The Baroness Misbehaves

Orson stumbled past the crumbling pillars and rock formations that had been made through time, wisely hiding behind one of the rocks as the ghostly apparitions flew past. He patiently waited until the coast was clear before stepping out of his hiding place, and his next destination was finding Cassian.

"Where the fuck are they?!" The dark clouds rumbled along with Orson’s frustration as he continued to stagger forward, already weak to the bone. A bead of sweat rolled down from his forehead, stopping at his chin and disappearing under his chin.

He was having a hard time catching his breath as the whole perimeter was surrounded by mélange of grotesque creatures, summoned from the darkest corners of the supernatural realm. He knew Cassian would need some assistance since he couldn’t deal with Abbot while being in his human form, but getting to him has been quite a handful.

Inna was safely in the hands of Elian who stayed by her side, so he needn’t worry about her safety knowing she was in good hands.... But Cassian?

"How are they still so many??" Orson groaned in frustration as he shot a sable-eyed demon ghost that lunged from the shadows. Even his nightmares weren’t this horrid, but he understood the plan behind so many armies. It was only an easy distraction to drain them of their energy, whilst Abbot can get to Madeline on time and stop her from creating the barrier.

"Dammit!" Fueling his resentment and turning it to his energy, he shot as many ghostly apparitions he could get his hand on. No matter what, he needed to keep Cassian alive, it was his duty to keep him alive.

Amidst the chaos, Orson finally spotted his best friend who had been holding Abbot long enough to keep him distracted from Madeline. Despite the dust that surrounded the ancient ruins where they battled endlessly, Orson’s eyes stared in full apprehension when Cassian unexpectedly received a fatal hit that sent him bursting through rocks and shattering it in pieces.

"Cassian!" He had screamed through the commotion, but none heard. His heart slowed for a minute when he assumed his friend couldn’t survive that hit, but to his greatest relief, Cassian shockingly got up again. He was a mess and his clothes were covered in dust and sand, he looked wrecked, but with an undying spirit flashing in his Amber-brown eyes.

Watching Abbot’s hold on his blade furiously tighten, as if he’s had enough of Cassian’s tactics, Orson recognized the peril that awaited Cassian, and he dashed forward with a strength he never knew he had.

With a deft movement, he pushed Cassian aside, barely aware of how he made it to his side. The ensuing clash of steel was quick, yet brutal, and everything moving around them seemed to stop. Orson’s facial features contorted into pain as Abbot’s wickedly sharp sword tore through his chest, making him go still in his position, and Abbot’s eyes frantically widened at the sight of who he had stabbed.

"You human?!" He raged.

Blood spilled from Orson’s wound, staining his shirt, but still he didn’t move. He locked gaze with Abbot whose black eyes stared back with unhidden bewilderment, and a slow agonizing smile curved his lips. "I feel more like a guardian angel thanks to you." He breathed out, indirectly mocking Abbot who heartlessly twisted the sword inside of him, and Orson’s mouth immediately spilled blood.