It's a beautiful night. The glow of the city's lights is visible in the distance as they climb the mountain trail, winding in and out of the trees. He can hear the song of nocturnal birds, the light sounds of wind rustling leaves overhead, and the distant thunder of a waterfall.

The rest of the Dora remain behind, and he's glad. No one else should see this. No one else should be near. Panic yammers at the back of his mind - what if, what if - and he does his best to ignore it. He's used to fear, both his own and that of others. Besides, they'll know soon enough. Ayo has a plan. He'd had one of his own; still does, even limited and bounded as it is by his promises.

("I won't run again."
"I know."

"I won't stop. Trying, I mean."
"You better not. And if you can't do it for yourself, do it for me."
"You, and Steve.")

He looks around as they reach the place Ayo has chosen. It's a clearing, one that's open to the edge of the drop, with a view out over the land beyond. They've come far enough around the mountainside that he can no longer see the city, and he finds himself glad of that.

There are far worse places for it all to end, if it -- if he -- if something goes wrong. If it all goes wrong.