Cutlass: Forgive
I see the opportunity, and I want to take it. “Excuse me, Ashura,” I sheepishly ask, “but could I ask to have that knife Abaddon dropped?”
Ashura turns to me, puzzled. “What for?”
I didn’t really plan this far ahead. “One of my parents is an exorcised version of Abaddon. This version goes by the name Deneb and by they/them pronouns. They don’t really have the weapon, but I’ve heard stories about it. The knife can grow into a titanic blade and shrink back just as easily. There were two incarnations of Abaddon, both of which left their blades, but we were unable to get them back. Would it be fine if I were to take this? I don’t think they’d use it, but I feel like it’s something they’d want to hang onto.”
Judging by Ashura’s expression, I think I confuse them more than I elaborated. “You can have it,” They reply, “I honestly don’t care.”
“Thank you!” I pick it up and put it in my pocket, being certain not to cut myself or my clothing while doing it.
As I think back to what happened, I begin to worry if Daichi, Medrash, Deneb, Andy, or Boluomeng were to die, would I try to bring them back? I’d be devastated. Having someone leave your life never stops being painful, no matter how many times it happens. Sure, I have some better coping mechanisms, but if I were to lose a parent? I definitely wished I could have talked to Willow before they left.
“Hey Lysander,” I ask, “How far do you think the wolves got?”
They sign back to me. “They shouldn’t have gotten too far. I don’t think you should be getting revenge right now, though.”
I blink for a moment. “Revenge? No, I wanted to talk with them. I really sympathize with losing people you love, and I feel like things could have gone differently if I knew about it beforehand.”
Lysander sighs. “I don’t think you should pursue them,” they respond, “You and I almost died by their hands. What if they try to do that again?”
“I don’t think so. They already got their closure. I think they just need someone to talk to, someone to sympathize with.”
Lysander rolls their eyes. I don’t think their outlook is the same as mine, and I’m afraid I’m annoying them. “If you want to go talk to them, fine. Just leave me out of it. I don’t ever want to see their pathetic little mug again.”
“I’ll respect that.” My parents told me that everyone was eligible for a second chance. They also said victims of abuse don’t necessarily owe their transgressors a second chance. I have no intention of hurting Lysander by bringing back Willow, no matter how good things get.
“Well, I’ll be leaving. Thank you for everything, Lysander!”
He grins. “You’re welcome. I’d love to see you again soon! Don’t be a stranger!”
And with that, I leave in pursuit of the wolves.