The Warning

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Pain leaked through her thoughts, clouding her judgment. Crippled she moved on determined to warn those in danger.  Limping and shuffling, she inched forward unable to stop in fear of giving in.  Her body cried out in agony vision growing dark with bright sparks floating about.  With a shake of her head she moved forward confused as to when she stoped.  Dim orange glow surrounded her, caging her in smothering smoke.  Pain spiked through her back as she stumbled.  She struggled back to her feet doggedly.  She couldn't give up, she COULDN'T.  A rumbling crash rented the tainted air.  Glancing up she balked, cringing away from the grotesque visage.  Slowly, painfully as not to be seen she edged around.  Glancing back up she gave a silent sigh of relief, she wasn't seen.  She continued on, thoughts growing hazy in her pain.  She slowly came to a stop upon hearing voices.  Where they the ones she was to warn?  Hesitantly she moved forward, stepping cautisly to not give herself away.  The sight of friendly faces smeared with dirt and ash had her smiling dimly.  Stumbling forward into their sight she went unnoticed.  Pausing she glanced to and fro, weighing her choices.  She moved forward resolutely, determined to give her warning.  Finally they noticed her, horror and concern clouded their features.  Her body failed her then, before she could give her warning.  Shame and frustration struck her deep at her failure.  Three of them rushed forward, calling out to her.  How many was there again?  She couldn't tell, just that they were drawing near.  The ground shook and shuddered at their hurried footsteps and she shuddered along with it.  Pain rippling through her, choking her with its icy grasp.  Hands pulled at her then, letting her know they made it to her.  A pained chuckle left her, causing them to pause at the horrid sound.  She glanced up at them and tried to give her warning but all she could do was cough.  As her fit died down she tried once more, knowing she was losing the battle to stay cautious.  She managed to rasp out her warning, at their confusion she spoke it once more but louder.  Once understanding crossed their features she gave into the pain and clawing exhaustion, unsure if she would ever wake from it.

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