The Hunt for Aquatenite

Chapter - 37 Liza

It was almost noon. I was wearing the usual Wesen, haven uniform. I couldn't believe I was at the funeral of Nexiana again. We were on the same ground as before. The wind was picking up speed. Linent was standing beside Tyrek, holding back the tears that were forming in his eyes. He had been really quiet. And I knew Nexiana was talking about this only when she had asked me to take care of him. I needed to talk with him.

The team stood just behind Tyrek and kept their head down. I did too. Tyrek said some words like last time. Placing Nexiana's body on the ground, he said one last word and the wind took her away. And Linent broke down just like that.

All of us gathered around him, trying to comfort him. But it was obvious he wouldn't stop until no tears were left to cry. We stayed there for a while before Tyrek had to go back to his work. Olivia and Oliver accompanied him too. Lucy also had to leave for some unknown business. I saw a smile playing on her lips when she turned to leave but I decided to ignore that. And now, I was left alone with Linent.

I didn't have to start the conversation as Linent had started speaking. "You can also go lead your life like nothing's happened."

And I knew he was badly hurt. But I wasn't letting him end up like Nexiana.

I thought of some playful remark. Anything to make him laugh. "You're lucky Nexiana's not here to beat you up for that remark," I said in the most cheerful tone I could muster.

Surprisingly, that was enough to put a smile on Linent's face. "She'd definitely do that."

"You know she wouldn't want you to waste your life like this."

He nodded. "But I can't just ignore the fact that she is dead."

I paused. "Just don't lose yourself in this. I love your playful self."

He looked directly at me at that moment and I felt heat rising to my face. "I need some time. I'm not gonna change. Don't worry." He paused before adding, "Besides, who's gonna take care of you all. I'm sure you're more than capable of getting yourself in trouble. Plus, you've got Olivia into this troubling scheme too."

I smacked him upside the head. But I smiled inside to see the Linent I knew back.

"Ow," He held his head in his palms in fake hurt. "It is true!" He ran before I could hit him again. I chased after him, laughing.

I could very easily say that I liked this moment a lot.