NationStates Jolt Archive

The wires were cut by Dorons lightsabers but Ginkotsus saw blades wernt done yet. The magnets on the luanchers that sent them off activated and the blade turned heading back at Doron to return.

Doron's blades weren't finished as well. They twirled in a blaze knicking at each saw blade to try and alter the return path and embedd in Ginkotsu.

The saws path was altered indeed as they cut into the metal midsection of Ginkotsu he lost power to his weapons and left arm. He knew he would be unable to fight on and as such left the ring for the ten count.

The announcer counted to ten and announcer Doron as the winner. Kanna cheered as loud as she could.

Blood dripped from Doron's nose and fingertips. He ripped the fabric from his sleeves to reveal deep scars. These would have to do as bandages for now as he wrapped them around his arms and cut leg. His mid drift was the next to go as more fabric was removed and wrapped arouns his side to stem the flow of blood. He was now sleeveless and missing half of his shirt.

Blades were returned to his side as he awaited the next roll of the dice.

'Nice one Doron. Are you alright?" Moore handed him Medikit that he brought for just this kind of situation.

Renkotsu rolled the dice fast so he could start repairs on Ginkotsu as soon as possible. When the dice lay still he smiled as the announcer looked them over.

" Next match up will be Bankotsu vs Doron!!"

Bankotsu entered the ring laughing " This will be a nice warm up for my fight with Richard."

ooc: Get ready Paintcheck, you'll be fighting soon.

IC:

Blood dripped from Doron's mouth as he tossed the medkit back. A good sign of internal bleeding. Doron flipped his blades so that they pointed back. He brought them to bare so that they formed an "L" infront of him.

"Yeah and you're just another notch on my belt."

Bankotsu laughed " So cocky you beat Ginkotsu barly that fight could have gone either way. And he is no where near my power and your little lightsabers wont even be able to block my Banryū. But talk is cheap i guess so i will show you" Bankotsu charged forword faster then Jakotsu ever could have at Doron. He was almost dareing Doron to try some of his fancy Force abilitys.

Doron smirked. Speed was definantly an advantage however it would be easily removed when Bankotsu didn't have the use of his legs. A force grab went out to Bankotsu's throat as Doron tried to lift him off the ground and hold him in place.

The force was just another form of energy when you cut right down to it. Knowing this Bankotsu used Banryu's Banryuu Flash surronding him in a pinkish purple aura stopping the force grab. Bankotsu charged foword then jumped into the air comeing down swinging his Banryu first at doron.

Doron brought up both lightsabers at a cross to block the downward crash of Banryu.

Banryu met the lightsabers with equal power. However Banryu had more weight behind it. Bankotsu shoved the lighsabers back enough to swing Banryu sending a wind scar like attack at doron.

Doron took a gash across the chest and rolled away from the attack. "Not bad."

He flicked both his wrists out low and sent both sabers spinning like saw blades at Bankotsu's legs.

Bankotsu was cut on the lower leg by one of the lightsabers befor he used Banryu as a shield. Bankotsu jumped into the air leaving Banryu in the ground where he stabbed it to be used as a shield. " Your not even worth useing Banryu one!" He said as he punched doron with his left hand. The left arm was had three jewl shards in it makeing it very powerful.

Doron went flying across the arena but he brought both his hands to bring his lightsabers spinning back to him. Both were sent on a path to pass through Bankotsu's chest.

The two lightsabers hit Bankotsu in the chest sticking in as he fell to the ground. He lay motionless as blood came from the wounds.

Doron highly doubted that he was actually dead. Spoor had her head in her hands with worry. A force grab had both lightsabers returning to Doron's waiting grasp. He plopped back down in the dirt panting waiting for the ref to give a ten count.

The announcer started the count and reached eight befor she stopped. Bankotsu jumped to his feet with a smile " Sorry i must have fallen asleep. Your little attacks bored me so much and all. Now i will show you what a real attack is when i cleave you in half with my Banryu." Bankotsu said as he grabbed Banryu and pulled it from the ground.

"You sure are talkative for one that took two sabers through the chest. No wonder you demons use those jewel shard, you can't fight with a darn and need all the help you can get."

Bankotsu laughed " And i doubt you would be much of a challange with out the force. Nore would richard be with out his magic. If you want a even playing field i would win that as well. My body with out the jewl shards is strounger and faster then yours. And dont forget Banryu which is more then just a sword. But your right talking is over your next move is the last one you make befor your trip to the afterlife."

"Yeah and if I didn't know any better, I'd think you were compensating for something with that big halberd."

Bankotsu says no more as he charges forword at the last possible moment he side stepped to the left and cleaved deep into dorons side severing his spine. As he watched doron fall to the ground and the announcer make the pointless count to ten.

Kanna ran into the ring befor the ten count was even over and useing her holy magic stablized doron. She knew she had to get him to a med center fast or he might die. Bankotsu had other plans seeing Doron had been a major pain for the Shichinintai. He started to twirl his Banryu at a greater and greater speed and started to lower it towrd Doron and Kanna. Kanna refused to move and put up a barrier. However Banryu easily shattered it as Bankotsu lowered it.

" Well Doron i promised i would put a end to your days of getting in my way but atleast you and your love can die togather." He said in a heartless tone.

Seeing this unfold, Moore's hand dropped to his side. He pulled out his blaster and fire 10 shots at the demon. "He can't fight back you coward! Have you now honor?" Moore shouted as he watched the blaster bolts reach toward their target.

Bankotsu used Banryu to block the blaster bolts, he had dropped his guard and nearly didnt block in time. Somthing he would not do agian. " A cowrd runs away,A smart warrior strikes when his enemy is weak and kills them when they have won a battle. But i can wait i guess and kill doron once i kill richard. And maybe i will be lucky enough to fight you next. Renkotsu roll the dice i am feeling lucky today."

Renkotsu rolled the dice as they stopped Bankotsu looked down and sighed " Oh well still should be a fun fight." The announcer then took a look herself then yelled " Next Battle Moore Vs Suikotsu!!"

Suikotsu was a close range attacker useing ninja type claws on both hands which he had used to slice and dice threw countless. His style could best be described as that of a berzerker and he enjoyed the killing more then even most serial killers. He stepped into the ring as Kanna pulled doron out and bankotsu too jumped off out of the ring.

" Why not throw your crappy blaster away and prove that you arnt a cowrd and fight me in close quarters combat. Its always so much funner and a hell of alot more blood comes of it." Suikotsu said.

Richard stripped the golden cape and rolled it up to place under Doron's head. He looked to Kanna. "Take care of him. I will stay and deal with Bankotsu."

"What ever you say Suikotsu." He slipped his gun belt off and stepped into the ring. He drew the 2 vibroblades out of his back sheath. "Ready whenever your are." Stefan said.

Kanna nodded as she took doron off to the med center where she would begian to heal his wounds it would take a few hours do to how bad they were but she would not stop tell doron was back on his feet.

Jakotsu patted Bankotsu on his back laughing " You seem to be back to your old self. The Bankotsu i knew when we fought in japan so long ago."

Bankotsu noded " Yeah i had become soft and thus weak now i can feel Banryus energys and mine riseing once more like back in the old days. Soon Banryu will become a full Demonic Blade."

OOC: lol didnt see you had posted befor me sorry

IC: Suikotsu charged forth befor the announcer even yelled start. He begian to thrust and slash at moore. His attacks were very skillful yet random at the same time.

Moore blocked or dodged most of the attacks except for 2, which cut deep into his armor. He jumped over the demon and slashed down at him, hoping to take his head off.

Suikotsu used his left claws to parry the attack. As the voidblade slid between two of the claw blades and met with the metal base of the weapon. Suikotsu slashed up with his right claws at moore's chest.

: Post for tomorrow will come later because of water polo

Moore dropped the trapped sword andpivoted back to avoid the uppercut. He swung with his left blade at the back side of the demon.

Suikotsu took a deep cut on his back befor he jumped forword and turned. " A attack like that is nothing to me. Infact it just serves to make me want to spill your blood more"

"You think that's all I have? Pfft you demons are a little too cocky for your own good."

Moore switched hadns on his blade and dove forward thrusting at Suikotsu's face while grabbing for the trapped blade still stuck in his claws.

Suikotsu was taken off guard by the sudden charge forword. He dodge to the side but the blase went into his neck hitting his artery. Blood poored from his neck however it was a little left of his Jewl Shard so he was ok.

" D....Damn that was too close." He muttered out as he saw moore now grabbing his other void blade from his grasp.

OOC: All the members of this team were killed befor ( Pre NS) they were brought back to life with the power of jewl shards from the Jewl of Four souls. This means the only way to kill them is to remove the jewl shard or do somthing like vaporizeing them. OOC Info to explane how he is still moveing around. Thats not to say he can regrow lost limbs but after awhile wounds such as the one he just got will heal.

OOC:Bump

OOC: Bump if paintcheck dose not post by sunday i will end the match myself so we can go on.

A'ight

OOC: As stated we will have to move on. dont worry tho i wont do anything that will kill moore or anything all the damage can and will be healed by richard.

IC: Moore charged in attempting to get in close enough to make damageing blows agianst Suikotsu which would not be easy as his weapons and style were made for close quarters combat. Suikotsu parryed most of the attacks and counter attacked makeing some slight cuts on moore however he manged to avoid any seriouse blows.

Suikotsu slashed down after his first attempts aiming for moores neck. Moore dodge the attack and moved in while Suikotsu was open and stabed his voidblade right into the lung of Suikotsu.

"Left yourself open that was foolish" Moore said however his eyes soon were filled with shock and horror as Suikotsus blades sunk into his ribs. Suikotsu smiled as he lifted moore into the air his blades turned sideways as not to kill moore right away.

" You shouldnt of fought me as if i was a normal mortal. That was your mistake and you will die for it" Suikotsu said as he aimed his other set of claws at moores neck. Moores eyes widened as he saw his last chance. turning both voidblades as fast as he could he stabed both into Suikotsus neck and slashed towrds the middle. With a gush of blood suikotsu droped moore as his Jewl Shard flew outside the ground to richards fight.

" DAMN IT SUIKOTSU GET YOUR JEWL SHARD BACK IN FAST!!!" Jakotsu yelled.
Suikotsu charged out of the ring not even thinking of the count. Blood poored from his slit throat. He was almost to the jewl shard when his energy left him. He fell to his knees at richards feet looking up with a blank stare " This is not how is was supposed to end!!" he yelled as his flesh turned to dust and blew away leaving only his armor and bones behind. Without the jewl shards power his body could not stay among the liveing. Jakotsu was fast to grab the jewl shard a toss it to Bankotsu who in turn placed it into a small crack in Banryu left from a battle with a Half Demon so long ago. It pulsed with the other three jewlshards already in the Halbard and the blade itself turned red for amoment and pulsed as well.

" Time to settle this i guess" Bankotsu said looking at Richard and what was left of Suikotsu.

Richard knelt down by Moore and quickly dove into a river of pain to heal his wounds. The cuts were extensive and it took great energy just to keep Moore's soul in the land in the living. Slowly, his tissue began to mend, arteries reconnected, and skin healed over until there wasn't even a scar.

So that's the secret to Banryu. Well now at least I have a target and may be able to keep my promise to Spoor.

Richard stood to his full height to look Bankotsu in the eyes. "Yes, let's finish this. I will fight you with the Sword of Truth and I assume you will be using Banryu. Let's see who the better is."

" I will show you what a true sword is like then!" Bankotsu yelled

" And let the match begian!" The announcer said. Bankotsu charged forword stopping half way to richard. Swinging Banryu he sent out a wave of purple energy much like the windscar.

A swift fluid motion followed by the sound of steel clearing the sheath and the Sword of Truth was freed. Twisting his hips and flicking his wrists sent the blade twip swinging down cutting the attack from Bankotsu in half sending it harmlessly to his side. "Come, you must do better than that against me. Show me something else."

Bankotsu sighed " As you wish." He charged forword and jumped into the air over Richard he seemed wide open for a attack but instead off comeing down he held Banryu into the air. The sword begian to pull Bankotsu into the air as storm clouds gathered Banryu begian to glow and sparks flew from it as energy built

" Last chance to surrender Richard once i let loose this attack i have no idea where the attacks will land. On secound thought why let you surrender! Dragon Thunder!!" A ball of energy left Banryu and flew into the clouds above. With a loud BOOM of thunder the ball broke into smaller parys flying back down slamming nto the stands and all around richard

Richard lifted his palm towards the sky. His golden cape gently lifted up from the ground and into the air. Aura glowed all around him as the lightning struck all around. "Is that all you can conjur? It takes more than mere lightning to defeat me. Let me show you what real lightning is."

Darkness gathered in his outstretched hand, sparks leaped from finger to finger until it couldn't be contained anymore. Subtractive magic streaked out towards Bankotsu like black lightning devouring anything in its path.

Bankotsu unleashed another attack much like his first attack however this time it was much larger and more powerful. The attack met richards half way between the too pushing agianst each other untell a large explosions took place.

Bankotsu landed and smiled " I dont use magic richard however my Banryu can match your magic. And i would be willing to bet my speed and power surpass yours thanks to the jewl shards in my body. Add the weight of Banryu into it then i dont think you can last long agianst me if it came to tradeing blows with our swords. However even with our energy attacks i will come out on top sooner or later."

Richard placed both hands on his sword. Black energy begin pulsing from his arms and fused around the blade of his sword. Muscles flexed as he unleashed the blast from his tip. Twin dragon heads snaked around roaring for Bankotsu tearing up the ground as they snaked along.

Bankotsu jumped hight into the air over the attack comeing down at Richard he swung Banryu trying to cleave him in half.

Richard's sword whirled up to meet Banryu as they clashed with a great heave of energy.

Energy shot out in all directions and the wind kicked up around the two warriors and their mighty blades met. Bankotsu was trying to move his strengh and Banryus eight to knock Richard off balance but he was finding it harder then he thought. He hadnt fought anyone like this snce his fateful incounters with Inuyasha.

Thoughts of killing Bankotsu here and now began to flood through his mind as anger began to seep into his every fiber. Anger that gave him strength that surpassed that of any human. Yet the words of Admiral Spoor began to crawl back into his mind. A promise that he had made. Slowly the anger began to subside as he realized motives behind Bankotsu's action no matter how much he disagreed with them. The blade darkened until shined out with a brilliant flash as the blade turned white. Richard bent his knees and began to puch back on Banryu.

Banryu fed of the anger while it flowed from richard befor it stopped. Bankotsu pushed down with all of his rage. The jewl shards in his body were now longer glowing purple as the hate in his heart started to over take him they glowed black and his strengh increased too but his compassion shrunk.

Light and dark clashed at once with both titans battling in what appeared to be a stalemate. Richard dropped his shoulder while digging into the ground. He pushed out trying to knock Bankotsu back.

The Energy was building where the too swords met at this rate the energy would cuase a explosion with a good chance of killing both Bankotsu and Richard. Bankotsu seeng this jumped back a good six feet. Breathing hard he smiled " I havnt had a good work out for some time."

Richard flicked his sword to the side. The blade was still flawless and impecably sharp. "You can't kill me but you are welcome to continue this workout until you are tired."

Bankotsu grew angry from the last comments. He charged forword nearing Richard he dropped into a baseball slide with Banryu in postions to cut richards legs off. However doing so left the part of Banryu where the jewl shards were wedged open.

Richard was a large man and yet quite agile. Seeing Bankotsu going for a slide between his legs, Richard flipped in the air landing down behind Bankotsu. Richard's sword tip whistled through the air as it came down on Bankotsu's Banryu. It was known to him that the jewel shards were a source of strength and thus they were his target.

The jewlshards were knocked out and slid out of the ring. Banryu was still powerful but not longer had the power to even hope to keep up with Richards sword of truth.

Bankotsu stood looking at Banryu in shock. " D-damn you bastard!! I wont become weak agian......I wont you hear me damn it! I will give everything i have to gain power I will keep my promise i made to Banryu so long ago. Today i will end what i started!" Bankotsu was quick to jump out of the ring into the stands landing near Spoor. He cleaved one demon in half and started his count.

" 995........996..............997......998..........999." He jumped int the air comeing down behind Spoor he cleaved one last demon in half the blood on his sword being absorved " 1000!!!" he said standing by spoor he looked down at Banryu as it pulsed strouger then it had befor. Red demonic energy covered it makeing it much like Sesshomarus sword or Jayces Scyth. Bankotsu was going mad at his attempts to be the most powerful. He looked at spoor his eyes red as Banryus energy flowed into him as well. Saying nothing he returned to the ring.

" Richard can you understand me? I was not born as a Demon so i couldnt have Demonic powers, Nore did i have holy powers. So how could a human in the era i was born have power to live his life as he wanted." He turned Banryu a little " By putting power into a object.... i made a wish on Banryu and made a promise. And i cut off the heads of 1000 warlords and absorbed the souls of countless youth. And today i ended it by killing my 1000th demon. I Had hoped to save it for Jayce but i guess you left me with no choice. Now your sword of truth will be shattered by my Banryu."

Richard truly felt sorry for Bankotsu. Lucky for him, he never knew about his powers until he was much older and what a time to discover them. Since then, his life had never really been the same. "We are completely opposite you and I Bankotsu. Back then, I would have given anything to just be 'normal.' I never wanted to have so much power or responsibility. I only wanted to live my life with my wife and raise a family. But, I accepted my fate and would never commit such atrocities as you. You don't need great power to be an effective leader or a skilled swordsman. I'm afraid you cannot defeat the Sword of Truth. Too many lives have gone into its creation, too many good and noble lives. It's over Bankotsu. Yield!"

" You......JUST SHUT THE HELL UP YOU DONT UNDERSTAND ME AT ALL!!" Bankotsu spun Banryu around and unleashed a attack much like his windscar but this time it was full of demonic energys and held 100x the power. The ring floor around himwas destroyed the secound he unleashed the attack as it roared at ricahrd.

Richard sighed seeing the anger build within him. A reflection shield was thrown up around him. He hoped that this attack wouldn't kill Bankotsu but he had no intention of dying himself with a son and wife. The back attack would be lessened slightly but still quite potent.

OOC: This is NZ just didnt feel like logging out of Orb right now

IC: Bankotsu's attack slowed down and then turned back on its master. The wind around him picked up was the attack grew near to Bankotsu. He was arrogent and lifted Banryu to use it as a shield. " Foolish nothing can stop my Banryu." However the first wave of the attack hit Banryu hard cracking it and with the 2nd wave shattered it in half. Bankotsu now holding a shattered Banryu looked on as the attack overcame him. He yelled in pain and in anger as the attack covered his bodying tearing flesh from him,burning him, and ripping all but one of the jewlshards from his body. Then it stopped with a large explosion sending Bankotsu or what was left of him slameing into the stands cuaseing rubble to fall over him. Banryu or what was left of it lay shattered by his side. His right arm had been cut off from his body and with no jewlshards in it returned to bones. Bankotsu lay there with one jewlshard hanging out of his neck. He moved his eyes a little to richard and then to spoor.

" Why........." He then looked over at what as left of Banryu then to spoor agian.

" Heh.......heh.........heh" Bankotsu weakly laughed at the sight of seeing his might sword shattered and then seeing the look on Spoors face.... for the first time someone cared for him. He layed his head back down as his energy started to leave him.

Richard sheathed his sword as Spoor vaulted over the railling. "Help him Richard!"

He knelt down by Bankotsu's side while Spoor knelt down by his head and craddled it in her lap. The wounds were extensive and his life force was fadding fast. Richard's spirit walked into Bankotsu's body. A river of pain was everywhere and he could see Bankotsu drowning in it. Wasting no time at all, Lord Rahl jumped in as pain washed over him. Bankotsu's pain was now his own. He swam faster and harder, reaching his hand out for Bankotsu.

Bankotsu's spirit reached out for Richards hand. Bankotsu's body was still loseing is strengh. Behind him layed the six other jewlshards that had been in his body. Bankotsu however was not only loseing his strengh but his mind. Banryus power had been with him for so long being cut from it was like cutting a force user off from the force....it would take its toll on his mind.

Richard grabbed his hand and dragged him out of the river of pain. Now the true healing could begin as his soul was saved from crossing to the other side. Rahl placed his hand on the spirit Bankotsu's head as they turned white. Healing energy flowed throughout as Bankotsu's wounds began to heal and blood returned to his system.

Bankotsus body healed as much as it could but there was only so much richard could do. Bankotsus body was not normal and it did not matter how much healing richard did Bankotsus life really depended on haveing atleast on Jewl Shard. His arm would have to be reattached at a later date. Bankotsu may be out of danger of dying but the mental healing of being broken off from Banryus power would take some time. His eyes opened up and looked at spoor. They had a far off look to them as if he was looking a galaxy away.

Renkotsu picked up the six jewlshards from Bankotsu then the three that came from Banryu he would return them once Bankotsu was healed however he would attempt to keep some of them for himself. Deep down he always resented Bankotsu for being the leader even tho Renkotsu was older and more skilled when it came to planning. He figured Bankotsu would notice them some of them missing and with Banryu destroyed he felt that sooner or later either Bankotsu would have to make him leader or he would force a change in leadership

"Welcome back Bankotsu."

Richard finally opened his eyes. The healing was complete and there was no more that he could do. Healing of the mind was a completely different matter as it would require far more care and energy.

Renkotsu clinched the jewlshards as he slipt them into his armor. " I think it would be best we leave Big Brother in your care for now" He said to spoor as he kicked what was left of Banryu.

" Jakotsu......Ginkotsu come gather Suikotsus bones we are leaving now."

" But........Renkotsu-sama......" Jakotsu muttered not likeing the idea of leaving his long time friend with that blue haired witch as he saw her.

" Now Jakotsu!" Renkotsu said

" Right right." Jakotsu gathered Suikotsus bones with the aid of Ginkotsu and left the arena with them.

Bankotsu still had the far away look in his eyes when he muttered. " Why.........why did i lose.......all my life i spent gathering that power.......and he deflected it like it was soft ball..........now my power is gone.......i am worthless.....with out Banryu i am nothing.........." It almost seemed as Bankotsu wanted to let some tears free but couldnt.

The announcer after the shock of what had happened and hideing from being Banryus next target yelled " The winner is Richard!! Team Shifting Sands is advanceing to the next round!.

Kanna in the locker room looked down at Doron " He did it he beat Bankotsu doron."

Spoor brushed away some of Bankotsu's hair that was falling on his face. "Your power does not make you a great leader nor does your weapon. It is what you carry here, that makes you great." Spoor thumps his head and chest to show what she means.

Richard nodded his agreement. "The Sword of Truth does not make me emperor of D'Hara or the Seeker of Truth. It's just a tool. It is now time to put aside becoming a ruler that everyone fears, and now become one that people will look up to in their time of need and respect. A tyrannt's reign is doomed to fail because people will not suffer under an oppressive heal for long. Become a respected and loved ruler, and the people will form a living shield around you against those that wish to remove you from power."

Doron smiled at Kanna. "I knew he would. The man is greater than anyone I've ever known and far stronger than I could ever hope to be."

Bankotsu closed his eyes passing out he needed to rest after such a battle. Then from behind they could hear clapping as Jayce walked up " Good fight lets hope i make it past the great fox demon to make it to fight you. But dont think i will be anywhere as easy as this kid to beat. I will do whatever it takes to retake the throne that was stolen from me."

OOC: Putting the vote up soon

Richard sheathed his sword and moved it to the side of his hip. "Then don't expect me to go easy on you."

Jayce laughed " Well hell i would hope not. I dont want to win a fight if someone dosnt go all out. Unlike that kid i have lived with my power for centurys. My only goal is to find a worthy oppnet to test my power on. And you might be the one i can go all out on."

Three Days had passed since the match with Bankotsu. Jayces team dealt with Yoko Kuramas Clan Silver Fox and now it was the day of the big battle. At the end of the day Neo Zeta would have a new leader.

Jayce was sleeping in as normal as his wives readyed themselfs too look their best and ofcourse to kick some ass.

Bankotsu was staying in Spoors room still very weak from his defeat at the hands of richard. All he did was look out the window or at the shattered peices of Banryu for the past day since he awoke.

Kanna had been at Dorons side most of the time as he still needed rest in her mind from his near death at the hands of Bankotsu. She did not want him fighting as she knew each of Jayces wives had almost the same power as Jakotsu however Aura might even bee near Bankotsus level.

She then turned to Richard and smiled " Dont you want your family here i mean this might be one of your most importent fights that could change history."

Meanwhile down the hall a young woman about 23 walked down the hall looking a a peice of paper with a number on it. She check the doors in the hallway as she walked by untell she arrived at Shifting Sands room. She checked the door number and the number on the paper. They matched up so she softly knocked on the door.

Richard stood staring out the window with his arms crossed. He had done away with the golden cape for the day as he stood just in his black sleeveless shirt and black breaches. A smile crossed his face when he heard Kanna's question. "She has seen enough of my battles. Besides, Neo Zeta is no longer the place it once was for a wife and child to tag along. Perhaps when we win, that will change."

He laughed to himself. "I would hate to see what happened if a demon tried to hurt Cypher or Kahlan. Not even I would enjoy getting in her way. Then they would have to deal with me."

Richard heard the soft knock. "Enter."

The woman slowly opened the door and entered. She had on a dress much like a priestess would wear however it had more of a noble look to it then most. Her hair was long and black and her eyes a dark brown. she bowed slightly and smiled.

" Hello i have come to thank you for fighting on my behalf. Oh i am sorry where are my manners. I am Lady Mary of Clan Shifting Sands and it is a honor to meet you all."

Richard bowed slightly. "Welcome Lady Mary. It is good to finally meet you and see the face of the woman that we have been fighting for all this time. You are welcome here so please make yourself comfortable."

" Thank you, i am sorry you all had to get involved in these fights. I would rather not have people fight for the right to rule this nation muchless those who dont even live in the empire. But no one takes me or my clan for anything. But i am glad you did come to my aid for now if you win Neo Zeta my atlast see real change." Mary said

Jayce had woke up by now and dressed himself. He smiled as he heard the annoument ring out " Teams please report to the arena!!" from the loudspeakers.

"We can only win the tournament for you. It is you who has to make the changes within your own nation. Rule well and hopefully you will make changes for the best in your empire."

The announcement came over the speaker and Richard reached down to grab his sword which was leaning against the wall. "Come on Doron, you've spent enoug time in your lover's arms for this trip."

Looking back over at Mary. "Should we win, I would recommend having as much protection as possible. These demons won't take kindly to you winning. Just remember, our help can extend past this tournament." And with that word, Richard was out the door.

Jayce and his wives entered the arena to roaring cheers by the fans. The Five Royal Clans were represented this time sitting in special box seats. Even some of the lower clans were there.

Humans however were in the arena now they were guarded by some guards to keep fights from breaking out. The humans had come in the hope of Mary winning tho Jayce hadnt been known for his hate for humans he tended to to treat those in his empire very well. Its just outsiders he tended to have trouble with.

Richard and Doron filed into the arena at the sound of the roaring fans. Obviously they weren't cheering for them. "Well Richard, it seems he draws quite a crowd."

A slight smirked tugged at the corner of his mouth. "That it does. I wonder how upset they will be if we win."

"Think we will have to take on the whole arena?"

Richard only shrugged.

Jayce entered the ring unexpectedly walking up to the announcer " May i please see the mic?"

She nodded and handed it over to Jayce who looked up at the crowd and spoke " My people today you have come to see a great fight to crown the new leader of My Empire. And why waste your time with 2nd rate fights? The Force user known as Doron in his condetion would not stand much if any chance vs my wives and would be dead in under half a mintue if he fought me. On the other hand my wives would not be any match for Richard and i do not want to see harm come to them. I dont want unfair fights so i make this challange to Richard Captian of Team Shifting Sands. Me and him in a no holds bared fight to the end. No count outs the match goses on untell one man is dead or can not stand to answer a ten count. The match will count for three points and thus will be the only match the way it should be."

Kanna stood by dorons side at ringside as she had made her mind up to be with him during this event. The other teams from the other rounds were even in the arena. Bankotsu however was still in spoors room looking out the window. He turned and looked at her " Arent you going to watch the battle?"

Spoor moved to the bed and laid down on her side with her legs crossed. Her long blue braid rested behind her as her red eyes watched Bankotsu. "I came here to watch you remember so now I'm watching you. I have confidence in those from the Empire."

Richard strode out into the middle of the arena. "I accept your challenge."

The announcer took the mic back and yelled with a excited expression " You heard it folks a fight to the end!!! Let the final match begian!!!"

Jayce unlike the others did not make the first charge. He was calm and in controle of his emotions. His red coat and black hair blew in the wind as a gust came threw the arena. He had seen enough of richards moves to know chargeing in headstrong or half assed will work in his advantage. Jayce also knew countering Richards magic would be the key in this match and Jayce was master of Demonic energy controle and Demon magic. He would have a better idea how Richard will fight agianst demonic energys if Sesshomaru had gone all out tho there was the chance he would have won then. However Jayce felt he understood richards attacks to know he would be able to take them.

Bankotsu looked back out the window " Jayce is a diffrent breed then what Richard has fought so far. Even I had my doubts about even liveing threw a battle with him much less winning. There is somthing i cant explane but i feel Jayce is almost a demon version of Richard when it comes to their abilitys. Its just the feeling i got when around both."

Spoor cocked her head. "You think they are opposites of each other?"

Richard had much the same mind set as Jayce. He was not one to charge in headfirst without a plan for the fight. The key to being a War Wizard was to plan five moves ahead of your opponent. It could almost be said that they were advanced chess players.

Lord Rahl slowly stalked in from side to side though he still hadn't drawn his sword yet.

Jayce smiled " Good i would rather test out our magic befor useing our weapons." said as he charged forword but then started leaving after images as he charged back and forth. He was going fast enough to leave black burnt marks on the ring floor as he dodged back and forth befor comeing to a stop where he stood befor. " Had to make sure to get any cramps out of my legs first. And besides the people seem to enjoy seeing my speed. Could it be they Envy my speed or do they truely like me?" Jayce said laughing then his eyes fixed onto richard and his playful attitued left him " Your move."

Bankotsu shruged " Maybe more like Brothers who have the same goal but diffrent ideas on how it should and shouldnt be done."

Richard brought his fist up to his chin and pulled to the side, cracking his neck. Then did likewise on the other side. "I'm stretched, though it wasn't as flashy."

Jayce clapped his hands togather as a dark aura glowed around him. He was tapping into his Demonic energys to use Demon Magic. In his hand appeared two red orbs " Blood Orbs of The Makai!" Jayce said tossing the two orbs onto the ground near Richard. They formed a red puttle of blood but if you put your hand into it you find it much deeper then it should be.

Jayce then spoke agian " Hands of the Jaganshi" Out of the puttles came two large arms their hands were armed with claws that could ripp a man into peices. This was jayces first attack.

OOC: Makai is the name of the Demon world kinda like Gaia is the name of the Earth.

Richard's sword cleared it's sheath in one fluid motion. His sword tipped whistled as it went for the wrist of one hand and then the next.

Richard was able to cut threw the wrist but blood did not come from these hands but a posions misasma gas. As the gas covered Richard it would also server as a smoke screen as the hands went forword slashing at Richard.

Jayce sat down on the ground watching his magic do its work with a smile on his face.

Bankotsu could hear the roar of the the arena from spoors room. He could tell the match had started.

" I should be the one fighting in there today........ What good am i know.... shell i return to my job as a mercenary?"

A vortex of wind surrounded Richard and blasted out blowing the poisonous gas out into the stands. The next burst of wind brought the hands off the ground and sent them flying back at Jayce.

Spoor rolled over onto her stomach. "Did not hear a word Lord Rahl or myself said? You do not need to be the strongest demon in the galaxy to be a great leader. Be a leader your people love and no harm will ever come to you and your name will be remembered well beyond your years."

Jayce pulled his Scythe from his back and with a shift motion cut the hands in half. Jayce then stood creating over 30 Blood Orbs and tossing them all of the ring they landed creating bloody portals to the Makai world. Jayce walked forword to one of them and waved at Richard " See ya soon" He said as he jumped feet first into one of the portals. Secounds later one of his hands came from a portal behind richard his claws extended grabbing onto richards achilles tendon and attempting to rip it.

Richard dove forward to avoid the clawed hand. Portals lay around him everywhere and his enemy was in another dimension. "I really hope this works."

A quick check around and Richard jumped in feet first into one of the portals.

Richard would notice on the other end of the portal he was in the Makai world the last place you want to fight a Demon.

" Not the best move richard" Jayce said as hordes of demons closed in on the human scent and to watch the intruder be dealt with by Jayce. With a flash jayce charged forword throwing a uppercut at richard. In this world he had a clear advantage.

Meanwhile in the stands the announcer looked around the blood orbs and was worried as the people were getting pissed off they wernt seeing any blood or anything for that matter.

Jayce and his demon minions were not the only ones there to watch the fight but so was Richard's father who didn't hesitate to taunt him. "Well well. Looks like you jumped from the fire into the frying pan."

Ignoring the remark. Darkness began enveloping his fists and his lower arms while dodging the upper cut from Jayce which was answered by a left hook from a black fist.

Jayce took the hit flush to his face he then countered by gather red demonic energy around his fist. Jayce answered the left hook with a right hook from his red fist.

Richard took the punch in stride and answered back with two lightning quick attacks at Jayce's chest.

Jayce took the punchs and answered back with a massive headbut to richard and a follow threw roundhouse kick.

The headbutt staggered Richard and the roundhouse kick sent him spinning in the air but he still managed to land on his feet. He rushed back in with a sweep kick and a heel drop to the head.

Jayce was slammed face first into the ground by the heel kick to the back of his head. He slowly pushed himself up and smiled. He hadnt had a real fight since Sensui challanged him for the throne oh so long ago. He jumped up and threw a full force punch right at richards face.

The punch hit Richard square in face, splitting his lip. Blood began to drip in his mouth. Black wings began to grow from his back shoulders as the anger in him increased letting the subtractive magic and black aura grow around him. His next punch came in as an upper cut.

Jayce was with a force great enough to send him flying back. He barly manged to land on his feet. Looking to the side he spit some blood from his mouth.

Never figured he had a transformation. This changes things alot for me.

Jayce gathered his energy into right fist and threw a haymaker at richards jaw hopeing to knock him threw the portal and into the stands on the other side.

Richard saw Jayce's punch coming and answered with his own. Black energy surged through his veins as the brunt of the force was intensified into Richard's fist.

Jayces punch landed just as Richards laned. The force of richards punch sent Jayce flying backward threw a portal behind him makeing him crash into the ring and slide a good 20 feet befor comeing to a stop.

Jayce's punch landed square on Richard's jaw sending him flying back out through a portal and back out into the arena. With leaving Makai, the black aura and wings disappeared revealing Richard's form once again. "Well it looks like round 2 on the Gaia plane."

Jayces let his demonic aura weaken as not to do harm to the world. He was becomeing slightly anger as most demons do when they take a blow like that. His eyes were now a pale red but the mader he got the darker red they would turn.

Jayce pulled his Scythe from his back and removed the cover from its blade. A dark and red aura swirled around the blade.

" I call it the Curropted Ashbringer. Once a weapon used by humans that hunted demons and undead it has become curropted with demonic energys"

Aura knew what was about to happen and ported herself,Kagome and Asuka to Kanna and Dorons side. Those in the hotal including Bankotsu and Spoor were ported by their side as well as Aura put up a powerful barrier.

" Why must he use this..... he dosnt need to." She said very sadly.

Jayces eyes grew darker as he was overtaken by the Ashbringer. An huanting voice then spoke tho it was not jayces it spoke threw his mouth.

" I was pure once...Fought for righteousness......my name was Ashbringer. Truth is unknown to me and i will make you pure longer i will corrupt you and watch as the truth becomes unknown to you aswell."

It was clear the weapon was not only speaking to richard but his sword aswell.

Richard's sword cleared it's sheath in one loud ringing of steel. "There is only one truth in life and that one truth is absolute. It cannot be corrupted. Only one man with a true spirit can wield the Sword of Truth. Anyone less will be consumed."

He gripped his sword with both hands. "Come. Let's see who will win this fight."

" There is one truth i agree and that truth is The power of Darkness is unmatched now let me show you." The ashbringer said

" Jayce kill them all show them why i am called the ashbringer." Jayce jumped forword slamming the blade of Ashbringer agianst that of the sword of truth.

The Sword of Truth was more than adequate to hold up against the onslaught of the Ashbringer. Both blades met and stopped while they locked in a battle for power.

Richard let the blades run along each other, then spinning on his right foot, launched a back attack with his sword.

Jayce did not move as the sword of truth cut deep into his side only stopped by what the Ashbringer did in return. Useing the curved design of the blade Jayce impaled richard from the back aiming for his left kidney or his liver.

As blood gushed from Jayces wound Ashbringer spoke agian " I care not for this vessle you can wound it all you like i will just take the chance to wound you aswell."

Richard let the blade dig deeper into him if for no other reason than to allow for a better shot at Jayce. The pain was nearly unbearable but having lived through torture by a Mord-Sith, Richard was able to block the pain to bring the blade of the Sword of Truth whistling straight down for Jayce's arm holding Ashbringer.

Jayce grabed richards blade with his left hand as it came down. The blade cut off two of his fingers but he held firm to protect that arm as he pulled the ashbringer out and retook a defensive stance.

" Yours good but dont try to out last me child i was forged befor your petty race even walked upright."

Aura and Jayces other wives looked away they had were told by jayce befor what he is like when useing the Ashbringer but still they didnt like the sight at all.

" Richard will he be able to beat somthing like him?" Kanna said to Doron

Bankotsu also spoke up to Spoor " I never stood a chance even with Banryu...."

There was a great cut in Richard's side that was fastly turning to ash. The tip of his blade sunk deep into the ground. His power surged inward for a moment as it built up deep within his new wound. A great cry of pain escaped his mouth as air pressure was blown back sending dust high into the air and knocking anyone close by to their feet.

Internal organs began to mend along with tissue and muscle. The only part that could not be completely cured was his skin. It remained ghostly white which it probably would for the rest of his days.

"Not bad demon. Not many could withstand the full attack of a slash in the back like that without being cut in half. Nor have I seen anyone so willing to lose appendiges. However, you'll be sorely disappointed if you compare me to an ordinary human."

Richard stood tall and closed his eyes. When he opened them, his blade now shown pure white and its light resonated throughout the area. Even the light could be seen from across the island.

Jayces body started to heal itself as Ashbringer laughed "You wish to play that game then very wel richard. This body has healing abilitys too i mean how do you think this body killed my former user and curropt me."

Ashbringers dark aura expaned meeting richards light and fight back agianst it " Now its time to end it make your move."

Richard almost seemed to grow in stature as his aura expanded. He reached in to one of his pouches containing white sand. It slipped through his fingers out onto the dirt of the colesseum underneath him.

With the completion of the arcane rune, beings of light began to appear everywhere. In the stands, around the combatants, and two warriors flanked Richard. The greatest warriors of all time that were once long dead had now gathered on this day to witness another fine battle from their comrade in arms. "Now, we have a proper audience for the final match."

Fans for just richard were not the only ones to show up. Two from Jayces past had arrived to watch as well. Raizen jayces father and the former owner of the Ashbring Highlord Mograine.

" Why the hell are you holding back Jayce stop letting your toy controle you and transform already. Your enemy dosnt seem to want to hold back so stop screwing around and transform! Or is it your human blood has made you so weak you cant use the power you have from me?" Raizen said with a laugh following it up.

" I will show you father." Jayce said takeing back controle from the Ashbringer. Markings appeared all over his body as a large eye opened on his stomic with smaller eyes opening above it. Out of his back tore two new limbs but they were larger then arms and did not even have claws but the heads of hellhounds instead. Each with six eyes the two new arms readys to extend and attack along with the Ashbringer.

" Now we can pull out all the stops" Jayce said.

Richard smiled. "Indeed."

His sword returned to him while his body fell away. Richard's soul and life essence now took over in a much grander form and in a pure light. In his hands was a golden spear while white wings arced out of his back.

Jayce looked at richard and smiled. "First time i have used this transformation fighting someone other then my father." Jayces two new arms went forword their demon mouths opening heading for Richard as Jayce swing Ashbringer.

Richard pushed off the ground, leaping back several feet. He retaliated with his golden spear coming in a slash for one of the hellhound's head.

The right hellhound took a cut and blood that was much like acid fell from its wound as the left one bit onto the spear holding it as the Ashbringer aimed for Richards face near his left eye

Richard slammed the spear tip into the ground and ducked under the swing followed by a sweep kick while holding on to the spear shaft.

Jayce's legs were swept from under him by Richards counter attack. He fell onto his back sending his hellhound arms to reach out at Richard to rip him apart. To aid them in this Jayce slammed the Ashbringer into the ring flow cuaseing it to turn to ash under Jayce and Richard and a sink hole to form.

Richard's spear lost it's sturdiness with the now instability of the arena floor. The two hellhounds heads came flying towards him but Richard ducked down and tried to grab ahold of each head and launch Jayce over his back.

Jayce was slammed onto his back slideing backward and down do to the arena floor turning to ash. He rolled trying to take richards legs out from under him.

Richard's feathered wings beat the ground and lifted him off the ground. He dove back to the ground and rolled to retrieve his spear and readied to face Jayce again.

Jayce stood up dusting himself off " We will be at this forever if i dont end this quick. Sorry but you might jusy have to die. Didnt really want it to come to this."

The two hellhounds retracted. Reappearing on jayces arms where his hands once were. Droping Ashbringer to the ground the mouths opened creating to large and powerful black orbs full of demon energy enough to sunder a world if not careful. The people in the stands behind richard started to clear out seeing the attack about to be unleashed.

The stands cleared of the mortals but those that had come to Richard's call remained steady as they would not be effected by any attack that could be unleashed in this realm. They were afterall, dead.

His spear lifted from the ground and danced through the air as a golden light eminanted forth. A golden pentagram began to form infront of Richard as his spear moved back and forth.

Jayce was takeing to long. His humanity in him made him wait untell the stands behind richard were clear befor he unleashed his attack. Twin beams fired from the mouths of the hellwounds screaming their way at richard.

The twin beams lashed out against the pentagram that was now before Richard. Sparks spit and flew as light dark and clashed once again between the two. However on this realm, Richard's companions all around were amplifying his power exponentionally. Darkness hissed and fizzled out leaving the barrier smoking. With a wave of his hand, it was gone.

"My turn."

Richard raised the spear back and slammed it down to the ground unleashing blue energy through the ground with a dragon's head at the front and razor sharp claws lashing out.

Jayce was in shock seeing a attack that he had used to destroy citys be stopped. And much worse the attack had drained him. He had only one choice left to use the Blood of his father to reach his full power. He reached his left hand into the air readying to summon it but he was too late. The energy ripped his body apart. It was rather blood as limbs were torn and crushed. When the smoke cleared all that was left was a pool of blood and torn flesh. The largest being a chunk of jayces chest holding his left lung and heart.

The announcer was about to announce richard the winner when aura yelled out. " You better start the count he isnt dead not by a long shot." Almost on cue chest started to pulse and the heart beat. Slowly the blood started to rush back to the chunk of flesh starting to reform Jayce the only question whould it be in time.

" 1..........2.............3..............4.................5..............6............7" The announce closed in on ten and looked over seeing Jayces body reforming however his head and lower body had yet to reform but they were doing so fast.

" 8............9......." Jayces body fully regenrated and he started to jump up fully healed when. " And 10!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You're winner of the dark tournament richard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" She yelled as jayces feet touched the ground.

Richard's spear tip fell to the ground with a loud thunk. The figure before Jayce whisped away on the wind leaving the sitting form of Richard at the back of the arena. He opened an eye and stood wearily on his feet. The last remnants of his spell was the crowd of dead warriors now cheering for Richard and saluting in their own personal way.

"Well done brother."

Richard thumped a fist over his chest and bowed as the last of them disappeared. The Dark Tournament was now over with Richard's team as the victor. It was hope that this would lead Neo Zeta to a time where relations with the Abh Empire and humans within its own, would be restored.

The demons in the crowed booed almost ready to take their anger out on humans but the guards kept them in their own section.

Mary ran down to the arena floor smileing as she walked up to her team " You did it... i knew you could she said" The joy on her face was unmistakble.

Kanna also was hugging doron the nightmare of this horried tournament was over and she knw doron and ricard were no longer in harms way.

Jayce walked up to richard and his team. Kanna moved behind doron unsure what how Jayce was going to react to this. His eyes looked cold his fangs partly showing. But he then laughed " One hell of a fight and alot of fun. Got to say it was everything i had hoped. We will have to do it agian sometime." Jayce said holding out his hand to richard.

Richard smirked and extended his hand with the last of the strength he had. The three final spells took almost everything he had to win the battle. "Sure but this time, let's find a planet that we don't mind destroying."

Jayce laughed " Agreed." he turned to mary and slightly bowed " Your highness you have my full support in your takeing of the throne." This was a key endorsement that would hopefuly ease tensions and keep demons from getting out of hand.