Fighting Spirit (The Final Barrier)

The War Prologue

When Madam Zari had opened the portal initially all of the spirits were shocked. The time and training was so tense they didn't believe they could have an escape from it all. Sapphire ran through the portal followed by the rest to the sight of a tropical paradise. All of them froze unsure of how to move forward into such a relaxing atmosphere. Sapphire's eyes lit up with excitement, this was exactly what she wanted. She turned to Ramona and Ennui
"Come on girls, I know you two have a spell that can turn these clothes into some sexy bikinis" she said. Ennui and Ramona exchanged glances before shrugging
"This spell is more mental than physical so imagine what bikini you want" Ennui said. Sapphire imagined a bright red bikini, as soon as she thought it her clothes changed in a poof of smoke. Sapphire looked down at herself and smiled "Yessssss" she said. Sapphire's happy mood seemed to go to the others as well because after her, Sofia used her own ice powers to come up with a blue icy top and bottom with an almost pale blue translucent skirt. Ennui and Ramona used their magick on themselves and Eliza to which they all looked stunning. At that very moment the boys realized just how much work all of them put in. The girls before them were no longer skinny or non athletic looking, they all changed. The boys waited a bit before Adrian grew impatient
"What about us?" He asked. Ennui and Ramona looked at them
"What about you?" They asked, Kevin made a face
"You guys can have a sailor moon transformation but we can't have one to change into some swim trunks?" He asked. Ramona chuckled
"You boys will be fine, you have boxers on" all of the boys then erupted with disgruntled replies before Ennui put her hands up

"Fine...Fine if you guys are gonna complain about it we can get you some swim trunks" she said. After the boys had their appropriate clothes for swimming the gang all branched out into groups to either horse around or relax. Kevin pulled Sapphire to the water and slung her into an oncoming wave, he burst out laughing until he got swept under the water. The two wrestled a bit under the water when Saiken noticed and wrinkled his nose. Ramona smirked
"Let them have this moment, they probably haven't had this much fun in awhile" Saiken kept his cold demeanor and looked away.
"I don't agree to this type of thing" he said, Ramona sat up and looked at him
"Why?" She asked
"Because...Jiu isn't like the darkness" he said "The darkness was strong...hell the strongest thing we had ever heard of at that point but this ......this is different" he managed to say. Ramona put her hand on his
"We helped save the world once, we can do it again" she said. Saiken sighed
"This time I feel the enemy is way stronger and cruel" he said.

Back at Madam Zari's Jiu and Greg were face to face about to start a battle that could only be described as young versus old. Greg looked at Jiu and shook his head
"You're early, what happened to six months?" He said, Jiu laughed
"The fact you even believed me shows that you have naivety at your young age" Greg nodded
"Perhaps, or maybe I still follow the old tradition of a warriors code. Your word should be as true as your actions and as sharp as your blade" he said. Jiu wrinkled his nose
"You sound like the pompous Samurai of my time, how unfortunate" he said. For a moment Jiu was back to his original time. He looked around confused, he wore the robes of a monk again as he saw multiple other monks roaming the monastery. "What sorcery is thi-"
"Jiu!" A happy voice said. Jiu turned to see his best friend Sento running his way with a red and white kimono that seemed to glow in the sunlight as he jogged to Jiu. Hand on his katana as he did so, A smile crossed Jiu's face that almost seemed alien to him. If it wasn't for his plans going on without interruption he'd probably keep a stern look forever. Sento stopped in front of Jiu and bowed "It's about time you finished meditating" Sento said. Jiu smirked
"Centering one's soul waits on no one, you know that" he said. Sento wrinkled his nose
"You say that but still get upset if your dumplings are  overcooked" he said with a snicker. Jiu looked away
"I have no idea of what you mean" he said, Sento pushed him playfully and the two began walking to the side of the mountain the monastery stood on. It overlooked the village and the rest of the shogunate's territory. The two remained quiet for a bit before Jiu broke the silence
"How are your wounds?" He asked, Sento put his arm inside his kimono to rub a bandaged gash across his torso.
"It's healing, Lord Sakura says my heroism and quick thinking saved our land" Sento smiled as he looked out over the village. "I'm a hero Jiu! Who would've thought" he said, Jiu clenched his jaw. He didn't have the same sentiment
"What ever happened to the enemies you all were fighting so much? A swift death for them all I assume?" Sento shifted his body weight from foot to foot
"Lord Sakura allowed the remainder of the Cho clan to live in the village, he believes we aren't that different" Jiu swung his head around and put his hands on Sento's shoulders
"What do you mean he allowed them in the village!?!" He shouted. Sento furrowed his brow and slapped Jiu's hands off of him
"He gave them a plot of land by the falls where the Kiarikiri clan used to reside, besides their numbers are large. Once they've settled Lord Sakura will have more samurai to defend us" Sento said. Jiu looked away again and thought for a moment
"I won't let another war happen" he said under his breath. Sento walked up to him and placed his hand on his shoulder
"I know that look, that was the look you gave me when you ran on the battlefield to try and change the tide of the battle. What are you thinking of doing Jiu?" He asked. Jiu didn't say a word he just looked on. Sento sighed "You know, my dream is to one day travel across the seas and have a family over there. Do something my father never dreamed of being a fisherman and all. If I cannot maybe my children or my ancestors will do such." He said
"What are you telling me this for?" Jiu asked, Sento sighed