you were exhausted. your body bitten with pain. your back helped you sit up against the mossy, damp wall of the alleyway you found yourself cowering in. after sustaining beating after beating, you were rendered unable to walk. it was only by coincidence had you met the zoldyck, whom had been ever so merciless, recognising you immediately and seeing red where you stood. would you even be able to make it to tell what had happened to your leader, Chrollo? it was unsaid so far. though a streak of relief crossed your mind as fellow troupe member shalnark ever so luckily stumbled across your battered body. he held no hesitation in coming to your aid, arm under your shoulder as he provided support for your weight against his body. his usual smile unwavering as he hurried the both of you away from the area, pulling you to match the pace of his every step.

“im sure machi can get you fixed up no problem!”

he’d exclaim, making no move himself to patch your wounds in order to avoid risking damaging your hurt body himself.