Obsidian’s doubt

Jerome and Obsidian stood across the street from each other. "You really had her and you let her walk?"

"If I see her again I'll kill her. Already told her."

"You fool!"

Obsidian rolled his eyes and walked past Jerome. "Save yourself and run. I don't like to waste my time with weak people."

Jerome stared at the ground and chuckled. "I'm gonna be honest with you, horse. I've been holding back my killer side for some time now." Jerome grabbed Obsidian by his shoulder, stopping him from walking.

"Which way did she go?!"

"I'll say, you're stronger than you look." Obsidian crossed his arms. "I'll beat you without even moving from this spot, brat."

Jerome reached behind his back and swung his sword. "Useless." Obsidian sighed.

His aura pushed Jerome into a nearby building. "What…is that?" Jerome got to his feet and dusted himself off.

Obsidian pointed at Jerome. "I'll give you one last try."

Jerome let out a little laugh that surprised Obsidian. "Okay." Jerome said. He pulled his sword back and took a fighting stance.

"Reaper…evolution!"

Jerome's reaper appeared in front of him. This time, it had more sinister aura than usual, large wings, a longer and lhicker scythe, battle armor, and a smile across its face.

(A aura beast? No, this is different. It's his ability!)

Jerome could see through Obsidian. He could see the beast's soul. "You have a weak soul, beast. It's takable!" Jerome yelled, as his voice sounded demonic.

(I can sense it. Never thought I'd be the one to encounter such a thing. This…is death.)

Obsidian thought.

"Uh-uh, you said you'll give me one more try. Stop this…you dumbass! Reaper attack: Soul snatcher!"

Obsidian watched. He couldn't move. The reaper swung its scythe at the creature. The move wasn't intended to kill Obsidian but, to take his soul.

Jerome could feel the difference in beast souls and Akie souls immediately. The beast had stronger souls than others. Jerome wasn't able to capture the soul and use it to his will. However, Jerome had 20 seconds to unleash the deadliest moves he knew. Being that Jerome couldn't take control of Obsidian's soul, it left Obsidian in a paralyzed state. He could feel, see everything, and think on his own.

(A strong soul. I don't have long!) Jerome rushed towards Obsidian with killer intent.

Obsidian stared at Jerome with a soulless look in his eyes. (Frost was absolutely right. I underestimated the Akies. Now, I'm about to take unnecessary damage!)

(This one has tuff skin. I'll attack the same spot and break through it!) Jerome put his sword away and put aura around his fists.

(In our race today…there aren't that many who can manipulate their aura at such a rate. I'll inflict damage to him physically and spiritually! Spiritual energy is what keeps the aura flowing. Beast have a stronger soul…which means their aura is stronger! Which also means…their spiritual energy will take more damage than an Akies! Right now, his spiritual energy is messed up from my attack. Stronger soul means more damage to spiritual energy and aura flow. Now, he won't be able to use any attacks at their full potential.)

Jerome punched Obsidian in his stomach. He could feel the power. Obsidian had a body a man could only dream of.

Jerome punched Obsidian and continued to hit him in the exact same spot.

(I'll break you!)

Jerome sped up his punches. A large crack appeared on his stomach. (Damn…he managed to break through my skin.) Obsidian closed his eyes and focused.

Jerome pulled his right arm back and straightened out his fingers, making claws out of his aura.

"I'll damage your soul permanently!" Jerome yelled.

Suddenly, Obsidian used his aura to push Jerome back again. This time, Jerome's reaper caught him in air.

"There's no way! 20 seconds hasn't even passed yet."

Obsidian managed to break free and jumped back. "I condemn you, soldeir. You truly are…a worthy opponent." Obsidian chuckled.

Jerome knew he was outmatched. He was glad his attack had hit. "At least his abilities will be halfed." Jerome's reaper placed him on the ground.

Obsidian studied the wound on his stomach. "I've never been injured physically. What an amazing feeling."

"Physically? You say that as if you've been through something mentally." Jerome said. Obsidian ignored him and charged up his aura. "My turn."

Obsidian pulled his left arm back. All of his aura went into his left fist. "All of it?!" Jerome snapped his fingers. Making his reaper cover his body.

"This is a simple attack. Doomsday…punch!"

(I'll harden my reapers defense. He won't be able-). Jerome snapped out of thoughts. Obsidian had already managed to reach him.

(How did he move so fast? It was like he became air itself.)

Obsidian punched Jerome's reaper. His fist went through the reaper and made contact with Jerome.

A wave of aura covered a portion of the city. Obsidian had so much aura, it looked like a giant tsunami of green and black aura covered the sky.

The wind and pressure from the punch sent Jerome through multiple buildings. The wave crashed down on the city, killing thousands of citizens and creatures in the process.

Jerome couldn't feel the right side of his face. His blood dripped onto his thighs. He lifted his head to see parts of the city burnt to a crisp and melted away.

"It felt…just like a bomb." Jerome forced himself up and gasped for air. "Hehe…that was a simple attack, huh? If I didn't mess with his spiritual energy…half of the city would probably have been destroyed."

Jerome fell back to the ground. "I can't even walk. This…isn't where I die, right? I haven't even got to kill that bitch."

Obsidian walked towards Jerome and stood over him. "Reaper…defense mode."

Jerome's reaper has more armor and crossed it's arms. "This is where you die, boy. You've suprised me. Farewell." Obsidian walked through the reaper and grabbed Jerome by his neck.

(Aubrie, I'm sorry. This thing is too strong. You'll be fine…you'll all be-) footsteps approached behind Obsidian.

Jerome managed to look behind Obsidian while being held in the air like a child.

"Don't touch my brother." A familiar voice yelled out. A man stepped into view.

"Jericho." Jerome said with a smirk.

"Having trouble? Don't tell me you've given up, Jerome. That's not the guy I know." Jericho pulled out his blade and tied his head in a samurai style.

"A fight to the death, creature. I'm an honorable warrior and will not wield!"

(How did he get in the barrier? He wasn't here. Udo have something to do with this?)

Jerome thought, as Obsidian tossed Jerome to the side.

"Well, you made a mistake." Jericho laughed. "You should've snapped his neck. Don't underestimate our race!" Jerome stood beside Jericho.

(I didn't even notice him move. I doubt they can handle me. I'll be fine.)

Jerome and Jericho took a fighting stance side-by-side. "Keep up, Jerome."

"Hell, I'll move faster than you. You're the one who's gonna need to keep up."

Obsidian rolled his eyes and rolled his neck. "I'll kill the two of you quikcly."

The three stood still. Staring into Obsidian's eyes. Jerome notcied Obsidian's stomach had completely healed.

"If we can damage his skin…I can harm his aura flow some more. You'll have to trust me." Jerome whispered.

"Right."

Obsidian took a deep breath. "GO!" Jericho yelled.

The three dissapeared from view and began fighting. Obsidian jumped on a skyscraper and clapped his hands, summoning a large amount of his monsters.

Jericho and Jerome slices through the monsters with ease. Making their way closer to Obsidian.

Obsidian charged up his aura and flew into the air. A shower of energy blast was shot at them.

It looked like green glowing rain. Obsidian's aura showered the sky. Jericho and Jerome used their swords to block the blast and dodge them.

"Throw me at him!" Jericho yelled.

"Right!" Jerome said. The two flew side-by-side. Jerome grabbed Jericho by his foot and swung him towards Obsidian.

Jericho put his sword away and closed his eyes. "Vanishing…strike!"

Jericho dissapeared in thin air. "Where did you-" Obsidian was cut on his left shoulder. His green blood fell to the ground.

Jericho reappeared behind him. Obsidian spun around and blocked Jericho's sword.

Jerome flew towards the two and threw a ball of energy at both of them. Jericho pushed Obsidian away, making him go towards the ball.

Obsidian rolled his body backwards and dodged the ball. He raised his hand in the air to control the ball and threw it at Jericho.

Jerome flew In front of him and sliced the attack in half. "Damn, he's tuff. At this rate…we need to kick up the intensity!" Jerome said.

The two men were breathing hard. Obsidian calmly landed in front of them and crossed his arms.

"Is that all? You two are great warriors, I'll give you that. But, if this is all you can manage then-"

"Reaper!"

"Kostush!"

Jerome's reaper reappeared around him. Beside him, Jericho's kostush formed around him in yellow aura. Both of the men and creatures stood side-by-side.

The monsters let out roars. "We're just getting warmed up, demon." Jericho said with a smirk.

Obsidian unfolded his arms and took a fighting stance. (They've done some damage. However…that is what will cost them the fight.)

"Come at me!" Obsidian yelled.

Jericho and Jerome gave each other a little nod. (I will fight the one who killed my family to the death! The flame demon killed them! I will find her!) Jericho thought.

"Don't let your emotions take control." Jerome said. Jericho opened his eyes wider and looked at his hands. "Right. Let's get him."

The two charged Obsidian together. Obsidian clapped his hands and used his aura to push the two back.

Jerome was able to push through, while Jericho was pushed away. (He has the defense!) Obsidian thought. He dodged Jerome and the reaper's attacks.

Obsidian jumped back and could see the Kostush on top of a tall building with a large arrow.

The creature threw it at Obsidian. Obsidian closed his eyes and stomped his hoofs in the ground.

The streets and city was leveled by his stomping. Jericho flew above him and showered him with energy blast.

Obsidian held his arms out and took the blast head on. (He's letting them hit?!)

Jerome teleported in front of Obsidian while the energy blast hit. "Reaper slash…equinox!"

Jerome sliced Obsidian in half. Jericho was suprised. It felt like the whole world went in slow motion, as Obsidian's body hit the ground. Jericho stopped firing.

"Well, that was easy." Jerome replied. His reaper didn't disappear. Jerome turned around. "You can leave, now. You creep. What? You wanted his soul?"

Jericho flew down and studied the body. "Jerome…this is…he shedded his skin!" Jericho spun around to see Obsidian in a new form walking towards Jerome.

"JEROME, BEHIND YOU!" The Kostush used it's aura to push Jerome away from Obsidian.

Jericho ran down the street and caught a glimpse of Obsidian's new form. Instead of his centaur look, Obsidian had a Minotaur look, now. He two king black bull horns, furry legs, and was a little taller and muscular than before.

"This feels…amazing. I can finally move as I please." Obsidian said while stretching.

Before Jerome could attack, Obsidian had moved towards him and punched him through multiple buildings.

Jerome popped up from the ground and tried to defend but, Obsidiant was far too fast and powerful. He started to combo Jerome with his mighty fist.

Jericho set aim with his Kostush. "There you are! Fire-"

Obsidian moved through the air and swiped the creature's arrow away. He grabbed Jericho and threw him to the ground.

Obsidian flew and held out his fist. "Die!" He yelled.

Obsidian punched a hard object. The explosion caused a nuke-like affect, nearly destroying everything in the area.

The smoke cleared. Obsidian punched a giant purple object. "The reaper!"

Jericho flew behind Obsidian and kicked him towards the ground.

"I didn't even feel that!" Obsidian laughed. Jerome and the Kostush flew down. Jerome punched Obsidian in his stomach with a barrage of them. Obsidian laughed and threw his hands in the air, letting Jerome hit him.

(His stomach is healed! Does that mean…)

Obsidian notcied the Kostush getting closer. "Doomsday…kick!" Jerome flew back, dodging the life-ending move. Obsidian's aura spreaded and destroyed more of the city.

Obsidian clapped his hands and summoned his aura beast creatures. There had to be around five-hundred of them.

Jericho flew towards Obsidan. Obsidian pointed at a nearby skyscraper. It lifted from the ground and was thrown at Jericho.

Jericho dodged the first one.

"This is insane! He hasn't even used his primal unleashed yet. We can't find an opening for Jerome to use his ability." Jericho notcied multiple shadows appear above him.

Multiple skyscrapers were falling from the sky. Jericho and his Kostush made work of the falling buildings.

Jerome was on the ground, fighting the small army of aura beast charging him and his reaper.

(Damn it! He is using his aura beast to blind us!) Jerome was standing inside of his reaper, killing the beast one-by-one, as the reaper blocked them off and killing them.

Obsidian flew to the sky to fight Jericho. Jericho kicked Obsidian into a falling skyscraper.

(I'll find an opening on my own!) Jericho flew higher and higher. "The barrier is coming up. I'll just-"

Obsidian flew after him. (These creatures are nothing. I'll kill this one quickly!)

Obsidian shot a beam at Jericho.

Jericho spun his body around and took the beam head-on.

Obsidian flew towards the explosion and punched nothing but the air. "What?!"

Jericho had teleported behind him. Jericho's shirt was burnt off. He was bruised and bloody from Obsidian's beam.

"I'll end this before you start taking it seriously!" Jericho yelled. He clapped his hands together.

(Take this!)

"Expansion!"

Obsidian was caught off guard by Jericho's chant. (He has one?! No matter! The reaper and him should be dealing with my aura beast down below!)

Obsidian was correct. Below the two, were Jerome and his reaper fully covered and surrounded by his aura beast.

(I've won. You two are nothing!)

Obsidian held out his hand. Jericho continued his chant. "Expansion: Fusion!"

Obsidian couldn't sense anything. (What was the point? His expansion doesn't even-)

Jerome reached out his hand. The crowd of beast covered his view. "Hidden troop technique:Scythe!"

Jerome's scythe knocked all of the creatures back and blew them away with his treasure summoning.

(If I'm right. This is when Jerome wakes up!) Jericho thought. Jericho had placed his faith in Jerome. Believing that he would overcome the beast and fly to assist him.

Jerome flew towards Obsidian and caught up with Jericho, who was already flying towards him.

"Reaper!"

"Kostush!"

The two monsters combined to form a more powerful creature. The creature roared and swung its sword.

Obsidan flew and dodged it. He flew towards the monster and roared. "Doomsday punch…full power!"

His punches caused an explosion. Obsidian thought he had punched through the creature, but he was wrong. The creature had its hand together and shot a beam that pushed Obsidian back.

Obsidian tried to keep the blast back with his hands, but it was too strong. "Push!" Jericho yelled. As the two yelled and raised their energy.

(Akies…truly are…magnificent creatures!)

It looked as though Obsidian had gave up. However, Obsidan decided to use 40% of his true power.

(Jerome and Jericho…thanks.)

"Doomsday attack….atomic breath!"

Obsidian opened his mouth and shot a green beam at the two. Jerome and Jericho split apart and shot their own energy blast.

The three clashed and had a beam battle. Jerome and Jericho pushed as hard as they could.

"Ughhhh!!!"

"Auughhhh!!"

Obsidian's beam was stronger. The beam eventually hit Jerome and Jericho. They continued to try and push the beam back.

They were pushed back to the ground. The explosion did even more damage to the city, with a giant crater.

Obsidian wiped his mouth and smirked. "Frost really was right. I want to make sure Jerome is dead, but I can't waste time looking for his body. That should be the end of those two." Obsidian said as he turned his attention towards Atens energy.

"Should I go or stay and get more points?" Obsidian had currently reached first place in the point system. Due to his destructive powers and strength.

"I'll see what this huge spike is." Obsidan flew towards Aten and the crew. (Those two warriors…I feel like I'm making a mistake.) Obsidian stopped flying and looked down at the city.

"Curse it! The king is out there fighting. I won't waste time!"

******

A few minutes past as Jericho popped up from the rubble of the city. His left arm was gone.

"So, that's what you're doing, Jerome? You'll be the first one I know to ever do it." Jericho complimented.

What was Jerome doing?

******

Next Chapter: The Golden Era part 2