Between Light and Dark

April looked at Heifer and Coral, nodding at them, watching them split off into the forest then turned her attention toward Maiken, red and black lightning crackling around her body. Maiken kept close watch of April, studying her body language before preparing herself. April dashed toward Maiken at lightning speeds, launching a spinning hell kick toward her.

Maiken ducked under the kick, slid to the side to dodge her uppercut then countered her next strike with a jab to her stomach with the hilt of her blade. April stumbled back then grunted at Maiken's speed, barely dodging her strike then groaned as Maiken knocked her in the air with a rising knee to her chin.

Maiken kicked April away then used her energy arm to launch a large blast of energy at her, knocking April away. "Hmph! This is the best you've got to offer? Pathetic!"

April rose to her feet, wiping her lip and smirking at Maiken before walking forward. 'This chick's got some moves. Caught me by surprise by how fast she moved, I didn't even see her slide in..'

"She is a trained Miko after all in the art of the Kodama-style Martial Arts. They work best with evasion and counter attacks, but they do have skill with Iaijutsu and Sword Arts as well," Rama informed, hovering behind her with her arms crossed.

'Hm...I know I'm not as skilled as August is at reading his opponents but I know I can at least tire her out before having to tag in. I do have Heifer and Coral on stand by,' April thought, rolling her shoulder before tossing off her jacket with a confident smirk.

Liao Ru caught April's jacket then crossed her arms, her gaze analytical and studying the battle before her. She kept a close watch on April, knowing she was getting ready to use her Zodiac Drive and adapt a more aggressive approach.

April hopped up and down, energizing her body then stomped her foot down, red lightning crackling around her body powerfully. She began to channel the lightning into her hands then took on her martial arts stance. "Alright, it's time to really get this party started."

Maiken rose her head, taunting April with a condescending smirk. "Bring it on, Aries. It would be great to beat you into the ground!"

April bellowed and dashed toward Maiken once again, launching a swift attack aimed at Maiken's face. Maiken evaded the first strike, ducking under her roundhouse kick then rose her leg to block April's midshot kick. Maiken slid forward, landing a high reaching kick to knock April in the air then slashed through April in the blind of an eye, knocking her back.

April grunted as she rolled backwards then recovered onto her feet, dashing forward and changed her direction at lightning speeds. Maiken took a deep breath, focusing on her surroundings to track April. April appeared behind Maiken with a swift right hook, but Maiken ducked under the attack.

Maiken was about to throw a punish strike, but looked surprised as she was caught with a left hook, her eyes meeting April's with a bit of shock. 'An Afterimage Strike..?'

April used more force to knock Maiken off balance then landed a clean blow to her midsection, red lightning flashing upon impact and blowing Maiken back. Maiken slid a backwards, her endurance palpable with how she withstood April's Fury Strike.

April dashed toward Maiken in zig zag motion, leaping upward and grabbing a tree branch to propel herself forward with a flying kick. Maiken dodged the attack, launching a slash toward April, but a rock spike protruded from the ground, protecting April. April took the moment to spin around the spike and deliver a decisive Fury Strike upon Maiken's jaw, red lightning flashing powerfully upon impact.

Maiken regained her balance and rubbed her jaw, watching April closely. She looked around, searching for Coral and Heifer who hid within the forest. "Birds of a feather flock together as they say... I followed the same principal with my clan. A warrior never leaves their fellow brethren and sistren."

"So why are you going down this dark path? You'll never be able to get your old life back the moment you betray everyone and side with The Fallen! There must be a reason why you hate being a Shrine Maiden," April said, watching Maiken pace left and right in front of her.

"Yeah, there is. My mom always told me is the right path for me. To learn the ways of being a true lady, to learn the ways of serenity and chastity. To walk the path of the light. I don't want to walk down the path of the Miko. I want to be a warrior like my father! Be a hero like he once was!" Maiken said, looking at April as she paced around.

"You can still be a hero as a Shrine Maiden. I mean, look at Misao! She's a hero and she's a Shrine Maiden as well! You can be ladylike and still be a hero, my friend Lily is a hero and she's a Holy Maiden," April countered, trying to get through to Maiken.

"You don't get it. None of you will get it because you don't have the same scars as I do! You don't have a missing arm and a scarred eye! Miko Ashina and I battled because I wouldn't 'fall in line'. Took my damn arm and scarred my right eye! I was lucky enough that my mother stopped the battle fast enough before I died," Maiken scoffed, halting in her tracks then stared at April.

"That day...I vowed that I would forge my own path...and destroy Ashina and St. Goken!" Maiken declared, her aura flashing darker with a determined resolution.

April grunted softly then got into her stance, staring at Maiken, bracing herself. Maiken dashed toward April and bellowed as she slashed, but another rock spike protruded from the ground to protect April. Maiken sliced through the spike, noticed April gone then noticed Heifer appeared in front of her with a powerful kick to her face, knocking her away.

Heifer dashed after Maiken, tossing off her cloak then charged forward. She tried to ram into Maiken, but she dodged, countering with a powerful kick to her stomach. Heifer groaned, stumbling back while clutching her stomach. Maiken used her energy arm to land a powerful blow to Heifer's face, sending her crashing backwards.

"I'm not going to let you all get in my way! Step aside if you know what's good for you! You aren't my enemy so move!" Maiken yelled, her eyes flashing brightly.

Coral rushed out from the shadows forming a puddle on the ground then jumped inside, maneuvering along the ground then caused a small geyser to blast Maiken upward. "I won't let you go down this path!"

Coral bellowed as she kicked Maiken back, further away from the border of the Capricorn Kingdom. She landed on the ground then tapped her choker, the Pisces Symbol shining within it then she sang a note, pulses of water striking Maiken and knocking her back.

Maiken grunted as she tried to resist the sound waves Coral's Siren's Song produced. She huffed and grit her teeth, her heart thumping against her chest. Maiken noticed dark aura forming around her energy arm then grunted softly.

"Feeling overwhelmed..? How about finally succumbing to darkness? Let that darkness within your heart take over. Let it give you the Power you need," Darkness whispered, speaking only to Maiken.

Maiken grunted and balled her fist, dispelling the dark energy around her arm. 'No, I will not...I won't let you take over my mind and body without my consent!'

Maiken bellowed, her energy surging around her body then she slashed down with her sword, releasing a cutting wave to slice through Coral's soundwaves. Coral grunted as she dodged the attack then slid backwards, getting back into her stance.

Liao Ru, having her arms crossed as she watched, tapped her finger on her arm, raising an eyebrow as she noticed Maiken reject the Dark Impulse that Darkness tried to awaken within her. 'She actually rejected it..? Maybe a piece of her is still in there somewhere. Behind all that anger and frustration...Miko Maiken is still in there..'

April looked at Maiken then walked forward, summoning her Golden Diamond, grabbing it then transforming into her Zodiac Drive with a roar. "You're really gonna make us work for this one huh? I can sympathize with you, Maiken. I really do. My boyfriend used to be in the same boat as you... seeking vengeance for being mistreated by his rival, but the difference is he didn't succumb to the dark side like you're doing! You're going about this all the wrong way!"

"You think you know me?! Did your boyfriend lose limbs and half his eyesight?! Was he forced to follow a path he never wanted?! Forced to live up to expectations that can never be reached?!" Maiken yelled, stomping her foot down and growled dangerously.

April stared at Maiken, pulling her glove and balling her fist, red lightning crackling around her body. "August has been forced down a path he never intended to walk. His Destiny changed when Darkness killed his Bloodline and forced him to move to Earth...but while his Destiny is set and stone, you can change yours."

"You can still take the other road. It's not too late for you," April spoke with a compassionate voice, getting into her stance. "And even if you don't listen to me now...I know the Maiken behind all that frustration knows that this isn't the way. You're not a bad person...you're just hardened by life. Your heart is cold, but we can help you warm it back up..."

Maiken listened to April's words, closing her eyes and flashes of her memories played in her head. A subtle smile played on her lips before she looked at April with a serious expression. "Maybe you're right. I am going about this the wrong way...but I...I can't forgive them for what they've done to me."

Maiken got into her Kodama-style Stance with one leg forward and the other slightly back, preparing for action. "This is your last chance to step aside, or else you will feel the power of Baikal."

April stood firmly, the Aries Symbol shining brightly on her chest. "I'm not letting you cross that border. We will take you back to St. Goken by force if we have to. You and Ashina will hash this issue out."

"So be it...you will need to drag me by my ponytail back to St. Goken," Maiken said, her aura flowing around her with determination.

April and Maiken stood off once again, their gazes intense and battle ready. The two tensed their bodies then dashed toward each other, clashing fists then their energies repelled one another. April and Maiken engaged in a fierce and intense hand to hand combat, April delivering out strong strikes but Maiken evading and countering each attack.

April ducked under Maiken's hook punch then delivered a swift Rising Fury Strike, knocking Maiken in the air with a powerful uppercut. She chopped downward, knocking Maiken back down and staggering her. Maiken grit her teeth and took April's strike head on, using her dark energy to absorb the damage and dish it back out with double the force.

April grunted as she rolled backwards then recovered into a running start, her red lightning surging around her body. "Zodiac Arts: Surging Charge!"

Maiken readied her katana, getting into her signature stance. She took a deep breath, her aura swirling around the blade of her katana. Red and purple energy began to emit from her body as she readied her sword with her right hand.

"Burst Skill: Single Mist!" Maiken bellowed, her eyes flashing with determination.

April charged forward at lightning speeds toward Maiken, roaring loudly. Maiken waited for the perfect moment before swinging her katana, clashing with April and grunted as April endured her Single Mist with ease, pushing her back.

April roared loudly, managing to break through Maiken's attack, ramming into her and knocking her in the air. April flipped backwards, landing into a running start again. "Zodiac Arts: Golden Fury Rush!"

Golden lightning crackled around April's body, her aura beginning to sparkle and shimmer with Zodiac Energy. April's body flickered and she rushed toward Maiken, leaning a crack in the ground and rushed Maiken with a barrage of strikes from every angle.

Maiken couldn't keep up with April as she was moving too fast for her senses to track. April's body was a beautiful blur, trailing red and gold lightning with each move and strike. April knocked Maiken in the air then leaped upward, grappling her and slammed her down with an izuna drop.

Coral's eyes sparkled with admiration as she watched April, holding her hands to her chest. "Wow!~ That was awesome! I've never seen anyone move or fight like that!"

Heifer smirked, placing a hand on her hip, a soft scoff leaving her lips. "I expect nothing less from my rival...when she gets serious, she means business."

Liao Ru smiled at April's performance, closing her eyes. 'Looks like I had nothing to worry about..~'

April stood up and looked down at Maiken, noticing her sit up. She held her hand out toward Maiken, offering her assistance to stand. "Maiken, come back with us to St. Goken Academy. Miko Misao is worried about you...she wants you to come home."

Maiken looked up at April, slowly reaching her hand up to take April's. Before she could take her hand, a barrage of scarlet energy blasts shaped like roses hit April, exploding upon impact and knocking her away. Her eyes widened as she watched April fall to the ground beside her, turning her head to see a woman standing in the distance.

Heifer and Coral swiftly turned around to look at April's attacker. Liao Ru hurried to April's aid, holding her up and staring at the mysterious woman. The woman walked from the shadows, a sadistic smirk curled upon her lips.

The woman had a striking and dynamic appearance, blending elements of fantasy and gothic styles. She had long, flowing hair in vibrant shades of pink and magenta, giving her a bold and eye-catching look. Her hair was voluminous and styled with bangs that partially cover her forehead. Her eyes were large and expressive, with a dark purple hue that adds intensity to her gaze. She had a confident and slightly mischievous expression.

She was dressed in a gothic-inspired outfit, featuring a combination of black, white, and red colors. The outfit included a ruffled white blouse with black accents and a red corset-style garment that laced up the front. The dress had long sleeves with red cuffs and a layered, ruffled skirt with white and red frills, giving it a dramatic and elegant flair. She also wore a black bow at her neckline, adding a touch of sophistication.

"Sigh, if it isn't the Zodiac Knights planning to take away our main puppet~" The woman giggled as she walked forward, placing a hand on her hip.

"Who the hell are you..?" Heifer fumed, her expression full of hostility and anger.

The woman smirked at Heifer, a dark chuckle escaping her lips, enjoying the anger she witnessed from her. "My, my..~ A feisty one aren't you? Well if I must answer your question...my name is Macaria Hades aka Scarlett with two T's. I am a Fallen Legend."

Coral was a bit surprised by her bluntness, but her sense of duty caused her to hurry in front of Maiken, preventing her from nearing closer to her. "Tch! I should've known it was you! You terrible people are always up to no good, and now you want to take my friend?"

"Up to no good?~ Hmph! Isn't that what being a villain is? Now step aside, simpleton. I don't have time to play today. We need that Sacred Arms now to unseal Mariella," Scarlett said, stepping closer but noticed Coral unmoving.

"Mariella..? You wouldn't...there's no way we're giving you the Sacred Arms! We won't allow you to revive a literal Dark Lord! Zodiac Arts—" Coral began then her eyes widened as she felt her heart thump.

Scarlett held her hand out toward Coral, using her dark energy to sap away Coral's stamina, incapacitating her in an instant. She watched as Coral fell to the ground then sensed Heifer's attack from behind, blowing her away with a immense force using her dark energy.

"Tch... weaklings. After you all killer Vinson, you pretty much messed up our plans for the St. Meishi district for now. Cetus is becoming exasperated by you meddling Zodiacs. Once we gain enough power, we shall destroy the Temples...thus killing each Zodiac," Scarlett said, stepping over Coral then noticed Liao Ru stepping forward.

Liao Ru glared at Scarlett, standing in front of Maiken and protecting her. "If you want her...you go through me.."

"Gladly," A voice said from behind Liao Ru.

Liao Ru turned around, only to be met with Darkness's fist connecting to her face and knocking her away. Liao Ru grunted as she landed on her feet, falling to one knee and wincing in slightly pain.

Darkness gripped Maiken's ponytail, raising her off the ground with a smirk of pure malice curling on his face. He stared at Liao Ru, dark clouds spiralling around his body and Maiken's. "You lose this round, Immortal Phoenix..."

Liao Ru quickly stood up and rushed toward Darkness, trying to grab Maiken's hand but before she could reach him, Darkness had already disappeared. She grit her teeth, a rare moment of frustration playing on her face. "Dammit..! Tch! Darkness...you will not get away with this..!"

Liao Ru looked around, seeing April, Coral, and Heifer all on the ground and out of commission for now. She calmed her nerves and gathered the three of them near her, performing a hand gesture, ring of flames spiralling around them. She warped away with the three back to St. Goken Academy to report to Misao about what happened.