Orison | Celeste Academy Series BK #3

Chapter Nine ۞ Cifaro

Valeriana was still having a hungover from the things she saw when she touched Cifaro for the last time. However, with everything put together properly at last, the familiars removed their dome and it was finally time to worry about how they were supposed to go back to the academy.

She could not bear to see Cifaro gone cold and accept the fact that somebody she knew died once again. She was left with his memories, though. Up until now, the story behind his life had been nothing short of meaningful.

"Valeriana." Corvan said, coming over to her and snapping her out of her reverie. "Do you have everything you need?"

"I didn't really bring anything significant with me." She answered before looking around. "How are we planning to leave?"

"Isn't it obvious? With the current size of our familiars, it'll be troublesome to just leave them be."

A rush of excitement made her toes curl. "No way!"

"But we'll have to be fast. The contractors don't have much energy left." He told her, pushing back his long, wet hair. "Choose your ride."

"I'm always Avaro." She grinned at him from ear to ear.

"Good choice." He smiled, his emerald eyes showing excitement. "I'll have him ready. He usually can't carry more than one person and a half."

Valeriana felt a small flutter in her chest as she saw his reaction. What was up with that strange expression? "S-sure . . ."

When Corvan left, Amril stood before Valeriana, tall and proud like he was. His golden eyes turned towards Cifaro's lifeless form and he beckoned the girl to come as he sauntered calmly over to him. Amidst the busy atmosphere of some strapping the 'equipments' and possessions they managed to salvage, a quiet and calm aura settled on the alpha beast. He need not speak at all for Valeriana to see his grieving. His aura spoke everything.

'Holy Beasts were always sought after for the priceless treasures they can bless.' Amril whispered, bowing his head as though to show reverence to the deceased. 'Gilerads give specific gifts to the ones who they unfortunately leave behind. I see a bond, though subtle, formed between my brother thee.'

"The words he spoke to me were, 'Will thou beest willing to save someone if thou art capable? At any cost?'. Af first, I did not know what he was trying to say, but after everything, I understand." She felt sad. The time was short but Cifaro already helped her a lot.

The entire pack then assembled behind Amril and Valeriana, catching the girl off-guard. The Twelve and the other extras stopped short and watched the sudden formation, fascinated.

The other panther-beasts were carrying flowers of some sort, marching forward and gently placing it before him. This must be their symbol of honoring the dead.

After paying their respects, Valeriana was nudged forward.

She turned to Amril nervously. "What am I supposed to do?" She queried.

'Take him under and send him off to the gates, let his soul depart.'

Valeriana was dubious. What kind of ritual was this anyway? And why, of all people, would she be chosen to do the thing? Giving Amril the look of confusion, she could not help but ask another question.

"Why me?"

'This one wonders too. But, it would have been what Cifaro wanted.'

"I-I'm honored, I guess. B-but . . ."

'Just go.'

Hesitantly, she grabbed on to one of Cifaro's paws and started dragging him to the lake. This action caused the spectators to look at her in amusement, making her think twice if she was doing it right. She felt as though doing this made her the killer and she was throwing the body on a lake to have the authorities find it floating after a few days.