I've finally decided to update. Sorry it took me more than two months, but I've been really busy with school and family, not to mention my computer breaking twice.and I was unsure of where I wanted this story to go. I was debating if I should continue it or not, but I finally figure doubt the path it would take. Anyway, my life's settled down, and I fully intend to continue to write this story if people still want to read it. Well, that's all.

Disclaimer: I don't own RK

Chapter 5: The Mission, Part Two

The Empress Ruby arrived at the museum without one problem at 4:50 PM. At exactly 6 PM tonight, the museum would open it's doors to the prosperous and rich people of Tokyo, Japan. Tonight, and only tonight, there would be a huge social event at the museum to raise the much needed money. The ruby was there to act as the main attraction, and to convince the promising new sponsors that the museum was important. This formal masked event was elite, and invitation only.

And luckily for our thieves, Hiko and Saitou had one of these invitations. However, so did Shishio Makoto. And tonight would prove to be an interesting night.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Now why can't I go? I know they'll have delicious appetizers", Sano whined to Hiko and Saitou. When he had originally learned of the event, he thought he was going to go. He was part of the team. But now that the adults had told him he couldn't go, he had to put up a fight. There was no way he could miss this! Free food, not to mention wealthy ladies, was what he wanted to see. He just had to go. Just think of all the fun he would miss

"Because you can't", Was Saitou's stern reply, "You're not related to Hiko or me."

"But neither is Jou-chan", Sano said, "Besides, you promised."

"We promised you could go on the mission, not to the social event", Saitou replied.

"Anyway, I'm related to Saitou, remember, I'm his niece", Kaoru said, causing Sano to sigh in defeat.

"Fine. I'll just go get something to eat form the fridge."

"Good. Now you two better go put on something formal to wear", Hiko said, pushing Kaoru and Kenshin up the stairs, "And don't forget your mask!"

Sano sulked, and headed for the kitchen, followed by Saitou, who went to make sure the boy didn't take everything in the house.

"Hey Saitou", Sano said turning around, "What if I found my own way in?"

"Then I guess you would be part of the event", Saitou said, and walked away , back facing Sano, with a smirk on his face.

Sano just grinned, and went to borrow one of Saitou's tuxedos, Kenshin's were too small.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Kaoru! Hurry up! We're going to be late!" Hiko yelled up the stairs at the girl.

"I'm coming!" was the reply back.

Ten minutes passed.

"Baka Deishi wait for her. Saitou and I are going to the limo", Hiko said, walking towards the door, muttering something about kids these days.

Kenshin laughed as he heard this, but fell instantly silent as he heard footsteps approaching. Glancing up at the stairs, he saw Kaoru come into view. All he could do was stare.

"What? Is something wrong?" Kaoru asked, looking down at her dress, which was strapless and the prettiest shade of dark royal blue. Her hair was elegantly placed in a bun, with long strands flowing down, following the curve of her face.

"No, no. You look lovely Kaoru", Kenshin said smiling, "Let's get going, Uncle is going to kill us if we take any longer."

Kenshin grabbed her hand, and escorted her to the limo, where the impatient Hiko waited.

"Good. You're both finally here. Driver, step on it."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Shishio Makoto stood at the entrance to his office. Tonight, after the social, would be the night he proved his supremacy over Hiko and Saitou. He grinned as Soujiro appeared with Yumi, who he had been sent to pick up. For tonight, Soujiro was his business partner. Yumi, of course, was his lady. As Soujiro put on his mask, Shishio smiled evilly.

"Perfect. I love these masked events. Only the intelligent people, like myself, can tell who is who. The other idiots are all left clueless", Shishio said, turning to Yumi, "Shall we go? The limo is waiting. Oh and remember Soujiro, tonight we only observe Hiko and his idiots."

"Yessir."

The three casually left the office, and got into the limo, anticipating tonight's events, and what would go down after.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Hiko and his assembly arrived on time at the museum, which was packed full of Tokyo's most promising and rising people. They were stopped at the door, where they were required to check in their coats, and given a lecture on not touching the ruby. Then they entered the main room in pairs. The two businessmen immediately went to the bar, eager to drink the night away. Kenshin and Kaoru entered nest, and immediately went to check on the Empress Ruby, wanting to get their jobs out of the way first.

Kenshin glanced at Kaoru on the way over there. Tonight she looked extremely beautiful. The mask, he had to admit, make her look mysterious, and untouchable. Seeing they were almost there, he easily pushed the thoughts to the back of his head, focusing on the most important thing to him. His job.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Sir, you do realize that this is not an event for children?"

"Yes, I am fully awa-"

"What!?!" a woman cried out, drawing attention from those close, "I'm not a child! I'll have you know that I am 20 years old!"

"Ohummm..I'm terribly sorry miss." The doorman said, "You look so young and I.."

"Huh? I look young? Why thank you v-"

"Here's our invitation", her escort said, grabbing her arm and dragging her inside.

"Hey, what was that for? I was thanking that nice doorman for the compliment", she said, taking her hand back, "Though he did think I was a child"

"Everybody does. You should be used to it by now", the man said, laughing at the expression she gave him, "Come on , let's go have a look at that Empress Ruby."

"Okay!"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A large group of people stood by the Empress Ruby, taking in this once in a lifetime chance. Kenshin and Kaoru had to push their way through this large crowd in order to get to the front, and in view of the case.

"That is actually a pretty decent size ruby. I'm impressed.somewhat," Kaoru said to Kenshin, "Oh shoot! My ring slipped off my finger!"

Kaoru bent down to grab her ring, and Kenshin smirked. He watched her out of the corner of his eye, looking for her ring, and inspecting the base where the ruby sat. Finally picking up the ring that lay directly beside her, Kaoru took one last look, and then stood up again.

"Clever", Kenshin said as he took Kaoru's arm, "I'm thirst. Shall we go get something to drink?"

"Sure", Kaoru said, as they started to walk away from the ruby, "There doesn't seem to be anything around the base. No switches or hidden traps at least. And I didn't see any lasers around the immediate area."

"So that means the traps are surrounding it a certain distance away."

"Your guess is as good as mine"

Kenshin led Kaoru to the bar, only to find his Uncle and Saitou hanging around there, "You're still here? Haven't you both had enough to drink? Excuse me sir, two glasses please."

"No! Don't be silly Baka Deishi! I can handle way more than this!" Hiko said, laughing.

"What he means to ask, "Saitou said, interrupting his friend, "Is if you have heard anything from the freeloader."

"No, not yet."

"Hmmmm.slow as always", was Saitou's quick reply.

Kaoru giggled, and took a sip from the glass Kenshin had just handed to her, "We just inspected the ruby's base, but there doesn't seem to be anything there"

"Then you should true asking the museum director", Saitou said, pointing to the dance floor, "I heard he's out there somewhere. I'm sure he'd love to tell Kaoru about the museum, rubyand it's security."

"Sound good to me", Kenshin said as the tow went to search for the museum director, "We'll see you later."

"Hey Kenshin, be a sweetheart and hold this", Kaoru said, handing Kenshin her glass, "I'll go and freshen up, you look for that museum guy."

Nodding, the two parted and went their ways. Kaoru entered the powder room, and pulled a compact out of her purse. She applied a bit of blush, and then grabbed some red lipstick. As she was about to apply it, she heard the vent rattle above her, and begin to open. Glad that she was the only one in there, Kaoru went into an offensive pose, and grabbed the closest object, her purse. A figure came out of the vent, and she lunged at it.

"No! Don't! Wait Jou-chan!"

Kaoru stopped dead in her tracks, her purse 3 inches away form the person's head.

"Sano?" Kaoru asked, "How"

"I came through the vent system. It was kind of tight though, but I didn't want to miss anything."

"Oh", was all Kaoru had to say, for she was dumbfounded for the moment, "Wait a minute! Sano! Get out of here! This is the ladies' room! You need to go back up that vent and come out in the men's' room. You can't be seen walking out of here, and besides, what if somebody comes in?"

As if on cue, footsteps could be heard, accompanied by two voices. Sano quickly did as Kaoru had told him, and made it back up in time. Just as he put the vent lid back on, the door opened, and two older women walked in. They looked around, and only saw Kaoru, who was applying her lipstick. Shrugging, they took the spots next to her, and began to pull out their makeup from their purses. Kaoru sighed, and quickly finished, exiting to find Sano waiting for her.

"Hey, where did you get the mask?" Kaoru asked.

He hadn't had one seconds ago.

"Oh. I just took it off the guy passed out in there", Sano replied.

"Lovely"

"Hey, you were the one who asked me", Sano said smirking, "Hey, where's Kenshin?"

"Oh just trying to find the museum director. He should have by now", Kaoru said, tugging on Sano's tux, "Hey this isn't Kenshin's is it?"
"No way! Kenshin's tux is way to small for me. It's Saitou's."

"I thought so. Come on, let's go find the short man."

It didn't take them long to find Kenshin. His red hair easily gave him away. They approached him, and found the two to be in conversation.

"So, who is this you're talking to darling", Kaoru said, causing Kenshin and the director to acknowledge her presence.

"Why this is Mr. Smith, the museum's director", Kenshin said.

"Please just call me Ray", the director said, stepping forward, "Tell me Shinta, who is this lovely young lady?"

"I'mKeiko", Kaoru said, taking charge, "It's nice to meet you Ray."

Sano was next as he extended his arm to shake Ray's hand, "And I'm Yoko, Keiko's brother. Nice to meet you."

"Your name", Kaoru said, "It doesn't sound Japanese?"

"Correct", Ray replied, "It's American. I moved to Japan ten years ago, and took over this job."

"Interesting", Kaoru said, beginning to flirt, "So tell me, what is America like?"

Before Ray could answer Kenshin interrupted, "If you will excuse me for a moment, I'm going to get another drink. Does anybody else want one?"

"Why don't you get all of us one?" Kaoru said, winking at Kenshin.

"Sure. Anything for you darling. Yoko, can you lend me a hand?"

"Of course. We'll be right back sis."

"Thanks sweetie", Kaoru said, blowing Kenshin a kiss as he left.

"Are you..?" Mr. Smith began to ask as Kenshin and Sano were out of earshot.

"Married? No. Just his girlfriend", Kaoru said, turning her attention to the museum director, "So tell me about this wonderful museum."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Kenshin greeted his uncle, who was still at the bar, "Uncle, I think you've had enough by now."

"Mind your own business. What else am I supposed to do, socialize?" Hiko said, laughing at the last remark. It was true, even Kenshin had to admit it, Hiko was not a very social person.

"I see you made it Sano", Saitou said, "Where is Kaoru?"

"Oh she's talking to the museum director", Sano said, "that guy is kind of creepy."

"And you two are here because?" Hiko asked before downing another shot.

"Kaoru sent us to get drinks while she flirts with the guy."

"Oh."

Hey Shinta, give me a hand with these drinks and we can go save Keiko from the boring Mr. Smith", Sano said, handing Kenshin two of the drinks.

"Sure Yoko."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Shishio had easily spotted Hiko and his partner Saitou at the bar shortly after he had arrived. By now, he figured Hiko was too drunk to be a problem. Therefore, he had turned his attention to the idiot's nephew, who was easy to spot wit that red colored hair. He felt a tug on his arm, and turned to find Yumi hanging on to him, "Need anything?"

"Dance with me."

"Fine."

He glanced once more at the redhead, looking for the Kamiya girl. 'She has to be here somewhere.' His eyes began to search the room as he danced with Yumi. He finally spotted her on the opposite side of the room, talking to a man he recognized at ht museum director. He had spoken to him earlier. 'Sly little girl' Shishio thought 'But not sly enough to escape my grasp.' He glanced at Soujiro, who was nearby. Catching his attention, Shishio motioned his head in Kaoru's direction, signaling him to follow and listen in. Soujiro understood, and grabbed the nearest lady as his partner, leading her close to Kamiya. Time to eavesdrop.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Kenshin arrived back on the dance floor to see that Kaoru and Ray had moved. His eyes scanned the room, looking for her.

"Hey Kenshin", Sano said, taping his friend's back, "She's right over there."

Kenshin looked in the direction of Sano's pointed finger. There she was, dancing with that creep. He handed Sano the two drinks, "Hold these", and walked off in the direction of Kaoru.

"But Kenshin..What should I do with these drinks?"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Kaoru was getting tired of dancing with this man. She had gotten the information she needed, and now she wished he would shut up. 'I swear, if he keeps rambling on, I'm going to get a headache' He was also boring her half to death too. 'Where is Kenshin?'

AS if magic, Kenshin appeared, taping Mr. Smith on the shoulder, "May I cut in?"

"Oh..of course"

Kenshin took Kaoru's hand, and began to lead her away, when she turned and faced the museum director.

"It was a pleasure to meet you", she said, smiling sweetly at the man.

"No, the pleasure was all mine", he said as the couple walked away.

"And it was all his", Kaoru whispered into Kenshin's ear, "I can't stand that dam man."

Kenshin just smirked, and started to lead her into a dance, as they talked about what Kaoru had learned. Unknown to them, they were helping their enemy as he danced close by.

They continued dancing for the next few songs, until they were both a bit tired. It had been three hours since they arrived, and this event was open for another two. They went to find Sano, who had downed all four drinks, and was now standing at the bar with Hiko and Saitou.

"Not you too Sano", Kenshin said shaking his head, "Are you going to be able to come with us tonight?"
"Don't worry about it Kenshin. I'll be fine", Sano said, giving Kenshin a reassuring smile.

"If you say so Sano."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The group stayed for another 45 minutes. During this time, Kaoru danced some more with Kenshin, and once with Sano, which proved to be quite interesting. That was when Kaoru learned that Sano couldn't dance. Promising to teach him at a later time, they left, heading home to prepare for the mission. As they entered the home, Hiko barked at the three, "Hurry up and get suited up!"

"Yessir!" They all said, saluting to Hiko, and then proceeded to march military style up the stairs.

"I'm serious!"

"They know", Saitou said, patting his friend on the back, "Come on, you need to get some rest."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The trio arrived back at the museum ten minutes after it had completely shut down. They quickly scanned for any guards, and then proceeded to scale the wall with an item they had brought. Each of them began looking down through the skylights, trying to find the room housing the ruby. Sano was the one who spotted it. Too bad it was on the opposite side of the room. But it was the only way in, and it would have to do. All the other windows were protected by security alarms, and there was no way to disable them from outside. This way just meant dodging lasers. Sano was elected to lower Kenshin and Kaoru in. From there, the two would be able to get the emerald. Sano would remain on the roof as a lookout. Kaoru was lowered in first. She touched the ground, and unclipped the harness from her belt. She whispered that she was on the ground through the mike, and Sano raised the harness up. Kenshin came down next, repeating Kaoru's actions. When they needed to get back up, they would just communicate with Sano. Sano, who was on the roof, just sat down, ready for an easy night with no excitement. He was definitely in for a surprise.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Kaoru and Kenshin carefully scanned the room. Just like in the simulation, there were lasers blocking the easy path to the ruby.

Kaoru pointed to the easiest path, "Shall we?"

Kenshin nodded, and the two began to make their way over. They did it easily too. Within ten minutes, they had reached the ruby.

"Well that was easy", Kenshin said, as he reached to lift the case. He had spoken too soon though. At the same time, three new pairs of hands did the same thing. There were five thieves, but only one gem.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sano had been getting tired of siting on the roof, doing nothing. 'Can things get any less exciting?' he thought to himself sighing. A breeze blew by, and Sano thought he heard something. 'Nah. Just the wind.'

This was the last thing that came to his mind before everything went black. Sanosuke Sagara had been knocked unconscious.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Kaoru was able to quickly knock the ruby away, and on to the floor, away from everyone's grasp. Luckily for the five thieves, it did not trip a laser.

They immediately jumped back, each getting into an offensive position. Fives thieves, ready to fight, and a tiny battlefield, surrounded by lasers. Could this get any worse? Kaoru instantly lunged at the smaller thieve, figuring it was a girl. She was right. One quick punch revealed a girlish grunt. AS Kaoru lunged, Kenshin took this as a signal to take the other two. Of course she had left him with both males, but it didn't bother him. It was nothing he couldn't handle. The battle was intense. Each thieve seemed to be on the same level, making it impossible to see who was winning. Punches and kicks flew in every direction. The thieves were getting tired as the battle dragged on. Kaoru knew she couldn't keep up for much longer. Using most of her remaining strength, she flew at the girl, knocking her back into the lasers. The alarms sounded. And the thief hit a suit of armor, causing a loud sound as it fell on top of her. The girls mask slipped down, revealing her face.

The other thieves froze, and quickly began to leave, hoping to get out before the guards and police came. Kenshin grabbed the shocked Kaoru's arm, and began to drag her to the nearest window. Kaoru quickly came out of the initial shock and pulled away from Kenshin as he jumped for the nearest window, heading for the down thief.

"What are you doing?" Kenshin yelled, going back for her. However, he was knocked out for behind, and carried out the window by one of the male thieves.

It was now up to her, and Kaoru knew it. She also knew she didn't have much time. The guards were getting closer and closer.

'Don't worry, I'm coming Misao!'

That's it. Sorry the whole stealing the ruby part was kind of short. Oh well. I'm almost done writing the next chapter, so all I really need to do is type it. I'll try and post it as quickly as possible!

-Les723