Angel's Ascension: Rapid Descent (Book Two)

Chapter 1: Time

A few days had passed since the fight at the military base. Lucy was outside training in the backyard, she punched at the air and made gusts of air that kicked up dirt and grass. Sweat rolled down from her cheeks and her hands felt hot from all the concentration.

"Ugh, I feel like this is getting me nowhere." She took a deep breath and punched at the air again "There has to be some way to get out of this rut!"

Cheyanne huffed and bite down on a stick of candy.

"Lucy, you can't expect to get any stronger by pushing yourself into exhaustion." Cheyanne huffed and fixed her hair which was messed up from all the air being blown at her "Take a break or something, we understand your concern but really."

Tex was smoking and puffed out some smoke rings at Cheyanne that made her cough.

"Why don't you ask someone like Ignis? Or what's his name to help you, Tarch? Parch? I forget what you call him."

Lucy let out a sigh and clenched her fists before she relaxed her muscles.

"I dunno...haven't seen Arch since we left Russia. He may be able to help again." Her wings twitched "This is really bothering me if I can't get on a higher level then I have no chance of beating Spades."

Cheyanne walked over to Lucy and gave her a hug.

"Look, you can't beat Spades or all his goons alone. You have us to help fight them. Don't let this drag you down so much, okay?"

"Y-Yeah! You're right, thanks Chey. I'll stop obsessing over this."

Lucy hugged back and soon pulled away with a smile. Tex finished her cigar and stomped it out with Cheyanne headed over to the porch and was about to go inside

"Well, I'd reckon that helped ease things- wait where'd she go?"

Tex saw Lucy take flight into the air and soared higher into the sky.

"Heyyy I gave you a hug and this is how you respond!?" Cheyanne raised her fist in the air and frowned "No more hugs! I hope you realize that!!"

Lucy laughed at them as she flew off and felt a cold chill from the wind.

I appreciate your worries really but even if we could take them on in groups. I need to extra take steps to cement the safety of everyone

***

Arch was outside his house with his rabbit when he noticed Lucy come down from the sky.

"If it isn't Lucy, it's been a while since we last met each other. What brings you here?" He stood up to greet you and his rabbit hovered by his side in anticipation.

Lucy landed in the firm snow and nodded to him with a grin.

"Nice to see you looking sharp, Arch. I uh need some advice on my powers. I know you said it has hidden potential and I want to improve upon it." Her grin changed to a frown and her brows furrowed "My current training hasn't really shown much progress and I'm afraid I've hit a roadblock."

Arch motioned her into his house and began to make a drink for her.

"Hmm, why would you need to improve upon it? Is there something troubling you?"

Lucy remained silent as he poured her a glass of. She took a sip of what tasted like an alcoholic beverage.

"...There's this guy named Spades and he has a bunch of strong people working for him." She felt her mouth burn from the smooth drink "I-I need to get stronger in case they come after me or my friends again!" She exclaimed to him before taking another sip of the drink.