*As the monastery was shaking from all the fighting going on between Ryuuji and Dust, the rest of the group made it down to the lower area and found a door that led to a bridge to the other side*
(Nate): There’s the bridge. Everybody across, now.
*Everyone quickly started running on the bridge to reach the other side. Jin stopped to look back up at the main entrance of the monastery and heard loud crash as a ball of fire shot through the roof. Jin felt bad about leaving Dust behind to handle Ryuuji by himself and finally found his courage to go back and help him. Before Jin could turn around he was cutoff by Jade and Morgan*
(Jade): Don’t do it. You’ll be deadweight or you’ll be dead.
(Jin): Look, I know how strong Sir Ryuuji and Dust are, but I can’t just leave them to kill each other.
(Morgan): That’s exactly what you need to do. There’s nothing you can do in a situation like this. Dust is Ryuuji’s partner so let him handle this. Have you ever wondered why we work in pairs?
(Jin): To keep each other safe in the field?
(Morgan): That’s one of the reasons but no. We work in pairs to keep the other person in check in case they go rogue. It’s our contingency plan.
(Jin): Contingency plan?
(Gael): Wait, that’s why you partnered me up with Jin?
(Morgan): The partner rule wasn’t just meant to be a contingency plan. It was also meant to cover the disadvantages of each other. Jin is smart, resourceful, and innovative. He’s by the books but over-analyzes things which causes him to hesitate in the field and not make the big moves when necessary. Gael, you’re wild and a loose cannon. You’re the kind of guy who jumps without looking and that usually gets you into trouble. However, you have good instincts and don’t back down from a battle you know you can win. Whatever one lacks the other makes for it to balance the team out.
(Gael): I guess that makes sense. Still, it pisses me off that you would use Jin to take me down. No offence.
(Jin): Non-taken. I don’t like the idea of losing to you either.
(Raika): Set your egos aside boys and just be happy we’re trying to subdue you instead of straight up killing you.
(Jin): So Dust is the only one who can take Sir Ryuuji down and vice-versa?
(Hibana): In theory, yes.
(Jin): What do you mean in theory?
(Hibana): I’ve created simulations using data of these two to see who would win and each time it comes to no conclusion. These two are so evening matched that my simulations can’t discern a winner.
(Zia): That sounds about right. In terms of strength, Ryuuji is stronger. However, Dust is the better fighter of the two.
(Ember): Sounds like you guys have seen these two fight before.
(Raika): When the two first met they fought each other. It was a wild fight. It was the first time I’d ever seen anyone go toe-to-toe with Ryuuji.
(Ember): So Dust is that good? I could sense he was a good fighter but to be on Ryuuji’s level and taking him to the limits. I’ve got a whole new respect for him.
(Jade): Yep. They may not act like it but they’re the strongest and best fighters in Shadow Eye. Even I would be in trouble if I fought them without my special ability. Honestly, I think those two were born in the wrong era. If they had been around during the time of the Eclipse King, we would have had an easier time beating that bastard.
***
*Back in the monastery, Dust was dodging all of Ryuuji’s attacks by teleporting. After teleporting away from a fire blast, Dust was hanging from a pillar and jumped off it and tried to hit Ryuuji with an axe kick but Ryuuji blocked it with his arms. Dust then landed on the floor and looked to the side. Ryuuji saw this and realized that Dust was getting ready to teleport again, so Ryuuji went to strike Dust with a flaming fist. Dust lifted up his left hand getting ready to snap his fingers. As soon as Dust snapped them, Ryuuji re-directed his flaming fist toward the spot Dust was looking at earlier and launched a fireball. To his shock, Dust wasn’t there and was instead still in the same spot. Dust delivered a right hook to Ryuuji’s chin followed by an uppercut strike, four quick jabs to the stomach, a jumping elbow strike to the side of Ryuuji’s head, and he finished with a roundhouse kick that sent Ryuuji to the ground*
(Ryuuji): Ugh, how? I saw you snap your finger.
(Dust): Oh what, you think snapping my fingers is how I teleport? Nope. I just do it to add a little flare to the presentation.
*Dust teleports and is by Ryuuji where he kicks him in the stomach lifting him off the ground and into the air. Dust teleports again to appear above Ryuuji and delivers a clubbing blow with both hands to spike Ryuuji back to the ground but he was quick to get back up. Using his powers, Dust teleports two of his spider legs to attack Ryuuji but he grabs the legs with his hands and destroys them. Dust felt a sting on his shoulder blades where the legs appeared*
(Ryuuji): Fire Grid Form 270: Pyro Crusher.
*Ryuuji’s body became engulfed in flames and he lunged forward leaping off the ground and spinning through the air toward Dust. Using his spider legs as a launching pad, Dust jumped into the air to avoid the attack but Ryuuji altered his course and flew upward and struck Dust in chest before grabbing the spider legs and tossing Dust into a pillar where he crashed through it. The pillar catches fire and Dust sees his coat on fire as well despite still being dizzy from Ryuuji’s throw. Dust quickly removes the coat to save himself for getting burnt. Dust looks at the pillar to see the fire begin to spread throughout the room*
(Dust): Don’t suppose we can move this to a place that’s less fire?
(Ryuuji): I like the heat. Plus, this limits your teleportation. I figured out how it works. You need a clear view of where of the area you’re teleporting to in order to teleport. I don’t think teleporting into fire is a good idea. No more running.
(Dust): Oh you think I want to run away.
*Speaking Elfan the gauntlets on Dust’s arms disappear and get replaced with a three-section green staff*
(Dust): I live for this shit.
*Dust and Ryuuji charge at each other with Dust swing his staff and Ryuuji blocking it with his fists on fire. Despite the intense heat from the fire, Ryuuji and Dust were solely focused on each other. As they continued to clash, the floor beneath them collapsed and they found themselves in another room where they continued to clash until they jumped back from each other to avoid falling debris. Using the staff as whip, Dust grabbed a chair and threw up where he kicked it toward Ryuuji who easily shattered the chair into pieces with his fist but that didn’t stop Dust from charging toward him*
(Ryuuji): Fire Grid Form 387: Eclipse Cross!
*Swing his right fist down and doing a spinning heel kick, Ryuuji created a cross of fire and shot it directly at who barely avoided the attack by sliding on his knees. Ryuuji was certain he had a clear shot at Dust now*
(Ryuuji): Fire Grid Form 100: Heatdouken!
*Gathering the fire between his hands, Ryuuji fired the Heatdouken certain that Dust would not be able to dodge this attack but was mistaken. Thinking quickly, Dust pushed his staff together to make it one and then slammed it into the ground to catapult himself over the Heatdouken and Ryuuji himself. Dust landed on his feet and separated the staff back into three parts. He then wrapped the staff around Ryuuji’s neck hoping to choke him out to his shock Ryuuji wasn’t fazed by the choking and turned around staring daggers into Dust. He headbutts Dust and then grabs him by the neck to lift him off the ground. As Dust found himself in Ryuuji’s grip he an abnormal heat coming from Ryuuji’s hand and quickly pieced together that he was burning up. Ryuuji slammed Dust to the ground and then delivered a punt kick the chest to send him crashing through a wall and into the next room. Dust laid on the ground groaning as Ryuuji entered the room and approached him. Ryuuji began to deliver fire jabs to Dust’s head. After the fifteenth jab Dust fell down on his back but started to get back up slowly ready to fight*
(Ryuuji): Stay down.
*Dust had a dazed look in his eyes but had his fist up ready and invited Ryuuji to attack him. Ryuuji took a swing at Dust only for Dust to dodge and grab Ryuuji’s wrist with his right hand and deliver a palm strike to Ryuuji’s chin followed by a judo toss. Dust maintained a hold of Ryuuji’s arm and began to stomp on Ryuuji’s face with his foot. However, he was stopped when Ryuuji used his free hand to his foot and felt a burning sensation. Dust let go of Ryuuji and Ryuuji let go of Dust’s foot*
(Dust): I knew it wasn’t my imagination. Your body is burning up.
(Ryuuji): It is nothing for you to threat over.
(Dust): What the hell did she do to you?
(Ryuuji): My queen has simply imparted on me the power of the Sun. Soon nothing will harm me.
(Dust): Soon you’ll be a corpse. We need to get you cooled down now.
(Ryuuji): I think not.
*Ryuuji charges at Dust and jumps attempting to dropkick him but Dust dodges the attack with a sidestep. However uses his flying technique to fly backward and hit Dust with a lariat to the back of his head. Ryuuji then grabs Dust and flies upward out of the monastery and up into the sky*
(Ryuuji): You were a strong fighter. I almost feel sorry, but this is where you die. Fire Grid Form 498: Seismic-
*Before Ryuuji could finish, Dust headbutted Ryuuji to escape his hold and began to fall. He fired off a wire that wrapped around Ryuuji’s leg and pulled him down as well. As the two were falling, Dust pulled himself up toward Ryuuji and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt*
(Dust): If I’m going down, I’m taking you with me!
*Dust began to rain punches down on Ryuuji with one hand while the other continued to hang on to Ryuuji’s collar. Ryuuji also began to punch Dust targeting his ribs where his heavy punches managed to break a few. Despite the pain and heat, Dust refused to let go of Ryuuji and continued to punch him and shift their bodies through the air. Using his peripheral vision, Dust saw a river and continued to shift their bodies so that they would land in the water. As they became absorbed in fighting each other, the two would finally hit the water hard and begin to sink. Dust passed out from the impact and pain to his ribs. Ryuuji also passed out and his body began to cool down. Ryuuji soon opened his eyes which were now blue and looked around confused at what was happening. He had felt his mind and body were in a deep fog and now for first time ever they were clear and he could finally think straight. The memories of what happened finally begin to flood his mind and he looks to Dust sinking deeper into the water. Ryuuji swam toward Dust and grabbed his unconscious body. He then began to swim back toward the surface. He was tired, aching and could feel himself running out of oxygen but he had to save Dust no matter what. Using all of his strength, Ryuuji reached the surface of the water gasping for air while holding onto Dust. Ryuuji swam to the shore and pulled Dust out of the water and laid him on. He was cold and in pain but knew he had warm himself and Dust up or they would die from hyperthermia*
(Ryuuji): Fire Grid. . .Form 119. . .Heat Therapy.
*Ryuuji could feel his body begin to warm up and then looked over Dust’s unconscious body. He quickly concentrated on his hands to light them up and began warming Dust up*
(Ryuuji): Dust! Dust! Come on, speak to me! Don’t you dare die on me! I’m sorry!
*As Ryuuji frantically tried to warm Dust up the memories of their fight replayed in his mind. Despite his attacks, he could tell Dust was holding back and not seriously trying to hurt him. However, Ryuuji’s attacks were serious. He was trying to kill Dust and fractured a few ribs with his punches. Not only that but he was certain the impact from the fall gave him trauma as he was the first to hit the water. No doubt taking the full brunt of the fall and protecting Ryuuji in the process. Ryuuji’s mind then began playing the nightmares he’d been having and how everyone he ever cared for was killed by his hands. Ryuuji began to tear up*
(Ryuuji): Zekell! God of Fire! I have dedicated my life to living by your example and teachings. I beg of you! Please. . .do not extinguish his flame. I owe him my life! He’s a good man! He never once feared me or gave up! He’s not just my coworker. He’s my partner. He’s my best friend. He’s my-
*Before Ryuuji could say another word he was punched in the face and fell backwards. After recovering from the hit he looked to see that Dust was starting to move and rise to his feet all while clutching his ribs*
(Dust): Were you seriously about to call me your brother?
(Ryuuji): Dust! Praise be to Zekell! You’re alive!
*Ryuuji jumped to his feet and was immediately punched in the stomach by Dust who was using his free hand*
(Ryuuji): It’s okay, Dust. I’m back to normal.
*Dust punched Ryuuji again across the face and he fell to the ground clutching his jaw*
(Dust): What the hell were you thinking?
*Ryuuji rose to his feet about to speak but Dust just punched him again*
(Dust): Not only did you allow yourself to get captured but allowed a cult to brainwash you all because of your childhood crush. What the fuck?
(Ryuuji): Wait, Dust, I can explain.
*Dust then delivered a roundhouse kick to Ryuuji which caused him pain but he didn’t care*
(Dust): And why didn’t you tell me you were having nightmares about Cyrus?
(Ryuuji): You know about that? How did you-
(Dust): Le Fey told me, you dumbass!
*Dust punched Ryuuji in the stomach and then grabbed him by the collar of his shirt*
(Dust): She was worried sick about you! What kind of man lets his wife worry about him like that?
*Ryuuji had no response as he was starting to see why Dust was attacking him and knew he deserved it*
(Dust): How many times do you have to be told that you’re nothing like that bastard, huh? Stop letting him control your life.
*Dust finally let’s go of Ryuuji and pushes him away. Ryuuji let’s all of this sink in*
(Ryuuji): You’re right. I’m sorry. I screwed up. I caused you, Le Fey, and everyone else trouble. I’m so sorry.
*Ryuuji sat down on a nearby log and Dust went over to sit by him*
(Dust): Look, I don’t care what goes on in your personal life. That’s none of my business, but when it spills over into your work life and causes me trouble, then we have a major problem. If you won’t speak to me about it, fine. But if you don’t speak about it in general then you’re a dumbass. Find someone to speak to and get help.
(Ryuuji): You’re right. I’ve been trying to handle this on my own and failing. Some Blazing Knight I turned out to be.
(Dust): Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re human. Look, we elves have a long lifespan, so we don’t let the little things like trauma get to us. But you humans, you guys are different. You guys have a short lifespan. I can’t conceive or imagine what you went through with that bastard, but here’s what I do know. You’re a good husband to Le Fey and a good dad to your kids. That alone makes you a better man than him.
(Ryuuji): Wow. Thanks, Dust. I needed that.
*Ryuuji stands up and offers a hand to Dust which he accepts*
(Ryuuji): You know, that speech and advice is something only a true friend would do.
(Dust): Oh DeMarcus.
(Ryuuji): Do you and Hibana want to come over for the holidays?
(Dust): Not happening.
(Ryuuji): The offer still stands.
(Dust): Yep, you’re back to normal.
***
*While Dust and Ryuuji were chatting the others were searching for them*
(Rika): Are you sure they fell in this direction?
(Raika): Positive.
(Jin): I hope they’re okay. I know they’re strong but not even they could walk away unscathed from a fall like that.
(Jade): I can smell them, they’re close.
*As the group approaches the river they spot Dust and Ryuuji and smile*
(Ember): They’re they are. And it looks like Ryuuji is back to normal.
*The group rushes over to the both of them*
(Sanada): It would appear you have returned to your senses.
(Ryuuji): Everyone. I’m deeply sorry for the trouble I caused. I swear that I will make it up moving forward.
(Amarti): Good to hear. Glad to have you back Ryuuji.
(Ryuuji): Good to be back.
(Zia): Any injuries?
(Dust): Aside from a few broken ribs nothing too major.
(Ryuuji): What happened with Cinder?
(Nate): She got away. I can see why you had a tough time beating her.
(Ember): Well now that we’ve got Ryuuji on our side she shouldn’t be too hard to take her down and we’ve captured all the major citizens so she’s got no army to back her.
(Morgan): Not quite. She still has the Red Eclipse and she’s prepared to release a whole herd of Eclipses on Zegkirche just to take down the sage.
(Nate): If those Eclipses tear through Zegkirche then every settlement in that area will fall with them. We have to warn them.
(Rika): We’re still a ways from Zegkirche. It’ll take us about a day on foot.
*All of sudden vehicles that specialize in snow terrain appear sporting the Blue Dragon emblem on the side appear blowing their horns. Eight vehicles pulled up and out came Dominik*
(Dominik): The Wild Bunch Platoon reporting for duty, captain.
(Ember): Haha! Dominik! Perfect timing. How’d you find us?
(Dominik): Pure luck. We saw a huge fireball in the sky land in this direction and decided to investigate. Didn’t think it was you guys. What’s the situation?
(Ember): It’s bad. Set a course for Zegkirche. I’ll explain on the way.
***
*Meanwhile, at an unknown location*
(Oraine): Mistress Cinder. You’re control over Ryuuji has been broken and most of our citizens have been captured. It might be best for us to retreat and regroup.
(Cinder): No. Not when we’re this close. Are you forgetting our second army.
*Cinder holds up the Red Eclipse*
(Oraine): With all due respect mistress this is very dangerous. Who’s to say we won’t get caught in crossfire?
(Cinder): I’m well aware of the dangers and I trust you know what your mission will be?
(Oraine): Of course.
(Cinder): Then let us begin.
*Cinder lights the Red Eclipse over a dark crevice. Looking down she can see yellow eyes glowing in the dark and smiles sinisterly*
Author’s Note: Hello everyone. Happy holidays to everyone out there. I finally got to write the fight between Ryuuji and Dust. Originally, this was the fight I had planned for chapter 100, but the previous arcs ran longer than I had planned, and I kept adding new things to the current which pushed this chapter down. Overall, I do feel I only scratched the surface of this fight and it’s definitely a fight I wouldn’t mind revisiting down the line. Even though Ryuuji is back to normal, they still have to contend with Cinder who now has an army of Eclipses on her side. Can Shadow Eye stop her? Get ready as we head into the explosive finally of this volume. Thanks for reading and I’ll see you next time on Project Nitsuj.