Difficult battles to difficult decisions!

Omoi wakes up inside the hospital; he gets confused and starts looking around, but then he looks straight ahead to see Kisaiju laying in the bed needing a machine in order to breathe. Omoi is in shock, but Kanju grabs his shoulder and tells him to calm down and that Kisaiju is going to be fine.

Omoi: "How do you know?"

Kanju: "Well, he has a punctured lung."

Omoi has the biggest look of remorse on his face not knowing what to say or do.

Kanju: "Apparently you caused his lung to collapse and it is very difficult for him to breathe on his own. The doctors say it's treatable though, all it will take is oxygen therapy. He won't be able to leave for 6 to 8 weeks and after won't be able to train or fight for at least another month."

Omoi looks down then looks around to see the face of everyone just looking at him.

Omoi: "Where's Ziku?"

Kanju: "He's outside."

Omoi walks to the exit and looks outside for Ziku. He sees Ziku just staring off into the distance with nothing but a concerned look on his face.

Omoi: "I almost killed him. I understand why you choose not to fight and let your emotions get the best of you."

Ziku: "It's more than that."

Omoi: "What do you mean?"

Ziku: "I choose not to fight because..."

Before he can say anything else he feels the sudden surge of aura again.

Ziku: "There it is again, did you feel that?!"

Omoi: "Feel what?"

Ziku:"The reason I stopped fighting earlier is because I felt the same aura."

Omoi: "You can sense aura?"

Ziku: "No! Yes?! I don't know! I just know the aura resembles a Nakamura, but with something slightly off about it."

Omoi: "How do you know it could be a Nakamura?"

Ziku: "When I was trapped inside with that woman, all she had was my clan as her pawns. All I felt inside was Nakamura aura I was easily angered by the fact that what binds them is this dark essence that flows within that dimension."

Omoi: "So do you think you have a relative out there?"

Ziku: "Yes, a relative that's alive, but being controlled by the same curse or magic that is being used on Shizuko and Hiroyuki!"

Omoi: "Ziku you don't plan on looking for them do you?!"

Ziku: "Even if I wanted to; I wouldn't know where to start. This is just one of those things I'll encounter when it's time. By that point I should have all the answers and be able to do what I can for them."

Omoi: "Well this seems like a pretty arduous journey for you, whatever it is I won't let you face it alone. I'll be there with you."

Ziku: "Thanks Omoi."

Kanju walks out to them in a hurry.

Kanju: "Come here! Both of you now!"

As they all walk back in, they notice everyone else in a circle talking.

Ziku: "What's going on?"

Kotai: "We must prepare for what's coming."

Ziku: "What's coming?!"

Kanju: "Isamu had a precognition. In it he saw that there were people after you Ziku, but not only you Aiko and Kame as well."

Isamu: "I can see on your face you're thinking weren't there already people after you guys. Yes, but this time is different because they also want me and Yumi."

Ziku: "I don't get it! You just saw this?!"

Isamu: "I saw all of use captured in shackles, drained, there was nothing we could do. No help or anything. I don't know how they captured us I don't know what they want from us, I just know once they have us it's over."

Omoi: "When did you see all of this?"

Isamu: "I'm not too sure, I just remember having that vision and then waking up here."

Limbo: "How do we even know you're telling the truth?"

Isamu: "You can call me lots of things: A weakling, a coward, a pushover, I may never even reach the level of strength you all will. If there's one thing about me it's that I'm not a liar. You don't have to believe me, but since this vision effects me and most of my friends the least I can do is try and prevent it! I'm not asking for any of your help, but when this day comes I'll be ready to fight even if that's without any of you!

Isamu tears up, really showing how scared he is of the situation as he turns around and begins to walk away.

Kame: "Isamu Wait! I will fight with you!"

Ziku: "No, we all will fight with you!

Kanju: "The scariest part is that we don't know when they plan on attacking. It could be at any moment."

Isamu: "That's right, we may not have time to prepare."

Ziku: "So there's people coming after us, they could attack at any second while Aiko and Yumi are somewhere all alone?!"

Kanju: "What do we do?! How do we even go about this?!"

Ziku: "I don't know, but I know standing around won't help anything I have to get to Aiko now!"

Before anyone could stop him, Ziku rushes out of the hospital, no one being fast enough to go after him.

Isamu: "Kanju you should come with me to tell Asuna, maybe he'll be able to help."

Senpu: "I'll go with you guys."

Limbo: "Hmph, kinda just sounds like you're using Asuna as protection."

Isamu: "That might be true, but could you blame me? Sounds smart on my part."

They leave to go talk to Asuna leaving everyone else.

Omoi: "Kame you should go to Yumi and protect her if anything happens."

Kame: "What will you be doing?"

Omoi: "I'm overwhelmed by this guilt of what I've done to Kisaiju. I gotta remain here to see if he comes out ok. It's the least I could do."

Kame: "I see."

Bezune: "Hey Kame do you mind if I go with you, although we don't know how much time we have until they decide on attacking I would like to train with you."

Kame: "Sure let us go!"

Limbo: "I'll go with you guys just cause. Better than being here."

Kotai: "Hmph, guess I'll go after Ziku."

Bokutso: "When did you decide that you would start helping Ziku?"

Kotai: "Trust me I still don't like him, but if I'm ever gonna get my rematch he has to be alive right?"

Bokutso: "Now that sounds like you. Guess I'll tag along."

Ziku gets to Aiko's house. He knocks on the door not getting an answer. He starts to get worries as he knocks harder and faster trying to get a response. Before he could knock again, Aiko opens the door and Ziku trips and falls on top of her. He looks up to see he's on top of her as he just smiles.

Ziku: "There you are."

Aiko turns completely red, she just stares not saying anything. Ziku gets up and then helps her up.

Ziku: "Hey sorry about that, I was just trying to get your attention."

Airi: "Who is it?"

Aiko: "It's Ziku."

Ziku just looks at her confused.

Aiko: "Oh hey Ziku have you met..."

Airi: "I think we could skip the formalities, you should listen to what he has to tell you."

Aiko: "Oh yeah, why did you come here?"

Ziku: "Oh, well Isamu told us that there are people coming after Me, you, him, Kame and Yumi. I came here to protect you."

Aiko: "Again?! Why are people always after me?! What did I even do?!"

Aiko puts her hands over her face and falls to her knees just crying. Ziku gets on his knees and puts his arms around her. Holding her tight.

Ziku: "I don't know, I'm sorry Aiko. I wish I had the answers but I don't. We both know it's a cruel world. I don't know if it will make you feel better, but I'm here for you and I will try my best to protect you."

Aiko just closes her eyes and becomes comfortable in Ziku's arms. She ends up falling asleep. Ziku caresses her hair as it reveals more of her face. Ziku blushes as his heart skips a beat.

Ziku whispers: "She's beautiful."

Ziku picks her up and takes her to the bed.

Meanwhile Kotai and Bokutso are walking to Aiko's house.

Bokutso: "You even know where you going?"

Kotai: "Nope."

Bokutso: "Why didn't you say anything instead of walking straight for 20 minutes?!"

Kotai: "I didn't want to tell you I didn't know where I was going and make you mad."

Bokutso: "Well now we lost, wasted time and I'm pissed!"

Kotai: "We aren't lost, Umm look. I could see the top of the hospital in the distance. We just have to walk back and we'll be fine."

Bokutso: "Hmph."

Kotai: "Hey don't be mad at me, no one told you to come with me."

Bokutso: "Don't do that."

Kotai: "Do what?"

Bokutso: "You know what you're doing."

Kotai: "I don't, that's why I asked."

Bokutso: "Wait, whats that?!"

Kotai looks over to see a silhouette of man standing nearly 7ft tall. Both of them gulp as he gets closer and closer. Kotai and Bokutso just stare as the man pulls out a larger hammer.

Then when Kame, Bezune and limbo find Yumi they see that she's with Kireina.

Kame: "Kireina? What are you doing here?"

Kireina: "Why should that matter to you?"

Yumi: "Why are you three here?"

Bezune: "We have to protect you from what's coming. Whatever it is you and Kame are in imminent danger according to Isamu."

Yumi: "Isamu? The one who has precognitions? When did he tell you of what he saw?"

Bezune: "Umm today."

Yumi: "Did he first see it today?"

Limbo: "He said he had the vision and suddenly woke up in the hospital. The nurse said he was checked in over night."

Yumi: "His precognitions take place a day in the future, so if he saw this yesterday that means...."

Just before she could finish talking a blast comes down and nearly hits her. She falls unconscious as the rest of them look up. They see two people floating as one of them smiles. Kireina slowly moves behind Kame and Bezune.

Transitions to Omoi at the hospital. He paces back and forth looking at Kisaiju. All Omoi could think about is how everything is his fault. He starts to think that if Kisaiju dies, he would have to tell his family and give up on everything. Omoi walks over to the window and just stares out into the distance. Then all of a sudden the ground starts to shine and it begins to rise. Omoi looks over at Kisaiju as everything just turns completely white and the entire hospital blows up.

Minutes earlier Isamu, Kanju and Senpu are with Asuna telling him everything.

Asuna: "Hmmm it seems they won't stop until they're satisfied. At this rate our entire village is at stake."

Isamu: "What do we do?"

Asuna: "Ahhhhh! With the whole Shizuko and Hiroyuki situation and then this, it's hard to maintain order in the village! At this point..."

Just before he could finish, that's when the hospital blows up and creates a gigantic explosion.

Asuna just stares in disbelief and everyone else in shock.

Isamu: "Omoi and Kisaiju!"

Asuna: "What?"

Kame, Bezune, Senpu and Kireina also see the explosion as they just look In a feeling of angst.

Kotai and Bokutso both semi close to the blast as they both stare off into the direction of the hospital, then simultaneously look at the man standing in front of them.

Ziku can't see the blast, but he heard it. He wonders what happened as he tries to leave, but remembers he has to protect Aiko. Now that she's asleep she is at her most vulnerable. So instead he just stands there looking into the direction of where the blast came from. As he thinks to himself.

Ziku: "Whatever happened I hope everyone is alright. Please be alright!"

Omoi gets up from all the rubble and he's completely injured. Bleeding all over, clothes are ripped with scratches and bruises everywhere. He ends up falling to one knee and looking up to see a silhouette of a man just floating in the air.

Omoi: "Why?! Who are you?!"

Obnimi: "You need not worry who I am. Just await the next one."

Omoi: "The next what?!"

Obnimi points in the direction of the tower where Asuna is. Omoi looks as his eyes get big. Before you know it the tower explodes with an even greater blast than before.

Omoi: "NO!"

Isamu, Kanju and Senpu all open their eyes. They look around to see that they were inside a barrier Asuna created to shield them from the blast.

Isamu: "Asuna!"

Asuna is angered by what has happened to the village. He goes over to the debris of the hospital to find Omoi. He also notices Obnimi.

Obnimi: "Finally you come out, so it takes destroying two main points in your village for you to come out and play.

Asuna: "Play?! Is this some kind of sick game to you?!"

Obnimi: "Yes! That's all everything is anyway, a game. You ready for the next game?"

Asuna: "What?"

Obnimi: "Lets see if you could guess where the next explosion will be set off."

Asuna: "Another one?!"

Asuna looks around trying to see where the next explosion could take place.

Obnimi: "30 seconds!"

Asuna thinks that it could be at the academy, but as he tries to go prevent it he remembers that the tower of glass is where the important pieces of the village are. Before he can turn around and head towards the tower of glass Obnimi smirks.

Obnimi: "Too late! You won't make it!"

Asuna watches as the another explosion sets off near the tower of glass.

Obnimi just starts laughing and then he suddenly stops. He looks forward squinting his eyes to see that the tower of glass in still in tact. And that it has some type of barrier around it that seems to be protected by aura.

Asuna: " Was a valiant effort, but there's more to this village that you outsiders wouldn't even comprehend."

Obnimi just stares at Asuna not knowing what to do. He starts to tremble because Asuna's eyes turn white and his aura flows through the village. Obnimi gets scared to the point where he turns himself into stone.

Isamu: "Did he just turn himself into stone?"

Asuna: "This is a way for him to escape."

Asuna tries touching it, but before he can it just turns to rubble then dust. Eventually being blown away by the wind. Asuna watches as the remains of Obnimi just flow with the wind. Meanwhile Bokutso and Kotai are standing toe to toe with Ganju. Ganju walks towards them, Kotai and Bokutso both run towards him and attack. Kotai punching Ganju in the face and Bokutso punching him in the ribs. Neither of the attacks doing any damage. They both back off and just watch as Ganju cracks his neck.

Kotai: "This is going take all we've got!"

Bokutso: "Yeah I know, I'm ready for whatever it takes to beat this guy!"

Kotai and Bokutso both nod at each other and immediately go full power. Kotai's aura surrounding him as he becomes super muscular and Bokutso's aura doing the same in order match Kotai. Both of them turn to Ganju and start walking towards him.

Asuna is helping Omoi when he senses Kotai and Bokutso both power up. Ziku with Aiko as he can sense the same thing, but just doesn't know who it is exactly.

Ziku: "This is different from the Nakamura aura I sensed before."

Transitions back to Kame, Bezune and Kireina.

Kame: "Who are you?"

Desir: "What matters most is which one of you can stop us?"

Bezune looks at him dead in his eyes and then tries to attack him. Bezune's hair changes colors and begins to glow, he sticks his hands out and creates a beam that blasts towards Desir. Desir smirks and then absorbs the attack.

Desir: "Ohhhh! You don't know? I can absorb any aura based attack. Basically making you useless against me."

Kame: "Well how about coming down here and seeing if I am useless!"

Desir: "Ooh someone is bold! I just might accept your offer."

Desir goes to the ground, he walks to Kame and places his hand on Kame's head patting him.

Desir: "You should leave kid, or wait for someone a little more formidable."

Kame hits his hand off of his head and tries to land a hit, but he can't. Desir backs away and gestures for Kame to come on. Kame gets a little angry and rushes towards him trying to hit him with combos, but all of it is being blocked or dodged. Kame just keeps trying and trying to land a hit, but instead Desir just keeps smiling. Kame just keeps going at it, trying his best to land a hit, but then Desir gets bored. On Kame's last punch Desir grabs his arm and breaks it. Kame screams in pain while Desir walks away from his body towards Yumi.

Desir: "Maybe now, you will decide whether or not you truly are cut out to be a warrior."

Desir gets to Yumi, before he can pick her up Bezune gets in front of him. Bezune nervous knowing he clearly stands no chance. Desir bends down to look at Bezune in the eyes.

Desir: "You're too weak."

He punches Bezune in the stomach and throws his body out of the way. Just before he can grab Yumi, Kireina traps him with vines and branches tangling all around him. Desir just looks at her.

Desir: "Ok, this is getting real annoying! All of you just die!"

Desir unleashes a shockwave of aura that makes everyone around him go flying. Yumi still laying in front of him. Desir picks her up and puts her over his shoulder. He turns to walk back until he hears footsteps behind him. He turns around slowly to see who is approaching.

Desir: "Tch, more weaklings."

He puts Yumi down and squints his eyes to see who is coming towards him.

Mako: "Desir watch out!"

Desir: "Oh you're done watching? You want a turn?"

Mako: "No, he's here!"

Desir: "Who exactly are you talking about?"

Asuna appears from the dark with his eyes glowing and aura flowing around his body.

Desir: "Ooh he looks strong!"

Mako: "Desir No! Stop it! Do not fight him!"

Desir: "Ah don't worry about me everyone here is weak."

Asuna looks up at Mako and chooses to attack him. Desir throws a punch at Asuna, but Asuna dodges going after Mako. Mako vanishes, down to where Desir is grabbing him and they both vanish away. Asuna just stares at the mark that is left on the ground and then looks up. Meanwhile Kotai and Bokutso are fighting Ganju and losing. Even when they are both at full power , it still seems they are no match for Ganju. They attack him together, but it just doesn't seem to be enough. Ganju punches Kotai in the ribs breaking them, and kicks Bokutso in the face breaking his jaw. They fall the the ground in pain and barley able to keep going. Both of their auras are depleted and they can't do anything else. Ganju steps on Bokutso's back breaking it. Kotai can just watch as Bokutso screams in pain. Kotai looks into Bokutso's eyes and sees him tear up. Kotai tries his best to move but his ribs hurt so bad he can barley even crawl. He tries crawling over to Bokutso and when he finally gets there he grabs Ganju's ankle. Ganju looks down and is about to punch Kotai in his back. Kotai closes his eyes and cringes, but he doesn't get hit. Instead he hears a heavy crack or breaking sound. He looks up to see Mest.

Mest: "You ok?"

Kotai: "I'll be fine, how did you know we needed help?"

Mest: "Don't worry about that. I'm finishing what you two started!"

Ganju gets up shaking his head while holding his face. Him and Mest lock eyes and as he gets up they both charge at each other. They clash and again Ganju goes flying. Mest landing a punch across his face.

Kotai: "So strong!"

Mest walks over to Ganju who is struggling to get up. Once he gets to his feet a man appears behind him.

Cyro: "It seems we greatly underestimated the warriors of this village."

Mest: "Who are you!"

Cyro makes Ganju go through the warp gate and follows behind him. He looks back to make eye contact with Mest. Mest gets nervous feeling the presence of Cyro.

Cyro: "You're not Asuna."

Cyro and Ganju leave. Mest goes back to help Kotai and Bokutso. He tries to talk to Kotai, but before he can even say anything to him Kotai loses consciousness.

The warp gate opens elsewhere; Cyro and Ganju come out and stand in front of Mettanica. Already waiting for them was Desir, Mako, Kenchiko, And Totsuki.

Mettanica: "It seems the timing of my plan was a little off."

Mako: "A little?! You told us Asuna would be elsewhere!"

Mettanica: "Obnimi was supposed to take care of Asuna!"

Mako: " Obnimi is weak!"

Before anyone could say anything else they see dust circling them. Then it goes to the middle of the floor in front of Mako. It starts to form a body out of stone, everyone watches as Obnimi appears.

Obnimi: "I want you to say that to my face."

Mako takes two steps and is in front of Obnimi. As both of them stand face to face Mettanica tries to break it up, but Totsuki stops her. When she looks back at him he nods and she just looks back to see how it will unfold.

Mako: "You are weak."

Obnimi: "Let's take this outside. Prove to me you have the right to call me weak."

Everyone walks outside with them and they both just stare at each other. Then both charge at each other and clash. They begin fighting, everyone just watches. Desir smiling.

It transitions to Asuna and Mest talking.

Asuna: "When did you get here?"

Mest: "I was already on my way to speak with you and I just stumbled upon Kotai and Bokutso."

Asuna: "You seen what was happening right?"

Mest: "Yeah, it seems they are still relentless in their motives."

Asuna: "Me being emperor it's hard to keep tabs on everyone, but luckily I was able to push them back. While we undergo the rebuilding process I'm sure they will attack again."

Mest: "I tried to help as much as I can, but there's something I need to tell you."

Asuna: "What is it?"

Mest: "I have to take Kame now!"

Asuna: "Why now?"

Mest lifts up his shirt to reveal a wound on the side of his ribs that is also marked like a seal or curse.

Asuna: "What happened?"

After I went back on my journey, I encountered a man who knew who I was. Immediately discovered I was a Chikara. We fought, although I may have had the upper hand in terms of strength it only took one attack of his to make me realize this was the man my father told me about. You know as well as I do just how powerful my father was, but for him to lose a fight like he did and talk about it goes against his pride as a warrior. He told me of a man that gave him the same wound and the effects it had. My father was telling me how overtime he felt as if he were growing weaker and weaker. Which makes sense why on that day he and my clan were defeated so easily, it was all planned."

Asuna: "Are you saying this same man could be behind these next attacks?"

Mest: "it's possible, but not for certain. I can already tell my strength is draining, but slowly. It's best if I took Kame now before it's too late."

Asuna: "I understand. Do as you see fit. Just know it might be hard to pull Kame away from Jaken."

Mest: "I think I can manage."

Mest goes to where Kame lives. Mest immediately sees Jaken and gets nervous. Bezune walks up to him.

Bezune: "Mest?! How come you're here?"

Mest trying to talk, but keeps fumbling the words because Jaken is eyeing him.

Mest: "To speak with Kame."

Bezune: "Well he's inside, he actually just got done having his arm bandaged."

Mest tries to walk inside, but Jaken stands in front and introduces herself.

Jaken: "Hello! Mest is it? I don't think we've formally met."

Mest: "Ummm no we haven't, but we could save the formalities for later. I came to speak with Kame."

Jaken: "I would let you, but he doesn't want to speak with anyone right now. Not even Shiro."

Mest: "What happened?"

Jaken: "I'm as clueless as you. I just know Asuna brought him home and Bezune came along. I asked what happened, but he just walked past me holding his arm. When I went to go check on him, I found out his arm was broken. I did what I could for his arm, but it seems like more than his arm is broken."

Mest: "What do you mean?"

Jaken: "His spirit."

Mest: "Bezune doesn't know anything?"

Jaken: "Bezune respects Kame enough to not talk about what happened until Kame is ready."

Mest: "I have to talk to him now!"

Mest walks in without hesitation. He sees Kame just sitting with just a defeated, depressed look on his face.

Mest: "Kame? Could we talk?"

Kame just nods.

Mest: "Can you talk to me about what happened? I'm here for you."

Kame: "I found out that I am weak."

Mest: "Why do you say that?"

Kame: "I could not protect Yumi, Kireina or Bezune! Me being weak got them hurt!"

Mest: "Kame, everyone loses a fight at some point. That's what makes us human. No matter how strong you are, there could always be someone stronger. No matter how hard you work, there is someone else working harder."

Kame: "No! That is not it! He told me to give up being a warrior! I feel like I am such a disgrace to my clan because I fight for them! If I win, I win for them. If I lose.... Everything we stand for is tainted!"

Mest: "If that's how you feel, I'm here to tell you that you're wrong. It's ok to fight for your clan, but it's wrong to call yourself a disgrace after one fight. That's precisely what being a warrior is. It's learning, becoming better, getting stronger and proving to not only your clan, but to yourself that you have the greatest strength of them all.... Heart!"

Kame: "I fight with the Chikara name, to lose and.....

Mest: "Look, you fight with the Chikara name! Now tell me would you rather lose a battle and become stronger or give up being a warrior entirely and lose the war?! Not only did you lose the war, but your clan the same clan you fight for; died for nothing and instead of avenging them you allowed them to die in vain!"

Kame just continues to sit there thinking. Mest gets up to leave.

Mest: "I advise you to choose wisely. When you want to hear what I really came here to talk to you about, come find me."

Mest leaves and walks past Jaken.

Jaken: "Were you able to talk to your brother?"

Mest turns around with a perplexed expression.

Mest: "How did you...?"

Before he could finish Kame runs out gets close to Mest and punches his fist smiling.

Mest: "I'll take that as you're ready to hear what I wanted to say."

Kame: "What is it!"

Mest: "I want you to come with me and train. Now Jaken I know you may not like the idea..."

Jaken: "It's fine."

Mest: "Really?! Well you heard her Kame go pack we leave tomorrow morning."

Kame: "I did not say I want to."

Mest: "You don't want to come train with my while on my journey?"

Kame: "I know I will be gone for awhile, I do not want to leave Jaken. As of right now she is all I got."

Mest: "I see."

Kame: "I love the idea of training and becoming stronger, It would just be better if I stay."

Jaken: "Kame!"

Kame:"Huh?"

Jaken: "I think you should go."

Kame: "You do? But why?"

Jaken: "I just feel it's of your best interest. You love training why pass up on an opportunity like this. It opens up so much: like adventures, discoveries, meeting new people and most importantly new heights."

Kame: " I know, I just can not leave you. I do not want....."

Jaken: "Kame, I know you care about me. It's ok because I have Kenshi to look after me. I just wouldn't feel right if I were the reason you missed out on something like this."

Kame just stares at her for awhile then looks down.

Kame: "Well if you really want me to, I will go.