The Amell Legacy: Transgressions

[Shisou]

"Yeah, it's me, it's Shiori," says the girl gently. "Can you take a deep breath for me? Please?"

[Bethany]

Beth swallows again, then nods as she sucks in a lungful of air. Blows it out. Sucks in another. Both are jagged and sharp. "C-can't- can't- like i-iron-" She presses a hand against her chest, struggling to do much of anything.

[Shisou]

"That's okay. That's good. You're doing good, Beth. Keep breathing. That's all you have to worry about right now. Okay? Nice deep breaths." 

[Bethany]

Beth nods miserably, still trying to do what she's asking. Shiori. This is Shiori. She's safe. She's a hero. Saved you. Saved you from- She sobs as her mind helpfully reminds her of a time that Shiori wasn't there. 

[Shisou]

"H-hey, it's alright, you're safe. Okay? You say it too: you're safe now. Okay?" Really wishing I'd taken some kind of healer classes right about now.

[Bethany]

Beth nods, eyes squeezing shut. "S-safe. Safe n-now. I- I am... ssssafe." Her eyes pop back open at the sound of soft rustling in the underbrush.

[Vigile]

"Lady Bethany. Soushi-hime," the pavitra says softly, pausing a few yards away. 

[Shisou]

"It's safe," insists Shiori. "You're safe here, Beth, it's only Vigile."

[Bethany]

Bethany nods again, shifting so she's sitting on the ground, hands propping her up. "R-right. Vig- Vig and- and you are- are my heroes," she forces out, eyes squeezing shut again. "I... I'm safe. I... s-sorry. I just- I- sssorry."

[Shisou]

"Hey, it's okay. You don't have to apologize. This is normal, okay? This is supposed to happen when traumatic things happen. You're allowed to cry and freak out. I just wanted to make sure you knew you were safe and, and not alone."

[Vigile]

"You are indeed safe. The Lady Soushi-hime and I shall stand guard as you need, on my honor," Vigile says in his faintly pompous tone.

[Bethany]

"Safe. Yes. Safe." Bethany finally manages a decent sized breath. "I- he's- he's not here. Can't be here. Safe. Sorry. I- I mean- I just..."

[Shisou]

"It's over," says Soushi quietly. "He's not here. You're safe. It's all over and done with."

[Bethany]

Bethany opens her eyes, her breathing still shallow but no longer as laboured or rapid as she calms. "..chest feels tight," she whispers. "Hands... I can't- can't stop trembling."

[Shisou]

"That's okay," says Shiori quickly. "It's okay. You're frightened, that's all. Just frightened. It's okay."