Fushigi Yuugi Fan Fiction ❯ A Dragon's Call ❯ The Battle ( Chapter 14 )

Chapter Fourteen: The Battle

Nicholas took no time to go into action. These people had terrorized enough people, people he cared about. It was time to put an end to it! Giving a battle cry, he attacked.

Sasha was more than ready for him. She'd been looking forward to this for years. She, along with everyone else in the Seiryuu Seven, had grown up in San Marcos. All her lfe, she'd been ridiculed.

The last straw had been when she was a junior in high school. Before she had found Dirk, a group of football players had made a bet. Naturally the youngest member at the time, Nicholas, had accepted. She'd gone out with him, only to later dump him.

Ever since then, she'd held a deep hatred for Nicholas. He'd made a mockery of her. No he would pay! After all, there is nothing more terrifying than a scorned woman.

At the moment, Nicholas didn't care that he was facing his old girlfriend. She was between him and one of his friends. She'd willfully participated in this, causing hurt to his friends. For that, he could never forgive her.

Nicholas never noticed the storm clouds that began to form above. The once clear sky turned black with angry-looking clouds. A crack of thunder sounded briefly before a large bolt of lightening fell from the sky.

Reykia screamed as she was thrown a good three hundred yards by the impact of the lightening. It had impacted with the ground mere inches from where she'd stood. The end of her long violet braid was singed, smoke wafting off the ends. As she fell onto the ground, her head hit a nearby rock, rendering her unconscious.

A rage seemed to take over Nicholas at the sight of his friend's unconscious form. His eyes blazed with anger as his hands fisted at his sides. There was a red flash, and suddenly a silver fan was in his hands. Suzaku had joined his brother-god in granting his reincarnated seishi the ability to use their incarnations weapons.

Sasha watched, amused. 'So, it would seem Suzaku has decided to help his seishi. At least it won't be a slaughter now.'

The two adversaries faced off, neither willing to give an inch. A nearly impotent fury filled Nicholas. He remembered Sasha, had felt sorry for her. So when his friends suggested a bet, he had readily agreed. She'd never believed his words of love and compassion. All she could see was the fact he had made a bet to date her…used her for his own ends.

What she didn't know was the bet had just been a convenient excuse. He'd been wanting to ask her out for months before then, but had been too scared to act. Nicholas had tried to tell her this, but by that time she'd found Dirk and wanted nothing more to do with Nicholas. Her rejection hurt; still did in fact. Nicholas had never allowed himself to heal from it.

Now she stood before him, rage filling him. Reykia had been nothing but kind to Sasha. And how did she repay the former Suzaku Seishi? By death…for he had no reason to believe that Reykia was alive. He held out his tessen, fire seemingly coming from his eyes.

"REKKA SHIEN!!"

There was a red flash, and then fire everywhere. Sasha screamed, suddenly finding herself engulfed in a column of fire. She looked, searching for her lover for help. But she found no compassion there.

Dirk stared impassively at her, still guarding Yui. He made no move to help Sasha, despite seeing her in agony. Filled with despair, Sasha fell to her knees. She raised her hands, pain consuming her entire body. She watched dispassionately as the flames licked at her skin. It was almost with fascination that she watched her skin melt, revealing muscle and finally, bone.

The pain was excruciating and she finally screamed, falling onto the cold sand. The flames died instantly, to reveal nothing more than a charred, broken husk. Bits of blackened skin flaked off, carried away by the night breeze. Once maroon hair lay in a clump, charred and blackened.

Nicholas turned away at the sight he had caused. Forever he would see Sasha's vacant eyes, the bloody tissue of her heart as it lay on the sandy ground.

* * *

Christopher wanted to rush over towards his brother and comfort him more than anything. He could see the pain on his brother's face and his heart ached at such pain. Unfortunately, Brad stood in his way. The young man, only a couple of years older than Christopher, stood blocking the once Suzaku boy genius from moving.

The two stared at one another, both secretly afraid. Christopher remembered the last time he'd met up with Brad. As Chiriko, he'd died, saving his friends from the evil that was Miboshi. At the time, Chiriko had been terrified of Miboshi. By all rights, he should be now.

But he wasn't, wasn't even scared. Brad was no more Miboshi than he was Chiriko. Both were near the same age, had experienced similar things.

At one time, Christopher would have considered Brad a friend. Unlike Brad's past life, in this one he had much going for him. He came from a rich family, with friends galore. At least until he'd met Dirk.

The two boys faced each other, their faces grim. Neither seemed to even notice Miaka as she stood next to Christopher, ready to help. It seemed forever as neither boy moved. Finally, they spoke.

"Chris."

"Brad."

The younger of the two stood calmly, unafraid. Considering the last time he'd faced Miboshi, one would think Christopher would be terrified. After all, he'd died during that encounter.

But Christopher wasn't afraid. He didn't see his old enemy, the enemy that had contributed to his death. No, he only saw his old friend. A friend he wished dearly to have back.

Brad took a step back, aghast, as he stared at Christopher. After all that had happened, he'd expected hatred, even contempt. But not this.

Chris was holding his hand out in friendship.

Taking a step forward, Christopher's hand never wavered. He looked at his one time friend. "Brad, we aren't enemies. We've never been enemies. You're letting Dirk run your life for you!"

Shaking his head vehemently, Brad took a step back. "No! That's a lie! He cares about me! About all of us!"

"Does he? Are you sure? Then why isn't he helping you? Why didn't he help Soi?" Christopher persisted, his heart constricting at his own words. He wanted nothing more to console his brother, but he dared not move.

Looking over, Brad gazed at the mangled corpse that had been Sasha. Tears filled his eyes, his lip trembling. Dirk had just watched her die, completely uncaring and unfeelingly. He looked at Chris, seeing the offer of friendship…of connection.

It was something he'd been without for a very long time. He wanted that feeling back again. He wanted his friend back again.

Miaka watched silently, tears in her eyes as the two former friends clasped hands, renewing their friendship.

* * *

Standing before his old teacher, Sam couldn't decide whether to attack or cry. Before him stood Damien and Michael, both of whom were ready to attack if necessary. The trouble was, he didn't want to hurt them, he didn't want to hurt anyone.

Ever since he'd been reincarnated, he'd thought long and hard about his family, his friends. He only had one real friend and that was Brad. All through his life he'd had an affinity for animals, dogs in particular. He'd never realized why until his old memories had surfaced.

With the onset of his old memories, remorse and sorrow had set in. He'd never really wanted to kill Nuriko. But he knew if he didn't get the Shinzaho, that Nakago would use the whip on him again…and Nuriko had hurt him after all…

But all of that had been nothing more animal instincts. It hadn't of been his human mind. Granted, his human self wasn't very prevalent during that time, but it was now. The animal part of him was a small, unused part of his being now.

Thus, he stood before his old teacher and his old friend with a look of deep sorrow. No matter what Dirk said, there was no way he could let himself attack them. Damien had always been kind to him, supporting him in anything he did. When Sam had professed an interest in the Catholic Church, Damien had sponsored his entrance into the seminary.

Michael had always been there for him as well. The two had always had a wonderful time after school, as Sam would help him in the medical office. Looking back at Dirk, Sam turned and dropped his arms. "I won't fight you."

A soft smile fell over Damien's features, his hand reaching out to place it on Sam's shoulder. "I always knew you had a good head on your shoulders, Sam. I'm glad to hear you say that."

"Me too." Sam smiled, feeling a huge weight leave his shoulders as he smiled at his friends and joined his true friends.

* * *

A high-pitched cackle escaped the tall youth, sending chills up and down Jonathan and Anthony's back. The two former enemies, now allies, had joined together against a common foe. Tomo.

The garishly painted illusionist stood before them, exactly as he had before his death in the book. He could sense his enemies fear. Oh yes, they were afraid.

After all, he was supposed to be dead.

Jonathan remembered it vividly. The way his brother's weapon had materialized, the way it impaled itself within Raphael. The sound of the young man's body falling was still vivid to him. But how was it possible for him to be here, alive?!

Anthony was equally perplexed. He'd never met Tomo, but he knew Raphael well. Raphael had never made his sexual preferences secret. Along with every other attractive male at school, Anthony had been propositioned at one time or another by Raphael. The experience had not gone down well with the former Emperor.

Jonathan too had experienced such advances, but he had put that behind him. Anger filled him at the sight of his enemy. He'd grown since the last time he'd met Tomo. For that was who he was facing, not Raphael. Raphael was dead, as everyone one had seen previously. What they faced now was Raphael's incarnation. Tomo.

Drawing out his weapon, Jonathan stared at Tomo hatefully. "So…Tomo. You never could leave well enough alone. Always having to interfere. Where is it?"

Anthony frowned, the Sword of Suzaku in his hands, at the ready. What was Jonathan talking about? Wasn't this Raphael?

Tomo chuckled, his long fingernails flashing in the moonlight. "Very perceptive of you, Amiboshi. I'm surprised, I must say. I didn't think you had enough brains."

Bending down, Tomo lifted a small clam shell from the sand. It glittered, a blue aura surrounding it. "You didn't really think that your brother's actions would destroy me did you? I took measures to prolong my life long before we were reborn into this world."

Coming up to flank Jonathan, Anthony's frown deepened. "I don't understand…"

"Of course you don't, Pretty Emperor. Thinking is far too complex a thing for the likes of you." Tomo sneered nastily.

Ignoring the illusionist, Jonathan addressed his companion. "I don't know how he did it, probably from some favor with Miboshi, but Tomo transferred his soul into one of his shins. When his physical body died, his soul retreated into its little home. I'm guessing when the Gods came here, giving us our powers again, it allowed Tomo's shin to come as well."

"Very good, Amiboshi. Very good indeed." Tomo smirked, staring at his nails distractedly. He had an air about him, as if the two before him were nothing more than flies. "My weak reincarnation has filled his purpose. And ow with the death of Soi, Nakago-sama will be mind!" He gave his trademark cackle, madness in his eyes.

Jonathan stepped back, drawing Anthony with him. They huddled together, speaking in hushed tones. Tomo watched the pair, amusement clear on his decorated features.

Watching Tomo out of the corner of his eye, Jonathan looked to Anthony. "I know you never went up against Tomo. Basically, his 'shin' is a clam shell. It has his power stored within. And apparently, his soul as well."

"So…we destroy the shin we destroy Tomo." Anthony said grimly, his hand clasped tightly around his sword.

Jonathan smiled, nodding in agreement. "Right. Everything he does is illusion, no matter what it is. Just remember that. I forgot it last time, and it nearly cost me my life."

Nodding solemnly, the two allies broke away, each taking a flanking position around Tomo. The illusionist looked amused, his eyes tracking Anthony as he moved skillfully and gracefully forward.

Tomo arched an eyebrow, his sights on Jonathan. He paid no attention to Anthony. He knew of the Emperor of Konan's death at the hands of Nakago. If he had been foolish enough to attack Tomo's lord and master unarmed with only a sword, he reasoned he had nothing to fear now. The only thing he had to be concerned with was his old enemy, Amiboshi.

Such thoughts would prove to be his undoing, in the end. For Jonathan knew of Tomo's weakness, his pride. He would never see Anthony as an obstacle, but merely a mild distraction.

A smirk fell over Jonathan and Anthony's lips. Tomo arched an eyebrow, suddenly feeling nervous all of a sudden. The look on Jonathan's face was very reminiscent of the time he'd gone up against Amiboshi. It was…unnerving to say the least. The same expression was on Jonathan's lips. Determination and purpose shone clearly in his eyes.

Sneering derisively, Tomo attacked viciously, unconsciously using the same attack he had used against Amiboshi so long ago. He smirked, watching and waiting for the feathers to pierce Jonathan's flesh. Only it never happened.

A shining bright blade intercepted the feathers, slicing through them effortlessly. Shock was written all over the illusionists face, his eyes wide as his main attack was so effortlessly destroyed. He screamed then, falling to his knees in agony as a horrible sound filled his ears. He shook his head, looking up.

Jonathan stood, his eyes filled with anger and hatred as his flute rested against his lips. A blue aura surrounded him as he played, the harsh music filling and surrounding Tomo. It was far worse than last time, he used. That was the last he knew as the music literally split his skull open.

Dropping his arm to his side, Jonathan slumped to his knees, exhausted. Anthony came over and knelt next to him, a reassuring hand placed on Jonathan's back. Only one remained…