The Titanic groaned beneath the weight of malice as Amara lunged forward, her fan spinning in her hands. The shimmering blades cut through the air, sending rippling waves of wind toward the Sentinel. Each strike carried precision and purpose, forcing him to move defensively as the ship quaked under their feet.
"You've picked up some tricks," the Sentinel growled, his voice laced with mockery. "But tricks won't save you."
Amara didn't reply. She focused, steadying her breath. Memories of Darya's graceful combat flashed through her mind as she stepped forward. Her movements were fluid, deliberate. The fan glinted in her hand as she swung it in a wide arc, the sharp edges slicing through the air. A burst of wind followed, carrying a razor-sharp force that forced the Sentinel to sidestep.
"You're not as untouchable as you think," Amara said, her voice sharp with determination. Her fan swirled again, launching a slicing current that carved through the shadows surrounding the Sentinel.
He raised his blade, absorbing the impact of her attack. The darkness coiled around him like a living entity, but Amara was relentless, using her agility to keep him on the back foot. She darted forward, her fan snapping closed to deliver a precise, razor-edged strike. He barely sidestepped in time, his armor scraping against the blade's edge.
He charged at her, his blade slashing downward with brutal force. Amara spun, letting the wind guide her motion, the edges of the fan catching his blade just enough to deflect it. With a swift turn, she brought the fan upward, its razor-thin edges aiming for the gaps in his armor. He barely managed to lean back, the strike grazing his shoulder and leaving a faint, glowing cut.
The Sentinel smirked, his crimson eyes gleaming. "Impressive, but hardly enough."
He raised his blade high, the darkness around him swirling violently. With a downward slash, a vortex of shadow energy erupted, tearing through the deck and forcing Amara to leap back. The vortex surged forward, shattering debris and scattering the group.
Amara landed in a crouch, her fan spinning defensively. The gusts of wind she conjured held back the spiraling shadows, but her arms trembled under the strain. "That all you've got?"
The Sentinel didn't reply. Instead, jagged tendrils erupted from the ground, snaking toward Amara and Rowan. The shadowy chains coiled around Rowan's spear, yanking it from her hands before binding her arms. Amara dodged nimbly, the edges of her fan slicing through the chains, but more emerged, unrelenting in their pursuit.
"I expected more from Darya's protégé," the Sentinel sneered. He extended his free hand, and the chains tightened, dragging Rowan to her knees.
Rowan gritted her teeth. "You talk too much."
Kieran charged, his shield glowing brightly as he aimed for the Sentinel's torso. The Sentinel turned, his blade igniting with a fiery crimson flare. He swung in a wide arc, unleashing a burst of energy that sent Kieran flying into the ship's railing. The glow from his shield flickered as he struggled to stand.
Amara took advantage of the distraction, rushing forward. Her fan glowed as she struck at close range, the blades slicing through the Sentinel's shadowy armor. He grunted, the impact forcing him to step back. For a moment, it seemed like she had the upper hand.
Sylva floated near them, her light dim. "You need to retreat. The Sentinel won't let this continue. We must—"
Before she could finish, the Sentinel lunged, his blade igniting with a sudden burst of energy. He aimed for Sylva, the strike swift and brutal. Amara intercepted him, the fan catching his blade with a deafening clash. Sparks flew, and her muscles strained against his overwhelming strength.
"You're persistent," the Sentinel said, his voice low and dangerous. "I'm done playing."
The shadows around him surged, twisting and writhing as he raised his blade. With a wave of his weapon, jagged spears of darkness erupted from the ground, forcing Amara to leap aside. One of the spears grazed her leg, and she stumbled, blood staining the deck.
"You're creative," he said, his voice cold. "But your imagination is still too rigid. Let me show you what it means to truly shape the void."
He dissolved into a swirling mist, reappearing behind Amara in an instant. His blade crashed down, and she barely blocked with the edge of her fan. The force sent her skidding back, her arms trembling.
The Sentinel raised his hand, summoning shadow clones that flanked her on both sides. They moved in perfect synchronization, their strikes coordinated and relentless. Amara parried desperately, her fan glowing with light and dark energy as she countered each blow. Despite her efforts, the clones overwhelmed her, their attacks driving her to her knees.
"You're a pale imitation," the Sentinel said, raising his blade for the final strike. "Just like your mentor."
Amara's vision blurred as she looked up at the descending blade. Her body ached, her breath coming in ragged gasps. "I… won't… give up…"
Before the blade could connect, a brilliant light erupted between them. The Sentinel's strike was halted by a radiant blade, its glow pulsating with intertwining light and shadow.
Aiden stood between them, his ring burning brightly. His eyes glowed faintly red, their intensity locking onto the Sentinel. "That's enough."
The Sentinel stepped back, his crimson eyes narrowing as he took in Aiden's appearance. "What… have you done to yourself?" he asked, his voice tinged with genuine shock.
Aiden didn't answer. He helped Amara to her feet, his grip steady. "You're not alone," he said quietly. "Let me handle this."
Amara nodded, retreating to where Rowan and Kieran were regaining their footing. The group watched as Aiden faced the Sentinel, their weapons at the ready but their faith placed in him.
The Sentinel's expression shifted, his malice returning. "You think you've grown stronger?" His blade ignited once more, the shadows around him swirling violently. "Let's see if you can prove it."
Aiden raised his blade, its light unwavering. "I've learned a few things since last time," he said, his voice calm but resolute. "Let's finish this."