Love That Lived In The Next Life

27

The factory loomed in the distance with its billowing mounds of black smoke and robotic helpers prowling around like rabid animals waiting for someone to break in. Nikolai's gravesite stood in the center of a meadow far off from the entrance of the factory. Whether to hide it from Heisenburg's eyes or make sure that robotic freaks never got to it, no one was certain. However, bets were placed that Heisenburg could not handle the emotional strain. A small, circle stoned platform laid in the center of the meadow with a large gravestone head erected from the ground like a triangle. The Heisenburg crest was stamped into the stone with Nikolai Heisenburg's name written underneath. Elena and Caiden stepped up on the platform. Adira was complacent in Elena's arms and stared at the structure like it was the eighth wonder of the world. Alcina and Donna chose to visit Heisenburg instead and left the sisters at peace for the moment.

"You know, it feels weird coming back here. Every time, I feel like he's watching us from somewhere," Caiden mumbled as she glanced around. They were completely alone aside from the golden grass that ebbed and waved by the wind.

"Well, I wouldn't be too surprised," Elena chuckled. The two walked up to the headstone and knelt down as if to pray. Elena held Adira out as if Nikolai could see her from down below. "Look who I brought," Elena cooed. "This is Adira! Your newest little niece. And I expect you to watch after her just like you always watched after Caiden's little ones."

"Yeah, those little ones are all grown up now with good heads on their shoulders. You'd be proud," Caiden stated softly. Adira awed at the small little circle that sat on the ground. Elena slowly sat Adira down and held her still. Little feet kicked at the circle on the ground with surprising dedication. Elena laughed as she leaned over her little bundle of joy.

"And what are you doing?" Elena asked in higher pitched voice. Caiden stared between the circle on the ground and Adira's feet. Caiden slowly brought her hand to circle.

"It's just a little circle silly," Caiden chuckled as she gently pressed at it. "I never did find out why Nikolai added this to his will." Elena shrugged. Adira's grunts turned into annoyance as she kicked more and more at the circle. Caiden's brows furrowed as she stared at the baby. "Whatcha want, huh? It's just a little cir-," Caiden's voice fell as the circle slowly turned when Caiden pressed again. Her hand shot back as a blue light shone from the circle. A huge holograph of an aged Nikolai shot up from the circle. Caiden and Elena stared on in amazement while Adira giggled and babbled playfully. "Smart fucking kid," Caiden remarked.

Nikolai's salt and pepper beard was still obvious even through the blow glow. His mechanical arms shone bright along with his mechanical leg enhancements. His military cropped hair was slightly askew as always and still wore the same stained dark pants and leather, sleeveless trench coat. Caiden and Elena slowly stood with Adira in their arms. Nikolai's face was distant and cold unlike his usual sunshine warmth.

"Guess you all weren't expecting this...well whoever found this. I doubt Karl did because he didn't even know what this was when I first made it and doubt he ever figured it out." Caiden's jaw slacked as Elena only held Adira tighter in her arms. "So, whoever this was, good job!" His sunshine smile spread across his face a moment later along with his musical laugh. Something that the two had not heard in decades. It brought immediate smiles to their faces. Nikolai scratched the back of his head as continued his short speech. "So, if you're seeing this, I probably kicked the bucket. And...well, I just had a few things I wanted to say after I was dead so Caiden and Elena could re-kill me." Elena and Caiden laughed in disbelief as this all played before their eyes. "You have no idea how much I miss all of you, wherever I'm at. I'm grateful for the life I lived. Every moment, even the ugly ones. I hope that you all are doing just fine without me. I guess all I really want to say is that...no matter where I am, just know I'm always there still. Caiden, Elena, just know you two were the closest thing to family I ever had, and I regret none of it. I'm not proud of the past we had. But I am proud of what we became. I hope you all are doing well and when you get to wherever the hell I am, I'll be sure to embrace you with open arms. Make sure your kids are doing well, and if you get any kids Elena, I mean the same for them as well." Adira giggled as if she understood that was meant just for me.