Without Limits, by Nonie Rider

Without Limits

by Nonie Rider

Spoilers: Takes place at the end of the movie VERTICAL LIMIT. Even the summary below is a complete spoiler for the movie.

Summary: This is best read right after seeing the movie. As you may remember, Nicholas Lea played the climbing guide McLaren, spine broken in a fall, who was murdered by his cowardly employer Vaughn to preserve supplies. Scott Glenn played Montgomery ??, the weathered old Buddhist climber who'd long sought revenge against Vaughn for murdering his wife. When they finally met, Montgomery found a thread of mercy, but ended up sacrificing both himself and Vaughn to save the main characters' lives.

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McLaren caught his breath suddenly and realized it didn't hurt. Jesus, that felt good. But-- Hadn't he-- Wasn't he--?

"Take it easy, son."

The face over his was craggy and seamed. And familiar. "Mongomery? How'd you get here?"

The older man's smile was surprisingly gentle. "Same way you did."

"--Annie?"

"She's alive." The warm hand was surprisingly soft on his cheek, and he realized he was no longer cold. But--the ice was still around them. Wasn't it? Everything was white, gleam and its shadow, but he didn't see the rest of the group.

"Where is she? Is she here?"

The weathered climber shook his head, still smiling. "No. I told you, she's alive."

McLaren sat up carefully, but his chest no longer hurt. "Alive?"

Montgomery nodded.

"And we're--not?"

"No." His face was serene.

"Oh."

McLaren thought about it. He supposed he ought to be upset, but after the pain and terror and choking rage of his last moments, he just couldn't regret this.

"So what happens now?"

Those thin, strong fingers lifted in familiar prayer. "Om mani padme hum. I believe we will be reborn." On one scarred finger, an arc of gold gleamed like the rising sun.

Before he thought, McLaren had reached out to touch it. "This-- Did you find her? You did!"

"Yes. She died...much as you did. Because Vaughn was afraid. I have much to atone for; I meant to murder him. But remembering her spirit brought me to know mercy."

"Is she--here? Wherever this is?"

"I don't think so. She was so full of grace. I believe she has gone on. If I am very fortunate, I will be born into a life that touches hers again."

Looking at his eyes, McLaren could almost believe it was true. "And if you're wrong?"

"About rebirth? Then we will learn a greater truth." The older man unfolded himself, the silver in his hair reflecting the glow around him. "Come," he said, reaching down.

McLaren took his hand and let himself be lifted.

The End

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