[url=https://www.bungie.net/en/Forum/Post/246624086/0/0]Table of Contents[/url] [i]“It’s time for me to go, Nat,” Ru announced, sinking down to his knees. His daughter leapt into him, wrapping her arms under his own and around his stomach. Ru embraced her, letting her bury her face in his chest. He had never left her before. Tears began to well up in his eyes, but he fought them back. He didn’t want Natalia to worry. “We’ll be back within the week,” Markos said, standing in the frame of the open front door. He was wearing a worn backpack, and was holding Ru’s satchel and rifle. Alexei and Gwen were in front of him, waiting outside. Gwen hadn’t washed herself and was still covered in dirt from the graves. “She-“ the doctor listed, “She can help with cookin’. She doesn’t have any allergies. She knows the directions to Layne’s house, but you should show ‘er where it is.” Ru knew the Yegorovs would let Natalia play outside and explore the town. He wanted to object, say the outside world was too dangerous for his girl, but there was no point in trying. He knew he couldn’t stop them, and they would take care of her. So he ignored them and focused on hugging his daughter, feeling her small body pressed against his massive frame, her frail arms trying in vain to constrict him. “And…” Markos racked his brain for more things to say, “Make sure she doesn’t get too stressed. If she gets tired or has any pains, jus’ let her rest an’ she’ll be fine. You’ll ‘ave to teach her where Terry’s house is, in case there’s an emergency an’ someone needs a doctor.” “Right,” Gwen chirped. “What should we do with Nat’s things?” Alexei asked. “Everythin’ she has is in her dresser,” Markos replied, “Y’all can get Donavan to help ya move it in. Ru’s okay with leavin’ his things here. You’re free to take anythin’ you need from ‘ere or my house.” Ru didn’t like the thought of moving Natalia’s dresser. It wasn’t worth the effort if she was only staying with them for a week. He knew it was a precaution for if he didn’t return, or if the aliens came back and they needed to grab what they could carry quickly. But it was the smart thing to do, so he kept his mouth shut and rubbed Natalia’s back gently. Alexei nodded slowly, “Anythin’ else?” Markos shook his head. Alexei rested a hand on the doctor’s shoulder, then pulled him in for a hug, “Get back safe, okay?” “‘Course,” Markos grunted lightly, “We’ll be fine.” None of them mentioned the danger. Not in front of Natalia. Even so, the air was thick with unspoken warnings, and Ru was sure his daughter sensed it. Her arms tightened further around his back, knotting the fabric of his shirt in her tiny fists. A quiet whimper escaped her lips, muffled against his chest, “I don’t want you to go.” Hearing that was nearly enough to make Ru stay, and tears threatened to spill out of him. He removed one of his hands from her back and placed it on top of her head, running it through her long hair as he murmured, “I’ll be back before you know it, baby. It’s a short trip.” Natalia sniffled, breaking his heart a second time over. “Don’t you worry,” Ru said, not knowing if he was trying to comfort himself or her, “I’m gonna send a whole army here for you.” He pulled back to look at his daughter’s sad face and grinned, “Smile for me.” He made a silly face, crossing his eyes and sticking out his lower jaw. Natalia giggled a little despite herself, and Ru gently cupped her head in his hands. “That’s my girl,” he said, kissing her forehead, “After your uncle Markos an’ I get that army, we’re gonna go see if we can find a way to fix you up. Make you un-sick.” “Really?” Natalia asked, her eyes widening in wonder. Ru took the opportunity to squeeze her cheeks, forcing her to make a silly face. They both laughed a little as she tugged her face away. “Really,” Ru affirmed, kissing her again then separating himself from her and standing. “Markos,” he called, approaching the other adults. They all stepped outside, shifting to form an awkward circle. Alexei gave Ru a hug, not saying anything. Then Gwen stepped up to him, passing him a small bag. “A little extra food an’ water,” she explained. Ru tried handing it back, “You need it mo-“ Gwen cut him off, shoving the bag aside with a sudden hug. “Just take it,” she whispered in his ear, “You need to come back to her in one piece. If we’re gone when you come back, we’ll’ve gone west. Lord Daedalus’ll let refugees into his towns, or maybe the new Warlord in Blackbush. You’ll find us there.” She pecked his cheek before pulling away. Ru sighed acceptingly, then turned to his open doorway. Natalia was standing inside, one hand resting on the doorframe as she peered out anxiously. Ru held out a hand to her, “C’mon out, hon’.” Natalia’s eyes widened. She had never been outside the house, not since she was an infant. She reached out, stretching to take his hand without leaving the safety of home. Her fingers locked with his. “C’mon,” Ru encouraged softly. She lifted her foot, extending it to hover over the ground, hesitant. Then her shoe touched the dirt, and she carefully stepped into the world. Ru got a bittersweet feeling as he watched her look around, taking it all in. He knew this would have happened eventually, but had hoped it wouldn’t. He feared he would lose her to the world, that she would leave him, that he wouldn’t be able to protect her. But she was growing up, and wouldn’t need him as much as she grew older. Ru knelt in front of her, holding both her hands in his, “I’ll be back in a few days.” Natalia locked eyes with him, lighting up with a spark of confidence. She always knew when he was worried, “I’ll be okay, daddy. Don’t worry.” Ru smiled, choking back a sob and wrapping his arms around her again, “I know. You’re so strong. Your mother said you would be.” He leaned back and brushed her hair with his fingers, “She was so right. You’re gonna be a strong an’ beautiful woman, even more than your mother. Remember she’s still here, watchin’ us. You can talk with her whenever you want while I’m gone. She’ll always be there to listen.” Ru held her close one last time, “I love you, Nat.” “I love you, daddy,” Natalia sniffed, hugging him back. Ru stood and backed away. Markos closed in, passing over Ru’s things, and patted Natalia’s head with a joking smile, “Bye, Nat. I’ll make sure your dad doesn’t lose track o’ time like he always does.” Natalia let out a bubbly squeak of a laugh, putting her hands over her mouth, then hugged the doctor’s leg, “Bye Uncle Markos!” Markos and Ru peeled away, backing into the road. Alexei and Gwen stood behind Nat, resting hands on each of her shoulders. Ru was glad he had good people like them to take care of his daughter. He and Markos looked at each other, and the doctor tipped his head towards the edge of town. Without another word, they turned away from Natalia and moved down the road. They had only walked a few yards when Ru looked back. Natalia was huddled between the Yegorovs, her eyes fixed on him. Tears flowed down her cheeks, but she made no attempt to wipe them away. Ru forced a smile and waved before turning back to where he was going. He didn’t dare look back again, because he knew he wouldn’t be able to leave if he did. But determination roared in his chest over the ache in his heart. He was going to make it back, of that he was sure. He had to, so that he could see Natalia smile again.[/i]