Leo stayed at the church, just as he said he would. While his body and health weakened with every passing day, his will and resolve stayed strong. Vienna visited him every day for three months. Every day, but one. As she walked up to the church, she saw Leo looking out over the town. She approached him, and he turned.
"Vienna! I missed you yesterday, where were you?" he asked, then his brow furrowed with concern. "Is something wrong?" She sighed.
"Sorry Leo, I was…at a funeral yesterday," she said in a monotone.
"I'm sorry to hear that…so you need to talk about it?" She shook her head.
"But I-"
"Well, I think I'm ready to go make peace with your mother today. If she causes anymore problems, I can always come back and help again." Vienna shook her head vigorously.
"You can't…" He raised an eyebrow.
"Why is that?"
"The funeral yesterday…it was hers…it was my mother's." His jaw dropped. "She was killed on a job a few days ago," she explained. Leo's eyes widened. "Leo…am I a bad person?" she asked suddenly, catching Leo off guard.
"What? No! Vienna…you aren't blaming yourself, are you?" he asked, pulling her into a hug.
"No, it's just that…I'm not upset! She's my mother, and I can't even grieve or shed tears for her…" Leo chuckled grimly.
"No Vienna, you aren't a bad person. The way she neglected you…nobody will blame you for not mourning her death. Me however…I'll never escape the blame…" She pulled away.
"But it's not your fault!" He smiled a sad smile.
"The celestial world feels differently. If your mother died, I should have returned to the celestial world, I haven't…that means I'm being charged for your mother's death. As for my punishment…I guess it's just a matter of time before I disappear…" Vienna's eyes began watering.
"No Leo! There must be something we can do!" He shook his head.
"Thank you Vienna, but there's nothing anybody can do. Now listen to me, you're an amazing girl, and a talented wizard. I want you to continue with your chin up, and don't let anybody bring you down. Live a full and happy life, and know that I'll always be with you." Tears were now cascading down her face as Leo finished speaking, and started down the hill.
"Leo don't leave!" she pleaded. "Leo please, you're all I have!" He stop with his fists clenched, and head down.
"I'm sorry Vienna…" he said without turning around to face her, his voice shaking, and then continued on. Vienna dropped to her knees, sobbing.
"I hate you…" she murmured. "I hate you mother!"
