Legacy's Wake

The copies of Stitch continued to follow her every movement in perfect sync, creating a confusing blur that left Ophelia unable to distinguish the real one from the others.

"Listen up, Ophelia," Stitch said casually, spinning her needle between her fingers with a flick, her hand movements smooth and unpredictable, like she was toying with it, yet there was a calculated precision behind each swing. "I get it. You think Desmond's your hero, but I'm here to tell you he's the real criminal in all this mess. I'll do what I have to, but don't worry—I'm not gonna go overboard and hurt you too much. Just showing you that I can get things done. But here's the thing... my needlework? Yeah, it's one of the best you'll ever see. I've got tons of tricks to show you, and you won't believe what I can do when I really put my mind to it."

Ophelia's eyes narrowed as she gripped her spears tightly, ready to strike. "A needle won't be enough to win a duel of blades. It's too short to even cause a decent cut. If you think that little thing can save you, you're mistaken. It takes more than just talent. And let's be real—I've seen your skills. They're not enough to stand against someone who's mastered the art of blades. Not even with your little tricks."

With a swift motion, Ophelia lunged forward, aiming to pierce through the flickering copies of Stitch. Her spears cut the air with deadly intent, seeking to find the real target amidst the confusion.

But Stitch wasn't easy to catch.

In an instant, her body blurred with unnatural speed, twisting and flipping out of the way with an elegance that seemed almost impossible. She dodged Ophelia's strikes with ease, her movements a series of fluid somersaults and rapid twists, her feet barely grazing the ground. Each time Ophelia's spear threatened to touch her, Stitch was already one step ahead, her body shifting like water, a blur of motion that defied normal reaction times.

Her copies swirled around her in an almost hypnotic dance, making it even harder for Ophelia to keep track of which one was real. Stitch wasn't just dodging—she was practically flying through the air, flipping and spinning in ways that should've been impossible for someone using a simple needle. She moved faster than Ophelia could react, her agility turning the battle into a game of cat and mouse.

"You really think I'd let you get me with those old tricks?" Stitch said casually, laughing lightly as she avoided yet another thrust. "I told you, you're gonna have a hard time with this fight."

Ophelia's spears cut through the air with deadly precision, each thrust aimed to take down the agile Stitch. Yet every time they neared, Stitch was already one step ahead, her movements a blur of fluid, calculated motions.

As one spear lunged toward her head, Stitch dropped into a perfect roll, her body spinning with such speed that she seemed to disappear for a moment, reappearing behind Ophelia. She pushed off the ground in a smooth, controlled motion, her legs shooting out to perform a powerful kick that sent a copy of herself spinning through the air, distracting Ophelia just enough to miss her. In the same motion, Stitch sprang up, twisting in mid-air as she dodged a second spear thrust aimed at her torso.

Landing lightly on the balls of her feet, she instantly pushed off again, her body moving like liquid as she slipped between Ophelia's attacks with a mix of flips, kicks, and rapid shifts in position. She would leap backward, dodging one spear, only to pivot sideways mid-air, landing in a crouch to avoid another swipe. Her feet were just as deadly as her hands, using swift kicks to knock away spears or deflect them with precise movements.

The copies of Stitch blurred around her like flickering shadows, mirroring every motion she made. It was impossible to tell which one was the real Stitch. As Ophelia's spear thrust toward her, Stitch spun low to the ground, then shot upward, her legs scissoring in a high kick to deflect the weapon's sharp edge before she leapt over Ophelia's head with a graceful backflip.

In a split second, she landed on one foot, barely touching the ground before springing forward, twisting in a high kick that sent one of Ophelia's spears flying out of her hands. Stitch continued to move like lightning, weaving through the chaos, her acrobatic dodges a blend of flips, kicks, and graceful rolls that made Ophelia's attacks seem sluggish in comparison.

"You're a little confused there, Ophelia," Stitch teased, her voice light and carefree as she danced around the spearwoman's strikes. With each movement, her feet were a blur—high kicks, sweeping leg sweeps, and quick stomps—dodging, redirecting, and countering with perfect balance and precision. Every time Ophelia thought she had her cornered, Stitch was already somewhere else, gracefully avoiding her weapons and making it look effortless.

Ophelia hesitated for a moment, watching as the copies of Stitch vanished into thin air, leaving only the real one standing before her, calm and composed. Ophelia eyed Stitch, clearly thrown off by her speed and agility.

"I don't remember you being capable of such complex movements," Ophelia remarked, her voice laced with surprise. "I always thought you were just a helpless little girl. That's what I was told, anyway."

Stitch casually twirled the needle in her hand, letting it slip smoothly between her fingers in a series of fluid, controlled motions. She then pointed the needle forward, her expression focused yet relaxed.

"I told you, my needlework's top-tier," Stitch replied, her voice light but confident. "It's been in my family for generations. I've just added my own spin to it—made it my style. Years of practice, constant improvement... and let's not forget Mendy's help along the way."

"I don't quite understand," Ophelia said, adjusting her stance as she studied Stitch. "That doll is cursed, isn't it? Created by Hollow himself. And yet, you wield its power alongside your own needlework. If I were in your position, I would have discarded it long ago—freed myself instead of clinging to something dangerous in exchange for borrowed strength." She twirled her twin spears behind her back in a fluid motion, dark energy crackling from the blades. "Fortunately, my skill as a spearwoman remains unmatched. I don't rely on outside forces."

Stitch barely spared her a glance, rolling her shoulders as if shaking off Ophelia's words. "You don't get it at all," she muttered, tossing her needle in the air before catching it with ease. "Mendy's been with me since I was just some scared little kid. That's why—" she pressed a hand to her chest, fingers curling into her shirt, "I ain't throwing her away just 'cause she might bring bad luck. She sticks with me 'til she decides otherwise. Not now, not ever."

Her voice carried a stubborn confidence, one that matched the unwavering trust she had in her own skills—and in Mendy.

To be continued...