Rise In Revolution 『Seraph of the End』

5 / Marionette

Anthony took a slight step backwards, his eyes widened in an expression mingled in horror and distraught. Adria eyed him with unforgiving crimson eyes, their gaze narrowed in a form of superiority that seemed largely unnatural. Their fiery gaze burned through Anthony's skin, sending slight chills traveling up his spine. This feeling, he hated it. It was reminiscent of that time. Although unwilling to admit such, he was frightened. His hand remained on the hilt of his sword, which in turn remained in its sheath at his side.

He wouldn't dare draw his sword.

Not against his sister.

The demon-possessed Adria inched forward, dragging the tip of the rapier's blade slowly along the concrete floor. The sharp sound of metal scraping against concrete echoed throughout the largely spacious room.

"I have seen all that was within this human's mind. Thoughts, ideas, memories; through these things, I have gained the same knowledge she has" the demon stated bluntly, coming to an abrupt halt. "That being said, I know exactly how to prevail in a battle with you"

"That would be true, if Adria knew all of my tactics" Anthony said, fighting to maintain his confidence.

"I know enough for your devious stratagems to be ineffective"

The demon lunged forward with an abnormal spurt of speed and power, wielding the rapier skillfully as she aimed the split black-green blade for Anthony's chest.

Quickly Anthony unsheathed his sword, using its wide blade as a shield as the two weapons clashed. Dragging the blade downwards, he forced the demon back with a large leap backwards.

She landed perfectly, lowering the rapier to her side as she maintained a look of sheer indifference.

"You dare to draw your blade against your blood relative? I suppose that should be expected, as it is instinct to protect oneself, even if the enemy is a cherished one"

The demon raised the rapier in preparation to strike once more.

"That shall be your downfall, as I harbor no attachment towards you"

⚔

Adria let out a harsh cough, breathing in staggered gasps as she began to regain consciousness. Her eyes slowly fluttered open, her vision becoming more clear with each blink.

She could see the demon standing before her, staring upwards into the white void with a strong expression on her pale face. Blood dripped from her right hand, forming a thick crimson puddle at her feet.

Pain surged throughout Adria's body, making her grimace and wince while rolling onto her side. She gripped her chest with a shaky and bloodied hand, her fingers sinking into the deep wound the demon had inflicted. It was a fatal wound, that was obvious, however somehow her heart remained beating. Her blood loss, too, should have surely killed her.

It shouldn't be possible for her to be alive.

But a few moments ago she had run into her mother, who, too, had felt all too real, however it was simply an illusion put in place by the demon. These wounds were likely illusions as well; meant to make her believe she was dead so the demon could take possession of her body without obstacles. The demon was likely controlling her at the moment, which would be the reasoning behind her extreme focus.

Adria groaned, struggling first to her hands and knees, then, with shaky muscles and stiff bones, managed to rise to her feet.

She had to regain control. There was no telling what the demon was doing with her body, and if nothing was done to stop her she wouldn't hesitate to kill Anthony.