Kyaa Kyaff again! I'm so happy you guys like my story so far!

Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin & co aren't mine (sigh)

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An Alternate Place and Time

'…' Kaoru thoughts

"…" dialogue

Chapter One

The stars shimmered radiantly, reflected on the smooth surface of a lake. There, sitting on a fallen tree, was Kaoru. She reached her hand up to take out the beautiful combs that adorned her hair. Her eyes burned as she tried to keep herself composed.

'Why… Why didn't I notice sooner.'

It was becoming painfully obvious to her now that Shinta had always seen her as a younger sister and never something more. The night before the ceremony kept playing in her head. She had wanted to go speak with Shinta. Kaoru had heard his soft distinctive voice and decided to sneak up on him to give him a little scare as she had a habit of doing. She rounded the corner to see…

______________________________*Flashback*___________________________________

"Tomoe," Shinta said tenderly.

Kaoru stopped quickly and stayed in the shadow.

'What is Shinta doing with Tomoe. Oh, I know, my best friend is going to make sure he treats me right and makes me happy. She has always been there for me, just like an older sister.'

Tomoe bowed her head slightly and folded her hands in front of her. Shinta stepped closer and clasped her hands in his. Kaoru heard a quiet sniffle. Some words were whispered that she could not here, but she felt her heart sinking.

'What is happening? Why is Tomoe crying? What…'

Shinta released Tomoe's hands and pulled her into a very un-brotherly type of hug. Kaoru's heart started to beat faster.

'No, … no I'm misinterpreting this. Yes, that's right. Tomoe is just happy for us both and she started to cry. Shinta is comforting her. Yes, that's it. No, they look like they are going to…'

Unable to watch anymore, Kaoru turned around and started to make her way back to her room.

_____________________________*End Flashback*_______________________________

Of course Kaoru had known that she was not misinterpreting what she was seeing. It was obvious they were in love. Kaoru began to remember all the times she, Tomoe, and Shinta had spent time together. The glances they sent each other, the smiles, the … everything. And Kaoru had been the little sister they loved dearly. Elegant, refined, beautiful were all descriptions of Tomoe. It was easy to see why Shinta loved her. Kaoru laughed to herself, trying to keep the tears back.

'I am such a fool. I set myself up for this. I refused to see anything between the two. Now look at me.'

Kaoru was afraid to go home. Her Uncle Hajime would likely kill her. He had adopted her after her parents had died. Although not related in anyway, she referred to him as Uncle. Kaoru knew she had just dishonored his name by running away from an arranged marriage. It was bad enough that people called her a tomboy. She could imagine what was being said now. With a deep sigh she stood up and decided to make her way home to face her Uncle's wrath. Minutes later a shadowed figure with his long hair tied in a low ponytail made his way to the clearing. Seeing the forgotten combs laying on the fallen tree, he leaned over and picked them up. He turned the combs carefully over in his hands, and then placed them both in the pocket of his clothing taking a seat on the fallen tree to stare at the stars reflected in the lake.

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Kaoru cringed as her Uncle's faced contorted with rage.

"Do you know what you have done? I don't think you do."

Kaoru knew not to dare open her mouth. He had gotten angry before, and yes, he was really scary, but he would never physically harm her.

"This was an important arrangement, and now the arrangement is gone, and so is any honor associated with my name! I want you out. You are old enough to take care of yourself. Go get whatever you need and be gone before morning."

Kaoru stared completely shocked.

"Uncle Haj…"

"No," he shouted, "leave now! I do not want to see your face again. You are a burden to me."

Saying such he exited the room. Kaoru did not know what to do. She knew he was serious, that he meant it without regret.

'I… I don't know what to do. Where would I go? Tae's place? No, I couldn't possibly. I can't go to Tomoe or Shinta. I would break apart.'

Then her face took on a determined look.

'Fine! I always wanted to go traveling anyway. Then I won't have to face Shinta or Tomoe. I will leave them a letter so they won't get worried. Yes, that is what I will do. And damn Saitoh Hajime! I will no longer be known by Saitoh Kaoru. No, my father was a Kamiya and so am I.'

In her room she decided to write the letter to Tomoe.

Tomoe,

I want you to know that I love you dearly, and I am sorry I did not come to say goodbye to you. Maybe we will see each other again in the future, ne? I know I am not making much sense but I hope you understand I can't stay, Uncle Hajime has kicked me out and I do not wish to burden anyone else. I've decided to go on an adventure. Like the ones I used to tell you about all the time. I will miss you.

Be happy with Shinta.

Kaoru

After reading over the letter she began packing everything she could think of that, and changed into an old comfortable gi and hakama. Taking a bokken that lay under her bed she placed it in the tie of her hakama. She had a little training on how to use it from her father. It could be useful. Calming her nerves, frightened but still determined, she stepped out of the house and decided that she would leave Tae the letter to give to Tomoe.

'I can do this, I can.'

Wiping away the tears that were trying to form, Kamiya Kaoru headed in the direction of Tae's home.

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Well there's chapter one!

I hoped you liked it! There is a lot more to come. Don't worry there will be kxk stuff. I just have some things that have to happen! And yeah I made Saitoh her uncle. It's Au it could happen!

I would like to thank all my reviewers!

Aku-sama- I am so glad you are interested. Yay!

Gara- I hope this explains some of your questions! They will be getting together, trust me just not yet!

Joey- I will get to kxk stuff just not yet, so stick with me! Greetings from Florida!

Crystal- Sorry to get your hopes up about K/T but I'm glad you like it!

Vesca- Hey! Thanks for the review. I hope you liked this chapter!

Chiki- I am soooo glad you liked my story cause I absolutely love yours. I finally decided to write one of my own and am happy you took the time to read mine! You're the best!

Kenna-chan- Hey! I'm glad you like it and I have always preferred Kaoru over Tomoe myself. Tomoe is great but she isn't Kaoru!

Beverlyhighland- I like stories like that too! I'm excited that you liked it!

Kyaa Kyaff thanks you all! Yay! I will try to update fast!