The plaza remained full, but now a fire encompassed the fallen at the front. It was high and unyielding, challenging the low sky of Persetta to a duel.
Silence remained through the watchers, each pupil gleaming with red and orange flame.
Nighthawk and Viper stood close to Judgment, the three becoming a close-knit group. Shonjo held a bottle of jack in his left hand—not of grief—it was a daily thing for him.
Tsuki watched the pyre, a curious look filling her face now instead of grief.
"Hey… Geo? The Ritual of Ashes—what is it?"
Geo raised a brow, still next to her. "Surprised you don't know… but I guess we haven't had to hold it recently—until today."
He shuffled a bit, before peering back at the flames. "It's how we honor the dead. Those who gave their lives for Memento. We cremate them, and take their ashes to the Cliffs of Persetta—and release them into the Tenasa Sea below."
Her eyes dropped to her feet. The Cliffs of Persetta—where it all began. This journey she had chosen.
One she wouldn't have changed.
Geo continued. "It's the highest honor we have. Dying for a cause you believe in. Names are carved into phoenix stone in the graveyard of Persetta."
Tsuki nodded quietly. Hatori's voice cut through, a bit softer than usual.
"Sorry to butt in… but it's something to look forward to. Not dying, of course, but knowing when it comes, you can go at peace. You'll be one with the wind, and one with Memento."
A small smile ghosted his face—a rare sight from the normally stoic Hatori.
The flames before them kept climbing, and shadows danced below like tradition. Smoke drifted in silence, its smell now holding the realities of war.
When the pyre finally began to shrink, the red shifted into orange, and finally embers. What remained at the bottom was a mound of fine, pale ash. Members stepped forward with shovels and bags, scooping carefully.
The crowd began to move—first in small groups, then as one slow solemn line heading to the forests of southeastern Persetta. Torches passed from hand to hand, illuminating the newly set dark of night.
The trek was beautiful in its own way. The trees here were untouched by the raids, the leaves whispering overhead as the wind carried the scent of pine and smoke. The glow of the torches stretched ahead like a ribbon of light, a silent reassurance for those walking in the dark.
"You are not alone," it said.
Azumi broke the silence. "It's hard to imagine what life will be like… without Maro. Without Knoxx."
Her voice wavered. "He cracked the worst jokes at awful times… but now—I think I'll miss them."
Hatori was the first to nod.
"We didn't care for them then, but now…" he trailed off, his eyes growing distant. "The memories hit harder.
Nobody replied, but the silence felt like agreement.
The line of Memento soldiers and civilians alike reached the cliffs. The ocean below reflected the moon like broken silver, waves churning below them.
At the edge, Danzo stood with senior members—Hajima and Tiero—with bags in hand. One by one, they loosened the straw that closed the bags, and poured the ashes into the wind. The breeze caught them, carrying their fallen comrades into the restless sea down under.
The line kept moving. Geo was the first to go from Judgment Squad. He stepped to the edge, the roar of waves pummeling his ears. He nearly fumbled the bag once, before righting it, and letting the ashes spill free. They swirled in torchlight, before disappearing with the wind.
Tsuki followed. She held her bag close to her chest for a long moment—before stepping forward. Her fingers trembled slightly as she loosened the tie. She watched them move with life, and then lifted her head to the moon.
The stars sprawled across the sky, making their way back to the moon like children. Her lips curled slightly, as a single tear fell from her eye. A smile formed her lips.
"We won't let it be in vain, Maro. I won't let it be in vain."
She turned her head back to the looming forest of Persetta, where the trek back would be with a heavy heart.
Tsuki made her way back to Geo, who now waited for the rest of Judgment.
"It's a beautiful night," Geo said, green eyes with a tinted glow. "Takes the mind off of everything—even if it's temporary."
"Every night's beautiful. You just have to know what to appreciate."
"You a philosopher now?" he joked softly.
Tsuki shrugged her shoulders. From behind, Azumi and Hatori approached—Hatori had an arm around her in a comforting way. Azumi's eyes never met the others.
They waited for the line to die down, before returning to the very edge they each had leapt from. The one that proved their purpose in Memento.
Tsuki stood gazing at the distant water. It shimmered with reflections, and the smell of salt drifted through the air.
Her eyes questioned everything. Every beat and moment, but one question lingered above all else.
"Why wasn't he there?"
Geo turned his head slightly towards her. "Who?"
"Tona."
Geo's eyes grew unsettled. "...I'm not sure."
"His godfather is gone… and he didn't show up? I just—" she shook her head. "I don't understand."
Hatori shifted, the gravel crunching under his boots. "Don't mistake it. He's mourning, just like us."
"Then why couldn't he be here, with us? He's just… gone. He didn't mention a thing."
Behind them, Azumi sat against a log—distant, but still listening. Hatori's voice stayed calm, but carried weight.
"I can't tell you exactly how he feels. But I know he's hurting. He's lost more than he'd tell."
Geo's jaw tightened. "I just wish he'd let us help him carry it."
Hatori now stared out to the sea. His mouth carved into a rare smile.
"Trust me. I know. Unfortunately, he doesn't work like that."
Tsuki let a sigh out from her nostrils. Her fists loosened from the ball they were just in.
"He's selfless, often too much so," Hatori continued. "Under that goofy smile is someone shouldering the weight of the war. The deciding factor in it. Maro knew that, so he always made time for him."
Tsuki's voice softened. "We can help him. I can. He's my brother, I don't want to see him like this."
Hatori gave a faint agreeing nod, as the three stared out into the endless sea. The waves crashed as if to swallow their thoughts and worries.
Later that night, the streets of Persetta were quieter than they should've been. The soft murmur of rebuilding efforts were heard every here and there, topped by the hoot of owls and chirps of crickets. Judgment Squad walked along, quiet with minimal conversation.
Hatori suddenly slowed, eyes narrowing at the nearby fountain. Danzo sat there, with his head lowered and arms crossed on his knees.
"I'll catch up with you three later," Hatori said, turning in his direction.
The others turned. "Where are you headed?" asked Geo.
"Just a quick little talk. Nothing long. You guys go ahead—I'll catch up later."
Tsuki gave a small nod, before continuing on. Geo walked in stride beside her, while Azumi fell a little behind.
Tsuki gave her a glance. Azumi hadn't pulled her hair into the normal ponytail she wore. Her eyes looked distant, and the common smile—missing.
"Hey Azumi," Tsuki asked, turning back to her front. "How're you holding up?"
She took a minute to answer. Her head prepped up a bit—just enough to see the back of Tsuki's head.
"I'm… alright."
Geo turned, with a doubting look. "We know you better than that."
Azumi stopped in her tracks, her cloak fluttering in the slight breeze. Her eyes remained heavy, ones that seeked meaning and answers.
"I… just need some time. I'm gonna go my own way for a bit. Don't worry about me."
Tsuki turned, fully this time. She reached for Azumi's shoulder, with a calming gaze. A soft smile took her lips into an incline.
"If you need anything, Azumi. Anything at all—I'm here. We're all grieving—together."
Azumi offered a thankful nod, before turning back to the plaza. Tsuki's eyes remained on her a moment longer, noticing how her steps lacked purpose.
"Thank you," she said in a whisper, before shoving her hands deep within her cloak pockets. Tsuki and Geo continued forward alone.
"Guess it's just us," Geo said, his arms resting behind his neck. His view was aimed at the stars—eyes flicking to each one in admiration.
"Being stuck with you… yuck!" Tsuki joked, easing the tension that remained. Geo offered a chuckle in response.
"Hey, not so bad! I pay for your food when we go—hey, speaking of which. I'm starving. Food?"
Tsuki giggled, before eagerly nodding. "Of course you do, fatass. But yes, I'd love to grab something."
They made their way to a nearby stand. Tsuki pulled out a bag of Aldenias, before Geo softly swatted it back. He pulled his out in turn, and stuck two fingers in the air.
"Two of those kebabs, please."
The shopkeeper nodded, before giving a grin. "Both for you, young man?"
Geo gave an irritated look, but Tsuki only chuckled. Seeing that, Geo couldn't stay mad—even if pretending.
Geo grabbed the kebabs, offering one to Tsuki, and they found a bench in front of a few shops that remained fairly upright. By the time the two reached it, Geo had already finished his.
"Normally I'm joking when I call you a fatass… but you may have just proved me right," Tsuki said dryly. Geo only shrugged.
"If you aren't going to finish that, let me know."