Chapter 55: Grimoire Of A Geisha

You're right. You and Abdiel did have some moments.

Yes. We did. You have to understand that he makes Turk seem like a loquacious auctioneer, so I think the few words he's spoken to me show he holds me in what for him is high esteem. Understand too that he despises most people, and trusts almost no one.

Until recently I've only heard of his ferity. Now I wish I could meet him.

There is no time.

You mean to do it then?

I see no other way.

Then there is none. Don't worry, Victor. You'll save as many as you can. I have faith in you.

All I can do is warn them.

Those who want to live will listen. The others will get what they desire, or what they deserve. You will do what you were made to do, as you have done your entire life.

I'm not sure I'd call it that.

You've lived the lives of many men, Victor, and have seen wonders that few can even dream of. I know you are burdened, and I know that burden has weighed you down, but you have continued to travel your lonely road without complaint. Always have faith, Victor, for you will succeed.

Faith? Faith in what?

You ask that, after having escaped from Tarthas and stood in view of the Sun?

I'm in its gory no longer, and again I see only the filth of our diseased world in its glow. If only I could go back...

You can't, and wishing to will only hurt you. The pegasi are gone from the world, along with the Cataphracts and all the great cities but ours. You must carry on or Lord V will as well as become God, and Tarthas will endure until the last of us has choked on its venomous breath. Stand up tall, Victor, and pull your shoulders back, for you are chosen.

You haven't answered my question. What is there for me to have faith in?

The Batch, Victor. What else could there be?

But V is of the Batch.

Yes, he is. But you are the Batch, Victor. Everything it entails, every purpose it is meant to serve, and every sacrifice made to bring it to life, is gathered within you, and you have won where others have failed.

You think I'm chosen? Milady, I simply haven't quit. That's an indication of illness, not destiny.

I would not call endurance an illness, Victor.

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And I would not call it endurance.

Call it what you will. You are the treatable virus that prevents the mutated strain from taking hold. The only way out is through, put one foot in front of the other; you know the axioms. Now, attend to your posture, you have lives to save.

You want me to stand up tall and look healthy. Another lie.

I want you to save as many people as you can before you bring our city down on top of us. That you have the power to do so is not a lie. You only think that standing tall is dishonest because you think that you're more broken than the rest of the world. If there is any lie being told, Victor, then it is that. And, I know I don't need to remind you of this, but think of all the suffering the Dolomites caused. You told me that the giantesses pitied you because they saw how ruined you were by the Dolomites' work. Yet you did the work they gave you, even though it was abominable. Now that you have so little left to do, will you leave it undone? Will you leave those tortured souls to rot in vain, so you can sulk in Lord V's shadow while Ahz repeatedly tries to have you murdered? You are the Batch, Victor; the only one to hold true to its purpose. Have faith in that purpose, and in your place to fulfill it.

I'll find the descendants of the founders and bring their severed parts to their thrones, but I refuse to let you tell me how to think or feel.

Suit yourself, but the abzu will not allow you to pass if they aren't convinced you'll see it through. Would you risk everything for the joy you find in moping?

I will do my duty, and either that will be enough, or the abzu will doom us all because they don't like my attitude, according to you.

I can't win with you, Victor.

I didn't come here to compete.

I know better than you what you come here for. But there's no more point in arguing. It's time for my payment.

Yes. And your price is steep.

You've seen both Helheim and Valhalla, Victor. These are experiences that must be shared, lest they be washed away like...

... tears in the rain.

You've spoken with Ahuramzada! That makes me glad. He has so many marvelous stories to tell.

His knowledge is impressive. I wouldn't be surprised if he knows all the things that were lost when the Bibliotheca was destroyed.

He is Lord V's greatest treasure. Endearing yourself to him was a brilliant move. But Victor, even Ahuramzada hasn't stood in the rays of the Sun, or been fettered in the prisons of Pandemonium.

Alright, I'll tell you. Where was I?

You and Abdiel were about to pass through the firmament again, and I believe Turk was about to give you both a dress down.

How did you guess that?

Two reasons. First, I highly doubt he had you, Abdiel and the lucien girl break away from the squadron to go sightseeing. Second, he's Turk.

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