Return of Rowen

Chapter 5

By Rowen

"Pathetic human!" laughed a menacing voice as Rowen felt another bolt of lightning tear through his body. The dark energy crackled angrily through his body seeking to destroy

the heart of one who dared oppose its master.

"Rowen!" he heard a voice cry through the searing pain.

"I'm sorry my love. Please forgive me," thought Rowen as he felt the attack sap the last of his strength.

"Rowen! No!"...

"Noooo!" screamed Rowen as he shot up from his pillow. Sweat covered his brow and a few drops fell to his trembling hands as his chest heaved. He tore away the blankets

entwined around his body, but remained on his bed, his stormy eyes gazing blankly across the room. "It was just a dream, but it... felt so real- more like reliving some moment

of my life than a nightmare. Everything seemed so familiar. Especially those voices," he thought, setting his feet on the plush white carpet. As Rowen stood the beauty of the sky

caught his eye and he was momentarily distracted from his thoughts. He slowly walked across the room, and opened the French doors and stepped onto the balcony. A gentle

breeze fluttered through the trees as the rays of the sun broke through the clouds. Rowen closed his eyes and savored the feel of the light's warmth against his pale skin, the

sound of the stream's gentle murmur, and the scent of cherry blossoms. Finally, he opened his eyes, brushing aside the lock of electric-blue hair that the wind had playfully

tossed into his face. "It doesn't get much better than this. Life would be perfect if it weren't for the Dynasty," sighed the Warrior of Strata as he went inside. He pulled a fresh

pair of boxers from his closet and quietly made his way to the bathroom, trying not to wake his sleeping friends. Seeing the peaceful expressions on their faces returned a smile

to his face, and his thoughts turned to protecting them. "I've got to find a way to keep Cyboth from taking control of me. But how? Ancient, I still don't understand. Help me

see the meaning of your words," he thought as he stepped into the shower.

[flashback]

Serenity reigned in the forest. Not a sound could be heard except for the soft reustle of the emerald green leaves and the occasional scampering of squirrels in the brush. It was

a perfect sanctuary for two young men seeking an escape from the stress of daily life. Sage sat by the trunk of a tree while Rowen had chosen a rock close by. Their eyes were

closed and their minds focused on peace and harmony with the universe. Rowen heard the clanking of metal and a voice calling him. "Ancient!" he thought as the figure of a

man materialized in front of him.

"Rowen of the Strata, you must break the chains binding you and your soul or you will never be free. Farewell," said the Ancient.

"What do you mean?" asked Rowen, but he was gone.

[ end of flashback ]

"You must break the chains binding you and your soul or you will never be free," the Ancient's voice resounded in his head.

"Chains binding me and my soul? It doesn't make any sense," pondered Rowen as he turned off the water. He let out a sigh of frustration as he dried himself off with a towel.

When he returned to his roon, he sat on his bed and closed his eyes, trying to let his anger dissipate. Soon, he felt calm and an image appeared in his mind. It became clearer as

he concentrated his thoughts. "It's me and... and Sage,"

[ flashback ]

Rowen and Sage quietly walked to Sage's house after a few hours of tennis on the courts of Han'a High School. An afternoon of slugging away at tennis balls had finally cooled

his rage, and Rowen now wore a guilty expression on his face.

"Feeling any better, Rowen?" asked Sage. Rowen shook his head. "You're still upset about the incident with your mom," started Sage.

Rowen nodded and said, "Yeah. Everything I do seems to make her mad. I keep thinking that I'm the reason for her unhappiness, and that I'm causing her to be so bitter and

spiteful."

"Rowen, you're not responsible for the way she acts," said Sage. He looked away for a moment trying to find the right words and continued in a gentler voice. "You've got to

stop being so hard on yourself. Rid yourself of the useless guilt. In otherwords, don't blame yourself for what isn't your fault."

"How? When will I learn, Sage?" asked Rowen.

"It's just a matter of time, Rowen. It'll come to you. I know it will," he replied.

[ end of flashback ]

"Could that be it? Yes, that's it! Ancient, it's all clear to me now," he thought, his deep blue eyes flying open. "The useless guilt Sage spoke of are the chains binding me and my

soul. Guilt led to fear. When Cyboth first captured me, I couldn't keep him from forcing me to betray my friends. I started to lose faith in my armor and couldn't use it's power.

To make matters worse, I stopped trusting myself, questioning everything I did. It was all part of Cyboth's plan. I can't let it happen again." "What the...!?" cried Rowen as he

felt somebody tackling him. He struggled against his attacker until he felt a sandy tongue lick his face and heard a familiar low growl. "White Blaze!" he laughed letting the tiger

nuzzle his head against his cheek.

"That's enough, White Blaze!" said Ryo

"Hey Ryo!" said Rowen as White Blaze jumped off of his bed.

"Sorry about that, Rowen. I let White Blaze get a little carried away," apologized Ryo.

"That's okay. So what's up?" asked Rowen.

"It's time for breakfast. Better hurry before Typhoon Rei-Fuan gets to it," answered Ryo.

Rowen smiled and said, "All right. Let's go down."

"Hi Ryo! Hi Rowen!" greeted Cye as they walked into the dining room.

"Hi White Blaze!" chimed in Yuli. He got up from his chair to pet White Blaze, but stopped suddenly. "Hey! Why isn't Kento down yet?" he asked.

"Yuli, he'll be down right about... Now!" answered Cye as he set a platter of pancakes on the table. Just then, Kento stormed into the room.

"How did you do that?" marvelled Yuli.

"Once you get run over by Kento, you learn to know where he is at all times," joked Ryo.

"Here Yuli, let's see if Ryo can learn that lesson!" snapped Kento. Rowen laughed and went to find Sage. His best friend stood outside, leaning against the railing of the deck

and sipped a cup of coffee.

"Sage!" called Rowen, closing the door behind him.

"Hey Rowen! Sleep well last night? You beat all of us up again," said Sage.

"I'm okay. As for last night, well I had this really weird dream," he replied.

"A message from the Ancient?" inquired Sage.

"No. I was fighting somebody, but I didn't have my armor. I nearly got killed, but woke up before that happened. What was strange was that everything seemed more like a

memory than a dream. The voices - they sounded so familiar. I couldn't see who was talking to me, just the surroundings. It wasn't our time or place," he continued.

"I don't know what to say, Rowen. I haven't had any dreams that are out of the ordinary. Maybe it doesn't mean anything. But who knows? It's possible that there's something

that I'm missing," he said.

"Yeah," agreed Rowen.

"Now let's get something to eat before there's nothing left," said Sage.

"After you," said Rowen, opening the door for Sage.

"Awwwww... Isn't that sweet?" teased Ryo as he watched Rowen and Sage.

"They're just friends unlike you and Mia," snickered Kento. He burst out laughing as Mia sat down and said ," Good morning, Ryo."

"What's so funny, Kento?" grumbled Ryo.

"Yeah, Kento. What's so funny?" asked Cye, trying to stifle his own laughter.

"You little..." spat Ryo under his breath.

"Ow!" cried Cye, grabbing his calf.

"What's wrong, Cye?" asked Mia worriedly.

"I just um... hit my foot against the table leg," he answered sheepishly.

Mia sighed and said, "Cye, be a little more careful. The rest of you need to hurry up and finish eating. We have a bunch of errands to run this morning."

A few hours later, a park in Toyoma.

"What is it Rowen?" asked Ryo as the Ronin of Air suddenly rose from his chair, his hands still at his sides, but clenched into fists.

"Yeah, Rowen? What's the matter?" echoed Kento. Their confusion was understandable as none of the tell-tale signs of a Dynasty force's presence had appeared. No chill

wind had begun to blow, no thick fog had blanketed the area, and no evil aura could be felt. Ryo, Cye, Kento, and Sage formed a protective circle around Mia and Yuli as

they scanned the vicinity, but only saw trees, a lush grass field, and the glistening skyline of Toyoma.

"Do you guys feel any..." started Cye.

"Rowen of the Strata, Lord Cyboth wishes for you to return to him," interrupted a commanding voice. The others whirled around expecting to find a legion of Dynasty soldiers,

but only found one.

"Hey! Where are all your buddies? Really think you can take us on alone?" taunted Kento.

The soldier ignored him and continued. "Your highness, do not keep Lord Cyboth waiting. Go to him now!"

"Why should I?" scoffed Rowen.

"Prince Rowen, it is your duty to serve the Dynasty and obey your emperor. Let me remind you that while you are the prince of the Dynasty, you will be punished for

committing acts of treason!" warned the soldier.

"Cyboth is not my emperor! I don't serve him or his Dynasty!" retorted Rowen.

"Seize him!" shouted the soldier causing a dozen of his comrades to materialize, their weapons raised and poised to attack.

"Rowen? Prince of the Dynasty?" wondered Cye out loud.

"Cye, there's something that's just a little bit more important right now," said Ryo as he leapt forward ready to fight. Sage joined him, but Rowen motioned for them to stop.

"What are you guys waiting for? Rowen needs your help!" protested Yuli, just as the Dynasty soldiers began charging toward them.

"Die!" yelled one of them as he threw his spear at Rowen. Yuli buried his face in Mia's side, too frightened to watch the impending carnage.

"Rowen! No!" cried Sage, a flash of green light flared from his body as he donned his subarmor. He jumped into the air to intercept the weapon, but before his foot could

make contact, he felt a wind pull the spear away. He watched in surprise as it reversed directions, turning on its owner. The spear homed in on its new target and struck.

"Uh!" moaned the soldier as he felt the steel tip tear through his armor. It impaled the rest of his body, causing black smoke to gush out of the opening.

"Impressive, but you're no match for this troop without your friends helping you. Attack!" the commanding soldier ordered. They hadn't moved more than a foot when a blue

light surrounded them. Everyone watched in awe as the grass turned silver. Suddenly the soldiers cried out in pain. Their feet were began to disintegrate, followed by their legs,

and then their torsos. The thick fog of dark energy dissipating from their armor made it impossible to see what was happening. Slowly some of the soldiers vanished, revealing

seven foot steel blades rising from where they had stood. Streaks of white lightning shot from the blades destroying the remaining warriors.

"Leave us, and send my best to Cyboth," said Rowen dryly. A moment later he was alone with his friends, and they began asking a barrage of questions.

"How did you do that?" asked Cye, watching the steel blades turn back into grass.

"Yeah, and what did that tin can mean when he called you Prince Rowen?" added Kento.

"I'd like to know why you turned against Lord Cyboth," hissed a sinister voice.

"More Dynasty goons!" shouted Ryo as he turned to see throngs of soldiers surrounding them, trying to close all possible escape routes.

"One extra large order of scrap metal coming right up!" said Kento, transforming into his subarmor.

"Come on you guys! You can do it!" exclaimed Yuli as Cye joined Ryo, Kento, and Sage in a protective formation around Rowen.

"Let's take care of these tin cans!" yelled Ryo.

"Help!" cried two voices before he could attack.

"Mia! Yuli!" he gasped watching in horror as some troops moved menacingly in their direction.

"Ryo! Don't worry about them. I'm on it. Just start taking out some of those soldiers. I won't be long," said Rowen.

Ryo nodded and turned his attention to the army in front of him. Spears and arrows began flying at the Warrior of Wildfire as he lunged toward a small group of warriors, but

his speed allowed him to dodge the attacks. His fists pounded into the chestplate of a soldier's green armor once he landed, but another was waiting for him.

"Watch out!" warned Sage as a sword swung at Ryo's head. He blocked the blow with his arm, and a burst of red light flashed from his subarmor. Ryo quickly rolled away,

allowing Sage to pummel his opponent with a flying kick. Ryo scrambled to grab the soldier's sword and sliced it across his chest. He took a moment and looked around the

park to check on his friends. To his right, he saw Kento and Cye. The ground around them was littered with the weapons of fallen Dynasty troops, but many had taken their

place.

"It looks like we're holding out for now," thought Ryo. "I wonder how Rowen is do..." His jaw dropped open in amazement at the scene in front of his eyes. As Rowen's fist

made contact with a soldier, a bolt of blue energy shot out of his hand causing the green armor to disintegrate. "How did he do that? And he's so much faster than he used to

be. He's always been the fastest one out of the five of us, but nothing like this." Five soldiers sprung out of nowhere to attack Rowen, but he was ready for them. He jumped

straight for the leader of the pack and kicked him in the chest. Another blast of energy flew from his foot, destroying his enemy. Before black smoke could replace the green

armor, streams of blue light erupted from the soldier's decaying form and slashed the remaining warriors.

"Ryo! Behind you!" cried Yuli. Ryo whipped his head back, but saw nothing.

"What is it, Yuli?" he asked.

"There... there was a... a Dynasty soldier," he stuttered in shock. Ryo turned, saw a sphere of white light surrounding him and realized what had happened.

"Rowen save my life again and he's been using his powers to protect Mia and Yuli. Thank you my friend," thought Ryo.

"Give up now Ronin Warriors!" roared the commander of the Dynasty soldiers, causing his thoughts to quickly refocus on the battle.

"Never!" shouted Ryo, his mind assessing the situation. "New soldiers just keep coming at us. They're probably trying to wear us down before the big guns are pulled on us,"

he said to himself. "Guys! Let's get this over with! Use your armor!" called Ryo.

"Armor of Hardrock!"

"Armor of Halo!"

"Armor of the Wildfire!" chorused the voices of three of the Ronin warriors.

"Let me show you what I'm really made of!" yelled Kento as he swung his staff toward the heads of several Dynasty warriors. Sage was silent, but his no-datchi was making

short work of their foes as well. A few feet away was Ryo, finishing off yet another soldier. As he pulled his swords out of his opponent, he caught a glimpse of sky-blue

subarmor reflecting off of the blade.

"Cye! Use your armor!" he called.

"Gee Ryo, I'd love too, but I don't think that would make Rowen too happy," replied Cye. Before Ryo could respond, all of the Dynasty soldiers suddenly vanished.

"What the...?" said Ryo.

"Cye!" cried Sage.

"No!" gasped Kento.

"Haven't the others noticed that the soldiers are gone? And what's happened to Cye?" wondered Ryo. Fearing the worst, Ryo looked back to where he had seen the Warrior

of Torrent's subarmor. The sight which greeted his eyes was so terrifying that Ryo dropped his katanas. Ten feet in the air was Cye, a panicked expression on his face. A

sword was pressed against his neck. Holding the hilt of the blade was Rowen. "Let him go, Rowen," Ryo finally managed to say.

"I don't take orders from you," retorted Rowen.

"If you want one of us, take me. Just let Cye go," pleaded Sage.

"No! None of us are going anywhere!" boomed Kento in frustration as he leapt into the air to rescue Cye.

"You want him, you can have him!" said Rowen coldly and he shoved Cye toward Kento.

"Ah!" yelled Cye as he plummeted out of the sky. Kento quickly moved to catch him, but Rowen had thrown him with too much force. Cye slammed into Kento and the two

Ronins flew toward the ground.

"Uh!" groaned Kento as he slammed into the field below. He let out another moan as he felt Cye land on top of him. Rowen laughed a sinister laugh as he watched them writhe

in pain.

"Rowen! Stop! Don't hurt your friends!" cried Yuli.

"Who are you to tell the prince of the Dynasty what to do?" demanded a deep voice.

"Rowen doesn't serve the Dynasty!" shouted Ryo in the direction the voice had come from. He turned back to where Rowen had been, but saw no one. A thick black fog had

taken his place, and the outline of a figure could be seen.

"What makes you so sure of that Ryo of the Wildfire?" asked the voice.

"Who are you? Show yourself!" ordered Ryo.

"I am Cyboth, the emperor of the Dynasty," he replied.

"So you're the one behind all of this! Taking Rowen against his will and forcing him to serve you... I'm going to make you pay for what you've done! Flare up now!" boomed

Ryo as he raised his swords. An enormous burst of white light flashed from the blades as he launched his sure-kill. Suddenly the black fog disappeared and Rowen

reappeared. "No!" cried Ryo as he watched his attack hurling toward his friend. Kento, Cye, Sage, Mia, and Yuli looked on unable to move, as the wave of energy reached

Rowen. They heard a massive explosion and saw blue light erupt from the white. Finally it dissipated revealing the Warrior of Strata, in his subarmor. "Rowen! You're alive!"

he said.

"Did you really think that your pathetic attack could hurt me? Let me show you what your armor is really capable of. Flare up now!" thundered Rowen. Ryo screamed as he

felt the heat of the attack sear his body.

"Ryo! No!" cried Mia as she saw him thrown into the air. He flew ten feet backwards before his body crashed into a tree.

"This pain! It's unbelievable! Rowen please! Fight Cyboth's power!" he groaned as he tried to stand.

"Ronin Warriors, where do you think Rowen of the Strata's loyalty really lies?" asked Cyboth.

"No! It can't be!" said Sage, tears beginning to fill his eyes.

Sekhmet stood in the doorway of a deserted temple, anxiously awaiting the next Dynasty assault. He sighed and shook his head sadly as he rested his hand against the frame of

the door, taking in the structure's dilapidated appearance. Red paint peeled from the rafters, revealing the tired wooden beams that supported the roof. The walls let out a

series of moans as a wind began to blow, and the Warlord of Venom warily turned around, looking for any foes. Instead, his green eyes found the terrain of the Nether World.

The plain stretched for miles turning from barren earth to a lush meadow blanketed with flowers. A river winded across the field, toward a range of mountains, finally

disappearing against the horizon. As Sekhmet's gaze rose to the soft yellow sky, he saw that it harbored great beauty as well. Stars shimmered like diamonds and cast their

light through the few clouds. "Such beauty in this place, yet so much of it has been destroyed through the evil of the Dynasty. We must stop them from causing any more

destruction, but is this the best way? Was it wise for us to return to the Nether World? I know we have to prevent Cyboth from attacking the Mortal World, but there has only

been one attack, and that was directed toward us. Perhaps we should join the Ronin Warriors," he pondered. Sekhmet turned to the center of the temple where the last

member of the Ancient's clan sat. Her head was slightly bowed, her dark blue hair flowing down her back. She was deep in thought, her eyes closed. "It has been several days

since we have had contact with them. What has Kayura learned about their situation?"

As if reading his thoughts, Lady Kayura said, "Sekhmet, the Ronin Warriors need your help."

"What has happened to them, Kayura?" he asked. She rose from the floor and walked to him, but didn't respond. "What could it be?" he wondered, noticing the tears forming

in her eyes.

"It's Ro...Rowen," she began struggling to control her voice. "Cyboth has taken control of him again."

"What must I do?" he inquired, uncertain if there was any way he could aid the Ronin Warriors. He had seen Rowen's new power.

"Form the Armor of Inferno with Wildfire, Torrent, Hardrock, and Halo. Its power should allow you to break Cyboth's spell. Step into the light of the Ancient's staff and I will

send you to them," answered Kayura.

"Aren't you coming with me?" he asked.

"No. I must stay and prevent the Dynasty from invading the Mortal World," she replied, as the rings on the staff began to shake. A moment later, Sekhmet found himself on

earth. He could hear sounds of a battle nearby and he ran toward them, staying close to a thicket of trees in order to avoid detection. As the woods thinned, he slowed and

took a few moments to determine his next move. "I trust Kayura's judgment in using the Armor of Inferno to free Strata, but will we get the chance? What I have seen of his

power is absolutely phenomenal and I know he has yet to reveal the full extent of it. Rowen may destroy us before we can act." He pushed aside the branches that still blocked

his path in order to get a better view of the battle field. Despite the fact that Kayura had told him about Rowen, a look of disbelief crossed his face as he watched the Warrior

of Strata mercilessly attack his friends. Ryo and Cye were lying on the ground, struggling to stand, but Rowen's powerful kicks continued to menace their aching bodies. In

front of them stood Sage and Kento, trying in vain to block his blows, and a s a result were taking the brunt of the attack.

"You should be more worried about saving yourselves," said Rowen. Kento nearly spat back a harsh retort, but controlled his anger as he remembered his true opponent. "I

know you're trying to fight Cyboth's power, Rowen. Don't give up! We'll find a way to free you!" he thought as he dodged Rowen's fist. Out of the corner of his eye, Kento

saw the sky-blue of Cye's Armor of Torrent, reaching toward him. "Cye!" he thought quickly glancing at his friend.

Their eyes met for only an instant, but Kento could see the desperate look in his face, pleading, "Try not to hurt Rowen!"

"I'm trying Cye. I really... uh!" his voice rose from a whisper to a loud moan.

"Kento!" he could barely hear Cye and Ryo shout. The pain in his body was so intense that it deadened his other senses. He felt his legs crumbling and threw out a hand to

stabilize himself, but it wasn't enough. Kento looked up to see Rowen, looming over him.

"I told you to protect yourself, but you didn't listen. Now you'll have to pay the price," said Rowen, drilling another kick into Kento. He turned away from the fallen warrior and

faced Sage. "Now it's just you and me."

"Oh god! No!" thought Sage as Rowen moved in on him. The moment he had been dreading during the entire battle had arrived. "I can't do this. Rowen, if I hurt you, I'm

sorry." The Warrior of Halo raised his no-datchi, but more in defense than to attack. His sword felt unusually heavy, and he could feel it wavering slightly in his grip.

"You're afraid of me," said Rowen, a wicked grin spreading across his face, as he noticed Sage's agitated nature.

"No! I'm not scared!" lied Sage, but his retort was only half-hearted.

"Then fight me! Go ahead, try a Thunderbolt Cut!" taunted Rowen. Sage said nothing, but avoided his eyes. "If you're just going to sit there, then allow me." Rowen as he leapt

into the air, pulling his arm back to strike. Sage hesitantly thrust his blade forward to meet the attack, but Rowen easily knocked it out of his hands.

Sage gasped as he watched his sword fall to the ground.

"You are so pathetic!" said Rowen coldly. Sage blinked, and looked up. Although Rowen's fist was only a few inches from his face, it hadn't made contact.

"He didn't hit me, even though he had the chance. Could it be? Is Rowen still with us?" wondered Sage, searching Rowen's deep blue eyes for an answer. He tried to picture

the horrific battle in his mind, trying to find some clue. Sage could see the beginning when Rowen had been on their side. The Ronin of Air had skillfully attacked countless

Dynasty soldiers, landing every punch and kick. With each attack, a flash of energy burst from his body, destroying the warriors with startling efficiency. Then, it had happened,

Rowen turned on his friends. But Sage had felt something different, something he hadn't felt the first time Cyboth took control of Rowen. "I can feel Rowen trying... trying to

resist, but he can't. He's been able to keep Cyboth from using his full power against us, but can't break free."

"Are you just going to stand there all day?" asked Rowen.

Sage ignored him and said,"Rowen, listen to me! I don't want to hurt you. Let me help you. Cyboth is using you. He only wants the power of your armor!"

"Lies!" shouted Rowen.

"Rowen! Listen to Sage!" implored Ryo as he slowly rose to his feet.

"Rowen, I only want to help. Aaahhh!" moaned Sage as Rowen pounded his fist into Sage's armor. Rowen watched for a moment as Sage bent over, clutching his chest, in

agony. Despite the pain, he managed to remain standing, and looked at Rowen. For a second, Sage could have sworn that he saw a look of sorrow in Rowen's eyes, but his

best friend suddenly returned to his lethal self.

"I don't need your help!" scoffed Rowen. "It's time for me to kill you all. Armor of Strata! Dao Inochi!"

"It's now or never," thought Sekhmet, as he rushed to Ryo, Kento, Cye, and Sage. "Listen to me, Ronin Warriors!" he shouted.

Mia turned to see the Warlord of Venom, already in his green and red armor and exclaimed, "Sekhmet!"

Ryo winced in pain as he turned around, but managed to ask, "What brings you here?"

"Never mind that! We must act quickly. Ryo, form the Inferno!" he yelled.

"Why? We can't use it to hurt Rowen!" protested Ryo.

"Not to attack Rowen, but free him! We can use the White Armor of Inferno to break Cyboth's control," explained Sekhmet.

"I'm not so sure about this," said Ryo doubtfully.

"It might work, Ryo! Even Talpa couldn't corrupt the Armor of Inferno!" called Mia.

"Besides, what do we have to lose?" argued Cye.

"We're running out of time, Wildfire!" urged Sekhmet, nervously eyeing the golden arrow Rowen was drawing from his quiver.

"I just don't know what to do! I can't hurt Rowen, but I'm doing him no good by just sitting here. If we don't do something, we might get killed before we can stop the Dynasty.

We have no choice. We've got to form the Inferno. Rowen, I'm sorry if you get hurt by this, but I don't know how else to save you." thought Ryo. "All right guys. Let's do it!"

he relented. The armors of Cye, Kento, Sage, and Sekhmet began to grow brightly as Ryo prepared to take their powers.

"Trust!"

"Justice!"

"Wisdom!"

"Piety!" he could hear his friends call as their energies approached. Mia and Yuli watched uneasily as a ball of blue light, then an orange one, followed by a green sphere, and

finally Sekhmet's power surrounded the Ronin of Wildfire's body. He winced in pain as their energies fused into his body. A blinding flash of white light filled the air and when it

cleared, there stood Ryo in the Armor of Inferno. "Rowen, come back to us, please," he said to himself as he sent the power of the white armor to Rowen.

"That trick won't work on me," said Rowen as he fired an arrow. Ryo saw it approaching but ignored it, focusing his thoughts on guiding the Armor of Inferno to his friend.

"Ah! What is that?" cried Ryo as he felt something slicing into his armor. Suddenly he felt the energies of the other Ronin Warriors leaving his own. "No!" he screamed, realizing

that they had failed.

Cyboth reappeared by Rowen's side, laughing triumphantly. "Very good, Prince Rowen. Now eliminate them, but before you do, show them your true power," he said.

"Yes, my lord. Armor of the Heavens!" he called. A brilliant flash of blue light burst from Rowen's body. Bolts of blue lightning streaked from the clouds and crackled loudly as

it flowed across the Warrior of Strata. Once it had enveloped his armor, its form seemed to melt into a slightly different one. The bulky pieces of metal on his shoulders, had

become more sleek, fitting his form, and extended slightly off his body. The chestplate had changed in appearance as well. It was larger, and both blue and white. The light blue

edges had turned white. The helmet had retained its shape, but the horns were silver. Rowen's was still armed with a bow and arrow, but these too were silver. Rowen slowly

opened his eyes, raised his bow, and aimed an arrow at Ryo, Cye, Kento, Sage, Mia, Yuli, and Sekhmet.

"Rowen!" cried Cye.

"Stop Rowen! Why won't he listen, Mia?" protested Yuli, burying his face in her blue skirt. She didn't answer, but drew him closer.

"I can't believe it's over," whispered Ryo.

"Finish them!" ordered Cyboth.

"Never!" retorted Rowen, suddenly turning on the Emperor of the Dynasty.

"What is this?" shouted Cyboth.

Rowen answered with a shot from his bow.

"No!" yelled Cyboth as the silver arrow cut into his black form, leaving a streak of white light in its path. A large explosion rang out and beams of white light emanated from the

dark fog. Cyboth groaned as the energy began attacking him. Finally, Rowen's power overcame Cyboth's and the evil lord of the Nether World vanished. Rowen turned

around and gently floated down to his friends. Tears fell from his eyes as he felt their warm embrace.

"Rowen, you're free. You're finally free," smiled Ryo, but Rowen shook his head sadly.

"What's wrong, Rowen?" asked Cye.

"He'll be back for me," replied Rowen.