Mirror Soul

Chapter Eleven: Heart to Heart Soul to Soul

“Is that the best you got?” Bruce asked Layva when the wooden training sword snapped in half upon contact with his head. 

Layva looked at the splintered remains of the sword before she tossed it aside.

After another five grueling days of training every afternoon with Layva Klevher, Bruce had been able to use his soul longer and longer. He could barely go five full minutes without having to deactivate it and resting, but he could use it whenever he wanted.

On this particular day Bruce had demanded Layva spar with him again.
Ever since Ravel taught him the trick to use his soul he had been using all his free time practicing, and had a special move he learned in secret. He would crush rocks into dust with his bare hands, or lift up his bed with one arm. He figured out early on that using S.O.L.E was like using stamina. 

Picking up his bed made his S.O.L.E flicker and fade faster than it would if he had picked up something lighter. 

Layva told him she wouldn't bother sparing with him unless he had perfect control, which he proved during a series of tests she gave him. Which led to where they currently stood in the middle of the training room.

“A trained soul can provide enough defense to handle bullets.” Layva informed him as she took off her shirt, revealing her usual black tank top, and arms coiled with muscle and scars. “So don't get cocky because you broke a piece of wood.”

Bruce had to restrain himself from bursting with excitement at the idea of their rematch. He was dying to test out his strength and speed on someone who could handle it. “If that is the case then why did you dodge Clover's bullets?” 

“Just because I could take a few of her hits with reinforcement doesn't mean I will, besides it is much easier to focus S.O.L.E into your eyes.”

Bruce gave her a knowing look. “You just wanted to show Clover up didn't you?”
Layva gave him a small smile before she attacked.

Caught off guard, Bruce took the punch that sent him flying into the wall.
She was fast, way faster than he was. Before Bruce even had time to pick himself up Layva had already crossed the room and hauled him up by his throat, choking him.

“I finally got you to shut up”. She said as a wicked smile spread across her face. Bruce clawed at her arms with all of his new strength to no avail. 

“You're the one who wanted to fight.” Layva pulled his face close to hers, her amusement being replaced by annoyance “You were the one who thought that less than two weeks could match my nine years.”

Bruce could feel unconsciousness approaching. He could admit that it was stupid to think he could match, or even challenge her after such a short time, but he still refused to keep losing without putting up a fight.

It's a little earlier than expected, but I guess now is as good as time as any.

“You expect yourself to be able to save your family like this?” Layva now looked furious. “Your arrogance is going to get you, and everyone you love killed. I can’t help a fool who won’t take this seriously. Get Rolist to teach you.” Bruce’s eyes were starting to roll to the back of his head, but it did not lower his resolve. ,B-b-bl.” he weezed out in a breathy whisper. Layva pulled him closer. “What was that?”

Bruce plastered his signature smirk as he forced out two words. “Blue Nova!” he blurted, and instantly he exploded.

…
His mystic!? Layva thought as she felt herself go flying back. 
She flipped in mid air, manifesting a saber, thrusting it into the ground, stopping herself from going any further. Kopierce was on the ground, gulping down air. Layva rose from her kneeling position and stared at the boy through shaded eyes.