>>5763369Before your thoughts can catch up with you, you’re sprinting over to him!
“<span class="mu-i">Wait</span>, damn i-”
The groundskeeper’s words fade into the background as you drop to your knees at Raj’s side–you remember this, you think in rapid, staccato thoughts: turn his head, don’t let him choke! Check for breathing! Responses! Pulse?!?
All of the ideas combine into a mish-mash of actions as you struggle to keep it together–you’ve seen Raj in a bad place already tonight, but seeing him bathed in his own blood awakens something in you–something that shows you exactly what these parasites are…
Worms the width of hairs pour out of Raj’s open mouth like rats escaping a sinking ship, and though they manage to squirm down his face and onto the frothy floor, each and every one of them end up the same way: motionless and cold. Watching each of them perform their dance of death, you find yourself frozen in disbelief even after the last worm meets its alien maker…
And then you hear a cough.
Bile and froth is expelled from Raj’s mouth as he continues to cough, and as you and the others turn him onto his side, you nearly get smacked in the face when he swings his hand behind him!
“<span class="mu-i">-salright…</span>” He wheezes as a hollow laugh escapes the smile slowly forming on his face, “<span class="mu-i">salright…</span>”
Giving the man some space, you feel your own expression form into a smile as the skater slowly picks himself off the ground!
“So…” Asks Pepper in a quiet, shaky voice, “H-how… how are you, Raj?”
“<span class="mu-i">Ooof…</span>” He groans as he responds with a trembling thumbs up, “<span class="mu-i">N-never… better…</span>”
The girl shrugs before running over to wrap Raj in a hug which you quickly join!
“Guess that’s the best analysis we’re gonna get…” She mutters, biting her lip to hide her emotions, “<span class="mu-i">CHRIST</span> you scared me…”
“<span class="mu-i">Sorry</span>, guys…” Laughs the skater with a sheepish look on his pale face, “<span class="mu-i">My… my bad…</span>”
Chuck is quick to provide support again, but as you watch him prop Raj up the groundskeeper’s grave eyes fall upon you.
“Your turn.”
>CONTD. 