Guardians: Protectors of Light

Chapter 29

As they work, city folk start to emerge from their hiding places, watching slack-jawed as those close to death's door stand in front of them. As the evening drags on, they clear the streets of the dying and injured. The sidewalks are full of rejoicing families.

Help from other hospitals and locals join in the hustle and bustle, tending to those they can. Axel gives a curt nod to Valery from across the street before he carries a sobbing child back to his mother. The mother was sitting on the bumper of an ambulance, with a stethoscope to her heart.

The sight sends a ripple of shock running through Valery's mind as she remembers. Where's mom?

Those in dire need are brought to her, each Guardian escorting the injured. For some odd reason, the patients refused to look at Valery. A team of Guardians work on clearing the road of bodies, piling them on the side and out of the way. The city will bury them later.

As they work, they make sure to stay out of Valery's way. Only those who have seen her ball of fire before; Helen, Alan, and Sandra dare to get close to Valery. The others watch her with a wary eye. City folk with injuries that can wait are escorted to headquarters where they are to rest in a healing chamber. As her number of patients spread out, Ash walks up with Valery's dad by his side.

Axel can't help but feel immense pride and admiration for his daughter, and her bravery in the face of danger fills his heart with joy. "Valery, you were amazing out there," Axel says, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I'm so proud of you." Ash gives Axel a pat on the back and excuses himself, from the reunion.

Valery's tired face brightens with a smile, grateful for her father's words of encouragement. "Thanks, Daddy." The two share a tight embrace. "Have you found her?"

Trent rubs Valery's arm. "Go on, I'll give you guys some time to catch up. There's enough for me to do out here." Valery gives him a grateful smile and continues on her way with her dad's arm around her shoulders, him grinning like a bright peacock at all the eyes on Valery.

"Valery, I've been looking everywhere for you!" Beth calls as she barrels down an alley and crashes into Valery, pulling her into a smothering embrace. "Oh thank the angels." She sobs. Axel creases his brows concerned and lays a hand on his wife's back.

"Mmm?" Valery voices, her face being squished against her mom.

"What did I miss?" He wonders as he starts running his hand up and down along Beth's back.

"Most of Liana's team have been whipped out. They knew her strategy, keeping the heads of departments in the back, protecting headquarters. And I knew, you being the only healer she wouldn't let you into the heat of battle. I've been all over the outlying neighborhoods looking for you." Beth pulls away and wipes her eyes. "I've been scared out of my mind for hours."

"Oh, I can breathe again." Valery sighs as she shakes out her arms.

"She held her own out there. I'm sorry you missed seeing what she did." Axel assures her. "Our little girl has grown up. Set the Devil's Own ablaze, that's for sure."

"Oh, good." Beth sighs, visibly relaxing. "That's good to hear. Ok." She takes a deep steadying breath. "Ok. Now that I know you're ok, I'm going to get to work. Val, people need you. Go on."

One more look at Valery and Beth hurries away to head into the after-war chaos. "I'll stay with you, keep an eye on you. I want to make sure what happened earlier, Ash warned me it took two to cool you off. Take charge, tell me what you need."

Valery nods, wordlessly. The company of her dad is a welcome one.

Step by step she and her dad work together to find and treat people. Axel disinfects and wraps non-emergency injuries up while Valery tends to those more grievously wounded. She heals each person enough so that they will survive the ride to the hospital. Those she wants to keep a closer eye on are hauled onto cots and taken to headquarters. They work well into the night under the glow of the streetlights. It's a silent, desolate night. Ashes fall from the cloudy sky, coating the aftermath of the tattered city. The city is quiet as if the night itself is grieving.