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Lillium sank to the floor in agony. White-hot pain laced up what remained of his legs as his chin hit the bluish ground at the edge of the Universe with a sickening crack. The taste of Iron filled his mouth as he struggled to breathe.
His vision felt hazy; the adrenaline that had been coursing through his veins was trickling down to a small trickle. All his energies were spent, his staff broken, and the spirits' voices so loud in his ears that they drowned out most of the fighting that continued to unfold behind him.
I'm so tired… I… need to keep fighting! I cannot… I must-
Trying to move his hands, Lillium managed to push himself up a little before he tried to look down at his legs. As he did, his vision blurred, as if someone was covering his eyes.
"You shouldn't look over there, my Bloom." Came the soft whisper.
Lillium gasped, trying to get his words to form, but they died on his red-stained lips as he coughed up blood instead.
Hades?
"Yes, my Chloris. I'm here." The spirit hand moved his head away until his chin was guided up to look at the spirit of his unsundered lover. "What a mess things became after Hyth and I left you and your companions to fight the Endsinger."
I'm sorry… Zenos… demanded a fight. I tried to dodge, but I think I was too slow.
A small choked sob left Lillium. He knew the scythe had cut through his legs. The way the sharp blade sank into the flesh and connected with his bone before severing them completely. It all happened in a matter of seconds, but the way it felt… it wouldn't stop playing in his mind.
I'm losing a lot of blood, I think… The viera's head felt heavy, coughing and spluttering as he tried to reach a bloodied hand to his former partner from a bygone age. Is Hyth here too?
Hades knelt, taking the hand in his own as he shook his head. "I told him to stay for now. I am used to such violence and gore… I don't think he could maintain composure to see you like this."
Thank you. Lillium tried to smile. I wouldn't want Hyth to be scared. I am sorry you have to be the one to find me.
"Chloris… my Bloom. Do not apologise. I am doing what I can within my limited power to keep you on this side of the River. It looks like my authority still has some sway… even if by a small token." The ancient man moved to sit more comfortably, pulling Lillium's head gently into his lap, still holding his hand, but so he could pet his hair. "I don't want you to fall into the Lifestream… You still have to make good on your promise of exploring the world as I asked."
I know… Lillium's breaths became further laboured, the pain numbing his whole body until he couldn't feel any part of himself. I don't want to die… I… I failed to stop Zenos, but I'm sure the others can achieve it well…
Hades squeezed his hand, but to Lillium it was barely there. "You need to stay awake." His voice sounded tight. "While my memories eluded me during my time alive… To see my great-grandson do such an act to my beloved… My Persephone."
Tears slowly rolled down Lillium's cheeks. Hades… I… don't know how much longer I can hold on.
He wanted to laugh. He had been alive a long while compared to some of the others he had met on his travels, tended to many a spirit as a necromancer, and now here Hades was to partially guide him if needed. I think I'm starting to make peace with it. To return to the lifestream with you and meet Haurchefant and Hythlodaeus again.
"D-Don't say such things." Hades chided gently. "I know you will make it through this."
Lillium wanted to argue against it. To say there was no way they would be able to make it back from the Edge of the Universe to Old Sharalyan… he had tossed away his (key) so he could face The Endsinger without worry. He pictured Alisaie's face and how distraught she had been. How G'raha had called out to him with a desperation he'd never heard in him before.
If I do… make it back. Everyone will be so angry. They wanted to fight with me, but I didn't want to risk it.
Humming softly, Hades shrugged. "It will be what it will be. When you come back, I am sure the anger will be replaced with the joy of just knowing you are alive."
And what about you? Are you willing to wait for me? Meet those I love in my travels and hear my stories when I return? Lillium felt his vision darkening around the edges. Everything felt so cold. It feels unfair of me to leave my Hades alone after he suffered in watching me almost die.
"I have Hyth." He sighed. "And I guess Venat too, even if I abhor her design of this Star. I will be alright, Lillium."
No Chloris? What made you use this name now?
The ancient lent down to kiss his cheek before pulling him into a crushing hug. "While you have memories as Chloris… I feel I need to make sure you know that Lillium has grown to be of import to me too. While we walk different paths, know I always go with you as Hades."
Smiling and growing tired, Lillium let his eyes fall closed. I like that. The bond we share goes beyond the names we knew each other by as Lillium and Solus- Persephone and Emet-Selch… Hades and Chloris. My heart is bound to you and Hyth. The crystal you gave me is still around my neck. You will go with me. But for now… I think I need to sleep.
Oblivion… calls…
Hades shook him slightly. "N-No… you need to stay awake, Lillium."
Breathing in short gasps. Lillium found he could no longer open his eyes. I am sorry… I can't.
As he felt himself slipping away into the sweet oblivion of final rest, a small clatter sounded next to him. Something was beeping.
"I knew it would fall back here." Came Hades's voice. "Everything will be alright. Most of your companions are adept healers, so they will keep you alive once you arrive." A kiss was pressed against his temple. "Farewell, Lillium… My Bloom, my Chloris. You best not return to me before you are withered and spent."
Goodbye, Hades… my love… send Hyth my regards, though if I join you anon… don't be mad…
I am so tired.
And as he felt himself being lifted away from the secure lap of his ancient lover, Lillium's consciousness finally faded to black. Unsure if he'd ever wake again.