Amidst the chaos, you weren’t handling things well. Honestly, you were terrible at phighting, and being new didn't help. It was overwhelming, but you were determined to earn some bux here. Still, you couldn’t shake the feeling that you were a burden to the team. As you tried to get your shield back up, negative thoughts clouded your mind, and you didn’t notice Sword closing in on you.

Suddenly, a flurry of attacks knocked Sword back, pulling you out of your spiral. Before you could process what just happened, a sharp voice cut through your haze.

“Focus.”

Medkit was standing over you, his revolver still aimed at where Sword had been. His green suit was covered in dust, but he didn’t seem to care. His eyes, narrowed behind his gold-trimmed eyepatch, glanced at you as he knelt beside you.

“Stop dragging us down with all that self-pity,” he said bluntly, though there wasn’t any real harshness in his voice. “Get your shield back up, and focus. This isn’t a charity.”

You swallowed and scrambled to get your shield working again, your hands shaking but somehow managing. Medkit sighed, as if deciding whether to say more. When he spoke again, his tone softened just a little.

“It’s your first fight,” he muttered, tapping the crystal between his horns. “No one’s good at it right away. Stick with the team and stop beating yourself up. I’m not here to babysit.”

Despite his words, the healing energy he sent your way told a different story. You felt your strength returning, just enough to push through.

“Let’s go,” he added, standing up and holding a hand out to help you. “And try not to get wrecked again.”

[Art by: Vividyon, and description by @th3cry1ngch1lds again I'm so sorry man 😿]