A/N: Grab your favorite Demon Souls/Dark Souls music tracks and start reading.

A duel with my fellow Brother

(同胞と決闘するんだ)

Word's been told that Camelopardalis Bartschius stretched her neck out for Crow. He nearly lost his life against a mighty "she-demon of flame", but Bartschius, at the cost of her life, transferred her Cosmos to Johann so that he could report to Sanctuary – there are indiscriminate attacks on Athena's Saints. After losing Bartschius and Caelum Michelangelo, Johann hid his anger. They were just at a smoothie stand; before his life burnt out, Johann wanted to seek out that witch and defeat her. He had hoped to find her at one of the gates.

Now, Johann's crow feathers covered Rujm el-Hiri. There was a permanent calm that eased the heart; however, even as a Gold Saint, Capricorn Safar was left with a feeling of both respect and regret for human life. Crow Johann would not be able to have a proper burial. With his smothered body closed around Griffin, fasten in place at the core of the monolith, the Crow became the new trammel for death's evil spirits. A true symbol since the era of Adam and Eve.

What of his soul and Griffin's however?

Bartschius, Michelangelo, Miguel, Bayer, Menkar, probably more…

Shaina, Haruto, and probably Kouga and the others—how much more blood will even the Mother Goddess allow to be shed? All due to her surfeit methods through anger?

The Rozan Mountains in Jiangxi, China was location to many noteworthy sites such as the Five Elder Peaks, the gate to the Poseidon Temple, and the stacking Sealing Tower of the 108 Specters, where both Hades and Athena used to battle centuries ago. It was past dusk when Libra Shiryu returned to his home region and approached the Tower. Among the rocky peaks, amid chilly thick fog, it looked tall and enormous as it was intimidating. But that was it – it was just a tower. A mystic awe like that of the Mayan ruins of Mexico. Then, what was that feeling that kept gnawing at him? His wife told him that Ryuho had a student with" deep concerns". Maybe it was his nerves; Shiryu felt the fog, a cold chill, touching the back of his neck like a creeping predator.

"Still, nothing seems to happen, or does this portend something? No matter what, it looks like I will eventually return to Underworld." Shiryu mused as he headed for the pristine Rozan Waterfall, his old training spot. Watching the soft fallout, emitting a gentle mist upon reaching the talus, was a stark reminder of his former master Dohko—his serenity and patience in particular—as he could stay in one spot for hours and days near the rushing water like a gargoyle. It was an ideal mediation place; it was now the spot for Ryuho's spiritual training for both himself and his students. It was also here where Shiryu heard voices.

The Tower was idle, but Shiryu was met with a greeting.

"So, you're finally here." Someone directly spoke to him as he entered the site. A serene, amicable voice, but something seemed to prick Shiryu's nerves with sharp needles. Standing next to the base of Rozan Waterfall was a silhouette, surrounded in a violet aura. A lightning gaze shot towards Libra.

Shiryu gasped; Rozan was completely enveloped by the curls of black clouds. Emerging from the clouds were limbs, then biangular heads and noses, mouths lined with ivory fangs, then came spears, the head of axes and swords. Pale skinned demons spilled out of the darkness, surrounding Shiryu, absorbing his attention like a mural. All of the demons wielded weapons; they wore death white robes or breechcloths. Shiryu could see four or six limbs attached to their torsos. Some had two or three heads.

With one of snap of the fingers, the grisly visual was whisked away by the silhouette.

"My fellow Brother."

Returning to his senses, noticing Rozan Waterfall regaining its pristine nature, Shiryu looked closer to the new arrival. Fiery hair, cold icy eyes, and an emulation of his Libra Cloth faced him. There was only one Libra Cloth, the one that Shiryu wore, but what he saw a dark interpretation of a fallen warrior. It was worn by a familiar face, but it was face, pale and callous, seemingly drained into the abyss.

"It's you, Genbu! You are one of the Gold Saints that were revived?! For it to come to this."

"That's right. I think you understand why I'm here. You do realize that this is the perfect setup?"

"What do you mean?" Shiryu almost sounded like he was pleading. Being a veteran Saint, a dark duplicate Cloth upon the deceased was something he witnessed before. He fought with former allies, but for some reason, those he fought still contained a form of honor from their previous lives.

"I don't know how much time I have left, but I guess the goddess offered me a chance to fulfill my wish: To clash our fists."

"As a man of honor and of Athena, for what purpose?" Shiryu immediately brought up that Genbu defied the creed of Mars even after obtaining the Cloth of Libra.

"I am from Asura," said Genbu, "therefore, I must test strength. Will you take my challenge?" The violet aura around Genbu returned; a heavy force entered the area, causing rocks to levitate and the land to rumble.

Asura? Shiryu was aware of that term – one of the eight legion gods (八部衆) to protect Buddha's teachings and one of twenty-eight guardians of Lord Kannon (二十八部衆). There was also the Six Worlds of Reincarnation (六道): The Shurado was where the spirits live angrily and battle without end. In the wheel map of the Six Worlds, The Asura were positioned near the "lower worlds", which contained bad karma, greed, and ignorance. In some cases, even though they loved battle, they could be seen as good or evil. They fall from the Heaven world and the Human world. Shiryu couldn't help but wonder why his fellow Rozan brother would be a part of that.

"The Bronze Saints have reached Naxos," said Genbu, "but will they have the power to defeat the Underworld King? We'll just have to have faith. Come, Shiryu!"

Shiryu closed his eyes and collected a breath within, along with resolve. His companion shared the same fate as fellow Gold Saints from years ago. He came to the decision that it was best for Genbu to follow through with his goal. The only way to convey his respect and stand as an equal was to battle.

Libra Shiryu reached Genbu in an instant step and threw all force into his arm. "Rozan Shoryuha!" He glided ahead until his fist reached his target. A vertical swing into an uppercut changed into the jaws of a dragon. Genbu was propelled high, but the dragon burst apart into air. With his attack repelled, Shiryu could see that his fist was caught in the dorsal side of Genbu's fists, which were covered in half-spherical barriers. Both landed a short distance apart and locked eyes with each other.

"Creatures such as sharks and gators have the strongest bites, and box tortoises can withstand the pressure hundreds time their weight. In other words, my Genbuken is as hard as a tortoise's shell. A warrior is a master of defense and offense."

Spreading his hands and legs in a preparatory pose, Shiryu observed the stretch between him and his opponent. At this point, this is a War of a Thousand Days. Or is Genbu's Cosmos stronger?

"Allow me to show you my spirit," Genbu appeared in front of Shiryu without a sound. He was just as fast, and a punch aimed at Shiryu's lower abdomen. Shiryu felt a tremor gush through his entire body, freezing him.

"How does it feel? My Tomoe Taiko ken?" Genbu pulled back his fist and observed.

Shiryu grabbed his head and squeezed his eyes shut. "Taiko? A drum?" His words slipped out through a groan as he felt a loud thrum-rum-pum in his cranium. Wooden sticks slamming against animal leather; the rattling of drums was being imitated in his ears, beating into a faster, captivating rhythm. Genbu watched Shiryu's entire body vibrate.

"Humph. I made it short from Tomoe Jindaiko. What does it sound like? The sound of hooves advancing, an approaching army that'll charge an enemy even when their bowels are gorged by spears?"

Was Libra Shiryu paralyzed? The last time Genbu used it, Ryuho was completely immobilized, his Dragon Cloth removed. However, despite the ringing through his ears and the tremor through his body, Shiryu was able to remain on his feet.

"Tomoe Jindaiko ken, make Shiryu fall to his knees!" At Genbu's strange command, Shiryu heard a loud, heartfelt wail in his head in combination with the drums. It was all stirring his heart. Did it shake his entire nervous system? His Cosmos was starting to waver. He opened one eye, and he was met with blurred vision. Soon enough, it cleared. Shiryu shook his head, shut his eye, and followed his instincts. When he opened both eyes, he was in front of Genbu. Genbu pushed out his arms; in the revived man's entire line of sight was a bright spark. It expanded, effusing into a flight of soaring green dragons.

The Hyakuryuha?! Genbu's sky blue eyes blazed with passion. "Rozan Shotenha!" Roaring his attack, the entire area— where the national treasure of Rozan Waterfall fell—was swallowed by light. A burst of Cosmos devoured the dragons. As it faded, the two stood idly. Such a flashy display seemed like nothing, just passing by like a fresh breeze.

"My Taiko, did you alleviate its effects?" The voice of Genbu was placid as he gazed hard at Shiryu.

"Maybe I did," said Shiryu. "I couldn't help but think of my times with Master Dohko…and you."

"I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that a Gold Saint can repel my attack. This also tells me that you are committed to fight."

"The sound of the Jindaiko was jarring, but I should not lose my sense of honor and my spirit. Like I said before, my times with my brothers, Master Dohko, and you, seeing everyone live and die, that is what nurtured me."

Genbu was struck silent, and a scowl flashed across his face.

"Having bled so many times," Shiryu continued, "Is there some sort of approval that I must pursue? Do you realize that to fulfill your wish means to send you back to the grave?"

Genbu thrashed his arm across the air. "Enough sentiments!" His shout pierced through his icy exterior. "In all honestly, there is no choice. I will return to the grave whether you face me or not. And eventually, you will face the Underworld King."

Shiryu relaxed his fighting pose and straightened his spine. His eye contact with Genbu was sincere. "Even so, it will not be my first. My brothers and I have faced that thing years ago."

"What?"

"It was dreadful, his body pure and noble, yet contained such vicious power that wanted to kill Athena and the world. And to see Seiya lose his life." He stopped there as his face became both morose and sad. Genbu long realized that Shiryu has seen much. During his time of living, he heard of a story from both Sagittarius Seiya and Dragon Shiryu, on how they faced the biggest turmoil of their lives years ago—The Underworld. Seiya recalled it the memory as if it was a hairsbreadth away in time. Their Cloths, even the Gold Cloths, were instantly destroyed, and the Gold Saints lost their lives.

"Saori Kido, Lady Athena that is, she too nearly lost her life to Hades." Shiryu added. Athena had entered the Underworld by partially sacrificing herself, and her soul was nearly lost in darkness, but the danger was where she showed her finest light. For her Saints and the mortal world, she would break barriers and show a magnanimity beyond human. After the war with Mars, Athena had relayed the same story to Genbu, and she stated that the sacrifice of youths—such as Kouga and the others—was generational. She also said that their lives burnt the brightest during such calamities. Such magnanimity, however, was a bit difficult to replicate when one was of Asura.

"Then you understand," said Genbu. "You understand how dire this is. The drastic choice of Demeter."

"Yes."

"If you were to possibly face it again, what would you do?"

"Protect my family and friends." Shiryu easily decided without holding his breath.

"Shallow words, Brother. Let me see!" In a blink, Genbu was inches from Shiryu's face, and a pummel of ebony fists flew him into disarray. Shiryu parried at the speed of light, brushing away the punches by striking Genbu's wrists. They were so quick, he couldn't move his body away, unable to break from the fluid rhythm of attacks. Eventually, the sound of the Taiko thrummed again. He could see ripples of sound in the air. Every time he touched Genbu, even after evading and subduing his strikes, Shiryu's Cloth and his senses received the Taiko Ken. Multiple times.

The air was bending, undulating. Sound waves everywhere, seen by the naked eye like ripples upon a lake's surface. The sounds of drums were accelerating.

"Guh!" Libra Shiryu reversed from the flying fist, his body buckling. His upper body bent over, Shiryu's legs shook as he fought an internal force. The Tomoe Jindaiko ken beating in his ears, stubbornly sheering down his spirit. Genbu ceased his attack to watch his attack debilitate his foe.

Shiryu panted; his words were still stubborn. "The pride of Libra means to not...kneel to evil, even...the fighting lust...of Asura." Contrary to his words, he fought a deceased spirit that was swallowed by constant battle, probably oversaturating the sliver of loyalty that clung to Athena.

"Even from Asura, I can't face you completely with anger. Still, stop saying what you want to believe." Libra Genbu saw Libra Shiryu in anguish; he wanted to hear nothing after pummeling his Rozan comrade with fists of lights, bearing twenty thrums of Tomoe Taiko ken. The sound of demonic drums quake through the target's entire body; Shiryu felt a force in sync of a war march from an enormous Japanese army with men numbering in the thousands. It took him sheer will to keep his knees from buckling under him. At this point, Genbu could easily use a finishing attack.

"Shiryu! What are you—?!" A new voice reached out to the two fighters. The kind voice of a female easily grasped the attention of Genbu as he looked behind Shiryu. Touching Genbu were blue eyes of inner peace. It was a woman in a pink qipao and braided hair. Genbu steeled his face as he instantly recognized her.

"Have you come to see your husband die, Shunrei?" He said it with such dispassion that it left Shunrei frozen. Her eyes wavered in shock.

"Is it…really you, Genbu?" Her mouth nearly spasmed. Clearly the dead was standing before her, and Genbu decided not to answer, unconcerned by sentiments. Her appearance meant nothing; she could not fight, raising a fist against her was pointless, and she was more in danger for being present. Shunrei had seen the dead walk before, evil spirits that chased Shiryu. She had remained persistent with Shiryu, having to deal with his physical and mental scars, while being the beacons of support for Ryuho as well. She too also harbored a great memory for Dohko.

"Are you a restless spirit?" Shunrei asked. "Genbu, after you died, we never forgotten you. We, Shiryu and I, made a grave for you along with Master Dohko."

"I am restless indeed," said Genbu, "but not in the way that you think. Shunrei, I am a spirit of Asura and was revived by the goddess Demeter to battle Athena's Saints. That's all. All I can understand is to fight." For him to state it so direct and honest, maybe he could bear a concern for Shunrei. At this point, Shiryu was doubled over; his wife could not process the situation. Genbu lifted a finger and Shunrei screeched.

Her arms stretched out against her will. The white demons from before, two-headed Asura from their home realm, suddenly faded in sight and grabbed her limbs, cackling. Genbu stomped in closer to Shiryu and pulled back his arm.

"No!" Shunrei screeched. A loud echo hit the air as Genbu's punch landed. The fallen Libra Saint gritted his teeth, his knuckles burning even behind a metal gauntlet. His punch connected to an arm; above it was Shiryu's dreary eyes looking up to Genbu. It was Shiryu's arm crossed over his face in defense.

Genbu's eyes widened as he saw a familiar mirage—a weapon. He had seen various weapons in Asura; favorite preferences among the fallen demons were large clubs and swords. Genbu's punch was touching the foible of a double-bladed sword.

Shiryu pushed up his knee joints and stretched his arm above his head, then swiped it down against Genbu.

"Gwaaaah!" A scream of pain? In one heavy wave, Shiryu slashed against Genbu's black Cloth, a bright spark indicating an impact. It shocked even Shunrei and the Asura that held her. The demons relaxed their grip on her as they stared with awe.

Genbu's pulse suddenly escalated. He nearly fell, his feet buried to keep himself standing. The former Libra slowly stepped back to slowly recuperate from the strike.

"You…are truly mighty," He mumbled. Shiryu straightened himself and turned around. The glare he gave was enough to shoo away the Asura, who screeched and faded out of the existence. Shunrei ran to her husband and quickly embraced him.

"Shunrei," his voice was already imploring. "Stand back. It's dangerous. Genbu is…different now. I must fight him for his sake. And the world."

"What do you mean? Please stop this!" Shunrei knew that Hades was gone and did not understand Genbu's appearance, despite what he had said. Did Demeter brainwash him? Maybe the Asura realm did. She wanted to have faith in the Libra Saints who maintained their sense of honor and justice through the years.

"The only way to stop this is to fight him. I know its difficult to watch, but please trust me," said Shiryu.

Shiryu turned back to his fallen friend, noticing his new gesture. A shadow appeared over Genbu's face; he raised his palm and parts of his dark Cloth broke apart. A remarkable sight levitated in the air:

A pair of swords

A pair of nunchakus.

A pair of triple rods

A pair of tonfas

A pair of tridents

A pair of shields.

The famous Twelve weapons of Libra, suddenly became a wide funnel of sixty weapons, floating at the fore of Rozan Waterfall. The weapons, through Genbu's Cosmos, were multiplied. They all glowed with a ghastly aura. Was Genbu trying to destroy an entire army and end an era? All this power against one man? Maybe he found it suitable against one of Athena's mightiest warriors.

"Asuras perpetually fight for years, decades, hundreds of years, to a thousand. Only they made this technique possible. Yes, I have become beyond my previous self. My Cosmos is tremendous for leaving the mortal realm and fighting beyond it. Therefore, the only thing that can defeat me is a true Hero, a true god, severing my head."

The choice of words, the way Genbu's voice simmered slowly with passion, nearly breaking through his usual calmness, it left a feeling of terror. Shiryu held Shunrei tightly, a couple witnessing a sight that marked the beginning of destruction. They were both frightened.

"Do you plan to die together?!" Genbu boomed.

"Is that your intention, Genbu?! Including Shunrei!"

The dark Asura Libra glowered with powerful intent. "I want to see it – the power to defeat evil Gods." Genbu said no more and swung his arm down. With weapons that were able to destroy Poseidon's Pillars and crack the Wailing Wall, what could be done? Shunrei felt her husband's arms slip away. She didn't protest after seeing strength in his eyes. She gasped, seeing the weapons fall towards her and Shiryu like rain—like artillery from above. In that same air, the color changed.

You're not the only one who has trained. To wear the Cloth of Libra, to follow its predecessors, there was a feeling of immense pressure. It was as if Shiryu's reverence towards his Master was not enough. He could carry and launch thousands of dragons from his hand but wanted to do more. When Dohko faced the former Pope Shion, Shiryu was a helpless spectator blown away by their power; why would Master train him so hard even for a Bronze Cloth? And as a Bronze Saint?

Libra Shiryu leapt high and towards the weapons. In mid-air, his body slowed and entered a spiral. The site of Rozan Waterfall, Shunrei was well, was engulfed into a wave of clouds adopting the color of the sea. A loud sigh resonated through the air, and there was an atmosphere of peace. Shiryu waved his limbs around in a slow grace.

The Ranbu SenUnRin (乱舞 仙雲鱗). Imitating a powerful keratin of long-lived Chinese dragons, the divine beasts swallow the danger that enveloped the era. Exorcising demons, eliminating the destructive intent and the deep dark Cosmos of the enemy, following the will of Libra Shiryu. The clouds were cool to the touch.

The weapons in the air were swallowed by the clouds, vanishing into a void.

"Ah—!" Shiryu crumpled. A sharp feeling like hot iron entered his gut. He heard Shunrei shout for him as he flew in a nauseating rush backwards. His backside crashed into a rocky wall.

Libra Genbu's black Cloth loomed out of the sea green clouds that were slowly thinning away. He looked up and noticed Shiryu skewed by his trident. As the multiplied weapons shared a portion of the original weapon's strength, it was the real trident that caught the prey. With its piercing power, it managed to hold out against the Ranbu and strike Shiryu, the tip melting through the Gold Cloth of Shiryu. Now, Shiryu was trapped, a small cascade of blood flowing from where he was pierced.

Genbu waved his arm and his Cosmos collect into his hand again. "You won't escape this!"

Shiryu could only watch, expecting another wave, but Shotenha was replaced by a dim spheric Cosmos. It floated towards him like a bullet.

"Seitenha (星天覇)!" Genbu shouted a new, bizarre attack. The moment it struck the golden frame of the Libra Cloth, Shiryu was inundated with the light of the sun. His eyes completely whited out; he heard his wife scream out his name, but her voice immediately drowned into nothing.

Now you have died, Shiryu.