Ghost of the Grave 02

~* Chapter 2 *~
Several hours passed and finally, Elle got up and went up to the casket. He stared down at Vlalan’s smooth skin of his face for the longest time. Eyes closed, hair neat and tidy, dressed in a tuxedo and a huge bouquet of white roses on his chest to accompany him to the world of the dead.

The priest walked up to Elle, resting his old slim hand on his shoulder. “It wasn’t your fault. Sometimes these things just happen..” When he didn’t get a response he sighed heavily and said, “Don’t wear yourself out now. Get to sleep.” And then he walked away.

Elle sighed heavily after a bit. “Something happened… You just don’t die at home… We live at Alai Grave-- a peaceful place- safe from the public eye of finding out who I am.”

Crystalline tears made their carved path out of Elle’s eyes and down his cheeks. “What am I supposed to do without you..? You said you wouldn’t leave…”

“Don’t become Frankenstein now,” called Ikawi as he walked up to Elle. “I thought you might stick around a bit longer, but Elle, it’s been almost six hours. Leave him and let’s go.”

“I know he was murdered, Ikawi!” Elle shouted, turning around to face his blond friend. “I’m sure of it!”

“Where’s your proof or your trail of crumbs?” Ikawi asked, resting a hand on his hip and his gaze analytical.

“I uh.. I… I don’t know..” Elle looked down.

Ikawi nodded, “You see? He just died of something. Heart attack, stroke…”

“He didn’t have any of those problems!”

“You sure he just didn’t tell you?”

“Yes!” Elle answered firmly.

Ikawi sighed heavily, “Elle… Let it go. He’s dead. And he’s not coming back.”

“I’ll find out what happened to him even if it takes me to my death!” Elle shouted at Ikawi before storming out passed him.

Ikawi looked after Elle and then back to Vlalan. “Hey man, see how much trouble you cause that kid? You’re dead and he’s still clinging to your memory.” He chuckled a bit, “He’ll let go soon enough, I’m sure.” A sly smile crept to his face. He was happy Vlalan was dead, his own love for Elle still strong enough that he didn’t care for Megumi any more.

The next morning Elle sat at his wooden kitchen table in his small empty cottage. It was his nineteenth birthday, the first of March. Vlalan had promised to take Elle to the Goddess Rose Cavern today.

Sitting there for a while and finally an idea hit Elle. “…Carved into the mirror…”