~Epilogue~

There was light; blinding bright.

A ripping, tearing feeling of loss and I was behind my eyes again. And it hurt... oh, it hurt; fire in my veins, lead in my limbs, blood roaring through my head, making the dark tunnel red as I fell.

My name, and there were arms around me - so gentle, so warm, so safe.

Words, words, and more words. There were others there. Others holding me, carrying me as the red-tinged tunnel carried me away.

And part of me the pain couldn't touch danced. Exulted that this was right, and this was real, and this was how it should be - how it was! is! will be!

And I fell asleep against the warmth of a friend.

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Note: This is the start of a series that has yet to be given a title. Check stories index for followups.