Ronin Warriors Fan Fiction ❯ Ronin Warriors: Illusionary War ❯ Full Moon Assault ( Chapter 4 )

"<Release the dropships.>" someone said in an alien language.

Two large hangars on top of the vessel opened up as streams of white and purple ships flew out of them, several dozen heading for North America, Europe, and the other major continents.  A smaller group set a course for Japan.  Their shields flared as they came in contact with the atmosphere, quickly making it down through the clouds and raced across the sea, staying low to the ground in order to prevent detection.  They slowed down as they approached the mainland, and landed several miles outside of Toyama, on the opposite side of where Mia's house was.  The ships shone in the moonlight as activity began inside.

"<We have arrived at our destination, Lord Ramito.>" one of the pilots explained.
"<Excellent.  Open the stasis pods.  We have much to do before the sun rises."  Lord Ramito commanded.

Gas began to shoot out from each of the stasis pods in the back of one of the ships as people and miscellaneous humanoids climbed out and began donning battle armor and grabbing rifles from racks along the sides of the craft as they charged outside.  Plantish humanoids began exiting as well as various people apparently holding bows also exited.  Finally, four legged spider walker things seemingly brimming with weapons were the last to set foot outside.

"<All right D Company, listen up!  Lord Ramito wants this base set up before sunrise.  1st Platoon, deploy the probes and get the base set up.  Second platoon, stand by until we get the Psychic Chamber up.  3rd Platoon, get to the trees and find some sniper nests, the rest of you, plant yourselves.  4th Platoon, begin patrolling the area.  If you find hostiles, take care of them.  We're vulnerable until we get that M-Field Generator up.>"  D Company's commander ordered.

The First Platoon made its way along the side of the ship, opening up hatches near the bottom as little probe things flew out, as one of the Squad leaders fiddled with a remote of some sort that had the machines remove small objects from their bay, bring it out to a position, and then fire a beam that within a matter of seconds had enlarged the miniature into a full sized building.  Other probes followed suit, putting up additional buildings around the landing site.  More infantry came filing out of the other dropships and into the structure that was probably a barracks, while other robed troopers headed over to a tower of some sort.  Even more plantlike humanoids emerged and also headed for the barracks, as more soldiers with bows followed suit.  Other mechanical troops that shone in the moonlight also made their way for the barracks.  Another building went up, and the Second platoon floated over to it and went inside.  Most of the additional four legged contraptions set down around another building, sort of collapsing into a storage form.  One of the robed figures spotted the apparent commander and saluted.

<"M-Field Generator is up and running, base is online sir.">  the company commander stated.
<"Excellent Job, Niru.  I trust all went well?"> Lord Ramito asked.
<"Almost.  Platoon leader Jata is not pleased with waiting.">  Niru reported.
<"Keep an eye on him, Niru.  If he gets out of hand, I will deal with him.">  Lord Ramito said.
<"As you wish, Lord Ramito.">  Niru said, saluting again.

Lord Ramito was saluted again as he came aboard one of the dropships.

<"Patch me through to High Lord Ayosuf.">  Lord Ramito asked.
<"Aye sir.">  a pilot responded.

On a screen before him, the form of High Lord Ayosuf appeared.  It was difficult to make him out due to the dim lighting, but his hair shone from it.

<"1st Battalion is in position, High Lord.  Your orders?">  Lord Ramito asked.
<"Stay under the cover of the M-Field until tomorrow night.  You may then begin your assessment of the enemy.">  High Lord Ayosuf commanded.
<"As you wish, High Lord.">  Lord Ramito answered, as the buildings from the base and the patrolling soldiers were enveloped in a forest, as if they were never there.
 

The sun rose over Toyama as the normal day to day activities began in earnest, the populous unawares of the previous night's landing.  Over at Mia's, the others were snug in their beds as Anubis rose early to take care of his extended torture of cleaning the house after loosing at a drinking contest to Mr. Fawkes.  However, the new tenant was nowhere to be found, as he had mysteriously snuck out of the house.

The hours ticked by slowly but surely as the Heavens sprung to life as well, as Suiren and Yoko returned to lay out in the sun, as even Ran and Yuri got in on it.  Navcase was off practicing with his sword as a message came in from Osaki Heavy Industries.

"Your Eminence, we've picked up something on our early warning satellites that you might be interested in."  the second in command at Osaki said.

Motoko Jishou was the Director of Operations over at Osaki Heavy Industries.  With Kinjiro's disappearance, it was up to her to make sure that all of the miscellaneous machines and gadgets Kinjiro and Ayame had put together were kept in perfect working order.  Although it had been increasingly harder to run things without the two around to dream up new ideas that could stand up to demons and the like.  For the most part, the company had been sticking to its numerous military contracts.  But negotiations with decorated military brass from around the world was nothing like talking with a seemingingly omnipotent being that could possibly give the planet an extremely bad sunburn if you ticked her off.  It had taken a little getting used to, but she still hoped that Kinjiro would be back soon.  VERY soon.

"Put it up."  Amaterasu said.

An image flashed on screen from one of Osaki's surveillance satellites.  Normally they were there to monitor things ON Earth, but this one had managed to pick up some sort of spacecraft early that morning.  It had uncloaked, released hundreds of smaller ships towards Earth, and then disappeared again.

"Is that ship still there?"  Amaterasu asked.
"We're pretty sure of it.  We've tried all kinds of scanning on it, but the hull is made up of some substance that we can't identify, so we can't scan through it.  We do know, that of all those ships, about five of them were headed for Japan."  she explained.
"Do we have any idea where they landed?"  Amaterasu asked.
"We've narrowed their location to somewhere north of Toyama."
"But why land there?  Why not Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, or some other more significant city?  Unless...whomever or whatever landed is looking for someone or something."  Amaterasu concluded.

Near the landing site, a cloaked figure sat in a nearby tree, assessing the situation.  Somehow, he was able to see through the M-Field and into the base.

"Great.  They're here already, and they've set up shop.  They've got one company guarding the base it seems.  Heavy Borgs, those shrubs are definitely Demetarians, and there's definitely Space Elves hiding in the trees somewhere.  There's probably even more soldiers waiting in the barracks.  This is not good.  I hope the Ronin can handle these guys."

Almost caught unawares, one of the Heavy Borgs had indeed spotted him, and was locking on with its mortar cannon.  It fired just as the cloaked figure noticed the shot and leapt from the tree just as the mortar hit, blasting the tree to smithereens.  He landed on his feet and went for the staff on his back just as vines shot out and grabbed it, pulling it away and tying him up as well as various plant people stepped out at the other end of the vines.

<"We have you now.">  one of the plants said.
<"Not necessarily.">  the cloaked figure said as he flexed his muscles and broke free, launching into various martial arts moves that quickly regained his weapon and beat the plant things to the ground.  One of the Heavy Borgs took aim at him with its particle beam and fired, as he leapt forward into a roll and came up with his staff glowing and a flaming arrow notched in it, which he let fly, causing a large explosion on the Heavy Borg as it went down.  Its buddies lumbered over to try and lay down cover fire as he took off running and then spreading large red wings from his back and flying as energy blasts and razor sharp leaves were flung his way.  The plants saluted as one of the robed soldiers emerged from a bunker and came over, with a sword at one side and a pistol on the other.

<"What happened?">  the officer asked.
<"The target was observing our base, Platoon Leader Jata.  We exchanged fire and he headed off towards the city.">  one of the plants answered.
<"Good work.  Redeploy and protect the base.  My unit will hunt him down and bring him back here before he can find anyone to help him.  D Company, 1st Platoon, ATTENTION!">  Jata commanded.
<"What battle calls sir?"> his troops responded as they emerged from the bunkers.
<"The target is headed for the city.  Whichever one of you manages to catch him is looking at a serious bonus.">  Jata explained.
<"What sort of bonus sir?">"  one of the soldiers asked.
<"I don't know yet.  But it will be a good one.  All right, let's move out!  FOR ASTERRA!">  Jata commanded.
<"FOR ASTERRA!!!!">  the troop shouted in unison as all lifted off the ground and began flying towards the city of Toyama.

The red winged figure soared over the downtown area as he glanced over his shoulder to see the numerous flying Miraju soldiers chasing after him.  Thinking it would be best to hide amongst the concrete jungle below, he dove from the sky, and carefully landed in the streets, ducking around into an alley as the Miraju hovered overhead.

<"We lost him sir!">  one of the soldiers responded.
<"Then we'll just have to smoke him out.  Land and prepare to open fire!">  Platoon Leader Jata shouted.
<"At once sir!">  the troops answered as they alighted and proceeded to send shimmering blasts of energy into buildings and vehicles, destroying them quickly and damaging other things.  Pedestrians unlucky enough to wander into their area were cut down by a second type of blast that sent a shock through their systems, causing them to convulse and fall to the ground.

<"Come out Hoen!  Hand over the secret of your longevity to us or that of these people will be considerably cut short!">  Jata shouted, hitting someone with a force blast from his unusual archaic pistol.
<"You want me, you've got me.">  the cloaked figure answered, stepping out from the shadows.
<"Get him!">  Jata shouted, as his troops opened fire.  The cloaked figure put up some sort of flaming shield to fend off the blasts as he once again drew his bow and sent more eagle arrows flying at them, forcing them to run for cover before returning fire again.  More flaming arrows were sent their way, but they put up barriers to repel them.
"The Ronin and Seishi should be here by now.  Surely they must have noticed all of the commotion."  the cloaked figure thought to himself.  Unless they're still hung over from last night...:"

Back at the mansion, the only god most people were acknowledging in the house was a porcelain one as Ralph received several calls to his phone bill on a white phone.  Very few of the group were actually NOT hung over, as Rowen had been smart enough not to drink, and the Warlords, save for Sekhmet,  also abstained from consuming anything due to their issues LAST time.  Mia was also hung over and fighting over the bathroom with Kento, Ryo, Sage, and Sai, as the rest of the group emerged mostly free of their indulgences the previous night.  But by far the weirdest thing aside from the many people hung over was that Mr. Fawkes was mysteriously absent from the premises.

Up in the Heavens, Amaterasu observed the situation through her various magical mirrors.  This was bad.  Whomever these things were, they were quite dangerous, and would have to be stopped.  That, and this mysterious cloaked person seemed to know a great deal about them.  Loosing him to this apparent enemy would not bode well for the Earth.

"Your Eminence, what is it?"  Navcase said as he entered her chambers.
"We have a new threat to worry about.  Unusual creatures are chasing down someone in Toyama at the moment.  I believe the person they are chasing is the same one who appeared towards the end of the confrontation with Drakka.  I cannot tell whether he is friend or foe, but it is imperative that we find out who he is before the creatures can silence him."
"I will go at once.  I trust the Ronin will meet me there?"  Navcase asked.
"I have tried to send a message to them, but I am getting no response.  You may have to go it alone."  Amaterasu answered.
"What about the girls?"
"They're out by the pool."
"ALL of them?"  Navcase said, his eyes widened in shock.
"Yes.  But I am sure that Yuri and Ran will be happy to come along.  I cannot say the same for Suiren and..."
"Yes your Eminence, I would bet both my sword and my own life that Yoko will not want to come on this mission.  I doubt we could get her undivided commitment and attention even if the forces of evil were decimating a mall."  Navcase answered.

Off Navcase went towards the pool to see if he could get any other help.  It was strange for Amaterasu to be unable to contact the Ronin and the two Earth bound Seishi, but little did either know that the bathroom was garrisoned by the hungover people in the house and attributed the ringing of the mirror to their condition rather than a message from Amaterasu.  Navcase arrived at the pool to find all three of the remaining She-Ronin and one disinterested Seishi lying by the pool working on their tans rather than their combat readiness.  Their limp and relaxed statures indicated that he would be going this alone as he expected, but suddenly Ran stirred, stretching her arms and yawning, before lifting her sunglasses and taking off Yuri's headphones to spy Navcase standing there.

"Hey Navcase, what's up?"  she asked in her usual cute voice, which was well relaxed at the moment.
"Amaterasu is unable to reach the others, and there is a small force currently terrorizing Toyama, chasing after the same cloaked figure we spotted during the final confrontation with Drakka.  She is positive that he knows something about his attackers, and possibly about the weird occurrences thus far."
"So you need some backup?  Sure.  It's been sort of boring around here lately."  Ran said, stretching up some more and sitting up in her lounge chair, and began to try and wake up Yuri, who was probably more gone than she was.
"Yuri!  Wake up!  Navcase needs some help!"  Ran shouted.
"Keep it down Ran...I'm trying to sleep here..."  Suiren mumbled, a hat over her face.
"Yeah, like ditto.  The only thing I want to work on today is my tan."  Yoko seconded.
"Huh, wha?"  Yuri said as she started to wake up.
"Navcase needs our help, otherwise he'll be going into battle alone!"  Ran shouted again.
"Battle?!"  Yuri exclaimed, snapping awake in an instant.  "Why didn't you say so?  And what about the guys?"
"Navcase says he doesn't know.  Mom can't get through to them.  So as far as I can tell, we'll be going at this alone."  Ran explained.
"Well what are we waiting for?  Let's get going!"  Yuri said, racing off for the hangar as Ran and Navcase hurried after her.
"Where are we going?"  Ran called after her well built sister.
"To the hangar!  If we can't call the guys, we can at least pick them up, and we'll need wheels, or in this case, treads."  Yuri explained.
"Oh no...I don't like the sound of this..."

Several minutes later, a portal opened on the nearest road to Mia's house, sending cars careening out of the way as a large tank lumbered out of it, driving as fast as it could.  An armored Ran and a Seishi-robed Navcase manned the twin Brownings on top of I.J. as he barreled towards Mia's house, singing Jodie's all the way there.  At last he pulled up in front of Mia's.  Then, all hell broke loose.

"ALL RIGHT YOU LAZY ARMOR CLAD SISSIES, GET YOUR SORRY ASSES OUT OF BED AND OUT HERE ON THE DOUBLE, BEFORE I BLAST YOU A NEW ONE!"  I.J. bellowed, forcing Yuri, Ran, and Navcase to cover their ears, despite the fact that Yuri was within all of his heavy armor which should have drowned out the noise pollution.

"DID I SAY YOU COULD DILLY-DALLY?  FALL OUT HERE ON THE DOUBLE!  MOVE MOVE MOVE MOVE!  THERE IS JUSTICE THAT NEEDS TO BE HANDED OUT, AND NOBODY, I MEAN NOBODY, KEEPS ME FROM DISPENSING IT, INCLUDING WHINY LITTLE SAMURAI!  YOU WILL GET YOUR GOD DAMNED ARMOR PLATED ASSES OUTSIDE THE BARRACKS THIS INSTANT, BEFORE I COME IN THERE AND PULL YOU OUT BY THEM!"

Moments later, Rowen, Ryo, Anubis, Kale, and Dais filed out of the house.

"Where have you guys been?  Mom's been trying to call you for the past hour!"  Ran shouted.
"But we never heard the phone ring."  Rowen answered.  "There was some strange ring coming from the upstairs bathroom though."
"Then why didn't you go and investigate?"  Navcase asked.
"We couldn't.  Everyone else in the house is in there puking away."  Ryo answered.
"Oh."  Navcase answered.
"Will you all cut the chatter, there is combat to be taken care of!  You with the big giant cannons, Spider Boy, and the dumbass with the giant sword, climb on and let's move out!  Flame boy and Carrot top can fly there!"  I.J. ordered.
"Who died and made him in charge?"  Kale whispered to the others.
"What did you say maggot?"  I.J. asked.  "Answer me or drop down and give me 500!"
"I said, what are we waiting for, CHARGE!"  Kale lied.
"I like your style Maggot!  Let's drop the hammer and Roll out!"  I.J. shouted as he took to the road again, alternating between singing more Jodie's (forcing the others to sing along with him or be subjected to insane numbers of pushups), and "Ride of the Valkyries."

Meanwhile, back in the city, Jata had separated his platoons into their respective squads and had them fan out in an attempt to box in the cloaked figure.  One group bounded along like rocket troops minus the rockets, searching for their target, and scanning around with their weapons, heard the faint sound of I.J's singing as he came up the road.

"Something's up ahead."  Rowen said, spotting the Miraju troops.
"I can see that Maggot!"  I.J. said, rolling to a stop.  "ALL RIGHT MAGGOTS!  I DON'T KNOW WHO YOU WORK FOR, BUT I SUGGEST YOU MOVE OUT OF MY WAY BEFORE I DO IT FOR YOU!"  I.J. bellowed once again.

The Junior NCO in charge of the squad raised his arm and pointed at I.J., as the troops began to open fire on the heroes.

"Jesus H. Christ!  How dare you open fire on my military greatness!  It's on now!  All right maggots, fire at will!  SUCK THIS DOWN!"  I.J boomed, firing off a blast from his main gun as the Miraju put up a barrier to defend against it.
"Damn!  They've put up a barrier!  Now what?"  Rowen asked.
"We're going to have to find a way through!  KAI..."  Rowen began.
"No!  You can't call down the power now!  It will be devastating to the city, and they'll probably put up shields again!  We must break through some other way!"   Navcase answered, summoning his own armor.
"What do you suggest?"  Rowen asked.
"For starters, this!  Kale, follow my lead!"  Navcase shouted, removing his sword from the large sheath on his shoulder guard.
"Kuzu Ryu Sen!"  he declared, shooting like a bullet at the Miraju, knocking them down despite their shields, as Kale barreled into them as well.  The two landed and turned around ready for more as they prepared to charge again, only to be tossed back by an invisible force.  The Junior NCO then began firing his harnessed particle beam gun at the two, as they ducked for cover.  Several troops were quickly cut down by the Brownings manned by Anubis and Ryo, but there were still more where that came from.  Ran came down from the turret and began firing her plasma cannon, as well as cutting troops down with her beam blade, and then in came Yuri as she punched some hard with her Knuckle Bomber and cut down others with the Crown of Thorns railgun.  The Junior NCO was soon cornered as he brought out an unusual rifle and loaded it with a shell and fired it into the air.  It exploded as a mini electrical storm started up and began striking at the heroes, as he attempted to make an escape in the meantime, but was caught by Ran's garrote wire, tripping him as Yuri flew over and lifted him with one arm into the air, ready to punch his lights out with her knuckle bomber.

"Okay, who or what are you and what are you up to?  I want some answers, asshole!"  Yuri asked.

The Junior NCO answered in an odd language that not even the She-Ronin could understand, before kicking himself free of Yuri and flying off in the opposite direction.  A very pissed off pair of Yuri and I.J. began firing after him, but he managed to get away from them.

"DAMN!  Now those things know we're here, and we still don't know why THEY'RE here."  Yuri shouted.
"Calm down, Miss Yuri.  We should concentrate on trying to find the cloaked figure before they do.  I am sure that he will have the answers we're looking for."  Navcase answered.

The group disembarked from I.J. and proceeded onward to find the cloaked figure, because whomever he or possibly she was, he or she was extremely important to these creatures.

The group proceeded through the city on their armored loudmouth, attempting to find the mysterious figure that these things; whatever or whomever they were; were so interested in.  He had certainly been of help in taking down Drakka, however they had no idea of intentions; for all they knew, Drakka was simply a lesser evil that a greater evil needed out of the way for one reason or another.  But on the other hand, this stranger could be their ticket to identifying where Sakura and the others disappeared to.

*"Yuri, we're picking something on bio-scan, not far from you." a technician from Osaki announced.
"Any idea what it is?"  Yuri asked.
"Not sure, but their mystical energies are up there, but nowhere near you or Ran."
"What about one of us?"  Navcase asked.
"So far, you guys are the most significant contact we've got.  Aside from something else.  It's got Rei and lots of it."
"That must be what they're looking for.  Where is it?"  Yuri asked.
"Several blocks south of your location.  Unfortunately there are two groups headed its way."
"Who's closer?"  Yuri asked.
"At the moment, them."
"Then we'll just need to change that.  I.J., put it in gear and take the next left.  We've got to get there before they do."
"The three of us will fly on ahead and keep you posted."  Navcase said, as he took to the air with Ryo and Anubis.

Meanwhile, Platoon Leader Jata and his squads were still on the lookout.  This was the target that would bring Asterra complete immortality and Jata fame and fortune.  They might even make him Supreme Mage Lord for this.

"Have you found anything yet?"  Jata asked his Senior NCO, who was in charge of the other two squads, including the one that had made contact with Amaterasu's group.

*"No sir.  However Squad C did encounter some resistance.  Fire was exchanged, but no casualties on either side."
"What info can you give us on the hostiles?"
"Some sort of loudmouthed land assault vehicle, two female warriors in armor, three with no armor, but significant energy readings on all three.  There were also others in armor, manning the guns.  Minimal energy readings on them."
"Hoen?"
"Negative sir.  The level of tech they possessed was nowhere near that of the Hoen military forces.  I doubt they even know what a nanite is."
"Understood.  Tell them to continue recon.  I do not want them anywhere near the target."  Jata commanded.
"Affirmative sir."

The Amaterasu group proceeded southward, following their directions towards the large energy source.  Hopefully, they would intercept it before the others did.

"Yuri, stand by.  I see something up ahead."  Ryo reported.
"What is it?"  Yuri asked.
"More of those strange warriors.  Looks like about two squads.  There's some weird robed guy with them.  Seems to be in charge."
"What kind of weapons are they carrying?"  Yuri asked.
"Same as before, more of those rifles, two of them have some sort of harnessed railguns.  What should we do?"
"Hang on until we get there.  Those guys could be trouble with a full fledged officer nearby."

Energy bolts began to fly from the enemy weapons, as Ryo and the others swerved for cover.  A Junior NCO ordered his three troops to take up sniping positions near some parked cars and began concentrating their fire on Ryo, Anubis, and Navcase as they dodged the best they could.  The Junior NCO shouted something to his troops, and they fired a different blast, which struck Anubis, sending him to the ground in convulsions.  Navcase landed as Ryo began to fling fireballs at the sniper positions, as Navcase threw off his cape and charged forward, heading for the robed figure near the rear, dodging blaster fire from the sharpshooters.

"Looks like Ryo started early."  Yuri said as they pulled up.
"I HOPE THAT FLAME-WINGED MAGGOT SAVED ME SOME TARGETS!"  I.J. shouted.

"Yuri, looks like we have sharpshooters set up.  Care to give them some trouble?"  Dais said.
"I'd be happy to!  Grab onto something, this should shake them up!"  I.J. shouted as he rotated his main gun at the first of the sniper points and fired away, as another barrier came up to defend, barely shaking off the attack.

"Damn those shields!  I'm deploying!"
"Negative.  You do that, and half the block goes with them.  Give us some cover and I'll try to crack their shield."  Yuri reported as she shot skyward, flipped over forward several times and came crashing down on top of one of the shielded troops, somehow cracking through it with her Knuckle Bomber and knocking him to the ground with a small crater.  Dais was struck in the back, as he turned around to see another squad of troops coming up behind them.
"Ran, we need some firepower back here!"  Dais shouted.
"Not a problem."  Ran called back, tossing some strange pods into the ground that deployed into turrets which proceeded to fire back the other way, holding off the advancing rear troops.  The Junior NCO's were firing their railguns and ducking for cover, as Kale and Dais returned fire with the Brownings, as Navcase fought his way through the troops protecting the leader and came crashing down with Ryu Tsui Sen, which was blocked by a shorter runesword.  Jata however, was not as good a swordsman as Navcase and upon being pushed back, pulled out his pistol and began shooting lightning bolts at the Sword of Heaven as Navcase drove his sword into the ground and put up his shield.  Navcase kicked off into Kuzu Ryu Sen as a force blast came flying from the pistol, knocking the hero back into a nearby wall.  The others still had their own problems as energy bolts and bullets flew back and forth between the two sides.  Navcase still had his hands full as Jata sheathed his sword and began chanting in some alien language, as a full fledged fireball began streaking towards the hero.  Navcase barely had time to react as he shut his eyes tight and thrust his sword downward as fast as he could, waiting for the intense heat to strike, but it never did.  He slowly opened his eyes to find a flaming barrier of some sort in front of him, and in between that and him, the robed figure.  Jata began shouting something in an alien tongue at the figure, about the only words that Navcase managed to pick up on were "Hoen", "Rajei", and "Asterra", probably names of some sort, of what, Navcase had no clue.

"<At last I have found you, Rajei, Champion of the Hoen.  Lord Asterra will be pleased.>"  Jata replied.
"<Enjoy while you can, because you won't have found me much longer."
"<GET HIM!!!!>"  Jata shouted as his troops charged the stranger, as he brought out his staff and proceeded to beat down the various troops in rapid succession.
"<Looks like the Miraju military hasn't been training hard enough.>"
"<Those fools are mere infantry compared to me, a full fledged Mage Officer.  Now, come  get me.">
"<INFERNO SWORD OF FIDES!!!!">  Rajei shouted, as he placed his hands in front of him as a fiery vortex opened and he pulled out a large red and orange sword with a flame styling.  Jata's efforts to fight back were nil as Rajei overpowered him and knocked him back.  The sword vanished as Rajei brought out his staff again.
"<Give up?>"  Rajei asked.

Jata's answer was not what Rajei expected, as he began to chant something.  Although the language was alien, the intonation of the words clicked in Ran's head.

"He's casting a Dragon Slave!"  Ran shouted.  "We need to get out of here, fast!"
"What?  Mage Officers aren't even allowed to cast that spell, only the High Mage Lords I thought were qualified enough to cast the spell without permission."  Rajei thought to himself.

Rajei began weaving an flaming energy field of some sort as a huge energy bolt began getting larger and larger in front of Jata as energy gathered into it and his troops gathered behind him.
The blast went off and slammed straight into the shield, which scattered the energy harmlessly away.  In anger Jata charged Rajei, who quickly whacked Jata upside the head and took him down, as he dropped his sword and his troops dragged him away.

"What was all that about?"  Ran asked.
"I will explain everything in time.  For now, return to your home."  Rajei answered.
"You speak Japanese?"  Navcase asked.
"Yes, among other things.  But if it is answers you are seeking, they will have to wait.  The other squad is around here somewhere and I must get to someplace safe.  Farewell, and thank you for your help.  Oh yes, one more thing.  This is for you."  He answered, handing Jata's sword to Navcase.  "Not many can stand up to a Miraju Mage Officer and live to tell about it.  It is disappointing though, that you had to face someone of his expertise."

Red wings emerged from Rajei's back, as he soared into the sky and off in the distance.

"Let's get home."  Yuri said, as I.J. turned around and headed back towards Mia's after grabbing an unconscious Anubis.

The Wings of Darkness awoke to find his comrades hovering over him, including the now un-hungover group.

"What happened...the last thing I remember was getting hit by some weird blast and then passing out.  How long was I out for?"
"About two hours."  Mia said.  "You were practically comatose.  In fact, you were comatose.  You'd probably be in line at King Yama's right now if you weren't a Seishi."  Mia explained.
"So, what did I miss?"  he asked.
"Lots of gunfire, a minor duel between their leader and Navcase, but no answers as to what was going on.  However, we think that the robed stranger's name is Rajei, judging from their exchange.  The only other words Navcase managed to make out were 'Miraju" and 'Hoen'.  No clue as to who or what they are, but I'm sure that Rajei guy knows.  That, and Suzaki hasn't returned yet.  He's been gone most of the day."

At that moment, Mr. Fawkes came straggling in, with a torn shirt and dried up bloodstains.

"Suzaki, what happened to you?"  Mia asked.
"I was walking along and some people jumped me.  They beat me down and took most of my jewels."  He answered.
"In Toyama?"
"It is unusual for this to happen around here?"
"Yes.  In fact, it actually happening would be unusual.  I knew something was odd about you the moment you walked in!  Why else would Navcase been practically knocked off his feet when he met you?  I have a pretty good idea of who you are Suzaki Fawkes...or should I say, RAJEI?"  Anubis shouted.
"Anubis!  What has gotten into you?"  Mia shouted.  "Suzaki, excuse his rudeness."
"No, it's all right Mia. I haven't been totally honest about my presence here."
"What do you mean, you haven't been completely honest?"  Mia asked.
"Perhaps this will help to clear things up."  Suzaki said, as he was enveloped in flaming energy that engulfed his body.  When it cleared, a new form was standing before them, with long red and orange hair, adorned with various beads, wearing Romanesque battle armor with fancy laced gauntlets on the forearms and forelegs.  A pair of red wings had sprouted from his back.  A fiery aura continued to surround him as he announced himself.

"My name is Rajei, champion of the Hoen people, and the right wing of Suzaku.  I have come to Earth in an effort to escape the Miraju, a race of aliens bent on cracking the secret of my longevity for their master, the cruel Asterra.  I have come to ask for your help in defeating this menace, lest your world face the same fate as mine."

Anubis and the others stood in shock as to what had been witnessed and said as a loud thump was heard as Mia fell to the floor.
 

NEXT EPISODE:

ANUBIS:  I knew it!  I knew it all along!

RYO:  You mean you knew the whole time that Suzaki was an alien from another planet hiding here on Earth so he wouldn't be captured?

ANUBIS:  No.  But I knew something was odd about him!

RYO: ::sighs:: Well, at last, we get some answers about all that's been going on.

ROWEN:  Only the surface is scratched however, as there is more than meets the eye about our newest foe.

RAJEI:  Join us next time on Ronin Warriors:  Illusionary War; Adversaries from the Twilight.  Don't miss it!

SUIREN AND YOKO:  HE'S AN ALIEN BISHIE!!!! HE'S EVEN COOLER THAN BEFORE!!!!

RAJEI:  Perhaps I should look for another planet to hide on...