Ronin Warriors Fan Fiction ❯ Yokoi no Death and Rebirth ❯ Chapter 10: Judgement: Death and Peace ( Chapter 11 )

DL: Man I don't feel like writing this part right now.

Nasty: Why, tire?

DL: No I just can't think of anything to say.

Nasty: Then don't.

DL: Ok I won't after all it is not like anyone reads this anyway.

Nasty: Yeah that's the spirit.

Shu: But then shouldn't she feel the same way about this story. *pause*

DL: *lip quivers*

Nasty: Shu that's not true a whole five people are reading this story.

DL: *head falls down on to the coffee table with a thud.*

Shu: I think you made it worse.

Nasty: So I did. Dl? Should we start the story now?

DL: *moan.*

Nasty I'll take that as a yes. Start chapter 10 please.

Chapter 10 Judgment! Death and Peace.

The blade gleamed as the Masho lower it toward the girl's throat. /Shit!/

Saya knew she had no choice but to do as Shuten asked. /Peace, Shinu… he wants me to kill him./

"Fine! Whatever you want just leave her out of this and not here."

"Of course, come let us…" Thundering foot steps from beyond the door stopped Shuten in mid sentence. "The troopers."

The door was thrown open as the five trooper burst into the room.

"Shuten!!" Shu bellowed and then blinked taking in the sight of Saya and Shuten stand a few feet apart in the dark room.

"Saya…" Ryo muttered before his eyes widen. Instantly the fire trooper raced forward grabbing Saya just as Shuten's chain wrapped around her bodies.

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Kayura stood the wind wiping around her black clad figure. The city below her seeming minuscule and insignificant as she waited for a sign of her masho's presence. She knew that all of them had come to Ningen Sekai, without her permission and that really pissed her off. /How dare they leave without my say so. Just what are they planning? Could they possible be planning to leave me?/

Kayura would have none of it. If those were their true intentions then she would see to it that they be punished. /Dead awaits you mashos if dare to double cross me./

Then it hit her; the aura of Shuten followed by the other three traitors. Spinning the black haired priestess locked on to Shuten's aura only to have him teleport to another area in the city. She quickly traced it and then teleported herself some blocks from Shuten's actual location not wishing the masho to sense her. Leaping across the skyscraper the woman's eyes final locked on to the object of her search. With one final jumped Kayura landed on the build just beside her prey. She noted instantly that he was not alone.

/The new trooper girl. Saya… wasn't it?/ Kayura's curiosity peaked as she tried to determine a reason for what she saw. /Why is Shuten here with her? If it were for revenge due to his failure then why is she not screaming in pain?/ Deciding it would be better to simply watch and see Kayura knelt down patently like a crocodile waiting for his evening meal. /Tell me what you're up to my dear doji (demon)./

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

"Just what is going on?" Mr. Faun asked as he and his wife entered the room, their two daughters both crying. Mama Faun instantly when to Laia, as the younger woman Nasty went to little Lai Lai both women trying to comfort them.

"Ryo's gone." Shin noted as they glanced around the room no longer seeing Ryo, Saya or the masho, Shuten.

"He teleported them," Touma muttered dangerous edge creeping into his tone

"That bastard! If he hurts either one of them…"

"Calm down Shu," Seiji ordered.

"Shin, Seiji can you sense Ryo?" Touma asked.

"Yeah, he's in the city." Shin said getting a nod of agreement from the blond trooper.

"Let go then." Touma motioned as the three of them head out of the room passing by Mr. Faun who looked quite worried.

"Touma, Shu what is going on?"

"One of the mashos we told you about was here," Touma answer vaguely, concern filling his voice. /Saya, Ryo./

"Don't sweat it papa will be back in no time." Shu reassured him.

"Be careful," Nasty called her usually `good luck' smile filling her face.

"Hey wait!" Mrs. Faun called as she stood cradling her other daughter in her arms.

"Sorry mama we've got to go help Ryo and Saya." Touma replied not looking back to see her reaction.

"We'll be waiting for your return. Now hurry up your mother cooked a killer pie for desert tonight and I doubt she'll let me eat it until you return." His father tried though the uneasiness in his voice made it all to clear that pie was the furthest thing from his mind.

"Sure papa," Shu motioned a half wave as the four troopers quickly exited going down the hall and out onto the fire escape. They hurry up to the roof and then began to sprint toward the energy signature of Rekka.

^Hey Shu you're just like you dad.^ Shin called as he sprung up land on the roof of the next building.

^How so?^

^You both think with you stomachs first.^ Shin smiled a light chuck being felt through the link between them even as they scaled the tall office builds.

^Shut up fin head.^

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

"Damn…" The girl muttered as she started to reach up to rub her head but was stopped by the strong chains of Oni's kusai gama. She threw her head back staring up at Shuten who was stared right back through the armored face mask of his Oni.

"Where are we?" she asked simply glancing around at the builds that loomed over them just as he loomed over her.

"Still in the city," He watched her head lower as she took in the huge terrace they stood on; a mini park hundreds of feet above the city streets, the distance echo of civilization floating threw the air..

"Are you going to release me?"

"Yes and then I will be judged."

"I already told you Ojo said no. You are not ready to be judged." She snapped a little more forceful than Shuten though necessary or smart considering her situation. But despite it he released the chain hold her. She quickly untangle her self take several quick strides away from Shuten before turned back to face him.

"Fine then call forth Shinu and let him judge me."

"Shinu… don't you understand what your asking for." She snapped. "Damn you are thick headed."

Shuten allowed a slight smile to crawl to his lips as he watched her. Her golden eyes glowing every now and then a signal Shuten had come to believe meant Ojo or Shinu were talking with her.

He saw her shake her head slightly her eyes still locked with his.

"Are you shying away from your duty, bearer of Rebirth and Death?" Shuten asked his voice lightening somewhat while his emerald eyes narrowed.

"Listen to me if it is judgment you want I can't give it to you and if it is answers I don't have any. I just got this armor. And Ojo and Shinu haven't explained every thing to me yet."

"Are you saying that you won't fight me?" The dangerous edge he added to his tone didn't go unnoticed by the girl would rolled her shoulders as if fighting off a chill.

"I'm saying I can't give you judgment besides if it is only a fight you're wanting why not simply ask the troopers, I'm sure they would be more then willing to kill you."

Shuten grinned before charge at the girl. She gasped reeling backward but not nearly fast enough as the butt of his kasai gama slammed into her head just missing her left temple. There was a faint snapping sound unmistakably the sound of a bone cracking namely her skull. Shuten watched with an icy glare as she slammed into the concrete pathway.

She groaned painfully as she tried to push herself up repeatedly before her limp clasped. After at least three attempts Shuten growl stocking toward her. He grabbed her by the back of her neck snatch her up to her feet. Her eyes rolled back in her head earning her a light slap. Groan again the girls eyes opened cloud with delicious pain. /Not now focus./ Shuten narrowed his eyes reminding himself of his what he was doing. /But this pain… It is so beauty./

The girl moaned again pulling the bearer of Oni from his musings.

"Now I do expect you to cooperate, girl." She managed a half hearted glare at the masho before nodding. "Good."

Shuten released the reluctance girl who barely managed to stay on her feet.

In a flash the white yoroi that Shuten had seen before covered her body casting her normally golden figure in a pure white.

^Ojo…^ Shuten heard Oni whisper. /Rebirth./

Next a black void began to radiate from below her. Stretching and fanning the energy rose around her like seaweed being batted by the currents. After merry seconds the power shot up around her flying into the air before crashing down on her form a black armor flaring off of her agile form. What looked to be a short staff or maybe a sheath sword was attached to the dip in her back as she stood her two tone eyes gazing unsteadily at him.

"Much better, now…" Shuten blinked as the over flow of three very familiar power connected with him. /They found me./

Before Shuten could offer even a single word the three Masho appeared. Instantly they took the armor girl's form as a threat and attacked. She leaped backward avoiding Anubis's first strike only to have Naaza grab hold of both of her arm flung her in body into the build their stood on.

She let forth a fear clutched scream as glass and metal shattering with her impact. Tumbling over a desk near the window she came to an abrupt stop as her body collided with the office's interior wall, picture falling from their places as paper scatter through the air.

"Shuten," Rajura asked as he walked up to their leader his face, though Shuten could only see his eyes, was set in a frown of that the red headed masho was sure. "Mind explaining yourself?"

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

Ryo shook his head trying to focus on his surrounding. /Trash cans, dumpsters… I must be in an alley, but-/ Suddenly the trooper remember what had happen only a few second ago or at least he hoped it was only a few seconds ago. /Saya!/

Shooting to his feet with some pain Ryo spun around scanning the area for her as he felt four very familiar auras.

/They're close, very close./ His eyes swung upward, toward the skyscraper

beside him a tiny cry of pain calling to him. Ryo didn't need to be told who that was.

"Busso Rekka!" His armor built around him fire licking his body as blazing metal attacked to his sub armor.

Once the transformation was complete Ryo sprang into action and began the large time consuming project of scaling up the building using the opposite building to leap from side to side until it ran out.

"Damn! Stairs or wall? Ryo questioned. /Wall is quicker who knew how long it would take me to find the stair cases./

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

"Why are you not with your allies?"

The voice was as deep and smooth as an ocean current holding the strength to pull you away if you weren't strong even to stand against it.

"How is it that you still manage to sneak up on me brother?" Kenbukyou asked knowing without even looking at his elder brother that a smile covered the monks face.

"It is a gift, is suppose."

"I see." There was light growl from the Lord of the East's side as Kokuen-ko appeared rubbing against his side before glaring at the other white haired man. "Down Ko-kun."

"He's still upset about Byakuen?" It was really more of a comment then a question, but Kenbukyou answered anyway.

"Of course, he wants you dead dear brother and I tend to agree."

There a long pause the spirit driven winds rushing passed them.

"I didn't come here to fight with you Kenbukyou, though I have a right to. I have come here instead to make a deal."

The lord's mouth moved before her could stop it a thick laughter spilling from his lips.

"A deal, what would the flawless Monk Kaos want of me? What deed would have you coming to me, your nemesis in all things?" Kaos seemed un-daunt by his sarcastic reply.

"I wish you to seal the gates between Ningen Sekai and Youja Kai."

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

Saya laid there her mind tripped over itself unable to wake up, while at the same time Ojo and Shinu were both yelling for her to awaken.

Beside the two joined spirits several other voices were flowing in and around her head. /-Who-/ With that single thought her head exploded with pain with echoed hard and hard until she realized that the pain was external. She forced her eyes openning as another sharp slap hit her.

"About time." /Yami…/ Saya recognized the voice before her eyes were able to focus on the one hitting her. Behind her she was held in the rough grasp of Doku while Gen no Rajura and Shuten talked off to the side. Suddenly Rajura through his hands up as Shuten started toward her.

/Shit, shit!/ Her mind screamed as she started to struggle before realizing that would be stupid. Stilling herself Saya watched him approach before looking away. /This is not good. I can't fight four Mashos./

"I am sorry for the interruption. I didn't expect them to find me so soon," Shuten said his voice betraying his uneasiness. "But this changes nothing, my wish remains the same. "

"Wish?!" Naaza questioned. "What do you wish of her?"

"This is between her and I, Naaza-kun."

"Yeah right do you-" Saya was cut off abruptly by a hard fist to her side. She gasped for air her body automatically bending to less the pain.

"Little girl, I would think you just a bit smarter," the bearer of darkness began. "You are in no position to deny us anything."

"…but I…" Saya steadied her breathing as she glared at Anubis. "I know that that's what I'm saying. Do all you honestly think I'm that stupid? I don't want to fight against four mashos!"

"Then do as he says," Rajura sighed, "So that we can leave."

/They don't know./

"You don't get it, Shuten wants to die, he wants me to kill him." She blurted out sure Shuten would try to stop her.

They was a collect pause before Naaza burst out, "Nani!!!?"

"Shuten what's the meaning of this?" Rajura asked his bored expression quickly changing to anger.

Shuten sighed folding his arms before addressing his companions.

"I didn't wish you to know."

"That's why you came here in secret." Anubis stated quietly.

"Yes. I grow tire of this life. My hands are heavy with their malevolence deeds. I…"

"You can't be serious." Naaza said his voice soften somewhat. "What about us? Our plans for this world?"

"I am sorry Naaza-chan, I truly am," Shuten said looking away from the masho holding her; a grip she had noticed loosing.

"It's this girl," Naaza suddenly said his grip retightening. "She's caused you to think this way."

"Wait I…"

"Shut up!"

"Ahaa!" Saya gasped as Doku yanked her arms back nearly yanking her shoulder from their socks.

"Doku she has…"

"No, Naaza is right. Since the last battle with the trooper you haven't been the same. What has she done to you?"
"Rajura, she has simply helped me to see-"

"I believe it is just the opposite, in fact…" The tone that the dark masho's voice took on as his eyes turned to stare into, her chilling Saya's battered body. "…I believe she has cast a spell on you, Shuten." His eyes sparked with evil thoughts as his hand raised to capture the hilt of his sword. /Damn! Move!/ Panic hit Saya as she realized just what the masho was planning. Kicking her feet out Saya pushed off Yami knocking herself and Naaza to the ground before ramming her elbows into the masho's ribs. His grip instantly loosened enough for her to pull free. Jumping to her feet Saya took off racing toward the building only to get cut off by Rajura's spider like weapon. The sharp blades slammed into the concrete in front of her and proceeded to ripe through the sidewalk, backward her up, the long metal legs nearly caging her. Saya shoulder rolled to the side escaping only to be met by Yami's sword. Saya leaped into the air over the blade and then shot forward.

Crashing through the bushes and trees Saya came to another sidewalk followed by the ledge a thin metal railing along the edge.

"-shit-" /Do I jump?/ Saya glanced over the edge staring down into the darkness. /Nope./

Sudden rustlings caught her attention spinning Saya caught sight of Naaza as he came crashing down toward her.

^Swords!^ Shinu ordered and she obeyed reached past her waist to grip the black short bow attached to her back. Whipping it in front of her she gripped it with the other hands holding it above her head just as Naaza's katanas slammed down on her. The shrilled sound of metal on metal rang through her ears as Naaza landed in front of her his blade still pressing on her short staff.

Saya could see the surprise in Doku's eyes at her sudden move.

"You will die for harming Shuten!" he hissed grinding his swords against her bow.

^Swords Saya, use the swords,^ Shinu called again as a shadow approached rapidly from the side. /Yami!/

Shinngg! The brown eyes girl blinked as a single glimmer katana slid in between Saya and Anubis's no-datchi blocking the blue haired masho's attack.

"Rekka!" he growled pulling back as Ryo's other blade cut toward him.

"Saya are you ok?" Ryo asked as he stood posed on the rail beside her.

She glanced at Ryo while keeping her brown eyes locked on Naaza. "Um fine I guess," Saya cringed as Naaza continued his press.

"Rekka no Ryo!" Shuten called as he and a very pissed off Rajura appeared from the trees.

"Shuten! What the hell do you think your doing?"

"What do you mean?" Shuten asked with a comical attempt at looking innocent.

"I mean kidnapping her," Ryo motioned to her with his sword which came very close to her face.

"Watch it Ryo." Ryo glanced at her noting how close his blade was to her armor covered skin and that Naaza was still attacking her.

"Sorry," he pulled the sword back before redirecting it to Naaza's face. "Back up!"

"No," Naaza hissed.

"Naaza!" Shuten called. "I don't want her dead." A loud hiss issued forth from his mouth but he didn't back up. Saya blinked hearing a light buzzing she had come to recognize as talking spirits.

^The mashos are talking.^ Ojo told her. Saya glanced at Ryo who seemed to sense it too. /Talking…? Telepathically!/ If it had been anything other then a life threatening situation Saya would have been ecstatic about this revelation.

"Shuten she has tainted your mind," Naaza muttered as poison began to flow off of his armor. Saya gasped as the poison encircled her To her right the trooper started for Naaza only to be cut off by Yami's sword again.

"Since Korin is not here I suppose I'll fight you," Anubis said a bit of sadness touching his voice before he charged nearly knocking Ryo back over the edge. Ryo hopped over the masho and then skidded to a stopped just a few yards from Saya, Anubis and Naaza.

"Saya!" Ryo called to her their eyes locking. /He's worried, I can't let him worried. I… I'm the bearer of Ojo, and Shinu. I wear the armor… the armor of judgment, the armor of destiny the armor of myth. Hey I like that! Shinwa no Saya!/

The poison filled the air around her as she felt coughs fill her chest. Fight back the feeling Saya noticed a slight line at the center of her staff. /"Swords." Shinu said I have swords./ Grabbing the staff she twisted the ends and the center line widen as shinning metal caught her eyes. /Swords!/ Yanking the staff apart Saya tilted the end down catching Doku's blades and pulling the apart. Naaza was caught totally off guard by her suddenly moment. Taking full advantage Saya dove forward ramming her shoulder into the snake masho's chest. /I am not weak. I'm Shinwa no Saya./

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

Shu met up with the others as they stopped atop the Fuji tower. The winds were rather cool up this high Shu's face stinging faintly. The night was clear, a half moon peeking from behind the tall building.

"Come on where are they?" Shu said more to himself then the others.

"Close." Shin answered. "Don't worry, love, we'll find them."

The Chinese boy cast his friend a thank you smile before noticing Seiji and Touma. The blonde's eyes were closed a sign he recognized to mean Seiji was reaching out with his mind. Beside him Touma was scanning the city with his eyes.

A faint sound of metal against metal suddenly caught the four troopers attention and instantly they locked onto it dropping onto the next building the group raced forward. Sprinting across the concrete the group caught sight of their friends. The glint of metal armors and moonlight dancing off the figures. Shu first saw the red armor of Rekka swords drawn as he jumped over Anubis. There to the side the bastard Shuten stood and next to him the spider. And then Saya, her black armor almost unseen as a sliver of silver catch the city lights blades crossing just before Naaza was sent tumbling backward.

"What the…" Shu muttered before realizing the glints as two swords held in Saya's hands.

"Where did she get those?" Shn asked as the Touma took off toward the fray. Seiji close behind him. /Ryo we're almost there buddy./

^Hey, what took you guy so long? Crap!^ Ryo's reply was cut short as Shu saw Anubis charge him. Touma and Shin were the first to reach the battle the two of them leaping into action. Shin to aid Ryo and Touma to help his little love. Who was exchanging words with the pissed snake masho.

Shu not sure who to aid took the more direct route and head straight for Shuten, who had started this hold mess in the first place. Stopping just a few feet in front the fully armor masho Shu growled, holding up his kanji ball his eyes glaring holes through the red head who seemed mildly surprised by his arrive.

"This just keep getting better don't it," Rajura commented while huff. "Come on Shuten let's go."

"No." was his answer as he simply looked pass Shu. Chancing a glance, Shu noticed the direction of the Masho eyes.

"Hell no, Demon you're not going to lay another hand on her, you got me?!" Kongo bellowed his voice gaining everyone attention.

"Are you going to stop me?" Shuten asked his voice a sharp contrast to Shu's.

"Of course,"

"What exactly do you want with her?" Shin asked, while he and Ryo stood on opposite sides of the jackal masho.

"It doesn't matter!" Ryo interrupted.

"Every the hothead, Rekka, sticking your blades where they don't belong," the darkness masho commented though his attention seemed to be focused on someone else. Shu shook it off, returning his glare to its rightful owner, Shuten. Though in most cases Shu would rather take on the spider today he was more interest in the masho that dared to enter his house.

"I don't care what your reason, Demon, you entered my house, scared my family to death and hurt my friends! And for that I'm taking you down."

"Oh please," Rajura muttered folding his arms.

Shuten chuckled slightly at the bearer of Konga before raising his gama-kusai into the air.

"Though that does sound like fun, my dear Kongo, I'm afraid my next duel is already taken and with any luck it will be my last."

"What…"

"I won't allow it!" Naaza shouted as he bolted from the ground charging at Saya heedless of the two troopers at her side.

"Busso Tenku!"

"Busso Korin!"

As the light and power from their two armors filled the sky Saya raced passed them meeting the masho head on.

"Saya!" Shu yelled as her and Naaza clashed. Saya spun out of the attack slashing her sword in a sloppy strike at the Masho's back. Naaza dodged it easily attack with his other katana, poison dripping from the blade.

Shu started forward only to be cut off by Rajura as Shuten disappeared from Shu field of vision.

"Sorry to disappoint you dear Kongo, but you'll be fight me."

"What again, aren't you tired of getting your ass kicked."

Gen didn't reply as he attacked his sickles slashing at Shu's chest plate.

"Guess not."

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

Seiji and Touma both burst from their transformation fully armored just in time to see Shuten slid behind Saya who was occupied with blocking Naaza's rage filled attacks.

"Saya!" Before the blonde even realized Touma had drawn his bow three perfectly placed arrow shot passed Saya and Naaza. Their target hearing Touma's cry looked up just as two of the three arrows struck him. Though not strong enough to pierce the armors the arrow were enough to knock the bearer of Oni back a few yards.

They heard Shuten curse as his cold eyes locked on them. Seiji started forward to help Saya when the unexpected blade of Yami sliced by his body. Seiji blinked as he had been taken by completely surprise. /I thought Ryo was fighting him./

Yami dark eyes sparked as he chuckled lightly.

"I am glad you made it Korin." Anubis started forward when another gold arrow shot in between them Touma eyes flickering from Seiji to Saya who was not doing well against Doku.

/I'm fine Touma, go help Saya./ Touma hesitated for a moment before he darted toward his girlfriend.

^Be careful Seiji.^

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

Shuten felt the burning pain in his shoulder and side as the golden metal struck him. Cursing Shuten stumbled backward away from his target who gave little indication that she even knew he was there.

Shuten looked up his eyes locking on Seiji and Touma who started toward him but lucky the dark shadow of Anubis intercepted them nearly taking a chuck out of Korin no Seiji's side.

/Keep them busy./

^I'll keep Korin busy but Tenku is your problem, Oni-kun!^

/Typical./ the red head replied as Tenku no Touma started toward him.

^Shuten… Don't die! Naaza will be lost without you!/ There was a pause before Yami continued. /We all will./

Shuten was touched, was that really Anubis who'd said that, Yami no Anubis. /Naaza…/

^I won't let you Shuten.^ The green haired masho yelled over their link as his sword sliced by the girl's head. She ducked nearly falling backward. The two swords that had been hidden in the short black staff at her waist glimmered. They were a weapon Shuten only seen on a few occasions. The blade and hilt were the same length effectively creating two short swords each about four feet long half blade half handle.

Shuten watched for a few more seconds as the girl barely avoid Naaza's wild attacks. /Naaza calm down, this is not helping. I must do this./

^Will not let you die, Oni-chan. I… I won't… "I won't be able to stand it!" Doku voice that had started as only mental burst from his mouth startling the girl who stumbled backward right in front of Shuten.

/Naaza-kun if I die then I was unworthy of not only Oni, but also of you. I must do this./

^I… I don't understand. ^ the masho stopped his attack looking passed the falling girl to Shuten.

"I know," Shuten replied gently wishing that Naaza could see his whole face, and most importantly the smile it held. ^You are my closest brother, Naaza-chan.^

Stirring from between them caught both mashos' attention as the girl with the two tone eyes watched the exchange.

"No let us begin."

"Saya!"

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

Shin parried Rajura's attack as Shu lunged forward knocking the Masho off balance and Shin quickly took advantage lunging at the Rajura. The spider leaped upward avoiding the both of them.

Ryo followed the masho weapons clashing. Two of the ending blades on Gen's weapon shot out knocking their leader backward.

"Ryo!" Shin and Shu yelled simultaneously as Rajura posed for his power move.

"Tochimo!" Thrusting his blades toward them; thick streams of webbing shoot forth. Shin dove to the side the stick white stuff passing by him as he raised his trident calling.

"Choryuha!" Energy balls gathered and then burst from Shin's trident racing toward the bearer of Gen who had caught Shu in his web. Shin energy cut through the webbing easily before slamming into Rajura himself. He tried to stand his ground as the power slammed into him before he flew backward. Hitting the ground hard, the trooper waited for him to stand and when it became apparent that he would not the three converged Shu wiping webbing from shoulders and helmet while Ryo examined his arms.

"You ok?"

"Yeah!" Shu grumbled.

"Thanks." Ryo replied

"Don't mention it. Hey where'd everyone else go?" They could hear the battle but their view was block by the trees and such.

"Let's go find them," Ryo recommended receiving a nod from Shu as the three of them took off to find the others.

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

Seiji dodged another thrust from Yami who was ether have one of his better day or Seiji was having one of his worst. He had been on defense since their duel began and no matter what he tried he couldn't seem to gain any advantage. In the distance he could hear the others but he could only see Shuten, Naaza, Saya and Touma. /Touma…/ The visions of Touma and Saya once again clouded the back of his mind even as Anubis's sword caught the lights of the city casting them back in his eyes.

"You're very sloppy tonight Korin."

"Thanks, I hadn't noticed," Seiji grumbled backing away from the advancing masho. The blond ventured a glance over his shoulder the ledge uncomfortable close. /This is not a good position./ Seiji made a move to left only to be cut off by Anubis forcing him even closer to the railed ledge. /Destiny is working against me again./

The dark masho's eyed him with a strange glint that sent shivers down Seiji's back as he decided he'd have to try a flyby attack that way he could get behind the bearer of Yami. Pulling his sword to the side Seiji tilted the blade holding the hilt just below his eyes before dropping the blade to his side. The instant his shoulder dropped Seiji bolted forward striking out at Yami with a swift slash only to have Yami deflect it. Sidestepping all in one motion the midnight eyed masho thrust his no-datchi out cut into Seiji left arm.

"Argh!" the blond gasped as he grabbed his arm the wound cutting a deep gash through his layered armor and into his flesh blood dripping from the gash.

"See, sloppy," The Masho commented as he rushed Seiji who just managed to block the next attack only to have Yami ram his shoulder into his chest. Seiji felt his breath exploded from his lungs followed by the railing crumple behind him. On instinct Korin no Seiji throw his arms out grabbing the ledge as he started to fall his armored finger gripping the ledge as the rest of his body slammed into the side of the building. Pain raced through his taunt body as he hung there his wound arm hanging at his side.

Stunned for a moment Seiji blinked his mind final settling just as a fearful shadow appeared above him. Seiji cast his eyes upward knowing who it would be.

"Well now this looks like the end dear Korin no Seiji," Anubis told him coldly though his eyes seemed to say something different as they peered at him through the dark helmet.

/He's going to kill me…/ Seiji eyes widened as the masho raised his blade preparing to end the blonde's life. Seiji's eyes slammed shut as he waited for the pain that never came. Unsure if he should open his eyes Seiji hung there for a few more seconds before a cry from Touma ripped through his ears.

"Touma!" Seiji called as his opened his eyes the masho of darkness gone with no viable reason to be seen. /Where…?/

"Arahhaaa!" Saya's scream brought the swordsman back from his query as he watched both Saya and Shuten streak across the air before slamming into the build next to the one he hung from glass exploding upon impact as the two disappeared in the spray of tiny shards. /Oh great./

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

Touma pulled back another arrow as he watched Shuten eyes flicked from his to Saya and back again. Saya was now on her feet with the two Mashos to either side. She held her sword in clumsy fashion, scraps covering her armor as she looked from side to side two tone eyes glowing faintly.

/Saya…/ Naaza suddenly dart forward toward Saya she pulled to the side as the arrow Touma held flew from his finger. Naaza slashed his sword toward her before bolting into the air away from the well aim projectile. Touma's vision followed the masho as poison tainted swords caught the moon's light.

"I'm in no mood to play Doku." The blue haired archer had had enough, not only had they endanger his friends' lives they had also endangered his family's lives. Touma had no doubt that Shuten was threatening to hurt his sister in order to get Saya to cooperate and that made his blood boil. It had taken ever ounce of control he had not to snap as they had left his house to go find Saya and Ryo and now that they had…

"Shinkuba!!"

…Touma's fury was unleashed in a whirling mass of blue and white energy. The surekill, as they once called it, slammed into the Masho of venom sending him hurtling through the night sky Tenku's power consuming Naaza's armored form. Touma had no time to wonder at the masho's fate as the true object of his anger bolted toward him.

"Touma!" Saya's voice called to him as the Masho lashed out his eyes alive with anger though it paled in comparison to the bearer of wisdom. Touma raised his bow to block only to have a thin silver blade intercept Shuten's kusai gama. Touma blinked for a second not recognizing the armor before it hit him.

"Saya," Touma called as he started to reach for her to pull her out of the way. But the red headed masho wouldn't allow it as he spin his shin connecting with Saya side sending her careening to the left her body collide with the rail that bent and squealed in protest.

"Saya!" Touma gasped a low chuckle catching his attention. "Bastard!"

The archer's attention return to Oni who seemed quite pleased with himself.

"Poor Tenku did I hurt your little koi?"

Touma could feel his teeth grinding as the grip on his bow tightened. Touma and Shuten had faced each other several times and so far he lead the wins by one his last defeat nearly cost both himself and Shu their lives. /Not this time, I have to get to Saya./ Touma started to reach for quiver when suddenly his body shifted his feet leaving the ground as another force that reeked of Oni gripped him.

"What the hell?!"

"Yes what indeed," Shuten chuckled. "My armor's spirit Oni has been released dear Tenku and at last the full power of this armor is at my command."

"What?!"

"Yes and it's all thank to your little lover. It was her armor that awaked Oni's sleeping spirit."

Touma's did understand Kaos said that armors like theirs were unaffected by Ojo's call to awaken. /I guess he was wrong./ Touma almost wanted to laugh but the sudden tighten of the power around him reminded him of his situation.

"Ja ne, Tenku," The world blurt as Touma was flung backward by the unseen force of Oni. A power Touma had only seen him use while juiced by Arago's spirits.

Their was no pain or sound for a second though Touma knew he was yelling before his felt the impact of concrete and wood his body smashing into a small shed or something behind him. His body settled into the rumble before the four walls collapsed on top of him. Darkness quickly eating away at his consciousness his last thought falling upon… /Saya./

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

"Seal off the mortal world from the neither realm," Kenbukyou repeated, giving the monk a side long glance. Before a deep thundering laughter over took him. "Dear brother if I could have it would already have been done. But as things are now…"

"You are unable." Kaos interrupted, "Someone is keeping the seal from holding."

The lord of the east blinked not sure why it surprised him that his brother knew.

"So then I'm guessing you know a way."

"It is not the way that is the problem."

"No it is the who," Kenbukyou continued.

"Yes, the who," Kaos nodded, "You know of whom I'm speaking."

"Of course, Arbinray, the neither spirit whom Arago sealed away sometime ago." Kaos nodded gravel. "I'm guessing you know where he is to be found."

"Yes, in the company the only other mortal in Youji Kai capable of truly sealing the gates."

"You mean…" Kenbukyou would have balked if anyone else had said this but coming from his brother he knew it to be true. "So then the spirit has been in my mist this whole time. How stupid of me to over look it?"

"It was by luck that I came upon this unfortunately knowledge." Kaos looked saddened before turning to face his armor coated brother catching sight of the two tigers off in the distance. "Do we have an agreement?"

"Explain to me again the details."

"I we see to it that Arbinary is destroyed in exchange you will seal the gate ways between these two world, but see to it that those that belong to me are all in Ningen Sekai."

"I see, those that belong to you…" The lord paused as a smile creeping to his lips. "I believe we have had a conversation much like this before."

"I do not wish to get into that Kenbukyou. What you did back then…"

"I still can't believe you would have rather he go with Arago then me."

"Don't twist the past, it was you that drove Yami to Arago, it was you who perverted his soul."

"I see it is still a painful subject, the lost of Yami."

"The lost of Anubis," Kaos corrected quietly.

Kenbukyou could tell that he was stressing his brother so he decided it best to leave thing as they were.

"I agree." Kaos looked over at him his eyes scrutinizing the lord. "I will seal the gates. But know that once seal they will forever be locked..."

"Nothing is forever, brother not even death."

"We shall see Kaos, oh but what of the armors that are to be judged in Youja Kai?"

Kaos started to leave his staff cling as Byaruen appearing at his side as his opposite appeared beside Kenbukyou.

"I leave them to you." In the blink of an eye the two disappeared, no doubt on their way back to Ningen Sekai.

"Well now Kokuen-Ko, why don't we just wait right here?"

^What did you talk about master?^

"The future, yours and mine."

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

Ryo, Shu and Shin race across the concrete and grass as Ryo tried to figure out just what was going on. He only caught the tail end on the conversation Saya and the Mashos were having. /Shuten… what do you want with her?/ At the same time he was trying to contact, Seiji and Touma. They had all felt a great deal of pain from Touma and Seiji and the fact that neither one of them would answer did help to ease Ryo's mind.

"Damn it," he hissed.

^Touma, Seiji?^ Shin called.

^If they're hurt I'll-" Shu was cut off as the familiar power on Touma caught their attention, a glowing figure tumbling toward them. Ryo started to move forward to catch him but Shin grabbed his shoulder as the armor being slammed into the concrete green and red smoldering as the ground compressed under the force of his impact.

"Doku no Naaza," Shin stated calmly. Slowly the masho's helmet cover head tilt upward the dark shadow hiding his eyes.

"Die," His eyes flash ruby before lunging at Ryo. *****************************************

Anubis couldn't believe what he had just done. /I let him go… I had the prefect opportunity and I… I…/ The bearer of Yami shook his head trying desperately to make sense of his actions. /It would have been easy to drive my blade through his head or neck or even chest. Shit I could have done anything, but instead. I let him go. It can't be, it simply can't be. I am I season warrior I don't show mercy to my enemy hell I don't even show mercy to my allies and yet. / The scarred warrior moved back into the shadows just incase; not wanting the blonde to spot him.

Tenku's power suddenly swooshed into existence as Touma's ultimate attack crashed into Naaza. The power shot upward engulfing Doku who screams faded with the power.

^Anubis… Watch over Shuten… h… he needs help.^ he heard Naaza pled too him trying to fight off the pain ripping through his armor, knowing that at least for a bit he'd be unable to protect their youngest brother who at the moment seemed to have lost his mind. /No use getting into that right now. I have no idea what Shuten his up to. "I grow tire of this life. My hands are heavy with their malevolence deeds." He must have gone crazy. No! He is our leader his is Oni no Shuten. I shouldn't question but…/

The blue haired Masho looked back down to Touma as the archer face off against Shuten. This was a match up Anubis had seen several times before. One such time Shuten had even up taking a direct arrow to his head, splitting his helmet. After that Arago had confined Shuten to Youja Kai until his helmet could be repair.

He blinked noticing that the girl had been flung probably only moments ago across the concrete slamming into the railing. Tenku started to attack when suddenly his body rose from the ground. Anubis blinked unaware that Touma could hover like that while out the protect orb of blue around him. /Wait a second that's not Tenku that's…/ The blue haired trooper was flung backward by the unseen force slamming into a storage shed of some kind, the entire structure collapsing on top of him. /Where the hell did Shuten learn that?/ Before he had time to devolve into that thought Shuten turn his body lunging for the girl who was slowly trying to regain her balance. Her head snapped up just as Oni collided with her the two of them flying from the garden top. Their was the distinctive sound of glass and metal shattering as the disappeared

Quickly Anubis faded away into the shadow as the blonde trooper pulled himself from the building ledge. Anubis watched him for a moment feeling a pain from some where deep inside himself, before moving to where Shuten and the girl had fallen.

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

Ryo was getting thoroughly pissed off now. There were after all three of them and only on masho but despite that fact that Naaza's continued to hold them at bay. His seething anger fueling his body in a way none of them had ever seen before.

Adding to the bad situation Ryo still hadn't heard from Seiji or Touma.

/Shu I'm going to get Naaza's attention then I want you to make a run for it and go find Touma and Seiji./

^Sure thing buddy!^ Shu responded instantly without giving the matter much if any thought a personal trait that was both useful and dangerous.

/Good./ Ryo raced forward swinging at the seriously injured masho. Naaza dodge barely and struck out at Ryo. Blocking the blue eyed bearer of Rekka locked his swords with vemon's. /Go Shu!/ Naaza though picked up on their plan and quickly broke the dead lock leaping over Ryo to strike at the fleeing trooper. Instantly Shin was there knocking Naaza from the air.

/Good job Shin./

^No problem.^ Shin replied his accent showing through the link.

Naaza hissed from his crouched position next to a large oak tree its foliage riot due the masho's close proximity.

"Now let get this over with, shall we?"

"Sure thing Shin."

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

Saya groaned as she felt the tiny pieces of glass rub against her body. It was a weird feeling as the pain she felt seemed to filter through someone else first. /Ojo. Ojo lessens the pain for me./ All coherent thought were smashed from her mind as crush pain was applied to her head. Only a small whimper emerged from her lips as the pressure continued to grow until red and black rimmed her vision a sickening crunching sound filling her ears. Suddenly the pressure was gone, but the pause was only just that and in an instantly she felt a hand clasp the blade of her helmet hauling her from the ground the weight of her entire body hanging on her neck as she scrambled to stand. Just as she got her feet under her a hard jaw shattering backhand was deliver to her face force another moan from her bleeding lips.

"Open your eyes," a very familiar voice growled.

"Shuten…" Saya muttered as she tried to open her eyes. Every thing was a blur except the cold stare of icy emerald. "Have you made your decision yet?" The threat of more pain was quite evident in his voice.

"Oni, Shuten please understand I can't- Aragh!"

The blade that dug into her side silenced her instantly as she felt Ojo scramble to protect the area from harm energy reacting to her pain.

"Ojo… c…can't judge-" Saya grunted her teeth as she felt him yank the blade out its hilt slamming into that same spot. Her legs dropped from underneath her as reached to her side grabbing the gushing wound. Shuten quickly snatch her hand way pulling it up over her head.

"Then you will die!"

^Saya, fight him, don't be foolish.^

/I can't, I'm not suppose to judge him yet./ She answered Shinu who's fury burned brightly with her mind.

^Judging and defending are different, you must fight back to save yourself.^

That made sense, but how was she suppose to do that now. Her body felt so heavy and her mind was numbing from the pain.

Suddenly the hand on her helmet release all of her weight falling upon her left arm and shoulder. She gritted her teeth as she struggle pull away from him. A swift fist to her face stopped all of her attempts. She felt her grip on consciousness wane as another presence slipped passed hers taking its place in the center of her mind.

/Shinu…/

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

Anubis watch from a distance as Shuten began to rain down blows on the girl who from all the worlds looked like she was dead. But a twitch from her right hand caught his attention as Shuten stopped beating her. He reached to his side pulling his kusai gama from his side. /Well looks like it is over./ But before Shuten could strike one half of the girl's sword appeared in her hand.

Yami opened his mouth to warn the red head but it was too late as she silver blade was drove through his stomach. There was a pause as the two figures seemed to freeze before the girl shove the blade in further the tip slicing through the back of the Oni's armor. Shuten gasped releasing her hand to reach for the object protruding through his stomach. The girl meanwhile backed up the other half of her weapon appearing in her right hand.

"You said you want to be judged did you not Oni no Shuten?" The girl voice was not the one Anubis had become accustomed to as it grated on his ear drums.

"Are you Shinu?" the masho on his knees asked.

"Yes you called for me, you demanded my presence and since my bearer as relinquished her power over this body I will be obliged to take you up on your challenge. So get up Oni no Shuten. As you said, `The victory will be proven right by the blood spilled.' I will see to it that you are judged… unworthy!"

Shuten gripped the blade jabbed it his stomach yanking it from his flesh with only a deep grunt. He tossed it at the armored figure who now claimed to be Shinu. Raising her left hand she caught he blade as it passed by her. Spinning it in now very skilled hands she posed to attack her right blade dripping with Shuten's blood.

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

It took every thing the blonde had not to gasp as Saya drove her blade through Shuten's body and now as he watched them prepare to fight chills ran up and down his spine. /Saya's not in control anymore, Shinu is. This is not good, Shinu has proven to be very dangerous. But still…/ Seiji could see the deep gash in Saya's side drying blood trailing from the once open wound, the small indent in Saya's helmet, along with many other small cuts and marks covering her armor. /Shinu probably took over because Saya couldn't handle the pain anymore. Great that's all we need an armor with some serious issues that can take over once the bearer faints./ And then came the obvious question hit. /How do we get her back in control once she has lost it? Will Shinu give it back to her?/ His musing were cut off as Shuten begun spinning his kusai gama. The two circled one another before Saya bolted forward her blades hanging at her side until she was in striking range. Shuten threw the clawed end of his weapon at her, which Saya easily avoided the speed and precisions Oni normally had all but gone as the wound continued to bleed from both sides. Saya spun slicing her swords in a circular pattern to create a double attack. Shuten block the first blade but the second following that same path he did not. The silver blade tore into his shoulder just were the collar meets the shoulder blade.

Shuten cried pulled away causing the blade to slice deeper into his shoulder scrapping across his collar bone. Blood splattered from the wound across the two fighters. Saya form wasted no time in striking again and again avoiding the now clumsy attempts of Shuten to block and counter attack with his wounds multiplying.

Movement across the now trashed office caught Seiji's attention as he saw Yami streaking across the room his blade draw.

"Do not interfere Yami no Anubis," came the warning from Saya but Yami paid no heed. He lashed out only to be stopped in mid-air. Slowly Saya turned to regard him with utter annoyance. "He has asked for this fate." With that she raised her hand flicking her wrist causing the masho's body to go flying into the untouched cubicles and desks across the room, computers flying everywhere.

/By the gods…/ Seiji blinked a frown covering his features. /How did she do that?/ A sinking feeling began to settle on the blonde as Saya turned back to Oni no Shuten. /Touma, Ryo! Hurry up!/

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

Shu burst through the park sliding to a stop once he reached the area he'd last seen Touma and Seiji.

"Touma! Seiji!" he waited a few precious second before shouting again. "Touma!! Seiji!!"

"Damn it…" he cursed under his breath as he looked around unable to see anyone. "Where the hell are you guys?" He was just about to yell again when the faint sound of Ryo's sure kill filled the air.

"Well that should take care of that, but where's Touma and Seiji?"

"Touma! Sei-" Shu stopped as he saw a bit of blue and yellow poking out from underneath a large pile of rumble.

"Touma?" Before he even realized it Shu was grabbing huge chucks of concrete and metal tossing them to the side as he uncovered the younger bearer of Tenku. "Touma answer me!" Shu shouted as he started to uncover Touma back and legs.

"Shu…" It was faint but it was a response none the less.

"Hold on I'm almost done."

"The others… where are they?" Touma asked as Shu removed the last chuck of concrete from Touma's legs.

"Ryo and Shin will be here soon," He paused help to pulled Touma to a standing position ", as for Seiji and Saya…" His voice trailed off as he released Touma who stood unsteadily on his own feet.

"We have to find them." Touma said his voice taking on that emotionless thinker tone Shu knew so well.

"I know, but let's wait for the others to…"

"Noooooo!!!" Shu stopped mid sentence as a shriek filled the night air.

"Shit!"

"Saya!" The two gasped.

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

/Stop, stop! Shinu please stop!/ But the spirit now in control of her body ignored her as it continued to attack Shuten who looked as though he was just barely hanging on to consciousness. /Ojo please stop him./

^I can not, you must regain control.^ Shinu stopped in the mist of his attack and for second Saya thought the spirit had listen to her but instead the spirit spoke through her.

"Do not interfere Yami no Anubis. He has asked for this fate." She watched as Yami flew backward. /Shinu… This is not right Ojo doesn't want him judge yet, you can't kill him!/

^Be silent girl, this is the fate he has requested. I am only doing what he has asked.^

/No your not, he's confused he's not sure what to do. Sure he deserve to get his ass kick but he doesn't deserve to die not yet./ Saya wasn't sure why she felt that way, but she did. Shuten was confused she could feel it, sense it through Ojo. /Our connection is deepening./

^Yes,^ Ojo replied, ^Soon we will truly be as one.^

"Arghaa!" Saya was through back to what was happening around her as Shuten stumbled, dropping to his knees renewed blood flowing from the gapping hole his armor had yet to fully repair. /No… Shinu stop it!/

"The trial has ended now do you have anything to say before your sentence is carried out Oni no Shuten. Korin no Seiji don't interfere!"

The spirit's suddenly statement reminded Saya that he had joined them only a few moments ago.

"I will not," the trooper replied. Seeming satisfied with that answer Shinu stared at the shuttering figure of Shuten who was just barely holding himself in a knelt position. Slowly his head tilted up emerald meeting the two tone gaze of death and rebirth and behind them golden-brown.

/He's afraid… he doesn't want to die. He doesn't want this fate… Shinu!!!/ Shinu raised Saya's right hand preparing to cut Shuten's head from his shoulder.

/No, no, NO! You can't Shinu, you can't!/ The blade responded to Shinu slashing through the air the blade contacting armor them flesh.

/I said…/

"Noooo!!!" Saya voice burst from her throat as the blade turned cutting down across the masho chest just before it would have cut through Shuten's windpipe. The masho gasped blood spurting from the wound as he fell backward. He lay there panting as his precious blood spilled across the ground.

Saya shook her head the suddenly re-entree into her body along with the pain of all the wounds making her sick. She grasped her head wavering in her balance before her eyes found the dying figure again.

"No…" She whispered her eyes pulling in the scene, blood cover everything including her hands and swords.

She stumbled backward trying to get away from the event while her eyes were unable to leave it. Her back hit something solid and metal causing her to tense. Her stress increase when arm wrapped around her keeping her from moving. Somewhere in her mind she wanted to run her eyes still locked on the masho.

"Shh, it's ok."

"Seiji…"

"Relax, it is going to be alright." She felt her eyes slid closer cutting off the image of the blood through she could still see it in her mind.

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

Anubis growled as he pulled himself from the rumble of broking furniture. He looked up catching sight of Korin and the girl hugged up only a few yards away from a very bloody Shuten. The emotion that hit the bearer of Yami at that moment could not be measure or explained as he gripped his blade roaring toward the two. Death was the only thing on his mind as Seiji turned still holding the girl to her chest. His eyes narrowed as they caught sight of him but at that moment a golden arrow sliced in front of Anubis's vision. That didn't stop his advance though the pain at three of the arrow striking him did. He curse as one lodged in his bicep while the others glance off his armor creating long cuts as they went. Yami slide to a stop looking to the left as Tenku aimed again while Kongo made his way toward the blonde.

He growled at the four figures before him his eyes flickered to his brother in arms.

/Shuten…?/ There was no response from the younger man causing Yami's anger to grow.

"Move!" He growled at them.

"Like hell!" Shu replied.

"I said move!"

"Are you stupid or deaf!" Shu growled back.

"A little of both I believe." This new female voice as familiar and unwanted as the mashos themselves filled the air, causing everyone attention to float back to Shuten and there beside him looked as smug as ever was Kayura.

"Great!" Shu muttered as she looked down on her fallen masho.

"I suppose we should get him back to Youja Kai, ne Yami?" Kayura stated more then asked. When the masho of darkness didn't respond she continued. "Go round up the others, we're leaving." With that she knelt down next to Shuten touching his helmet before teleporting away.

"Well go on pup you mistress gave you an order," Shu taunted. "Or do you still want to pick a bone with us!"

Anubis scanned the group his eyes resettling on the two figures. The masho of darkness wanted nothing more then to rip her from his arms and drag the boy back to Youja Kai with him. Growling Anubis decided he better leave that for another day, beside Shuten needed him. Focusing on his other brothers, the bearer of Yami teleported away.

To be continued …….

Saya: Oh great! The last thing I want to deal with is a jealous lover.

Seiji: We're not lovers.

Yami: Not yet. *Pause*

Seiji: Hell no, no way, where's DL?

DL: Right here!

Seiji: Listen please tell me you're not going to make me and Yami…

DL: You and Yami what?

Seiji: L..l..lovers.

DL: *stares as at him for a moment.* Anyway listen up I'm changing this fics rating to R just because I don't want to get in trouble. Plus some adult themes are going to start appear add in the action (violence) and cursing and I think this fic will pass the PG-13 mark.

Seiji: Adult themes… No!

Anubis: Yes!

Shuten: Oh brother.

DL: Anyway I'd also like to thank everyone for their review. They really keep me going so keep it up. As a reward for those that review I'm going to let you guys vote on the couples. This chapter's couple voting be for the Ryox? Pairing.

Ryo: Do I get a say in this?

DL: Sure go ahead.

Ryo: Let's see me top choice. Kayura.

Everyone: What????

Ryo: Yeah she's sexy! Second Nasty.

Nasty: Second… *Runs off crying*

Ryo: On second thought Nasty's third. Touma is second.

Seiji and Saya: He's taken!!!

Ryo: Alright, alright geez can't you take a joke. *Seiji and Saya grumble* Ok Kayura 1st, Nasty 2nd, and 3rd… Shin, defiantly Shin.

Shin: No objections here. *Everyone looks from Shin to Ryo.*

DL: Ok so you heard him folks vote by putting a Ryox1 for Kayura, a Ryox2 for Nasty and a Ryox3 for Shin in your reviews. Oh yes and if you have another idea go ahead and write it in. Remember my vote counts for five of your haha! Oh yes and Beth don't think I've forgotten I'll find that fic of yours. Hahahahahahahaha!

Shu: My ear drums.