Chapter Sixteen: The True Battle Lies Within

"You really are calm about this whole thing? It's been nearly 2 days and I still can't get over it." The light delicate voice of the young blonde haired girl known as Mina, it was soft and concerned as her body sat Indian style on the couch wearing one of Ryo's large red sweaters to cover herself
"You're worrying too much, that's why you've been getting sick in the morning. You've got to learn to relax and think positively..." Mia's unmistakable replied. She too was dressed leisurely in one of Kento's oversized hockey jerseys. She finished pouring herself a glass of orange juice as she sat on the couch next to her companion. "So how do you feel this morning? Still the same?"
"Yeah, just like yesterday... I hope they come home soon"
"Have you decided on what you were going to do?"
Mina looked down as she fiddle with the bottom of the sweater, "...not at all."
"I see... well it is a tough decision. It really isn't fair to either of them to hold out like this."
"I don't even know if Ryo would want to be with me after I tell him."
Mia looked to the floor before she said anything. "I'm sure he would be angry about it but if you showed him you were sorry about it, I'm also sure he would forgive you."
"But would I deserve to be with him?"
"Hell no" Mia thought to herself but what came out was "It depends on how you feel."
"Thanks for being here for me Mia, I barely know you and your really being a friend."
"Don't push it slut," again in her mind but a different response as well. "Don't mention it."
A moment of silence went on as Mia clicked the remote a few times trying to find something to keep their minds off "The Other World". After a few clicks, a soap opera came on "Another World" as it was titled. Mina chuckled at the sight of it. "Kind of ironic don't you think? We could all be on this show."
"Somehow I don't think mystic armors and an evil dynasty would mesh well with the dramatic plot." Mia smirked actually amused by her comment; it seemed to put Mina in a deep state of thought.
"Not many people know about the armors... do they?" she asked in a spur.
"Of course not. It'd be one giant fiasco if enough people knew. I'd hate to think of what would happen if the media got a hold of it. I'd hate to think what would happen to the guys..."
Now Mina looked to the floor, then out the corner of her eyes to Mia. "Would... you be mad?"
"Hm?" The older woman asked looking over. Mina immediately looked back down to the rim of the sweater.
"I mean... if you were in my position. If you were involved with one of them and they didn't tell you. Would you be upset?"
Mia couldn't think of anything to say but the truth. "Well... based on what I know and how I would react, yes I probably would be upset. But I am pretty sure I would handle it a little bit differently. How do you feel about the situation now?"
Thinking about it for a moment, she shut her eyes tightly and buried her face in her hands. "Utterly confused... I don't know what I have gotten into but I don't want to give up on anybody! I just don't know what to do!"
"Hey, hey! Calm down! You'll never get anywhere being upset like that." Mia consoled half heartedly as she moved over a bit. "Look, maybe I can't help you, but that's no reason to just give up. You can figure this out, just stay calm and listen to your heart..."
"Your right... I just don't know how to honestly compare. Pro and Con isn't exactly easy with the two of them."
"Well what do you have so far?"
"What do you mean by that?"
"Well what are the key things going on in your mind when you think about the both of them?"
"The main thing I'm really worried about is how this will effect such a tight unit as the five of them. I already feel like I've intruded on their circle and I already am causing a whole mess of trouble, I just don't want to do anymore damage than I already have."
"Okay, well that really is more of their problem than yours... I suppose... well that really does sound heartless of me doesn't it?" Mia said backtracking in thought.
"I don't really want to give up on either of them, but either way... it's just too hard... Ryo is so sweet and romantic... shy and gentle. Sage is so protecting and honest, beautiful and strong."
"Are you saying they both don't possess all those qualities?"
Mina seemed to meddle in thought a moment. "No not like that, it's just as I think about it, that's all that I really see. I'm not saying Ryo isn't beautiful or strong... but honest... how can I ever trust him ever again?"
"I see your point Mina, but you also have to try and see it from Ryo's position too."
"What did Ryo see that Sage saw so differently? He was very upfront with everything to me and he barely knew me. I've been with Ryo for years and he hasn't even once mentioned anything like this. Didn't he have faith in me? Didn't he think I would love him anyway?"
"Well you know now and you aren't exactly the happy couple that was at the door that first day."
Mia had obviously said something that struck a nerve in Mina's mind. Thinking on that deeply, she was not exactly there for Ryo during this hard time. "But why not? Because he lied to me? Or because I'm afraid of what it would be like to be with him now... and Sage," her mind echoed deep in thought. "Ryo used to take me out on the lake on summer days..." she began out of nowhere. "He packed us a picnic lunch and we would just stay out there, all day, just the two of us."
"Is that Ryo any different from the one you know now?"
"It seems like it... I know he's the same but... why does he have to stay alone so much?"
Mia didn't know what to make of the comment so she sat there waiting for her couch-mate to continue.
"Ryo has always been so distant from everyone and everything. I never did like that but I accepted it because I loved him. He never let anyone into his own little world... and here I am thinking I am the one person he'll confide in, share his life with. It turns out there is a whole other person that I don't know at all."
"...And Sage?"
"What?"
"You have really been going on about Ryo, what about Sage? What makes you think you should be with him?"
Again the troubled blonde delved back into thought.
"He just seems... right for me. It's not like I can explain it but, its more like everything clicks all at once. I haven't felt something like that in a long while... the only reason I'm fighting it is because of Ryo."
"So Sage reminds you of how Ryo used to be?"
"... I guess you could say that, but it's also different too. They are very much alike in some ways but not in others. It's as if I could have made some changes to Ryo and the end result is Sage. I guess that's why I am even considering someone I've only known for a few days over a man I loved for years."
"Se keeps saying she loves him but the more she goes on the less I believe her..." Mia thought to herself as she watched the soap opera a little. "Sounds like you have some serious thinking to do."
"I know, I know... "
They sat there silently for a little while longer watching the television but really paying no attention to it. Both of them were in there own separate worlds of thought, trying to figure out what would and will happen next. As they sat there however, something triggered Mina's mind to recall something she was told earlier. Sage's voice began to talk to her in her deep thoughts...
"Tell you what. Tomorrow we'll be gone. In that time you think about whom you're going to be with. It may be a day, it may be a year, I'm not sure but in the mean time you go out into the forests, or up in the mountains, or wherever makes you feel relieved. Then clear your mind and just look for some one there. If it's me, then we'll build on that. We'll let everyone know what's going on so there are no secrets and we can be open about it. If it's Ryo then I'll back away without a simple word to be said. Ryo doesn't know what happened and he doesn't have to if you don't want him to. How does that sound?"
"Mia..." she began, concocting a plan from Sage's advice.
"Yeah?"
"I think I need to go somewhere and really think this out."
Mia looked over and started to deduce her meaning behind it."
"So... you're leaving?"
"I think that would be the best thing for right now. This isn't something I can just give a few seconds of thought and hope for the best. Got to get some air, clear my head and think about everything."
"I understand completely. Is there anything I can do to help?" Mia asked "Other than kick you out the door?" she added in her mind.
"No, you've done more than I could have possibly asked for. I'll just get changed and head for home," Mina explained while rising from her seat and heading upstairs.
"Alright then, I have to get to work myself, I think I've called out sick enough by now," as she too began to close up shop. Mia headed for the kitchen to put away her glass of juice and Mina was halfway up the stairs before another word was spoken.
"Oh and Mia?"
"What is it?"
"When they come back... will you tell Ryo I'll be at the cabin?"
"Are you sure?"
"... Yes, I feel that would be the best place for something like this."
"Okay then, I'll tell him."
"Thank you."
And with that, they both began to head off in their separate directions. Mina headed to the bathroom for a shower as Mia began to gather her supplies. In the shower, with the hot water beading down on her Mina thought back on the playful time she and Ryo had when they showered together, especially what happened the last time.
"I still don't see the same Ryo in him..." she whispered among the tapping waters. Not letting these thoughts stop her from the plan, she immediately dried and dressed and headed out. Thanking Mia for all her kind efforts she started to head up the long path on foot until she caught sight of White Blaze, patiently awaiting the return of his master.
"Hey White Blaze," the young torn girl said in greeting. "You waiting for everyone to come back too? You must be used to this by now though huh?" Walking over and giving the warrior beast a pet on the head, it was almost as if White Blaze could tell what was going on in his cold stare that he returned. "I have a favor to ask... can you take me back to the cabin?"
Talking to a tiger naturally would seem to be one of the weirdest things I the world to most people but she too grew up with the noble creature and knew very well that he could understand just about everything she said. White Blaze seemed to hesitate a moment but stood up and allowed Mina a seat on his back.
As he started his way home, he picked up pace and Mina leaned closer to his ear. "You know I always thought it was a bit weird; a young boy, having a pet tiger than seemed to understand human language. I guess now everything seems to have cleared for me in once sense and have completely fogged in another way. You know I've been so nervous I've been throwing up just about every morning this week, I lay in bed asking myself what did I get into, wondering if I should stay involved, hoping I didn't cause the greatest disaster among warriors for the world. Do I even deserve to be associated with such people?"
White Blaze offered no response as he continued to travel up hill, but Mina didn't seem to care. She just giggled lightly as she held tighter. "Now I know why you and Ryo are such good friends, you're a great listener. He must let you in his own little world all the time, right? I just wonder if he still is in his world ... even now."

Not the Mortal World, not the Neither World, Ryo was indeed in "his own little world". Face down in water; he awoke gasping for air, as he was unconscious for who knows how long. Looking around he could only see blackness as far as the eye could see. Somehow he could blatantly see himself and the ripples of the water that barely came past his angles as he stood up. "Where am I?" he asked aloud, letting his voice echo. His helmet was gone and he was wearing his wildfire armor, carrying both katanas in hand, his feet splashing the water as he walked to an unknown destination. "Is there anyone here?" he called out again, hoping for some response.
"I'm here..." a light feminine voice said to him softly. Ryo looked back to where he had just walked past and there was Mina, standing there casually dressed with no expression on her face and her hands behind her back, looking directly at him. "Mina? Is that you?! How in the world did you get here?!"
"My name is Mina, but who are you?" she asked in a soft voice showing no emotion.
"Who am I? This isn't the time to be doing this Mina, this is a very serious situation, and we have to get out of here!"
"You want to get out?"
"Yes! I need to leave this place right now!"
"You liar. You have never left this place, and you never will. As much as anyone wants to try and get you out of here, you will not leave nor let anyone inside."
Ryo looked at her confused and a bit afraid. "W-What is going on? Where are we? What is this place?"
"Don't you recognize it? This is where you always are. Your own little world, sealed off from everyone and everything. The perfect place to be alone."
"This has got to be some Dynasty trick, like the last time. I'm not going insane, Talpa's just messing with my head," he tried to reassure himself.
"Why do you fear so much? Why do you create a world with nothing but you in it?"
"Stop talking! You're not going to fool me with this kind of game!"
"This is where you want to be, isn't it? A world where no one can hurt you, no one can leave you, betray you, forget you... a world where no one can get close to you."
"I said shut up!" he hollered. The Ronin of the Wildfire was losing his composure now; this Mina was striking a nerve left and right. He turned to run but as he did she was there in front of him again.
"You can not run from the reality of it, this is what you wanted, a world where you didn't have to feel. There is no one here to do all those things to you that hurt so much. This is what you wished for yourself, a place not even the one you loved could get into because you were afraid she'd tear it apart... and you would have no where to run."
"That's not true!" Ryo shouted while trying to reach out and grab her but as soon as his hands were to make contact, she immediately faded into the blackness. He fell to his knees and pounded the shallow water below him with enraged fists.
After letting loose his rage he put his head to the floor and he tried to suppress what was left. "What the hell is going on? Why don't I feel the Dynasty here? What is doing this to me?"
"You are," another familiar voice stated. "You brought this on yourself and you have no one to blame but yourself."
On all fours Ryo looked up to see none other than the Ronin Of Halo, Sage standing triumphantly over him. No helmet, a slight smirk over his face, a hand on his hip and the other holding his nodatchi over his shoulder, he seemed like he was claiming victory over him. "S-Sage?" Ryo stuttered in disbelief.
The Ronin of Wisdom replied with bringing down his heavy sword for a deathblow on the prone Ryo, but he narrowly missed his target as the red warrior barely managed to roll out of the way. "What in the world do you think your doing?! You nearly sliced me in half!"
"It's your own fault Ryo," he coldly replied as he re-raised his blade and charged at his opponent.
"What has gotten into you man?! Why are you trying to kill me?!" Ryo shouted, as he was barely able to dodge another fatal strike.
"I am not doing anything, this is all result of you actions my friend. I am not out to hurt anyone."
Ryo was losing his temper yet again, his veins were throbbing, his sore muscles were tensed, and the look in his eyes seemed to burn with fires from the Flame of Damnation itself. "Damn you Sage!" the Ronin of Virtue roared as his rage got the better of him and charged at his fellow warrior with a vengeance. From that hateful passion in his heart, Ryo launched one of the most fearful onslaughts of bladed combat he had ever partaken.
Sage was doing all he could to defend himself from the rabid attacks of Ryo's fury but he was being forced back from strike after strike of the Wildfire Swords. Yelling, screaming, hollering, Wildfire was in a blind rage just trying to destroy the green armored foe before him and with an amazing combo, Ryo brought both his swords down on Sage's nodatchi knocking it right out of his hands and leaving him wide open for the Wildfire Steel to drive right into his side.
The battle halted right there, Sage with a look of shocked pain on his face, Ryo still angered but unmoving as he stood there with his blade in his long time ally's side. Ironically enough, it was the same place that Sage was injured when they fought the Dynasty soldiers. Sage slowly looked over to his wound, then back up to Ryo but his expression was no longer of surprise or anguish but of disgust. "You hurt me again... you did this to me Ryo... it's all your fault!"
"Shut Up!" his voice echoed with rage, that was all Ryo could take, he let loose with a devastating and dead on punch to Sage's face knocking him back at least ten feet. "What do you want from me?! Why are you doing this?! What is happening in this place! Who is doing this damn it! All you keep saying is everything is my fault!"
"Do you deny it?" Sage asked, while holding his bloody side on the ground.
"What is this?!"
"Your Fault, all of this is your fault."
"Stop saying that! That solves nothing!" he hollered with a swing of his arm.
"But it is what you asked, even though it is an answer you already know."
Ryo let out a sigh and a heavy breath as he lowered his arms. "Why won't you tell me what's happening here?"
"Because you already know."
"If I knew I wouldn't be asking you!"
"You do know; you just refuse to believe it. You refuse to accept reality here."
"What? What are you talking about?"
"All this, all you see before you... is you," the Ronin of Wisdom explained while shakily getting to his feet.
"What does that mean?"
"It means, whether you want to believe it or not, you are the cause of everything that is going on now," and with that statement, Mina had reappeared and walked right up to Sage and too next to him putter her arms around him. Ryo was dumbstruck at the sight of it and natural growing more and more enraged.
"You have to admit it Ryo, you are your own worst enemy. You are causing all this pain and suffering for everyone, including you."
"This is... some sick twisted mind game... this isn't real!"
"You don't want it to be true, do you? So are you going to run into your own world again, pretending it isn't happening?" Mina asked as she rested her head on Sage's armored chest.
"Face it, you can fight it all you want, but it will never change what you have done. You lost Ryo and there is no one you can blame but yourself, because you're the only one there."
"Why?!" he asked as he fell to his knees in tears. "Why?! Damn it Why?!" The two blonds seemed to completely ignore Ryo's pure anguish as they looked deep into each other's eyes and leaned in for a deep and passionate kiss.
Ryo looked on heart broken and absolutely enraged, he threw out his arms and let all his anger shout out in an amazing hot blaze of wildfire more devastating than a volcano eruption. Ryo roared and strained as his angst seemed to have no limit but within an instant flash, all the fire all the sounds of agony and heartbreak were drowned out, silenced, as Ryo was suddenly deep under water, floating lifelessly in an ocean of blackness

Mina's baby blue eyes shot open towards the burning evening sky as she jumped up from the small boat she was floating in. Looking around she recalled her location, floating on the lake outside Ryo's cabin in a small brown boat. She went out to clear her head and fell asleep, only to awaken after the stunning vision. The sun was beginning to set for the day and still no one had returned. Carefully standing up in the boat she gazed at the sunset.
"It's Sage?" she seemed to ask herself a bit surprised, "It is him... it's for real! I want to be with Sage!" she cheered lightly. "You hear me?! I want to be with you Sage! You have to come back safely now!" Mina shouted happily at the setting sun. She appeared so relived that something had become so clear to her, she wanted t be with Sage, and she didn't care about anything else for that moment, not even the heart she just broken with her choice.

"I want to be with you Sage!" the voice echoed, and another set of blue eyes opened, a set of Tiger Blue eyes. Ryo was washed up on what appeared to be a long beach but still there was nothing but blackness. He could only feel the sand and hear the water. "Why am I still alive?" he asked himself in a whisper while coughing up some water. He didn't seemed amazed that he was alive, more so disappointed.
He tried getting to his feet but he weakly sat back down, throwing his hands down on his legs as his hung his dripping head. It was obvious he didn't see any point in trying to stand up again as he was barely allowing himself the movement to breath. "I'm sorry dad... I said I would make you proud... but I failed," he huffed. "I wanted to make you proud of me, I wanted you to make me glad I was your son despite what happened with Mama... I'm so sorry..."
Normally after that Ryo would fend off tears as to appear weak in front of his friends but he had no one to hide from in here, and he let it all go. Every last one of his sorrowful and remorse feelings of guilt and sadness, he let out in his tears.
"I never blamed you for what happened to your mother," yet another voice spoke up. This time Ryo quickly raised his head and looked around for its source and when he found it he almost fell into shock.
"F....F-Father?!"
A tall American looking Japanese man, stood before Ryo wearing a safari uniform of when he went to Africa to never return. He was a large muscular person, who looked very much like Ryo obviously. Short and trimmed black hair, brown eyes, and a few more inches in height looked to be the only differences. He took a few step forwards in his tough leather brown boots and kneeled down in front of the warrior slumped in the sand.
"How can this... is it... am I dead?" he stuttered trying to figure out what else to do.
"No son you're not dead, not yet and I hope not for a very long time, but that can't happen if you give up now."
Ryo just stared, too many thoughts were going through his mind at once, most predominantly he was killed and the flames took him to hell. All his thoughts were interrupted however, by his fathers hand on his shoulder.
"I know your confused Ryo, but try to think for a moment. Where do you think you are?"
"Hell."
Hayter Sanada chuckled a bit at the directness of the comment. "You're not in hell son, but you sure are putting yourself through it. Let me be honest here, there are some things I just can't tell you, mostly because I can't understand them myself, but I'm here to help you, don't be afraid.
"I... don't know how real any of this is... I want to believe you so much but I..."
"When I died," Hayter interrupted knowing exactly what to say to his son, "it was nothing like I expected. Once everything started to fade, someone started to talk to me, someone who said they knew you very well. He appeared to be a monk as far as I knew, called himself the Ancient."
"The Ancient brought you here?" Ryo asked for a lack of understanding, but upon hearing the Ancient One, he did feel better about the situation.
"No, you did," his father continued, and quickly added before Ryo could as the meaning of the statement. "All this ancient did was explain everything to me about you, and I will tell you in all honesty I was blown away, I didn't believe it at first either but it was all true... and I can't tell you how proud I am."
Ryo become awestruck at the comment, he was still confused as ever but he just heard something from his father that he had hoped to hear all his young life.
"I'm sorry I never told you before, but I always have been, even before you got that armor and saved the world."
".... Dad I ..." the warrior couldn't think of anything to say so instead he gave his father a big long hug, letting him know how much he appreciated it.
"So do you believe me now?"
"Yeah... I believe you pops..."
They shared a laugh as they separated their embrace, and sat in the sand together.
"So you know everything that's been going on?" Ryo asked as he stared at his father like he was five again.
"I don't understand a lick of it but I can see you're in one hell of a tight spot."
"Is there anything you can at least tell me? Like where I am?"
"You haven't figured it out by now? Son, this is your own little world."
"That's what everyone has been saying and I still don't understand what that means."
"It means exactly what it sounds like. You created this place in your mind and in your heart that no one can get to but you. And so far you have been beating yourself senseless in here with images of Mina and that Sage fellow."
"Wait a minute... if they aren't real, then how did you..."
"Simple, you never let either of them know the real you, no matter how good you were friends with Sage or how much you loved Mina," he paused mid sentence and leaned in close "by the way, very nice job son, very nice!"
"Pops!" Ryo laughed a bit for the first time in a long while.
"Okay, okay, just teasing. But either way, you would never let them know the real you. I on the other hand made the real you, so basically its like I have the master key."
"That's... pretty profound."
"I don't know what the bloody hell it means but that's why the Ancient said he couldn't come to meet you here, you wouldn't let him in."
"By any chance do you know how I can get out?"
Hayter seemed to get serious at the question. "There is an enemy here Ryo, a powerful one and you must defeat him before you can escape your own personal hell in here."
"Who is he?"
"That, you have to figure out for yourself, I can't tell you anything more. I'm sorry."
"It's okay, that seems to be the way things like this always work out."
"Unfortunately I have told you everything you need to know, and I have to leave," he said as he stood up.
"What? Now? Already? But we just..." Ryo grew upset as if he was about to lose his father instantly.
"I know, I want to spend more time with you too but you have a world to save."
"But I don't want to leave you, can I come back here and see you again?"
Hayter put both hands on his son's armored shoulders, "Ryo I want you to promise me. Never come back to the place, eliminate it, make it disappear. It may be a relief to you at time but it hurts you too much, especially at times like this. I want you to open up and let everyone see what a remarkable person you truly are. No more hiding in the dank hell, got me?"
"I... I...." And Ryo seemed to smile a bit, "I'll try dad."
"I know you will, you're my son, a Sanada, and there is one things we Sanada's never do, and that's give up."
"Never Say Die, Fight Until The Last Breath," Ryo rehearsed the family credo.
"You got it, now go out there and show them what that means!"
"Count on it!"
Despite that moment when Ryo was getting pumped for a fight, he seemed to let it fade slowly. Staring at his father, he let his feelings flow through him freely one last time. He didn't know if it was truly real, or just something his imagination concocted to help him through a tough time, but either way he put all his doubt aside and gave his father one last hug goodbye. "I love you dad..."
"I love you too son."
Ryo let go reluctantly and began to turn away but he was halted one more time by a tug on his shoulder. "I have one last thing for you Ryo," his father said as he held open his hand. Nothing was in it as Ryo watched blankly for a moment, but soon, small little sparkles began to float up from the sand and off Ryo's face and gather in the open palm.
"You remember when you were young, I told you that strong men don't cry?"
Ryo shook his head in agreement a bit embarrassed.
"This is the last time you'll cry because of the tremendous pain upon you, all right? Everything is within your ability to handle, I want you to know that, these are the last tears of pain you will ever shed, understand?"
Ryo looked a little amazed but smiled and nodded.
"That's my boy," and at that, all the small sparkles came together to form one teardrop shaped pendant, that apparently was filled with the last tears he would shed out of angst. "This is actually a gift from your mother."
"M-Mama?!" the warrior asked in deep surprise.
"Yes, she has been watching over you tirelessly since the day she died, and she too doesn't want you to feel anymore pain over this. You've been blaming yourself for fifteen years, its time to lift the burden son."
"But I..." was all he could manage to stammer in response.
"I want you to remember, we want you to remember it Ryo, its important that you know, now and for the rest of your life, you are not just a Ronin Warrior, you are Ryo Sanada, and can handle any trial that may befall you. These tears are the last ones from now on," and finally he outstretched his open hand presenting the pendant.
Ryo simply took the pendant and placed in around his neck, falling behind his breastplate. "I understand and I promise, they are the last," he smiled, "Tell Mama I love her when you see her again..."
"Good, I will... now run... Run out there and don't look back! I don't want to see you again for a very long time, because you can beat this Ryo! And have a very long life ahead! Go kick some ass!"
Ryo smirked again and took one last quick look before he turned and began to run off into the blackness, fighting every force of willing and hard emotion to turn around to see the father he lost so long ago.
"Find him son! Find the real enemy! Don't let the world fool you, you know what must be done!" his father called after. That seemed to be all that Ryo needed to carry on.
Who knows how long he was running but he didn't stop or tire. His footsteps went across water, sand, rock, dirt, grass, all unseen amidst this blackness but he didn't care, he just had to continue on, he had to find this powerful enemy he knew was out there so he could escape from this place. At last, something appeared before him, again it was Sage, sword drawn, ready to fight and Mina standing by his side.
Staring evilly unsure at the two, Ryo stood his ground with his katanas in his hand at his sides; then he lowered his head slightly while closing his eyes with a smirk. "No, it's not either of you."
In that comment was the correct answer, Sage and Mina disappeared, faded into the darkness at the sound of his voice. He continued on, running at his rapid pace, and had to stop at the feeling of whatever type of terrain it was beneath his feet started to tremble violently, he kept his position and awaited whatever it was causing the disturbance. Step by step in a rhythmic pattern, he could hear the armored clang of feet coming towards him and as if the darkness were a standing pool of water, the evil giant Talpa emerged. Eyes glowing evilly, immense sword drawn and ready to strike Ryo just looked up and again disavowed the true enemy. "Wait your turn, it isn't you, but you'll be next on my list," and by way of the statement, the blackness swallowed up the Demon Emperor leaving Ryo to continue to run on, searching for the true foe.
Running and running, it came close to the end as his final opponent appeared in the distance, not fading in from thin air, not coming from absorbed blackness, but standing off in the distance, as if having always been there watching... waiting...red armor adorned on them both, two katanas each, long flowing black hair, Ryo knew exactly who is opponent was...
"Well I guess everyone was right," he smirked. "Everything in here has been my fault all along."
The armored figured turned around and had a semi-smiling expression that seemed to say; "So you finally figured it out" on his face, his face that looked exactly like Ryo's. It was Ryo in fact, in his own mind that is.
"You do know it's what has to be done, but I'm not just going to lay down and die, I'm fighting for my world too," the mirror image of Ryo finally spoke up.
"I would be very disappointed in myself if you didn't. Don't worry, I don't plan on losing."
"Just believe in father's words and you can do it, don't think about the battle outside because that doesn't exist here. Nothing does, it's just you and me. Now... let go of all the pain you've kept in here for so long."
"Alright then... lets make some noise..."
The two clones took a fighting stance to each other, knowing it was going to be nearly impossible to surprise the other with any flashy maneuvers. They charged in a blink of an eye, move for move and step for step the duel was evenly matched and extremely fasted paced. Both were out for the kill, each fighting for the sake of their own world.
Sparks began to fly from the clash of metal; the doppelganger was taking a direct assault on Ryo with vertical and horizontal sword strikes you could set a leveler to. Ryo on the other hand kept defense as he moved his swords in quick and strategic movements, but he knew he had to make an offensive soon, an spur of the moment attack that no one would expect would be the only thing to take this fight and if he knew it so did the Dream Ryo.
Uncharacteristically, Ryo kicked his double in the stomach and raised an armored knee to his face knocking him forcefully to the ground. Wasting no time he raised both his swords high and brought them down with lightening speed for the deathblow, however to narrowly miss as the Dream Ryo rolled away hastily and steadied himself to one knee.
"Well that was new," he said with a slight smile knowing that was exactly would it would take to win. A slight gash was over his eye from the forceful knee thrust but he simply let it bleed as he took his fighting stance again. Ryo did the same and waited for the moment of combat yet again. This time however there was no quick charge as the hot headed temper usually called for but instead, Dream Ryo edged towards his opponent cautiously and flipped one of his swords upside down in hand and took an unfamiliar stance. Ryo measured him up, he knew that whatever this look alike was doing, he must have the capacity to understand and counter.
"With the sword upside down on his arm, that's and good defensive maneuver since I use my left arm to black hand to hand... he's going to try to fight me like he's unarmed..." he smiled deducing his twin's plan. Taking his usual stance he didn't let on that he knew and started to contemplate how this would work, however his thoughts were tweaked a bit as a stinging pain grew on his forehead and he could feel a trickle of blood start to run down. "What the...oh damn it why didn't I see this coming?" he said as he put a hand to the laceration and found that it was a similar wound that he inflicted to his opponent.
"I'll admit I didn't expect it either but it doesn't change anything, this battle still must continue, no matter what the cost."
"Now that, I expected," Ryo replied with a smirk and retook up his arms with a half smirk. "Let do this."
And the fight broke out once more, Dream Ryo was fighting just as predicted, and Ryo was countering just as he had hoped. However it surely wouldn't continue like this. In yet another unanticipated maneuver, Dream Ryo put up both his swords with such amazing power it knocked both blocking arms out of the way, and in the split second they were in the air they charged with an unbridled amount of wildfire energy, and were slamming down just as quickly as it charged.
Ryo had little time to react as again he was taken off guard but he did react promptly. Moving do the side in attempt to dodge, the two blades came in contact with the length of his shoulder guard and broke it to pieces. Rolling off to the side, both seemed to be a bit surprised at the force of the attack and the damage that was done.
"Well so much for the protection of the armor," Ryo said while looking to his broken shoulder guard, but as he looked up he noticed that the armor of his opponent was tarnished in the same exact manner. It didn't surprise him though; he figured something like that might occur already. He lowered his guard with a shake of his head and looked his double right in the eye.
"This is just a slow and tedious process, we don't really have time for it and any damage we do to each other will be equaled out anyway, I say we get this over with, one on one, no holding back."
"I don't think there is an argument to present here... very well, no holding back!"
In agreement, they started to pace away from each other a fair distance, it was obvious that this showdown was going to be done in a style unique to Ryo's bloodline... the Traditional Ninja Duel.
They connected their swords to the Double headed blade and immediately began to charge each other, simultaneously preparing for the attack... "Flare ... Up..."
It was like Ryo was charging a mirror, they moved so exactly precise, it was definitely a possibility that both may perish from this attack just as easily. They both leapt into the air, swords blazing, eyes of fire and all the will and determination in their hearts, ready to find the victor... "Now!"
The fire of light was blinding at it collided in mid air clash and showed no sign of relent, both warriors push everything they had into the attack, hoping and waiting for the other to be unable to hold on any longer. Just when it would seem one was about to fall, they increased their energy, straining to stay alive, fighting for their worlds. Everything was going through their minds at the moment, everything they were fighting for, everything they had been through, everything that would happen, everything that they hoped would happen... and everything that had to be done.
"Armor of Wildfire Flare up Now!" they screamed in unison and one final unbelievable blast of power and energy emanated filling the blackness with light. Fading slowly, the two warriors had both landed on their feet, no more than two feet away from each other back to back, finished from their amazing duel feeling the effects of the struggle. No one moved for a while, until Dream Ryo dropped his swords and fell face first to the ground...
Ryo let out a tired sigh and turned to his fallen opponent. Looking down he tried to find something to say but immediately he felt a sharp and overtaking pain fill him to the brim as he to collapsed to the ground. The Dream Ryo looked over to his opponent who had fallen next to him on the ground...
"Why didn't... we see this?" he said with inability to breath easily.
"We wanted it... to be over quickly... we didn't think..."
"So... is this all ... over?"
Ryo looked upward to the blank sky of darkness above him as he heard the question with mixed emotion.
"...Never... Never Say Die... fight until... the last breath."
"... I'm not giving up...."
With a struggle and a grunt, the both struggled to their feet, standing facing each other barely able to keep balance.
"What are we doing here?" Ryo asked, "Why are we fighting so damn hard? For what?"
This actually seemed to take the Dream Ryo by surprise, which was unique in itself as they were supposed to think in the same manner.
"We are fighting each other to save our world but in turn destroy another. Why are we doing this? We're just beating ourselves up in the end... there's too much irony and symbolism here, I just can't stand it!"
"I... don't know why... but its what has to be done... isn't it?"
"Why does this world have to be destroyed? Why do I have to kill part of myself? Myself is all I have left now, this is stupid!"
"So then... what are you saying? That we shouldn't fight?"
Ryo started to pace around a bit, numerous profound thoughts were fluttering in his mind until finally all the words came."
"For years I've kept this world separate from reality... A place I could go when I couldn't take another second of life. And since then it seems like there has been an everlasting conflict between us... but..." he stopped mid sentence and turned to his dream-half, "Why does there have to be conflict?"
"Are you saying that we should... come together?"
Ryo smiled and held out his hand. "Lets not sit here and think about it and go through thirty thousand dramatic processes trying to make this the greatest thing ever in the universe, lets just do it. Lets just make one whole unit of it all and get some closure, make everything full circle, an undivided Ryo Sanada."
Dream Ryo looked to the extended hand then to the face of his host, and with a coy smirk he shook his hand. "Like I could possibly argue."
As soon as they made contact, a white streaming beam of light seem to form a horizon in the nothingness around them, and it grew, larger and larger letting light in, and soon it overcame everything. Ryo blinked a number of times, not being used to the light but his eyes quickly began at the sound of voices off in the distance. When all became clear he realized he was laying flat out on the dirt ground inside Talpa's forest stronghold just as when he went out cold. All too quickly for Ryo all the strain in his muscles the Armor of Inferno was causing returned, it was like his entire body was on fire.
"I came back... I'm still alive... I did it!" he exclaimed in a tired overwrought whisper. "But it's not over yet..." Using all the might left in him he struggled to stand yet again, "I will always get up... no matter how hard it is I will always get up..." he chanted to himself for motivation, and as he did so, he saw the task before him.
Talpa, standing ten feet tall towering over the Ronins and Warlords, was trying to toy with them all as if he used full power, they all would be blown away along with half the landscape. Despite the Demon Emperors extremely heightened powers and the Ronins and Warlords had all given up their powers, they were still fighting and staying alive... however barely.
"Get out while you can! There is no use in staying and fighting he has become too strong! We shall distract him while you make your escape!" a weary Sekhmet proclaimed as their small line of defense was being pushed further and further back.
"We appreciate the off but even if it is hopeless we still have to fight!" Sai replied as he leapt forwarded to protect the unarmored warlord of venom.
"How can these warriors fight without so much as a chance?! All is lost yet they still continue to trudge on!" Dais quietly asked Anubis and Cale as they aided him away from the battlefield.
"No more games! Destruction is upon you all!" the demonic voice of Talpa bellowed as he slammed down his huge heavy blade, erupting a large blast catapulting everyone into one large pile of human mass, ready to be destroyed in one easy stroke. Talpa stood, high above them looking down with red beaming eyes. "It I over... you have lost and are no longer worthy of your armors... surrender to me now and you shall live forever within my soul. You have no choice!"
Without so much as word was said among the exchanged glances but all knew the next thing to do. One by one they stood up and took up their arms, never to surrender this evil.
"Foolish warriors. You should know when all hope is lost to you and simply give up. So be it! Your death by your own fault!"
Raising the sword high above him, ready for the deathblow, all eight warriors looked up, waiting for the last moment, not fearing it for a second. Talpa started to cackle evilly while taking to handles to the handle, then suddenly with a grunt, all when silent. Two blazing katana swords protruded from Talpa's abdomen, making him freeze in shot. The others looked on in confusion but smiles beamed at that realization.
The swords were pulled out with another grunt of pain and Talpa turned to see what he least expected, Ryo, in the Inferno Armor, blazing so strong that it was literally on fire. The look in his eye was that of pure determination.

"There's one thing you'll never understand Talpa ... A warrior does not fight until all hope is gone... a warrior fights to create hope where there is none... we are warriors with all our hearts and souls ... you'll never win!"