[** Black Death's position **]

He lost all contact with the soldiers. He knew Black Doom send an order to commit suicide to prevent him from using them. He was sure the Lord will send out his elite assassins and warriors only he can control. Black Death could only hope Darklings will reach a safe place before that.

He too well heard the order to kill any Darkling in sight. At first, he wanted to fight with his lord, but he soon changed his mind, heading to the maternity hospital, where pregnant herms were kept. He was sure this place will be attacked as first. As he took a corner, he noticed a squatting figure leaning over the wall.

"Crystallian?" he asked himself.

As he was heard, the dark hedgehog tried to stand up, but he soon cried in a pain. Black Death moved in front of him. "You are just seconds from the birth." The water was leaking out. "I'll take you to a safer place." He took him in arms and Mephiles wasn't even able to fight back as the baby was sucking his energy, forcing him to concentrate on the delivery.

Black Death approached a strange bulb on the wall, entering it and being quickly transported to the maternity hospital. He hastily entered it. The first room was occupied by beds used for delivery. Mephiles was put on one, while Black Death returned outside, destroying all nearby gooey transportation bulbs, ensuring the access there won't be easy.

He returned inside, blocking the door with anything he had at hand. "Don't move!" he caught Mephiles at the last minute, saving him from a fall. "I'll help you to deliver!" It didn't seem he was listening, so he had to strap him down. He quickly checked the bottom seeing the water leaking.

Then he flew to a door following a long corridor reaching another door. He opened them, surprising a group of herms. Just one look in their eyes told him they were scared. All of them were pregnant at a different stage. There was about thirty of them and more than half was already broken by Black Doom.

"Don't worry, come with me." They silently followed him up. There they found Mephiles who was screaming. "Someone help him with the delivery! I'll prepare a transportation circle for you!"

They were speechless seeing a strange creature on the table, blocked doors and their master's tired face. "Alright," said the oldest one in about fourth month. Another two volunteered as well. They started to calm Mephiles, telling him what to do.

The traitor started to create a circle on the floor using his own blood. He had to work fast.

[** Galahad and Aalis' position **]

A swing of sword startled them as an enemy appeared in front of them. Galahad shielded them and Aalis noticed hurt Darkling behind the warrior. She jumped, slashing its neck and Galahad finished it with his three daggers forming a drill making a big hole in its stomach.

"He is still alive!" Aalis ripped her clothes, wrapping the cloth around his head. Thankfully it seemed it was just a light wound. Darkling seemed to be scared of them. "It's alright. What happened? Can you tell us?"

After a bit, he nodded. "I was running outside when this strange soldier appeared and attacked me. Master Black Death told us to leave the colony, but I don't know why? Why are our own soldiers attacking us?" He was crying as he slowly stood up. "Is it your doing?" he asked scared.

"I don't know! But we are here to save Aalis' mother and my lover!" said Galahad. "And we aren't leaving without them!"

"The corridor behind us was clear, so you should be alright going outside," said the crystalline girl running forward.

He nodded, a bit surprised she is showing concern for him.

"Have a save run," added Galahad before continuing as well.