Lup knew that Lucretia had done something, but as she heard the explanation, as Taako started to remember, as they all started to remember… it was only the shakiness of her old friend's voice that stayed her absolute fury, that kept her from shooting off as strong a spell as she had ever done from her prison. Whatever Lucretia had done, what she had meant to do was to fix it. She was trying to do exactly what Lup had tried to do, and both of them had paid one hell of a price for it.
And neither of them had succeeded, until now. Lucretia was channeling the last of the energy from Barry's bell into her staff, and then she was going to cast her shield and the whole fucking world was going to end. Because Lucretia thought she knew best, and she was wrong.
Then Taako got to his feet, and pointed the staff at Lucretia, and started counting down, his voice as shaky as his hand. "Ten."
Lup felt relieved and horrified in equal measures. What had they come to?
"Nine."
Lucretia tried to protest, but Taako kept counting.
His voice cracked yet more when Magnus finally talked him down. "You know, honestly? Do whatever you want. I don't care anymore." And he sounded so defeated.
Magnus stepped forward. "Lucretia, remember that Taako just realized he lost his sister. This isn't the time for you to explain yourself!
"Taako, listen. I know this is tough but—you found her! Maybe not how you expected to, but when you weren't looking you found her. That's the connection—that's how strong your connection is to Lup. She's still helping you, you're still working together! And she wouldn't want you to give up!"
"Taako, I'm right here!" she shouted, hoping he would hear her again. But his shoulders just slumped further, and he turned away.
"I appreciate what you're trying to do. And I'm on board for whatever the plan is. But understand this: I have nothing, and I don't give a shit. The world is ending, and I. Don't. Care."
And Lup's heart shattered. Because what she told Taako decades ago was true. "You are my heart." And Taako had shattered.