“Don’t worry,” Reima panted from where she sat on the ground a few feet away. “He just swallowed a bit of water.” She forced herself up and rolled Omen onto his back before repeatedly pressing against his chest until he coughed up what seemed like an entire gallon of water before rolling onto his side and gasping for air.

“You… You crazy bitch…” he panted, turning his head to glare at Reima. “We’re not done here!” he growled menacingly.

“STOP IT!” a deep booming voice rang out through the clearing, causing everyone to turn toward the oasis entrance. Standing there, Reima recognized the piercing blue gaze of the man who had helped her back in the tunnels. “Omen, that’s enough. This fight is over,” he said as he approached the group.

“But Kaito…” Omen started saying only to be interrupted by another coughing fit.

“Your lungs can’t take much more of this, and your elbow is a mess. Go have Gennaro fix you up,” Kaito ordered.

“Kaito, I can-…” Falon said softly.

“Don’t worry about it,” he replied gently. “You go with him, Falon. Make sure he doesn’t do anything else reckless. I can handle things from here.”

Falon looked unsure, but nodded and helped Omen to his feet before guiding him out of the oasis. Kaito turned and looked at Reima, his expression unreadable.

“Um…” she started awkwardly.

“Come with me,” Kaito told her flatly before turning on his heel and heading back toward the town.

Aaand looks like I fucked up… Reima thought as she nervously followed him out, leaving the oasis behind along with Joven and Kyo, who remained where they stood at the water’s edge talking quietly amongst themselves. Reima just managed to pick up the tail end of their conversation before stepping out of earshot.

“You know this is all your fault, right?”

“Shut up.”