Chapter 13: Challenge to the Dynasty
That morning I woke up groggy, but soon my memory of what happened came to me. " I'm going kill him for that." I said angrily as I stood up, a little woozy from the injection. " Just calm down Serena. Harry did what he felt was best for you last night. You were half out of it and were being your usual stubborn self," said Saber, looking at me with interest from where he was leaning against the tent wall. " What he felt was best for me? Since when do people starts thinking for me?" I ask ruefully. " When you are incapable of thinking for yourself, when you are too stubborn to do what needs to be done for yourself, then we have to do what needs to be done for your well being." I glared at Saber. " I'm capable of thinking for myself, I was being stubborn because I care about my friends, and I've been taking care of myself since I was nine." " Don't forget though, that friends look out after each other. And that means helping each other out when one is unable to. You were unable to help anyone last night. Harry did what he felt was best for you last night. Now, do you feel better after the rest?" "Yes. But I'm still going to give him an ear full about it." I said looking around seeing that if anyone else was up.
"Have you been watching me all night?" " I asked. "I kept an eye on you off and on during the night. You are one who is a special friend, and I wanted to make sure that you were ok" Saber answered. I smiled gratefully. " I'm fine for someone that was knocked out. But when I find a certain person he won't be fine." I said gruffly, knowing I wouldn't hurt Harry but I would have a talk with him. " Just go easy on him. He was looking out for your best interests, as well as the teams best. He was acting as both a physician and as a friend. After all, he helped to train you, so he may treat you differently than I might have." I sighed. " I hate to say it but your right." Saber smiled. "I'm glad that you are seeing things more clearly. Remember, a team is only as strong as its weakest link. And last night, you were it." I bit my tongue hearing this, trying not to lose my temper like last night as I walked outside.
Saber and I went our own ways, and as I was walking, I met up with Ryo and White Blaze. "Good morning Serena. Feeling better after some rest?" Ryo asked me looking a bit concerned. " Yes." White Blaze moved over, and rubbed against me in a friendly manner. "I just wanted you to know that while I don't approve of what Harry did, I understand why he did it. He was worried about you and worried for the team. I think that is why he did what he did last night" he said as I petted White Blaze. " I know, I know. Saber already told me that. But could Harry and Sekmeht stop using injections to knock me out? First Sekmeht and now Harry used it on me." I complained.
" Sekmeht did what he did to make it easier to get the poison out of you. He was afraid that if you were awake, you would be tossing and screaming, and that would make it harder to get the poison out." I remembered but I shook my head, not meaning that. " No I mean after I was captured, you were blasted by Koga and Dan, and then you disappeared. I was scared you were captured or worse so I wouldn't leave without you. Then Sekmeht used the injection on me." "Hmm I'll have to talk to snake man about that." Snake man?" I laughed at hearing Ryo calling Sekmeht that. "Well, he is one who has a special relationship with serpents. I call him that as a sort of joke." He smiled grandly. "Yeah but don't call him that in front of him." I said knowing what would happen.
Ryo laughed. "Don't worry, I won't. By the way, Saber is man of honor and respect. He backed me up in the fight against the warlords yesterday. I would be glad to have him fight with me any time." I raised my eyebrows then grinned. " Good. I was afraid you two would kill each other." " Well, after what he did yesterday in watching my back and helping save you, I wouldn't mind having him on my side anytime." I smiled at Ryo then realizing it I looked away. " Well, I need to check on the rest of the team. Kayura got up early this morning to meditate with the Ancient Staff on upcoming matters, and we need to get breakfast started before Kento starts complaining." I laughed out loud. " Don't ask me to cook. My cooking more lethal then Sekmhet's venom." I said. " Usually it's your brother who does the cooking. We keep both Rowen and Sekmeht away from the cooking supplies. Letting them cook is a disaster waiting to happen." I frowned at his grin and then said " I mean it Ryo. I blew up a microwave not long ago trying to cook. I'm just as bad as Rowen." " So? The last time Rowen cooked, he made your brother afraid of oatmeal!" Ryo said, laughing at the look on my face.
" How?" I asked with a look of disbelief. " I don't remember all the details, but it made him so sick that he never wanted to eat or see oatmeal again." I smiled wickedly. " Next time he makes me mad; I'll cook that just for him." Ryo shook his head and laugh. " Well, I had better get Cye up, or else no one will eat. Catch you later Serena" he said, as he turned to leave. " Ok, see ya." As I walked away, I heard sword fighting, and saw Cale and Sekmeht in a mock battle, using practice swords. Suddenly, I saw an arrow going by me. I turned thinking it was the Dynasty, and then I saw Rowen up, aiming at different items as targets. " I think I better move on before I get hit." I said to myself, as I walked to where I knew Harry would be.
" Harry?" I asked not seeing him but I felt a tap on my shoulder. I jump at least five feet and turned to Harry standing behind me. " Don't do that. I thought you were the Dynasty." I said, and then I thought about what to say to him. " Harry, I want to know why you used an injection on me." He looked at me coolly. " I used the injection on you because, as usual, when you are hurt, you get stubborn on people. You wanted to fight, but you were in no shape to fight. Even if you were in a state where you weren't injured, with the level of energy that you were at last night, you wouldn't have lasted 5 minutes out there. You were dead on your feet, even if you didn't want to admit to yourself. I am your mentor as well as a friend; I have to look out for you when you won't do that for yourself. I am sorry if I did anything to make you angry, but I was looking out for you as well as the team last night."
I sighed knowing he was half right. " But you know how I feel about someone injecting something to knock me out with. It was bad enough when Sekmeht used it on me against my will." " If I had known that someone had done that to you previously, I would have explained it to you and tell what and why I was doing what I was doing. I hope that you will understand that I did this for your best interests, as well as the best interests of the team." " Yeah I forgot you were knocked out after using your sure kill the first time. I understand but don't do that again." I said. "I can't make that promise. But I will promise that if such a situation comes up again, I will try to explain it to you before I do it. Ok?" " Ok. I know you can't promise me you would do it again, but try explaining next time." "I will do my best to explain it, if it come up again. Now come on, we need to get something to eat, before that so called human garbage disposal eats up everything!" " You mean Kento? Sure I'll race ya!" I said and took off running. "Last one there has to do KP duty for the rest of the day." Harry said he took off after me.
I beat Harry to the camp but was panting from running so fast; I was still working on improving my stamina. "At least I don't have a stitch in my side." I mutter waiting for Harry. Harry pulled up after me also panting. "Darn, I guess that I have KP duty this morning!" shaking his head in mock disgust. I smiles triumphantly. " Never race a female Ronin." I said smiling at the smell of food. "I know I sound like Kento, but I'm hungry. Are you Harry?" I asked looking at my friend ,not seeing Saber walking towards us. Harry just groaned. "And from what I've heard, Kento is bad enough when it comes to food!" I gave Harry a glare to kill, as Harry turned toward Saber. "Well, Saber, how are you doing this morning?" I looked over my shoulder to see Saber coming. " I'm fine. I see Serena didn't kill you" Saber said. I punched him in the arm but grabbed my fist in pain yelping in agony! " Next time a medical person tells you to do something, do it!" I stuck my tongue out at Harry, while rubbing my knuckles in pain from hitting armor with my bare fist. Harry went into his bag, and pulled out some ointment.
"Here, rub this on, it will dull the pain. And Saber, next time you have a medical comment to make, tell it to me, not my patients." I rubbed the ointment on my fist. " Its not Saber's fault. I forgot how much it hurts if you try to punch an armor bearer when he's wearing armor." I said coming to my friend's defense. " Well, next time, remember who is the MD around here. No offense meant to Lady Kayura," said Harry. I punched him in the arm with the other fist. Luckily he was not wearing his armor. " You forget I can heal my self or others if I have enough of energy." I said. Harry did admit he forgot that last night. " But you were in no shape to do any healing last night." He said. "You're right on that one. I was too drained to even do that." I admitted. " True. And with the state you were in last night, I don't think anyone would have been of much help last night." stated my mentor. I rolled my eyes. Then I heard a stomach growl and turned to Kento. " Hi Kento.'' I said. " Hey folks! What's for breakfast, I'm starving!" He said. I turn away so as not to let Kento see my laughing. " We don't know what's for breakfast Kento: we haven't eaten yet. But you probably ate what? Five time this morning?" I asked innocently, causing everyone, even Kento, to laugh. "If I know Cye, he's probably working on a major league breakfast for one and all!" I laughed, but as I about to walk to where Sekmeht and Cye were talking I heard an all too familiar sound, the hissing of a very angry cobra, angry since I almost stepped on its tail.
It had its hood raised, and its eyes staring at me. I turned as pale as new snow and froze with fear. The snake was curled near my left leg, so I couldn't move, and the others saw the snake but were unsure of what to do. Suddenly, Sekmeht started calling out. " Come here my pretty. That's it, come over here. Yes, aren't you a precious little thing." All these remarks cause everyone, INCLUDING KENTO, to loose their appetites. But I could care less at that moment as long as the snake did not bite me, as unwelcomed memories flashed through my mind as Sekmeht called the snake over. " Now go back from where you came from, and leave these people alone. I promise that I will visit as soon as I can." I started breathing again as the snake left, I took a shaky breath and I tried to hide my fear, but Harry saw it. Harry put his hands on my shoulder; he knew that part of my past well.
"What was that all about Harry?" asked a concerned Saber. "A few years ago, a close friend of Serena's died of snake bite, She saw it happen, and she has had ophidiophobia since then." Harry said. " That was too weird she was bit by a cobra that escaped from the zoo just like that one." I said. "Don't worry, that little pet won't be back to bother us any more." Said the Ronin of Venom. I looked at Sekmeht with a death glare. "Little pet? That thing almost bit me!" I nearly shouted. " That little pet was lost and frightened! It won't bother anyone else again. Now calm down Serena," said a slightly upset Sekmeht. I shook my head and walked away, but Saber came running after me. "What is eating you Serena? You are acting like all that has happened is your fault. It isn't. Now stand up and act like a Ronin Warrior!"
"Saber, I was there when Kat died. When I was eight, I watched her die because I was too afraid and too stupid to know what to do. I asked her to come with down the street beside the zoo. We both knew a snake escaped, but I thought it was a harmless one that escaped, or the zoo would have warned the public. I persuaded my friend to come with me. If I hadn't asked her to come with me she wouldn't be dead. This was before I met you and long before I became a Ronin." I said " I understand but right now, we need you to focus on the task at hand." said a worried Saber, having never seen me like this. I sighed, knowing I to snap out of it. It was not good for me to dwell on my past but memories die-hard. " I know. She was the only friend I had other then you, Harry, Corin and a few others. Come on let's get back to the camp" I said, starting to walk back to camp.
Harry was relived when the two of us return to camp. "I'm glad that you got her to come back Saber. Maybe now, I can talk her into doing KP for me instead of me having to do it for everyone this morning." I gave Harry a look. " No I've got to train." I said. Harry knew very well that Sage was training me to be better at swordplay. Harry slapped himself on the forehead. "Well, it was worth a try." as he took a bite out of a piece of French toast the Cye has prepared for everyone. I poked at my breakfast; my appetite was still a little lost from what Sekmeht said earlier. But I saw Cye's questioning glaze and started to eat. " If you don't eat sis, I personally will force feed it down your throat. And I don't think you want that to happen" Cye threatened, but the others didn't hear him, since he was right beside me. Then he moved away to eat as well.
I gulped, knowing he would do it and started to eat quickly, but knocked some of my sausages off my plate to White Blaze. White Blaze looked at me with thanks, and wolfed down the sausage, without Cye seeing it. He then rubbed his head against me, letting me know that he appreciated it. I smiled and petted the tiger, and then I knocked another bit off my plate. Harry turned toward Ryo. " So, how are we going to do this? Are we going to continue to play wait and see, or are we going after the warlords, and put the Dynasty on ice for good?!" I looked worriedly at Harry, and then at Ryo, remembering my imprisonment in the Dynasty when I was captured and how badly it went after that. "That may not be a good idea Harry, we have to fight them on our turf. Not on their's or they will have the upper hand." "I understand that Serena, but it just bugs me that we can't just put them away for good once and for all." stated a perturbed mentor. " Believe me, I would love to do nothing more then to put them away for good. But if we go after them in the Dynasty or on their turf they will have the upper hand and we could lose. Losing is something we can't do." Ryo said.
Harry slammed his hands into the ground in front of him. "Then what do you suggest we do: Wait for them to attack us like they did yesterday? We need to do something that will make them back off, and back off hard and fast, Ryo!" Ryo shook his head. " What you do suggest we do? Go after them in the Dynasty? Where they have limitless numbers of soldiers at their calling? Where they could easily pick us off one by one? I'm not happy about it either. But going after them is crazy. It may have worked against Talpa, but Arco is a lot smarter then Talpa was, so he's more dangerous!" "All I am suggesting Ryo is that we need to find a way to hurt them before they start coming at us with more resources than we can handle! Sooner or later, they will come after us, one at a time, and we need to get to them, before that happens! Because once that happens we have lost the battle," said a very frustrated Harry.
"Then why not challenge them, but on our turf?" Saber asked suddenly. Harry nodded, thinking it over. "That's not a bad idea Saber. We could challenge them one on one, here, on our turf, where we would have the advantage. That would force them to back off for a while, while we plan strategy," he said. " Good thinking, but how do get the challenge to them without getting into more danger then we have to?" Kayura spoke up then. "We can send a message into the Dynasty by means of the Staff of the Ancients. We issue the challenge, and see if they will answer or not." I looked at the others to see if they agreed, and they did. " Then send the challenge." Saber said, knowing we all agreed on it.
Anubis stood up. "If the Dynasty will accept the challenge, then I will fight for our side. None of them is as adept at the different forms of combat that I have learned over the years, along with my own mental powers, I should be able to overcome them in a matter of minutes." We all agreed to this too, but I was worried. Anubis was someone I looked up too and I did not wish to see him hurt. " Just be careful: The Dynasty plays dirty." I warned. " Don't forget Serena, I used to lead the warlords into battle for the Dynasty. I know how dirty they play," said a very calm Anubis. " How can I forget?" I asked under my breath: I saw how Anubis fought at the volcano; silently I prayed Anubis didn't hear that. Anubis looked at me with a look of respect, not hearing my comment. "If I get in a pinch, I will call for help, but I doubt that I will need it." I nodded, wondering what the Dynasty will try to throw at him. " To prepare, I would like to take on Cale and Dais in a training match. Once that is done, we will see if the Dynasty will answer our challenge." Stated the former Warlord of Cruelty. Lets see nether spirits, Dynasty soldiers, Warlords, Dynasty warriors, spells, what else can the Dynasty throw at Anubis in the battle? I asked myself not really wanting to know. Anubis, Dais and Cale went off to train while I decided to help clean up, but then one of my headaches came over me and I decided to leave before I snapped off at someone or something else happened.
After walking back to the edge of camp I leaned against one of the tree wishing my headache to go away. " Decided to walk away again?" I heard Harry ask. " Go away Harry. My head hurts enough already with out you lecturing me." I said not wanting to hear another lecture this week. I think that surprised him, because Harry didn't say anything for a while. " Another headache?" He asked. " Yep." I said closing my eyes trying to block out the pain. " When this is over, you really need to see a doctor about those headaches." I didn't answer for a while.
"I can't. I've tried healing through energy, so how can medication help? Any way you're the only doctor I trust. The rest, I don't trust as far as I can spit them." I said then we both heard someone coming. " They accepted the challenge but.... they want you battle you Serena." Kayura said: That surprised me only slightly. I had a feeling the warlords were going to take this battle personally and I had insulted them on more then one occasion. " Tell them I accept, I'll fight them." " Serena are you crazy! You just get...." "Shut up Harry, just shut up." I said, surprising the man I thought of as a father. "This is something that been coming since the Dynasty tried to kill when I was nine. It is time, and there is no way you or the others are going to change my mind or stop me." I said. " Tell them I accept their challenge Kayura." I said full of confidence to her. I hope I know what I'm doing. I thought to myself.
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Hi Icefire here, first thing I'd like to say is that I don't own Ronin Warriors. Secondly I like to say this story isn't just mine, it also belongs to my friend and partner Harry since he and I are co writing this story. Harry helping me a lot in this story so he deserves the credit too.
The challenge to the warlord for a one on one battle was sent but instead of fighting Anubis one of the warlords is fighting Serena, I guessed they want the one they hate. And Harry is not one bit happy about. What is the Dynasty up to now? And will Serena be able to battle whatever trick they have up their sleeve? It looks like you have to find out in Chapter 14: Training
P.S Ophidiophobia is a fancy word for fear of snakes
That morning I woke up groggy, but soon my memory of what happened came to me. " I'm going kill him for that." I said angrily as I stood up, a little woozy from the injection. " Just calm down Serena. Harry did what he felt was best for you last night. You were half out of it and were being your usual stubborn self," said Saber, looking at me with interest from where he was leaning against the tent wall. " What he felt was best for me? Since when do people starts thinking for me?" I ask ruefully. " When you are incapable of thinking for yourself, when you are too stubborn to do what needs to be done for yourself, then we have to do what needs to be done for your well being." I glared at Saber. " I'm capable of thinking for myself, I was being stubborn because I care about my friends, and I've been taking care of myself since I was nine." " Don't forget though, that friends look out after each other. And that means helping each other out when one is unable to. You were unable to help anyone last night. Harry did what he felt was best for you last night. Now, do you feel better after the rest?" "Yes. But I'm still going to give him an ear full about it." I said looking around seeing that if anyone else was up.
"Have you been watching me all night?" " I asked. "I kept an eye on you off and on during the night. You are one who is a special friend, and I wanted to make sure that you were ok" Saber answered. I smiled gratefully. " I'm fine for someone that was knocked out. But when I find a certain person he won't be fine." I said gruffly, knowing I wouldn't hurt Harry but I would have a talk with him. " Just go easy on him. He was looking out for your best interests, as well as the teams best. He was acting as both a physician and as a friend. After all, he helped to train you, so he may treat you differently than I might have." I sighed. " I hate to say it but your right." Saber smiled. "I'm glad that you are seeing things more clearly. Remember, a team is only as strong as its weakest link. And last night, you were it." I bit my tongue hearing this, trying not to lose my temper like last night as I walked outside.
Saber and I went our own ways, and as I was walking, I met up with Ryo and White Blaze. "Good morning Serena. Feeling better after some rest?" Ryo asked me looking a bit concerned. " Yes." White Blaze moved over, and rubbed against me in a friendly manner. "I just wanted you to know that while I don't approve of what Harry did, I understand why he did it. He was worried about you and worried for the team. I think that is why he did what he did last night" he said as I petted White Blaze. " I know, I know. Saber already told me that. But could Harry and Sekmeht stop using injections to knock me out? First Sekmeht and now Harry used it on me." I complained.
" Sekmeht did what he did to make it easier to get the poison out of you. He was afraid that if you were awake, you would be tossing and screaming, and that would make it harder to get the poison out." I remembered but I shook my head, not meaning that. " No I mean after I was captured, you were blasted by Koga and Dan, and then you disappeared. I was scared you were captured or worse so I wouldn't leave without you. Then Sekmeht used the injection on me." "Hmm I'll have to talk to snake man about that." Snake man?" I laughed at hearing Ryo calling Sekmeht that. "Well, he is one who has a special relationship with serpents. I call him that as a sort of joke." He smiled grandly. "Yeah but don't call him that in front of him." I said knowing what would happen.
Ryo laughed. "Don't worry, I won't. By the way, Saber is man of honor and respect. He backed me up in the fight against the warlords yesterday. I would be glad to have him fight with me any time." I raised my eyebrows then grinned. " Good. I was afraid you two would kill each other." " Well, after what he did yesterday in watching my back and helping save you, I wouldn't mind having him on my side anytime." I smiled at Ryo then realizing it I looked away. " Well, I need to check on the rest of the team. Kayura got up early this morning to meditate with the Ancient Staff on upcoming matters, and we need to get breakfast started before Kento starts complaining." I laughed out loud. " Don't ask me to cook. My cooking more lethal then Sekmhet's venom." I said. " Usually it's your brother who does the cooking. We keep both Rowen and Sekmeht away from the cooking supplies. Letting them cook is a disaster waiting to happen." I frowned at his grin and then said " I mean it Ryo. I blew up a microwave not long ago trying to cook. I'm just as bad as Rowen." " So? The last time Rowen cooked, he made your brother afraid of oatmeal!" Ryo said, laughing at the look on my face.
" How?" I asked with a look of disbelief. " I don't remember all the details, but it made him so sick that he never wanted to eat or see oatmeal again." I smiled wickedly. " Next time he makes me mad; I'll cook that just for him." Ryo shook his head and laugh. " Well, I had better get Cye up, or else no one will eat. Catch you later Serena" he said, as he turned to leave. " Ok, see ya." As I walked away, I heard sword fighting, and saw Cale and Sekmeht in a mock battle, using practice swords. Suddenly, I saw an arrow going by me. I turned thinking it was the Dynasty, and then I saw Rowen up, aiming at different items as targets. " I think I better move on before I get hit." I said to myself, as I walked to where I knew Harry would be.
" Harry?" I asked not seeing him but I felt a tap on my shoulder. I jump at least five feet and turned to Harry standing behind me. " Don't do that. I thought you were the Dynasty." I said, and then I thought about what to say to him. " Harry, I want to know why you used an injection on me." He looked at me coolly. " I used the injection on you because, as usual, when you are hurt, you get stubborn on people. You wanted to fight, but you were in no shape to fight. Even if you were in a state where you weren't injured, with the level of energy that you were at last night, you wouldn't have lasted 5 minutes out there. You were dead on your feet, even if you didn't want to admit to yourself. I am your mentor as well as a friend; I have to look out for you when you won't do that for yourself. I am sorry if I did anything to make you angry, but I was looking out for you as well as the team last night."
I sighed knowing he was half right. " But you know how I feel about someone injecting something to knock me out with. It was bad enough when Sekmeht used it on me against my will." " If I had known that someone had done that to you previously, I would have explained it to you and tell what and why I was doing what I was doing. I hope that you will understand that I did this for your best interests, as well as the best interests of the team." " Yeah I forgot you were knocked out after using your sure kill the first time. I understand but don't do that again." I said. "I can't make that promise. But I will promise that if such a situation comes up again, I will try to explain it to you before I do it. Ok?" " Ok. I know you can't promise me you would do it again, but try explaining next time." "I will do my best to explain it, if it come up again. Now come on, we need to get something to eat, before that so called human garbage disposal eats up everything!" " You mean Kento? Sure I'll race ya!" I said and took off running. "Last one there has to do KP duty for the rest of the day." Harry said he took off after me.
I beat Harry to the camp but was panting from running so fast; I was still working on improving my stamina. "At least I don't have a stitch in my side." I mutter waiting for Harry. Harry pulled up after me also panting. "Darn, I guess that I have KP duty this morning!" shaking his head in mock disgust. I smiles triumphantly. " Never race a female Ronin." I said smiling at the smell of food. "I know I sound like Kento, but I'm hungry. Are you Harry?" I asked looking at my friend ,not seeing Saber walking towards us. Harry just groaned. "And from what I've heard, Kento is bad enough when it comes to food!" I gave Harry a glare to kill, as Harry turned toward Saber. "Well, Saber, how are you doing this morning?" I looked over my shoulder to see Saber coming. " I'm fine. I see Serena didn't kill you" Saber said. I punched him in the arm but grabbed my fist in pain yelping in agony! " Next time a medical person tells you to do something, do it!" I stuck my tongue out at Harry, while rubbing my knuckles in pain from hitting armor with my bare fist. Harry went into his bag, and pulled out some ointment.
"Here, rub this on, it will dull the pain. And Saber, next time you have a medical comment to make, tell it to me, not my patients." I rubbed the ointment on my fist. " Its not Saber's fault. I forgot how much it hurts if you try to punch an armor bearer when he's wearing armor." I said coming to my friend's defense. " Well, next time, remember who is the MD around here. No offense meant to Lady Kayura," said Harry. I punched him in the arm with the other fist. Luckily he was not wearing his armor. " You forget I can heal my self or others if I have enough of energy." I said. Harry did admit he forgot that last night. " But you were in no shape to do any healing last night." He said. "You're right on that one. I was too drained to even do that." I admitted. " True. And with the state you were in last night, I don't think anyone would have been of much help last night." stated my mentor. I rolled my eyes. Then I heard a stomach growl and turned to Kento. " Hi Kento.'' I said. " Hey folks! What's for breakfast, I'm starving!" He said. I turn away so as not to let Kento see my laughing. " We don't know what's for breakfast Kento: we haven't eaten yet. But you probably ate what? Five time this morning?" I asked innocently, causing everyone, even Kento, to laugh. "If I know Cye, he's probably working on a major league breakfast for one and all!" I laughed, but as I about to walk to where Sekmeht and Cye were talking I heard an all too familiar sound, the hissing of a very angry cobra, angry since I almost stepped on its tail.
It had its hood raised, and its eyes staring at me. I turned as pale as new snow and froze with fear. The snake was curled near my left leg, so I couldn't move, and the others saw the snake but were unsure of what to do. Suddenly, Sekmeht started calling out. " Come here my pretty. That's it, come over here. Yes, aren't you a precious little thing." All these remarks cause everyone, INCLUDING KENTO, to loose their appetites. But I could care less at that moment as long as the snake did not bite me, as unwelcomed memories flashed through my mind as Sekmeht called the snake over. " Now go back from where you came from, and leave these people alone. I promise that I will visit as soon as I can." I started breathing again as the snake left, I took a shaky breath and I tried to hide my fear, but Harry saw it. Harry put his hands on my shoulder; he knew that part of my past well.
"What was that all about Harry?" asked a concerned Saber. "A few years ago, a close friend of Serena's died of snake bite, She saw it happen, and she has had ophidiophobia since then." Harry said. " That was too weird she was bit by a cobra that escaped from the zoo just like that one." I said. "Don't worry, that little pet won't be back to bother us any more." Said the Ronin of Venom. I looked at Sekmeht with a death glare. "Little pet? That thing almost bit me!" I nearly shouted. " That little pet was lost and frightened! It won't bother anyone else again. Now calm down Serena," said a slightly upset Sekmeht. I shook my head and walked away, but Saber came running after me. "What is eating you Serena? You are acting like all that has happened is your fault. It isn't. Now stand up and act like a Ronin Warrior!"
"Saber, I was there when Kat died. When I was eight, I watched her die because I was too afraid and too stupid to know what to do. I asked her to come with down the street beside the zoo. We both knew a snake escaped, but I thought it was a harmless one that escaped, or the zoo would have warned the public. I persuaded my friend to come with me. If I hadn't asked her to come with me she wouldn't be dead. This was before I met you and long before I became a Ronin." I said " I understand but right now, we need you to focus on the task at hand." said a worried Saber, having never seen me like this. I sighed, knowing I to snap out of it. It was not good for me to dwell on my past but memories die-hard. " I know. She was the only friend I had other then you, Harry, Corin and a few others. Come on let's get back to the camp" I said, starting to walk back to camp.
Harry was relived when the two of us return to camp. "I'm glad that you got her to come back Saber. Maybe now, I can talk her into doing KP for me instead of me having to do it for everyone this morning." I gave Harry a look. " No I've got to train." I said. Harry knew very well that Sage was training me to be better at swordplay. Harry slapped himself on the forehead. "Well, it was worth a try." as he took a bite out of a piece of French toast the Cye has prepared for everyone. I poked at my breakfast; my appetite was still a little lost from what Sekmeht said earlier. But I saw Cye's questioning glaze and started to eat. " If you don't eat sis, I personally will force feed it down your throat. And I don't think you want that to happen" Cye threatened, but the others didn't hear him, since he was right beside me. Then he moved away to eat as well.
I gulped, knowing he would do it and started to eat quickly, but knocked some of my sausages off my plate to White Blaze. White Blaze looked at me with thanks, and wolfed down the sausage, without Cye seeing it. He then rubbed his head against me, letting me know that he appreciated it. I smiled and petted the tiger, and then I knocked another bit off my plate. Harry turned toward Ryo. " So, how are we going to do this? Are we going to continue to play wait and see, or are we going after the warlords, and put the Dynasty on ice for good?!" I looked worriedly at Harry, and then at Ryo, remembering my imprisonment in the Dynasty when I was captured and how badly it went after that. "That may not be a good idea Harry, we have to fight them on our turf. Not on their's or they will have the upper hand." "I understand that Serena, but it just bugs me that we can't just put them away for good once and for all." stated a perturbed mentor. " Believe me, I would love to do nothing more then to put them away for good. But if we go after them in the Dynasty or on their turf they will have the upper hand and we could lose. Losing is something we can't do." Ryo said.
Harry slammed his hands into the ground in front of him. "Then what do you suggest we do: Wait for them to attack us like they did yesterday? We need to do something that will make them back off, and back off hard and fast, Ryo!" Ryo shook his head. " What you do suggest we do? Go after them in the Dynasty? Where they have limitless numbers of soldiers at their calling? Where they could easily pick us off one by one? I'm not happy about it either. But going after them is crazy. It may have worked against Talpa, but Arco is a lot smarter then Talpa was, so he's more dangerous!" "All I am suggesting Ryo is that we need to find a way to hurt them before they start coming at us with more resources than we can handle! Sooner or later, they will come after us, one at a time, and we need to get to them, before that happens! Because once that happens we have lost the battle," said a very frustrated Harry.
"Then why not challenge them, but on our turf?" Saber asked suddenly. Harry nodded, thinking it over. "That's not a bad idea Saber. We could challenge them one on one, here, on our turf, where we would have the advantage. That would force them to back off for a while, while we plan strategy," he said. " Good thinking, but how do get the challenge to them without getting into more danger then we have to?" Kayura spoke up then. "We can send a message into the Dynasty by means of the Staff of the Ancients. We issue the challenge, and see if they will answer or not." I looked at the others to see if they agreed, and they did. " Then send the challenge." Saber said, knowing we all agreed on it.
Anubis stood up. "If the Dynasty will accept the challenge, then I will fight for our side. None of them is as adept at the different forms of combat that I have learned over the years, along with my own mental powers, I should be able to overcome them in a matter of minutes." We all agreed to this too, but I was worried. Anubis was someone I looked up too and I did not wish to see him hurt. " Just be careful: The Dynasty plays dirty." I warned. " Don't forget Serena, I used to lead the warlords into battle for the Dynasty. I know how dirty they play," said a very calm Anubis. " How can I forget?" I asked under my breath: I saw how Anubis fought at the volcano; silently I prayed Anubis didn't hear that. Anubis looked at me with a look of respect, not hearing my comment. "If I get in a pinch, I will call for help, but I doubt that I will need it." I nodded, wondering what the Dynasty will try to throw at him. " To prepare, I would like to take on Cale and Dais in a training match. Once that is done, we will see if the Dynasty will answer our challenge." Stated the former Warlord of Cruelty. Lets see nether spirits, Dynasty soldiers, Warlords, Dynasty warriors, spells, what else can the Dynasty throw at Anubis in the battle? I asked myself not really wanting to know. Anubis, Dais and Cale went off to train while I decided to help clean up, but then one of my headaches came over me and I decided to leave before I snapped off at someone or something else happened.
After walking back to the edge of camp I leaned against one of the tree wishing my headache to go away. " Decided to walk away again?" I heard Harry ask. " Go away Harry. My head hurts enough already with out you lecturing me." I said not wanting to hear another lecture this week. I think that surprised him, because Harry didn't say anything for a while. " Another headache?" He asked. " Yep." I said closing my eyes trying to block out the pain. " When this is over, you really need to see a doctor about those headaches." I didn't answer for a while.
"I can't. I've tried healing through energy, so how can medication help? Any way you're the only doctor I trust. The rest, I don't trust as far as I can spit them." I said then we both heard someone coming. " They accepted the challenge but.... they want you battle you Serena." Kayura said: That surprised me only slightly. I had a feeling the warlords were going to take this battle personally and I had insulted them on more then one occasion. " Tell them I accept, I'll fight them." " Serena are you crazy! You just get...." "Shut up Harry, just shut up." I said, surprising the man I thought of as a father. "This is something that been coming since the Dynasty tried to kill when I was nine. It is time, and there is no way you or the others are going to change my mind or stop me." I said. " Tell them I accept their challenge Kayura." I said full of confidence to her. I hope I know what I'm doing. I thought to myself.
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Hi Icefire here, first thing I'd like to say is that I don't own Ronin Warriors. Secondly I like to say this story isn't just mine, it also belongs to my friend and partner Harry since he and I are co writing this story. Harry helping me a lot in this story so he deserves the credit too.
The challenge to the warlord for a one on one battle was sent but instead of fighting Anubis one of the warlords is fighting Serena, I guessed they want the one they hate. And Harry is not one bit happy about. What is the Dynasty up to now? And will Serena be able to battle whatever trick they have up their sleeve? It looks like you have to find out in Chapter 14: Training
P.S Ophidiophobia is a fancy word for fear of snakes