Me: I know you guys are waiting impatiently for me to update so here it is.

Chiro: Hey! I'm not in this one!

Me: I know. And I intend for you to be in the next one.

Chiro: When is the next chapter?

Me: When I finish 'The Hidden Pair'.

Chiro: I hate you.

Me: Aww come on. You don't really mean that. I know you love me. (Bats eyes)

Chiro: Can't-resist-the-eyes! Argh! (Hugs me tightly) I love you, I love you!

Me: I knew it! Works every time! Oh by the way... I DON'T WANT TO BE WOLF FOOD/BEVERAGE! See Otto is okay! Just read the chapter.

Icefire: (rolls eyes) Maxxaronie doesn't own SRMTHFG, but she is holding them hostage until the ransom is paid. Until then Maxxaronie can torture them, or not, till her heart's content. (Pauses) Do I get my rice ball now?

Me: Not until the end of the chapter!

Icefire: You're mean!

Me: All's fair in love and war.

Icefire: (question mark looms over her head) Say wha?

Me: (slaps for head) Never mind... Just read and review.

Chapter Six: Wounded Wings

Sprx sighed heavily and shifted in his chair. He glanced over at Nova who appeared to be on the brink of tears, once again. Of course he couldn't really blame her. The boy, whom she thought of as a son, was deathly ill and her brother was severely injured.

Nova was just outside of the med bay doors. She was nervously pacing back and forth. This had been going on for the past half hour. Nova had bandaged both Sprx and Gibson before Gibson had shooed them out of the med bay so he could work on Otto.

"Nova, your pacing is driving me nuts. And I believe you're wearing a groove into the floor." Sprx stated in agitation.

Nova halted abruptly and turned fiercely toward Sprx. "Knock it off!" She snapped harshly. "I'm worried and stressed. I don't need your complaints on top of it! If you want a pity party go find someone else to throw you one!" Nova's voice was cold and Sprx flinched at the sound.

"Sorry... I'm high strung too. I was just getting annoyed with your pacing." Sprx mumbled.

Nova sighed and rubbed her temples. "No, I'm sorry. Just because I'm stressed doesn't give me an excuse to take it out on you."

"Hey, it's okay. I shouldn't have set you off. I really should have thought before I spoke." He responded.

Their conversation was interrupted when the med bay doors opened. Gibson was standing in the doorway with a very grave expression on his face. Nova turned to completely face her blue brother; her anxiety was obvious in her pink eyes. "How is he?"

Gibson gave a tired sigh and rubbed his black eyes. "He sustained a significant amount of damage. Much more than Sprx and I, but he'll live. I had to put stitches in a few places that were pretty bad. Now he just needs a lot of rest, we all do."

"Can we see him?" Nova asked a little timidly.

"Yes, but don't keep him awake for too long. If he wants to go to sleep, let him and don't wake him." Gibson replied.

Nova nodded and looked back at Sprx. "I think I'll just hit the hay. I'm sure it'd be better for only one at a time to see him. I think you need to see him more than I do. You're the one who's getting very stressed over everything." Sprx responded to her glance. Nova hesitated. Seeing her hesitate Sprx said, "Go."

Nova turned and walked into the room. Otto was laying on one of the beds his black eyes were half lidded. "Hey, how you feeling Otto?" Nova asked as she came to stand beside him.

"A bit sore," Otto replied, "how about you and Sprx?"

"Sprx is fine, and I'm just stressed."

Otto gave a halfhearted smile and closed his eyes. Nova reached out to place a hand on her brother's cheek, but stopped when she remembered what Gibson had said about letting Otto sleep.

Otto opened his eyes, and seeing his sister start to withdraw her hand, he reached out and took a hold of her hand. He brought her hand to his cheek and rested it there. He took his hand away from her's and let his arm fall limply to the bed.

Nova gently rubbed Otto's cheek and he let out a content sigh. He leaned into her touch and closed his eyes. He allowed himself to slip into a peaceful sleep.

Nova continued to stroke her brother's cheek even after he was asleep. She smiled at his sleeping form. She watched his bandaged chest rise and fall with every slow, and steady breath he took. She hated the sight of his body lying there, battered and battle-worn.

She was glad he would live; he was always there to cheer everyone up in the more depressing times. He would tell a joke or say something stupid. Even just being himself would cheer every one up. Now that Otto was in such a bad state, who would cheer them up now? Poor Otto... Nova looked up to the ceiling. Poor Chiro... I hope he's all right.

Me: How did you like that chapter? Just drop me a review and tell me what you think.

Icefire: (Munching on a rice ball) The goodness!

Me: (rolls eyes) you are one warped dragon.

Icefire: Shut up.