Until We Fly

Chapter 32: Blue, Her Eyes Are

-Nim-

"Jake?! Where on earth have you been?!"
I watched as Jake stumbled through the door, carrying Köleil in his arms with his hoodie covering his body and part of his face.

"There's no time. Quick, Nim, go grab some bandages and anything to stop pain or bleeding!"

"What? Why?"

"Just go!"

With a quick nod, I ran through to the kitchen, grabbing whatever I could find.
We'd all been back for almost two hours. We hadn't found out much except for just how many people Jūx was changing.
Including James's family and friends.
We all met up and were brought back presumably by the First again.
Then up and out of the blue, Jake shows up with Köleil!
Both of whom I'd thought were just upstairs!
God, could the day have gotten anymore confusing?!

Jake lay Köleil down on the table and took the items from my hands.

"Jake, what is this? Why are you.....oh my god....."

It didn't take me long to notice the injuries on Köleil's back and the scratches on her arms and legs.
"W-what is this?"

"Get everyone out of here. We need to talk."

Everyone was stood by the door, watching nervously as Jake attempted to patch Köleil up.
I quickly cleared out the room and Jake relaxed a little.
I helped to hold Köleil while Jake skillfully applied the medicine and bandages. He really seemed to know what he was doing.

"W-why are you treating her like this? Won't she just heal?"
I asked.

"Jūx took away her wings. No wings, no power. No power, no healing."

"No...power? But Köleil was all we had left! What are we going to-"

"I don't know, alright?! Let's just make sure she's okay first."

I stepped back, giving Jake some room. His hands were shaking and his breaths were shallow.
I didn't think it was just Köleil that was hurt.

"So...what happened to her arms?"

"We were being followed by Darks. They were way too fast, there was no way I could stay ahead of them."

"And...what about you?"

"What about me?"

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. And I'm almost done with Kö."

"...I really think you should take your hoodie off, Jake."

"There's no reason to! Just go sit down with the others! I'll be done in a moment."

"Take off your hoodie."

"I already told you, I've-"

"I wasn't asking, Jake."

Jake paused, sighing as he turned to face me.
With frustrated eyes and a defeated expression, he took it off.

I gasped.
"Oh my god...Jake, look at you!"

"It's nothing. Really."

"Nothing?! Look at your arms! Oh jeeze, quick, sit down and I'll sort you out!"

"I'm fine, Nim."

"I said, sit down!"
Jake slumped down onto a chair as I grabbed the bandages. His arms were torn to shreds and his right cheek was badly bruised.

I knelt down in front of him, holding out his arm as I wrapped the bandage around.

"I can't believe you tried to hide this from me, Jake. I've never seen you worse than this before!"