Chapter 28- Peter's stress leads to defeat; Savior

"That was a sneaky maneuver you pulled. It'll cost you your life. Prepare to witness a horror more fearsome than death itself. But where are my manners; it's your move, (****)." Alyssa said as her aura faded; she wasn't even using half of her strength and yet it terrified Peter, like a nightmare that seemed too real and wouldn't go away. Peter was completely paralyzed, unable to do anything but float in the air.

Peter's mind was going crazy; he wanted to protect Wendy lady so she could rest and would be safe, but in protecting her, he'd been forced to step up, taking her place. He didn't have a lot of combat experience without the use of his sword, so he was stressed out about that as well as Wendy lady's safety; how much longer could he last before he bottomed out of the fight?

"The poor fool. He obviously had no experience fighting without his precious sword, and his concern for Wendy's safety and his commitment of love to her splits his concentration even more. His physical energies will soon be exhausted, then nothing will stop me from getting what I want." Alyssa thought, giggling. "Maybe I should just play it safe and surrender. No, I can't let Wendy lady down!" Peter thought, but still, he didn't move, the ever-growing stress and fear immobilizing him where he stood.

"I guess it's my turn. Brace yourself, here I come." Alyssa said, her aura igniting. She grabbed Peter's leg and slammed him face-up into the sand. She came down hard, striking Peter in the stomach with her foot. Peter screamed, simultaneously spitting blood from his mouth, which covered Alyssa's cheeks and mouth. Alyssa laughed maniacally at Peter's misery, licking the blood from her face.

Marco was flying like a maniac, praying in his heart that Peter was alright. "Peter's life force is fading rapidly. Hang on Peter, I'm almost there. Hold on, bro." He thought, putting on another burst of speed.

"Peter, no!" Wendy's voice screamed. "I'm sorry, Wendy lady. I tried to protect you, but I failed. Wendy lady, please forgive me for letting you down. Tell Marco I'm sorry." Peter said to Wendy's voice. "Nothing can save you now Peter; die!" Alyssa screamed, raising her arms above her head to deliver the final strike. Peter squinted his eyes, giving into inevitable death.

A light shone in the air above them. It was as bright as the sun and as blinding as a solar flare. "You are a master of dramatic entrances, aren't you Marco?" Katherine asked. "Thanks for the complement, my love." Marco said. He saw Alyssa standing over Peter, his eyes widening instantly. "You should be dead Marco! Why don't you crawl back into your grave?!" Michael yelled. "Take your own advice, you bastard! For what you and your girlfriend have done to my brother, I'm going to throw you both back into the bed you crawled out of! But first, I need something from someone." Marco said, looking immediately at Katherine and smiling at her.