Rise of Zaun (Sequel to Arcane User)

Memorials

Hi, everyone! I just binge watched Season 2 of Arcane and am excited for Act 3. I can't wait to see how the story ends and decided it was time to write the sequel to Arcane User. If you haven't read Arcane User, go read that one first. Otherwise, you will be very confused. With that out of the way, let's get started.

Caitlyn stood with her father and Vi at the graveyard, watching as her mother's casket was placed before the grave. Caitlyn sucked in a breath and gave Vi's hand a squeeze. Her father stepped toward the casket and dropped purple flower petals into it. It was her mother's favorite color, so they figured she would want that.

Tears filled his eyes as he stepped back. Caitlyn stepped forward and looked down at her mother. She looked so peaceful, like she was sleeping. She wished that was the case but knew it wasn't going to help. A single tear escaped her eye as she dropped the purple petals into the casket.

Caitlyn stepped back, and Vi placed a comforting hand on her arm. Caitlyn rested her head on Vi's shoulder, and Vi's hand slid down her arm and held her hand. The casket closed and was slowly and gently placed in the grave. They watched as the grave was filled, and Mr. Kiraman, Vi, and Caitlyn remained after everyone was gone.

"I still can't believe she's gone," he admitted. Caitlyn nodded as she stared at her mother's grave. "Hey, do you want to go somewhere else?" Vi whispered to Caitlyn. "No," she whispered back. "At least, not yet."

Vi nodded in understanding and kissed the top of her head. Mr. Kiraman sighed and said, "I'm going inside."

"Okay," Caitlyn replied as he walked away. Once he was gone, Caitlyn lifted her head and looked at Vi. "You don't have to stay here, you know. Your sister and Ekko need you."

"I know, but I want to be there for you, too."

"I know." A moment silence fell over them before Caitlyn asked, "Are the Firelights having a memorial for Alexander?"

"Later today, yeah. You don't have to go, you know. They'll understand if you're not up to it."

"No, I want to. I owe it to them and Alexander. Besides, it feels wrong not to attend."

"Attend what?"

Startled, the women spun around and saw Jayce. "Jesus, Jayce," Caitlyn said, placing her hand in her racing. "You scared the shit out of us," Vi added. "Sorry, I didn't mean to."

"It's fine," Caitlyn replied. "I'm sorry for not being here earlier. I hope I can still pay respects," Jayce said. Both Vi and Caitlyn nodded. Jayce joined them and looked at the grave. "I'm sorry, Cait," Jayce added.

"Jayce, this is the billionth time you've said that. If you say that one more time, I will throat punch you."

"Sorry," Jayce muttered. After another moment of silence, Jayce asked, "So, what are guys going to attend later?"

"Alexander's memorial," Vi explained. "Oh. Would I... be able to come? I mean, I didn't know him very well, but..."

"I'm sure they won't mind," Vi replied. Jayce nodded. "I'm going to go inside. I'll see you both at the memorial," Caitlyn stated. "Okay, babe," Vi replied as Caitlyn walked away.

Once she was gone, Jayce asked, "How is she holding up?"

"She's good at hiding it, but I know she's not doing very well."

"Damn..."

"You should talk to her. You're her friend, and she needs all the help she can get."

"I know. I'm going to."

"Speaking of which, why weren't you here earlier?"

"I was helping preparations for Mrs. Kiraman's memorial tomorrow, and things went much slower than I thought."