Shadow Beings

65. Old leaders

Evelyn rubbed Conrad's shoulder soothingly, containing her own tears. Everyone looked towards the floor, paying their respects to the two who... passed away.

The two who passed away. I didn't understand how I felt, not in the slightest.

They were... really gone?

I'd never be able to joke with Jay again, or listen to his wisdom. His reassuring pats on my back, his encouraging smile, his occasional bouts of childish behaviour, his courage and compassion as a leader...

I guess that's what memories are for.

I walked towards Conrad, joining him and Evelyn in their small hug.

"Vlad isn't what he seemed to be, is he?" Conrad whispered in my ear. I felt something wet near my eye but I held it back with all my strength. Why did I cry? That wasn't something we did. I gave Conrad a strained nod.

Trina joined in too, rubbing my back soothingly as she held onto us for support. I smiled, sighing in both happiness and sadness; Trina always stayed alone, but I hoped she finally realised she wasn't alone. Galen walked over toward us, too, wrapping his comforting arms around Conrad and I, letting go of the weight that pressured his mind. The pair of arms began to grow and I even felt small hands hug my neck gently and protectively.

I melted into the warm embrace, never wanting to let go.

We all slowly pulled away, saddened smiles on our faces. It was then that a soft breeze blew, the smell of fresh water lingering in the air.

"Is that...?" Aqdas asked in a soft tone. The wind began to move around Iris, a confused look on her face. Her hair began to move in a playful manner, and she giggled.

Jack nodded slowly, holding Iris carefully in his arms.

"Can I hold her? I won't drop her, I promise."

Jack laughed gently. He loosened his grip on Iris, holding her in the air. Something tugged on Jack's arm and he let go of her cautiously.

Iris hovered in the air, a wary expression on her face. Tears began to glisten in her eyes as Jack reassured her, but she suddenly stopped all movement. Her hair began to dance in a ridiculous manner, causing her to laugh. She moved gently from side to side as if she were on a swing, clapping her hands.

"There there, little fella," Aqdas said playfully. "uncle Tree has got ya."

I broke into laughter and so did countless others around me. Aqdas had a rather special affection for Iris but he wasn't attached, almost as if he couldn't be attached.

Together, yet alone.

Iris was slowly lowered towards Jack and she exclaimed a small "Pa!", stretching her arms towards Jack. He held her carefully with a soft laugh and she began to bob her head lightly in his hold.

Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a figure stand up. I turned towards it with cautious reflexes, but relaxed once I realised who it was.

The demons rose up one after the other. My companions turned slowly, their gaze vigilant, curious or sympathetic, but I held up a hand as an indication to remain calm and patient.

The bodies of the demons wavered, evidently showing their exhaustion. A few of them took each other's support, their chests rising and falling rapidly with effort.

Their hoods fell as they all stood up, revealing withered and bewildered, mundane faces. They all had a diverse set of tired eyes that were narrowed towards us, though they held absolutely no mark of fear or hatred.