I don't own Ronin Warriors.
Chapter 9
Maria stared at the spot Anubis last was. She couldn't believe he had saved her just so that she wouldn't face Talpa's wrath. Maria took deep breaths to calm her racing heart as she realized how close she was from going back to the Dynasty.
"Aw, we failed," Maria heard Rowen say. "Anubis is going with them."
"He wasn't going with them," Maria said quietly.
"And how would you know?" Kento asked, narrowing his eyes.
Maria glared at him. "Because I was there, asshole! He fought against the Warlords to stay here for he didn't want to go back!" Maria lowered her eyes, staring at the ground. "Anubis saved me from going back there."
Cye walked over to Maria and helped her up. "Are you all right, Maria?" he asked gently.
"I'm fine, thanks."
The clinging of the staff turned their attention to see the Ancient walking towards them, with Mia, Yulie, and White Blaze close behind.
"Now that Talpa has the armor of Anubis, he craves for all your armors," stated the Ancient.
"All right, we'll go to the castle," said Ryo.
"The castle is full of dark forces. You have to be careful," The Ancient said.
"Don't worry; we won't let Talpa get us," said Kento.
"Ancient, how are the Ronins going to get to Talpa's castle?" asked Yulie.
The Ancient stared at him. "I'll be the bridge to Talpa's domain."
"Once we get in, Talpa will be toast," said Rowen.
"We'll do what we have to do, to free the city again," said Sage.
Kento looked at Yulie. "You'll be with your parents in no time, Yulie."
"Really?!" asked Yulie.
"But, can we eat first?"
"I guess Kento can't fight on an empty stomach."
"Hey, watch it, kid."
Everyone started laughing but the Ancient looked up at the sky. He could sense that something wasn't right.
In the castle, Anubis was forced to his knees, with Cale and Sekhmet holding Anubis's arms. Dais grabbed a fistful of Anubis' hair and pulled, making him look at Talpa.
"Don't bother talking to him," said Talpa. "He's lost to us."
"I do not understand, Master," said Cale.
"Anubis, come back to me. I can't give you over to the monk."
"No, it's only my armor that you want," Anubis said then winced in pain as Dais pulled his hair harder.
"How could you believe there lies?" asked Dais.
"It's the truth, and you shall see for yourselves."
"Hate me if you wish, but you won't leave this place. It is not the armor that lives for you, it is you that lives for the armor and for me," explained Talpa.
"We are all part of his darkness," said Anubis. "Your armor is the same as mine."
"You lie," Cale said, pulling his arm as if to rip it off.
Sekhmet pulled too. "Anubis, what has become of you?"
"Throw him into the dungeon!" yelled Talpa.
The Warlords disappeared with Anubis to carry out their master's wishes. Sekhmet and Dais reappeared a few moments later.
"Master Talpa," Dais started.
"What?" asked Talpa.
"The Ronin Warriors have gotten stronger. We feel their sting, and our battles are long and tiring," said Dais.
"We want the power Anubis got," said Sekhmet. "We'll do anything you ask of us, to gain this darker power."
"So, you want the power of darkness?" asked Talpa, then laughed. "Very well. Show me you are ready for the power of the darkness!"
"Yes, Master." Sekhmet and Dais disappeared.
I must get rid of the monk first, Talpa thought to himself.
The group had found an underground station and the Ronins were resting for their upcoming battle with the Dynasty. Mia sat on a bench and Yulie placed his head on her lap, closing his eyes to take a nap. Maria leaned against a wall, her arms crossed over her chest. She still couldn't wrap her head around what Anubis did for her.
"Look, what difference does it make if Anubis helps us or not?" Kento asked. "We can't attack Talpa standing around here."
"Kento, the more numbers we have on our side, it will be easier to take down Talpa," Rowen explained to Kento.
"He's right," agreed Cye.
"We can't have traitors fighting with us," said Kento. "What happens if they stab us in the back?"
"You better watch what you're saying, Kento," growled Maria. "I'm not liking the tone you're giving out."
"Why should we care what you think?" Kento asked.
"In case you haven't realized, I have been in Talpa's castle. You have an advantage on your side for I know Talpa's castle inside and out. I can give you information about the Dynasty and what to look for."
"How do we know you won't betray us once we get in there?" Sage asked, still unsure of Maria.
"I promise I won't betray you. But if you want to be certain, I can stay here while you five go to the Dynasty. I will tell you all I know and then you can leave. I'll be gone by the time you come back and you won't see me again."
"Where will you go?" Mia asked her.
"Somewhere faraway I hope," muttered Kento.
"What the hell is your problem?!" Maria exclaimed. "Yes, I helped Talpa but now I'm helping you. I'm the only one who can get you the information you need."
"We were doing fine without you so why don't you just leave now."
"Enough, Kento," ordered Ryo.
"Why are you getting mad at Maria?" Cye asked. "I know she wronged us but we have to get over it."
"How can you get over the fact that she was basically giving away information to the enemy?!"
"I didn't know at the time, ok?! I was scared and alone and I didn't know what to do."
"Didn't your parents tell you never talk to strangers?"
"Yes, but-"
"So then why did you listen to Talpa? Did he bribe you with something?"
"No, I-"
"Then why did you join the Dynasty?"
"I had no one to turn to!"
"So I guess Talpa was better than your parents, huh? I can't believe you choose Talpa over your own parents."
"If you must know, my mother is dead and my own father beat me and tried to rape me!"
Silence filled the room as everyone stared at Maria with wide eyes. Maria stared at them, tears lining her eyes.
"What are you guys talking about?" Yulie slurred, sleep heavy in his voice as he rubbed his eyes.
"I have to go," Maria stated, walking towards the stairs.
Kento reached his hand out to her. "Maria, I-"
"Don't touch me." Maria growled and then stormed up the stairs. Once she was gone, Sage slapped Kento upside the head. "You need to learn to keep your mouth shut."
"I'll go talk to her," Ryo said, heading up the stairs. When he got on the surface, Ryo looked around, trying to find Maria. He felt something nudge his leg and looked down to see White Blaze staring at him. "Hey, boy. Do you know where Maria went?"
The tiger, seeming to understand him, nodded and started walking towards a group of buildings. Ryo followed closely behind as they went into a building. Ryo had to watch his step as he maneuvered his way through the clutter. He heard sniffling and saw Maria sitting in a corner, her head in her hands. Ryo walked over to her and sat down beside her, placing an arm around her shoulders. Maria flinched at the contact, glancing up to see Ryo staring at her. "What do you want?" Maria asked, wiping her eyes.
"I want to check on you," Ryo answered. "You just admitted a huge secret that you had bottled up inside."
"If you're trying to make me feel better, it's not working." Maria pushed Ryo away from her. "Just go away."
"Maria, talk to me."
"No, I don't want to talk to you. Now leave me alone."
Ryo brought Maria into his arms and held her. Maria's eyes widen as Ryo clutched her to his chest. "Don't shut me out, Maria," said Ryo.
Tears filled Maria's eyes as she buried her face in Ryo's chest, her sobs muffled by his chest. Ryo stroked her hair as he continued to hold the trembling girl in his arms.
"He blamed me," Maria sobbed. "My father blamed me for my mother's death. He started abusing me soon after and kept telling me that my mother would still be alive if it wasn't for me. He tried to rape me when I was sixteen but that's when I discovered my telekinesis and used it to get away from him." More sobs racked Maria's body. "This is all my fault."
"No it's not. None of this is your fault." Ryo cupped Maria's face in his hands, wiping away the tears.
"I'm so sorry," Maria whispered.
"It's ok," Ryo reassured then placed a kiss on her forehead. He rested his head upon hers as he continued to hold Maria, soothing the trembling girl.
Suddenly, a loud rumbling could be heard, snapping the attention of the two. White Blaze growled as he ran out of the building. "White Blaze!" Ryo called. He helped Maria up and the two ran out as well.
"Ryo!" Sage called, running out from the underground station with the others. "What's going on?"
"I don't know," answered Ryo.
"Look!" Yulie exclaimed, pointing to a blue light leading towards the Dynasty. Everyone stared at the light, wondering where it came from, when they heard a mournful cry. Ryo looked down to see White Blaze standing not that far from them, staring at the light.
"White Blaze, what is it?" Ryo asked. Suddenly, it all clicked as Ryo looked back at the light, understanding what had happened. Everyone else also realized what had happened for the Ancient One had sacrificed himself to make a portal to the Dynasty.