Reaper ~ THG AU

Ch. 27: Hear That?

"Come on..." I grunt, pulling Acacius along with me. "Come on..."

I don't know how long we've been moving, just that my whole body hurts. My legs burn, my arms not much better. My throat and lungs scream for a break more than anything else. Acacius isn't much better, painful grunts leaving him with every movement.

"I-I-I can't..."

We both slow as his weight becomes too much for me and the pain becomes too much for him. He gasp as he leans against a large oak tree. His hands moves to grip his side as his eyes shut. I puff, trying to catch my breath. I keep an eye out, watching all around for a threat that I know is out there.

"W-we need to keep moving..." I gasp out, my voice breathy from the lack of water and running. "They could be right on our tails..."

"I-I know..." Acacius grunts, looking down to check his torso despite it being covered with his brown jacket and shirt. "I just need a minute..."

"How do you feel?"

I stand up straight, stepping closer towards him. He gulps, his head once more falling against the tree trunk behind him. He licks his lips, his breathing finally calming down.

"Better..."

"That's good."

I sigh, reaching up with my free hand to wipe my forehead. I have a headache coming on and my throat and mouth are once more dry. I'm sure Acacius is in the same boat, both of us running on those two gulps of water from last night.

And apples...

I gulp, looking behind me. Acacius shifts out of the corner of my eye, a small groan leaving him as he eyes me. I keep my eyes looking around us, my heartbeat still fast.

"What's in his bag?"

"What?"

I turn to look towards him, my mind racing with flashes of the careers and Acacius's wound. He points towards the bag at my side, his jaw tight.

"What's in Dagan's bag?"

I glance down, remembering that I had it. I shake my head, looking back up towards my brother before scanning the area once more.

"I don't know...I haven't checked yet."

"Why not now?"

"Because I don't feel safe enough too...let's keep moving and I'll check when I feel like we have more space between us and them."

Acacius nods, standing up straight while keeping one hand on his hurt side. I sigh, switching which hand holds my sword as I look around us. Nothing has really changed in the terrain, only the trees becoming thicker and taller. The land is now at an incline, making the area ahead of us harder to detect.

"You good to walk on your own from here?"

"Yeah...I think the medicine is doing it's job..."

"Good. I don't need you rolling down the hill that we just climbed."

"At least if I fall now, you wouldn't be dragged down with me."

"It's still a possibility...you are talented."

"Is that what makes me talented?"