Author's Note: Next chapter is an epilogue, just giving a heads up. And this chapter, two days after Father's Day...oh I had difficulty writing this. I drew on personal experiences -too many funerals- and they weren't my favorites. I never cried at a funeral -even my dads'- so I dunno if that's just me, -I did cry later, still do, because, well, he's my dad, and I was five, and I don't remember him- so this is a short chapter, due to memory association.

And for NEXT CHAPTER: I was thinking, since it's our last chapter, everyone who read this fic could leave a review? Even if you don't normally...

Adam stood under the shelter of the warm sun, and felt betrayed. The sky should be dark and filled with clouds. Not happy and joyful. My brother is dead. But for everyone except for the three attending the funeral, life went on as normal. Or as normal as it could be, recent events considered. Adam looked down at the ground, knowing his brother's body was six feet under it, protected from the elements in a wooden coffin and the earth itself. Protect him better than I did, Adam thought bitterly.

He cast his gaze to the simple gray headstone, made out of a rock Chase probably could've named. The headstone read:

Chase Alexander Davenport

Beloved brother and son,

1998-2014

He never turned sixteen. 1-6. The big number to all teens. He'll never have another birthday party. Never go to college, get a job. Get married, have children. But that was never an option for him anyway. Adam had wanted Chase's life once, and Chase had shot the idea down. Now he understood. You lived a life of complete service: your life was not your own. Adam now knew what a gift life was, and he was determined to make the most of his.

How can I think about my life, when I'm at his funeral? Adam focused on the headstone, but it just caused him more pain. He moved to where he would see only the back of the headstone, hoping that would solve the queasiness he felt. Instead he found another engraving.

All is not lost; the unconquerable will,

And study of revenge, immortal hate,

And courage never to submit or yield,

And what else is not overcome?

Adam brought his head up, and couldn't keep the confusion out of his eyes. "Douglas...what is this?"

"It's from Paradise Lost. It was Chase's favorite poem, and that was his favorite part." Douglas answered sadly, staring at the front of the headstone, memories replaying themselves behind his eyes. Adam felt the urge to leave, to go grieve by himself. But he also didn't want to leave. He wanted to stay here, to feel some sort of connection to his brother. Just one more moment with him...

"I guess someone should give a eulogy." Douglas stated, and moved so that he was looking down from behind the headstone. Donald and Adam moved to the foot of the grave. "Chase, he was my son, and I loved him unconditionally since birth, like I do with all my children. For the most part, I never saw him, and when I did, I normally tried to capture him or his siblings. But when he came to me, asking me for help, I never once thought it would lead to a permanent partnership. To be reunited with my family again. I owe him that, the privilege of being with my family, and I swear I will never abuse it. He was the smartest, kindest, and fiercest person I know. And I can now say from experience...there is no greater pain that outliving a child. It is even more painful than outliving a spouse. Rest in peace." Douglas swapped places with Donald, and Adam felt himself burn with the desire to go next.

"I lived with him for most of his life. I raised him. I thought that I'd been with him through the most crucial moments of his life. I was so, so wrong. I did my best to prepare him for life, and while he exceeded expectations, you can never truly prepare one for life. This is the pain of being a parent: watching your child struggle through hardships, and being unable to help. Though Chase...he faced many hardships -as have many in our family- and he not only survived them, he triumphed in them. I think while his life was a little unorthodox, it was blessing upon us all." Adam took his place at the head, and stared down at his uncle and father.

"Well...what can I say? Growing up as kids, I'd tease him, sometimes bully even, though as we aged we matured. We would have given our lives for each other, and that's exactly what he did. I don't have a skill with words, so I can't describe how much he...influenced my life. When we grew up together, I pretty much ignored him as an influence. That was one of my many mistakes. But after Lagos and Krane, I found that I looked up to him. I saw him as the strong one, not me. I tried to be like him. He was short, but he had a big presence, not necessarily physical. He taught me so much, about morality, about so much I probably would've gone through life ignorant of, and I'm grateful everyday. To honor him, I'll try to describe him. Whenever I thought of him, I thought of fire. He had the strength and ferocity of a raging inferno to defend and fight, and he also had the warmth of fire to love and care. All I can say is...goodbye, and rest in peace, my dear brother, Conn Aodh, which in the Celtic language would be "wisdom" and "fire", both of which describe him." Adam took his place at the foot of the grave, and fought back tears. Chase is truly gone.

"Let's head on home," Donald said quietly, and no one argued. They piled into the car and drove home, not a word passing between their lips. When they arrived, Tasha gave them hugs. She had no idea where they'd been, knowing only it was a formal event. She knew by their grim faces it hadn't been joyful, but dared not press.

In an instant, both Donald and Adam were hugging. The funeral had given them a wake-up slap to their family members' value, and they showed it. Adam hugged Bree, and didn't let go for a good five minutes. She didn't resist. She knew someone had died, and that he was close to them. She'd never have a clue how close.

Adam couldn't bring himself to hug Leo. Not then, and not ever. Adam didn't feel bad about it at all. Leo had free will in his decision, and he made it. Nothing could change it. But Adam wondered if Leo was always meant to make that decision. Like it was prophesied or something. He doubted that, however. Chase had used his free will to shape his own destiny, and Adam knew Leo could do it too. So can I. Standing there, warm sunlight pouring in through the open glass window, Adam had never felt more hopeful despite recent events. I have my whole future ahead of me, and I will never waste another moment. I'll decide exactly what I do. Adam began to plan, with the light of hope and possibilities of the future in him.

Author's Note: DON'T FORGET THE EPILOGUE PLEASE!