Disclaimer: Unfortunately I do not own any anime, especially RK.

Chapter 3 **Edited**

"Show it to us" the middle elder spoke out loudly, her voice gruff. It sounded as though she had swallowed a grater.

I did as they asked seeing myself caught out, they knew of what I kept secret. But I was interested to know if what they had just said was true, I wanted the clear explanation of their strange story. I pulled it out of my furs and frowned at its dying glow, the elders leaned back as if I had pulled out a cursed dagger of some sort.

"Kamiya may the gods have mercy, you have brought a curse upon yourself" they shunted back. I looked at the innocent and beautiful flower that lay crumpled in my palm.

"You must leave this village your fate awaits you in the forbidden forest" and with these words my eyes widened, I paled and took a sharp breath.

"You must leave tonight, he is waiting for you and we do not want to endanger our own peaceful village" the quietest elder spoke out.

"You aren't serious?!" I shouted rising to my feet. The silence answered my outcry, they where being deadly serious.

"I will surely be killed" I brought my hands to my face as I thought of the horrors that roamed the forest.

"He would not allow it" the elders tone was sharp and direct.

"He?" I froze.

"He is a myth that has lain in slumber for hundreds of years in the heart of the forest and you have awoken him" my question was answered, but with another question.

"Your telling me by picking a damn cursed literally, flower I have awoken some god" I scoffed, shaking my head in disbelief.

"The beating of that flower is the beating of his heart and the closer he is to you the harder it beats" the wisest elder spoke.

"Stop it this is ridiculous!" I shouted my voice a tone higher than I had wanted.

"Kamiya, you must calm down" the elders tone was strong and scratched against her throat.

"How can I be calm when my own people are exiling me because of some ridiculous elders tale" I shouted, the tears that quickly formed with the truth behind my words.

I was being exiled by the elders I had worshipped throughout my life.

"With you here none of us are safe" and with that I ran from the hut with my head in my hands. I fell to the floor outside the tent and screamed.

"Kaoru!" I heard Sano.

"Bakura, she is calling to him" one of the elders stood at the entrance of the hut and I growled.

"You are no elder your a disgrace, how can you care for the youths of our race if you throw them out at the slightest sight of danger" I shouted out pushing away the arms that picked me up.

A howl washed through our village and silenced us all. I blinked away the tears that blurred my vision.

I was stilled with fright.

"Go to him Kaoru!" the elders voice boomed out.

"I don't want to, Sano don't let them throw me in there please" I threw myself at Sano, but found no comfort in his embrace.

"Megumi is pregnant Kaoru; she has just fainted in the middle of dinner. The doctor of this village has predicted she is three months gone. This nightmare ordeal and the exhaustion of our journey nearly killed our baby Kaoru" he spoke calmly but as forceful as a slap. I stepped back staring at his face for any sign of a cruel joke. I had nearly killed their baby. This thought brought a huge amount of guilt upon my heart and I choked back a sob.

No words were uttered as I was handed my furs. I was given a basket of what I presumed was food. And with that I turned and left the village, only looking back as I entered the edge of the forest. They all stood there watching my retreat witnessing me leaving a world filled with love and safety, only to enter a world filled with fear and hatred.

The world around me seemed to expand as I entered the forest. I hadn't realised I was holding my breath when a leopard bird screeched and rose to its freedom and safety high into the tree tops. Everything around me seemed to grow and I felt incredibly vulnerable. I jumped in shock and gripped a nearby tree my eyes searching all around me. The flower was beating once more and I couldn't forget what the elder had said "The beating of that flower is the beating of his heart, and the closer he is to you the harder it beats" My head whipped all around searching the dark night. I wondered if the man I had seen only a few nights ago was the man I was looking out for now, was he the man that was searching for me. I clung to the tree as though it was my comfort blanket.

"Finally, I have you alone" the voice that whispered in my ear made me freeze and my claws dug into the bark of the tree. My curiosity screamed for me to turn around and see the beast that hunted me but instead I pushed away from the tree and ran as fast as my small legs would carry me, I ran through the dark forest. I breathed heavily my heart thumping painfully.

"So you want to play" I screamed when his voice appeared behind me once more, and this time I ran a few feet and swung around to turn and see him. I wasn't sure of what I expected but my thoughts had leaned more towards the blood dripping from fangs, claws sharp with flesh still hanging from them and hair overgrown and knotted. But instead he was handsome, well built and well groomed, and looked fairly clean minus the fierce looking scar that brushed his right cheek. It was the man that had visited me the night a few days ago in the forest with the rest of my family and friends.

I stayed silent.

I wasn't sure of what to say to this man. I just wanted to give him what he wanted and be on my way, but I knew that wasn't likely to happen. I knew I was here for good; I was to stay with this man as a slave, food even. I wasn't sure what I was to him. I flinched back when he stepped closer and held out his hand.

"Show it to me" he demanded.

"What do you want me to show you?" I asked utterly confused at his request.

"Show it!" he growled and I gasped at the sight of his sharp teeth, his whole posture had changed instantly.

"What are you wanting?!" I screamed back throwing my hands in the air, I ripped my furs off and threw them at him. Tossing my basket to his feet regretting it immediately as the food spilled out.

"I don't have anything" I snarled at him pulling my claws out ready to strike him, I would match his face with another scar on his left cheek.

I hissed at him waiting for something if not anything. I would have felt better if he threw himself at me so I could take all my anger and upset on his pretty boy face. All the hurt he had caused me and my family, and he just stood there staring at the floor. His face held no threatening glare, nor did his lips reveal his horrifyingly long sharp fangs. Instead his face was motionless, as he obviously found interest in something else. I looked to where he stared and I gasped, my flower lay there tangled up in my furs. The glow was as bright as the first day I had picked it. The glow that held the hypnotising warmth to it, I sighed in relief. It wasn't dying at all.

"Tell me your name" I jumped when the beast of a man in front of me spoke.

"What is it to you?" I snarled, I wasn't letting him have his way. He would have to prove he wasn't going to harm me. If what the elders had stated was true then he would do as I say.

I yelped and raised my arms in front of me to protect myself because the strange creature had moved so fast I hadn't had time to blink. He held a strong grip on my wrists and pushed me back against a tree. I opened my eyes to see his face an inch away from mine, I pushed my head as far away as I could but he leaned in closer my eyes wide as I feared the worst.

"Tell me...your name" he breathed against my ear.

"Kaoru, Ka-Kamiya Kaoru" I stammered back in a breathy tone. He smirked with my answer and leaned in closer, I screeched as he pressed his nose into my hair breathing deeply. It only lasted a few seconds before he moved away with the smirk still plastered on his face.

"Kaoru" he let the name roll off his tongue.

"And your name?" I frowned at him. I wasn't very interested but he had my name so I wanted him to answer me. He turned back towards me and smiled 'wow' my stomach did a flip.

"Kenshin" he nodded quickly and walked away.

"Where are you going?!" I panicked, running to catch up to him; he carried on walking but turned to answer me.

"Follow me and you will see" he smiled once again and I blushed innocently.

"Wait!" I shouted in frustration as I ran back to redress myself with my furs and collect my basket of food together.

And with that we walked. Who knows where we were headed but I didn't care, I wanted this masquerade over and done with so I could head back to where I belonged, with my family and friends.

"Kaoru" the creature beside me spoke and I looked up at him in wonder.

"A very pretty name" he smirked as he said it once more.

"What are you Kenshin?" I asked in the politest way possible.

"I am who I choose to be" he frowned. I smirked, a touchy subject I would have to remember that.

"No I mean I'm Hynian and you are?" It was a simple question.

"Hynian, you are creature of human and kitana" he cocked his head to the side in wonder, I sighed.

We carried on walking through the dark forest. It seemed like we had walked for days but I knew only a few hours had passed by. I sat and ate, Kenshin would only watch me in slight amusement. He refused all food I offered. It was becoming harder to breathe as we walked further into the heart of the forest and my struggle was noticed.

"You must rest" Kenshin demanded once again.

"And were do you...recommend I rest" I snapped struggling to get the words out as I panted heavily.

"You will rest here" he crossed his arms and glared at me daring me to protest, I hissed at him.

"You expect me to sleep... unsheltered on this damned... cold floor?" I argued back. He didn't reply only stood there and watched me in interest, then a smirk appeared once again.

"I'm going to wipe that...wipe that smirk...right off your fa-" I panted pulling out my claws and advancing towards him but I didn't finish my threat. The struggle to breathe had been all too much on my already exhausted body. I fell to the creatures feet panting hard I clawed the thin robes that fell to his feet.

*

"It was easy for him" the guards fluttered around my feet like worms.

"Meaning?!!" I snapped.

"He has found her your highness" the voice of one of my guards quivered as he informed me. I gripped my robes and didn't even wince as I pierced my own skin with my newly filed claws.

"We move out now" I growled looking over the group of warriors that were at my beck and call. I quickly climbed down from my throne and walked out of the main hall. The presence of so many peasants was sickening.

"Tomoe, do you not wish to send troops ahead to kill the girl before he gets too attached?" I was asked, my most trusted guard had followed me.

"Enishi, he has found her!" I spat in his face and smashed my fist into the mirror opposite me that seemed to mock me.

"He cannot love her like he once loved you" the guard opened old wounds with his words bringing me to my knees sobbing my heart out into my hands. The guard crouched beside me with a hand on my shoulder.

"He has forgotten that is all" the guard soothed but Tomoe knew, no matter what happened the Battousai`s love for her would never be rekindled.

*

"Ohhhh..." I moaned as I forced open my eyes. I was so warm, but my head pounded. I touched my forehead with my hand and moaned again. The little movement with my hand pained my body, my limbs felt stiff and my bare skin felt tender.

"Drink" whispered a soft male voice, it was Kenshin. He pressed something rough against my lips and I choked as he emptied the contents into my mouth and the cold liquid ran down my throat. I spluttered and coughed loudly. After my little coughing fit I relaxed into the soft furs I had been placed on.

"Where am I?" I moaned groggily my eyes felt heavy so I left them closed.

"Your safe" he replied.

"Where?" I groaned.

"I found us shelter" little did I know he had turfed out a family of Liger, we were nestled in their cave. Kenshin smirked at the male Liger that lay perched in the bushes glaring at him just outside of the cave.

I heard the faint sound of rustling and peeked an eye open to find Kenshin undressing. I squinted with both eyes and leaned back.

"What are you doing?" I asked rubbing my eyes.

"I am resting, is there a problem?" he asked without looking at me, instead he carried on undressing the cloth that was wrapped around his body.

"Aren't you cold?" I asked in disbelief.

"No, we will get warm" he shook his head as he climbed into the furs with me. I soon shot out but he gripped my wrist and yanked me back down it was no good anyway, I was too worn out to even attempt a struggle against his solid body.

"Will you for once just be quiet and do as I say" Kenshin grumbled and I frowned.

"I have been doing as you say all along" I sulked and Kenshin chuckled.

"Well get used to it my dear, you're going to be by my side for a long time" he pulled me closer to him and tucked me in beside him. I didn't dare move; I was sleeping with a stranger. But he had taken care of me and was still taking care of me. I turned my head to find him sleeping soundly beside me, snoring lightly. I smiled whatever this creature was he was making me feel incredibly content. So I leaned back, closed my eyes and like lightening in the dark sky the image of one of my villagers trusted guards head was once again swinging from the watch tower bell. My eyes shot open and I turned to look at Kenshin.

'I was led next to a murderer' and as quick as Kenshin had fallen asleep I crept out of bed gasping as I saw the furs slide from my body to reveal my naked state, I growled, 'the letch' I was blushing madly. It only added to my frightened and irritated state. I slowly crept away from the monster that lay fast asleep on the cave floor until I hit the wall behind me. I slowly picked up my bed furs that where wrapped up near my food basket. I wrapped the furs around my body and edged towards the entrance of the cave.

I hadn't realised I had been holding my breath until I felt a gush of cool air wash over my face, I turned my gaze away from the sleeping form and smiled. A few more steps and id be free of this man. I counted to three before I shot off not caring as the sound of trees rustled loudly and the snapping of twigs pierced the darkness. I winced as every step I took made every noise as loud as possible. I ran and ran and ran not caring to look behind me, the direction ahead of me was more important. Wherever that may be. I smiled happily to myself taking deep breaths once more. I leant my hands on my knees as I stopped to catch my breath. I felt giddy; I was free of that murderer free from his evil hands. If he was capable of executing someone innocent, someone whose only role in life was to protect then what would he do to someone as vulnerable as herself. I scowled at what the elders had said about him, 'a god' more like a demon.

As soon as I caught my breath I was back on track running hard and fast through the humid forest. I felt as though I had stepped into a different room one minute it was incredibly cold the next I was sweating buckets.

"I just want to go home" I sobbed as I walked endlessly around the maze of a forest; there was no end no light no nothing to where I was walking. I was sure I had seen the same tree five times but I persuaded myself all the trees looked exactly the same.

"Why me?" I leaned against a tree and pressed the palms of my hands hard into my eyes to force the tears back.

I thought of Misao Sano, Megumi and all the other familiar faces of my village. I felt my heart tighten as I thought of them all sat joyously round the large tables stuffing their faces with delicious foods. The warmth of the safe huts they would all sleep in tonight, wrapped in warm furs cuddling up to a loved one. 'Why can't normal things like that happen to me' I sobbed quietly to myself. I had left the basket of food back in the cave, as well as the flower that had mesmerized me completely at just one glance. The flower I had found to be beautiful and rare suddenly seemed so hideous and evil. I could only blame myself though as Misao had warned me not to upset the gods.

I didn't realise I would awake one.

The monster that I had trusted for a mere moment, that had slain one of my kind. How could he want to be my mate knowing he had killed a Hynian? How could he ever think I would want to accept him knowing of his cruel acts? The whole story I had been told by the elders had seemed incredibly silly, an old elders tale that would frighten the little ones and prevent them from entering the forbidden forest. But here I was running from a killer that was hunting me down like a dog chasing a meat wagon.

"I think I'm going to have to keep a lead on you" his voice made me scream out in fright and I turned but saw nothing, he was hiding somewhere.

"Please why won't you just leave me alone?" I cried pathetically my eyes still searching for him. My plea must have either angered him or struck a cord in his cold heart because there was silence. I held my breath and was etching to wipe away the tear that slid down my cheek creating a tingling itch I was desperate to scratch and wipe dry.

"Your the one that picked me" his hushed voice made my skin crawl.

"I picked a bloody flower not an engagement ring!" I spat. I didn't know where he was but I knew he would hear me. My anger flamed when I heard him chuckle.

"Now now little firecracker didn't your elders ever teach you manners?" he toyed with me.

"You disgust me" I seethed through clenched teeth. I was shaking with rage. And once again he was silent, I breathed hard in frustration.

"If it disgusts you so then destroy this flower and I will be gone" he spoke and I saw him walk out of the shadows with the beautiful glowing flower stood upright in his hand. He held it out to me and I hesitantly took it.

"What will happen to you?" I asked unsure.

"I will die along with that flower" he spoke seriously his voice low and sharp. I looked at him and was shocked to find how serious he was being.

"I am no murderer" I hissed. He smiled at me and once again my heart did a few flips. He had a dazzling smile that made me want to smile back shyly but I at least prevented that much.

"I ask for your forgiveness?" he spoke clearly before bowing his head lightly.

"For what?" I asked.

"For hurting you and your loved ones" he closed his eyes as though something was hurting him.

"I still have a lot to learn" he was telling the truth. I could see it in his eyes, no amusement, no smirk, he suddenly seemed so different.

"Who are you?" I was shocked with how much of a plea it sounded.

"My name is Lord Kenshin and I am ruler of the Gates of Azura" he answered me, keeping his eyes firmly focused on me.

"Azura" I gasped and stepped back. I had heard of the dreadful place only in elders tales.

The tale of the valley of death.

The graveyard for all punished souls.

He stayed as still as a statue as I thought this information over, letting my eyes wander over his figure. He wore a black robe tight against his body showing off his muscles and well built figure, but it also intensified his dark aura.

His hair the colour of blood.

His eyes the colour of copal.

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