Chapter 16 - The Mighty Duel

Blick laid on the floor with a massive slash across his chest. He panicked and was breathing quickly. He slowly stood up and looked at the wound. He placed his hand on it and ached in pain.

"You're fast. Most people would have been cut in half." Kyle said.

'I can't heal it!' Zorn said.

'What?' Blick asked.

"It's shallow, but it looks like you're in a lot of pain." Kyle said.

He shook his jacket off and flung it to the side. He had on a simple white shirt on. Around his neck was a strange crystal. He tucked it underneath the shirt. His face was emotionless as he walked toward Blick.

'There's something terribly wrong with this guy. That crystal and his sword are bad news.' Zorn said.

'Explain.' Blick said.

'I think his sword is laced with something and that crystal might be boosting him.' Zorn said.

"Who are you, Kyle?" Blick asked.

"A slave." Kyle said.

"What?" Blick asked.

"We are all slaves. Royalty rule the world and must follow. If we deny them, then we die." Kyle said.

"We all have our own wills." Blick said.

"Not me." Kyle said.

They walked towards each other to close the gap. Blick slowed his breathing as he prepared to fight. Kyle didn't stop until they were only a few feet apart. Without any words wasted, Kyle attacked Blick. He used his sword to block the first strike, but the sheer force behind it made him lose his balance. Kyle didn't let up. He unleashed a flurry of blows that were aimed at vital points. Sparks flew as the swords clashed. Blick dodged and blocked as much as he could, but Kyle's speed was something else.

"You're trained well, but I can feel you struggling." Kyle said.

"Am I?" Blick said, lunging towards him.

Kyle stepped back, but Blick quickly got close. He sent a swift kick to Kyle's stomach, knocking him off his feet. Kyle managed to roll to the side before Blick could strike him with his sword. Blick turned and saw Kyle charging towards him. He blocked the incoming attack, but Kyle pushed his sword in even harder. Their swords locked. Sweat dripped from Blick's forehead. He side-stepped and took Kyle by surprise.

He fell to the ground and quickly stood up. Blick gave him no time to fully recover. He slammed his shoulder into Kyle, causing him to stagger backward. Blick pressed his attack and landed several hits on Kyle's body.

'His skin is tough, and his bones seem to be reinforced somehow.' Zorn said.

'Something is really off here.' Blick said.

'Be careful, he might have abilities that we can't even fathom.' Zorn warned.

'I'm aware.' Blick said.

His white shirt was now mixed with dirt and blood. The wounds on his body healed seconds after they were inflicted. Blick was determined to win and kept hacking and slashing. Kyle's speed matched his and he blocked every attack perfectly. They both took a step back. Kyle looked as if he wasn't even trying.

"Do you know what Energy is?" Kyle asked.

"No. Not really." Blick answered with heavy breaths.

"Neither do I. I thought of it as some gift from the gods, but sometimes it feels like a curse." Kyle said.

"I thought I had an understanding of it, but I have learned more about it recently. I think it is boundless." Blick said.

"I felt the same way. It seems it has no limitations, but there is one." Kyle said.

"What is it?" Blick said.

"It cannot bring the dead back to life." Kyle said.

"Interesting. I heard the opposite." Blick said.

"Don't mock me, boy." Kyle said in an angry tone.

Blick stood tall and waited for his attack. Kyle jumped high in the air and came down with such force that Blick couldn't hold his footing. His sword shattered into pieces as he was forced to the ground. Kyle stood over Blick's weak body. He placed his sword against his neck. A man began clapping as he approached them. Kyle and Blick looked over at the source of the noise.

"Daniel!" Blick cheered.

"That smell is extremely familiar... and so is your face. I can still hear her screams and pleas. Oh, what was her name? Kira?" Ailas mocked.

"Kayra... impossible..." Kyle said.

"My healing Energy wasn't strong enough to fight off the decay, but an ancient woman saved me." Ailas said.

"You should have died in that cabin." Kyle said.

"I most definitely would have without help." Ailas said.

"Daniel, you know this guy?" Blick asked.

"That man is no Daniel. His name is Ailas Scion." Kyle said, backing up.

"When I smelled that crystal nearby, I knew it was over for Wetherden. I thought of fleeing, but then I remembered what you did to me. I wanted to thank you. I also want to show you what true power looks like." Ailas said, running at Kyle.

He grabbed his arm and twisted it with incredible force. Kyle cried out in pain as he was helpless to defend himself. Ailas placed his hands on his head and squeezed it with all his might. Kyle's bones began to crack, and blood dripped down his face. Ailas laughed maniacally as he saw Kyle's expression of shock and fear. The healing of the stone kept him alive. Kyle twirled and spun and managed to break free of Ailas' grip. Ailas unsheathed his sword and licked the blade before rushing.

Blick crawled out of the way while the two fought each other. As his strength returned, he ran over to his siblings. Kyle used Gravity Energy and pulled Blick back and threw him to the city wall. His impact created a large dent in the stone wall. Ailas smiled as he continued to fight Kyle.

"Is this all you got?!" Ailas shouted.

Kyle's face showed complete concentration. Both warriors gathered their strength and focused their energy on their next attack. Ailas ran at Kyle and then stopped just before he could reach him. He vanished from sight and reappeared behind him. The air pressure got heavier. However, it did not affect Ailas as much as Kyle wanted it to.

"It's been so long since I've had a real fight." Ailas said.

Blick recovered and looked up at the wall.

"Throw a sword down for me!" Blick shouted to the knights above.

A knight carefully dropped down his sword and Blick picked it up. Ailas stepped back and stood next to Blick.

"I don't know who you are, but are you still on my side?" Blick asked.

"Yes, I'm here to help you win this fight and take down this man." Ailas said.

"Good. Then it's a two on one!" Blick cheered.