David saw the solar before him.
He shook his head wildly. He'd had this dream too many times before. Over and over again, he had told himself, I made the right decision back there…
The beautiful avatar still stood before him. He must have had this conversation a billion times since he had destroyed Melissan. He just couldn't leave his friends behind…not after all they had been through together. Besides, he had no real reason to believe that godhood wouldn't do the same thing to him that it had done to his father.
For, as the ever silent solar standing placidly before him reminded him in no uncertain terms, his father had been the Lord of Murder.
David was forced to reflect upon his past once again. What he did with godly might I did while fighting for justice. Even the solar's beautiful gaze turned mocking at his thoughts. Go away! You told me you'd approve of me no matter what I said? Why must you torment me? Leave me alone!
For the first time in all of his dreams, the solar weaved a gate back into the astral plane. For reasons unknown even to himself, David fell to his knees. Please don't leave me…now of all times. I need you! I NEED YOU!
David almost fell backwards when the solar spoke. "You once needed me, godchild. Or should I call you David, now that you are free of your burden. For many years I watched you and waited. I saw the fabric of friendship and love entangle you in a way that even I had never thought possible. Some would view it cruel and unjust that, in proving that you could by all means be a great and gentle god, you also destroyed what chance you had of becoming one."
You know I don't. That's just the way of life, solar. If I really think about it, I will someday gain what you could never possibly have.
The solar nodded. "An immortal existence beyond this universe. Death."
Solar, you have been a good friend and mentor to me—the best. Could I ask you for one favor before you leave me forever?"Of course, David." The solar seemed mildly amused.
What is your name?"Out of all your trials and experiences with life, I would have thought that you would know the answer to this. Just think about what I am, and the purpose of my being.
David just looked at the solar, trying to get a picture that he could remember forever. Its gate nearly completed, he whispered to it. "Goodbye…David."
The solar smiled, touched him on the shoulder, and then was gone.
The only thing that he remembered about that night was the image of the solar and the feeling of the first tears he had shed in a very long time.