part X:
age.
how I loathe the thought.
how I loathe the lengths people will go to simply to circumvent it.
I despise its hushed, reverent beck... signaling me to a future empty casket of my own, not unlike yours.
I hold nothing but disgust for the luggage it comes with.
... thump, thump, thump... tick, tock... tick, tock...
it rots me from within... to see you part
the idea that I could halt my body from decomposing this much, only to see yours turn senile and unsalvagable
... thump, thump, thump... tick, tock... tick, tock...
I would have given everything for you,... when our ages matched and you borne the vigor of twenty knights in one.
every time I stare at the star shard in the forefront of my clockwork heart, stalling my pace, I think of gambling with it... of getting you back with it.
but would it be giving anything away?
... to me? I, who sold my name, sword, blood, grit, and love in the name of the climb?
... to me? I, who earned it all back with the slow incision of the knife... the hushed puncture on one's back?
... to me? I, who betrayed even my own ideals?
... thump, thump, thump... tick, tock... tick, tock...
no.
I've simply fooled myself into living this long. The dagger is mine, but this time... so is the back.
Now, I get to see all my biggest triumphs become my greatest failures.
... thump, thump, thump... tick, tock... tick, tock...
Quote:"Imperator." A voice calls, our representative's. My gaze remains downcast at your grave, unfazed. "Your signature is the last one left."
The only family of mine that's succeeded is here on the mainland. My native grandchildren, my retired firstborn after being wed - Luca. As hollow as he is now, still a loyalist.
I've severed family once they were of no use before. Why should today be any different?
Quote:"Bring it to me." Their use to the empire is null. It could be no simpler than this.
The beating void within my clockwork heart chimes by itself - ... sell them, Walter, it tells. I meet her halfway.
"If all the committee is in agreement, then the Decree shall be unanimously signed."
Is this what you wanted me as, Tanya?
... thump-ump,... tick, tock... tick..............
illness has caught up - I can't keep abusing my chiron.
this will be my last motion in my seat.
before I embrace the soul of cupiditas... surrender to it...
... tick..............
and find the death I long for.