Chapter 8

Sorry for such a short chapter. I have been working on two other stories and have been focused on that, as well as school has kept me very busy. I will try and post more on this one, but updates might not come as quickly as before. Thank you for the understanding and I hope you like this chapter.

Everest was shocked to see Marshall was awake. She was so excited that Marshall was awake that she hugged him and kissed him all around.

"Marshall?" said Ryder, just waking up.

"Hi Ryder."

Ryder was shocked to see Marshall awake, but he was happy that Marshall was awake. Katie walked into the room and was not surprised that Marsahll was awake.

"Hello Marshall, How are you feeling?" Marshall wasn't listening as he was making out with Everest. Katie giggled and told Ryder to follow.

"What's up, Katie?"

"Marshall woke from his coma, as you have noticed. There is one problem. Marshall's one kidney that he has must work on overtime since the other kidney is gone. Because of this, he will feel weak and faint at times. I recommend taking him off the line-of-duty indefinately. I hate to do this, but Marshall could be injured or worse. It is recommended, but if you have to, I understand."

Ryder was speechless, but Everest and Marshall were still making out.

"I love you, Everest. I will always be with you and the pups, I promise."

"I love you too, Marshall. Thank you. I will always be with you too, I promise."

Ryder nodded to Katie and walked in. Everest and Marshall saw this and stopped kissing. Ryder put his hands over his face and let out a large sigh.

"What's wrong Ryder?" Marshall was concerned, but Ryder didn't want to tell him because of how he will react.

"I am just thinking about some things I need to do."

"I can help if..."

"Marshall, that's not a good idea." Katie said this and then looked at some of his wounds.

"Everything looks like it is healing nicely." Katie then whispered something in Ryder's ear and he nodded.

"Marshall, Everest...I need to talk to you."

"What's wrong, Ryder?" Both Everest and Marshall said this.

"Marshall...I hate to do this..." Ryder paused, letting out a big sigh, then continuing. He heard a click, knowing that Katie locked the door so that Marshall wouldn't run out. "Marshall...I...I...I am taking you off the line-of-duty..."

"WHAT?!" The EKG started beeping quickly.

"Marshall, calm down." Everest said, licking his cheek. Marshall got off the bed, took the straps off and went to the window. He let out a big sigh before starting to cry. Everest immediately went up to Marshall to comfort him.

*sniffling* "Why?"

"Marshall, your injuries are too severe to safely perform the tasks as a Firefighter." Katie said this, causing Marshall to put his head into his arms. Everest started to hug Marshall when she noticed something was off. She looked down and some of Marshall's stiches have ripped and blood started coming out. Marshall started to pass out from blood loss. Katie grabbed Marshall and took him back to the bed. She stiched up Marshall and did all she could. She went back to talk to Everest and Ryder.

"I don't know if Marshall's body can take the stress. I have done all in my power, but it is up to Marshall if he truely wants it." Immediately, there was a long beep coming from the EKG. Katie knew what was going on. Everest didn't, but saw the fear in Katie's eyes.

"Ryder and Everest, please go back to the lookout. I will call you with an update."

"NO! I AM STAYING WITH MY MATE!" Everest demanded.

"Okay...Ryder, go back to the lookout." Ryder listened to Katie and left. Everest sat outside the room whilst Katie was working on Marshall.

"Come on, Marshall. Hang in there. Remember Everest." With that, Marshall's heart beat came back and he quickly woke up.

"Woah Marshall. What's wrong?"

"My pups..."