Starfire Redemption

Chapter 6 - The Plan

Later that evening Holly found the will to stand up and exited the shower. She dried off, dressing into her pajamas. She cleaned her face with a steaming hot towel and brushed her teeth. Then sometime laterHolly heard Curus stand up and leave the doorway. Holly was ready for bed. She was not ready to face her brother yet.  She went back to where Tracy was sleeping. Her soft rhythmic breathing soothed Holly's tormented heart. Curling up next to her Holly placed her face next to Tracy's as she laid her head down. She wondered about the purple lightning that had come out of her hands and the purple energy blades....What was happening to her she wondered. It scarred her, but a subconscious voice deeper yet beckoned the power. The next thing she knew she was waking up to the sensation of her body being lifted. Holly blinked back wearily in the dark. She then recognized Cyrus's breathing and his strong grip on her lithe frame. Holly began to weep again as the memories and sorrow overtook her. He took her upstairs to her room as her tears fell on him.

Cyrus reached Holly's doorway and carefully angled through it without hitting her or himself on the door frame. He carefully laid her down on her bed tucking her feet under the covers. He sat down on the bed his back facing her as he leaned over away from her, his hand resting heavily on his knees. Holly heard his breathing shallow as he hung his head tired and no doubt troubled. He put his face in his hands. Holly was overcome by empathy and wrapped her arms around his chest her head resting on his shoulder. He wept openly now, sounding hoarse. Her tears flowed down her cheeks onto his shoulders. He went to get up to leave.

Holly locked her grip on him, using her legs to hold him now, too. "Please...Cyrus just don't leave me. Not tonight. I can't be alone." He then sat for a good while before he leaned back and laid his head down on her other pillow upon her bed. He faced the ceiling laying on top of the covers. Holly relaxed and burrowed back under the covers. She listened to the sound of his breathing finding it a surety. She passed out almost instantly. The next morning Holly awoke to find everyone still asleep. She got up and saw Cyrus still asleep. Her heart stirred. No matter how much he was hurting he still protected her.

Holly left him to sleep knowing he needed it. As Holly entered the hall she smelled coffee. Someone must be up she thought. She headed downstairs and entered the kitchen to find her mom was awake and had made the coffee. She was staring out the tall window into the valley unseeing. Many of the panes were still shattered. Holly hugged her as she stood there drawing her out of her reverie. She kissed Holly wiping tears back from her eyes as she did so. She made Holly a cup of coffee to distract herself no doubt. Holly thanked her with a smile. Well, the best she could muster anyway. Holly took it and sipped it after adding more than just a little sugar.

Mom spoke softly. "Caius wanted to know what our custom was for our deceased so he could render any assistance we would need if necessary." Holly smiled and said, "That was kind of him." Mom smiled. "He said they have a custom where they warp the body near the star of Paragosis and let it fall into it. He said in their tradition that they are children born of the light, and when they die they return hence." Holly smiled a real smile for the first time since yesterday. It actually hurt her cheek muscles since they had not smiled in that long. "Caius is full of wisdom. His people are kind and good."

Mom looked thoughtfully at Holly as she nodded. "I wanted to ask you and Cyrus first, but I have considered what he said and think it would be an appropriate burial." Holly thought about it for a while before making up her mind. The Seraphim were good people and their ways and traditions bore witness to the purity of their beliefs. Their tradition would honor their father. "I think it's a good idea too," she said finally. "I do too," said Cyrus from behind her slightly startling her. He had crept down those stairs like a ninja. She had not heard him at all.

"I will let Caius know then," said mom. "Dad's body is in stasis right now in town. Caius offered to preserve him while we decided." Holly nodded approvingly. "I am going to see if Travis is awake," she said. Cyrus and Mom nodded as Holly turned for the hallway. His room was the last on the left, and Kimberley's was the last on the right. Holly walked to the door and knocked thrice upon it. She listened at the door while she waited. She could hear the sound of the bathroom door opening and footsteps heading toward the other door.