Talent Yet to Bloom

A shot to the skull and a knee into the rib cage both staggering blows. They took their toll on his being. Rocking him in his core as his eyes looked forward. Realizing instantly no way this guy let him finish his incantation. He was too slow and in so much pain. When a voice reached out to his senses and jarred him alive again. "IS that it!? You ARE PATHETIC! WHERE IS YOUR ANGER!?" Takehiko's eyes looked around shifting as he felt a spasm in his body. Grunting softly he couldn't fight this forever but he would try. The swordsman came and with devilish speed as he'd taken some punishment. He needed to think straight as he considered options looking. He knew a kido but knew damn well it would blow up. It was just Takehiko could not execute it. Using his sword he deflected blows trying to keep up with them. He needed an opening of some kind. It was going to have to be an all or nothing gamble. So the options were on the table try his uncle's move. Or do something completely reckless and blow himself up.

This wouldn't be clean nor would it match the elegance of his uncles. He only had one shot at this so deflecting the barrage of blows. He chose a blow that looked good. Feeling the blade come towards his midsection he hoped he timed it right. It wasn't perfect and it was sloppy. Someone with high focus or speed could see through it. But he only had one idea in mind to help him face Laskt. Utusemi, his uncle Byakuya and Tsubasa had used it previously. He'd seen and read about it often in his uncle's journal. This sloppy version was that of someone trying to break through. But it was all he needed in order to do it as in terms of combat he'd given up. His stamina was way below that of Laskt's at his moment. Using what chance he had he came from behind. Knowing full well a blow would come to him as he released Byakurai into the upper shoulder of Laskt if possible anyways. His body ached all over as he simply slumped over after that. Takehiko had blown the last of his stamina on that.

Sweat dripped down his forehead and he wasn't sure if he'd count this as a win if it was one. He'd spent every last reserve of his energy on advanced techniques. Things beyond his spectrum currently that cost so much stamina. Both his step and that kido which laid beyond him at this junction. Takehiko's breathing felt heavy as he slumped back on his back. Leading to medics coming to look him over. Takehiko had never tried that step before. While sloppy was promising in terms of his growth? He was showing a great deal of potential to grow into something. Coughing as he tried to catch his breath feeling like he'd run millions of miles. Takehiko had put everything or nothing on the line. He'd even considered using a level 31 kido to self destruct himself on Laskt. He was willing to put body and limb on the line. He didn't care about being a noble in any sense. Nobility was the least of his worries. He needed to readdress himself and this stamina matter. Takehiko attempted to move but his legs shook and gave out.

His eyes still held a burning determination in them as he wanted to get up. Takehiko held a fire in his soul of not surrendering lightly. No strategy was too risky or bold for him. Did he know if he could use that fabled step? No that was a gamble in of itself. Laskt could see through it and pummel him. That was the risk in this world he faced as his eyes looked around. Searching for Laskt now trying to find him in his exhaustion sight had abandoned him for now. Too far again had he pushed himself to this line. That voice spurring him on could only belong to Akuma. He guessed his brother had gotten fed up with his almost childlike nature in things. Thus had words with him before the fight came to this junction.