Vagaries of Fate

Through the Window

Chapter 35 

Once the boys got ready for bed, Clarissa laid them down and read a couple of chapters of the new book they had asked her to read. It had become something of a tradition each night. She no longer had to lay down when they did, but they still preferred if she slept in the same bed when she did finally go to sleep.

Once they had drifted off, Clarissa went out to clean up so she could get to sleep herself. She paused when she saw Zack still sitting at the table, trying to figure out how Yazoo kept spotting the trick. She chuckled under her breath before she walked over to him. She gave him a consoling pat on the shoulder as she spoke. "Don't take it personally. Instead of trying to figure out what you are doing wrong, you should think about it like you are trying to pull one over on the General."

Zack looked up at her with wide eyes. He then looked toward where the boys were sleeping before he put his face in his hand and groaned. He was giving her a plaintive look when he finally responded. "Man, they are still so little. It's hard to remember that they are practically just like him. No wonder I kept failing."

Clarissa chuckled again when she answered. "Don't let it get to you." She then paused as she tried to stifle a yawn. She gave him a chagrined look when it passed. "Sorry, I guess I'm more tired than I thought. I'm going to go grab a shower and head to bed. Do you need anything?"

He waved her off. "Nah, you go get some sleep. I've got this under control."

Clarissa gave him a grin and wave as she headed to the shower finally. It wasn't long afterward that she was curled up with the boys and dreaming of Genesis coming home.

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Clarissa was wrenched awake by a loud sound. She jerked herself upright and tried to clear the sleep from her head as she listened to see if she could tell what it was. It was only a moment later that she heard a familiar noise that sent chills down her spine. The sound of blades clashing was unmistakable. She didn't hesitate to jump up and grab her kōdachi, where she kept them on top of one of the dressers.

By that point, the boys were all awake and alert as well. They were already standing next to the bed. Clarissa knelt in front of them and whispered. "Stay back. Let me see what is going on." When it looked like they were going to object, she gave them all a frown. "Not now."

She knew it was harsh, but they didn't have time. She opened the door a crack and nearly screamed when she saw Zack fall to the blades of two Ravens at the same time. Her instincts kicked in at that point, and she ran out with a yell. Thankfully Shiva's materia was in the handle of one of her kōdachi, and she immediately summoned the ice elemental.

She barely noted that there had to be more than a dozen Ravens as more came from the kitchen as well. She tried not to think about the depth of the issue as she threw out a sheet of ice. She knew it would not keep the mindless soldiers down, but it was enough to get them away from Zack.

As soon as there was a little space, she gestured for Shiva to put up a barrier and maintain it. She then ran to where Zack was bleeding all over the floor. She had to swallow a choked sound as she dropped to her knees next to her friend. Her hands were shaking when she reached out to check his pulse.

She nearly started crying when she immediately felt his pulse. Though she didn't give herself time to break down. Instead, she cast her best curaga. Unfortunately, it was not as good as it should have been. She could already feel the drain on her power from Shiva maintaining the barrier. The sound of the Ravens breaking it in multiple locations was a frantic backdrop to the fear she forced herself to swallow.

She was glad to see that her efforts were enough to stop the bleeding, even if it wasn't enough for Zack to wake up. Once she was sure he would be alright, she stood. She braced herself since she knew it would be better to face the Ravens before her magic was drained.