[COLOR=DARKGRAY][CENTER][COLOR=8ECDB7][sup]__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________[/sup][/COLOR][img]https://i.imgur.com/PU6Oqag.jpeg[/img][/CENTER][indent][sub][COLOR=8ECDB7][B]Location:[/B][/COLOR] [I]Academic Quadrangle → Infirmary[/I] - [I]Pacific Royal Campus[/I][/sub][sup][right][COLOR=8ECDB7][b]Take On Me #3.019:[/b][/COLOR] [I]All Falls Down[/I][/right][/sup][/indent][center][COLOR=8ECDB7][SUP][sub]________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________[/sub][/SUP][/COLOR][/center][indent][sub][color=8ECDB7][B]Interaction(s):[/B][/COLOR] [I] There are a ton of characters in here and they’re all played by [@Lord Wraith][/I][/sub][SUP][RIGHT][COLOR=8ECDB7][b]Previously:[/b][/COLOR] [COLOR=darkGRAY][I]Every Rose Has Its Thorn[/I][/color][/right][/SUP][/indent][/color]
[indent][color=#808080]After dropping Ripley off in the East Wing of the Quadrangle, Aurora continued on to her own class in the West Wing, keeping her head down and remaining focused on just getting through the day. [/color]

[color=#808080]The redhead liked school, in fact, she was good at it. She applied herself, had a good work ethic that lended itself well to studying and test taking. By no means was she an overachiever, but she’d maintained an impressive grade point average since arriving at PRCU, especially considering she didn’t attend a traditional school until getting placed in the foster system. Before then, her mother taught her what she could, and the rest, Aurora read in whatever books she could get her hands on.[/color]

[color=#808080]Walking into the assigned classroom, she took her seat in the back next to the window. Normally, she preferred to sit somewhere in the middle, at least somewhat towards the front, but today, she was attempting to remain inconspicuous. Aurora had been looking forward to the subject matter of this course, the Psychology of Language, but wasn’t exactly thrilled about the faculty. It was taught by the Dean of the Language & Linguistics department, Dr. Theron Demetrios, who didn’t exactly have the best reviews. Although he was a respected professor, demeanor wise he was often cited as aloof and cold. What also didn’t help was that he was notoriously a harsh grader. [/color]

[color=#808080]The seats quickly filled in with other students from her major as well as the Language department, and shortly thereafter Dr. Demetrios entered the room, placing his briefcase on the desk at the front. He didn’t waste any time and started his lecture, beginning with describing the overall course structure, but Aurora [/color][color=#808080]tuned[/color][color=#808080] him out almost instantly. She thought she could do this, that getting back to normalcy and a schedule would be good for her, but that notion was quickly proving to be false.[/color]

[color=#ffffff]“Ms. Mitchell,”[/color][color=#808080] Dr. Demetrios’ voice calling her name broke through the static in her ears, [/color][color=#ffffff]“Although the University may no longer have a dress code in place, I’d advise you to lower your hood while in my class, it’s disrespectful.”[/color]

[color=#808080]All eyes darted in her direction, her peers turning around in their chairs and craning their necks to see what the fuss was about and Aurora froze. Hesitantly, she removed the hood of her sweatshirt, ruffling her copper hair in the process, putting her injuries from the trial on full display. Dr. Demetrios’ eyes went wide, realizing his error after putting two and two together. But it was too late to take it back, so he swallowed his tongue and simply continued going through the syllabus.[/color]

[color=#808080]About fifteen minutes in, an unexpected knock on the door interrupted class. [/color]

[color=#ffffff]“Theron,”[/color][color=#808080] Jim O’Neil’s voice echoed through the classroom before he stepped through the door frame. [/color][color=#ffffff]“Could y’all step outside with me for a moment.”[/color][color=#808080] A hush fell over the room, followed by an ‘Ooh’ muttered in a chorus as the class wrongly assumed Jim had been called to speak to Demetrios about his treatment of Aurora.[/color]

[color=#808080]After what felt like the longest agonizing minutes of her life, Aurora looked up to see her teacher re-enter the classroom.[/color]

[color=#ffffff]“Ms. Mitchell, if you could please gather your belongings and step outside, the Chancellor needs to have a word with you.”[/color]

[color=#808080]Her thoughts raced, and Aurora prepared to go on the defensive, but hesitated as she saw nothing but sympathy and compassion on Jim’s face when she emerged into the hallway.[/color]

[color=#ffffff]“It’d be best if we walk and talk,”[/color][color=#808080] He stated, extending a hand towards Aurora, [/color][color=#ffffff]“I can carry that for y’all if you’d like?”[/color][color=#808080] He offered before steering Aurora towards the infirmary.[/color]

[color=#ffffff]“There's no easy way to say this Miss Mitchell, but young Mr. Roth was attacked and found unconscious in the Northern Forest. He’s been transported to the infirmary and is receiving care while under the watchful eyes of his parents, but they and I both felt it was important y’all were not only notified but brought to see him right away.”[/color]

[color=#808080]Aurora instantly felt like the wind had been knocked out of her lungs.[/color]

[color=#ffffff][i]Mr. Roth was attacked[/i][/color]

[color=#808080]It was almost as if she’d been punched in the gut, Jim’s words causing a visceral reaction. [/color]

[color=#ffffff][i]Found unconscious[/i][/color]

[color=#808080]She sputtered, stuttered, trying to find any words at all. [/color][color=#8ecdb7]“W-What? What do you mean he was attacked?” [/color][color=#808080]The redhead stopped dead in her tracks, her face paling. As her brain worked overtime to decipher the other things Jim had said while she still attempted to process the news, she began to spiral. [/color][color=#8ecdb7]“He’s going to be okay right?” [/color][color=#808080]She searched Jim’s eyes and could tell that there was more he wasn’t telling her yet, could see how bad things must have been to warrant this kind of response.[/color]

[color=#8ecdb7]“Right?” [/color]

[color=#ffffff]“Miss Mitchell, it’s in both of our best interests not to lie to y’all and currently they don't know what attacked, let alone what has rendered him unconscious. He’s quarantined for the time being along with those who brought him in. But we don't have a lot of answers at the moment.” [/color][color=#808080]Jim replied, [/color][color=#ffffff]“I assure you, he’s getting the best care we can provide and if there was better care anywhere in the world I’d be calling in every favour I had to to get it to him.”[/color]

[color=#808080]He straightened the Stetson upon his head. [/color]

[color=#ffffff]“I do solemnly hope he’ll pull through this, but that's not a question I am able to answer at this time.”[/color]

[color=#808080]Aurora’s mind was going a mile a minute, her pulse beginning to race faster with each word Jim spoke to her. The more he described, the worse it got, and nothing the Chancellor was saying lessened her panic. [/color]

[color=#808080]She had to get to Lorcán. She needed to see him. [/color]

[color=#808080]The redhead closed her eyes and willed herself to move, sensing outward for that familiar tug and pull that would bring her where she wanted to go. But everything was noise, her thoughts steeped in pure anxiety and fear, and her head still recovering from the concussion. She attempted to teleport, but reappeared only a few feet in front of Jim, gasping for air as if she was caught underneath a rip current. [/color]

[color=#8ecdb7]“I need to go, I have to-”  [/color]

[color=#808080]Jim gently gripped Aurora by the arm, steadying the girl as he did so before helping to support her.[/color]

[color=#ffffff]“Last thing Mr. Roth needs is for y’all to over exert yourself and end up in a bed a whole wing away from him. So why don't we forget the powers, and walk together.”[/color][color=#808080] Jim suggested firmly,[/color]

[color=#ffffff]“Briskly, I might add.”[/color]

[color=#ffe599]“‘Rora!”[/color][color=#808080] A voice called before a petite brunette started running towards the copper-haired girl, [/color][color=#ffe599]“Come quickly! It’s Leo, he’s-”[/color][color=#808080] Ripley froze upon seeing Jim.[/color]

[color=#ffffff]“Ah, Miss Jones,”[/color][color=#808080] He smiled softly, [/color][color=#ffffff]“I was bringing Miss Mitchell to your Auntie and Uncle. Could y’all do me the favour and escort her the rest of the way? Prompt like.” [/color][color=#808080]Jim asked Ripley, [/color][color=#ffffff]“I need to go and have a word with the infirmary and ensure we’re all on the same page that visitors, outside of Miss Mitchell here, aren’t allowed due to the nature of your cousin’s case.”[/color]

[color=#ffe599]“Sir, yes, Sir!”[/color][color=#808080] Ripley saluted smartly before grabbing Aurora’s hand, [/color][color=#ffe599]“We need to hurry! Leo [/color][i][color=#ffe599]has[/color][/i][color=#ffe599] to wake up if you’re there!”[/color]

[color=#808080]The pair rushed to the infirmary, and if Ripley hadn’t been tugging her along, Aurora would surely have drifted out to sea. The younger girl talked nearly the whole way, but the older of the two couldn’t hear over the loud ringing in her ears. How could this have happened? The Northern Forest? Lorcán [/color][color=#808080][i]never[/i][/color][color=#808080] ventured to that side of the Island… at least he never had before. [/color]

[color=#808080]Bright white hallways greeted them as they entered the medical wing and Aurora winced, the fluorescents reminiscent of where Blackjack had found themselves the other day. A metallic taste hit her tongue and it was only then she realized she had been gnawing at the inside of her cheek anxiously. Ripley pulled her towards a row of chairs where Lorcan’s mother and father were seated. [/color]

[color=#808080]Still in a state of shock, Aurora heard the words leave her mouth before realizing she was saying them. [/color][color=#8ecdb7]“Mr. and Mrs. Roth, I-” [/color][color=#808080]She exhaled audibly, eyes darting around, searching, [/color][color=#8ecdb7]“Where is he?”[/color]

[color=#a64d79]“He’s quarantined right now,”[/color][color=#808080] Victoria answered, placing an immaculately manicured hand on Aurora’s. [/color][color=#a64d79]“But you can see him through the glass on the other side of the hallway, and please Aurora, call me Tori.”[/color]

[color=#ef5e49]“And Aiden will be just fine for me,”[/color][color=#808080] Lorcán’s father replied, gesturing with an open arm for Aurora to follow. [/color][color=#ef5e49]“Here, we can take a look over here.” [/color][color=#808080]He prompted.[/color]

[color=#808080]The redhead peered through the window. [/color]

[color=#808080]Lorcán lay motionless yet chaos swarmed around him. Medics circled like hawks, examining the gruesome wound on his arm and administering aid. His chest fought to rise and fall, and Aurora almost could hear the heaving breaths he struggled to take through the glass. Bile rose in the back of her throat as she fought off the immediate nausea that came over her, growing lightheaded at the sight of him in such distress. Dampness hit her cheeks, and it took her a minute to realize a few stray tears had fallen. [/color]

[color=#808080]She sucked in a breath, quickly wiping her eyes on the sleeve of the sweatshirt she wore - [/color][i][color=#808080]Lorcán’s [/color][/i][color=#808080]sweatshirt. It still smelled like him even amongst the antiseptic that coated the halls of the infirmary, citrus and smoke flooding her senses. The redhead tore her gaze away from him, looking back at Tori and Aiden and taking in their solemn expressions. [/color]

[color=#a64d79]“Come, sweetheart,”[/color][color=#808080] Tori beckoned, [/color][color=#a64d79]“Sit here with Ripley and I.”[/color]

[color=#808080]Aurora’s feet moved back towards the chairs, even though she felt completely and utterly numb, taking a seat beside Lorcán’s mother. Ripley’s hand reached out and met hers, and she vaguely felt pressure as the younger girl gripped her palm. [/color]

[color=#ffe599]“How did Leo get attacked again?”[/color]

[color=#ef5e49]“All we know is that he was in the North Forest, two students from Firebird brought him in, said they found him in a clearing with Rothschild and his arm was already scratched.” [/color][color=#808080]Aiden explained, the wheels beginning to turn in Aurora’s head as she thought about who possibly could have been the ones to find him. [/color]

[color=#a64d79]“Wait,”[/color][color=#808080] Tori interjected, raising her face from between her hands. [/color][color=#a64d79]“Why would Lorcán venture into the North Forest?“[/color][color=#808080] She asked, her eyes darting between them, [/color][color=#a64d79]“He doesn’t surf on that side of the island.”[/color]

[color=#808080]The redhead shook her head, in agreement with the older woman, finding her voice once more. [/color][color=#8ecdb7]“No, he doesn’t, and as far as I know he never has.” [/color]

[color=#808080]As Aiden, Tori, and Ripley discussed, Aurora racked her brain for anything she could think of that could explain why he’d been there. [/color]

[color=#ffe599]“It was the weirdest thing, Uncle Aiden,” [/color][color=#808080]Ripley piped up,[/color][color=#ffe599] “I was talking to Leo on the phone and there was just this terrible noise as the call was cut. I could hear Rothschild in the background growling,” [/color][color=#808080]Ripley persisted,[/color][color=#ffe599] “I just feel like those girls aren’t telling you something-”[/color]

[color=#ffffff]“Mr. and Mrs. Roth?”[/color][color=#808080] The medic interrupted, entering the hallway from the room where they were tending to Lorcán.[/color]

[color=#a64d79]“Can we see our son, doctor?”[/color][color=#808080] Tori rose from her seat, Aurora’s eyes not leaving the woman’s frame.[/color]

[color=#ffffff]“Yes, you can go in and wait with him, we’re getting him transferred to a private room now that we’re sure he’s not contagious.”[/color][color=#808080] The medic answered, [/color][color=#ffffff]“Once he’s there, he’ll be allowed family and relatives during regular hours, immediate family and caretakers overnight”[/color]

[color=#ef5e49]“Is he going to be alright?”[/color][color=#808080] Aiden asked. [/color]

[color=#808080]The medic looked up at Lorcán’s father, a heavy exhale preceding the reply, which Aurora could only assume meant that this wasn’t going to be good news. [/color]

[color=#ffffff]“It’s still too soon to answer that. This infection, it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen and as far as our resources go, it’s unlike any one on this Earth has ever seen.” [/color][color=#808080]The medic let out another sigh, [/color][color=#ffffff]“I know it’s going to sound unprofessional, Sir, but given my experience, it’s very possible it’s not from this world.”[/color]

[color=#808080]The redhead’s baby blue eyes went wide. [/color]

[color=#808080]Not from this world? How was that even possible?[/color]

[color=#808080]She couldn’t hear the rest of the conversation that the medic had with Tori and Aiden for her heartbeat began to pound in her ears, a buzzing sound overtaking everything. Jim had said Lorcán was getting the best care possible, but if they didn’t even know what was wrong with him…[/color]

[color=#808080]There was a very slim chance that he was walking out of here.[/color]

[color=#ffffff]“Then we’ll just have to hope the tests turn something up.”[/color][color=#808080] The medic offered a sympathetic smile. [/color][color=#ffffff]“If you’ll follow me, we’ll take him to his new room.”[/color]

[color=#808080]Lorcán’s parents quickly disappeared down the hallway and into the room where the boy was being held, and with them gone, Aurora found herself going back and thinking through everything that had been discussed. She was still wrapping her head around it all, but a comment that the younger girl said previously stuck out to her, and Aurora looked at Ripley, eyebrows raised. [/color][color=#8ecdb7]“Wait, when did you talk to him on the phone? Before or after you saw me?”[/color]

[color=#ffe599]“Right after,”[/color][color=#808080] Ripley smirked, breaking her gaze away from the hall her Aunt and Uncle had gone down. [/color][color=#ffe599]“I told him to take the board wax out of his water logged ears and listen to me or he’d end up watching you dance with someone else.”[/color][color=#808080] She smiled sadly, [/color][color=#ffe599]“But the call dropped and then this happened,”[/color][color=#808080] She sniffled.[/color]

[color=#ffe599]“Do you think he got hurt because I distracted him?”[/color]

[color=#8ecdb7]“Oh, Ripley,” [/color][color=#808080]The redhead knelt down to the petite brunette’s level, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder and rubbing it soothingly. [/color][color=#8ecdb7]“No, honey. This isn’t your fault.” [/color][color=#808080]She reassured, looking into her sad blue-green eyes. With Cass not present yet, and Lorcán’s parents having been whisked away, Aurora swallowed her own grief to step in and take care of the younger girl. But even as she consoled Ripley, her thoughts drifted.[/color]

[color=#fe650d][i]I just want to take you by the hand and disappear into the sunset, we could go our own way. [/i][/color]

[color=#808080]She should have listened to him. [/color]

[color=#fe650d][i]Not sure what I would have done if anything had happened to you.[/i][/color]

[color=#808080]What was she going to do?[/color]

[color=#808080]Guiding Ripley back to the chairs, she sat down next to the girl and placed her arm around her. [/color][color=#8ecdb7]“Don’t worry, he’s getting the best care possible. They’re going to take good care of him.” [/color]

[color=#ffe599]“I always dreamed of coming here,” [/color][color=#808080]Ripley admitted, [/color][color=#ffe599]“Almost gave up hope before my powers came in. But it would kill me to not be here right now, even if it’s for something so awful.”[/color][color=#808080] She smiled, a small smirk forming in the corner of her mouth.[/color]

[color=#ffe599]“Someone has to help keep you distracted.”[/color]

[color=#808080]Aurora feigned deep thought for a moment before smiling back. If there was anything she knew could distract the younger girl, it was getting her talking about…[/color]

[color=#8ecdb7]“Well, I’d just [/color][i][color=#8ecdb7]love[/color][/i][color=#8ecdb7] to hear more about this conversation you and Lorcán had.” [/color][color=#808080]She tapped her nose playfully, attempting to lighten the mood. [/color][color=#8ecdb7]“Either that, or more dress ideas. What’d you call it? A [/color][i][color=#8ecdb7]revenge fit[/color][/i][color=#8ecdb7]?”[/color]

[color=#ffe599]“You gotta get something that puts the girls front and center,”[/color][color=#808080] She said pushing up against her own chest before looking down with a small sigh, [/color][color=#ffe599]“Well you know what I mean, I’m sure mine will show up eventually,”[/color]

[color=#808080]A small tap on an adjacent wall caught their attention as Cass didn't wait to be invited to the conversation.[/color]

[color=#8aaceb]“That was gross,”[/color][color=#808080] He smirked at his adoptive sister. [/color][color=#8aaceb]“I could have gone the rest of my life without hearing that sentence.”[/color]

[color=#808080]Aurora winked at Ripley before standing up, her facial expression instantly falling as soon as her back was turned, making eye contact with Cass. They exchanged knowing glances, both completely understanding of the gravity of the situation. [/color]

[color=#8ecdb7]“Tori and Aiden just went back to see him.” [/color][color=#808080]She informed the blonde boy upon his arrival, nodding in the direction they left. [/color][color=#8ecdb7]“They don’t know what it is, [/color][color=#8ecdb7]couldn’t[/color][color=#8ecdb7] really give much of an update.”[/color]

[color=#8aaceb]“Well, all of Blackjack knows now,”[/color][color=#808080] Cass stated taking a seat, [/color][color=#8aaceb]“How’s he holding up, Rip?”[/color]

[color=#ffe599]“He’s out cold, sedated I think, but they found him unconscious. The wound looks bad, Cass, real bad.”[/color]

[color=#8aaceb]“And still no leads on what caused it?”[/color][color=#808080] He asked.[/color]

[color=#ffe599]“Nope, none, zilch.”[/color][color=#808080] Ripley replied, shaking her head, [/color][color=#ffe599]“You don't think whatever did it is still out there do you?”[/color]

[color=#8aaceb]“Honestly, it might be worth grabbing Uncle Aiden and Rothschild to take a look,”[/color][color=#808080] Cass mused, his eyes watching Lorcán on the other side of the glass as they prepared to move him.[/color]

[color=#808080]The redhead looked between the two siblings and figured it’d be best if she offered them some space. After all, they were Lorcán’s family, and as close as she and him were, she still wasn’t blood. [/color][color=#8ecdb7]“Why don’t I give you guys a few minutes.” [/color][color=#808080]She brushed a strand of copper hair behind her ear before looking at Ripley, forcing a smile. [/color][color=#8ecdb7]“I’m just going to go and get some air.”[/color]

[color=#808080]Cass stood, extending his arms while motioning for Ripley to join, the siblings embraced Aurora before releasing her.[/color]

[color=#ffe599]“We'll call if there’s a change in his condition, otherwise we'll see you when you get back.”[/color][color=#808080] Ripley smiled.[/color]

[color=#808080]The older girl managed a sad smile and ruffled the younger girl’s hair before placing her hand on Cass’ shoulder reassuringly. She simply nodded, no further words needing to be exchanged, before making her way over to the room that Tori and Aiden had disappeared into to be with their son. She stood in the door frame for a few long moments, her eyes memorizing Lorcán’s form as he lay there amongst the tubes and the wires. [/color]

[color=#808080]He looked so helpless. And it killed her.[/color]

[color=#808080]Timidly, she knocked, not wanting to bother his parents as they oversaw the medics treating Lorcán, but she didn’t want them to think she just upped and left, or even worse, couldn’t handle being there in their darkest hour. [/color][color=#8ecdb7]“I’m so sorry, I don’t mean to interrupt,” [/color][color=#808080]She took a step inside, managing to tear her eyes away from the boy in the hospital bed to meet their gaze. [/color][color=#8ecdb7]“I’m stepping out for a second, do either of you need anything?”[/color]

[color=#8ecdb7]“I’ll be back though, I promise.” [/color][color=#808080]She indicated, but quickly followed up, not wanting to assume, [/color][color=#8ecdb7]“If that’s okay, of course. For me to be here with you all.” [/color]

[color=#a64d79]“Of course that’s okay, sweetheart,”[/color][color=#808080] Tori reassured Aurora, [/color][color=#a64d79]“You can be here as much as you’d like to, Lorcán would want that.”[/color]

[color=#808080]The redhead nodded, grateful, before exiting back to the hallway. Her legs moved before her brain could catch up, not even caring which direction she was walking in. Her breathing started to hitch, each inhale and exhale growing shallower than the last, eyes searching for some place of refuge. She found herself approaching an enclosed stairwell, and didn’t hesitate to open the door and let it slam behind her. As soon as she was alone, she let her tears fall freely, leaning back onto the wall and sliding down until she was seated on the landing.[/color]

[color=#808080]Sobs racked the redhead’s body as she sat there, her hands shaking as she brought them to cradle her face. She shouldn’t have left the other morning, shouldn’t have run from the man who she knew would do anything for her, she should have stayed. For all she knew that could have been the last time he would hold her, and that terrified her even more than the feelings she had harbored for him for so long. [/color]

[color=#808080]Gasping for air, she reached into her pocket and grabbed her cellphone, sliding her thumb to unlock the screen and pressing the contact she sought. The phone rang once, twice, before a voice answered on the other side.[/color]

[color=#8ecdb7]“Harps? I need you, [/color][color=#8ecdb7][i]please[/i][/color][color=#8ecdb7].” [/color]

[i][color=#fe650d]No pain worse than[/color] [color=#FE650D]t[/color][color=#F36E1C]h[/color][color=#E9772B]a[/color][color=#DF813B]n[/color] [color=#CB945A]l[/color][color=#C09D69]o[/color][color=#B6A779]s[/color][color=#ACB088]i[/color][color=#A2BA98]n[/color][color=#98C3A7]g[/color] [color=#8ecdb7]someone you love.[/color][/i][/indent]