SuperNova [Shadow&Bone]

Tri

Kaz sighed softly at the sight of the Suli girl reading the plaque filled with names of fallen ones. Inej's eyes traced the names with pain and longing. Feeling another presence, she turns to see Kaz holding a surprisingly cute goat. She could help but comment.

"He's adorable."

Kaz left out a small grunt, " Don't get attached. I didn't think I'd have to specify no detours to you."

Inej's body tensed like a soldier at attention. "Even if just a few minutes could end a lifetime of questions?"

Kaz braced his cane while stepping closer, "Your parents are Suli. They don't cross the Fold. They go around." She knew he was right.

"I know. I just thought,"she took a breath, "that if I saw their names on there, I could let the idea of them go. That I could believe that wherever Sid was, he wasn't in pain."

She pulled a threaded necklace from under her scarf.

"This thing. This was all that I had when I was sold to the Menagerie. And if it was worth anything, Heleen would have taken it. But this is just a simple token of faith that my mother stitched for her children."

Her hold became twice as tight. "Kaz, this is all that I have left of them. Unless-"

Kaz didn't let her finish. "Hope is dangerous." The two were close but not close enough. "It clouds your judgment. Pray, scream, do whatever you have to do to push this out of your mind and move on. We all have debts to pay."

He only took a second to look at the girl before setting off again. Inej takes a moment to blink away her tears and stuff her necklace back under clothes.

Sidra, molim te ostani sigurna. [Sidra, please stay safe.]

-

Sidra was on his way back from the garden when the commotion started in their training grounds. It seemed as if Botkin had started the sparring rounds. He did like when Botkin would train him with a bo staff. The weapon itself was uncommon, but it was easier to create with the guide of the General.

By the time Sidra even reached the crowd, he could only see Zoya blast Alina back with the wind. Well that's not fair. He mentally scolded the Squaller. He eyed Alina's stunned form before shaking his head. Alek's not going to like this at all.

He decides to mind his business and pivots towards the pond. Whatever was happening between the two girls could stay between them.

Once he reached the pond, he stripped from his kefta and laid on his stomach. He gently placed his hand on the water and created small circles.The water followed his fingers before quickening its pace and shining a gentle green. Soon enough a small vortex forms on the edge of the pond.

Sidra's tongue stuck out in concentration as he willed the vortex away from him, towards the center. The water followed the patterns of the vertex creating a whirlpool of green and blue. Once the water stabilized its speed, Sidra rose to his knees.

Following the motions of his hands, the vortex rises as does the water. The water vortex continues to rise until he is on his feet. The water surges for a second before completely bursting into the air.

Sidra's shoulders slumped as he was sprayed by the water. I'll have to perfect it before the Winter Fete. Alek said the King wanted an outstanding performance this year. 

-

A stupidly brave crew was making their way through the fold setting off chimes every few feet. The noise itself unsettled the crows, not that they showed it. Jesper was the first to ask.

"What was that?"

Not even looking up to reply, the Conductor told him, "I've erected a system of timers along the line. Bits of metal hung on poles to keep me apprised of our place." Kaz nearly cut him off.

"How did you know where to put the poles?"

"Physics and engineering account for...most of my success."

"And the rest?" Inej asked this time.

"What we might call divine intervention. What others might call luck. And after all, the Fold is thick with volcra, and the tracks are not complete. Coal, please."

"I'm sorry," Jesper sounded baffled at what he just heard, "Did you say the tracks weren't complete?"

"I said they aren't complete." What was the difference?

"No moving. We're a tad bit late. More coal." Kaz did as told for once.

"Back to the real issue. We're on tracks that don't connect to other tracks?" The disbelief was prominent in Jesper's face and voice.

"There's a gap but-" Kaz interrupted him.

"You said you could get us through."

"How much of a gap?!" Jesper's question went ignored.

"I built slats on the car. They roll into place under the wheels. The turbine generates enough wind to push us all the way to the eastern track. As long as we don't shift our weight." The familiar metal clanging filled their ears.

"Now, the noise may attract volcra, but it's the only way across." He adjusted a few levers. "Now, there's a nest nearby. But we'll be fine. If they haven't attacked us in-"

The sounds of volcra's screeches interrupted their conversation. Whether out of fear or habit, each crow clasped their hand on their designated weapons. They had to be prepared to fight for their lives.

"Well now we've got a problem."

-

Long time no see. How are you lovelies?

SOOooo I'll be enlisting in the military at the end of this month. So I'll be gone for about 2 months. I want to try my best to finish this book before I leave.

Also if you follow my tiktok, I've started posting edits for Sidra. So definitely go check that out. Also his face claim at the moment is Keiynan Lonsdale. Look at our sunflower.

Let me know what you want to see more of in this story or future ones. I love the inputs and comments so DROP THEM IN THE COMMENTS!