Thread: The Eternity Chronicles

This is the next installment, though it was written later to put a bit more characterization and background into the characters. So...here you go! The Eternity Chronicles Letting Go Alessio calmly set his sword onto the rack that held such weapons. It was not the first time he'd been appreciative of the space that the penthouse had lent him. It was useful to have a more solid base to live in, though it was considerably higher in profile than he preferred. Nonetheless, it allowed him room to properly train his disciple, Cynthia. She had only twelve years previous decided that she would follow Alessio, and learn from him what it was to have a cause worth living forever for. He faintly heard the ringing of a phone, and sighed in vexation. Such devices had their place in this world, but Alessio still did not enjoy having them within his home. He heard Cynthia answer, and left the room. He was interested in seeing what was happening. He found Cynthia sitting in a chair in the living room, her head in her hands, the phone on the floor beside her. Alessio walked half the distance to her before speaking. Am I to assume that whatever it was that placed a call to you, the news it bore was not good hearing? He asked. Cynthia looked up at him, eyes torn between sarcasm, anger and complete despair. Alessio frowned. The first two he was used to from her, but the last...it was most out of character for her. He took a few steps closer to her, and waited for her to answer. No...it was not good news. She said acidly. Then what news was it you received? Alessio was more gentle in his tone this time. It was my mother. She...told me that my dad is dying. He's in the hospital. They don't think he'll last the week. Alessio nodded, and swept up the phone, his memory recalling the numbers he would need to press. Cynthia frowned. What are you doing? Where is he located? We will have you there within hours. Cynthia stood, and followed after him. He's in Phoenix. Since when do you care about me outside of training? This is family Cynthia. It is different. Alessio dialled, and began his call. Alessio fidgeted. He would face down a dozen armed men, bearing nothing but his own hands without quailing, but the moment he stepped into a plane...well, his opinion was much different. He and Cynthia sat on opposite sides of the first class section, Alessio giving her some privacy, and ensuring she didn't see just how uncomfortable he was on board. The flight would be short, barely more than an hour, but that was an hour in which his fate rested in the hands of others, and there was nothing he could do about it. He would be glad when this was over. Cynthia stood outside the hospital, looking up at the monolithic structure. Cynthia, a moment. How many of your family are within? He asked. She frowned. Maybe a dozen right now. Why? She asked. Alessio nodded. I can purchase you time with your father, but keeping a dozen people in one place will be the limit of my abilities. Why would you need to keep them in one place anyway? How do you explain the fact that in a dozen years, you have not aged? Cynthia went silent. What about my father? She asked. He lies on his deathbed. Anything he may say now can be set aside as the ramblings of a dying man. Calm yourself, I mean no offence to your father, I merely speak at the most logical explanation. Alessio added the last as he saw Cynthia taking a deep breath to launch into a tirade. She contained herself, but only just. So you're telling me that this is the only time I'll have to see my father again? You are given one last chance to speak with him. Many do not get even that. Take that which you can from this life Cynthia, for I promise you, it will take what it can from you. She frowned at his last statement, but Alessio waved her to follow, and led her into the building. Alessio shrugged into the white doctors coat, and lifted the clipboard that held information about Cynthia's father on it. He could speak knowingly about what the board contained, and so long as he was asked to actually perform any procedures, he should be able to pass as a doctor. He nodded to Cynthia as he passed her in the hall, and she made for the room. Alessio made for the waiting room that the rest of her family waited in. Cynthia quietly pushed the door open, and stepped in. She could hear the steady beeping of the heart monitors, smell the drugs that her father was on as they tried to make him comfortable in the last days of his life. She gently parted the curtains that surrounded his bed, and looked at what lay beyond. Her father was hardly recognizable. She had always remembered him as a powerful, strong man, but the years had not been kind to him. His form was wasted from inactivity, and his hair had changed from a salt and pepper black to a wispy white that looked as though it would fall at the slightest touch. She swallowed, bracing herself for the speech to come. She saw his eyes open, and managed a smile. His eyes were unchanged, a calm, clear grey that looked as though they had been cut from granite. Cyn? That you? He asked, his voice a bit laboured. Yeah dad. I'm here. She answered, stepping to his bedside. She shakily reached out, and took his hand. He gripped it as best he could. Been a long time there girl. Cynthia hung her head, tears in her eyes. I know dad. I'm sorry. I've been caught up in so much... She trailed off, not even wanting to finish the statement. No matter how she might make excuses, the simple fact was she had not seen her father in over a dozen years. Doin' important things? Making a difference out there? He asked her. She nodded at his words. I think so dad. S'okay then. Had things you needed to do Cyn. I understand. He squeezed her hand. Just glad I got to see you. Cynthia slid her hand free, and fled the room. Alessio saw the flash of Cynthia fleeing the room, and nodded to the people before him. Excuse me. He said quickly, and set off after Cynthia. He ignored the protestations from those behind him. Cynthia? Alessio asked, finding her sitting on the floor, her knees pulled up to her face. When she didn't move, Alessio crouched beside her. I can offer you nothing if you will not speak to me. She lifted her face, tears staining her face. I can't. I just...can't. She whispered. Alessio nodded slowly. You cannot face what has happened. No. My dad...he was always...so strong. Always there for us all. And now he's...oh gods... She sucked a deep breath to try to avoid sobbing. To her great surprise, Alessio pulled her close, and held her to his shoulder. She let herself go a moment, sobbing into him while he held her steady. He let her go a moment later. You must face this Cynthia. Not for yourself. For him. I could lecture you on how this is perhaps the most difficult test of character that you would face. But the truth is that right now, your father needs you. Needs you to show the same strength that he showed for you in your youth. The circle is closing Cynthia, and you must be the one to finish it. She looked up a him, seeing a flicker of emotion in his eyes, something she'd not seen in the two decades she'd been training under him. How do I do that? Tell him. Tell him the truth of what you are, of what you've done, of what you hope to become. In the end of all things for him, he deserves to face this end knowing what his daughter spends her time doing. I will...buy you the time you require. Go. She shakily stood. What if I can't do this? What if...I'm not strong enough? She asked, almost pleading. Then fake that you possess the strength. Cynthia, this is a turning point in your Eternity. This will never happen to you again. You must face this...and decide. Alessio told her. Decide what? Whether...what you must endure here is worth it. Whether living forever is worth what you will suffer. Does it...get easier? Yes. In time. But not for the reasons you would hope. Then how? You grow distant. Distance is armour for the heart Cynthia. And you learn, in time, to armour your heart. If you do not, you will lose your mind in it's entirety. Now go. We both have tasks to perform. Cynthia shoved the door open slightly, re-entering the room. Her father turned weakly to see her. You came back. He said faintly. Had to Dad. Just needed a drink. She lied as calmly as she could. She could tears building on her face, but willed herself not to cry. She sat beside him. I have to tell you some things Dad. They're wild things. Crazy sounding. But they're all true. And you need to know what I've been doing all these years. Her father nodded calmly. Go for it girl. I always trust you. He said, forcing a smile on his face. It was one of the first things he'd done that actually reminded Cynthia of her father. He's dying, why can't we see him right now? A woman demanded of Alessio. He mentally sighed. Keeping them running in conversational circles did buy time, but it was irritating to be doing, and he knew that it's effectiveness was rapidly coming to an end. He looked from face to face, reading what he could from their expressions. Grief, fear, anguish. It was all things he'd seen so many times before, emotions that he'd inflicted on people before. But these people were connected to Cynthia, people that cared for her still. You know, I don't think I've ever seen you here before. Are you even one of his doctors? She challenged. He made a decision then, one that he was sure he was going to regret later, but perhaps he owed it to Cynthia to do this. No. I am not. I am the physician that looks after the more unique case of his daughter, Cynthia. He said calmly. Dead silence filled the room. This was going to be interesting. Sounds like your boyfriend was trouble there Cyn. Her father said, still smiling. Yeah. Turns out he was Dad. Probably better ways to find out about it though. She said, managing a smile of her own. And you've been working with the guy who killed him? He's...been teaching me to be like him. Protect people from guys like Brock. Her father nodded. Alessio helped me learn to do what has to be done. It's not...always easy. But I think it's right. Sounds like this guy you're learning from is a first class asshole. But with a good heart. Cynthia's smile widened a little. That's about right Dad. So...that's why I've been gone. It...wasn't right. But it's the reason. You were out there, trying to make a difference. Fighting the good fight. I'm proud of you Cyn. She squeezed her father's hand. Thanks Dad. They both turned to look as the door swung open. So she's...not aged? The woman that Alessio assumed was Cynthia's mother asked. Not outwardly, no. We found a genetic condition in her that seems to be keeping all outward signs of age off of her. But she is still going to fade in time. She's been...trying to come to terms with everything that the condition brings, and has been under observation for some time. She heard about what was happening, and came as quickly as she could. Alessio explained. So...she's in there? Right now? Yes. As her physician, I was unsure whether it would be...advisable to bombard her with so much all at once from all of her family, but I have come to the conclusion that it would be far worse to try and keep her away. So if you'll accompany me, I'll take you to her. Alessio led them through the halls, and pushed the door to her fathers room open. I will wait here. Leaning against the wall, Alessio could hear faint crying, and equally faint laughter from the room. He looked away. He didn't belong here. This was a place of mortal life, of hope, love, and joy. Things he had set aside a long time ago. He pushed gently off of the wall, and head down the hall, shrugging out of the white doctor's coat he'd appropriated. He dropped it on a gurney, and head for the exit. Cynthia and her family clustered around her father. He was still smiling, and Cynthia still gripped his hand. Glad to see all of you here. He said softly. Wouldn't have missed it for the world Dad. Cynthia managed. Her eyes flicked to the heart monitor, and she saw the beats getting more erratic. Tired now. Might get a little sleep. Cynthia nodded. Might...not be a bad idea Dad. Tell that guy to keep looking after you. And look after yourself too Cyn. He said with a faint stern edge to his voice. Will do Dad. She replied. He leaned back and closed his eyes. She watched as the monitor got more and more erratic until it finally went flat, and he slipped away. Cynthia paced the along the pavement slowly. She looked up at the tall building that Alessio had gotten another penthouse apartment in. She pushed her way inside the building, heading for the elevator, trying to piece out what it was she would say to him when she saw him again. She'd been surprised that he'd not been there to escort her out, and even more surprised that he'd concocted a flimsy cover story for her to be able to see the rest of her family. She stepped out of the elevator onto the top floor, and walked towards the door that led to the penthouse. She unlocked the door, and pushed it open. She saw a small box in the centre of the floor, and Alessio setting a few things into it. She frowned. That....looks like my stuff. She ventured. That is likely, since it is. Alessio confirmed. So...do I get an explanation for what you're doing? You do. I am finalizing the last of the required evidence of your cover story so that you can return to your family. He explained. And packing your belongings so that you may return to them. Cynthia stood in stunned silence for a moment. So you're banishing me back to my family? She asked. Yes. Cynthia, you have a family that loves and cares for you. And...you do perhaps deserve to spend your life amongst them. Alessio explained. But don't I get a choice? Of course. No one, not even I, can force you to take a path. But I can advise you on one. And you think I should leave. Yes I do. They...they will not be around forever Cynthia. But I will. You sound pretty sure of that. Cynthia, I was there when mankind learned the value of scribing symbols onto the walls of caves, beginning the road to make writing. I was there when man showed it's first sign of nobility. I was there when they launched into their first true war of nations. And I will be there when they finally succeed in destroying themselves, bombing themselves back into barbarism. And then I will be there to watch it all over again. Cynthia was quiet as he spoke. She had known all of this before, the logic of it was simple. At his age, of course he had. But to hear it from his own mouth...it put it into a different perspective. But will you be there for me? If I came back? Would you be accepting of me coming back? She asked. You would have to keep up your training. Keep yourself reasonably sharp. But yes. I would see no reason to deny your desire to return. Especially when it was my own idea for you to depart. He said calmly. So you'll what? Stay on the move, taking on the world by yourself? As it has been for a long time. Cynthia was quiet, and looked at the floor. I can't...abandon my family. I understand. She looked up at him as he spoke. That's why I'm staying here Alessio. He frowned. I believe I may not understand. Since staying seems be doing exactly what you profess you cannot do. My dad? He heard me when I told him the truth Alessio. My dad was proud of what I'd chosen to do with my life. He hadn't been proud of what I'd been doing since I got out of high school. He called what I was doing...fighting the good fight. And I think that's what I need to keep doing. To keep his memory alive. To make sure that everything I've been doing for twelve years wasn't for nothing. I go back to them now, it was all crap. I should have been there all along. I stay here, I honour my father. I make it worth something. Alessio nodded. Very well. Welcome home Cynthia. She smiled at him. Alessio sat comfortably in his chair, once again swirling a glass of scotch in his hand. Cynthia came out after unpacking all of her things. She sat in the chair across from him. Alessio, can I ask you a question? She queried. He nodded. Yes. You should know that you may always speak freely with me. He replied. She looked at the floor, gathering her thoughts. When she looked back up, she started. Why did you do all of this? All of what? Well, let's start with the last few days. You hate planes. Technology in general even. And yet you flew us both to a hospital. You posed as a doctor to give me time with my dad. You came up with a half-assed story to let me go back to my family. Why? Alessio took a drink, and thought about what she'd said. It had been so long since he'd let any real emotions get far enough to affect his decision making process, the event called for a little self examination. He looked her in the eye as he spoke. I have been where you stood Cynthia. My mother died when I was a child. I'd seen four winters. That was how we measured our in that time. By the winters we'd seen. Not everyone survived the winter. It was as good as anything. She died giving birth to my brother, Makkarial. And on that day, a part of my father died. He was never the same man. I was...perhaps twenty winters old when he began to fade. He died of sickness, much as yours did. I watched him die before me, and stood beside him, trying to grant him everything he'd wished to see that I could grant. I helped my brother complete his Rite of Passage. I proposed a joining between myself, and the woman I'd been seeing for some time. Too soon. And then he was gone, leaving me and my brother alone. So that is why I did what I did Cynthia. You are not my first disciple. And I have watched others make the mistake of assumption. And they missed their chance to be with their father at the end of things. And I could not allow it to happen to you. Alessio went quiet, looking at his glass now. Cynthia took her time before replying. So...why me? Why was it so important that I made it? Because you're still human. Oh, you've walked the path of Eternity, yes, but you have never let go. And things like this will torture you until you do. So I should let go? I did not say that. I began to let go, long before I walked this path Cynthia. It allowed me to survive. And I let go completely nearly a thousand winters after my birth. The path of being human, being mortal, is long behind me. I cannot see it from where I stand. And I can never walk it again. That is the price of what I am. You alone must chose your path. To be mortal, forever. To live, love and weep with them. Or to become like me, and turn your back on it forever. You must chose Cynthia. And it must be your decision. Alessio stood, and set his glass aside. I believe you need some privacy. I will grant you that until morning. I hope you have come to a decision by then. Cynthia looked at what lay before her. It was symbolic really. On one hand was a picture of her, and her father. She was maybe ten, and was riding on her fathers shoulders, both of them grinning. The other was the first sword that Alessio had given her. It was a good blade, one that had been made specifically for her, and she had carried it well. Each item represented a path that was open to her. She lifted the picture, and smiled at the memory. She set it on her head board. The sword she set on the wall. She couldn't walk away from either path really. She'd been stuck in this half-life for more than a decade. And maybe that was where her place truly lay.