Family Ties Chapter Thirty-Two
-G-
AN – Thank you to everyone for your continued support and reading of this story. Parts of this chapter were some of the first scenes I wrote when I started this story, just popping into my head fully formed pretty much, so they've been sitting on my laptop for months now. I hope you continue to enjoy this fanfic of mine and what's coming next.
I do not own any characters or stories from the tv show Grimm. Some dialogue is lifted from various episodes in Season 3 and Season 4. No infringement or copyright is intended. It's all for fun, no profit being made here.
Room on the Broom is briefly mentioned in this chapter and is not owned by me, as previously stated. I'm just a big fan of the author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Sheffler.
-G-
"So, let me get this straight," Trubel starts from the front seat beside Nick as they drive back. "Rosalee is looking after an injured Hexenbiest, who has been helping you keep two other Hexenbiest safe and hidden from one of the seven royal families, because the youngest one, a child, is the daughter of your police captain, hence a direct descendant as he's the bastard son of the king, so she's of great importance, and she happens to be super-powered because her mother did a ritual to gain her Hexenbiest abilities back, after you took them with your blood. That sound about, right?" She shoots him a look and Nick opens his mouth to reply but gets cut off.
"Oh, and Nick and Adalind are magically linked now, have been sharing dreams and aren't as affected by Diana's powers like everyone else." Monroe adds in from the back seat.
"Oh-kay," Trubel mutters. "You really trust them? And think they need help?"
"Yes," Nick replies instantly and sees the younger Grimm nod. Her acceptance of his word and trust in him means more than he can say, especially in this situation where her help is invaluable.
"Alright then, what's the plan now?" She asks and Nick runs through what he thinks they should do next.
"We check in with the others then head to where I can sense Adalind and get them the hell away from whoever has taken them."
"Alright, last two questions," Trubel starts. "First, you haven't explained this sensing thing you keep mentioning yet and then who do you think it is that has them?" Nick sighs as he takes the turn back onto the main road.
"It's hard to explain," he says slowly and catches Trubel's unimpressed facial expression. "You've probably noticed that we have good instincts, right? As Grimms, we have heightened senses, for fighting and for being aware and alert of our surroundings and who's in them. Well, I seem to be able to access a part of me that takes that to another level, it's like an awareness I have, of people I know and care about, that I can then use to get a sense of where someone is. I managed to sense Monroe when he was taken by the Wesenrein and I have this feeling now, my connection with Adalind makes her the easiest I can sense, but I can get glimmer of my mom and Diana too. From what I can feel they're Northwest of where we are now."
"I'll pass that on to Hank," Monroe states, pulling out his phone, and Nick nods before continuing to answer the younger Grimm's questions.
"And we know who took them, even if we don't have specific individual . The royal family of Kronenberg have been after Diana since she was born, as she's the first child to be born of anyone of that bloodline in years. Although it's not confirmed there's strong suggestion that many of the male heirs are infertile so Diana is the next in line, and she's female, so seen as potentially the future of that royal house." He explains and Monroe huffs.
"Plus, we have to contend with her father, who created this mess when he went behind Nick's back and tried to take them himself." The anger in his tone supports how Nick feels and he glances in the rear-view mirror to share a glare with Monroe.
"That's your boss, right?" Trubel checks and he exhales as he re-focuses on her.
"He's a half-Zauberbiest royal who has grand ambitions and isn't all that great with working with others," Nick states, fighting the urge to use much stronger language to describe his superior. "Giving orders, sure, but not actually working with people when he's not in charge. We were trying to work with him, give Diana a chance to know her father but then he did this."
"Sounds like someone you want to know," Trubel mutters and Nick shakes his head.
"We'll deal with the captain later," he says, voice firm. "Even he knows that being with his family is not the place for Diana. That's what we have to focus on, getting her back and away from their want to have her and keep her."
"They need to leave her alone," Monroe grumbles. "She's just a little girl, they should let her be one."
"You know her well?" Trubel asks and a grin stretches Monroe's mouth wide before he tempers it down after a glance at Nick.
"Oh, yeah, she's amazing," he breathes out. "I've spent a fair amount of time with her. She's powerful, yes, but curious and inquisitive and just, really special." Nick's phone goes off and he nods to Trubel to answer it.
"Hey Wu, you're on speaker in the car," she says and holds up the phone so they can all hear.
"Hey Trubel, it's good to hear your voice. Ok, here's what I've got," Wu's voice comes through the speaker. "Nick said he thought Adalind's direction was in a northwest direction, which would translate to be the area of North Plains, so I searched through property in the area and there's a gated compound that has been rented to a corporation that has links with GQR Industries, which we know is part of the Royal family's portfolio."
"What's the address?" Nick asks.
"It's outside of our jurisdiction," he clarifies and Nick shrugs as he indicates for the next turn on their drive.
"I don't care," he states. "The address, Wu."
"422 Mountain Estate Drive," Wu replies instantly. "There's only one road in, about a mile off the highway."
"Can you gather any information about the place you can find, like house specs and any photos of the area," Nick requests.
"On it," Wu replies. "There's a thicket of trees, about half a mile down from the turn off, where we can meet."
"Wu-" Nick starts, aware this not the usual process they follow. There's no procedure here, this isn't a police case or even close. This is personal.
"I'll get Hank and we'll meet you there," Wu states and the line goes dead. Trubel nods and then turns to Monroe behind her as he shuffles and retrieves his own phone from his pocket.
"I'll check in with Rosalee and let her know the plan," he says and quickly brings his own phone to his ear. The conversation is quick, trading information on how Rosalee and Henrietta are, the Hexenbiest already awake and feeling very angry at what happened, as Monroe then shares their plan for what they are doing next.
"They want to help," Monroe states but Nick shakes his head. "Nick."
"I know but we might need them later," he says. "If we don't find them now then Henrietta is our best chance to do so, and with another way, she can use magic to track them down. She needs to rest and be ready for if we have to make that call." Monroe relays that information and Nick can vaguely hear the response on the other end of the line.
"Alright, they're going to prep some potions and elixirs that might be helpful as well," Monroe states and Nick tries not to think of why they might need that healing tonic of Henrietta's that she's given to them before.
"I love you, I'll keep in touch," he ends the call and Nick focuses back on the road, and not the fact he's taking his friends into danger.
His senses prickle and he feels panic and pain and fear and anger flicker through him and it centres him. They're not the only ones in danger, right now three others are in a far worse position and he won't stop until they are safe again.
The turn off comes up and they reach what he thinks is the place Wu mentioned. It's galling, having to stop and wait, when everything in him says to press forward and go, now. But the plan makes sense and the more of them there is, the better chance they have against the force of the Verrat, who he knows from past experiences don't travel in small groups.
Trubel and Monroe talk quietly, going over information on Wesen, weapons and fight tactics. Nick listens with part of his attention, studying the road around them for anyone else as he also keeps his senses keen for Adalind and their connection. She's still there, closer now and he knows they've come to the right place.
Headlights join them and Nick studies the car before recognising Hank's vehicle. They all get out and quickly meet at the land cruisers trunk, Nick opening the back door to show what he's brought as Wu produces satellite imagery print outs. Compound is the right word to use to describe this place they're aiming to invade, as the building they're going to approach is more than just a house, grand in size as well as design, but it is isolated and they study the photo for all angles they can use.
"How are we doing this?" Wu asks.
"Leave the cars here. We walk and make no noise." Nick instructs and they all nod.
"Could I bring a shot gun? Just in case?" Wu asks and Hank shrugs as Nick considers it with a frown. They want a quiet approach, and then to stay as inaudible and blend in as much as possible. A shot gun would definitely gain attention but it's also a good weapon for those at a disadvantage against opponents. Hank catches his eye and seems to understand what he's thinking.
"You never know," he points out and Nick thinks of his previous thoughts, the danger he's bringing everyone into but especially his Kehresite friends who are going up against experienced, and deadly, Wesen.
"Bring it." He states as he turns towards the weapon stash in his car. Nick grabs the Kanabo as Trubel quickly gathers all the bladed weapons and Monroe watches as Hank and Wu check bullet chambers and re-fills. Nick checks his own gun then doesn't hesitate to throw his badge into his car boot and the other two officers copy him. Wu pulls out an impressive looking shot gun from Hank's car that Trubel gives a look of appreciation.
"Let's go then," Wu says as they all share a look.
"Wait," Nick murmurs as they hover around the back of the car. Something is itching, a sense inside that wants acknowledgement, that something isn't right and he closes his eyes to concentrate. He can feel Adalind right away, that steady thrum of connection and magic, right there, close yet also far away, but it's the others on his periphery that call to him now. It's different, almost like it's spread thin, too thin, and he opens his eyes with a gasp. "They've been split up!"
"What?"
"They've not together any more, I can just about sense it. My mom and Diana, they're weaker, like they're further away." The others stare at him but Nick can barely look at them, eyes darting around their faces but his mind trying to focus on others that aren't here. Panic starts to swell as he realises that he can't be in three places at once, he can't go after them all. "I can't tell, I can't say where to go, I can't get to them!"
"Nick!" Monroe steps right into his face and forces him to look only at him. "You're not here alone. We can help. I can scent Diana, I'll find her. You go after Adalind; you can sense her the strongest. Then we'll concentrate on finding your mom."
"We'll find them, Nick," Wu adds in and this time as he glances around, he does take in their faces. All are serious, focused and set in determination, to help him and those he cares about.
"Here's a plan," Hank starts. "We split up, two teams, spread our approach, one for front and one for the back. I'll stay with Nick, Wu and Trubel, go with Monroe, that way we all have familiar people in each group so we don't get attacked ourselves when trying to rescue anyone. Kelly is a Grimm and Adalind and Diana are both Hexenbiests. We have to be aware that just because we're here to help them, doesn't mean that'll be their first thought as someone comes through the door."
"One of them is just a child," Trubel points out and Monroe scoffs.
"Not just any child," he corrects. "Super-powered, remember?" Trubel nods, their earlier conversation coming back, and Nick wants to shout that that's not all what or who Diana is. She's so much more than her powers, or her bloodline, but he doesn't have time to deal with that. Get her back, get them all back first. He does turn to the younger Grimm, though, as he realises, she's the person most unfamiliar to those they are about to rescue.
"Diana looks to be around three years old, has blonde hair and blue eyes. She calls me 'My Nick' and her favourite story we read together is called 'Room on the Broom' and she likes the part where you tell the dragon to 'buzz off'. That's a code word between us, for Diana to tell us she was uncomfortable around people she would say 'buzz' so maybe mention that. And she calls Adalind mama and my mom Nana Kelly," Nick explains quickly and watches as Trubel's face softens as he talks. "Adalind will be focused on getting Diana back, so tell her that my loft is safe and that's where we want to be. Tell her your part of my family and that I want them all home safe so we can read with Diana again. And my mom, tell her you're a Grimm and that I've shown you the trailer. Aunt Marie's trailer. That we've trained there. She should know you from that and what I've told her before." She studies him hard before placing a hand on his shoulder and giving a quick squeeze.
"We'll find them, Nick," she promises and her voice is soft with reassurance but with a steel undertone, that implies she'll get this done whatever way she has to.
"Ok, Trubel with Monroe and Wu, you're going round the back and up through the gardens. Nick and I will take the front, going through the side door." Hank directs as they finish arming themselves, taking last looks at the satellite pictures Wu brought.
"Most of the Wesen in there will be Hundjagers," Nick adds in. "They're fast and deadly and won't stop for conversation, so take them down before they get to you. We didn't come here as cops, so those rules are out. This is Grimm business."
"Hang on, everybody, get your phones out," Wu instructs suddenly and they all pull their devices out. "All with Apple? Good, go into setting and then into sounds and vibrations, then Create New Vibration. Copy what I do and feel the pattern. All got it? Good, then set that into group call log, with all of our contact information. Add in anyone you don't have. Now we can feel that vibration pattern and know it's one of us calling, so needs to be answered."
"Nice," Trubel grins and shares her number, the only one of them who already had it being Nick. Wu nods as they put their phones back away and rearrange their chosen weapons.
"Before we go, I just want to say thank you for being here and doing this," Nick says, his emotions rumbling through him again. He's itchy with the need to move, to get in there and get them out, to kill anyone who stands in his way or, God forbid, has hurt them. But he's also alert, trying to be cautious and cool-headed, as his detective side urges to make a plan to make sure this goes the way he wants it to, that they all get out safely and unharmed. And then thankful, so thankful, he has friends like this who would walk into a situation that is going to be dangerous, all on his word and for people he cares about. "And please stay safe, all of you."
"Let's go get your family back," Monroe states and with a nod he, Trubel and Wu peel off and begin walking away. Nick turns to Hank and they share a look before moving themselves but Hank puts a hand on his shoulder to halt him.
"You sure about this?" He asks quietly. "I'm here for you, partner, but I have to ask; are you sure about them and her?"
"That's my family in there, Hank, and I'm not stopping until I get them back," he states, eyes fixed on the other man's face. He sees Hank's shoulders go down, as if he's accepting something, and he nods.
"Then let's go get them."
-G-
He and Hank jog forward, trying to move fast while keeping noise to a minimum. It's slow progress, and feels like it's taking too long, but if they blow a quiet approach, it will be so much harder to get close and then inside. Keeping to the tree line as much as possible as they move along the driveway and are soon coming up to the front visage of the house. They pause and talk quietly, coming up with a plan to try to get some information from whoever they come across first, but acknowledging that it might not be possible. Light blazes from every window and he can see no direct, shadow filled, route to get to either front or side door. There are cars parked to the side, two blacked out vans and two more, stately sedans, and he considers them before prodding Hank and indicating the path he thinks they should take with hand gestures.
They creep forward, eyes on windows to gain any glimpse of who is inside but reach the side door without seeing anyone. Reaching forward Nick tries the handle and is surprised when it moves easily, indicating it's unlocked. He shares a glance with Hank before the older detective draws his gun and Nick grips the Kanabo as they ease the door open and he tilts his head, using his enhanced hearing to hear if anyone is in the immediate vicinity. With a shake of his head to Hank, telling his partner there's no one inside, they glance inside to confirm before pushing the door further apart for them both to move through.
They're in what looks like a mud room, empty other than themselves and Nick softly closes the door as they move through the room and pause at the next entryway. Again, the door is eased open a small gap, so Nick can focus and this time he does hear the sounds of movement and murmurs of voices of others ahead of them. Two fingers, for the two he can hear, raised and Hank nods as they position themselves either side of the door. More hand motions and Nick goes first out the door as Hank follows him.
The element of surprise is with them, neither of the suited guards able to do much more than widen their eyes as they burst into motion, Nick bringing down the butt of the Kanabo to knock one into the path of Hank's fist while kicking out and then pressing down on the windpipe of the other under his heel. The man Woges but Nick pushes his foot down harder and it quickly retracts as hands come up to grasp at the blockage of air. Nick switches his foot for the Kanabo and drops to one knee, using the studded bat to apply more pressure.
"Did you take a girl, her mother and a Grimm earlier today?" He growls out and sees the man's eyes widen once more. "Where are they?" He shakes his head and Nick presses down harder, the man's own movements causing the studs to bite deeper into his skin. "You can answer my questions and die quickly or I can really drag this out," Nick warns. The man gasps and he ease the pressure of the bat up slightly. "Where are they?" He repeats.
"In … main house," comes the gasping reply. "Not … together. Girl … separated."
"Who's in command here?" Hank asks.
"Prince … Kenneth. The … King … due here …too." Nick jerks at that, the Kanabo slicing through skin and the man wheezes in pain. He reaches forward and grips hair just above the forehead, shifting the bat so he can slam the man's head back and knock him out.
"The king's here?" Hank whispers and Nick frowns.
"I think that means they're feeling confident," he replies. "They think they have her and are ready to show her off to him." He catches Hank's eyes and purses his lips. "They're going to be disappointed."
"Let's go," Hank nods and they shove the bodies to the side and move to the next doorway.
It's opened as they reach it, a body rushing through and both sides are taken aback before a yell is let out and their element of surprise is gone. The Woge reveals Hundjager and Nick meets him head on as Hank ducks to the side, gun coming up as more bodies pile into the room.
"It's the Grimm!"
"Call for squad four! Get them here!" Is called out but Nick doesn't pause, meeting the rush and settling in to the confrontation in front of him.
The space around them reverts to just sound and movement, growls and bangs, fists swung and guns with kick-back. He keeps track of where Hank is but otherwise, Nick sinks into the fight, glad for an outlet to his bubbling emotions. He takes the body blows and deals them right back, keeping his movements simple but deadly. He wants them down and to stay down.
They move through the rooms, meeting pockets of resistance as they go but gaining no further insight into where their quarries are. Nick tries to get a sense of Adalind, but can't settle enough to focus, and feels his own emotions wobble and surge when he realises, he's not felt anything from her in a while.
The cold skitters through him and he lets it build, fully prepared to sink inside and let that part of himself take over when a glance at a side room brings everything to a screeching halt. Familiar blonde hair is spread over the ground, mixed with the bright red of freshly spilt blood.
Adalind.
-G-
Tunnel vision hits him. The sounds of fighting were all around him but all he could see was her. Her body, on the ground and so still. Motionless and with so much blood.
A body rushes him and he lets instinct take over. Step to the side, arm out, twist and thrust and said body is going down, neck broken. He runs to her, trusting that Hank has got his back and will watch out.
"Adalind!" She's so still, he can see no movement and hear no sign of life, breathing or heartbeat. There's nothing. "Adalind!" His hand grasps hers and its limp, worst still there's no spark, nothing as they touch, no hint of their usual connection or magic.
"No!" He tilts her head back and pinches her nose then seals his mouth over hers, breathing into her. Raising his head, he checks and seeing no movement repeats the action. Linking his hands together he starts to count as he pumps, pressing her chest down to get some reaction, get her heart beating again.
"Please," he murmurs as he moves and he imagines that spark that exists between them, the magic building inside him and then flowing into her, giving her life. Bringing her back to him. His hands warm. Behind him he hears the sounds of gun shots but he can't stop. There might be a fight happening around them but this is where he's needed, this is the battle he can't lose.
He angles her neck back as he breathes into her again and checks for any progress before sealing his mouth over hers once more. There's no change so he does it all again, pumping with his fists over her chest, looking and feeling for any indication of life and then leaning down to push his breath into her, willing it to work. For a sign that she's back with him.
And then he feels it, a hiccup, a gasp, a huff of air. He draws back as Adalind coughs in his arms and the relief that sweeps over him would send him to his knees if he were standing.
"Adalind." She doesn't react, makes no other movement. He checks her pulse and it's there, weak but steady and watches as her chest shakily rises with her inhaled breath. Nick can't help but hug her close, hold her as he feels the movements of life in her body and exhale as the terror of the last few moments breaks over him. She's not ok, she's been hurt, pretty seriously, but she's alive.
"She ok?" Hank asks and Nick looks up to see his partner, gun drawn and on guard over the both of them.
"She's alive," he states because that's what matters right now.
"We need to get her out of here," Hank says, eyes sweeping over her obviously injured body, and Nick nods his agreement, as he too takes in her tattered and bloody appearance. He takes care as he prepares to carry her, sliding his arms under her body to lift her up and trying not to aggravate the wounds he can see at her shoulder and side. He holds her close, even as some part of him is restless with the weight of her body, the task of retreating rather than hunting down those who hurt her. But that will come, right now her safety is more important. And if he's going to trust anyone to fight for him, well Hank is definitely on that list.
They move quickly, most of the people they meet already dead on the floor. Any others are shot and left to join their comrades on the ground. The house is still lit up and so navigating through it is easy, finding one of the cars out front with keys in the ignition a lucky move.
"Here," Hank says as he opens the back door, "we can drive to your car in this then get her to hospital."
"We just need to get her to hospital," he replies, uncaring about the details of how it happens.
He places Adalind gently on the back seat, trying not to jostle her. His hands come away covered in her blood, too much blood, and he pushes down panic at the sight. Swinging his jacket off, he covers her with it, tucking it in close to her sides, knowing it's not enough but hoping it will help. He goes to sit next to her but stops when he hears tyres on the road. He straightens and closes the door.
"We've got company coming," he barks at Hank and they both move into ready stances, arms up to aim their guns as the van speeds into view. It's the same make and model as the parked ones they saw on their way in and Nick recalls hearing a call for back-up, his mind shifting quickly to the conclusion these are more Verrat.
He doesn't wait for it to stop, shooting at the driver and other body in the front seat as soon as they're in range. Both collapse, falling out of view, and the van veers wildly to the side, crashing into the low stone wall.
The back doors burst open and bodies jump out as gun fire comes their way. Nick ducks behind the trunk while Hank takes refuge the other side and Nick really doesn't want them to be shooting in this direction, not at either of them but especially not with Adalind in the car and in harm's way. He has to protect her.
Anger bubbles beneath his skin and he feels his heartrate slow. He lets the feeling build, ready to sink into that darker part of himself. The cold pools in his veins. Time seems to slow as he takes in all the movement around him, Hank breathing heavily as he reloads his gun, the guards stepping closer as they continue to shoot, the bullets in the air and the sound of impact on the front of the car. Then there's a moment where it stops, silence reigns and the air stills, the guards take a breath, go to change their aim and Nick explodes into action.
He's at the first guard's side in two steps, never mind he was several feet away just a moment ago. Grab and twist and he's dead before he hits the ground. Second gets a rotation of his gun arm, the bone snapping and a brutal jab to the face that sends his nose into his brain and he's dead too. He drops down as the tat-tat-tat of gunfire comes his way, rolling into the legs of one and swiping out at another. Both fall and he grabs the hair of one to smash the head back into the ground while kicking out to distract the other. Repeat the smash and their brains spill out onto the ground below them. Another roll and he's on top and watches as the face beneath him gurgles for breath as his squeezes the life out of him.
A shot rings out and Nick looks up, sound and movement coming rushing back to him to see Hank standing behind him, gun raised and the last guard falls.
"Whoa," Hank gasps and Nick stares around at the scene he's just created, bodies and blood covering the ground, before jolting and rushing back to the car.
"We have to go now!" Nick slides into the back of the car as Hank takes his customary place behind the wheel.
"What about the others?" Hank asks and Nick feels a stab of emotion as he realises his focus on Adalind had made him forget about the others. He pulls out his phone and dials Wu as his other hand clasps Adalind's wrists, fingers checking on the presence of her heartbeat, thrumming in her veins, but feeling slow and sluggish.
"Nick?" Wu's hushed voice answers the call.
"We've got Adalind," he says, keeping his own voice quiet. "She's hurt, really bad. We have to get her to a hospital, now."
"Oh no, tell us which hospital you end up at," Wu says, voice deep with concern.
"Where are you?"
"Monroe and Trubel went after Diana and your mom," Wu replies. "Monroe scented them together so he followed that. I'm clearing the house now." Again, Nick feels torn. He wants to stay with Adalind, wants to get her to a hospital and the care she needs, but also stay here, on the hunt, for the two others that are still out of his sight and, potentially, still in danger.
"I can-"
"Get Adalind to hospital, Nick," Wu interrupts. "Get her the medical help she needs and stay with her, we'll keep in touch and let you know any changes." The phone line goes dead and Nick exhales. The theme of the last few hours of his life seems to be his wanting, needing, to be in two places at once. He can't do that. He has to trust his friends and right now, he needs to get Adalind to the healthcare professionals that will help her. She's alive but weak, her injuries serious and life threatening.
"Hank, drive us to the nearest hospital," he instructs and the car starts instantly. He lurches as the car moves forward and secures Adalind closer to him and into the seat, trying to keep any jostling or movements minimal.
She stirs in his arms and he strokes her face as gently as he can, aware of her injuries.
"Adalind," he breathes out and her eyes flutter.
"Nick?" She feebly asks, eyes opening but seemingly not taking anything in, not really moving or focusing on anything.
"I'm here, I've got you." He states.
"Diana," she murmurs, eye flickering but still unfocused.
"Monroe is on it," he replies, cringing inside that he can't give her a better answer, and she nods before flinching in pain. "Try not to move."
"Nick," she whispers. "Please, take care of her." Her words are slow but the plea in them is clear and it sends a jolt of worry right to his heart. If she's talking like that then she feels …
"Don't talk like that," he snaps, fear making his voice sharp. "We're on the way to the hospital, now, just hold on."
"Please," she breathes out. "Please, promise me …" Her words are cut off as she coughs, leaving her wheezing and her whole-body trembling. He takes one of her hands and links it with his own, the spark of magic humming between them but feeling off, weak compared to its usual vibrancy and power. "Listen, I have to tell you … have to say how I …"
"Adalind," he interrupts softly. "Not like this. You have to fight, for Diana and me, for our family." She blinks and he has one moment where he knows she's looking at him and seeing him, her eyes bright and connected with his, before her eyes roll up and she exhales heavily, flopping back into his arms. "Adalind!" She's unresponsive again and he curses. "Hank, drive faster!"
-G-
The drive is a blur, twisting motions and speed increasing as he holds tight to the woman in his arms, her breath too shallow and her heartbeat too slow. Glimmer of emotions and feeling come from far away but his main focus is on her, wrapping her injuries and trying to keep her with him until they get to the help they desperately need.
Arriving at the hospital introduces more blurs, people and lights and movement, sounds and garbled words. Phrases jump out at him, severe blood loss, gunshot wound with no exit, possible head trauma, and bodies crowd around the gurney he lays her on. Then she's gone, out of his arms and away to where he can't follow and he's left waiting in a lifeless, cold room, hoping with everything in him that she heard him and is fighting.
Time passes, or slows, or speeds, he can no longer tell. People move around him but he has no interest in them, barely able to take in what Hank says as he gives him an update. He should care but he feels tunnelled in, alone in this dark space that has left him feeling everything and yet nothing, in a daze and covered in Adalind's blood.
Hank stands as he collapses into a chair, closing his eyes as memories flash behind his eyes. Her face, once covered in a mocking sneer, but more recently, and more often, in soft smiles and caring eyes. Looking at her daughter, looking at him. Hesitant touch that turned more confident, comfort offered that transitioned to passion and pleasure. Moments of family and then moments together. Right now, he can't imagine his life without her, doesn't want to. He wants her, and Diana and his mother. He wants his family, the one that they have formed from shared understanding of past familial trauma and new experiences gained, along with a magical connection and that beautiful little girl, and he's not done fighting for them yet.
"My Nick!" He shoots to his feet, gaze swinging wildly as the familiar voice echoes around the room he's in and then a small blonde is launching herself into his arms and he feels he can take a deep, cleansing breath for the first time in hours.
"Diana," he murmurs and crushes her close in a hug before pulling back to see her. "Are you ok? Did you get hurt? How do you feel?" He takes in her face, pale and tired, and scans over her body, that has some blood stains but otherwise seeming to be unharmed. She's dirty and hair tussled, in clothes he doesn't recognise, but she clings to him with reassuring strength in her arms.
"My Nick," she hums, eyes teary, and buries her head in his chest and Nick hugs her closer. He sees movement behind where they stand and sees Trubel, herself scruffy and bloodied, as she steps closer.
"Nick," she says and her voice is low. It sends a flash of fear and pain down his spine and ice clutches his heart. That's not a 'tell someone good news' voice.
"Where's Monroe? Where's my mom?" He asks, noting both of their absences.
"They're here," she replies slowly. "They both got hurt. Pretty seriously. Nick, they're not sure … your mom … she might not make it." Trubel stumbles over the words and Nick instinctively holds Diana closer as the young girl hiccups with a cry in his arms and shock takes over.
"What the hell happened?!"
-G-
AN – Please be kind, I know what some of you think about cliff hangers. Oh, and reviews and comments may make the next chapter appear faster, just saying ...
And for anyone wondering, the thing with iPhones and custom vibration calls in groups is real, friends have done it at festivals before (I let them down as I don't have an apple device, lol).