[A/N: Chapter soundtrack: KALEO - Way Down We Go]
In a way, this is typical of my existence now, isn't it? Everything seems to stay the same... hope quickly turns to disappointment...
Can't say I'm surprised, it isn't new. Right, I've long ago accepted this as an indisputable fact.
...That crack though... Why did it take me that long to notice? That's the question here.
Yeah, it was small, but a crack wouldn't be so subtle, and yet, it didn't get my attention until then. Why...?
Aybel looked up at the darkened sky, mind trying to piece together the puzzle.
Meanwhile, his peers were in a panic, and rightly so.
Hmm... I at least should've noticed the first signs...
He suddenly found himself staring at the flailing shadows cast on the massive pillars.
The shape of the shadows...
A look of realization flashed across his face as he connected the dots.
I see... That must be it.
So that's why the bastard didn't move.
Looking back on it now, Caine's shadow covered it up perfectly. The crack must have started to form while he was blocking it.
If only I'd looked down at my feet while I was standing on the center.
The sight before him was nothing short of a living hell, yet he mused on:
It all makes sense why he was so confident... It was inevitable from that moment. He even managed to keep me away from the center long enough till he could jump off.
He probably didn't care about the girl either, but thought it would be funny to see what happens. That bastard...
What a clever bastard...
And I suppose it didn't exactly help that I was too busy trying to get rid of the both of them, to even notice it.
Aybel heaved a loud sigh.
I'll have to remember this experience to avoid another mistake like this in the future.
Around him, every single person wore the look of utter horror...
At least there's something I can be grateful for: I'm not falling alone.
Terrified shouts for help filled the air.
But is there a worse way to die than surrounded by a bunch of screaming fodder?
The waves of his hair danced in the violent winds.
You know... never in a million years did I think I'd utter these words, however: I'm really starting to miss the peace and quiet of a boring classroom...
He continued to stare at the sky only to see the darkness getting darker.
I mean, I wouldn't mind taking some mind boggling exam right about now.
It was as if the world was falling apart, and he was right there in the very center of it.
I suppose it could be worse. But it is indeed terrifying, this moment could very well be the last thing I ever experience.
Aybel's eyes fell in regret.
"...Odd... how certain thoughts tend to stick to the mind..." He muttered aloud as he mused.
"...The universe itself seems to have a grudge against me..."
"Yeah... I can't shake this thought that keeps resurfacing."
The falling masses struggled mid-air, in a desperate yet futile attempt to dodge the undeniable crash course with the beast below now labeled destiny.
Still...
I refuse to accept this unfair destiny.
I refuse to be like them, following the path laid out by fate, unable to do anything...
Unable to change anything.
The distance between him and the bright slits of the mysterious entity rapidly closed by the second.
I truthfully don't care about failing and all of that, but because she is involved... Failure here and now is unthinkable.
Its patient, terrifying gaze, vaguely illuminating their vast surroundings.
A way to survive. If there isn't one...
With a sharp turn he surveyed his surroundings.
Then I'll create it myself...
A sparkle in the distance suddenly caught his attention.
To Be Continued...