cascade | kotlc

13. Visting the Efflorence Sites

--- June POV ---

"It's going to be okay," June breathed, clutching her sister tightly. She felt as hollow as her sister did, for some unearthly selfish reason, and Fitz was clinging onto her as tightly as she was clinging onto Sophie. "It's... going to be okay."

Sophie merely sat there, her eyes empty. Fitz gently took Sophie's hand and closed his eyes, pressing his fingers to her temples. June whimpered, settling into her lap and breathing tightly.

God, she was a horrible person.

"No, you're not," Fitz said aloud, making her jump. "Sorry."

June didn't have the heart to snap back. Her fingers stroked through Sophie's hair, and each movement felt stiff and forced. Chill bit at her senses and she let out, reaching out for Fitz's hand.

"Nothing," Mr. Forkle murmured to Sophie. "You say nothing about any of this until you're certain of what we're dealing with, and I apologize for violating the rules of telepathy again, but you've been staring at the same spot on the wall for more than an hour and I needed to reassure myself you weren't having a mental breakdown."

June let out a small breath, leaning against Sophie's neck and feeling her own tears leak out. She cursed herself and shook out her hair, letting it drape over Sophie's shoulders in silky curtains.

Why am I... so jealous?

I should care more. Be more caring. Ask more questions, talk to her more. Convince her there's really no reason to worry about anything, and that we'll really fix all of this.

I... find that hard to believe.

"Stop," Fitz whispered in her ear. "Don't think about that."

"I know how easy it is to slip into despair," Edaline whispered, kneeling down and hugging Sophie tightly. "Try not to lose hope."

"We're going to fix this," Grady added.

We are, right? she thought. Fitz gripped her wrist and held it to his heart, closing his eyes and transmitting back, Yes, we are going to fix this.

"We are," Faye spoke up, startling them all. "I know I'm not as" -- her eyes soured -- "involved or concerned as the rest of you are, and I'm not doing this for your family. I'm only doing this for the good of the world -- but we will win."

"Thank you for that ecstatic vote of confidence," June said dryly. "That helped a lot."

Faye dipped a small bow and smiled. "It should've. I understand you love to include yourself in these so-called morals and ethics. I think it's high time for you to understand this isn't a game anymore. No tricks. No effects. Just full-on war."

She drew her blade, skimming her Ace of Spades over the silver sword. The metal card rolled to the end and she flicked it upwards, arcing with a trail of lightning. It flew over to her eyes and nose and she manipulated it down her body before it landed in her hand again.

"I suppose I'll have to accept that, then," June muttered, feeling for the barrel of her pistol in her skirt. The cool carbon steel thrust against her hand, and she slowly curled her fingers over the grip, resting her index finger on the safety. "I..." She sank down wearily to a couch and held her forehead. Her skin was warm to the touch and Fitz sat down beside her, mumbling something and pouring a salty vial down her throat. The taste was repulsive and she tried to spit out the liquid, but Fitz's soothing touches made her swallow. Her fever faded.

"It's going to be fine," he promised, his eyes far away. She noticed he was holding and twirling a knife with far more skill than she expected. He smiled when he noticed her eyes on the diamond blade. "I thought I'd take up some combat skills, what with Team Echelon and all... if I ever have to defend you, I will."