"Damn, that feels good!" Jake crooned, twisting his boot into Barnaby's stomach. Barnaby growled in fury, reaching out for Jake as Jake took a leap backward. "Too slow, Hero Boy."

"Quit running." Barnaby spat, banging his fists together aggressively.

"Oh?" Jake's face twisted maliciously and he sent Barnaby flying backward with a barrier attack. Barnaby climbed to his feet, desperation and anxiety coming out in hot bursts of tears. Another attack hit Barnaby in the chest and he was thrown. Barnaby hit something soft and he let out a grunt, relieved that he wasn't thrown into the concrete wall. He turned, surprised to see that Kotetsu had caught him.

Barnaby stood up quickly, looking at Kotetsu irritably. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to help you." Kotetsu said, lowering his hands as Barnaby pulled away.

"I don't need your help." Barnaby hissed, looking between Kotetsu and Jake. "You show up here like this! Why?"

"Huh?" Jake said, scratching his lower stomach. "You're back for more, faggot?"

"You, shut up!" Barnaby barked at Jake before turning back to Kotetsu. "I have this, Tiger."

"I'm not leaving you." Kotetsu spat through clenched teeth. "I really need to talk to you…"

"Oh, I'll just wait…" Jake said, waving his hand dismissively.

Kotetsu hooked his arm around Barnaby, dragging the younger hero behind a large crate. He kneeled on the ground, heaving with effort. "Jake has two NEXT abilities…"

"Huh? That's impossible." Barnaby argued.

"Guess not." Kotetsu said, resting heavily against the crate. "He has super hearing."

"Super hearing?" Barnaby asked doubtfully. "Do you know how stupid that sounds?"

"Just take this," Kotetsu said, handing Barnaby a nondescript black box.

"What is this?" Barnaby asked, unimpressed.

"It's a bomb." Kotetsu explained. "Emits ultrasonic waves…"

"A bomb isn't going to work against Jake." Barnaby said simply. He looked down at the bomb case. His thumb was stained red and his eyes narrowed. The case was covered in blood, Kotetsu's blood. The older hero was bleeding profusely from the side, he was still terribly injured.

"Please trust me." Kotetsu pleaded, sinking further onto the ground.

Barnaby nodded silently. "I do."

"Thanks, Bunny-chan." Kotetsu breathed.

"I thought you were smarter than this, Bun-ny." Jake taunted. "Why are you listening to that old drunk?" Barnaby swallowed and Jake smiled. "You running out of time, Lil' Bunny?"

Barnaby moved swiftly, sliding over the crate and toward Jake. His mind was racing and his heart was pounding and his stomach was in knots. He struck out expertly, but Jake avoided every single kick. Barnaby growled furiously, his body moving in a whirling red blur.

"You're so pathetic…" Jake chuckled. "You suck."

"Blow me." Barnaby spat, he detonated the bomb, tossing it into the air above their heads. Barnaby was slammed to the ground, surprised as the bomb exploded rather than just sending out electro-magnetic pulses. The top of the building collapsed and Barnaby grabbed Kotetsu, pulling him to the safety of the roof.

Jake was knocked off of his feet, his head reeling from the ultrasonic waves. He covered his ears, groaning in agony as Barnaby approached. Barnaby lifted Jake to his feet, steadying him briefly before delivering a roundhouse kick to his abdomen. Blood spilt from Jake's mouth and he doubled over in anguish, his blue eyes wide in astonishment. "You hit me…"

"Yeah, I did." Barnaby breathed, punching Jake in the face. He grabbed ahold of Jake tightly, jumping up and onto the roof. He pulled his body tight, kicking Jake backward several feet. He stomped across the ground and stood above Jake. He looked down at the villain hatefully, raising his foot and pressing it against Jake's face.

"Bun-" Kotetsu called out, or at least Barnaby thought he had heard the older hero speak. Kotetsu's hands dropped to his sides, blood staining the black lining of his suit. He looked at Barnaby beseechingly, but said nothing more. Barnaby was in kill position. It would be easy and fast. Barnaby looked down at Jake, anger and hatred bubbling up toward his surface. But instead of crushing Jake's skull in, he lowered his foot.

"You're under arrest, Jake Martinez." Barnaby said, taking a step backward.

"You're a fucking idiot…" Jake muttered, wiping at the blood dripping down his chin. He lifted his finger as a helicopter leveled with the roof of the warehouse. The blades stirred the air, the noise nearly deafening. Barnaby looked from Jake to Kriem, a sinking feeling growing in his stomach. "My ride's here…"

"You're not going anywhere, Jake." Barnaby barked. Jake pointed at Kotetsu, his face splitting wide with a malicious grin. Barnaby's green eyes widened in panic as he realized what Jake intended to do. Jake took the opportunity to escape, he ran pell-mell through the rubble, toward Kriem and the helicopter. "Tiger!"

A stream of deadly blue shot through the air as Jake's barrier hurtled toward Kotetsu. Kotetsu's eyes narrowed perceptively and he inhaled sharply, his body twisting to the side, almost as if in slow motion. Blood spurted through his suit sickly and Barnaby closed his eyes.

Barnaby expected a sickening thud. He expected to hear the barrier hit Kotetsu and knock him backward. Instead there was a terrible crash. Barnaby's eyes shot open and he stared in wonder as the barrier struck the helicopter. Kotetsu was on the ground, and then he was scrambling forward on all fours toward Jake.

Barnaby rushed forward, now that Kotetsu was out of immediate danger all he could think of was Jake Martinez. But he was too late. The helicopter zigzagged precariously before spinning forward, the blades chopped through the air, striking the cement of the roof. The blades broke into pieces sending metal flying through the air. And then Jake disappeared beneath the machine, his blood sending a grotesque red spray across Kotetsu and Barnaby.

"You did it, Barnaby." Albert Maverick said, shaking Barnaby's hand firmly. Barnaby looked from Maverick to his hand in confusion before nodding. "You got him." Maverick laughed ironically. "You should be happier, Barnaby. Your parents would be proud."

"I…" Barnaby began. "I am…"

"I think Barnaby was hoping for a different outcome." Kotetsu interjected softly. He exchanged a look with Maverick and the older man smiled.

"Justice was served, Mr. Kaburagi." Maverick said simply, as if washing his hands of the conversation. "Albeit rather ironically."

"I've been a hero for a while now," Kotetsu explained, folding his arms across his chest. "And until yesterday I had never seen anyone killed in such a horrible way…" Kotetsu looked at Barnaby with concern. "It was sudden and shocking…"

"Are you in shock, Barnaby boy?" Maverick asked, patting Barnaby's shoulder.

"I'm fine." Barnaby argued, shaking his head. "I'm just tired."

"You did wonderfully, Barnaby," Maverick praised the young hero indulgently. "You are a hero through and through… You both did well. Now go home, get some rest…"

"Yes, Sir." Barnaby said with a quick nod.

"Hai, hai." Kotetsu muttered, pushing his hands deep inside his pockets.

"You are both under mandatory suspension." Judge Petrov said, speaking suddenly. He eyed Maverick and then turned to face the heroes. His olive eyes were sharp, which was at odds with his exhausted demeanor. His lips curved ever so slightly at the corners when he looked at Kotetsu.

"What?!" Kotetsu groaned, rolling his head back in dramatic defeat.

"You were under suspension already, Wild Tiger." Judge Petrov reminded Kotetsu sternly. He lifted a thin, pale hand and pressed it to his forehead, as if the conversation drained every last ounce of energy. "And with the seriousness of this situation, the Justice Department has ruled in favor of some well-earned time off."

"But we don't want time off…" Barnaby insisted, his voice uncurling like a hiss.

"This suspension is not a punishment," Judge Petrov explained firmly, his olive eyes wide. "But it is mandatory…"

"Bullshit." Kotetsu coughed up the word irritably.

"You're too old to pout, Wild Tiger." Judge Petrov said, and then the man turned in an attempt to disguise the wide smile that splayed his lips.

"Don't make fun of me…" Kotetsu whined, narrowing his eyes at Yuri Petrov irritably.

"Gentlemen…" Maverick interjected calmly. "Gentlemen… I agree wholeheartedly with the Judge. In fact… I was one of the unanimous votes." Maverick smiled at Barnaby apologetically. "A week or two's vacation won't kill you. Rather the opposite effect is intended…"

"What am I supposed to do for two weeks?" Barnaby asked. The question floated around the room unanswered, drifting into cold, empty space.

"Wild Tiger…" Judge Petrov said, cutting through the silence. "You have family in Oriental Town, don't you?"

"Hai," Kotetsu nodded.

"Do you like Asian food, Mr. Brooks?" Judge Petrov asked, shrugging a thin shoulder.

"The countryside would be good for you…" Maverick nodded in approval.

"Wait…" Barnaby shook his head in confusion. "What's happening?"

"They're nailing shut my coffin…" Kotetsu growled, his hands clenching at his sides.

"Nonsense!" Maverick laughed boisterously. "Family, food, fresh air! It's the perfect escape for the two of you."

"It could be a convenient time to strengthen your teamwork." Judge Petrov pointed out. "Though, I might add, I couldn't care less how either of you spend your personal time."

"I do and I am behind this." Maverick said, patting his two heroes on the back. "It's a change of scenery… bonding time, even…"

"I would be better off at work." Kotetsu insisted, resisting as Maverick led the two heroes down the hallway. "Really! I swear it! Please… let me talk to the folks at the Justice Department… I'm sure I can…"

"Mr. Kaburagi," Maverick said firmly, his fingers digging painfully into Kotetsu's arm. "Barnaby would benefit greatly from a little trip…" Kotetsu's eyes widened as Maverick yanked him down the hall. Barnaby walked beside Maverick, staring down at the floor obliviously. "Everything will be paid for, of course… Consider it a token of Apollon's appreciation…"

Kotetsu pulled out of Maverick's grip. He rubbed his sore arm and frowned at the older man. "Okay, okay, sheesh…" Kotetsu took a step back and sighed. "But do we have to go to Oriental Town? Can't we go somewhere else?"

"What would it look like…" Maverick began, his eyes burning into Kotetsu. "Two grown men vacationing together?"

"I have no idea, Mr. Maverick…" Kotetsu answered as sweetly as he could muster. "What would that look like?"

"Go home." Maverick said with an aggravated sigh. "Don't you have a little one? I'm sure she would appreciate some time with her father."

"Hai." Kotetsu mumbled.

"Barnaby, go home and pack. A car will come and pick you up shortly." Maverick instructed kindly, giving Barnaby's shoulder an affectionate squeeze. "The weather in Oriental Town is rather hot at this time of year, pack cool."

"Yeah." Barnaby said, nodding as his attention roused. "Sure. Where are we going?"

"Oriental Town." Maverick repeated with a smile. "With Mr. Kaburagi."

"Okay, yeah…" Barnaby pat Kotetsu on the shoulder absently, and as if under a spell he walked away, muttering to himself. "I'll get packed."

"Bunny…" Kotetsu called after him but Maverick caught his arm once more. Kotetsu rounded on the older gentleman and tried not to scowl at his boss. "Yeah? Did you need something?"

"Mr. Kaburagi, Barnaby is like a son to me…" Maverick began. "It hurts me when he's like this… this fog that settles over him… I would like for him to have fun…" Maverick took a step closer, a smile twisting his aged face. "I will pay any price for that to happen…"

"I'm not sure what you're asking me…" Kotetsu said, shaking his head in confusion. "Or telling me or whatever…"

"I'm simply saying, Have a good time." Maverick said with a laugh, stepping back. The ominous air was gone and Kotetsu finally felt as if he could breathe. "Take him sightseeing. Take him to one of those bath places. I will have money wired to your account… I know that you have a tight financial situation, after all…"

"Ahh…" Kotetsu nodded his head energetically. "Hai, hai."

"Thank you… you're the essence of a true hero and friend." Maverick complimented. "Apollon appreciates everything you're doing."

"Well," Kotetsu laughed humorlessly. "Not everything."

"I think you're charming in your own way." Maverick said with an indulgent, grandfatherly smile. "Every one of your faults is like a fresh paint job on Barnaby."

Kotetsu felt the sting. He smiled tightly and nodded, a forced laugh twisting from his lips. "Goodbye, Mr. Maverick. I'd better go pack, myself."

"Have fun, Mr. Kaburagi."

"Hai, hai."

A few hours later Kotetsu had fallen asleep in the backseat, his head resting on Barnaby's shoulder. Barnaby looked out the window, frowning as the car pulled into the parking lot of the train station. "Where are you going?" Barnaby asked the driver, secretly hoping the man had made a mistake.

"This's far as I can take ya," the driver apologized, popping open his door. "The quickest way to Oriental Town is by train."

"Train, of course…" Barnaby mumbled, shaking Kotetsu awake. "Hey, Kotetsu… wake up!"

Kotetsu blinked awake, his lashes fluttering over his amber eyes. "Mm wake…"

"Try again." Barnaby whispered, patting Kotetsu's arm firmly. "Wake up or we'll miss our train."

"I'm awake…" Kotetsu groaned. "But can we still miss our train, please?"

"I'll wait." Barnaby chastised, crossing his arms until Kotetsu sat up. Kotetsu frowned, crawling out of the back seat reluctantly. "I hate public transportation, you know."

"Ah, sorry, Bunny-chan," Kotetsu smiled, turning to look at Barnaby. "The trip by train is forever and a day but the trip by car is unbearable."

"Sounds promising." Barnaby muttered. The driver removed their luggage from the trunk and the two heroes refused his help to the platform. They walked up to the Will Call window and Kotetsu began to happily chat away.

Once they had their tickets and found room on a dry bench the train was pulling into the station. The doors opened and people rushed forward. Kotetsu grabbed his bag in one hand and Barnaby's hand in the other. He stepped forward, shouting loudly and pressing his body into spaces it had no business squeezing through. "Excuse me! Excuse me! Coming through! Clear the way! Excuse me!"

"You're too loud." Barnaby complained as he found a seat. He sat quickly, placing his bag on the seat next to him. Kotetsu rolled his eyes and lifted Barnaby's bag, holding it along with his own. He gestured toward an elderly couple, offering the two empty seats beside Barnaby. Barnaby looked around the full train and sighed before standing. "You still have to hold my bag."

"Ha ha. Okay, why?" Kotetsu chuckled.

"I'm holding you responsible for this bedlam." Barnaby confessed, gesturing to the highly occupied train car.

"Sorry," Kotetsu said with a mischievous smile. "I've never had the budget for my own airplane…"

"You could've bought a plane three times over for what you pay in damages…" Barnaby quipped. Kotetsu merely smiled and shrugged, holding the handle above his head as the train began to move. Barnaby's knees locked as he adjusted himself for the motion and he reached up for the handle blindly, his hand touching Kotetsu's.

Barnaby's hand lingered a bit too long and his face grew red. He raised his left hand, grabbing another handle before releasing Kotetsu's. Kotetsu was unusually quiet, his amber eyes fixated on the younger hero. Barnaby's entire body flushed and he felt like there wasn't enough air in the train. He looked around at the sea of strangers and tried to swallow the lump in his throat.

After three or four stops the train emptied and Kotetsu and Barnaby could sit without guilt. They sat with Barnaby's luggage between them, in relative silence. Barnaby worried about what the older hero could be thinking, but he slowly realized that Kotetsu was nervous. Kotetsu fidgeted with his ring, his eyes staring out the window.

The sun had almost set when they reached the final stop. Kotetsu thanked the driver and stepped off the train onto the empty, outdated platform. Barnaby looked around in disappointment. "There's nothing here."

"The town is another twenty minutes by car." Kotetsu explained.

"And if you don't have a car?" Barnaby asked, looking around the abandoned station critically.

"An hour and a half by foot." Kotetsu answered with a smile.

"Screw that." Barnaby muttered, sitting down on the bench with a sigh.

"Just be patient." Kotetsu said with a laugh. It was short and honest and Barnaby lifted his eyes to catch the last flicker of a smile on Kotetsu's lips. "A car is coming… probably…"

And a few minutes later, with dusk settling in for the night, a beat up van pulled into the gravel lot of the station. Kaburagi Liquor was hand painted on the side door, the paint faded and chipped. A man, older than Kotetsu but looking very much like him, stepped out of the driver's seat.

The man looked up, his eyes searching out Kotetsu before scanning Barnaby disinterestedly. He nodded and stood beside the car, waiting as Kotetsu lifted his luggage and carried it to the van. Barnaby followed suit silently, watching the other Kaburagi with interest.

"Ah, Muramasa, this is Barnaby Brooks Jr." Kotetsu introduced them quickly. "Barnaby this is my brother, Muramasa Kaburagi."

Muramasa nodded at Barnaby in greeting, offering his large, calloused hand for a hand shake. His hands were worn and used and his entire body was muscled and rough, the result of years of hard labor. He was handsome, but he lacked that certain beauty his younger brother possessed in abundance.

"Ma is upset with you." Muramasa said softly, throwing the car into reverse before Barnaby and Kotetsu had even settled into their seats. Barnaby found it rather curious that Kotetsu sat in the cramped back seat with him rather than in the passenger seat beside his brother.

"Haah?" Kotetsu groaned, leaning forward in his seat to listen to his brother speak. "Why?"

Muramasa looked at Kotetsu as if the question personally offended him. He sighed impatiently and turned the wheel sharply, driving the van around a large pot hole. Barnaby bounced in the back seat, holding his breath as the crates of liquor rattled in the very back. "She's not too happy about you staying at the hotel."

"I don't uh, have a choice…" Kotetsu replied, pushing his legs and arms out to steady himself. Barnaby looked down at the bench, searching the crease of the seat for the seat belt. He caught Kotetsu's eye and Kotetsu shook his head apologetically. Barnaby nodded and gripped the handle above the door. "I can't uh, have Barnaby Brooks Jr just, uh, stroll into the house… Kaede isn't uh, an idiot…"

"You could tell her you're a hero." Muramasa said, throwing the van into a higher gear. "She isn't an idiot, as you said."

"It's to protect her." Kotetsu hissed through his teeth. The van hit a bump and Kotetsu and Barnaby were tossed off the bench, their shoulders struck sharply and Kotetsu groaned irritably. "Can you slow the hell down? Are you trying to kill us?"

"I have a television." Muramasa said, peering over his shoulder at his younger brother. "You survived that shit, a little car ride isn't gonna kill ya."

"I'm in a weakened state." Kotetsu complained, holding his aching side with a frown. "Come on, Nii-san…" Muramasa looked at Kotetsu thoughtfully in the rearview mirror; he seemed taken aback by the use of the nickname. He slowed down slightly before focusing back on the winding road. "Thank you." Kotetsu sighed in relief, his body relaxing. "Try to act normal around company."

"Ma said I should offer my house up." Muramasa said suddenly. He held his mouth tightly, his body stiff as he spoke. "She wants you home. She said I should invite Mr. Brooks to stay with me."

"And how do you explain Barnaby Brooks Jr staying at your house?" Kotetsu asked, shaking his head. "I'm supposed to be showing him around…"

"Ma asked me to offer." Muramasa replied with a shrug. "I offered."

"Why can't we stay at your house?" Barnaby asked slowly, almost afraid to interrupt.

"My daughter doesn't know I'm a hero… I can't have her favorite hero walk in the front door with me…" Kotetsu explained.

"I'm her favorite hero?" Barnaby asked, smiling impishly.

"Shaddap…" Kotetsu growled.

"What does she think you do?" Barnaby asked, wrinkling his nose in distaste.

"Ah, well, odds and ends…" Kotetsu scratched his chin slowly. "She doesn't really ask."

"Just tell her that you're my assistant or something…" Barnaby suggested. "I mean, I don't mind staying in a hotel, but I'd feel weird, you know, if you can't stay at your own house…"

"That's settled then." Muramasa said with a smile. "She'll be thrilled."

"Yeah… sure…" Kotetsu muttered unsurely.

"I meant Ma." Muramasa clarified, looking at Kotetsu in the reflection of the glass. "But yeah, she may act cool, but Kaede will be pleased too."

The van rolled to a bumpy stop outside of an expansive home. It was old, probably in the Kaburagi family for generations, but it was well kept. Barnaby nearly jumped from the van in relief, pulling his suitcase behind him. Kotetsu slammed the van door shut and looked around at the house.

"Okaeri." Muramasa said quietly, looking at his brother out of the corner of his eyes.

Kotetsu nodded silently, slinging his luggage over his shoulder. "Alright… ready, Bunny?"

"Sure." Barnaby said with an easy smile. He was really just along for this crazy ride. He still couldn't believe he was in Oriental Town, meeting Kotetsu's family.

"Tadaima!" Kotetsu said, stepping into the foyer cheerily. He kicked off his shoes and stepped into a pair of house shoes. Barnaby did the same, thankful he already knew many of the customs.

"Kotetsu!" An older woman, with deep white streaks in her graying hair, came into view. She wiped her hands on her apron, more out of habit than anything, and embraced her son tightly.

"Ah, Mr. Barnaby…" the woman gushed, wiping at her eyes as she pulled away from Kotetsu. "Welcome to our home."

"Hello." Barnaby said, offering his hand for a shake. She laughed and shrugged, pulling Barnaby into a hug as well.

"I'm sure you're starving… please… come in, come in…" Kotetsu's mother said suddenly, gesturing toward the kitchen. "Dinner is almost done."

"Papa…" Kaede said, stepping into view slowly. She was adorable, in Barnaby's opinion, a tiny spitting image of her father. She had large eyes and a youthful round face. She had a playful pout on her lips but she couldn't help but smile when her father's hand brushed through her hair.

"Kaede, Kaede, Kaede…" Kotetsu growled, lifting his daughter into his arms. She smiled and squirmed and then, when she felt the embarrassment hit her, she insisted that she be put down. Kotetsu's grin was wide and natural and so incredibly damn happy that it made Barnaby's heart sputter.

"I'm too old to be picked up, Pa-pa!" Kaede complained halfheartedly.

"Yes, yes, of course, Kaede…" Kotetsu agreed with a smile.

Kaede looked up, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear and when her eyes met Barnaby's she turned a startling shade of green. She took a step back, her hand clutching at her throat in shock. She stammered, "B-B-B-Barnaby Brooks!?"

"Hello, Kaede." Barnaby said softly, extending his hand politely.

"Ah, Kaede," Kotetsu began to explain nervously. "This is Barnaby Brooks Jr… I happen to work-"

"Oh my God, Papa." Kaede groaned. "I know who Barnaby Brooks Jr. is." She shook Barnaby's hand, an excited giggle escaping her lips. "Wait a minute! How do you know BBJ?"

"BBJ?" Kotetsu exchanged looks with Barnaby. "Well, actually I…"

"He's my personal assistant." Barnaby said quickly. Kaede looked from her father to Barnaby to her grandmother in astonishment.

"Really?" Kaede asked, arching a brow.

"Well, at least until I fire the guy…" Barnaby teased.

"He's kidding… He's kidding…" Kotetsu spat through clenched teeth.

"Wow." Kaede exhaled in disbelief. "You have the best job ever…"

"He does." Barnaby said with a smile. "And between you and me, he's really good at it."