"NO!" she gasped, her voice strained but defiant. "This can't be the end! I refuse to let it end like this!"
Gasping for air, her breaths ragged and strained, Ming Yue sank to her knees upon the unforgiving hexagonal floor. The world around her seemed to blur, her vision clouded by the thinning oxygen and the overwhelming heat. Yet, through the haze, her eyes fixated on a glimmering object that had landed with a delicate thud near her neck.
As she reached out with trembling hands, Ming Yue's fingers closed around the cool, metallic surface of a locket. Its weight offered a grounding presence amidst the chaos unfolding around her. The locket seemed to radiate a faint energy, whispering of forgotten secrets and untapped potential.
She opened the locket and inside was a photo of her smiling brother, Ming Yu.
Suddenly, her promise to Ming Yu flashed in her mind.
"Big Sis! You will win for me right!"
"Sure! I'll do it for you!"
"Really!? Then it's a pinky promise!"
"Hahaha.... Sure!"
That's right. I promised Ming Yu that I'll win this and that is what I will do!
With the locket clasped tightly in her hand, Ming Yue summoned the remnants of her fading strength. She would rise once more, defying the odds and embracing the flames of her own resilience. For she had not ventured into this treacherous realm to succumb to failure. No, she had come to conquer, to defy the very limits of her potential.
And so, with a fervent determination burning in her eyes, Ming Yue rose from her kneeling position. The chainspear still crackled with pyrokinetic energy, the fiery tornado swirling in the distance. She took a staggering step forward, her body aching, her breaths labored. But she refused to relent.
But still, she fell on the ground, motionless.
Ming Yue thought about Ming Yu, about herself. Is this how it ends? Why does my every battle with reality always ends in defeat for me? Why? Why can't I emerge victorious?
In the midst of her pondering, Ming Yue's gaze fell upon the Doomspiker, its imposing presence casting an ethereal glow upon her visage. The weapon, a symbol of both power and peril, seemed to whisper tantalizing promises of triumph and retribution. Its faint radiance reflected the turmoil within her, a mirror to her inner turmoil and the longing for a taste of victory that seemed to forever elude her.
"Do you wish to get more power?", a voice resonated in her mind.
"Fucking bene...just great. Now, I'm hallucinating a white haired beautiful fairy.", Ming Yue muttered to herself.
The fairy lady was offended," By all means, I'm not a fairy child! I am a stigma, one of the guardian spirits created by the Celestials of Spada."
The stigma stood before Ming Yue, a vision of ethereal beauty that captivated the senses. Her flowing tresses cascaded in waves of white-silver, shimmering like moonlight upon the surface of a tranquil lake. Each strand seemed to possess a celestial glow, as if touched by the very essence of the stars themselves.
Her eyes, a mesmerizing shade of purple, held a captivating allure that seemed to defy mortal comprehension. Within their depths, a tempest raged, as if the very essence of thunder danced and crackled with electric energy. The vibrant hues pulsated with an otherworldly radiance, drawing one's gaze into their depths, like a hypnotic invitation to delve into the mysteries that lay hidden within.
The stigma's features were exquisitely sculpted, bearing a delicate balance of grace and strength. Her visage emanated an air of timeless elegance, as if carved by the hands of divine artisans. High cheekbones, adorned with a hint of a rosy blush, added a touch of warmth to her porcelain complexion. Her lips, soft and inviting, carried a gentle curve that hinted at a wisdom gained from the ages.
Drifting around her slender form, the bluish-purple astral dress seemed to be woven from celestial energies themselves. The fabric shimmered with a mesmerizing luminescence, casting a subtle glow upon her figure. It clung to her curves with a celestial grace, accentuating her slender silhouette and imparting an aura of ethereal majesty.
As she moved, the dress seemed to ripple like liquid stardust, tracing ethereal patterns that mirrored the dance of constellations across the night sky. It was as if the very fabric of the cosmos had been woven into her attire, imbuing it with a mystic energy that resonated with the depths of the universe.
The stigma's voice resounded with an ethereal grace, carrying the weight of ancient wisdom and celestial authority. Each word she spoke seemed to weave a tapestry of divine melodies, resonating with a symphony of heavenly notes. Her voice, like the harmonious blend of celestial instruments, possessed a profound depth that commanded attention and reverence.
As she declared her identity with utmost seriousness, her voice soared like the crescendo of a grand symphony, filling the air with a majestic aura. Every syllable dripped with celestial purity, reminiscent of celestial choirs singing in unison. It held a serene power that transcended mortal comprehension, leaving no doubt about her origins as a guardian spirit.
With each word uttered, her voice carried a subtle resonance that echoed through the very fabric of existence. It bore the weight of eons of celestial knowledge, evoking a sense of sacredness and solemnity. The celestial symphony that flowed from her lips enveloped those who heard it, immersing them in a profound sense of wonder and awe.
The heavenly timbre of her voice stirred the depths of one's soul, igniting a spark of reverence and respect. It resonated with the timeless wisdom of the cosmos, carrying the weight of celestial guidance and authority. It was as if the very heavens had bestowed upon her the gift of vocal perfection, allowing her words to transcend mortal limitations and reach the realms of the divine.
In her voice, one could detect a subtle hint of melancholy, a reflection of the sacrifices made and the burdens carried by a celestial guardian. It held a sacred seriousness, reminding all who listened that she was not to be underestimated or taken lightly. The celestial symphony that emanated from her lips was a testament to her noble purpose and unwavering dedication to her celestial duty.
In the presence of her voice, one could not help but feel a sense of transcendence, as if they were granted a glimpse into the celestial realms. It was a voice that commanded attention, demanding to be heard and respected. With its heavenly tones and serious undertones, it carried the weight of cosmic truths and the grandeur of celestial existence.
As the stigmata emphasized her true nature, her voice resonated like a celestial symphony, weaving an intricate melody that captivated all who listened. It was a voice that transcended mortal speech, carrying the essence of celestial divinity. In its heavenly and serious timbre, one could sense the vastness of the celestial cosmos and the profound significance of her role as a stigma, a guardian spirit created by the Celestials of Spada.
Ming Yue looked around her. Everything was still, nothing moved as if the area was under the influence of time dilation
The phenomenon that engulfed the area was akin to a temporal dilation, a distortion of time itself. The world around her appeared to have succumbed to a suspended animation, where the normal cadence of life had been halted, and each passing second stretched into an eternity. It was a surreal spectacle that defied rational explanation, leaving Ming Yue in awe of the enigmatic forces at play.
"My name is Mjöllnir, one of the stigmata created by the Celestial Of Electro and Lightning.", the stigmata replied.
Ming Yue was too tired to respond.
"Tell me child, why do you seek power?", asked Mjöllnir.
"I simply wish to be strong.... enough to protect the innocent and what is right.... My only family.... my friends... is all I ask for.....", Ming Yue whispered.
The stigmata just smiled and raised her hand, pointing her palm at Ming Yue.
"By thy discerned volition, I beseech thee, in the words of the celestial of Electro and Lightning, Tsurumi, invoke forthwith mine intrinsic potency and vanquish mine adversary afore thee!"
The stigma, with a graceful fluidity, transformed into a radiant wisp of light, its ethereal essence coalescing into a mesmerizing pattern that intricately etched itself upon Ming Yue's chest. As the luminescent tendrils of energy intertwined with her being, a profound connection was forged, merging their essences in a transcendent union. It was a fusion of celestial essence and mortal spirit, a convergence of power and destiny that would forever alter the course of Ming Yue's existence.
The atmosphere underwent a dramatic transformation, casting a veil of darkness over the once-illuminated sky. The resounding echoes of thunder reverberated through the heavens, shattering the tranquility of the air. Bolts of lightning erupted in a dazzling display of raw energy, as if the very firmament trembled in awe of the unleashed might of Tsurumi.
The celestial storm raged unabated, its power and intensity causing even the heavens themselves to cower in reverence. The crackling tendrils of electricity danced across the darkened expanse, illuminating the surrounding landscape with an otherworldly glow. It was a sight that inspired both awe and trepidation, a testament to the overwhelming force that Tsurumi commanded.
In the presence of such celestial fury, nature's elements were dwarfed and humbled. The once serene and placid skies were transformed into a tempestuous battleground, where the clash of thunder and the arcing of lightning became the symphony of power that dominated the heavens. The very fabric of reality seemed to quiver under the weight of Tsurumi's unleashed might, evoking a sense of both wonder and fear in all who bore witness to its majestic display.
Raizel looked up at the sky. His blue eyes narrowed as he witnessed the sudden change in weather."Heh, so she's still around huh."
His sights shifted to Ming Yue's battle. Raizel was in no hurry because he knew that the outcome has been decided the moment Mjöllnir stepped into the scene.
----
Ming Yue gasped."This rush of power.... I feel stronger than ever! I feel.... like THUNDER!!!"
The stigma, her voice carrying a sense of wisdom and determination, responded, "Embrace the power bestowed upon you, Ming Yue. You have become a vessel of celestial might, charged with the energy of thunder itself. Harness it well, for with great power comes great responsibility."
Ming Yue nodded, her eyes shining with determination. "I will wield this power with honor and use it to protect those in need. No enemy shall stand in my way!"
The stigma smiled, her ethereal presence emanating tranquility. "Remember, Ming Yue, thunder is both a harbinger of destruction and a symbol of renewal. Channel its power wisely and let it guide you on your path."
Ming Yue looked at her hands, they were crackling with purple electricity, buzzing and vibrating in the air.
Meanwhile, The dueler who was relaxed was now seriously alarmed. "All this time.... she was fighting me without having a stigmata! This is bad... I have to take the offensive before it's too late!"
The vortex subsided and as the dueler was about to unleash the 5th form, it was too late.
In a fraction of a heartbeat, Ming Yue tapped into the unfathomable speed of lightning coursing through her veins. Her movements became a blur as she defied the constraints of mortal limitations. With electrifying swiftness, she closed the distance between herself and the dueler, leaving behind a trail of crackling energy in her wake.
The dueler's eyes widened in disbelief as he struggled to keep up with the lightning-quick onslaught. Every strike, every maneuver from Ming Yue seemed to defy the laws of physics. She weaved through his defenses like a bolt of lightning, striking with pinpoint precision and overwhelming force. Her attacks were a symphony of speed and power, each strike resonating with the thunderous crackle of electricity.
The dueler's once-confident demeanor shattered under the relentless assault. His chainspear, once a formidable weapon, now seemed sluggish and inadequate in the face of Ming Yue's lightning-infused onslaught. He could barely react in time as her strikes found their mark, electrifying his senses and leaving him staggered and disoriented.
Ming Yue's movements were a ballet of pure energy, her strikes a testament to the untamed power she now commanded. With each lightning-fast maneuver, she pushed the dueler further into a defensive retreat, overwhelming him with an intensity he had never encountered before.
Trial of purple lightning was left by Ming Yue's astral energy as she unleased a potent attack.
"I've not come here to fail," she declared, her voice a whisper that reverberated with unwavering resolve. "I've come here to rise above the flames and claim victory! Astral Manipulation Electrokinesis, 1st form: Thunderclap!"
Within a blur, The dueler found himself with a sword tip pointed at his neck.
He sighed," Oh man! I was so close to winning... But damn! That was one hell of a badass move right there! Congrats Ming Yue!"
The Announcer yelled," We have the winner! Ming Yue!"
With a radiant smile gracing her lips, Ming Yue swiftly made her way back to her group, rejoining the gathering where Raizel and the others were in waiting.
Upon return, she realised that Rubia, too, had successfully overcome the arduous trial with remarkable prowess. Royce, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the victorious duo, his voice filled with genuine happiness.
Ming Yue approached Raizel,"Hey! We did it! We won!"
Raizel, in his stoic demeanor, remained seemingly unaffected, his expression unchanging as if the achievement failed to ignite any spark of approval within him. Ming Yue, though her heart sank a bit, tried to conceal her disappointment, a tinge of sadness lingering in her eyes. However, as Ming Yue gazed into Raizel's eyes, she detected a subtle glimmer, a fiery flame of pride that burned silently within him. Though he maintained his composed exterior, there was a flicker of admiration and satisfaction that hinted at his true emotions.
Raizel looked behind her shoulder and said," Someone's waiting for you. I'll catch you later." With that, he walked off to the arena.
Ming Yue looked behind to find the dueler looking at her as if his eyes never left her.
He walked forward, but due to the paralysing effect of electrokinesis, he was kind of fumbling his way towards her.
"Hey! Watch out! You're gonna get hurt!", Ming yue rushed forward to catch him by his arm and steadied him to his feet.
The dueler thanked her for such a gesture and just smiled, his blue eyes shone with happiness as his orange hair waved in the wind.
"I guess it's about time I told you my name.", said the dueler.
"Huh?"
The dueler looked at her with a huge smile and looked into Ming Yue's eyes," I am Benjiro Himejima. Glad to meet ya!"
Ming Yue's breath caught in her throat, her heart skipping a beat at the sight before her. In that fleeting moment, she couldn't help but think, "That smile... it was so beautiful, that it could even steal the breath of angels."