Chapter 13: The Light in the Dark Part V

"Curse Watsuki Kimi…that impertinent, presumptuous little witch!" Osamu seethed through his teeth. The light in his hand flickered in agitation in tune with his words. "She's as insolent as her father, grandfather, and great-grandfather! We should have killed her when we had the chance!"

"Oh, be quiet, brother, or you'll give yourself an ulcer," Kazue huffed exasperatedly from behind.

Osamu faced her, his glowing eyes sparking like fire. Behind him, loyal servants stood silently. None dared speak to their master, for his anger burned dangerously. Above them, distant rumblings and explosions rattled the earth.

"The Guardians have unraveled years of our secret acts! Our power struggle is now laid bare. We shall be ruined!" Osamu's lips curled in disgust as he spat out the last few words as if they tasted poisonous. Consumed by fury, he slammed his fist into the side of the wall, channeling his light magic with such intensity that it created a giant fissure. Despite the raw display of power, Kazue didn't flinch.

"Only if those little girls survive," Kazue replied cooly. "You forget that my omukade will handle those Guardians like the insects that they are."

"You're a fool to think they would not!" Osamu snarled. "Have you forgotten how powerful that red-headed Guardian was?" He turned to his twin. "She dissolved your prison as if it was made of paper, Nii-san. Her chi was unfathomable! She rendered us unconscious with that wave of energy...we were fortunate that she didn't kill us!"

The daimyo narrowed his eyes at his twin but remained silent.

The Kinomoto clan elders' meeting with Kimi had taken an unexpected turn. They had hoped to assert control over the Guardian of Light, arranging a marriage for her and demanding that she relinquish her Guardianship, but Kimi skillfully rejected their authority and tried to leave. Realizing they could no longer manipulate her, the elders attempted to eliminate her, much like they had done with Seiji. As Kimi lay writhing on the ground from a poisonous bite of a dark mukade, The other Guardians sensed her danger and hurried to help. The Earthlings and the Basiliadian fought bravely against the elders, particularly the red-haired Keeper, who'd used her Heart of Kandrakar to rescue her friend and reveal the elders' dark secrets to the Guardians.

Every duplicitous scheme that Isamu, his brother, and his wife had ever orchestrated was brought to light. After their secrets were revealed, the Kinomoto elders fled. Kazue summoned a giant centipede to distract the Guardians, allowing daimyo Isamu and his cohorts to escape through a hidden passageway with their loyal attendants and warriors.

"Now, we're making haste through these tunnels like thieves in the night, and you expect me to be calm, Kazue?!" Osamu hissed.

"They're Earthlings, brother," Kazue chided. "Weak and worthless beings."

"They were made Guardians for a reason! Woe onto us if we forget that!" Osamu tightened his grip around the handle of his wakizashi. "We should have stayed to ensure that the omukade has done its work, or at the very least, kill the Guardians whilst they were distracted by your dark creature!"

At this, Kazue's face contorted with fury, nostrils flaring in indignation as if she had been struck.

"Are you questioning my skills, brother?" she rebuked. "Who used their power to help you and Isamu lead this clan? Whose blood magic turned that Seiji boy into a cursed monster? Your brother came up with the brilliant plans, but let's be clear, Osamu…" With a proud gesture, a dark and sinuous centipede emerged from her sleeve. It hissed at Osamu before retreating beneath her robes, "My dark power has helped us for years and will continue to do so! If you doubt me, you can go back!" she finished coldly. Without another word, Kazue and her husband brushed past Osamu, dismissing his doubts as they left.

"Come," Isamu's voice cut through the air like a blade, commanding his twin without so much as a glance. As they walked, Isamu's cold aura emanated from him, making Osamu shiver. His silent cruelty felt as chilling as the icy plains of the north. Their loyal warriors and servants hurried to keep up with their daimyo and his lady while Osamu, regaining his composure, quickened his pace with a muttered curse.

Kazue interjected, her gaze flitting to Isamu. "Your brother has a valid point, husband. The Guardians now hold our secrets. If they expose us, we shall lose our power and standing! We must—"

"I would choose my next words carefully, dear wife," Lord Isamu interrupted, his voice cold and soft. "Do not forget that without me or Osamu, you would still be in a gilded cage with dark iron manacles chafing your wrists."

Kazue's throat tightened as memories flooded back of her imprisonment by her father, the previous daimyo, Lord Kiyoshi. She had been confined for years, her magic blocked by shackles of dark iron. The rest of the clan had forgotten about her, and the world had moved on. Isamu and his brother had been her only saviors.

"You walk free and at my side all these years as my wife and lady because I allowed it," Isamu added.

Kazue lowered her head in submission and nodded. Despite being a powerful blood witch, she knew she was indebted to him. "Hai, Isamu-dono," she whispered so only her husband could hear. "Forgive me, dear husband, for I have spoken out of turn."

Satisfied with her reply, Osamu continued his stride. "Do not fret, Kazue. This passageway will lead us directly into the Imperial Palace. I've already spoken with Prince Katsura. He awaits us."

Osamu blinked in astonishment. "The shogun? What can he do to help our predicament?"

Isamu glared at his brother, his voice dripping with contempt. "The Guardians are occupied! The emperor is dead, and the new empress will soon follow! This is our chance to solidify our power!"

"I understand your desire for Prince Katsura to become the next emperor, but have you forgotten Komei's warning? The Guardians will not support this! Kimi will not use her Talisman to back him!"

"It matters not what the Chancellor said because soon Kimi and the other Guardians will be dead! Like it or not, Prince Katsura is a blood member of the royal family and will be the only legitimate candidate for the throne!"

Kazue's mind raced as she began to comprehend Isamu's intentions. A nasty smile played on her lips. "You plan to have him declare you as the next shogun, don't you?"

Isamu smiled at her and stopped abruptly to face his twin. His voice dripped with disdain as he said, "Unlike you, I haven't wasted time chasing shadows. While you've failed in your task, I've taken the necessary steps to set our future in motion and position us within the highest court."

Osamu and his brother locked eyes, but Osamu said nothing. He was frustrated that he had failed to uncover daimyo Sora's spy. He lowered his head. "I should have never doubted you, brother. As always, you are the master strategist, and I am at your command. Wield me as you see fit; together, we could carve a path to the throne itself."

A calculating and cold smile stretched across the daimyo's lips. "In due time, dear brother, I intend to claim it all and conquer this kingdom. But such a grand scheme will require patience before it can be realized."

Kazue was unable to contain her wicked delight. With Isamu as shogun, he would wield military power over all the clans in the land. Furthermore, if the Guardians attempted to expose their dark secrets, the shogun could simply dismiss their words as heresy. It was an audacious plan. After decades of striving, they were finally on the verge of surpassing their distant kin in the Watsuki clan. With the emperor and the young empress gone, the Watsuki would lose their standing in the imperial court, especially if Isamu had his way. He and their loyal followers would control every aspect of the kingdom. Those who opposed them would suffer a fate as dreadful as the shadow-wielders of Shinrinkage.

"I should have never doubted you, Isamu," Kazue whispered as she leaned closer. "Just imagine! You as the shogun! All those years of meticulous planning...we will be at the pinnacle of power—and the best part is…the Guardians cannot thwart us!" Her grip on her fans tightened. "Part of me regrets that our cousins Takao and Akihiro are not alive to witness this. Their torment at our success would have been exquisite."

Isamu spun on his heels, his expression twisted with disgust. The mere mention of the previous Twin Guardians ignited his fury. "It should have been rightfully ours that day," he muttered, his voice filled with bitterness that his brother and wife couldn't ignore.

Osamu exchanged a worried glance with Kazue. "Nii-san, what are you—"

"Takao and Akihiro!" Isamu snarled. "They, along with their Kandrakar masters, denied us what should have been rightfully ours!"

Isamu narrowed his gaze, recalling the intense bitterness he had felt when Takao and Akihiro were chosen as the new Guardians of Darkness and Light instead of him and his brother.

Takao and Akihiro, who were the nephews of the former daimyo, were beloved by everyone. Isamu vividly remembered the moment when the three Sacred Talismans appeared to be almost theirs, meant for him and Osamu. But then, suddenly, they were forcefully pushed to the ground from behind! Isamu helplessly watched as Takao and Akihiro rose from behind them, wearing blue and green robes with delicate wings, and holding a powerful energy in their hands.

The humiliation.

Isamu's hatred for them never faded. Even though Takao and Akihiro had passed away four years ago, their influence lived on through Takao's descendants—their great-grandchildren, Kimi, and her brother, Kyochi.

"They were fools who believed they were leaving behind a legacy," Isamu muttered through gritted teeth. "Well, true legacies are forged by those who attain power through cunning! Once all of Nihon is mine, I will dictate the legacy of my reign, and their memories will be nothing but—"

The sudden sound of a sword slicing through the air, followed by a low grunt, interrupted his words.

"—aaaaAARRCH—!"

The Kinomoto elders and their attendants turned in time to witness one of Osamu's samurai fall lifelessly to the ground. A mysterious figure, cloaked in shadow, strode over the fallen warrior with an eerie calmness. In his hand, a blade shimmered in the dim light, stained with fresh blood. With a casual flick of the wrist, the figure effortlessly rid the blade of the crimson liquid. Two more of Osamu's warriors lunged at the intruder, their weapons aglow, but they met a swift and unforgiving end.

"What in the name of the gods?!" Osamu bellowed, unsheathing his sword and launching a luminous orb towards the figure.

Their assailant effortlessly slashed through Osamu's attack, dispersing the ball of light, but not before the brief illumination exposed their facial features.

It was the Dragon of Hoshi.

"Kyosuke-dono!" gasped Kazue. All eyes in the room fixated on the enigmatic figure. Kazue's expression twisted into a snarl. "So, you've finally revealed your true self, cousin."

Lord Kyosuke slowly raised his head, revealing his weathered and time-worn visage. His intense gaze met hers with a calm expression, but his eyes revealed a barely restrained contempt.

"After all this time, you've mustered the audacity to confront us!" she continued.

"I'm not hiding anything. I've simply been patiently waiting to bear my fangs." Kyosuke's voice echoed through the tense silence. With unwavering determination, he raised his sword, pointing it directly at the three clan elders. "Isamu-dono. Osamu-dono. Kazue-dono. The three of you are guilty of conspiring in several unlisted murders and plotting a coup. That in itself is high treason! The Heart of Kandrakar has revealed your crimes to the Guardians, and you've confessed them all. Your actions have caused immeasurable loss within our clan. My daughter and son-in-law are gone. Komei mourns the loss of his first love. Kazumi has been widowed so soon after her wedding. And most recently, you attempted to kill my granddaughter simply because she dissented against your power. You've shattered this clan, turned us against each other, and those who disagree with your ways suffer unbearable hardships! No longer!

"Tonight, I will ensure you face justice befitting your heinous crimes. You will never get to Prince Katsura to enact your plans! I will put a stop to your reign here and today!"

Osamu's eyes darted nervously behind him, half expecting the Guardians to appear. To his relief and surprise, the old man stood alone. A wicked smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. "You're a fool to have come after us without backup!" he laughed. He slid into a stance, his sword flashing in the dim light, "Killing you will be thrilling and pleasurable!"

"You didn't succeed before," Kyosuke reminded his cousin, his voice infused with unyielding resolve. "I doubt you'll be able to now."

Insulted, Osamu raised his sword and turned to his guards. "Kill him," Osamu ordered.


The Dark Forest was a blur beneath them as the Jade Dragon soared through the sky with her charges riding on her back. Under the moonlight, her emerald scales glistened like a tapestry of intricately woven jades. As Ngọc Long zipped through the air, the wind rushed past everyone, making it difficult to talk. Thankfully, Hay Lin created a protective dome around them, allowing everyone to speak without having to scream to be heard. Taranee also pitched in by establishing a mental link connecting everyone's thoughts to exchange information more quickly.

Their mission into the Dark Forest to rescue Kyochi while Seiryuu attacked Edo had been a trap. The Celestial Warrior had known about their plan and installed her two top lieutenants to hinder them. Not only did they capture Matt and use him as bait, but one of them also separated and captured Kimi. Yet, despite some setbacks, the Guardians emerged victorious. Irma and Hay Lin were able to rescue Matt from Kitsune's grip; Kimi went through an ordeal and awoken her Power Girl transformation, defeated her kidnapper, and uncovered the existences of the other two missing Deadly Sins; Orube finally defeated her long-time rival in Kitsune by stabbing her through the heart.

Their mission into the Dark Forest had rendered a few more surprises, most notably in reuniting with their mentor, Lady Ngọc Long, who'd been dwelling beneath Shinrinkage Lake since she'd left. The second had been the arrival of a young man named Watsuki Hikaru, who'd been sent to help them once they knew the Dark Forest had been a trap. His sudden arrival had caused several Guardians to stare and gawk at him.

Remarkable! He looks just like Kohaku! Taranee thought quietly. She exchanged glances with her friends.

When they saw how much he resembled Kohaku, they assumed he was one of Kimi's cousins in the Watsuki clans. Kimi then explained what had happened during her kidnapping as they flew back to Edo on Ngọc Long's back. In just five minutes, Kimi shared her story, eventually revealing Hikaru's biological connection to her and Kyochi, which surprised everyone, including Ngọc Long.

Irma's eyes darted between Kimi and Hikaru in disbelief. "Wait…so you're not an illusion then?"

"Hardly," Hikaru replied darkly.

"If I were to make one, would I make him look like my father?" Kimi said irritably.

Irma winced.

Kimi's father, Watsuki Kohaku, had played a vital role in their battle against Byakko, the Celestial Warrior of Earth, and paid the price for it with his life.

Will turned to look at Hikaru. "The only brother Kimi ever mentioned is her twin, and he's still a prisoner of the Celestial Warriors."

"We were supposed to infiltrate Seiryuu's fortress and rescue him, but instead, we found you," Cornelia added, narrowing her eyes at Hikaru.

"Your suspicions are not unfounded, Guardians, as I am a spy for my foster mother, but what I've told you of the circumstances of my birth and upbringing are true," Hikaru said.

The Guardians turned to Kimi. "I've read his aura," she replied. "My mother chose to save him but subjected Kyochi and me to the cruelty of the Kinomoto elders."

The atmosphere turned uncomfortably awkward.

Hikaru looked away, unable to face the jealousy and bitterness in Kimi's eyes. She accepted his help in the fight against Seiryuu because she had to, not because she had genuine strong feelings for him. A storm of conflicting emotions boiled in her eyes whenever she looked at him. He knew she'd thought of him more as a distant cousin than an older brother. Even if they succeed in their mission, he wasn't sure there would be time for them to get acquainted as real siblings.

What your mother did is in the past, Ngọc Long's voice echoed in their minds. We are nearing Edo. Focus on what you've learned and decide what needs to be done.

Everyone looked up and saw the edge of the city in the distance. Pillars of smoke and fore dotted the battlefield. Dark clouds rumbled overhead. A distant boom could be heard, and for a moment, they all thought it was thunder before realizing it was the sound of cannons.

"Ngọc Long's right," Orube said. Turning to Hikaru, she said, "You're a spy for Lady Sora, correct? Tell us everything you've learned."

"You can show us your memory," Taranee reminded him. Her voice then echoed in their minds, including Hikaru's. My telepathy will make it easier and faster for everyone to see through your eyes.

Hikaru frowned at Taranee. He trusted the Guardians, but the idea of someone in his mind made him feel vulnerable like a newborn lamb.

Sensing his trepidation, Taranee assured him, Don't worry. Your private thoughts and memories are your own. We'll only see and hear what you want to show us.

Hikaru nodded hesitantly and began to show them everything he'd learned. The weight of his information crashed down on everyone like a relentless wave, leaving them breathless:

Watsuki Sora distrusted the Kinomoto clan elders, and her suspicions grew when news of the Shinrinkage massacre spread. After becoming daimyo, she sent her adopted son, Hikaru, to infiltrate and spy on Isamu and his associates using illusions and espionage. Hikaru discovered decades of illegal activities and a web of political intrigue orchestrated by the elders, performed through bribery and threats. With the Emperor's declining health, Isamu and his allies have an opportunity to rise to the highest echelon of political power. Unbeknownst to Isamu, Hikaru found that others, including the Celestial Warrior of Air, Seiryuu; the current shogun, Prince Katsura' and even the Chancellor's son, Kinomoto Kenji, were also vying for power.

"I knew it!" Irma seethed. "That snake! That viper!"

"He's certainly been a thorn in our side!" Cornelia huffed.

Matt swore and earned himself a dirty look from his girlfriend. "What?! The guy's an ass! When I tried to get back, he trapped me and threw me into Seiryuu's clutches!" Matt hissed.

Hikaru studied Matt and said, "You're not a very good spy for someone to have been recruited by the Oracle." There was no disdain in his voice, but they were biting enough to make Matt want to punch him.

Matt was about to open his mouth when Orube interjected with a glare.

"Kinomoto Kenji is more dangerous and cunning than we'd given him credit for! " Orube reminded them. "He's thwarted us at every turn in Joseon, Annam, and now Nihon! My point is, what are we going to do about it?"

"According to Hikaru, Kenji is working with the Celestial Warriors to help the shogun commit regicide under pretenses," Kimi said. "But his actual goal is to create political chaos, making it easier for Seiryuu to conquer Nihon. If Lusteria falls, Kandrakar will soon follow, and then all the worlds under its protection, including Earth and Metamoor. We'd lose everything."

The Guardians looked at each other with serious expressions.

Irma shuddered. "Just the thought of him being the sole Guardian makes my skin crawl."

"We'll stop him! We've done it before!" Will affirmed. "That's why he ran back here to his new masters! That jerk is just another ambitious, power-hungry tyrant we have to fight!"

Hay Lin nodded. "But it won't be just Kenji that we'll have to deal with," she pointed out. "Isamu and his wife and brother are still on the loose!"

Kimi clenched her hands. "We can't let them get away with their crimes…not after everything they've done to us…"

"And they won't," Orube affirmed. She understood Kimi's desire, but Orube didn't need her to be distracted. "Lord Kyosuke went after them, didn't he? Your grandfather may be old, but he's still a formidable warrior." Then, she sent Kimi a private telepathic message, Do we need a repeat of what happened in Joseon?

Kimi bit her lips and lowered her head, but her hands continued to tremble with rage. After Xuan Wu killed her father, Kimi was so blinded by rage that she fought against her friends and recklessly tried to go after the demigod, only to be captured and encased in ice. The experience had nearly cost her life and endangered the others.

"You're right…" Kimi said softly. "We have more pressing issues to deal with."

Hikaru noticed the pain and rage in Kimi's voice. Tightening his grip, he offered, "I'll go. Kyosuke-dono is also my grandfather. " Kimi blinked and turned to him in surprise. "I have a few scores to settle with that duplicitous daimyo myself."

Kimi was speechless. She had forgotten that they shared the same family members. Finding no words to say, she merely nodded in silent gratitude.

Cornelia, ever the sensible one, shrugged. "Well, now that that's decided between you two, let's get back on track, shall we?"

"Right. We need to figure out our game plan," Taranee said. She began to list some of the things they would have to account for, including a citywide evacuation, deciding how to stop Kenji and the shogun, and facing Seiryuu and her invading army.

"That's a lot of ground to cover," Irma said sarcastically.

"Which is why we'll be splitting into groups again," Orube declared.

Everyone turned to her with their eyes widened.

"You mean like what we did in Joseon?" Hay Lin asked.

Orube nodded. "Exactly. We now have four Guardians with new powers. Thus, it's imperative to consider their strengths and assign them to teams that best complement their abilities."

Irma's eyes lit up. She pumped a fist into the air, shouting, "IT'S TIME TO BRING BACK THE ALPHA AND BETA SQUADS!"

Orube turned to the Keeper and the Guardians of Fire and Earth. "Given the magnitude of Seiryuu's power, we'll need a formidable team that can face her and her army head-on. We'll need a team of heavy hitters with raw power." Her gaze settled on Will. "That's where you come in, Will. You will have Taranee, Cornelia, and Lady Ngọc Long on your team. As always, you'll lead."

Will nodded. "Right!"

Agreed. The Jade Dragon's voice rang in their heads. I will ensure that Seiryuu knows the depth of my loss.

"Your presence will draw the attention of our allies and enemies, so you're the Alpha team."

Irma's lips parted with disappointment. "Aw! Why can't I be on the Alpha team like last time?"

Orube turned to Irma and smirked. "Didn't you say you wanted to show Kenji a thing or two about being a water-wielder?" Irma blinked. "Our team news to be subtle," Orube continued, gesturing to the rest of the team with a circular motion of her finger. "We'll need stealth and wits if we're going to outmaneuver Kenji and thwart his plans. That's why the four of us—you, Kimi, Hay Lin, and myself—are the best fit for this mission."

"He won't know what will hit him," Hay Lin chirped.

Excited by this, Irma grinned. "Yes! Go Beta Squad! Let's kick some butts!"

"Um…what about me?" Matt asked. The others stared at him in disbelief. Matt huffed indignantly. "C'mon, let me help!"

"Are you crazy, Matt?" Will whirled on him, her face spasmed with incredulity and frustration. "We just got you back! You barely escaped on your own! You almost drowned!"

"I know I messed up, but I can help you guys in other ways!" Matt insisted. "I discovered Kenji's treachery before I was caught!"

"So did Hikaru!"

"I've found Kyochi—"

"You've lost him!"

"I won't get in your way! I just want to help! Please, Will! Don't send me home like I'm some kid!"

"You are a kid!"

"So are you!"

Will squinted and bit her lips to stop herself from screaming. She thought Matt was stubborn, but also passionate and caring, and why she loved him for it. She sighed, slumped her shoulders, and shook her head. "You're not as powerful as we are! Your magic isn't—"

"Isn't what?" Matt interrupted. "That I don't have a new and fancy transformation like you? That the elements don't bend to my every will? The last Oracle chose me for a reason! He chose me to train you—"

Will threw her hands up in frustration. "This isn't like fighting Dark Mother! Seiryuu is a demigod! She tossed you around like you were her toy! Dammit, Matt! You're not up to this!"

"Let him help," said a soft voice.

Everyone turned to Kimi, their eyes and mouths widened in disbelief.

"Wait... what?!" Matt stammered, clearly taken aback.

With a nonchalant shrug, Kimi met Will's gaze. "He can help out with the evacuation. It will keep him out of harm's way."

Will, still reeling from the unexpected turn of events, was too stunned to respond. She wondered if she had heard Kimi correctly. The Light Guardian and Matt's relationship had always been tumultuous, like pouring water into a sizzling pan of hot oil. She was the last person he expected to take his side.

"Are you sure about this?" Will asked.

Kimi nodded, her piercing blue eyes reflecting the seriousness of her decision. "He can help with the evacuation efforts, focusing on the most vulnerable members of Edo: the frail, the elderly, and the impoverished. His role would be crucial in guiding them to safety, particularly to the coastal areas where they would be out of harm's way. This way, you wouldn't have to worry about his well-being, Will," she explained, her tone unwavering as she turned to face Matt. "Are you up to the task? Or does it not measure up to your standards?"

Matt's lips pursed with irritation. He wanted to give her a snide comeback but thought better of it. Despite the chill in her tone, he reminded himself that Kimi was siding with him!

Taking a deep breath, Matt gave a resolute nod. " Of course, I can do it! But what's behind this change of heart? You and I haven't exactly been on the friendliest of terms.

Kimi's unwavering gaze bore into him but eventually softened. "You've proven yourself against Seiryuu and her followers, and, most significantly, you came close to rescuing my twin." She paused for a moment, then added, "I suppose that speaks volumes about your character, Olsen-san."

Kimi looked up and saw everyone staring at her, with Hikaru appearing puzzled as he continued to observe their interaction. In their minds, they could hear the Jade Dragon laughing in amusement.

"She didn't call me Matt-boy!" Matt realized. Despite being captured and failing to rescue Kyochi, Matt Olsen had gained Kimi's respect.

Irma nudged Matt with a sly grin. "Looks like someone's been promoted! Congrats!" she laughed.

Kimi rolled her eyes and turned away, while Orube and the other Guardians giggled.

Will smirked at Kimi. "So, does this mean that you'll stop tormenting my boyfriend?"

"Hardly! I now think it's pointless to try and stop him if he wants to get himself killed," Kimi replied mirthlessly.

Another loud boom caught their attention. Kimi turned to see that they were nearing Edo. "That is if we can win this fight," she muttered, her eyes determined.

Will turned to her boyfriend. She reached out a hand to clasp his and smiled. "Looks like we're all in this together, Matt."

Matt nodded and leaned in to give her a quick peck on the cheek. "I'm always by your side, Will."

With renewed strength and morale, Will smiled at her friends. "Let's do this! Guardians, unite!"


"HOLD THE LINE!" General Kinomoto Katsumi bellowed. "We can't let them get into the city!"

His warriors responded by digging their feet into the ground, bracing themselves against another wave of attack. Even from this distance, General Katsumi could see that the line would break. Their elemental shields were cracking against the onslaught!

"We can't hold them for much longer, General!" Lady Watsuki Sora cried next to him. Her armor was caked in dirt and blood. In her hand was a katana forged from a piece of a falling star, its black blade dripping from the slimes and ichors of demons. "They'll break through within seconds! Edo will be overwhelmed!"

General Katsumi didn't like admitting it, but the daimyo of the Watsuki clan was right.

They had been fighting for hours since the final attack began, and as skilled as he and his fellow warriors were, the siege was taking a heavy toll on them. News of the Emperor's death had spread and demoralized the warriors, making them vulnerable and giving the enemy the courage to push them back.

"What will we do?" Lady Sora asked.

General Katsumi looked at the scene before him. The elemental shield his warriors have created will disappear! Seiryuu's forces will come down on them as soon as it falls like a tsunami. He could see her floating in mid-air several meters away with a cold, viper-liked grin on her face. The wind howled, and lightning flashed from behind, making her look like an impending hurricane!

"Hold them for as long as you can!" Katsumi stamped his foot onto the ground. His steely eyes dared anyone to run. None did as they held the line. After all, he was chosen to lead this attack. "Edo is our city! Nihon is our home! We fight to preserve it!" he cried, his voice heard on the wind. "If this is to be our last stand, then let us fight valiantly!"

Katsumi could see the arrogant smirk on Seiryuu's face. She was amused at his attempt to motivate his warriors. Katsumi snarled at her; the scar on his face that he'd gained from his youth made him look more like a beast. He turned to give Sora one last look, to which she nodded as she readied herself.

The shield came down, and several yokai were the first to break through. The Watsuki daimyo turned to her air and water-wielders. "NOW!" she roared, and together, they conjured a blanket of obscure mist and lay it over the field. Seiryuu's forces faltered as they searched for the enemies in the fog. Katsumi smiled savagely. With the terrain turned back to their advantage, he and his remaining troops of a few thousand pushed back.

Elements collided, and weapons clashed, sending sparks that lit up the fog like little fireflies in the dim night. The elemental wielders in the rear of Seiryuu's force sent forth streams of boulders and fire, not caring if they would crush their allies at the front so long as it took out Katsumi and his forces. Sensing the attack, Sora barked an order, and her ten earth-wielders came together to create an earthen dome to protect them. The attack pounded overhead like thunder, and once the shield crumbled, Sora ordered her shadow-wielders to counterattack.

With a great battle cry, Katsumi launched himself into the fray. As a big and burly man, he was a beast on the battlefield! Using his weight, he slammed into the enemies like a charging bull and simultaneously cut down monsters with his sword.

Suddenly, a gale blew down on them. He glanced up to see Seiryuu right above him. With another flick of her wrist, another gust of wind blew away their fog, revealing the battlefield to her.

"You cannot hide from your destiny," Seiryuu laughed. "Come and fight me like the real warriors you claimed to be! Show me your valor!"

Katsumi obliged with a great battle cry and launched himself toward her, but as powerful as he was, he wasn't as quick or agile as his niece Kimi.

Seiryuu pulled out one of her silver war fans, and a torrent of air burst out from its bladed edges, slamming into him like an oncoming boulder. The air was knocked out of his lungs when he fell to the ground. He tried to get up, but another gale pressed down on him, cracking even the ground beneath him until it sunk lower, creating a crater! Katsumi seethed through his teeth. The pressure of the wind pressing down on him was so heavy and intense! It was like being stepped on by a giant! He couldn't get up…he couldn't get up!

"KINOMOTO!" Lady Sora cried. Drawing out her meteor blade, the daimyo of the Watsuki clan rushed to her distant cousin's aid. Using her shadow from beneath her feet, she launched herself into the air, ready to cut into Seiryuu.

"How dull," Seiryuu scoffed, flicking her fan. It generated a powerful gust of wind strong enough to blow Sora far back towards the city.

"S-S-Sora-dono…" Katsumi raised his hand towards her, but the Watsuki daimyo was already gone.

Undeterred by the absence of their leader, the Watsuki warriors continued to push forward, slashing their weapons and sending forth waves of darkness at the enemies. Their shadows turned into various forms, from hardened shadow construct-liked weapons to ethereal darkness like a skeletal hand and the veils of a cloaked phantom. They did well against Seiryuu's forces, but against the Celestial Warrior herself, they were a nuisance.

Seiryuu drew her other fan and flung them both; they flew like spinning disks. Swiftly and deadly, they cut down several more shadow-wielders, including Katsumi's own numbers.

In response, cannonballs from a distance fired at her. Katsumi struggled to turn his head and saw a line of heavy cannons, with their heads carved from dragons and tigers, firing volleys at the demigod and her army. Standing from behind was their inventor, Lady Kinomoto Getsuei, the Chancellor's wife.

"FIRE!" she ordered. Her small troop of warriors obliged by keeping up their assault. Their attack ranged far, hitting and taking down more of Seiryuu's armies from the middle and the rear. She turned to Katsumi and mouthed, "Get out of there!"

But before Katsumi could get to his feet, Seiryuu looked at the line of cannons with disdain. As a sphere of air protected her, the cannonballs from Getsuei's heavy weapons bounced off harmlessly. "Insect!" Seiryuu sneered and held up a hand. A mighty torrent of swirling wind came at them like an enraged monster. Katsumi watched as the tornado shot Getsuei and her warriors and cannons into the air, swept away with scattering debris like they were playthings. Seeing his chance, he snatched up his sword, but before he could see if Getsuei survived, he felt himself lifted off the ground and met face-to-face with the Celestial Warrior herself. He tried to move, but Seiryuu tightened a ring of air around him like a band.

"It never surprised me to see how worthless beings such as yourselves fight so desperately just to die another day!" Seiryuu sneered.

Not yet… Katsumi thought, his mind racing to his wife and two daughters. Kiyomi…Kazumi…forgive your father for being too weak…but at least allow my death to give you a fighting chance! "Unlike you immortals, we have things worth fighting for!" he spat, thrusting his sword towards her face.

His blade was caught between the leaves of Seiryuu's silver fans. She gave the general an unimpressed smile and squeezed him tighter until he choked. "You're going to need more than that to beat me, General."

"THEN HOW ABOUT THIS?!"

Lightning shot down from the sky, striking Seiryuu from above. As she spasmed from the electrocution, Will Vandom slammed her other energy-charged straight into Seiryuu's stomach. The attack sent the demigod flying a long distance until she was a speck. Quickly, Will grabbed the general by his waist and rejoined her friends.

"You!" General Katsumi coughed violently as he struggled to regain his bearing. "You're…you're the new Guardians!"

"You got that right!" Cornelia grinned as she plummeted towards the ground, crashing into the earth like a meteor, startling both sides of the fight. Her dramatic entrance created a rippling earthquake, knocking the enemies off their feet while leaving Katsumi's warriors unharmed. Straightening herself, Cornelia waved her hand, creating a large fissure in the ground.

"Now, Taranee!" she cried.

"On it!" The Guardian of Fire replied and pulled out her pink ball. It looked like an ordinary toy, but Taranee set it ablaze, and it flew out of her hand like a comet. Fueled by her magic, it quickly and painfully knocked the enemies into the chasm before they could blink.

Katsumi and his warriors stared in astonishment. The Guardians had taken out several hundred of Seiryuu's warriors as quickly as though it was child's play to them. They erupted into a cheer.

Will landed and settled Katsumi back down. He winced and wobbled on his feet.

"Where…where is Kimi?" he coughed. "I thought she was sent into the Dark Forest with the lot of you…"

"It was a trap for us," Will said, narrowing her eyes at him. Kimi told them that this man was the father of Kiyomi and Kazumi, but Will didn't think that meant they could start trusting him. She exchanged looks with Cornelia and Taranee, who both shared her weariness. "Anyway, your niece is with the other Guardians. We split up to help you guys on the frontline."

Taranee caught her ball with one hand, and the fiery aura around it extinguished. "Our friends are dealing with Seiryuu's spy at the palace. You might know him…"

Cornelia dusted herself clean. "Kinomoto Kenji," she huffed.

To their surprise. Katsumi growled. "I knew that boy was trouble! I should have thrown him out when he came to ask for my daughter's hand!"

Will raised an eyebrow. "I'm guessing you're not a fan?"

"I knew his heart was as cold and black as stone when Komei brought him into the clan! But Komei's too trusting for his own good sometimes…he thinks there's good in him—Bah!" Katsumi huffed indignantly before letting out another fitful cough. It hurt. He suspected that he had a few broken ribs. "He's the last person I would want for a son-in-law, but after what happened to poor Kazumi, Kenji convinced me that we were lucky even to have someone of his status consider her sister as a bride." He winced from the pain of his injury again and fell to one knee.

Seeing this, the Guardians relaxed their scowls.

"Don't move. You most likely have internal injuries!" Cornelia ordered as she placed a hand on his sides. Closing her eyes, she tapped into the earth's healing power and breathed it into her patient. Katsumi watched in amazement as the soft green glow disappeared and the pain subsided.

"Incredible…" he whispered. He tried to get to his feet but wobbled a bit. The pain was gone but the soreness from Seiryuu's attack was still there. Two strong arms appeared on both sides to steady him. Katsumi's eyes widened when he saw it was his cousins, Watsuki Sora and Kinomoto Getsuei. "H-how are you here?!" he gaped. "I saw you being blown away by Seiryuu."

"I caught them and all their soldiers before they crashed to the ground on my way here," said a new voice.

General Katsumi turned to see a cloud of green scales coming together to form a beautiful woman in green robes. Immediately, he lowered his head in reverence and submission. "Lady Ngọc Long! The Jade Dragon honors us—"

"This is no time for idol worshipping!" Sora interrupted. "We have to retreat!"

Katsumi bawked. "No! We have to hold this line!"

Getsuei shook her head. "We've lost almost half our numbers, including all my cannons! Falling back so we may regroup would be sensible if we want to win this!"

A cold chill ran down Will's spine—it was her sixth sense! She glanced in the distance to see a spout of air forming. Seiryuu's coming! Will thought and turned back to the others. "They're right, General! You and your warriors have to fall back for now! Let us take care of Seiryuu without worrying for your safety."

"Our magic's stronger!" Cornelia affirmed. "It wouldn't help if you or anyone get caught in the crossfire."

"You'll still have to deal with Seiryuu's army. She still has thousands of them!" Katsumi pointed out. "Even with all your powers, you can't stop them from coming after us! Several hundreds can still slip through your defenses!"

"Then get everyone from behind the city's gate and hold the line from there," Taranee suggested.

"We can stop most of them, but it will be up to you and your forces to stop the rest from reaching the center of Edo and its coast," Ngọc Long said. "Your wife and daughters are still helping with the evacuation, General Kinomoto. If Seiryuu's demons overwhelm them…"

She didn't need to finish her sentence to see the fury burning in his eyes. "I'll tear anyone or anything if they dare touch a hair on my family," he growled. Raising his hand, his sword flew out of the rubble and towards him. Catching it deftly by the hilt, he raised it in the air and bellowed, "FALL BACK EVERYONE! FALL BACK BEHIND THE GATES AND LET THE GUARDIANS FIGHT!"

The soldiers cheered and followed their three leaders. The Guardians and their mentor watched as their human allies quickly retreated.

"Be careful, Guardians," Katsumi said. Taranee turned to see the old scar that marred his face wrinkled as he smirked at them. "Give Seiryuu hell!"

Seiryuu's soldiers charged at them, their weapons and elements blazing at the ready.

"Allow me to make the first move!" Cornelia slammed her boot down hard. To their collective shock, hundreds of soldiers, including the ones on the heels of Katsumi's forces, sunk quickly into the soft earth necks deep. They cursed at Cornelia, but she silenced them with another stomp and the earth swallowed them whole.

"More are coming!" Taranee cried. Another wave of soldiers and yokai ignored their fallen brethren as they continued to charge. Taranee, with precision and agility, propelled her ball toward the menacing figures, knocking them to the ground. Then, in a swift and fluid motion, she conjured a barrier of swirling flames to thwart their advance on the city. She kept the fire away from the city's walls, mindful of the vulnerable wooden structures at the edge. "We have to eliminate as many of them as possible!" Taranee said. "Not to mention stop them from entering the city!"

Cornelia spotted cherry blossom trees lining the area in front of the city walls and down the main street line. It was the dead of winter, and not a single pink flower adorned their branches. Nevertheless, they were precisely what Cornelia needed.

"Leave this to me!" She cracked her fingers and took several steps forward. Touching the ground, Cornelia cast a spell, and the trees began to stir. To the astonishment of onlookers, they uprooted themselves, emitting creaks that sounded like a chorus of whales. Despite this astonishing display of power, Seiryuu's warriors unsheathed their swords and began hacking at them. To their frustration, their weapons barely made a dent in the trunks. The only thing they've succeeded in was making the trees angrier.

Attack! Defend the city from those who don't respect nature or life! Cornelia ordered through her earth magic.

The tree's towering forms lashed out their branches at those who dared to deforest them. It was like watching sentinels of nature going to war. Emboldened, Katsumi and his warriors assisted these giants throughout the city in the fight, perfectly depicting man and nature joining forces against evil. At Cornelia's command, several of these trees entrenched themselves into the ground again, their roots anchoring deep and their branches striking down villains to safeguard the city and its people.

"There! That should protect Edo and buy everyone enough time!" Cornelia grinned, pleased with her craftsmanship. She'd never been able to do this on such a large scale before her Power Girl. With only a few hundred of Seiryuu's forces left, the Guardians can leave the rest for Katsura and his warriors to handle while they deal with the Celestial Warrior herself.

"But there must be about four thousand more! How do we eliminate them?" Will asked.

Ngọc Long tilted her head towards the sky. "With a storm," she replied. Turning to Will, she smiled. "Do you remember that book you had to read for your literature class a few weeks ago? The one about a man harnessing the power of nature to bring life to his creation?"

Will blinked at her in confusion. "You mean Frankenstein? What does that have to do with—?"

Before Will could ask her to elaborate, Ngọc Long transformed into a dragon and ascended. Will blinked again and exchanged confused looks with the others, but they seemed as lost as she was.

"I don't get it," Cornelia shrugged.

"Maybe she'd meant that you have to harness the power of lightning?" Taranee suggested.

Will snorted as she scoffed. "Well, that's morbid! You mean like bring life to a monster stitched into pieces like Dr. Frankenstein?" She waved a hand at the field before them, ignoring the approaching army. "I'm not zapping any dead demons or spirits on this field back to life and…" Lightning lit the field again, and Will spotted several metal pieces shining. The idea clicked in her head. "Wait! That's it! I got it!" Will declared and quickly took to the sky on her large, ethereal wings.

Taranee and Cornelia exchanged confused looks before they looked up and watched as Ngọc Long disappeared into the darkening storm clouds, with Will not too far behind. The Keeper of the Heart stopped just below the clouds and brought out her clackers, and began to swing them over her head like bolas. They spun faster and faster, crackling with hot pink energy. She could sense the electrons charging madly in the storm clouds above, the electricity ready to explode! Ngọc Long flew around in circles above in the storm clouds, whipping it into a frenzy as she summoned all the wind and water around her, turning them into hail and pelting them down to the battlefield below.

Following her mentor's lead, Will aimed for her real targets below.

"QUINTESSENCE!" Will shouted, and just like before in Joseon, lightning struck the scattered armor and weapons below. The pieces came together to form a group of warriors, reanimated by Will's power. Her friends watched in amazement as Will's automatons moved like a well-drilled army in unison. Several of Seiryuu's followers pressed forward and attacked. But the animated warriors held them off. They were like a rigid wall of stone and metal, unaffected by the tides of vicious attacks. Every time an automaton fell, it was instantly reassembled to fight again. Until Will released her spell, her creation would keep on fighting.

"Woah…" Cornelia breathed in wonder.

"Will's energy is the stuff of life, remember?" replied Taranee, adjusting her glasses. "Her magic is like bio-electricity! She can make things come alive and use it to turn thousands of discarded armor pieces into her army of automatons!" She paused momentarily, then added, "Although I'd say it's a little more inspired by Greek mythology than something Mary Shelley wrote. Like Hephaestus and his mechanical automatons and—"

Cornelia turned and gave her a disparaging look akin to Irma's. "We're on Christmas vacation, Tara. Save the lesson for after we get back!"

Taranee sighed and rolled her eyes. All this moisture was fogging her glasses! It was getting harder to see. Quickly wiping them clean, she surveyed the battlefield. "I think we've managed to reduce Seiryuu's forces by more than half, but will that be enough?"

"Doesn't matter!" Will said as she landed, rejoining them. "So long as they keep the rest of Seiryuu's minions busy!" A cold chill shot through Will's nerves, more potent than before. Her sixth sense was warning her loud and clear! "Look out! She's coming!" Will warned.

They whirled around, ready to face the demigod, and to their surprise, were quickly met by a kaleidoscope of black butterflies with iridescent purple hue fluttering in a circle as though they were riding in a small tornado.

"What the…?" Cornelia gasped.

The swarm came together to form the Celestial Warrior of Air and the Lady of Lust: Seiryuu! Standing ten feet away from them, she looked a bit battered from Will's recent attack but otherwise still alive as her wispy limbs reformed themselves. Will silently swore to herself. She'd missed striking Seiryuu in the heart with her lightning because she'd been more preoccupied with saving Katsumi's life.

Looking down at them, Seiryuu's lips thinned. Her long black hair, now loose and uncoifed, looked more frightening than beautiful as it whipped wildly in the wind. "So, you've returned, Guardians," she said softly and coldly. "How disappointing that Kitsune has failed. Her, I expected, but Jurogumo? Well…If you want things done right, you'd best do it yourself." A storm sparked in her cold eyes. "That was a nice surprise attack, Guardians, but allow me to demonstrate real power!"

Before they could blink, Seiryuu flew at them with her war fans drawn out, creating a trailing windstorm in her wake that blue dust into their eyes. The Guardians coughed and tried to cover their faces. As they fought the stings in their eyes, Seiryuu swiped her two fans towards them. A powerful gust of wind slammed into the Guardians hard, and they were blown away.

Cornelia drew out her ribbon and wrapped one end around a boulder. With her other free hand, she grabbed her two friends. "HANG ON!" she cried, her voice muffled by the howling wind. She could feel the muscles in her arms burning as she hung on desperately.

A loud explosion caught their ears. Heads turned to see Seiryuu's gust of wind leveling parts of the city's walls, a few buildings lined against them, and blowing away some of Cornelia's trees that weren't rooted down.

The three Guardians gaped in awe. It looked like a giant had kicked and destroyed those buildings, akin to a kid to a sandcastle on a beach. To their relief, Seiryuu's gust hadn't reached further than the city's walls, so Katsumi and his forces were safe. But not so much for some of Seiryuu's followers who'd been caught off guard in the affected area. It was clear that Seiryuu had as little regard for her own followers' lives as she was with theirs.

"WATCH OUT!" Taranee cried. Realizing that the howling wind had muffled her words, she quickly switched to her telepathy channel. INCOMING!

Cornelia turned in time to see several large pieces of debris coming at them!

GET DOWN! Will screamed mentally. Her friends did as told as she held out her hand to generate a kinetic shield. Protected from the gale, they landed on their feet and watched as the shield hummed musically whenever the debris collided with its surface. The shield glowed and got stronger with every force it took, protecting them from the dangerous debris.

At last, the wind died. Seiryuu floated above their heads, smiling maliciously down at them as she twirled one of her metal fans between her fingers. "Well done, but you can't stay inside indefinitely! Sooner or later, you'll have to come out and play!"

She's right! We can't keep playing defense! Taranee thought. The sooner we end this, the better! We have to aim for her heart, which is the source of her weakness—the air chakra!

You don't have to remind us, Tara! But you're right! Let's take the fight to her! Will said. I'm gonna drop the shield in five seconds!

Cornelia clenched her fists, feeling for the vines deep beneath their feet. Okay, I'll try to grab her while you guys try to aim for her chakra!

When the air around them cleared enough to be safe, Will released her kinetic shield. Taranee shot into the sky like a rocket and began propelling her fire attacks at Seiryuu. Getting down on her knees, Cornelia summoned several giant vines from the ground. They burst upward, their green tendrils trying to grab the demigod. Seiryuu laughed as she twirled and glided through the air like a dancer, avoiding the giant vines and Taranee's fire rings that barely left so much as a few scorched marks on the plants.

Urgh! I can't get her! She too fast! Cornelia complained. She reached deep into the earth and began hurling shards of crystals at Seiryuu.

As soon as the attacks sizzled out, Seiryuu raised an eyebrow in surprise when a giant fire dragon came straight at her! She flew, and it snaked after her until she threw out her war fans. The razor-sharp silver weapon sliced Tararanee's fire dragon, reducing it to smoke and heatwaves.

"I must admit, this is somewhat entertaining," Seiryuu said. "But the novelty of fighting you is starting to wear fast."

"You want a challenge? Here's one!" cried Taranee furiously. With new flames crackling in her hands, Taranee spread it all over herself until every inch of her was on fire. From behind her spectacles, molten white light burned in her eyes as she glared venomously at the Celestial Warrior.

Unimpressed, Seiryuu pointed the end of her folded fan at her condescendingly. "I doubt you could get a scratch on me, but try, by all means, little firefly!"

Taranee responded by throwing swirling fire disks at her, soon followed by her fiery balls. The attacks flew for Seiryuu, but the demigod flicked a fan and sent a fresh torrent at them, dispelling the flames into sparks.

"All that fiery glow, and all I get are some basic fire attacks?" Seiyuu mocked, staring Taranee down. "I'll never understand how Kitsune and Jorogumo lost to a weakling like you! How utterly disappointing!" She flicked a fan, aiming at Cornelia. The torrent came at her first, but Cornelia raised a neat shield of earth to block it. It held against Seiryuu's attack, but just barely as cracks began to form.

Seizing her chance, Will dove in, coming straight at her with a lightning bolt in her hand. She thrust out her arm, turning the lightning bolt into a sword and aiming it straight for Seiryuu's heart. To her surprise, her blade passed through thin air and butterflies. Frustrated, Will whirled around in time to see cloud mists and dark butterflies reforming themselves until they became Seiryuu.

Like the previous Celestial Warriors, Seiryuu was sculpted by gods from the elements and given life and willpower. How could the Guardians strike her if she can become as incorporeal as air whenever she wants?

Seeing their collective looks of frustration and disbelief, Seiryuu laughed. "Was I supposed to be impressed by that? You're the best Kandrakar has to offer?! You don't have what it takes to fight me!"

Refusing to surrender, Will threw her lightning sword at her. "Except we have what it takes to defeat your siblings and your minions! Believe me when I say we'll do the same to you!"

Her lightning missed Seiryuu as she sidestepped it gracefully. "My such ferocity burns in your eyes, Keeper!" Seiryuu smirked playfully. "It's a wonder what a delicate boy like Matt ever saw in you!" To her satisfaction, Will's expression turned livid at the mention of her boyfriend.

No one insults the love she and Matt shared, especially not from the Lady of Lust.

"You're the last person to lecture me about everlasting relationships!" Will hissed and began firing at her.

Rings of bright pink energy crackled as they soared toward the Celestial Warrior. Some moved in pairs, creating a net of electricity between them. Seiryuu gasped as she dodged through the lightning, but Will's attacks became faster and more intense. Seiryuu could avoid the electric nets by transforming into her non-physical form, but she could still feel the hot and dangerous attacks singeing her butterflies and the surrounding air. Seiryuu cursed the Keeper for turning one of her strengths into a weakness. She couldn't maintain her intangibility for too long. She would have to face the attacks without transforming.

Got you! Will thought smugly to herself before turning to her friends. "NOW, GIRLS!" Will cried.

Seiryuu blinked in confusion, but before she could react, a hot beam of fire knocked her to the ground. Before she could get up, Cornelia slammed her heel down and erected pillars of crystals around her.

Will used her energy to help charge up the crystals. They glowed and hummed a high-pitched sound that effectively caused Seiryuu a headache. Turning to Taranee, Will nodded.

Taranee flew in, creating a fire dome over Seiryuu as the demigod writhed from the sound and energy reverberating from the crystals. For a second, Taranee allowed herself a small, hopeful smile. She knew Will and Cornelia had instilled a bit of their Virtues and Hearts into the cage. Learning from their mistakes with Zhu Que, they only used it to trap Seiryuu.

We have her! Time to move in and

Taranee didn't get to finish that thought.

"ENOUGH!" Seiryuu roared. She jerked up her head and opened her mouth, letting out an ear-splitting sonic scream.

Taranee gasped and braced herself. Like any Celestial Warriors, Seiryuu also possessed a unique ability. Byakko's was his petrifying gaze, Xuan Wu's was her ability to ensorcell people's mind, Zhu Que's was turning into a fiery bird, and Seiryuu's…Taranee cursed herself for this oversight. Matt had warned the Guardians he was captured partly due to Seiryuu knocking him out with a sonic scream, and they had fallen right into it!

The sound that Sieryuu produced was deafening and terrible. Compressed and controlled at such a level, the Guardians could practically see the soundwaves emitting from Seiryuu's mouth as though they were ripples in a pond. Taranee's fiery dome was extinguished, and the charged-up crystals shattered like glass. With her prison destroyed, Seiryuu's sonic wave slammed into the three Guardians, knocking them to the ground.

Will, Taranee, and Cornelia immediately covered their ears and writhed from the pain. It was worse for Taranee as she was positioned closer to the demigod before the counterattack. The compressed soundwaves slammed into them relentlessly. It felt as though their bodies were being ripped apart! As she lay there in pain, Taranee knew had they not been Guardians, this attack would undoubtedly kill them.

Several feet away, Will clenched her teeth and tensed her body out of reflex. She tried to uncurl her fingers, hoping to summon the Heart of Kandrakar to save them. But her arm couldn't move any further.

The attack suddenly stopped, but Seiryuu swiftly used her war fans to unleash a mighty torrent on them. The pressure was so intense that the Guardians felt like they were being crushed underfoot! They'd never encountered a Celestial Warrior who could fully harness her elemental power!

After what felt like a very long time, the pressure stopped. Taranee struggled to lift her head and heard ringing in her ears. She couldn't hear anything. Seriyuu's sonic scream must have damaged their ears! Cornelia reached out and grabbed Will's hand, and silently said a spell. A soft, green light passed from her to Will. Then, turning to Taranee, Cornelia held up a hand, summoning tiny tendrils of fern plants to grow from beneath her. Taranee watched as the little plants curled around her finger and began to glow. Taranee held her breath, knowing that Cornelia was transferring her healing magic to her from a distance. To Taranee's relief, she could hear again.

Taranee felt relieved, but it didn't last long. Seiryuu quickly walked over and pulled her by her dreadlocks, making her look into Seiryuu's eyes. Taranee gasped from the pain, but held back the cry. She refused to give Seiryuu the satisfaction! She glared angrily at Seiryuu, putting all her hatred for this demigod into her brown eyes. Seiryuu, amused, just gave her a sinister smile.

"What's the most frustrating thing about the Sacred Talismans?" she asked. Taranee stayed silent. "It's that you need all three to become the rightful ruler of this kingdom! It seems like the ancient Nymphs intentionally made things more difficult with their binding spell!" she hissed.

Taranee couldn't help but yelp in pain. She could feel Seiryuu's nails digging into her scalp.

"Taranee! Let go of her, you—"

Seiryuu flicked her wrist, and an air pillar slammed down on them, pressing down on Will and Cornelia like butterflies being pinned for display.

"Quiet, you! The adults are talking!" Seiryuu hissed.

Will snarled and gave her a defiant glare. Vexed, Seiryuu thought the best way to punish her. "Well, since you seemed to be the expert on this matter, Keeper, let me enlighten you on this: If I can't get have the Jewel of Life, I'll settle for your Heart of Kandrakar!" Before Will could protest, Seiryuu viciously slammed Taranee's head to the ground and pressed the end of her silver war fan against the back of Will's neck. "It's simple, Guardian. Give me the Heart and I won't have to kill your friend."

"N-no! Will! You can't!" Taranee cried, but Seiryuu pressed her face further into the earth to silence her words. Taranee spluttered, nearly suffocating on the mud and dirt.

"TARA!" Cornelia gasped before turning to Seiryuu. "Stop it! You're suffocating her!"

"Hardly!" Seiryuu chuckled and did what any villains like to do when they think they have the advantage: monologuing. "With the Heart, I won't need the other three to take over this kingdom and the rest of Lusteria! Alongside Hwang-Ryong, we can tear down the Veil and conquer Kandrakar! Soon, all the worlds will bow before us!"

Taranee struggled but stopped herself. She knew she had to escape from under Seiryuu, but how? The demigod's grip was too firm! If only Taranee could somehow get up and sneak from behind her opponent! That way, she'd at least have a chance to turn the table against Seiryuu!

On a stormy day, who is stronger? The oak tree or the reed?

Taranee remembered Hay Lin's words about bending like reeds in the wind when facing opposition. She closed her eyes, focused her energy, and willed her racing heart to calm down.

Bend to the force. Yield to the element. Let the fire yield to the direction of the wind. Let her own anger be controlled and concentrated!

Someone screamed. Opening her eyes, Taranee saw that Seiryuu had summoned another gale down on her friends, crushing them under immense pressure.

"WILL! CORNELIA!" Taranee screamed, filling with rage. The fire burned bright and hot within her! She could feel it boiling, spreading from her heart out through her limbs, and was about to explode in the palms of her hands. She turned her head on Seiryuu, feeling an eruption coming.

"Don't play with fire!" Taranee said in a low, dangerous voice. Her eyes blazed, magnified by her glasses.

Seiryuu blinked, but before she could retort, Taranee's fire erupted; its intense heat ran up to Seiryuu through the silver war fan. The Celestial Warrior screeched as the fire burst, sending her flying several yards and dropping her fans.

Taranee quickly got to her feet, her entire body set aflame again. Seiryuu swore as she quickly recovered. To her annoyance, she'd dropped her two war fans near Taranee's feet. The Guardian of Fire shot at them, sending them out of Seiryuu's reach before she could summon them back into her hands.

Seiryuu snarled and slid into a defensive martial arts stance. Moving her arms in a circular motion, the wind around them picked up, swirling until it seemed they were all standing in the eye of a storm. Taranee fought the urge to grin. Seiryuu was creating a tornado just like she wanted. Now, all Taranee had to do was make enough fire and transform it into a firenado, turning Seiryuu's attack against her!

"Let's try this again!" Taranee said.

She unleashed a firebird-shaped construct. It screeched and flew towards Seiryuu, intent on surrounding her first before riding the tornado's air current. But this was where Taranee had miscalculated, for the firebird barely got the chance. Once it got within three feet of Seiryuu, it dissolved into smoke and sparks, put out quickly before it could be consumed.

Taranee gasped. "H-h-how?"

Seiryuu smiled wickedly. "Hasn't anyone taught you that fire needs air to exist?" Seiryuu crooned in a sickening, sweet voice. She extended one arm out, and her two war fans flew into her hands. "I'd thought you were the smart one."

The next thing any of them knew, Seiryuu summoned another pillar of air to trap Cornelia and Will again before they could rush in to help. Taranee was on her knees, both hands clutching at her throat, fighting to breathe! She watched in horror as Seiryuu stood over her, wielding the air out of her body through her mouth and nostrils and preventing new ones from flowing in by encircling it around her head, akin to how Taranee would have imprisoned her in a fire cage earlier. Still, there was a small and steady stream of it to breathe in, but just barely.

"I am the Celestial Warrior of Air, Guardian! You live and breathe because I've allowed it!" She pressed her burned hand over Taranee's chest, right over her heart. "Did you think your fire could melt my heart? That your friends could pierce through it and kill me? Yes, Guardian. I've known about your attempt to strike my heart chakra! I've known since Kitsune told me about Zhu Que's death! How wrong you were to think you could defeat me through such a method and how pitiful Zhu Que was to die for love!"

"TARANEE!" Cornelia and Will screamed. They both tried to get up, but Seiryuu kept up the pressure on them.

Seiryuu chuckled. "You feel it, don't you? This power inside you, this thing you call love. I can see how it tangles and twists within you like a tree trunk. It's what's holding you back," she said with a disgusted smile. "Yes, Fire Guardian, your weakness lies here: Love!" Seiryuu leaned in and whispered so only Taranee could hear. "Your fire magic won't protect you because you're weak. And you're weak because you love!" Taranee couldn't even whimper from the pain. She desperately needed air.

As though sensing her anguish, Seiryuu quickly turned to Will and declared, "Time to make a choice! The Heart of Kandrakar for her life!"

"No! Never!" Will cried, desperately trying to reach out to her friend. She tried to fight back against the pressure pressing down on her. Straining herself, she managed to crawl on her elbows, dragging the rest of her body at an excruciating pace. "Let her go…please!"

Seiryuu inclined her head, not taking her eyes off of Will, nor her grip on Taranee's. "Is her life so meaningless to you? Is she worth more than your power? Don't you love her enough?"

"What do you know about love?!" Cornelia spat through gritted teeth.

"I told you: Love is for the weak. It is a disease! It killed Zhu Que. So what need do I have for it save for the Heart that it could give me?" Seiryuu replied. She held out one hand towards Will, expecting her to yield. "What is your answer, Keeper of the Heart? Your Talisman for your friend's life!"

Cornelia turned to look at Will, who seemed to be as conflicted as she was. What could they do? Trade the Heart for Taranee's life? But even if she does, Seiryuu would most likely never uphold her end of the bargain. But if they don't do something within the next minute, Taranee will…what do you do in a hostage situation like this?

"Will?" Cornelia breathed.

"I…I don't know!" Will whimpered. With all her incredible new power, she'd never felt so helpless at this moment. "I…I don't…I can't…Taranee…I…I…just…"

"Will…don't…do it…" Taranee managed to gasp. "Don't…not even…for me…"

"Quiet!" Seiryuu hissed, not taking her eyes off Will. "I grow impatient! What is your answer, Guardian?! Give me the Heart or she breathes no more!"

Will…don't do it…don't ever give your heart away to someone as heartless as her…not even…for…me…

Will's eyes widened as she realized Taranee's voice was fading away.

"Tara? Taranee! TARANEE!"

Too long…Will had waited too long! Taranee had needed air! She needed to breathe! Her lungs were starving! But there was so little of it! Denied of oxygen, Taranee could feel her arteries screaming. Her vision was starting to fade.

She couldn't breathe…she couldn't breathe!

As for Seiryuu, she was done waiting. Glancing down at Taranee's pathetic form, she huffed, "Well, I guess your friend doesn't love you enough to save you."

Taranee desperately tried to gasp for air, but Seiryuu denied her the very thing she and everyone needed to live. Her lungs were starving…She began to slump in Seiryuu's grip. She could feel her mind slipping into the darkness…

As Taranee lay there, she could hear her friends crying out her name…and then…

…Nothing…

To be continued…

Almost done with this arc. Let's hope I get it done before the end of this year!

Someone asked me to make a list of characters of this story. Would you like me to do that for the next chapter?