Part 9
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"Oi! Kenshin! Matte yo!"

"Teme! I said wait up!"

Moving under a fog of exhaustion, Kurama paid the brash voice little mind, continuing his slow advance towards the nearest inn. He was so focused on getting there before he collapsed, that the hand suddenly coming down on his shoulder took him completely by surprise. His head jerked up, as the owner of the said hand turned him around.

"Oi, Kenshin, didn't you hear me calling? What's the big idea, ignoring me like that?"

Kurama blinked up at the speaker, a tall young man with spiky black hair. "Anou..."

The youth fingered the sleeve of his tunic, a small frown on his face. "And where'd you get this outfit, Kenshin? I've never seen you wearing this before."

Kurama pulled back, confusion written all over his face. "Anou, but I'm not your-" He stopped speaking, the sound of steel being bared drawing his attention. His eyes widened as he saw a huge bearded man come rushing at them. Pushing the young man out of the way, he quickly jumped back, the blade just narrowly missing his head.

"Die, hitokiri battousai!" The enraged man swung his sword again, this time managing to draw blood. Kurama winced, and desperately dodged his attacks. He was painfully aware that he was too tired to defend himself.

* * * * *

Hiei-chan's brow puckered . Something was very Wrong. He could Feel something...Masaka! Kurama-chan was hurt! Hiei-chan came awake with a start. Kurama was breathing heavily, and Hiei-chan could feel the sticky wetness of blood oozing beneath his palms. He lifted his gaze towards the ningen who'd hurt his beloved Kurama-chan. He was going to PAY.