Sectored Off

IV. Savior

The hike through the woods was not what Eden would consider a vacation. The sun was at it's highest peak and made sweat seep through every article of clothing on her back. Stone was walking ahead with Trixan as he told him stories of places where the ocean met the land.

"What's on the other side of the water?" Stone asked.

"Many years ago, people sailed across it in huge boats. They say there's more land on the other side, more people, more food, more everything." Trixan explained to the little boy. He was at least two and a half feet taller than Stone.

Eden followed behind them with a few feet of distance. They had been walking for a few hours now and needed a break from babysitting her brother. Of course, Trixan insisted that he take care of him for the remainder of the trip.

Suddenly, Stone stopped in his tracks and erupted into a fit of harsh coughing. He was still very sick and the heat was no help.

Trixan and Eden rushed to his side where Trixan quickly scooped him up and rushed over to a large tree with a fair amount of shade.

"Stone, breathe buddy," Eden tried to remain calm but she feared for her brother.

Stone continued to cough and cough until a red liquid splattered out of Stones mouth. His face faded into a light purple color.

Trixan reached in his backpack and quickly pulled out the same cloth Eden used just hours earlier. He placed it on Stones head in attempts to cool him down. He then pulled out a small water bottle and placed it to the boys lips.

"Take a sip, Stone." Trixan said in a gentle voice. Edens eyes never left her brothers. She could see the pain in his brown orbs and she wanted nothing more than it to cease.

Stone began to slurp the water little by little until his coughing died down. Once he downed the entire bottle he took a deep painful breath. Then the years came.

"My, ch-chest," Stone pointed at his chest as his breathing staggered.

Trixan once again rummaged through his bag and revealed a small teal colored tub. He unscrewed the lid and dipped his fingers in reveling a white paste.

"This will help you relax and breathe easier, Stone." Trixan stated. Eden was a little skeptical but she allowed him to work his magic. The paste rubbed on his skin clear and left a shiny residue. A few more moments of Stone catching his breath passed and he was soon breathing normally again.

Stone jumped into his sister arms and gave her the biggest hug possibly ever. Eden screwed her eyes shut as a tear rolled down her cheek. But she owed her thanks to the boy kneeling next to her. And after Stone released his grasp, she couldn't help but engulf Trixan. She didn't know what would have happened if he had not been here to help. He was a little shocked at first but soon wrapped his arms around her.

"Thank you," she sniffled into Trixans neck.

The two remained in each other's arms for a few minutes before releasing. Eden slung her bag over her back as Trixan scooped Stone into his arms. The three continued their walk to the city as Eden suppressed a smile at the sight of the two boys.