Prologue

In a forgotten time, there was a peaceful village called Heiwa. There lived a young boy, about the age of sixteen, named Nobuto. He was he was well known around the village for his yearning for adventure. He and his brother, Kazuki, had always loved adventure. All of the other cities they could explore and all of the people they would meet. But, those dreams died away as Nobuto got older. Now, he spends time with his friend, Baku, and his lover, Akino. Nobuto and Baku had been mga kaibigan ever since grade school. Just like Kazuki, they would always go on adventures. It was only five years later when Nobuto meet Akino. Nobuto had never seen anything madami beautiful in his life. Nobuto had immediately fallen for Akino, and Akino had much the same when she laid her eyes on Nobuto. They were together ever since. All of the dreams of adventures had disappeared for Nobuto, but not for Kazuki. Nobuto was worried for his brother, never maturing, but he enjoyed seeing his brother smile. And it wasn't long until they had another sibling come into there life. A younger sister named Miko. She had developed a pag-ibig for adventure just like her two brothers. Nobuto knew sooner or later, they would have a sister. It was what there parents had wanted, not that Nobuto and Kazuki weren't special to them. There father, Kadoma, thought that there mother, Risako, did not like to be the only woman of the house, so they had a daughter. For Nobuto, life was wonderful. He had a good friend, a loving girlfriend, a caring family, and a happy life. Everything was perfect... for a time.

1

Today was the araw of the Festival of the Yin. Nobody was madami excited for the festival then Nobuto. The Festival of the Yin was a celebration that occurred once every year. It had many games, attractions, and bright colors. But none of those came close to the Ceremony of Manhood, where boys at the age of sixteen were to walk to the bilog of Yin and gain there spiritual mark, becoming a man. Nobuto's father had done it once and found that his spiritual mark was that of a bear, meaning a caring parent. Nobuto could not wait to see what his spiritual mark. He hoped it would be something that would make him happy. At the Festival of the Yin, many people were celebrating another great year. Kazuki and Miko were enjoying the many attractions and so was Baku. Kadoma could not enjoy this because of work, but he did say he would be there to see Nobuto gain his spiritual mark. Risako was also not there, because she was at tahanan doing house work, but she also sinabi she would be there. Nobuto did not do much, he was so excited about the spiritual mark that it had outclassed everything else. The only other person that seemed to excited to care for the festival was Akino. So, they just sat there and talked. "What do you think your spiritual mark would be" sinabi Akino. Nobuto thought for a moment and said, "Well, I am courageous. so maybe it will be a tiger or something". Akino said, "Well, at least you get a spiritual mark. Women aren't allowed to have them. Thats so unfair". Two hours had passed before the kampanilya for the ceremony had rang. The sun was lower in the sky. The people began to gather around bilog of Yin. Its many spiritual marks surrounded the stone circle. The mayor of the town walked up to the front of the crowd and said, "People of Heiwa, we are here today to celebrate another taon of Yin. We are here to see the people who were once children become men at this very instant. Let us start. All young men of sixteen, please form a line and place your hand into the middle of the circle". All of the sixteen taon olds formed a line. There wasn't many sixteen taon olds. About only six. As the line grew shorter (Which was a lot harder to see then one would think) Nobuto saw Baku earn his mark, which was an owl, meaning wisdom. Nobuto looked into the crowd. There, he saw Risako, Kadoma, Miko, and Akino, but... where was Kazuki. Suddenly, the mayors voice said, "Kazuki. Again"? Nobuto turned to see the mayor standing in front of Kazuki. The mayor said, "Kazuki, I know you want to earn your spiritual mark badly, but I've told you before. You must be sixteen in order to earn it. You are still fourteen. Please, step down". Kazuki stepped down, a little grumpy. Nobuto finally walked up to the circle. Slowly, with pride, he placed his hand onto the circle. He did not look at the mark, but he heard the loud gasp come from the crowd. Nobuto looked toward the crowd. There eyes widened and there mouths fell open. Nobuto was not sure what was going on. Nobuto finally took a look at his mark, which was... a dragon. The mayor stared at this mark for another segundo and said, "The dragon" and he fell to the ground and bowed. Nobuto then noticed that everyone else did the same. Nobuto then said, "What is going on"? The mayor said, "You have the mark of the dragon. You are destined to be a hero".

2

Nobuto was not sure what to say. He was a hero. Everyone he walked past bowed. Even his whole family did, except for Miko, because she did not know what was going on, since she was only five. Nobuto was sitting outside in the damo when Akino and Baku came by. Baku, who had bowed immediately, said, "Hero- I mean Nobuto, I can't believe it. You are a hero". Akino said, "I can't believe it either. You a hero. I knew you were good, but this was unexpected". Nobuto got up and said, "Guys, please don't call me a hero. If everyone else wants to call me a hero, then sa pamamagitan ng all means, let them. But I don't want you guys treating me any better just because of it. Besides, Heiwa has been in peace for years. Nothing could go wrong". Suddenly, the wind just stopped blowing. This was not normal in Heiwa. The wind was always blowing in a kabibe breeze. Why would it stop?. Suddenly, out of nowhere, there was an explosion. The blast had occurred about a mile away, but the explosion could be seen from about twenty. Suddenly, a large army strolled through town. They had these strange rifles that fired a blue light out of it, but whatever the blue light touched, it would explode. The army was clothed in a strange kind of gray battle armor. The only thing that stood out was this man in a black dyaket and carried two swords. The man stopped his army and said, "People of Heiwa. I am Daichi. I hear there is a hero in this town. Bring him out, or I will destroy this town until I find him". Nobuto witnessed as Daichi walked through the town ordering his army to shoot at everything. Nobuto walked up to the army and said, "Daichi. I am the hero you seek". Daichi took one look at Nobuto and then burst out laughing. He then walked up to Nobuto and kicked him in the stomach. It was a really powerful kick. Nobuto fell to the ground and curled up in pain. Daichi then said, "Foolish child. Trying to save this city. He should know that if this hero doesn't come out, there won't even be a city to protect. Alright men. Back to what you were doing". The army then started firing there weapons at the city again. Nobuto watched as the soldiers came toward his house. Nobuto's was struck with anger. He knew what would happen to his family if the army got there. Nobuto picked up a blunt stick from the ground and ran toward the army. Nobuto had no idea what he was thinking, but he did it anyway. He got to the back of the army and swung the stick. He swung so hard, the helmet on one of the soldiers broke in two. Nobuto did not know he had that kind of strength in him. He then swung onto a soldiers arm and heard it snap. Nobuto must have hit seven guards before he laid his eyes on Daichi. Nobuto ran at Daichi at full speed and swung the stick. But, Daichi turned quick as a flash and grabbed the stick. Daichi looked at Nobuto and said, "Do you really expect to defeat me with a pathetic stick, boy. You have no idea what hell I can bring. Or rather, what I am going to bring". Then, Daichi took out a strange rod and pressed the button on it. The rod then sparked with electricity and Daichi swung the electric rod at Nobuto. The electricity shocked Nobuto in a very painful way. Nobuto then fell and before he passed out, he saw the army walk toward his tahanan and family.

3

Nobuto woke up and stared at the horror around him. The once peaceful and colorful Heiwa was turned to a depressing and lifeless pile of ruins in just a short hour. Nobuto then heard someone speak to him, "Nobuto. Nobuto, get up". Still a little sore, Nobuto looked and saw Baku and Akino were standing above him. Baku said, "Oh, thank goodness. Your still alive". Akino, with tears in her eyes, hugged Nobuto harder then ever. Nobuto then remembered the last thing he saw before he passed out. Daichi and his army were walking toward... "KAZUKI! MIKO! MOM! DAD"! Nobuto got off the ground as quickly as his sore legs would let him and he ran back to his home. Once he got there, Nobuto was ibingiay a horrible sight. His entire tahanan was destroyed. The walls were gone and all that remained was a pile of rubble. There, in the middle of the destruction, was Risako, lying on the ground. Nobuto ran toward his mother and picked her up off the ground. He looked at her bruised face. Nobuto kept telling himself that she was okay and that it would be fine, but Nobuto knew that she was dead. Nobuto then started to cry. How could this have happened? What about the rest of his family. Suddenly, a familiar voice said, "Nobuto... Your alive". Nobuto turned to see Kazuki, and he was holding Miko sa pamamagitan ng her hand. Nobuto said, "This- this is all my fault. I'm a hero and I was supposed to stop them, but I failed. I'm no hero". Kazuki said, "You are a hero. There was nothing you could do". Nobuto sat there for another moment before saying, "Wheres father". Kazuki, now looking frightened, said, "Well... I don't know". Nobuto got to his feet and said, "What". Kazuki continued, "I couldn't find him. Not dead or alive. He's missing" Nobuto didn't know what to do anymore. First he was told he was a hero, then this army came and destroyed the city and killed his mother, and now his father is missing. Nobuto just wanted to lie down and give up and just stay lying down for the rest of his life. But Nobuto knew that any hero would not do that. Nobuto got up and said, "Do you remember where the army went". Kazuki said, "They sinabi something about a cathedral in the Sabaku Desert". Nobuto walked off and said, "Watch after Miko. I'm going to stop them". Kazuki said, "What. Your going to fight them all sa pamamagitan ng yourself". Nobuto said, "I have to. You just stay here and watch Miko". Nobuto then walked off. Nobuto was at the entrance to Heiwa, but as he was walking out, someone said, "NABUTO! WAIT"! Nobuto turned to see Kazuki fallowing him. Kazuki said, "Sorry, Nobuto. But I am not going to let you go sa pamamagitan ng yourself and get killed. We are coming with you". Nobuto looked concerned. He said, "What do you mean sa pamamagitan ng 'We'"? Kazuki said, "I brought the others". Nobuto then saw Baku and Akino catch up with Kazuki. Baku sinabi "Nobuto. I'm coming to. I am not going to let my best friend fight alone". Akino said, "I'm coming too. I still pag-ibig you and I don't want you to get hurt". Nobuto then turned to Kazuki and said, "What about Miko". Suddenly, Miko popped her head out from behind Akino and said, "Big brother, I want to help too. If- if thats okay. This nice, pretty lady here sinabi that I could come". Nobuto said, "I can't let any of you come with me. I could not madala the weight if any of you died". Kazuki said, "Nobuto. Remember when we used to go on adventures all the time and fight all sorts of creatures"? Nobuto said, "They weren't creatures, they were just trees and bushes... but yes, I remember". Kazuki, "Well, we've been practicing for something like this since we were kids. We can do this". Baku then said, "Yeah. I remember those days. I also remember all of the times we used to use sticks as swords and rifles. We can do this". Akino said, "I don't know what it is that you guys did back then, but I understand what you mean. And, I have been practicing my skills on some weapons as well, so I can fight with you guys". Miko then said, "I don't know what I can do, but I'll help in anyway I can". Nobuto felt like he was about to cry again. But for happiness. Nobuto then smiled and said, "Okay. Lets do this guys".

4

They walked through the large grasslands of there world, wondering for hours. "Okay", sinabi Nobuto. "If we are going to fight that army, we are going to need weapons, and we will also need madami people". Kazuki said, "I'm sure will find some people who would want to help". Suddenly, they found a band of other people walking past them. This was enough people to be a city. They all looked dirty and sad. Nobuto walked up to the people and said, "Um, excuse me". The people turned to Nobuto, slowly. Nobuto said, "I was wondering if any of you might know where the nearest town is". Suddenly, this man in a red magsuot ng bata that covered his face said, "Move away, boy. These slaves are property to the Great and Powerful Takahiro. I suggest you keep from them, otherwise you'll have to explain this to the Great and Powerful Takahiro". Suddenly, the red man looked at Miko and said, "How much"? Nobuto said, "What do you mean"? The red robed man said, "How much for the little girl"? Nobuto, now angry, said, "She's not for sale, and her name is Miko". The robed man said, "No, her name will now be #127. I hereby claim this child as a slave to the Great and Powerful Takahiro". Suddenly, black robed men came and stood behind the red robed man. The red robbed man then said, "Take the child". The black robbed men walked up to Miko, with there hands out to grab her. Nobuto stood in front of Miko, ready to fight. The black robbed men then took out there blades. The red robbed man then took out his sword, which was much madami well crafted then those of the black robbed men. The red robbed man said, "If thats the way you want it, so be it. Kill them". the black robbed men then ran at Nobuto and his mga kaibigan with there blades ready. But, before any of them could do anything, there was a loud roar. Everyone turned to see what it was. The image they saw was terrifying. It was a large kahel tiger like monster with three tails, large black eyes, had unusually large claws and teeth that came out of its mouth. The monster ran toward them at unimaginable speed. Its claws ripped the earth out with every step. Then, the monster leapt into the air and fell onto the red robbed man. It sank its massive teeth into his chest and ripped off a large amount of flesh. The black robbed men then ran toward the monster. However, the monster jumped into the air again, and fell onto a robbed man and did the same thing. The others ran at it, ready to attack. The monster then ran toward then, with its claws slowly rising upward. Once it came in contact with the men, it sliced them in half with its claws, It ran passed each soldier and sliced them to pieces. The remaining black robbed man stared at the monster, who stared back. the black robbed man dropped his sword and ran off in fear. The monster then turned and stared at Nobuto and his friends. Though, he was staring at someone in particular. Miko. The monster walked slowly toward Miko. Nobuto was about ready to fight this monster, but Miko walked in front of Nobuto and toward the monster. Miko and the monster stared at each other for a moment, before the monster licked Miko's face. Miko giggled and stroked the monsters head, which it seemed to enjoy. "I don't believe it" sinabi Baku. Miko then turned to Nobuto and said, "Hey, brother. Can we keep him. Please". "Well, he did save us" sinabi Nobuto. He thought about it for a moment, and then said, "I suppose". Miko cheered with glee and said, "I should give him a name... I know. I'll call him Katsu". Nobuto then noticed the slaves. Nobuto took the red robbed mans sword and cut off the chains to the slaves. The slaves then cheered with glee. A man in a ripped suit said, "Thank you so much, young man. We would also like to thank that courageous creature". Nobuto said, "It was nothing, really. Anyway, do you know where the nearest town is"? The suited man said, with grief "Yes. It is a city called Bokun. It is ruled sa pamamagitan ng the merciless tyrant, Takahiro. He has enslaved our people and forced us out of our land. But, he is not our real enemy. It is Daichi, the man who put him in power. Wouldn't be surprised. They are brothers, after all. He enslaved our people, just because they did not want to sumali the Bitoku Army. I'm sure you've heard of them. Please, you must stop Takahiro and Daichi. We will help in anyway we can. Nobuto thought for a moment and said, "Take us to Bokun. I have a plan".

5

The city of Bokun was a large low class city. All of the houses were brown from age and were in poor condition. The only building that was in any good condition was a large building in the center of town that looked like it was just built. Nobuto turned to the suited man, who would happen to be the slaves chief, and said, "Okay, so, our plan will be to storm the city at nightfall. But, before we do this we will need supplies. Does Bokun sell any weapons"? The slave leader said, "Yes, one of my most trusted advisors who was kidnapped a buwan nakaraan writes to me every week. He sinabi that there was a store that sells weapons and he planned to take the weapons from the store and use it against Takahiro. He never had the chance, because he was then sent into the iron mines and there, everyone is forced to live down there and they aren't allowed any sunlight". Nobuto , with his eyes full of sadness, said, "My mga kaibigan don't have any weapons. We need to buy some. Do you have any money we may barrow"? The slave leader said, "Well, we only recently collected this money after your animal friend killed the slave overseers. We looted there bodies for money and we were hoping to give it to you as a reward". The slave leader pulled out a big bag of ginto coins, which Nobuto gracefully accepted. Nobuto then said, "Alright, now don't attack until you see us do so" The slave leader nodded in understanding and Nobuto and his mga kaibigan walked to town. Once they were in the town, Nobuto saw that the city was madami ugly. People were in rags and children were working for abusive adults. People were stealing whatever pagkain they could. The worse part was this one scene. A group of men were in shackles and hand cuffs and were being escorted down the kalye with armored police pointing rifles at them. Nobuto then found the store the slave leader was talking about. Nobuto and his mga kaibigan walked in. They new there would be at least one weapon, but this was madami of an armory then a store. Nobuto did not need a weapon, for he still had the one he collected from the slave overseers. Kazuki took a long cutlass sword, Baku took two dual daggers, and Akino took a war fan. Miko did not need a weapon, thanks to Katsu. As they paid for there weapons and walked outside, they saw the same men in shackles and chains being forced toward a wall. A man in a black leather dyaket stood in front of the group of armored police and sinabi to the prisoners, "You are charged for blasphemy against the Great and Powerful Takahiro". One prisoner walked up and said, "That bastard isn't great or powerful. He's a goddamn tyrant. If you weren't so damn greedy, you could see that, you son of a-" But the man was cut off as a an armored officer hit him in the face with the butt of his rifle. Nobuto could hear Akino gasp and Miko looked scared. Baku looked depressed at the scene. Kazuki was confused. He did not know what to fell. Nobuto said, "We can't wait until night. We have to do something". Baku said, "Nobuto, I know you want to help them, but if we do, the people hiding outside town won't have time to get prepared. We told them we would attack at nightfall. We can't just do that". Nobuto looked at the prisoners again. The man in the leather dyaket said, "Now, as I was saying. You have all been charged with blasphemy. Therefor, you are all hereby sentenced to death sa pamamagitan ng firing squad". Akino said, "Oh, I don't want to look" and she turned. The man in the leather dyaket said, "Soldiers at the ready". Kazuki held Miko's hand. "Take aim". Baku closed his eyes and just pointed his head down. "Fi-" But he was cut off. there was a loud sound of something being sliced. The armored police turned and saw that the man in the leather dyaket had a sword through his chest. Akino, Kazuki, Miko, and Baku looked at what happened. Nobuto had stabbed the man with his sword. Nobuto pulled his sword out and let the man fall onto the ground. The armored police then turned their mga baril onto Nobuto. Akino, Kazuki, and Baku ran at them with there weapons, while Miko boarded Katsu and told him to fallow. They all fought hard. Nobuto must have cut down about five soldiers, but he did not seem to get tired. Kazuki, Akino, and Baku, on the other hand, did not seem to have the strength in them to fight off madami then two men. Katsu, on the other hand, had killed about as much as Nobuto... maybe more. Finally, there were no madami armored police. Nobuto cut the shackles and chains off the prisoners. The prisoners then thanked him. One prisoner sinabi to the others, "Do you see what this is men. Its a revolution. Let us take this opportunity". The prisoners then picked up the soldiers weapons and ran toward town, firing them. Baku said, "Well, Nobuto, I hope it was worth it". Akino said, "Hey, don't yell at him. He did what was right. Besides, we can still keep the city ligtas long enough until our men get here. So, Nobuto, what do we do now"? Nobuto looked at the large building and said, "We take out Takahiro".

6

Nobuto and his mga kaibigan ran through the city. They saw madami and madami citizens fight off the armored police. They were much weaker then the armored police, but there was madami of them then armored police. Nobuto and his mga kaibigan had to kill a few men to get through, but it was nothing they couldn't handle. Once they got to the building, they saw that there were madami armored soldiers here then any other place in Bokun. Once the armored soldiers saw him, they pointed there rifles at them, ready to attack. But, before they could, one of the armored soldiers was shot in the head. Nobuto looked on tuktok of a roof and saw a man in a pure white suit and hat and had a white scarf covering his mouth. The man had two revolvers in his hand. He aimed at the armored soldiers and fired. He took out one soldier with each shot. The soldiers were now confused they did not know who to shoot at. Finally, all of the soldiers were shot dead. The man in white then ran on the roof and jumped off, into Takahiro's building. With all the soldiers dead, Nobuto and his mga kaibigan could walk in. Inside was much of the same. Every soldier inside was dead. Baku said, "What the hell happened in here". Suddenly, the elevator at the end of the hall started moving. It moved down and down. Once it reached to the first floor, the doors opened. Suddenly, a large man with giant robotic arms walked out. Behind him was a tall man in a brown suit. The man in the brown suit said, "Hold on, thats not Team Shiro. I thought they would be waiting for me". Nobuto said, "Who are you"? The man in the brown suit said, "You don't know me. You must be stupid, boy. I am the Great and Powerful Takahiro, ruler of Bokun. It was thanks to my wonderful brother, Daichi. He is almost as great and powerful as myself". Nobuto said, "Well, Takahiro. We heard you have forced people out of there homelands and made them your slaves". Takahiro, with a proud grin, said, "Yes, exactly. Someone has to mine our great cities iron and produce food. So, why can't it be people from the barbaric part of this land". Akino said, "You disgusting freak". Takahiro said, "Please, young lady. There is not an insult that describes me. Heatless, sickening, psychotic, madman, animal. I've heard them all. But, I'm afraid this conversation has gone on long enough. #001, please dispose of these pesky intruders". The large robotic man was about to rush at Nobuto and his friends, but, suddenly, a bullet flew through its head and it fell to the ground. Takahiro said, "What the hell? What happened". Takahiro looked at Nobuto and his weapon. Takahiro was then filled with fear. He turned to run, but, when he turned, he found that he was staring down the barrel of a revolver. The man holding the gun was the man in white. He pulled the trigger on the revolver and a bullet flew into Takahiro's head. Takahiro flew back and landed onto the floor. The man in white looked up at Nobuto and said, "Good work on standing around like an idiot". Nobuto was already annoyed. The man in white pulled his scarf off and took off his hat. The man had short black hair and looked madami like a model then a gunslinger. He sinabi "My name is Ritsuo. I am the leader of Team Shiro". Nobuto said, "Why are you here". Ritsuo said, "Team Shiro wanted Takahiro dead for years. He may have enslaved people, but what he did to my people was much worse. He wanted to make a fresh start. He took all of the adults and killed them all in front of there children. He sinabi it was to make them see what the world had in store for everyone. The death of a loved one. He then had the children learn how to live there lives under Takahiro's rules, and if they refused, they were shot in front of everyone. He wiped out our peoples culture. No one- Not even me- can remember the name of our once great city. That is why we wanted Takahiro dead, and we have finally done it. After all these years. But, we know we are not finished. We still need to stop Daichi, otherwise, madami people like Takahiro will come to power". Nobuto said, "We need madami people to help us with Daichi and his men. Would you and your group please sumali us"? Ritsuo said, "Well, you did cause a distraction big enough for us to end Takahiro. I suppose". Nobuto said, "Thank you. Meet us outside the city after we finish with the clean up of the armored police". Ritsuo said, "Very well" and he put his hat and scarf back on and walked outside. Kazuki said, "So what will we do once were done here"? Nobuto said, "Its simple. We need to find madami people. Everyone, meet me later after were done with the soldiers".

7

It was evening once all of the soldiers were taken care of. Nobuto was the only one at the entrance to the city when Akino came by. Akino said, "Nobuto, I never sinabi this, but I am sorry about your mother". Nobuto said, "Its okay. Besides, I know she is still with me. I can feel her watching me". Akino said, "How long will this last"? Nobuto said, "What"? Akino said, "This fighting. I can't take all of the dying". Nobuto said, "I can't take it either, but we have to do it. We have to save this world from whatever it is Daichi is up to. I don't know how long it will take. Could take weeks, or months, or even years, or maybe it will all be over before we know it. I just want this to end. I want it to be over so we can all live happily. Thinking about it makes me as happy as I was before all of this. Miko would grow up with Katsu. Kazuki getting his spiritual mark. I get to to have fun with Baku and I... get to spend time with you, Akino". Akino smiled at this. She then wrapped her arms around Nobuto and pressed her lips against his. It was the happiest moment Nobuto had ever had ever since this whole thing started. Akino then took her lips off Nobuto's and said, "I should go get everyone". Nobuto said, "Alright". Akino walked off, leaving Nobuto there, waiting. However, this time, Kazuki came by, with Miko, Katsu, Baku, and Ritsuo fallowing. Kazuki said, "Hey, Nobuto, we brought everyone here". Nobuto looked around and said, "Wait, where is Akino". Suddenly, there was the sound of a helicopter coming. Everyone looked up and saw that inside on the helicopter was Daichi. Daichi said, "So, its you, boy. I knew I should have murdered you when I had the chance. Oh, well. I heard what you did to my brother. But, oh well. Easily replaceable. But, I still thought that I should take something from you". Daichi then walked to the end of the helicopter and dragged something- No- Someone to a spot where they could be seen. Nobuto could easily see who it was. It was Akino. Akino said, "Nobuto, help". Daichi took out his electric rod and hit Akino with it, knocking her out. Daichi kicked her unconscious body and said, "Stupid bitch. Anyway, I will take her someplace nice. Somewhere like Gorudo. I hope you don't take too long. Wouldn't want to kill her without you there to see it. So long". The helicopter then flew off. Nobuto then fell onto the ground and punched the ground hard. Ritsuo said, "I know Gorudo. It is a very peaceful place with rich harvest and economy. Why would he want to put her in a place like that". Nobuto got up and said, "Take us there". As they walked, Miko walked up to Nobuto and said, "Brother, you should carry this" Miko then handed Nobuto Akino's war fan. Nobuto ruffled Miko's hair and said, "Thanks, Miko" and they walked through the damo land toward Gorudo

8

As they walked the grassland, they came to the large marble city of Gorudo. Its roads and buildings were all made of stone marble. But, what really caught there eyes was the fact that everyone seemed happy. Nobuto sinabi to Ritsuo, "So this is Gorudo. I can see what you meant about it being happy. But, I still don't see why Daichi would leave her here". Ritsuo thought for a moment and said, "I have a hunch. I really hope I am wrong". Ritsuo put on his scarf and hat and jumped into the air and landed on tuktok of a building. Ritsuo said, "I am going to check the city from rooftop. I will come back to tell you what I find". Nobuto nodded and Ritsuo ran off. Nobuto and his mga kaibigan were left to look through the streets of Gorudo. As they walked through the city, they saw people with happy faces. It was obvious that there was no greedy dictator here. Nobuto was looking around when Baku said, "Nobuto. You might want to take a look at this". Baku was pointing at a poster on a wall. Nobuto looked at the paper and read, "Everyone come to the front of town today sa pamamagitan ng noon to greet the merciful and generous Daichi as he shows his army of world peace. He is sinabi to have put an end to the reign of the long lasting dictator, Takahiro of Bokun. It was not easy, but Daichi was able to talk him into stepping down from power. He would like to meet everyone. No flash photography". Nobuto ripped the paper off the pader and ripped it up. Nobuto didn't even want to see his name. Suddenly, Ritsuo jumped from a building and landed susunod to Nobuto. Ritsuo said, "Nobuto, you might want to see this". Ritsuo led Nobuto and his mga kaibigan to the front of Gorudo. There, they heard the loud stomps of soldiers feet hitting the ground. Nobuto squinted his eyes to see them better. it was Daichi and his army. But there was something behind them. Something big. Suddenly, the large item could be seen better. It was a battle tank. The tank pointed at the people. Nobuto realized what was happening. Apparently, so did everyone else. They scrambled back into the city. Suddenly, the tank shot out a large blue ball of energy. It hit the tallest part of the city and caused a loud explosion. Soon, the soldiers were running now. They all ran into the city and started shooting at everything. There were madami explosions. Suddenly, Nobuto's mind went back to the araw he Nawawala his tahanan and his parents. Now, Nobuto was going to lose his siblings, his friends, and Akino. 'No', he thought, 'Not again'. Nobuto took out his sword and cut down every soldier near by. They fell to the ground in a puddle of blood. Once Nobuto was starting, Kazuki then joined, then Baku, then Miko and Katsu. Ritsuo had already started before Nobuto, shooting soldiers from the roof. All of the members of team Shiro were also fighting and so were the ex-slaves. It was not long before the people of the town were fighting back. The soldiers were then greatly outnumbered. Once so many had already retreated, Nobuto realized that the tank was still causing destruction. Nobuto ran out of the city, with the sword in his hand. He was outside of the city, where the tank had a full amount of puwang to shoot him. The tank shot out an energy ball, but Nobuto ran passed it before it could hit him and jumped onto the tank. The tank twirled trying to shack Nobuto off, but it was no use. Nobuto stabbed the tank with his sword and cut a bilog into it. Nobuto jumped into the tank and stabbed the driver in the chest. Once Nobuto was done, he cut up the controls and other parts to the tank. He jumped out of the tank and ran away from it. It took ten segundos for the tank to explode. Once it was done, the people of Gorudo cheered. But, the cheers died down as a helicopter came by. Inside the helicopter was Daichi. Daichi said, "Well, kid. I have to admit, you got guts". Nobuto said, "Come down, coward". Daichi chuckled and took Akino sa pamamagitan ng the arms and said, "Well, ladies first" and he shoved Akino out of the helicopter. Nobuto ran to catch her, but heard a loud sound and then felt a terrible pain in his knee. Nobuto looked at his leg and saw a bullet wound in it. Daichi had shot him. Nobuto fell to the ground in pain. Nobuto then looked up and saw Akino plummet to the earth. Nobuto gathered all his strength and picked himself up and ran to catch her. Daichi saw this and kept shooting at him. But, each shoot was either dodged or blocked sa pamamagitan ng Nobuto's sword. Daichi then said, "Forget about it. There time will come when I get my wish. Lets get going" and the helicopter flew away. Nobuto ran very fast, ignoring the pain in his leg. He then caught Akino, just barely. Once he caught her, the pain in his knee came back. He fell to the ground and set Akino down. Nobuto then sinabi to Akino, "Akino, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have let you go sa pamamagitan ng yourself. If I was with you, you wouldn't have been"- But he was stopped sa pamamagitan ng Akino as she kissed him. She then said, "You have nothing to be sorry for".

9

As they sat in the town tavern, Nobuto was in complete pain. Akino looked at the bullet wound in his knee and said, "I think you should see a medic". Suddenly, a man in a brown overcoat and in a hat said, "A medic, you say. No need to worry, sir. I am Dr. Chuu. I am the highest doctor in Gorudo. We don't have to go to the hospital. I bring all my supplies with me". Dr. Chuu then reached into his black bag and pulled out a bandage, tweezers, a strange pair of glasses, a needle and thread, and some rubbing alcohol. Dr.Chuu put the glasses on and used the tweezers to take the bullet out. Dr. Chuu pored some of the rubbing alcohol onto Nobuto's leg. The pain only felt worse. Once he was done, he sowed up his leg and then he started bandaging up his leg. Dr. Chuu said, "I heard that the high counsel wants to declare war on Daichi for what he did today. I heard that there are many people who are already after him. I am really grateful for what you all did today". As he continued to bandage, not many people sinabi a word. Once Dr. Chuu was done, he said, "There, all done. I really hope to sumali this war and help any injured men. Good day" and he walked back to his table. Miko pulled on Akino's palda and said, "Um, how was it being kidnapped sa pamamagitan ng that mean man, Miss Akino. Was it scary in there"? Akino said, "It was horrible, having to be near a person like that. but, I did get some information on what is happening". Nobuto, gripping his knee, said, "What"? Akino said, "Well, he sinabi he was going to the Sabaku Desert to find this one place called the Desert Cathedral. They plan to wait for us to get there and then sacrifice us to get his wish". Ritsuo then said, "Wait, he wants to make his wish at the Desert Cathedral". Akino said, "Yes". Ritsuo then said, "This man is insane. This whole thing is worse then I expected". Nobuto said, "What"? Ritsuo said, "The Desert Cathedral is a place of great evil. It grants the wishes of someone who sacrifices someone of pure heart. Each person that goes there want the same wish. They wish to become the God of Destruction. They will then turn the world into whatever image they want. Daichi is going to turn the world into his own empire. Nobuto, we have to stop him". Nobuto said, "I know. We go tonight. Get everyone you can. Be sure we have plenty of weapons and ammunition. We are going to stop Daichi".

10

As Nobuto and his mga kaibigan and allies walked through the grassland, they watched as it turned into a dry desert. Kazuki looked at the wide spreading sand and said, "So, this must be the Sabaku Desert Daichi spoke of" Ritsuo said, "It sure is. And in the middle of it all is the Desert Cathedral. No doubt Daichi is looking for it right now. We need to find it before he does and prevent him from walking through its doors". As they walked through the hot desert, it soon turned into a mapait cold night. Many people were shivering, but the thought of war was keeping them going. They walked and walked for hours, until, finally, in the distance, they saw a large building that looked like a gray church. Ritsuo could not keep his eyes off of it. Ritsuo said, "This is it. The Desert Cathedral. I don't think that Daichi got here yet. We should prepare ourselves for an ambush and once they come here, we will-" But suddenly, he got quiet. Nobuto knew why. He could here the sounds of something large moving through the sands. Ritsuo stood quietly for a moment before saying, "Oh no. Its a Sand Devil" Suddenly, over the sandy horizon, A dangerously large truck that had legs walked toward the army. The legs had deadly spikes on the bottom. The truck stopped above the army and crouched down. The front of the truck opened and there stood a man with a soldier uniform. However, his mask was different from the other soldiers. His mask was crimson red and was shaped like a skull. The man in the crimson skull mask said, "I am Blood Skull, Daichi's deadliest assassin. I have come to take Nobuto as a prisoner. The rest of you are to be killed for blasphemy against the soon-to-be god of destruction". Suddenly, two madami doors opened on the side of the Sand Devil. Over a thousand soldiers poured out of the truck. Suddenly, there was over a thousand soldiers with rifles at the ready. Nobuto pulled out his sword and rushed toward the soldiers, as did the rest of his allies. It wasn't long before the soldiers reacted to the attack. Soon, they were firing their rifles. However, they were greatly outnumbered sa pamamagitan ng the army from three different cities. Over a hundred billion people were fighting against the soldiers. Soon, many soldiers were falling to the ground in a pool of blood. Nobuto was slicing down soldiers with his sword, as was Kazuki with his cutlass, Baku with his daggers, Akino with her war fan, and Miko with Katsu. Ritsuo was doing his usual routine of shooting soldiers from atop the Sand Devil. It took hours, but finally, all of the soldiers laid dead. It wasn't long before the Sand Devils door opened. Blood Skull walked through the doors and said, "I see you have been training well. However, you are just a mere child. I may die here, but if it is the case, I shall take you with me, Nobuto" Nobuto took his sword, while Blood Skull pulled out his katana blade. Nobuto ran at Blood Skull, who just stood there with his sword in his hand. Nobuto swung his sword, but Blood Skull blocked his blow with the slightest ease. Blood Skull said, "Foolish boy, you can not best me. I was specially trained to kill warriors like you". Blood Skull then swung his sword lightning fast. Nobuto was able to block them, but was out of breathe quickly. Blood Skull then said, "Well, I must admit, you do have some amazing sword skills. But, I am afraid that won't save you for long boy". Then, Blood Skull reached into his pocket and pulled out a strange cylinder object. Blood Skull tossed the item onto the ground. Suddenly, a strange tiny rod came from the cylinder. It sprayed out a large amount of smoke in just seconds. Soon everyones visions were impaired. It took a while for the smoke to clear, but once it did, everyone saw that Blood Skull had ran away. Nobuto said, "What do you think he meant when he sinabi they won't save me for long. I thought he would just fight some more, but he just ran off" Ritsuo looked back at the Desert Cathedral and said, "I think I know what he meant". Nobuto looked toward the Desert Cathedral and saw what he wished was just fake. Daichi and his men had already reached the Desert Cathedral.

11

Nobuto had told most of the allies to stay behind. Nobuto ran toward the Desert Cathedral, along with Kazuki, Akino, Baku, Miko, Katsu, and Ritsuo. However, there did not seem to be any soldiers. Nobuto had at least expected there to be some guards, but there was no one. As they looked around, a voice said, "Oh, good. You are all here just in time". Suddenly, Nobuto was grabbed sa pamamagitan ng his neck sa pamamagitan ng Daichi. Everyone was ready to fight him, when Daichi said, "I wouldn't do anything heinous. Otherwise, I'll snap this little brats neck like a twig". Daichi brought his face closer to Nobuto and said, "Well, I can't ever remember being this close to you since the araw I destroyed your tahanan and killed your mother. And to think, I thought you were just a stupid little kid, but now, I see you were the hero. Now, you are going to sacrifice yourself for me, or, I will kill off one of your friends. The choice is yours, Nobuto". Daichi then pulled out a revolver and pointed it at them. Nobuto then thought for a moment. He heard Kazuki say "Don't sacrifice yourself for us". Nobuto then said, "Fine. I'll do it". Daichi chuckled with an evil grin and said, "Quite loyal. but very stupid. Oh well, you made your choice. I suggest you all move". Daichi, still holding Nobuto sa pamamagitan ng his neck, walked away from the Desert Cathedral. Everyone turned and saw Blood Skull holding a Rocket Launcher. Daichi said, "You'd better move. He will not stop this procedure for your pathetic lives". Blood Skull then fired the rocket. Everyone ducked and watched as the rocket blew up the entire Desert Cathedral. Ritsuo, with his eyes wide, said, "Daichi just ruined his chances of becoming a god". Daichi chuckled and said, "You are wrong, sir. In fact, that wasn't even what I needed to grant my true wish". Nobuto said, "But your wish was to become a god and turn the world into your empire, wasn't it". Daichi said, "Well, you are fifty percent right, Nobuto. I do want to be a god, but I do not want to turn this world into my empire. I am going to destroy this world and everyone in it. Only I will survive the destruction of the world. I will be known as the god that bested all the other gods. Even your own true God can not compare to my powers. But, I needed to destroy the cathedral to gain the real prize". Daichi then threw Nobuto toward his mga kaibigan and ran toward the ruins. He knelt down and picked up something shiny. It was a puso shaped stone that was all black from how worn out it was. Ritsuo said, in shock "Is that t-the..." Daichi laughed and said, "Yes it is. It is the puso of Desire. It was always buried under the cathedral, only to rub off a speck of its magic for wishes. However, with it in my power, I can now make the wish as powerful as anyone ever dreamed to have. To become a god with powers great enough to destroy the world". Nobuto took his sword and shouted, "NO! I WON'T LET YOU" He ran at Daichi, ready to strike him. But, Daichi pulled out his revolver and shot Nobuto in the chest. The others tried to help him, but before they could, Blood Skull blocked their path. Daichi then stroked the puso of Desire in his hands and said, "Now, mystical puso of Desire. I wish to become the most powerful god ever to exist". Suddenly, the black on the puso soon glowed with red. A red mist soon formed around Daichi. The mist soon surrounded Daichi. No one could see him through the smoke. Nobuto was losing a lot of his blood now. Soon, the mist cleared and everyone could see that Daichi's eyes were now glowing with red and he had crimson red bat wings on his back. Daichi looked toward Blood Skull and said, "Let them through. I want to see them all suffer. But, before you go. Nobuto" Suddenly, Daichi showed Nobuto a portal to a familiar town. Nobuto then realized that it was Heiwa. Daichi said, "Witness my true power on what is left on your pathetic town". Suddenly, the entire town burst into flames. Nobuto watched as everyone, man woman or child, was burnt alive. Nobuto turned away at the awful sight. Daichi then laughed loudly and said, "Impressed sa pamamagitan ng my new powers, boy. That was only a taste of what I can do. Now, I will destroy this world. But, your mga kaibigan should chose what to do. You really don't look so good. In fact, that bullet wound looks very fatal. Your mga kaibigan could stop me, but there is no chance of you surviving. I will let them decide while you take a well deserved nap". Then, Nobuto passed out

12

Nobuto woke up on a small mat outside the cathedral. Nobuto saw Dr. Chuu over looking him. Chuu said, "Oh, good. Your still alive". Soon, Kazuki, Akino, Baku, Miko, Katsu, and Ritsuo were over him now. Nobuto then said, "Oh no, Daichi. We got to stop him". Ritsuo said, "It won't be easy. We have tried, but it is impossible. Only a hero can stop him. And he needs to be stopped quickly, he is about to destroy the entire planet". Nobuto got up, feeling a little numb, and said, "Fine. I'm sorry, guys. But this time, I am going to stop Daichi alone. I can't imagine what would happen if I Nawawala you all now. There is no reasoning this time guys. You all stay here". Kazuki said, "What. After all that has happened, you think were going to let you fight sa pamamagitan ng your-" But Ritsuo cut him off and said, "Do what you have to do, Nobuto" Nobuto gave Ritsuo a quick nod and he ran toward the cathedral. Above the cathedral was a giant ball of fire. Nobuto knew this was what Daichi was going to use on the planet. Nobuto ran toward the cathedral, but he was immediately stopped sa pamamagitan ng Blood Skull. Blood Skull took out his katana and said, "I will not allow you to stop Daichi's plans". Nobuto said, "Are you crazy? If Daichi does what he sinabi he would, you will die too". Blood Skull, not losing the grip on his sword, said, "If it is what Daichi wants, then I will die for it. No matter what it may be. I won't let you through". Blood Skull then swung his sword at Nobuto. Nobuto was able to block this attack, only to have Blood Skull throw another swing, with Nobuto blocking this one as well. Nobuto then noticed that the ball of apoy was getting bigger. Nobuto could not keep fighting this guy. Nobuto then swung his sword in multiple directions to confuse Blood Skull. Luckily, his tactic worked. Nobuto then kicked Blood Skull hard in the face and knocked him onto the ground. The mask then split in two and fell off of Blood Skull's head. Nobuto looked at Blood Skull's true face. What he saw had surprised him. It was Kadoma, his father. Kadoma looked at Nobuto and said, "Huh, Nobuto. Where are we. I thought we were at home". Nobuto then said, "Don't you remember anything about the raid". Kadoma said, "There was a raid. Oh dear god. Where is Kazuki and Miko and your mother". Nobuto then said, "Its okay, dad. Kazuki and Miko are fine, but mother. She...". Kadoma then said, with a puso broken face, "Oh, poor Risako. I can't believe she is... Oh, god. But, where are the others"? Nobuto said, "They are in a camp set up on tuktok of the hills north of here. You need to go check on them. I have something important to do". Kadoma, still confused, got up and walked to the hills. Nobuto then walked into the cathedral. There, he saw Daichi flying with his wings holding the ball of apoy in his hands. Daichi looked at Nobuto and said, "Well, those new age doctors sure know how to cure their patients. But, that won't matter soon. I will engulf this world in a burning fire. There is nothing you can do". Nobuto then looked around the ruins of the cathedral. There, on the ground, was the puso of Desire. Nobuto ran toward the heart. Daichi said, "What are you doing? You think the puso will help you. It only grants the wishes of those who wish for power". Nobuto already knew what he was going to do. Nobuto took out his sword and sliced the puso in half. Soon, the large ball of apoy began to fade. Daichi looked at this and said, "No, what have you done. My power. It is beginning to fade. My god like powers are going away forever. You bastard. You have ruined everything. Well, with my remaining powers, I shall have you killed" Daichi then pointed his hand at Nobuto and fired a large ball of apoy at Nobuto. The ball was to big for Nobuto to block or dodge. Nobuto only thought of how he had at least saved the world from destruction. However, suddenly, Akino jumped in front of Nobuto and the apoy ball struck her chest. Akino fell to the ground and Daichi said, "You worthless bitch. You can't just get the hell out of my way, can you"? Nobuto ran toward Akino and said, "Akino, why did you fallow me". Akino, barely breathing, said, "I'm sorry, but I just couldn't let you fight alone. I just couldn't". Nobuto then said, with tears filling his eyes, "Akino, why did you risk your life for me". Akino, now trying to smile, said, "Because I pag-ibig you so much. I know that you would have done the same for me. I knew we would have to say goodbye at some point, but I never thought it would hurt this much. But it only hurts my puso to know that we will never see each other again. But, just remember... I...love you... so much. And I will... always... Love...you........" and she then fell limp into Nobuto's arms. Nobuto was then blinded sa pamamagitan ng his own tears. If he knew that this is what a hero would experience, he would have never wanted it. Soon, Daichi said, "Stupid bitch. She shouldn't have gotten in my way". Suddenly, a burst of energy came into Daichi. Daichi said, "What? Of course. The sacrifice of the pure hearted. Ha, I can feel my strength growing again. In fact, I feel madami powerful then I did". Suddenly, Daichi's skin soon changed into a crimson tone. His clothes ripped as his body become larger and muscular. His teeth then grew sharp and Daichi grew four madami black eyes. Daichi felt a pair of horns grow onto his head and he felt his nose turn into a snout. His fingernail then grew into claws. Daichi also felt a change in his voice. Daichi then screamed, "I am Daichi. The new god of destruction". Nobuto, wiping the tears from his eyes, picked up his sword and said, "I will not let you harm anyone else". Daichi then said, "Stop me all you want, but you will just fail. I want to try this new power out. And I will start sa pamamagitan ng killing you, Nobuto. Then, I will destroy this world". Daichi then raised his hand in the air and tried to smash Nobuto. Nobuto dodged the hand and ran up Daichi's arm. Daichi tried to throw Nobuto off of him, but Nobuto was stuck onto Daichi good. Nobuto then climbed onto Daichi's back and sliced off both of his wings. Daichi screamed in pain as he felt the Buto of his wings slice in half. Daichi then grabbed Nobuto and held him in his hands. Daichi laughed and tried to crush Nobuto with his massive strength. However, Nobuto then removed his hand and stabbed Daichi in the hand repeatedly. Daichi finally let go, and Nobuto climbed up his arm again. This time, Nobuto took his sword and stabbed one of Daichi's eyes. Daichi then clutched the spot where one of his eyes used to be and screeched loudly. Once he was done, Daichi was very angry. Daichi then tried to smash Nobuto with his fists. Once Nobuto found a spot to attack, he took it. Nobuto ran toward Daichi and jumped into the air. Nobuto then pointed his sword at Daichi and flew into his chest. Daichi then fell silent. He could fell Nobuto fly right through his heart. Nobuto then came out through his back, covered in blood. Daichi then dropped his arms and fell to the ground dead. Nobuto looked up and saw the sky had changed from red and back to its cheerful blue color. Nobuto then picked up Akino and carried her out of there.

Epilogue

The world had been saved sa pamamagitan ng one of the most unlikely of heroes. however, there was no celebration to mark this occasion. For there were many people who died trying to stop Daichi and there were those who were victims to his evil ways. However, many people would see Nobuto and his mga kaibigan as great bayani forever. Most of the allies went back to there old ways and rebuilt there towns and changed there cities for the better. Ritsuo stayed in the city of Gorudo and helped rebuild its destroyed buildings and homes. It was no easy task, but they all eventually finished. Baku went with the slaves to learn madami about there interesting culture. Kazuki, Miko, Katsu, and Kadoma could not go back to there old home. They had to live in the city of Bokun, but there, they lived in happiness. It was much like Heiwa, only larger. They would find some joy in it. However, for Nobuto, it would not be so easy. He left his family, so he could help other parts of the world. He knew that there were many people in danger out there, and he planned to do whatever he could to help those people. However, on all of his journeys, he still remembers Kazuki, and Miko, and his mom and dad, and Baku, and Ritsuo, and Katsu, but the one person who is always on his mind is Akino, and he will never forget her. Or the adventure he and his brother had always wanted and had finally gotten.

The End