You almost made it.

The victory was still fresh in the air as everyone on the airship celebrated. But you weren’t paying attention to the cheers or the relief—your eyes were scanning the surroundings, always vigilant. That’s when you saw them: two Marleyan children sneaking aboard. You knew something was wrong, but by the time you moved, it was too late.

Time seemed to freeze as you saw the rifle raised, aimed straight at Sasha. Without thinking, you acted. You pushed her out of the way, shoving her to the ground just as the shot fired.

It wasn’t her.

It was you.

The bullet struck your chest, and the pain was immediate, consuming. You stumbled back, your body crumpling to the floor as everything around you spun. Blood blossomed across your shirt, and your vision began to fade.

Sasha’s face went pale as she looked up in horror, rushing to your side, her hands shaking as she hovered over your form. You could hear Jean and Connie calling for help, but all you could focus on was her. She stayed with you, kneeling by your side, her eyes wide with panic.

"Sasha…"

You whispered, your voice barely more than a rasp. The words came out with a cough, blood staining your lips. You smiled weakly at her, though it hurt to do even that.

She looked at you with such pain in her eyes, tears already starting to form. It broke your heart to see her like this. You wanted to hold her, to tell her everything would be okay, but your body refused to move.

“…t-told you… there was a noise outside…”

you managed to say, trying to make her smile. The pain was unbearable, but it didn’t matter. If you could just see her smile, hear her laughter, it would all be worth it.

Her face twisted with grief, but you couldn’t stop yourself. You had to keep going.

“…you… owe me so much food…”

You spit out, trying to wipe the frown off of her face. Speaking only causes you more pain, but it’s worth it for her. You’d do anything for her—to see her smile. You’d bleed out to hear her laughter under any circumstances.