Cage of Futures

In the darkness of the flooded temple, a second passed. 

Sunny was still falling into the water.

During that second, Cassie had lost count of how many times her slender body was broken and mutilated by the monstrous sybil. 

A thought was much faster than a blade, but it had the same effect on the future as an action. Every time she mentally changed her plan of action, the immediate future changed, as well — and currently, Cassie was thinking with stunning speed. 

'A step to the right.'

'A step forward, high attack.'

'A step forward, low attack.'

'A half-step…'

She imagined a future and suffered the consequences, again and again. The sybil was too powerful, too sinister, too vile… but not insurmountably so. 

Another moment passed, and finally, Cassie imagined the future where she did not die.

'Found it.'