The chamber roared with elemental chaos as Sonia and Phionex clashed, water and fire battling for dominance. Steam filled the air, blinding and suffocating, as Sonia dug deep into her reserves to hold her shield."You're stronger than I expected, Hydrari," Phionex taunted, her voice cutting through the haze like a blade. "But water alone won't save you. Not when you don't know how to truly control it."
Sonia clenched her jaw, refusing to let the taunt unnerve her. Her mind raced for a strategy as Phionex advanced, flames coiling around her arms like living serpents. Sonia's water shield rippled and faltered as heat pressed against it, every hiss and crackle feeling like a countdown to her breaking point.
Jermaih darted forward, his blade flashing as he aimed for Phionex's flank. But she spun with unnatural grace, a wall of fire erupting between them and forcing him back. "Ah, Jermaih," she said, her golden eyes narrowing. "Always so eager to play the hero. Too bad you're out of your depth."
Jermaih growled, his stance steady as he circled her, looking for an opening. "And you're overconfident, Phionex. That's going to be your downfall."
Sonia took a deep breath, trying to focus through the chaos. The water inside her pulsed, urging her to act, to fight, but every time she pushed, it felt like she was slipping further from control. She had to hold on—had to stay in command.
"Let me show you what control really looks like," Phionex said, raising her hands. The flames around her condensed into a blazing spear that she hurled straight at Sonia.
With a surge of desperation, Sonia thrust her arms forward, a torrent of water erupting from her palms. The two forces collided, the impact sending a shockwave through the chamber. Sonia staggered as the strain of holding back Phionex's fire weighed heavily on her, her knees threatening to buckle.
Jermaih seized the moment, dashing through the dissipating flames to land a strike on Phionex's side. She hissed in pain, spinning to face him with a snarl. "You'll regret that," she spat, her flames surging again.
Sonia saw the opening and acted on instinct. She summoned the water around her, shaping it into jagged icicles that she launched toward Phionex. They struck her flames, briefly extinguishing them and forcing her to step back.
"Nice shot," Jermaih said, positioning himself at Sonia's side.
"I don't think it'll hold her for long," Sonia replied, her breath ragged.
Phionex's laughter echoed through the chamber, low and menacing. "Not bad. I'll admit, you're a challenge. But I'm not here to play games. You're standing in my way, and I don't take kindly to that."
The flames around her flared wildly, and Sonia could feel the air itself growing hotter. Jermaih swore under his breath.
"We need to get out of here," he said urgently. "She's about to—"
Before he could finish, Phionex unleashed a massive wave of fire, the sheer heat of it forcing Sonia and Jermaih to dive behind a crumbling stone pillar.
Sonia pressed her back against the stone, her mind racing. They couldn't keep this up—Phionex was too strong, and Sonia's energy was waning. She glanced at Jermaih, who was clutching his dagger, his face grim.
"I have an idea," she said, the words tumbling out before she could second-guess herself.
Jermaih raised an eyebrow. "I'm listening."
"I'll create a diversion," Sonia said, her voice firm despite the fear tightening in her chest. "Draw her attention. You go after Mariel and make sure she gets that book somewhere safe. We can't let Phionex or Neptune find out what's in it."
Jermaih frowned, his jaw tightening. "I'm not leaving you here alone."
"You have to," Sonia insisted. "If they get to Mariel, everything we've done will be for nothing. I can hold her off long enough for you to get away."
Jermaih hesitated, conflict flashing in his eyes. "Sonia—"
"Go," she said, cutting him off. "I'll be fine."
Jermaih stared at her for a moment longer before nodding. "You'd better not die," he said, his voice low but steady.
Sonia managed a weak smile. "I'll do my best."
As Jermaih slipped away, Sonia stepped out from behind the pillar, her hands glowing with water's energy. Phionex turned to face her, a wicked smile curving her lips.
"Still standing, are we?" she said, her flames curling around her like a living thing. "I admire your persistence. Pity it won't save you."
Sonia squared her shoulders, forcing down the fear that threatened to overwhelm her. "You'll have to do better than that," she said, her voice steady.
Phionex's smile widened. "Gladly."
The flames surged, and Sonia met them head-on, water and fire colliding in a blinding explosion of light and heat.
As the battle raged on, Sonia knew one thing for certain: she couldn't let Phionex win. Not here. Not now.
She just hoped she could hold out long enough for Jermaih and Mariel to make it.
YOU ARE READING
Saving the Nexus
FantasyThe school of beings is about different species of people going to school together the main character Sonia is joined by her two friends Mariel and Venus trying to make it through school but Neptune pestered them. But little do they all know that so...