The Five

18. Divide and Conquer

No one moved. Sasuke and Kusa locked eyes.

Addey braced herself. She knew he would pick the perfect moment to attack. She could attack him. Maybe he wouldn't see it coming, maybe he would. There was no way to know. It was worth a shot. Light magic was an effective weapon against demons, according to Akashi, and it was hers to play with. Even if she only got one good hit, it could be enough to weaken him. Her eyes rested on Kusa's face. The wicked grin plastered there made her sick to her stomach. He wasn't afraid of them, not even a little bit. His confidence gave her pause.

"Your move," Kusa said, his eyes narrowing. "I have all the time in the world."

"So do we," Sasuke told him. "I'm in no hurry."

"Oh well. I do hope we can continue to stand here then. I enjoy watching you squirm."

Sasuke glared at him. "The longer you wait, the worse it will be."

He laughed at him. "If you say so, little boy."

Addey laid her hand against Sasuke's back. He jumped a little, but not enough for Kusa to notice. He barely heard her whisper, "I'm going to attack. Cover me."

Sasuke swallowed. He wasn't sure if it was a good idea or not, but it seemed to be the only way they were ever going to get the ball rolling. He cleared his throat to give her his approval.

"You two are plotting something," he said in a sing-song voice. "Naughty, naughty."

"Who says we are?"

"I say. I know you are. You're being too quiet."

Addey tried to calm her nerves as light peeked from beneath the hand on Sasuke's back. She was concentrating all of her energy on it. When it was ready, her words were quick and loud. "Sasuke, duck!"

Sasuke dropped to his knees in an instant. A look of surprise came over Kusa's face when he saw her hand full of the most radiant light he'd ever seen. Even the sun's rays paled in comparison. Addey raised her hand and blasted him. Kusa barely got out of the way in time. She missed him by an inch. He glared at her.

"Now you'll pay."

He flicked his wrist and Addey went flying backward. Sasuke was off the floor in a flash. He ran in behind her. Instead of smashing into the wall, she smashed into him. Both of them hit the wall at an alarming speed, cracking the structure like an egg.

"That was close," Addey breathed. She got to her feet quickly. She whirled around to check on Sasuke. His eyes were closed. She bent down to shake him, but there was no response. He was out cold. "Oh no." She faced Kusa, a little less brave now. She was on her own.

"I knew he would try and save you. Hero types are always so predictable. Looks like it's just me and you, girly. I hope you're ready for me."

"Why are you doing this?"

"Power. Ignis has it. I want it."

"Do you think the demon inside you is going to let you keep it?"

He sneered at her. "You think you know anything about possession?" He smirked. "You know nothing."

"I know demons are power-hungry like you."

"You're stalling." A ball of black energy began to form in his hand. Like the barrier, it crackled with lightning. "Your fate is inevitable. Just embrace it."

Addey's muscles coiled in preparation for the attack. This was it. This was the real deal. She suddenly wished she was back at Cindermere with the others getting ready to play Moonball. She glanced at Sasuke. He tried to protect her. Now it was her turn to protect him.