Realization.

After slurping their instant noodles, Savannah suggested they head back to her apartment. Cassie agreed but needed to pack her bags first.

"I can help. Tell me what you need. I'll help bring them down to the car."

"Okay. you volunteered for this."

As Cassie brought out all her belongings, Savannah's eyes lit up in surprise when she saw the array of items Cassie had brought along.

Cassie's bags were filled to the brim with clothes, make-up, shoes, canvases, and painting materials. When Savannah asked Cassie if she really needed her painting materials amongst other things, Cassie replied with a resounding "yes." She explained that painting calms her mind, something that Savannah never really understood.

As Savannah helped Cassie with her bags, she couldn't help but notice a guitar lying amongst the pile of belongings. When Cassie saw her friend looking at the guitar, she suggested that Savannah play a tune.

"Come on. it's not going to hurt, is it? Try something. anything. Just sing. come on Savvy."

Savannah hesitated, "You know we are actually running late Cassie. We are yet to meet up with Izzy in my apartment. We have serious matters. Don't forget." She said, trying to look serious.

Cassie insisted, "The time taken to explain this would have been put to good use if you played. besides, the faster you play, the quicker we get to leave. So come on now. Let's hear it!"

Savannah reluctantly agreed, taking the guitar in hand. As she did, she knew what Cassie was trying to do. Cassie had known Savannah since high school and knew that her friend had a melancholic personality but loved music. Although Savannah could play every musical instrument known to man, her voice was what truly stood out. It was angelic, with a sense of purity that made her sound like she belonged in the heavens. A voice so pure it tasted like wine that has been kept for centuries, being refined by the hands of time.

"You suggested so pick a song." Savannah said, demandingly.

"Okay okay wait. Um, let's see. Billie Jean?"

"Nope old school"

"Yeah. what about Fire on Fire?"

"I don't know what song that is"

"It's by Sam Mith.....nevermind. I have a a better idea."

Cassie asked Savannah to play "Titanium" by Sia, and Savannah hesitated at first, unsure if she could do the song justice. Cassie smiled and encouraged her friend, and Savannah finally agreed. "Well, here goes."

Savannah sang so beautifully that Cassie felt like her heart was about to burst with emotion. She had a twingling feeling like the music and lyrics had been written specifically for her, and she couldn't help but let the tears flow freely down her cheeks.

As she listened to Savannah's voice echoing through her blue-colored apartment, Cassie was transported to another world. A world where the only thing that mattered was the music and the connection it created between the singer and the listener. A deep connection. The sound of Savannah's guitar strings being plucked was like peaches to Cassie's ears, and as the notes filled the air, she felt herself becoming more and more entranced by the melody. It was as if she was under a spell, unable to move or speak, just lost in the beauty of the moment.

Savannah continued gloriously singing "Titanium," and Cassie was completely taken aback by the sheer power and emotion in her voice. It was as if every note was a hammer strike against the walls of her heart, breaking them down one by one until there was nothing left but pure emotion.

Savannah's voice was like a warm blanket on a cold night, comforting and soothing, but at the same time, it was also like a lightning bolt, charging through her body with raw energy and passion. Her singing was so beautiful and powerful that it seemed to transcend space and time, reaching deep into Cassie's soul and touching something primal and ancient.

As the song came to an end, Cassie was left gasping for breath, her tears still flowing freely down her face. She felt like she had just been through a powerful catharsis, a cleansing of her soul, and she was left feeling raw and vulnerable, but also strangely alive.

"It always gets to me every single time," Cassie said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've heard you sing so many times, and each one is a seemingly new encounter. Why haven't you tried going global?"

Savannah smiled sadly, a hint of pain in her eyes. "I have actually. In the past. Years back. Haven't tried it again."

Cassie was dumbfounded. "Why not? You're amazing. You could be one of if not the greatest singer of all time."

Savannah shrugged. "It's complicated. There are a lot of factors at play. But let's not talk about that right now. Let's just get this over with. one more song won't hurt, would it?"

"Most certainly not!"

And with that, she began to play another song, and once again, Cassie was lost in the magic of her voice.

As Savannah played and sang, Cassie couldn't help but feel like she was witnessing something truly special. Something that only came along once in a lifetime. Savannah's voice was like a gift from the heavens, a blessing that had been bestowed upon the world by some divine force.

And yet, as Cassie watched Savannah's face as she sang, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness. It was clear that her friend had a lot of pain and sorrow buried deep within her, and the music was the only way she knew how to express it.

Cassie wondered what it would be like to live in Savannah's world. A world where singing was considered a waste of time, and killing was a way of life. It was hard to imagine how anyone could live like that, how anyone could be so disconnected from their emotions and their humanity.

But as she looked at Savannah, it was clear that she wasn't at all like her siblings. She exhibited little to no traits tying her to them. Or so she thought. She felt as if she knew a lot about Savannah, and yet understood so little. She hasn't seen her family let alone relatives. They are like myths, and she was certain she'd be turning myths to reality upon attendance of The Gathering. She was sure she'd understand Savvy a little bit better.

"Okay, I'm done now. Time's up. We should get packing. Come on now Cassie. Vamonos." Savannah said, Carrying a bit of the luggage Cassie had packed and headed downstairs, Cassie followed sluggishly behind, locking her apartment after She was sure no one or thing or importance remained there.

Reaching the elevator, Savannah let out a deep breath of relief. It was a small space, and with Cassie's luggage taking up most of it, Savannah couldn't help but pray that no one else would come and try to squeeze in with them. The last thing she wanted was to be stuck in an elevator with a stranger and Cassie's enormous suitcase.

Thankfully, the elevator ride down to the main floor was uninterrupted. Savannah didn't even realize how tense she had been until the doors slid open, and she felt the rush of fresh air against her face. She took a step out, turning to watch as Cassie struggled to pull her luggage behind her.

Savannah rolled her eyes, wondering how Cassie managed to accumulate so much baggage for a stay that would last just a few days. But as her friend caught up with her, dropping her bags to the ground with a thud, Savannah couldn't help but feel a little guilty.

"Sorry about the elevator," she said, offering to help with Cassie's bags.

Cassie shook her head, still trying to catch her breath. "It's okay. I'm just glad we made it down in one piece."

Savannah smiled, relieved that her friend wasn't angry. They both bent down to pick up the luggage, and Savannah couldn't help but notice how much heavier Cassie's bag was. She struggled to keep her grip on it as they made their way to the car.

Once they reached the vehicle, Cassie dropped her bag to the ground once more, panting heavily. "I'm going to die," she said, wiping the sweat from her brow.

Savannah laughed. "You're being dramatic. You're in good shape."

Cassie shot her a look. "Easy for you to say. You didn't have to haul a suitcase through a large compartment of the main floor."

Savannah grinned. "True, but I did have to carry part of your luggage."

Cassie rolled her eyes, but the two friends couldn't help but laugh. They had been friends for years, and Savannah knew Cassie's sense of humor like the back of her hand.

As they loaded the rest of Cassie's bags into the trunk, Cassie couldn't help but notice the guitar case leaning against the side of the car. She hadn't brought it out with her. If anything, she was sure she wanted it to be left there, in her apartment. It was then she noticed Savannah brought it with her.

"Hey, can I ask you something?" Cassie said, nodding her head towards the guitar. "Your siblings. Do the sing too?"

Savannah shrugged. "A little. Not as good as me though."

Cassie raised an eyebrow. "Your siblings sing too?"

Savannah nodded. "Yeah, well, most of them never had the time to try it out. But Camille is incredible."

Cassie leaned against the car, intrigued.

"The little lady we saw at the store?"

"Yeah. That one"

"Really? What's she like?"

Savannah's face lit up at the mention of her sister. "Oh man, Camille is amazing. Her voice just… it's like a drug, you know? Even the strongest person would drop dead in admiration and follow her wherever she goes."

Cassie laughed. "Wow, sounds like quite the talent."

Savannah nodded, lost in thought. "Yeah, it is. Sometimes I wish she would perform more. But she's always been a little shy about it."

Cassie smiled sympathetically. "I get that. It can be nerve-wracking to put yourself out there like that."

Savannah nodded, sliding into the driver's seat of the car. "Yeah, I know. But she's missing out on so much by keeping it to herself. I mean, she could be the next big thing".

"Yeah, I'm sure that's you" Cassie disagreed

"Huh? No. I'm not that good."

"You are. Why haven't you even realized? You spend so much time praising others when should you check properly, you're better than most." Cassie said, with a rather lecturing tone.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. Be better, okay?"

"I know." Savannah said, hugging Cassie.

"We better get going. Izzy must be waiting. Would Camille come to visit?" Cassie says, Suggesting that it'd be nice if she came.

"Oh, no she wouldn't come. she'd be busy with Seth."

"Wait, is she....?"

"Oh, no no no. They're not couples. That'd be disgusting." Savannah said, her face looking irritated by the thought. " She's more of Seth's Child. She seldom goes anywhere without him. Makes me think Seth was lurking around the corner during our visit to Gods' Own Garments."

"I see. It must be creepy having your dad follow you everywhere you go. who knew Seth was like this?"

"He's clingy, but only to those he loves."

"You're family, yes? You're his sister. Wouldn't he be around here at the moment? Lurking in the dark?"

"No. Seth doesn't have my time. He's more of an Isabelle's favorite rather than...Oh shit!."

Savannah said, her face changing to what seemed like she was scared. Cassie noticing this, asked why she was scared. Savannah Said nothing and ordered her friend to move quick and pack the luggages into the trunk, which Cassie did so without complaint

"Savvy, what's going on?"

"I'll tell you on the way. Come on!"

Cassie immediately hops into the drivers' seat, and Savannah into the front seat and they drove out of the parking lot.