Alexa was slowing down, and it showed.  By the time Feena reached her, she was bleeding from a dozen or more wounds, her fingertips stained with it as she staggered, going down just as Feena broke through the horde.  The Runners, upon seeing Alexa scooped up onto Feena's back, gave out sharp howls, that melded and crescendoed together, mounting up and riding a whirling shield of steel and death through the enemy to distract them from Feena.  The leader paused a moment as they went by.  "Keep her safe, get her to the medics soonest!" was the snapped words, and then they whirled by.<br/><br/>Alexa's eyes were closed, but her fingers curled tightly into the fur on Feena's back, and she let out a groan in her sleep.  Her own aura faded slowly, her mind sinking into the crushing oblivion of unconsciousness, even as she struggled to keep herself up.<br/><br/><hr/><br/>During the trip through the caves, Valentina remained silent, not even making a noise when one of her feet caught on a rock, sending her crashing to the ground and grating along the stones.  There was a streak of abraded skin slowly leaking blood when the guard pulled her up.<br/><br/><em>That was my mother's voice.  Was I just... some pawn in her plan?  Is that all I meant to her?  Father was right then.  She cared nothing for any of us, only for getting back to HER family.</em>Her face seemed to go emotionless for a moment, before returning to the terrified look she'd been keeping throughout the trip.<em>She'd better hope I never get my hands on her when no one's watching.  I'll KILL her for using me like that.</em>