Kurama stumbled back, wincing painfully as the other man's sword sliced across his chest. He could feel Hiei-chan stirring, his youki flaring wildly. He turned his head, trying to calm his friend down, and failed to see the fist that promptly made contact with the back of his head. His last thought before blacking out was the futile hope that Hiei-chan wouldn't be burning down the entire city.

* * * * *

Sanosuke picked himself up, scowling at the dirt now covering his newly-washed coat. "Oi, Kenshin! What the hell did you-" His voice trailed off, the sight of his friend lying unconscious on the ground rendering him speechless. Kenshin's hair was spread out around his head, it's crimson color a stark contrast to his pale tunic. he thought, feeling slightly sick. He stood there, gaping like a landed fish, just as Yahiko stood up, glaring at the smugly grinning Gohee.

* * * * *

Hiruma Gohee smirked as he eyed his fallen nemesis. He'd worked harder than he'd ever had, struggling to regain some small amount of his fighting ability so that he'd be able to avenge himself against that bastard Kenshin. Now was his moment of triumph, and he was enjoying it immensely. That brat Yahiko was glaring up at him now, small fists clenched tightly in rage. His smile widened, and he licked his lips in anticipation. The brat owed him a thing or two as well. Taking out some of his frustrations on the kid's hide would do wonders for his mood. As he stepped forward, an idle thought drifted through his head.

* * * * *

Hiei-chan glared at the tall ningen. This was the man who'd dared to hurt HIS beloved Kurama-chan. He began to unwrap the wards on his arm, momentarily wishing wistfully for his trusty katana. He really wanted to slice that bastard up into tiny, itty, bitty, little pieces. He sighed. Burning him to a crisp would have to do.

Without even a twinge of remorse for disobeying Kurama's order not to hurt any ningen, he called up his black dragon.

"JAOH ENSATSU KOKURYUUHAAAA!!!!!"