Contrary to popular belief, my updating is not a sign of the apocalypse, although it happens about as frequently it seems. I've got a plan with this story and should have it wrapped up in another…I'm gonna guess six chapters. Thank you to those who've reviewed and tried to kick me in the butt. I apologize for how long it took. That's what withdrawing from grad school and finding a full-time job will do to you. On the bright side, I have another RK story in the works. I've been writing it and I promise I won't post it until it's finished so there won't be these really long waits.

Enjoy!

"dialogue"

'thoughts'

The Brave Ones

Chapter 10

Closing the dojo gate behind him, Hiko made his way up onto the engawa. Following it around the house, he stopped at the sight of his baka deshi and Kamiya sitting together, Takeshi resting in Kaoru's arms. Snorting, he smirked as the two turned toward him with wide eyes.

"Shishou," Kenshin exclaimed. "We weren't expecting you back so quickly. Is everything alright?"

Beside him, Kaoru fidgeted. Hiko narrowed his eyes.

"Is there something wrong with me returning? Did I interrupt an intimate moment perhaps?" Hiko said, smirking internally as his baka deshi's skin reddened to match his hair and Kaoru's eyes went wide than narrowed.

Before either Kenshin or Kaoru could respond, Hiko stepped between them and took Takeshi. Holding his son in his arms, Hiko gave them a quick look over his shoulder before walking back to his guest room.

Kenshin and Kaoru watched the Hiten Mitsurugi master's back as he walked away. Kenshin shook his head sadly.

"I'm sorry Kaoru-dono for shishou's behavior," Kenshin said.

"Why are you apologizing?" Kaoru responded, her voice going higher. "It's not your fault he's an arrogant, self-centered jerk." 'The nerve of him! Kenshin and I were just sitting here. An intimate moment, hah! I wish!' Kaoru's brows furrowed as she thought.

"Is everything okay Kaoru-dono? You look very upset, that you do," Kenshin said, watching the storm of emotions across Kaoru's face.

"Hunh? Oh, I'm fine. I think I'll start dinner," Kaoru said, rising.

Kenshin's eyes widened. "There's no need Kaoru-dono! I have it under control, dinner will be ready in just a few moments," Kenshin said, springing to his feet and flying toward the kitchen.

Kaoru stood and watched him for a moment and then smiled to herself. "Well, I really didn't feel like cooking anyway." Giggling, she returned to her knees on the engawa. 'I hope they never find out that I really can cook. I hate having to do it. Heehee…as long as I keep making atrocious dishes, Kenshin will keep cooking. Yup, life is good.'

After an uneventful evening, the Kenshin-gumi and guests retired for the night. Little to their knowledge on the other side of town in a seedy area, plans were being formed. Yoshida smiled as he sat back on the cushion in his meeting room. The information his men had brought him was handy indeed. The plan they'd suggested was foolproof. Tomorrow he would exact his revenge. Laughing to himself, Yoshida drank a saucer full of sake.

"Tomorrow Seijuro Hiko. You and I can finally settle the score. I wish I could see your face. Ah, well, this will be good enough. Yes, tomorrow all will be taken care of," Yoshida said to himself, laughing with evil mirth.

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As dawn began to break, Kenshin rose from his futon. Dressing quickly, he put his futon away and exited his room. Padding down the hall to his shishou's room, Kenshin felt surprise at detecting his master was awake. Knocking softly on the shoji, Kenshin entered upon hearing his master's call. The sight that greeted him, surprised him.

Sitting in the center of the room was Hiko, who sat with his arm extended. In front of him on the tatami laid Takeshi. Takeshi was laughing and trying to grab Hiko's hand as Hiko moved it in circles above the baby.

"Shishou, you slept well?" Kenshin asked, concerned that Hiko was awake this early.

"I slept fine, baka deshi. Don't you have breakfast to make or something?" Hiko said, not removing his eyes from Takeshi.

"I do, but I was going to feed Takeshi first," Kenshin said.

"There's no need. I've already done it," Hiko said, continuing to play with the baby.

"Oro!" Kenshin exclaimed.

Hiko turned and raised one eyebrow while looking at his deshi. His hand drifted to the side and Kenshin watched as Takeshi squirmed and finally rolled over to reach it.

"Shishou! Did you see?" Kenshin exclaimed.

Turning back to Takeshi, Hiko felt some surprise at seeing him on his stomach when he'd been on his back only a moment ago. Narrowing his eyes, he turned his attention back to Kenshin.

"No you baka, I didn't! I was busy seeing what you needed. Thanks to you I missed it," Hiko growled.

Kenshin started to apologize but was cut off.

"Go make breakfast!" Hiko ordered.

Kenshin bowed and left the room.

Hiko shook his head and looked back at Takeshi. Slowly rolling the baby till he was on his back again, Hiko smiled.

"Let's see you do that again. And remember, the minute you start acting like a baka like my deshi, that's it! I'll drop you off with the first family I find that can take you," Hiko said, watching Takeshi's face.

The baby smiled and grabbed his foot, trying to suck on it. Hiko shook his head and waited. Moving his arm, he was rewarded a few moments later with the sight of Takeshi rolling over.

After a hearty breakfast, everyone broke apart to do their chores. Kenshin sat at the laundry tub, furiously scrubbing. Sounds of Yahiko and Kaoru training, carried across the still air in the dojo yard. Sano and Misao sat on the engawa, playing Go. Hiko sat on a blanket in the yard near his baka deshi with Takeshi. The baby was entranced by the dappled light coming through the trees and was babbling and gurgling in response.

Hiko sighed. So far, Misao's contacts had retrieved nothing. She'd gone out before breakfast to check around for word on Yoshida and come back empty handed. It was as though he'd just disappeared. Hiko had a feeling in the pit of his stomach that this was only the calm before the storm.

The calm of the yard was broken by the gate bell ringing. Kenshin stood and wiped his hands. Walking toward the gate, he opened it, surprise registering on his face. Standing in front of Kenshin, was a young police officer.

"Is this the Kamiya dojo?" the young officer asked.

"Hai," said Kenshin. "How can we help you?"

"I have a message from Lieutenant Goro," the young officer responded.

Kenshin bowed and asked the young officer to enter.

"Oh no, I cannot. Lieutenant Goro asked me to bring you to the station immediately. He has word for you on the man you're looking for," the young officer said.

Kenshin felt a twinge in his stomach, something wasn't right. Before he could say anything, he was joined by Hiko. Kenshin turned toward his master.

"You have some news for us?" Hiko asked.

"Hai! I was asked to bring you to the station," the young officer replied, sweat breaking out on his forehead.

"I wonder what the wolf found?" Misao asked, approaching the group.

"Hmph, knowing him, nothing, but he wants us to stay out of the way," Sano said, walking at Misao's side.

"Now, now, Sai…I mean Lieutenant Goro has been helpful on several occasions. We'll be along in just a moment," Kenshin said, turning back toward the officer.

The officer bowed and waited by the door. Kenshin walked back toward the dojo yard, joined by Hiko. Hiko walked over to the blanket and scooped up Takeshi. Hiko whispered something to the baby and entered the dojo. Kenshin's eyes widened as he watched his master seem almost tender with the infant. A moment later, Hiko reappeared in the yard.

"Let's go baka deshi," he barked.

Kenshin shook his head. It had to have been his imagination. Looking up to the dojo entrance he saw Kaoru and Yahiko in the doorway.

"We'll return shortly Kaoru-dono," he said, turning to follow Hiko.

"Be careful Kenshin!" Kaoru called out to his retreating back.

Kaoru sighed as she saw the group leave out the back gate. Turning to Yahiko, she sighed.

"Well Yahiko, with Kenshin gone the laundry's not getting done. You go take care of it," Kaoru said.

"WHAT! Busu, why don't you go do it?" Yahiko exclaimed.

"Well, Yahiko-CHAN, someone has to take care of Takeshi. You've never even held him, much less taken care of him, therefore you're the better person to do the laundry. Off you go!" Kaoru called out, walking over to the blanket that Hiko had been on previously.

Shaking his head and grumbling, Yahiko stomped over to the laundry bucket. Picking up the gi that Kenshin had last been working on, he began to furiously scrub it.

Across town Kenshin, Hiko, Misao and Sano accompanied the young officer to the police station. Hiko had glared when Misao and Sano fell into step behind him and Kenshin, but Misao had simply glared back and Sano ignored him. Hiko wasn't finished being mad at the two, but he'd been anxious for news of Yoshida and decided against arguing with them.

As they entered the station, the young officer pointed them in the direction of Saito's office and muttered something about his shift being over. Hiko ignored him as he started toward the indicated office. Kenshin had turned, but lost the man within seconds as so many new police officers were in the station. Shrugging, he followed his master towards Saito's office.

Hiko didn't bother to knock, he merely opened the door and walked in. Kenshin shook his head and followed. Sano chuckled and Misao followed wide-eyed. Once they were all assembled in Saito's office, Hiko addressed the police officer.

"You sent for us. What's the news?" he barked.

Saito raised his eyes from the paper he'd been looking over on his desk. Narrowing his eyes, he took in the motley group before him.

"Sent for you? I don't think so," he sneered. "Is this how you always treat officials? Just barge in their office as though you own the place?"

Hiko narrowed his eyes. "I don't have time for games. Where's Yoshida?"

"I'd like to know the same thing," Saito said, rising from his chair.

"Wait, Saito. You didn't send for us?" Kenshin asked, concern growing in the pit of his stomach.

"No, why would I?" Saito said, evaluating the slight man.

"But the officer said, you told him to bring us," Misao said.

"Which officer?" Saito said.

"Hey what was his name?" Sano asked, scratching his head. "I don't remember him mentioning it."

"Chikuso!" Hiko roared. Turning, he flew from Saito's office as if the hounds of hell were on his tail.

Kenshin's eyes went wide and then narrowed. "It's a ploy! They wanted us away from the dojo! Kaoru-dono and Yahiko are in danger!" he yelled as he turned to follow his master.

Shock was written on Misao and Sano's faces. They quickly rushed to follow Kenshin and Hiko back to the dojo. Shaking his head, Saito followed them. Closing the door to his office, he narrowed his eyes.

"They shouldn't have implicated me in their plans. Aku Soku Zan," he said, rushing after the group.

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Please leave a review and let me know what you think. It's horribly formulaic I know, but I'd love to hear your thoughts anyways. I promise there's another chapter on the way soon.