"Ronin Warriors: The Final Victor"
By Onikage
Scroll Twenty-Four: Spectres in the Fog
Light violet eyes pierced through the snow-covered bushes at the top of the hill at the band of Talpa's soldiers gathered at one of his elaborate gates. Sage inched closer and parted the branches with skillful silence to get a better look. An armored hand fastened down on his shoulder and yanked him backwards sharply. "Wah!-" Cale's hand clamped over Sage's mouth. "Sh! Do you want them to hear you!?" he hissed. Sage frowned and shoved Cale away. "Maybe if you hadn't 'startled' me-"
"Quit bitching, you two, or they 'will' hear us!" Ryo hissed. "Geez..." He turned back to the soldiers below them and remained crouched behind the same bush where Sage had been. "Dammit. I can't hear anything..."he muttered. Domo sat on a rock beside Cale and watched him glare at Sage. She growled. "This is retarded. I'm going down there and spy," she whispered.
"What? No! You'll be caught!" Cale warned. Rolled her eyes and stood.
"With your hair color I would." She slipped down and around the hill with Korin right behind her. Cale's cheeks colored deeply upon hearing Halo and Wildfire's soft chuckles. At least I don't have a mullet.
Domo kneeled upon the large branch of a tree right above the soldiers' camp. Korin had taken refuge behind another bush right below her. The hushed voices were now much clearer.
"Did you hear what happened to Lord Raiko?"
"Yeah, he was punished by Lord Fou-Lu and Lady Managi."
"No... He escaped from the dungeon."
"What? How?! I thought Lady Managi laid it to him after Talpa found out what he did to her! He was a bloody mess when she left the dungeon!"
"I know. He escaped somehow during the night. Lady Managi took pity on him, I suppose."
"And Talpa 'let' her? The Master has... changed, hasn't he?"
"... Shh, we'll both be jailed if someone hears you!" The first soldier paused, and then spoke more softly. "I think it's this Kurai character... That's all I hear from some of the priests... 'Kurai is all powerful', 'Kurai will free Hell'... blah, blah, blah... You know no one has even seen him before. Not even Master Talpa..."
"Really?"
"I was guarding his chamber a few nights ago. I heard him talking to this strange voice. I couldn't understand it... All I could hear was something about this demon that Badamon is creating."
"'Another' one?"
"Yeah... I hear that even Hariel's armor can't defeat it." The second soldier shoved the first roughly. "Bull! I've heard 'that' one before!"
"I'm serious!"
"You're full of it..." The soldiers proceeded to argue without discussing anything new. Domo frowned.
More demons? Jesus... "Waah!!!" Domo slipped and tumbled out of the tree. She landed on one of the soldiers and rolled off into the snow. "Owie..." she groaned and sat up, rubbing her backside. She looked up and a very sharp spear grazed her nose. "... Oops..." She held up her hands defensively and stood slowly. "Heh, heh... Hey, boys..."
"Grab her!" One of the soldiers bound her arms roughly.
"Ow! Hey! Watch it! I just did my nails this morning!" she snapped.
"Quiet!" a higher-ranking soldier ordered and removed his sword. He held it to her neck. "Talpa will be pleased that we brought back you! Any last words?"
"Um... yeah... HEY! YOU LADIES GONNA SAVE ME OR WHAT?!" she yelled.
A few birds started from the trees. The soldiers burst into loud laughter. Domo swallowed hard and inched away from the sword. "Uh... I-I don't suppose you can just let me go, could you?" she mumbled.
"Not a chance in hell," he chuckled. Domo could hear the smile in his voice and swallowed again. Think, you idiot! ... uh... Domo's lips curved into a dark smile and she stood a little straighter. "You know... I bet it gets pretty... 'lonely' in that 'big' castle, doesn't it?" she asked in a silken tone. She dragged the tip of her armored foot along the inside of his armored leg slowly. She saw the blade lower slightly, and her smile widened. "... All these huge, strong 'men' around... for even 'months' at a time," she continued and pressed herself closer to him, "I bet it's so 'hard' for you to resist those... urges when a young, energetic 'woman' just- " she managed back him into a small rock. He sat abruptly and she straddled his waist, pressing herself even closer. "-'falls' into your lap during an important mission." She managed to slip out of the rope that bound her, but kept her arms behind her. "You know... I won't tell if you accidentally... forgot to 'tie me up'..." Domo slid her hands along the inside of his leg that wasn't armored slowly. She leaned down to his ear. "Care to show me the might of a 'real' warrior?" she breathed. She felt a strong arm loop around her and held her against him in a tight grip. "... If you insist," he purred. He turned his head to another soldier. "No one disturbs us... I won't be long," he said. The soldier didn't respond. He seemed to sway on his feet as if he had too much to drink. "Hey! I'm talking to you!"
The soldier collapsed into the snow, revealing a very angry Sage, sword drawn. The leader turned back to Domo. She thrust a small knife into his abdomen. "Was it good for you too?" she grinned before he turned to smoke. Domo coughed as the armor collapsed. "'Bout- about time you showed up! I thought I was gonna have to screw that hunk of tin!" she frowned. Ryo dug his sword into another soldier's back.
"Hey, you're the one who said she wasn't going to get caught," he argued.
"I'll get you!!"
Domo frowned and kicked an empty helmet into a soldier's stomach knocking him back into another. "You still could have gotten here a little faster!" she snapped.
"Die Ronin!!"
"What did you find out?" Cale asked and jammed his claw into another soldier's chest. Domo ducked under a punch and swept a soldier off his feet.
"Whoa!"
"Oh, nothing much... Talpa's been acting weirder than normal... and...Oof!" An armored fist landed in her gut. Sage cleaved the head from the attacking soldier's neck. "Are you all right?" he asked. Domo coughed and stood carefully. Sage tackled her to the ground as a blast of dark light zapped towards her. The blast tore across his back. "What the hell, Sage?!" she snapped. He groaned and lifted himself off of her slowly. His armored back smoked from the impact of the heated blast.
"Don't be careless," he hissed. He caught the reflection of light in her eyes and shoved her away. In the next instant, he had turned and blocked another blast aimed at her with his arms. It knocked him to his back. Domo crawled to his side quickly.
"Halo!" Cale called, taking out the last of the soldiers. Wildfire was all ready at the blonde Ronin's side beside Domo. He looked up at the origin of the blast and saw a very angry Raiko standing in the ruin of armor. Ryo said nothing; he only removed his swords once more. Sage leaned against Domo as she pulled him to his feet. Domo saw who Ryo was being so cautious at and swallowed hard. "Oh no..." she managed to breath.
Raiko now hovered above the shells of samurai. His face was still, yet his tail thrashed about wildly. His eyes flashed when he laid his eyes on Domo. He extended a shaky claw and pointed straight at her, his eyes darkening. Sage blocked Raiko's path with his body as he stepped in front of her as the warlord grounded himself and began to move towards her. "'You', whore, will pay," Raiko warned.
"What the fuck did I do?!" she snapped. Sage lifted his sword defensively and lowered slightly. "Domo?" he began.
"Huh?"
"... Shut up," he ordered softly in a voice that left no room for argument. He locked eyes with the feral man. Raiko halted in his tracks and cracked a dark smirk. "Pretty, pretty..."
"Black Lightning Slash!"
Raiko easily dodged the attack without removing his eyes from Sage. He flung his other arm to the side and sent Cale into the side of the hill. "Cale!!!" Domo screamed. Sage gripped his sword. "Don't move!!" he ordered.
"But-"
"Trust me... He's fine..." Sage said. He eyed the shaking arm that was still extended at them. This warlord was not in his right mind.
"The Raven... watching, watching..." Raiko chuckled. "Wanting... Light..."
Ryo lifted his twin katana over his head in preparation for his attack. Raiko snapped his head toward him. "Naughty, naughty..." he laughed. Ryo froze.
How could he have seen me!? Raiko's eyes went from laughter to darkness and shot a beam of dark energy towards him. Ryo was knocked back into another tree, armor sizzling as the energy burned away at the mystical metal. Any movement he made, an electrical current surged through him. The barer of Wildfire was not going to be getting up. Raiko chuckled darkly as he watched Wildfire scream and writhe in agony as more electricity shot through his body. He turned to Cale, and then to Sage, sending volts of electricity through them from the point of contact his magic made. "Stop it!" Domo ordered futilely.
"Domo! No!" Sage gritted out as she charged the warlord. Raiko's chuckles turned to hideous laughter as he turned and halted Domo in her charge. He stepped toward her and snatched her by the throat. His laughter had stopped and he squeezed her throat. "... Stupid little whore... Did you really think you could torture me and get away with it?!" he snarled and sank his claws deep into her throat. Domo gagged and coughed as he constricted her throat, blood oozing out of her emerald lips. "K-Korin!" she heaved and struggled frantically to get air. With his other hand, he slashed open her torso and chest before throwing her into the ground. He pinned her and sank his long fangs into her neck, depositing his venom into her blood. She snagged his long hair sharply, trying to rip him from her. Her cries and struggling became weaker and weaker as the paralyzing venom took effect. She suddenly calmed, falling into unconscious. Raiko wiped his mouth roughly and grinned. "... Now you are mine..."
Anubis returned from upstairs with one of his robes from his trunk that he had brought with him from home. Tori waited patiently by the fire. Her eyes did not look up from the dancing flames as she sat in front of it. She dried her eyes roughly yet futilely as more tears came. She felt like a total bitch after the way she had been acting lately. Anubis kneeled beside her. "Here... Take off your clothes and put this on or you'll catch cold." Tori blushed heavily. Did he actually expect her to strip down in front of him? She glanced at him shyly and took the soft robe. Surprisingly, it was quite light. She touched the deep indigo cloth generously. The hand- stitched crane in light blue glistened in the firelight. "... It may be a little to big for you," he chuckled and stood. "I'll be in the kitchen. I'll be back." Tori waited until he was gone before peeling off the soaked clothing. Going down to her undergarments, she slipped the robe on and tied the silken sash tightly. Her arms were completely hidden and the fabric pooled around her ankles. How big is this?! she thought. She hung her clothes on the mantle just as Anubis returned from the kitchen. She turned and nearly tripped. He smiled gently. He had in his hand a mug of something hot; in the other was an ice pack. He chuckled when she had to lift the cloth to walk to the couch. She fiddled with the sash. "... It's too big," she said softly.
"Considering," he chuckled. He set the mug down on the table and began to adjust the robe.
"W-what are you doing?" she demanded.
"... You have this on incorrectly," he murmured, opening the robe slightly. Tori's cheeks heated furiously as he had a full frontal view of the chicken print underwear. Not a word. No sarcastic comment. Nothing. He pulled one layer around her snugly and tied it to the inside with the inner sash. Pulling the robe closed, he fastened it shut with a hidden clasp. Finally, he tied the sash snugly. He circled around her pulling on the fabric slightly to reveal the design on the back. "There. Is that better?" he asked. Tori nodded silently and quickly. "Here... Tenku made this for you. She and Kayura are talking in the kitchen. She took it and sat down. "T- thanks," she murmured. She blushed again when he sat rather close to her. She drank it slowly. Anubis noted the embarrassed blush on her cheeks. She's still angry with me... This may be a lot more difficult to fix than I thought... Anubis grabbed the ice pack and leaned back, tipping his head, and placing it on his eye. He groaned softly. "... S-sorry," she whispered.
"What?"
"For hitting you... I... I'm sorry..."
"That's some right hook you have," he chuckled. "... You can get really nasty when you want to. Talpa should look out."
"I didn't mean to over react..."
"Forgive me if I scared you. That was not my intention, truly," he mumbled. Tori took another sip.
"How's your neck?"
"Swollen, purple like my damn eye..." He tossed the pack onto the table with a sigh. He thought about what had happened. He almost wished that Sekhmet had finished the job. Maybe then the ancient emperor could have some peace. There was no telling where he where he was now.
"... Anubis?"
"... Huh?" He blinked and turned to her. She sipped her mug slowly.
"Wh... what happened back there?" she asked. "He almost killed you!" Anubis lowered his eyes.
"You know the story... I attacked his empire a long time ago, under Talpa."
"... Yeah, but... You were just following orders. You couldn't control yourself."
"... It's not that... it's Managi... She was his wife and now she's a henchman of Talpa's..." Tori continued to look at him intently. "Talpa saw Sekhmet as a threat and ordered me to either kill or capture him. That was the order... I instead decided to have a little... fun... I destroyed his home. Dais or Cale were not warlords yet..." Anubis turned away and sat back, draping his arms over the back of the couch. He stared at the fire. "... That night... there was so much carnage... Wall after wall of flames... Everyone... People were slaughtered: soldiers... men, women, children... The castle fell so easily..." Anubis' head ached as the sounds of war and terror filled his head again. They were as clear to him as the night it happened...
"Mama!! Papa!!" "Oh, GODS!!" "RUN!"
"Please! Stoop!!"
Anubis cast his eyes to the ceiling. "Two figures leapt from the tower: Managi and Sekhmet charging at my army to try and salvage what was left... Alone they wiped out the front line... I... ambushed Managi." His eyes closed. "And all I could think about as she struggled in my grasp was," he stopped. "Sekhmet transformed to save her. He nearly killed me... Managi escaped into the castle's inner sanctum when it... collapsed. Sekhmet... fell into a catatonic state, so it was an easy capture... As far as we knew, she had died." Anubis opened his eyes and sighed. "Today... I found out that... she was pregnant with his heir..." Tori swallowed hard. "... I destroyed his home, killed his wife and unborn child, and helped make him what he was..." Anubis shook his head. "I still have nightmares of that horrible night. I have nightmares often about the things that I've done, but... this was the one that I was most ashamed," he finished in a whisper.
"... But... you were under Talpa's influence... You wouldn't have done that- "
"It doesn't matter."
"Yes it does!" she snapped. Anubis' eyes widened at her outburst. "You were being controlled, just like Sekhmet was. He can't blame you for everything that happened. Even with all the bad things he did, doesn't make it right. It doesn't make him a better person than you. How many people's wives did he kill? Or their families? True, he does have a right to be angry, but not at you. The real evil here is Talpa! He made you both do evil things and think evil thoughts!" She looked back down into her mug after her retort. She blushed.
"... That's twice today you've defended me," he said softly. He looked away and blushed. "Thank you..." Tori put her mug on the table.
"... Um... I... don't blame you for 'Jiisan's death, either. You didn't kill him. It... It just seemed easier to blame someone I could hurt than Talpa. I couldn't hurt him if I tried... It's all his fault... He's managed to turn friends into enemies..." Tori wiped her eyes roughly as they watered. "... I miss 'Jiisan..."
"I do too..." He hesitantly slipped his arm around her shoulders. She didn't resist. "I'm sorry I couldn't keep my promise," he added softly. Tori's face heated as the tears ran running rivers down her cheeks. She hid her face in his shoulder. He held her head to it and cradled it gently against him. Her back hitched as she cried. "... M'sorry," he whispered softly. She clawed at his shirt. He buried his face into her hair and folded his arms around her. Minutes passed before she quieted. She slipped an arm timidly around his chest, indicating that she did not want him to go just yet. He flushed heavily. Should anyone seem them like this, they both wouldn't hear the end of it. Still he remained where he was and closed his eyes. After a few more minutes, he felt fatigue's hand pass over him. Tori's breath had all ready evened out into a light slumber and soon he, too, fell into a well-deserved nap.
Dais lifted Kiku high into the air. "Airplane, airplane, airplane!" she laughed. Dais zipped down the veranda while lifting her up and down and spinning in circles. "Crash landing!!"
"Ohh, nooo!" she squealed. Dais fell to the wooden floor with Kiku pulled tight into his chest. He grimaced when he hit the floor a little too hard. "Do it again! Do it again!"
"Ow. No, Kiku. Dais hurt himself," he hissed. Kiku climbed off his chest.
"Where?"
"My elbow." Kiku bent down and kissed his elbow. To his surprise, it stopped hurting.
"All better!" dais sat up quickly, astounded.
How the hell?
"Does it still hurt?"
"N-no!" he whispered. "Thank you, Kiku." He touched her ivory locks that matched his own and stood. He picked her up when she yawned. "Okay, little one. Nap time!"
"What?! Noooo! No nap! No nap!" she protested and started to squirm. Dais felt a sharp pain in his side and promptly dropped the child. She fled into the house.
"Ow! Kiku! Naughty girl! Get back here!" He started after her and froze in his tracks when he saw her looking at Anubis and Tori as they slept on the couch.
Dais blinked.
This was odd. Very odd.
Tori cuddled tightly against the larger man's frame very contentedly, now laying side by side length-wise. Dais also noticed the robe she adorned. Anubis favorite. Anubis was sporting the first signs of a nasty black eye. He, too, was comfortably sleeping with his nose buried into her hair. This wasn't just odd.
This was fucking weird.
Kiku circled around to the other side and peered at them some more. Dais kneeled beside her. "... Shh, Kiku. They're sleeping," he whispered. Kiku pouted,
"'Cause it's naptime?"
"Yes, come on now. I'll read to you."
"I wanna sleep in Cale-kun's room!"
"Sh!"
Tori stirred and opened her eyes. She saw Dais and her baby sister watching them. She blushed softly when Dais smiled. He would have winked if he could have. He just lifted Kiku. "Come on, little one. Let's leave them be."
"But 'Ri-san doesn't like Anubi-chan!"
"Shh... Maybe they've made up, little one..."
Anubis shifted slightly and pulled her closer in his sleep. Tori's eyes widened and she blushed again, but the sound of his breathing made her feel calm again. She buried her face into his chest and clutched his shirt, falling to sleep once more.
A threatening rattle broke through the silence of the clearing. Raiko's head snapped upward and he scanned the clearing. No one but the unconscious Ronins were there. Raiko snarled. Something was here. Something dark. He stood wearily. "Come out..." he ordered.
Silence. Raiko snarled with frustration and kneeled back down to Domo. The rattle came again followed by a hiss. Raiko's eyes fell to the brush in front of him. A pair of dark glowing teal eyes glared out at him through the frost covered leaves. "... You..." The rattle came again as the form slipped out from the brush. Scales of dark grey glistened in the sunlight as the creature stood upright. The tip of its tail twitched dangerously, rattling softly yet still with the hint of a warning. It crouched on clawed feet, its scaled sides gleaming. The glowing teal eyes glared darkly at him. The pale human-like face bared its fangs, features framed with forest green tufts of hair.
Raiko leapt away from Domo's body and stared at the familiar form in awe. The creature crept towards him slowly. Raiko then smiled widely, recognizing the beast before him. "... Your highness!" he laughed and bowed graciously. "It has been a long time, hasn't it, o Serpent Emperor, Naotoki..."
Sekhmet hissed loudly and lunged at him, swiping at his body with a claw. Raiko leapt away and laughed. A ribbon of teal flame past through Sekhmet's lips before he opened his mouth wide and shot a pillar of flames from his throat. Raiko attempted to deflect it with his sabre, but was engulfed with the searing flames. They dissipated after only a few seconds. Raiko snarled and stuck his sabre into the ground. "... Is that the best you have?" he chuckled. "Let me show you the sounds of the realm of chaos! Eternal Dischord!" Raiko drew in a deep breath and opened his mouth wide, releasing a world shattering scream. Sekhmet screeched in pain. The deafening sound stabbed at his skull, burning holes into his brain. He fell to his knees, clawing at his head helplessly, screaming, and shrieking until it stopped. Blood dripped from his pointed ears and onto the snow covered ground, melting it instantly. An armored foot dug into his side. Sekhmet groaned in pain. Raiko clicked his tongue. "Tsk, tsk, tsk..." he sneered. "No wonder you couldn't protect your kingdom and that whore bride of yours..." Sekhmet's eyes flashed wildly. "... Yes, whore," Raiko continued and kicked him again. "Such soft and smooth skin... She begged for it. Screamed my name as a tore into her soft, wet flesh, and she loved it..."
Sekhmet caught Raiko's foot, sinking his claws into it. Sekhmet wrapped his tail around his neck and squeezed. Raiko clawed at it madly, ripping away grey scales. Blood oozed out from his lips, just before Sekhmet crushed his throat with a sickening crack. Raiko fell limp. Blood tricked out of his ears and nose as Sekhmet tossed him to the ground. The electrical current prison vanished from the Ronins.
A deep laugh filled the air around them. "Well done, serpent," a voice whispered that was clearly male. Sekhmet whipped around to find no one there. The voice came again. "... Your precious one is unharmed," he continued.
"Uhn... Ow," Ryo groaned and sat up. He coughed loudly as he tore off his helmet. "J-jesus..." He glanced over at Cale who was pulling bark and dirt out of his hair. His helmet laid several feet away, having lost it when he was thrown. The large gash on his temple indicated that. "You okay, blue?" Ryo asked and pulled him to his feet.
"... I'll live... Halo?" They glanced over at Sage. He had Domo pulled against him defensively as he stared in awe at Sekhmet's altered form. The serpent had not regarded him as a threat yet. He was too busy searching for the source of the voice that the others had not heard. Sage stood carefully with Domo in his arms. Korin appeared at his feet, standing on hind legs and leaning on his arm to examine her mistress. Sage frowned. "Where the hell have you been?! We could have been killed!"
"I am powerless in this state. When her soul calls for my assistance, only then can I help her..."
"What the hell kind of an answer is that?!" Sage snapped softly. The ancient emerald eyes narrowed.
"Don't be a fool, boy. Or do I recall that you only could achieve power when your soul called for it to the armor? You are still far from what you can truly become, Halo." Sage fell silent.
"Halo, look out!!!" Cale shouted just as Sekhmet lunged at the two. Sage rolled out of the way with Domo still in his arms. The beast started to circle the group wearily. Korin stepped in front of Sage and approached Sekhmet. He eyed her with eyes of malice before swiping at her too. The claw passed right through her snow-colored body, making the beast jump in shock. "You fool. Do you not know friend from foe? Wake up!"
A warm green light shot from the gold and emerald headdress she wore and hit Sekhmet square in the chest. He clutched at his heart and hissed madly, falling to the snow in convulsions. Slowly, long fangs retracted, claws shortened, scales of armor reduced to mere patches on the skin, and the monstrous tail quickly disappeared. Only tattered remains of blue jeans and nearly waist length hair remained on the shivering body. Cale quickly unfastened his crimson cape and draped it over Sekhmet's bare back as the man stood on weary legs. Sekhmet clutched his forehead and winced. "Wh-what the hell happened?" he whispered.
"You kicked Raiko's ass, man!" Ryo congratulated. He pointed to the limp beast a few feet away. "Sweet..." Sekhmet's eyes widened.
"I... don't remember anything after..." He stopped and pulled the soft cloth around him more. "I... changed, didn't I?" Sage nodded. Sekhmet lowered his eyes. "I didn't hurt anyone, did I?"
"No, we're cool," Ryo said. Korin approached Sekhmet and frowned.
"Whatever grudge you have, I suggest you lose it. We have no time for you and the young one's fighting!" she snarled. "Save your hatred for the ones who are truly evil..." Sekhmet said nothing in response.
"Excellent. I could stand to use all the hate you all can spare," a deep voice announced.
A loud screech pierced the air as a black flash dived down on them. Talons scraping and beak snapping angrily at each of them until finally Cale slashed it with his no-dachi and it split only to reform and fly gracefully on to the shoulder of a tall, dark figure in the shadows. "What trickery is this?!" Cale hissed and stepped forward towards the intruder. He raised his sword defensively. A deep, full chuckle began to echo around them as he emerged. Clothed in the darkest jet, it flowed over and around the heavy frame, falling in long tresses and pooling at his feet as if made of water. A pale, yet strong hand with nails as sharp claws lifted upwards and pulled back the dark hood revealing even darker hair of an incredible length that floated gently in the cold wind, which now blew. Skin that rivaled the white snow framed a face etched with ancient markings that history itself had made no record. Dark purple eyes flecked with gold conveyed agelessness and death and frightful power. Mysterious violet lips slid into a smile as he reached up with his free hand to stroke and pet the now docile raven perched upon his left shoulder. In his right, he held a long black staff that towered over him, poised at the top, a black crystal.
Cale's weapon lowered slowly. He stepped back slightly, the familiar yet empty comfort the darkness gave him was now calling to him. Korin stepped in front of the former warlord, emitting a bright flash of white before a maiden, no taller than Halo, replaced the wolf. Snow-white hair hung straight and smooth to her waist, sleek black armor molded over her delicate yet agile form, exposing only perfect skin at her waist and breast bone. Shimmering gold and emerald cloth hung from a belt in front and behind her, revealing ebony armored encased legs. In one hand, a fine bladed sword, etched with ancient writing, the hilt holding an emerald similar to the mysterious man's black crystal. Her elaborate headdress chimed softly in the breeze. The man chuckled again.
"It is good to see you again, little sister," he smiled. Korin's emerald eyes narrowed.
"I cannot say the same for you, Kurai... By choice, I would have no brother such as you," she stabbed. He approached her slowly.
"Such hostile behavior... I have only come to speak civilly to your... humans..." Korin thrust her sword up, holding him at bay.
"Stop." Kurai chuckled.
"You really think that you can stop me?" He appeared behind Ryo and laughed, then Cale, and finally Sage. Halo leapt away only to have Domo ripped from his arms by an unseen force. She hovered in the air and floated towards Kurai. He took her gently in his arms. He smiled. "So light. So soft..."
"Let her-" Sage began in a shout. Kurai held up his hand and curled his claws slightly. Sage's hands flew to his throat, desperate for air. He stared back down at her and traced her face with his other hand as she floated. Ryo attempted to charge them, but met with a similar fate: he, too, clutched his throat. Kurai's eyes flashed at Cale.
"A wise choice, dark one..." he smirked. He released Ryo and Sage. Domo floated back to Sage as he stood wearily, coughing.
"... Wise choices or foolish ones... your ancient will die... slowly, painfully..." His eyes glowed a dark indigo before sinking into the snow through an invisible portal.
"Wh-was that-" Ryo began in awe. Korin nodded silently and turned to Cale.
"He's gone now... You can relax now." Cale said nothing. "It was hard, wasn't it?" A simple nod was her answer.
"... Let us make for home," Sekhmet spoke up.
"Is she gonna be okay, Sage?" Nasake asked worriedly. A simple sigh was her answer as he gently placed the summoner of light on her bed. He had managed to heal her of her wounds; however, she was still very weak from the exposure to Raiko's venom. "... I think for now she just needs sleep. She's lucky. Korin has managed to protect her from the venom turning her into a dark spirit." Nasake looked over her shoulder at the tall platinum woman standing at the window of their bedroom. Almost immediately, Korin turned her head and flashed a glare at Nasake. The ancient eyes were almost cold, something very different than she expected from the creator of light. "I am not as... soft as Suiko or Rekka... I do not have time for such nonsense," Korin frowned. She sighed when Halo flashed her another glare of disapproval. "Where is Rekka's summoner?"
"Downstairs with-" Korin disappeared in a flash of light. "She's so cold," Nasake finished with a frown.
"She doesn't like to be bothered with emotions," Sage murmured. Nasake noticed the hint of sadness and frustration in his voice. "How is Kayura?" She shrugged.
"How would you feel if there was a prophecy saying that you're gonna die?" Sage looked back down at Domo as she slept saying nothing.
"Kayura?" Ryo called from outside her door. He knocked softly before he entered. Kayura glanced into the mirror at him as she brushed her hair. It always seemed to calm her down. She didn't smile; she just looked away. "... What is it, Wildfire?" she asked. He looked around. Why did she have the lights off?
"I, uh... A-are you feeling any better?" he asked as he shut the door behind him. He sat on Tori's bed across from hers. Kayura sighed and set her brushed aside. "... I suppose so..." She glanced back at him in the mirror and noticed the large gash on his cheek that she hadn't seen in the shadows of the room. "What happened to you?!" she gasped. She reached for his face. Ryo winced and held her back with a smirk.
"Ow! Hey take it easy! It's just a scratch. We had a run in with Raiko. The guy had flipped his lid. Started babbling about lights and ravens... Sekhmet managed to kill him."
"Sekhmet killed Raiko?! HOW?!" she demanded and switched on the light to clean his cheek. Ryo scratched his head.
"Uh, he turned into this... were-snake thing... Crushed his skull. He tried to attack Sage, but Korin changed him back somehow. She's with Domo and Sage right now... I'm tellin' ya, that babe has got a major anger management problem, then this guy showed up, " he added. He watched her duck into her closet and pull out a wooden box.
"Is Sekhmet all right?" she asked and removed a glass flask with a stopper. The liquid inside was a dark purple.
"Yeah. He won't say anything about his transformation. I don't think he can control it and he's afraid to tell us."
"He's mad at Anubis," Kayura answered. "The man hates him for what he's become. Every now and then they hash it out. Both usually end up with a few bruises before someone pulls them apart."
"This happens a lot then?"
"It's not as much as before... I think Sekhmet's learning to face reality... Now hold still, Wildfire." Kayura dabbed pressed a cloth to his cheek after soaking it with the purple fluid.
"Ow! Dammit! What the hell are you doing?!" Ryo hissed and pulled away. Kayura frowned and pinned him on to the bed.
"Wildfire, don't be such a baby! If Raiko gave you an injury-"
"Ow! That stuff stings!"
"You don't wanna turn into Badamon, do you?" she sighed. Ryo stiffened and swallowed hard. That creepy voice, those bony hands, the lack of the lower abdominal area... Ryo shook his head quickly. Kayura smiled. "Okay then... Just hold still for a few minutes and it will stop." Ryo hissed as his cheek stung.
"My face feels like a million bees stinging the hell out of it," he frowned.
"Don't make sit on you and hold you down," she threatened. "You said someone else showed up. Who?"
"Korin's brother... Kurai. He moves like nothing I've ever seen! It was like watching a shadow. One second he was behind you, the next he was chocking me and Sage by the throat! Cale wouldn't even move!" Kayura pulled the cloth away from his cheek.
"... I see... If he can affect Cale in such a way, there's no chance for me or any of us," she said softly.
"Hey! Wait a minute! You can't think like that! Listen. If Kurai's so great then how come he hasn't offed you all ready? Huh? Because he can't! You're gonna be fine, Kayura! You have my word on that!" Ryo exclaimed. Kayura blushed heavily.
"... You have my thanks, Wildfire," she murmured. "I do not know how I can repay your kindness-"
"Well, for starters you can stop calling me by my armor," he murmured with a faint blush. "I think we're past that formality stage after we can all lay around the house in our underwear, don't you?"
"I do NOT traipse around in underwear, Ryo!" she snapped playfully.
"Okay, so do all of your clothes have see through fabric and little tassels on the-"
"Say it, Wildfire and you have a new reason to wear your armor to bed," she teased playfully and smacked him just above the waist.
"Whoa, hey! After that empty threat, I'll just have to not wear anything at all then," Ryo purred and nudged her neck. Kayura squeaked when Ryo pinned her gently.
"Ee! Wildfire! Get off of me now!"
"Aw, come on... Who are you fooling? We both know that you could throw me easily," he smiled. Kayura blushed and looked away. The boy was right. She felt her heart pounding heavily in her chest. "Hey, Kay?"
"What?" She blushed again when she felt Ryo brush her bangs out of her eyes.
"... I won't let anything happen to you, okay? I promise..." he said softly. He lowered himself against her chest and leaned his ear on it. He felt her heart pounding then her arms hug him tightly.
"Hey work detail!! Kento and Megami are back from-WAH!!" Yuli exclaimed. "Whoops..." Ryo sat straight up.
"RAH! Thanks a lot. Yuli!!" Ryo snapped and lunged for the boy. Kayura sat up and swallowed hard a little thankful for the interruption.
"... You better not lie to me, Ryo, so help me..."
Cale rubbed the soreness in his back as he opened the door to his room. He stopped when he saw Kiku sleeping soundly in his bed. The creaking of the door woke her up. She yawned sweetly and sat up. "Hm? Cale-kun!!!" she cheered and hugged his torso as she stood up on his bed. "Where did you go? I wanted you to read to me," she said. Cale sat next to her and smiled.
"I was protecting you from the monsters... Megami and Kento are back from the store. Why don't we go help them?"
"Kay!" He picked her up and lifted her onto his shoulders. Her laughter and smiles brought back memories of happier times well before Talpa.
Dark eyes burned into his memory. Eyes that would soon forever haunt him within the next few days...
Been watching reruns of my Ronin DVDs! Trying to get more material and ideas and such... Oi... Those voices! Someone loan me a shot gun so I can shoot Yuli's voice actor... Dais too. And Sai... Oh, boy... maybe I'll just watch them on mute or on the Japanese side... Next chapter up soon! Oh, yeah, I know that Anubis wasn't the first warlord. Well in this fic he is so there! Ja na!
By Onikage
Scroll Twenty-Four: Spectres in the Fog
Light violet eyes pierced through the snow-covered bushes at the top of the hill at the band of Talpa's soldiers gathered at one of his elaborate gates. Sage inched closer and parted the branches with skillful silence to get a better look. An armored hand fastened down on his shoulder and yanked him backwards sharply. "Wah!-" Cale's hand clamped over Sage's mouth. "Sh! Do you want them to hear you!?" he hissed. Sage frowned and shoved Cale away. "Maybe if you hadn't 'startled' me-"
"Quit bitching, you two, or they 'will' hear us!" Ryo hissed. "Geez..." He turned back to the soldiers below them and remained crouched behind the same bush where Sage had been. "Dammit. I can't hear anything..."he muttered. Domo sat on a rock beside Cale and watched him glare at Sage. She growled. "This is retarded. I'm going down there and spy," she whispered.
"What? No! You'll be caught!" Cale warned. Rolled her eyes and stood.
"With your hair color I would." She slipped down and around the hill with Korin right behind her. Cale's cheeks colored deeply upon hearing Halo and Wildfire's soft chuckles. At least I don't have a mullet.
Domo kneeled upon the large branch of a tree right above the soldiers' camp. Korin had taken refuge behind another bush right below her. The hushed voices were now much clearer.
"Did you hear what happened to Lord Raiko?"
"Yeah, he was punished by Lord Fou-Lu and Lady Managi."
"No... He escaped from the dungeon."
"What? How?! I thought Lady Managi laid it to him after Talpa found out what he did to her! He was a bloody mess when she left the dungeon!"
"I know. He escaped somehow during the night. Lady Managi took pity on him, I suppose."
"And Talpa 'let' her? The Master has... changed, hasn't he?"
"... Shh, we'll both be jailed if someone hears you!" The first soldier paused, and then spoke more softly. "I think it's this Kurai character... That's all I hear from some of the priests... 'Kurai is all powerful', 'Kurai will free Hell'... blah, blah, blah... You know no one has even seen him before. Not even Master Talpa..."
"Really?"
"I was guarding his chamber a few nights ago. I heard him talking to this strange voice. I couldn't understand it... All I could hear was something about this demon that Badamon is creating."
"'Another' one?"
"Yeah... I hear that even Hariel's armor can't defeat it." The second soldier shoved the first roughly. "Bull! I've heard 'that' one before!"
"I'm serious!"
"You're full of it..." The soldiers proceeded to argue without discussing anything new. Domo frowned.
More demons? Jesus... "Waah!!!" Domo slipped and tumbled out of the tree. She landed on one of the soldiers and rolled off into the snow. "Owie..." she groaned and sat up, rubbing her backside. She looked up and a very sharp spear grazed her nose. "... Oops..." She held up her hands defensively and stood slowly. "Heh, heh... Hey, boys..."
"Grab her!" One of the soldiers bound her arms roughly.
"Ow! Hey! Watch it! I just did my nails this morning!" she snapped.
"Quiet!" a higher-ranking soldier ordered and removed his sword. He held it to her neck. "Talpa will be pleased that we brought back you! Any last words?"
"Um... yeah... HEY! YOU LADIES GONNA SAVE ME OR WHAT?!" she yelled.
A few birds started from the trees. The soldiers burst into loud laughter. Domo swallowed hard and inched away from the sword. "Uh... I-I don't suppose you can just let me go, could you?" she mumbled.
"Not a chance in hell," he chuckled. Domo could hear the smile in his voice and swallowed again. Think, you idiot! ... uh... Domo's lips curved into a dark smile and she stood a little straighter. "You know... I bet it gets pretty... 'lonely' in that 'big' castle, doesn't it?" she asked in a silken tone. She dragged the tip of her armored foot along the inside of his armored leg slowly. She saw the blade lower slightly, and her smile widened. "... All these huge, strong 'men' around... for even 'months' at a time," she continued and pressed herself closer to him, "I bet it's so 'hard' for you to resist those... urges when a young, energetic 'woman' just- " she managed back him into a small rock. He sat abruptly and she straddled his waist, pressing herself even closer. "-'falls' into your lap during an important mission." She managed to slip out of the rope that bound her, but kept her arms behind her. "You know... I won't tell if you accidentally... forgot to 'tie me up'..." Domo slid her hands along the inside of his leg that wasn't armored slowly. She leaned down to his ear. "Care to show me the might of a 'real' warrior?" she breathed. She felt a strong arm loop around her and held her against him in a tight grip. "... If you insist," he purred. He turned his head to another soldier. "No one disturbs us... I won't be long," he said. The soldier didn't respond. He seemed to sway on his feet as if he had too much to drink. "Hey! I'm talking to you!"
The soldier collapsed into the snow, revealing a very angry Sage, sword drawn. The leader turned back to Domo. She thrust a small knife into his abdomen. "Was it good for you too?" she grinned before he turned to smoke. Domo coughed as the armor collapsed. "'Bout- about time you showed up! I thought I was gonna have to screw that hunk of tin!" she frowned. Ryo dug his sword into another soldier's back.
"Hey, you're the one who said she wasn't going to get caught," he argued.
"I'll get you!!"
Domo frowned and kicked an empty helmet into a soldier's stomach knocking him back into another. "You still could have gotten here a little faster!" she snapped.
"Die Ronin!!"
"What did you find out?" Cale asked and jammed his claw into another soldier's chest. Domo ducked under a punch and swept a soldier off his feet.
"Whoa!"
"Oh, nothing much... Talpa's been acting weirder than normal... and...Oof!" An armored fist landed in her gut. Sage cleaved the head from the attacking soldier's neck. "Are you all right?" he asked. Domo coughed and stood carefully. Sage tackled her to the ground as a blast of dark light zapped towards her. The blast tore across his back. "What the hell, Sage?!" she snapped. He groaned and lifted himself off of her slowly. His armored back smoked from the impact of the heated blast.
"Don't be careless," he hissed. He caught the reflection of light in her eyes and shoved her away. In the next instant, he had turned and blocked another blast aimed at her with his arms. It knocked him to his back. Domo crawled to his side quickly.
"Halo!" Cale called, taking out the last of the soldiers. Wildfire was all ready at the blonde Ronin's side beside Domo. He looked up at the origin of the blast and saw a very angry Raiko standing in the ruin of armor. Ryo said nothing; he only removed his swords once more. Sage leaned against Domo as she pulled him to his feet. Domo saw who Ryo was being so cautious at and swallowed hard. "Oh no..." she managed to breath.
Raiko now hovered above the shells of samurai. His face was still, yet his tail thrashed about wildly. His eyes flashed when he laid his eyes on Domo. He extended a shaky claw and pointed straight at her, his eyes darkening. Sage blocked Raiko's path with his body as he stepped in front of her as the warlord grounded himself and began to move towards her. "'You', whore, will pay," Raiko warned.
"What the fuck did I do?!" she snapped. Sage lifted his sword defensively and lowered slightly. "Domo?" he began.
"Huh?"
"... Shut up," he ordered softly in a voice that left no room for argument. He locked eyes with the feral man. Raiko halted in his tracks and cracked a dark smirk. "Pretty, pretty..."
"Black Lightning Slash!"
Raiko easily dodged the attack without removing his eyes from Sage. He flung his other arm to the side and sent Cale into the side of the hill. "Cale!!!" Domo screamed. Sage gripped his sword. "Don't move!!" he ordered.
"But-"
"Trust me... He's fine..." Sage said. He eyed the shaking arm that was still extended at them. This warlord was not in his right mind.
"The Raven... watching, watching..." Raiko chuckled. "Wanting... Light..."
Ryo lifted his twin katana over his head in preparation for his attack. Raiko snapped his head toward him. "Naughty, naughty..." he laughed. Ryo froze.
How could he have seen me!? Raiko's eyes went from laughter to darkness and shot a beam of dark energy towards him. Ryo was knocked back into another tree, armor sizzling as the energy burned away at the mystical metal. Any movement he made, an electrical current surged through him. The barer of Wildfire was not going to be getting up. Raiko chuckled darkly as he watched Wildfire scream and writhe in agony as more electricity shot through his body. He turned to Cale, and then to Sage, sending volts of electricity through them from the point of contact his magic made. "Stop it!" Domo ordered futilely.
"Domo! No!" Sage gritted out as she charged the warlord. Raiko's chuckles turned to hideous laughter as he turned and halted Domo in her charge. He stepped toward her and snatched her by the throat. His laughter had stopped and he squeezed her throat. "... Stupid little whore... Did you really think you could torture me and get away with it?!" he snarled and sank his claws deep into her throat. Domo gagged and coughed as he constricted her throat, blood oozing out of her emerald lips. "K-Korin!" she heaved and struggled frantically to get air. With his other hand, he slashed open her torso and chest before throwing her into the ground. He pinned her and sank his long fangs into her neck, depositing his venom into her blood. She snagged his long hair sharply, trying to rip him from her. Her cries and struggling became weaker and weaker as the paralyzing venom took effect. She suddenly calmed, falling into unconscious. Raiko wiped his mouth roughly and grinned. "... Now you are mine..."
Anubis returned from upstairs with one of his robes from his trunk that he had brought with him from home. Tori waited patiently by the fire. Her eyes did not look up from the dancing flames as she sat in front of it. She dried her eyes roughly yet futilely as more tears came. She felt like a total bitch after the way she had been acting lately. Anubis kneeled beside her. "Here... Take off your clothes and put this on or you'll catch cold." Tori blushed heavily. Did he actually expect her to strip down in front of him? She glanced at him shyly and took the soft robe. Surprisingly, it was quite light. She touched the deep indigo cloth generously. The hand- stitched crane in light blue glistened in the firelight. "... It may be a little to big for you," he chuckled and stood. "I'll be in the kitchen. I'll be back." Tori waited until he was gone before peeling off the soaked clothing. Going down to her undergarments, she slipped the robe on and tied the silken sash tightly. Her arms were completely hidden and the fabric pooled around her ankles. How big is this?! she thought. She hung her clothes on the mantle just as Anubis returned from the kitchen. She turned and nearly tripped. He smiled gently. He had in his hand a mug of something hot; in the other was an ice pack. He chuckled when she had to lift the cloth to walk to the couch. She fiddled with the sash. "... It's too big," she said softly.
"Considering," he chuckled. He set the mug down on the table and began to adjust the robe.
"W-what are you doing?" she demanded.
"... You have this on incorrectly," he murmured, opening the robe slightly. Tori's cheeks heated furiously as he had a full frontal view of the chicken print underwear. Not a word. No sarcastic comment. Nothing. He pulled one layer around her snugly and tied it to the inside with the inner sash. Pulling the robe closed, he fastened it shut with a hidden clasp. Finally, he tied the sash snugly. He circled around her pulling on the fabric slightly to reveal the design on the back. "There. Is that better?" he asked. Tori nodded silently and quickly. "Here... Tenku made this for you. She and Kayura are talking in the kitchen. She took it and sat down. "T- thanks," she murmured. She blushed again when he sat rather close to her. She drank it slowly. Anubis noted the embarrassed blush on her cheeks. She's still angry with me... This may be a lot more difficult to fix than I thought... Anubis grabbed the ice pack and leaned back, tipping his head, and placing it on his eye. He groaned softly. "... S-sorry," she whispered.
"What?"
"For hitting you... I... I'm sorry..."
"That's some right hook you have," he chuckled. "... You can get really nasty when you want to. Talpa should look out."
"I didn't mean to over react..."
"Forgive me if I scared you. That was not my intention, truly," he mumbled. Tori took another sip.
"How's your neck?"
"Swollen, purple like my damn eye..." He tossed the pack onto the table with a sigh. He thought about what had happened. He almost wished that Sekhmet had finished the job. Maybe then the ancient emperor could have some peace. There was no telling where he where he was now.
"... Anubis?"
"... Huh?" He blinked and turned to her. She sipped her mug slowly.
"Wh... what happened back there?" she asked. "He almost killed you!" Anubis lowered his eyes.
"You know the story... I attacked his empire a long time ago, under Talpa."
"... Yeah, but... You were just following orders. You couldn't control yourself."
"... It's not that... it's Managi... She was his wife and now she's a henchman of Talpa's..." Tori continued to look at him intently. "Talpa saw Sekhmet as a threat and ordered me to either kill or capture him. That was the order... I instead decided to have a little... fun... I destroyed his home. Dais or Cale were not warlords yet..." Anubis turned away and sat back, draping his arms over the back of the couch. He stared at the fire. "... That night... there was so much carnage... Wall after wall of flames... Everyone... People were slaughtered: soldiers... men, women, children... The castle fell so easily..." Anubis' head ached as the sounds of war and terror filled his head again. They were as clear to him as the night it happened...
"Mama!! Papa!!" "Oh, GODS!!" "RUN!"
"Please! Stoop!!"
Anubis cast his eyes to the ceiling. "Two figures leapt from the tower: Managi and Sekhmet charging at my army to try and salvage what was left... Alone they wiped out the front line... I... ambushed Managi." His eyes closed. "And all I could think about as she struggled in my grasp was," he stopped. "Sekhmet transformed to save her. He nearly killed me... Managi escaped into the castle's inner sanctum when it... collapsed. Sekhmet... fell into a catatonic state, so it was an easy capture... As far as we knew, she had died." Anubis opened his eyes and sighed. "Today... I found out that... she was pregnant with his heir..." Tori swallowed hard. "... I destroyed his home, killed his wife and unborn child, and helped make him what he was..." Anubis shook his head. "I still have nightmares of that horrible night. I have nightmares often about the things that I've done, but... this was the one that I was most ashamed," he finished in a whisper.
"... But... you were under Talpa's influence... You wouldn't have done that- "
"It doesn't matter."
"Yes it does!" she snapped. Anubis' eyes widened at her outburst. "You were being controlled, just like Sekhmet was. He can't blame you for everything that happened. Even with all the bad things he did, doesn't make it right. It doesn't make him a better person than you. How many people's wives did he kill? Or their families? True, he does have a right to be angry, but not at you. The real evil here is Talpa! He made you both do evil things and think evil thoughts!" She looked back down into her mug after her retort. She blushed.
"... That's twice today you've defended me," he said softly. He looked away and blushed. "Thank you..." Tori put her mug on the table.
"... Um... I... don't blame you for 'Jiisan's death, either. You didn't kill him. It... It just seemed easier to blame someone I could hurt than Talpa. I couldn't hurt him if I tried... It's all his fault... He's managed to turn friends into enemies..." Tori wiped her eyes roughly as they watered. "... I miss 'Jiisan..."
"I do too..." He hesitantly slipped his arm around her shoulders. She didn't resist. "I'm sorry I couldn't keep my promise," he added softly. Tori's face heated as the tears ran running rivers down her cheeks. She hid her face in his shoulder. He held her head to it and cradled it gently against him. Her back hitched as she cried. "... M'sorry," he whispered softly. She clawed at his shirt. He buried his face into her hair and folded his arms around her. Minutes passed before she quieted. She slipped an arm timidly around his chest, indicating that she did not want him to go just yet. He flushed heavily. Should anyone seem them like this, they both wouldn't hear the end of it. Still he remained where he was and closed his eyes. After a few more minutes, he felt fatigue's hand pass over him. Tori's breath had all ready evened out into a light slumber and soon he, too, fell into a well-deserved nap.
Dais lifted Kiku high into the air. "Airplane, airplane, airplane!" she laughed. Dais zipped down the veranda while lifting her up and down and spinning in circles. "Crash landing!!"
"Ohh, nooo!" she squealed. Dais fell to the wooden floor with Kiku pulled tight into his chest. He grimaced when he hit the floor a little too hard. "Do it again! Do it again!"
"Ow. No, Kiku. Dais hurt himself," he hissed. Kiku climbed off his chest.
"Where?"
"My elbow." Kiku bent down and kissed his elbow. To his surprise, it stopped hurting.
"All better!" dais sat up quickly, astounded.
How the hell?
"Does it still hurt?"
"N-no!" he whispered. "Thank you, Kiku." He touched her ivory locks that matched his own and stood. He picked her up when she yawned. "Okay, little one. Nap time!"
"What?! Noooo! No nap! No nap!" she protested and started to squirm. Dais felt a sharp pain in his side and promptly dropped the child. She fled into the house.
"Ow! Kiku! Naughty girl! Get back here!" He started after her and froze in his tracks when he saw her looking at Anubis and Tori as they slept on the couch.
Dais blinked.
This was odd. Very odd.
Tori cuddled tightly against the larger man's frame very contentedly, now laying side by side length-wise. Dais also noticed the robe she adorned. Anubis favorite. Anubis was sporting the first signs of a nasty black eye. He, too, was comfortably sleeping with his nose buried into her hair. This wasn't just odd.
This was fucking weird.
Kiku circled around to the other side and peered at them some more. Dais kneeled beside her. "... Shh, Kiku. They're sleeping," he whispered. Kiku pouted,
"'Cause it's naptime?"
"Yes, come on now. I'll read to you."
"I wanna sleep in Cale-kun's room!"
"Sh!"
Tori stirred and opened her eyes. She saw Dais and her baby sister watching them. She blushed softly when Dais smiled. He would have winked if he could have. He just lifted Kiku. "Come on, little one. Let's leave them be."
"But 'Ri-san doesn't like Anubi-chan!"
"Shh... Maybe they've made up, little one..."
Anubis shifted slightly and pulled her closer in his sleep. Tori's eyes widened and she blushed again, but the sound of his breathing made her feel calm again. She buried her face into his chest and clutched his shirt, falling to sleep once more.
A threatening rattle broke through the silence of the clearing. Raiko's head snapped upward and he scanned the clearing. No one but the unconscious Ronins were there. Raiko snarled. Something was here. Something dark. He stood wearily. "Come out..." he ordered.
Silence. Raiko snarled with frustration and kneeled back down to Domo. The rattle came again followed by a hiss. Raiko's eyes fell to the brush in front of him. A pair of dark glowing teal eyes glared out at him through the frost covered leaves. "... You..." The rattle came again as the form slipped out from the brush. Scales of dark grey glistened in the sunlight as the creature stood upright. The tip of its tail twitched dangerously, rattling softly yet still with the hint of a warning. It crouched on clawed feet, its scaled sides gleaming. The glowing teal eyes glared darkly at him. The pale human-like face bared its fangs, features framed with forest green tufts of hair.
Raiko leapt away from Domo's body and stared at the familiar form in awe. The creature crept towards him slowly. Raiko then smiled widely, recognizing the beast before him. "... Your highness!" he laughed and bowed graciously. "It has been a long time, hasn't it, o Serpent Emperor, Naotoki..."
Sekhmet hissed loudly and lunged at him, swiping at his body with a claw. Raiko leapt away and laughed. A ribbon of teal flame past through Sekhmet's lips before he opened his mouth wide and shot a pillar of flames from his throat. Raiko attempted to deflect it with his sabre, but was engulfed with the searing flames. They dissipated after only a few seconds. Raiko snarled and stuck his sabre into the ground. "... Is that the best you have?" he chuckled. "Let me show you the sounds of the realm of chaos! Eternal Dischord!" Raiko drew in a deep breath and opened his mouth wide, releasing a world shattering scream. Sekhmet screeched in pain. The deafening sound stabbed at his skull, burning holes into his brain. He fell to his knees, clawing at his head helplessly, screaming, and shrieking until it stopped. Blood dripped from his pointed ears and onto the snow covered ground, melting it instantly. An armored foot dug into his side. Sekhmet groaned in pain. Raiko clicked his tongue. "Tsk, tsk, tsk..." he sneered. "No wonder you couldn't protect your kingdom and that whore bride of yours..." Sekhmet's eyes flashed wildly. "... Yes, whore," Raiko continued and kicked him again. "Such soft and smooth skin... She begged for it. Screamed my name as a tore into her soft, wet flesh, and she loved it..."
Sekhmet caught Raiko's foot, sinking his claws into it. Sekhmet wrapped his tail around his neck and squeezed. Raiko clawed at it madly, ripping away grey scales. Blood oozed out from his lips, just before Sekhmet crushed his throat with a sickening crack. Raiko fell limp. Blood tricked out of his ears and nose as Sekhmet tossed him to the ground. The electrical current prison vanished from the Ronins.
A deep laugh filled the air around them. "Well done, serpent," a voice whispered that was clearly male. Sekhmet whipped around to find no one there. The voice came again. "... Your precious one is unharmed," he continued.
"Uhn... Ow," Ryo groaned and sat up. He coughed loudly as he tore off his helmet. "J-jesus..." He glanced over at Cale who was pulling bark and dirt out of his hair. His helmet laid several feet away, having lost it when he was thrown. The large gash on his temple indicated that. "You okay, blue?" Ryo asked and pulled him to his feet.
"... I'll live... Halo?" They glanced over at Sage. He had Domo pulled against him defensively as he stared in awe at Sekhmet's altered form. The serpent had not regarded him as a threat yet. He was too busy searching for the source of the voice that the others had not heard. Sage stood carefully with Domo in his arms. Korin appeared at his feet, standing on hind legs and leaning on his arm to examine her mistress. Sage frowned. "Where the hell have you been?! We could have been killed!"
"I am powerless in this state. When her soul calls for my assistance, only then can I help her..."
"What the hell kind of an answer is that?!" Sage snapped softly. The ancient emerald eyes narrowed.
"Don't be a fool, boy. Or do I recall that you only could achieve power when your soul called for it to the armor? You are still far from what you can truly become, Halo." Sage fell silent.
"Halo, look out!!!" Cale shouted just as Sekhmet lunged at the two. Sage rolled out of the way with Domo still in his arms. The beast started to circle the group wearily. Korin stepped in front of Sage and approached Sekhmet. He eyed her with eyes of malice before swiping at her too. The claw passed right through her snow-colored body, making the beast jump in shock. "You fool. Do you not know friend from foe? Wake up!"
A warm green light shot from the gold and emerald headdress she wore and hit Sekhmet square in the chest. He clutched at his heart and hissed madly, falling to the snow in convulsions. Slowly, long fangs retracted, claws shortened, scales of armor reduced to mere patches on the skin, and the monstrous tail quickly disappeared. Only tattered remains of blue jeans and nearly waist length hair remained on the shivering body. Cale quickly unfastened his crimson cape and draped it over Sekhmet's bare back as the man stood on weary legs. Sekhmet clutched his forehead and winced. "Wh-what the hell happened?" he whispered.
"You kicked Raiko's ass, man!" Ryo congratulated. He pointed to the limp beast a few feet away. "Sweet..." Sekhmet's eyes widened.
"I... don't remember anything after..." He stopped and pulled the soft cloth around him more. "I... changed, didn't I?" Sage nodded. Sekhmet lowered his eyes. "I didn't hurt anyone, did I?"
"No, we're cool," Ryo said. Korin approached Sekhmet and frowned.
"Whatever grudge you have, I suggest you lose it. We have no time for you and the young one's fighting!" she snarled. "Save your hatred for the ones who are truly evil..." Sekhmet said nothing in response.
"Excellent. I could stand to use all the hate you all can spare," a deep voice announced.
A loud screech pierced the air as a black flash dived down on them. Talons scraping and beak snapping angrily at each of them until finally Cale slashed it with his no-dachi and it split only to reform and fly gracefully on to the shoulder of a tall, dark figure in the shadows. "What trickery is this?!" Cale hissed and stepped forward towards the intruder. He raised his sword defensively. A deep, full chuckle began to echo around them as he emerged. Clothed in the darkest jet, it flowed over and around the heavy frame, falling in long tresses and pooling at his feet as if made of water. A pale, yet strong hand with nails as sharp claws lifted upwards and pulled back the dark hood revealing even darker hair of an incredible length that floated gently in the cold wind, which now blew. Skin that rivaled the white snow framed a face etched with ancient markings that history itself had made no record. Dark purple eyes flecked with gold conveyed agelessness and death and frightful power. Mysterious violet lips slid into a smile as he reached up with his free hand to stroke and pet the now docile raven perched upon his left shoulder. In his right, he held a long black staff that towered over him, poised at the top, a black crystal.
Cale's weapon lowered slowly. He stepped back slightly, the familiar yet empty comfort the darkness gave him was now calling to him. Korin stepped in front of the former warlord, emitting a bright flash of white before a maiden, no taller than Halo, replaced the wolf. Snow-white hair hung straight and smooth to her waist, sleek black armor molded over her delicate yet agile form, exposing only perfect skin at her waist and breast bone. Shimmering gold and emerald cloth hung from a belt in front and behind her, revealing ebony armored encased legs. In one hand, a fine bladed sword, etched with ancient writing, the hilt holding an emerald similar to the mysterious man's black crystal. Her elaborate headdress chimed softly in the breeze. The man chuckled again.
"It is good to see you again, little sister," he smiled. Korin's emerald eyes narrowed.
"I cannot say the same for you, Kurai... By choice, I would have no brother such as you," she stabbed. He approached her slowly.
"Such hostile behavior... I have only come to speak civilly to your... humans..." Korin thrust her sword up, holding him at bay.
"Stop." Kurai chuckled.
"You really think that you can stop me?" He appeared behind Ryo and laughed, then Cale, and finally Sage. Halo leapt away only to have Domo ripped from his arms by an unseen force. She hovered in the air and floated towards Kurai. He took her gently in his arms. He smiled. "So light. So soft..."
"Let her-" Sage began in a shout. Kurai held up his hand and curled his claws slightly. Sage's hands flew to his throat, desperate for air. He stared back down at her and traced her face with his other hand as she floated. Ryo attempted to charge them, but met with a similar fate: he, too, clutched his throat. Kurai's eyes flashed at Cale.
"A wise choice, dark one..." he smirked. He released Ryo and Sage. Domo floated back to Sage as he stood wearily, coughing.
"... Wise choices or foolish ones... your ancient will die... slowly, painfully..." His eyes glowed a dark indigo before sinking into the snow through an invisible portal.
"Wh-was that-" Ryo began in awe. Korin nodded silently and turned to Cale.
"He's gone now... You can relax now." Cale said nothing. "It was hard, wasn't it?" A simple nod was her answer.
"... Let us make for home," Sekhmet spoke up.
"Is she gonna be okay, Sage?" Nasake asked worriedly. A simple sigh was her answer as he gently placed the summoner of light on her bed. He had managed to heal her of her wounds; however, she was still very weak from the exposure to Raiko's venom. "... I think for now she just needs sleep. She's lucky. Korin has managed to protect her from the venom turning her into a dark spirit." Nasake looked over her shoulder at the tall platinum woman standing at the window of their bedroom. Almost immediately, Korin turned her head and flashed a glare at Nasake. The ancient eyes were almost cold, something very different than she expected from the creator of light. "I am not as... soft as Suiko or Rekka... I do not have time for such nonsense," Korin frowned. She sighed when Halo flashed her another glare of disapproval. "Where is Rekka's summoner?"
"Downstairs with-" Korin disappeared in a flash of light. "She's so cold," Nasake finished with a frown.
"She doesn't like to be bothered with emotions," Sage murmured. Nasake noticed the hint of sadness and frustration in his voice. "How is Kayura?" She shrugged.
"How would you feel if there was a prophecy saying that you're gonna die?" Sage looked back down at Domo as she slept saying nothing.
"Kayura?" Ryo called from outside her door. He knocked softly before he entered. Kayura glanced into the mirror at him as she brushed her hair. It always seemed to calm her down. She didn't smile; she just looked away. "... What is it, Wildfire?" she asked. He looked around. Why did she have the lights off?
"I, uh... A-are you feeling any better?" he asked as he shut the door behind him. He sat on Tori's bed across from hers. Kayura sighed and set her brushed aside. "... I suppose so..." She glanced back at him in the mirror and noticed the large gash on his cheek that she hadn't seen in the shadows of the room. "What happened to you?!" she gasped. She reached for his face. Ryo winced and held her back with a smirk.
"Ow! Hey take it easy! It's just a scratch. We had a run in with Raiko. The guy had flipped his lid. Started babbling about lights and ravens... Sekhmet managed to kill him."
"Sekhmet killed Raiko?! HOW?!" she demanded and switched on the light to clean his cheek. Ryo scratched his head.
"Uh, he turned into this... were-snake thing... Crushed his skull. He tried to attack Sage, but Korin changed him back somehow. She's with Domo and Sage right now... I'm tellin' ya, that babe has got a major anger management problem, then this guy showed up, " he added. He watched her duck into her closet and pull out a wooden box.
"Is Sekhmet all right?" she asked and removed a glass flask with a stopper. The liquid inside was a dark purple.
"Yeah. He won't say anything about his transformation. I don't think he can control it and he's afraid to tell us."
"He's mad at Anubis," Kayura answered. "The man hates him for what he's become. Every now and then they hash it out. Both usually end up with a few bruises before someone pulls them apart."
"This happens a lot then?"
"It's not as much as before... I think Sekhmet's learning to face reality... Now hold still, Wildfire." Kayura dabbed pressed a cloth to his cheek after soaking it with the purple fluid.
"Ow! Dammit! What the hell are you doing?!" Ryo hissed and pulled away. Kayura frowned and pinned him on to the bed.
"Wildfire, don't be such a baby! If Raiko gave you an injury-"
"Ow! That stuff stings!"
"You don't wanna turn into Badamon, do you?" she sighed. Ryo stiffened and swallowed hard. That creepy voice, those bony hands, the lack of the lower abdominal area... Ryo shook his head quickly. Kayura smiled. "Okay then... Just hold still for a few minutes and it will stop." Ryo hissed as his cheek stung.
"My face feels like a million bees stinging the hell out of it," he frowned.
"Don't make sit on you and hold you down," she threatened. "You said someone else showed up. Who?"
"Korin's brother... Kurai. He moves like nothing I've ever seen! It was like watching a shadow. One second he was behind you, the next he was chocking me and Sage by the throat! Cale wouldn't even move!" Kayura pulled the cloth away from his cheek.
"... I see... If he can affect Cale in such a way, there's no chance for me or any of us," she said softly.
"Hey! Wait a minute! You can't think like that! Listen. If Kurai's so great then how come he hasn't offed you all ready? Huh? Because he can't! You're gonna be fine, Kayura! You have my word on that!" Ryo exclaimed. Kayura blushed heavily.
"... You have my thanks, Wildfire," she murmured. "I do not know how I can repay your kindness-"
"Well, for starters you can stop calling me by my armor," he murmured with a faint blush. "I think we're past that formality stage after we can all lay around the house in our underwear, don't you?"
"I do NOT traipse around in underwear, Ryo!" she snapped playfully.
"Okay, so do all of your clothes have see through fabric and little tassels on the-"
"Say it, Wildfire and you have a new reason to wear your armor to bed," she teased playfully and smacked him just above the waist.
"Whoa, hey! After that empty threat, I'll just have to not wear anything at all then," Ryo purred and nudged her neck. Kayura squeaked when Ryo pinned her gently.
"Ee! Wildfire! Get off of me now!"
"Aw, come on... Who are you fooling? We both know that you could throw me easily," he smiled. Kayura blushed and looked away. The boy was right. She felt her heart pounding heavily in her chest. "Hey, Kay?"
"What?" She blushed again when she felt Ryo brush her bangs out of her eyes.
"... I won't let anything happen to you, okay? I promise..." he said softly. He lowered himself against her chest and leaned his ear on it. He felt her heart pounding then her arms hug him tightly.
"Hey work detail!! Kento and Megami are back from-WAH!!" Yuli exclaimed. "Whoops..." Ryo sat straight up.
"RAH! Thanks a lot. Yuli!!" Ryo snapped and lunged for the boy. Kayura sat up and swallowed hard a little thankful for the interruption.
"... You better not lie to me, Ryo, so help me..."
Cale rubbed the soreness in his back as he opened the door to his room. He stopped when he saw Kiku sleeping soundly in his bed. The creaking of the door woke her up. She yawned sweetly and sat up. "Hm? Cale-kun!!!" she cheered and hugged his torso as she stood up on his bed. "Where did you go? I wanted you to read to me," she said. Cale sat next to her and smiled.
"I was protecting you from the monsters... Megami and Kento are back from the store. Why don't we go help them?"
"Kay!" He picked her up and lifted her onto his shoulders. Her laughter and smiles brought back memories of happier times well before Talpa.
Dark eyes burned into his memory. Eyes that would soon forever haunt him within the next few days...
Been watching reruns of my Ronin DVDs! Trying to get more material and ideas and such... Oi... Those voices! Someone loan me a shot gun so I can shoot Yuli's voice actor... Dais too. And Sai... Oh, boy... maybe I'll just watch them on mute or on the Japanese side... Next chapter up soon! Oh, yeah, I know that Anubis wasn't the first warlord. Well in this fic he is so there! Ja na!