Legend of Mautau: Angelorum Lux

Ch 32: The Price of Victory

        Flying down over to where Mythra lay unconscious, Scott tried to shake her awake, saying “Mythra! Mythra wake up, it’s over!” Groaning weakly, she muttered, “It’s about time…” Turning her over, Scott was shocked to see how awful she looked, her face red and sweating despite having laid there on the ice for almost the whole battle. Looking at the ice blade still stuck in her shoulder, he thought to himself, “Something isn’t right. This wound would be painful, but Mythra’s tough, she wouldn’t let it slow her down this much. It certainly shouldn’t be affecting her like this…” Realizing a terrible possibility, he thought, “Could it be a poison?!” Carefully hefting her onto his back, Scott began to make his way across the frozen lake back to the docks, still wary of the slippery ice. Starting to feel the pain throughout his body that he had been expecting, he thought to himself, “Well, my Thundering Wrath was kind of a success as long as you don’t look at the fact that it will royally screw up your body…” He wondered if he could make it back in his condition, but he soon saw he wouldn’t have to, as rushing down the docks came Serius, Alexander, and Grey. Relieved to see Grey was at least all right, a sudden jolt of pain forced Scott to his knees as he muttered, “Damn, that’s really bad…” Reaching him first, Grey said, “Scott! What’s wrong with you?! You hurt?! Where the hell is that Douglas bastard?! You get him?!” As Alexander and Serius approached as well, Alexander said, “Let him breathe Grey.” Taking a good look at Mythra and Scott, he added, “Well it looks like you two have really had a rough fight. I must say Scott, I'm impressed. Sorry for doubting you.” With a slightly embarrassed expression, Scott replied, “I kinda doubted myself there for a while…”

        Then remembering the poisoned ice blades, Scott quickly said, “Anyway we’ve still got a problem! I think the blades of Douglas’ sword were poisoned, Mythra’s sweating and she has a feve-” With a calming gesture, Alexander said, “We know Scott. While I can’t say I’ve had time to analyze it, I’ve already given Richter some basic treatment. Let’s get Mythra somewhere she can rest and I’ll treat her as well.” Taking Mythra from him, Alexander cradled her in his arms and started walking back as Serius and Grey helped Scott stand up. Scott staggered as he tried to move, and Serius said, “Do you need me to carry you?” Showing an embarrassed look, Scott laughed nervously and said, “I’m good, just a little wobbly I guess.” As he watched Scott struggle to walk, Grey laughed slightly and said, “You’re definitely gonna need a hand Scott. Here, lean on me.” Using Grey for support, Scott said, “Thanks bud, sorry about this.” With a grin Grey said, “Don’t mention it.” Slowly they began making their way back.

        Returning to Jennifer’s house, as they entered, Scott was surprised to see Lieutenant Colonel Catherine Walker sitting at the table with Schmitt, Jennifer, and a woman he did not recognize. Amy sat on the floor in the corner of the room, reading to the children again. Getting up as she saw them come in, Amy said, “Oh no! Is Mythra gonna be ok?!” Carrying Mythra in his arms, Alexander said, “It looks the same as Richter here. Now that we have time, I’ll try to figure out what kind of poison it is.” Laid out on the couch was Richter with a wet cloth over his forehead. Richter seemed to briefly attempt to get up as he saw them come in, then gave up on it and simply said in a rather weak tone, “Is it over?” Walking over to him, Scott said, “Yeah.” Closing his eyes, Richter laid his head back and muttered, “Good work Matthews…” For a moment Scott was alarmed, but seeing he was merely resting, Scott simply muttered, “Don’t scare me like that…” Alexander looked over at the group at the table and said, “Jennifer, I know we keep imposing on you, but we have another friend who isn’t doing too well. Do you mind if she rests in your bedroom for the time being?” Nodding, Jennifer said, “Go ahead, it’s through that door.” As she pointed to a door at the far back of the room, Alexander said, “Thank you. I’ll pay you for any laundry expenses.” As Alexander carried Mythra through the door and closed it behind him, Scott turned to Grey and quietly said, “I know we saw her before in the square, but I’m surprised to see Catherine here. And isn’t that the same woman who ran past us at the docks?” Looking over at the group at the table, Grey said, “Actually, the lady with brown hair over there is Schmitt’s daughter.” Overhearing them, an overjoyed Schmitt called out, “Yep! Thank the stars, my little girl is safe and sound! Come on over here, I’ll introduce ya!”