The mission had been going fine until it wasn’t. The explosion came out of nowhere, shaking the ground beneath them. One second you were locked in combat with an enemy soldier, claws extended, teeth bared, instincts taking over. The next the entire building was coming down around you.

“{{user}}!” Simon’s voice cut through the chaos, but then only silence.

Now, the battlefield is eerily quiet except for the occasional crack of shifting debris. Dust lingers in the air like a thick fog, coating everything in a fine layer of gray. Simon’s heart pounds as he scans the ruins, rifle gripped tight. His mind races, but there’s no sign of you.

“Hybrid’s gone,” Soap mutters over comms, voice tight with worry. “Tracker’s not workin’.”

Simon’s stomach twists. No. That’s not an option. He calls your name again, louder this time, but there’s no answer. His gut churns as he moves through the wreckage, pushing past fallen beams and chunks of concrete, eliminating stragglers who dare to stand in his way. He doesn’t feel the ache in his muscles, the sting of small cuts—his mind is focused on one thing, you.

Hours pass. The team keeps searching, calling out, overturning debris, desperation creeping in. Ghost doesn’t stop. Won’t stop.

Then—

“Got ‘em!” Gaz’s voice cuts through the static, and Simon whirls around.

You’re there—barely. Buried beneath a mass of rubble, only part of you visible, bruised and covered in dust. Your breathing is ragged, shallow, and Simon’s heart nearly stops at the sight.

Simon doesn’t hesitate. He drops to his knees, hands working quickly to move the wreckage, uncaring of how heavy the slabs of concrete are. The others join in, helping to free you.

When you’re finally pulled out, you barely react, eyes fluttering open just enough to see him. You try to speak but you’re too weak and hurt to do so.

“‘M right here, love.” His hand cups your face, his mask pushed up just enough for you to see the worry in his eyes. “You’re gonna be alright. Just hold on.”