Page 351 of Light Leech

“Alive? I don’t know if I have lived for centuries. “

But you’re here? You didn’t die in that battle?

“Actually, I think I did.”

But you’re back? Like you were before?

“I believe so.”

I’m sorry if it messed you up.

“Were you victorious?”

Yes! We won!

“Then I suppose it does not matter. You did what was required. Perhaps next time you won’t let your fears constrain you to the point where sacrificing me becomes necessary.”

Yeah. Sorry. I’ll try my best.

Silence lingered. My ears didn’t ring in this cognitive chamber, yet I still felt the silence that crept toward the feeling of overwhelming null. I knew that something would interrupt the encumbering abyss, but that did not diminish the sinking fear of staring into a silence abyss.

“You missed me?”

What?

“Your relief at hearing my voice was that of a child hearing the voice of an absent parent.”

I can’t do anything here without you.

“So I am a mere tool?”

“No, you’re… I don’t know.”

“Your savior.”

More like a friend.

“A temporary salve to an eternity of loneliness.”

What? You’re not leaving, are you?

He snored a laugh. “You long for me. I admire that, though you must beware, attachment causes separation to be all the more painful.”

Are you leaving me or not? Anticipation is almost as bad as the thing itself.

“Now? No. One day I would hope that we will part ways, though in a less dismal way than I am implying. I would like to be my own being again someday.”

Then what are you talking about?

“Your path to ascension will never be without trial. Beware of the attachments you form, for many of them will become obstacles..”

Are you talking about my friends?

“I would rather not confirm the impressions I have before they are proven true.”

What do you know?

“That all is not right with the world. I fear that the many bonds you have formed may rupture for you to succeed.”