Italicized words: thoughts and/or to make emphasis.
TEN
At Whitmore General Hospital, Triage area
As a result of the tragedy at the Moonlight Hotel, the waiting area was filled beyond capacity with the sick and injured. Nurses were stretched to their limit to service the many currently needing attention and the many more en route to the hospital. One patient in particular was giving already weary medical staff a really hard way to go in providing care...
"I have to see my wife! I'm alright dammit! Let me out of here!" Shadow exclaimed with nurses attempting to stabilize him on the gurney.
"Sir, you have some internal bleeding. We need to stabilize you and you should allow yourself to heal and you'll be well enough to reunite with her. Please sir, let us help you get to her as soon as possible, ok?" One nurse pleaded.
"Fine. I guess you haven't heard of me or my abilities then?"
"Abilities, sir?"
Shadow sighed in resignation. "Forget it; just...do what you must."
Shadow was examined and it was determined that his internal injuries would need immediate attention. He was then taken to the OR to have minor surgery to repair torn muscles in his back and to stop his internal bleeding. The surgeons were astounded to find that most of his injuries have started the healing process leaving them questioning whether or not he's even a true Mobian. With Shadow's DNA, his recovery time is relatively short, about two days, max. Now with his back sutured, cleaned, and bandaged, Shadow was taken to the ICU where he could begin his short stay in recovery.
Once the transporter settled Shadow into his bed, he was told to turn off the light and exited leaving Shadow in the dark, alone with his thoughts. Shadow relaxed himself and closed his eyes. His heart and mind were filled with regret of his failed promise of returning to Rouge safely. "Rouge, I'm so sorry, please forgive me! I...promised..."
Rouge arrived at Whitmore General and weaved her way through the reception area where many patients were waiting to be seen with medical staff rushing here and there and was awe stricken at the sight of the aftermath of hotel explosion; from simple cuts and bruises, to nurses administering CPR to a few who coded. Back to her task, she continued her walk over to the receptionists' desk and inquired on the whereabouts of her husband and was given the room number to where Shadow is recovering in.
Upon entering the room, Rouge stopped and placed a hand over her mouth in surprise as she beheld the surreal sight of the man who prides himself on his power over chaos and his domination over any and all who oppose him lying in a vulnerable state. Rouge slowly walked over to the right side of Shadow who had his eyes closed; tears streaming down her face.
"Shadow?" Rouge whispered softly caressing his cheek.
Shadow slowly opened his eyes and blinked a few times to focus on his wife. He reached out his hand for Rouge's which she gladly took hold to.
"Rouge…I'm sorry…"
"No, don't be. I'm just glad you're alive. I was worried I would never see you again. I love you so much!"
"Well Missy, no little 'motel' was going to keep me from my wife. Now…maybe the one we're staying in…" he winced from the pain that even a slight chuckle caused.
"Honey, be careful. I'm not going anywhere until you get better, ok? Remember our vows?"
"How could I forget? You remind me of them with each passing second…I love you, Rougey." Rouge gingerly laid her head beside Shadow's. While caressing Rouge's hair, Shadow turned on the TV to the news showing continuing footage on the hotel disaster.
"Honey?"
"Hmm?" Rouge murmured.
"What do you think of all of this, what I've done although this result wasn't expected of me?"
"You're my ultimate hero, that's what…" She answered giving a kiss upon Shadow's lips. "You know, you're being regarded a hero around here."
"Is that so?"
"I was in the company of really good people in that cafe who helped me to stay strong for you. They held you in high regard. I owe so much to them though I may never see them again."
"In that case, I owe them a bit of gratitude as well. Shadow began his next words with a seductive smirk on his face. "You know Rouge, our honeymoon is still young. We can stay a few days longer to make up for our time in here…you like that?"
"I would love that very much. You know Shaddie, the first thing I want to do when we get out of here is..."
"What's that, love?"
"Go jet skiing!"
"Deal." Shadow chuckled and kissed Rouge on her forehead.
The couple cozied up and continued to watch the news footage. Minutes later, Shadow closed his eyes and reflected on his heroics at the hotel while allowing the sedatives to work him into a peaceful slumber with Rouge staring contently at her hero in life….and love.
THE END
Another one…DONE! Thanks for reading and I hope you all have enjoyed this story. Let me know what you think, ok?