SOULTALE | By ShadowNTS

(Chapter 121) Slipstream.

Your breathing gets heavier and your gaze gets more and more tired. Cosmin is also really exhausted. Both of you stare at eachother with a killer sight.

CSM: (I have to end this before this fight turns unwinnable for me.)

Cosmin grips his sword tight and leans forwards, before dashing towards you at the speed of light. You raise your blade enough to block his incoming attack. Cosmin stands behind you, breathing heavily.

RHT: I've noticed one thing about you, Cosmin. Despite being able to move at lightspeed, your stamina isn't something extraordinary.
CSM: *pant* What are you trying to say?
RHT: Your fights don't normally last this long, and because this one is, you're starting to get tired.
CSM: I can say the same thing about you, harbinger.
RHT: Oh, you got it all wrong. My fatigue is caused by my body being unable to hold all of the power my soul resonates. Some of my energy actually spills out.
CSM: I see. You're really something special.
RHT: At least you'll die at the hands of someone you acknowledge. That's rare to come by these days.
CSM: I never said I'll be dying. Shall we finish this?
RHT: Hmph, agreed.

You turn around and swing full force at Cosmin. He blocks your attack with one of his swords, before thrusting the other one. You summon your other blade and block his attempt. He backs up. You dash towards him and maneuver around his defensive swings. He tries to dodge but you manage to injure his back. Cosmin covers the wound with darkness.

RHT: (His speed is declining. Victory will be mine!)

You dash towards him and swing your blades. He is unable to dodge. Your blades are close to ending the battle but suddenly dark hands appear out of Cosmins shoulders and grabbing both of your blades. Riqu spurts out of him and the transformation is undone.

CSM: Riqu... what are you doing?
RIQ: You knew that form takes one hell of a toll on your body and You still agreed to go through with it. Now it's my turn to repay your efforts.
CSM: No, Riqu, you can't fight alone!
RIQ: Then I'll die trying.

Riqu lunges towards you. You swing your blades but they go right through him. He latches onto your body and dark spikes spurt out of him. You dodge backwards and throw him off of you. Your skin is filled with small holes because of him. You ignite your blade in hellfire and thrust it into the ground, causing it to be engulfed in a raging fire. Riqu floats into the air, avoiding the fire, but doesn't notice you approaching him. You thrust your blades into his back and slam him into the ground.

RHT: So you're only invincible on command. What a joke of an ability.
RIQ: Cosmin...

Cosmin stares in horror as his lifelong friend is getting murdered in front of his own two eyes.

CSM: (It's over. I've lost. They're too powerful.)
RIQ: I believe... in you.

Riqu turns into smoke and dissipates into the air.

CSM: No... I have to win this. For the good of my people, for the safety of my district and for the health of my beloved wife! Harbinger, I will strike you down in the name of everything I protect!
RHT: Hmm, where is all this hope coming from?

Cosmin pushes himself back up on his feet and grabs his sword, before leaning forward one last time.

CSM: Divine Lighting Strike!

You grip your sword and lean forwards too.

RHT: Purgatorys' wrath slash.

The two of you zip across the battlefield in an instant. Silence falls on the area as both stand motionless. You let out a big sigh. Cosmin drops his sword to the ground and falls on his knees.

RHT: Your candle has burned out.

You approach Cosmin and hold his head high with the tip of your blade. He stares at you with hopelessness.

RHT: Farewell, prince of light and dark.

You swing your blade and end the battle. The field of darkness around you disappears and you're back in the centre. The sun is rising back up.

End of Chapter 121
"Slipstream"

[ Rhett has defeated Cosmin and is now headed further into the centre. ]