First, I apologize for swearing. I'm not big on it, but on occasion, it's necessary. Second, thank you for reviewing. Third, I think this story may have beat "Heart if a Huntress" in terms of cliffhangers. XD But that's up to you. Finally, (I know, I'm wasting your time) Sorry I'm so evil and that this chapter is short!

Vert's heart froze as every monitor and machine in the room started going haywire. Words such as Danger and Fatal flashed across his vision and blurred before him, but only one held any meaning.

Beginning of Final Stage

No…Vert looked immediately back at Agura, whose eyes were screwed shut. He knew at once something was deathly wrong.

"Agura?" He gripped her hand tightly. "Agura, come on! What's wrong?"

"S-stomach…" She managed through gasps, clutching her side.

"Agura, it's okay." He said, panicked. "I'm here for you, okay? You'll be fine, I promise." He kissed her cheek. "I love you, remember? I'm not going to let you die on me."

"Vert…" She whimpered, squeezing his hand. "Sa-Sage…"

It was then Vert knew. He couldn't help her, couldn't save her. He could do nothing but watch as she dwindled into death.

And Agura wanted Sage. She didn't want his comfort, it couldn't help her. He couldn't help her. The least he could do was put her out of the pain.

"I-I'll get her." His voice cracked as he stood, forced to leave her side.

"No!" Agura barely cried out, tears falling from her lovely eyes. "Don't-don't leave!" She sobbed into his chest, body screaming in agony.

"I'll never leave you." Vert said softly, tapping his com. "Sage? Can you come to the infirmary?" He tried to sound as calm as possible, and momentarily Sage appeared.

"The Final Stage!" The Sentient gasped. "Vert, I have to ask you to-"

"NO." He said firmly. "I'm not leaving her. Never again." Sage was too frenzied to deal with him.

"Very well, but this may not be easy to watch." She said, rushing from monitor to monitor and finally silencing them.

"Agura, I need you to listen carefully. What hurts?" She asked slowly.

"M-My stomach." Agura winced, and Vert stroked her hair soothingly.

"Oh, my." Sage whispered, unhooking and reattaching IVs. "This should not have happened."

"What? Sage, what?" Vert demanded furiously.

"The poison is not following the predicted path." Sage said, illuminated fingertips flying over the computer. "With these new developments, Agura has no more than a few hours. Agura, if you prefer to sleep through the final stage, that can be arranged. All you need to do is signal me."

"No…" Vert breathed. "No!" Vert slammed a fist onto the screen, causing it to hiss and crackle. "That's wrong! She-She can't leave us!"

"Ve-Vert…" He heard her pained voice from the cot-side, hurrying over.

"No, Agura. You can't leave us! I don't want to do this without you!" He yelled.

"But Ver-"

"I can't do this without you. Agura, I need you!" He whispered in urgency, and her eyes watered.

"I'll always love you, Vert." She told him, and signaled Sage.

"But I can't go through this awake." Agura laid her head back on the pillow and closed her eyes in peace.

"Agura?" He frantically shook her, gripping her hand. "Agura, please! No!" She made no response, and he began to sob quietly.

"No…" Vert's chest ached as the tears began to fall.

"Vert…" Sage laid a hand on his shoulder, but he snapped away.

"Why her?" He demanded to the Sentient, to the world. "Why?"

"Only time will tell." Sage said softly, gliding out.

Time? The word pulled at his thoughts, forming an idea.

Vert gave Agura a final kiss and raced out to his car.