AngelSubzero - Douma's Adventures

The group was led to an area surrounded by pillars, ruins, and camps. There were bandits patrolling the place carrying valuable items and talking amongst themselves about the visitors. News spread fast around here and the group was certain that whoever wanted to have a talk must be intrigued by their presence.

"Just a second, don't go anywhere." Glaring at the group, the bandit who led them to their hideout disappeared into a shaded area that was heavily guarded by the bandits.

When Douma, Chachamaru, and Banri got a closer look, they realized this must be where their leader was sitting, there seemed to be a throne and several bandits fanning and communicating with someone.

"Alright let's see who this tough guy is." Chachamaru cracked his knuckles intemediatingly.

"Hold on Chachamaru, we don't wanna start a commotion here. Remember, we can't let these guys get in our way." Douma reminded him which sounded like a form of belittlement to Chachamaru who really wanted to put an end to these bandits' operations on this island. It would make the investigation a lot easier, if only Douma, Banri, and the others understand.

The feline grit his teeth. "Look I know what I'm doing! This pirate activity's gotta stop! Think about how Shinobu and Yushiro must be feeling right now, these bandits ruined everything!"

"The boss is ready." The same bandit who led the group here said to another who nodded and instructed the other bandits to move out of the way.

Someone was sitting on the throne a few feet away in the shaded spot. Douma widened his eyes when he saw who it was.

No it can't be...

The bandits' leader sat up and looked at the group intently. He grinned when he saw Douma standing in the middle with the shocked expression that he anticipated.

Chachamaru could sense something wasn't right, his feline instincts never lie. It seems Douma was starting to feel threatened by the leader who was sitting calmly on his throne. This fear wasn't the same one he felt during their encounter with Slasher, it was severely affecting him.

"We meet again, Douma." The grim samurai, Ryukushu said, watching everybody else turn to face Douma in disbelief. He found it entertaining and looked forward to how this conversation was going to go from here.

Banri and the others stared at Douma, whispering among themselves. Chachamaru walked over to Douma, his footsteps loud and clear. "Wait you know this guy?!" The feline said waiting for an answer from the blonde who stood there in silence.

How is he still alive? He couldn't have survived that I saw him disappear it wasn't an illusion whatsoever. Douma was battling against his own speculations and disbelief. No matter how he tried to make sense of the situation he couldn't think of an explanation. With Ryukushu leading the bandits this was going to be a bigger problem, but it can't be he was their supposed leader, where was the bandits' actual leader? None of this was making any sense.

"Hey are you gonna answer my question?!" Chachamaru shook Douma who stood there, contemplating on the next course of action.

Ryukushu laughed and sat up again. "Look, your friend is trembling. He won't be responding to you for a while." This is how Ryukushu wanted things to go, Douma doesn't say anything because of his fear while the others listen cluelessly, unable to defend themselves if this escalates to a confrontation.

"So we can't trust Douma? I knew it!" Kurai said out loud while the others agreed. Akagi stood there watching the situation carefully. There was more to this and the team was about to find out.

"Hey! What is wrong with you?! We don't have time to stand here for the whole day! Explain yourself!" Chachamaru growled.

Douma gently pushed Chachamaru away, his arm trembling. Moving his arm felt like lifting off a boulder from the ground. "Don't even think of doing something reckless Chachamaru, he's watching."

"What do you mean-" Chachamaru looked up and met the cruel eyes of Ryukushu which caused him to freeze in his spot. That's so terrifying I can't move.

"Told you." Douma replied, narrowing his eyes at Ryukushu who stood up and approached the group.

Ryukushu walked towards Douma and Chachamaru, his heavy footsteps being the only thing they heard. Banri winced when he saw how tall and huge Ryukushu was, he didn't look human even his facial features were a little off. They looked dead, almost as if he just came out of the grave.

And Banri was right because the minute Ryukushu started speaking he got chills.

"The bandits have honored me as their leader, for I've made a deal with them," The grim samurai said, looking at Douma and Chachamaru who were observing him carefully.

What deal exactly? So he's the one behind all these operations, but why is he even here? Douma noticed Ryukushu studying he and Banri's response to his presence now that he was closer to the group.

A smirk appeared on Ryukushu's face as he noticed Akagi and the others discussing their plan after this. Oh this is going to be your last plan. Since I'm in charge, I can choose to do what I want to do with all of you, as and when I like.

Douma noticed the same large mortifying sword Ryukushu had. He then realized his arm didn't have any scratches or cuts from their battle. The samurai was completely healed, standing right here as though they never fought at all.

But the angel still had the sword with him, which means, Ryukushu was capable of revamping himself back to his normal state just by healing. How he managed to do that at the verge of death was the bigger question.

It's going to take a lot of effort to bring this monster down. He lived up to the title of being immortal and stuck proudly with it, escaping death and giving himself another chance at life willingly without any limitations.

Ryukushu took a stroll around the sheltered area, the bandits standing around him moving away timidly when he got closer to them. "I'm the rightful leader of these bandits. They believe that I'm the one who will restore every nation to its glory. Japan will benefit the most from my renowned leadership, for they won't have to worry about any trespassers coming to take away our values and dignity."

Akagi raised a brow, he didn't believe it at first, this could just be someone playing dress up with samurai armor, but from the way Ryukushu spoke and the true fear he brought about his own people, it seems this man might have really led an entire empire back in the olden days. This level of confidence was astonishing, he really believed his actions had impacts and boldly stated it.

"Before you bring up about having to make a change in another location by being there, no I don't have to. We've done this before and we'll do it again. My actions have consequences if you don't abide by them, they will track its deceivers down like a moth to a flame."

The bandits started cheering when Ryukushu was done talking. Akagi, Kurai, and the rest of the team hid behind the gathering crowd of shouting and leaping bandits.

Meanwhile, Douma and Chachamaru stood there figuring out ways to put an end to Ryukushu's wrath before he spreads his agenda. "This guy is giving me the creeps. Is he really some old timer?" The feline quietly asked Douma who nodded.

"What really? How is he still alive?! I swear for a moment there I thought he was a walking corpse."

"He technically is."

"That's crazy and the guy thinks he can take over the world as he wish?" Chachamaru found the answers absurd, however they were definitely no exaggeration since Douma knew this samurai.

Ryukushu spoke again, "I promise I will give these bandits the life they deserve under my rule. These poor goons have been working hard over the years, it's a pity they don't get any trophies or medals for their efforts." The samurai looked at every one of the bandits gathering around him. "And I will make sure each one of them gets their fair share of acknowledgement."

Before Banri was about to open his mouth, the samurai spoke once more. "We have the same objective after all, and this includes you too am I right?" Ryukushu glanced at the group who looked at him displeased. "The Aztec Temple hidden in plain sight, but I know where it is, the ancient ruins are very close by. However barging in requires some strategic planning, I don't want to put my men at risk."

One of the bandits said the most outrageous thing the group has ever heard on the island so far. "Every one of our ancestors were proud to have served under you Ryukushu! We won't be pawns ever again, we'll be back to swinging swords and clashing with other empires like we always have!"

"We're willing to drop our operations and live the life we've always wanted!" Another bandit chimed in, the rest still cheering in amazement at the plans Ryukushu had for them.

This was gut-wrenching. After the numerous years of fighting for the stability of every civilian, there were those who wanted this? Douma couldn't grasp this mentality that some people had, where's the sense of gratitude and realization that they should have accustomed themselves to? They could wear a samurai helmet if they wanted to, but evoking fear wasn't the answer to their problems.

"They've found someone just like them, and Ryukushu is aware of it too." Akagi said quietly to Kurai and the troops who agreed with him.

"Why do you think he formed an alliance with them? He knows they're willing to have a tyrant like him as their leader as long as they get all the treasure in the world."

"Yeah exactly look at all this gold." One of the troops responded to Akagi's input.

Who is this man... Banri glared at the samurai standing in front of him with a smile that he couldn't stand looking at. How dare he interfered with the case just for his own benefit? Banri couldn't accept that. He had put everyone in danger and not a regret was shown on the way the samurai carried himself.

"Ryukushu, how are you still alive? You're supposed to be dead, I killed every trace of your being during our battle!" Douma shouted, Chachamaru and the others weren't expecting that, more so shocked that Douma defeated this menacing walking fear before, despite trembling in fear earlier. Maybe they had a chance at putting Ryukushu on a pedestal.

The samurai laughed and placed a hand on his attached sword. "Do you really think you can defeat me? Remember this Douma, two things don't mix well in this world, that's me and the concept of defeat in any shape or form."

The angel clenched his fists in anger, he couldn't stand this fear that Ryukushu constantly evoked in everyone no matter who or what they were. How was someone able to do that for their own entertainment? He hated how Ryukushu dared challenge his courtesy again in front of his comrades this time around.

"I'll make sure to defeat you again." Douma growled while Chachamaru tried to calm him down. The samurai smiled, clearly amused.

"Hey relax no fighting OK? I don't think he wants another fight. Just talk it through." The feline replied but it seems that advice wasn't working.

Douma was really furious for some reason, Chachamaru couldn't tell why, he was never mad like this. It's not like Douma was going to tell him everything that happened right now. He was practically fuming.

"What on Earth ARE YOU DOING HERE?!"

The samurai grinned at Douma's supposedly naive question. "I already knew you all were coming here." Both of Ryukushu's eyes glowed, seemingly appearing to present his way of seeing the future.

Chachamaru held Douma back before he could even decide to charge at the samurai. It appeared he was planning on doing something like that. "HEY LISTEN. No fighting GOT IT? You're going to put our lives in danger if you decide to do something stupid. Think it through!"

"That's too bad."

Both Douma and Chachamaru looked at Ryukushu puzzled as the samurai picked up a small rock and flicked it at one of their teammates who got struck by it and immediately fell to the floor with blood gushing out of the bridge of his nose like a crimson fountain.

Everybody stepped away from the man's unconscious body, gasping and murmuring fearfully. That was a hard blow. A simple flick turned lethal.

With the littlest effort that Ryukushu never cared to consider.

Akagi warned the others not to get too close to the samurai. It was dangerous, this man possessed supernatural power.

Ryukushu flicked another small rock that Douma quickly knocked away with his fan before it landed on one of his teammates.

That was a close one. Amazed by Douma's speed, Chachamaru glimpsed at Ryukushu who was now wielding his large threatening sword from centuries ago.

The towering samurai dashed towards Douma as the blonde blocked the incoming sword with his fan, their weapons clashing for a while before the pressurizing force in the atmosphere sent them backwards.

It wasn't long until both Ryukushu and Douma's weapons were clashing again. Chachamaru had a hard time keeping up with their movements, they were really fast but he wasn't just going to stand around and watch the battle.

The bandits ambushed the group, Akagi and Kurai got in the way of the rowdy crowd with their weapons raised in a threatening manner. Those troops who weren't engaged in combat yet escorted Banri to a safer spot.

"This is going to be hectic." Akagi said to Kurai as they started pushing away the bandits with their blades and fight the rest of the aggressive ones closing in on them.

Chachamaru ran towards Douma and Ryukushu who were slashing each other's weapons, barely landing a hit on their opponent throughout the fight, "I'll handle this Douma!"

The blonde looked at Chachamaru in shock. "Stay where you are Chachamaru you don't know what you're doing!" He yelled but the feline didn't listen he still insisted on lending him a hand against this monster of a once human being.

Leaping in between the ongoing battle, Chachamaru spun around and blocked Ryukushu's heavy sword with his claws. Douma winced when the feline appeared right in front of him in an attempt to block Ryukushu's next attacks and strike back. Chachamaru this is a bad idea you can't fight this guy let alone all by yourself.

The feline wasn't going to stand a chance, he may seem intermediating to others but it wasn't going to have the same effect on Ryukushu. The samurai's attacks were capable of paralyzing his opponents in fear mid battle. This was a horrible decision and sadly Douma couldn't do anything about it now that Chachamaru was in the ring.

Ryukushu swung his sword at Chachamaru who barely got out of the way. He stumbled and clearly had a difficult time regaining his balance from the sheer power emitted by the sword.

Before Douma could say something, Chachamaru smiled weakly. "Don't worry I'll take care of this guy."

No words could describe how worried Douma was, this is no ordinary battle where Chachamaru could pack his stuff and leave. It was a matter of life and death, the feline wasn't prepared for this kind of battle.

Chachamaru threw his fist at Ryukushu who dodged it without Chachamaru realizing it, he swore Ryukushu was standing in front of him the whole time. That was such agile speed that the only one who noticed him shift to the side was Douma.

In annoyance at Ryukushu's constant undecipherable movements, Chachamaru tried to consecutively land punches everywhere Ryukushu appeared in his peripheral vision, followed by a set of claw slashes that could strike the samurai before he could move away from them.

Ryukushu raised his sword and slammed it on the ground the minute Chachamaru got out of the way, summoning dark specks of energy that sent him staggering away from the impact of Ryukushu's attack.

When the towering samurai was about to land another hit, the feline grabbed his sword and thrashed it away from him. Ryukushu noticed this counterattack of Chachamaru's and purposely moved his sword towards the direction the feline was pushing it too and then slammed it back to him like a heavy swing.

"Chachamaru!" Douma cried, the feline staggered back, getting ready to charge Ryukushu despite the slight pain he felt on his side.

Running towards the feline, Douma stopped when he extended his arm in front of him. What was Chachamaru thinking? He couldn't go on like this and he shouldn't have in the first place. Douma didn't want any of his friends to risk themselves for situations like this. The guilt he'll have to carry if something happens to them.

"Genkakuna Jiritsu-sei Style One: Akui no aru hakai-sha!" Dark purple energy seeped through the ground, surrounding Ryukushu's sword in a circulation of spiraling power. Chachamaru stood his ground, withstanding the merciless streaks in pain and fear. If only he could get to the gigantic towering samurai without his sword getting in the way all the time.

"I see you have your eyes on my sword, your plan to ambush me while I'm unaware isn't going to happen!" Ryukushu appeared in front of Chachamaru who froze in place and the speed the samurai just traveled and felt a large bulky arm knock him away.

Chachamaru groaned in pain as he fell to the floor in disbelief; How was Ryukushu able to predict things so accurately? He didn't say his thoughts out loud.

"Never underestimate your opponent's intuition." Ryukushu warned him with his sword raised in Chachamaru's direction.

The feline got up and glared at the samurai. "You shouldn't underestimate your opponent's strength either."

Douma looked at Chachamaru worriedly, the feline was in no condition to fight. He had to think of a plan, Ryukushu was very observant whether he was cooped up in a collision between two explosive forces or preparing his next attack which required a lot of focus. It's as though his sword had eyes too.

Ryukushu laughed at Chachamaru. "How foolish, to think you can endure my next attacks. Any last words before I slice you up?"

The feline yelled as he ran towards the samurai, miraculously throwing a punch at Ryukushu who dashed back and slammed Chachamaru who gasped in pain.

The samurai held his sword tightly and drew a circle in the air while rushing towards Chachamaru who was about to land on the ground. A few monstrous figures emerge from the glowing circle and marks around it, tilting their heads at Chachamaru hungrily.

This wasn't good, those monsters were going to outnumber Chachamaru. If only the feline had listened to Douma, he appreciated the support, but once the battle comes down to these monsters being summoned, Chachamaru won't be able to keep up, he'll be attack from all corners at once.

While having to deal with Ryukushu who was now leaping into the air with his sword held high above him.

Chachamaru looked up and rolled away from the area. He lifted himself off the ground and waited until Ryukushu was closing in.

"Granite Crusher!" The feline stomped his feet, summoning walls of debris that emerged from the ground upon impact.

Ryukushu averted his direction, unable to go on with his attack. The debris and aggression of the forest floor served as barriers to keep him out.

Chachamaru had successfully defended himself with that splendid attack. Despite the dire situation, Douma was glad Chachamaru managed to keep up.

The monsters moved around the walls of debris that collapsed leaving an engraved indention on the ground. Chachamaru stood there as the monsters charged at him, with explosions occurring every second they landed, the pain rising again when a few struck him directly.

Several beams appeared in the sky as Chachamaru got out of the way before one of them landed in the middle of the battlefield resulting in a large explosion that blew everything away including some of the camp and bandits. It appears that the mark Ryukushu had engraved in the atmosphere was causing a dimensional interference specifically around the island.

Other beams landed in different parts of the island with the same outcome. Everyone could feel the ground shaking from the impacts.

Chachamaru observed Ryukushu who was busy carving an extension of the lines on the mark in the atmosphere. As he watched the samurai carefully, he realized something unsettling about the circle in the middle and the lines Ryukushu drew.

Wait a minute, that mark must represent the island, and he's drawing the rest of the lines away from it, which means... Chachamaru knew he was the samurai was trying to highlight something with the circle in the engravement. The beams appeared after the marks started glowing.

"DON'T YOU DARE!" The feline rush towards Ryukushu who braced himself for the incoming opponent of his.