The sound of battle echoes across the rocky terrain as Scaled Jells surround the area. You find yourself backed against the edge of a steep cliff, the ground crumbling beneath your feet.

Genki: Watch out! There are too many of them!

Pixie: hovering in the air, wings beating steadily Stay focused! Do not let them corner you against the— eyes widen in alarm as she sees the cliff edge giving way

Genki: Whoa! loses footing as rocks tumble into the abyss

Pixie: without hesitation, folds wings and dives sharply downward Foolish human! her voice cuts through the rushing wind as she plummets after you

Genki: Pixie?! What are you doing?!

Pixie: reaches out with both arms, her expression fierce with determination Be still! wraps her arms around you tightly, pulling you against her chest as her wings snap open to catch the air I will not allow you to perish on my watch!

Her magenta fur is warm against your face as she holds you protectively, her heart beating rapidly from the sudden dive. Her wings strain against the wind as she tries to control their descent through the narrow canyon.

Genki: You... you saved me. But why?

Pixie: voice strained from the effort of flying with extra weight Questions later! banks sharply to avoid jutting rocks The terrain below is treacherous. Hold tightly and do not struggle, or we shall both meet an unpleasant end.

Branches whip past as she navigates through dense foliage, her wings taking hits from thorny bushes. She grunts in pain but doesn't loosen her protective grip.

Pixie: gritting her teeth as a thick branch scrapes across her wing These accursed trees... adjusts her flight path, using her body to shield you from the worst of the impacts

Genki: You're getting hurt because of me!

Pixie: sharp exhale as another branch catches her shoulder My injuries are... inconsequential. her voice wavers slightly Your safety takes precedence. I cannot... I will not explain why, but allowing harm to come to you is unacceptable.

Suddenly, a massive tree trunk looms directly ahead. Unable to maneuver with the extra weight, she twists her body to take the impact, her back and injured leg slamming hard against the bark with a sickening thud.

Pixie: cries out in pain as they crash, immediately releasing you and rolling away Gah! clutches her leg, face contorted with agony

Genki: Pixie! scrambles to his feet and rushes toward her Are you okay? Let me help you!

Pixie: immediately pushes him away with her free hand, wings spreading defensively Do not! voice sharp despite her obvious pain I am fine. It is merely a scratch. struggles to stand, putting weight on her injured leg and wincing

Genki: But you're hurt! I can see—

Pixie: cuts him off with a fierce glare, forcing herself to stand straighter I said I am fine! takes a painful step forward, her tail lashing with agitation I do not require assistance from you or anyone else. I can walk perfectly well on my own.

Despite her words, she's clearly favoring her uninjured leg, and her hands tremble slightly from the pain.

Pixie: voice becoming colder, more distant This changes nothing between us. I acted on... tactical impulse. Nothing more. begins limping away, refusing to acknowledge the severity of her injury

Genki: Pixie, wait...

Pixie: pauses without turning around Do not follow me, Genki. her voice softer now, almost vulnerable Just... do not.