Team FLME Volume 8

Rallying Forces

After the opening, Amethyst's body is shown inside a casket. She is walked down the road of Vacuo with Theodore leading the procession. The other members of the Vacuo Council walk behind him with Apatite in the middle. On either side of the road are people watching as she is processed down the road. Behind the body is Violet, Blue and Nero with Team VILE as well. Professor Sienna Clayton is also seen in the procession. After walking out the a large field, the only bit of grass for miles, the procession walks in and stops at a small pit.

Theodore closes the casket and slowly lowers the body into the pit. Both Nero and Blue tremble a little, but do nothing other than stand next to the grave. Ing places a hand on Nero's shoulder. Nero looks up to Ing as the older teen nods and gives him a slight smile, trying to comfort him a little bit. Eadwulf does a similar thing for Blue, but he keeps with the melancholy look. Eadwulf looks next to him to see Llew standing with her head down as well. He looks across from himself and sees Team FLME with Mason and Evie. At the base of the pit is March, April, Isaac, Bazaar and Elsa.

Lastly, at the very head is Violet with her father. Both watch as the casket is slowly buried beneath the earth. Theodore slowly walks over to the eldest Eclairages and places a hand on each of their shoulders and nods. Apatite nods back and slowly takes the center of the head. Violet steps to the side to let him assume the position.

Apatite: Thank you. She would have loved this. And she would be honored.

Apatite takes in a deep breath and looks up, keeping his head held high.

Apatite: I know I am not the most well liked person, but I try to make this kingdom safe! And dammit I intend to do that, through and through. These killings have been occuring all throughout the kingdom! From military officials, troopers, refugees...huntsmen and huntresses. But no more. These bastards out there, they want war. And we will give them as such. These killings have no more meaning outside of demoralizing us. Breaking us! Well, I say no more! We are Vacuo! We have allies from across the world! We are all warriors! We are united! For survival! For honor! For avenging our brothers and sisters! And if these bastards wanted us angry, then got us angry. So then, we shall save this country, once and for all.

Across the crowd, everyone looks around at each other. A fist then rises in the air. Everyone looks to see it is Mason, raising his fist in support. The members of the Wolf Tribe present do the same as does Evie. Theodore is next to join in as do the other Vacuo Council members. Ember, Leia, May join in after Team VILE does. The entire crowd then slowly joins in, all raising their fists in a sign of solitude.

Apatite slowly lowers his hand in shock as more and more people from across Vacuo show their support. He slowly begins to nod as he bites his lower lip to hold back some tears. He looks down at Amethyst's grave and nods again.

Apatite: (To himself) Nice work, honey. You always could bring the best out of everyone.

Apatite looks back to see the entire city joining in, one hand at a time. The people of Vacuo were ready to fight.

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Inside the Citadel, Onyx sits at the head of the meeting chamber. In their original seats are Damson and Dr. Volt. Stier now sits where Shadow used to. The four all sit in silence as the Plague Doctor walks into the room and takes Roz's seat. Damson looks at Onyx and then to the door.

Damson: Where is Ms. Quarzo? She seems to have run astray.

Stier: She left in a bullhead about two days ago.

Damson: Really?! (Snickers) I had no idea. I was getting dinner.

Stier: We get it, you're a cannibal, you sick freak.