Rivals

A Fresh Breath

"Goddamn. . . What's wrong with her!?" Jackie screamed in frustration. The atmosphere was tense. Either we kill Maiko or give Jayden up.

Fine, I've had enough of this shit.

I decided it was time, time to give everything I've got into getting Maiko down. I know she was once my companion, but there was no time for mercy.

I didn't know what special word I had, like Jayden had 'Love'. But I could still channel enough elemental power, and so could Riko, Jackie and Myura.

"It's time. . . To shed the last bit of humanity left in our souls. This is for the better, this is to save the world."

Jackie held her arm against me. "No, wait! I think there should be another way. I know Maiko's weaknesses--"

"Too late, kids." A voice interrupted us.

It was Jayden's. That rotten pest hadn't died yet. In fact, he was waiting for something. The look in his eyes told me he was totally waiting for this.

Acting on instincts, I quickly dashed behind. Though, somewhere inside I knew the attempts were futile. There was no stopping it now. . . Jayden was ready to reveal his true self.

I took a deep, but painful breath in. . . This could be the end. It all depends on us. Technically, it depends on me, because each one of us is gonna think the other might do something. So, I decided to put my life on the line.

I took an unsure step forward, towards Jayden. I could see a smile creeping on his face.

"Hey. . . Jayden. . . I'm ready to. . ." I paused.

Ready to cut you in half? Yes, I should say that and then I will jump on him with all my might. Although he's regained his powers, his health is still too low. I might as well take a chance and end him NOW.

I took another weak step forward, but immediately stumbled back.

No. . . I can't do this. . . It's easier said than done.

Of course, like others, I valued my life. It wasn't so easy for me to just go up and sacrifice it.

Damn it. . . What exactly should we do? I don't even know what his powers are. . . Surely we can't win in combat. There must be some other way. . .

I turned towards Maiko. Definitely, she had her reasons to betray us, didn't she? After all, she wasn't such a bad person. But she was still a rigid opponent. Making her speak up was not an easy task.

I held my head in my hands out of frustration. I had mentally given up when--

"Jackie. . . Ayako. . . Please step back." I heard a soft voice. I raised my head to find tears in Maiko's eyes. She was being forced to do this. I knew it.

"Is Jayden blackmailing you? Don't worry, if we work together we'll--"

"It's nothing like that, Ayako. I've been too mysterious, haven't I? Didn't know I'd have last minute doubts." She continued, "Upon looking at your confused expressions. . . Let me explain." She lowered her gaze again, as if she were in a mental fight with herself.

"Anyway, hand Jayden over to us. We can talk this over later. We might as well. . .Forget all of this ever happened." Jackie spoke with confidence, but Maiko reacted seriously, giving us a death stare.

"Hey! Stop it, you look like Raiden Shogun." Jackie yelled back sheepishly. She was trying her level best to kill the tension. But if saving the day was that easy, what role do heroes play?

"Jackie. . .I think your attempts to calm her down are fruitless. In fact, I doubt we can do anything right about now. I guess it's all upto. . . Jayden." I gave him a hard glare. He didn't seem to notice me. Plans were cooking up in that cocky head of his.

Dear God. . . Just save me this time. I swear I'll do anything, I'll be a good girl from now. I will never think about marrying cool anime guys.

"Hey, cut it out already," I felt a sharp pinch on my waist. It hurt like hell. Jackie playfully smirked.

"This ain't time for-- OUCH! Myura!" She pinched me harder. Honestly, what was wrong with those guys? I wondered if Jayden had hypnotized all of them, including Maiko which explained her strange behavior. Was this his special power? Before I could ponder on, Myura's calm gaze reminded me that nobody on Earth could keep me away from her. Our special bond was more than enough to keep her from getting hypnotized.

With a low gaze, she said, "It's because you were spacing out, Ayako. I was just bringing you back to reality."

I snorted, "Are you sure you guys weren't having fun doing that?"

Both of them, including the tense Riko had a smile on her face. I knew one thing for sure. No matter how strong this dumbass Jayden--or any boss from any realm was, nobody. . . I repeat, nobody could steal our charm or seperate us. I bet all of us felt the same way. I wonder what was going on Maiko's head. . .

Unlike a few moments ago, all of us felt refreshed and ready to accept whatever lay ahead of us. Well, except Jayden, I wouldn't accept him in any universe.