Disclaimer: I don't own anything in this story.
Chapter 3
Wordlessly, Hiko rose and walked over to Kenshin, holding out his katana. After a slight hesitation, Kenshin accepted it, reluctantly handing over his sakabato. Putting the slightly shorter sword through his obi, Hiko resumed his place near the fire.
As Kenshin felt Kaoru's ki coming closer, his gaze slid over to his master. Hiko was sitting in front of the kiln, relaxed, sipping his sake. Hiko thinks he can convincingly act like me? This should be entertaining, Kenshin thought, smiling to himself.
Several minutes later, Kaoru entered the clearing. Her eyes widened slightly in surprise as she saw 'Kenshin' sitting gi-less in front of the kiln, sipping sake. Surprise turning to anger, Kaoru drew her bokken and lunged at the red head. "Kenshin, you jerk! I was worried when you didn't come down, thinking something bad had happened, and I find you up here drinking sake?!" she yelled, swinging her bokken towards Kenshin's head.
Reading her ki, Hiko easily evaded the attack, jumping up and landing behind her, careful not to spill any of the sake. A small noise made him look towards Kenshin, who was shaking his head in disapproval. He expects me to just sit there and let her hit me? I don't think so! Hiko thought, turning back towards Kaoru.
The kendo instructor was more than a little surprised. Kenshin dodged my attack. I don't believe it. He never dodges my attack! Although, he did block it when he had amnesia, Kaoru mused, turning to face the red head. Her eyes landed on the sake jug in his hand. Of course, I've never attacked him when he's been drinking, either, Kaoru thought, directing her anger elsewhere. "Kenshin, why are you drinking sake? It's the middle of the day. And...what happened to the gi I bought you?"
Hiko's eyes slid over to Kenshin. Might as well blame my baka deshi for everything, Hiko thought, a smile trying to form on his lips. He looked back at Kaoru. "I suppose Hi- Shishou is a bad influence on me. As for the gi--" he paused, briefly, deciding what to tell her. "I'm sorry, Kam- Kaoru-dono. It was ruined during a sparring match. Shishou cut it to shreds," Hiko explained, smiling in what he hoped was an apologetic manner.
Kenshin resisted the urge to glare at Hiko, keeping his emotionless mask in place. Sure, go ahead and blame everything on me. Even in my body, he still acts the same, Kenshin thought, caustically. Shishou wouldn't care if she was upset with him, and would probably blame this situation on me, anyway. Actually, that's not a bad idea... Kenshin faced Kaoru's glare, smirking. "It's not my fault my baka deshi has abysmal skills with a sword. I was holding back, and he still couldn't manage a proper defense," Kenshin said, somehow managing to hold his laughter in check as he read the affect of his statement in Hiko's ki.
Although his anger flared at Kenshin's comment, Hiko's face was carefully expressionless. "Yes, that is why I have decided to stay here for a while longer, so my Shishou can retrain me," Hiko said, biting out the words as if they caused him pain. He could sense Kenshin's amusement at his expense, and it only served to further his irritation. He stepped away from Kaoru and toward the hut, intent on giving his deshi an earful after Kaoru left. Kenshin's now deep voice stopped him.
"You haven't improved all week, and I don't wish to waste my time and effort with more useless training. I think it's time you headed back to Tokyo," Kenshin said, turning his back on his master. His mouth twitched as he tried not to laugh. There was so much rage in Hiko's ki that Kenshin was almost surprised he hadn't drawn his sword.
Kaoru, not sure what to make of the exchange between master and deshi, remained quiet until Hiko turned to go inside his house. She put her hand on Kenshin's bare shoulder. "Come on, it's already too late to leave today. We can stay with Misao and the others at the Aoiya tonight."
Hiko ignored Kaoru's hand, mentally cursing Kenshin. You are NOT going to leave me alone with your friends! he thought, staring hard at Kenshin's back. When he spoke, his voice was tight and controlled. "Why don't you come with us, Shishou?"
Kaoru jumped on the idea. "Yes! Come with us to Tokyo, and stay at the dojo for a while! You can meet all of Kenshin's friends!"
Kenshin suppressed a snort. Like Shishou would be interested in doing that, he thought, sarcastically. While he had no intention of leaving Hiko alone with his friends, it was gratifying to see his master squirm. He turned around, pretending to consider it, and was met with an amber glare. I'll have to talk to Shishou about that. It's a good thing Kaoru is standing behind him, and can't see his eyes, Kenshin thought. His friends would react very irrationally if they saw him with amber eyes again.
I hope you're enjoying everything while it lasts, because I WILL get you back for this! Hiko mentally raged, grinding his teeth in frustration. "Yes, Shishou, I would like you to meet all of my friends."
Feeling Hiko's ki, Kenshin decided that he'd had enough fun-- for now. "I suppose I am quite a hermit. Getting out and interacting with other people might actually be good for me."
Another spike of fury sent Kenshin practically running to the house. It simply would not do to have the thirteenth master of Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu succumb to an uncontrolled fit of laughter in the presence of others. He had to uphold his master's reputation, after all. As it was, Hiko's sharp hearing caught his deshi's barely controlled mirth from inside the house. Just wait until I get my body back, Kenshin... Hiko's thoughts trailed off, as he contemplated the best ways to exact his revenge.
Kaoru's voice broke through his plotting. "Kenshin? Don't you need to get your things, as well?"
Without a word, Hiko entered the house to collect Kenshin's things.
Kaoru, not sure what to do, took a seat on the log in front of the kiln, and waited. Kenshin seemed upset that his master is coming with us. But, why would Kenshin invite him if he didn't want Hiko to come? Perhaps he was just upset because Hiko refused to retrain him? But, that doesn't sound like Kenshin at all, Kaoru mused.
Her eyes landed on the saucer Hiko had been drinking out of. Of course, I've never had to deal with Kenshin when he's been drinking. I'm probably worried over nothing, she concluded. She sat back, and waited for the swordsman to come outside. Her thoughts wandered to the red head's bare chest, and she almost felt bad for taking his blue gi.
Several months ago, when Kenshin had finally returned to Tokyo after the Shishio affair, he'd been wearing a blue gi. Although he looked good in blue, Kaoru had always preferred him in magenta. It just didn't seem right to see Kenshin in anything other than magenta. It took awhile to scrounge up the money, but she had finally bought him a new gi right before they left to come to Kyoto. Kenshin started making excuses not to wear it. So, when they reached Kyoto, Kaoru had snuck into his room in the Aoiya while he was asleep and taken his blue gi. Having nothing else to wear, Kenshin had been forced to don the magenta gi before he left to stay with Hiko. Kaoru had regretted doing that as she watched Kenshin walk down the road, memories of the last time he'd left wearing that color of gi coming unbidden to her mind. She shook her head, clearing her thoughts, as Kenshin and Hiko exited the hut.
"I told you, we'll stop by the closest clothing shop and pick up a new gi. Yours are too big for me-- I'd look ridiculous," Hiko said, annoyed. He wasn't going to let Kenshin embarrass him any further.
"That may be, but at least you'd be decently dressed," Kenshin argued.
Kaoru decided to step in. "Hiko-san, Kenshin's right. He really would look silly in your clothes. I'm sure we can find a clothing shop on this side of Kyoto," Kaoru said.
Kenshin looked at Kaoru. Did she just say... that she doesn't mind walking around with my body in public, when I'm half naked?! Kenshin thought, scandalized. He shook his head, brushing past Hiko. "Do what you will."
They all began walking down the mountain path. After a few minutes, Hiko was confused. He had caught Kaoru staring at him several times. I may not have a gi on, but this is Kenshin's body. She must not get to see a real man very often if she's so interested in my baka deshi, Hiko thought, derisively. He looked up and caught Kaoru staring at him again. What is she looking at?! My perfect body is up there! Hiko thought, looking at Kenshin's back. Glancing back to the side, he met Kaoru's eyes again, as she hurriedly looked away from the side of his exposed hip. He sighed. This is going to be a long trip.
. . .
After reaching Kyoto, they entered the first clothing shop they saw. While Hiko was used to garnering a lot of attention, it was a little different when one was fully dressed. The master swordsman hadn't thought twice about strolling through Kyoto gi-less. Compared to him, Kenshin's body was downright scrawny. Who would pay attention to some skinny nobody walking next to a well-defined body like Hiko's? Everyone, apparently.
Arms crossed tightly over his chest as much to ward off the cold as to help hide his nudity, Hiko quickly entered the shop. He grumbled to himself, feeling amusement radiating off Kenshin in waves. He walked over and started looking through the clothing, trying to find a gi in Kenshin's size that he was willing to wear in public. Kaoru and Kenshin walked to different areas and began searching, as well.
Feeling Kenshin's ki spike in amusement, Hiko glanced towards his deshi. Kenshin was looking at a magenta gi that was large enough to fit Hiko's body. Seeing his master's glance, Kenshin held it up to himself, looking at Hiko as if to ask 'What do you think?' Too shocked by the knowledge that he couldn't stop Kenshin from buying or wearing the hideous garment, Hiko could only stare in horror.
Chuckling at Hiko's reaction, Kenshin placed the gi back with the others, only to pick up a smaller gi of the same color. This one was small enough to fit the red head's small frame. His eyes widening slightly, Kenshin quickly hid it amongst the other clothing, darting a quick glance at Kaoru to see if she had seen it. She hadn't, and Kenshin breathed a silent sigh of relief. Shishou was kind enough to get rid of the last one for me. It was my poor fortune to end up with a gi of that color in the first place, and now Kaoru thinks I shouldn't wear anything else.
Hiko's anger flared as he watched his deshi. It was obvious that Kenshin did not like the color, and was only trying to annoy his master. It was working. Kenshin, you know I have a very long memory. I will make sure that all the pain you cause me until this situation has been resolved comes back upon you ten fold! Hiko vowed, silently. He glanced over to see if Kaoru had found any acceptable choices.
Kaoru was holding an orange gi decorated with what appeared to be yellow flowers in one hand, and a brown gi with blue stripes in the other. She looked as though she were trying to decide which one to get.
Shaking his head, Hiko continued looking for a suitable gi. It doesn't matter which one she picks, because I won't wear either of them, he thought. He paused as a realization struck him. Judging by what I've seen so far, I highly doubt Kenshin would disagree with Kaoru's choice. And if I have to convince her that I'm Kenshin... Hiko continued searching for a gi with renewed vigor. He had to find one before Kaoru made her choice.
Seeing Kaoru's choices and sensing his master's near desperation, Kenshin walked over to him, gi in hand. "Would this please you?" he asked, quietly. It was a simple black gi made of heavy but soft material, and trimmed with silver.
His anger towards his deshi faded ever-so-slightly as Hiko took the gi, discreetly retrieving his wallet from Kenshin's pocket. He paid for the item, going into the dressing room to change.
Kaoru was a little sad that Kenshin chose and bought the gi before she could show him the one she liked. I wished he would have asked me. He would have looked nice in the orange one... Kaoru's thoughts trailed off as Kenshin emerged from the dressing room in a black gi. His pale features and already vivid hair were accented by the dark cloth, and Kaoru's breath caught in her throat. On second thought, I suppose I don't mind that much, she thought, unable to tear her eyes away from him.
Hiko noticed her unwanted attention, and resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Is that all she does all day-- just stare at Kenshin? I have a gi on, what is she staring at now? he thought, annoyed. He couldn't see why Kaoru was so interested in Kenshin's body.
The sun was starting to disappear below the horizon as the trio exited the clothing shop, and headed toward the Aoiya.
. . .
Okina was sweeping the porch outside the Aoiya. Hearing several people approach, he looked up. "Ah, hello, Himura-kun, Kaoru-chan. I thought you were heading back to Tokyo today. Oh, Hiko-san, I didn't see you," Okina said, bowing to the tall swordsman.
"Actually, Okina-san, Kenshin invited his master to come visit the dojo, and it was too late to start traveling, so..." Kaoru said, trailing off.
Okina nodded. "I see. You're all welcome to spend the night here," he said, leading them inside, and showing them to their rooms.
Upon entering his room, Kenshin threw his bag filled with Hiko's clothes in the corner before shrugging out of the mantle. That thing's HOT! I don't see how Shishou can stand to wear it all the time, Kenshin thought, placing the mantle with his other things. Exiting his room, he went back downstairs with Hiko and Kaoru to join Okina and the others for dinner.
Hiko raised an eyebrow when he saw Kenshin had taken off the mantle, but he didn't say anything.
A few minutes into the meal, Kenshin left the dining hall and headed back to his room. While eating, he had become quite conscious of how form-fitting Hiko's gi was. This was due largely in part to Omasu and Okon, who were unable to keep from staring at him.
Hiko was more than a little curious as to why Kenshin left the table so abruptly. However, he chuckled silently as Kenshin reentered the dining hall wearing the mantle, the cloak clutched almost protectively over his chest.
Kenshin felt Hiko's amusement in his ki, and shot a glare in his direction. I don't see what's so funny. He didn't like it when people were staring at him, either! Kenshin thought, sitting down to finish his meal. He noticed Omasu and Okon seemed content to stare at him, with or without the mantle. He sighed. This is going to be a long night.
After dinner, Omasu and Okon cleaned up the dishes, while Kaoru and Misao talked on the porch. The men were still in the dining hall, drinking.
Okina, Kenshin, Hiko, Shiro and Kuro were talking while drinking sake. Aoshi sat a little ways away from them, sipping his tea.
Letting his eyes close, Aoshi followed the conversation, idly identifying the speaker by voice and ki. He wasn't really paying attention to what was being said, and the exercise was quite relaxing...until the voice didn't match the ki.
Opening his eyes, Aoshi looked at the speaker. Himura was talking, but his ki was wrong. Closing his eyes again, Aoshi located Kenshin's ki. It was partially masked, making it a little more difficult to pinpoint, but not impossible. Finding it, Aoshi opened his eyes and found himself staring at Hiko. His eyes narrowed slightly in confusion, as he looked back and forth between the two Hiten Mitsurugi masters.
Kenshin, noticing Aoshi's looks, completely masked his ki, willing his master to do the same, but already knowing it was too late. He hoped Aoshi wouldn't say anything about it.
Aoshi was wondering how Kenshin and Hiko had switched bodies and why they didn't tell anyone, when he noticed Kenshin's ki disappear completely. It all clicked together in his mind. Ah, I see. Hiko-- actually, Himura in Hiko's body --masked his ki, so I wouldn't be able to tell it was him. This must be an advanced training technique. Somehow, they switch bodies and try to live the other's life, without alerting any of those closest to them. That would be excellent training to help one learn to adapt to any given circumstances, Aoshi thought. Satisfied that he had figured it out, he continued sipping his tea.
Not sure why Aoshi's ki was no longer confused, Kenshin kept his ki masked. He knew Aoshi had figured it out, but had apparently been able to come up with a plausible explanation for it. Not having the faintest idea as to what could have gone through the ex-okashira's mind, Kenshin made a mental note to talk to Hiko about masking his ki later. Mentally grimacing, Kenshin decided to leave out the part about Aoshi. Hiko would be outraged to know that someone had found out, even if it was his fault.
. . .
To Be Continued