CHANCES ARE . . .

(X MARKS THE SPOT)

By: TREASURE

CHAPTER 3

Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin. But I do own this story.

'How did you get all these cuts, child?' Dr. Gensai asked his patient as he cleans the wounds.

'A a.'

'It's alright if you don't want to tell me, but could you at least tell me your name?'

'Kamiya, Kamiya Kaoru.'

'And how old you might be?'

'Seventeen!'

'You look thirteen to me!'

'No sir, I'm seventeen!'

'You have two wounds that are deeply cut and needed more attention. I suggest you refrain from moving around too much or do strenuous activity. I'll put a sling to your right arm, so that it may heal properly. Three days bed rest will do you good!'

'But!'

'No but! You'll do as I say or I'll tie you up in that post outside. I don't want my patients running around and tell others that the wounds I tend did not heal properly!'

'Sir! I'm afraid that the master of the house would not allow that. I'll be over extending my welcome and that would be a shame on my part!'

'Don't you worry, I got you covered with that!'

'Would you like some tea Dr. Gensai?' The master asked the doctor.

'That would be nice, thank you!'

'How was the child?' The master inquired as he poured tea to the doctor's cup.

'Her name, she told me was Kamiya Kaoru, and she's no longer a child but a young lady of seventeen. Her wounds, except for two, are superficial. Though she resented my advice of having to stay foot at first, I was able to convince her that to move about would worsen the condition of her deep wounds.'

The good doctor took a sip of his tea then continued with his report. 'She was primarily concerned that you might thought her to be an opportunist if she over stayed.'

'But doctor, there was never a time that we give half- hearted assistance. Please tell her that it is perfectly all right for her to stay here as long as you deemed it necessary!'

'I knew you would say that, and I had re-assured her. By the way, that girl, Kaoru, wished to send her gratitude for all help especially with the gi and hakama, which fits her perfectly.

'Those old clothes? It was just a pure luck that she arrived here first than the relief caravan, or else there would be no old clothes for her.'

'Pure luck in deed!' The good doctor peered to the sky 'I think I should be going. My granddaughters will be waiting for me. I'll try to see Kaoru tomorrow to dress up her wounds. Ja, ne!'

Kaoru starts to feel dizzy. She was trying her best to comprehend what she has been reading. Dr. Gensai gave her a book to let time pass by as she was advised by the good doctor to rest for three whole days.

'Baka, Kaoru! If you only heeded your father's advice, then you wouldn't be such a lame duck! You couldn't even read a short sentence without stammering for unfamiliar words which were too many for your small brain!' Kaoru was berating herself.

'No, I'm not a lame duck and I have a bigger brain than birds, it's just that that I'm more interested in katanas than learning to read and write!' Kaoru was defending herself from her other side, 'That I am!'

'And are you that skillful with katana?' The righteous Kaoru asked.

'I'm fairly good with my bokken and I do have a way with swo .' The lazy Kaoru was trying to reason out again when she noticed footsteps and shadows heading to her room.

Small taps were heard on the door 'Kaoru-chan, are you awake? Can I come in?'

'Oh, who could this be? He doesn't sound like Dr. Gensai and he called me Kaoru-chan!' Kaoru was a little confused 'Maybe he's the master of the house!'

'I am sir. Please come in.' Kaoru tried to sit up straight from her futon as the door slides to reveal the caller.

'I see you are feeling better! Dr. Gensai has done a good job with you!'

'Hai! Domo arigatou! Kaoru agreed and thank the master.

'By the way, I'm Himura, Himura Kenshin! The master introduced himself as he put down the meal tray in front of Kaoru.

'Thank you, Himura-sama. You don't have to bring me food here. I think I can manage to go to the kitchen, that I can.' Kaoru was so embarrassed that it was the master of the house who had served her meal.

'You're blushing, Kaoru-chan! It is not a big deal that I made you dinner, after all you are indisposed. Please call me Kenshin.'

'Hai, Kenshin.' She bowed her head in appreciation. Her nostrils were filled with the smell of the delicious miso soup, which made her hungrier.

Kenshin heard her stomach growl and tried not laugh 'I think you should start your meal or the soup will grow cold.'

'I'm sorry that I'm causing you all this trouble. I'm free loading and all, still you bring me food '

'Can I ask you a favor Kaoru?'

'Anything Kenshin-sa . . . . . ., Kenshin.'

'Can you let me have my share of good deeds?'

'Hai, gomen nasai!' She bowed her head 'Arigatou gozaimasu!'

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Minna-san thanks for the reviews!