Eternal Spirit (Arc 4 - 2024)

Arc 3 - Chapter 27B: The Truth of Existence Part 2

Tenma stood facing...the second Death Shock ball. While his power was willing, as was his spirit, his body seemed not to be. Tenma faltered somewhat, blooding beginning to ooze from his mouth "I have to get this done...I don't think my body can hold that off"

"Good timing too" said Richter "I knew the strain of battle would catch up eventually"

"Then...I'm going have to use this. It'll drain my energy...but at least my body will be fine" Tenma gripped his wrist, and began focusing his power in his second hand

"Tenma...what is it you're trying to do?" asked Hana to which Richter pondered this too...but it was then electric sparks formed at Tenma's hand, growing in intensity

"What!? No..." it was then a 4ft blade of lightning extended from Tenma's hand and with a single slice...cleaved the Death shock Ball in half, exploding it harmlessly into smoke.

As Richter watched the smoke dissipate, he at first wondered what he saw...before he fell to his knees but then...as the smoke dissipated he was lost for words "What...the...hell?" he saw the electric blade extended from Tenma's hand, as he swished to his side "You have...lightning!?" but as he retracted it...he nearly fell backward prompting Hana to catch him

"Tenma...are you okay?" but before he could answer, he badly coughed with a splatter of blood leaving his lips and his aura near all but gone "His body is beginning to falter...he can't keep going much longer"

"Who...who...just who are you?" as Hana turned to Richter...she saw what looked to be terror in his eyes "No...what are you?" Tenma tried to stand on his own, but found it difficult

"Tenma..." said Hana before turning to Richter to just see terror, or great shock, in his eyes

"How can it be...you wield the Lightning element? It's...just not...possible. It can only..." but he shook his head "Right...time to do away with you both! I can't afford that boy to live"

While Hana looked adamant, as she supported Tenma and held her blade in one hand Richter generated a third Death Shock ball. Hana noticed though that Richter started to glow, the light he produced going to his attack "Richter...you need to cease your current action" said Hana firmly "You are now literally pouring your life-force into this attack. You continue like this...you will die"

"Leave him...Hana" said Tenma just managing to stand on his own "He's fully aware of this"

"Indeed I am" said Richter whose attack swelled greater than himself

"But...what does this prove!?" Hana said in desperation "To give your life...to make sure someone doesn't. What's the point of it!?"

"Then tell me this...what reason is there...to continue living? As far as I know...not enough" his attack was now 8ft in diameter "So long...and good riddance"

Tenma stood to prepare his attack, and tried to stand strong "come on body of mine...just hold out a little more"

"Tenma...I'm with you" Hana said strongly "Let's pool our strength...together!"

"You got it" Tenma put out his hands to generate a nether arte, Hana retracting her sword and putting her hands out to generate a Astral Arte. Together they each made a large ball of white, and Tenma purple and black before

"White Dawn/Black Dusk!" together they each fired their attacks which at first seemed to collide with each other

"You fools" called Richter before laughing "Don't you know the Light and Dark can never get along!?" but it was then...the two specials began to merge together almost phasing into each other.