Mirror Soul

Chapter Thirty Four: Taken Low By Foes

I am not scared of this woman, I am not scared of this woman, I am not scared of this woman!

Bruce told himself over and over again as he and Kai followed Duchess to the back of the Lively Manner. I refused to be scared of someone as lame as Duchess! 

He looked at the woman. She still had her silver mohawk, biker attire, and piercings. This chick practically has the word ‘goon’ written on her back! Bruce said to himself. Yet despite these thoughts his legs still seemed to be wobbly, his hands slick with sweat, and his heart was pounding hard in his chest.

He looked over at Kai, walking beside him. His friend stood with his back straight with a serious expression on his face. When Duchess hurried her step he did the same to catch up with her.

Jeez, you should have just walked in here with a cape on! 

Despite being slightly annoyed by the ease in which Kai was ready to go into a life or death battle, Bruce forced his friend’s confidence to transfer to himself as they reached a good clearing near the pool of the manor.

Duchess stopped walking and turned around to face them. “Alright, idiots.” She said with a sigh. “This seems as good a grave as any. I want a turn with your blond friend,” She activated her soul, her eyes glowing brown. “So just like I plan to do with her, let’s do this!”

Bruce and Kai’s souls were activated. Their eyes glowed blue and green respectively. Kai glanced at his friend with a smile and mouthed the words ‘Check this bait’ before speaking.

“Give it up Duchess!” Kai said in a tone that clearly implied he had practiced it before. “It’s two against one! You have no chance.” Duchess flashed a cocky grin as she responded.

“You might wanna recount.” In a flash of brown, dozens of clones appeared, surrounding the two of them. Bruce, happy that the woman had taken the bait, quickly took the opportunity Kai had set for him.

“Oh wow, you better rephrase that Kai. To me it looks like it's two against zero!” The two boys shared a quick fistbump. All the Duchess’ groaned at once.

“I should have switched with Baron.”

…

Layva and Marquis stared each other down in the courtyard of the headquarters. Despite still being in her pajamas, Layva was fully prepared for battle. The small blond looked her up and down.

“Wow, you’re more fit than I thought you would be.” She said with a small smile.

Layva didn’t respond. She only lowered a red saber and took proper form. Marquis continued to speak. “Your guess about the nature of that black box was correct. If you have any questions go ahead and ask them. I might be willing to share some secr-”

“Shut up.” Layva said coldy before beginning to stride towards her opponent. 

Marquis’ smile dropped and she found herself sick of being with this child already. Not very talkative, is she?

Figuring this was useless the dirty blond pulled one of the two lindium rapiers strapped to her back and began to walk towards Layva. The two women met in the middle and faced each other. The height difference was impressive. The teen stood at six feet tall while the dainty young woman was a foot shorter. Her head barely reached the base of Layva’s neck.

“You’re really not curious as to where I got the lindium swords? Or the reltiques? I’m willing to tell you everyt-”

Layva swung her blade at the woman, cutting her off. Marquis, soul activated, raised her own blade up just in time to block it. However, she got sent flying backward by the strength of the swing.