swung the axe mercilessly at the chopping block. He could feel her eyes upon him and could not help wondering at her thoughts. Always she watched him, perhaps never thinking that he could feel the intensity of her gaze, and this only added to his amusement. What did she find so interesting? Was she trying to figure him out? Then she would need a lot more time to stare.

With that entertaining thought, he reached for another log and set it on the block. No reason to let her interest keep him from making good use of his time.

Does he ever tire, Kaoru wondered as she watched him swing the axe with effortless ease. He had been very pleased with her desire to come out of the cabin while he did the chores. The sun was warm and the fresh air would only do her good. So she sat upon the porch wrapped in a blanket, he wasn't taking chances on her getting sicker, and watched him work. He went about as if ignorant of her presence and her gaze, but she knew a man like him could not be unaware.

I would love to see him in battle, she thought with a blush. I bet he's magnificent. Embarrassed by her own thoughts, she shifted her gaze to the snow covered meadow. She didn't see him glance up at her when he detected a swift change in her ki.

Those must have been some interesting thoughts, he mused with a smirk before turning back to the pile of wood.

Kaoru leaned her head against the post and sighed softly. The sun was warm on her face and she closed her eyes in luxury, listening to the rhythmic swing and chop of Kenshin's axe. Such peace had been denied her all her life and now she wanted nothing more than to sit on that porch and listen to Kenshin work. Could she freeze such a moment and carry it with her for the rest of her life?

It took her a moment to recognize the silence that shouldn't have been. Opening her eyes in curiosity, she saw Kenshin standing alert, staring off towards the woods. After a moment, he left the axe in the block and reached for his sword, his gaze never moving from the forest.

"Kenshin?" she asked curiously.

"Go inside, Kaoru," he said evenly and she frowned. He never addressed her so informally before, never without the 'Miss'. But all about him was the energy of a man on guard.

"What's wrong?" she asked tentatively.

"Now," he growled and she flinched at the fierceness of his command. Obediently, she scrambled to her feet and turned to the door.

"Don't open up until I knock twice," he ordered quietly and she nodded as she hurried inside and barred the door.

What could possibly have him so worried? This wasn't a side of him she had ever seen before. She pressed her ear to the door and tried to hear what was going on outside.

Kenshin's tension eased slightly when he heard the bar slide into place across the door. Having her in the open and defenseless agitated him more than he had expected. Have I really grown so attached to this woman?

Sliding his sheath through his belt, he stepped out into the meadow and waited for the presence he felt to show itself. He didn't have long to wait when a man strode out of the forest in unabashed confidence.

"What do you want?" Kenshin demanded.

"Is that any way to greet an old comrade?" the tall man grinned and Kenshin's eyes narrowed.

"Eiji," he said finally. "What are you doing up here?"

"Looking for you, of course," the man laughed. "Why else would I come up this cursed mountain in the dead of winter? You are not an easy man to find."

"I like my privacy," he said flatly. "What do you want?"

Eiji sighed. "Ever so unpleasant. Can't you at least invite me in? It's been a rather long walk you know."

"What do you want," Kenshin repeated.

"Trouble came calling," Eiji's expression turned serious in an instant. "A renegade band of swordsmen wrecking havoc on the locals and it's a little more than we can handle. We need you, Battousai."

Kenshin grimaced at the name spoken on another's lips. "How many?"

"We aren't sure. They strike at night so their numbers can't be counted. We estimate between thirty and forty."

"That many?"

"You aren't the only one being called in. It seems there is no police force of any kind in this region. One village has already been burnt to the ground, including the women and children. There was only one survivor, but she disappeared after she warned the next village."

"So they're calling in killers to kill killers?" Kenshin asked flatly.

"Are you including yourself in that lot?" Eiji asked with amusement.

"I don't kill anymore, Eiji," Kenshin reminded him with narrow eyes.

"That doesn't change who you are, Battousai. Whether you agree to come with me or not, at least give me some tea."

Kenshin frowned and glanced towards the cabin. "Two conditions, Eiji," he said and returned his gaze to the taller samurai. His eyes glittered on the verge of gold and Eiji took a step back.

"Yeah?" he asked warily.

"I have a guest with me," he said evenly and Eiji's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "So don't call me Battousai."

"That's only one condition," Eiji pointed out and Kenshin turned away.

"If you touch her, I'll break every bone in your body," he threw over his shoulder as he stepped up onto the porch.

Kaoru jumped back when she heard the step just outside. Wait. Wait for two knocks, he said. Even still, she jumped again when they sounded, two sharp knocks. Steeling herself, she lifted the bar and stepped back. The door opened and she would have been relieved to see Kenshin step in if he didn't have such an intense expression on his face. He paused in the doorway and laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Don't be afraid," he said softly and stepped past her. She stared after him for a moment in confusion and then turned to shut the door he had left open.

"Hello," Eiji said pleasantly to the young woman and she jumped back with a startled yelp. "I'm sorry I startled you," he said quickly when he saw the menacing look that flashed across Kenshin's face. "I'm Eiji."

Kaoru stared at him and then glanced over at Kenshin who immediately wiped the scowl from his face but not before she glimpsed it. He was not pleased with this man's presence, but he had still welcomed him into the cabin.

She turned back to face the tall samurai and realized he was looking at her expectantly. "Kaoru," she said finally.

"A pleasure to meet you, Kao-uh Miss Kaoru," he corrected himself quickly when Kenshin frowned behind her.

She nodded stiffly and stepped away from him. A questioning glance at Kenshin won her a slight reassuring smile and she decided she would do what she had always done. Trust him.

"I'll prepare some tea," she said finally. Kenshin always did that, but she needed something to preoccupy her mind that she might not give into fear.

Eiji took in a quick glance around the cabin that he had only heard whispers of. Battousai was not an easy man to find for no one knew where he lived exactly. Mere rumor led him to the forbidden mountain. There was only one futon in the cabin. Did they share? Did Battousai finally tire of his solitude and bring himself a little treat to pass the winter with? She certainly was a treat to look at. Those long, ebony strands looked to be soft as silk and her face was young and angelic. As she set the tea before him, he offered her a grateful smile and was startled to look into a pair of dark, blue eyes empty of the brilliance of youth and innocence. They were soulless eyes, but even he could sense an unusual strength about her.

This Kaoru was a sad creature. Why would the Battousai bring her when he could have chosen from a hundred women with far more luster and life?

She seated herself beside the fire, pulling a blanket around her shoulders against a chill only she felt and proceeded to ignore them. Eiji raised his cup of tea to Kenshin before sipping it and decided it best to keep his concentration on the man before him.

"Who else is being called," Kenshin asked suddenly and Eiji looked at him surprised. His glance shifted to the woman sitting just beyond before returning back to the red-haired swordsman.

"Are you sure?"

Kenshin nodded once.

"Mostly people you don't like," and proceeded to rattle off some names that made Kenshin's eyes darken.

"They are no better than the men they are being sent to deal with," Kenshin growled.

"Which is why we need you," Eiji said simply. He wasn't sure how much Battousai would allow him to say before the girl. "Are you considering? The pay alone is worth the effort."

Kenshin swallowed his tea silently and stood. "Bring in some logs for the fire," he told the man and turned away. "And take your time."

Eiji nodded knowingly and pushed himself up. "Thank you for the tea, Miss Kaoru," he bowed politely and left to fill Kenshin's request. Kaoru stared after him warily and then shifted her gaze to Kenshin. What was wrong with him? Ever since this man showed up he had been cold and serious.

"Who is he?" she asked the minute the door closed.

"An old acquaintance," Kenshin said as he set about preparing dinner for three.

"I don't like him," she said before she could stop herself. Kenshin glanced at her and smirked though no humor shined in his eyes.

"He might grow on you, Miss Kaoru," he said with a shrug.

"I don't want him to grow on me," she said, emboldened by the ease in which he was talking to her. "What does he want with you?"

Kenshin paused in his preparation and stared at the table before him. What does he want with you, not just what does he want. Is she worried? Well, I did dismiss Eiji so I might have a chance to talk to her about this. He laid the knife down and crossed the room to join her by the fire.

"Something has happened," he said as he kneeled before her. She stared up at him with wide questioning eyes that would have brought him to his knees if he hadn't already been there. "Eiji was sent to find me."

"Why you?" she asked.

"I have certain…skills that others don't."

"Just say it plainly, Kenshin. You're leaving," she said more sharply than she intended.

"Not without you, I'm not."

The surprise that flickered across her face was something he had grown used to, and still marveled over. Anytime he did or said anything to make her realize that he cared for her well being always shocked her. Why has no one cared for you before, Kaoru?

"What happens if you don't go," she said finally when she recovered.

"A lot of good people might get hurt," Kenshin admitted softly.

Kaoru glanced down at her hands folded in her lap. "Is this about the renegade swordsmen below the mountain?" she asked softly.

Kenshin frowned at her down-turned face. "How do you know about that?"

Kaoru shrugged half-heartedly, feeling the moistness crowd her eyes. Blinking could not contain the tears and they slipped free to drop on her hands. Immediately, Kenshin's hand shot out and lifted her gaze. Pain stared back at him, shimmering in tears and dark eyes absent of the innocence that penetrated her aura. It made sense to him then. The sword wound in her shoulder, the luster stolen from her eyes by terror and anguish the mind could not fathom…

"You were the survivor," he said softly. "You came into the mountains to escape them, didn't you?"

She didn't answer, didn't have to because he could read it in her pained eyes. Finally she pulled away and wiped at her tears. "You should go," she murmured, "if you think you can make a difference."

"Kaoru—"

"I watched seven children die," she whispered and stared at her hands as if their blood still stained her. "I failed them."

He reached for her again, forcing her to meet his gaze despite her resistance. "You could have died with them," he said firmly and she closed her eyes thinking she should have. "Have you ever thought of how many you saved by warning the next village?"

Her eyes fluttered open and he realized she hadn't. Survival had been her only instinct and she hadn't even known why. He knew this pain, this guilt, and it didn't belong to her. So he gave in to an instinct of his own.

Kaoru's fingers curled around the edges of her blanket as he kissed her. There was no lust, no passion in the gentle touch of his lips. Instead of taking, he gave her a piece of himself and she welcomed the comfort he offered. Perhaps there was another way to do so, but this was the one he chose and when he pulled away she felt his concern in his reluctance to break the connection.

"Kaoru," he whispered as he tenderly stroked her cheek. "I will never fail you."

So simple for him to say when we are alone on this mountain. But there are so many others that need him. I don't know why it must be him, but if that man came all this way to find Kenshin, then there must be a reason.

She covered his hand with hers and pulled away again. "Go and help them, Kenshin, if you can."

His eyes narrowed slightly. "Can you handle the travel?"

"What?"

"Surely you didn't think I would leave you here alone? What would you do for food?"

"Oni would provide," she said with slight humor and he chuckled dryly.

"Not this time. You're coming with me, Kaoru, and there will be no arguments."

She paled slightly and he knew she feared going back to what she had left. Was it possible that she had come into the mountains seeking not life but death? But her will to live was stronger than even her will to die.

"Do you trust me, Kaoru?" he asked gently.

"Yes," she said without hesitation.

"Then you know that I will never allow anything to happen to you," he said firmly. "You will have a few days to ready yourself because Eiji and I will need to hunt. It could take a week to reach the valley at this time of year and food will be scarce on the way."

As if on cue, there was a warning knock on the door before Eiji pushed it open carrying an armful of firewood. By the time he stepped in, Kenshin was once again at the table preparing dinner and Kaoru turned her stare back into the fire. The man glanced from one to the other and finally shrugged as he carried the wood over to the little bin and dumped it. At first glance nothing seemed any different than when he had left, but on second glance the girl's face had turned thoughtful.

After eating as much as she could, I must get strong for the journey so that Kenshin will not worry about me, Kaoru retired to the corner and left the men to discuss details in soft hushed tones. The cabin was small and she could hear their words clearly but did her best not to eavesdrop. She suspected their low tones were meant for her own protection from anxiety over what would greet them. Eiji seemed surprised when Kenshin told him she would be going with them.

"Are you sure? She doesn't look well. Is she sick or something?"

"Something," Kenshin said vaguely and Kaoru smiled to herself. He had no intention of telling Eiji any more than was necessary and details about her were not necessary. "She'll be all right."

"She's going to cause nothing but trouble, Himura, and you know it. I know you have eyes just as well as I do—"

"And you keep them to yourself," Kenshin reminded him sharply.

Eiji stared at him for a moment and then grinned. "You're right. They would be stupid to mess with your woman. I get it."

Kaoru bristled at being called someone's woman. She didn't belong to anyone! But then, as long as Eiji and others believed that she belonged to Kenshin, they would leave her alone. Who is he that everyone respects and fears him so greatly?

"We'll leave in a few days," Kenshin informed him. "We can hunt and that will give her time to rest."

"Sounds good," Eiji agreed.

"Tell me more about these renegades."

Their voices fell into a monotonous murmur as Kaoru zoned out. It had been a tiring day and she quickly fell asleep listening to their hushed tones only to be awoken with a start an hour later.

A single glance at the man beside her calmed her instantly. She had grown used to seeing Kenshin sleep sitting against the wall with his sword propped against his shoulder to be drawn in a moments notice, but he had always slept clear on the other side of the cabin. His settling himself within reach of her was what woke her. For one panicked moment she had thought it might be Eiji, but he would never dare approach her with the red-haired samurai armed and ready at her side.

I never would have expected him to be so protective. Does he distrust Eiji as much as I do, or is he merely enforcing a point he had made earlier about what belongs to him? Kenshin doesn't strike me as a possessive man, but then how well do I know him really? Does it really matter? Could anything I learn about him change the fact that I trust him? No.

So she closed her eyes.

Kenshin glanced down at her, resisting the urge to brush his fingers across her peaceful face. He knew he had disturbed her, but her alarm faded quickly when she saw just who had come within her space. Even if she had not spoken it, her actions alone would have proven that she indeed trusted him with far more than just her life. Smiling slightly, he closed his eyes and allowed himself to rest.