You Make Me Stronger

@ Jinx...
Ryder and Sylvia looked at each other. At first, Ryder definitely didn't look like he wanted to agree but after looking at Sylvia he crossed his arms and closed his eyes frustrated. "Fine! I guess we don't have much of a choice," Ryder grumbled. "Yay!" Sylvia exclaimed excited to about it all. Saber still looked concerned and asked, "So, how are we going to find them?" Kali appeared from the shadows as usual and replied, "I tagged his shadow. I can find him for you if you want." Ryder still clearly didn't trust Kali but Saber and Sylvia both agreed. "Metal man sure gave you guys a run for your money. With his power, I don't even know if my shadows will have an effect," Kali said. Ryder was intrigued by this statement and asked for a few more details about this guy. When Saber explained what he was like Ryder grinned and said, "We have nothing to worry about then. Just try to find him, Kali." Kali grinned and replied, "Are you finally taking a liking to me?" Ryder didn't answer but simply stared back waiting on her to get to it. "Pfft. You're no fun when you're dead set on something. You're just as stubborn as both parts of me," Kali said referring to her and Saber. Kali walked past everyone entirely and kept walking. She didn't seem to have any care about what happened earlier or how most of them react.

@ Alphora
Ember chuckled at Sylvia's outburst of excitement. Ember hugged her then stood when Kali appeared. She ran a hand through her hair. "That is great thank you. But I am still not sure what we can really do when we get to them. Who do you think is going to be with him because I seriously doubt he will be alone this time." Ember said and looked at Ryder. "Mind sharing with us you're plan?" she asked not really wanting to get into a fight with a man that didn't bleed again. She rubbed her hand that she had used to hit him in the nose. Ember hoped she had caused at least some pain but she highly doubted it. Ember sighed as they started to follow Kali. Ember walked beside Ryder and took his hand gently. She smiled when he looked over at her. She patted his hand then let him go. She hoped that she wouldn't loose these people she loved as family when it was all said and done.

@ Jinx...
Ryder nodded then said, "We're going to do it just like last time." Ryder felt Ember's hand and knew she was worried so he continued to explain a little more as he walked. "Luckily, we have someone whose beaten this metal man before with us today. His name is Veno, and just like you know he can make himself immune to specific things from specific people. He really is the perfect elemental killer, but there's a way around him," Ryder explained then turned to Saber and grew a little frustrated. "Hmm?" Saber asked wondering what his glare was for then Ryder added, "And for you, I better not catch you doing what you've been doing lately. Ember mentally smacked some sense into you so you better be off it. You always hold back when you're worried about something and I know what you're really like when you want to be so focus on saving Laura this time around." Saber couldn't help but laugh and say, "Honestly, I get it okay? I'm more than fine now." Ryder crossed his arms and said, "Hmp...Anyways, we can assume all of the people who attacked us will be there this time around. And most likely at a base of operations of sorts. My plans will change depending on where they are so until then we just need to lay low and find them."

@ Alphora
Ember smiled as Ryder turned to Saber and reminded him to not become impersonal because of his worry. She wanted to hug Ryder for it honestly. She smiled and walked with Ryder nodding as he finished what he was saying. She looked back at Sylvia walking with her father and gave her a wink knowing she was happy to be here actually part of the group. "My only concern is Orthrus. If he's there I... I don't see how we can win just yet. Phoenix and I might have a card up our sleeves but it's still shakey at best and it takes a lot of energy from us." She said and looked at Kali in front of them. Ember ran a hand through her hair. She and Phoenix really needed to get good at switching fluidly. It seemed to be an edge she didn't thing Leo had.

@ Jinx...
"It's okay," Ryder said then smirked and added, "Honestly Veno and Orthrus are at the bottom of my concern list." Saber was taken aback by this statement because from his standpoint those two were the most threatening, but Saber saw the same confident grin he always wears on Ryder and couldn't help but trust him. Saber couldn't help but laugh and say, "That's my boy." He only said it to where Sylvia and Ember who were close by could hear but he was incredibly happy. They had been walking for about two hours before Saber realized where they were heading. He remembered a town very close by that him, Laura, and Tawny used to go to all the time as a kid. Although, he also heard it was pillaged right before there village so he wouldn't be surprised if it was in worse ruins than the one they were staying in. "Huh?" Saber said as he stopped. He looked up and saw dark clouds over head and almost immediately after it began snowing.

@ Alphora
Ember smiled hearing Saber compliment Ryder. "Least of your concern? Alright so what is at the top of your list?" She said and smiled at him. They kept talking a while until Saber spoke and Ember looked back at him then up at the sky. She frowned. That had to be elemental. She frowned as it started to snow on her. Ember increased her heat to keep them warm. "What are they doing to her?" She whispered feeling sick and angry at the same time. Ember looked at Kali. "How much further?" She asked feeling impatient to get to her friend. Ember couldn't imagine what Laura was going through or what she must be thinking but she hoped that Laura knew that they all were coming for her.

@ Jinx...
"The top of my concerns are you guys and Laura," Ryder said then explained, "Aside from Veno and Robin I haven't ever met the other three so I don't know too much about them." Ryder felt the snow hit him as well and grew a little impatient. "They're probably trying to take her element away by sucking out her energy and releasing it into the air," Ryder explained seeing the snow and feeling the familiar cold chill he got around Laura. "Kali! How much longer until-?" Ryder was cut off by Kali who was annoyed. "QUIT NAGGING ME!" She exclaimed annoyed at both Ryder and Ember then pointed out as they reached the top of a hill and said, "They're in that crap hole of a town." Saber's face grew serious as he was sure it was the town from when he was little. Ryder examined the town from above and saw a specific area where the energy was being released into the area. "Ryder, let's work together on this one. I'm fine with you directing our actions if it means saving Laura, but let me navigate. I know this place really well," Saber said. Ryder nodded immediately. Sylvia smiled seeing them working together for once.

@ Alphora
Ember looked over the hill as well and bit her lip. "Alright guys so what's the plan?" she asked more than wanting to just go rushing in to save Laura. Ember listened to Phoenix evaluating the situation to her inside her head. Ember nodded as she listened to Ryder telling her nearly the same thing that Phoenix was. Ember bit her lip thinking of Laura. "Just hold on Laura." she whispered and then bit her lip harder.

@ Jinx...
Ryder rushed everyone ahead behind him. The town was entirely deserted and the buildings were in tatters. Snow was already completely covering the ground making it a bright white everywhere. Ryder edged his way along the side of a building with everyone behind him and peered around the corner. "Tch! Those bastards are clever," Ryder said then turned back to everyone else and explained, "Both Leo and Veno are guarding the front. I'm assuming they put those two there because they gave you guys the most trouble so they'd be able to hold you off the longest for this to be complete." Saber looked concerned and asked, "So, what do you want us to do?" Ryder smirked and said, "Saber. Sylvia and I will create an opening. As soon as you see a chance take Kali and Ember to get Laura. As far is strategy goes I trust you to use whatever you see fit at the time." Before Saber or Ember could object Ryder and Sylvia darted forward in complete unison then stood facing apart from Leo and Veno. Leo stood crossing his arms while Veno looked excited. "I didn't expect them to just come crawling to us openly," Veno said happily. "This one is the one that gave Robin a hard time, but I don't recognize the girl," Leo said plainly crossing his arms. "Sylvia, you know what to do," Ryder said and smirked watching her. She nodded and charged forward with a huge gust of wind propelling her towards Veno. Veno held his hand forward and the lens swirled. "Sorry girly, but your wind isn't going to work on me," Veno said confidently as she continued to zoom towards him. "Sorry dad. I know we promised to tell everyone together, but Sylvia's the only one who can beat Veno," Ryder said to himself. Sylvia circled around Veno at high speeds just like she learned from Saber. "I guess I just won't use my wind on you, then!" Sylvia exclaimed as she jetted towards him and kicked forward with brilliant glowing flames erupting from her leg. It slammed into Veno and sent him flying back. "Huh?!" Veno exclaimed shocked then reaimed his lens and it swirled once more then said, "F-fine! Now your fire doesn't work on me!" Sylvia giggled then said, "I'll just have to hit you with more wind then!" She used her flames to jet forward this time and used a huge razor wind to tear him up and send him back further. Leo was in shock and began to move to help Veno but Ryder stood in the way. Leo who was frustrated already exclaimed, "Orthrus! We have to sync up." His demeanor changed just like before and his energy was definitely higher than before. Ryder smirked and said, "I guess we'll be on even playing grounds here. I may not have gotten either of my parents elements but I did get something even better. Phoenix! Synchro!" Ryder focused his energy. His hair turned a crimson blood red color and red energy began emanating off of him. "Phoenix was passed onto me when I was born, and instead of using her flames I convert all of her fire energy into my physical elemental energy that I normally use. I like it to call it my Blaze King mode," Ryder said smiling brightly. At this point, both Ember and Phoenix could hear her inside of him. 'Finally, I can stretch my wings instead of stay in hiding. Ryder, darling, are you ready? It's been awhile.' Phoenix said to him inside of his mind. "Of course, partner!" Ryder said talking to her as his best friend then directed his attention towards Leo and said, "Let's go." Orthrus angrily rushed forward with a giant claw of light. Ryder caught it with his bare hand then said, "Don't forget. Every bit of energy Phoenix can output just gets converted to me!" He crushed the claw in his hand then dashed forward with a kick that echoed across the whole town. Orthrus flew back and held his side. "What the hell is going on?!" Orthrus asked angrily. Ryder glanced back giving a thumbs up signalling now was there chance. Saber was taken aback and incredibly proud which made him pause, but after he saw Ryder glance back he nodded and began rushing towards the building where Laura's energy was coming out of.

@ Alphora
Ember nodded as Ryder laid out the plan. She was nervous about them being by themselves against Leo and Veno. "Be safe." she said and bit her lip as they rushed into battle. Ember watched intently as they started their battle. She gasped as they revealed their secrets. She wanted to rush to them and embrace them but she followed Saber and Kali into the building. She smiled listening to Phoenix inside of Ryder. She chuckled loving how they got a long. Ryder and Phoenix were really a team and her children were amazing. Well her and Ryder's children. Ember rushed into the door were Laura was being held and she gasped taking in the heavy machinery that was hooked up to Laura. "Their killing her. Saber we need to get her out of here." she said and bit her lip moving to a computer trying to figure out how to safely detach Laura.

@ Jinx...
The building looked like a very big garage used to hold a lot of machinery, but there wasn't much in it. At the opposite end was the same tube that carried Laura away. It was filled with a strange liquid that kept her floating inside the tube unconscious. "Not so fast!" A voice said as an arrow appeared under Ember sending her flying back towards Saber and Kali. Saber caught Ember and slid a few feet back keeping her in his arms and standing his ground. "You alright?" Saber asked smiling. He turned and saw all of their previous enemies again. "Those are the two that gave me a bit of trouble," Saber said looking at Emily and Reiner. He recognized the third girl from when he saved Ember earlier, and was sure it was Robin. "This will be tricky," Saber said. A line of arrows formed between all of them and Laura so even if they managed to slip past those three the arrows would send them way from her. Heavy gravity began to weigh down on Saber, Ember, and Kali. Saber was barely able to stand but held his own. "Heh. I guess that's one thing Ryder has a leg up on me," Saber said remembering how easily Ryder stood in this. "Tch!" Kali scoffed annoyed at being forced down. She descended into the shadows then quickly slithered towards where Laura was but the arrows still forced her back even in shadow form. "Nothing goes past my arrows," Emily said confidently. Kali was safe in the shadows but she saw Saber couldn't very well move with the gravity he was under and quickly slid towards Robin. Reiner moved to get in her way but a gust of wind kept him standing where he was. Kali appeared out of the shadow and tried to slash at Robin. She ducked and lost focus of her gravity which freed Saber and Ember.

@ Alphora
Ember gasped looking up just as someone called out. She felt the blow hit her body then she was blasted back hitting Saber's strong body and looked up at him as he asked if she was alright. "Yeah." Ember nodded and then stood back up. "Let's get them." She said and stood her ground but as soon as Robin used her gravity she fell to the floor and groaned trying to push herself back up. Once she was able to move she looked over at Saber remembering the story he had told her earlier about these two she had never seen before. "I think I would be better off facing that guy Saber." she said smiling knowing she had a few tricks that might help her with shock waves. It would be all about control and she liked that struggle rather than facing a force she didn't understand. Those stupid arrows made no sense to her.

@ Jinx...
Saber looked at the giant man again. He was at least a foot taller than Saber and a whole size bigger, but he wanted to trust Ember. Hesitantly, Saber nodded agreeing to keep Emily away from her. Saber turned to see Kali and Robin. Every time Robin would try to change gravity around Kali she would simply descend into the shadows and reappear on another side of Robin. Robin grew frustrated and tried swinging on her but her fist went straight through as if Kali's body was made of shadow. "Hehe," Kali taunted standing right in front of Robin without moving. 'I guess she's under control at least,' Saber thought to himself for mild relief. "I figured you'd know never to take your eyes off of your opponent," Emily said as an arrow appeared underneath Saber's feet. It launched him backwards towards her. She placed an arrow underneath herself which sent her slamming into him with a kick. Saber rolled then stood on his feet. The increased impact definitely made a difference. Normally, she probably wouldn't hit too hard.

@ Alphora
Ember ran towards the man that was towering over her. She used her agility to bounce around him and touched the floor. The floor cracked starting to melt under their feet. She pulled up chunks burning ground as she moved around him and tossed her lava rocks at him thinking that if she could get a hard stone over towards Laura or even to get this giant to toss a wave in Laura's direction then maybe she could break Laura out without having to get closer to her. It seemed fairly safe to fight around seeing as the ones attacking didn't seem to afraid of breaking the tube. Ember gasped having been distracted a moment and rolled to avoid a blow. She came back up spreading fire into the air around the man making it harder for him to breath.

@ Jinx...
Saber stood waiting for Emily to make a move but she stood there waiting as well then saber clenched his teeth realizing how strangled for time they were. He wasn't sure how long that machine could take, so all these guys had to do was keep them at bay long enough. He knew this was a fight where they were pressed for time. He had to find a way to defeat Emily or the arrows that kept everything away wouldn't go away. Emily saw his frustration and couldn't help but smirk. Suddenly a circle of arrows formed around her as well almost declaring invincibility. "So? What now?" Emily taunted now that nothing could get inside her circle and to her because it would simply be pushed out. He stared for a moment then glanced around. He charged toward the tube one more time. Emily didn't move and simply waited for him to be shot back. He tried boosting himself forward with wind but all it did was hold him in place because his wind pushed him forward while the arrow pushed him back keeping him standing on top of her arrow like their previous fight. "I told you, you can't push past these arrows," Emily said still grinning and watching. "Then I'll just have to get rid of them!" Saber yelled as he surrounded his fist in swirling wind like a small tornado and slammed it into the ground. The tattooed arrow was now scattered among several blocks of rubble spread around. He turned quickly and charged towards Emily who he was sure would replace the arrow as soon as possible. "Ember or Kali! When you see an opening I've made a path to Laura now! I'll do everything I can to keep her too busy to make new ones!" Saber yelled as he slammed the arrow next to Emily and charged to tackle her to the ground.

@ Alphora
Ember smiled. Just in time. She thought as she had the man waist deep in the floor. She flipped over towards Laura and looked at Laura a second finding the weak spot in the machine and light her hand up hot enough to burn through the metal. She smiled when the machine started to break down and little alarms went off. Ember saw the machine stop draining Laura. When the machine was just about to release Laura she gasped as something hit her making her blow through a wall. Ember groaned her head spinning. She could taste the iron in her blood as she licked her lip struggling to sit up. Her body was already beginning to rebuild herself but she groaned with the pain anyways. Ember looked up to see the man walking towards her. Ember looked behind him to see the door for Laura pop open. Ember smiled at the man. "You're in for it now." she said and laughed.

Jinx...:

@ Alphora
Ember smiled. Just in time. She thought as she had the man waist deep in the floor. She flipped over towards Laura and looked at Laura a second finding the weak spot in the machine and light her hand up hot enough to burn through the metal. She smiled when the machine started to break down and little alarms went off. Ember saw the machine stop draining Laura. When the machine was just about to release Laura she gasped as something hit her making her blow through a wall. Ember groaned her head spinning. She could taste the iron in her blood as she licked her lip struggling to sit up. Her body was already beginning to rebuild herself but she groaned with the pain anyways. Ember looked up to see the man walking towards her. Ember looked behind him to see the door for Laura pop open. Ember smiled at the man. "You're in for it now." she said and laughed.