November winds brush through dainty branches like a soft sigh, gently rustling the remainder of the leaves that once clung to the trees. Fall was nearing its end. Mother's dressed their children in thicker clothing, scolding those who fidgeted and protested against. Sweet scents of pumpkin slowly were replaced with subtle smells of chestnut. Loggers hauled stacks of freshly chopped wood to sell to vendors, only for the vendors to turn and sell to peasant families dependent on fire to keep them warm throughout the harsh winters. Yes indeed, winter was approaching in the bustling city of Speranta.
Much to the people's delight, snow slowly began to sprinkle from the sky. Children laughed, immediately diving down to scoop and pack the snow in their mittens, ready to engage. Women quickly tightened the scarf around their necks as they pestered their husbands to do the same. Some vendors began to pack up their belongings, fearful that the snow would damage their goods. Joyful music began to fill the streets as the first snow came down, a blissful reminder that the holidays were indeed here.
Amongst the crowd of people that scurried along the city, there stood two hedgehogs. Their dreary attire was a stark contrast to the city's colors that twinkled throughout, making them catch a few gazes their way. The first hedgehog wore a long fossil grey coat with a matching ushanka to adorn his head. The grey contrasted well against his azure blue fur, his eyes adopting a more rich jade color compared to the normal emerald. He was busy tightening the jacket across him, the zipper stuck as he cursed beneath his breath. He turned to look at his companion, a frown gracing his lips.
The second hedgehog was pressed against the wall of the shoddy old bar, lighting the cigarette that dangled off his lips. He had on a midnight black trench coat that matched his fur precisely, the only contrast being his crimson eyes that mimicked the highlights on his quills. As the flame made its way to the tip of the cigarette, he took a long drag, shutting his eyes to relish the euphoria the nicotine brought him. Silence continued to pass between the two, the first hedgehog becoming ever more impatient as he gazed at the city's clock perched across the street.
"It's time."
Crimson eyes flickered towards the blue hedgehog before settling on the clock. Ten minutes until noon. He flicked his cigarette onto the floor, grinding it beneath his sole.
"Let's go."
The hedgehogs walked towards a pair of horses that were tied to a nearby lamppost. The blue hedgehog stroked the horses mane gently before perching himself onto the saddle as his friend untied the rope that held theem. In a matter of moments, both hedgehogs were riding down the streets of Speranta.
The click of the horses hooves against the payment was the only sound that filled the air as the riders galloped down the cobblestone road. They took a turn, cobblestone reduced to dirt. The horses began to slow as they felt their rider shift his weight, signaling that their trip was coming to its completion. Eerie silence passed between the two hedgehogs as they neared a cemetery.
Hopping off, the hedgehogs approached the gathering around a freshly dug grave. All eyes directed themselves towards the dark hedgehog, who directed himself towards the priest. A human male stood before the hedgehog, a heavy gold cross weighing down on the pale white tunic he had on. He reached out, placing his palm on the hedgehog's shoulder, a solemn expression stretched on his face.
"Shadow, is there anything you would like to say before I begin the service?"
Shadow glanced at the audience that had gathered today. His dear friend's wife, Amy, had her hand tightened around the arm of the blue hedgehog, formerly known as Sonic. Her drained expression and tear stained face matched the rest of the group, who had their eyes directed at him, awaiting his response. Many of them were not close to him or the deceased but they came for support any so. Perhaps it was out of empathy; or, perhaps, they were paying their respects as an act of solidarity and thankfulness towards the hedgehog. He was a soldier, the soldier who had saved the city when the Great War had taken many other lives. Regardless, the hedgehog was appreciative that many did not leave him to process alone during this time.
"Thank you for coming today." was all he managed out before turning to sit next to Sonic. His eyes glazed over at the casket centered before them, his face paling as the priest began the service.
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."
"Amen."
A choir began to sing, their voices carrying the words of common Russian Orthodox chants. It filled the air with a calmness and whenever they stopped, the subtle whispers, the horses shifting and the slight breeze that came and went continued to carry their singing. The priest continued with the procession, quoting scripture as he sprinkled holy oil unto the casket.
"It is now that we may say bye to the dead."
One by one, the audience stood and formed a line to approach the casket. Shadow led, his ears twitching at the whispers of those amongst him.
"Who is this for again?" A scarlet mouse asked, crossing herself as she glanced over the casket. It was mostly pure white, with blue and yellow calla lilies adorning the sides.
"Robotnik." A tan echidna murmured, her eyes darting between the casket and Shadow as she kept her head low.
"Oh, the scientist?"
"No, no." The echidna scolded, glaring at the mouse for her ignorance. "His daughter, Maria."
A red blush crossed the mouses cheeks, embarrassment evident on her features.
"Oh, silly me. May her soul rest in peace."
Shadow hmphed, proceeding toward the casket as he placed his palm against the gold casing that held the woman he grew up with and cared for. Her blonde hair was styled to cradle her soft face, with tinges of makeup placed delicately to display her youthful appearance. He shut his eyes and turned from the casket, allowing the rest to bid their farewell.
The last of them passed on, one by one, irretrievable. The priest began to scatter soil amongst the casket, the choir singing hymns as the gatherers bowed their heads in respect.
"With the Saints give rest, O Christ, to the soul of servant where there is not pain, nor any sorrow, nor any sighting, but Life everlasting."
"Amen."
The priest crossed the casket once more, gesturing for the audience to cross themselves as well. The casket was lowered into the fresh grave marked for her sleep, the soil slipping down the sides as the coffin snugly fit in. Spades dug into the pile of earth set aside to bury the casket more. All that was left in its place was the fresh soft mound and a newly carved gravestone etched with her name.
Farewells were given, until the graveyard was scarce; only Shadow, Sonic, and Amy remained. Shadow sat by the mound, cradling the soil that blanketed the departed. Tears began to tug the corners of his eyes as he recalled their memories. It was all too surreal, unexpected.
Devastating.
A single tear slipped down his muzzle, a soft smile adorning his face. Sonic and Amy sat in silence, honoring the hedgehog in his moment. Ever since war had broken out and Maria had gotten severely ill, the hedgehog never displayed any emotion other than consistent dread. Unsurprising as one must come to terms with the most brutal aspects of humanity: insensible bloodshed and untimely death. Sonic knew that when Shadow cast his first kill, his humanity had begun to wither away. Maria's passing, however, broke the hedgehog even more, rendering him a body without a soul.
Running his finger over the band on his finger, he prayed. Shadow was never religious, none of the anthropomorphs really were, but Maria believed in God and so he would pray with her. In this instance, for her. If there was a God, he knew God accepted her in his favor for she was the most innocent human that had ever graced the earth. Maria always said that the souls of those who please the Lord would never truly leave the ones who love them; that even if they may seem gone to him, that she would be there, always, watching over him. 'Taken far too soon…'
The pink hedgehog saddened at the sight before her. Although she never was close to Maria, she knew the importance the girl held to Shadow. There was a purity to Maria that no other human girl exuded, the resemblance of an angel.
Amy bent down and softly held Shadow's hand, his eyes shooting open, crimson intermingling with teal. "Come, Shadow, let her rest…" A shaky whisper that only Shadow could decipher. He took one last look at the etchings on the gravestone and stood, walking away as Sonic and Amy trudged behind.