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.  Thanks for the encouragement.  It really inspires me to continue my story.  I hope you enjoy this chapter.  It won't be long before the finally showdown.  Please read and review.

Chapter 9:  Reunion

Sapheem reappeared in his own dimension—still reeling from the shock of battle.  He still couldn't believe that he had lost.  His thoughts finally cleared as the last of the pain ebbed.  Sapheem took a few deep breaths as he tried to sort out what had happened.  He could feel that his connection with Rowen had been severed, but how? 

The unexpected casting of the counter-spell had sent feedback through the link to Sapheem's mind, causing severe pain and interrupting his powers.  In his desperation to escape ultimate defeat, Sapheem had randomly teleported back to his dimension without choosing a specific location.  Now as he looked around at his surroundings, he realized that he was alone in the dungeon of his castle.  Alone?  Sapheem stood and stared in disbelief at the now-empty cell before him.  The chains that had once held his prisoner now lay carelessly on the floor.  Rowen was gone.

“Impossible!” Sapheem shouted into the stillness.  “How could he possibly break free of my spell and escape?!  My spell should have left him weak and helpless.  Unless…”

Sapheem's eyes widened at he pondered this dilemma.  There was no reason that Rowen could have escaped…unless he had help.  Riona!  She must have deceived him!  Rage began to form within as Sapheem raced from the dungeon and down the halls.  After all these years of faithful service, his apprentice had actually betrayed him during what could have been his greatest triumph!  He had to be certain though.  He arrived at Riona's quarters and burst inside.  The room was empty, and it appeared that most of her belongings were gone as well.  Furious, Sapheem stormed from the room and headed for his magic mirror.

Mia, Yulie, and White Blaze all walked outside as the boys returned from their hard battle.  They had been watching the battle from the balcony and were anxious to learn what had happened.  Ryo and the others switched out of their armor as Mia and Yulie ran up to them.

“Ryo, are you guys ok?” Mia asked them.  “We heard explosions…and what happened to Sapheem?”

“Did ya beat him, Ryo? Did ya?” Yulie asked as he excitedly grabbed Ryo's arm.

“No, not yet,” Ryo answered.  He grew thoughtful.  “It was weird.  Sapheem was about to launch an attack when he suddenly doubled over in pain.  I'm not sure what happened, but once Sapheem wasn't able to use the Armor of Strata anymore, he disappeared.  I have a feeling that Riona had something to do with it.”

“You may be right, Ryo,” Mia agreed.

“I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens,” Cye said.

“Yeah, but we can't afford to relax yet,” Sage cautioned.  “Sapheem will still return to finish us off.  And if Riona really did free Rowen…he'll be wanting revenge against her, too.”

“Hey, there's no way I'm letting Sapheem lay his hands on that nice girl…not after she saved our tails,” Kento said.

A loud howl interrupted everyone's thoughts.  They all turned toward the sound as White Blaze started growling.

“What was that?” Mia asked.

Another howl followed shortly after her question.  It appeared to be coming from the lake.  White Blaze stepped forward, listening intently.

“Maybe it's Riona's wolf,” Sage suggested.

“Yeah, maybe,” Ryo agreed.  “I guess we'll find out soon…if they're heading this way.”

Suddenly White Blaze roared loudly into the late morning sky, answering Nightshade's call.  The noise startled the Ronins and company.

Nightshade stopped howling to listen for a reply.  Riona and Rowen sat quietly on his back. 

“What's he doing?” Rowen asked.  “Why is he howling?”

“He's trying to find out if it's safe to approach the house,” Riona explained.  “Hopefully, your friend's white tiger will answer.”

No sooner had she said it then a roar echoed through the forest.  Nightshade pricked his ears at the sound.  He yipped excitedly and wagged his tail happily.

“That sounds like White Blaze all right,” Rowen said.

“And it sounds like the cost is clear,” Riona added.  “I think it's about time for you to be reunited with your friends.  Let's go, Nightshade.”

The Ronin Warriors watched the tree line anxiously, hoping to get a glimpse of their friends.  White Blaze roared a second time, then sat quietly.  Several moments passed, and there was still no sign of any movement.  They were beginning to believe it had been a false alarm.

“Nothing's happening,” Yulie said.  “Do you really think it’s Rowen?”

“I don't know, Yulie,” Mia answered him.  “It could have just been a stray wolf.”

“I think Mia may be right,” Sage agreed.  “I think we should go inside and wait.”

Everyone turned back to the house and started to go inside.  Just then there was a slight movement in the trees.  White Blaze pricked his ears at the sound and growled.  Ryo stopped and turned to the tiger.

“What's the matter, boy? Did you hear something?” he asked.

White Blaze growled again and stood up anxiously.  Ryo walked over beside his pet and stared intently into the forest.  Suddenly, Sharpeyes burst out of the trees and flew toward them, causing Ryo to step back.  He quickly landed on Ryo's shoulder and screeched a greeting.

“Hey guys, come back!  Riona's hawk is here!” he called.  The others quickly ran back outside, surprised by the bird's sudden appearance.

“Where'd he come from?” Kento asked.

“Guess that wasn't a false alarm after all,” Sage said.

Sharpeyes turned toward the woods and screeched loudly, signaling that everything was safe.  Shortly afterwards, there was another howl—this time closer and shorter.  The group watched the trees carefully…and finally spotted the large black wolf running toward them.  As he came closer, they saw that Riona was riding on his back along with a very familiar face.

"Hey it's Rowen!" Sage exclaimed.

"All right!  That girl came through after all!" Kento added.

Nightshade quickly ran up to them, wagging his tail happily.  Riona was smiling shyly while Rowen continued to lean against her—still quite weak from his ordeal.  Despite the relief of seeing him back safe, the others were shocked at Rowen's condition.  He was barely conscious and visibly exhausted.  Rowen looked up and gave them a weak smile.

“Hey, guys.  Am I ever glad to see you again.”

"We knew you'd make it back, Rowen," Kento told him.  "The team's not the same without ya."

“Are you okay, Rowen?  You look exhausted,” Mia asked him, concerned about his ragged appearance.

Rowen gave a short laugh.  “Well…I've been better…but I've also been worse.  I'm just tired mostly…and starving!”

“You're starting to sound more like Kento now,” Cye teased.

Everyone laughed.  Ryo turned to Riona.  “Riona…thanks a lot for your help…You really saved us today…and thanks for saving Rowen, too.”

Riona blushed at the compliment.  She still didn't feel like she deserved any forgiveness or kindness after her earlier actions, but she knew there was no point in arguing about it.  “It was my pleasure, Ryo.  I’m just glad I could help.”

Rowen tried to climb off of Nightshade's back, but he was still weak and his knees gave underneath him.  Fortunately, Ryo caught him and helped him to his feet.

“Careful, Rowen.  You're still pretty weak.  Let's get you inside so you can rest.”

Sage moved to the other side of Rowen and wrapped an arm around his shoulders.  “Come on, Rowen.  How 'bout we get you some food and you can tell us what happened?”

Rowen leaned heavily on his friends as they all started to enter the mansion.  “Thanks, Sage.  You guys have no idea what all I've been through.  It's good to be home.”

Riona was still unsure of how to act around the others.  They were all so close…and she was just an outsider.  She was a little jealous of the close relationship Rowen had with his friends.  She never had the chance to become close like that with anyone since she had become Sapheem's apprentice.  She could only hope that they would accept her as a friend.  She had no desire to return to her world…at least until they had defeated Sapheem.

Mia seemed to sense Riona's apprehension.  As the boys and White Blaze entered the mansion, Mia walked over to Riona as she climbed off of Nightshade's back.

“Riona, why don't you come inside, too?  I'm sure you could use a break yourself.”

Riona looked up at the older woman.  She smiled.  “That's very kind of you to offer…I don't believe we've met before.”

“My name is Mia…I own this mansion.  Ryo and the others told me about you…and I'm very grateful for your help.  You may have saved us today.”

Riona blushed.  She wasn't used to compliments…they were a rare occurrence under Sapheem's tutelage.  “This isn't over yet, Mia.  Sapheem will return…and he definitely will be angry with me for betraying him.  I…I don't want to put all of you into any more danger.”

Mia smiled kindly and placed an arm around the young girl's shoulders.  “You're not causing us any trouble, Riona.  You just saved Rowen…and helped to stop Sapheem from succeeding today.  I know he will be back…but the Ronin Warriors will be ready for him.  And maybe, with your help…they'll be able to stop that evil sorcerer once and for all.”

Riona nodded.  “Yes…I certainly hope so,” she said quietly.

“I'm sure of it…now come on inside.  Your wolf can come too if he wants.”

Riona blinked in surprise.  “You…don't mind Nightshade coming into your house?”

“Of course not.  White Blaze sleeps inside too.  Please…come in.”

Sapheem watched the entire scene from his magic mirror.  Inside he boiled with rage as he saw Riona enter the mansion with Mia.  He couldn't believe that she had dared to defy him like this.  She had even conspired with his enemies behind his back—and he hadn't even suspected it!

The boys were seated around the dinning room table when Riona and Mia entered the house.  Rowen was still looking worse for wear, but he still chatted lightly with his friends about his ordeal.  Riona sat at the end of the table—still hesitant to join the conversation.

Riona still wasn't sure she would fit in here…but she hoped that they would want her as a friend. She desperately wanted more friends.  After all, her pets only gave her so much comfort…and it just wasn't the same as human companionship.  Sharpeyes, who had been perched on the chair beside Ryo, flew over and landed on Riona's shoulder.  He rubbed against her cheek as Riona stroked his feathers.

Rowen noticed her sitting alone, and smiled at her.  “Hey, Riona, why are you over there all by yourself?  Come sit with us,” he said, offering her the seat beside him.

Riona blushed.  “I…I don't know…are you sure it's okay?  I don't want to interrupt you guys.”

“Don't be silly, Riona.  We'd love for you to join us,” Ryo answered kindly.

“Yeah, come on!  You're one of us now!” Kento added.

Kento's comment helped to break the ice.  Riona finally stood and moved to the seat beside of Rowen.  As she met his gaze, Riona could clearly tell that Rowen was exhausted.  It made her really worried about him.

"What's wrong, Riona?" Rowen asked her.

Riona looked down as the blush on her cheeks deepened.  “Well…I'm just worried about you, Rowen.  You look so tired.  I really think you should get some sleep.”

“I think she’s right, Rowen,” Mia agreed.  “You really should go upstairs and get some rest.”

Nightshade sensed Riona’s concern for Rowen as well.  He walked over and nuzzled against Rowen’s side.  Rowen looked down and scratched the wolf behind his ears.

“Hey, Riona, I think your wolf likes me.”

Riona smiled.  “I think he does too.  Nightshade doesn’t take up with just anyone.”

White Blaze walked over just to make sure that everything was safe.  Nightshade looked at the tiger as the two of them sized each other up.  Satisfied, White Blaze left and went into the living room.  Nightshade returned his attention to Rowen, laying his head on Rowen’s lap.

“Well…it looks like those two are getting along pretty well,” Ryo commented.

“I’m glad,” Riona said.  “I don’t want them to fight.”  After that she yawned a little herself.

Rowen giggled.  “Sounds like you’re tired, too.”

Riona giggled too.  “Maybe a little.  This morning was pretty intense…and casting that counter-spell is rather draining.”

“Why don’t you two go get some rest?  We can talk more later,” Sage told them.

“Sounds like a pretty good idea, Sage,” Rowen agreed.  He yawned loudly, fatigue beginning to take its toll.  “Riona…do you think you could help me up to my room?”

“Sure…I guess.  I mean…if you really want me to,” she stammered nervously.

“No need to be so nervous, Riona…I won’t bite,” he teased.

The others giggled quietly.  Riona stood, cheeks still red, and helped Rowen to his feet.  The two of them began to carefully make their way up the stairs to the bedrooms.  Rowen felt like he could sleep for days.  Riona was feeling a bit sleepy herself…she had studied late into the night so that she would be ready to help, and the excitement of the morning had left her worn out.  They made their way into Rowen’s bedroom.  Riona paused in the doorway.

“Two beds?” she asked.

“Yeah…Sage and I share this bedroom,” Rowen explained.  “Mine’s on the left…you can borrow Sage’s bed if you want to rest too.”

“You sure he won’t mind?” Riona asked as she helped Rowen sit down on his bed.  “I don’t want to upset anyone.”

Rowen chuckled and shook his head.  “Riona, will you please relax?  My friends and I aren’t anything like Sapheem.  You can trust us…no one is going to be angry with you.  You’re our friend now.  You saved my life…and you may be the only hope we have of stopping Sapheem.  There’s no reason to be afraid of us.”

Riona turned away, a few tears coming to her face.  “You…you really think of me as your friend?  No one’s ever said anything like that too me before.  You’re so kind to me Rowen…after everything I’ve said and done…you’re just too kind.”

Rowen put an arm around her shoulders and pulled her against him so that she was sitting beside him on the bed.  “Riona, please don’t cry.  You may have been serving Sapheem, but you never truly followed him or his evil ways.  You’ve been working so hard to help save your people…and you saved us too.  That’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

Riona wiped her eyes and smiled at him.  “Thank you, Rowen.  I guess…I’m just not used to all this kindness yet.  It’s good to finally have some friends besides my pets…but I think you should get some rest now.  I’m surprised you’re able to remain awake.”

“So am I,” Rowen agreed with a yawn.  “But not for much longer.”

Riona giggled.  “Well, have a good sleep, Rowen.  I think I’ll take a nap, too.  I’m sure your friends can come up with some ideas for defeating Sapheem while we rest.”

Rowen switched out of his armor as Riona walked over to the other bed.  They both lay down and settled into the covers for a long nap.  Rowen fell asleep quickly, weariness finally overcoming him.

Well…maybe not as good as some of my previous chapters, but I think it turned out ok.  Let me know what you guys think.  Only a few more chapters to go.  After that, I will be working on the sequels to this story.  As I mentioned before, this story will be part of a trilogy…the next two installments having more romance than this one.  Next chapter coming soon.

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