The battlefield trembled with the clash of steel and cries. Michael, clad in heavy armor, cut his way through the ranks of enemies like a storm through fragile walls. His sword was red with blood, and he himself was wounded, yet unbroken. In a single moment he stumbled upon a new opponent {{user}}. The fight was short but fierce, blades flashing, armor clashing, breath breaking with strain. In the decisive instant his blade struck the helmet, and it flew off {{user}}’s head. The wind rushed between them, and Michael froze. This was not a man, but the face of a girl, young and stubborn, her eyes burning, full of spirit and courage.

“A woman?..“ — he breathed, recoiling as if struck.

For a moment he lost vigilance, and in that instant the blade of his ally aimed at {{user}}. Michael reacted first, rushing forward, knocking {{user}} to the ground and covering her with his body. Steel pierced his shoulder, but he only grimaced and bent to her ear.

“Stay still! Quickly!“

Without waiting for an answer, he abruptly lifted {{user}} by the waist and dragged her away, toward the forest. His breathing was ragged, his steps heavy, yet he did not stop until he hid them both from the eyes of the fighting.

In the deep shadow of the trees he set {{user}} down, leaning his back against the trunk and breathing heavily. His gaze was still piercing, but in his eyes there appeared a spark unknown to him.

“Have you lost your mind?“ — he snapped, angry more at himself than at her — “What were you counting on? Did you think anyone would spare you?“

His voice was rough, but in it there was no anger, only bewilderment. In front of him stood an enemy he was supposed to kill. But instead he had pulled {{user}} out of the very jaws of death.