Chapter Text
She was perfectly on time, thank the gods. She made it to the edge of town quite a bit later than the agreed meeting time, but luckily it didn’t matter as Mr. Kaveh was also running behind. All Collei could do was wait around on the edge of the beaten path.
Her quiver was slung over her shoulder, and her backpack resting next to her feet. She had to run by the town hall and get extra rations, as she didn't have enough at home to feed an extra person if something were to happen out in the forest.
Collei stood beside the western entrance to the village. Idly shifting from side to side, no matter what she did she couldn't find a comfortable position. The sun had risen enough that the morning coolness was going away, leaving the familiar sensation of the muggy rainforest.
She fanned herself with a hand, the slight breeze doing incredible things versus the abnormally hot morning. Maybe it was because she’d been on her feet for so long, thank the archons she rushed down to the meeting point, or maybe it was nerves.
She didn't really know Kaveh, she worried. At least in a personal capacity. He was a famous architect, and he lived with Scribe Alhaitham, who Tighnari had recently become friends with. A handful of shared dinners was nowhere nearly enough to let her confidently say she knew the man.
He was really close with her Master because they were in the same year at the Akademiya. She knew he was loud and enjoyed wine. Archons she would never forget some of those gatherings, her ears rang for hours afterwards.
She’d never been around him without Tighnari in tow, but she knew he was caring and always willing to help.
That thought reassured her, but adults could be so hard sometimes. Maybe, she mused, that's why she got along so well with Amber, because she was just barely an adult when they met.
Collei perked up as she noticed a figure appear down the path. As they got closer she began to make out long, iconic blonde hair and striking carmine eyes. As he caught sight of her, he seemed to perk up, breaking out into a jog in order to close the awkward gap.
She backed up, making room under the shade of the canopy for Kaveh as he finally reached her. He breathed heavily for a moment, a steady mantra of in and out. A thin sheen of sweat had collected on his brow. He reached into a pocket in his trousers and pulled out a thin cloth, before using it to remove the moisture.
After a moment, he straightened out his posture. Using both his hands he flattened out a few wild strands, and repinned a different portion of his hair. His outfit was much simpler than she typically saw him dressed. Flats replaced by practical boots, his cape had been removed, and his gaudy neck collar was left behind. The only accessories he still had on were his hairclips and those iconic desert style earrings. Over his shoulder was a small bookbag, he was clearly prepared for the day's adventure.
He looked at Collei apologetically, “I’m very sorry for my lateness. I got caught up with someone… this morning.” Kaveh spoke, tensing up slightly at the mention of the person that made him late.
“Anyways,” he continued, “good morning Collei! Thank you for agreeing to be my guide.” he finished with a polite nod.
Collei gave her practiced ranger smile, “Good morning Mister Kaveh!" she suspected there was more to follow that sentence, but the stress of trying to say hello in the correct way fried her brain for a moment.
An awkward pause ensued as she racked her brain, “Oh uh! Also Master Tighnari won’t be joining us… he has to go deal with some issues near the Chasm.” she added quickly, stumbling slightly over her words.
Kaveh's face fell slightly, “Ah. That’s unfortunate to hear. I hope his troubles are cleared up quickly.” Tighnari being held up by other matters was nobody's fault, but Collei couldn't help the chord of guilt that rang through her. She knew the architect must’ve been excited to see his friend.
Again, the two stared at each other in silence. A drop of sweat slid down the back of Colleis's neck. She really did not like this. People were hard to deal with, but usually the adults she worked with were also Forest Rangers. But with Mr. Kaveh, Collei felt a need to make a good impression. Not necessarily for her sake, but for Master Tighnari. She didn't want his friend to be mad at him because of her mistakes.
“Well, I’m sure Tighnari explained the commission?” Kaveh asked, bringing Collei a great sense of relief. Talking about her job, that was what she should do.
She responded with a nod, while slowly pulling the commission letter from her pocket, “I understand most of what we're doing, but certain details...” Collei paused, “got lost in translation…?” Collei knew she was sort of lying, but she didn't want to insult Kaveh's handwriting to his face.
“Yes… my apologies, I wrote my note in a rush. I didn't realize how close my deadline would be and needed to get the word to Tighnari quickly.” he scratched the back of his head, face scrunched up in a look of regret. Collei tensed slightly, surprised at how easily Kaveh read through her.
“Do you happen to have a map on you? It would be much easier to understand with a visual aid.” Kaveh asked, to which Collei bent down and retrieved the map tucked away in her backpacks side pocket.
She held the map out, facing Kaveh. She struggled a bit to read the upside down text, but the shapes of the forest were easy enough to pick out. He placed his finger down on Gandharva Ville as he started explaining.
“My newest big client is a wealthy woman from Mondstadt. She has a plot of land up North by Bayuda Harbor and she really wants to use Mondstadtian country styles, incorporating a lot of wood based materials.” Kaveh sounded exasperated as he spoke. Collei knew enough about him to understand there was a rant coming up.
The muscle under his eye twitched slightly, “She wants it to feel like a home away from home, but unfortunately those techniques are not suitable for a humid rainforest environment. I've tried to compromise with her on it, but she won't back down. Her house is going to fall apart in 30 years and as an architect, I morally cannot design an unstable building.”
“Which is why I’m here,” he finished with a shrug, “I want to analyze some of the old wooden ranger outposts in order to see what ways I can protect the integrity of her vision and the structural integrity of the house. Or maybe, prove to her she needs to listen to an expert and change some of her ideas.”
He traced his finger along the route Collei remembered. Along the river that led to Vimara Village, before splitting off to follow a faintly marked trail. Then up to the outpost cluster marked on the map. Collei's brow furrowed as she watched.
“I don't think we should go through the valley to the northern posts…” Collei muttered, mostly to herself, “Sorry! It's just that a lot of fungi tend to grow there this time of year, so it attracts a lot of hilichurls.” There were two outpost clusters in the Northern Devantaka Mountain area, and it would be much easier to reach, she explained quickly.
Kaveh hummed thoughtfully at her explanation, “Good eye Collei. I would rather not run into a pack of hilichurls when I don’t have my claymore.” he smiled as Collei rolled the map back up.
A lot of Collei’s initial tension was starting to ebb away, “I wouldn't want Master Tighnari's friend to get hurt.” she replied, glad she could point out something helpful. Mr. Kaveh wasn't a trained ranger, and it was her job to make sure he stayed safe.
“Although, I think I would rather take a pack of hilichurls compared to a desert construct,” he continued, attempting to make a joke. But all that did was make Collei’s ears turn pink in humiliation. How could she have forgotten that Kaveh worked out in the desert constantly. She’d heard about the Aaru Village expansion plan he was assisting. She did not mean to insinuate he was weak to his face…
Kaveh made an apologetic face noticing her change in demeanor, “Anyways, we should head off. Lead the way Forest Ranger.” Collei appreciated him changing the subject, Kaveh lacked decorum in a lot of situations. Specifically the dinners she’d had to sit through when Tighnari and Cyno’s friends came over. He was loud, and got very heated with little effort. But she also found he was extremely perceptive, and cared a lot about others.
With that she picked up her bag and secured it over her shoulder. She looked out towards the rainforest, the trees towered so high she could barely see the summits of the southern mountains over them. It would be a long day, but hopefully a productive one.
The walk started off easy, as all adventures do. The sun wasn't yet at its peak in the sky, and Collei felt a slight breeze hitting them as they hiked through an area with sparser foliage. The wind was very refreshing, Collei didn't understand why she felt so warm, but any relief was worth it. They fell into a peaceful rhythm.
Kaveh had begun to talk almost immediately, about anything and everything. He discussed his plans for his current commission, what he was going to buy at the bazaar during his next shopping trip, and his desire to adventure through the rainforest more.
Collei enjoyed the company, she was used to being the quiet one on her ranger assignments. socializing was difficult sometimes. It was easy to make small talk about the weather, or what someone had for breakfast, but beyond that she had no idea how to continue a conversation. Oftentimes, Collei found herself just nodding along as other people spoke to her.
It wasn't bad per say, but Collei often wished she could give back to the dialogue in a way that mattered.
She had been sitting there with a question for quite a while, as Kaveh continued to go on about the stark differences between desert and rainforest architectural techniques to defend against the elements. He gestured wildly to her side, using his hands to help explain the concept.
Collei was wondering more about his involvement in the Aaru Village revival project. Since the thought crossed her mind, she hadn’t been able to ignore it. Collei couldn't remember the last time she had been back to the desert, but it always felt like returning home. Even if she had zero respect for her biological family.
In the middle of a sentence, Kaveh turned his head to the side. He must have noticed a weird expression on her face as he cut off the rest of his tangent.
“Did you want to say something, Collei?” Kaveh asked, head tilting slightly to the side, “What am I thinking… yes, I know that face you definitely want to. I’m sorry for talking so much, I’m sure you've had many things you wanted to say.”
Yes, the sardonic part of Collei thought, like how much I didn't need to know about Scribe Alhaitham's coffee preferences… As soon as the thought formed, Collei shooed it away. That sounded far too much like Tighnari for her comfort. Something warm bloomed in her chest, as someone used to going unnoticed, the care for her feelings made her happy.
“I was–” she turned towards him, looking up towards the sky to avoid eye contact. However, as soon as she began to speak a blinding pain shot through down her spine. Faintly, she felt herself fall down to her knees, but the sensation was too faint in comparison to the pain.
Her nerves felt like they were on fire. Her vision blurred as a second wave of pain shook her body. She felt tears slip down her cheeks in waves.
There was a tense hand on the back of her neck now, and a voice in her ear telling her one thing; breathe. She failed at first to follow the command, her lungs spluttered and she drew in short, choppy breaths. Yet, she kept going and the oxygen came in more and more. Slowly, she felt her senses return to her.
Collei’s hands dug into the dirt, trapping it under bitten fingernails. It was cool, in contrast to how her body felt as if it was burning from the inside out. She closed her eyes and continued breathing, the waves of pain faded slowly, with each in and out.
Kaveh's hand had moved from her neck down to her back. It was now more relaxed, a comforting presence. It gave Collei a second point to ground herself from.
Collei rose from the ground with hesitance. She got up slowly to make sure she stayed balanced, even as her knees threatened to buckle beneath her own weight.
She blinked the tears out of her eyes, and came face to face with the expression of one very concerned architect.
“Are you okay?” he spoke, slowly taking the weight of her backpack off her shoulders. Despite the heat of the day, Collei shivered. She felt like she’d been dunked in an ice bath, a very sharp change from how she had felt moments ago.
“I think so…” she managed through chattering teeth, “the pain stopped a minute ago, I just needed to regain my senses...” Kaveh nodded slowly, taking in her condition.
He opened his mouth as if to say something, but closed it just as quickly.
Collei felt surprisingly okay, despite the chill which was rapidly fading. She could feel next to no aftershocks of the horrific pain she just went through. It seemed like a one and done event, despite how scary it had been. That didn't stop her mind from racing though, just what had caused it? She had passed all her recent checkups, so there couldn't have been an issue unless Tighnari missed something important. Which Collei refused to believe would ever happen.
She dug her boots into the mud as Kaveh looked at her. Neither of the duo said anything to the other. It felt like the morning all over again. That was until, this time, Collei broke the tension.
“I-” Collei found her voice, “I should take my bag back. Sorry Mr. Kaveh…” she held out her open palm and waited for one moment, and then two.
He shook his head, "I don't think you should be carrying more than yourself. Even if you say you're fine, I cannot in good conscience put more strain on your body.” he slung the backpack over his shoulders before crossing his arms.
“We should head back… that was terrifying…” Kaveh stated, “Do you have any idea what could’ve caused it? Maybe a nervous system attack… no hm…” his voice trailed off into unintelligible mutters as he started pacing.
“NO!” Collei yelled, startling slightly at the harshness of her tone, “I feel fine… and if it happens again, we can um, call for backup from the ranger stations. We're almost there and I would hate to set your commission back.”
Collei didn't want to abandon an assignment just because she had an episode. Mr. Kaveh needed this expedition, and if he didn't get it he would have to go through so much more trouble. Even with a tearstained face, Collei felt like all the weirdness of the day had been removed from her system. She was fine now, and she would finish the task Tighnari gave her.
Kaveh stopped pacing to face her again, gaze skeptical.
“Please! I have all my medical stuff in my bag, just in case of an emergency. I’ve been cleared as perfectly healthy for months. Don’t worry about me.” Collei pleaded, if she fucked someone else’s day up because of her body being difficult she would never forgive herself. She lived for so long with Eleazar and never let it become much of a problem for others. Weird things happening were never the end of the world.
He frowned, “Please don't feel like you are obligated to do this for me. Ms. Josephine can wait another week for her draft.” Collei mustered all of her will into the glare she gave him, and he finally relented.
“Archons… you’re just like your guardian.” he laughed, “If I didn’t know better I’d assume you were biologically related to Nari.” Kaveh made an attempt to sound lighthearted, but Collei could make out a note of annoyance underneath.
“If we are to keep going, hm… maybe we could walk a bit slower? For both your sake and mine?” Kaveh suggested, gesturing to the sheen of sweat that had coalesced on his exposed chest.
Collei pulled out the map again, checked their position, and started hiking once more. They moved slowly, through the dense foliage and up to the peak of the mountain. The atmosphere was much heavier this time, Kaveh wasn't talking. When Collei glanced to her side he looked deep in thought.
She frowned, as difficult as it was to keep up with Kaveh’s chatter. She much preferred it to the silence. She tried to focus on the birdsongs, and the noises of animals running through the brush as a distraction from how guilting Kaveh into continuing the hike made guilt churn through her stomach. It was for the better, she swore to herself.
The jungle was thinning out slightly, she could see some of the sky through the thick canopy. Little wispy clouds hung in the endless blue. She breathed in through her nose, taking in the ambiance of the rainforest.
Kaveh mimicked the motion, also taking a deep breath, “So, Collei,” he said, voice once again taking on his normal cheer, “how’s your Akademiya prep going?”
“Ah well, “ Collei started, hopping over a small puddle, "I've been working through the amurta practice books Master purchased, and I feel like I’ve been making progress on my studies…” she locked her gaze towards the ground, avoiding unwanted eye contact as her face started to burn.
“Thats wonderful! You're going to get in, I would bet all my mora on it.” watching his shadow, Collei saw him make a double thumbs up gesture.
“I’m assuming that you're going into Amurta then?” Kaveh asked, a polite follow up question to keep the conversation going.
She nodded quickly, still not raising her head. From Kaveh’s hum of response, she assumed he saw her response. Collei couldn't explain why she felt so mortified, but academics were always a sore spot for her. The emotion was part embarrassment, being quizzed on how her schooling was going, but she also felt an element of joy. It was nice to be included.
Collei knew didn't want to leave the conversation hanging, “Yes, um. Cyno wanted me to become a Spantamad scholar, but the elements are so much more confusing than plants and animals.”
Kaveh once again hummed at her response, “Vision holders are more sensitive to the elements. Which can make elemental research easier for some, but overstimulating in others. It depends on a person's history with elemental exposure. There are actually a lot of fascinating studies on the topic.”
Collei felt herself nodding in response, yet again. She recalled a moment from an early mission as a trainee. She had to chase off a bunch of hydro slimes from the farms on the outskirts of Sumeru City. It was more of the Adventurer Guild’s job, but it was an easy start for her.
With her new vision in hand, she had felt confident in the task. But after clearing the first few waves of slimes, the constant output of elemental energy had given her a headache. Leading her to retire for the rest of the day.
Suddenly, a flash of blonde overtook her, racing up the sloped path.
“Wait! Kaveh-!” she shouted, nearly slipping on the muddy ground as she tried to catch up to him. Civilians should not be running through the jungle without a guide!
Collei crested the hill, and was met with a sight that took her breath away. The crumbling forest ranger station stood in the middle of a clearing. The ground was flooded, like a massive puddle. Surely due to the rainforest being in its wet season. The rainfall was clearly consistent enough, as small water based reeds were growing out of the water. Collei swore she saw a patch of Nilotpala Lotuses.
The ranger station itself was nothing impressive, besides the height. It towered over the trees, Collei bet if she were to climb up, she’d be able to see all the way to Deshret's Mausoleum in the desert.
Kaveh had already made his way to the base of the structure, where he carefully fished a set of tools from his satchel.
She jogged to catch up. She winced at the stitch in her side. Her sprint up the hill may have been a bad idea. It was much more exertion than she assumed the sprint would be, if her raised body temperature was anything to go off of.
She opened her mouth to make a comment about running off, but Kaveh beat her to the punch. As Collei walked up next to him, he turned around and gave a sheepish grin, “I’m sorry, I knew the station was just over the bend and got excited. I didn't intend to abandon you.”
“Um, it's okay! I just didn't expect you to do that. It was kind of sudden," Collei explained, sitting on a fallen piece of wood that used to belong to the station
She watched as Kaveh used what seemed to be a wood carving tool to take samples out of the sides of the building. A sliver here, and a sliver there, nothing that would harm the structural integrity, Kaveh explained when he saw her curious gaze.
He worked diligently, while Collei ate her lunch nearby. She would have offered to help with the sample gathering, if not for the fact that Kaveh only brought a singular set of tools. She also didn't want to interfere with the architect's business, not after giving him a scare on the trails earlier. It was much easier to just stay out of the way.
The sun moved slowly overhead, and Collei decided to investigate some of the flora while Kaveh worked. The ranger station was covered in moss, nothing interesting. She was much more interested in the habitat the waterlogged clearing provided for plant growth.
“I’ll have Mehrak analyze these samples when I get home. She was charging this morning after another long expedition in the desert,” Kaveh said triumphantly. Brushing off his hands, he carefully wrapped the wood pieces in cloth and placed them into his bag.
He turned his eyes towards the sky, “Seems like we have plenty of time to get home. Maybe tighnari will let me stay for dinner,” his tone was cheerful. Collei could hear him splashing around in the water behind her, doing a circle around the ranger station.
Collei listened idly to his mutterings. Now, she stood on the outskirts of the flooded clearing. The water hadn't yet soaked into her boots, which she considered a blessing. The plants out here were gorgeous, she thought, observing a particularly nice Sumeru Rose.
Maybe she would pick one for Tighnari, he would always appreciate another pressed specimen for his collection.
As she bent down to pluck it from its stem, her knees brushed the water. The sensation sent a shock through her system. It's so, so cold.
She twisted the rose off its stem quickly, standing up with haste. She rubbed the petals gently between her fingers. The bright purple was soft in her hands, a comforting feeling. Stepping into a sunray, it revealed the pink undertones of the flower.
Collei snuck a glance behind herself. Kaveh was standing in the middle of the water, sketch book held up high in the air as he scratched the back of his head. It was so peaceful, the quiet act of exploring nature. The birdsongs only added to the serene nature of the clearing.
She turned back to the forest, continuing to mindlessly thumb the petal in her hands. She squinted upwards, trying to gauge the time. The glare hurt her eyes, but all she could think about in that moment was how warm it was.
The chill of the water should've clued her in, it was so warm out. Despite her sweating, she didn’t feel like she was cooling off. The back of her neck burned.
The sensation was all too familiar, Collei realized, looking down at the flower in her hands. It reminded her of something that she couldn't quite put her finger on. The sensation, funnily enough, reminded her of Mondstadt…
She blinked, the fragile rose in her hands burst into flames. Birds took off in a panic at the scream Collei let out.
It was partially from fright, and partially from pain. Her skin was on fire, bright purple flames snaked up her arm, covering the side of her body. She remembered the procedure for fires, stop, drop, and roll. It would be so easy, with the moisture of the rainforest. But she could bring herself to move.
Collei could see her face on the surface of the water. Wide eyed and slack jawed. Collei tried to breathe in, but her body failed to listen. Instead, she remained frozen as a second figure joined her reflection.
A long, coiling mass of fire and hatred appeared behind her. It took the shape of a cobra. Two toxic purple eyes sticking out from the sea of black. It loomed over her menacingly, but didn't move. As if studying Collei right back.
This wasn't supposed to happen. Collei’s stomach dropped, she thought she might be hyperventilating now. She was supposed to be safe. This part of her life was dead and buried.
Collei always subconsciously knew the seal was there, but Cyno had said it would be her choice if she wanted to break it.
In the back of her mind, a voice that didn't sound like hers hissed. It was intelligible, but the fact that she heard it at all sent shivers down her spine. The whisper was laced with years of pent up malice, and Collei knew from experience what was about to happen.
Collei burned holes into the ground, trying to avoid the evil looming over her. Focus on your breathing, Collei, she remembered someone telling her. Someone with blonde hair and kind, red eyes. She squeezed her fists shut and willed her body to listen to her.
But that singular, stray thought caused all hell to break loose. A simple reminder, that she wasn't alone.
She hadn't even processed that notion when she felt a tug deep in her chest. It had begun to move, and move very quickly. With speeds she hadn’t remembered being able to do a few years ago.
A loud splash echoed out through the clearing, Collei held her breath. She whipped around, eyes wild. Kaveh's sketchbook lay abandoned in the water. The pencil had sunk to the bottom, now nestled in the grasses. A singular turquoise feather floated on the surface.
The twisting amalgamation of flames made its move. Snaking through the air, and towards Kaveh. Any plants unlucky enough to be sticking out of the water were immediately charred. The waterlogged ground was stopping any forest fires, but with the steam coming off, Collei doubted it would last much longer.
The head of the snake loomed over him. The longer Collei observed, the more the archon residue seemed to solidify.
Kaveh was crouched in the water, posing indicating he had jumped back when the mass of flames lunged for him. He stood up slowly, the entire time he had narrowed eyes locked onto the snake. Moving with caution, like trained Forest Rangers when they encounter Rishboland Tigers.
The archon residue stayed frozen in the air for a moment, tongue flicking as thoughts that weren't hers played in the back of her head.
Wrong… it hissed.
Relief flooded Collei, seeing that Kaveh wasn't dead. But that could change very quickly. She knew that from experience, as visions of a burning carriage filled her head.
She wanted to do something. Anything to help him. That determination overcame her fear and she actually felt her muscles follow her lead. She took a deep breath, and placed her hands on her shoulders. Physically trying to stop herself from hyperventilating. It worked, her heart rate slowed a bit, and at that, the flames seemed to shrink.
Then the snake struck, and Collei’s heart dropped. It moved too fast for her to realize what happened before it was done. Gaping jaws opened wide, revealing fangs as long as her forearm, and as sharp as an arrowhead.
Collei knew the fight was over at this point. It wasn't even much of a fight to begin with. The residue was going to slaughter Kaveh, and help was nowhere to be seen. If Tighnari had been here he might have been able to save…
There was no sickening noise as her master's friend was torn to shreds. Finally, her brain caught up to her internal monologue.
Kaveh was miraculously still standing, even if technically, he was leaning. It was the best defensive stance he could manage, as he had one hand wrapped around the cobra's upper fang, and another hand wrapped around a lower one. With brute force, he was keeping the snake’s jaws from chomping down on his head.
Collei let out a relieved sob, she could feel the tears streaming down her face, a nice distraction from the horrible burning sensation that covered every one of her limbs.
Kaveh's hands seemed to glow as he faced off against the archon residue. It was an incredible sight. His gaze shifted from frightened, to downright murderous the longer he grappled with the cobra. Collei didn’t know how he reacted fast enough to save himself, but she wouldn’t waste this opportunity.
She didn't think as she moved, Kaveh needed help. She moved purely on instinct. With all the will in her heart, she extended her hand, pushing through the paralyzing fear. A dendro boomerang charged forward the residue.
It hit with a fizzle instead of a bang, barely grazing the sides of its head before it was burnt to a crisp. But the snake looked back at her due to this distraction.
Kaveh used the opportunity, releasing the fangs in his hands and pushing the snake away. The archon residue, realizing Collei had barely nicked it, quickly recovered and turned its attention back to the architect.
It seemed angrier now, flames sparking wildly across its back, just like an angry tiger would puff up its fur. Collei ran through the options in her head, the dendro energy was ineffective, and her bow was sitting down by her bag, all the way by the ranger station. She gritted her teeth, what could she do?
There was a standoff in the middle of the clearing, neither side seemed to want to make a move. The cobra was forming from the flames around Collei’s body, she knew that. Especially by the way the back of her neck burned.
Maybe she could… she called on her visions power, forming a construct in her hands. It wasn’t perfect, but it was similar enough to her bow that she bet she could fire it. Master had started to teach her the technique for firing multiple arrows, a big enough distraction and maybe Mr. Kaveh would have a chance to run and call for help from the Ranger tower.
She lined up her aim, something she had done a million times before, aiming straight for its eye. Her hands shook as she drew the string back.
It all happened at the same moment. The flames surrounding Collei’s body became increasingly hot, burning her hands and causing them to slip from the drawstring. Firing the shot before intended.
As well, the archon residue, which had been floating just off the surface of the water, lunged, and Kaveh, distracted by Collei’s shot, stood no chance to defend himself.
And as she looked on in horror, cradling her burnt palms, she saw that despite the sabotage, her arrow was still going to hit its mark.
Just before a line of flames engulfed the blonde and just before her arrow collided with the cobra, a flash of gold light lit up the clearing. The brightness blinded her, and was immediately followed by a cold kind of pain. One that chilled her to her very core.
The pain, on top of the light and the new chill, was too much for her system to handle.
Her head grew fuzzy, and she felt her knees give out under her. Before she blacked out, she heard a splashing of footsteps, and felt a cool hand catching her head before she hit the ground.