Deathsong Chronicles - Sonata 8

Xepher readied himself, and charged at the two.

Slashes, slams and strikes were made, as were magic spells cast. The combatants weaved and dodged around, returning hits of their own.

The strike of metal on quicksilver created a unique sound, one like the sounds of a high-pitched bell shattering. Slivers of adamantium joined the crimson blood of the humans, and the holographic vision around them flickered as either Orologio or Eculemess was injured, albeit however minutely.

Xepher changed from sword to gauntlets to spear to axe and back to sword, and was a match for both, but just a match, coming to a deadly stalemate as the clashing trio were increasingly worn down by the energy used.

Finally, Xepher got in to Eculemess's blind side, and landed a blow into her back. She gasped in agony as she dropped to the side, life fluids gushing endlessly from the open wound.

Orologio narrowed his eyes and muttered something indistinct, and two holograms of himself appeared. Xepher slashed at them, but they were just holograms, and didn't damage them.

The blades of the duplicate Orologios however, were as the real one, so they could do real damage too.

Xepher dove here, leapt there, dodging and striking at the real one, while avoiding the murderous attacks of the holograms.

In one final blow, Orologio was knocked backwards, the holograms dissipated, and he gasped. Xepher charged at him, intending for one final strike.

Orologio charged back, and while Xepher struck horizontally, he struck vertically. They ended up facing opposite directions, and were still holding that pose for a long time.

Finally, Orologio dropped. An explosion happened, and another followed. Soon, chains of explosions were happening.

"Xepher...I activated the self-destruct mechanism. Go...!" said Orologio, barely breathing.

"No. I can't leave you two here!" said Xepher as he tried to reach them.

"Tch." Orologio blasted Xepher away towards the exit. "Go...Xepher...you're nightmare...ends here."