Chapter 38: Showdown

Elios sat on top of a cliff, watching the early morning sun. As the light hits his silver hair and golden eyes, he seemed to glow slightly. But before Elios could enjoy his tranquility further, a sound alerted him from behind. *Rustle, Rustle* When Elios turned around leisurely, he and Ren made eye contact.

"Give her here."

Breaking the silence between them, Ren's voice ran out with a dangerous tone. But Elios didn't waver, only picking up an unconscious Nina with one hand. As Ren watched Elios's hand intently, Elios suddenly smiled sadistically. *Fwip* With barely any effort, Elios threw Nina at Ren, causing him to slightly panic.

"Nina!"

Ren acted quickly, his full attention was on Nina, who was flying towards him at high speed. Holding out his hand, Ren's eyes never left Nina. *Fwump* As Nina safely landed in Ren's arms, he felt relieve wash over him. But before he could let down Nina, Elios dashed forward.

"DIE!"

Elios blasted forward with blistering speed, trying to take full advantage of the distracted Ren. But before his fist connected with Ren's face, Ren disappeared. *Boom* The shockwaves of Elios's attack shook the trees in front of him, but Ren was no where to be found.

"This again, can you only run like a coward Ren?"

As if to answer Elios's taunt, Ren jumped out of Elios's shadow, delivering a punch to the back of Elios's head. *Boom* Ren's fist made full contact with Elios's head, sending his face towards the ground. Ren stood in the crater he created, raising his leg for a follow up stomp. *THOOM* Ren's foot came down like a meteorite, sinking the crater deeper.

"Is that all?"

Ren quickly teleported away when he heard Elios's voice, narrowly dodging an invisible slash. When Ren saw the cuts inside the crater, his expression became more solemn. *Crumble, Crumble* As rocks fell around him, Elios stood back up, dusting himself off. *Ptoo* Spitting out a tooth, Elios looked up to face Ren.

"That wasn't bad, but you can't beat me with that."

At the end of his sentence, Elios swung his arms quickly, sending multiple slashes towards Ren. *Fwip* But before the slashes reached Ren, he teleported away. As the slashes continued into the air, it dissipated into the air. Silence filled the air as both Ren and Elios thought about their next move.

"So you can jump between shadows?"

Elios climbed out of the crater with a smile, locking his eyes on Ren. When Elios sensed a slight change in Ren's expression, he knew he was right. Before Elios could say another word, Ren disappeared from his spot. *Fwip* Elios quickly elbowed behind him with force, hitting Ren square in the chest. *Boom*

"Nice hit."

Ren grabbed Elios's arm, before a red aura covered his head, turning into the shape of a knights helmet. Elios's eyes widened in shock as Ren thrust his head forward, head butting Elios. *CRACK* Ren let go of Elios the moment before he made contact, causing Elios to fly back from the blow.

"Y-you...!"

With blood streaming down his face, Elios ignored the pain in his head, mumbling madly in a low voice. Ren decided to take this chance to attack again, so he tried to teleport to Elios once more. *Rumble* But before Ren could make his jump, a deep rumbling sound came from Elios. *Sheeeen* As a bright light engulfed Elios, he stood back up.

"What... What is this...?"

Ren stared at the bright ball of light in a daze, this was a completely new side of Elios. When the light subsided, Elios stood there silently. But when Ren took a closer look, Elios didn't have a shadow.