Firestorm arrived at the lake where Kento had directed her to go. Landing within the water, she knelt and allowed Cye’s form to tumble off and fall into the waters. His body floated among the currents, but she kept guard to ensure he would not float far away. He needed this water. Its strength would help him recover, and at the same time rejuvenate his armor’s power.

But there was a great sadness that weighed heavily upon her heart and soul. Cye was a good person. Rowen was a good person. And Ryo too. They were all good. Each one struggled to make it through life, while at the same time risked their very lives for ordinary people. Why did it matter so much? Why did it seem as if good people had to suffer constantly at the hands of their enemies? Why did some people and other forms of beings become so intent on harming others, without a care of the damages it could bring?

It saddened Firestorm, and it angered her. There were times she had wanted to transform and let loose her breath of fire, but the consequences of that action could prove more fatal than helpful. She wasn’t even that powerful to begin with. No. She had seen Ryo’s Inferno armor once before, and having heard the tales of it, knew the leader of the Ronins was perhaps one of the most powerful humans in existence, if not the most powerful.

She bent her mighty head and lapped up some of the lake’s water, then turned her head toward Cye’s form once again. He seemed more relaxed and his armor was glowing its respective light blue color. He was healing. How long would it take before he was aware of where he was?

She did not want to hurry his healing, and thus opted to wait patiently, a task in itself. Certainly Cye would have a thousand questions, of which she would be hard press to answer. She dreaded returning to the battle field, fearing the worst. The demon master had played his hand quite well, and who knew what mayhem they would come back to?

She could only pray. Pray that a miracle would be given to them before all hope faded.

Leokoni cursed loudly as the claws of the beast sliced into his arm, drawing forth green blood. How was this possible?! No mortal was able to draw injury upon him! Unless, this was no ordinary tiger. He narrowed his eyes and struck his blade against the black beast, but Black Blaze dodged it. Leaping over the shoulder of the demon master, the tiger landed and quickly turned, claws outstretched, teeth bared.

Leokoni held back his pain of cry as he again struck at the tiger. This time he scored a mark. The tiger went tumbling backwards, and Leokoni threw his head back in laughter. But the laughter was short lived. For the tiger quickly rose to his feet and roared.

“Come on, wretched beast!” Leokoni charged as he held out his weapon. He no longer paid attention to the humans around him. He would deal with the remainder of them once he disposed of this annoying beast.

Black Blaze roared again, his eyes flashing red for a moment. He crouched, with claws

outstretched, and suddenly he charged and leapt high into the sky. He dove straight for the demon master.

Mia could not believe her eyes. Staring in horror at Sage, she knew immediately the bearer of Halo was dead. Her heart felt as if it had dropped and then broken into a million pieces of fragments. She could feel herself trembling and her knees felt weak. She was sure she had to vomit, but all she could do was swallow the bile.

Sage. He had sacrificed himself. Sacrificed himself to save his friends. What honor there was in that. Such love he had shown. His own life meant nothing to him if it meant saving his friends. But what if it meant nothing? What if losing his own life had been in vain?

Kento stood still, daring to believe that Sage might possibly be alive. But there was a slight pain within his soul. A pain he did not recognize and one that hurt more terribly than any wound he had received during previous battles. He knew it. He wanted to deny it. He could not believe it, but it was before him, stating the truth ever so blatantly. He once said he would never cry, but now even he could not deny the tears in his eyes. They shed onto his cheeks, and he swallowed a lump. Never before had he dreamt the Ronins would loose one of their own. Never had he thought it would have been Sage.

Kayura stared at Sage’s form as a sadness overtook her heart. Out of all the Ronins, she felt the closest to him. Was it because he had been able to withstand most of her attacks when she had been under Talpa’s influence? Or was it because she admired his strength, his kindness, his personality? Or was it because he had a strong spirit? She despondently shook her head. This wasn’t suppose to happen. She was suppose to be their mentor, their advisor, their helper. She failed them. She had failed Sage. What would happen to Rowen and Ryo, even if they were freed from the curse? Would they blame her for what had happened? Worse yet, would Rowen attempt suicide? What about those left behind? What about his mother?

Star wept tears and sobbed. She clung to the only person she could for the moment and that was Kento. He did not shove her away, but held onto her. No longer worrying about Rowen and Ryo who seemed to be so full of pain, and even that hurt Kento, he kept his eyes on Sage’s corpse as tears continue to shed. Star was shaking and she wanted so much to stop. She wanted to shout in anger at the heavens, demand to know why they were tormenting them so, demand for Leokoni to drop dead. She was angry, poignant, and wanted things to be back to normal.

But then, something amazing happened. A bright green light suddenly flared from Sage’s corpse and traveled quickly to the Ronins. In astonishment, they watched as this flaring light encircled the two cursed Ronins, bathing them inside it. For several minutes the light went over, around, and through the two Ronins.

“Kayura, what’s going on?!” Mia asked in alarm.

“It seems as if Sage’s spirit isn’t done yet,” the priestess replied back.

“So he’s freeing them?” Kento asked with wide eyes.

“It would appear so,” Kayura replied.

Star felt a bit of her hopes rise. If Sage’s spirit could heal his friends, perhaps she did not need to feel as sad as she did. Oh, there would always be a bit of sadness, but with sadness comes healing, especially when one allowed it.

At last the light lifted off the two Ronins and they were healed; healed from the curse that Leokoni had inflicted upon them. The two nude Ronins laid unconscious upon the ground, unaware of what had happened, or even what was going on.

As quickly as it had appeared, the light vanished.

Kayura quickly leapt into action. Positioning her staff over the two Ronins, she began to administer strength and healing. Their bodies glowed their respective auras and their kanjis shined upon their foreheads.

Star and Mia had their eyes closed as the two Ronins were aroused from their unconsciousness. Nonplussed and embarrassed at seeing themselves without clothes, they opted for the armor orbs. Kento handed them over.

“Kento, what the hell happened?” Ryo demanded as he called forth his subarmor. Rowen did the same, still a bit weak from his previous ordeal with Leokoni.

Kento frowned, but knew he’d have to tell them. Summoning his courage, he told them everything. “Leokoni, he.. He cursed you two and sent you after us. You attacked us, trying to kill us. He tried everything he could to ensure he would have you destroy us. Mia and White Blaze came to help. And Sage as well. Kayura too. Sage.. he,” he paused, looking Rowen sadly in the eyes.

Rowen read his expression and immediately felt as if he had been kicked in the stomach with a steel toe boot. No! This could not be! It wasn’t fair! It wasn’t true! But seeing the expression in Kento’s eyes, he knew he was forced to believe it. Forcing himself to turn, his eyes saw his friend’s body lying on the ground. Just beyond them, Black Blaze and Leokoni fought viciously.

Stumbling forward, the bearer of Strata made his way to Sage. Tears dripped from the corners of his eyes, and then without gusto, he threw himself over Sage’s body and screamed through his sobs.

There was a roar of pain and everyone looked in alarm. Leokoni had thrown Black Blaze from him, causing the tiger to land on his feet, but this time, the sword of Leokoni struck the beast through his collar bone.

“BLAZE!” Ryo cried in horror. The tiger gave a feeble roar and then dropped over. The injury he had sustained had caused the two tigers to separate, each one lying unconscious and injured. Whatever the one felt, the other did as well. Both had a wound directly in their collarbone. Blood seemed to pour in torrents.

Leokoni only threw his head back and the air was filled with his mocking laughter.

Cye was aroused from his sleep and the first thing he saw was the face of a black dragon with blue eyes staring down at him. Screaming in terror, he thrashed a bit, pushing himself backward. And then he was surprised. He could have sworn he heard the dragon sigh. Then he realized something. Straightening himself, he stopped and stood still.

“Sorry, Firestorm,” he apologized, meekly. “I did not recognize you at first.”

Firestorm only nodded her head, then looked toward the direction where she knew the others would be. Frowning, Cye stood up and followed her look as best he could. Feeling quite recharged, he knew he had to get back to the others. He had no idea how long he had been at this lake, and he had no idea if the others were all right. But he did know they could not stay there. He needed to go back and help his friends against the demon master.

“Firestorm, we have to get back,” he stated.

Firestorm grunted in reply as she agreed. She lowered her form into the water so he would be able to climb upon her back.

Somewhat nervously, Cye clambered aboard and wrapped his arms around her long neck. He closed his eyes. Even if he was a Ronin Warrior, he still had his fears. Heights terrified him, and he was not ashamed to be seen closing his eyes while they became airborne.

Positioning her wings perfectly against the wind currents, Firestorm flew back to the last place she knew the others to be. She only hoped they were still there. They flew over the trees at a rapid speed. Behind Firestorm in the east, the sun was beginning to rise. They had been battling the two cursed Ronins and Leokoni all night long. When this was over, they were all going to be exhausted and in need of much sleep.

At last, they made it back. Landing on the ground, Firestorm allowed Cye off her back and then transformed back to her normal human self.

Cye frowned when he realized what had happened while they had been away. Although Ryo and Rowen were back to normal, something was amiss. Staring at Rowen’s knelt form, he realized with instant regret of what it was. Bowing his head, he whispered, “Sage,” and allowed his tears to flow down his cheeks.

“Well, isn’t this delightful?” Leokoni mocked as they lifted their faces to behold him. He stood tall and mighty, his sword firmly gripped in his hand, with the tip relaxing to the ground. “Here we are, facing one another. Your army has improved, Rowen of the Strata, and you and your leader have been freed from me. But is freedom enough?”

“You sick bastard!” Kento shouted as his eyes flared. “You think we’ll go down that easy?! You don’t know the Ronin Warriors!”

“That’s right!” Ryo yelled. “Sage may be gone, but that doesn’t mean his spirit left. We can still kick your ass!”

“Oh, but for the lack of hope!” Leokoni stated. “You fools! Were it not for your humorous and admiring efforts, I would have blown you off. But no, I do this for enjoyment. I desire to see people suffer. My revenge will still come forth and all of you, not just Rowen, will die this very night.”

Rowen felt a strange sensation overcome him. Rising to his feet, he stood and faced Leokoni. His blue eyes darkened with anger as he summoned his full armor. Taking his bow, he positioned an arrow on it, and drew back the string, causing it to become taunt. His armor began to glow.

Everyone surrounding him, held their breaths as they watched. Could Rowen really stand against Leokoni? Star wasn’t sure if he could. What if he lost and ended up dead like Sage? She had never even gotten to ask him out as her boyfriend, and if he died today, she would never get that chance. She knew he was displeased over losing his friend, but she did not want his life to end either. She prayed he knew what he was doing.

“Dare you to oppose me?” the demon master said as he grinned. “Are you not concerned that I could take your very life?”

“You can try, but you won’t succeed,” Rowen snarled. “This time you’ll be the one to die!”

Leokoni began to laugh. “You fool! You will never destroy me! I will destroy you! I will make certain to crush the very soul of existence within your pathetic life form!” His laughter filled the air, and then something else occurred. The demon master abruptly ceased laughing and narrowed his eyes, nearly holding his breath. “No, it cannot be!”

Rowen could feel someone behind him, and he was afraid to look. He did not recognize this feeling, but then a calm wave overtook him. He had nothing to fear. He could hear someone whispering to him and it gave him strength.

Kayura’s eyes widened. She could see the spirit of Rowen’s ancestor, the famous Bunjiro Dayu, standing directly behind Rowen. What was even more fascinating was that Dayu had drawn his bow and positioned an arrow upon it as well.

“What is Leokoni staring at?” Firestorm demanded to know. None of them could see nor sense the spirit standing behind Rowen, but all of them could tell that Leokoni could see something just beyond Rowen’s shoulder.

“It’s Dayu!” Kayura answered for them.

Dayu, that was a name they could all recognize. For having heard of Mia’s research, they were now stunned to hear that the very spirit of Dayu had come to help Rowen.

Rowen narrowed his eyes at Leokoni. “Your tyranny ends now, Leokoni. You’ve messed with me long enough, but worse, you messed with my friends. That’s unforgivable!”

“I could care less if you forgive me or not. Do you think it matters much? A part of me will always be with you, Rowen of the Strata. Neither you nor Dayu can prevent that. You are weak!”

“I may be weak, but I will consider myself yet worthy over your unholy ass,” Rowen snarled. “Good-bye, Leokoni!” The arrow was suddenly released. It traveled in a straight perpendicular line, heading directly for Leokoni’s heart. At the same time, Dayu had released his own arrow; it sped along the same path as his descendant’s, gaining momentum and speed.

The eyes of the Ronin Warriors, the eyes of Kayura, the eyes of Mia all watched the arrows fly their course. Everyone held their breath and time seemed to slow down significantly. Was this the end of Leokoni?

Leokoni saw both arrows coming for him. He tried to dodge them, but the arrows were quick. They pierced through his very being and directly into his black heart. Throwing back a roar of pain, the entire landscape shook mightily.

The Ronins were tossed about from the small earthquake. Looking up in surprise, they saw Leokoni’s form swaying ever so gently as he stood there, wounded. His color was draining and he struggled hard to reach for the arrows piercing him. But more blood seemed to drip from his wound. His vision was getting blurry and he knew what was coming. Sighing heavily through black lips, he suddenly tumbled forward and hit the ground. The arrows were driven directly through his back.

“It’s over,” Ryo said as he breathed a sigh of relief.

Rowen shook his head as he felt the tears coming on once again. “No, it’s not over. And it will never be.” Turning his head he looked toward the corpse of his friend. How he would miss Sage. He would miss him quite terribly.

Ryo shook now. He had never meant any of this to happen. If only they had known in advance of what would happen. If only they had known about Leokoni beforehand. They could have taken care of it before any of this happened.

Firestorm stood next to Cye, disbelieving Sage was dead. She wanted him to move, wanted to see him open his eyes, wanted to hear his voice. But she could smell that terrible stench coming forth from him and could see that his form was stiffening. Rigor mortis was setting in.

“We’ll need to take him back,” Kento croaked. “And.. inform his family.”

“What are we going to tell them?” Cye asked, quietly.

“I’ll.. I’ll handle that,” Mia croaked out.

Dayu unseen by them all, except Kayura, stared at Sage’s form. He shook his head. Death was too soon for such a brave young man. Stepping forward, the spirit knelt down beside Sage’s form and then lowered his head. His lips touched Sage’s lips.

Kayura stared in alarm, nearly dropping her staff. What did Dayu think he was doing?! And then she realized something else. Sage’s body began to glow now. His kanji shone upon his forehead and color began to return to his skin.

“Look!” Star cried, suddenly. Everyone followed her look. They were startled to see Halo glowing, increasing in its light ever so more.

Hardly daring to believe their eyes, they continued to wait, hoping, but dreading on that hope. Rowen even dared to take a step closer to Sage.

“Is he…?” Kento started to ask. The others shook their heads. They were afraid to say anything now.

And then Dayu stepped away from Sage, and the bearer of Halo slowly opened his eyes.

Sage felt weak and disoriented, but mainly he felt exhausted. However, seeing his friends suddenly surrounding him with tears of joy running down their cheeks, made him smile imperceptibly. “Hey, guys,” he croaked.

“Oh, Sage,” Mia said as she sobbed. “You worried us!”

“I’m sorry,” Sage replied as he felt so tired.

“Sage.. it’s good to have you back, man,” Rowen said as he knelt beside him.

Sage looked at his best friend in the eyes and smiled again. “Rowen… welcome back.. too..”

“I think it’s time we got everyone home now,” Kayura stated as she could see Sage falling asleep.

“My thoughts exactly, Kayura,” Ryo said as he knelt down and picked Sage up. Rowen protested, but one look from his leader shut the bearer of Strata up. Looking him in the eye, Ryo gently explained. “Rowen, you’re still weak too. You suffered the most besides Sage.. I can carry him. Walk beside me.”

Rowen nodded his head. He would agree as it was perhaps the best advice for now.

Kayura looked toward the two tigers as they laid unconscious in their own pool of blood. This wasn’t suppose to happen either. She headed over to them and raised her staff over their bodies. The staff flared to life enveloping the two tigers. Their wounds were healed and soon both were standing upon their feet. With their strength returned, both roared mightily, and Black Blaze then glowed and vanished. Soon after, White Blaze glowed white. When the light faded, the lone white tiger rejoined his master’s side.

Ryo smiled down at his faithful tiger, and then looked at the others who were all waiting. “Let’s go home!”

Hidden from the group of warriors, Yata sat within the darkness of the forest, watching them leave. His eyes flickered and a cruel smile formed across his face. As quick as lightning, he scampered further away into the darkness.

A/N: I feel this was a bit rushed, but then, it was worth it. Why? Because of the previous chapter. Yes, The Arising is almost finished, after what, two years? There are still some things to touch upon yet, and some things that may confuse you, but may also intrigue you. As for now, I dare not to say what those things are. You’ll have to wait and see. Email me if you have any questions.