Lightning Strikes Twice

Chapter 30: Tipping Point

I lie down on the bed in the room I got set up in, in this clinic. I've got bandages wrapped around my body for my ribs and a bandages over my arm. The doctor told me I could go when I can.. but I'm waiting for the others to come in and tell me how Oro's doing.

It's several minutes until Xenith and Celosia walk into the room. I quickly get up and accidentally make my side hurt a bit, making me hiss in pain. They both come over to me slowly to try to calm me down. Xenith puts a hand on my shoulder, giving me a look of concern.

"You doing okay?"

I take in a deep breath, then letting it out. I'm almost too scared to ask, but I have to.

"Please.. tell me he's alive."

I watch Xenith and Celosia look at each other for a moment before Celosia sits next to me on the bed.

"Thankfully, he is alive. Breathing is good, no bodily injuries, overall physical health is good."

I let out I think the most relived sigh I've ever made in my life. I then pause as I turn back to her with concern and confusion.

"Why were you specifying physical..?"

Celosia looks down with a look of remorse as she takes a deep breath herself.

"Therein lies the real issue. Marsh, don't think for a second it's your fault because it's you who set him back to normal. Oro took a lot of strain to his brain. Too much. All his real injuries lie up there, and his body reacted accordingly to manage it."

"I d-don't understand.. what are you saying..?"

"Marsh.. he's in a coma."

When I hear that, all my thoughts disappear. My mind goes completely silent. I start to feel cold for not having my shirt on. I just sit there in silence.

"The doctor said we don't need to worry much because they'll be putting everything they've got into keeping him stable. So that's something good to think about!"

I sit there quietly, still not responding.

"And what else is great, we don't need to worry about funds for his treatment because-"

"Because I'll be handling it."

Queen Valetzia says as she walks in the room with Minerva as her side. Minerva waits a moment before walking over and sitting beside me as well, looking at me with worry.

"Minerva has informed me of everything that has happened. I'll take care of paying for his treatment as well as seeing to that he doesn't get falsely arrested for that other one."

I continue to just sit there quietly. I slowly start to clench my fists as I continue to stare at the floor. Minerva puts a hand on my shoulder as she leans in a little closer to me.

"Hey.. you doing okay?"

Upon hearing that, I look up to see all four of them staring at me. All of them bear faces of concern. I say nothing as I stand up, put my shirt and jacket back on. I open the door to the room and violently slam it behind me as I exit them room alone.

---

We all stare at the door in silent shock as Marsh walks off to the building's exit. I run my hands through my hair while I process what just happened.