The Book of Abbadon

Reunion

The cruiser finally reaches its destination and the pilot calls out to you through the glass pane as it descends down onto the rooftop.

" We've arrived at your destination! The tablet that you were given has a request feature built into it if you'd like another ride somewhere else. Make sure next time you request a B-Class cruiser if you don't plan on having a bit of fun while you're airborne! "

You nod your head awkwardly before the door to the cruiser opens and you look at the rooftop that you're landing on. You can see a deep pool with glowing neon lights under the water that make it look like a galaxy, along with a small apartment on the far side of the rooftop. You see a woman in a red bikini swimming in the water, and when she emerges at the edge of the pool to look at the cruiser, you can't believe your eyes.

After she looks at the cruiser for a bit, you see her take notice of you and a look of awe and disbelief washes over her face. She obviously recognizes you and she looks just like Ariel did the day that you saw her die. Can it really be her?

" Actually, you can keep the tablet. "

You say as you get up and gently place the tablet on the seat that you were sitting at.

" I don't think I'm going to need it for the rest of the night. "

The woman in the cruiser sighs in an overexaggerated manner as she turns her head away from you and talks in a pouting tone.

" Ugh, of course. You're already spoken for... It's always a bore when the pure ones stay loyal and don't let me have my way. "

You turn and look at the pilot as you exit the cruiser and make one final remark.

" Thank you for the ride. "

" Don't mention it, buster! You take care now, and remember, Praise Vol! "

The pilot says as you step off onto the rooftop and the door to the cruiser closes before it flies away. As you turn back towards the pool, you're caught off guard as the woman quickly hugs you tightly after getting out of the pool and running to you while you were looking away. She begins to cry with her face buried in your chest and her wet body starts to soak your clothes. You're completely stunned and you don't know what to do, so you gently put your arms around her and as you speak to her.

" Ariel? "

She looks up with a smile and tears in her eyes as she responds to you.

" Donny! "

Holy shit. It really is her.

" How? How are you alive? "

You ask her as you both walk over to a poolside chair and sit together on it. She squeezes you tightly as she answers your question.

" I don't know... One day I just woke up and I was here... I couldn't find you or Rosie anywhere and I didn't know what to do... This place... This place is so strange and I never thought I'd see you again. Where's Rosie...? "

That's right. Ariel was killed before Rosie. She has no idea that your daughter is dead. Your heart aches as you recall the memories that Noeh showed you. You barely muster a response as the feeling of grief sinks a deep hole inside of your chest.

" She's... she's gone, Ariel. I lost her a few years after I lost you... "

" No... no, Abbadon... no... "

Her happy tears immediately turn into tears of grief as she begins sobbing uncontrollably. She buries her face in your chest again and screams in emotional agony as you silently cry, softly holding her. You reach over to the chair next to you and grab a towel, putting it around her and hugging her in order to keep her warm as she bawls in your arms.