Ran had been watching and waiting. When he saw that bastard handle her like that, he jumped

through the window. He withdrew his katana and slashed at Shiko's arm.

"Agh!" Shiko bent down and clutched his arm. Ran pulled out Aki's swords and went to her. He

bent down in front of her crumpled body and put his hand on her cheek.

"Aki?" she lifted her head and smiled with tears in her eyes. "Don't worry, I didn't kill him, you

will." He smiled at her sweetly and took her limp hand in his.

"Ran! Look out!" Aki cried. Shiko came up behind the redhead with a dagger and slashed his

back across the middle. Ran cried out in pain and Aki screamed in fear. Shiko slapped the girl

into unconciousness. Ran cursed at him and slowly stood up, using his katana for balance. He

came up to the other guy and whispered in his ear.

"By Aki's sword, you die now." Shiko turned to him and Ran slammed Aki's sword three feet

into his stomach. Shiko screamed and gaped at Ran. He collapsed to the floor, clutching his

stomach. Ran watched Shiko take his last breath, then blacked out himself.