Angel's Ascension: Homecoming (Book Eight)

Epilogue: Secret Revealed

"Sir, we have cracked the entrance!" Pax shouted. "Sangmoni was able to help us unlock it with hellfire."

"We haven't opened it yet because we were too excited to see your reaction." Vita added with a sly grin.

Ignis held a hand to his head as he scrolled through his phone.
"Man, what impeccable timing you two! I just got word about Lucy's situation so let's go." He slipped it into his pocket and scrambled toward the exit. His tail swished back and forth while he continued down the hall.

Pax rushed by his left side.
"We'll go with you if Lucy's in trouble! I'm eager for some action." She giggled.

"Yes, I agree with Pax. We're hyped to assist you in any way." Vita sprinted to his right side as the trio soon reached the entrance. A large crack split down the middle with heat escaping from it. "Oh, this is new. There was no indication of heat until we came back." She pressed a hand against the door.

"Huh, let's see what's behind it then." Ignis pushed against it with Vita and Pax. The heat grew warmer when they stepped forward. A stone bridge emerged with hellfire below it. "What is this place?" He asked.

Pax's eyes widened as she peeked over the sides.
"There's nothing but flames and it sounds like screams down there?" She brought a hand to her and shut an eye.

Vita stared at the other side.
"Hmm, yes. I hear the screaming too. It reminds me of the old Hell when Lucifer was in control." She frowned.

"I see more stuff off in the distance too." Ignis soon grimaced. "It's like father all over again with this layout but worse." He furrowed his brow when he suddenly tensed up and his tail grew limp. "Lucy's somewhere here too, I sense her above us."

"Huh? But how is that so?" Pax asked. "Aren't we on Earth, sir?" She scratched her ears.

Ignis shrugged and continued down the bridge.
"We were but this is a different place. Pax, Vita, I want you two to head back for me and inform Sangmoni. Oh and." He soon tossed his phone over to them. "Text the group that I'm going to help Lucy."

Vita quickly caught the phone.
"Sir, is that necessary? We both can go with you to explore this place and also find Lucy too."

"Nah, something tells me this is going to be very important. I wouldn't want you two to get hurt." Ignis glanced over to them. "So please, if not for me then do it for mother."

"Alright, sir." Pax folded her arms. "We'll head back and update your friends but don't make us regret it!"

Vita smiled at him.
"And we'll be waiting for your return too. Take care, Ignis!" She waved to him when Pax joined her. The two returned to the entrance as it closed shortly after.

Ignis let out a deep sigh and headed down the bridge as the heat grew intense. He bolted across the area with a grin stretched over his face.
"Lucy, I'm going to find you and figure out what this place is."