Chương 40: A Funeral, Although He Probably Didn't Deserve It
"Interim Prime Minister Laitinen, what's your plan to address the issue of Unforgivable uprisings happening all over the country?"
Jukka Laitinen, Interim Prime Minister of Gesmaura, adjusted his tie and smiled his best politician smile at the reporters crowding beneath the podium. He was young for his position, maybe in his mid-thirties, with a smartly coiffed lick of blond hair and sparkling blue eyes. He was exceedingly well-groomed, with not a hint of five o' clock shadow on his face nor single thread out of place on his navy-blue suit. He was tall and conventionally handsome, the boy next door everyone could trust.
So it was no surprise he was appointed to temporarily lead the country after hearing nothing from the original Prime Minister in the last two months. Maybe he was still imprisoned in that cave, or perhaps Silvio had disposed of him already, but Hana didn't want to think he'd do such a thing.
"Thanks for asking," replied Jukka, folding his hands together in a steeple. "Ending this so-called 'rebellion' is top on my list of priorities. First of all, we've hired additional security detail in Modrica to avoid a repeat of the situation we had a while back. Our magic as it is right now clearly is no match for these guns the Unforgivables have, so I plan to form two new divisions under National Defense. One group shall focus on reverse-engineering gun technology from weapons seized by captured prisoners. The other will be dedicated to magical research. You know, offensive magic has not been widely researched, and we need to find a way to be able to fire off spells without needing to say the mantra, so with her Holiness Isaana-sa's cooperation, we can expect many advancements that'll change the face of Sorcery forever…"
"This guy talks out both sides of his mouth, doesn't he?" Eliza Sabatka turned off the broadcast on her Message Crystal and huffed, stashing it in her pocket. "You know I'm no bleeding-heart liberal, Téo, but Jukka Laitinen? Really? Those far-right lunatics we've elected are going to get us all killed before Zagiha-sa can lift the curse!"
"I don't know, I kind of like him." Téo finished the last of his coffee and put it in the sink. "I'm sure Zagiha-sa is working closely with him. It's about time we had someone who'll stand up to those Unforgivables. We can't let this go on much longer, käraste. As a police officer, I always must put on a brave face, but to be honest, I'm scared. The Unforgivables are specifically targeting people like me, Eliza! If I get shot, I might not make it. Do you want Hana to lose anyone else?"
"Älskling…"
"First it was Silvio, then it was Ignatius. Who else, Eliza? This family has suffered too much in the past few years. The Unforgivables murdered Ignatius, and I just know I'm next. If there's anybody who can get rid of them once and for all, then I'm willing to hear them out."
"Then quit your job, Téo!"
"I promised Zagiha-sa I would get him the constitution." Téo rubbed his temple. "I need to at least stay long enough to make sure that happens. But I don't know… Sometimes I just feel so helpless, Eliza. Nimhr attempted to kill Hana, and I couldn't protect her. And there's nothing I can do. I can't do anything in the face of a God. What use is this badge of mine when evil people keep waltzing around outside?"
"I feel helpless too, Téo! This country's gone nuts, and Hana… that girl's gotten so rebellious. She used to be so sweet and obedient. Now she's sneaking out, putting herself in danger, and trying to get with older men! Thank the Gods Zagiha-sa is a decent person. You know I would do anything for her, but sometimes I wish we had a normal teenager who just smokes or something, I don't know."
"We've taken away her staff, Message Crystal, and the enchanted stones are under lockdown. That way she can't go far… but where did we mess up? She dropped out of school, so we thought it would be a good idea for her to get a job and a taste of the real world, but she's out of control!"
"Lower your voice, Téo. She already blames herself for my brother's death, so let's try to not traumatize her further, okay? I know, älskling. We've both been trying our best to do right by her, but she's been messed up since Silvio went missing. Maybe it's time we tried family therapy."
"We can't keep her under lock and key forever." Téo sighed. "Do you think she's been acting out since we're stifling her? We completely failed our son. I don't want to lose her, too. And it's so lonely… we must be the only parents in history who've dealt with something like this. What sort of therapist could possibly help us? We can keep Hana grounded for now, but when she's eighteen… I'm so worried."
"Let's talk about this later. Grab your jacket and get Hana. We're running late."
Hana snuck back to her room the second she heard that. Parents always thought their kids had no idea what was going on. So that's what they thought of her? Well, it's not like they were wrong. She was a screw-up. She just didn't need any other reasons to hate herself than she already did.
She looked at herself in the mirror. Hana hadn't grown much. These were the same clothes she wore to Jan's memorial service. At least she was getting some mileage out of them, she thought bitterly. Ha ha.
Téo rapped on her door. "Sweetie? Are you ready? It's time to get going."
"Coming." It was kind of impressive how well her father kept it together. "You stay in our sight at all times, got it?"
Hana nodded.
The Temple was just a fifteen-minute walk from their house. While Isaana's main Temple was in Komouruska, there were auxiliary Temples all throughout Gesmaura for different Gods. And although Ignatius Crowe had lived in Komouruska for so long, everyone thought it would be best for him to be buried in his hometown.
There weren't too many Sabatkas or Crowes left in the world, so few people attended the funeral. Hana's maternal grandma was there, but she felt far too ashamed of herself to greet her. There was a great aunt of a great aunt of a great aunt thrice removed or something like that, and a distant cousin or two who didn't even know the deceased but showed up anyway to keep up appearances.
Hana's parents went to talk to some randos before the service began, and she flopped down in a pew, staring at her boots.
"How are you holdin' up?"
Hana looked up, surprised to see Mica there. He gave her a small wave.
"Mica? What are you doing here?"
"You know Herra Crowe was a friend of mine. I just came to pay my respects."
Hana's eyes welled up. "I'm sorry…"
"There's nothing to apologize for. It was so hard convincin' the clergy to let in a Worker like me, though…"
"Are you Micaiah Rebane?" Téo approached him and held out his hand, shaking it.
"Yes, I am. You are Hana's parents, correct?"
"Yes, we spoke over Message Crystal a while back," said Eliza. "We just wanted to thank you for keeping Hana safe during that time. We heard you saved her from Nimhr too, so we're really in your debt."
"Eh, don't mention it."
"Ignatius used to speak highly of you. You're a good kid. Too bad you're a Worker… you'd be perfect for our girl."
Mica stammered something in reply, and Hana took that as an opportunity to leave.
Sorry I can't be perfect like Mica, she thought, and she walked around, purposely avoiding the casket.
It was closed.
More people entered the Temple. There was Professor Marisol, Professor Willoughby, and some kids she assumed were Crowe's students. There was Lydia.
"Hey," said Hana.
"I thought I'd pay Professor C my respects before I left the country," said Lydia. "I was always getting in trouble with him, but I'll miss him, you know? I can't believe the Unforgivables would just shoot him."
Hana nodded hollowly. That was another thing that was bad about her. She was a liar. She hadn't told anyone about Silvio. If Mica found out, would he tell everyone himself? What would be the fallout from that?
"I'm going to take my seat," said Lydia. "I'll see you at the reception."
"… Sure." She looked around some more. There were some people she didn't know, and… Professor Ffion and Isaana?
Isaana looked put-together as usual, but Ffion looked just awful. She was unkempt, and she'd lost weight, but not in a good way.
"Hello, Hana," she greeted her. The sadness in her voice was so thick it was palpable.
"Are you okay?"
"About as okay as I can be. I was on administrative leave for so long, I didn't even get the chance to see him again."
Administrative leave? Was she punished for helping Zagiha back then? Hana hoped Isaana didn't do anything bad to her, but the poor woman was so out-of-sorts she had a terrible feeling. She always liked Ffion. She didn't want her to be harmed.
"Your Uncle was my favorite person in the world. Back when I was a student and he was a trainee priest, he'd always defend me from my bullies. He never made me feel like I was any less for being big, and he helped me discover my talent for repair magic. Why couldn't I get more time with him? Why?"
Hana's stomach twisted in knots. So Ffion had feelings for him. It's not like she had a chance to begin with while Isaana was around, but seeing the person you loved happy was surely better than them being dead?
Ignatius Crowe… Beloved teacher, wonderful friend… accused murderer. Who was he really? How could one person be so contentious?
"Take a seat and pull yourself together, Ffion," said Isaana, putting her hand on her shoulder. "Be strong and deliver the beautiful eulogy you wanted to. I believe you can do it."
"Y-Yes, ma'am."
"It's surprising you showed up," said Hana.
Isaana raised an eyebrow. "Why is that? I paid for the funeral, you know."
Hana looked around. "Listen, before the service begins… can I talk to you? In private?"
"Sure, why not?" Isaana and Hana walked outside. It was starting to get chilly, and Hana's breath rose in the air as she spoke.
"Do you remember that guy, Eigil? You know, back when Zagiha lost his marbles?"
"Yes, I remember him. What about him?"
"He accused Uncle Crowe of killing his parents. You were closer to him than anybody else. Was this true?"
"Ah, that." Isaana sighed and crossed her arms, looking past Hana into the horizon. "You know, the Aclarian War really screwed me up. I saw a lot of bad things. I lost my ability to be soft and kind. That's why I'm such a cruel old bitch to this day. The day it ended, I swore I would do whatever it took to prevent war from breaking out ever again. Ziggy feels guilty at his part in it?" She chuckled. "I protected his innocence. He's too sweet to have done any of the dirty work I did. What he doesn't know even to this day is that to preserve peace, sometimes you must be violent."
"You…" Hana's eyes snapped open in realization. "You ordered Crowe to kill people? And the government is okay with that?"
"Well, only a few departments know. But for hundreds of years, me and my followers have stained our hands red with blood to preserve the illusion of peace we have in Gesmaura. I've long since accepted I'm the villain of the story."
"Unbelievable." Hana laughed a bitter laugh. "You're truly the worst person I've ever met."
"Yeah, I'm fine with that."
"Is every teacher in the school one of your assassins?"
Isaana shook her head. "Most of them are just that. Teachers. My school isn't some sort of front, if that's what you're wondering. I genuinely do want to educate the young Sorcerers of tomorrow. No, Professor Ffion isn't involved with this in any way. She doesn't know the truth. As my High Priestess, normally she would… but Iggy convinced me to let him take on her part of the work to save her from it. And no, I won't be giving you the identities of the ones who are."
Hana slumped down, too stunned to speak. So it was true. Everything Eigil said was true. And he was in the right. She couldn't believe it. Eigil of all people was in the right.
"My assassins only target those who threaten the safety of Gesmaurans. Eigil's parents must have been two such people. Think, Hana. What are the lives of a few compared to everyone on Earth if the False One awakens? Huh?"
"You're so cold." She covered her face in her hands, sobbing. "Why don't you and the other Gods just tell people the False One is real? You never had to do this."
"You'd think that's the obvious solution. People aren't that reasonable, Hana. You know, there's people out there who actually wish for the False One to awaken."
"What? Who would want that?"
"Our dear Interim Prime Minister and MPs," Isaana answered.
Hana's face scrunched up. "Huh?"
"Exactly."
"You sure?"
"My intel comes from the deepest depths of the government."
"Does he have a target on his back?"
"Probably. He needs more monitoring to see what he does."
"It's super bold of you to tell me this point-blank."
"Aha, I don't always lie. And now, having learned of my reasoning, do you still think Iggy was evil?"
"I-I don't know. I get what you're saying, but it's so messed up."
"And it's not like you can get me arrested or anything like that." She smirked. "Would you really want this coming to light? I mean, do you want Zagiha feeling even more incompetent and useless when he's just started healing from his trauma?"
"You…!" Hana clenched her fists, tears spilling to the ground. "How dare you…! I hate you! I truly hate you more than anything else in the whole world!"
"A girl's first love is a beautiful thing. I'm sure Zagiha would spiral out of control again if you told him. Then he'd get himself sealed up for all eternity. Do you want to hurt him?"
"No… No… why?" So she had another secret to keep. Anymore and she'd burst. She wiped furiously at her eyes, hating Isaana and hating the power she had over her. Of course Isaana would tell her everything. It was just another way for her to assert her dominance. Hana was like a marionette on a stick and Isaana was the puppeteer. She had to find the False One to stop this madness. It was the only way to escape her clutches.
"One more thing," Hana choked out, forcing herself to look her in the eye. "Uncle Crowe loved you. I don't know why he did, but he gave everything to you. Did you… did you at least love him back? Did you make him happy in his last moments?"
"He didn't disgust me." Isaana smiled at Hana's reaction to that comment. "I mean, I liked him enough to sleep with him. Aha, just kidding!" She shook her head and allowed herself to be serious for a moment. "I'm a God, and as such, I can't feel romantic love. So, in that sense, I did not love him. But… he was a very dear confidante and friend. Under this cold, hard shell of mine, there is still a hint of the naïve maiden I was before the war. Deep, deep inside here—" She pressed her hands to her chest, "—There is a strange sensation. I think I remember this feeling as grief. I cried all my tears hundreds of years ago when I lost one human friend after another. I can no longer cry. But I will grieve, and I will miss him. He was a treasure like no other."
"At least there's some good to you. Uncle Crowe had a terrible taste in women, I swear."
"Only the worst. Come on. The service is beginning."
They entered the Temple once more, and Hana sat by her parents, as far away from Isaana as humanly possible. Don't cry, she willed herself. Don't make your parents worry about you any longer. That's what you're best at, after all.
She tried to remember Nimhr's words, but she couldn't. And when Ffion began her eulogy, she lost it. Téo put his arm around her and patted her on the back, but she hated it. She didn't want her father's comfort. She wanted to be the perfect daughter. She didn't want to hurt anyone anymore.
The rest of the service went by in a blur, as did the burial, as did the reception.
"What's up?" asked Mica, holding a glass of wine in his hand.
Hana might have replied, but she wasn't sure, she was so emotionally numb at this point.
"Something weighs deeply upon your soul, and it's not just grief, is it?"
Goddamned Mica Rebane. Why did he always know everything? Why was he so flawless and understanding and kind?
"I wish we could talk more, but I have to catch the train back to Tyressa. Unless you'd like to see me off, of course?"
"My parents are keeping me on a kiddie leash for the rest of my life."
"You can go," said Eliza, approaching them. "I know you'll take good care of her, Mica. But just the train station, you hear that? I'll be over to pick you up in an hour, and if you're not there, you're grounded for the rest of your life, you hear?"
Hana nodded, and she walked off along with Mica. The citizens of Caershira gave them dirty looks as they passed. Caershira was a Sorcerer-majority town, and it was almost unheard of for a Sorcerer and a Worker to be seen together.
"I'm sorry about my parents," she grumbled. "They're so embarrassing. I can't believe they're trying to set us up together just because we're close in age."
"Are they, now?" Mica smiled slyly at her. "They're nice folks. If only they knew I'm not the nice, clean-cut boy they think I am."
"You're not?"
"Oh, no. I'm an absolute devil." He laughed. "Although, if you'd have me once you've come of age, I'd love to make you mine."
Hana stopped short in her tracks and sputtered. "Wh-what? Are you confessing? Don't you think this is kind of an inappropriate time…?" Her cheeks were on fire. Was this how Zagiha felt when she confessed? Now she understood his reaction.
"I am attracted to you, but what does it matter if it's a confession or not? It's useless. You like Zagiha, for one, and I respect that. Secondly, a Worker and Sorcerer can't be together under the eyes of the law. And the third, biggest thing is… I can't have kids. Turns off a lot of women, so I've stopped trying."
"Oh." Hana felt bad for him. "I'm sorry. I'm sure you'll find someone who's perfect for you, Mica. You're a great catch."
"Ah, thanks." He scratched the nape of his neck. "It was worth testin' the waters, at least. I got a bit too bold, there. I'm happy to have you as a friend no matter what, so no hard feelings?"
"No hard feelings."
"I'm sorry, again. It was an inappropriate time. I just got to thinkin' that life is so short and unpredictable… but I'm usually not so insensitive. Besides, weren't we here to talk about you?"
"… Yeah." Hana didn't know what to say, but at least that was one of her insecurities quelled for the time being. At least someone was able to be attracted to her, even if it wasn't the person she was hoping for. Big oof for Silvio, though.
"I noticed you talkin' to Isaana," said Mica. "I didn't hear what you talked about, but you seemed even more upset when you parted ways. I'm worried about you. I don't want you self-destructin' on me, so if there's anything you wanna talk about, I'll listen."
"Oh." She paused on the train station's steps. "I can't let go of the guilt, Mica," she cried. "Why should I be the one who lived when I was the one who manipulated him? Why didn't I tell my parents about Silvio? Why am I so selfish? What's wrong with me?"
"So that's it." They stood on the platform, where the train approached in the distance. They barely made it. "I was worried about that. Hana, Herra Crowe made his decision. He wanted you to live. I'm certain he died without regrets."
"How would you know that? How could that be good enough? It was Silvio who… he… I can't live with this secret! I can't do it! Uncle Crowe wasn't a bad person, but who am I to be his executioner? He should've lived on. His students loved him. Ffion loved him. Even Isaana, and she's the worst. He should've had the chance to right his wrongs, and I took it away from him. I should've just trusted you to find Silvio, but now I've made my decision and I have to live with it. I want Uncle Crowe to live!"
"You're a selfish girl. You're right about that, at least. Would you give up everything, up to and including your own life to bring him back?"
Hana looked up at him, confused at his statement. "I would," she answered at last. "But how's that possible?"
"Oi." Mica lidded his eyes, and suddenly embraced her, cuddling her close. Hana sobbed into his chest. "Don't give up your life, idiot. If I can do it for Zagiha, then I can definitely do it for you." He smiled and patted her. "I'll make this burden my own. From this moment, let our contract be established."
"Contract?"
"You won't remember this, so just let me hold you for the time being, okay? That's enough for me."
"What are you talking about?"
"Goddamned Workers trying to steal our Sorcerer women!"
They were interrupted by a larger Sorcerer stumbling up to them, rip-roaring drunk. He raised his fist at Mica. "What the hell is this world coming to?" he slurred. "First these Unforgivables stepping out of place, and then Worker and Sorcerer couples. There needs to be some decency!"
Mica let Hana go and waved his hands in front of him. "Whoa, man, you've got it wrong," he tried to explain. "We're not a couple. We just came from a funeral, and she was cryin', so…"
"Shut up!" he yelled. "Stop lyin'! I'm not gonna let you touch any more Sorcerer women. Go to hell!"
And with that, he pushed Mica…
… Right into the path of the oncoming train.
Mica didn't cry out as the train slammed into him. He just had a resigned look on his face, as though he expected it.
Hana blanked the rest of the sight from her memory. "Mica!" she screamed alongside the other screams on the train platform. "Mica! Mica!" She sank to her knees and vomited. "Mica…"
Mica was dead, Mica was dead, Mica was dead…
How many more people had to die?
She couldn't stop hyperventilating. The space swirled around her, faster and faster, until she passed out.
--
"Are you awake, älskling?"
Hana slowly awoke to the sound of her mother's voice. Where was she? By the sounds of it, she had to be in hospital. Wait! The train station! What happened after she passed out? What happened to the guy who murdered Mica?
Her eyes welled up with tears again.
"Sweetie, sweetie, it's okay now." Téo stroked her hair. "Did something scary happen at the train station? You've been basically catatonic for the past two days."
What? They didn't know what happened? There was nothing left of Mica except for a smear of blood on the tracks, and the police came, and…
"Don't push her too fast, Téo. She'll talk when she's ready."
Wait… that voice.
Hana shot up in bed, eyes locking on the form of her Uncle, Ignatius Crowe. He was bandaged in places and using a walker, but he was alive. How could he be alive? How was that possible?
"How are you alive?" she choked.
Crowe blinked, looking at her totally perplexed. "Erm… I'm surprised I lived, too," he answered unsteadily. "But somehow, the Unforgivables missed all my vital organs. I pretended to be dead until they left me alone, and I was eventually rescued off the mountain. It was pretty touch and go while I was in surgery, but they released me from hospital after a few days. I still have to go to physical therapy, though. It's been kicking my ass, but I'll recover fully." He chuckled.
She saw his casket lowered into the ground. She saw the graves keepers shovel dirt on top of him. She knew what she saw, so how was he in front of her and clearly fine?
"But, Mica," she croaked.
"Oh. You want to see Mica? Whatever you want, dear. We'll leave you two alone for a bit so you can talk."
Huh?
The three family members left her be, and a second later, Mica entered, looking even better than Crowe did.
"How are ya doin', Hana?" he asked.
"What did you do, Mica?" she hissed. "What did you do?"
"Hmm? What do you mean?"
Hana grabbed his wrist and yanked him to eye-level. "Uncle Crowe was dead. You were dead. I am the only one who remembers. You have magic, don't you, Mica?"
Mica blinked, and then he laughed. "You got me," he chortled. "I'm surprised my memory manipulation didn't work on you, though. Ahhh—that means you remember my totally embarrassin' confession! I'll never live this down!"
He blushed and turned away from her.
"Tell me your true identity before I blow the lid on you," she snapped.
"All right, all right." He sighed. "Allow me to introduce myself, then. It's a pleasure to meet you, Hana. My name is Rirasiru, and I've been watching you for a very long time."
SUY NGHĨ CỦA NGƯỜI SÁNG TẠO 
Cosmic_Cockatoo
Cosmic_Cockatoo Wow! What important revelations to drop in the middle of nowhere after four months! Volume three is full-steam ahead, choo-choo (let's hope Mica stays off the tracks for this one, hmm?).
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