Disclaimer: See previous chapters
Chap. 48
Pain...
He could feel it, burning into his entire body. Blood no longer flowed thorough his veins, for it had been replaced by a hellish fire. And it grew worse by the minute, by the second. It was more than he could bear. If he didn't find a release, he would explode
Rage...
His vision turned red and an animalistic howl escaped from his throat, roaring out into the surrounding darkness in waves. His mind had only the sight of crimson and the thoughts of the most violent kind.
Destruction...
As the creature roared out, dark flames spiraled around him from his body. The ground began to crack and shatter beneath his feet. As the demonic howling continued, his arms lifted. One hand was opened like in a claw. The other was tightly gripped around the hilt of a sword, with the blade of the weapon dripping with blood.
Beware the Satsui No Hado...
*gasp*
Eyes snapping open, Ryu shot from his bed in a panic. His forehead was leaking with sweat and his breathing was badly ragged. Realizing he was awake and what he had experienced was only a nightmare, the Japanese immortal began to slow his breathing down, working to calm himself and collect his thoughts.
'Satsui No Hado... 'The murderous intent'...'
It had been some time since the thought of the dark side of his art came to mind. It wasn't that he ignored it. But neither was it a focus for him. As far as he was concerned, it was just a caution that he had to look out for. As long as he stuck true to his path, he needn't fear the Satsui No Hado.
Then why now...?
That was something he didn't understand. It was just like the riddle Rose had left him months ago. 'Fight with my soul...' His thoughts were still troubled by those words. He had no idea what to make of it. It seemed like something that he should understand; something that was right before his eyes, but for some reason, couldn't see. Immortal or not, patience had limits, and he knew he may reach his before he fully understood her words.
And now this...
A sense of foreboding was left in Ryu's mind. It didn't take much for him to realize that something was coming; a challenge that he had never faced before. And while Ryu often looked forward to challenges, this one would be of a different kind than he was used to dealing with. And in this time of the Gathering, this would no doubt be a difficult test of his strength. But what would it be?
And would he be able to pass it?
Ring! Ring!
"Hello."
-"Hey hon."-
"William. You're late."
-"Sorry about that. Kinda got caught up."-
"So caught up that you couldn't pick up a phone?"
-"How's Amy? Is she still having trouble with social studies?"-
"You're not getting out of it that easily."
-"Come on. Give me a break here."-
"Okay, I'll let you off the hook...this time. As for Amy, yes, she still has trouble. She now believes that it lives to torment her."
-"Heh. I'll get back to work on that with her when I get back."-
"Oh? And when will that be?"
-"Soon, I hope. We hit a bit of a snag over here, so I'm going to be coming in early."-
"We?"
-"Yeah. My stubborn, pain-in-the-butt partner, Chun-Li. She's just doesn't know when to give up sometimes."-
"Sounds like someone I know."
-"Touché'. Anyway, I should have a full weekend available."-
"Provided nothing goes wrong."
-"I thought you were the positive thinker of the group."-
"I am. I'm even using my happy voice. Can't you tell? Seriously though, I know how things are. You're on notice 24/7."
-"We'll just have to hope things stay sane for two measly days."-
"I can hope. So I'll see you soon."
-"Yeah."-
"Love you."
-"Love you too."-
"Alright Ryu, time for round two!"
Tightening the gloves on his hands, Dan grinned as he settled into fighting stance in the middle of the dojo. On the opposite side, Ryu stood in wait for his opponent. It was early afternoon and Dan had returned in order to have a sparring rematch with the immortal. Ryu was slightly confused by this. After all, there was little chance that Dan could beat him. But it was just a sparring match, so victory wasn't important anyway. And Dan may have improved since the last time.
"Come."
Dan nodded and lifted his fists in readiness, but made no move to advance. Ryu noted this immediately. The last time, Dan rushed in recklessly and quickly wore himself out as a result. This time though, he was taking his time. That was usually a good start...
"Hah!"
With a cry, Dan rushed in and attacked with a high punch to the immortal's face. It seemed an easy shot, as Ryu was in a neutral stance. But in the last instant, Ryu stepped back and lifted his arm, blocking the blow effortlessly. Dan pressed on, launching two more punches and then followed up with a sweep. Once again, the blows were defended against and the sweep was avoided with a lift of his leg. Dan remained low after his sweep, awaiting a counter-attack. But none came and Ryu simply remained as before.
"Come on, Ryu. You're gonna hurt my feelings if you just stand there..."
Ryu said nothing and simply stood in wait. Frowning slightly, the watcher lunged forward, intent on tackling Ryu. Their bodies collided, but Ryu managed to grab hold of Dan and flip him back just as they were to hit the ground. Dan managed to regain his bearings and jump back on his feet. As Ryu rolled up to his feet, Dan was already in the air with his leg extended.
"Yah!"
The kick was well executed, but Ryu quickly deflected the attack and moved off to the side as Dan soared on. Dan quickly snapped around, but Ryu made no move to attack. Now Dan was becoming confused.
He knew about Ryu to know that he wouldn't be this defensive. Was he just going to let Dan swing at him in the belief that the watcher would be able to hit him? No that couldn't be it. Ryu may be more skilled than he was, but he wouldn't hold back in a fight, at least not like this...
"Seriously Ryu, I can take a hit or two. You don't have to worry."
Again, no reply and now Dan went from confused to worry. The mood Ryu was showing was the same as when he found him after he came out of meditating a week ago. Even now, Dan saw a hidden, but distant gaze in the eyes of the immortal. And that was the strangest of all, since Ryu always focused on the fight.
Hey Ryu, maybe...
Before he could finish, Dan saw Ryu's head snap up, his eyes no longer distant, but focused and looking toward the entrance behind. Dan may not have been an immortal, but he knew that look all too well.
Another immortal was near...
Hearing footsteps behind him. Dan turned around. He never expected to be in the middle of an immortal battle and he hoped that this wouldn't be the case now. He was already bending the rules just by his contact with Ryu. He was able to slip away with that, but that may change if this turns ugly while he was in the thick of it.
Really ugly...
However, a sigh from the immortal behind him caused him to relax a bit. Glazing back, he saw Ryu was relaxed, hardly combat-ready. That meant that whoever it was, it was someone he recognized. At least, that what he hoped it meant. Soon enough, the immortal came up to the entrance, smiling broadly at Ryu and giving a confused glance to Dan.
"Ryu-sensei!"
"Hi, Sakura."
Evil...
That was the one word people from the nearby town had for this place. On the outside, it appeared to be a cave. It stood wide and imposing, but beyond that, it seemed simple enough. Yet those who ventured near would always feel the dread chill that came from this place. It was such a dark domain that even the wildlife that lived in the forest surrounding it stayed clear away. Those who dared to venture further, to actually go beyond the mouth of the cave and into the darkness were met with only two fates.
Disappearance and dismemberment...
Yet at this time, one dares to enter the cursed place. The darkness did nothing to hinder him and the dread chill only serve to quicken his pace. For this one was also a creature of the darkness, a demon of destruction and death for those who stood in his path. The cave soon narrowed in around him, forming into a structured hallway. Torches flared to life around him and continued to do so with each step he took... The dread chill soon turned into a malevolent heat so thick, it could suffocate a normal human being.
And yet the newcomer inhaled and revealed in it. He had heard the stories of the creature that dwelt here. An ancient demon that legends say had existed here for hundreds of years. The newcomer would put it past it, since he could sense the creature as he walked onward. There was power here, of the most violent kind. But more than that...
...there was a challenge here...
The newcomer finally exited the hallway and entered into an open space. The floor was tiled with wood and the stains of blood from victim's past could be seen drying on the floor. The torches sped ahead, lighting up the room and circling until they came to the opposite end. There, seated cross legged, was the creature. It was clad in demonic armor, dark and tanned, and bearing a helmet that showed nothing of a face. It was as though it was nothing but a suit of armor.
Until the eyes shown...
The newcomer stood in wait as the armored demon lifted his head to look at him. An evil aura seeped out and encompassed the room. Yet the newcomer snorted and a flare of his own evil power spiraled out. The demon seemed to note this for he soon stood up from his seat. At the same time, the newcomer reached to his side and unsheathed a black sword. The demon advanced, showing no weapon of his own, but the newcomer knew he had them. With a hissing voice that seemed to come from everywhere, the armored demon spoke.
"Who are you, to seek Garuda?!"
"I am the destroyer of heaven and earth! I am Akuma!"
