Eriko sobbed the entire way to the elevator, leaning into Mercy for support. She hiccuped, nose running, tears gushing down her cheeks. Her throat convulsed in pain. Her body shuddered violently.
Stop, she willed herself, breath catching between sobs. Why can't I stop? Why am I so weak?
She clenched her fists, coughing. I'm pathetic. I'm pathetic and I can't make myself stop because I'm even worse than I thought I was. She deserved it, I know she deserved it, but I...I...
Mercy took a deep breath, leading Eriko to the back of the elevator. She looked over everyone and frowned. Turning to Vivara, she muttered, "would you mind taking Eriko for a second?"
Vivara, who stood silently in the corner, looked up. After a moment, she nodded, slowly stepping over to the two and taking Eriko into a hug. Sniffing, Eriko stood, frozen in place.
Mercy walked over to Faqir and clapped her hand onto his shoulder, muttering something to him under her breath. After a moment, she somehow mustered up a tired smile and brought him into a hug, her somewhat sluggish movements speaking of exhaustion.
Finnian, who was standing alone, retreated to the elevator with shaking limbs. Behind him, Faussin still stood frozen, eyes locked on the scene before them.
Ysabel leaned against the edge of the elevator, wiping tears away as they quietly rolled down her face. Amelia continued to cover her ears and close her eyes as if trying to block out everything that had just happened.
Vivara patted Eriko's back, sighing slowly. Her sobs beginning to lessen, Eriko closed her eyes. Nothing was going to be okay. It was going to get worse from that point on. But no matter what happened, she would find a way to be strong so that she could do her best to pull through. By the end of this endeavor, Eriko would be a shoulder for someone else to cry on. She would be a pillar of strength.
That, she promised herself. It was the least she could do.
"Faqir's right," Mercy said, perking up slightly. "Chins up, everyone. We've got to ward off the nightmares for tonight."