Mark's arms churned through the water, his strokes strong and sure as he propelled himself forward, Lucia's limp form cradled in his grasp.
He twisted his head to scan the surrounding water, his eyes scanning the surface for any sign of Cain. But the first demon was nowhere to be seen.
In the same instant, a vice-like grip clamped around Mark's ankle, jerking him downwards with brutal force. He felt the water close over his head, its cold darkness suffocating him. Panic surged through his veins as he struggled to break free, his legs kicking wildly against the water.
But Cain's hold was unyielding, his grip like a steel trap dragging Mark down into the depths. Mark's lungs burned, his vision blurring as the water pressure built. He knew he had to act fast, or risk being dragged down to a watery grave.
Mark's arms and legs flailed wildly as he struggled to break free from the water's grasp. He had Lucia's unconscious form clutched tightly to his chest, his heart racing with fear as he fought to keep her head above water.
But it was no use. Cain's grip was too strong, and Mark was slowly being dragged down into the depths of the river. He could feel the water closing over his head, its cold darkness suffocating him.
In desperation, Mark reached out with his mind, calling upon his Soul Blade to save him. The blade, still lodged in the sunken car, responded to Mark's telepathic plea. It burst free from the wreckage, its shimmering form slicing through the water towards Mark.
But instead of striking Cain, the blade veered off course. It positioned itself under Lucia's body, its energy field gently lifting her upwards. Mark let go of Lucia, his eyes watching in amazement as she floated upwards, her unconscious form breaking the surface of the water.
The blade's actions had given Mark a temporary reprieve, but Cain's grip remained unyielding. Mark was dragged deeper into the water, his lungs burning from the lack of oxygen. He knew he had to think fast if he wanted to survive.
Mark's vision started to blur as Cain dragged him deeper. He knew he had to act fast if he wanted to escape.
With a fierce determination, Mark used his free leg to kick Cain's chest, trying to loosen his grip. The move worked, and Mark was able to break free, his body shooting upwards towards the surface.
Mark took advantage of the reprieve, his body shooting upwards towards the surface of the water. He broke through the surface, gasping for air as he looked around frantically for Lucia. She was floating nearby, her eyes still closed, but her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm.
Mark swam towards her, his heart still racing from the close call. He knew Cain could resurface at any moment, and he had to get Lucia to safety before that happened.
With a swift motion, Mark scooped up Lucia's form and began to swim towards the riverbank.
Mark's eyes scanned the riverbank, desperate for a place to hide Lucia and protect her from Cain's relentless pursuit. He spotted a small inlet, partially hidden by overhanging trees, and swam towards it with Lucia in tow.
As they reached the inlet, Mark pulled Lucia into a small cove, sheltered from the main river. He checked her pulse, relieved to find it steady, and gently laid her on the rocky shore.
Cain emerged from the water, his eyes fixed on Mark with a fierce intensity. "You think you can hide from me, Death's Marksman?" he sneered. "I'll find you, and I'll make you pay for your interference."
Mark stood tall, his eyes locked on Cain. "I'm not hiding, Cain. I'm protecting what's mine. And I'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe from you."
With a fierce battle cry, Cain charged at Mark, his fists flying in a flurry of punches. Mark defended himself, his movements swift and precise, but Cain's strength was formidable.
The two enemies clashed, their bodies crashing against the rocks as they fought for dominance. Mark's mind raced with strategies, his training kicking in as he fought to take down the first demon.
But Cain was relentless, his powers fueled by his malevolent spirit. Mark stumbled back, his breath catching in his throat as Cain's fist connected with his jaw.
Just as all seemed lost, Mark's eyes met Lucia's as her gaze suddenly began flutter.Her eyes slightly opened as she struggled to sit up. "Mark..." she whispered, her voice weak but determined.
With renewed strength, Mark launched himself at Cain, his fists flying in a fierce counterattack.
The two enemies crashed into the water, their battle raging on as the river itself seemed to come alive, its currents swirling around them like a maelstrom.
The water churned into a foamy frenzy as Mark and Cain clashed in a deadly embrace, their bodies submerged in the river's depths. The sunlight danced across the waves, casting an eerie glow on the two combatants as they fought for dominance.
Cain's eyes blazed with malevolent intensity, his face twisted in a snarl as he lunged at Mark with a powerful stroke. Mark dodged with a fluid motion, his muscles rippling beneath his skin as he countered with a swift kick. The water resisted his movement, slowing his strike, but Mark's training and skill compensated for the drag.
The two enemies exchanged blows, their movements swift and deadly, each strike aimed at the other's vital points. The water's surface erupted into a maelstrom of spray and spume, obscuring the fighters from view.
The sound of their struggle echoed through the air, a cacophony of grunts and snarls, punctuated by the sickening thud of flesh hitting water.
As they fought on, their strength began to wane, their movements slowing as exhaustion took its toll. Cain's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on Mark with a fierce determination, as he summoned his last ounce of energy for a final assault.
With a mighty roar, Cain launched himself at Mark, his arms wide, his fingers grasping for a deadly hold. Mark dodged, his body arching backward, his hands grasping for a weapon. His fingers closed around a smooth stone, its surface slick with water, and with a swift motion, he slammed it into Cain's head.