Another night, another city, another hospital. He'd begun to think that mortals had possibly the worst ideas and morals, about the same as a cockroach. He couldn't remember how many years it had been since he retired from the stage, from the travel and work, from the greed infested populace that wanted him forever. He had used the last thing that was left to him, his free will, and walked away. Somehow, he wished that he could miss it, and in some small way he did.
He stopped seeing his old friends, most of them were old and graying as he too should have been, but he wasn't, and never would. He would cry for them when their times came, but until then, he could only bask in the memories of the better days before things slipped from his hands. Ben, Karl and Lee would forever be the marvelous three to him, the ones who kept the music for him even in the years passed their prime. Leonie, she would forever be the second mother, for better or for worse. Ang, Anna, Jen, Alisa, and all the rest of the girls would always be the melody of life.
But the one who would never be added to that list still wandered aimlessly, hidden from the world like he had always wished. Daniel would always be the same, he'd never change or age, and that saddened them both. The only thing that hurt as much as being seemingly alone was knowing that they would truly be alone because their friend's lights were fading.
He glanced through the glass at one of his friends, dear 'Sneaky' Pete, as he was being looked over by one of the nurses. He was going as anyone should, happily of old age. The only thing that he wasn't happy about was the amount of pain that went along with it. He knew it would come soon, but never soon enough for a man who had let go long before. Whether he knew it or not, someone was listening.
"They will all go, if we like it or not. I can only give you one idea, because I know to this day it kills you inside to know that none of them knew, and you still think they lost out because of it. You'll know when their sun is going to set, and if it will set your heart to rest, you can go tell them before that final moment. Be an angel of mercy, Darren, just like they will all need. Find some way to deal before it rips you apart..."
Walter had been the first that he'd visited on his deathbed. Daniel's words had echoed through his head quietly as he had sat down close to his friend and told the entire story, everything that he could. What had happened after, he had not expected, hadn't expected Walter to speak to him.
"You'll never change, Darren. You know my time, don't you? Will you tell me?"
"Only a few hours..."
"Would you do it, then? Take me away from here..."
His eyes had said what his voice could not, a cry to be released by someone who cared, someone who was there, so he wouldn't have to die alone.
He had done it, even when he had sworn not to take a friend's life. There was other blood to be had, but this act became meaningful, spiritual for him. He wasn't taking on some random stranger from the street, he was granting a wish, a hope of someone he cared deeply for, and his blood would forever be bind into his. Bodies would never last through time, at least not mortal ones, but he could take a part of them for memory, as a part of him that he could always feel near to him.
"Don't let them tell you that you have no heart, for surely you do if you are so noble about this task you take. If they give of themselves, then you are helping them just as you are helping yourself. Let them go in a warm grasp, in one of love and caring. I know you will seek them all in time, and you shall set them free on a wind of new hope. Impressed is not the right word to describe, but until I find one better, I will always be in awe of your will."
He would never see himself as highly as what Daniel thought, could never be a saint or savior to anyone. He was only taking a life that would have been lost anyway, in whatever reason. He was living in death, but he hoped that he could keep something, a memory, alive for however long he was destined to last. They were truly giving him everything, and he would always be thankful for that.
He wished that Dan could have been there with him, but he held nothing for the guitarist, never wanted to tie him down, but he always felt the darkest when he knew that he was going to take a life, even if it was in honor as it had become.
"You are more human than any of them could ever be, ya know? It isn't about life or death, it's about caring, about love and compassion. It's about the tears you shed just thinking that you will be taking another against their will. Most wouldn't care at all, but you do, you feel and you comprehend. Maybe you are neither, but something unique and true, whatever form."
So, Pete's time had come, and for once in his life, he was ready for something, anything, to happen. Again, tears fell in the shadows outside the room as he sent out a silent prayer. He wouldn't believe that God would ever smile on him again, but he would give every reason for the ones he took.
"Let this be my prayer, that they find a place, be guided by your grace, and the faith to make them safe in their journey. Take them home, so that they will be happy once more, as they have made me in this lifetime. Lay rest the weary souls, and let them fly away on the wings of a new and glorious dawn."
