Ch. 3. It gets a bit more interesting. You'll also notice Shinta (Kenshin) doesn't own a Japanese sword anymore. I really like messing with story lines.

Chapter 3.

January 27, 3408,

Dear Diary,

Today was a very busy day. I had to go to my classes, go to the bank, get groceries, teach at the training hall, and so much more. Actually, it was pretty boring.

One really exciting thing did happened. A BLUEBIRD LANDED ON MY WINDOW SILL. Can you believe that? It's been years since I've seen one. There were a lot of them on Earth, but here, I don't think the atmosphere is too good for them. But nevertheless, one of them was right there, chirping happily.

A bit more of unusual news. My dad (Boohoo, I miss him) got me an indentured servant. Apparently, some person who didn't have enough money to get to this colony decided that servitude would have to do. Poor little servant, she has no idea what's in store for her. Sigh, yes, I know that confirms what daddy said about my being a "little devil in disguise". Oh well, at least I won't have to do my own laundry any more. She'll be here today.

Well, I guess I'll just do some bills now. Daddy likes it when I'm all organized and stuff. Eh, whatever.

-Kamiya Kaoru

Kaoru sighed and turned off the holo-screen. Looking out the window, she glanced at the imperial mountains jutting out at the sky, far in the distance. She had gotten so used to them that she barely noticed them anymore. Before the mountains came the foothills, then the large forest, and finally, a long grass field that ran almost to her small house. This was one of the few planets that hadn't needed major modifications to its atmosphere and soil, but the gravity was still slightly stronger than it had been on Earth. Scientists had transplanted many plants and animals that they knew would survive. Now, the animals had bred brand-new species because of inter-mating with the native wildlife. Those were quite a sight to see.

As for the city, it was owned by the United States Empire. The government was fair, but a bit worried that its colonies were getting along just fine without it. For the meantime, they would have to content themselves with imports and exports.

Kaoru lived on the very outskirts of the city, in a small, privately own house. Her father was an ambassador for the United States, which basically meant he was gone for months at a time. Once, she hadn't seen him for nearly one and a half years. Kaoru went to school during the morning hours and taught basic weaponry at a local military camp. The pay was good, but she mostly lived off what her father gave her.

A knock on her front door forced Kaoru to tear her eyes away from her bills. Getting up quickly, she tapped a small button. A small screen lit up in the corner of the room, showing a head of red-hair waiting at her front door to answer. The servant was here.

Grinning wickedly, Kaoru walked to the door and opened it slowly. Deep, violet eyes stared at her as she opened the door fully. She gasped slightly when she noticed that the servant was a he, and not a she, as Kaoru had expected. The servant held up a piece of paper, which Kaoru glanced at quickly.

"Good afternoon, Miss." The man spoke slowly, his voice purposefully and friendly. "I was told to come to this address. Is this the home of Kamiya Kaoru?"

Kaoru nodded. "But there must be some mistake," sputtered a very surprised Kaoru. "I thought you would be a girl."

The man smiled, his eyes happy and light. "Well, I could be passed off as one, if you so wish, Kaoru-dono." Kaoru couldn't help but chuckle at his good-nature. She stepped to one side and allowed him to come inside. He was only carrying a small satchel and a...suddenly, she noticed something. "Uh, is that a sword?" she asked apprehensively

The red-head nodded, his low ponytail swinging lightly. Looking down at the large hilted sword in a leather sheathe, he drew it out slowly. It was an Irish broad-bladed, double-edged long sword, heavily nicked and scratched. The blade had a slight rosy tint to it. Its hilt was simple and its pommel held a small red stone.

"This is just an antique I could not bear to part with. The edges are quite dull, so don't worry." He sheathed it with a quick flick of his wrist. Holding out his hand, he smiled brightly. "Well, Kaoru-dono, I'm afraid I haven't introduced myself. I am Himura Shinta."

Kaoru shook the pro-offered hand. "Um, well, it's nice to meet you." She looked him straight in the eye. "I expect excellent and immediate care in this house. No lolly-gaggin' and no going outside the rules..." She let her voice trail off as she stared at his eyes. They were practically glowing with friendliness, kindness, and...something else. Then she saw it. A flash of troubled wisdom.

Kaoru released his hand and smiled. "Eh, so, how old are you Mister Himura?"

Shinta's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Well, my papers say that I am twenty-eight. I guess I'll just trust the government on that."

Kaoru laughed. "You don't look a day over twenty-three."

"That's very flattering, Kaoru-dono."

"What does that mean?" said Kaoru suddenly. Shinta looked at her quizzically. "You know, you say 'dono' after my name. What does that mean?"

Shinta sighed. "Forgive me, Kaoru-dono. I assumed you were Japanese because of your name. 'Dono' means 'Miss'. Unless, of course, you are a 'Missus'."

Kaoru laughed. "Me, no, I'm not married." She paused. "I am Japanese, but I don't speak it." She looked at his satchel. "Don't you have anything else?" Shinta shook his head. "Well, let me show you to your room."

Following her up a flight of stairs, Shinta was led to a room at the end of a corridor. It was not very big, nor was it small. The furniture was sparse, including a bed, a small wooden table, a shelf full of books that looked as if they hadn't been touched in years, and a small holo-screen in the corner. Shinta set his satchel down on the bed and smiled. "This will do very nicely, Kaoru-dono. Thank you."

"Eh, it's not much, but I'm glad you like it." Kaoru smiled warmly. "I'm sure you'll feel right at home here." Shinta didn't reply but smiled. He seemed tired.

As she left the room, she heard him mumble to himself. "Heh, home. There is no such luxury for me." He mumbled something more in Japanese before light snoring could be heard. Kaoru sighed, all feelings of making the servant's life miserable vanishing. She went to her room to finish the bills.

Hmm, do you want more? Well, whether or not you like it, you'll get it. I already finished chapter four. You'll be seeing more futuristic stuff in that chapter (sort of).

Tell me what you think. And don't just say "It rocks" or "It sucks". Give me a reason. I can't work off of hollow compliments and insults.