Ronin Warriors Fan Fiction ❯ Ronin Warriors: Illusionary War ❯ A Worthy Blade Appears ( Chapter 10 )

Since Ryo, Navcase, and Rowen had returned from their rescue mission, Mia had been working frantically to solve the latest problem of even more people taking up residence in her house.  The mansion, despite its many rooms, was going to run out of space soon if alien warriors did not stop showing up on her doorstep or brought home under the blanket statement of "Oh, Mia won't mind a few extra guests."  Of all of them, Sai was the only one who made any attempt to pull his weight around the house.  Rajei at least paid for his room, unlike the other boarders, although she did expect the Hoen soldiers to clean up after themselves.  Primus seemed to be somewhat of an issue, he was yet another gastronomic black hole to attempt to feed like Kento, although Primus attributed his appetite to supersoldier modifications rather than having an extreme love of eating.  At the very least, he was original.  His silvery hair would have indicated that he was another Miraju, but he and Rajei both explained that having natural angelic wings, that unlike Rajei's or the other Hoen, could not be dismissed when not necessary, and indicated his race as Esperian, who, at least from what Primus explained, lived on a very distant world and made their way to other worlds to appoint themselves official or unofficial guardians of that world.  Even stranger was Primus' insistence that his people could survive in space without any protection for up to a few days before they needed to get out of the vacuum.

Garthis was another story.  He was a Sensharan, yet another weird alien people who looked like machines, but Garthis insisted that they were not, citing some cryptic explanation that they were both and neither.  Because of this weird dual nature, he explained, they did not need to eat to survive, and did not tire easily, but on a more important note, they were almost completely immune to psionics, a plus when dealing with the Miraju.  It was this unusual face that kept the twilight inhabitants from intimidating them and forcing them to accept Asterra as their god and ruler.  That and a little retaliatory strike with Hoen backup put the two races on Asterra's badder side.

Thanks to Rowen, the gang had cracked the Hoen language, discovering its strange similarities to their own, and explaining how to alter their pronunciation of Japanese from a native speaker to that of a foreign one.  At least now Rajei would not have to work as hard to translate for them.

But all was not as well up in space on Asterra's flagship.  The evil one was furious that he was now not only without the Prime Minister, a key bargaining chip, he was also now short one Hoen Champion, which he needed if he hoped to extract the secret of Rajei's longevity.  As long as he was practically classified as an undead, he was nearly indestructible but highly vulnerable to a few key things, particularly wood, silver, and sunlight.  Extracting Rajei's Hoen secrets, which had to be within him considering the average Hoen had shown no trace of it, would take away his need to feed on life force all the time.  The only problem lay in who exactly to send to get back Rajei.  The Dark Rounin had succeeded before, but one, Illandere, was holding up their operations, insisting on ensuring that her pet project was in working order first.  On top of that, the Dark Rounin reported directly to the Supreme Mage Lord, and Asterra had little to no say in what they did.

So, to deal with this problem on his own, he would need to utilize the aid of one of his best warriors:  Kiwham.  Trained in the art of weapons by the High Lord in charge of magical weapon creation, a skilled fighter in his own right, Kiwham had a successful track record in dealing with foes that failed to go down easily, and although taking this mission might cost him his perfect record, he had to take that chance.

Climbing aboard his personal ship, tricked out to no end, he departed for Earth, but making a quick stop over at the ship of High Lord Ayosuf, to get some info on these three that had caused the Miraju Empire such problems.
"You have almost NOTHING on these people?"  was Kiwham's answer when he inquired about the opposition they were having on Earth.

"That's correct.  Although we do know that this one"  An image of Navcase fighting the Mage Officers from before came up on screen, "Is some sort of swordsman."
"Hmm...I recognize the other sword he has.  The dark sword, Kurosaki.  My master made it.  As I recall, the weapon was given to Platoon Leader Jata.  I don't even know why my master even bothers making such masterpieces when they are wasted on fighters that can not unleash the full potential of the weapons he makes."  Kiwham explained.  "This one seems to have figured it out."  he pointed out, as Navcase unleashed the darkness field of the blade in the archived footage.

"I am not sure about the other two, but this one I will enjoy taking down."  Kiwham thought to himself.

Unbeknownst to our now numerous heroes, Kiwham boarded his ship and began his descent to Earth.

Back at the mansion, Primus proceeded to fill our heroes moreso as to what was going on light years away.

"As Rajei most likely has already explained, the Hoen have been fighting off the Miraju and their minions for quite some time.  Their methods of planetary dominance revolve around sending down missionary types to proclaim the greatness of Asterra, and then from there, see the inhabitants reaction.  Refusing to accept him as their god involves an "Act" an over the top display of magical fireworks and psychic suggestions."

"Needless to say, being somewhere in between, but at least partially mechanical, it didn't work.  The Sensharan fought back."  Garthis explained.

"A Hoen expedition had visited Sensharan some time ago.  Although we never settle on already inhabited worlds, we make a point to let the inhabitants know that we'll come to the rescue should they need it.  That is exactly what the Hoen did.  Unfortunately, it was some time after that they learned of Rajei.  More accurately, Asterra learned of Rajei."  Garthis explained.

"Luckily, not all Miraju are bad, and especially do not want Asterra to become harder to kill, which will be the case if he manages to add Rajei's immortality to himself.  What few Miraju there are opposed to this, are trying to keep that from happening."  Rangu explained.

"Unfortunately, we lost contact with one of our allies, a Miraju named Sura. He has been upset at the treatment of many of the Miraju allies, and would prefer for them to have a larger role than cannon fodder.  He also does not enjoy the thought of Asterra being nearly impossible to kill."

"We know where he is.  We've got him up in the palace of the Heavens recovering from his last battle."  Rowen explained.

"May we see him?"  Primus asked.  "He was going to give us more insight into Asterra's plans for Earth besides retrieving Rajei."
"I'm sure that'll be all right with Amaterasu."  Rowen replied.
"Maybe you can talk her into picking up a little of the slack."  Mia mumbled to herself.

Utilizing the only available portal in the area, the group warped their way into the Palace of the Heavens via the Isle of Mists, a location that was protected by both its nature and Hariel's Forgotten Souls, since the Shrine of Amaterasu there was a direct link to the palace itself.  It was a back door that the group could not afford to keep unguarded.

Once in the Palace, the Hoen commandoes made a beeline for the medical area, where Sura was doing much better than he had been earlier in their involvement.  He was quite surprised when the commandoes entered his room.

"Primus?  What brings you to Earth?"  Sura asked.
"Our ride back to the base left early.  We're stuck here pretty much until the scientists Asterra captured can make some more modifications to the Kusanagi so that it can travel faster than light.  They're also busy with some upgrades to the Ronin armors that the Dark Rounin destroyed."  Primus explained.
"And Rajei?  Were the others able to rescue him?"  Sura asked.
"Yeah, we bumped into your new friends and got him out of there pretty quickly."  Primus explained.
"So, what did you find out?"  Garthis asked.
"Not too much.  Same old same old.  Asterra wants to capture Rajei so he can suck his powers away.  And as far as I know, that little rescue mission probably angered him to no end and he's probably going to be on his way to Earth full force to punish everyone involved, including the Ronin.  And I'm not sure that Earth can fend off a full invasion.  We're going to need to get to the secret base and get more forces.  In the meantime, we've got to fend off Asterra's attempts as best we can.  Hopefully he'll send scouting parties before he sends a full fledged army."  Sura explained.

"That would mean we need the Kusanagi." Rowen concluded.
"But I doubt even your single ship could fend off an entire Miraju fleet." Primus explained.

"So where is this secret base?" Kento asked.
"If we told you, it wouldn't be a secret.  What we can tell you though, is that it's well outside Asterra's sphere of influence, where Hoen, Sensharan and Miraju dissidents are plotting the the demise of their undead leader.

"So how do we get there?  You've said Asterra's pretty much ticked off at this fact and is more than likely gearing up for a massive invasion.  But I'm guessing that the Kusanagi isn't equipped for Faster than Light travel.  It'll take forever to reach your secret base without it."  Sai replied.
"It's on the to-do list of the Hoen scientists you helped rescue.  Their working at the moment to install one the best they can, although, no offense meant, Earth technology is, although close, still very far from Hoen levels."

"Great.  What are we supposed to do, hitchhike to the secret base?"  Kento asked in desperation.

At the mention of the idea, the Hoen in the room began to huddle, as if they were even considering hitchhiking all the way to the secret base.

"Geez, I was kidding."  Kento replied.

"Still, it will take time to hopefully equip the Kusanagi with FTL capability so that we can reach our base."  Primus replied.

"There's no way you can call really long distance and ask for a ship to come pick you guys up, is there?"  Sage asked.
"No, we're too far out from Suanapolla or even Sensharan to accomplish that.  The communications equipment in the ship requires power, which unfortunately, we don't have.  The transport needs to be within range of a Hoen ship in order to draw power from its core, thus powering our own craft.  We have a small backup power supply, but that's probably close to drained as well.  That and the communications on it aren't long range."  Rangu added.
"So you guys are pretty much stuck here?  Sai asked.
"Not unless Ms. Jishou and the Hoen scientists you rescued manage to install Faster than Light capability on the Kusanagi."  Primus explained.
"Well, is there anything we can do to help?"  Rowen asked.
"Not unless you know where we can steal parts for an actual hyperdrive."  Garthis answered.

The heroes hung their heads in response to that question.

"It's okay Rowen, that means I can spend more time with you!"  Rangu exclaimed.

The Ronin of Strata was taken aback by this comment, not sure what to think.  If she was coming on to him, then he was going to have tons of problems when and if Ayame and Ayako got back.

Meanwhile, a larger threat was looming on the horizon, Kiwham closed in on Earth, ready to capture or kill Navcase and the others.

The still established small Miraju camp watched patiently as Kiwham's ship touched down and the warrior made his way out.  Well built, clad in battle armor, and well equipped with various weapons, which seemed to be limited to a claymore and battle axe slung on his back, a pair of katana at his left waist, a knife clipped to his leg, and to his right waist was a rapier. Mage Lord Ramito and his remaining subordinates came to greet the Royal Guard sent to deal with the problems at hand.

"Kiwham.  I see His Eminence is not taking any chances."  Ramito replied, knowing the reputation Kiwham had with dealing with targets.
"Yes.  Now where can I find their master swordsman?"  Kiwham asked.
"We're not exactly sure.  There's a facility where the Hoen Champion was being kept, that might be a worthwhile place to start."  Ramito explained.

Kiwham took to the air and began combing the city for something, anything that would locate or lure out Navcase, but also following the directions given to him by Ramito to Kinjiro's.  After flying a few blocks, he had arrived.  Setting down on the ground, descending slowly so he could get an idea of what he was up against, and for someone with several bladed weapons a firearms, it was not going to be pretty.  Kiwham thought to himself that perhaps he should have brought along his ship.  As he touched down, it was quickly concluded that he was from the Miraju as the FireStorm wall went up in no time flat as defensive weaponry came online, all aimed at him.  Kiwham wasted no time bringing out his claymore.

"Shield me, Stelryn!"  he commanded, as an energy barrier came up seconds before the weapons were to hit him.

"That barrier is going to keep me out, fortunately, I have something for that."  he thought to himself as he reached for his dagger.

"Break through, Samia!"  he commanded, as a red energy enveloped his dagger and he flung the weapon at the FireStorm defense, which shockingly popped it like a bubble.  Their barrier destroyed, the troops began to move in and continue to fire on him, but his barrier from the claymore did a spectacular job of stopping their attacks.

Up at the palace, Amaterasu, Sura, Garthis, and Primus were going over their options when Ms. Jishou came in with a call.

"Osaki is under attack by a man with several blades, nothing we do seems to be hitting him, but strangely, he's not engaging.  Wait a minute, he's saying something."

"Where are the ones that attacked the flagship, and freed our prisoners?  I've come to challenge them!"  Kiwham shouted.
"What did he say Sura?"  Amaterasu asked.

"He's here to deal with Ryo and Navcase.  And if he's here, it's not a good thing.  His name is Kiwham, last I heard he was apprenticed to the High Mage Lord in charge of making our weapons.  He's one of the few Miraju that can actually wield a sword effectively.  We must be cautious."  Sura explained.
"I'll send for Navcase."  Amaterasu replied.

The Sword of Heaven was called upon, and briefed on the situation at hand.

"Navcase, know full well that Kiwham is beyond any other Miraju you've faced to date.  He is a Royal Guard, and is charged with guarding the most important of Miraju officials.  That, and he knows something about the weapons that no others seem to know besides him and the High Lord he reports to."
"I'll do what I can.  If what he seeks is to face a worthy opponent, and to deal with those who he has been sent to eliminate, then I must go."  Navcase said, heading off.

"Good luck, my Sword of Heaven, and be careful."  Amaterasu replied.  Navcase nodded and headed off.

Since time was of the essence, Amaterasu opened a portal directly to the interior of Osaki.  Navcase arrived on the scene, and stepped outside, where the energy blasts and bullets were still flying at Kiwham, as Navcase stepped forward, bringing out his sword.

"It's you.  You're one of the three that found their way to the dropship to free the Hoen champion."  Kiwham said telepathically.

Navcase nodded.

"I'm sure you're aware that there are few Miraju that are good enough fighters to take on people like us.  But you're no match for all of my weapons.  Shall we begin?"  Kiwham asked.

He put away his claymore, and unsheathed his twin katana, taking off towards Navcase as he managed to parry one attack but was left open for the other strike with his other sword.  Navcase was barely able to sidestep the attack, as Kiwham made another strike, this time, Navcase was wise to bring out his other sword for help.  Kiwham immediately recognized it as being named Kurosaki, but Navcase would not know that.

Now both armed with two blades, the fight continued as strikes were parried from both fighters, as they both tried to land successful hits on each other.  Navcase swung at Kiwham, having one blade blocked, and then the other, having the Sword of Heaven right where he wanted him.

"Blow him away, Maghtroth!"  Kiwham shouted to his swords as a powerful gust of wind came out of nowhere and pushed Navcase in the opposite direction, barely slamming into a wall, but quickly reacting and kicking off it, making his way back towards Kiwham at high speed, his twin blades positioned out in front of him.

"Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu...Kuzu Ryu Sen!"  Navcase shouted, using his energy to streak at warp speed into Kiwham, hitting him 18 times due to his double swords and at the same time forcing him backwards.

As he landed from the attack, Navcase internally cursed himself for going to his best moves so early on in the fight.  This would certainly be a lengthy battle, considering the skill of both fighters, and Kiwham's numerous blades.

"Is that all you have, swordsman?  Because I have much more."  Kiwham said telepathically.

Putting away his twin katana, he reached next for his battle-ax, which with great strength he hurled at Navcase, who quickly dodged the attack and made his way for Kiwham for another strike, his swords at the ready.

"Return, Rydrad!"  he shouted.  In answer, the battle-ax swung around and made its way back towards Navcase!  Kiwham had his hand positioned to guide the heavy weapon back to him, so it would take the best route to taking out Navcase.  Luckily, it did not seem the weapon homed in on energy signatures, so Navcase quickly sidestepped, spinning around with Ryu Kan Sen, only to have Kiwham reach his hand in back and call on the power of his claymore, putting up a barrier to keep Navcase from connecting, then ducking, forcing Navcase to take cover as well as the axe came flying over his head and sticking into a wall.  Kiwham ordered his axe to return to him once again, as it jarred itself free and back to his hand, only to chuck it at Navcase again, trying to hit him a second time, but he was able to get clear once again, further dodging after he called it back to try and hit Navcase on the return trip.  Navcase again was able to leap out of the way of his battle-ax.

Recovering the thrown weapon, Kiwham put it away as well, and returned to using his katana, sending wind gusts flying at Navcase, who managed to dodge most of them, but was hit by a few.  Getting to his feet, he had a good feeling that a certain technique he picked up from watching Ayako's anime archives would be quite useful right about now.

Navcase sheathed his other sword, the one known to Kiwham as Kurosaki, and stood ready with his holy sword to intercept the wind, pushing his power skyward in hopes that Kiwham would respond likewise.  The wind blast flew at the hero, as he hoped and hoped that a scar would form for him to retaliate with.  But unfortunately, one did not and Navcase was once again knocked for a loop.

"Let's see, the axe returns at his command, the katana unleash wind blasts, he was using the claymore before to make a barrier, that leaves the dagger and the rapier."  Navcase thought to himself, as he put up his protection spell in order to buy him some thinking time.

"There is no barrier my dagger cannot penetrate.  BREAK THROUGH, Samia!"  he shouted, tossing the weapon at Navcase and taking out his shield with a single hit.

"Okay, the dagger breaks down barriers, which leaves the rapier..."  Navcase thought to himself.
"Ah yes.  My rapier.  I'm sorry, but you haven't proved that you can handle it.  I expected a bit more from the Sword of Heaven.  Perhaps the others I seek will be more of a challenge. I request only one thing;  grow stronger.  Once you do, maybe you'll face my rapier."  Kiwham communicated telepathically.

With that, he sheathed his swords and flew off once again, leaving Navcase to ponder his request.

Back at the Palace, Navcase reported his latest confrontation with Kiwham to Amaterasu.

"Geez, does that bastard have enough weapons?"  Yuri exclaimed in her usual tone.
"But as I explained Miss Yuri, he did not use all seven of his weapons.  He neglected to draw his rapier, nor would he tell me what it did.  So I suspect that must be his most powerful weapon." Navcase explained.
"But what could it do?"  Ran wondered.
"Whatever it could do, if he had used it we'd be short one Seishi."  Yuri concluded.
"You won't mention this to Yuriko, will you?"  Navcase asked.
"No Navcase.  When you feel the time is right, you should tell her yourself."  Amaterasu explained.

NEXT EPISODE:

NAVCASE:  Well, it seems that our little rescue operation has attracted more attention than before from the Miraju, that their leader has sent one of his best warriors to eliminate us.  But am I merely the first target, or am I the only one he is interested in dispatching?  Find out in the next chapter of Ronin Warriors:  Illusionary War;  The Seven-Way Slayer Strikes Again.  Do not miss it.