Disclamer: I don't own this stuff. Wish I did. then maybe I could get out of debt.

"Talking"

'Thoughts'

Japanesewords

Ronin Reunion Day, and everyone is having a blast. Ren is helping her father cook. The now 8 year old third-grader is tossing a salad. "Dad, I'm done! What can I do now?" Cye comes over and takes the salad, "Why don't you go play?" Ren tilts her head, "Are you sure you don't need my help anymore?" Cye chuckles, "All that's left are things only an adult can do sweetie. We'll be fine." Ichigo walks over and hugs Ren, "Besides, the others will probably think you've abandoned them if you stay any longer." Ren giggles, "Alright!"

She runs off and joins the others age 6 and up, and joins in their game of tag. She runs into the forest to escape from Kouki and she stops to catch her breath. She hears a clinking of metal and looks up to find a big, green armour standing over her. "Aa-ah!" 'This looks like the Dynasty Soldiers our parents are always talking about. I guess someone must not realize it's not Halloween.' The thing chuckles, "You belong to Talpa now child." Her eyes bulge when she realizes it really is a demon and she runs. It lunges at her and she screams. She bursts out of the forest, and sees the Armour-bearers running towards her. She screams, "HELP! THE DYNASTY! DADDY HELP!" They armour at her call and Cye races forward as the Soldier jumps out right behind Ren. Cye grabs Ren, as more pour out of the forest. " Cye, get down!" He drops and rolls away with Ren as Rowen lets loose, "ARROW SHOCKWAVE!" The Soldiers are destroyed, and they head back to the house.

On the porch, the non-fighters and children wait for them. Ichigo runs forward and tries to take Ren, but she refuses to let go. The girl sobs into Cye's shoulder. "Shhh, Ren. Tell us what happened," Rowen asks worriedly. "I-I was playing t-tag and Kouki w-was it and I r-ran into the f-forest to get away. I s-stopped to take a b-break and I looked up a-and saw it. H-he said that I b-belonged to Talpa now. I ran a-away." She starts to sob uncontrollably " I don't wanna belong to Talpa, I don't wanna!" Cye rubs her back as the others whisper. Kayura walks over and lays a hand on Ren's shoulder, "It's alright little one. We will not let him take you." She looks up teary-eyed, "Promise?" The adults all chorus, "Promise." She calms and lets Ichigo hold her. "Mom, can I sit with you?" Ichigo nods and they all go inside. The Ronins all sigh. Kayura frowns, 'So it begins again….'

9 year old Ren walks home from school with 10 year old Aki and 7 year old Kaito. The three are constantly looking over each other's shoulders. A year has passed since the first Dynasty attack, and the demon emperor has been defeated several times, only to come back and try again. Kaito sighs, "When will it end?" Aki and Ren both look at each other, and Ren answers, "Maybe never Kai. This could end up continuing with us. Ryuu, Kouki, Hiroto, Daichi, Haru, Natsu, Aki, Fuyu, Yuuki, Hitomi and me." "You mean Kaito," Aki corrects her. Ren shakes her head, "No. I honestly feel like I'm going to be in this, not Kaito." Kaito frowns, "But Dad doesn't want you to." Ren shrugs, "Not his choice. If it calls me, it calls me and I'll take it." The three sigh, and all think the same thing, 'I wish this never happened.'

The Dynasty has stopped attacks for now and the children realize its getting closer to their time in the armours. The parents also realize and have increased the training sessions for the children. Cye sighs, annoyed at the little 10 year old girl he calls his. All along, against his wishes, she's been trying to train for Torrent. "Ren, how many times must I tell you, I am not training you!" "What if it calls me, not Kaito, huh? What's going to happen then? You don't know who it's going to, just like everyone else! So prepare us both! It can't hurt! Come on Father!" He winces; Ren never calls him Father unless she's angry or upset with him. Cye looks down into her blue eyes, and sees she's scared but determined to do her part. The look to which he can never say no to. He sighs, "Fine."

Another year, and still no Dynasty. The children throw themselves into training, but also enjoy the freedom from attacks. 11 year old Ren has taken to the training faster and better than Kaito. Just like Ryuu, Kouki, Hiroto, Daichi, Haru, Natsu, Aki, and Fuyu have surpassed their siblings. Now caught up to those eight, she has passed Kaito several months ago. The parents now have no doubt as to who will take the Armours, much to Cye's displeasure. "Ren, you can't take Torrent. Reject it, let it go to Kaito." Ren sighs, 'This is the third time we have had this argument.' "Father… we've been over this already, the armour obviously want me. They don't make mistakes! It has it's reasons, so get over it!" She gets up and storms out of the house. Cye frowns, 'I can't let her get into danger. I can't.'

The next year and life has gone back to normal. Cye, reluctantly, has given up arguing over Torrent with 12 year old Ren. The training, basically complete, has lessened. The kids have gone back to living it up without fear. Ren grins at Aki, who is taking her to the movies. "So Aki, why did you invite only me?" Aki blushes, whispering. Ren sighs, "I can't hear you." "'CauseIlikeyou." "Huh?" "'Cause I like you!" Ren blushes, "R-really?" He nods, blushing even more. She blushes more too, " I-I like you too, Aki." 'I hope Dad will let me date Aki!' "We need to talk to Dad. I've had enough problems with the Torrent business that I don't want to cause anymore by not asking him to let me date!" Aki gapes at her, "You want to date me!" "Well yeah! I like you!" Aki hugs her, "After the movie!"

The two have come home and have found all the parents in the living room. Ren takes a deep breath, "Dad, Aki and I want to date." The adults had been having dinner, so most of them nearly choke. Only Ren and Aki's parents did not. Cye and Sekhment sigh. Ichigo grins, "We've had a feeling this was coming. If I remember right, your dads' could see this back when you were in first and second grade!" They all chuckle as they remember what happened when Ren told Aki that he was going to be showing her around school. Cye nods, "Yes, but only your mothers believed us. Ren, Aki, Sekhment and I are okay with it. Now go enjoy dating." They all laugh at the two's shocked looks.

One year later, and Aki and Ren are going strong. Ren is up early, taking a walk through the forest, humming. 'Life can't get better!' The next thing she knows, a strong armoured arm is wrapped around her waist, and an armoured hand over her mouth. Looking, she sees it's the Dynasty green and she starts to struggle. "I thought we told you that you belonged to Talpa, child." Her eyes widen as she realizes that help won't come. 'No one knows I'm awake, or that I'm taking a walk!' The Soldier chuckles as she stops struggling, tears falling down her cheeks. Her drags her to the Gate he came through, and back into the Nether Realm.

White Blaze stares out the door, aware of what has happened to the future Torrent. Angered, he expresses his feelings the only way he can. Everyone is jolted awake as White Blaze roars in rage. The tiger is found snarling at the back door, and Aki says he can't find Ren. Ryo tells the children to stay behind and gathers the Ronins to go find Ren. As soon as they step out, a Soldier walks out, holding Ren's jacket. Cye gasps, "No! Let her go!" "She belongs to Talpa. You can do nothing for her now," the Soldier announces. It disappears, leaving stunned and grieving Ronins.

Ren sits in her cell, a prisoner in Talpa's dungeons. 'I hope Dad rescues me soon! I don't want to belong to Talpa!' The door unlocks and Talpa walks in. "Now young Mouri, you will join my Dynasty. Become my Warlady, I will see you well served." She makes a face, "Never in my lifetime! I'll never be your bloody Warlady! Now let me go!" Talpa snarls, "You will belong to me, and there is nothing you can do to stop it!" He storms out of the dungeon, locking her back up.

Cye is in tears, "We have to do something! We have to save her!" Kayura lays a hand on his shoulder, "We will. I promise you, we will save her." Ryo nods, " We're going to take this battle to them! They'll pay for going after the Mouris! RONINS! TO ARMS!" They all armour up, including the Warlords. Kayura opens a Gateway to the Nether Realm and they rush inside. Cye frowns determinedly, 'Hang on Ren, we're coming!'

Edit: Yeah, I forgot to put a disclaimer and a speech guide. Fixed that. That is what happens when you try to multitask with over five tasks, at least two of which are uber-important. The not-so-important stuff gets missed and messed up. Will be more careful next time. Please review, and feel free to critique NICELY. I do have self-esteem issues I'm still getting over. Enjoy!