"He's stalling us!" Amira yelled out the obvious as she battled against another of Sarkan's horde.

"Ya think!" Hiei retorted as he did the same, blocking one blow in time to dodge another. Yoko also had his hands full as he expertly swung his whip and utilized the forest plants to help him fend off Sarkan's soldiers. One vine shot out of the ground and wrapped itself tightly around the ankle of a charging warrior, while another vine pinned another soldier to a tree.

"Defeat them as fast as you can and keep going," Yoko ordered as he sent a wave of men flying away from him.

"It'll be dark soon," Hiei reminded.

The fox glanced at him from the corner of his eye. He knew that. He could see the setting sun just as easily as Hiei. But Yoko knew the warning that came with it. Even though Sarkan's men were easily no match for Yoko's thieves, they had still suffered losses. There were also plenty that were wounded. Sarkan had not let up on his relentless wave of attacks and what his men needed now was rest. Getting back to the hideout would have been less than a day's journey, but with the constant stream of fighters it had forestalled their homecoming. Just as fast as the scuffle began, Yoko and his group warded off the soldiers as those that weren't killed limped off into the encroaching darkness. Yoko panted heavily as the last one disappeared in the shadows.

"We're resting here," Amira decided for him, sitting down against a tree. Her chest heaved with exhaustion.

Yoko rounded on her, angry for making the decision, but she held up her hand. "NO! We are resting here for tonight!" She repeated firmly before he could even open his mouth.

"I'm tired, they are tired, and you are tired. We can get back to the hideout tomorrow first thing in the morning."

She crossed her arms stubbornly, daring him to challenge her. Yoko retracted his vine whip and walked off without a word. His lips met in a thin line and his fists clenched. Amira sighed and leaned her head back tiredly against the rough bark. Exhausted thieves slumped against trees and fell instantly to sleep. The moon began peeking out between the patchwork of leaves that surrounded them. Stars glittered cheerfully in the darkening sky as if defying their somber mood.

"We can probably expect more of the same tomorrow," Hiei guessed; coming to sit down next to her. He laid his kantana within reach by his side; his face frozen in his ever present scowl.

"And Yoko is already irritable."

"Irritable or not, getting to the hideout won't bring the feline back sooner."

"He thinks it will," she told him softly. She looked at him, her eyes full of concern. "He loves her."

Hiei growled slightly and rolled his eyes. "Why does everyone keep saying that!" He demanded to know; his voice irritated.

"Because he does!" She reminded, confused at his outburst.

"SO WHAT!"

Amira blinked in shock. "What?" she asked. Her voice came out in a surprised whisper. The notion that Hiei didn't care that Yoko was in love never occurred to her. She had always assumed the two were close friends. Finding out your friend was in love was a good thing to celebrate. At least, that is what she thought. She was happy for them. The fox had been alone so long. Then Satira had stumbled into their lives and he was noticeably happier. He smiled a lot more, was in a generally better mood, and the things under his care thrived because of it. The cat herself was also nice to have around, and Amira had never gotten the impression that she rubbed Hiei the wrong way. And here he was, practically yelling, that he didn't care.

"What do you mean so what?" She repeated hoarsely.

Hiei was already so mad he didn't realize he had said too much. He stood up and paced in front of her angrily. His hands were balled into fists and his perpetual scowl was even darker than normal.

"She's been nothing but trouble!" He began, glaring at Amira like it was her fault. The other thieves watched the two cautiously from the sidelines. Some nodding in agreement, others merely being mute in reverent understanding of their masters plight.

"It's not her fault she didn't have a perfect life Hiei!" Amira defended. "She was in trouble and that is what friends do! They help each other out!"

"But it almost got you in trouble!" Hiei shouted, the source of his anger finally being said.

Amira's eyes widened; while Hiei turned a deep shade of red. His mind slowly repeated his words and he realized his feelings couldn't be hidden any longer.