AN: Hi, I'm still alive (sort of). Anyway, the story is back on though the updates are gonna be on a biweekly basis (as in once every two weeks NOT twice a week, that'd kill me and then I'd be dead). If anybody is still interested in this thank you for sticking for this long, and thank you for that odd favorite/follower that favorite'd and followed halfway through my hiatus!

Again, thanks for the reviews and follows and favorites! You know who you are!

Enjoy this very sombre and tear-worthy chapter. I would advise having a tissue box handy. Just in case.


Milky Way, Earth Systems Alliance Space, Arcturus Stream, Arcturus, Arcturus Station, Heroes' Resting Ground

August 30th, 2174—Earth Standard

"I—I need you."

Stony silence was her answer, as tear-filled eyes traced the letters on the cold plaque:

"Penelope Song-Hackett.

January 6th, 2138—November 4th, 2170

A loving mother to her children and the Alliance

She will be missed dearly."

Sky rested her forehead on her knees as her shoulders shook with silent sobs. The surrounding silence did nothing to help her mood, and it was times like these where she wished that she didn't live in a space station. The only sounds that could be heard was her own erratic breathing and the shuffling of her fabric as it brushed against her skin.

"Mom," she croaked, wanting desperately to hear something else, anything else. Even her weak and hoarse voice, "I…messed up. Big time, mom."

She lifted her head a bit and stared blankly at the plaque while hugging herself tighter. She sighed, "I don't know what to do anymore. Dad won't talk to me. Artie can't look at me. The Alliance suspended me and sent Leo away," she paused, her face contorting in anguish, "And Cal…God, mom, Cal won't even let me near her. Ev—Every time I try, she flinches. She's scared of me," she moaned, "I scare her."

Her speech was interrupted by another bout of silent sobs, "The only one who still talks to me is Po," she whispered, "Even the dog hates me," a pause and a shake of a head, "I don't know what to do, mom. I—I need you. So much. Why did you leave us? Why did you—"

She clutched the fabric over her heart, and groaned, "It hurts, mom. It hurts so much," she opened her eyes and turned to the plaque, "Make it stop, mommy," she whispered as the tears fell, "Please, make me stop hurting inside.

"I'm…I'm scared."

A hand on her shoulder made her jump, and quickly turn to find an identical pair of grief-stricken honey-colored eyes. No words were exchanged as Po sat down next to his older sister. No words were needed as Sky leaned her head on his shoulder.

What felt liked hours had passed before Po uttered, "Think she's in a better place?"

A small nod was his answer.

He rubbed his eyes with his sleeve, "S'not fair."

"I know," she whispered, her voice cracking, "But sometimes life's just like that. We don't have a choice."

Another wave of silence passed them before Po spoke again, "I'm glad the Alliance suspended you."

Sky raised her head to glare at her brother, "What?"

He met her glare and Sky was impressed when he didn't flinch, as per usual, "You didn't see Artie or Cal when you were on your mission. They were worried sick about you," he paused as Sky turned downcast, "Artie cried out for you in her sleep every night."

She shot up, and her mouth opened and closed numerous times, but no sound was emerging, until finally he continued, "If you died I would have had to bring you to life just to kill you again for what you put her through."

She sighed and rested her forehead against his shoulder, "And I would've let you," another sigh, "Po, what should I do?"

She felt him stiffen, before he shrugged, "Beg, plead and grovel? With a little bit of apologizing mixed in," he shrugged again. She noticed his voice was shaking, notwithstanding the nonchalant reply, "Never fails."

She smiled despite herself, "That'd never work."

"Works just fine for me," he whispered. He awkwardly put his arm around her shoulders, "Cal misses you."

She snorted, "She can't stand me."

"You're wrong," he shook his head, "She loves you."

Sky froze, "What good will that do? She's scared of me."

"She's scared of what you'll turn into," he pulled her tighter, "Prove her wrong, sis."

"How am I supposed to do that?"

Two pairs of honey-colored eyes met. One was filled with pride, the other with shame, but both were glistening with unshed tears.

"Keep your chin up, and talk to her. Take it slow and be patient with her. Eventually she'll see that you are nothing like her father."

Her eyes widened, "She told you about that?"

A shake of a head, "Artie talks in her sleep."

She nodded solemnly, "Okay…Okay, chin up, talking, and patience. I can do that. Yeah, yeah, no sweat."

Po smiled, sadly, "Hurt her and I'll hurt you."

A wry smile, "I'd let you," she cleared her throat, "And Po…thanks."