Anaeus and Saku were casually conversing on the events that had happened. The topic then shifted to Ayoko. Anaeus expressed his gratitude on Saku looking after Ayoko, and how much she has taken to him. Saku then asked why Ayoko isn't a fighter...but Anaeus didn't reply. As the two made it to the training room...Jay was there.
Jay wanted a bio-duel saying it would answer his...curiosity. The two expressed their disgust but his words simply angered the pair. Anaeus couldn't hold it back, and demanded a fight...to which Jay introduced his opponent, a girl called Suzuna. And with that, the fight began...the two oblivious to what was going to take place.
Jay was the first to move. Jay started by swinging wide kicks at Saku making him block and retreat backwards. Anaeus was the second to move, embalming his body with flames and began launching torrents of flame at Suzuna. Suzuna, similar to a gymnast, began flipping and somersaulted to evade the flames. Saku was still blocking Jay's attacks as he shrugged off a kick "alright Jay. My turn" Saku began thrusting out blows at Jay.
Jay, quite calmly, swayed and evaded the blows as if it was easy. Then as Saku swung out a kick, Jay simply grabbed it "this is becoming rather pathetic Saku. Can you at least try to lose?" Saku grimaced in annoyance as he freed his leg and continued attacking. Anaeus wasn't having any better luck. Suzuna was swiftly avoiding every attack he threw
"the idea of a bio-duel is to fight back you know" said Anaeus impatiently
"if you so wish" said Suzuna "make sure you don't moan about it"
Suzuna then sprinted forward. Suzuna continued flipping and jumping over and away from the flames. Before Anaeus knew it, Suzuna reached him. Suzuna then struck Anaeus at his right arm, on his inner elbow, fore-arm and then shoulder. There was no pain, but his arm felt tingly and slightly numb.
Anaeus flexed his body, producing a burst of flames. Suzuna managed to back-flip backwards, several times, jumping and landing on her feet. "alright...let's try this again!" however as Anaeus thrust his arm forward "hey...what's going on?" his right hand was unresponsive and flames didn't appear either "what the heck!? What's up with my hand? And why can't I summon flames?" in a note of fear he checked his left hand which ignited "so...my power hasn't gone" Anaeus breathed out in relief "But what did she do?"
"I'm afraid you'll have to find that out" said Suzuna smugly
Saku was still swinging punches and kicks, but with no success as Jay continued to evade him "alright, that's enough of a warm up exercise I think" Jay caught Saku's fist "let's get this show on the road" Jay pulled Saku towards him and then punched his gut. Jay then kneed Saku under his chin, while spinning round and striking Saku with a roundhouse kick sending him through the air. Jay then held his arm, which lit up with electricity, and shot a stream of lightning. Saku managed to recover and crossed his arms to shield himself from the lightning.
Saku took the lightning, but managed to flip backwards to skid along the floor and stop nearby Anaeus "dam...that stung. But compared to before, I managed to resist it this time. How are you holding up Anaeus?"
"not too good" Anaeus said holding his right hand "Suzuna did something to my hand" Saku ran over and had a look to see his right hand barely moving "it won't move and I can't summon flames down my right arm" Saku focused and waved his hand down Anaeus' arm
"strange...your B.U.S isn't being channelled down your arm. What did Suzuna do?"
"she punched my arm, in weird places" Anaeus directed where Suzuna struck him "and then it happened"
Saku then groaned "Great...one of those fighters. Anaeus...you best stay away from Suzuna" Suzuna watched as Saku raised his hand, to which it glowed "this is going to hurt" Saku then struck Anaeus upper arm with his arm
"ahhhh! What the heck was that for?"
"try summoning your flames..." Anaeus did so and found his right arm could ignite "there you go"
"what the heck did you do?"
"Just avoid any, indirect, blows from Suzuna. If she strikes you, either evade or purposefully get hit directly. Just remember to tense the muscles where she strikes"
Anaeus still wondered why but didn't question "alright, so purposefully let her make direct contact. And my hand?"
"it'll respond given time" said Saku stepping back to Jay
"have you finished chatting? I was starting to think you'd given up" said Jay sounding bored
"just giving advice"
Saku then tensed his body, to which he became embalmed in his aura of red, with blue "Now. I'm taking this up a notch"
"aren't you better off fighting fully?" asked Jay casually
"I should, but I'll see how far I've come first" Saku charged at Jay striking with more precision and tenacity. Jay was now made to block Saku's attacks as he parried punches and kicked at Saku's kicks. Jay then began punching forward. Saku was blocking Jay's attacks with his arms, and catching his kicks. Saku then swung a roundhouse kick at Jay, which he simply ducked under
"now...you're mine!" as Jay went to strike Saku, Saku was still spinning and sent a second roundhouse kick. Jay just about blocked the attack, to which the force sent him skidding along the floor several feet "he...knew I'd dodge that. Dam him" Saku was mildly panting but curious
"why can't I shake off the feeling...that something is wrong" Saku charged back at Jay continuing the fight.
Anaeus was playing it defensive, using his flames instead to block Suzuna's progress. Suzuna was having an harder staying clear of the flames "he's put more accuracy in his attacks" said Suzuna "yet at the same time, he's leaving him protected by being able to defend. Still...it won't do much good"
Suzuna then sprinted forward. Anaeus looked nervous "here she comes" said Anaeus "I've got to try and keep her away" Anaeus made walls of flame to try and prevent Suzuna's charge but she was jumping, simply out of the way and once she approached him "I've got to avoid her" Anaeus managed to evade a few of her, indirect, punches but it was no good
"It's pointless Anaeus" Suzuna thrust a punch, aiming at Anaeus' shoulder
"got to redirect it"
Anaeus shifted his arm, tensing it, so Suzuna struck his upper arm in the middle. Suzuna aimed for his inner elbow, but Anaeus shifted her attack to his lower-arm. Then as Suzuna tried to strike his wrist "oh no you don't" Anaeus said as he caught her fist "my turn I think" before Suzuna could react Anaeus hit her with a large beam of flames. Suzuna came flying out of the flames, tumbling along the ground, eventually stopping on her hands and knees. Suzuna looked quite affected by the flames, as smoke ebbed off her body
"with only a few words from that Saku, Anaeus can now defend against me" her eyes seemed to scan Saku "I wonder, if he was the one who freed her"
Saku was still parrying Jay's attacks "now, under that, block that one" Jay himself was getting frustrated as Saku struck at Jay's kicks
"I might not be going full-at-it...but this should be more than enough. So how is he blocking me!?" then Saku caught his kick
"now for this" Saku then swung Jay off the ground and through the air "alright...now for this" Saku then thrust out his hands, and fired a large beam of energy. Jay managed to stop himself
"it's pointless!" Jay then crossed his arms, blocking the beam, and then uncrossed them deflecting it away to the ceiling "told you" to his surprise Saku was already upon him
"now...you're mine!" Saku then, to even his own surprise, struck Jay in his face with a right hook. Jay was sent along the floor, stopping just before an open corridor.
Saku stood somewhat panting "well...there's goes his perfect round" Jay was getting up "I know I should be satisfied...so why aren't I? Why do I feel...so uneasy?" Jay was getting up...and quite unhappy
"just...just how?" Jay got to his feet "how did he strike me? Before, he was so easy...yet...merely fifty percent is no longer sufficient anymore"
"when you've finished mumbling...let's resume" Jay looked ready, but then for a moment looked behind him
"Got to keep him away" Saku overheard him as Jay turned round "right that's it...I've had enough!" Jay then fired a stream of lightning which Saku swerved. But Jay then punched Saku in his gut, face, chest, face again before hitting Saku squarely with a stream of lightning carrying him through the air.
Saku just managed to open his eyes to see a thick torrent of water launched at him. Saku then quickly flipped forward and, locking his hands together, smashed through the water landing on the ground. Anaeus looked over "hey...are you alright?"
"Yes I guess so. But something feels wrong"
"what do you mean?"
"Jay has been holding back on me this whole time"
"well...he has a bit ego-driven"
Yet...during that one moment, he went full force"
Saku looked at Jay and the corridor behind him "is he worried I'll go down that corridor? I'd better test it out. Anaeus, I know you've got your own fight, but try to watch Jay for the next minute" Anaeus was shrugging off Suzuna again, purposefully letting her hit directly
"Hang on one minute" Anaeus made another burst of flames making Suzuna retreat "right she's away for now. So go for it" Saku charged forward at Jay.
Saku began striking at Jay, who like before was blocking his attacks
"so far same as normal" said Saku "now a bit more intensity" Saku fired a beam at close range, but Jay pushed his arm away redirecting his beam
"that doesn't work Saku" Jay then tried kicking Saku
"neither will that" Saku jumped over Jay's kick, swinging his own kick in mid-air making Jay let go "now for the corridor" Saku ran past him towards the corridor
"oh no you don't" said Jay adamantly "time to stop you!" Jay suddenly appeared before Saku, punching him straight in his gut.
Saku lurched forward from the sheer force of the blow "now" said Jay opening the same hand "get back!" Jay shot Saku, at point-blank range, with powerful lightning sending Saku through the air, then tumbling along the floor. Saku's aura dissipated as he laid there. Saku then began to stir, jerking and fizzing with electricity
"now...that was...painful"
"Saku...you were right" said Anaeus now convinced "as soon as you headed to the corridor...his whole demeanour changed. Why is he stopping you? I mean the only thing down there, is ours and the girls room"
A thought dawned on Saku "the girls room...why would he stop us going that way?" Saku then heard a voice
"Saku...Saku come quickly please" Saku head began to feel heavy, and his legs began to shake bringing him to his knees
"Saku...Saku hey" Anaeus said getting down to Saku's level "what's the matter? Come on talk to me"
"I can...hear...a voice" Saku's vision began to blur. The world became wavy and distorted, the sound of Anaeus' voice became muffled...and then...it came into focus.
Saku was seeing the inside of the girls room. Within the room, Mochi and Sora were pushing against the door, while Ayoko looked terrified as she clung to Anastasia. The door was being rammed against from the outside "open up in there now!" said the voice of Zhao in a demanding tone "we have word you're harbouring a non-participant. And rules state she isn't allowed...now open up!"
Ayoko was shaking horribly "don't...don't let them get me" said the scared Ayoko
"don't worry" said Anastasia calmly "We won't let them take you"
"how did they find out?" said Sora almost bounced backwards by a ram from outside "did someone blab on Ayoko?"
"I don't know" said Mochi almost knocked off her feet "but we can't let them in!" Anastasia could only hold Ayoko
"Saku...come on where are you?" Sora pressed her back against the door and took out a phone texting a message.
"please let this reach you...and hurry"
Saku's vision brought him back to the training hall "Saku...Saku..." said the muffled voice of Anaeus "come on...snap out of it!" Anaeus voice became clear
"Anaeus...wait...what?"said Saku looking round
"Are you alright? You spaced out, and saw the moon. What the heck happened?"
"I...saw something like before" Saku then turned to Anaeus looking really worried "Anaeus, Zhao found out about Ayoko!"
Anaeus looked almost struck by a punch "wait...what do you mean?"
"Zhao and some heavy's are pounding on the door" said Saku standing up "they're coming for Ayoko" Anaeus suddenly looked terrified
"but...but how?"
"I don't know. Someone snitched on her" said Saku looking to the corridor, with Jay stood ready, to which a dark thought occurred "Jay...Jay is trying to stop us!" Anaeus looked at Saku and came to the same conclusion
"that's why he's trying to stop you. He doesn't want you helping her"
Saku then spoke to Jay "Jay, out of my way! I need to get past and help Ayoko" Jay looked unimpressed
"and...the problem with that is. This Ayoko has no place here" said Jay to which Saku looked angry
"Jay...this isn't about your Ego!"
"hey...Suzuna!" called Anaeus "are you apart of this? Keeping us busy while our sister is taken away"
"I know nothing of this sister. I came for the challenge...nothing more. If you want to leave so badly, then beat me"
Saku knew neither one was backing down "Anaeus, we've got to end this now! Jay isn't willing to move, So I'm going to make him!"
"Then we'd better kick this up to Maximum!" Anaeus said as he cried in effort surrounding himself in a vortex of flames. Anaeus stood changed, his hair was bright crimson and constantly swaying like a flame. And fire would randomly appear on his body "Once I've finished with her, I'll come help you" Saku opened up his hand producing the tuners
"I won't let them take Ayoko Anaeus. I said I'd help her...and I mean it"
"I know you will Saku" just then, an orange light shone above Saku's hand.
As Saku looked a new orb appeared, it was orange and had the sigil of a flame. "hey Saku, you got the Nova tuner" said Anaeus "you've got my power!"
"well, I did want to know what it's like to wield to flames" said Saku "alright...let's go for it!" Saku clenched his hand around the Nova tuner becoming embalmed in thick flames.
After the flames dissipated Saku stood in a new outfit and slightly changed. Saku was now wearing ¾ orange baggy pants which had yellow flame prints on it. Saku was also wearing a loose hanging orange jacket. The jacket was undone leaving his, now, slightly muscular torso exposed. And Saku's hair was now ginger and fiery.
Saku flexed his arms which ignited with flames "well Anaeus. Let's go"
"yeah let's" said Anaeus as the two simultaneously sprang into action. Saku was first striking at Jay with now more aggressiveness and power. Jay could feel the increased force of his punches
"his strength...it's grown so dramatically" he also felt mild burning pain as he blocked "and he's burning my arm" Jay grew frustrated
"now to put you in your place!" Jay struck hard with Saku blocking the attack...but then he felt a sheer burning pain in his hand.
Jay saw Saku's arm physically burning his hand on contact. Jay retracted his hand, now burnt red "ahhhh...just...physical contact burnt my hand"
"then..." said Saku putting his hands on Jay's chest "you should've let me go by" a ferocious blast of flames, came out of his hands, sending a smoking Jay through the air smashing him into the wall.
Jay came out of the wall but managed to land on his feet "my...whole chest...feels literally on fire" Saku was already running towards him "don't get cocky!" Jay hit the ground with his palm summoning a tidal wave of water "now get back!" Jay thrust his hands forward hitting Saku with the tidal wave. Saku was sent backwards but the water then seemed to just evaporate around him until only steam could now be seen
"that's a interesting power" said Saku looking at his body "my body...is practically just made of flames" Saku looked at Anaeus "you've got two choices, let me by...or be roasted" Jay grimaced with sweat on his face
"dam...just a bit longer"
Anaeus was also on the offensive, more aggressively throwing flames at Suzuna. Suzuna was dodging but the flames were now licking at her, slowly burning her "I can't keep going like this" said Suzuna "time to go on the offensive" Suzuna once again sprinted forwards
"oh no you don't" Anaeus said as he launched two balls of fire
"kind off pointless" said Suzuna jumping over the flames but Anaeus smirked
"I don't think so" Anaeus then clenched his hands making the fire-balls exploded catching Suzuna in the blast.
Suzuna came falling down from the explosion leaving a trail of smoke behind her. Anaeus looked quite satisfied "how's that mrs arrogant?" at the last moment Suzuna flipped, landed on her feet and charged at the unaware Anaeus
"A bit weak mister firey" Suzuna then bawled a fist and was aiming at Anaeus' chest "now to put you down"
Anaeus stretched out his hand. Flames came out his hand, but condensed forming a sword "Oh you don't!" Anaeus slashed at Suzuna twice cutting across Suzuna in an X. Suzuna's glove shielded her from injury, but not from the pain, as she staggered backwards
"you can use...an aura-weapon aswell?" said Suzuna holding her chest
"only like this. Now give up!" Anaeus swung round and kicked Suzuna squarely in her chest sending her backwards along the floor. Suzuna rolled backwards, somewhat painfully, onto her back looking slump "she ain't getting up any time soon. Now to help Saku"
Saku was firing strong torrents at Anaeus. Anaeus was using his water powers to cancel them out "this is starting to get tiresome. Time to end this!" Jay tensed his body, to which lightning surged all round him
"oh boy" said Saku a bit nervous "fire and electricity...not a good mix" just then he heard footsteps "what the...Ellie!?" Ellie appearing, from nowhere ran at Jay
"you're mine lightning rod!" Ellie struck at Jay with her aura-pole making him jump backwards. Jay retaliated by shooting a powerful flurry of lightning but Ellie spun her pole deflecting the lightning "Saku, go now!"
"Alright then, Ellie I pass the baton to you" Ellie nodded "Anaeus come on!" with a second word the two boys, reverting to normal, ran down the corridor.
Ellie looked prepped and ready "well mister perfect let's dance" Jay looked somewhat annoyed
"by running from fight, that Saku has instantly forfeited" said Jay
"nope. In a team, substitutions, unless stated, are a-okay. Did you actually say this wasn't allowed? Or declare Saku by name?" Jay gritted his teeth "I'll take that as no. So come on...let's go" Jay grimaced
"I...give in...you win"
Ellie looked as if someone slapped her "I stalled Saku more than enough" said Jay making Ellie surprised then angry
"what? You were only..." Ellie looked ready to pounce "Dam" with that she ran after Anaeus and Saku. Jay then put his hands behind his head and walked away. Suzuna was picking herself up
"That Saku. With only few words, Anaeus destroyed my advantage. Is he the one...that She speaks of"
Outside the room, trouble was brewing in the hallway. Ayoko was standing, terrified, behind Sora who had her aura-sword out. Sora was defending Ayoko from three muscular men with electronic batons. Anastasia and Mochi were being restrained by two more men, desperately trying to break free.
Amongst them was Zhao "now then young lady. You are to come with me" Ayoko just hid behind Sora
"No...you're not taking her!" said Sora
"Miss, she isn't allowed here. And rules must be enforced. I have tried this calmly...but you leave me no choice" one of the heavy's struck at Sora with his baton. Sora held Ayoko tightly when
"Leave her Alone!" everyone turned to see Saku strike the heavy knocking him backwards.
Saku stood, heavily panting, in-front of Sora and Ayoko "Saku!" said Ayoko looking very relieved "you came" Saku rubbed her head smiling while turning angrily to Zhao
"what the heck is going in!?"
"We were told that you were harbouring a non-participant" said Zhao as Anaeus arrived "and rules state she isn't allowed here"
"so you have to kidnap her!?" said Anaeus angrily
"look, mister Zhao" said Saku somewhat calmly "I know Ayoko isn't supposed to be here, but she doesn't have anywhere to go"
Zhao then sighed and frowned "I'm afraid...that's not my problem. This championship is to allow esteemed fighters, such as yourself, to compete and become the best. If everyone brought their little sisters here, this place would be a nursery"
"I understand Mr Zhao" said Saku "then let me call my family" Sora, Anaeus and Ayoko turned to him "my family would gladly look after Ayoko"
"And how long will that take Mister Stritos?" said Zhao looking annoyed himself "she's being here a while already"
Saku in his heart knew this "then why don't I recruit her to my team?" this came from Anaeus "Saku was able to recruit Mochi. Why can't I?"
"Mochi was a special case due to a privilege" said Zhao just as Ellie arrived "Mochi was lucky to even get here. Only ranked fighters are allowed to enter" Zhao then pointed at Ayoko "And the little lady...is rankless"
This made everyone react. Anastasia and Ellie couldn't believe it especially Saku as he turned to Ayoko "you're...rank-less?" Ayoko looked away from Saku and sadly nodded "Sora, Anaeus is this true?" neither one looked him in the eye
"it is true...mister Stritos" said Zhao "being rankless means she can't participate even if she tried. It would take a very special measure to allow her to remain"
"dam, was I too late to help them?" said Ellie "if only I got to Saku earlier" Saku however remembered
"Wait...Mister Zhao. I use my second privilege to recruit Ayoko to my team!"
Zhao narrowed his eyes "what is this meaning of this mister Stritos?"
"Cue to my conditions of coming here" said Saku "I was given a special privilege to recruit any two people" Saku ran back to his room, then back out producing a note which Zhao read "notice the word anyone in bold" Zhao looked at it
"You're really going to use it on her? But she's rank-less"
"You're forgetting my former title aren't you?" everyone pondered what he meant "now since Ayoko is now on my team she can stay" Zhao looked annoyed
"So...two weeks of paper work...great" he ushered down the guards as they released Anastasia and Mochi putting away the batons "Now although Ayoko is part of your team, due to your team count, She will merely be a substitute" Saku nodded "I bid you good day" with that Zhao left the group, hiding a small smile from group.
Saku then breathed out in relief "phew...that was close. It was a good thing I remembered that when I did" Sora and Anaeus looked to be in complete disbelief as Saku bent down to Ayoko "well...from today onwards, you're part of the team Ayoko" Ayoko wasn't sure how to respond
"Saku...are you...really sure about this?" said Sora in just plain disbelief
"I mean, you heard Zhao...about Ayoko" said Anaeus in just as much bewilderment
"and...your point is?" said Saku "I mean, I turned out alright after all" Anastasia and Ellie smiled at this comment "So Ayoko, how about it?" Ayoko looked at Saku smiling
"Yeah Ayoko" said Mochi running to them "we get to be a team-mates"
Ayoko's expression then gradually changed. Like a rising sun, her whole demeanour lit up brightly. Her eye twinkled and she gave a wide smile "Saku!" Ayoko then hugged Saku tightly. Saku rubbed her back
"There you go" said Saku pushing her back and looking at Sora "now you can stay with your family" Sora still looked bewildered but tears emerged and ran down her face "now then..." Saku said standing "we've done nothing but fighting for the last month and a half. So how about a break?"
Saku put a hand on Sora's head "like a day out somewhere. How does that sound?" Sora then gave pure smile still weeping, but from sheer happiness
"yeah...that'd be great Saku" said Sora wiping her eyes to which Saku put an arm around her
"Then why don't you, me and Ayoko go see what we can find" Sora simply nodded rubbing her eyes "girls, and Anaeus, we'll be back shortly"
"Alright, we'll see you in a minute" said Anastasia and with that the three walked off. Sora remained close to Saku, while Ayoko grabbed his hand.
Ellie had a wide smile "it looks like I got there, just in time. I got really worried for a bit then. And once again Saku pulled it out of the bag"
"I think I get why Ayoko was so familiar with Saku" said Anastasia happily while Anaeus remained silent "isn't this great Anaeus...you get to stay together?" Anastasia went to his front "Anaeus?" Anastasia then stopped. Anastasia then smiled "it's alright Anaeus" Anastasia held Anaeus gently in her arms "it's okay" Anaeus, although silent, was crying as he rested on Anastasia's shoulder.
Ellie could only beam "that Saku guy...is something else. With only a few words, he saved everyone without throwing a single punch"
"big Brother is great" said Mochi happily "he helps everyone"
"indeed he does Mochi, indeed he does. Hey, why don't we get some drinks for everyone?"
"Yeah okay. We'll leave you two alone for a minute" Anastasia mouthed two words "you're very welcome Anastasia" the two walked on, leaving Anastasia to comfort the crying Anaeus.
It was now evening time in the boys room. Anaeus was soundly asleep with Ayoko sleeping soundly next to him. Saku was just having happy thoughts as he laid in his bed "well...todays has been a good one. Jay was having quite a bit of trouble, maybe he won't hold back next time we fight. And Ayoko got to stay with her family. They've lost too much as it is" just then his phone vibrated "huh...who's calling this time of night?" Saku looked at name of the caller "oh...it's her"
Saku quickly crept outside and answered the phone "hey there...It's been too long"
"Same here Saku" it was quiet sounding girl "sorry to call you so late"
"Nah it's fine. What's the matter?"
"I need to ask you a favour...it's important. Is there any chance you could meet me at the superplex super-mall tomorrow? I know it's close to where you are"
"Conveniently I'm coming there tomorrow. So we can meet again. It'll be great to see each other"
"Same here. You'll easily find me if you follow the sheep" Saku grinned and quietly laughed "well I'll see you tomorrow Saku. Well goodnight"
"Good night...Aureline" with a button press he ended the call "I wonder what the favour is...oh well I'll find out tomorrow"