It was a somber morning in mid fall. The air was chilled, and a sharp wind weaved its way through the bustling city. People pulled their coats close to them and hurried to their destinations, un-abetted by the approaching storm. The sky was overcast with dark clouds swirling and shifting restlessly as they prepare to release the dagger of icy rain upon the city streets. The normally vibrant colors of the city in fall seemed grayed and lifeless.
"If I die, it will be ok." Said a weak male voice as a delicate woman stood next to the bed of a frail young man as he laid beneath the layers of blankets that tried so desperately to keep him warm. The woman stood quietly as tears began to stream down her face.
"But why?" she asked through staggered breaths. Her heart wrenching and cracking in pain. "Why won't you let me heal you?!" she cried out falling to her knees sobbing. He looked at her with gentle green eyes and smiled softly as he took her hand. His fingers traced along the stitches that adorned her hands.
"Death is a part of life. It comes when the path we walk must end and a new experience begins." His eyes saddened "Do not weep for me my sister… Instead smile and live life with enthusiasm. Don't let sorrow take hold and pull you away." He finished. The weak flame of the candle next to him flickered. She looked over at it with grief-stricken eyes. The tears stung her face as she gazed upon the flame. The wax was almost fully melted. She looked back at him.
"What will I do? Who will I care for when you're gone? My purpose will become nonexistent." She choked out. He gave a weak sigh.
"Then I will give you a new purpose. Take care of yourself and do all the things you love. Go out and find new things to learn and explore. That is your purpose now." He weakly wiped away her tears with the corner of his blanket. The candle flickered one last time and then extinguished itself.
The memory kept replaying in Sonata's mind as she sat in the pews of the funeral home chapel. She gazed down upon the peaceful face of her best friend and adopted brother. He was pale with dark hair and wore a silk suit. The mahogany casket was encompassed by countless bouquets and wreaths of vibrant flowers that so perfectly reflected his colorful spirit and joy of life. A figure approached her, and she glanced up. There was a line of people ready to give their condolences. One by one They gave their kindest words and filed out to take their place within the procession. Exiting the front of the chapel were two men in black suits. They entered a black Toyota Camry and drove off.
She made her way to the front of the procession as a convoy of both humans and cryptids stood straight with solemn faces. The casket was placed in the middle and they began the long walk to the Deadrose estate where he was to be buried in the family cemetery next to Sonata's creator.
The cemetery was a thing of great beauty. The trees remained forever lush and green, while the flowers stayed in bloom as they towered over the spring green grass. Vines of flowering ivy climbed up and over the large wrought iron gates in this masses that created a dense wall of leaves and flowers. Sonata watched as the now sealed casket was lowered into the ground. She tossed a black rose onto the casket and stood stoically until the last shovel of dirt had been laid. With the wave of her hand a patch of
forget-me-nots grew from the soil and bloomed before the very eyes of the onlookers.
The soft roll of thunder crossed the abysmal sky and small drops began to dance down from above, falling faster and growing larger with each passing second. Soon the guests had departed and left Sonata standing alone in the pouring rain as she gazed at the freshly filled grave.
"Rest well my brother. I hope to meet you once more in your next life." she said softly. Her voice was sweet like a soft summer breeze carrying the scent of wild roses, but within the depths of her voice toned a melancholy melody.
Two men entered a lavishly decorated apartment Where a two tall elegant reptilian men sat at a round dining table eating dinner. One was average height and of a good build, with vibrant green scales and a few yellow markings. He had deep garnet red eyes that pierced right into the very soul. The other was taller, older and well built male. with striking Blue eyes and deep black scales. His head was a bit broader than the younger one due to the fact that the younger was a constrictor while the older was a viper. They were however brothers.
" Boss." said a large wolf with grey fur, white markings and vibrant yellow eyes. His build was massive and insinuated that he was not one to be messed with. The two men looked up at the intruders. The icy gaze of the tallest one looked up.
" Didn't you'r parents teach you to knock first?" he hissed with a sneer showing off his extremely sharp fangs that dripped slightly with venom. The two men froze
" sorry... sir" replied the large wolf as he shifted a bit nervously under the unfeeling gaze of both men.
" well..." chimed in the second male. " go back and do it again." he replied flatly. He was in an oddly good mood that evening. Which earned a curious look from the older one. The two men quickly exited and shut the door. there was a brief pause as both men looked at the door slightly irritated. Soon a couple of knocks was heard.
" Enter" ordered the oldest. He did most of the work and relayed his younger brothers orders to their men. He was also a very skilled fighter, while his younger brother was a very skilled shooter. The two men entered this time the human male stepped forward " sirs, Tanuke Winthrop has died." he informed. he was clearly new and very intimated by the men around him. The youngest looked up " and has he any relatives or close friends to carry his debt?" he asked. The wolf stepped forward and handed him pictures of sonata.
" Just a young woman who resides over Deadrose manner." he informed. The two looked over the pictures.
The younger spoke once more " what woman all i see is a scarecrow..." he huffed.
The older pointed and chimed in " Deadrose Estate was owned by an old witch named Cecilia. It was said she created a young woman to help her tend the house and all who live within it." he informed. The younger smirked.
" Then she will be the one to carry his debt." he paused then glared at his men " Bring her to me at once!" he barked. The two men ran out the door and got into the car speeding off into the stormy night.
The older looked to his brother " Would she even be able to pay his debt?" he asked curiously. the younger smirked " if not we will take the Estate as payment." he replied " And because i am in a good mood today, i will allow her to remain in the house and take care of it. However we will be moving in as well." he chuckled " Afterall, it is so hard to find good real estate these days." he finished. The older nodded.