Fallen Sacrifice ( OPEN TO ALL )

[Kevala Badoer]

Jaus' Funeral

Time: 10:30 a.m

Two days.

It had been two days since the fiasco at 259. Two days since everything she had thought once stood for something had been turned into nothing. Everything she believed cast into doubt and question.

It had been hopeless, or so it had felt. The numbers far outweighing their own, and the strength something which could not be matched, even with the forces that Gabriel commanded. Yet, in the end, it had been the one person she least liked, the one person she had constantly found herself butting heads with that had save them all, that had saved her.

Not often did things occur which tossed Kevala Katashi's mind into a whirl wind of confusion. Not like this. But his death, no, his sacrifice, had.

It was not that she didn't understand it. Not at all. She would have laid down her life in a heartbeat if it meant saving Gabriel. But, now, faced with this, she realized how selfish her own actions were. She would do anything to protect that man, sacrifice anything...But to save the others?

Could she have?

More importantly....

Would she have?

The answer, no. No she would not have. Not unless Gabriel himself came into a direct line of threat. In her mind, the rest were just pawns used to serve a greater good, their job was to die. And up until the moment of his death that was what she had thought of Jaus.

But now? Now it was different. At least, different in how she saw him. Would she suddenly be changing her own ways and viewing everyone as a life worth saving? No. She would still sacrifice her life Gabriel and Gabriel alone. She was just far too gone to be pulled back onto the “right” path.

So, in the midst of her confusion and of her sudden understanding as to what this all meant, she had volunteered to arrange the funeral. Shocking to most she assumed, seeing as she came across as such a closed off, cold hearted bitch most of the time. And due to the fact that her and Jaus had never really seen eye to eye on things, or at least, that was the impression they had given off.

But in the moment realization hit her as to what he had done. For them. For her. For Gabriel. All personal issues she held with the man were cast out the window. He was no longer that annoying little brat that had issues with being weak and used her as a method of venting, or so it had always felt like to her. No longer were their petty difference of any value.

He had surpassed anything she could ever hope to accomplish in her life and become a person she had, at one time, thought she might be.

So, here she stood. A plain, elegant black gown that hugged to her upper torso and then flowed softly down past her feet, pooling upon the earth below. Her hair done up partially, long, soft ringlets falling around her face as icy hues cast a glance over the surroundings.

She had gone with a graveside service or sorts. Outdoors, not feeling that an indoor funeral would be fitting to Jaus, for whatever reason she had yet to actually determine for herself.

The air was crisp and cool, stinging lightly at her flesh, though she showed no signs of discomfort or unease. Her gaze calm and collected, determination and a hint of something else lingering within, though there was no sadness. Not even a hint.

In the center of the are set up, was a white coffin....standing out amongst the chairs and the floral arrangements...Black roses, because lets face it, no matter how hard the girl tried, she just could not do normal. Though in all fairness, they were done up nicely, red satin ribbons holding them into place against white markers. Perched in just the right spots upon the grass.

Overhead, a series of branches stretched forth from the trees surrounding the area. A few, stubborn, determined leaves holding onto their place for dear life despite the fact that they had all turned colors of autumn long ago.

Everything seemed, elegant and yet held that air of loss and regret that was all too common with funerals. Not a single thing out of place. Of course, she was just a tad bit OCD, though that had nothing to do with it. She had taken such care out of respect, though she doubted many would know that.

Even the sky itself seemed to be working in her favor this day. Overcast and looking as though it might rain, a very soft breeze rustling the leaves overhead.....It only proved to add to the feeling that fell over this place now.

Surrounding Kevala, stood the 20 men of whom she commanded. All of which had been with her that day and all of which were now dressed in black suits, with dark crimson ties. Dark enough that they held the appearance of being stained with blood which had dried long ago. Morbid? Of course.

This is Kev after all.

Not a single one moving from their spot. Not if they valued their meager lives. Carmine himself even stood amongst them, instead of at her side.

Softly her hands would move to clasp in front of her. Her usual cuffs forgone now as she chose to instead wear a pair of long black gloves which extended up her arms to her elbows. Hiding her scars and yet not distracting from her appearance. A small red drawstring bag clasped in her hands, though even the men behind her knew not what was within.

For now she was silent. Letting those who would come, arrive and find their spots. Not sure who, if anyone would have something to say. Though all were welcome.

She would wait her turn if she must. Or speak first. However it played out.

OOC: Open to all, though keep in mind I am giving this thing a two day post up max. Meaning if within two days you have not posted. I will post again. Not dragging this thing out for a month or two. Haha Sorry Ry-Ry...

[Kazuya Hikari]

Standing not even a good five feet away from Kevala, was Kazuya, dressed in a plain black long-sleeved shirt, dress pants and shoes, his gauntlets worn as usual. On top he wore his black bulletproof overcoat, the edges fluttering gently as a soft breeze blew, his arms casually folded across his chest.

Surrounding him in a square formation, with Kazuya directly in the middle, stood the 23 men he commanded, normally they were suited up in their battle armor, but today, every one of them were identically dressed in crisp black suits with black ties. Beside Kazuya stood Trey, dressed much like a butler, except he wore just a black vest on top of his dress shirt, a somber expression on his normal cheerful face.

On Kazuya's back was his katana, not only as a precaution, but also as a sign of respect for the fallen warrior who died honorably, Jaus Valentine.

[Orion]

OOC: Really? Your all a bunch of wimps.

IC: "I suppose that I will go first."

Orion threw back his hood, his cloak-and-hood being black for this occasion, and walked up to the grave, standing behind it. He figured that he owed the man who had so willingly sacrificed himself to save the rest of them... Almost something he would have done back when he... but no. This was not the time for those thoughts.

"Jaus Valentine. I'm not going to say much, as I barely knew the man. He was a leader, though, and powerful. He led people skillfully, and was quite charismatic, sending himself to do things that he would not have others do. He was the first person I met here that I can remember clearly, and he gave me food and shelter, however temporarily. I aided him in return for this, and he sacrificed himself to save myself and a few others who had fought alongside him. I owe him a debt, as the man he had fought was monstrous, and would have killed us all had he not intervened.

So, Jaus Valentine, thank you. I owe you a debt that can now never be redeemed."

That all said, Orion would step off to the side, not going back into the audience, but still making room for the next to speak.

OOC: You know, the one who was told not to make the funeral? Yeah, he's the first to speak. I find that funny.

RIP Jaus Valentine.

[Rina Vade]

OOC: Wow, and I thought Kyoshi would die first o.o


IC:

Rina Vade

Who would have guessed?

Rina hadn't known him long. He was just someone who she met while re-visiting school #259, and someone who had offered her a safe place. She hadn't even stayed. While they'd all gone off to take back the area surrounding the school, she'd returned to the Olympian Apartments and tried to find one of Barker's normal bases. She knew that Barker's forces would outnumber them. She had run away.

No more.

Jaus had sacrificed himself for all of them. He'd fought and fallen. And what was she doing while all this was going on? That's right. Hiding. Staying in a safe zone. She hated herself for it.

Looking up, Rina saw Orion step forward to speak for Jaus. He was brave. At least he'd done something. His first few words she didn't hear, but she focused and listened to what he had to say.

... .. ... the first person I met here that I can remember clearly, and he gave me food and shelter, however temporarily. I aided him in return for this, and he sacrificed himself to save myself and a few others who had fought alongside him. I owe him a debt, as the man he had fought was monstrous... .. ...

The rest of Orion's words faded away when Rina felt an odd sensation fall over the assembled people. All of Kazuya's men and everyone present. She didn't know what the feeling was until a sort of light hovered near Orion. A smile fought it's way to her lips. Jaus was watching him, even now. She wished she could speak to him one last time, but knew that was not possible.

When Orion stepped back, no one moved for a moment, and Rina took the chance. She walked forward, keeping her eyes on the ground. "Like Orion, I didn't know Jaus well...but he offered food and shelter when no one else would." she felt her voice faltering and cleared her throat.

"When I should have been there, I wasn't and I wish I could apologize directly to him." she said softly, but still loud enough to be heard. Her last words she let drop to a whisper. "Goodbye, Jaus Valentine." and she stepped back again, closer to where Orion stood and more away from everyone else. She felt like crying, but did not. She was afraid to. Crying was a weakness, at least that was what Ryu had taught her. She glanced up, her eyes pained. "Sorry I wasn't there..." she whispered.

I'm not so strong after all...

[Jack]

Walking with an air of command and dignity that was not usually associated with the large male. He wore a tailored black suit, with a plain black silk tie. Wearing his overcoat and scarf he was well dressed for the occasion and the cold environment he was in.

His walk was slow and labored having fought his own personal battles ever since this war had begun was beginning to take it's toll on his body.

Jack was thankful, finding a part had been a hassle as he was worried he would be late. Luckily he arrived with five minutes to go, not wanting to be late for Kevala. After all this had meant a great deal to her that this go as smoothly as possible, she wanted him there.

He took his position at the front by the right side of Kevala a few centimeters behind her this was her entourage and her moment. Jack leaned down whispering in her ear. "I'm very sorry baby." '

In all honesty he as many warriors did accepted death as a inevitability the aim in life was to just plunder and horde as much as possible. So that when the day came that you would fall of old age or on the battle field your legacy would live on. The death of a great warrior like Jaus brought back memories of all the men and women he had killed over the years none of their lives would be remembered.

[Gabriel Seran]

The Dark scene would bear a strong relevance to Gabriel's mood that day, still bitter with the loss of one of his oldest friends he found no comfort in being here today but knew that something could be earned in the weight of his words, in the depth of his appearance here. Entirely black was his suit, the small drawstring of his tie a shade of dark lavender soaked to the point it could be blood red a symbollic gesture he felt to the blood spent and the power achieved through sacrifice. He'd sit by in the limo staring out onto the scene at the great work that'd done to sanctify this scene. No grin however as this was a day to be regretted, no matter how one was to wrap it up there was nothing good about this instance.

Gabriel would sit back and watch as a small number began to make their first words, the people he expected to step up first were neglected awaiting their last motions. First Orion, a man to which Gabriel had only briefly known though his actions spoke leagues of his persona. His words speaking of a debt that could never be repaid. Sacrifice it was easy to onlookers who made flimsy promises of repaying debts that couldn't be collected on but that was the price some people could never understand.

The next to rise was Rina, a girl he didn't meet so much as was suggested as a passerby. Jaus saw great things in this girl's future, hope perhaps? Maybe the heart of one had the strength to alter the course of this war neigh even the wars to follow. Gabriel would nod silently in the car hearing what brief words she had to say. An apology, she bore responsibility for his death, the strength in her words suggested that she had so very much to offer. It woudl be noted and held in high regard.

With that Gabriel noted a strong pause, no passers headed up to the front to make words. Such a sad day when a man awaited his parting words. With a click of the door as though Phillipe had been reading his mind the car door would part Gabriel stepping through with a slight tug at his cheeks of acknowledgement. His hands buckling up to his tie and fixing the knot round his neck to set forward. His right hand gloved showing his own sacrifice made just over two years ago. His long strides carrying him forward with only two of his followers treaking close by. He signified strength in unity and these were his closest warriors. Phillipe and Villetta each held Jaus in high regard and as such posed the greatest sanctity to the communion.

Gabriel's feet would carry him to the front passing Kazuya with a slight nod, thankful the man could put aside their past grievances and help with the mourning process. The same done for Jack as he'd imply the need for them to begin training very soon. However he'd stop short of Kevala turning to her and inclining her jaw up with the extention of his right hand to her chin. His face closing in very close to her ear.

"Thank you."

A light kiss on the cheek before turning back upright and carrying up to the front. His hand resting on the coffin with his gaze turned down, a small tear forming in his eye before being batted away, a battle for control over the self. If that made him weak then so he was, infallibly flawed.

"Why are we here today? To honor a man?"

Gabriel would turn to look out on the people not expecting a reply, not even hoping for one. He knew where there thoughts lie and he knew were their hearts were buried.

"Or to honor his sacrifice?

Another drawn out pause as Gabriel thumbed the audience, a slow breath inhaled through his lungs feeling the cold sting and his heart ache with words to follow. Jaus I am truly sorry for taking advantage of this...

"Jaus was a man who had few to fall back on, but even fewer to relate to. He was a man who asked nothing of others but gave everything of himself. A man one could aspire to become, sacrifice to a cause, a single heartbeat. What he lived for was the hope that we are all living for each other, that one life is as good as the next."

His head would drop momentarily, his hand to his brow pushing himself back up as his words came heated with the strength he thought could inspire those around him.

"You all come here today asking for what you could do? What you could have done and I ask what will you do? Stand in the shadows and await the time when others must throw down their lives in vain? Or are your strong enough to sacrifice yourself like Jaus did, for everyone else?"

His stare turned into an accusation, not even so much as that but moreso a directive towards all those listening to stand up, become angry, fervered into some frenzy of sorts that today might not go entirely dark but that they may ascend to the highest point and capture the light.

"There is a loyalty within each of use, to each other. And if Jaus was right, if his dying breath was not in vayne we will stand atop each others shoulders to succeed, each lend a hand of strength. And each be willing to throw ourselves into the flame to save one another. Because tomorrow is another day. I think that is what Jaus would want us to remember; that so long as their is breath in our lungs and fire in our hearts we will fight, together."

Gabriel would nod, his descent from the front would be somber an entirely different man than he was moments ago. His flanking gaurds following even more down than before. But their steps were faster as though riding some purpose. Gabriel had a plan in mind, and they knew he always followed through. The death of Jaus would not be in vayne. With that Gabriel would leave the funeral, tucked away behind the black veil of the limo.

[Kevala Badoer]

She stood there silently, eyes glancing around at those who chose to appear, a soft, respectful bow of her head given to Kazuya and his group, though she did not smile. There was no room for that here and even she knew that. Instead she would simply show her respect for him showing up, unsure how well he really knew Jaus, only that she was glad he had come.

As the silence drug on, she had debated upon speaking. Then, another male, one she had only seen once spoke up. Something about his attitude and the way the words rolled off his tongue had her small hand sliding behind her back and softly grasping Jack's. It was a measure to keep herself calm, feeling the red start to spark to life in her eyes.

Not here. Not now.

I do not like this one.

It is not the time to cast judgment. He possibly knew a side of Jaus that we did not. It is not in us to say anything, at least not in this moment.

The comfort she felt from her hand being wrapped within Jack's brought her temper down, allowing her to hold her composure and to not do or say anything she should not have.

A glance given to the limo. She knew well who it was, she could feel him there, even if that didn't really make sense to anyone else. She knew the man so well, had spent so much time with him, for his presence to slip past her was almost unheard of, even when he thought she did not know.

Then, just as the thought crossed her mind, he emerged. Icy hues casting a glance his way before she again lowered them to the ground before her. Not expecting him to acknowledge her, as was usually the case, though knowing if he was daring to step forth then he had something he wished to say.

So, when he stopped in front of her, that hand coming to tilt her head upward, she felt her breath catch ever so slightly in her throat. Those stunning blue eyes meeting his as she tilted her head ever so slightly to allow for the kiss to her cheek. His whispered words acknowledged with a respectful bow of her head and a soft, whispered response before he could fully pull away.

”Never do you have to thank me Gabriel....”

A small, brush of her hand, comforting in nature, given to his as he moved to step away, never once did her other hand leave Jack's though. Finding support and comfort in his touch in this moment of pure uncertainty in her life.

Intently she listened to everything which Gabriel had to say. Catching onto what he was saying easily enough and her mind instantly working it out despite the situation at hand. She could not help herself. She was programed that way, something that was likely to never change.

When he was done, she would watch him leave. Still silent as before, if only for a moment. Noting that nobody else had anything to say, at least not yet. The other woman there given a small nod of appreciation for her words before Kevala would slowly pull her hand from Jack's and step forward two paces.

”To say that I understand his sacrifice would be a lie. I myself have never felt such a need to do for others what Jaus did that day.”

Her tone was soft and thoughtful, as though every word were planned out perfectly, even though she was completely speaking as the words came to her.

”I admit I have been selfish in my loyalty, vowing it unto one man and forsaking those around me. This death, this.....sacrifice....brings to light questions within my mind. Ones I am not sure I can answer properly now, if ever.

But as a woman who never asks for anything, I ask that those here take into account their own lives. That they put aside their petty differences and consider what it is that Jaus sacrificed his life for. It was not simply for those of us that fought beside him that day, it was for all of those who live within the reach of Barker and his forces.

He died, trying to make this world a better place. He died in order to give to us a chance at a freedom without the worry of being killed simply because we will not conform to some dictator who wishes to rule us all with fear.

So, as Gabriel said. Will you let this death be in vain or will you let it stand for something? I ask only because I know that inside, it is too late for me. My ways have been set and to change them could take longer than is allowed by this new threat. But those of you here, you have a choice. To stand and fight against the wrongs committed instead of making empty promises to a man who can no longer fight your battles for you.

I ask simply that you honor his death by continuing to fight for the chance to live.”

She would then step forward, her hands working to pull forth the bag she had been holding, and opening it. Pulling from within it, her personal knife set. They had been with her for years, her first weapons for combat ever created, the two blades she held closest to her heart.

A few more graceful steps forward before she would lay them within the open coffin forming a cross upon his chest.

Nobody would understand what she was doing, except perhaps those who knew her best. But for Kevala Katashi, this was about as high a show of respect one could hope to garner from her.

Stepping back, she bowed her head...a silent few words spoken so that they were kept between herself and that which was no longer living. Her hands clasping together in front of her.

Only when she was done would she return to where her group stood, a glance given to Jack before she turned back to face the others there. Waiting to see if any would speak or if this would be the final end.