(Lucitius takes a step forward and bows. I am an ally. I have been trying to heal you, yet wounds to the soul are complex, and never truly heal)
(I watch quietly, nodding in agreement with Lucitius that he’s an ally)
(I smile, but I know it must look weird to you. I'm always okay. No matter what happens, I'm okay. I look worried Is your head okay? I look over Friend.)
(I smile back, and reach out to hold your hand. I love you. I glance at Lucititcus and nod. I’m sorry I was suspicious. Thank you. Truly. I grimace. Not really. It hurts really bad. I can’t quite remember… I squint, and shake my head and then cry out in pain, the motion having hurt. I clutch my stomach like I’m warding off a cramp. I’m so nauseous. And I feel like I’m missing half myself.)
(I look away for a moment, then look back at Lily I love you too. I look. . . stricken. I get up and walk a short distance away. I feel tears start to form.)
(I call out after you. Thomas? I push myself up on my feet and hold back vomit. I clench my eyes shut and try to make my way towards Thomas. Thomas? What's wrong, baby? I fall, collapsing. I talk in a choked voice. Hey, Serp, can you help me?)
(Lucitius watches silently, nodding at Lily’s apology. He then sighs and restarts his healing whirlwind, though he still doubts it’ll help much. When Meep gets up, his eyes narrow. Go to her, youth. ‘Tis the worst deed to neglect a female)
(I watch as well, then quickly go over to Lily at her call. How can I help?)
(I look at Lucitius, my eyes fractured. It's like I'm looking through Lucitius She nearly died because of me. She's in pain because of me. Because of me, Goldergon and Aiyziel nearly killed her. They may as well have been killing me. I take a shuddering breath I promised. I promised. I wouldn't let her get hurt. But I couldn't. . . couldn't. . . my voice fails me. I collapse to my knees and begin shaking even more violently. My words are broken whispers, pleading How can I face her again?)
(Lucitius listened, then crouched down and grabbed Meep by the chin. His claws were so long that they touched the middle of Meep’s neck. You are not Goldergon, nor are you, Aiyziel. They are fiends, nothing more. Murderous creatures that seek only bloodshed. You are not like that. Yet, if you do not get up and face your beloved yourself, I will eat your eyes and shove you over to her. His eyes are stern, and his claws tap Meep’s throat to emphasize his threat)
(I turn at Lucitius’ words. Why must you be so harsh? Lucitius ignores me, and I sigh)
(I shake my head at Anna and hold up a hand slightly. Anna, it's fine. My eyes focus on Lucitius I am not scared of you, Lucitius. I have tried, and nearly succeeded, in taking my own life. I have had my dignity taken in the cruelest way, forced to be what pleasures another man. I have been caused more pain than I know how to deal with. And I am still here. So if I say cannot face Ashton, the one I love most in all these many worlds, I mean I cannot face her.)
(I look at Serp, my eyes pleading. Get me over to them, would you? I watch Thomas intently and then shake my head. Nevermind, Serp. There’s not time. I clench my eyes shut against the pain and yell as loud as I can. Thomas Stevens, I love you. I adore you. Don’t you dare go to that dark place in that brilliant head of yours; don’t you dare! I love you. You have taken care of and protected me and you know it. So don’t you dare shut down on me now. Now, get over here and hug me or, God so help me, I will march over there to you no matter how dizzy I am, and make out with you in front of God and everybody. I love you. No wound to my soul can make me forget that.)
(I nod at Lily, then pause at her words. I watch quietly, then I glare at Lucitius. Can you quit being an ass for two seconds and do something productive!)
(Lucitius jolted, then sighed, let go of Meep, and walked off to the side, ignoring everyone)
(I roll my eyes at Lucitius, then watch the pair with quiet concern)
(I look at Lily with wide eyes, then smile slightly, a small sigh escaping me. I look to Anna for help Help me up. My legs are. . . uncooperative.)
(I nod and go over to Meep. I then turn to Lucitius. Hey, I need your help. You have more arm strength than I do)
(Lucitius looks over, then sighs. He then goes to Meep and gently picks him up, carrying him over to Lily. He sets him down, then walks off again)
(Thank you, Lucitius. I walk over to the pair, plop down on the ground, and once again watch with quiet concern)
(I nod my thanks to Lucitius, smile at Anna, then pull Lily to me, not saying a word.)
(I relax in Thomas’ arms, and it’s just me and them for a moment, and I forget about everyone and ever else. I begin sobbing, crying like I’ll break in two. Somewhere in the middle of the sobs, I laugh through my tears and take Thomas’ head in my hands, pulling our foreheads together. I’m not scared of getting hurt. I’m not scared of Goldergon or Aiyziel. I am terrified though. I’m terrified that I’ll lose you to that dark side of your mind. Not the dark humor or violent streak. But one place you go where I can’t reach you, when you trap my beloved within themselves. Don’t go there. Stay here with me.)
(I shake my head slightly Part of me is already gone. The parts you lost are gone from me. I do not know what is gone yet. I'm not sure either of us know. But right now, I'm here. Thomas Stevens has not gone yet, Ashton.)
(Then hold me. I melt against you, my strength nearly gone. Because I need you here. You need me here. So we both must stay. I smile Well, my soul had a couple blemishes that needed to be purged . Maybe they got those. I grin. Meaning, I could be nearly perfect now! One never knows.)
(I hold you close Yeah. We do. I smile darkly and sigh You know we don't have that kind of luck, babe.)
(I straighten slightly. Make your own luck. There’s always a way. I give a shy smile)
(Lucitius grows bored of everything and teleports away, leaving)
(I laugh I don't even have enough luck to do that, Anna.)
(I wave my hand toward the sky, the multiverse. There’s always a way. All you need to do is look for it. If you don’t find luck, it will find you)
(Peace and Innocence were hurt, and Trust. Naïveté is gone. That all I know. I sigh. I love you. I kiss Thomas gently, showing only an appropriate amount of PDA. Our luck is bad, yes, but our love is better and our God stronger. Now. I squeeze your hand. Lets sit or I may puke. I smile at Serp and gesture for her to join us.)
(I smile and move to join the pair, sitting cross-legged. I chuckle thoughtfully. You see, Luck has already found you, both of you. You’re together. And you’re surviving the hardships)
(I nod and wince at the motion, electing instead to rest my head on Thomas’ shoulder. We are. We we’re together. And we have to best friends in the entire world. I giggle. Serp, did you know we’re engaged?)
(I smile, then pause. No, I did not. I grin. That’s great)