Ronin Warriors Fan Fiction ❯ Yokoi no Death and Rebirth ❯ Chapter 5 Blades and Claws ( Chapter 6 )

D.L.: Once again I do not own the rights to the troops or any of the troops side characters. So don't sue me.

Nasty: Side characters?! Is that all we are?

D.L.: Yes character to help add dimensions to the main characters. Kinda like side kicks.

Naaza: But we're far more important then that we…

Shu: You've had less than five lines in this entire story.

Naaza: At lease I don't make a jackass out of myself every time I talk.

Shu: Take that back I only do that half the time.

Saya: I'd say it is closer to 80 percent.

Shu: Watch it chea pet.

Saya: CHEA PET!! *Saya dive tackles Shu ramming her thumbs into Shu's neck. *

Touma: Isn't that a pressure point? * Shu can't breath*

Seiji: Yeah. *Shu's face is turning blue, as he pleads for help.*

Ryo: How long until he passes out? *bluer*

Naaza: Or better yet dies. *Bluer *

Saya: Oh a minute or two. * His eyes rolling back in his head *

Shin: Destiny! Do something!

D.L: *sigh* Well I guess, I do have other plans for Kongo so, start chapter 5 now!

Chapter 5 Blades and Claws

The light had died down revealing the object of his search once again.

^You smell of human. ^ Kokuen-Ko grumbled as his cold eyes scanned Byaruen.

^And you smell of evil. Why have you come here brother? ^

^Why for you of course. ^

^For me, ^ Byaruen set back his tail switching with announce. ^ I believe we've have discussion this before. I will return to Youja Kai after I have finished here. ^

^ You are still loyal to that one aren't you? Even after he has put you in such danger. ^

Byaruen eyes widened in humor before he stretched; his long stripped body arching with a fang revealing yawn. ^You are still very foolish Koko. If I am in any danger it is because I choose to be. I am not their slave… ^

^ Oh but you are brother you just don't know it. ^ Kokuen-Ko turned his head in the Troops direction now miles away. ^That is why we… I have come. Kenbukyou has promised to help free you from you duty here. ^ Byaruen's brown eyes narrowed as she stared into his brother's yellow one long since changed by Youja Kai's evil.

^ My duty cannot be taken from me. I must see this through to the end. ^

^You see, you are a slave to that… monk! ^ the word hissed from Kokuen-Ko's mind to Byaruen's. ^You're duty will soon end, brother and then we can return to our home. To Youja Kai. ^

^ Brother! ^ Byaruen called as his brother form melted away. ^You are wrong… I am not a slave. Kaos is… I own him my life and I will stay by him until… until I feel I have repaid him. ^ Byakuen closed his eyes trying to cut off the images of his past knowing that he was needed by his charges. / Memories for another time. Kaos… /

******************************************

Ryo shielded his eyes feeling countless voices flow through his mind. / Well this is new. I guess Touma's girlfriend isn't exactly what she seems. But then what is she? Kaos… I know that you have all of the answers, but we aren't even sure you're still alive. Arago said that he killed you, he bragged about it. If you're not here what are we going to do? What should we do? At least with Kayura and the Mashos I had some idea what to do. What if she turns out to be the… No, she's not. Saya… she doesn't feel evil but that thing… Shinu! It had a very dark presence… No matter what the guys are my first priority, I have to protect them before anyone else. Please Kaos… help us. /

The light around Ryo continued to grow as he reached out for the others, but no one responded.

/Are we going to die? / The thought hadn't crossed his mind until now. No pain seemed like a good thing at first but now… / Maybe we're already died. /

^Guys… ^

********************************************

The first thing he noticed was that he was lying on something cold, and dark it was very dark. Slowly Seiji opened his eyes not sure where he was until he saw Ryo lying just beside him on the forest floor. Ryo like himself was just now waking, his tiger blue eyes fluttering open as he focused. The two of them made eyes contact and then began the slow task of scrapping themselves off the ground. Seiji was surprised when he felt no pain at all just a little cold though the air around them was filled with a warm breeze.

^ You ok? ^ Seiji asked to which Ryo only nodded. Shu was to his right slowly pushing himself to his knees his head rising before his eyes meet something that made his eyes widen to nearly twice their size.

^Shu? ^

" Saya…" he returned. Seiji following Shu's gaze and was meet with a heavenly image of pure light. Despite how bright it was on his eyes the light made very few shades as the figure stood clothed in nothing her skin paler then the moon. Her frame was familiar, well curved and muscular her arms raised into the air. Slowly she lowered her hands. The glow dying down as a blue haired figure intruded on his view.

"Saya?" Slowly the woman turned to face the one who had just called her name. /Her name… Oh my god! / Suddenly like a bolt of lighten Seiji realized who it was stand there. /But how? / Her normally brown skin was cover by white, the lines and dips in her body perfectly outlined. As she turned toward them Seiji realized that she wasn't naked, but instead cloth in a very tight suit of armor. The armor left nothing unprotected stretching from toes to her head. Her eyes were closed as Seiji and the other stood taking a few steps to stand beside the archer. The four troops watched as the glow faded completely leaving only Saya clad in white.

"Saya?" Touma spoke again is voice pleading for some sort of response and this time he got one.

"Touma…" her full white lips whispered as her eyes attempted to open for moment before the lids lifted.

"Shit…" Ryo gasped as she gazed upon them her left eye completely white. There was no pupil to speak of, it was as if she were born blind while her other eyes slowly focused the golden brown returning give off an eerie feeling as she stared at them.

"Saya? Your eye?" Touma final asked. "Are you ok?"

"My eye?" She gave them a bewildered look as she brought her hand up to her face only to stop half way her throat visibly tighten as she cast her eyes about her body shock collecting on her face. "What happen to me?" she muttered to no one in particular, her eyes still on her body.

"Saya…?" Her head shot up her eyes pleading to Ryo, the first face she saw, to answer her. "Saya." Her eyes followed her ears this time to Touma.

"It's ok we're going to…" That was far as he got before Saya dropped. Seiji bolted forward as he felt Touma blast wind under her to cushion her descent. Seiji reached forward grabbing her shoulder just before she hit the ground as Touma appeared beside him the short exertion of his power without his armor causing him to pant slightly.

"Is she ok?" Ryo asked he too now bent over Seiji to look at her as Shu round the other side.

"I don't know, let get back to the house," Seiji answered and received several quick nodded before Shu lift her from his arms heading back toward the house. Touma was right beside him, but as they started up the path the archer glance back giving Seiji a grateful smile. /Well it seems I'm forgiven. / Seiji knew full well that Touma was upset with his behavior toward Saya. /I can't have him. I know that now. The way he looks at her is something I can never have. / Seiji felt his body grow heavier as his chest tightened. /He loves her, and more importantly he's happy with her. I can never have him. Damn it! It's not fair/

Forcing himself to walk Seiji watched the concern and anxiety ripple over Touma face, his eyebrows knitting together as he walked as closer to her as possible. /Stop it. Touma needs you now, if nothing else you are his friend. "my best friends…" that what Touma calls me and that is what I'll be. /

*************************************

"What the fucking, hell was that?!" Naaza smiled at the language spewing from the young Kayura's mouth, but what was even funnier was the scowl she was getting from Rajura. "Was it an attack?"

"No it was a fusion I believe," Shuten answered now turning his attention back to Kayura.

"A what?" Naaza couldn't help but ask.

"A fusion, of sorts."

"And how do you know this?" Kayura asked suspiciously her eyebrows tilting.

"We saw it," Kenbukyou answered. "A young girl and the troops."

"A girl…" Rajura brow furrowed. "Nasuti?"

"No, this one is new. I believe Tenku called her Saya," Shuten added he eyes holding a distant look that Naaza didn't like at all. /Mortals… Damn girl. /

^Jealousy doesn't become you Naaza-kun, ^ Shuten told him a smile gracing his thin lips as he glanced at Naaza. Doku blinked in surprise before fight back the blush he felt slipping onto his cheeks though his armors mask was hiding it.

"So the troops have a new playmate, and she's the one that was responsible for the light show." Shuten nodded.

"Ok, but what exactly did that light do," Rajura asked scanning the landscape of Youja Kai not a single mountain or tree out of place.

"It was a calling, to armors through out Ningen Sekai, here and perhaps even beyond." The lord of the east told them.

"But who exactly is this girl. To have that kind of power?" Naaza asked looking again to Shuten for answers.

"And if she a Ningen then why didn't Arago sense her before?" Rajura asked.

"I don't know," Shuten shook his head.

"The troopers seemed as confused as we as to what was happening," Kenbukyou spoke his chin resting in his left hand as he constantly armor body shone catching the scattered lights around them.

"The entities around her were not of the Troops' world nor of ours. Their scent was different, though somewhat familiar," Anubis final spoke still seated on the ground his legs crossed.

"So then you were there too?"

"Yes, Naaza he was there," Shuten answered. ^Anubis what do you mean `familiar'? ^

^ I'm not sure. It was as though it were the spirit of a yoroi or rather two spirits tied to one another. ^

^Like we are tied to the Troops? ^ Rajura asked.

^Perhaps. ^

"So then some strange girl shows up and blast out this power that blankets everything in white as part of some fusion with these entities you saw, but what does it mean?" Rajura summed things up as he sensed Kayura growing impatient due to their silent mind speaking.

"It is the beginning of something. Though you may not have felt or heard it Lady Kayura there was a very intense voice amidst the energy and it called to my yoroi, Saber strike."

"Yes I heard it too, it said to `awaken armors'," Naaza nodded feeling the mystery began to lift a bit.

"Awaken armors…" Kayura muttered as she stood there locked in thought.

^We must find out what this means," Anubis said.

^ Yes I agree Nubis; we should in deed follow up on this. Who knows we may get a new playmate," Shuten smiled evilly his hair bellowing in the wind. /God he's… Not now Naaza focus. /

^So then do we go now? ^ Rajura asked glancing at his fellow mashos.

^Yes. ^ Shuten nodded before returning his attention to the still form of Kayura. "My Lady, what do we do now? It would be a shame to waste such an opportunity. Suiko is not with them and that will put them at a distinct disadvantage, but at the same time we should be wary of this new threat. We do not…"

"Threat!? She is no threat nor is she important. We will continue as planned. I want the Troopers dead tonight is that understood. " Kayura raged her eyes sparking dangerously as she glared at them. "Kenbukyou ready your army."

^Shuten… you're very good at manipulating people, ^ Naaza smiled.

^Not good enough, Naaza-kun, ^ Shuten whispered into his mind giving him a lingering look before turn back toward the arising gateway. / Did he just… No way. /

******************************************

"He's not home," Ryo told Shu and Nasty as they stood in the hallway. Nasty had already clean up the hall pulling an older table from the basement up the hall and placing the hall phone that luckily hadn't been broken when Ryo smashed into it back on top. Now Shu was helping her fix up the railing with wood panels until she could get the supplies needed to fix it properly.

"He's not, where would Shin have gone?" Shu asked looking up from his work as he slammed the hammer down right on his hand.

A string of very loud curse word flowed from his mouth and instantly the guestroom door opened.

"Shu!" Seiji hissed, "Shut up!"

"Sorry," the warriors grumbled as he sucked on his throbbing thumb the blond closing the door again.

"Told you to keep that armor on," Nasty shook her head.

"Yeah sure then he wouldn't have just hit his hand he would have crushed it," Ryo chuckled slightly.

"Well excuse me for being worried about Shin, it just…"

"Don't worry Shu I sure Shin is on his way here. He probably sensed the whole thing. Just relax ok." Ryo told him as he knelt down taking the hammer from Shu and in one last hit finished off the railing work.

"Thank Ryo," Shu mumbled as he stood, glancing back down the hall toward Saya's room. "What about her Ryo? Do you think she'll be ok?"

"Yes Shu," Ryo nodded firmly, "With all of our help I'm sure she'll be fine."

Nasty watched the exchange a smile spreading across her lips. /Ryo…/

Nasty hoped he would be right, Saya seemed to mean a lot to Shu and more importantly to Touma. If any thing were to happen to her it would devastate him and that would affect the rest of them.

Nasty sighed rubbing her hands together. She had gotten a very good look at Saya's condition and is seriously worried her. A transformation like that had to be hard on the body and when you add in the amount of energy she had released to blanket the entire world in white energy it was easy to see why she fainted. According to Nasty's memories the white energy had last only a few minutes though while she was in the mist of it she felt as if it had been for hours.

/Well better get back to work. / Nasty still hadn't even gotten to the dining room and that looked far worst then the hall.

*******************************************

The house was quieter now that Nasty had decided to layoff on the repairs until morning. Seiji sighed glanced over at the two figures posed on the bed. Saya's white skin-tight armor glowing ever so lightly as Touma clutched her hand in his back against the bed's headboard. He hadn't move since they'd gotten Saya into bed.

Seiji watched the two young lovers… /Lovers… I wonder have they? No damn it; don't even start thinking about that. You made your decision, Touma is Saya's and there is nothing you can or should do about it. /

Seiji grip tighten on the chair's arm rest as he fought back the feeling trying to force their way to the surface. Pulling his eyes away from the beautiful archer Seiji focused instead on Saya. Her normally brown skin now resembled that of a corpse, a pale white as if she had lost all of her pigment. Even her lips and eye lashes were white. And then there was that eye, pure white, Seiji could still see it clearly in his mind. /Just what is happening to her? Touma cares so much about her. / Seiji hadn't missed a word of the conversation between Saya the two entities, Ojo and Shinu. Their words uncovering a great deal about Touma's mystery girl. Things that even she didn't seem aware of. While Seiji was contemplating Touma's voice filtered into his thoughts.

"Seiji?" Seiji looked up to see that the archer still hadn't move his eyes were closed his lithe body clad in a white T-shirt and blue-black jean shorts, still leant against the headboard beside the sleeping girl.

"Yeah,"

"I want to tell you thank you, and that I'm sorry for… for the way I've been acting," Seiji could tell Touma was holding back.

"What do you mean?" Seiji asked, softly kept Saya in mind.

"For what I said after she fainted in the living room." Touma turned his head toward the blond his deep blue eyes opening, allowing Seiji to see the worry filling them. "If I had known I wouldn't have… No that's not right. I should have never said that to you at all. It was wrong of me."

"Touma, forget it." Seiji swallowed trying to hold back the mixture of emotion pushing at his façade. "I would have done the same thing if it were some… someone I care about." Touma smiled a thank you before taking in a deep lung filling breath. Silence filled the room for a time before it because to much for the blond to take. Normally such silence was welcomed by the two of them but right now it just felt too heavy, but before Seiji could break it the Touma did.

"Seiji, what do you think the Masho's were planning?" Seiji blinked unsure of why that question surprised him.

"I don't know, but it seems that whatever that light Saya let loosed was it scared them away."

"Yeah, but… never mind." Touma shook his head frustration evident in his tone and on his face. "I think I'm just tired."

"Get some sleep then." Seiji told him, watching Touma face flicker from thought to thought until he nodded.

"Sure, wake me up soon so that you can get some sleep."

"Of course," Seiji agreed as he watched Touma bend down and plant a light kiss on Saya's forehead. His eyebrows rose slightly as he rubbed his fingers over her armored cheek with a mixture of worry and sadness before leaning back against the headboard. /Well that settles that? If they had sleep together I don't think Touma-chan would hesitate in curling up beside her. Of course it could be because of that armor… That armor. Is she a yoroi bear? Stupid question of course she is. That is mystic armor just like our own. Well maybe not just like it but it is defiantly mystic. / Seiji continued on the line of though until he noticed a slight movement from the girl. Her eye lids fluttering before final opening from his vantage point Seiji could only see her left eye it pupil completely gone.

Seiji slowly leaned back closing is right eye as he watched her through the bangs of his left. She carefully sat up so as to not wake the sleeping archer before scanning the room. Her eyes laid on him for a moment before her face contorted in pain the white armor shimmering before sinking into her skin the clothing she's been wearing early reappearing. Saya blink examining herself before looking back to Touma. Turning she crawled back on the bed raised her hand toward his face yet never touching it as she pretend to track his outline. Seiji was slightly touched by the display though he could felt the green eyed monster slowly creeping out of his soul. Seiji pushed it back down with a little help from Saya who abandon the bed to head out of the room her steps resembling the soundless approach of Byaruen. She pulled open the door in the same soundless fashion before disappearing through it.

Seiji waited a moment while he debated whether or not to wake the sleeping Touma. / No, only if I have to. / Stand the trooper made his way to the door peeking out before catching sight of Saya slipping into the kitchen.

/Let see what the Saya-chan is up too, shall we? /

****************************************

"This gate will open just after we arrive in Ningen Sekai; just remember the second it does the trooper will probably sense it. It's far too close for them not too," Kayura inform them as she stood her hair blowing in the Youja breeze as the sky darkening above them.

"Why so close anyway?" Naaza asked his slight lisp following each word.

"Because Lord Kenbukyou army is far different to Lord Arago's army. Each soldier being flesh and blood instead of spirit have a much louder aura that will in turn be easier for the trooped to sense." Shuten pointed out now clad in the full armor of Oni his sickle hanging loosely from his hands.

"Are right then if every one knows their place let's go," Kayura called unable to hide the smile. She was feeling pretty damn good about herself, knowing that right now half of Youja Kai stood behind her, following her every order. It was an exhilarating feeling to have people following you of their own will or otherwise. /This is only the beginning. Once I have crushed Kaos's Troopers, Ningen Sekai will be mine. The Masho are so use to taking orders that they didn't seem to be offering much resistant to my take over. That's good, because until Rekka and his allies are dealt with I can never have what I want. /

"Anubis let's go." She called as she and the Mashos left Kenbukyou and his army behind. They were to wait until they were called for and then they would strike catching the little boys by surprise. Kayura had yet to decide what she would do with the troopers if any survived.

The grand gateway to the troopers' world opened to them as the darkness of their world's night mix with the near constant golden of the Youja Kai's sky. The four figures minus Rajura who was to stay with Kenbukyou slipped through the gateway that she quickly closed behind herself.

/Now for some fun. /

*****************************************

Touma awoke with a start. He panted as the nightmare he'd just had faded before his mind could grasp what had scared him. Sighing Touma closed his eyes again squeeze Saya's… /Saya? /His eyes snapped open again as he realized that her hand was not only missing from his but that Saya wasn't even in the room. The scanned the room he found the blond was missing also the door left partly ajar. Touma slid out of bed listening for any sound at all. /Everyone else is asleep, but then where's Saya and Seiji? / Padding his way to the door Touma glanced out before walking down the hall toward the stairs. He passed Shin and Shu's room hearing a familiar snore through the door. Touma smiled thankful that Seiji had somehow became his roommate instead of wake the snore master Shu.

Quietly he made his way down the stairs looking into the dark living room before something drew his eyes to the kitchen. There on the porch over looking the yard Saya stood, dressed in the same cloths from earlier, the eerie white armor no longer clad to her form. Her back was turned to him as she stared up at the stars. The summer night wind blowing in through the screen door carrying in the light sense of summer blooms. Touma smiled as he glazed on her.

^So you're awake. ^ Seiji stated more then asked. Touma glanced about before finding Seiji in the kitchen his form hidden strangely enough in the shadow of the kitchen.

^Yeah, when I saw the two of you gone I want to make sure that every thing was ok. ^

^Yes. She just needed a little fresh air I guess. ^

^Thanks Seiji. ^ The two young men stood there for a few moments before Touma started forward again. ^ Seiji I'll watch her the rest of the night why don't you go get some sleep. ^ Seiji nodded emerging from the shadow as the two of the passed each other.

^Call me if you need anything. ^

^Sure, thanks again Seiji… for every thing. ^

Seiji stopped glance over his shoulder at Touma before nodding.

^What are best friends for? ^

Touma felt as smile spread across his lips as they found each other eyes before turning away, Seiji to their room and Touma to Saya.

Touma was just about to reach for the door when something pricked his mind.

/ ^I'll never feel this way about anyone else. ^ … What the…? / Touma cast a glance back toward the door to see that Seiji was gone. /Was that… Seiji? / Shaking it off Touma pulled open the screen door with a rust scrap. Instantly Saya stiffened her shoulder squaring.

"Saya?" Touma decided to call let her know who it was behind her.

She glanced over her shoulder and immediately smiled,

"Touma," Before he knew what was happening Saya held him in a tight embrace her head snuggling against his chest. They stayed that way for a long time though when she started to pull away Touma resisted only let her pull back until he could see her face.

She smiled up at him their height different rather startling when seen like this, Saya being only 5 feet

"How are you feeling?" Touma finally asked.

"Fine I guess. Just tire, but I couldn't sleep so I decide to come out and look at the stars for a while," She told him her gaze going pass him to the star filled sky before return to his eyes. /Gold, pure gold specked with a touch of brown. / His left hand rose to caress her cheek overjoyed with the return of her beautiful left eye, light brown skin and soft, curly brown hair each feature perfectly accenting the next.

Saya blushed slightly before closing her eyes to lean into the touch.

"Tou… I'm sorry, for all of this it all my…"

"Shhh!" Touma slid his face down to planting a feathery kiss upon those lips but instantly he realized that it wasn't enough as did Saya. Her arms wrapped around Touma's neck pulling him closed to her as they began to drown in the sensation. Fingers sliding against smooth skin to run through thick brown hair. Saya was doing the same as her hands wound around his neck, rooming through his unruly blue hair.

With a gasp the two broke apart staring into darkening eyes filled with passion. A smile pulled at Touma's lips as he rubbed the back of his hand across her face, her eyes started to close again but this time she stopped herself her eyes flickering from desire to worry.

"Touma, what about Ryo and… and Shu? I hurt them. God I could have… and Nasty-san must be furious with me!" She looked away from him yet clutched him even tighter.

"Saya, no one's mad at you. It wasn't your fault," Touma told her to which she quickly shook her head.

"Yes, yes it was my fault, all of this. I brought Ojo and Shinu here. They've been with me, since my parent… since my parents died. I brought all of this trouble here. I hurt Shu and Ryo. I'm… I'm a danger to you and everyone here."

"Saya, calm down," he began in a smoothing tone, "It's ok, I told it's not your fault." Touma tried again but Saya simply shook her head. "Everyone is fine. There's nothing you can do about this Saya, trust me, ok?"

Saya still refused to face him instead looking down at the deck. With a sigh of frustration Touma grasp Saya chin pulling her lips up to meet his. Saya simply hung there for a moment before rewrapped her arm around him allowing him to deep the kiss. As they parted Touma held her head keeping her gaze on him.

"I know this is hard Saya but I promise that I'll be here for you and so will Shu, Seiji, Ryo, Nasty and Shin. We all want to help you through this, but you have to listen and trust us, ok?" Saya nodded her eyes misting slightly.

"I want to Touma. It's just I don't want to hurt you or the others. What if I can't control Ojo or Shinu? What if they try to hurt you? I could never…"

"It wouldn't happen, I trust you, Saya."

"But I don't trust me, not anymore."

"Saya…"

"Oh how touching." /Kuso… Kayura/

Touma spun around pushing Saya behind him.

"Oh I don't know if you want her behind you Tenku," she spoke again her figure shimmering to life, standing on the deck's railing only a meter or so away from them.

^Guys! ^

"Touma?" Saya called from were he'd pushed her. She backed up, bumping against him. Touma chanced a glance back to find a dark shadow approaching them.

"Kuso! Yami!"

"Yami…" Saya whispered.

"You look scared Tenku, that's good!" the demon girl smirked, the dark outfit surrounding her form blending into the night as she pulled her to glittering jitters from her sides.

"Saya your armor put it on."

"What…?!"

"I don't think so," Anubis laughed as he dove forward his darkness streaming behind him as he lunged for Saya his blade glinted in the dark.

"Buso Korin!"

**************************************

Saya pulled back as the blade was thrust at her. /I can't move or he'll hit Touma. / Stand her ground Saya tried to think of a way to stop the blade but at it neared another long silver sword sliced through the air blocking the attackers blow.

"Seiji!" Touma's cheers where quickly cut off as the female attacker dash at them. /Kayura… / Touma pulled to the side, Saya with him, he sub armor flashing over his body. Raising his arm Touma block her left sai but the right slashed across his chest, cutting through the sub-armor. Touma gasped as he fell backward knocking the two of them through the ripped screen door. With a thud Touma laid on Saya clutching his chest a long red gash appearing evidence of her attack.

"Touma!"

"Touma!" Seiji and Saya called as Kayura neared standing in the doorway as Touma struggled to push himself up. Saya scrabbled from under him kneeling down at his side her eyes focused on the bitch that had dare to hurt him.

"Wow as the saying goes `if look could kill.'" The girl clad in black laughed, "But they don't, these on the other hand…" she paused twirling her extra long golden sais in her hands.

"Do!" She raised them above her head the blades glimmering before she thrust them down. Saya raised her hands to block the strikes but to her joy another armored trooper appeared.

"Shu!" Touma called. /That right Shu is the earth trooper, the orange aura. / Saya's mind was starting to whirl was the visions she'd seen smashed together with what she was seeing now. This was the first time she had seen their full armors and the realization made her a bit dizzy.

/No time for that, analyze later for now focus. /

Saya looked back to Shu as he shoved Kayura back before racing after her. Touma instantly stood a slight grimace on his face.

"Saya," Touma called.

"Yes?"

"Stand back." Saya nodded take a few stepped back as Touma raised his hand into the air.

"Buso Tenku!" The light was blinding for a moment as the strangest images of unraveling scrolls circle Touma. They appeared to shatter cherry blossom filling the air before wrapping around his body, layers of blue armor flashing into existence around his form. Touma reached behind his back pulling a golden bow from his back that unfolded in his hands. Their was a flash of pain across his face before the room returned to normal with the exception of the fully armored samurai in front of her. "Stay here." He told her giving her reassuring smile before racing out to join the fight. /Touma…/

^Great danger is approaching. ^

/ Ojo… /

^Be on guard. ^

A thunder crash tore through the house. Saya spun around racing to the kitchen door to see a sub armored Ryo holding Nasty-san as they lay at the bottom of the staircase.

"Ryo, Nasty-san!" Ryo pulled himself up placing Nasty to his left. She stood on wobble legs as Ryo cursed.

"You bastard!"

"Such manners Rekka, I am a guest after all."

"Nasty, get back." she obeyed take a few backward steps toward Saya.

"Buso Rekka!" In the same fashion Ryo called forth his armor, red, burning metal that snapped across his body. Pink blossom gathered his hand as her raised it the blossom transforming into a helmet metal blades angling from the sides. The second he placed the helmet on his head the face mask opened; Ryo reaching grasping the katanas on his back. /The armor Rekka. / The flow of power poured over her body was over whelmed, the auras of the four troopers and four Masho filling her senses. That when she noticed another yoroi presences. It was not one of the nine of that she was certain, but it was definitely a yoroi. /Who's that? /

The sharp clash of metal on metal pulled Saya out of her daze as she focused again on Ryo and the masho… Oni. The masho held a sickle in one hand a chain in the other. The two were connected and at the end of the chain a claw like anchor hung menacingly.

"You demon are not welcome here!" Ryo voice held an edge of venom as he point one of his blades at the Masho still posed at the top of the stair.

"Saya," Nasty called realizing she was there. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine. Thank you Nasty-san," Saya bowed slightly though it felt very strange considering what was going on around them. "Touma and the others are outside fighting." There was a pause as the two young women watched the stand off between Ryo and Oni. "Nasty?" Nasty looked over at her.

"I'm sensing another armor here. I've never felt this one before," Saya told her.

"Another armor? Where is it?"

"I don't know outside somewhere it's just…" Saya stopped in mid sentence as the masho leaped from the staircase. With bone shattering force he slammed the sickle down at Ryo. Ryo blocked with his katanas but as the Oni pressed forward the wall behind Ryo began to crack.

"Damn it!" Ryo hissed as he attempted to push back against the stronger Oni. Suddenly Oni pulled back causing Ryo to fall forward. The stumble cost him as the masho pulled his knee back before plowing into Ryo's stomach. The fire trooper gasped as his limbs jerk forward before the force of the blow sent Ryo flying through the wall, tumbling over the couch and then smashing into the coffee table.

"Shit," Saya blurted as Nasty scream out to him. Instantly the masho head turned from the downed trooper to the auburn haired girl. Nasty took a step back as the ice blue eyes of Oni locked on to her. Saya could almost see the smile curl to his lips as he began to spin the chained claw in his right hand. With a snap of his wrist the claw shot at Nasty who started to dodge.

Without think Saya stepped in front of the other girl thrust out hand to catch the claw before it could contact her body, but as her fingers wrapped around the chain the force pulled the metal through her fingers, the claw slamming into her chest.

*******************************************

Nasty eyes widen as Shuten glared at her. His cool blue eyes sparkled for a second before he flung his kusai gama at her. Nasty froze her eyes widen as she felt her body attempt to move. In a flash Saya was in front of her and the next thing Nasty knew she was falling as the impact of Saya's body on hers knocked her backward. She felt a sharp pain at the base of her skull before every thing went black.

******************************************

Another arrow sailed by Shu's head as Kayura started to charge, spinning she block the approaching arrow, her jitters locking with Shu's naginta. Unable to gain and advantage she pushed off again this time flip over him to attack Touma. Shu watched as the archer parry before let loose a stream of arrows each only a hair away from their target.

Kayura laughed as she darted toward him slicing her left jitter downward. Touma blocked the first and ducked under the second as Shu raced in knocking Kayura away from his brother.

^Thanks. ^ Touma send before placing his focus back on the smiling girl. Shu couldn't help but notice how her form had changed; she looked a lot older now. With her long hair pulled back into a high ponytail that swayed in time with her hips.

/God why does a babe that hot have to be such a psycho. /

^Glad see you're paying attention, ^ Touma called.

^Just because you can't look does me I can't. ^

^And while you're looking she'll cut out that hanging tongue of yours. ^ The smugness in Touma words was not missed as Shu replied.

^Wow someone must be whipped if he's afraid to even look at another girl. ^ Touma frowned slightly.

^I'm not whipped. ^

^Whatever you say. ^

"Hello boys! Though I'm sure whatever you're talk about must be extremely interesting, but we are in the middle of a battle." Kayura grinned spinning her gold jitter in a mesmerizing circle.

"You have no idea," Shu replied as they prepared for her assault. Suddenly she stopped her eyes going behind them. Chancing a peek Shu looked over his shoulder and gasped. "Kuso!"

^What? ^ Touma asked not willing to take his eyes off the demon girl.

^We're in trouble. ^

^Are you going to add to that? ^

^I'm not sure how to. ^

^Something is coming. ^ Seiji's voice interrupted them. ^Can you sense it? ^

^I don't' have to sense it, I see it. Yomas… in the forest, hundreds of them. ^

^Oh crap! ^ Touma muttered final looking back to see what Shu was talking. ^An army. ^

"Well it seems he's arrived. To bad I liked having your undivided attention, but oh well." Kayura smiled at them as Shu scanned the tree line until he catch sight of a familiar spider.

"Funny I was wondering when the bug would show up. "

"Technically spiders aren't bugs they're…"

"Touma!" Shu whined as Rajura watched them from his usual upside down position. Kayura suddenly leaped over them land on the branch the spider masho was hang from. Every thing seem to grow very quiet except for the rhythmic clash of metal against metal coming from Seiji and Anubis as they continued in their duel off to Shu's right.

"Okay we've seen Anubis, Kayura, and now Rajura but where are Shuten and Naaza?" Touma whispered an arrow already notched.

"A better question where is Ryo?"

"Dealing with one or both of them would be my guess." Shu nodded before turning his attention back to their enemies.

"So Kayura where'd you get the new drones?" Shu asked as he watched the bobbing, swaying motion of the gray bodies just beyond the trees.

"Oh these don't belong to me. No, no. Though I was going to save the introduction of our newest ally until all of you troopers were present, but I guess there is no real use since Shuten might kill Rekka before he gets out of the house."

"Don't count on!"

"Anyway," Kayura frown at Touma's interruption before continuing. "May I present to you the current Lord of the East, Kenbukyou!" Kayura cast her arm to the right as a shadowy figure stepped from the trees a long cape flapping behind him as the warm summer air wafted by. As the light bounced off the man Shu realized he was wearing a yoroi. Its bright red and silver catching the moon light as another smaller figure stepped up beside him.

"Byaruen?" Touma muttered as the second figure moved into the light reveal itself to be a large gray tiger a detailed white arm layer off its back.

^That's not Byaruen. ^ Seiji called, ^It reeks of evil and malice. ^

"Hello honored warriors. I have come here as an ally of Lady Kayura for three main purposes."

"Which are?" Touma growled sensing the immense power flowing off of the new yoroi bearer.

"First I wish to obtain the Soul swords which you troopers found. Second my friend Kokuen-Ko would like his brother back and for that my third purpose must be accomplished, that being your complete annihilation."

"Wow that's some wish list but I suggest you write to Santa because the only wish we can grant you is dead."

^Shu! ^ Seiji and Touma groaned.

The lord made no comment but instead raised his hand into the air the army pausing as the katana the lord held glimmered before he thrust it downward the soldier rush from the forest giving Shu his first real glimpse at them. Their bodies were gray, and smooth, red eyes beaming as they set their sights on their prey, long claws prepared to cut their enemies to pieces.

A golden arrow shot through the air as Touma load another readying to fire. The arrow made contact with creature, cutting deep into its chest. A shriek escaped its lips blood seeping from the wound as its body dropping to the ground.

"That was freaky," Shu muttered as he posed for their advance. Suddenly Shu realized that Touma had yet to fire another arrow. Shu glanced at him from the corner of his eyes to see the archer tensed face as he watched them approach. /Something's wrong. /

^Touma, ^Touma blinked as if snapping out of a trance before his eyes narrowed. Pulling back the bow's string a second arrow fired, another shriek filling the air as it owner fell to the earth. Despite its cry those around it continued undaunted.

^Touma get to the roof, cover us from there, ^ Seiji ordered as he appeared to Shu's left still fending off Anubis while trying to keep his eyes on the approaching horrid.

Touma hesitated a moment before leap backward to land on the desk and then hopping up to the roof top.

^Remember Touma they may bleed but their still are enemies. ^ Seiji called.

/What that all about? Oh well. / Shu smirked shaking of the strange comment as the army raced toward them.

"Time to rock and roll boys!"

TBC…….

Shu: Oh man, why'd you stop there? I want to kick some butt!

D.L.: Sorry Shu, but don't worry there's tons of action in the next chapter.

Nasty: Yeah like what happened to me? I better not be dead. I haven't got a chance to make Ryo mine yet.

Seiji: Wow, Rekka you better watch out.

Ryo: *red faced Ryo. * Shut up Seiji!

Seiji: Red is a nice look for you Fire bug!

Touma: Hey Seiji did you just use Saya's nick name for our fearless leader.

*pause*

Seiji: /Damn her. / *Seiji grumbles under his breath.*

Touma: I thought so. Well while we wait for Seiji and Ryo to return to us please make sure to leave a review. D.L. is work very hard to put these chapters out as fast as possible, but with out reviews she may get discourage and end the story in some stupid way.

Saya: Like Seiji finally deciding to accept our love, but then one fateful night the three of us discover more then just friendship. Carried away on the winds of passion the three warriors find….

D.L.: Ok no more romance fic for you.

Saya: Oh come on Destiny, pleeeaaassee.

Seiji: /Just as long as I get the…/

Touma: Seiji!!!

Shin: Links open again.