Ambrose’s blade hits wood, and a clear ring echoes out as her weapon is locked in place. A shockwave echoes out and Ambrose is sent flying backward. She lands on the balls of her feet, staring across at Bunny.
“Smart.” The voice is apathetic, its perked-up lilt gone. Bunny slowly stands up, a withering gaze staring across at Ambrose. “But it matters not.” She casts her sight to the side, witnessing Meize’s last heroic clash. His fist crushes the fox’s stone protection, tearing directly through its chest. But not before the fox rears up itself, its tails piercing through his stomach.
“Meize!” Anastasia screams. She attempts to get up, but only makes it half-way before collapsing to the side. She can only watch, half-delirious, as she watches the fox suspend him in the air. Their figures are frozen in that state for a long time before they crash to the ground.
“Bastard.” Ambrose grits her teeth. She clutches her weapon tight, her hand white with exertion. “Anastasia!” Ambrose shouts, shaking her from her reverie. “Kill the old man while I hold her off. It’s our only chance.” Anastasia looks at Ambrose, her gaze going between the two figures, tears dripping down her face.
“Bunny, why?” Anastasia’s voice is barely a whisper, a deep despair inside of it. Bunny ignores her, planting her staff in the ground as she watches Ambrose.
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“Go!” Ambrose roars, and Anastasia shakily gets on her feet. Barely holding herself together, she spares one last glance at the two of them before stumbling off into the dark.
“I’m curious,” Bunny remarks, carelessly watching Anastasia disappear. “How did you know?”
“Shut up.” Ambrose says coldly.
“Humour me.” Bunny chuckles. She gestures to where Anastasia ran off. “Time is in your favour.”
“…Meize.” Ambrose says, loosening the tension in her muscles as she talks. “Is not a man who races toward danger. And you.” She gives Bunny a scathing look. “Seem to miraculously use your power constantly without being exhausted.”
“You really are too clever.” Bunny muses. “Or perhaps too used to betrayal?” She looks at Ambrose with amusement. Suddenly her staff flickers, a new star chart appearing on its edge and immediately lighting up. A veil of translucent white light forms across her body.
“Nice try.” Bunny says, watching Ambrose attempt to use The Magician card on her. The card lights up for a brief moment in her hand, before dying back down. Ambrose looks at Bunny, feeling the weight of her presence.
“This isn’t your first mission.” Ambrose states.
“Of course not.” Bunny laughs, a wild, almost manic laugh as she stares at Ambrose. “I just want to survive. You have no idea of the desperation each mission gives you. Like an executioner’s blade hanging above your head, ready to swipe at any moment. I just want to live!” She screams, her eyes looking past Ambrose. “I just want to live.” She whispers. Ambrose looks at her with cold anger, her actions dredging up memories she’d rather forget.
“Enough.” Bunny draws a shaky breath. She stands tall and raises her staff, its star chart shifting again. “I’ve given Anastasia enough time. Now it’s your turn.” A light flashes from the staff.