Captured (A Mianite Fanfic)

Chapter 21: The Funeral

Jordan's POV:

"Andor's dead."

It took a few moments for my brain to process those simple words. But once I had finally understood Tom's digital words, my throat became instantly dry. Everyone's expressions around me had stiffened up as well, too shocked to say a word.

"W-Why would you lie a-about something like t-that?" Sonja choked out, refusing to believe that the words she had just heard were the truth. Tom's emotionless face soon turned to sadness.

"As much as I'd love to say I'm lying, I'm not. Andor's truly dead." Tom explained again. He began to cry as he said the last sentence, causing tears to form in the corners of my eyes as well. 

"H-How?" Martha stuttered, not able to even say one word clearly. Tom bit his lip, obviously begging to not answer the question. He definitely knew the answer, but he didn't want to speak about it. 

"I... I think it was from suicide. He told me he was just going to take a walk to clear his head, but after not returning for nearly three hours, I thought something was up. Dec was being no help whatsoever, obviously mad at me for something, so I managed to get out of bed and go looking for him. I didn't want you guys to know because I knew you were out saving Jordan and Ianite. Hi, by the way guys, I'm glad you're back," Tom started, giving Ianite and I a little wave. "And yes, I know it was stupid for me to go and attempt to find Andor in my condition, but the anticipation was killing me. Nonetheless, I managed to somehow make my way towards that old trial building and I..." He didn't finish. He couldn't say it. 

"What... What did you see?" Tucker asked, the shaking standing out in his voice. Tear streams were clearly on Tom's face now. He seemed as though he was attempting to speak, but his mind was refusing him to do so. 

"I-I saw Andor, laying motionless in the cage. None of the machines had been set off. They can only be activated by the Town Herald, and he's been gone for months now. The moment I saw him, I rushed in and saw a bloodied knife wedged in the blood-soaked chest. His boomerang was also closed in against his throat. It was horrifying. I almost couldn't stand it. But... He had a hand written note next to him. In his handwriting. It said, 'This is your fault, father. Why couldn't you treat me like a son instead of a peasant? I hope you're happy, because I sure as heck am not.' I checked for a pulse, but there was none. It took hours to drag him back here, and Dec still doesn't give a crap. I'm sorry I couldn't do anything." Tom described, making odd motions with his hands.

"It's not your fault, Tom," Ianite piped up. "It's Andor who made the decision to end his life, not you." My tongue got caught in my throat. The sad realization dawned over me, though it penetrated my heart much more furiously. My memory of Andor was still fuzzy, though losing anyone is a sad moment. 

"So that's it, then," Martha choked. "My nephew is gone." Confusion washed over me, sitting by the depression. Andor was her nephew? I needed to ask them about that later. Nonetheless, Tom nodded sadly.

"As much as it hurts me to say, we need to have a funeral service most likely tomorrow. You guys need to get back here. It's terrifying being alone with him." Tom whispered, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. 

"We'll be there as soon as we can, but the Inertia is far away from Dagrun. Just stay there and don't move a muscle, okay?" Tucker ordered, holding his hand up slightly. The zombie only nodded as a response. Wag turned his communicator off, ending the call. He then turned to us. 

"So... Who's driving the RV?" he questioned, stuffing his hands deep into the pockets of his dark cloak. A few glances were shared, but Scarlet stood up as straight as a pencil.