Flower Falls and Crystal Calls

Back Just In Time

Chapter 47

As soon as Elle passed through the portal, she felt like she was both falling and floating at the same time. This time was not nearly as disorienting as the last, and she was able to recognize the Historia Crux for what it was. The same went for the brief few seconds she was falling through the sky in Valhalla.

The sight of it might have been a painful reminder of who she left behind if she hadn't been in freefall. Despite knowing she would likely not hit the ground, the sight of it approaching quickly was enough of a distraction to keep her from worrying about other things.

When she was back in the Historia Crux once more, she began to wonder where she would land, or when? There was no telling, given the type of trip it was. She wasn't even sure how she would land on her feet, much less what to expect when she got there, but she had resolved to be prepared for anything.

That resolve was probably the one thing that saved her life. She managed to step from the gate with no trouble, but her mind barely had time to take in the scene in front of her before her instincts were kicking in. She had just enough time to see the muzzle flash before she tried to cast steelguard as she flung herself to the side. She almost panicked when there was no response. Almost like she had never had magic, to begin with.

The one thing that had made a difference was the fact that she had spent so much of the last year honing her reflexes to survive life and death situations. The small bit of extra speed meant that the bullet she had already dodged once ended up hitting her chest about an inch and a half to the left of where it would have originally.

None of that consciously passed through her mind as she felt the bullet rip into her and flung her back with the force of the impact. Her head bounced once when she hit the concrete, and she groaned as she tried to roll.

She barely heard a voice that was somewhat familiar as it called her name. It was only as she managed to look toward the alley exit that she saw the body of the man that just shot her lying a few feet away, along with another man running to her with panic on his face. "Damn it, Elle! I tried to get around and cut him off before he reached the street."

She blinked a few times and grimaced as he pushed against the wound. It took her a few seconds to realize what had just happened as she worked through the pain. She had been sent back to the exact moment that she had been taken. Missed bullet and all. By then, she had also worked through who the man was and what he meant.

She tried to put a hand on her partner's arm to show him she would be fine. "It's okay. I guess you aren't worthless after all. Thanks, John."

His eyes widened as her arm flopped back down, but he already had his phone out and dialed. Elle could tell her vision was darkening as she heard his worried voice. "Yes, officer down! We need an ambulance at Harcourt and Johnson. Yeah, got another man down too." He paused and looked down at her. "Don't you dare die on me damn it. I don't need that shit, you hear me, Elle!" That was the last she heard before blessed darkness took her.

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Elle woke with confusion at a constant beeping noise. She had never heard a bird like that before, and although Paddra was filled with all sorts of interesting insects, she didn't think any of them beeped. She tried to roll over and shove her head under her pillow but was brought up short when she moved her arm, and pain exploded in her chest. She flopped back with a groan and tried to figure out what the hell had happened.

She finally opened her eyes when she heard a voice that had haunted her dreams. "Elle! You're awake!"

She blinked a few times as she looked up into her brother's face. "Kurt?"