Burning Out

A/N: This story starts with an alternate ending for Gaiden and takes place for the most part between Gaiden and Kikoutei Densetsu. So there are spoilers for those of you who haven't seen the OVAs. Basically it starts off after Seiji, Nasuti and Jun's capture. The other four troopers' and Runa attempt a rescue but the troopers end up caught in a weird mechanical/magical trap. Yeah I guess that's enough to prepare you so yeah XD

Chapter One

To Question Mortality

A flash of violent light thunders across the room, raining down shards of hot, blinding, white energy. The five-trapped warriors unconsciously close their eyes to protect against this sensory overload. When the glare has faded, one set of bright blue eyes flings open and begin to scan the aftermath of Shikaisen's attack. As his comrades groan and test their vision, Ryo frantically tries confirm his friends' safety.

Jun lays unconscious near the edge of a platform, and Nasuti is clutching him in a protective hold. A quick glance reassures 'Rekka no Ryo' that they are both okay, for the moment. He turns his attention to the platform below him where the smoke was now clearing.

Runa!?

Ryo's anxious shout brings the other warriors attention to the sight below them and at once a collective gasp escapes the other four troopers' mouths. Runa's form was draped over the descending stairs, face down and motionless.

For a moment, the room was silent, aside from the beeping and whirling of machines that combined science and sorcery. Then a harsh and cold toned voice splits the silence.

"Hah! You fleshy beings are so fragile." The sorcerer approached the fallen girl, emitting a hideous laugh. "Eh hah hah!"

Still stunned by this turn of events, Ryo watched helplessly from where he was bound as Shikiasen's human vassal drew nearer to the girl. Unable to speak even a word until the voice of a companion broke the cruel air.

"You sick beast! Stay the hell away from her or else!" said Shuu

"Your empty threats are amusing 'Kongo no Shuu', but unfortunately, its too late for that! You see!" The human kicked Runa's limp form over but the action merited no response.

"Hah! This is proof positive that we are a superior race! "

"Only a soulless demon like you could harm a defenseless mortal girl. Have you no decency!" shouted Seiji whose normally graceful tone was seeping with anger.

"Decency! All these demons are the same! Shallow, evil, and cowardly." Yelled Touma.

"Hah! All you mortals are good for is feeding our armies with negativity and fertilizing our future domain with your rotting corpses. Hah hah hahhahha"

With that last laugh, the lid on Ryo's temper burst off like a volcanic explosion and he began pulling at his binds in a fit of blind rage.

"Arrrgh! You Bastard! I'll kill you!" Ryo screams through gritted teeth. Gold electric shocks course across his body in increasing intensity as he strains against the trap.

"Ryo?!" Nasuti yells, obviously concerned for him.

"Go on and try it! You can't break free hothead! My master's magic and my technology are unbeatable!" The human vassal shouts.

"Stop it, Ryo! Ryo!" Shin yells

Touma eyes lower in worry at the gasps from his friends. "He's gonna' get himself killed." He states to himself.

Then one of the binds unexpectedly blows and Ryo's left arm is nearly free.

At this, all of the troopers' faces beam with hope, and Nasuti decides to make her move. She uses the distraction to set Jun down and sneak to the controls that the human vassal has so carelessly abandoned.

"What!? Impossible!" Shikaisen bellows. He lunges at Ryo only to be repelled by the radiating power from the boy's trap.

Nasuti begins to work her magic with the computer, following the sounds and strokes of the keys she had memorized while observing the scientist.

Shikaisen notices her a yells " Stop her you fool!" but it was too late. In no time flat, she released the traps and to the bad guys dismay all five troopers' were ready to kick ass and claim revenge. Before he even knew what hit him a gleam of sharp blades knocks away Shikaisen's sword. The sorcerer counters with a fast lightning spell, which throws Ryo backwards into the helpful arms of Shin.

"You okay there, Ryo?" He asks.

Ryo just nods and lifts his aching body from the ground into a fighting stance.

"You fool!" Shikaisen shouts turning towards his vassal. "This was not in your data you filthy Mongrel!" He fires gleaming red steam from his fingertips at the cowering scientist. "Die!" he shouts as his vassal is obliterated while screaming for help.

The sorcerer then turns to Nasuti, raising his hands to caste a spell. "And you! I shall…" He is cut off when he suddenly is forced to dodge an on slot of metal and arrows. He jumps up and hovers by the ceiling, contemplating his next move.

Meanwhile, with the path unblocked Ryo and the others are free to check Runa's condition. The five warriors sprint over to her and Ryo drops by her side. Shin aids Ryo in gently lifting her up and scanning her injuries, while Touma, Shuu and Seiji remain on guard. Relief washes over the two worried troopers' faces when the girl stirs slightly, opening her deep caramel brown eyes.

A/N: (Her eyes are blue, but so is everyone else's in this show so I changed it cuz that annoys me for some unknown reason. Anyways)

"R-Ryo"

"Runa!" He replies excitedly. "Don't worry Runa! We'll take care of this and avenge your brother. So please…save your strength."

She flashes a weak, yet guilty smile before she nods and collapses peacefully into his arms. Ryo stands and carries her up towards Nasti and Jun for safety.

"Ah so she lives. Pity. I guess I'll have to remedy that after I kill you five pathetic brats! Haha!" Shikaisen laughs as he lunges forward from his perch and attacks Touma. Seiji, Shuu and Shin jump to help their friend and the fight recommences. Meanwhile, Ryo carefully sets Runa down and then joins the other four. This battle would be settled now, and they were sure Shikaisen was gonna pay for his crimes…

To be continued…if it reviews okay.

Yeah it was a short chapter but I'm tired and my heads crammed with junk…so I'll just be sure to make chapter 2 longer.

okay so g'night. XD

Meiuko