Xiran had adorned a navy blue three-piece suit. It was going to be a blue day and according to vampiric traditions, the funerals generally had a blue theme. The colour represented departure and death for them, it was the colour of sadness and lamentation.

He stood in the cemetery inspecting the preparations for the funeral. A royal blue steel and wooden casket with velvet lining inside it lay in front of him. It was placed on a catafalque, and Carios eternally rested inside it.

The grave was being dug, the chairs with blue velvet covers were being placed, and flowers were being arranged. This should have been his wedding arrangements and yet it was his funeral. Xiran had promised him that they will have a lavish wedding and yet here he was having an extravagant funeral.

Xiran’s mental state was in shambles and yet he stood there like a statue observing everything, ensuring nothing went amiss. His face was devoid of any emotions, he had stored them up for he needed to be strong to get through this. Not only that, he had to be there for Frila as well.

Guests began arriving, clad in all blue. Some carried blue flowers, others brought wreaths and blue ribbons of silk and velvet. They began to settle down. Amonidus, Rivan, Rumail, Warise, Mazitine, Yurian and Agent 93 were among the guests to pay their respects.

Rumail brought Frila with him, her eyes were red and swollen. She had adorned a simple cobalt blue satin dress and a long coat, holding a single blue rose in her hand with a long silk ribbon attached to its stem.

Xiran slightly nodded at Rumail and took Frila from him. He made her stand with him, his arm protectively wrapped around her back. She leaned on his shoulder and silently cried, the tears flowing non-stop from her eyes.

Xiran patted her shoulder frequently, supporting and assuring her at the same time that he was there. He then directed Mazitine to start the funeral service. Who took the podium and gave a little speech: 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

"Esteemed guests, as you all know that last few days have been hellaciously gruesome for all of us. The barbarous attack on our peaceful city which claimed hundreds of innocent lives is condemnable, to say the least. It was this attack that took the life of our very own Carios Garhsia.

Carios was loyal and just, he was a true companion and not only that, he was fearless. He dauntlessly stood against the enemy and didn’t cower in the face of enormity. To honour his services to our city, I hereby declare him a fallen hero and he will be buried wrapped in our city’s flag. But before that, everyone should offer their respects."

Guests began to approach the open casket and lay the flowers they had brought inside with him, the ribbons were tied along it. This was done to send a part of themselves with him forever. Yurian tied a blue ribbon to the casket as well. After everyone had paid their respects, Xiran guided Frila forward.

She stood beside his casket and placed the rose on his chest with trembling hands, she lowered her head and kissed his forehead one last time. Her tears fell on his face and became his as she clutched the sides of the casket and sobbed her heart out. Xiran held her shoulders all along, not letting her fall. His hands were shaking, and although he was putting up a bold front, inside he was a broken man.

Rivan came forward and took Frila from his hands and guided her back to the chairs, Rumail brought some water for her so she could calm down.

Xiran stood there for a few seconds looking at the boy who would never wake up now. He then bit his thumb until the skin broke and blood sputtered out. Moving his hand he traced the underlying area of his eyes with his thumb. Leaving his blood with him, for that blood had been the one which had saved him all those years ago and that blood he must leave with him.

Tears singed the back of his eyes and his hands shook involuntarily. He sniffed and stepped back, picking up the lid he closed the casket forever.

Four vampires brought forth the white and green city flag which symbolised peace and wrapped his coffin in it. Everyone watched the proceedings with solemn expressions and heavy hearts. Frila’s sobs perfused the densely cold atmosphere, as the Sun didn’t shine down on Fritez City today.

The casket was then lowered into the grave and all the wreaths were placed on top of it. The shovelling of the soil followed and Xiran took one of the shovels and buried his loyal right-hand man. No vampiric speed was used, everything was done meticulously and slowly.

The white tombstone was placed with the following epitaph on it written in gold:

"I may be gone but my memories will linger,

For those whom I loved, they will always flicker.

Carios Garshia; a loving friend and companion."

A blue wreath was handed to Xiran by Rumail, which he placed on the freshly made grave, indicating that he now rested eternally underneath the soil.

Guests shook hands with Xiran and offered their condolences to Frila who now stood beside him before leaving. Yurian approached them.

"Hi! I am Yurian, Aselia’s partner. She always spoke very highly of you and Carios. I am very sorry for your loss," Yurian spoke in commiseration while Frila mumbled a thank you. She was too emotional to speak. Yurian bowed his head. He then went on to hug Xiran and patted him. Knowing how much he was hurting, his face was stone cold but his body shook.

"I am really sorry," Yurian whispered, "but please talk to Aselia, she is worried about you."

Xiran only nodded while Yurian moved along with Agent 93.

They had decided to stay in the office Xiran had allotted them, which they were turning into a hunter base. Agent 93 was to permanently stay here.

Rumail finally approached Xiran, once all the guests had left and said in his ear:

"We need to talk, it’s urgent."