The Two Sides of a Sword

Chapter Twenty-Four

 Rocki tensed when they flew into Arinda's room through the open window, praying her injured leg wouldn't brush against the side. Kofi was careful though, and the window was large, so they got through without incident.

She grunted a little when he set her down in a chair. "Ow. Could you get a towel or something so I don't ruin the seat?"

"Don't worry about it," said Arinda. "I can replace it. Kofi, go get the doctor, I'll make sure the savioress is comfortable until then." Kofi hesitated, wings tightening. "Do you want her to keep bleeding? Go!"

"I'll be right back," he said, then dashed out the door.

Arinda walked away, probably to get something, leaving Rocki alone in uncomfortable silence. She glanced around at the spacious apartment. It wasn't quite what she was expecting, given Arinda's personality. The walls were mounted with guns and blueprints, as were most of the tables, which were also littered with various bullets.

She is a weapon manufacturer I suppose. It's her job. Looks like it's her life too. That might make an interesting character: a girl who has been around weapons her whole life, making them with her father, dating a general, but she still has a very sweet personality. Not like Arinda's personality though. She's a bit too ... sugary, I guess.

Her gaze locked onto a stand beside the window. It had a gun loaded onto it, a heavy one with a big scope. Although it had been put to the side, it looked like at one point it had been pointed out the window.

There's not much to see out there except sand and sky. I wonder if she was just testing the scope or if she can hunt from this distance. Maybe it's how she defends herself against the sariun attacks.

"Enjoying the view?" Arinda asked, returning from the other room.

"Mmm," Rocki hummed in agreement. "More like trying to distract myself. I am so tired of this leg hurting." She chuckled wryly. "What's that gun for?" She nodded at the rifle by the window. "Looks like you were using it recently."

The valicaran stood beside her, a little to close for Rocki's own comfort. "Long-distance prototype. I was testing it out."

"Interesting."

Arinda shifted beside her. "Yes. You know, I think you would actually be really interested in what I was testing it out on."

Rocki raised her eyebrows a little, keeping her eyes on the gun since she didn't know what else to look at. "Oh yeah? What's that?"

"You." A cloth was slapped over her mouth and nose before she had time to process the words. She gasped, inhaling a harsh smell that left a weird taste in her mouth. She stumbled to her feet, wings flaring, but Arinda grabbed her neck, keeping the cloth pressed over her lower face.

With more force than Rocki would have thought, Arinda shoved her to a wall, hitting Rocki's head against the butt of a mounted gun. The valicaran put her hand on the savioress's throat, but didn't squeeze, forcing her to inhale more of the unpleasant odor. Rocki put her hands on Arinda's arms, heart racing as she tried to shove them away, but the female was strong. She writhed desperately, trying to duck under or to the side, but could hardly move in Arinda's grip.

Her breaths were short and fast, almost as fast as her heartrate. After a long few moments of struggling, her eyes began to blur. Not with tears, but they wouldn't stay focused. Something was closing over her mind, making everything feel distant and sluggish.

Her legs were weak, giving out on her. Arinda allowed her to fall over, following her with the cloth. What ... in the ... help ... need help ... why ... what ... is ... Kofi ... Her eyes drifted so far out of focus, she could barely make out Arinda's face, which was close to hers. Her breathing was more labored now, heavier than before. Her body felt numb, like she was in a state of sleep paralysis that she couldn't shake herself out of.