The manticore bared it's teeth and hissed at them. Quick as a flash, I morphed into a dragon and breathed fire onto it. That should kill it. Oop no, I was wrong. I morphed back into human. I would use my sword to finish it off. I raised my blade above it's heart, preparing to pierce it's thick hide and end it's life, but I hesitated. It looked so scared. Maybe I shouldn't kill it... it's tail whipped around and smacked me in the chest, knocking me backwards. Luckily I had armor. Emphasis on HAD. Hazel had lost hers earlier. The manticore flicked it's tail, sending a razor sharp spike in her direction. I didn't see where it landed, but I heard Hazel cry out in pain. With blood rushing in my ears, I charged at the manticore, sword held above my head. There was no hesitation this time. The monster disintegrated, leaving only a spike behind. I glanced at Hazel. She was crumpled on the floor. There was blood oozing from her chest. I ran to her, dropping my weapon. "Frank," she coughed. A thin trail of blood tricked from her mouth. "Hold on Hazel, I've got some ambrosia here--" She stopped me. "No Frank. There's no healing me this time." She weakly kissed my cheek. "I love you Frank." as she fell, her eyes turned glassy. I was in shock.

Hazel was gone.