39 CHAPTER 39:Ending with a burial...

The next day.....

The soldiers marched to the necropolis of the legends carrying the coffin on their shoulders. Everyone was in white and black.

Black symbolized death whereas white symbolized the heavens. This was the reason why the royal color of Atlanta was white. White lilies were named the national flower of Atlanta.

The coffin was decorated with white lilies. The entire nation marched behind the soldiers.

By mid-morning, they had buried her in the grave. Nine stood watching silently as they prayed for her on the grave. He didn't express any emotion. He was like a corpse wandering for salvation.

At early noon everyone had left the graveyard. He sat near her grave caressing the gravestone made of white marble.

Sloane stood behind him along with Jack.

They patiently waited for him to gather himself up in one piece.

Although the boy was impatient to leave and jump into his mother's arms, but he couldn't leave a comrade in a miserable state either.

Sloane walked up to him putting her hand on his slumped shoulder.

As soon as she looked up she saw an unfamiliar sight.

The girl in pure white dress wearing a garland of white lilies smiled gently at them.

"Twelve?!" Sloane's eyes were left wide open.

Maybe she was just daydreaming. But the girl walked on the grave moving toward them.

Sloane tightened her grip on his shoulder.

Nine looked up and was as astonished as she was.

"Twelve?" He raised out his hand to stroke her hair, but all he could do was moving his hand in the air. He couldn't feel her. She was now a soul who found peace.

She smiled brightly putting her hand on his cheek.

"My dear big brother.Thank you for always being there for me. I don't regret the life I've lived with you."

At that moment tears trickled down his cheek. This was the second time he cried out since the forest.

He tried to feel her hand on his cheek smiling bitterly without saying a word.

Twelve looked up where Sloane had withdrawn her hand.

"Please take care of him for me. This is my last request, my lady."

Sloane nodded passing a faint but determined smile.

—"I shall take care of your brother as a sister in your stead. Tis I promise."She claimed in her mind.

"Brother, It's time for my ascension. I'll always be in your hearts." She smiled as she gradually faded with the cool breeze carrying the scent of lilies and Jasmine in the air.

Nine looked at the tassel Sloane gave him for her.

He picked it up from the gravestone and tied it on his bow with his.

He got up and faced Sloane who was behind him staring at him cluelessly.

"My lady I from here on now on behalf of my family and my knighthood shall serve you till death." he knelt.

Sloane was speechless with a sudden change in his behavior.

She knelt equally with him and spoke up.

"Don't forget, you are my trusted comrade and a friend. Let's go back and start over again."