Old Rivalry

Rue took a step towards the side, "This is not something you were capable of before."

"Peering into me without permission are we?", Akiol assumed while taking up a stance.

"I won't let my regained freedom be cut short so soon."

"You seem to misunderstand my intention."

"We both know we can't trust each other."

"True."

Bang-!

The two charged forward. Akiol's sword cut through the air as he aimed it towards Rue. Demonic energy rose to the surface and challenged the blade. Silver Aura touched against it, the intensity in looks was sharply different. Chaotic and violent Demonic energy seemed so much stronger than the meek Aura, but neither end triumphed over the other.

Exchanging blows the two began to navigate down the halls. Akiol's wounds began to bleed further, and his stamina was dropping far quicker as a direct result. On the other hand, Rue's tenacity failed to waver.

"This energy is so much different too! Why have you changed so much?!", Rue demanded to know.

"Says you! Demonic energy was never in the shape of lightning before!"

Aura spiked in intensity as Akiol swung downwards. Rue shot a palm forward as Demonic energy roared in response. Grey and silver exploded, floating away in the air. Palm moving quickly, Rue gripped the sword and ripped it free from Akiol's hand. Still with a strength disadvantage Akiol was incapable of preventing some of her moves. Add on his current state, and his declining stamina, he was quickly becoming helpless.

Clenching his fist he grit his teeth, sliding his feet forward he threw a fist. Rue punched in return, each of their blows landing. Akiol stepped backwards wincing. Rue threw his sword a long distance away, and it embedded into a wall. Stepping forward Rue taunted, "Memories coming back? It took all six of you to beat me. Right now it's just you isn't it?"

Rue sidestepped a swift blow from Akiol. Striking his stomach in return Rue used another hand to grip his head, "Yet you think you can stop me?! Even with this crutch of a suit you wear!"

Yanking Akiol forward she slammed a knee into his gut. Managing to perform a hasty guard last second, Akiol got away with only the arms of the suit falling apart. Demonic energy crashed against his body and rippled down the rest of the advanced suit.

Falling apart in pieces revealed Akiol's injured body and blood dripping. Rue's eyes shook slightly, "You never fail to fight with everything. How many times have you become like this?"

Akiol's hand gripped the arm on his head, silver Aura condensing around his hand, "Why the hesitation?"

Fight! Akiol's Aura rose further off his body as he swung with a fist. Rue let go of his head and stepped back, but Akiol's other hand held on tightly. Pulling her closer he landed a powerful uppercut!

Rue's head leaned back, Demonic energy crackling from the blow. Freeing her hand she stepped back and held her jaw. Rubbing the spot she suddenly let out a sweet laugh, "Yeah. . . just as I thought."

Leaping forward Rue swung with her fingers like claws. Demonic energy rippling down her body as she fought. Akiol fought against the fighting style. Pushing his body to its limits he dodged as many blows as possible. Finally being unable to, Akiol braced himself with a guard. Rue's palm slammed against his arms and sent a shock to his bones. Gritting his teeth he felt his vision begin to turn from the blood flowing out of his body.

Fighting back Akiol threw a punch forward, but Rue easily dodged through it. Her palm moved forward and slammed into his stomach, Demonic energy exploding from the contact. Akiol was sent sliding back several meters before he slowed to a stop. He took a step forward, legs shaking as they struggled to maintain his position.

Rue lowered her arms and watched his attempt to move forward, "Why are you so intent on doing things like this?"

"This world. . . doesn't have mana. A power like yours can easily. . . tear it apart.", Akiol spoke through labored breaths.

"I know."

"So why. . . are you fighting still?"

"This. . . is all we know.", Rue extended her hands with a smile, this one not as sweet.

Akiol dropped to his knees, now unable to find the strength he instead focused on catching his breath, "I know. . ."

Rue watched him struggle to hold himself and grit her teeth, "So what am I supposed to do?!"

Akiol took another breath, it was getting harder each time. Rue watched with her eyes widening. Stepping forward she extended a hand, "Wait. . . no I didn't-"

"Stick with me. . ."

"Even now you're-", Rue placed a hand to her head, "Augh you're just making this harder!"

Stomping up to him she gripped his face, "I could end you here, I could finally end the Hero that was a pain to me for all this time. Obtain my revenge."

"You. . . won't."

"Why so?"

"We're the same. . . after all."

". . . Yeah.", Rue grit her teeth as Demonic energy shot forward from her hand.

Akiol's body twitched violently as the Demonic energy coursed through his body. Rue let go and sighed, "I don't want you to die just yet, you're the only familiar thing in this world."

Almost falling forward Akiol barely caught himself. Violently coughing up a black blood he felt his lungs clear up, "Ugh. . ."

Crouching down Rue studied Akiol, "How's it feel? I never tested it on human."

Akiol spat some lingering black blood, "Horrible."

"Hm."

Moving to a seating position he took a long and deep breath, "Decided have you?"

Rue bit her lip before answering, "I don't have many options. The people who captured me, I want to hunt them down. But as you said, I really don't know anything about this world."

"Then we have a common goal."

"You too?"

"They've made more than enough threats against me."

Rue's expression turned intrigued, "Then the enemy of my enemy is my friend."

"Let's not go to far."

"Fine. A temporary alliance. We can solve the issue regarding what comes after. . . after we deal with those people."

Akiol raised a hand, "As much as I don't trust you. . ."

Rue took it, "I don't trust you either."

They shook hands, signifying an once-impossible alliance. Hero and Demon Lord, two representatives of polar opposite forces now joined hands.

For now.