Angel's Ascension: Strife (Book Ten)

Chapter 33: Nihilism Unbound

"I sense Lucina on the move and she's heading to us! Should we prepare to fight her?" Talai asked.

"No, I want to get this fusion down again before we jump her." Lucy held a hand out and closed both eyes. She deeply inhaled as a purple aura manifested from her body. Her muscles grew relaxed and her wings slowly folded.

Yori lifted an arm to her and attempted to mirror Lucy. "I'm also trying my hardest but something's wrong. My energy is still on the low side." She sighed.

Riona crossed her arms and glanced at the others. "This may sound rough but we have to go about this rationally. Lucy and Yori may have their wounds healed but they aren't ready to fuse again." Her eyes narrowed and she clenched a fist. "They need to go so Lucina doesn't chase after them. We'll have to stall for time."

"Hold on just a second! We aren't leaving again like last time." Lucy slammed her fists together. "No one else is going to die facing her!"

"That's not your decision to make for the group. We've known the risks since she appeared and I'm ready to do what it takes." Talai chimed in.

Yori bowed her head as her energy dispersed. "I'm sorry, guys. We tried really hard and it looks like you'll have to buy us time again."

Cheyanne pulled the two into a hug. "Hey, don't feel bad. It's not your fault and I'm going to make a promise." She grinned at them. "We'll give Lucina hell and won't give up!"

"Chey, are you sure? I couldn't forgive myself if something happened to you." Lucy hugged her tightly.

"Yes! You can worry later and who knows maybe I'll find a way to beat her." Cheyanne winked at her as she blushed. "Now can you let go before I lose my breath?"

Lucy pulled away and extended her wings. "Sorry, we'll be going then. But take care of yourselves and run if things get too bad!" She ascended into the air while the others eyed her.

Yori joined her and waved to the others. "We'll try our hardest to fuse again and make it back too!" With a short wave, she flew off into the air Lucy. Once the two vanished, the group faced each other.

"Okay, I know we're all ready to face Lucina but let me deal with her first." Ignis held a hand to his chest and flashed a wide smirk. "My friends died for me so we could survive. I'm eager to repay them the favor and end her!" His body ignited with hellfire and incinerated the surrounding grass away.

"Let me in on this too." Lilith chimed in with a frown. "I want to fight her with you. We can be the first to stall too."

Riona nodded to them. "Go ahead, we'll rush in if things go south. Talai will be our warning indicator."

Talai held a hand to his head. "Right, she's only a few yards away so get going!" He yelled.

Ignis and Lilith soon rocketed through the forest while the others stayed behind. Cheyanne let out a sigh when her phone beeped and she checked it. Her eyes widened and she nearly dropped it.

"Oh no, I just got a message from Seleph! This forest has bombs under it and could wipe out the great lakes if they all go off!" Cheyanne cried out.

"And the two who have a higher chance of making that happen just rushed inside." Rad furrowed his brow. "I'll go after them and warn the two before Lucina finds out." With a quick dash, he sprinted into the woods and tracked down their flame trails.

A few feet ahead of him were Ignis and Lilith, the two raced through the dozens of leaves resting on the ground. Their shadows stretched and shrunk across the trees and bushes until they skidded to a stop. Before them stood Lucina on a hill with her arms crossed.