Six Crimson Seeds (A VegasPete Persephone AU)

Chapter 37: In Darkness and in Secrecy

    The woman sat on the swing next to Pete, staring off into the distance while Pete studied her face. Something about her was so familiar. The shape of her eyes and the curve of her full mouth were well-known to Pete. He had spent hours of the last few years of his life staring at their replica.

"Are you Vegas's mom?" Pete blurted. Once the words hung between them, he was certain his assumption was correct.

"Sasithorn," she replied, reaching out to shake Pete's hand. "It's a pleasure to officially meet you, Pete."

Pete let his hand hang in hers for a moment, stunned. "You know my name?"

"I was friends with your grandmother, Phueng. I remember when you were born."

Pete swallowed thickly. "I miss Yai," he confessed. The heaviness settled in his chest again as Pete said, "Something tells me she won't be there when I get back home."

Sasithorn's eyes curved sadly as she gave a sympathetic smile. "She won't be. I'm sorry, Pete. But you were able to say goodbye to her."

"What?" Pete exclaimed, tears welling in his eyes. "I don't remember that. Why can't I remember?"

Reaching out, Sasithorn pat Pete's head gently. "Sadly, you won't even remember that you forgot. Just like Vegas never remembers the countless conversations we've had here."

"Vegas has talked to you?" Pete sniffed back his tears, his focus turning to Vegas. "He's never mentioned it."

"Yes," she said. "Things could get...complicated...if those with marks could relay the information they have once they have passed. So no one ever remembers seeing us after we are gone. But I remember. I have spoken to Vegas as often as I can. And he has told me a lot about you, Pete. He really cares about you. Probably more than you even know."

"That's so sad that he can't remember you."

"It is, but it's just the way things are."

"It's not fair."

"It isn't," Sasithorn agreed.

They sat in silence for a moment, until Pete asked, "Why are you still here? I thought people turned into wraiths if they stayed too long."

"That's usually true," Sasithorn said slowly. "Those with marks have even less time before they have to enter the river. But I'm special. This realm lets me stay as a sort of guide because of my mark. A guardian, if you will, similar to Vegas. It's how I was able to come with him when he was little."

Pulling up the sleeve of her dress, she showed Pete the small torch-shaped mark on her arm.

"I have the mark of Hecate."

Pete's eyes widened as he stared at her mark, recalling what he had read about Hecate in the book Vegas had given him. Mumbling, he said, "Vegas said he saw a torch..."

"I do what I can to help him, but there are still some things that only you can do, Pete."

"Like what?"

"You can save him. I know you bear the mark of Persephone. Everyone has been waiting for you. If everything goes as planned, then perhaps this can all end and we can all finally rest."

Pete dug his heels into the dirt, getting up from the swing. "What do you mean? How can I save Vegas?"

Sasithorn offered him a sad smile again. "I can't tell you, and even if I did, you wouldn't remember. Just know that you can. And even before that, you can help Vegas here."