Ranshio: Special Edition Vol. 001

Prologue

Ranshio, a mystical energy source that is bounded by the eight elements: fire, water, earth, wind, nature, lightning, darkness, and holy. This source of energy was carried throughout the cosmos of space within a massive meteorite that nearly took out half of the population within the planet called Earth. The day of the meteorite’s landing came suddenly and unannounced. Most of what was left of the planet were in ruins; many countries and cities were destroyed by its enormous collision with the earth’s crust.

The energy called Ranshio surged through the planet like a plague, granting life wherever it traveled. Creatures that were once thought extinct were instantly revived by the huge energy source. The plague continued, infecting those still alive after the impact. Ranshio essences, invisible waves of energy from the eight elements, were lifted off the meteorite and cast far across the globe, infecting a certain number of people with the ability to tame their specific elemental attribute. These people were later referred to as Ranshio warriors, beings who mastered the elements. To this day, Ranshio continues to distribute its gift to those chosen individuals. Among those individuals is a young boy around the age of fifteen who was granted the gift to control the flames through birth. His father, Zecht, a legend among Ranshio warriors from the past and present, had already carried the gift, and it was passed on to his son.

This is the story of a hero fighting for what he believes in and for the people he cares for, vowing to protect them even if it costs him his life. His name is Koji Memotto, and this is his story.

Chapter One: A Master and Her Apprentice

It has been eight years since the Tensuke City incident had taken place, Koji, who is now fifteen years of age, has been traveling throughout New Eden in search of mystical items known as Dragon claws. These claws can restore life, change realities, and grant power to whoever obtains them. Acquiring them, however, is no simple task.

Dragons, revived by the power of Ranshio, roam the lands of New Eden. Ten legendary dragons hold the power of the dragon claw and the only way to obtain them is by defeating these creatures. Dark storm clouds completely covered the once blazing sun that hovered over the wilderness outside of Augustus City. Koji halted in his steps as he glanced upward, his eyes fixed on the flash of lightning and the sound of thunder.

He felt a sense of nostalgia as his thoughts went back to a time when he lost someone whom he had admired, the one that taught him how to control his Ranshio powers. It was just two years ago, Koji had decided to do some solo training in a secluded forest after getting into an argument with his traveling companions, Vincent, and Zack. With his blade in hand, he began swinging at the air before him while altering battle stances with each swing.

He was unaware that a creature from the dark was watching him from the distance. A cat-like fiend began making its way through the bushes as it bared its fangs toward the young boy. Koji began drawing in calm deep breaths as he closed his eyes and entered another battle stance. He held his blade before him while trying to focus on the Ranshio essences that surrounded him. He lacked the ability to control his power but remembered these minor lessons with his father.

Just focus on the essences Koji, he thought to himself as he tried drawing in the fire essences that surrounded him. The fiend became instantly impatient as it dug its claws deep into the ground, ready to pounce. It unleashed a massive roar as it vaulted toward Koji, but the creature was instantly struck down by a stream of purple lightning.

Koji's eyes sprung wide open as he shifted his gaze behind him to see a young light-skinned girl around the age of fifteen with electricity coursing throughout her body. The remains of the fiend that failed in its attempt to harm Koji soon dispersed into the darkness leaving just the boy and the mysterious girl alone.

Well, that was a close one, said the girl as she turned to face Koji. She wore a purple and yellow jacket with black shorts and black boots. Her hair was brown, long, and curly and her ears had hoop piercings around the edge. You know a little boy like you shouldn't be out here on your own, where are your parents?

I'm not a little boy, Koji retorted, my name is Koji, Koji's blade suddenly vanished into shimmering light as he approached the young girl whose lightning started to recede into her body how did you do that just now?

How did I do what? The girl asked while placing her right index finger against her cheek as her elbow rested on top of the palm of her left hand.

The electricity, the speed, are you infected too? Koji questioned while pointing his index finger toward the young girl

Oh, so you know about Ranshio? Interesting... said the girl as she started studying Koji my name is Yasmin Izuru, and yes I am infected with Ranshio, my element is lightning, Yasmin began walking around Koji while studying his physique. She appeared beside the boy’s face, startling him slightly as a soft red blush line appeared across his cheeks. I can sense Ranshio essences coming off you, I see that you are infected as well, what are the odds.

Yes, although I don't really know how to access it or control it... Koji replied in a stuttering manner.

Hmmm, you don't say...well, I can teach you if you want?

Really!? Koji's face brightened up at the thought of having someone teaching him how to control the power he held within. His grandfather knew little about Ranshio before he passed away. The only teaching he could offer at the time was on how to wield a blade. Koji began clenching both fists in excitement as he watched Yasmin lift her right index finger.

Only on one condition, of course, I need your help acquiring a specific item. I can tell your Ranshian element is fire which is perfect for the task I have for you, said Yasmin with a crafty grin on her face.

I'm not sure how much help I can provide but sure whatever you need, said Koji with a hefty grin. He began muffling the back of his hair with his right hand as Yasmin clapped both of her hands together.

Perfect from now on I'll be your master and you'll be my apprentice! Yasmin stated cheerfully.

Chapter Two: The Kunasta's True Power

A couple of miles north of the secluded forest where Koji trained, lies a black cavern that is rumored to lead toward the center of the earth. The two had entered the cavern simultaneously and sweat immediately fell from Yasmin's face. She glanced back to see the young boy unbothered by the heat as he continued to follow her while scanning the rocky surfaces around him. What is this place? The young boy pondered while treading cautiously behind Yasmin.

This place is known to hold a clue as to where the legendary dragon of flames resides, Yasmin replied calmly while wiping the sweat off her face.

Legendary Dragon? Koji questioned. He remembered his grandfather telling him stories about the ten legendary dragons that roamed New Eden. He also remembered the mystical Dragon Claws these dragons held in their possession. His face became stern as he stared at Yasmin's back. She could feel his stare instantly. A calm chuckle escaped her as she glanced back at the boy.

Is something wrong?

You're after the Dragon Claws...aren't you?

So, you know about that too huh, man for a young boy you are well informed... Yasmin retreated her eyes back to the path before her. She drew in a deep breath before she spoke yes you're correct, I'm searching for the Dragon Claws in hopes of bringing back someone very close to me...

You lost someone too... Koji stated softly while casting his gaze on the floor. He still held the Dragon Claw his grandfather gave him. It’s been four years since then and he hadn't run into a single dragon that carried a Dragon Claw on them.

Yes, I did...someone I cherished...someone I loved so very much... Yasmin halted in her steps as she stretched her left arm outward to halt Koji in his. Her facial expression became more serious as she began scanning the room below. They had reached the edge of a small cliff that led to a circular platform with a pool of lava surrounding it. At the center of the platform was a broken blade shoved deep into the ground.

Yasmin leaped off the edge of the cliff and landed on her right knee. She continued to shift her gaze back and forth, searching for any malicious presence. As she approached the platform, however, the heat grew intensely causing her to raise her arms to shield herself from the heatwave.

Damn, just as I suspected, that blade is preventing me from going any further... said Yasmin with clenched teeth. She glanced up to see Koji peering down at her with an innocent expression on his face. You're up kid!

Right! Koji leaped off the cliff and landed before his Master. The heat still did not faze him as he approached the blade that was sprouting flames from underneath it. Koji's mystical blade, the Kunasta, appeared in his hands in shimmering light, startling the boy slightly as he stared at the rusty dull blade his father gifted him.

What is he doing? Yasmin thought as she watched the boy stretching out his left hand toward the hilt of the blade shoved into the ground. Flames spewed upward as Koji pulled out the broken blade that seemed to resemble one of the ancient elemental swords, Flametongue. He raised his Kunasta and placed it against the blade’s metal, causing a flash of shimmering light to take place momentarily. Yasmin began shielding her eyes with her arms as the light began consuming the whole room. Suddenly, the heat that was so overbearing had dispersed and the light had lifted.

What just happened? Yasmin questioned as she lifted her gaze to see the boy standing before her with the Kunasta held in his right hand. What did you just do? Koji pondered on a way to respond to Yasmin. He lifted his blade and stared at it, for he had no idea what had just occurred. His thoughts were soon swept away, by different fiends appearing out of the shadows.

Yasmin quickly rushed toward Koji's side and placed her back against his. Electricity started to course through her body as she clenched her teeth and fists. Stick with me kid, I don't want you to get hurt, Yasmin stated as she watched the fiends starting to slowly crouch toward them.

Flametongue! Koji shouted. Flames surrounded the Kunasta as the blade transformed into the Flametongue. The handle of the blade had a revving mechanism that acted like a motorcycle gearshift. Koji twisted the handle slightly, allowing the flames to coat the metal of the blade and burn intensely. Yasmin's eyes had widened for she had never seen such a weapon that could take on the appearance and ability of another.

Her surprised expression soon disappeared as the fiends lashed their fangs and claws toward them. In quick haste, Koji lashed out his Flametongue against the crowd of fiends before him, gutting their bodies until they disappeared into the darkness. Yasmin on the other hand allowed the electricity to course through her hands as she delivered a strong clap that sent the lightning straight to the group of fiends before her, causing them to disperse into darkness at the moment of impact.

She then began gathering lightning Ranshio Essences within her, while performing a certain type of hand sign. Ranshio Bend: Multi-Dragon Clone! Yasmin cried as she summoned four clones of herself from the lightning and scattered them toward four corners of the circle Koji get out of the way!

Right! Koji vaulted upward toward the cliff and watched as the original version of Yasmin leaped high in the air with electricity coursing through her hands once more. All the remaining fiends were stuck in the center as each one of Yasmin's clones began gathering up electricity within their hands. Ranshio Bend: Piramide del rayo! The fiends were overwhelmed by the surge of electricity that was unleashed by Yasmin and her four clones leaving nothing but dust and ash behind.

The clones disappeared within the electricity as Yasmin landed on the ground with her right knee resting against the heated floor. The lightning that coursed through her body soon receded as she gave off a slight smirk toward her apprentice.

Ok seriously, when are you going to start teaching me how to do that shit? Koji asked while rushing to his master.

Soon, now that we took care of the cause of the heatwave we can proceed-- suddenly a massive energy spike grabbed Yasmin's attention as she glanced back to see the fiendish creature rise from within the lava. The beast had the face of a jackal and carried two scimitars in its hands. Around its neck seemed to be some sort of flaming scar and its eyes were bright red. It stood to be about twelve feet tall and held scars on its chest.

What the hell is that!? Koji stated with clenched teeth.

Hang tight kid, this isn't over yet! Yasmin stated while entering her stance.

Chapter Three: The First Stage of Ranshio

Fallen debris came from the walls of the cavern as the mighty fiend unleashed a massive uproar that shook the very ground beneath Koji and Yasmin's feet. The two began gritting their teeth simultaneously as they looked onward toward the beast whose wailing had finally ceased. Electricity continued to course throughout Yasmin's body as she took a slight glance back at the young boy. She knew this massive creature might prove too much for him, her best bet was to end the fight before it even begins.

She charged forth at the creature at intense speed as streams of lightning followed behind her. The mighty fiend lifted its right blade as it swung hard toward Yasmin who quickly vaulted upward to dodge the attempted slash. She formed a strong fist out of her right hand as she pulled back slightly during her descent. In quick haste, she thrust her fist forward intensely, only to have met with the metal of the fiend's left blade. The collision led to a stalemate as sparks began flying from various angles. The fiend released a low grunt as he pushed Yasmin back with his brute strength, forcing the young female warrior to perform an array of backflips before finally landing on the heated soil below.

Her feet, skidded against the ground as she appeared before Koji who seemed ready to enter the fray. Let me at him I'm ready, Koji stated while transforming his blade into the Flametongue. He held the majestic sword before him, both hands, clasped tightly onto the handle.

Come to think of it you may be our shot at beating this guy, your element is fire so his attacks shouldn't have that much effect on you, said Yasmin calmly.

Think again... the creature replied as he appeared before the two young warriors with his arms stretched outward. A look of shock enveloped both of their facial expressions as they both took on a hefty lariat from each of the fiend's arms. Koji's body began ricocheting off the ground as Yasmin quickly regained her footing. She began performing Ranshio hand signs as she charged forward toward the fiend.

Ranshio Bend: Corriente de Rayo! Yasmin cried as she stretches forth her right fingertips allowing a stream of lightning to flow through them and onto the fiend. The creature's blade rose to defend its master as the bolt of lightning was being stored inside the twin scimitars. Yasmin’s eyes swelled as she watched her attack being shot back at her instantly.

Watch out! Koji cried as he appeared before Yasmin with the face of his Flametongue shielding him from the lightning strike. The blast began pushing Koji back slightly as he placed his left hand against the face of the blade. Mustering the strength he had within him, Koji managed to deflect Yasmin's blast and cast it toward the walls of the cavern. A stern look enveloped his facial expression as he twisted the gear shift handle, igniting the flames within the blade and allowing them to enshroud the metal.

With clenched teeth, Koji charged forward. His blade held to his right side as he lashed it out toward the fiend who quickly parried the strike with its left scimitar and tried to land a counterstrike with his right. Koji, however, perceived the oncoming counter and managed to roll underneath the fiend's blade. He then performed an arching slash against the fiend's right arm, ripping the flesh apart and allowing dark blood to spew outward.

The fiend unleashed another massive wailing as it staggered back slightly. Its eyes had widened at the sight of its blood. Koji watched as the creature dropped both of its blades and began bellowing in pain.

You need to run; you need to get away! The creature cried as it instantly fell to its knees.

The hell's going on? Koji questioned with a slightly raised right eyebrow.

It can't be...this fiend is still struggling to take over the human soul inside it... said Yasmin while walking beside Koji usually whenever someone turns into a fiend that's it. That human part of them is gone forever but this one...

Dakumet...I can't hold Dakumet back much longer...please leave! The creature roared causing both Koji and Yasmin to flinch slightly.

Unfortunately, that's not an option... said Yasmin as she took a couple of steps forward. The lightning began to pick up as electrical Ranshio essences started to surround her body but what we can promise you is a way out of this, by giving you a quick death! Yasmin formed a single seal that represented the lightning element. The essences that surrounded her started to become imbued within her body as a massive energy spike occurred within her.

Koji watched as Yasmin's body transformed with her clothes changing to that of someone who has reached the first stage of Ranshio. She wore a yellow short-sleeved hooded jacket with an array of black lightning streams embroidered on it. The tank top underneath her jacket was black as well along with her short jean shorts which had the front and back part of it covered by a mini skirt with open slits on the side. Her strapped boots were black with yellow straps and her fingerless gloves were also black with yellow straps at the top. Koji had a look of bewilderment as he watched the lightning steadily rising from Yasmin. A rush of excitement soon took over him for he knew what had just occurred. He remembered seeing his father undergoing the same transformation in the past.

She knows how to enter the first stage of Ranshio! Koji stated with trembling hands.

Kill me, kill me now! Dakumet roared as it quickly grabbed both of its scimitars from off the ground and rushed Yasmin at full speed. His blades were dragging behind him, digging up the soil as he made his way to Yasmin. The young Ranshio Warrior had cast her right hand aside as she vanished into a stream of electricity that suddenly surrounded Dakumet. The creature soon regained control of its body as it began emitting flames from within. In quick haste, Dakumet leaped upward with its right fist drawn back slightly. Yasmin held a careful eye on Dakumet's movements as the lightning stream started to bounce off the walls while making its way toward the fiend.

What is it doing, there is no way it's planning to... Koji's eyes widen as he noticed the fiery flame that overtook Dakumet's fist.

Koji watch out, he's planning to attack the surface! Yasmin shouted

Too late! Dakumet shouted as he instantly appeared above the young boy, lashing its fist against the steel of Koji's Flametongue. The massive collision forced the ground below to give in as Koji was driven to the depths by Dakumet's assault. Blood dripped down Koji's forehead as he continued to push back against Dakumet's fist but to no avail, all he could do was hold his ground as he continued to feel the impact of his back colliding against numerous rocks.

Hold on kid! Yasmin cried as she continued her descent toward them in a stream of lightning. Numerous fiends began slowly appearing from within the walls of the cavern, but they were quickly vanquished by Yasmin's electricity as she flew passed them in her descent.

That does it! Koji cried as he began unconsciously gathering fire Ranshio essences within his blade. With clenched teeth and a tightened grip on his blade, Koji broke through the stalemate while unleashing a massive fiery blade beam that severed Dakumet's right arm. Blood gushed outward as Koji gave off a sinister glare with his eyes carrying a red glow within them. Yasmin saw the opportune moment for which she was waiting. She began bouncing off the walls diagonally and then reappeared before Dakumet.

Ranshio Bend! She cried as she drew back her two right fingers, the index, and the middle, Hand of the Lightning God! Yasmin thrust her two fingers against the temple of the beast, allowing all the electrical energy that she had charged up to surge through Dakumet's body. Koji began shielding his eyes from the light show as the creature’s body slowly began disintegrating into dark ash.

Yasmin quickly withdrew her hand and landed right beside Koji with the electricity slowly receding within her body. Koji had stood tall beside her while wiping off the blood that dripped off the right side of his lip. They both looked up with a sigh of relief that the creature was no more.

There's something special about you Koji Memotto, Yasmin said finally, grasping the young boy's attention.

Huh, what do you mean? Koji questioned while tilting his head to the right slightly.

That move you pulled off earlier. It was the Blaze Scar, a move that's common to most fire users. You unknowingly gathered Ranshio essences into your blade and unleashed it on that fiend.

I did? Koji retorted with a blank look on his face. He watched as Yasmin approached him with a bright smile. She placed her right hand against his cheek causing a soft red blush line to appear.

That's not all, your eyes...your eyes have some sort of red glow, Yasmin watched as the red glow slowly receded showing Koji's original eye color once more who are you Koji Memotto...?

Hey, isn't there something we should be looking for? Koji stated while swaying Yasmin's hand from off his cheek.

You're right, thanks to Dakumet, I believe we are right where we should be... Yasmin began walking ahead, passing the massive staircase they were supposed to take to reach their destination. They finally arrived before a massive tone that had a stone tablet set before it. Yasmin placed her right hand on the tablet which caused the boulder that was securing the tomb to rise. The two entered cautiously while scanning the room that became available to them.

What is this place? Koji asked in a pondering tone.

The secret to the Dragon Claws, they're here inside this scroll... Yasmin responded while opening the scroll that was set before her on the table. She saw the image of ten holy dragons, each of them carrying a Dragon Claw within their paw. She continued reading on as her eyes widen from each section of the scroll.

What's it saying...? The legendary dragons weren't the original owners of the Dragon Claws; these claws were stolen from the original holy dragons..."

Wait what?

It's nothing, Yasmin placed the scroll within the inner pockets of her jacket. She spun around slightly to face Koji with a bright smile Well a promise is a promise, after all, it's time to show you the ropes kid!

About time, when do we start!? Koji retorted with clenched fists and a hefty smirk.

As soon as we get out of this cavern, Yasmin stated while lifting her gaze boy, we have a long climb ahead of us...

Chapter Four: The Anfitrion

A few days had passed since Koji and Yasmin defeated the fire fiend Dakumet. The two warriors decided to stay within the safe walls of Sobal Bend City, a popular tourist area where people travel from all over New Eden to partake in the massive festival that takes place around this time of year. Five miles out from Sobal Bend, Koji and Yasmin continued their training in getting Koji accumulated with the fire Ranshio Essences that surrounds them. The young boy sat with his legs crossed on the massive hillside of Sobal Plains. He could feel the wind slightly caressing his cheek as he continued to search for the fire essences around him.

Approaching behind him was Yasmin who had just finished picking up fresh apples from a local tree. She looked at the green pastures that stood below them and began taking a deep breath while soaking at the moment. The wind carried her hair in front of her face as she slowly began tracing the strands back behind her ear. She noticed the young boy not making much progress with gathering fire Ranshio Essences as he released a low grunt with fidgeting eyebrows.

Ahhh it's no use, I can't draw out the fire Ranshio Essences like I did last time! Koji shouted while lifting both of his hands in the air then proceeded in ruffling up his hair.

It's gonna take time to get used to it kid, Tensuke City wasn't built in a day you know, Yasmin replied reassuringly, as she approached the boy while offering him one of the apples she had picked from the tree. Koji looked up at Yasmin and saw the bright smile painted on her face. A red blush line instantly appeared on his face as he quickly grabbed the apple and shifted his gaze away.

Um...thanks... he muttered, then proceeded in taking a bite out of the apple.

You know you don't have to act all bashful around me, right?

It's not that it's just... Koji stumbled on the words to say to Yasmin, he began reflecting on his past for a few seconds while gazing up at the clouds, watching them stroll by. It's nothing... he said finally as he proceeded in taking another bite out of the apple.

Hmmm...ok then... Yasmin had taken it on herself to sit beside Koji with her arms stretched back and her legs stretched forward. She could feel the rich soft soil beneath her fingertips as she started to stare at the sunset that was occurring before her. There's something I've been meaning to ask by the way, she said suddenly, grasping Koji's attention immediately.

What is it? Koji pondered.

Has it just been you, traveling alone all this time?

For a good part of it, yeah, but then I met Vincent and Zack. The three of us have been traveling in search of the Dragon Claws and my friends. We would take on odd jobs as well to make money for our travels,

Really? Where are they? It's been a few days now and you haven't made mention of them or tried to meet up with them...