before the dawn

Amalia I took the stars from our eyes and I made a map I knew that somehow I could find my way back "If he's near the temple then there will be other people to look help if there's another attack. I can't stay out here, and I'm not leaving him." Or you, she adds silently, despite her irritation, despite the fear and anger that are the only things keeping her from utterly falling apart. The hawk continues to fly around, which would be a relief if she could think that far ahead but right now all her focus is on getting Ronin and getting out. "You're welcome to help," the Shield snarls from between gritted teeth, her own torn and damaged body screaming out in pain. "But he has spent a week being haunted by his dead daughter, seeing people murdered in front of him, having to kill a child, and then being exploded on. So if anyone deserves a godsdamned hero - and a friend - it's him." With that Amalia begins to make her way toward the temple, fully expecting Remi to follow but far too livid and in too much pain to check back and make sure. It's only when the faint glow of light comes into view that she dares to think outside the real of putting one foot in front of the other. Tears of relief, of exhaustion, spring into her eyes; "The Spark Bird!" she chokes, joyful and wondering. "The Spark Bird came! We're safe." It isn't until she reaches the line of houses and people that she lets herself collapse, but those last few steps are at least easier, basked in fiery light. {fin} Then I heard your heart beating, you were in the darkness too So I stayed in the darkness with you