There was a crowd of familiar faces gathered around the house, and more people were arriving just like us. I spotted Hatta, Aisha, and Daniel, all standing together on the side. I decided to head towards them, anwhile, Tihana headed straight towards the house.
I was spotted on my way and the three ca forward to et a bit faster.
- Good to see you back - said Hatta.
- I just ca to bring the body back. I need to return by tomorrow. There are many things still happening out there - I replied, and then exchanged a handshake with everybody.
Aisha instead hugged .
- How are you holding up? - she asked.
- It has been better - I confessed and tried to put a fake smile on my face, but I probably failed.
- If it cheers you up, we had so problems here too - said Daniel. - With you guys gone so people tried to get to power, so my hands were busy slapping them on their hands. Oh, and by so people I an the friendly soldiers.
- You are overreacting - said Hatta to him. - We are handling the situation.
There was a second when I just wanted to say fuck it, and leave. I felt simply overwheld. I should be feeling victorious by what we achieved, but instead, I felt like a sore loser. The price was just too big.
Hatta had to read it from my facial expression as he patted on the shoulder.
- Don't worry about this place. We are handling it. Focus on Earth.
- Yeah - I replied.
The rest of our conversation was cut short, as Boris's erged a procession of people carrying a black shiny coffin on their shoulders. Behind them was walking Irina, holding her son by the hand, and Tihana closing the procession.
- Looks like it's ti to go - said Daniel.
All of us and other people gathered around followed them. The distance we walked through wasn't too long, as on the Bratstvo's territory they had already prepared a tomb, and it was our destination.
As they vanished inside and a crowd gathered around because of the lack of space inside, Tihana went out of it and ca to , to grab my hand without a word, and pull there. They already placed Boris inside a sarcophagus made out of concrete, decorated by murals showcasing warriors fighting with monsters.
There were more of them there, but the rest was placed in walls. I even spotted a familiar na on one of them. It belonged to Vitya, also known as 'Midnight'.
Irina was crying, just like her son.
- He was a great man who helped us rise from nothing to where we are now - said Ilja. - Incredible hunter, and an even better husband. An amazing father, who loved his family. I have nothing but respect for this man. I will rember him forever.
Those gathered around nodded to his words, and then he looked at , clearly expecting to say a few words.
I cleared my throat before starting.
- I t Boris when I was probably at the lowest point in my life. I rember it very well when I shared the food with him for the first ti. People were starving here and everybody just thought about how to keep themselves alive, but he was different. He had his crew. So of those people are right here now, so you know. He was unshakable and kept moving forward despite everything. This resolve and attitude not only brought him to the position of so of the most important people in this city but also elevated the people around him. He was a true friend even when it wasn't easy. Without him, I probably wouldn't be here right now.
I needed to clear my throat once again, as the grief tightened my windpipe, and I felt like my voice was about to crack.
- Even out there he showed unyielding resolve despite everything that was going on. He saw things nobody else could and brought us victories when we thought that we lost. Unfortunately, ha had to pay the highest price for that. Throughout the past few days, I've been constantly thinking about what would have happened if I were to stop him. To tell him not to go. If I were to go out there myself instead, and I can't help but bla myself for not doing it, but being wise after the tragedy is easy...
Tihana placed her hand on my shoulder. Even Tam, held by her other arm, was looking at .
I couldn't speak anymore, as tears ca pouring from my eyes, and my throat got completely twisted by the strong emotions.
- He was a hero, and he left us as one. We will rember him forever - said Tihana.
Those were the last words that were spoken during the funeral. A mont later people started slowly leaving. Ilja took care of Irina nad young Vitalij. My fake thought led out of the tomb, to the streets of Arc, and she was with when I had to sit down under a wall of one of the buildings around. Away from the eyes of other people.
I kept crying my eyes out, as the whole build-up tension finally exploded. She didn't say a word, just was there, sitting next to with the chicken in her hands. I don't know how long it took exactly, but eventually, I got a hold of myself and was able to pick myself up.
- I need to return - I inford her.
She nodded.
- Kick their asses there, dad - she said and brought a smile on her face to make feel better.
It worked. Her faith in brought strength that I thought I was not capable of. With Sudarshana gone she was the last pillar supporting when I was supposed to be the one supporting her.
I smiled, at her, then hugged her tightly, almost crushing Tam, who despite that didn't make a sound, and then shadow walked back to the hotel.
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