Sable's Experiences

[Toaster]

//No longer canon.

August 22, 828 A.S.

Olivia slumped back into her pilot's seat as she watched the Bloom's contact vanish from her sensors.

As always, it had been a treat to see Isla again - even if a hundred yards of hard vacuum had separated them. It was enough to see a friendly face, hear a friendly voice again, and know that there was someone out there who trusted and supported her, no matter what happened. Well, not quite, Olivia thought, thinking back to her return from the dead a few months ago. But that felt like it was ancient history by now and she still found herself unable to fully blame Isla for her behavior that day. Really, it had been Reyes' doing. And that just made her friend's latest news all the more unbearable.

The two were getting married. Olivia rubbed her eyes, wearily. Had Isla and Reyes really already been together for that long? Eight months, Olivia recalled. And now they were engaged to each other. Olivia knew that she was supposed to be happy for the two, or at least for Isla. Friends were supposed to be supportive of each other, after all. So, why did she instead feel upset? Afraid, even?

She will forget you. A presence crept into her mind, whispering from the back of her head in her own, distorted voice. She will leave you behind.

"Shut up," Olivia growled out loud. "I'm not talking to you."

Her response garnered a guttural, entertained chuckle. You should, the voice replied. You are all alone.

Olivia shook her head, as though trying to dislodge the voice from her mind. "Shut up."

Its chuckling receded, and with it the uncomfortable presence, crawling again into the shadows of her subconscious.

Olivia sighed. She hated it. Whatever it was. But, she admitted to herself regretfully, it had a point. Isla was one of the few constants in her life. One of the few people she could rely on, look to for help. And now the girl was stepping onto a new path in her life, getting married to Reyes, of all people. Olivia would be left behind, fighting whatever forces she was up against on her own.

She reached down beneath her seat, pulling out a simple canvas bag that was tucked away underneath. With deft fingers, she unzipped it and let its content's blue light flood the cockpit. Olivia leaned back again, breathing deeply, and felt herself relax, the light coursing over her, exuding a comforting warmth. But even it could not wash away her melancholy.

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Olivia Sable