Memento mori

Interlude: i shall not fear, for you are all with me

Its like waking up after a long sleep. One can't help but feel a tad bit sore.

When I cracked my eyes open, I was immobilised for a few seconds.

All sort of device made a flatlining noise. Suddenly, all shapes turned toward the source of the noise. But raising from the dead, I tried to stand in a single motion, scarring all sorts of nurse. One actually fell to the ground, before leaving for the corridor, calling for a doctor.

I looked around. The perfect pristine white walls of a hospital room. Yeah, I should have guessed I would wake up in such a place.

I started to move my tongue in this jaw that was almost unfamiliar. I felt the metallic taste of dried blood crust, slowly crawling up my throat.

Not the best things to wake up with.

I reached out the drawer under my bed, pulling my clothes who seemed fresher than before.

In the process, I noticed an imbalance. When my eyes finally decided to look at the ground, I saw my right leg.

Oof, nasty.

I sewed it hastily. It will have to do. Too bad I'll have to amputate it later. At least it was presentable. Then I could finally put back those cloth.

Some too damaged to be worn had been replaced by other left by what I could only guess to be my team. A green coat with fur on the inside, and a t-shirt with a Norse symbol on it. I looked perfect with that.

I savoured the sensation of fabric against my skin, knowing I won't probably enjoy it much after tonight.

All things must come to an end, or else nothing would ever have value.

I suddenly felt a ripping in space.

In the far distance, a sin against the world had been committed. I had no time to loose.

I opened the door of the room. A group of people were having a heated discussion with the nurse, the same one that saw me waking. Its only when all the head turned toward me that I recognised them.

- Seth!

Two voices said that at the same time. A young man hugged me fiercely. He had a second of hesitation, as he knew I wouldn't normally return such display of affection.

But tonight, I humoured him. I slowly extended my arms to him, a way for me to enjoy the world one last time.

I let out a small laugh, as my arms grabbed Axel. A few happy tears mixed with the laugh. I gently brushed the back of his head. It was soothing.

The second speaker had its right to speak. I slowly distanced myself from Axel and gave a hug to Oscar.

It felt warm and familiar. It was this feeling of belonging somewhere. I still had yet to fully process the fact, yes, I had a family.

A real family.

I turned toward Malcolm, stoic, but who had a large relieved smile on his face, and small tears that formed from all the released pent-up pressure.

He idly brushed my head fur in an almost parental fashion.

- You're a tough one, you know that?

- I am indeed.

He gulped.

- I guess its pointless to ask you to rest, right?

I saw on his face the disappointment he arbored toward himself. He tried his best to inspire good emotions in my heart. But from the get-go it was impossible.