Episode 13 – Mercy in the Deluge

She'd returned. How and when, she didn't know. But Yui did know this place for what it was despite having visited it only once – the black, featureless realm she'd wandered in her sleep two nights ago. She hugged herself, shivering as though feverish – when she picked up the faintest sound of echoing laughter. If she'd been on edge before, she felt like she was hanging from it by her fingernails upon recognizing the underlying hint of malevolence.

Just as abruptly, terror settled at the base of Yui's neck as she sensed an unseen presence ahead. Even so, she steeled herself and demanded, "Show yourself!"

A male, serpentine voice replied in a tone hardly above a whisper, "Oh, but I already have, Yui…" Her name rolled off his tongue like he'd tasted something succulent, and Yui didn't think she'd ever heard a more disturbing sound. Then, as if by sorcery, the uninvited guest was beside her, and she detected the subtlest scent of blood. "You think you know me… You think you know yourself… But there are two sides to every coin… The question is, which would you bet your life on…? I've made my choice… And the time is coming for you to make yours…"

In spite of her near-violently quivering spine, Yui half-snarled, "What do you want with me?"

"You think me blind to the power flowing in your veins…?" the sinister stranger chuckled. His lips just barely touched her ear. "Pity…I would so very much like to have it for myself…"

Yui closed her eyes tight shut and gritted her teeth hard, feeling as though she were going to be sick. Please…stop…!

Apparently having read her mind, the specter moved away – if marginally. "But, I suppose beggars cannot be choosers…"

"I still don't get it," Yui insisted, frustrated despite his tormenting. "What's this power I have? What choice do I have to make?"

"Oh, I prefer the anticipation of surprise…" The voice then sighed as though disappointed. "Unfortunately, we must part ways for now… But heed my words, woman warrior…" He scoffed like he'd never heard a more ridiculous notion. "If you want to make the right choice, you must trust me…"

Trust me… Yui gasped. She'd last heard those words from a young man who'd gone to extraordinary lengths to help her and her sister, a man she thought she knew – until now. No…! It can't be! Yet the disembodied voice – though obviously distorted – had the same inflections, the same timbre. Suddenly, the presence vanished like mist in a heat wave, leaving her to face the darkness by herself once more – until a pair of glowing red eyes bore into her like knives.

Yui forced her eyes open, gasping like a fish out of water, until she loosed a tired yet relieved sigh. She was still alone and had yet to determine where she was, but the dim yet comforting light streaming through a window behind her banished those shadowy images back to that hellish world where they belonged.

Looking around, she noticed that the silvery-gray walls surrounding her, though solid, rippled occasionally like the ocean waves. Opposite her were a pair of lightly flapping curtains. Faint yet busy sounds of activity suggesting a considerable multitude of people carried in from outside. But only when she saw the two empty beds in the middle and on the far side did Yui remember this was the tent in which she, Ikuyo, and Cye had taken residence last night – courtesy of a relief shelter.

Closing her eyes, she saw yesterday's events replay behind her lids – not that there was much to recall. The sense of passing through a haze during the boat ride seemed to have continued after they reached land. From what she did remember, they'd arrived on a sandy shore once dusk had set in. The imposing cliff that'd greeted them hadn't appeared climbable, so Cye got a small fire going to alert any passersby at the top of their presence.

Thankfully, although it took a couple hours, it eventually worked. A team of astonished rescue workers helped them up the rock face and then to this very shelter not too far off, where they received medical attention, showers, fresh clothes, and food. Following that, they were interviewed about their experiences. By the time all was said and done, Yui felt as though she could've slept for a month – if not a year.

And yet, while Cye and Ikuyo fell asleep once they'd all settled in this tented room, her eyes had remained stubbornly open for hours on end as she struggled to process all that'd happened in the last two – now three – days. Her mind had asserted this was all sheer happenstance, while her emotions had claimed she and her former boyfriend had somehow been destined to meet again after so long…

Yui sat up with a start. Hadn't he promised her the truth when they returned to the mainland? She remembered that clearly enough, and knew Cye would keep his word. And yet…why did she dread what it might be? Because of her nightmare? As if by instinct, she fixated on her mother's words regarding the subject. "Dreams are the brain's way of categorizing things, but that doesn't make them real."

You're right, Mom, Yui reasoned. I should let him speak for himself. Her mind made up, she tossed back the covers and made herself as presentable as possible, before hurrying to the curtains – and nearly colliding with a relief worker who'd stopped just out front. "Oh, pardon me!"

"No harm done, Miss," the older man assured her. "I was just returning some luggage you'd left behind when we found you. These are yours, are they?" He lifted two medium-sized bags he held at his sides, and Yui's eyes lit up with delighted recognition.

"Oh, yes!" she exclaimed happily, prompting the man to transfer the belongings back to their original owner. "Thank you very much!" At the same time, however, now that she was outside, Yui noticed with alarm that the sun wasn't far from meeting the sea at the Western horizon, and had set the cottony clouds aglow in stark shades of pink, purple, and orange. Addressing the shelter employee once more, she somewhat anxiously asked, "Excuse me, sir – what time is it?"

The man – whose nametag read as "Nozomu Urameshi" – lifted his wristwatch, then replied, "About a quarter to six."

Though she'd thought herself prepared, Yui nonetheless jolted at his answer, her previously sleepy eyes now wide awake. "You mean, I slept all day?!"

Mr. Urameshi lifted his eyebrows, but neither looked nor sounded sardonic as he said, "You must've been pretty tuckered out. Not that I'd blame you."

"Well…" Fed up with embarrassment, Yui forced a smile. "Thanks anyway. And thanks again for returning my things. I'd completely forgotten about them!"

"You're welcome," the man nodded amiably, then asked, "You need help with anything else, Miss?" Yui was about to answer that she needed to find Cye Mouri, when she remembered he didn't want anyone overhearing what he had to tell her.

"No thanks, I'm good," she instead replied politely. "You have a good day, sir." Mr. Urameshi graciously wished her the same, and the two parted ways. But rather than leave her things at the tent, Yui decided to bring them with her. She wanted to give Cye a chance to find her first – half-an-hour to forty-five minutes at most. And painting would provide her with a much-needed distraction from the nerves that now clenched her as tightly as her fingers did the bags.

"Oh, Cye! Thank goodness you're okay!" Cye flinched at the voice on the other end of the device – not that he wasn't happy to hear it. With reports of the grid coming back on – and so many people wanting to contact their loved ones – workers had recently begun passing out disposable phones for those whose originals were either lost or broken due to the earthquake. Cye had used his to call his sister as he sat on a large rock about a quarter mile from the shelter.

"Glad to hear you are too, Sayoko…" Though afraid of what he might hear, he asked cautiously, "H-how's Mother…?"

There was a brief silence, and Cye feared the worst, until he heard Sayoko again – more softly this time. "She's in the house, sleeping. Ryuusuke's sitting with her. We were with her when it happened – the earthquake, I mean. She was as freaked out as we were, and for a second I thought she'd have an attack, but…" She gave a coping chuckle. "Guess she was right when she said only she decides when it'll be her time. Of course, the new medicine probably helped."

Cye exhaled his held-in breath in more relief than he'd felt in a long time. "Thank you so much for staying with her! I couldn't have hoped for a better outcome."

"Absolutely," Sayoko replied thoughtfully. "Speaking of which, what about you? Where've you been?"

"It's…kind of a long story." Cye paused to look at his bandaged hand, and decided it was best to leave that – and the shark attack – out. "Do you remember Yui? Yui Kikkawa?"

Sayoko gasped in excitement. "Don't tell me you found each other again?!" At her words, Cye wanted to groan as he began recalling less-than-pleasant memories. While he appreciated her approval, when he and Yui went public with their relationship, Sayoko had fussed for days about her "baby brother's" first date – and, later on, was as perturbed as everyone else when they broke up. Regardless, although she hadn't interacted much with Yui before then, his former girlfriend must've made a good impression if Sayoko still remembered her, and fondly.

"We did," he admitted, then was quick to clarify, "But we aren't back together. In fact…that's probably the last thing she wants."

"Well, you never know," his sister replied matter-of-factly. "Remember how you didn't get along with Ryuusuke at first, until he saved you from that orca?"

Cye smirked, knowing that wasn't how things went exactly. But he saw Sayoko's point. "Maybe then, but I can't guarantee it. And I don't want to force her into anything."

"Oh no, of course not," she agreed. "I'm just saying don't always assume you can read her mind, and vice-versa." She sighed sadly. "But for now, I should probably be going. Mother and Ryuusuke will want me to tell them how you're doing."

"Oh please do," her brother nodded. They then exchanged loving – if bittersweet – goodbyes, and Cye was left alone to mull over Sayoko's advice regarding his relationship with Yui – if he dared call it that. And yet, what other word fit? These last few days with her – despite Ikuyo's distrust – had stirred up emotions he thought he'd never feel again. But did Yui feel the same? It seemed his only clue was her outburst from yesterday. Shocking as it was to see her slap her own sister, the tirade she'd then unleashed on Ikuyo had left Cye speechless.

Granted, he'd acted like that two years ago toward Kento and Rowen. But seeing Yui behave the same way was something else. Although it was somewhat touching that she still considered him sweet and selfless, never before had he seen or heard her look and sound so volatile. Could she really be his ally? True, he'd seen that kanji character glowing on her forehead. But if she could get that frighteningly angry… An image of Yui in armor akin to Red Torrent's, stained with blood, slowly emerged in Cye's haunted imagination…

No! That's not going to happen! he silently vowed. I won't let it! Shortly after, his drifting gaze rested on a rocky outcrop to the far right, standing tall above the beach where he and the ladies had landed…when he suddenly spotted Yui walking toward it. Huh?! What's she doing here? How long has she been awake? In any case, he watched her head for the summit of the outcrop, carrying her signature art bags. Cye smiled as he figured she wanted to paint the majestic landscape of the evening sea.

But then he realized there were only a few other stragglers out here besides them, strolling along the grassy green plain that crowned the unclimbable cliff-face. Moreover, Ikuyo wasn't among them. These were near-perfect circumstances for revealing the truth to Yui – even if he wasn't necessarily looking forward to it. Nonetheless, taking a deep breath, Cye stood and hoped he looked far more confident than he actually was as he made his way toward his…fellow warrior.

He reached her side just as she'd sat down on a big rock similar to the one he'd left behind. She moved to open her bags, when a look of surprise swept across her face. "Oh! Cye; I'm sorry, I didn't see you."

In spite of his nerves – or perhaps because of them – Cye chuckled. "In that case, I should probably be the one to apologize." Much as he'd anxiously anticipated this encounter, he hesitated as he tried to figure out how to best to lead into it. "Um, Yui…I know you're probably busy but, mind if I sit next to you?" Yui replied by smiling softly and scooting over to the edge of the rock to leave him some room, which he gratefully took. "Thanks," he smiled back.

Yui gasped when she caught sight of his treated injury. "Your hand!" She reached out, but then seemed to think better of it. "How is it?"

"Oh, it's not as bad as it looks," Cye assured her – leaving out how close he came to getting an infection, according to the medics. "But enough about me. You look well-rested." And lovely as ever…

"Well…" Yui paused, as if feeling awkward. "…I wasn't exactly expecting an empty tent. But yes, it felt good to recharge."

Her discomfort quickly passed on to Cye. "Yeah, about that… We didn't mean to leave you alone like that but, this morning, neither Ikuyo nor I wanted to wake you; so we agreed to let you rest."

Yui looked even more surprised than before – and it was easy to tell why. Cye himself had had the same reaction when Ikuyo remarkably declared her willingness to call a truce. "Well, thanks," Yui breathed. "I'll have find and thank her too, though I only woke up about twenty minutes ago."

Now it was Cye's turn to be taken aback. If his math was correct, that would mean Yui had slept for over twelve hours. "Oh wow," he thought out loud. "You must've been more tired than we all thought."

Smirking bashfully, Yui shrugged. "I don't know. I guess I was just itching to see the ocean again – but from land this time." Cye easily empathized, but her words gave him the impression she hadn't come out here just to paint. "Oh! Have you heard from your family? You were so worried about them on the island."

Despite having his thoughts interrupted, he appreciated her concern. "I have. They aren't here, but I just spoke to my sister over the phone. Everyone's alright – even our mother."

"Oh Cye…! I'm so relieved for you!" Yui sighed happily, but then looked away and added more wistfully, "I hope Ikuyo and I can get in touch with our folks soon…"

"Me too," Cye sincerely agreed. But more importantly, he hoped she'd be willing to hear his message. Alright – it's now or never. "Actually, Yui, do you remember my promise – that I'd tell you the truth as soon as we got back to the mainland?"

Her gaze, now wide-eyed with curiosity, flew back to meet his again. "Yes?" Swallowing hard, Cye fleetingly looked around. With nobody nearby, he leaned forward slightly, and motioned for her to do the same.

"Listen – what I'm about to tell you, you can't tell anyone…not even your family. Mine doesn't know either." Yui frowned at his assertion, prompting him to quickly add, "But there is a good reason." And thus, Cye's tale began. "Awhile before we dated, I was swimming alone one evening, when I found a small light-blue orb on the seabed. It was glowing, and I was really fascinated by it – so when I got home, I did some research. And eventually, I found a one-thousand-year-old prophecy foretelling the return of Talpa – the evil emperor of a Dynasty called the Nether Realm."

Yui's mouth fell open in alarm. "But he'd also be defeated by the Ronin Warriors – five samurai who wear the mystical armors of Wildfire, Halo, Torrent, Hardrock, and Strata. Remember how you didn't see me come up for air at the island?" She nodded. "Well…I can breathe underwater because I bear the armor of Torrent, which was in the orb I found." As expected, Yui appeared baffled, but he continued. "When we dated, I left the issue behind, until I had dreams – or premonitions, rather – showing Talpa's imminent return. So…that's why I left. I didn't want to, really; but I couldn't ignore it."

Cye halted, allowing her time to let it sink in – while also silently imploring her to understand. "And I couldn't tell you because, in one dream, I was sworn to secrecy. I didn't know why, until I first donned my armor – all five, not just mine, are incredibly powerful. As such, we can't risk them falling into the wrong hands."

Yui looked briefly offended, but remained silent. "Soon after, Talpa began his assault in Toyama, so I and the other warriors – guys my age – met and teamed up there. We did eventually defeat him, but now, a new evil is on the rise. We don't yet know for sure if it's Talpa. But we do know there are five other warriors – female warriors – who've been chosen to help us. That's what I was trying to tell you before the earthquake – that you could be one of them…" While greatly relieved now that the truth was out, Cye held his breath as he braced himself for Yui's reaction.

For a long while, neither spoke, and his eyes began to drift again – when Yui grimly broke the silence. "Wait a minute, I know what's going on." He turned to see her stand up from the rock, and was unprepared for the dark look she gave him, like she no longer recognized him. "Cye, I can't believe you'd stoop so low," she shook her head in disapproval. "I thought you were above taking advantage of someone's emotions, especially mine. I may be a creative type of person, but do you seriously think you can win me back by weaving some fantastic fairytale?!"

Though he could sense her distress, her tone and words cut far deeper than Ikuyo's ever could. "No, Yui, please – I'm not lying!" Ignoring his appeals, she literally turned her back on him.

"Well," she spoke bitterly, "I've had enough craziness for one day, let alone three." Without another word, she quickly gathered up her things, all the while purposefully avoiding his gaze. She didn't even glance over her shoulder as she strode away from the outcrop in a huff.

Just as he hadn't thought her capable of hitting her sister, neither had Cye thought Yui could be even colder than her – and it left him feeling emptier than a drained lake. For a moment, he wondered if this was how she felt when he broke up with her – but that didn't make it any easier to bear. He knew it always involved a measure of pain, but never had he imagined it could hurt this much to love someone. Yes… Much as he'd wanted to focus on his mission, he could no longer deny the truth – he loved Yui…but she didn't love him back.

And it's because of that that you suffer! It's because of such base sentimentality that you are weak! that ominously familiar voice from three days ago taunted – and it made Cye's pain give way to rage.

"I'll show you who's weak!" he growled, his fingers curling into fists – when he caught a dark, distinctive shade of red at the corner of his vision. Cye turned his head, and was rendered paralyzed with shock as he beheld an unmistakable trail of blood staining the seawaters – starting at the farthest corner of the beach below until it disappeared around another rock face a mile or two away. He looked back again to gauge the reactions of the remaining stragglers. But none of them appeared at all alarmed.

Cye's skin crawled with dread. If they couldn't see the grisly sight, yet he could, that could only mean one thing – Red Torrent was near. But…how?! We've met in my dream but, I battled him only once in real life – and that was five years ago! Sure, Sekhmet dragged me to the Dynasty, but not before I took down his evil clone of me! In the end, however, the fact was that Red Torrent had left a literal trail for Cye to follow. Does he have a message for me then? Or…a trap? Either way, there was only one way to find out – and it meant leaving Yui behind.

Even so, as he told Sayoko, he wasn't going to force her into anything – but he would keep her safe. His resolve renewed, once he was certain the coast was clear, Cye raced toward the edge of the outcrop and leaped powerfully into the air with a shout. "To arms!" The next thing he knew, he was once again submerged in the deep blue world, his previous clothes having been replaced with his sub-armor. Without pausing, he propelled forward to follow the blood floating at the surface, ready to face whoever and whatever awaited him.

Just as the setting sun appeared to set the ocean beneath ablaze, Yui's eyes burned with saltwater as she gazed at it from farther down the grassy plain. For awhile now, she'd tried concentrating on capturing the natural beauty. But her guilty and regret-filled thoughts could only picture the young man she'd shunned.

Incredible as his story was, it'd reminded her of her dream from nearly a week ago – in which the ghostly scarlet-haired woman had declared their paths would soon intersect once more. Yet it'd also corroborated with her recent nightmare – in which Cye's true blood-red colors seemed to have revealed themselves in word and deed. Am I in love with…a murderer? Yui didn't know, but there was a truth in that question. Despite trying to distance herself from him, she'd never stopped loving Cye, and never would. Yet given what she now knew, such binding emotions felt like chains.

Her eyes fell back to her sketchbook – only to find random blots and clumsy strokes that'd rendered her intended masterpiece a mess…like her. Anger and resentment pulsing through her, Yui slammed her hands onto the paper. Ignoring the still-wet paint, her fingernails tore into the ruined piece as she imagined herself clawing the life out of…who? Ikuyo, for being so difficult? The spirit woman, for forcing her to relive her heartache in the first place? Cye…for introducing her to love that inspired both extraordinary joy and immense sorrow…?

In her blind fury, Yui failed to see how fast she was ripping, until she hissed at a sudden stinging sensation. Dropping her sketchbook onto the ground, she lifted her right index finger and gasped at the thin red line across the pad. She'd gotten papercuts before, but this one almost felt like a sign – that she had only herself to blame for her situation. She'd accused Cye of lying, when it was in fact she who'd been false by pretending not to believe him. And yet, how was she to line it up with what she'd experienced? She was no sort of warrior…was she?

Suddenly, Yui jumped when she saw another shadow looming next to hers. Looking over her shoulder, she was half-surprised, half-relieved to see Ikuyo, who then frowned and briefly glanced away. "Sorry, I didn't mean to sneak up on you." She seemed reluctant and nervous, and Yui guessed their confrontation was still fresh in the older girl's memory. "Listen…" Her voice was stiff. "I know what you said yesterday, but…can we talk, please?"

As agitated as she'd been just now, Yui felt filled with sympathy for Ikuyo. Angry though she'd been the previous day, she never liked it when she and her only sister fought. Smiling in affirmation, she scooted over as much as she could. "Have a seat." Ikuyo smiled back in gratitude, and didn't hesitate to take up Yui's offer. "Thanks for your consideration, by the way. I spoke with Cye earlier, and he told me you both agreed to let me rest."

Ikuyo's eyebrows lifted in apprehension. "Oh, well…y-you're welcome," she stammered. As if eager to move on, the corners of her mouth shot up. "It's good to see you up, though. I got in touch with Mom and Dad."

"No way!" Yui gasped in disbelief. "Are they here?!" Her hope fell along with her sister's face as Ikuyo shook her head in disappointment.

"I wish, but, no. They're still in Hagi. But the important thing is they're okay." Yet in spite of the encouraging news, Ikuyo looked somberly thoughtful. "What about you, though? I know you're serious about your art but, I've never seen you shred any of it."

Yui looked down at the bits of paper scattered on the ground around her and in her lap, and realized she couldn't lie to Ikuyo now any more than she could on the boat. "It wasn't that. We – Cye and I – had a bit of a falling out." More like a caving in.

She raised her eyes – and for perhaps the first time, mention of Cye seemed to have produced concern from Ikuyo rather than animosity. "What happened?"

Yui bit her lip, wanting to be truthful yet not wanting to paint him in a bad light. "On the island, he promised to tell me why he broke up with me, once we returned to the mainland. He told me recently, and I said I didn't believe him. Looking back though, I know he was telling the truth. I just didn't want to believe it."

Ikuyo remained surprisingly silent the entire time she spoke, speaking herself only when she'd finished. "Why do you not want to believe him then, if you know he's telling the truth?"

Pleased though she was that they'd reconciled, a sudden spike of Yui's previous frustration shot up. "Wait. The whole time we were on the island, you gave Cye the cold shoulder. And yesterday, you practically chewed him out. Now you actually want things to work out between us?"

"I know," Ikuyo guiltily agreed. "Honestly, I didn't know at first why I was so nasty to him. But now…" Yui's gaze turned curious, and Ikuyo proceeded to fill her in. "From the start, I saw how much you two were getting along. And…" With a heavy sigh, she admitted, "I felt jealous." Now Yui's own eyebrows shot up, startled by this revelation – until her head tilted in confusion. "Well, 'envious' might be better," Ikuyo clarified. "I mean, it was like you were picking up right where you left off, and…" Her voice cracked slightly. "…I wanted that – for me and…you-know-who…"

Stunned, Yui's heart went out to her. She may not have called the person by name, but Yui knew exactly to whom she was referring, and what she meant by it. "Oh, Ikuyo…" She laid her hand over hers. "I'm so sorry… I had no idea."

Though Ikuyo welcomed her comforting touch, she shook her head. "No, I'm sorry – a hundred times over. I told myself I was protecting you, but really…I was just being selfish." She smirked bittersweetly. "Besides, you can obviously protect yourself. I mean, yeah, no one likes getting smacked in the face. But you were right about my behavior, and Cye. If any guy's right for my baby sister, it's yours."

Yui stared at her. Never would she have imagined just the day before that she'd hear this otherwise obstinate girl admit she was wrong, let alone bless her relationship with Cye. If there's any chance.

"Seriously, though," Ikuyo then frowned again, "I really am sorry, Yui. I'm not asking for you to forgive me, but–"

"But I do," Yui interrupted to assure her. "And I think Cye has, too. Besides, you're my big sister, and I love you."

Ikuyo's smile returned, but just barely. "Thanks, sis. I love you, too." She leaned forward a bit, then stopped. Fortunately, Yui met her where she was, and embraced her in a tender hug, which Ikuyo eagerly returned. For a long time, they held each other in silence – until Yui spotted a spectacle that chilled her to the marrow of her bones. "Yui? What's wrong?" Ikuyo asked, apparently having noticed.

Standing up, Yui pointed past her and forced her voice to remain steady. "Look, behind you. What do you see?"

Ikuyo also stood and turned to look where she was gesturing, but then shrugged. "Just the grass, ocean, and sunset. Why?" At first, Yui was utterly dumbfounded. How could Ikuyo not see the crimson blood trailing beyond the plain and then around the next cliff-face a couple miles from here? But even as she asked that question, logic gave her the answer. If she were one of these warriors, as Cye had claimed, might she have special senses? If so, did he see the blood too? Could he have gone to investigate? Could he have–? "Yui, are you alright?"

Not wanting Ikuyo to catch on, Yui shook her head. "Never mind. I'm…gonna go look for Cye. You mind taking my things back to the tent?"

"Uh, sure," Ikuyo nodded, still confused, then suddenly added, "Oh, actually, when you find him, tell him I'm sorry. In fact…" She hesitated, then blurted out, "Tell him everything."

"Huh?" Yui gasped lightly. She briefly flashbacked to yesterday, and how horrified Ikuyo had been when she feared for what her sister might reveal. But Yui wasn't one to divulge stories that weren't hers to tell. "Ikuyo, are you sure?"

"Yes," Ikuyo insisted. "He doesn't need to know all the details. But after everything I've done, if you two are gonna be a thing, I owe him this much."

Though it felt like she'd been handed charge over something fragile, Yui quickly remembered time was of the essence. "Alright then," she agreed. "I'll be back soon."

Without stalling any longer, she turned and headed back in the direction of the rocky outcrop where she and Cye had spoken. Her heart pounded in restless dread upon finding he'd gone. Still, Yui hastened toward the edge, and nearly lost her balance when she saw the starting point of the trail of blood several feet below, as if a whole school of sharks had made off with a motherlode of prey. She shuddered to think something far more sinister was behind this – and that Cye was somehow involved.

Yui, remember – you took on a single shark and won. Once that reminder emerged in a familiar, motherly voice, Yui not only felt remarkably calm – she knew just what to do. After a quick look-around, she closed her eyes, breathed deeply, and dove into the sea like a swan accepting its fate.

Cye huffed as he climbed out of the water and then up a rock formation near a spot where the red path had ceased. Despite his abilities, he'd held his breath for most of the two-mile swim – and was pretty sure the presence of the blood had something to do with it. But even as he left the rocks behind and ventured cautiously onto a large beach blanketed with ominous black sand, it wasn't just the salty scent of the nearby sea that greeted him.

Taking a battle stance and eyeing the tall slabs of stone standing here and there, he shouted, "I'm here! And I know you are, too, Red Torrent!" A chorus of loathsome laughter answered, and Cye scowled at the armored demons he was all too familiar with as they appeared from behind the boulders.

But only when he heard a particularly pernicious cackle did he turn to finally lay eyes on his bitterest enemy. "I must say I'm impressed, Ronin Warrior!" Red Torrent taunted from his place on the tallest boulder. "I didn't think you'd actually answer my call at first!"

Ignoring his attempts to belittle him, Cye lifted his fists and challenged the villain. "What are you planning?! Come down here! I'm not afraid to fight you!"

Instead of answering his demand, Red Torrent carried on with his mocking. "Then you are also not afraid of losing? You do not fear for what you might lose? Or whom?"

It didn't take long for Cye to figure out whom he was talking about – and his blood boiled. "I will die a thousand deaths before I let you look at her!" he growled.

"I'm afraid that's for her to decide," Red Torrent retorted. "You see, we had a very pleasant chat last night. Did she not tell you?" Upon seeing his words had finally touched a nerve, he was quick to add, "Oh she hasn't? Can't say I'm surprised! How naïve you are, Torrent! Do you really think someone can change so little in five years – that that woman still harbors any semblance of feelings for you?"

He dared not show it, but Cye could feel himself beginning to waver. "No! You're lying!" he vehemently shook his head. "Yui would never speak to the likes of you!" And yet, against his will, his gravest imaginings once more put Yui in armor made of and colored with the darkest inclinations that ran in her veins. The mere notion that the girl he loved could be capable of such evil pushed him to the brink of despair. But he at least knew who to take it out on. "And even if she doesn't have feelings for me, why should I believe you?!"

"Glad you asked." Faster than Cye could blink, his enemy raised his spear and fired a blast of energy that literally blew him off his feet. "And that was merely a warmup! You may have a new set of armor, but you've yet to see our true power!"

Geez, that was like stepping on a landmine! Cye thought with a groan. He's certainly changed in the last five years. But how much?! Though he had yet to receive an answer, the way his doppelgänger's red eyes glowed suggested it wasn't going to be in his favor.

As she swam the hardest she ever had in her life, only two possibilities of what might be at the end of the red trail presented themselves to Yui – Cye's mangled corpse, or the warped and twisted version of him from her nightmare. She didn't know which was worse, but she pushed on. Wait! When did I last resurface?! Her heart pounding in both alarm and excitement, she inhaled deeply, and gasped. It's like breathing in air! So, does that mean…?!

Suddenly, the path came to an end, and nearby was a rocky ledge low enough to climb onto. But even as Yui hauled herself out, she was even more surprised upon seeing she was wearing light-blue sub-armor in place of her original clothes. "What the…?!" That was when the sound of a miniature explosion reached her ears. She scrambled to the top of the rock face – and was struck with shock for a third time at the scene that greeted her.

An entire army of menacing soldiers in bulking iron armor had assembled on a beach of black sand, and Yui thought she'd be overwhelmed by the repulsing waves of evil coming from them – when she spotted one soldier standing on top of the tallest of a dozen stone slabs. His armor appeared painted with blood, and Yui's chest tightened as she wondered if he'd left the trail to begin with. But terror seized her when she saw Cye, surrounded by soldiers and struggling to stand. "And you call yourself a Ronin Warrior?!" the red one scoffed. "Pathetic!"

Despite the chaos, Yui could not tolerate seeing Cye in so much danger. "I beg to differ!" she shouted angrily, causing all heads – including Cye's – to turn toward her.

"Yui!" he gasped, his voice laced and eyes wide with fear for her. "What are you doing here?!"

"Is it not obvious?!" the red soldier mocked. "She's come to make her choice!" Turning his attention to her, he added silkily, "Honestly, my dear – do you really consider this spineless weakling worthy of your affections? You deserve so much more – and I, Red Torrent, can give it to you! The seas will be at your command! You shall have the power of life or death over your enemies! What could be more thrilling than that?!"

"YUI!" Cye cried out desperately. "Don't listen to him! He's lying! Get out of here before you get hurt!"

Yui looked at Red Torrent, then Cye, then back again. Though mystified at how similar they looked and sounded, she now knew it was Red Torrent – not Cye – who'd visited her in her nightmare. But despite her relief, she wondered what it would be like to use such power as she saw fit. After all, Cye too was heir to a powerful legacy. And yet…he'd risked his life to save her and her sister twice. He'd been so kind and compassionate – even in the face of Ikuyo's behavior. And in return…Yui had been all but merciless in holding her five-year-old grudge against him…

"Yui, like water, you have the power to bring either destruction or mercy. But unlike water, you can choose which one to summon. Choose wisely." The ghost woman's words hit her like a tidal wave – as did the realization that the scene from her dream had become reality. She then winced when a sharp but not unpleasant heat emerged at the center of her forehead. At the same time, a single word came to mind. Mercy! And with that word, Yui knew there was only one answer she could give.

"I'm sorry, Cye…" His dismay just about pierced her heart, and Red Torrent's red eyes shined with triumph. But she'd made her choice. "Armor of Deluge! DAO JI!"

Yui shot a fist forward, then raised it high when an orb of divine, pale-blue light began glowing around it, and closed her eyes. The light flowed over and into her, and she welcomed the comfort and warmth it brought. When she reopened her eyes, the astounded gazes of the army, Red Torrent, and especially Cye spoke of how much she'd transformed – and she smiled. "I am Yui of the Deluge!" she declared, loud and clear. "I show mercy to the merciful, and fight the merciless with floodwaters!"

As if on cue, a great ocean wave smashed into the rocks behind her. Yui instinctively lifted her hand and caught one of the streams of water, causing it to transform into a bisento spear – which she then pointed at Red Torrent and the army, staring them down in direct opposition.

"Yui…?" Cye breathed, feeling as elated as he'd been despondent only moments ago. Yui had not only believed him after all, but donned her armor for the first time before his eyes! It was pale-blue – just like his own – and protected her arms, legs, shoulders, chest, and waist. Underneath, she wore a sleeveless, knee-length kimono. Instead of a helmet, she wore a headband. And beneath painted lids, her eyes shimmered like rays of light hitting water.

But whereas he was filled with awe at her metamorphosis, Red Torrent was filled with unbridled rage. "I knew it! I knew you'd choose the way of the weak! But no matter." His eyes glowed with malice. "I crave the taste of your blood!"

Yui nodded him over. "Come and get it then! I guarantee it'll make you gag!" she derided, and Cye struggled to stifle his laughter.

"Enough talk!" Red Torrent barked. "If you really are a warrior, then prove it!" He then leaped toward her in a single bound – but she was ready for him, and their spears met, the ring of their clashing echoing throughout the beach.

Immediately, Cye felt his protective instincts kick in, until he reminded himself that this was Yui's fight. But that doesn't mean I can't help her out! he realized when he saw every demon soldier had their weapons pointed at him. After grabbing the one nearest him, he promptly used it to prove himself a fearsome warrior in his own right, felling one soldier after another while the battle between Yui and Red Torrent raged on.

Suddenly, he spotted both opponents at the edge of the rock formation, their weapons locked as they glared at each other. Though still in the thick of his own fight, Cye shouted, "Yui! Fight him in the water! Your armor is most powerful there!" She turned her head, and her wide eyes showed concern for him. But he continued cheering her on. "Don't worry about me! I believe in you! Remember, you're a Ronin Warrior now!"

Cye's words proved to be a source of power in and of themselves, for they strengthened Yui's resolve all the more. Turning to address her enemy once more, she asked, "Care for a swim?" Without waiting for an answer, she shoved her weapon under his, then dragged them both over the edge and into the water below. The moment they went under, Yui found that Cye was right. While she'd always had an affinity for water, it was as if the Seven Seas had lent her their formidable strength.

But even then, Red Torrent didn't slacken his pace. Just as he did on land, he swung his weapon at her again and again, determined to cut her down to size. Yet she met every one of his blows, surprising even herself when she countered them with her own. Eventually, their spears were once again locked with each other. "I should've known you'd choose that coward over me!" he sneered behind his mouth guard, his red-hot eyes threatening to scald her with their hatred.

Yui felt her own fury heat up at the depraved insult. Though the water prevented her from speaking, that didn't stop the words from forming in her mind. "You're not even half the man Cye is! You're a monster!"

"So what?!" her enemy retorted as though he'd heard her. "Either way, the longer I stay down here, the more your precious water-world gets poisoned!" While he laughed at his own sick joke, Yui started to see ocean life all around them floating up to the surface, their eyes staring up in death – and just as she'd had enough of the shark, she'd had enough of this source of venom who threatened to poison not only the water but everything and everyone she held dear!

Although Cye was close to clearing the beach of Dynasty soldiers, he once again started to fear for Yui after realizing she and Red Torrent had been in the water too long for his comfort. He wondered if he should dive in and see for himself – when Yui leaped straight out of the ocean with her opponent in tow.

After hurling his clone onto the rock formation, she landed on it herself. "You wanna see the seas at my command, Red Torrent?!" she spat. "Well, feast your eyes!" Her own eyes became whirlpools of passion as her next words thundered from her lips. "CASCADING SEA CRASH!" Yui lifted her weapon high above her head, and a tower of water – taller than the tallest tsunami wave and spiraling like a cyclone – rose up behind her, as if she'd summoned the wrath of Susanoo himself.

"Good heavens!" Cye cried out, closing his eyes as he shielded himself with both arms, while Yui sent the water crashing down. The screams of the remaining soldiers – and especially Red Torrent – erupted in Cye's ears, until he only heard a giant wave receding back into the sea. When he reopened his eyes, they went wide upon seeing all the villains had been utterly obliterated. Only he and Yui occupied the beach now.

And that in itself was a sight to behold. Cye had always considered his former girlfriend beautiful, but now, it was like gazing at a physical incarnation of all that was divine and dangerous about the world's oceans – until she dropped her spear. Recognizing then that Yui herself was about to keel over, he made a mad dash for the rock formation, and was just in time to catch her before she could crumple to the ground.

In the aftermath of her display of raw power, the first thing Yui was aware of was Cye calling her name. She wasn't sure she could answer – not that she didn't want to. But the world seemed to spin in a haze, and she could barely feel any of her own limbs. "Yui…?! Are you okay…?!" She sensed his hand brushing her hair away from her face, and then lightly tapping her cheek. "Please, let me help you…"

Despite feeling utterly drained, Yui forced her eyes to remain open. Everything looked blurry and her throat threatened to close, but she was determined to get at least a few words out. "Cye… I need…a place to sit… But… So tired…"

"Alright," Cye replied softly. The next thing Yui knew, he was holding her against his chest as he carried her gently across the beach – and she thought she'd melt in his embrace. If she'd had any previous doubts, she was certain in that moment that he still loved her.

And yet, how can he? If anything, how could he not hate me?! Her eyes flashed open again before they could fully close, and she was shocked to find Red Torrent and the army gone – not only because she knew it'd been her doing, but also because there was nothing left to distract her from the gravity of the situation.

Suddenly, they stopped, and much as she hated it, she knew Cye had noticed the tears of remorse that'd sprung to her eyes. "Yui? Are you sure you're alright? You're not hurt?"

Yui shook her head wearily. "Oh Cye," she sniffled. "I'm so sorry…!" Her tears streamed down her face, and she couldn't speak anymore – never mind all the things that needed to be said.

"Shh…" Cye kissed her bangs, and she cried even harder. "You're just exhausted, that's all. You used a lot of your power." True though that was, Yui knew all the power in the world couldn't undo what she'd done. When he first left her, she thought he didn't love her. And even when the truth came out, she hadn't wanted to believe him. Worse, she'd thought he and Red Torrent were the same person. In spite of what Ikuyo said, she couldn't have been more wrong about Cye – it was she who was unworthy.

Even when he found them a spot where they could sit down, Cye continued to hold Yui as she wept – despite remaining in the dark as to what'd made her so upset. Certainly she was tired, as he'd said. But no matter how many trains of thought he took, none of them led to a satisfactory conclusion. Eventually, Yui's last tears left her eyes, and she repeated her apology. "Cye…I really am so sorry!"

Determined to get to the bottom of this, Cye gently but firmly took hold of her shoulders. "Wait, Yui, I don't understand. What in the world do you have to feel sorry for?"

"Everything!" Yui rasped, her formerly impassioned gaze now red and tear-stained. "The truth is…when you told me your story, I did believe you! I just didn't want to!" His eyebrows shot up in surprise at her confession. And yet, it still didn't make much sense. "Did Red Torrent say anything about me before I came?"

At the mention of his doppelgänger, Cye spoke slowly, wary of where this might lead. "He claimed to have spoken with you last night. But, I knew he was lying–"

"Well, he wasn't!" Yui blurted out. This revelation proved even more shocking, as Cye could only stare at her. "It's true! He did speak to me!"

"Wha–?" Cye found his voice again – but despite how stunned and even somewhat hurt he was, he still didn't raise it. "Yui… Why didn't you tell me?"

Her shoulders slumped. "I don't know! How was I supposed to know you weren't the same person? I felt like…like I'd been violated!"

Her body gave a harsh shiver, and she appeared close to hyperventilating. Filled with alarmed concern – as well as barely controlled outrage – Cye once more held her close. "I should've known he'd stoop that low!" he snarled. "That vile, bloodthirsty–!"

"Wait, Cye," Yui interrupted. "There's more." She then grasped his face with trembling hands, and just as his had earlier, her eyes implored him to understand. "A few days before the earthquake, I had this other dream, where I met this woman. Then again, she might as well have been a ghost. She wore these long, white, flowing robes. She had the reddest hair I've ever seen. And she carried a rosary."

Suddenly struck with irrepressible curiosity, Cye eagerly asked, "Did she give her name?!" Yui shook her head, but his excitement couldn't be stemmed. "Yui, I know her! Her name is Suzunagi. She may be a ghost, but she created the armors my friends and I bear! She's kind of our mentor, and she can see into the future."

Unlike before, Yui soaked up his every word, until her eyes went wide with realization and she breathed, "So that's what she showed me!" Before he could ask, she proceeded to explain. "She showed me the moment when I armored up for the first time! She said our paths – yours and mine – would cross again!"

Exhilarated at what all of this had amounted to, Cye couldn't help but laugh. "And now you're a Ronin Warrior just like me! This is amazing!"

To his disappointment, Yui only nodded solemnly, her lovely likeness cast down again. "Yeah, yeah it is." With a heavy sigh, she added, "It's just… All those years… I can't believe I never knew! Although, I always knew you weren't like other guys."

Cye frowned. "What are you talking about?" Yui inched away slightly, turning her gaze to her hands in her lap.

"Before I went to find you," she explained, her tone of voice neutral, "I told Ikuyo what happened – without the details. And when I did decide to look for you, she wanted me to tell you she's sorry, and…that she wants you to know the reason behind her behavior."

Realizing then that he was being let in on an enormously sensitive secret, Cye wanted to tread carefully. "I don't intend to judge. She doesn't have to have it told if she doesn't want to."

"Except she does," Yui insisted. Her eyes then turned toward the sea, taking on a look of being lost in memory. "A couple years ago, my sister started going out with this guy. He seemed fine enough, but…something didn't feel right. Anyway, they dated until last year, and then announced they were getting married. I don't think I've ever seen Ikuyo happier." She smiled briefly, until her face fell drastically. "But then, literally weeks before the wedding…" She paused, as if trying to find the right words. "…Let's just say…we found out he wasn't as faithful as we thought."

Having listened intently, Cye let his mouth hang open as understanding hit him over the head. "You mean…?"

Yui nodded. "He said even married men have 'needs.'" Cye froze, and his previous outrage morphed into outright disgust. It was bad enough that this nameless man had cheated on Yui's sister, but to be so brazenly honest about it… If Ryuusuke had done the same to Sayoko, never mind the ten-year age difference – Cye would've beat him to a pulp. But his dark imaginings came to a halt when all the pieces finally came together.

"So…is that why Ikuyo acted the way she did toward me?" Though his anger was now fading, he kept it from his voice to prevent a misunderstanding.

Yui only dipped her chin. "And…I kinda felt a bit like that toward you as well." Her voice cracked, but she took Cye's hands in hers. For awhile, they simply gazed at each other like they were truly seeing one another for the first time. "Cye, when I think about how I acted – both then and now – even if I didn't know…" She let out a dry sob. "I feel terrible for even thinking such bad things about you. If you don't feel the same, I get it. But…I love you! I may have wanted to move on. I may have even tried…" With the most soulful stare, she breathed, "But I can't!"

And at her admission, light was finally shed on what had driven her to tears. "…Yui…" Cye placed a hand on her cheek. "Are you saying you don't deserve my love?" Apparently having run out of words, she simply nodded – and he felt an overflow of compassion towards her. "Oh, Yui…" he spoke only slightly above a whisper. "I've always loved you, and I always will."

Yui breathed in sharply, her deep-blue eyes wide with awestruck disbelief. "Then…you're saying you forgive me? After everything I've said and done?"

Wanting to rid her of her self-inflicted misery, Cye hoped all his love for her could be both seen and heard. "Yui, there's nothing to forgive. What matters is that we're together again. Even better – we've been brought back together as Ronin Warriors!"

Yui lifted the corners of her mouth – and he didn't think he'd seen a more beautiful smile. "Just as Suzunagi said." She then threw her arms around him, and Cye didn't need any further invitation to embrace her once again.

Thus, the two warriors of water tenderly held each other long into the evening, while the steady ocean waves flowed back and forth. Now that their love ran deeper than the seas themselves, they knew they would always have the other's back – no matter the danger.

Reviews would be appreciated.

Picture I drew of Yui's armor!: maskedlady710/art/Yui-of-the-Deluge-840077125