Chapter 26-The Battle Between Life and Death

Without the blade of Akuma's sword inside him, Ren's life is now in even more jeopardy, the wound left behind rapidly draining his blood. The nefarious nine are left with no choice but to do everything to keep Ren alive, and to rescue him from the brink of death. Lisa begins to cry, her entire world shattered by the sight of Ren being impaled. She doesn't understand. She couldn't understand how he was willing to sacrifice himself for her. "Why? Why did you do it, Ren?" she sobs, as the shock and torment of the situation hit her. The nefarious nine rush forward, a mix of horror and desperation on their faces as they try to do everything they can to save Ren. They are shocked and horrified, at such a tragic end to the battle and of their friend. Lisa is the most broken and grief-stricken out of all of them. Alaina uses her psychic abilities to put Ren in a state of comfort and tranquility, making him feel peaceful. Enma uses his pain manipulation to reduce Ren's pain as much as possible, trying to make his suffering more bearable. They try their best to ease Ren's pain and distress and make him feel comfortable and peaceful, even though he is close to death. As the battle was being broadcasted live to the entire city, the public were left shocked and surprised. On the one hand, Akuma was seen as a corrupt and evil hero who had brought nothing but despair and torment. On the other, Ren was seen as the leader of the Rogue Syndicate, a villainous and notorious terrorist group. However, at least some people were thankful for Akuma's defeat, and surprised at Ren's actions in protecting Lisa. In essence, the opinions were mixed, despite both Akuma and Ren being viewed in a negative light by society.

Despite the differing opinions and viewpoints, one thing is clear, the Rogue Syndicate had pulled off the impossible by defeating a notorious and dreaded warrior like Akuma. The nefarious nine had managed to accomplish what no one else could, and so had gained a measure of respect from some parts of the population. Enma speaks, his voice urgent and imperative. "Quickly, Zeref. Pick him up. We need to get to the Rogue Fortress as soon as possible. My lab should have something that can help him." The nefarious nine follow his orders as Zeref picks Ren's body up and carries him, while Alaina floats alongside them, still using her psychic powers to keep Ren comfortable alongside Enma reducing his pain. They rush towards the Rogue Fortress as quickly as possible, hoping to at least stabilize Ren's condition and buy him some time. Alaina uses her psychic abilities to pick up everyone and fly at extremely high speeds towards the Rogue Syndicate's Fortress. The nefarious nine is carried off into the air, the force of Alaina's powers allowing them to move swiftly and quickly, covering much more ground than they could have on their own. The light in Ren's eyes begins to fade, the effects of his life hanging in the balance slowly taking their toll. His mind floods with thoughts, his thoughts being dominated by his memories of the life he has lived and his feelings towards the world and those who he cares about. The thoughts flooding Ren's mind are a mix of a variety of different things. He thinks about his life, his experiences, and the people he cares about. Ren feels a mix of emotions, his mind overwhelmed with conflicting feelings and emotions. He feels sadness and grief at the possible loss of his life, he feels anguish and pain at the thought of leaving those he cares about behind, and he feels a sense of regret at the mistakes and decisions he's made throughout his life.

Ren's mind drifts back to his 9-year-old brother Kazuto, still in a coma due to the attack from Akuma. He wonders if Kazuto will ever wake up and how he will manage without him by his side. With his mind filled with these thoughts of fear and worry, with regrets about his past decisions and the mistakes he's made, Ren's thoughts are dominated by the thoughts of his brother. As Ren's mind is flooded with these thoughts about his childhood and his brother, he is unable to focus on anything else; the pain and grief is overwhelming. He begins to recall all the times he had with his brother, the love and warmth that they shared. Ren's mind is overcome with the memories of his time with his brother and the love they shared, the bond that was forged between them being one of pure, unconditional love. Ren thinks back to those weeks he spent back at his house during the hero presentation task, helping Kazuto train his newfound powers to control elements. The days the two spent together, the hours of training and practice, the bond that was created between the two of them, the laughs and joy they shared. Ren also remembers the time he spent with his beloved family, the time spent together with the people he cared about the most, the precious moments when everything was peaceful and free from conflict and danger. Ren recollects the days he spent in peaceful times, the quiet and serene moments where everything was harmonious and peaceful. His family was together and there was no threat. They were all happy and everything was as it should be. The days he spent with his family in that time seem almost as though they were the best moments of Ren's life, when nothing went wrong and there was nothing to worry about.

Ren's memories also flood with memories of Kiyoshi. They would always spend time together, getting into all sorts of mischief and enjoying the freedom and adventure in their shared childhood. They would sneak out of the house to play pranks, explore the city, and just enjoy their time together. They were always close, always with one another, and always having fun. Ren remembers all of these moments with Kiyoshi, their shenanigans and pranks, the laughs they shared, and all the memories they made. They were always together, always having fun. Their time together was always so precious, and now Ren is filled with a bitter sense of loss at the realization that those times may never come back. Ren vividly remembers that first day when him and Kiyoshi finally manifested their powers. Kiyoshi was so proud of his ice abilities, while Ren was amazed by his nature abilities. They were so happy and excited at the prospect of becoming the greatest heroes, that they vowed to always be the best. But the truth is that life sometimes takes a different turn than you expect, and not everything goes according to plan. Their time together was filled with optimism and hope for the future, but life had other plans. Ren reflects on how Kiyoshi is on his way to becoming an amazing hero as leader of the Heroes Renaissance. Despite knowing that he will never be able to make up for the mistakes that he has made, Ren is still happy for him. Kiyoshi has a bright future ahead of him and Ren is glad that his childhood friend will have a chance to fulfill his dreams and aspirations. Ren is also thankful that Kiyoshi has had the chance to become a hero, even if that chance has come at the cost of Ren and their friendship.

As the flood of memories overtakes Ren, a single tear comes out, despite being in an immobile state and knowing that tonight may be his last night. Despite his current predicament and the sorrow and grief that have engulfed him, Ren feels oddly full and contented. He got revenge for his family, one of his main goals, and he got rid of the most corrupt hero of all, Akuma. Despite not being able to eliminate ALL the old generation heroes, Ren is still proud of all that he has achieved and the friends he has made along the way. Especially Lisa. Ever since their first meeting, she has always been on his mind. Even when they were on opposing sides, he a aspiring hero, and her the villain "Midnight Blade", their connection was always one of unique strength and bond, and that is something he is grateful for. It is that singular and important connection which has brought Ren some level of contentment, despite his impending fate and knowing that she may be the one who ultimately lives on after this. Ren thinks back to their first meeting, a time when he was awestruck by Lisa's beauty and Kiyoshi was disappointed in Ren's childish behavior. At this point, Ren had no idea that there would be a real connection between the two of them, nor that they would eventually meet again later on in life and experience such different paths. Zeref is still holding Ren as they fly to the Rogue Fortress, where they hope there will be something that can save Ren's life. Lisa notices the single tear in Ren's eye and wipes it, her face bearing a look of utmost sadness and grief. Ren does not notice, as he is in an unconscious state and locked deep within his own consciousness. Lisa's eyes are filled with sadness and grief as she wipes the tear away, but she still desperately holds onto the hope of Ren potentially surviving.

After the long flight, they finally arrive at the fortress, where Ren is rushed to the infirmary where his brother Kazuto is peacefully in his coma. The forces of the Rogue Syndicate are in shock and horror as they witness the state of their leader. The attacking forces have been held back by Eliza, who now keeps them at bay so that they do not interfere. All who are rushing to see Ren are in the same shocked state but remain silent as Daisuke comforts them. Yumiko takes care of the members of her reconnaissance squad, while Kira does the same for his covert operations squad. The research team is in the lab, working diligently to find something that can save Ren in this critical situation. Enma tasks them with assisting in any way they can, and they set to their duty diligently. The entire Rogue Syndicate forces are in a state of grief and despair, all gathered around Ren's hospital bed. They wait and watch in silence as the research team works as fast as they can to find a solution. Enma oversees them as he tasks them with assisting in any way they can. The research team works as fast as they can to find a solution, hoping against hope that it will not be too late. As they work, they are aware of the state of grief and despair that the rest of the Rogue Syndicate forces is in, but they know that their time is running out. After Enma examining Ren's critical situation, he determines that the wound is deep and dangerous. The blade has pierced Ren's back and has penetrated deep inside his body. The blade has caused intense damage to his internal organs, including his heart, lungs, and other vital organs. Enma's diagnosis is grim, and he fears that the damage may be unfixable.

Enma speaks with Aqua, the two of them discussing Ren and how he managed to awaken his nature abilities in that split second before Lisa was attacked. They are unsure if his awakened abilities can do anything to heal him, but Enma hopes that something from Ren's awakened abilities may at least have an effect on his healing. Aqua's eyes light up as she realizes something significant. "ENMA. I know what we can do. After a person awakened, they become much stronger and more connected to their abilities. For example, I have become the essence of the seas themselves. If we take this theory, it means that Ren has become one with nature, become one with its essence. One property of my awakened ability is that being in water heals my injuries." Aqua concludes by suggesting that if they get Ren to a place of untouched nature, that nature itself might be able to heal him. Enma hears Aqua's theory and considers it, a spark of hope in an otherwise hopeless situation. However, Enma at the same time, questions whether that would work. "That would require finding a place of untouched nature, one not affected by humanity in any way." Enma ponders the question, thinking about whether such a place could exist and whether such a place would be enough to heal Ren. Enma speaks again, his tone filled with sadness and the realization of the futility of the situation. "Even if we do manage to locate such a place, which is highly unlikely since it would need to have been untouched by humanity for hundreds of years, we definitely would not be able to reach there in time. There is nothing we can do that will save Ren now.

One of the members of the Rogue Syndicate's attacks force speaks up from the gathering around Ren. "Actually, I might be able to help," the member offers excitedly. He speaks up once again, "My name is Haruto, and I serve in the attack force under Captain Eliza. I have a special power called 'Portal,' which allows me to make a portal to any location that I am aware of, only requiring me to know the precise coordinates. If you can identify a place where Ren can be healed, I can take you there immediately." Enma and Aqua look at each other with a glimmer of hope in their eyes, their expressions filled with sudden relief and hope. Enma looks at Haruto with a renewed sense of hope, and nods. "That might be the solution we need," he says, his voice filled with renewed hope. Enma shouts and yells the description of the perfect, untouched place to the crowd gathered around Ren. The research team quickly gets to work searching for a place fitting the criteria. While they work, Lisa stays beside Ren's unconscious body, keeping watch over him and doing her best to treat him and keep him from bleeding out. Enma also attempts to prevent further bleeding but seems unsure of how much more time he has to work with. Enma shouts and yells the description of the perfect, untouched place to the crowd gathered around Ren. The research team quickly gets to work searching for a place fitting the criteria. While they work, Lisa stays beside Ren's unconscious body, keeping watch over him and doing her best to treat him and keep him from bleeding out.

 Enma also attempts to prevent further bleeding but seems unsure of how much more time he has to work with. No matter how much Enma works, he can only hold off the inevitable for so long. Lisa remains beside Ren, watching over his dying body, helpless even in the face of this dire situation. She is filled with a combination of worry and despair as she watches the life of her close friend slip through her fingers, and yet, is unable to do anything to prevent or change it. As the situation grows more and more dire, Enma and Lisa are both aware that they are facing what they know may very well be the end of Ren's life. Lisa is unable to do anything to prevent or change it and can only watch in horror and sorrow as her friend's fate hangs in the balance. Enma screams and shouts at the top of his lungs, asking if any place has been found that fits the criteria they were given, or if any of the research team has been able to discover anything useful. The atmosphere is filled with a nervous tension and anxiety, and Enma's yelling only seems to increase that tension. The tension increases as Enma continues to shout, his voice loud and panicked. Although the situation is desperate, he knows that he must remain in control and not let that desperation overtake him. Enma continues to shout for the research team to find a potential location or come up with a solution. As Enma's shouting continues, he tries his best to keep his calm and remain in control. Enma knows that he cannot give into the desperation and emotion of the situation and must continue to try to find a solution. The research team is working as fast as they can, but the situation is getting more critical by the minute, and it seems like it may only be a matter of time before it is too late.

The pressure continues to increase as the research team continues to work as fast and desperately as they can to find a solution. The situation is growing more critical with each passing moment. Enma's desperation is growing as his yelling has yet to yield any results. The research team is working so frantically that they seem like they are losing their composure. One of the research team members, a young man called who is the newest member of the group, finally manages to locate a potential location. He describes it as a small, untouched island far from any city, town, or settlement. The place is said to be a secluded haven for nature and wildlife, untouched by humans and left to its own devices. He provides the name of the island, Tatsu Island. The young man's name is Tokiya, and he informs Haruto of the precise coordinates and the details of the location. Haruto listens carefully, and nods to confirm he has the information clear in his mind. Zeref picks up Ren again, Lisa following close behind. Everyone else stays behind, too caught up in the intensity and desperation of the situation. Haruto steps forward and opens a portal to Tatsu Island, and Zeref quickly steps through. As they step through the portal, they are transported directly to Tatsu Island, a miracle in its own right. It is a miraculous sight, with an untouched and pristine natural landscape. The tree covered in flowering plants and flowers is something out of a painting. Zeref lays Ren in the bed of flowers with care and gentleness, making sure to leave him in the best possible position and location.

 Lisa sits beside Ren and holds his hand, watching over him in a manner of silent vigil. She is filled with a sense of grief and sorrow, but also with an underlying hope that this will be enough to heal his wounds. Small animals appear from under the tree and jump onto ren, and she notices a connection between them unlike any she has ever seen before. It is as if the animals are there to support and comfort Ren, in a way that regular humans cannot. They seem to understand what Ren needs in this moment more than anyone else. For several excruciatingly long moments, absolutely nothing appears to be happening. Lisa is still holding Ren's hand, but nothing is happening to him. The animals continue to surround Ren, and they continue to wait and watch, holding and comforting Ren in their own way. A stunning, miraculous process begins. Plants suddenly sprout all around, and the tree reaches out towards Ren, its vines and branches gently wrapping around him as if trying to protect him. From all around, the water rises up and comes towards Ren, the weather becoming bright and sunny. An entire nature-based process seems to have begun, with more and more animals joining the group. The whole place seems filled with a life force to support and comfort Ren, with only positive and natural energy all around. It takes a few moments for the whole process to finish, but when it does, it is astounding. The air feels alive, filled with the presence of a nature force and a natural energy. The weather remains bright and sunny, and the animals continue to come toward Ren as if trying to comfort and support him. Lisa is taken aback by this entire process, but she feels a sense of hope and optimism at what is happening.

Slowly and surely, the horrifying wound inflicted on Ren begins to gradually heal and seal. The process takes a long time, but the nature-based processes and the animals seem to have a clear and measurable effect on Ren's wounds. The healing process is slow, but it seems as if it will eventually succeed if left to its natural course. As the healing continues, the color finally starts to return to Ren's body. The pale and nearly lifeless skin begin to change color, and his breathing and vital signs start to become stronger. Lisa, who had been watching with desperate hope, feels a wave of relief surge through her. The healing is taking its effect, and Ren's body is starting to recover. Lisa is overwhelmed with a sense of relief and hope, as she sees Ren return from the brink of death. The healing process is long, but the nature-based effects are working to a degree that she had not thought possible. After what feels like several lifetimes, Ren is finally fully healed, but he has not woken up from unconsciousness. Zeref and Lisa carry him through the portal and arrive back at the fortress, where everyone is cheering and celebrating his return. Ren is placed carefully onto the bed next to Kazuto, who remains unconscious as well. Enma rushes to the bed, and checks Ren's vital signs. He breathes a sigh of relief as he sees they are stable and within acceptable limits. The crisis is over, and there is a sense of relief and joy in the air. Enma can't help but join in the cheering and celebration, as the long night is over at last. Everyone continues to cheer and hug each other, celebrating the return of Ren to their lives, and the long night is finally over. Zeref and Lisa stand alongside Enma, embracing each other in a moment of relief and joy. The long wait and fear of the uncertainty is over, and there is a feeling of hope and optimism in the air as the members of the Rogue Syndicate celebrate their victory and the return of their beloved companion.