Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Muma Oni - The Succubus Demon ❯ The Final Attack ( Chapter 29 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: Levante01 
Miscellaneous: Original Stories Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama / Comedy / Action | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 01.09.2010 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.7K | Visits: 155 | Status: Completed
Miscellaneous: Original Stories Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama / Comedy / Action | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 01.09.2010 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.7K | Visits: 155 | Status: Completed
“Haven’t had enough, I see,” Kaiban called down to Sato. “You must be a glutton for punishment.”
“Nah,” Sato said as he straightened; he was smiling brightly. “I just know that someone special is waiting for me back home. So what do you say we––”
“Sati!” Muma cried as she raced toward Sato. She wrapped her bare body around Sato and squeezed him tightly. “I’m so glad you’re alive. Please don’t ever leave me like that again. I was so, so, so, so, so, so, soooo worried!”
“Okay, Muma,” said Sato, struggling to force Muma off her. “I understand you’re happy to see me. Just let go so I can fight! Also, lay off Ryomaru’s caffeine tablets, will you?”
Muma released Sato. “Sure, Sati,” she said, “just please don’t die.”
Sato opened his mouth to say something but stopped as Kaiban sent an attack their way. Sato grabbed Muma and dragged her out of the way. He shielded her as debris flew at them. He looked around and saw their three friends fighting the skeletons. Kaiban was still in the air, looking down on them.
“Help the others,” Sato told Muma. “I’ll take Kaiban on by myself.”
Muma nodded and raced back to the others. Sato focused in on Kaiban who lowered to the ground. Sato shouldered his sword and walked toward him. They stood a few feet apart as they stared each other down, the sounds of Sato’s friends fighting echoing through the room. Sato gripped the hilt of his sword tight.
“I’m not sure how you can stand, but I’m impressed,” Kaiban said.
“It’s like I said,” Sato said, “I’ve got someone waiting for me at home, and I made a promise to her to come back alive. And that’s exactly what I’m gonna do … after I finish you off!”
Sato charged forward. His aura connected with Kaiban’s and he felt himself being thrown back while his aura helped him maintain his stance. The auras battled hard against each other, neither wanting to give up. Suddenly both auras dispersed and Kaiban came fast at Sato.
Sato blocked Kaiban’s punch with his sword. The force took Sato off balance and his grip slipped on the sword. Kaiban attacked again, and now Sato found himself in hand-to-hand combat with the demon. They threw fierce punches and kicks at one another. Sato rolled to the side and tried for a nice trip. Kaiban jumped into the air to dodge.
Sato shot toward his sword on the floor. Kaiban landed before Sato and kicked him hard in the face, sending him away from his sword. Kaiban bent over to pick up the sword and held it aloft, showing it to Sato who was recovering from the attack.
“Pry it from my hands if you think you can,” Kaiban dared.
***
Ryomaru’s sword clashed with one of the skeleton’s. He spun fast and kicked the skeleton backwards. Ryomaru gave a quick slice through the air, releasing his kyoshaku attack. The blade of energy cut the skeleton in two and exploded, scattering bones across the room. He turned to where Pinaka and Kisuro were handling another skeleton and rushed to them.
Muma was handling one of her own. She dodged the clay blade coming at her and punched the skeleton hard in the chest. The bones scattered across the room. Muma clapped her hands together in triumph. As she turned to the others, she heard bones rattling behind her. She glanced back in time to see the skeleton had reformed and was coming at her.
Muma caught the skeleton fast and flipped it onto the floor and placed a hand to its skull. A red light burst between Muma’s hand and the skull, and the skull exploded into pieces. Knowing she had succeeded for sure this time, she turned to the others and watched as Ryomaru delivered the final blow to the last skeleton.
“Everyone all right?” Muma asked as she approached the others.
“Just fine,” said Pinaka cheerfully as she turned. “Now what?”
“We help Sato, of course,” Kisuro said.
“No,” Muma interrupted as she glanced at Sato and Kaiban fighting. “Sati wants to do this on his own. I think it’s for the best.”
“Agreed,” said Ryomaru, Hasu returning to his original form. “For Sato, this is more than just protecting Japan.”
“So all we’re gonna do is sit back and watch?” said Kisuro in rage. “He’s not a hundred percent going into this fight. He’s gonna need us.”
“No he won’t,” Muma said confidently. “I can sense it. Sato will win. I’m not sure how, but he will.”
***
Sato sprang backwards on his hands and raised his feet in the air to catch his sword that Kaiban used against him. He twisted fast, ripping the sword from Kaiban’s hands and throwing it into the air. Sato came back to his feet and held up his hands.
“Now the stage is fair,” Sato said. “We’ll finish this with fists only!”
Sato charged at Kaiban. The demon quickly dodged and came at Sato with his left fist. It connected hard at Sato’s abdomen. Green sparks burst from them as the hit landed. Sato dropped to his knees, grasping his stomach in pain.
“It’ll never be a fair fight like this,” Kaiban said. “Without your sword, you have no power.”
Sato got to one knee, peering up at Kaiban through one eye. “Power or not, I’m gonna kick your ass.”
Kaiban began to laugh to himself. “You really think you can do it on your own? I’m the most powerful demon in existence. No mere mortal can defeat me.”
“If you’re the most powerful,” said Sato as he finally stood on both feet and stood hunched over, “then explain that damaged arm of yours.”
A choked expression flashed over Kaiban’s face. He quickly recovered and laughed more. “Just a small sacrifice putting away a punk very much like you.”
Sato smirked. “I doubt that,” he said. “Someone stronger than you was here before us, huh? He left you with a warning and departed just before I arrived on your floor. Admit it.”
Kaiban beamed down at Sato. “That’s enough out of you, boy!”
Kaiban threw his left hand out. A large gust hit Sato’s body and pushed him backwards across the bones. Sato covered his body as the wind cut him in several places. He slid to a halt and dropped again to one knee. Blood rushed down his arms. The wound across his chest was now bleeding again because of the pain his body had endured. In the recent attack, a gash had been made across his forehead and blood gushed down his face.
“You won’t win, kid,” Kaiban said. “If I don’t kill you first, you’ll die from the blood loss.”
Sato was breathing heavy. Kaiban was right. Even if he managed to defeat Kaiban, the loss of blood would finish him off. Not to mention the exhaustion made things even worse. Sato’s sight was already becoming blurry, but he chose to ignore it. What was he to do?
“Face it,” Kaiban said calmly, then continued more fiercely, “you’re as good as dead!” He rushed at Sato fast.
Sato stood fully. “It’s not over until it’s over!” he cried.
Kaiban stopped, a befuddled look on his face. Sato saw a blue light from the corner of his eyes. He felt something heavy suddenly appear in his hand. He grasped his fingers around it slowly and held his sword aloft. He stared at it in amazement, wondering how it had come to him by itself.
Pinaka looked around at Ryomaru. “Hey, you don’t think––”
Ryomaru nodded. “He is Teshi’s descendent. If anyone can release that power, it’s Sato.”
Muma stared at Sato in amazement. “This is … Teshi’s power?”
Kaiban took a step back. “What’s going on?” he said as he watched the aura around Sato. “What are you doing?”
“I’m not really sure,” Sato said, “but I have a feeling that this is where the tides turn. As we speak, I can feel the power from this sword healing my body, and relieving my fatigue. And from the power that I feel within this sword, I can tell that once I’m fully healed, there will be plenty of energy left to defeat you with!”
“Let’s just see if you can hold on to that sword,” Kaiban said, charging for Sato.
Kaiban attacked with his left hand, attempting to slash Sato with his claws. Sato blocked with his sword. The spiritual energy from Kaiban’s palm collided with the blade and energy from the sword. Sato slid back a couple inches from the force. He waited until he knew his body could fully function before trying to fight back.
Kaiban attacked again, this time offsetting Sato’s balance on his feet. Sato held tight to the sword and his arms were thrown into the air from the force. Kaiban dove in for the attack. Sato twisted fast to dodge. Kaiban rushed at him again.
Sato slashed downwards at Kaiban, knocking the demon to the ground as he soared into the air. Kaiban was back at him again in an instant. The two exchanged mighty blows against each other, rattling the skeletons that made up the floor. Sato ducked below Kaiban and slashed upwards, but Kaiban quickly dodged, coming around with an attack of his own.
Sato blocked with his sword, but the power forced him to the ground. He landed heavily and quickly sprang back into the air, dodging Kaiban as he came after him. Sato smiled and slashed twice toward Kaiban, releasing two enormous blades of energy. Kaiban dispersed them with ease as he came at Sato.
Sato wheeled to the side. Kaiban anticipated his dodge and struck Sato unaware. Sato flew across the floor but regained himself by stabbing the floor. He looked up as Kaiban went into the air and released a large green ball of energy. Sato raised his sword to block the attack. The pressure threw him backwards and the ball hit the floor, erupting into flames, disintegrating the ground.
Sato covered his eyes with his arm as debris came at him. The dust settled and a large hole remained between him and Kaiban. Sato glanced fast at his friends, seeing that they had now retreated to the observation deck. Pinaka had a frightened look on her face. Muma and Kisuro were smiling at Sato with confidence. Ryomaru’s expression remained the same as ever.
“Eyes front!” Kaiban cried as he sent a shockwave of energy at Sato. It passed over the hole and rushed at Sato at the speed of light. He didn’t have time to block as the attack hit him, striking his left arm. He twisted through the air and landed on his back, a bone sticking up from the floor jabbing him hard in the back.
Kaiban sprang into the air and fell back down on the other side of the hole. He circled at a large radius from Sato, observing his foe. There was no way he could still be alive. The attack was dead on, with an emphasis on dead.
Kaiban was shocked as Sato began moving, squirming and writhing in pain as he cried out loudly. Blood was spewing into the air from his shoulder, but soon the bleeding stopped and Sato’s shoulder healed completely. Sato had relaxed and now got to his feet.
“Impressive,” Kaiban said, narrowing his eyes. “I’m not sure how you continue to live. It can’t be the sword, because even when you didn’t have it you still lived. What is your secret?”
Sato wiped the sweat from his forehead. He wanted to smile at his luckiness, but there was no more time for smiling. That last attack was serious. Kaiban was tired of being made light of. He was ready to finish this. Sato had to have the same serious attitude if he even hoped to live through anymore attacks like that.
“Tell me, dammit!” Kaiban cried. “How do you continue to live? Or even stand?”
Sato raised his sword once again. He didn’t know himself how he did it. He had no armor protecting him. The chest of his chainmail was gone. His plate armor had been knocked off long before.
“You wanna know what allows me to keep going?” said Sato in a tone so serious it surprised even himself. “What keeps me going are those behind me, and my girlfriend waiting for me back home. What keeps me going is those that I love and who love me in return. As long as I know they’re counting on me, I’ll never die!”
Kaiban smirked. “I should believe that? You think this is some kind of fairy tale, boy?” His smile quickly inverted itself as anger took control of him. “Let me show you how real this is!”
Sato prepared himself. Kaiban raised his hand into the air, looking at the ceiling. Bones from the walls and floor began surrounding Sato. Sato glanced back and found his view of his friends completely blocked. He faced forward, and Kaiban too disappeared behind the wall of bones.
“What’s going on here?” Sato called out. “What’re you doing?”
“Witness my final attack,” Kaiban said through the wall. “No one, human or demon, has ever survived. Find out why they call me the Shikyo Ou!”
Sato staggered around in his confinement. Darkness overcame the inside of the pillar as the top was also covered by bones. A sharp pain hit Sato. He placed a hand on his side and felt blood. Another one got him across his cheek. Suddenly a feeling of hundreds of needles piercing him came about him. He could feel every inch of his body bleeding now. What could he do? How could he escape?
“This is it,” he heard a faint voice whisper into his ear. It was then that he realized that someone was in the pillar with him.
Sato swung around fast with his sword, but didn’t hit anything except the wall of bones. He concentrated hard and heard something behind him. He attacked fast and felt something slide passed his arm as he swung his weapon. The sword didn’t connect to anything.
“The final attack!” Kaiban cried, his voice booming in Sato’s ears.
Sato held his sword before him and felt something hit it hard. He was forced against the wall of bones and shot out of the pillar, light hitting Sato’s eyes. He looked back at the pillar, unable to stop his drift through the air. Bone spikes shot at him, moving faster than him.
Sato felt an arm wrap around and jerk him hard into the air, the bone darts just barely missing him. He was set gently back on the floor and looked to his side where Muma now stood.
“Muma,” said Sato, almost unable to say anything.
“Come on,” Muma said, folding out one wing. The other was bleeding slightly. The damage to it made it unable to move.
“Come on, what?” Sato asked. He looked forward to see a sour Kaiban emerge from the bone pillar.
“Now you wish to die too,” Kaiban said to Muma. “Then so be it. Both of you will die to my attack.”
“You have to do it, Sato,” Muma said. “That’s Teshi’s sword, right? You have to release the power that will stop Kaiban for sure.”
Sato glanced at his sword. “I don’t understand.”
Muma turned on Sato and grabbed at his chest. “There’s an attack that Teshi and me used together. We have to use it or otherwise we’ll never beat Kaiban.”
“How do I use it?” Sato asked.
“Listen to the sword,” Muma told him. “Let it guide you.”
A pillar of bones formed around both Muma and Sato. Sato gulped as it became dark. He felt Muma grab his free hand. “You have to do it, Sato. It’s the only way.”
Sato closed his eyes, though it made no difference with the darkness already upon them. He could feel the power of his sword pulsating in his hand. What was it he was trying to learn?
“Sato!” Muma cried.
Sato felt it too, the prickly pain that caused more blood to spill from his body. Sato opened his eyes, his blue aura lighting up the dark pillar. Muma’s red aura beside him glowed fiercely as well. Kaiban was stuck in between the wall of the pillar, astonished by the sight.
Muma moved in front of Sato. He put the hilt of his sword against her back and felt energy transfer from him to her. Muma held up both of her hands facing directly at Kaiban. He was frozen in fear of the enormous spiritual pressure he was witnessing.
Muma’s eyes flared purple, reflecting the mixture of her aura with Sato’s. A burst of spikes of energy shot from her palms, hitting Kaiban. The wall of the pillar shattered as Kaiban flew backwards.
Kaiban felt the spikes of energy piercing him. He looked up and saw bone spikes shooting at him now.
Sato returned to himself as he heard Kaiban’s cry. Both he and Muma emerged from the bone pillar to take a look at what had happened. Kaiban was posted to the wall of the castle. The purple energy spikes had gone, but the bone spikes remained, holding him to the wall. He was pierced through the head, the heart, his stomach, and all four appendages. A horrified look remained on his face.
Muma inspected the body closer. Finally she turned to Sato and said energetically, “Whew! It’s finally over! Time to go home!”
Sato smiled softly. “Yeah,” he said. “Muma, thanks for your––”
Worry spread over Muma’s face as she watched Sato collapse to the floor. Suddenly the entire castle began to shake fiercely. Ryomaru, carrying Grandpa’s found body, Pinaka, and Kisuro raced toward her.
“Hurry!” Ryomaru called. “The castle’s falling apart! Grab Sato and run for it!”
Muma nodded and went to Sato, pulling him over both her shoulders. Kisuro was quick to grab the sword and they raced toward the hole that Kaiban had made earlier. Pinaka grabbed hold of Kisuro as they dove down the hole and raced for the exit.
The castle began to come down around them. The light from the exit hit them and they all managed to get through just as the rest of the castle fell, revealing the lustrous Tokyo Tower, although it had a look of decay on it from the castle.
Muma gasped. Demon hunters were lined up at what was the entrance to the castle. Ryomaru and Pinaka were just as surprised as Muma. They all seemed ready to fight. Where had they been earlier? Muma thought.
“My name is Ryomaru Takedo,” Ryomaru said as he stepped forward. “I’m sure each of you know me. What is your purpose for being here?”
***
“Demon hunters waited outside of the castle?” said Ina as Kisuro and Muma recounted what had happened at the castle. They were in Sato’s room. Sato was in his bed, bandaged from head to foot, still fast asleep. Kisuro sat at the desk. Muma, clothed in her school uniform now, sat on top of the desk. Muma sat on the bed beside Sato.
“Yeah, we were scared,” Muma said. “I thought they were there for me.”
“Wasn’t a problem though,” Kisuro butted in. “Ryomaru explained the situation, about defeating Kaiban, his minions, and about Muma being on our side.”
“Yeah,” said Muma as she scratched the back of her head. “They wanted to take me away but neither Ryomaru nor Pinaka would allow it. I was glad to have them there. Had to be at least fifty demon hunters waiting to get at Kaiban if we failed.
“Well, I’m glad you’re all okay,” said Ina.
Kisuro winked at Ina. “With thoughts of you waiting at home, how could we not be?”
Ina’s face went red. She didn’t know how to interpret that statement. She felt Sato move behind her. She looked down at him and saw his eyes open underneath the bandaging. He slowly sat up, groaning as his body ached.
Ina got off the bed and knelt beside it, looking at Sato. “Oh Sato, I’m so glad you’re––”
“Sati!” Muma cried, knocking Ina out of the way and hugging Sato tight. “I’m so happy you’re all right! I couldn’t live with myself if something––well never mind that, you’re alive!”
“Excuse me, Muma!” Ina said angrily, but Muma ignored her.
Sato gently pushed Muma off of him and looked around. After a moment he said quietly, “Where’s Grandpa?”
“Nah,” Sato said as he straightened; he was smiling brightly. “I just know that someone special is waiting for me back home. So what do you say we––”
“Sati!” Muma cried as she raced toward Sato. She wrapped her bare body around Sato and squeezed him tightly. “I’m so glad you’re alive. Please don’t ever leave me like that again. I was so, so, so, so, so, so, soooo worried!”
“Okay, Muma,” said Sato, struggling to force Muma off her. “I understand you’re happy to see me. Just let go so I can fight! Also, lay off Ryomaru’s caffeine tablets, will you?”
Muma released Sato. “Sure, Sati,” she said, “just please don’t die.”
Sato opened his mouth to say something but stopped as Kaiban sent an attack their way. Sato grabbed Muma and dragged her out of the way. He shielded her as debris flew at them. He looked around and saw their three friends fighting the skeletons. Kaiban was still in the air, looking down on them.
“Help the others,” Sato told Muma. “I’ll take Kaiban on by myself.”
Muma nodded and raced back to the others. Sato focused in on Kaiban who lowered to the ground. Sato shouldered his sword and walked toward him. They stood a few feet apart as they stared each other down, the sounds of Sato’s friends fighting echoing through the room. Sato gripped the hilt of his sword tight.
“I’m not sure how you can stand, but I’m impressed,” Kaiban said.
“It’s like I said,” Sato said, “I’ve got someone waiting for me at home, and I made a promise to her to come back alive. And that’s exactly what I’m gonna do … after I finish you off!”
Sato charged forward. His aura connected with Kaiban’s and he felt himself being thrown back while his aura helped him maintain his stance. The auras battled hard against each other, neither wanting to give up. Suddenly both auras dispersed and Kaiban came fast at Sato.
Sato blocked Kaiban’s punch with his sword. The force took Sato off balance and his grip slipped on the sword. Kaiban attacked again, and now Sato found himself in hand-to-hand combat with the demon. They threw fierce punches and kicks at one another. Sato rolled to the side and tried for a nice trip. Kaiban jumped into the air to dodge.
Sato shot toward his sword on the floor. Kaiban landed before Sato and kicked him hard in the face, sending him away from his sword. Kaiban bent over to pick up the sword and held it aloft, showing it to Sato who was recovering from the attack.
“Pry it from my hands if you think you can,” Kaiban dared.
***
Ryomaru’s sword clashed with one of the skeleton’s. He spun fast and kicked the skeleton backwards. Ryomaru gave a quick slice through the air, releasing his kyoshaku attack. The blade of energy cut the skeleton in two and exploded, scattering bones across the room. He turned to where Pinaka and Kisuro were handling another skeleton and rushed to them.
Muma was handling one of her own. She dodged the clay blade coming at her and punched the skeleton hard in the chest. The bones scattered across the room. Muma clapped her hands together in triumph. As she turned to the others, she heard bones rattling behind her. She glanced back in time to see the skeleton had reformed and was coming at her.
Muma caught the skeleton fast and flipped it onto the floor and placed a hand to its skull. A red light burst between Muma’s hand and the skull, and the skull exploded into pieces. Knowing she had succeeded for sure this time, she turned to the others and watched as Ryomaru delivered the final blow to the last skeleton.
“Everyone all right?” Muma asked as she approached the others.
“Just fine,” said Pinaka cheerfully as she turned. “Now what?”
“We help Sato, of course,” Kisuro said.
“No,” Muma interrupted as she glanced at Sato and Kaiban fighting. “Sati wants to do this on his own. I think it’s for the best.”
“Agreed,” said Ryomaru, Hasu returning to his original form. “For Sato, this is more than just protecting Japan.”
“So all we’re gonna do is sit back and watch?” said Kisuro in rage. “He’s not a hundred percent going into this fight. He’s gonna need us.”
“No he won’t,” Muma said confidently. “I can sense it. Sato will win. I’m not sure how, but he will.”
***
Sato sprang backwards on his hands and raised his feet in the air to catch his sword that Kaiban used against him. He twisted fast, ripping the sword from Kaiban’s hands and throwing it into the air. Sato came back to his feet and held up his hands.
“Now the stage is fair,” Sato said. “We’ll finish this with fists only!”
Sato charged at Kaiban. The demon quickly dodged and came at Sato with his left fist. It connected hard at Sato’s abdomen. Green sparks burst from them as the hit landed. Sato dropped to his knees, grasping his stomach in pain.
“It’ll never be a fair fight like this,” Kaiban said. “Without your sword, you have no power.”
Sato got to one knee, peering up at Kaiban through one eye. “Power or not, I’m gonna kick your ass.”
Kaiban began to laugh to himself. “You really think you can do it on your own? I’m the most powerful demon in existence. No mere mortal can defeat me.”
“If you’re the most powerful,” said Sato as he finally stood on both feet and stood hunched over, “then explain that damaged arm of yours.”
A choked expression flashed over Kaiban’s face. He quickly recovered and laughed more. “Just a small sacrifice putting away a punk very much like you.”
Sato smirked. “I doubt that,” he said. “Someone stronger than you was here before us, huh? He left you with a warning and departed just before I arrived on your floor. Admit it.”
Kaiban beamed down at Sato. “That’s enough out of you, boy!”
Kaiban threw his left hand out. A large gust hit Sato’s body and pushed him backwards across the bones. Sato covered his body as the wind cut him in several places. He slid to a halt and dropped again to one knee. Blood rushed down his arms. The wound across his chest was now bleeding again because of the pain his body had endured. In the recent attack, a gash had been made across his forehead and blood gushed down his face.
“You won’t win, kid,” Kaiban said. “If I don’t kill you first, you’ll die from the blood loss.”
Sato was breathing heavy. Kaiban was right. Even if he managed to defeat Kaiban, the loss of blood would finish him off. Not to mention the exhaustion made things even worse. Sato’s sight was already becoming blurry, but he chose to ignore it. What was he to do?
“Face it,” Kaiban said calmly, then continued more fiercely, “you’re as good as dead!” He rushed at Sato fast.
Sato stood fully. “It’s not over until it’s over!” he cried.
Kaiban stopped, a befuddled look on his face. Sato saw a blue light from the corner of his eyes. He felt something heavy suddenly appear in his hand. He grasped his fingers around it slowly and held his sword aloft. He stared at it in amazement, wondering how it had come to him by itself.
Pinaka looked around at Ryomaru. “Hey, you don’t think––”
Ryomaru nodded. “He is Teshi’s descendent. If anyone can release that power, it’s Sato.”
Muma stared at Sato in amazement. “This is … Teshi’s power?”
Kaiban took a step back. “What’s going on?” he said as he watched the aura around Sato. “What are you doing?”
“I’m not really sure,” Sato said, “but I have a feeling that this is where the tides turn. As we speak, I can feel the power from this sword healing my body, and relieving my fatigue. And from the power that I feel within this sword, I can tell that once I’m fully healed, there will be plenty of energy left to defeat you with!”
“Let’s just see if you can hold on to that sword,” Kaiban said, charging for Sato.
Kaiban attacked with his left hand, attempting to slash Sato with his claws. Sato blocked with his sword. The spiritual energy from Kaiban’s palm collided with the blade and energy from the sword. Sato slid back a couple inches from the force. He waited until he knew his body could fully function before trying to fight back.
Kaiban attacked again, this time offsetting Sato’s balance on his feet. Sato held tight to the sword and his arms were thrown into the air from the force. Kaiban dove in for the attack. Sato twisted fast to dodge. Kaiban rushed at him again.
Sato slashed downwards at Kaiban, knocking the demon to the ground as he soared into the air. Kaiban was back at him again in an instant. The two exchanged mighty blows against each other, rattling the skeletons that made up the floor. Sato ducked below Kaiban and slashed upwards, but Kaiban quickly dodged, coming around with an attack of his own.
Sato blocked with his sword, but the power forced him to the ground. He landed heavily and quickly sprang back into the air, dodging Kaiban as he came after him. Sato smiled and slashed twice toward Kaiban, releasing two enormous blades of energy. Kaiban dispersed them with ease as he came at Sato.
Sato wheeled to the side. Kaiban anticipated his dodge and struck Sato unaware. Sato flew across the floor but regained himself by stabbing the floor. He looked up as Kaiban went into the air and released a large green ball of energy. Sato raised his sword to block the attack. The pressure threw him backwards and the ball hit the floor, erupting into flames, disintegrating the ground.
Sato covered his eyes with his arm as debris came at him. The dust settled and a large hole remained between him and Kaiban. Sato glanced fast at his friends, seeing that they had now retreated to the observation deck. Pinaka had a frightened look on her face. Muma and Kisuro were smiling at Sato with confidence. Ryomaru’s expression remained the same as ever.
“Eyes front!” Kaiban cried as he sent a shockwave of energy at Sato. It passed over the hole and rushed at Sato at the speed of light. He didn’t have time to block as the attack hit him, striking his left arm. He twisted through the air and landed on his back, a bone sticking up from the floor jabbing him hard in the back.
Kaiban sprang into the air and fell back down on the other side of the hole. He circled at a large radius from Sato, observing his foe. There was no way he could still be alive. The attack was dead on, with an emphasis on dead.
Kaiban was shocked as Sato began moving, squirming and writhing in pain as he cried out loudly. Blood was spewing into the air from his shoulder, but soon the bleeding stopped and Sato’s shoulder healed completely. Sato had relaxed and now got to his feet.
“Impressive,” Kaiban said, narrowing his eyes. “I’m not sure how you continue to live. It can’t be the sword, because even when you didn’t have it you still lived. What is your secret?”
Sato wiped the sweat from his forehead. He wanted to smile at his luckiness, but there was no more time for smiling. That last attack was serious. Kaiban was tired of being made light of. He was ready to finish this. Sato had to have the same serious attitude if he even hoped to live through anymore attacks like that.
“Tell me, dammit!” Kaiban cried. “How do you continue to live? Or even stand?”
Sato raised his sword once again. He didn’t know himself how he did it. He had no armor protecting him. The chest of his chainmail was gone. His plate armor had been knocked off long before.
“You wanna know what allows me to keep going?” said Sato in a tone so serious it surprised even himself. “What keeps me going are those behind me, and my girlfriend waiting for me back home. What keeps me going is those that I love and who love me in return. As long as I know they’re counting on me, I’ll never die!”
Kaiban smirked. “I should believe that? You think this is some kind of fairy tale, boy?” His smile quickly inverted itself as anger took control of him. “Let me show you how real this is!”
Sato prepared himself. Kaiban raised his hand into the air, looking at the ceiling. Bones from the walls and floor began surrounding Sato. Sato glanced back and found his view of his friends completely blocked. He faced forward, and Kaiban too disappeared behind the wall of bones.
“What’s going on here?” Sato called out. “What’re you doing?”
“Witness my final attack,” Kaiban said through the wall. “No one, human or demon, has ever survived. Find out why they call me the Shikyo Ou!”
Sato staggered around in his confinement. Darkness overcame the inside of the pillar as the top was also covered by bones. A sharp pain hit Sato. He placed a hand on his side and felt blood. Another one got him across his cheek. Suddenly a feeling of hundreds of needles piercing him came about him. He could feel every inch of his body bleeding now. What could he do? How could he escape?
“This is it,” he heard a faint voice whisper into his ear. It was then that he realized that someone was in the pillar with him.
Sato swung around fast with his sword, but didn’t hit anything except the wall of bones. He concentrated hard and heard something behind him. He attacked fast and felt something slide passed his arm as he swung his weapon. The sword didn’t connect to anything.
“The final attack!” Kaiban cried, his voice booming in Sato’s ears.
Sato held his sword before him and felt something hit it hard. He was forced against the wall of bones and shot out of the pillar, light hitting Sato’s eyes. He looked back at the pillar, unable to stop his drift through the air. Bone spikes shot at him, moving faster than him.
Sato felt an arm wrap around and jerk him hard into the air, the bone darts just barely missing him. He was set gently back on the floor and looked to his side where Muma now stood.
“Muma,” said Sato, almost unable to say anything.
“Come on,” Muma said, folding out one wing. The other was bleeding slightly. The damage to it made it unable to move.
“Come on, what?” Sato asked. He looked forward to see a sour Kaiban emerge from the bone pillar.
“Now you wish to die too,” Kaiban said to Muma. “Then so be it. Both of you will die to my attack.”
“You have to do it, Sato,” Muma said. “That’s Teshi’s sword, right? You have to release the power that will stop Kaiban for sure.”
Sato glanced at his sword. “I don’t understand.”
Muma turned on Sato and grabbed at his chest. “There’s an attack that Teshi and me used together. We have to use it or otherwise we’ll never beat Kaiban.”
“How do I use it?” Sato asked.
“Listen to the sword,” Muma told him. “Let it guide you.”
A pillar of bones formed around both Muma and Sato. Sato gulped as it became dark. He felt Muma grab his free hand. “You have to do it, Sato. It’s the only way.”
Sato closed his eyes, though it made no difference with the darkness already upon them. He could feel the power of his sword pulsating in his hand. What was it he was trying to learn?
“Sato!” Muma cried.
Sato felt it too, the prickly pain that caused more blood to spill from his body. Sato opened his eyes, his blue aura lighting up the dark pillar. Muma’s red aura beside him glowed fiercely as well. Kaiban was stuck in between the wall of the pillar, astonished by the sight.
Muma moved in front of Sato. He put the hilt of his sword against her back and felt energy transfer from him to her. Muma held up both of her hands facing directly at Kaiban. He was frozen in fear of the enormous spiritual pressure he was witnessing.
Muma’s eyes flared purple, reflecting the mixture of her aura with Sato’s. A burst of spikes of energy shot from her palms, hitting Kaiban. The wall of the pillar shattered as Kaiban flew backwards.
Kaiban felt the spikes of energy piercing him. He looked up and saw bone spikes shooting at him now.
Sato returned to himself as he heard Kaiban’s cry. Both he and Muma emerged from the bone pillar to take a look at what had happened. Kaiban was posted to the wall of the castle. The purple energy spikes had gone, but the bone spikes remained, holding him to the wall. He was pierced through the head, the heart, his stomach, and all four appendages. A horrified look remained on his face.
Muma inspected the body closer. Finally she turned to Sato and said energetically, “Whew! It’s finally over! Time to go home!”
Sato smiled softly. “Yeah,” he said. “Muma, thanks for your––”
Worry spread over Muma’s face as she watched Sato collapse to the floor. Suddenly the entire castle began to shake fiercely. Ryomaru, carrying Grandpa’s found body, Pinaka, and Kisuro raced toward her.
“Hurry!” Ryomaru called. “The castle’s falling apart! Grab Sato and run for it!”
Muma nodded and went to Sato, pulling him over both her shoulders. Kisuro was quick to grab the sword and they raced toward the hole that Kaiban had made earlier. Pinaka grabbed hold of Kisuro as they dove down the hole and raced for the exit.
The castle began to come down around them. The light from the exit hit them and they all managed to get through just as the rest of the castle fell, revealing the lustrous Tokyo Tower, although it had a look of decay on it from the castle.
Muma gasped. Demon hunters were lined up at what was the entrance to the castle. Ryomaru and Pinaka were just as surprised as Muma. They all seemed ready to fight. Where had they been earlier? Muma thought.
“My name is Ryomaru Takedo,” Ryomaru said as he stepped forward. “I’m sure each of you know me. What is your purpose for being here?”
***
“Demon hunters waited outside of the castle?” said Ina as Kisuro and Muma recounted what had happened at the castle. They were in Sato’s room. Sato was in his bed, bandaged from head to foot, still fast asleep. Kisuro sat at the desk. Muma, clothed in her school uniform now, sat on top of the desk. Muma sat on the bed beside Sato.
“Yeah, we were scared,” Muma said. “I thought they were there for me.”
“Wasn’t a problem though,” Kisuro butted in. “Ryomaru explained the situation, about defeating Kaiban, his minions, and about Muma being on our side.”
“Yeah,” said Muma as she scratched the back of her head. “They wanted to take me away but neither Ryomaru nor Pinaka would allow it. I was glad to have them there. Had to be at least fifty demon hunters waiting to get at Kaiban if we failed.
“Well, I’m glad you’re all okay,” said Ina.
Kisuro winked at Ina. “With thoughts of you waiting at home, how could we not be?”
Ina’s face went red. She didn’t know how to interpret that statement. She felt Sato move behind her. She looked down at him and saw his eyes open underneath the bandaging. He slowly sat up, groaning as his body ached.
Ina got off the bed and knelt beside it, looking at Sato. “Oh Sato, I’m so glad you’re––”
“Sati!” Muma cried, knocking Ina out of the way and hugging Sato tight. “I’m so happy you’re all right! I couldn’t live with myself if something––well never mind that, you’re alive!”
“Excuse me, Muma!” Ina said angrily, but Muma ignored her.
Sato gently pushed Muma off of him and looked around. After a moment he said quietly, “Where’s Grandpa?”