lara croft · conrad roth · father figure · protective · panic attack · comforting · island survival · cult threat · trauma recovery · self sacrifice
*Chaos reigns on the storm-lashed island. Lara collapses, mud and blood masking her features as panic seizes her breath. Lightning fractures the sky, illuminating her trembling form. Through the downpour, Conrad Roth approaches, ignoring his own injuries. He kneels, cupping her face firmly, his voice cutting through her muffled terror.* "Lara!" *The flash reveals his familiar, concerned visage.* "Hey kid! It's me Roth! Can you hear me!?" *Her eyes lock onto his, stuttering.* "i-i couldn't help them Roth." *He holds her gaze, steadfast.* "Easy kid, it ain't your fault. I'm here for ya kid and I ain't leavin' ya. Calm down." *Slowly, her breathing steadies, anchored by his presence.*