Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Daughter of the Forest RK Style ❯ Divine Intervention ( Chapter 9 )

Full Summary: Kaoru, the only daughter of an Irish King, must save her six brothers from an enchantment placed on them by an evil sorceress. What will happen when she falls in love with a Britain? Story is based off of Juliet Marillier's book Daughter of the Forest. KK

Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin or Daughter of the Forest. As much as I'd love to take credit for Nobuhiro Watsuki's and Juliet Marillier's creations, I'd rather keep what little money I have.

A/N:

Host: Dia duit (How do you do? / hello), and welcome to another segment of Druid You Know! I'm your host Niamh (NEE- av) Walsh. As you all might know, this show is all about the Celtic religion and what type of role the religion has played in the dark ages of Ireland. Everybody knows that during this time Christianity was starting to spread throughout Ireland, but did you know that many still participated in the various ceremonies? Though some tuaths converted to Christianity, many villagers still held on to their traditions. Isn't that amazing? Here to speak with us today about various Celtic holidays is no other than Head Druid Liadan (LEE-a-dan) Hadley.

Liadan: Thank you for having me on the show Niamh. It's not everyday that I get to speak to so many people about my religion. It's nice to know that people are starting to get interested in the ways of our ancestors.

Niamh: I know! Isn't it exciting that the history of the Celtic religion is getting so much attention! Just last week we had a viewing audience of 24. That's two more reviews than two weeks ago. It's one of the highest rated shows on the Celts network! The only show that beats us is All My Vikings. They're not even Celts though so they don't count. By the way, thanks fallenAngel and Morvana Du'Miruvor for the fan mail. I wanted to write back to you fallenAngel, but it seems that you don't have a return address.

Liadan: I don't really think talking about your fan mail is an appropriate thing to do on the air. Maybe we can continue on with the topic?

Niamh: Oh, I'm sorry. I kind of go on tangents. For all those first time viewers, could you please explain to us what exactly is the significance of Celtic holidays?

Liadan: I don't mind at all! Pagan religions, such as the Celtic, believe in worshiping nature and its cycles, and therefore celebrate eight pivotal seasonal changes. The first one is one of my personal favorites, Samhain (SOW-in).

Niamh: Samhain? Why would you choose Samhain? It's so dreary! Mean Geimhridh (moon gerry) is so much better!

Liadan: As I was saying, Samhain is celebrated from December 31st to November 1st. It is a time of closing and therefore believed the best time to communicate with loved ones who have long departed. It is a time of reflection and learning, and therefore highly looked forward to by a Druid such as myself.

Niamh: I still say that it's too dreary, plus how can you celebrate it with Halloween around? It's hard to reflect on anything when you have candy stuffed in your mouth!

Liadan: You wouldn't be celebrating both at the same time. Usually people choose one thing or the other.

Niamh: Oh, well in that case I'll stick to Halloween. Candy beats communicating with the dead any day. I'm not going to be in a graveyard like a sitting duck for zombies to feed on me!

Liadan: *mumbles under breath* Now I know why the show has such low ratings.

Niamh: What you say Liadan?

Liadan: Nothing you'd concern yourself about.

Niamh: Okay! Well, it's time for a commercial break. Don't even think of changing the channel!

Please remember that Italics mean mental conversations.

Daughter of the Forest RK Style

Chapter 9: Divine Intervention

I woke up suddenly to the sound of three men talking and running about. I have been in this camp for three days now, and never have they been so loud. Usually Kenshin, Jiro, and Kiyoshi are so quiet that I have to stick my head out of the tent to make sure they haven't left me behind. Something is going on and I am determined to find out what it is.

As I walk towards the entrance of my tent I hear Jiro ask, “Is it necessary that we burn all of this? Won't somebody notice the fire?”

“We can't carry everything, especially if the girl is coming with us. If we don't burn it someone will know that we are here and track us down. I'd much rather our enemies find a burned down campground than a deserted one,” Kenshin replies back seriously.

In curiosity, I decide to remain in the tent and watch through a small opening in the door.

“What is so important about that girl that you must insist on her coming? She is doing much better now and probably has family back home that misses her. I feel bad for her, but she's only going to slow us down,” Jiro says in annoyance.

“Do you really think that girl has a family to go back to? No family that I've ever heard of would allow their own be hurt like that! If we leave her here, she will be alone and uncared for. The least we can do is find a safe place for her to stay,” Kenshin firmly remarks.

“You're my leader so I'll follow you no matter what, but I'm not going to pretend that I agree with what you're doing,” Jiro replies in defeat.

“You're entitled to your own opinions,” Kenshin says calmly.

After a slight pause Kenshin continues, “This goes without saying that I'm expecting the two of you to remain perfect gentlemen in front of the girl.”

“You don't have to worry about me. I've already got a lovely wife back home and a child on the way. You might want to keep an eye on Jiro though. From what my wife tells me, he's quite the lady's man,” Kiyoshi retorts playfully.

“That's not fair! You can't use a man's love life against him,” Jiro says defensively.

“Life's not fair, but you don't see me complaining,” Kiyoshi replies with a smirk on his face.

“Kenshin, you're not going to sit back and let him speak to me like that, are you?” Jiro says with a desperate look on his face.

“Now, now Kiyoshi. Just because he enjoys the company of women doesn't mean that he'll take advantage of the girl. I seriously doubt that she's his type anyway,” Kenshin says trying to pacify the situation.

“That's true,” Kiyoshi states after a second of thought. “I have noticed that he goes after the ladies at court…”

“Thanks a lot Kenshin. Remind me not to turn to you next time I need help,” Jiro states feigning hurt.

“We might be friends, but I'm not going to pretend that I agree with your behavior,” Kenshin retorts in amusement.

“That was harsh, but I guess I deserve it,” Jiro replies sadly.

Kenshin walks up to Jiro and puts one of his arms around Jiro's shoulders. Tightening his grip, Kenshin says coolly, “You're just lucky that you're friends with our Lord, or otherwise I might be forced to kill you for disobeying orders. You're getting off easy.”

“Lord Shinta would never allow such a thing. He is a fair and honest lord who should be praised and worshiped by all,” Jiro replies in a sickening sweet voice.

Kenshin just laughs and replies, “Keep speaking like that and I'll slap you in Lord Shinta's place.”

“If you ask me, I don't know how Lord Shinta can stand you. I'm surprised that you haven't driven him insane yet!” Kiyoshi snickers.

“Who says he hasn't?” Kenshin replies with a smile plastered on his face.

“You don't really feel that way do you?” Jiro says in shock.

“Of course I don't,” Kenshin replies with a sincere smile on his face, “I had to get back at you somehow.”

Feeling that the conversation was over, I walk out of the tent towards the men. I am getting hungry and need to find something to eat.

“It looks like the girl is up now Kenshin,” Kiyoshi states calmly.

“I'm sure that you are hungry. You haven't eaten much in the past few days. Don't even think of protesting this morning either. You'll need all the energy you can get once we leave camp,” Kenshin says in concern.

Knowing that fighting him would do no good; I accept the food offered to me. It isn't anything special, but it is much better than anything I could have prepared. The fact that a man's cold food is better than mine is enough to shame me for a lifetime. I'm sure that if Tae or Eriko were here they would be more than amused.

“I'm sorry if you don't like the food, but that's all we have,” Kenshin remarks sympathetically.

I just nod my head no and mentally curse myself for being such an open book. No matter what I'm thinking, Kenshin always seems to read my thoughts. It makes me uneasy knowing that nothing gets passed him.

After finishing my plate, Kenshin states, “I don't know how much of our conversation you heard, but we are leaving first thing this morning. We have stayed in this camp too long and will eventually be found if we stay any longer. You will accompany us until we can find a safe place for you to stay. It's the least we can do to make sure that you're taken care of.”

I just nod back in understanding. If I were going to run away from them, now would not be the time. I will have to wait until they are off guard. For now I will pretend to be obedient.

**Later**

It has been a day since we left camp and it will be less than a day's journey until we hit the coast. Kiyoshi told me that they are going to meet a man there who would give them safe passage on his boat. Kiyoshi didn't tell me what the plan was for me and there is no way of asking him. The only person that seems to somewhat understand me is Kenshin and he is nowhere in sight. Kenshin decided to take the lead and therefore is scouting the route ahead of us.

As we turned the bend I notice Kenshin sitting on a rock waiting for us. On further examination, I notice that Kenshin is without a horse. Whatever the reasoning he has for letting his horse go, I know I won't like it.

“There is a troop of men further up the path. I think it best that we stay off the path and continue on foot,” Kenshin says authoritatively.

Kiyoshi, Jiro and I dismount from our horses without uttering a sound and follow Kenshin's lead. If this had been a normal kidnapping I would have made plenty of noise so the troops would find us, but I didn't. If anyone in the troop were to recognize me I would be forced to go home and all would be lost. With the way things were shaping out, I would never be able to runaway.

Suddenly, Kenshin halted and signaled us to remain still. In the distance I can hear several men talking to themselves. The conversation is much too far away to make out, so Kenshin silently walks further into the trees.

Soon he is out of sight and the three of us stand perfectly still. None of us are willing to test how much movement we can achieve before we give away our position.

Time slowed down and what might have been five minutes felt like twenty. Never in my whole life have I felt as much fear as I do right now. It is nerve racking waiting for someone to walk out of enemy territory. The anticipation I'm feeling is so intense that if I stay like this for much longer, I might move and blow our cover.

Luckily this did not happen, and Kenshin walks back silently toward us. He signals us to follow him and we comply. To say anything at our current location would be irrational.

As soon as we are far enough away from the troops, Kenshin whispers, “There are more men than I thought. We will have to split up and hope that none of us get caught. I'll take the girl to the north while you two will continue to go south. We will meet outside the village on the other side of the mountain range. If we are not there by sundown tomorrow leave without us.”

“But…” Jiro replies.

“There will be no rescue parties under my command. I will not risk everyone being captured or killed. Is this understood?” Kenshin replies forcefully.

“Yes,” Jiro and Kiyoshi reply back in unison. None of them liked their orders, but they were not about to fight Kenshin.

“Good, we'll meet you at the rendezvous point. Come on girl, let's go,” Kenshin says seriously.

I looked back at Kiyoshi and Jiro sympathetically before following behind Kenshin. I don't know what is ahead of us, but I couldn't help but fear it.

**Later**

We have been traveling on foot for a long time and my feet are sore. My body is not accustomed to the strenuous exercise and is begging for a break. I could ask Kenshin for a break but I don't want to look weak in front of the man. The last thing I want is for a man to think of me as weak. Those who are weak are preyed upon, and I won't let that happen again.

Suddenly Kenshin stops and faces me. He softly gazes at me and says, “You must be tired. I would have stopped earlier, but I wasn't sure that it was safe.”

Kenshin sits down under an apple tree and motions me to sit down next to him. I comply but make sure to leave a large distance between us. I am not about to let him get any ideas.

Kenshin just smirks in amusement and takes out the crest Akira made for me. Twiddling it in his hands nervously he comments, “You know, I taught Akira how to carve when we were younger. That was before our father died and left the estate to me. Akira had always been a happy child, but something in him broke when father died. He's always been rebellious, but never would I have thought that he would run away and join our uncle's campaign. He's never even shown interest in it before, so why now? I have a feeling that there's more to the story than meets the eye.”

Kenshin looks back at me and says softly, “I know that it might seem weird that I'm telling you all this, but I feel I can confide in you. You know Akira, plus you seem to be a good listener. I doubt I can talk to Kiyoshi and Jiro about things like this. They are men of action and I rather doubt they would know how to deal with my emotions.”

I just nod back in understanding. I haven't known Jiro or Kiyoshi for very long, but I seriously doubt they could last long against Kenshin's emotional side.

Looking at Kenshin's sad expression it hit me that Kenshin has become the master of suppressing his emotions. This whole time, he might have seemed cool and collected, but now I realize that he's really scared and depressed. Kiyoshi and Jiro rely on his strength and therefore he hides his emotions behind a goofy grin and playful attitude. Kenshin is much stronger than I have given him credit for.

“Here. I'm sure Akira gave this to you for a reason,” Kenshin remarks while he hands me the crest.

Swiftly I take the crest out of Kenshin's hand and hold onto it possessively. The crest is my last reminder of a life that is now denied to me. Akira was my last patient and the only one that I failed. I might have not been able to help him, but I will always carry his memory.

“You care about my brother, don't you?” Kenshin asks sadly.

I just nod my head yes sadly. I don't know how it happened, but somehow I grew fond of him. I enjoyed the times when we would just sit on the grassy knoll in silence. He wasn't just a patient; he was a friend.

“Akira has always been able to make friends out of enemies. There's something about him that makes people gravitate towards him. He's much like our father in that regard. It's a shame though that he never realized that. I'm sure if he did, he would have seen that everybody back home loves him and that we would all miss him,” Kenshin replies sadly.

I just look down at my hands while trying to take everything in. Could it be that Akira was wrong about his brother? Could it be that Kenshin wanted to be a dutiful brother but was given too much responsibility at such a young age? Like Kenshin said before, there's much more to the story than meets the eye.

Kenshin suddenly stands up and grabs a red apple from the tree above us. He sits back down next to me and says firmly, “You need to eat something. You're much too skinny.”

Kenshin takes a dagger from his belt and starts to slice the apple in half. At this point I couldn't hide my embarrassment. Could it be that he doesn't know that when two people share a red apple; they are said to forever be bound to one another?

“Come on, you need to eat,” Kenshin says in concern.

Deciding not to test his patience, I take the apple from his hand and start to eat it. Maybe the tales don't apply for him; he is a Britain after all. That thought didn't help me much though as I continued to eat the apple with a slight blush on my cheeks.

We finished the apple and decided to keep moving. It isn't smart to stay in one spot too long, especially when your enemy is somewhere near by.

We continued walking for several miles until Kenshin stops dead in his tracks and yells, “Run! They've found us!”

I am too shocked to move and before I know it, nine men surround us. Each one of them is armed with swords and ready to attack.

“Do what you want to me, but leave the girl out of this,” Kenshin yells at the men.

“She is obviously a sympathizer and therefore will be treated as a traitor. Attack both of them!” the taller of the men screams in English.

Before I could react, Kenshin jumps in front of me and deflects a sword aimed for my chest.

“Whatever you do, stay behind me,” Kenshin says firmly.

With a speed I would have never thought humanly possible, Kenshin uses his free hand to push the man back and slashes at the man's torso. The man falls lifelessly to the ground while the others look upon Kenshin in fear.

“I don't enjoy killing, but I won't stand back and let this girl be killed. I suggest you leave if you want to live,” Kenshin says threateningly.

Kenshin turns back towards me with amber eyes and says, “Get out of here now!”

“I don't think so,” A man says in English while grabbing me from behind.

“Boys, I think we've found her. Don't worry, we'll take you back home to your father,” the man holding me states in Gaelic.

Mustering all my strength I stomp on the man's feet. The man did not expect this reaction and therefore was not prepared. I run to Kenshin and hide behind him.

“I must have been mistaken. No daughter of his would side with a Britain. Kill them both,” the man who once held me commands in Gaelic.

All of the remaining men run at Kenshin with swords drawn. Kenshin attacks each and every man while remaining in front of me. All I can do is watch in horror as man after man fell to Kenshin's sword.

Kenshin is left with two men to fight when the leader of the group takes the opportunity to charge at me. Before I could react Kenshin stands in front of me and blocks the attack. I fearfully watch the two as Kenshin and the man thrust their swords into one another. Kenshin's sword hits the man directly in the heart while the opponent barely misses the critical point of Kenshin's stomach. How Kenshin is able to remain standing is beyond me!

As the other men are about to charge at us again, it suddenly starts to rain. The rain is so thick that I can barely make out the figure of Kenshin next to me. Kenshin firmly grabs my hand and runs towards a cave.

As soon as we fully enter the cave, Kenshin collapses and softly says, “I'm sorry that I couldn't protect you better.”

All I could do is pull Kenshin up against the side of the cave wall and stare at him. How could Kenshin say something like that? He is unselfish to a fault!

**Later**

Kenshin's wound was bad and needed to be treated right away. As soon as he woke up I decided to clean and treat his injury. A cave isn't the best of places to heal someone, but I had little choice on the matter. It's either; heal him in a cave or go outside and possibly get caught.

Kenshin as a patient was exactly the opposite of Akira. When I started sewing up the wound, Kenshin didn't so much as move. He seemed to trust me and remained silent, despite the obvious pain he must have been feeling. Every once in a while he might twitch a finger but that was the only sign of pain he ever showed. It was quite obvious that Kenshin has been well trained in the arts of war.

As I cleaned the dagger I used as a make shift scalpel, Kenshin says in a soft voice, “I would have never thought you to be a trained healer, but after today I'd be a fool not to believe it.”

I look back at Kenshin and smile. Even after the surgery, he is able to talk rationally. I can't help but admire his strength.

“I guess I should be lucky that I rescued you then. I might be dead right now if it weren't for you. Why did you stay anyway? You could have run when I passed out, but instead you stayed behind and treated my wounds,” Kenshin asks in confusion.

I can't help but question what he said. I might have stayed back and helped heal his wounds, but wouldn't any healer do the same? Plus, if he hadn't rescued me, he would be home by now and not injured in a cave. He should be cursing my name, not praising it!

“You look angry. Did I say something to anger you?” Kenshin asks in concern.

I shake my head no in shock. How does he read me so well?

With a smirk on his face, Kenshin replies, “You're very easy to read. Your face betrays your emotions. It's rather cute watching you while you're thinking. I've never seen someone show so many emotions in so short a time.”

As much as I tried to hold back my anger, I couldn't. I found myself searching the place for something to hit him upside the head with. The need to hit Kenshin is almost overwhelming.

Kenshin just smiles up at me and says, “Now, now, I meant that as a compliment, plus how else would you be able to communicate?”

He is right; I really shouldn't be upset that someone can read me. If it helps me communicate, I should embrace it. Though I wish I could have found someone else who could understand me, I can't really do much about that. If what he says is true, I should be able to find someone else once I get away from him.

I turn back to look at Kenshin, only to find him fast asleep. The strain the surgery had on Kenshin's body must have finally made him pass out.

Sighing in relief I grab a blanket from Kenshin's pack, and I pull it over his small frame. Lying down on the opposite wall I notice how peaceful Kenshin looks when he's sleeping. I wonder why I've never noticed that before?

Further down the cave I see a blue light shining in the distance. I follow the light with my eyes until I hear a voice say, “Don't just stare; follow it.”

I look back at Kenshin who is still asleep and wonder if I'm hearing things. If someone is there talking to us, Kenshin would be the first to respond.

“Hurry up child. He can't hear us,” the voice says in slight annoyance.

Getting to my feet, I follow the blue light. It is amazingly bright and is able to light up the entire path ahead of me. I don't know what the source of light is, but I have a feeling that it is otherworldly.

The light leads me to an underground room as big as one of the halls my father would entertain his guests in. Inside the room sat several members of the Tuatha De Danann. The sight of them is much too overwhelming to take.

“Don't be scared child. We will not hurt you. We just want to talk,” the Lady says calmly.

“What is so pressing that so many must listen to our conversation?” I ask in shock.

“We are concerned that you are not doing your task quick enough. You need to focus on your task and stop fooling around,” the fiery haired man comments impatiently.

“If you haven't noticed, I haven't necessarily had all the time in the world! How am I supposed to work when I've nearly drowned to death, have been held prisoner by three Britains, been attacked by my father's men and am currently healing someone?” I retort angrily.

“How dare you talk back to me? Do you forget your place?” the fiery haired man yells.

“Stay away from her! You have no right to speak to her thus!” Kenshin yells while running in front of me protectively.

“You wouldn't speak thus if you knew who we are,” the fiery haired man replies angrily. His hair started to get brighter and the room heated up in reaction.

“I don't care who you are or what you want with her, but I will not sit here and listen to you talk to her like that,” Kenshin says shaking with anger.

“You act as if you understand her, yet you can't even hear her speaking. You don't even know her name. How pathetic! You might understand her better than most, but you have a long ways to go,” the fiery haired man retorts in amusement.

“But, how can you…?” Kenshin replies in shock.

“We can hear her much in the same way that you can hear us. Our kind speaks mind to mind,” the Lady cuts in.

“So I have to learn how to speak mind to mind with the girl?” Kenshin asks in shock.

“You are either born with the ability or you're not. You were not, so you must learn to predict her thoughts. With time you will learn to read her as if she were talking to you,” the Lady says calmly.

“In time?” Kenshin remarks in bewilderment.

“We think that both of you could benefit if you take her with you. She needs protection and a place to safely continue the task we set for her, and you want information about your brother. She knew him well and holds valuable information. If you take her in, I'm sure that eventually she'll tell you what you want to know,” the fiery haired man remarks with a smirk on his face.

“How can I be sure that you speak the truth?” Kenshin replies in anger.

“Our kind does not lie, but if you still don't believe us take a look at the girl,” the Lady retorts calmly.

Kenshin looks straight into my eyes searchingly. The stare is so intense that I look down at the floor in embarrassment.

“You choose well, child. Not only is he handsome, but he's also a member of royalty. Lord Shinta here has quite a pedigree. I'm sure your father would be very angry at your choice in men though. The nephew of his sworn enemy isn't necessarily something your father would be proud of, even if he is neutral,” the Lady states with a smile on her face.

“How do you know who I am? I've told no one! Nobody close to me calls me by that name, except for my mother!” Kenshin replies in shock.

I couldn't suppress my shock. This whole time I thought Kenshin was just a kinsman of Lord Shinta. I finally realized the meaning of Jiro and Kenshin's banter and wanted to laugh at myself for not picking up on it sooner.

“I'm expecting you to take care of our daughter here. If anything happens to her, you will be accountable. Don't disappoint us!” the fiery haired man states threateningly.

“Take care child and work hard. Continue to be strong,” the Lady says with a smile on her face. “Don't be afraid to take a chance,” she continues before she and the rest of the Tuatha De Danann disappear.

“I'm not imagining things, am I?” Kenshin asks while rubbing his eyes in astonishment.

I shake my head `no' while looking into his eyes. He just stands there focused on the spot the Tuatha De Danann once stood with wide eyes.

Upon feeling my gaze, Kenshin looks back at me, and smiles. Grabbing my hand, he says, “Don't worry, I'm alright. I'm just a little confused.”

We both walk out of the room and back towards our camp. Kenshin does not speak the entire time we walk back through the cave, but I just figure that he is still in shock. His people do not know about the Tuatha De Danann and I am sure that he is very confused. I will eventually have to explain who they are, but now is not the right time.

I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. I promised a longer chapter with more action, so here it is. I hope it meets your expectations!

I'm sorry that it took me so long to update the story. School has been really hectic and my family is in turmoil right now. My aunt just left my uncle and is threatening to divorce him. Quite frankly I'd say good riddance, but my uncle is devotedly Catholic and doesn't want a divorce. I don't understand that mentality, but then again, I'm not Catholic. I'll try to come out with a quicker update, but I can't make any promises.

By the way, for all of you who have read the series before, my author's notes above give a clue as to which RK characters are playing Liadan and Niamh. Well, I haven't really given away who Liadan is just yet, but the Niamh one I think is pretty decent. At least I think so. If you haven't read the books, I'm sure you will still be able to guess; you just won't know what role they play. I know that I'm evil!

I am taking bets, so if you want in, write your guess in the review and the amount in which you wish to bet. This bet will be paid up in the form of imaginary money so it's not illegal! : )- Not to mention that I'm too poor to pay up. *sigh* Ja ne!