[@Bornlucky] [center][b]RYOMA MIKAMI[/B][/CENTER] The very air seemed to distort. It felt liberating, as if the oppressive atmosphere had been lifted by a forceful gale. Like a fog in Ryoma's mind clearing for the first time in an eternity. The pain in his gut still persisted, but it felt dulled compared to the changed air. As if his declaration had released something within that had been locked away for a millennium, something that was now bubbling to the surface in a fierce show of power. It writhed and intensified within, almost as if it sought to tear through his innards to escape. His mind cleared of doubts about the pain, it spread from his head down to his feet, Ryoma grabbed the sides of his head and grinded his teeth trying to resist the pain tearing him apart from the inside like the monsters around them wished to do to him, but it felt his own body was doing it to itself to release the power. Violent waves of energy slammed into the monster atop of him, blasting it back into its approaching comrade and sending them sprawling against the wood. The power in him crackled. His nerves were set ablaze. Jittering sparks danced across his skin. "Ryo-kun!" Even as she struggled hopelessly against her own attacker, Ai's pale face, a thin, bloody cut down her cheek, was marked by worry and fear for her companion. She tried and tried to push the monster away, her eyes transfixed in horror at Ryoma's pained writhing. Agony thudded through the boy's veins. Drumming harder and harder. The voice from a few moments ago rang out. [center][i][COLOR=007fff]Is this how you choose to die? Like a pathetic dog?[/color][/i][/center] It was power. A voice - strong and harsh - slicing through the fog of pain and fear like a shining knife. [center][i][color=007fff]A little boy so utterly scared that he'll let everyone run roughshod over him? A little boy who scorns himself in favour of the judgement of others? A little boy who thinks that the only way to survive is to be chained down by their misconceptions?[/color][/I][/center] His heart drummed. The beat was wild, thudding hard against his chest. [center][i][color=007fff]Do you think that's what you want?[/color][/i][/center] "Ryo-kun!" A scream full of fright. Yet it seemed so dull, drowned out by the voice that cut directly to his soul. [center][i][color=007fff]No. You don't just want to survive. You want to finally live. You want to travel the path that you, of your own genuine volition, chose. You want to be [b]you[/b].[/color][/i][/center] Someone who was strong. Someone who was caring. Some who would be remembered as who they truly were. [center][i][color=007fff]Those who dared to misjudge you shall repent! The "other you" that lies within your heart will no longer be chained! [b]I am thou ... and thou art I ...[/b] This is the true you, the Ryoma Mikami who strives to become a guardian! Now, render our judgement upon their sins! Call forth my name![/color][/i][/center] [b][color=3333ff]"You're right...Anubis... No more of just surviving day to day... I will live and I will lay out my judgements to all those who have denied me to be myself... No more denying who I really am!"[/color][/b] Ryoma growled as he punched the ground with such force that it shatter that segment of floor. Ryoma looked up to the monsters who dare lay a hand on his friend with bright unnatural yellow eyes. He stood as if all the pain of moments ago had vanished... but it didn't he has denied the pain's power over his and he pointed his finger at the demon nearest Ai with deadly resolve. [b][color=3333ff]"You shall be the first of my dark, yet just judgements! Anubis! I call forth your power! Give me the strength to defeat all those who deny me my truth! And to deny death itself this day!"[/color][/b] The beating of power reached a crescendo. In the darkness of the hallway, a miracle emerged. A hound-headed man ... a warrior clad in night, materialised in a tempest of power and light above Ryoma Mikami, its triumphant howl resounding across the school. The monsters were frozen in shock, their gaze unable to peel away from the intense azure of the ethereal being's eyes. Khenti-Seh-netjer. The Guardian of the Scales had arrived. And he would flay all enemies before him. [b][color=3333ff]"You'll wish you could go to the underworld once I'm done with you, but I deny you a peaceful end... Anubis! Shroud this demon with the darkest of judgements! Eiha!"[/color][/b] Ryoma yelled out with resolve he never knew he had. Making monsters fear him is exhilarating, for once he's didn't feel like garbage causing fear. Anubis lifted it arm and a dramatic show of dominance, suddenly surrounding the monster atop of Ai was a black and red vortex of what can only be called curse incarnate, Ryoma knew this attack will tear apart the monster from within but should keep Ai safe. Ryoma will tear apart anything that wishes to harm others, especially his friends. The monster had no time to react. Ai screamed as the table creature was torn apart above her, adrenaline spiking as its body was ripped into nothingness. Her breathing was ragged, and her eyes were wide, as if unable to believe what had just happened. Her trembling body shifted as she turned to face where Ryoma stood. She froze at the sight of Anubis, the guardian spirit waiting in a dangerous, powerful stance above her fellow teenager. "That's ..." Surprise. Relief. Confusion. They were all present in her tone. But there was no time for explanations. A sound from the other side of the hallway distracted them. If they were to turn, to look past the two remaining monsters crumpled in a heap and returning to stand once more, they would see that icy, armoured thing detach its bow from where it hung. They would see it detach its bow ... and begin nocking a frozen arrow.