Life was taken and another given

Athan hit the ground hard, his ears ringing from the explosion. His head spun as he struggled to push himself up. Only then did he realize that someone had jumped on him and covered him entirely.

Through the smoke and dust, he saw chaos, yet unable to see who covered him. Rage's men were scattered, some injured, others desperately trying to regroup. While his own team was similarly disoriented, scrambling for cover.

In the midst of the chaos, Athan's eyes caught a glimpse of Azrael, a few feet away from him, lying on the ground, motionless. Roy was nearby, his body limp from the debris that fell on his lower half.

"No…" Athan muttered, panic surging through his veins. His body ached, but he forced himself to his feet, stumbling toward Azrael.

Horror was displayed on his face as he reached his brother-in-law's side. Azrael's face was pale, blood seeping through his shirt. Athan dropped to his knees beside him, shaking him desperately.