The Crimson Thread

Chapter 27: In the Veins, Only the Suffering Takes Hold

Nora and Ren watched from the small door window that led into the room Hawk had been set in as Pyrrha fed him some food.

Ren: "We've been gone for so long, yet nothing's changed regarding those two."

Nora: "I know what you mean."

Aikuro: "How does he look?" He says, walking up to them and taking a peek through the window.

Ren: "A lot better than when Jakuzure found him. Apparently, he only managed to survive because of a Mako's brother."

Nora: "It's like he's on a second life support—kind of weird. Hawk's always been the strong silent type. He gets hit, shrugs it off, and gets back to moving. So to see him so... differently, it's weird."

Aikuro: "Believe me, I understand. So much has changed in such a small amount of time, and I don't think it'll get better soon unless we start doing some rather risky plays. But don't bother listening to my ramblings. I got the doctor's report on Hawk's condition." He hands Ren a folder. "And don't worry about dealing with the next incoming attack. With those Elite Four all here now, we can finally try out that experimental prototype Inumata's been cooking up." He waves as he heads down the hallway.

Nora: "Well, that's awfully nice of him."

Ren: "Right, let's head in." The two enter the room as Pyrrha see them and smiles, setting down the plate of food.

Pyrrha: "I'm glad you're all here. And yes, I'm also saying it to Dante and Vergil." The spectral forms of Dante and Vergil appear.

Dante: "I would've brought a get well soon card, but I don't have any money."

Vergil: "I'm certain Hawk will live without one, Dante. Being here is that he most likely wants more than anything."

Ren: "And even better news. Looking over the report, it looks like he'll recover fully."

Dante: "Bout time we heard some good news. Hope about we take that crappy suit off him and get him into some not-parasitic clothing."

Crimson Tyrant: "Not a good idea."

The three former Huntsman immediately draw their weapons at the voice. Looking to Crimson Tyrant sitting casually in a chair opposite of Hawk's bed.

Crimson Tyrant: "Whoah! Whoah! Same side."

Dante: "Yeah, right. What the hell do you want?!"

Vergil: "Probably doesn't want us taking the suit off him. His opinion isn't a factor, do it." Ren reaches for the coat on Hawk.

Crimson Tyrant: "Do that, and he dies on the spot."

Pyrrha: "Is that a threat?" Her expression grows much more menacing, which catches Vergil's eye.

Crimson Tyrant: "A fact. I and, by extension, the suit are the only things keeping Hawk here in the land of the living."

Ren: "But the report said-"

Crimson Tyrant: "The report, probably accounts for a HUMAN patient, which we all know Hawk is far from human. As far as the doctor was concerned, Hawk was a peak physical specimen. Unaware that Hawk's literally on his death bead if action isn't taken."

Vergil: "Speak clearly."

Crimson Tyrant: "When Ragyo impaled Hawk, her weapon was coated with a hazardous toxin. I don't know what it is or how it works, but all I know is that for the last month, the poison has been slowly killing Hawk. Attacking his organs and preventing his demonic essence from healing them. Luckily with the Artificial Kamui on, I can combat the poison, but I've only managed to stall it. At most, allow him to know what's happening around him."