Asuna is outside as he just stares at Ziku and Tonamura who are having a conversation.
Tonamura: "Thank you Ziku truly."
Ziku: "What are you going to do now?"
Tonamura: "I'm not too sure. I've never been on my own before. Or even think for myself. It's so brand new I really just don't know what to do."
Ziku: "I get it."
Tonamura: "Honestly I just want to live in a place where I don't have to fight. Just live my life with people who will accept me. Ya know?"
Ziku: "Yeah, I wish everyone could live like that."
Asuna steps up.
Asuna: "I have the perfect place for you."
Tonamura: "Really?!"
Asuna: "Yeah I'll give you a day to get ready and say goodbye to everyone, cause where I'm about to take you is pretty far from the village. It may be a long time before you see anyone again. You have to think so you really want this?"
Tonamura looks at Ziku to see that he's smiling super big and nods.
Tonamura: "Yeah, I'm sure."
For the rest of the day Ziku and Tonamura gather their friends to sleepover at Ziku's house. The whole time Tonamura has this depressing look on his face, but every time Ziku would look at him he would smile to keep Ziku smiling and in a good mood. Somehow Ziku got Shizuko and Hiroyuki to come to the sleepover. Isamu, Shiro, Kame, Omoi, Jiro, Kanju, Senpu and Bezune were the only ones willing to show up and actually sleepover. It didn't take long for Shizuko and Hiroyuki to get into an argument and both of them end up leaving Ziku's house. Everyone else enjoyed each other's company all of them having fun and just being guys. They eat, show each other cool tricks with their abilities and also get too loud. Causing Ziku's mom to scold them. This ends up making them laugh and then some of them fall asleep. Tonamura sits up and just starts thinking to himself. Kanju and Omoi both sit up as well.
Tonamura: "You guys can't sleep either?"
Kanju: "I usually would be sleep, but I forgot how annoying Senpu's snoring is."
Omoi: "Why are you still up Tona?"
Tonamura: "Tona?!"
Omoi: "Yeah, I gave you a nickname. Is that cool?"
Tonamura: "Oh, yeah, it's fine."
Kanju: "So how can they all sleep through his snoring?"
Omoi: "For as long as I can remember, Ziku has always been the heaviest sleeper."
Tonamura: "Haha he looks like it. Hey Omoi could I ask you something?"
Omoi: "Go for it."
Tonamura: "Well this is for you too Kanju, but how do you guys feel about Ziku?"
Omoi: "Hmm well he's my best friend."
Kanju: "Hmm Ziku is different."
Tonamura: "Why do you say different?"
Kanju: "For one thing he's the nicest person I've ever met. And he just has this natural glow around him that separates him from anyone else. It's like whenever I see Ziku do something, it makes me want to follow him because I could trust and depend on him."
Tonamura: "Ahh I get it, Omoi you say he's your best friend? What does that actually mean to you?"
Omoi: "Honestly I'm not sure. Well he was my first and only friend for awhile. We grew up together. We know each other's weaknesses and strengths. I guess you could say we know each other inside and out, but I actually see Ziku as a brother. He's always been there for me and I just have a feeling that he always will. Just like Kanju I trust and depend on Ziku."
Tonamura: "Hmm I see."
Omoi: "Why did you ask that?"
Tonamura: "Well it's cause while I was here. I noticed something about everyone. It's just Ziku is hard for me to read. Like I can't truly figure him out. One thing is how strong he actually is and why he chooses to hide all that power. Another being all I've done to this village and how fast Ziku forgot about all of it and quickly made me feel belonged."
Omoi: "That's just how Ziku is. He has that impression on everyone he meets. He brings the best out of everyone. You would have never guessed that he hurts as much as anyone here."
Tonamura: "What do you mean hurt?"
Omoi: "Sorry I cant tell you, I promised Ziku that it stays between me and him."
Tonamura: "Ah it's fine, I respect him well enough to understand."
Kanju: "Alright well I'm going to fall asleep now."
Omoi: "Yeah same, that talking made me tired."
They all lay down and try to fall asleep and both Omoi and Kanju do, but Tonamura just lays there staring at the ceiling. The night ends and it's the next morning. Asuna is ready to take Tonamura to his new home, but before Tonamura wants to say goodbye and Thanks to everyone.
Tonamura: "Again I want to apologize for everything I caused. I want to apologize to Kame especially I never truly wanted any of this to happen. It's just I was desperate for acceptance and thought that obeying was the easiest way to earn it. Thank you Ziku, just thank you truly. I hope to see you all again sooner or later!"
Tonamura and Asuna begin to walk off. Tonamura turns back and starts waving at everyone smiling.
Asuna: "It's going to take us quite awhile to get there. Are you prepared?"
Tonamura: "Umm I guess."
Asuna: "Alright, lets go."
It takes them approximately 2 days to arrive. When they get there Asuna calls Hitomi's name. Tonamura frantically runs behind a tree. Hitomi comes out and gets super excited to see Asuna after so long. She hugs him and gestures at Tonamura sending his chi. Tonamura gets scared and continues to hide behind the tree.
Asuna: "Hitomi I have a proposition for you."
Hitomi: "Yes?"
Asuna: "Tonamura! Come here!"
Tonamura walks slowly over to Hitomi and stands before her with a depressed mood.
Hitomi: "Hey! What's wrong? You look hungry! Do you want to try my cookies?! They're freshly baked!"
Tonamura smiles and nods, she points to her house letting him know that he's welcome to go inside and help himself. He runs inside and immediately grabs a cookie to eat.
Hitomi: "Now What is it? And who is this boy?"
Asuna: "That's Tonamura and he's looking for a home. He doesn't want to fight anymore. There's a long story, but he's had a rough childhood and I was hoping you'd be willing to look after him until he's ready to find himself?"
Hitomi looks into Asuna's eyes and smiles really big.
Hitomi: "Of course! I've been here all alone, don't worry I'll take care of him!"
Asuna: "Great! Oh by the way, have you heard from Toko or the others?"
Hitomi: "Yeah, Toko came to visit me yesterday. He told me how bored he is since there's no real threat that calls for his help since you pretty much handle everything."
Asuna: "Haha, he's getting old eh. It's best he stays discrete that way if need be we can call for his help. By the gods I forbid it ever happens, but you never know."
Hitomi: "Yeah."
Asuna: "What about Azuma and Akuma?"
Hitomi: "I haven't heard from either, but I can still sense their chi. Azuma is not as far, but Akuma is really far. Their both just living their lives. Why they don't visit I don't know, but it makes me sad not seeing them. Or you, so you better visit more Asuna I mean it!"
Asuna: "Oh, yeah, sorry about that I've been busy."
Hitomi grabs Asuna's face and stares into his eyes.
Hitomi: "I miss all of you guys. I live in constant fear that one day something could just happen to any of you. I wouldn't be able to do anything about it! I'm not a fighter Asuna!"
Asuna: "Hitomi I understand, but now you're not alone. You have Tonamura who will be with you."
Hitomi wipes the tears in her eyes and just continues looking at Asuna until she stops and looks at the ground.
Asuna: "Well, I must get back. Good to see you Hitomi."
He hugs her tight and leaves. He waves at her as she watches him leave getting further and further away. She just thinks to herself when the next time she's going to see any of them again. If she even gets to. She goes inside sad, but then looks up and sees Tonamura stuffing his face with the cookies. He looks at her with a nervous look and cookie bits falling out of his mouth. He just pauses, but then she starts laughing hard.
Hitomi: "Umm do you need some milk?"
Tonamura can't even speak because of all the cookies he has crammed in his mouth. He just nods his head as she begins laughing again. She grabs the milk and then looks at Tonamura. He looks up at her as both of them make eye contact.
Hitomi: "I'm really glad you're here."
Tonamura still can't say anything, but he blushes and tries to smile. She grabs him and hugs him tight. Tonamura doesn't know how to feel about being hugged. He hugs her back and starts to tear up. He closes his eyes and they both enjoy a special moment, knowing they will get a chance to make memories together.
Asuna arrives back at the village and immediately gets a certain feeling that he's lost something. Tora comes up to him and just hugs him. Asuna is confused, so he pulls her off and demands that she tells him what's going on.
Tora: "Haven't you been worried about Nino?"
Asuna: "Yeah this whole time, I went to try and find him, but couldn't."
Tora: "They found just his body Asuna. He's dead!"
Asuna just stands there shaking not knowing what to say or do.
Asuna: "Where is his body now?"
Tora: "It's in the Romane Hall."
Asuna doesn't say anything else to Tora he just heads straight towards the Romane Hall. He gets there and searches for the coffin with Nino's name. He searches for 10 minutes until finally finding it. He hesitates opening the coffin. He starts to think to himself.
Asuna: "I cant open this coffin, Nino I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!"
He drops to his knees with his hands still placed on the coffin as he just sits there crying. No one is around to see this side of Asuna. Nino was Asuna's first and best friend. They trained together, talked about the future of the village together and even dreamed of having kids. Now all of that just ends because Nino was killed in the fight with Zayn and the masked man. Or that's what Asuna thinks. Asuna finally gathers himself to walk out as he's walking out he sees the emperor and a couple members of the core walking in.
Emperor: "No one is permitted to be in here but me."
Asuna: "I know, I just heard about the death of Nino and I wanted to see him one last time."
Emperor: "You looked inside of the coffin?!"
Asuna: "No, I couldn't. It was too hard."
Emperor: "Well, Nino was a fine warrior. He didn't die in vain, he truly honored and protected this village the best he could."
Asuna: "Yeah."
Asuna walks away as the emperor just watches him. Once Asuna is completely gone the emperor proceeds inside the Romane Hall. They get to Nino's coffin and open it. The body isn't even in there as they just fill it with dirt so it could have the weight of a human.
Emperor: "Nino's body will make a useful ally."
Few days go by and instead of a ceremony for Shizuko, he wanted it to be in remembrance of Nino. They all barely met him, but he's already had such an impact on their lives. For one he's allowed them to continue the fight. They have a funeral for Nino, burying his coffin and having a moment of silence. Asuna didn't show up. There are families that are completely broken from loved ones who died in the arena when it was destroyed killing hundreds. Lots of tombs are placed all around as everyone just stares at how many people died in just one attack. The funeral ends and Ziku doesn't leave. His mom allowed him to stay a little after because she knew what he wanted to do. Ziku walks across the field to other side of the cemetery. He sits down next to one tomb and just starts smiling.
Ziku: "Where do I start, father?"
Asuna ends up finally showing up but super late. He waited till everyone was completely gone from the cemetery. He goes over to where Nino was buried and just drops to his knees. He doesn't cry he just stays on his knees with his face against the grass.
Ziku: "I miss you dad! I wish you could have been here for the tournament. I know you are watching and you're proud of me, but I just wish both you and mom could have enjoyed the tournament. Mom hasn't been the same since you died. I'm all she's got. One day, all we need is one day for all of us to be together again."
Ziku starts crying and then puts his head in his lap. Asuna taps him on his shoulder and puts his hand out. Ziku grabs his hand and gets lifted up.
Asuna: "Come on, let's take you home."
As they walk Asuna notices that Ziku is falling asleep while walking. His head keeps dropping and he continues to doze off. Then all of sudden he just falls, but Asuna catches him and carries him to his house. When Natsumi opens the door she smiles and grabs Ziku, but almost drops him forgetting how heavy he is. She thanks Asuna and goes to put Ziku to sleep. She lays him down in his bed and just looks at him. She rubs his forehead then kisses it and leaves his room smiling. Once she turns around she gets grabbed by the throat. She struggles to break free and is losing breath fast. All she could think about is how did they get in, and where Asuna is. She starts to fade away and her vision starts to become dim.
Totsuki: "Your son can not live any longer."
Once Natsumi faintly hears what was uttered, she gathers just enough strength to land a hit on Totsuki. It doesn't phase him at all. He smiles, but then gets kicked through the house and lands outside. He looks up and sees Asuna walking slowly towards him. He can't even see his eyes all he sees is massive chi surrounding his body and it forces Totsuki to leave using his warp gate. Before Asian could do anything he was already gone. He walks back to check on Natsumi.
Asuna: "Are you ok?"
Natsumi coughing: "Yeah, I'm fine."
Asuna: "Sorry, as soon as I sensed his chi I rushed over here. Still, it wasn't fast enough."
Natsumi: "No, thank you! If only you heard what he said."
Asuna: "What did he say?"
Natsumi: "That Ziku can no longer live!"
Asuna: "Damnit, they know he's alive and now they want him dead!"
Natsumi: "Who's they?!"
Asuna: "First Kame! Now Ziku!"
Once Asuna starts thinking he makes a realization that they must be going after anyone they see as a threat. So that means that Toko, Azuma and Akuma are also in danger. He contemplates whether or not he wants to go find his siblings or not. He knows if he doesn't they could be in danger, but he can't just leave the village and especially Natsumi.
Asuna: "Why does everyone have to live so far!"
Asuna leaves Natsumi and goes to look for Aizu and Tora. When he finds them he asks if they'd be ok with protecting the village while he's gone.
Aizu: "I don't know, I mean you and I both know that after you Nino was the next strongest. We don't have him either."
Asuna: "Even so it's not like we don't have any other strong capable warriors!"
Tora: "Most of them turned away from fighting. At this point the only ones who continue to train are: Izumi, Tatsuma, Shidai, and Sona."
Asuna: "That's more than enough! Where are they?!"
Tora: "Don't worry about it, I'll get them together and tell them what's going on."
Asuna: "Great! Thanks Tora!"
Aizu: "So what exactly is the plan for right now?"
Asuna: "Well I'm going to be gone, I'm not sure how long, but the village will be in danger once I leave."
Aizu: "I know this all too well Asuna. As it stands there are six of us capable in defending the village. That's more than enough! Asuna you go and take care of everything you need, we'll take care of everything here! Bet on it!"
Asuna: "I still would feel better if there was a plan."
Tora: "Right, let me gather everyone and we'll discuss everything. Give me 30 minutes."
Asuna and Aizu wait as both of them continue talking while Tora is gone. 30 minutes pass and Tora comes back with the team.
Shidai: "What's this about?"
Izumi: "Yeah, I have kids to take care of."
Asuna: "I have to leave the village. It's imperative that I go. The village is most likely to be attacked due to my absence. I need for all of you to work together and defend it."
Shidai: "First of all, we protect this village regardless. We don't need you to tell us when to defend it."
Asuna: "Hmm is that so? Where were you when Kame was abducted? None of you showed up to help and I want to know why?"
Shidai: "I had confidential world outside the village the emperor told me to go on. Turns out I wasted my time."
Izumi: "Like I said before I have kids to take care of."
Sona: "I uhh.. was uhh ... asleep."
Tatsuma: "I work with the border patrol. It's crazy nothing got inside the village. The border was completely under control. When I heard of the attack I was confused as to how they got in behind us."
Asuna: "Well, it seems all of you have your own work you have to attend to for the better of the village... wait... did you say you were asleep?"
Sona: "Haha ,yeah, see it's a funny story really."
Asuna: "Don't really have time for stories. Nonetheless we have to come up with a plan. Who's meticulous?"
Sona: "I am actually."
Tatsuma: "You expect us to believe that?"
Sona: "I'm serious. You won't know unless you trust me."
Shidai: "Hmph, alright what ya got?"
Sona: "Alright well first Tatsuma and me should be with border patrol, cause we both specialize in long range attacks. Since Tora and Aizu are better adept in hand to hand combat they should defend the main points of the village. That just leaves Shidai and Izumi. Shidai should defend the emperor at all times since you work close with him. Izumi should patrol the village just in case we miss anything at the border. Also since her abilities allow her to scan the village as a whole it would be perfect for her keeping eyes on everything giving us warnings. Boom!"
Asuna: "I'm impressed."
Shidai: "Yeah same."
Tatsuma: "Sorry I doubted you."
Izumi: "How do you know of our abilities."
Sona: "I woke with the intel core also very close with the emperor, but I don't carry missions for him."
Asuna: "Ahh I see, well we got the plan all that is left is to execute it."
Aizu: "Good luck Asuna."
Asuna: "Good luck to you all."
Asuna leaves the village and heads to Hitomi. Once he leaves the plan is to be executed. They all get into their positions and just wait. Scary thing is they don't know when anyone will try and attack the village. It could happen either in the next few seconds or days. After some time the border patrol senses an enormous amount of chi. It's half of Asuna's, but is still frightening. The chi gets closer and closer until Tatsuma recognizes that it's Mest.
Tatsuma: "It's Mest!"
Sona: "That's even more help!"
They allow Mest to come through as they go to him and tell him what's happening.
Mest: "So Asuna is gone?"
Sona: "Yeah, left only an hour before you arrived."
Mest: "Well I came to check on.. something."
Sona: "What is it?"
Mest: "Well it's a someone."
Sona: "Oh, I see. Well go on ahead Mest."
Mest: "Thank you."
Izumi walks around the village until she notices an enormous amount of chi coming from within the village. She tries to see what it is, but then the ground starts shaking and everyone around the entire village can feel it. Then all of sudden Totsuki rises up from the ground and opens a warp gate! The gate remains open as a horde of demons and Cerberus' begin to come out. Izumi is shook! All she can do is watch them come towards her.
Izumi realizes that Mest has come back so she calls out to him telepathically.
Izumi: " Mest! Mest please help me, I can't move it's like my body has been overwhelmed by fear and I'm completely staggered! Please hurry!"
Mest: "I'm coming!"
Izumi watches as the demons get closer and closer. She starts to think about her family. About her husband and her kids and whether or not she will be able to protect them. A tear falls down her cheek and when it falls to the floor, A demon is about to grab her. Before it does Mest kicks it out of the way and picks up Izumi taking her away. Mest snaps her out of it and she hugs him.
Izumi: "We can't stay here! They'll destroy the village and kill so many people!"
Mest: "Are you sure can fight?"
Izumi: "Yes. I can fight. I just lost my head for a second, but I'm fine."
Mest:"That's a lot of demons! Stay close!"
Both of them go out to fight as a horde just rushes towards them and surrounds them. As they're fighting off the demons, Mest looks over to see Totsuki going further into the village.
Mest: "Stay close to me! We can't let him get too far!"
Izumi: "Who?!"
Mest just starts heading in Totsuki's direction while also fighting demons and keeping Izumi safe. Totsuki gets close to the emperor's building and before he can go any further Shidai comes out and prepares to fight. His eyes open wide, it's not just Totsuki, he has a whole army of demons at his disposal. Shidai gulps and just stares. Totsuki points and the demons start running towards Shidai. Shidai retreats trying to find an open area for him to unleash an attack but he can't. If he tries to do anything he would risk burning the village. So he just keeps moving. Then suddenly Mest gets in the way and punches the ground creating a shockwave that causes all the demons to go flying.
Shidai: "Mest?!"
Mest: "Can you take care of these demons? Totsuki's mine!"
Shidai: "Hmph, these things? Just gotta find an opening."
Mest and Izumi hide as Shidai takes the rest of the horde away. Totsuki walks forward, but then Mest comes out. Totsuki and Mest make eye contact and it makes Totsuki take a few steps back. Izumi watches as the two of them just have an intense stare down.
Mest: "Izumi, get out of here."
Izumi: "But..."
Mest: "Just go!"
Izumi goes deep into the village to see if any demons wondered alone. She walks around for awhile until she ends up running into Tora and Aizu.
Aizu: "You ok Izumi?"
Izumi: "Yeah, I was just making sure that..."
She stops talking completely and turns around just staring off into the distance.
Aizu: "Making sure what? Izumi?"
Izumi freezes again and is the first to notice that Totsuki and the demons isn't all that came out of the warp gate. She sees a man along with a woman coming towards them.
Aizu: "Izumi! What's wrong?!"
Izumi: "They found us!"
Aizu looks ahead to see them coming closer.
Aizu: "That's Zayn!"
Aizu brushes pass Izumi.
Izumi: "Aizu! Where are you going?!"
Aizu: "This is the man that killed Nino, I'm doing this for Asuna!"
Zayn: "Nino? I didn't kill anybody, Yet."
Aizu: "Hmph, you won't kill anyone else!"
Aizu steps all the way to Zayn and stands right in his face. Izumi starts shaking. Tora grabs her.
Tora: "Don't worry, if anything be worried about the enemy. We have to focus on her."
Izumi: "She has such malicious chi and it's frightening! I don't think we could win this Tora!"
Tora: "Well whatever happens, if I don't survive. Tell Asuna I love him!"
Izumi: "Tora!"
Tora walks over and stands toe to toe with the woman. The woman opens her eyes and they are nothing, but purple. She pushes Tora away with just a glance and begins to talk.
Mettanica: "You dare stand before me like you're my equal? You shall be punished!"
Tora smiles.
Tora: "Lets see if you can back up that talk."
She rushes in and throws a punch, but there is an invisible barrier shielding Mettanica. Izumi can see it, she sees a barrier made up of dark enchanted chi. Tora just keeps hitting it trying to break it. She brings out her claws and tries to scratch it, but nothing seems to work.
Mettanica: "You're brave, and pretty. Too bad you're weak."
Mettanica puts her hand up and a dark enchantment circle is displayed. Her eyes glow bright and once she closes her hand to a fist, Tora is gone. Izumi looks in fear as she witnessed all of it and doesn't know where Tora went. Mettanica walks over to Izumi and place her hand on her cheek.
Mettanica: "So beautiful, but yet so helpless and weak. I can turn you into someone respected. When you accept that come and find me."
Mettanica walks away, Izumi can only watch in fear. Her body won't move and her mouth can't form words. She starts crying because doesn't know what happened to Tora and she thinks what could happen to her kids. Aizu and Zayn are fighting, but Mettanica grows impatient just watching. She leaves by herself heading towards where the emperor is held. Aizu and Zayn continue fighting, but Zayn starts talking mid fight.
Zayn: "You accuse me of killing your comrade Nino?"
Aizu: "I know you killed him! You won't be able to change my mind!"
Zayn: "What if I told you that your own emperor has betrayed all of you?"
Aizu: "What are you talking about?!"
Zayn: "He's been dead for quite sometime. An assassin was hired to take him out and he always succeeds no matter what. Totsuki sought out the opportunity and used his magic to take control of your emperor. He wanted to find the right moment to kill Asuna, but Asuna is just on a different level all together. He planned on taking you all out one by one, but finding out Asuna was leaving gave him the perfect window to complete his goal. Which is to take over this village and capture Kame and Ziku."
Aizu: "No! No! Why are you telling me this!"
Zayn: "It won't matter now. You're going to die right here by my hands."
Aizu: "That doesn't make any sense! You said our emperor betrayed us, how if you killed him?!"
Zayn: "Your emperor was seeking greater power, power he saw in Totsuki. He saw Asuna as a threat and wanted to take him out so he could fulfill his plan of world dominance. Totsuki saw it as a better opportunity to start his plan for realm dominance."
Aizu: "Realm dominance?!"
Zayn: "That's a different story all together, I'd rather kill you now."
Aizu is just shook, it's a lot to take in he doesn't know how to feel. Zayn rushes towards him, but gets grabbed by the other masked man.
Zayn: "Hiroyama What the hell are you doing?!"
Aizu: "Hiroyama? Is that you?"
Hiroyama: "Damn! You even gave away my identity, now I have to kill you!"
Zayn: "But you're with us!"
Hiroyama: "Well, shit happens."
He freezes Zayn's body trapping him.
Aizu: "Hiroyama, I don't get it. Why?"
Hiroyama: "It's a long story, where's my son?"
Aizu: "He's safe along with the other villagers, we chose to keep them out of it."
Hiroyama: "Good, well lets go."
Aizu looks back to go get Izumi, but she's gone and he doesn't know where she could have went. Izumi confronts Mettanica and they just face off. While that happens Aizu and Hiroyama try and find Mest.