Breath taker

Part 45 - Go back

Lorelai and Daniel arrive to the Underworld to find much security.

"Is there normally so many guards? With... sharp weapons?" Danny asks, glancing at the twenty guards at the Gates.

"Not usually. But we've had... attacks recently," Lorelai says as she starts down the stairs.

"Who'd attack the Underworld?" Danny chuckles as he glances around, following Lorelai down the cliff.

"Madmen," she replies quietly before clearing her throat.

"Well then - welcome to the Underworld. As you've noted we're under stronger security at the moment but hopefully they will not be necessary soon and you'll be free to travel to the living world for short periods of time. Ah; here is John," Lorelai gestures to the old man approaching them.

"Grandpa?" Danny asks.

"Hello lad," John claps Danny on the shoulder before pulling the boy into a hug.

"John if you wouldn't mind taking your grandson through orientation; I have work to get done," she asks. John nods to her and she leaves the two of them to it.

Walking through the courtyard she passes children, still laughing despite the tension - playing in the shadow of a war. They made her heart ache with worry for her daughters. She shuts her eyes.

Deep breath. 

Let it out.

She will get them back safe.

"Lorelai," Min says behind her.

"Min," she replies as she turns.

"How was... Cassidy?"

"She's well," she nods.

"And Karma?"

".... Provided some clarity to the situation,"

"The Ancient Ones are ready; what's the plan?"

"You aren't coming,"

"What? Why?" Min asks, confused.

"I- there is no need for an army. I don't want you all to get hurt,"

"But-"

"-No. I need you here Min. I need you to make sure that our home is safe - that our people are safe. I can handle Pitch, but to do this I have to leave the Underworld undefended. I-I need you here Min,"

Min was looking at her like she thought this was an awful idea.

"We can't lose our home again," 

That seemed to crack Min.

"Plus I called dibs," Min glared at her.

"Alright; you're going alone. So what is this 'great plan'?"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"This is an awful plan. Like the worst one I've ever heard,"

"It's going to work,"

"No it's not! There's no world where that's going to work!"

"It will work. It has too." Lorelai reassured herself, speaking with such certainty she might've believed it.

"But... if it doesn't and I.... Take care of everyone. Asha, our people, the Ancients, Cassidy, the girls. Promise me that Min; promise me you'll keep our family safe," she begged Min. Min was quiet, staring in her silent considering way.

"Lorelai; I'd give my soul for it," Min stated, certain and strong. Lorelai nodded.

"Goodbye then," Min said, standing tall. Lorelai could tell from the clench of her jaw and the quiver of her soul light that she was trying not to cry. 

"I-yes. Goodbye," 

Sighing, Lorelai wrapped her arms around one of her oldest friends. Min froze for a second before returning the embrace.

This wouldn't be goodbye. She'd come home with her daughters and the world would go back to the way it was, no matter what Karma had said.

But if it wouldn't....

She held Min a little bit tighter.

If it wouldn't go back then she'd miss the way it had been as she faces the way it will be.

And there they stood as time stood still; in the quiet courtyard surrounded by the world they had built together. The world that was slowly crumbling.