long time coming

She was weak, but she was breathing. It was all they could do to keep her awake and holding on. As she worked, Halo became acutely aware of Mortis's pacing. "Here, come hold this. Apply pressure," for once, Halo's tone is commanding. Still soft, still Halo, but she's a force of nature. Halo wasn't going to lose Hana, not here. Not now. With the largest and most concerning wound under supervision, Halo was able to begin suturing the others shut. Any tearing of the skin would be fitted back into place as gently as possible. Topical pain relief would hopefully couple well enough with what was in the pale koi's system. "I'm sorry Hana," another apology, as Halo gradually got the bleeding under control.

She couldn't tell you how much time had passed by the time Halo returned to the tail. Beneath the dressing, the healer found only a grim reality. "Mort... I need you to take that shallow clay dish and fill it with hot coals, please." The best chance to save Hanako would be to remove her tail entirely. All she could do now was focus, carefully laying out the sharpest knife from her emergency bag. Crafted for this purpose and this purpose alone, at least it would be an efficient tool. "Hana, I need you to take more of this, please." Enough to sedate her. Enough to prevent her from feeling what would come next.

"Halo"