Chapter 1
A crumpled form fell gracelessly from the sky.
"Lance!"
Ace waded into a pool of debris and ruins of the collapsed temple. Just minutes ago, the place had been a pristine and stalwart temple, but it could not stand up to the dissipation energy of the drop impact.
Deftly he began overturning chunks of debris and stone, until he uncovered an arm. Gingerly he lifted more rubble away to reveal a young man not much older than himself. Gashes and bruises covered the youth's body, and his breathing was labored. He was still grasping his blue D Gear, (which looked much like Ace's) which had sustained some irreparable damage.
"Lance...! You're going to be okay. You're..."
The nearest village was many miles away, and Ace's team was built primarily for combative ability. His overall healing ability was limited. Ace summoned the Fairlion that Garnet had gifted him some-time back, the only monster he had that was capable of using healing drops. He'd have to thank Garnet sometime... oh, how he hated the thought of having to thank Garnet for ANYTHING... but this time it mattered.
Ace carefully matched the surrounding healing drops, being careful not to connect any other elemental groups lest the energy aggravate Lance's wound's further. These he transferred to Fairlion, who enhanced his healing magic, and he gently placed his hand over Lance's heart. Lance's labored breathing slowed a little and some bruising visibly faded, but magic damage was not easily undone. Lance had incurred internal magic damage as well.
Lance slowly opened his eyes and surveyed his surroundings. "..."
"...Ace...?"
He slowly tried to sit up but a convulsion shook his body.
"Ghuh...!" A spatter of blood shot from Lance's mouth and he collapsed again. Things were worse than Ace had thought.
"Ace... another drop impact might... occur again at any time. Leave this place. Your monsters are worn out, you aren't... going to last another battle."
"I'm not leaving you behind, Lance. I can settle this one."
"You idiot...!" Lance tried to scowl, but could only grimace as his body was wracked with another violent convulsion.
"Just don't try to move right now."
Simply moving Lance could make his situation worse, but there was no way Ace was going to leave him here. He could call a dragon at any time, but the ride was rough (Charo always complained how the bumpy ride made him sick.) He opened his D-Gear menu and attempted to call Sonia, but no response came from the other end of the line. "Damnit... " For someone as omnipresent as Sonia, it sure was hard to get ahold of her when you most needed her.