Panic

You’re on your knees, cradling Alex in your arms. You can see the point of the broken sword protruding from her stomach, and all you can do is stare in horror. Alex’s eyes flutter open, and weakly she reaches up and touches your cheek before falling limp again. You can see she’s still breathing, but she’s even paler than usual, and she’s bleeding all over you.

Incredibly, it’s Lilith that shakes you out your stupor, mentally shoving you and practically shouting in your mind. Do something, idiot! She’s going to die if you just sit there watching her bleed!

You look up to see Sarah staring at Alex with the same expression you’re sure is on your face. Ferra stands nearby, impassive as always, though you see the worry in her eyes. You grimace and stand, still cradling the wounded fire spirit.

“We need to get back. Cassie can heal her!”

You sound like you’re trying to convince yourself. You look between Sarah and Ferra. “Full speed. Stop for nothing. If anyone gets in our way…”

Sarah nods, her glowing eyes hard. “They won’t. At least, not for long.”

You sigh. “Let’s go.”

Ferra says nothing, turning and bounding up the stairs. Sarah follows, Forgebreaker in hand. You take the steps two at a time, Lilith freely giving you her power. Ferra doesn’t even slow at the front door, slamming through it like a battering ram. The heavy wood explodes outward, and you and Sarah follow without breaking stride.

It seems that the death of the twins has had a huge effect on their followers. The cloaked figures you saw have all collapsed, lying motionless on the ground. The uniformed soldiers seem to be confused, milling about. You don’t have time to question it, however, as you race for the gate. No one makes any moves to stop you, though several stare as you run out into the streets.

Sarah is having a hard time keeping up, as you and Ferra sprint towards the Gitanna compound. You don’t want to lose her in the street, so you slow slightly, letting her keep pace. You’re sure this run isn’t doing Alex any favors, but it’s a risk you need to take. She feels so light, so fragile in your arms. In the light of day you can see the skin around her wound has taken on a greenish tint, as if infected already.

Soon, you reach the gate of the Gitanna compound, and the guards let you in immediately. It appears that everything is normal here, and you rush towards the medical building. Halfway there, you’re met by Samus.

“What has happened? I feel strange magic…”

He looks down at the unconscious fire spirit in your arms, and his eyes go wide. “Bring her to the hospital. Send for your healer and your seer. Now!”

Sarah rushes off to find Cassie and Melora, as you hurry into the hospital building, with Ferra close behind. Samus leads you to an empty room, and you lay Alex down. She’s still breathing, but shallowly. Blood is still leaking from her stomach, and her skin is pale. A few moments later, Sarah leads Cassie and Melora in. Both gasp at the sight of Alex.

Samus looks at you seriously. “Now you must leave. I must seal this room from outside magic if we have any hope of saving her. I cannot do that with you here.”

You start to protest, but Sarah puts a hand on your shoulder. “We should do what he says. Anything for Alex, right?”

You clench your fists, and nod. “Fine. Do whatever it takes. I won’t lose her.”

Cassie gives you a solemn nod, with the most serious expression you’ve ever seen from her. “I promise. She’ll be ok.”

Melora nods as well, but the worried look on her face makes your stomach knot. You sigh, and walk out, with Ferra and Sarah following. You look back as the door closes with chilling finality. Leaning against the wall, you slowly sit. Ferra sits beside you, holding your hand and leaning on your shoulder.

Sarah shakes her head. “I’ll…go tell the others.”

Numbly, you nod. You’re only dimly aware of her footsteps walking away. All you can do now is sit, your armor stained with the blood of a loved one, and wait.