He Who Fights with Monsters 11 (He Who Fights with Monsters, #11)

by Shirtaloon

Gary held out the sword in its scabbard for Jason to take back. “Sorry,” Gary told him, “but you won’t be able to use them properly until you’re an astral king. It smells like you’re about to get onto that, though.” Jason laughed as he took the weapon and put it away. “It’s not much of an upgrade on the surface,” Gary explained, “but you’ll never lose it and you don’t need resources and rituals to rank it up now. It’ll match its power to yours.” “Thank you,” Jason said. “It’s been six years since you first gave it to me. It feels like forever and no time at all.” Jason stepped up and hugged Gary tightly, his head only coming up to the huge leonid’s chest. “You smell so bad,” Gary choked out and Jason laughed through the tears spilling from his eyes. Jason pulled away from the big man. “How do we do this?” he asked. “How do we say goodbye? How can it ever be enough?” Gary put a comforting hand on Jason’s shoulder. “Jason, you’re going to live a long time. Probably forever. And in that time, you’re going to do a lot of amazing things.” Gary gestured at Jason, leaking rainbow smoke. “Starting in about three minutes, from the looks of it,” Gary continued. “We both know you can lose your way at times. You have Shade and all of our friends, but maybe you can do something for me. When you find yourself uncertain of a choice, or wondering if you’re doing the right thing, maybe think back on your old leonid friend, and see if you can’t find a way to choose compassion.” Jason stared...