Chapter 14

A Lesson to Learn, A Heart Fulfilled

This was it his last chance to not only prove to the old geezer that he was worthy of Minami but also to save his friends from a life he knew they didn't want. In a sense it was as if he was fighting for their freedom but instead of an army he had one of the dark Lords to fight against. Though his nerves were a bit shaky his friends were their for him while also trying to talk him out of the whole situation. They knew he was angry and he had the right to be, but what he was about to get into was very dangerous; if he wasn't careful he could very well lose his life.

"You don't have to do this you know that right? He's on a whole new level than you and what if something happens? What about Gino and the others back to the academy? What about Minami?" asked Oshira.

He didn't even bothered answering but instead tightened his glove up and wiped the sweat from his brow. He knew hewas outclassed but to him his title were merely words to class him above the rest and nothing more. He couldn't give up, not now.

"I won't start you from doing this but you may want to think about what you're about to do before you walk into something you're not ready for."

"Shut up I'll win this for sure." he hissed.

"You're not thinking logically here. You're going off pure hatred and anger, is that how you want to win this?" Tsukuneasked with worry in his voice.

"I will! Now let's get on with it." he demanded before stepping on the grassy field.

Thanks to Aki they wouldn't have to worry about falling off into the void below, or at least Ryo wouldn't have to worry. With both out on the field everyone could only watch as they met face to face on the battle field.

"You've got guts kid I'll give you that but let's just see how far that gets you here." Issa told him before folding his arms.

"Yeah whatever." was all Ryo had as he pulled out the hilt of his sword.

With that out-of-the-way it was time to take their positions, but instead Ryo got right to it as he jumped at him with his blade straight out. He thought that maybe if he surprised him he would gain the upper hand but instead Issa merely reached back grabbed the blade with his bare hand. It mattered not how hard he struggled to reclaim his blade he hadn't the strength to pull it free.

"Nice try but you'll need more than deception." he hissed before crushing the blade into small particles.

With his opponent distracted he gave his stomach a good kick which sent him straight into the large roots behind him. It hurt badly; like a cannon ball had been fired at his stomach. But with enough determination to endure it he pushed himself back up.

"Ryo that's enough stop this right now!" Moka exclaimed.

"Shut up I told you I'm not quitting on this! Not only Minami, not on Kuruma, and not on myself!" he shouted before pointing at his instructor.

"Enough, your determination is commendable but you won't be changing my mind here today."

"Grrrr Spark Gun!" he cried out before firing a large bolt at him.

He thought at least if he fought from afar that maybe he could avoid physical contact but that proved pointless as well the moment his bolt got near him. He had no need to block with his arms but instead he used the same move he taught him in a way he hadn't seen before. In a flash his attack struck the invisible force exerted from his body and instead vanished into nothing.

"He used it as a shield." said Malon as they all looked forward in extreme worry.

"Correct, he has no need to use physical attacks on things like that. It doesn't matter which way he strikes because all his attacks will be neutralized before they can even touch him." Moka explained.

"But if that's true then...oh no. Run Ryo run!" shouted Oshira.

But try as he might there was no getting to him. His mind was set on defeating his mentor and that was final. Well if one single shot didn't get to him then maybe several smaller shots would. With his hand at his side he gather up a smallportion of electricity in his palm before throwing it forward. In a matter of seconds Issa was being bombarded by a barrage of smaller light bolts, but instead of moving he just stood there.

"Haven't you learned by now? Crap like that won't work on me!" he shouted before raising his defenses.

There were so many that he could hardly see anything in front of him but as they died down he learned his opponent wasn't stupid. They weren't being used offensively but instead of a cover so he could sneak in closer. Once right up on him he gave a good swing with his right fist.

"Never underestimate me old man." he told him in a serious tone.

"Heh not bad, but you've still got a lot to learn."

It wasn't clear at first but attacking with his fists left his entire midsection open for an attack. And so with a slight lean-tothe right Issa managed to avoid the strike and instead drove his own fist into his stomach.

"Gah, I had you." Ryo groaned as he held his stomach.

"Well think again." replied Issa before giving him a solid punch to the right side of his face.

He couldn't believe it, through all his training and hardships he pushed himself to become the best person he could become yet he couldn't even land one hit on the guy. Was this fate telling him it was useless to fight against it? Both his stomach and face stung in pain as he laid on the ground. Back to square one, that's where he was headed.

"No way, you can make fun of me all you want and take away what's most precious to me, but know this you bastard; I'll never give up on the future!" he cried out as the jewel in his glove began glowing.

"So he's that desperate. Using my families own power against me huh? That'll be his last mistake."

He wasn't stopping at Limit Two but instead went straight to Limit Three. The pressure it put on his body was immense but it was nothing he wasn't use to. No longer were his eyes purple but instead a dark red as he bawled up his fist. Even if it caused damage to his body he didn't care as long as he beat the old man to oblivion and back.

"What's going on?" asked a frightened Salina.

"He's pushing himself too far. Look at his face." said Kurumu.

She was right it didn't look normal. His flesh had begun to crack slightly around his eyes and his teeth were sharpening to a point.

"Screw this." Diataro told them before standing up.

But the moment he did Issa glared at him as if to tell him to let him handle it.

"How long do you think it'll be before it shatters?" Mizore asked Moka.

"Hm he's only been able to hold it for about five minutes during practice so I would say about the same amount."

"Are you kidding me? And we're just sitting here why?" asked as frustrated Oshira.

"Slow your rode, he's got it." Diataro assured them.

As his power grew though the red aura around Ryo began growing as small sparks surrounded him. The look on his face like that of a man on a mission. His was no longer angry but instead determined as he glared at his opponent.

"I've got no other choice I can't do this any other way." he thought to himself.

But as he stood there thoughts of Minami and Kuruma began flashing before his eyes and the struggles they went through. He wanted to contain them for as long as he could but the moment he lowered his guard Issa went in for the kill. His punches were fast and extremely strong; almost like blocking large pieces of stone being thrown at him, but once he gathered himself he managed to push back and unleash his own flurry of punches.

"Tsk even in this state your still too slow for your own good."

"Shut up I'm tired of your bullshit you hear? Now fuck off!"

He hadn't the need to dodge though for the moment he began throwing his punches he knew how it would end and so once his fist came within range he grabbed ahold at his wrist and with a quick spin he flung him right into the nearby stone statue. His powers had no effect and his physical attacks weren't working either so what would? Then it hit him; what if he got rid of the air around him? If he moved fast enough he could probably trip him up a bit; it was the only shot he had.

"Come on man you're pushing it way to hard." Diataro thought.

"Three minutes left." Moka told them as a nervous sweat began running down both her and Tsukune's faces.

Once he got back to his feet Ryo took a deep breath before dashing full speed towards his foe, but instead of attacking he began running around him in a circle. If what he learned in science class was true if he could create a vortex it would suck up all the oxygen around him and without oxygen he couldn't breathe. He ran faster and faster as a crimson red vortex began forming around Issa.

"Am I do too weak for you now gramps? Huh am I?" he asked in a cocky tone.

"It's not that your weak it's your damn attitude." he told him straight out.

"What?" he asked as he continued running.

"Your potential is great but you act like this is all just a game. Cocky, ignorant, and stubborn as all hell."

That was it, he had nothing to say as he began slowing down and with this Issa took the opportunity to end it. With his arms raised he unleashed numerous blasted from all around and once they found their target they never let up. Dust covered the battlefield as everyone covered their eyes to shield themselves from the debris, but once it was over and the dust began to settle the victor was clear.

"Ryo..." Malon said softly as they saw him laying on the ground, his body covered in blood.

"It's over." Moka said as everyone looked at Issa.

He didn't even have a scratch on him, but his face said something else. His eyes narrowed in on his student with a sense of guilt before turning to leave. What had to be done was finally over, but he couldn't help but feel something inside.

"This lesson is over."

Or was it? As he turned to leave he heard a faint crackling from behind him.

"How's this happening?" asked Kurumu as they watched their fallen friend rise.

Not only was he still alive but it seemed he could still fight, or could he? The look in his eyes was hollow and blank. It was as if his body wouldn't give up on the fight. With his hand out he formed his last move; the Ultima Spark before slowly dragging himself over to his opponent like a lifeless zombie. Everyone went silent including Kanji as they watched him drag his feet across the ground before throwing his arm forward.

"That's enough." was all Issa said before grabbing his wrist to stop the attack.

Only once before had he seen someone push forward like that and in such a state too, but in the end it didn't matter who won. As his hardheaded student fell to the ground he caught him before scooping him up to bring him inside.

"Prepare a bed." Kanji told Aki.

"Yes sir."

It took no time at all to fix up a bed in the infirmary room and once they arrived they layed him down while Shira used her magic to surround him in a green substance. He wasn't moving but when she checked his heart beat and pulse he seemed pretty fine on the inside.

"Nothing's broken but his body has been put under tons of strain and with the amount of blood he's lost he'll be out for a while." he said before emitting a green glow.

Once touched Ryo's body began growing as the gashes around his body began sealing themselves up. Even with the power of Shinso at his side he still couldn't recover fast enough to stop Issa.

"But he'll be okay right?" asked Malon.

"From what I can tell nothing his pulse feels normal so with some rest and this spell he should he good to go in a few hours."

"That's good." Oshira said before falling back in the chair beside the bed.

When he looked over though he saw their missing friend standing there with her eyes wide open.

"What happened?" she asked worryingly as she walked up to the bed.

"Altercations with your grandfather." her mother told her without hesitation.

"You? You did this?" she asked as she turned to him.

He needn't answer as he stood there in front of her with a look of regret.

"Well to be fair Mr. Keno did challenge him." Shira told her.

"Shira shush." Kanji said.

"What? Well why didn't you decline? You promised to keep him safe and yet here he is all bloodied up."

"Look I..."

"No don't say anything. Can I just have some time with him please?" she asked of them.

"Of course." Kanji replied before escorting everyone out of the room.

As much as she didn't want to blame her best friend for everything she couldn't help but see that it was his fault. His brash reaction caused all of this and now he was in a bed with his body covered in blood. No, it was both of their faults. As she sat down though she moved his hair away from his eyes as the spell worked its magic.

"You're such an idiot sometimes you know that? I take a little nap and look what's happened to you." she told him before clasping his hand in hers.

And for most of the day Minami stayed at his side while the servants checked on his progress. He still wasn't moving and as the moon began to rise his friends began to wonder if he would be all fixed up for tomorrow. While she watched over him though everyone else was off doing their own thing whether it was relaxing or playing games with Kuruma as they waited for his results. But while they were having fun Moka found him deep in thought while in the living room.

"Something on your mind?" she asked.

"Not much." he answered.

"Is it about the fight?"

"Not entirely."

"Then what?"

It was hard for him to ask her but if he didn't get it off his mind then it would only ruin his enjoyment at tomorrows event.

"I don't know what I was thinking taking that damn offer. I mean he has his problem but you saw what I did out there."

"Yeah you beat him pretty good."

"But why?"

"If I had to say it would be guilt. You saw he was intruding on your plans and since he and your granddaughter share a bond you tried to sever that right?"

He couldn't say it, but he couldn't deny it either. He knew as long as both he and Minami shared a bond that she would never be truly happy with her new life and so he tried to break him in more ways than one. How could he look both of them in the eyes again after what he did he thought as he lowered his head.

"What have I done?"

Their conversation would have to wait though as Kurumu came running in looking pretty worried along with everyone else.

"Something wrong?" Moka asked.

"Ryo, he's not in his bed and we've looked throughout the castle. We can't find him anywhere."

As he got up Issa could tell Minami was very worried that he may had left after what happened, but that was about to end as he stood up. If they could find him and convince him to return then maybe he could patch things up with them both.

"If anything he's probably somewhere in the forest so me, Kanji, Tsukune, Mizore, and Moka will take the eastern sector while the rest of you check the western sector. With a group big enough and spread out we may find him faster." he suggested.

"What about me and sis?" Shaun asked.

"You two stay here."

"Awe..."

"And that goes double for you son. Girls make sure they don't try to sneak out." said Kanji with a wink.

"Good great let's get a move on." Issa said as he gathered his party up before setting out.

"Please be okay." Minami wished as she headed back to her room.

While they awaited for their return Kurumu took to the sky while Diataro used his wolf senses to sniff out their goal. It wasn't that easy though with so many conflicting scents all over the place from other animals, but that's why they hadKurumu. With some luck the moon's light would help light their way.

"Where oh where is our little lamb?" Kurumu asked herself as she went on ahead.

The forest wasn't too big, at most a mile or so long, so one would think it would have been easier to spot him but from above the trees were fairly compact and if she couldn't find him she could only hope the others minutes ticked by as she examined every little detail around in hope that she could find him, but no luck. As she flew farther and farther away from the others though she began smelling something strange. It wasn't nature that was for sure.

"Burned metal?"

It wasn't that strong but strong enough that she could zero in on its location. With a quick dip down she landed near the edge of the road leading out before seeing something very familiar laying in the grass. A mortorcycle that looked as if someone had thrown some fire on it as she inspected it closer.

"Still hot." she told herself as her hand hovered over the surface of the metal plating.

Well she found his bike but where was he? She couldn't just stand there and do nothing so instead she used her claws to cut down the branches that blocked her path. She must had walked for about ten minutes before she finally saw an opening and from the sound of it there was running water nearby. And she was right, the moment she cut through the last bit of branches she found herself standing by a lake connected to a river with a small waterfall placed on the other side, but that wasn't all she found kneeling by the edge.

"Whew thank god you're okay. Come on we need to meet up with the others and tell them the good news." she told him before grabbing his arm.

Instead though he pulled away like he didn't want to go with her.

"I did it, I did everything right and still it wasn't enough." he said with his head lowered.

"Not enough? If this is about earlier then it's alright."

"I wanted it more than anything and I thought if maybe I could show him that I was something special, someone worthy, but I'm just...not. Heh and to think for a second I think I could have been."

"Look you don't have to feel bad about yourself. You've done some amazing things and if he can't see that then he's just as blind as a bat."

"It's not just about that. I wanted to prove that I could have been worthy of her love, but hey what chance do I stand against a pure blood right? And now I'll never see her again. I'll never get that chance because of how slow I was. Funny huh? Slow? Me? Hah..."

She couldn't believe what she was seeing. The energetic boy she had trained with had been reduced to this. It was as if something had come and sucked every ounce of determination out of him and replaced it only with sorrow and self-pity. She couldn't just leave him like this though as she placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I know how you feel. Letting the one you loved get away."

"Are you kidding me? Just look at you. You don't have to lie just to cheer me up I know my place now." he said before standing.

He just wanted to leave before anyone else found him but the moment he took a step she pulled him over to embrace him in her warmth.

"I know how it feels sweetie. Life can be a jerk at times. It can kick it, it can kick you hard but you know what you can do?"

"What?" he asked as he placed his head on her chest.

"You can kick back. Pick yourself up and start again, but don't let anyone tell you what your worth is because only you know that."

"But Minami..."

"There are plenty of other fish in the sea and just remember even if you two don't see each other for a while you'll still have your bond and friends."

Friends, the moment he heard that word he could have sworn his heart skipped a beat as he stepped back from her. Though it hadn't sunk in until then he began having a moment of clarity.

"Oshira, Oshiru, Naomi, Diataro, Danni, Suki...Magi...my friends." he told himself as he counted them on his fingers as tears began welling up.

"That's right you've still got your friends to lean on."

She was right. Even if the wedding went on it wasn't the end of the world and who knew maybe one day they could see each other again, but in the meantime he still had his buddies to lean on when feeling down and he knew for as strange as they were they wouldn't ever abandon him.

"Thanks for that." he said before drying his eyes.

"No problem, and hey if you ever need some loving we're always available." she offered in a rather sexual tone.

"Eh heh thanks but I've got something to tend to." he said before dashing off.

"Ah such a kid." she sighed as she watched him run down the trail.

As he ran as fast as she could back towards the castle he began thinking of all the good times they had shared together and no matter how long they were apart for they would never leave him. Those were his most precious treasures.

"Still I can't leave this unresolved. I've got to tell her."

Meanwhile back at the castle his love sat by the window as she looked out at the moon. They must had been gone for almost an hour and still nothing. She didn't want to give up hope but knowing how fast he was he was probably long gone and wouldn't return. No, he wasn't like that right? He'd come back to see.

"Please come back." she begged as she leaned on the window.

The clock read almost nine, it was time for her to hit the hay for the night but as she slipped into her night robe her door flew open. What she thought might had been her grandfather and Kanji looking for their missing friend actually turned out to be the one they were looking for. Sweat dripped down his face as he entered.

"Hey, sup?" he asked as he caught his breath.

But as she walked towards him he began getting a bad feeling in his stomach. Whatever he deserved whatever she was going to do to him and he had to take it like a man. And so as she raised her hand he watched as she gave the left side of his face a good smack; hard enough to leave a red mark.

"What were you thinking disappearing like that? What were you thinking fighting my grandfather? Are you really that much of an idiot to think we wouldn't worry about you?" she asked him angrily.

"I know, I was stupid and selfish. I wasn't thinking straight but that's all over now. I promise." he told her as he put on a good smile for her.

"Ah, fine but you best not do this again okay? You had me worried sick."

"I know and I know I can't stop what's going to happen tomorrow, but listen there's something I need to tell you."

"Oh? And what's that?" she asked as she walked closer.

This was it, the moment of truth had arrived as his heart began beating out of control. A nervous sweat ran down the side of his face as he tried to think of the right words.

"I can't just come out and say it right? Gotta lead up to it."

"Are you having trouble?" she asked.

"No, but listen we've known each other for a long time but I've never had the courage to say this directly to your face.Minami I..."

But instead of letting him finish she grabbed him by the collar of his jacket, looked deep into his eyes, and with a good tug pulled him right to her lips. It was all so sudden as he began panicking, but after a second or two he finally embraced the moment before returning the favor. Her lips, they were so soft and warm and the same went for his as a bit of electricity surrounded them. Once they finally broke up though both of their faces were as red as Christmas lights.

"Wow, you knew?" he asked as he scratched the back of his head.

"Duh, you're not the hard to read you know." she told him before flicking his forehead.

"Heh yeah I guess that's just me, but listen I want you to know that even after all of this is over you'll still be right here at the center of my heart. You'll never leave me no matter where I go or what I do." he promised.

"Yes, as will you." he said as she began crying while also smiling.

Tears of joy, that's what they were as they embraced each other. Though they would be apart they would always be connected and no one would change that. As she dried up her eyes she looked back towards the bed before taking his hand.

"What's she up to?" he wondered sarcastically before she pushed him on the bed.

"Ryo we're both adults here right? Before tomorrow comes I want to give you something, something very precious that I only want you to have."

It all made sense now. The attempts at seduction; she wanted to give him the one thing she could only give once to the one she truly loved. As he sat there he watched as she dropped her robe to show off her pure body to him.

"Wait time out, you want me take your...?"

"Mhm, it's all for you." she told him before crawling over on top of him.

"Uh hm okay how do I start this? Oh wait I know." he said before caressing her face.

Though inexperience they would soon feel each others head as she locked lips with him again before pulling his jacket off, this time though it was a lot more passionate. As their tongues met he began running his hands over her smooth skin while she tore open his top before doing the same.

"Wait what if someone catches us?" he asked as he broke the kiss.

And for her answer she simply pushed her lips back to his as he finally let go of all his worries. As his hands approaches her bottom though she sat up to proclaim her dominance over him, but what did he care? If she wanted it she got it.

"Ryo...please." she asked as her hands moved closer to his pants.

As she grabbed the zipper though they heard a knock as both jumped off each other; Ryo grabbing his jacket to zip it up and Minami to grab her robe.

"Minami?" they heard Kanji ask.

Oh well it was fun while it lasted but to him it wasn't really needed. Now that the weight had been lifted he felt like a new man as he opened the door for him.

"Sorry about that I was just having a talk with her about what happened. It's all good now though." he said before walking out.

"I see. Well have a good night sleep." he said to him before walking into her room with her drink.

With both his mind and body completed exhausted he would have to wait until the next day to explain everything to his friends, but now that he confessed he felt so much better. And no matter what he went though everyone and especially she would help get him through it.