Author's note: I actually got a Beta to review this and 76, so thank you
to Amaya-san for doing that for me!
To amaya-san: ffnet being stubborn with you too? Yeah, I'm moving off of Suboshi, so Tasuki's getting more air time. I'm glad you liked the chapter.
To Polynesia: I recently started feeling bad for Chiriko too. He'll rock in the sequel though. (This is gonna be a loooooong fic.) I'm glad you like Saori, I like her too. She kicks butt.
To MaryDFair: You think that's a cliffhangar? laughs evilly Amiboshi will be back soon, and for who's side he's on... we'll have to wait.
Chapter 75 : To Fight, Bleed, and Die for Suzaku
"As the sun rose in the morning, the Suzaku seven, the priestess, and Saori neared the place of the final battle." Keisuke read, inside his office. The substitute for Taka was taking roll in the gym, giving him a few moments to himself. "However, despite the time of day, with each step the five, brave warriors took, the air among them grew colder and darker, until it seemed as though the afternoon sun was slowly setting. Any villages had been left behind, and not a soul could be seen in the homes of the civilians." Keisuke sighed and turned the page, reading further.
"Blue lightening clashed among the dark, foreboding clouds, yet no thunder followed its lead. There was only a silent rumble to the spot at hand. The warriors of the south were quiet, though their hearts beat heavily in their chests, much as the horses' hooves on the ground." Keisuke rubbed his eyes. "Enough with the description, all ready, get to the point!" He shook his head. He was starting to sound like Tetsuya.
"As prepared as they ever could be, the powerless men entered the edge of the glowing field. Dismounting their horses, they would continue on by foot. 'Stay here', Tamahome strictly informed the Priestess as well as Saori. 'No matter what happens to me or anyone else, you must stay here. If the worse comes, run. I can't let either of you die.'
"The priestess cried a few tears for her beloved warrior, embracing him before he left with the others, her heart begging him to return safely to her. Saori took the priestess's hand and pulled her towards the side of the mountains that angled the field, and they hid behind the large arm of the range. Chiriko stayed near by to them, making sure no harm came to either. The Suzaku seven walked forward with confidence, awaiting for the appearance of their enemies..."
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"I don't like this." Tasuki muttered, pulling out his diamond fan. "It's too quiet."
"Do we look for them, or wait?" Nuriko asked.
Chichiri held his staff tightly, the rings on its head jingling together slightly as he walked. "There is an evil aura surrounding this place, no da."
"I think we got that." Nuriko said, trying to uplift the heavy situation.
.
"You came, Seishi. How pleased I am that our invitation was not ignored."
.
The four spun around at the voice, spotting Nakago near the steep slope of a low mountain.
"This ends here, Nakago." Chichiri stated, lifting his staff off the ground.
"As it does." Nakago's blue eyes shone through his long, blonde bangs.
The clouds finally released their wrath, a loud boom of dry thunder disturbing the tense peace. Soi stood on the mountain ledge behind Nakago, her bound hair blowing in the wind. Her hand was extended to the sky, melding the storm clouds together.
Tamahome looked off to his left. Suboshi stood, legs apart, a long rope floating around his torso, two, spinning orbs on either end of it. To his right, Miboshi, arms folded and a calm smirk on his face, much like a demeanor Nakago would carry. His golden spindle was held securely between his first two fingers.
Each of the Suzaku seven faced an opponent, their backs to each other. Nuriko slid his broad sword out of its sheath, taking it between both his hands and holding it firmly before him. Tamahome's sword was strapped in tightly to his back, and remained there.
Soi's hand changed positions so that her index and middle finger stood up. Smoke formed loosely around them, wafting into a spiral. She shouted something, and the clouds opened up to emit an immense flood of lightening. It was the cue symbol for the battle to begin.
- - -
"Tamahome!!" Miaka cried out, looking around the stony wall at the fight.
Saori quickly grabbed Miaka's wrist and yanked her back, clasping her hand over her mouth. "Baka!" She whispered. "You'll be killed if they find you!"
Chiriko glanced over at the two, then back to the fight. He clasped his hands together. "Please, make it you guys..." He said.
- - -
The mass of lightening struck down right by Nuriko. He dodged best he could, but the outside of the beam skimmed against his left forearm. The force threw him back to the ground, his sword landing next to him.
"Damn!" Nuriko cursed, holding his arm painfully. A dark, maroon stripe zigzagged unevenly down his skin. The heat of the lightening had seared it, so it didn't bleed. Nuriko grabbed the handle of his sword and stood again, running towards Soi.
Soi glanced down at the warrior. "You'll never make it." She said calmly. With a wave of her hands, the wind from her storm picked her off of the ledge and she raised up toward her clouds. She lifted her hands forward to the sky, three different bolts of lightening flying down around her. From the ground, Nuriko dodged each one, new ones taking up the course of the chase with each flash that grounded. Even with his powers, Nuriko couldn't do much if Soi was in the sky.
.
Miboshi tucked his legs under him and floated a few feet off the ground. The center of his spindle turned rapidly, a faint humming coming forth from it. Three portals around him ripped into the air started to open, flashing blue sparks filling them.
Chichiri held his staff ready.
Miboshi smiled. "Let's say we... start out with something... a bit more fun?" He suggested.
From each of the portals small, chicken-sized monsters spilled out, their bodies covered with tight, leathery brown skin. Their small heads were shaped like a ducks, and small, crooked teeth pointed out from the beak. They had long, whip-like tails and ran on two legs. About two-dozen of them emerged from their portals before Miboshi shut them off.
They eyed Chichiri hungrily, and the first few of them packed together and began running towards him. Several others passed up the chance at the monk and scattered over the playing field.
"Ar! Ar!" One of them called. leaping up into the air at Chichiri.
Chichiri spun his staff around and smacked the animal in the stomach, hearing a "yip!" as the animal fell back. In its place, two more ran up. Chichiri stepped back and swung, hitting each with either side of his staff. From behind him, one of the monsters clapped its mouth onto the edge of Chichiri's cloak.
The blunt stick end of the staff came down onto the monster's face, forcing him off. A fifth bit at Chichiri's ankle, and two more leapt up at the chance for a meal.
"There's too many no da!" Chichiri shouted, hitting them back as fast as he could.
Miboshi laughed in delight. "You fight well, for a powerless magician."
Chichiri couldn't reply. He stepped back again, hitting away the toothy animals best he could.
.
WHOO!
A glowing ryuseisui orb whizzed by Tasuki's ear, and he turned sideways to avoid it. Another came straight at him, and he smashed it away quickly with the rigged edges of his fan. It soared towards Suboshi, but merely circled around him in orbit to be sent out again.
Tasuki spread his fan out to its widest range and beat the bells away again. Every opening he got he ran towards the younger boy, but the ryuseisui kept forcing him back. Thunder cracked loudly above his head, and the shadow over he and Suboshi darkened, making the glow of the meteor bells more noticeable.
"Nice try." Suboshi called a ball back to him. "Try catching this one!" He sent it out towards the bandit.
Tasuki held his fan ready, watching the light of the bell. "Here it comes...." He thought.
!!
Tasuki gasped as the bell hit him in his right thigh. His leg burned and forced him to drop down to his knee.
"The bell..." He grumbled, "it moved faster than the light...."
"That's right." Suboshi called the weapon back once again. "They'll move faster and faster until what's left of you will only be in shreds."
Tasuki swore rather loudly, standing up again.
Suboshi let the bell float up from his hands, ready.
.
"HAH!" Tamahome yelled as his foot spun around to meet Nakago's face.
It stopped as Nakago calmly caught it with his hand. "Tamahome, is that really all you have for me?" He shoved Tamahome's foot back, sending him to the ground.
"Damnit, I can't move fast enough!" He scolded himself. Even with the powers of Suzaku, Nakago was a difficult match for him, and the blonde hadn't even used any of his own powers yet. It was just like him to toy with the situation first.
Tamahome stood up, raising his fists. Before he attacked though, he felt something bite his leg.
"Ah!" He shook a strange, lizard-like monster off of him. The monster reeled back and flew forward again at the red spot it had created on Tamahome's clothes.
Tamahome turned and nailed the monster right in the skull with his heel. The monster flew back onto the ground, not moving.
"It seems that you're not –entirely- helpless." Nakago said, smirking.
Angered even more, Tamahome charged at Nakago, sending his fist flying.
Nakago's image suddenly disappeared from in front of him, and reappeared to his side. "Pathetic." He said.
Tamahome felt a strong hit to the side of his head and he flew back through the air, skidding across the dirt ground when he landed. The strike pounded painfully as he tried to get back up. Several feet behind him, he saw a brilliant flash of light.
Soi's lightening hit so hard that the ground under it split and formed into a large, deep crack.
Nuriko rolled away from the fault, kneeling on the ground, watching the sky witch. He adjusted a strange iron-colored bow on his right arm, his sword still in hand.
"You're quick on your feet, Suzaku warrior." Soi informed. "However, my lightening will always be faster!" She raised her fingers again, and a small, faster bolt of light shot from the sky.
Nuriko stood up and pulled a string hanging from his elbow. The strip on his arm suddenly fanned out into a round shield, and he held it overhead as the bolt hit. The force shoved him to the ground, and the light made him close his eyes to avoid being blinded. His arm grew hot, but the impact was over in a few seconds. He opened his eyes, and the shield on his arm was fried to a crisp. He pulled two of the buckles that secured it and let the remnants fall to the ground. He didn't get much time before a second, equally sized bolt hit. He held up his sword just in time, and for the most part, it acted as a lightening rod. Nuriko felt a shock go through his hand and quickly released the weapon.
Soi smiled. She flew a bit higher into the sky, and the dark clouds above her began swirling together.
Nuriko felt a strong wind push against him, and his feet slid slightly upon the loose dirt below him. Several lizard like monsters blew past him, squealing as the wind carried them.
"Careful no da!" Chichiri called from nearby.
Nuriko opened an eye to glance at the magician, whose sleeves were ripped from cuff to collar. He looked the other way and saw two glowing meteor bells headed his way, so fast that the wind didn't blow them off course. Nuriko quickly dropped to the ground, the bells passing overhead.
Chichiri's ponytail whipped about him fiercely, and he raised his staff to intercept the ryuseisui. The first one flew at him, passing by his hip. The second headed right after it. Chichiri raised his staff and swung, the top right below the golden ornament intercepting the bell.
But it wasn't enough. The bell ripped through the wood, sending the ornament flying with the wind. It kept going, connecting with Chichiri's left shoulder. Chichiri screamed as it burrowed in further, shaving off bits of bone and slicing through flesh and muscle until it emerged out the other side, covered with crimson blood.
"CHICHIRI!" Nuriko shouted.
The glowing orb turned around and headed back from the magician, but Chichiri dropped to the ground before it hit a second time. Hot blood ran down his sleeve, staining his cloak as well. Chichiri's right hand left what remained of his staff under the weight of his knee, and it clasped over the wound, becoming drenched in blood as well.
The wind began to die down, but it was still unbelievably strong. The sky glowed with never-ending lightening. The warriors started to feel a mild buzz of static top off the wind.
Suddenly, a loud roar broke through the wind. The four fighting warriors looked up to see a large, human like monster towering over them. It was about thirty feet high and had broad shoulders, its waist sucked down thinner than its arms before branching out into two legs. Two elephant-like tusks poured over its lips, and its beady, blue eyes looked angrily upon the scene.
A portal beside that monster opened as well, and another tall monster came out. It looked like a large lizard with a neck like a snake's. A long, dripping tongue hung out of its mouth, and its fat belly dragged along the ground as it scooted forward.
Tasuki looked away from Suboshi at the two monsters. "Ah hell..." he muttered.
- - -
Saori and Miaka clung to each other as they lay on the ground, their eyes shut to keep the grains of sand flying about out of their eyes. Chiriko kneeled over them, trying to keep them as safe as possible. Their clothes blew about them in the wind, though the rocks around them acted somewhat as a windbreaker. They heard a loud roar and gasped, tears running from Miaka's eyes.
The wind slowed a little bit more so that the warriors would fight. Tamahome was behind the monsters, still duking it out with Nakago, and not doing a very good job.
Tasuki faced Suboshi again. "I'm taking a rain check." He took the sharp edge of his fan and scraped it quickly over the leather pouch on his forearm. Before Suboshi could think, the entire pouch exploded, sending thousands of large, fiery embers into the air, carried towards the warrior by the wind. Suboshi withdrew his meteor bells in order to cover, giving Tasuki the chance he needed to flee. The "ember pack" was something developed strictly by the Mt. Reikaku bandits.
Tasuki sheathed his fan and pulled out his own sword, which was also strapped to his back. "I'll take the one on the left, Nuriko! "You get the one on the right!"
Nuriko looked away from Chichiri, who, despite his injury, was starting to stand up. "All right!" He called across the wind.
The two men lifted their swords and charged at the monsters. Tasuki took the one with tusks, Nuriko took the snake.
The lizard excited itself as it saw Nuriko running towards it. Its large, fat feet scooted it along the ground like a seal. It lapped its tongue out for Nuriko, puddle of drool hitting the dirt. Nuriko ran to the side and missed the attack, sending his sword deep into one of the large beast's feet. The lizard wailed and bounced about at the injury. Nuriko pulled the sword out, the blade soaked with a green ooze. He leapt up onto the monster's back and stabbed again, going all the way down to the hilt of the sword. The monster shook back and forth, trying desperately to shake its attacker. Nuriko was forced to keep his sword embedded in its flesh for fear of being thrown off.
Tasuki spun his sword about, ready to strike the lanky monster.
The demon smiled, and opened out its hands to Tasuki. Its dry palms split open, and two long, lively cords shot out, each with a mouth full of teeth.
"WHAT THE?!" Tasuki flipped backwards, but one of the parasitic cords grabbed onto Tasuki's shin, lifting him up into the air. The several rows of teeth clenched onto Tasuki's bleeding flesh fiercely, finally dropping him back onto the ground.
The monster Nuriko fought still wailed. It turned its neck to the side and again shot out its long amphibian tongue. The tongue whipped onto its back and around Nuriko's waist. It yanked Nuriko into the air, Nuriko keeping a tight hold onto his only weapon. The tongue retracted, and Nuriko was pulled into the demon's mouth, swallowed whole.
- - -
Chiriko suddenly stiffened a bit, and he looked over the rocky wall onto the battle scene, his eyes going wide at the two monsters there.
"Minna..." He whispered.
He felt a hand grab his.
"Chiriko, we have to do something." Miaka said firmly, her hair washing over her face. Tears still dwelled on her eyes.
Chiriko was unsure, and he looked at Miaka for a long moment, deciding. Finally, he nodded.
- - -
The stone monster's large foot came down hard, Tasuki barely rolling out of the way to avoid being crushed like an insect. He kept rolling over and over, avoiding the giant's steps. Both of his legs bleed badly. The demon lowered its head and scraped its tusks along the ground, turning up more sand to be blown about in the wind.
The cord whipped out from its palm again and the teeth latched onto the Tasuki's side. The bandit cried out as he was painfully lifted into the air again, hovering right in front of the monster's face.
The monster smiled and lifted up a thick hand, sending it down to bat at Tasuki like a cat toy. Instead it let out a loud roar, and the teeth of the cord pulled out of Tasuki's ribs and sent him down to the ground.
The monster pulled back, its hands flying to its face. A long dagger was embedded in its left eye. The monster stumbled back and collapsed onto the ground, fading back into its own dimension.
The owner or the weapon, Chichiri, ran to Tasuki's side, grabbing his arm and putting it around his neck. "Come on, no da!" He called.
Tasuki stood up best he could, the right side of his clothes drenched just as badly as Chichiri's shoulder was.
"Nuriko... where's Nuriko..." Tasuki asked.
Chichiri looked around and saw the second monster scooting towards them, it's actions making the ground shake. Its tongue flew out and headed for the two.
"Look out no da!" Chichiri pulled Tasuki to the ground.
The tongue flew at them, yet it stopped a foot before their heads. Chichiri looked up through his ripped mask.
The monster stepped back a bit, and began crying out into the dark sky. A lump on its long neck began to grow, stretching the skin around it. Finally, the silver tip of a sword pierced through, slicing the flesh of the neck to the other side of the beast. Green blood spilled over, and Nuriko emerged from the flesh, dropping weary to the ground. Soi must have seen, because a huge pillar of lightening struck down. Nuriko managed to run, and the dying monster was struck by the force instead. It bellowed and faded like the first had, disappearing.
Nuriko limped over to Tasuki and Chichiri, the blood covering him disappearing too.
.
An immense wave of nausea passed over Tamahome as a forceful kick landed to his stomach, sending him back. A cut on his forehead sent a stream of blood along one side of his face, and he was cut and bruised all over, his clothes ripped in several places.
Nakago smiled. "It's been fun, Tamahome." He held his hand out.
Tamahome felt himself lifted into the air, his body stiffening when he could no longer feel the ground.
Nakago smirked at him and turned him around so that Tamahome was facing to battlefield. "Take a good look." He ordered.
Tasuki and Chichiri were barely standing, Chichiri helping Tasuki move away from the fighting. Suboshi suddenly came in too, and Tamahome watched as one of his meteor bells struck into Nuriko's hip, the same one that had been pierced by a Kutou arrow several weeks before. Tamahome went wide-eyed. Nakago held him helpless as he watched. Tasuki was bleeding all over and Chichiri looked so weak...
Rain started falling from above. It wasn't really heavy, but it was there. A lightening bolt forced Tamahome's eyes shut, and when he opened them, he gasped.
"No..."
The select light finally illuminated more of the field, and he saw Miaka, Saori, and Chiriko running in, Saori on a horse, and Chiriko and Miaka with swords.
Nakago lips parted almost into a smile. "I'd rather kill you together, so join them."
Tamahome winced as a strong pressure pushed against his legs, the center of his shins. it intensified, and he cried out, screaming.
Finally, two, loud cracking noises came, and Tamahome's scream became it's loudest, enough for the other warriors to hear.
Nakago had broken not one, but both of his legs, and he had done so without laying a finger on him.
Tamahome flew through the air, landing in a mess of mud near the other warriors. Nakago was quick to appear nearby.
Another cry was heard, a younger cry. Chiriko was struck by a thin bolt of lightening across his chest, and flung towards the others as well. Miaka skimmed across the ground nearby, trying desperately to get back up.
Nakago sent out a small, blue light from his hand, and it darted towards Saori. Saori kicked the haunches of her horse, and it started running. The chi hit into the rear of the horse, sending it down, and making Saori toppled over the front of it and onto the ground herself.
"Mi...a....ka..." Tamahome said, reaching a hand out to her, He could barely stay conscious fro pain, and his legs prevented him from moving. They had entered the final battle, and lost.
The rain stopped, though the dark swirling of the clouds and the lightening didn't. Soi lowered herself to the ground, taking a stand beside Nakago. Miboshi was nearby, and Suboshi was a bit further off.
Nakago smiled at the injured warriors. "This was your last call." He raised his hand, a blue orb beginning to glow in it. "I'll send you back to hell."
Miaka forced herself off the ground and ran to the group, flinging herself over Tamahome. "No!" she cried.
The orb glowed brighter and formed into an oval chi blast.
Saori looked up from her spot, eyes widening. They were going to be killed!
The powerful chi blast soared forward from Nakago's hands, right towards the Suzaku seishi... and their priestess.
.
..
...
......
.........
................
.........
......
...
...
.
"KYA!"
The chi blast turned around and headed back towards the Seiryu seven, barely flying over their head and disappearing to the sky.
Miaka blinked, a huge smile coming onto her face. "Nyan-Nyan!" She cried.
Nakago's fist clenched tightly, and began glowing again.
The young Nyan-Nyan turned around, flashing a peace sign with her small hands at Miaka. "Don't worry, I brought extra help!"
Soi readied her lightening, and Nakago scowled. "There will be no more help." With both hands, an immense light was formed, more brilliant than the sun itself.
Nyan-Nyan turned around. "Uh-oh..."
It was released. It was bigger than the group itself, and the heat and power of it could be felt before it even hit.
Miaka held Tamahome tightly and shut her eyes, ready for the impact. Chichiri bowed his head, and Tasuki and Nuriko didn't budge.
BOOSH!!!!!
The life force collided on target, exploding the ground around it.
Saori stared, still. She couldn't breath. Tears began falling from her eyes.
Nakago drew his hand back. "It is...." His eyes went wide. "What?!"
.
Miaka slowly opened an eye, than another. She was still there. She lifted her head in shock, and saw a strange woman kneeling in front of her.
"Daijoubu ka?" She asked, her voice light and upraising.
Miaka sat up very slowly, watching the girl. The girl watched her too, with her crystalline blue eyes. Smooth, black tresses fell over her shoulder, the front strands pulled back behind her.
.
.
"Who..." Miaka breathed, "...are you?"
To amaya-san: ffnet being stubborn with you too? Yeah, I'm moving off of Suboshi, so Tasuki's getting more air time. I'm glad you liked the chapter.
To Polynesia: I recently started feeling bad for Chiriko too. He'll rock in the sequel though. (This is gonna be a loooooong fic.) I'm glad you like Saori, I like her too. She kicks butt.
To MaryDFair: You think that's a cliffhangar? laughs evilly Amiboshi will be back soon, and for who's side he's on... we'll have to wait.
Chapter 75 : To Fight, Bleed, and Die for Suzaku
"As the sun rose in the morning, the Suzaku seven, the priestess, and Saori neared the place of the final battle." Keisuke read, inside his office. The substitute for Taka was taking roll in the gym, giving him a few moments to himself. "However, despite the time of day, with each step the five, brave warriors took, the air among them grew colder and darker, until it seemed as though the afternoon sun was slowly setting. Any villages had been left behind, and not a soul could be seen in the homes of the civilians." Keisuke sighed and turned the page, reading further.
"Blue lightening clashed among the dark, foreboding clouds, yet no thunder followed its lead. There was only a silent rumble to the spot at hand. The warriors of the south were quiet, though their hearts beat heavily in their chests, much as the horses' hooves on the ground." Keisuke rubbed his eyes. "Enough with the description, all ready, get to the point!" He shook his head. He was starting to sound like Tetsuya.
"As prepared as they ever could be, the powerless men entered the edge of the glowing field. Dismounting their horses, they would continue on by foot. 'Stay here', Tamahome strictly informed the Priestess as well as Saori. 'No matter what happens to me or anyone else, you must stay here. If the worse comes, run. I can't let either of you die.'
"The priestess cried a few tears for her beloved warrior, embracing him before he left with the others, her heart begging him to return safely to her. Saori took the priestess's hand and pulled her towards the side of the mountains that angled the field, and they hid behind the large arm of the range. Chiriko stayed near by to them, making sure no harm came to either. The Suzaku seven walked forward with confidence, awaiting for the appearance of their enemies..."
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"I don't like this." Tasuki muttered, pulling out his diamond fan. "It's too quiet."
"Do we look for them, or wait?" Nuriko asked.
Chichiri held his staff tightly, the rings on its head jingling together slightly as he walked. "There is an evil aura surrounding this place, no da."
"I think we got that." Nuriko said, trying to uplift the heavy situation.
.
"You came, Seishi. How pleased I am that our invitation was not ignored."
.
The four spun around at the voice, spotting Nakago near the steep slope of a low mountain.
"This ends here, Nakago." Chichiri stated, lifting his staff off the ground.
"As it does." Nakago's blue eyes shone through his long, blonde bangs.
The clouds finally released their wrath, a loud boom of dry thunder disturbing the tense peace. Soi stood on the mountain ledge behind Nakago, her bound hair blowing in the wind. Her hand was extended to the sky, melding the storm clouds together.
Tamahome looked off to his left. Suboshi stood, legs apart, a long rope floating around his torso, two, spinning orbs on either end of it. To his right, Miboshi, arms folded and a calm smirk on his face, much like a demeanor Nakago would carry. His golden spindle was held securely between his first two fingers.
Each of the Suzaku seven faced an opponent, their backs to each other. Nuriko slid his broad sword out of its sheath, taking it between both his hands and holding it firmly before him. Tamahome's sword was strapped in tightly to his back, and remained there.
Soi's hand changed positions so that her index and middle finger stood up. Smoke formed loosely around them, wafting into a spiral. She shouted something, and the clouds opened up to emit an immense flood of lightening. It was the cue symbol for the battle to begin.
- - -
"Tamahome!!" Miaka cried out, looking around the stony wall at the fight.
Saori quickly grabbed Miaka's wrist and yanked her back, clasping her hand over her mouth. "Baka!" She whispered. "You'll be killed if they find you!"
Chiriko glanced over at the two, then back to the fight. He clasped his hands together. "Please, make it you guys..." He said.
- - -
The mass of lightening struck down right by Nuriko. He dodged best he could, but the outside of the beam skimmed against his left forearm. The force threw him back to the ground, his sword landing next to him.
"Damn!" Nuriko cursed, holding his arm painfully. A dark, maroon stripe zigzagged unevenly down his skin. The heat of the lightening had seared it, so it didn't bleed. Nuriko grabbed the handle of his sword and stood again, running towards Soi.
Soi glanced down at the warrior. "You'll never make it." She said calmly. With a wave of her hands, the wind from her storm picked her off of the ledge and she raised up toward her clouds. She lifted her hands forward to the sky, three different bolts of lightening flying down around her. From the ground, Nuriko dodged each one, new ones taking up the course of the chase with each flash that grounded. Even with his powers, Nuriko couldn't do much if Soi was in the sky.
.
Miboshi tucked his legs under him and floated a few feet off the ground. The center of his spindle turned rapidly, a faint humming coming forth from it. Three portals around him ripped into the air started to open, flashing blue sparks filling them.
Chichiri held his staff ready.
Miboshi smiled. "Let's say we... start out with something... a bit more fun?" He suggested.
From each of the portals small, chicken-sized monsters spilled out, their bodies covered with tight, leathery brown skin. Their small heads were shaped like a ducks, and small, crooked teeth pointed out from the beak. They had long, whip-like tails and ran on two legs. About two-dozen of them emerged from their portals before Miboshi shut them off.
They eyed Chichiri hungrily, and the first few of them packed together and began running towards him. Several others passed up the chance at the monk and scattered over the playing field.
"Ar! Ar!" One of them called. leaping up into the air at Chichiri.
Chichiri spun his staff around and smacked the animal in the stomach, hearing a "yip!" as the animal fell back. In its place, two more ran up. Chichiri stepped back and swung, hitting each with either side of his staff. From behind him, one of the monsters clapped its mouth onto the edge of Chichiri's cloak.
The blunt stick end of the staff came down onto the monster's face, forcing him off. A fifth bit at Chichiri's ankle, and two more leapt up at the chance for a meal.
"There's too many no da!" Chichiri shouted, hitting them back as fast as he could.
Miboshi laughed in delight. "You fight well, for a powerless magician."
Chichiri couldn't reply. He stepped back again, hitting away the toothy animals best he could.
.
WHOO!
A glowing ryuseisui orb whizzed by Tasuki's ear, and he turned sideways to avoid it. Another came straight at him, and he smashed it away quickly with the rigged edges of his fan. It soared towards Suboshi, but merely circled around him in orbit to be sent out again.
Tasuki spread his fan out to its widest range and beat the bells away again. Every opening he got he ran towards the younger boy, but the ryuseisui kept forcing him back. Thunder cracked loudly above his head, and the shadow over he and Suboshi darkened, making the glow of the meteor bells more noticeable.
"Nice try." Suboshi called a ball back to him. "Try catching this one!" He sent it out towards the bandit.
Tasuki held his fan ready, watching the light of the bell. "Here it comes...." He thought.
!!
Tasuki gasped as the bell hit him in his right thigh. His leg burned and forced him to drop down to his knee.
"The bell..." He grumbled, "it moved faster than the light...."
"That's right." Suboshi called the weapon back once again. "They'll move faster and faster until what's left of you will only be in shreds."
Tasuki swore rather loudly, standing up again.
Suboshi let the bell float up from his hands, ready.
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"HAH!" Tamahome yelled as his foot spun around to meet Nakago's face.
It stopped as Nakago calmly caught it with his hand. "Tamahome, is that really all you have for me?" He shoved Tamahome's foot back, sending him to the ground.
"Damnit, I can't move fast enough!" He scolded himself. Even with the powers of Suzaku, Nakago was a difficult match for him, and the blonde hadn't even used any of his own powers yet. It was just like him to toy with the situation first.
Tamahome stood up, raising his fists. Before he attacked though, he felt something bite his leg.
"Ah!" He shook a strange, lizard-like monster off of him. The monster reeled back and flew forward again at the red spot it had created on Tamahome's clothes.
Tamahome turned and nailed the monster right in the skull with his heel. The monster flew back onto the ground, not moving.
"It seems that you're not –entirely- helpless." Nakago said, smirking.
Angered even more, Tamahome charged at Nakago, sending his fist flying.
Nakago's image suddenly disappeared from in front of him, and reappeared to his side. "Pathetic." He said.
Tamahome felt a strong hit to the side of his head and he flew back through the air, skidding across the dirt ground when he landed. The strike pounded painfully as he tried to get back up. Several feet behind him, he saw a brilliant flash of light.
Soi's lightening hit so hard that the ground under it split and formed into a large, deep crack.
Nuriko rolled away from the fault, kneeling on the ground, watching the sky witch. He adjusted a strange iron-colored bow on his right arm, his sword still in hand.
"You're quick on your feet, Suzaku warrior." Soi informed. "However, my lightening will always be faster!" She raised her fingers again, and a small, faster bolt of light shot from the sky.
Nuriko stood up and pulled a string hanging from his elbow. The strip on his arm suddenly fanned out into a round shield, and he held it overhead as the bolt hit. The force shoved him to the ground, and the light made him close his eyes to avoid being blinded. His arm grew hot, but the impact was over in a few seconds. He opened his eyes, and the shield on his arm was fried to a crisp. He pulled two of the buckles that secured it and let the remnants fall to the ground. He didn't get much time before a second, equally sized bolt hit. He held up his sword just in time, and for the most part, it acted as a lightening rod. Nuriko felt a shock go through his hand and quickly released the weapon.
Soi smiled. She flew a bit higher into the sky, and the dark clouds above her began swirling together.
Nuriko felt a strong wind push against him, and his feet slid slightly upon the loose dirt below him. Several lizard like monsters blew past him, squealing as the wind carried them.
"Careful no da!" Chichiri called from nearby.
Nuriko opened an eye to glance at the magician, whose sleeves were ripped from cuff to collar. He looked the other way and saw two glowing meteor bells headed his way, so fast that the wind didn't blow them off course. Nuriko quickly dropped to the ground, the bells passing overhead.
Chichiri's ponytail whipped about him fiercely, and he raised his staff to intercept the ryuseisui. The first one flew at him, passing by his hip. The second headed right after it. Chichiri raised his staff and swung, the top right below the golden ornament intercepting the bell.
But it wasn't enough. The bell ripped through the wood, sending the ornament flying with the wind. It kept going, connecting with Chichiri's left shoulder. Chichiri screamed as it burrowed in further, shaving off bits of bone and slicing through flesh and muscle until it emerged out the other side, covered with crimson blood.
"CHICHIRI!" Nuriko shouted.
The glowing orb turned around and headed back from the magician, but Chichiri dropped to the ground before it hit a second time. Hot blood ran down his sleeve, staining his cloak as well. Chichiri's right hand left what remained of his staff under the weight of his knee, and it clasped over the wound, becoming drenched in blood as well.
The wind began to die down, but it was still unbelievably strong. The sky glowed with never-ending lightening. The warriors started to feel a mild buzz of static top off the wind.
Suddenly, a loud roar broke through the wind. The four fighting warriors looked up to see a large, human like monster towering over them. It was about thirty feet high and had broad shoulders, its waist sucked down thinner than its arms before branching out into two legs. Two elephant-like tusks poured over its lips, and its beady, blue eyes looked angrily upon the scene.
A portal beside that monster opened as well, and another tall monster came out. It looked like a large lizard with a neck like a snake's. A long, dripping tongue hung out of its mouth, and its fat belly dragged along the ground as it scooted forward.
Tasuki looked away from Suboshi at the two monsters. "Ah hell..." he muttered.
- - -
Saori and Miaka clung to each other as they lay on the ground, their eyes shut to keep the grains of sand flying about out of their eyes. Chiriko kneeled over them, trying to keep them as safe as possible. Their clothes blew about them in the wind, though the rocks around them acted somewhat as a windbreaker. They heard a loud roar and gasped, tears running from Miaka's eyes.
The wind slowed a little bit more so that the warriors would fight. Tamahome was behind the monsters, still duking it out with Nakago, and not doing a very good job.
Tasuki faced Suboshi again. "I'm taking a rain check." He took the sharp edge of his fan and scraped it quickly over the leather pouch on his forearm. Before Suboshi could think, the entire pouch exploded, sending thousands of large, fiery embers into the air, carried towards the warrior by the wind. Suboshi withdrew his meteor bells in order to cover, giving Tasuki the chance he needed to flee. The "ember pack" was something developed strictly by the Mt. Reikaku bandits.
Tasuki sheathed his fan and pulled out his own sword, which was also strapped to his back. "I'll take the one on the left, Nuriko! "You get the one on the right!"
Nuriko looked away from Chichiri, who, despite his injury, was starting to stand up. "All right!" He called across the wind.
The two men lifted their swords and charged at the monsters. Tasuki took the one with tusks, Nuriko took the snake.
The lizard excited itself as it saw Nuriko running towards it. Its large, fat feet scooted it along the ground like a seal. It lapped its tongue out for Nuriko, puddle of drool hitting the dirt. Nuriko ran to the side and missed the attack, sending his sword deep into one of the large beast's feet. The lizard wailed and bounced about at the injury. Nuriko pulled the sword out, the blade soaked with a green ooze. He leapt up onto the monster's back and stabbed again, going all the way down to the hilt of the sword. The monster shook back and forth, trying desperately to shake its attacker. Nuriko was forced to keep his sword embedded in its flesh for fear of being thrown off.
Tasuki spun his sword about, ready to strike the lanky monster.
The demon smiled, and opened out its hands to Tasuki. Its dry palms split open, and two long, lively cords shot out, each with a mouth full of teeth.
"WHAT THE?!" Tasuki flipped backwards, but one of the parasitic cords grabbed onto Tasuki's shin, lifting him up into the air. The several rows of teeth clenched onto Tasuki's bleeding flesh fiercely, finally dropping him back onto the ground.
The monster Nuriko fought still wailed. It turned its neck to the side and again shot out its long amphibian tongue. The tongue whipped onto its back and around Nuriko's waist. It yanked Nuriko into the air, Nuriko keeping a tight hold onto his only weapon. The tongue retracted, and Nuriko was pulled into the demon's mouth, swallowed whole.
- - -
Chiriko suddenly stiffened a bit, and he looked over the rocky wall onto the battle scene, his eyes going wide at the two monsters there.
"Minna..." He whispered.
He felt a hand grab his.
"Chiriko, we have to do something." Miaka said firmly, her hair washing over her face. Tears still dwelled on her eyes.
Chiriko was unsure, and he looked at Miaka for a long moment, deciding. Finally, he nodded.
- - -
The stone monster's large foot came down hard, Tasuki barely rolling out of the way to avoid being crushed like an insect. He kept rolling over and over, avoiding the giant's steps. Both of his legs bleed badly. The demon lowered its head and scraped its tusks along the ground, turning up more sand to be blown about in the wind.
The cord whipped out from its palm again and the teeth latched onto the Tasuki's side. The bandit cried out as he was painfully lifted into the air again, hovering right in front of the monster's face.
The monster smiled and lifted up a thick hand, sending it down to bat at Tasuki like a cat toy. Instead it let out a loud roar, and the teeth of the cord pulled out of Tasuki's ribs and sent him down to the ground.
The monster pulled back, its hands flying to its face. A long dagger was embedded in its left eye. The monster stumbled back and collapsed onto the ground, fading back into its own dimension.
The owner or the weapon, Chichiri, ran to Tasuki's side, grabbing his arm and putting it around his neck. "Come on, no da!" He called.
Tasuki stood up best he could, the right side of his clothes drenched just as badly as Chichiri's shoulder was.
"Nuriko... where's Nuriko..." Tasuki asked.
Chichiri looked around and saw the second monster scooting towards them, it's actions making the ground shake. Its tongue flew out and headed for the two.
"Look out no da!" Chichiri pulled Tasuki to the ground.
The tongue flew at them, yet it stopped a foot before their heads. Chichiri looked up through his ripped mask.
The monster stepped back a bit, and began crying out into the dark sky. A lump on its long neck began to grow, stretching the skin around it. Finally, the silver tip of a sword pierced through, slicing the flesh of the neck to the other side of the beast. Green blood spilled over, and Nuriko emerged from the flesh, dropping weary to the ground. Soi must have seen, because a huge pillar of lightening struck down. Nuriko managed to run, and the dying monster was struck by the force instead. It bellowed and faded like the first had, disappearing.
Nuriko limped over to Tasuki and Chichiri, the blood covering him disappearing too.
.
An immense wave of nausea passed over Tamahome as a forceful kick landed to his stomach, sending him back. A cut on his forehead sent a stream of blood along one side of his face, and he was cut and bruised all over, his clothes ripped in several places.
Nakago smiled. "It's been fun, Tamahome." He held his hand out.
Tamahome felt himself lifted into the air, his body stiffening when he could no longer feel the ground.
Nakago smirked at him and turned him around so that Tamahome was facing to battlefield. "Take a good look." He ordered.
Tasuki and Chichiri were barely standing, Chichiri helping Tasuki move away from the fighting. Suboshi suddenly came in too, and Tamahome watched as one of his meteor bells struck into Nuriko's hip, the same one that had been pierced by a Kutou arrow several weeks before. Tamahome went wide-eyed. Nakago held him helpless as he watched. Tasuki was bleeding all over and Chichiri looked so weak...
Rain started falling from above. It wasn't really heavy, but it was there. A lightening bolt forced Tamahome's eyes shut, and when he opened them, he gasped.
"No..."
The select light finally illuminated more of the field, and he saw Miaka, Saori, and Chiriko running in, Saori on a horse, and Chiriko and Miaka with swords.
Nakago lips parted almost into a smile. "I'd rather kill you together, so join them."
Tamahome winced as a strong pressure pushed against his legs, the center of his shins. it intensified, and he cried out, screaming.
Finally, two, loud cracking noises came, and Tamahome's scream became it's loudest, enough for the other warriors to hear.
Nakago had broken not one, but both of his legs, and he had done so without laying a finger on him.
Tamahome flew through the air, landing in a mess of mud near the other warriors. Nakago was quick to appear nearby.
Another cry was heard, a younger cry. Chiriko was struck by a thin bolt of lightening across his chest, and flung towards the others as well. Miaka skimmed across the ground nearby, trying desperately to get back up.
Nakago sent out a small, blue light from his hand, and it darted towards Saori. Saori kicked the haunches of her horse, and it started running. The chi hit into the rear of the horse, sending it down, and making Saori toppled over the front of it and onto the ground herself.
"Mi...a....ka..." Tamahome said, reaching a hand out to her, He could barely stay conscious fro pain, and his legs prevented him from moving. They had entered the final battle, and lost.
The rain stopped, though the dark swirling of the clouds and the lightening didn't. Soi lowered herself to the ground, taking a stand beside Nakago. Miboshi was nearby, and Suboshi was a bit further off.
Nakago smiled at the injured warriors. "This was your last call." He raised his hand, a blue orb beginning to glow in it. "I'll send you back to hell."
Miaka forced herself off the ground and ran to the group, flinging herself over Tamahome. "No!" she cried.
The orb glowed brighter and formed into an oval chi blast.
Saori looked up from her spot, eyes widening. They were going to be killed!
The powerful chi blast soared forward from Nakago's hands, right towards the Suzaku seishi... and their priestess.
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...
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"KYA!"
The chi blast turned around and headed back towards the Seiryu seven, barely flying over their head and disappearing to the sky.
Miaka blinked, a huge smile coming onto her face. "Nyan-Nyan!" She cried.
Nakago's fist clenched tightly, and began glowing again.
The young Nyan-Nyan turned around, flashing a peace sign with her small hands at Miaka. "Don't worry, I brought extra help!"
Soi readied her lightening, and Nakago scowled. "There will be no more help." With both hands, an immense light was formed, more brilliant than the sun itself.
Nyan-Nyan turned around. "Uh-oh..."
It was released. It was bigger than the group itself, and the heat and power of it could be felt before it even hit.
Miaka held Tamahome tightly and shut her eyes, ready for the impact. Chichiri bowed his head, and Tasuki and Nuriko didn't budge.
BOOSH!!!!!
The life force collided on target, exploding the ground around it.
Saori stared, still. She couldn't breath. Tears began falling from her eyes.
Nakago drew his hand back. "It is...." His eyes went wide. "What?!"
.
Miaka slowly opened an eye, than another. She was still there. She lifted her head in shock, and saw a strange woman kneeling in front of her.
"Daijoubu ka?" She asked, her voice light and upraising.
Miaka sat up very slowly, watching the girl. The girl watched her too, with her crystalline blue eyes. Smooth, black tresses fell over her shoulder, the front strands pulled back behind her.
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"Who..." Miaka breathed, "...are you?"