Jack, Montano and Moptop ran up the ornate stairway. The entry hall to the matriarch's mansion was warmly lit and full of plants. Upon reaching the top, Moptop collapsed on a railing overlooking the lower floor from which they'd come. The matriarch looked on with calm interest.
"He's okay, it's just his blood disease," explained Montano. The matriarch raised her eybrows. "Oh, he's not a hemophiliac," continued Montano, "it's just that his blood runs a little too well."
By this point, Moptop's breathing had slowed and his eyes were closed, though he was still draped over the railing. From another railing across the opening, Montano started yelling, try to rouse his friend.
"Hey, Moptop," said Montano, "remember that game with Dalger? Remember that one move he made, in the game?"
Moptop raised his head and opened his eyes.
"Yeah," shouted Montano, "remember the game?"
"Yeah!" replied Moptop loudly, regaining strength, "yeah, I do! I remember!" With this, Moptop jumped and raised his arms towards the sky for a moment before once again losing strength. He collapsed and Jack caught him before he hit the ground.
