The first and last defense
"What the…?!" exclaimed Dark and Rune in unison.
"I didn't tell you about the tidal wave they send…and with good reason too. If you two had known about the wave, you might have made an impulsive decision, which was their plan…" said Syaoran calmly.
"Then would you warn us about any more moves before they make them?!" griped Rune and Dark.
"If the wave doesn't work, they switch tactics and attack as Krad. Then they start firing non-stop attacks to weaken the barrier."
"I don't know if I can hold the barrier against a wave of constant attacks…" said Rune.
"You won't have to. This place is protected by aerial attacks of magic. Plus, there's the added boost you'll get from me…" said Syaoran as he transformed into Yue, the Lunar Guardian.
The barrier's strength tripled by Yue appearance, and the attacks slowly ceased. Now was Syaoran's least favorite tactic.
"Rune, is the barrier protecting us from attacks made beneath?" asked Yue.
"It forms a complete sphere around the circle, so yes."
"Rune, get ready to take flight on my signal; the same goes for you Dark…"
"NOW!" said Yue as they took flight. Their timing couldn't have been more perfect, as the ground began to rumble violently. The assassins had let loose a devastating earthquake to break the circle! It was a good thing Syaoran was the one who drew the circle.
The assassins watched in horror as the circle levitated until the earthquake stopped. But they weren't finished yet, and prepared a second quake.
"Not this time you don't…" muttered Yue.
He let loose his own spell, which interrupted theirs. The assassins felt the backlash twice over!
"How?! How the hell did they anticipate our attacks?!" roared one of the assassins.
"I heard a rumor that Syaoran became the Silver Guardian of legend; that would explain why the one with the silver wings laid out the circle…"
"Ridiculous! There is no such thing as the 'Silver/Lunar Guardian!"
"How else would he know the exact time to take flight? How else could he have timed his appearance right when our strongest attacks hit the barrier?!" retorted one of them.
"It can't be Syaoran…he's a Hikari; the legend clearly states that 'none with the Blood of the Light Clan may become the Lunar Guardian!" growled their commander.
"But he's not a full-blooded Hikari remember?! He's a half Niwa, half Hikari! He could easily become the Guardian by removing Krad!" retorted another.
"It looks like he's gonna say something…" whispered another.
"To the Assassins sent by the Light, cease your attack at once! I know your tactics; and you are beginning to feel the full effect of the backlash! Cease and we will let you leave alive!" Yue yelled. He hoped that they would take the hint and go, but he knew deep down how stubborn and 'duty bound' the main assassin was. He wouldn't stop until they lay on the ground dead!
"NEVER! I WILL NEVER BOW DOWN TO A HALF-BREED!!!!"
What the…?! Why did he just call me a half-breed? What do they know that I don't?! Syaoran thought.
"Ignore them Syaoran. That guy doesn't look like he'll listen to reason…" muttered Dark.
"No, he won't. He's the most thick-headed, stubborn, and foolish hunter in the Hikari clan. If we get rid of him, the others may surrender…"
"So, focus all attacks on that guy?" asked Rune.
"No, just a random attack that happens to hit him. If they figure out what we're trying to do, they'll defend him." Dark said. He could tell how loyal the fools were to the idiot.
"Rune, would you like to have the honors of striking first?" asked Yue.
She took the hint, and prepared to attack.
"Oh cold heart of falling rain; hear my cry and howl with your Frozen might! KAI!"
A blizzard of impossible size quickly began to blow. The assassin's wings began to crystallize with ice. Yue was impressed.
"Your turn, Dark!"
"Can I fly through the barrier and back without difficulty?" he asked.
"It shouldn't give you any trouble; it'll recognize your magic and let you through."
"Rune, your Blade card, if you will…"
"Oh Blade made by the dark heart; let his will be known! Slice though our foe! KAI!"
A blade made of Onyx appeared before Dark. He nodded, then took flight.
"Sir, I think Dark is leaving…" said one of the assassins.
"Then we'll meet him in the air! Prepare for battle!"
"Um, we have been for the past two hours…where have you been? La-la land?" grumbled his second-in-command.
"Shut yer trap! I'm commander of this not you!"
"Whatever…" muttered the others.
When he realized that they weren't going to do as ordered, he went to meet the Phantom Thief head-on by himself.
"Huh, looks like the others have had it with their leader…" joked Yue.
"How old is he anyway?!" griped Rune.
"Last time I checked he was 90 something…"
"You're kidding, right?!"
"Do I look like I'm joking?"
"No wonder he's so damn hard-headed…"
"So they sent their leader to do battle…Guess they've grown tired of your stubbornness!"
"Oh shut up; if I'm so stubborn, then why are they flying up here?"
Dark wasn't going to fall for his trick, he could tell the man was lying. His opponent attacked, unaware of Rune's movements…
"Yo."
"What do you want?! Bragging rights?!" griped the other four.
"No, we were wondering why you're following that old geezer…"
"How'd ya know about his age?!"
"I was originally from the Light clan, remember? Everyone knows he's past his prime," said Yue.
"Well what do you propose we do about it?! If we join you; he'll kill us!"
"And if you don't, we'll kill you. Look, if you want to end this senseless battle, join our side. We at least listen to reason; plus, your wings will thaw faster…" said Rune.
The others listen to the offer. If they stayed with the old man, they'd die for sure. If they switched sides like Syaoran, they'd warm up and would live. Decisions, decisions.
"We're in…" they said finally.
"Hey old man! Looks like your men have turned chicken and run off!"
"Impossible, they'd never flee from this easy victory!"
"See for yourself. I won't attack while you look." Dark said evilly.
The leader looked over to where his men were in shock! His men had deserted him!
"They shall pay for their cowardice with their lives…" he growled.
"How long do you think it'll take before he realizes that you're in here with us?" asked Yue.
"He won't know until he looks down; which he won't."
"So true…" agreed Yue.
Dark was beginning to worry; the blade looked like it would break at any time! Yue saw this, and decided to switch places with him.
"Mind if I take over?"
"Please do! This blade's reached the breaking point!"
Yue took Dark's place and fought the assassin. He finally ended the battle an hour later.
"So what are you lot gonna do now? You can't exactly go back to the temple; they'll kill you for running," said Syaoran.
"Would the Niwa clan have any objections against joining their side?"
"They won't. Once our father finds out what your options are, he'll gladly let you join."
And so, the Niwa clan gained four powerful allies in the fight against the Hikari. But who would win this struggle?