S-ORIGINS | By ShadowNTS

(Era of Apocalypse VI) Echoes of Valor.

In the heart of a realm where the delicate balance between light and darkness teetered on a razor's edge, two warriors stood resolute, their destinies interwoven with threads of unwavering integrity and unyielding bravery. The air crackled with tension as their gazes locked onto the figures before them, sinister and formidable. One villain exuded an aura of smoky malevolence, his shadowy tendrils twisting like serpents as he harnessed the very essence of darkness itself. Beside him stood a figure whose every movement resonated with the clink of metal, a mastery over the very substance of the earth's veins.

RBA: Good job on trapping those two in here, Lobo.
LBO: It's worth all the sweat if it means getting a compliment from you, Rubia!
RBA: And now it's time to engulf them in darkness.

With a simple movement of her arms, a giant cloak of darkness reaches for the warriors, but in response, one of the warriors tears through it and locks eyes with the opponent.

JSS: Let's not move too fast, shall we, Robin?
RBN: You do whatever, I just wanna tear shit up!
LBO: No-one disrespects miss Rubia like that and lives.

Lobo pulls sharp metallic shards out of the ground and hurls them towards Robin. Jess moves forwards and strikes each shard into the ground before turning to her ally and giving her orders. Robin smirks and vanishes from sight, appearing behind Rubia who notices her and blocks her strike by sinking into the shadows around. Rubia appears here and there, landing small hits on Robin who gets frustrated trying to catch the shadow-hopper.

RBA: You'll never catch me with your half-assed resolve.
RBN: Resolve... what is a resolve?
RBA: Huh, do you really not know what a resolve is?

Rubia momentarily appears to take a good look at her opponent, before smirking and shifting into her battle stance. Robin cracks her knuckles and gets ready for a hand-to-hand fight.

RBA: Then let me teach you what it is.

Both of them dash towards the other at immense speeds, trading blow after blow like they were nothing, as if each punch was lightweight. Robin would deal devastating strikes to Rubia who'd catch herself with the help of the shadows and counter right back at Robin, delivering attacks continuously using the shadows to extend her reach and speed. After a lot of fighting, Robin is the one that's barely standing up, looking at Rubia cleaning the blood off of her face.

RBA: Y'know, it's pretty hard for people like you to be successful in this world.
RBN: What do you mean?
RBA: People without innate techniques. You have a soul but not the necessary power to create extraordinary phenomenon with it, just like my shadow manipulation.
RBN: That doesn't matter, because even if I fail, I'll train harder than last time!
RBA: You can't just train your problems away like that.
RBN: If no-one has done it before me, I'll be the first!
RBA: Maybe it's better that I show you just how hopeless you can be.

But before Rubia can continue her act, the ground rumbles. They turn to see a giant hand rupture through the ground.

LBO: Soul Power, Impenetrable Armored Titan!

A giant metallic suit rises from the ground, towering over the other warriors. Rubias' face looks worried and she sinks into the shadows. Jess appears behind Robin and helps her up.

JSS: We've got bad news. My sword can't cut through that things' armor.
RBN: Jess...
JSS: Yes, Robin?
RBN: What is my reason for fighting?
JSS: Uhh, I believe that's something only you truly know.
RBN: Ah, I see, then please lend me your power.

Robin gives Jess a warm smile, whilst reaching her hand out. Jess seems shocked for a moment but then understands and concentrates her energy onto Robin, who leaps onto the ground at the foot of the titan.

LBO: Decided to face me head-on, have you?!
RBN: Prepare to eat dirt.

Robin dashes forwards and climbs onto the armor of the titan. Shadows start to fall onto the titan, extending tentacles and attacking Robin, but she swiftly maneuvers through and dodges them. Robins' movement almost seem as if she's dancing, fluid and agile, as she skates along the titans' armor. Both her ally and her enemy are captivated at the sight.

RBA: Even if you both fight together, it still won't be enough.
JSS: Maybe in this state it won't, but we're not as weak as you think we are.
RBA: Soul Power, Blanket of Darkness.

The titan gets covered in layers of darkness, protecting it even further from outside attacks. Robin latches onto the neck of the titan and launches herself into the air, concentrating all of her power into her fist. Jess completely weaves her power onto Robin, but even so, it wouldn't be enough...

RBN: My resolve, the reason I keep on fighting is you.
JSS: (This increase in power...)

But because of Robin finding her reason for fighting, just that increase in power would lead to the birth of something powerful, something strong enough to rival gods... the fist that opposed reality was born.

JSS & RBN: Interlocked Soularia, Fist of Fate!

Immense power concentrated on Robins' fist collides with the titans' helmet, making the darkness completely disappear and the armor to shatter one by one into pieces. Robin fell from the air and was caught by Jess in her arms, who laid her down and waited until she woke back up.

End of Chapter 23
"Echoes of Valor"

[ Integrity & Bravery Vs Ferric & Umbra ]

-- Extra Soul Trivia! --
-- Did ya know? --
Robin and Jess don't know the other has a crush on them. This leads to some interesting moments.