Disclaimer: I don't own anything in this story.

Chapter 7

Kenshin's mind became aware as he heard a soft rustle of cloth. Not sensing any hostile ki nearby, he assumed it was Hiko shifting in his sleep and allowed his mind to drift back into his slumber. Or, at least, tried to. All thoughts of sleep fled, as he was liberally soaked with icy water. Gasping and sputtering, Kenshin looked up to see Hiko standing in front of him, smirking, with an empty bucket dangling from one hand.

"Good morning."

"And what, if I may ask, is so good about it?" Kenshin asked, more than a little annoyed as he wrung some of the excess water out of his hair.

"You need to learn to enjoy the simpler things in life, Kenshin. You're alive, the sun is shining-- or will be, in an hour or so," Hiko replied, kneeling in front of Kenshin and producing two sake saucers. Kenshin slept with the sake jug in his lap and only allowed Hiko to drink when he did.

Sake first thing in morning. Sure, why not? Kenshin thought, pouring sake for both of them. "And why are we up this early, Shishou?"

"To have a private discussion about our situation."

Kenshin groaned. "Couldn't it have waited until later? We've talked about this before, and haven't come up with anything-- why do we have to discuss this now?"

"I'm not anxious to live your life for the rest of my life, so we need to figure out what you did to land us in this mess in the first place," Hiko replied, draining his saucer. He let his eyes fall half closed, savoring the taste of the sake.

"You can't blame the situation on me-- you don't even know what caused this!" Kenshin said, defensively.

"Think about it, Kenshin. I trained you for several years and not once did something like this happen, even when you came back to complete your training. The only difference is that now you are a master of Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu."

Kenshin didn't see where Hiko was going with this. "And? What does that have to do with anything?"

"And, since the only difference between our training sessions is the fact that you were a master during one of them, that must have had something to do with it. Thus, it is all your fault," Hiko explained, leaning back and closing his eyes.

Kenshin rolled his eyes. "All right, so this is my fault. Fine. How do we go about fixing the problem?"

"Baka! If I knew that, I would already be back in my body!"

So, basically you wanted to blame everything on me and wait for me to find a solution, Kenshin thought, sipping his sake pensively. "So, the fact that we are both masters and used the same attack caused us to switch bodies. In that case, the effect might be reversed if we do it again," he said, slowly.

"So, you think that if we both used the Ku-zu-ryu-sen it would switch us back?" Hiko asked, snorting derisively. "It won't work."

"If you're not willing to at least try, then you may as well get used to that body because it will become your permanent residence. We don't know why we switched, so experimentation is necessary in order to switch back. It may not work; but, then again, we may be back where we belong before breakfast. What have you got to lose by trying?" Kenshin replied.

Not being able to come up with any excuses as to why they shouldn't try, Hiko folded his arms, glaring at the floor. It can't be that easy.

What an obvious solution. Perhaps that is the very reason why we didn't think of it before-- and the reason Shishou is upset. Such a simple solution, and he didn't think of it, Kenshin mused, draining his saucer. He stood and began untying his obi. "Allow me to change into some dry clothes, and we shall test this theory."

A few minutes later Kenshin and Hiko stood facing each other in the courtyard of the dojo. The sun left the horizon as Hiko drew the sakabato. This isn't going to work and Kenshin knows it. The only reason he's doing this is to annoy me by beating my Ku-zu-ryu-sen. Baka deshi, Hiko thought, falling into the beginning stance.

Across the yard Kenshin mirrored his movements, flipping the blade of the katana. That's strange. Shishou's ki is still upset. I wonder why? He shouldn't be that angry that I thought of the answer to our problem. If this works, and I see no reason why it shouldn't, I would think he would be pleased at the prospect of having his body back. Kenshin's eyes widened as an idea struck him. Could it be that Shishou is actually enjoying living my life? No, it must be something else. In any case, I will be happy to get my body back. Although, through training, I've made this body faster, it's just too bulky for me.

"Are you ready?" Hiko asked, impatiently, interrupting Kenshin's thoughts. Let's just get this over with.

Both swordsmen stood ready to attack, but neither moved. A pair of young, sleepy eyes watched curiously, wondering what was going on.

As if by some unseen signal, both masters sprang into action. The sun glinted off of the steel as eighteen strokes were made, the harsh sound of metal against metal echoing through the courtyard as the swords clanged together. It was over in an instant.

All vestiges of sleep were banished from Yahiko's mind as he saw the Hiten Mitsurugi masters clash. He was forced to take a step back from the force of their ki colliding. "Wow," he breathed.

Kenshin stood from where he had been crouching, a frown marring his features. It didn't work. There's something missing, but what...? He sheathed his sword, turned and walked back inside.

Hiko pushed himself up onto his elbows, glaring at the ground. He looked up as he heard Yahiko speak.

"I didn't think anyone could beat you, Kenshin, but your master did in only one attack! That was so awesome!"

Hiko tuned out the boy's babbling, not wishing to hear more about his humiliation. A new voice drew his attention.

"What's going on? I heard a lot of noise out here. Kenshin, why are you lying on the ground?" Kaoru asked, yawning as she joined Yahiko on the porch.

"Oh, Kaoru, you shoulda seen it! Kenshin and his master were sparring and Hiko took Kenshin down with one attack! Just laid him out flat! I didn't think there was anyone who could do that!" Yahiko said, animatedly telling her what happened.

Kaoru ignored Yahiko, focusing on Kenshin. "Is breakfast ready?" she asked, yawning again.

. . .

After Hiko had finished Kenshin's chores, they headed off to the marketplace. The streets grew more crowded as they neared their destination, but one ki in particular caught Kenshin's attention. Scanning the area, he located the tall officer exiting a shop. Perhaps he won't see us-- never mind, Kenshin thought, as Saito glanced in their direction. Immediately recognizing Hiko's bright red hair, he started towards them.

Kenshin stopped Hiko, turning so that his back was towards Saito. "Shishou, mask your ki. The tall police officer heading towards us knows me. His name is Saito Hajime and is called the wolf of Mibu. He was captain of the third troop of the Shinsengumi during the Bakumatsu, and will probably try to goad you into fighting him. None of our battles have ever been conclusive," he explained.

"I can tell he has some abilities with his sword, but there is no reason why a duel between the two of you should have ended in a draw. He's not that good," Hiko replied, looking at Kenshin disdainfully.

The taller shrugged. "Our duels were always preempted for one reason or another," Kenshin said, quickly.

Saito finally managed to get through the crowd, stopping in front of Hiko. "Hello, Battousai," he said, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

"Saito," Hiko replied, acknowledging his presence.

"What are you doing here?" Saito asked, taking a cigarette from his pocket and lighting it.

"What business is it of yours?" Hiko returned.

"I make it my business to keep tabs on citizens who continually break the sword banning act," Saito replied, casually. He took a long drag on his cigarette. "Besides, now that they've located you, the government is keeping track of you in case there is another national crisis that requires your skills with a blade," Saito added, his voice slightly sarcastic.

In other words, they want to know where he is in case he becomes a threat like Jineh and Shishio. I'm sure Kenshin realizes this, Hiko thought, his gaze flickering to the ebony-haired man.

Kenshin showed no surprise at Saito's admission. He was leaning against a building, his arms folded across his chest, observing how the conversation played out. I don't think Saito has as much experience with verbal sparring as Shishou, but it should be interesting all the same. I'll just have to break them up before they fight, he thought, shifting to a more comfortable position. Kenshin felt as if someone were watching him closely, so he inconspicuously scanned the crowded street around him, trying to pinpoint the observer.

Hiko's gaze slid back to Saito. "So, basically, when the situation becomes too much for you to handle, they want to bring me in to take care of it." Hiko shook his head. "And you still consider yourself my equal?" he asked, contemptuously.

Saito's eyes narrowed. "A wolf can easily take down a manslayer that has become weak and allowed his skills to deteriorate by refusing to kill for ten years," he retorted, shifting his stance slightly.

"Wolf?" Hiko snorted. "More like the newborn puppy of Mibu. Your teeth couldn't hurt anything and your eyes aren't even open yet, since you can't see the obvious difference between your skills and mine."

Saito's eyes narrowed even further. "Would you like to test that theory, Battousai?" he challenged.

Kenshin hadn't found who was watching them, but the feeling was still there. However, he decided now would be a good time to interrupt Hiko and Saito. "All right, children, that's enough! I don't know what quarrel there is between you, but you, baka, have more important things to do," he said, smirking as both Hiko and Saito turned amber-eyed glares on him.

"I would advise you not to interfere in our affairs. This does not concern you and, if you leave now, I won't have to arrest you for carrying a sword," Saito replied, arrogantly. Hiko snorted, drawing his attention.

"You'd have to defeat him before you could arrest him. And that isn't possible," Hiko said. Kenshin, you had better not allow yourself to be arrested while you're in my body!

"And what makes you think that I would lose?" Saito asked, taking a drag on his cigarette.

"You have only fought me as an apprentice and you couldn't even beat me then. There is no way you can beat my master. It's just not possible," Hiko answered, smirking as Saito's eyes widened slightly.

His master? Battousai is only an apprentice?! Saito thought, incredulously.

"Oi, baka deshi! You're supposed to be getting tofu for that Kamiya girl, or have you forgotten already?" Kenshin asked, with feigned impatience. There would be a lot of explaining to do if Hiko killed Saito in a duel, and Kenshin knew better than to expect his master to hold back.

Hiko scowled at Kenshin, before turning back to Saito. "You're not worth my time," he said, smirking as he turned and walked away, Kenshin right behind him.

Saito started to follow after them when an accented voice caught his attention.

"There ya are! Ah was sent ta deliver a message to ya."

"I'm busy right now, Chou," Saito said, trying to see where Battousai was going. "This had better be important," he added when Chou didn't take the hint and leave.

"Ah was sent ta inform ya that the chief wants a word with ya as soon as possible," Chou replied.

Saito sighed. It was obvious he wasn't going to be able to fight Battousai today and the next time they talked he'd probably be back to his pacifist self. He looked at Chou. "Meet me at my office tomorrow at 3:00. Bring your swords and don't be late." He paused, considering something. "By the way, don't try to run. I will be very upset if I am forced to hunt you down. And believe me, I will find you." With that, Saito turned and headed back to the station.

Chou kicked at the ground. "Why's he always gotta take his anger out on me?!" he muttered, walking in the opposite direction.

. . .

Kenshin and Hiko walked around the corner, yet Kenshin couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. He opened his mouth to ask if Hiko felt the same way when his master rounded on him.

"Kenshin, why do you keep calling me a baka?! I am not an idiot! Why must you always insult me?!" he demanded.

Kenshin was momentarily taken back by the outburst, all thoughts of the unseen watcher being pushed to the back of his mind. He paused, considering Hiko's words before answering. "I am merely trying to act as you do towards me. Insults and derogatory names are quite common when you are speaking to and about me. I'm sorry you don't like it, but... do you think I like it?" Kenshin asked, not really expecting an answer.

Hiko grunted disdainfully, glaring at the ground as he continued walking. Although he still appeared upset, he was actually seriously considering Kenshin's words.

Kenshin followed after him, noticing the feeling of being watched had disappeared. Perhaps I'm becoming paranoid, he thought, continuing after Hiko.

No one noticed as an inconspicuously dressed man took one last look at Kenshin before disappearing down an alleyway.

. . .

After dinner, Kenshin sat out on the porch sipping sake while Hiko washed the dishes. He was going over their training session in his mind, trying to figure out what key element they were missing. His musings were interrupted when he heard soft footfalls coming up behind him. He didn't even need to turn around to know who it was. "No," he said, firmly.

Hiko stopped behind Kenshin. "No, what?"

"No, you can't have any sake," Kenshin clarified. "I don't want to be addicted when I get my body back. It's bad enough in your body," he added, muttering the last part under his breath.

"That is my sake," Hiko reminded Kenshin, quietly.

"And your body is the one that is getting it," Kenshin replied, his voice so low that Hiko had to strain to hear it.

Kenshin tensed, feeling the indecision in Hiko's ki and knowing the red head was contemplating a little more drastic method of getting his sake. However, he decided against it, turning on his heel and walking back inside. Kenshin breathed a sigh of relief. It won't be long before Hiko tries to get the sake jug from me when I am off guard. I need to do something about this.

. . .

To Be Continued