Hey everybody! "Hey Doctor Nick!" Lol, silly me, too many good Simpsons episodes in my head. So, last night I went and saw my grandfather. He had a temperature when I arrived, and was talking about 20 men coming in with guns to get us, and about tanks… Me and my grandma believe the fever had him a bit delusional and possibly he was dreaming. About 7, after my grandma went home to check on her dog, he woke up and was much better. He had cooled off, and I asked him how he felt. He said better, that he wasn't as hot, which I was thankful for. Unfortunately, his temp did go back up that night, but my grandmother said it was like in a cycle, that when the meds wore off, it went back up usually. Other than that, he seemed normal.
Story wise, nothing new on the sequel. Heh, I just can't seem to get into it since I started my other story, Another. I'm trying though, plus doing some research on the when the story takes place. So, we'll see. Lol, plus I've yet to name this final sequel, which isn't something unusual. Heh, I didn't name this story till after I had 10 or 15 chapters. Same with TWS, although ToP always had it's name.
Hurray! Someone guessed the correct answer on where Zell came from! X-knight20, you was close, as was pink-kiss-candy, but since both of you had the general area, I'm awarding this chapter in both your names. Zell, or as pink-kiss-candy guessed, Zell Dincht, came from Final Fantasy VIII. I'm sure if any of you have guessed yet, another character, the one who taught Illidan, came from the same game. Hey, there could be another question! So, here it is.
Who are the other Final Fantasy VIII characters I've used within my stories? Here is a hint. There are only 2 others, and they are a couple and married in my fan fic. Also, they are a significant role in Illidan's past. Anyone who can list both will be rewarded by me posting an extra chapter in their honor on Thursday.
Last time, Yami and Set defeated Zell by teaming up. Zell was thought to have been dead, but revealed he survived thanks to his Master. Who is this mysterious Master, and what did Zell and him do for all those years after they awoke?
Alright, now that the question is up, time to get back to what I enjoy. That's right, answering reviews!
x-knight20: Thanks. Yep, Zell came back by simply sleeping for 5 millennia. Eh, not sure on Beowulf yet. I've only seen a few previews, but not many. I read the book on him, but we'll see. You were close on where Zell came from. He came out of Final Fantasy VIII actually, not VI. Good guess though, and as I said, I gave you and pink-kiss-candy credit. Good job!
Knives91: Yep, lol. True, it's been heard of before, lol. Can Illidan stand against this guy, eh, good question.
pink-kiss-candy: Good guess! You were right, and got the full name, which shocked me and my mate when we read the review. So, like x-knight20, I give you credit and post the chapter in honor of both of you. Lol, poor Ryon. You have no hair now, and you're singed head to toe with black powder. (/Hears incoming clay birds and ducks behind a rock.\)
Ultimate Legendary Master: Thanks. Yep, that's what happened in the past. Yes, the Sacred Beasts play a role here, unlike the show's season 2. I'm not sure what season 4 will do actually either. Actually, I saw that the new episodes are beginning again on CN this weekend. Same time as before, at 11 in the morning. I wish they would put it back on evenings. They flew through the 1st two seasons by doing that, but it can't be helped I suppose… It'd be nice if they got rid of one of the crappy shows on Toonami and put GX back, but they won't I figure. (/sighs\) But yeah, I saw Viper's duel online also, which was cool.
Isis the Sphinx: LOL! No, Zell didn't come from Zatch Bell. I miss that show though… It was just getting good when Toonami pulled the plug… Other than Naruto, I'm growing irritated with Toonami's lineup. Plus some of the shows have really begun to suck, like One Piece. I hate the new voices. It's like watching DBZ crossing over into it…But yes, the real plot is beginning. Eh, he may win… or not, lol. Thanks for the comments.
ardee: Heh, I figured someone might have seen Dragon Master Knight coming. It is kind of a horrible card. I mean, it takes a ritual monster and a fusion monster to create. That in itself is nearly impossible. I mean, you could fusion summon BEUD and then fuse BLS from your hand with it, but still, that would totally suck and be nearly impossible to pull off. True, it would have been more entertaining to see the Gods battle the Five God Dragon, but Yami wasn't as experienced with them then, and as he said, he had lost a bit too much energy to do it at that point. Gotta remember, when Illidan came back, he put the group through rigorous training while working with Marie also. In essence, he's the reason the others got so strong really. He worked with them till they were his level or better. But yes, Zell slept for 5 millennia. Whoever that master of his is was powerful. If I get a chance, I'll check out your story. Lol, I have so many stories to catch up on, and it's on my list to read. No prob, and thank you for your comments.
Wow, the reviews keep getting longer and longer, lol. That's not a bad thing btw before you all think it is. But those were some good ones.
Congrats again to pink-kiss-candy and x-knight20 for getting my question right. Like I said earlier, I have a new one, and if someone guesses it right, I'll post an extra chapter again this week. Here is the question and hint once more. You may have to go digging into ToP or TWS if your memories are rusty.
Who are the other Final Fantasy VIII characters I've used within my stories? Here is a hint. There are only 2 others, and they are a couple and married in my fan fic. Also, they are a significant role in Illidan's past. Anyone who can list both will be rewarded by me posting an extra chapter in their honor on Thursday.
Ok, that's it for me. Thanks for all the reviews everyone! I hope to keep seeing them. Till next time, enjoy!
Chapter 43
After nearly seven years of wandering, Zell had finally found a lead on the Sacred Beasts. He learned from several underground sources that a man had found them and turned them into actual cards. The cards had then been buried on Duel Academy Island by a surprising person from Zell's past.
"I see that Illidan has been reincarnated. Ironic that our paths will once again cross." Zell mused to himself.
"Fate is that way sometimes." his Master added.
Thinking for a few moments, Zell finally said "Perhaps he was brought back to help me in fixing this world. To change chaos to order, as he should have back in ancient times."
"Perhaps... For now though, we must begin setting things in motion. I believe there is an individual that can help us do that."
"Who my Master?"
The spirit smirked, saying "The superintendent of the school is a foolish old man that is desperate to regain his youth. We shall gather the Shadow Charms and hand them over to him. He will then prepare the way for us."
Nodding, Zell replied "Yes my Master."
Over the course of the next year, Zell and his master collected the eight Shadow Charms, all except half of one. For some reason, it was broken into half, and the second half was sealed away within a realm that the pair could not enter. The spirit only shrugged it off, saying it didn't matter.
During the next year, Zell and his master had the superintendent find people whom they would be perfect for the job. Soon enough, seven people were chosen and given Shadow Charms. They were then told to wait till the following year to begin their attack.
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The vision finally ended, bringing Illidan back into reality. Shaking his head to clear it, Illidan sighed, seemingly understanding now what had happened.
"I believe you know how the rest of the story goes." Zell promptly said.
Nodding, Illidan replied "I get it now. The superintendent, he was nothing more than your puppet. But why trouble yourself with him? You could have easily gone after the cards yourself."
Smirking, Zell said "I could have, but I needed to draw you out."
Frowning, Illidan asked with frustration "Why me? What's so freaking important about me!?"
"You've always been the key, son of Shando. You will guarantee victory to me and my Master in the battle to end the chaos. We will reshape the world in to the way Shando had envisioned it. There will be no more crime, no more pain and suffering, nothing but peace!"
"Feh, you've lost it." Illidan replied sternly.
Growling, Zell said "You will join us this time Illidan. Help me fix this world. The evil in it will consume it if you don't. Do as your father wanted to! He wanted this world fixed, and to bring order to the chaos! And he wanted you to be a part of fixing it!"
Frustrated, Illidan yelled "My father never wanted that! True, he wanted to end Raijin's reign in order to end the senseless chaos, but he never wanted to conquer the world, let alone rule it! Father only wanted to bring an end to the killing that Raijin had done and wanted done. You can keep twisting his words around all you want, but it will not convince me either way!"
"YOU DARE TO DEFY YOUR FATHER'S WISHES AGAIN!?" Zell screamed in complete anger.
"I never once defied my father's wishes, but this twisted plan of yours is not his wish. He would never want me to destroy one order to bring in a twisted version of order. So, I decline, just as I did before."
Steeling his voice then, Illidan added "And if you dare to try and destroy the world, I will stop you. Like before, I will not standby idly and let you try."
Anger was covering Zell's face as his eyes for a moment flashed golden. They then returned to normal and he sighed, saying "I suppose then I'll have to destroy you. You leave me little choice. I had hopes of saving the son of Shando, but I see he wishes not to be saved. Your choice is made, and now you will deal with the consequences."
Taking a fighting stance, Illidan coldly replied "It is you that will deal with your own consequences, because I won't let this madness continue."
Moving to a fighting stance as well, Zell responded with "Very well. I gave you a chance, but now I will have to teach you a lesson in respect you insolent pup!"
Calmly moving into a left forward stance, Illidan assessed Zell's stance. He had taken up a simple fighting pose with his left foot pointing straight at Illidan and his right foot at a ninety degree angle behind him.
"He's leaving himself somewhat open. He only has his left arm out, with his right arm tucked in behind him. Either Zell is foolishly challenging me to show him what I've got, or he's that unconcerned with what damage I can do."
Waiting for Zell to make his first move, Illidan slowly became impatient. Frowning, he realized soon enough Zell wasn't going to attack. Illidan waited for Zell to make a move, but he didn't. "Well, seems he won't make the first move. As Squall always said, nothing ventured, nothing gained."
Widening his stance, Illidan placed more weight onto his left leg. Without warning, he launched himself forward, fists pulled to a ready position. Reaching Zell, he threw a fist at Zell's face, but Zell easily stepped backwards to dodge. Not wanting to lose his momentum, Illidan spun around and threw yet another punch, hoping to catch Zell off balance, but once again, Zell backed away.
Quickly moving forward with his momentum, Illidan attempted a round house kick, but again, Zell moved away, easily evading Illidan. Growing irritated, Illidan quickly planted his leg and spun the opposite way, throwing yet another kick at Zell, only to miss once more.
Backing away a bit himself, Illidan lightly growled. "He's way faster than he used to be. When I was a kid, I could keep up with him, but now, he seems so much faster. Is it due to this spirit he talks about?"
Without warning, Zell suddenly charged Illidan, making him jump on guard instantly. He came in swinging wildly with his fists, making Illidan desperately block the barrage, but he quickly found he couldn't block all the punches. Zell landed several gut punches before landing a punch on Illidan's face, busting his lip.
Moving away quickly, Illidan came to a sliding halt and reached up to feel the blood dripping from his lip. Using his wrist to wipe it off, he smirked lightly.
"I see you've gotten even stronger than before Zell." he admittedly said.
Smirking, Zell replied "You have no idea. Just surrender Illidan, like the good boy you should be."
Lightly chuckling, Illidan shook his head, saying "Not happening."
"So, you're a glutton for more punishment? Well, that can be arranged."
"We'll see." Illidan boldly replied.
Closing his eyes for a moment, Illidan slowly began to concentrate on his Shadow Powers. Feeling them stirring, he began to push the power throughout his body, making it spread through all of his muscles.
Lightly smiling in his mind at the memory of the day he learned it, he indulged in the moment of the memory.
Before him stood a man with brown neck length straight hair. His bangs hung in his face, but it didn't seem to bother him. He had piercing blue eyes that seemed cold as ice, but held warmth often in them. The most noticeable thing about the man was the scar that ran from his forehead to the left side of his nose. He had received this scar in battle when he was younger while defending his beloved wife.
"Alright Illidan, this technique I'm going to teach you, it's rather handy. By the way, it is known as Hidden Inner Flame due that it supposedly kindles your inner fighting flame. Anyways, it will allow you to use your Shadow Powers as a booster for your own strength and speed. As you can surmise, this will greatly help you in a battle against a faster or stronger opponent."
The pair trained for a month on the technique till Illidan had finally managed to master it. In the end, using the technique helped make his strength and speed double when compared to his normal strength and speed. Over time, as Illidan had continued to train, his strength and speed while using this technique increased even more, just like his normal speed and strength.
"Of course, there is one downside to this technique." Squall had added after telling him the advantages. "It slowly drains your Shadow Powers, plus if you push yourself too much, your body may give out. Always be cautious when using this technique. Using it too often or too much could permanently damage your body."
"Right." a younger Illidan had cheerfully replied.
Illidan had kept to what Squall told him about the disadvantage of the technique. He rarely used it due that he had been strong enough on his own to not need it. When Gozaburo had gone off the deep end, Illidan had wanted to use the Hidden Inner Flame, but due that Gozaburo had kept him moving, he never had time to use it. Not to mention, it wouldn't have helped too much anyways.
Shaking himself free of the memories, Illidan noted that his body was now full powered with the Hidden Inner Flame. Feeling the power coursing through his veins, he opened his eyes to stare at Zell.
Moving lightning quick, Illidan landed a powerful punch to Zell's jaw line, causing him to jump back in surprise. Not wanting to let Zell recoup, Illidan pressed the attack, quickly landing in several punches to Zell's body, and a few kicks as well. With one last roundhouse kick, Illidan knocked Zell away and sent him flying to the ground.
Rolling away, Zell reached up to his mouth to feel a small trickle of blood coming down his lip. Grinning evilly, he said "Impressive Illidan. I didn't know you knew the Hidden Inner Flame technique. Perhaps I haven't given you enough credit."
Smirking, Illidan replied "Don't flatter yourself. You of all people should know I was trained by Squall and the nomads. They were far stronger than any person who resided within Cairo that had Shadow Powers, and they taught me in their ways. Even though I was weaker, they pushed me beyond my original limits."
Chuckling, Zell lowered his hand from his mouth, saying "Maybe so, but what little they taught you pales in comparison to what I know."
Closing his eyes for a moment, Zell's body lightly glowed black, and within moments, the small bruises that had been forming and the cuts began to vanish from his face and body. Opening his eyes once more, he smirked evilly.
"Not good! He managed to heal himself with so little effort. It takes me at least a few minutes to an hour or more to heal my body, but he did it in moments."
Taking an attack stance, Zell boldly stated "You know Illidan, that technique is quite powerful. Perhaps I should show you the proper way to use it."
Without warning, Zell's body was instantly covered in a black aura. It vanished as fast as it appeared, and without any warning, Zell charged forward at Illidan.
"No time to dodge. I'll just have to block him." Illidan quickly realized with Zell coming in fast.
Raising his right arm to block, Illidan waited for the hit. In milliseconds, the hit came, followed by a snapping sound.
Screaming out in pain as he quickly backed away, Illidan felt his arm go limp. He grit his teeth with extreme pain shooting up and down his arm.
Looking at it, he simply realized the truth. "He broke my arm! I didn't think he was that strong!"
Chuckling evilly, Zell arrogantly asked "Does it hurt Illidan?"
Softly growling, Illidan rushed forward with his Hidden Inner Flame power rising. Throwing punches with his good arm, he flung volley after volley of flying punches, with a few kicks added, but never managed to score a hit. Zell only evaded him faster than previously, infuriating Illidan somewhat.
Without warning, Zell spun around and delivered a kick to Illidan right side. Illidan screamed out in pain once more as he felt his ribs give way. Backing away quickly, Illidan grabbed his ribs with his left hand, instantly knowing he had broken ribs.
A small trickle of his crimson life force began to flow down from the corner of Illidan's mouth as he spat out a small bit of it. "I can't keep this up much longer."
Taking advantage of Illidan's pain, Zell moved in and quickly delivered a shot to Illidan's left knee joint, making Illidan fall to the ground none to gracefully.
Laying on the ground, Illidan grabbed hold on his left leg with his good arm. He whimpered in pain as he examined it, immediately determining by the feel of it that his knee was officially shattered.
"Is this how it ends?" he pondered as he lay on the ground, writhing in pain.
"Leave him alone!" screamed out a voice, making Illidan look back up, only to find a sight he didn't want to see.
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Once Marie had led the students back to the medical center, she had quickly turned back, running at full speed. Illidan and her had exercised together for years, and he had even taught her a way to run even faster using her Shadow Powers.
As she ran, she never noticed a shadow following behind her. Scanning ahead with her Shadow Powers, she felt Illidan's flare up. Lightly smirking, she pondered if she would even be needed. Then it suddenly hit her. Another large power appeared, making Illidan's powers seem almost insignificant.
Increasing her speed, she ran faster than she thought possible. "Please, be alive!" she screamed in her mind.
Approaching the battle, she heard Illidan scream out in pain, making her blood boil at the thought of Illidan being hurt. Coming closer, she heard another painful scream, raising the temperature of her blood once more. "He's hurt! Please, hang on Illidan for just a bit longer!"
Seeing the battle up ahead, Marie watched with horror stricken eyes as she saw Illidan's leg crushed by the attacking man. Illidan immediately fell to the ground, screaming out in agony. Quickening her pace, Marie ran straight into the battle without any thought or worry of it.
Leaping onto the man's back, she placed a choke hold onto him, screaming "Leave him alone!"
"MARIE, GET OUT OF HERE NOW! RUN!" Illidan screamed, which immediately distracted her.
Feeling her distraction, the man grabbed hold of her arm and ripped her off his back. With ease, he quickly delivered a roundhouse kick to her, knocking away to the ground with a loud thump.
Seeing an unconscious Marie laying on the ground, Zell smirked, saying "Fool, you should mind your surroundings."
"MARIE!" Illidan screamed. When he saw no reaction, summoning up all this strength, Illidan pushed himself off the ground and stood once again.
Turning to Illidan, Zell gave a small gasp. He smirked slightly, saying "It's a surprise you're standing. I had guessed you were finished, but if you want more, I'm more than willing to award you it."
Pushing all pain to the back of his mind, Illidan hunched over with his left hand put into a claw shape. Summoning up all of his Shadow Powers, Illidan began to pour it all into an attack that Squall had taught him not long before his death.
Thinking back to it, Illidan remembered how serious Squall had been when he taught it to him. Squall had run his hand through his hair, and sternly said "This technique is very powerful, but at the same time, very dangerous. It consumes a massive amount of your Shadow Magic, and will leave you a bit worn out afterwards. It is meant to be a finishing move, so be careful when you choose to use it. You will most likely kill whoever it is you face when you use this technique, so don't use it unless necessary."
A younger Illidan nodded, causing Squall to begin explaining the technique. "This technique, known as Shadow Blade, is extremely powerful. It transforms your arm into an invincible sword that can pierce almost anything. The power of it can even penetrate barriers. Of course, the technique requires a large amount of Shadow Magic. More than likely, you'll only be able to perform it once, if not twice a day. Currently, I can perform it five times a day, but it completely wears me out if I do that."
Pausing for a moment, he finally added "I recommend not using this technique unless it is absolutely necessary. It takes a minute to power up, plus it drains you."
Softening a bit, Squall said "I've used this a few times, but only when I was protecting someone precious to me. So, remember, this technique is meant to also protect those that you care for."
Waking from his memory, Illidan silently recalled the last words Squall had told him. "This technique, it was created to protect the ones I love, who I hold precious!"
Focusing his power into the palm of his hand, Illidan let out a low growl as he pushed more and more of his Shadow Magic into his hand. Black bolts of power seemed to be forming around his hand, slightly giving off a buzzing noise. He silently activated the Hidden Inner Flame technique as well, knowing he would need all the power he could muster to beat Zell.
"This may leave me drained, but I'm taking him down! I won't let him harm anyone else!"
Watching Illidan with curious eyes, Zell lightly smirked. "He'll never hurt me." he silently thought.
"Zell, do not let him hit you. That attack he is performing is far too dangerous. It could actually kill you."
Frowning, Zell mentally replied "He is too weak for that. Besides, with our immense power, he's nothing to us."
"Do not disobey me! That attack is known as the Shadow Blade, and is far too powerful for even us to block. Quick, stop him!"
Ignoring the voice, Zell evilly smirked at Illidan. "Well, come on then."
Finally fully powered, Illidan raised his head to glare at Zell. Thrusting all his weight onto his good leg, he pushed forward at incredible speed. Wincing greatly as he shifted weight to his left leg, he continued to run and then used his right leg to finish the thrusting motion.
Pulling his left arm up to strike with, Illidan let out a loud yell, saying "SHADOW BLADE!"
Realizing the attack was coming, Zell threw up a barrier. Smirking, he arrogantly gloated, saying "Looks like your finished."
"DON'T UNDERESTIMATE ME!" Illidan yelled as he made contact with the barrier with his left hand.
Using the Hidden Inner Flame strength he had gathered up, he thrust all his power into a push, shattering the barrier with ease. He launched his body forward, aiming dead on for Zell's chest.
Seeing the attack coming, Zell was shocked, as well as slightly afraid. "There's just no way!" he yelled out.
"MOVE YOU IDIOT!" screamed the voice in his head.
Slightly moving, Illidan's new target became Zell's shoulder, which Illidan struck hard with his left hand, digging his five fingers into the joint.