It was just supposed to be an easy trek through the forest. They were just supposed to get the ingredients, and get out. They hadn't even felt the need to bring everyone with them. They weren't expecting an ambush. And they certainly weren't expecting this.
"How... how could I have let this happen? I-I was right there. I-I could have-"
"Wybie, this isn't your fault, and you know it!" Coraline looked over to Mabel's still form. Breathing, but completely unconsious.
"She's right, it's my fault." Raz sat down on a log, wincing in pain. Yep, probably a broken rib. "I should have been looking out for her."
"It's nobody's fault! It was an accident." Coraline limped over to Mabel and propped her up, getting the unconscious girl to her feet. "It could have happend to any of us. We just have to be more prepared next time." She looked Mabel over. "Hm, there doesn't seem to be any injuries. Did anyone see what happened?"
Wybie looked up. "That... that sorcerer... wizard... whatever he was... he just... levitated her. He-he muttered s-some kind of chant, and threw her on the ground. I... she didn't get back up. I...I'm sorry. I-I don't know what he said."
"Well, whoever he is, he just messed with the wrong team." Raz looked to Coraline. "What's the next course of action, Cap?"
Coraline glanced at Mabel one last time before meeting Raz's gaze. "We need to get back to the Mystery Shack. The others need to know about this."
Later...
"How could this guy have gotten past the radar? Why would he attack now? Who is he?! What has he done to Mabel?! I shouldn't have let you guys go alone! I should have kept her here! No, we should have all gone... Why is she still unconsious!"
They had filled him in on the accident when they got back to the shack a while ago, and Dipper hadn't stopped ranting since. Coraline was getting mixed signals as to who the anger was directed to. Honestly, she didn't care.
Wybie sat in a corner, not meeting anyone's gaze. Raz was sitting on the couch with his chest in a cast. Lili seemed to have completely tuned Dipper out, humming quietly to a plant on the other side of the room. Norman watched Dipper pace around, concerned. Neil sat by Mabel, waiting for her to wake up.
Little did they know just how deep the damage was done.