A/N: Sorry it took a while to update this story. Hopefully this chapter will make up for the wait!

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After what seemed like an eternity, Elena thought she saw something coming out of the building. Not thinking clearly, she grabbed Tseng's arm to shake him out of thoughts and failed to let go when she got his attention.

'Tseng sir! Someone is coming out of the building.' She began, pointing towards the person walking out 'It looks like Rude, but he doesn't seem to have the President with him.'

Tseng noticed that Elena didn't let him go after grabbing his attention but at the moment, he really didn't mind. He looked up at where Elena was pointing and noticed that Rude was holding onto something.

'He doesn't have Rufus, but he has Dark Nation. That means that Rufus isn't very far behind.'

How does he figure that? He's confusing me again. 'Why do you say that sir?'

Tseng began talking while making his way to Rude. 'Because Rufus brings that cat everywhere and that cat never willingly leaves his side. Even if it's hurt, he wouldn't let himself get too far from him. Reno and the rescue team will probably be down in the next couple of minutes.'

Eventually, they met up with Rude, who still had Dark Nation in his arms. Tseng gently pet the giant cat on the head, who gave a weak meow in return. He then turned to Rude and asked the question that was on both he and Elena's minds.

'How does he look Rude? Honestly, does he look like he'll make it?'

Rude sighed and shrugged. 'To be honest with you sir, I have no idea. He's obviously inhaled a lot of smoke and it's safe to say that his both his legs are broken. I'm sure there are a few internal injuries that we can't see either.'

Tseng suspected that Rude was keeping something from him. 'Is that all of his injuries Rude? Smoke inhalation and broken legs shouldn't make you think that there's a possibility of him not surviving.'

'His legs were crushed under his desk sir. That can cause problems.'

Tseng shook his head, 'That's still not enough to warrant thinking that he may not survive Rude.'

'We think his back is broken.'

'What makes you say that?'

'Because Reno put his hand under him to check for injuries and when he pulled his hand out, it was covered in blood. That and when Reno felt one of his legs, he couldn't feel Reno's hand on it.'

Elena gasped in shock while Tseng barely managed to maintain his composure. 'Those are slightly more serious injuries then smoke inhalation and broken legs. I assume that Reno is coming down with the medics shortly?'

Rude nodded, 'Yes sir. Reno was waiting for them to secure Rufus, and then they were going to begin their descent. It may take them a few minutes extra since it is a little difficult to maneuver through the debris in there.'

'I see. Why are you down so soon before them?'

Rude chuckled a bit. 'Because I've been holding Dark Nation pretty much since Reno found him and he's getting a little heavy. We have to find him a vet. His paw is broken and he has a huge gash on his side.'

Despite his mood, Tseng couldn't help but laugh at Rude's reasons for coming down before them. 'I guess that makes sense. Dark Nation can get in the transport with Rufus then. I'm sure that Rufus would like to know that his cat is nearby.'

'I'm sure he would like that, but he's unconscious now sir. I think he lost too much blood, went into shock and just passed out.'

'You neglected to tell me that part earlier Rude. None of those are very encouraging. How long has it been since he lost consciousness?'

'About a half-hour, give or take. Not too long after we got up there and found him.'

'Did he say anything before that?'

'Other then his leg hurting and asking us to find Dark Nation, nothing. He seemed to be drifting in and out when we found him. He only really woke up when I lifted the desk off his legs.'

Tseng was going to reply but his thoughts were cut off by a loud voice beside him. 'Sir! They're coming out!'

Tseng ran towards the building and stopped just near the stretcher. The medics didn't stop to allow Tseng to see him; doing so could cost the young President his life. However they were walking slowly enough across the debris to allow Tseng a good look at him.

He looks so pale. He must have lost a lot of blood. His legs look pretty bad too. He laughed quietly to himself, At least he doesn't have many scratches on his face and his hair isn't singed off. He'll be happy to know that.

His smile faded and he remembered what Rude told him. The longer he stays unconscious, the worse it is for him. Maybe he's just having a nap. Yeah, that's it. It's just a nap and he'll be up soon. Oh, who am I kidding, of course he's not napping, but it doesn't hurt to wish he was.

'Tseng-san?'

Reno's voice shook him out of his thoughts. 'Reno, did the medic give you any kind of prognosis while you were descending with him?'

'No, sir. He said that they can't really give his chances for survival until they fully examine him.'

'Very well, thank you.' Tseng left Reno and made his way to the medics once again, who were now loading the President into the transport. He located the lead medic and rushed to speak with him.

'Is there any room in there for his cat?'

'No sir. It is my understanding that the cat is his guard and that it does mean a lot to him, but there's no room for an injured animal in here. There is only room for one other person in here other then us, if someone wants to accompany him.'

'Which hospital are you taking him to?'

'Junon Medical Center, sir.'

Tseng nodded. 'I'm going with him. Just please give me one moment.'

He ran back to Rude, who was now conversing with Elena and Reno while waiting for Tseng to come back with orders.

'There's no room for Dark Nation in the transport and room for only one person. I'm going with him. You, Reno and Elena bring Dark to the vet. You then have the choice to meet me at the hospital or go back to your homes. It's up to you.'

Reno spoke up first. 'We'll meet you at the hospital sir. Why would we go home when we know he's dying in a hospital?' Rude nodded in agreement, while Elena stood silently for a moment before agreeing to go to the hospital as well. 'What hospital sir?'

Tseng smiled at the three. 'Junon Medical Center. I'll see the three of you later.' Tseng quickly made his way back to the transport and within moments, it was on its way to Junon.

'You know, Tseng really shouldn't run like that, he might rip his stitches.'

Rude scoffed at Reno. 'Somehow I don't think that his stitches are of a concern to him right now.'

'Good point.' He turned to Rude and looked at the animal still in his arms. 'You're still holding on to him? You're stronger then I thought. Let's get him to the vet. The sooner he's there, the quicker we'll get to the hospital.'

'Hey guys? Somehow I don't think there are many functional vet offices around here at the moment. I think they've all blown up.'

'The Rookie has a good point.' Elena smacked Reno on the head. 'Hey! What was that for Rookie?'

'I always make good points. Now let's get him to a vet before Rude's arms fall off.'

'Wow, the Rookie made two good points in the span of a minute. The planet really must be coming to an end.'

Elena huffed and stomped her foot. 'That's not funny Reno!'

'Children please.' Rude's voice stopped the two mid-argument. 'I would like to get this cat out of my arms since I can no longer feel them. Let's go back to the chopper and find a vet in Junon.'

Reno smiled and slapped his friend on the back, 'Sounds like a plan to me partner!'

'Just try not to kill each other on the trip there alright? It's been a long day already.'

'We'll do our best Rude, just for you.' Elena quipped.

'You guys are so nice to me.'

'We try Rude, we try.'

The three of them began making their way to their helicopter. After laying Dark Nation in the back, they made their way to Junon.