Angel's Ascension: Strife (Book Ten)

Chapter 10: Stalemate

Clover flew into the air and motioned his hands back. A wave of air rushed in and energy created a distorted field. Ignis threw his hands back and several pillars of hellfire emerged. The air crashed into it and increased the size of the flames. Heat waves filled the air between them before the two vanished.

Ignis sent out several sparks and flame portals shot open. He blasted a stream of hellfire into one and it chained with the others. With a inhale, Ignis caught the stream and threw it at Clover. The momentum left a trail of sparks in the air and littered the area.

"I must admit, you have some skill with that hellfire of yours. Now it's my turn." Clover clasped his hands together. He performed a set of hand motions until the air around him grew heavy. His eyes narrowed until a swirl of red energy manifested.

"Huh, this feels like Spades but different. I wonder if he has erasure powers too." Ignis held both arms up as the wind blew into him. His flame katana grew in length as he swung it horizontally. Dozens of fireballs flew at Clover before they disappeared right before him.

Clover grinned as he erased the flame portals. "So you know my power. Tell me how Spades used his since he isn't here."

"Well, he was quite the intimidating guy with it. Would erase everything or everyone with it at a time." Ignis hurled his flame katana at him before he vanished. He soon reappeared behind Clover and threw out a fireball.

"As I expected. I would've liked to meet this version and see how far he has gone." Clover caught the flame katana and threw it at the fireball. It dispersed upon contact when Ignis landed a kick on him.

Ignis leaped into the air when he struck the ground. "You'd be surprised because he isn't that man anymore. He's changed for the better." His fingers linked together and sent out flame shurikens.

"Oh, I am very intrigued by him now. I need to find him after this fight!" Clover raised both arms and deflected the shurikens.

"Gotcha!" Ignis exploded into ash and launched out of the ground. He swung his arm into Clover's chest before air blasted him back. His hand ached while shaking it and groaned. "Dammit, his body must be made out of something durable. That wind of his also smarts..."

Clover held a hand to his chest and winced. "You got me with a nasty hit. Maybe this is why I was here, to face such formidable opponents." He soon glanced over at the others.

Senovisa stared back at him. "This version of Spades has me wondering if there are others out there. Is there a hearts or club?" He snickered.

"Yeah, funny. I can only dread what other versions are out there." Lilith shivered. "Imagine if there's another me and she's super rude!"

"Hey, wait, I see something in the sky." Sio held a finger to the sky. A trail of blue light zipped through the air. It circled the group until a figure stood before them. White feathers caught their eyes when Ignis smiled at them.

Senovisa bit his lip. "Ah, so she's here now. Yori, the pure angel full of light."

Yori waved to each of them. "Hey, everyone! It took a bit of time but I was able to find you thanks to the trail Talai left." She faced Lucy when she noticed Lucina. Her wings fluttered before she waved.

"T-That's Lucy's sister?" Lilith asked. Oh my gosh! She's so cute and she feels warm from here. She deeply inhaled and fanned herself.

"Little sis! What are you doing out here?" Lucy asked. She quickly leaped back from Lucina and skidded to a stop.

Yori flashed a smile. "I was tired of waiting and decided to come all the way here! The others are coming too." She scanned the area, her eyes met Clover and goosebumps ran down her neck. "A-Are you fighting that guy, Ignis?"