TANCK!
The Purple Flame blade collided with the cosmic black smoke blade, sending a violent shockwave through the air. Purple flames twisted around Aether's sword while black smoke coiled around the woman's weapon.
Aether groaned through clenched teeth as he pushed against the woman, while she strained against him with equal force.
His right leg stepped forward, forcing his body lower for leverage, while his left leg shifted backwards as he steadily pushed her away.
Aether stared at the woman through the flickering flames.
She looked exactly like his mother.
Her magenta hair, deep blue eyes, small nose, pink lips, and beautiful face were all unmistakably familiar.
Even the subtle expressions crossing her face reminded him of memories he had carried for years.
Every feature belonged to the woman he remembered as his mother.
Yet something was wrong.
He could feel it somewhere deep inside him, buried beneath instinct and memory.
This woman was not the same person.
