Vergil gazed at himself in his bedroom mirror. Today was Abonelle and Raziel's funeral, and he dressed in his best robes, dyed black with silver buttons. Around his neck he wore a oddly elongated violet pendant on a gold chain. He adjusted it with great care, the sun glinting off it's polished surface.
"It's nearly time." Spark floated around the Warlock. Vergil looked behind his AI companion at his apartment. It was littered with documents, books and other curiosities. Along the west wall was his library shelf which led to a staircase up to his overhanging office. It was there on his desk the artifact only a week and a half ago he recovered with Lescha and Merry. Vergil finished going over his attire and climbed up to retrieve the strange but oh-so-familiar cylinder. As he picked it up and handed to Spark for storage, he stopped to take his sword which leaned against the desk.
He sighed. Over the past few days he had struggled with the new information he had learned and how he would to explain it to Veda. The young girl had been through so much already, how would she react to the news that the reason they were burying her friends today may have been his fault?
"If you're going to let her be a part of this, she deserves to know the truth." Spark's words stung his Guardian before he finally picked up the sheathed blade and attach it to his waist.
"Yes, but will she understand...?"
"This isn't your fault Vergil, no one knew or could anticipate what would happened."
"But it's exactly what he wanted to happen. And we have to play his game, alone or not." Vergil walked out of his apartment, locking it behind him.
"This time, I won't be so generous with his life." Vergil checked himself over one last time. "Everything is ready?"
"The meeting is scheduled for after the funeral, everyone will gather in the archives." Spark nodded, bobbing up and down. The pair headed for the Tower, an uneasy walk for them both.
Cool covers did little to soothe turmoil that morning. Despite her utmost intention to make effort, the young Awoken found little to no enthusiasm to leave her bed. She'd flipped over once... twice... At this point it was six times. It wasn't until Amicus materialized that her silver eyes finally creaked open. Veda had worked hard at not crying for the past few weeks. The touchy topic had grown almost habitually from brazen Guardians whom she assumed meant no harm. A couple days before the funeral, Veda had never felt more lonely.
Hector... had refused to see her when she came to visit last. And it wasn't even he who'd turned her away... It was his nurse. As a fellow Guardian and younger sister figure at the least, she'd expected him to need her there... He had no Ghost to comfort his pain... So why? Was he ashamed? It felt selfish to feel so lonely and discouraged, but she was only but a child to the world... Not entirely in control of her internal emotions.
Eventually, the nurse came in to help the girl get ready, even having other Guardians teach her how to properly fix her dress and makeup. What was rather easy was her hair, which required minimal brushing and some hairspray. The pale figure sat silently, a blank expression reflecting in the ward mirror as a female Warlock spruced up her hair and another Hunter brought up her heels. The male hunter was an exo, but unlike Vergil, was very saucy and openly gay... His fabulous behavior may have tickled her fancy at some point... But it was not that day. After they finished, her voice cleared before she gave them a whisper of thanks; leaving her to her thoughts, Veda sat before the mirror for around half an hour, pondering.
"Am I interrupting something?" A familiar voice called. Veda swiveled around, standing up and wobbling slightly in the heels. Hector was being wheeled in, dressed in a formal tux and glossy black shoes to match. The attire had been altered to account for his missing arm, and his burn wounds leading up to his jaw had healed nicely. All the Awoken could see was her brother; a smile lost from his face, like everyone else had been. The Awoken had practiced twice in the shoes, and this time her step was more stable, if not confident. She took the handles of the wheelchair from his nurse and began exiting her room, a stinging and tight feeling in her throat.
"... It's good to see you Hector..." Veda managed. The man just reached up with his good hand, and lightly squeezed her pale slender one, which had grown cold since exiting her room.
Lescha and Merry made their own ways to the Tower for the funeral. They arrived at the same time catching each other in front of the memorial for fallen guardians. Lescha wore a simple, sleeveless long black dress, while Merry adorned an officer's uniform and cap. It was a similar style to the old North American Empire's uniform (rather what Merry remembered of it) but now it was decorated with emblems of the Titans and the City.
Lescha looked her friend up and down. "You look good."
Merry smiled and looked at her feet. "Um, thanks. You do too." Lescha returned the smile and hugged Merry. Breaking apart, Lescha's look turned sturn.
"Did you get Vergil's message?"
"I did, he's got a real flair for the dramatic doesn't he?"
Lescha shrugged. "I'd say it's more about timing, but yeah, you could say that."
"At least he's going to let us in on what's going on." Merry sighed. She looked over Lescha's shoulder and spotted Veda and Hector arriving.
"They're here." Lescha turned around seeing the pair as Veda wheeled Hector over to them.
Hector waved to the pair, both of them adopting a very warm smile. But unlike before, it was strictly polite and the warmth was fabricated from nearly nothing.
"Good to see you lovely ladies~" Hector crooned, his lips turning up in what appeared to be flirtatious behavior. Veda widened her smile to indicate amusement as she normally would, clearing her throat as she turned her attention back to the pair.
"Hector's right, you both look extremely lovely today." It was in these times that the Veda who sought shelter in a crumbling old building; who's diction was soft and rather cordial, returned. Otherwise, her normal, curious and childish self might have returned. Now that the young Awoken was in heels, it was much easier to look at her fellow Guardians who's height was less drastically different to hers. But keeping eye contact had never been harder. Glossy garnet-red lips tightened while she looked behind the pair. They'd been talking and hugging, which looked quite comforting... A strike of envy flooded through her as she glanced down at Hector. For someone who couldn't seem to shut up the entire time she'd known him, the silence was harrowing.
Without a word exchanged otherwise, Veda continued wheeling her brother, giving a nod to the girls in case they didn't follow immediately. They had to be there ahead of time to ensure everything had been set up as Amicus had intended.
The two women thanked them both, but exchanged glances after Veda strode past them, wheeling Hector away into the memorial. They could tell something was wrong, but silently agreed not to bring it up, at least not now.
They followed Veda up and entered the building.
The Memorial was a long hall with lined columns of marble. Banners marking great battles and points of history hung between them; The Battle of Six Fronts, the Luna Massacre and Twilight Gap, to name a few. On the walls behind the pillars and banners were digital displays of the names of every Guardian who fell in battle or were in some way lost. At the end of the hall stood a large plaque of the Vanguard emblem, with more displays of names on either side.
Thousands of names dotted the wall, all dating back to the beginning of the City. Today, Abellone's and Raziel's would be added.
The once curious and observant silver eyes had hardened to a steel, almost blank stare. Heading towards the end of the hall, Veda took note of the audience which had already gathered. Many Guardians were in casual dark clothes; others remained in their armor, carefully tidied as much as one could with scuffed metal. Hector too was peering around, although significantly more than Veda. Hector was much more akin to putting up facades than his younger sister Guardian. He gave faint smiles and winked at female Guardians. While some returned the smiles or blushed at the flirtatious behavior, many deepened a scowl. How could such a person exist, that would survive such atrocities and still disrespect their fallen brothers?
Veda knew that was exactly the opposite of what he was doing... It was him making sure that if Abellone and Raziel were watching, they'd be comforted by his normal actions. The young Awoken knew all too well that smiling was the best thing that either could do to revere their fallen family.
Eventually, Veda stopped by the end, gazing up at the mural of names, flickering ever so slightly. The excitement of choosing her attire was lost at this point, although there were some from the crowd who couldn't help but gaze upon the pair. Hector had always been seen as handsome... But the girl was just a child until now. Now, she was tall and slender, her figure revealed in a vulnerable time to show she was growing up... in one of the harshest ways
It was in this moment that Vergil had finally arrived. As he entered the hall he stopped in the doorway, looking towards the end where Veda and Hector stood.
He almost didn't recognize Veda from behind in her dress. She was beautiful, but the look on her face when she turned to Merry and Lescha as they joined her made his head bow low to look at the ground, just for a moment. He raised his chin up and walked down to his friends.
He decided not to alert them to his presence, instead he walked up to them to stand right behind Veda. He looked up at the wall of names as Spark appeared next to him and let out an audible sigh.
"There are more names then there were last time I was here. I wish we didn't have to put anymore." He placed a hand on Veda's shoulder, in attempt to comfort her, but what comfort could he give to someone who had to say goodbye to their family for the last time?
The familiar crisp sound of Spark's unique voice indicated to Veda that Vergil was behind the silent group. Hector had glanced back at the Exo and up toward Veda. The glances taken between them neared what Amicus thought to recognize as a frown, but returned to his playful, cheery look too soon to analyze further. As the metallic hand brushed her soft warm skin, the Awoken flinched, her eyes slightly widening with the familiar weight of the hand. Much like when they first met, his consolation urged her to release her tears. But alas, having already shed tears for their deaths once was enough. Too much, if you asked her. Veda bowed her head slightly in recognition, but pulled her shoulder forward just slightly enough to signify her distaste. Vergil was correct. There was no comfort to be given. This ritual for revering the dead and their life was a necessary evil for those who were left to suffer in their wake. Famous figures gathered in the room, as was customary; but the intentions behind their arrival had perhaps swayed with the significance of the rumors which had spread like a legendary wildfire.
A particular trait to Veda's once smooth skin had arisen, and indicated her recovery. Several large gashes cross-hatching her back, almost like whip markings. They were the sign of multiple attacks from Stealth Vandal. Any seasoned Guardian would recognize such marks, and Hector was not an exception. The glorified titles too recognized this mark, and were convinced even further to attend the memorial. Obviously, only a select few were chosen to attend the actual funeral; the few being the remaining family and any guests they wished to invite. Despite her instincts wishing to reach out and seek shelter in her heroes like Merry, Lescha, and Vergil, her mind fervently refuted.
Vergil released the young awoken's shoulder as she pulled away. Though the gesture was minimal, it was a booming sound that if Vergil had not seen or felt before, it would have been devastating. But he was much older and wiser now. He understood such actions, caused by that fresh wound of grief and sometimes they were best left alone.
Instead he turned to her brother, who looked much better than when Vergil found him.
"Hector, yes?" Vergil stepped forward to face him, kneeling down to meet Hector's eyes and extended his hand.
"We've met, but haven't been formally introduced; I am Vergil-11, I along with Merry and Lescha," Vergil nodded at the pair. "brought you and your family home."
Much like Amicus and Veda, Hector had a pride to him. Although, he was much more implicit about it than his family would expect him to be. As the comic relief of the quartet, he had a duty to be mindful of his serious composure. But now, his pride was confused: he wanted to grin at the sight of Veda pulling away from Vergil's grip. Of course, that was his little sister; he did not enjoy seeing her be touched without knowing the person or their intentions... Something he easily could tell if he'd had proper conversation with them. But Vergil... he had not.
His rescue had been a blur really. All he'd remembered was having been slightly conscious... But that was all there was. There was no real awareness... or at least, not enough to remember. Seeing the exo's face, however... Was almost nostalgic, even beyond the time of his salvage. Meeting the bright lights of the Warlock's eyes, the human blinked, before raising his arm; the fabric rustling in retort.
"That's me!" He exclaimed with a grin. As the exo gestured toward the pair, Hector's eyes were once again graced, with positive memories of the two.
"Ah yes, I'm acquainted with Miss Merry and Miss Lescha." Hector purred, a sultry smile creeping up. His act seemed nearly as natural as usual. Anyone who hadn't known him for as long as Veda wouldn't be able to tell the difference.
"However, on a serious note," Hector solemnly shook the exo's hand; his voice falling to a whisper, " I... I am extremely grateful. And though Veda might not say so yet, she is as well..." A smile returned as he spoke. "But I assume you already knew that much."
Lescha had let out a small giggle while Merry turned away slightly, though a smile and a slight blush could be seen as Hector looked over to them. Vergil couldn't help but smile at the man's antics, though he could see through all their masks; pride, shame and other secrets...all these things he didn't need his light to see past the coyness of others. However, it wasn't his place to reveal, and he only judged them by their true actions, made in the heat of the moment. Everyone here had proven themselves in Vergil's eyes, whether in battle or otherwise. Hector was willing to sacrifice himself to save Veda and nearly did so. That showed his quality.
Vergil returned his attention to the wounded warlock before him and bowed his head in respect and thanks.
"Of course." He returned in whisper. He stood up, straightening his cloak and adjusted the blade sheathed on his right flank. "My only regret is that we did not get there sooner, but I am glad to see you both are recovering well."
"Veda more than I, though I hate to admit it." The man chuckled glancing over at the Awoken. It would have made the whole team proud to see her standing so tall. Hector's only regret now was that she had to grow this way... and had no support from the other two. But she seemed to be getting along better than he'd hoped. Then again, no-one had informed him of her breakdown from weeks before. No-one could even tell with such steely eyes and perfectly applied make up. Not even a smudged wing of her eyeliner (A miracle, really). But Veda's cold exterior was masking an anxious interior. The memorial was met by so many other Guardians, who'd come to give condolences to bother herself, Hector and to pay respect. It was strange having, to put frankly, strangers simply come up to her.
Vergil turned to the sound of the double oak doors off to the right opening. A dozen Guardians walked in, half Titans, half Hunters, carrying their respective fellows caskets.
"We are about to begin, I suggest we take our places." Vergil motioned to the others, moving away from the stage.
The carriers brought their burdens to take place on the stage, setting them upon the pestles to rest before moving off to either side the stage, Titans on the left, Hunters the right.
The Vanguard entered next, taking the stage on the left while the Speaker arrived last, taking place in front between the two caskets.
The Speaker's blank slate of a face was both a blessing and a curse for both parties: himself, and everyone else. The blessing being that for the Speaker himself, emotions can be masked... but that same blessing became a curse to those around him, as they couldn't read if he expressed true sorrow. Things quickly settled down as they entered, all Guardians standing tall, a few of the humans in the crowd raising their hands to salute their fallen brother and sister.
The Speaker quietly tilted his head up, clearing his throat rather silently.
"Today is a special day. It is a day of honor and reverence; it is a solemn day. Today we must recognize an unfortunate fact of life: our beloved City was formed and is protected by the blood of warriors. As unfortunate as this is we can be thankful, because over the years Guardians have answered the call every time our future has been threatened. We gather in order to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for us, and to pay them homage for a bravery, strength, and wisdom only known to these Guardians. I'd like to share a rather ancient script from days long forgotten, which still stand relevant in times such as these," The Speaker cleared his throat and paused as though recalling it.
" ' We ought to cherish tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foes.' ... While we may not necessarily be a country, this is indeed what we ought to do today." Veda could feel her chest tighten as his speech went on. For a moment, she could have sworn that he'd slightly glanced over at Hector and herself.
"We may wonder how we can thank our fallen heroes, whom we can no longer thank by word of mouth. I am here to say that there is a way to give gratitude to each man and woman who has died for our fight; Making this country something worth dying for is the ultimate service we can do for them. We each can redeem their sacrifices through our fight. As long as we bear this in mind and act upon it we are honoring our fallen heroes, but if we as a whole do not show gratitude for their sacrifices, their memory fades. We must recognize that two of these heroes have given the last full measure for us. Let us not commit the injustice of taking their sacrifices for granted. None of the fallen Guardians you see on this board behind me wanted to die for us, but to protect us. But if these things must happen, let them happen in the name of something befitting of such a noble and heroic act."
In the crowd, teary eyes and choked up sniffles were beginning to be heard, as those who'd previously lost their brothers, sisters, or lovers recalled their respective beloved Guardians. Hector had bowed his head, his fingers crossing and hands resting on the back of his neck. Occasionally, a drop or two would plip onto the stone floor. Veda continued to look onward, not even as much as a twitch in her cold exterior.
"I'd like to call the close friends and family of these Guardians to come here if they so choose." The man addressed Veda and Hector with a nod of his head. Veda glanced at Hector, who waved his hand dismissively at his Awoken sister. Veda nodded at him and the Speaker, before making her way up to the stand. After a pause of silence, Veda took in a deep staggered breathe.
"Thank you, Speaker." The pale girl began, before turning forward, "And thank you, who've come to celebrate and remember my sister and brother's lives. I am not... strong with my words, like the Speaker is with his. And I hope you'll pardon me, as I perform something instead." Veda concluded for a moment, before standing up straighter and taking in a deep breathe. She'd prepped the song for weeks now.
"In this world you tried
Not leaving me alone behind-
There's no other way
I'll pray to the gods: let them stay
The memories ease the pain inside
Now I know why
All of my memories
Keep you near
In silent moments
Imagine you'd be here
All of my memories
Keep you near
The silent whispers, silent tears
Made me promise I'd try
To find my way back in this life
I hope there is away
To give me a sign you're okay
Reminds me again
It's worth it all
So I can go home
Together in all these memories
I see your smiles
All the memories I hold dear
Darling you know I'll love you till the end of time..."Midway through the ballad, Veda's tears were no longer barricaded, and her voice cracked once or twice. The strength and tone became more emotional near it's end, and Hector had raised his head to listen in pure awe. He'd heard her sing twice before, and knew well that she could sing. But this song... his tears grew as he remembered them listening to it when they'd stopped by the City, and a store they passed by was having a small memorial. Abellone had jokingly asked for Veda to sing that song when she died, and of course they'd agreed with plenty of teasing of her being an old geezer. No-one would fathom it'd come true.
Vergil, Merry and Lescha stood in awe as Veda began to sing. Lescha had been trying to hold back her tears, but lost her composure, hanging her head while curling her hands into tight fists. Merry held her head high, trying to stare forward at nothing, yet a single year fell from her cheek. She stepped forward to place a hand of comfort on Hector's shoulder, offering her strength to him.
Vergil remained expressionless, though that was something he couldn't quite control. He bowed his head, closing his eyes. He heard this song before, a long time ago. He quietly began humming along with the tune halfway through, almost singing along by the end. When Veda had finished, he looked up at her, staring into her eyes and smiled. He began to clap for her, and an applause followed suite, in honour of her and her fallen.
The group gathered close to each other as the Speaker and Vanguard continued the procession. Lescha uncurled her fists and wiped her tears away, looking up with a sad smile on her face. After Veda and Hector separated she went up to Veda and pulled her into yet another hug.
"That was beautiful." She whispered into Veda's ear. Lescha pulled away, hands on the younger awoken's shoulders. "Your voice is amazing Veda!"
Vergil nodded in agreement, playing with the pendant around his neck.
"I haven't heard that song in a long time, you would've made your family proud with your rendition."
Veda made an exemplary attempt at a smile, her vision blurred with unwanted tears. Returning the hug with equal strength, Veda nodded and quietly thanked her Awoken hero. Normally, she'd be giddy for such a grace as a compliment from her, but today was beyond roles of heroes and fanatics. With Vergil's words, Veda was equally grateful... but not as expressive about it. Rather than offering a similar hug, she bowed her head and gave a polite smile. Indefinitely, there was some other turmoil going on, but neither Hector nor Amicus could place it... regardless of their tight connections to her. Sighing with a gentle smile, Veda tilted her back towards the pair.
"Thank you... really. I... I'm confident in speaking for both Hector and myself that I am eternally grateful you've come." Those silver orbs flicked back toward the ground before she hastily lifted a hand to smear away a few tears.
Merry gave a comforting smile, giving Hector a comforting grip on his shoulder before she too gave Veda a hug.
"Anyone would have done the same in our position." She insisted.
Spark looked over Vergil. His guardian continued to stare and fiddle with his necklace. It was a tell that Vergil was uncomfortable. He didn't like to linger at funerals too long. It reminded the Exo of what he himself had lost over the many years. All of what happened the past couple of weeks dug up too many memories, rekindled emotions that had laid dormant for too long.
Spark returned his attention to the procession in progress. After the Vanguard and some others had spoken (including Lord Shaax), the Speaker stepped back to the podium to finish.
"We thank you all for coming to remember those lost. Now it is time to lay them to their final rest. With heavy hearts we shall lay them, but with renewed strength and steeled minds we shall remember them and honour them with our own sacrifice to protect this City that we hold dear, so that we can greet them again when our times come with our own tales of remembrance." The Titans and Hunters stood up and took their former places to lift the caskets. Behind them, a door in the memorial wall opened to reveal a passageway. Beyond it was where Guardians were given their final rest, a cylinder catacomb lined with the fallen heroes of the City.
Vergil turned to Veda and Hector. There was sadness in his eyes, but his voice did not waver as he spoke.
"Now is your last chance. Go to them, and say your final farewell. Take as much time as you need, but afterwards, meet me in the Grimoire Archives. There is much work to do, and we have little time." He placed a hand on Veda's shoulder, looking her straight in the eye. "If you wish to avenge your family, I have prepared for what you will need." He didn't intend for it to sound the way it did, but there was no other real way to put it. He bowed and left, his cloak changing from formal black to crimson, his armour forming over him as he walked out of the memorial, Spark following close behind.
Merry and Lescha looked at each other, not knowing how to respond with what just happened.
Hector gave a flirtatious, red-eyed smile to the woman who comforted him. Despite his efforts to look nonchalant, having Veda go from looking so tall and strong to shedding tears and coming to him for comfort like she did in the old days, quickly overruled such efforts. Still, he had some dignity left to retain, and he sure as hell wasn't gonna let that go to waste. So being as dashing as he would be on a regular day, Hector sat comfortably in his chair, waving with his good hand in a dismissive gesture, telling her thanks but that he would be fine.
Amicus had not materialized since he'd tried earlier that day. When he did, Veda flinched and curled her fingers into her palm which sat in her lap. The reaction was what he assumed to be her fear... the feeling of distance from one's Ghost was like the feeling of security and assurance was slipping further and further away. One could compare it to a child who refused to submit their stuffed animal or security blanket, for a matter of faith and dependence on it during dark times. And for a Ghost who'd dedicated his life to ensuring that safety and aid, nothing could hurt him more than seeing her in such a state. Quietly, he was attending and watching everything going on through Veda, and it was substantially irritating for him to see Vergil address her in such a... cold manner. Even if he was dealing with something... He had made attempts to be courteous and reverent, but to bring something like that up during a funeral... Amicus' circuitry might have fried from overheating at some point.
Yet Vergil was not the only one at fault there. In the midst of the awkward interaction, Veda had returned an equally 'cold' response, bowing her head with a solemn expression in acceptance. Rather than be upset with him at the moment, her professionalism shone through... upsetting Hector for a while. A needy part of Veda died the same time their team did... and now he missed it. He missed being relied on... He wanted her to go back to when she was curious about the stars and inquired about the way the warm sands danced on Mars; he wanted to see her eyes sparkle or her lips pout in frustration, or her cheeks and ears turn red in fury. Something. Anything.
Without another word being exchanged between the Exo and the Hunter, the silver eyed girl turned to her pair of heroes.
"Lescha. Merry..." Veda began, this time giving a genuine, but extremely sad smile, "Promise me you won't leave me behind too... yeah?" Hugging the two, Veda closed her eyes to assure their warmth, before releasing them and wiping her face with the back of her hand. Turning to Hector, she grabbed the handles to his wheelchair and turned him toward the hall where they would say their final farewell, leaving the rest of the guests to return to their duties.
The two older guardians smiled as Veda hugged them both.
"Count on it." Merry mustered out.
"And don't mind Vergil, he just gets a little over-dramatic at times." Lescha squeezed Veda a little harder in her hug before letting go.
"We'll wait here until you're ready, okay?"
Hearing such comforting words and Merry's struggle to speak lead to the sensation of swallowing broken glass. Pushing down the sensation to end up in gross, messy sobs, Veda nodded solemnly, biting the inside of her cheek to force a smile. Hector gave a wave and sighed softly as they turned to enter.
The catacomb entrance greeted them with a tall, rounded arch adorned with scripts or messages of languages long forgotten by those who had not studied them. Veda guessed that a Warlock like Vergil could explain to her later what they meant, so she memorized the message she best knew how to read: PRO NOSTRA LABEFACTATA FRATRES. Silver and stone paved the path down this rather lengthy hall. As the Awoken's curiosity hopelessly returned, she noticed that these first hall of catacombs was much more significant than she would have realized. The names plated beneath each resting place told her just how important this hall was. Of the ones she read while walking by, included: Eriana-3, Sai Mota, and Vell Tarlowe. Humbled by it's magnitude, Veda whispered small, nearly silent words of gratitude and wishes for peace eternal. Eventually, the largest room approached with looming, what looked to be endless walls of catacombs and stairs. Looking on either end, Veda chose to go forward, and took a right at the end of bridge. A corridor of walls and tombs lead Hector and Veda through, each of them reading the names to see if any they recognized. Amicus finally materialized, not daring to glance at either.
"Last two on the left. Their plaques have already been installed." And with that, the little Ghost whisked back away, Veda stiffening slightly. Following the little machine's instructions, both brother and sister faced a wall with two recently marked tombs. Their faces looked nearly the same: solemn, nearly blank, yet dark. Shadows on either's expression aged them horrifically, Veda especially. Hector was the first to move after a the long silent minutes had ticked away. Sitting forward in his chair, he brushed his fingers against the plates and bowed his head, breaking the silence with large, echoing sobs. The silence of the dead only amplified his cries in the large catacombs. Veda felt a large gasp of air exit her lungs as though she'd been punched when he did. It meant it was okay. It meant that she was given permission to join in the sorrow; to stop being strong for everyone else... including Hector. Kneeling beside Hector, Veda gave a deep bow, her forehead touching the floor whilst tears dripped down her forehead and nose. Anyone even remotely close to the entrance could hear the pair of their voices; their wails weaving tales of their family and it's end. As it came to a suffocating silence because of an exhaustion of tears or voice, brother and sister let out a staggered, unified breath. Veda sat up on her knees, and gently grabbed Hector's hand.
"It's real..." Veda admitted finally, hard work of makeup ruined in minutes. Hector nodded, swallowing a large lump in his throat.
"Yup... Much too real if you ask me..." Hector let out a nasally chuckle, putting on a smile. Veda smiled as well, huffing and shaking her head with sad laugh. Sharing that moment was vital to restoring what left of family they were, reminding them that good days could be ahead if only they'd let it be so.
"Want to say anything?" Veda suggested, after the storm had calmed. Hector shook his head with a wily smile.
"Nah... You know she'd make fun of us if we did, right? We just..." Hector began, sighing as he tilted his head downward, "We just gotta keep 'em close. Like always." Veda could not concur with anything as strongly as she had then, a smile crossing rather tired features. Eventually, they had to retrace their steps, back out into the main hall, past the podium and to the girls. Little did they know, a good hour and a half had passed; Give or take a few minutes. Approaching the women, Hector stretched out his arm (and stub), yawning terribly.
"Traveler! I have a mighty fine need for a drink! What about you two?" Hector confessed, a twinkle to his eye. Veda rolled hers in the midst cleaning up her smeared eye makeup.
"Oh gods yes, I could so use a drink right now." Lescha brushed her hand along the shaved part of her head as she smiled and winked. Merry nodded, letting out a chuckle.
"I'm down, but we gotta see what's got Vergil in a twist first."
Lescha made a face, but accepted her fate.
"Fine. Who knows? Maybe he'll have drinks for us!" She laughed.
Still sour with Vergil for the time-being for unknown reasons, Veda furrowed her brow for a moment, before sighing and nodding her head, wheeling Hector alongside the two fellow women. Finally, she was about as tall as either, though Lescha's heels didn't help her case either.
"I'm not taking the risk of him not having any there. Mind taking Hector for a bit while I go borrow some?" Veda sighed, glancing at the two girls with a tired smile.
Lescha grinned.
"Sure! We'll keep him occupied." Merry rolled her eyes but nodded.
"You know where the archives are right? Apparently so few people ever go there that hardly anyone knows it actually exists. I'll give the directions to Amicus, and we'll meet you on the way there."
The Awoken was caught off guard by the question, and chuckled nervously with a hint of a blush as she thanked her. Unfortunately, spending so little time in the Tower restrained to a ward room made her a tad... ignorant to the layout of the Guardian's base of operations. Sad, really.
"Remind me later to take a look around more, Amicus," Veda sighed, her heart a tad tired from all the duress of the day. Walking around the Tower in a dress didn't help her mind either, as it caught many's attention; the reason mostly being because of the simple being of a Guardian without armor on. Others... not so much. Amicus materialized and accompanied her to ensure that other Guardians wouldn't mistake her for a civilian. Eventually, Veda had to stop and ask a fellow Hunter where she could find a drink. Gesturing towards the Gunsmith, a small group of New Monarchy folks were seen crashing by the hall entrance, probably drinking due to stress. Veda approached cautiously.
"Erm... Do you think I could possibly ask where you got that?" The group glanced at her and examined her clothes; some furrowed their brow, others looking intrigued, and a few were more than simply intrigued. Smiling dopily, they simply handed her the rest of what appeared to be a wine bottle.
"There ya go lass," The drunkard smiled happily, his friends patting his back. Veda thanked them politely, and hurried away. That went much more smoothly than she was actually expecting... hopefully it wouldn't come back to bite her in the ass. Amicus floated in front of her, giving her a wary look with his one eye.
"You sure... you want to drink? You... You're not very good at it." Amicus confessed. It was true. The girl became rather irrational and was quite the lightweight at that.
Veda gave a challenging glare in response, tipping her head back and taking a large swig. After about 4 times doing so along her way to the Archive, eventually she stumbled into the room, a guilty Ghost trailing behind. Sighing deeply, he managed to push Veda down into a seat and dematerialized the bottle while she hiccuped softly, putting her hand up to her mouth to stop herself.
"Excuse me, miss?"
An exo woman had walked up behind Amicus to stand in front of Veda. Her faceplate was the colour of sand and she bore a black stripe that ran down the middle of her face, her eyes burned an sunset orange. She wore black warlock robes that was decorated with a jeweled necklace that went over and around her shoulders. Around her forearms were wrapped bandages and a pauldron in a shape similar to a scarab beetle covered her left shoulder.
"Are you two Veda and Amicus? Vergil told me to expect you, though I don't think he was expecting you in your current... state."
The woman loomed over the pair like a school teacher over a misbehaved student. A look of discontent was etched across her face
"And you will certainly not be taking that into my archives." She pointed to the bottle of wine now hanging loosly in Veda's hand.
Not recognizing the figure before her, Veda blinked in confusion. But as soon as she started speaking, the hiccuping ceased, and she uncovered her mouth. Taking in a deep breathe and nodding very slowly, she looked to Amicus to send him a few thoughts.
"Ah, yes..." Amicus began, before turning to the Exo.
"Veda would first like to apologize, for her... erm... predicament..." Amicus looked a tad flustered, trying to make out what his Guardian was trying to say. Veda quietly nodded along with what he was saying, the hiccups returning as her hand went back up to her lips, and her shoulders shook with it.
"She... also would like to apologize for her breathe...? And completely agrees with your terms..." Amicus seemed to conclude as Veda slowly sat back up, and stood, her stability in question as she did. Her little Ghost dematerialized the bottle, and Veda bowed to the Exo, her drunken state actually very quiet but still strange.
The woman sighed and walked over to a large oak desk. The room Veda had stumbled in was not the actual archives, but rather the foyer. The pure white walls and hardwood floors glowed warm in the sun from the window, the last bit of the sunset peaking over the mountains that sheltered the City.
Behind the desk was the door to the Grimoire Archives, heavy steel etched with the Vanguard crest that went straight to the ceiling, nine feet up. They were built as if to keep any unwanted guests out, as well as to the secrets behind them from escaping.
The female warlock leaned over the desk and grabbed a granola bar and a bottle of water. She brought them over to Veda and offered them to her.
"Here, eat and drink these. You're going to want to sober up a bit before meeting with the rest of the group."
Veda could be seen in a rather glazed-over stare at the scenery outside the window. Sunsets were always to beautiful from the Tower... Perhaps it was her romantic side, but the way the City seemed to shimmer and dance with lights as the sun sunk behind the mountains seemed like God was promising to see them tomorrow. But those thoughts were dwindling these days, especially now. Perhaps it was the alcohol. Turning to the Exo groggily, Veda hiccuped and politely nodded, before gratefully taking both. That snack was finished fairly quickly, seeing as the girl was famished. Nerves from preparation for the funeral had made her forget to eat, as well as exhausted in multiple ways.
"Th-" Veda's words halted by a large hiccup, before she continued to slur, "Thaank 'ou..." The Awoken sounded out, smiling a tad dopily. Soon enough, without permission and against Amicus' advice, the Hunter had curled up on her seat and fell into a deep sleep.
"Uhhh, okay. Didn't expect that." The warlock knelt down and put a hand on Veda's shoulder and gently shook her. To no avail, of course. The girl was right out cold. The exo sighed as she picked Veda up in her arms.
"Right, Spark might have a fit about this but I know Vergil will understand if he has to postpone their meeting for tomorrow. Hang on."
She called up her ghost and opened a private channel.
"Vergil? It's Rhea. Yeah she's here but she's drunk herself to sleep, can we move this until the morning? Well from what you lot said it sounds like she needs to rest so... Spark don't get your frame in a twist! Bloody hell, be grateful I'm letting you use my Archives at all! Yes, I understand time is of the essence but what good will she be if she's too tired to stand up for an good hour? Thank you Vergil. Yes, I can wait for the nice young man, send him and the girls up. Very good, good night."
Closing the channel, she turned to Amicus.
"Sorry about that, we'll get her to bed. Vergil is thankfully very understanding of your situation. Traveller knows how many times he's been your shoes, you'd think he'd be numb to it. But he still surprises me sometimes."
The doors behind them opened wide as Lescha and Merry rolled Hector through. Rhea moved her head around to see them.
"Right on time. Did he give you any trouble?" Lescha shook her head.
"No, and that's what worries me. I mean, I don't know Vergil that well, but I've never seen him like this. I don't like the look on his face." Rhea gave a sympathetic smile.
"That's because he's scared. He never shows when he's scared and if he does well..." She trailed off with a shrug of her shoulders.
"It means we should be very scared." Merry picked up as she stepped forward to take Veda from Rhea.
"But it doesn't mean we should show him that we're scared. If anything, Vergil needs us now more than ever to be strong, for him." She hefted Veda in her arms with relative ease.
"We'll take care of her, will you be here tomorrow then?"
"Vergil specifically asked for my expertise, so bet your glimmer I will." Merry nodded with a smile before turning to Lescha and Hector.
"We can take her to my apartment, she can sleep in the guest bed. Or does she still need to stay at the hospital?"
In Merry's arms, she curled up comfortably, most like the child she was famous for being. Hector had only seen Veda drunk twice before, but each time was still as funny as the last. This one was far more cute, and he'd hoped, for the sake of her dignity, she'd stay that way. Hector glanced at the two of them.
"I would bring her back with me, but I doubt the nurse would say she needs to stay... Would it be much trouble for you?" The human inquired, raising a brow and puckering his lips in curiosity.
"Not at all. I've handled Lescha when she's had too much, Veda will be a walk in the park." Lescha opened her mouth to retort, but shut it and gave her friend a sneering pout.
"Well Hector, it's getting late and I should probably take you back to your room, but maybe we can grab a drink on the way." Now it was Merry's turn to squint at Lescha, but she just shrugged her shoulders.
"Whatever. Vergil said we had to be back early in the morning so don't go too crazy." She adjusted her grip on Veda and headed out.
"And when I say early, I mean crack of dawn early, 7 am at the latest!" She called over her shoulder. "You know how old people are!"
"That's so we can get stuff done!" Rhea chimed in. Merry laughed and bid goodnight to her friends, taking Veda to finally get some well deserved rest.