(( Sorry about the long post and cliched writing. ))<br/><br/>Vagile tried his best to concentrate holding up his dome of darkness while the mermaid continued to try and break through. He was crouched down on one leg. Ripping off one of his sleeves he shoved it underneath his shirt and wrapped it tightly around his wound. Almost like a belt as it looped around his waist. However, because his attention was being divided by two things the shield was beginning to crack more and more as the mermaid continued her unyielding onslaught.<br/><Damn. I've got to think of something fast before she breaks through.> Vagile thought to himself as he considered what he had to work with. He knew there was no way of getting his swords back unless he put some distance between them in his favor. Icy walls wouldn't work because she could just break them with that obnoxious voice of hers. On top of that he had been damaged quite badly without even laying a scratch on the mermaid. Everything seemed so hopeless . . .<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Don't tell me you're thinking about giving up.</span>Came a familiar voice.<br/>"Master? Is that you?"<br/><span style="font-style: italic">Stop acting as if life is a rehearsal. Live this day as if it were your last. The past is over and gone. The future is not guaranteed.</span><br/>"But Master how can I forget the past? One's past is what one is. It is the only way by which people should be judged!"<br/><span style="font-style: italic">And who are you to judge others? I know I've taught you better than that. Wherever your past has been, you have a spotless future. Why soil it with unnecessary bloodshed?</span><br/>"Unnecessary? Master these mermaids--"<br/><span style="font-style: italic">Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free. Now get on your feet and don't give in. It is hard to beat a person who never gives up.</span><br/><br/>Vagile slowly rose to his feet with renewed confidence. "I know what I must do now."<br/>The shield suddenly broke and Vagile faced the mermaid straight on with only a few feet separating them. He got into a stance and gestured for the mermaid to attack him.