LES DÉSCENDANTS

~Chapter 8: Ici Tout Seul (Out Here On My Own)

A/N: Life expectancy was so low during the 1830s :(  Enjolras lived a pretty long life, considering, which is just SAD.  Those of you who've been following this story from back when it was called Courfeyrac will remember the song Out Here On My Own used in a different scene in Marseilles which has since been deleted.  I had to bring it back because it describes Avenir's heartbreak and inner strength so well.  Anyway, see if you catch the Star Wars reference and enjoy!

Avenir POV:

Once I'd taken a moment to myself, I emerged from the alleyway and made my way into the hospital, where I was recognized and taken outside Lamarque's room.  I was told he had a visitor, and would I like to enter?  I peered around the doorway quickly and quietly, then shook my head at the attendant.  Grantaire was in the room with Lamarque, and they were talking in hushed tones.  Lamarque was giving something to Grantaire, whose face was extremely grave.  It was a moment meant for privacy.

"I'll wait for them to be done; I can sit," I told the attendant, who departed.

What was going on?

After about ten more minutes, I heard movement so I quickly stood and moved to the doorway, revealing my presence.

Grantaire paled but Lamarque whispered in his ear and gave him a pat on the back, then beckoned me in.  Grantaire didn't look at me on the way out, clenching his fist.

"Sir, I didn't mean to-"

"Come and sit.  You have reached a very crucial moment in your time with us here in Paris, and we do not have much time."

"I came up with a plan," I quickly spoke up.

"Well then by all means, do relay it to me."

"We get you out of here.  Sneak you out.  Gavroche tells everyone you've died of cholera, which sparks the revolution.  You help save us.  Enjolras knows about the speech, but we need all hands on deck to help Éponine and Grantaire."

"What a brave plan, and I applaud the effort, I truly do.  However, there is something you have not been told up until now that must be disclosed.  I am weak."

"Well since you don't have cholera, you'll get past it.  And sure, you might have done something bad in the future, but we're changing the future so that it won't happen!"

"Alas, I am dying."

I paled.  No wonder Grantaire looked so grave.

"What do you mean -"

"There are things that were done that may never be reversed."

"I don't believe that - we are about to reverse the deaths of my friends and my brother, and you still believe that -"

"I know it to be true.  Someday you will understand."

"Why didn't you tell me the first time?!" I cried.  "I might have thought of a way to -"

"There are things you will learn that will reveal to you-"

"But SIR!"

"YOU MUST FOCUS ON SAVING THEM!" he roared, meaning Les Amis, and that was when I noticed just how much his hand was trembling.  "You must!  That is the only way this will work." 

"Why is Grantaire so upset?" I said shakily.

"He understands the grave nature of the situation, and he only wants to help."  He was sidestepping the question, looking at me intently.

"Ok," I said bitterly, knowing I had lost.  "Say we don't try and save you...if we create a more peaceful future, and if the speech works, we're coming back for you."