The Aeronaut's Daughter

Death is Defeated

This was meant to come yesterday, but here it is now. This chapter is extra long. I hope you all enjoy it. Once again, I take no credit for anything except my own OC characters. All His Dark Materials elements belong to Philip Pullman and I give credit to everyone who provided the OC ideas.

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In the world of Mulefas and Sraf Seers, all elders had become ill. Dorian. Nasir, Olivia, Jamie and Mary were doing all they could to help them. But even Sraf Oil in the seedpods was not enough to heal them instantly.

"It's getting worse," Jamie trembled. "Soon this will happen to all of us if this doesn't stop,".

"We're running low on seed pods," Nasir said, holding up an empty seed pod. "More of the seeds are dead and the oil has dried up,".

"Our survival depends on those children now. Once they..." Dorian started coughing. He fell.

"Dorian!" Mary caught him. The chief began choking. "Someone get help!".

"Help me carry him!" Nasir lifted him by the legs, and Mary carried him by his arms. Jamie, petrified with fear, picked up his staff, and Olivia dashed off with her Mulefa to get more seed pods.

Dorian was taken to his chambers in the High Tree. His doctors fed him oil, but it was not doing enough. "This is the end of me,".

"No," Jamie clasped his hand. "You can't,". His tears spilt. So did Olivia's. Their Mulefas trumpeted miserably.

"I wish I had the strength. At least you're all strong enough to withstand this,".

"There has to be something we can do," Mary said desperately.

"We've tried all we could," Nasir couldn't hold back her tears. "But the void is too strong for him,". Oliva hugged his side, burying her head into his chest.

"Please, Dorian," Jamie begged. "You can't die. We need you. Your son needs you,".

Dorian coughed, and his breathing slowed. "It's my time now. My only regret is that I didn't get to meet Simon and Lucya's son. Mary..."

Mary knelt beside him. "Dorian...".

"Remember, you are important to the children, to our people. Tell them stories, teach them how to experience. I am glad to have lived long enough to meet you,".

"I won't let you down. No matter what, I will save your people. I don't know how. But I will," Mary sniffled. "I promise,".

Dorian smiled. "So brave and determined. Just like my son,". His eyes closed, and his feeble fingers slipped from Jamie's hand, landing by his side. Nasir burst out crying. Golden Dust evaporated out of Dorian's body, drifting into the air outside the window by an invisible suction current. Jamie watched as the sky swallowed his particles up. Then he burst out sobbing, Mary holding onto him tightly, shedding tears. All the healthy Sraf folk watched as the dust particles of their beloved leader faded into the sky, releasing a cry of death. The Mulefas roared in agony. And the sky cried in rain.

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In the mountains of the world of Asriel's Republic, where the Mulefa Riders had made camp, Damian was drawn to a cry in the heavens. The voice of his dying father. "Father..". All eyes were drawn to his shaken voice.

My son. Dorian's voice echoed in his ears. I love you.

"Damian," Arthur rushed to his husband. "Look at me," he held his face. "Look at me,".