Brotherly Bonding

Boom! The two electric swords slam into each other. Leonardo follows up with a kick that sends Salvatore to the ground.

“You’re not going to get me that easy!” Salvatore rolls over as a lightning trail barely misses his widow’s peak.

“Maybe I just want you to try a little harder,” Leonardo responds.

The ground begins to shake as a dark cloud appears above the young men. Lightning paints the sky magenta and electric blue. Several bolts of energy appear from the sky.

“Your wish has been granted.” Salvatore laughs as Leonardo falls to the ground screaming in pain. The lightning knocks him back into a puddle created by the storm. “At least put up a fight, Leonardo!”

Leonardo recites the lines of the ability he learned before they began training. “Caeruleus Vires!” A blue beam of lightning ejects from his sword towards Salvatore’s chest.

“When did you learn…?” As Salvatore attempts to dodge the blast, Leonardo’s strongest attack nearly obliterates his left shoulder. “I’m ending this now!” With his one good arm, Salvatore points his sword towards the heavens and begins reciting as he gathers energy. In a desperate move, Leonardo aims his weapon at Salvatore. Despite the fact that the last blast could’ve been fatal, Salvatore clenches his burned hands around his sword handle and absorbs energy. “I’ll be picking your ashes from the ground Leonardo. This was fun while it lasted.”

The two brothers release their attacks.

“Puniceus Vires!” shouts Salvatore.

“Caeruleus Vires!” screams Leonardo.

The two bolts of lightning, one crimson red, the other cerulean blue, rip through the sky towards each other. The destructive beams embrace one another as their creators struggle to sustain their life. Momentarily, the crimson bolt gains the upper hand and envelops the other beam. In an effort to subdue the crimson threat, Leonardo screams “Potestas!” and the cerulean beam edges towards Salvatore.

“You know Leonardo, if you hadn’t nearly blown off my darn shoulder this battle would be over by now.”

“You’re right Sal. If I hadn’t missed my mark then you wouldn’t still be standing,” Leonardo responds.

Salvatore interrupts. “That’s what happens when you attempt to use a new ability without practice! One day we will be fighting that extraterrestrial threat out there and I don’t need any surprises from them or you! You could’ve killed yourself doing that initial blast!”

“But I didn’t.” Leonardo smirks.

Salvatore’s eyes narrow. “I sure hope you learn one of these days.” He places his damaged arm on the handle of his blade. With what little strength he has left, he unleashes a small rush of energy. “Potestas Atratus!” The sky darkens. Countless bolts of black and white lightning fill the surrounding area.

“Brother, they have arrived!” Leonardo’s face becomes troubled.

The two warriors stop their attacks and gaze at a wormhole appearing far over the horizon. The area becomes calm as lightning returns to the sky. Fearing for the worst, the two battered warriors make their way back home.

The war has begun.

 

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