Hey, everybody. It's me again. So, this story takes place right after Gordon and the Vortigaunt retrieve the Antlion grub from Episode 2. They are now ascending the elevator towards the wounded Alyx. Enjoy.
Disclaimer: I don't own Half-life.
A Grim Haste
"Truly, Freeman, well done."
Gordon Freeman let out a long sigh, relieved to be escaping the hellish mines. He and his Vortigaunt companion had been traveling through a treacherous mine, trying to find Antlion secretion to help with Alyx Vance's life-threatening wounds. A Hunter had attacked her a few hours ago, sending Gordon in a panic to find a way to help her. The Vortigaunts had suggested the retrieval of a special Antlion grub, which would treat and probably heal Alyx's wounds. Now, Gordon and his vortigaunt friend were traveling up a long elevator shaft towards his female companion, carrying the precious commodity. Gordon leaned against the elevator wall, breathing hard from the earlier escapades. The Vortigaunt continued his speech.
"You bear some traits thought innate to Vorti-kind."
Gordon was barely listening to his friend's words. He was still insanely worried about Alyx. She had been his companion on his long journey against the Combine rule on earth. Without her, he probably wouldn't have been standing there. She was all he had. 'If only this damn elevator would go faster.' After talking about the sacred practice of 'Antlion husbandry' and the 'Antlion extract' the elevator began to slow down and ascend into pitch-black darkness. Gordon couldn't take it anymore. His emotions and patients won the better of him.
"Come on!" He shouted, spinning around and slamming his crowbar against the elevator wall. The blow did not affect the elevator. It still rose at a painstakingly slow pace. Gordon realized his outburst was uncalled for and turned back to his Vortigaunt companion, expecting a reprimand from the alien. However, the glow from the extract allowed him to spot a smile across the Vort's face.
"Soon finding peace with the humans after the 'Xen incident', my kin was able to study intently on the intricacies of Earth's practices and emotions. One of my particular favorite human 'senses' was the situation of Love."
Gordon's ears somewhat pricked at the word, his mind diverting from the elevator problem. The Vort continued.
"Many humans I have seen have issued the contingency of Love. Their affections, sometimes immense, are hard to pin down in a harrowing world. These, in my mind, are the most beautiful feelings I have witnessed on this planet. Somehow, I have the blessing of spotting such occurrences." The grin on the aliens face widened. Gordon became confused.
'Was he talking about . . .' suddenly something clicked inside his mind. 'Is he saying I love Alyx? But that's . . .' His mind raced, trying to connect the dots. 'Yeah, I've had a crush and have cared for her . . .' It dawned on him. Inside, he felt the sensation of awareness.
"I do . . . love her." He said aloud as if admitting it to himself. The Vortigaunt grumbled in agreement.
"I know."
The elevator began to enter a more open area, allowing more light to enter the small transport. Gordon looked up above, trying to spot their destination. He could see an approaching catwalk, signaling that their stop was near. He could also hear distant voices of more Vortigaunts above his head. What he heard drained the pigment out of his skin.
"No pulse!"
"Her heart has stopped!"
"She ebbs!"
"If we lose her, we lose all."
The elevator finally reached the top of the shaft. Gordon spotted the group of Vortigaunts surrounding a metal table, with Alyx lying unconscious. Gordon could see blood freely dripping from the edges of the table. Her skin was severely pale and the surrounding Vortigaunts looked as if they were about to cry. He practically jumped out of the elevator to be at Alyx's side. The Vortigaunt friend carrying the secretion passed the Antlion extract to the alien group. Each Vort looked stunned to see the blue orb.
"Behold, the Extract!" One exclaimed.
"Miraculous secretion."
Gordon was not listening to the Votigaunt's awe. His attention was directed towards Alyx, kneeling down onto the floor next to her head. The two massive holes in her torso looked like they were now infected and worse than the last time he saw them. Blood covered every inch of the table and the floor underneath. Gordon grasped one of her gloved hand, bringing it close to his chest.
"Hold on." He whispered. "Please, hold on."
---
"A human is needed."
Gordon's focus suddenly turned to the Vortigaunt elder. He almost jumped up and shouted to be the volunteer. He was chosen nonetheless.
"Join us Freeman."
Gordon nodded, still kneeling near Alyx. The lead Vortigaunt the raised the Extract into the air, squeezing the small orb until it popped, sending a significant amount of slime onto Alyx's body. The liquid somehow moved and slid down into her wounds, beginning to create a blue glow within the gaping holes.
"We weave the Freeman's life . . . with hers."
Gordon was somewhat taken back by this comment. But he became comfortable with this action, willing to do anything to bring his companion back. The Vort then began to chant, clasping his hands together. The accompanying aliens began to mimic their leader. To Gordon's surprise, the lead Vortigaunt began to glow with purple energy. Still chanting, the elder then waved at his kin, somehow covering them in a purple shell as well.
Then, the unexplainable happened.
The lead Vortigaunt began to run his hand slightly over Alyx body, causing her clothes and skin to become invisible. Gordon was amazed and shocked, now able to see Alyx internal organs and bones. The Vortigaunt's hands kept moving until he found the problem. He raised his hands, somehow causing Alyx to rise into the air herself, as if she was connected like a puppet to the Aliens hands. He rested his claws back down, allowing the body to once again rest on the table. The elder then made a pulling motion with his right hand, as if extracting a foreign object with telekinesis.
Suddenly, every thing stopped. Every thing looked frozen. The Vortigaunts were like statues, not moving and silent. Gordon was about to panic when . . .
"Doooooctooor Freeeeeemaan."
