Chapter 14: Curse

 

       As soon as Gore was killed, Spike immediately went to Skylar's side. He quickly looked over him. The gashes that riddled his body oozed red liquid, which faintly glistened in the moonlight. There was also blood leaking out of Skylar's mouth and his breathing was nothing but quick pants.

       Unfortunately, Spike didn't know any healing arts and so he was completely unable to heal the boy. Bandaging the wounds seemed to be a bit pointless too because of the fact that the blond was also wounded internally. Seeing that the only option left was to seek help, Spike quickly picked the still unconscious Skylar up and rushed off in the northern direction.

       After a few minutes of sprinting, Spike had exited the forest and was now running through another large field. He just hoped that there was a town nearby that had healers. If not, then Skylar was as sure as dead. Spike also hoped that he would be able to make it to a town in time for the boy to be healed. Nonetheless though, the brilliant warrior continued onwards, keeping the same quickened pace so he could cover ground faster.

       Sure enough, Spike finally reached a town about three minutes later. Fortunately, Skylar was still breathing, but he was still unconscious. Breathing heavily, Spike ran through the town at a somewhat slow pace. A few seconds later he finally found a small hospital. He ran inside the wooden building. Without a word, the healers noticed the wounded boy and they quickly rushed him to a room to heal him.

       Spike sat just outside of the room to give the healers room to work. His back rested against the wall as a sigh escaped his mouth. He tilted his head back to rest it against the wall as he closed his eyes. The only thoughts that swam through the youth's mind were that of his comrade's wellbeing. He hoped that Skylar would be all right after this. If not, Spike wasn't sure if he would be able to forgive himself. He knew it wasn't his fault, but he felt as though this could have been prevented if he was able to finish Gore off when they first fought.

       His thoughts were broken though and his eyes opened as he heard the sound of a door opening. He turned his head to the side and looked up to see a male healer standing there with a concerned look on his face.

       “How is he?” Spike asked, hoping that the look wasn't anything to do with Skylar's condition.

       “We were able to heal all of the wounds,” explained the healer. “However, there is one thing that is concerning us. Your friend seems to have picked up some kind of curse. Unfortunately, we weren't able to identify it, and so we weren't able to treat it properly. We gave him a potion to see if it would cure it. We have lost traces of the curse, but we aren't quite sure it has been fixed just yet. All we can do is wait and see if your friend awakens or not.”

       “Thanks,” said Spike. “Can I come in?”

       “Yes,” replied the healer.

       Spike rose to his feet and walked into the room. There were two other healers in the room, who were standing at the bedside and examining Skylar to make sure that they hadn't missed any wounds. Spike pulled over a small wooden chair from the wall and to the bedside and took a seat. The healers left shortly after for the moment.

       The brilliant warrior didn't move from his spot. His eyes remained fixed on Skylar, waiting for him to wake up. Fortunately though, the blond's breathing was normal, which meant that the boy was okay for now. However, due to the curse, it was hard to tell whether or not he would still live. For all Spike and the healers knew, Skylar could die right then and there. Spike hoped that something like that wouldn't happen though. Skylar was the first person Spike was beginning to trust after so long, and he didn't want to see him die too.

       About five minutes passed and a small groan escaped Skylar's mouth. Relief instantly started to wash over Spike as he looked towards the boy. Soon enough his comrade's eyes opened, revealing the blue hues they possessed.

       “Where are we?” Skylar asked a little weakly as he looked towards Spike.

       Spike didn't even answer. Instead, filled with immense happiness after seeing that his friend was okay, the dark-haired boy pulled the blond into a tight hug, practically holding onto him for dear life. Skylar's eyes widened a wee bit out of surprise and his cheeks became as red as a tomato. He didn't say anything though. After about five seconds or so, Spike finally relinquished the younger male, a smile on his face. Footsteps were then heard from behind and Spike turned to see the male healer standing there in the doorway.

       “So you're okay now huh?” he asked Skylar.

       “Yeah,” Skylar asked.

       The healer gave a warm smile and nodded before walking away again. Spike looked back towards Skylar.

       “Are you sure you're okay?” Spike asked in a slightly concerned fashion, wanting to double check.

       “Well, I do feel a little weak,” admitted Skylar. “Can we maybe go rest somewhere for a while?”

       “Of course,” Spike said with a small smile.

       Skylar smiled a little too. Spike stood up from the chair and helped the other male stand. After taking a few seconds to balance himself while holding onto Spike, Skylar was able to stand on his own. The two slowly made their way out of the hospital and through the town to find an inn where they could rest for a period of time.

Reviews

[Clark]

I'm tired of hearing Skylar's breathing described as quick pants. Rapid is a good word, so is shallow; he doesn't have to keep panting like a puppy. Also, when the one loses blood, the body slows down, so Skylar's breathing would be shallower and slower if anything.

and even though Spike's not really got a choice, i would keep in mind that picking someone up and carrying them, especially "rushing", when they have internal injuries is not the fastest way to health.

I'm also sorely tired of hearing 'the brilliant warrior' this and that. that kind of repetitive brilliance implies that he is the shiz, i.e. has never been beaten. maybe this reflects Skylar's view of him, but even so, it should maybe have altered when he found out the first time Spike had been beaten. And from a reader's point of view, it's mostly...annoying. and clunky.

OH. I forgot to say this the first time, but it occurred to me when I was browsing stories and your chapter came up again--the title doesn't really fit. The curse took up all of about 2 sentences "he has a curse we tried to get rid of with a potion, and only time will tell....he woke up." That's definitely not title worthy. I would either make the curse a bigger deal or change the title to something relevant to the entirety.

[Amund Schofield]

While Spike is running you might want to add in a bit where Skylar's blood covers Spike as well. Also since Skylar was heavily slashed at, one would assume his clothing took a bit of the brunt as well. So does he need new ones or does he have them repaired?