5. Seeking Solace.

It was a rainy day, that was what Reno remembered. Well, as rainy for the slums as it got. He remembered the water falling from a gutter drainpipe and landing in their roof, leaking and patched. He had held her hand as the rattling breaths slowed.

She had been a beautiful woman, strong and carefree. He had copied as much about her as he could. His hair, that vibrant color was a shade brighter than hers but he wore it proudly. Her hands were hardened by calluses from her beloved staff, and her face was lined by smiles. Her irreverence for anything above her, the stilted speech were copied in her son as best he could.

She had smiled at him, her features worn by the disease coursing through her body. He had squeezed her hands, still callused but softer now, worn and aged.

"'member Ren…scatter me where the sun shines so that I can see the sky and you flying overhead." she'd told him, and he'd nodded, promising. That evening she'd died, and he'd shed the first of many tears of grief. His mother had been everything to him. Teacher, protector, friend, and occasionally a father.

Now though, nearly six years later, he still had his mothers ashes. He'd kept his promise to escape sector seven. The helicopter was grounded a few meters away, Rude, Elena and the President near it. Tseng was nearer him, looking at the box he held.

It had been a strange request, for sure. The others had come along to show Reno that they supported him. Elena had looked worried as the Turk smiled sadly, retrieving a box from his house. The picture beside it was of a red haired woman tossing a smaller child into the air, smiling.

They had come out here to Rocket Town. It was a smaller field south of the Rocket, with a beautiful vision of the sky. Tseng stepped back, eyes curious as Reno picked up his strange box. He started speaking, shocking them all.

"hey, Ma. Told you I'd find you the perfect sky. Sorry it's not sooner but well…you know how it is. Thanks for all the things you showed me. And for giving me the courage to dream. Love you." he said aloud, to the spirit of the woman.

The others watched as Reno opened the box, removing a small chain and pendant from its top. He suddenly flung the contents to the winds, the grey and white powder drifting surreally in the evening air. The others suddenly understood. This was a funeral.

Reno bounced back, looking happier than ever. The little locked was around his neck, and there it would stay.

"thanks, guys. Now Ma can rest." he said, and grinned. What he didn't see was that behind him, visible to the others eyes, was a red haired woman, grinning impishly at the others, arms wrapped around her baby boy. Her message was clear as she drew a thumb across her neck and kissed him on the cheek, dissolving into a flurry of green.

Take care of my little bastard or you're going to be very sorry.

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This one gave me trouble. At first I wanted it to be Reno seeking solace from the others, but eventually I decided on this. And once I got to writing…this popped out. I like it for the fact that the solace is a release from grief, and I hope anyone who reads this hasn't lost their mom. I know I'd be devastated if I did.

As always, any form of constructive criticism is welcomed and encouraged. I'm doing this to get better and I can't get better unless someone tells me what needs improving. And I love all you guys who review. You make my day go awesome.