Ashes to Ashes

The Story of Paradise

The second Cia arrived in Cass' room, she knew that she was being given bad news. It was always the case, every time after a scare like that Cia would come into Cass' room and either comfort her, or give her news. This time, Cass doubted that it wold be good news.

"I-I... They're coming. You have three days, Cass. You need to go!" Cia's voice grew steadily more high-pitched as she continued, "We can go- find a place-"

"We? Cia, there is no 'we' here. I'm going, you're staying." Cassandra said stubbornly. But when she saw the protest in Annunciata's eyes, she continued quickly, "You need to stay here sweetie. What about your family? You need to say here for them." 

She could tell that Cia was wavering, "Besides... What do I have here, besides you? I have no family and I think everybody else would be glad to be rid of me- less worry." Cass plastered a fake smile on and reached over to hug Cia.

"But-"

Cass cut her off, "Honey, I need to go. I know, I've been ready- I'll be fine, I promise." 

Cia finally broke and threw her arms around the other girls' neck, burying her head in Cass' hair. "I'm going to miss you so much!" 

Suddenly glad for the sound-proof walls, Cass tried to sooth the hysterical Annunciata. "Shh, honey. I will be okay, but you have to promise me something."

Cia pulled away at the suddenly serious tone in Cass' voice, "Okay, anything."

"I need you to pretend like nothing happened. I need you to pretend like nothing has happened, like you never knew me, that you don't miss me. Can you do this for me?" 

Cia could read between the lines- years of knowing Cass had paid off. She knew that this was more than just Cass not wanting her to worry- this was a matter of life and death. Though she didn't fully understand what her friend was asking her for, she nodded, "Yes, I will."

"Good. Now, can you grab me that bag?"

*

Twenty minutes later, Cass had everything she needed in her small back-pack- food, a change of clothes and a map. The map was given to her by her father before The Majesty had their way. He never explained how it worked, but when she was gathering her things, she had felt drawn to take it. Why? She couldn't tell you- but somehow she knew she must  take it.

She stepped outside and sucked in a silent breath. Thankfully, it was still dark. She would need that to get out of the tiny town. Because everybody was inside- possibly asleep- the area surrounding her home was deathly silent. One false step and the game would be up. One false movement, and Cass would have worse troubles than escaping. She had to remain silent, and for that, the two girls said their final 'Goodbye's' in Cass' room. Cia's face as Cass left the room was heart breaking- the two girls were really two halves of the same. 

Luckily for her, Cass knew where the edge of the town was. But once she passed the border, she was free to be attacked- by animals, people, The Majesty...

She shook her head, effectively clearing her mind from those depressing thoughts. For what could be the final time, she turned to the house that had been her prison for seventeen years- almost eighteen. 

Then something occured to her- but no. It was always just a story, a work of fiction... But it could be her only hope...

For as long as Cassandra Fletcher could remember, there had been the story of Paradise. It was where outcasts were welcome, food never-ending and a place of safety. Her mother would tell her at length about the different types of food and clothes that were there, and her farther about the sights- and how to get there. 

He explained that the human race had been banished from Paradise thousands of years ago and that it was a woman called 'Eve's fault. Her mother would just laugh and claim that the man, Adam, had told her to eat it first. The story had always ended with how The Mundus had been made. That the humans that were descendants from the duo fought and eventually killed themselves out. If not for a few survivors, The Mundus would never had been created, and Cass would not be here right now, worried about how she was going to find this place.

It seemed far-fetched- that was certain, but she was determined non-the-less to find it. She was determined to be safe. 

*

I know, it's short... But hey! I'm on a list! :D # 303 on the Sci-Fi, to be exact! :D:D thank you guys so much, it means the world <3 

(Cass to the side and an UNREAL song! :D

~bobthestrawberry