Echo held her sisters' hands tightly, staring blankly at the person who was talking to them. Some old teacher of Declans that was asking how they were.

Echo managed a mumbled reply, and then gently pulled her sisters over to the sanctuary of their friends.

Melina put an arm around Rory, and rested her head on top of hers.

Talia took Ana's other hand and led her to a chair, telling her to sit and talking with her in a soothing tone.

Gareth wrapped his arm around Echo, pulling her head to his shoulder, "It's almost time." He said softly. He knew they wanted this to be over. They couldn't bear to look at their brother's body in the coffin. He and his family had been helping them with all of the preparations, and had come with them this morning to help her fathers with her and the twins. He knew what they had gone through that morning, seeing Declan in the coffin like that. How her Dad had broken down, blaming himself, and Papa had desperately held on to her Dad unable to speak.

Rory had squeezed her eyes shut, and covered her ears.

Ana had started sobbing again.

Echo went numb, and had felt numb ever since. "I don't know half of these people." She murmured.

Gareth kissed her forehead, "Some of them probably work with your Dad. But some of them are campers. Mr. Brunner is here."

Echo turned to look, catching a glimpse of the wheelchair before turning back and resting her head on his shoulder. Closing her eyes. Just one moment of peace.

"Oh, Echo,darling!" Some woman pulled her into her arms, "You poor thing! And Rory and Ana! Oh, my darlings, what you've been through?"

Echo recoiled, fighting a glare.

"Who the hell are you?" Aurora snapped, obviously done with strangers.

The woman looked surprised, "Aurora Avalon Solace, don't you know your grandmother when you see her?"

Echo arched an eyebrow, the woman had to be family to know Rory's middle name. She did look vaguely familiar.

"Are you really surprised they don't recognize the person who is never around?" Papa came over, his voice was soft.

It must be her grandmother then.

She looked back at Papa, "You have pictures, they should at least recognize me from those."

Papa didn't respond, he just knelt beside Ana, smoothing her hair and whispering to her.

Echo bit her lip, "We don't really look through photo albums very often." She said, stepping protectively in front of Rory, who looked like a cornered animal who was ready to lunge and bite. She didn't know why their grandmother had chosen now of all time to try and come back and be all loving and present.

But she saw someone she did recognize a short ways behind her.

Hades came over, he was in a suit, a respectful look on his face, but the sadness that she caught glimpses of were enough for her. "Echo, Aurora, Anastasia. Nico."

Papa stood up, his gaze on his father, "Is he…"

Hades inclined his head, "He will never know suffering." His words held meaning, and Echo was grateful for it.

Even Rory relaxed slightly, somewhat comforted.

"I am sorry that this has happened." He continued, his voice sincere, "If I could prevent any…"

Papa shook his head, "I remember. I know. Thank you, father." He inclined his head respectfully.

Hades nodded briefly, his gaze sweeping over his granddaughters and Echo, then he went back to a beautiful woman who was waiting for him. She inclined her head to Nico, who dipped his head respectfully.

"Never would have thought she'd come with him." He murmured.

Echo scanned the rest of the crowd, hoping that her grandmother had disappeared for the time being.

She saw her Dad hugging Mr. Brunner, then pulling away and nodding. Then two people that she recognized vaguely as Dad's half-siblings, Kayla and Austin, were greeting him and offering their condolences.

Aunt Hazel came over, hugging Papa, Uncle Frank checking on Ana.

Sammy and Patrick hugged Echo and then Rory.

Echo went toward the entrance when she saw Travis, dropping to hug Riley tightly.

He hugged her back, "It's okay. He's okay now." He said in a small voice, "Right?"

She nodded, "Yeah, he's okay now." She finally felt the tears hitting her eyes. The numbness wearing away.

Travis put a hand on her back, "We're moving to Westfield." He said softly, smoothing her hair.

She looked up at him, and managed a small smile, "Good." The tears slid out.

Travis pulled her up to her feet, handing her a tissue, then gently guided her to her seat up front as everyone started to settle in. Riley kissed her cheek, then went with his father to their seats.

Dad sat down beside her, taking her hand, "I'm sorry, Lark."

"Daddy?"

"I haven't been there for you girls."

"Daddy, it's okay. You've been there more than enough." She said softly.

"Are you sure you want to sing?" Dad kissed her hand.

She nodded, "He loved it when I sang."

Dad's gaze went to the ceiling, "Yes, he did."

Echo's gaze shifted to the casket, following the pattern of the shroud that all but covered Declan's body, ending at his shoulders. It was gold and black, a beautiful shroud. She almost wished they had completely covered him with it. But because of the regular mortals who had known Declan, they had his face uncovered.

The funeral began.

AN: I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.