Disclaimer applies to everything
18 January 2003
Author's note: Sorry bout the delay. got caught up in stuff! Anyway, here's the eighth chapter, had to do a little back reading to get this - hope you guys can read n review, thanx everybody who gave good comments, really appreciate it!
Nigaki tried to yank his feet loose, but his efforts were meaningless. "Why?" He cried to Mara. Mara's face hardened. "Why? For making my life miserable from the very start. Because of you, people never regard me as the real Lord. You, the Guardian of Life. I was a mere figurehead." Mara's face twisted evilly. "Now with Sarra gone, and soon you too. I'll rule the way I want!" He cackled as he disappeared from view. "Rest in peace, Master Nigaki."
"Damn.!" Nigaki tried to blast the things away, but they were very resilient, and to top it off, they were sapping his strength. If he keeps it up any longer, they would die here. His eye caught Sanzo cradling Sarra. The monk was trying to blast a path to the wall, but his efforts were useless too.
Hakkai doubled up in pain. If there was a way. He touched the yoryoku limiter on his ear - must he resort to this? He feverishly touched the limiters, but was stopped by Gojyo. "Don't do it unless you have to."
Hakkai smiled faintly. Nigaki grit his teeth. There is only one way. but he must hurry, because Mara was sure to return to the Citadel. who knows what will happen? He turned to Ryudell, who was already on her knees. "Ryudell. bring them out of here."
"What?" Ryudell frowned. Then a look of understanding came to her. "Nigaki. don't tell me."
"There is only one way. They must live."
Ryudell hung her head, but Nigaki saw the anger in her. No Guardian in their right mind would attempt to do what he was about to do, and him, the oldest living Guardian at that. Ryudell nodded a little. "I obey."
Nigaki reached for the silver barrette that held his long silver hair. Fight darkness with Light.
There was a burst of light, and the liquid shriveled up and disappeared. It was blinding, and nobody could see what was going on. But they heard Nigaki's quiet farewell; "Everyone has something they want to protect. goodbye, my friends."
"Nigaki!" Goku yelled. "What are you doing, you - waaaaah?!" He was surprised to feel himself lifted from the muck and up, up over the gaping hole. He landed on the grass and saw Ryudell with her arms outstretched as she transported the others out of the dungeon. Goku scrambled to the edge of the hole and looked in. Nigaki was still down there, a dazzling figure in the darkness. But the bright light was slowly fading as the foul muck closed in on him again. Nigaki looked up to Ryudell. 'Ryudell, please perform the Bind of Light, please."
Ryudell turned her face away. She couldn't do it. Binding the place means that Nigaki will die with the parasite as well. "Nigaki!"
"Do it!" Nigaki commanded harshly. "Do not turn away from your duty, Guardian."
Ryudell closed her eyes against the tears that were beginning to fall. A whip made of light appeared in her hand, and she began to lash out the whip. It darted here and there, until a gleaming net of light manifested around the inner rim of the hole. She let her hands fall limply to her sides and hung her head. "It is done."
Inside, Nigaki nodded grimly. His power was beginning to fade - but the Bind would hold until another Guardian can dispel the evil creatures. But there was one more thing that he had to do - he couldn't let his soul go to waste. someone did not deserve to die.
'Is everyone alright?" Ryudell carefully asked them. Hakkai was tending to Gojyo and Goku's cuts and wounds; Sanzo didn't seem so bad. Sanzo looked up at Ryudell. His eyes met hers and she sharply turned away.
"Do you regret what you did?" Sanzo asked her. Ryudell's grip on her whip tightened. "How can I not be.?"
"Nigaki didn't regret anything." Sanzo said after a moment. He looked down at the pale form in his arms. She didn't either. but. He remembered Komyo Sanzo, and he felt bitter.
Ryudell knelt next to Sanzo and bowed her head. "I am Ryudell, Guardian of the Dimension Gate. Nigaki has placed me in your hands, and I will now give my assistance to you."
"What's going to happen to Nigaki?!" Goku was crouched at the edge of the hole, peering down into the mass below. 'We can't leave him!"
Ryudell was unsure of what to answer. She was about to approach Goku when there was a rush of wind, and a dazzling light erupted from the hole, throwing Goku over. 'WAAHH!!!" The light shot all the way to the sky, and there, the sky began to twist and swirl, until a shining portal opened wide above their heads.
Ryudell's eyes widened. This. The Gate of Life! But Nigaki should be dead.
There was a flash, and Sarra's body began to glow. She glowed so brightly that Sanzo had to shield his eyes, and he felt her body grow warm until at last, with a roar, the Gate closed and the glow faded. Sanzo stared down at Sarra. She was. different.
"Alive." Ryudell whispered. "Oh." She touched Sarra's face and jerked it back suddenly. 'She's alive," She said hoarsely. Sanzo couldn't believe it. 'What the hell."
"Ryudell is right," Hakkai said after checking her pulse. "It's like she asleep."
"Nigaki violated the Gate code." Ryudell said at last. "He exchanged his soul to resurrect another - a direct violation of the Gate's purpose."
"Nah." Goku said suddenly. He seemed to have been deep in thought. "I think - he wasn't gonna die for some mucky thing. he'd make his life worth it to the very end."
"Best thing you've said all day, saru." Gojyo chuckled after a moment. That made Goku angry. 'So? Jealous, stinking kappa?!"
"You watch your mouth, idiot! One flash and you think you're a genius?" Gojyo stormed. They flew at each other's throats, while Hakkai laughed nervously. He watched Ryudell sweat-drop. "Don't worry, Miss Ryudell. That's their way of fooling around."
A loud explosion made the ground shudder. Gojyo leapt to his feet in alarm. "What the."
"Whoa, look there!" Goku cried and pointed to a pillar of smoke beyond the forest. There were sudden sparks of fire, and more ground- shaking explosions. "The Citadel!" Ryudell exclaimed. "Lord Mara - "
"No time to think." Sanzo turned to Hakkai, who promptly whistled for Hakuryuu. " Don't waste your life wondering."
Ryudell watched as the four of them clambered onto the Jeep in awe. In the brief moments when he released her from her chains, Nigaki had said that these people were to be trusted, and could be relied on, but until now, Ryudell finally understood what he meant.
"Sit next to me, there's plenty of space." Gojyo grinned. Goku bristled. "Don't show your horns at this time, you water monster!"
"So what? Jealous? Kid!" Gojyo retorted as Ryudell awkwardly clambered between Gojyo and Goku. Hakkai checked to see if they're okay. Sanzo had Sarra on his lap, which, as Gojyo pointed out, was the first female to be honored such a seat. "Nah. what about the female cat Sanzo took care of while we were in Jong-Jeyu?" Goku asked. Gojyo laughed. "Guess you got some brains after all!"
"Shi-ne." A vein throbbed at Sanzo's temple as he took out his gun. "Maa, Maa, Sanzo, better save your bullets," Hakkai said happily. Ryudell was slightly dizzy. "You people can still joke right now?!"
'Why not? Now is as good as any other time," Hakkai said as he swung out of the forest to the edge of the drop. Below, they could see the Citadel - or what's become of it. The forests around the Citadel were destroyed - every inch of the place was on fire, and from their point of view - thousands of ants were scurrying. The clash of metal could clearly be heard, as well as the smell of blood and charred flesh.
"We can't bring her." Hakkai nodded to Sarra's sleeping form. "Miss Ryudell, could you please?"
"Yes," Ryudell took Sarra from Sanzo's hold and began walking to the forest, to Sarra's house. The four of them looked down into the valley. " Well?" Sanzo arched an eyebrow. Goku's Nyoi-Bou had made its appearance, and true enough, the boy himself was already skidding down the side of the valley. Gojyo slapped his forehead. "Na, Sanzo, remind me to give him a kick as soon as we finish this?"
"The saru is yelling hara-hetta - " Sanzo growled. "He won't last long on an empty stomach."
"Well, he did win against Homura." Hakkai smiled and he too, took off. Gojyo laughed. "After you, Sanzo."
"I don't see why I should - YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!?" Sanzo yelled as Gojyo gave him a thump on the back, throwing him forwards and skidding down the valley. "You punk!!! DIE!!!" A few bullets barely grazed Gojyo. The latter blanched. "What a priest," As he too took off.
"Fifty-nine!" Goku exclaimed in satisfaction as he took down the last one. 'Hey Sanzo, fifty-nine pork buns! What do you think?"
"I think you're eating too much." Sanzo groaned as he shot one who was trying to ambush him. "Why can't you ration 2:1, you greedy monkey?"
"Too little." Goku counted with his fingers. "I haven't eaten since morning, you know."
"If that's how you calculate it." Gojyo grinned as he decapitated one; "Forty beautiful women."
"Where's Mara?" Hakkai asked. " We've gone through all these people and we haven't seen him at all!"
"Split!" At Sanzo's orders the four took off at different directions.
Mara had been watching from the top of the tallest battlement. "Damn."
"You've tricked me, Mara!" Medea cried furiously. "All my men are dead!"
"It isn't any fault of Lord Mara." Moshuyume said softly. "You must blame your own incompetence."
"Why you stupid girl!" Medea furiously threw a fireball at her, but to her shock the ball disappeared as it reached Moshuyume. "You."
"That's right," Mara gloated. "Moshuyume may not have any gate power, but she can absorb any attack."
"You're going to pay for this!" Medea shrieked and lunged for Mara, but before she could even get close, Moshuyume threw a sheaf of papers flying towards Medea, slicing her into pieces. Mara smiled in satisfaction. "That's one more noisy bug."
"You must leave now, Lord Mara." Moshuyume said softly. "I will stop them."
"Don't fail." Mara growled as he stepped off the ledge and flew off into the distance. Moshuyume turned around just as the four of them burst onto the battlement, each from their own direction. Sanzo caught sight of Mara and quickly fired at him, but Moshuyume blocked the shots with her papers.
"Paper this time?" Gojyo said in a huff. Goku frowned. "You're always with Mara, right? Guess you're just like him too."
"No." Moshuyume said softly. "I never allied myself with anyone. And I did not take part in this massacre. But I will, stop you."
"What's the point?!" Goku said in exasperation. Gojyo stopped him. "Oy, saru. never question a girl in love."
"I will protect him, even if it means death!" Moshuyume cried, and her eyes flashed . The air around her suddenly transformed, and the Sanzo - Ikkou could feel it slicing into them. "She's going to slice us like minced meat," Hakkai said as he formed a barrier around them, but he himself could feel the pressure growing. "I."
There was a bright flash of light and Moshuyume was over thrown against the wall. Hakkai dissolved the barrier and looked up to see the source, and saw Ryudell - Ryudell and Sarra! The latter was terribly pale, and was sweating with the effort of standing up. Ryudell had broken Moshuyume's attack with her Light Whip. "Idiot!" Sanzo growled to Sarra, and the latter caught his eye. She smiled faintly, and suddenly took off into the air, heading after Mara.
"NO!" Moshuyume cried desperately, but Ryudell had landed in front of her. "Don't turn your back against your opponents." Ryudell lashed out with her whip, but Moshuyume was quick too. "Go after her!" Ryudell cried.
"The hell we can." Gojyo muttered, but up ahead, he saw a bright explosion and a pillar of smoke. "How're we - " he was about to protest when Ryudell lashed out at them with her whip, and instantly they were next to Hakuryuu, right back a the top of the valley.
'GO!" Hakuryuu sped off at top speed, squeaking dolefully. 'Where are they?" Sanzo swore. "There!" Hakkai swung the Jeep in the right direction.
Up ahead, the part of the forest has been flattened due to the two Guardian's power. Mara clutched his side in pain. "Ungrateful girl! I made you what you are today!" He spat. Sarra did not flinch. "I'm sorry I could not make you into a better person."
"Shut up!" He lunged at her, but she deftly blocked his attack and gave him a few blows of her own. "Lord Mara, please stop." Sarra cried in frustration. "I don't want to hurt you!"
"Too bad. You've done it already." Mara said calmly. "And Sarra. I've always wanted to kill you. Your existence is a threat to me."
It was all she could do from crying out in anger. This was no longer the Mara she knew. the Mara she respected, this was. a monster!
A kick in the stomach sent her reeling backwards. She was still too weak. the only hope of defeating him was. but - no!
"Got you!" Mara cried in triumph as two manacles snapped around Sarra's wrists. Power oppressors! "Darn." She hissed and gave Mara a kick in return. Those blasted manacles again. well, I'll fight tooth and nail if I have to.
"Oy, Sarra."
Sarra started. Under the cover of the trees, she saw four shadows leaning against the tree. She smiled apologetically. "Did I miss anything?"
"Have you come to see your friend die?" Mara sneered lightly. 'Well, it won't be long."
"Hey, Sanzo, should we help her?" Goku asked as he massaged his rumbling stomach. Gojyo chuckled. "Help yourself, baka-saru. You're so hungry it sounds like a storm's coming."
"It doesn't matter, Goku," Hakkai said, smiling. Sanzo lighted a cigarette and leveled his eyes onto Mara's. "Whether we help her or not, she's not going to die again."
"True," Sarra grit her teeth. "One taste is enough. and I'd share!" She lunged at Mara, but he threw her back. Sarra closed her eyes. One way or another, I'm not going to die again. Never! She attacked again, and again, concentrating fully on his weak spots - not that Mara had many - he was the finest fighter she had encountered so far. Finally sensing an opening, she executed a chop right on the back of his neck, slamming him to the ground. She swiftly placed her hand right over the middle of his backbone. "Goodbye."
"Kyaaaaaaaa!!!!!" Ryudell was thrown against the stone wall so hard pieces of the wall came off. Moshuyume stood a little way off, her deadly razor papers flying around her. Ryudell crouched, doubled up as a red haze of pain clouded her eyes. She was very, very strong, and the fact that her strength came from her desire to protect - but Ryudell could see that Moshuyume wasn't concentrating fully on the battle. Her mind was thinking of something else. "Are you thinking of Lord Mara?" Ryudell coughed blood. "What chance do you think he has against Sarra and the others?"
"I trust in him." Moshuyume answered coldly. "His enemies are my enemies."
"We were friends not too long ago." Ryudell got up. "Doesn't that mean anything to you?! Why do you turn against us when your heart doesn't?"
"Shut up!" Moshuyume cried furiously. "What my heart says doesn't matter, because I belong to Lord Mara!"
Ryudell bowed her head for a moment. "Moshuyume. people sacrifice their lives for what they believe in. That's what makes life worth living." She looked at Moshuyume, and saw the conflict in her eyes. "What do you believe in?" Ryudell asked softly.
What do you guys think??? Pleez review!
18 January 2003
Author's note: Sorry bout the delay. got caught up in stuff! Anyway, here's the eighth chapter, had to do a little back reading to get this - hope you guys can read n review, thanx everybody who gave good comments, really appreciate it!
Nigaki tried to yank his feet loose, but his efforts were meaningless. "Why?" He cried to Mara. Mara's face hardened. "Why? For making my life miserable from the very start. Because of you, people never regard me as the real Lord. You, the Guardian of Life. I was a mere figurehead." Mara's face twisted evilly. "Now with Sarra gone, and soon you too. I'll rule the way I want!" He cackled as he disappeared from view. "Rest in peace, Master Nigaki."
"Damn.!" Nigaki tried to blast the things away, but they were very resilient, and to top it off, they were sapping his strength. If he keeps it up any longer, they would die here. His eye caught Sanzo cradling Sarra. The monk was trying to blast a path to the wall, but his efforts were useless too.
Hakkai doubled up in pain. If there was a way. He touched the yoryoku limiter on his ear - must he resort to this? He feverishly touched the limiters, but was stopped by Gojyo. "Don't do it unless you have to."
Hakkai smiled faintly. Nigaki grit his teeth. There is only one way. but he must hurry, because Mara was sure to return to the Citadel. who knows what will happen? He turned to Ryudell, who was already on her knees. "Ryudell. bring them out of here."
"What?" Ryudell frowned. Then a look of understanding came to her. "Nigaki. don't tell me."
"There is only one way. They must live."
Ryudell hung her head, but Nigaki saw the anger in her. No Guardian in their right mind would attempt to do what he was about to do, and him, the oldest living Guardian at that. Ryudell nodded a little. "I obey."
Nigaki reached for the silver barrette that held his long silver hair. Fight darkness with Light.
There was a burst of light, and the liquid shriveled up and disappeared. It was blinding, and nobody could see what was going on. But they heard Nigaki's quiet farewell; "Everyone has something they want to protect. goodbye, my friends."
"Nigaki!" Goku yelled. "What are you doing, you - waaaaah?!" He was surprised to feel himself lifted from the muck and up, up over the gaping hole. He landed on the grass and saw Ryudell with her arms outstretched as she transported the others out of the dungeon. Goku scrambled to the edge of the hole and looked in. Nigaki was still down there, a dazzling figure in the darkness. But the bright light was slowly fading as the foul muck closed in on him again. Nigaki looked up to Ryudell. 'Ryudell, please perform the Bind of Light, please."
Ryudell turned her face away. She couldn't do it. Binding the place means that Nigaki will die with the parasite as well. "Nigaki!"
"Do it!" Nigaki commanded harshly. "Do not turn away from your duty, Guardian."
Ryudell closed her eyes against the tears that were beginning to fall. A whip made of light appeared in her hand, and she began to lash out the whip. It darted here and there, until a gleaming net of light manifested around the inner rim of the hole. She let her hands fall limply to her sides and hung her head. "It is done."
Inside, Nigaki nodded grimly. His power was beginning to fade - but the Bind would hold until another Guardian can dispel the evil creatures. But there was one more thing that he had to do - he couldn't let his soul go to waste. someone did not deserve to die.
'Is everyone alright?" Ryudell carefully asked them. Hakkai was tending to Gojyo and Goku's cuts and wounds; Sanzo didn't seem so bad. Sanzo looked up at Ryudell. His eyes met hers and she sharply turned away.
"Do you regret what you did?" Sanzo asked her. Ryudell's grip on her whip tightened. "How can I not be.?"
"Nigaki didn't regret anything." Sanzo said after a moment. He looked down at the pale form in his arms. She didn't either. but. He remembered Komyo Sanzo, and he felt bitter.
Ryudell knelt next to Sanzo and bowed her head. "I am Ryudell, Guardian of the Dimension Gate. Nigaki has placed me in your hands, and I will now give my assistance to you."
"What's going to happen to Nigaki?!" Goku was crouched at the edge of the hole, peering down into the mass below. 'We can't leave him!"
Ryudell was unsure of what to answer. She was about to approach Goku when there was a rush of wind, and a dazzling light erupted from the hole, throwing Goku over. 'WAAHH!!!" The light shot all the way to the sky, and there, the sky began to twist and swirl, until a shining portal opened wide above their heads.
Ryudell's eyes widened. This. The Gate of Life! But Nigaki should be dead.
There was a flash, and Sarra's body began to glow. She glowed so brightly that Sanzo had to shield his eyes, and he felt her body grow warm until at last, with a roar, the Gate closed and the glow faded. Sanzo stared down at Sarra. She was. different.
"Alive." Ryudell whispered. "Oh." She touched Sarra's face and jerked it back suddenly. 'She's alive," She said hoarsely. Sanzo couldn't believe it. 'What the hell."
"Ryudell is right," Hakkai said after checking her pulse. "It's like she asleep."
"Nigaki violated the Gate code." Ryudell said at last. "He exchanged his soul to resurrect another - a direct violation of the Gate's purpose."
"Nah." Goku said suddenly. He seemed to have been deep in thought. "I think - he wasn't gonna die for some mucky thing. he'd make his life worth it to the very end."
"Best thing you've said all day, saru." Gojyo chuckled after a moment. That made Goku angry. 'So? Jealous, stinking kappa?!"
"You watch your mouth, idiot! One flash and you think you're a genius?" Gojyo stormed. They flew at each other's throats, while Hakkai laughed nervously. He watched Ryudell sweat-drop. "Don't worry, Miss Ryudell. That's their way of fooling around."
A loud explosion made the ground shudder. Gojyo leapt to his feet in alarm. "What the."
"Whoa, look there!" Goku cried and pointed to a pillar of smoke beyond the forest. There were sudden sparks of fire, and more ground- shaking explosions. "The Citadel!" Ryudell exclaimed. "Lord Mara - "
"No time to think." Sanzo turned to Hakkai, who promptly whistled for Hakuryuu. " Don't waste your life wondering."
Ryudell watched as the four of them clambered onto the Jeep in awe. In the brief moments when he released her from her chains, Nigaki had said that these people were to be trusted, and could be relied on, but until now, Ryudell finally understood what he meant.
"Sit next to me, there's plenty of space." Gojyo grinned. Goku bristled. "Don't show your horns at this time, you water monster!"
"So what? Jealous? Kid!" Gojyo retorted as Ryudell awkwardly clambered between Gojyo and Goku. Hakkai checked to see if they're okay. Sanzo had Sarra on his lap, which, as Gojyo pointed out, was the first female to be honored such a seat. "Nah. what about the female cat Sanzo took care of while we were in Jong-Jeyu?" Goku asked. Gojyo laughed. "Guess you got some brains after all!"
"Shi-ne." A vein throbbed at Sanzo's temple as he took out his gun. "Maa, Maa, Sanzo, better save your bullets," Hakkai said happily. Ryudell was slightly dizzy. "You people can still joke right now?!"
'Why not? Now is as good as any other time," Hakkai said as he swung out of the forest to the edge of the drop. Below, they could see the Citadel - or what's become of it. The forests around the Citadel were destroyed - every inch of the place was on fire, and from their point of view - thousands of ants were scurrying. The clash of metal could clearly be heard, as well as the smell of blood and charred flesh.
"We can't bring her." Hakkai nodded to Sarra's sleeping form. "Miss Ryudell, could you please?"
"Yes," Ryudell took Sarra from Sanzo's hold and began walking to the forest, to Sarra's house. The four of them looked down into the valley. " Well?" Sanzo arched an eyebrow. Goku's Nyoi-Bou had made its appearance, and true enough, the boy himself was already skidding down the side of the valley. Gojyo slapped his forehead. "Na, Sanzo, remind me to give him a kick as soon as we finish this?"
"The saru is yelling hara-hetta - " Sanzo growled. "He won't last long on an empty stomach."
"Well, he did win against Homura." Hakkai smiled and he too, took off. Gojyo laughed. "After you, Sanzo."
"I don't see why I should - YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!?" Sanzo yelled as Gojyo gave him a thump on the back, throwing him forwards and skidding down the valley. "You punk!!! DIE!!!" A few bullets barely grazed Gojyo. The latter blanched. "What a priest," As he too took off.
"Fifty-nine!" Goku exclaimed in satisfaction as he took down the last one. 'Hey Sanzo, fifty-nine pork buns! What do you think?"
"I think you're eating too much." Sanzo groaned as he shot one who was trying to ambush him. "Why can't you ration 2:1, you greedy monkey?"
"Too little." Goku counted with his fingers. "I haven't eaten since morning, you know."
"If that's how you calculate it." Gojyo grinned as he decapitated one; "Forty beautiful women."
"Where's Mara?" Hakkai asked. " We've gone through all these people and we haven't seen him at all!"
"Split!" At Sanzo's orders the four took off at different directions.
Mara had been watching from the top of the tallest battlement. "Damn."
"You've tricked me, Mara!" Medea cried furiously. "All my men are dead!"
"It isn't any fault of Lord Mara." Moshuyume said softly. "You must blame your own incompetence."
"Why you stupid girl!" Medea furiously threw a fireball at her, but to her shock the ball disappeared as it reached Moshuyume. "You."
"That's right," Mara gloated. "Moshuyume may not have any gate power, but she can absorb any attack."
"You're going to pay for this!" Medea shrieked and lunged for Mara, but before she could even get close, Moshuyume threw a sheaf of papers flying towards Medea, slicing her into pieces. Mara smiled in satisfaction. "That's one more noisy bug."
"You must leave now, Lord Mara." Moshuyume said softly. "I will stop them."
"Don't fail." Mara growled as he stepped off the ledge and flew off into the distance. Moshuyume turned around just as the four of them burst onto the battlement, each from their own direction. Sanzo caught sight of Mara and quickly fired at him, but Moshuyume blocked the shots with her papers.
"Paper this time?" Gojyo said in a huff. Goku frowned. "You're always with Mara, right? Guess you're just like him too."
"No." Moshuyume said softly. "I never allied myself with anyone. And I did not take part in this massacre. But I will, stop you."
"What's the point?!" Goku said in exasperation. Gojyo stopped him. "Oy, saru. never question a girl in love."
"I will protect him, even if it means death!" Moshuyume cried, and her eyes flashed . The air around her suddenly transformed, and the Sanzo - Ikkou could feel it slicing into them. "She's going to slice us like minced meat," Hakkai said as he formed a barrier around them, but he himself could feel the pressure growing. "I."
There was a bright flash of light and Moshuyume was over thrown against the wall. Hakkai dissolved the barrier and looked up to see the source, and saw Ryudell - Ryudell and Sarra! The latter was terribly pale, and was sweating with the effort of standing up. Ryudell had broken Moshuyume's attack with her Light Whip. "Idiot!" Sanzo growled to Sarra, and the latter caught his eye. She smiled faintly, and suddenly took off into the air, heading after Mara.
"NO!" Moshuyume cried desperately, but Ryudell had landed in front of her. "Don't turn your back against your opponents." Ryudell lashed out with her whip, but Moshuyume was quick too. "Go after her!" Ryudell cried.
"The hell we can." Gojyo muttered, but up ahead, he saw a bright explosion and a pillar of smoke. "How're we - " he was about to protest when Ryudell lashed out at them with her whip, and instantly they were next to Hakuryuu, right back a the top of the valley.
'GO!" Hakuryuu sped off at top speed, squeaking dolefully. 'Where are they?" Sanzo swore. "There!" Hakkai swung the Jeep in the right direction.
Up ahead, the part of the forest has been flattened due to the two Guardian's power. Mara clutched his side in pain. "Ungrateful girl! I made you what you are today!" He spat. Sarra did not flinch. "I'm sorry I could not make you into a better person."
"Shut up!" He lunged at her, but she deftly blocked his attack and gave him a few blows of her own. "Lord Mara, please stop." Sarra cried in frustration. "I don't want to hurt you!"
"Too bad. You've done it already." Mara said calmly. "And Sarra. I've always wanted to kill you. Your existence is a threat to me."
It was all she could do from crying out in anger. This was no longer the Mara she knew. the Mara she respected, this was. a monster!
A kick in the stomach sent her reeling backwards. She was still too weak. the only hope of defeating him was. but - no!
"Got you!" Mara cried in triumph as two manacles snapped around Sarra's wrists. Power oppressors! "Darn." She hissed and gave Mara a kick in return. Those blasted manacles again. well, I'll fight tooth and nail if I have to.
"Oy, Sarra."
Sarra started. Under the cover of the trees, she saw four shadows leaning against the tree. She smiled apologetically. "Did I miss anything?"
"Have you come to see your friend die?" Mara sneered lightly. 'Well, it won't be long."
"Hey, Sanzo, should we help her?" Goku asked as he massaged his rumbling stomach. Gojyo chuckled. "Help yourself, baka-saru. You're so hungry it sounds like a storm's coming."
"It doesn't matter, Goku," Hakkai said, smiling. Sanzo lighted a cigarette and leveled his eyes onto Mara's. "Whether we help her or not, she's not going to die again."
"True," Sarra grit her teeth. "One taste is enough. and I'd share!" She lunged at Mara, but he threw her back. Sarra closed her eyes. One way or another, I'm not going to die again. Never! She attacked again, and again, concentrating fully on his weak spots - not that Mara had many - he was the finest fighter she had encountered so far. Finally sensing an opening, she executed a chop right on the back of his neck, slamming him to the ground. She swiftly placed her hand right over the middle of his backbone. "Goodbye."
"Kyaaaaaaaa!!!!!" Ryudell was thrown against the stone wall so hard pieces of the wall came off. Moshuyume stood a little way off, her deadly razor papers flying around her. Ryudell crouched, doubled up as a red haze of pain clouded her eyes. She was very, very strong, and the fact that her strength came from her desire to protect - but Ryudell could see that Moshuyume wasn't concentrating fully on the battle. Her mind was thinking of something else. "Are you thinking of Lord Mara?" Ryudell coughed blood. "What chance do you think he has against Sarra and the others?"
"I trust in him." Moshuyume answered coldly. "His enemies are my enemies."
"We were friends not too long ago." Ryudell got up. "Doesn't that mean anything to you?! Why do you turn against us when your heart doesn't?"
"Shut up!" Moshuyume cried furiously. "What my heart says doesn't matter, because I belong to Lord Mara!"
Ryudell bowed her head for a moment. "Moshuyume. people sacrifice their lives for what they believe in. That's what makes life worth living." She looked at Moshuyume, and saw the conflict in her eyes. "What do you believe in?" Ryudell asked softly.
What do you guys think??? Pleez review!
