Arising of the Phoenix

"Honorable Leader. . . is there any reason why you watch him?"

Xo stood and watched as Akiol remained still. Occasionally a silver strand of Aura would separate from Akiol's body and float away.

"Honorable Leader. . . ?"

"I can't see it."

"I'm sorry?"

"You are aware of my eyes."

"I am. . . but I'm not quite sure what you mean."

"I cannot see what is happening with Akiol. I can see his Aura, it's reacting to something. I can see how it grows and condenses. Yet what is happening to Akiol specifically, I cannot see it."

"But you are aware of what's going on right? Why else would you intervene?"

"This is a different form of Enlightenment. A reflection inside one's soul. Until their goal is obtained they will remain in a deep trance."

"It's a fortunate thing to happen then?"

"Not necessarily, because if their goal is unobtainable they will never awake again. Moreover the time inside the soul is different for everyone. If his soul is one where time flows far slower than what we feel, he may arise as a completely different person. Someone who may no longer be sane."

"Is there not a thing we can do?"

"I have already done what we can. Providing him with a space where he can rest uninterrupted. As for how long. . . only time can tell."

". . ."

~~~

'Are you really going to listen to his request?' -Peerless Edge

"Of course, I said I would didn't I?"

'. . . Fine.'

"Are you upset?"

'No.'

"You sound upset."

'Focus on the battle.'

"Unless he has something up his sleeve there won't be a need to."

Lifting her sword Merin took a stance, bending her knees slightly the pressure she released made the gravity triple. The ground trembled and the cracks that formed during their battle began to widen. . .

[Dash]

[Horizontal Slash].

Wrock's finger twitched, the only response he was capable of to the move. Merin's sword cut through space and formed a deep gash across Wrock's stomach. He took a step back, Spirit flickered to close the wound forcefully. Merin's gaze remained a dead calm, "This is what you wanted, is it not?"

"Yeah, that woke me up!"

Spirit ignited! Azure light went across his face as Spirit formed the picture of a Phoenix. If he wanted to improve he needed to put everything he had into this fight! Every drop of Spirit, every fiber of his being. He would burn through it all!

Azure light passed across his back, a far larger and more detailed picture of the Phoenix being painted. It's wing spread out, talons outstretched. It's beak agape with a soundless cry. With the effect of Rebirth Wrock now had enough Spirit to further increase the level of which {Arising of the Phoenix} could operate. Although it wasn't at the full strength the effectiveness more than doubled than that of his Pseudo form.

Additionally now that he was empowered by Spirit the various effects of Rebirth also began to kick into gear! Wrock's power skyrocketed to an unheard value of those in Second Stage! Wrock flickered and delivered a spinning kick. Merin's blade responded as she blocked the blow, but the recoil sent her sliding.

Even with his incredible strength she was still able to react! It was ridiculous, just how much was she holding back originally? No, that no longer mattered. Wrock wouldn't let such thoughts cloud his mind! He could feel the Spirit burning within him, it spurred him forward. This fight, he couldn't let it go to waste!

Wrock vanished and reappeared above Merin, the cry of a Phoenix rang for all who witnessed the fight to hear! It formed behind him and spread it's brilliant azure feathers, a sight to gaze in awe!

{Spirit of the Phoenix: Descent Upon Prey}!

Merin gripped her sword with both hands and swung upwards, not bothering to dodge! Space cut clean into two as their moves collided!

[Heavy Upwards Slash]!

TWANG~!

Both their moves bounced off each other, a sign that their might was equal for just that exchange! Merin's grip loosened for a moment as she stared at Wrock in surprise, "To think you were upset at me for holding back!"

[Dash]!

Merin appeared directly in front of Wrock in the air and delivered a swift diagonal slash. A pair of azure wings formed on Wrock's back as he flapped backwards. Not only gaining distance but also delivering a flurry of explosive feathers!

{Spirit of the Phoenix: Feather Volley}!

[Rapid Slashes]!

Merin jumped off the air and cut through the hundreds of feathers. Occasionally a flicker of Sword Intent would release and head towards Wrock. Although he couldn't sense them his instincts told him something was amiss. Raising his palms a shield of Spirit formed, the Sword Intent cutting only halfway into it before dissipating!

The two landed on the ground, their speed making them slide. Wrock condensed the flame into a ball and threw it towards Merin. Right as the flame left his fingers he turned to a blur and appeared behind her, Spirit raging at his fist. Punching forward he timed the two attacks perfectly! Merin was forced to dodge or receive a blow!

[Twin Slash]!

Merin's sword split into two as she cut the ball of condensed Spirit, causing it to explode. The other sword clashed with Wrock's fist, and the impact caused a shockwave to form and blast away the explosion! Lifting his off hand Wrock smacked away Merin's sword. Throwing his other fist forward he formed Spirit to enhance its offensive power!

Lifting her sword up she let go of the grip and let it hover in her palm, Wrock's fist slammed against the sword's grip which momentarily baffled him. Merin rolled off the blow and spun against his extended arm, gripping the sword again she swung towards Wrock's side. He responded by spinning himself, Spirit acting as a thrusting force. His elbow raised he slammed it against her jaw, but in return her sword dug deep into his side!

Wrock grit his teeth and released a powerful wave of Spirit, causing the two to distance themselves. As his fresh wound cauterized he sharpened his senses further. Although his Spirit was being burned through at an incredible rate, he should still be able to perform those techniques!

The true strength in {Arising of the Phoenix} lie not within it's power enhancement, but rather the techniques that followed it!