49 - 10/11 - Survived Face Rip

<MARCO!>

Cassie screamed. I turned my head.

Marco was pinned between two Blue Bands. His beak had been ripped from his face and lay at his feet in a lake of blood.

One Blue Band held Marco from behind. Pulled Marco's head up and back, leaving his neck exposed.

And the other Blue Band raised his wrist blade above Marco's throat.

(...)

His other arm was still wrapped around Marco's throat. I lunged for it. Clamped down. I ripped a beakfull of skin and muscle from his forearm.

"AAAAAAAHHHHHH." The Blue Band released his grip.

Marco tumbled forward and I caught him.

The Blue Band leaped for us.

<NO-O-O-O-O-O!>

Cassie rammed him from the side. Her horns pierced his skin. He toppled over the wall of computers.

Marco sagged against me. Blood gushed from his gaping pit of face.

<Jake,> I called. <Marco's fading fast.>

<Move toward the doors,> he ordered. <I think we can get out.>

I dragged Marco across the floor, sliding and stumbling through bodies and blood. Cassie covered our rear.

(...)

<Marco,> I cried. <Demorph. Demorph!>

<Can't. They'll . . . see me.>

<Doesn't matter anymore!> Jake yelled. <DO IT!>

Marco nodded. And closed his eyes.

<Marco!>

<I'm . . . okay. De . . . morphing.> Dark hair sprouted from his bloody Hork-Bajir head. His leathered skin grew soft. Pale.

"Freeze!"