Work Text:
Four demolitionists stood on the outer edges of a jobsite , a building already half torn down . The tallest one was ordering the other three to search the area , deep magenta feathers ruffled nervously . The demolitionist in blue was gathering their supplies to finish up - while the ones in red and yellow were nodding along to their orders before heading to scout the area as a pair - never leaving eachothers' sides .
The blue one rejoined the first's side , seemingly just as nervous as the other .
" He's not anywhere at the site . I have everything gathered up , we can come back when we find him . " He spoke , voice muffled by his scarf . His wings were kept folded under his cape , protected from any explosions that could harm them .
" Thank you , Nishanth . Let's join the others , now . It's not safe to be alone . " The one in purple spoke , a wing stretching out from under her own cape to nudge him before the two quickly rejoined their younger friends .
The red-wearing one was looking around with a cautious expression , one hand clasped around the one in yellow's -- despite their clear annoyance in response .
" Nothing .. ? " They called to the two approaching , both shaking their heads .
" Nothing . We will search around here - he cannot have gone far . " The tallest sighed . The four began to hurriedly search the area , occasionally calling out to their lost comrade - not too much , though , for fear of lingering danger . Because their scout was the one missing , the youngest one in yellow was the one keeping a cautious eye on their surroundings - which led to them waving their hands frantically at the other three to get their attention .
They sprinted off to where they had seen the faint glint of yellow , the others following suite -- only to be quickly pushed back by the oldest as they approached the curled up body of their scout . His side was bleeding badly -- no weapon in sight , just a long gash down the side of his torso . He was unmoving , expected with the sheer amount of blood pooled around him .
Nishanth was holding the two youngest back , looking around nervously as the oldest went to panickedly attempt helping their friend . " Mara -- it isn't safe here - we have to go . "
" I know , I know -- " She hissed in response while desperately trying to get the injured one to wake up . " Get -- get Taph and Loke out of here . I'll get Alecto out - "
" We're not just leaving you ! " Loke whined , holding Taph's hand tighter - Taph yanking it away in response . They were just as stressed as the others , but having their hand held like a toddler wasn't helping - they did make a gesture of agreement though . This was a stupid idea .
" Agreed . You're vulnerable here , especially with Alecto .... like that . " Nishanth's wings ruffled , still trying to keep the other two away from the body . It wasn't that the two couldn't handle it , they'd seen plenty of dead bodies - but something was wrong here .
Mara hissed softly before picking Alecto up and looking at the others . She knew Alecto was dead , there was no use trying to save him anymore . " Let's go , then . Now . "
The other three nodded , sticking close together as they headed back to the site to call for backup . Nishanth took the lead , Mara took the rear , and Taph and Loke took the middle . Taph had a wing around Loke - he was far more anxious than they were .
There was no more threats on the way back , luckily . In all honesty none of them even knew what happened to Alecto -- why he was so far out in the first place , or what hurt him - all Demolitionists knew at least SOME self defense -
That was an issue for later , though . For now , they huddled close together near the site , waiting for the backup and grieving their lost friend . Taph kept a lookout , though , just in case whatever it was came back .
Just in case .