26 Sometimes in the future Canon Omake

The cloud covered skies were dull and dreary. The cold November air was cold and chilly. The rain lightly drizzles down the tarmac.

The people moving to and fro quickly runs to nearby cover. Although there were some who braved the cold as they dutifully clean the graves of their lost ones.

Candles were lit and prayers were said. Tears were shed as the living remember the dead.

Amidst the somber cemetery, there stood a girl of unnatural beauty. With her pristine white dress fluttering down the chilling winds. On her soft hands was a pale white umbrella, shielding against the falling rain.

Beside her was a young child of around twelve years of age. A face so similarly enthralling, not of beauty but of childish innocence.

A look of melancholy was etched across her face as her other hand gently caressed the gravestone. Some wondered if she was an angel, others wondered if she was a ghost. Most just assumed she was a visiting relative.

This was the scene that the family of the one lied in the grave witnessed.

It has been twelve years since a son died. It has been twelve years since a brother, a friend, and a confidant left the mortal coils.

For twelve years they visit the same grave where he lies without fail, yet this is the first time they saw this beauty.

With the look on her face, it would not be wrong for one to assume that the one in the grave was someone close to her.

Finally, the brother gathered his courage and approached the maiden.

"Do... do you know him?" He asked as he looked at the now clean gravestone.

"You could say that he's someone very dear to me." Her voice was akin to that of ringing bells. Her lips upturned into a small smile. "I never found the time to visit until now."

With those words, she turned and took the hand of the young girl beside her.

"It's good to know that someone still remembers him." The maiden and the child walked away. The gaze of the family and friends still trained to their backs.

Finally, they tore their gaze away from the two and approached the grave. Needless to say that they were shocked that the grave was clean! During their visit here, faded paint and overgrowth greeted them. Now, what stood before their eyes was perfectly trimmed grass, a fresh layer of paint, and a vase of flowers!

Their gaze moved back to the retreating two but they were no longer there.

Finally, the father asked, "Did she say anything?"

The brother shook his head. "She only said he was someone important."

The mother gasped and the two looked at her. "That child..."

The father and the brother's eyes widened as realization struck them. Twelve yeas since he died, and the child was also twelve years of age!

"No... It can't be. He would've introduced them early on..." The father mumbled.

"But... what if they are truly..." the brother answered the unasked question.

"Well, it's good to know that there are others who still remember him." The silent friend suddenly said.

"Yeah... It's weird right? We've known him for a long time, but it seems that we still don't know everything about him." The confidant said.

"Even when he was still alive, he seems so... distant." The friend said.

"I know what you mean..." The brother replied, "Even now, twelve years later, surprises still pops up. Heh, exactly like lil bro."

"Yep... full of surprises indeed." The mother said.

Everyone moved their gaze back to the grave. On it etched the words he wanted to be put on his gravestone when he died.

Elric Blackmore

"A man who lived and let live"

Below it were new words etched to the stone in cursive.

"May his memories live on"