Author: MarieAmethyst
Title: Daughter of the Ancient: Chapter Four
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: violence
Author's Note: An 'old' idea I've had. The Ancient has always intrigued me, so I've decided to expand his background a little more…^_~
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Ayanna was awash with pain, and her body felt like it was on fire. The soldiers had taken her down to a room full of what looked like lava. Before they had thrown her into it, she noticed strange looking men dressed as priests floating in clear bubbles. Then the pain began as the lava washed over her, and she couldn't think anymore. To her it felt like eternity before she felt herself being dragged out of the fiery pit and being thrown onto a hard stone ground. But it was cold and she gratefully pressed herself against it.
Suddenly she felt as if she was being watched, and she had a feeling it was Sage and the others. Getting her arms under her, she tried to push herself up, but found she didn't have the strength.
Weeping silently, she prayed for the Ronins to come rescue her.
They all piled out of Mia's jeep when it came to a stop. Before them Talpa's dark castle loomed menacingly. The Ancient appeared next to them, indicating it was time. As one, they called upon their armors.
"Armor of Wildfire!"
"Armor of Halo!"
"Armor of Strata!"
"Armor of Torrent!"
"Armor of Hardrock!"
Quickly they transformed. When they stood read the Ancient began to chant. The staff glowed and a beam of light shot up and widened.
"There is your way, Ronin Warriors," the Ancient said, his robes rippling in the breeze.
"Don't worry, Ancient. We'll rescue her," Ryo said.
"Yeah, and kick some Dynasty butt while we're at it!" Kento added.
"Come on, you guys, what are we waiting for?" Rowen asked, impatient to go.
Together they ran toward the bridge that led to Talpa's castle high above.
"Good luck, Ronins. Trust your armors," the Ancient said as the reached it. He gazed for a moment at the spot they had just been, before saying softly, "And have faith, daughter. Trust in yourself." Turning, he walked away and disappeared.
"So this is the Dynasty, huh?" Ryo asked to no one in particular.
"Impressive," Kento said in sarcastic voice.
From the moment the Ronins had arrived, they had felt the absence of life, as if nothing lived there. The pale sky above seemed to reflect that feeling. They cast uneasy glances around and at each other.
"This place gives me the creeps," Cye said quietly.
"Yeah, me too," echoed Rowen.
"Well, the sooner we rescue Ayanna, the sooner we leave," the wearer of the Wildfire armor told them, "and if I'm not mistaken, that's probably Talpa's castle over there." He pointed to where a dark castle rose high. All could feel the evil power given off by it.
The warrior of Hardrock stepped forward," Let's go kick some Dynasty butt!" Before he was done speaking, Sage was already rushing past. Kento blinked in surprise, then grinned, "Hey, wait up dude!"
Together they ran toward Talpa's castle, where the fate of the world would be decided.