The funeral of Joshua Egoshin was held in his hometown of Tarma. The air hung heavy with sorrow, and everyone dressed in black, their faces etched with grief. The pastor spoke briefly, but no one else said a word; the loss of Joshua was still too raw, too fresh.
Jason found it nearly impossible to accept that Joshua was truly gone. As he watched the coffin being lowered into the ground, memories of their conversation just days before flooded back.
"I want to change the world and stop them from killing Shadows who haven't committed any crimes. I want to change the HFA. I want to change the way the world views Shadows. And most importantly, I want to live my life without anyone telling me what to do. I want to end this cycle of hatred that has gone on for hundreds of years."
Jason hadn't come alone. Haruto, Marlo, Lisa, and Koichi were with him, each carrying their own grief for their fallen friend. As he stared at Joshua's coffin, Jason remembered another thing Joshua had said about reincarnation:
"You know, I've always wished I could be reborn as a normal human. No powers, no big responsibilities on my shoulders. Reincarnation sounds like something out of a fairytale movie."
Jason whispered to himself, his voice tight with sorrow,
Jason: I hope you get reincarnated into a world without war or conflict, where you can live in peace. I know you probably expected me to carry out your dream for you… but I can't. Ever since your body was brought in, I felt the same helplessness I felt when I watched my father get eaten by a Shadow Monster. I can't do it. I can't carry your dream. I'm really sorry, Joshua.
Haruto came up beside him, his own grief evident in his eyes.
Haruto: How are you holding up?
Jason shook his head.
Jason: I'm barely hanging in there. You?
Haruto: Empty. We've lost too many friends. Aiden, John, Alex, Sasaki, Maya, Derrick, Dax, Sanito… and now Joshua. It makes you numb, like there's nothing left.
Jason nodded.
Jason: I get that feeling completely.
Haruto gave a small, bitter smile.
Haruto: I think this is the first time we've agreed on something.
Jason smirked faintly.
Jason: Don't get used to it.
Just then, rain began to fall, soft at first, then heavier. The group scattered, seeking shelter from the storm. Marlo called out to them, urging them to head back.
Marlo: Hey, we should start heading back!!
Haruto tapped Jason's shoulder.
Haruto: You coming?
Jason: Yeah. Let's go.
As they walked away, Jason glanced back at Joshua's grave and froze. A young boy stood there, looking strikingly like Joshua.
For a moment, Jason thought he was seeing a ghost. But the moment passed. He shook his head, trying to push the unsettling vision from his mind, and turned back to his friends, focusing on moving forward.