Chapter 10 - Goodbye
The day of the premature wake arrived.
They had prepared the day before hand, at the time treating the close relations morning with Raizel in a manner similar to earlier group activities was meant to keep the atmosphere light. It might be working but discussing his grave design was still feeling too significant to M-21. Surly there was a way to save him but Frankenstein was discussing appearances with the rest of them. Judging by how quiet the conversation was he wasn't the only one who felt his death becoming a reality in their mind.
"Do you want a monolith?" Raizel looked up clearly not expecting that question, the way Frankenstein spoke had made it clear such things were expected for a Noblesse, did he want one? An image of him enlarged in stone to stand through more of eternity. M' had seen the portraits of Raizel around the house wouldn't they serve the same prepose?
"It is expected and must be done." So no, Raizel didn't actually want the monolith. The slight reactions varied across the table, but it still felt strange to see. Suddenly M' was angry couldn't he say No? One look form Raizel and the feeling fled, this Wake may be held in his name but it was not for him, he had accepted his passing long ago. When the monolith was designed they would each have time alone with him, so he would use his time to speak freely.
The tension had eased slightly after everyone had a private word with Rai, well except with the Boss. Boss clearly was not going to leave his Masters side for a second even if the coming formal events demanded it.
They did, it reminded Tao of what he had read about some Kings' funeral, everyone lined up outside the presentation room Boss had redecorated the day before to pay their respects to the departed, except Rai was alive and there to see and hear the grief his death would bring them all. Frankenstein's' presence made everyone chose their words, Tao may have had a chance to speak with Rai earlier but the atmosphere this time was different, walking up to where Rai stood with absolute dignity and a distant expression on his face. Giving his final words (or not) and leaving for the next person to enter. Gathering outside to discuss Raizel past and present, or other matters as needed for those still living. It was a funeral of a being Tao wanted very much to live. Oddly or perhaps sensibly it was not considered inelegant to cry at a funeral. He did cry, for the Nobles Lord had said they timed the ceremony perfectly; it would be sunset when the last person spoke to Raizel.
The doors to the presentation room (temporary chapel) opened from the inside as expected, just as the sky was changing colour. The agonised wail of grief that followed it was not, everyone went to see the cause.
This is too sad... why did I chose a tragedy set up? I was planning on having their conversations... but what would they say its been ten years thank him for out living the Union? It would have been only seven if the former lord hadn't split his soul weapon.
I feel sorry for Franken, he hasn't been permitted to monitor his masters health with anything more than his own senses since he was forbidden from seeking a cure.