Present

Signas lay in the medical unit. Lifesaver had been quite surprised at his recovery. Signas should have died, but hadn't. The wound was supposed to be fatal, and on top of that, it was a minute before Lifesaver could get to him. The surgery had gone somewhat well. But Signas was still conscious, still alive, and barely breathing during the entire thing.

Why? He asked. Why didn't you want me to die?

Because you needed to live, she said softly. I felt responsible. I took care of Reditar's soul, but his body… and I saw the sword, and I knew I couldn't save you that well. I couldn't get there in time. He's my creation.

He accepted the answer, but knew it was going to be a long time before he was fully healed. She had kept his soul with his body, bonding it together, and made sure he didn't die. She also took control of Lifesaver to save Signas, and fought with Lifesaver's hands. She had let Signas live.

He owed her a lot, but she didn't think so. She said she was sorry her creation had gotten out of hand, but she wasn't even in his world! He first met the "Guide" as she called herself, when he was forced to try and change worlds. His soul had been ripped from his body, but she helped him go back, and she had helped him recover.

Guide, he asked, Guide?

Yes? her voice said, calm but soothing.

Do you save people often?

No. I don't find many people that need saving. She kissed his astral form on the cheek. Now go back to bed.

Thank you, he said, falling asleep.

He heard her hum a welcome, but was too drowsy to care.

"He's not back in the coma, is he?" X asked Lifesaver. Signas's helmet was off, revealing brownish hair that had been messed up beyond relief.

Lifesaver shook his head. "I wonder if it's even a coma. It's as if his mind has decided to leave or something."

Alia's mind remembered when Reditar had captured her, and to free her, Signas had to go through an experiment to see if he would, and could, travel a different dimension. It didn't work, and Signas was put into a coma for several days, and even Douglas got shot in the back by Reditar. Reditar and Signas eventually had a big showoff, but Signas won by some unusual light. The light seemed to pick up Reditar, revealed that Reditar was really Kravenclaw, Reidtar's twin brother, and that the souls had merged.

But that's all she remembered. That's all she could piece together. Signas wasn't quite the same after that, but who would be? He seemed the same, but something wasn't quite right- he would be in a comatose at whatever time of day, wake up and then go away. It was quite disturbing.

X didn't know much about that, being in Canada at the time, but he silently vowed to avenge his friend, for all the good it would do.

And the guide could only watch.