AN: Same disclaimers aplie. I cried while writing this chapter. Don't take it the wrong way. I really loved that character, but my story needed something more. Enjoy. R&R!

Chapter Ten: Funeral

I watched as the minister stood behind the podium to speak. Tears stung my eyes for the zillionth time since the fight eight days ago. My black satin skirt was stained with the millions of tears I had shed just in the past couple hours before the service had started. Jacob sat next to me, trembling with the effort to hold back his tears. He had my right hand clasped tightly in his, for once, cold hands.

"We are here today to honor the memory of a true friend, brother and son. The memory of Seth Clearwater."

Leah gave out a sob next to me. She was grasping my left hand so tightly that it hurt. I didn't care though. How could something as small as a throbbing hand matter? When Leah's brother and Jake's and my loyal friend was dead? Gone never to come back.

All the people at the service, who were human, except Sue and Billy, thought that my friend had died in a car crash, something so common and so easy to fabricate a scene for. I wish I could believe that version. Unfortunately, I knew the reason for Seth's death. He had died in the act of protecting Jacob and me. He had called his quieted wolf gene up one last time just to help us fight off the Volturi. He'd been successful in helping bring them all down, but right before he could take Caius down, Caius bit him. Vampire venom is lethal to werewolves and it hit Seth's heart before Carlisle could treat him.

"Seth was always a bright kid. He was an average student and never felt like being left out of anything." The minister droned on for an hour about things he didn't even actually know about Seth. I didn't pay the minister much attention, but when he called for the friends and family to say a few words about Seth, I snapped back to attention.

Ms. Clearwater went up first. She had tear strains all over her face. This must have been so terrible for her. First her husband, Harry, died a few months before I was born, and now, seventeen years later, her baby boy is killed in a vampire attack.

She didn't say much. Actually, she couldn't say much. Sue mumbled something and sobbed. The minister had to help the aging woman back to her seat. Leah stood up next. She swallowed her sobs and spoke as loudly as possible.

It was a shock to hear her voice. It came out strangled and barely audible. Of course, Leah hadn't spoken for five days after Seth was killed. Couldn't really, because she had refused to phase back. To phase was to admit that he was really gone. Once she finally did turn human again, we spent the three days before the funeral sitting in my room together, just crying and mourning.

"My brother, Seth, was probably one of the bravest men I've ever known. He's risked his life for me in the past and it," she stuttered, before recomposing herself, " it hurts to know that I will never repay him now."

A few tears ran down her cheeks and she couldn't get anymore out. She sat down and took my hand again. Billy, Charlie, and the Quiliute Sons- Sam, Paul, Jared, Colin, Brady, Quil and Embry- went next, along with the former werewolves' imprintees- Emily, Rachel, Kim, Terra, Ashley, Clair and Briana.

My whole family, the Denalies include, were up next. Seth wife, Lily tried going up after, but she couldn't get herself to move. His death must have destroyed her. They were two halves of a whole. Seth had imprinted on her just a couple of years ago. I just hoped everything would turn out all right for her.

Finally, Jake and I stood. We never dropped each other's hands. We couldn't. To let go of each other now would only hurt now. I spoke first with tears running down my face.

"Seth was like a brother to me. He was fiercely loyal to his friends and family, protective and just an all around amazing person. I'm glad I got a chance to know him as well as I did. Life is going to suck a little without cha, Seth. Love you. Miss you. Always."

It took Jake a few seconds to speak. He and Seth were the closest out of the whole pack. They truly had been like brothers. I would miss the way they messed around while Lily and I watched and laughed. Somehow, though, Jake found his voice and began.

"Where do I even start? The kid was an amazing person. Reliable was his middle name. Annoying? Sometimes, yes. But he was still a joy in life. Though you won't be here to fulfill your post, you'll always be Renesmee's and my best man. We will miss you and always love you, man. Take care of my mom for me. Love you Brother."

Everyone then rose to line up. Jacob and I put our white roses on top of Seth's sand colored coffin first. All his friends and family said their good-byes once again. They dwindled as people put their roses on the casket and left to go consul each other.

I watched as Seth was lowered into the grave in front of the gravestone that read:

Seth Gregory Clearwater

1989 – 2020

In loving memory of a brother,

son, and friend to many

May He Rest In Peace

More tears ran onto my chin. There, they dripped off in a never-ending line. Jacob was holding me tightly in a huge hug. Together, we said our last good-byes to Seth, just as the rain started coming down. We turned to leave.

My wedding was in two weeks, but I didn't feel up to it. How could we go on with a normal life anymore now that Seth was gone? The Volturi, with the exception of Marcus, had been wiped off the face of the planet, but Caius had taken Seth with them. All of this happened because I was born. I don't think a hurt like that will ever go away.

I saw my father shake his head in response to both my thoughts/Typical Dad. No. This didn't happen because I was born. All right. But the pain of losing such a good friend would never leave. It would be bearable after a while, but it would never complete cease to be.

Turning around one last time, I saw a break in the clouds above. A stray beam of light shone down like a spot light and an assurance on Seth's grave.

Jacob opened the car door for me. I leaned up to kiss him before whispering, "let's go home. Seth would want us to continue life; even if it means going through with a wedding not long after he went. We're going to miss him, but life calls."

He nodded, hugged me tightly and kissed me again.

"I love you Renesmee. Nothing will ever change that." Jake wiped my tears away and I wiped his. Then we got into the car before we could be completely soaked.

As we drove back to my house, joy mingled with the sad. I was getting married in two weeks. The best man wouldn't attend, but I was still getting married. The night time in my life was almost over.