[attr="class","APP3"]Off balance and bleeding like a stuck pig, the last remaining horseman grunted and attempted a desperate kick at the rapidly approaching hound. Slipping on the uneven ground, all he accomplished was providing an easy target. Kakimaru's fangs sunk deep into his leg.
Pulled down to his knees by the ninken, he offered no more fight as Suzaku embedded his sword in the man's torso. Feebly grasping at the young man's hands, he let out a gasp and fell over. With the last of his strength, he clung to Suzaku's wrist and attempted to pull him into the mud with him.
In the distance, the sounds of hooves could be heard. More riders would soon be approaching. With enough luck, Kegawa and his charges would be on their way before they arrived.
The two riders heading at Kegawa raised an arm each to shield themselves from the wave of statues, barely hanging onto their steeds as they attempted to buck them off. The first of the riders swung his spear at the Inuzuka, narrowly missing. The second followed in close pursuit, breaking off to follow her target. Jabbing at the jounin as she passed, her attack also missed. The first barked an order.
Both riders began to circle Kegawa. They made a few rounds, then suddenly charged at him from opposite sides. The male rider had his spear raised in an attempt to throw it, while the other prepared a deadly thrust.
The deserter stood shaking, watching the dog and the teenagers. Lips opening, he attempted to stammer something out but failed. Kyoufu's kunai caught him by surprise - all he could say was "Wha-" before it had lodged itself in his stomach.
Stumbling, he pressed his back to the tree behind him and slumped down to a sitting position. "Ow, ow, ow..." he whimpered. "No... I don't want to die..." Crying in pain, he grabbed at the knife and made the mistake of pulling it out. The hole gushed forth blood which he tried to stem with his hands. "Why?" he asked her, voice cracking.
Looking over at Kaji, he saw him healing the ninken. "Hey! Help me! Please!" The desperation was clear to see in his eyes.
