A/N: I have a backup of this story posted in Wattpad since I'm unsure about the guidelines. This story is rated Mature.
I changed this story's name from Kyoto Arc to Dark Choices because I feel like this title describes the theme that will later play out for Kaoru.
Okay, there are a lot of different versions for Kaoru's past, and before you hit the back button, let me explain why and how this story is different. Well, for one, I decided to tie in the characters' relationships, make it as faith brought them together. Two, after watching Jineh and Kenshin demonstrate what they can do with their ki, I decided to explore more with the different possibilities of ki such as it being able to manifest ki to physical form. This will be better explained in Chapter 2. And three, I feel that Kaoru's role in RK isn't displayed to it's full potential. The RK story begins with her telling how Kenshin becomes a permanent member of the Kamiya dojo but I feel she eventually becomes overshadowed by all the other characters in some sort of aspect, whether it's her fighting ability, cooking, or her naivety. I want to create a story where she develops as a character. In other words, I want her to have a story. So, here it is. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I have fun writing it.
Also, this Preface is a part I added later due to a wonderful reviewer Dreamspirit47. Thank you for your advice! I will like to give you, other readers and myself something to look forward to. So here is the Preface.
Dark Choices
Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin.
Warning: Characters are out of character. This story is dark and has some AU. Will contain violence, adult language and adult content.
Everything came down to this moment.
I stared at the swordsman whose hair rivaled the burning flames behind him. His sword was unsheathed and remained limp at his side.
"Who are you?" he asked me calmly. His sharp violet eyes that could turn golden in a second assessed me.
"You should know me," I answered back just as placidly, but I wasn't sure if he could hear me through the black binding that I wrapped loosely around my face to conceal my identity from him.
He stepped toward me, his sandaled feet barely making a sound compared to the burning fire on the wooden vessel.
The wind picked up and my fingers tightened on the metal fans at my sides in warning.
He halted and tilted his head. "I do feel like I know you."
Instantly, my body went rigid. I took note that he said "I" instead of "unworthy." The darker side of him was unleashed.
As if to confirm my observation, he raised his head at an angle that the fires around him reflected eerily back in his golden eyes. I couldn't stop the gasp that left me from his overwhelming stare.
"Stop playing with me and reveal who you are." His words sliced through the air like the sharp edge of a blade.
I wanted to prolong this moment, my final reunion with Kenshin while Master Shishio completed his dark plans. But another part me wanted to finally surrender to him. Didn't he suffer enough?
"You have to do this, Kaoru. You have to do this for us, for me and Tsubame. For family." Yumi's words, rang in my mind.
With determination, I began to undo the wrap from my face. In the process, my long raven hair cascaded down my shoulders like a waterfall.
I heard his intake of breath. His golden eyes widened on my form. "Like I said, Battousai. You know me. I'm Kaoru Kamiya and I'm your opponent."