The flickering torches cast long, dancing shadows across the dusty interior of the temple. The air hung heavy with the scent of incense and something faintly metallic. Ryusei and Reimu, still bound tightly, were roughly shoved through the weathered wooden doors. Their eyes adjusted to the dimness, revealing an elaborate scene.
In the center of the chamber, a raised platform was adorned with crimson silk cloth. Ornate candles, their flames casting an eerie glow, lined the steps leading up to it. Belloq, clad in a flowing crimson robe that seemed almost regal, stood on the platform, the Zodiac Amulet glinting around his neck like a morbid pendant.
Several of his men scurried around the chamber, positioning bronze braziers and setting out strange symbols carved from jade. An oppressive silence hung in the air, broken only by the crackle of the flames and the rasp of Belloq's voice.
"Welcome," he boomed, his voice echoing off the ancient stone walls, "to my most sacred sanctuary. Tonight, with your unwilling presence, I shall perform a ritual unlike any the world has ever seen!"
He gestured towards the elaborate setup, a cruel smile twisting his lips. "This, my friends, is what I call a very special midnight. A night where science and the supernatural collide, a night where I unlock the true power of the Zodiac Amulet!"
A shiver ran down Reimu's spine despite the stifling heat. Belloq's eyes, gleaming with fanaticism, darted between them, lingering on Ryusei for a chilling moment. Fear gnawed at her, but a flicker of defiance remained.
Ryusei's face, an unreadable mask, met Belloq's gaze head-on. Externally, he was angry and humiliated. Much of his armor, from his helmet to his sword had been removed and confiscated by Belloq who had it set up like a trophy. Internally though, he was curious. He had never seen the amulet's power before and was curious as to what it could really do.
"Alright Belloq, you have the amulet now," addressed Reimu. "Now let us go."
Belloq smiled and reached out to touch Reimu's cheek but she quickly jerked back to avoid his hand.
"Such rude manners are unbefitting for a girl as pretty as you. Your mother should've taught you better," commented Belloq.
He then left to the stage where he held the amulet up from his neck and began chanting a foreign prayer. As he did, the emeralds on the gold medallion began to glow while his men bowed down and repeated his prayers.
As this happened, a look of worry replaced the anger on Ryusei's face.
"This isn't good. He's transforming just like the legend."
Reimu looked at Ryusei puzzled and confused.
"Right you are," declared Belloq now covered in swirls of light and energy.
"Your memory is as good as they say it is. I'm turning myself into a dragon, the most powerful godlike creature that man has ever seen."
"Oh really?" asked Reimu mockingly. "I've seen creatures that would make your dragon look like an ant."
Belloq ignored her comment and allowed the transformation to take hold, giving him serpentlike features. Both the shrine maiden and samurai struggled to get out of their bonds and even with the distracted ninja army, escape was simply impossible.
In the end, Reimu closed her eyes, accepting her defeat. However, the light suddenly died down and upon opening her eyes, she saw Belloq sprawled out on the floor with a knife sticking out of his forehead. All the ninjas had their weapons drawn but they were all frozen in place.
"Hold still."
Reimu turned around to see her samurai friend holding out a pair of amulets with the kanji for blade and bomb written on them.
"I just told you to hold still," said a slightly annoyed Ryusei.
"Sorry."
Within seconds, Reimu was freed from her bindings and reunited with her signature gohei while Ryusei retrieved his katana.
"I didn't know you could stop time."
"I didn't," answered Ryusei. "I only slowed their perception of it. It should be over in about now."
Within seconds, the ninjas were upon them and while Ryusei skillfully slashed and cut down his foes, Reimu could only knock them out as she didn't have any of her needles or ofudas with her. Despite this though, the two were overwhelmed by the sheer number of masked swordsmen.
Everytime one was killed or knocked out, another two would take its place. Finally, Reimu noticed a familiar green square strapped to the body of one of the ninjas and with a flick of her wrist, snatched the item off his body.
"Ryusei! Get down!" ordered the shrine maiden.
The samurai knew what was about to happen and immediately dropped to the floor.
"Fantasy Seal!"
Several bright balls of light blinded the entire room for several seconds and when it finally cleared, all hostilities were left sprawling on the floor.
"Worked like a charm," commented Reimu. "Such a shame that was my last one."
"Save one for me next time," replied Ryusei as Reimu helped him back on his feet.
"So how did you manage to slip out back there?" asked Reimu. "Those ropes were way too strong for you to have slipped them off."
"They left my symbolizer and paper amulets on me," answered Ryusei. "It only took me a matter of seconds to use one of these to create a knife to free myself and throw at Belloq."
He held out an amulet with the kanji "create" written on it for Reimu to see.
"Wow. Is that how you were able to temporarily stop time?"
The samurai nodded as he broke the case containing his armor and put it back on. Right as they were about to make their way to the deceased archeologist's body though, several of the fallen ninjas got back up, ready to fight again.
"Okay, looks like your bomb didn't take them all out," commented the samurai as he readied his sword.
"Hey. These things weren't made to kill ya know," replied Reimu. "I'm a pacifist at heart."
"Fair point. Maybe you should tell them that next time."
Once Ryusei said that, all hell broke loose as the ninjas advanced upon them again. This time though, Ryusei threw Reimu his spare knife so she didn't have to rely on smacking the enemy with her gohei all the time. Additionally, since many of the ninjas were winded from the blast of Reimu's bomb, the duo weren't dealing with overwhelming odds like before and as many as three warriors were dispatched with every swing or stab.
Reimu, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and determination, grasped the weapon. Hating to resort to violence, she nonetheless parried a blow aimed at Ryusei's back. A silent prayer escaped her lips, a plea for a peaceful resolution that seemed to fade unheard amidst the clash of steel.
As the fight dragged on, Ryusei's movements grew sluggish. His breaths came in ragged gasps, a stark contrast to his earlier agility. The after-effects of manipulating time were taking their toll and even with energon coursing through his veins, Ryusei still needed time to rest. He stole a glance at Reimu, worrying gnawing at him. Her inexperience was clearly showing, her attacks becoming wild and desperate. He knew they couldn't keep this up much longer. After he kicked another ninja, the samurai made his decision.
Once again, he spun the disk-like guard on his katana and a stream of fire engulfed the blade. Though his helmet hid it, sweat was dripping down his face and as the flames warmed the cold metal, his breathing became more rugged than before.
With a cry, he raised his sword and prepared to use his ultimate attack.
"Blazing Strike!"
With one mighty swing, a wave of fiery energy flew out of the blade, following the shape and direction of the swing. The further it went, the larger it got until finally, one unfortunate black warrior took the full force of the wave, causing a massive explosion that sent everyone but Ryusei flying in different directions.
The samurai took note and shielded Reimu from the blast by throwing himself on top of her and pinning her to the floor to block the incoming shockwave. Once this was over, the two looked around to see all the ninjas lying motionless on the floor. His gamble had paid off and the duo could now take a moment to rest and recover from the battle.
When the dust finally settled, Ryusei carefully lifted himself off of Reimu. His helmet hid his expression, but the concern in his voice was unmistakable.
"Are you hurt?"
Reimu stared up at him, her eyes wide. For a moment, they were lost in each other's gaze, the danger momentarily forgotten. A faint blush crept up her cheeks as she finally shook her head.
"No, I'm fine. Thanks to you."
"No you're not. You've been hit here. Hold still," instructed the samurai.
He pulled out his symbolizer and an empty piece of paper which he used to write the kanji for "heal." Once he was finished, he placed the amulet over the affected area and watched as the magic took hold and repaired the damage to Reimu's body.
"Thanks," replied the shrine maiden.
As the Ryusei helped the Hakurei miko up to her feet, no one noticed Belloq's body beginning to shift and move from its original location. Soon enough, the deceased archeologist's body was floating in the air with green waves of energy swirling around it.
"Let's get that-whoa!"
A tremor ran through the chamber, and Belloq's body on the platform began to writhe. His limbs contorted at unnatural angles, bones seemed to shift and elongate, and a sickly green light pulsed from beneath his skin. Before their very eyes, the human form was giving way to something monstrous. Scales erupted through his flesh, claws extended from his fingertips, and behind him, a serpentine tail began to unfurl.
The transformation was grotesque, a horrific parody of the majestic dragon Belloq had sought to become. Its body, though large and imposing, was twisted with decay, its scales dull and lifeless. Exposed ribs shone through the scales of the creature and the air around it crackled with an unnatural energy, a testament to the unholy power coursing through its veins.
Fear choked Reimu's breath. Her eyes darted from the horrifying creature to Ryusei, a silent plea for a plan forming in her gaze. But before either of them could react, the dragon unleashed a torrent of fire. A wave of supernatural flames erupted from its maw, engulfing the chamber in an instant inferno.
The heroes barely avoided the jet of fire but the smell of smoke and burning cloth lingered in the air. Instinctively, Reimu reached for one of her amulets but only found the smoldering remains of burnt paper.
"Ryusei! My amulets have been burned!"
The samurai looked over and held up several burned scraps of paper.
"You too?"
Before he could respond, Belloq blasted another powerful jet of fire and barely missed the samurai while Reimu threw several needles that harmlessly bounced off the dragon's skin. In response, the dragon swung his tail and smacked Reimu out of the air and sent her crashing into a pillar.
"Ugh. That hurt-!" Reimu looked up to see Belloq readying a fireball and aiming it straight at her.
However, he was interrupted by Ryusei who had taken the opportunity to try and cut Belloq's neck while he was distracted. Just like the needles though, the blade bounced off of Belloq's skin harmlessly and did nothing but anger the dragon even more.
Still, this gave Reimu the time she needed to escape the undead dragon's line of fire and ready herself for a counter attack. Raising her gohei, Reimu readied herself for a power strike but was quickly caught by the tail of the dragon.
As the dragon began choking Reimu, she noticed the amulet's stones glowing and emitting an aura that was similar to that of a youkai. Looking at Ryusei, she saw the symbolizer hanging from Ryusei's belt and got an idea.
Meanwhile, Ryusei split his katana into two identical swords and continued to parry and deflect the serpent's attacks. None of his attacks had any effect on the monster's hide and eventually, he found himself backed into a corner with no way to fight back.
"This isn't going to work," commented the samurai.
Just then, he noticed Reimu struggling to escape the dragon's grasp and after barely avoiding a swipe from the dragon's head, he noticed Belloq trying to clear the dust from its eyes. An idea struck him and once Belloq had finished clearing the dust from his sight, he threw both of his katanas at the dragon's head.
The swords hit their mark and the dragon roared in frustration as both of its eyes were pierced by Ryusei's katanas and Belloq released the Hakurei miko.
Instinctively, the samurai rolled over to catch the shrine maiden and checked her pulse. To his relief, Reimu was alright and after avoiding the tail of a now blind Belloq, Ryusei unsheathed his arm mounted energon blades, ready to make a stand.
"Ryusei wait!"
The samurai looked at Reimu whose only weapon was her gohei and her outfit was outlined with various tears and holes.
"That amulet is emitting youkai-like energy. If you can set up a seal, I can channel my powers and nullify its powers."
She was interrupted by a blind jet of fire that nearly singed her hair.
"I don't have any more seals!" informed Ryusei. "That fire destroyed them all."
"You do have one!"
Reimu pointed at his symbolizer which dangled from the samurai's weapon belt.
"Like I said, I haven't mastered using it and can't make such symbols in thin air!" yelled Ryusei over the undead flamethrower.
"You'll never know unless you try!" yelled Reimu. "Just do it! I'll cover you for as long as you need!"
Ryusei's hand tightened around the symbolizer, his knuckles white with the strain of concentration. He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, picturing the kanji for "seal" in his mind's eye. The air crackled with a faint energy as he began to trace the symbol in the air.
Suddenly, a fierce swipe of the dragon's tail sent a gust of wind whipping through the chamber. Reimu, a blur of movement and determination, used her gohei to deflect the blow, sending sparks flying. A flicker of admiration crossed Ryusei's face for a fleeting moment before he refocused his attention.
The kanji for "seal" shimmered in the air, the lines forming with a faint red glow. It was almost complete, victory tingling in Ryusei's fingertips.
But then, chaos erupted. The dragon, thrashing its head wildly in its blindness, sent a cascade of debris raining down. A loose stone dislodged from the ceiling plummeted towards Ryusei. He flinched instinctively, the movement breaking his concentration. With a sputter of red light, the unfinished seal dissolved into nothingness.
Frustration burned in Ryusei's eyes. He took a deep breath, the weight of their situation pressing down on him. This was their only chance. He wouldn't let a single mistake doom them. With renewed determination, he closed his eyes once more, the image of the kanji burning bright in his mind.
He began to trace the symbol again, the red light intensifying with each stroke. This time, he wouldn't let anything distract him. But just as he finished the seal, the chamber trembled with another deafening roar. The dragon, its movements seemingly guided by an uncanny luck, slammed its massive tail against the ground, the resulting shockwave causing Ryusei to aimlessly send the seal out but miss the dragon and harmlessly disappear as soon as it touched a nearby pillar.
"Don't give up!" Reimu's voice cut through his despair. "Keep trying!"
Ryusei gritted his teeth, the weight of their situation pressing down on him. This was their last chance. He closed his eyes once more, the image of the kanji burning brighter than ever in his mind. With renewed focus, he traced the symbol in the air, his movements precise and unwavering. This time, there would be no distractions.
The red light grew in intensity, the kanji for "seal" forming flawlessly. With a final push of his will, Ryusei sent the symbol flying towards Belloq. It struck the amulet embedded in the dragon's chest, a jolt of energy erupting outwards. A deafening roar filled the chamber as Belloq recoiled, the unholy light emanating from his body flickering and dimming.
Reimu, ever alert, saw her opportunity. A determined glint flashed in her eyes as she witnessed the surge of energy released from the amulet. With a swift movement, she raised her gohei, capturing the energy within its sacred confines. Focusing all her power, she channeled it towards Belloq.
A wave of purifying light engulfed the monstrous dragon. A series of pained screams ripped through the air, replacing the ear-splitting roars. The grotesque features began to recede, scales giving way to flesh, claws shrinking back to nails. Within moments, Belloq stood before them once again, his human form restored.
Ryusei wasted no time. He rushed forward, snatching the amulet from Belloq's chest. The chamber trembled violently, dust billowing down as large stones began to detach from the ceiling. The temple was collapsing.
"We need to get out of here!" he yelled to Reimu, his voice barely audible above the din.
Reimu understood instantly. With a flick of her gohei, she deflected a falling shard of rock. Ryusei, with surprising agility, retrieved his katanas that had fallen earlier. Together, they navigated the crumbling temple, Reimu leading the way with her gohei while Ryusei cleared the path with his blades. Finally, they burst out of the collapsing temple entrance, just as the grand structure imploded in a cloud of dust and debris.
The battle was over and the prize was secured.
"So…" started Ryusei. "Do you want to buy more paper to go home, or do you want me to experiment with my newfound powers first?"