AN: I'm so tired of having to state a disclaimer. Y'all know it. Hellfire and damnation.

WARNING: This chapter is extremely long.

—

The Wedding

—

It was here. That day that she had been waiting on for years. Today she was going to be Mrs. Ryo Sanada, but why did she feel so uneasy? It may have been from the previous night's activities of her Bachelorette party. Twyla had managed to procure some male entertainment. While most of the females had readily clapped and hooted at the men, Amaya had taken to splashing them with Holy Water. The memory of the poor Catholic girl cornered by a male stripper made her laugh.

"You gotta stay still for me to work my magic, Mia!" Hana commented. She was on makeup duty while Twyla took to doing her older sister's hair.

Mia tried not to smile, "Just thinking about Amaya last night."

Twyla laughed as she wrapped some of Mia's brown hair in the curler, "I honestly didn't know she would react that way. I would have chosen a different form of entertainment."

"Amaya is a little strange," Hana looked up at Twyla as she finished blending the eye makeup. "Her empathic abilities make her look and see the world differently. No offense to Catholics, but being raised as she was doesn't help."

"I've heard of people like her," Twyla tied thin, dark blue ribbons at certain points in Mia's hair then braided the strands into the brown hair.

Mia kept her eyes closed while she spoke, "If I hadn't been witness to one of her 'attacks' I would think someone was pulling my leg. She's a great friend. I wonder how they are faring at the wedding site?"

—

Rekino rubbed her chin in thought as she looked at the arrangement of roses. She and Amaya had spent days adding color dye into water so the white roses would turn an array of the colors of the armors: red, dark blue, green, light blue, burnt orange, and white. As she was fixing the arrangement for the third time, she heard a loud sneeze come from her side.

"God Bless you," she said softly.

Amaya put a hand over her nose and mouth for a moment before looking at her friend, "I thought you didn't believe?"

"Well, you do and that's all that matters."

"That's very considerate of you."

"Wow. Do y'all think I'm some kind of monster bitch or something?" Rekino grumbled in annoyance. She finished the arrangement just as her French friend slapped her arm. "Someone must be talking about you. That's a superstition from my country. Ha."

Amaya shook her head, "It must be the flowers."

Rekino looked at her friend. The France native chose to wear a long sleeved shimmering blue dress that went down to her ankles paired with a pair of black flats and blue hoop earrings. The bearer of the Guardian Armor of Fire swore that Amaya could pass for the Little Mermaid if she had red hair and the dress was short sleeved. The latter made no sense seeing as it was December.

The young Japanese girl took in her own appearance. She was dressed in a long sleeved, silk red shirt with a sheen shirt over it decorated with glitter paisley designs on top that stopped at her mid-thigh. She wore a pair of white skinny jeans with it and, shockingly, a pair of three inch red high heels. Her long ebony hair was braided and wrapped in a bun on top of her head. Her ears - each with three holes - were adorned with jewelry matching the color of her outfit. A pair of sunglasses rested on her nose. She had to keep up her appearance of someone who suffered from a sensitivity to sunlight.

Josephine came running up to them from the left of the area. The Chinese girl wore an orange business-like suit with a white undershirt and white sneakers. Rekino mused that Jo was probably one of the few females on the planet that could pull off a short haircut. The Guardian of Hardrock had chosen to spike her hair up slightly for this event, with the gel she chose sparkled in the sunlight.

"How's it cooking, good looking?" Rekino joked.

Josephine stopped running when she got up to the duo, "The caterers are here, so are the guys minus Ryo and James."

"Awesome!" Amaya clapped her hands. "We can start setting up the furniture so we can set up the floral arrangements. I will direct."

"She's in management mode," Rekino elbowed Josephine.

"I should go help the guys," Jo looked around nervously. Amaya in business mode was never a good thing. She tended to get snappy.

Rekino laughed, "You don't want to outgun your boyfriend." She grabbed the Chinese girl's left bicep when she said 'gun'. "You gotta pretend to be a weak heroine like me."

"If I didn't know you I would have to agree," said a deep voice from behind them, "but I've seen you fight, and truthfully, you are scary as hell. I call bullshit."

"Rowen Hashiba!" Amaya scolded. "I will not have that kind of talk here. Now, make yourself useful."

The blue haired scholar gave a salute, "Yes ma'am!"

Kento and Cye walked up carrying chairs, the former hauling twice as many as the latter. Each of the Ronins was dressed in a black suit, shoes, and a tie to match the armor colors. Rekino had to admit all of them looked handsome, but the Strata bearer stood out among them, she thought. Rowen always looked good, but today he was dashing in his suit and dark blue tie. That's when she noticed he was alone.

"Where's Invidya?" Rekino realized she asked the question out loud.

Rowen almost looked sad, "She had a family matter to attend. I couldn't make her choose." He put his hands in his pockets. "Where is your date?"

"Ha," the bearer of the Guardian of Wildfire laughed. "You know me. Single until I die, man."

"Then how about you be my date?"

Rekino recoiled in shock, almost falling over. "Wh-at?"

"Just as friends, of course."

"Oh yeah. Like that makes sense."

Rowen shrugged his shoulders, "Friends escort friends all the time, Candace. I'm not gonna hold your hand or anything."

"Y-yeah," Rekino sputtered. She didn't know what she was doing. He always managed to throw her off her game. "Sure. Why not."

Josephine nudged her with her elbow. She leaned down and whispered, "Get it, girl."

"I swear," Rekino made a mock angry face and raised her fist back, "I'll punch you in the eye."

Amaya jogged up to the group while clapping her hands frantically, "Ladies and gentlemen, we have things to do and only an hour to do it. Let's move it!"

Rowen lifted a hand to Rekino, "I'll catch you later." He walked away in the direction of his friends.

"Y-yeah. Later," the Guardian of Wildfire replied. After he disappeared, she let out the breath she had been holding as her whole body slouched. What in the hell had just happened? It was like a dream and a nightmare at the same time.

Josephine snapped her fingers, "Let's get going before she breaks out the wooden spoon."

Rekino nodded in agreement. She was starting to regret her choice in footwear, but it didn't matter. She could manage. After all, she was a ninja. Adapting to any environment was key to her dichotomy.

—

Ryo sat in the passenger seat of his Toyota Camry as James drove the vehicle. He kept checking himself in the mirror, adjusting his tie, and constantly fidgeting. He finally stopped and looked out the window as Mt. Fuji came into view, but he was tapping his fingers on the top of his thigh. James laughed.

"Be calm, Ryo. Everything is going to be fine."

"I'm, ah, just nervous," he ran his hands up and down the front of his thighs. "It's the most important day of my life."

James stopped at a red light as he turned on the blinker, "Just breathe. You're marrying the lady you love. Stay calm." He accelerated a little. "Everyone has the wedding day jitters."

"I want to thank you again for last night. It was a blast."

The American male had chosen a rather nice bar in town for the Bachelor Party. Low key, quiet scene where they drank beers and wine, shot pool, and played darts. Kento and Cye had even joined in on the karaoke night at the place. At this point, Ryo didn't know what he would be doing without James. His brother-in-law had stepped up to the plate and handled things for the wedding he had no idea about. James' wisdom and strength had really carried him these last few weeks.

"You're family, Ryo. It's what I'm supposed to do."

They pulled up to the site as James put the car in park. Ryo got out and looked in awe at the scene. The wedding director had said there would already be a stage there, but everything else would have to be supplied. A small tent was set up close to where he was standing. A long, red carpet was laid out from in front of the tent to the stage. On either side of the carpet were two sets of five rows of five seats for the guests. Off to the left of the wedding area was another tent albeit much bigger than the one close to him. The guests had already arrived and were seated in front of the stage.

Ryo saw Hana walk up to him from his left. She was dressed in a green floral dress with bell bottom long sleeves and thigh high white boots. A large, white belt was around her blonde hair was extra curly. She could have passed for a hippie in that outfit. Twyla was on her right wearing a long sleeved,silver gown with a sweetheart neckline. Clasped on the shoulder of the gown was a sheen, grey cape that went down to her knees. A string of pearls adorned her neck that paired with the same pearl earrings.

"You cutting it close, huh?" Hana joked with the two.

"Sorry. Just a little nervous," Ryo replied.

Twyla greeted her husband with a kiss, "Sis is in the small tent here. I have to get back in there, but I just had to see you."

James smiled at his wife, "My love, it is no bother and you know it."

"We got fifteen minutes so let's get down to brass tax," Hana's military side was showing at this point. "As Twyla said, Mia is in that tent. Don't go near it. Guests are here, reception is over there. All of the food has already been delivered and inspected by Amaya. She's been cracking the whip and keeping everyone busy."

"It's hard to imagine that sweet girl being commanding to anyone," James laughed.

Twyla nodded in agreement, "It's a fact, though. Hana and I have been busy with Mia so she took charge." She gave her husband one last kiss. "I need to get back," she spared a glance at Ryo. "If you hurt my sister, I hurt you."

The bearer of Wildfire gave her a reassuring smile, "I wouldn't dream of it."

Hana snapped her fingers, "Time is wasting. You two gentlemen get to the stage. Ten minutes and counting, people!"

—

Rekino watched as James and Ryo made their way down the long red carpet. Her brother was greeting the small number of guests that were there. Aside from the heroes, Mia had invited some of her colleagues from the college just as Ryo invited some from his job at the zoo. The two males took their place on the stage on the left side of the priest.

The Guardian of Wildfire felt a presence beside her just as Rowen sat down. She was trying to keep herself from blushing, but knowing the fact that he was her "date" didn't help. It was fake, but she had wished it to be real. She pushed the glasses up farther on her nose as Ryo looked at the group and waved. Him not seeing her eyes was crucial to her secret identity. Amethyst eyes were passed down in the women from their mother's family. If he saw them, then it would be the end of secrecy and all she wrote.

The march started when Hana clicked a button on her phone to trigger the bluetooth speakers. The flaps of the tent opened to reveal Mia on the arm of her sister. Rekino gasped when she saw her soon to be sister-in-law. She truly was a sight to behold.

Mia wore a long sleeved, white gown with a lace bodice and multi-layered chiffon skirt. A tiara with dark blue gems rested on the top of her head. Her brown hair was down and decorated with several tiny braids and dark blue ribbons. The train of the dress was dark blue and embroidered with lace designs. A thin veil with tiny crystals was over her face.

As the two siblings approached the stage, Twyla and Mia exchanged a brief hug as the latter handed off her bouquet of roses that was made from the same ones in the decorations. Mia stood in front of Ryo as they took one another's hands.

The priest stepped forward, "We are gathered here on this beautiful day to wed this man - Ryo Sanada - and this woman - Mia Koji - in holy matrimony. Everyone may take their seats so we can begin."

Rekino listened as the priest went on and on about the joys of marriage. She was happy for her brother and her friend, but today was a special day for her, too. Truth be told, she wanted this to end so she could go home and celebrate/mourn in her own way.

The priest tied Mia and Ryo's joined hands together with a red and dark blue ribbon. That was when she saw Rowen lean back in his seat and rested his arm on the back of her chair. His hand rested on the upper part of her left arm. Rekino didn't pay attention anymore after that. She wanted nothing more than to rest her head on his shoulder, but she kept the stoic look despite the fact she knew her face was as red as her armor.

She had been so lost in her own head she had missed the exchanging of the vows. The priest was speaking now.

"If there are no objections," he paused his statement for a brief moment, "then I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Ryo moved Mia's veil behind her. Her green eyes sparkled with adoration as she lifted a hand to his cheek at the exact moment he did the same to her. They both chuckled. The bearer of the Wildfire Armor leaned down to seal their nuptials with a kiss. Everyone was watching in anticipation, especially Rekino. She thought that this wasn't that bad of a birthday present.

That's when the sky turned dark. Lightning struck and thunder crashed all around them. Rekino looked behind her to see two women in subarmor standing at the end of the rug. She got a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach.

They were both around the same height. The female on the right had short black hair shaped like a V where it was longer in the front and shorter in the black. Her creepy black eyes had white pupils. She was wearing solid black subarmor. There was nothing light or bright about her. The other female was her exact contrast, literally. She had long, flowing white hair that refracted all the light. Her pupils were black, but her eyes looked like a suncatcher at high noon - they shimmered with all color. Her subarmor was bleach white.

Who the hell are these bitches?

"Oh, I'm sorry. Did we interrupt something?" the white one spoke. Her voice was really soft yet insulting.

"Who," Ryo sneered as he got in front of Mia, "the hell are you?"

"You may call me Acheron," the white one replied. "This is my companion, Novarian."

James put himself in front of his in-laws, "I don't remember your names being on the invitation list."

Novarian spoke, "We're here to deliver a message from our master." Her voice was deeper than the other one's and seemed to hold much more malice.

"It's not welcomed," Ryo spat. "Leave. There are innocents here."

Rekino sent out a psychic link to the other females. This is gonna get really ugly really fast. Be ready for anything. She could hear the murmurs and whispers of all the guests who had no idea what was going on asking about how the two females were dressed and what exactly they were wearing.

"He says," Novarian started.

"Congrats on your marriage," Acheron finished.

The area went completely black. Lightning flashed. When the light returned, both of the females were wearing full armor. The Novarian Armor was stark black; both of her hands were holding the handle of a giant hammer that was resting on her shoulders. The Acheron Armor was white and prismatic; her weapon - a rope dart - was wrapped around her waist.

That's when pandemonium happened and hell began.

—

The Ronin Warriors - including James - donned their subarmor in the blink of an eye. To keep their civilian identities just that, the Lady Guardians assisted Twyla in escorting everyone that didn't have any armor away from the battle. Staying hidden was one thing, but allowing innocent blood to be spilt was not up for debate. The girls would do all they could to keep the non armored humans safe.

Rekino helped an elderly lady run away from the ensuing violence. She recognized all of the creatures they had fought this year on the battlefield. The Zendlar, the snake creatures - she was going to dub them Naga -, and the gargoyle ones. She pushed the old woman towards the retreating group just as one of the Naga slithered towards them. She took out the collapsable Tungsten staff and released it to hit the snake in the stomach with one end. She chambered her leg up, bent forward, and used her leg like a scorpion's stinger to nail the creature in the face. Rekino delivered a punch to its face, but instantly regretted that decision.

Apparently their faces weren't as squishy when she wasn't in armor. Josephine appeared on the right and smashed a chair over the lizard. Rekino picked up a particularly sharp piece from the ground and stabbed the Naga in its eye, effectively killing it. Rekino was amazed she was still wearing her sunglasses.

"Thanks for the save, Jo."

The Chinese girl smiled, "I always got your six."

Hana and Amaya ran up to them. The blonde had nerves of steel, but something in the girl's eyes made Rekino uneasy.

"Twyla has taken care of escorting everyone away," Hana heaved, "but what do we do?"

"Mia is still there," Amaya said. Rekino knew the French native was gripping the rosary in her pocket. "We can't leave her with those monsters."

Josephine ducked as something random whizzed by her, "We can't take these damn things on without armor. If we do that, we'll blow our cover right to hell."

"In a handbasket," Rekino added.

That's when Twyla joined the four females. She appeared to be out of breath, but was keeping her composure despite the neverending chaos, "I've gotten everyone as far away as I could."

"Take this," Rekino collapsed the staff and handed it to the younger Koji sibling. "I don't know if you'll need it, but it's sturdy as hell."

"What are you guys going to do?"

That's when they all heard Mia's loud, worried voice shouting Ryo's name. Rekino turned around to see one of the Zendlar standing in front of her brother who was protecting Mia. She had fought one of those big lizards and knew Ryo couldn't take that hit in just subarmor. He would be hurt or worse - killed. Every other Ronin Warrior was too busy trying to handle the horde of enemies that had appeared.

Time seemed to slow down. One heartbeat, then another. Her chest was aching as she slowly watched the Zendlar bring his sword down towards her brother. What was she supposed to do? With each passing second she was left indecisive. Did she transform and save the only family she had left or turn and run away like a coward for the sake of keeping her weird ass identity a secret? Her heart was almost beating out of her chest.

That's when she noticed the two new female armor bearers still standing where they had arrived. The one called Acheron was looking at her with a devious smirk on her lips.

Those two knew who she was. They were baiting her into a trap.

—

Ryo didn't know where all these things were coming from, but what he did know was that he had never been so angry. His moment of happiness had finally come only for it to be ruined. When his subarmor snapped on, he saw his friend's girlfriends and his sister-in-law escorting all of the civilians away, including the priest that had been officiating the wedding.

James had been fighting by his side as they kept a protective circle around Mia, who was on the ground. He wasn't going to let anyone or anything get to her. He and his friends were going to destroy these new enemies and he was going to marry the love of his life today.

"Ryo!" James called out as he used his Energy Claws to destroy three of the weird snake creatures. "Cye and Sage are swamped over there. I'm gonna go help."

"I'll hold the fort here!" he replied.

When James left, that's when Rowen appeared, "I gotcha, man. Kento is having a blast."

"I can tell," Ryo punched a gargoyle in the face. "Ro, get Mia out of here."

Mia stood up, "I'm staying here with you, Ryo! For better or worse."

"No!"

"Yes!"

Ryo threw his arms up, "Will you listen to me for once, dammit?! I can't fight knowing you aren't safe."

"I'm not defenseless," Mia retorted. "I can't fight."

Rowen picked up the wooden podium and smashed it against one of the Naga, "Not against these you can't. Ryo, we need to armor up!"

The bearer of the Wildfire Armor nodded his head. He looked up just as one of the biggest lizard creatures he had ever seen was standing in front of him, sword raised in the air. Ryo instantly threw out his arms and put himself in front of his lover. Mia's shouting didn't reach him. He saw Rowen move behind him, probably to cover Mia, but he didn't know. The Ronin Warriors leader closed his eyes. If this attack killed him, then he would die protecting the woman he loved. He had no regrets. The thought of leaving Mia broke his heart, but he would be reunited with his sister in death.

That was when he felt a gust of air. Ryo opened his eyes to see an ebony haired female in front of him. She skillfully grabbed the sword by the blade with her left hand, swept her right arm up to break the metal at the hilt, and stabbed the Zendlar in the stomach with the broken blade. The creature fell over dead.

The entire battlefield paused.

The female in front of him was wearing a red and white subarmor. Just like his.

"Candace?" Rowen asked tentatively. The blue haired Strata bearer appeared at Ryo's side with Mia. He had jumped in front of her after all.

"Yes," the female reached up to take off her sunglasses, "and no." She looked over her shoulder at the trio.

Ryo stopped breathing. Those eyes…! The same amethyst orbs that had haunted his dreams since he was a young boy. The same eyes that were genetically passed down on his mother's side of the family. He didn't think his heart was beating. It was her. It really was her.

He exhaled the breath he had been holding as he said her name, "Rekino…"

"Hey, Ryo," she gave him a small smile before facing the two armored females. Rekino lifted her right arm into the air.

Ryo's world crumbled apart even farther when he heard his wife apologize and join his sister.

—

Rekino didn't know what had overcome her. She was a ninja; a master of her emotions and actions, but when she saw that Acheron bitch smirk something inside just broke. The Wildfire subarmor wrapped around her quicker than it ever had before. As the blade descended on her brother she intercepted by catching the blade between her left index and middle fingers before striking it with a hammerfist, successfully breaking the blade at the hilt. The demon was dead within seconds.

"Candace?" It was the voice of Rowen.

"Yes."

It was now or never. Screw what Kayura wanted. She wasn't going to let her brother die.

"And no," she removed her sunglasses, looking over her shoulder. The emotions that passed over and in Ryo's eyes were probably the same she was experiencing. His lips were trying to move, but it was a struggle. When he finally did speak, it was the best feeling ever. Like the biggest weight had been lifted off of her shoulders.

"Rekino…"

"Hey, Ryo," she gave him a small smile before turning to look at the two bitches who had been toying with them. She wasn't mad. No. She was seething. It was time to make the roll call. She lifted her right arm in the air.

"Lady Guardians! To arms!" The sound of her friends and comrades shouting sent chills down her spine.

"Armor of Lady Hardrock!"

"Armor of Lady Torrent!"

"Armor of Lady Halo!"

Mia stepped forward, "Forgive me, Ryo." She retrieved the armor orb from the top of her wedding gown. "Armor of Lady Strata."

Rekino put all of her spirit and anger into her call, "Armor…of Lady Wildfire!"

No one knew what to make of the situation. None of the Ronin Warriors knew what to think, except for James. All of them were shocked that their partners and certain family members were armor bearing warriors just like they were. While the Lady Guardian armors resemble their male counterparts almost exactly the only two differences were the female versions were more form fitting and had capes.

Rekino steeled her resolve. Sentimentality could be put off until later. It was time to get down to action, and she wasted no time in charging the two armored females. She had to figure out their abilities and they didn't have time to tiptoe around the enigmatic duo. She couldn't make out what Hana or Mia were protesting about loudly or what all the other shouting was about. It didn't matter. The Guardian of Wildfire prepared to deliver a kick to the face of the smirking Archeron Bearer only to be swatted away like a fly by the Novarian Bearer's giant Warhammer.

—

James had done his part, getting everyone to safety, when he heard Rekino's cry out to the Guardians. He turned to Twyla, "Love, it's time to go to work. Rent's due."

They shared a chaste kiss. Twyla looked at her husband with worrisome eyes, "Be safe, and help the others out. I'll do what I can over here." She held out a familiar looking silver cylinder. It extended into a staff. "Rekino loaned me a gift."

"How noble of her," James ran onto the battlefield in his subarmor. He took in a deep breath, "Ronin Warriors! Get it together!" He lifted his arms in the air, "Armor of the Eliminator! Dao CHIN!" Cherry blossoms swirled around to form the majestic silver and grey armor with the Power Sword strapped across his back.

When his face mask disappeared, he looked up in time to see Rekino take a hit from the giant, black Warhammer. He watched her tiny, armored body skip across the battlefield before it stopped. During the ensuing silence, James knew one thing was for certain.

Rekino was pissed, and for some reason he couldn't help but be amused at the thought. What was she going to do?

—

No one knew how to react. Between James shouting at the guys to Rekino being hit out of the air no one moved. Hana's blue eyes were wide in horror as she watched her best friend take probably the strongest hit ever. That's when her legs found their mobility, but she stopped mid-run when Rekino stood up, ripped her helmet off angrily, and stomped her foot.

"You bunch of shit fuck-"

All worry for her friend left as Hana sighed, "And it starts."

"-collard green eatin', biscuit soppin', goddamn bitch ass hillbillies!"

Amaya blanched as her face paled at their leader's choice of words, "Rekino Sanada!"

"I got some flannel you can shove up your ass. Hayseed fuckin' thunder cunts!" Rekino kicked some dirt out of the ground.

Josephine, in full armor, was doubled over with laughter. The mixture of the perfect Japanese with her thick Southern American accent made that rant funnier, "That is comedy gold. I love her."

"Grandma fuckers!"

James cupped his hands over his mouth, "Ladies, do we qualify this as child abuse?"

"GODDAMMIT, JAMES!" Rekino picked up a handful of dirt and threw it in James's direction, but it didn't get very far considering they were a half a mile apart. That fueled her anger even further. "Sonuvabitch! This is some bullshit."

Mia's green eyes twinkled with humor, but also pleaded with her brother-in-law, "Please don't." She was trying really hard not to laugh.

The Eliminator bearer just held up his arms, shrugging, "She's throwing a tantrum like a child."

"No child," Amaya said harshly, "has ever used that kind of language."

"You know what? I'm cool. I'm cool," Rekino closed her eyes and took in several deep breaths, her right hand moving up and down in front of her body to signal an inhale and an exhale. "It's all good 'cause these hands are rated E for everyone, bitches, and y'all about to catch a case of 'em."

Mia had no idea why the entire battlefield had come to a halt. Did it have something to do with those two mysterious females? She tapped her husband on the shoulder. He looked at her with eyes she had never seen before. It was like something had fractured in his soul.

"Ryo?" Mia touched his cheek. "You need to put your armor on. Ryo!"

"You…" He was speaking barely above a whisper. His voice carried so many emotions. "You knew. All this time, you knew."

The brunette sucked in a breath. She honestly thought that her lover would have been overjoyed at the reunion with his sibling, but she hadn't given not one single thought to how he would react to the knowledge that she had been privy to Rekino's existence for over six months. Mia turned to Rowen who appeared to be gathering his bearings on the entire situation.

"You have to call your armors!"

The scream seemed to send a jolt of reality to the blue haired warrior. He looked at a fully armored Mia, the fact that she wore an armor identical to his still wasn't registering. He was looking around at the enemies at a complete standstill. Kento started shouting at this point.

"I wanna know what the hell is going on!"

Josephine nodded in agreement, "I'm with him on this one."

The Hardrock Warrior turned to his younger cousin, "Like you have room to talk. Got any more secrets you wanna air out?"

"Put a sock in it, cuz."

Amaya looked appalled, "Don't speak to him like that, Josephine. He's your family."

"And you!" Kento whirled around to the French woman. "All your talk of God and Christianity and you were lying about everything the whole time!"

"I…I never," Amaya's eyes brimmed with tears. "Kento, you misunderstand."

"Don't make her cry, jerkface!" Josephine yelled at her cousin, but Cye stepped into her line of view.

"You knew exactly who and what we were this entire time and you played us all like fools."

The Hardrock Guardian inhaled sharply, "Dammit."

"You KNEW!" Ryo was in a frenzy at this point. He grabbed Mia by her upper hands, screaming at her. "You let me live in literal hell and you couldn't think to tell me - your partner, your lover, your future husband - that my sister was alive?!"

"Oi, Ryo. Cool it, man!" Rowen put his chest to Mia's back to brace his Guardian while trying to pull the enraged Wildfire bearer back.

James did his best to jump in between the two lovers, "Ryo, desist! This is your lady. You don't want to hurt her!"

Hana appeared on the other side of the quarreling foursome to try and help, but that's when Ryo let go of Mia and grabbed the blonde instead. He took his anger out on her, too.

"You lied to my face, Hana. To my face while we sat at that dinner, sharing all these memories of her, and made me look like a goddamn fool talking about her."

That's when Sage showed up to defend his lover. He and Hana were trying to get Ryo to let go of her, "We've all been lied to, okay? You're not alone in this. Get your head in the game!"

"My head in the game?" The Wildfire bearer shot his arm out causing both of the Halo bearers to take a step back. "You weren't the one who watched your sister die in front of you. You weren't haunted by a ghost for almost half your life only to find out that the person who you wanted to grow old and die with knew she was alive! And the icing on the cake?" Ryo pointed at Mia. "She's an armor bearer!"

Chaos. Pure, utter chaos was spreading all over the now crashed wedding venue with the beautiful Mount Fuji in the background. But it wasn't an enemy they were fighting, it was one another.

Rekino released her braided hair from the tight bun before putting her helmet back on, "I've had enough of this shit." She pulled the Wildfire Swords from their scabbards, pointing at the two women that were right in the middle of the fray. "You two are going down!"

Novarian started to chuckle before she burst into an outright maniacal laughter, "Why should we fight you when it's so easy for you to destroy yourselves?"

These bitches!

Someone else was in the area. It was almost like a tingling at the back of her neck. Rekino could feel the overwhelming amount of negativity in the air feeding off of the calamity. It was trying to touch and meld with her own consciousness. She felt the virtue burning on her forehead. She locked eyes with James momentarily. This was a gamble, but she was about to put her faith in someone she barely knew. Rekino just prayed he could read lips.

Find it.

Only two words, but the Guardian of Wildfire was sure he understood what was meant. It took only a matter of seconds before the blond male moved his eyes directly above where he was standing next to a still angry Ryo, Mia, Rowen, Hana, and Sage. Rekino crossed her arms over her chest to prepare for her ultimate attack. Locking eyes with her best friend, the kunoichi moved her head in the up direction. While Sage and Rowen were struggling with Ryo, Hana reflected the sun off of her no-datchi which made her eyes widen.

Rekino returned her gaze back to the Acheron and Novarian user. She relayed a quick message telepathically then readied herself, "Tornado Fire Flare!" Uncrossing her arms quickly, the two red beams criss-crossed towards the two armored females like a sine way. On impact, a giant tornado of fire was in its place, but the two had already moved. They had to do this fast.

"Do it now!"

Hana jumped away from everyone. Energy gathered at the end of her no-datchi, "Sunspot Fury!" She pointed the weapon above her head as the light shot out to the spot in the sky. They heard a loud shriek as some sort of black, insect creature was revealed.

"Amaya!"

The Guardian of Torrent ran forward as she twirled the yari with the grace of a ballerina as streaks of water appeared in the air starting to take a round shape, "Deep Fathom Sphere!" The ball shot out at the insect creature encasing it. Amaya held out her hand before squeezing it tightly. "Crush!" The creature was destroyed as well as all the nonhuman enemies on the ground.

The Novarian user kicked off the ground with blinding speed towards the French woman. Josephine intercepted her, but didn't expect just how strong this female was. She stabbed her naginata into the ground to help brace the attack.

"Think you're tough?" The black eyed female smirked as an inky aura surrounded her. With a small step back, the warhammer was raised high in the air. "Graviton Hammer!" Novarian brought it down on Josephine.

The Hardrock Guardian looked like she had just been hit with thousands of pounds of pressure. A crater at least a half mile wide and deep formed. Josephine's body rested at the bottom of it. The intensity of the pressure also caused Amaya to fall to her knees. Both of the females cried out in agony from the crushing intensity.

"Armor of Hardrock!"

"Armor of Torrent!"

Kento jumped into the crater to help his cousin only to be pulled down into it by the increased gravity. Cye ran towards Amaya, but his knees started to buckle under the pressure. He extended his yari out towards his guardian, pulling her slowly away from the area.

Rekino crouched down and sprung forward to try to get to her friends just as the two of the five Ronin Warriors transformed. Her eyes widened in shock when a rope wrapped around her waist. Acheron laughed wildly as she twirled Rekino around in the air with the rope dart before sending the kunoichi flying.

"What's wrong, Lady Wildfire? Can't fly?"

Despite the fact her husband was still having a neurotic breakdown, Mia pushed away from him and jumped off the ground and into the air. She flew swiftly and quickly for several seconds before she was able to grab Rekino by the ankle and slow the momentum. Rekino let out a deep sigh of relief despite the fact she was now upside down in the air being held by her ankle.

"Look out!"

The dagger end of the rope dart was heading towards the duo, but James jumped in front of the two with his Power Sword drawn as the rope dart wrapped around his blade. When he landed, he was gripping the end of his sword with one end while keeping the Acheron's weapon around it. They were now playing tug of war in a struggle of power.

"You're either very brave," the white haired woman's prismatic eyes narrowed evilly, "or very stupid."

"You don't know who you're dealing with, lady," James growled, a look of determination on his face. "Energy claws DEPLOY" he called out. With that, three claws of pure energy appeared from James gauntlets and cup the rope dart. He threw the part that was on his sword on the ground.

Acheron looked worried, "Oh no. You cut my weapon!" Then she laughed. Small beams of light from the cut pieces connected as it was sewn back together. "It won't be that easy."

–

"We gotta go, Ryo!" Rowen was shaking his best friend's shoulders almost too violently. It didn't seem to phase the Ronin leader as his tiger blue eyes were dark, void of everything. "The guys need us!"

Sage looked between the two battles that were going on. Hana had left to go join in helping Mia, Rekino, and James. The Hardrock and Torrent duo were the ones struggling the most at the moment. He looked down at his blue haired friend.

"We don't have time to waste!"

"You're right," came a malicious whisper from behind them. "You don't."

Novarian delivered a right kick to Sage in the chest and used the same leg to give Rowen one, but he was able to partially dodge it with his forearms. The two males were sent flying. Their only saving grace was that they were in subarmor. The female stood in front of Ryo, eyed him up and down. She snapped her fingers in front of his face.

"He really is out of it. Stupid mortal," she used both of her hands to lift the giant, black warhammer above her head. "You die."

"Armor of Strata!"

"Armor of Halo!"

Kento and Josephine had just managed to crawl out of the crater. The Hardrock bearer shouted in protest as the hammer swung down.

"Ryo!"

The attack suddenly stopped as Novarian started shouting. Rekino had leapt across the battlefield and onto the enemy's shoulders. She had her swords crossed in front of the hammer to prevent it from going further. Rekino wrapped her legs around the woman's neck, using all her strength in them to squeeze. The kunoichi started screaming as the Guardian of Wildfire Armor started glowing.

"Don't touch my brother, bitch!"

Josephine used her weapon to stand up, "She's going thermonuclear!"

That's when the heat came. Novarian started screaming in protest as her movements became erratic as to get the Guardian of Wildfire off of her. Rekino started screaming again as the heat increased. Everyone could feel it.

"My armor can burn up to eighteen hundred degrees!" The kunoichi released her Wildfire Swords once they had gotten away from Ryo. She put both her hands over Novarian's eyes. "Let's see how much it will take to burn out your eyes!"

Acheron, who had been fighting James, Mia, and Hana, suddenly blinked away from the trio. She appeared on the other side of the battlefield. Rekino moved one of her hands from the Novarian's face towards her own face as the rope dart attempted to wrap around her neck. The Guardians of Strata and Halo along with James started running towards the group.

"Let her go!" Amaya shouted, but it was aimed at Rekino who was now taking random hits from the warhammer. The heat was draining her armor as well as Cye's.

"Aim at the rope!" Josephine shouted.

James shook his head, "It won't break!"

Acheron shouted as she gave a forceful pull, which caused Rekino and Novarian to fall onto their backs. Rekino inhaled sharply at the pain, but loosened the grip of one of her legs to kick at the Novarian's hands to get the warhammer loose. If the two were both focused on her then no one else would get hurt. It was stupid, but effective. Problem was that she could only stay at this temperature for ten minutes until the cells in her body started to liquify resulting in permanent damage to her body.

It had already been eight.

If she didn't get this warhammer out of this bitch's hand soon so the others could safely attack then she was going to be in trouble. Rekino knew she would end up passing out soon from the tight grip of the rope. The only reason she hadn't was because her forearm had blocked the rope and was keeping it from squeezing at full strength. The one thing that she knew for sure was this Novarian cunt wasn't going to have eyes after this.

Thirty seconds.

"Armor of Wildfire!"

Kento hollered, "About damn time!"

"Flare Up Now!"

The attack was horizontal instead of vertical as it zoomed right towards Acheron just as Rekino had kicked the warhammer away from Novarian and she rolled to the right. The black armored warrior was left on the ground screaming in agony, clawing at her face. The other Ronins, Guardians, and James surrounded the black armored female.

Rekino got on her feet slowly. She was breathing heavily as if the act itself was the hardest thing she's ever done. Her body barely had any energy from the length of time she held onto the amount of heat. She was weaponless as well. The Guardian of Wildfire armor blinked before fading, leaving Rekino only in subarmor. If she was attacked now it wouldn't end well for her.

"You good, boss?" Josephine called out to her.

"No," Rekino whispered while shaking her head before her knees gave out and she crumbled to the ground in a sitting position. She looked at her brother. "It took you fucking long enough! Damn."

"When we get home," Amaya didn't tear her eyes away from Novarian still writhing on the ground, "I'm going to wash your mouth out with soap."

Ryo gave a sheepish smile of apology, "Sorry it took me so long to get on board, guys. And girls, too."

Rekino didn't hear any more conversation about that. There was a strange buzzing in the area. She didn't know if it was from being so drained from using her special ability or what, but there was something telling her she needed to move. Conjuring up all the strength she had left, Rekino rolled forward and got on her feet. She grabbed the end of her braid that held three tiny poisonous blades just as she turned around only to be stopped.

"I love it when a plan comes together," a mysterious male spoke, "but I'm going to need my subordinate back."

Acheron stood beside a man with silver hair. His ears and canine's were elongated. His eyes were steel gray and slit like a cat. He was exceptionally tall, probably the tallest man she had ever met. He was well over six and a half feet tall. He was dressed in a black tunic engraved with red filigree designs paired with red pants and Eastern style black shoes.

"And who," James called in the Star Sword, preparing to combine it with the Power Sword, "the hell are you?"

At seeing her best friend in distress, Hana wasted no time. She jumped in the air towards the trio with her no-datchi ready to strike, but with a snap the blonde Halo Guardian was frozen in mid air. She couldn't move. What was happening?

"My name is Sho Ahka," he grinned maliciously as his long canines appeared.

Sage repositioned himself so he would be prepared to attack, "Let them go."

Ahka shook his head, "This is how it's going to go." He gripped a frozen Rekino's wrist and moved it to where the blade was pointed at her own throat. "You will give me what I want, or I'll just kill her and the pretty blonde. I know for a fact these blades are poisoned, isn't that right, kunoichi?"

"Bas…tard," the Wildfire Guardian managed to say through clenched teeth. How dare he speak to her about ninjutsu! She, as well as Hana, were completely defenseless. If he so much as nicked her with the blade it would be game over. The poison had been designed by Nefertiti, the Snake Guardian, who was a master in making poisons.

"If any of you move, other than away from my subordinate, killing will ensue. Just to show my good nature," He snapped his fingers, stripping Hana of her armor. He looked at the group surrounding Novarian, then leaned down towards Rekino. "You know, I really didn't expect you to burn her eyes. What a good little ninja you are. So chaotic."

If only she could move she would hit him so hard his ancestors would feel it. Rekino was glaring at him with fury she didn't know she had.

"I like that look, Rekino Sanada," Sho Ahka simply laughed at her as he gently poked the tip of her nose. It was almost affectionate. "The path of righteousness is long and full of perils."

"Don't touch her," Ryo said heatedly. His blue eyes scanned the area before he sighed in defeat. "Stand down, guys."

"But Ryo-" Kento didn't finish the sentence.

"This is checkmate," James said coolly. Too cool to be in the current situation. "But there will be a next time."

The remaining Ronin Warriors and Lady Guardians moved away from the body of Novarian. Acheron used her rope dart to wrap around the unconscious female and pull her to them. Sho Ahka clapped his hands cheerfully then locked eyes with Rekino.

"I look forward to seeing the things that you'll do."

And the three were gone as quickly as they had arrived. Hana fell out of the air, but recovered by curling her body to do an impressive roll on the ground. She ran towards Rekino just as the other female passed out.

—

Next Chapter: Wedding Aftermath