Neal traced his reflection in the mirror and it left a bitter taste on his face. He never expected that he's going to wear this black attire one day. Ren's death was still a shock for him, but there's nothing he can do anymore.
Humans were weak and one snapped of fingers from those who have powers can kill them. Neal tried to smile and the moment he found it nonsense, he left the mirror. Today was the funeral of his brother, Ren Oliver.
They decided to only make it one day and immediately cremated him since they didn't want the media to swarm on his brother's death.
Neal looked around and found the apartment he's living in empty. He didn't want to include himself because he's already feeling empty inside. The feeling of being incomplete was already imprinted on him.
This place that was noisy because of them lost its liveliness quickly. The moment he stepped inside, he didn't feel that emotion they called HOME.
This is like an empty box to him now. The one whom he cherished and called a family was now gone. Neal took his phone and sat on the couch. He stared into the wide screen of the television where they used to watch together.
The empty space of the couch got very noticeable and at this moment, tears already wanted to leave his eyes. But he held back. He knew that this was not the right time for him to cry.
Neal wiped his eyes when his phone vibrated. Jayson was already waiting outside with his motorcycle. They planned on going to the funeral together. Before Neal closed the apartment's door, he whispered. "I'm going now, brother,"
They held the funeral in a private columbarium. And some few people were already there. The ones who are also close with Ren. Neal greeted them by nodding his head.
He had no time to smile nor talk right now. All he just wanted was to finish this day because he can't bear to watch this happen.
As soon as he stepped in the room, the photo of his brother smiling caught his eyes. Ren was wearing his police uniform in that picture and he looked so happy.
Ren mentioned to Neal the first time they met that he grew up in an orphanage because his parents died in an earthquake. He's the first one who insisted to Neal that having a family is happy.
Neal believed him and he started to have a dream about this family of his. He told Ren that he will always protect him since he's the strongest between them. The empty void in his heart will forever remain inside.
His steps walked closer to the white jar next to his picture. Seeing him taking the initiative, Jayson quietly told everyone to leave the vampire alone to let him have a time with his brother.
Neal felt their presence slowly vanished, and his lips quivered. He gently caressed Ren's face from the frame and he felt his chest tightened. His promise of protecting him didn't happen at all.
If only he didn't leave him alone that day. If only he didn't insist them to drink, everything wouldn't have happened. If only he knew that it will become the last day of them together.
Funny how Neal wanted to blame himself alone. But he knew that Ren wouldn't like it. His knees trembled and he collapsed on the wooden floor.
Neal can't still forget Ren's smiling face the moment he took his last breath.
'Please live on even without me. I want you to find your own happiness one day, Neal. I'm happy to have you as my little brother. No matter what happens, I'm always proud of you.'
His last words that night hit his heart and tears finally rolled down on his cheeks. Sobs escaped his lips and the feeling of being in pain forever struck him in one go.
No matter what he did, Ren won't come back anymore. The only person who gave him the meaning of the word FAMILY was now gone.
Looking back, Ren treated him like a little brother which he never felt inside the facility. He thought that he needed to be a part of the Vespion because he is a weapon. He was only needed for war and destruction.
But then, Ren loved and cherished him like a real human being. He scolded him whenever he lost his temper. He will cook breakfast and argue with him when he makes a bad decision.
He still can remember the last time when Ren celebrated his birthday with him. Neal really didn't know his birthday, but Ren gave him a new one and celebrated with him every year.
He can say that even though it wasn't his real birthday, those occasions were the happiest.
"I'm sorry," he mumbled under his heavy breaths. "I'm sorry, brother. I couldn't–I couldn't even save you," his voice gradually cracked along with his hopeless voice.
Neal continued crying, heavier than last night. The thought of crying for the last time disappeared from his mind because the only thing he was feeling right now is loss and guilt. The feeling of losing someone closer to your heart is painful than those with the same blood as yours.
Along with his twirling emotions, revenge is always on the option. As soon as there were no more tears coming out of his swollen eyes. Neal stood up and wiped it away.
He bowed his head at his brother's photo and swore that no matter what happened, he will not stop until he unfolds the mystery about rogans. He won't stop this time. No one will stop him until he finally grasps the justice he needs.
Ren's death won't be worthless. Neal knew deep within his heart that he would put everything on the line to give him justice. He clenched his fist and looked at Ren's photo.
"I will give you the justice you need, brother." For the last time, Neal sweetly smiled. "So please watch me from the stars above,okay?"