Reaping the Reaper. Aftermath. [TTRPG bluebooking]
Orion could only count the gasps escaping his mouth as he listened to Minz's recap. Night City was free from the Reaper, but the team barely managed to defeat him. If not for their fixer, all would be lost. And Star's sacrifice would be in vain too…
"It's not your fault. You were doing your best." Orion gently touched Minz's jawline with his hand, feeling how he leans closer to the touch.
"I should do better if this is my best," he sighed. "That's why I told you that I need cyberware. I won't go far without it. I won't be able to protect my team. I won't be able to protect anyone I care about."
"Take therapy. Phil will give you regular prices. Not everyone in Night City is able to get an appointment with him; I don't even speak about discounts. He is ready to take your case, and he will help you. I understand you, and I see that you have noble intentions. But don't let it take this from you." Orion put his hand on Minz's chest. "Just… think about the progress you've already made. You are able to show that you care. You make this your driving force. It is not anger, frustration, or sadistic tendencies. But care. You want to protect more than you want to hurt."
Of course, this will haunt him for some time. He wasn't the one who dealt the final blow to the Reaper. He couldn't protect Star from such a nasty injury. But hardships make him stronger; Orion knew that already. He is not going to wallow in self-pity or self-loathing. He is full of resolve. The choice to install cyberware is a difficult one for him, but he is ready to sacrifice his principles and the integrity of his body to be the one who deals with anything coming their way.
He was maturing as a solo. Even if he couldn't see it himself.
"And don't worry. I will do everything in my power to help Star too. Believe in me as in the second-best psychiatrist in Night City. I care about her as deeply as you do."