Trial by Blade

Agony spread from her wound, yet she clung on. She would not drop.

The war shinigami faced her, immovable, his silver gaze frigid and analytical. His stance was fluid but controlled, the mark of a man with a history of many battles fought. His black sword, fresh with her blood, pulsed under the subdued light of the wasteland.

You have to stop now," he snarled, his voice as rough as steel on stone. "Respect your limits."

Emiko released a hiss of air, leaning against her side. Blood seeped between her fingers, but the fire in her burned more fiercely than ever.

"Boundaries?" she said, her voice filled with defiance. "I don't have any."

She rushed forward.

Her body was lighter, quicker, as though something within her had finally awakened. She whipped out with her fist, connecting with his ribs.

The warrior danced, stepping aside from her blow like a shadow moving between the cracks in the sun.

Too slow.

She hadn't even been able to take a step back when he struck once more—his sword flashing in a killing strike for her throat.

Emiko dodged, the blade biting inches from the crown of her head. She swung back around, using her own momentum to send her elbow into his belly.

He caught her wrist mid-swing.

His fingers were like steel.

Then, with one smooth, swift motion, he spun around and flung her back.

Emiko hit the frozen stone floor, the blow flashing spasms of pain through her frame. Dust and trash exploded in the air around her as she hacked and attempted to scramble up.

"You're counting on raw instinct," the warrior noted, his gaze following her with a quiet intensity. "But instinct won't be enough to keep you alive."

Emiko swiped the blood from her lip and spat at him. "Then I'll have to learn quickly."

The fire within her flared once more, hotter, brighter.

And this time—she let it take over.

Golden fire blazed around her, swirling like a whirlwind. Energy spat in the air, warping the space between them.

The silver eyes of the warrior narrowed.

"So you woke up," he snarled.

Emiko did not give him time to try her strength.

She launched herself, moving this time with speed.

The earth creaked under her step. She swung left—then half-way through the turn, brought her knee around to his ribs.

The warrior didn't have time to react. He stepped out of the way just in time to escape the brunt of the blow, but her knee still landed and sent him back a step.

It was the first time she had ever punched anyone.

She caught the flash of shock in his eyes.

But he snapped back quickly.

He pushed ahead of her before she could move, his sword flashing in the air and sending her stumbling backward. The tip of the sword was inches from her cheek, its motion sending a breeze.

Her heart pounded, but she didn't back away.

She darted to the side, her body moving with speed she hadn't known she possessed. The golden flames that surrounded her burned, adding to her speed.

She struck back—this time, a blur of kicks and punches, challenging his defenses.

The warrior deflected with ease, his sword flashing as it repelled her attacks. But he was no longer fully in control.

She was making him defend himself.

For the first time, she wasn't fighting to survive—

She was driving him back.

But he wasn't through challenging her.

Without warning, his blade pulsed with dark energy. A shockwave blasted outward, sending Emiko skidding across the ground.

She dug her heels in, barely managing to keep her balance.

The warrior exhaled, lowering his sword slightly.

"You are strong," he admitted. "But strength alone is not enough."

Emiko wiped the sweat from her brow. "Then I'll become more than just strong."

A faint smirk ghosted across the warrior's lips.

"Then prove it."

He unsheathed his sword, and the atmosphere shifted.

The energy around him grew dark, shadows writhing like snakes. The weight of his power pressed down on Emiko's chest like a fist of metal.

It was suffocating.

But she would not be defeated.

Her golden fire answered, striking back at the darkness.

The ground shook under their feet.

The battle was hardly begun.

It was only just beginning.