Konnichiwa, minna! Stuff @ bottom!

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Love Will Still Live On
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	It was a grey, dreary day. It rained off and on. It seemed like the
whole world mourned the loss of Melody. Serena wasn't strong enough to stand
on her own, but she could use a weelchair. Darien wheeled her around, 
usually. The funeral was to be held at 10:30.

	"Muffin," whispered Serena. "Don't cry. I'm sure Melody wouldn't want
it that way."

	He nodded, without responding, and turned around. He was dressed in
a black tuxedo, similar to his Tuxedo Mask costume, only without the cape and
mask. He sighed and ran a comb through his hair again, trying to get rid of
the annoying rainy-day fizz.

	With a sigh, he gave up and turned back to Serena. Dressed in a black
dress, the accident had done nothing to injure her beauty in any way. His 
heart ached, and he was forced to look away. He wheeled her out the door and
to the front of the building, where all the scouts, inner and outer, were
waiting.

	In silence, they walked to the church. Darien had agreed to speak,
since he knew her better than.. well, better than anyone. The church was
decorated with roses, and a surprising amount of people had come, mostly the
parents/friends of the scouts.

	They all sat down near the front, Serena's wheelchair in an isle. The
preacher stood up and began to speak. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here
to mourn the loss of Melody Reichstien." He droned on and on about what a
wonderful person she'd been. <Fool,> thought Darien bitterly. <He didn't even
know her! He's just saying that because he has to.>

	"And now, a friend of the deceased will speak." The preacher stepped
down and Darien walked to the front.

	"Um.. Hi, everyone. I decided I wanted to say some things, because
Melody was a very good friend of mine, and, well.. here goes.." Darien 
nervously clasped his hands together.

	"Melody was a wonderful person. We were co-workers at the lab here in
town. We became friends really fast. She was so easy to get along with. But
she always seemed sad, like something bad had happened to her. She never told
me what.

	"I can't really say much else.. Sure, I could go on and on about how
great she was, but that would bore you all to .. erm, to sleep. I'll.. just
let the preacher finish.. but before I do, I want to say one thing. Melody
Reichstien was my best friend, aside from my wife, Serena. I, for one, will
miss her a great deal.. thank you." He slowly walked back to his seat, tears
streaming down his face.

	After the service, they rode to the graveyard. The preacher read some
things out of the bible, then they put her casket in the ground. Everyone 
threw a rose.. everyone, that is, but Darien. He was standing away from 
everyone, trying to regain his composure.

	After everyone had gone and the casket was bured, Darien looked 
around to see that nobody was watching. He transformed into Tuxedo Mask and
slowly walked over to her grave.

	"Mel.. I'm sorry you.. well, I'm just sorry that we'll never laugh
together anymore.. I want you to know that I will miss you more than words 
can say.. and that you'll always be in my heart."

	He knealt down and placed a rose on her grave, then stood up and
powered down into Darien. He closed his eyes and walked away. The sky 
cleared, and the sun began to shine.

	The world would never forget the ray of light that came for such a
short time, then vanished, killed senselessly. But she hadn't died without
a reason. She had died protecting Darien. She had died protecting her only
love.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want
 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
 he leadeth me beside the still waters.
 
 He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His
 name's sake.
 
 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear
 no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: though
 anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
 and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
 -- Shepherd's Psalm, 23

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The end (of the funeral)
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Well, that's a wrap - Melody's gone, and the next part will finish the story
off. I hope you guys have been enjoying this, and if you DID enjoy it, read
my other work, too ^_^

Thanks Razzz, Kaos, Sidnei, pinai7, Lianne, and a bunch more. ^_^

Tiga Shadow
http://members.tripod.com/~PaladinStar/index.html