Chapter 4

 

After that warlord told Monica that she was brought at Talpa’s command, she had cried herself to sleep.  She woke up with thoughts of fear, nervousness, and loneliness.  She was wishing that it was just a dream, but it was quite real.  She wasn’t told where she was.  Hopefully, Rowen had some idea where she was.

She realized there were no windows in her prison, only a single door.  That was the door the warlord used when he left.  She stood up and quietly walked to it.  She didn’t hear any sounds on the other side as she pressed her ear to it.  She decided to check things out on the other side.  Monica cracked the door open and peeked out.  Nothing.  She carefully walked the exterior perimeter.  There was a huge pagoda not far from her prison.  Talpa’s castle.  She was in the Dynasty.  Nearby were tall walls.  There was an opening in the walls.  There were also two bridges from her room.  One led to the opening in the walls, the other led to the castle.  Monica crossed the bridge that led to the walls.  At the opening, she stealthily stuck her head in.  The coast was clear.  Cautiously, she went in the direction opposite of the castle.  She realized immediately that she had just entered a maze.  She silently cursed to herself.

There’s no way I’m going to be able to find my way out, not alone.

She decided to keep moving.  Hugging the wall, she peered around a random corner.  Looking down one way, she saw a group of soldiers marching.  Their backs were to her.  She ducked and quickly ran across to the other side.  She smiled to herself, feeling like she was making some progress although she had no idea where she was going.  No sooner had the thought crossed her mind was she spotted.  If she stayed put, she’d get caught.  If she ran, she’d get lost and caught, or they’d overtake her and she’d get caught.  Either way, she was up the creek.

She ran.  She was going to give them their exercise.  She ran around corners, down corridors, and managed to narrowly slip through fingertips.  Soon, she ran out of ground and breath.  A soldier got her.  She allowed herself to be carried, knowing she wouldn’t be able to get free.  Within minutes of being taken back, the door of her prison opened.  The handsome warlord was back.

“It has come to my attention that you tried to escape,” he said.

“Not escape, per se, sir,” Monica answered.  “There are no windows in here.  I was simply going for a breath of fresh air.”

He smiled at her reply.  “I have come to inform you that Emperor Talpa requests an audience with you.”

She grew nervous.  What does the ‘psycho-brain’ possibly have to say to me?

They arrived at the throne room and Monica started to feel self-conscious.  She straightened her clothes and pulled her hair back.  She was kidnapped during her sleep and she was longing for a hot shower.  If Talpa didn’t approve of her appearance, they could have waited for a more decent hour to start abducting.

The doors opened.  The warlord walked ahead of her.  They went down a corridor that opened into a large room.  Against the facing wall, a giant of a man was in battle armor, sitting on a throne.  This must be the emperor Talpa himself.  Not knowing how to greet him, Monica bowed.

“This is the young woman from the mortal world you requested, sire,” the warlord informed.

“Thank you, Dais,” Talpa boomed.  Dais stepped to the side.

Monica stood before Talpa.  He was silent a moment.  Apparently, he was regarding her.  He didn’t have much of a face…just the mask of the helmet.  She saw no eyes.  Was it a robot?  He spoke.

“I am the Emperor Talpa, master of the Nether Realm.  I trust you are enjoying my hospitality.”

“To a degree, my lord,” she responded with a slight bow.  She didn’t want to upset him and say no outright, but she didn’t want to suck up to him.

“I’ll give you whatever you wish, anything that will make you more comfortable, only within reason.”

“My lord, before I make any requests…within reason…may I ask why I was brought here?”

“There is time for that, my dear,” he answered.

“I’m sorry, sir.  I only ask because my purpose for being here depends on my request.”

Talpa thought about it.  “I am aware of the relationship you have with one of the Ronin Warriors.”

Well, damn, does everyone know my business??  “Yes, sir.”

“They defeated me some years ago.  I cannot and will not allow…it…AGAIN.”  He was near shouting.

Monica meekly responded, “Is it safe to assume, my lord, that I am to be here for some time?”

“That depends on your Rowen of the Strata and his friends.  They will try to rescue you even though it has been years since they have fought a battle.  I will crush them before they get accustomed to their armors again.”

“Then may I request a hot bath and a change of clothes, sire?”

Talpa laughed.  “Certainly, my dear.  If there’s anything else you need, do not hesitate to ask for it.”

Monica bowed again.  “Thank you, Lord Talpa.”

Back in the hexagonal room, Monica soaked in the tub of hot water that was brought for her.  She reflected on her meeting with Talpa.  She realized that she was being used as bait to lure the Ronins to the Dynasty.  She remembered Rowen saying that the armors were emotionally, mentally, and physically draining on them.  If it’s been fourteen years since they’ve worn the armor, their bodies could be used to being without the armors.  Unless, they’ve been in a couple of fights here and there that required usage of the armors.  Monica thought for a moment.  Assume they have been in a battle.  How long ago was it?  It had to be long enough to where Rowen and the others could finally live at ease.  Either way, they’d have to wear the armors for a while, to get adjusted to them again.  Talpa knew the Ronins would try to rescue her, so he will force them to fight before they are ready.

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Later that afternoon, the Ronin Warriors were thinking of up strategies, ways to break into Talpa’s domain and rescue Monica.  There was a knock on the door.  Cye opened it to find a young woman dressed in an ancient kimono.  She was carrying the staff.  There was a giant tiger standing beside her.

“Lady Kayura, White Blaze!” he exclaimed.

“Hello, Torrent,” she answered.

The tiger pushed his way in.  Cye moved out the way so she could enter.  The other guys stood as she came in the living room.  They all breathlessly said her name.  She smiled at the recognition.  Ryo jumped up and hugged the tiger around the neck.

“Ronin Warriors, I’m sure you all are aware that the Dynasty has revived.”

“Yeah,” Kento answered.  “One of the warlords has paid us a visit and one of our friends has been kidnapped.”

“I know all about the young woman Talpa has prisoner.”  Kayura turned to Rowen.  “You mustn’t worry about her.  She is alright.”

“I’ve got to get her back, Kayura,” Rowen nearly pleaded.

“I know, but it’s too soon for a battle with Talpa at the moment.  The Dynasty is different now.  It’s more powerful.  Talpa has taken extreme measures to make sure you all will not defeat him again.  He also knows how long it has been since you all have been in a battle.  That is why he took your friend.  He knows the Ronin Warriors will stop at nothing to rescue her.  He will strike you at your weakest point, which is now.  You have to let your armors recharge in case there is a battle.  One wrong move and your friend could die.”

“We’ll try to avoid a fight at all costs,” Ryo said.  White Blaze lied down at his feet as he stood to join the conversation.

“But if they want to fight, we’ll give them one,” Kento added.

“Hold it, Kento,” Sage replied.  “Our priority right now is to rescue Monica.  We will worry about Talpa after she is back and safely with Rowen.”

Rowen sighed.  He appreciated their help, but they seemed to keep forgetting that they just couldn’t barge in, pluck Monica out of their hands, and leave.

“Kayura, do you know where Monica is being held?” he asked.

Kayura thought for a moment.  “I think so.  It’s just a matter of getting there.  If it’s where I think, it won’t be too far from the main part of the castle.  Unless they move her, of course, which is always possible.”

“Alright.  We’ll go on the assumption that’s she’s at the first place.  We’ll go there first and play it by ear if she is moved.”

“ ‘Play it by ear?’  This can’t be coming from a man who never even uses the bathroom without making sure he has a plan, then a backup plan for that one!”  Kento said, laughing.

“Shut up,” Rowen said.  “At any rate, when we get in, Kayura, Ryo, and I will go look for Monica.  Sage, Kento, and Cye, you guys cover us.  Spread out, keep watch, whatever, but if things heat up, you guys get our backs.  Agreed?”

“Works for me,” Cye said.  Everyone else nodded.  If they disagreed, they didn’t admit it.  Although Ryo was their leader, it was Rowen’s girlfriend in the Dynasty.  Rowen was going to take charge and make the rules whether everyone liked it or not.

“Alright, let’s get going.  I don’t want Monica to be there longer than is necessary.  She’s depending on us, guys.  Let’s make this happen.”

They all filed out and headed towards the center of the city.  They noticed for the first time that the city was deserted.  There wasn’t a soul in sight.  They carefully advanced, Talpa’s castle in clear view.  Ryo coached everyone to look alive, trying to gain some level of control.  Sooner than they thought, they found a gate.  It was already open.  Kento was about to waltz right through the gate when Sage grabbed his arm.

“Wait, Kento.  Something’s not right.”

“Damn straight it’s not right.  It’s the Dynasty!  Look, are we gonna to stand around here and wait for something to happen or are we gonna go in after Monica?”

No one answered.  They looked at Rowen.  He was deep in thought.

Talpa, you know I’m coming in to get her.  What kind of tricks do you have waiting for us?  I just hope to God you haven’t hurt her.

“Let’s go,” Rowen said aloud.  Ryo put his hand on his shoulder just as he took a step to go in.

“Uh, Rowen, about what I said earlier.  I didn’t mean it.  It’s just…”

“I know.  I’m sorry, too.”

Rowen looked back at the gate.  His scuffle with Ryo was the least of his worries right now.  He proceeded to enter.  As soon as he crossed the threshold, a strong wind blew, knocking him to the ground.

“Maybe we should armor up,” Cye suggested.

“Yeah, better safe than sorry,” Ryo said.  “Ronin Warriors, to arm!”

They transformed into their armors and proceeded into the Dynasty.  The wind blew again, but this time, they all stayed standing, other than Kayura.  Kento practically had to carry her.  There was a second gate about 100 yards from the first one.  That gate was closed.  Ryo held on to Kayura while Kento prepped to shove the gate open.  As soon as his shoulder hit it, it opened, causing him to fall over.  They split up as Rowen had planned.

Kayura carefully led them into the maze to the hexagonal room where Monica was kept.  Soldiers seemed to be everywhere.  They had to keep stopping to avoid getting caught.  Ryo and Rowen wanted to shed their armors but they knew they needed to wear them just in case.  Suddenly, Kayura stopped.

“What’d you stop for?”  Ryo whispered sharply.

She pointed to the top of a building about 250 yards away.

“Is that where Monica is?”  Rowen asked.  He was getting anxious.

“I think that’s where she is,” Kayura informed him.

“Then let’s go,” Ryo answered.

“Wait.  We can’t go that way.  We’ll get caught quickly.  That’s the most heavily guarded area since it’s so close to the main part of the castle.  We’ll have to go around, by cutting through the moat and swimming to the room.”

“Then I’ll go alone,” Rowen said.  “It’ll be easier for one person than for three.  Go find the others.  I’ll meet you there with Monica.”

He doubled back a couple hundred feet to an opening they had passed.  It lead to a dock.  Rowen checked for soldiers.  There was an empty barge anchored there.  Quietly, he slipped into the water, his face mask covering his face as he dropped underwater.

After a few moments, Rowen resurfaced to judge his progress.  He was halfway.  Dunking back underwater, a spear whizzed past his face.  A second and third followed.  He must have been spotted.  He needed to hurry.  If he’d been spotted then he was pretty sure the others have been found and/or captured.  He swam faster, dodging spears.  He was at the small building within a couple of minutes.  He climbed over the guardrail on the back side of it.  Rowen circled around until he found the door.  He found himself face to face with a soldier standing guard.  He fought and easily defeated the soldier.  He put his hand on the door, praying that this was where Monica was.  He quietly slid it open.  He found her lying in the middle of the hexagonal room.  After closing the door back, he walked over and dropped on his knees beside her.

“Monica?”

She opened her eyes.  Recognizing Rowen, she sat up quickly.  That wasn’t a good idea.  She grabbed her throbbing head.  She’d been crying off and on since she’d been in the Dynasty.  She allowed Rowen to check her quickly for injuries.

“Come on,” he commanded.  “We’ve got to go.  Can you swim?”

She shook her head no.  Rowen took her hand, quickly assessing other ways to escape.  They could try to go through the maze, but it was just too risky.  The only other option was to fly over.  He put his arms around her.  Monica saw a dark blue symbol glowing on his forehead.  She recognized it as the Japanese kanji inochi, or life.  At the same time, a transparent dark blue bubble encircled them.  They were lifted off the ground.

We’re flying, Monica thought to herself.  I didn’t know Rowen could fly.

She looked down at the maze of walls below them.  Near the entrance of the Dynasty, five figures were in the middle of a fight.  They weren’t doing bad, just growing tired as they tried to wait for Monica and Rowen.  Rowen lowered them down, arrows shooting their way.  Soldiers had turned their attention to Monica and Rowen.  As soon as they touched down, Rowen passed Monica to Kayura and helped the guys fight.

“Hey, Monica!”  Kento said, taking a tiny break.

“Let’s do some damage and get out of here,” Sage suggested.

Kayura practically had to drag Monica away from Rowen.  She took her out of the throng, fighting with the staff.  The head of the staff glowed as a forcefield surrounded them.  The Ronins used their strongest attacks and wiped out most of the soldiers.  The Ronins, Kayura, and Monica ran to the first gate.  They remembered the wind between gates so Rowen carried Monica and Kento carried Kayura through.

Soon, they were back in the city.  They all stopped for a break.  The Ronins changed back into their street clothes.  Monica managed a sobby thank you to the guys for saving her.  Rowen held her, reassuring her that she was safe now.

“Rowen, why don’t you take her home?”  Sage asked.  “She’s been to hell and back.”

Monica didn’t protest.  Her bed was sounding really good right now.  Rowen walked with her.  Her apartment was further than he thought.  Monica didn’t complain although it took nearly an hour to get there.  Everything was exactly how she left it.  Mercury meowed and entwined himself around her legs.  Monica ignored him.  Rowen picked the kitten up and held him, trying to quiet him.  He watched her move about the apartment.  She was dragging her feet.  He thought she would fall over from exhaustion.  She hadn’t had a chance to properly grieve for her best friend.  Rowen put the cat back on the floor, satisfying his need for attention.

“I’m going to go and let you get some much needed rest,” he said.

“Don’t leave,” she said, walking up to him.  She was trying not to plead.  “I don’t want to be alone tonight.”

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Rowen propped himself up on the headboard of the bed, he gazing down at Monica.  He was surprised how peacefully she slept through the night.  She’d had a rough couple of days.  Hopefully, the next few days will be uneventful.  She needed time to get her nerves back together.  As soon as this was all over, he was going to take her on a much needed vacation. 

Rowen softly stroked her cheek, causing her to stir.  At least he got her out of the Dynasty.  What was up with that anyway?  Rescuing Monica had been almost too easy.  What was the catch?  They found his weakness so they may try to come after her again.  He needed to keep her close by.

He put his arms around her as she cuddled closer.  If anything happened to her, he’d never forgive himself.  He’d become dependent on her, and it didn’t start with last night, either.  He thought about it.  If he wasn’t with her, he had to force himself not to call.  If he wasn’t talking to her, conversations with her replayed in his mind.  Whenever the phone rang, his heart fluttered.  Now that he was here with her, he didn’t want to let her go.  Is this what love was?  Ryo tried to explain it to him.  Not having been in love before, he just didn’t get the concept at the time.  He got it now.  He sighed.  Sure he loved her.  Everyone who knew her loved her.  He couldn’t believe he was actually admitting that he was in love with her.  He wanted to tell her.  He didn’t know how.

“What time is it?”  Monica mumbled, sleepily.

“Almost noon.”

She groaned softly.  “I don’t feel like getting up right now.”

She sat up enough to lay her head on Rowen’s chest.  They had nearly fallen asleep again when his stomach growled.  Monica giggled and pulled herself up, telling him she’d cook him lunch.  In the middle of fixing it, her phone rang.  Her first thought was Cammy.  She frowned when she remembered.  It was Ryo.

“Hope you slept well last night,” he said.  “You’ve had a rough couple of days.”

“Tell me about it.  I’m surprised.  I slept like a baby.”

“That’s good.  Is…uh…is Rowen with you?”

Monica smiled.  She knew he knew.  “Yep.  Hold on.”

“Thanks.”

Monica when to the bedroom to give Rowen the phone, but the bed was empty.  She heard off-key singing coming from the shower.  She tried to keep from laughing.  Just because he had brains didn’t guarantee he would have the voice, too.  She told Ryo that he was in the shower and she would have him call back.

“Oh, no.  That’s alright.  I didn’t want anything.”

They hung up and Monica resumed Rowen’s lunch.  Rowen emerged wearing the clothes he had on yesterday.  Monica could tell he didn’t like it by the way his face was bent up.

“Ryo called while you were in the shower.  He said he didn’t want anything.”

“I’ve got to go back to my place and change,” he said.  “I’ll talk to him when I go back there.”

“We.  I’m going with you.”

He smiled.  “Of course you are.”

 

 

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