Northbook Court Mall,
Northbook, Illinois,
Terra, Gaea Solar system,
Neutral Free zone,
March 27th 2019
As Sam's group drew closer to the location where Stella awaited, a sudden shift in the air caught their attention. The faintest of movements from within the shadows stirred unease, an unmistakable sign that they were no longer alone. The hairs on the back of Sam's neck stood on end as she instinctively tightened her grip on her weapons. Her eyes scanned the area, but it was too late—they were already here. The air was pierced by a chilling caw as a flock of enormous black birds—grotesque and malformed—suddenly swooped down from the shadows. Their wings beat like thunder, their eyes glinting with malevolent hunger as they descended upon the group. The creatures' twisted forms seemed to blur the line between avian and nightmare, their sharp beaks and talons gleaming with deadly intent.
Sam's reaction was immediate. Without a moment's hesitation, her Vambrace flickered to life, elongating the blade at its tip, which hummed with latent energy. In one swift, fluid motion, she swung the elongated blade through the air, cleaving through the nearest bird with a clean, decisive strike. The creature's grotesque form fell to the ground, twitching in a final, dying spasm, as its blackened blood pooled beneath it. But that was only the beginning.
More of the monstrous birds surged forward, their shrill cries filling the air. Sam's eyes burned with determination as she shifted her focus from weapon to body. The blade on her Vambrace was a deadly tool, but she knew the true strength came from her instincts—her fists and feet were just as capable of eliminating threats.
She moved with lightning speed, her body flowing like water, each punch and kick landing with brutal efficiency. Her fists hammered into the birds' twisted bodies, snapping bones and sending creatures spiraling into the air. Her kicks were equally lethal, her legs a blur as she spun and launched herself into the fray, her boots smashing into the creatures' skulls and sending them reeling. Every strike was precise, and each movement was calculated for maximum damage. She was a force of nature, her power and speed unrelenting as she systematically dismantled the attacking creatures. The birds tried to retaliate, their talons slashing through the air, but Sam was always one step ahead. She deflected the attacks with practiced ease, her shielded vambrace blocking the worst of it, while her blows never stopped coming.
Around her, the others were engaged, but it was Sam who took the brunt of the assault, protecting her group with every strike, every motion. Her focus was absolute—her body a blur of strength and speed, her mind cutting through the fog of battle with cold precision. The flock was thinning, the creatures falling to the ground in heaps, their grotesque forms no match for the fury Sam unleashed. As the last of the birds dropped, Sam stood amidst the wreckage, breathing heavily but unwavering.
Rosa wiped the sweat from her brow after she had gotten rid of her shares of the Strigae, her eyes scanning the area for any remaining threats.
"We're not out of the woods yet," Rosa muttered, her voice low but firm. "Stay alert."
"Right, you are, Chavez," came a voice, smooth and chilling.
Rosa and the others whirled around, their eyes scanning the area, but there was nothing visible—no sign of where the voice had come from. Sam's sharp gaze flicked to the ground, her instincts kicking into overdrive. Her eyes narrowed as she noticed the blackened blood that had spilled from the fallen creatures earlier. It wasn't just pooling on the ground—it was moving, coalescing, as though it had a life of its own. The dark ichor slithered across the earth, gathering into a single mass, and then as if summoned by some unseen force, a figure rose from it.
The air seemed to freeze.
The figure that emerged was unlike anything Sam had ever seen. A woman—though the term felt inadequate to describe her—stepped forward. The faint light illuminated her lithe, naked form, her pale skin radiating an eerie, infernal strength. Her presence was overwhelming, like a dark force that distorted the very atmosphere around her. Leathery black wings, enormous and bat-like, unfurled from her lower back, curling and rippling like a shadow-made flesh. Her long, raven-black hair cascaded down her back, moving like liquid darkness. In her hands, she held a spear—black as night, its shaft long and sinuous, its tip razor-sharp and glowing with an intense, malevolent aura. The weapon seemed to hum with power, an extension of her will. She stood tall, her posture elegant yet predatory, as if the very ground beneath her belonged to her. Her eyes, deep and unblinking, locked onto Sam and the group with an intensity that was both captivating and terrifying. There was something unnatural about her, something that sent a shiver down Sam's spine, even as she braced herself for whatever came next. The woman's lips parted in a slow, predatory smile.
"You've done well to make it this far," she said, her voice like silk, but laced with an underlying malice. "But you've come too close to the heart of this place. And I cannot allow you to continue any longer." Rosa's eyes widened as the figure stepped fully into view, her heart pounding in recognition.
Kiara, the Abomination, the creature she had fought at Cedar Lake—the one she had failed to defeat. The memories of that brutal fight surged back, the sense of helplessness and frustration she had felt when Kiara had bested her still fresh in her mind. But now, standing before her again, something was different. A fierce surge of emotion rose within Rosa, an instinctive knowing that this fight was hers and hers alone. The urge to prove herself, to conquer the fear that had haunted her since that fateful battle, burned within her chest like wildfire. There was no hesitation in her movements as she spun her spear with practiced ease, its shaft whirling in a deadly arc. With a single step, she moved forward, distancing herself from the group and positioning herself between Kiara and her companions.
"I'll keep her here," Rosa said, her voice unwavering, the words carrying the weight of resolve. "You guys should keep going." Sam opened her mouth to protest, her brow furrowed in concern, but before she could voice her objections, Rosa's gaze struck her like a thunderclap. It was a look that said everything—unspoken, yet clear as day. Rosa had made her decision, and there was no room for argument. Sam hesitated, uncertainty flickering in her eyes, but she saw the determination in Rosa's stance, the raw emotion in her eyes. Rosa had her reasons. She had something personal to settle here. With a tight nod, Sam turned away and gestured to the others.
"Alright. Come on, guys."
With a final glance at Rosa, Sam and the others began to move, the sounds of their footsteps fading as they sprinted toward their goal. Rosa stood firm, her grip tightening on her spear as she turned to face the Abomination.
Kiara's eyes flicked to Rosa as the group retreated, her lips curling into a disdainful sneer. Without warning, she flicked her spear in a swift, vicious arc, aiming to cut through Sam and the others as they fled. But Rosa was ready. With a sharp twist of her wrist, Rosa's spear intercepted Kiara's strike, the two weapons clashing with an explosive burst of energy. The sound of the impact rang out, echoing through the desolate surroundings. Rosa's face was a mask of determination, her eyes locked onto Kiara with unwavering focus.
"You again," Kiara growled, her voice low and venomous, as she took a step back, the tip of her spear glimmering with malicious intent. Rosa's expression remained steady, her stance unshaken. She gave a short, almost mocking smile.
"Yes, it's me," she replied, her voice tinged with a fierce calmness that seemed to infuriate Kiara even more. The air pulsed with tension as Rosa and Kiara locked eyes once more. The Batwoman's dark, ethereal presence loomed above, her wings flapping with a sinister whisper that echoed through the desolate surroundings. Rosa gripped her spear tightly, the faint cherry blossom aura shimmering around her as she prepared for the clash. Kiara sneered, her claws flexing, her own spear glinting ominously. Rosa stood tall, her gaze unwavering. With a sharp motion, Rosa activated her combat art. The air crackled with energy as her aura surged.
[Cherry Blossom Style – First Form: Five Petal Strike.]
Five radiant petals of energy erupted outward, each carrying shockwaves of destructive force. The petals tore through the air toward Kiara, shaking the ground and scattering debris. Kiara darted to the side with impossible speed, her wings propelling her out of harm's way. She twisted mid-flight, her dark eyes gleaming with amusement.
Her technique has evolved, Kiara thought. When she was a Regular Mystic, she could barely bring out the full power of her combat art, but now...So this is what an Awakened is capable of...
Kiara retaliated with lightning speed, slashing her spear in a violent arc. Rosa deflected the blow, her movements fluid as a dancer's. Kiara pressed on, unleashing a flurry of attacks, each strike heavier and faster than the last. When Rosa blocked her spear again, Kiara screeched and unleashed a storm of spiked blades from her wings. Rosa moved instinctively, her enhanced physique allowing her to dodge the deadly projectiles, though the narrow escapes left her breathless.
"Enough!" Rosa yelled, her aura flaring driving away the fear that was holding her back. She focused her man within the tip of her spear and thrust it forward.
[Cherry Blossom Style – Second Form: One Branch Thrust.]
Her spear surged with concentrated energy, forming a barrage of sharp, branching constructs that shot toward Kiara like a storm of needles. Kiara twisted and flared her wings, narrowly avoiding the brunt of the attack, but a few branches grazed her wings, leaving trails of dark, infernal blood. With a growl, Kiara shot forward, spear aimed at Rosa's heart. Rosa met her charge, thrusting her spear with deadly precision. Sparks flew as their weapons clashed, each strike faster than the eye could follow.
"Impressive," Kiara taunted, her lips curling into a cruel smile. "But not enough." She flapped her wings again, releasing another wave of spinning blades. Rosa leaped back, but a few found their mark. Two spikes sank into her thigh, and another pierced her shoulder, tearing through her armor. Rosa staggered, pain screaming through her body, but her grip on her spear never faltered. If it was before, the poison would have burned through her system, but now as an Awakened, Rosa's body was capable of fighting off the poison, though not as strongly as those in higher realms. Breathing hard, she steadied herself, her aura blooming brighter.
"This isn't over."
Kiara smirked, circling her like a predator. "Good. I was hoping for more of a fight."
The battlefield grew silent save for the faint hum of energy radiating from Rosa's weapon and the low, menacing whisper of Kiara's wings.
"Such persistence," Kiara purred. "But it won't be enough."
Rosa stepped back, steadying herself as she fought to control her trembling body. She focused on her breathing, drawing on the remnants of her energy and letting it flow through her veins like a lifeline. The poison coursing through her slowed her movements, but she forced the pain aside, channeling every ounce of her willpower into her next attack. She couldn't afford hesitation—not against a Greater-ranked being. Her spear crackled with raw power, a pinkish hue of light radiating from its blade. The legendary-grade enchanted weapon pulsed in harmony with her mana, amplifying her strength far beyond her current realm. Rosa silently thanked her Master, Emanu, for gifting her the spear. Back then, as a Regular Mystic, she had barely been able to scratch the surface of its true potential. Yet even then, the weapon had been her key to mastering the essence of her Combat Art.
Now, as an Awakened, she could feel the spear's full power resonating with her own. It surged with untapped energy, flooding her body with strength and clarity. Rosa gripped it tightly, channeling the weapon's mana through her veins as it infused her with unparalleled force. With a deep breath, Rosa activated her movement technique, the ground beneath her feet trembling as she surged forward, a blur of pink energy streaking toward her opponent.
[Rapid Movement - First Step of the Blooming Season.]
A whirl of cherry blossoms surrounded Rosa as she disappeared from view, moving faster than before. The petals danced around her like an extension of her body, each step a blur. She reappeared behind Kiara, her spear thrusting forward with a renewed, explosive energy.
Kiara twisted in the air, barely evading the thrust, but Rosa wasn't finished. With a swift flick of her spear, she unleashed another barrage of attacks, the energy wrapped around her spear mimicking the sharpness of petals in full bloom. But Kiara was too quick, her wings beating with force as she evaded each strike.
"You can't catch me," Kiara taunted, spinning gracefully in midair as her spear cleaved through the air. Her eyes glittered with an unhinged excitement. "His Majesty was right. You humans do love to struggle," She sneered, her voice dripping with disdain.
Rosa's eyes locked onto Kiara's, and she answered with a sharp, defiant smile. "It's called tenacity."
With those words, Rosa straightened her posture, her stance deliberate and grounded. Mana surged within her, swirling like an invisible storm before materializing into a radiant cherry blossom. Its five petals shimmered with a soft yet potent glow, radiating an aura of raw power.
[Cherry Blossom Style – First Form: Five Petal Strike.]
The petals exploded outward in a dazzling burst, each one releasing a shockwave of concentrated energy. Rosa thrust her spear forward in perfect unison, the air cracking with the sheer force of the attack. The petals streaked toward Kiara from all directions, each shockwave tearing through the ground and sending dust and debris spiraling into the air.
Kiara's expression shifted, her eyes narrowing as she flapped her wings furiously, darting between the cascading petals. The force of the blasts rippled through the air, but Kiara's movements were a blur of agility and precision. She powered through the final shockwave, her maniacal grin returning as she barreled toward Rosa, her spear gleaming with lethal intent. Rosa tensed, her grip firm as her cherry blossom aura coiled protectively around her spear. She met Kiara's charge with unwavering focus, her voice ringing out with conviction.
[Cherry Blossom Style – Second Form: One Branch Thrust.]
From the tip of her spear, hundreds of sharp, branching constructs of concentrated energy erupted. They lashed out toward Kiara with deadly precision, each branch a testament to Rosa's mastery. But Kiara twisted sharply, wings flaring as she swerved to the right, evading the barrage with a mocking laugh. Her movements were fluid and calculated, a predator toying with her prey as she twirled effortlessly in mid-air, her dark eyes fixed on Rosa. Rosa pressed on, thrusting her spear relentlessly at the Batwoman, the energy constructs of branches snaking toward the beast with deadly precision. Each branch pulsed with cherry-colored light, radiating an aura of life and destruction. Kiara's spear technique was equally lethal, its blade slicing cleanly through the glowing constructs with a sharp, fluid grace, tearing them apart as if they were nothing but fragile glass.
Their attacks collided with explosive intensity, the air vibrating from the sheer force of their clash. Sparks of pink and dark energy erupted with each strike, illuminating the battlefield in a chaotic dance of light and shadow. Rosa's movements were calculated yet fierce, her spear flowing in arcs and thrusts that demanded precision. Kiara countered with an aggressive and almost primal ferocity, her spear swinging and slashing with deadly speed, the edges leaving trails of dark energy in their wake. The sound of clashing metal and the crackling of shattered energy constructs filled the air as both fighters pushed each other to their limits. Rosa's breath grew heavier with each exchange, but her determination never faltered. Kiara's wicked grin widened, her maniacal delight evident as she reveled in the intensity of their battle. The ground beneath them cracked and splintered, unable to withstand the immense power of their deadly confrontation. As the battle raged on, Rosa could feel the weight of desperation settling in her chest. If she didn't press her advantage soon, the fight would be lost. She was still in the middle of the Acolyte Realm, and while her enchanted weapon gave her a fighting chance against Kiara's overwhelming power, it was clear she was outmatched. Kiara, sensing the desperation radiating from her opponent, let out a wicked laugh. Her smile widened, feeding on the thrill of toying with the woman. With a powerful swing, Kiara's spear arced through the air, slamming into Rosa's weapon with such force that it flew from her grasp, clattering to the ground several meters away.
"Now that you've lost your spear, what can you do, girl?" Kiara sneered, her voice dripping with mockery as her wings flexed. With a sharp snap, she unleashed a devastating sonic wave in a straight, focused beam.
Rosa darted to her left, her body moving instinctively toward her fallen weapon. She managed to avoid the brunt of the attack, but the edge of the beam grazed her side, piercing through her armor like paper. Blood gushed from the wound, the broken shards of her armor falling away as she stumbled. The pain was sharp and unrelenting, but Rosa bit her lip hard, refusing to give Kiara the satisfaction of hearing her scream. Her Awakened healing factor was already working to counteract the lingering poison from the earlier attack, but the new injury was draining her strength rapidly. Gritting her teeth, Rosa forced herself to focus on what mattered. She couldn't afford to let the pain slow her down. Summoning every ounce of willpower, she pushed herself forward, her eyes locked on the spear lying on the ground. It was her only chance. Kiara maintained her relentless onslaught, the sonic beam roaring through the air, carving a path of destruction in its wake. Wherever the attack traveled, the ground fractured and crumbled, chunks of stone and debris exploding upward, showering the battlefield in chaos. The intensity of the beam caused the air to shimmer, its violent energy radiating outward like an unstoppable force of nature.
Rosa's breaths came in ragged gasps as she pushed her battered body forward. Each step was a battle against the throbbing pain in her side, where blood continued to pour from her wound. Her armor hung in tatters, offering little more than a reminder of its former protection. Every move she made felt agonizing, but she refused to give up. The gleaming tip of her spear lay tantalizingly close now, just within reach. Kiara's laughter echoed through the ruins of Charlie Court, low and mocking.
"Look at you," she taunted, her wings flaring behind her as the beam extended toward Rosa. "Crawling like a worm, clinging to your pathetic little weapon. Is this the best you can do?"
She adjusted her aim slightly, ensuring the beam's path would intersect directly with Rosa's position. Kiara was in no rush—she savored the sight of her prey's desperation. Her eyes gleamed with sadistic glee as she watched the human stagger and stumble, blood painting a grim trail behind her. To Kiara, this was a game, a delicious opportunity to crush the fleeting hope in her opponent's heart before delivering the final blow. Just as Rosa's fingers closed around the shaft of her spear, the sonic beam reached her. The impact was catastrophic, sending a shockwave tearing through the already devastated battlefield. The force of the explosion ripped through the air, hurling chunks of debris in all directions. Rosa was thrown backward, her body colliding with the ground in a spray of dust and rubble. The pain was unbearable, a searing agony that seemed to envelop her entire being. Her grip on her spear faltered for a moment, but she clenched her teeth and held on, refusing to let go. Blood streamed from new cuts and abrasions, mingling with the dirt that smeared her face and body. Her vision blurred, but through sheer willpower, she forced herself to focus. Above her, Kiara hovered, her wings beating slowly as she descended toward the ground. Her expression was one of unrestrained satisfaction, a predator savoring the moment before the kill.
"Oh, you're still alive?" she said mockingly, landing gracefully a few paces away. "I'll admit, you're persistent. But persistence doesn't change the inevitable." Rosa struggled to her feet, her legs trembling beneath her. She planted the base of her spear against the ground, using it to steady herself as she rose. Her breaths came in heaving gasps, but her eyes burned with defiance.
"You talk too much," Rosa spat, blood staining the corner of her mouth.
Kiara's smirk widened. "Brave words for someone who can barely stand. Let's see how long that attitude lasts."
The Batwoman twirled her spear, the deadly weapon singing through the air as she prepared to strike again. Rosa tightened her grip on her weapon, her body screaming in protest as she forced herself into a defensive stance. Despite the odds, despite the overwhelming pain, she refused to give in. This fight was far from over. Rosa's body trembled with exhaustion, her wounds screaming in protest with every movement. Blood dripped steadily onto the cracked ground beneath her, but she refused to falter. Gritting her teeth, she channeled the last remnants of her mana into her spear, forcing her broken body to act. This was it—her final gambit.
"[Cherry Blossom Style - Final Form: Petal Storm.]"
With a burst of will, Rosa unleashed her ultimate technique. A dazzling storm of razor-sharp, glowing petals erupted outward, swirling around her in a furious dance of destruction. The air shimmered with their radiant energy, painting the battlefield in hues of pink and white. The petals surged forward like a living storm, their edges crackling with deadly force as they honed in on Kiara. The Batwoman narrowed her glowing eyes, her sneer deepening into a cruel smile. Her wings flared wide, beating furiously as she dodged and twisted through the storm. The petals chased her, relentless in their pursuit, slicing through stone and debris as they closed in. Kiara moved like a shadow, her agility unmatched, and when the petals pressed too close, she swung her spear in a wide, powerful arc.
A blast of infernal energy erupted from her weapon, colliding with the petal storm in a violent clash of light and shadow. The shockwave shattered the petals, scattering them like glittering dust across the battlefield. The air was heavy with the aftermath of the explosion, the swirling remnants of pink energy fading into the void. When the dust cleared, Kiara's eyes narrowed, realizing Rosa was no longer in her original position. Her instincts screamed a warning, and she spun around just as she sensed the human behind her.
"[Cherry Blossom Style - Second Form: One Branch Thrust.]"
Rosa's spear glowed with concentrated energy, a long branch-like construct snaking forward with unrelenting precision. Kiara brought her spear up to block, but the force of the attack was overwhelming. The glowing branch smashed through her defenses, piercing through her gut with brutal finality. Black blood gushed from Kiara's mouth, her expression twisted in rage and pain as she stared at the human who had defied her. Rosa didn't hesitate. Summoning what little strength she had left, she infused her spear with a final surge of power.
"[Cherry Blossom Style - Fourth Form: Cherry Seed Explosion.]"
A flash of radiant pink light erupted from the tip of Rosa's spear, the energy coalescing before detonating in an intense explosion. The force of the blast sent both fighters hurtling in opposite directions, the ground beneath them shattering from the sheer impact. Rosa crashed to the ground, rolling through the rubble before coming to a stop. Her body shook as she tried to brace herself, planting her spear into the ground to keep from collapsing entirely. Her breaths were ragged, her vision blurred, but she had done it. Across the battlefield, Kiara lay sprawled amidst the wreckage, her wings twitching as black blood pooled around her. The Batwoman's once-taunting smile was gone, replaced by a grimace of pain and fury. Rosa's final attack had struck true, but whether it was enough to end the fight remained uncertain.