Time is the greatest paradox.

OC-tober – [Day 29] – Accuse –  Aiden’s Sacrifice

Following up on this Mesmer Collective LWRP for The Crystaline Chronicles story arc. And some songs!  Knights of Cydonia by Muse. Prayers For Rain by The Cure.

“Aiden, you are not cleared for this next mission yet, you’ve not recovered from  your wounds.  Some of these could’ve been fatal, so I’m not releasing you.  And that’s a doctor’s direct order!  You know my clearance outranks your ….well, your rank!” But the Chronomancer wasn’t listening.  He was ready to get back into battle now that they knew they had a chance to save Tyria from the Crystal Dragon’s final threat. “I’m going back to Dragonfall.   They will need me.” Phil sighed, pulling at his disheveled salt and pepper mane in frustration, most grays acquired rather recently, “Yeah, you know who else needs you?  Cora!   What am I even gonna tell her when she finds out you went back out there after the injuries you sustained when rescuing the others during that last fight, eh?!” “I’m…..”   There was some hesitation to Aiden’s words, still struggling to even breathe, but he spoke again.   “I’m doing this for her.  I’m doing this for Tyria’s future.   I may not have given a shit about Tyria or its future before, but…”

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Kralkatorik was dead.  

But sacrifices were made to ensure victory.   Committed to the cause, and devoted to serve Tyria, many Collective members took incredible risks.  Some didn’t come back.   And those who did, not all returned unscathed. A few more than others. Aiden’s pale lids flickered in a half-conscious condition as he heard those around him speak, caught in some almost dream-like state where he feared perhaps the mesmer rogue Sonhe had something to do with it.   But this was reality.

“….they got deep in.  To vitals.  A kidney, part of his liver, quite a chuck, really, and…..and worst of all…his heart.”   The agitated murmuring came from Phil. “What does that mean?”  Another voice, which Aiden thought might be Diana’s. “It means he’ll become Branded.  He won’t be our Aiden.”  It was River’s blunt delivery but sincere remark, familiarity striking Aiden.  “I don’t think he’ll enjoy that.” Managing to croak a phrase before succumbing once again to the jabbing pain in his chest, abdomen, and lower back, the Chronomancer spoke, “Can….can I please have a moment alone.  W–with my …my doctor.  Doctor and patient confidentiality, you bickering banshees.” Even in his agonizing, suffering state, Aiden’s sass was more stubborn than a red wine stain on a silk blouse. Once left within the privacy of the clinic’s ICU, and only in the company of Doctor Phil, Aiden continued:   “How many did we lose?” “I’m not going to answer that Aiden.  Not now.  And….and anyway, we don’t even know.   Right now, we’re focusing on getting everyone who still has a pulse and a chance to live, to, well, to get healed up.” “I’m hopeless, aren’t I?   They got to me.  Deep.  Only a matter of time before I’m Branded.” “We can stop it.”  Phil tried to assure the chronomancer, though there was a hint of doubt to his tone. Aiden, however, tried to remain within his version of optimism, which was questionable in practice.  But given how little choice he had in the matter, and countered by how much he had to look forward to if he lived, he made a request. “Promise me one thing.  You’ll try your best.  But.  But if you can’t stop it, the corruption spreading, honor my decision.  You will kill me, Phil.” At that, Phil blinked, jerking up from his stool as he worked on Aiden’s chart, and visibly alarmed.  “Aiden, I can’t….  No, we have to try what we can!  Death is not an option!”

“Try as you must, but do not let me become Branded.   I would rather die a human man than experience the agony of twisting into something else and wanting to murder those I love.” It was then when their respective dark gazes locked on each other’s, and no more words needed to be exchanged.   They knew. A memory of a happier time, or perhaps a time that had not yet passed, was the last thing Aiden remembered before Doctor Phil placed him into a medically induced mesmer coma.

They were always interrupted.

“I know he’s not responsive, but I need to check in on him”

It was almost a matter of humor now.

“I’m not going to drop trou because you think I’m hormonal, I know the policy, I know the plan”

She once ran from them all, now she stood in their halls, half a horror and half revered.

“I just… I just wish that I could hear his sarcastic commentary on it is all”

He had run too, to do what was right, to stand by it all, she couldn’t blame him.

“Put the handkerchief away, I’m not going to fucking break down into tears”

It seemed now that their lives were going to keep being put on pause.

“I dont care what River told you, I did -not- cry while getting the crib set up”

Well, as much as pause as life can be put on.