Kotetsu looked at his watch which read 12:50, they had agreed to meet at half past noon and still Barnaby had not longer Kotetsu waited for Barnaby to arrive the more nervous he became.

"And he said that I'm late," Kotetsu scoffed, "Honestly, if he's going to make a big deal out of me being late for everything, the least the brat could do was set an example and not be late for my plans."

At 1:15 Barnaby arrived at the dinner apologizing to Kotetsu, explaining that there had been an accident on his way here. With the arrival of Barnaby the hero duo ordered their meals. After a few minutes of eating in silence Barnaby finally got up the courage to ask the question that was on his mind,

"So Kotetsu, You said you wanted to talk with me privately? Is everything alright?"

It took Kotetsu a moment before he responded, "Of course Bunny, I just have a favor to ask is all."

Barnaby looked at Kotetsu quizzically trying to figure out just what his partner had planned. It wasn't very often the elder hero asked for favors. "And what might this favor be?"

"well, you see, Kaede's birthday is coming up and I know she adores you... for some reason... So I was hoping you would come to her birthday party. Maybe then she won't think her old dad is lame anymore."

Barnaby Brooks Jr. was not a patient man and as such he hated waiting. Today was no exception to this fact. As he paced the halls of The Kaburagi home he couldn't help but begin to grow more nervous as time passed. Just moments had Kotetsu had slipped out to grab some ice cream for the party from the store after noticing there wasn't any at the house. While on the way to the store both Kotetsu and Barnaby received a distress call from Hero TV. "Come on Kotetsu, you said it yourself, it wasn't that big of a task. Just a quick rescue, in and out, then you'd be here. What's taking so long?"

As Barnaby re-entered the living room where the rest of Kotetsu's family was waiting he was greeted by a small black haired girl wearing a dress made for flower girls.

"Any word on on my dad?" the young girl asked hopefully.

Barnaby looked down at the girl, making a frown before shaking his head and responding, " Sorry Kaede, I haven't heard anything from him."

"Don't worry Barnaby, My Dad will make it, you just have to trust him."

The sun had long since set, when Barnaby finally gave up on the prospect of Kotetsu coming. Just as he was about to get up and leave all together he heard the distinct ringing of his cell phone. Barnaby quickly got up and went outside to answer the phone forgetting to check the caller ID.

"Kotetsu! Where have you been? Kaede has been so worried about you. You missed your own daughter's birthday party do you have any idea how upset you made everyone?"

There was a pause on the other end of the line before an unfamiliar voice began to speak.

"Hello, is this Mr Barnaby Brooks Jr.?" the voice inquired.

"Yes, this is. May I know to whom I am speaking with?"

"Ah, of course, This is Dr. Smith from Sternbild Central Medical Center. I am calling you about Mr. Kotetsu T. Kaburagi, as he has you listed as his emergency contact here in our hospital. Mr. Kaburagi was rushed here this afternoon after a serious accident involving a motor vehicle."

Barnaby was at a loss for words as what the doctor said was echoing in his mind. Kotetsu was in a accident. He was injured and now in the hospital.

"As of current Mr. Kaburagi is in a stable condition. He had to have emergency surgery to set a broken leg, as well as substantial injury to his abdomen, and a severe concussion. We do however expect a full recovery for Mr Kaburagi. The only issue is that we are unaware of when Mr Kaburagi will wake up and we are not sure whether or not he has suffered any permanent brain trauma from the accident. His condition is stable enough for guests, feel free to visit him at any time, I'm sure Mr Kaburagi would appreciate the company."

Barnaby hung up the phone trying to come to terms with the news that was just given to him. He knew he would have to tell Kaede that her father was injured, however he did not want to alarm the young girl. As he entered the church once more, after having regained his composure, he was greeted by the small black haired girl.

"Was that Dad?" Kaede asked before noticing Barnaby's solemn expression. "You don't look so good Barnaby. Is everything okay?"

Barnaby sighed before kneeling to the young girls level, " I don't know sweetie"