Things were far from over, that was one thing they were certain of. But before everything else, it was time to take one step back and make the best of what he could call a calm after a storm. It had been a week after their last mission. They hadn't been called in the field for the entire week. The team flew over to Portland for one reason. Their first act was to honor someone near and dear.
Thanatos watched the team, Director Maia, and Alistair from a distance as he perched on the branch of a nearby tree in the middle of a cemetery. Raven found it difficult to approach Neil's grieving family and Geoff, his partner. But he worked up the courage to do so. While he was unable to find the best words to console them in their loss, he assured them that Neil Kershaw wasn't just a brave, steadfast and dutiful agent. He was a great man and a better friend. He lived standing by what was right and died doing the right thing. He deserved to be honored in a way that made him proud of everyone he left behind.
The Director hugged the mourning Mrs. Kershaw and his partner Geoff. As for the costs, the Director ensured that his loved ones need not worry about the expenses. She also made sure that Neil would be leaving them well off. The ceremony itself saw the attendance of his friends, family, his partner and last but not the least, his old friends in the army. He had a whole life ahead of him. People to go home to. These thoughts occupied Raven's mind as everyone paid their final respects as their friend's casket was finally lowered into the ground. He will never be forgotten.
But knowing Neil, he would rather see them as he would have remembered them. Raven scooped some of the soil in his hand and scattered them where Neil would lay and rest. Tears were shed and goodbyes were said.
The flight back was initially quiet. Until Alistair, brought out a bottle of scotch and poured everyone a glass.
"Child, would you like to do the honors?" asked Alistair.
Raven collected himself before finally speaking. He didn't know what to say. He simply decided to follow his gut and see where that would take him.
"Neil was always that guy that reminded everyone what was up ahead." said Raven. "He had all the makings of a perfect paragon. The kind who put duty first without sacrificing his friends or what was right. I remember the time I was sitting over there just after we lost Seth."
Raven pointed on the seat where he had a drink with Neil, Neve and that traitor which he will not name.
"He told me that the life expectancy of a field agent isn't the best. Nothing is ever predictable. These losses are bound to happen." Raven added. "But I refuse to accept that. Yes. He knew what he signed up for. We're here to save lives and uphold a greater good. And he would keep reminding us just that. He'd hate to see us like this. He's one of the reasons I kept stepping up. Whether he knew it or not, he taught me a lesson. Never take anyone for granted. Never let a day go by without letting anyone know how much they mean to you."
Raven raised his glass, leading others to follow suit.
"For Neil." said Raven before downing his glass.
The rest of the flight back was just filled with silence as the team kept themselves preoccupied. He tried to discreetly light a joint only for Amara and Neve to shoot daggers at him.
"I know what you're thinking." said Thanatos moved towards Raven on the tray table. "You're still getting used to this."
"I am. Let me just try something." said Raven. <Is this still working?>
<You bet.> said Thanatos.
"Good. That's gonna come in handy in the future." said Raven.
"You actually prefer walking around being followed by a bird at all times?" asked Thanatos.
YOU ARE READING
Nevermore: The Secret Order
Fiction généraleRaven Sullivan lived nothing more than a semi-ordinary life. His parents died when he was barely a year old and he was raised by a close family friend. Upon arriving home from a post college graduation trip, he found his life taking a different dire...
