If the world was ending

Sacraficed

"What do we have here?" Cib asked, a teasing tone in his voice. Steve whirled around, staring in fear. DK had been grabbed by James and Alfredo.

"Cib," Steve hissed. DK gave him a look, one that told Steve to be careful with what he said. Steve walked over slowly, making himself look smaller. Look afraid. He needed to get DK away from there.

"Steven Suptic, I should've killed you a long time ago,"

"But you didn't," Steve said. Then he pounced. He tossed Cib across the room, not bothering to look at where he had gone. DK was the only thought on his mind. Scott would be broken if he knew that DK was dead.

Alfredo shoved DK towards James, taking on Steve himself. A gun click and Alfredo moved out of the way. Steve realized it had been fired at DK.

Steve felt time slow down. He sprinted to intercept the bullet, to save DKs life. He watched as DK closed his eyes, waiting for death. They knew that there was no way Steve would make it in time.

But Steve did. He tossed himself in front of DK, taking the pain and dropping to the floor. Cib came over and Steve pressed his hand to his ear, speaking his last words

"Now, Ellum," he whispered and blacked out. DK cried out, stumbling as he was shoved forward. Watching as Cib put his gun up, watching as the trio ran off. The walls collapsed and he was stuck for a moment. Then he managed to get it off.

But Steve's body was nowhere to be seen. DK had a hard mission up next, breaking it to the crew. To Apollo. But right now he needed to get back to the dropship.

So he sprinted, adrenaline running through his veins. He threw himself onto the metal floor, blood dripping from a cut on his head.

"Where's Steve?" Koji asked

"He's dead. I promise I'll explain later but get us home," DK whispered and then passed out.

When he came too, he was in the medbay. Scott sat next to him, holding his hand. He snapped to attention when DK groaned in pain.

"DK!" He cried. DK winced at the noise, his head hurting but he forced a smile nonetheless. He was happy to see Scott, he really was. But Steve was actually gone.

Smajor helped him to the cafeteria, where a meeting was called. Everyone was glad he was awake, but seriously confused about where Steve was. DK told them what happened, hearing the cries broke his heart.

Apollo remained frozen. Steve was dead.

"I'm so sorry Dumbdog," DK said, he blamed himself but Apollo only shook his head,

"He did what he felt necessary. We won. That's what matters right?" Everyone nodded, but everyone was shattered. Nobody spoke as they let the news sink in

The Skeld headed home. Bound to return them to Mira, but not everyone who went came back. And nobody would be the same