𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙥𝙚 | 𝘢𝘬𝘪 𝘩. ᯓ ᡣ𐭩

037. | ꜱᴘʟɪᴛ ᴅᴇᴄɪꜱɪᴏɴꜱ

The illusion moved with a speed that was almost impossible to track, its form a blur of motion. Aki and Touko barely had time to react as it launched a series of rapid attacks. The first strike hit Aki square in the chest, sending him sprawling to the ground. Pain exploded through his body, but he forced himself back to his feet, his eyes locking onto the illusion with a fierce determination.

Before he could fully recover, the illusion turned its attention to Touko. It struck with a vicious swipe, catching her off guard and sending her stumbling backward. She managed to regain her balance, but not before the illusion landed another blow, this time to her side. She winced in pain but stood her ground, her weapon ready to strike back.

Aki lunged forward, trying to draw the illusion's attention away from Touko. He swung his weapon with all his might, but the illusion easily dodged and countered with a powerful kick that knocked the wind out of him. He fell to his knees, gasping for breath, but his resolve never wavered. He knew he had to protect Touko at all costs.

Touko, seeing Aki in danger, rushed to his side. She blocked the illusion's next attack with her weapon, the force of the blow reverberating through her arms. She gritted her teeth and pushed back, trying to create an opening for Aki to recover. The illusion, however, was relentless. It pressed its advantage, landing blow after blow on both of them, each strike more brutal than the last.

Aki could feel his strength waning, the wounds on his body growing in number. Each hit he took was like a dagger to his weakening resolve. He gritted through the pain, his love for Touko the fuel that kept his legs moving, his heart beating.

Touko fought as if she was fighting for her life, her movements becoming more desperate and weary. Each blow felt heavier than the last, her breath growing heavier, her skin covered in cuts and bruises.

Aki forced himself to his feet again, his body protesting but his love for Touko stronger than any pain. He noticed her pained but worried glance at him, her eyes filled with concern even as she fought. "I'm fine," he managed to breathe out between grunts, his voice hoarse and filled with determination. He couldn't give up, not when she was fighting by his side.

Touko's heart ached as she saw Aki struggle to his feet, his obvious pain making her fear for his safety. She couldn't bear the thought of losing him, especially not now. Her mind raced, panic setting in as she searched for a way to get close to the illusion. She knew they had to strike at its core, but Aki's weakened state weighed heavily on her. Every time he stumbled, her resolve wavered, but she forced herself to stay focused.

She couldn't let her fear paralyze her.  Despite the panic bubbling inside her, she took a deep breath and steeled herself. For Aki, she would find a way.

Though his words were meant to reassure her, he knew that the illusion could see through them. It would exploit his weakness and use it against him.

His love for Touko, his fear for her safety, the illusion would twist them against him, no matter how hard he tried to hold them at bay. Yet, he pushed aside his fears, focusing on the present moment, on defending himself and protecting the person he loved more than anything.

The illusion of Touko was still as strong and fast as it had been at the start of the battle, its movements swift and precise. It fought against them with relentless ferocity, capitalizing on every moment of hesitation and weakness. Despite their best efforts, the illusion's attacks grew more brutal, each strike more devastating than the last.

Aki watched in horror as the illusion landed a brutal attack on Touko, a blindingly fast kick that sent her flying across the room, her body crumpling under the force. His heart pounded in his chest, fear and rage intertwining as he felt his own strength waning. Just as he tried to rush to her side, the illusion turned its focus back on him, slashing across his back with its sword arm, sending him reeling.