Sry that its took so long to update, but its not like any of you actually reviewed. The only reason I am updating is I have gotten a second wind from reading my new Rurouni Kenshin manga that I got at a book store. It's the first volume, but its sooo good. ^__^ so, I have been driven to update.

Chapter 18

Falling Star

"Hm." Sano turned quickly, edging himself along the wall. "Man, this place gives me the creeps."

He stood up, scratching the back of his head. He heard something behind him, he turned, catching the ninja that was about to attack him red handed.

"So you were trying to sneak up on me?" He crunched his fist into his hand. "That's not going to work on me-OW!" He grasped his shoulder where a ninja star had penetrated the skin. "Great. I'm surrounded." He looked around in desperation, trying to find a way of escape.

"Why don't you just come out and fight me, you cowards?" He yelled as he spun in circles, trying to see his unseen enemy.

"Would you keep the racket down?" Aoshi was suddenly beside him. "Look out!" He pushed Sano down to the ground and blocked a poison dart with his kadochi.

Aoshi looked down at Sano with anger. "You don't know what we're up against. Run now, join the others. I can hold them off here."

Sano scrambled up to his feet and began to run.

"Oof!" The wind was knocked out of him as a ninja plowed him down with a powerful kick. He was on the ground, up against a wall, trapped. He was at the mercy of the ninja.

__

"Hmph!" Kaiya brought her feet down hard upon her captor's feet. "Take this, you creep!" She tore her gag off and kicked the man hard, where it hurt. .

She began running down the corridors. "I've got to find a way out of here!" She told herself.

She was coming up to an intersection of hallways. She saw a man lying on the ground. "Sano?" She urged herself to keep running.

A ninja stood over Sano, a dagger ready to make the final blow.

"Stop right there." Aoshi drew the ninja's attention away. He turned around, his back to the fallen man.

"Hiyah!" Kaiya brought her hands down between the attacker's shoulders, instantly bringing him to the ground.

Aoshi was lunging with his kadochi, aimed at the ninja's heart, when suddenly the ninja disappeared. And in his place stood another ninja, a girl, with flowing red hair. It was too late to stop his attack, though.

Sano opened his eyes and sat up. He watched with horror as he saw the blade of a sword poking through the other side of Kaiya.

Kaiya stumbled backwards, falling into Sano's arms. Aoshi had missed her heart, but she clung to her shoulder as blood gushed out.

Aoshi stood towering above them both, his face showed no emotion.

Plz review! I have to go now, otherwise this chappie would be longer, but plz review!