"Andy, you won't be able to escape if you keep carrying me," Jerome said weakly, the wind whipping past his ears as they retreated. "As long as you survive, there's still hope for everything!"

Andrew's vision was entirely tinted with red. If not for his sheer, desperate will to live, he would have collapsed long ago.

He responded to Jerome's plea in a mechanical tone. "I made a vow years ago that I would never abandon my own people. Not even one!"

A sinister chuckle sounded from beside them.