//------------------------------//
// 14 Carry on... 
// Story: Not Your Average HiE Story 
// by Aegis Steelshield 
//------------------------------//

	Tick-Tock.

Tick-Tock.

Tick-Tock.

Tick-Tock.

I let out a groan. Everything hurt. I couldn't open my eyes.

"Nighthawk?" I heard a voice, but it sounded so far away. "Nurse! Nurse! He's waking up!"

I tried to move, and everything faded to white. I think I screamed.


*	*	*	*	*


Light. I saw a light, shining right into my eyes. I still couldn't open them. I heard voices again, but they were too far away to make anything out.


*	*	*	*	*


I can't focus like this. I can't remember anything. I keep fading in and out. I need to stay... awake...


*	*	*	*	*


Fire. All I remember is fire.

"IT BURNS!"

I hear something... It all... goes... white...


*	*	*	*	*


I inhale a deep breath, and let out a scream. It's all I can think to do. What happened to me? Why am I screaming?

Something... Something was hot. I... can't... think...

It clicks. Pain, hot. Can't open my eyes. But they are open, I just can't see. I jerk upwards, and the pain gets worse. I climb to my feet, and fall again. I claw at my face, removing the bandages. I still can't see.


*	*	*	*	*


It's easier this time. I'm not screaming now, but it's still so hard to think. I can't... feel... my... arm...

"Nighthawk..." I hear the voice, but it's so distant. I miss bits and pieces. I think she's talking to me, but my name isn't Nighthawk. It's...

Why can't I remember my name?

I feel something, but I'm not sure what it is.

"Do you remember?" The voice asks.

I don't respond.


*	*	*	*	*


My eyes creak open, and for a moment, I think I'm blind. As my eyes adjust to the light, I see I'm in a hospital, and all alone. I can't move my arm, and turn my head. I'm surprised when I see the burns. What happened? My eyes close, and I pass out again.


*	*	*	*	*


I feel something slide past my lips, and the voices start again.

"I don't know if it's good, but his temperature is finally going down." It's a male's voice.

"What is it?" A female.

"It's 143.4 degrees."

"That... High..." I croak out.

"Nighthawk? Nighthawk, are you okay?"

I think Nighthawk is my name.

"I... I can't think... Why can't I think?"

"You have some pretty bad burns covering your body. We've managed to put you on painkillers." Says the male voice.

I try to stay conscious, but it's a losing battle.

"What happened?"

"You charged into a burning building, trying to save a foal."

Foal?

"Did... Did it work?"

I don't stay awake long enough to hear her answer.