Several hours later, with blood in her eyes, Mercy awoke. Against all odds, somehow, she was alive. Standing over her a figure loomed looking directly at her. Due to the extent of her injuries and the lack of energy from just having waking up however, the figure was just a mere blur. After a moment of silence the figure spoke "Damn, you two really went all out didn't you? There's no way me and you can play when you're like that. I guess I'll just have to wait a little longer. "

There was a sound of disappointment in the figures voice as they spoke but that wasn't what struck as odd to Mercy. What was odd is that Mercy recognized this voice. It was a voice that she had long since stopped thinking she'd ever hear again.

Mercy weakly looked up in the figures direction "How…how are you…here? You…died. I…killed you…myself." The figure merely answered in a matter of fact tone "I don't know what you're talking about. I'm obviously alive. If I'm dead, you must be as well."

Mercy didn't know what to think. She was sure she recognized the voice, but given her state, she knew she could very well be hallucinating. Before Mercy could question them, they turned to walk away "I'll catch you later. Once you're back up to one hundred percent then we can go at it again; for old time's sake. Don't worry, I've already called the Ambulance and taken care of the minor things to keep you and your friend alive until they arrive. I have to say though; I don't have much hope for friend. She should have been a lot more careful. I'll continue to keep a close eye on you. Don't want you to die just yet; there's still so much more I've got to learn from you now that you are the way you are."

Mercy then realized that despite her injuries she felt no pain whatsoever. She would have thought that after being ran through by a flaming halberd, being burned to a severe degree, and being pummeled to the point of any putting any normal person of to the point of almost complete skeletal destruction, she would feel at least some pain. Before she could question the figure on this however, she once again slipped back into unconsciousness.

When Mercy came to, she was in the hospital. A nurse stood over her bed taking careful records of her vital signs. Mercy noticed that she had several bandages across her body ranging from her arms all the way to her chest and face. The pain had also returned to a degree, though it was at least bearable.

Mercy took careful note of her caretakers appearance knowing that she would be here a while. She figured if she was going to be stuck in the hospital she might as well get to know the one taking care of her. Mercy guessed that she was in her late twenties. She had long striking red hair much like Pyra's had been in her Fury form just without the flames and small reading glasses. She also wore a necklace that was accompanied by a small mermaid decoration holding a small sapphire.

The nurse smiled warmly at Mercy as she sat up in her bed "Hello. I'm Talia, I'll be your nurse during your recovery here." Mercy returned the smile to the nurse but it quickly turned to a frown of concern as she asked the nurse about Pyra's condition "How's Flower doing? Is she okay?" Talia looked at her with a puzzled expression "I'm sorry but I'm not sure who you mean. I don't think we have anyone named Flower here." Mercy shook her head "I'm sorry, I mean Pyra. Flower...is just a nickname...that I often call her. Do you know how she's doing? She came in with me." Talia frowned sympathetically towards her "I'm sorry but I'm afraid her condition is critical. She was even worse than you were, as hard as it is to believe. The fact that either of you are still alive is a miracle. Although you're going to have scarring from the burns and stab injuries you received, I'm afraid your friend requires much more serious help. The doctors aren't even sure if she'll live. We don't even know how you two came down with your injuries in the first place. It's a miracle you two are alive,"

Mercy looked away from Talia. Although she spoke in a rather calm voice, it was anything but calm in terms of meaning "If Pyra dies...I hope the people of this hospital…have their affairs in order." She then looked back up at the nurse with a steely expression "Just…keep that in mind."

Mercy's words were so cold that surge of fear instantly flowed through Talia. She tried to keep her composure and professionalism however, as she spoke to her "You don't mean that do you? We'll do the best we can, but, you must understand that sometimes even we can only do so much. Sometimes people just can't be saved. Sometimes their illnesses or injuries are just too severe and, despite our best efforts, we can't save them." Mercy's steely expression didn't change. If anything it got even colder as she replied to what the nurse said "Then you'd better hope…that Pyra's injuries aren't severe enough…to make her beyond saving…hadn't you?"

With this, the Talia could no longer hide her uneasiness and fear of Mercy. She turned and left the room leaving Mercy alone to herself. As Mercy sat in her hospital bed she pondered what she could do to help Pyra. She felt a pang of guilt as she thought about all that happened. This was her fault. Everything that had happened: the fight, the injuries, the winding up in the hospital, all of it was her fault. In her mind, it was up to her to save Pyra; not some doctor's.

After a few hours of thinking and worrying, Mercy got up and out of bed. She couldn't take it anymore; she had to see Pyra, her flower, her everything. She wanted so badly to see her flower and make sure she was safe. With her personal experience, doctors weren't to be trusted. They weren't helpful, they were evil and sadistic. In her mind, they were killing her; not helping her. However, as soon as she tried to stand the once bearable pain that became a pain that surged through her like a thousand razor blades. Screaming in pain, she dropped to the floor.

Talia ran back into the room as she heard Mercy's cry "What's wrong?! Are you alright?" Kneeling down beside Mercy she tried to give her a helping hand "Here, let's get you back up in your bed. It can't be very comfortable down on that cold floor." Despite Talia's kindness, Mercy swatted her hand away "Stay the hell away from me! Just leave me alone! Where's Flower?! I want to see my flower! I'm the only one who can help her! The only thing you people will do is kill her!"

Talia was shocked at Mercy's reaction, but she also could understand her feelings. She had dealt with many patients that couldn't bear the thoughts of losing a loved one. Still, the fact that this girl was accusing the doctors of being the ones responsible for killing her was a bit much in her opinion.

Talia gave Mercy a warm smile that was almost on par with one that only a loving mother could give "So that's how it is. You truly care a great deal for this girl don't you? Perhaps even more then just as a friend hmm?" Mercy gave her a surprised look "How would you know, or care, about my feelings for her?" Talia again smiled kindly "It's easy to see. Your first instinct is to see that she's alright even before your own injuries are healed. You would rather take care of her yourself so that you could have her within your sight at all times rather than have her taken away for proper care where you can't see. It's almost border lining motherly instinct." Talia then knelt down beside Mercy "The way that you call her Flower rather than by her given name is also a sign that she is something incredibly special to you. You even threatened to kill everyone here if she doesn't make it through this; though I don't see how you'd go about it and, to be honest, I'd rather not find out. People don't act like that for just anybody, or even most friends. Behavior like that is reserved solely for the closest of relationships between people."

Mercy looked away from Talia for a moment. Even though she didn't know who Talia was, she seemed to know her almost like they had known each other for years. Mercy eventually faced Talia again, speaking in a quiet, almost shy, voice "Your right. Flower…Pyra, means the world to me. She was there…when no one else was. She picked me up…when no one else would. She stayed by my side…when everyone else ran away… and yet…I re-pay her kindness…by putting us here."

Talia shook her head sympathetically "Don't blame yourself Mercy; it's not your fault. Whatever it was that happened to cause these injuries between you two, it wasn't your fault. If what you tell me is true, then there's no way I can believe that you would purposely hurt the one that you so dearly care for." Talia once again offered her hand "If you like, I can give you something for the pain and in a short while, if the doctors think it's alright, we can go see her."

Mercy smiled gratefully up at Talia as she took her hand "That sounds good. I can't wait…to see my flower. Thanks…for understanding my feelings. I'm not used to people…showing understanding and caring…aside from Flower."

With Talia's help Mercy managed to get back into her bed. Talia then left the room for a few minutes before returning with the pain-killers. Setting a small glass of water she had also brought with her she handed the pain-killers Mercy "Take these. They should take effect in about ten minutes. Once they do we'll be able to go see your 'Flower'" Talia smiled warmly as she handed the water glass to Mercy, and Mercy returned it in kind as she took the medication "Thank you. I guess…I was wrong about you. You seem to actually care…about what happens to my flower." Talia nodded "I'm a nurse; it's my job to care about others, and to make sure they're alright."

After about twenty minutes Mercy stood up. Although she still felt a lot of pain, it was at least at a tolerable level. She couldn't stop thinking about the fight between them and how everything turned out the way it did; everything that had happened, everything that could have been avoided, and everything that lead up to them ending up here.

Talia looked at Mercy with a concerned expression "Are you alright? Is there anything I can do to help you?" Mercy shook her head gratefully "I'm fine. Thanks…for the thought though. I just want...to see my flower." Talia nodded her head "Alright. Follow me, but I must ask you to be quiet. We have a lot of patients who are ill and need their rest." Mercy smiled softly "Alright."

As they made their way down the halls of the hospital she kept thinking of Pyra. She just couldn't forgive herself for what she had done. She knew it wasn't Pyra's fault, but instead her Fury forms power going to her head and making her say things that she normally would never say or mean. She should never have allowed herself to lose herself to anger like that. But still she had, and now Pyra was on the verge of death because of her.

Eventually they reached Pyra's room and Talia lead Mercy inside. She smiled warmly at Mercy, but it also had a hint of sadness "This is where you'll see your friend. I must warn you however, she's in critical condition and we don't know if she'll make it or not. For now she's stable, but that could change at any moment." Mercy looked at Talia, her expression serious "You had better hope…she makes it. I'll admit…this is my fault, but for the first time…in a long time, I'm putting my trust…in you and your doctors. Don't make me…put my trust in you…for nothing."

Talia wasn't sure what to say to her, but she nodded "We'll do our best." Mercy just shook her head "Your best…won't be good enough. I don't want your 'best'…I want her saved. Anything less…and you'll all be finding out…just how well…you can truly put your skills to the test. Both on yourselves…and those around you." She then walked into the room leaving Talia alone in the hall.

Mercy sat down next to Pyra's unconscious form and sadly looked at broken frame of the one she had come to love. She now had a massive scar on her chest and her entire body was covered in brutal looking bruises and cuts. The sight of Pyra's wounds instantly made Mercy break down. She couldn't believe she had done this to the one she had actually confessed her feelings for.

Mercy gently took Pyra by the hand, wanting just to feel her hand in hers. She knew that this may be the last time she'd ever get the chance. With tears pouring down her face she spoke softly to Pyra, hoping against hope that she would her and wake up "I'm sorry Flower…I didn't mean to. I just…wanted to help. I never meant…for this to happen." Mercy then laid her head against Pyra's chest. She wanted to be as close to her as possible with what time they had left "You were so good to me…in such a short time…that I couldn't help…but fall for you. It's…funny isn't it? People would call me a murderer, a psycho, or a freak. Someone completely incapable…of feeling compassion and yet you…you call me a friend, a person to protect, someone to welcome even though… they know the ugly truth about me. "

By this point Mercy had completely broken down "Why? Why are you so understanding…and caring towards me? Why aren't you afraid…like all the others? Everyone I've ever known…has abandoned me…and yet…you've stayed by my side. Why Flower? What do you see in me…that no one else does? This…this is why I love you…and why I don't want to lose you. You care about me when nobody else does."

After a short while Talia walked back in a sympathetic frown on her face "I'm sorry Mercy, but I'm afraid that we have to leave now. Pyra needs her rest in order to recover from her injuries. The more we disturb her, the less chance she has to recover and you've made it quite clear that you don't want that to happen." Mercy sadly nodded "Your right. I want my flower to heal…and be out of here as soon as possible. I want to see that smile of hers again…and that cheerful voice. I don't want to be left alone…in this world again." With a smile Talia began to lead Mercy back to her own room "If I have anything to say about it, that won't happen. I understand your feelings and concerns and I wish you all the luck in the world."

Mercy smiled "You almost remind me…of Flower. You're a kind, caring, and sympathetic person. If Pyra does die…I might just conveniently forget about you." Talia smiled nervously "Well…I'm grateful that you think that, but I would prefer if you wouldn't try and harm anyone." Mercy simply shook her head "I'm sorry but…I can't promise that. Why should they get free passes…and yet Flower gets taken away…when she's done nothing wrong?" Mercy then smiled "But…it may not even come to that…since Flower still has hope." Talia couldn't help but think about how mentally unstable Mercy was and what she was willing to do should they fail to save Pyra. Still, she did her best to appease her interest "Right, it's not over until it's over."

Once they had gotten back to Mercy's room Talia helped her back into her bed. With a warm and caring smile began went to work trying to make Mercy as comfortable as possible. Once Mercy was tucked back into her bed Talia asked her kindly "So how did you two meet?" Mercy turned her gaze to the ceiling and began to reminisce about hers and Pyra's first meeting together "We ran into each other…while she was on her way home. We talked for a little while….and I decided to walk home with her…since it was getting dark…and she didn't want to be alone. After that she got a call….that her call that her grandfather was ill…and we came here to see him." Mercy then looked at Talia with a sad expression "Unfortunately…her grandfather…passed away that same night. So I've been living with her…and keeping her company…ever since. "

Talia could completely understand the devastation of losing a loved one. She saw it nearly every day and it hurt her deeply to see the tears and heartbreak come to the family's eyes once they were informed. It was obvious that Mercy regarded Pyra as someone who was of that level, if not closer. It was for this reason that she wanted to know more about her and why she regarded Pyra so highly.

With curiosity in her voice Talia asked her "What is it that makes you care so much for Pyra? You obviously regard her as more than just a simple friend by the way you refer to her as 'your flower'. It would almost indicate that you loved her." Mercy sheepishly nodded "I do…love her. Although we haven't known each other very long…only a few weeks…what she's done for me in those few weeks….is more than almost anyone else…has ever done for me in my entire life."

Talia's curiosity was peaked. What could Pyra have done to have earned the love of another in just a few short days? Normally earning the love of someone took months, even years; and yet she had managed to earn it from this girl in just a mere few days. This made her re-ask her original question "So what is it that makes you love her so much?" With tears in her eyes Mercy smiled at Talia "She accepted me."

This answer gave Talia a feeling of confusion. Why would just being accepted by someone promote such strong feelings? Many people long to be accepted, and become grateful when they become so, but rarely do they actually fall in love with the person who accepts them. Again, this brought another question to her mind that she needed answered, she didn't want to feel like an interrogator, but Mercy had peaked her interest "Why would you fall in love with her just because she became friends with you."

With a sigh Mercy answered Talia's question "I've got a bad past. I'd rather not get into what happened, as it's something I try to forget whenever I can, but I'll say that it's bloodstained. I've done, seen, and helped with many bad things…in my life. But when I let it all out of the closet…when I put all my cards on the table for Flower to see…she…despite my worst fears, still welcomed me…with open arms." Tears began to flow heavily down Mercy's face however, there was a small hint of happiness to them "She wasn't afraid of me. She was sympathetic, kind, caring…and, now that I know the definition…loving. I even did some horrible things…right in front of her…and she still wouldn't leave my side. Despite all she had seen from me…and all that I had told her…she didn't care. She still refused to abandon me…and leave me alone in this world again. So tell me; how can I not fall in love...with someone like that?"

Talia placed a sympathetic hand on Mercy's shoulder "Don't worry. I won't ask about your past. That's something to share only if you want to. But I can fully understand, after what you've told me, why Pyra means so much to you. I would probably feel the same way if I were in your position. It's not often you find someone so understanding." Mercy nodded slightly "Right. That's why I beg you…please, do whatever you can…to save her. I don't want to be alone…in this world again. I've finally found a small place of safety…and I don't want it taken away." Talia nodded back at Mercy with a soft smile "If I have any say in it you won't lose your friend. We all have things precious to us, and I'll do my best to make sure I deliver your flower back to you safe and sound.

Mercy sat up and did something she thought she would never do; she gave Talia a warm embrace "Thank you. You might be the one…person I can actually trust…who works in a hospital. I've never had a good experience…with doctors before. But you…you seem sincere." Talia returned the embrace "I'll make sure to keep up to your expectations. But for now I have to get back to the other patients. I'll be sure to check up on you now and then and be sure to inform you of Pyra's condition should it change." Mercy nodded appreciatively "Thanks Talia."

Talia then left the room leaving Mercy alone to reflect on everything that had happened once again. She did feel slightly better now that she had seen Pyra however. Now that she knew that Pyra was at least in stable condition and that Talia was going to keep a careful eye on her condition she felt at least a small amount of comfort.

Rather than focus on the bad things Mercy tried to focus on the good things that had happened in the time that Mercy had known Pyra. They had had so little time together and yet it felt like it had been a lifetime to her. She prayed with all her might that the memories she held of them together right now wouldn't be the last.

After about an hour of being lost in the fond memories of her time with Pyra, Mercy snapped back to reality she heard someone enter the room. She turned to see Talia come to her bedside and she greeted her warmly "Hi Talia. Thanks to the painkillers you gave me…I'm feeling a lot better. Thanks for letting me see Flower too." Mercy's cheerful expression turned to one of worry when Talia looked at her with a sad expression "I'm sorry Mercy. But Pyra…has taken a turn for the worst. She's been taken to Emergency as a priority but things are looking grim I'm afraid."

It suddenly felt as though Mercy's entire world had stopped turning. How could Pyra be in such critical condition now? She had been stable just a short while ago; what would cause her to turn so quickly and so drastically?

Although her trust in medical personal was once again quickly dropping she tried desperately tried to cling to hope as she spoke to Talia "What happened?" Talia spoke with a sympathetic tone "While I was checking up on her she suddenly went into Asystole. I immediately called for the doctors' intervention and she was rushed to emergency. They're doing everything they can to save her Mercy, but I'm afraid the chances look slim." Mercy shook her head "I'm not sure…what Asystole means." Talia nodded apologetically "Forgive me. It means that her heart rate suddenly flat-lined without warning. The doctors are doing everything they can to save her right now, but at this point in time they don't even put her chances at fifty percent." Despite the information Talia had presented her, Mercy did her best to remain calm "A slim chance…is still a chance. I've had many slim chances…in my life, but because I refused to give in…it's why I'm here today." Talia smiled "Your right. You should never give up. As long as there's even a one percent chance of success, then you should still try. You may find that you're that one percent that succeeds." Mercy nodded in agreement "Exactly. So Talia…even though the doctors say…that the chances of saving Pyra…are slim…can I still count on you to be…the one percent who succeeds?"

Talia didn't know what to say. The doctors had told her that Pyra had almost no chance of survival now and yet Mercy was going to still put her faith in them to save her. It was obvious that Mercy treasured Pyra more than anything else in the world. With a smile Talia answered "I won't stop until she's saved Mercy. I give you my word on that. It may take me some time, but I'll save her."

With a tearful smile Mercy hugged Talia "Thank you…you really are…someone special. Just like Flower." Talia laughed lightly "I'm no one special. I'm simply doing my job and what I love; caring for the sick and injured." Mercy's expression didn't change "I disagree…you're not giving up…when everyone else would. Just like Flower." Mercy then let Talia go "But you can't help her…if I'm keeping you here. Show me that I can still trust doctors…and save Flower." Talia nodded with an encouraging smile "I'll make sure I live up to your expectations."

As she left the room Talia couldn't help but feel uneasy. Despite all of the encouragement that she was giving Mercy, she wasn't even sure if she would be able to make good on her promise. She wanted to be able to come back and tell Mercy that all was well and that Pyra was alright, but as things were there was no way she could guarantee such a thing. The thought of Mercy's cold threats of violent punishment on the populous of the hospital should they fail, also hung over head. How Mercy intended to do this was lost to her, but she would much prefer not to find out.