Eternal Angel: Chapter 15

It was a dull and dreary day. After a month and a half of planning and preparation the day of the funeral had finally arrived, the first day of spring. Rain had fallen the night before and had left everything moist as fog covered the landscape. This only added to the already depressing atmosphere for which the day seemed predestined. Despite this, Tails realized that this had to be done as he stood in front of his bedroom mirror adjusting the tie on his tuxedo. Although not wanting to be rude, Tails had asked Merrick not to attend, as he only wanted the people that knew Cosmo to be there. Merrick understandingly agreed out of respect for his cousin and his lost love. As Tails finished adjusting his tie he walked over to the bed and sat on the edge. He bowed his head solemnly as he began to reflect on the past two months.

He first recalled his grief for having lost the love of his life. Cosmo's death had torn holes in his heart that would never fully heal. Cosmo had become just as important to him as the air he breathed, and having her taken was like having his heart ripped from his chest. He felt like dying, and almost had. Despite not thinking it possible, time had dulled the pain of his loss and his wounds had finally begun to heal into scars.

He then recalled the punishment he had inflicted on himself in order to atone for killing Cosmo. With every cut he had placed on his wrists a bit of the pain he had felt was brought out. The more cuts he inflicted, the more he had believed he was making up for what he had done. Only after the damage was done did he realize he was only intensifying the pain he felt. Now the scars had faded, along with the wounds in his heart.

Next he recalled his desperate attempt to join Cosmo. His desire to see her face again had overpowered his better judgment and had almost kept him from the other people who loved him. That one moment where he spoke with her again seemed like heaven to him. Perhaps it was, but Cosmo had asked him to live, and live he did. For that is what she had asked of him.

Lastly he remembered her death, that fateful series of events that had taken her from him. He still hated those hands, the hands that had pulled the trigger, the hands that ended her life. He would always hate himself for what he had done, but that was what this was about he realized. He had to forgive himself, and as hard as that would be he would do it for his love. For that was what she would have wished of him.

Tails sighed as he came to this realization. He still had a long way to go before he would be truly happy again, but he was taking steps in the right direction. Was he ready to let her go? No. Would he do it anyway? Yes, because she would have wanted it. He would have done anything to make Cosmo happy, and if him being happy made her happy then he would give it all his might to do so. Even though he may not feel like it he would still try.

Tails' thoughts were broken as Sonic entered the room wearing a tuxedo of his own. He had a grim look on his face as he walked over to the bed where Tails sat and placed an arm around his shoulder. Tails slowly leaned into Sonic's shoulder, gaining some comfort from his brother who had remained with him throughout all of this. After a few moments of silence Sonic let go of Tails and turned to face him.

"It's time Tails," Sonic said in almost a whisper, "Everyone's waiting on the hill. You ready to do this?"

Tails sat staring blankly for a moment before looking at Sonic with sad eyes. His voice came out weak and shaky. "Yeah... I'm ready."

"Your going to be fine Tails," Sonic comforted, "and whatever happens, I'll be there to help."

Tails sniffled slightly as he wiped at his eyes. "I know," he said softly, "I waited too long to do this. I'm sorry about everything that has happened Sonic."

"Hey, it's okay buddy," Sonic said calmly, "I know she loved... loves you. She would want this. You're doing the right thing."

"Yeah... I love her too. That's why I'm doing this. Don't... don't expect too much from me today though, okay?"

"Sure buddy, no problem," Sonic said gently. After a few more minutes of silent condolence Sonic stood up and faced Tails. "Ready?" He asked softly.

Tails gave a sad nod as he slowly stood up from his bed with his Tails dragging limply behind him. "Ready," he said.

The two brothers quietly made there way out of Tails' house and began walking down the sidewalk. Before they made it ten feet however, Tails suddenly stopped and quickly faced Sonic.

"Wait, there's something I want to do first," he said quickly.

Sonic nodded his head at his little brother. "Sure buddy. I'll wait here for you."

Tails nodded as he dashed off toward his house, quickly running around it and heading to his workshop. He entered his workshop and made his way over to the vivarium door, entering the code to release the lock. As he opened the door and entered the vivarium he couldn't help but look around in wonderment. With the assistance of Vanilla, Tails had planted many kinds of flowers and shrubs in the indoor garden that was now teeming with many varieties of beautiful plant life. None were more beautiful than the flower in the center, however.

Tails slowly approached the center of the room where the massive bud of Cosmo's flower sat. In a little more than a month, the already enormous flower had gone from the size of a basketball to a little smaller than the Master Emerald. Tails couldn't believe how large it had gotten, but knew almost nothing of Seedrian flora and had no basis for comparison. It also seemed that the larger it got the more beautiful it became as well. Its rose like petals gave off an entrancing shimmer that no Mobian flower had and also gave off an intoxicating scent similar to Cosmo's rosebuds. He reached the enormous flower, looking sad as he reached out and stroked one of its petals.

As he caressed its petals, Tails closed his eyes and began to mutter under his breath. He bowed his head and began to speak to the plant as he had done so many times before. His voice was soft and full of heartbreak.

"Hi Cosmo," he said softly, "How are you? I know that you can here me, so I wanted to tell you something. There are a few things I need to say to you... before I go to your... fu-funeral."

Tails breathed in deeply as he tried to keep his welling emotions from bursting fourth. He recalled his last encounter with Cosmo when he was near death and her promise to always be with him. He didn't know if what he had experienced was a dream or reality, but knew in his heart that it was true regardless. This gave him a small measure of comfort as he began to relay his final farewell to the girl he loved.

"The day we met," Tails began, "I was just stargazing with my friends. I never imagined that someone so wonderful would just fall out of the sky in front of us. I couldn't help but think how beautiful you were when I pulled you out of that pod. As I got to know you in space I began to see how special you were. I began to feel something for you... something else. I couldn't figure it out at first. I was afraid if I talked to you about it you wouldn't want to be around me anymore. Now I wish I had. I love you Cosmo. You made me feel things that I have never felt before. Thank you for everything you gave me Cosmo. I'll never forget that."

Tails drew in another deep breath and wiped at his eyes, which were growing wet with tears. After a few moments of labored breathing he continued.

"I have one last favor to ask you Cosmo," Tails said as his voice grew weak. With shaky hands he stroked one of the petals again, seeking comfort from contact with the flower. Finally after a long moment of silence, he spoke his final request. "Please... help me get through this."

With that Tails leaned forward and placed a light kiss on the surface of the giant bud. He then turned about and began to walk out of the vivarium. As he reached the door he turned his head and stared wistfully at the beautiful flower. After a long stare he quickly left the vivarium, trying to hold in the tears welling in his eyes.

He made his way back to the walkway where Sonic stood waiting for him. Upon seeing the signs of tears on Tails' face, Sonic grew concerned. He quickly walked over to his friend and placed his hands on Tails' shoulders, looking at him worriedly.

"You okay buddy?" Sonic asked caringly, "What happened?"

"Nothing. Let's just go, okay?"

"We can put this off if you need more time," Sonic said.

"No, I have to do this," Tails said softly, "I have to let her go so she can be at peace. I have to do this for her."

"I'm proud of you for making such a hard choice," Sonic said quietly, "Everything's going to be fine."

"Yeah... I know," Tails acknowledged, "Let's go okay?"

"Whatever you say buddy," Sonic replied sadly. They then began walking in the direction of Green Hill Zone where Cosmo's service was to take place.

After walking for almost an hour Tails and Sonic reached a small hill, which was completely covered in bright green grass and beautiful flowers of all sorts. From the top one could see the ocean of Neo Green Hill Zone in the distance, glittering like polished glass even in the foggy air. Tails had specifically selected this area for the funeral to take place due to its magnificent display of nature. He had thought it would be fitting to lay Cosmo to rest in such a beautiful place. After reaching the top the two spotted the rest of the group, all gathered around a beautifully polished tombstone. Amy, Knuckles, Vanilla, Cream and Cheese, Shadow, the Chaotix, and even Rouge were all in attendance. Each was garbed in their best attire and had solemn looks on their face. Cream was the first to spot Tails and Sonic and ran to greet them. She stopped in front of Tails and looked at him sadly.

"Hi Tails," she said in a soft voice, "It's good to see you."

"Good to see you too Cream," Tails replied, giving her a weak smile.

"I'm... sorry," Cream said, not knowing what else to say in this situation. She then embraced Tails in a tight hug, wrapping her arms around him comfortingly. "We... We'll all miss her."

"Chao," Cheese said in a quiet voice.

"Thanks Cream," Tails said returning his friend's embrace, "and thanks for being there for me too."

"You're welcome," Cream replied sadly, "I'll always be here for you. We all will. We're your friends."

Tails responded by hugging Cream tighter. "I know," he whispered quietly. He released Cream and approached the rest of the group with Sonic, looking down at the tombstone sadly. It was beautifully carved, made of white limestone and polished so that it seemed to shimmer in the light. On it was Cosmo's name carved in elegant calligraphy along with the words "A beloved friend" blow it. Tails looked up at Vanilla, who met his gaze with sad eyes. He nodded his head, signaling that he was ready to proceed.

The group had elected that each would say something about Cosmo, save for Vanilla and Rouge who did not know her well enough, and Shadow who had never agreed in the first place. Sonic was the first to begin, stepping forward and bowing his head solemnly.

"I remember when I first met Cosmo," Sonic began, "It was kind of weird having some alien girl suddenly show up and ask me for help. I didn't know who she was and couldn't help but notice how different she was from everyone else. After getting to know her a little bit though, I was surprised how nice she was. Even to people she just met. I was also amazed at how much she helped with fighting the Metarex. Yeah, she wasn't much of a fighter, but she was amazing at navigating space and translating languages. I don't think we would have made it without her. When the final fight came, I thought we were done for. I don't know how Cosmo did it, but she weakened Dark Oak enough to beat him. She saved us all. Everyone thinks that me and Shadow were the ones that beat the Metarex, but it wasn't. Cosmo was the hero, not us. Thanks Cos... for everything." Sonic then placed a bouquet of daises on the grave and stepped back.

Next Knuckles stepped forward. His expression also reflected remorse as he began to speak. "I was a little suspicious of Cosmo when she first showed up. It really surprised me how much she cared about everyone. A lot of people say I'm gullible, but Cosmo never made fun of me for that. She always forgave me even when everyone else said I was acting stupid. When we found that thing in her head, I felt really bad for saying we should take it out. Even with her being a spy she still helped us beat Dark Oak. Thanks for being a good friend Cosmo." Knuckles placed some wildflowers on the grave as he stepped back.

Amy approached next with tears already running down her cheeks and smearing her makeup. Her voice was soft and broken as she spoke. "I can't believe how mean I was to Cosmo when I first met her. She was one of the gentlest people I have ever met. The funny thing was, she ended up being one of my best friends. She was one of the few people who listened when I was upset about Sonic. I don't know if she liked it or not, but she did anyway. She was never really harsh with anybody. I just hope she's happy where she is. Good-bye Cosmo. Don't forget us okay?" Amy placed a bouquet of magnolias on the grave and stepped backward. As her tears became more fervent Sonic wrapped an arm around her shoulder, which she leaned into for comfort.

Cream then approached. Here eyes were teary as well as she spoke with a gentle voice. "Cosmo... was my friend. She was almost like a sister to me. I never had anyone listen to me like she did. She never thought I was silly and gave me advice. She talked to me about things she wouldn't tell anyone else. Nobody has ever listened to my advice before. Thanks for listening Cosmo. I'll miss you." Cream placed a petunia on Cosmo's grave and stepped back. She grabbed onto cheese who hugged back comfortingly.

Vector spoke for the entire Chaotix, who for the most part recited the same thing everyone else had. He spoke of their friendship and the tragedy of her loss before placing a few birds of paradise on her grave and stepping back. It was now Tails' turn to speak as he slowly stepped forward and looked at the headstone. After clearing his through he began to recite his message.

"Cosmo... was special," Tails said in a broken voice, "I don't think I can even explain how much. She was sweet, caring, kind, loving, smart, and... beautiful. The best thing about her... she always thought about everyone else first. I miss her so much-" Tails voice began to break up even more as tears flowed down his muzzle. Despite this he continued. "If it weren't for her though, we wouldn't be here. I-I'll always be grateful for that. Good-bye Cosmo... I'll always love you."

Tails then placed a large bouquet of mixed flowers on Cosmo's grave. He stumbled back away from the tombstone, sobbing quietly. He suddenly felt an arm wrap around his shoulder and looked up to see Sonic smiling at him sadly. Tails responded by burying his head in Sonic's chest as Sonic hugged Tails tightly.

After a long silence filled with quiet crying, Vanilla looked up at the group. "Does... anyone else have anything to say?" She asked in a soft voice.

"I do," Shadow suddenly spoke. The group looked at him in shock as he approached the headstone, looking down at it and closing his eyes. His voice was heavy as he spoke. "I never thought one person could touch so many lives," Shadow began, "If I had known that before I would have never attempted to harm you. I have made so many mistakes, but trying to kill you was one of the most foolish decisions I have ever made. The happiness you gave Tails... was something I have always wished for myself. Thank you for doing that for him, and thank you for being our friend... my friend."

The group silently gasped at Shadow's use of the word "friend". Tails snapped his head up and looked at Shadow in awe. From behind the wall of pain, rage, hate, and apathy, Shadow's heart suddenly shined through.

"If there is one thing I could ever hope for," Shadow continued, "It's that you may one day forgive me. Goodbye, Cosmo."

Shadow silently stepped back, hanging his head low. It was here on this hill, after all the grief and tears had passed, it was finally over. After a time of silent reverence, everyone began to slowly walk away with heavy hearts. There was also relief however as the pain that the group had experienced had finally been accepted and could now pass.

As they walked away Knuckles began to hear the crunching of grass under foot coming from a source other than the friends. He came to a halt as he looked over his shoulder, searching for the source of the sound.

"Wait," Knuckles said causing everyone to stop. After staring into the fog for some time they suddenly began to make out a hazy form approaching the headstone.

The group looked on as the form approached, becoming clearer the closer it got. It was a tall shape, appearing to be a vaguely humanoid form. It seemed to be quite wide however. No, not wide they realized as it drew closer. A large object floated behind it giving the illusion of size. A cape, they realized. The form was now close enough to distinguish features. It appeared to have brown eyes and was wearing a cloak as black as night.

"Oh no..." Knuckles whispered as his eyes grew wide, "Not here. Not now."

The group mouthed a silent gasp as a familiar black-cloaked figure stepped out of the fog. Its gaze was fixed on the group as it approached the headstone. The group made a quick turn as they jogged over to the stone. Tails began to panic as he watched this evil entity approach.

"Why now?" He whimpered, "Please not now."

The mysterious cloaked figure reached the tombstone, standing on the opposite side of the rest of the group. He glared hatefully at the group of friends who looked at him with fear. They stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity. Suddenly the figure reached into the folds of his cloak.

Startled by his actions, the group suddenly readied themselves into fighting stances, preparing to combat whatever the entity had to dish out. The figure then removed his hand from his robe, with a small object within it.

The figure reached for the headstone and laid the object on top of it. As he removed his hand the group was shocked to see that the object the figure had laid down was a single red rose. There was silence as shock overcame the group, with each staring at the figure in curiosity. The figure then bowed his head almost solemnly.

No one spoke, as no one knew what to say. Every perception that the group had formed on the figure was suddenly challenged by the simple act of placing a rose on a grave. Was the figure apologizing, expressing regret, or simply toying with their emotions? None knew the answer as they simply stood staring.

The figure finally looked up, meeting the group's stares. It's eyes were just as emotionless as when it had first appeared. It slowly turned and began walking back into the fog and disappearing from sight, leaving the group staring in confusion.

Mother?

Yes my daughter?

I... have changed my mind.

About what Cosmo?

I-I want to return! I can't stand this any longer!

What!?

I need him mother! I will miss you dearly, but I love him! I don't want to give him up! Please forgive me!

Forgive you? This is wonderful news! I am very happy for you! You deserve this, my daughter. I hope you find everything you are looking for in him.

Is it too late?

No, not yet. You must hurry though; your time is almost up! You must call to him! He will help you!

Yes! I will mother! Thank you!

Waste no time Cosmo! Call to him before your time is up!

I will. Kai, can you here me?