Angel's Ascension: Strife (Book Ten)

Chapter 23: Confusion

Ralph held his phone close to his side as his chest tightened. "You are Lucy aren't you? I thought you were with the others on the way back." He spoke quietly and backed away toward his porch. The phone vibrated in his hand while the jingle played.

Lucina stared at his house and sniffed. "What was this place to her? I mean, me? My memory is a bit foggy after the long trip." She rubbed her forehead before crossing her arms.

"Well, this is our home and you've lived here for over a year. I raised you like a daughter along with your sister." Ralph stood on the porch and glanced at her with a scowl. "Are you hungry? Can I get you something to eat?"

"No, but you can do something else for me. Die." Lucina said with a grin.

Ralph suddenly slammed the door and locked it. He hurried into his bedroom and answered the phone. His eyes darted over to the door as the sound of footsteps entered the house.

"Uncle! You had me scared there but you finally picked up. Are you okay down there?" Cheyanne asked.

"No, sweetie. The angel you told the others is at my place and she's going to kill me." Ralph breathed rapidly. "Unless you are right here then I'm not going to make it."

Cheyanne's eyes widened. "Uncle, just try to hide or run away! We'll be landing any minute now so just wait for us." Her face grew pale as she squeezed on the phone.

Ralph gulped before he wiped his mouth. "I just want you to know, Cheyanne. I love you with all my heart and the others, too. You made my life interesting and I'll never forget the time we spent together." He hung up and smiled to himself.

"Oh, there you are." Lucina broke through the door. "Are you scared to die, human? I could've ended your life before even landing here." She held a finger up.

"O-Of course I'm scared! There's no point in me trying to hide or run away from someone like you." Ralph inhaled and faced her. "You sure do look a lot like Lucy, it's kinda tragic."

Lucina's eyebrow raised. "Tragic? We are the same basically but I'm more focused on my resolve." She took a step toward him. Her finger ignited with dark hellfire.

Ralph chuckled as he stared down at his feet. "Yeah, I wish things were different. I would've taken you in like Lucy and her sister if that's what needed to happen." Tears soon swelled up in his eyes. "I'm always willing to help those who need someone."

"Hmph, that's noble of you but I don't care. What I came here for is your death, man." Lucina lowered the finger to his chest. Ralph closed his eyes and held his breath tight. Before anything else, darkness swept through the room as echoes filled the air. Memories swirled in his head with voices echoing out with laughter.

***

A knock on the door startled Ralph when he jumped from his sofa. He slipped a pair of shoes on and hurried to the front door. With a flick of light, he cracked it open and peeked through it.

"Hello? Who's there?" Ralph asked.

"U-Uncle Ralph? It's me, Cheyanne." A younger Cheyanne stood under the light with a backpack on. Her face was reddened with tears staining her cheeks.

Ralph fell to a knee and ruffled her hair. "Hey, kiddo. How did you get out here? Did your parents kick you out or something?"

Cheyanne hiccuped and shook her head. "I ran away from them because they were terrible. They saw my magic and got scared." She coughed while holding back tears.

"Aw, I don't know what to say except I'm sorry." Ralph caressed her head and chuckled. "I'm sure this so-called magic was just a prank, right?"

"No, uncle! I really do have magic and I can prove it. Look out in the front yard!" Cheyanne yelled. She raised a hand to the left of the porch as slight groans emitted.