cascade | kotlc

15. In Nightfall

yo we got actually tilted titles now??? no way

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tw: bl/od

"Do I want to know why you have a blood-soaked piece of Keefe's cape? Or is that, like, a normal thing for you guys to have?" Marella whispered as their small ash-covered group shivered outside the massive silver door.

"It's pretty much normal," Faye informed her. "Especially when you're dealing with these idiots."

"We're not idiots," June snapped.

"Sure you aren't."

"This isn't the time," Biana exclaimed, completely exasperated. She shoved Faye into a corner and held up her hands, separating them. "Please stop fighting. We're here to get Sophie's parents."

Faye's pupils flicked like lone wolves in the night. Her mouth opened before it closed, and lightning flashed from thunderclouds above. She said nothing, though she unsheathed her sword and breathed against the cold silver blade.

June crossed her arms, turning away. The small breeze picked up, whipping her hair into her eyes and making her growl silently as she brushed the strands away. The gale was wintry and June wrapped her ash-covered cloak around her shoulders.

Marella smirked. Fire danced on her wrist before she asked, "Are you afraid Biana's going to go all megabrat on you again because she's weirdly possessive of her brother?"
"I'm not possessive," Biana corrected, lowering her voice. "Technically I was never a megabrat toward June anyways -- though I really do have to apologize, Sophie. I... wasn't that nice to you before."

"It's fine now," Sophie promised, her cheeks tinting slightly pink.

"Let's focus," Faye murmured. "There are gorgodons waiting to shred us on the other side, and you're talking about crushes and brats and Biana?"

June nodded absently, trailing her finger down her gun's barrel. The safety pricked her finger and she drew in a small breath, leaning closer to Marella and soundlessly drawing her gun.

I'm going to open my mind to yours, Sophie transmitted to the group as Biana made Marella disappear and Tam shrouded himself with shadows. June and Faye stood determinedly ahead of the group, their weapons by their sides. Panic streamed through June's mind, complete with swarms of anger and resolve.

Don't! Faye suddenly yelled, jerking away. Thunder cracked and lightning smashed into the grass, sparking tinders and lighting the ground on fire. Faye backed away, pressing herself into the metal door, breathing constrictedly. Fear flew in her almost-white eyes, and Marella quickly called the flames to her chest.

Um, she asked, should I understand what just happened there?

I don't know. June stepped forward, unsure of how to comfort Faye. She was convulsing, thunder crackling around her, discharge hopping between her arms.

"Please stop," Faye whispered aloud, shaking her head violently. "Stop. Please."

She was on her knees now, her arms inching forward. Her tears struck the ground, and she was begging something. Her hands clasped together.

I'll handle this, June told everyone. You head in first. I'll see what's happened.

You? Biana asked uncertainly. From what I know you'll end up beheading her or something. Maybe I should go.

You're needed in there. I... She shut her eyes. I'll figure this out. But Sophie's parents are our priority. You all head in -- we'll come in when we're ready.