Chapter Nine: Black and White
"…despite her illness, Haru always strove to help others where she could. She probably didn't know this, but we used to look forward to her coming in late so we could have a good laugh. It wasn't until three months before her death, when she was suddenly on time, that we figured out that she wasn't doing it just to add interest to our history class. Before then, it had gotten to the point when I could tell she was sneaking in without turning around." The teacher finished with a solemn nod to the dark coffin in front of him and returned to his seat as another person took the stand.
The funeral was taking place inside the school, since Haru's mother had disappeared before the body was found at the hospital. As much as the principal respected the memory of the brunette, he was starting to wish that he hadn't offered the audience a chance to share a story about Haru. He decided firmly that the next speaker would be the last one, although people were still lining both sides of the podium inside the gym. Three hours of listening to stories about rescued pets and funny sayings was just pushing it too far.
The student body had raised the money for everything, after the police concluded that Naoko couldn't be reached. The beautiful coffin and flowers were all donations, and a place in the cemetery had been picked out for the beloved brunette.
But far above the student body, there was another group in attendance. A red-faced cat figurine had buried her face into her gloved hands.
"This is just too embarrassing. Is it over yet?"
The orange cat chuckled and squeezed the arm he had around her. The crow, new red cat, and other white cat couldn't stop beaming at her as the blush increased. The royal couple had to leave a little earlier than them, due to the festivities that would follow the funeral.
"Nearly. Just hang in there."
Hiromi coughed, blinking back the tears. The ex-human couldn't ever remember her friend wearing black before.
"What can I say about Haru that hasn't already been said? As some of you may know, we've been friends since kindergarten. She's done pretty much what has been repeated over and over; she was a friend, a helper, a comic relief, a shoulder to cry on… she was a girl that anyone could turn to. When I was younger, I never quite understood why she wouldn't play games with me, or when she did, why she would suddenly collapse. But one thing I can say is that her heart was stronger than her body, whatever the doctors may have said. For crying out loud; I watched her jump in front of a speeding truck to save a cat from becoming road kill!"
The audience stared, some gasping in astonishment. Naoko glared at Haru, who cringed away a bit, a guilty expression on her face. Baron shook his head, still grinning at her. That would explain why she didn't go into detail about how she rescued the cat prince.
Hiromi grinned at the memory.
"That was shortly before she went strange, three months before she died. Two days after the cat incident, she changed drastically. She seemed so calm and mature, and she refused to say what had happened to cause the change. For all I know, she knew she would die soon. But that's how I will always remember her; as a sweet and gentle-hearted friend."
Haru smiled warmly at her best friend, wishing there was a way she could know everything was all right. The blonde inhaled softly and raised one hand to her heart, like she could feel Haru's wish.
"I know I will probably get in trouble for saying this in school grounds, but it will be worth whatever trouble it brings me. A few hours before Haru was found at the hospital, I was thinking about her, and my heart felt heavy. Suddenly, I could feel it lightening, and I could feel her calming presence. It may or not have been her, but I have the firm belief that whatever afterlife awaits her, she will be happy there. Her weak body had been giving her grief for years, and I am certain that she's happy to finally be free of it. I love you, Haru, and I won't ever forget about your sweet spirit."
Unable to say more, she came down from the podium, kissing her fingers and touching the coffin with them, tears streaming down her face. Haru smiled, finally able to cry for her friends' loss. She could never let them know she was alive, but at least they would have memories.
It had been Baron's idea to attend her funeral. He wanted to know about how she had impacted other people's lives, realizing how strongly she had touched his in under a day's time.
The principal below them closed the funeral down, saying that if there were more stories to be told, they could do it at the cemetery grounds. Baron stood up to help his love to her feet, his companions stretching a bit before going through the ventilation shaft. It wouldn't be smart to let the kids below see the blue light of the cat portal, after all the effort they extended to keep the humans' grief clean.
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Yuki looked up as Haru and Naoko came into the bride's dressing chamber, both adjusting their new gowns.
Haru had changed out of her navy dress to a light pink one, and Naoko was wearing a light yellow one. Yuki hugged and kissed them.
"Thanks for being my maid and matron of honor." She had been struggling with the last one, since she was an orphan and Lune's mother had died years before. Naoko smiled warmly.
"I don't mind at all. It's almost like I get two daughters!" She laughed, thinking that Haru and Yuki looked more like sisters now anyway. They laughed, and continued getting ready. Naoko continued to grin as she helped adjust Yuki's veil.
Their white fur wouldn't be the only similarity when this night was over.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Baron had changed out of his customary gray outfit in favor of a dark tuxedo for his role. He adjusted the red rose in his breast pocket with care, his insides a bundle of nerves. Lune looked over and laughed.
"This is hilarious; it's my wedding, and my best man's more nervous than I am!"
The cat doll looked at his friend and laughed.
"Stranger things have happened."
Lune gave him a sly look.
"I hear you've been meeting with one of my artisans."
Baron grinned.
"Have you now?"
"My goldsmith, if rumors hold."
"You shouldn't listen to rumors, Majesty."
"I heard it from Naoko. Something about you roping her into a top secret project."
Baron grinned again. He didn't want too many people to know about the project, but the new red cat had known her daughter longer than anyone he could talk to, and he truly did need her opinion on the matter.
The orange cat smiled wickedly… and gripped a small object in his pocket.