Sorry to leave you hanging in that intense moment last chapter haha. Actually, I like a good cliffhanger, so maybe I don't feel totally bad about it.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own this comic that's apparently called Homestuck and is supposedly owned by Andrew Hussie. Idk something like that.

Chapter 11

It's so dark in here. Only a few flashlights and candles are lit. I suppose it's better than leaving these people out where they are vulnerable. Aradia surveyed the basement full of small children and injured gang members with a sense of unease. People who seemed to act as medics continued to tend to the ones in poor condition. Aradia spotted a girl about her age in red jeans and a simple black shirt who was tending to someone's arm. Aradia walked over to the girl, kneeling down next to her. "Hi. Um, I know some basic first aid. Do you need any help?"

The taller girl shifted back her short black hair and looked up. "Hello. Uh, no I am actually just finishing up my last one. Thanks though." She packed up her box then turned back to the brunette. "What are you in for?"

The question took Aradia by surprise. "Huh? Oh, no I'm not-" She stammered.

The other girl laughed. "I didn't mean it like that. So, not part of this usual madness? Same here. I'm just a medic. My sis doesn't allow me to be a part of the gang, so I sneak out about once a week to tend to the injured. The name's Kanaya." She stuck her hand out.

Aradia took the hand offered and shook it. "My name is Aradia. I have to ask, is this a usual thing? Do these alarms often go off?"

"No. I mean, not really. It only happens about twice a year. But those are usually just cops coming to try and snuff us out. However, this one seems different somehow. I can't explain it, but-" Kanaya stopped, seeing Aradia's face go pale. "Um… It's probably nothing. Let's change the subject. Sollux was the one to bring you here right? That's unusual."

The brunette gave a questioning look. "He doesn't bring many people into the gang?"

"Well, he isn't really the talkative type." Kanaya answered. "He keeps to himself, minus Karkat and Equius. He wasn't always this way though. I've known him since we were little. Back then, he was so full of life, so bright. He would want to be friends with so many people. It was sort of overbearing sometimes." She chuckled.

The other girl listened intently. "So, what changed? Was it just a 'I grew up so I'm going to be rebellious' type of thing?"

"Not exactly." The black-haired girl responded. "He really didn't change until he had to live on his own. After his parents…" she stopped. "This isn't really my story to tell."

Aradia's expression faded. "I understand. Hey, thanks for talking with me. I don't exactly make many-"

Her sentence was cut off by the faint sound of gunfire. Aradia's eyes widened. "Wh-what was that?"

"Gunfire." Kanaya said plainly. "That can't be good." She cupped her hands around her mouth. "Nobody panic. Everyone stay down here. You're safe as you are now. Just please try to remain quiet." A small child started to cry. "I'd better go comfort them. I'll see you later Aradia." She got up and walked towards the crying.

The bangs seemed to get louder, and eventually they pounded continuously in Aradia's mind. This isn't good. I know Sollux is out there. I have to make sure he's okay. I can't just leave him out there to die! She quietly stood up and made her way to the doors leading out of the basement, being careful to make sure no one spots her. She cracked open the door, just enough for her to slip out. She hid behind the nearest pillar, careful not to be seen by anyone. She peered out behind the structure, taking in the scene as it unfolded.

The front door was completely open. There were maybe a dozen people with a variety of weapons charging out to a group of five. Four of those, presumably men, holding machine guns. The dozen were attempting to get close to the heavily armed men, but most either too scared or getting hit with bullets. Aradia's stomach churned. People actually getting hurt. All for what?

The fifth member of the enemy was attempting to escape. Aradia saw a skinny boy running after the one escaping. She saw a flash of red and blue glasses. Sollux. Aradia snuck up closer, only a few feet from the main entrance now. Suddenly, the person escaping pulled out a handgun and trained it on Sollux. Aradia widened her eyes. No. This isn't happening. I have to do something.

Without any thought, the brunette charged out, running towards her protector. "Sollux no!" She screamed. The one escaping, Aradia could now see it was a woman, turned towards her. Aradia looked at her, then at Sollux, eyes stricken with fear.

"What are you doing? Run Aradia! Get out of here!" Sollux yelled at her.

Snowman fired a shot in Aradia's direction. She fell to the ground almost instantaneously and yelled out of shock.

By then, most of the gunshots in the background ceased. "Retreat! We are too outnumbered. My lady Snowman. We must leave." Slick motioned and ran towards the black vehicle waiting for them.

Snowman looked behind her, straight at Sollux. Aradia held her breath. Don't do anything. Please, just leave. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw the woman walk into the vehicle.

"Aradia!" Sollux ran towards her. "What do you think you're doing?"

She couldn't place it, but something felt weird about her, like her arm was tingling. "Sollux." She whispered. "Oh Sollux you're alright. I was so worried."

"Don't. Now is not the time. Do you realize you've been shot? We have to get you to a medic. Come here." Sollux picked her up bridal style and began to run inside.

It was only then that Aradia looked down and saw her upper arm bleeding profusely. She started to see spots in her vision. "Oh. It seems I have been."

"Medic! Come now. The coast is clear, but we have one shot!" Sollux yelled, putting Aradia down on the nearest bed.

Kanaya came running out with her supply kit. Aradia couldn't make much out anymore, everything was starting to fade out. She could only make out bits and pieces of conversation.

"... bad is it?" A girl's voice asked.

"Pretty bad. Oh god. Just do something. Please." Sollux's voice was the last clear thing in Aradia's ears.

"Alright…" Kanaya's voice said, fading out then back in again. "...is gonna hurt. Brace yourself."

That was the last thing Aradia heard before she screamed in pain, immediately blacking out.

Alright. I expect many comments asking What the Hell and what not. I'll take it. I know I'm probably a terrible person ;) Also, sorry for the slightly shorter chapter. I figured some of the last few had been really long, and there wasn't much to do with this chapter. The next one or two might be a little longer. Who knows. I'll decide later how much I feel like torturing you/loving on you.

Until next time.

~Jane