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Have I told you about the real Warriors of Virtue?
Then let go of your limitations and with me imagine a world beyond anything you've ever known.
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I remember a world of a grand king in far off kingdom; under his rule the kingdom saw a time of true peace and tranquillity. However, this all changed once a knight came with his troops to take down the king in fine hopes of snatching the kingdom for himself. The king saw no other option and was forced into battle, calling upon his finest of warriors to protect his reign.
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The kingdom was forged into war, the knight ordering his troops to destroy the kings forces, as he alone hoped to take down the king. The warrior stood on the battle field, loyal to the king's orders.
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Great warriors who fight with integrity and honour, who defeat those who tread on the good... Warriors with great skill and prowess that strikes swiftly their enemies with grace and velocity.
Calling upon the powers and weapons in battle that surround us all; Stone, Water, Fire, Earth, Wind and Metal...
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As the king lay dying in the closing moments of battle, slain by the blade of the knight, he choose to give his most trusted general the throne. Out of war he reigned with an iron fist, unchallenged he grew stronger in power and misguidance, slowly becoming his own kin's enemy.
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The actions of others have changed us all; now I see a dying land; ripped apart by shadows and darkness... The animals of Tao left the kingdom they called home in sorrow and despair; helped by the warriors as they no longer saw order in their ruler... Oh how I hope I can remember a time when this has all changed.
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Is there someone with the courage to step forward and retake our kingdom? Will the warriors return, will the warriors again stand and defend us, as they are truly our only hope...
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The fight for honour and integrity must go on, but I fear for our warriors... as I fear for us... Now more than ever is there hope for our world, as peace can only come be won if we stand brave and true.
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Yes much that once was is lost, lies in the battle ahead of us; I must hold on to hope, hope that there will be time to remember again; a world of no worries, a world of perfected bliss, a world where anything can happen.
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-Warriors of Virtue-
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-1-
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-The battlefield is in chaos; King Kenmin took hold of his sword in his right hand and raised it up high for his soldiers to bare witness. The king then with his left hand cupped his mouth and called out. "My kingdom's guards with me... Rally to me! To me!" 'This is the turning point, my forces must get to me... I must have my stand.'
The king's calling to try and maintain order was heard; his armoured soldier's rallied to his side in formation in the midst of war, hoping to reach their king to provide in his hour of need.
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Suddenly from the south came the Ynor knight Askell; he charged with his spear; the king turned sharply caught in that brief second off guard. Askell was able to take the king of Tao down as his spear cut deep into the king's flesh.
Kenmin gasped in pain, his blade released from his grip as he fell to the muddy ground.
Wanting his spear to an end the king's life Askell put pressure on the spearhead, it's pointed tip piercing further thought the Taoian's body, coursing further damage inside. Cutting through his ribs and heart.
As Kenmin lies dying beneath him, Askell knew he had done what he had come for. "Ah, from this day forth you'll be known as the king of the fallen... I'll be the one to make sure the demons will feast off your pure flesh, Kenmin. Oh yes they'll soon be eating well this dusk!" called out Askell, the Ynorian knight now standing tall a wide grin of victory across his face.
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The king's most trusted general caught sight of this, in an act of both friendship and loyalty he broke from formation and charged towards his king. As he drew to his king Komodo saw that there was nothing he could do to aid him in life other than to deliver the death of his enemy, and as Kenmin lay dying the general stood before the knight.
'He will be the one who can drive Tao forward.' were the mixed up thought's in a depleting mind of Kenmin.
Askell saw the general's charge and point to Komodo. "Do not come between the demons and their feast Tao soldier."
As grasped his sword in hand the frilled lizard could see the full of anger and war on Askell's face. The general took his stance and levelled his sword towards the knight; stating with pure bravery in his voice. "I suggest you take a step back Askell or it will be you who'll be the first course!"
The mighty Ynor knight merely laughed at Komodo's comments.
"I said take a step back damn you!" the frilled lizard eyed up his enemy, and even though the blood of the king ran from the wound of the spear Komodo wasn't going to let his king's kingdom fall.
However, with one last push down on his spear Askell gladly stepped away from the king leaving the spear within Kenmin's chest, but without fear he stepped forward matching Komodo's stance in battle.
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The knight acted first and got in the first wave of offence. With a grin across his face Askell took the general off his feet with a forceful kick to this chest.
Instantly the frilled lizard frilled his scales and looked up at Askell. "I am Komodo; the general of Tao...' Komodo slowly got up to his feet; he knew he'd have to fight if he wished to protect the balance of Tao. 'I will see you gone Askell and thrown to the beasts..." The frilled lizard let of a shrilled shriek of anger.
The knight looked over in pure hatred. "Is this the only stand you could muster!?' questioned the knight as he looked back on the dying ruler. 'I spit on thee Komodo... You are just like your king. Weak, powerless and done for!" And again Askell forged forward attacking Komodo, with force it truly looked as if the Ynorian knight was about to take the general to the floor.
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Kenmin through burled vision saw as his head turned that his forces were being held back by the troops of Askell and that no one was able to come to save Komodo; that the general's own survival all came down to his own actions and bravery.
Stunned and winded the frilled lizard tried to fight on, but in his state was hit again with another crippling blow. He could hear Askell's laughter once again as the knight brought up his spear in his right hand; it dripping with the blood of the king. Komodo grasped his shield tightly in both hands to try and block the on coming blow. However the knight's steal tip pierced its mark.
The knight stepped in following the force of his strike through, licking his lips as he heard the screams of pain left the lips of Komodo. Askell now stood close, towering over the kneeling frilled lizard he could so feel utter victory in hand, an eye brow raised as the Ynor's knight really for the killing blow. "A second victory... a second feast, not only will I end the life of the Tao king, but here I stand about to take that of his general as well!" Askell looked around his forces shattering the Taoian forces into pieces.
The knight should have acted there and then, snatching the ultimate victory. But this gloating gave Komodo that chance to strike back, Komodo staggered to his feet. "I'm not done for quite yet.' he sputtered, then he drove his sword hard into the chest of Askell.
The Ynorian hand dropped the spear, as Askell was forced to grasp his chest, as he for the first time felt the pain of Komodo's quick actions.
Komodo kept his vertical base and as he leaned on his sword threw down his helmet. "You have fallen by my hand... May the beasts be fulfilled and spare the heart of my noble king."
Askell let out a shuddering cry and topples backward to the ground dead, a thick redden black blood oozed from his clothes and armour.
A wind passed over him and he nodded. 'A sign.' Komodo though. 'The demons come for a more fitting soul for their thirst.' "Your leader my have taken our king, but it is I who call victory in the name of Tao!"
At the sight of their fallen leader all the Ynorian troops flee from the battlefield the general hoping that none would return; all around the Tao king is a vista of defeat. The battle debris and bodies of both Ynorian's and Taoian's stretch as far as the eye could see.
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-.-
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-After the great war was over and the forces of Ynor crumbled and dispersed the king of Tao felt his hand being gasped; and in his last bit of strength he opened his eyes. "I know that face... You are a brave one; always by my side hey Komodo?"
"You should have to ask for anything else, my lord, after all you've been there for us all more time than expected.' The frilled lizard stated, a smile across his face as he looked down at him. 'It as been my honour to serve one as you; know my king I wouldn't be anywhere else."
"As this battle ends, Komodo.' he winced, and through closed eyes went on. 'Your king will not live on; my eyes grow dark..."
Komodo knew it was hard for the king to speak and placed a hand to his lips; the lizard shook his head as he interrupted the king. "No... do not speak this way... I will save you... Get you back to the cattle where Master Chung will aid in your recovery!' he truly sound so sure of this, as he kept his hold of his king's hand, not yet willing to see his king's end. 'You already have."
Sadly his king knew batter, now looking up fondly at his general Kenmin said. "Please you don't have too, I can go knowing that my kin are saved."
"You are a strong one you can come through this." The Frilled lizard stated, as knew the words of his king to be true, and that his king was truly in grave pain and he just hated himself for it, there was nothing for Komodo to do; the king would not make it past this dark of days.
"I am strong and will always be remembered for it... But my injuries cut deep... It is my time... Komodo Tao needs a new ruler.' The pain now making it even hard for him to speak.
'Please now promise me my general that you will lead my animals through this unknown future... It is time for a general to be a king in my wake." Kenmin tried to held Komodo's gaze, even though through blurred vision he could not. 'He truly could be the symbol they all needed...' 'Please Komodo know the severity of this task and undertake it wisely."
"No the day as not come yet, I can not be their leader!" the loyal general replied, Komodo not yet willing to see that of himself.
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Kenmin held the general's gaze for a moment and shook his head. "No you must do this for me Komodo; please I must learn before my passing that you are my successor! My animals are saved and I've paid for that with my life.' Komodo is shaken; his eyes lowered from those of his brave king; he didn't want the king to see his sorrow. 'These emotions will pass Komodo... These emotions will pass."
Nodding back to his king, Komodo answered Kenmin's dying wish. "I will lead them Kenmin; rest assured I will be their king... Their time of need is now and if you wish it I will be there for them!"
"May virtue be yours."
The battle field lay strangely silent; above blinding colours of the evening's sunset broke through the low clouds of dusk. Komodo felt a hand on his shoulder; as the king's hand slipped from his; he took the hilt of his sword as he turned to see the face of Master Chung looking down on him. "A king you will be Komodo... Rule well rule all." were the grand master's words, his voice hopeful.
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-2-
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-When the general took the throne of Tao a great expectation fell over the land; the animals hoped that once again peace and harmony would soon stretch out through their lands and homes. Komodo however was a king born and raised within the light of war and the animals of Tao wishes and needs were never met that expectation is far gone. As power and glory was his only thirst and a dark reign as fell over Tao, as Komodo had not known the true logic of peace and harmony.
The court soon changed as the frilled lizard drew the wrong animal's to his side, animal's who were like the king only obsessed in gaining their own power and glory from the land of Tao.
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-Komodo's actions one by one took its toll, Master Chung knew it was time to leave his king's service to protect those who required his guidance and teaching; the wise master gathers to his side the six remaining warriors to see what could be done in this time of turmoil in hopes of still securing peace and harmony.
These warriors are fighters and skilled masters; they battle for ''virtue,'' the once great message of King Kenmin. The warrior's stand by Master Chung's side ready to protect; to uphold honour and integrity. "I thank you for coming here today... I know how hard it was for you all."
"Indeed.' stated one of the six red kangaroo's; looking around the lower floor of the temple, which was a far cry from the upper floors of grandeur and prestige. 'Now me must get down to business, if our so called king hears of this before we have time to act then it will no doubt seal us all!"
A second red kangaroo in red looked away from the group, Master Chung seeing him hide a clinched fist behind him back. "You have a right to be frustrated Chi, but for now please stand calm...'
Chi interrupted the master. "Komodo's actions have only led to poison, master. How can you ask us to stay calm."
"Yes his actions have led to poison, but there are more out there in Tao that can be hurt if we don't act correctly..."
"And what is your answer."
"Please, Chi not this way, we can't fight amongst ourselves." stated another female red kangaroo, calling for calm.
"I fear our only option is to leave, seek a new home for now... I have spoken to the keepers of the Romec Temple and their grand leader Mosely as agreed with me, and is willing to offer sanctuary in their ground for those who welcome it!"
Both the warrioress of fire and the warrior of water looked over at each other; as the temple was built in honour of their natural force.
"We will ride with you to the temple!' addressed Tsun, picking up on Chung's urgency to act. 'You have our protection Chung, as now more than ever Tao needs a ruler the likes of Kenmin of old..."
Chung looks away. "I am far to old to be king, my dear, I stand now against Komodo, only because it is needed."
"I want no part in this... Komodo is far too gone to be help... Do what you must, but count me out." stated Yun, as the warrior turned his back on them and looked away, he still felt the deep cuts of war; he had cost the life of one close to him the warrior of metal.
"Come now my brother we need to at our side." called Yee to Yun. 'You are our leader, together we must answer Tao's aid."
Yun looked back over his shoulder in Yee direction; the warrior of wind matching his gaze. Feeling their need Yun realises that his calling must be to help. "I will see you to the temple my master, however then I will leave your side."
Tsun stepped forward, he couldn't believe what he was hearing from his own leader. "Leave... Yun please... Your place is here... The animals of Tao need us now more than ever before."
Yun did not answer and walked away, turning up the first set of stairs.
Chung approached Tsun, placing a reassuring hand on the warrior's shoulder. "I know that he hears you warrior, but let him go for now... It is clear he knows his duty and that he will do what is right in the hour's need.' Tsun remains silent and sombrely looks around at his fellow warriors. 'After Yun's departure Yee, I wish for you to step forward and lead us."
"As you wish it!" stated Yee, the warrior of wind bowing to his master.
Master Chung than turned to the warrioress of wind. "Now please Lai, I ask of you to have Elysia come and speak with me, a lot as changed and her future lies in her taking up her brother's mantle as warrior of Mattel."
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-.-
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-In the day that followed Chung gathered those loyal to him; "I fear for our kingdom just as you... But if we fight now this king will see our head... Please there is hope; hope my dear.' He looked over at Elysia. 'Oh yes the sun will rise on us again."
Animals male, female and children heard his words knowing them to be true. "I would not call for this day if I didn't believe it were true... Please we leave all no burdens... We must travel light..."
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-Later that night, as she lay in her chamber ready for bed Elysia couldn't seem to settle. 'The lights of our moon shines on us, but these are uncertain times...' as she looked to the light that casts its shadow through her window. 'so where will you guide us with your will oh moon... I can only hope that you can see fit to lead me to a better place.' Her thoughts it seemed to solely focus upon her own fate than that of others.
It was getting late, the moon ever higher in the sky above her home in the capital borders, Elysia takes hold of her gown and rapped it around her body. She walked across the chamber, there before her lay her brother's weapon on the hilt, her hand trembled as she touched the Metal war-frail. 'Can I afford to have faith in Master Chung's judgement!?' these thoughts weighed heavy on her mind, her hand resting on the weapon's surface. 'He as done so much and as led us this far... Master Chung as become a figure of great wisdom and truth. Can I afford to serve him or will it see me to my last breath!' The red kangaroo through strongly about this; way into the night, until she left her chamber, but as she stood in the door way Elysia took one last look over her shoulder at the Metal war-frail.
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-In the shadows of the city gates Chung and the five warriors stood ready to leave; Yun gazes out into the distance and then mounts his rider. Chung looked around. 'My dear Elysia, I had truly hoped you would have stood by our side.'
His fears were squashed as he mounted his ride saw Elysia with Metal war-frail in hand head towards the capital gates. This was a sight to the grand master that she was ready to take up the mantel as the warrioress of the metal; which was handed to her following the dead of her brother Nayr.
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The group of villagers who looked for a better time had come to gather around them, ready to leave Tao for the Romec Temple.
"The hour as come.' he saw that they had listened and were ready to travel light. 'Stay together and I will see you through this... That I promise you." he placed his hand on his heart.
Taking his hand away he walked over to his rider, he heard the whispers and saw the look and glazes of the animals, but as not to make them worry much longer he called to leave. "My rider's to me... Together we'll led them to safety, to the Romec Temple." called out Chung, and the villager's stepped forward following the grand master and the warriors through the gates, knowing that maybe they could be leaving their home for the last time.
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-The close knit group left through the borders of Tao and slowly heading out across the plains; all the time young Yun looking down at those who were forced to leave everything they owned and valued behind. "Make for the lower ground!' He heard Chung call out from his rider. He looked back over his should to the castle of the king, he then heard the master continue. 'We have to make it through... The rays of dawn are almost upon us and the undergrowth will hopefully provide us with the cover we need."
Yun nodded and guided the animals down, he then saw the look Tsun cast in his direction as he too followed the master's instruction.
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Lai choose to stay close to Chung, just in case their was trouble and the master knew this and was very grateful. Together they ride alongside one another; her hand grasp tight on her weapon. Lai caught sight of Chung's gaze waver back to the travellers. She too saw for herself that the animals were struggling to make it down the narrow part of the drop. "I will offer aid master Chung!"
He nodded giving Lai his blessing and in reply stated. "No know you will see them safely over the pass." The master pointing to the more saver ground up ahead.
The warrioress of earth took her ruins and guided her rider to aid them in their path. "Come now yes the journey is a long and enduring one, but it is for the better...' she stated, a warming smile across her face. 'You know my words to be true... Please stick together and we will make it!"
The animals had all faith in the warriors and the leadership of Master Chung and kept their strike.
Lai looked up fondly at Yun, however as he caught her gaze for just a moment he choose instantly to look away.
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The group come together and followed her led, slowly they made it and then headed through the forests and out to the crop fields that lead down to the far eastern temple, which they could now just make out in the distance.
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-The day had mostly gone by the time they reached Romec; Chung looked up at the sacred building, which had stood for ore than hundred years. The door's to the temple are opened; a keeper approached Chung and the pair embraced each other.
Then their embraced was broken by the voice of Yun. "You are safe... I have done what I said I would!"
"And for that we are grateful, thank you Yun." stated Chung with a wide smile, as he sees two young children run into the arms of their mother, who was crying with joy.
He nodes, his nostrils slightly flared, as he knew all too well what Chung was trying to achieve.
Elysia kept her distance, watching from the side as Yun took his ruins and turn his rider, not even taking one last look back as he rides away. Elysia smiles, but hides it well from the others.
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-In the first light of dawn King Komodo was informed of Chung's departure, straight away he had his forces march out to locate Chung and the warrior's; led by general Grillo the crocodile weapon tight in hand and the king's order's firmly in his head, but now month's had past and there was no sign of their hiding place.
The general angered the king as he couldn't deliver Chung before him. "Damn you Grillo, what do you mean he still eluded you!?"
"But your majesty, I have done all that I can…' he said firmly, a hand on his heart. You forced have been pushed to the near brink... Wherever they are they've hidden themselves well!"
Which still didn't squash the kings temper, who still demanded results.
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-3-
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-Komodo's royal guards march through the forest; their search was observed at every turn by Chung's rangers, his request in their heads and hearts. ''I ask of you to stand observant, after all our survival here comes down to our concealment.'' and with that in mind one ranger in fear leaves his post, as the guards were coming ever closer to the sanctuary of the temple.
The ranger comes running through the fields and up into the temple ground calling through pants of breath for Master Chung. His garments were now coated with sweat and his heart was pounding in his chest, but he kept on running, as his message was urgent.
Being made aware of the ranger's cried the wise koala leans on his cane for stability as he walks out to meet him. "What is it my ranger? Why all this shouting?" came the voice of Chung, from the temple steps.
The ranger nods in respect to the grand master. "I am sorry wise master...' he replied, as he turned to point back to the forest ridge, 'but we have a problem. I fear that I must inform you that Komodo's forces have already been spotted entering the green border's of the forest. If they continue their efforts then they will no doubt march here on the temple!"
Chung puts a hand to his chin, to ponder the situation that had fallen upon him. 'Troublesome indeed, Komodo are you so close that what I was forced to do will cost all this.'
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-Master Chung stepped forward, from in front of the main door's of the Romec Temple he could see all the make shift tents and huts that lay before him, and then out to the farmed fields and the cover of the forest. 'We seem so far away from your grasp, but maybe your unrelenting grasp is closing in tight.' He now could see the growing concern in the villager's eyes as they looked up to see him standing before a ranger.
"Sir, what are we going to do?" asked the ranger, Chung hearing the worry in the ranger's words, after all he was no trained soldier, he was just a member of the animals who had left the capital all those weeks ago and who had bravely stepped forward to offer his aid.
A Numbat ran up the steps of the temple, Chung turned as he heard the male ask. "Will they find us, oh master... Are we done for!?" His tone full of fear and worry; not just for himself, but for the others who had come with him.
"We're doomed!" called out a female Sugar Glider.
"Oh, we're dead!" shouted a Wombat, aiming his words at the wise master.
This would not do in the eyes of the great master; who then stamped his cane down on the stone of the temple steps. "Listen to me, please... I will have calm!" his voice firm.
The villager's turned sharply and looked up at the leader. "In Master Chung my dear we have hope." stated the voice of a male sugar glider, standing by his love.
"Yes the ranger as come here with reports of Komodo's soldier and yes it seems that they are marching forth in the forest before us; however... However, never forget that we are safe here.' Chung pausing for a second as he pointed to the ground he stood on. 'Komodo as marched his soldier's in those tree's many times before... and as many a time before we have carried on with our lives... I say today will be no different; as we have been vigilant thanks to the hard work of our rangers... For now I suggest that everyone falls back inside the temple and the doors closed."
At hearing the orders of their master the villager's nodded in agreement, for now their fears had past.
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-Chung had the temple keepers to sound the call. "The silent alarm will bring everyone back inside..." The keeper nodded and turned and left. 'I can only hope we have time... This is the closest Komodo's guards have gotten... As yet I can't allow my warrior's to engage in open war; the lasting scars for war are still too deep...' he then looked to the stone again under foot. 'Oh Yun why do you choose to stay away.'
This thoughts for the lost warrior were broken as his five warriors stood before him. "Master Chung our crystal's shine!"
Chung nodded, a sombre smile on his face. "I have received word from the ranger's in the far that Komodo's forces now led by his new found general Grillo are on the edge of our far fields...' he saw Chi go straight away from her weapon, the koala knew he needed to squash this straight away. 'No, we have time to avoid an attack and have made the call for the animals to fall back inside the temple..."
"Please master let us help... Let us show Komode that we are greater then he..." Chi called out, hand still on the hilt of her weapon, now turning to his wise master looking towards him for the call for battle, but went it didn't come he then tried to pull his leader into the conversation. 'Come on, we are ready to fight them master... Let us send them back to Komodo with their heads down and tails between their legs." ended the warrioress with a quick swish of her tail.
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Chung turned to the fire warrioress and then back to Yee, a light look on his face; as he understood all too well the drive of the warrior to show his standing. "I ask for a steady hand Yee; at this time! As this is not the time for a call for battle. We can not afford to hand Komodo any knowledge of our location, I would however wish you to stand guard until the keeper's see fit to close the temple doors."
Yee lowered his head. "As you wish it; not one will cross the gates... The temples location will stay hidden!"
Even Chi lowered her head in agreement, knowing all too well that Chung is right. Each warrior trustingly followers of Chung.
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Chung then looked around, he stopped the temple's head keeper as he ran by and called out to him. "Is everyone accounted for Mosely?"
The Wallaby turns to the grand master, and with his hands together before his chest nods. "We have cleared all the far western fields Master Chung,' he said now pointing to the fields as the last of the farmers and gathers came up the stone stairs. 'On your word the temple doors will be closed." the Wallaby replied.
So believing that everyone was once again secure inside the temple door Chung agreed for the doors to be closed immediately.
Yee the warrior of wind too his stand ready to protect he hidden Romec Temple with the other's Lai; Warrior of earth, Chi; Warrior of Fire, Tsun; Warrior of water and Elysia the warrioress of the metal.
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-Yee now stands at the top of the white stone wall that surrounds the temple; shielding his eyes with his right hand so he was able to make out the moving figures of Komodo's armed soldier's marching forward. He turns to face Chi, and drew level her Emei Piercers and spun the right one in hand.
Chi was still a little miffed at just standing around watching. "This just isn't right Yee!' she stated, wanting to make her point she casts an arm out to the soldiers. 'Come on, we should be out there making a stand; showing Komodo that we still have power... That with you as our leader we can gain victory."
"That isn't the wisest of moves Chi; just listen to what you're saying." the leader response in a calming tone.
"But Komodo could attack us at any time." snapped the fiery warrioress.
Yee looked out again at the soldiers, he too had his drive; deep down he too would do anything to return to the capital and to unit Tao once again. "I share your need to show Komodo;' he stated honestly to Chi, after all he had no need to lie about his feelings, but there was more to being a leader then stepping into battle at every turn, Yun had taught him that. 'but Master Chung said to be patient, I assure you your fire will get to burn them!" he ended in jest.
Chi shakes her head casting the words of the wind warrior aside. "Patience is not my virtue." and she meant it. Chi taking a tighter grip now to her weapon, all the time seeing Komodo's forces advance.
"But look at it this way Chi; if we strike now, there would be chaos and besides the battle would be just too close to the temple doors. I can't risk that, I won't see innocent animals harmed... I'm sorry I won't!" stated the leader, hoping that his words were sinking in.
"As always you are right Yee.' said Chi, lowering her head. 'I made a pledge to protect the animals who trusted Chung and to lead them to safety. I won't see them undefended..."
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