Disclaimer: I don't own Ronin Warriors (wish I did!). The Storms and any
other unknown characters are my creation so leave them alone, ok?
By the way this is a really long chapter. Sorry about that but there is a lot needing to happen in it. Sorry about the lack of fighting so far (except the verbal type), don't worry there will be some eventually, hopefully the next chapter.
Chapter 2: The Rimmer's
San Fransico, USA
"Hey Alec! Where have you been?" Anna asked her twin brother as he came through the door. Anna was in the TV room watching some soap that Alec would call girly trash. Alec dumped his jacket on the stairs and tossed his wallet and keys onto a hall table before joining his "little" sister.
"I went to the mall. What have you been doing all day?"
"Nothing much. Mum called. She said they have to go to Berlin. Something about a big deal so they won't be back for our birthday. Usual excuses and apologies given."
"When was the last time they actually made it home for our birthday?"
"I think it was our eighth, but I'm not sure. What did you do at the mall all day?"
"Nothing much, just looking around."
"Ok. Want to join me?"
"Nah, I'm going over to Jake's later so I have to finish that essay I got an extension on. It has to be mailed in tomorrow morning at the latest. See ya later."
"Ok. Good luck with the essay!"
"Thanks. By the way, did you know that Sanada and the blue haired freak are friends?"
"No, why?"
"I saw them together at the mall. They were acting weird."
"Who knows. Maybe she wants him to keep an eye on her "daughter" or something."
"Yeah, ok. Later!"
"Later!"
Anna slumped in her seat as Alec headed upstairs. He never spent time with her anymore. She knew he loved her but it would be nice if he'd show it now and then. Their parents ignored them enough without Alec doing it too. It just wasn't fair! And why was Alec suddenly paying so much attention to Katherine? He'd been acting weird since he'd seen her when they were at the movies. Anna turned the TV off and headed to the kitchen to grab something when she noticed someone eyeing the house from outside the wall. It was Sanada! Katherine hadn't seen her so she stayed still. After a good look at the house and grounds she walked off.
'What's going on? Alec starts watching her and now she's studying our house! Something's definitely wrong! Why won't he tell me?' Anna was mad at her brother but knew she wouldn't get any answers from him. The only other way was to ask Katherine but she liked that idea even less. She tried to work out what to do as she made herself some dinner. She heard the door open and shut again as Alec left for his friend's place. Jake and his group were a bunch of thugs in Anna's opinion and a bad influence on Alec but Anna kept quiet about it. The one time she had mentioned it Alec had yelled at her and told her it was none of her business. He encouraged her to spend time with his friend's 'girls' and she did to please him but she didn't like it. Besides, unlike the others she wasn't someone's girl, she was just Alec's sister. Anna was sick of trying to act tough to please him. She sighed and wandered upstairs to her room. She turned the light on before she opened the door. She rarely did that but was too tired to be bothered turning it on the 'normal' way. She collapsed on her bed and fell into an unsettled sleep.
Meanwhile, Alec was on the other side of town messing around with his friends. They'd left Jake's place and gone to a bar. They'd had a few drinks and most of the group was busy chatting up girls even though all but Alec were attached. Unlike the others he was sitting at a back table staring off into space.
'What's wrong with me? Why am I so concerned about what those two were doing together? Anna's right, I need to stop thinking about it.'
"Hey Alec! We're heading over to Tom's. Coming?"
"No. I think I'll call it a night Jake."
"Ok, your loss. See ya around!"
"Yah see ya."
Alec sat and watched the others leave before getting up and starting to walk home. Before he realised where he was going he found himself outside an apartment building. He looked up at it and noticed two really bright flashes of light coming from a flat on the third floor.
'What is that??' He stood on the street debating whether or not to call the cops or go up there but then shrugged and started walking again. Whatever was going on up there was none of his business.
Seeing that most of the lights off he snuck upstairs and started getting ready for bed. Just as he was about to get into bed he heard noises coming from Anna's room. He slipped in without turning the light on and made his way over to her bed. She was tossing and whimpering in her sleep. He sat on the side of the bed and smoothed her hair off her face. She seemed to calm a bit at his touch. A small smile appeared but he quickly hid it. Even when no one was watching he kept his mask on. When he removed his hand Anna stirred and cried out in her sleep. Moving slowly so as not to wake her he slipped into the bed next to her and drew her into his arms. She quieted again and he fell asleep holding his sister.
Anna woke the next morning to the sun shining on her face. Groaning she got up and dressed. She made her way downstairs to find Alec already dressed and already eating.
"Morning Alec. What time did you get home? I didn't hear you come in."
"Not too late, I saw the lights off so I was quiet. Did you sleep well?"
"Alright I guess."
"That's good." Alec relaxed a little. She obviously didn't remember whatever it was that had disturbed her so much. "How about we do something today?"
"Really? That'd be great! What will we do?"
"Your choice sis."
"Ok, how about a drive out of town somewhere?"
"Sure. Which car?" He asked with a slight smile.
"Do you even have to ask? I'll even let you drive it."
"Alright, pack us a lunch and we'll stop somewhere for a picnic."
Anna grinned like a little kid and ran back upstairs. Alec smiled and shook his head. He finished his breakfast and went to the garage. With all the cars in it Anna managed to have a favourite. A small, blue Mazda convertible he'd given her for their eighteenth. He'd even had her name put on the plates. She'd loved it at first sight. It was rare for her to let someone else drive it. He grabbed the keys off a shelf and backed it out of the garage and around to the front of the house where he proceeded to blast away at her with the horn.
"Come on Anna! I won't wait all year!"
"Coming!" Anna came down the stairs in a rush. She had a bag with their lunch in it and two baseball caps. "You forgot your hat Alec."
"Thanks." He said as he pushed his hair back before putting it on.
"Lets go!" She said as she got in.
"Right. North, south, east or west?"
"South."
"Ok. Hang on!" He hit the accelerator and sped down the drive with Anna squealing. They had lunch at a beach at Half Moon Bay and then drove for a while before heading back. It was the most relaxing day either had had for ages.
Toyama, Japan
Kayura groaned as she woke up to find herself in a strange bed. Sitting up slowly she saw the others on similar beds, still unconscious. Besides her comrades the room was empty of people. She stood carefully and moved slowly to the nearest bed. Dias moaned as she shook him slightly. He opened his eye and blinked up at her.
"Did we make it?" He sounded groggy.
"I don't know. At least we're all together."
"The others?"
""Still unconscious. You were the closest to me."
"Lets wake them and then see where we are."
It took a while but eventually they were all up and moving around, although rather slowly. Sekhmet made his way to the door but before he could open it the handle began to turn. The five warriors got ready to fight but relaxed when they saw the young man who came in.
"Hay! You're awake!" Cye said when he saw them standing and looking at him.
"Where are we Torrent?" Cale asked suspiciously.
"You're at Mia's and how many times do we have to tell you not to call us our armour names?" The now slightly irritated bearer of Torrent stated.
"My apologies, um."
"Cye."
"Right. My apologies Cye."
"That's ok. Feel up to coming downstairs?" After receiving five nods Cye turned and headed back downstairs. "They're up!" He called as he walked into the living turned conference room. Not that he had to. Everyone's eyes were glued on their guests, especially the redhead.
"Anubis?"
"Yes Ryo it's me."
"How? Who? What? Um." Kento stuttered.
"I think what Kento is trying to say is how are you here? We all saw you die to save Kayura." Rowen supplied. Kento nodded at his friend.
"I take it this is the surprise you were talking about?" Sage asked from the corner where he'd been sitting, causing the ex-Warlords to jump, as they hadn't noticed him before.
"That's correct Halo, um, Sage." Cale said rubbing his ribs where Dias had elbowed him.
"What happened to you? You weren't in the best condition when you appeared. It took Sage a while to heal you all." Ryo slipped easily back into his role as leader.
"First, how long have we been here?" Kayura asked him.
"Three and half days. We were getting worried that you wouldn't wake up at all."
Looking at their one-time enemies Kayura could see the worry and relief in their eyes because of their injuries. She was still amazed at how the teenagers had accepted them. Sure there were still fights especially between Dias and Kento but they were most in fun. Nothing serious.
"For a while we have been sensing something wrong so we decided to try to bring Anubis back. That way he could reclaim his armour and leave me free to concentrate on being the Ancient. The ceremony went well and as you can see he is very much alive. Two nights later we were attacked. We never saw our original attackers and they managed to take our armour orbs. That's when the normal troops attacked."
The Ronins mouths had fallen open in surprise. Ryo had pulled Mia closer to him in his surprise and obvious concern.
"You mean you don't have your armours anymore?" Kento sounded as shocked as the others were feeling.
"That's correct. We managed to fight our way over to each other and I used the staff to teleport us out of the Nether Realm but I wasn't sure where we'd end up. As it was, it took two tries to get here."
"Where did you end up originally?" Rowen asked out of curiosity.
"We don't know. There were lots of people, incredible structures and no one spoke Japanese."
"Yeah. People were riding in logs and going over waterfalls in them, willingly!" Sekhmet added.
"Sounds like an amusement park, probably in America. It wasn't a waterfall, well, not a real one, it was a ride." Ryo informed them.
"We had to rest a while before Kayura could try again. People kept giving us really weird looks."
"I'm not surprised with the way you're dressed." Kento said trying not to laugh.
"What's wrong with our clothing Hardrock?" Dias asked threatenling.
"Nothing. It's just that people don't really wear Kimonos anymore and not in America." Cye said trying to keep a fight from breaking out.
"Do you think that Talpa's back Kayura?" Sage asked the question they'd all been dreading asking.
"Yes, it's the only explanation."
"And now we're all powerless except for Kayura. Without our armour we're no match for them." Cale pointed out.
"Then we'll have to find some way to get them back." Ryo stated.
"How?" The 400-something warriors asked.
"Don't know yet, but we will." He answered matter-of-factly. They nodded and the group broke up into smaller groups to discuss the situation. Mia left to work out better sleeping arrangements and Cye and Dias headed to the kitchen to get everyone lunch. Everyone had been surprised to learn Dias could cook. Anubis was happy to be back with all of them and was glad that the two groups got along so well now that they were all on the same side. He smiled and moved over to the corner where Ryo and Kayura were discussing various strategies.
San Fransico, USA
"ALEC!!" Anna screamed as her brother slammed the breaks on. "What are you trying to do? Kill us?"
"Didn't you see that?"
"See what?"
"There were flashes of light coming from that building." Alec replied pointing to what looked like an abandoned building.
"No, all I saw was the dashboard." She said as she rubbed her injured head.
"Sorry sis. Why don't you stay here while I check it out?"
"Alright, but don't be gone too long and be careful."
"You know I always am." He said with a grin.
"Yeah and I saw a pig flying yesterday." She replied.
Alec got out and made his way over to what turned out to be an old gym. A quick look confirmed that it was empty so he headed around back. As he rounded the corner his jaw hit the ground. Two figures in what appeared to be armour were fighting while a third stood off to the side giving encouragement to the smaller, blue, fighter. Alec shivered as the feeling he'd gotten at the movies came back even stronger. The two opponents suddenly switched from hand to hand to weapons. The taller one in red and gold pulled out two swords while the smaller one who was actually in blue and silver pulled out some weird spear thing. They started sparing again and it was obvious that the bigger one was training the small one. The one on the side, in blue and black, started to look around suddenly. Not wanting to be seen Alec started to back away slowly.
CRACK!!
He looked down and saw that he'd stepped on and snapped a stick. All three armoured figures had stopped and were looking in his direction. 'Maybe if I run I can make it back to the car. That armour stuff has got to slow them down.' He forgot about that idea when the blue and black one pulled out a bow and notched an arrow while aiming it in his direction.
"Whoever's in there you might as well come out! We won't hurt you!" Called out the red one. Alec noticed that it was female. Her voice was muffled but vaguely familiar. Deciding it was better than getting shot he stepped out fro the bushes and was greeted by three very surprised calls of "Alec!" He stared at them but couldn't see their faces as they were wearing some sort of visor. He also realised that the smaller one was also female and the one with the bow was male.
"Do I know you?" He asked hesitantly. Instead of answering all three visors vanished revealing some people he'd rather not see.
"Sanada, the blue-haired freak and the weakling. Why am I not surprised?" He sneered, instantly reverted to his usual bad attitude self.
"Don't you dare call her a weakling you.." "Derek stop! Don't let him get to you. I've learnt to ignore his petty insults." Tanya said as she stepped between the two boys to stop any possible violence. Kate remained silent as she studied Alec. When he had first spoken he'd sounded sop unsure of himself not the usual Alec at all. Was it possible? Probably not. Most likely he'd been scared half to death by their armour. Deciding that it was time to see if he was a Storm AND to stop him and Derek bickering she stepped forward.
Alec looked at Kate as she stepped forward and was about to say something but she beat him to it.
"Do you know the Storm?"
Alec gasped. The feeling from before multiplied tenfold and he felt light- headed but he still found himself answering.
"Yes I know the Storm." As soon as he answered the weird feeling and light- headedness vanished. He looked at the others and saw that their expressions ranged from annoyed to mildly uncomfortable. "What's going on? What did I say?"
Kate took a deep breath. She knew he'd be the hardest to convince. 'How can he be a Storm? He isn't very loving or kind and they're the only ones left! Oh well, better get this over with.'
Kate explained everything to him slowly and carefully to give him time to let it sink in, all the time watching his face. His expression went from angry contempt to amazement as hi kanji began to glow grey. He almost looked scared but Kate figured she was imagining it as Alec would never show fear. He gulped and then relieved everyone's curiosity.
"Love!"
There was a flash of light and then he was wearing the orange and grey subarmour of Sandstorm. Even though he was wearing the subarmour he still looked like he didn't believe Kate's story.
"Welcome to the Ronin Storms Alec of Sandstorm." Kate officially welcomed him to the group after sending Derek a warning not to scare him like he had Tanya.
"Thanks, but no thanks!"
Three jaws hit the ground. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me freak. I said no thanks. I will admit you're a great story teller Sanada", he said turning to face a shocked Kate, "but it's obviously a lie. Besides there's no way I'm going all the way to Japan to save a bunch of weaklings. Sorry but you are going to have to find someone a bit more gullible." He said angrily.
"If it's just a story than how do toy explain that?" Tanya asked quietly while indicating his subarmour, not wanting to upset him anymore than he already was. Unfortunately Derek wasn't as subtle.
"Yeah and did you zone out during the part about the fat of humanity?" Derek asked sarcastically.
"I don't care! Find someone else for the job!"
~How can he be the Ronin of love?~
~I don't know Tanya but he is.~
~Yeah so now we're stuck with the jerk!~
~Derek!!~
"Alec you don't have a choice. There is no one else you know the whole destiny thing. The Storm chose you for a good reason."
~I'd like to know what it was!~ (Derek)
~I'm sure we all would.~
Alec was about to reply when he heard a voice
"Alec? Where are you?"
"Anna! I forgot she was in the car." "I'm ok Anna!"
"Where are you?"
"Behind the gym!"
~You better take your subarmour off before your sister sees it.~
Alec jumped and looked at Tanya. He could have sworn he'd heard her say that.
~You did hear me. We're linked telepathically now. Just think and we can hear you.~
~THIS IS CRAZY!!~
~Hey! Not so loud!~
~Derek's right there's no need to shout. You'd better change before your sister sees you in that. Although it would be interesting to see you try to explain it to her.~
~Very funny! What about you three?~
~That's easy, we're leaving.~
~Meet us here tomorrow please Alec. We need you, and whether or not you admit it, you need us too.~
Kate's parting comment earnt her a glare as Alec as the three left and he changed back to his regular clothes. Just in time too.
"There you are. I know you told me to stay in the car but I was getting worried." Anna said as she emerged from the bushes.
"Yeah, well next time do what I say!" He snapped at her. "Alec?"
"Come on we're going!"
The trip home was completely silent as Alec went over everything Kate had said. 'It can't be true! I won't believe it.' 'But what if it is?' A small voice seemed to whisper. He shook his head in annoyance.
"Alec, are you ok?"
"I'm fine!"
Anna sighed and looked out the window. What had happened to put him in such a foul mood? They'd had such a good day! Why was he spoiling it now? She felt like crying but held the tears in. She wouldn't let him see her cry.
As soon as they got home Alec went straight back out again without a word. Anna ran upstairs and threw herself onto her bed, crying.
Alec wasn't at breakfast the next morning. She hadn't heard him come in either. Where could he be? Anna rang all his friend but no one had seen him. That's when she really started getting worried. She grabbed her keys and a coat and jumped in her car. She started driving around looking for him. He'd turned his mobile off.
Towards sunset she found herself back at the old gym only this time there were lights on inside. Turning the car off she got out and cautiously crept up to a window. She was greeted with a sight that shocked her. Alec and Katherine were fighting but it didn't look like real fighting, more like practice. As she watched Katherine knocked Alec off his feet and he hit the floor hard enough to knock the wind out of him. That was enough for her! Anna ran to the door and shoved it open.
"What do you think you're doing?" She yelled at them. Everyone looked at her in shock. The lights had flared when she'd shouted. Kate nodded to herself.
"Relax Anna, it's just training."
"Did I ask you Derek Thompson?" She asked icily.
"Anna calm down and I'll explain!"
"Expalin! I've been worried sick and all you can say is that you'll explain!" Anna looked ready to hit something or someone. She looked at them each in turn but only Kate held her gaze. Alec looked between the two of them and it suddenly hit him.
"Sanada don't!" But he was too late because even as he spoke Kate was once again asking the question.
Anna looked as if she'd been hit in the stomach and her breathing became laboured. The four Storms exchanged worried looks.
~Why is she reacting like that?~ Tanya's thoughts were tinged with worry and fear.
~I don't know. If she's a Storm she should have answered, if not then nothing should have happened.~ ~Flame help! Something's gone wrong!~
The wolf stepped from the shadows causing Alec to back up a bit. Derek quickly let him know it was all right as Flame cautiously approached Anna.
~Something is interfering with her link to Lightningstorm. It's trying to come to her but something very powerful and evil is stopping it.~ He told Kate after sniffing the now sobbing teenager.
~Tulpa?~
~Perhaps or one of his 'priests'.~
~Can you do anything?~
~No.~
"What's going on Sanada?" Alec almost growled at Kate. She looked over at him
"Something's stopping her armour from coming to her. That's why she's in pain."
"Can we do anything?"
"Not that I know of. I'm sorry Alec. I didn't know this would happen. Has anything unusal happened to her lately?"
"She had nightmares or something the other night but didn't remember them in the morning when I asked her. Could it be connected?"
"Maybe. I just don't know." ~ Ancient please help her!~
Anna suddenly screamed in pain and collapsed on the floor screaming all the time.
"Do something! Please!!" Alec screamed at Kate.
Suddenly Anna's screaming lessened and everyone heard the soft sound of bells or something. Kate smiled slightly and sent a silent message of thanks to a certain dead monk as a soft golden light surrounded Anna. As soon as it faded there was a flash of light and then Anna was on the floor in the green subarmour of Lightningstorm armour. She slowly sat up looking very bewildered.
"What, what happened?" She stammered. The pain was gone but she was still in shock.
Kate smiled at her before welcoming her.
"Welcome to the Ronin Storms Anna of Lightningstorm."
To be continued..
By the way this is a really long chapter. Sorry about that but there is a lot needing to happen in it. Sorry about the lack of fighting so far (except the verbal type), don't worry there will be some eventually, hopefully the next chapter.
Chapter 2: The Rimmer's
San Fransico, USA
"Hey Alec! Where have you been?" Anna asked her twin brother as he came through the door. Anna was in the TV room watching some soap that Alec would call girly trash. Alec dumped his jacket on the stairs and tossed his wallet and keys onto a hall table before joining his "little" sister.
"I went to the mall. What have you been doing all day?"
"Nothing much. Mum called. She said they have to go to Berlin. Something about a big deal so they won't be back for our birthday. Usual excuses and apologies given."
"When was the last time they actually made it home for our birthday?"
"I think it was our eighth, but I'm not sure. What did you do at the mall all day?"
"Nothing much, just looking around."
"Ok. Want to join me?"
"Nah, I'm going over to Jake's later so I have to finish that essay I got an extension on. It has to be mailed in tomorrow morning at the latest. See ya later."
"Ok. Good luck with the essay!"
"Thanks. By the way, did you know that Sanada and the blue haired freak are friends?"
"No, why?"
"I saw them together at the mall. They were acting weird."
"Who knows. Maybe she wants him to keep an eye on her "daughter" or something."
"Yeah, ok. Later!"
"Later!"
Anna slumped in her seat as Alec headed upstairs. He never spent time with her anymore. She knew he loved her but it would be nice if he'd show it now and then. Their parents ignored them enough without Alec doing it too. It just wasn't fair! And why was Alec suddenly paying so much attention to Katherine? He'd been acting weird since he'd seen her when they were at the movies. Anna turned the TV off and headed to the kitchen to grab something when she noticed someone eyeing the house from outside the wall. It was Sanada! Katherine hadn't seen her so she stayed still. After a good look at the house and grounds she walked off.
'What's going on? Alec starts watching her and now she's studying our house! Something's definitely wrong! Why won't he tell me?' Anna was mad at her brother but knew she wouldn't get any answers from him. The only other way was to ask Katherine but she liked that idea even less. She tried to work out what to do as she made herself some dinner. She heard the door open and shut again as Alec left for his friend's place. Jake and his group were a bunch of thugs in Anna's opinion and a bad influence on Alec but Anna kept quiet about it. The one time she had mentioned it Alec had yelled at her and told her it was none of her business. He encouraged her to spend time with his friend's 'girls' and she did to please him but she didn't like it. Besides, unlike the others she wasn't someone's girl, she was just Alec's sister. Anna was sick of trying to act tough to please him. She sighed and wandered upstairs to her room. She turned the light on before she opened the door. She rarely did that but was too tired to be bothered turning it on the 'normal' way. She collapsed on her bed and fell into an unsettled sleep.
Meanwhile, Alec was on the other side of town messing around with his friends. They'd left Jake's place and gone to a bar. They'd had a few drinks and most of the group was busy chatting up girls even though all but Alec were attached. Unlike the others he was sitting at a back table staring off into space.
'What's wrong with me? Why am I so concerned about what those two were doing together? Anna's right, I need to stop thinking about it.'
"Hey Alec! We're heading over to Tom's. Coming?"
"No. I think I'll call it a night Jake."
"Ok, your loss. See ya around!"
"Yah see ya."
Alec sat and watched the others leave before getting up and starting to walk home. Before he realised where he was going he found himself outside an apartment building. He looked up at it and noticed two really bright flashes of light coming from a flat on the third floor.
'What is that??' He stood on the street debating whether or not to call the cops or go up there but then shrugged and started walking again. Whatever was going on up there was none of his business.
Seeing that most of the lights off he snuck upstairs and started getting ready for bed. Just as he was about to get into bed he heard noises coming from Anna's room. He slipped in without turning the light on and made his way over to her bed. She was tossing and whimpering in her sleep. He sat on the side of the bed and smoothed her hair off her face. She seemed to calm a bit at his touch. A small smile appeared but he quickly hid it. Even when no one was watching he kept his mask on. When he removed his hand Anna stirred and cried out in her sleep. Moving slowly so as not to wake her he slipped into the bed next to her and drew her into his arms. She quieted again and he fell asleep holding his sister.
Anna woke the next morning to the sun shining on her face. Groaning she got up and dressed. She made her way downstairs to find Alec already dressed and already eating.
"Morning Alec. What time did you get home? I didn't hear you come in."
"Not too late, I saw the lights off so I was quiet. Did you sleep well?"
"Alright I guess."
"That's good." Alec relaxed a little. She obviously didn't remember whatever it was that had disturbed her so much. "How about we do something today?"
"Really? That'd be great! What will we do?"
"Your choice sis."
"Ok, how about a drive out of town somewhere?"
"Sure. Which car?" He asked with a slight smile.
"Do you even have to ask? I'll even let you drive it."
"Alright, pack us a lunch and we'll stop somewhere for a picnic."
Anna grinned like a little kid and ran back upstairs. Alec smiled and shook his head. He finished his breakfast and went to the garage. With all the cars in it Anna managed to have a favourite. A small, blue Mazda convertible he'd given her for their eighteenth. He'd even had her name put on the plates. She'd loved it at first sight. It was rare for her to let someone else drive it. He grabbed the keys off a shelf and backed it out of the garage and around to the front of the house where he proceeded to blast away at her with the horn.
"Come on Anna! I won't wait all year!"
"Coming!" Anna came down the stairs in a rush. She had a bag with their lunch in it and two baseball caps. "You forgot your hat Alec."
"Thanks." He said as he pushed his hair back before putting it on.
"Lets go!" She said as she got in.
"Right. North, south, east or west?"
"South."
"Ok. Hang on!" He hit the accelerator and sped down the drive with Anna squealing. They had lunch at a beach at Half Moon Bay and then drove for a while before heading back. It was the most relaxing day either had had for ages.
Toyama, Japan
Kayura groaned as she woke up to find herself in a strange bed. Sitting up slowly she saw the others on similar beds, still unconscious. Besides her comrades the room was empty of people. She stood carefully and moved slowly to the nearest bed. Dias moaned as she shook him slightly. He opened his eye and blinked up at her.
"Did we make it?" He sounded groggy.
"I don't know. At least we're all together."
"The others?"
""Still unconscious. You were the closest to me."
"Lets wake them and then see where we are."
It took a while but eventually they were all up and moving around, although rather slowly. Sekhmet made his way to the door but before he could open it the handle began to turn. The five warriors got ready to fight but relaxed when they saw the young man who came in.
"Hay! You're awake!" Cye said when he saw them standing and looking at him.
"Where are we Torrent?" Cale asked suspiciously.
"You're at Mia's and how many times do we have to tell you not to call us our armour names?" The now slightly irritated bearer of Torrent stated.
"My apologies, um."
"Cye."
"Right. My apologies Cye."
"That's ok. Feel up to coming downstairs?" After receiving five nods Cye turned and headed back downstairs. "They're up!" He called as he walked into the living turned conference room. Not that he had to. Everyone's eyes were glued on their guests, especially the redhead.
"Anubis?"
"Yes Ryo it's me."
"How? Who? What? Um." Kento stuttered.
"I think what Kento is trying to say is how are you here? We all saw you die to save Kayura." Rowen supplied. Kento nodded at his friend.
"I take it this is the surprise you were talking about?" Sage asked from the corner where he'd been sitting, causing the ex-Warlords to jump, as they hadn't noticed him before.
"That's correct Halo, um, Sage." Cale said rubbing his ribs where Dias had elbowed him.
"What happened to you? You weren't in the best condition when you appeared. It took Sage a while to heal you all." Ryo slipped easily back into his role as leader.
"First, how long have we been here?" Kayura asked him.
"Three and half days. We were getting worried that you wouldn't wake up at all."
Looking at their one-time enemies Kayura could see the worry and relief in their eyes because of their injuries. She was still amazed at how the teenagers had accepted them. Sure there were still fights especially between Dias and Kento but they were most in fun. Nothing serious.
"For a while we have been sensing something wrong so we decided to try to bring Anubis back. That way he could reclaim his armour and leave me free to concentrate on being the Ancient. The ceremony went well and as you can see he is very much alive. Two nights later we were attacked. We never saw our original attackers and they managed to take our armour orbs. That's when the normal troops attacked."
The Ronins mouths had fallen open in surprise. Ryo had pulled Mia closer to him in his surprise and obvious concern.
"You mean you don't have your armours anymore?" Kento sounded as shocked as the others were feeling.
"That's correct. We managed to fight our way over to each other and I used the staff to teleport us out of the Nether Realm but I wasn't sure where we'd end up. As it was, it took two tries to get here."
"Where did you end up originally?" Rowen asked out of curiosity.
"We don't know. There were lots of people, incredible structures and no one spoke Japanese."
"Yeah. People were riding in logs and going over waterfalls in them, willingly!" Sekhmet added.
"Sounds like an amusement park, probably in America. It wasn't a waterfall, well, not a real one, it was a ride." Ryo informed them.
"We had to rest a while before Kayura could try again. People kept giving us really weird looks."
"I'm not surprised with the way you're dressed." Kento said trying not to laugh.
"What's wrong with our clothing Hardrock?" Dias asked threatenling.
"Nothing. It's just that people don't really wear Kimonos anymore and not in America." Cye said trying to keep a fight from breaking out.
"Do you think that Talpa's back Kayura?" Sage asked the question they'd all been dreading asking.
"Yes, it's the only explanation."
"And now we're all powerless except for Kayura. Without our armour we're no match for them." Cale pointed out.
"Then we'll have to find some way to get them back." Ryo stated.
"How?" The 400-something warriors asked.
"Don't know yet, but we will." He answered matter-of-factly. They nodded and the group broke up into smaller groups to discuss the situation. Mia left to work out better sleeping arrangements and Cye and Dias headed to the kitchen to get everyone lunch. Everyone had been surprised to learn Dias could cook. Anubis was happy to be back with all of them and was glad that the two groups got along so well now that they were all on the same side. He smiled and moved over to the corner where Ryo and Kayura were discussing various strategies.
San Fransico, USA
"ALEC!!" Anna screamed as her brother slammed the breaks on. "What are you trying to do? Kill us?"
"Didn't you see that?"
"See what?"
"There were flashes of light coming from that building." Alec replied pointing to what looked like an abandoned building.
"No, all I saw was the dashboard." She said as she rubbed her injured head.
"Sorry sis. Why don't you stay here while I check it out?"
"Alright, but don't be gone too long and be careful."
"You know I always am." He said with a grin.
"Yeah and I saw a pig flying yesterday." She replied.
Alec got out and made his way over to what turned out to be an old gym. A quick look confirmed that it was empty so he headed around back. As he rounded the corner his jaw hit the ground. Two figures in what appeared to be armour were fighting while a third stood off to the side giving encouragement to the smaller, blue, fighter. Alec shivered as the feeling he'd gotten at the movies came back even stronger. The two opponents suddenly switched from hand to hand to weapons. The taller one in red and gold pulled out two swords while the smaller one who was actually in blue and silver pulled out some weird spear thing. They started sparing again and it was obvious that the bigger one was training the small one. The one on the side, in blue and black, started to look around suddenly. Not wanting to be seen Alec started to back away slowly.
CRACK!!
He looked down and saw that he'd stepped on and snapped a stick. All three armoured figures had stopped and were looking in his direction. 'Maybe if I run I can make it back to the car. That armour stuff has got to slow them down.' He forgot about that idea when the blue and black one pulled out a bow and notched an arrow while aiming it in his direction.
"Whoever's in there you might as well come out! We won't hurt you!" Called out the red one. Alec noticed that it was female. Her voice was muffled but vaguely familiar. Deciding it was better than getting shot he stepped out fro the bushes and was greeted by three very surprised calls of "Alec!" He stared at them but couldn't see their faces as they were wearing some sort of visor. He also realised that the smaller one was also female and the one with the bow was male.
"Do I know you?" He asked hesitantly. Instead of answering all three visors vanished revealing some people he'd rather not see.
"Sanada, the blue-haired freak and the weakling. Why am I not surprised?" He sneered, instantly reverted to his usual bad attitude self.
"Don't you dare call her a weakling you.." "Derek stop! Don't let him get to you. I've learnt to ignore his petty insults." Tanya said as she stepped between the two boys to stop any possible violence. Kate remained silent as she studied Alec. When he had first spoken he'd sounded sop unsure of himself not the usual Alec at all. Was it possible? Probably not. Most likely he'd been scared half to death by their armour. Deciding that it was time to see if he was a Storm AND to stop him and Derek bickering she stepped forward.
Alec looked at Kate as she stepped forward and was about to say something but she beat him to it.
"Do you know the Storm?"
Alec gasped. The feeling from before multiplied tenfold and he felt light- headed but he still found himself answering.
"Yes I know the Storm." As soon as he answered the weird feeling and light- headedness vanished. He looked at the others and saw that their expressions ranged from annoyed to mildly uncomfortable. "What's going on? What did I say?"
Kate took a deep breath. She knew he'd be the hardest to convince. 'How can he be a Storm? He isn't very loving or kind and they're the only ones left! Oh well, better get this over with.'
Kate explained everything to him slowly and carefully to give him time to let it sink in, all the time watching his face. His expression went from angry contempt to amazement as hi kanji began to glow grey. He almost looked scared but Kate figured she was imagining it as Alec would never show fear. He gulped and then relieved everyone's curiosity.
"Love!"
There was a flash of light and then he was wearing the orange and grey subarmour of Sandstorm. Even though he was wearing the subarmour he still looked like he didn't believe Kate's story.
"Welcome to the Ronin Storms Alec of Sandstorm." Kate officially welcomed him to the group after sending Derek a warning not to scare him like he had Tanya.
"Thanks, but no thanks!"
Three jaws hit the ground. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me freak. I said no thanks. I will admit you're a great story teller Sanada", he said turning to face a shocked Kate, "but it's obviously a lie. Besides there's no way I'm going all the way to Japan to save a bunch of weaklings. Sorry but you are going to have to find someone a bit more gullible." He said angrily.
"If it's just a story than how do toy explain that?" Tanya asked quietly while indicating his subarmour, not wanting to upset him anymore than he already was. Unfortunately Derek wasn't as subtle.
"Yeah and did you zone out during the part about the fat of humanity?" Derek asked sarcastically.
"I don't care! Find someone else for the job!"
~How can he be the Ronin of love?~
~I don't know Tanya but he is.~
~Yeah so now we're stuck with the jerk!~
~Derek!!~
"Alec you don't have a choice. There is no one else you know the whole destiny thing. The Storm chose you for a good reason."
~I'd like to know what it was!~ (Derek)
~I'm sure we all would.~
Alec was about to reply when he heard a voice
"Alec? Where are you?"
"Anna! I forgot she was in the car." "I'm ok Anna!"
"Where are you?"
"Behind the gym!"
~You better take your subarmour off before your sister sees it.~
Alec jumped and looked at Tanya. He could have sworn he'd heard her say that.
~You did hear me. We're linked telepathically now. Just think and we can hear you.~
~THIS IS CRAZY!!~
~Hey! Not so loud!~
~Derek's right there's no need to shout. You'd better change before your sister sees you in that. Although it would be interesting to see you try to explain it to her.~
~Very funny! What about you three?~
~That's easy, we're leaving.~
~Meet us here tomorrow please Alec. We need you, and whether or not you admit it, you need us too.~
Kate's parting comment earnt her a glare as Alec as the three left and he changed back to his regular clothes. Just in time too.
"There you are. I know you told me to stay in the car but I was getting worried." Anna said as she emerged from the bushes.
"Yeah, well next time do what I say!" He snapped at her. "Alec?"
"Come on we're going!"
The trip home was completely silent as Alec went over everything Kate had said. 'It can't be true! I won't believe it.' 'But what if it is?' A small voice seemed to whisper. He shook his head in annoyance.
"Alec, are you ok?"
"I'm fine!"
Anna sighed and looked out the window. What had happened to put him in such a foul mood? They'd had such a good day! Why was he spoiling it now? She felt like crying but held the tears in. She wouldn't let him see her cry.
As soon as they got home Alec went straight back out again without a word. Anna ran upstairs and threw herself onto her bed, crying.
Alec wasn't at breakfast the next morning. She hadn't heard him come in either. Where could he be? Anna rang all his friend but no one had seen him. That's when she really started getting worried. She grabbed her keys and a coat and jumped in her car. She started driving around looking for him. He'd turned his mobile off.
Towards sunset she found herself back at the old gym only this time there were lights on inside. Turning the car off she got out and cautiously crept up to a window. She was greeted with a sight that shocked her. Alec and Katherine were fighting but it didn't look like real fighting, more like practice. As she watched Katherine knocked Alec off his feet and he hit the floor hard enough to knock the wind out of him. That was enough for her! Anna ran to the door and shoved it open.
"What do you think you're doing?" She yelled at them. Everyone looked at her in shock. The lights had flared when she'd shouted. Kate nodded to herself.
"Relax Anna, it's just training."
"Did I ask you Derek Thompson?" She asked icily.
"Anna calm down and I'll explain!"
"Expalin! I've been worried sick and all you can say is that you'll explain!" Anna looked ready to hit something or someone. She looked at them each in turn but only Kate held her gaze. Alec looked between the two of them and it suddenly hit him.
"Sanada don't!" But he was too late because even as he spoke Kate was once again asking the question.
Anna looked as if she'd been hit in the stomach and her breathing became laboured. The four Storms exchanged worried looks.
~Why is she reacting like that?~ Tanya's thoughts were tinged with worry and fear.
~I don't know. If she's a Storm she should have answered, if not then nothing should have happened.~ ~Flame help! Something's gone wrong!~
The wolf stepped from the shadows causing Alec to back up a bit. Derek quickly let him know it was all right as Flame cautiously approached Anna.
~Something is interfering with her link to Lightningstorm. It's trying to come to her but something very powerful and evil is stopping it.~ He told Kate after sniffing the now sobbing teenager.
~Tulpa?~
~Perhaps or one of his 'priests'.~
~Can you do anything?~
~No.~
"What's going on Sanada?" Alec almost growled at Kate. She looked over at him
"Something's stopping her armour from coming to her. That's why she's in pain."
"Can we do anything?"
"Not that I know of. I'm sorry Alec. I didn't know this would happen. Has anything unusal happened to her lately?"
"She had nightmares or something the other night but didn't remember them in the morning when I asked her. Could it be connected?"
"Maybe. I just don't know." ~ Ancient please help her!~
Anna suddenly screamed in pain and collapsed on the floor screaming all the time.
"Do something! Please!!" Alec screamed at Kate.
Suddenly Anna's screaming lessened and everyone heard the soft sound of bells or something. Kate smiled slightly and sent a silent message of thanks to a certain dead monk as a soft golden light surrounded Anna. As soon as it faded there was a flash of light and then Anna was on the floor in the green subarmour of Lightningstorm armour. She slowly sat up looking very bewildered.
"What, what happened?" She stammered. The pain was gone but she was still in shock.
Kate smiled at her before welcoming her.
"Welcome to the Ronin Storms Anna of Lightningstorm."
To be continued..