PART 1

Saturday morning, 8:00 a.m.

Tobe woke up from his bed but felt lazy due for some reason, so he stayed on.

Waking up early seemed to be troubling him.

Turning from the other side, he was surprised that something soft touched his arm.

Darkness still covered his whole room and his bleary eyes can’t tell the thing beside his bed.

Also, he can’t get the idea that it is a pillow after all, since it is different.

Tobe was so puzzled that he pokes it in curiosity. He can felt it bouncy and soft.

“Uh?”

The switch is easy to reach and upon opening the light, Tobe shrieked as though he has seen terror.

“Guh…Waaahhhh!!!”

The thing which he poked is no other than Yuki’s body, and by chance, she wears Tobe’s loose clothing that resulted in a sensual sight.

Yuki was still sleeping, despite the death-defying scream.

Tobe was so astonished that he rolled off his bed in shock and fell on the hard, cold floor.

*Gonk*

The sound of bumping his head down the floor is somewhat heavy.

“Y-Yuki-chan what are you doing here?”

He tried to wake her but prove to be futile at first.

“Oi— ouch, my head hurts— Yuki!”

He rubbed his head while trying to wake Yuki up. At last, she opened her eyes as though she revived from death.

“Tobe-kun, what happened…”

Her voice is a little bit trailed off.

“I’m supposed to say that to you! What are you doing to my room?!”

“I just want to sleep beside you.”

“Huh? But you have your own room, right?”

“I…don’t…care.”

“Geez, what are you really?”

“I’m not a human…”

‘Yeah I know it.”

Tobe was still sleepy but proceeded anyway downstairs. The pain receded away.

“Now what should I do?”

He went to the refrigerator and opened, checking for something.

Finding discontented, he decided to do some shopping this Saturday. He was about to gone upstairs when a ghost or something appeared in front of him when he turned around.

Tobe was mildly surprised, and made him squeaked “ah”.

Yuki, whom Tobe thought was sleeping soundly, was facing him more closely that they almost touched their other noses.

Her hair was currently messy, making her look like an apparition. She was staring him nonchalance.

Tobe was freakily embarrassed by the situation that he averted his sights and gently nudged her away.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Yuki-chan...you look and move like …in a strange way.”

“I’m fine, don’t worry.”

“By the way, I need to go.”

“Where? School?”

“Uhm, no, to the mall.”

“Mall? What is it?”

“Well, this where I will buy something essential.”

“Then I will go too…”

“…A-agreed.”

He felt discomfort upon her. Tobe made a wry smile and went upstairs, followed by Yuki. He felt that 

he is exhausted already.

Tobe only sighed deeply; it meant that something will happen sooner or later, or it was only his guts after all.

It was already hot and sunny outside, and yet the people are everywhere. Bright and lively structures around the building kept the people fascinated, almost like you’re in a colourful circus.

Tobe and Yuki have decided to go to the mall and to buy something.

Tobe, wearing his bright shirt and shorts, was skidding along the marble path together with Yuki, in her blouse and capri pants.

She covered her head with a hat with large brim, as Tobe suggested since the weather is hot already.

“Yuki-chan, stay with me always. I’ve never thought that the crowd is so big than I imagined.”

He told her with a depressing voice. Yuki only glanced at him.   

“It’ll be easy to be lost in such this place!”

Both of them held their hands in such a way that they both blushed each other.

“Uhm…is it okay for you? Yuki-chan.”

Yuki nodded her head.

The main entrance of the mall was already crowded with people so they wandered around the building for another entrance.

It took a matter of hours before they found one. Tobe grinned, realizing their success.

The door is wide open and almost no one used it.

“There it is.”

Yuki and Tobe proceeded into it and immediately searched for the grocery store.

Even though Tobe bought twice here in the mall, keeping intact in his brain about the directions is still a problem.

He scratch his head every time he mistaken a shop. Yuki, however, paid no heed to him and instead observed the alluring view everywhere while they were walking.

“Tobe-kun, they are so beautiful.”

Tobe glanced toward Yuki and paused for a while. He followed her gaze and found it to be fine-looking.

“Yup, they are. I didn’t know that it was already there.”

Yuki spotted an attractive dessert shop.

“Can we come in, Tobe-kun, please?”

 Yuki grinned, waiting for a precious reply. Tobe look like a little confused.

“Well, I think it won’t be hurt…Let’s go in.”

The little bell tinkled as soon as the door opened. Yuki went in with a hint of gratification while Tobe followed him. He dumbed forgot that Yuki is her first time seeing it since she is not a human.

The smell of delicious cakes and breads immediately greeted them.

“Welcome! Please have a seat.”

The lady invited them to table adorned with some stuff toys intended for kids.

Tobe carefully scanned the whole area before he can sit properly. He can’t afford to have someone he knew would be here since it is obvious that they are dating. He can’t deny it either.

The café isn’t well occupied and all are stranger.

“I hope no one is here….”

Tobe muttered to himself.

He thought he spied something, but later dismissed it.

“Tobe-kun, I want this…”

Yuki was holding a menu and pointed a strawberry cream pie. He sighed and hastily agreed.

The lady in charge immediately did some job in the kitchen and delivered the strawberry cream pie on the table.

The pie seemed to be fitted for two people.

Yuki tasted it and…

“Delicious!”

She purred in contentment as she took another one tasty bite. Tobe couldn’t help but happily watched him.

“Tobe-kun, it is so tasty! Have some too.”

Yuki instinctively licked her lips while offering a spoon of delicious pie to Tobe.

He was about to refused but somehow accepted it as a something. His tongue tingles from creamy flavour after receiving it in his mouth. The sugary sweet and the strawberry sourness mixed, giving it a fascinating taste.

“D-Delicious.”

He couldn’t help but shocked in contentment. Yuki giggled like a cat upon seeing Tobe’s reaction.

“Finish it. It’s yours.”

“No. Together let’s eat it!”

Yuki refused and gave a portion of the pie to Tobe. He gulped some while watching her.

Unconsciously, a familiar woman came in and walked calmly. She passed the table Tobe and Yuki occupied. Her messy hair bounced as she paused between her steps and turned around, noticing them.

She approached intently, gently bumping Tobe’s chair for some attention.

Immediately, Tobe looked around and gaze her smiling face and almost taken him in surprise.

“Miss Tamaki!?”

Tobe’s voiced stand out. Yuki stared her for a meantime, then, continued to savour the dessert alone.

“Hmmm. I’ve never thought you two can be found here.”

“No, Miss Tamaki! You are mistaken we are just---“

“Dating? Oh yeah, that’s what in my mind too.”

Tobe was so flustered that he stammered a lot upon hearing the word ‘date’.

His face is red as a beet. Tobe was so embarrassed that he couldn’t possibly spit some words and nervously watched him.

Mika noticed it immediately and giggled.

“Oh, it seemed the rumour sounds too good to be true.”

“……………………”

“Don’t worry; the secret is safe in me.”

“---We’re not dating, Tamaki-san!”

“Denying? You’re expressions lately is just a polar opposite.”

Mika exclaimed. Afterwards, Tobe silenced for his own good, but his face still showed a sour 

expression.

“If you may, can I sit beside both of you?”

This time Mika asked for a seat on them.

“But, Miss Tamaki, there are still many vacant table here.”

“Stop it. I’ll be just for a minute and leave.”

“I thought you’re here for a cake and desserts…?”

“You know it.”

“Huh?”

Yuki has just finished eating the cake. Tobe noticed a crumble on her cheek.

“Tobe-kun, I’m finished—“

“Wait a minute and don’t move, something’s on your face.”

He took a handkerchief in his pocket and wipes it on Yuki’s cheeks gently until it removed.

“Geez, don’t eat it improperly that it soiled your face.”

“T-Thank you…”

Yuki blushed upon saying to him. Tobe noticed it too and smiled in a friendly manner.

“How cute!!!”

“……………..!----Keep quiet!”

Mika praised them intently that Tobe was so surprised and gets interrupted. He later felt offended by her.

“Dammit, I’m getting bored out here. Yuki-chan, I’ll be outside waiting for you to be finished, okay?”

“Yes…”

Tobe stood nervously but manage to say ‘excuse me’ in front of them before he left outside.

“Hmmm, avoiding something irrelevant? How naïve you are.”

Mika mumbled with a hint of consent of his actions. She gazed toward Yuki and giggled.

“Yuki-chan, you’re so cute!”

“T-Thank you…much”

“Just keep it on and you’ll win him!”

“Uh?”

“Nevermind…”

“Did you two came here for a date or perhaps…more?”

“No, Miss Tamaki. I only agreed to accompany him.”

“Oops, wrong thinking! I’m sorry a lot.”

Yuki glanced by the door and immediately stood and walked away.

“Thank you, Miss Tamaki. I’m going.”

“Have a nice day, Yuki-chan… together with Tobe”

Tobe stood there, obviously waiting for Yuki to get out and to avoid the irksome Miss Tamaki.

Yuki went out of the door as expected and adjoin him.

“So…how’s the minute with Miss Tamaki?”

“Mild.”

“Huh, let’s head to our main priority now… Feeling full?”

“Yes, thank you for your treat. How can I repay you?”

“Don’t think about it. Treating you is totally nothing for me.”

“Then, thank you once again.”

“……”

Tobe chuckled abruptly. He felt comforted when she’s happy too. They both held their hands while walking since the crowd is getting bigger in a minute or else.

“Seriously, what’s the rush in here……Yuki-chan just hold on!”

For some unknown reason, both of them stopped in the middle of flux of people, as though some 

kind of supernatural feeling made them paused, even his breathing ceased for a while.

Yuki knew too well what Tobe sensed since the environment begun to be familiar with her. She felt troubled after all.

“Tobe-kun, something is about to happen.”

“I don’t know what are you talking about…but you’re right.”

Slowly but surely, the people around them began to counted few. Upon taking a harmless step, the surrounding changed indefinitely and roughly. Both of them kneeled because of unexplained vibration that remained for a second.

Tobe thought that he was crazy and realized that all of the people vanished.

“It happened again…”

Yuki gritted in frustration. She grabbed Tobe and hurried nearby a pavilion and hid them.  

“What is it? Yuki.”

“Those things…!”

The sound of a queer engine hummed suspiciously around the hall, signifying that they are more than he can imagine.

Tobe gulped. Seeing Yuki’s reaction toward that ‘thing’ meant they are in an unknown danger. Escaping is rare in this situation; however, it was their only chance.

----------------------------------------

PART 2

Standing under the broad daylight, the platinum blonde guy stood casually. “Get her as soon as possible. Echo is around somewhere in that place!”

Talking into some sort of receiver in his ear, his voice is filled with seriousness and anger.

“—R-roger! Preparing for extraction…”

“Good, but make the squad tripled or more! Echo needs a special treatment.”

It buzzed as it ended. He is trying to resolve it right now as what he would expect.

Marshal Darryl Tracker, the current commanding officer of the squad LINK, one of the upholding groups of a currently unknown incorporation. He is known for his rough, often reckless, methods and upon capturing the so-called maidens.

The time is running short for Darryl so he will act as fast as possible. He had tracked Echo at the Mara Mall and made it into a ‘concentration area’.

That is, a specially-prepared zone that temporarily negates damage for a duration period. Also, civilians trapped inside the magic dome will temporarily be in a stasis but gains invulnerability as well as the place itself, after the duration expires, the victim retains no memory of the event.

Uniquely, Maidens are immune to it as well as the Chasers who created it, thus, providing a perfect battle arena for the two factions.

Darryl went into the transport ship that propelled toward the designated area.

Stroking his rough cheeks, he touched a long scar. This reminded him the past battle between a certain maiden who made it. The longer he remembered it, the sourer is his face.

“—Wherever you are, I’ll definitely kill you!”

He muttered to himself, and took his equipment out of its place.

“Tobe-san, Yuki-san, Are you in there!?”

Cris repeatedly shouted outside the gates of Tobe’s house. Her voice has already irritated the neighbours but the house in front of her sounds empty.

“Stupid Tobe, maybe he is still sleeping inside. Checking in!”

She pushed the gate but found it locked, but Cris has picked it several times, often mistaken as a thief by Tobe some times.

“Huh, Easy enough.”

With a little evil chuckle, the lock finally gave in. She proceeded quietly inside the house.

Scanning the whole room, Cris is bothered by something. No one is in the house.

“I’m thinking that they went somewhere or *gasp* perhaps, a date!”

She gritted her teeth softly, and rushed out of the house, panicking and crying like a little baby.

“Why didn’t you invite me Tobe? I was supposed to join with him—“

After an hour of childish, her stupidity stopped when she spotted someone who is standing outside the gate. A girl with the crazy glasses stood in front of her.

Cris realized her ridiculousness and felt embarrassed greatly.

“P-Principal Monosume?! What are you doing here?”

“I’m looking for Shinichi Tobe and Tenshi Yuki. Since you’re a best friend of Tobe-kun, have you seen him?”

“No, I haven’t—“

Ryuuka noticed her doubtfulness and nervousness.

“Oh my! Is this the house where they lived in or yours? Surely I must be wrong.”

 “Ah— no Ma’am, actually it is.”

“I see, I thought they are here since the morning. Monari-san, do you know where they went?”

“I hope so. Ma’am, is it something important?”

Of course, yes. Possibly, the three of you must be present.”

“Okay.”

“By the way, what are you doing in his house?”

“Uhm…………? Well—”

Ryuuka gazed her suspiciously for a while and grinned. That gesture made Cris shook with 

unknown fear.

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“I see, don’t worry! I won’t tell it to anyone.”

“Wha-What do you mean!?”

“I think I have an idea. Cris-san, do you want to join me while waiting for them?”

“Umm, where, Ms. Ryuuka?”

“Probably, ------the mall nearby. I love shopping you know it and I’ve heard that they are currently 

going on a big sale.”

Ryuuka was pointing toward the mall which she was referring to. Cris was still confused.

“Is it alright for you, Ms. Ryuuka?”

“Yes of course, but something bothers me……”

“………………~!”

“—how about calling me Ryuuka-san instead. Well, only outside of the school, hmmm. Agree?”

“O-ok!?”

“You see, I need someone who will accompany me. To be honest, I’m not particularly familiar with 

that place.”

Cris smiled wryly and nodded softly.

“Right?”

“So let’s go!”

The engine dies quickly as the transport readily landed on a steady place.

A heavy boot clad in a light metallic armor set foot followed by another in a similar manner.

Carrying a large, high-powered machine gun which is taller than him, Darryl has a strong intent.

To kill off the maiden.

But the Intel told him to catch it alive.

Nevertheless, his weapon is still not worthy enough to pacify it.

“Is this the place?”

“Yes, Marshal. The faint trace of Echo is still present until now but we still need a manual searching 

to prove it.”

“Not perfect but still it is enough… that Echo is hiding now? How pathetic!”

Darryl argued with the unsuspecting sergeant. He expected that Echo is someone who is accustomed for deadlier fighting. Angered at what he heard, he straddled straight to the stasis dome.

“Alpha team, surround the ‘castle’ now! Beta, searched the place thoroughly, don’t leave anything 

unspecified! And I’ll getting it done!”

“Roger…”

“Aye-Aye.”

Aria Crete and Hiro Kagishima, both are commanding officer under Marshal Darryl have agreed then.

The entire fleet of mechas swarmed creepily toward the abandoned mall.

“Yuki-chan! I’ll gonna do this…!”

Tobe decided to confront them directly, without having a second thought. This action could possibly kill him. Nevertheless, he deeply cared for her so much.

“…There’s no more choice anyway, I’ll divert their attention while you must escape!”

“But that could mean—“

“I hate to think about it, Yuki.”

“Then I won’t let you…”

“We’re running out of option since their purpose is to catch you – I won’t let that happen even if it cost my life!”

Yuki struck dumbfounded and gracefully smiled.

“I-I’m happy to hear that Tobe-kun. You’re the one and only man who’ll sacrifice his life for me. I’m so happy—!”

Tears slowly streaked on her cheeks and yet remained calmed. This is the first time Tobe saw Yuki, 

or perhaps, a lady crying. He felt guilty.

“Y-Yuki-chan?!”

Tobe was mildly surprised. She firmly holds his nape and cheeks with both of her arms while gazing right into his doubtful eyes with her soulless stare.

“— but I won’t let you…die.”

Unfortunately, one of the reavers spotted them over.

“Target sighted… destroying it in a process.”

Releasing a guided missile, both of them can see their disastrous end.

“I-It’s your choice, Yuki.”

Tobe whispered. She smiled, mystically.

Without wasting any seconds, she plunged her lips toward his before they ended up in a huge puff of smoke.

Darryl heard the transmission from his device. He even heard the explosion before it.

He paused.

“Very well then…check it up!”

He dropped his weapon in confusion. He thought that all of Maidens are powerful and yet this different.

He gritted his teeth in mild frustration, knowing that he is unsatisfied with it.

“Impossible…nah!”

“Orders received …checking for—”

The transmitter echoed, followed by a loud strange crash which is anonymous.

Tracker was mystified.

“Team Beta, go check it!?”

“Affirmative.”

Darryl entered the field hurriedly, dragging along his weapon.

“Damn it!”

Followed by his own team, they readied for an unexpected.

“Negative. The target is still up!”

The transmitter roared before it fell into a deep silence.

Darryl was enraged.

“Team Beta! Annihilate it quickly! Shoot it!”

One of the machines was a total wreck, smashed into pieces by an unknown force. It suddenly burst into flames.

A silhouette formed behind those thick smokes. 

Yuki stood, looking at the junk she destroyed.

She did effortlessly because of her usual nature. She emits a numinous aura, like an unknown goddess.

She turned back, when she remembered someone. Tobe, on the other hand, was lying down on the floor full of rubbles. Asides from scratches, He is alright but was greatly tired that he can’t stand up for a while.

“Are you alright, Tobe-kun?”

Her voice is filled with concern.

“Y-Yeah, I think so.”

Tobe sat abruptly, clueless about what happened earlier.

“I’ll definitely protect you, Tobe.”

“………………………….”

She declared. The wall burst out and fell, and immediately, numerous reavers appeared.

“If you will, Tobe…!!”

“Uh…?”

She helped Tobe stood and put him behind her in a piggyback ride.

Tobe budged a little, he was embarrassed.

“Yuki-chan?”

“Hang on.”

She suddenly jumped in great height and landed right on one of them, stomping on it in one powerful blow.

Yuki passed over them in an unattainable speed and proceeded into a sprint.

She broke free out of the barrier and hid behind a large building. Upon landing, he gently placed Tobe by the wall. The lad is still recovering from dizziness, particularly while he rode on her. He can’t stand still and maybe needed some support.

“Oooow… I don’t think… I’m very well.”

He groaned.

“I’ll be right back!”

“Wait..! What are you going to do!?”

Tobe stopped her. Yuki’s eyes twinkled from peering.

“Destroy them, utterly!”

An explosion has destroyed partially a building, seeking an attention.

Yuki flew away immediately, leaving him alone on a safe place.

“Yuki….!!!”

He shouted so loud, that his throat sored. He won’t let her gone but she’s just too powerful.

Too powerful for a weak boy like him.

Yuki went to the dome earlier, entering the field again.

She expected another surprise meeting.

Upon entering in a destroyed area of the mall, uneasiness greeted her, however the reavers are gone, save for those destroyed.

Landing on a cold floor, a wisp of sparks echoed out. She heightened her senses, alerting herself for any differences.

Yuki glanced left and right, looking out at the abnormal darkness she was seeing. She breathed deeply.

She straddled straight, loud steps echoing deeply inside the hollow and bumping some rubbles and dust.

No one is in her sight.

Not a sound.

Suddenly, something sparked her interest. She paused.

Big, heavy steps of man echoed in front of her, though she can’t see it no matter how she peered.

“Nice to see you, Maiden Echo, the pale queen!”

The voice of a man is full of insolence and mock.

“Who are you…?”

The heavy steps paused. Yuki knew that he was right in front of him.

‘With a little respect, I’m Marshal Darryl Tracker, but it is a little importance right now…”

http%3a%2f%2fpre04.deviantart.net%2ffa2d%2fth%2fpre%2f...a5jw4o.jpg [http://pre04.deviantart.net/fa2d/th/pre/i/2016/160/2/5/echo_vs__chaser_by_yoruchi21-da5jw4o.jpg]

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PART 3

Tobe leaned against the wall occasionally as he was trying to walk. He was greatly weakened and confused.

He was deliberately asking for help, though no one is present.

“Damn, where are the people during these critical times? This is definitely weird!”

He muttered with a hint of irritation. He paused by the sidewalk, as he was trying to catch his breath.

As he raised again his head, he saw someone coming, no matter how blurry his sight.

He is even sure that he wasn’t hallucinating either.

“Thank goodness—“

Accidentally, he tripped and was off-balanced toward them. Gladly, someone caught him on time.

Tobe looked up against the blinding sunlight, with her large spectacles and a quirky attitude, He recognized her quickly.

“R-Ryuuka-sensei?! What are you doing here?”

“Tobe-kun, I thought you went somewhere and I brought Cris too…”

“She’s here too?”

“You’ve heard it, yes, I’m here…What happened to you?”

Ryuuka gently place Tobe on a seat nearby them, good thing it has a large shade above them.

“T-This place is getting dangerous right now, I swear!”

Cris looked him in doubt, and then she chuckled.

“Aaaw, Tobe-kun! You’re bluffing us don’t you think? And it is very funny— whew, are we alone?”

Cris remarked. While she was busily looking for the people around, she couldn’t help shaking a little when she realized it.

Ryuuka too, analysed the whole area and found it to be true. 

“Ryuuka-san!?”

“……………………..”

“— nevertheless, it is useless to say it!”

“What are you talking about, Ryuuka-sensei!”

“Tobe-kun, can you stand?”

“Yeah.”

“Is Yuki-chan, ok?”

Upon hearing her name, Tobe stirred and felt agitated.

“Yu-Yuki-chan, she’s in a deep trouble now!”

Ryuuka seemed to be holding her breath. Sweats are popping on her face.

The worst possible has yet to come.

She gritted her teeth silently.

“Just hang on Tobe-kun. Cris, I want you to stay on guard.”

She silently went away, her hands curled into fist.

“Ryuuka-chan, where are you going?”

“Relax. I’ll call the rescues.”

Her amber eyes twinkled.

As a teacher, no something beyond it, she must act about it.

She disappeared beyond the alley.

The game begins for her.

“You’ve been wondering why are we alone… interesting, isn’t it.”

“Honestly, I’m clueless about it.”

Yuki and Darryl circled each other while fixing their gazes each of them, stomping on dust and ruins, they don’t care.

“Simple. They are useless in this battle between us. Seriously, they are just distractions to me and 

perhaps, for you… But don’t worry, I sent them outside, besides I’m a man of fair games.”

“I still don’t understand…”

“You may not understand me, but what I said is absolutely true.”

Upon saying it, he summoned a large mechanical cleaver, which was placed at his back before.

“I’ll change your mind, Echo!”

Darryl charged at her with all his might, swinging the large blade in a perfect circular motion.

Yuki tumbled back, dodging the immediate death before her. There was a sudden wind rush and she was thrown back.

She somersaulted and recovered her footing flawlessly.

“Nice, that’s what I’m expecting!”

Darryl sneered noisily as he ran toward her. Yuki did the same as though they will slam each other.

Finally, within few steps near him, she flew a dashing kick to him with all her might.

In a flash of light, he caught her foot in mid-air.

“I-Impossible!”

“Bad luck, Echo!”

He threw her all the way up the floors like a ragdoll. The connecting floors destroyed and crumbled to pieces.

Darryl looked up and grinned twistedly upon the large hole.

Yuki walked on a broken platform and gritted her teeth.

That could have been killed her if not for her nature.

“Oh, I thought you are done!”

Darryl mocked her intently. Yuki stood, staring toward him; both exchanged each other’s wicked glances.

“Aren’t you coming down, Echo?”

“Tell me, Darryl. What are you really?”

Upon hearing his name, Darryl chuckled.

‘You’ve become curious now? Unexpected…”

He planted his cleaver on the floor and swung his arms in a boastful stance.

“Those robots are so weak enough for you and you thought you can bring down a human like me? 

Reavers are just only tools and ‘we’ are the real hunters. I, Marshal Darryl Tracker, am one of the world’s worthy chasers!!!”

Darryl proudly exclaimed.

“C-Chasers!?”

Yuki was surprised. Taking this chance, Darryl wielded an artillery out of his right hand and took aim at her.

“I’ll show you!”

Rounds by rounds, he bombarded the whole upper area with deadly shells of penetrating large bullets.

*chug* *chug* *chug*

The sound of roaring gun cried in the air. The smell of the burning ashes filled the whole building.

The entire floor trembled and fell violently.

Everything was covered with dust and falling debris that would surely blocked their sights.

Darryl stood solemnly; his monstrous artillery heated and glowed from constant firing. The entire building was full of holes and cracks and yet it stood still thanks to the stasis field he created.

Suddenly out of nowhere, the air crackled with undefined noise. Yuki skidded toward him quickly. She immediately poured him with her swift combo kicks.

Darryl unintentionally dropped his weapon and groaned because of her deadly lunges. Nevertheless, he sustained the deadly blow and blocked the rest with his mighty arms.

The air trembled from waves of thunderous force.

“Mighty, indeed!”

Darryl remarked as he was thrown back bit by bit from her.

Taking his chance, he quickly grabbed his cleaver in a split of second and slammed it right in front of her.

However, it caught nothing but the wind itself. Instead, with a perfect balance, Yuki stood gracefully on the blunt side of the sword.

Looking right into his eyes peacefully, Darryl was stirred with extreme hatred.

Because of this mystical act, Darryl felt as if he was insulted greatly and brandished his cleaver furiously and forcefully.

The air was filled with dangerous disruptions of invisible force that came crashing anywhere.

Yuki lightly landed away from him and abruptly dashed toward Darryl with immense speed.

Darryl swung his blade in a full arc.

Yuki eluded it by jumping up away in an immense height. She remained suspended as Darryl tilted his head up and watched her with glaring eyes.

“You left me no choice……”

“Oh yeah!? Bring it on!”

“…LA MASKA…”

Her voice seemed to be echoing everywhere, ringing right in his ears as she chanted.

The wind collected and formed an unstable barrier around her. It became denser and larger each 

time she waved her arm.

Steadily, the wind began to pick up speed.

“…NA RAGIA!!!”

The sphere exploded, creating a powerful, blinding vortex surrounding Darryl this time.

Darryl stood vigilant with a hint of curiousness, the vortex proved to be nothing more than an annoying wind but this breeze provided him with extreme uneasiness.

“Oh, come out …Echo!”

The next few seconds, the place was destroyed completely that it doesn’t recognizable anymore if it was on land. Loud, painful explosion roared throughout the whole area, the ground cracked violently and caused a very deep depression, creating a deep, wide crater that could have been possibly the reason why the building vanished.

The unaffected field outside gives off a creepy, mysterious ambience after the building disappeared and the whole area was stilled.

That power is used as an punishing empowerment for her certain strike coming from above using her aura as well as what surrounded her and will cause a total destruction on a concentrated target, hence preferably described as ( Eagle Dive).

Yuki stood by the center of the crater, greatly exhausted but unwavering. Her numinous aura has reached beyond her boundary as if that is not enough for it.

This produces a burning impression that surrounded her body. Her wounds are seared with pure white flames.

Being her body set ablaze didn’t torment her though it stung a lot on her skin.

Using that power as the last resort has proven to be fatal to her and to Darryl. It greatly enervated her since she is not in her full power and did a dangerous skill that could have left a permanent damage on her.

Yuki searched for him in the midst of destruction and felt a sour satisfaction when she found nothing but dust.

She breathed deeply. Not knowing what to do next since she can’t walk or stand on her own.

“I-I’m finished…”

She murmured sorrowfully to herself. Yuki sat slowly, moaning over all the pain she endure to her body.

“So, you’ve decided to finish me off…?!”

Yuki froze. That voice is awfully familiar to her even though her ear suffered from mild ringing.

“…impossible? I don’t think so!”

She gaze toward the edge and was horrified to see him again. Darryl was standing with reavers hovering all around him.

The flames on her didn’t still go out and he found it to be queer.

“You still didn’t get it, don’t you? Maiden Echo…!”

Darryl noticed that she didn’t respond. Yuki gasped and her heart raced.

“… No fun? Then let us finish this right now!”

Darryl ordered the reavers to shot her with missiles.

In a second, the whole place was battered with hundreds of missiles and so on. All cease fired suddenly. The dust settled lazily and it beholds worst ruins ever imagined.

But nothing was found.

Darryl grunted. This meant that the whole operation is finally over though not completely. The reavers searched the whole place to find her body but failed.

Thought to be disintegrated, the reavers departed and left Darryl alone. He went away too; he has no intention of staying in this place.

Darryl knew to himself that no matter what he thinks, he isn’t satisfied about the battle.

“Nuff, Echo’s alive…”