Accepted

Saying goodbye

Zion POV

I nervously tapped my finger against my thigh as I looked around. The garden was covered with daisies and black lilies. The black lillies scattered across the vibrant garden were the only reminder that we were here for a funeral and not a wedding.

There were hundreds of white chairs packed tightly but it still wasn't enough. Some students were sitting, others standing, others on the grass. More students came than we'd expected. We thought they hated Edward. It was pleasant to see they put aside their differences to pay their respects to their former Headmaster. I couldn't help but wonder how this would make Saron feel. She's been avoiding us for days and this was quite a crowd.

"Do you think she'll come?"

I turned to look down at Star, gazing up at me nervously. I forced a smile, nodding even though I wasn't even sure she would.

"She'll be here," Tom said confidently, staring straight ahead towards the large, empty podium. I scoffed, unable to hide my jealousy that he was so sure she'd come. I hated to admit it but he understood Saron better than any of us, myself included.

Suddenly the chatter died down as everyone got silent. I looked to Joel and Jeremy, seeing my own look of confusion mirrored on their faces. I followed everyone's gazes, as everyone turned to face the back of the garden.

There she was, weaving quickly through the crowds of students staring blankly ahead, not making eye contact with anyone. Her hair was pulled back tightly and she was wearing a simple black dress which fit her slim figure perfectly. Her puffy brown eyes peeked through the dark clouds beneath them, full of sorrow and exhaustion. I could tell she hadn't slept since we got back. I clenched my teeth, tearing my eyes away as I could feel her overwhelming emotions start to reach me. I'd never seen her like this before. She looked completely defeated. And the worst part was, there was nothing I could do to console her.

"Saron!" Esat yelled, grabbing Saron as soon as she got near and pulling her into a tight embrace. Saron stood there motionless for a few seconds before returning the hug and wrapping her arms around her. She rubbed Esat's back as she sobbed into her dress, leaving a wet circle on her black dress from her tears. I choked back tears, watching her console her sister despite her own pain.

After what seemed like years, Esat finally let go. But she never left her side. I had almost forgotten the crowds of students silently watching. I noticed a few sympathetic glances but others were still stone cold. The school was still divided despite the impending doom of the Yuri getting closer and closer to us. It was starting to put everyone on edge, knowing war was at our doorstep.

"Everyone, settle down where you are. We're about to begin," Oreres spoke from the podium, her voice filling the garden, radiating all around us.

"Come on, our seats are in the front," Star said, grabbing Saron's hand and pulling her along. We trailed the girls silently as everyone found a place to sit. Star and Esat sat on either side of Saron and the rest of us sat near them.

"I want to begin by saying thank you to everyone who showed up. I know everyone has their own opinions on Edward but it warms my heart to see you could look past that to pay your respects."

I noticed a few nods and a couple disapproving murmurs but for the most part the students remained silent, listening to Oreres speak.

"Most if you know Edward as our former headmaster and the infamous tribrid. But Edward was much more that that. I'll begin by giving a brief summary on Edward, who he was, and how he lived his life then you can decide for yourselves what kind of person he was.

I first met Edward when he was but a boy, barely 7. His mother was an angel, thick beautiful brown hair that flowed down to her waist and dark, black eyes. Her mahogany skin shone like fine jewels and she had no shortage of men chasing her. They were running from her devil spawn husband and came to me for refuge. I hadn't seen a tribrid in awhile until I came across them. I took them in and protected them for five years until Edward's father was killed and they were finally free. Despite being a child, Edward had always been wise beyond his years. He asked me to teach him how to fight the day they took refuge with me and he had bested me by the time he had left. He was a quick learner, always eager to learn more. He did this all to protect his mother. His mother died of illness years later and he was left alone. I never saw him again until I returned to the Academy with his daughter, Saron. I worked alongside him and became close to him quickly. I had always seen him as a son, but he soon became a friend.