The Arks: Over Heaven (by Ben)

Chapter 50: Psychosis

Part 5/5

“*Cough*. Now you know how I felt,” Mr. Ma mumbled, “When I killed that boy.”

Loki lifted Mr. Ma up with his arms, and Mr. Ma’s head dangled loosely, leaning against Loki’s forearms. Loki’s face felt warm in the freezing tundra.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you,” Loki wept.

“I know you didn’t.”

Loki began to sob, and he began to sniffle as Mr. Ma’s hand went numb. Mr. Ma blinked his eyes a few times, and he seemed to be staring at the stars.

“It’s on me,” Mr. Ma admitted. He gently put a hand on Loki’s hand, “Don’t let this hurt you.”

Mr. Ma blinked his eyes a few more times.

“Promise me you won’t die. You’ll escape and be free,” Mr. Ma whispered, “Don’t let your morals stop you, but don’t let heartlessness rule you either. There must be a balance, Loki. There must be another way.”

Mr. Ma’s eyes began to wilt, and his implant’s glow began to fade.

“I will always see you as my son, Loki. And I will always be by your side.”

Mr. Ma smiled faintly.

“Olivia?”

“I see you.”

…

Loki’s head hung low.

Off in the distance, he could hear the faint howl of wolves.

“I promise, Mr. Ma.”

Loki’s left eye began to glow blue, and so did his implant. For a moment, Loki could almost sense Mr. Ma’s presence. As if he were standing by his side. Watching, and waiting. A surge of power flowed through him as he wept.

Loki looked up at the stars. They had no right to be so beautiful on a cruel night like this. But there they were. Absolute, and still.

It certainly was a view over heaven.