by Rb
Caution-DO NOT READ unless you've read #30.
Marco stood in the graveyard, solemn.
In front of him was a monument to a dead woman, whose body was lost in a raging storm, never to be recovered. Or so they think, he thought bitterly.
The monument was for his mother.
* * *
How can they understand the pain? How can they understand the sorrow of having...of having to destroy your mother?
* * *
Two figures watched his slim body stand straight in front of the monument.
"Do you think he'll be okay?" asked one.
< I hope so, > answered the other.
* * *
Why do they all underestimate me? I could do it. I could have destroyed that scum without remorse...because I had to. It's my duty. I had to. I had to.
* * *
Marco was unaware of the salty tears flowing down his cheeks, hitting the dirt around him like so many raindrops.
* * *
I could have done it...I'm not the type of person that does stupid, emotional things. I'm not. I'm Mr. Ruthless. I see point A to point B. I...I don't let feelings get in the way of duty.
* * *
The first figure looked admiringly at Marco. "Whatever you can say about him, he has amazing strength of will."
< How so? >
"How would you like to be in a position where you have to destroy your mother...or the world?"
The reply came swiftly, bitterly. < I never had a mother to destroy. >
"How would you like to be in a postion where you had to destroy one of your friends...or the world?" the first figure challeneged.
The second figure looked away.
* * *
I don't want to have to go through this again. It's too much to handle. It's...I can't do this anymore. I have to decide. Is she alive, or is she dead? Do I still have my hopes of freeing her someday...? Or am I able to finally put it all behind me?
* * *
Marco began to tremble, as if he were sick. The two figures looked at him in concern.
* * *
I don't want to decide. Not yet.
* * *
Marco turned around, only now noticing the two figures. A slight smile crossed his face.
"Hey, guys," he said.
"Hey, Marco," Rachel smiled. Tobias fluttered by overhead.
And the three friends walked-or flew- home.
THE END