Inside the Forbidden, pt. 3: Arrival of Fate
Prologue- Kellei and Linara
"I think you're getting too close to them."
"But they're nice kids. And it gives me a chance to help them without letting them know."
"If they find out..."
"They won't find out. Look, he disappeared ten years ago, just after my parents divorced. The fact that his best friend is here now can only mean what we thought before."
"What we thought before has all changed. We didn't know about the Soul Bearer armors and that... that girl had them this entire time."
"Kell, she didn't know about the connection. None of them did until Shisama attacked them. You saw the surprise on her face."
"I know. They're too uninformed. We'd be better off not joining them and doing this on our own."
"Oh, don't say that. It's a chance to be with friends when we haven't for so long. We've been changing schools, trying to find them, and we haven't had a chance to make any real friends."
"No one can have real friends if the Dynasty's involved."
"Kellei... I still don't like the fact that we've got the Soul armors and can't use them. If all six join together with the power of the Decsendents and Ronins, we can obliterate the Dynasty, once and for all."
"They still haven't found the sixth one yet. Just wait, Lina. We've still got time." A cold wind blew in through the window, even though it was smack in the middle of a summer-ish heat wave.
"The wind's bringing darkness with it, Kell. Shisama is only using the Dynasty. He'll bring the death of the mortal realm with him, whether or not we win."
"If the world's gonna end, Lina, then let it end with us. Not those... children."
Chapter 1- The Tire Swing
"Kento, you were supposed to catch the rope!"
"I did!"
"So why is it on the ground?!"
"Because I dropped it?!"
"Of for the love of... throw it back up here!"
"Okay." Houta caught the rope and slid one end through the pulley.
"Catch it this time," she said to Kento, letting it go. He did and she leapt to the ground. "Okay. That's the last part. It's all set now."
"So... what is it?" She looked at him and grinned.
"It's a tire swing for Tapae," she answered. "She's been dropping hints about this for awhile."
"Hints? Like how?"
"'I want a tire swing' mostly." He laughed. "So now she'll be able to keep herself busy, instead of bugging the rest of us."
"I don't think she bugs us," said Kento. "She's just... energetic."
"You're right. She's got energy to spare. But she needs to put it to better use." Houta sat on top of the tire and leaned against the rope. "Kento, what do you think's wrong with Linara? She's been avoiding me all week."
"I dunno. Maybe she doesn't like you anymore." Houta looked at him and he grinned sheepishly. "Not that anyone can not like you, Houta."
"Funny, Hardrock," she said. "But I'm serious. I don't trust that Kellei. She's... evil-ish."
"Evil... ish?"
"Yeah. There's something about her that's not right, but I can't quite put my finger on it."
"Don't go jumping to conclusions. Maybe she's just an intense person."
"You're probably right," she said, getting down to the ground. "Let's get back to the house. Can't keep the others waiting."
"Is it lunch time?" asked Kento. "Wow. I didn't even notice." She smiled.
"That's why I brought you out here," she said. "I thought I'd try Linara's technique. It worked, didn't it?"
"Yeah, it did," he laughed. "Okay, let's go."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Ryo, will you wait up!" yelled Tapae. He stopped and looked at her, grinning. "What's your rush?"
"Nothing, Tape," he said. She put her hands on her hips, quite a feat carrying a picnic basket.
"Stop calling me that," she said. "Be nice."
"Oh, come on, Tap- Tapae. It's not that bad is it?" She tilted her head and wrinkled her nose.
"No, I guess not. It's just annoying."
"Okay, Tape." She rolled her eyes. "So where are we going?"
"Come on. I figured we'd have a picnic today, since it's so nice outside and I'm sick of eating in. Cye made some sandwiches and Charei made enough lemonade to last the entire house about a month, so I brought some of that too."
"Where. Are. We. Going?" She grinned.
"A little impatient, are we?" she asked. "It's... a surprise!" She laughed at the frustrated look he gave her.
"Oh, come on, Ryo. You're no fun."
"No fun?" She nodded matter of factly.
"Yeah. You're always so tense. Now just relax. Forget about the Dynasty, forget about that demon thing that keeps coming back insesently- no matter what we do-, and focus on loosening up. The Dynasty's not here and if they show up, we'll kick their asses." She sounded so sure, he had to smile.
"Okay, okay, surprise me," he said. The way she smiled back at him... he would do almost anything to keep her that happy.
"Close your eyes," she said. He raised an eyebrow. "Ryo."
"Alright, alright." He closed his eyes and she seized his hand in hers. "I swear, Tape, if I walk into a tree..."
"You're full deserving of an 'accident' like that," she said. "For calling me Tape."
"You said I could."
"I know, but still... okay, open your eyes." He did and saw the sunlight filtering through the cherry trees. Pink blossoms still half covered the ground, scattered among the summer wildflowers. He bent down and picked one, then gave it to her. She smelled it, then waved it in his face. "If you think this'll make up for that 'Tape' crap... you're wrong." He smiled gently and shook his head.
"I didn't really think it would," he said. He wrapped his arm around her waist and kissed her softly. "Will that?" Tapae's green eyes flashed with confusion and shock, then she grinned.
"Maybe." Then she kissed him firmly. "Maybe."
Chapter 2- Vacation to Mount Destiny
"Ready?" asked Sage. Houta zipped up her suitcase and nodded. There was the sound of Charei's motorcycle from the garage, then Tapae yelling.
"You aren't taking that thing to the mountain!" she shouted. Charei cocked her head.
"What?!" she said. "I can't hear you! See you guys up there!" She turned and raced out of the garage. Tapae cursed.
"You might as well give up," said Houta, lifting her luggage into the back of her car. "So... who's riding with who?"
"I can take four," said Tapae. "Especially with this luggage."
"Three," said Houta. "And luggage will have to go into your car 'cause I've got no trunk space." She grinned sheepishly. "It wasn't an option when I got the car."
"You're pathetic," said Tapae with a sigh. "So let's go."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
"Seven hours," said Ryo, climbing out of the SUV. "Seven hours in a car with Tape."
"Excuse me?" asked Tapae, yanking his suitcase out of the trunk and throwing it to him. "Ryo, be nice. Here Kento."
"Thanks Tapae," said Kento. "So explain to me why we're here again?" Charei got off her motorcycle and looked at the gray sky.
"Houta and Tapae are going to the ancient village on the summit. The rest of us are staying here for some R'n'R."
"Why are they..." started Sage. "Wait a minute. Charei, they're not-" She made a killing motion with her hand, then nodded.
"Yes they are and you can't stop them."
"Wow," muttered Houta. "I feel like I'm part of this conversation. I still don't understand why you guys get to hang out at the resort while Tapae and I are trudging up the mountain."
"Houta, there's plenty you'll understand... at the top," said Charei. "Okay, everybody, let's check into the resort."
"Are you sure about sending them... there?" asked Sage as they headed up the stairs to the main building. "You said it wasn't a fun experience for you-"
"And it won't be for them," she interrupted. "But if we're gonna win this, they've got to do it."
"We've got a reservation for eight," Tapae told the woman behind the counter. "Under Keno."
"Yes, Miss Keno. Building thirteen, at the edge of the grounds, like you requested."
"Thank you. You heard the woman. Let's move!"
"For someone who's about to be tortured, she's sure ecstatic," said Sage. Charei made the kill sign again and elbowed him in the ribs.
"They don't know," she hissed. "Don't be an idiot. I wasn't even supposed to tell you."
"Oh. Gotcha." She sighed and rolled her eyes.
This is nuts. Why am I letting them do this? Do I want them to go through what I did for the Fire Wing katanas? A cold shiver went up her spine and she rubbed the goosebumps on her arm. God... those memories were a living nightmare. She had been so clueless, thinking it would be an easy journey to get the perfect weapon.
"Are you alright?" asked Rowen softly. He put his arm around her shoulders and she forced a smile.
"I'm fine," she lied. "Just fine. Let's get to the cabin." He nodded, but at the same time, knew that something was wrong with her and she wasn't going to admit to anyone, even him.
Whatever's on your mind, he thought, watching her chase after Tapae who had tossed a well aimed snowball directly into her head. Tell someone. Before it takes over your mind.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"The storm's picking up," said Sage. Charei barely looked up from her book.
"Yeah, it does that," she muttered. "It's the wise one of Water acting with the wise one of Wind. It's a test. After the storm comes that wall of rock that doesn't want to stay in one place, but they'll be lucky if they make it to there before the black lightening." She looked up, lost in thought. "And then there's the landslide slash avalanche-"
"I get the idea," he said, sitting down at the end of the couch. She moved around and crossed her legs, her book forgotten.
"Oh, come on Sage. Do you really think I'd let them go if I didn't they could make it?" She gave him a look that said 'if-you-say-yes-I'll-slap-you', so he shook his head. "Good for you. I knew you had more faith in me. Okay. If you need me, I'll be in the hot tub." She walked off to find her bathingsuit in the mass of clothing on her bed. If it helps matters, I'm worried too. It's too strong to be just for them. An idea flashed across her mind and was gone half a second later, leaving a confusing trail. The other two... no way. They wouldn't know to come here... would they?
You did. Before you knew why, said a voice in the back of her mind. Muttering to herself, she grabbed her towel and twisted her hair up so it didn't get wet while she was in the water. Then she walked out onto the long deck and down the stairs. The cold was wonderful and evil all at the same time.
Next time, I wear a sweatshirt before I get to the hot tub, she vowed silently. To her surprise, everyone except Sage was already there.
"Hey Charei," said Ryo. "What's up?"
"Nothing," she said, shaking away the thoughts she had gotten. Houta and Tapae would both have her head on a stick when they found out she had been in the hot tub with the guys and even more so if that thought got loose, so it was better not to think like that and focus on the fact that Rowen didn't have a shirt on. And looked damn good too. "Okay, so you're all hogging the hot tub. I knew there was a reason I didn't want to be left with five guys."
"Oh, come on Char," said Kento. "There's plenty of room." She yanked the towel off her shoulders, dropped it by theirs and slipped into the water. She tipped her head back and looked at the stars that were painted on the ceiling, completely unknowing to the fact that all of the guys were looking at her. When she glanced back down, they had already looked away, seeing Rowen's death stares all aimed at them. She pulled her knees up to her chest and rested her chin on her hands.
"Okay, so are you mad at me too?" she asked after a moment of silence.
"Mad?" asked Cye. "Why would we be mad?"
"Because, if you're thinking along the lines of your last team member, I've let Houta and Tapae go to their deaths," she answered.
"Sage thinks you sent them to die?" said Kento. She nodded.
"Something like that. But I didn't. They're my friends. Why would I..."
Why would you what, pretty senshi? Deny your friends the right to what they think is theirs? Charei straightened and growled quietly.
"I know that annoying voice," she said. "Alright, demon, what do you want?"
"Oh, that's right, I haven't told you my name." The demon appeared, floating right in the middle of them. "Call me.. Shisama." Charei made a strangled sound.
"That's... you bastard! What are you doing?!"
"Oh, does that name trouble you, pretty senshi? What meaning does it have to you, young one? You should tell them, before they're more confused." Charei closed her eyes and swallowed tears.
"God, give me strength," she murmured. She felt Rowen's hand on her arm.
"Charei," he said softly. "It's okay. Whatever it is, it's okay." Her blue-brown-green eyes locked with his blue and he smiled gently. "We're still here for you."
"Shisamaye is... was... my mother's name. It's my real name. Shisama Charei Tenoh."
"The demon inside of you created me!" giggled the demon. "I'm immortal and you don't stand a chance, so just give up now, pretty senshi and Ronins. I'll win, in the long run."
"You won't win," said Charei. "Not as long as we fight."
"Then I shall take you out of the fight, little one." Metal strands wrapped around her throat and lifted her from the water. The demon fired a blast of energy that knocked her into the far wall and laughed. "This is too easy. I want more fun."
"Charei!" shouted Rowen. She lifted her hand weakly to the chain around her neck, then passed out.
"You're goin' down, demon!" said Kento. "Armor of Hardrock! Dao Gi!"
"Wildfire! Dao Jin!"
"Torrent! Dao Shin!"
"Strata! Dao Inochi!"
"We've got to get this fight outside, before he involves Charei any further!" said Ryo. They all nodded. "If you wanna fight us, demon, you gotta catch us." The demon was torn between the warriors, who were now outside the cabin, or the dying girl.
"Humans always make thing so complicated," he said. He snapped his fingers and instantly, there was a second demon. This one was smaller and darker colored, but had the same psychotic grin. "Go take care of those children outside. I'll handle things in here." Charei groaned and pushed herself off the ground as the second demon went to fight. "Oh, do wake up, pretty one. I can't have any enjoyment out of killing you if you're unconscious."
"Yeah, well, I'll have to take a rain check on the whole death thing," she said, standing up. "Fire Wing Soul!" Two swords formed from the flames this time, and the demon actually shuddered. "You remember, demon? Our last fight."
"I remember how well you bounce back, pretty little Ronin senshi. That was battle was a result of my underestimating the combined powers of you and Strata. But he's not here now and I know exactly your power."
"Good. Then there's no confusion."
"No confusion." A ball of yellow light formed in his hand and flames licked the edges of her swords. "No confusion. Poof!"
"Wing Scorch!" She crossed her swords to block his attack. The fire twisted into a shape of a bird and dove at the demon. He dodged, but it came back and slammed into his side.
"Damn you!" he cursed, shaking his fist. "I'll kill you yet!"
"Right. Try me!"
"Flare Up NOW!" The littler demon dove to the right at the exact second there was the distinct sound of breaking glass. Charei hit the ground and slid through the snow, but was up in a second.
"Lousy son of a- Get back here!" she hollered at the other demon. "You're mine!"
"You don't know when to give up, pretty senshi. Sohlo, go back. I'll handle things here."
"Yes boss." The other demon disappeared and Charei joined the other guys, her eyes glowing green. There was a cut from the glass on her cheek and dried blood matted her hair, but she noticed none of it.
"How can I get rid of you without destroying those armors? Hmm... First will go the pretty senshi, no doubt about that. Then I will worry about the rest of you interlopers. Sohlo!" The second demon reappeared, this time behind them. A blast of energy hit Charei, destroying her right wing and knocking the swords from her hands. She laid on the ground, not moving while the demons shared a laugh. "She is too easy. Alright, Ronins. Time to die."
"Thunderbolt CUT!" Sage's Light tore across the ground and hit the second demon. Caught off guard, he was destroyed.
"Damn! I knew they were missing one. Fine. All of you will die together!"
"Use the Inferno, Ryo!" said Cye. Ryo nodded and the armors glowed.
"Inferno?" said the demon. "I was not told of any Inferno."
"Your loss," said Kento.
Charei felt incredible pain seeping through her armor. One of the wings was broken, but at the same time, she was surrounded by the opposite of her element. She was weaker here then she was when she had been fighting on the volcano. The sounds of a battle reached her.
"... any Inferno." Inferno... The pain numbed slightly as her thoughts raced. The InfernoBlade... the last of the Soul armors. Was it possible that it was one of them?
I can't let them die, regardless, she told herself. They're my friends and I owe them too much to give up. "Force of Fire... hear my blight..." The ground trembled and heat shot through her armor. The pain from her back ceased. Give this new strength to Ryo, please, give it to him. I don't need it. The new power went to him, leaving her body weak and exhausted. Her eyes closed again and the armor disappeared. Cold and darkness overthrew her, sending her plunging into shadows worse then death.
Strong energy hit Ryo like a truck. He blinked and tried to control it, but it was almost too strong. He had to get rid of some of it.
"Rage... of... Inferno!"
Chapter 3- Return to the Gazebo
The whole cabin was quiet. Charei was unconscious, Ryo was sleeping, and everyone else was trying to figure out what the hell had happened. Where had that extra power come from? The Inferno was strong, but not that strong.
"Didn't... Jusai say that Charei could give power to Ryo?" asked Kento suddenly. "Maybe that's where it came from. And why she's out of it."
"That makes sense," said Cye. "But she'll get better. She's pulled through worse." Rowen sighed and leaned against the back of the chair. He was worried about both of them and Houta and Tapae too, but what troubled him the most was Charei. She wasn't resting calmly. Her face always looked confused and pained. Somehow, Shisama was still torturing her.
"I wonder where Houta and Tapae are," said Sage after a second prolonged silence. "The storm's gone."
"It's been gone for almost two days now," said Rowen. "They're probably on their way back." He cast a glance out the window. A wind blew up, sending the snow into a storm. When it cleared, something was limping through the dusk. "What the-"
"It's them!" said Cye. "Houta and Tapae!"
"What?!" They all ran out into the snow and cold to meet up with them. Tapae was half dead and unconscious and Houta, even though she was supporting the other girl without much trouble, had a distant, far away look in her eyes. She fell to her knees and the two weapons she had been holding fell into the powder. Sage caught her before she fell too.
"Tapae," she muttered. "Please, get her inside. It's too cold. I can use my element..." He slid his jacket off and put it on her shoulders, then held her tightly.
"It's okay," he said. "Just rest, Houta. We'll make sure Tapae gets warm." She closed her eyes and nodded, then released her hold on the Descendent power and collapsed. Cye and Kento had already started towards the house with Tapae and Rowen picked up the two weapons carefully and followed. Sage stood up and looked in the direction they had come from. Despite the scattered snow, a red trail still sunk into the pure whiteness.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * "They'll be okay," said Ryo. Tapae and Houta were alive, despite several deep gashes and a broken ankle on Houta's part. Sage had healed them to the best of his ability, but their energy was completely gone. And Charei was still unconscious, but Ryo had woken up.
"These things are amazing," said Rowen. He had been looking at the spear and staff that Houta had dropped. "But what are they?"
"They're weapons, created for Houta and Tapae specifically," said a voice from the door. There was Charei, wearing jeans and a half red, half black sweater. She still looked tired, but alert. "The whole point of their journey is that spear and staff."
"They almost died for those?" asked Sage. She ignored his angry tone and nodded, then pulled out a pocket knife. Charei knelt down by the weapons and sliced them quickly. The marks glowed, then vanished. Tapae whimpered and Houta clenched her fist. "What in the-"
"They're complete," she said, repocketing the knife. "If they could feel what I did, then the weapons and the bond are complete. These won't be going anywhere until they use their armors." She wandered out of the room. "I'll be downstairs."
"Charei, wait," said Rowen. He got up and followed her out. Sage glanced at Houta, who had become peaceful again.
Somehow, he thought. I fell like you risked too much. But we'll see. We'll see.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * "The black one's Tapae's!" said Charei. "It won't fit in Houta's trunk! Put it in the SUV! Rowen, I mean it. Give me the keys." She reached for them, but he pulled his hand back.
"You're still hurt. You can't be riding around on your bike," he said firmly.
"Hashiba, you're asking for an ass kicking."
"Ryo, get out here!" said Tapae. "We're gonna be late checking out if you don't hurry up!"
"We don't want to forget anything!" he yelled from the upstairs window. "I'm just making sure we didn't leave something behnd!"
"Well, make it quick!"
"It won't fit in your car," said Sage. Houta looked at the cloth wrapped spear in her hands and sighed.
"You're right. It won't. But I really don't want to..."
"It's not like she's gonna lose it. It'll be in her car when we get back to the house. Just put it in the trun-" There was a yell and snow flew up into the air. A few seconds later, Charei got to her feet, her face red and the keys dangling from her hand.
"I told you," she said to the slightly dazed Rowen. "Nobody takes my keys." She picked up her helmet off the roof of Houta's car. "See you back at the house."
"One question," said Kento. "How can you ride that for seven hours?"
"Seven hours?" asked Charei innocently. "Is it really that long?"
"She's gonna get killed," said Rowen as she sped off. "It's too icy-"
"Stop worrying," said Houta. "Hasn't she taught you anything? She doesn't give what the rules are: she makes her own. That's just Charei for ya'. Let's go. I want to get back to where it's warm. I've had enough of this mountain to last me awhile."
"I'm with you, Houta," said Tapae. "Now if Ryo would only hurry up so we can go..." Ryo came out the front door and locked it behind him. He threw Charei's book into the back of Tapae's car.
"Are we ready?" he asked. Tapae sighed and shook her head. "What?"
"We've been waiting on you, Ryo," she said. "Other then that, we're ready."
"Hey Rowen," said Ryo as they got into the car. "I thought you were gonna get Charei to ride with us."
"Easier said then done, buddy," answered Rowen. "She doesn't care about her health enough to part with that bike for one trip back home."
"Charei doesn't do that kind of thing," said Tapae. She started for the driver's side, but Ryo got there first. "What do you think you're doing?"
"I'm driving this time."
"No you're not, it's my car." But she handed over the keys anyway and went around to the passenger side. "I don't have time for this. I just wanna go home."
"Hey Tapae, how long were your parents gonna be gone?" asked Kento. She bit her lip.
"They left in December about a week before you showed up... it's April... so about... a week!"
"A week? What?" asked Ryo. "That soon?" Tapae groaned and buried her face in her hands.
"Oh, man, I'm screwed," she said. "I've only a got a week to think of a good reason as to why I've got five guys living in the same house as me."
"It's okay," said Cye. "We'll help you think of something." There was a ringing sound. Tapae frowned and searched under the seat until she found the carphone.
"'Ello, Tapae Kenoh speaking... Mom!" The sound of a voice could be heard through the speaker.
"Tapae-chan, how are you, honey?"
"Just fine, Mom. I'm on my way back from the resort."
"Oh, did you have fun?"
"You bet."
"Are Houta and Shisama with you?" Tapae nodded, then grinned.
"Yeah," she said. "Can't hear me nod over the phone." Ryo chuckled lightly.
"What about your other friends? Did you bring them?"
"Other friends, Mom? What other friends?" She exchanged a glanced with Ryo, who just shrugged.
"Those boys, Tapae-chan. The five that are staying with us as exchange students." Tapae's fingers gripped the phone tightly.
"They- they're fine, Mom, just fine. How are you and Dad and David?"
"We're great, love. Listen. You're dad's stress is still very high. It's all this weather changing over here that's getting to him. So we're gonna stay another six months. I hope that's okay."
"... Ye- yeah, that's fine. No problem. We'll survive." Her voice was catching in her throat. This wasn't right. "Ha- have fun, Mom. Give the guys my love."
"Okay, sweetie. You be careful, okay?"
"Sure..." There was a click and Tapae set the phone down gently in her lap. Tears of anger and pain glistened in her eyes. "That bastard got to my family," she whispered. "And I can't help them..."
"It's okay," said Ryo, laying a hand on her shoulder and keeping the other on the steering wheel. "I'm sure they're fine." She blinked back tears and nodded.
"You're right. I've got to stop worrying about them. They'll be... fine."
"Houta, watch the road."
"I am."
"Houta, watch the road!"
"I am, Sage, don't yell at me!" She glanced at him, as if daring him to tell her again to 'watch the road'. He just looked back at her, then shook his head and turned to the opposite window. Houta looked ahead of her and caught sight of Charei, just a little ways in front of them. For someone who, that morning, had fallen down a flight of stairs(why and how was still being discussed), she was doing pretty well. I wish I knew what was bothering you, Charei. There's something wrong and you won't talk to anyone, even me and Tapae. Charei, it's gonna destroy you. You've gotta tell someone. Before it takes over your mind.
"Houta-"
"You say watch the road and I'll clock you."
"Well, I was gonna say that our turnoff is coming up, but if you don't care..."
"Sage, shut up." Houta slowed down and followed Charei on the ramp and turned south, instead of east. "I can drive, you know. You just gotta give me a chance."
"I know you can drive," he said. "But you need to keep your eyes on the roa- ow!" Houta let her hand rest on the steering wheel again and grinned slightly.
"I warned you," she said. "And you said it anyway. Oh, man, she just ran that light. Charei, you idiot!" Houta stopped and rolled her eyes. "And you mock my skills."
"I don't mock them. I just don't think they're well used." The light turned green and Houta hit the gas. This was going to be an... interesting trip.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Where's Tapae?" asked Charei. She walked into the kitchen and set her helmet on the counter.
"Outside in the gazebo," said Ryo. "The demon got to her parents."
"Poor Tapae. I'm gonna go talk to her." She walked outside and across the wet grass. It had rained again. "Tapae, what's up, kid?"
"My family..." muttered Tapae. "Shis- it got to my family." Charei sat down across from her.
"You can call it Shisama. I don't even consider that my name anymore. Only on the first day of school." Tapae grinned, then frowned again. "Tapae, you can't be like this. There's so much that you don't know yet. You've got to keep your mind here, in the war."
"My mind's in the war, but my heart's with my family," said Tapae. "How can he do this? They're not even in this country."
"Tapae, I wonder where your head is," said Charei, crossing her arms over her chest. "The evil of the Dynasty is a world wide problem, even if they're only attacking here."
"Yeah, but... I'm just so confused." There was a crashing sound from the trees. Both girls jumped up. Shisama's evil laughter echoed around them.
"Pretty seshi, pretty senshi, does it hurt so bad?"
"Force of Fire, hear my blight!" said Charei. "Fire Wing Soul!" A whole new energy flowed into her.
"Force of Earth, hear my plea!" yelled Tapae. "EarthAbsolute Soul!" Orange light flowed from her hand and surrounded her. She bit down a cry of pain with the wings, just like Charei. Back at the house, unseen, the staff glowed and vanished from Tapae's bed. It reappeared in her hand and she spun it easily. It felt too light to be made of metal, but it was strong. "Stone Soar!"
"Do you really think I want you, pretty Earth senshi? No no no. I've got different plans for you. Come, Fire senshi. I'm sick of games." Thick tentecles shot from the ground and grabbed Charei's arms. She hollered and struggled for a second before disappearing completely.
"Charei!" shouted Tapae. "No!" The wind died and she landed gently on her feet. "No!!"
"You want her back? And Wildfire too? Then come to the Naicaya Tower and meet me on the roof before sunset tomorrow. Bye bye now!"
"Ryo, too? Damn it!"
"Tapae!" said Houta, seeing her friend kneeling on the ground. "Are you alright?!"
"I'm fine!" said Tapae. "But Shisama-"
"Yeah, I know. Get in here. We've got some planning to do."
Chapter 4- Mission Impossible
"Okay, look," said Tapae, spreading out a roll of paper onto the already covered table. "The Naicaya Tower is the second tallest building. It's got one hundred three floors, all with a different security system and all very advanced."
"How are we gonna get in?" wondered Sage. "And to the top without being caught?"
"I say we go up on the outside," said Kento. Houta shook her head.
"No can do. It's all glass. We're not here to destroy public property. What else do you have, Tapae?"
"Not much, other then a few floor plans, but they're all open to the public anyway. The highest we can get during business hours in the observation deck, which is still six floors shy of our goal and they're the highest guarded in the thing, so that still presents a problem. Hold on, be right back." She left the room and came back with her laptop. "I wonder if Curt or Adam can help us."
"Who?"
"Two guys we know that work there. Houta-"
"Got it covered." Houta walked around the table and grabbed the phone. She dialed a number, waited, then started humming with the song that played while she was on hold. Tapae shook her head, but kept her eyes on the computer.
"I really wonder... anyway, from what I'm seeing, the first level after the observation deck will be the easiest-"
"Wait a minute. Tell me you're not hacking," said Sage.
"You wanna get to Ryo and Charei as much as I do? Sit down and listen. The toughest one is the third floor. It's a combination of two and if one gets turned off, the other ones activates, summoning dogs, guards, the whole shebang, so..."
"We've got to split up and get them both," said Cye. "At the same time. That's won't be possible."
"Maybe, maybe not. I wonder..." She got up and opened a pantry. A box of random junk was at the top, but among them, six headsets. "My cousin left these here. They're like walkie-talkies, only hands free."
"Can you hook them up to the phone line?" asked Houta, slipping with the phone again. "Damn it. Stay where you're supposed to- No, not you, Curt. I was talking to the phone. Yeah, I know that's stupid. Just shut up. Hey, we've got a problem." The way she said it, there had to be a pause while he switched to a private line. "It's about the Descendents."
"He knows?" mouthed Kento. Tapae nodded.
"He's Houta's uncle-in-law, kind of. They're not really related in any way, but they're still close, as far as... that goes."
"I've located three," said Houta, lowering her voice. "And one's been kidnapped. Along with another friend of mine. They're on the roof. We've got until sunset tomorrow."
"Sunset..." muttered Tapae, feeling a wave of guilt and shame. "I was right there. I could've helped her."
"Chill, Tapae. He's getting Adam. Adam designed most of the top level security. Most." She covered her other ear while stuff was being told to her. "Adam, Adam, you're talking too fast. Calm down. We'll get Charei back. Just... yes, I know there's too much heat on top of the building. It's them. Just send what you can to Tapae without getting caught, got it? We'll handle the rest." She hung up and the kitchen was covered in silence. Then a beeping sound came from Tapae's computer.
"Got it," she said. "We've got levels ninety-seven, ninety-eight, on hundred, one-oh-one, one-oh-two, and one-oh-three. Exactly what we don't need. We need ninety-nine."
"Can we improvise?" asked Sage. Tapae was lost in thought and didn't hear him. "Houta?"
"Probably. We need to do this with absolute planning, minus one tough ass level. Okay, let's try..."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"The observation deck is closing. Please use the stairs or the elevator for exits. Thank you." Sage leaned in closely to Houta. Her face was set in stone, but they were playing the couple. Not a far cry from reality, of course, but both of them had a mission.
"Where are you, Tapae?" she whispered. Across the room, near the service elevator, Tapae stood in between Cye and Kento, all three forcing themselves to look mad. They had preformed quite a fight, Cye and Kento with each other mostly (over Tapae) and Tapae in the backround, trying to break it up and not laugh at the same.
"Use your eyes, stupid," muttered Tapae. "We're near the service elevator. Where's Rowen?"
"Playing the distraught boyfriend at the far end of the observation deck. He's pretty good."
"His girlfriend's gonna die in less then five hours if we don't hurry up. Why won't these people leave?" Tapae sounded anxious. Ryo was up there too. She wasn't going to give up on any of them.
Finally, about five minutes later, the last person left.
"Let's go," said Sage to Houta. She nodded.
"The more time we waste, the worse this gets. Tapae, get Rowen and take Kento with you on the service elevator. Right to left wing?"
"Right. You use Curt's office for you code on the third floor. I'll take Adam's." The girls looked at each other and nodded. "Cye. Let's go."
"Gotcha." Sage, Houta, and Cye started for the regular elevator. She slipped the key Curt had given her into the hole on the panel inside and turned it. All of the lights lit up and she pressed it for the third floor above them. "We don't need to by pass the first three. This little key does that for us. But the third level..."
"We're on the elevator," said Tapae's voice. "All of us. The connections getting fuzzy. We'll talk more on the third floor."
"Okay," said Houta. She lifted the headset off and set it on the floor, then plugged the computer line into the elevator panel. "If I can... use Curts's password and get into the security central without being detected... there."
"How can you do that?" asked Cye. "You and Tapae both are really good with computers. Almost too good."
"It's all in how I was raised," she said, focusing her eyes on the screen. "Tapae, Charei, and I used to live around technology. You don't grow up with that and not pick up some serious tricks of the trade."
"What kind of technology did you grow up around?" said Sage.
"Military, Navy, Army. All that. My parents were pilots. Okay. We've reached the third floor. I can't do anything until we get Tapae and the others back. Sage, try and listen for them. I'm gonna get as close to done as I can without setting it off."
"Okay," said Sage.
"Cye, watch the cables," she added.
"What? Why?"
"The cables on the elevator," she said. "I have a feeling they need watching or they're gonna snap before we know it. It's cliche, but effective."
"Why do I get the feeling you've done this before?" asked Cye, shifting to the back wall. He looked up through the open roof panel and kept a steady eye on the cable. Sage watched Houta. She had a whole new attitude about her and a new focus. There was a glimmer in her eyes.
This is what I born doing, she thought. My father taught me do this, my mother tried to get it out of my blood... but what was meant to be was meant to be. Come on, I need to do this right.
"Houta, Sage, Cye, someone answer," came Tapae's voice. "I'm thirty seconds from full download. How about you?"
"Pause your download for fifteen seconds. Let mine catch up."
"Houta-"
"Okay. Restart."
"No problem, Houta."
"There's-"
"Twenty seconds."
"Houta!" said Cye. "The cable's sliding!"
"I can't go!" she said. "Both of you, get out of here!"
"We won't leave you," said Sage. She looked up at him, her eyes burning.
"I'm not giving you a choice," she said as the elevator jerked. "Go. I can take care of myself."
"Houta-"
"Sage, don't start. Just go." She stood up and grabbed her headset. "Tapae, we've got a problem. Soon as the program is executed, I'm gonna cut off."
"Okay. Five seconds." Sage and Cye were on top of the elevator now, both gripping the cables as they snapped, one by one. Only one was left now. "Four. Three. Two. One. Executing program."
"Yup." Houta hit the enter. A second later, the doors opened. "Got it! I'm going." She unplugged her computer, grabbed the key, and ran to the back of the elevator. Sage reached for her hand, his other one holding onto a snapped line.
"Houta!" He caught her hand and the cart fell. A huge explosion followed.
"Okay," said Cye. "Here's a question: why didn't you just go out the door?"
"I didn't know if Tapae got the other system," she said. "James said something about a delayed reaction to the shut down. But it was only five seconds and it's been longer then that, so she did. Now, let's get to the roof."
"Okay," said Sage. "But we have to take the stairs." Houta laughed.
"Of course."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Shisama would have a thing with flying mystical daggers," said Ryo. Charei only looked at him. It hadn't even been a full twenty four hours on Shisama's rooftop funhouse and already, they were done for. One of the daggers was embedded into Ryo's leg and the other... in Charei's stomach. She hadn't said a thing in at least an hour.
"There you are," said Shisama's voice. "Oh, did you get hit? It's a pity, really. Can't get them out, can you? Only certain people can, Wildfire, only certain people can."
"What do you mean?" asked Ryo, but the demon was gone. Charei groaned and started to sit up, her hand clutching the dagger. "Charei, don't."
"They're coming after us, Ryo," she said. "The others. They'll be here soon."
"I know they are coming, but you've got to lay back down. You're hurt."
"You're one to talk. Do you really think you'll get very far on that leg?" She leaned against a silver air tower, and closed her eyes. "Force of Fire, hear my..."
"Charei, don't!" said Ryo. "You'll kill yourself!"
"Hear my blight. Release!" A red glow surrounded her, then shifted across the air to him. Warmth flowed into him, killing the pain in his leg and giving him strength. Charei's hand slipped and she fell to her knees. "I still... have my duty to Jusai..."
"Charei?" said Ryo. She didn't answer, just layed there, a circle of red spreading out around her.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * "Someone's coming," said Sage. He stopped at the top of the last flight of stairs. There were voices coming from ahead of them.
Wisdom
Trust Sage and Cye's subarmor appeared and a soft glow surrounded Houta. A few seconds later, there was a laugh.
"Glad to know you care, Houta," said Tapae. "Now calm down and come check this out."
"What's up, guys?" came Kento's voice. Tapae was kneeling on the floor, leaning over her computer intently.
"I've got heat signatures," she explained to Houta. "Us and some major stuff above us."
"It's just one big blob," said Houta. "He's trying to mask where they are exactly. There's got to be an easier way to find them."
"Let's see what's on the rest of this level," said Sage. The other three nodded and walked off.
"What other things can we do?" wondered Tapae.
"Wait a minute," said Houta. "What's that? That lighter spot."
"It can't be them. That means the source is... dying..." They looked at each other and Tapae closed her eyes. "I'll zoom in and see what I get."
"There's something up here," said Cye. "There's people, but I don't think-"
"It took you long enough to bypass this human technology," said Shisama. "And now your girls are trying to figure out why my little barrier is blocking them from finding the pretty soldier and Wildfire. But, you see, I have them right here." Ryo and Charei appeared, unconscious and hanging from the ceiling. Near them, two guys, in the same situation.
"Guys," said Houta, coming up behind them. "There's something up. Tw- James! Adam!"
"Choose, warriors. You're friends, or the innocent lives of these two humans." Soldiers appeared too, at least fifty, all in one cramped space. They prepared themselves for a fight while Tapae tried to get the dying heat source onto a bigger picture.
"Let's kick some Dynasty tail," said Kento. Two soldiers barreled into him and chaos broke out.
"Force of Water, hear my cry!" said Houta. "Ice Spear!" Within minutes, dark smoke filled the room. And more soldiers kept appearing. "I can't call my wings!" she yelled. "There's not enough room!"
"Just get to them!" yelled Sage. "We'll handle the soldiers!" Houta dodged between soldiers, trying to decide. Her best friends or her best friends. It wasn't going to be an easy choice.
"This is weird," she heard Tapae say. "All of sudden, there are two more people."
Only two of them are real! said a voice in Houta's mind. But which two?
"Make a choice, senshi of Water. Make a choice," said Shisama. Tapae finally managed to get her computer to work. The light red was now almost green. When it reached blue, whoever it was, was dead. The faint line of a human was visible in the larger picture. Something moved over it, something that was very alive and had blended in with the rest of the roof. It was another person.
"Ah ha," she muttered. But there was no feeling of pride. Someone was dying and ten to one, it was Charei. Damn her!
Houta looked back at the battle scene, thinking as she avoided more soldiers.
Only two are real. But which ones?!
"What is your descision?" asked Shisama. "Who's gonna die?"
"No one," said Houta. She kicked the soldier away from Adam and James. "Because these are the only ones who exist." Shisama cursed and the false Ryo and Charei vanished, leaving only the unconscious guys.
"But you'll never find the other two," he added. A door opened, revealing a stairway. "You're welcome to try, but you won't get very far."
"Watch us," said Tapae, walking onto the scene. She had her computer on her arm and death on her face. "Let's go." Everyone nodded.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Ryo didn't move, only stayed with Charei. She was dying slowly. Anytime she came close to full death, the dagger glowed, keeping her alive. And he wasn't going to leave her.
Suddenly something blocked out the sunlight. Two figures with wings landed near him.
"She isn't supposed to die," said a voice. "Not like this. We have to get the dagger out."
"Shisama said that only a certain person can remove it," countered another voice. "And I doubt it's one of us."
"It won't hurt to try." A hand reached out and gripped the dagger. It came free, but Charei jerked in pain. "What can we do now?"
"There's only one person who can heal her." Blue eyes looked at Ryo through the darkness. "We've done our part. Let's go." They disappeared over the edge of the roof. Ryo felt something warm on his hand and looked down at Charei. Blood was spilling from the wound that the dagger had left. If they knew who could heal her, why had they left? She was gonna die!
"Charei," he whispered. "I'm sorry." Her eyes opened slowly and she gave him a weak smile, then took something from her pocket.
"I'm gonna die," she said softly. "But I still haven't found... Ryo, you have to find the last Soul Bearer... please..." She tightened her grip as a spasm of pain tore through her. He caught the orb before it reached the ground when her strength left her again and she collapsed.
"Give that to me," came Shisama's voice. "It doesn't belong to you."
"You killed her," said Ryo coldly. "She's dead because of you. I won't let you have the InfernoBlade."
"Ha! You won't be able to stop me!"
"Ryo!!" The others all appeared, running towards them.
"Guys!" said Ryo. "Armor up! Armor of Wildfire! Dao Jin!"
"Halo! Dao Chi!"
"Hardrock! Dao Gi!"
"Torrent! Dao Shin!"
"Strata! Dao Inochi!"
"IceAmend Soul!"
"EarthAbsolute Soul!" Tapae could feel tears threatening, seeing her friend laying on the ground in a pool of her own blood. "How could you? What did she do to deserve this? I'll kill you!" She dove at him, the blade tipped end of her staff raised. Houta attacked too, both of them converging at the same time. He vanished and they hit each other.
"Houta!"
"Tapae!"
"Ryo, we need the Inferno!" said Kento. Ryo nodded and gripped the orb tighter. Houta and Tapae pushed themselves off the ground and grabbed their weapons.
"Ice Deep Freeze!"
"Earth Natural Ruin!" Charei slowly felt her hold on life slid. There was so much going on... did Rowen know she would miss him? Did her friends know that they had always been her first priority? Did Ryo know...
"Charei, my lovely little Charei, time to come home..."
I don't want to leave my friends or my life. I want to stay here...
"Rage of Inferno!" Shisama dodged Ryo's attack with ease and slammed into the boy. Ryo went down hard, the orb slipping from the fold in his armor.
"Time to die, boy!" yelled Shisama. White light exploded on the rooftop. Strength exploded in everyone, even Charei. The blood stopped and slowly, her life energy rejoined her body. Ryo felt enormous power rip through his armor. Charei opened her eyes and watched the scene unfold before her.
It's... it's him! It's the last one!!* she thought, sitting up. How could I have been so stupid? Ryo has the Inferno armor and the kanji Virtue but... I never thought... They need help! I've gotta help! "FireWing Soul!"
"Charei?" asked Ryo. The new energy was giving him a thousand times what he was used to. "What's going on?"
"Your wish to use the Inferno against Shisama awoke the InfernoBlade. It's part of your armor. They must've been separated in the past, probably by Talpa." Ryo felt incredible pain. The transformation was completing itself... there was only one thing left. "Don't fight it, Ryo!" shouted Charei. "It'll never work if you don't learn to act as one with the armor! Alright, Shisama, you and I gotta talk."
"Such brave words, for someone who's still not alive totally. Let me finish your descent into Hell!"
"That's not gonna happen! Wing Scorch!" She crossed her swords and a fire bird erupted from them. It shot into the air and came back down. Shisama knew better then to dodge. He simply disappeared and reappeared. But the power was too strong. It hit him from behind, sending him down. "Do it, Ryo!"
"Rage... of... Heaven!"
The End.