CHANCES ARE . . .

(X MARKS THE SPOT)

By: TREASURE

CHAPTER 10 AKABEKO 'A-KA-BE-KO Food House! Here, Megumi we shall dine here.' 'Hai! Nee-chan.' Megumi gladly followed her sister in while making sure that all their baggage were still complete. 'Here madam, you can sit here!' Tae offered the two ladies a decent corner. 'Two bowls of rice, gyoza, nori-tama, tori kara-age, ebi . . . . .' Megumi would have ordered the entire menu had not Tomoe called her attention. 'Two bowls of rice, shozu with wasabi and fried tofu please.' Tomoe shortened their order. Tae politely nodded and quickly went to the kitchen. 'Fried tofu? But sister . . . ' Megumi protested.

'Megumi, we have talked about this right? Until we find that treasure, we have to be very prudent about our expenses.

'Sumimasen . . . . . . . .

'Yahiko!'

'Ne?'

'Have you seen Kaoru?' Sano was asking.

'She probably went with Kenshin. I've heard he invited her to go with him trading. Bah! I think she's using some kind of potion or hex or incantation so she can get all his attention. Worming her way up to his pockets!' Yahiko smirked. 'Hey, why are you looking for her?'

'You poor jealous creature . . . tsk. Tsk. Tsk.'

'Stop it Sano! I'm not jealous of her, I just hate it when females try to use their charm and try to get hold of Kenshin's money.'

'But he's bound to get married some day!'

'But not to her!' Yahiko stomp his feet and left Sano gaping.

It was quite humid that day and walking around town for two hours is quite tiring. Although Kaoru was starting to feel the dryness of her throat, she tries to mask her thirst.

'Kaoru' Kenshin looked over his shoulder to see if she's still walking behind him.

'Himura-san . . . . .'

'Tsk . . . tsk . . .' He sounded. 'Maybe the heat is wearing you down. Why don't we just stop by at Ms. Tae's and something cold to drink.'

'Hai!' Kaoru pick-up her pace and gladly followed Kenshin to where ever he was heading.

'Ah, Himuran-san, a snack perhaps?' Tae escorted the red head and his companion to a vacant table.

'Cold lemonade please!' Kenshin ordered. 'How about you Kaoru?'

'I'd be having what he's having, please!'

'And some cold noodles please!' Kenshin added.

'Right away, Himura-san!'

'It seems we have been lucky trading today. I think we've earn more than enough this morning, and you are my lucky charm.' Kenshin made a small talk as they are waiting for their order.

'I'm glad we were heading home!' Kaoru said absentmindedly as she gently massaged her neck.

'I'm sorry that I tire you by running around town!' Kenshin was very apologetic.

Kaoru snapped back to reality. 'Oh, I'm sorry, it's not what I meant. I . . . . '

'I know.' Kenshin cut her off by putting a finger on her lips. 'It's very humid outside, and heat tires me easily.'

Kaoru still could not look into Kenshin's eyes. She merely diverts her eyes on the table before them.

To ease Kaoru of her discomfort, Kenshin took out some of the trinkets they've been able to trade off. 'Tell me, if you would by these pearl necklace, how much would you put up to have these?' He held his hand up holding the exquisite jewelry.

'I . . I'm not really sure. But I think its worth a lot. And if I, am truly wanted it, would be willing to get it for a high price.'

'You are very good in appraising! With a little more training, I could make you my heir.'

'How's that again?'

'Nee-chan, have you seen that?'

'See what?'

'That pearl necklace the redhead man was holding! It looks so expensive!' Megumi told her sister.

'Yes it is! But I think he's going to give to the girl he's with.' Tomoe's neck had been extending far to see more of the jewelry.

'Nee-chan, I was thinking, what if we just change our plans?'

'But we can here to change our fortunes!'

'I know . . . . . ' Megumi sighed. 'What if, instead of finding the treasure from that map, let's look for some other fortune.'

'What do you mean?'

'Let's be fortune hunters. Try to find and marry some rich gentleman, like one at the opposite end of the restaurant. With the dowry alone, we could live comfortably. If that certain gentleman treats us nicely, we can live happily ever after. If not, you know I can mix this and that to eliminate theirs, yours and my discomfort, permanently. Oh ho ho ho!'

'Megumi!' Tomoe stopped her sister for saying more, they are, in public place after all.

'Just think about it sister.'

'Well Kaoru, how do you feel now?'

'Better, thank you!'

'I think its better if we should buy some provisions before going home.'

'Sure!'

'Look sister, the redhead and his companion are leaving. Here's our chance to see his face.'

'Wow! He looks so handsome, even some of his hair is covering his eyes. You can even feel his aura without even looking at him!'

'But look at her, her left cheek is scarred!'

Kenshin heard that last comment and it made him very uncomfortable, and tries to shield Kaoru from mockery. 'Madam, didn't you know that it is rude to stare?'

'Ano . . . demo . . . '

'Now you know, please stop it!' Kenshin then gently tug Kaoru to walk a little faster so everyone can leave them be.

'Now look what you've done!' Tomoe reprimanded her sister. Although it had not caused a scene because the redhead spoke just audible enough for the four of them, it has brought great shame to her and Megumi.

'Nee-chan . . . . . '

'I don't know about you, but you have to remember that there are certain things that one should just keep to herself, you hear?'

'Hai!' Megumi lowered her head.

'Now we have to look for a place we could stay, so we could get down to business.' Tomoe's mind is on the works. 'I decided just now, what you said about our fortune . . . I guess you are right. And the fastest way to know people, the "right" people is to work on some place like this.'

04302006

A/N: sorry for the long hiatus. If you leave some reviews, I would be delighted. Thank you.