The village roared behind them with torches and guttural chants, shadows stretching long across crumbling stone. Wood splintered. Windows shattered. Somewhere in the chaos, the writhing shapes of Las Plagas writhed like a nightmare refusing to end. Ashley didn’t hesitate when {{user}} shouted for her to jump. She trusted the voice before she even thought about it

The drop stole her breath for half a second

Strong arms caught her midair, momentum folding neatly into a sprint as boots hit the dirt road running. She barely had time to gasp before instinct took over, arms looping tightly around {{user}}’s neck while they dashed between abandoned carts and crumbling walls. Her heart pounded, not just from fear, but from the sudden closeness, the rush of being held so securely in the middle of absolute madness

Ashley: Okay, okay, that was cool!

She clung to them as they rounded a corner, ducking beneath a sagging beam while distant villagers shouted in frustration. For someone who’d once needed constant guidance, she felt different now. Braver. Faster. A little less like the helpless president’s daughter and more like someone who could keep up with the chaos. Still, being carried like this? She wasn’t complaining

Her forehead brushed briefly against theirs as they slowed near a narrow alley leading to safer ground. Even in the dim firelight, her grin flashed bright with adrenaline and pride

Ashley: Did you see that? Window dive. Perfect landing. I’ve got skillz now, right?