[A/N: Chapter soundtrack: Rag'n'Bone Man - Human]
A sudden stir of movement underneath drew Aybel's attention interrupting his thoughts.
As if reminding them all of its imminent threat, the mysterious entity seemed to have changed position, a second pair of reptilian eyes appearing on its diamond shaped face.
A fresh wave of raw panic was sent across the falling masses.
That's rather distracting... It's getting too close for comfort.
Very well, his hand trembled as it grasped one of the longer chains from the chandelier.
I guess this will be my last gamble... Not that I have any other option.
The boy's eyes slowly moved towards the closest pillars, observing them thoughtfully.
In the dim golden glow, the marble white columns were thick and sturdy-looking.
Each one was equally spaced, forming an expansive checkerboard like pattern.
I wonder... Aybel said to himself.
Which one of you is the best place to hit?
Maybe right there? Or... No, too smooth... Hmmm... What about there? No, not quite either.
He studied the pillars for a moment longer.
It was absolutely crucial that he got this spot on.
I see... This one might work...
Finally, he had spotted a broken one coming up fast directly below.
It's not too far... I could try to pull at the chains, but that would be quite difficult...
Cracks and fissures ran down its sides. The structure was tall, and a large, sharp jut stuck out at the broken tip.
My best bet is to aim for the top of the pillar... Just to be safe. If I can even guide it at all with only one hand.
The boy flexed his grip on the chain.
It's taking a lot out of me to just hold on to it. Not to mention, if I time it wrong...
He looked at the sharp jut, mind racing with possibilities.
The pillar could also just as well impale me.
Aybel heaved a loud sigh at the thought.
If only there was something else nearby, even a small rock. Anything, really.
But I can't complain... these are the only things available to me. So, I must try... for her sake.
A suitable protrusion on the pillar to hook the chain onto and veer the chandelier off its original course, gambling on a crash with the pillar.
That was Aybel's final gambit.
If I fail here, finding Aria is by no means possible.
I know.
With that depressing thought in mind...
"Here goes..." The boy whispered to himself.
For one last time, he pulled on the chain with as much strength as he could muster, pushing off the chandelier, diving like a hunting bird below.
It was taking a large toll on him.
The wind rushed past him.
His entire body trembled from the strain.
Still, he didn't let go of the chain, steering it toward the sharp edge of the pillar.
And at the very last second...
CLANK!
Intense vibrations coursing through his fingertips - that was the sensation as he managed to hook the metal link onto the column.
SNAP!!!
And that, was the sound of the chain breaking.
The sudden pull had released the chandelier from its original course...
Falling, Aybel's blank stare locked onto the looming collision.
FFFRRRRAAAACCCKKKKAAASSSSSHHH!!!
Blood sprayed.
Shattered glass and crumbled stone sent tremors through the air jolting the falling masses.
Aybel had held his arms in front of his body in an attempt to shield himself.
Nonetheless, shrapnel ripped right through the air and sliced him as if it were blades.
As debris fell alongside him and the huge cloud of dust settled, he could see more clearly now: A brilliant golden shower of suspended glass and shards crowded the air.
His theory was proven true.
It was at this moment that a light sparked in Aybel's eyes, something that had long since been dead - Hope.
Despite his ripped clothes, and trails of blood that dripped down his forehead.
The feeling was nothing short of immense satisfaction as he tumbled headfirst into the beautiful display below.
Well, I suppose the gamble is truly worth the pain.
With a faint smile on his lips, Aybel stretched his arm out to latch onto a thick block of golden glass.
Or so he thought.
I can't... move.
Why can't I move???
The shard of glass was now right before him.
It's right there, just a few feet away...
Alas, his body plummeted past the piece of crystal.
The wind spun him around, forcing him to lay with his back, watching as someone else grabbed onto the lifeline.
No... If I fall now, it'll all be for nothing. I can't let that happen. Not yet...
But try as he might, Aybel's body disobeyed every command.
He stared at his trailing arms in disbelief.
Am I... paralyzed?
They were limp and helpless in front of him.
Is that it???
Indeed he was, watching helplessly as others scrambled for a hold of the precious floating shards, fighting for their own survival.
Funny... how my plan seems like the only hope for them now. The mere thought is almost laughable. Me, however...
He dropped like a rock through the air.
The cold wind swirling and buffeting his clothes like a flag as his hair whipped wildly in the air.
Is this the best I can do?
After all this, and after a plan that was successful... just to be rendered useless...?
It's as if fate itself is mocking me...
Laughing at his attempts to change the course of his life.
All my efforts were in vain, then...
A sudden chill ran down his spine, compelling him to find a way to avert such a disastrous outcome, but he had done everything he could.
If I did everything I could... then why am I trapped in this state?
The golden rain of shards above began to dim, the world turning blurry.
...So there really are forces at play here that I can't understand... nor control.
My naivety...
How can one person ever hope to overcome such a force?
Hope...
Anticipating destiny, the light in Aybel's eyes died.
His eyes went blank.
His face darkened.
"I see..." He murmured.
Oblivious to his turmoil, destiny charged at him, rearing its head with a wide open maw...
I should have known better.
Threads of saliva stretched between massive fangs as they closed around him...
This truly is the extent of my abilities.
Viciously, the jaws of destiny snapped shut severing flesh and bone.
I'm sorry Aria.
With that final thought, Aybel gave in.
To Be Continued...