A Door that Opens Part 10

One serious thrust from her fist straight into Chio's chest sent him sprawling into the giant stairstep behind him. He caught it with his hand, and glared at her. They were both in not very good condition. Rise's back was still absolutely killing her, and Chio hated the cold air, and had to hide his shivering. Chio's shirt was completely off then, and Rise could not help but stare at his torso.

That was when she saw all of the scars on his chest, stomach, and arms.

Rise: My God... What happened to you? Those are no ordinary scars. Those are scars of torture...

Chio's eyes scowled, and he suddenly jumped straight up into the air.

Chio: Geppou! [Jumps for a second time in the air] Rankyaku! Chio Senka! [Began kicking several energy blades all at once, they began to spread all through the area.]

Rise: Taru Taru! [stretches out into a sail] Koukai! [Begins to make holes in her sail-like body to avoid all of the blades]

That was when her arm stretched out in the form of tar straight for Chio, who spun around for a kick, a Rankyaku blade flying straight for the tar, cutting it off and allowing him to dodge it safely. He did not see, however, the third long arm of tar, and was captured into it.

Chio: Damnit! [He struggled desperately against the tar, which overtook his body, only his head was visible]

Rise: Very nice display of fighting spirit, kid. You certainly are very well trained. I can see why Rinji chose you as his first mate. But this charade is over... [Her smile suddenly got serious.]

Before she could formally restrain Chio, she saw a figure off to the side. She turned to look at a purely ivory white woman sitting cross-legged near the giant step. Her eyes were closed, and on her forehead, she could have sworn she saw a third eye shut. Her small skirt and blouse were pearl white, and shining through the darkness around them. Before Rise could ask anything, the shining ivory woman spoke.

Woman: Please, leave, I must speak with the boy.

Rise: Excuse me? I am a Vice Admiral in the Government's Naval Marines, this is my prisoner, please stay out of it.

The woman's eyes opened, all three of them, and all of them gazed at Rise, causing her to reel slightly. Her gaze caused Rise to sweat, and even made her shiver. Suddenly, she began to put down Chio, and even released him from her tar prison.

Rise: Listen, lady, you need to back up off me, and quick.

The woman stood up and her gaze became more and more pressuring. Rise began to shake, but took on her fighting stance none the less.