by Pyronychus » Tue Jul 24, 2007 2:29 am
Switchblade stumbled into the nest once more, choking on smoke. With considerable effort, she hoisted one of the female hatchlings, Ruby onto her back. The Lili stepped through the gap in the flames, feeling the skin on her sides burning. The extra weight of the hatchling was draining her energy faster than she expected. She ran to where she had left the male hatchling and lowered Ruby down beside him. They seemed to be okay. Only minor burns. She quickly got to her feet and bolted back into the flames. Each time she crossed the gap in the flames, her sides were coated with another layer of black ash. Once again inside the ring of fire, Switchblade managed to get the next hatchling on her back, the other female. This time, getting out of the flames was harder. The space was closing up. If she didn't get the last raptor out soon, the wall of flame would engulf him. The Lili staggered to the other hatchlings, letting down the female. Now she could feel the effects of the smoke. She couldn't stop caughing and her eyes watered so badly that she was having trouble seeing. But she knew she was the only one who could save the trapped hatchling. She was the only one small enough to fit through the ever tightening gap. Not stopping for rest, she sped back into the inferno. She tried to hoist up the last hatchling, but collapsed from shear exhaustion and lack of oxygen. Barely staying contous, she managed to coax the small raptor onto her back. But when she tried to stand, it was no good. She was too weak to walk. But something inside her kept her going, pushing her along, telling her not to quit. She closed her eyes, gritted her teeth and made one last leap toward the opening, landing hard on the charred ground. No longer in the heaviest smoke, she began to breathe better. With enormous effort, she hefted the hatchling off the ground and, one step at a time, staggered to safety. Before she even let him off, the Lili collapsed into a heap, pain coursing through her body, flanks and head covered with ash. She had to stay awake... had to...