Part 13
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Hiei-chan stiffened. Someone was approaching. Unconsciously clasping Kurama closer to his chest, he lifted his head to glare at the oncoming ningen. People were ranking very low on his 'to-be-tolerated-and-not-killed' list at the moment. This one had better not get too close.

* * * * *

Sanosuke gulped as he met Yahiko's ruby-eyed gaze. He could swear that they were burning a hole right through his head. In fact, he was certain he could smell smoke--

"ITAIIIII!!!" he howled, clutching both feet. Landing unceremoniously on his butt, he stared incredulously at the ground before the kid. The pebbles were *melting*.

"What did you do that for, you little runt?!", he yelled, jumping to his feet. His earlier resolutions were quickly forgotten. Waving a fist threateningly, he growled, "I swear, Yahiko, when we get to the dojo I'm gonna--"

"What the heck are you talking about now, Sanosuke? I just got here."

Sanosuke spun around so quickly he almost lost his balance again. Yahiko stared up at him in puzzlement. His jaw dropped. If *Yahiko* was here, then--

"Who the heck is that?" Yahiko stepped around Sanosuke to get a better look. His eyes widened as he noticed the unconscious redhead. "Oi! What the hell have you done to Kenshin?"

Hiei-chan transferred his glare to the newcomer. Before he could open his mouth to reply, someone else arrived.

"Oro? What are you talking about, Yahiko? I'm right over here," Kenshin said, bewildered.

Sanosuke began to sweat. If those two *weren't* his friends, then that meant--He stole a peek at the Yahiko-lookalike. Black fire was beginning to swirl around his body.

"Uh, guys, we'd better get out of here."

Kenshin's purple eyes followed his gaze. He gulped and began to back away. "I think you're right, Sano."

"What are you two--" Sanosuke clamped a hand over Yahiko's mouth before the runt could say something tactless. "Later," he hissed, dragging him along. He didn't want to further provoke the little fire demon. He looked pissed enough already.

* * * * *

Hiei-chan nodded in satisfaction as the ningen began to back away. Good, he didn't want them disturbing Kurama-chan. As he toned down his battle aura, Kurama stirred and gave a low moan.

"Kurama-chan!" He cried happily, hugging his friend closer.

Kurama's eyes fluttered open. "Hiei? What happened?"

Hiei-chan shrugged. "Nothing much. Some baka ningen attacked us, but I took care of him."

Kurama sat up, and frantically looked around. "Oh dear." This was bad, really bad. The area looked like a war zone. He stared suspiciously at a smoking lump nearby.

"I did all right, didn't I Kurama-chan?" Hiei-chan tugged on his arm, big red eyes staring up at him in worry.

Kurama looked down at him and sighed. How could he get angry at someone who'd done all this just to protect him? He ruffled Hiei- chan's spiky hair. "Hai, you did fine. Just--" he stole another look around him. "*Try* not to be so...*enthusiastic* next time, ne?"

Hiei-chan grinned. "Hai!"