~*~ Wounds Heal- Part One~*~

Aoshi stared at the girl with the half mask in front of him. She looks so much alike Rei. He stood up and reached centimetres near Kaoru. He lifted Kaoru off her seat and hugged her protectively. Kaoru was astounded but because this man was her last hope she let him hold onto her. When he let go, Kaoru saw that the man was in tears, something dramatic must have happened to him, thought Kaoru. Aoshi walked back to his seat and smiled at her.

"Sorry Miss, I apologise for my actions. It's just you reminded me of someone I loved," explained Aoshi

"That's ok I'm Kamiya Kaoru," said Kaoru

"I'm Dr Shinomori Aoshi, it's a pleasure to meet you. You can call me Aoshi," smiled Aoshi as he wiped off his tears and asked, "Tell me Miss Kamiya, what is your problem?"

"Please call me Kaoru, I," said Kaoru before she took off her mask and replied, "Can you please help me get rid of this scar?"

Aoshi has helped so many people but why can't he ever help the ones he love? He's a doctor not a plastic surgeon! Even if he was a plastic surgeon, the limited technology will not be sufficient to perform plastic surgery. Aoshi shook his head and diverted his eyes away from Kaoru's deep blue innocent eyes.

"I'm sorry Kaoru, the rumours were fake, and I'm a doctor not a healer," said Aoshi, "I'm sorry for misleading you to come all this way but I can't control rumours that my patients spread out…"

Kaoru stared at the doctor motionlessly, why did he have to give her hope and shatter it again? Kaoru puts her mask back on and walks slowly out of the patients' room.

"Kaoru, did he say he'll help you?" asked Sano before he realised the grim expression on Kaoru's face and added, "Don't worry, there must be another way to heal your scar. Kaoru I don't want to upset you more, but we've used up all our money…"

Aoshi reminisced all the joyful moments he had had with Rei. He slapped his face, how can he let the Rei-look-a-like leave? She had resembled exactly like Rei, taking aside the fact of her scar. Perhaps this is his second chance to find love again so he quickly ran out of his room to find Kaoru. Luckily for Aoshi, Kaoru was still sitting in the waiting room. She looked miserable and sad; Aoshi felt a sudden drive to hug her again. Wait! Who's that next to her, a tall well-built guy with spiky hair sat. He tried to soothe Kaoru but she just sat their motionless. Aoshi walked up towards them but was only awarded with a punch in the face by Sano.

"What did you tell her? You could have lied about healing her. Do you know how much she's been through?" asked Sano

"As a doctor I have the right to tell the truth to my patients. No, I don't know how much she suffered but I don't want to imagine either," replied Aoshi and he added, "Is there anything I can help you two?"

"Well we have no money, I'm getting really hungry and we have no where to stay for tonight!" exclaimed Sano

Aoshi smiled…

"What are you smiling at, you jerk! You don't have to look down on people less fortunate than you," yelled Sano

"No, don't get me wrong. I was thinking that it's about time I get a maid, do you think Kaoru…?" said Aoshi.

Before Aoshi could finish, Sano but in, "She can't work in her condition, I'll be your maid! We'll leave as soon as we have the money and when Kaoru gets better. Deal?"

"That's excellent, done deal!" replied Aoshi and he couldn't stop smiling for the rest of the day

~*~

Two days after Sano and Kaoru have moved into Aoshi's home

It was really late on the second night when Aoshi was woken by a beautiful flow of music. Aoshi caught Kaoru playing her flute and staring up at the stars.

"You play beautifully to match the gracious night sky." Said Aoshi

Kaoru stopped playing but didn't reply she had not spoken a word for two days already.

"I'm sorry that I destroyed your hope in healing that scar, is there anything I can do in return?" asked Aoshi

"Your house iis gloomy, you should have some plants and flowers. I love nature and animals; they're like companions who do not look down upon me. You don't have to apologise it's not your fault…" replied Kaoru softly as she walked back into her room.

~*~

The next morning when Kaoru awoke it was as if the house had transformed itself. Right before her eyes in the backyard of Aoshi's house was a small water fountain. Many different types of flowers and plants surrounded the quad. Kaoru was astounded to see two trees grown over night at both sides of the quad. Kaoru's eyes scanned further into the fore quad to find Aoshi behind the fountain still planting flowers.

"Your garden is beautiful, Aoshi," complimented Kaoru, Aoshi dribbled when he heard that. Kaoru called his name =P

"Yes, thank you, " replied Aoshi as he turned around to meet Kaoru.

Kaoru laughed, "You look like a panda, it's must've been hard work. Why don't you go get some sleep, I'll cook breakfast and call you when I'm ready."

"OK." Aoshi dribbled again as he turned his back and walked towards his room. Kaoru is going to cook him breakfast.

Though Aoshi ate a simple breakfast of udon, he thought it was delicious!

~*~

Aoshi took Kaoru out for sightseeing and ordered Sano to clean up his whole house. He had to dust, wash, wipe, and clean everything by the time Aoshi gets home. Aoshi had never been a very tidy person so there was a lot to do! Aoshi had planned to take Kaoru on horse riding, though it was Kaoru's first time she got the flow of it straight away. The two had chatted and enjoyed more of each other's company. During the late afternoon they stopped by a river to enjoy the nice breeze. They moved to the edge of the river to look for fishes. Aoshi pushed Kaoru into the water as a small joke, however he was soon shocked.

"Help, help I can't swim!" yelled Kaoru

What has he done thought Aoshi and he jumped in to save Kaoru. When he reached her, she began laughing.

"You deserve to get wet too!" declared Kaoru.

Kaoru and Aoshi played and splashed in the water, until their eyes locked. Aoshi pulled Kaoru closer to him and looked into her warmly. He lifted off her half mask and planted a kiss on her scar. Kaoru blushed…

Durian: Ewww, but sweet you can decide…

~*~

Myojin Yahiko

Yes, I have finally outrun them! Those idiots, I can't believe they followed me three nights and three days into this forest. I have only stolen a small bag from them and it probably isn't worth much. I decided to open the bag to see what I have scored. My jaws fell, as I realised the bag carried diamonds not money…

Yahiko was counting the diamonds in his hands near a rushing river. He was too engaged at looking at his diamonds that he did not notice Kenshin lying asleep in front of him. He tripped over Kenshin and all the diamonds in his hand flew into the river. Kenshin awoke abruptly and swung out his sword to point at Yahiko's throat.

"Hold it man, first you made me lose my fortune, now you want to kill me!" said Yahiko

"Anyone who disturbs me shall die," growled Kenshin

Yahiko looked at Kenshin's handicapped arm and smirked, "I have news that may interest you, would you like to exchange my life for news of your handicapped arm?"

Kenshin had a quick thought; he has no interaction with the world outside his forest for five years. Perhaps this kid may have news to amuse him, he decided to listen to his words. If he lied then he'll spare his life but turn him into his slave.

"I know a man, he's a healer. He has saved many lives; perhaps he can heal your arm…" said Yahiko persuasively.

"Take me to him and I shall spare your life," said Kenshin

Yahiko sighed as he looked at Kenshin's torn old hakama, "He's fees are very high. I guess you don't have money…"

"I… you are right," said Kenshin but something flickered on the grass. "Perhaps this diamond may worth something…" added Kenshin

"Hey that's mine give it back," yelled Yahiko

"Take me to the healer and I shall give this to you," said Kenshin

Yahiko looked at the grass to test his luck. ZILCH. The red haired man holds the last diamond…

"Fine," grunted Yahiko

~*~

On their way out of the forest, they met the two men Yahiko had run away from. Yahiko hid behind Kenshin for protection as the two men spotted him.

"Kid give us back our goods or prepare to die!" roared the fat man.

"Who's this you brought, a crippled hermit? Oh he has a sword, we are so scared," said the tall man sarcastically.

The fat and tall man pulled out their swords to use force against them. When they reached Kenshin, he pulled out his sword with his left hand. In a few brief minutes he had wounded the two attackers.

"Baka! Get out of my sight before I kill you," roared Kenshin.

He had softened his touch over the years in nature. 5 years ago he would've killed his attackers within seconds, without mercy… The two men scurried away.

"You are something, you crippled man," said Yahiko

"You want to die? If not, watch your language," grunted Kenshin

~*~

It had taken Kenshin and Yahiko 2 weeks to reach the healer's place. Kenshin had hidden his red hair under a hat to avoid old enemies. He had natural red hair, which was different to the normal black or brown shades. This bright red hair of his makes him distinct from everyone and attracts his enemies or avengers…

"Give me a few coins to seek this healer and I will give you the diamond. Leave before I catch you again or I promise you won't see tomorrow's sunrise," threatened Kenshin

~*~

Kenshin was waiting patiently for Dr Shinomori Aoshi.

"Next please," called Aoshi

"I want you to heal my arm," demanded Kenshin before he took a seat.

"Can I have a look at your wound?" asked Aoshi

Kenshin pulled down his Hakama to reveal a repulsive rotting wound. Aoshi studied it, the bone is still intact but clearly the nerve tissue and muscles have all died…

"I'm sorry, I cannot help you. Your arm is useless and I advise you to cut it off. How you managed I don't know, but if you let if continue to rot there it'll soon eat away your entire body…" said Aoshi

Kenshin stood up and pulled Aoshi's hakama with his left arm.

He shouted, "You are no healer, I WILL KILL YOU FOR THIS!"

Durian: Hope is just around the corner in ~Wounds Heal- Part Two~

Please review if you wish me to continue…