A Cassarian Story
Varian always knew that he cared for Cassandra. But he didn't realize how much until she was gone.
Six long years after Cassandra leaves Corona, she finally returns. Varian is overjoyed, but she comes bearing terrible news. A stran...
"What was it? What was at the Dark Kingdom?" Opal asks anxiously, her and Luna's eyes wide as saucers.
"At the time there was only one word to describe what we saw," Varian replies. "...Monstrous."
Varian has done a lot of research in his young life. But in all the books he has read, he has never seen or heard of anything like what he and the others are currently observing.
Floating towards them is a gigantic red and black mass, similar to that of a cloud or even gas in appearance. But it is too close to the ground to be a cloud, and it is not spreading like a gas. It is moving in a stable and collective manner, like a sentient creature. And it is approaching speedily, making a soft 'whooshing' sound as it draws near.
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"Get out of here!" Adira repeats, barely outrunning the mass.
"I think we'd better listen to the strange, tall person!" Abhu says, climbing back into the balloon. The others follow suit, and even Adira clambers in just before they take to the sky.
"Always a pleasure to run into you, Adira," Eugene says sarcastically. "Now, if you would be so kind as to explain to us... What the heck is that thing?!"
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Before Adira can respond, the balloon jolts, causing some of the ropes attached to the basket to snap. The basket turns on its side, and everyone lose their footing. Varian, Eugene, Adira, and Ruddiger manage to stay inside the basket, but Cassandra and Abhu roll out. Cass quickly reaches out and grabs onto the edge of the basket, but Abhu only manages to cling on to her legs. His extra weight makes it difficult for her to hold on, and her fingers start to slip as she loses her grip.
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