Lightning Strikes Twice

Chapter 29: Blades

I manage to put my sword up just in time to block his knives. The attack was strong and ends up pushing me back into Minerva. I feel her holding me up right as I continue to defend myself.

"I got you."

As Minerva let's go of me, she moves in fast at an attempt to strike Alio. He manages to dodge it in time, then moving to create distance.

"Please don't hurt him! My friend is in there, we just have to figure out how to force this guy out!"

Minerva looks at me with expected confusion.

"The hell are you-"

"Split personality, it's not him! I know it's hard to believe, but please trust me!"

Minerva stares at me for a second before nodding. Before she can say anything, Alio who's standing between us both starts cackling.

"You're a fool! A hopless idiot! A weakling with dreams too big! As far as I know, he's gone!"

My heart sinks as I hear that. I almost drop my sword as I'm about to speak.

"You.. you don't know that.. you're talking out of your ass.. YOU'RE LYING! YOU HAVE TO BE LYING!"

Alio shrugs with a grin. He brushes his bangs aside, farther to the left, then revealing both of his eyes. They're both crimson red. The left eye is supposed to be goldenrod.

"I don't care what you believe. But I've been awake for three whole days now, and let me tell you. The only thing I ever felt in this body was exhaustion."

Alio speaks as he winds both knives back in both our directions. The movement followed by a wider grin.

"But now? I don't even feel that anymore. He's gone."

Alio then swings his knives as he stands in place. The metal stretches out at Minerva and I, wrapping around our arms. Alio whips the stretched knives like reigns as the metal them slams us into nearby walls hard.

I cough hard as I hit the ground. My body hurts too much for me to get up. I look over to Minerva as I see her getting up, looking more than ready to fight. I try to force myself up off the ground, I end making my side hurt more. I sigh as I give up, then to see the two starting to fight.

"Please.. be okay. Both of you.."

---

The sounds of our blades clashing continues relentlessly. It shocks me that someone this young looking can match my speed. Strike after strike, slash after slash. Nothing but bloodlust comes from those eyes of his.

It's hard for me not to, but I can't help but find it absurd about what Marsh said. I believe the personality part as I remember overhearing such a thing from the Queen.. but forcing him out? He has electricity like things and I do as well and water. How are we going accomplish such a feat?

My train of thought is broken when this young man continues to rush me with those knives of his. I glance over to Marsh as I see him lying on the ground, he tries to lift himself again but stops. He has a pained look as he lets himself stay on the ground. Looks tell me he might've cracked a rib.