Vile Exile

Chapter Twenty-six

Authors PoV

Sage kept his word. He had promised to visit Ethan's grave every chance he got - which was very little unfortunately. His bodyguards insisted he got work done despite being incredibly terrified of his strength and status. Obviously he didn't blame them for pressuring him into working, he also promised Ethan that he'd avenge his death, Make sure it wasn't in vain. And to do so he needs to find evidence of where Juanita is and figure a way to defeat her that won't get everyone killed.

On some days Sage would sit and tell Ethan all about his day, how things went about, what happened. Sometimes he would talk to Ethan about Levi, he loved bragging about the marksman despite not actually being in a relationship with him anymore. Most of the time Sage would tell Ethan about how his family were getting on, after the death of Ethan Sage quickly became acquainted with the Edgeworth family and often visited them after he had done his work.

His regret for not treating Ethan with the same amount of love and joy pains him everyday. It's well known that there's no soul in the word Soldier - but there was a soul in Ethan - he loved making others smile, he helped wherever he could and he did his job to the best of his ability even though he got mentally tortured by his brothers back at home. Ethan Edgeworth was a good man and Sage hates the fact he didn't reciprocate Ethan's feelings of happiness and love.

As long as Juanita is free to roam on the streets, everyone Sage lives is in danger. She can't physically harm him but she can emotionally harm him. He will risk his life to save Levi though, no doubt about that. Not that he wouldn't for the others given the chance but if he even sees a small sign that Levi is in danger he won't hesitate to drop whatever it is he's doing and throw himself in front of Levi.

Sage's PoV

Slumping down on the desk I clench my hand around the pen, my eyebrows furrowed as I groan. Standing I grab my jacket, pulling it on within seconds I turn on the ball of my foot "Where are you going Sir?" One of my soldiers, Jace Averock, asks as he too stands, my bodyguards following me silently "I'm going to visit Ethan. There's no new leads on Juanita so there's no work to be done. You guys can have a break too, be careful though." I respond as I wave my hand, restraining a light chuckle as I hear them murmur something about how I'm always slacking off to go visit Ethan's grave.

Walking through the hallways towards the main entrance of the Headquarters, I come to a halt as Natalia and The assault squad come into view "General Kageyama, good to see your doing well." Natalia laughs formerly, scoffing I tuck my hands into my pockets "Drop the act Nat, Ben and Oscar know we're buds." I laugh, glancing to my guards who are hiding their smiles "Where are you heading off to?" Hugo asks, scratching my jaw I sigh "Ethan's grave." Natalia says suddenly, causing them to jolt slightly, even Levi who stares at me "It's been a while since I visited him last, I have a lot to tell him. And plus I need to get new flowers for his grave" I explain, Benjamin stepping forward slightly "Sir, it's been a day." He says, scowling I fold my arms over my chest "A day is too long! I owe him this much. I did promise I'd visit as much as possible." I retaliate, Ben and Oscar both nodding in unison before remaining silent again "Well I'll catch you later Sage. Tell Ethan everyone misses him... Ben, Oscar, watch him carefully." Natalia says as she leads the assault squad through the hallways, Levi stops at my side "Your portraying a caring side but I know you blame yourself, Sage. Don't lose yourself down the rabbit hole of suffering in silence." He says before continuing to follow his kinsman, staring at the ground I close my eyes.

Raising my hands to Ben and Oscar as they stop by the gates of the graveyard. The white roses held in my hand tightly, I place them on his grave carefully before sitting in front of it "How are they treating you up there? Good I imagine. We're still working hard trying to figure out how to defeat Juanita... it's quite overwhelming all this paperwork but it's worth it if it means avenging you." I begin softly, my eyes locked onto the stone grave that has his name and date of birth and death engraved on it "Levi sensed my guilt and Scalded me in his own way." I chuckle, entangling my fingers with each other as I lean forward, my elbows rested on my kneecaps "I visited your family this morning - Raymond is starting training with the frontlines tomorrow so I'll keep an eye on him. Garrick and Tilly are still working hard in high school and your parents are working proudly still. They continue to miss you everyday, they finally hung that huge portrait of you over the staircase. You look good" I explain, smiling as I picture him chuckling and nodding "I miss you... I never said it when you were alive but you are really special to me, and I regret not telling you that..." I whisper after a moments silence, the air returning to a soft gentle peace as I stare at his grave I stand, tears clinging to my eyelids to their best ability "I'll come see you tomorrow to give you the update. Make sure your partying hard up there Ethan, you always were the life of the party." I say as I turn and exit the graveyard, my hands tucked into my jacket pockets.