Clockwork Shadows

A Turn for the Worst

Like a giant's roar, the sky screamed as the city below us exploded. The pillars of smoke, that were supposed to be a beautiful array of colours, was an ashen black. It seemed so dark that someone could have thought it was the middle of the night. Then with its smoky hands it seemed to claw its way from the fresh ruins, covering everyone in its black prison.

The once sweet breeze had transformed into a sour gust of insane winds so strong that they flung Annaliese and i over the fence. The others disappeared as well, though they were probably blown away by the shock wave of the explosion. From the smoke covered city people screamed and howled in pain and terror. I couldn't tell the difference anymore.

My dress was in shreds and my freed hair flew madly behind me, all of the pins lost in the chaos. I felt tears mixed with ash and dirt begin to roll down my burning cheeks to my horror. I couldn't tell if i was shaking or if it was the uneven ground. Terrified, I frantically searched for the twins. "LYON! CASSY!" I hollered, hoping desperately that my voice wasn't lost in the chaotic noise.

Another blast exploded to my right, sending a whole building in flames and rubble. Desperation outweighing my fear, I ran around the ground crying out everyone's names.

Suddenly, I heard my name called and i sprinted as fast as my torn legs could carry me towards the voice. Trapped underneath a hedge of red roses I saw Lyon, Cassy, and Fabron huddled together. The look of dead fear on their faces reminded me just how much they needed me. So, wiping away my tears, I found the thickest of the thorned branches and pried them off the ground. As I saw the three crawling out of their prison I made a promise that I would never EVER cry again, and to keep fighting. No matter what the cost.

Holding Cassy in my arms, I lead my small group through the maze with Lyon in Fabron's arms. I tried to level myself, control my breathing and think clearly. My father's training drilled in my brain, "No fear, no pain, move faster." Those words repeated over and over again in my head, just like i do when i'm flustered, until i feel that i could grasp some control on the situation. I screamed my voice hoarse trying to find Annaliese and the Lords, never once stopping to catch my breath.

Once I had successfully navigated our way back to the door i heard Fabron's voice call out. I spun around to see a familiar patch of electric blue lying in a hedge of yellow flowers. Setting Cassy down, but still clutching her hand, I ran to them and helped Raiden back to the ground. He was unconscious. Brilliant! Life hated us a lot apparently.

"Stay with him. I'm going to look for the others." I command Fabron with a surprisingly level voice, "Guard them with your life or I will kill you."

Too shocked to say anything he nods his head and then i race off.

I continued crying out Annaliese's and Nalren's names my body filled with adrenaline once again. Leaping over fallen hedges and dodging rubble, I weaved my way to slightly more solid ground. Then, by pure chance, I spotted a flash of pure gold and emerald green out of the corner of my eye. I altered my course and raced to the place. There, lying on top of each other, was the person i wanted to see the most. "Annaliese!" I screamed with joy as I lunged towards her and pulled her up into a tight hug.

"W-what h-h-happened?" she quivered, her body shaking more violently then my hands.

"It's okay, I've got you. You can trust me." I reassured, releasing her from my embrace. "I promise everyone's okay."

"Nalren?"

I spun back to where the blondie was and yanked him off the ground. "Right here and still breathing. Now let's go!" I shouted, slinging Nalren over my shoulder and grabbing Annaliese's hand.