Hey guys HinataUchiha101 here.
Background info: I've decided to write a slightly alternate reality Rurouni Kenshin between Kaoru and Aoshi. The reason it's a slightly alternate reality is because it's still based in the Rurouni Kenshin timeline but there is no Kenshin, Sano, or Yahiko in this story. Tsubame and Tae will be featured in a chapter along with and his granddaughters. I may even add Megumi I'm not sure yet. This will all be taking place in Kyoto with only a few scenes in Tokyo. This is also before the Oniwabanshu members were killed by Kanryu. Also Kaoru will be older in this story about a year younger than Aoshi. Misao will be her normal age, but I'm going to say that she's six.
Well moving on from there I hope that you all will enjoy this story. So here you go.
______________________________________________________________________
Chapter One
It was a sunny day in mid June when young fourteen year old Kaoru Kamiya sat in her room packing up all of her necessary belongings preparing to leave her long time home and head to Kyoto to stay with a friend of her father. Her father was apart of the army and was trying to create a new and peaceful Japan where his young daughter could grow up without any sense of fear.
Her mother had died shortly after giving birth to her leaving her father to raise her on his own with help from some of the village woman. Her father had joined the army shortly after the war began and was just now being called to serve his country. Because there was no one to care for Kaoru and it was improper to leave a fourteen year old girl to live on her own her father had contacted one of his old friend.
Her father's friend had told him that there was plenty of room at his inn for her and that she would be protected from the pains of the war. The next day Kaoru was left to pact her most precious items and was to board the train to Kyoto by nightfall. She would arrive in the morning where she would be greeted by Okina her father's long time friend. Kaoru was not excited about leaving her beloved home, but she was happy about the prospect of not being alone while her father was away fighting.
She feared for his life, but she was proud of him. She knew that no matter what she said that he would fight. He was to prideful to just sit on the sidelines while his country men died protecting the views he himself believed in. So all she could do was hold her head high and wish him a safety and strength. She would not send her father into battle knowing that she worried about him. She would remain strong for him. She wasn't some weepy woman. She was a Kamiya.
Grabbing all of the things she had packed that would be staying close to her on the train she stood and walked to the door. All of her main things had left on an earlier train to be delivered to the Aoiya, the place where she would be staying. Turning around she took one last look at her room, memories resurfacing, then turn her back to her room and walked to the front gate where her father stood waiting. He smiled at her as she approached and she returned a smile of her own.
"Are you ready Kaoru?", he asked her taking her arm.
She nodded her head, "Yes father."
The two left the dojo and locked the gate behind them. Kaoru let out a sigh looking back at her home as she walked away. She turned her head toward her father as he began to speak.
"Never look back Kaoru, always look forward. The past will only hold you back in the end. The prospect of the future keeps you going. Never forget that."
She continued to stare at him then replied, "Yes father."
She promised herself that she would keep looking forward and not look to the past. She was sure that she would see her home again and she decided to set that as her future. It was something to look forward to not wallow over. Setting her head higher she continued to walk toward the train station, making Kyoto her future as well.
______________________________________________________________________
Sitting in her seat on the train she stared out of the window watching the country side roll by. It was to dark out to really make anything out. Her farewell with her father had been short. A simple good bye and good luck from the both of them. They had shared a quick hug and then he had ushered her onto the train. She didn't regret that it had gone by quickly for if it had went slower she wasn't sure if she would ever be able to actually leave her father's side.
She couldn't help but to wonder what the occupants of the Aoiya would be like. According to her father she had met them all before when she had been younger but she couldn't seem to remember the meeting. She wondered if anyone would remember her. She left the thoughts for another time. As she watched the blurred darkness pass her by she felt herself falling into a deep peaceful sleep.
When she finally awoke the sun was shining through the window and she could clearly see that they where arriving at the train station in Kyoto. When the train finally stopped she stood up from her seat and grabbed her bag exiting with the other passengers. She didn't know what she was suppose to be looking for, or more so who she was to look for. She stood on the platform and watched all of the people reunite with family or loved ones. Others walked off knowing exactly where they were going.
Suddenly she felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to face the person who had touched her. It was and old man with a friendly smile. His hair stuck out in two opposite direction under a little red cap. He had a mustache and a beard that was pointed at the end. His hair was pure white like a freshly fallen snow. Although he was old he truly looked anything but. She could tell strong muscles lay under his clothing.
"Yes? How may I help you?", she asked.
"Would you happen to be Kaoru Kamiya by any chance?", he questioned.
"Yes and you would be?", she asked back. She had a feeling she knew but wanted to be sure.
"I am Okina. I was told to meet you here to take you back to my inn by your father."
"How did you know who I was?"
"Because my dear you look just like your mother, but with your father's eyes.", he smiled. She blushed at the comparison of her and her mother.
"Come. I shall take you to the inn and introduce you to everyone. They are very excited to see you again Kaoru-chan."
"Really?", she asked surprised, "I can't seem to remember anyone."
"Well no worries, they all remember you and I'm sure in time you will remember them as well." She nodded in agreement as the walked toward to inn.
______________________________________________________________________
Aoshi stood in the training hall watching the progress of his men. He was the leader of the Oniwabanshu, the greatest ninjas in all of Japan at the young age of fifteen. He was usually a very happy and carefree young man when it came to most things, but when it came to the welfare of his men and their progress he tended to become more serious and focus on his job title as the okashira.
Today he was planning on ending practice early. Someone that they all hadn't seen in a very long time was on their way with Okina and he wanted to give everyone enough time to get cleaned up before she arrived. When he had first met her he hadn't spent much time with her so he didn't know her very well. He just remembered that she had been very energetic and was a year younger than him. He was curious to see how much she had changed.
Calling out to everyone that practice was over and that they were to meet in the main room in ten minutes he headed to sit in the main room himself. Aoshi tended to practice alone instead of with his men, he wanted to see their progress, so he didn't have to go and clean up.
Sitting down he adjusted his white gi and waited for everyone to arrive. Okina would be coming back soon with their guest and he had said for everyone to be there to welcome her. He head feet padding toward the main room and soon voices joined the sound of feet.
"Oh I can't wait to see little Kaoru-chan again, this is so exciting.", came the happy voice of Okon as she entered the room with Omasu and Misao.
"Yes it is?", laughed Omasu.
"Who's Kaoru Okon?", asked Misao. When Kaoru had first visited Misoa hadn't been born yet so the two had never met.
"A very nice young woman who I'm sure you will like very much.", Okon replied.
"Will I really like her Aoshi-sama?", asked an eager Misao as she ran to Aoshi's side.
"Yes Misao, I'm sure you will."
"When will she be here?", she asked. By this time all of the other members of the Oniwabanshu had arrived and were seated in the large room and were laughing at her curiosity.
"She should be arriving…" he was cut off by the opening of the door to the main room.
All eyes went to the pair as they removed their sandals and entered the room. Then all eyes shifted to only the young girl standing to the left of Okina. She glanced shyly about the room looking at each occupant that stared at her. She felt slightly uncomfortable under their heavy stares, but she wouldn't let her self be intimidated.
"Everyone this is Kaoru Kamiya, please make her feel welcome.", Okina said in a slight warning. Kaoru stepped forward and bowed to the group.
"Hello. It is a pleasure to meet you." She straightened back up and smiled at everyone. Okon and Omasu stood from their positions on the floor.
"No need to be so formal Kaoru-chan.", Okon said standing to her left.
"Yeah, your with family now.", Omasu giggled. Kaoru smiled at the two.
"It seems that it has been a while for Kaoru-chan since she last saw you all so why don't we have introductions.", Okina suggested. Everyone nodded in agreement to the idea.
"Well my names Okon, it's a pleasure to see you again Kaoru-chan." Kaoru noticed that she had very long brown hair and warm brown eyes.
"You as well Okon." Omasu went next.
"And I'm Omasu. If you ever need anything don't hesitate to ask." Kaoru nodded at her. Omasu had brown hair as well but it was pulled into a bun. She had the same warm brown eyes as Okon, Kaoru guessed that they were sisters.
"I'm Beshimi.", said a short man who squatted in the corner of the room. He looked sneaky with a widows peak and spiky hair that stood up in a Mohawk at the front.
The next to introduce themselves was a rather large and rounded man who had to front teethe that stood out and short black hair that seemed to go everywhere.
"I'm Hyottoko.", he said with a large smile. Kaoru couldn't help but smile back.
"My names Shikijo, but you can just call me the muscled god.", he joked and everyone laughed with him. He was very muscled just like he had said with long and unruly reddish brown hair. He had scars on his face, but to Kaoru he seemed to be a very nice person.
The next person to introduce themselves was a tall man who was covered head to toe. She couldn't tell what his face looked like because he wore an onni mask. It was slightly scary but Kaoru knew not to judge someone before she got to know them.
"I am known as Hannya."
"And I am the leader of the Oniwabanshu Aoshi Shinomori.", said a young man who was to her right.
She looked at him and the first thing she notice about him was his blue eyes. She was surprised to find someone with the same eye color as herself but she could see that his eyes were darker than hers. Her was very handsome to say the least and normally Kaoru didn't notice that in guys but she found it hard not to notice with him. She could tell that when he became older that if he didn't already have all of the girls chasing him that he would.
She thought that was everyone until a very young girl latched onto the bottom of her kimono. Looking down she stared into large green eyes. The girl looked up at her and began to speak.
"My name is Misao Makimachi. I'm six years old and the future leader of the Oniwabanshu.", she stated proudly. Kaoru bent down to her level and smiled at her.
"Well my name is Kaoru Kamiya. I'm fourteen years old and assistant master of the Kamiya Kasshin dojo. And it is very nice to meet you my dear future okashira Misao-chan.", she smiled at her. Misao beamed and ran over to Aoshi's side.
"You were right I do like her Aoshi-sama." Everyone laughed. Kaoru straightened back up.
"Come Kaoru-chan we'll take you to you room.", Okon said taking her arm. Kaoru nodded following her out of the room.
"It was a pleasure to meet you all again.", Kaoru called back.
When the three were all out of hearing distance all of the men began to talk about their new house guest.
"Well she was cute.", Shikijo said to the group striking up the conversation.
"Indeed, she has matured into a young woman.", Hannya agreed.
"She seemed nice.", Hyottoko.
"What do you think Aoshi-sama?", asked Beshimi.
"She's definitely changed.", Aoshi commented.
"Ooooooh, I do believe our dear Aoshi-kun is in love.", Okina sang spinning around the room. Aoshi grabbed a near by cushion and through it at Okina's head.
"Shut up you old fool.", Aoshi growled with a slight blush on his cheeks.
"See he blushes.", Okina laughed, "Who would have thought Aoshi as the love at first sight type of guy."
"Damn you Okina.", Aoshi growled out as everyone laughed at the pair.
Aoshi sighed and ignored the noise in the room. In love? Hah, yeah right. Curious is what he would rather categorize it as, but not love. He barely knew her. Though he had to admit that she was very beautiful at her age. Sure he'd seen plenty of beautiful girls before, but the was something about her that just seemed special. Shaking the thoughts away Aoshi stood up and left the room decided not to let Okina's words get to him. Though all in all he wouldn't mind getting to know her, with just the two of them around.
______________________________________________________________________
Upstairs in her new room she could hear the laughter of the men downstairs. She smiled at how happy they all sounded together. If only she knew that the reason they were laughing was about her. She placed her bag down next to her rolled up futon and looked around her room. Her trunk with all of her things had been delivered and was sitting in the corner of the room. She turned to Okon and Omasu and smiled at the pair.
"So are the two of you sister?"
"Cousins actually. But nice guess.", Omasu answered. Kaoru nodded.
"So how long have you lived here?"
"All our lives actually. Both of our parents passed away in an attack and Okina took us in."
"Oh I'm sorry. My mother passed away after I was born. It's always just been otou-san and me. Though some of the village woman were kind enough to help out every once in a while.", Kaoru smiled. The other two smiled back.
"So how old are you two?"
"Well I'm eighteen and Omasu is seventeen."
"Really? So how come one of you aren't the leader?"
"Even though Aoshi is the youngest he's also the best for the job. Don't let his fifteen years fool you Aoshi is very powerful.", Omasu said.
"He's only fifteen?"
"Yup and already quite the stud.", Okon sighed.
"So I'm guessing he has a lot of admirers.", Kaoru giggled.
"Yes he does. They're actually quite funny to watch when they're trying to catch his attention.", Omasu laughed. They all shared a laugh at that.
"Is it true Kaoru-chan?", Omasu asked.
"Is what true?", Kaoru asked beginning to remove things from her trunk.
"That you're the assistant master of the Kamiya Kasshin Ryu?"
"Ah huh.", Kaoru confirmed.
"That's great! Maybe you can come and practice with us. It will be great to spar someone we haven't fought before."
"That would be fun.", Kaoru agreed.
"I'll bring it up with Aoshi."
"You know all this talk of Aoshi just jogged my memory."
"About what Okon?"
"Don't tell me you didn't notice how hard he was staring at Kaoru-chan."
"Okon everyone was staring at Kaoru-chan." Kaoru suddenly felt her hope deflating. Wait hope? Hope for what?
"Yes but he was staring especially hard. I think Aoshi likes our dear Kaoru-chan."
"No way. Do you really think so?", Omasu gasped.
"Definitely. Have you ever seen Aoshi stare at one person much less a girl for that long?"
"You know what you're right.", Omasu agreed. Suddenly Kaoru felt her hope go back up. But she truly couldn't understand what she was hoping for.
"What do you think Kaoru-chan?", Omasu asked.
"Um… well… I don't… um.", Kaoru blushed at her lack of words.
"Aw I think Kaoru-chan likes Aoshi too."
"That's it time to play match maker.", Okon said with a glint in her eyes.
"No don't." Kaoru said holding up her hands to the two, "Really that's unnecessary." the two pouted.
"But Kaoru-chan."
"No, no buts. If I knew you two were plotting to set us up I would be really embarrassed and I wouldn't be able to face him."
"Alright Kaoru-chan."
"What? Okon are you serious?", Omasu gasped.
"Yes we should not involve ourselves where we're not wanted."
"Aw man.", Omasu sighed unhappily.
"Thank you.", Kaoru smiled turning back to her truck. When Kaoru wasn't focused on the pair anymore Okon leaned over and began whispering into Omasu's ear.
"We're still gonna set them up."
"But you just said we weren't.", Omasu whispered back.
"She said she didn't want to know. She never said we couldn't do it without her knowledge."
"Okon you evil genius."
"I know but remember we can't tell anyone else."
"Alright." The walked over and began helping Kaoru situate her kimonos.
Unknown to the two Aoshi had heard them whispering and decided to let Kaoru know about their little plan. Maybe they could find a way to get back at the two. And if not at least it would be funny to see what kind of tricks they had up their sleeves. Aoshi fully intended to get to know Kaoru better on a slightly more personal level but he would do it on his own terms.
______________________________________________________________________
Ok so what do you think? Please let me know if I should continue or what. Thanks for reading guys.
-HinataUchiha101