Chapter Fourteen.

The Alvarez family cemetery, nestled in a serene field in Elm City, held an air of quiet solemnity. The ground was adorned with lush, short green grasses and a variety of blooming flowers. In the heart of this peaceful expanse stood a row of ornate tombstones, surrounded by a colorful display of bouquets and potted plants. 

A small gathering had assembled at the entrance, for the people of Elm City held a deep admiration for the Alvarez family and their traditions. All eyes turned as the Alvarez family arrived in a procession of four carriages. The onlookers cheered and gazed in awe as the carriage doors swung open, revealing the family members. 

Twila emerged first, wearing a warm smile as she acknowledged the crowd with a wave. Following her was Koa, then Zev, and lastly Sira. Sira, surveyed the surroundings and leaned in to whisper to Zev, "I didn't expect there to be so many people. I thought this was just a family thing." 

Zev, adjusting his tailcoat, chuckled softly and replied, "The townspeople hold the Alvarez family in high regard. They always want to be a part of everything we do. But don't worry, only household members are allowed into the field, so you'll be good, right?" Sira nodded, reassured and offered a smile.

"Cool, let's get going. The ceremony is about to begin," Zev urged as he gently nudged her forward. 

The crowd parted, forming a pathway leading to the field's entrance. Sira stopped when she caught sight of a white wreath decorated with blue hydrangeas hung over the entrance of the field. She took in the scene as the rest entered the field walking to their designated location, which was right in front of the tombstones. When Sira saw Ena and the other servants pass by her, she quickened her pace to catch up with them. Guards stood at the entrance, ensuring that no uninvited guests entered. 

The Alvarez's tombstones were life sized sculptures of the deceased, situated on a small hill within the field. Sira approached them with reverence, taking in the elegant inscriptions on each stone, which read, 'Elder Juan Alvarez, Madame Selma Alvarez and Noemi Ryde.' Each name was accompanied by a graceful arrangement of flowers. Adjacent to the tombstones was a freshly dug grave, where an intricately patterned, half-opened black coffin lay. It was prepared for Neith.

Sira noticed the immaculate condition of the coffin. It was spotless, not a speck of dirt in sight. This realization made her shudder, reminding her that how people die lingers in the memories of those left behind. They mourned and missed their loved ones intensely, but did the dead know? Sira sighed softly, lost in her thoughts until Zev gently grasped her hand. She turned to him as he spoke, "The ritual is about to begin, so just follow our lead, okay?" His voice was tender, and Sira smiled, nodding in her agreement before turning her gaze toward the tombstones. 

 Members of the household joined hands and respectfully bowed to the sculpted figures. The crowd at the entrance united in this gesture. Twila and Koa stepped forward, holding wreaths of vibrant yellow hydrangeas. They carefully placed them at the base of their parents' figures. Tearfully, Twila whispered, "Mum, Dad, how are you? We miss you so much..." Her voice flattered, and she hastily wiped away a tear, with Koa offering his support. "It's Auntie Noemi's death anniversary today, and we know you're all together, watching," he added. 

Afterward, it was Zev's turn. He approached Noemi's tombstone, looking at the sculpture and the engraved name on the marble. His voice trembled as he spoke, "Hi, Mom. I'm sorry....and so ashamed for not being here when you were laid to rest. I spent my time in Crystal Pit thinking about you every....single...day." He paused, his gaze flickering around nervously. "Those four years gave me alot of time to reflect. I've decided to be a better person, a better son for you to proud of." Zev swallowed hard, struggling to control his emotions. "So I'm gonna try my best, okay?" He placed the wreath at the base of the figure, then bowed deeply before returning to Sira's side. 

 Sira looked sideways, noticing Zev's teary eyes and the pain in his expression. He seemed deeply hurt, she noted. Sira gently squeezed his hand, offering comfort and understanding. 

When everyone rose, Twila summoned Ena, who carried a small cushion with a container holding soul seeds. She handed one to Zev, whispering, "It's okay to cry. I'm sure Auntie Noemi would agree with that." She patted his head, and Zev, through reddened eyes, nodded, thanking her and returning her warm smile. Twila then approached Sira. 

"Here you go," she said, placing a soul seed in Sira's open palm. Sira closed her fingers around the cool, smooth seed, gazing at it with a soft smile. Twila bent to kiss her cheek and said, "We'll get a tombstone for Neith too. But today, talk to her one more time." She cupped Sira's face. "I'm sure she wants to listen to you." Sira nodded, expressing her gratitude. Twila kissed both of Sira's cheeks before returning to her spot beside Koa.

Zev stepped forward and carefully dug a small hole next to Noemi's tombstone, gently placing a precious seed within. Ena approached Sira, carrying Neith's staff on a cushion. Sira gratefully accepted the staff, and its crystals emitted a soft, comforting glow. With a smile, she held the staff and Ena bowed before leaving. 

Sira's voice trembled as she spoke to Neith's coffin, "You have no idea how happy this makes me, to be able to give you a proper burial, Neith. What happened was my fault, and it's going to haunt me for a long time. I was weak, and I'll never be that me again." She smiled sadly before removing her veil and continued,

"At least now, you're with Queen Leysa and the our people." 

Moving closer to the coffin, she raised the staff above it and spoke,

"I will grow stronger and bring peace to your spirits." Sira released the staff, allowing it to fall into the coffin. 

Taking two steps back, Sira removed her gloves and knelt down. "I understand your souls are deeply tormented, burdened by rage and hurt," she said, her hands touching the ground. "But please, entrust your pain to me." Clenching her fists, she bowed deeply, "As the last warrior, I will avenge each of you." 

She bowed her head, resting it on her fists. "So, please, pass on in peace and bear your enemies no hatred. Zala kuza kahlé, Roho naon nija yako.( Rest in peace. May the spirits guide you)." she concluded. 

Koa, Zev and Twila watched in solemn admiration. Koa, with a grin, knelt beside Sira, replicating her bow. Twila and Zev followed suit. Suddenly, everyone in the field, as well as the people at Elm City's gate, all bowed. When they rose, everyone except Sira stepped back, and the servants closed Neith's coffin. Sira then dug a hole and planted the soul seed in the ground. 

Twila called out to the water elementals, "It's time." Ena and five other servants emerged and stood behind Koa and Twila. At the gate, the crowd grew excited.

A woman said to her friend, "It's beginning," to which her companion giggled, "How exciting!" 

Koa and Twila exchanged glances and shared a breathless moment, removing their glasses. Koa's sapphire eyes shimmered, his hands reaching for the sky, mirroring Twila's azure gaze as they both gestured upward. "Moisture Absorption!" Koa's voice resonated, echoed by Twila and the servants. 

After a moment, Sira couldn't help but notice the chill in the air, her skin covered in goosebumps. "Is it me or is it getting a bit cold?" she inquired, rubbing her arm.

 Zev chuckled, "You might wanna look up, somethings amazing's coming." He pointed to the sky. As Sira followed his gaze, dark grey clouds gathered above. The clouds ascended with Koa and the others, reaching their hands high. 

The sky was soon entirely overcast, and Sira watched in awe as Koa and Twila's hands moved overhead, palms up. Then, Twila shouted, "Falling Rain!" as they forcefully lowered their hands. 

Two guards behind Sira and Zev shielded them with umbrellas, while the other servants, along with the crowd at the gate, opened theirs. Sira looked down as a drop of water splashed on her feet.

Then one drop after another, the rain began to fall, leaving Sira in awe.

Everyone hushed as the water drizzled down from the clouds. The drops poured, transforming the field below as if liquid gold was pressing across a pristine canvas. When the rain ceased, the clouds slowly dissipated. Sira turned to Zev "Now what?" she asked. Zev smirked as he pointed up. "Watch, here it comes." he mouthed and Sira followed his gaze. 

The sun peeked over the horizon, casting golden rays across the field. The crowd gasped, closing their umbrellas. A gentle breeze rustled the grass, and the holes where the soul seeds were planted began to crack open slightly. Beside Noemi's tombstone, a white lily bud sprouted, while a red carnation bud emerged next to Neith's grave. The field watched in amazement as the flowers unfurled and bloomed, outshining the surrounding flowers. 

Just then, all the flowers in the field burst into bloom simultaneously, painting the field in a breathtaking array of colors. Sira gasped as the gentle gusts of wind carried their sweet scent throughout. She stared transfixed at the field, whispering in amazement, "Woah," she breathed. "That was… truly beautiful." 

Sira felt a gentle touch on her arm, and when she turned, she saw Zev with a warm smile. "Are you okay?" he asked, a chuckle in his voice. Sira nodded and replied. "Ah, yes, sorry, just... mind blown," with a soft chuckle of her own. The crowd erupted in an applause and Sira let out a deep breath, finally releasing the emotions she'd be holding in. 

Twila rushed towards her, hugging her tightly. Sira embraced her back, finding comfort in her friend's embrace. After a brief moment, Twila pulled away, wearing a reassuring smile. As the servants began filling Neith's grave, Sira turned her attention to the red carnation, gently touching its petals and closing her eyes. She inhaled deeply, then let the flower go. 

A quiet voice called her name, and she turned to see Ena bowing politely, saying, "We're about to leave now, ma'am." Sira smiled warmly and replied, "Alright, thank you." They departed, heading toward the crowded gate. 

"Come on, Zev," Sira beckoned as she noticed him staring at the white lily. Zev looked up, eating a wide grin and nodding. Sira couldn't help but laugh quietly. "Are you alright?" Zev nodded again and chuckled. "Man, I think I need some weedroot." Their laughter filled the moment. 

The crowd greeted the Alvarez family with an abundance of gifts, food and wine as Sira and Zev arrived with Koa. Koa ushered them into the carriages with a warm smile, and Sira settled in, Zev beside her. 

Sira spent the rest of her afternoon in her room, playing with Blu. Night had fallen, and Sira had just finished dinner, getting ready to meet the siblings in Koa's study. She changed into her sleeping garment and put on her slippers before gently kissing Blu on the head. As she stepped out of her room, she spotted Zev coming out of his room, tidying himself up. 

Once he was done, he approached her, hands in his pockets. "Ready?" he asked. Sira chuckled softly and replied, "Yeah, i am," closing the door quietly. Together, they headed to Koa's study. Without waiting for a reply, they knocked and entered. Koa was behind his desk, Twila on the couch, writing in her journal. 

Koa greeted them with a warm smile as he poured tea. Zev took a seat near Twila, while Sira settled across from Koa. "Hey, how are you guys?," Koa greeted while pouring himself a cup of tea. "Meh, I'm good," Zev replied casually as he peeked into Twila's journal. Koa chuckled quietly and poured each of them a cup of tea before sitting back in his chair. He set his cup on the table and cleared his throat. "And how about you, Sira?" he asked. Sira took a sip from her cup before placing it down carefully. "I'm great, thanks. How about you?" Koa nodded and said, "I'm great. There's something we'd like to discuss, but first, I wanna show you something." 

Twila finished writing and handed her journal to Zev, who continued reading. She approached Sira and whispered, "Well, this should be interesting," Sira chuckled in agreement.

Koa moved to the bookshelves, filled with scrolls and booklets on history. He found a particular book and pulled its bookmark ribbon twice. The bookshelf slid backward, revealing a hidden staircase. Koa led the way, and the rest followed.

The hidden staircase spiraled downwards, illuminated by lava lamps. Sira turned to Twila and asked, "What is this place?" Twila grinned and replied, "It's Koa's little playground." 

Sira couldn't help but snort in response, "His little playground?"

"Yep."

"Awwww," Sira said, chuckling.

Zev laughed, and Koa shook his head as they continued their descent. Finally, they reached a door. Koa opened it, and they entered.

Sira's breath caught in her chest as she took in the pristine room. It gleamed with a brilliant whiteness, everything neatly organized, floors devoid of even a speck of dust, and walls adorned with shelves packed full of books. Overhead, numerous lamps dangled, casting their warm glow, and paintings, including a large portrait of their parents, graced the wall. 

"Woah, it's so shiny," Sira breathed in awe. Zev chuckled, "Yeah, Koa is obsessed with being clean." 

Sira giggled at that remark, "Makes sense."

 Koa gave Zev a stern look and flicked his nose. "Ow! Hey, what'd I say?" Zev protested, nursing his nose. Twila and Sira chuckled. 

Koa rolled his eyes and turned to Sira, "Anyways, this isn't what i want to show you," he smirked, and pressed a concealed button on the wall, "This is," he said. Suddenly, the bookshelves began to sink into the wall, revealing an array of weapons. Swords, daggers, axes, guns, bows, pistols, arrows, crossbows and even small spears and shields, crafted from various materials and adorned with intricate designs. Sira whistled low, "Impressive. Twila, you call this a little playground?" 

Twila shrugged, "Well, this is Koa's treasure trove. He's got a thing for collecting weapons and playing with them. Quite charming, right?" 

Sira smiled "Right," 

Zev and Koa moved toward a central table, engrossed in a discussion. Sira, on the other hand, gravitated toward a gleaming sword hanging on the wall. She admired its sharpness and elegance, her fingers delicately tracing its sharp edge. Unexpectedly, a loud clatter disrupted her focus, causing her to startle and accidentally nick her finger. 

"Twila, who said you could touch those?!" Sira turned around to find Koa scolding Twila, who picked up the crossbow on the floor, giggling. Blood dripped from Sira's finger onto the floor, and she sighed in annoyance. 

"You might wanna clean that before Koa goes ballistic," Zev suggested, offering a small cloth.

"Don't worry, I've got it," Sira replied. She pointed to the bloodstain on the floor, and her pupils began to glow with faint red as she raised her finger. Gradually, the blood lifted from the ground, forming a droplet that hung in the air. Both Koa and Twila were drawn to the sight. 

With careful precision, Sira guided the droplet into her cut, which sealed seamlessly. "There, all better," she announced. Twila inspected her finger closely, "There's no trace of it at all," and Zev and Koa leaned in, nodding in approval. Sira blushed and turned to Koa, asking, "So, is this where we're going to have our discussion?" 

Koa nodded and motioned to the table. "Come," The four of them settled in. "My dad used to say, 'In life, you either motivated by inspiration or desperation'," Koa began, Sira raised an eyebrow in curiosity, "Desperation, you say?" 

"Some people are driven by dire circumstances, using desperation as their fuel to seek relief," Koa explained. Sira nodded in understanding, "And what about inspiration?" 

Koa continued, "Some find their drive in positive role models, ideals, or goals, pursuing their dreams with passion," Sira raised her eyebrow, "Hmmm...that sounds about right," 

Koa gave her a warm smile. "Thank you," he whispered and cleared his throat. "At the ritual, you inspired us with your vow to Neith. You want to avenge Neith, don't you?" 

Sira remained silent. 

Koa tried again, "Let me rephrase. You want to avenge Rieti, don't you?" He removed his glasses, locking eyes with Sira, his tone dead serious. Sira's frown deepened, her pupils flared as she clenched her fists. "I have dedicated my life to that cause." she affirmed.