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It's been….
A few weeks.
Since that day at the museum, where it was all just supposed to be a field trip.
Where she wanted to have fun and ramble about the architecture and perhaps explore the old, currently renovating area.
….
She remembered when she saw that bigger blueberry.
She remembered how his face broke and shattered.
She remembered how he fell and how he wasn't her true Granddad.
And how she went home that day, with tears staining her vision, hugged by her peers as the Museum staff had to handle everything.
The little M.A.G.E couldn't bear to be in Wizzro's house for a few days.
She just wanted to be near her family. Something that wasn't taken from her without her knowledge, something that she could remember.
Where in the attic, all her Grandpa's true things have still been kept, even though she had searched once and didn't find anything regarding his existence.
And while she searched, she stayed at her home.
Truly, Nabiu was able to count those days of nightmares and sobs, those days where her Parents needed to sign papers, where they prepared something.
Something she didn't experience before and honestly didn't want too.
A funeral.
A simple thing where you bury the loved one, finally say bye bye to them and talk about your sweetest memories.
Something she was unable to do.
Even now, the mere thought of saying goodbye to the Grandparent she never met brought her to tears, sniffling softly in the empty room.
It wasn't fair. She never got to truly say hello or goodbye to him in the end, not to the real him.
It just wasn't.
Her bedroom felt much colder and bleak and alone now that her mother had to prepare one more thing before they went, simply having told her to get dressed.
Said she wanted alone time and that her little girl would look beautiful anyway. That she knew how to button up a black dress.
How a Black dress would fill the occasion, how it would honor her Father and hopefully make him happy as a ghost or…
Something.
Nabiu didn't understand it a whole lot for once.
Silently struggling along with the buttons, the little blueberry stared at the mirror right before her eyes, reflecting the small thing that she had become.
A constant frown on that face that usually couldn't be anymore cheery.
How does one process such a thing after all?
Where your brain muddles up with regrets, wondering if you could have done something different, wondering if you could have saved that person-
Nabiu sniffled once more as the last button connected.
Quietly turning away from the mirror, she tried finding anything to take her eyes off that mirror, looking around the room and stepping on the blue carpet, repeating its notion until the darkest color.
Something to bring. Something for comfort.
Mama told her that it would help with the grief.
Not her books, not her self-made wood figures, not the toys or the many written notes-
….Oh!
The little blueberry stumbled over to her bed in quick pace, scrambling up and going on the soft blanket, throwing pillows around before finding it-
A star plush, having small dot eyes on it.
Softly, she pressed a button that was hidden inside of it, causing it to glow a soft color.
She…remembered that her dad bought it for her.
One day, Nabiu was afraid of the dark as an even smaller child, not being used to the noises and monsters that scurried this world despite her curiosity.
So, a plushie was given to protect from the darkness, shining a light even in the darkest places.
Keeping a close eye on the small blueberry, to make sure she could always smile.
…It helped.
It truly did.
This should suffice for the grieving process, especially once she returns back to Wizzro's and sees Karoto properly again after these long weeks.
Both of them would be attending the Funeral, as Karoto mentioned not liking the idea of wearing suits.
Said it was his first too with the most silent frown and an averting gaze, which was more off than usual.
Now that she was sitting on her bed, she had begun thinking more properly while going criss-cross applesauce.
A lot of people had actually reacted to Buru's death.
Wizzro acted weird, Brocco was surprised…there were a few others, but she didn't know them that well to get a proper opinion.
All in all, it seemed almost strange that just now, her Grandpapa's death seemed to be affecting everyone.
Or…was it his existence?
She brushed over the soft fabric of the plushie, seeing those dotted eyes staring back at her, trying to give her comfort for the upcoming tragedy.
And despite herself, she nodded at it, appreciating its help.
“Thank you for coming along, Mister star…”
The M.A.G.E gently mumbled, hugging the plushie close and slowly getting back down onto the floor, rubbing her foot across the carpet.
With a deep sigh, she started to walk towards the door, holding the plushie as close as possible.
Hoping for warmth in these sad times.
Hesitantly, she reached for the knob.
Breathing shakily in and out.
…
Click.
Once Nabiu was finally going out of her room, her eyes catched onto her parental figures.
“Oh, Sweetheart…there you are.”
Her mother was already standing in the doorway with her father, looking beautiful in that black dress, as beautiful as she was in everything else.
Even when tears stained her eyes, her Mother was such a strong person.
She deserved all the love and comfort she could get.
Her Fathers hands were still on her back, probably having rubbed it before she put on a smile for her dear daughter, approaching her with careful steps.
Careful, delicate, as if the carpet were eggshells that she didn't dare break.
Kneeling down, a hand ran through her little Calyx, slowly reaching to take her hand while her own arm wrapped around the star plushie once more.
Her mother merely smiled at it, not making a comment about the plushie and letting her daughter have it.
At least, that's what Nabiu assumed her thoughts to be.
“Are you ready too, Honey?”
“Ah- Yes, yes. All good. If you two are ready as well?”
Quietly, her parents looked towards her as if she could have held the answers they were searching for once more.
But for today, any knowledge was off limits.
For she had been birthed after her Grandpa left this world.
Though, Nabiu nodded anyway.
There was nothing else she could do, anyway.
That was enough of an answer apparently, as her father nodded towards her mom, opening the door properly.
With that smile returning to her Mother's face, they finally left the house and closed the door behind them, starting to walk that path to the local Graveyard.
She didn't quite listen to the conversation that took place between the two, looking around to distract herself instead from the sad occasion.
Some say that during important moments throughout your life, you start to look for specific things unintentionally, searching for reminders.
Reminders of your past relationships and memories, feelings that may arise, a little bit of sadness-
Certain things become more apparent to you, for better or for worse.
And today was no different, as Nabiu notes the crusty leaves and the cold air that got them off the tree, for autumn had come.
They laid on the floor, slowly hiding the green grass away from view, everything getting wetter and freezing too.
Blooming flowers were starting to pass away too, to replace the flowers that can survive such temperatures.
Even if some specific flowers stay longer, they pass too, just taking a longer time to do so, leaving a husk behind that breaks away.
The little blueberry quietly let her lip quiver, already ready to let tears fall from her face with no emotions hidden.
She deserved to be upset today.
And as the stoney path passed by, a thought came to her mind that she didn't note before.
“...Where's Grandma?”
Her Mother looked down at her with a sigh, giving that same smile as they were starting to get in the proper distance for the graveyard.
She responded with that same, gentle voice as always.
“Your Grandma wanted to go before us…something about wanting to give her last talk alone.”
Something about that sentence made Nabiu just a little bit teary.
Oh, how must her Grandma feel? To have only remembered her beloved just a few weeks ago again? To miss such a memory?
To know…he will never come back?
Dying before her without her consent?
….
Nabiu allowed a sniffle to pass by, but not yet to sob completely, wanting to save that for the funeral, where all the water reserves may come loose.
And it's not gonna be long from now, as they entered through the entrance made of stone, walking along the freshly cut stone path, free from grass.
Looking around, she could already spot plenty of graves, cleaned properly from the grave keeper and littered with different kinds of gifts and flowers.
Only few were left untouched and she felt a piece of pity for those.
Maybe she thought that every grave deserved a flower. Maybe just a small recognition despite the personality.
If she knew anything from the stories her Grandma had told her recently, Buru wasn't always the best person, yet he was a family man.
He loved his daughter. He loved his family.
Nabiu bit her lip carefully, making sure it doesn't bleed or get ripped open.
That wouldn't be nice.
She didn't like the taste of blood.
Slowly, her father opened the door to the building and for a moment, there was a thought that wondered how he thought of all this.
How much was he truly affected by any of this?
Does…
“Oh, crap- Nabiu, there you are!”
Karoto was standing right there.
For once, he wasn't just wearing his scarf and coat, instead dressing himself with a black suit and long skirt, wearing an uncertain expression.
Quickly, they widened once the bigger blueberries were noticed, fixing his suit up and approaching in the most formal manner he knew.
Which was barely any, but he was trying-!!!
“You must be…Karoto?”
Nabiu had, of course, talked about her big brother figure, especially the adventures they went and how the trial went and how he now lives with them!
…Now that she considers that, maybe that wasn't the best first impression to give.
The bard was full-on sweating like a waterfall, rubbing together his gloves before brushing through his hair to not look like a mess.
You'll be amazed at how many shapes these small strands of hair could take.
And how harshly they could be messed up in that same way-
“Uhm-”
Was the first thing he replied as he approached, nearly stumbling as her parents eyes followed the carrot who was trying very hard.
Believe her.
But with enough effort, he put on the best smile possible and extended his hand, shaking them both, probably coating them with a fresh wave of sweat.
Neither grimaced, luckily.
“Y..Yeah! Karoto. You're the..uhm…Mushino's?”
Her father stared for a moment with quite the judging gaze towards the carrot, almost as if he didn't like him for some reason-
Getting the small carrot to twitch and retract his hand slowly for a moment, fingers hesitant to touch and completely come back to their original position…
….
With one glance to her, the big blueberry nodded quietly to himself, crossing his arms, a smile coming to his face that didn't quite show a recognizable emotion.
“Indeed. We heard about your good deeds from our daughter.”
PHEW.
Her Mother soon joined in, putting a hand on Karoto's shoulder. Despite not being able to see her expression, appreciation was faintly seeping off her form.
Someone who couldn't appreciate more that another person would come to see someone they didn't know.
Someone who already had quite the attitude, as much as she knew denial.
“I appreciate that you came to my Father's Funeral despite everything.”
For a moment, Karoto blinked with a blank expression.
One that spoke of uncertainty, hearing a word that never came from his lips in almost his entire life.
She could almost see him testing it upon his tongue, trying it and almost licking his own lip.
Though, Karoto stopped himself.
A tired smile crossed his face, finally relaxing while keeping up a repetitive rubbing motion to his shaky arms.
Trying his best to understand, always checking back to the blueberry on that picture.
“Of course. I can…understand the loss.”
Nabiu didn't.
And honestly, she felt left out in a way she couldn't describe, something that Karoto may not be able to as well despite the spoken words.
She never had a Grandpa.
He never had a family.
Two sides of a coin, truly.
Though, the coin might look similar enough if you flick it enough, dirt and grim coating each side even if one had less on it.
Her hands intertwined behind her back, approaching Karoto and getting right beside him, where a hand quickly patted her Calyx.
“Thank you for keeping our daughter safe during all those dangerous moments.”
I didn't want to lose another person to such an inconceivable tragedy, was probably another thing that wanted to leave her lips.
But only a smile was given.
“Yes, we heard about the Museum incident- In detail.”
Her Father always had a keener eye to such things, just shouldn't always say these things outloud beside his grieving wife.
Who forcefully nudged him, causing him to flinch and mutter a quiet apology.
Though, getting Museum information in detail due to the corpse report was probably not the most…discreet thing that could happen.
Not like Nabiu was able to hear much about it, she just got interviewed due to being a prime Witness.
Not by choice, by any means.
“Well, uhm…you see, I've never been a Guy who goes to Funerals, so-”
Starting with such a poor yet thoughtful try at a conversation, Karoto rubbed his gloved hands against his dress suit, playing with the fabric as he properly turned to them.
The fabric was going beneath his fingertips, rubbing together in a quick-fashioned manner.
Leaning on the nearby seats of the house that would probably be used for when the Eulogy Speaker comes and they sit down, the carrot tried acting more casually.
Probably hoping to not accidentally blow a fuse to the grieving Mother.
“Wizzro told me a bit, but how do these usually go-?”
Her Mother blinks for a moment.
Her Father copies, looking at one another and Nabiu couldn't help but worry alongside Karoto that he might have said something weird.
Such an easy thing in such a situation, where nobody truly knew what could and couldn't be said.
Like ‘Sorry that your dad died.’
Though, Her Mother seemed to understand, coming closer and going before the carrot, gesturing to the Podium.
Always understanding, having already before taught her of the world before she could even ask about it.
Mama had always loved sharing.
“Well, currently, we're waiting for the man who handles the Graveyard. He speaks of an Eulogy on the podium-”
“What's an Eulogy.”
The big blueberry let out the quietest sigh at such simple words, patient as always to the carrot younger than her, who didn't understand the world.
Much less than any other person on this earth. Not like that was his fault.
“An Eulogy is something like…telling of someone's life story. How they were.”
Karoto blinked, but seemed to try his best to understand, giving the smallest nod and letting Nabiu take the moment to seat herself on the long seats.
They looked kinda like giant couches, just more chair-like. Like a row of chairs melted together!
It would have been amusing had she not been grieving.
Her father had leaned right beside her, listening to his wife talk as if she had the most beautiful voice, even when not in the best state as of now.
“Anyway, after the Eulogy is over, we collect our flowers and go over to the grave, say our vows…and say goodbye to my Father.”
Something from her movement and wording told little Nabiu that her mother was still dealing with that truth.
A truth she hadn't known for 23 years.
That fact still confuses and scares her.
How can an entire country forget an entire person for over 20 years?
Nevertheless, Karoto was intently nodding, looking around the building and seeming to take in how the whole room looked.
Pretty white, with the main podium stand being covered in flowers, with the picture of Buru on the next table also being covered in flowers.
The rare time he wore a smile.
She had never seen him smile. At least from her memory.
Her thoughts were cut off when her Mother looked around, taking in the room as well with an unknown expression before speaking.
Searching for something specific that would be appropriate for the Funeral.
“Would you know where our other guests are?”
The indirect face change once the carrot heard the question was evident, as if he was hit by a gallon of water, something that was not pleasant…beside if it's summer.
Seeming not really that happy for some reason.
“They're outside…with that stupid excuse of a Mother.”
Who?
….Her Mother's eyes furrowed at those words, leaving Karoto to nearly flinch out of his skin, quickly waving his hands in a frantic pattern.
“No offense! I…didn't mean you-!!! You're a good mother! I think.”
A mutter was left to only her ears.
“Whatever that word entails-”
Her Father raised a quiet brow, giving a glance to his child as if she knew what this behavior was meant to be. Or those words.
What could she say, Karoto was a carrot full of mysteries that they were still recovering.
Though, said carrot composed himself quickly, having once again crossed his arms and put one arm quickly behind his head to rub at it.
Scratching just a bit, probably for his own good, not too hard now.
“They wanted to discuss something, I think- Wiz said that they would be quick about it.”
Nothing they could really control.
Something the bigger blueberry seemed to understand, giving a soft nod while her expression kept being unreadable.
Nabiu wished she could decipher her Mother's reactions like everyone else.
“...I see.”
Silence befell all of them, seeming to take in the clock and how long it might be taking for them to finish their talk, which could be a few more minutes.
Sometimes, such silence wasn't really that nice, especially when nobody really knew how to spin a topic around with these awkward circumstances.
Nabiu was silently rubbing at her dress during that, just as her Mother began to speak again.
“Would you wanna talk a bit longer while we wait? I rather…think of other things before it all starts.”
Fair point! She'd also rather do anything else.
Karoto perked up quickly, taking his hand off his head and quickly adjusting it back to the crossed position, giving his best smile as he looked over to Nabiu.
“Oh- uhm. Of course-! Nabiu, you wanna take the lead?”
She flinched lightly, but…
Yeah.
Yeah! She could do that!
“I can try-!!!”
Quickly, the little blueberry started to talk about any monster info she could think of, wanting to cause a nice distraction for everyone on this faithful day.
Not to cause denial or even try to ignore what's happening, but…
Even this day could be good. No matter how sad it may be.
So, she talked, alongside Karoto’s theatrical performances, as her mother and father could smile at such shenanigans.
Just while they waited.
- - - - - - —----------
- - - - - - —----------
- - - - - - —-- — -- ---
“Alright, I'll see you inside, Wiz. Just…don't keep me waiting in there alone.”
“I won't, I wont-! I'll just be waiting for our guests.”
That is what Wizzro had said to Karoto about a minute ago, tapping away at his arm, trying to cause a distraction in any way possible.
He wasn't the kind of person to go to funerals. He didn't like the grieving process, he didn't even want to think about the talks he was gonna have-
This wasn't his first attendant funeral, no.
But that didn't make this anymore pleasant.
The only thing currently stopping him from wallowing in his own self-pity was his dearest friend, quietly rubbing his shoulder and checking on him.
It was nice to see him without armor, in that black dress. It was hard to pick through all the thoughts of this place.
“Are you gonna be alright, Lemon…?”
A simple question, really.
It shouldn't have been this hard to answer in this first place, but something made him hesitate to even simply nod.
Though, his head movement anyway, his words leaving his throat in a quieter manner than intended
"I'm- I'll be Fine.”
Clearly, Brocco didn't quite believe the dismissive wave, causing him to continue his words just a bit longer to get that understanding.
For he did not want to be misunderstood.
Wizzro did want to be here.
“Not like I'm not used to grieving. This is just…unexpected. I didn't even know he…”
Quietly, the M.A.G.E sighed.
“Just need to see them again.”
That seemed to do the trick, getting Brocco to nod and lean back against the wall for the ones he was waiting for.
Looking over the Graveyard, there was a certain disdain to knowing where exactly some people laid, having attended those Funerals himself.
He counted the flowers, watching the trees go along with the colder weather by shedding their leaves.
It wasn't as cold when you have a puffy black coat, but you'll get cold in another way.
Chills and goosebumps were easy to come by after all, especially when knowing who he was waiting for.
He…was aware of a connection, especially with the Broccoli Queen of all things, but such memories resurfacing to clearly now-
Or well. Half clearly, but-
Doesn't matter.
Or, does, but not right now.
For he was finally seeing the colors of the two figures, one more unpleasant lime bat waving over to him with her wing with that same, old smirk.
One that he couldn't help but grow warm too.
“Ah, Wizzro! My dearest friend, my lemon to my lime!”
The Lime Bat was the first to properly approach with something like a black scarf around her neck, floating down and closing her wings.
Just beside her was the Broccoli Queen herself, looking at Wizzro with a quite gentle expression due to the occasion or…maybe something else.
No matter-
“Ah, Fern…and Queen. It is an honor to meet you once again so personally.”
Wizzro could honestly feel a sort of attachment to them both, coming close to them and leaving Brocco for a minute to get close to Queen.
She gave a small nod herself, putting a hand to her chest and another to Wizzro's shoulder.
“It is good to see you again, Wiz. To my most genuine degree.”
In a fluid motion, both got into a quick hug, the Queen's arms encasing his just slightly smaller form in a warm embrace.
He would have stayed for a while longer, just to perhaps forget for at least a minute what was currently happening and what they were attending.
But he separated from that gentle smile, going over to Fern…
And hesitating.
Such a demeanor was met with a quick smirk as the lime bat opened her wings, beckoning him in with a tilt of her head.
“Oh, Come on, Wiz. I get grieving is horrible, so give your sweetest lime friend a hug…hm?”
For a moment longer, Wizzro stood there.
…Slowly, the M.A.G.E leaned into the bat's hug, feeling those giant wings wrap around his tinier form and leaning into what could almost be a cocoon.
It was harder to wrap your arms around a bat, but he was trying his best, no matter how many conflicting feelings it gave him.
Ones he could admittedly, say out loud.
“...I know you're mocking me, by the way. I just like your warmth.”
“Mhm, surely, Wizzro ”
No matter the tone, that quiet whisper was enough to give him the quietest shiver, separating just as quickly.
Instead, he brought his attention over to Brocco, who was starting to bow to the Broccoli Queen with a quick flinch.
“My…My Queen-”
Just as he did so, the Queen suddenly raised her hand and shook her head, looking down at her fellow Knight in a much softer way than usual.
It still oozed authority though, giving orders that came out as natural as breathing.
“Sir Brocco, there's no need to bow in such a place. And you don't have to be so formal either.”
The head Knight seemed genuinely surprised for a moment, quickly rearranging himself and trying to find a right position for his arms and legs to stand now.
“My greatest thanks. I-..I mean, Thank you.”
Queen slowly nodded, turning back to Wizzro with a quite melancholic expression, looking him up and down.
“...I didn't expect to see you in such a way again, Wiz. Not for so long, not…now.”
Ah, yes. Speaking of memories that brought them here in the first place-
So many revelations that came from the last days, to being with such people in the first place, to being acquainted well before Queen became the Queen-
What a hassle.
“I can say the same thing. I hadn't truly considered myself an adventurer!”
Wizzro chuckled, but Fern soon butted in with her own, putting a wing to her face while snickering at such an ordeal.
“You two act like we didn't have a semblance of such a beautifully corrupt adventure before!”
For once, he could agree with the Lime bat on that.
There were...semblances. Small bits of memories that seemed to fade and come back again, as if some parts weren't unlocked yet.
Feels like there should be more…more…
Carrots?
“Well, we did but…it feels so far away. Like it was grabbed from my mind once again.”
With a quick motion, the Queen put a hand on her head, quietly rubbing it with a look of disdain.
It made him think more than necessary with the next comment-
“Oh Really? You act like that's an abnormality, Queeny.”
Did she have issues with her memory?
Faintly, Wizzro recalled a conversation like this before, one that had come back much more recently due to the inclusion of-
Buru had been gathering firewood at the time, talking about the best branches for a fire while….
While talking about someone.
Someone he can't recall yet.
“So, uhm- Why Queen?”
Wizzro was 42 years old back then, having just joined them at least three days ago to defeat something.
Currently, he was conversing with the bigger Broccoli on the team, carrying the most branches and having dubbed herself Queen.
“I don't really remember my old name.”
That calm voice responded, chuckling to herself as she walked alongside them.
“Oh, my apologies- I didn’t-”
“Don't wreck your head about it. Amnesia just does that to you.”
Wizzro had been much more concerned about that fact back then. The idea of forgetting so much about your life-
It's terrifying. It's worrying as a recent party member.
But he can't really deny that he had the same experience just now, huh?
So, Wizzro shook off Fern's comment, crossing his arms even with the stare that the bat gave him.
“Nono- She got a point. Even I seemed to be only recently getting these memories back-”
Someone though, seemed much more confused than any of them, which was his dearest Broccoli friend.
“Excuse me for interrupting. But, uhm. What are we…talking about?”
Not like Brocco could grab the concept of something that Wizzro hadn't dared to fully explain with all the unprocessed memories at the moment.
And the Queen seemed to note that rather quickly, taking the hand off her hand, keeping her arm around the midsection and turning to point at the M.A.G.E.
“Ah. Right. Shit- Wizzro, have you told him?”
She looked at him like she was expecting HIM to have explained it yet-
HE DIDN'T!!! HE WAS PANICKING. HE WAS DISSOCIATING!!!!
So, instead of just saying such a thing, he was pointing at the two as quickly as possible as a back-up solution.
“I wanted to explain it with you guys!”
The Queen stared very quickly.
“At the funeral?”
And just beside him, Fern chuckled as if she wasn't the weirdest one on the Graveyard currently, fully intending on mocking him.
She hadn't changed much from back then-
“Wow, you really are just a bit weird, huh, Wizzro Odd Ornitharius?”
Which meant he was allowed to glare daggers at her for such a comment.
You know, like colleague beef.
Right now, the poor Broccoli in the back was still waiting for an answer, looking between the old friend group - If one could call it that.
“So-?”
Wizzro took a deep breath.
Alright. Fine. They were doing this. This is fine and easy to explain-
“...Okay. I-...we were part of an old hero team. A REALLY old hero team, just over twenty years ago.”
That was truly the easiest part of this memory.
A Hero team that did Quests, adventuring to set onto somewhere, to protect the Broccoli Kingdom, a team where he was last to join.
Where he…joined because he wanted to make sure his family was safe, including Arti, even if they were old enough-
Though, his mind slipped on the amount of team members they had.
A fading memory he just couldn't completely recall.
“We had a leader, I think? I don't really remember how many people we had…but Buru was part of this.”
Buru, an older Warrior for the Broccoli Kingdom that also worked alone on the occasion-
He had a wife, a Daughter, his daughter made his hat, he only came along because he didn't trust the leader to be able to do it-
So many tiny facts he was able to discuss with the old blueberry that now could never be discussed again.
Someone had to of course ruin the moment though and it was always the same person.
“Oh yeah! He was an absolute jerk, if I'm gonna be honest for a minute. I think he kept judging one of our teammates specifically!”
Not untrue, but not really the best time to discuss that-
Especially when he couldn't remember the name.
What was…the leader's name? Who was the leader of their group?
“Fern, don't be so negative, he did respect most of us.”
The Queen quickly spoke up though, seeming to be taking the most calm initiative on Fern's words.
Also a memory that was worth noting, as the Queen and Fern were interestingly close back in the day despite their dynamic.
Nowadays, it seems to have changed from a sturdy amnesiac and a curious violent bat-
To a Very done Queen with her Quite Mean bat.
But he wouldn't know the details. He's just watching all this play out after all-
“And you know why he didn't exactly find you good.”
And Queen was making good points about Buru.
He respected most of the team. Besides the leader for some reason, as he mentioned before, he did have reasons to dislike Fern.
She wasn’t…the best person to be a hero-
“God, Your so mean to me today, Sourpuss-”
“Do NOT call me that in public, Sourlime.”
H U H.
Wizzro decided to cut his inner monologue.
Forced to watch the bat roll her eyes after being called out for such a nickname.
“You're no fun…”
….Despite all this dumb talk and conversations and the confusing dynamics and the grief-
Wizzro chuckled just once, dissolving into soft snickers as he covered his mouth with a saddened gaze, his smile hidden behind his beard.
“Hah- Buru would have complained by now how dumb this argument is.”
…Perhaps the Queen joined in with another smile.
“Yeah. He would have.”
Silence came across the group, not even Fern uttering a word despite her not caring.
“...Who did you defeat?”
Brocco spoke up however.
“Hm?”
Wizzro, curious as always, was the first to take note of the question while the others followed.
“Well, you were a hero team by your words. Did you defeat anyone in your time?”
A group of blinking was assembled, which assured the broccoli that not a single one of them seemed to know the answer.
The Queen responded first, rubbing her own arms and averting her eyes to the particularly interesting ground that was full of dirt.
“Well, that's the part that, to my knowledge, is still missing.”
Fern wrapped a wing around his dearest Broccoli, which he very incredibly normally squinted at which was very obvious due to her smirk.
Very aware of his reaction with how close she got.
“I have a great memory due to all the boring years I had, so if even I have issues recalling these things, you know something is wrong!”
Taking the lead again and very quietly nudging Fern away in the most discreet manner possibly.
After all, he did genuinely have memories to share that were once lost, giving back dynamics that he hadn't been aware that he missed.
Something that always caused his stomach to turn.
“I have to agree. I remember doing quests, sometimes talking with Buru or chattering with Queen over groceries as the two more responsible People of the group-”
“Giving yourself credits, Ornitharius?”
Fern was getting on his nerves maybe, he didn't know.
“I'm trying to be positive-!”
Brocco seemed to have just enough of all these banters, quickly butting in before this turned into a whole new conversation that would bring them off-track.
It was sometimes just too easy to banter with such people again, no matter how unpleasant.
“Okay, OKAY, I get it. Lost memories. But then, who was Buru to all of you?”
THAT finally got everyone to stare and think.
Giving him time to consider such a question.
What was Buru to him?
A friend, a companion, someone who was by his side, who would talk about playing Piano, who talked about his child, who was a family man despite his nature-
Fern was the first surprisingly.
“To me? An annoyance and a good rival. Quite adorable how we were equals in power.”
Despite the chuckle, there was the faintest bit of…something in her eyes.
Something his eyes quietly averted from as the Queen spoke.
“A companion, despite all the times I remember scolding him.”
Once more, the eyes were all on him, expecting an answer that he was still thinking about after all this time.
So, only a puzzle piece was given.
“...A friend. But…I can discuss more at the Funeral. I have to give my vows.”
They should probably go at this point, something that Brocco could agree on with the acknowledgment that seemed to cross his eyes.
“Ah, I almost…forgot. My apologies.”
The Queen only shook her head, putting a hand on the M.A.G.E's shoulder as she nudged over to the entrance with a comfortable smile.
“No need to apologize, my head guard. Why don't we find our way inside to miss Vacci?”
Just one more stare was given to Fern, pointing at her quite with an accusing manner.
“And Fern. Stay appropriate.”
Though, the Lime was brushing it off with a snicker, already going forward and folding her wings in.
“Alright, Alright-!”
Wizzro finally nodded, quickly tangling his hand with Brocco's as a comfort, going for the door to finally get this over with.
“Let's go then. She must be waiting.”
Finally, that meant everyone was going inside.
Just to get to the main part and finally hear the story and say goodbye.
- - - - - - —-- — -- —
- - - - - - —----------
- - - - - - —----------
“-and then, we fought this giant Lycan!!! It was crashing around the house and we, of course, saved Grandma!”
“Together!”
“Yes, together-! Always together.”
Nabiu and Karoto were able to actually get the mood up while everyone else had been talking, chattering around stories of monsters and creatures.
Just now, they had gotten to the point of the story where they were fighting the first ever Lycan together!
Her parents just didn't look as thrilled as she would have been expecting.
“Ah, that must have been lovely…beside the part where you put our daughter into danger and didn't drag her out.”
Not like she didn't get her Fathers point, but it was alright! It was fun! SHE HAD BEEN A HERO!!!!!
“Honey.”
At least her Mother seemed to be softer to her.
Karoto tried to make good arguments too, seating himself on top of the seats and not actually on the seats as he posed around and put a hand on his chest, while another rested on his hip.
“Please, Mister Mushino, I take care of her greatly!”
Nabiu joined in with the same excitement, pointing right at him.
“Yes, he has the best brother reward!”
“I actually do it's like this really cool potion she made me its amazing-”
With how fast he was speaking, including the smile on his face, he clearly did enjoy the potion she had made, which made her smile too.
At least this is what got her parents to chuckle just a bit on such a weird day.
Something that Nabiu found good!
But finally-
Click.
The guests had arrived, coming through the door and waving over to the little group they had formed, seeming to be 8 people in total.
Without her Grandma, who was probably still at her Grandpa's grave currently-
Luckily, the distraction that Wizzro brought averted her thoughts, giving her a quick pat and shaking her parents hands with that same politeness he gave to everyone else.
“Miss and Mister Mushino! I apologize for the delay! And hello, my dear Girl!”
Her Mother quickly returned that unseen smile, looking at all the different guests and landing her eyes on the giant lime bat.
The one that even Nabiu wasn't the most fond of.
“Ah, Mister Wizzro and Sir Brocco! Our Dear Queen and…?”
Quickly, a softer smile rose from Fern’s face that didn't look like a stupid smirk, giving the smallest bow and putting a wing to her chest.
“Refer to me as Fern, Miss Vacci. Good to meet the child of our dearest friend.”
That made Fern catch a very specific Karoto stare™.
“Uh-huh.”
It was as if the two connected immediately, Fern matching that unimpressed stare, just now with a wordless smile and incredibly squinted eyes.
She leaned down, matching the small size of the carrot with those crossed arms and a harsh stare.
One that didn't speak of comfort and reassurance like he did with her.
“Don’t stare so viciously, Karoto. I have friends.”
Karoto rolled his eyes, tapping his arm insistently.
"Obviously."
Before this could get out of hand in the middle of the house, her Father quickly got between the two, shooting both quick stares for their behavior.
Understandably, since it was, Y’know, a FUNERAL.
Both immediately averted their eyes from it like the stubborn people they were.
“Alright, let's not start off bad…we are still waiting for Mister Weihnfel after all.”
Nabiu perked up.
She remembered that name! That was the cherry with the little cage around their body, talking about planning the funeral.
They were always rather patient, giving her time to talk as well and even asking her questions for what she would want for the funeral.
Though, she…
Couldn't truly give answers.
“Was that the apple you were talking to all week, Mama?”
So, she decided to ask the one who had been conversing all the time with the Winter Cherry.
Her Mother gave a soft nod, nudging towards the stand.
“Yes, Sweetie. He prepared the Eulogy for today.”
Giving a quick pat to her head, as many people did today, Wizzro seemed to recall a specific memory with his words, giving quite the kind tone.
“I think I actually know him due to other experiences-! He's a kind fruit after all.”
Maybe even Brocco knew such a fruit, especially because being a Guard does come with its pros and cons that happen during work.
Which includes…accidents.
Not great.
“As kind as can be…especially if you have to mourn comrades. But no matter, this is for Mister Mushino.”
It was all about her family today, wasn't it?
It was so about her family that even the Queen came close, giving a bigger bow and having such a kind look in her eyes today.
As if she could understand the loss on a deeper level than most people here.
“Indeed. As the greatest honor of our kingdom, I will make sure to deliver all his important things over as soon as possible.”
Right.
Not everything was in the attic, as much as she had searched. A lot of deliveries had come along a few days ago.
She could hear her Mom's tears from the next room that day.
“Thank you, dear Queen. Luckily, most of the possessions have arrived and been restored by now.”
Looking around for a moment, she clasped her hands together in a curious manner, raising a brow at the bigger Broccoli.
“Though, you did say the King would come…?”
A quick huff and flinch accompanied that question for the Queen, getting a silent sigh out of her that could only speak of exhaustion.
Maybe even a hint of acknowledgement.
“Ah, yes- Sadly, Li was very busy due to all the stress. Though, he sends his kindest regards.”
Sometimes, she wondered how much judgement her Father was allowed today, begrudgingly nodding as if he couldn't think of the audacity of the king.
He probably had a lot of work to do, especially with how much of a scandal such a thing could be!
With that, the chatter continued for another minute, leaving her to stay close to her mother as a comfort as the visiting of the grave was coming closer and closer.
Honestly, she was nervous.
She never said goodbye to anyone.
She never…grieved like this before.
What if she said something wrong? What if she would say something that no one would approve of? What if she couldn't understand their grief?
Nabiu had not known her Grandpa.
Would she even portray his personality correctly?
….
All these thoughts stayed as the giant door opened, revealing the Cherry they were all waiting for, in a rather fancy coat with a lot of fluff.
Yet still professional, approaching her mother and shaking her hand with a simple, warm expression without a smile.
“Good Afternoon. I hope I haven't come too late?”
There was a sort of relief on her Mother's face as she saw Mister Weihnfel, a sort of relief that she couldn’t quite describe.
It must have been stressful to plan a funeral for a grandfather that you didn't even know existed. It must have been stressful to even process all this.
Nabiu wasn't even sure if her Mother was done processing.
“Oh, not at all! Thank you for preparing everything, Mister Weihnfel.”
But…she seems happy right now to have the speech dealt with, just so she doesn't have to do it herself.
And perhaps, the Cherry understood that.
“Just doing my job. We can start now if everyone proceeds to their seats.”
Getting this over with and getting to that Restaurant that she had mentioned at least once seemed to be a priority…
Saying goodbye was a step up though.
“Of course. Everyone, please sit down so we can begin.”
With some murmurs, sighs and simple nods, people finally went off to their seats, seeming to get comfortable with the people they were together with.
On their side, Nabiu sat right beside her Mama and Karoto, getting soft pats from him as he seemed rather uncomfortable with the whole ordeal.
She truly did appreciate that he stuck it out for her Mother, rubbing his legs silently to stay calm.
On the other side, Fern and the Queen comfortably seated together, while Wizzro and Brocco stayed right by their sides.
As everyone calmed down, staying seated and quiet…
The Winter Cherry finally started to talk.
“We are here to celebrate and remember the life of Buru Mushino, a family man and a fantastic Warrior who gave everything for those he loved.”
….Buru seemed protective back then.
Wanting to keep her safe. Even if he wasn't real, he…
“Buru was quite the quiet person as I heard, but compassionate in all that he does. Be it his work, making events with his family, taking care of his tasks or making sure that the streets of the Broccoli Kingdom were safe.”
He did make sure that they didn't see the horrific sights of that dimension.
He did make sure that the river was safe to cross.
“As the world went on, he made sure that others were protected, that the children would be able to laugh again and gave us the lessons to appreciate what others do for us.”
If he wasn't real….then maybe it did still keep some of those memories. Those personality traits.
He seemed nice.
“While he may be gone now, Buru will always stay in our hearts as someone who showed us bravery, trust and the want to finish our work, making sure that everyone is safe, even if he now can't help up any longer.”
Buru seemed like a grumpy Grandfather who can have a big heart…
“Rest in peace, Buru, may your soul find eternal rest among the Flower fields.”
Even if he for some reason didn't like Karoto.
Something that Karoto himself seemed to note of, as after such a heartfelt Eulogy, he leaned over with the quietest whisper possible.
“He sounds way kinder than in that weird crystal thing- whatever it was.”
Nabiu blinked quietly, but whispered back anyway by giving something Karoto had said himself.
“Well, it…wasn't exactly the real Buru.”
….Maybe, they should stop talking like that about the literal dead person in the room, especially with the stares her parents gave them.
One flinch later, the carrot adjusted himself and whispered with a downward gaze, not daring to meet their eyes again while sweat ran down his face.
“Sorry-!”
As the hands gripped harshly on the bench, everyone started to clap at the speech that the Winter apple had made.
Deciding they probably should join after such a stunt, Nabiu nudged Karoto quickly and went on with Clapping to the man.
Nabiu was sorry too.
Sorry, Buru. Sorry, Mama and Papa.
Just as she apologized quietly to everyone for such a conversation just after the speech, Mister Weihnfel spoke up again with a steady tone.
“Everyone, please follow me to the resting place and do not forget to pick up your flowers. Anyone who doesn't have them can instead take the petals at the resting place.”
The apple seemed to pick up a bowl of petals that stood beside the altar, filled with sweet colors of different flowers that had been plugged apart for the occasion.
Standing up, the carrot muttered under his breath with soft remorse.
“I'll do that then…”
There was no more need for excessive words as everyone got up as well, seeming to take the flowers out of their inventories or backs.
Nabiu noted a few specific flower types that seem to be a trend among them all, having learned them from her Flora History book
Hydrangea, Anemone and African Violet seemed to have been plenty.
The little blueberry herself had pulled out a Carnation and Sunflower bundle, wrapped in a beautiful purple cloth speckled with cyan that she held close.
Instinctively, she gulped as they finally started to all group together and go follow the Winter apple, not a word said as the grey sky seemed inviting.
It was…dreary, to say the least.
She wouldn't be able to describe the feeling that was boiling in her stomach when walking down the Graveyard to say goodbye to her Grandpa.
A mix.
It was a mix that she couldn't describe, making her lip quiver quietly, tears already starting to sting in her eye as she tried to desperately rub them.
Wiping the leftovers tears in the beautiful dress that she felt bad about staining, sniffling already and trying not to have snot on her face too.
Already crying. Already starting to weep before it even began.
….Mama took her hand.
Looking up to her with teary eyes, not being able to bear to look at all the graves that were left untouched or were filled with flowers-
Mama.
Was also filling her eyes with tears, her usual smile slowly flowing into a frown that she couldn't restrain.
She held her hand tighter as she nodded, almost as if to give a message as they looked ahead again.
The leaves crunched beneath her feet, rocks being kicked away, soft whispers coming from the sides as she…spotted it…
But not the Grave.
No, her Grandma. Standing there at the grave, already having given her bouquet of flowers to the one she once loved.
11 Black roses sat by the grave.
And a singular black one.
Mama had taken the lead, making her sweet Grandma recognize that little face sooner as her tears dried on her face, leaving only a small smile.
She kneeled down to her level, opening her arms and giving an invitation to be brought into her arms.
“....Greetings, sweetie.”
Of course, Nabiu hugged her.
She would never not hug her Grandma. Especially now when the tears stung her eyes and the Winter apple was getting ready to say goodbye too.
Did…these Funeral planners felt pain too to see the dead loved ones? Or did they just plan?
Not thinking about what would happen? Not even…
Grief?
With all those thoughts piling up, she tried distracting herself once again by looking at literally anything else, noticing Mister Weihnfel gesturing to the grave.
“...Whenever anyone is ready.”
Looking at each other, there seemed to be small whispers, chatters and everything else once again to fill the silence-
A silence that seemed to make a choice by giving the old M.A.G.E the lead, telling her that her Mother might not want to say goodbye yet.
Understandable, as all things are.
Wiping her eyes carefully while her Grandma rocked her, Wizzro spoke up with flowers in his hand while facing the grave.
“Buru, my old friend, It's nice to see you resting here now.”
He started, taking a deep breath while not looking at anyone else, fluid as with most things.
He's done this before, huh?
“I'm gonna be honest, I didn't even quite remember you until a few days ago, just like most other people.”
…..I'm sorry.
“Buru, he was…an angry, yet determined person. Quiet and composed, always leading forward despite not being the leader of our little group.”
That checks out for the Husk.
Creepy similarities.
“You'll be surprised how much he talks about his family, talking about cracking glass to try craft, how much he tried not showing that he liked playing piano-”
Oh.
“Hah! He never was one for feelings back then. Perhaps he wouldn't have been now either.”
….Those hands rubbed together despite the sweet chuckle, trying not to ruin the flowers he held in his hands.
“No matter. I…do still want you, Buru, to know that I enjoyed our time together. You were a lovely teammate, despite our little problems.”
Don't cry. It's just the first one.
“Please, rest among the clouds, will you? Protect the ghosts up there.”
Dear Nantes. She hoped he would be happy doing that up there.
Quietly, those flowers were brought before the grave that she didn't read just yet, waiting for a turn she was still considering.
Taking a peek around, Karoto was staying surprisingly close to her Grandma, almost as if to search for a safe place.
Must be uncomfortable now.
While Wizzro turned away, the Queen moved forward, brushing herself off and staring down at the stone that made up Buru’s grave.
The Queen had worn a smile while she walked up to it, but now she couldn't see a thing.
“It’s strange how much I'm not used to actually grieving someone with how much I lost.”
….
“My memory seems to have failed me once more and for that, i do apologize.”
A small bow.
“...You know, you were always kind of the strict type. The amount of times I had to pull you off a person before you started an argument was quite mundane.”
Accurate. Yes.
“When we would be fighting Monsters or other creatures however, you would always stick around. Buru, despite all, was…a strangely kind man.”
…He was. Wasn't he?
“A horrible justice complex and a respect issue, but kind.”
Blinking didn't change anything.
“...I'll try to find all i can for you.”
She wished it did.
“I wouldn't want you all to have no memory of who Buru was.”
….Thank you.
“Now rest in peace, you dunce.”
It was so easy to tear up from those simple words and she was silently worrying that she wasn't appreciating their speeches enough.
Did they prepare them all day? Did they wait for the right moment? Or were they made up on the spot?
Who was she to know-
She wished she also knew why Fern of all people got to actually do a Speech about Buru, but nothing made sense today.
May she please not dirty the flowers already laid there.
Please.
Just stepping before the Grave made the lime bat chuckle, folding her wings together as she spoke with a surprisingly kind tone.
“Our Dear Blueberry in his cloak? Oh. He was certainly a character, alright!”
Those Chuckles made her flinch.
“With his little needle, quick words and the world around him needing to earn his respect, you think he will be all bark and no bite…’
….
“Nah, that bite was enormous!”
Ow.
“During our adventures, he’d always make ways for the most convenient solutions for issues. Truly, it was commendable for how valiantly he fought when he should have perished.”
Mean to him. So very mean.
“It was incredible what he was capable of. And how much more he could have been if he lived longer. But alas! There’s only so much one can do.”
Your stupid.
“While I'm not one for roses, flowers and all that sweet schtick, I do have respect for the death in my own way, so… as my last word?”
…..
“May he be remembered much… better than how he actually was.”
….At least no bad words.
Fern put down her flowers surprisingly slowly, returning to her spot with that same smirk while the Queen's gaze was on her and a few others.
Mama still seemed nervous.
….
Maybe she could go first? Even if she didn't have much to say?
“Grandma?”
Her Grandma looked up at her, getting the message as Karoto helped her get to the ground safely, patting her head as support.
Nabiu gulped softly.
The little blueberry stumbled forward, holding her Sunflower tightly and staring at the grave before her, reading-
Buru Mushino.
19XX - 20XX
Forever loved.
May your soul rest and protect those in need.
She forced down a small sniffle as tears came out of her eyes again, wiping them once more as she didn't want to speak with a choked voice.
Just speak.
“...I, uhm, don't know what to say, if I'm truly honest.”
What could I say?
“Grandpa, I never met you. I only met something that I thought was you-”
Something that tried to end my life.
Or did it?
“I don't know if that's the true you or not. With those quick swings, that concentrated stare and the specific hate for carrots.”
Very specific.
“I…would have loved to have met you.”
I'm sorry for crying so much.
“Maybe- Just played with you. You d-didn't even have to be interested…”
Would you have liked my potions?
My work?
My internship?
“I just wish you could have been here.”
Would you have loved me?
“....I…”
….
“Please, rest well. Even if I don't know your true voice and personality.”
And I muttered once more.
“Sorry.’
Nabiu stepped back soon, letting the tears roll down her face as she sniffled and sobbed, going over to her Papa this time.
Getting soft pats and cooes, taking a moment to regain herself as the soaked face dried off into the mushy blue again.
….And soon, with baited breath.
Vacci Mushino went over to her Father's grave.
All that she said about being prepared and composed was going out the window with the first deep breath and shaky sigh.
Speaking was hard.
And so were her words.
“...You know, I thought it would be easier now. To actually say goodbye now that I'm sitting in front of my Father's grave.”
….
“It's not. It's truly not, is it?”
I wish it was easier to say goodbye to you, Papa.
“It feels like it should be after everyone was able to say so much about you.’
I can't do this.
“I started remembering him very recently. The way he glared at some people, how he was always doing royal guard work, where he made up stories for me to listen to…”
I wish I could have seen your face one more time.
Not like this.
Not like that photo of your rotten corpse.
“My Father trained me for…fun, He adored stained glass, He was gentle and kind to children, he fought for justice and freedom-”
You loved me.
You loved me and you're gone.
You loved me and my Mom.
“...And now, i-...I can't even say goodbye to you properly. After all these years.”
I didn't even know your name.
Your existence.
Your voice.
Your body.
“I hope you're not mad at me for this. But, you never were the kind to be loud towards your own family, huh..?”
Would you be mad if I laughed once more?
Just this time?
“I don't know…-I’m unsure if you hear me now. After all, I never quite believed in ghosts, but If you do…?”
Dear God in Heaven.
“I'm sorry, Papa.”
Let my Papa find peace.
“I pray you rest in peace.”
Those flowers laid on the ground with all the others, leaving Karoto to put some of the petals down that he couldn't before, going back as fast as possible.
Just not to seem weird.
…..
Silence.
That's all that needed to be there.
A moment of silence.
….
………..
……………….
A sigh broke the silence, coming from her Mother silently wiping the tears she was shedding, ones that Nabiu could share.
Even through the silence, the little blueberry had looked around.
Few things had revealed itself, like the fact that Nabiu never saw Wizzro and the Queen tear up, the Broccoli having her arm around the older human.
There was a certain tenderness in the way that they leaned against one another, taking in the moment.
There was something about the way her Mother silently held her Father’s hand tightly, trying to find comfort in the sight that it'll be over now.
There was nothing preparing her for the quiet stares that her Grandma and Fern gave to each other, unrecognisable in an almost understanding degree.
There was softness in the way that Karoto patted her head silently, how Brocco stared down at The grave purely in respect.
While the Winter Apple just watched, tugging at his own caged appearance and letting the moment pass while the leaves floated through the sky.
Getting to say goodbye one more time.
….
Finally.
Mama spoke up.
“....Come on. Let's go then.”
It was easier said than done, but people slowly turned away from the grave and out of pure honesty, she waved one more time at the grave.
Whispering those words as the Winter apple followed.
“Bye bye, Grandpa.”
Karoto had changed his hold to her hand, gripping it softly to give her the option to leave at any time, quietly rubbing the palm.
Though, she was completely comfortable just holding his hand a tiny bit longer, just while they approached the house again.
Her family probably needed time to process things right now.
Same with everyone, as the silence almost felt awkward in a way that she couldn't describe, rubbing her own arm, looking around the Graveyard.
It felt eerie, making her shiver with goosebumps that didn't just come from crying her eyes out earlier.
Not like the others were better off-
“...Are you still up for the restaurant trip?”
Nabiu looked up to her Mother's voice.
Oh yeah.
Her Mother had talked about going to a restaurant after the funeral to process and talk over food, saying that something warm in her stomach would cheer her up.
Her Father had said that whatever her Mother wanted, that would happen.
Because she deserved to be happy and calm.
Her daughter thought so too.
“Ah, Of course-! I would love to after…something like this.”
Wizzro spoke up first, giving a quick nod and making the others quickly follow, finding a weird comfort as Fern actually snickered again.
She was brushing her own wing off way too comfortably in her opinion, but that truly wasn't important right now.
“Finally! The most comforting part of a funeral.”
“Beside the literal Grieving?’
“I have different opinions, Miss Brocco.””
While the Queen and Fern talked, Brocco could only stare back awkwardly at that nickname for the Queen, but nodded anyway.
Without needing to say a word, Wizzro readied up his staff and brought everyone close, letting a magic circle appear with those whispered words.
It was a light in the darkness of the dreary Graveyard, symbols and yellow colors fighting against the sadness of what today had been.
…The little blueberry waved one more time alongside the carrot, seeing those flowers staying by Buru’s grave as Mister Weihnfel seemed to stay for a moment.
And with just another breath passing-
- - - - - - -
- - - - - - —----------
—- - -
[LOADING BROCCOLI CENTRE..]
[Tip: It's okay to grief outside of quests and adventures. You don't have to be strong all the time. Sometimes, you don't have to be okay.]
- - -
– - - - -
-- -
They were in town.
The time between a teleport and reaching a destination truly was short, only lasting a few seconds at best-
But the lights during the one moment were something that some would describe as heaven passing by them.
Nabiu hoped that it truly was that bright and happy.
Settling down again, the little blueberry noted the fairy lights starting to light up around the plaza, faintly registering the chattering of the adults of their group.
Karoto simply led her along to a lit-up restaurant full of people which he physically flinched at, but continued on anyway.
Perhaps just for her.
It was almost like a soft flash between events.
Finding their table. Sitting down. Ordering their fold, where she took Tomato soup as a fitting meal and soon…everyone was chattering once more.
Nabiu honestly allowed herself to keep quiet, not wanting to talk much right now as she silently put the spoon in her mouth, dwelling quietly in her thoughts.
With a napkin, she wiped any leftover tears, quietly eating as she started listening to the conversation again.
“Mhm! I…actually made the so-called ‘prototype’ of my Dad's hat! I put all the crystals on individually.”
“That must have been quite the feat, huh?”
“Please, with the amount of crystals I had to break? Yeah. But…he wore it everyday despite his job. Soon enough, Mama commented that his fighting style had changed.”
Mama and the Queen were chatting about old memories while everyone attentively listened, something that made her mother genuinely smile again.
It was nice to listen.
It was memories that she didn't have, yet told the story of a much happier life.
“Once, I carried a giant sharp stick back to my Papa and Mama. My Mother said that the stick was dangerous…and then told me that I could train with my Papa.”
Mama put the hot chocolate down as she had taken a sip, keeping a hand on it as she gestured to how a sword would be held.
“And he started to train me! I think I still have plenty of skill if necessary today.”
“Especially while cooking- you once cut a tomato in half in the air.”
A bunch of surprised ‘Oooh's came in the air, seeming surprised yet happy about the info given to them.
….Nabiu did not know Buru.
Nabiu didn't know how close her Mama and Grandpa had been.
But from all that was told and how the smile seemed to grow on her face-
They seemed to have been happy.
And even if all these years had been lost now-
…..
Perhaps, just for this moment and the days onward-
That would be okay.
She could be okay.
Nabiu could also be okay at this moment.
- - - - - - -
- - - - - - —----------
—- - -
[Loading. ]
- - -
– - - - -
-- -
stared at the grave silently.
Nothing else one could do truly.
A low sigh left them as they approached it, staring down at the name engraved into that stone.
“Hm.”
The carrot clicked their tongue.
“People remember you now. Isn't that nice?”
They stared. Clicked their tongue. And reached out a hand towards the grave with an expression that put their eyebrows at a certain angle.
As they.
T o u c h e d.
The Grave.
Crystals and moss started to grow on top, never to damage its property.
As if it had been standing there for years now, overgrowing and letting some flowers stick out of it.
Silently, the gloved hand was retracted.
“....Don't know if you can even see it up there now.”
looked at the other graves.
“Not like you hadn't been dead for literally 23 years. But hey.’
A smile came onto their face.
Stretched. Pressing against his needy flesh. Teeth never showing.
“At least you weren't conscious during your dead years. You were dead after all.”
The plastic smile fell naturally.
The carrot averted its eyes. Staring at the grave for a minute longer. Crossing its arms.
Sighing. Readjusting their position. Staring down some more.
“....Hope you're happy, you're loved and seen.”
A grimace.
A silent huff.
Acceptance.
Reluctance.
Without a doubt a hint of familiarity.
Silently, they gripped their arms harshly. Bleeding. Ripping skin.
No they couldn't do that it wouldn't do anything it wouldn't even rip
Their still
Ssttuu
They nearly bit their tongue with a glare.
But didn't.
Doesn't matter.
The carrot turned around, only taking one last look before
“Rest in peace, Buru. Hope you're with your parents.”
The Graveyard was empty.