Ch 3

Marked

Recap from Ch 2

"Please, let me stay like this, for a moment more." He plead,

He could not make such a choice now. Not at this moment, he couldn't bring himself to condemn her. Not when what remained of his shattered humanity lay sheltered in her arms.

Kaoru nodded content to hold his horrors at bay,

"Rest easy, I will not let the darkness plague you tonight."

As he fell asleep cradling her close to his heart Kaoru was forced to face the fact that she had offered to bind herself to hunter. Strangely, she could not find it in herself to regret the decision.

Kenshin woke slowly…

.:calm, warm, safe:.

Impressed itself upon his mind, but he felt his senses sharpen as the cold, killing edge come to the fore at the unfamiliar feel of another presence.

.:safe:.

Icy shock doused any ill intentions, as he recognized the, softly lit, violet-blue aura that, to his ki sense sheltered him in a gentle glow, feathery and warm. It was her, welcoming, safe, a tether line that held him above the madness. Yet at the same time it was not, her aura held a strong tang of power, of heat and starlight.

Deep honeyed orbs opened to the bright morning light filtering into the cottage.

'Kaoru, his Kaoru.' some part of his mind crooned possessively.

Nestled in the circle of his arms her long blue black hair had gained a luster, an ethereal sheen of lavender. Oddly beautiful marks curled over her right hand, a silver twist of tattoos that twined up her arm in complex tendrils which disappeared under her blouse.

Evidence of the same was visible across her collar bones, gliding up the graceful curve of her neck to end in a gentle silver sweep that curved along the left side of her jaw to curl along her sweeping brow and accent the edge of her gently slanted eyes.

On another, the luminous marks might have seemed out of place, awkward, but Kaoru carried the marks of her race with grace. She finally seemed truly at ease in her skin, the strange marks only enhancing the aura of enchantment which she seemed steeped in, and erasing the air of stretched weariness he had sensed since he found himself in her care.

What was this woman to him? He knew her and yet he did not, she was one constant in the endless hell his life had been for seven years, but he could not find it in himself to hate her.

Why would she offer to shoulder his burden? Why would she bind herself to a killer?

Was it guilt? Was it concern? Why should she aid a hunter? And more importantly, did he have any right to that aid?

Gently, he lifted her laying her carefully into the pallet he had abandoned. This woman was important to him, he didn't know why but the thought of leaving her… hurt. It was more than that she let him escape the horrific chill of death, if only for a moment…

She was sincere, for all her mystery and power she held no guile and no shadow tainted her aura. She was a rock, one which he couldn't help clinging to desperately in the face of chilling Death. Not pure, but disciplined, principled, honorable, trustworthy he could feel it in the brightness of her ki. Who was he to taint that vitality, that light?

He, who had fallen so far, was so stained in blood and the lives of others. So different from her, she accepted her abilities and acted with a strength he could not match, to go on in the darkness and create light, to live with the weight of her actions.

Rising he moved away from Kaoru, quietly stepping outside his thoughts roiling violently. Glancing about he took in the cottage's surroundings, the small clearing it stood in was lush with spring grasses and flowers. The babble of a stream could be heard just beyond the trees and the sounds of bird song filled the clearing. Aspen cast scattered shadows and the bright morning sun illuminated the brilliant emerald green grass. Stepping off away from the structure he moved silently past the small garden and into the forest intent on finding the source of the sounds of cascading liquid.

Nearing the water he found a deep pocket of green shadow beneath a tall aspen at the edge of a deep pool. The strong fall of water feeding into the pool filled the clearing with cool mist, as shafts of sunlight piercing the deep semi-darkness to illuminate moss covered rocks, golden leaf matter, and the silvered fall of water which fed into the pool. Minute specters of light shifted and scattered, dancing about the clearing, glimmering deep in the water and casting rainbows into the mist.

Kneeling at the water's edge, cloaked in greenly lit shadow he stared out over the pool. Let his mind drift, listening to the strong rush of falling water and the gentle lapping of wavelets against the shore, catching the musical rustle as a breeze swept through the aspen scattering the shadows they cast, feeling the cool of mist against his skin, and letting his eyes drift over the contrasts of shadow and light, being drawn into the waters multi-faceted depths.

He let the turmoil drain away, he felt cold, empty, but calm, here in this place, he was nothing, insignificant, adrift, with neither hope nor dread, joy nor sadness unable to feel pain nor bestow it…

He knew not how long his mind floated empty, his eyes open but unseeing, awake but unfeeling, when, like the smooth slide of silk, another consciousness brushed his own gently pulling him back to the present.

Turning his head slightly he caught sight of Kaoru where she sat perched easily upon a damp, moss covered bolder nearly beneath the waterfall. The mist clung to her long hair and lightly golden, nearly luminescent skin like jewels, spreading glints of light throughout the shaded pool. Her face tipped back to receive the gentle mist.

But now she wore not the familiar long skirted peasant attire he recognized but a deep midnight blue top, which hugged her form gracefully. It was sleeveless, the neck a shallow split neck fully revealing the intricate markings along her collar bones the top laced closed with a simple black tie. There were slight splits along the sides allowing for ease of movement, the soft material ending about mid thigh, clinched at the waist with a currently empty weapons belt.

She wore leggings of the same material which ended just below the knee revealing silvery tattoos which curled gracefully about her right calf ending in elegant organic designs which curved partially about her ankle, her feet were left bare. Although, now he noticed soft, well used leather boots at the waters edge. Her outfit was simple, and designed for ease of movement. It was obvious she was most comfortable in this, her movements uninhibited by excess amounts of fabric. Her long hair pulled back in a high ponytail.

He could see her profile and when she finally spoke she did not turn to face him,

"It is peaceful here, ne?"

He made no reply, but he doubted one was expected.

"I had not thought I would lose my grip on that form so soon." As she said this she tilted her face away from the spray, lifting her right hand to inspect the intricate silver casting slivers of light careening into the shadows about her patch of sunlight, "I expected I had another week at least." She murmured to no one in particular.

Finally turning to face him, she smiled and he finally saw her eyes, no longer solid sapphire, they had taken on a darker hue, nearly matching her attire save for the lighter ring of silvery blue around her pupils and streaks of lavender dancing in their depths, like starbursts and lightning. A thunderstorm condensed to earth.

"You do not seem surprised." She observed

Kenshin's voice was quiet barely carrying over the sound of falling water

"It suits you, as if I am finally seeing what was really there the entire time."

Kaoru grinned, "I am glad, most find this appearance alarming."

Rising gracefully, she slid off the boulder avoiding the deeper waters in the pool, the cool water only rising to lap about her calves. Stepping out onto the rocks she made her way over, droplets of water rolling off her skin with each movement.

"Not at all, though their sentiment is understandable." He murmured softly his voice sounding somewhat hollow even to his own ears.

The Fay and their ilk were not well received among humans; they were secretive and mysterious and although fairly benevolent they were know to be capricious. It was said that those who wronged a Fay could be cursed until the 3rd generation. Their sheer power frightened most, they were not like other creatures, humans and even some of the more gifted beings could not hope to defeat a Fay in combat. They were the elder race, and they were dwindling, far too powerful for their own good, younger races feared the marks of a Fay.

He watched as she took a seat near him dangling her feet in the cool water. Gently, she reached out her cool, damp fingers touching the back of his hand.

"Are you alright?" she asked

Kenshin nodded, "I'm fine." The noncommittal answer rolling reflexively off his tongue.

"You sound empty, lost." She observed ignoring his empty response, "What disheartens you so?"

For a moment Kenshin was silent, "You offer me an escape but only at heavy cost to yourself. I would not wish my burden on another least of all you. Yet, I am not strong enough to live with my sins." The pain in his voice was palpable; it hurt to admit his weakness aloud.

Wrapping a hand about his she smiled reassuringly,

"What I offer, I give freely of myself without regret, but it is true, nothing is without a price. We would be bound. Not only would your burdens be mine, but mine would be also yours. This is not to be taken lightly; a bond between Fay cannot be broken. All aspects of life become joint, strong emotions, magic, pain. Could you accept such a bond between us?" she asked softly, watching his drawn expression for a reaction.

Kenshin's eyes widened slightly at the implications of such a bond. The trust she was extending to him by even offering.

"Why would you do such a thing for me?" he asked unable to fathom what she might see in him.

Kaoru was quiet and her eyes seemed far away as she answered, "Why… you ask, yet, I am not sure I know myself. In part, it is because I know how hard it is to be alone and seeing your anguish hurts me. Perhaps it is because I have been alone for far too long and the solitude I once found peaceful seems lonely now. Some part of me is grateful that you do not fear me as so many of my own kind do."

"Fear?" he asked unable to think of anything else to reply to her forthright response.

"They are right to fear a woman who can control their bodies with a thought." Her tone was sad but resigned. "We are not so different, you and I."

Rising to her feet she released his hand, "Think on it Kenshin, a bond between us would be permanent, can you live with such a thing?" Gently, she patted his shoulder where he still knelt in the shadows and walked back toward the cottage leaving Kenshin to his thoughts.

For a moment he found himself listening for her passage before realizing she made no sound.

Turning his mind from her new appearance and abilities he mulled over this new information...

Should he accept her offer? Was he prepared to live the remainder of his life bound to a Fay? A small voice in the back of his mind chose that moment to interject

'Well… seeing as you mean to cut short any remainder of life you might have alone… how exactly can a Fay, any Fay, much less Kaoru, be any worse??'

So, could he live bonded to Kaoru?

Even now he could feel it, the chilling madness of death drawing at him. Pulling him under, a heady tug that promised peace if he would just stop fighting…No, he would not live long alone… the true question was…

Did he have any right to allow Kaoru to bind herself to him?

no

Was he strong enough to accept that fact, to do the right thing, to let her stay pure?

no

And so he stayed, by the pool, wrapped in shadows and light, hoping desperately that by not acting he could hold off the conclusion he both needed and feared.

Needing her presence and fearing to taint her light.

In the cottage Kaoru left the conflicted man to his thoughts, already knowing in her heart, how this would end.

Moving about the small structure she went about, doing what was necessary, in preparation.

It was early evening when her work was complete.

Glancing about the quiet cottage she contemplated the harvest her actions on that fateful night seven years past had reaped.

The strangest thing was she wanted this joining. It was… more than guilt, more than concern for a suffering man. She knew Kenshin was strong. And for all his sins, he remained an honorable and upright man. She would not have cursed him, had she not known then that some part of his honor survived. She would have put one more broken man to an honorable death. His care, and attachment to her was because of genuine need, because he saw through her fearsome power to the person she was. He knew the costs of manipulation all too intimately and would never force such a thing upon another.

She remembered all too well her 'coming of age', her clan's joy at her mark, at the great power it promised, then their fear as such a thing manifested itself. She could not accept the furtive glances at her mark, the puppeteer's strings, they called it. At first she had despised the marks that made her different, made her an outcast. Could not understand the glares and the strife she caused by simply existing, coveted by the power hungry and shunned by the fearful.

She was tired of avoiding the men who would bind her for power. Weary of those misbegotten Fay who would use a joining to manipulate her actions. She no longer wished to be alone, unable to walk among her people because of their fear of her power, of an unbounded woman free to control their bodies on a whim. They would bind her to one who could 'control her' neutralize the danger she presented to them, all in the name of her safety, her protection…

She had said she would find her own way, find acceptance. And she perhaps she had found them, in a broken and hurting man. A soul to reach out to without remorse, without regret.

Gazing out the window at the fading sunlight, she rose, and grabbing a towel walked out of the cottage. Slipping quietly through the meadow she wound her way the short distance into the trees. The dying golden light gave the pallid aspen a honeyed sheen. Nearing the pool in silence she found Kenshin in much the same position as before. He was kneeling deep amid the cool shadows at the edge of the pool, his loosely fisted hands resting in his lap, his eyes staring straight ahead. By now the light mist from the waterfall had condensed upon him, his scarlet hair darkening to a deep blood red. The loose tunic and breeches she had lent were wet and clinging to his still form.

Gently alerting him to her presence she walked up behind him draping the towel around his shoulders.

"It will be dark soon." She observed softly

"Aa"

"It will become colder once the sun sets. You should dry off." she murmured

Rising without a word Kenshin pulled the towel off his shoulders and started wiping the droplets of water off of his face and arms. As he mechanically swept the moisture off his skin, they slowly moved away from the pool until they stood in the meadow before the small cottage. Kaoru stepped quickly indoors before returning, a dry set of clothing in hand. Giving the bundle to him she gestured at the cottage,

"Get dry. I will be here." So saying she walked a small ways away settling into the tall waving grasses, her blue-black hair just visible over the verdant strands and brilliant wild flowers.

Laying back she watched as the last rays of sunlight disappeared. Soon the nearly imperceptible slide and rustle of grass on cloth told her that Kenshin had returned. She stayed quiet as he took a seat beside her, a sword calloused hand capturing hers where it lay, thrown beside her head in the grass.

"Katsura thinks me dead." The quiet statement was spoken as a question.

"Yes, he has found no information contradicting the note you left. You need no longer be a hunter." Kaoru replied softly

"Can I so easily abandon my oath?" he asked more to himself than anyone else.

"Do they truly need their prized shadow killer any longer? Have you not seen the destruction your power can wreak when it is at the beck and call of another? Such strength should be used as you see fit, otherwise you risk become nothing more than an instrument of death." Kaoru warned gently.

"I know." The weariness in his tone was evident, he had known, had seen what he was becoming, but had been unable to escape it.

"Then, would you leave that past behind? Your oath has been fulfilled, let that burden go."

As darkness fell around them Kenshin felt the fetters about his heart loosen, "I think Katsura will understand" he murmured softly. Squeezing her hand gently in his he murmured, "Kaoru?"

"Hmm?"

"What can you possibly see in me that's worth saving?" he asked

"I see someone who deserves to live, because they are not the tainted soul they think themselves to be, someone who will care about who I am because of me, not because of what powers I wield. Perhaps it is selfish but I don't want to be alone anymore, and if my presence can give you a reason to live, then I will be satisfied. There is so much good in you worth saving, you just don't want to see it." she replied watching the night sky fill with stars. Feeling an answering warmth rise within her in response, the gentle rise of power as night came on.

"The Fay are not mortal. Would you spend eternity with a killer?" he asked softly

"My hands are not as clean as you would like to believe, nor are yours as stained. You are not a killer, but a swordsman. I would not condemn you for a crime I too have committed. One can say that they fight with a 'sword that protects life' all they wish but when it comes down to it… Death does not discriminate…"she trailed off sounding strangely lost. How had reassuring Kenshin become so painful?

At her words Kenshin gently gathered her into his arms and she leaned easily against his chest feeling safe, protected.

Kaoru sighed softly, "What a pair we make, I sound pitiful." she murmured sadly, "neither of us wants to be alone, yet we are too afraid of the consequences to act."

"I don't think I am strong enough to face the chill of death alone." Kenshin murmured into her hair.

"Then will you let me face it with you?" Kaoru asked reaching up a gentle hand to trace the deep scar she had made. She smiled when he leaned into her touch.

"Please" his barely audible plea reached her ears.

Rising she pulled Kenshin to his feet with her lacing her hand with his she lead him around to the back of the cottage.

A low stone table occupied the center of the field. In the moonlight it bleached white, the scene thrown into high relief. Kneeling she placed the twin daggers into her weapons belt. Rising she placed a still hidden object into Kenshin's arms. For a moment he staggered under the unexpected weight. Glancing down at the white granite basin he looked to Kaoru questioningly.

But she offered no explanation, only beckoning to him as she moved silently toward the stream, a separate bundle in her arms. Nearing the edge of the pool she stopped laying her burden on the ground and gesturing for Kenshin to do the same.

Her words were barely audible over the sound of the water.

"This can be done with sand or water. It must occur under the light of the moon and will only occur once in any Fay's life. These marks will remain with you for the rest of your life." In explanation she held up the dagger and Kenshin nodded mutely in understanding. "I don't know to what extent my blood will affect you." She admitted ruefully.

But Kenshin smiled sardonically, "I doubt it will do me any more harm than I threaten to do myself on a daily basis."

Kaoru's expression seemed frozen between amusement and admonishment. Finally she shook her head,

"You really have to stop that; I would be very irritated if you were serious."

With that she stood and carefully explained the details of the binding ritual to him.

The moon climbed slowly in the skies and soon illuminated the center of the pool its silvery light casting a pearly sheen on the water. Carefully both Kaoru and Kenshin waded into the pool the large basin balanced between them.

When the water had risen to their hips Kaoru dipped a hand in the water tracing a complex symbol into the inside of the dry basin. For a moment the slightly darkened mark glowed silver and disappeared. At this Kaoru nodded and both removed their hands from the basin for a moment it dipped before stabilizing to float just above the surface of the water.

Removing a small vial Kaoru emptied its contents into the basin, the finely-ground, powdery mixture of ash and earth, forming a thin layer along the bottom. Replacing the vial she stretched her left arm over the basin and Kenshin did the same. Unsheathing the small daggers Kaoru and Kenshin began a soft chant, the words were archaic and while Kenshin knew not the language the sound seemed to skip over his ears, their meaning impressed itself upon his mind.

Shaerysi saeri tyraer os baresi shi,

Sharaes, thosi, aes, eil mia.

Mi eil shaer os shydaer bylol jhaer byr ailael shi tasaer.

Thys byrn ail cylaeria eil baer shi byl.

Saeri shydia shyl aeraesar,

Mar taji eir oli,

Tol eil caes, shydor, myr.

'Before these motes of nature be waters, fire, earth, and sky. See and bless our blooded joining let not intent be marred. For now in honesty and need we join. These bloody bonds eternal, shall make as one, minds and hearts, bodies, souls.'

The haunting words echoed in his mind as he rested the razor sharp edge of the blade along the flesh of his forearm. Lifting his amber gaze he stared across the basin into Kaoru's midnight blue orbs. The warmth of their fathomless depths caught him for a moment and at the same time they both made a cut, scarlet blood welling out upon polished steel.

Reaching out they clasped arms in the traditional warrior's greeting, pressing the cuts together as mingled blood fell onto ash. As more blood slipped into the basin Kaoru nodded and using their right hands they each removed a small vial pouring the clear water into the basin. For a moment there was no reaction as the blood and water mixed, then, glancing down Kenshin noticed a slight luminance coming off both his and Kaoru's skin. At first, the gentle glow was only where their blood mixed, then it crept up their arms.

Startled he looked up into her eyes, warmth flooded his mind and his world lurched as every connection to identity he had, was suddenly no longer solely his. He felt Kaoru's consciousness merge with his own . Warily he quested towards her on this strange new pathway in his mind. And was shocked by the wealth of emotions his mind registered. Joy, trust, contentment, calm her emotions glowed brightly in his mind over shadowing the deep seemingly endless wells of fear, pain, loneliness, and sorrow.

He felt his aura being pulled by the spell extending tendrils of flame into Kaoru's own cyan and lightning laced life force as streaks of lavender took up residence in his own heart. For an instant he felt the gentle and insistent pull of the current on her body. The vague sting of her cut, the warmth of his strong hand wrapped about her arm.

The moment these things registered he felt strangely stretched as his senses were pulled completely into her body and sensation to his own cut off. Kenshin/Kaoru looked across the basin into deep amber eyes and was shocked to see his scar had turned golden a silver mark bisecting it in a perfect cross. Strangely familiar golden marks wound up his right hand and were visible upon his face and neck. A never ending Celtic knot was the predominant feature curling into and about the strange gold and silver cross on his right cheek.

For a moment he felt a strange sensation ripple across his/her skin. He watched as silver marks grew and spiraled up his body's left arm, bold inter connected strokes that seemed of Celtic origins, while gold markings in the organic spirals of her own silver marks twined catlike up Kaoru's. Then, just as suddenly his unblinking eyes were once again staring into midnight blue. He could see that the golden marks now twined with silver over her collarbones and extended downwards around her left calf and ankle.

Without any warning, spell holding them immobile ceased and they staggered slightly using their linked hands to steady themselves. Unbidden his fingers wrapped about her arm gently traced the golden markings. He was surprised when he heard Kaoru's voice in his mind,

"We are mirror images."

Placing her right hand over his left he saw what she meant. The silver markings on her right side were now accompanied by matching gold marks upon her left. Gently she raised a silver lined hand running her fingers over the cross which had engulfed his scar.

"It's beautiful." She whispered into his mind.

Looking down at her Kenshin felt her amazement and joy and knew she could feel the tenderness he felt toward her. Gingerly testing the new found ability he let his words filter into her mind.

"Thank you…for everything."

Gently, he released her arm and without a word they both carried the now empty stone basin to shore nothing remained in the bottom, their mingled blood having vanished without a trace.

Crouching they lowered the basin to the ground, as he straightened, Kenshin noticed Kaoru shiver slightly as the cool night air chilled her though her wet clothing. When she turned to gather the loose bundle on the shore he walked up behind her wrapping strong arms about her shivering form. Freezing for a moment at the intimacy of their contact, and the realization of what exactly his body seemed to be doing of its own accord.

Would she be offended? Did his touch bother her? Had he overstepped his bounds?

As she leaned into his warmth a smile on her lips he relaxed. This was okay, it felt right, her closeness.

Kaoru pulled away slightly, her motions somehow never rejecting his touch "Let me just get the bandages."

Reluctantly, Kenshin released her following her with his eyes as she bent, pulling out a roll of bandages. In a moment she returned and was beginning to bind the shallow cut on his arm when her teeth began to chatter. Gently, he turned her so that her back was to him within the circle of his arms and let her quickly bind his cut. He watched quietly over her shoulder as she deftly tied off the end before, hr efficiently extracted the roll from her hands.

"Let me help." He said his voice soft.

Lifting her arm she angled it so that Kenshin could wrap the wound easily, his long arms snaking about her chilled form to reach her left arm. He carefully wrapped the cut.

Murmuring her thanks Kaoru flexed her arm experimentally slipping out of his embrace to grab the bundle of cloth.

Smiling Kaoru returned to his side.

"Leave the basin." She said wrapping her arms around herself as another cool breeze whispered through the trees.

Padding to her side Kenshin placed an arm about her slender shoulders a small smile on his usually grim face,

"We need to get you dry."

Kaoru nodded in agreement and allowed herself to be lead towards the cottage.

Finally warm and dry Kenshin and Kaoru sat easily before the hearth absorbing the warmth of the flames. Kaoru was on her side her head pillowed in Kenshin's lap while he absentmindedly carded his fingers through her ebony hair. While he had been hesitant at first, Kenshin found himself unable to resist staying in contact with Kaoru, their newly formed bond demanding physical proximity.

As if it was an old routine the two had begun trading memories, sharing impressions, learning about each other's pasts. Small unobtrusive presences in the back of each other's minds as various memories were replayed. Kenshin absorbing her colorful emotions like a sponge. While she seemed happy to simply comfort him when a memory proved painful.

Kaoru's childhood memories were happy, of laughter and love, of siblings and a loving father, a vague memory of a barely remembered mother and of her small isolated and old fashioned clan. Images which soon bled into the strenuous days of training, vivid memories of learning the sword, of studying the magic of the Fay all were underwritten by a deep sense of fierce loyalty, determination and love for her mentor, her father.

Strong, arms lifted her, as chubby childlike fingers traced the deep, vibrantly green marks that curled over his right cheek. Her father's deep rumble of laughter, her own high pitched giggle.

"Papa, why do you have such pretty marks? Will I get them too?" her high childish voice inquired

"Do you want them?"

"I want to have a pretty green one like yours."

A large, gentle hand ruffled her hair.

"You, my little raindrop will have beautiful lavender marks, just like your sisters, just like your mother."

"Mama had lavanver marks?" she asked curiously her small voice stumbling over the unfamiliar word.

As her small hand was engulfed in his warm calloused ones, she smiled giggling as he kissed to top of her head.

"Yes, she did, and yours, raindrop, will show up right here," he tapped the back of her hand, "when you are bigger."

Kaoru pouted, "I want a big, pretty mark like yours." She said tapping her own cheek

A familiar and kindly face smiled as he laughed

"Raindrop, you are small, that way you, and your mark will match." He said with a grin as he swung her through the air.

His memories were less carefree, starting with the horrors of being sold, so young, that the faces of family and friends were unremembered, long since lost in the recesses of memory. True memory started with a violent raid by a bloodthirsty were-pack and the tragic death of three protective young women. Tragedy followed by the long years of training under a drunk and demanding but good hearted and old-fashioned swords master, of learning the sword, heart and soul, of earning his name.

Darkness, and screams, the feral growls of the were. Arms, slender but strong picking him up, running, the horrible sound of pursuit.

Finally, it was quiet the sounds of the caravan dying away in the distance.

His fear, as he trembled, huddling against the slender body which held him, listening to the quiet panting of the two women beside her.

"Shh, it's all right little one, don't cry, you must be quiet right now, alright. Just stay here, and be very still. We'll come back." A sweet voice crooned soothingly.

His solemn and tearful nod as he was lowered from warm arms tucked under the hollow of a large tree's roots. Large lavender eyes squeezing shut against the leaf matter that was pressed over the opening to his hiding place.

The soft patter of feet as they moved away from his hiding place.

And then the screams… when the forest finally fell silent Kenshin crept out of his hiding place, small hands rubbing his dust and tear streaked cheeks. Small feet carrying him cautiously towards the figures which lay ever so still upon the forest floor.

"onee-san?"

He whispered stepping closer, seeing the angle her neck was bent at, he whimpered softly. Silently, he moved past to the next figure slumped on the ground, catching the sounds of soft ragged breaths.

Soft brown eyes opened, wearily. The lines of pain etched in her face easing as she tried not to frighten him.

"Oh, little one, you should have stayed hiding." She whispered her words soft, halting.

His voice was small and trembling, "Your hurt onee-san, can I help?"

The small shake of her head

"No, you can't help me, little one, but come here, keep me warm." She murmured letting him creep over ignoring the blood to snuggle into her side, sheltered under her body. "You must stay quiet little one, I may not be with you much longer, and they must not know you are here."

She said nothing more but her labored breaths became shallower and shallower until they stopped altogether.

The soft sound of movements in the under growth as he lay fearful and unmoving beside her. Footsteps that came closer and closer, a looming figure bending by the other women, walking closer until it stood over him.

"You still with us boy?" a gruff voice asked

The figure bent, large, surprisingly gentle hands pulling him away from Onee-san as he whimpered quietly, clinging to her clothes.

"Onee-0san, she's hurting." He whispered

"She's not hurting anymore, come on boy, we can't stay here there's nothing we can do for your Onee-san now."

*(A/N: Onee-san means something along the lines of respected older sister, Kenshin is just referring to them as such because they are not old enough for him to call them auntie. He's being respectful and using a child's generic polite term for a lady.)

And then came the hard parts the painful memories, those not yet come to terms with, the deaths, the kills, the loneliness, and the trust it took to share them. These memories were shared tentatively ever wary of the rejection they might instill.

Kaoru's discovery of her unique gift… when with only her voice took control of an old childhood friend. The fear and horror in his eyes as he scrambled panicked and cursing away from her and her gradual isolation from her people as family and friends estranged themselves. A stubbornly useless asset to those who would use her, she was abandoned and alone only a trusted few still bearing her company their number dwindling until only her father and siblings would associate themselves with the fearsome young woman.

Her father's unexpected death and the outright hatred it had bred towards her. It was still painful, and Kenshin rubbed his hand in soothing circles on her back as he let himself be pulled into her recollections. Her grief at his death and the clan's determined hatred toward her. She was a threat not only an unbonded woman, she was no longer held by loyalty to a powerful patriarch, and her disgrace extended to her siblings. As she distanced herself from them, her sisters found suitors and brothers were accepted into the clan, became trusted warriors.

Perhaps even more frightening to her were the elders determined attempts to force a joining upon her, willing or not. The candidates all more interested in controlling or manipulating her gift than loving or knowing her. She was young, idealistic and scared, after one particularly unpleasant encounter with a suitor. She was finished.

A hard angry voice calling after her,

"You will not get an offer like this anywhere else! Woman, choose for yourself or the elders will choose for you."

Kaoru walked on refusing to acknowledge the angry footsteps behind her. A rough hand grabbed her shoulder and spinning her to face him he shouted,

"Listen to me, damn it! Agree to this bond with grace."

Kaoru watched him impassively feeling anger eat at her carefully composed expression.

He was much older than her, tall, his shoulder length hair jet black, burgundy red clan marks barely extending past his shoulder. His black eyes were angry and cold, as they glared into hers.

"Let me go Lagan."

When his strong hand did not release her she pulled away roughly turning her back on him and marching away.

"Fine, we can do this the hard way if you wish." He shouted and for a moment Kaoru wondered what he meant.

Then she walked into it. The spell felt slimy and sickly sweet as it coated her vocal cords freezing them in place, as she mentally cursed her own stupidity.

Turning she lashed out toward the grabbing hands she knew where reaching for her. But he was stronger than she and armed. Easily blocking her attack he caught hold of her arm wrenching it behind her painfully. Soon he had her in a hold she could not possibly escape from and she writhed helplessly as her wrists were bound securely behind her and her ankles hobbled loosely.

"Stupid girl, you thought you were so strong, didn't even bother to bring a weapon." He grinned maliciously

"They told me you would be so difficult to manage, but it's not so my caged song bird, without your voice you're rather helpless aren't you?"

Kaoru glared at him struggling against the bonds and the spell trying to will her voice to work her throat working and producing oddly muffled coughs.

"How does it feel, my little puppeteer? Having your strings cut?"his fingers trailed over her arm tracing her mark.

As the man continued to circle her, she stopped struggling trying to block out his continued monolog, concentrating on the spell. Feeling a rude hand trail over her rump she started, trying to lunge away from him. But her movement only caused her to trip over her restraints and she tumbled to the ground.

Rough hands dragged her to her feet. Pulling her squirming form against him he dragged a hand down her side tracing her curves.

"Come now my little song bird, don't be like that."

In response she spat at him. Shoving her off of him, he slapped her, the force of his blow snapping her neck around and sending her to the ground once more.

"Don't worry little bird we'll have plenty of time together after our bonding. You will become accustomed soon enough."

A his words Kaoru felt her temper reach boiling point, her vision seeming to narrow to Lagan's looming form alone, and suddenly, her mind widened and the connection she had accessed only through words opened. She saw him, in the muddy browns and burgundy of his ki, his body brown with strange burgundy veining, knew instinctively, that she could control those veins, move them to her will with just a thought.

With grim determination she reached out capturing the man's helpless form. His mouth snapped shut as he walked over to her large hand fisting in the back of her shirt and pulling her upright. Freeing her wrists he froze in place as she skittered away from him.

Keeping an eye on his still form she bent freeing her legs, ignoring the stark horror and fear in his eyes. The hatred in his violently impotent ki that battered against her, as his hands began tracing the counter spell for his gag order. With a flare of burgundy light her vocal cords were released and she turned away running as if hellhounds were upon her.

Kaoru felt a slight jolt as her connection to his form snapped. Hot tears slipped from her eyes and she trembled, feeling sick as she thought of what he had tried to do, of what the elders had condoned.

Stumbling she sagged against a large tree, slender fingers digging into the bark. For a moment she remembered the horrible amount of control she had held over him, how badly she had wanted to harm Lagan, and how easy it would have been. Falling to her hands and knees Kaoru gagged, reduced to dry heaves her stomach devoid of substance to drag up.

So she had left, simply walked away, no one could stop her, so no one tried. She had lived that way alone, seeking the solitude, traveling from place to place, avoiding the clans she crossed in her travels. Communities of Fay outside the royal court were rare and it was relatively simple to avoid other loaners like herself, though few were not already bonded couples. Settling down in human or were-communities for as long as her abilities at hiding her true nature would allow, presenting herself as either a healer or a sword for hire. A few of the villages situated in more dangerous areas appreciated an extra warrior, woman or not, while in less receptive societies, she was merely a harmless midwife providing her services and moving on.

Kaoru held very still as Kenshin absorbed the onslaught of memories, felt vaguely nauseous as she remembered that first time she had intentionally possessed someone's form. She had been scared and angry, in that instant, she could have easily killed the man and been felt nothing but relief that he was dead.

Worry gnawed at her, without realizing it she curled into herself. Would he understand? Could he forgive her, for so callously doing such a thing to him?

When he gathered her into his arms, comfort and forgiveness radiating to her across their bond she relaxed.

There was silence in his mind as he hesitated. Wanting, for a moment, to shield her from the horrors of his past, but Kaoru's gentle, reassuring presence in his mind pushed carefully but insistently on the fragile wall he had placed around those images.

"Don't hide yourself from me…please Kenshin, let me in." she nuzzled into his warmth, like a content feline, gentle touches and constant warmth slowly crumbling the barrier in his mind.

Hurt, regret, pain and Death, so much death spilled over her. Flashes of memory, all painted in blood. The first kill, the awful knowledge as life drained from his target. The changes as he closed off, became cold, rationalized the killings, so firmly trapped in the fact that it must be done that he lost himself. His soul curling inward against the bloodlust and the violence as he let himself be pulled in by the thrill of the fight...

The room was small, lit by a few lamps which illuminated the desk his superior occupied.

He bowed setting his sword at his side as he knelt.

"Assignment complete, the target has been neutralized." Battousai reported his voice cold.

The man watched him closely, "No additional casualties?"

"Negative."

"You've done good work, thank you Battousai, you are dismissed."

Rising Battousai bowed, as he turned to go, a voice stopped him,

"Kenshin,"

"That child is dead." Came the cool and unemotional reply.

"I apologize Battousai-san" the man's voice sounded weary, "your next assignment is a small sorcerers coven, they control a minor power fault and are feeding information and spells to rouge elements outside the city. They must be eliminated."

"They will be taken care of."

"All of them, Battousai, we cannot afford to have anyone alive with access to that vein. Do you understand?"

"Hai, Katsura-san, it will be done."

…

They were many, but they were magic-users not fighters and spells had an odd habit of sliding off of him like water.

They had been unprepared and too involved in some archaic ritual to notice him until it was far too late. The leaders were quickly cut down; dashing the blood from his sword he turned on their apprentices. One rushed him clumsily staff raised as he mouthed a spell.

For a moment, Battousai felt a slight burning sensation along his veins but it passed quickly and in a smooth move he decapitated the foolish spell caster, the look of shock never fading from the man's frozen expression.

The rest were merely a blur of death and steel until he alone stood in the eerie silence after the kill.

Then he heard soft panicked breaths and registered another muddied sorcerer's ki and one other a weakly flickering life force. Silently, he stalked toward the strange alter/sarcophagus that occupied the center of the room.

Sharp gold eyes flitted over the structure noting the hastily replaced lid and blood stains old and new drenching the stone cover as well as the floor.

In a sharp movement he shoved off the lid, leaping back in case this was merely a trick. At the terrified scream from the sarcophagus he edged closer sword drawn.

The woman curled on her side within was unclothed her long brown hair tangled and crusted in blood. She was thin and sickly pale, she had her knees pulled tightly to her chest. Her face was dirty with dried tears and blood her eyes were scrunched closed. Her back was covered in older bloody whip marks and scars. Her arms had been mutilated, fresh blood running from numerous cuts and judging from the amount of blood coating her and the floor of her prison had been for some time. She whimpered unintelligibly for a moment before Battousai finally caught her words.

"No, please no more, why are you doing this to me?"

When the expected blows did not come her hazel eyes opened and cringed in on herself, seeing his bloody form loom above her prison. As he stepped closer she began to whimper terrified pleas,

"please, no more, don't- please don't- "

But Battousai only sheathed his katana before pulling off his cloak and throwing it over the hysterical woman, his mind working quickly.

Human, she was human and obviously not a part of the coven, but she was not the owner of the muddied magic ridden ki he had sensed earlier…

"Quiet, woman, I won't harm you." His voice was hard and gruff at his words the woman started and began to shake uncontrollably. Seeing that she was not cooperating her bent down to her level, "Come, stand up, my quarrel is not with you." He reiterated his cold voice surprisingly gentle.

He backed up as the trembling woman rose unsteadily holding his cloak around herself. Glancing around at the morbid scene she shuddered and lowered her head, her whole body quaking softly.

Battousai watched her closely catching the fear in her dilated pupils and her unsteady stance.

.:she's going into shock:.

"You're loosing too much blood; let me see your wounds." His tone brooking no argument

As he stepped closer she shied back a step but held her arm out obediently. Taking in the damage to her forearm and wrist he bent and removing a boot knife began cutting strips of cloth out of the bottom of his tunic.

As soon as the blade came into sight the woman began to whimper, skittering back a few steps. Carefully sheathing the dagger Battousai held out empty hands.

"Come, I won't hurt you, we must bind your cuts."

He waited patiently as the woman edged closer. Quickly binding her most life threatening wounds he ignored they way she shied away from his blood encrusted hands keeping his touch light and impersonal. Battousai paid the woman little mind his senses ranging over the deserted building searching for the muddied ki.

.:there:.

Bringing his attention back to the woman he caught her attention, "No matter what happens do not move from here. Do not try to escape on your own. Do not interfere. You will not get very far in this area wounded. The cleanup team will be here soon, they or I will see you back to the city." Watching until she nodded in conformation he moved quickly toward a low cabinet he had assumed held spell components.

Opening the door of the chest high structure Battousai leapt back clearing the range of the yellow mist that poured out preceding a slight boy no more than thirteen. At the sight of the child Battousai felt a twinge of unease. The boy was crying and held a dagger clenched inexpertly in his hands.

"You demon!" the child screamed his hands forming glowing runes in the air, attacks which Battousai easily avoided. He hesitated, something in him feeling distaste at raising his blade toward a child.

'They must be eliminated…All of them' Katsura's words echoed in his mind.

So he let himself respond to the attack, become the sword they needed. Blocked out the woman's tears, the child's screams, and completed the assignment.

Immersed in his memories his mind cried out at the horror of his actions. The spiraling madness, the bone chilling presence of death and the blood so much blood, he was a sword in the hand of the powerful.

Warmth wrapped around his heart, tugging him gently away from the insanity that threatened to pull him under. Offering acceptance, warmth, and a place to rest.

He came back to himself. To a quiet room, the soft crackle of flames, the feel of His Kaoru resting in the circle of his arms, slender arms holding him to her. Gentle warmth binding the wounds in his bleeding soul, holding the shattered pieces together. As silent tears slipped unheeded down her cheeks.

Tenderly, he wiped the glistening liquid from her skin.

"Why do you weep?" he asked his soft voice breaking the silence of the room

"Your soul is hurting."

"Don't cry for my sake, I can't stand to see your tears."

A sad smile tugged at her lips, "Someone must mourn when innocence is lost. If you cannot then what would I be if I could not shed the tears for you?"

"At peace," Kenshin whispered tucking a wayward strand of dark hair behind her ear.

Kaoru raised a hand to brush gentle fingers along his golden scar, "I am now."

'With you, here, this is peace.' She said her words settling into his mind like pebbles into a still pool.

Kenshin looked down on the small woman in wonder.

'His Kaoru.' His mind insisted.

Gentle, sword calloused fingers traced her features; he smiled as Kaoru leaned comfortably into his touch, soft lips parting in a sigh of contentment.

Softly, he bent brushing his lips over her eyelids.

"May I?" Kenshin's simple words asking so much more as his hands traced gently up her arms.

"Please." She murmured.

Carefully almost hesitantly he lowered his lips to hers. His kiss was warm, gentle, loving. Strong hands cradled the nape of her neck, tangling in silky hair, wrapping possessively around her waist as he let himself deepen the kiss. Tasting the sweetness of her skin he traced her full lower lip, silently asking her permission. He felt Kaoru melt against him as she opened up to him letting him taste her deeply returning his touch with a tentative foray of her own.

Finally he released her lips, not yet leaving her sweet skin as he nipped carefully along the line of her jaw.

'So beautiful.' He whispered into her mind, elated that this beautiful, loving creature, His Kaoru, was willing to accept his tainted touch.

Nuzzling the soft skin beneath her ear he smiled against her skin as he felt her shiver softly. Reluctantly, he pulled back, wrapping his arms around her small form and tucking her head beneath his chin. Her arms tightened around his waist and she laid her cheek on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

"Thank you," she murmured feeling his chest vibrate as he chuckled softly, large hands tracing up and down her spine. She felt his loving response across their bond.

Eventually they rose, and separating they settled down for the night. Yet, as Kaoru moved into the back room she felt a small tug along their bond. A gentle insistence of age old magic and emotion that she remain with her bond-mate, an insistence that only increased as she lay unmoving for several minutes, becoming a mildly annoying pang which was soon a nearly painful urge for physical closeness so soon after joining.

Worried and more frightened than she was willing to admit, she rose, obeying the bond's wish. Hesitantly, she edged back into the main room, for once unsure of herself. For a moment she stood in the doorway unsure, before Kenshin's warm, gaze settled on her, tender and inviting.

"I -…" she let her voice trail off unsure what she wanted, only that some part of her refused to be alone, yet, she knew, deep down, she wasn't ready to give herself completely into his keeping yet.

But he smiled his expression warmly reassuring, his eyes a honeyed amber that seemed to mimic the crackling flames. He was simply present warm, close, soothing, ever-present, but never stifling.

Under his silent and gently coaxing gaze she let herself trust as Kenshin once again enveloped her in his embrace. Trying to quietly soothe the fear he felt in her yet could not understand. For a moment they stood in silence their relief almost tangible as the hollow ache in their chests subsided. Leaning against his strong muscled frame Kaoru's body automatically relaxed, feeling irrationally safe.

"My touch does not disturb you." In Kenshin's rich tones the statement became a question.

In response Kaoru slid her arms around his waist returning his embrace.

"Then let us stay like this tonight, nothing more. You are safe, I would not press you for that which you do not give willingly, nor do I believe," he interjected his voice light as a wry humor laced his words, "that I would be able to, should you prove disinclined."

Despite the jest in his tone Kaoru cringed against him burying her face against him. Use her gift upon him now? Upon her bond-mate? She couldn't, he would never forgive or trust her again… no, she needed his trust, his approval, small things that in so little time it had come to matter far too much.

Sensing her internal struggle Kenshin gently tilted her face up to meet her eyes.

"Do not hesitate to use your gift Kaoru. Be it an enemy or myself, no one should take that what you do not give of yourself willingly. I can be myself around you knowing that you are not some fragile flower that will wilt and die in my grasp. You are strong; I could never blame you for using that strength to protect yourself."

Kaoru smiled sadly, "So you say now, but your words are a comfort none the less, I do not doubt your integrity, I trust you as I do no other." So saying, she slipped out of his embrace stepping silently around the pallet.

Lying down she curled on her side at the edge of the pallet her back to him. Watching her small figure in the flickering light of the flames he followed, settling on the vacated side of the pallet, he slipped under the soft well used coverlets. He could almost see the vulnerability, the huddled lines of her form seemed to radiate. Why? He could feel it, a cold wash of fear, which might have left a lesser person trembling. She did not fear him directly, in fact he could feel her trust, yet unease lingered in her aura.

Gently, he felt along their bond unsure of the source of her sudden fear. She had seemed at ease with him the previous night, then he would have understood her fear, even expected it, yet at that time she was calm. He might have attributed it to her innate kindness or perhaps guilt, he had been vulnerable, Kaoru might have felt obligated to help, to reach out, but neither did she reject his touch in wakefulness. She knew he meant her no harm, and their bond would allow him no lies, so why then did she now act so ill at ease in his presence?

Her soft mental rejoinder was barely perceptible a shift of emotion, a flash of memory, and a shy thought.

'I was needed, you were hurting.'

The image of bewildered, frightened, pained and incredibly weary amber eyes hovered in his mind's eye for a moment. Her next thought was tentative.

'I am an annoyance at best, a burden, a temptation. At worst I am someone you would be well within your rights to fear.' What followed was a flood of images, of faces, and impressions of fear, disgust, terror, and betrayal in eyes of every color as their own bodies turned against them.

Reaching out he easily pulled Kaoru from her edge of the pallet where she lay curled stiffly. Gathering her close he pressed her back to his chest as he gently kissed her blue black hair. Feeling her vulnerability, her desire to be loved, needed.

"You are mine, Kaoru, to love and hold close as long as you'll let me, don't doubt that. You already matter far too much for me to push you away. I'm not like the others I don't want anything but you."

Carefully, Kaoru lifted a hand from where hers were laced with his which curled warmly around the sides of her hips his thumbs tracing light patterns into her skin. Reaching back she placed her palm over his scarred cheek, gentle fingers feathering over closed eyes and blood red bangs. Turning his head Kenshin kissed her palm. He smiled as she rolled over in his arms wrapping her arms around his neck and resting her head against him.

"Thank you" She whispered her voice a mere murmur as Kenshin settled onto his back. Both shifted slightly to accommodate the other, Kaoru curling closer to him as Kenshin gently pulled her close until her head rested on his shoulder, arms wrapped possessively around her waist, needing to feel her presence.

He was quiet a small smile on his face as he gently carded his fingers through her long hair, feeling Kaoru's supple limbs fall boneless against him as fatigue and the pleasantly drowsy effect of his touch lulled her to sleep.

'Please keep letting me love you.'

Ok, apparently my Fay, have left some people in the dark, let it be known that, yes, while they are loosely based on the Tuatha Dé Danann (Irish/Celtic mythical people/gods/fairies), I mostly followed the characteristics of the daoine sídhe, or fae, I simply prefer the other spelling. Ok, now for the official stuff you should know

daoine sídhe : creatures from Celtic myth described as human-like creatures separate from either humans or angels with magical ability, though there are exceptions such as the Puca or Mermaids. They have the propensity to be either good or evil. They are said to be exceptionally beautiful and fiercely protective of their territory. Their defining features are their supernatural abilities and their temperament. If treated with respect and kindness, they can be quite benevolent; however, if they are mistreated or shown disrespect they will react cruelly. They are seen to be more powerful at dawn or dusk. (In this fic I tweaked it to night in general and dawn)

Now, for my purposes I created a whole new species twist, here's the quick and dirty version. More will probably be explained in future short stories/ sequels to A Cursed Existence. (I have become rather fond of this universe)

My Fay : For all intents and purposes they are elementals, and are vastly more powerful than either humans or the were-kin. Most malevolent beings such as vampire, banshees, ghouls, demons, devils, and doppelgangers steer clear of them as Fay are closely tied to the earth and instinctively view such creatures as harmful to nature's order. All command some type of illusion magic, though some have stronger abilities than others. They also have a 'gift' which appears when a Fay comes of age, a time generally occurring around late adolescence, though it can appear earlier if they are placed into dire situations. Ex) Kaoru's ability to control bodies and Kenshin's skill with a sword, any myriad of abilities can manifest.

The markings mentioned in this story correspond both to clan and individual abilities, in fully blooded Fay they appear when a Fay comes of age. The area an individual's mark covers is proportional to their strength/ability (Generally appear only on the right hand and arm rarely straying to the face or body) Mixed bloods can gain these marks but it is not common.

Bonded pairs are virtually inseparable, though with time they can tolerate being apart for greater lengths of time. At bonding, partners gain new markings in their partner's coloring, which are generally confined to the area directly surrounding the point of incision on the left arm and remain as long as both bond-mates live. While all Fay are attuned to nature individuals are particularly compatible with specific elements. Ex) Kaoru embodies lightning, rain and starlight (her affinity for lightning as seen in chapter one, these abilities also mean she is more powerful at night, and has a weak power over water) while Kenshin is attuned to shadows, darkness, and fire (his abilities as an assassin stem from this, darkness instinctively tries to cloak him from unfriendly eyes.)

'Kay last tidbit, although Fay are not hostile towards other races they are slightly elitist and live in isolation, humans and were-kin have come to fear the elusive and powerful race.

Ok, my lovelies that about covers it, I hope this puts everything into perspective for you, if not then just hold on more will be explained in future fics.