It was a perfect
August day; the breeze whispering in the trees, the sun shining
gently as it began to rise on the eastern horizon. Leonidas Van Rook
strode somberly up the grassy cliff, which overlooked a sprawling
field of wildflowers. The man held a small metal box in his hand,
with the initials DB on the outside. A large maple tree was
perched on the very edge of the cliff, its branches spread out as if
to embrace the entire field. The mercenary climbed into a low branch,
still holding the box close to his muscular body. He sat for a while,
reflecting on all the good times he had with his beautiful wife. The
colorful wildflowers contrasted his mood, and almost seem to mock his
sorrow. The man slipped his metal mask off, revealing his black hair
and light blue eyes. Drew, Ill always love you Van Rook said
shakily, his Russian accent cracking with the tears that welled up
inside him. His tears fell freely, hitting the box with a small
clinking sound. He climbed out of the tree with a sigh and stood on
the edge of the cliff, staring at the field of flowers far below him.
Gently, the mercenary opened the little box, revealing the ashes of
Drew Blackwell. Van Rook scooped up a small handful and cast them as
the wind swept by, lifting the ashes up to the cloudless sky. A few
more tears spilled from his eyes as he finished scattering the grey
ashes, which soared across the field, headed towards the mountains in
the distance. Youre free, Drew. Run forever, untethered Your
soul is free he whispered, gazing at the last few ashes sailing on
the breeze. His long hair was askew, due to the strong wind that
pushed against him. The ashes suddenly floated toward him, bunching
together, forming an airy, grey ribbon. It wrapped around his body,
and Van Rook knew that it was Drews spirit that surrounded him; he
knew it was her. It remained for a moment, then drifted back out over
the wildflowers, and the ashes dissipated. Van Rook let a final,
crystal tear roll onto the ground, and replaced his mercenary mask,
which hid his grief from the rest of the world. As he cast a glance
at the flowers, he knew that he would never smile again.
