This story takes place right after Alyx delivers tea to her father during Eli's conversation with Gordon about their Mutual Friend.

Disclaimer: Half life belongs to Valve Software.

Half Life 2: The Journey Scars

"Here you go."

Alyx Vance walked into the room, clutching the mug of hot tea. As she entered, she spotted her father, Eli Vance, quickly sit back down into the red sofa. Alyx moved closer towards her father, noticing Gordon Freeman's face looked grave.

"Is everything alright?", she asked, concerned.

Eli frowned, relieving Alyx of the tea. "Oh, it's nothing, honey."

She wasn't convinced, but played along with her father's lie, sitting next to him on the couch. Gordon stood, thinking about what Eli had said about the G-Man.

Alyx glanced at her father. "Are you sure your okay?"

Eli began rubbing his eyes. "Yeah. It's just been a long couple of days worrying about you, Gordon and Judith. I just don't have the strength that I had when I was young."

Alyx grasped one of Eli's hands.

"Don't worry, Dad. Everything will be okay."

Eli smiled, but still kept the grief inside.

"Okay, baby,", Eli ordered, raising himself off of the sofa, "I want you and Gordon to go down to the medical wing. Dr. Forest is waiting for you."

Alyx frowned.

"But Gordon and I are fi . . ." She was interrupted by Eli's glare, signaling that the subject was not up for discussion.

"Okay, fine." She said submissively. "Come'on Gordon. Lets go." The pair exited the room. Eli stared at the door for a moment.

"Please, God," Eli silently prayed, "protect them. They're all I have."

---

After passing hall after hall, Gordon and Alyx reached the medical wing of White Forest. Alyx walked up to a keypad next to the bulkhead door and pressed the intercom button.

"Dr. Forest?", Alyx spoke into the speaker.

Thru a sea of static, Gordon could hear a reply.

"Yes?"

"It's Alyx and Gordon."

"Aw, yes. Please come in."

The door clacked open, allowing the pair to enter a smaller hallway. This hallway contained one door and a long viewing window of the medical room connected. Gordon opened the next door, beckoning Alyx in. Dr. Kathryn Forest looked up from some files on her desk, smiling at her guests.

The room was circular shaped with shelves surrounding the walls containing tools, files and liquid filled jars holding strange little creatures. A flat, metal "bed" was sitting in the middle of the room, ready for the next patients.

"Alyx, it's good to see you." Dr. Forest called out, grabbing the young woman's hands, "It's been a while."

Alyx smiled at her old friend. "It has. How are you?"

Forest shrugged. "Can't complain. Now, lets check up on your condition. Gordon, you'll be after her."

Gordon smiled, nodding in agreement.

Alyx removed her blood and mud stained coat, which sported two big holes in the back. The Black Mesa sweater came off next, causing small amounts of dirt to drift to the floor. She was now only wearing a white T-shirt and her jeans.

"Alyx, can you get up on the table, please?", Forest asked. Alyx obeyed, lifting herself onto the cold metal bed. Gordon stood behind her, leaning against the plexi-glass window.

"Ok, now lift the back of your shirt."

Alyx did what she was told, revealing her back. Gordon quickly diverted his eyes respectfully. Alyx noticed the gesture.

"It's just my back, Gordon." She called out playfully. Deep inside, she did feel a bit embarrassed. Gordon slightly glanced at her body, able to see the damage. Long cuts lined her shoulder blades accompanied by large bruises. The holes caused by the Hunter were closed, thanks to their Vortigaunt friends earlier, but still left two deep red rings on Alyx's back. Her arms and legs sported even more cuts.

Dr. Forest examined each cut, cleaning each one as she went. After cleaning each cut, Kathryn carefully placed bandages on each wound. She then shot some antibiotics into Alyx's arm, just in case infections would arise. After this was done, Alyx's check-up was over. The patient dropped down from the table, grabbing a clean pair of olive pants and a clean shirt from a nearby shelf. "Okay, Gordon. Your turn."