[ WP ] `` You are the main character , after all . ''

`` Wait, Axel! Oh God... This ca n't be happening.'' 
 
 I could only fall to my knees as I arrived at my friend's side. I put my hand on his shoulder and he looked up at me. 
 
 His eyes were filled with all sorts of emotions, many of which I could barely comprehend, but the only ones that mattered, pain, fear, disappointment, were all there. The dark red spot on his shirt slowly grew wider and wider as he tried to sit up and greet me. He could n't though. All he could manage was to lift his head slightly off the ground. 
 
 He smiled at me. With what must have been a considerable amount of effort he raised his arm and put his hand on mine. I could n't understand. Why was he smiling? Why was he looking at me like it was just another day? This was n't a casual meet-up at a bar. 
 
 Why was n't he crying? Why was n't he cursing his fate? Why was n't he asking me to help him? 
 
 `` Louis,'' He whispered. Even that tiny utterance strained his broken body. `` Why the long face, buddy?'' 
 
 `` Why? That's obvious, right?'' Tears threatened to burst out and stream down my face. I could n't hide it. `` You're hurt, man. You're hurt really bad.'' My voice cracked. 
 
 `` Yeah... No shit.'' Blood built up in his throat with a pathetic attempt at a laugh. His body heaved to clear his windpipe. 
 
 `` This should n't have happened. You were n't supposed to get hurt like this. You're supposed to be the hero, but I... I could n't keep you safe.'' 
 
 `` And why would you need to do that?'' 
 
 `` That was my job, was n't it? I'm your sidekick. I'm the supporting character that makes sure you make it to the final scene. But... I failed, huh?'' My lip shook violently. 
 
 `` Do n't... be an idiot.'' He lifted his hand and made clenched his fist. Like a slow motion scene from a boxing movie he brought that weak fist up to my chin. `` That's wrong, Lou. You did n't fail at all.'' 
 
 `` But...!'' I could n't accept that kind of response. I would n't. He was trying to make me feel better. That's what the hero does, right? He's the best of the best, even on the brink of death. 
 
 `` Just shut up for a second and let me --'' He coughs loudly. `` Just... let me talk. I probably do n't have a lot of time left.'' 
 
 I shut my mouth. As crazy as this was. As much as I wanted to cry and shout and tell Axel how unfair this all was, I gave him the opportunity to speak his mind one last time. After all, that's what the supporting cast is supposed to do. 
 
 `` Louis. I'm not a hero, like you say I am.'' I wanted to interrupt him there, but he slowly put his had on my shoulder and squeezed. His grip was so weak. `` Everything we've been through... up to now... that's been us. The two of us together. We watched each other's backs, and got each other into trouble the whole way through, but there was never a doubt in my mind about one thing. 
 
 I was the one supporting you. 
 
 From the start, I rushed ahead. I triggered all the traps. I started all the fights. I cleared the way so that you might make it to the end. To be honest... I really hoped we would make it there together, like always. But... I guess that just could n't happen.'' 
 
 Axel took several long, deep breathes. 
 
 `` I... I do n't understand,'' I said, `` What are you trying to say?'' 
 
 `` Jeez, Lou. Do I have to spell it out for you? I'm the support, man. It's you. You're the one that has to make it through to the end. You have to be the one to save the day.'' His eyes reddened as a painful coughing fit interrupted. `` You... You are the main character, after all.'' 
 
 I bit my lip. 
 
 I fought back the tears, but I could n't stop the powerful flow. My face was soaked in seconds. 
 
 I used the last of my resolve to hold in the choking sobs. 
 
 Axel slowly rested his hand on his chest. The red circle was enormous. `` So, there you go.'' He closed his eyes and chuckled to himself. `` This is your story, Louis. Do n't you ever doubt that, alright? If it's you... I know you can do it, so... so go get'em, bro.'' 
 
 `` Axel...'' I tried to find the words. I wanted to tell him that I would try. I would give it my all for him, and for everyone else as well. 
 
 ``...'' But I could n't make a sound. 
 
 As the sound of his breathing became quieter and quieter, I watched him. I looked at his face and burned it into my memory. I wanted to bare witness to this hero's life, even the end of it. That was my job. 
 
 No matter what he, or anyone else said, he was a hero. Even if I had to take on that role, or if I already fit the bill from the start, it would n't change that fact.
