The Demon King's Paladin

Chapter 76. Injured

                                                                 John Ericsson's Point of View

Why am I so tired? I feel like I'm floating. I look around and all I see is darkness. I hear people talking but, it's like I'm underwater and I can't clearly hear any of the voices. Why does my back hurt so much? Where was I even? Come on think! I know it was something important! Think! What's the last thing I remember? It's in fragments. I was fighting Jessie! I beat Luke then he came and attacked me. He had me on the ropes. Then.... Sarah. Sarah came and saved me. She wanted to fight him. She was angry at Jessie for almost killing me. I told her we should just leave but she didn't listen to me. She said she'd fight him by herself if she had to.

I gave up and decided that if we were to win, we had to do it fast. The first exchange was in our favor. I cut his back with a large gash. Then we went for the finish. That's when his expression changed. I felt a surge of mana in his sword. It was too dangerous! I cast reflect on Sarah. Then... Then....

" SARAH!!!!"

What? Wait! I'm... I'm in a bed? It's late at night... The room is dark except for some lit candles. I search the room, I'm alone for now. I try to move.

" Ow!"

My back is killing me. Wait, I'm wrapped in bandages! Well let's not waste time.

" Holy Heal!"

Oh no. I have no mana! Why? No wait. I have a tiny bit. Not enough to cast any spells but enough to where I don't pass out from mana exhaustion.

" Little One!"

" Partner!"

" Julia! Scarlet! Are you guys okay!"

" We're fine John!"

Scarlet answered for the both of them. Thank God they're okay! 

" Guys, what happened?"

They were both silent for a few moments. Then I heard sobs.

" Little One, I'm so sorry!"

"Julia... Why are you apologizing?"

" She believes that she is responsible for your current state John. She thinks that if she could have somehow strengthened the armor you wouldn't have been injured."

Scarlet informed me of Julia's current state of mind. I took a few seconds to process everything. I looked at myself and noticed that the bandages from the neck down that I was in were red from blood. I turned slowly and saw that there were spots of blood on the mattress I was laying on as well. I had some range of motion thankfully, so I think I could stand and walk still. I stand up and notice I feel a bit weak at the moment. I start to speak softly to Julia who was still weeping.

" Julia, can you manifest yourself in front of me please?"

"Hm?"

Her sobs stopped for a second as she was surprised at my request. She appeared in front of me, I could see that she had been crying for quite some time. Big puffy red eyes and tear-stained cheeks were 2 of the stronger indicators. I closed the distance between us and wrapped my hands as best I could around her giant frame. I slowly start to talk to her.

" Julia, I need you to hear me clearly. This wasn't your fault. In fact, it's my own in a few ways. You told me that I should've run from Jessie, and I decided not to. That's what has left me in the state that I'm in now. Regardless of all of that Julia, I'm still alive. The armor took the brunt of the damage and I got away with only a few injuries. That's not bad considering I took what seemed like a bomb going off to my back. I can walk away from something like that because your armor was protecting me. So, thank you Julia, thank you so much for protecting me."