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Korynth nodded again, then shivered, “We’d better get going though,”

“You’re right,” Ian choked down a cough as they started walking. Pain shot through his chest and he grunted. He heard Korynth sigh heavily. Biting his lip, he tried to hold back another cough. “Come on, we’ve got to get there quick. Let’s run, it will help us keep warm,”

“Are you sure you can run?”

“Yeah. Come on, let’s go,” Ian broke into a run.

Korynth followed him through the darkened streets of Outopia. He had to strain at first to keep pace with his taller friend, but Ian’s pace quickly slowed as his strength began to give. Korynth bit his lip. How much longer can he hold on? He’s getting worse every day. Can I really take care of his family if he- Korynth cut off his own thoughts. No! He can’t. He won’t. I won’t let him. We need him, we’re short on officers as it is. I need him. What would I do without him? Korynth became lost in his hopeless thoughts

“Tenth house. There it is!” Ian called.

Korynth jerked his head up and looked. Yes. That was the one they had been watching. As they reached it, Ian’s knees buckled and he fell down in the snow by the doorstep. Korynth gasped and rushed forwards. He knelt down beside him.

“Ian?”

Ian’s eyes were shut. All the flush had left his cheeks, leaving them gray. His whole body trembled with weakness. His breaths came in quick,  sharp gasps. Korynth laid his hand on Ian’s forehead. He jerked back. To his freezing hand, Ian’s skin was burning hot. He bit his lip and shook Ian’s shoulder gently.

“Ian,”

Ian’s eyes slowly opened. He blinked, then grinned. “Hi,’

Korynth had to laugh weakly, “Ian. Are you alright?”

“Sure. Why wouldn’t I be?” Ian’s voice was barely a whisper. “Could you help me sit up?”

“Sure,” Korynth wrapped an arm around Ian and helped him to a sitting position.

As Ian got to his knees, he coughed up blood. Korynth gasped and his arm tightened around Ian. He stared at the blood on Ian’s hand.

Ian wiped his hand on his uniform and sank against Korynth, “Come on, we’ve got to get inside,”

“But Ian-”

“Please- just help me up. I’ll be fine,”

Korynth felt tears filling his eyes as he stood, pulling Ian up with him. Ian at first leaned heavily on his shoulder, his whole frame shaking. Then, taking a deep breath, he straightened up.

“Thanks Korynth,” Ian lifted his hand and knocked on the door