The final resting place for those who'd spent their lives running the dungeon, the Adventurers' Graveyard. It was a solemn place, despite the fact gods not understanding the reason for the mortal's pain, they still remained silent, or only made soft whispers.
Most adventurers buried here were in name only, after all, if your body was eaten by a monster, or consumed by the dungeon, it would be impossible to put them in the ground… There were rare exceptions to this, like the fallen's familia managed to return the body to the surface. Though, that was a rarity among adventurers.
Today was one of those rare exceptions. Alraj, nobly went to fight in the great quests- playing an albeit small role in the actual fighting- carried his injured allies across the continent, back home for treatment. While waiting for a chance to get help, he defended his home, stood his ground to protect everyone behind him… He did his best, and because of his sacrifice the other's lives were spared.
There was an oddly large following of people who'd gathered, stopping the hustle and bustle of their daily lives to pay their respects, not just to Alraj, but to the fallen members of the Zeus, and Hera familias. A final honor.
Shurry struggled as he dug the burial hole, by hand. The dirt wasn't hard to dig, no, with each and every handful, it got more, and more real. He dug for an hour, reaching the depth needed. He stood there looking at the walls damp, dark dirt. "Big brother-" The ground beneath his feet grew damper by the second.
"Go on ahead!"
"Huh?"
"You can do it."
Shurry heard someone speaking, right into his ear. Who? Who is that?
"It's fine if you don't remember me. Just go on, you can do it. I'll be watching you grow…"
The voice faded out, and Shurry couldn't tell if it was his senses playing tricks on him or not. It felt comforting. But still… He couldn't help but cry. "Even while I cry, I'll keep moving… NO! Despite it, I'll- Let me cry for a while first."
Shurry jumped out of the hole. And then with the help of a few handy items, they were able to gently lay Alraj to rest deep in the hole. Filling in the hole is when everyone remaining from the Zeus, and Hera familia who could help, did help.
Meda, still crying about as much as Shurry. Meteria was crying enough for both her, and her baby.
"Bell, I'm sorry. But daddy is gone now- Alfia, can you hold him please."
Meteria passed Bell to her sister just before she collapsed to her knees. Meda went over and gave her a hug.
"Meda-"
"Everyone needs a hug…" Meda explained…
Eventually, the hole was filled. And the grave marker was placed. Surrounding it, a mark for each and every member that died, protecting this world. The scene looked like a little formation. The one going into battle, and from the other angle, it symbolized Alraj's determination to protect his familia, despite the odds.
It was only then when the other people who came to pay respects were allowed to place their offerings. Florists, frequented by the Hera familia, and the occasional weirdo from Zeus familia, brought flowers to offer to their graves…
Seamstress, and clothing fabricators whose business got off the ground because of their business with the two familias brought with them a special medal they made by hand out of a mix of interesting materials.
The adventurers' contracted smiths, all of those who were still alive, brought with them ceremonial daggers. Not really good for cutting, or really anything other than a marker of respect.
After hours of people paying their respects, Shurry still stood there. At the now, complete scene… When someone else showed up… He knelt down next to Shurry.
"I'm sorry for yelling earlier, I- I didn't realize you hadn't heard about what happened-"
"You were in love with my Aunty Lyca."
"I- You can see right through me…" Cyal smiled faintly. Thankfully he hasn't changed much… Please stay cute and childish for as long as you can… He pulled out a sealed envelope, and handed it to Shurry. "Lyca brought this to me the days prior to their departure. She told me to give it to you in the event she never made it back. I don't know what it says. But it's clear she loved you like her own…"
Shurry took the letter, looked at it, and cried as though it was faint, there was still a trace of her scent on the letter.
"Go on, open it."
Shurry opened it, and what he started reading to himself…
"Hey there my young alpha, Awoo! Heh, I'm sorry, I'm no good with goodbyes. You know how I am. Anyway, If this letter found you, that means, I can't go hunting with you anymore. One of those nasty monsters out there turned out to be a bit too strong… But don't you worry about me, I'll do whatever I can to make sure you get my most treasured possession, I hope you'll be wearing it by the time you read this… I'm fiddling with it a little right now."
"I'm reminded of the time when I was younger, and I lost my mother. It was hard, but it wasn't long after that Lady Hera found me, and gave me a home… I guess… What I'm saying is, while this pain you're definitely feeling right now, must feel endlessly crushing. It will be leveled out by the feeling of connections with friends, and familia. I love you more than I could express, I always felt a special, deeper connection with you. I'm not sure why, but, I want you to know, I love you as if you were my very own."
"So now what? Stand up! Be that proud noble wolf, the alpha of our kind. Let the whole world- no, let me hear you all the way from Tenkai! So get up and howl out all your pain, let it all out. Send all of us off with your absolute best. Let the air, tremble. The earth, quake… Let out the wild side, make the moon change its form! Now, do it now. My adorable nephew! Let me hear you one, final time!"
Shurry began to follow the instructions… The air seemed to go still as he inhaled… His body shook with wild intention, but he wouldn't let himself transform. And… A deafening howl ran out, as he stood there, holding the letter in one hand, and kept the howl going as the moon seemingly began to respond in kind. Becoming full…