Chapter 11: Looking Forward
When she woke, she knew what had happened.
He had taken her to Álfheim for healing, risking his own life. Perhaps even killing himself.
She looked around her. The elves surrounded her as she woke. She no longer bled.
A familiar elf pushed through the crowd and helped her to sit up.
"How do you feel?" asked Number 4.
His silver suit directed the sunlight her way, blinding her. She looked down at his hand, which held hers tightly.
"You should be fine," he continued. "But you lost the child."
She looked back up at his face then. Her eyes teared up, but not from the sun. She had been pregnant after all. She had succeeded.
Without needing an answer, she asked softly, "And Sportacus?"
Number 4 shook his head.
Her tears came faster. He had given his life for her, yet again. He truly was a hero. He had proven himself worthy of such a title.
She cried against Number 4's shoulder as he embraced her.
Sportacus had always been her hero, but now, he would be nothing else.
"You must stay," said Number 4, "so that your health can be monitored."
She looked into the eyes of her elf friend, into the eyes of a caring being.
"I want to live in honor of Sportacus," she said, "to try to rebuild my life."
"Well," he said with a light laugh, "this is a good place to do that."
"Will you help me?" she asked.
"Every step of the way."