Sea of Monsters Chapter 16:

Our Guiding Star in Memoriam

(In memory of Cosmic Vlad)

Day 28

A day had passed since Medea took the Masters away for her little plan, leaving everyone else to try and figure out the best plan of action to deal with Jason and the Argo. It was only after the evening sun started to set that they stopped their planning and strategizing to collect their thoughts, and to cool their heads for the upcoming battle ahead. However, out of nowhere, everyone started to feel tears fall on their faces. Fou felt a disturbance within everyone, and his tail fell slightly as Mashu clutched her chest as if in pain.

"Fou…."

"I…..what is this feeling?" Mashu asked. "It feels as if…..as if something important was lost….."

"Yeah, I'm feeling it too." Alexander replied. "It's…..I don't know how to describe it…..I guess it feels like a part of me was ripped out, and now I feel lesser for it."

"It's….it's like losing Asterios all over again…." Euryale muttered.

"How odd….." Galatea muttered. "How is it that we all feel the same thing, and yet we don't know what it is?"

"Maybe it is some form of grief?" Anne asked.

"Perhaps." Mary answered. "All I know is that whatever it is, it's something that hurts deeply."

"But why would we be grieving over something we don't know about?" Ushiwakamaru asked. "Damn, this is too complicated! Why are we feeling this way?!"

"I….I think something must have happened." Medusa answered. "I don't know if I'm correct, but it could be the world itself has lost something dear, and is grieving, and we are feeling it within our very cores."

"Is that even possible?" Okita asked.

"I do believe so, yes." Artemis replied. "Sometimes, a cataclysm occurs; a tragedy upon world that all connected to it can sense."

"I agree, I've felt something like this before….. " Orion muttered. "It feels like…like someone has been lost to us, yet we don't know why we feel it."

"Someone….lost to us…?" Mashu asked. "But Humanity has been incinerated. How can there be someone lost when the outside world has already-"

"Mashu, I think that you're asking the wrong question here." David countered. "The thing we should be doing is just let it take hold and let it flow within us."

"It's here!" yelled Atalante, teeth bared as she drew her bow, "There's something around us, it's hurting us!"

The cat-eared girl's eyes were glaring with a pained stare. She had the eyes of a maimed animal, incapable of understanding the source of the pain in her heart. Mashu recoiled a step, a mixture of concern and fear bubbling up in her heart as she saw Atalante trying to fight back the cold force gripping her heart.

"Atalante…" started Artemis, unsure of how she should help her devotee.

"Just go for it, Artemis," responded Orion, standing tall (despite his current form) in stoic mourning, "Just let her hear what's inside your heart."

Artemis simply nodded. "Right, I know exactly what to say."

The white-haired goddess walked up to Atalante, catching the archer off guard.

"Lady Artemis!" yelled Atalante, surprised at the goddess's actions, "Please hide behind me! There's-"

*pat*

Artemis cut off Atalante's with a gentle hand on the latter's cheek. The Archer flinched, the pain jolting through her body…and then broke down.

"It's okay, Atalanta…" said Artemis, embracing Atalante and brushing her hair in a motherly fashion. "We all feel this pain….."

"GAHHHH!" cried out Atalante, letting loose the pain in her chest now that it had been unlocked by Artemis.

"Oh Atalante…" Mashu muttered. "She's suffering so terribly….I can't help but feel her anguish."

"Aye, I do too." Drake answered. "But I will not weep. Nor will I scream out my pain."

"Why not?" Mashu asked.

Drake took a deep breath and put a hand on the Shielder's shoulder. "Mashu, you said that it feels like someone has been lost right? Well here's how I deal with stuff like this. I don't try to focus on how they die. I try to remember how they lived."

"How they lived…."

Drake nodded. "I can't speak for everyone here, but whatever was lost just now, it must have been dear and precious, so all we can do is remember that, and to keep them in our hearts."

"Captain Drake is right." David replied. "We must grieve with our hearts, but we should also try to push forward, no matter how difficult it is, and to honor what is gone."

"I….I still don't understand…" Mashu said. "How can we move on when this is too painful to bear?"

"I cannot speak much for those who haven't seen much of the world, but for those of us who have lived our lives on the cruel sea, it's a different story." explained Drake.

The magenta-haired woman gazed at the frothy sea, casting a figure often seen on the cover of romantic novels involving adventurers or explorers.

"Different? How could it be different?!" Mashu exclaimed, entrapped by Drake's response. " Every life is unique, a flame that could never be replaced if it's lost. So, how can you push forward after?!"

"Because we must," answered Drake, as plain as the scar on her face, "We are as fleeting and luminous as a spark. We burn and shine brighter than the sun itself, and then vanish forever. That's what it means to live in this world, to shine as brightly as you can without anything holding you back!"

"That is…what it means to live like a human?" asked Mashu, eyes focusing on Drake now that the sun had properly set.

"Of course. That's what defines humanity's life: the light it shone while in this world." Drake answered. "All I can say right now is that whoever is lost, we should think fondly of them. The level of sorrow we all feel just proves they were loved, right? So let's just smile that they lived, and that they were loved!"

"Drake's right." Anne replied. "We should try and push forward, and keep on moving. I think….I think that this is what this mysterious soul would want us to do."

One by one, the Chaldeans and their allies nodded. Mashu could only feel more doubt cloud her heart, but something in their words gave her some form of comfort. It was at this moment that the sun finally fell, showing the night sky. As they watched the sun, a faint light illuminated the ground, causing Medusa to look up to find the source, only to raise an eyebrow.

"Well that's strange." Medusa said. "That star was never there before."

Everyone looked at where the Rider was pointing, and widened their eyes as they saw the star in question. It definitely wasn't there before, but it felt…strange. Not in a bad way, but in a way that was pleasant.

They could feel warmth and affection emanating from its light. And it only grew brighter and brighter until its shine rivaled the moon itself.

Mashu could not help but see the beauty in that bright star. However, something else washed over her mind, and she had a suspicion, one that she could not quite shake off. It felt as if this star was whoever that was lost, and they were now watching over them, smiling upon them and encouraging her to journey forth.

The rest of the group saw the Shielder start to smile as she reached out to the star, as if to hold onto it. Soon, they could not help but smile in turn, and reach out their own hands to try and touch the star themselves. As they did so, they felt fondness, and a sense of love and fulfillment emanated within them, and they knew only one thing.

No matter where they go, no matter what happens, this star will never go away, and will eternally shine brightly in the night sky.

The ships of the Colchis Armada were sailing through the Aegean Waters, cutting through the surf as quickly as the wind bolstered them. At the head of the Armada, the flagship carrying the Masters of Chaldea plowed quickly, a heavy curtain fell upon the crew and occupants.

"Did you feel that?" asked Ritsuka, turning towards Tatsuko.

"Yeah, it's like a shard of ice hit me right in the chest…" replied Tatsuko, clutching her top with a vice grip, "I don't-I don't know what happened."

"I feel it too," brought up Medea, eyes forlorn but steady, "It's something I've come across several times in the past. The sensation of something or someone important to you being cut off suddenly: you go on through life lighter and weaker, as if you lost a limb and its ache has yet to vanish."

"Lost someone?" questioned Ritsuka, approaching Medea, "Who did we lose?"

"All passengers below deck!" barked the spectral helmsman, looking directly at the two Masters, "We've sighted a heavy storm, we'll need all hands at master stations and vital guests secured below!"

In surprise, the three turned towards the smell of ozone and saw vast clouds quickly building and the waves frothing from the powerful winds. Sailors of the past have survived worse, but often at a steep cost, thought Medea.

"Do as he suggested, go down below you two!" urged Medea, using her Magecraft to open the hatch to the interior of the ship.

"What?!" cried out Tatsuko, refusing the order, "We can't just leave you guys to do everything, right Ritsuka?!"

"She's right, you guys will need every hand available!" explained Rituska, trying to argue with Medea.

Medea looked at the two Masters, and saw the determined look in their eyes. The duo's argument was definitely valid, and considering the storm brewing, maybe it would be a wise decision to have them stay above deck.

However, all those thoughts soon vanished as a rogue wave crashed into the ship, causing it to shake and sway. Medea's and Ritsuka's eyes widened in horror as the force of the wave caused Tatsuko to slip, and nearly fall overboard. The orange haired Master screamed for just a few seconds as she saw herself almost falling off the ship, but Medea was quicker. The blue haired Caster immediately leapt towards Tatsuko's side and caught her, only to start floating with the orange haired girl in her arms just before they hit the water. Everyone remained silent until Medea floated up with Tatsuko in her arms and they landed on the deck.

"Thanks Medea." Ritsuka said.

"Are you okay, Tatsuko?" Medea asked.

"Yeah….yeah, just a little shaken up." Tatsuko muttered. "Maybe we should go below deck…."

"Then let's go." Medea replied. The Caster looked back towards the hatch, and saw it was now closed. The rogue wave must have forced it shut when it hit the ship. The Caster led them to the hatch and opened it so they could go below deck. As soon as she was certain they were safe down there, she climbed down the ladder herself, and closed the hatch behind her. As soon as she saw them standing a few feet away, checking to see the hold would be secure from any breaches.

"You do not have to fear." Medea said gently. "The ships of Colchis are sturdier than you think."

"Well you did mention these ships sank in a storm….." Ritsuka countered.

Medea winced. "You do bring up a fair point…..well look at the bright side, now that you two are down here, you can stay warm. It won't be good if either of you catch a cold."

"Yeah, getting sick right now won't be helping anybody." Tatsuko replied. "Thank God I didn't get too wet. It'd be hell on my hair."

Medea nodded and conjured forth a small orb of light filling the area with warmth. The Caster beckoned them to come closer to her. The Masters took the hint, and all three of them sat down around the small orb to take part in its warmth. The three of them felt the ship rock back and forth from the storm, but they decided to drown that out by talking about earlier.

"So Medea, what….or who do you think was lost?" Ritsuka asked.

"I honestly don't know." Medea answered. "But….it feels like when we grieved for Asterios…."

"That's exactly how it feels." Tatsuko replied. "But…..it also feels as if the world right now is feeling it too, but I don't know why."

"It indeed feels that way." Medea said. "I wonder if the others are feeling it too."

"I'm sure they are." Tatsuko answered back. The orange haired Master then hugged her knees and stared at the small orb mournfully. "Do…..do you think we'll get lost in this storm?"

Ritsuka and Medea raised an eyebrow at the question. They knew Tatsuko could be a little doubtful, but to be this morose wasn't like her.

"Perhaps we might get lucky." Medea answered. "Sure, we may get off course, but I am sure we can find our way back."

"But how can you be sure…." Tatsuko asked. "It's already night, the storm looked like it would ruin visibility…"

"Yeah, Tatsuko's right…" Ritsuka replied. "Something about this storm feels off….Like it's going to make us lose our way."

Medea went silent. The Caster sighed, put a hand on both their shoulders, and pulled them in close to her. "I know how you two are feeling right now. This…..pain and sense of loss feels greater than before, and you two don't know how to deal with it."

The two Masters didn't move an inch, they simply just sat there as Medea continued to hold them. Tatsuko, on the other hand, rubbed her wrists, and sighed.

"Do…..do you guys think the others are okay?"

"They'll be fine." Medea answered. "Why would you think otherwise?"

"Well, it's…it's just that we don't really know for certain…." Tatsuko muttered. "Damn, I just don't even know what I'm saying anymore."

"Because of the pain?"

Tatsuko nodded. "I just….I just feel lost…"

"Same here." Ritsuka replied. "It feels like…..like we just lost something that guided us….."

"I feel the same pain too." Medea said. "I wish I knew what to say to help, but I am at a loss too."

Not a second later, Romani appeared on the comms, and stared at the Masters and Caster sympathetically.

"I don't want to be a bother, but we're all feeling it in the Command Room." Roman said. "Heck, if Antonio is to be believed, everyone else in Chaldea is feeling it too."

"Seriously?" Ritsuka asked. "How is this possible?"

"I don't know." Roman answered. "But….I have seen this happen before many times."

"You have?" Medea asked.

Roman nodded. "I have something that might help. It's okay to feel this way. It's only natural as human beings to grieve and mourn. But, I don't think what or who was lost would want you to be like this forever."

"Then what should we do?" Ritsuka asked.

"I think….I think that whatever, or whoever was lost, would want for us to remember the good times, and to keep moving forward." Roman answered. "At least, that is what I think they'd want."

"That's a lovely thought." Medea said. "I think we should take that advice to heart."

A knock on the hatch broke their attention. Soon a ghost poked, or rather, phased their head to stare at them, and started to screech and howl, causing Tatsuko to freeze in place. "What's he saying?"

"He's saying something unnatural is happening outside." Ritsuka answered. "They want us to take a look."

"Then let's take a look." Medea said. "Whatever it is, it's gotten the spirits confused."

The three of them arrived on top of the deck not a second later. The raging storm started to leave them all drenched, but they ignored it and powered on through. They all searched around to find what the spirit meant, but as they looked out on the surface of the sea, all they could find was darkness. There was nothing in sight in front, back right or left in their field of vision. They were well and truly lost and confused at this point.

However, something within their guts told them to look to the sky. The trio looked around but the clouds and rain just made it near impossible to see anything. That was, until they saw a small light emanating to the west. The storm made it difficult to see, but it was clearly present. Ritsuka squinted as he stared at the light, until his eyes widened in realization.

"Turn the ships and follow that light!"

The spirits looked at him in curiosity, but Tatsuko gulped and took a few deep breaths. "Do as he says!"

"You heard them!" Medea shouted. "Turn to port and follow that light!"

The spirits immediately shrieked and cried out to each other. Soon, every ship turned left and followed that glimmering light. The ships continued to rock side to side, the rain did not let up, but no one flinched, nor blinked. They continued to stare into the light as they sailed towards it, and waited patiently to see where this light would take them. Thunder and lightning boomed around them, threatening to break their concentration, but they did not waver. They saw the light grow brighter, and so they would continue to trust it. They would not falter now, not when they wanted to see what this light was.

A few minutes later, the ships escaped the storm, and everyone could see the night sky clearly. As they looked towards the sky and finally saw the star that lit the way.

"Oh wow!" Tatsuko said. "It's so bright!"

"Well that's strange." Ritsuka said. "I don't remember that star being there at all."

"It doesn't change the fact that it's beautiful." Tatsuko countered.

Ritsuka chuckled. "Yeah, it certainly is."

Medea smiled and conjured more small orbs to dry them off. "Do you know anything about the original Chaldeans?"

The two Masters shook their heads. "They were stargazers. Astrologers, actually. They would find places to live, and chart out the night sky. I would like to think if one of them saw this, they would be excited to see something wonderful happen."

"Wow, that's really cool." Tatsuko said.

Ritsuka said nothing for a moment as he stared at the star in the sky. Like his partner and Medea, he could feel a certain warmth and fondness coming from it. It was almost as if a friend was smiling down at them. The male Master then looked down, then back to the star in shock.

"Guys, we're back on course!"

"How do you know?" Tatsuko asked.

"Look at the star, and then the other constellations." Ritsuka said. "I remember seeing some of them when we had that funeral for Asterios."

Medea looked at the stars closest to the brighter one, and widened her eyes. "Ritsuka, you're right! We're exactly where we need to be!"

Ritsuka looked back at the star, and felt a wave of relief falling over him. "It would seem our lost friend is helping us find our way back."

Tatsuko looked up to the star in amazement, and smiled alongside Ritsuka. The two Masters placed a hand on their chests, and felt their hearts resonating with the star shining brightly in the sky. Medea smiled at them and looked at the spirits. The ghosts did not need to be told a word, and just continued to follow that star towards their destination. As they continued to sail, the two Masters felt another sensation flowing through them. They knew the fight ahead would be terrifying, but they would not give up now. They had to see this through to the end, for Asterios, and now for their mysterious comrade. They would do this for them, and make sure to see it through to the bitter end. As they continued to sail into the west, only one thought was on their mind.

They found their guiding star, and it will always be there when they need it most.

Meanwhile, the Argo silently sailed across the sea towards their destination. Even as they approached, they felt a sense of loss and doubt filling their minds. But when they saw that shining star in the sky, Jason could only focus upon it with a curious gaze. He felt warmth from it, but something didn't sit well with him. It was as if he could feel it was trying to tell him something, but he just didn't know what.

"Lord Jason, is something wrong?" Medea Lily asked.

"It's nothing." Jason answered. "Just keep on course, Hektor."

"Got it." The Lancer replied. Hektor kept the wheel steady as they continued their journey to find the Ark, and with it, the twin Goddesses that have been alluding them since the beginning. Medea Lily sensed Jason's feelings, and walked in front of him.

"Lord Jason, please tell us what's wrong." She said gently.

Jason sighed. "I just feel…..off. Something's wrong, but I don't know what."

"So even you've been feeling it." Hektor replied. "I've been having it too. Something definitely has happened, but it's hard to describe."

"It's like something just got lost." Jason said.

"Lost? I don't understand…." Medea Lily muttered.

Hektor took a deep breath and stared at the young Caster sympathetically. "What we're saying is that-"

"Don't bother." Jason interjected. "It's not going to help here."

"Good grief…" Hektor muttered. "If you say so, captain."

Jason turned his attention back to Medea Lily and stared at her sternly. "All you need to know is that we cannot let this feeling get to us."

"I…I understand, Lord Jason."

The ship returned to an awkward silence as they sailed across the sea. The entire crew barring Hektor could only look at the stars, especially the newest one that continued to grab their attention. As Jason continued to stare at it, he could feel somewhat ... relaxed and sedate. The captain of the Argo sighed and looked at Hektor for a moment with a calm expression. "Stop the ship."

"Are you sure?" The Lancer asked.

Jason nodded. "Yeah, just drop the anchor and stop the ship. The enemy can wait for a while."

Hektor shrugged. "Very well."

The Lancer set the anchor down, and walked down the stairs to join the others in gazing at the stars. Jason looked at the newest, yet brightest star and chuckled. "You know I've been thinking about it and that new star there is really impressive."

"That new star there?" asked Medea, recognizing the night skies from the star maps her teachers made her study when she first began practicing Magecraft, "It's so lovely and shining…but I also feel sad when I see it."

Both Hektor and Jason cast a shared glance at each other, both princes silently confirming from the younger Medea's reaction that their intuition was correct. Without a word, Hektor's eyes turned towards Medea Lily, asking Jason if he should explain its full meaning. Naturally, the proud and arrogant prince was already prepared.

"The Olympians had very strict requirements for stars in the night sky," started Jason, capturing Medea Lily's attention, "They were made for only the most noble of heroes, so that their spirit would be immortalized in the night sky for eternity."

"Aye," agreed Hektor, gazing at the star as well, "My father, and his father before him, passed along stories of particular stars: the seven sisters of the Pleiades losing one of their number and becoming the six, Orion and the Dioscuri serving as guides to humanity on the open seas-"

"Oh! I know those guys!" chopped in Medea Lily, elated at Hektor's mentioning of their allies in life, "Wait, hold on…"

Both men grimaced, unable to hide the truth from the girl, nor each other.

"If that is a new star, then does that mean someone-" continued Medea Lily, sadness welling up in her chest as she began piecing together the clues.

"Heh, well, I wonder," interrupted Hektor, ending the girl's train of thought with a perfectly timed pat on the head, "The stars are mysterious creatures after all."

"Yeah, you don't even know the half of it," muttered Jason trying to reign in his near-permanent sarcasm, "Though my father always told me that, when you're on the seas, lost and unsure, follow the stars. The Argo may be the finest ship around, but she can only perform as well as her captain."

"Oh? I wonder if I should be comforted or worried?" replied Hektor, a light jingle in his voice that stopped short of a laugh.

"Then," said Medea Lily, finger pointed straight at the new star, "I think we should follow that one! I just know, whatever happens, if we follow that star, everything will turn out okay!"

"We don't need to follow it right now." Hektor said. "We already know we're on course."

"Yeah, tonight, let's….let's just gaze upon the stars tonight." Jason replied. "I'm thinking that's what this star would want. Just to take a step back and look upon it."

"But didn't you just say that your father said-"

"He did." Jason interjected. "But it's like Hektor said as well. We have our coordinates already. So we can just take a lazy night off and just look at the sky."

Medea Lily looked at Hektor curiously and saw the Lancer's knowing glance. Jason wasn't going to change his mind, so all they could do was play along. "Okay, then let's do that! Oh this will be so much fun!"

Jason said nothing as his companions joined him near the side of the Argo. The captain's face brightened as he saw that bright star again, and smiled. "Damn, whatever, or whoever got made into a star, they sure as hell made an impact…."

"Did you say something, Lord Jason?" Medea Lily asked.

Jason shook his head. "Nothing for you to worry about. Just thinking to myself here."

The Caster smiled and nodded and returned her attention to the stars above. As the three Heroic Spirits gazed upon this star, they could only feel fondness they never expected. It was as if all their doubts and fears were leaving them, and only felt peace. They could not look away, nor did they want to. However, for Jason, another thought ran through his mind.

With this star in the sky, he felt like his goals were about to come to fruition. It had to be proof that he would be victorious.

OC (Looks at the new seat placed next to his and Vlad's empty one): Looks like everything is ready…..God, I still can't believe this happened.

(OC turns to look at the audience in the studio): I know it's been a while, but I thank you all for being patient with the hiatus. And we all know why we're all here today. Today, we mourn a great, and terrible loss. Just last week, I received word that Cosmic Vlad passed away last month on July 3rd….and since then, it was all I could do to keep myself from breaking down. I just…it was like something was ripped out of me, and I could only weep. And I know his family, his father, mother, and siblings are grieving even more. I can only give my condolences to the family, and I also intend to send this chapter to them as well to show how much Vlad's friendship meant, and how he impacted all of us. However, that does not mean Chaldean Chronicles will be over now. As I have mentioned before, I will continue writing this series….but I will not be alone in this endeavor. I reached out to another close friend, and he immediately agreed to help me with this story for as long as he can because we both want to keep Vlad's memory alive. And I believe he would like to say a few words regarding this change, and to give his own eulogy for Vlad. Yatsu, you have the floor.

Yatsu: Hey, this is Yatsu. I guess I'm the new guy here, though not in good circumstances. I didn't know Cosmic Vlad very well, I've always been the sort who stays to himself, but when OC told me what had happened, it was a massive blow. I think about how his loved ones must have felt; his family, his friends, people who knew and relied on him. That connection has now been closed, and far too soon at that. Well, this is my first time acting as co-writer, and I'm doing this partially to help out OC, but also to help finish the story CV started. I honestly cannot do much, but if even this much helps, then it was worth it.

OC: Thank you, Yatsu. Your help in writing this chapter alone has been astronomical. I remember the first day we wrote this, and I just….I couldn't really find the words to even begin. I just felt…lost. But it's because of him, and so many others these past few days giving their support as I mourned the loss of one of my best friends. In fact, writing this chapter helped me heal a bit, and it felt like Vlad was right here with us.

Yatsu: I'm glad I could've helped. Honestly, it's going to be a difficult undertaking joining up rather late, but I know CV would've certainly wanted things to continue moving forward.

OC: He definitely would have. I still remember the day he…..passed…..I just showed him that I got Koyanskaya of Light, and a couple of hours later, he showed me that he got her too….He said that this was a crazy moment…

But that's not what I want to remember about him. I want to remember the man that he was, and how much he inspired others to try out new things, and always brighten the day with his presence. And I want to remember the man who made all this possible, and I'd rather remember the good times he and I had together. And one memory sticks out more than the others as I write this. The day he convinced me to write Chaldean Chronicles. It didn't begin with any story line, nor characters.

It all began, with a simple suggestion for an Author's note.

Two years ago, I was talking to another friend on Reddit over ideas of a possible counterpart to Fragments of Chaldea, and one day I told Vlad about this, and I showed him an initial idea of an Author's Note I would do for a certain arc, and he said to me "Dude, you have got to write this story! I'm willing to help out if you want."

I was the one who was hesitant, because I just didn't think I would have done the story any sort of justice. But he didn't give up. He didn't say it outright, but his tone told me all that I needed to know. He basically told me "If you don't do this, then you might regret it for the rest of your life."

He managed to convince me after a few minutes, and it's because of him that Chronicles came to be.

The next day after that, I wrote a rough draft scene for the Lostbelt Saga. And the first people ever written on that draft, was none other than the Chaldean Trio. It was poorly written, but he didn't care, he loved the interactions they had there, and it only fueled his own desire to write the story, but it was more than that.

In discussing ideas and scenarios for Chaldean Chronicles, it helped him come up with different ideas for his other stories, and helped clear his head to put them to paper.

One little Author's Note idea. That was all it took for him to want to write this story. And it's because of him that I gained the confidence to write the story alongside him. It's because of him that someone like me could find a way to express himself, and break out of my shell again.

That's how I would like to remember him. An inspirational man, and a friend who would always be there to pick you back up whenever you were down. He was more than that even. He was studying to be a biologist, and he was so happy to learn that he would be going to the college of his choice. He was a loving son, brother and uncle. He loved anime and staying up late. He loved to crack jokes when it struck him. He always knew what to say and he could tell when something was off or wrong. He was an honest man, and always enjoyed writing. In the end, I guess he was my mentor instead of the other way around. He opened up so many avenues and was loved by so many, and he loved them just as much.

Even now his passing hurts us all. And I know we all feel lesser because of it. But I don't think he would want us to mourn forever. He would probably tell us to pick ourselves up, and keep on pushing forward. I will not say not to weep, for not all tears are evil. But I know in my heart that he would want us to remember the good times, not focus on the bad.

I have been trying to figure out a way to say my goodbyes to him, but looking back, I do not think he would want to say goodbye.

So….I won't say goodbye. I'll just say "Until we meet again."

Before we end this chapter, I have a few final words to say. To everyone who has shown their support; Thank you. Words alone cannot express how grateful I am for all of you helping me, and grieving with the family over this tragic loss. But I must also give thanks to one of our biggest fans on Reddit, Charles883 for talking to me daily, and doing everything in their power to make sure I didn't spiral out of grief. I must thank my friend Ice Galahad for his words of comfort, and for being there when I needed him most. I have to thank Suspicious-Drummer68, the writer of Cafe Avalon, for helping make a tribute to Vlad on Reddit at my request. I also thank Yatsu for agreeing to help write this story that Vlad and I poured so much of our blood, sweat and tears into, to help keep Vlad's memory alive.

But most importantly, I have to thank Vlad himself for making this all possible. If it weren't for him, Chaldean Chronicles would never have been made, and its because of him, we are all here today.

(OC pats Vlad's chair)

Vlad, you are a Chaldean Master like the rest of us. May your star shine brightly upon us and help those who have lost their way find their way back. I hope that wherever you are, you're looking down upon us, and smiling. And one day when it is my time to go, I'll come find you buddy. And when I do, I'll be sure to have lots of stories to share with you.

Until we meet again on the other side, fellow Stargazer. May you forever be the guiding star that illuminates the dark paths ahead.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF COSMIC VLAD

Writer

Chaldean

Friend

Collegue

Mentor

Brother

Son

Hero