"Oh god…what happened to her?!" Rekino shouted.

Shades looked at Rekino, "While we were fighting in Germany, she got hit with an arrow. She never did ask for it to be healed."

Hana looked at Flash with concern in her eyes, "I can't heal her! Since Sage has been put under a dark spell, my healing powers aren't even working right!"

"What about your non-armor magic?" Rowen asked.

"Okay, o smart one, what do you think? 'Halo's Light' is connected with the armor. Figure it out," Hana spat.

Rowen blushed, "You don't have to be so harsh."

"Wait," Scorpio interrupted, "I know someone who can help!"

"And that might be?" Ryo asked.

"BLAZE! WE NEED YOUR HELP!" Scorpio shouted. A white light engulfed the room and, as soon as it faded, Blaze was standing there.

'Yes, what is it that you need?'

"Flash has been hurt! Can you please heal her?" Rekino asked.

'Yes…I will.' Blaze made his way over to Flash. When he got there, he touched the crystal around his neck to her forehead. She started to glow and in a matter of seconds, she was healed.

“Thanks, Blaze!” Flash said as she stood up. Blaze nodded and simply disappeared.

“Hey, where’d he go?!” Ryo exclaimed.

“Back where he came from,” Flash said. “Now let’s go!”

“Yeah! Let’s rescue Sage and kick this evil’s ass!” Rekino said.

The seven of them ran down the hall, ready to fight once again.

Sage finished tying Thunder up tightly, and stepped away from him, admiring his work. King Borya had taken King Thaitus’ throne and was working through his next plans.

Sage came to stand at his side.

“Dear, what do we do?” Lila whispered to her husband. She was extremely fearful, and had no idea what would happen to them or to their son. Would they die? Would they suffer terribly? Would they become slaves?

“I don’t know, my dear,” he replied. He was worried himself. His soldiers were gone, and no one was left to defend them. What were they to do?

“Daddy, I’m scared!” Bianca cried.

“I know, dear, so am I,” he replied. He tried to get loose, but the ropes were just too tight. His wife was so scared, she had refused to say a word.

Thunder was trying to think of a way to get out of these ropes without endangering anyone’s life.. So far nothing was coming to his mind.. Outside they could hear the screams of terror as the Romans killed the German citizens. ‘I’ve got to do something,’ he thought. ‘But what?’

Nearby and behind him, carefully hidden from view, Disani was crawling toward Thunder as stealthily as he could. Every few seconds he would stop and make it look as if he was sleeping, and then he’d start toward Thunder again.. When he finally reached him, he began to bite through the ropes.

Thunder blinked and glanced behind him, and held back a sigh of relief. He faced forward, hoping no one would see Disani cutting through his ropes. The dog continued to bite and gnaw through. Piece by piece of the rope was slowly coming apart. Thunder could feel his hands loosening. Just a bit more.. Finally, he was free!

“Good work, Disani,” he said in a very low voice to the dog. “Set the others free now.”

The dog crawled away from him and began to work on Lila’s rope.

Lila kept silent, allowing the dog to work. She could only hope the dog wasn’t caught before he could free all of them.

A mile outside of the city, Blaze appeared on the highest peak of a mountain. The wind blew softly, his crystal sparkled under his fur.. he raised his head, and suddenly howled. and howled, and continued howling, one long loud howl.. And suddenly there was a reply. A wolf about several blocks away howled back. And another howled, and another. Soon the area was filled with numerous wolf howls.

The two Ronins, the two Lady Ronin Guardians, and the three Warriors kept on running through the halls. Shades complained about them never getting there, Ryo wanted the halls to end, Hana wanted to get Sage back on their side. It was a complicated process on their part. They had no idea what was lurking behind certain corners or in dark places.

They rounded another corner and continued running down that way, then they ran up a flight of stairs, entered another hallway, ran down that one, rounded the corner, and bumped into a myriad of Roman soldiers.

“Just fucking terrific!” Rekino spat in anger! “I’m this close to going Inferno!”

“How though?” Hana asked.

“I don’t know!”

“Let’s not worry, and just fight!” Shades shouted. She threw the first punch, then suddenly lifted a soldier sideways over her head and threw him hard against the wall. Parts of the wall broke down.

“Damn, Shades!” Ryo said.

“Did I mention Shades is strong?” Flash said as she kicked a soldier down the hall.

“You neglected that part,” Rekino said as she punched another soldier, then threw another one over her head.

“Well, now you know!” Flash said, suddenly doing a round house kick.

Ryo leaped high into the air and kicked at two soldiers at the same time. He landed gracefully on his feet, and swung a soldier over his shoulder, and suddenly gave one behind him a hard blow from his elbow.

Rowen did a sudden side split leap kick, sending two soldiers crashing into opposite walls. He landed on the floor and punched another soldier away from him.

The soldiers weren’t giving up though. They shot arrows and their guns at them. Most of them were subarmor, or armor, but Flash was unprotected.

“Flash! Look out!” Hana warned her, as an arrow bounced off her.

Flash heard the firing.. She dodged as best as she could, but came close to getting hit.

“That does it!” Ryo declared. He brought his swords together. “Flare Up Now!” The attack engulfed the soldiers, obliterating them.

“Way to go, bro!” Rekino cheered.

“That was an awesome attack,” Scorpio said.

“Yeah, you blasted them away!” Shades said with a grin.

“Let’s hurry!” Ryo said. “Before anything else happens!”

And they ran down the hall, getting closer and closer to their destination.

Disani had managed to free everyone, but they stayed where they were, almost too afraid to move. Thunder was trying to work out a plan on getting them out of there, but how? The place was surrounded by guards. How would he protect them all? Sure he had his armor, but he was just one person. There had to be something he could do.

He glanced at Disani. The dog was waiting for his next commands. The only thing he could think of was sneaking them out as quickly as he could. How could he do that without getting caught though? He had to take the chance.

“You might as well not try it, young prince,” Borya said suddenly, causing Thunder to look toward him with surprise. The king of Rome smirked. “I can read minds,” he said. He snapped his fingers and suddenly the two royal families were tied again. Disani growled. “Hush, puppy!”

Disani snorted at him and growled more.

“Master, allow me to take care of the animal,” Sage begged.

“As you wish, young fighter,” the king laughed evilly. Sage grinned and walked toward the dog. Disani faced him off, crouched low, ready to attack at a moment’s notice.

Thunder suddenly smirked, and Sage glared at him. “What are you smirking for?”

“You’ll soon find out,” Thunder promised him.

“Humph!” Sage said and turned back to the dog. He took his sword and charged at the dog. Disani saw him coming and suddenly ducked down from the blow of the sword as it came over his head, and he suddenly grabbed onto Sage’s vulnerable parts.

The two queens gasped, Bianca dropped her mouth open, the two kings stared in surprised, and Thunder’s eyes widen. “Okay, I wasn’t expecting that.”

Sage’s eyes were widened and sweat poured down his face. “Get off you mutt, or I’ll chop your head off!”

Disani’s reply was a low growl and a tug, making Sage drop his sword with a whimper.

Borya looked toward them. He raised his hands toward Disani. Thunder saw it and was about to shout at him, when suddenly Borya turned one hand toward him and waved it at him. A gag appeared over Thunder’s mouth, and no matter how hard he tried, he could not get it off. Borya turned back to the dog and suddenly blasted him across the room. The dog gave a loud yelp before hitting the floor. He was still.

Thunder’s eyes widened with horror, and he screamed through his gag, struggling violently to get free. But the ropes held fast, and he was stuck there, completely helpless.

Outside, Blaze was heading toward the city, behind him was numerous wolves of all kinds, colors and sizes. From Artic wolves, to Timber wolves, Mexican wolves, Tundra Wolves, Gray wolves, and many more. There were white wolves, gray colored wolves, brown wolves, wolves of many colors, such as black, brown, gray, brown, white, and even more. The wolves had one goal in mind.

They crossed over the valleys, mountains, and rivers. They passed through forests, and into the city, walking through the streets. People saw them and fled in terror. Never before had they seen so many wolves in one place. There must have been at least six hundred of them.

The wolves walked through the streets of Germany. Just a few feet ahead of them, were a hundred soldiers.. Blaze gave orders in the wolf language for the wolves to split into groups, two hundred to each part of the city. The wolves separated and joined groups, and went off as instructed. They knew what to do.

“Die, all Germans!” a Roman soldier shouted, shoot at a German man. Screams filled the air as people tried to run.

And then suddenly they heard fierce growling. The Roman soldier turned around and his eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets. He and his men were sounded by at least a hundred snarling wolves, with the pack leader being larger than a Siberian tiger.

Josephine, Kento, Amaya, and Cye walked into the house. Mia had to stay at the hospital for another day due to the baby's condition. Nothing bad had happened to little Hiroshi; he was just running a small fever. Josephine sat down on the couch and let out a huge sigh, it was good to be home. Kento headed straight for the kitchen with Cye and Amaya right behind him.

"C'mon guys! I'm hungry!" Kento wined, "It's been forever since I had some good food!!"

Josephine growled, "Geez Kento, it's not a shocker that you're hungry, but lay off Cye and 'Mya. They just got home too. You've got two hands, fix yourself something!"

"It's quite alright," Amaya said softly, "I don't mind fixing him something to eat," She felt Kento's arms around her waist, "Yes?"

"I love you, my little French tartlet," The Hardrock Warrior said, nuzzling his girlfriend's neck.

Cye gagged, "Gross."

Josephine raised her hand, "I second that motion, literally," With warp speed she bolted into the bathroom and started to spill her guts.

Outside, they all heard Josephine's hurling noises. They all looked at one another with worry and concern. When it stopped, they decided to go and check on her. The two Ronin Warriors and the single Lady Guardian walked towards the bathroom and opened the door to see Josephine with her head on the side of the commode.

"Oh toilet bowl, you're my only friend," Josephine got out, "You're so cool on the side…"

Back in Rome, the three Ronin Warriors, two Lady Guardians, and three Warriors kept running down the endless stretch of halls. They had come across several more blockades of Roman solider and had swept through them easily. Each time they got towards the door, more soldiers appeared, each batch stronger then the previous ones. They were heading down, they prayed, the last hall. They stopped upon reaching the door.

"Okay, coast is clear," Hana said, "No jackasses spotted yet."

Rekino cleared her throat, "Don't get your hopes up just yet. There's still this door."

"Which you won't be going through, troublesome teenagers!" A voice boomed. Alina appeared in front of them, blocking the door.

Flash cupped her hands over her mouth and spoke like she was over an intercom, "Attention K-mart shoppers: slut alert on aisle three, I repeat, slut alert on aisle three."

Alina growled, "Shut up, stupid commoner."

Flash stuck out her tongue, "Make me!"

"Child!"

"Slut!"

"Baby!"

"Whore!"

Ryo looked back and forth between Flash and Alina. He leaned towards Rekino and whispered, "And to think I thought we were bad."

Rekino's eyes were wide, "Yeah."

Shades beamed, "That's our Flash!"

Hana watched as Alina and Flash called one another names. It was going back and forth. What was up with this? Rowen's eyebrow was raised as he watched the teenage girl and the adult woman come back at one another. She heard Flash called Alina a 'French Whore'.

Oh boy, if Amaya heard that she would be pissed! Rowen thought to himself.

Scorpio was watching with amusement. He couldn't help but snicker at the look on Alina's face when Flash used a line of words that either meant 'slut' or 'whore'. Yeah, where's a camcorder when you need one? Scorpio thought.

Rekino's eyes just followed from her friend to the Roman queen. Okay, this was getting rather interesting and amusing, but didn't they come here to fight? "Okay! Flash, you go in that corner and Queen Bitch, you go in that one. I want you two to stay there until y'all have thought about what y'all have done."

Alina's concentration moved towards Rekino. Her eyes turned darker, "Treating me like a child? I think you are the one who deserves a TIME OUT!" She waved her staff and sent the Lady of Wildfire flying into the castle wall. Everyone watched as Rekino went through one wall, and another, and another, and another. She kept flying until she went through, at least, ten walls. All eyes looked through the Rekino sized hole and saw that her helmet had fallen off and her head was bleeding. She was completely limp, "Now for the finishing touch," With a flick of her wrist, Alina sent the roof crashing down on top of Rekino.

"Ahh!" Hana screamed.

"Rekino!" Flash yelled.

"Oh…" Shades started.

"My…" Scorpio interrupted.

"God…" Rowen finished the sentence.

Ryo's fists were clinched at his side. He looked at the ruble again to make sure he wasn't dreaming. He held back his tears. He turned towards Alina, "You'll pay…" He whispered softly. With revenge in his heart, he quickly drew out his katanas and dove right for Alina. She moved fast, but not fast enough. Ryo sliced and cut her cheek. He landed and took the initiative and went at her again. Only this time, Alina blocked his attack with her staff. Ryo growled, "You'll pay for hurting my sister."

Alina smirked, "Oh, so that was your sister? Well then, you're about to join her!" Alina flew back and raised her staff towards Ryo.

"Not today lady!" Rowen jumped in the air and loaded his bow, "Arrow Shock Wave!" He arrow went whizzing at Alina and hit her directly. When the dust cleared, she was surrounded by a forcefield. Rowen landed softly, "What?"

Alina yawned, "My turn yet?" She flew up into the air and arched forwards. Wings sprouted from her shoulder blades. Her face morphed into something like a bird. She flew higher into the air, with her staff at her right side, "Prepare to meet your doom!"

Shades snorted, "I've heard that line too many times."

"Well, this time will be your last!" Alina screamed.

Flash yawned, "Heard that one too. Got anything else?"

Alina growled softly. She raised her staff above her head and bent her head backwards. Her wings extended to their full length and she raised her head, opening her eyes, and placed the staff in the middle of her body. A whirlpool of darkness was behind her, "Darkness Typhoon!" The wave shot out to the six teenagers and rendered them helpless.

Rowen struggled to get up, "Guys…I can't see!"

"No shit Sherlock!" Shades yelled back at him.

Hana started to panic, "Oh God! We're all gonna die!"

"Stop being pessimistic!"

Alina lowered onto the ground, in front of the ruble. She smiled evilly, "Time to finish this!" She started to chant in ancient Roman language. Before she finished, the ground shook for a split second. She thought nothing of it and continued until the ground shook again, but with more force. It stopped again, but started two seconds later, "What?"

She turned around and looked behind at the pile of ruble. She saw one rock fall, then, light broke through the cracks of the rocks and they exploded, "Your time’s up!" A voice boomed -it was Rekino. Alina didn't have enough time to move before a fist connected with her face and sent her flying through the walls on the other side of the room.

"Rekino?" Flash asked to nothingness.

"Yeah," Rekino spat out the blood that was in her mouth. God, she was hurting. It was bad enough she fell through ten or more walls but to top it off, Alina had to send the wall crashing down on top of her. Talk about raining on someone's parade. She was glad that she used the rest of her strength to get out of it. Now, the only problem was how to regain her strength before Alina emerged. She fell to her knees and supported herself with her katanas.

"I'm glad you're okay, sis!" Ryo said.

Rekino turned towards her fellow Guardian, "Hana, don't ask any questions, but use Halo's Light. Y'all have darkness and its opposing force is light. Make the magic neutral!" She looked towards the hole in the wall and saw Alina getting up, "Do it now! I don't have the much strength left to fight!"

"Right!" Hana nodded her head and stood up. She put her hands to her face, "Halo's Light!" A bright light engulfed the whole, but it wasn't fast enough. Everyone opened his or her eyes to see Alina coming out of a new hole in the wall, with her staffed raised high above her head, and flying straight for Rekino.

"Die!" Alina screamed.

"Oh shit!" Rekino lifted up her arms to block herself from the attack, but she heard a clang noise. She looked up and saw Rowen and Hana in front of her blocking Alina's attack. She felt Ryo's arms wrap around her waist, pick her up, and jump away from the battle, "Thanks Bro…"

Ryo smiled and landed next to the others, "Hey Flash, can you heat Rekino up a little bit?"

"Sure," Flash concentrated her powers on Rekino and soon flames surrounded the Lady of Wildfire. Flash and Rekino's symbols were both shining brilliantly, "There ya go, bud-ro!"

"Thanks!" Rekino smiled and stood up. She turned her eyes towards the battlefield to see Hana fighting with Alina while Rowen shot off arrows at the two. She noticed that Rowen had miscalculated one shot and he almost hit Hana.

"Hey Strata, watch where you shoot those damn things! They hurt!" Hana yelled. She was sweating profusely. Her no datchi was against Alina's staff when she noticed something. Half of a green gem was placed on the top of it. She started to become intrigued.

Flash, who was standing next to Rekino and Shades, noticed it also. Her mind started flashing images of the attack at the castle. When Alina showed up, she had the same gem on her staff, but it was different now. She was an aura around it; an elemental aura. It was the same aura that was around Sage before he and Alina had disappeared, "Hana, Rowen, new game plan! Go for the gem!"

Borya sat on the throne on Germany as he kept watch over the royals of the country and of Italy. Sage, who was at the king's right side, kept on eye on Thunder. Disani still lay on the other side of the room, not moving a muscle. The Halo Warrior was growing rather impatient waiting around and doing nothing. He would much rather be fighting Thunder or the others now than standing here and playing watch dog.

"What troubles you, my young fighter?" Borya asked.

Sage looked at his master, "Nothing."

"Don't worry. If by any chance my queen doesn't destroy your comrades, then I'll let you handle them," Borya smirked and looked down at his hands. As long as Alina had the other half of the gem, Sage would remain under his control. I just hope Alina's doing what I asked her too. The room she's guarding contains the power source for the country and she. If it's destroyed, then I'll lose my control over them, well, except for Sage that is.