{A/N: PLAYING: #5 - Aphex Twin}
At the edge of a cliff, the trees abruptly ended and the ground ahead was a vast of open air. I carefully took a step back, rocks and soil tumbling down the hill beneath my feet.
"What is it?!" as I turned to look at them, they were already heading forward. Quickly halting beside us, they perplexingly gazed down on the steep cliff below.
Keane caught my attention when he dropped down to his knees and hands yelling, "AIDEN WHERE ARE YOU?!"
"I-I'm.. here..!" his voice came from the bottom of the cliff, sending a jolt of shock through me.
"A-Aiden.." I heard Charlotte crying behind me as she slowly looks over the cliff. Lilith held her, away from it.
I collapsed to my knees, gripping the edge of the ground. "We have to get down to him." my voice stern, I searched around the area below.
"But h-how??" asked Caily.
My eyes quickly widen as I remembered the ropes in my backpack. I originally brought this for the purpose of if I ever had to strangle a creep, for self-defense. Or if Caily would be so drunk I had to leash her and drag her home. I would've never expected to use it for danger.
Taking my bag off, I took it and quickly handed Keane the other end. "Tie this to that tree, make it tight." I said quickly between my heavy breaths, as he hastily took it and immediately doing what I'd told him.
I whirled around to face the others, my expression serious. "Guys, I-I know it looks bad right now but, I need you to be strong and do as I say, okay?"
Charlotte and Caily nodded, despite the flow of tears in their eyes. I took a breath, steadying myself. "Okay, we're gonna go down. I need you, Lilith to guide Charlotte okay?" she nodded silently, her face restless and nervous. "And Caily, you and Keane will go first."
"Okay," I turned around as Keane was approaching with the end of the rope. "I tied it. Who's going down first? I'll help y-"
I walked past him, grabbing the rope from his hands and tossing it over the edge of the cliff. "You'll be going down with Caily," I declared, my eyes fixed on the soil as I scanned for any unstable or loose rocks. "Charlotte and Lilith. I'll go last."
Keane's voice trembled with concern as he asked, "Wait, are you sure you'll be alright on your own?"
"Keane," I met his gaze, my expression firm. "I need you to trust me right now. And take care of Caily for me, please?" my tone was serious and more of a demand.
"But, Leeia.." Caily approached me with a hug, her tears filling up my sweater.
I wrapped my arms around her tighter, with a reassuring tone I muttered to her ears, "Everything's gonna be okay, Caily. Make sure you follow and stick with Keane, okay?"
She pulled away, wiping her tears off while Keane reached for her shoulder, comforting her. "Let's go?" he asked, his tone gentle. She nodded and made her way to the rope.
"It's okay, Charlotte. H-He'll be okay. You know him, right?" I turned towards Lilith who was gently trying to comfort Charlotte who was crying non stop. She noticed me, giving me a sad smile.
"Okay, put your arm over and grab onto me, okay?" Keane had sat down on the edge, the rope in his hand. "Just try not to move so much, and keep your weight steady. You can lean on to me if you feel heavy."
I knelt down next to Caily and Keane, my voice gentle and caring. "Be careful, okay?" my expression soften down as Caily pulled me once again for a quick hug.
