Round 985 Transcript

Varikka's ankle screams in protest as she takes another step forward, the pain threatening to buckle her knees. Merrin catches her arm, steadying her against the crumbling wall. Suddenly, a section of the wall nearby collapses, sending a cascade of rocks and debris crashing down onto the floor. Varikka's eyes widen in terror as she stumbles, her foot catching on a loose stone.

"Varikka! Stay back!" I cry out, my eyes wide with alarm as the wall collapses mere feet from where she stands. Without hesitation, I lunge forward, my arms outstretched to catch her before she's crushed beneath the cascade of debris. "Hold on!" I grunt, straining to pull her clear of the falling stones. The weight of the rubble presses down on my back, sharp edges digging into my flesh through my leathers, but I don't let it slow me down. With a final heave, I drag Varikka to safety just as the last of the wall crumbles away, sending a cloud of dust billowing out into the corridor. I cough and sputter, wiping the grit from my eyes as I try to catch my breath. "Are you alright?" I ask, my voice hoarse with exertion. Varikka nods weakly, her face pale but determined. "I'm fine," she rasps, pushing herself up onto her elbows. "Just a little bruised."