[Leaving Lazarus behind would be intolerable. It would defeat the purpose of any of this, of all of it, a purpose that glints inside Paul's blood like the alchemical miracle of bronze. There's something to prove here almost in his reach of understanding, something about synergy, about mirrors.
But he can't help him climb. Not in any way that would help beyond his hand reaching out to steady him when he slips, and waiting for him when he hesitates, waiting for him as he regains those precious lost feet. The water still rises, seething with yearning for their heels, but they're still ahead. Just.]
So do I.
[His hands do ache. His body throbs with exhaustion under the radiant light, the suffusion of both in his blood easing one and dimming the other. There's a clarification in pain that he's learning to use, since it seems that it's one of the few things this world is generous with.]
I didn't want to lose. I didn't want to lose any of you.
[Less light, as if the rain at this height is enough to dim it. Paul hugs against the plateau and looks at Lazarus with wide, discernible eyes no longer lost in illumination.]
no subject
But he can't help him climb. Not in any way that would help beyond his hand reaching out to steady him when he slips, and waiting for him when he hesitates, waiting for him as he regains those precious lost feet. The water still rises, seething with yearning for their heels, but they're still ahead. Just.]
So do I.
[His hands do ache. His body throbs with exhaustion under the radiant light, the suffusion of both in his blood easing one and dimming the other. There's a clarification in pain that he's learning to use, since it seems that it's one of the few things this world is generous with.]
I didn't want to lose. I didn't want to lose any of you.
[Less light, as if the rain at this height is enough to dim it. Paul hugs against the plateau and looks at Lazarus with wide, discernible eyes no longer lost in illumination.]
Come on. Almost there.