Chapter Fifteen: An Unexpected Turn Of Events
Talpa stood amidst the large ceiling-less walls of his southern stronghold built around his pit of fire. The blue blaze was burning bright and tall behind him but naturally, Talpa wasn't all too pleased at the current situation of things. With a light turn of his armored head, he looked at Kayura standing motionless, guarding the entrance of the stronghold. Within that instant, the armor of corruption appeared in a black wisp on a display stool between the armor of venom and the armor of illusion. As each warlord had been defeated, their armor had returned to this very place and the blue flame grew brighter. Kayura now was the only one left who held a piece of the dreaded fire.
"Kayura..." Talpa said aloud. It wasn't known whether he was summoning her or just saying her name. However Kayura, still possessed by the flame, turned to answer him.
"Yes Master Talpa?" her voice chimed.
"My warlords have each suffered a defeat by the Ronins... and in such a short time. You are now my last bastion of defense, my last barer of the flame. The fire shall have to burn as a whole before I can absorb it into my armor..."
"I understand master Talpa," she replied abruptly and with that, Kayura began to walk towards the fire pit without the slightest hint that she would stop at the edge of it.
"Not Yet Kayura, not yet," Talpa's malevolent voice echoed. "I want to save this moment for when the Ronin Warriors come to try and stop me. I want to see the fear in their eyes when I absorb the armor and the flame of damnation all at once. I want to savor that moment..."
Kayura halted her advance up to the fire pit, turned to Talpa, and bowed acknowledging his wishes. Talpa watched her carefully as she returned to her previous position in the small stronghold and once there, he turned back to the three warlord armors lined before the blazing blue fire. Dark red eyes glowing with sadistic pleasure as he felt the immense strength still growing in the three suits.
"Even with the spirits and power of the flame, my warlords were defeated. I can't say as I'm surprised, they never were good for anything more than pawns. This time they were a hindrance to the armors. Fighting off my spirits within weakened them tremendously." Talpa paused a moment to let out a cackle at his realization. "But when I take each of these into myself, there will be no internal struggle, there will be no resistance and I shall be stronger than any of those fools can imagine! Even without the flame, I shall be the ultimate being with these armors alone!" and he finished with a chilling laugh that echoed through the sky.
"Man I swear I can hear that big black bucket of crap laughing at us right now..."
Kento and Sai were on their way to the main southern road lead by Dais. Kento still hadn't gotten much to eat and was rather cranky. Sai on the other hand was tired and nervous, not only was a former enemy leading him around, he was being led to the equal of Satan. As for Dais, he was trying to keep conscious after the tremendous beating he took from the two warriors behind him.
"I wouldn't be surprised if you could, we are rather close to his stronghold about now. "Dais replied to Kento's earlier comment.
"We're there already? It's barely been a day." Sai inserted nervously.
"We shall reach the main road in a few moments. From there we head south and in a short while, we shall be within reach of Talpa."
Kento slammed his fist into his palm with a loud clang the moment he heard that. "Oh yeah! It's about time! I'm going to give Talpa the fiercest headache with my ..."
Kento's companions stopped a moment to see what made him cut off in the middle of his bolster. He never was one to stop himself in the middle of tough man comment.
"What's up?" Sai asked looking around for something.
"Didn't you guys hear that?"
"Hear what?" Dais replied, looking over his shoulder.
"Someone's coming..." The Warrior of Justice warned ominously.
They all came to the nearest clearing and just let out a gasp at what they found...
"He can't be serious."
"That's the way he works."
"It's the only option we have."
Sage, Rowen, and Cale were on their way to the south path discussing the next move. The Warlord of Corruption had been informed of Anubis and of the plan of action and needless to say, he was stunned at the undertaking Ryo would undergo. "I have never faced Wildfire in combat directly, but from what I am told... he fights like a rabid animal, an extremist... but this..."
"We know," Rowen empathized. "We tried to talk him out of it, but when Ryo gets an idea in his head, God help him."
"God help you all if what you say is true. Did he not ask for your consent on this? You are at risk as well."
Sage cleared his throat before speaking. "We gave him the go ahead, because we really didn't have any other ideas. It's not like we can just throw water on it and the fire would be put out."
Cale seemed rejecting of this great risk; he gave a shake of his head after looking over the two Ronins at his sides. "The Armor of Inferno can absorb the Warlord armors as well, I'm sure my comrades would be more than willing to take your places just as I."
"As much appreciated as that sacrifice is, there are too many problems with that. I'm sure you would argue with all of them, so I'll just remind you that you can't call your armor anymore."
The Warlord didn't seem too happy with Rowen's reminder but he had to accept the truth behind it. He doubted that any of the Ronins would willingly give up their duty. He was about to let out a defeated sigh before he stopped dead in his tracks.
"Hey, what's going on? Why the stop?" Sage asked, looking on. Cale didn't respond, he just looked on at what he couldn't believe.
"Achoo!"
"Are you all right?"
"Yeah, just a sneeze. Someone must be talking about me."
Ryo, Anubis and Sekhmet were also on the southern path to Talpa's stronghold, the Warlord of Venom was walking much better at this point as he took a stop of at the rejuvenation spring. Still on his mind was how Anubis angrily silenced him when he was going to speak of the springs after effects. He didn't say more as obviously he didn't know the full story.
"How does sneezing signify someone speaking of you?" Sekhmet asked utterly confused.
"It's an old superstition," Ryo replied simply.
"I didn't think you were one to believe in superstitions and luck," Anubis inserted.
"I don't... but I didn't believe in mystical armor, nether spirits, or that I would have to come back to this wretched hell, but here we are."
"You must hold steadfast in your beliefs Wildfire, don't let this discouraging turn of events shatter what you hold to be true," Sekhmet stated with directness. Ryo looked over a little surprised, not at what was said however. They all had been around for over four hundred years so it was easy to believe they would know some pretty decent and deep advice to give in times of trouble. What really was throwing Ryo off is that for the majority of the time he has known the Demon of Venom, he has said nothing but discouraging remarks and death threats.
"Thanks," he said with a half smile.
The three continued to walk in silence. This was definitely the group with the oddest predicaments in it. All were once enemies with each other and now on the side of the most silent warrior in the party. One warrior was previously dead only a few days ago and here he is now; with them both ready to challenge a growing evil. There didn't seem to be any question among them of why there was not much commentary.
They continued to remain silent even when Ryo put out his arm to halt their advance. He started to move quietly and slyly further as he peered ahead through the dieing bushes.
"What do you see Wildfire?" Sekhmet asked in a whisper as not to reveal their hiding.
"I don't know, but its something coming over the hill," The Ronin of Virtue answered in a low whisper.
"What would Talpa allow this close to his most valuable treasure?" Anubis questioned.
"What say we go find out?" Ryo offered, as he began to stand up slowly.
"Wouldn't the best course of action be to see what it is first?"
"Whatever it is, were going to have to fight it anyway because were headed the same place. It could even be a scout to inform Talpa of what's been going on."
"You make a good argument. Lets go."
All three of them stood up from their crouched positions behind the bushes and headed to the path clearing. What they found made them stop in silence and look on in surprise.
"I don't believe it," Ryo said, looking over the sight before him.
"You all made it!" Kento cheered in reply.
All nine warriors came together where the roads merged and just simply looked on at each other, surprised that all have come so far. No one wanted to think of anything bad happening but seeing that their hopes were confirmed gave them so much more determination for the final battle to come.
The warlords, seeing each other sane for the first time in weeks, all gathered close to the center and mostly shook their heads in disbelief at Anubis standing amongst them in his sub-armor.
"You refuse to remain dead, don't you?" Dais looked on with a smirk.
"I'm afraid this may only be a reprieve for me. My time has long passed, as only the staff holds my life force now. A gift from the ancients in this time of need."
"Whether you live with us for only a few moments or maintain eternal life with us forever, it will be a great honor to fight along side of you once again," Cale explained with a hand to his former leader's shoulder.
Anubis looked at his three former comrades in chaos and simply put his arm out in the middle of the small circle the four of them had formed.
"For our honor, and our redemption."
Sehkmet put his hand atop Anubis's. "For the justice of the vengeance."
Cale laid his hand in the oath. "For the sake of all living things."
Finally Dais inserted himself. "For the future of all that exists."
All together they swore. "To the death we shall fight, until our hearts can no longer bleed, failure is not an outcome..."
There was a moment of silence that followed as they closed their eyes and bowed their heads. "The Warlords of the Dynasty fight one last battle..."
As soon as Sehkmet had finished that statement, another armor clad hand landed on the pile in the center. "But not alone..." Ryo's recognizable voiced declared. The four warlords looked on at him a little surprised. After another moment of confusion, yet another hand was added, this one with orange armor, then a light blue hand, a green one, and a navy blue palm to top it off.
Joined together as a unit, all these warriors swore an oath to never stop fighting the evil as long as it exists. Anubis seemed particularly proud of the bonding between former enemies.
"So then ... we fight... Ronin and Warlord alike to do battle against the greatest evil..."
"No," Ryo interjected "we do battle against the greatest evil... as Ronin Warriors."
Smirks and smiles were shared in the circle; Ryo just amalgamated quite possibly the most powerful band of soldiers in all existence, the new Ronin Warriors...
"Virtue!"
"Justice!"
"Trust!"
"Wisdom!"
"Life!"
"Loyalty!"
"Piety!"
"Serenity!"
"Obedience!"
And all at once ... "TAO!"
A new dawn had arisen in the fight against Talpa, new strength, new alliance, but despite all the power of the moment that just occurred, the greatest struggle was still ahead, waiting for them. All turned to the southern road and marched on proudly, ready to fight, ready to die, just as long as this dark flame was vanquished.
A walk less than a mile long seemed like an eternity until they finally caught site of their destination. Large stonewalls squared in the small encampment but the tip of the flame could be seen burning brightly. Further down the path, they found the entrance open to them guarded by one solitary figure, no question as to who it was.
"Okay guys, time to armor up, this is going to be a mean one," Ryo directed, looking at the silhouette.
"There will be no need for that Wildfire..." a dark voice boomed. "You have no need to fight for the battle has already been lost to you."
"Alright tin-grin, I've been waiting to get a piece of you! Show yourself so I can ship you back to hell!" Kento roared, slamming his fist into his palm angrily.
"Still as foolish as ever I see. Come; allow me to show you the means of your defeat. Enter my stronghold and witness for yourself the death of everything by my hand!" and at that, the figure of Kayura moved away from the entrance.
"You know, coming out and saying "It's a trap" would have about the same effect," Rowen remarked.
"What choice do we have? We're going to have to face whatever's in there eventually," Sai threw in a bit tiredly.
"Talpa has become arrogant. He wishes to brandish his abilities as he becomes one with the flame. This could be our opportunity," Anubis explained.
Kento got excited at the realization that their plan was coming to a close. "Oh yeah! This is getting good! Are you ready for this Ryo?"
Ryo looked at the tip of the flame burning high. "I don't have a choice but to be ready, but for the sake of effectiveness, lets not speak of it anymore. Talpa can obviously hear us."
Once again, they continued to slowly trudge the path towards the stronghold, all except for Sage that is.
"Is something the matter?" Dais asked, looking back at Sage simply standing there. The Warrior of Light remained standing, looking at Ryo lead the way to the encampment.
"No, nothings wrong... well actually... it's a really long story... let's just go," and before Dais could respond, Sage was immediately on his way to join the others.
They filed in three at a time to the open field within the stone walls, and they didn't at all like what they saw. A large fire pit, larger than any fire they've seen burning heatedly stronger and stronger. They saw the three Warlord armors lined in front of it, glowing with a strange blue aura. They also saw lady Kayura standing by the flame with a vacant look in her dark shadowed eyes. Last and least, the most feared of them all, the Ronins looked on with anger welling in their faces. Talpa was standing triumphantly in front of the blaze, as if the heat of it could warm his cold soul armor.
"Welcome Ronins! Welcome to the very last thing you will see in your wretched and miserable lives!"
"Oh shut up! We've heard it all before Talpa and you haven't come through once! We're not afraid of you and we never will be! We will not cower in fear before you, we will not lie down and die for you, and we will never ever permit you to pervert any other world ever again! This time ... you prepare to experience total annihilation! You prepare to witness your destruction at the hands of your enemies! Talpa, get ready to get sent back to hell! Piece by piece!"
As many surprises these warriors have faced, as many problems, situations, turn of events that have amazed them all...this one outburst, this one dramatic eruption of emotion stunned them all in a manner they have never experienced. Ryo's explosion of rage seemed to rattle even Talpa himself.
Ryo looked back to see the shocked expressions on everyone's faces and needless to say, he was confused. He always expressed his feelings, especially when he was upset, "How is this time any different?" he wondered.
"Ryo... you okay buddy?" Rowen asked worriedly
"What? What are you talking about?!" Ryo asked. He was obviously upset, this was the biggest moment in the battle and everyone was shocked stupid.
"You seemed to have lost you composure young warrior..." Talpa's evil voice chuckled. "Perhaps you do not have the strength and determination you would like us to perceive?"
Ryo turned back to Talpa with a look of disgust on his face. "You just wait you demon spawn, I'll show you just how much power we really have... more than you can possibly imagine... To Arms!"
"Armor of Wildfire! Tao Jin!"
For a lack of a better synapse thought to enter their minds, the other Ronins followed suite in calling their armaments.
"Armor of Halo! Dao Chi!"
"Armor of Torrent! Dao Shin!"
"Armor of Hardrock! Dao Gi!"
"Armor of Strata! Dao Inochi!"
Deadly powerful was the force of their transformation all at once; all five brought together the strength of their armor. After all the silk strands have wrapped and sakura blossoms had fallen, five brave warriors stood tall in front of the menacing black evil. Weapons drawn, muscled tensed, all combatants set their minds for what they would make the final battle.
"Ah yes I can see your power has increased magnanimously, how I anticipate having that power as my own!" Talpa cackled, feeling the strength of the Ronin armor.
"Oh you will feel the power of the Ronin Warriors tin-head, but not in a way you'll find all that pleasant. You're going down Talpa, and this time, permanently!" Ryo shouted back.
"Always the confident one Wildfire... you know all you boast comes up a loss. Have you forgotten? I control these three Warlord Armors! Granted you have defeated them ... but they were worn by weak souls who fought their overtaking control!"
All nine looked on in confusion. They didn't exactly know what this giant demon was talking about. "I can see your feeble minds cannot grasp this simple fact... these three armors you see before you, are no longer hindered with foolish things such as Piety, Serenity, and Obedience! They are free to fill with the dark power of the Dynasty! The armors you fought before were mere shells in comparison to their strength now!"
"You lying sleaze!" Kento hollered out angrily.
"No Hardrock!" Anubis calmed him, "He is right, without the wills of the Warlords to fight off the malevolence of the controlling flame, I dare say these armors now have enough strength to fuel Talpa an equal amount as the Blue Flame Of Damnation itself!"
Now all eight warriors were stunned, if what Anubis said were true, then their plan of action would only put Ryo on the same level as Talpa, not stronger. If Talpa absorbed those armors, it would be enough to destroy even the Armor of Inferno.
"Watch now fools, as your moment of death is upon you!" and quick as an instant, Talpa's hand movements signified the dreadful incantation of assimilation. Three flames flew out from the suits and joined with the burning pit while the armors themselves were drawn into Talpa's. As he laughed wickedly at his success he boasted, "I can felt the tremendous power coursing through every inch of my body! It's tremendous!"
As Talpa twitched and convulsed with all this new power surging through him, Ryo knew it was time... "This is it guys! We have to do it now! While he's distracted!"
"Ryo, are you sure about this?" Sai questioned worriedly as he clasped his trident.
"There no time for questions like that! Stop asking! It's now or never! Lets do this!"
Worried looks were exchanged among the Ronins, but not because of what they were about to attempt, but of the way Ryo was going about it. The anger in his eyes, the stress in his voice, the veins popping out in his neck and head weren't much of a helpful sign either, yet what he said couldn't be denied. It was now or never...
"You just better not die on us buddy..." Rowen said while releasing his energy.
"Give him one for every human being he's hurt Ryo!" Kento shouted, also surrendering his energy to his comrade.
"Remember who you are and what you have!" Sai warned as his armor's strength was set free to join the others.
Sage seemed to be looking at the collective powers like a dagger headed straight for his heart, everything Anubis said was replaying in his mind over and over. "That person would be on a path with a fate worse than hell... on a path with a fate worse than hell... a fate worse than hell... worse than hell..." Anubis's words chimed away in Sages head. "No..." he said to himself in a whisper, "No I have to... for the sake of the world... for the sake of everything I love..." and now out loud "Ryo take my power!"
Anubis lowered his head, with the revelation he just received; he had no choice but to throw his helmet into the pile so to speak. "Ryo..." he said.
Ryo turned his head while amidst the four glowing spheres of energy; he knew what Anubis was planning to do. "Anubis you can't! That's the only thing keeping you alive!"
"I am sorry Wildfire, but it is the only way! I am merely a dead soul that was given a second chance to atone for his sins, consider this my final act of retribution!"
"But..."
"No! Take my power Wildfire! This instant!"
Ryo shut his eyes tightly, then suddenly let out a loud scream as he reached out for Anubis's power. Just as the others, The Armor of Cruelty's strength manifested into a single large brown sphere and joined with the armors. Anubis faded back into his monk clothes and the staff reappeared in his hand. It was a bit of an ordeal for him as he fell backwards almost fainting to the ground only to be caught and held by Dais and Cale. The monk looked up seeing his armor joined with the rest... and a small smirk came across his face.
And in a bright flash of red-hot fire, Ryo was engulfed in the searing blaze as the Hariel Armor of Inferno came over his body. The shin guards and foot guards shot to his legs, and finally, the Soul Swords of Fervor in his hands.
Two years since this Incredible Armor was last called for. Two years since these two conglomerations of power were pit against each other in a battle for existence. Ryo stood tall as did Talpa, each sensing out the immense strength of the other. Ryo was obviously nervous, as his deep breaths couldn't settle his shaking hands.
"Hmph... you have grown in strength Ryo of the Wildfire, but it is not as strong as my new found power! Not even close! But it isn't over yet, there is still more power that can still be grasped by my armors... the power given by the Flame of Damnation!"
Ryo didn't budge, he knew that much already and he knew Talpa would have to let it all burn as one before either of them could even try to claim it. The Inferno armor wasn't going to be much of a match for Talpa's new and improved abilities at this point in the game so if he made one mistake, it was all over, he needed to obtain the evil blaze...
"Kayura it is now time!"
Now that, no one expected as all eyes turned the young female warrior walking straight into the fire pit. "Kayura what are you doing?!" Anubis cried out, while being held up by Dais and Cale. Kayura didn't respond as she headed to the flame.
"She still has her piece of the flame! Talpa is going to sacrifice her to unite it! If she gets into that pit she'll be dead for sure! We've got to stop her!" Rowen explained with panic.
"How are we going to do that?! Ryo has all our power!" Kento shot back.
"We have to stop her somehow!" Sage yelled.
Ryo could only watch as Kayura walked towards the flame, if he made a move to stop her, Talpa would defiantly get in his way and as the power levels stated, Ryo was no match for the demon right now. Kicking himself inside and clenching his teeth hatefully on the outside, he prayed for a miracle. What he received however was a loud grunt of pain from none other than Sehkmet. Surprising them both, Talpa and Ryo looked over to see the Demon of Venom on the ground with one of Kayura's Starlight swords pierced through his shoulder.
"You fools! Not one of you can stop her! Your fate is sealed!" The black armored demon mocked evilly seeing his former servant on the ground bleeding through his sub-armor.
"Maybe not one of us..." Dais's voice could be heard followed by Cale's, "But how about all of us?!" and all three former Warlords, even Sehkmet, dog-piled Kayura who was unable to swing away with her remaining sword.
"You interfering subservient dogs! It's useless! Don't you understand?!" Talpa bellowed angrily. With a wave of his hand, the warrior woman stopped dead in her tracks and started to convulse violently, yet the warlords maintained their death grip. Soon, the fire was drawn from Kayura's chest and joined into the flame, making the young lady fall weakly into the grasp of the three warlords. They looked at her, stunned, as she was just moments ago fighting off all three of them and now lay lifeless in their arms.
"You... you sadistic bastard!" Cale cried out in realization of what has just occurred so suddenly.
"Call me what you will traitor, but that will not change the fact that you have lost your chance to live in my glory!"
"Spare us your affronts to our intelligence you corrupt demon! This proves you have no loyalty but to yourself!" Dais shot back angrily.
"Too true I suppose, but it matters not. Witness for yourself now as death raises its hand to strike you down! The flame burns whole once again! Soon I shall burn with it in shear glory and triumph!"
"Oh you will burn Talpa... but not with glory or victory!" Ryo exclaimed while raising his soul swords.
"You still speak boldly young Wildfire, yet you have not the power to achieve your boasts! Your words mean nothing!"
"Maybe not now..." and with that, Ryo raised both swords high into the air forming a high cross and let out one fierce yell. Talpa could feel a large pulse of energy shoot right through him to the fire pit. He turned quickly to view his trump card spindling into a flaming tornado rising high to the sky in a burning blaze.
"No! No, this cannot be! I am the one to control the flame! You are too pure of heart to control such a power! It is mine to wield!"
Ryo simply ignored Talpa's complaints as he watched the base of the flaming tornado direct itself right through Talpa's stomach making him feel the power slip from his grasp and burn his grossly empowered body. Ryo didn't seem to care about the flame burning through his opponent but more so the flame being absorbed into himself, he could feel the evil current of white-hot power serge through his swords, his arms, to his entire armor. He tried as he could to keep it inside but the pain this energy was putting into not only his armor, but also his human body, was more than enough to make him scream out in agony. Yet still, he did not reject it, he absorbed even more of this torture.
"How is this possible?!" Talpa questioned angrily, he knew now that Ryo would be just as strong as he with this flame inside of him. "I see it now... your armor is of the Inferno... it takes power from all fire... but... how can one so pure hold such evil?" Talpa continued in wonder.
Soon enough, the flame finally was completely immersed in Ryo's body and he looked as if he had already fought a long battle with his greatest foe. Sweat dripping profusely from his brow; still breathing heavily, he could barely maintain a grip on his soul swords. All were quiet in watching Ryo trying to remain standing. Even Kayura, surrounded by Warlords began to stir when she heard Ryo's yells of pain, and now she too was entranced as to what Ryo has just achieved.
So suddenly, Ryo's face turned as if being strangled, his eyes bulged, his teeth clenched and he dropped his weapons as his hands tried to reach for his chest.
"Dude! What's happening to him?!" Kento asked Anubis nervously.
"He... he is experiencing a bodily rejection..." Anubis huffed while on Rowen and Sai's shoulders.
"What does that mean?" Sage asked further.
"The spirits of our armors ... they have been corrupted... corrupted by the evil flame... and now... now they will try to return to their bearers... to destroy them."
"I was afraid of this..." Sai said looking at his white armored companion trying to stay upright. They all watched, Anubis, Sage, Kento, Sai, Rowen, Kayura, Sehkmet, Cale, Dais, even Talpa, all were engrossed as to what would occur next.
What would happen next would make everyone jump back with a gasp. A large glowing brown fist exploded through the blue metal on Ryo's breastplate. Ryo let out another cry of pain as the fist came through, yet with no blood. It was obviously not inside the human body, as it is an armor spirit.
"My executioner comes..." Anubis stated while looking at the second fist to protrude from Ryo's chest.
"What are you talking about?!" Rowen queried apprehensively, unable to take his shocked eyes off the horrifying scene before him. His question would be answered in itself as what appeared to be an Ogre emerged from inside the White Armor and headed right for Anubis.
"What the hell is that?!" Kento hollered at the site of it.
"That is the Ogre spirit... from my armor of cruelty... It now comes to take my life..." Anubis explained tiredly. Kento however, was not very agreeable to that realization.
"We'll just see about that!" he said, charging the Ogre Spirit. He was crying out his usual war cries as he lowered his head and prepared for contact with the phantasm but immediately had to screech to a halt as he realized he went right through it without even knowing. "Aw crap man!"
"You can't touch it... it is only through me..." Anubis proclaimed while trying to come off Rowen and Sai's shoulders. "Leave me," he said, "It is only after me... and I must accept the consequences of this..."
"Forget it! We're not just going to leave you to the mercy of this thing!" Rowen stated while never taking his eyes off the Ogre Spirit.
"There is nothing you can do! As your comrade has proven, only I can make contact with it!"
"You're in no condition to fight! None of us are! Like we said, only Ryo has any kind of power and he's can't use it in the state he's in! At least let us get you out of here!"
"We are wasting time... and merely delaying the inevitable... leave me to my fate... let me die like a warrior..."
"Anubis..."
"Please..."
And that was enough. Sai and Rowen ceased in lending their shoulders to Anubis, although they released very hesitantly. There Anubis stood shakily, with this seven foot apparition bearing down on him ready to rip him apart with the fierceness of the Armor of Cruelty. The Ogre spirit came up to him glowing brown and looking fierce. Anubis closed his eyes and resigned himself to his fate as the monster raised his hands ready to strike him down. The blow never came however. Instead, all Anubis heard was "Not today ugly! Did you forget about me?! Big Mistake!"
The Monk opened his eyes to see Ryo on the back of the demon holding its arms above its head in a strong half nelson lock. "I called you, you belong in my armor, that means you work for me! That doesn't include killing my friends!" Ryo continued to taunt as the creature waved and flailed violently in his grasp. The Ogre spirit amazingly began to tire and be pulled back into the blue plate in the White Armor, Ryo was back to his feet and the Ogre was nearly gone. "... that was too quick... it's not over yet... " Ryo stated to himself with a huff.
As it was completely absorbed, Ryo fell to the ground heaving exhaustedly. Anubis simply stood amazed as he looked at Ryo on the ground. "I thank you Wildfire... my friend..."
"It showed me..."
Anubis seemed surprised by that sudden comment. Ryo seemed like he ran thirty thousand miles and was trying to perk himself up with a load of caffeine. "Are you all right?"
"Our... battles. All the times we fought... It wanted me to be angry with you... It replayed every attack, every assault... every time you hurt me."
"What are you talking about?"
"The Ogre... when it was trying to fight me off... it showed me everything you ever did to me... in my mind it showed me."
Anubis lowered his head, "That should be expected. The spirits are going to try and show you everything to break your will to fight."
"This is all happening so fast... what can I do?"
The former Warlord of Cruelty was about to do what he could to try and help Ryo up but as he lowered his hand, Ryo was getting to his knees, and then fell to all fours. Another spirit was trying to escape his armor. "Get back!" Ryo yelled strenuously. Rattling came from his back as he clenched the ground, trying to fight it. To no avail unfortunately, as two large glowing blue eagle wings ripped from his armor.
"Rowen!" he hollered, as if he saw his friend dying in front of his eyes. Rowen looked back with an expression of equal distress, he knew the wings were the same color as his armor and thus the spirit was out to kill him next.
"Ryo just let it go! It's killing you inside!" Rowen shouted back in concern for his comrade's well being.
"No! Rowen! You are my friend! You always will be my friend!"
Despite the severity of the event now taking place, Rowen seemed to become more confused than anything else, what Ryo was saying wasn't making any sense.
"He's reminding himself to fight off the images!" Sage exclaimed at his realization. "The spirit is showing Ryo all the hard times you two have been through, just like with Anubis, Ryo is reminding himself of better times to fight back..."
All warriors returned to Ryo's psychotic ramblings about his friendship with Rowen, which seemed to be working. The armor spirit was stopped from its escape with only its head and wings protruding from Ryo's armor. "We've fought together all this time... together with the other Ronins, or just the two of us... I couldn't ask for anyone better to be at my side in times of need... Rowen you are my friend... you always will be... I will not let this corrupted spirit escape me!"
The eagle let out an ear-shattering screech as it began to sink back into the armor like quicksand. As soon as it had been completely returned, Ryo fell flat on the ground face first breathing madly, displacing large amounts of dirt and dust with his heavy huffs. Rowen just looked on too stunned and too moved to speak. He took a shaky step forward but didn't go any farther then that as he watch his friend lay exhausted on the floor. "Thank you... Ryo..." was all he could say in a low whisper.
The others were about to move closer to at least try to get a better grasp of the situation but once again, Ryo shouted out in agonizing pain. All stood silent and watched in fear and speculation for the next color to emanate from the Damnation filled armor would signify the next soul to be threatened with hell.
Their first sign was a deep bloodcurdling roar from what had to be a very large creature. Upon hearing this, Kento's eyes grew wider as he clenched his teeth in panic. He took a step forward to get a closer look for Ryo was still at a reasonable distance from the group of warriors. He shot back in astonishment, as did they all, when this armor spirit shot out of Ryo with a vengeance. Ryo was unprepared for the sudden burst but he willed the creature back into his armor with all his might, stopping it halfway out.
Swinging fiercely and roaring ferociously, it became clear that this was a wild gorilla on a rampage. "That's not fair!" Kento shouted, "Ryo didn't have time to get ready fro that wild animal!" He knew there wasn't much room for fairness in this battle but he felt extremely guilty that his armor power was the strongest physically and that put tremendous strains on his long time ally. It hurt him even more seeing the grimaces on Ryo's face as he struggled to hold in this animal. "Let me have it Ryo! I can defeat it! Don't do this to yourself anymore! Please man, I can't let you take this all by yourself! Let me help!"
"Kento you... you always fought for us... Let me fight for you this time... let me be like you this time... let me be there to back you up in a fight... let me make you feel secure in victory... Let me beat the crap out of this thing for ya!"
The spirit roared in anguish as that statement was like a knife in its chest, sinking it back down into the dwelling of the Inferno armor. Kento very uncharacteristically let a tear trickle down the side of his face as he smiled in triumph. "That's the way Ryo... stay alive..."
And once again, Ryo fell to the ground, this time on his back. His arms and legs sprawled out on the dirty ground as his entire body heaved in his heavy breaths. "He can't go on like this! We have to stop it somehow!" Sage yelled in Anubis's direction.
"There is no way to stop this now. As it has been said, the only ones who have any kind of power are the two titans before us. We can only pray Ryo has the strength of will to survive this... and hope for a miracle that he can defeat Talpa..." the monk replied melancholically.
"So that's it?! We let Ryo face the most grandiose battle our worlds have seen all on his own?!"
"That was the stipulation I assumed you agreed upon once you formed this course of action."
Sage turned his head nervously back to a weary Ryo on the ground with a nervous expression and clenched fists, he seemed to have received a reprieve from the attacking spirits but his fear hadn't gone down, Talpa still stood before him. Ryo had a welling of nervousness in the pit of his stomach that Talpa might attack any second while this was going on but it had not been so.
"What is he waiting for? Why doesn't he attack? I'm beat now as it is, I'd be an easy kill..." Ryo thought while trying to turn his sore neck to look over at the tall black demon. "What has he got planned?"
Talpa just looked on at Ryo's agonizing predicament and despite the fact that he has no facial expressions whatsoever, they all had a feeling he was enjoying this heartily. At this point, slaying the young soldier of fire on the ground would be an act of mercy. Piecing that together gave Ryo little satisfaction or relief, but it at least allowed him to focus on the task at hand.
Sage and Sai both looked on with nervous eyes, as did the others. The Warriors of Torrent and Halo certainly had the most to worry about, but the others weren't so reassured that the other entities plaguing Ryo's body wouldn't try again.
Ryo once again doubled over in pain while trying to get to his feet, another spirit was making its escape and these constant attacks were truly getting on everyone's last nerve. Sai and Sage watched warily as no sound had been made identifying the creature to appear next. Quickly, Ryo's body swung back throwing out his arms in agony as excessively sharp teeth tore through him with a light blue glow.
"It's a shark! A bloody great white shark!" Sai protested angrily, yet Sage seemed the most perplexed at this turn of events. This would mean he would be the last spirit.
"It's doing this on purpose..." Sage's mind echoed "My armor knows... it will tell Ryo when he's at his weakest... it's doing this in purpose! Damn it what have I done to myself?! This will kill Ryo and it's all my fault! I've doomed the world!" This was too much to bare for the Ronin of Wisdom, tears streamed down his face as he fell to his knees watching Ryo try to pull in the predator of the sea.
"Sai!" Ryo called out, "I'll fight this one for you! Don't worry! Your battle is over! You've battled long and hard despite everything your mind believed! Now you won't have to fight anymore! Leave it to me!" And the demonic great white was absorbed back into the Hariel Armor, leaving only one more spirit to subdue.
Now all eyes turned to Sage and were surprised to see what they saw; Sage on hands and knees crying in guilt for what to them seemed like fear. "Ryo I'm sorry!" Sage hollered, shocking everyone. "I'm sorry about everything! Please! Before it starts, don't fight it! Let it go, I deserve its wrath as well as yours! Don't even think twice about it, please Ryo! I deserve to be punished for what I have done! Release the demon!"
Despite the fact that everyone save Kento, all the Ronins knew what this was about, they were still flabbergasted at this outpouring of emotion by their most silent and confined companion. Ryo just looked on vacantly at Sage and Sage looked back sorrowfully at Ryo. However, Ryo's vacant glare changed quickly to an expression of anguish, it was the last spirit making it's attempt for freedom and death. Sage was more than welcoming to it as he quickly stood and opened his arms wide.
"Come and get me! Kill me, do your worst! I corrupted your spirit long before the Flame of Damnation ever got to you... take your vengeance upon me now!"
Although this was a great display of honor and sacrifice on his part, the other Ronins couldn't simply accept the death of someone who has fought by them for so long.
"Sage this is insane! Don't you realize what your doing?!"
"You can't do this man! Just think of what will happen if you die right now!"
"Too much has gone wrong already! Don't make this mistake, you know it's the worst thing to do right now!"
"Halo, this is not a wise decision, cease and desist this instant!"
With a shake of his head, he just stood tall and awaited his death while green light started to glow ominously. They all knew Sage really had little choice in the matter for Ryo controlled the power but in his weakened state, Sage saying to let it go, his anger and mixed emotions for what was taking place with Mina, it did not look good at all. Ryo peered at Sage standing welcoming of the demon.
"Sage you always were a hypocrite..." Ryo whispered so only he could hear. "You think now that this will atone for everything you've done? ... You stole everything from me... you stole my life... my love... the one person who loved me... you took that from me without so much as a second thought..." Ryo's anger and rage were obviously getting the best of him now. "She would have come to understand ... if you hadn't interfered we would be together... I would have more than just a picture strapped to my arm to feel her confidence in me... you stole from me Sage..." and in one dramatic outburst Ryo shouted at the top of his lungs. "You stole everything from me!"
A green wolf shot out Ryo completely, snarling madly, more rabid and wild than any other spirit that had shown itself thus far. Sage still stood tall however, welcoming this beast to tear him apart. The beast in return took a pounce ready stance while growling angrily. The other stood in shock; a possessed spirit has escaped and was ready to take Sage to hell with it, worse of all there wasn't anything they could do about it.
The Demon Wolf charge at its barer with an abounding run, it was out for blood. Sage looked on waiting for it to finally come up and rip out his jugular. Closer and closer it came, he actually wished it would hurry up and cleanse him of his sins. The snarling came closer and closer until finally, it was silenced.
Caught mid air, struggling as it was muzzled and floating in the air, it was no more than two feet away from it's prey. Sage looked at it then up at Ryo who somehow managed to get him self to his feet. He had his arm outstretched and his hand to his forearm was glowing a forest green, the same color as Sage's armor. Ryo had stopped the creature at the very last second.
"R...Ryo..."
Ryo however didn't respond. Instead, he let out a fierce roar of his own and threw his arm up into the air pulled back the Demon Wolf and wrapped his arms around it as it was drawn into his grasp. The creature would not give up without a fight however as to continued to writhe and struggle in Ryo's invisible grip. "Not like this," Ryo said aloud. "If it has to happen... it won't be like this."
The Evil Wolf was being pulled closer and closer back to Ryo despite its struggling and Sage fell to his knees with such a mixture of emotions he could not even think of any words in his own mind let alone something to say out loud. Finally close enough to be drawn in, Ryo tackled the beast and forced it back within in his armor. One last time he fell to the ground in tired agony breathing too heavily, all the powers of the armor within him. There was a moment of silence among all the warriors present, confusion and fear filled them all yet again but breaking the silence was one of Kento's unmistakable cheers.
"Yeah Ryo! You did it buddy! Way to stay alive bro!" and other sounds of relief and laughter joined in as well.
"One more battle! You can do it buddy! Just hang in there!" Rowen cheered. "Right Ryo? ... Ryo?"
At that, their relief disappeared instantly. "Ryo, can you hear us?!" Sai shouted at his ally's fallen unmoving body. "Ryo!" It was no use, he didn't budge, not even the rise and fall of his chest in breathing.
Sage just look on as if it were he who had killed the Warrior of Virtue "No... no this can't be... it can't end like this... please Ryo... Get up!"
Talpa stood amidst the large ceiling-less walls of his southern stronghold built around his pit of fire. The blue blaze was burning bright and tall behind him but naturally, Talpa wasn't all too pleased at the current situation of things. With a light turn of his armored head, he looked at Kayura standing motionless, guarding the entrance of the stronghold. Within that instant, the armor of corruption appeared in a black wisp on a display stool between the armor of venom and the armor of illusion. As each warlord had been defeated, their armor had returned to this very place and the blue flame grew brighter. Kayura now was the only one left who held a piece of the dreaded fire.
"Kayura..." Talpa said aloud. It wasn't known whether he was summoning her or just saying her name. However Kayura, still possessed by the flame, turned to answer him.
"Yes Master Talpa?" her voice chimed.
"My warlords have each suffered a defeat by the Ronins... and in such a short time. You are now my last bastion of defense, my last barer of the flame. The fire shall have to burn as a whole before I can absorb it into my armor..."
"I understand master Talpa," she replied abruptly and with that, Kayura began to walk towards the fire pit without the slightest hint that she would stop at the edge of it.
"Not Yet Kayura, not yet," Talpa's malevolent voice echoed. "I want to save this moment for when the Ronin Warriors come to try and stop me. I want to see the fear in their eyes when I absorb the armor and the flame of damnation all at once. I want to savor that moment..."
Kayura halted her advance up to the fire pit, turned to Talpa, and bowed acknowledging his wishes. Talpa watched her carefully as she returned to her previous position in the small stronghold and once there, he turned back to the three warlord armors lined before the blazing blue fire. Dark red eyes glowing with sadistic pleasure as he felt the immense strength still growing in the three suits.
"Even with the spirits and power of the flame, my warlords were defeated. I can't say as I'm surprised, they never were good for anything more than pawns. This time they were a hindrance to the armors. Fighting off my spirits within weakened them tremendously." Talpa paused a moment to let out a cackle at his realization. "But when I take each of these into myself, there will be no internal struggle, there will be no resistance and I shall be stronger than any of those fools can imagine! Even without the flame, I shall be the ultimate being with these armors alone!" and he finished with a chilling laugh that echoed through the sky.
"Man I swear I can hear that big black bucket of crap laughing at us right now..."
Kento and Sai were on their way to the main southern road lead by Dais. Kento still hadn't gotten much to eat and was rather cranky. Sai on the other hand was tired and nervous, not only was a former enemy leading him around, he was being led to the equal of Satan. As for Dais, he was trying to keep conscious after the tremendous beating he took from the two warriors behind him.
"I wouldn't be surprised if you could, we are rather close to his stronghold about now. "Dais replied to Kento's earlier comment.
"We're there already? It's barely been a day." Sai inserted nervously.
"We shall reach the main road in a few moments. From there we head south and in a short while, we shall be within reach of Talpa."
Kento slammed his fist into his palm with a loud clang the moment he heard that. "Oh yeah! It's about time! I'm going to give Talpa the fiercest headache with my ..."
Kento's companions stopped a moment to see what made him cut off in the middle of his bolster. He never was one to stop himself in the middle of tough man comment.
"What's up?" Sai asked looking around for something.
"Didn't you guys hear that?"
"Hear what?" Dais replied, looking over his shoulder.
"Someone's coming..." The Warrior of Justice warned ominously.
They all came to the nearest clearing and just let out a gasp at what they found...
"He can't be serious."
"That's the way he works."
"It's the only option we have."
Sage, Rowen, and Cale were on their way to the south path discussing the next move. The Warlord of Corruption had been informed of Anubis and of the plan of action and needless to say, he was stunned at the undertaking Ryo would undergo. "I have never faced Wildfire in combat directly, but from what I am told... he fights like a rabid animal, an extremist... but this..."
"We know," Rowen empathized. "We tried to talk him out of it, but when Ryo gets an idea in his head, God help him."
"God help you all if what you say is true. Did he not ask for your consent on this? You are at risk as well."
Sage cleared his throat before speaking. "We gave him the go ahead, because we really didn't have any other ideas. It's not like we can just throw water on it and the fire would be put out."
Cale seemed rejecting of this great risk; he gave a shake of his head after looking over the two Ronins at his sides. "The Armor of Inferno can absorb the Warlord armors as well, I'm sure my comrades would be more than willing to take your places just as I."
"As much appreciated as that sacrifice is, there are too many problems with that. I'm sure you would argue with all of them, so I'll just remind you that you can't call your armor anymore."
The Warlord didn't seem too happy with Rowen's reminder but he had to accept the truth behind it. He doubted that any of the Ronins would willingly give up their duty. He was about to let out a defeated sigh before he stopped dead in his tracks.
"Hey, what's going on? Why the stop?" Sage asked, looking on. Cale didn't respond, he just looked on at what he couldn't believe.
"Achoo!"
"Are you all right?"
"Yeah, just a sneeze. Someone must be talking about me."
Ryo, Anubis and Sekhmet were also on the southern path to Talpa's stronghold, the Warlord of Venom was walking much better at this point as he took a stop of at the rejuvenation spring. Still on his mind was how Anubis angrily silenced him when he was going to speak of the springs after effects. He didn't say more as obviously he didn't know the full story.
"How does sneezing signify someone speaking of you?" Sekhmet asked utterly confused.
"It's an old superstition," Ryo replied simply.
"I didn't think you were one to believe in superstitions and luck," Anubis inserted.
"I don't... but I didn't believe in mystical armor, nether spirits, or that I would have to come back to this wretched hell, but here we are."
"You must hold steadfast in your beliefs Wildfire, don't let this discouraging turn of events shatter what you hold to be true," Sekhmet stated with directness. Ryo looked over a little surprised, not at what was said however. They all had been around for over four hundred years so it was easy to believe they would know some pretty decent and deep advice to give in times of trouble. What really was throwing Ryo off is that for the majority of the time he has known the Demon of Venom, he has said nothing but discouraging remarks and death threats.
"Thanks," he said with a half smile.
The three continued to walk in silence. This was definitely the group with the oddest predicaments in it. All were once enemies with each other and now on the side of the most silent warrior in the party. One warrior was previously dead only a few days ago and here he is now; with them both ready to challenge a growing evil. There didn't seem to be any question among them of why there was not much commentary.
They continued to remain silent even when Ryo put out his arm to halt their advance. He started to move quietly and slyly further as he peered ahead through the dieing bushes.
"What do you see Wildfire?" Sekhmet asked in a whisper as not to reveal their hiding.
"I don't know, but its something coming over the hill," The Ronin of Virtue answered in a low whisper.
"What would Talpa allow this close to his most valuable treasure?" Anubis questioned.
"What say we go find out?" Ryo offered, as he began to stand up slowly.
"Wouldn't the best course of action be to see what it is first?"
"Whatever it is, were going to have to fight it anyway because were headed the same place. It could even be a scout to inform Talpa of what's been going on."
"You make a good argument. Lets go."
All three of them stood up from their crouched positions behind the bushes and headed to the path clearing. What they found made them stop in silence and look on in surprise.
"I don't believe it," Ryo said, looking over the sight before him.
"You all made it!" Kento cheered in reply.
All nine warriors came together where the roads merged and just simply looked on at each other, surprised that all have come so far. No one wanted to think of anything bad happening but seeing that their hopes were confirmed gave them so much more determination for the final battle to come.
The warlords, seeing each other sane for the first time in weeks, all gathered close to the center and mostly shook their heads in disbelief at Anubis standing amongst them in his sub-armor.
"You refuse to remain dead, don't you?" Dais looked on with a smirk.
"I'm afraid this may only be a reprieve for me. My time has long passed, as only the staff holds my life force now. A gift from the ancients in this time of need."
"Whether you live with us for only a few moments or maintain eternal life with us forever, it will be a great honor to fight along side of you once again," Cale explained with a hand to his former leader's shoulder.
Anubis looked at his three former comrades in chaos and simply put his arm out in the middle of the small circle the four of them had formed.
"For our honor, and our redemption."
Sehkmet put his hand atop Anubis's. "For the justice of the vengeance."
Cale laid his hand in the oath. "For the sake of all living things."
Finally Dais inserted himself. "For the future of all that exists."
All together they swore. "To the death we shall fight, until our hearts can no longer bleed, failure is not an outcome..."
There was a moment of silence that followed as they closed their eyes and bowed their heads. "The Warlords of the Dynasty fight one last battle..."
As soon as Sehkmet had finished that statement, another armor clad hand landed on the pile in the center. "But not alone..." Ryo's recognizable voiced declared. The four warlords looked on at him a little surprised. After another moment of confusion, yet another hand was added, this one with orange armor, then a light blue hand, a green one, and a navy blue palm to top it off.
Joined together as a unit, all these warriors swore an oath to never stop fighting the evil as long as it exists. Anubis seemed particularly proud of the bonding between former enemies.
"So then ... we fight... Ronin and Warlord alike to do battle against the greatest evil..."
"No," Ryo interjected "we do battle against the greatest evil... as Ronin Warriors."
Smirks and smiles were shared in the circle; Ryo just amalgamated quite possibly the most powerful band of soldiers in all existence, the new Ronin Warriors...
"Virtue!"
"Justice!"
"Trust!"
"Wisdom!"
"Life!"
"Loyalty!"
"Piety!"
"Serenity!"
"Obedience!"
And all at once ... "TAO!"
A new dawn had arisen in the fight against Talpa, new strength, new alliance, but despite all the power of the moment that just occurred, the greatest struggle was still ahead, waiting for them. All turned to the southern road and marched on proudly, ready to fight, ready to die, just as long as this dark flame was vanquished.
A walk less than a mile long seemed like an eternity until they finally caught site of their destination. Large stonewalls squared in the small encampment but the tip of the flame could be seen burning brightly. Further down the path, they found the entrance open to them guarded by one solitary figure, no question as to who it was.
"Okay guys, time to armor up, this is going to be a mean one," Ryo directed, looking at the silhouette.
"There will be no need for that Wildfire..." a dark voice boomed. "You have no need to fight for the battle has already been lost to you."
"Alright tin-grin, I've been waiting to get a piece of you! Show yourself so I can ship you back to hell!" Kento roared, slamming his fist into his palm angrily.
"Still as foolish as ever I see. Come; allow me to show you the means of your defeat. Enter my stronghold and witness for yourself the death of everything by my hand!" and at that, the figure of Kayura moved away from the entrance.
"You know, coming out and saying "It's a trap" would have about the same effect," Rowen remarked.
"What choice do we have? We're going to have to face whatever's in there eventually," Sai threw in a bit tiredly.
"Talpa has become arrogant. He wishes to brandish his abilities as he becomes one with the flame. This could be our opportunity," Anubis explained.
Kento got excited at the realization that their plan was coming to a close. "Oh yeah! This is getting good! Are you ready for this Ryo?"
Ryo looked at the tip of the flame burning high. "I don't have a choice but to be ready, but for the sake of effectiveness, lets not speak of it anymore. Talpa can obviously hear us."
Once again, they continued to slowly trudge the path towards the stronghold, all except for Sage that is.
"Is something the matter?" Dais asked, looking back at Sage simply standing there. The Warrior of Light remained standing, looking at Ryo lead the way to the encampment.
"No, nothings wrong... well actually... it's a really long story... let's just go," and before Dais could respond, Sage was immediately on his way to join the others.
They filed in three at a time to the open field within the stone walls, and they didn't at all like what they saw. A large fire pit, larger than any fire they've seen burning heatedly stronger and stronger. They saw the three Warlord armors lined in front of it, glowing with a strange blue aura. They also saw lady Kayura standing by the flame with a vacant look in her dark shadowed eyes. Last and least, the most feared of them all, the Ronins looked on with anger welling in their faces. Talpa was standing triumphantly in front of the blaze, as if the heat of it could warm his cold soul armor.
"Welcome Ronins! Welcome to the very last thing you will see in your wretched and miserable lives!"
"Oh shut up! We've heard it all before Talpa and you haven't come through once! We're not afraid of you and we never will be! We will not cower in fear before you, we will not lie down and die for you, and we will never ever permit you to pervert any other world ever again! This time ... you prepare to experience total annihilation! You prepare to witness your destruction at the hands of your enemies! Talpa, get ready to get sent back to hell! Piece by piece!"
As many surprises these warriors have faced, as many problems, situations, turn of events that have amazed them all...this one outburst, this one dramatic eruption of emotion stunned them all in a manner they have never experienced. Ryo's explosion of rage seemed to rattle even Talpa himself.
Ryo looked back to see the shocked expressions on everyone's faces and needless to say, he was confused. He always expressed his feelings, especially when he was upset, "How is this time any different?" he wondered.
"Ryo... you okay buddy?" Rowen asked worriedly
"What? What are you talking about?!" Ryo asked. He was obviously upset, this was the biggest moment in the battle and everyone was shocked stupid.
"You seemed to have lost you composure young warrior..." Talpa's evil voice chuckled. "Perhaps you do not have the strength and determination you would like us to perceive?"
Ryo turned back to Talpa with a look of disgust on his face. "You just wait you demon spawn, I'll show you just how much power we really have... more than you can possibly imagine... To Arms!"
"Armor of Wildfire! Tao Jin!"
For a lack of a better synapse thought to enter their minds, the other Ronins followed suite in calling their armaments.
"Armor of Halo! Dao Chi!"
"Armor of Torrent! Dao Shin!"
"Armor of Hardrock! Dao Gi!"
"Armor of Strata! Dao Inochi!"
Deadly powerful was the force of their transformation all at once; all five brought together the strength of their armor. After all the silk strands have wrapped and sakura blossoms had fallen, five brave warriors stood tall in front of the menacing black evil. Weapons drawn, muscled tensed, all combatants set their minds for what they would make the final battle.
"Ah yes I can see your power has increased magnanimously, how I anticipate having that power as my own!" Talpa cackled, feeling the strength of the Ronin armor.
"Oh you will feel the power of the Ronin Warriors tin-head, but not in a way you'll find all that pleasant. You're going down Talpa, and this time, permanently!" Ryo shouted back.
"Always the confident one Wildfire... you know all you boast comes up a loss. Have you forgotten? I control these three Warlord Armors! Granted you have defeated them ... but they were worn by weak souls who fought their overtaking control!"
All nine looked on in confusion. They didn't exactly know what this giant demon was talking about. "I can see your feeble minds cannot grasp this simple fact... these three armors you see before you, are no longer hindered with foolish things such as Piety, Serenity, and Obedience! They are free to fill with the dark power of the Dynasty! The armors you fought before were mere shells in comparison to their strength now!"
"You lying sleaze!" Kento hollered out angrily.
"No Hardrock!" Anubis calmed him, "He is right, without the wills of the Warlords to fight off the malevolence of the controlling flame, I dare say these armors now have enough strength to fuel Talpa an equal amount as the Blue Flame Of Damnation itself!"
Now all eight warriors were stunned, if what Anubis said were true, then their plan of action would only put Ryo on the same level as Talpa, not stronger. If Talpa absorbed those armors, it would be enough to destroy even the Armor of Inferno.
"Watch now fools, as your moment of death is upon you!" and quick as an instant, Talpa's hand movements signified the dreadful incantation of assimilation. Three flames flew out from the suits and joined with the burning pit while the armors themselves were drawn into Talpa's. As he laughed wickedly at his success he boasted, "I can felt the tremendous power coursing through every inch of my body! It's tremendous!"
As Talpa twitched and convulsed with all this new power surging through him, Ryo knew it was time... "This is it guys! We have to do it now! While he's distracted!"
"Ryo, are you sure about this?" Sai questioned worriedly as he clasped his trident.
"There no time for questions like that! Stop asking! It's now or never! Lets do this!"
Worried looks were exchanged among the Ronins, but not because of what they were about to attempt, but of the way Ryo was going about it. The anger in his eyes, the stress in his voice, the veins popping out in his neck and head weren't much of a helpful sign either, yet what he said couldn't be denied. It was now or never...
"You just better not die on us buddy..." Rowen said while releasing his energy.
"Give him one for every human being he's hurt Ryo!" Kento shouted, also surrendering his energy to his comrade.
"Remember who you are and what you have!" Sai warned as his armor's strength was set free to join the others.
Sage seemed to be looking at the collective powers like a dagger headed straight for his heart, everything Anubis said was replaying in his mind over and over. "That person would be on a path with a fate worse than hell... on a path with a fate worse than hell... a fate worse than hell... worse than hell..." Anubis's words chimed away in Sages head. "No..." he said to himself in a whisper, "No I have to... for the sake of the world... for the sake of everything I love..." and now out loud "Ryo take my power!"
Anubis lowered his head, with the revelation he just received; he had no choice but to throw his helmet into the pile so to speak. "Ryo..." he said.
Ryo turned his head while amidst the four glowing spheres of energy; he knew what Anubis was planning to do. "Anubis you can't! That's the only thing keeping you alive!"
"I am sorry Wildfire, but it is the only way! I am merely a dead soul that was given a second chance to atone for his sins, consider this my final act of retribution!"
"But..."
"No! Take my power Wildfire! This instant!"
Ryo shut his eyes tightly, then suddenly let out a loud scream as he reached out for Anubis's power. Just as the others, The Armor of Cruelty's strength manifested into a single large brown sphere and joined with the armors. Anubis faded back into his monk clothes and the staff reappeared in his hand. It was a bit of an ordeal for him as he fell backwards almost fainting to the ground only to be caught and held by Dais and Cale. The monk looked up seeing his armor joined with the rest... and a small smirk came across his face.
And in a bright flash of red-hot fire, Ryo was engulfed in the searing blaze as the Hariel Armor of Inferno came over his body. The shin guards and foot guards shot to his legs, and finally, the Soul Swords of Fervor in his hands.
Two years since this Incredible Armor was last called for. Two years since these two conglomerations of power were pit against each other in a battle for existence. Ryo stood tall as did Talpa, each sensing out the immense strength of the other. Ryo was obviously nervous, as his deep breaths couldn't settle his shaking hands.
"Hmph... you have grown in strength Ryo of the Wildfire, but it is not as strong as my new found power! Not even close! But it isn't over yet, there is still more power that can still be grasped by my armors... the power given by the Flame of Damnation!"
Ryo didn't budge, he knew that much already and he knew Talpa would have to let it all burn as one before either of them could even try to claim it. The Inferno armor wasn't going to be much of a match for Talpa's new and improved abilities at this point in the game so if he made one mistake, it was all over, he needed to obtain the evil blaze...
"Kayura it is now time!"
Now that, no one expected as all eyes turned the young female warrior walking straight into the fire pit. "Kayura what are you doing?!" Anubis cried out, while being held up by Dais and Cale. Kayura didn't respond as she headed to the flame.
"She still has her piece of the flame! Talpa is going to sacrifice her to unite it! If she gets into that pit she'll be dead for sure! We've got to stop her!" Rowen explained with panic.
"How are we going to do that?! Ryo has all our power!" Kento shot back.
"We have to stop her somehow!" Sage yelled.
Ryo could only watch as Kayura walked towards the flame, if he made a move to stop her, Talpa would defiantly get in his way and as the power levels stated, Ryo was no match for the demon right now. Kicking himself inside and clenching his teeth hatefully on the outside, he prayed for a miracle. What he received however was a loud grunt of pain from none other than Sehkmet. Surprising them both, Talpa and Ryo looked over to see the Demon of Venom on the ground with one of Kayura's Starlight swords pierced through his shoulder.
"You fools! Not one of you can stop her! Your fate is sealed!" The black armored demon mocked evilly seeing his former servant on the ground bleeding through his sub-armor.
"Maybe not one of us..." Dais's voice could be heard followed by Cale's, "But how about all of us?!" and all three former Warlords, even Sehkmet, dog-piled Kayura who was unable to swing away with her remaining sword.
"You interfering subservient dogs! It's useless! Don't you understand?!" Talpa bellowed angrily. With a wave of his hand, the warrior woman stopped dead in her tracks and started to convulse violently, yet the warlords maintained their death grip. Soon, the fire was drawn from Kayura's chest and joined into the flame, making the young lady fall weakly into the grasp of the three warlords. They looked at her, stunned, as she was just moments ago fighting off all three of them and now lay lifeless in their arms.
"You... you sadistic bastard!" Cale cried out in realization of what has just occurred so suddenly.
"Call me what you will traitor, but that will not change the fact that you have lost your chance to live in my glory!"
"Spare us your affronts to our intelligence you corrupt demon! This proves you have no loyalty but to yourself!" Dais shot back angrily.
"Too true I suppose, but it matters not. Witness for yourself now as death raises its hand to strike you down! The flame burns whole once again! Soon I shall burn with it in shear glory and triumph!"
"Oh you will burn Talpa... but not with glory or victory!" Ryo exclaimed while raising his soul swords.
"You still speak boldly young Wildfire, yet you have not the power to achieve your boasts! Your words mean nothing!"
"Maybe not now..." and with that, Ryo raised both swords high into the air forming a high cross and let out one fierce yell. Talpa could feel a large pulse of energy shoot right through him to the fire pit. He turned quickly to view his trump card spindling into a flaming tornado rising high to the sky in a burning blaze.
"No! No, this cannot be! I am the one to control the flame! You are too pure of heart to control such a power! It is mine to wield!"
Ryo simply ignored Talpa's complaints as he watched the base of the flaming tornado direct itself right through Talpa's stomach making him feel the power slip from his grasp and burn his grossly empowered body. Ryo didn't seem to care about the flame burning through his opponent but more so the flame being absorbed into himself, he could feel the evil current of white-hot power serge through his swords, his arms, to his entire armor. He tried as he could to keep it inside but the pain this energy was putting into not only his armor, but also his human body, was more than enough to make him scream out in agony. Yet still, he did not reject it, he absorbed even more of this torture.
"How is this possible?!" Talpa questioned angrily, he knew now that Ryo would be just as strong as he with this flame inside of him. "I see it now... your armor is of the Inferno... it takes power from all fire... but... how can one so pure hold such evil?" Talpa continued in wonder.
Soon enough, the flame finally was completely immersed in Ryo's body and he looked as if he had already fought a long battle with his greatest foe. Sweat dripping profusely from his brow; still breathing heavily, he could barely maintain a grip on his soul swords. All were quiet in watching Ryo trying to remain standing. Even Kayura, surrounded by Warlords began to stir when she heard Ryo's yells of pain, and now she too was entranced as to what Ryo has just achieved.
So suddenly, Ryo's face turned as if being strangled, his eyes bulged, his teeth clenched and he dropped his weapons as his hands tried to reach for his chest.
"Dude! What's happening to him?!" Kento asked Anubis nervously.
"He... he is experiencing a bodily rejection..." Anubis huffed while on Rowen and Sai's shoulders.
"What does that mean?" Sage asked further.
"The spirits of our armors ... they have been corrupted... corrupted by the evil flame... and now... now they will try to return to their bearers... to destroy them."
"I was afraid of this..." Sai said looking at his white armored companion trying to stay upright. They all watched, Anubis, Sage, Kento, Sai, Rowen, Kayura, Sehkmet, Cale, Dais, even Talpa, all were engrossed as to what would occur next.
What would happen next would make everyone jump back with a gasp. A large glowing brown fist exploded through the blue metal on Ryo's breastplate. Ryo let out another cry of pain as the fist came through, yet with no blood. It was obviously not inside the human body, as it is an armor spirit.
"My executioner comes..." Anubis stated while looking at the second fist to protrude from Ryo's chest.
"What are you talking about?!" Rowen queried apprehensively, unable to take his shocked eyes off the horrifying scene before him. His question would be answered in itself as what appeared to be an Ogre emerged from inside the White Armor and headed right for Anubis.
"What the hell is that?!" Kento hollered at the site of it.
"That is the Ogre spirit... from my armor of cruelty... It now comes to take my life..." Anubis explained tiredly. Kento however, was not very agreeable to that realization.
"We'll just see about that!" he said, charging the Ogre Spirit. He was crying out his usual war cries as he lowered his head and prepared for contact with the phantasm but immediately had to screech to a halt as he realized he went right through it without even knowing. "Aw crap man!"
"You can't touch it... it is only through me..." Anubis proclaimed while trying to come off Rowen and Sai's shoulders. "Leave me," he said, "It is only after me... and I must accept the consequences of this..."
"Forget it! We're not just going to leave you to the mercy of this thing!" Rowen stated while never taking his eyes off the Ogre Spirit.
"There is nothing you can do! As your comrade has proven, only I can make contact with it!"
"You're in no condition to fight! None of us are! Like we said, only Ryo has any kind of power and he's can't use it in the state he's in! At least let us get you out of here!"
"We are wasting time... and merely delaying the inevitable... leave me to my fate... let me die like a warrior..."
"Anubis..."
"Please..."
And that was enough. Sai and Rowen ceased in lending their shoulders to Anubis, although they released very hesitantly. There Anubis stood shakily, with this seven foot apparition bearing down on him ready to rip him apart with the fierceness of the Armor of Cruelty. The Ogre spirit came up to him glowing brown and looking fierce. Anubis closed his eyes and resigned himself to his fate as the monster raised his hands ready to strike him down. The blow never came however. Instead, all Anubis heard was "Not today ugly! Did you forget about me?! Big Mistake!"
The Monk opened his eyes to see Ryo on the back of the demon holding its arms above its head in a strong half nelson lock. "I called you, you belong in my armor, that means you work for me! That doesn't include killing my friends!" Ryo continued to taunt as the creature waved and flailed violently in his grasp. The Ogre spirit amazingly began to tire and be pulled back into the blue plate in the White Armor, Ryo was back to his feet and the Ogre was nearly gone. "... that was too quick... it's not over yet... " Ryo stated to himself with a huff.
As it was completely absorbed, Ryo fell to the ground heaving exhaustedly. Anubis simply stood amazed as he looked at Ryo on the ground. "I thank you Wildfire... my friend..."
"It showed me..."
Anubis seemed surprised by that sudden comment. Ryo seemed like he ran thirty thousand miles and was trying to perk himself up with a load of caffeine. "Are you all right?"
"Our... battles. All the times we fought... It wanted me to be angry with you... It replayed every attack, every assault... every time you hurt me."
"What are you talking about?"
"The Ogre... when it was trying to fight me off... it showed me everything you ever did to me... in my mind it showed me."
Anubis lowered his head, "That should be expected. The spirits are going to try and show you everything to break your will to fight."
"This is all happening so fast... what can I do?"
The former Warlord of Cruelty was about to do what he could to try and help Ryo up but as he lowered his hand, Ryo was getting to his knees, and then fell to all fours. Another spirit was trying to escape his armor. "Get back!" Ryo yelled strenuously. Rattling came from his back as he clenched the ground, trying to fight it. To no avail unfortunately, as two large glowing blue eagle wings ripped from his armor.
"Rowen!" he hollered, as if he saw his friend dying in front of his eyes. Rowen looked back with an expression of equal distress, he knew the wings were the same color as his armor and thus the spirit was out to kill him next.
"Ryo just let it go! It's killing you inside!" Rowen shouted back in concern for his comrade's well being.
"No! Rowen! You are my friend! You always will be my friend!"
Despite the severity of the event now taking place, Rowen seemed to become more confused than anything else, what Ryo was saying wasn't making any sense.
"He's reminding himself to fight off the images!" Sage exclaimed at his realization. "The spirit is showing Ryo all the hard times you two have been through, just like with Anubis, Ryo is reminding himself of better times to fight back..."
All warriors returned to Ryo's psychotic ramblings about his friendship with Rowen, which seemed to be working. The armor spirit was stopped from its escape with only its head and wings protruding from Ryo's armor. "We've fought together all this time... together with the other Ronins, or just the two of us... I couldn't ask for anyone better to be at my side in times of need... Rowen you are my friend... you always will be... I will not let this corrupted spirit escape me!"
The eagle let out an ear-shattering screech as it began to sink back into the armor like quicksand. As soon as it had been completely returned, Ryo fell flat on the ground face first breathing madly, displacing large amounts of dirt and dust with his heavy huffs. Rowen just looked on too stunned and too moved to speak. He took a shaky step forward but didn't go any farther then that as he watch his friend lay exhausted on the floor. "Thank you... Ryo..." was all he could say in a low whisper.
The others were about to move closer to at least try to get a better grasp of the situation but once again, Ryo shouted out in agonizing pain. All stood silent and watched in fear and speculation for the next color to emanate from the Damnation filled armor would signify the next soul to be threatened with hell.
Their first sign was a deep bloodcurdling roar from what had to be a very large creature. Upon hearing this, Kento's eyes grew wider as he clenched his teeth in panic. He took a step forward to get a closer look for Ryo was still at a reasonable distance from the group of warriors. He shot back in astonishment, as did they all, when this armor spirit shot out of Ryo with a vengeance. Ryo was unprepared for the sudden burst but he willed the creature back into his armor with all his might, stopping it halfway out.
Swinging fiercely and roaring ferociously, it became clear that this was a wild gorilla on a rampage. "That's not fair!" Kento shouted, "Ryo didn't have time to get ready fro that wild animal!" He knew there wasn't much room for fairness in this battle but he felt extremely guilty that his armor power was the strongest physically and that put tremendous strains on his long time ally. It hurt him even more seeing the grimaces on Ryo's face as he struggled to hold in this animal. "Let me have it Ryo! I can defeat it! Don't do this to yourself anymore! Please man, I can't let you take this all by yourself! Let me help!"
"Kento you... you always fought for us... Let me fight for you this time... let me be like you this time... let me be there to back you up in a fight... let me make you feel secure in victory... Let me beat the crap out of this thing for ya!"
The spirit roared in anguish as that statement was like a knife in its chest, sinking it back down into the dwelling of the Inferno armor. Kento very uncharacteristically let a tear trickle down the side of his face as he smiled in triumph. "That's the way Ryo... stay alive..."
And once again, Ryo fell to the ground, this time on his back. His arms and legs sprawled out on the dirty ground as his entire body heaved in his heavy breaths. "He can't go on like this! We have to stop it somehow!" Sage yelled in Anubis's direction.
"There is no way to stop this now. As it has been said, the only ones who have any kind of power are the two titans before us. We can only pray Ryo has the strength of will to survive this... and hope for a miracle that he can defeat Talpa..." the monk replied melancholically.
"So that's it?! We let Ryo face the most grandiose battle our worlds have seen all on his own?!"
"That was the stipulation I assumed you agreed upon once you formed this course of action."
Sage turned his head nervously back to a weary Ryo on the ground with a nervous expression and clenched fists, he seemed to have received a reprieve from the attacking spirits but his fear hadn't gone down, Talpa still stood before him. Ryo had a welling of nervousness in the pit of his stomach that Talpa might attack any second while this was going on but it had not been so.
"What is he waiting for? Why doesn't he attack? I'm beat now as it is, I'd be an easy kill..." Ryo thought while trying to turn his sore neck to look over at the tall black demon. "What has he got planned?"
Talpa just looked on at Ryo's agonizing predicament and despite the fact that he has no facial expressions whatsoever, they all had a feeling he was enjoying this heartily. At this point, slaying the young soldier of fire on the ground would be an act of mercy. Piecing that together gave Ryo little satisfaction or relief, but it at least allowed him to focus on the task at hand.
Sage and Sai both looked on with nervous eyes, as did the others. The Warriors of Torrent and Halo certainly had the most to worry about, but the others weren't so reassured that the other entities plaguing Ryo's body wouldn't try again.
Ryo once again doubled over in pain while trying to get to his feet, another spirit was making its escape and these constant attacks were truly getting on everyone's last nerve. Sai and Sage watched warily as no sound had been made identifying the creature to appear next. Quickly, Ryo's body swung back throwing out his arms in agony as excessively sharp teeth tore through him with a light blue glow.
"It's a shark! A bloody great white shark!" Sai protested angrily, yet Sage seemed the most perplexed at this turn of events. This would mean he would be the last spirit.
"It's doing this on purpose..." Sage's mind echoed "My armor knows... it will tell Ryo when he's at his weakest... it's doing this in purpose! Damn it what have I done to myself?! This will kill Ryo and it's all my fault! I've doomed the world!" This was too much to bare for the Ronin of Wisdom, tears streamed down his face as he fell to his knees watching Ryo try to pull in the predator of the sea.
"Sai!" Ryo called out, "I'll fight this one for you! Don't worry! Your battle is over! You've battled long and hard despite everything your mind believed! Now you won't have to fight anymore! Leave it to me!" And the demonic great white was absorbed back into the Hariel Armor, leaving only one more spirit to subdue.
Now all eyes turned to Sage and were surprised to see what they saw; Sage on hands and knees crying in guilt for what to them seemed like fear. "Ryo I'm sorry!" Sage hollered, shocking everyone. "I'm sorry about everything! Please! Before it starts, don't fight it! Let it go, I deserve its wrath as well as yours! Don't even think twice about it, please Ryo! I deserve to be punished for what I have done! Release the demon!"
Despite the fact that everyone save Kento, all the Ronins knew what this was about, they were still flabbergasted at this outpouring of emotion by their most silent and confined companion. Ryo just looked on vacantly at Sage and Sage looked back sorrowfully at Ryo. However, Ryo's vacant glare changed quickly to an expression of anguish, it was the last spirit making it's attempt for freedom and death. Sage was more than welcoming to it as he quickly stood and opened his arms wide.
"Come and get me! Kill me, do your worst! I corrupted your spirit long before the Flame of Damnation ever got to you... take your vengeance upon me now!"
Although this was a great display of honor and sacrifice on his part, the other Ronins couldn't simply accept the death of someone who has fought by them for so long.
"Sage this is insane! Don't you realize what your doing?!"
"You can't do this man! Just think of what will happen if you die right now!"
"Too much has gone wrong already! Don't make this mistake, you know it's the worst thing to do right now!"
"Halo, this is not a wise decision, cease and desist this instant!"
With a shake of his head, he just stood tall and awaited his death while green light started to glow ominously. They all knew Sage really had little choice in the matter for Ryo controlled the power but in his weakened state, Sage saying to let it go, his anger and mixed emotions for what was taking place with Mina, it did not look good at all. Ryo peered at Sage standing welcoming of the demon.
"Sage you always were a hypocrite..." Ryo whispered so only he could hear. "You think now that this will atone for everything you've done? ... You stole everything from me... you stole my life... my love... the one person who loved me... you took that from me without so much as a second thought..." Ryo's anger and rage were obviously getting the best of him now. "She would have come to understand ... if you hadn't interfered we would be together... I would have more than just a picture strapped to my arm to feel her confidence in me... you stole from me Sage..." and in one dramatic outburst Ryo shouted at the top of his lungs. "You stole everything from me!"
A green wolf shot out Ryo completely, snarling madly, more rabid and wild than any other spirit that had shown itself thus far. Sage still stood tall however, welcoming this beast to tear him apart. The beast in return took a pounce ready stance while growling angrily. The other stood in shock; a possessed spirit has escaped and was ready to take Sage to hell with it, worse of all there wasn't anything they could do about it.
The Demon Wolf charge at its barer with an abounding run, it was out for blood. Sage looked on waiting for it to finally come up and rip out his jugular. Closer and closer it came, he actually wished it would hurry up and cleanse him of his sins. The snarling came closer and closer until finally, it was silenced.
Caught mid air, struggling as it was muzzled and floating in the air, it was no more than two feet away from it's prey. Sage looked at it then up at Ryo who somehow managed to get him self to his feet. He had his arm outstretched and his hand to his forearm was glowing a forest green, the same color as Sage's armor. Ryo had stopped the creature at the very last second.
"R...Ryo..."
Ryo however didn't respond. Instead, he let out a fierce roar of his own and threw his arm up into the air pulled back the Demon Wolf and wrapped his arms around it as it was drawn into his grasp. The creature would not give up without a fight however as to continued to writhe and struggle in Ryo's invisible grip. "Not like this," Ryo said aloud. "If it has to happen... it won't be like this."
The Evil Wolf was being pulled closer and closer back to Ryo despite its struggling and Sage fell to his knees with such a mixture of emotions he could not even think of any words in his own mind let alone something to say out loud. Finally close enough to be drawn in, Ryo tackled the beast and forced it back within in his armor. One last time he fell to the ground in tired agony breathing too heavily, all the powers of the armor within him. There was a moment of silence among all the warriors present, confusion and fear filled them all yet again but breaking the silence was one of Kento's unmistakable cheers.
"Yeah Ryo! You did it buddy! Way to stay alive bro!" and other sounds of relief and laughter joined in as well.
"One more battle! You can do it buddy! Just hang in there!" Rowen cheered. "Right Ryo? ... Ryo?"
At that, their relief disappeared instantly. "Ryo, can you hear us?!" Sai shouted at his ally's fallen unmoving body. "Ryo!" It was no use, he didn't budge, not even the rise and fall of his chest in breathing.
Sage just look on as if it were he who had killed the Warrior of Virtue "No... no this can't be... it can't end like this... please Ryo... Get up!"
