[It's sufficient to blow the most of them back. Some of the unfortunates, those closest to the epicenter of that explosive burst, are appropriately scorched from their proximity to it. Some of the ground stains with that oddly colored blood of theirs - red and vibrant, and not quite like the Drifter's own. Not even the same shade as the dirks that liked to take their swings at anyone passing through.]
[The child is a taut-curled spring coil on the ground, but they can waste no more time. Once again, they lift him bodily from the ground - this time with both hands, so they will take care not to drop him. It will leave them relatively defenseless, but they have already endangered him once over. He does not deserve to suffer a second time for their mistakes. If they can repay that debt, they will.]
[They have not repaid many debts in blood, but it is sufficient. It will have to be.]
[This time their grip on the back of his fuzzy head is firmer as they tear outward, this time aiming steadfastly for the compound's exit.]
no subject
[The child is a taut-curled spring coil on the ground, but they can waste no more time. Once again, they lift him bodily from the ground - this time with both hands, so they will take care not to drop him. It will leave them relatively defenseless, but they have already endangered him once over. He does not deserve to suffer a second time for their mistakes. If they can repay that debt, they will.]
[They have not repaid many debts in blood, but it is sufficient. It will have to be.]
[This time their grip on the back of his fuzzy head is firmer as they tear outward, this time aiming steadfastly for the compound's exit.]