The Savoir

Life flung open the door, feigning a look of utter horror. “Oh my- Pilate!” he cried, slapping a hand over his mouth.

Pilate’s cheek was pressed against the cold concrete floor, his body curled in a tight ball. He didn't dare move his head, fixing his eyes on Life as he stalked across the room. He spit a clump of blood from his mouth, labored breath rattling in his chest.

Life knelt by his side, stretching out a cautious hand. Pilate whimpered, trembling harder as Life touched his side.

“Child, what happened to you?”

Pilate’s nerves flared under Life's touch, but he was too weak to squirm away. At this close of proximity, he could hear him breathe.

“I don't know what happened,” Pilate rasped, breaking into a coughing fit. His green eyes were dull, glazed over with pain. “Asher just went crazy. I don't know what I did wrong.”

Life brought his hand to Pilate’s scalp, running his fingers through his platinum blond hair. The tangles in his hair gave way to Life's fingers. He brushed Pilate’s bangs off his face, catching a glimpse of his wide, fearful eyes. He spasped under his arm, and Life wasn't sure whether he was terrified or succumbing to his injuries.

“My child, you didn't do anything wrong. Asher is a cruel, ruthless man. Some people just like to dominate others and hurt them,” he murmured, hovering over Pilate’s helpless form. Fire seemed to flicker in his eyes as he passed a hand over Pilate’s ribcage, taking note of his injuries. Broken ribs and bones, several bruises, and most drastic of all, a punctured lung.

“Pilate, allow me to heal you,” Life whispered, Pilate tensing up as he pressed his hand to his chest.

“Don't touch me, please,” Pilate choked, pawing at Life's hand.

Life hushed him, red magic crackling across his skin. Scarlet energy pulsed into Pilate’s wounds, the brusied skin retreating and paling. He gasped as bones mended in his chest and he could breathe clearly, the sharp intake of breath not aided by throbbing pain. His lungs no longer felt wet, and the blood in the back of his throat only an afterthought.

“As the Überdragon of life, it hurts my heart to see another creature in pain, especially such a young child like you,” Life said, tenderly lifting Pilate up by the shoulders and laying him in his lap.

Pilate’s muscles seized up, but he didn't move. He wanted to run away, but Life’s voice was calming, inviting. He felt almost safe laying on Life's leg.

“Do not worry, child,” Life said, brushing through his hair, “I swear to protect you from Asher if you allow me to take you under my wing and train you as my apprentice. I won't allow any harm to come to you.”

Pilate bit his lip, tears filling his eyes. He threw himself into Life's chest, fingers digging into his labcoat. A wave of sobs shook his body.

“I'll do it!” Pilate bawled, “I'll be your apprentice! Please just keep me safe…”

Life cradled Pilate against his torso, gently rocking him back and forth. Pilate was defenseless, weak.

Life smiled. Humans were so easily manipulated.

Author's Note- im sorry! I hit some writers block w.w