Sailor Moon Fan Fiction / Ronin Warriors Fan Fiction ❯ The Sali Snake Chronicles ❯ Chapters 1 - Chapters 9 ( Chapter 1 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Siera Goddess of the Sea 
I'm trying something new and adding it in as more than one chapter. I'll probably be adding it chapter by chapter after this, but here's what i have done so far.
Anime/Manga: Sailor Moon Fan Fiction / Ronin Warriors Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Hentai / Romance | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 02.08.2011 | Pages: 46 | Words: 39.0K | Visits: 397 | Status: Completed
I'm trying something new and adding it in as more than one chapter. I'll probably be adding it chapter by chapter after this, but here's what i have done so far.
Anime/Manga: Sailor Moon Fan Fiction / Ronin Warriors Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Hentai / Romance | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 02.08.2011 | Pages: 46 | Words: 39.0K | Visits: 397 | Status: Completed
Disclaimer: Well I don’t own of course, so you don’t sue. I’ve decided to try something new and post the whole part of what I have done for this story then chapter by chapter since I don’t know how long it will take to finish as well as the time to get it done if I do it chapter by chapter. So here’s what I have so far of my Fanfiction The Sali Snake Chronciles, I own only the title, ALue Sali, Tiegar, Fiore, the armor of the snake, tiger and phoenix, as well as the phoenix-eye necklace, Snake-eye necklace, and tiegar-eye necklace. Karina and Kent, and Striker the snake guardian.
The Sali Snake Chronicles
Rated R
Violence
Adult language
Adult contents
Aleu Sali
Age: 16
Eyes: Green
Hair: Black
Height: 5`2`
Weight: 100
Birthday: August 24th
Zodiac Sign: Fire Snake
Star Sign: Virgo
Along her right arm is an exotic snake tattoo. A snake bracelet
is on her right wrist and left ankle. She wears a jeweled
snake necklace and choker.
Aleu is a very brave, and arrogant girl. Aleu is the granddaughter of the owner of the Sali Shrine. The Sali Shrine was an ancient shrine dedicated to the mighty warrior, Saka, whose symbol was the snake. Aleu is shy and doesn’t have any friends. Her parents died when she was two and grandfather took her in. She is very brave and would do anything for the one she loves. She is also arrogant when she first meets someone. She is unable to open up to anyone (so far). She stopped going to school her freshman year after her grandfather died. She then was the new owner of the Shrine.
Aleu has a sixth sense and is called a “Snake Girl” because she acts like it. She can easily since trouble or when something is near. She also is in the shadows whenever somebody is near. Not many people come to the shrine because they are afraid to. Deep in the shrine is an alter and on the alter is an orb with the Kanji of the Snake. Lately Aleu has sensed something was about to happen. She doesn’t know her senses are right.
Chapter 1
I stood in the shadows of the Sali Shrine watching three girls who had come to the shrine.Rated R
Violence
Adult language
Adult contents
Aleu Sali
Age: 16
Eyes: Green
Hair: Black
Height: 5`2`
Weight: 100
Birthday: August 24th
Zodiac Sign: Fire Snake
Star Sign: Virgo
Along her right arm is an exotic snake tattoo. A snake bracelet
is on her right wrist and left ankle. She wears a jeweled
snake necklace and choker.
Aleu is a very brave, and arrogant girl. Aleu is the granddaughter of the owner of the Sali Shrine. The Sali Shrine was an ancient shrine dedicated to the mighty warrior, Saka, whose symbol was the snake. Aleu is shy and doesn’t have any friends. Her parents died when she was two and grandfather took her in. She is very brave and would do anything for the one she loves. She is also arrogant when she first meets someone. She is unable to open up to anyone (so far). She stopped going to school her freshman year after her grandfather died. She then was the new owner of the Shrine.
Aleu has a sixth sense and is called a “Snake Girl” because she acts like it. She can easily since trouble or when something is near. She also is in the shadows whenever somebody is near. Not many people come to the shrine because they are afraid to. Deep in the shrine is an alter and on the alter is an orb with the Kanji of the Snake. Lately Aleu has sensed something was about to happen. She doesn’t know her senses are right.
Chapter 1
“Did you hear,” the girl with blond hair said. “The girl that owns this shrine is called “The Snake Girl.”
“Yah,” the one with purple hair said. “They say she is weird and has an obsession with snakes.”
“I heard that she quit school and lives by herself,” the one with brownish blond hair said. “Everyone in the town calls her “Snake Girl” and are afraid to even step on these temple grounds.”
“If she’s obsessed with snakes then I would too,” the purple hair girl said.
“Let’s get out of here before she shows up,” the blond hair girl said.
The three girls ran down the steps and into the city below.
I turned and walked to the main room of the temple house and then walked over and knelt down in front of the fire. I hated when people came to the shrine. I always stayed in the shadows when watching them and heard all their remarks and rumors about me. Why couldn’t they just leave me alone? I sighed and decided I would go to bed after closing the temple.
**** ****
Walking into the temple I walked over and picked up the orb. I took it back into the main house. I placed it in a small glass case. I felt a strange feeling whenever I picked up the orb and it always had a small glow in it. It was almost as if the orb was magic.**** ****
Later that night while I was eating I started sensing a strange presence.“Hmm,” I looked out the window. I could sense someone near. After a while I went back to eating. A little later I headed up to bed.
**** ****
A figure stood outside of the main home of the Sali Shrine. The figured watched as I came in and put the orb of the snake in a glass case. The figure watched me sit down to eat.“Master Talpa will be pleased,” the figure whispered and watched me look towards the window. The figure slipped back into the shadows. Standing in the shadows the figure waited until I had finished eating and headed up the stairs.
Carefully the figure slid the door open and went into the room. The figure had orange hair and a black cloak. The figure was male. Slowly he walked over to the glass case and punching it grabbed the orb.
“What the hell is going on,” I cried running down the stairs. “Who are you?”
The orb began to glow.
“Could this girl be…” he said. I went into fighting stance.
“What do you want,” I said.
The orb shot into the air and at me.
“What?” I said as the orb floated in front of me.
“This girl must be,” the male said.
The orb then disappeared as my body began to glow and a green and brown armor appeared without a helmet.
“What is…” I gasped.
“Seems you are the one,” the figure said. “Master Talpa will be pleased to see you.” He lifted his hand and aimed it at me.
“What…” I started when suddenly my body froze and I fell foreword into unconsciousness.
“Master Talpa will be very pleased,” he said laughing. Then he disappeared taking my unconscious form with him.
**** ****
In the world of the Ronins, the Ancient looked up from where he stood talking to the Ronins and Warlords.“Ancient is there something wrong?” Rowen of Strata asked. The White tiger that stood next to Ryo of Wildfire looked at the Ancient.
“I’m not sure Strata,” the Ancient answered.
“Grandfather I felt something strange as well,” Kayura said speaking up from where she stood next to Cale, ex warlord of Corruption. “I don’t know what it could be.”
“I don’t either,” the Ancient said. “I’m going to check into it.” With that said he disappeared.
The Ronins just looked at each other and shrugged and then headed into the mansion. The Warlords looked at each other, they knew something was wrong as they followed the Ronins.
**** ****
In a castle in the darkest parts of shadows in the Neither Realm, four figures were in the throne room.“Uhhh…” I groaned opening my eyes. I looked around I was on the ground of a throne room. On the alter sat an Armored figure and on his left side was a blondish brown haired male with red and yellow armor. He had red eyes. On the other side was the orange haired figure that had as I figured out kidnapped me. He had brown eyes. He wore an orange and black armor with a black cape.
“You have finally woken,” the figure that sat said. “I am Lord Talpa destined to be the ruler of the Neither Realm and Earth.”
The blondish brown male on the left stepped forward. “I am Fiore owner of the armor of the Phoenix.”
“The orange haired male on the right stepped forward. “I am Tiegar owner of the armor of the Tiger.”
“You kidnapped me,” I said shooting up and into fighting stance. I looked down at myself as I just remembered I was wearing green and brown armor.
“What is your name,” Talpa said.
“I am Aleu Sali,” I answered.
“Do you know what you are wearing?” Talpa asked.
“Armor,” I answered.
“Yes, the Armor of the Snake,” he said. “Join the dynasty and fight as our ally against the Ronins and those traitorous Warlords that fight along side them.”
“Why should I,” I snapped. For some reason I sensed I couldn’t trust him and his two warriors. I sensed that the ones I could trust were the Ronin and Warlords he had mentioned.
“Because I am your master now and you will obey me,” he said angrily.
“Go to hell,” I shouted. “I’m not joining you.” I felt something inside me and knew what I had to with the armor of the snake I was wearing.
“You shall not disobey,” Talpa cried enraged and his eyes started to glow red.
I grabbed the swords that were on my back and held them in front of me. Just as they began to glow I shot forward.
“Snake Venom Slash,” I cried jumping at him. Tiegar and Fiore shot forward knocking my swords to the ground and grabbing my shoulders.
A beam shot from Talpa’s eyes and hit me. My body froze. I felt darkness taking over.
“Noooo…” I screamed as I fell into unconsciousness as Tiegar caught me.
“When she has woken up she will have no memories of her world,” Talpa said. “Her memories will her being found as a little girl and being one of our best fighters. She will have a grudge against the Ronins and those traitorous Warlords but will not know why. She will obey only me, now take her to her room. Tomorrow she shall face her first battle.”
“Yes, Master Talpa,” Tiegar said as Talpa disappeared.
“She is just a young girl,” Fiore growled. “How good will she be.”
“Good, I can sense her to be a strong fighter,” Tiegar said.
“Well see,” Fiore said disappearing.
“Hmm,” Tiegar said lifting me and taking me to my room.
**** ****
As he laid me on the bed he looked at me.“Maybe Fiore’s right,” he thought to himself. “She is just a young girl, she’s only a teenager, even younger then when Anubis joined Master Talpa.” He watched me for a while. “Why am I getting these emotions,” he growled to himself. Shaking his head, he turned and left the room.
“The Ronins and those traitors are in for a surprise tomorrow,” he thought, smirking. “Aleu would face her first battle, a test to see how much training she would need.”
Note: I don’t own any Ronin Warrior Characters. Aleu Sali and her Armor of the Snake, Tiegar and his Armor of the Tiger, and Fiore and his Armor of the Phoenix are my own creations.
Chapter 2
The next day the Ancient appeared outside of the mansion and the Ronins and Warlords appeared.“Grandfather have you found out what the strange energy was?” Kayura asked.
“Yes, the news is worst then I thought,” the Ancient said. “Talpa has new Warlords.”
“What!” the Warlords and Ronins said at once.
“Who are the new warlords?” Ryo asked.
“There are three,” the Ancient answered. “They own the Armor of the Tiger, Armor of the Phoenix, and Armor of the Snake.”
Sekhmet looked at the Ancient when the armor of the snake was mentioned.
“How did Talpa get a hold of them,” Rowen asked.
“He went to their world and captured them,” the Ancient answered. “Just last night the owner of the armor of the Snake was kidnapped and possessed. The owner of the Armor of the Snake is the only one of the new warlords that seems to be possessed.”
“So the owner of the Armor of the Snake wouldn’t join freely,” Kento of Hardrock said.
“We must try to show them the truth, that they don’t belong as one of Talpa’s puppets,” Rowen said.
“We will do our best grandfather,” Kayura said.
Suddenly darkness began to surround the outside.
“Talpa’s here,” Ryo said calling on his sub armor and running outside followed by the others calling their sub armor.
“Hello Ronins and Traitorous Warlords,” Tiegar’s voice said. He stepped out of the shadows with his full armor on.
“Your Talpa’s new puppet,” Kento said.
“I…am Tiegar owner of the Armor of the Tiger and leader of Talpa’s new Warlords,” Tiegar growled angrily at Kento.
“Calm yourself Tiegar,” another voice said. “You don’t want to get yourself killed because of a temper loss.”
The figure stepped out of the shadows.
“I…am Fiore owner of the Armor of the Phoenix,” Fiore said. “I am second in command.”
“Isn’t there one more of you guys,” Rowen said.
“Patience and you will meet our third in command and the most mysterious of us,” Tiegar said holding a hand out as a delicate hand descended from the shadows and the figure stepped out.
“I am Aleu Sali, owner of The Armor of the Snake,” I said.
“It’s a girl!” the Ronins said at once.
I was wearing the green and brown armor with a sparkling green helmet shaped like the head of a snake. I had two sparkling green handled swords strapped to my back.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you Ronins,” I said.
Fiore, Tiegar, and I looked at the Ronins and Warlords who were looking back at us.
“Come on Guys,” Ryo said. “Armor of Wildfire.” Bright red armor surrounded him and two swords appeared on his back.
“Yeah,” Kento said. “Armor of Hardrock.” Bright orange armor surrounded him and a pole with two sharp scythes on either side appeared in his hands.
“Here we go,” Rowen said. “Armor of Strata.” Bright blue armor surrounded him and a crossbow appeared on his back.
“Let’s do it,” Cye of the Torrent said. “Armor of Torrent.” Light blue armor surrounded him and a triton appeared in his hands.
“Armor of Halo,” Sage of the Halo called. Bright green armor surrounded him and a Nodachi appeared in his hands.
“Ready,” Anubis of Cruelty called.
“Ready,” the warlords called.
“Armor of Cruelty,” Anubis called as yellow, red, and black armor appeared along with a kurisa-gama.
“Armor of the Angel,” Mia called as White armor appeared around her and two light blue swords appeared in her hands. A staff was strapped to her back.
“Armor of Corruption,” Cale called as black and gray appeared and a black sword.
“Star Swords Armor,” Kayura called as light blue female armor appeared and she held the Ancient’s staff.
“Armor of Illusion,” Dais called as pink and black armor surrounded him and scythes appeared on his back.
“Armor of Venom,” Sekhmet called. An armor similar to the Armor of the Snake appeared and two brown handled swords.
“Let’s see, eleven of you and three of us,” Fiore said.
“Why don’t you even the odds Aleu,” Tiegar said.
“Sure,” I said. I stepped forward and closed my eyes. “Come to me my pets,” I said opening my eyes.
Three giant snakes appeared behind us. One was larger than the other two and had a jewel on its head. I walked over and the middle one with the jewel bent its head and I stepped onto it’s back. I began to caress its smooth and scaly skin.
“Those scale heads are huge,” Kento said.
“Humph,” I looked at Hardrock. “Ronins, Traitorous Warlords, meet my beautiful pets.”
“Beautiful is an understatement,” Rowen muttered.
“Hey Sekhmet try controlling those snakes,” Cale called.
“I’ll try,” Sekhmet said. He closed his eyes and concentrated on mind controlling the snakes.
“Haha,” I laughed. “You can’t control these three, these are my pets and only listen to me and my Armor of The Snake.”
“Stop playing,” Fiore said to me.
“Humph, your so boring,” I said trying to sound like I was bored. “I’m just having fun with our prey.”
Were not here to have fun,” snapped Fiore. “Were here under Master Talpa’s orders to destroy the Ronins and the traitors not to have fun.”
“You need to loosen up,” I snapped as I raised my hand. “Alright my pets attack them.”
My Jewel head friend attacked Strata, Halo and Torrent. My diamond back cobra attacked Hardrock, Cale, and Kayura. My striped friend attacked Anubis and Mia.
Fiore started a fight with Wildfire. Tiegar started a fight with Dais. I started a fight with Sekhmet.
I stood facing Sekhmet off. Sekhmet took his swords into his hands.
“You don’t belong in the dynasty,” he told me. I growled jumping at him.
“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” I snapped.
“Yes I do,” Sekhmet said. “Talpa tricked me and the others and we paid the price because of it.”
“Master Talpa doesn’t lie,” I growled.
“What did Talpa promise you for joining him then,” Sekhmet said taking aim at me and I was sent into some trees after his sword connected with my chest plate.
“He didn’t promise me anything,” I said. “He took me in and him and Tiegar and Fiore treat me better than anyone ever has. He told me that all of you turned traitor because you want to rule instead of him.”
“That’s not true,” Sekhmet said as we sent each other into the ground. “He wants to destroy everything and were trying to protect this world.”
“That can’t be, Master Talpa wouldn’t lie,” I shook my head. Sekhmet saw he was getting through to me. “It isn’t true.”
Sekhmet’s eyes went wide as my eyes began to glow and my swords began to glow as well. I grabbed my swords and lifted them into the air.
“Snake Venom Slash!” I cried as I shot forward and was about to bring my swords down on Sekhmet when…
Chains came out of nowhere and wrapped around me causing me to drop my swords. A chain went around my shoulders and neck keeping me from moving.
“Thanks Anubis,” Sekhmet said. Anubis and the others had beaten my snakes that now laid on the ground dead.
“Aleu Sali you have to believe us,” Kayura said. “We speak the truth.”
“We are not your enemy,” Mia said. “We are your friends.”
“Let the light of the Ancient’s staff show you the truth,” Kayura said.
I screamed as the light surrounded me. Suddenly an image of a temple appeared in my mind and many others.
“Ahhh…Tiegar, Fiore,” I screamed and the chains shot from around me and the light disappeared.
“Argh,” Kayura cried as she was pushed back. I was lying in the middle of a crater unconscious. Two ruby beams shot down from the sky.
Tiegar, hearing my scream, looked over from wgere he had knocked Dais down and saw me lying unconscious.
“Fiore, time to retreat,” he called as he landed in front of the Ronins that were walking towards me. He grabbed me and jumped into one of the ruby beams.
“We almost had Aleu on our side,” Kayura said.
“You did well granddaughter,” the Ancient said. “Talpa’s hold on her has loosen, a little more time and she will be able to fight the possesion.” They headed into house.
Sekhmet remained behind looking to where the ruby beams had been. He had seen the fear and confusion in my eyes when he told me that they were my allies.
“Sekhmet, something wrong,” Dais said as he walked over to his old friend.
“I had seen fear and confusion in her eyes when we tried to talk to her,” he said.
“You starting to take a liking to her?” Dais said grinning. “You would go together.”
“Oh shut up!” Sekhmet said. “I feel as if she trusted me but didn’t know what was true and what was lies.”
“Hmm,” Dais said shrugging. “Well come on.”
Sekhmet looked at the sky then turned and followed his friend into the house.
**** ****
Tiegar laid me onto the bed in my room and placed my swords on the desk that sat in the corner. He looked over at me, he was amazed that while I was fighting an opponent stronger than a normal human, I had did as well as I had.“Hmm,” he smiled to himself. I may have been a teenager but I had the skills of an expert fighter.
He turned and headed out of my room closing the door behind him and headed to the throne room where Master Talpa awaited his report.
**** ****
“She did well,” Master Talpa said. Tiegar had just finished his report to Master Talpa.“Yes and she refused to believe whatever the Ronins were trying to tell her,” Tiegar said.
“She is stronger then I suspected,” Master Talpa said. “She will help to destroy the Ronins.”
“But she can still turn on us,” Fiore said. “The Ronins and those traitors were trying hard to convince her to join their side.”
“That’s because she could easily kill them,” Tiegar snapped. “They want her to fight along side of them rather then against them.”
Master Talpa was silent for a while after this.
“Master Talpa?” Tiegar said.
“Leave,” Master Talpa said. “I will have to think on this.” He disappeared and all but the candle near Tiegar and the candle near Fiore went out.
“You are starting to feel for this girl,” Fiore said.
“That’s none of your business,” Tiegar replied coldly.
“Your emotions will be your end,” Fiore snapped disappearing.
“Hmm,” Tiegar smiled. His emotions could be his end, but at least he still had emotion left. Fiore was nothing but a cold heartless fool.
He turned and headed through the door to the left of the throne, which led to his rooms. He smiled, he had to admit he was starting to feel emotions that he had long forgotten towards me. He shook his head, he had to worry about tomorrow. He had to start training me. Talpa had assigned him to train me while Fiore took some neither soldiers to fight the Ronins and Warlords.
He headed to his room as his laughs carried through the deserted hallways. Tomorrow my training would start, he looked forward to it.
Chapter 3
I stood in empty room, with nothing but walls around me. I could hear voices surround me, voices of my fellow warlords and the Ronins. A image of Sekhmet, The Warlord of Venom, appeared before me. His voice in my mind, as I remembered his words.“You don’t belong on Talpa’s side,” the warlord of venom had told me. I could still see his green eyes in my mind, those green depths of pain.
“No,” I growled, I must not let those traitors confuse me. Master Talpa has been kind to me, he took me in when no one else would. Tiegar was my only friend, and the Ronins were the enemy. But…what had they done…why were they my enemy. Why do I hate them? I have no memory of my past, what happened?
“Aleu, wake up,” came Tiegar’s voice.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“Aleu, wake up,” Tiegar said, shaking my shoulder. It was dusk and training time was about to start. Tiegar sighed when I still didn’t wake. “Aleu, it’s time to wake up, must I resort to wake up method number three.”My eyes slowly opened as I sat up, placing a hand on my head, “…what time is it?”
Tiegar opened the curtains, the sun was barely even off the ground, “Dusk.”
I growled slightly as rubbed my forehead, my head was killing me. Tiegar walked over, watching me closer.
“Have trouble sleeping?” he asked, his eyes watching me.
“It’s nothing,” I said, I shook my head. It was nothing more then a dream, …those damn traitors. They would pay for trying to confuse me.
“Since you already in sub armor, it’s time to begin your training,” Tiegar said, turning and heading to the door. “Come along.”
I nodded before following him, he lead me
Chapter 3
I watched as visions appeared in my dreams. Visions of Tiegar kidnapping me, the Armor of The Snake coming to me and Talpa’s spirits possessing me. The battle with the Ronins replayed in my mind. The Warlord of Venom’s words repeated themselves.**** ****
I opened my eyes sitting up, I couldn’t believe it. The Ronins and Warlords were telling the truth. I stood up in front of the mirror. I reached behind and undid my hair tie. My long black hair fell to my knees. My sparkling green eyes made me compared to a cat rather than a snake. I closed my eyes and concentrated as my sub armor appeared. My sub armor was light green and black. It, like the full armor, was designed for a female. I had to find out the truth, but I couldn’t let on that I had my memory back.I walked over to my door and took my cape off the side of the bed. I headed into the empty halls. I walked towards the outer boundaries of the castle. While walking along a pathway I came to a wall. I looked around to make sure no one was around. I climbed over the wall and took off into the forest until I reached a small lake. Going over to a huge boulder I sat with my feet in the water. I laid back on the rock and began to think about everything the Warlord Sekhmet had said.
I started to think about his green hair, his green eyes that held concern and understanding. He understood what I was feeling. Could he have actual been worrying about me, I was the enemy. I sighed shaking my head and then dived into the water.
After an hour I lifted myself onto a boulder beside the water. My hair was soaked and some of my bangs fell in front of my eyes. I looked at the clear ball that had appeared in my hand. A picture of the Ronins appeared inside it. I looked at each one, Wildfire, Torrent, Strata, and Hardrock. Then the two girls appeared. The owner of the Angel Armor called Mia and the Star Sword Armor owner, the new ancient, Kayura. The Warlords appeared next. Anubis of Cruelty, Dais of Illusions, Cale of Corruption, and Sekhmet of Venom. For some reason I wanted to see him again. I laid back when I heard a noise behind me. I sprang up and looked strait to where the noise had been. Tiegar stepped out of the shadows of the trees.
“Tiegar?” I said looking at him.
“My lady,” he said bowing at the waist the way he usually did for me. I shivered I hated when he said `My lady`.
“What is it you want,” I said growing irritable turning back to the lake.
“Why are you so far from the castle?” he asked.
I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want him to know I felt I had to get out of that place.
“Aleu?” he said as I jumped because I felt his hands touch my shoulders. “Your hair is soaked.”
“No shit Sherlock,” I thought. “He sure was observant.”
“Something is wrong,” he said.
“Nothing’s wrong,” I snapped.
“Something is,” he said. “You’ve been acting strange since the fight against the Ronins and those traitors.”
“Humph,” I stood up and started to walk back to the castle when…
Tiegar’s arms went around my waist.
“What the hell do you think your doing,” I growled trying to pull away.
“Remember I am in charge when Talpa isn’t around,” he said.
I felt him pull at my ear with his teeth. His arms tightened around my waist as his lips pressed against my neck and I flinched when I felt his teeth nip at my neck and his tongue run along my neckline.
“Grrr,” I growled bringing my foot up and turning. I slammed a kick into his chest and sent him into the water. “Maybe that will cool you off.”
I turned on my heel and stormed back towards the castle. I slammed every door I went through close. All the servants that were in the hallways disappeared into the rooms as I stormed by. I was passing the throne room when Master Talpa called to me.
“Aleu come here,” he said in a cross between an order and a request.
I walked in and went to the front of the alter.
“Master Talpa,” I said bowing by going to one knee and bowing my head.
“Rise,” Master Talpa said. “Your training is improving greatly.”
“Thank you Master Talpa,” I said. “I am glad you approve.”
“Yes, I want you to go against the Ronins yourself,” he said.
“Master Talpa?!” I said surprised.
“Tiegar and Fiore have both gone down by their selves already,” he said not sounding pleased. “I hope you will do better.”
“Yes, Master Talpa,” I said bowing. I stood up and with a flash of light disappeared.
**** ****
The Ronins and Warlords were training as I transported myself into a tree not far from them. I wasn’t expecting them to sense me. I leaned my head against the tree as I watched one warlord in particular. He was training against Dais of Illusion. I sat watching for over an hour. I was starting to get tired and I didn’t sense the white tiger come below the tree until I heard…“White Blaze watcha looking at,” Ryo of Wildfire had shown up under the tree. Fear filled me as he looked up and our eyes locked. He recognized the subarmor I was wearing as the same as the green and brown armor he had seen earlier the month before.
“You’re Aleu,” he said. I jumped from the tree and with bad luck landed in front of the other Ronins. I stood up and began to back up as they recognized me as well.
“Armor of the Snake,” I cried. My armor appeared and I grabbed my swords and held them in front of me.
Kento of Hardrock was about to call his armor.
“Wait, Kento of Hardrock,” the Ancient said appearing. He turned to me. “Aleu we are not your enemy.”
I looked at him when White Blaze came closer. Startled I brought my sword up and backed up more.
“White Blaze isn’t going to hurt you,” Ryo said seeing the way White Blaze was acting.
“Aleu you have regained your memories,” the Ancient said. “You know who your allies are don’t you.”
I looked at the ground. “My…allies…are…” I started when I felt my head hurt.
My helmet disappeared and a symbol appeared on my forehead. The kanji of Solitude was glowing on my forehead.
“She has a symbol too,” Rowen said.
“We are your allies we won’t harm you,” Ryo said.
I looked at them as I brought my swords down. My black hair was being blown by the wind.
“You would accept me even after what I did,” I said down casting my eyes.
“No harm was done,” Sekhmet said. I looked at him.
“Even after I nearly killed you,” I said. He looked a little embarrassed at remembering that.
“That’ll be a pleasant memory,” Rowen said.
“Yep, Sekhmet getting beat by a girl who can also control snakes,” Cye said.
I had a little smile on my face when something rubbed against my hand. I looked down to see White Blaze rubbing his head against my hand. I laughed and began to pet him as he purred. My armor disappeared and I was wearing green low-rise leather pants and a green tank. I had a snake choker around my neck with a jeweled necklace. I was also wearing a snake bracelet on my right wrist and left ankle and snake earrings. My shirt said “Beware of the Snake bearing its Fangs”, with a snake with its fangs showing.
“Whoa no wonder she has the Armor of the Snake,” Kento said. “She’s more of a dreaded snake lover then Sekhmet.”
“Never insult anyone who likes snakes in front of me, Hardrock,” I growled. Sekhmet smiled, now he knew he liked me.
A little boy ran out on the training field.
“Hey guys…” he stopped when he saw me.
“Hey little man,” Kento said.
“Aleu, this is Yuli,” Mia said. “Yuli, this is Aleu.”
“You’re the Warlord of the Snake aren’t you,” Yuli said.
“Yuli!” Mia said.
“It’s alright,” I said to her. “Yes I am.”
“Alright let’s head in,” Mia said. The others started to head into the mansion when they stopped and turned to me.
“Aleu aren’t you coming,” Kayura said.
I backed up a little.
“If Tiegar finds out about this he’ll come after me,” I said. “He’ll kill anyone who gets in his way.” A shiver ran up my spine. “If I stay with you I’ll be putting you in more danger than being their enemy is.”
“You don’t have to worry about us,” Ryo said. “We don’t care if they try to come after us, we’ll have to face them sooner or later.”
“You don’t get it,” I said. “Tiegar and Fiore aren’t pushovers they have more power than even me.”
“That doesn’t really matter, good always win,” Kento said.
“Tiegar is the strongest of the three of us, that’s why he is the leader,” I said. “Because I’m still the youngest and haven’t gotten used to my armor I was considered the weakest.”
“So, Anubis is the youngest among us and he’s our leader,” Cale said.
“I know, Talpa told us, he also told us that…” I stopped. I didn’t know if I should say what I was thinking.
“What else did he tell you?” Sekhmet asked. I looked up at him as our eyes locked.
“He told us that…you were traitors to the dynasty, that you were pathetic fools who didn’t deserve what he gave you, and other things I don’t want to mention,” I said quietly.
“Talpa must really have been pissed off at us for leaving the dynasty,” Dais said.
“He was, he got more pissed off then I have ever seen when we returned from the first battle with you,” I said. “I think he suspected that I was getting memories back.”
“At least he didn’t try to remodify your memory,” Cale said. “You would have gone crazy with the power up and memory modifier.”
I looked down at the ground. I couldn’t help but think if I could be accepted by the Ronins that Tiegar and Fiore could see the truth as well.
“Do not worry we will try to help Tiegar and Fiore,” the Ancient said.
“I hope so,” I said. “Tiegar may have a ego but he stuck up for me many times when Fiore and Talpa suspected something wrong with me.”
“Come on let’s have dinner,” Kento whined.
“Alright,” Mia said.
“If you don’t mind,” I said quietly. “I’d like to stay out here for a while.”
“Sure,” Kayura said smiling.
With a flash of light my subarmor appeared. My black hair began to blow and my green eyes began glow. With another flash a cobra stood where I had been.
“She’s turned into a snake,” Rowen cried.
“What the hell,” Cale said.
“Sssss, what are you sssstaring at sssss,” I hissed.
“She can still talk,” Kento said.
“Course I can,” I said with telepathy. “Both snake voice and telepathically, my armor lets me turn into a snake.” With that said I slithered onto the wall of the house and up to the roof.
“She’s weird,” Yuli said.
“Yuli!” Mia said.
“You’ve got that right kid,” Cale said. “Ouch!” Kayura just slapped her husband on the back of the head.
“Don’t be mean you guys,” she said. “You’re not with Talpa anymore so stop being cruel.”
“She’s right,” Anubis said. “We don’t know what Talpa did to Aleu and the others to get them to join him.”
“Let’s head in,” Mia said. The Ronins ran in as the Warlords followed behind them. Sekhmet remained outside.
**** ****
I sat on the roof watching the full moon. I was still trying to handle getting my memory back. I was also starting to get the painful memories of the life as the lonely shrine keeper. I put my hands together and prayed that Tiegar and Fiore could see the truth as I had. As much as I had dislikes towards the two of them I knew that they were forced to be Talpa’s minions as well. I began to think about the shrine. There was no point in going back now. I had the Armor of the Snake and therefore had to fight along side the Ronins. I also knew that I had to try and get Tiegar and Fiore to see the truth. I was too deep in thought, I didn’t hear as someone else come onto the roof.“Aleu,” Sekhmet said.
“Huh,” I snapped out of my thoughts. “Oh, hi.” I looked at the trees that surrounded the forest.
“Your still confused aren’t you,” he said.
“Confused about what?” I asked.
“About who is the enemy and who are the friends,” he said.
“No, I’ve always had a feeling that I could trust you guys, not Talpa,” I said. “Are you mad about before?”
“Why would I be mad?” he asked.
“I almost killed you,” I said.
“I was able to see the fear and confusion in your eyes when I was talking to you,” he said. “I knew you didn’t want to kill me.”
“I didn’t but I just felt something take over,” I said.
“Probably when Talpa’s spirits possessed you,” he said.
“Can I tell you something,” I said quietly.
“What do you want to tell me,” he said seeing the blush on my cheeks.
“The reason I came back today was because ever sense our first battle I wanted to see…you again,” I said blushing redder. “I was watching you when you were training earlier, I was so spaced out that I didn’t sense or hear White Blaze and Ryo come over to the tree.”
“You know, I’ve wanted to see you again too,” he said turning red.
“You did,” I said looking at him.
“Yah,” he said as he looked at me. I smiled.
“At least I have a friend here,” I said.
“The others are your friends too,” he said.
“That’s not what I meant,” I said sighing. I told him about my parents, grandfather, and the shrine.
“So you’ve been alone since you were,” he started.
“Twelve,” I said. I then told him about the name “Snake Girl” and the others.
“I had about the same problems,” he said.
“Huh,” I said.
He looked at me and I saw that his pupils were abnormal.
“Your handsome to me,” I said causing him to blink, I blushed even more.
He smiled then sat down next to me.
“Your as beautiful as moonlight,” he said. “I don’t see how they gave you the name “Snake Girl”.
I looked at him still blushing.
“It was my eyes too,” I said. “They think because of how bright green they are that I try to hypnotize anybody who makes eye contact.”
He took the hair that was starting to cover my face and pushed it aside. He looked straight into my eyes.
“They look beautiful to me,” he said. “I don’t see anything wrong.”
He bent a little closer. I closed my eyes as his lips brushed mine. His tongue entered and began to explore my mouth. I groaned into his mouth. He began to stroke my hair. After a while we parted.
“Come on,” he said. “Let’s get something to eat before Kento eats it all.”
“Alright,” I said.
We stood up and jumped to the ground and headed into the house.
**** ****
As we walked into the kitchen the Ronins stopped and looked at us.“What are you staring at,” I said in a cross between a hiss and purr.
“Glad you could join us,” Mia said as she waved to a sit next to her.
I sat down in it as Sekhmet took the one next to me. Mia handed us a plate, forks, etc.
“So what took you so long,” Kento said slyly. I saw right through it.
“None of your damn business,” I said. The Ronins looked at each other.
“So you guys were…” Kento didn’t get to finish as a tomato landed in his mouth. He started to cough as it fell into his hand. He looked at me like I was crazy.
“Would you rather shut up or face a pissed off cobra,” I growled. He paled and turned quiet, I half smiled.
Mia shook her head. Life was going to be different from now on. The Warlords snickered.
“Well I know I like her,” Rowen said.
“Too bad she’s already taken,” Ryo said.
The Ronins looked at Sekhmet who was glaring at them.
“This going to be another fun household,” Cale said.
“And if we manage to get the other two to our side we’ll have more trouble,” Kento said to the others.
The other Ronins nodded. I turned quickly and glared at them.
“If you don’t want them as your allies then I’ll help them myself,” I said. “I don’t need the help of immature warriors.”
“Hey we didn’t mean anything,” Rowen said.
“It’s nice to know we have someone else who has a worse temper than Ryo,” Kento said leaning on his elbow.
I glared daggers at him.
“Look babe you’ve got our help whether you like it or not,” he said. Quick as lightning I flung a knife at him, which hit the wall just above him.
“Never call me babe!” I growled standing up, my tone deathly soft and my eyes glowing green, as my chair fell backwards and I stormed outside. My hair flowing behind me.
“Did you have to say that,” Sage said as he helped Kento by trying to pull the knife from the wall. It didn’t budge. “What the hell!” He pulled harder.
“I’ll get it,” Kento grabbed it and after a few minutes of struggling pulled it from the wall.
“Don’t you guys ever learn,” Kayura said.
“We didn’t mean anything,” Ryo said.
“Well you may not have meant it but you sure made her believe you did,” Mia said.
“I’ll talk to her,” Sekhmet stood up and headed in the direction I went as the others watched him go.
**** ****
I sat on the roof breathing hard. I was trying to calm myself. I had lost control of my temper. I fell backwards lying down on my back to look at the night sky, I closed my eyes. A shadow fell over me. I opened my eyes to see Sekhmet standing over me.“Aleu are you alright?” He asked sitting down.
“Yes,” I said sitting up. “I’m sorry.” I sighed still breathing hard.
“About what?” he placed an arm around my waist as I jumped. I didn’t try to pull away.
“For losing my temper,” I said. He laughed.
“If you hadn’t done something I would probably have,” he said. I smiled leaning into him. I closed my eyes as his chin rested on my shoulder.
“I shouldn’t have done that,” I said. “Now Kento’s probably pissed off at me as I am with him.”
“They didn’t mean anything,” Sekhmet said. “They’re always like that.”
“Hmm,” I smiled. “I suppose so but I don’t take jokes that well. At least that’s what Tiegar would say.” I turned quiet. Why was I feeling like this?
“How about going back in,” he said tilting my chin.
“Do I have a choice…” I said as I looked into his eyes. He smiled and leaned down.
“Yes, but they are giving you chance like they did for me and the others,” he said, I sighed.
“Alright,” I said. Then brushed his lips with mine. “But only if your there too.”
“You really are something,” he said. With that said we jumped back down and headed into the house.
**** ****
“Aleu,” Anubis said as me and Sekhmet walked in. “The Ronins have something they would like to say.”Rowen was pushed to the front of the group facing me.
“Why do I have to be the one to say it,” he said.
“Because you’re the one who came up with it,” Sage said. Rowen sighed, he hoped I wouldn’t lose my temper.
“What we want to say is…” He sighed again. “Were sorry.”
“Yeah, we didn’t mean any thing,” Ryo said.
“Yeah, sorry,” Cye and Sage said.
They looked at Kento.
“What?” he said. They glared at him. “Sorry for what I said.”
I smiled and said, “Just make sure you never call me babe again or you’ll find your self writing your will earlier than you think.” I sent a glare that froze all of them.
“A…I think we’ll go to bed now…” Kento said as they backed out of the room. “Bye.”
They zoomed up the stairs.
I stood with a smirk on my face. I flipped my black hair and sat down next to Sekhmet.
“Aleu,” It was Mia. I looked at her. “There is something we’d like to ask you.”
I looked at them.
“What is it?” I said.
They looked at each other.
“The ancient said you’ve had the orb all your life but never knew it’s power, how did you find out about it?” Anubis asked.
My body stiffened, Sekhmet was the only one who knew about my past of pain. I felt Sekhmet’s arms around my shoulders tighten. I look at him, he nodded. “Don’t worry you can tell them.” The others noticed this.
Sighing I told the rest about my past. I told them everything I told Sekhmet. They all listened, a couple with looks of shock when I told them how I had been treated in my world. I told them about all that Talpa did to me.
“So Talpa used possesion to get you to join him,” Cale said, I nodded.
“Did he use it on the other two,” Kayura asked.
“I’m not sure,” I said, “It’s barely been a couple of months since Tiegar was sent to capture me.”
“So we don’t know how they joined,” Cale said.
I was thinking about the how there seemed to be people actually willing to be my friends.
“Aleu?” Sekhmet said. He had seen me spacing out. I looked at him. “You alright?”
“Yes,” I said. “It just feels strange to actually be with people who are willing to give me a chance.” The others smiled.
“We have all been through what you have,” Dais said.
“We have been forgiven and given a chance to repent for what we have done,” Cale said.
“You deserve the same chance we had,” Kayura said. “We have been through what you have, we’ve been shunned by everyone around us.”
“The Ronins gave us each a chance and learned to trust us,” Sekhmet said. “In return we have returned their gift of trust and friendship.”
“All that happened in the past has been forgiven,” Mia said. “It’s time to start a new life.”
“We are willing to help you,” Anubis said. “If you let us.”
I looked at each of them and then towards Sekhmet. He nodded at the question I was about to ask. Tears started to fill my eyes. I let my knees come up.
“Thank you,” I said as the tears dropped down my cheeks.
They smiled. I closed my eyes then open them again. I had a family now. A nudge against my leg caused me to look down and see White Blaze nudging me. I smiled as I pet him. Suddenly I felt tired as I yawned. I leaned my head against Sekhmet’s chest causing him to jump, but he didn’t try to push me away. He looked down at me and gently stroked my hair. The others smiled. Soon I was completely asleep.
“Maybe we should let her sleep on the couch,” Mia said as they were getting up to go up to bed.
“Who knows how dangerous it is to wake her,” Dais said.
Sekhmet slowly stood up and put my head on a pillow and put a blanket over me.
“Where are you going to sleep,” Anubis asked as Sekhmet went over to the lounge chair.
“I’ll sleep in the chair,” Sekhmet said.
“Here,” Mia said handing him and blanket.
“Thanks,” he said. He sat down as the others went up the stairs. He pulled the chair stool up and pulled the blanket up. He looked at me and watched as White Blaze climbed up and lay at the open half on the end of the couch where there was room and half over my legs. Amazingly I didn’t wake up. He grinned and shook his head I must really have been tired.
Chapter 4
I woke to the sound of yelling. I groaned and opened my eyes, I felt something heavy on my feet. I looked by my feet and saw White Blaze laying on them. I smiled and shook my head. More yells came from the kitchen.“KENTO OUT!” Cye yelled.
“Awww, come on,” Kento whined.
“NO, NOW OUT!” Cye shouted. White Blaze lifted his head and looked at me.
“Do they usually do this this early in the morning?” I asked him. The tiger laid his head back down as if to say `Yah, they always do this`. I groaned, I was tired and wanted sleep. I heard snoring from across the room.
I looked in the direction of the snoring. I saw Sekhmet asleep in the lounge chair. Kento walked into the room followed by Sage and Ryo making sure he stayed there. I didn’t notice those who were coming down the stairs.
“Hey,” I said. They looked at me. “I’m tired, I want sleep, and I’ll get sleep.” They paled, Cye looked in from the kitchen. “If anyone ANYONE wakes me up again before noon, they better be able to run fast because I’ll kill them, GOT IT!”
They nodded and silently sat down as I laid my head back down and closed my eyes. Dais, Cale, Kayura, Anubis and Mia stood on the stairs grinning. They walked into the room. The three Ronins looked up fearfully and made signs to stay quiet.
“How did Sekhmet sleep through it,” Ryo said quietly.
“Who knows, maybe it’s because of his snoring,” Kento said.
“I heard that,” Sekhmet hissed making Kento jump.
“Thought you were still asleep,” Ryo said. “Heard what your girlfriend did?”
Sekhmet glared at them as Dais told him what happened. Sekhmet grinned looking over at me. I was sleeping peacefully again. I looked like a child lying there. My black hair over the edge of the couch and my body curled up against the back of the couch with White Blaze still sleeping on my feet.
“Wonder why she’s not getting mad at White Blaze,” Kento said.
“Who knows,” Ryo said.
Three hours later it was noon and Rowen came tiredly down the stairs.
“Breakfast is ready,” Cye said.
“Alright,” the other Ronins said.
“First, Aleu has to be woken up,” Cye said as the other Ronins paled and the warlords laughed. “Who’s gonna do it?”
“I’m not,” Ryo said.
“I’m not,” Sage said.
“I’m not.” Kento said. “I bet if White Blaze wasn’t asleep on her legs she would have killed us this morning.”
“I’m not going to lose my head,” Rowen said.
“I’ll do it already,” Sekhmet said walking over to me. He placed a hand on my shoulder and shook it gently. “Aleu.”
My fist went flying towards him, but he caught it before it reached his chest.
“I said NOT to wake me up before…” I opened my eyes and stopped speaking when I saw it was Sekhmet.
“Morning,” he said stepping back as the sunlight landed on my face, causing me to squeeze my eyes shut for a minute. I opened my eyes and looked at the others, they had sort of shocked faces.
“Hey you can’t kill us, because it’s noon,” Kento said backing up. I looked at White Blaze who was still asleep on my legs.
“Alright overgrown pussy cat off,” I said. White Blaze looked at me then laid his head back down closing his eyes `I don’t think I will`.
The Ronins started laughing, I looked at them sharply. They stopped laughing.
“You asked for it CAT,” I said as my eyes began to glow and White Blaze was lifted into the air and then dropped onto the floor. He looked at me then walked out of the room. I followed the Warlords into the kitchen.
Me and Sekhmet sat towards the end with Dais on the other side of me because the Ronins were afraid to sit next to me. Rowen, Sage, and Cye were talking. While Cale, Kayura, Anubis, Mia, Dais, Sekhmet, and I were talking. Out of the corner of my eye I saw that Kento was starting to gulp down more of the food as Cye was scolding him. As he went to grab even more when he let out a cry as his hand almost touched a long scaly reptile blocking him from the food. The others stopped what they were doing. Kento went to slam his fist on it.
“Don’t touch it,” I growled. The snake used its tail under the plate to move the plate away from Kento.
Then it slithered onto the floor, over to me, and up my chair. I looked at it as it curled around my right arm. I scratched it under its chin.
“Ssssssss…sssssss…sss” the snake closed it’s eyes lazily. I smiled then talked to it. (If you’ve seen Harry Potter when he talks parsel mouth, it’s kind of like that.)
It then slithered over to Sekhmet. Sekhmet looked at it as it talked to him. Sekhmet looked at me as I blushed at what it said, then looked back at it and talked back to it. The snake had asked Sekhmet to protect me.
“As if I can’t protect myself,” I thought.
The snake moved it’s head back and forth then curled to the floor and over to the door. As I aimed a hand at the door and my eyes began to glow it opened and the snake slithered out it and I closed it.
“That lizard almost took my hand off,” Kento cried.
“Call it a lizard again and you will lose that hand,” I said.
“So what did the snake say anyway,” Rowen said looking at me and Sekhmet. We both blushed and were thankful the others couldn’t understand Snake talk.
“Nothing,” I said.
The Ronins looked at each other.
“Come on,” Kento said. “Whatever it said made both your faces turn a chrisom red.”
“Hardrock, drop it,” I growled.
“Kento, stop antagonizing Aleu,” Mia said. “Remember what happened the last time you did it while at the table.”
Kento’s face paled as he remembered the knife landing over his head. He turned quiet and went back to eating.
“I don’t mean to be rude,” Cye said, as he started to back up as if what he was about to say would piss me off. “But, you two seem to be getting really close awfully fast.”
The other Ronins pale considerably.
“Cye!” They said making everyone else realize that it had been an idea all of them came up with, but Cye was the one who had to ask.
I looked at them.
“It’s really none of your business,” I said going back to eating. Then Kento got stupid again as he started to walk outside, everyone was puzzled at this because Kento didn’t usually leave until he was full and they knew perfectly well he wasn’t full yet. They suspected something.
As he reached outside he yelled at the top of his lungs, “Sekhmet and Aleu sitting in a tree, K.I.S.S.I.N.G, first comes love, then comes marriage then comes Sekh…” He didn’t get to finish as both me and Sekhmet were out the door faster than a comet.
“AHHHH….!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Kento said seeing me and Sekhmet.
Sekhmet caught Kento and sent him into the ground.
“ARMOR OF THE SNAKE!” I shouted. My armor appeared. “SNAKE VENOM SLASH!”
Sekhmet jumped out of the way as Kento was slammed into a tree.
Kento stood up rubbing his head, “Damn it.”
I landed on the ground shaking with anger.
“You asked for it Kento,” Rowen said shaking his head.
“Mia told you to stop antagonizing her,” Kayura said.
Everyone stopped as a cold wind blew past all of them.
“Ahhh,” I fell to the ground holding my head.
“Aleu!” Sekhmet yelled. He started to run over to me.
“Don’t come any closer,” I cried still holding my head. “It’s Talpa he’s trying to bring me back to the dynasty.” I winced in pain as I felt like a knife was being stabbed into me. I was now on my knees as a voice ran throughout the yard.
“Aleu, seems you’ve turned traitor,” the voice said.
“Fiore,” I hissed. Fiore’s figure appeared in the shadows.
“Master Talpa has sent me to bring you back to the dynasty,” he said.
“I’ll never go back,” I said as more pain went through me. “Ahhh!!!”
“You don’t have a choice,” he said walking towards me.
Sekhmet appeared in front of me glaring at Fiore, “You’re not getting any closer.”
Fiore looked from Sekhmet to me.
“You left Tiegar for this Baka,” he said. My eyes blazed as I glared at him from where I was still kneeling on the ground. The Ronin’s looked at me.
“A bastard like you doesn’t understand anything,” I growled.
“Whatever, Tiegar will not be pleased when he finds out,” Fiore said.
“I already know,” another voice said. A figure appeared near Fiore.
“It’s Tiegar,” Kento said. Tiegar looked at me.
“Do you feel so much for this warrior, you would turn traitor to the dynasty even at the penalty of losing your life,” he growled.
Silence rose on the field as we glared at each other.
Finally I forced myself to stand up and face him. My hair blowing in the wind. Sekhmet was looking at me. I looked into his eyes then looked back at Tiegar.
“Yes,” I said.
The Ronins looked wide-eyed. I looked back at Sekhmet and our eyes locked. I smiled a small smile then looked at Tiegar.
Tiegar’s eyes blazed as his eyes narrowed, “Then you leave me no choice.”
He pulled out a black and orange orb. “Armor of The Tiger!” His armor appeared. “I’ll have to bring you back by force.”
“I’ll never go back,” I said. I placed my hands in front of me as my helmet appeared. Placing it on my head the facemask opened.
“You may try to take me back, but I have found the life I’ve always wanted and I will not lose it,” I said.
I pulled out my swords as Tiegar pulled his sword out.
“Prepare yourself Aleu,” Tiegar said pointing his sword at me.
I smiled and said, “You should be the one preparing.” Tiegar glared death at me.
We stood facing each other and then without warning we shot forward and our swords connected.
Each time our swords connected sparks flew from the swords. Sekhmet and the others watched as me and Tiegar battled. Sekhmet watched as I twirled out of the way of Tiegar’s strike, my long black hair flowing in the wind as if I was doing an exotic dance. The battle continued on with Tiegar catching me every once a while with his sword and me catching him with my sword. After it seemed like forever we jumped apart. I landed on the ground near the Ronins and Warlords.
Both of us were growing tired.
“I will take it from here,” Fiore said.
“Stay out of this,” Tiegar growled. “Fight the others but I will return Aleu to Master Talpa.”
“Fine,” Fiore said as he remained where he was.
“Shouldn’t we help” Cye said.
“No,” Kayura said. “This is Aleu’s fight.”
“But,” Rowen said.
“Stay out of this,” I said in-between breathes. “I have to finish it.”
“Aleu,” Sekhmet said with worry in his voice.
“Sekhmet please,” I said. “Keep the others out of this.” I picked up my swords with one hand because my other was on my stomach. They watched as I walked slowly forward.
Sekhmet watched me. I had slashes on my arms and armor had been slashed off. The slash on my stomach would slow me down. He looked at Tiegar and saw Tiegar had a slash on his leg with blood falling from it. We were even in speed, now it all added up to strength.
“It’s time to stop holding back,” Tiegar said.
“As you wish,” I said.
“What?!” Kento said.
“Don’t you get it,” Cye said.
“They’ve been holding back their full strength,” Rowen said. “They haven’t used their sure-kills.”
“Aleu’s not going to stand a chance with that wound if Tiegar manages to hit her,” Sage said.
Dais looked at Sekhmet, “You know their right.”
“No, her wish is for us to stay out of this battle,” Sekhmet said.
“She’s gonna be killed!” Ryo yelled at him.
Sekhmet wanted to help, but I had told them not to interfere. He watched as I started my sure-kill.
“SNAKE VENOM SLASH!” I was just about to bring my swords down, when…
“REFLECTION CLAW!” Tiegar yelled bringing his armored shaped claw at me.
“Ahhh,” My attack was reflected back at me.
Sekhmet watched in horror as my swords went flying and I was slammed into the ground. Just as I hit the ground the crack in my helmet caused it to fall apart.
“I warned you,” Tiegar said as he raised his sword.
“Aleu!” Sekhmet shot forward. “Snake Fang Strike.” Tiegar went flying across the yard and into the trees near Fiore.
Sekhmet landed next to me. The others jumped in front of him to keep Tiegar back.
“Aleu,” Sekhmet said as he shook my shoulders. His hand stroked my hair. He gasped when he brought his hand away from my head, because blood was on it.
“Damn,” Tiegar said as he saw the others getting ready. He knew he couldn’t beat them all like this and he knew even if Fiore helped they would still have a hard time beating the Ronins. His answer was made for him when…
“Tiegar, Return to the dynasty,” Talpa’s voice said in his head.
With a flash he disappeared.
“Enjoy your victory for now,” Fiore said. “It won’t last long.” He disappeared as well.
The others turned their attention to me.
“Aleu,” Sekhmet said trying to wake me.
“Hmm,” I opened my eyes as I tried to stand up, but I collapsed to my knees.
Sekhmet looked at Sage, Sage nodded. I watched as Sage touched my wound with the tip of his sword. I closed my eyes as I felt my wound start to heal and close all the way up. When the feeling stopped I opened my eyes and looked down at the slash on my armor. It was gone. I looked confused.
“Sage’s Armor of the Halo has healing powers,” Anubis said seeing the confused look on my face.
“Thanks,” I said looking at him.
Sage smiled as he nodded his head, “Your Welcome.”
I started to get up again, but fell back down to my knees.
“He may be able to heal wounds, but you need to rest to bring your strength back,” Sekhmet said.
I sighed as he picked me up, Cye brought over the two pieces that had been my helmet.
As I looked at the two pieces I called off my armor. Sekhmet realized how light I was without my armor. Sekhmet carried me into the house as the others followed.
**** ****
An hour later we were all sitting around watching T.V.“Umm, Aleu,” Cye said.
“What is it,” I said. “I’m not in the mood for jokes or stupid questions.”
“What did Fiore mean by leaving Tiegar for Sekhmet?” he asked.
I looked sharply at him as the question re-said its self in my head. I sighed, I didn’t want to tell them about Tiegar and his obsession with believing I had loved him. Oh well the cat was out of the bag, I had no choice. I told them about everything.
“Tiegar thought I had feelings for him, but I never did,” I finished.
“That’s why he looked so pissed before,” Rowen said.
“What about Fiore,” Kento said. “He didn’t enter the battle at all even when Sekhmet did.”
“Fiore has let his pride take over him,” I said. “He even tried to get Talpa to use the neither spirits on me.”
“Why the neither sprits,” Cye said.
“It was the same with me,” Kayura said. “Badamon possessed me so I wouldn’t betray Talpa.”
“Fiore seem to think that if they didn’t take extra precautions to control me that I would turn traitor,” I said. “Talpa’s probably wishing he had listened to Fiore. As with Tiegar…, I know he’ll be back. His pride was damaged today, he’ll return to capture me again.”
“We’ll be there to help,” Sekhmet said.
“That’s right,” Anubis said.
“Your one of the family now whether you like it or not,” Kayura said.
“Were a team,” Rowen said.
“We’ll beat the dynasty and show Talpa how stupid he is to try and take over the mortal realm with us here,” Kento said.
“Ronins will save the day,” the Ronins said.
I smiled. White Blaze walked in and laid down near me. The Ronins were somehow fighting now. They were rolling around.
“You Guys,” Mia said.
“How immature,” Sekhmet said as I looked at him. He looked at me smiling. I leaned my head onto his chest.
“Hey snake head wanna say that again,” Kento said. I glared at him. Sekhmet just shook his head. He was comfortable with me leaning on him and wasn’t about to get up to teach Kento a lesson that wouldn’t work.
The other Ronins were still fighting. Soon it started to get out of hand when Ryo slammed into me.
*Roar* White Blaze growled.
“Sorry, Aleu,” he said getting up. Sekhmet was the one glaring at him. Ryo paled as he backed up away from Sekhmet.
*Crash*
One of the Ronins was knocked into the coffee table.
“That does it,” Mia said. “Enough fighting.”
The Ronin’s continued fighting.
“Allow me,” I said, I cleared my throat then, “ENOUGH!!”
The Ronin’s ceased fighting.
“Thanks Aleu,” Mia said.
“No problem,” I said leaning my head back on Sekhmet.
“It’s 5:30,” Mia said. “It’s time to get dinner ready.”
Cye headed into the kitchen with Mia, Anubis and Rowen.
“So who gets to keep Kento out of the kitchen today,” Ryo said.
“Aleu could do it,” Yuli said.
“I’m happy where I am thanks,” I said. “I’m not gonna be stuck babysitting.”
Ryo sighed as he turned up the T.V. He flipped through the channels. Sage, Ryo, Kento and Yuli sat on one couch. Dais sat on one of the chairs. Cale and Kayura sat on the small couch. Me and Sekhmet sat on another small couch. I had my legs curled up and my head on Sekhmet’s shoulder as we watched the T.V. Sekhmet had an arm around my shoulders. Ryo finally just put the news on. It was talking about strange things going on in the downtown area. The picture that they showed, showed the park surrounded in fog. A glint of red appeared then disappeared in the fog. I shot straight up, the others looked at me. I was staring straight at the T.V.
“Aleu, what is it,” Sekhmet said.
“That fog isn’t ordinary fog,” I said as the others relaxed.
“We know that,” Ryo said.
“Then why are just sitting here doing nothing,” I said trying to not get frustrated.
“Aleu, you’re going to have to understand something,” Sage said. “Every time something goes wrong we don’t go rushing to the problem. If we did that then Talpa would be able to do what he wants just by sending dynasty soldiers all over the place.”
“Then he’d be able to take us out one by one,” Ryo said. I sighed leaning back, I knew that something was wrong.
“Sorry then, I just got a strange feeling when I saw that,” I said. “And I’ve learned to trust instincts.”
“Don’t worry,” Sekhmet said. “We’ll get Talpa back sooner then you think.”
I smiled as I turned my head to look at him. The Ronins looked at each other with big grins on their face. They were about to say something when…
“Dinner’s ready,” Mia said coming in.
“Alright,” the Ronins yelled running into the kitchen.
Sekhmet and I stood up.
“Perfect timing,” I thought.
We headed into the kitchen. Kento was eating at a normal pace, which I suspected was because he didn’t want to come close to losing his hand to a snake again. I was talking to the Warlords about Tiegar’s and Fiore’s powers.
“So Tiegar can reflect any attack an opponent throws at him using his reflection claw,” Cale said.
“Yes, and like I can call up snakes bigger than normal, he can call up tigers bigger than normal,” I said.
“What about Fiore,” Dais said.
“He can call upon a giant phoenix,” I said. “Fiore was also the oldest of the three of us, just by about two years.”
“So it goes Fiore, Tiegar, then you,” Cale said.
“Yes, since Tiegar was just a little stronger than Fiore, so he was made the leader,” I said as I took a bite of my food.
The Ronins had been listening to the conversation.
“Aleu, can they do what you can,” Kento said. I looked at him. “I mean with how you transform to a snake, can they do the same.”
“I’m not sure,” I said. “I’ve never actually seen any of Fiore’s battles. When the three of us attacked you together it was my first time seeing them fight for real as well as my first fight.”
“So you can’t really tell us exactly how strong they are,” he said.
“There’s no way of telling how strong someone is, because you don’t know if they’re using their full strength or a quarter of it,” I said. “But I can tell you Tiegar didn’t use his full strength when he used his reflection claw.”
“What!” the Ronins said.
“He almost killed you,” Ryo said.
“I know that,” I snapped. “I know Tiegar hasn’t used his full strength because he is the one who trained me.”
The Ronins stared at me after I said that. I looked at my food.
“Tiegar’s intention was to capture me, not kill me,” I said. “That’s why he used his reflection claw and not is sure-kill.”
They all looked at each other. I clenched my fist.
“If he had used his sure-kill, I’d be dead right now or close to it,” I said. I slammed my fist on the table closing my eyes. “That bastard what the hell was he thinking. He knew I’d rather die then go back there.”
“He’s not going to capture you,” Sekhmet said placing a hand on my shoulder. I looked at him. Everyone saw I had fear in my eyes.
“Remember were your friends,” Ryo said. “We stick together.”
I smiled. White Blaze padded over to me and rubbed his head against me purring.
“Thanks,” I said petting White Blaze. White Blaze stood up on his hind paws knocking my chair backwards as he licked my face.
*Clank*
“Purr…”
“S top it you overgrown pussycat,” I said laughing. Everyone was amazed to see me laughing. Sekhmet smiled as he watched me laugh.
“It’s good to see her laughing,” Kayura said.
“It shows she just needed a chance,” Cale said.
“Alright Blaze, come on,” Ryo said trying to get White Blaze off me. Sekhmet grabbed my arm and pulled me up. I smiled at him.
*Bang*
We all looked to see Kento and Rowen fighting.
“You guys not at the table,” Mia yelled, they continued fighting. She sighed, it was no use.
Me and Sekhmet were back to talking about the differences between our armors. The other Warlords started their own conversation. Eventually all the Ronins were fighting. Suddenly while talking to Sekhmet my hand shot up and caught something that cut into my hand. The Ronins stopped fighting and looked at me as I dropped the knife. Blood began to fall down my hand.
“Oh, Aleu,” Mia got up and grabbed a wet washcloth. She put it on my hand. My eyes just narrowed as I looked at the wound.
“I’m fine,” I said as she tried to put some peroxide on it. With a flash my sub-armor appeared on me. I disappeared seconds after my sub-armor appeared.
“Where did she go?” Cye said.
“I don’t know,” Mia said, she had the first aid box.
Sekhmet sighed, looks like I didn’t fit into groups.
**** ****
I appeared near a small lake a mile away from the house. I placed my hand in the water. It stung, but I didn’t care. I had had worse wounds. I leaned back against one of the trees next to the water, while I let my hand soak in the water.After a while I was startled when something touched my left arm. I looked and saw a black diamond cobra. I smiled.
“Sekhmet sent you didn’t he,” I said as I caressed its scaly head. It curled up in my lap.
Five minutes later I sensed someone approaching. Smiling I saw Sekhmet appear with a small box.
He smiled when he saw the snake curled up in my lap.
“Why did you send him?” I asked. Sekhmet took some bandages out and began to wrap them around my hand.
“I was just worried,” he admitted. I smiled as he sat down next to me. He placed an arm around my waist.
“Let me guess,” I said. “The Ronins think I’m mad at them?”
“They might,” he said. “All of them except Kento haven’t said a word since you left.”
“I’m not mad at them,” I said looking at my bandaged hand. “I’m mad at the fact that I lost to Tiegar.”
“We don’t always win,” he said. “We use the knowledge from the battles that we have lost to understand our opponents.”
“Yes, but I know almost all Tiegar’s moves from when he trained me,” I said.
“He probably knows yours as well,” he said. “If he trained you then he knows all your moves.”
“Not all,” I said with a grin. “I held a lot back when he started training me because I had a feeling I would end up fighting him for real.”
“It was when you started getting your memories back wasn’t it,” he said, I nodded.
“It was,” I said.
“Aleu, about what you told Tiegar,” he said looking into my eyes. “Is that true.”
I looked into his eyes.
“Yes,” I said. “It is, I would risk my life to be with you.”
His arms tightened around me. He bent down and brushed my lips. My lips parted as his tongue entered my mouth. I met his tongue with mine. It was then I first noticed he had fangs. When we broke apart I looked up at him through half-closed eyes. He made kisses up to my temple and down my neck.
“Sekhmet,” I whispered lightly pulling away. “Not here.”
“What’s wrong,” he said kissing my neck making me moan.
“Anyone could show up,” I whispered. He smiled and hissed something that I didn’t understand to the snake in my lap.
The snake cocked its head then slithered off. I suspected something.
“Sekhmet?” I looked at him. “What did you tell him?”
“Nothing,” he said with slyness in his voice.
“Your tone betrays you,” I said playfully gripping his wrist.
“I just told him to leave,” he said, he felt like the blood to his wrist had stopped flowing.
I gripped his wrist harder, “You’re lying.”
“I told him to keep watch,” he said wincing. I let go of his wrist.
“Man,” he said shaking his wrist to get the blood flowing again. “You have a tight grip.”
“I have much more than a tight grip,” I said eyeing him. “If your not careful you’ll find you’ve got more than you bargained for.”
“I’ll remember that,” he said brushing my lips.
His hand went up to the back of my neck pulling me closer. My arms went up his chest and around his neck making him groan. He leaned me gently onto the ground. I was still in my sub-armor and he was in his too. Concentrating my sub-armor disappeared with a flash leaving me nude. He eyes roamed my body before returning to mine. He grinned, fire burning in his eyes and with another flash his sub-armor disappeared. He had scales on the left side of his body.
“Your part Snake God aren’t you,” I whispered.
“Yes,” he said, looking in my eyes. “That doesn’t frighten you does it?”
“No,” I said.
My hands went up his chest as he kissed me. I moaned when his kisses trailed down my stomach and burned a path down my thighs. He leaned back up and captured my mouth with his. His hands ran down to my breast. He brushed the tips with his fingers. I groaned into his mouth deepening the kiss. He lifted away and kissed and nibbled at the skin where my shoulder blade and neck met. He traveled down to where he replaced his hand on my left breast. I gasped as I felt his teeth nibble at the tips.
“Sekhmet,” I moaned his name.
He smiled and proceeded to do the same to the right. His hand slowly went down to the crevice between my legs. I felt him part the outer lips and his thumb rub against my clit. I gasped and nearly screamed in ecstasy. He placed a finger inside of me. I bit my lip to keep from screaming as he caressed me from the inside. He placed another finger inside of me and increased the pressure. Groaning I arched my back pressing against him.
He lifted his head and looked into my half-close eyes. He kissed my lips.
“Aishiteru,” I whispered.
“I love you too,” he said as he kissed me.
My lips parted and his tongue began to explore my mouth. He lifted his fingers from my wetness and parted my legs. He moved so he was all the way on top of me.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered, he thrust his length into me.
I screamed into his mouth, deepening the kiss. He stopped, waiting for the pain to stop as he kissed away the tears that had fallen. Soon I began to move my hips against him. He began to thrust into me. I threw my head back, arching my back and wrapping my legs around his waist. He started to thrust faster and harder. After a while I felt a tight feeling in my abdomen. I cried out when my release came. He kissed me as he thrusted even faster, slamming into me with each thrust. He thrusted to the hilt and cried my name out as his own release came. I collapsed back, exhausted. He shifted and laid me against his chest as I drifted asleep.
Chapter 5
I slowly opened my eyes. I turned and saw Sekhmet sleeping with an arm protectively around me. I smiled then snuggled closer against his chest. He opened his eyes and kissed the top of my head.“The others are gonna be suspecting something,” I said.
“I don’t care what they suspect,” he said as he pulled me closer. I smiled and kissed his bare chest.
“We should bathe before we return,” I said. He raised an eyebrow. “There gonna figure it out right away and I think, Yuli if he’s there, is to young to know anything.”
“Your right,” he said.
We walked to the water. We took a half-hour to completely wash.
“We should head back now,” I said pulling away as my sub-armor appeared again.
“Besides I’m hungry.” I pulled on his arm.
“Don’t pull my arm off,“ he said as his sub-armor appeared. We stood and headed to the house.
Halfway the snake I had seen last night showed up. The snake wrapped it’s self softly around my arm and shoulder.
“I think I’ll call you Trouble,” I said looking at it, then at Sekhmet. “I have a feeling you and your master planned last night.
Sekhmet looked innocent.
“Don’t play innocent with me,” I said playfully slapping his chest.
He grinned, “Nothing gets by you.”
“That’s right,” I said.
**** ****
As we entered the living room everyone looked up. They watched as me and Sekhmet sat down on the floor against the wall. I noticed everyone was watching us.“What!” I snapped.
“Where have you two been,” Kento said.
“None of your business,” I said calmly.
The others raised their eyebrows.
“You two were gone all night,” he said.
“Kento would you just leave her alone,” Mia said.
“Fine,” Kento and the other Ronins went outside to play ball with Yuli and White Blaze.
Me and Sekhmet took the couch. Dais, Cale, Kayura, Anubis, and Mia remained. Dais was eyeing Sekhmet. Sekhmet looked at his friend with a look that said `What?`. Daise had a look that said `You know what`. Sekhmet just grinned causing Dais’s eyes to widen. He looked at the others who realized what that look meant even though they already had a feeling where we were last night.
An hour later Cye called that lunch was ready.
“Great, I’m starved,” I said as I grabbed a sandwich and went back into the living room and sat back down next to Sekhmet.
We watched T.V. as we ate. I kept feeling like someone was watching me. Turning quickly I caught the Ronins eyeing me.
“If your gonna say something, SAY IT, and quit staring it’s irritating the shit out of me,” I growled causing the others to stop what they were doing. “I got enough feelings of someone watching me from Talpa.”
“Sssss….” Trouble bared his fangs from where he was laid curled in my lap again.
“Well…” I said because the Ronins remained silent.
“It’s your turn,” Rowen said to Kento.
“Un-uh,” Kento said. “I’ve gotten beaten up enough, Sage hasn’t gone.”
“Huh,” Sage choked on his food. “No way.”
“I’m losing my patience,” I said.
“She has patience?” Kento said with a confused look on his face.
I closed my eyes and clenched my fist trying to stay calm.
“I didn’t know that,” Ryo said.
I began to breath slowly to try to calm down.
“You guys are really asking for it,” Dais said.
“Shut up, Spiderman,” Kento said.
“Come on leave Aleu and Sekhmet alone,” Kayura said. “Who cares where they were.”
This caused the Ronins to look wide-eyed at each other then grin. Suddenly…
“Way to go Sekhmet,” Ryo said.
“We never thought you had it in ya,” Rowen said.
“Yah who knew a snake like you had it in ya,” Kento said laughing.
Our faces turned red. Sekhmet was starting to get pissed now and was trying not to get up and throttle Hardrock. Mia and Kayura looked at each other, this was going to get ugly. While the Ronins continued to cheer the energy in the room began to lift. I stood up quickly as Trouble hissed and slithered quickly onto Sekhmet. My hair began to rise and my aura was starting to glow. My eyes shot openend, now glowing green. I put my hands in front as a ball of light appeared in my hands.
“Never call him a snake,” I aimed the ball at the Ronins as it surrounded my fist. “SNAKE VENOM PUNCH!”
I shot at the Ronins and slammed my fist into Kento who slammed into Sage, who slammed into Rowen, who slammed into Cye, who slammed into Ryo who hit the wall. I stood in the middle of the living room breathing hard. The light of my aura disappeared, my hair fell back on my shoulders and my eyes stopped glowing. The others were staring wide-eyed at me.
Cale let out a long whistle, “Whoa….”
“No wonder Talpa wants her back,” Dais said. “She can beat all five Ronins with just one punch.”
The Ronins weren’t hurt that bad, just soar heads.
“Man,” Rowen said. “I didn’t know she was that strong.”
“And without her armor,” Sage said.
“Uhhh,” I started to collapse backwards.
“Aleu!” Sekhmet said jumping off the couch to my side.
I felt his arms as he caught me.
“Why did she just collapse,” Sage said.
My skin was pale and I was still breathing hard.
“Probably from how much energy she used,” Dais said. “Remember it’s barely been two months since she got her armor.”
“I get it,” Rowen said. “It took each of us more than just a few battles to be able to use so much power without collapsing from exhaustion.”
“Hmm,” I groaned as I sat up with a hand on my head. My head was pounding. I also felt an evil presence.
“Aleu, you alright,” Dais said from where he stood behind Sekhmet.
Sekhmet helped me stand up, the presence disappeared when he touched my arm.
“Yeah,” I said shaking my head. Trouble slithered off Sekhmet’s arm and onto mine.
“Ssssssss,” Trouble’s tail wrapped around my wrist.
“I’m alright,” I hissed in snake talk to Trouble.
“We should teach you how to control that much power,” Rowen said.
“Speak for yourselves,” I said. “I can handle my own powers.”
The Ronins looked at each other.
“The only thing you should be doing is learning to mind your own business,” I said as Sekhmet helped me to sit down. “I collapsed because I’ve never used my powers without my armor before and my body couldn’t handle it.”
“You should learn to control your temper,” Kento said. I narrowed my eyes.
“Shut up,” I groaned. “I already have a headache because of you I don’t need it to get worse.”
“Here,” Rowen said handing a bottle of Tylenol to me. I looked at him.
“Thanks,” I said to him as Sekhmet got me a glass of water.
“Only take two,” Sekhmet said.
“I know,” I said popping two pills out and downing it with the glass of water.
I closed my eyes leaning against the back of the couch.
The Ronins had been whispering to each other the whole time.
“I’ll promise to stop if you promise to stop blowing up on me for every joke I make,” Kento said.
I opened one eye, “Only if you give me a break and annoy someone else for awhile.”
“Deal,” Kento said as I closed my eyes again waiting for the medicine to take affect.
The others sighed at least there would be peace…for a while.
****** ******
An hour later I sat leaning against Sekhmet. Kento was busy making up jokes about Fiore. A couple of them I couldn’t help but laugh at.“Aleu,” Yuli came in riding White Blaze. “Can you play ball with me and White Blaze.”
“Sure,” I said smiling at him.
“Thought you had a headache,” Sekhmet said.
“It’s gone now,” I said as I tried to stand up but his arm was still around me. I glared at him, he was leaned back with his eyes closed. He opened one eye as he grinned. I grinned with a mischief smile. He blinked, I jumped forward so fast he fell forward off the couch.
“Ooff,” his face hit the ground. He looked up glaring at me.
The Ronins bursted out laughing. I grinned flipping my hair back as I looked at him before heading after Yuli and White Blaze. Cale and Dais were cracking up on the ground. Anubis, Mia, and Kayura were grinning. He glared at them before following me.
**** ****
“Here it is,” I threw the ball hard into the air.White Blaze jumped into the air and caught it.
“Wait to go White Blaze,” Yuli yelled.
“Hey Aleu!” I turned to see the Ronins and Warlords with a football.
“Wanna play football,” Kento yelled.
“Only if your in the mood for losing,” I said walking over to them as Yuli and White Blaze watched from the side.
“Rules are simple the team that is left standing wins,” Ryo said.
The Teams were Ryo, Rowen, and Sage. Then Cye, Kento, and Cale. Then Me, Sekhmet, and Dais. Anubis, Mia, and Kayura decided to stay out of it.
“Uhh,” Sage threw the ball hard to Ryo.
I intercepted and took off running. I saw Ryo behind me. As hard as I could I tossed the football to Dais who was opened. But Rowen intercepted. I tackled Rowen to the ground.
“Your out,” I said.
I picked the ball up and tossed it to Sekhmet. He caught it and took off. Ryo was right behind him so he tossed it to Dais. Sage intercepted and I chased him then tackled him. I tossed it back to Dais. He caught it then tossed it to Sekhmet but Ryo caught it. Sekhmet tackled him. Then the ball was thrown and Dais ended up tackling Cale. Next Sekhmet tackled Cye. Kento was the only one left.
“Damn it,” Kento said seeing he was the only one left.
He now had to get the ball over to a flag that was a mile away, then he would be able to bring one person back in. I took off after him. As soon as I caught up to him I tackled him.
“Looks like my team wins,” I said standing up.
“Way to go Aleu,” Yuli yelled as White Blaze let out a roar.
I smiled as I walked over to the deck and sat on the porch swing. I watched as Sekhmet and Kento started wrestling for some reason. I grinned as Sekhmet ending up getting Kento to yell mercy. Sekhmet walked over and sat next to me.
“What was that about?” I asked.
“Nothing much,” he said placing an arm around my shoulders.
Cale sat down next to Kayura as Dais sat on a chair near Sekhmet and me. The Ronins were starting to play a dangerous game of soccer. Once the ball almost hit me but Sekhmet knocked the ball back towards the Ronins.
“Thanks,” I said leaning on his shoulder. He pulled me tighter against him.
An hour later Anubis, Mia and Cye went into fix dinner. The other Ronins were busing training now. I just watched from the bench while leaning on Sekhmet. Dais now sat at the table where Anubis had sat. Him, Cale, and Kayura were sitting out too. Trouble was half laying on me and half laying on Sekhmet. I smiled and itched it under its chin. It let out a lazy hiss.
“Dinner,” Cye said coming out.
I groaned, I didn’t feel like moving.
“I’ll bring your guy’s food out,” Dais said. Sekhmet gave Dais a look of gratitude.
“Thanks,” he said. Dais just nodded.
Five minutes later Dais handed us our food.
“Thanks Dais,” I said taking the plate.
“Your welcome,” he said to us with a grin.
I eyed him then shook my head smiling, I figured the Warlords knew what happened between me and Sekhmet from the beginning. The Ronins knew now as well, I thought sighing.
“You okay,” Sekhmet asked me.
“I’m fine,” I said looking up at him and kissed him on the cheek right in front of the others. They grinned as Sekhmet blushed.
“Hey Sekhmet,” Dais said. “Are you blushing.”
“Oh, Shut up,” Sekhmet snapped.
I smiled as I saw that his cheeks were even redder. I shook my head. The others were grinning like Cheshire cats.
The Ronins were in the door now.
“We’ve got trouble,” Rowen said pointing by the trees.
One thousand Nether Soldiers were standing by the trees.
“To Arms,” Ryo shouted.
Everyone called their Armor.
“Armor of Wildfire.”
“Armor of Torrent.”
“Armor of Hardrock.”
“Armor of Halo.”
“Armor of Strata.”
“Armor of Cruelty.”
“Armor of The Angel.”
“Armor of Corruption.”
“Star Swords Armor.”
“Armor of Illusion.”
“Armor of Venom.”
“Armor of The Snake.”
We all stood in our armor facing the soldiers.
“Me, Cye, and Kento will take the two-hundred-fifty soldiers by the Trees,” Ryo said. “Sage, Rowen and Anubis take the two-hundred-fifty by the house. Mia, Cale, and Kayura take the two-hundred-fifty over by the entrance to forest. Dais, Sekhmet, and Aleu take the two-hundred-fifty here. Ready.”
“Ready,” we shouted.
“Alright go,” we jumped to where we were supposed to be.
“Web of Deception,” Dais said trapping the soldiers we were fighting.
“Let’s combine our attacks,” I said to Sekhmet.
“Right,” he said.
“Snake Venom Slash,” I shouted as Sekhmet shouted, “Snake Fang Strike.”
Our attacks became one destroying all two-hundred-fifty.
“That was fun,” I said.
“Too easy though,” Dais said.
“That’s because they’re just buckets of lost souls with no brains,” I said laughing.
Sekhmet was watching me grinning. We made a really strong team together. If we fought like this all the time, then we would beat Talpa for sure.
**** ****
Meanwhile by the trees.“Super Wave Smasher,” Cye took out a quarter of the soldiers out.
“Iron Rock Crusher,” Kento took out half of the remaining soldiers.
“Wildfire Flare Up Now,” Ryo took out the rest of the remaining soldiers.
“Oh, yeah,” Kento shouted.
“Ronin’s rule,” the three shouted.
“Wonder how the others are doing,” Cye said.
**** ****
Meanwhile near the house.“Quake With Fear,” Anubis shouted trapping all the soldiers in chains.
“Thunder Bolt Cut,” Sage shouted taking half the soldiers out.
“Arrow Shock Wave,” Rowen took out the rest.
“Yes,” the three slapped hands.
“Hope, the others are having good luck,” Rowen said.
**** ****
Meanwhile near the entrance to the forest.“Darkness Cut,” Cale trapped the soldiers in darkness.
“Star Swords Scream,” Kayura destroyed half the soldiers.
“Sacred Wind,” Mia shouted destroying the rest.
“That takes care of these soldiers,” Kayura said.
“Let’s see if everyone else is done,” Cale said.
**** ****
Five minutes later we were all together.“That was the quickest battle we ever had,” Ryo said.
“It’s because we combined our attacks,” I said. “It allowed us to take them out faster.”
“If we do it all the time we could beat Talpa,” Sekhmet said. I looked at him smiling.
“This is the kind of power you need if you’re going to help me take out Tiegar and Fiore,” I said.
“Then this will be our plan,” Ryo said.
“Together we can’t lose,” Kento said.
“For once I agree with you Hardrock,” I said.
He looked at me.
“All for one,” I said putting a fist out.
“And one for all,” the others said putting their fist in.
“Yah,” we all shouted.
“Talpa’s going down,” Yuli said from where he showed up riding White Blaze.
“Roar…” White Blazed Roared in agreement.
We laughed as we headed in.
**** ****
It was about 10:00pm and me Sekhmet were sitting on the porch swing. Suddenly he lightly pulled my arm.“What is it?” I asked.
“I wanna show you something,” he said. He took my hand and pulled me with him as he led me through the forest.
A half-hour had gone buy.
“Sekhmet where are you taking me?” I asked, I was getting tired and really irritated and it‘s not good when I‘m irritated.
“Were almost there,” he said.
Suddenly we came out in into bright light. I closed my eyes from the brightness. Slowly I opened them and the scene I saw took my breath away. There was a beautiful lake that shimmered and was as clear as ice. The trees were a sparkling green. And from here the moon looked like it was only a mile in the sky. Starflowers that I thought in my world were only legends were growing from vines along the trees.
“It’s so beautiful,” I said as he led me gently by my shoulders. “How did you ever find this place.”
“I found it when I first left Talpa,” he said. “Every time I came here it made me fell better.”
He picked one of the starflowers and placed it in my hair. We sat down near a beautiful Oak.
“This place is so beautiful,” I said.
“Not nearly as beautiful as you,” he said kissing my neck.
“What are you doing,” I whispered, his kisses were making my mind fuzzy.
“Payback,” he said.
“For what?” I said.
He grinned evilly, “For embarrassing me in front of the Ronins.”
“Humph, I made the Ronins embarrassed didn’t I,” I said.
He grinned and captured my mouth with his as our sub-armor disappeared. He trailed kisses down my neck, the skin between my breast, and over each breast. His teeth nipped at the skin of my abdomen. He trailed kisses along my leg and thigh, then up to my neck again. His hand went in-between my legs. He parted the outer lips and reached a finger into me. I groaned and pressed against his hand as I arched my back. He kissed me and I met his tongue with mine. He inserted another finger into me and increased the pressure. I moaned his name against his mouth. He brought his fingers out of me and moved on top of me. He slid his length into me. I groaned, he began to thrust hard and fast. I moaned,as our kiss deepened. He began to thrust faster and harder with each moan. I started feeling that tightening in my abdomen again.
“Sekhmet!” I screamed as my release came.
He basked in the glory of me crying out his name. He continued to thrust faster and harder. He thrusted one last time and his release came. I collapsed backwards against the soft grass. He laid against the tree and pulled me against him, my head lying on his chest.
“I love you so much,” I whispered.
“I know,” he said kissing my forehead.
We fell asleep under the beautiful moon. The night wind sounded as if it was singing a love lullaby.
Chapter 6
“Uhh,” I started to move when I felt something holding me back.I look to find chains around my wrist, ankles, and one around my neck. I was in my full armor without the helmet.
“What? where am I?” I pulled on the chains but they didn’t budge.
“You won’t escape again,” a voice said.
“Who are you,” I shouted.
“That is none of your concern,” the voice said.
Suddenly red ooze began to lift from the ground. The pain that went through me when the ooze touched me was so strong I screamed in pain.
“You can scream all you want but nobody can hear,” the voice said.
“Ahhhh,” I screamed even louder as my armor felt like it was being ripped apart.
“My master will soon have your armor,” the voice. “It’s pointless to use the last of your energy to scream.”
The figure laughed as he watched the ooze surround me.
“SEKHMET!” I screamed as tears flung from my eyes and everything went black.
**** ****
“Aleu!” Sekhmet was shaking my shoulder to trying to wake me up.I shot straight up. Sekhmet’s arms tightened me against his chest as tears began to fall down from my eyes. I was shaking so hard.
“Shhhh,” Sekhmet soothed as he tried to calm me down.
After I had clamed down enough to talk, he gently turned me to look up at him.
“Now tell me what happened,” he whispered gently.
I laid my head back on his bare chest as I told him what happened in the dream. I felt him stiffen when I mentioned the red ooze.
“What is it?” I said my voice still shaking.
“Were you in a dungeon that had a symbol that looked like a Neither Spirit?” he asked.
I closed my eyes as the dream re played in my head. I watched as the wall came closer into view, there was a Neither Spirit symbol.
“I was in Talpa’s Dungeon,” I said opening my eyes quickly.
I looked up at Sekhmet, he was looking at me with a mixture of fear and anger in his eyes.
“Sekhmet?” I whispered.
“That wasn’t a normal dream,” he said. “Me and the others had been put in dungeon with that symbol on the wall when we started to go against Talpa.”
“You mean the Neither Spirits sent me that dream,” I said fear filling my eyes.
“Yes,” he said. “There showing what will happen if you go against Talpa.”
I leaned closer against his chest.
“Sekhmet, I’m scared,” I said as he looked down at me. “I don’t want to go back.”
“I won’t let him take you,” he said. “I promise I’ll never leave your side.”
“Oh, Sekhmet,” I whispered as he kissed me. “Thank you.”
**** ****
It was two hours later when I was calm enough to agree to head back. I was quiet as I leaned on Sekhmet’s shoulder and continued walking at the same time. He placed an arm around me.“Aleu, don’t be afraid,” he said. “I’ll be there and so will the others.”
“I know,” I whispered. “I can’t help being afraid that the dream might come true.”
“I told you at the lake,” he said stopping to look at me. “I won’t leave your side. You don’t have to face everything alone. I’m there to help.”
“I know you are,” I said. “And I know you’ll never break your promise.”
I looked at him as I place a hand on his cheek.
“I know I act tough,” I said. “But there are still things I fear. I know now that I can show my feelings around you and the others. I’m no longer afraid to.”
“You never have to be afraid to open up to me,” he said. “I’ll always be there to help and the others will to.”
I smiled and kissed him passionately to prove to him I would always confine in him.
“What have we here,” a voice said.
We broke apart from our kiss and turned to see a warrior with blackish blue armor.
“Who are you,” Sekhmet hissed standing in front of me.
“The name is a Mandark,” the warrior said. “I’m here under the orders of Lord Tiegar.”
I grinned, he must be of a really low rank.
“I never saw you when I was in the dynasty,” I said. “Which means you are a lower ranked soldier.”
Mandark let out a growl.
“I am the leader of the Midnight Neither Soldiers,” he growled.
“I remember you guys,” Sekhmet said. “When the others and I still worked for Talpa we heard about you.”
“Then you know my reputation,” Mandark said.
“Yah your reputation of failing Talpa so many times it was amazing he never killed you,” Sekhmet said. “The reason he spared you because you had luck enough to find the location of one of the Ronins and Talpa spared your life.”
“You will pay for your insolence,” Mandark shouted.
“Bring it on,” I shouted.
“Midnight Scream,” Mandark shouted.
A loud screeching noise filled the area.
“Damn,” I shouted covering my ears. “My eardrums feel like they’ve been blown up.”
“Star Swords Scream,” the screeching stopped.
Kayura, Cale, Dais, Anubis, and Mia had shown up.
“Need help,” Dais said.
“It’s about time you guys showed up,” Sekhmet said as we stood up.
“Ready,” I said to him.
“Yeah,” he said. “It’s payback.”
“You bet,” I said. “Armor of The Snake.”
“Armor of Venom,” Sekhmet shouted.
Our Armors appeared.
“Time for some team work,” Mia said.
“Here we go,” Dais said.
“Quake with Fear,” Anubis shouted as Dais shouted, “Web of Deception.”
Mandark was trapped in chains and a illusion.
“Snake Venom Slash,” I shouted at the same time Sekhmet shouted, “Snake Fang Strike.”
Our attacks combined and destroyed Mandark. His dark spirit left the armor as the armor melted because of the venom.
“Oh yeah,” I said as Sekhmet and I slapped hands, we walked over to the others.
“Who was that,” Kayura said.
“Mandark of the Midnight Neither Soldiers,” I said.
“The same idiot we heard of?” Dais asked Sekhmet.
“Same one,” he answered.
“Wonder what he was doing here,” Mia said.
“He was here under Tiegar’s orders,” I said. “Looks like he’s still pissed I chose Sekhmet not him.”
“Probably, after all your tough for a girl,” Dais said. “Who wouldn’t be pissed if they didn’t win you.”
“What!” Kayura, Mia and I said together.
“You saying girls are weak,” Kayura growled.
“I think he is,” Mia said. Anubis backed away as he saw the glint in her eyes.
“Anubis, Sekhmet, Cale help me out here,” Dais said backing up.
“Girls have strength but guys will always have more,” Cale said.
“Your partially right,” Sekhmet said.
“SEKHMET!” I yelled.
He gulped as he looked at me. Flames were burning in my eyes.
“You three better star running,” Mia said, seeing I was about to kill them.
“They’re all yours Aleu,” Kayura said.
The three yelped and took off.
“GET BACK HERE!” I shouted.
I took off after them. Anubis, Mia, and Kayura laughed as they watch me take Cale out by slamming my fist into his back while using Snake Venom Punch. Next I took Dais out with my Snake Venom Slash. They watched as I took off after Sekhmet who had headed into the trees.
“Who do you thinks gonna win,” Kayura said to Mia.
“Aleu,” Mia said.
“Well they won’t be back for a while,” Cale said. “Let’s head in.”
**** ****
I chased Sekhmet into the trees until I lost him when we reached a really dark area of the forest. We had to be at least three miles into the forest. Stopping in the middle I decided to use my senses. I closed my eyes and listened to the sounds around. Learning patience was starting to pay off as I heard the small crunch of a branch right behind me.“Gotcha,” I said swinging around as quick as lightning. “Snake Venom Punch.”
My fist connected with his chest plate sending him into some trees.
“Oops,” I said as I jumped next to him. “Looks like I didn’t hold enough back.”
“Don’t worry,” he said as I knelt next to him.
“You should’ve kept your mouth shut I said,” slapping his chest playfully.
He just smiled.
“We’ll how else would we be able to finish that kiss,” he said grabbing me by my waist and catching my mouth.
I groaned against his lips as his tongue entered my mouth. I met his tongue with my own. My tongue slid softly over his fangs. The kiss went on longer then he planned but we weren’t complaining. When we broke apart he kissed me down my neck, he teeth nipping at my skin. I groaned, my vision was getting fuzzy. I shook my head to clear it and pulled away.
“We’d better head back,” I said. “Besides I want to see if I hurt the others good enough.
Sekhmet grinned shaking his head.
“Race ya,” I said.
“Your on,” he said.
We took off towards the house.
**** ****
Three hours later we were watching T.V. when I noticed loud mouth and company wasn’t around.“Where are the Ronins?” I asked.
“School,” Sekhmet said.
“Which reminds me,” Mia said. “Aleu you start school tomorrow.”
*Silence*
I looked at her so fast my head almost hit Sekhmet’s chin. I had a look of hatred on my face.
“I stopped going to school freshman year after my grandfather died,” I said. “I’m not about to go back.”
“Aleu it’s the law here that kids eighteen and under have to go to school,” Mia said.
“I don‘t care, it‘s the same as my world,” I said not looking at her. “And I stopped going for a reason.”
“Aleu just go the first day,” Mia said.
I glared at her.
“I’m not going,” I said. “You can try and make me, but you’ll lose.” I stood up and walked out of the living room.
They all heard the front door open then slam shut.
“Sekhmet,” Mia said looking at him.
He looked back at her.
“I’m not going to make her change her mind,” he said. He knew why I had stopped and wasn’t going to make me go back.
“Would you at least talk to her,” Mia said.
Sekhmet sighed, he was going to have to tell them or I was going to end up being in a worse mood with all the bugging than him telling them.
“Aleu’s gonna kill me,” he thought.
He told them why I had stopped. It was because my parents had been killed when the school they had been in had somehow blown up and somehow when I was in school the vision would play in my mind.
“That’s why I’m not going to make her change her mind,” he said.
“Aleu’s grandfather must have told her before he died because there isn’t any way she could remember if she had been two,” Kayura said. “Her sixth sense must have started to show her the vision of what happened after that.”
“Poor Aleu,” Mia said. She sighed, “I won’t make her go.”
“We can tell her when she gets back,” Kayura said, turning her head to the window. “I have a feeling she’s gonna be back soon.”
**** ****
An hour later they heard the door fly open.“Damn it,” they heard me growl.
“Aleu would you calm down,” came Ryo’s voice.
“CALM THIS!” they heard me shout.
*BANG*
I came in fuming mad. I sat on the floor near the corner. The energy in the room was rising.
“Damn,” Ryo came in rubbing his head followed by the other Ronins who had scared look on their faces.
“What’s going on?” Kayura said.
“We found Aleu near a dead snake fuming,” Kento said. “When we asked what was wrong, she blew up on us.”
“There was a note near the snake,” Rowen said.
My head snapped towards him.
“Aleu was so angry she didn’t notice it,” Kento said.
Mia took the note from Rowen and read it out loud.
This is what it said:
“I’m giving you one more chance.
When the white light is at its peak,
Come to the valley of the weak.”
P.S. If you do not show this is what
will happen to the one you love.”
My faced paled as she read the last line.When the white light is at its peak,
Come to the valley of the weak.”
P.S. If you do not show this is what
will happen to the one you love.”
“What does `When the white light is at its peak` mean?” Kento said.
“It’s a riddle that he knew only I would figure out,” I said.
“Who’s he?” Cye asked.
“It’s Tiegar,” I said. “The words are `When the moon is full, Come to the valley that was named after the Shadow Warriors`. That’s Shaded valley, it’s called that because they died in that valley.”
“How do you know that?” Rowen asked.
“Tiegar took me there when he trained me,” I said. “He also gave me a few history lessons.”
“Ok, we know what the words to that part are what about the P.S,” Ryo said.
“The P.S. part means that if I don’t show…” I looked at Sekhmet. “The one I love will suffer the same fate as that snake.”
“You mean they’ll kill Sekhmet if you don’t show,” Kento said as I nodded.
“Yes,” my eyes suddenly turned deadly. “The note doesn’t say anything about not going alone, though…”
Everyone eyes widened as they relized what I meant.
“Man you’ve got a good idea,” Kento said.
“But won’t that just get Tiegar pissed off even more,” Cye said.
“And I care how,” I said, with a hand on my hip. They grinned.
“Alright, we’ll finally be taking that Tiegar out,” Kento said.
**** ****
It was 9:00 and I was out on the porch swing. We had discovered we had three weeks until the full moon. I sighed, why was Tiegar doing this. I couldn’t believe he was that jealous.I felt someone sit beside me and arms go around my waist. I turned to see Sekhmet. I leaned into his embrace.
“Your not scared because he’s threatening me are you?” he asked.
“I am,” I said.
“Don’t worry I’ll keep my promise,” he said. “By the way, Mia has agreed to not make you go to school.
“You told them, didn’t you,” I said looking at him.
“Yes,” he said dropping his head.
I sighed and lifted his chin up.
“Thank you,” I said kissing him. My lips parted and our tongues intertwined. His arms tightened around me as he silently swore he would protect me and keep himself alive. We fell asleep holding each other on the porch swing.
Note: I hope it hasn’t offended anyone yet. I’m not trying to pick on Kento, it’s just that he’s the one of the group that doesn’t know when to keep his mouth shut, but I do respect his sense of justice. His serious in really important situations, but during their free time, he doesn’t use his head. He kind of doesn’t know when to keep his mouth shut, mostly if it concerns the warlords. But in a battle, he gives it his all, and even a few times, saved the day.
Chapter 7
“Wakey Wakey,“ a voice said.I groaned as I opened one eye. I realized that Sekhmet and I had fallen asleep on the porch swing. I looked to find that the cruel demon that woke me up was Kento.
“Hardrock shouldn’t you be in school,” Sekhmet growled half-asleep as I tried to fall asleep against his shoulder again, my head was pounding.
“It’s 7:00 were heading to school now,” Cye said.
“IT’S WHAT!” I yelled as my eyes flew open. “HARDROCK I WARNED YOU NEVER TO WAKE ME UP BEFORE NOON!!!!!!!!!!”
“Sorry, I, but it’s gonna rain,” he said.
I growled deep in my throat, I suddenly felt dizzy as I stood up.
“I’ll…get…you…later,” I said sitting back down as my head continued to pound.
“Aleu are you feeling alright?” Cye asked as I groaned and laid my head back on Sekhmet’s shoulder.
Sekhmet felt my head.
“Aleu, you have a fever,” he said.
“Better take her inside,” Cye said as Sekhmet lifted me up.
He took me inside and placed me on the couch. I heard Cye go up the stairs, then come back down with another pair of feet. Mia walked in and felt my head. She put a thermometer in my mouth.
*…..Beep*
“Well it’s a fever,” she said as she grabbed a pillow and gave it to me. “I’ll make you some soup while you rest.”
“Were heading to school,” Rowen called as he and the other Ronins left.
“Ugh,” I put my face in the pillow. “This is not my day.”
Sekhmet stroked my back as he sat on the edge of the couch. I heard another pair of feet coming down the stairs.
“Well, what have we here,” Dais said as he walked in.
I growled as I lifted my head enough to glare at him then let it fall again.
“Aleu’s got a fever,” Mia said from the kitchen.
“It’s not surprising,” he said. “I was wondering when one of them was going get sick from being out in the cold all night.”
“Shut Up!” I growled. “Or else your going to get it as soon as I’m able to stand without getting dizzy.”
Dais just smiled as he sat on the chair across from us. Fifteen minutes later Mia had a bowl of soup in front of me. I took one look at it and hid my head under the pillows.
“Aleu, Don’t be difficult,” Sekhmet sighed.
“Looks like even when she’s sick, she’s a handful,” Dais said.
“I heard that,” I said from under the pillows.
Sekhmet sighed, then grinned as he realized a way to get me to eat. He picked up Trouble who had been curled up under the chair and hissed something to him. I didn’t hear from under pillows. He put Trouble near the pillows and it slithered under them.
“Eek,” the pillows shot from on top of me as I shot up. “Trouble!”
Sekhmet was grinning while Dais and Mia were laughing.
“You,” I said glaring at Sekhmet. I started to get up so I could throttle him, when I felt a wave of dizziness.
I dropped back on the couch groaning.
“You will eat some of this,” Sekhmet said as he placed a spoonful of the broth into his mouth. He drew me close and I could feel his lips on mine. Mia and Dais watched us trying not to laugh. I couldn’t believe he expected me to eat the soup that way. He opened his mouth slightly and the soup transferred from his mouth to mine. It didn’t taste too bad. He continued to do this for the remainder of the bowl.
Anubis, Cale, and Kayura came down a little while later. Anubis sat next to Mia and Cale and Kayura took the other couch. Mia told them about my fever.
“A few days should do it,” Kayura said.
“I’m not…” I started but Sekhmet’s hand went over my mouth.
“Yes you are,” he said as we glared at each other.
I ended up being the one to sigh and look away.
“Damn, fucking fever,” I grumbled laying back down as Trouble curled up next to me.
White Blaze came in and laid down next to the couch. I scratched him behind the ear as he purred and licked my hand.
Mia turned on the T.V. I watched as she flipped through the channels letting it stop on the news. The news reporter was talking about a robbery at the museum.
“I’m Reporter Blake, reporting a robbery at the ancient artifacts museum,” the reporter said. He turned to the museum owner. “Exactly what was stolen.”
“Three necklaces, each with a gem embedded in them,” the museum owner said. “The gems, as legend says, were believed to have legendary powers. The necklaces are The Tiger-eye necklace, The Phoenix-eye necklace, and The Snake-eye necklace.
I tried to sit up.
“Aleu?!” Sekhmet said. “You have to rest.”
“Talpa was behind that robbery,” I growled as I allowed Sekhmet force me to lay back down.”
“How can you be sure?” Dais said. “Talpa’s never been known to go as low as to rob a place without killing. Normally it’s kill and take.”
“The names of the necklaces,” I said. “He said the Tiger-eye, The Phoenix-eye, and The Snake-eye jewels.”
“The same names as your guys armors,” Kayura said.
“I think I’ve read something about those jewels before on my grandfather’s disk,” Mia said. “I’ll check up on them.”
“I have a bad feeling about the jewels,” I said laying back. “If Fiore and Tiegar went as low as to rob a museum to get them, then they mean trouble.”
“They might have something to do with your armor,” Mia said. “Because I don’t remember finding anything on the Armor of The Snake, Tiger, or Phoenix.”
“I don’t know that much about my armor,” I said. “All I know is what I found out when Talpa took control of me and what I learned from you.”
“There is still a lot about our armors that we don’t know about,” Anubis said.
I laid my head back as I caressed Trouble. I was too deep in thought to notice Sekhmet watching me. I felt him squeeze my shoulder as I looked at him. He had a worried look on his face. I smiled and shifted so my head was on his knee because he was still sitting on the edge of the couch. His hand stroked my hair.
**** ****
I was in the middle of a throne.“Talpa’s Throne Room,” I said looking around.
I saw two figures kneeling before a seated figure. It was Tiegar and Fiore kneeling before Talpa.
“You have done well my warriors,” Talpa said.
“Thank you, my lord,” Tiegar and Fiore said.
“Now, you’ve sent a message to Aleu?” Talpa said.
“Yes, my lord,” Tiegar said. “She will come.”
“How do you know for sure she’ll come,” Fiore said. “She’ll know it’s a trick.”
“I know that,” Tiegar said. “I was counting on that.”
“They why are you so sure she’ll come,” Fiore said.
“I threatened to kill the one thing she cares about the most,” Tiegar said. “She’ll come.”
“Don’t fail me again,” Talpa said. “Or you both of you will face a punishment far worse than those traitors will.”
“Yes, my lord,” Tiegar said. No emotion was showing on his face, but in his eyes was fear and it was the same with Fiore. “We shall not fail you.”
“See that you don’t,” Talpa said as he disappeared and only Tiegar and Fiore remained.
I watched from the shadows as Tiegar took out two necklaces. He handed Fiore’s his and put the Tiger-eyed one around his own neck. The Snake-eye necklace was in an orb with black smoke.
“How much longer until the negative energy takes Aleu over,” Tiegar said.
“Not much longer,” Fiore said. “The necklace is beginning to fall under the evil spell.”
“Once it is fully under the spell Aleu will be on our side again,” Tiegar said. “Then I will take care of that fucking warlord of Venom.”
“Do I sense jealousy,” Fiore said. “I can take care of that bastard if you like.”
“No!” Tiegar said. “He is mine to kill.”
“Very well,” Fiore said.
“Do what you wish with the others,” Tiegar said.
“I plan to,” Fiore said. They both started laughing.
Everything went black as their laughing died away.
**** ****
“Are you sure,” I heard Sekhmet’s voice say.“Yes,” Mia said. “I believe Aleu getting sick all of a sudden has something to do with it.”
“To do with what?” I said opening my eyes.
“Hey, how are you feeling?” Sekhmet asked rubbing my back.
“I’ve been better,” I said. “What did you find?”
“Well I found information on the three necklaces and…” Mia said. “Your armors.”
I blinked, “What did you find.”
“The three armors of The Tiger, The Phoenix, and The Snake are Guardian Armors,” she said. “Each have a virtue like the nine Ronin and Warlord Armors.”
“They all represent different symbols,” Anubis said. “The Armor of The Tiger represents strength, pride, and faith.”
“The Armor of The Phoenix represents belief, hope, and the spirit,” Mia said. “And The Armor of The Snake, your armor, represents vision, beauty, and cunning. The Snake also represents knowledge, as well as Spiritual power.”
“What about the necklaces,” I asked.
“My grandpa’s files say that there was a necklace that went with each armor,” Mia said. “And that the necklaces are connected to the armors both spiritual and physically.”
“That would explain it,” I muttered.
“Explain what?” Sekhmet asked.
I sighed and told them about the dream.
“That would mean your getting sick because…” Mia started.
“They’re trying to take full control over me by possessing the Snake-eye necklace with negative energy,” I said. “But because I’m able to somehow fight the possesion…”
“Your getting sick instead of possessed,” Dais said.
I nodded.
“Yes, as long as they continue to put negative energy into that necklace” I said. “I’m going to end up getting sicker and sicker until they can control me or I…”
I looked away, I couldn’t say the rest. By the looks on their faces I knew they figured out what I had been about to say. I felt Sekhmet lift me up lightly and put my head on his lap. I allowed him to do it as I closed my eyes. The whole room was completely silent.
“Purr…” White Blaze nudged me with his head softly. I turned my head slightly and saw concern in his eyes. I reached over and scratched him behind the ear.
“Ssssss…,” Trouble was rubbing against me as well. I smiled, I knew I could always count on these two to always try to cheer me up.
“Isn’t there a way to stop Aleu from getting sick by the negative energy,” Dais said.
“There might,” Mia said as she took out some papers she had printed. “Here it is!”
“What did you find?” Sekhmet asked.
“There is a way to stop the spell,” she said.
“How?” Everyone said.
“Hang on it’s in a poem,” Mia said. “Let’s see, have it, The poem says…
Should one of the jewels fall into evil hands,
The bearer will fall.
Unless a power stronger than evil,
A power that comes from more than one,
Comes together.
Combine thy powers,
And the one bearing the spell,
Shall be purified of the evil.”
“What’s that mean?” Dais asked. “A stronger power than evil is goodness.”The bearer will fall.
Unless a power stronger than evil,
A power that comes from more than one,
Comes together.
Combine thy powers,
And the one bearing the spell,
Shall be purified of the evil.”
“But goodness isn’t enough,” Mia said.
“It’s friendship,” I said. “I know what it means. The answer is right in the poem. A power that comes from more than one (friendship).”
“That’s right and the next part says if they come together, combine their powers then the one who has the spell placed on them shall be healed,” Mia said.
“So it means to bring our nine armors together, that the friendship we all share shall break the spell and Aleu will be healed,” Dais said.
‘That’s correct,” Mia said. “But it also says that it has to be done on the land that the armor represents.”
“There’s a forest of cobras called the home of the Guardian Snake not far from the entrance to the dynasty,” Sekhmet said. “Legend says a shrine is there.”
“We have to go to a reptile forest,” Dais said. “Oh well, it’s worth it.”
“We have to tell the Ronins as soon as they get home,” Mia said.
**** ****
“Were Back,” Rowen yelled as he came into the house.They walked into the living room.
“Whoa,” Kento said. “What’s with the silence?”
Mia explained to them about the poem, necklaces, and how to heal me.
“So we have to combine our armors to heal Aleu,” Ryo said.
“Yes,” Mia said. “It has to be done in the place the armor represents.”
“What are we waiting for?” Kento said.
“One problem, how do we get to this Snake Shrine,” Rowen said. “Sekhmet is the only one who has ever been near it.”
“Sekhmet can teleport one of us,” Anubis said. “Then they can take turns teleporting the rest there.”
“Ok, but what will we find when we get there,” Kento said.
“Were not sure,” Mia said.
“Well everybody get ready,” Kayura said. “We leave in thirty minutes.”
**** ****
Thirty minutes later everybody was in the living room with their full Armor. Without the helmets.“Everybody ready,” Kayura said.
“Yes,” came the reply.
“Alright,” Kayura said.
Sekhmet and Dais disappeared. Two minutes later Sekhmet reappeared. He placed a hand on Anubis’s and Mia’s shoulders, then disappeared. Dais appeared and placed a hand on Cale’s and Kayura’s shoulders. Next Sekhmet took Ryo and Rowen. Dais then took Sage and Cye. Sekhmet took Kento and White Blaze. Then both Sekhmet and Dais reappeared. It was going to take the two of them to teleport me. Trouble curled around Sekhmet’s arm as he lifted me. Then they concentrated their energy on teleporting me with them.
*Flash*
**** ****
I opened my eyes and saw forest around us.“Now, where do we go?” Kento asked.
“I’m trying to remember,” Sekhmet said as he held me.
I closed my eyes, I felt a strong presence of cobras towards the north.
“That way,” I said pointing towards a path that had a rock shaped like a snake.
“You saw that rock,” Kento said.
I groaned as my head began to hurt.
“No,” I said. “I sense a strong presence of cobras that way.”
“Whoa, she can sense where these snakes are,” Kento said.
“Uhh,” I leaned my head deeper against Sekhmet’s chest as his arms tightened around me.
“Let’s get going,” Sekhmet said as he led the way.
Dais walked right behind just incase something showed up.
We had been walking in the direction I had pointed for a half-hour. Every mile we saw another stone snake on the ground and sometimes in the trees. Fifteen minutes later my armor started blinking on and off.
“Uhh,” I tightened my eyes shut.
“Aleu!” Sekhmet stopped walking. Everyone turned and saw my armor blinking on and off.
“Her armor is disappearing,” Ryo said.
“We have to find that shrine,” Kayura said.
“Ahhh!!!” came Rowen’s scream. “Guys we’ve got a even bigger problem!!”
They all looked up to find a huge, probably about twenty meters long and two meters wide cobra. The cobra’s eyes were directly on me and Sekhmet. Everyone was waiting to see if the cobra would make a move. Sekhmet held me closer as he watched the snake. The snake slithered closer and looked from Sekhmet to me. The others held their weapons in front of them.
“Do not fear me, holders of the armors,” it said.
“It talks,” Kento said.
“It uses telepathy,” Kayura said, as if anyone could guess.
The cobra was watching me. I saw that it had a jewel, like the three I had controlled while still in the dynasty, embedded in its forehead. Its stripes were black and like tiger stripes. Suddenly my armor began to blink harder.
“Ahhh,” I felt like my armor was being torn from me.
“Aleu!” Sekhmet cried.
The cobra looked at me.
“Bring her this way,” the cobra said starting to turn.
“How do we know we can trust this thing,” Kento whispered.
“Follow me,” the cobra said in a louder and more deadly voice.
“We have no choice but to follow,” Ryo said as they followed the cobra.
I was growing weaker and my armor was flashing even more. Sekhmet kept checking to see if my armor was still on. As they continued on, a shrine came into view. It had a green roof and life like statue of a snake on the front steps.
The cobra turned to them, “Enter.”
“I don’t think we should trust it,” Rowen whispered.
“Excuse me,” Cye said. “But who are you.”
The snaked turned to them, “Enter and I shall explain everything.”
“Come on you guys,” Mia said. “We don’t know how long Aleu can keep fighting to keep her armor.”
“Alright,” Ryo said.
They all headed into the shrine. Once inside the doors slammed shut.
“What!” Kento yelled.
“What is this!” Ryo ordered.
“Forgive me, but I couldn’t speak too much outside of the shrine,” the cobra said.
“Who are you?” Cye asked again.
“I am Striker, guardian of the Snake Shrine and of Armor of The Snake,” the cobra said. “Look to the back.”
They all looked and saw a place that looked as if it used to hold armor. There was a kanji of the snake and solitude on the wall.
“There is where The Armor of The Snake had slept until it’s powers were awaken,” Striker said.” I was given the position of guarding it until as legend said the girl who can call on its powers needed it.”
“Aleu!” Everyone turned to Sekhmet. My armor was gone and I was in the green cloth that was under the armor. I was breathing hard and starting to fade somehow.
“Place her on the alter,” Striker said as he slithered to the back and torches lit up showing an alter.
Sekhmet laid me on the alter.
“Now all of you,” Striker said. “Make a circle around her. Concentrate the powers of your virtues on her. It won’t work if even one of you have feelings of doubt.”
Kayura stood aside.
“Lady Kayura,” Striker said. “You must join as well. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a virtue, concentrate the feelings of your friendship through your Star Swords Armor.”
Kayura joined them as the made a circle around the alter. They each glowed their respective colors. Then they concentrated on sending their energy and friendship towards me to help pull me through.
At first I felt a cold breeze surround me and then I felt it:
Virtue from Ryo,
Trust from Cye,
Justice from Kento,
Wisdom from Sage,
Life from Rowen.
Then another group not much different
than the first:
Loyalty from Anubis,
Love from Mia,
Filial Duty from Cale,
Star Power from Kayura,
Serenity from Dais,
And
Obedience from Sekhmet.
Their powers combined and my body began to glow a green light. They watched in amazement until nothing else happened.Trust from Cye,
Justice from Kento,
Wisdom from Sage,
Life from Rowen.
Then another group not much different
than the first:
Loyalty from Anubis,
Love from Mia,
Filial Duty from Cale,
Star Power from Kayura,
Serenity from Dais,
And
Obedience from Sekhmet.
“Why isn’t it working,” Sekhmet said.
“She should be healed,” Mia said. “The poem didn’t mention anything else.”
“Yes, but there is a part the poem does not contain,” Striker said.
“A missing part?” Mia said.
Striker turned to Sekhmet, “Only the one who truly loves her, can bring her out of this state.”
“What do I have to do?” Sekhmet asked.
Striker smiled, that is bared its fangs in a grin, “Look into your heart and you will find the answer.”
Sekhmet looked at me as he closed eyes. Then he knew what he must do. He walked to my side and bent down as his lips touched mine. Suddenly my body glowed brighter and the armor reappeared, this time all of it sparkled brightly. My eyes fluttered open as I looked up at him with a small smile on my face.
“Sekhmet,” I said softly as his arms around me and he lifted me up as he turned towards the others.
“Aleu’s alright,” they yelled.
“Hey girl,” Kento said. “How ya feeling?”
“Ready to kick some Dynasty ass,” I said.
“She’s back,” Sage and Rowen said.
I looked at all of them.
“Thank you,” I said. “All of you.”
“Were glad your back to normal,” Mia said.
I smiled and looked up at Sekhmet. I knew what he had done.
“Thank you Sekhmet,” I said kissing him in front of the others, almost causing him to fall backwards.
A chorus of cheers and whoops came from the Ronins. When we broke apart we didn’t care if the others knew we loved each other. He grinned and kissed me back as another chorus of cheers and whoops came from the Ronins. White Blaze let out a roar. When we broke apart again Sekhmet set me down on my feet. It was then I got a good look at Striker.
“Hello, Aleu,” Striker said.
“Your Striker,” I said.
“Yes,” Striker said.
Striker moved closer, he had something hanging from his fangs. I opened my hands as he dropped it in them. It was a necklace with the symbol of Obedience and Solitude.
“This necklace was created by the love the two of you share,” Striker said. “As long as the love between you is strong, no harm will come to you.”
Sekhmet took it and placed it around my neck. Once it was on the symbols glowed.
Striker began to back up into the darkness.
“Striker what is it?” I asked.
“I was destined to only stay awake until this day,” Striker said. “For over a thousand years I remained awake, I can finally rest.”
“Will I ever see you again?” I asked.
“Maybe, time works in mysterious ways,” Striker said. “I’ll be there when you need my help.”
“Thank you,” Sekhmet said to Striker.
“It was my destiny to help,” Striker said as he began to turn to stone. “Remember you must never doubt your love for each other.”
“Thank you Striker,” I said.
Striker turned his head to the others, “All of you must always have faith in one another and you will succeed.”
Striker was now completely stone. I smiled as I looked at him. I felt strong arms lift me. I turned my head to Sekhmet. I saw happiness and love in his eyes.
“Let’s go home,” he said.
The others all agreed and so we teleported to the place we called home.
**** ****
I sat smiling, watching as the others trained. I was watching because I had just got done training with Sekhmet and I needed a rest before training again.“Hey Aleu, you ready,” Cye said. Kento and him had just got done.
I smiled, “Sure.”
I stood up and faced him. I was in sub-armor because Sekhmet wanted me to train in sub-armor before going on to the weapons. Cye powered down to sub-armor and picked up a pole and tossed one to me.
“Here we go,” he said putting his in front of him as he charged me.
“Bring it on,” I yelled running towards him.
The others stopped when they heard or battle cries.
*Clash*
*Clash*
*Clash*
Cye threw me back but I dug my feet into the ground to stop myself. I stood waiting until he got closer then I did a flip over him. As soon as I was half-way through my flip I twirled bringing my pole downward and knocking his feet out from under him. He caught himself before he hit the ground and flipped around using his pole to knock me backwards. I did a back flip away from him.
“Not bad,” he said.
“”Not bad yourself,” I said. “But I’m just getting started.”
“Same here,” he said as we shot at each other.
*Clash*
*Clash*
*Clash*
I was starting to get annoyed and decided to end it.
“Time to finish this!” I yelled.
I shot at him again but I brought my pole down fast knocking his pole away from him just as I brought my foot up and sent him flying across the yard. Everyone stood staring, speechless at what I just did.
“Whoa,” Kento said.
I stood smiling, twirling my pole, “I said I was going to finish it. He should’ve kept his guard up all the way, I may not be in full armor but I can still fight good.”
“Your telling me,” Rowen said.
“Plus in her sub-armor she’s a lot faster,” Sage said. “And she was already faster than us in full armor.”
“Man she’s good,” Kento said.
Sekhmet smiled as he walked next to me. I smiled and leaned against his shoulder.
“So,” I said grinning with my stance screaming death. “Who’s next.”
The other Ronins looked at each other and zoomed into the house. The Warlords stood laughing.
“I think you scared them,” Sekhmet said.
“My prey doesn’t want to play,” I pouted.
“They’re probably afraid,” Sekhmet said. “Because your definition of play is nearly killing your opponent.”
“Humph,” I turned my back to him folding my arms. “Well it’s not fun when my prey isn’t around.”
The others looked at each other and headed into the house. Sekhmet placed his arms around my waist and we disappeared.
**** ****
We had appeared near the lake again.“We’ll you can’t blame them,” Sekhmet said. “They’re afraid because of how strong you are.”
“Yeah well, your definition of play is being alone,” I said glaring at him.
We sat down next to the tree as I leaned my head on his shoulder. He was grinning at what I had said.
“I don’t recall you complaining,” he said kissing me. His tongue ran along my bottom lip and I parted my lips. His tongue entered my mouth and I met his with mine. He slanted his head slightly deepening the kiss. We breathlessly broke apart and I snuggled closer to him.
I smiled as I looked up at him, “I’ll always love you.”
“And I will never stop loving you,” he said softly. “I’ll love you until the end of time, even longer.”
“I know you will,” I whispered as I fell asleep with his arms around me and my head on his chest.
Chapter 8
I opened my eyes slowly. Sekhmet was still asleep. I smiled as I looked up at the sky. My hand went to the necklace around my neck and I lifted it in front of me. This necklace was created by the love that Sekhmet and I shared. His hand went over mine and the necklace glowed. I looked up at him, he smiled down at me.“Morning, my little love snake,” he said brushing my lips with his.
“Morning yourself, my handsome cobra,” I said kissing him back, our tongues dancing.
I laid a hand on his armored chest as he kissed me. I looked into his eyes when we broke apart.
“We’d better head back,” I said. I tugged on his arm. “The others might be a little worried.”
“Alright,” he said. He stood up and we walked back towards the house.
**** ****
As we were walking into the house we heard yelling from the living room. We walked into the living room and found the Ronins fighting about the playstation. Cale, Kayura, Anubis, Mia, and Dais were sitting watching them.“I won!” Kento yelled. “Oh yeah.”
“You cheated,” Ryo yelled.
“Did not,” Kento said.
“Did too,” Sage said.
“Did not,” Kento said. “Besides there are no cheat codes for this Monster Rancher game.”
“You still found a way to cheat,” Ryo said.
“I don’t need to cheat,” Kento said. “I’m able to beat you without cheating. I can beat anyone at this game.”
“Then try your hand against me,” I said as they turned to me.
Ryo handed me his controller and I sat down. Kento played as Golem again and I played as Tiger. Not even three minutes into the game I had defeated Golem.
“What?” Kento yelled.
“Oh yeah,” Ryo yelled. “She whooped you.”
“I call for a rematch,” Kento said.
“Whatever you say,” I said. We played through a series of twenty times and I beat him every time.
“No way!” Kento yelled.
“Way!” I said to him.
“I challenge you again,” Kento said. “This time you have to use a different character.”
“Bring it on,” I said.
I chose Golem this time and Kento chose Tiger. I beat him another series of ten times.
“Hey Kento, she’s beating you with your own character,” Ryo said laughing.
“I don’t believe this,” Kento yelled.
We played a series of thirty more times, each time I used a different character, Muchi, Hare, Pixi, Swazel, Master Moon, even Holly and Genki.
“No!” Kento yelled as he was defeated for a number of sixty times.
“In your face,” Ryo yelled.
“Oh yeah!” Sage yelled “Aleu rules!”
“Aleu’s the game champion!” Ryo yelled.
I grinned as I stood up and sat back down next to Sekhmet.
“How did you learn to play that good?” Sekhmet asked.
“Before my grandfather died he taught me,” I said. “He was the best game player I had ever seen.”
Everyone turned quiet. I smiled as I saw this.
I shook my head, “I don’t want anyone feeling sorry so quit the silence.”
“Sorry,” the Ronins said as they went back to fighting with Kento.
I smiled as I yawned. I was tired for some reason still.
“Hey Everyone,” Yuli’s voice came from the hallway as the front door closed.
“Hey Yuli,” Ryo said, as Yuli walked in with White Blaze was next to him.
“Did you guys know there is a orange tiger in the yard,” Yuli said.
“What!!” I yelled, I sprang up and was out the door before anyone could recall what just happened. I reached the door and saw the tiger in the yard. The others appeared quickly behind me.
“Stay here,” I said, as I walked onto the lawn. The tiger remained where he was, unmoving. “Why have you come here? I know Tiegar has sent you.”
The tiger grinned a cat-like grin, “You are wise great warrior of snakes. I came before you to make sure you have the request that was sent to you.”
“You can tell Tiegar that I will show and that do know that it is a trap,” I said coldly. “You can also tell him, that if he ever goes near the one I love, that will feel the bite of my fangs.”
The tiger grinned and replied, “a tiger can kill a snake even if bitten.”
“Yes, but a snake’s venom continues to poison even after the bite,” I replied, my eyes as cold as stone.
The tiger grinned once again and disappeared replying, “I will tell him, warrior of snakes.”
My eyes narrowed, “I hope you do.”
“Aleu, who, what..was that?” Kento asked, looking at me. The others were looking at me now too.
“I told you before…” I said, closing my eyes before turning to them. “Like I can call on snakes, Tiegar can call on tigers.”
“So that tiger was here because of Tiegar,” Yuli said.
“Yes, he was delivering Tiegar’s message,” I replied, looking down at the young boy.
“Why go if it’s a trap?” Kento asked confused, “it doesn’t make sense.”
“One, because if I don’t Tiegar will either come here himself or send someone after Sekhmet,” I replied. “Two, I want to teach him a lesson.”
“What lesson would that be?” Ryo asked, petting White Blaze.
“He broke my two main rules,” I said, my eyes turning deadly. “Never mess with my friends and NEVER threaten the on I love, because that really pisses me off.”
The others backed up from me as Kento held up his hands, “you know, you should chill.”
I grinned looking at him, “Would YOU rather fight Tiegar.”
“No way!” Kento yelled, I knew he would say that.
“Then stay quiet,” I said, I knew they were strong but they also had a problem with doubting their own power. “From what I’ve seen, even with the armor of inferno you don’t stand a chance if anyone has doubts about going against them.”
“Hey, we’re with you all the way,” Ryo said, holding up his fist smiling.
“We must remember what Striker said,” Rowen said, “if we believe in each other we will succeed.”
I suddenly remembered something, “hey White Blaze, come here.” White Blaze cane up to me, and I put a black band around his neck.”
“What is that for?” Yuli asked curiously.
“Tiegar can control tigers,” I replied, gently rubbing the hair around the band. “This band will keep White Blaze from being controlled.”
“So it’s a protection band,” Rowen said, a hand on his chin.
“Yes,” I stood up, “it’ll keep Tiegar’s power from affecting him.” I stretched and my arms as they looked up.
“Aleu,” I turned to Rowen, “there’s two weeks and five days until a full moon.”
I turned silent as I looked up at the sky, “Very Well.” I looked towards the south, keeping my face straight. “Then I’ll finish this.”
“And all of us are with you,” Ryo said, everyone else nodded as well.
I smiled, Sekhmet came next to me. I leaned my head on his shoulder as he put an arm around my waist. Suddenly a large explosion sounded from nowhere. We all turned towards the sound, half the trees near the forest were gone.
“Hahaha,” came a cold laugh, “hello Aleu.” I pulled myself from Sekhmet’s arms and turned towards the voice.
“What do you want Fiore?” I growled, my eyes turning cold. Fiore appeared in the clearing, he was in full armor.
“Tiegar isn’t pleased,” Fiore said, smiling a cold smile. “He has nearly blown up the entire Dynasty grounds.”
“What are you here,” I growled again. He saw that I was getting defensive and looked at Sekhmet smirking.
“I am forbidden by Tiegar to go after you or that bastard traitor behind you,” he replied, his eyes taken on a red/orange glow. “However, I can do what I want to the others.” I stiffened because I knew who he had called a bastard, my eyes began to glow.
“Never…insult the one I love or my friends,” I hissed, “Armor of the Snake!” My armor appeared and I pulled out my swords. Sekhmet and the others called on their armors.
“Aleu, you aren’t strong enough to fight him on your own,” Sekhmet said, placing a hand on my shoulder. I looked at him, our eyes locking. I sighed and nodded, we all turned to Fiore and took our battle stances.
“Well, seems we can start,” Fiore said, he raised his arm towards us. “Phoenix Winged Blast!” Phoenix wings of fire shot at us, I stayed where I was.
“Snake Venom Slash!” I shouted as Sekhmet yelled, “Snake Fang Strike!” The attack combined and Fiore’s attack was stopped.”
“Damn it!” Fiore yelled, “You’ll Pay!
“Give us your best shot!” I yelled, Fiore clenched his teeth. Fire was blazing in his eyes, and I knew that he was pissed.
“Phoenix Flame Blast!” he shouted as balls of fire shot at us. They were quick and powerful, I dodged most but got hit by a couple.
“Aleu, are you alright!” Sekhmet yelled, I turned and saw he had a few charred spots on his armor. Other than that he was fine.
“Yeah!” I yelled back, “what about the others?!”
“We’re fine!” Mia yelled, I looked at the others. Their armor was pretty charred and their faces smudged, but they were alright.
“It’s our turn now!” Ryo yelled.
“Wildfire Flare Up Now!”
“Arrow Shock Wave!”
“Iron Rock Crusher!”
“Super Wave Smasher!”
“Thunder Bolt Cut!”
The five Ronin attacks combined and hit Fiore head on. When the smoke cleared Fiore stood in a crater. The armor on his arms were gone, and part of his chest plate was gone. His helmet laid on the ground in pieces with his blondish red hair lying on his shoulders. There was blood on his armor and a cut that ran down his cheek, and some blood on his mouth. He lifted his hand and wiped the blood away from his mouth. His eyes narrowed as he looked at it. When he looked up, our eyes locked, his eyes screamed death.
I met his look with my own, “You can tell Talpa I will never return to the dynasty.” I aimed my sword at him and closed my eyes. My sword began to glow, as my hair lifted into the air. I locked my eyes won Fiore, my eyes turning cold.
“Cobra Fang of Death!” I shouted and a glowing blast shaped like a snake’s fang shot at Fiore. A huge explosion followed, when the smoke cleared Fiore was no where to be seen.
“Yeah!” Kento yelled, “We Won!”
“It’s over,” I said, the looked at me and saw I was looking at the sky. They looked up and there was Fiore shaking with anger.
“Fiore, I told you to leave Aleu and that fucking warlord of venom to me,” came Tiegar’s voice. Tiegar appeared on the ground near the trees, he looked over at us. His eyes were looking past me, I turned my head and saw that him and Sekhmet had promises of death in their eyes. I looked quickly at Tiegar, Fiore landed next to him.
“We’re to report to Master Talpa?” Fiore asked, sheathing his sword.
“No,” Tiegar said, breaking the death glare with Sekhmet and turning to Fiore. “I had given direct orders to only fight the Ronins.”
“I never back down from a fight,” Fiore growled, “I fight who ever challenges me.”
“Return to the dynasty,” Tiegar ordered.
“This isn’t over,” Fiore growled at the Ronins then disappeared. Tiegar turned and looked directly at Sekhmey. Terror filled me as I watched the anger in Tiegar’s eyes. If I didn’t do something to Sekhmet.
“Cobra Tail Attack!” I shouted as my swords changed and a whip came from them, I shot forward.
Tiegar stood where he was, he waited until I was closer then brought his armored claw up, “Reflection Claw!”
I dodged it, jumping to the side. He spun around bringing his fist up, then he punched me in the chest, hard. Blood fell from mouth as I felt like the breath had been knocked out of me. I dropped my swords as I wrapped my arms around myself falling to my knees.
“Aleu!” Sekhmet yelled, shooting forward. Tiegar looked up and jumped away as Sekhmet landed beside me. Sekhmet’s arms wrapped around me as he looked at Tiegar with anger burning in his eyes. He was tempted to attack Tiegar then and there. Tiegar returned the look with a look of stone, then he disappeared. Sekhmet quickly turned back to me, the others ran over to us. He undid my helmet and pulled it off so I could breathe better. I gasped for air as he removed my helmet. I still had my arms wrapped around myself because my chest still hurt.
“Are you alright?” he asked worriedly.
“I’m alright,” I said as he helped me stand, he placed an arm around my waist to hold me up.
“Why did Tiegar stop Fiore?” Yuli asked.
“He’s up to something,” Kento said, I looked to where Tiegar had been. I knew why he had stopped Fiore, but why was he trying so hard to convince me to go back. He knew I would never go back willingly.
“Aleu?” Mia asked, I didn’t hear her. I continued to stare at the place where Tiegar had been.
I jumped when I felt a hand touch my shoulder, it was Sekhmet, “What’s wrong Aleu?”
I shook my head to clear it, “it’s nothing.” I looked at him, a small smile on my face. Our eyes locked, he knew I was lying. He could tell I was scared, my mask couldn’t fool him as it did with the others.
“Let’s go inside,” Mia said to the others.
I closed my eyes and my armor disappeared. I was a black tank and blue jeans. The others headed into the house, I started to follow when I noticed Sekhmet wasn’t. I turned to him and saw he was looking at the sky. I frowned and walked over to him, I placed a hand on his cheek. His head turned as he looked into my eyes. His eyes held worry and fear. I felt pain in my heart seeing him like this. I stepped closer as I placed my head on his chest, his arms wrapped around my waist as he pulled me closer. His chin leaned on my head as he held me against him. I closed my eyes as I pressed against him, his had hand stroking my hair.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The others had just walked into the living room when they noticed two people were missing. Kayura smiled when she looked out the window and silently motioned to the others. They smiled when they saw Sekhmet and me standing out in the yard. I had my head on his chest and his chin was leaning on my head, his hand was stroking my hair. They grinned and moved away from the window and sat down.“What do we do now?” Cye asked.
“It seems Tiegar is not going to fight until Shaded Valley Battle,” Ryo said.
“Yes, he only knocked the breath out of Aleu, instead of continuing to fight,” Rowen stated.
“Yes, and it seems he’s taken care of Fiore,” Kento said, “He’s forbidden Fiore from coming back until the main battle.”
“Seems we have two weeks of peace,” Rowen said, “we should use this time to train.” Yuli sat in the middle of the floor lying on White Blaze’s side.
“Why was Tiegar so mad at Sekhmet?” Yuli asked, “Sekhmet didn’t do anything to him.” The others turned silent, they couldn’t tell him, he was only six.
“It’s because…” Kento started, but was stopped when Cye and Rowen put a hand over his mouth.
“He’s mad at us too,” Rowen said quickly.
“Because we freed Aleu,” Ryo said.
“Oh,” Yuli said.
“Yuli, why don’t you feed White Blaze today,” Mia said, “then you can go and play.”
“Ok!” Yuli said, as he ran into the kitchen with White Blaze.
Mia sighed, “Kento, Yuli’s too young to know everything that’s going on.”
“I forgot,” Kento said, everyone groaned at the bearer of Hardrock.
“Kong no baka,” Dais said, arms crossed.
“Shut up!” Kento yelled at him, “Spiderman.” Dais growled, he was getting annoyed with that name.
“Kento stop it,” Mia said sternly as Kento sat back, Rowen looked out the window.
“They’re gone,” he said quickly.
“Hopefully they won’t get into trouble,” Mia said, the three warlords looked at each other.
“I don’t know about that,” Dais said, “Sekhmet’s been known to cause trouble when he’s angry.”
“Hopefully with Aleu with him he won’t do anything,” Anubis said.
“Aleu doesn’t exactly control her anger either,” Cale said.
“This is going to be a long day,” Dais said, “I hope Aleu keeps him out of trouble. He nearly pissed Talpa off back in the dynasty, when he was in a bad mood and destroyed Talpa’s throne.
“He destroyed Talpa’s throne,” Ryo said, Cale nodded and the Ronins fell to the ground laughing.
“I’d love to have seen Talpa’s face when he found his throne gone,” Kento laughed, the warlords winced.
“It’s funny afterwards,” Dais said, “it was funny then.”
“All four of us were punished,” Cale said, he shivered at the memory.
“I think with Aleu around he won’t do anything,” Kayura said.
“Hopefully,” Dais replied.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I turned my head slightly to look at Seckhmet. His eyes were looking straight ahead, his face set in a frown. I let my head drop to where my eyes dropped to our linked hands. I squeezed his hand a little and looked back up at him. He continued to face forward, I dropped my head. I watched the ground, still keeping pace with him we had been walking for a half-hour but he didn’t seem to notice. I sighed, I was starting to get tired. I closed my eyes dropping my shoulders. Sekhmet watched me out of the corner of his eyes, he felt guilty about making me walk so long after using all my energy up in the battle. The clearing came into view, he stopped as we reached it.“We can rest here,” he said, turning to me. He watched as I jumped when he spoke. I looked up at him, he looked into my eyes and saw worry. He realized that the was worry for him. He placed a hand on my arms and pulled me lightly as I stepped forward.
“What is it?’ I whispered. He looked into my eyes, he felt his throat turn. I watched him, he was having trouble with something…maybe if I told what was bothering with me, he’d tell what was bothering him.
“When you asked me what was wrong before,” I dropped my eyes. “I lied, I was scared. I was scared when I saw anger in your eyes, I was afraid you were going to attack Tiegar and get yourself…killed.”
Sekhmet watched as I closed my eyes and saw a small tear drop down my cheek. His eyes softened and he placed a hand on my cheek. He didn’t like see me cry. I opened my eyes and looked up at him.
“Don’t cry,” he whispered, wiping the tears away. I closed my eyes as I tried to calm myself. It was no use, my emotions were coming out all at once. He placed an arm around me and pulled me closer. My eyes opened when I felt his lips brush over mine. I looked up at him, his held mixed emotions.
“Please stop crying,” he whispered again.
“Something’s bothering you, what is it?” I chocked out. I saw different emotions pass through his eyes. “…please…”
He looked deep into my eyes, looking slightly at the clearing, “I’m fine.”
“No you’re not,” I snapped shaking my head. “Like you can feel my emotions, I can feel yours.” He looked back at me and saw me holding the necklace. He sighed and placed his hand over mine, the necklace began to glow.
“What emotions can you feel from me?” he asked, I looked up at him shocked at first. Then I narrowed my eyes when I saw that slightly sly grin, he was joking again.
“Anger, confusion, sadness,…love,” I looked into his eyes. “And…jealousy.” he flinched as I sad that, I smiled, so that’s it he was jealous. He watched as I smiled.
“What would make feel jealous?” I asked slyly. He looked at me, his eyes narrowing. I placed my hand on his cheek as I turned serious. “Sekhmet, you’re the only one I love and will always have my love. I would never betray the love we share.”
“I know,” he said, letting himself show his emotions. He had always known, but he had need to it hear it from me.
I smiled, tears brimmed my eyes. I closed my eyes as he bent down catching my lips with his. I parted my lips, meeting his tongue with mine. He pulled me closer against him, one arm going around my waist, his other hand sliding through my hair to my neck. My arms snaked up his chest going around his neck. Suddenly a noise of a tree branch breaking started us out of our embrace. Sekhmet moved me behind him as a shadow dropped from the trees.
“Hello,” Kento said, the others appeared down the path.
“Kento,” came Kayura’s voice, “we told you to leave them alone.” She looked at Sekhmet and me and saw our faces were turning slightly red.
“Hardrock,” I growled, my eyes turning deadly.
“Yes,” he said, looking at me. “Ahh!” He yelled as he saw the anger burning in my eyes.
“You better start running,” I began to glow as Kento’s eyes went wide. Quick as lightning I was on his heels.
“Armor of the Snake!” I shouted as I held my hands in front of me as a bow appeared. “Venom Whip Striker!” The arrow shot at him as it turned into a rope and wrapped around Kento’s ankles, knocking him to the ground. The energy around me disappeared as I powered down my armor.
“Oh Trouble,” I said, as Trouble slithered down from the tree branch above onto my shoulders.
“Ssssssss….” Trouble hissed lazily, I lifted him up at placed him next to Kento.
“Have fun you two,” I said, as I turned around and headed back to the others.
“Please don’t do this to me!” Kento yelled, after I had walked over to the others.
“What’d you do?” Sekhmet asked, eyeing me.
“I didn’t do anything,” I said, acting as innocent as I could.
Sekhmet’s arms went around my waist, “playing innocent won’t work.” I glared at him, mostly for using my own words against me.
“I left him to play with Trouble,” I said, smiling.
“Hhhhheeeellllllpppp!!” came Kento’s yell.
“Aleu,” Sekhmet warned.
“What?” I said, cocking my head to one side and putting on my best innocent face. The others laughed at seeing my innocent look, Sekhmet crossed his arms.
“Alright!” I growed, “Trouble!”
“Sssss…” Trouble slithered away from Kento.
“Guys help me,” Kento whined.
“You should have listened to Kayura and Mia,” Sage said. Cye went to undo the ropes, but as he touched them he jumped.
“Man,” he said, “what are these made of?”
“Venom,” I answered, looking over at them. “After all, my attacks have to do with snakes.”
“Get them off!” Kento yelled.
“Hold still you baka, or the poison will burn through your skin,” I said, watching how the ropes were tightening from his struggling. I walked over and placed a finger on the ropes. “Power that was released, return to me,” my hand glowed as the ropes disappeared.
“You’re lucky I’m not pissed just angry or the venom would have burned through your skin,” I growled, standing up. “It would burn like hell, even with me being able to heal it.”
“You can heal poison wounds?” Cye asked, apparently they didn’t know that.
“Yeah, so should the Armor of Venom,” I said, looking over at Sekhmet.
“Wait a second, not even a few days ago you hardly knew anything bout your armor, and now it’s like you’ve worn it as long as these guys,” Kento said, pointing at the Warlords. I didn’t look at him, I kept my eyes towards a different direction.
“If I may ask,” Mia started, “how is that?”
I looked at the ground, “I’ve been having visions about my armor, every once in a while.”
“Seems two of your armor’s features are being revealed, visions and knowledge,” Mia said. “Being able to know things even those older than you do not.”
“I guess, but I’ve always been able to have visions,” I said shrugging. “Even in my world, it’s because I’m a psychic.” Five sets of jaws dropped, everyone fell silent.
“You’re…a…Psy…Psychic?” ; Kento started, I looked towards where the sun was starting to drop.
“Yes,” I replied, looking back at them. “It was because of my powers, along with how I look, that I was on my own in my world. Everyone feared the powers I possessed.” I realized what I was saying and quickly shut my mouth, turning to face the forest. “But that’s over now, the only thing that matters is taking out Talpa.” I turned to them with a look of determination.
“Talpa’s going down right!” Yuli yelled happily, his outburst took the tension out of the air.
“That’s right kid,” Kento said smiling, White Blazed roared his agreement.
Mia looked at her watch, “it’s just about time for dinner. How about we go out for dinner?”
Suddenly an idea entered my head, “I’ll treat everyone at the Shadra Café.”
“Aleu, we can’t let you do that,” Mia said, “you’re our guest.”
“It’s not a problem, I know someone…who works there,” I said, “besides White Blaze can come too, because this is no ordinary restaurant.”
“What kind of restaurant is it?” Yuli asked.
“It’s the Shadral Café,” I said, “it’s sort of…far…but we can get there by teleporting.”
“Aleu you can’t teleport of us,” Rowen said.
“I’m not the one that’s going to do the teleporting,” I said, I pulled out a diamond shape bracelet. “This bracelet is going to take us there.” We formed a circle, I closed my eyes and concentrated on the image of the place we were going.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“Whao,” Yuli said, as we appeared in front of a shack-like place. The roof was reddish black and in the middle was a sign that read Shadra Café.“Wow, look,” Yuli said, pointing to a large black wolf and reddish coyote. They were sitting outside of the café’s doors, guarding it.
“Come on,” I said, leading them up to the doors. The others followed, but as we reached the door I stopped.
“Aleu, what is it?” Ryo asked, wondering why I had stopped.
“Whatever you do, watch your backs in this place if there is anything suspicious,” I told them. They looked at each other and nodded. As we entered they all gasped, it looked like an old fashion bar from the medieval times. They followed me to a large booth that was next to three other open ones. Mia, Anubis, Cale, and Kayura sat at one with Sekhmet and I. While the Ronins sat in the other two with Yuli. White Blaze sat beside us.
“What kind of place is this?” Kento asked looking around.
“A place for warriors of all kinds,” I said, as we looked around. “Warriors from all over came here.”
“How did you know about this place?” Cye asked, it was obvious the Ronins liked it.
“…Tiegar..brought me here during training,” I answered as waiter with short brown hair and a dark blue dress came over.
“Good evening,” she said, handing us some menus. “I’m Karina and I’ll be your server.”
“Hey Karina,” I said, as her eyes lit up cause she recognized me.
“Aleu!” she cried hugging me.
“Hey girl, how you’ve been?” I asked, as she sat down with us.
“As good as you can be in this place,” Karina said, watching a couple fights at the other end of the room.
“Sounds like a typical day here,” I said, sitting back down next to Sekhmet.
She turned to me, “where have you been girl. I was starting to get worried that something had happened to you. And there’s a rumor going around that you took off on Talpa.”
“I did,” I said, eyeing those that were looking our way.”
“What happened?” she asked, “he didn’t try to harm you did he?”
“The only thing he did was brainwash me,” I said coldly, “I left because I don’t belong on their side.”
“Nobody does,” Karina said, looking all of us over. “Talpa’s a fool, he’s even been giving Kent a hard time. We thought he’d attack this place.”
“Not his style,” I said, looking at her.
“No his, yes,” Karina started, there was something she had to say. “But, I should warn you…”
“Warn me about what?” I asked watching her closely.
“Tiegar’s been here,” she said, I narrowed my eyes. “He keeps coming here towards the night and ends up getting drunk.”
“That’s not like him…” I said, as I looked away.
“He doesn’t seem to be himself lately, and he keeps getting into fights while he’s here and muttering about you a lot,” Karina said worriedly. “Did something happen between you two, you two used to be so close. You hardly ever fought.”
“That was the past,” I answered, I didn’t want to talk about it. “I wouldn’t go near that bastard while he’s working for Talpa even if he was dying.”
“Aleu he’s hurting!” Karina cried shocked. “He’s not how he used to be, he comes in here and gets drunk. He picks fights with nearly everyone in here and he always freezes up whenever your name is mentioned.”
“Not my problem,” I said, keeping my eyes away from hers.
“Aleu!” Karina yelled at me.
“Look I’m not helping and that’s final,” I hissed coldly.
“What’s happen to you,” Karia said sadly, “you weren’t this cruel under Talpa.”
“Things changed,” I stated, but my fist was clenched. “I’ve changed, I no longer follow Talpa’s nor Tiegar’s orders.”
“Aleu, you’re willing to kill him,” Karina whispered, everyone was now looking at me.
“I will do what is necessary,” I said, crossing my arms and closing my eyes. “If it comes to that point then…I will kill, if I must.”
“Aleu, you may have changed,” Karina said, starting to stand up. “But I know for a fact you could never kill Tiegar, no matter what happened. Good day, my shift is over, Kent will bring your food.” She looked back at me, “remember what I said Aleu.” I frowned as she walked away.
“Aleu, are you alright?” Yuli asked, the others noticed the look of pure hatred I was giving Karina.
“Just fined,” I said, as I saw Kento coming over with two large trays of food. He was a rather tall blue haired warrior, but not too muscular.
“Hello Aleu,” he said, placing the trays down on the tables.
“Kent,” I said, inclining my head. He placed plates of food in front of everyone. Then he pulled up a seat and sat down.
“You got into a fight with Karina again,” he stated, not surprised.
“She told you,” I replied, eating a little of the food on my plate.
“Aleu, she was right,” he said softly, “I know you know that you could never kill anyone, let alone Tiegar.”
“At one time maybe,” I said, closing my eyes. “But he’s done something I won’t tolerate.”
“He threatened your lover,” Kent said, my fork fell to the ground as I started choking. Sekhmet quickly hit my back.
“Who…told…you…that?” I chocked out at Kent.
“Anyone with eyes can see it, plus Fiore’s spread the word around as well,” Kent said, shrugging his shoulders. “Everyone knows that you chose the warlord of venom instead of Tiegar.”
“Shit!!” I yelled, slamming head against the table. “Does…”
“Saran know,” Kent finished for me. “Yes, he does, you’ve made yourself a lot of enemies chosing the warlord of venom.” he looked at Sekhmet who had an arm around my waist.
“I don’t care how many enemies I made I made from my choice,” I said calmly. “I’ve made my choice and don’t regret it.” Kent smiled slightly, and when the restaurant door opened.
“Welcome…”he stopped in his greeting when he saw who it was. It was…Tiegar.
“Aleu!” Tiegar cried seeing us, shock clearly on his face.
“Tiegar,” I said, I stood up straining my senses to try to sense if there was any danger. We stood still, everyone completely frozen for a good few minutes. Fiore walked in as well and froze when he saw us.
“Shadran, Shade,” he started, as two soldiers appeared, “Capture them!”
“Stop!” Tiegar ordered, holding out his hand. “We don’t fight until the battle.”
“I have special orders from Talpa,” Fiore replied, walking past Tiegar. “Should I run into them, I am to capture them on the spot.”
“What?!” Teigar yelled, as the soldier Shadran came at me.
I narrowed my eyes, “Fiore, you should know better than to send your lackeys after me.” My eyes blazed as I raised my hand to the air. “Armor of the Snake!” I shouted as my armor appeared. I raised my sword as sparkling venom dripped from it. I twirled my swords as I shouted, “Sparkling Venom Slash!”
“Arh!” Venom splashed over the soldier, but the soldier called Shade appeared in front of me.
“What?!” I managed to shout as a fist came out of nowhere and sent me flying through the tables. My head slammed into the table as I collapsed.
“Good work,” Fiore said, smirking happily. “Now get her and let’s return to Master Talpa.”
“Aleu,” Tiegar gasped, as the soldiers walked towards me. Before they could reach me, Sekhmet stepped in front of them. Flames were burning in his eyes.
“Armor of Venom!” he shouted, his armor appeared as he held his swords in front of him. “Snake like Venom!”
“Dynasty Blast!” the soldiers shouted at the same time, Sekhmet was sent flying.
“Aleu! Sekhmet!” the others yelled, they started to run towards us.
Fiore stepped in front of them “sorry, but I can’t let you interfere.”
“You bastard,” Kayura hissed, Fiore raised an eyebrow and the bold warrior. He turned towards the soldiers.
“Master Fiore, what do we do with the warlord?” Shade asked.
“Talpa has a dept to pay,” Fiore said, waving a hand. “Bring him as well.”
“You’re doing nothing of the sort!” Ryo yelled, as he and the others moved towards the soldiers.
“Oh really,” Fiore said, “I have something you can’t fight.” He held up an orange and red gem necklace. Then he said something in another language and a mist moved towards the others.
“What the..?!” Kento yelled, as the smoke surrounded them. He slowly fell to his knees as soon as he had inhaled.
“Sleep Mist!!” Anubis yelled, as he held Mia close to him. They began to cough, trying to fight the smoke. However, it was no use, as soon as they inhaled even a small bit of the smoke they began to fall. They were close to unconscious as they continued try to stay awake. Cale soon was the only who was still slightly conscious to what was happening around him.
“Perfect,” Fiore laughed, as she watched them fall one by one. “Go ahead and fight it, but your no longer any trouble.” He turned to his soldiers, looking at his captured victims. “Now let’s return to Master Talpa, he will be most pleased.”
Tiegar looked around from the others towards Fiore. Some how, for some reason, he felt a strong pain inside his heart as he watch the soldiers lift me. He turned to Fiore and watched as the soldiers began leaving, not knowing what he should do. Something inside was telling him to do something.
“Are you coming?” Fiore said coldly, Fiore turned and disappeared into the darkness with the soldiers.
“Argh!!!” Tiegar roared, as he slammed his fist through a table. “Damn You Fiore!!” He growled holding his fist in front of him, his hands shook with anger. He closed his eyes snarling before disappearing as well.
Chapter 9
Sekhmet groaned at the pounding in his head, he felt like he had been in the head by Hardrock. The last thing he remembered was being hit with the two dynasty soldiers attacks.“It’s bout time you awoke,” came Fiore’s voice. Sekhmet’s eyes flew opened, he realized he was chained to the wall in Talpa’s throne room. Talpa sat on his throne with Fiore and Tiegar kneeling before him.
“Where’s Aleu!” Sekhmet snarled, he was worried cause he didn’t see me at all. What had those bastards done with me.
“I’d worry more about yourself than her,” Fiore said, walking in front of him.
“WHERE IS SHE?!” Sekhmet roared, struggling against the chains.
Fiore narrowed his eyes, “she’s currently enjoying the hospitality of the dynasty dungeons.”
“If you harm you, I’ll kill you!” Sekhmet snarled, fist tightening against the chains.
“You’re in no position to be making threats,” Fiore snarled at him. “Warlord of Venom.”
“Enough,” Talpa said, eyes glowing a red before turning back to the dark depths. “You have something I want Sekhmet. Give me the armor of venom!”
“Never,” Sekhmet snarled, “I would never give it to you Talpa.”
“Then watch as the one you love suffers!” Talpa yelled, “Fiore!”
“Yes, Master Talpa,” Fiore opened his hand as a orb appeared. The orb grew till it was the size of a large mirror. A image of me appeared, I was chained in the dynasty dungeon, surrounded by lava-like ooze. Nether spirits surrounded me, Sekhmet realized it was the same as the dream I had had. He had promised that it would never happen to me, that Talpa would never capture me again.
“No…” he whispered, clenching his fist tightly.
Fiore smirked evilly as the orb moved closer to Sekhmet, “watch closely, because it’s the last you’ll see of her.” Sekhmet watched as I started to wake, horror filling him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“Uhhh…” I slowly opened my eyes, my head was killing me. I started to move when I felt like something was holding me back. I realized that chains were wrapped around my wrists, ankles, and neck.“No…” I whispered, “not here…this can’t be real…” My eyes widened in horror as I realized…my nightmare had come true.
“So, you’ve finally awakened,” a voice said, it sounded familiar.
“You’re the one who sent me the dream!” I growled angrily. “Weren’t you?!”
“That’s correct,” the voice replied, “you’re smarter than you look.”
“I resent that,” I hissed, my temper growing.
“My apologies,” the voice said, sounding amused.
“Bullshit!” I snarled, eyes glowing in anger.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“Your girl’s got quite the vocabulary,” Talpa said, amused. “Quite a spitfire.” Sekhmet ignored him, as he continued to watch the screen.~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“Since you already know what’s going to happen,” the voice started, “then let’s get started.”My eyes widened as the ooze began to lift towards me. I began to panic, struggling and pulling against the chains. The ooze continue to lift higher.
“Struggle all you want,” the voice laughed, “you won’t break free.”
“…Sekhmet…” I choked out, as tears began to fill my eyes. Where was he, what happened, he had promised that this wouldn’t happen to me.
“Your precious lover can’t save you,” the voice sounded even more amused. “Master Talpa’s personally watching him.”
“Asshole,” I hissed at the voice.
“Why thank you,” the voice smiled, well it sounded like the voice was smiling. “I’ll enjoy hearing your painful cries.”
I clenched my lips together, I didn’t want to give him the pleasure of hearing my screams. The ooze began to lift higher, my entire body tensing as my fears began to grow the closer the ooze got. Suddenly the ooze shot up and surrounded me, covering my armor. I bit my lip to keep from screaming, my eyes clenching shut. Blood dripped from my lips, as tears fell from my eyes. The pain began to grow and grow, like electricity shooting through me.
“You know you can’t it,” the voice laughed, “you want to scream. The pain is so strong, that you just want to scream. You feel like you’re being torn apart, very muscle in your body is in pain. The pain will continue to grow, the more you fight it, the worse it’ll be. Scream, scream, good and loud.”
“No…no…never…” I choked, while biting my lip, tears streaming down. Suddenly the pain intensified a hundred fold, I couldn’t take it anymore. I screamed as tears flew from my eyes.
“Yes, that’s it, scream!” the voice yelled, “how I enjoy hearing your pain.” My screams grew as the pain continued to intensify. “Scream, soon your armor will be my Master’s. Then he will defeat the traitor warlords and your precious love.”
“Sek…h…met…!!!” I screamed as suddenly my armor felt like it was being ripped from my body. My armor disappeared, appearing above me. “N..noo…” My eyes closed as my entire body went limp, all that remained was the cloth-like dress that I wore under the armor.
“Master Talpa will be please,” the voice cackled.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Talpa laughed demonically, “now her armor will be mine.” Tiegar stood frozen on the spot, my cries could be heard all the way to the throne room, loudly.“I hoped you enjoyed her cries, because we did,” Fiore smirked, watching Sekhmet. “And after your promised her that nothing would happen to her.”
“Fucking bastards!!” Sekhmet snarled, rage burning his eyes. His body shook with rage as he pulled at the chains that were holding him.
“Master Talpa,” came the voice from the dungeons. “I have the armor’s orb.” A shadowed figure appeared before them, holding the orb of the armor of the snake.
“Give it to me,” Talpa said, as the figure placed it in Talpa’s hand. “At last, now I must capture the other armors.” Talpa waved his hand and the orb transferred to the treasure room in a glass case, a energy shield appearing around it.
“I’m going to rest,” Talpa said standing, “I do not to want to be disturbed.”
“Yes, milord,” Fiore said, bowing as Talpa disappeared. He turned to Sekhmet, his smirk growing. “Try however hard you want, you won’t break free.”
“When I get free, I’ll kill you!” Sekhmet snarled. Fiore only laughed and turned away.
“Shade, Shadran,” Fiore ordered, as the two soldiers appeared. “Take Aleu to my chambers.”
“Yes sir,” the soldiers disappeared.
Sekhmet’s anger grew out of control, “if you touch her I’ll rip you apart!!!!!”
“I’ll be sure to remember that,” Fiore mused, still smirking as he headed out of the throne room. “After I’ve had my fun.”
“FUCKING ASSHOLE!! I’LL KILL YOU!!!” Sekhmet roared as he pulled hard at the chains. He could Fiore’s laugh moving down the hall.
“You won’t break the chains that way on your own,” Tiegar said, Sekhmet’s head turned as he glared at Tiegar. He ignored Tiegar and continued to power up his armor, his anger fueling his power.
“It doesn’t matter how much you power up,” Tiegar said, walking in front of him. He pulled out a rusty looking key. “You need the key for those chains.” Tiegar unlocked one of Sekhmet’s chains, which was a mistake.
Sekhmet’s hand wrapped quickly around Tiegar’s throat, choking him, “what are you planning?”
“I’m…doing this…for Aleu…” Tiegar chocked out as best as he could. “I know…she’ll never…love me…I can see…how strong her love…for you is…I’d never be able to…get her to love me…like she does you…” Sekhmet growled and released him, Tiegar did sound sincere. Tiegar choked as he rubbed his throat.
“If you try anything, I’ll kill you along with Fiore,” Sekhmet hissed coldly, meaning every word.
“…I don’t plan on it,” Tiegar said, releasing Sekhmet from the other chains. “Aleu’s in trouble and only you can save her. I’ll get the orb before Talpa awakens.” Sekhmet watched then growled nodding, he sensed that Tiegar wasn’t lying.
“Very well, but remember my warning,” Sekhmet hissed, “and you will pay for everything you’ve done.”
“I know…” Tiegar said closing his eyes, then he pointed down the left hall. “Fiore’s chambers are that way, hurry.” Sekhmet wasted no time in taking off down the hall. Tiegar watched before turning and disappearing.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Fiore opened the door to his chambers, he smirked when he walked towards his bed. Where I had been chained, only clothed in the cloth-like dress. He raised his hand to my cheek, a deadly smirk on his face. Then he noticed the necklace around my neck. He pulled at it as he looked, the symbol of solitude and obedience (piety) was on it. The chain wouldn’t break, he growled but smirked as I started to awake.“Uhh…” I slowly opened my eyes, my body painfully still hurting. I felt something soft under me, fear filled me as I realized where I was.
“Hello, my dear,” Fiore smirked, as he ran a hand along my cheek and neck. I snapped at his hand, despite how week I felt.
“Don’t touch me you fucking bastard,” I snarled, my head pounded worst. Fiore’s eyes narrowed and before I knew it he was on top of me. I struggled uncontrollable, trying to knock him off.
“Get off me,” I snarled, he used his knees to force me to stay still.
“I don’t think I will,” he smirked, “I wonder how your lover would react to seeing this.” I growled, but suddenly the door was blasted off it’s hinge. Sekhmet burst through the doorway.
“Sekhmet!” I yelled, “help!!” Sekhmet’s eyes blazed red at seeing Fiore on top of me. He shot forward but was knocked into the wall as a shield wrapped around the bed.
Fiore shook his finger as he ran a hand down my body, “I’m not finished with her. You’ll just have to stay there and watch.” Sekhmet’s anger began to grow and grow as he began punching the sehild.
“What’s the matter, don’t like seeing me touch her,” Fiore smirked, as he moved his hand down my body. His eyes on Sekhmet, watching the rage that was burning in Sekhmet’s eyes. “Now what if I did this…” Fiore’s hand moved under the cloth dress.
My eyes widened a I began to struggle against the chains, “get your hands off me!!”
Sekhmet’s rage became uncontrollable, “don’t touch her!!!!”
Fiore smirked, then raised his hand up. I stiffened as I felt it just inches away from my center. Then I did the only thing I could to make him let of me, I sank my teeth into his arm between the armor. Fiore roared in anger as he knocked me beside the head. Sekhmet’s rage fueled his armor as he slammed his fist through the shield, shattering it. He sent his snake fang strike at Fiore.
“What the…” Fiore tried to get out of the way but was slammed into the wall. He was knocked as soon as his head it the stone wall.
“Sekhmet,” I choked out as he used his swords to slice through the chains. His arms wrapped tightly around me, holding me against him, he quickly looked me over.
“Are you alright,” he asked, as he checked for any wounds.
I shook my head, chocking through tears, “my entire body feels like it’s on fire. As if it was being torn apart from the inside.”
Sekhmet held me tightly against him, his forehead leaning against mine, “forgive me.” I looked up at him. “I wasn’t able to protect you, I had promised you that Talpa wouldn’t capture you, I failed.” He bent his head and my eyes widen as tears dropped down his face.
I placed a hand on his cheek as he looked back at me, “there was no way you could have kept Talpa from capturing me. You didn’t fail me, because you’re here now.”
He held me tightly against him, thanking god I was still alive. My necklace began to glow, we looked at it as the wound on the back of Sekhmet’s head and the cut on my cheek healed. Sekhmet lifted me up as I looked up at him.
“Let’s get you out of here,” he said, I nodded, I wanted out of that room too.” We went passed the unconscious Fiore, Sekhmet kicked him before walking out the door.
Sekhmet headed towards the throne room, as we entered so did Tiegar. I hissed as I saw him, tensing up. Sekhmet eyes him and held me tighter.
“Don’t worry, I’m not on Talpa’s side anymore,” Tiegar said, holding up my armor’s orb. But as he walked over I hissed and growled at him.
He stepped back, “…guess I deserved that…”
“Damn right,” I hissed, my eyes flashing.
“We don’t have time for this,” Sekhmet growled, looking around. Talpa’s roar sounded throughout the palace. Sekhmet held me tighter, looking around for a way out.
“He’s awake…” Tiegar said, he turned to a pair of doors. “This way, quickly.”
“Yeah right,” I growled, “it’s probably a trap.”
“Have I ever broke my word before?” Tiegar growled, losing his patience. I turned silent, it was true, Tiegar had never broken his word before. It was Fiore who had broken the stand still.
“Fine…” I sighed, closing my eyes. “But I still won’t forgive you.”
“…I know…” Tiegar said, as he headed out the door. Sekhmet followed, sure enough we made it outside the planet.
“We can teleport from here,” Tiegar said, he walked up and held out the orb. I took the orb from him and my armor appeared on me.
“…and…” Tiegar pulled out the snake-eye necklace. “…this also belongs to you…”
“…why are you helping us Tiegar…” I asked, I was confused.
“…Because, I’ve accepted your choice,” Tiegar replied, looking at me. “I know that I’d never be able to get you to love me the way you love him. I never meant to harm you, I let my anger and jealousy control me. I’ve finally come to my senses, I’ve decided that I’d rather have your friendship that lose everything.”
“…Tiegar…” I felt tears brim my eyes, the was once again the same person that had trained me. The friend that at the time I had been glad to have. “…thank you…and I accept your friendship…”
Tiegar smiled when suddenly out of nowhere, a blast went through his right shoulder. He roared in pain, grabbing his arm as he fell to a knee.
“Tiegar!” I yelled, when suddenly Sekhmet yelled in pain as a blast went through his left shoulder, barely missing his heart. “Sekhmet!!”
“Hahaha, how unfortunate, I missed their hearts,” the voice laughed. “How shameful, two warlords falling because of their love for you.”
“Y..you…” I hissed as fear filled me, I recognized the voice as being the one from the dungeon.
“Glad you remembered,” the figure appeared, his armor like darkness itself and glowing red eyes. “The name’s Akuma.” I felt anger feel me as I watched Sekhmet and Tiegar wincing in pain.
“I’ll make…you…pay!!!” I screamed as my armored flared in green flames. My hair flared up as my eyes glowed green. I stood up, ignoring the screaming pain in my body. I pulled my swords out and lifted them as a enormous aura of power burst from me, causing the surrounding are to melt from venom.
Akuma’s eyes widened, “where is all this power coming from?! She shouldn’t be this strong! She should have no power left!!” I screamed as I brought my swords apart and a astronomical explosion erupted from me, destroying everything within a 10 mile radius.
“Nooooooo!!!!” Akuma yelled, as he was disintegrated from the venom. When the smoke cleared, everything in the 10 mile radius was gone. Half of Talpa’s palace was gone as well. Sekhmet and Tiegar stood up, the blast hadn’t harmed them, instead it had healed them.
“Where is she?” Tiegar said, looking around. I was nowhere in sight, a large crater was in the ground. They ran over to the crater.
Sekhmet looked around frantically, fear filling him. Suddenly Tiegar grabbed his shoulder and pointed. Sekhmet looked and there in the middle of the crater was a glowing circle. When the circle disappeared I was lying on the ground unconscious. My armor had disappeared and I was in the clothes I had been wearing before I was captured. Charred marks were on my face and I was covered in ash.
“Aleu!!” Sekhmet yelled as he jumped down into the crater, with Tiegar behind him. He lifted me up shaking my shoulders. “Aleu!!!” My breathing was slow, but I still didn’t wake. “Aleu!!!” Sekhmet yelled again, I remained unconscious.
“The Ronin Halo,” Tiegar said, “he can heal her can’t he.”
“Yes,” Sekhmet said standing up.
“Good,’ Tiegar snapped his fingers and they appeared in front of Mia’s mansion.
“Sekhmet! Aleu!” the other yelled, in seconds they were armored up and had their weapons pointing at Tiegard.
“Hey! I’m not on Talpa’s side!” Tiegar said backing up.
“Is Aleu alright?” Anubis asked, walking up to Sekhmet.
“No, she won’t wake up,” Sekhmet said, his worry showed in his voice.
“Mia, Sage, go with Sekhmet and see what you can do for Anubis,” Anubis said, aiming his weapon at Tiegar. “We’ll handle this guys.”
“Hey,” Tiegar growled, “don’t I get a chance to explain.”
“We’ll see,” Ryo said, White Blaze stood next to him growling. Mia and Sage headed in with Sekhmet to see what they could do for me.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
An hour later Mia and Sage came down the stairs. The other Warlords and the Ronins looked up.“How is she?” Anubis asked, as Mia sighed sitting next to him.
“We tried everything we could think of,” Mia said, “she’s still in a coma-like state. Not even Sage’s armor and mine combined could wake her.
“You weren’t able to heal her? Kento asked, “even with all that power.”
“Her wounds healed,” Sage replied, “but it’s as if her body is asleep and her mind is trapped in unconsciousness.”
“Where’s Sekhmet?” Dais asked, looking over at them.
“He hasn’t left her side,” Mia said softly. “And he never spoke of what happened.”
“Poor guy,” Cye said sighing, “who knows what’ll happen if Aleu doesn’t wake up.”
“Yeah, what if she never wakes up?” Kento asked frantically.
“Don’t say that!” Kayura yelled, “she’ll pull through…she has too…” The others turned silent, everyone looking at the ground. Tiegar stood leaning against the wall, the others had decided to give him a chance. But they threatened that if he pulled anything, he would pay dearly.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sekhmet sat at my beside watching me. He ran a hand gently down my cheek.“This is all my fault,” he whispered aloud. “I’m sorry, Aleu, forgive me.” Tears fell from his eyes as he bent down and kissed my forehead. “I’m so sorry…please…don’t die.”
A growling came from next to him as something rubbed against his knee. He looked down to find White Blaze sitting there. White Blaze was staring intently with a look that said “she’ll make it”.
“You think she’ll make it,” Sekhmet said petting him. “Don’t you White Blaze.”
White Blaze growled in answer before climbing up and lying at the foot of the bed. Sekhmet looked back at me, his hand went down my cheek to the necklace as he lifted it. He remembered the words that Striker had said.
~*~*~*Flashback*~*~*~
“This necklace was created by the love the two of you share,” Striker had said. “As long as the love between you is strong, no harm will come to you.”
~*~*~*Flashback Ends*~*~*~
“I won’t give up on you,” Sekhmet said, putting his hand on my cheek again. “So don’t you give up on me.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A week passed and I had yet to wake up. The others spent the time training or watching Sekhmet and Tiegar train. They were beginning to trust Tiegar and Tiegar started training them in what they would need in a fight against Fiore and Talpa. Sekhmet trained the hardest, still blaming himself for what had happened. Him and Tiegar soon showed signs of being rivals rather than enemies.“God, doesn’t he ever rest,” Kento said, the others were watching Sekhmet train against Tiegar. “By the end of the day they look like they’ve been beaten the shit out of each other.”
“He hardly eats as well,” Cye said, “and when he does, he barely eats anything. Then whenever he’s not training, he’s by Aleu.”
“Whatever happened,” Dais spoke up, watching his old friend. “He blames himself for.”
“He’s going to kill himself if he doesn’t be careful,” Kayura said sighing. “All he’s doing is putting more strain on his body, we don’t need two sick people on our hands.”
“Argh!” they turned in time to see Tiegar slam Sekhmet into the ground.
“Concentrate,” Tiegar growled at Sekhmet. “Your concentration is slipping, that’s how I keep winning.”
Sekhmet snarled and kicked Tiegar’s legs from under him, then brought his swords around. Tiegar back flipped before bringing his armored claw around.
“Reflection Claw!” Tiegar yelled, but Sekhmet flipped over him and slammed the hilt of his sword into Tiegar’s back and knocked him beside the head.
Tiegar slammed forward into the ground rubbing his head, “damn it, nice hit.” Sekhmet turned and started towards the others, but Tiegar stopped him. “It’s Aleu, isn’t it. That’s why your not able to concentrate. You blame yourself for what happened to her.”
“It was my fault,” Sekhmet said, walking away. “I promised her and I failed.” Tiegar shook his head, before walking towards the others as well.
“Nice moves out there,” Rowen said, throwing them both a towel.
Sekhmet wiped the sweat fro his face as the watched him, “I’ll be upstairs.” He started to head into the house.
“Don’t you want to eat something first?” Dais asked, watching him.
“I’m not hungry,” Sekhmet replied as he walked through the door. The others looked at each other before sighing.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sekhmet opened the door to my room and walked in. White Blaze was lying at the foot of the bed again. Sekhmet sat down in the chair next to the bed as he placed a hand on my cheek.“It’s been a week already…”he stated, “and you still haven’t awaken. It’s getting hard to have any hope” White Blaze growled at him, Sekhmet looked over at White Blaze. “Don’t worry, I haven’t given up yet. “
White Blaze snuffed as if to say “you better not”.
Sekhmet sighed putting his hand on my cheek, “…how much longer till I’ll be able to see those beautiful green eyes again…” He placed a hand over mine, squeezing gently.
“…S…Sekhmet,” I whispered, he quickly looked at me as his eyes widening.
“Aleu?” he noticed that my necklace was glowing brighter. My eyes slowly opened as I weakly turned my head to him. “Aleu!” he yelled as I felt him hug me tightly.
“Sekhmet,” I whispered, tears filling my eyes. “I’m…sorry…I could hear you…but I wasn’t able to wake up.”
“I’m just glad you’re back again,” he whispered holding me tightly against him. I laid my head against his chest, smiling softly.
White Blaze suddenly stuck his head in between us, licking my face. He snuffed as if saying “see, I told you.”
I giggled and hugged White Blaze, “you were here too huh White Blaze.” White Blaze purred licking my face, I laughed hugging him. “Over grown pussy cat.” Sekhmet smiled softly, his suddenly filled with pain. I looked up at him, “Sekhmet.”
He looked back at me, “yes?”
“What’s wrong?” I asked watching him, my eyes turn worried.
He smiled, “nothing, I’m just glad to have you back.” He ran a hand down my cheek as he leaned over, gently brushing my lips with his. I smiled softly, kissing him back.
“I’m glad to be back,” I whispered, smiling softly. I laid my head on his chest, closing my eyes. I soon drifted off to sleep again.
“Aleu?” Sekhmet looked down at me and realized I had fallen asleep. He smiled softly, looks like I still wasn’t strong enough to stay awake for long. He laid me back and pulled the covers up. White Blaze jumped off the bed and started pulling the sheets down on other side.
“You’re telling me to rest too, aren’t you,” Sekhmet said, White Blaze growled as if to say “yes”.
Sekhmet sighed, he could use some rest, he rarely slept at all over the past week. He sighed before laying down beside me, gently wrapping his arms around my waist. White Blaze laid down beside the bed falling asleep. Sekhmet soon fell asleep, the stain of training so long and hardly any rest was catching up to him.
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