Out of the Abyss

by Nightfoot

In the wake of a devastating injury, Yuri tries to put his life back together. Sequel to To Fight Monsters.

35. A Life to Live

Chapter Thirty-Five: A Life to Live

Yuri sat in the waiting room and smacked a ball of paper as it flew at his head. The paper arced back across the room, passed Karol's outstretched fingers, and hit the floor.

"Yeah!" Yuri threw his hands up in victory. "Another point for me!"

"Aw, man." Karol leaned over to pick it up. "It's not fair. Your arms are longer."

"Well, what do you want to play?"

Karol looked around the witness waiting room at the courthouse and then sighed. "I don't know. There's nothing to do."

Over the past few hours, the rest of the group had slowly dwindled as they were called one by one to testify at the trial. Flynn had been the first to go, which meant he and Yuri hadn't even had a chance to talk after Yuri arrived. Considering Brave Vesperia had come straight from Ba'ul to the court house, it had been over a month since Yuri had last had a conversation with Flynn. He was already annoyed because the court house still didn't have any form of ramp and it was just annoying to have to be carried into a building. They'd been left in the waiting room without any kind of snack or indication of how long it would be, and he was starting to worry about the content of the basket on the table.

The door opened and Sodia stepped in. "Yuri Lowell? The court is ready for you."

"Awesome. Captain," he pushed the basked toward Karol, "take care of this for me. Have a knight send it my way when it's your turn."

Karol bobbed his head. "Don't worry, Yuri! I'll take care of it."

Yuri left it in Karol's hands and then left the room. Sodia closed the door behind him and asked, "What's in the basket?"

"Surprise for Flynn."

"What's the surprise?"

"I don't think you fully grasp the concept of a surprise."

Sodia's eyes flickered downward with suppressed annoyance. Yuri hadn't seen her since the day she spilled the beans about Flynn's guilt, and he hadn't regretted that. He now followed her down the hall to the doors to the court room.

"Just a moment," she said, stopping in front. "They'll call you in momentarily."

Yuri arched his back and rolled his neck. "More waiting? Man, I thought they were ready for me."

"I'm sure you can handle waiting for another minute."

"Ah, you know me, I hate spending a whole day sitting down." He patted his rims with fondness; at least he always had a comfy chair to wait in. "Anyway, how's Flynn?"

"The commandant is doing well. His injuries have healed and he's been back to a regular work load for several weeks."

"That's good to hear."

Still looking at the doors, Sodia smiled. "Yes. I've noticed his attitude has been better these past couple of weeks than it has been since last fall. Looking after you took quite the toll on his emotional health."

Yuri didn't react, but his mental eyes were rolling. Typical from Sodia, really. In a way, Yuri sort of liked her because he liked to think Flynn had someone so concerned about him. In practice, though, she aggravated him more then stairs and desserts on too-high shelves. Obviously Yuri knew that Flynn had suffered over the winter, but Sodia really didn't need to bring that up. First, because while Flynn had certainly been in emotional pain, Yuri had been insignificantly more, both emotional and physical, and Sodia didn't seem to care too much about that. And second, Yuri was fully aware that his prolonged journey out of the abyss had been hard on Flynn, too, and he already felt shitty about it without her reminding him.

In the silence, Sodia apparently had a chance to think about what she'd said. She looked down at him, then pulled her head up and swallowed. Stiffly staring at the door again, she said, "Yuri Lowell, I… I'm glad you're feeling well again. Seeing how happy you make Flynn… I won't say I understand it, but I appreciate it. I don't wish you any ill-will."

"Well… thanks."

The door opened and a knight ushered Yuri in. Sodia stayed behind, and the knight reached for Yuri to push him. Yuri whacked his hands away. "I got it, thanks."

Yuri pushed himself between the benches to the front of the room. The witness stand, he saw, still hadn't been adjusted to accommodate him, so he parked next to it and leaned back in his chair with his hands folded on his lap. The same lawyers from the last trial were here, which pleased Yuri. He was looking forward to chatting with them now that he was more mentally stable.

Yuri looked to the defendant's table and spotted Carter for the first time. It actually took Yuri a moment to recognize him, and he had a little thrill to see Carter sitting in a wheelchair. A month in prison had not treated Carter well. He looked like a sack of pale skin clinging to a skeleton. He leaned back in his chair, lacking the energy to sit unsupported. Even from a distance, Yuri could hear his haggard breaths as his dying lungs struggled to squeeze air through them.

There had been a time when the sight of Carter filled him with dread, when the mere thought of being in the same room as him made his heart beat a little faster. There had been a time when he really believed Carter was the one person in the world who could best him and come out laughing.

Teller, the prosecutor, approached him. She gave him an encouraging smile and Yuri was mildly embarrassed to remember how badly he'd screwed up here last time. He didn't need encouragement; he was eager to recount just what an asshole Carter was.

"Good afternoon," Teller said. "Could you please give your name and relation to the defendant?"

He nodded. "Yuri Lowell. And, well, this time I happened to be there to watch him threaten the commandant's life."

"Thank you. Please tell the court what you witnessed that day."

Yuri locked eyes on Carter. He had to be professional, which was why he'd forced his feet into stupid dressy shoes for this, so he couldn't ruin that by openly taunting the bastard. He could, however, give him the tiniest of cocky smiles and keep steady eye-contact while he launched into his story.

Yuri didn't miss a beat while talking. The story was shorter this time, but even then he got through it significantly faster. It was amazing how much easier it was to get through when you didn't have to stop every few minutes to get your head in order.

When he finished, Teller thanked him and it was Mr. Dunn's turn. He was the one Yuri was really looking forward to talking to, because he'd managed to make a fool out of Yuri the last time.

"So, Mr. Lowell." The lawyer stood before him with his hands folded behind his back. "Where did you first encounter Mr. Carter the day of the attack?"

"I told you. In the dining room of the house."

"Whose house?"

Yuri shrugged. "I think it belonged to his pop, but I don't want to make an assumption about something I'm not sure about."

"And given that his father is deceased, the house now belongs to Mr. Carter. What were you doing in his house?"

"Scoping the layout. Someone tipped me off that he and Zagi were hiding out there, so I wanted to check it out."

"What right did you have to break into his house?"

Yuri shrugged again. "He's a serial killer. I think pond scum deserves more rights."

Dunn raised his eyebrows. "Whether or not you believe he deserves them, Mr. Carter still possesses basic property rights. You broke into his house, so he attacked you."

"Yeah, I guess." Yuri suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. "Look, who's on trial here? I'm not saying sneaking in there was smart, but he still abducted Flynn and stabbed Estelle."

"Ah," Dunn held up a finger. "But by both your and the commandant's testimonies, Commandant Flynn willingly broke into Mr. Carter's house and elected to stay. That's hardly a kidnapping."

This time Yuri couldn't stop himself from rolling his eyes. "Yeah, ok, but I'd still charge someone if their buddy came over for tea and then they beat the crap out of them. You did see the doctor's report, right? It's not like Flynn got hurt playing a friendly game of Parcheesi."

Dunn gave him a dirty look. "Watch your tone, Mr. Lowell. Your sardonic commentary is not necessary in a court of law."

Yuri held up his hands. "Sure, fine, let's get back to the questions then."

The questioning dragged on for a frustrating half hour. Dunn was eager to pick apart every piece of Yuri's story, but Yuri didn't have anything to hide. He knew Dunn must be picking at straws to try to win the case by now. Estelle had testified earlier today, and testimonies couldn't get much more damning than the princess explaining how he'd invited her into the house and then stabbed her face-to-face. Followed by Flynn describing the hours of assault he'd endured, Yuri's account was little more than a ribbon on top. Had Yuri been in the wrong to take justice into his own hands and break into Carter's house to try to rescue Flynn? Sure, but he'd witnessed Carter hold a knife to the commandant's throat and threaten to kill him and his story corroborated Estelle and Flynn's perfectly.

At the end, when Dunn had run out of ways to try to cast Carter as a put-upon homeowner defending his house, he turned back to his old standard of trying to discredit Yuri's testimony altogether.

"Is it true, Mr. Lowell, that for one month you attended psychological therapy?"

"Yeah. What of it?"

"You'd already been discharged from the hospital. Why did you seek treatment?"

For the first time, Yuri was hesitant to answer. Why the hell was this anyone's business? Him wanting to kill himself had zero to do with Carter treating Flynn like a pinata. "I was having trouble coping."

"With what?"

Yuri held out his hands and broadly gestured toward his legs. He wanted to say, what the hell do you think? But that would not be professional and he was trying so hard. "With losing my legs."

"But your visits to the psychologist abruptly stopped approximately two months ago. Why?"

He shrugged. "I left town."

"Was this not immediately after Mr. Carter escaped from prison and contacted you?"

'Contact' was a funny way to describe attempted abduction. "It was around then, yeah."

"So, immediately after being confronted with the root cause for your trauma, you cut off treatment and left the city. Then you had a whole month without treatment for your mental problems, which culminated in you breaking into Mr. Carter's house and once again finding reason to demonize him."

"Well… yes. I'm demonizing him because he stabbed my best friend."

"How can you be sure you were even in the right state of mind to form memories properly?"

This wasn't just annoying, this was angering. Even when he had been seriously depressed, he still remembered things clearly. That was the problem - he hadn't been able to stop remembering. "Because believe it or not, having trouble coping with being tortured and crippled doesn't actually affect your mental abilities. I stopped seeing Sarah because I didn't need to see her anymore, and even if I did, depressed people are still capable of observing their friends tied to a chair and beaten to a pulp."

There wasn't much to say after that. Dunn couldn't find a way to get Yuri to admit he'd been in a questionable state of mind, and the questioning wrapped up about ten minutes later. After a quick follow-up from Teller to further cement that Yuri had been in control of one-hundred of his faculties that night Carter attacked Estelle and Flynn, he was released.

Out of the courtroom, Yuri got directions to another waiting area. Inside, he found his friends sitting around a long table snacking on a tray of doughnuts.

Estelle waved when she saw him and quickly swallowed. "Hello, Yuri! How'd it go?"

"Easy-peasy." He rolled up next to Flynn and Judy, who had been in conversation until he entered. "He make some room for me."

Judith scooted over while Flynn smiled at him. "It's good to see you again, Yuri."

"Yeah, well, I can't avoid you forever." He turned to give Flynn a good look and was pleased to see that all marks from Carter's abuse had faded. Instead of smiling, though, he grimaced. "Ugh, I see your nose still hasn't healed properly. Hopefully that ugly thing clears up soon."

"Huh?" Flynn's fingers went to his nose.

"Oh, never mind, that's your normal nose, isn't it? Don't mind me."

Flynn rolled his eyes. "Very funny, Yuri."

Yuri grinned, landed a peck on Flynn's cheek, and said, "Missed you, too."

"We're going out for dinner after Karol is done," Estelle said. "Do you want to come, Yuri?"

Estelle was looking peachy, too. Yuri had been certain she'd recover fine, but it was still good to see in person. "Actually, Flynn and I have plans tonight. Maybe tomorrow."

"That's ok." She beamed. "You can join us tomorrow then."

A couple of minutes later, a knight poked his head in. "Um, Yuri Lowell? The kid asked me to give this to you."

"Oh, thanks." Yuri rolled backward to retrieve the basket and then lifted the lid to check on the contents. Satisfied that there were no problems, he pushed off the wall to glide right back to the table.

Estelle cocked her head when he returned. "What's in there?"

He rested his arms on the lid. "I'll tell you later."

Karol showed up about half an hour later, and then they were free to go. They made their way to the exit as a group, and when they reached the stairs Yuri said, "Who wants to bet on if I can hop all the way down on my back wheels?"

"No." Flynn the back of Yuri's chair. It didn't have handles, but Flynn found a way to hold on tight. "Absolutely not."

"Party-pooper."

They turned around so Flynn could ease Yuri down backward. Yuri held onto his basket all the way down, careful not to disturb the contents. He could tell Flynn was intensely curious by the way he kept eyeing it, but he hadn't mentioned it yet.

At the steps of the court house, it was time to part ways. "We're staying at the Comet," Karol said. "We'll do dinner tomorrow, but if you need us before that just come down and toss rocks at the window!"

"You shouldn't do that," Estelle said. "You might damage the window!"

"Heh, don't worry about it, Estelle," Yuri said. "I'll let Flynn go up and knock like a respectable person."

"See you tomorrow, Yuri!" Karol said.

Judith added, "And don't forget to tell Flynn about that mission in Caer Bocram. Have a nice night."

"I'm going now, too!" Estelle said. She leaned over to quickly give Yuri a big hug. "It was nice to see you again."

"I'm glad you're feeling better," Yuri said. "And I'm sorry again for getting you involved with Carter."

"Oh, no!" She straightened up and smiled. "You don't have to apologize for that. With all the times you've supported me, well, it was the least I could do."

"Let's not worry about paying each other back for that kind of stuff." Because she may not feel the same way, but the support she'd given him throughout the winter was more than he thought he could ever pay back. "We support each other. No questions asked."

Her smile widened. "Yes. I like that. Well, goodnight!"

They all waved goodbye and then Yuri and Flynn turned toward Flynn's house.

As they walked, Flynn said, "I can carry that basket for you."

"I got it." Maybe Flynn wanted to speed up, because Yuri was going slower than usual to keep it steady and not risk falling from his lap. More likely, Flynn was desperate to know what was in it and wanted to guess from the weight.

"I don't know how you do it, Yuri."

"Do what?"

"Get around like that all the time. I only spent one morning using the chair and I was fed up with everyone's asses being level with my face."

Yuri chuckled. "You get used to it." He reached over and slapped Flynn's butt, which was at a convenient height for his arm. "And depending on the ass, that could be a perk."

His face slightly reddened, Flynn attempted to continue like nothing had happened. "Yes, well… still. Have I mentioned how proud I am of you?"

"You could stand to say it again."

"Well, I am. I always knew you were someone who could overcome any challenge, but you really proved it this time."

Yuri shrugged. It still didn't seem like something to be proud of to him. After all, millions of people got through the day without offing themselves so he didn't think he deserved accolades like that. He hadn't really done anything worthy of pride, because as far as he saw it, all he'd done was keep living. He was, however, happy. He was happy to be alive, and happy to be here with Flynn, and happy that his life hadn't stopped short in the catacombs. Considering how reckless he tended to be, he'd always assumed he'd end up getting killed one of theses days, so still being alive was a net positive.

They reached Flynn's house, where Flynn had already pulled the ramp out to make it easier for Yuri to get inside. Flynn went in first and then held the door wide open for him. "Welcome home."

Yuri had to stop when he got to the doorway. He noticed the difference immediately. "When did all this happen?" He gestured at the hardwood floors throughout the living room and then continued in so Flynn could close the door.

"Two weeks ago." Flynn tossed Yuri a towel he'd left on the coat rack and then kicked off his shoes. "I'd been planning to refloor the upstairs bedroom for ages, since… well, I never was able to get the blood out from Kat." His eyes turned down and his chipper mood briefly dimmed. "Plus there was the blood down here from when Zagi attacked you. I was too distracted with everything going on with you to worry about it until now, though. But I figured, if I was redoing it anyway, I might as well put in hardwood floors. I know they're a lot easier for you to get around on."

Yuri finished wiping down his wheels. "You didn't have to do that for me."

Flynn shrugged. "I wanted to. On your birthday, I gave you a key to the house and told you to think of it as your second home, and I meant it." His smiled returned as he said, "I wanted my house to be Yuri-accessible." He pointed down the hall, "I also installed a sliding door to the dining room and a seat in the downstairs bathtub, so you can use the shower now without getting trapped. Plus I moved all your favourite supplies to the counter in the kitchen again, since you'll be here until the trial is resolved."

Yuri couldn't help smiling as well, and part of that was because of how goofily happy Flynn's face was as he described his renovations.

"Oh! One more thing!" Flynn dashed down the hall to Yuri's room and then returned a few seconds later pushing an empty wooden wheelchair. "I got this for you, too."

Yuri cocked an eyebrow. "Huh? Well… cool, but, uh, I already have a chair." And honestly that one looked uncomfortable and clunky compared to the sleek one Brave Vesperia had gotten for him.

"I know. But I was thinking, if something goes wrong and that one breaks, it would be good to have a back up, just in case. And until then, we can leave it upstairs so if I carry you up, you can get around on your own up there."

"You really thought of everything."

"I did my best." He strolled back to Yuri. "But I know I must have forgotten some things. I learned a lot about what you go through that morning you let me use your chair, but that was just a few hours. I know I'll never fully comprehend what your life is like, but I will strive to do my best."

Yuri couldn't help feeling awkward whenever Flynn started treating him with the same respect and adoration he gave the Knights. Eager to change the subject, he said, "Hey, want to know what's the in the basket?"

"If you're ready to tell me." The anticipation on his face had to be killing him.

"It's a present for you." Yuri scooted forward. "Go ahead and open it."

Flynn lifted the lid and gazed into the dark basket. Inside was a soft cushion, a small pink blanket, and a black and white kitten fast asleep.

"Yuri… what is this?"

"Well, Flynn, we call these 'cats'."

Flynn gave him a momentary look of disdain. "Where did you get it and why is it here?"

"I know a little girl whose cat had a litter. They couldn't find homes for all the babies and she came to me in tears because she was afraid this one might get put out on the street. I told her I'd find her a new home. I don't think Repede would be thrilled with a kitten, but I thought… well, I do know someone who could use a friend while I'm out of town."

"I can't take care of a kitten." Flynn reached into the basket. The kitten had woken up from the light and voices and blinked at Flynn. "I have way too many responsibilities at work." With gentle hands, he scooped the cat up and held her against his chest. "There's no way I have time to raise a kitten." He cradled her with one hand and used the other to rub between her ears.

"I can see that."

"I just can't…." The kitten let out a soft mew and Flynn's stubborn expression broke. "I'm terrible at names."

"I thought you weren't keeping her?"

"Well… you said she would be abandoned back home. And you can't take care of a kitten with your job taking you out of town so often. I could probably look after her for a few days until I find someone who can take her full time… and I'll need to call her something in the meantime…."

Yuri nodded knowingly. "Uh-huh."

Flynn looked around the room, seeking inspiration. "How about… um… what's something that's black and white?"

"A flawed world view."

"That's a terrible name for a cat."

"Call her Flawedy for short."

"No. How about… Penguin."

"You can't name a cat 'penguin'."

"I'm call her Gwen for short."

"You're bad at this naming thing, aren't you? Repede should be thankful you didn't name him."

"Shh." Flynn pulled the newly-christened Gwen up to his face. "Don't listen to him. Gwen is a pretty name, isn't it? Oh, yes it is."

Yuri grimaced. "You're disgusting."

"I need to go put some water down for her."

Yuri rolled his eyes at him, but when Flynn turned his back, he had to smile.

---

"I should have known this would happen," Yuri said to Repede in the kitchen a few days later. "I come all the way from Dahngrest and see his sorry ass for the first time in a month, and now I'm ignored for a dumb cat."

"I can hear you, you know." Flynn's voice came from the living room, where he was lounging on the couch with Gwen on his chest.

"I wasn't trying to lower my voice," Yuri called back. He left a cleaned plate on a towel on the counter. He and Flynn had worked together to cook dinner, and Yuri offered to wash the dishes if Flynn put them away. This was both because Yuri couldn't reach the shelves, and because Flynn was very particular about where things went and wouldn't like Yuri's organization anyway. Then he actually did lower his voice so only Repede could hear him. "I never liked his old cat, you know, but what Carter did to her was disgusting. I know Flynn was really upset, so maybe this will help him move on."

Repede woofed and Yuri put the last plate on the counter. "There. Done with that. Now, what does Flynn have for dessert around here? I bet he has cookies or something." Yuri made his way to the cupboard, flung open the door, and spotted his prize. Flynn had a box of cookies that would make the perfect dessert, but there was one problem: it was on the highest shelf.

"Flynn!"

"What?!"

"Why are the cookies so damn high?!" He strained his arm, but the top shelf was at least a foot from his fingertips.

"Because if they were on a lower shelf, you'd eat all of them in one sitting."

Yuri lowered his arm and gave the doorway a disgusted look. He put them out of reach on purpose? That bastard. "Well, come get the box then. I promise I'll only have two."

"Sorry, I can't get up."

"You can't get up?" Yuri looked around the room for any sort of long stick that would extend his reach.

"Gwen is asleep on me."

In the corner by the back door was a broom. Perfect. "So move her."

"I can't."

Yuri grabbed the broom. "She weighs less than a pound. I think a big strong knight can handle lifting that much."

"But it might wake her up."

Yuri rolled back to the cupboard and reached for the box of cookies with the handle of the broom. "I don't think she's going to be traumatized for life by being woken up during a nap." He hit the box and whacked. It tipped off the shelf and dropped straight to the floor.

"What was that?"

"The sound of victory." Yuri leaned over as far as he could, snagged the edge of the box with his fingers, and managed to pull it to his lap. He hadn't been planning to eat the whole box, but now he was going to just to spite Flynn. The foil bag inside crinkled as he ripped it open.

"Did you get into the box?!"

Yuri shoved a chocolate-chip cookie into his mouth and spoke through a mouthful of crumbs. "No." He swallowed heavily and then reached into the bag again. "But on a completely unrelated note, do you have any milk?"

"Dammit, Yuri!"

Yuri heard movement from the living room and grinned.

A few seconds later, Flynn appeared in the doorway. "I was saving those."

"For what, National Cookie Day? Buy more when you run out." Yuri popped another in his mouth and chewed it quickly "Mm, these're delicious."

"I know they are. That's why I bought them. For myself."

Yuri shrugged. "Serves you right for thinking a high shelf could thwart me."

"All right, you've had enough. Put them away."

Flynn approached and Yuri grabbed the broom again. "Stay back!"

"Put the cookies away, Yuri."

"Make me."

Flynn tried to get close enough to circle Yuri and grab the cookies from behind, but Yuri used the broom to bat him away.

"Dammit, Yuri!" Flynn massaged his battered knuckles.

Yuri grinned and used one hand to push himself forward. "Out of the kitchen! I claim this territory and all food within it."

"But it's my house!"

"Ah-ah, you said it was mine, too." He swung the broom at Flynn again, but this time Flynn caught it. Yuri attempted to tug it back, but Flynn had the advantage of being grounded while all Yuri accomplished was pulling himself closer to Flynn. "This hardly seems fair."

Flynn looked down at him and thought for a few seconds. "You're right. Stay there."

"Eh?" Flynn left and Yuri sat in the kitchen. He wasn't bored, though, because he had a box of cookies to pass the time.

A minute later, Yuri heard the clatter of wheels on wood and then Flynn emerged in the kitchen sitting in the spare wheelchair, a mop across his lap. He came to a stop and held the mop like a pike. "This is your final warning. Capitulate possession of the baked goods or I'll be forced to take offensive action."

"Oh-ho! Is this a declaration of war from the commandant?" Yuri tucked the cookie box into the bag on his back and then lifted his broom in a similar pose. "Consider your demands resisted."

Flynn smashed the mop on the floor to act as an oar and push himself forward. While rolling, he brought it up and prepared for a strike. Yuri struck back with his broom just in time and knocked Flynn's mop away. Flynn stabbed and hit Yuri's shoulder, pushing him backward. Yuri used the broom to stabilize himself and push back, where he feinted to the right and then surprised Flynn with a broom-blow across the side of his head.

The battle raged. Every time Yuri gained territory, Flynn fought him back and sent him careening toward the far wall. Yuri tried to summon reinforcements, but Repde yawned and left his humans to fight alone. After several minutes of this, they were both covered in blossoming bruises from the countless blows they'd rained on each other.

Eventually, Yuri gained the upper hand. His chair was more manoeuvrable and he had more expertise in doing so. He fought Flynn off to the kitchen doorway and then went in for the kill. His broom hand jammed between the wheels of Flynn's chair and when he twisted, the whole thing clattered to the side.

"All right!" He punched the air as Flynn disentangled himself from the chair. "Looks like I won the whole box."

Flynn got up and rubbed his elbow. "You're still an asshole for stealing my cookies."

Yuri pulled the box out of his bag and shrugged. "At least I'm a well-fed asshole."

"You'd better buy me a replacement box."

"You kidding? To the victor goes the spoils."

Yuri ate a cookie and then put the box back in the bag; it was his now.

Flynn picked up his mop and Yuri's broom and returned them to a cupboard. When he returned, he said, "You're lucky I'm rather fond of you. I'll put the dishes away." He passed Yuri to no doubt examine the dishes and ensure they met his standards of cleanliness. He had just picked up a plate when someone knocked on the door. "Oh, I'll get that."

"Don't worry; I got it." Yuri hurried down the hall before Flynn could leave the kitchen. Yuri swung the door open and was met by Sodia, who had been expecting Flynn and had to do a double-take when there was no one at eye-level.

"Oh. Is Commandant Flynn here?"

"Hey, Flynn, your lapdog is here."

She gave him a dirty look as Yuri rolled back. Flynn came to the doorway and said, "Oh, Sodia. Do you need something?"

"I'm sorry to bother you this evening, sir, but the verdict from Carter's trial came in and I thought you'd want to know."

"Oh, yeah?" Yuri looked to her with anticipation. "Spill."

"He was found guilty on all counts and given an additional ten years of prison, giving him a total of twenty."

"Shame he won't live to see most of them," Yuri said.

"It's still not enough," Flynn said. "For all the people he killed… but at least it's something."

"I just wanted to inform you, sir. I'll leave you alone for now."

"Thank you, Sodia. I'll see you at work tomorrow."

She saluted and then left. Once she was gone, Flynn walked to the couch and sat next to Gwen, who was curled up on a cushion significantly larger than she was. Considering the good news they'd just gotten, he looked pretty sombre.

"What's with that face?"

"It's nothing." He absently stroked Gwen's soft fur.

"Flynn." Yuri moved closer to the couch. "Something is obviously upsetting you."

"It's dumb. I just thought, now that the case is wrapped up, there's no reason for you to stay in Zaphias. I've enjoyed having you here for the past few days."

Yuri had to agree. Although he'd spent almost two months living with Flynn earlier this year, most of that time hadn't been very enjoyable. In the past four days, though, they'd quickly fallen into a comfortable routine. Yuri spent the day hanging out with his friends while Flynn was at work, and then spent their evenings together relishing the fact that for the first time since they'd started a relationship, there was no pressing concern or grief hanging over them.

Flynn looked down at Gwen, who had crawled closer to him to maximize petting. "It's going to be lonely when you're gone."

"Ah, hey, you'll be fine. I got you that furball, didn't I?"

"Wouldn't it be nice if we could just have a relationship like normal people? See each other more than once every few months?"

"If you were normal, I don't think I'd be interested."

Flynn smiled a little. "I guess it's the same for you. You're certainly an exceptional man. Will you be leaving tomorrow?"

"I'll have to talk to Karol about it. Probably."

Flynn nodded. "All right. I understand you have your guild to get back to. I think it's good that we're walking different paths. Ah, well…."

Yuri snickered. "Rolling different paths, you mean."

"Sorry."

Yuri shook his head. "Seriously, don't worry about it." He really meant it, too. The idea of getting bent out of shape over a simple turn of phrase seemed so petty.

Flynn smiled at him "Ok. Walking, then. We'll keep walking our separate paths."

"Yeah." Yuri nodded once. As much as he loved Flynn and enjoyed spending time with him, he didn't need to. His happiness was not dependant on Flynn's constant support, so there was no reason to change their arrangement. Yuri rolled closer so he could rest his hand on Flynn's thigh and give him a suggestive eyebrow quirk. "Though, I wouldn't be against sleeping upstairs tonight to give you a proper goodbye."

"Hm…" Flynn looked down at the kitten. "I don't know, Gwen's been sleeping on my bed and I would feel awkward doing anything indecent with her in the room. She's still a baby."

"Flynn!" Yuri pulled his hand away. "Forget about the cat for one damn night!"

Flynn laughed and then got to his feet. "I need to carry your spare chair upstairs. I'll put a pillow in the basket you brought her in and put her in the spare bedroom. Be right back."

After he left, Yuri leaned forward to bring his face closer to the cat. She stared at him with her dark, glossy eyes. "You're a home-wrecker, you know that?"

Gwen tilted her head and let out a tiny, "Mew."

"You know what your mom did to my face?" Yuri narrowed his eyes at her and then rubbed her head, pushing her ears down and nearly covering her entire body with his hand. He'd never been good at cats; he was too used to dogs. He always managed to piss cats off by petting them too aggressively. "You're lucky you're cute."

Flynn returned to the foot of the stairs. "Ok, come over here and I'll piggy-back you up."

"We need to figure out a better way to do this," Yuri said as he rolled across the living room. "Some kind of machine that moves up and down automatically."

"That would be useful. Maybe if we still had blastia… hm, you should ask Rita about it. She might be able to whip something up."

Yuri parked at the base of the stairs and grabbed Flynn's neck. It was always a little disconcerting when someone carried him, since he couldn't feel the hands supporting him so it felt like he was floating. He had complete faith in Flynn not to drop him, though, so he just hugged him tight and took advantage of his newfound height to kiss Flynn's neck.

"Wait 'til we reach my room, at least."

Yuri kissed him again. "I'm a rebel."

Flynn set Yuri down in the spare chair at the top of the stairs. Yuri led the way, and Flynn followed him to the master bedroom. Soon, they would have to part again, but at least they could have tonight.

---

Flynn let out a deep breath and then wiped sweat from his brow. "How's that?"

The new bronze plaque gleamed in the summer sun. It was glossy enough that Yuri could see his reflection. "It's good."

Flynn stepped back and then tucked the screwdriver in Yuri's bag. The commandant shouldn't have done this himself, but he had insisted. "There will be a proper dedication this evening for the families. I wanted to make sure it was set up and looked perfect in advance though."

"Of course you did." Yuri patted Flynn's ass, which always made Flynn blush and glance around the street to see if anyone had been watching. Patting Flynn on the shoulder wasn't an option anymore, but Yuri felt this was an acceptable alternative. "But I wouldn't have you any other way."

They were outside the entrance to the catacombs in the royal quarter. Down there, in the darkness beneath the city, seven people had lost their lives due to Carter. Yuri had almost been the eighth. He now stared into his reflection in the plaque and wondered if Flynn would have put his name on it had he gone through with killing himself months after the initial killing spree. Knowing Flynn, he would have, and Yuri couldn't entirely fault him for it. Carter may not have been the one holding the knife, but he as good as put it in Yuri's hand through his actions.

It was weird to think his name had almost been on that plaque. He had never been more grateful to feel the sun sear his scalp. Spending the rest of his life sitting down wasn't ideal, but it was a hell of a lot better than lying down in the catacombs with the rest of Carter's victims.

At least now Carter lay with them. Flynn had written to Yuri a week ago to inform him that Carter had passed away in prison. Part of Yuri was upset, because it felt like Carter had found a way to cheat the system and run away from the twenty years he was supposed to spend atoning for his crimes. On the other hand, with Carter dead, he felt like he could finally put this completely behind him. There was no question of escape, no wondering what he was up to in prison, no worrying that he had found a way to enjoy himself or once again exchange letters with disturbed individuals outside and encourage them to foster their inner monsters. Carter was dead, and he had died a slow, wasting death gasping for air. Yuri only hoped it had been miserable enough that he'd suffered as much as his victims had.

Flynn sighed and stepped behind Yuri, where he leaned forward on Yuri's shoulders. "It doesn't seem like enough. So many lives were ruined, and all we can give them is a commemorative plaque."

"There's nothing we can do to bring back everything he took away. The best we can do is remember them. I especially like that there's no mention of his name on here."

"Yeah… there was a bit of debate about that, actually. One of the guys designing it suggested naming the killer, but I was against that. Fifty years from now, when people read this plaque, I want them to know the names of the people who died - to think about them, and keep their spirits alive that way. If Timothy Carter was listed…."

"All anyone would take away from it was the name of the killer. I like it this way; he would hate never being remembered."

"Yeah…."

They spent another long minute staring at the names and their reflections. Flynn wrapped his arms around Yuri's neck rested his chin on Yuri's head. How glad he looked that Yuri was still in his arms and not just a name to be remembered.

In the reflection, Flynn's face wrinkled with a tiny frown. "So, you're sure it's good?"

Yuri rolled his eyes. "Yes, Flynn, it's good."

"It's really important to me that you like it. Carter affected you so much more than me."

"Flynn, trust me, if I didn't like something you did, I'd let you know."

"Heh, true enough." Flynn kissed the top of Yuri's head. "Let's go home."

Side by side, they made their way back to Flynn's house. Yuri had to squint against the bright sunlight. Summer had hit Zaphias like a sack of bricks, assuming those bricks were also on fire. Yuri was thinking about getting light, fingerless gloves to protect his palms, because his rims were getting pretty hot. But, it was better than winter and all that white bullshit clogging his wheels.

"I forgot to mention," Flynn said, "I'm sorry for summoning your whole guild here. I know you have work in Dahngrest."

"Don't worry about it." Flynn's letter had specifically requested Yuri come visit, but since he couldn't exactly ride Ba'ul here by himself, Judy, Karol, and Repede had come along with the Fiertia. "They all wanted a break from Dahngrest anyway."

"Isn't it hotter here?"

"Yeah, but it's a dry heat."

"If you say so."

"And anyway, don't apologize. I would have been pretty upset with you if you hadn't let me know that asshole had finally kicked the bucket."

At home, Yuri reached the front door first and led the way in. He dusted off his wheels and then started moving toward the couch, but jerked to a halt at the last second. "Damn cat! Watch out!"

"Mew?" Gwen looked up at him from where he'd almost run her over.

"Yuri, be more careful." Flynn closed the door behind him and scooped her into his arms. "Mean Yuri," he whispered to her. "Gonna break your little tail."

Yuri considered it a victory that Flynn hadn't pronounced it 'wittle'.

"Ok, we're leaving tomorrow. Do you want to spend the afternoon cuddling your cat, or can you maybe remember your significant other with two legs?"

Flynn let Gwen back to the floor. "It's petty to be jealous of a cat, Yuri."

"Who said anything about jealous? I just think it's embarrassing to be around you whenever you talk to her."

"Fine, I'll give you some affection, too, you big baby. Race you to the couch."

Yuri reached it first, but Flynn threw himself across the cushions before Yuri could finish transferring across. But, he didn't really mind. Yuri was happy to crawl onto Flynn's chest and relax his head. Flynn's body was still heated from spending time outside in the summer sun and Yuri closed his eyes as Flynn ran his fingers through his hair.

"Your leg is falling off the couch," Flynn murmured.

Yuri didn't open his eyes. "Does it look like it's gonna fall and drag me down soon?"

"No."

"Then whatever." He was far too comfortable to sit up and adjust them. He took deep breaths and relished the simple joy that was being alive, and especially doing so with Flynn. Everything was so… nice….

He woke up when Repede barked. "Hrm…?"

Repede barked again and stuck his nose in Yuri's face.

"Ah…" Flynn mumbled, clearly awaking from a nap as well. "Yuri - the door."

A banging came to the door again. "This better be important," Yuri grumbled as Flynn crawled out from under him and walked to the door.

When Flynn opened the door, Karol ran in. "Hi, guys! Sorry, were you busy?"

Yuri propped himself up on an elbow. "Nah, just catching a little shut eye. What's up, boss?"

"Yuri, I'm really sorry, but we just got a job offer. Some guy didn't pay back a debt and ran off to Capua Torim to escape the collectors in Zaphias. If we don't leave right away, I'm afraid they'll give the job to someone else and this could be a really profitable contract!"

"We got a job?" All traces of sleep wiped away. "Sure thing. Sorry, Flynn, looks like I have to head out early."

"I understand. Your guild should come first."

Yuri hopped from couch to chair. He made a quick trip to his room and shoved his belongings in his bag. He last thing he grabbed was the crossbow on his dresser. He smiled when he picked it up, then quickly folded it and shoved it in his bag.

Back in the living room, Karol asked, "Ready to go?"

"Ready as I'll ever be. Come on, let's hurry before this guy switches towns again."

Flynn squeezed his shoulder. "Have a good mission. Be safe."

Yuri laughed. "I'm always safe."

Karol and Flynn both gave him looks.

"What? I'm perfectly safe."

"Just don't break your neck," Flynn said, shaking his head with a smile.

"At this point, that would be cliche." Yuri grabbed the front of Flynn's shirt and yanked him down so he could plant a kiss on his lips, which lasted just long enough to make Karol uncomfortable. "See you around, Commandant."

This job would be easier if he could walk. Most things in the world would be, but wishing and regretting would do nothing to change reality. This wasn't the life Yuri would have chosen, but it was the one he had and it was time to get on with it. He had a job to do and a life to live.

---

A/N: Fin! I'd like to give a BIG thanks to everyone who read and/or reviewed along the way. I started this story because I thought the conclusion of To Fight Monsters needed a little follow up for proper closure, but then it spiralled out of control and is now twice the length of that one and took me a year and a half to write. Since it was so long and I invested so much time, I feel like I should say a bit more.

Mostly, I want to say that I tackled a huge issue in this story, both paraplegia and depression. I've never personally dealt with either of them, so I have to give thanks to both the people I know and the forums online that guided me through these heavy topics. I should mention, almost every interaction Yuri had with stupid or insensitive people was directly based on anecdotes from actual paraplegics so, yes, people really are that stupid. I learned a great deal while research for this story, and I hope maybe you did, too. Something that's always bugged me in stories where a character becomes paraplegic is that either it hardly effects them at all, or it's so devastating the only option for a happy ending is a magical cure. So, I really wanted to write a story encompassing the reality of paralysis and all the ways it manifests, and also how it's possible to go back to a happy and fulfilling life without regaining the ability to walk.

Thanks again for reading and sticking with this story for so long.