Kenshin headed back into the shadows, meeting up with Sanosuke and Yahiko.

"Is it really alright that we didn't reveal ourselves to her too?" Sanosuke said.

"Yes after all we are her honor guard." Yahiko said.

"She is still a child." Kenshin said simply.

"So what is your plan?" Sanosuke said eagerly.

"Well, it is time for us to be at her side." Kenshin said after a moment.

Xxx

Kurai yawned, headed to school as she practiced martial arts moved.

Kurai stopped in front of the school. There was a limo parked there. Out of the limo came three boys. It was Kenshin, Sanosuke, and Yahiko.

Summoner's Rhapsody was playing from inside the limo, and Kurai turned and made eye contact with Kenshin. He smiled a dazzling smile at her and said something to Sanosuke. Sanosuke walked over.

He bowed to her. "My name is Sanosuke Sagara. You and I have English together first period, and I was hoping you could help me with something."

"What's that?" Kurai asked.

"Well according to the teacher we have a term paper due in two weeks on British Literature. Do you know anything about that?" Sanosuke continued.

"I know plenty." Kurai said. "Come with me."

Kurai kept an eye on Reiko, but she seemed to either not remember the attack on her last night, or she just didn't want to talk about it.

As English class was ending, Kurai turned to Sanosuke. "So you are friends with that Kenshin guy."

"Yes." Sanosuke said. "Why?"

Kurai made a face. "I don't like how he checks me out when he thought I'm not looking."

Sanosuke looked startled, then laughed. "You really are perceptive. That's good. Well, I'd best be going. I will see you after school to work on our project."

Xxx

Kurai finished the day without being approached again, but she had Sanosuke to worry about now.

She approached the classroom, only to hear arguing.

"I want to protect her too, Sanosuke." Reiko said. "I failed her yesterday but I will not fail again."

"You have Fallen, Reiko." Sanosuke said. "You are no longer one of us. You have lost your fighting power.

"This demon, I have seen it." Reiko said. "You must not underestimate Chaos. She will destroy Kurai, and then all will be lost. Kenshin must make his move!"

"Kenshin is our leader." Sanosuke said. "He wishes to ease her into this. He does not want to burden her heart."

Mulling this over, Kurai was about to question them, when suddenly she heard the sound of a bird breaking through the window. She turned and a giant bird shaped demon was crouching in the room.

The bird threw a feather at Sanosuke and Reiko, which grew and pinned them down, knocking them out.

Kurai chased the bird, knocking down and punching it to the ground. The bird knocked her over and pinned her down, holding a feather to her neck.

Sanosuke lifted a large sword.

Kurai whirled and saw her new friend fight as a warrior. Reiko remained unconscious.

Sanosuke dissolved the feather.

The bird dissolved into feathers. Two more, red and black, burst through the windows.

"Do something Kurai!" Sanosuke said. "Use your power!"

The two descended on Reiko, and the girl dissolved into shadows.

"What the hell happened to her?!" Kurai said.

"She's Fallen!" Sanosuke said insistently. "She's on their side!"

"She's not! She's NOT!" Kurai shouted, pulsing as silver light blinded Sanosuke, decimating the demon.

When Kurai opened her eyes, Kenshin was standing in front of her. "I'm so sorry. I didn't think you'd be bonded to the Fallen. Please forget them. They are trying to harm you. They are not your friends."

Kurai growled and punched Kenshin, knocking her back into Sanosuke. "I'm tired of you people telling me what is and what isn't. Acting like I'm not as strong as you! I'm the one that finished the monster off! As far as I'm concerned, that makes me the strongest! You listen to me Kenshin! We're going to save Reiko and all the Fallen! I won't allow you to give up! You give up, and you've got my fist to look forward to!"

Kenshin smiled at Kurai. Maybe not such a child after all.