Alright, I'm finally getting around to updating all my stories. Hey, I've been a bust gal. Sorry that it took so long

Disclaimer: Don't own RK.

Thieves of Darkness

Chapter 9: Back on Track

(Note: In the last chapter, Kaoru was having that dream. This starts from there.)

Kaoru's eyes snapped open as she took in a sharp breath. Light entered through the nearby window and noise could be heard coming from downstairs. Turning to her left, Kaoru looked at the alarm clock resting on an end table. 7:43 am. There was a shuffle coming from her right, and Kaoru looked to see Misao staring at her intently. Kaoru groaned, knowing to well what was coming.

"You had them again didn't you Kaoru?" Misao asked with a piercing gaze.

Kaoru meekly nodded her head, "Yes."

"I thought you said that they had stopped a while ago."

Kaoru looked away for a moment and then meet Misao's eye, "I thought they had."

Misao frowned, this was not good. Since Misao had known Kaoru, those dreams had plagued her sleep. When she was younger, those dreams had woken her up in the middle of the night, Kaoru always in tears. Nobody, not even Aoshi-sama, could get Kaoru to fall back asleep. For the longest time, Misao had thought it was just a child's silly nightmare, but when she had learned the truth- Misao shuddered. Nobody should have to relive something like that every night.

"Misao?"

"Yeah Kaoru?"

"Don't tell anybody about this."

"But Aos-"

"No Misao," Kaoru said firmly, "I don't want to bother anybody. It's alright, I can handle it, and besides, it was only one time."

Misao sighed, "Yeah, but you haven't had that dream in over two years"

"All the more reason not to bother anybody."

"Fine," Misao replied in defeat, "But do you promise to tell me if it happens again?"

Kaoru smiled, "Of course Misao. Now let's get going."

----------------------------

A delicious aroma of pancakes drifted from the kitchen. Kenshin stood in front of the stove spatula in hand, flipping pancake after pancake onto a plate. Seated at the table was Saitou, Aoshi, and Sano, who were minding their own business. Saitou sat with the paper and a cup of tea, trying to ignore the sound of Sano who was shoving as many pancakes as he could into his mouth. Aoshi watched Sano while sipping his tea, waiting for the stupid boy to choke. Suddenly his attention turned away from Sano, and he placed his cup of tea down.

"Nice of you two to finally wake up."

Standing in the doorway were Kaoru and Misao, looking strangely at Sano who had stopped eating upon their entry.

"Good morning to you too Aoshi-sama," Misao replied with a huff. Her eyes drifted to where Kenshin was, "Oh! Pancakes!"

Grabbing a plateful, the petite girl began shoving the food in her mouth, much like Sano.

"Hey shorty," came Sano's mocking voice, "I betcha I can eat a stack faster than you."

"You're on!"

Kaoru had just grabbed a cup of tea and sat down next to Aoshi, aware of his gaze. 'Just look relaxed, look normal. Please don't let him realize.'

A plate of pancakes magically appeared in front of her and Kaoru jumped.

"Eat."

She turned her head to see Kenshin place a plate in front of Aoshi, "You too."

Deciding Aoshi couldn't bother her while she had food in her mouth, Kaoru picked up the fork and began to eat.

It was silent in the kitchen as it's occupants we busily eating their breakfast. Well, as silent as it could get. Kenshin was now humming as he flipped pancakes, trying to drown out the sounds of Misao and Sano, who were still going at it.

"What may I ask is going on?"
Everyone except Misao and Sano, who continued to eat, turned toward the door. There Hiko stood, business suit and all, eyeing the entire group. Pausing for a moment, Sano and Misao gave Hiko a sheepish grin before devouring more pancakes.

Looking at Kenshin who was now donned in a chef hat, Hiko frowned, "Aren't you supposed to be training?"

Kenshin shrugged, "I needed food first."

Hiko sighed, looking at Sano, Kenshin, and Kaoru, "I need to speak with you three for a moment."

Handing the spatula to Aoshi, the three slowly followed Hiko into another room.

Aoshi looked down at the spatula and then at Misao, who was holding an empty plate up to Aoshi. He got up, walking to the stove.

"Thank you Aoshi-sama."

And placed the spatula on the counter, casing Misao to let out a cry.

Aoshi left the room, and Misao turned to Saitou.

He didn't even look up from his paper, "Don't even think about it."

"AOSHI-SAMA!"

-----------------------

Hiko tossed a folder to Kenshin, "Lately I've been letting you have too much free time. The number of missions you have gone on has been dismal, and it's time we catch up. Saitou and I have been busy with the company, but it's time to get you all back on track. In the folder is your next mission. You will do it tonight, and how is up to you. All the information you will need can be found in there. You are to trail a very important man who has some valuable information that I desire. When the time is right, you are to retrieve it from him. Understand?"

The three nodded.

"Good. Now go get ready."

-----------------------

Kanryu Takeda. Smuggler extrodinaire. He was their target tonight. Word on the black market had been that he was receiving a lovely shipment of stolen goods, ranging from pyramid artifacts to lost pieces of valuable artwork. They were to find out if this was true and intercept it before it reached his hands. Takeda was not an easy man to find, but tonight it was supposedly the day he liked to go to a well known thieves bar. He was your average smuggler, loving rare treasures, and beautiful women.

Kenshin looked at Kaoru and Sano, smiling. This would be a piece of cake.

Alright, that's all for this chapter. I promise that the good stuff will start happening with in the next chapter. The whole story and plot is about to start moving. I'll try to update faster, but relatives are coming this week so we'll hafta wait and see. Let me know what you think, review!

-Les723