We Don't Need Another Song About California

[Emprexx Plush]

Abe came for Hel's body first, though maybe it was more like he was trying to escape the confrontation with Axel. It was a gesture either way. He could have just dipped. From their place behind themself and slightly to the left they weren't sure why he didn't, what'd he really have here anymore? They were fucked, and Abe wasn't a bad guy or anything, but babysitting the two of them was way above whatever he signed up for, right? Shit. They didn't know him that well. That could be harsh. Him showing up didn't shock them all that much. Just, just him getting there first. Axel came racing through them too, but he hesitated. He did...he probably did something. Probably important. Probably for Andy. Probably. Hel knew him. Probably. They didn't know. They didn't know anyone in this moment, least of all Hel. Hel had been resigned to this, they had known in their bones from the moment they woke up that near everyone they cared about most was going to die, sworn on oath and health that they were at peace. Hel had known relief in death. Hel had welcomed it.

The thing walking away in Andy and Axel's arms wasn't Hel. The thing dragging along unseen and unbidden wasn't either. If they were here they could leverage not taking in the body. Hel nor body nor passenger knew how Andy died, so they could fabricate without guilt that it had been well. Quick. They could dwell in that supposition and imagine that he hadn't suffered any longer, which in its own way was true. Andy had suffered, but he didn't have to feel this. He passed before Hel, before Axel, before Forrest, and that was kind of a mercy if you squinted? It could have been worse.

It could have been worse, and this death was the alternative.

They found relief.

They welcomed it.

They were Hel, in Axel's arms, and they were moving oon.

((Helena Fury Continued In @shdwmstr recordings and transcripts june 14th))