[_____V_____]

(Continued...)


FORTUNATO and ROSHIQ heard the shots from their right and turned around. They knew some of their mates were nearby and onto the targets, and hurried forward towards them.

Soon enough, they came across Despare.

"MissM and me have done our job," Despare nodded at them. "Your turn now," he said and gestured forward. Both of them peered through the bushes at the sight ahead.

NE had reached Austin, and lay by his side. Both were breathing heavily, fighting back the spasms of pain which jolted through their bodies. Austin turned around at NE.

"You are in more danger than me. Here, take some HPs before some other Assassin comes across us."

"No, Austin. What if they target you instead?"

"I doubt it. They know you are running short on HPs. Here...," Austin reaches over into his HP bag and pulls some HPs out. "Keep these. Just in case."

NE looks at him, not entirely convinced. But he has no HPs left with him, and has no choice. Austin stuffs the 9 HPs into NE's HP bag, and winces with the effort.

"Damn!" Despare hits the ground in frustration.

"Don't worry, Des," Fortunato smiles at him."If plan A doesnt work, we go to plan B."

Both Fortunato and Roshiq hurry forward, crouching low. They circle beside both NE and Austin, and aim at them from separate angles.

BLAM!!

BLAM!!

BLAM!!

BLAM!!

BLAM!!

BLAM!!

Six shells rapidly disappear into Austin's legs and chest and he groans, falling back and keeling over. A weak hand reaches for his HPs and Austin feels a faint alarm stirring in his brains, which is quickly blotted out by the severe aches of the dull pain of his numerous wounds.

"GODDAMNIT!!" NE yells, shaking his fist at the bushes in front.

"NO!! DAMN YOU, Neverending!!" Roshiq shouts back at him, and fires.

BLAM!!

BLAM!!

BLAM!!

BLAM!!

BLAM!!

BLAM!!

All six shells blast through NE's body, leaving huge gaping holes on his belly and chest. He groans and doubles over, taking Austin's donated HPs out to heal himself and spasming in severe pain.

Where is Rayne? Rayne! Rayne...Ray...ne...Ra...y...ne...R...a...y...n...e ...R..., are his last thoughts before he passes out.


(To Be Continued...)