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The ringing in his ears made it hard to be certain if his name was being called, or if he could even hear at all. He blinked his eyes open, though with the sun blasting down on him, it made seeing difficult. With how bright it was and how he could hardly feel his body, he wondered briefly if he was dead, or on his way there.
He heard his name being shouted again, becoming clearer with each second.
“Creek!”
He couldn’t turn his head to see who was calling him, but after a moment, it became clear as day who was calling his name. Floyd appeared in his line of vision, blocking out the sun, like a guardian angel being sent down from above just for him. Now he was sure he was dead.
Wow, he’s so beautiful…
“…hm? Floyd…?” his throat felt dry, the words cracked and rough as they left his mouth. “…what—?”
“Just don’t move,” Floyd said quickly, eyes wide with concern, and Creek was only then vaguely aware that the pink haired troll was pressing down on his side, which confused him. “You’re going to be okay.”
“….okay? What—?” It was when he attempted to sit up that he felt it then—a burning sensation in his side that only seemed to grow by the second. He cried out, the initial shock and confusion fading, replaced instead by only agony. He took a sharp, deep breath, tears quickly welling behind his eyes. He tried to speak again, but only a whimper came out. “…h-hurts…”
“I know it hurts,” Floyd affirmed, trying to steady his own breathing. “Just keep breathing. You’ll be okay.”
Creek inhaled sharply as another sharp stab of pain shot up his spine. He could only nod, trying to believe Floyd’s words.
Floyd on the other hand was not so sure if he even believed that himself. Not with the amount of blood seeping between his fingers as he desperately tried to keep pressure on the gaping wound on Creek’s side. He glanced around wildly, as though hoping someone would miraculously appear to help. Floyd was in no shape to be able to move Creek himself or take him back to the village. The danger appeared to be gone, at least for the time being. Floyd wanted to call out for help from here, but he couldn’t risk that creature coming back to finish them both off.
But another danger was approaching quickly if he didn’t act soon.
I need to get him help, Floyd realized, and it was the only thing he could think of. But how he would break the news to Creek was another thing entirely.
“Creek? Hey…” He said gently, trying to keep Creek from panicking or focusing too much on the pain. He needed his attention now more than ever. “I’m going to get you help, okay? I-I can’t carry you, I’m… I’m sorry. I would if I could. So, I’m… going to go and get help, okay?”
He saw Creek’s eyes widen, panic seeping in. He started shaking his head wildly, but Floyd was quick to reassure him the best he could.
“Hey, hey, look at me…”
With his free hand, he cupped Creek’s cheek, his touch soft and tender. It seemed to do the trick, with Creek gazing up at Floyd, his rapid breathing transforming back to a calmer, steady pace.
“I will come back, okay? I’m not leaving you. I’m going to come back. Okay?”
Despite the pain coursing through his body, Creek was able to manage a nod.
Floyd smiled, a few hot tears trailing down his face. He hadn’t even realized he’d started crying, too distraught at the sight of his friend? being gravely injured to notice.
“You idiot… why did you do that?”
At that, Creek was able to smile a bit.
“…didn’t… want you to get hurt, love…” He managed a small chuckle, but it quickly turned into a cough.
Floyd wanted to scold him for acting so rash, for being so utterly reckless. But he didn’t have it in him to do so right now.
He saved me…
The memory of Creek pushing him out of the way, just as the monster’s claws came down, replayed in his mind’s eye like a horror movie, over and over. It had all happened so quickly. Floyd barely had time to react. One minute he was looking up in terror and the next he was hitting the ground.
And Creek – once known as the town traitor, once called a coward, had taken the blow that would have surely killed Floyd in an instant. Creek had risked his life for him.
Floyd wished he hadn’t. But he was grateful, nonetheless.
He helped guide one of Creek’s hands to the wound at his side, placing it there and making sure he kept pressure on it. “Just keep your hand there and don’t move it. I’ll be right back, I swear on my life. Just hang on and please stay awake.”
“…mm… I-I’ll try…” Creek replied weakly.
“No, you will.”
Floyd quickly got to his feet. He took one last look at Creek, not wanting to leave him like this, but having no other choice. He took a deep breath and forced himself to turn away, knowing if he didn't then he would never want to leave.
Please be okay… please…
Despite how weak his legs were and how much his muscles screamed at him, Floyd ran back to the village like his life depended on it, stumbling and tripping a few times along the way.
Just hang on for me, Creek. Please…