4338.209 · July 28, 2018 AD
Now, More Than Ever
Paul never asked to lead. Never wanted the weight of decisions that could kill the people trusting him to make them. But someone has to count heads whilst the shadow panther corpse rots beside the campfire. Someone has to hold things together when the group begins fracturing in every direction at once. And when something ancient speaks directly into his chest with words that burn, Paul understands: he was never given a choice.
Leadership in Clivilius means pretending you have answers whilst standing beside a rotting monster corpse, trying to remember which of your people are still alive. Paul sends Karen to fetch the lagoon group. He examines blood droplets on Jamie's tent floor and understands that Joel's disappearance wasn't voluntary. He tries to project confidence he doesn't feel, because someone has to, because there's no one else.
Then everything shatters simultaneously. Jamie chooses his living son over his dead dog, pressing a kiss to Duke's shroud before walking into the unknown with Charity to hunt a Portal pirate. Beatrix heads for the Portal carrying Duke's body, shouting "Home!" without looking back. Glenda drops to her knees screaming the world's name, pounding dust with her fists, wild-eyed and grinning: her father is alive. Kain argues. Lois barks. Henri squirms in Paul's arms.
And then the burning starts — not metaphorical, but physical, spreading through his chest like fire catching dry grass. A voice that is inside him and around him and utterly alien speaks with ancient certainty: Be brave, Paul. Now, more than ever, your people need their strong leader.
Clivilius has claimed him. There's no going back.
