Chapter 297: One Above the Rest Part 2 (2/2)

”Whatever….”

”I drew you something to cheer you up.” She whispered, pulling a poorly done drawing from her darkness handing it to him. ”Well, do you like it?”

Depression started at a drawing of a group of dead bloody and cut up. Raising an eyebrow, he put the picture down, sighing. ”I'll be sure to add it to my collection. Thank you, Denial.”

”You're wel- What the? Did you feel that?”

Depression sat up, rubbing his eyes. ”It felt strange, yeah…. Go and take a look.”

”What?! Why me?”

”You're the newest stage; this should be your problem. I'm going back home to recharge. I'm pooped. Surely that's fine for you.”

”I never said it wasn't. More easy prey for me to pass the time.” Denial boasted, jumping from the Titan slamming to the ground, looking up pleasantly surprised by who she finds. ”Zin Zin? No way, I thought Anger killed you. I'm so glad to see you.”

Zinnia looked troubled, mumbling. ”Denial…. So, it really is you. You don't look any older since we met in the trials.”

”Stages don't age, silly! Are you here to play with me, oh, and you brought the weaklings again? Hello all!” She waved to Emil, Jinx and Florence. Riley stood on the rubble overlooking Denial. ”Huh? I thought I killed you, Scarlett. What is this?”

Riley bit her lip, staring daggers at Denial. ”You're mistaking me for my sister. I'm Riley Syndicate.”

”Oh, ok, that makes sense. Are you here for revenge then? I must tell you it didn't go well for Scarlett. She gave it her all, and yet she fell apart like it was nothing. So sad it makes me want to cry just thinking about it.” No one responded as Denial tilted her head. ”Well? Is no one going to attack me then? Wow, this is boring.”

”We're going to stop you right here, Denial. That's a promise. No one will fall to your might!” Zinnia exclaimed.

”Is that so? You might be willing big sis Zin Zin, but it's clear the others are still in denial. Ooh, I can sense their fears. I'm afraid to say you've already lost!” She yelled, vanishing into her cloak making everyone flinch stepping back. Denial landed perfectly next to Zinnia, swinging her arm chopping her head clean off. Or so she thought. Denial turned to find Zinnia gone. ”Wait, what?”

”What's the matter, little one? You look so confused, don't tell me that's all you've got?” Henry taunted, appearing from behind her, looking over his shoulder. ”You're meant to be a Stage of Grief. Don't tell me that's all you've got.”

Denial swung her arm, blowing the area away only to find Henry completely unaffected. ”Who are you?”

Henry began appearing everywhere with a mocking laugh pushing Denial down a peg or two. ”Your worst nightmare, obviously. You may address me as Eyes Over Reality; I'll be the one to tear you limb from limb. Oh, but please, don't start denying your own weakness just yet. It'd be no fun if it's over already.”

Denial opened her cloak as the darkness swallowed the area whole, letting outburst of explosions. Riley watched hissing. ”That's Scarlett's power! She stole it from her!”

Denial turned as the group of fighters stood Zinnia at the helm. She gripped her side, looking nervous before screaming out. ”There's no time to think anymore! This is the only chance we're going to get taking her down. Don't hold back; she won't. Give it everything you've got. We can win. I know we can!”

Zinnia and Emil rushed into the fray while Jinx and Riley were in the wings for support. The fakes of Henry danced around her, distracting her best he could as the battle was about to begin.

Denial held her hands out, hiding beneath her cloak, gritting her teeth. ”This is no fair! You aren't playing fair! Whatever, bring it. I'll pluck the heroic nature from your eyes as I deny your right to live!”