Endgame: Not With a Bang

[animusnpcs]

The whole Tower went a brilliant, blinding white. Then it went black, and there was nothing. Surely this is it--something's gone wrong, something's failed, it didn't work, everyone is dead, or maybe worse--

And then light filters back in--it lights only the various residents of the Tower. No matter where in the Tower they were before this happened, they are all together again now. It appears that they are in a void, but after a few moments, as if their eyes are adjusting to it, more things become visible: the machine that may be their salvation is here. Ruana, with a visible pulse of energy encircling her, is here, but appears colorless and frozen. Aria is here.

Zo is here. And he speaks. "I can't hold her forever. We have to act now. I want to save you all, so I'll do my best. Just tell me, okay?

What do you want me to do?"

Comments

[oathshackledbird]

Or you could live for it.

[It's what he is going to do, after all.]

[athousandcurses]

In a world without you? No.

[Grainne shakes her head, feeling the weight of years and the knowledge she had everyone she had ever known inside her.]

No. I never want to do that again. Not for a year, or three, or a million.

[oathshackledbird]

I understand.

[And, for once, he does. There is none of the arguing or misinterpretation that has been so common in their relationship since they meet again. Diarmuid just completely understands.]

Is it all right if I hug you before you go? Or...is that too much?

[He cannot give himself to her, but at the very least, he would like to give her a proper goodbye.]

[athousandcurses]

[For a second, she stares at him as if she didn't quite believe the simple words. It doesn't last long before her shoulders start shaking, but not with tears. Instead, she laughs humorlessly and shakes her head.]

You understand... when I finally start to let go.

[There is no smile when she shakes her head again, clutching her cloak tightly with her hand. There is nothing at all, just a stare.]

I hate you.

[oathshackledbird]

[The words might as well be a slap. Diarmuid can't help but wince, but he's not angry. As much as the words hurt...he understands.]

That is your right. I will not deny it to you.

[He presses a hand to his chest and bows to her.]

May the gods and goddess be with you on your travels.

[It is not much, but it is the honest truth. No matter what awaits her, no matter how she feels about him, Diarmuid wishes her well as she walks along her path.

He stands from his bow and then walks away. There are probably a million things he should say and a million things she should say, but right now that wish is the only thing that seems right.

It will have to do.]

[athousandcurses]

Do not come back or darken my door again.

[Grainne is angry and determined, but something underneath it sounds sad. She knows what she is giving up, but it is too much. It is too much.]