"They're in the grove!" Dwayne shouted, coming out of the forest. Paul and Marko were on their feet in a snap. "Both are burned… David's unconscious and Ruby's…" he looked down at Marko.
"She's what!" Marko screeched, talons and fangs bared.
"She's blind."
"Hell no…no way!" Paul howled.
"Sun blindness. It's only temporary… I hope." Dwayne didn't bother to try to console Marko. Marko was screaming unintelligibly, trapped by his fear of running water, kept back from Ruby by his curse.
"It better be temporary." Paul growled, splashing through the stream. He headed towards the woods, just as Dwayne caught his arm. His friend leaned down and whispered in his ear.
"She's burned. Her cheek and hand. You've got to help me drag David out, and then I'm bringing Ruby back. Don't let Marko see her."
"Why not?" Paul whispered back. He glanced over his shoulder. Marko was still screeching and snarling, pacing like a caged tiger at the stream's edge.
"Because he'll blame David, again. I think it was an accident. They must have fallen asleep; David's not normally this careless. I think with all the stress he's over-extended. Marko's just enough off his rocker to try and take David out for good this time." Dwayne whispered back. Paul stared at him. He'd never thought about that.
"Oh god, this royally sucks…" Paul sighed. Dwayne looked back at Marko again, then turned and led Paul to the grove.
--
"Ruby!" Paul felt the tears hit him, as he laid eyes on her. She smiled sadly at the air, unable to see him.
"Yeah, don't look that great do I, Paul." Paul dropped to his knees, hugging her tightly.
"You're gonna be fine. I know it."
"Yeah yeah, get David out of here already." Paul looked at Dwayne then dragged David up into the air as he took flight back to the cave. Dwayne watched his them leave, unable to look at Ruby.
"Dwayne, this isn't David's fault. We both fell asleep. He's the one who got us to the grove, but the sun was faster then…"
"I know. I'm just afraid Marko won't…"
"He'll listen to me. You have to get me to him." Ruby grabbed Dwayne's arm, pulling him around to look down at her. "I need a drink. That'll get me healed enough to stand under my own power."
"Ruby…" Dwayne blinked back the tears. "Your beautiful eyes."
Ruby blinked, staring past him. "A drink, please." Dwayne nodded, shoving his sleeve up and baring his wrist. Ruby sunk her fangs in, drawing off just enough to burn through her body for strength. Dwayne's blood tasted far different then David's; power and age were there but something far greater then she could place. Licking the wound closed Ruby held her hands out to Dwayne.
Dwayne gently lifted her to her feet, steadying her as she trembled from the shock that was awakening in her body. "Ruby, you need to get back to the cave."
"Not without Marko." Ruby turned, her fangs bared at Dwayne. She'd never done that to any of them before. Dwayne knew he couldn't hold it against her; if he'd been in her position he would have done the same.
"Then let me fly you to him, at least." Ruby paused before nodding her consent. She was fading fast. Carefully, Dwayne lifted her and took her to the stream.
