I wasn't going to post this story until after I had finished Castle Ruins, but I've been having such a hard time lately that I thought posting this might motivate me a little. I've had so many plot bunnies attack me in the last couple of years that I'm finding it hard to stay focused on one story. Please be reassured, however, that this story is completely finished, so there will be no fear of it stalling like my others have. It's a short story as well, and may be different than my others in that sense. I think I will post each chapter every two weeks. As always, I try to stay true to the characters I have borrowed, but as a warning, Kaoru is slightly OOC in this story. Please enjoy, and I hope that you like this gentle story as much as I liked writing it.

Disclaimer: As always, I own nothing that is related to Rurouni Kenshin. I am simply driven by the wonderful daydreams that blossom within my mind.

Chapter 1: The Great Deity of the Forest

The rosy blush of the setting sun over the top of the deep forest burned the sky into beautiful colors of red and orange. As sapphire eyes stared up at the majestic scene, the girl they belonged to tried to ignore the noise behind her. If she thought too much about what was happening, she would be tempted to fall into the drowning emotions of sorrow and despair that she had pushed into the back of her heart. That was not what her father would have wanted for her, and she had no desire to show her weaknesses to the strangers surrounding her. Instead she studied the foreign landscape that was to be her new home, and wondered if she would be able to find happiness there. For surely, it felt as if she would never be happy again.

"How do you like our forest, Kaoru-chan?" An old, gentle voice spoke up from behind the young girl, but she didn't jump at the intrusion and only shrugged her shoulders indifferently at the question.

"It's nice."

The old woman nodded and stood next to her quietly to stare at the scenery as well. She had a pleasant face that Kaoru thought spoke of kindness, but she was too emotionally raw to react to anything with her normal enthusiasm and hope. Everything felt different now that her father was gone, and her young world had been darkened by her grief for his passing. Midnight dark hair slid over Kaoru's shoulder as she ducked her chin into her chest to hide her trembling, full lips, and she clenched her thick lashes together to stall the return of her tears.

A male voice back inside of the house continued to bark orders at the helpers that were carrying in all of the belongings that had once been a part of her home. All of those precious possessions now belonged to her Grandfather Kihei, and she knew that he had no desire to keep any of them. For the entire long carriage ride from her home town in the west to her grandfather's home in the east he had informed her that she should not expect to keep anything that had once been her father's. He had not the room nor felt any sentimental attachment for them. Instead, they would be sold in order to compensate him for his trouble of taking her in.

He was too old, he had informed her, to be taking care of a child, and he had not the patience to handle any disrespect or dishonor that she might bring to his name as a troublesome girl. Kaoru was to be quiet while under his roof, and cause no mischief or disturbances within the town. If she was to be seen it would only be by his order, and if she disobeyed him then he would punish her appropriately. Once she was of age, he would find her a suitable husband that would compensate him for the years of care that she still required. "Do not mistake me for your father, girl. I can already tell he didn't discipline you properly."

The tears were threatening to fall when a warm hand touched her briefly on the shoulder and she shrunk slightly away. Bitterness washed through her, and she longed for her home and the love of her father who had indulged her. "Did you know, Kaoru-chan, that there is a great deity living within our forest who protects us?" Long lashes lifted to stare into the trees, but she had barely registered the words from the old woman or the tears that dripped down her rounded cheeks. "He is a powerful and loving deity who tends to the earth and guides the spirits of the foliage and animals. Tatsuyoshi is what we call him, for the forest Tatsuyoshi-mori. It means 'forest of the beautiful dragon.' Did you have a guardian deity where you came from?" The mysteriousness of the woman's suggestion was finally sinking in, and despite herself, Kaoru's bitterness lightened and her eyes became curious of the shadows under the lush trees.

Kaoru looked up at the old woman again, but this time her mind was momentarily clear of the spiraling darkness of grief. She had heard myths and legends about the spirits and deities, but they had not lived near one. Filled with cautious awe and wonder, she shook her head slowly.

The kindly old woman smiled. "Would you like to visit the shrine with me? We can bring an offering to him and ask that he bless your arrival and watch over you while you live here." The smile softened, and she wiped at Kaoru's tears. "He is a very gentle deity, Kaoru-chan. If you ask, I am sure he will guide your father's passing as well."

Kaoru's lips trembled on a watery smile as the bitterness completely faded, and she hugged the old woman as she gasped. "Will you please take me there? I want to pray for Father."

X

A soft, melodic tune hummed against Kaoru's throat as she walked slowly along the well-worn path from her grandfather's house to the shrine that was deep within the forest. Four summers had passed since her arrival and although she still missed her father and their home, she had found a degree of happiness. As long as she did her chores, stayed out of trouble and stayed out of her grandfather's sight, she was mostly left to her own devices. The townsfolk were all nice to her, as well, but then there were very few bitter people that lived within the great Forest Deity's realm.

Large sapphire eyes shone from out of her now womanly features. Time had matured her into a maiden of nearly seventeen, and although she was past the age of marrying, her grandfather had yet to find a man that was willing to pay what he thought owed to him for her hand. For that Kaoru was grateful as she had no desire to marry, but she also feared the kind of man that would be willing to pay for their bride at all. Already she knew that none of the families in the town would agree to her grandfather's conditions, although many of them liked her and expressed an interest in marrying her to their sons. Many of them were even pleasant young men, but Kaoru could not say she was grieved by their unwillingness to pay either.

The basket in Kaoru's hand became slightly heavy, and she switched it to the other as she trekked deeper into the trees. Spears of golden sunlight warmed the cool woods and lit the flowers that bloomed along the side of her trail. Joyful singing tweeted and chirped from the birds up in the branches, and the day seemed as if it would be a perfect one. Smiling and letting the atmosphere sweep her up in it, Kaoru did a smooth twirl as she walked and giggled as the weight of the basket led her through it. Kaoru loved the forest the best, and she spent much of her time wandering around it. Not once had she caught sight of the Forest Deity, and while this had annoyed her as a child, she had grown to respect and understand his desire for privacy and anonymity. There had once been a time when she had questioned whether he was even real, but that time had been short, for Kaoru witnessed his benevolence almost every day.

During her first few months within her grandfather's house she had taken to running to the shrine whenever scolded or dealing with her grief. As instructed by the old woman, she had never left for the shrine without an offering for the deity, which the old woman had supplied to her from the kitchen whenever she had asked. At the base of the altar steps she had sat in tears or grief-stricken contemplation as she waited for the benevolent being to take away the pain she felt. No being had ever personally done so, and it had taken Kaoru weeks to realize that the small birds that danced at her feet and sang for her or the out-of-season flowers that brightened her path were gifts sent from the Deity to cheer her dark mood. The knowledge had warmed her, because she had realized that she was not so alone in this foreign place.

The small blessings had earned the Deity her devotion, and she had taken to visiting the shrine daily to repay his acknowledgement of her offerings. Her grandfather never forbid her from going, as even he understood that respect was owed to the deity that kept their crops lush and their water pure. When no rebuke had hit her ears due to the amount of time she spent in the forest, Kaoru had started to linger longer and longer. As time passed, she even began to take over the duties that were rotated amongst the townspeople to tend to the shrine. Now, she was the unofficial shrine maiden and tended to the grounds every day. The townsfolk enjoyed the arrangement as it left them free to tend to their own responsibilities, and Kaoru loved it because she got to spend all of her time away from her grandfather. Sometimes she suspected that her grandfather was also pleased with the arrangement because he did not have to worry about her pestering him or getting herself into any trouble.

The early morning smells of the forest still clung to the rich chill of night and cool dirt. Moisture from the dew was only just beginning to combine into a sheen of dampness along the leaves and flower petals, but it was the scent of heavier water that touched her nostrils and alerted her to the lake up ahead. The path she walked led her by the edge of the lake, and she anticipated the sun's light shining along its reflective surface. Briefly a frown touched her mouth and creased her brow. Yesterday she had noticed another aroma on the air: one of disease and decay. It was still present today. Though she had searched the day before, she had been unable to find the origin of the scent, and instead had offered a prayer to the Deity hoping that it was not something that would damage the forest. Kaoru's frown turned determined. She would find it today. After all, it wasn't fair to rely on the Deity to do everything, especially if it was something that a human was responsible for.

First she would set out the offerings for the Deity and then finish her chores at the shrine. Then she would search. Kaoru's smile returned and the basket swung once more by her side. The Deity did so much for them that it was pleasing to be able to do something to ease his responsibilities.

The bend in the path up ahead would take her by the lake and she grinned as she turned her head and slowed to take in one of her favorite sights. It was a large body of water, and so serene and picturesque. This morning, however, there was something different about it. The trees were blooming when they should not have been. Did I do something to please the Forest Deity? Pleasantly surprised, Kaoru skipped forward and giggled as the blossoms danced in the wind and showered her with petals. A half turn into her twirl, however, and she realized that she was not alone in the woods. For a moment her heart stopped, but any fear she felt was quickly proven to be groundless as the strange man did not move or react to her presence.

He was seated on the large flat rock that she sometimes rested upon on her way home in the evenings. All that she could see was the straight line of the back of his kimono and the long unbound hair that hung down his back. The rock was shaded, and in the shadows she thought that perhaps his hair was a medium brown. His clothing was not extravagant, but he was dressed as if he were performing some kind of ritual or ceremony. She had never seen him around before, and she was abruptly curious about why he was there. As her eyes studied him, the trees rippled with the wind and light danced across the katana resting perpendicular on his crossed legs.

He's a samurai! Excited, Kaoru instantly imagined his reasons for being there. Of course he had to be training. The forest was a sacred place, and Kaoru had heard the stories of others traveling many miles just to cleanse their spirit there. That would explain his fancy clothing and focused state. I shouldn't disturb him if he's meditating. Suddenly conscious of her movements, she bit her lip and tried to tip-toe away. Of course she made more noise now than before, but when she glanced over her shoulder he neither moved nor complained.

Once Kaoru had climbed the steps to the shrine she washed her hands and mouth in the purification font and then hefted her basket to approach the shrine. Respectfully she retrieved each of the offerings to the deity from her basket and placed them upon the ceremonial dishware that the old woman had supplied to her. The dishes from the day before were collected and carefully wrapped inside the basket for later cleaning. They were each empty of the previous day's offerings, and Kaoru smiled and was pleased that he had accepted them. As still a bitter child she had reasoned that it was merely the animals that had eaten the food, but now as a faithful adult she realized that it didn't matter. The animals were a part of the forest that the deity ruled over, and if he allowed the animals to eat his offerings then he had good reason to let them.

The shrine duties were started once she was finished praying, and as the sun crept high into the sky Kaoru sat within the shade of a large tree and ate her own box lunch. As per usual it was good, and Kaoru savored the food as the manual labor had woken her hunger. Halfway through the meal, however, and her mind wandered back to the samurai sitting beside the lake. How long would he sit there meditating, she wondered. She had heard stories of samurai meditating for days. Kaoru envied his dedication as she knew she would never be able to go that long without a meal. Sapphire eyes glanced down at the food in her lap and her lips pursed. I can't just let him go hungry.

Carefully the rest of the meal was covered, and she stood to brush off the back of her red hakama. I have to go back towards the lake to start my search anyway. Pleased with the excuse, Kaoru headed back towards the small set of steps to the shrine, turned to bow her respect, and then made her way down the trail. The basket was left near the entrance as she would return for it later in the day after she had completed her search. What she was going to do when she actually found the source of the disturbing scent had not yet entered her mind.

When the blossoming trees were once more within her sight she realized that their poignant scent overrode the disease and decay. Another frown touched her forehead, but she couldn't figure out why the deity would supply such a masking for the scent in just this one spot. Narrowed sapphire eyes swung about suspiciously, but her happy heart instantly locked back on the wandering samurai and realized that the deity was only being courteous to his guest. I guess they weren't meant for me after all. An easy smile lit her face as she felt not one touch of jealousy, but instead realized her own arrogance in assuming that they were for her at all. He was a deity of all within his realm, after all, not just her. He tended to all within his reach.

The samurai was still seated in the same position she had last seen him in, and she carefully stepped over the branches and roots between them to his side. There was a smaller rock next to the one he was seated on, and she gently settled her half-finished box lunch on top of it. As before, he didn't move, and she curiously glanced up at his face to see what he looked like. His features were almost delicate, except for his firm mouth and a deep red scar in the shape of a large X etched into the perfect skin of his left cheek. With the sun shining directly upon him she was surprised to realize that his brown hair was actually a very stunning red, as were the lashes feathering his high cheekbones. Kaoru blinked incredulously and felt herself blush. He had a very ethereal feel about him, and he seemed almost too beautiful to be human. Before the blush could burn brighter she was immediately distracted by the strange way his hands were positioned.

When she had first caught sight of him she had assumed that he was meditating. However, his hands were not placed in the usual way she had been shown. Instead, his hands were held in a sign of warding as if he were fighting off something evil. An unsure look touched Kaoru's features and she stood straight to back away. Was he warding against something outside of him, or something inside of him? Whatever it is, I hope he wins.

I shall ask the deity to assist him. Both hands came together in front of her and she bowed towards the man seated upon her favorite rock. Great deity of the forest, please watch over this man and assist him in his battles in whatever way you are able. Please help him to find peace in his heart and soul. Both eyes were still closed when she felt the wind stir around her, and she smiled as she recognized the Deity's acceptance of her prayer. He didn't always grant the prayers offered to him, but he always listened.

When Kaoru's blue eyes blinked back open her heart stopped for the second time that day. The man had finally moved and she found herself staring into his curious violet eyes as he looked back at her over his shoulder. There was a soft expression on his face and a light smile pulling at his lips that deepened and warmed his eyes when she blushed. Though she could tell he was amused by her innocence, she couldn't help but duck her head in embarrassment and clasp her hands together in front of her shyly. When she had steeled her nerves enough to glance up at him she returned the smile, and she could tell that he was pleased to have the expression reciprocated. Apparently placated or reassured, he turned his head back towards the lake and closed his eyes to resume his concentration.

For Kaoru, the unexpected encounter made her feel giddy, and she set out upon her task with a light heart and a happy spring in her step. It wasn't until she was well away from the spot, though, that she remembered that she was looking for something important. The scent of decay helped to remind her, and she slowed her step to take more care in her search. It was mid-afternoon when she realized that she had circled the spot where the aroma was strongest several times but was still unable to pinpoint where the stench was coming from. Standing on the bank of the lake and staring back towards the woods she frowned and crossed her arms. It had to be somewhere close to her position, and yet it was neither up above her nor anywhere below.

The wind shifted to blow over the lake behind her, and the stench strengthened sickeningly. Abrupt coughing tried to dislodge the horrible smell, and she held a hand over her mouth and nose as she turned towards the water. Across the lightly rippling surface was a small island and just within sight of the foliage was a large, dead animal. There was something wrong with it, however, and even from a distance Kaoru could tell that it had not died a natural death. There was still too much meat on its carcass. Surely the crows would have picked it clean by now. Thankfully the wind shifted again, and Kaoru lowered her arms in defeat. The island was too far out for her to swim to, and even if she did make it she could not return with it. If she were to contaminate the water source then the entire town would suffer. Of course, she couldn't just leave it there for fear of the same reason.

As she stared in disheartened dismay at the dead animal a small spark ignited the rotting foliage that surrounded it. Both of Kaoru's shoulders dropped in surprise as the spark turned to a flame and the flame attempted to eat at the carcass. The Deity is taking care of it! For a moment she pouted as her wish to help him was taken away from her, but she knew that he would do a better job than she. This was his forest, after all. Unfortunately the diseased animal did not wish to burn easily, and the smoke was black and smelled awful when the wind blew her way. Willing the fire to catch and destroy the contamination trying to taint this holy place, Kaoru clenched her fists and stood rooted to the spot for hours. Nothing stirred from the island, as all life had already previously fled, and instead the world was eerily quiet as the deity worked to purify his home. When the fire finally did take, it was nearly dark.

The time came to her with a start, and Kaoru jerked as if to take off running. Briefly she spared once last glance towards the island, but the fire had finally engulfed the dead animal. Relieved, Kaoru let herself worry for herself and the scolding she would receive from her grandfather for being late to supper. No doubt she would be sent to bed without anything to eat, but the obaasan would sneak her something after her grandfather retired.

Cutting through the trees, Kaoru stopped by the shrine to retrieve her basket and then hurried down the short set of steps towards home. Her heart did a strange flip as she realized that she would have to stop and gather the box she had left with the samurai, and her breath was suddenly hard to catch. For some reason he made her feel different than the boys in town did, but it was a feeling that she enjoyed very much and wished to continue experiencing. I hope he was able to take a moment to eat.

As before, he was still seated unmoving, but he did not react to her presence as she retrieved the box lunch she had left. A quick peek inside revealed that he had indeed accepted her show of kindness, and she grinned happily as she bowed respectfully to him and whispered a quiet good evening before taking off once more.

In the distance behind her a red glow lit the sky and burned all through the night.

X

A/N: As you have no doubt noticed, these chapters will be short as well. For this story, I wanted it to feel more like a folktale. I hope I pull it off, even if only a little. Please leave a review and tell me if you like it. Thanks so much for your patience with me. Have a blessed day.