“No, no, no, c'mon,” Li whispered desperately, cradling the limp body in his arms. He didn’t have siblings, but they — they were the one that felt like it. They were like his little sibling, one he swore to protect. And now, as they bled out in his arms, he felt hopeless. He felt useless. He had failed them, failed to keep them safe like he promised he would.

"Don't leave me," he begged, unfamiliar tears pricking at his eyes. He couldn't recall ever crying before. He couldn't recall much, though, too drawn in by the situation. He couldn't let them die. He would do whatever it took to just... keep them alive.