The Dark Sorcerer

A Ronin Warrior fan fiction by Rapndash.

Disclaimer: I don’t own Ronin Warriors or any of its characters. Only Sapheem, Riona, and Riona’s pets are mine. This will begin the confrontation between the Ronin Warriors and Sapheem. Riona will finally put her plans into action during the battle. Please read and review.

Chapter 7: Proposal?

Riona woke early the next morning, still anxious about the battle. She only hoped that the Ronin Warriors would be able to hold Sapheem off long enough for her to free Rowen. She knew that the boys would keep their promise to help her. After all, their world was in danger, and they would do whatever it took to protect it. Her bags were packed and hidden in her closet. She planned on leaving with Rowen and not returning until Sapheem was defeated. She knew another powerful spell that would help the Ronins fight against Sapheem, but she also knew that Sapheem would not go down easy.

Riona rose and changed out of her nightclothes. After putting on her apprentice robes, she made her way to the kitchen for breakfast. Sapheem had no direct servants besides herself. He trusted no one but her to cook and clean for him. Riona held many duties as Sapheem's apprentice, though he promised her duties would change once Earth was under his control. A seat of power was certainly tempting—even for Riona—but she would not accept such power at the cost of her people's freedom and happiness. Riona honestly had no desire to rule. She had neither the skills nor the experience to rule a kingdom. Sapheem was a dictator, and Riona wanted no part of such a practice. Once her people were free, they could choose another king for themselves—someone kind and compassionate who would look after their needs. Riona wanted no part of it.

Riona quickly prepared breakfast for herself and Sapheem. She had just finished laying out the table when Sapheem entered. He smiled wickedly and sat down to eat.

“A fine meal as always, my student. I am well pleased.”

Riona bowed respectfully. “Thank you, my lord. I knew you would want a hardy meal before your great victory. Food is essential to keep your thoughts clear and focused, and it makes your body strong. I know that you will not fail in your ambitions.”

“Well said, Riona. Your faithful service pleases me…just remember my words regarding our prisoner,” Sapheem cautioned once more. “He will have no meal this morning since I plan to leave for Earth directly after breakfast.”

“As you command, Lord Sapheem,” Riona replied. She sat at the far end of the table as they ate in silence. No one was allowed to sit close to Sapheem—especially a pupil. Though Riona was still given privileges that no one else was allowed, there were certain rules that had to be followed.

Sapheem continued to study Riona as they ate. He thought back to when he had first taken her in under his service. She had been but a small child back then, awkward and unsure of herself. Now, she was a confident sorceress, faithful in her duties, and anxious to learn even more. Sapheem had to admit that she had become quite beautiful—far more attractive than most women he had seen. Even with all his power, ruling a kingdom was still a burden. Perhaps he needed someone to share that burden with him…

Soon, the meal was finished and Sapheem stood. “The time has come for my long awaited plans to begin. Please…walk with me, Riona.”

Riona stood and bowed once more. “Yes, master. I shall follow your every word.”

They walked down the long hallway toward Sapheem's study. All the while, Sapheem continued to ponder the situation. Sapheem never truly understood what it meant to fall in love, and his evil heart could never understand true love. He had always dismissed any feelings as weakness, but, perhaps, even emotions had their purpose, tool.

Sapheem soon began to wonder about the possibility of taking a wife. She would still be subject to his every whim, of course, but having someone to ease the burden of ruling a kingdom would make it worthy of consideration. Riona had proven herself as highly talented in the ways of magic—perhaps as talented as he himself. He could expect no less than perfection from a potential mate. Sapheem had promised Riona greater power to help keep her loyal to him, but perhaps that wouldn't be a lie after all. As his wife, Riona would have greater privileges—and greater responsibilities toward him. Ruling two worlds would be a burden, but maybe he could make her joint ruler in decision-making regarding his new territory.

Riona continued to walk silently behind him. Sapheem slowed his pace and turned slightly toward her.

“Riona, I wish for you to walk beside of me for a moment.”

Riona nodded silently. She moved up beside of her master, wondering about his change in behavior. Sapheem had never asked her to walk beside him before. What could he be thinking?

“I know I’ve never asked this of you before,” Sapheem began, sensing her confusion, “but I’ve been thinking lately about the burden that accompanies my rule.”

"Burden, master?" Riona asked. "What burden is that?"

Sapheem stopped and sighed heavily. “Ruling a kingdom through magic powers is not so simple as many would believe. It is a constant battle to remain supreme. One must stop riots, execute potential threats, but at the same time, make sure there are enough servants alive to do you bidding. It is a constant headache to deal with these people…one that will most likely become worse after I’ve conquered Earth.” He paused and turned to her. “You, my loyal pupil, are the only one I trust. You have become a fine sorceress thanks to my tutelage, and you are much more confident with your talents than when you first arrived. I can’t help but notice how you have blossomed into a beautiful young woman—with skills nearly equal to my own.”

Riona blushed at the compliment. “Thank you, master. I am only great because of your teachings. But what do my accomplishments have to do with your burden? I am but a lowly servant.”

Sapheem smiled at her. “For now perhaps, but I recall having promised to elevate you to a higher position of power. You have learned enough from me to study further on your own, and I am pleased by your progress.” He leaned closer to Riona, making her feel nervous. “The point I’m trying to make, Riona, is that you have proven your worth to me…and I wish to make you my wife.”

Riona’s eyes widened in surprise. This was the last thing she had expected from Sapheem. Perhaps she had done too good of a job convincing the mage of her loyalty and skills. In light of her impending betrayal, Riona never imagined that Sapheem would take a greater interest in her.

“Me, master? You wish for me to become your wife? But…why me?”

Sapheem chuckled and stood upright again. “Perhaps it is a bit forward, but I’ve made my decision. If I am to take a wife, she must be loyal and true only to me. She must also possess a power second only to myself. You have proven to be the perfect candidate…despite the fact that you are my apprentice. I understand that this is sudden, so I will allow you time to ponder my offer during the battle. You can give me your answer after I have defeated the Ronin Warriors.”

“Yes…I will consider your words very carefully. I…I am honored by your offer…but I will wait until after the battle to decide,” Riona stuttered. She could think of no better response. She had no intention of outright refusing Sapheem’s proposal, but she also had no desire to become his wife.

They continued down the hall in silence as Sapheem’s words began to sink in. The weight of what could happen pressed upon Riona’s mind and heart. But she would remain firm in her goals. Riona had promised to avenge her people…and to save Rowen. She couldn’t back down now.

Sapheem and Riona soon entered the main study that contained the magic mirror. Sapheem stopped before the mirror and turned once more to Riona. “You will be able to monitor the battle from here, my dear. Just remember to keep an eye on our prisoner. Perhaps after I am victorious and you are my queen, I will make him your personal servant. It would be a fitting punishment for him after his words to you before. I shall return soon. Take my words into careful consideration, and remember that I do not make such offers to just anyone.”

“Yes, my lord,” Riona answered.

Sapheem summoned a portal that would take him to Earth. With an evil smile on his face, he stepped through the portal and disappeared. Riona closed the portal after him. Once she was certain he was gone, Riona gave a huge sigh of relief. She quickly made her way back to her bedroom to prepare for her departure.

“I can’t believe Sapheem asked me to be his wife!” Riona said aloud. “Imagine! Me…the wife of that arrogant, pompous oaf! Never in a million years!”

She called Nightshade and Sharpeyes to join her as she gathered her bags. “We must work quickly, my friends,” Riona told them. “Once Sapheem is fully involved with the battle, we must hurry to free Rowen from his spell. We will have to leave for Earth immediately afterwards lest Sapheem catches us.”

The two animals nodded in agreement. Riona began to load her few bags onto Nightshade's back. After everything was prepared, she took one last look at the counter spell to be certain that she had it thoroughly memorized. Satisfied, Riona placed the spell book in her bag.

“We need to return to the mirror and watch the battle carefully. When Sapheem is thoroughly distracted, we strike!”

The Ronins were just finishing breakfast themselves as they waited for the impending attack. The still weren't sure if they could trust Riona's letter, but it was the only real advantage they had. Ryo walked over to the window and gazed out at the scenery.

“Well, today’s the day,” Sage spoke. “Riona’s letter said that Sapheem planed to attack today.”

“I’m still not so sure we can trust her,” Kento said. “I mean, how do we know that she’ll really do what she says?”

“Right now, there’s nothing else to go on. We’ll just have to hope that Riona was telling the truth,” Sage answered him.

“I believe Riona,” Cye began. “She wouldn’t risk telling us about Sapheem’s attack unless she truly wanted to help us.”

“I agree with Cye,” Ryo added as he continued to stare outside. “Just remember not to let Sapheem know that she's helping us. Riona's the only one who can save Rowen.”

A loud clap of lightning interrupted everyone's thoughts. The sky darkened and the clouds pulsed with an evil energy. The Ronins were instantly on their feet and in their sub-armor. They all ran outside to see the lake flashing with many different colors.

“That’s our cue. Time to show Sapheem what the Ronin Warriors are made of!” Kento cheered.

“White Blaze!” Ryo called. The tiger appeared quickly by his master’s side. “White Blaze, I want you to stay here at the house and protect Mia and Yulie, OK?” White Blaze growled and ran back into the house as the four boys ran to the lake to confront their enemy. They reached the water's edge and searched for the sorcerer. No one appeared to be close, but they could feel a powerful, evil energy all around them.

“Careful, guys,” Sage cautioned. “He could be anywhere waiting to strike. Stay alert.”

“All right, Sapheem!” Ryo shouted, “We know it’s you! Show yourself, you coward!”

Evil laughter rang through the air as a dark form began to materialize before them. “Coward, eh? We'll see who the coward is, young man!” Within moments, Sapheem stood before them. He stood in the middle of the lake, just inches above the water, wearing a cocky smile.

Ryo’s eyes narrowed angrily. “So, you’ve finally decided to face us, huh? It’s about time you showed your ugly face. What have you done with Rowen, you fiend?”

Sapheem's grin broadened. “My, my, aren't we cocky? Your friend is safe…for now. He now sits deep within my dungeon. Observe!”

Sapheem began to chant a powerful spell as a small mirror-like portal appeared before the Ronins. An image began to appear within it, and the Ronins stared in shock at the sight before them. Rowen still hung securely in his cell, unconscious and looking worse than the others had ever seen him.

“Rowen!” Cye said.

“You devil! What have done to our friend?!” Kento demanded angrily.

Sapheem laughed. “You fools! Your friend has given me more power than you could possibly comprehend! You see, my magic has bound his mind and body to mine…allowing me to use his power like this!”

He chanted another spell as a blue aura formed around him. The Ronins were horrified as they watched Rowen jerk awake and cry out in pain—his body surrounded by the same blue aura. After a few moments, Sapheem stood clothed in the Armor of Strata. There was a collective gasp from the four boys.

“Aw, no way!” Ryo gasped.

“How! How can he use the Armor of Strata like that!” Sage asked, equally in shock.

“Oh it gets much worse for you, Ronin Warriors, as you'll soon see. Prepare for battle!”

“You're on! Ronin Warriors, to arms!” Ryo began. “Armor of Wildfire! Dao Jin!”

“Armor of the Halo! Dao Chi!”

“Armor of the Torrent! Dao Shin!”

“Armor of Hardrock! Dao Gi!”

The four warriors quickly transformed into their armors and stood ready as Sapheem moved to lakeshore to battle. The mage was confident of his skills, and he was certain that the warriors would surrender once they realized the extent of his link with Rowen.

“Come on, then! If it’s a fight you want then you’ll get it!” Cye said.

Sapheem chuckled. “Fools! This fight is over before it has even begun! You won’t be able to lay a finger on me!”

“Well see about that!” Kento returned as he charged the mage. He swung his staff hard at Sapheem as the mage jumped backwards to dodge the attack. The blade on the end of Kento’s staff barely grazed the front of the armor, but its effect was shocking. A cry of pain brought the warriors’ attention back to Rowen's image as their friend suddenly appeared to be in great pain.

“What?!” Kento asked in astonishment.

It looks like Riona was right about Sapheem’s mind link with Rowen, Ryo thought miserably—though he dare not speak his thoughts aloud.

“It looks like Rowen felt the attack, too,” Sage said.

Sapheem's wicked smile broadened. “Indeed he did, young fools. So long as I am linked to Rowen, you cannot harm me. But I can harm you!” With that, Sapheem fired a blast of energy at Kento. Kento grunted as he was slammed backwards into a nearby tree—smashing through it on impact.

“You coward!” Sage taunted. “How dare you try to use our friend against us! No matter what hold you have over him, we will defeat you!”

“Don’t be so certain of that!” Sapheem returned as he dismissed the image. “If you truly wish to save your friend then you will stand down. Your attacks are useless against me so long as I am wearing the Armor of Strata. Rowen will feel every blow that hits me—though he will feel the brunt of the pain. And one more thing I should mention…if you destroy me, your friend dies as well. You might as well surrender—unless you want to be responsible for Rowen's death!”

The Ronin Warriors were both stunned at furious at Sapheem’s words. So, Riona had been right after all…but what could they do? The boys remembered Riona's words to them and resolved to fight till the end. All they had to do was keep Sapheem distracted…and take care not to destroy him.

I’m sorry, Rowen, Ryo thought, but we can’t let Sapheem conquer Earth. I hope you can hang in there.

“Sapheem, we will never surrender to the likes of you!” Ryo spoke aloud. “If you want to conquer Earth, you’ll have to do it the old-fashioned way…by defeating us in battle!”

“Yeah, there’s no way I’m giving up without a fight!” Kento cheered.

“We won't let you get away with what you've done to our friend! Prepare to defend yourself, you wicked old snake!” Sage spat angrily.

“Your cheap tricks won’t work on us, mate! Bring it on!” Cye yelled.

Sapheem humphed. “Very well, but I warn you, you shall find it a hard battle against me. It you are so willing to throw away your friend's life so blatantly, then so be it!”

The warriors readied themselves for battle. They still weren't sure about how they could fight the powerful mage while he was connected to Rowen, but they had no choice. If Riona could save Rowen, then they had to do their best to keep Sapheem occupied. It was their only hope for victory.

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