Lightning Strikes Twice

Chapter 19: Reunited At Last

Looking between Martix and Xenith, I have this sinking feeling of worry. They're both putting on a brave face.. but I fear that inside they're quietly falling apart.

Martix and Xenith both walk forward towards their sisters. Xenith's grip is shaky and Martix can barely keep an arrow by the bowstring. As they get closer, circles form around the two groups creating an arena space, Xenith curious reaches his hand back towards the outside of ring. His hand is blocked by an invisible barrier, stopping his hand from reaching outside the circle.

We're all left in confusion, seeing this happen.

"What the hell is that..?"

Lillian chimes in smiling at me.

"Just a little barrier magic."

Filled with worry, I grip my sword tightly and start to rush over. A hand grabs me by the shoulder, abruptly stopping me from going further. I turn around to see it's Nexus.

"Ah, ah. Don't interfere."

Kron noticing him, goes to attack Nexus. Lillian appears infront of him, flashing a blinding light in his face. The result has his eyes rolling back and shutting as he falls to the ground.

"What did you.."

"A simple sleeping spell. You need not worry about him, all you need to do is watch the other two and nothing else. If you try to help, we'll kill Oro."

"Damn it!"

Nexus and Lillian stand beside me as I'm forced to watch my friends in their struggle.

"If you were just going to make me watch, why give me my sword!?"

"I take pride in making you feel useless, brother."

I clench my fist trying to figure out what to do. My hand trembles as I keep ending up in dead ends in my head. Finally, an idea comes to mind.

"Say Nexus, would mind taking part in a gamble?"

"Hm. Tell me your offer."

"I find a way to outsmart you in the next hour from holding me back, you leave and let me help as well as laying off for a little while. I don't and you get to further your plan as well as breaking a bone of your choice."

Nexus grins, laughing as he rubs his chin.

"You're taking quite the risk for such a small reward. Alright, I'll bite. But with my current capabilities it simply would not be fair, I'll withdraw for now and let Lillian take my place."

"Fine by me."

"One condition though, she holds your hand during this period of time."

"What!?"

"If you let go, it'll be considered forfeiting."

I grit my teeth in anger. I have to or else I can't even try to be able to help them. I can do this. Just bear it and grin.

"Fine.. you've got a deal."

Lillian takes my hand as we stare forward at the fights. This is becoming to be a lot harder than I thought, the feeling of her hand clouds my planning with thoughts of rage and regret.