The air in Ikati's throne room was heavy with anticipation, the ornate decorations surrounding the vast chamber doing little to mask the palpable tension. Yuma stood across from Ikati, the remnants of their previous battle still lingering in his muscles and bandages. The throne itself loomed ominously at the far end, a seat of power that felt utterly tainted.
Ikati stood calmly, his broken sword resting casually against his shoulder, an air of arrogance radiating from him.
"Back for more, Yuma? You should know by now that your rage is nothing but a fleeting spark in the face of true power." Yuma grits his teeth and charges.
"Say that all you want, today is the day you lose!" He launched a flurry of punches. Landing and spinning for a kick. The room shook with each blow, the air around them crackling with energy. Ikati sidestepped effortlessly, his movements fluid and calculated.
"Is that all you have?" he taunted, deflecting a punch and countering with a quick strike to Yuma's gut. The force knocked the wind out of Yuma, who staggered back but quickly regained his footing.
"I won't let you take anyone else!" Yuma shouted, his fists igniting with a pink aura as he lunged again, swinging strongly, the air cracking. Shattering the wall behind Ikati. The roof slowly falls to the floor around the two. Ikati was pushed back a step.
"Impressive," Ikati acknowledged, his expression unchanging.
"But it's still not enough." Yuma grits his teeth, bolting forward. Punching Ikati in the stomach. Quickly spinning to kick him in the chest. Ikati grabbed Yuma's leg, spinning him. Throwing him full power into a stone wall. Yuma lands on his feet and bolts forward again. Jumping to kick, but Ikati blocks. Yuma spun around and kicked Ikati across the ear. Ikati stumbles back and slams his foot down to balance himself. Yuma jumped forward and punched Ikati from behind, shattering the ground underneath.
"Too weak!" Ikati spins around, swinging his fist. Yuma spins mid-air, fist connecting with Ikati's. Shockwaves of pressurized air explode as the roof caves in around them. Their fists are not even touching. The attack froze, sending each flying back. Yuma sliding on the ground.
"Just one more push!" Yuma stepped forward, his whole body freezing in a sudden extreme pain. Yuma falling to one knee. Ikati suddenly appears, football punting Yuma across the polished floor of the ruined throne room.
"You're getting slower, Yuma," he taunted, approaching his fallen opponent with predatory ease.
"Soon, you'll join your friends in oblivion." Gritting his teeth, Yuma pushed himself to his knees, his vision blurring as he fought against the overwhelming urge to succumb to unconsciousness.
"I… I won't give up!" he gasped, but the energy flickered in his aura, his strength waning. With a sudden burst of fury, he surged to his feet, but Ikati was ready. In a swift motion, he swung his broken sword, and Yuma felt the cold steel slice through the air, connecting with his side. Pain exploded through him, and he slammed through several stone walls, gasping for breath. His new bandages soaked in wet blood.
"No! Not like this!" Yuma's vision darkened as he struggled to stay conscious, the world around him spinning. He could feel his strength fading, the edges of his consciousness fraying. Just as the darkness threatened to consume him, he heard Ikati's mocking voice.
"Goodbye, Yuma. You've been a thorn in my side for far too long." Yuma's eyes began to close, his body growing heavy. But just as he felt himself slipping away, a sudden flash of light erupted in the throne room, illuminating the darkness. A figure burst through the doorway, energy radiating from them in waves.
"Yuma!" The voice was familiar, high pitched and sweet, laced with urgency and power. Yuma's eyes fluttered open just in time to see the silhouette of a cat sized pink blur, purple gem-like eyes, floating in the damaged doorway.
"Step away from him, Ikati!" The Alien commanded, its tone fierce. The air vibrated with wind as he prepared for battle.
Ikati narrowed his eyes, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face.
"And what are you going to do, Alien? You think you can stop me?" Yuma's eyes go blank and he slumps down. Ikati locking eyes with the Alien. It's short pink fur, gem purple eyes, flowing horns, and pointed ears made it look like nothing he'd seen before. The Alien speaks up in its high pitched voice.
"Just watch me,"