An Ally Reborn

'Mina!'

Unable to stop what was coming, dread began to fill Hysteria. Her mind, her heart, both thrummed heavily within her as she wracked her brain to find a way to help.

"You're mine now."

Mina felt her hand being ripped forward, her body stumbling towards what was left of Kat. An overwhelming force she could no longer resist.

'Mina!'

Feeling the same pain as Mina, Hysteria could only struggle harder. Her movement subtle, almost nonexistent.

'Wait... I can move in h- THAT!'

Hysteria could feel something now, something she needed. She reached, using her mental hand as much as possible. She could feel her fingers begin to grasp it, slowly pulling it in her direction. As she finally had a full hold, she tugged with all her might. With a strange tearing sound, Hysteria could only smile as her situation changed.

-

"Mina, be a dear and use your feet."

Complying to her demands, Mina got to her feet and walked along with her, her mind fading with each step.

'Mina... I told you not to give in. Heh, I guess it's my turn to help.'

Mina stiffened, her body pulling itself backwards. She began to scream, causing the God to release her to cover her ears.

"Quiet that incessant wailing!"

She went for a backhanded slap, her hand bearing down on Mina's face.

"Huh!?"

The slap never reached. Instead, Kat's eyes fell onto a peculiar sight. Blocking her arm, with a shadowy blade, stood a young girl. Her dark hair reached her shoulders while her blazing eyes were filled with fury.

"Back off you bitch!"

Unable to keep blocking, the girl allowed the God to follow through. She was shoved backwards, holding onto Mina. The two landed on their feet, though Mina slumped to the ground as she grasped her head.

"N-no... she's gone! You took Hysteria!"

Tears fell from her eyes as she looked up. She sobbed heavily, her mind hers once more.

"Stop bawling. I'm right here."

The young girl smiled down at Mina. Although her features had changed slightly, she still resembled Mina in Hysteria Mode.

"H-Hysteria?"

"Get up. We can take her, together this time."

Mina could barely pull her eyes away as she got to her feet. Her hand trembled as she touched Hysteria's physical body.

"You're really here."

Before she was pulled into a hug, Hysteria pushed Mina back.

"We still got bitchface. Calm down."

Mina looked towards Kat. Her expression slid back into a heartbroken state, leaving her unfit for combat. Her brow furrowing, Hysteria swung her own hand towards Mina's face. The motion ended with a soft tap, however, leaving a very bored God to watch the two girls before her.

"While this is lovely, seeing a mental state become real and all, I think I'm gonna have to kill you."

In an instant, she appeared directly beside Hysteria. Fingers poised like a blade, she nearly dug them straight through Hysteria's body. Two blades were barely holding the attack off, both Sword Spirits struggling to keep their footing.

"This is no fun. To think you were both so weak."

Her hand dropped, but a swift roundhouse kick took both girls off their feet as they were sent tumbling across the ground. Mina was dazed, but Hysteria was able to get back to her feet quickly. She gripped the hilt of her sword tight, her pale knuckles turning red.

"Mina, we need to stop her. I know you're reluctant, but it's the only way for us to save this-"

She was cut off as Kat's hand appeared around her throat.

"My magic isn't even worth using, yet you speak as if you can fight me. And win."

Hysteria looked into her eyes, a small smile appearing on her lips.

"Heh."

Without wasting a beat, Hysteria allowed her blade to ignite with a black flame. She swung up, the fire licking Kat's arm briefly.

"Truly... irritating. Do you believe you can-"

Her eyes went wide as Hysteria turned her blade on herself. The tip touched her stomach, yet no blood began to spill as she pulled it hard against her skin. Her voice began to resonate as she spoke.

"Being free gave me some rather... fun abilities."

Her laughter began to vibrate the area, leaving Mina to stare in wonder as Hysteria began to change. Her balde began to melt against her skin, the metal flashing towards every inch of her body.

"You look like a metal slime. I wonder how much experience I'll earn..."

Kat swung towards Hysteria, her hand quickly pulling back as she winced.

"I see."

Hysteria had a deranged smile on her face as Kat's blood dripped from her fingers. Her own body had become her blade, her weapon. The edges sharper than ever, while following every desire the wielder wished for.

"Kat, it's my turn."