***AN: Here it is, chapter 2, "Ashes to Ashes" catchy title don't you think? This I think is just as sad or even sadder than the previous chapter, it's very beautiful I hope you enjoy it.***



A Tamer's End Pt.2 - Ashes to Ashes

It was a week since Takato's death and it was time for the funeral. The day was very cloudy and dark and it looked like that is was about to rain.

"I can't believe that Takato's gone," said Ryo.

"Yeah, me too, it happened all so quickly," agreed Kazu. I mean, one minute we were having fun in the park and the next."

"I know what you mean," answered Kenta.

"This group's been so quiet and empty with out Takato ." said Rika sadly.

"Any word on Jeri?" asked Henry.

"She's still locked herself up in the waiting room," answered Kenta. "I guess that I'd better get her out,"

"No, that's all right, I'll do it," volunteered Henry.

"Jeri? Are you ready yet? The ceremony starts in 25 minutes," informed Henry as he stepped into the empty waiting room only to see Jeri quietly crying.

"What's wrong?" asked Henry as he sat beside Jeri.

"It's not fair," said Jeri finally.

"I know what you mean, but we don't all know how every thing's going to turn out, that's what being human is all about, we have to deal with life's problems," explained Henry.

"I know that you love Takato, and that you are very sad that he's gone, but life goes on," philosophized Henry.

"That's easy for you to say," said Jeri sourly, "Everyone that I ever loved is dead, first it was my mother, then Leomon, and- and now Takato," sobbed Jeri.

"I'm sorry ." said Henry sadly, "But I'm pretty sure that not all of your life has been miserable,"

"I mean, I can guarantee you that you must have had some good times with Takato, you only have to remember them, and that will keep him alive in your heart," explained with sympathy Henry.

"You right, there were good times," admitted Jeri, "like the time I met Takato for the first time,"

"Yeah, I remember that too," answered Henry, "At first Takato was kind of weird and stuff but later he kind of started to grow on us,"

"Takato sometimes may be immature, but deep down, he's a really kind and caring individual," said Jeri.

Henry smiled and replied, "You couldn't be more right, Takato's a pretty funny and a very determent guy, remember the time that when we were suppose to build a model of Tokyo Tower for social studies? Takato was so determined to get the model right that he accidentally glued his left hand to the side of it!"

Jeri couldn't help but let out a small laugh, "Yeah, and not only that but it took us 6 hours to unglue Takato's hand,"

"Thanks for cheering me up Henry," said Jeri as she looked at the new leader of the tamers, "I can see why Takato chose you to lead the group, in a way, you're kind of like him yourself,"

"Thanks Jeri, but we better go now, that's a big crowd out there and you're suppose to give the eulogy," said Henry.

Takato's funeral was very elaborately decorated, there were flowers and everyone was in black, even Rika had made the exception to wear a black dress today. And in the middle of the altar was Takato's casket, which was opened up.

After everyone paid their final respects, Jeri got out of his seat and walked down the aisle and prepared for his Eulogy. Jeri got a little bit nervous after all everyone was here, from classmates, Ms. Asagi, the Monster Makers, Yamaki, Takato's parent's and relatives, and especially the Tamers. But Jeri forced his nervousness side and began to read his eulogy.

"Takato Matsuki- your average athletic 14 year old boy right? Does pretty well in school, has a lot of friends, nothing special right? Wrong- Takato's no ordinary kid; he's a kind, caring, friendly, brave and admirable person," said Jeri passionately.

"Takato's a special person, why? Well for one thing, Takato always tries to cheer me up when I'm sad and help me make sense of homework, even though he doesn't completely get it either, secondly Takato may have sometimes made mistakes in the past and can be a jerk sometimes but he knows how to correct and learn form his mistakes, but most importantly, I love him," spoke Jeri with valor.

"But love, what is it? Well this is my definition of love: Love is not selfishness, love is caring, it's something that comes from the heart, love is something that no one can take away, it's a deep, tender, ineffable feeling of affection and solicitude toward a person. It shows you someone how much you appreciate them and most importantly, love is infinite- is has no boundaries, and it was Takato's love that saved my life ."

"Also I remember the time when I was walking home from school one day and 2 bullies we picking on me and was about to beat me up, but then, Takato arrived and helped fight off them by himself, it turns out that he saw the both of them following me so he thought that I might be in trouble and came to help and he was right. I guess that's why Takato's so likable; he looks out for everyone. He's very courageous; I guess that's why he was chosen to lead our group in the first place. I know that we all love Takato and we all are very sad that he's gone- but life goes on," said Jeri as she quoted that sentence last from her previous conversation from Henry.

"I think that I speak for everyone here when we say: we will always remember you Takato, may you rest in peace," said Jeri and finished and turned towards the half open casket and took off her black gloves.

"I will always love you Takato, you'll always be in my heart," said Jeri quietly to Takato as she touched his face for the last time before closing the coffin. Then Jeri took a handful of soil from a bucket and sprinkled it on the closed door and said: "Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust,"





***AN: Well, there you have it, chapter 2, what did you think of it? I MIGHT make an epilogue, but I think that it may ruin the atmosphere and the drama, if you want an epilogue, please tell me so, but like I said, it would kind of ruin the atmosphere and the drama, I can't exactly tell you what it's about cuse it'd ruin the surprise, Please review