"Takamori-Sensei..."
"Take him upstairs, quick!" Takamori quaked loudly, unable to hold back his concern. It was enough for the guild leader to see the face color of Enatsu to realize that, if not treated carefully, his wounds could be fatal.
Knowing that wasting breath on useless explanations would only increase the time it took to climb the stairs, the two tamers who had just returned from their mission carried the bodies of Enatsu and Rokuro to the upper floor.
The narrow staircase did not allow them any sudden movements and, being very careful not to let either the head or the legs of their wounded comrade hit the walls, they reached the lunchroom.
The large wooden table was clean and free of all junk, as it was every night. Without a second thought, Yoichi and Shioko, exhausted from their long journey and the many vicissitudes they had endured, gently placed Enatsu on its longer side.