Icarus

Human

Human

The band, Within Inferno, was playing the last notes of their third song. All four members were having a good time performing even though they seemed detached, as if they were playing for an invisible audience.

The only spectators were the stage mangers, security guards, and the festival staff who obviously weren't listening to the band at all. Cassie was the only one just sitting around so she decided to distribute water bottles to the boys when they finished their set so she didn't feel so useless.

The song climaxed with a loud and chaotic riff. Cassie grabbed a cold bottle of water and placed it on her forehead. Lip laughed seeing Cassie using the Festival's flyer as a hand fan. He touched Tate's shoulder and pointed at Cassie. Tate walked up to her laughing.

"So...it's too hot out here for you...as in hot like me?" he teased.

"Hotter," she said sarcastically.

"Oh do tell...I'm melting."

She nodded, acknowledging the blistering sun but at least she was at the side of the stage with a shadow. Cassie got distracted by Tate's smile but remembered her self-imposed task to hand out water.

"Water?" she blurted out, like a carnival vendor trying to drum up business for a midway attraction. Cassie handed a bottle to Tate, watched him first take a sip then pour it all over his head in a futile attempt to cool off in the humid, oppressive conditions.

"Why don't you go to the hotel to get some rest? We have at least another hour of sound check and preparations."

Cassie shrugged. "I want to hear all of your songs before the big performance, anyway are you trying to get rid of a fan?" she teased, handing Tate another three bottles. He placed them under his arms, laughing.

He kissed her on the forehead and went back to the stage.

Cassie didn't notice she had a dreamy smile drawn on her face. It was the second time that day he did that. Why was he being so affectionate... if they were only friends?

➳

The room was filled with energy, laughter and loud music. In contrast, Cassie was quiet. Tate knew something was wrong.

"Are you alright?" Tate asked and then held her hand. Cassie took a few seconds to respond, brushing Tate's skin with her thumb.

"I never told you what happened at the meeting today."

"So tell me, then." Cassie looked at Tate and then at his band mates. Tate sensed what she was trying to say. "Got it." He winked and grabbed Cassie's hand tightly, got up, and signaled her to do the same.

"Gentlemen, if you will excuse us please..."

Tate guided her to the balcony. There were no clouds, no wind, and the stars were more visible and brighter than back home. On the horizon the lights of the city looked like artificial stars, trying to outshine the sky's beauty. The view was spectacular. New Zoldova came to life at night. Even the hills that ripped the edge of the sky like a torn piece of paper with its uneven edges seemed to be dark, intimidating silhouettes.

"So what was the verdict?" he asked flippantly, trying to lighten up the mood. She took a deep breath and leaned her arms on the white marble railing.

"I was assigned to another human and my new assignment begins the day after the festival." Cassie didn't look directly at him as Tate paused to take in the implications.

"Does that mean you'll be going away?"

"That means...I don't think they would assign me to someone close to you. If anything, they're going to send me far away. I still don't know though. Piero's coming with more information."