Thunder rumbled in the background, followed by a flash of lightning. The skies grew increasingly dark, the gray clouds concealing the blue firmament and the bright, promising sun. A cold, sharp wind blew through the once enchanting forest. A flock of birds flew out of the treetops to escape the perils of what was to come.

In the large forest clearing, two opposing sides were facing one another. On one side stood the young Chibi Troopers. Each child was filled with confidence and determination. Chibi Tenku no Touma stood near the front, holding his bow and arrow. He was prepared to strike at a moment's notice. On the other side, the menacing Kaijin and his minion stood side by side. The Shadowling, who had shed his disguise of the dead Oni Masho stood in an aggressively stance, prepared to attack on his master's cue. It giggled maliciously as its kind was known to do a lot of.

"You don't possibly think you can come up against one such as myself now, do you?" Kaijin mused playfully. "You know that I will not hold back, considering you really aren't children."

"We don't really want to fight," Chibi Rekka no Ryo explained to him. "We don't want you hurting us."

"Just tell us where Sachiriku is," Chibi Suiko no Shin added with a glazed look in his ocean blue eyes.

The sound of a bow dropping to the ground was heard. Chibi Ryo, Chibi Shin, Chibi Seiji, and Chibi Shu watched in shock as Chibi Touma had lost his grip on the bow and crumpled to the ground. The blue haired child curled into a tight ball and was squeezing his eyes shut, trying to fight the pain he was experiencing.

I hurt so much! Chibi Touma thought in a panic. My insides... my head... my arms and legs... everything! Can barely breathe...!

"Touma!" All four boys cried out to their fallen friend. They rushed over and gathered around him, constantly asking him what was wrong.

During this time, Kaijin wore a smug expression behind his mask. The poison that Sachiriku created within each Chibi Trooper was taking its effect once more. He had thought the boys overcame this but apparently this wasn't the case. It would now be easy for him to capture the children and take them back to the castle.

"Like taking candy from a baby," Kaijin commented, followed by an ominous cackle. Then he said to the Chibi Troopers, "That watcher woman believed that she could save you by changing your form so the poison would not affect you as much? She was wrong! Now you will all suffer because of her!"

Chibi Ryo, after looking helplessly at Chibi Touma, rose to his feet. His jet black hair hid his blue eyes, which were normally cheerful and full of hope. He reached behind his back and tightly gripped the handle of one of Rekka Ken.

"Kaijin," he growled through clenched teeth, "I won't forgive you for what you and Sachiriku have done to us." He swiftly drew out his weapon and spun around on his heels so he was facing Kaijin with tears in his eyes. "Never!"

Notwithstanding his friends' outcries, Chibi Ryo sprung into the air and drew out his other sword. Joining them together, he cried, "SO EN ZAN!"

The blast of energy streamed over to his enemies on one swift motion. The Shadowling tried to move out of the way but at the last minute, Kaijin grabbed it by the wrist. Kaijin's eyes flashed with energy before he turned around and threw his own minion to Ryo's fiery attack. The Shadowling screamed as it was instantly consumed and melted into oblivion. Afterwards, Kaijin held up a hand and created a force field as the blast washed over him without doing any harm to his body.

Chibi Ryo landed on the ground once more but only to fall on his hand and knees. He was panting very heavily as if he had just ran a marathon. Sweat trickled down his boyish features and his eyes were pale and cloudy. He felt very sick to his stomach and at that moment, he wanted somebody to comfort him... "Ryo!"

Chibi Seiji, Chibi Shin, and Chibi Shu were stricken with alarm. Chibi Shu grabbed Chibi Seiji and exclaimed, "Do something! Can't you heal them?"

"Let me go!" Chibi Seiji objected as he drew his hand away from the other boy. " I can't! I don't know how to... Oh no! Shin!" He and Chibi Shu watched as Chibi Shin fell onto his back in a soft patch of grass, his face extremely pallid and clammy in appearance.

The two remaining Chibi Troopers were so upset over what was going on that they did not see Kaijin coming right behind them, his hands glowing with raw energy. The only thing they heard was his voice in their heads.

You're next.

~*~

"Whee! Oh yes this is it!"

Sachiriku stood before her crystal ball and was clapping all six of her hands together in pure excitement. She witnessed the downfall of the Chibi Troopers through her crystal ball and was eager to see that Kaijin performed his job well.

"Yes, this is too perfect!" she squealed with such melodrama in her voice. "I finally get what I want!"

She sat back in her throne and closed her eyes as her snow white hair fell against her shoulders. She would love the revenge she would get on those who've made her life so miserable, Arago being number one on her list. But something really felt odd--something wasn't right about going after Arago.

Maybe because he's dead? No, of course not! He's not dead! He's alive and he makes fun of me all of time! Calling me a freak! I hate him! I hate him! I *hate* him! Dead, ha! He's not dead... what nonsense. Dead... it's like saying if he's dead then I'm just a six-armed freak who truly is... MAD!

"Sachiriku-sama, it's the priestess!" a Shadowling yelled as it burst into the room.

"Hmm?" Sachiriku replied lazily, not moving from her spot. "Huh? Who? What? Where?"

"She's escaped! Kaosu-Kayura has escaped! She's gone!"

Sachiriku sat up and her eyes were filled with demented animosity. "What? Don't just stand there--FIND HER! And... kill her."

~*~

Kayura raced through the dark, bleak forest that stretched outside of Sachiriku's castle. Her heart was pounding and her eyes were filled with fear and anxiety. Her smooth skin was covered in scratches as she whipped through the sharp tree branches and bushes, their sharp ends grazing and poking at her. She used the staff to break aside any major obstacle that got in her way. All she wanted to do was get out and get as far away from Sachiriku as she possibly could.

I want to help her but I can't! I feel horrible for just abandoning a lost soul... but I can't be the one to help her! I must find a way back to Nasuti's house and find her!

Just a few miles back, the sound of malicious giggling could be heard echoing all through the dreary timberland. The Shadowlings were bound to catch Kayura soon or later; for a pack of psychotic goons, they were quite fast and agile!

A faint light was seen at the end of the woods and Kayura felt a renewed energy fill her body. It was the exit! Yet before she could take a step further, she was tackled from the side and sent crashing through dead plants and bones of long gone creatures. Groaning in pain, Kayura forced herself to sit up in spite of her back having been cut open by an animal's broken rib. As she rose to her feet, the Shadowlings surrounding her with narrowed eyes and twisted smiles. The sound of laughter surrounded her, almost driving her to the very brink of madness. Never the less, she would rather die than submit herself to evil. Not again.

Before the Shadowlings could make their attack, a voice from the distance shouted, "TOU CHI MOU!"

The Shadowlings yelped as blades extended out of nowhere and attached themselves onto tree trunks and branches. Silk spurted out from the blades and in a matter of moments, the creatures were caught in sticky webs, unable to move without getting themselves stuck even further. Kayura's eyes and mouth widen with joy as she recognized this attack!

Another voice, this time hidden in the shadows cried out, "ANKOKU CHOU HIRIGI!"

Multiple blasts of black lightning bolts was released and it slammed into the Shadowlings. Yet before this attack could finish, someone else yelled, "JA GA KEN!"

Orange whip-like energy collided into the Shadowlings, creating a huge explosion that destroyed plenty of the woodland area around them.

Finally, it was Kayura's turn to attack. She held the staff before her and closed her eyes. The head of the staff shined effulgent light upon her foes. Whatever remained of the Shadowlings transformed into beautiful, tiny butterflies. As they fluttered away and as the dust cleared, Kayura fell to her knees in exhaustion. The staff fell to the ground noisily beside her. She felt terribly weak yet she forced herself to keep conscious.

The sound of heavy footsteps were heard. Kayura wearily lifted her head and she smiled weakly as she found Rajura, Anubisu, and Naaza standing before her in their armors sans helmets.

"Stupid brat," Anubisu teased as he kneeled before her, grinning somewhat. "You just had to get yourself into this mess, didn't you?" Naaza and Rajura were also kneeling at her side, worried about the last of the Kaosu clan.

"How did you get out?" Rajura asked as he gathered the 12-year old girl into his arms. He was careful not to hurt, with all of the wounds inflicted upon her body, as they all made their way out of the forest. The staff mysteriously vanished but everyone knew that if Kayura were to need it, it would return. "It's a long story," Kayura whispered in a tired voice. She was grateful for the Masho but she would have to thank them when she didn't hurt all over. "But we need... to hurry and find the Samurai Troopers... Sachiriku is preparing her final phase of attack...!"

~*~

The Chibi Troopers were laying on top of one another inside a magical bubble, all of them in a state of unconsciousness. The bubbled hovered alongside Kaijin as he made his way to the hillsides of this illusionary land. He couldn't believe his luck! All five Troopers were in his possession! Soon he would deliver them to Sachiriku and watch as she would use them to seek her happiness. He realized that he'd do anything for her, despite how insane she was. He wouldn't let anything happen to her.

Inside the bubble, Chibi Ryo opened his eyes. Lifting his head wearily, he discovered his friends in their state and panicked. "Where are we?" he asked. "What's going on?!"

"Keep it quiet in there," Kaijin answered without turning to look at him. "Your new destiny awaits with Sachiriku-sama."

"Grr!" The little boy turned and shook his friends by their shoulders, trying to wake them up. "C'mon you guys!" he urged desperately. "We have to do something! You guys, please!"

Ryo.

"Huh?"

Lifting his head, Chibi Ryo no longer found himself in the bubble but instead in a beautiful cherry tree grove. Everything else that surrounded the area was pure white: to his side, above him, and underneath him was all white. A faint breeze blew from the east and few cherry blossom petals flew past Chibi Ryo.

"Where... am I?"

You are a strong boy despite what has been going on, Ryo-kun.

A ghostly image appeared before Chibi Ryo. It was Mirai Rekka no Ryo, wearing his silver and red armor. Although he armor appeared mighty and rather fearful, his face and eyes were kind and caring. Chibi Ryo knew he wouldn't be afraid of this person.

"Hello again," Chibi Ryo greeted timidly. He remained sitting on the ground, not knowing what to do. But as he remembered his friends, he placed his hands flat on the ground and leaned forward. "You have to help us, please! We're in trouble and Kaijin is gonna take us to the witch's castle to be eaten or... or something!"

I'm only an entity from within your heart. I cannot do anything. But you can, Ryo-kun. You have the power: your mind, body, and spirit is what powers the armors.

"Me?" Chibi Ryo put a hand on his chest and blinked in confusion, unable to believe what Mirai Ryo just said. "What do you mean? I'm only a kid!"

Age does not matter. The power of the armor is influenced by the wearer, their emotions, and aspirations. If you are a good person, then your armor will grow strong and prosperous. Yet if the wearer were to be a bad person, the armor will grow just as strong but will stray to the path of evil. The armors were created to protect our world from those of baneful minds and dark hearts. Ryo-kun, do you have the strength and desire to save your friends?

"You bet! But..." The child lowered his head and said meekly, "I'm sick and so are the others. It's because of that witch that we can't fight as strong."

Mirai Ryo smiled and reached a hand out to him. Chibi Ryo gasped and squeezed his eyes shut, thinking that he was going to be hit. Instead he opened one eye and then the other as he found Mirai Ryo resting his hand on top of his head. He was kneeling before him and his blue eyes were so warm and gentle looking. Chibi Ryo felt relaxed and comforted whenever he would look into them. Was he really like this as an adult?

You will all grow strong. Your friendship is something that you should keep at your sides. Many others and myself have faith in you Samurai Troopers. Just believe it yourself and your armor.

A pier of light shined down upon Chibi Ryo and gently lifted him from the ground. Chibi Ryo watched as Mirai Ryo stood up and waved to him before vanishing into thin air. With reinvigorated persistence, the child knew what he had to do.

"Hang on you guys," he whispered as he closed his eyes and clasped his hands in front of his heart. "I'll save you! Just hang on!"

~*~

Kaijin stood on top of the hill and with his arms stretched out. He brought his hands together and lifted them palm-side up. With a clear cut voice, he shouted, "Open the gates!"

Tall red gates became visible and slowly flew open, revealing the Youjakai on the other side. Kaijin turned and sneered at the bubble that remained floating beside him.

"Soon, children, you will feel the wrath of--!" He sweatdropped and waved his fists about as he saw something wrong. He growled, "Hey, one of them is missing!"

"Right here, monster!" a jubilant sounding voice spoke out.

Kaijin turned around and discovered a light pier shining down upon another hillside. Unearthing from the ground was Chibi Rekka no Ryo, only this time he wasn't so little. He appeared in the form of a 10-year old, rather than a 6-year old like before. After the pillar faded, Chibi Ryo drew out Rekka Ken and stood courageously before his enemy, his eyes filled with that hero's light.

The masked man shook his head and took a step back, almost bumping into the bubble that contained the other Chibi Troopers. "N-No!" he said in a alarm. "How can this be? How could you have aged so rapidly?! The poison Sachiriku-sama used shouldn't make you be able to grow anymore!"

Wordlessly, Chibi Ryo leaped into the air and drew his swords back. A circle of light, almost resembling the sun appeared behind him as he was prepared to use his attack. At this time, Kaijin drew his hands together and began to chant a few words in an ancient language. His whole body was surrounded by a dim hue as he summoned a bright ball of red and blue energy above him. He held out his hands and the ball of energy was sent hurling towards Chibi Ryo.

The ball slammed into the armor wearing boy, consuming him. A grant explosion was seen and Kaijin laughed as a swirl of energy surrounded the clouds that were created from the impact, attacking Chibi Ryo from within. Kaijin took another step back and sneered.

"So you thought you could stop me with your little tricks?" he gloated. "What a fool you are, boy!"

Behind Kaijin, the four Chibi Troopers' virtues appeared on each of their foreheads: Chi, Gi, Rei, and Shin. Their bodies were also glowing with their respective colors and their expressions were peaceful and undisturbed.

As the clouds of energy cleared away, Kaijin's laughter died. He cried out in frustration when he discovered Chibi Rekka no Ryo still in the sky. Only this time, his red armor was no longer in place, instead the Shiroi Kikoutei was being worn! And in Chibi Ryo's hands were not Rekka Ken, but Koretsu Ken. Kaijin realized to his horror that the Chibi Troopers were able to summon the white armor without his knowledge until it was too late!

Chibi Ryo drew his swords back and unleashed the fury of his powers. "SEN KOU ZAN!"

The bubble that contained the Troopers vanished and Kaijin could only watch in mute horror as the waves of fire were upon him. He jerked unwittingly as the waves slammed into his body and was sent hurling along the hard, dry surface of the earth, his cape being torn in the process. The fire struggled to penetrate through his mask and in return, the mask began to glow brighter and brighter. Finally, the power of the Kikoutei overcame its magic and the mask cracked for the first time in centuries! Kaijin felt absolutely nothing as the attack finally died down and vanished. As the smoke cleared, he remained motionless on the ground. His mask was momentarily broken and forgotten about, laying inches away from his body.

Chibi Ryo, along with the other Chibi Troopers rushed over to the scene. Chibi Ryo had done away with Shiroi Kikoutei and was back in his regular suit of armor. The other four Troopers remained as 6-year olds and were very curious about their friend's sudden growth spur. However they knew that they would have to wait for a more appropriate time to ask questions.

As they gathered around the fallen body, they suddenly comprehended the fact that this did not look like Kaijin but more like a young man. While he wore (or what remained of) Kaijin's tattered clothing, his face belonged to a 20-year old's. His hair was the color of salt-and-pepper and his eyes were the color of the purest of blue skies.

"Oh wow," Chibi Shu whispered in awe. "That's Kaijin...?"

He and the others jumped back as the man blinked a few times before slowly sitting up. He took notice of the five children surrounding him and in a small voice asked, "Where am I?"

Chibi Touma gawked and said, "That sure doesn't sound like Kaijin!"

"Kaijin is the entity in which entrapped me behind that mask you saw my body wearing," the young man explained calmly. "Thank you for freeing me, Samurai Troopers. You don't know how long I've been waiting."

Chibi Seiji frowned. "How do we know this isn't a trick?"

"This is no trick. As my normal self, I do not have any magical powers and lack any real fighting experience."

Silently he reached over and retrieved the broken halves of the golden mask. He lifted his head and met Chibi Ryo's eyes. The two of them nodded and without hesitation, the young man threw the pieces of the mask into the air. But before Chibi Ryo could do anything, Chibi Shin got in front of him, wielding his spear.

"CHORYUHAA!"

The young man beamed. "Thank you, Samurai Troopers. By the way, my name is Akira. I was wondering if you could help me free someone dear to me from their imprisonment?"

~*~

Chibi Shin: Hi! This is Shin speaking! Akira-san wants to help us with our situation but the Masho don't really trust him. What're we going to do? Are we ever going to learn about how Ryo grew to be older than us? I'm supposed to be the oldest around here! In the next episode of Choroiden-Chamurai Troopers: "Ill Fated Destiny! The Puzzling Akira!"