Kenpo Sentai Bakurenja

[Kawaii Japan Lover]

I guess I'll go ahead and introduce my story now.

Here's the link to the discussion thread http://www.henshintalk.com/showthread.php?p=6684#post6684.

I said this before but I'm gonna say it again, keep your comments respectful and questions on topic. After all, we're all just here to have fun, right?

This first part will give you a short run-down of the plot and explain the need-to-know facts such as the Senshi themselves and the villains. If all goes well, I should have Round 1 up next week.

The wicked Yamata clan lays a bloody siege upon the world, using its army of demons to slaughter innocent people, gathering the despair, pain, anger,and hate from their very souls. Their mission is to revive Orochi, the serpent king, who was defeated by the valiant Izumo clan in a battle 500 years ago. A descendant of the Izumo clan, using resources from a martial arts research company named Busen, tracks down five youths with exceptional skill in martial arts. Combining their raw passion and skill with modern technology, these five will become…

Kenpo Sentai Bakurenja! (Martial Arts Task Force Exploding Ranger)

The Bakurenjas

Houka Kusanagi (BakureRed), 22, 6/14/85
Houka is the eldest member of the group and the leader of the Bakurenjas. She is also a descendant of the Izumo clan. She was born in Osaka, lived the later part of her adolescence in Tokyo, and now attends college in the United States. She is studying for a degree in Art and hopes to go professional someday. She’s a very social person, friendly and always talking, but she has an infamous temper and her feelings tend to get in the way of her better judgment more often than not. Throughout the many battles, however, she begins to develop into a true leader. Hitting various nightclubs, video games, and drawing are her favorite hobbies. Her martial art is Kyokushin Karate, a more brutal form of the popular art. She has been practicing this art under her father’s watchful eye since she was a tyke.

Halston Horton (BakureBlack), 20, 12/5/87
Halston is an African-American and close friend of Houka. He is second in command of the Bakurenjas. Though he was born and raised in small town America, he has always wanted to see the world, particularly Japan, but money was a big issue, as it still is, leaving him somewhat jaded. He is attending college to get a degree in Journalism, but hopes to be a novelist someday. Halston is reserved and quiet for the most part, which has led to friction between he and Houka more than once. But despite his seemingly cold exterior, Halston is a caring and kind individual. His hobbies, when Houka isn’t dragging him with her to the nearest nightclub, are writing, practicing martial arts, and video games. Halston was hesitant at first when Takuma offered him a chance to join the Bakurenjas, but heknew that it was the right thing to do, and if he didn’t, he would regret it. His fighting style is Xing Yi Quan, a legendary Chinese art that utilizes crushing strikes. He was taught by Gen Fu, a renowned master sought by many eager martial artists, but only took three pupils before his passing.

Yukie Kazahana (BakureBlue), 20, 1/23/87
Yukie is the strategist of the group. She was originally born and raised in the snowy northern island of Hokkaido, where she lived until she was 14, then she and her parents moved to the USA, where she met and befriended Halston in middle school and followed him up the ranks to college. She is studying for a degree in nursing. Yukie is the most mature of the group and has a gentle, mother-like disposition, which is both a good and bad thing. She has feelings for Halston but keeps them hidden. Her hobbies, sewing, cooking, and being in her room are considered “odd” by Houka. She is a member of the Ainu minority, Japan's native people who now live in Hokkaido. When approached by Takuma, Yukie, wanting no part of battle of any kind, blatantly refused. It was ultimately her sense of responsibility that brought her into the fold. Her fighting style is Ba Ji Quan, a Chinese art known in Japan as Hakkyoku-Ken. She was taught by Akira Tanaka, a legend in the art.

Souta Nakadai (BakureYellow), 20, 10/22/87
Like Halston, Souta was born in small-town America but to Japanese parents. Souta followed Halston up through the ranks, but they weren’t always friends. In elementary school, Souta’s joking nature got on Halston’s nerves to the point where Halston got physical. They just laugh about it now, and have been good friends since. Though Souta attends college he is unsure of his future path, and has switched majors more than once. Being a laid back and cool guy, Souta doesn’t take life too seriously. While this is a good thing, Souta tends to take it to the point of apathy and laziness. Nevertheless, he is a friendly and caring guy with a strict code of honor and justice. He hates evil and injustice with a passion, part of the reason for his joining the Bakurenjas. His hobbies vary, he’ll pick up anything that interests him. His fighting style is the Korean martial art of Tae Kwon Do. Souta learned it from Hwang Seong Kim, an Olympic champion in the sport and whose daughter is a friend of he group.

Natsuki Horton (BakurePink), 16, 9/11/91
Natsuki is the younger sister of Halston and the youngest in the group. She is of half Japanese/African-American heritage, the African-American half being her and Halston’s mother. She’s been living in America since she was six, when her father was supposedly killed in a car accident and she was sent to live with her second family. She adores her new life, and has even dropped her original surname, Shiranui, for her new family’s last name. Natsuki adores her older brother even more, and will only listen to him around friends. She is currently a Junior in high school but her grades aren’t the best, and she has a tendency for trouble. Like Souta, her future plans are unknown. Natsuki is everything you expect a 16 year old girl to be, spunky, spontaneous, and a little wild. But she tends to be a tad childish, and can be a spoiled brat at times. She’s an avid Tokusatsu fan, her room containing thousands of dollars worth of Super Sentai, Kamen Rider, Ryukendo, and various other merchandise. Outside of Toku, Natsuki likes video games and just hanging with her brother. She also loves to eat and will happily eat anything she can fit in her mouth. When Houka suggested her to Takuma, Natsuki didn’t hesitate. A chance to become part of a real life Sentai was something she couldn’t refuse. Her fighting style is Pi Qua Quan, a fast paced Chinese martial art. She is the second of Gen’s three pupils.

BakureChargers
The BakureChargers are a wrist device. To henshin, the Bakurenjas channel their Bakuren which literally means “exploding” but in this case it will be used to express any strong emotion, such as rage, love, or pain. They double as communicators so the Bakurenjas can keep up with one another and their allies. The call to henshin is “BakuRave On!”.

IkariBlaster/Buster
All five Bakurenjas are equipped with the IkariBlaster, a magnum that converts into a short sword, which is called IkariBuster mode.

Seijyuu no Izumo/Bakuraizers
The Bakuraizers were once legendary beasts revered by the Izumo clan who helped them defeat Orochi. Burai encased them in stone after defeating them. They are actual sentient beings that can be called upon when needed, and have the ability to change into bio-mechanical beasts by way of the BakureChargers.

Ryuuzer/Houka
Toraizer/Halston
Kitsuzer/Yukie
Phoenizer/Souta
Kiraizer/Natsuki

Bakuren’Oh
The combination of all five Bakuraizers. Toraizer forms the head, body, arms, and legs, Kiraizer and Kitsuzer form boots for the legs, and Phoenizer forms the helmet and wings. Ryuuzer forms the sword BakurenKen. The finishing move is BakurenZan.

Allies

Takuma Kusanagi, 49, 9/20/59
Mentor to the Bakurenjas, father of Houka, and descendant of the mighty Izumo clan. He has a wealth of information on the legend of the Izumo and the Yamata clan, current and former. He is strict with the Bakurenjas, but only because he cares and wants them to succeed, like any good master would. Natsuki frequently calls him “jii-san” or grandpa, which he hates. Being a descendant of the Izumo, Takuma has mastered nearly all the martial arts, but has taken a shine to Kyokushin Karate, the favored martial art of the Izumo and also the art he passed on to his daughter.

Miki Kusanagi, 41, 12/7/66
The President of the Busen corporation, the creators of the BakureChargers, and younger sister of Takuma. Hearing of her ancestors’ feats in stories and through relatives sparked her interest in the martial arts. As Miki matured she started doing research, and by 28 she secured the proper information and financial issues needed to create her company, aptly named Busen. While Miki is a shrewd businesswoman, she does have a kinder, gentler side that shows with the Bakurenjas. Because of her job, she doesn’t have as much time as her brother to practice martial arts, but she has picked up some moves.

Villains

The Yamata Clan

Burai Ryuuji, 50, 10/5/58
Leader of the Yamata clan and half-demon descendant of Orochi. He seeks to free the serpent king and bring the world back to a state of Yomi like his ancestor did 500 years ago. He is violent, cruel, and will do anything to achieve victory. What is strange about Burai is that he has mastered nearly every martial art, along with his Orochi abilities…a feat capable only of those of the Izumo bloodline…

Ryotaro Ryuuji, 21, 3/20/86
Burai’s eldest child and best general. While he is evil, he stresses honor above all else, and will not tolerate dishonesty in his ranks. He uses Kenjutsu, a sword-based Japanese martial art used by Samurai combined with his Orochi abilities.

Sayaka Ryuuji, 20, 5/7/87
Burai’s only daughter and best strategist. While she has the same goals as her father and brother, Sayaka carries a gentler, more merciful way about her. But don’t let this fool you, she has a sharp mind and can be just as dangerous as her brother if provoked. She practices spear-based Wu-Shu combined with her Orochi abilities.

Gekisou Ryuuji, 19, 7/4/88
Burai’s youngest son and the main muscle of the Yamata army. He is the most violent and treacherous of the siblings, taking after his father. He isn’t afraid to play dirty and loves to mock his opponents as well as point out the failures of his siblings. He and Ryotaro fight often. His style combines the Thai martial art of Muay Thai with his Orochi abilities.

Yamata Gundan
The Yamata Gundan are warrior/general class members of the Yamata clan. They are made up of demons, fallen heroes, and corrupted gods. Some can change their shape to a more human appearance, but no matter what their class, ability, size, or shape, they are all skilled fighters and should be considered dangerous.

Goumon
The Goumon are Burai’s zombie-like footsoldiers that died in battle. They have blue skin, white eyes, and white hair. They sometimes carry weapons, such as Katana, Chinese swords, spears, and bows. Their name translates to “Torture”, symbolizing the mental and physical anguish brought about by the Orochi power.

[Totem of the Ocean]

The Yamata clan are bad-ass! I am really looking forward to reading this YJL.

[Kawaii Japan Lover]

The Yamata clan are bad-ass! I am really looking forward to reading this YJL.

Thanx Totem :D. And if you think they're badass now, just wait until you see them in action. Also keep an eye out for cameos from other Toku and PR series.

[Kawaii Japan Lover]

500 years ago, before Japan was a land of technological wonders and advances, it was a land of warriors, deities, demons, and kings. The Yamata, a tribe of demons descended from and led by Orochi, the serpent king, sought to lay siege to the world, starting with Japan. Orochi gathered humanity’s despair as he conquered empires around the world one by one until no one on earth was powerful enough to stop him. The death, darkness, and despair brought about by the demons left the world in a state akin to Yomi, the land of the dead.

Appalled by this display, the Izumo Five, the finest warriors from the Izumo tribe in western Japan, stepped fourth to try and stop the chaos. The Izumo were known all over Japan as warriors with exceptional skills in weaponry and martial arts. Though they possessed no magical abilities, the warriors managed to hold their own against the serpent king’s minions. However, once faced with Orochi, the skills of these brave warriors were no match for his skill and mastery of magic, and they met their final fate. Their tribesman mourned the loss of their best warriors.

Impressed by the valor of these warriors, the goddess Amaterasu granted these five new lives in the form of divine beasts and came to be known as the Seijyuu No Izumo. With their fellow tribesman at their side, the Seijyuu returned to the battle and managed to finally defeat Orochi. The Seijyuu and the Izumo tribe were regarded as heroes and continued to be renowned from that day fourth. With their leader gone, the Yamata retreated to the shadows, and were never heard of again.

Until now…

Tokyo, Japan, 6:14 PM. What were lively, productive streets three hours ago are now the scene of a bloody demon siege, led by the new Yamata clan. What were once close-knit families, made up of hard-working fathers, loving mothers, caring siblings, and wise grandparents are now broken and grieving families. Entrepreneurs and businessmen, who once made deals and sold you whatever you wanted or needed now reluctantly asses the damages to their shops and buildings, hoping to find some glimpse of hope. The police, though brave and selfless, were no match for the blue-skinned, zombie-like demons and their katana. The demons even raided the hospitals, slaughtering the healers, doctors and nurses, so as to leave no hope for the people. Even the Japanese Diet, thought to be some of the most powerful people in Japan, were felled by the demon blades.

Amid the chaos, two rival martial arts and masters of their craft, Takuma Kusanagi, a descendant of the Izumo and Burai Ryuuji, leader of the Yamata clan, battle it out atop a building with their associates fighting below.

Takuma, though not as tall as Burai, has the muscular, toned body of a martial artist. There are scars and bruises all over him, proving as merit badges to show his determination and grit. His face, though with a few wrinkles, now shows the fierceness of a bear, as he stands, dressed in his Black gi, taking his stance and analyzing his opponent's move as the night wind blows through his short brown hair.

“A surprise attack, well done Burai, I’d expect nothing less from a snake like you” He calls

“Say what you will Takuma, I have the upper hand!” he retorts, a crooked look upon his slightly wrinkled face

Burai, though two feet taller is just as muscular and fit as Takuma. His brownish-yellow eyes and two pointed canines teeth would suggest a more demonic side to him, if one could get past his short black hair and wrinkles, common for one 50 years old. The red sash across dark blue Chinese robe, decorated with dragons on the chest and back, shows his authority in his martial art.

Takuma studies Burai cautiously, as Burai crosses his arms over his face and builds up his chi until it appears as a thick purple aura around his body. Takuma follows suit and powers up his own chi until it becomes visible in red.

****
In the chaotic streets below, Takuma’s sister Miki battles against Burai’s daughter, Sayaka.

Miki aggressively charges Sayaka with a pouncing style motion, but Sayaka parries her attack and pushes her back.

Sayaka is a beautiful young woman, looking to be in her early 20’s. She has the slender body of a model, and an equally beautiful head of blondish-brown hair that looks as if it is cared for daily. Though she too has demonic eyes and canines hidden behind her pink lips, Sayaka’s face shows a gentler, more merciful personality than her father. Her red sash wrapped around the waist of her pink Chinese robe suggests her high ability in her martial art, and her terrifyingly elegant spear only backs this up.

“Please, just surrender, I don't want to hurt you” Sayaka pleads

“Whatever!” says Miki, moving toward Sayaka while rapidly waving her arms in an elegant, dancing motion.

“Ungh!” Sayaka groans, unable to defend against this rapid assault and getting struck several times before falling to the asphalt of the street

Miki, though 20 years older than Sayaka, is in just as good shape as her opponent. Unlike her rough older brother, Miki’s face is almost free of wrinkles, giving her the look of someone younger. Her long, gleaming brown hair is well groomed and she wears a light shade of red lipstick. Miki, who came down here at the behest of her brother is dressed in her dark blue business suit, a curious mode of dress for battle.

Sayaka picks herself up and sighs as she looks down at the ground

“Please forgive me for what I’m about to do” she says, taking the shaft of her spear with both hands and charging her energy into it.

Seeing what she’s about to do, Miki follows suit and charges her own chi into her palm to form a large flame colored the normal orange/yellowish hue.

****
The main four competitors, Takuma, Miki, Burai, and Sayaka, stare each other down while holding their attacks in a standoff.

“CHOU RYUU HA!” Burai exclaims, thrusting his palm forward and sending wave of energy in the shape of a dragon

Takuma places his palms together at his side like he’s drawing a sword

“HAOH…” he begins, thrusting his palms forward and sending a large blast of energy “…SHOKOKEN!”

“SPEAR DANCE!” Sayaka cries, skillfully swinging her spear once to send a shockwave toward Miki

“GAMADA REFLECTOR!” Miki calls, building her energy into a defensive shield

BLAM!

The blasts of the fighters collide and produce a large explosion that ends the battle.

****
Victory is with the forces of good tonight. Though many brave and innocent lost their lives due to the shock and power of the Yamata clan’s attack, Burai, Miki, and their associates managed to drive them back. However, they knew that it wouldn’t be long before they came back with an even bigger army, so the two return to Miki’s company, Busen, located in downtown Tokyo. With a plan, they head to Miki’s office on the 7th floor.

Being the president, Miki’s office is the largest and most elegant in the building, with large statues of Japanese gods standing guard around the room, a beautiful Ming vase in the corner, and a Katana-Kake on a desk to the right. Behind Miki’s desk is a large window to overlook Tokyo, although tonight, it would be of little use.

Upon arriving in her office, Miki walks over to her computer and types in her password. Once it’s accepted, she clicks on the icon with her company’s logo and begins typing.

“The power of that girl’s attack was great, Takuma, I hope you know what you’re getting into”

Takuma stands with his hands behind his back, overlooking the destruction wrought on this once beautiful and futuristic city.

“I don’t know what may happen, Miki, but you know as well as I do, that Burai isn’t going to give in that easily”

Having found the information needed, Miki pauses and looks at the wall aimlessly

“Yes, he was always like that, even before…well, never mind” she says, turning to Takuma, “I’ve got the information”

Takuma turns around and approaches the computer to look it over

The information shows small pictures of five young people, aged 16-22, along with various information on them, such as their birthday, personality, and martial art. The first profile is of a happy, smiling young woman, about 22, of Japanese descent, with medium-length brown hair. The second is a gruff-looking African-American man, about 20, with light skin, glasses, and a shaved head. The third is a strikingly beautiful Japanese woman, also around her early 20’s, with long, black hair and a gentle, demure look about her. The fourth is another of Japanese descent, but this one is a man, in his early 20’s, with short brownish blond hair and a laid back air. The fifth and final profile is the youngest, a girl in her mid-teens with pigtailed black hair and a silly, yet happy smile. She appears to also be of Japanese descent, but her skin is somewhat darker than the other three, suggesting a mixed heritage.

Miki looks over the profiles along with her brother

“Are you really sure about this, Takuma, these kids have their whole lives ahead of them, plus studies, do you want to put them in this kind of danger so soon?”

“I know this, Miki” he says without looking at her

“Plus, Houka’s your only daughter, well, now only child after-”

“I know my own life, Miki!” Takuma snaps

Miki looks down regrettably

“Sorry,”

Takuma starts toward the door

“Is the jet ready?”

“Yes, it’s waiting downstairs. Everything should be in order by the time you get back”

Takuma nods as he opens the door to leave

“Good, I’ll see you then” he says, gently closing the door

Miki sighs as she looks over the five profiles again

“I hope you guys are ready” she says, closing out of the folder and moving to the “Start” icon at the bottom left and then pressing “Shut down”

As Miki turns to leave the room, she is oblivious to the fact that she and her brother were being watched…

****

A few miles away, in the mountains outside Tokyo sits the Yamata fortress, a dark, dismal Japanese-style castle standing over eight stories tall. In the old-fashioned tradition, there are no lights, and air is let in by small windows throughout the castle. In the throne room, located on the eighth floor is Burai’s room, a wide barren room where the Yamata soldiers practice for promotion exhibitions. At the back of the room is a statue of a Chinese dragon at the back. Below the claw sits a throne where Burai sits.

A demon dressed in ninja clothing lands in front of him and bows

“Burai-dono, Takuma is heading to America to recruit these five young people” he says, presenting a copy of the profiles on paper

Burai chuckles, not a worried wrinkle on his face, as he looks over the profiles

“Is that so? It’s just as I thought, they’re weak…” he says, “Well done, you may leave now”

The ninja bows

“Yes sir” he says, teleporting away

Burai lifts himself up from his chair and makes his way down to the courtyard, where an army of blue-skinned, zombie-like soldiers like the ones who besieged Tokyo earlier practice their fighting moves while chanting.

He approaches the stand like a general addressing his army

“My soldiers!” he calls

The blue-skinned soldiers turn about face and bow.

“Our enemy is weak, but he seeks assistance” he says, holding up the papers, “I want you to go to America and eliminate these five before the enemy can ally with them”

“Yes, dono!” they reply, starting underground like moles

Burai looks over the first profile and smiles his crooked smile

“Throwing your only daughter to the lions, how low you have sunk, Takuma”

End of Part 1

[Kawaii Japan Lover]

It’s a sunny, yet blusterous Saturday morning in the metropolis of Greensboro, located in the southeastern region United States. In an apartment in the heart of the bustling city, a young woman gets ready for her morning workout.

This beautiful young woman, with her friendly inviting smile, and shining brown hair, likes to keep her slender, model-esque body in shape with a workout every morning. Though she doesn’t appear to be the athletic type, she is quite skilled in the brutal martial art of Kyokushin Karate, taught to her by her father…

This young woman’s name is Houka Kusanagi.

After a short shower and sliding on her deodorant, Houka goes through her drawers for her outfit. First, she slides on her black and red-striped pants, then straps up her matching sports bra. That done, she moves to her closet and takes out a black bag and places in it a spare set of clothes to change into.

“There we are” she says

From her EnV comes a verse from the R&B song, “Stranger in My House” by Tamia. Houka reaches for her phone and looks at the screen, which reads “Yukie”, and holds it to her ear.

“Hello?”

“Hi Houka, listen, I can’t make it to the gym this morning” Yukie replies

Houka puts her hand on her hips

“And why not?”

“I’ve got some chores around the house to take care of”

Houka scoffs

“What, washing clothes again? Cleaning your little brother’s room?” she asks

Yukie sighs

“Look, I’m sorry Houka, but chores come first. My parents work hard for my tuition and I have a responsibility to pitch in” she says in a firm tone of voice, while still keeping an amiable tone in tact, “You know I love hanging out with you guys”

“Then bump your chores for once and come with us, we’re going to breakfast after the gym” Houka retorts, “C’mon, Halston might be coming, if you come I can hook you guys up. I’ve seen the way you look at him”

Hearing this young man’s name perks up Yukie for a second, but her voice quickly turns to dejection

“Please, he doesn’t feel the same way I do”

“How do you know that for sure? You’re always in your room instead of out living life” Houka remarks, “Y’know, like people our age are supposed to do, rather than write stories or stitch a rug”

Yukie groans at Houka’s generalization of her craft

“It’s called sewing a quilt, and you don’t understand Halston and I. It’s been this way since middle school. No matter what I said or did, we’ve never been more than friends” says Yukie, the tone of sadness lingering, “Besides, these chores have to be done now, I’m sorry”

Houka sighs a deep sigh

“Okay, see you…whenever” says Houka, pressing the red icon for “stop” and placing her phone in her pocket,

“That girl is such an old lady” she says, making her way out of her bedroom and into the kitchen, where she slides on her light, pink coat and makes her way to the parking lot downstairs.

****
The gym Houka trains in is located in the downtown sector of Greensboro. It’s a medium-sized standalone gym akin to a dojo, rather than a Gold’s Gym. As such, it’s more suited for fighters, normal exercisers are discouraged, but anyone can train.

Houka pulls her black Kia Rio into the sparsely populated driveway and turns her car off. She looks around and spots Halston’s gray Chrysler in front of her.

“Well, he did come” she says with a smile, opening the back seat, grabbing her bag with iPod inside, and starting for the entrance.

Inside the gym is like a large dojo of sorts. In the center of the room is the Kanji for “Fight”, along with pictures of the founder and instructors. There are the usual workout equipment, weights, punching bags, and a long mirror along the side wall. Around the room are four small fighting rings to spar.

In the corner, Halston, Souta, and Natsuki stand waiting for Houka near the first ring.

“Hey, guys!” Houka calls, as she approaches

Natsuki eagerly jumps up from a split, but as lean and nimble as she is, this is a small feat.

“Hi, Houka-chan!” she greets

Natsuki is the average height for a young lady in her sweet sixteen, and is in very good shape. Her natural hair color is black, but she likes to dye it and change the style every week. This week, she has gone with low pigtails and her natural color. Her smile, big and bright, is heartwarming like that of a child, even if she often neglects to brush. Her brown eyes reflect a child-like innocence and love for life from six years past that’s still prevalent today. Though she’d normally be wearing what’s “in style” , for training she wears a pink Kung Fu robe.

Houka can’t help but smile back a young Natsuki’s smile

“Hey Natsuki, I see you got your big brother out of the house”

Natsuki nods and takes Halston’s arm

“It was a tough sell, though”

Houka turns to Halston and smiles

“Well, I’m glad to see you made it, Halston” she says, “I just wish your old lady would do the same”

Halston adjusts his glasses

“Who, Yukie?”

Halston is a tall, muscular young man who is two years younger than Houka, but he carries a more mature and serious air about him. Contrary to his sister, he hates to fuss over his hair, so he simply gets it shaved rather than comb and brush it. Though he is African-American, his skin color is a lighter, more yellow, complexion than what you’d typically think of an African-American. His no-nonsense expression steers some newcomers away, but within this hides a gentle, compassionate side. Like Natsuki, he too would be wearing normal clothing, but for training he is wearing a black Kung Fu robe.

“Who else do you know actually enjoys doing chores and stitching rugs and rags?” Houka replies

“Sewing” Halston politely corrects

Houka waves her hand dismissingly

“Same difference, it’s all old lady stuff” she says, “Y’know you should really talk to her more, Halston, she likes you a lot”

Halston’s eyes shift down for a second

“I know…”

“Well, don’t you feel the same?” Houka asks

Halston offers no reply, rather just pushes up his glasses again, a glint from the sun briefly flashing through the lens as he does.

Souta amiably puts his arm on Halston’s shoulder

“If you don’t want her, I’ll be glad to take her off your hands, buddy”

Souta is the same age as Halston, but a foot shorter and leaner. His scruffy brown hair is a result of a spiky hairstyle gone wrong, but he doesn’t give it much thought, what’s done is done. This plays into his usually smirking facial expression, which reads into a friendly, laid back kind of air. Instead of his normal attire, Souta wears a yellow gi type uniform, looser than most, with the words “Seong Kim Taekwondo” on the back.

“I don’t think that’d end well for you, Souta-kun, Yukie-chan’s got her heart set on Oniichan” says Natsuki

Souta nods

“Oh, I see” he says, turning to Halston, “I guess you’re stuck, buddy”

“So it appears…” says Halston

Houka smiles a sly smirk as she turns to Halston

“Y’know what, I think you do like Yukie, Halston, but you’re afraid to tell her”

Halston retains his no-nonsense expression

“That’s nice, but that’s your thought on the situation, Houka”

Houka shakes her head

“You can try to hide it all you want, but I’m a woman, I can sense when you’re lying”

Halston shakes his head, still in no-nonsense mode

“Whatever you say, Houka”

“She’s a very pretty girl, just a little weird” Houka remarks, “And how do I know you two don’t have a little “down-lo” type of thing going on?”

“You don’t” Halston replies, “But just what makes you think I have time for a woman these days?”

Houka scoffs

“Oh, don’t give me that, Halston, there’s always time for a relationship”

Halston chuckles slightly

“Yeah, but for those of us not into “speed dating” like you, I don’t think so”

“Uh-oh, it’s gonna be another one of their little debates” says Natsuki, “We might as well just get changed ‘cuz there isn’t gonna be any training this morning”

Souta smirks

“Sweet, I love watching these two”

Houka shrugs

“What’s wrong with speed dating?”

“It’s impractical, it’s cheap, it’s like musical chairs, c’mon, we’re all adults here. Not to mention it’s sleazy as hell” Halston replies

Houka’s mouth opens in surprise

“Are you calling me a whore?”

Halston shakes his head

“Get your mind out of the gutter, Houka. I was just givin’ my outlook on it, I wasn’t talkin’ about you”

Houka shakes her head

“No, I think you were, but in a subtle tone”

Halston shrugs

“That’s your mind misconstruing what I said”

“Well, at least I’m out there interacting and living, which is more than I can say for you, Mr. Antisocial” Houka remarks

“See, now you’re takin’ too far, Houka” says Halston, “If I was antisocial, I wouldn’t be here with you, now would I?”

Houka crosses her arms

“I dunno”

“How about this, you’re all losers!” calls a male voice

Natsuki perks up worriedly

“Oh no, that sounded like…”

“J-UNIT!” calls another voice

Houka, Halston, Souta, and Natsuki turn to face four young people approaching them.

The first is a young man with dark skin and cornrows, appearing to be of some kind of African or African-American descent. He’s wearing nothing but Muay Thai shorts with “Killah Will” written across the front, he is in good shape.

The second is a young Asian man with spiky hair, looking to be of Chinese origin. He’s wearing a tacky blue Kung Fu robe with the sleeves torn off and “Air Dax Kung Fu” written on the back.

The third is another Asian fellow, but this one has smooth black hair and appears to be of Japanese origin. He’s wearing a black sleeveless shirt with the Kanji for “Bakuretsu” on the back and shorts.

The fourth is a young woman with long hair and a brownish complexion, she appears to be of South Asian or Hispanic descent. She’s wearing a bodice with “BFD” across the chest and skirt. Like her teammates, she is in good shape.

All four of these young people have tattoos on their right arms that say “J-Unit” suggesting, but not implying, some sort of gang activity.

Natsuki covers her face

“Oh god…”

Souta takes her shoulder

“Looks like we’re gonna get that workout, after all, Natsuki-chan”

The South Asian/Hispanic woman approaches Houka, showing her short stature, and checks her out.

“It’s impolite to stare, Rose, you jealous?” Houka taunts

Rose scoffs

“Please, what do I have to be jealous of? I have brains and beauty, unlike you”

The Chinese man smiles at Souta, Souta obliges

“Well, well, Air Dax, long time no see” says Souta, “I saw that Slam Dunk you made down at the court”

Dax begins chuckling while lightly hopping like some sort of junkie

“Yeah, it was suh-weeeet!”

The Japanese man checks little Natsuki out

“You’re looking hot today as always, Natsuki-chan” he remarks, smirking a creepy smile

Natsuki’s eyes bulge as her face draws back as if she’d swallowed sour milk

“Eww! Masumi, you’re nothing but a dirty perv!”

The Black man with cornrows sizes Halston up, Halston stares right back at him with utter hatred in his eyes.

“Get outta my face, Will, you damn fool” Halston warns, pushing him away

Will smiles calmly

“What you gon do?” he challenges

Halston shakes his head, and one could tell from his look that he isn’t playing

“Don’t make me...”

Will scoffs, while still smiling

“Don’t make you what? You ain’t gon-”

DING!

The sound of a bell rings, just as Halston socks Will in his face

“Uunhh…” Will groans, weakly gripping for Halston’s robe as he plummets to the mat and lies there, motionless

This spectacle breaks Natsuki from her distraught state and causes her to burst out giggling.

“Hee, hee, hee! He got his bell rung! Hee, hee, hee!”

Dax rushes to his friend’s aid, along with Masumi and Rose

“Will!” he asks, lightly patting his cheek, “Will, are you dead?!”

Will remains motionless on the mat. Dax looks up at the four as he stands up, a little intimidated.

“Oh, you guys are gonna get it now…you’re gonna get it!” he says, taking off

“See ya later” Masumi calls, following Dax

Rose yells an obscenity in Spanish before following her associates out of the gym.

Houka counters with a Japanese obscenity

Souta looks down at the motionless Will and lets out a whistle of impression.

“Woah, you did a number on ol’ Will, Halston-kun”

Halston scoffs as he clenches his fist

“He asked for it,”

Houka looks down at her watch, which reads 11:35

“Oh man, we missed our workout! And we’re gonna miss breakfast if we don’t hurry”

Souta starts to the locker rooms with Halston

“Then let’s not miss it,”

“We should make it, since we don’t need to shower” says Houka, heading to the women’s locker room

Natsuki, meanwhile, looks around cautiously for any witnesses

“We’re sure to go to the mall afterward, so let’s see what Mr. Aton’s got in his wallet” she says, reaching into Will’s pocket and pulling out his wallet

But upon opening the black leather, Natsuki only finds $50, causing her to frown

“Aw $50? You bum!” she groans, taking the $50, sliding it into her pocket, and discarding the wallet.

Then she notices Will’s Rolex gleaming in the sunlight.

“Ooh, I’ll take that” she says, gently unhooking the watch and sliding it off. She then takes off her Hello Kitty watch and puts it into her pocket so she can show off her new watch.

“Thank you very much, Mr. Aton” she says sweetly, heading to the women’s locker room.

****
Having time to spare after changing from their training uniforms, the group stops by Halston/Natsuki’s house to drop off the car and take Houka’s to save gas. That done, they make a beeline for IHOP. Luckily for them, they make it just in time, 11:58. After being seated at a booth-style table, they are brought their menus and left to decide.

“That was close, I just wish we hadn’t missed the workout” says Houka, now dressed in a while short-sleeved shirt with a picture of a motorcycle, surrounded by the words “Girls Like to Ride Too” and capris

“You’ll be fine, Houka, one missed day won’t hurt” says Souta, now dressed in a blue short-sleeved shirt and shorts

“Not if my dad was here, he’d kill me if I missed a day of training” says Houka, flipping through the menu, “He’s serious when it comes to training, and I understand, but he acts like I’m gonna go to war against those crazy demons from his stories”

Natsuki takes a drink of her soda. She’s now dressed in a light pink long-sleeved shirt and jeans.

“That would be sweet! I’d love to fight demons and monsters” she says, turning to her brother beside her, “Wouldn’t you, Oniichan?”

Halston stays focused on his menu. He’s changed into a blue button shirt with a Chinese dragon on the front and back along with black jeans.

“They’d give me more of a challenge than that idiot Will” he replies

Houka giggles lightly

“You hate Will with a passion, don’t you, Halston?”

“Of course, he thinks women like him, and that he’s God’s gift to the world” Halston replies, “What’s not to hate?”

“Tell me about it, Rose is even worse” Houka adds, taking a sip of her tea

As Natsuki fondles with the glass separating them from the table across the wall, Souta notices the Rolex she stole from Will.

“That’s a nice watch, Natsuki, where’d you get it?”

Natsuki looks down at her watch

“I stole it” she replies honestly

Of course, the antics of Natsuki are nothing new to this group

“From Will?” Houka asks

Natsuki smiles and nods proudly

“Mm-hmm”

Halston chuckles lightly

“You little weasel”

“Spoils of battle” Natsuki remarks, proudly polishing her new watch

At the front of the restaurant, the J-Unit has just walked through the door, this time accompanied by a large, dark-skinned African-American with cornrows, wearing a white Carolina Panthers Jersey and jeans.

“I saw the car parked here, JB” says Dax, scoping the restaurant and catching a glimpse of Natsuki through the glass on the far left, “There they are!”

“Hello, welcome to IH-” the waitress greets, but the six ignore her and head straight to the back of the restaurant to confront their rivals. When they reach the table, Dax, Rose, Will, and Masumi stand in front of JB with their arms crossed like they mean business. Will now sporting a radiating black eye.

A look of utter annoyance turns Houka’s face from happy to utter annoyance

“Ugh, what do you clowns want now? We’re trying to have breakfast”

“I told you guys you were gonna get it, didn’t I?” asks Dax, “Well guess who we bought?”

Dax, Will, Rose, and Masumi move aside as JB stands with his arms crossed. He, unlike his associates, carries the seriousness of a leader, and bears the “J-Unit” tattoo on his right arm. The other restaurant patrons watch the group warily. One elderly woman looks as if she could call the police at any moment.

“I heard y’all been messin with my crew, is this true?” he asks in the tone of a boss

“Yeah, but your crew rolled up on us!” Houka protests

JB turns to his crew

“Is this true?”

Dax scoffs as he smiles nervously

“What? Don’t believe Houka, she’s lyin’ to you, J”

Houka clenches her fist angrily

“You’re lying out of your teeth, Dax!” Houka protests again, pointing at Dax, Will, Masumi, and Rose, “You five idiots came into the gym and walked up to us, and you know it!”

Rose, other than asserting her self-proclaimed genius loves to piss people off, namely Houka, and wastes no chance in taking this chance.

“See, look at you flying off the handle, it proves you don’t have the control I do” she remarks calmly

“Stay out of this!” Houka snaps

“Calm down, Houka” Halston directs

JB scratches his chin inquisitively

“Well…I see there’s only one way to solve this, meet us down at the quarry and we’ll resolve this matter in a way befittin’ all of us”

“We’ll be there!” says Houka

JB nods

“Good, come on, y’all” he says, leading his group out of the restaurant

Houka slams her palm down on the table

“Come on guys,”

“Wait Houka-san, I’m hungry, what about our food?” Natsuki asks

“Forget it! I won’t let those idiots get away with lying like that!” Houka replies, as she starts out of the restaurant in a blind rage

Halston, Souta, and Natsuki look at each other worriedly

“Well, she is our ride…” says Souta, sliding out of the booth and walking toward the car

The waitress returns and looks at the three strangely

“Sorry, we changed our mind” says Halston, following Souta

Natsuki is the last to slide out of the booth

“We’ll be back later, hopefully!” she calls, taking after her brother

An elderly man behind them shakes his head

“These kids today…”

****
Houka’s group and the J-Unit meet up at a large stone quarry on the outskirts of Greensboro. Seeing it would lead one to believe that this was the scene of so many Power Ranger and Super Sentai ranger battles.

Houka, Halston, Souta, and Natsuki stand ready for battle, while the J-Unit huddle like a football team discussing their next play.

“Well, you wanted a fight and you got it, so let’s get it on!” Houka calls

“Hold your horses, can’t you see we have more people than you?” Dax asks

“I thought you martial artists were about honor?” Rose taunts

“Quiet Rose, taunting is childish” JB warns, stepping forward, “And just for that, you will sit out while I take your place”

Rose’s eyes bulge

“What?! But JB-”

JB holds out his hand for silence as he steps forward, accompanied by Will, Dax, and Masumi.

“We’re ready if y’all are”

“It’s about time” says Houka

“I got Will” says Halston

Will slams his fist into his hand

“You’re gonna pay!”

“I’ll take Dax” says Souta

Dax shows off with some aerial Kung Fu moves

“Bring it, buddy!”

Natsuki points angrily at Masumi

“I’m gonna knock your teeth out, you closet perv!”

Masumi’s creepy grin crosses his face

“Koi, Natsuki-chan”

Houka holds out her hand, a ball of flame appears into her palm

“You’re goin’ down, JB!” she says, tossing the flame in front of JB and creating a wall of flame between the two

JB smirks calmly

“Bring it on”

In a flash, Houka comes charging through the flame with a flaming fist, but JB has predicted this attack, and catches it just in time

“What the hell?!” Houka demands

JB’s smile lingers

“You should calm down, Houka Baby, you’ll live longer” he remarks, using his strength to toss Houka over his head. Houka recovers quickly with a somersault.

“Grr, you got lucky”

****
Across from them is Souta and Dax’s battle

Dax quickly goes into a handstand and propels himself upward diagonally.

“Get ready for some Air Dax Kung Fu, Souta!” he says, using his light body to launch himself midway into the air while spinning his legs like a helicopter, “DRAGON FANG!”

Souta just ducks down as Dax’s attack flies just over his head

“Hey, no fair!” Dax protests

“Nice, but not good enough!”

Souta shoots upward like a spring, hitting defenseless aerial Dax with a triple-kick combo.

“SAND SLICER!”

“Aaagh!” Dax groans, plummeting to the cold, rocky bed

****
Across from them, Halston and Will and Natsuki and Masumi stand ready for their battles.

“Double-team, Oniichan?” Natsuki suggests

Halston nods

“I wouldn’t have it any other way, Nat-Nat”

Will and Masumi turn to each other and smirk condescendingly

“Aww, how sweet, a brother and sister team up” Will chuckles

“Too bad they don’t know we’re the Deadly Black Duo” Masumi remarks

Natsuki scoffs

“Please! You mean the Dopey Black Dummies”

“Watch it!” Will protests, charging Natsuki with a deadly Slash Kick, but Halston cuts in front of her and catches Will’s foot

“What the hell?!”

“Idiot!” Halston calls, using his strength to toss Will into the air

“It’s my turn!” says Natsuki, jumping into the air and hitting Will with a Triple Kick combo, similar to Souta’s, but a lot faster.

“Ungh!” Will groans, hitting the cold, hard quarry bed

“Will!” Masumi calls, “You guys are gonna pay for that!”

Masumi charges Natsuki with a Roundhouse to avenge his comrade, but Natsuki ducks under the attack and pushes him forward with a Pushing Hands move, in which she thrusts her left palm forward in a pushing motion.

“Ungh!” Masumi groans, falling back and straight into Halston’s hands, who then slams him down mercilessly.

“Aaagh!” Masumi cries

Natsuki and Halston slap hands afterward

“Nice job” says Halston

“As always” Natsuki adds

Then comes a rumble, sounding as if an earthquake is nearby.

“What on Earth?” Rose wonders

The rumbling continues, louder and more monstrous this time.

“Ain’t no earthquakes around here” says JB

BANG!

In a blast of dirt and gravel, the blue footsoldiers from before blast up from the ground brandishing their Katana.

“Zombies!” Dax cries

Will, once a respected hero, turns into a coward upon laying eyes on the creatures.

“Aw man…” he groans, struggling to get to his feet

Masumi, equally afraid, turns to his partner

“You wanna make a break for it?”

“Y-yeah” he replies, taking off with Masumi behind

Halston scoffs

“Look at them run”

Natsuki, knowing JB, decides to cause a little mischief

“Look at the Deadly Black Duo now!” she calls

Hearing her calls, JB turns to see his men running for their lives

“Hey! Where the HELL do y’all think you’re goin’?! Get back here!” he yells, but they give no heed to his warning, “Ugh! We’ll settle this later!”

JB gives chase to the fleeing Will and Masumi, who are halfway out of the quarry by now

“Hey! Wait up JB!” Dax calls, following his leader with Rose behind

Houka, Halston, Souta, and Natsuki get back to back, as the zombies surround them.

“Any idea on what these things are?” Souta asks

“They seem familiar…but I don’t know where from...” Houka replies

One of the footsoldiers raises his Katana and charges Houka, but she knocks him back with a kick.

“...But whatever they are, it’s clear they want us”

Natsuki, however, shows no sign of fear or hesitance. In fact, she’s smiling.

“Then let’s give them what they want”, hitting one of the charging zombies with a Double Kick

“There’s no other choice” says Halston, hitting one with a shoulder charge

Souta hits one in the head with a Roundhouse Kick

“I’ve never gone up against an armed opponent before”

BLAM!

Another wave of the creatures blast up from underground and continue to surround the group. The group huddles together even closer.

“Now it’s getting ridiculous” says Halston, pushing back one of the zombies back with a Palm Thrust

Houka obliterates one with a Conqueror’s Crunch (A strong straightforward punch), turning it to dust.

“Aw, c’mon Halston, live a little, we’ve fought numerous opponents before…remember those gangsters?”

Halston comes down on one’s head with a claw-like attack

“All too well”

BANG!

Another wave rears from the earth like minions of hell.

Souta comes down on one with a Splits Kick

“We’re gettin’ swamped here, guys!”

Natsuki obliterates one with a Tenrankutou, an attack similar to her Pushing Hands, only with a blast of energy.

“Maybe if Yukie-chan was here we’d be allright!”

Though the four fight valiantly, the footsoldiers continue to appear and close in on them.

“HAOH-SHOKOKEN!” calls a familiar voice

In a flash, all the zombie-like creatures are obliterated, leaving nothing behind. The four young warriors look around to find the zombies gone.

“Who just saved us?” Souta wonders

Houka looks behind them to see none other than Takuma approaching, dressed in his black gi.

“Dad?”

Takuma nods, Houka lovingly embraces her father.

“I never thought I’d be glad to see you” says Houka jokingly, moving aside to introduce everyone, “Guys, this is my dad, Takuma, he owns a dojo back in Tokyo. That’s where I learned to fight”

Takuma nods

“It is nice to meet you all”

Halston bows respectfully

“Takuma-san”

Souta nods

“Likewise”

Natsuki overlooks Takuma like a little kid

“You’re old”

“Natsuki!” Halston scolds

Houka giggles

“What, he is old!” Natsuki remarks, “I imagine my grandpa looks like you, if he’s still alive, so I’m gonna call you Jii-san”

Takuma growls softly

“Yes, well, this isn’t a casual visit”

Houka groans

“I should’ve known…”

Takuma turns to her, a look of utter gravity on his wrinkled face

“I’m serious, Houka!”

Houka backs up

“Sorry,”

“Those creatures you just fought are Goumon, the footsoldiers of an ancient demon tribe called the Yamata. Their goal is to revive Orochi, the serpent king, by gathering the people’s negative emotions”

“How would they do that?” Natsuki wonders

“It all starts with fear, which breeds hate, which breeds violence, resulting in death and destruction” Takuma replies, "Once they've killed a person they collect their souls, forever damning them to an eternity as a part of Orochi"

“Ohhh” says Natsuki

“The Yamata has begun their siege with an attack on Tokyo, millions of innocents have been killed. Miki, and I have managed to route them, but they will no doubt return. You may not think this affects you, but they will soon move on to the rest of the world, starting with the stronger nations” Takuma explains

“Makes sense” says Souta, "Why just focus on one place?"

“That is why I have come, to ask you for your assistance in the matter. We know of your skill in martial arts”

“Yeah, but dad, if you didn’t notice those guys nearly killed us” Houka points out

“You wouldn’t be going in bare. Miki’s company is developing new technology that will combine your raw skill and emotion with Henshin technology, allowing you to take an alternate, more powerful form”

Natsuki’s eyes get big with excitement

“You mean…”

Takuma nods

“You will become a Sentai, Kenpo Sentai Bakurenja”

Houka, Halston, Souta, and Natsuki turn to each other in excitement and intrigue.

End of Round 1

[Kawaii Japan Lover]

Here's a little info on the J-Unit.

JB Lea, 21, 1/23/86
JB is the leader/founder of J-Unit and undisputed “Pimp King” of Greensboro. Though they aren't particularly violent, the J-Unit is considered one of the top gangs by the Greensboro Police. He is a friend of Halston’s, though they took different paths in life. JB has a lot of confidence, but isn’t nearly as bad as Will, and JB must constantly remind Will who the true leader of the J-Unit is. Also unlike Will is JB’s ability to get women, the women just seem to love JB. He serves as a rival to both Houka and Halston. He uses Vale Tudo.

Will Aton, 20, 3/12/87
Will came to America from London when he was a child, but spending most of his time listening to Gangsta Rap and things of that sort has caused him to trade his refined English accent for an annoying Urban patois. He’s very arrogant and thinks he’s God’s gift to the world, which gets on Halston’s nerves. The Will/Halston rivalry has been going on for a long time, and often ends in fights. Will thinks he can beat Halston, but he has yet to win a fight with him. Will also thinks women like him, but they don’t. He uses Muay Thai.

Dax Chen, 20, 10/20/87
JB’s buddy who came to America from Australia when he was a child. Like Will, Dax thinks he’s cool, but he’s actually quite goofy and silly. He calls himself “Air Dax” because he can jump fairly high and his antics make Souta and Natsuki laugh. He is Souta’s friendly rival. He uses his own self taught version of Kung Fu called “Air Dax Kung Fu”.

Masumi Date, 20, 10/30/87
Masumi is another buddy of JB’s who came to America from Japan when he was young. He’s serious and thinks he’s the junk because of it, but Masumi’s really just another idiot. Another little fact Masumi loves to annoy people with is that he is a descendant of the young warlord Masamune Date. He is Natsuki’s rival because he’s always trying to touch her inappropriately, which gets on hers and Halston’s nerves. Though she rarely takes her fighting seriously enough to really hurt anyone, Natsuki gets particularly violent when dealing with Masumi. She loves to double-team Masumi with Halston. Like Will, Masumi is a weak fighter. He uses Street Brawling.

Rose Ortega, 21, 5/12/86
Rose was born in London of Mexican/Pilipino origin. She and her family spent a few years living in Mexico when she was young before moving to America. She often speaks Spanish when talking junk to the Bakurenjas. She is also quite haughty, and a bit of a know-it-all, an attitude Houka doesn’t care for. Like Will/Halston, Rose/Houka’s rivalry has been a long one, and like her friend Will, Rose often goes away defeated. But of course, that doesn’t stop her from getting in Houka’s face and annoying everyone else. She uses Lucha Libre.

[Kawaii Japan Lover]

Last time, the Yamata clan lay siege on Tokyo, hell bent on reviving the serpent king Orochi. Takuma Kusanagi, a descendant of the Izumo clan, rival to the Yamata, set off for America to seek out five skilled young martial artists. What he found was his daughter Houka and her friends Halston, Souta, and Natsuki, who were in a battle with the Goumon at the stone quarry.

Seeing the overwhelming interest in the eyes of the four fills Takuma with hope, but never being one to crack a smile freely, he keeps his composure.

“Think carefully before replying, for this will be a dangerous undertaking. While your skill and Miki’s technology will protect you somewhat, I cannot and will not promise that any of you will live. As you know, there is no such thing as total security or safety in this world”

Natsuki raises her hand like a child in class, in a combination of apathy of the danger and childlike eagerness

“I’m in”

Souta nods, a surprising look of gravity on his face

“My code doesn’t allow the slaughter of innocent people, count me in”

“Yeah, what he said,” says Houka, taking her father’s arm amiably, “Besides, you’re my dad and you’re gettin’ on in years, I gotta watch out for you”

Halston, however, is not as enthusiastic or quick to answer

“What about you, Halston?” Houka asks

Halston sighs and shakes his head

“I don’t know…”

Natsuki groans

“Somehow I knew you were gonna say that…”

“Do not feel like you have to do this, Halston, you are free to go if you so desire” says Takuma

“It won’t be the same without you” says Souta

“If you don’t, you’ll regret it!” Houka remarks, which is Houka for, “Please, come with us”

“Come on, Oniichan, I know it’s gonna be dangerous, but that makes it all the more exciting” Natsuki pleads, “Besides, I want you to be there, and I’ll miss you really bad if you don’t come…onegai?”

Halston crosses his arms and sighs

“Houka’s right, if I don’t go, I could regret it…in more ways than one” he says in thought, “And, though I usually detest fighting, it is the right thing to do”

He then nods

“Okay, I’ll go”

Ecstatic, Natsuki jumps on her brother’s back

“Good! I don’t think I can kick demon ass without you, Oniichan”

Houka scoffs, hiding her smile

“I see I got through to you”

Takuma nods

“Good, now all we need is the fifth young lady…Miss Kazahana, was it?”

“Yeah, Yukie, I know where she lives” says Houka, “I’ll take you after dropping these guys off”

“Then let us go, we’ve already wasted enough time” says Takuma, following the four to Houka’s Rio.

****
Houka rushes to drop off Halston, Souta, and Natsuki at their respective homes in the neighboring city of Graham. They agree to meet at the airport at 2:00, giving them time for packing and notifying loved ones. That done, Houka heads to Yukie’s home, a medium sized one story house located in small neighborhood in the northern part of Graham.

Houka pulls into the paved driveway, behind a blue Sedan. The license plate reads “Respctnatur” an abbreviated form of “Respect Nature”

“Well, here we are” she says, “Do you need me to get out?”

Takuma nods as he unbuckles his seatbelt and opens the door

“Yes,”

“’Kay, be right behind ya” she says, unbuckling her seatbelt

The front two windows are open to let the fresh air in. The sound of vacuuming resonates in the first room on the right.

Houka catches a glimpse of Yukie sliding the vacuum across the floor of her brother’s room, with a blue washcloth tied around her head. She scoffs.

“Figures she’d be inside doing chores on this beautiful day”

Yukie is a beautiful young woman, with long, gleaming black hair. Her slender, model-esque body is in just as good a shape. If one were to look into Yukie’s eyes, they would see a gentle, kindly air combined with maturity beyond her years. Since she’s cleaning house, she’s wearing a basic blue t-shirt and shorts.

“Hey, Yukie!” Houka calls, just loud enough to hear

Yukie jumps, startled, and turns to see Houka standing at the window. She smiles slightly and switches off her vacuum.

“Oh, hello Houka” she greets

Houka smiles back

“Hi, can we talk to you a sec? My dad’s at the door”

Yukie’s face turns to a worried curiosity

“Uh…sure, I’ll get the door”

****
Just a little ways across town, in another neighborhood, Halston and Natsuki pack up their things in Halston’s room.

Natsuki, who has been smiling since Takuma’s request, haphazardly throws her clothes into a black suitcase.

“I can’t believe we’re gonna be actual sentai senshi! It’s like a dream come true” she titters, zipping up her backpack

Halston, having neatly folded his clothes, places them in his suitcase.

“I’m sure it is”

Natsuki then slides up a pink backpack

“Aren’t you excited, Oniichan?” she asks, neatly stacking her slim silver PS2 on the bottom, followed by her Nintendo DS, then her games for the respective systems

Halston carefully places his Xbox 360 and PS2 in a black backpack, followed by his games, then his PSP.

“Kinda”

Natsuki turns to her brother with a strange look on her face

““Kinda?” This is the chance of a lifetime, Oniichan, how can you not be filled with excitement?”

Halston shrugs

“Must be my age”

Natsuki pushes her brother lightly

“You’re weird, Oniichan”

“So are you” Halston retorts

Natsuki smiles proudly

“I know”

Before closing his backpack, Halston goes into a drawer and pulls out a medium sized, orange hued flower with pink petals in the center.

As Natsuki notices the flower, a surprised smile comes upon her face.

“Oh, you still have that?”

“Yeah, I can’t leave without this; you gave it to me when you first moved in with us” Halston replies, placing the flower in a paper towel and wrapping it up gently, “Why would I throw it away?”

Natsuki shakes her head

“No reason, but I’m glad you kept it” she replies, taking out her cell phone, “Do you think our folks’ll be back before we leave or should I leave ‘em a message?”

“You better leave ‘em a message, Nat-Nat”

“Okay” she replies, selecting the home number from her pre-dial list and lifting the phone to her face to talk, “Hey guys, me and bro are goin to Japan on a mission, e-mail me, bye”

“All right, let’s head out” says Halston, standing up and slinging his backpack around his shoulder, “Don’t forget to lock the door”

“I got ya” says Natsuki, using her own key to lock up the house upon her exit

****
A few miles south of Halston and Natsuki’s home, out in the boondocks, sits the Nakadai household. Souta is preparing himself for the trip with the help of his younger sister, Misae.

Misae neatly folds her brother’s clothes and places them in his suitcase

“Lucky you, you get to go off on an adventure while I’m still in school” she groans

Misae is a year younger than Natsuki, but carries the same zest for life that she does. Like her brother, Misae possesses light brown hair, but Misae’s is much neater. She has the light, thin body of a gymnast, excellent shape for Tae Kwon Do, which she takes after school. She’s wearing a black and yellow short-sleeved shirt with the words “Smile Blooming” in the center with a smiley face in the middle.

Souta places his PS2 in the bottom of his backpack, followed by his books

“Well, I wouldn’t call it an adventure, Misae” he says, “More like a mission”

“It’s better than sittin’ in school bored out of your mind”

Souta chuckles as he zips up his backpack

“Don’t worry, you’ve only got three more years” he says, “Of course, then you have to start school all over again”

“But college’ll be fun, you don’t have to worry about anybody checking up on you like in high school” she says, placing another batch of clothes into the suitcase

“True, but there’s also a lot more to do, and they won’t spoon feed you”

Misae shuts the lid of Souta’s suitcase with a snap and locks it

“That won’t be a problem, I like to figure things out for myself” she says, handing Souta his suitcase

“Thanks,” he remarks, taking his suitcase and lifting up his watch, “Aw man, I was hoping mom and dad would get back from work by now”

“I’ll explain everything” Misae remarks

“Good, I feel bad for leaving, but I don’t wanna be late and let Takuma-sama get the wrong impression”

“I’m sure you’ll mess up anyway” Misae jokes

“Very funny” says Souta, opening the front door with his suitcase and backpack, “I’ll see ya…when I see ya”

Misae follows her brother to see him out

“Bye, remember your little sister’s suffering while you’re out having fun”

“Whatever, Misae” Souta jokes, unlocking his Saturn and climbing in.

****
Back at the Kazahana household, in the den, Takuma has just finished telling Yukie the story behind his cause.

“So, what do you say, Yukie?” Takuma asks

“We could really use your help” says Houka in an amiable tone

Yukie shakes her head

“No, I’ll not be a party to violence” she says

“C’mon Yuki, you learned Ba Ji for a reason” Houka remarks

“Yes, for self-defense, and that shall remain it’s sole purpose”

“Are you sure you won’t join us?” Takuma asks

Yukie shakes her head again

“I’m sorry, Takuma-san, but my mind is made up” she replies

“It’s for a good cause, it’s not like we’re street fighting” Houka points out

“I said no!” Yukie retorts, raising her voice a little

Houka scoffs

“Whatever, I bet you’re just afraid” she remarks,“But by all means continue with your boring, introverted life”

Yukie stands up, with pure anger in her eyes as she faces Houka

“That’s enough!” she demands, You’re always getting on my case about how I live my life and I’m damn sick of it! What I do with my time is my damn business, not yours!”

Never one to back down, Houka stands up to Yukie

“You’re just pissed because you know I’m right!”

“Calm yourself, Houka!” Takuma orders, disappointedly lifting himself up from the couch

Houka scoffs as she turns away

“I’m sorry we’ve wasted your time Miss Kazahana, we’ll be on our way…but should you choose to join us, we’ll be at the airport” he says, starting for the door, “Come along, Houka”

As she goes by, Houka and Yukie exchange glares

“Tch! Bakame” Houka remarks, making her way back to the car

“Motormouth” Yukie retorts

Houka and Takuma open their doors and slide into the car

“That girl is weird” she mutters, buckling up her seatbelt and starting the car

“Be that as it may your comments were unnecessary, Houka” says Takuma, “It was her choice”

“No, she’s always like this. Halston gets out more than she does, and he doesn’t get out much” says Houka, turning her head to properly back out of the driveway and start back home

Meanwhile, Yukie watches, a pit of regret churning in her stomach as Houka’s words race through her head…

****
While the future heroes get themselves together, a lone Goumon blasts into the courtyard. He had survived the blast by digging underground just before Takuma’s attack.

“I must warn Burai-dono!” he mutters, racing up the stairs and into Burai’s throne room. Burai himself sits with his fingers tented.

“Dono!” he says, bowing before his lord

As Burai looks at the creature, his face turns wary

“Why do I not see the heads of those five children with you?”

“T-Takuma got there first, dono, he obliterated my comrades with one blast, I-”

“Silence! Failure is unacceptable!” Burai roars, holding out his palm and firing a blast of energy that obliterates the footsoldier on contact

“Aaah!” he cries, as he is reduced to dust

Burai slams his fist down on the edge of his chair

“Damn Takuma! I knew he’d interfere sooner or later!” he growls, “No doubt he’s on his way here, I’ll have to call out the Gundan sooner than expected”

The sound of footsteps tattering up the stairs echoes though the hallway

“There is no need for that, father” a young male voice calls

Entering the room are Burai’s sons, Ryotaro and Gekisou, bringing up the rear is Sayaka. Upon entering the room, they bow before their father.

“Please, send us to take care of the miscreants and Takuma, father, we won’t fail you” Ryotaro suggests

Ryotaro is a year older than Sayaka, and is Burai’s eldest child. He is a handsome young man, and his gleaming light brown hair matches. He has the slender, yet toned body of a well-trained martial artist, and his demonic eyes reflect a sense of justice, rather than evil or hate. He wears black leather pants and a matching body suit that appears fit more for a woman than a man. Nevertheless, he manages to pull it off.

“How do you want these guys killed, dad, slowly or quickly?” Gekisou asks

Gekisou is Burai’s youngest child, being a year younger than Sayaka, and two years younger than Ryotaro. Unlike his older brother, Gekisou takes his father’s gruff face, but his black hair is a trait of his mother, done in spikes to represent his passion. He is the largest of the twins, but in a muscular sense, he is in fairly good shape. He is also the tallest of his siblings. His demonic eyes read a violent, masochistic side, again matching his father rather than his brother and sister. He wears a dark purple leather jacket and black matching pants.

“’Cuz I prefer a slow, painful death, I get a front row seat to the suffering ha, ha, ha!” he cackles, “Just like that family I killed last night, oh, the screams of those kids! It did my soul good!”

Sayaka turns to her brother in disgust

“The murder of those children was beyond unnecessary, Gekisou” she says

Gekisou just scoffs

“Man, Sayaka, you’re worse than Ryotaro and his “honor” bullcrap”

Ryotaro retains his composure

“Victory without honor is pointless, just as life and battle without honor” he remarks, “But I wouldn’t expect one such as you to understand that”

Gekisou clenches his fist and raises it to Ryotaro’s head

“Why you…”

Burai raises his hand for silence

“Enough! You three may go, but do not come back if you have failed” he warns, “I have no room for weakness, and just because you are my children doesn’t put you above destruction”

“You need not worry, tou-san, we will not fail you” says Ryotaro

“Damn right we won’t!” Gekisou adds

“Wait, father, I have a better idea” Sayaka proposes, “If I may”

“You may”

“I could set an ambush for when they arrive. That way we wouldn’t have to call the Gundan before they’re ready” she replies, “After all, it’s a fool’s game to play one’s trump card at the beginning of the battle”

A wicked smirk overtakes Burai’s gruff face

“Well done Sayaka, that will be our plan” he says, “Go you three, prepare an army of Goumon”

Ryotaro and Sayaka bow before making their way out

“Yes father” they reply in unison

Gekisou groans

“So we hafta sit here and wait?! Damn it! I wanna FIIGHT!” he roars, following his siblings down to the courtyard

****
Back in Greensboro, Houka has just finished packing her things, and has just arrived at the airport with Takuma.

Houka finds a spot at the front of the “A” lot, the closest spot to the terminal, and parks there.

“Here we are” she says, shifting her car into park, “Do we need to buy plane tickets or something?”

Takuma shakes his head as he gets out of the car

“No, your aunt loaned us a jet”

“Sweet!” she says, opening the trunk and grabbing her three bags.

“Hey guys!” Souta calls, rushing in from the left with his two bags. Accompanying him are Halston and Natsuki.

“Are you three just now getting here?” Houka asks

Souta smiles nervously

“Heh, well…since you kinda made us skip breakfast we all stopped and got some lunch”

“Don’t blow a fit, we were hungry” says Natsuki

“Why would I be angry, you’re on time” Houka wonders

“Just sayin” Natsuki replies, “You have a hair-trigger temper, Houka-san”

“I do not, I have the temperament of a lamb” Houka argues

“So, is Yukie coming?” Souta asks

“No, she decided she’d rather live a boring life in her house” Houka growls

“Just what is your problem with Yukie-chan, Houka-san?” Natsuki asks, “Personally, I think she’s pretty awesome”

“She has no zest for life, and she prefers to stay in her room all day rather than come hang with us, her friends” Houka replies, “Frankly, I think she’s a creep”

“Reow!” Natsuki remarks, making a claw and swiping it

“That’s no reason to talk about her that way, Houka. Plus, how do you know she doesn’t have any zest for life? Maybe Yukie has a different view of living than you” Souta gently points out

“Please! My way of living is the standard for people our age” Houka argues, “Well, normal people, that is”

“Not everybody’s a social butterfly like you, Houka. Some people don’t like nightclubs and bars” says Halston, “Maybe if you were more tolerant of Yukie instead of imposing your lifestyle on her, she’d open up to you and you’d see the sweet person she is”

Houka scoffs

“You would say that, you introverts are all the same, weirdo socially-awkward freaks” she growls

“Maybe you extroverts should check yourselves before judging us” Yukie calls, walking up with two bags

Natsuki smiles brightly

“Yukie-chan!”

“You made it” says Souta

Yukie smiles slightly

“I had something to prove to a loudmouthed Kusanagi” she says, her face turning grave as she turns to Houka

Houka scoffs

“I’m surprised you had the guts to come here”

“I may detest fighting more than anything” Yukie begins, “But the one thing I hate more is being tested”

A slight smirk comes upon Takuma’s face

“Be that as it may, we have a destination to reach” he says, starting to the other side of the terminal, “Come”

Houka and Yukie keep their eyes on one another, glaring into the others’ soul

“Yes, by all means, let us come” says Houka, following her father

“Next stop, Tokyo!” Natsuki cheers

“We’re off to fight Orochi, the treacherous snake of Japan” Souta sings, in tune with that famous “Wizard of Oz” tune

“Don’t let Houka get to you, Yuki. Sometimes she just doesn’t know when to shut her mouth” says Halston

“Thanks” Yukie says, smiling coyly

“No problem” he says, following the others, “By the way, nice job standing up to her like that. I’m glad you’re coming with us”

Yukie’s mouth opens as she begins blushing

“…”

She silently spaces out for a few minutes, then realizes how far ahead the others are and dashes to catch up.

****
The journey across the country and then across the pacific is of course a long one, but the privacy and comfort of the jet makes for a more pleasurable flight. Once they land at the airport, Takuma leads the group into the heart of Tokyo.

The five’s lively faces quickly turn to shock at the crumbled skyscrapers and mourning citizens.

“This is awful…” Yukie mutters

“It only gets worse” says Takuma, “Now that there are no doctors, the seriously injured have to be put down or are forced to endure the pain of their injuries”

Houka clenches her fist

“Damn those demons! They’re gonna pay for what they did”

Fortunately, the walk through the post-apocalyptic hell that is Tokyo is a short one, as Takuma leads the group to Busen, one of the few working buildings in the city.

Souta lets out a whistle of impression

“Nice place”

“This is Busen, Miki’s company. She’ll tell you more when we meet her” says Takuma, leading the group into the building

The reception desk is one of the nicer, wider rooms of the building, with green marble floors and a fountain in the middle. There is an elevator to the left, and the stairway to the right. The receptionist, a young woman, greets the group.

“Hello, Miss Kusanagi is in her office. She’s been expecting you”

Takuma nods

“Thank you, we’ll be on our way” he says, climbing into the elevator with the others and pressing the button labeled “7”

Yukie hangs her head, still feeling sorry to the suffering of the people

“They were innocent, they didn’t deserve this…”

“No deserves what happened here” Souta adds

“Except the people-er-things, who did this to ‘em” says Natsuki, “That’s why we’re here”

“Now you see why we need you, why the world needs you” says Takuma, “What happened here could easily happen to you or your families…and most likely will”

DING!

The elevator doors slide open, revealing Miki sitting at her desk typing on the computer.

Houka rushes over to greet her aunt with a hug

“Hi, Obaasan!”

Miki smiles as she gently pats Houka’s shoulder

“Hello dear, what took you guys so long?” she asks, sliding her chair back and getting up

“We ran into the Goumon back in America” Takuma replies

“No one was hurt were they?” Miki asks, concerned

“Nah, they were only after us” Houka replies, standing next to her friends to introduce them, “These are my buddies, Halston…”

Halston bows

“Miki-sama”

“…Souta”

Souta waves

“How’s it goin?”

“…Natsuki”

Natsuki smiles brightly

“Hi!”

Houka’s face changes upon motioning toward Yukie

“…and then there’s Yukie. She says she’s a friend”

But Yukie ignores Houka and smiles politely

“Hello, Miss Kusanagi”

Miki overlooks the five standing in front of her

“So these are the protectors of the world, it’s an honor to meet you all” she says with a smile, “As you may know, I am Miki Kusanagi, president of this company. Here we research martial arts. We have over a thousand styles in our databases, and even more practitioners”

“So, that’s how you found us” says Souta

“Mm-hmm, your feats around Greensboro are well-known”

“Yeah, yeah, so, when do we get our Henshin?” Natsuki asks

Halston groans and shakes his head

“What? I just asked” Natsuki retorts

Miki chuckles

“In due time” she says, making her way to the elevator, “Let me show you our newest addition”

****
Riding the elevator down two levels, the group reaches their destination, a room that looks like it was ripped from a sci-fi film.

DING!

“Here we are” says Miki, waving her hand around the room, “This is the Observation Deck. Here, we can watch over Tokyo and the world with the many cameras and drones set on every corner of the world”

She then motions to the a theater-sized monitor in the middle of the room, then to the line of computers below, where the techies type furiously.

“With this, you’ll be able to see exactly what’s going on when the Yamata attack” she explains, then motioning to the command post at the back of the room, complete with computer, “And this is where Takuma or myself will sit”

“Nice place, Miki-san” Souta compliments

“Thank you, we worked as fast as we could with the time we had” she says, going into the desk and taking out a silver briefcase, “Though truth be told, we’ve been watching the Yamata for a while, we just didn’t expect anything to happen so soon”

Having spotted the briefcase, Natsuki rubs her hands expectantly

“Here it comes…”

Miki sets the briefcase down on the table and opens it up. Inside are five communicator-like devices colored, Red, Black, Blue, Yellow, and Pink with a shade of black, similar in shape to the Dairanger’s Aura Changers, minus the “key”. Miki first approaches Houka.

“These are your BakureChargers” she says, taking out the red and black charger and holding it up, “We developed them using Henshin technology, borrowed from our friends at Super Sentai, the global defense organization”

“Ooh! Did you get to meet the boss, Big One?” Natsuki asks expectantly

“Mm-hmm, Soukichi and I are good friends” Miki replies

Natsuki’s eyes get big

“Really? Do you think I can meet him sometime? I’d love his autograph!”

“I have a feeling you’ll be running into him soon enough, Natsuki-chan” Miki replies

“Uh…not to sound like a jackass or anything, but if Super Sentai defends the world and stuff, why are we here and not there?” Souta asks with a light smile, “N-no offense to you, of course Miki-san”

Miki smiles

“Oh, it’s no problem, Souta” she says, her smile fading “As you know, we lost a lot of people during the Yamata siege…and the Sentai organization was not immune”

“Some of the finest warriors in the world perished last night, even the mighty AkaRed was no match for the Yamata” Takuma explains

Yukie shakes her head

“Bless their souls”

Natsuki’s mouth drops

“Not AkaRed! He was supposed to be invincible!”

“Where there is strength, there is weakness, Nat-Nat” says Halston

“The surviving Sentai agents are out helping the people of Tokyo” Miki explains, “The top three, Ban Akaza, Satoru Akashi, and Sakura Nishihori have been sent to investigate the appearance of Orochi”

Souta snaps his fingers

“Ah, I got ya” he says, “At first I was like “What?!” but now I’m good”

Natsuki nudges Halston

“You and Sakura had a summer romance goin’ on back home, ‘member, Oniichan?” she asks, with a sly smile

“Yes, and I’ll thank you not to broadcast it!” Halston replies

Souta claps his hands

“Oh yeah! I remember that, boy, that was a wild summer!” he says, “Me and my team won that big county Basketball tournament, Will got put in jail, Halston dated Sakura…”

“I won yet another first prize at the Art Show” Houka boasts

“I totally pwned you, Souta-kun, and Oniichan in that town tournament and took home 2000 bucks!” Natsuki rings

Houka scoffs

“Please, I let you win”

“Man, I don’t think we’ll ever have a summer as good as that one” says Souta

“No way” says Houka

“Did you really date Sakura, Halston?” Miki asks

Halston looks down and sighs

“Yeah, it was back in the summer and she was in town on vacation at the beach. We got to talkin’, and found out we have a lot in common” he says modestly, “Things tend to happen around Greensboro during the summer, particularly when we’re involved”

“Well, that’s something to be proud of” says Miki, “I hear Sakura can be a handful”

“Besides, not many guys can say they dated a super heroine” Natsuki adds, turning to Miki, “Oniichan acts all cold and distant, but he’s a real lady-killer”

Hearing of her friend’s wild adventures causes Yukie to look down at the floor sadly

“They sound like the had fun, all without me” she says in thought, “But…I couldn’t have gone with them, I had to...”

“Can we get back to Miki-san, please?” says Halston, “She doesn’t wanna hear about my summer romances”

“Oh on the contrary, Halston. If you were lucky enough to date Sakura, I’d love to hear who else you’ve been dating a little later” says Miki, “Anyway, back to the matter at hand. To change into your alternate form, you must charge your strongest emotions to maximum. If they’re too low, you will not be able to change. Although, from reading your files, I don’t think this’ll be a problem”

“Yeah, especially for Houka-san, she goes off at the drop of a hat” Natsuki remarks

“Liar!”

Miki hands Houka the charger in her hand

“Houka, your designation is BakureRed, Kanshaku no Kobushi, the Fist of Passion” she explains, “Having assisted in raising you half your life, I think it fits you”

Houka straps her BakureCharger to her wrist

“Very funny, Obaasan”

Miki moves to Halston and takes out the black charger

“Halston, your designation is BakureBlack, Gosei no Kobushi, the Fist of Wisdom” she explains, “I’ve heard you’re a very knowledgeable young man”

Halston nods modestly as he straps on his charger

“Yeah, but there’s always more to learn”

Miki moves to Yukie and takes out the blue and black charger

“Yukie, your designation is BakureBlue, Ai no Kobushi, the Fist of Love” she explains, “I read about your love of nature in your profile, and your love of your friends”

Yukie smiles modestly as she straps on her charger

“Thank you, Miki-san”

Miki moves to Souta and takes out the yellow and black charger

“Souta, your designation is BakureYellow, Seigi no Kobushi, the Fist of Justice” she explains, “Your personal code of honor is admirable”

Souta smiles as he straps on his charger

“It’s the only way I know how to live”

Finally, Miki approaches the eager young Natsuki

“Natsuki, your designation is BakurePink, Yuuki no Kobushi, the Fist of Courage” she explains, “You must have an abundance, to talk back to a hothead like Houka”

Natsuki happily straps on her charger

“Fear makes you weak, Miki-san, and that’s one thing I’m not”

Miki closes the silver briefcase and places it on the desk nearby

“You may be pleased to know that, while we did use Henshin technology from Super Sentai, you won’t be wearing spandex” says Miki

Souta breathes a sign of relief

“Thank goodness…”

“We based your suits more off the later Kamen Rider series, combined with the Izumo no Seijyuu” says Miki

“What are they? Our super robo?” Natsuki asks expectantly

“The Izumo no Seijyuu were the sacred beasts revered by our clan. In ancient times they were once human members of the clan who fought bravely against Orochi and died. The second time, the goddess Amaterasu revived them as divine creatures and they helped defeat Orochi” Takuma explains

“There are five of them, a Dragon, Tiger, Phoenix, a Kyuubi no Kitsune, or Nine-Tailed Fox, and a Kirin” Miki adds, “Before the siege, they tried to stop Burai, but he had become too powerful and encased them in stone”

“Ohhh” says Natsuki

While they talk, one of the techies spots something disturbing on the middle monitor

“Uh…Miss Kusanagi, you might wanna see this” he calls, pointing toward the monitor

Miki and the group turn their heads toward the screen to see Ryotaro, Sayaka, and Gekisou standing atop one of the abandoned skyscrapers

“We, the Yamata Three Siblings, challenge the new recruits to a battle. If you have the courage to honor our challenge, meet us atop the Tachibana Finance building immediately” says Ryotaro, “If you do not, we will turn our Goumon on the destitute citizens of this city”

“Oh, we have the honor all right, let’s go guys!” says Houka heading toward the elevator, with the others behind

“Do your best” Takuma calls

“Don’t worry, Jii-san, we got this!” Natsuki calls, as the elevator closes and starts it’s descent with a hum.

““Jii-san?”” Miki wonders

Takuma groans

“Don’t ask”

****
The five rush downtown and up the stairs of the Tachibana Financial building to meet their opponents

A smirk comes upon Ryotaro’s face

“Right into our trap!” he says, as a group of Goumon blast up through the building and surround the five.

Yukie, who has never seen these creatures, looks on in a mix of curiosity and anxiousness

“What are these things?”

“Goumon, they’re bad news, Yuki” Souta replies

“The won’t be for long, let’s Henshin up!” says Houka, as the five spread out, close their eyes, and wave their arms like five folding fans and then bring them back together, the kanji for “rage” appearing in their containers as their auras burn in red, black, blue, yellow, and pink.

Then they open their eyes, revealing pure rage in them whatever the hue of their pupils.

“BAKURAVE ON!” they call, raising their wrists and pressing a button below the container to begin the transformation.

With her call to change, Houka’s aura encases her completely and replaces her clothes with a red form-fitting body suit. Light, futuristic red armor then begins attaching itself to Houka’s body, starting with the boots, ovular belt, a skirt, breastplate, and shoulder pads. From the aura then comes a Dragon’s head that opens its mouth and flies into Houka’s head, forming her helmet. An opaque visor then forms between the open mouth of the Dragon, completing Houka’s transformation.

Her transformation complete, Houka does a Karate style punch-kick combo

“KANSHAKU NO KOBUSHI!” she calls, taking her Kyokushin stance, “BAKURERED!”

With his call to change, Halston’s aura encases him completely and replaces his clothes with a black form-fitting body suit. Light, futuristic black armor then begins attaching itself to Halston’s body, starting with the boots, ovular belt, body armor, and shoulder pads. From the aura then comes a Tiger’s head that opens its mouth and flies into Halston’s head, forming his helmet. An opaque visor then forms between the open mouth of the Tiger, completing Halston’s transformation.

Halston does a Pushing Hands move, where he pushes both his hands forward and stomps the ground, leaving a large crack

“GOSEI NO KOBUSHI!” he calls, taking his Xing Yi stance, “BAKUREBLACK!”

With her call to change, Yukie’s aura encases her completely and replaces her clothes with a light blue form-fitting body suit. Light, futuristic light blue armor then begins attaching itself to Yukie’s body, starting with the boots, ovular belt, a skirt, breastplate, and shoulder pads. From the aura then comes a Fox’s head that opens its mouth and flies into Yukie’s head, forming her helmet. An opaque visor then forms between the open mouth of the Fox, completing Yukie’s transformation.

Yukie performs a Shoulder Charge, which is just like is sounds

“AI NO KOBUSHI!” she calls, taking her Ba Ji stance, “BAKUREBLUE!”

With his call to change, Souta’s aura encases him completely and replaces his clothes with a yellow form-fitting body suit. Light, futuristic yellow armor then begins attaching itself to Souta’s body, starting with the boots, ovular belt, body armor, and shoulder pads. From the aura then comes a Phoenix’s head that opens its mouth and flies into Souta’s head, forming his helmet. An opaque visor then forms between the open mouth of the Phoenix, completing Souta’s transformation.

Souta performs a quick kicking combo

“SEIGI NO KOBUSHI!” he calls, taking his Tae Kwon Do stance, “BAKUREYELLOW!”

With her call to change, Natsuki’s aura encases her completely and replaces her clothes with a pink form-fitting body suit. Light, futuristic pink armor then begins attaching itself to Natsuki’s body, starting with the boots, ovular belt, a skirt, breastplate, and shoulder pads. From the aura then comes a Kirin’s head that opens its mouth and flies into Natsuki’s head, forming her helmet. An opaque visor then forms between the open mouth of the Kirin, completing Natsuki’s transformation.

Natsuki does a Pushing Hands move similar to her brother’s, but Natsuki uses only one hand, while the other is lifted slightly above her head

“YUUKI NO KOBUSHI!” she calls, taking her Pi Qua stance, “BAKUREPINK!”

Houka breaks from her stance and puts her fist on her chest, causing the “Bakure” Kanji on her chest to glow

“We, these fists of righteousness, use our martial arts to protect the weak and the innocent and send evil to hell!” she calls with utmost passion in her voice

The five then shift into Dairanger style poses, the Bakure emblem on their chests and belts glowing.

“KENPO SENTAI BAKURENJA!”

Ryotaro just chuckles

“Get them”

****
On her side, Houka uses her skill to avoid the sharp edges of Katana and fell the Goumon with various devastating moves

“No wonder you guys are footsoldiers” she says, obliterating one with a Conqueror’s Crunch, and another with a Shrike Gale (A spin kick type move)

A group of three then try to jump Houka, but she calmly powers her energy by holding her hands beside her like she’s holding a sword.

“HAOH…” she says, as the Goumon race closer, “SHOKOKEN!”

In seconds a flash of energy ignites the battlefield, and the Goumon are eliminated completely.

“I guess dad’s old moves are worth something” she says

****
On Halston’s side of the field, the Goumon decide to charge him as a group, but he’s full ready, as he powers up his chi and does his Pushing Hands attack, sending a great blast of energy that destroys the front line. That done, Halston uses his surprising agility to jump into the middle of the group.

“Weak” he says, charging his chi into a spear-tipped queue behind his helmet,

“TIGER TAIL!” Halston exclaims, spinning his head once and eliminating the Goumon around him

The queue behind his helmet disintegrates as Halston takes his ending stance by bending his knees and holds out his arms, with his hands facing up as if he were holding a bowl

****
On her side, Yukie uses her quick mind to avoid the Goumon’s swords and fell them with her various devastating moves

“If you were human, I’d feel bad…” she begins, catching one of the footsoldiers’ swords and slamming him down

Another tries to sneak up on Yukie, but she has predicted his attack rams him with a chest-shattering shoulder charge

“It’s good you’re not” she says, sighing and holding her arms

****
In contrast to the others, who have been battling hard, Souta hasn’t done anything but contemplate and dodge attacks

“Hmm…now what’s the quickest, easiest, painless way to defeat all of you…dang, I can’t-”

He stops and smirks, having found his idea

“All right!” he says, running toward the group with his left leg forward and bent, and his right leg straight

“PHOENIX FLATTENER!” he calls, rushing into the group and obliterating them with a mess of powerful kicks

Having done his job for the moment, Souta sighs

“Fighting you guys is a chore…”

****
On Natsuki’s side, she’s having too much fun, as she playfully dodges the Goumon’s swords using her latent agility

“Man, you guys are weak!” she says, jumping over a deadly sideswipe from a Goumon’s katana and kicking him into the air with a back kick

“I guess it’s time to finish you guys off” she says, powering up her chi,

Natsuki bends her knees and takes a stance similar to her brother’s ending stance, only Natsuki's legs are bent much lower and her arms are spread out like a bird’s wings.

“KIRIN FANG!” she calls, quickly jumping into the air and diving down into the Goumon with a powerful kick

Natsuki triumphantly holds up the “V” sign with her fingers

“Yattaze!”

****
Having finished the footsoldiers, the five turn their attention on the siblings.

“You’re next, you ready pretty boy?” Houka asks

Ryotaro just chuckles

“The question is…” he begins, reaching to his side and drawing an ornate katana with a pitch black blade, “Are you?”

End of Part 1

[Kawaii Japan Lover]

The Bakurenjas stand before the Yamata siblings as the dark of midnight begins turning into the light blue of daybreak.

“I’ve never seen a black-bladed sword before...that guy means business” says Souta

“It’s just another sword, a hunk of fashioned metal, nothing else” says Houka, holding out her hand and flaming it, “And you know what fire does to metal”

Ryotaro chuckles

“You must be Takuma’s daughter, Houka” he says, “Well then, if you think so little of my blade, then have at me”

“My pleasure!” Houka calls, aggressively charging Ryotaro with her flaming hands

“Sayaka, Gekisou, select your opponent, I can handle the Kusanagi” says Ryotaro, turning his sword into a metallic blue hued shield to defend against Houka’s attack

Houka’s eyes bulge within her visor

“It’s a shield now?!” she exclaims, jumping back before a wall of spikes juts out

Ryotaro chuckles at Houka’s surprise

“Typical Kusanagi, all brawn and no brains” he chuckles, as his sword returns to it’s original form

“What the hell kinda sword is that?!” she wonders in thought

“You shouldn’t underestimate your opponent’s strength, Houka” he says, taking his sword by the hilt and charging, “It will most certainly lead to your downfall!”

Ryotaro’s charge is a quick one, quicker than Houka can react to, as he rushes through her like the end of so many samurai films

“Aaagh!” Houka cries, twitching for a moment and falling face first

Ryotaro withdraws his sword to his hilt

“What have we learned?”

Angered, Houka clenches her fist as she weakly rises up

“You…” she growls, the flames in her fists strengthening, “BASTARD!”

Houka recklessly charges Ryotaro and violently swings at him with a barrage of punches and kicks. But, ever the calm, collected fighter, Ryotaro smirks as he ducks and weaves around her punches.

“Wanton aggression leads to destruction!” he warns, knocking Houka back with a lighting quick spin kick

“DAMN IT!” Houka roars, as she rolls about the pavement

****
Sayaka jumps in front of Halston, spear tightly in hand

“So you chose me, huh?” Halston asks

“You seemed the most reluctant, like me” she replies, holding her spear outward, as if to measure her range, “But, it is our fate to battle here, we have no choice in the matter”

As Halston takes his stance, he too begins to size up the situation

“Yeah, the world’s gonna turn whether we like it or not”

“And as such…” Sayaka begins, thrusting her spear at Halston, but he strafes left

“…We must go with the flow” Halston finishes, grabbing her spear and, using his strength, throwing Sayaka overhead while still holding her spear

“W-woah!” Sayaka calls, gaining her momentum just in time to land on her feet

Halston overlooks the spear in his hands

“This is a nice weapon,” he says, his eyes moving to Sayaka herself, “And, judging by your sash, you’re a master of Wu Shu, am I right?”

Sayaka nods

“Right, though I don’t relish battle, Wu Shu is an involving hobby” she says

“I’m sure it is” says Halston, “What’s your name?”

“Sayaka”

“I’m Halston” he says, tossing Sayaka her spear, “Here”

A look of surprise overcomes Sayaka’s face

“B-but you had the advantage” she stammers, “You could’ve…”

Halston shakes his head

“If you were truly evil, I would have” he replies, looking into Sayaka’s eyes, “But I can see in your eyes that you’re not”

Sayaka catches her spear

“He’s right, I’m not evil…but I’ve done horrible things…” she mutters, snapping out of her phase and charging Halston, her spear raised, “No matter, let us settle this, Halston!”

“Yes, let’s”

Sayaka begins spinning her spear skillfully, all the while building up energy for her attack

“SPEAR DANCE!” she calls, swinging out four shockwaves as she spins her spear

Halston manages to block the first two, but the third breaks his guard, leaving him open

“What?!”

“The final!” Sayaka calls, sending a fourth shockwave that knocks Halston flat on his back

“Damn!”

“Please don’t get up” Sayaka begs

****
Facing three opponents brings a wicked smirk to Gekisou’s face

“Eh, heh, heh, heh, ah, ha, ha, ha!” he cackles madly, “Three opponents! Three! I get to kill a dopey guy and two pretty girls all at the same time! EXCELLENT!”

“There is seriously something wrong with this guy” says Souta

“All the more reason to put him out of his misery!” says Natsuki, recklessly charging the mad Gekisou, but Souta grabs her arm, “Hey! Lemme go, Souta-kun!”

Souta gently brings Natsuki behind him and lets her go

“Your big brother would kill me if I let something happen to you, and this guy is clearly a nut” he says, “You’ll have to sit this one out”

“Oh, come on! I’m in this battle for a reason!” Natsuki protests, starting forward again, but Yukie gently takes her shoulders like a mother would

“I’ll stay with her, Souta, you go ahead” says Yukie

Souta nods

“Thanks, Yuki” he says, stepping forward and pointing at Gekisou, “Sorry buddy, but you’re only fighting one”

Rather than fading to disappointment, Gekisou’s expression of maniacal joy shifts to a homicidal rage

“What?! You dare spoil my fun?! Oh, you’re gonna it now, yellow boy!” he roars, “I’m gonna kill you and hang your corpse from the side of this building with your intestines!”

Gekisou leaps into the air and points his left leg downward

“Uh-oh” Souta groans

“JAGUAR TOOTH!” Gekisou calls, shooting downward like an arrow

“Can’t counter that” says Souta, quickly rolling back to avoid the assault

The impact of Gekisou’s attack leaves a large, wide crater in the top of the building, which then crumbles into a hole.

Souta looks down the dark hole in surprise

“That’s not good…”

Without warning, Gekisou charges in and nails Souta in his stomach with a knee kick. Souta coughs from the impact of the kick.

“Watch yourself, yellow boy, we Yamata don’t play when it comes to battle” says Gekisou, slamming Souta to the ground with an elbow to his back

“Ungh…”

Having downed his opponent, Gekisou’s insane smirk returns as he reaches down and lifts the groaning Souta up by his neck.

“Nobody spoils my fun and gets away with it” he says, throwing Souta up and sending him flying with a kick, “Especially not some goody-goody superhero!”

“Souta!” Yukie calls, rushing to her friend’s aid, “Are you okay?”

Souta’s eyes blink as he groans in pain

“Never better…” he grunts, struggling to lift himself up, “Halston punched me in the throat one time back in high school, a kick to the gut’s nothing”

Gekisou scoffs

“Just couldn’t stay down, could ya?” he asks, charging the downed Souta, “I’ll make you wish you had!”

Gekisou draws back his fists, concentrating energy, then throws them forward in a fierce blast

“TIGER BLAST!”

Souta quickly rises to meet the blast

“Yuki, get aw-unh!” he groans, as the blast catches up with him and sends him rolling off the edge of the building. Luckily, Yukie catches up and grabs his arm just in time.

“I’ve got you, don’t let go!” she calls

Souta looks down at the rubble 20 feet beneath him, laden with glass

“Oh, don’t worry about that!”

Having incapacitated those two, Gekisou then turns to Natsuki

“One left”

Natsuki, however, shows no fear to the man in front of her

“Bring it on, ya fool!”

“You asked for it!” says Gekisou, jumping into the air for another Jaguar Tooth

“Ha! You think I can’t just stop your attack?!” Natsuki calls, jumping up after Gekisou, but Gekisou proves he isn’t as slow as he looks, and comes down on Natsuki before she can make it up, slamming her down with his foot pressed against her stomach.

The impact of the attack on her stomach causes Natsuki to vomit

“Heh, heh! Not so tough now, are ya, girlie?!” Gekisou taunts, smearing his foot on Natsuki’s stomach, causing her to cringe

“Aaah!” she cries

Her cries cause Gekisou’s smirk to brighten

“Yes! Yes! Cry, scream, cringe!” he taunts, stomping on Natsuki’s stomach three times

“AAAIE!” Natsuki cries, her screams piercing the ears of her teammates

“N-Natsuki…” Halston groans, weakly rising up to see his sister crying in agony as Gekisou stomps her mercilessly

“You want another? Okay!” he says, stomping Natsuki’s stomach with such force that one could hear Natsuki’s suit creaking

“Ungh! ONIICHAAN!” she calls

Natsuki’s cry gives Halston the motivation he needs to overcome the pain of Sayaka’s attack

“I’ll…” he groans, turning to Gekisou, “Kill you!”

“Wait!” Sayaka calls

“Huh?” Gekisou wonders, looking to his left to see Halston coming at him like a bat out of hell

Using his rage, Halston’s glove turns into a claw, which he uses to thrust into Gekisou’s midsection.

“U-ungh…”

“Go to hell!” Halston growls, swinging his claw upward, leaving a slash across Gekisou’s chest

“AAAAH!” he yells, falling flat on his back

Halston bends down and gently takes Natsuki’s body

“Nat-Nat, are you okay?”

Natsuki coughs

“N-nothing a little snack won’t fix” she replies in a raspy voice, “R-remind me to thank Miki-san, this armor’s pretty strong”

Yukie, having helped up Souta, rushes over to the two

“How is she?”

“Just a little banged up, Yuki” Halston replies

“Not as banged up as you’re gonna be!” Gekisou roars, raising up, his brown pupils turned snake like, his canines grown two inches, and his fair skin turned a more brownish color

“What in the world?!” Souta exclaims

“That fool! He wasn’t supposed to go to Second State yet!” Ryotaro groans in thought

“ORRAAAAA!” Gekisou roars, slugging Souta, Yukie, and Halston all in one hit and sending them rolling

“Dang!” Souta groans

“Ungh” Yukie grunts

“Damn it!” Halston curses

“RAAAAAH!” Gekisou roars, “Now…I’ll kill you all!”

“Stop Gekisou!” Ryotaro orders, looking down at Houka, “While we could kill them, there would be no honor in it...they’re weak”

“Say that again…” Houka growls, trying desperately to rise up, only to fall right back down, her flames long extinguished

“Let’s go, I won’t have any further hand in this” says Ryotaro, jumping across to another building, then to another like a ninja

Sayaka looks sadly at the downed Halston

“Forgive me” she says, following her brother

Gekisou stomps in anger

“You better not let me catch any of you at night!” he warns, following his siblings, but leaving cracks as he goes, crumbling the buildings he steps on.

As the sun rises, the five Bakurenjas taste the sour flavor of defeat, their fighting spirits bruised significantly.

Houka clenches her fists as she struggles to stand again

“Ohhh…GODDAMN IT!” she roars, punching the ground

****
Upon returning to Busen, the Bakurenjas are met with a disappointed, yet somehow relieved Takuma.

“Now you’ve seen for yourselves the power of the Yamata. You’re all very lucky you didn’t lose your lives” he says, “I hope this taught you all a valuable lesson, that this is not a game or cartoon, nor should it be treated as such”

The five silently look down, their long faces reflecting the gravity of the situation. Even Houka is at a loss for words.

“That being said, I will take you five in as my students. I will not tell you when we will be training, nor where, so prepare yourselves accordingly” he says, “Miki will show you to your living quarters, dismissed”

Miki starts toward the elevator

“Come on guys” she says, leading the group into the elevator with a half-smile. They grab their things as they follow.

Miki presses the appropriate button on the elevator, starting it up with a hum

“We got owned” says Souta, minus his usual joking

“That won’t happen again, never again” Houka growls

“Yeah, we’ll get em!” Natsuki cheers, “…At least, I hope so…”

Halston and Yukie keep silent, as they look down at the “floor” of the elevator.

DING!

The elevator doors open with the arrival, revealing a beautiful, spacious den, complete with TV, couch, loveseat, and coffee table. Beside that is an open-door kitchen, across from that is a small hall with five doors.

Miki walks out and spreads her arms

“Welcome to your new home” she says, motioning toward the hall, “You’ll find your rooms down that hall, pick whichever one you like”

The group remains solemn as they disband from the elevator and start toward their selected room

“Thanks, Obasan,” says Houka, entering the first door on the right and shutting the door

Halston, Yukie, Souta, and Natsuki silently head for their own rooms and close the doors as well, leaving Miki to sigh.

“I knew this would happen…they’re just too young” she says, walking into the elevator and riding back up to her office on the seventh floor.

****
Back at the Yamata fortress, the Ryuuji siblings return to meet their father’s disappointed face.

“What is your excuse?”

“I offer no excuses, father, those five simply weren’t worth killing” Ryotaro replies, “Forgive me, but my honor comes before our cause”

“I would’ve done it if these two clowns had let me!” Gekisou protests

Sayaka scoffs

“This coming from the only one who was knocked out and recklessly went Second State?”

Gekisou turns to Sayaka, pure rage in his eyes as he raises his fist to his sister

“You think I won’t hit a woman?”

“Try it and I’ll knock you flat, you homicidal moron!” Sayaka retorts

“Enough of this squabbling, you three are blood, start acting like it!” Burai orders, “Because of your foolishness, we now have to postpone our mission and concentrate on these children!”

Gekisou gasps

“No! You mean we have to stay here instead of conquering the world?!”

“Well, you do. You forget, Orochi once conquered the entire world, not only Japan” Burai replies, “We have operatives all over the world who can operate under the radar of Busen”

“But still…” Gekisou begins

“Not another word, you have no one to blame but yourselves”

“If I may, father?” Sayaka asks

“Speak”

“Our adversaries will no doubt seek to retrieve the Seijyuu soon enough” Sayaka replies, “Might I suggest you divide them among us, it’s an excellent opportunity to redeem ourselves…if you deem it so”

“I do not, you five will be redeeming yourselves here until I deem you fit to return to battle. I have assigned the first wave of Gundan with one of the five Seijyuu” Burai replies, “Now, leave my sight”

Ryotaro and Sayaka bow

“Yes father” they say, starting downstairs to the training hall

“Yes, father…” Gekisou grumbles, reluctantly following his siblings

When Gekisou has left the room, a wicked, almost gleeful grin creeps onto Burai’s face, as he rises from his chair, his hands behind his back, and walks to the left window overlooking war-torn Tokyo. From there, one can see the sun reflecting off Busen’s windows in a gleaming golden glow.

“I suppose I should thank you, Takuma…” he says, his pupils turning serpentine like Gekisou’s, “For making this game more interesting, I look forward to seeing what your pupils can do”

End of Round 2

[Kawaii Japan Lover]

Hey guys, the beautiful and talented Houka Kusanagi, aka, BakureRed here!

Jeez, did we get our butts kicked or what? For a guy wearing girl's clothing that Ryotaro punk sure can sling a sword. You heard how dad went on about how "this is not a game" and such, but that's how he refers to everything in life. He is so acting his age, ha, ha, ha! Seriously though, I may have messed up one time, but that metrosexual creep won't get the best of me next time, nobody punks Houka Kusanagi and gets away with it!

Sorry, kinda trailed off there, back on track. After dad's crazy brutal training class I get this vision where this red dragon's telling me to come save him from this demon bird guy, or something like that, it's really trippy.

Natsuki: Houka, we've got a plane to catch, are you ready to go yet? Who are you talking to back there?

Be right there! Sorry, gotta scoot, mission time. Be sure to catch me in the next Round, I'm the star. Toodles!

[Kawaii Japan Lover]

Last time, Houka Kusanagi, Halston Horton, Yukie Kazahana, Souta Nakadai, and Natsuki Horton heeded the call to justice and became Kenpo Sentai Bakurenja. However, their first fight with the Ryuuji Three Siblings ended in total defeat for them. They survived, but their pride was not so lucky. Takuma merely issued them a word of warning before he sent them off to their quarters to reflect on their defeat.

Despite it being early morning, the Bakurenjas are anything but “up and at ‘em” . With the earlier defeat still plaguing their minds, the young adults have wanted nothing more than to regain the sleep they lost.

DING!

The elevator doors roll open, Takuma enters the Bakurenja’s living quarters. He quietly approaches the hall where they sleep and looks at his watch, reading 11:30.

“They’ve had enough sleep” he says, making a fist and beating loudly on Houka’s door, “Wake up!”

The sound of her father’s large fist pounding on her door shocks the sleeping Houka.

“Ungh…what the hell is he doing?!” she groans in a whiney voice

From her room, Houka can hear Takuma banging on Halston’s door

“Wake up! You’ve all had enough sleep!”

Houka rolls over in her bed and sighs

“Training time…” she groans, throwing aside her covers, revealing her pink nightgown, and walks out the door.

“There you are” says Takuma

“Yeah, it’s kinda hard to sleep when you’re banging on the door like the police, dad”

Halston, Souta, and Yukie’s doors open and they file out, sleepy-eyed and zombie like.

“Where’s the fire, Takuma-sensei?” Souta asks

“It’s time for training, get dressed and meet me at my dojo across town. You’ll find your uniforms in your closets and don’t bother showering, you’re going to get dirty” Takuma replies, walking toward the elevator with his hands behind his back, “You have ten minutes, if you are late the entire group will receive a penalty”

Hearing this wakes the four up

“Penalty?!” Yukie exclaims

“What kinda penalty?” Souta asks

DING!

The elevator door opens and Takuma enters

“Come late and you’ll find out” he replies, as the elevator door slides shut

The four turn to each other for a split second before hurrying to their rooms and slamming shut the doors.

Houka, knowing full well what kind of punishment will befall the group, throws off her nightgown upon arriving into the bedroom. In her closet she finds a red, long-sleeved light jacket with “Bakurenja” in big letters across the front, the Kanji behind it, and the words “Kanshaku no Kobushi” across the back, also in big letters. Along the side of the outfit is an Asian dragon. The second half of the outfit is a black skirt.

“Wow, this is nice” she says, flipping the jacket over and sliding it on over her bra and buttoning it up. She then slides on her skirt and hurries outside to meet Halston.

Like her, Halston has changed from his “home clothes” into a black outfit with “Bakurenja” on the front, his title on the back, and a tiger on the side. Of course, Halston is wearing pants instead of a skirt.

“I should’ve known you’d be out before I was” says Houka, “How do you change so quickly?”

“My parents aren’t patient people, especially when I was little. You had to be dressed and in the car at a certain time or you got left”

“I know how that is, as you can see”

A second later, Souta and Yukie join the two, dressed in their respective uniforms, similar to Houka and Halston’s. An important note are the colors of their outfits; Souta’s yellow is a shade darker, and Yukie’s blue is a lighter, royal-bluish color rather than a dark blue.

“Ready to go” says Souta

“Is Natsuki up yet?” Houka asks

“Probably not” Halston replies, walking to Natsuki’s door and gently knocking on it. No answer. He tries again, still no answer. Halston then turns the knob and opens the door to find Natsuki huddled up in her bed, her mouth wide open as she sleeps, like nothing happened.

“Natsuki get your butt up, girl!” he calls

Natsuki waves her hand

“Go away Oniichan, I’m trying to sleep”

“We gotta go train, if we’re late we get a penalty”

Natsuki groans as she rises up

“Aww…but I didn’t get enough sleep” she whines, throwing aside her covers, “This’s just like going to stupid church back home, getting up at six in the morning to eat breakfast…”

Halston starts out of the room to give her privacy

“Your uniform’s in the closet” he says, closing the door just enough so that there’s a crack

“Hey, I just thought of something…” Souta begins, “How are we gonna get to the dojo, Takuma-san didn’t say anything about a car or van”

Houka reaches into the refrigerator and takes out a bottle of PureLife vitamin water she bought with her

“That’s because we’re running there” she says, unscrewing the top and drinking, “Dad’s super old-school and expects us to do what he’d do”

“So he’s running halfway across town right now?” Souta asks

“Uh-huh” Houka replies, taking another drink

Natsuki bursts out of her room dressed in her pink uniform.

“Ready!”

Houka screws the top on her vitamin water and places it back in the refrigerator

“Let’s scoot” she says, starting for the elevator

****
Back at the Yamata Fortress, Burai meditates in his chair, concentrating his chi and Orochi power. A purple-reddish aura surrounds his body.

Then the door slides open and one of the Gundan walks in and bows.

“You summoned me, Burai-dono?” he asks in a booming voice

This creature appears to be humanoid, two arms and two legs. He is large and muscular, three times as larger than Halston, and his skin is a dark, brown-black combination. His demonic face is a brighter red than the rest of his body, and he possesses a long, pointy nose. On his back are feathery, white wings. He wears no shirt, only the bottom part of a black Hakama, and instead of shoes, he wears Geta (platform shoes). He carries a long, large staff.

Burai opens his brown eyes, his aura dissipating back into his body.

“Yes, I would like you to take an army with you to the city of Osaka, kill as many as you can and collect their souls” he replies, “If the Bakurenjas show up, do as you will”

The creature nods

“Yes, master, but what would you like me to do with the statue of Hayate?” he asks

“Do as you will with him, we cannot control the Seijyuu as I first thought, so he is of no use”

“Yes master, I’ll spread despair among the humans and collect their souls for our lord” says the Gundan, making his way downstairs to gather his army

****
Meanwhile in Osaka, the citizens go about their day, be it work, school, or just hanging out.

BANG!

With this explosive cue, the Goumon blast up from the underground, brandishing their Katana.

The people run and scream at the sight of the blue skinned demons, but soon find that their efforts are futile, as many men, women, and children are chased down and killed.

In the air, the Gundan from before soars, beating his white wings

“Gwa, ha, ha, ha! Run all you like, humans, you won’t escape!” the Gundan cackles, landing on a nearby skyscraper to watch. He then bends his knees and holds out his arm, palm open, and shakes his head in a disturbing Kabuki pose.

“TERRIFYING TENGU SOJUTSU MASTER!” he calls, “BANKOTSU!”

****
A few miles west the Bakurenjas have finally reached Takuma’s dojo after running nonstop across the city. The dojo is a rather large building built in the traditional, wooden format hidden in the bamboo thicket. Japanese style stone lanterns lead the way in a neat path, though they aren’t necessary now as it is morning. A large stone slab, with “Kusanagi Kyokushin Karate” stands beside the building.

“Here we are…” she pants, looking down at her watch, “Whoo, just in time, c’mon guys”

“This place is kinda creepy” Natsuki remarks

Houka slides open the door to Takuma dressed in a black Karate Gi standing with his arms crossed in the middle of the room.

Like the outside, the inside of Takuma’s dojo is what you’d find in any traditional dojo throughout the country, wooden floors, two square windows left and right, and an elaborate mantle with the master’s name in the middle. Atop the mantle are the Kanji symbols for Fire, Forest, Water, and Wind written on a banner to the left and another banner with a Karate saying on the right.

Takuma looks down at his watch

“I see you’ve heeded my warning”

“So no penalty, right?” Souta asks

“Not this time” Takuma replies

“So what’re we doing, Jii-san, breaking ice with our heads, shattering stone bricks with our fists, slicing beer bottles with our wrists?” Natsuki asks eagerly

Takuma groans

“Not at all. While that is common practice for some, and what I myself performed, you, Natsuki-chan, have been playing too many video games” he replies, placing his hands behind his back as he approaches the five

“Aww…” Natsuki groans

“I was disappointed with your performance earlier, it is clear you’ve been doing more fooling around than training” says Takuma

“We have lives, dad…well, some of us” says Houka

“Don’t start” Yukie warns

“Nevertheless, we will be making up for your indolence today” he says, clenching his fist, “With an elimination bout between the five of you”

“Oh, sweet!” Natsuki cheers

Houka and Yukie exchange fiery glances

“As you fight, I will be evaluating your individual combat styles and where you need to improve” he says, “While I don’t expect perfection from any of you, what you are a part of now calls for a certain degree of skill, and I will not sugarcoat my evaluation”

Souta shrugs

“Whatever you have to do sensei. We know from experience how hard those Yamata guys can hit”

“Do we get a prize if we beat everybody?” Natsuki asks expectantly

Takuma groans, muttering in Japanese as he shakes his head

“The match-ups are as follows: First round Houka versus Yukie, second round, Halston versus Souta. Natsuki, you will be the odd woman out, and-”

“So, I don’t get to fight?! That sucks! I’m a member of this team, too!”

“You didn’t let me finish, you will fight the fourth round winner”

Natsuki’s cheeks glow red from embarrassment as she sticks her tongue out

“Heh, silly me…I sometimes run off at the mouth” she says, “And I fart spontaneously”

Halston covers his face in embarrassment

“Do you have any tact at all, Natsuki?”

“I was just letting him know in case he didn’t, he might smell one of mine and punish us all”

“First round, begin!” Takuma orders

Souta, Halston, and Natsuki move aside as Houka and Yukie step forward.

“You can’t run to your room this time” Houka taunts, a devilish smile on her face

“Keep running your mouth, it’ll be that much sweeter when I shut you up for good”

Takuma raises his hand

“Hajime!” he calls, moving his arm down in a chopping motion

Houka lunges at Yukie with an aggressive punch aimed at her chest, but Yukie reacts quickly, catching her attack and countering with a Shoulder Charge.

“Damn it!” Houka curses, crashing into the wooden floor

Yukie raises her fist

“I’m not as weak as you think!” she says, bringing her fist down on Houka, but Houka catches her attack just before it can hit her stomach

“Yes you are, that first hit was lucky!” she says, shifting Yukie’s weight (not much) against her and throwing her backward

But Yukie proves her mettle, and uses her light body to her advantage, gaining her footing just before hitting the ground

Houka aggressively shoots toward Yukie with her Shrike Gale

“Reverse this!”

But Yukie remains calm

“I’ll convince you…” she says in thought

When Houka reaches Yukie’s proximity, Yukie ducks under Houka’s first kick

“What?!”

In a flash, Yukie retaliates with an elbow attack (a standard Ba Ji move), that knocks Houka flat on her face.

“Ungh!” she groans

“Round 1 complete! Victory to Yukie!”

“WHAT?! NO!” Houka roars

Yukie smiles modestly as she bows

“Thank you, Takuma-san” she says, approaching Houka

“I hope that proved my skill to you” she says, holding out her hand

Houka angrily slaps away her hand

“I don’t need your charity!” she fumes, standing up and pointing angrily at Yukie, “You only won by luck!”

With this display of anger and poor sportsmanship, Houka storms out of the dojo.

Yukie sighs sadly

“Don’t mind Houka, Yukie, she that temper from her mother” says Takuma, “But she knows better than this. Round 2, commence!”

“Good luck” says Yukie, smiling at Halston

“Thanks, Yuki” Halston remarks, stepping forward to face Souta

“Well, that’s gonna be a hard one to follow” says Souta, his usual smile on his face

“I’m sure we’ll manage”

Takuma raises his hand

“Hajime!” he says, moving his arm down in a chopping motion

****
Meanwhile, Houka’s warpath continues into the outskirts of Tokyo.

“Man, I can’t believe I got beat by Yukie!” she growls, “What’s with me this week, I’m getting my ass whooped left and right! Am I getting weaker?”

“Houka…” calls a mysterious voice

“Huh?” Houka wonders, looking around and finding no one

Like a flash of lightning, Houka is hit by a multicolored blast of light and knocked out cold. When she comes too, she finds herself in a world of smoke and darkness

“What in the world?!” she wonders, looking down at the slithering smoke around her feet, “Where am I?”

In front of her appears the spirit of a large ornate red Asian dragon

“You are in the spirit world, Houka” the dragon answers, “I summoned you here”

“And you are?”

“I am Hayate the Passionate, your ancestor” he replies

Houka looks on confused for a minute, then it becomes clear to her

“Oh yeah, you used to be human”

“Correct” says Hayate, “As you know Burai has encased my comrades and I in stone statues”

“And lemme guess, you need us to bust into this…Burai’s hideout get you guys out so we can team up and fight together?” Houka asks

“No, it’s not that simple” Hayate replies, “Burai has separated us among the Yamata Gundan”

“Wait, you mean there are more warriors like the Three Siblings waiting for us?!” Houka exclaims

“The Gundan are even stronger than the Siblings I’m afraid. You must exercise extreme caution when dealing with the Gundan, they posses great skill, some can even shape shift to deceive you”

Houka furiously scratches her head

“Aww, just what I need!”

“My time is growing short, I must leave the rest in your hands. But take heart, for we will meet soon enough” Hayate calls as he begins to disappear

“Hey! Don’t give me that, come back!” Houka calls

“Houka! Houka!” Takuma’s voice calls

In a metaphorical flash, Houka awakens to see the others standing around her. Takuma is holding her head while gently shaking her.

“Oh, guys…I just had some kind of freaky vision” says Houka

“It will have to wait, the Yamata have returned” says Takuma

Houka sighs

“Great…”

****
After yet another long walk, the group arrives at Busen and rides the elevator to the Control Room. There they find the techies running around in a frenzy while Miki watches the screen, showing the Gundan and the Goumon attacking Osaka.

“Good, you’re here. As you can see, the Yamata didn’t waste any more time with their siege” says Miki, using her remote to highlight the attack, “Osaka just went under attack”

A look of pure rage lights up Houka’s face

“Those bastards!” she exclaims, everyone turns to her weirdly, “What are y’all looking at me like that for?! That’s my hometown they’re attacking, my birthplace!”

“We know dear, calm down” says Miki gently

“Not to sound like an jackass, but are we really ready for this?” Souta asks, “I mean, we couldn’t even handle those siblings and already we’re fighting monsters?”

“Takuma and I believe in you, and we always will” Miki replies, her kind smile brightening her face

Takuma nods, keeping his stern, martial-artist’s face

“You have only lost one battle” he remarks, “It is foolish to pine over it when the war has yet to be decided”

This gives the five new hope, which can be read on their faces, particularly that of young Natsuki.

“Yeah, you guys were foolish to pine over this morning’s loss” she says, nodding her head

“Says Miss I-Wanna-Sleep-Till-Midnight” Souta jokes

“I’ve made arrangements for you to take the Shinkansen to Osaka” says Miki

“Right Obaasan, let’s go guys!” says Houka, leading the crew to the elevator

****
As soon as the elevator hits the first floor, the crew charges out of Busen and rush to the train station, about five minutes from there. As they gain ground, they can see people boarding quickly. Most of these passengers are refugees of sorts, fleeing war-torn Tokyo to join relatives or make new lives in Kyoto and Osaka.

“Uh-oh they’re filling up fast, we gotta move!” says Houka, gaining speed with the others not far behind. Luckily for them, they manage to make the train before the doors close.

“Whew, that was close” Souta sighs, as the five walk toward the back and take their seats

“Hey Halston, can I talk to you for a minute…in private?” Houka asks

“Yeah” Halston replies, following Houka to the last and smallest section at the back of the train, which is empty

Natsuki smiles mischievously at Yukie

“Uh-oh Yukie-chan, Houka-san’s gonna steal your man!” she jokes

Yukie blushes

“Keep it down, he might hear you”

“Oh, he’s all the way back there” says Natsuki, “Besides, Houka-san’s probably talkin’ his ear off”

With a message from the driver, the train starts up with a stealthy hum. As the train picks up speed, the tunnel flies by like nothing

“Woah, did you see how fast we cleared that tunnel?! Boy, these Shinkansen are fast!” Souta exclaims, looking out as his surroundings whiz by

“I know! It’s like one of those Disney rides!” Natsuki exclaims, stuck to the window like a child on her first train ride

The other passengers look at Souta and Natsuki weirdly. Some find their country folk-ish amusement funny and chuckle.

“You gotta see this, Yukie-chan!” says Natsuki

“Uhm…no thanks” Yukie mutters embarrassingly

****
Houka shuts the door for added privacy

“Nice and quiet…” says Halston, sitting down near the window

“Just the way I hate it” Houka jokes, sitting in the seat in front of Halston and looking out the window, “Y’know, me, dad, mom, and my older brother used to take this very Shinkansen back to Osaka to visit our grandparents when I lived in Tokyo”

Halston crosses his arms and shakes his head disappointingly

“It’s a shame what happened to Tokyo…I’ve always wanted to see Japan, but not like this” he remarks, “So what’d you wanna talk about?”

“Okay, remember that dream I told you guys about?” Houka asks

“Yeah, it was only a few minutes ago” Halston replies, “What about it?”

“Well, it all started when I got hit by some rainbow beam of light. When I woke up I saw this big, red dragon” Houka explains, “He was one of those sacred creatures dad and Obaasan were talking about earlier, and he talked”

Halston is intrigued

“Really? What’d he tell you?”

“Not much, that’s the problem” Houka replies, “He said something about how the demons are holding him and the others, and how they can shape shift. That’s when he said we’d meet soon and just up and left”

Halston scratches his chin inquisitively

“That is weird” he says

“Have you heard for yours or anything?” Houka asks

Halston shakes his head

“We all got a message from Miki-san during mine and Souta’s match so we had to stop” he replies, “That’s when we found you”

“I see, wonder why he came to just me?” she asks, “Anyway, thanks a lot for listening”

“No problem”

“I still can’t believe I lost to that old granny, Yukie, this morning” Houka growls

Halston chuckles

“Well I hate to say this Houka, but you were askin’ for it”

“Oh whatever, Halston!”

“No, not whatever, Yukie is a sweet person”

“She’s not sweet to me” Houka points out

“Because you treat the girl like crap” Halston remarks, “And just because she doesn’t fight as much as we do doesn’t mean she’s weak, Yukie’s a very capable fighter”

“That has yet to be determined” says Houka, “And why do you always stick up for her anyway? Last I checked I was your best friend”

“You are, but I stick up for Yukie for the same reason you would for me, she's my friend”

“Fine, but how am I supposed to accept Yukie as a friend when I know close to nothing about the girl?” Houka asks, “You know she never hangs with us when I invite her”

“Give her time, Yukie’s…busy on weekends”

Halston’s hesitance to answer intrigues Houka

“ “Busy?” doing what?”

Halston looks around for any listening ears

“Well, I suppose she’s not gonna tell you, so I guess it wouldn’t hurt if I told you” he replies

Houka leans forward expectantly

“So what’s the big secret on Yukie?”

“Yukie’s mom died two months ago, she’d been real sick for three years”

Right then and there, Houka’s expectant face turns to guilt and pity as covers her mouth

“Oh…” she says

“I met Ms. Kazahana, she was a real sweet woman and she loved Yukie as much Yukie loved her. She kept on workin’ even though she was sick so Yukie could go to college” Halston explains, “Before she died, Yukie promised her mom that she’d be the woman of the house by helping out her dad around the house and taking care of her little brother, Zazie. That’s why she’s always doing chores and why she rarely comes to hang with us”

Houka sits back, a look of surprise still on her face with her hand on her forehead

“I-I didn’t know all this…” she says, “I feel awful”

“Luckily for you, it’s not too late. Yukie doesn’t like to hold grudges” says Halston

“Good, I seriously gotta apologize to her” says Houka, getting up

“No, not now” Halston calls

“Why not?” Houka asks

“It’s a real sensitive issue and Yukie doesn’t like people to feel sorry for her” Halston replies, “Do it when we get back but don’t tell her I told you, she’ll kill me”

A sly grin then covers Houka’s face

“What are you grinning at?” Halston asks

Houka points her finger at Halston repeatedly

“You want us to make up!” she replies, smile still gleaming, “Why else would you tell me this dark secret?”

Halston sighs

“All right, I do want you two to make up” he says, “You guys are my friends, and I love you both”

“Aww, I love you too” says Houka, hugging Halston, “I’ll try hard just for you”

“Good, ‘cuz otherwise we’re gonna be screwed” says Halston, looking outside, “I got a bad feeling that something nasty is gonna happen later…”

****
The remainder of the ride to Osaka is moderately short. After the passengers due for Kyoto disband into the city, the ride is less crowded and a mere 20 minutes until the group reaches Osaka.

The train doors slide open and the group disembarks from the train. Fearful of the siege, the other passengers stay on the train, some strongly refusing to leave.

“We’ll take care of these guys, take the passengers back to Kyoto where it’s safe” Houka orders

The driver nods, a little nervous himself

“T-thank you” he stammers, closing the door and starting the engine

Houka turns to the others

“I’m goin’ uptown where the monster is, you guys hold it down around the city” she says, “Try to keep the wrecking to a minimum, this is my hometown”

“We’ll try” says Natsuki, as she and the others break off in different directions and get to work.

****
Houka charges into her hometown to find her fellow townspeople screaming and running as the Goumon chase them down and kill them. Her passion and anger forms fiery bracelets around her fists and feet.

“All right, here we go!” she says, rushing into the chaos and plowing through the Goumon with a Flaming Shrike Gale

“SHEEYA!” they scream

“Now for the big one!” Houka calls, charging her energy and jumping backwards

“CHOU…” she begins, placing her hands beside her, “KAKUU SHOKOKEN!”

Houka lets her blast fly in a flash of energy, eliminating all Goumon in her path

“My, what a strong attack you have, you woman!” Bankotsu calls from the top of a nearby building

Houka looks up to see the demonic, bird-like man looking down at her, staff in hand

“What in the world…a Tengu?”

Bankotsu spreads his wings and dives down into the street, his Geta smashing the hard pavement below. To the 5’ 5” Houka, the 7’ Bankotsu is nothing short of a giant, but she shows no fear or hesitation as her fists flame up, determined not to lose again.

“Today’s the day I avenge myself!” she declares, charging the Tengu

“Wait, woman!” Bankotsu orders, holding out his hand

“Forget it!” Houka protests, throwing a flaming punch that Bankotsu catches and retaliates with a whack of his staff

“Ungh!” Houka groans, rolling about and crashing into a Noodle Cart

With a snap of his fingers, Bankotsu calls up five Goumon lugging a 7’ foot stone statue of what appears to be an Asian Dragon.

Houka’s eyes widen as she stands herself up

“That’s…”

Bankotsu takes the statue and stands it beside himself

“My lord has assigned me custody of this statue, but I will let you have it…if you can defeat me”

“Easy enough!” says Houka, leaping toward Bankotsu with her arm outstretched in a chopping motion, but Bankotsu blocks her attack and knocks her back.

“Too predictable! TENGU RESPECT SLAM!” calls Bankotsu, raising his staff to come down on Houka, but she dodges his attack and counters with a Shrike Gale.

“Aagh!” Bankotsu groans, crashing into a car

“We’ve played around enough!” she says, waving her arms for transformation and pressing the button,

“BAKURAVE ON!”

With her call to change, Houka’s aura encases her completely and replaces her clothes with a red form-fitting body suit. Light, futuristic red armor then begins attaching itself to Houka’s body, starting with the boots, ovular belt, a skirt, breastplate, and shoulder pads. From the aura then comes a Dragon’s head that opens its mouth and flies into Houka’s head, forming her helmet. An opaque visor then forms between the open mouth of the Dragon, completing Houka’s transformation.

Her transformation complete, Houka does a Karate style punch-kick combo

“KANSHAKU NO KOBUSHI!” she calls, taking her Kyokushin stance, “BAKURERED!”

“Urgh, impertinent woman!” Bankotsu growls, spreading his wings and charging Houka like a car speeding and grabbing her. Houka struggles to escape, but Bankotsu has her in his grasp.

Bankotsu slams Houka, hard, into the side of a building, knocking the wind out of her

“Agh!” she pants, falling to her knees

“You lack manners for your superiors! TENGU RESPECT SLAM!” he says, slamming his staff onto Houka’s back, furthering her pain

“Aagh!” Houka cries

“Heh, heh, heh! How’s that?!” Bankotsu taunts, jamming the stiff platform of his Geta into Houka’s back

“Aaaagh!” Houka cries, her BakureCharger glowing as Houka’s rage increases

“Scream all you want, you are at my mercy, woman!” he cackles, raising his foot again

“NOOO!” Houka cries, as a blast of flame surrounds her body, knocking back Bankotsu

“Waagh!” Bankotsu exclaims

Houka stands, her body glowing red

“I’ve had just about enough of you, long-nosed freak!” she exclaims, holding out her hands and creating a fiery sword made entirely out of her rage and inherent ability to manipulate flame.

Bankotsu spreads his wings in rage

“I will not be bested by a mere woman! FATAL JABBING!” he roars, charging Houka with his staff stretched forward, aimed to crush Houka’s internal organs

Houka merely stands still, and when the time is right, swings her sword diagonally. Appearing unharmed, Bankotsu stops.

Taking a page from Ryotaro’s book, Houka remains in the pose she first struck, her sword held to the side.

“AAAAGH!” Bankotsu roars as a flash appears on his midsection, slicing him, and his staff, in half

Houka clenches her fist, disintegrating her sword and ceasing the glow around her body

“Yes!” she says, running toward Hayate’s statue and scaling it for an opening. Failing that, Houka backs up and takes out her IkariBlaster

She closes her left eye as she points at the statue

“Hope I don’t kill you” she says, firing a portion of her rage at the statue in laser form

PEEWW!

Upon coming in contact with the statue, the blast leaves a large crack that slithers around the statue, morphing into larger cracks that spawn others until…

“I am free!” Hayate roars, his red snake-like body slithering into the sky.

Houka withdraws her blaster, a bit surprised at the success of her outcome

“So it worked”

The living citizens of Kyoto marvel at the sight of the mighty dragon adorned in Samurai armor floating in the sky in all his red and golden majesty. Halston, Yukie, Souta, and Natsuki, having successfully finished off the Goumon, join Houka, changed into their alternate forms.

“Woah, that’s a big dragon!” says Souta

“That must be one of those Seijyuu guys” Natsuki remarks

“Yeah, it is, he came to me in a vision before”

“Houka, thank you for freeing me” says Hayate in a light, but masculine voice

“No problem, I mean, you are my ancestor”

Hayate nods

“Yes, and as so I pledge my allegiance to you and your cause” he says, “Hold out your arm”

As Houka does so, Hayate’s body glows golden and manifests into a beam that collides with Houka’s BakureCharger, giving it a dragon motif.

Houka lowers her hand for the others to see

“Nice upgrade!” says Natsuki

“From here on out, our spirits are bonded, allowing us an unbreakable line of contact” Hayate explains, “You need only call and I will come”

“Awesome” Houka remarks

“Ooh, I hope mine is as cool as you, Mr.Dragon!” Natsuki titters

Silently, Ryotaro enters right behind the group

“How fortunate that you have made a new friend, Houka, you'll need him” Ryotaro calls from behind

The Bakruenjas turn to face Ryotaro

“Did you come to finish this, Ryotaro?” Houka asks, taking her fighting stance

Ryotaro reaches into his pocket and takes out what looks like to be the curved fang of a snake.

“Don’t think that just because you bested one Gundan that you can match me, Kusanagi, you’re still too weak” Ryotaro replies, tossing the fang on to the body of Bankotsu, “My father has granted you a second chance, use it well, Bankotsu”

“What’d you just do?!” Houka orders

“Try looking before opening your mouth” Ryotaro replies, nodding to Bankotsu’s dismembered body, where the change is beginning.

The insertion of Orochi’s fang into Bankotsu-Bo’s body brings about the fusion of Orochi’s DNA with his, allowing Bankotsu to pull himself together, his body glowing purple.

“Now you shall pay, woman! OROCHI GIANT TRANSFORMATION!” he calls, as he grows 30 stories tall

“That ain’t good” says Houka

Bankotsu first turns his attention to Hayate

“Accursed dragon! I shall kill you first!” he growls, skillfully swinging his staff at Hayate, but Hayate uses his agility to dodge the attack.

“Away with you!” Hayate roars, hitting Bankotsu square on with a blast of flame

“Graah!” he roars, crashing into a building and sending citizens running

Hayate turns to Houka

“Houka, we must fuse! Quickly, channel your rage to full, press the second button beside the change, and call out Bakurise! I will do the rest”

“Again? Okay” she says taking a meditative stance and charging until her body glows red again. All the while, Hayate’s own body glows red.

“BAKURISE!” Houka exclaims, pressing the second button and beginning the change

With Houka’s call, Hayate’s exterior goes from flesh to metal along with his head, legs, and a clean, bladed edge now shining about his back, giving him the more edgy, fearsome look of a serious Toku robo while still retaining his organic interior. When the transformation is complete, Houka is transported into a seated, cockpit-type area in Hayate’s mind, melding their spirits. The cockpit is not unlike those of the vehicles in “GouGou Sentai Boukenger” except instead of a number, the kanji reading “Passion” is behind the seat.

“PASSIONATE STEEL DRAGON, RYUUZER!” Houka and Hayate call

Halston, Yukie, Souta, and Natsuki look on impressed at the successful, and quite beautiful fusion, adding to their renewing confidence.

“How wondrous” Yukie remarks, a smile lighting her face

Bankotsu, however, is not phased or impressed in the least, angrily pointing his finger.

“We may be eye level, but you will never match my skill, either of you!” he proclaims, madly thrusting his staff, “THOUSAND YEARS PUNISHMENT!”

“We wanna avoid that” says Houka, as Ryuuzer flies high up, far beyond Bankotsu’s reach

“Let us finish this, Houka” says Hayate, as Ryuuzer straightens his body, then begins spinning like a wheel, his bladed back serving as a blade. As Ryuuzer spins, Houka’s flame begins to kick in, adding a singe to the punishment of being sliced.

Once Bankotsu ceases his jabbing, he sees his quarry preparing for their assault

“No!”

“HOU RYUU ZAN!” Houka and Hayate exclaim, bringing the flaming wheel down upon Bankotsu and flying out like nothing happened.

“GYAAAAH!” Bankotsu roars, his body splitting in two and exploding upon contact with the ground

Rather than being angry or disappointed, Ryotaro sort of smirks

“That’s one down” he mutters, making his retreat

With the battle over, Houka exits to the top of Hayate’s head and jumps down to join the others in powering down to their normal forms. Hayate himself reverts back to his flesh and blood form.

“Well that’s one demon down” Houka remarks, turning to Hayate, “We make an awesome team don’t we?”

Hayate chuckles

“Quite. I think I’m going to enjoy fighting alongside you, Houka”

“It’ll be nice to have someone new to talk to, I’m anxious to know what you guys did for fun back in the 1500’s”

“I look forward to our conversation” he says

“Do you know where the other Seijyuu are, Hayate-san?” Natsuki asks

Hayate shakes his head regrettably

“Sadly I do not. Though we could do nothing imprisoned in stone, Burai split us up upon our defeat…I wish I knew where my comrades were, I miss them”

“Dang…” Natsuki groans

“Do not despair young one, if I could get through to Houka in the spirit world, surely the others can and will shortly” says Hayate, darting into the heavens, “Until next time, farewell my friends!”

“See ya!” Natsuki calls

“Well, back to the old Kusanagi Dojo” says Souta, leading the way back to the train station, “You ready to get beat, Halston?”

Halston chuckles

“Keep dreamin’ Souta”

Natsuki jumps on her brother’s back like a monkey

“Yeah, ‘cuz when Oniichan’s done with you, I’m gonna win this little sparring match” she boasts, “I bet Takuma-san’ll praise my strategy! Although he never did answer my question about prizes”

“I don’t think Takuma-san’s the prize giving type, Natsuki-chan”

As they press on, they find the Shinkansen awaiting them at the station

“Sweet, it’s back!” says Natsuki, jumping off and rushing into the building, “Race you guys!”

“And lose!” calls Souta, chasing Natsuki

Halston however, just sighs as he continues

“I gotta find some more mature friends…”

As Halston, Souta, Natsuki, and Yukie board the train, Houka stops

“Hey, Yukie?” she calls

“Yes?” Yukie asks, turning to face Houka

“I-” she begins, then remembering what Halston said and waving her off as she continues ahead, “Never mind,”

“Are you sure?” Yukie asks, concerned

But Houka presses past her and enters the train

“Yeah, it’s fine, let’s go home”

Yukie watches Houka, her concern still fresh on her face

“If you say so…” she says, climbing onto the train

End of Round 3

[Kawaii Japan Lover]

Yo, Halston/BakureBlack here.

Well, I finally talked some sense into Houka about the whole Yukie thing. Hopefully now she'll think before opening her mouth, though I highly doubt that. This whole Bakurenja business is a world away from fighting washed up Power Rangers on the streets of Greensboro but it's good that I get to test my skills against stronger opponents and live in Tokyo for free. My Japanese is improving thanks to Houka and them helping me. I'm worried about that Sayaka girl though...

Anyway, my battle is a wild one. Training is rough as usual but then those idiotic Goumon manage get the better of me; that's when and old friend of mine shows up. Trust me, it won't be all reminiscing and fond memories. And as if that weren't bad enough this weird little girl comes up asking me a bunch of questions...questions about my past.

If you wanna see how this goes down you gotta check out Round 4, see ya there.