STEER CLEAR OF THE SUN | OBSERVATORY EVACUATION

[Shininglight]

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His friend pushed back harder. Shine did not have the physical energy to continue resisting like this. His brain sent no adrenaline, no sense of urgency, even as the fires grew closer, inch by inch. He stared into the dancing flames. Why did he have to be so powerless? Now, of all times? He could have once easily doused the fire, suppressed it, manipulate it in such a way to save everyone without breaking a single sweat. He had power unimaginable, capable of conquering entire groups on his own. He could do almost anything.

But that power frightened him.

Shine stumbled backwards a bit, as Lessa kept pushing. Her words barely seemed to reach his mind, the emotion lost in the confusing smoke and haze. But something seemed to click. Her last desperate cry, spoken not by mouth, but from the soul. It traveled across the invisible thread that bonded them together, reaching him loud and clear. His eyes widened, the realization settling on the feline as he peered into Lessa's eyes.

I'm scared too. Let's go.

Shine ducked his head below the majority of the smoke, turning and limping back towards the stairs, making sure Lessa was right there beside him, or in front. Not left behind. Not again.