It was October 2nd in Greater Ottawa. A day that was marked by festivals of fall, beer, and contests. It was a day of happiness and joy for all the citizens of the city... Almost all of them anyway...
With the USS Wisconsin less than an hour from Greater Ottawa's Port, the city was in full swing. Mike Brisson had the song "Smokestack Lightnin'" by Howlin' Wolf playing over the many radios all over town. Farmers were in the fields harvesting the crops, as fall was in the air. Heteromorph and Non-Heteromorph kids ran up and down the streets as vendors sold warmed apple cider, handmade donuts, squash, and more for Greater Ottawa's Scarecrow Fest. Adults could make their way to the Jordan Block where Dr. Von Schneider and his Father were brewing and serving up alcohol with classic German food to go along with their beer. German music was played and dancing done by the attendees was encouraged.
This year the festivals had a few special guests. In attendance was Lonestar, otherwise known as President Keith of the Texan Republic, Astra Morganna, Community Leader Morgan of the Western Commune of States, Liamidas, Liam, and Demi of the Liberal-Democracy of the Northeast. They had all managed to make time for the events and even brought some of their people to join in the festivities.
"Welcome to Greater Ottawa!" Started Archie as he drove the leaders into the city.
He explained the many changes the city had undergone with the landscape changing. However, as they arrived at the port, the USS Gerald Ford and USS Wisconsin had docked, but everyone was silent. Perseverance made his way past everyone, not saying a word. The Admiral was hot on his heels, along with several navy personnel. The leaders attempted to speak with Perseverance, then the admiral but neither replied.
"Sailor, where are those two going?" Asked Keith.
"President Keith, I mean Hero Lonestar..." began the Sailor who was stopped by Archie.
"I'll take you there." Said Archie, backing the car up and driving them somewhere. As he drove the long way to this destination, he explained something to the leaders.
"Perseverance wanted today to be a day for people to relax and enjoy themselves. Rest after the period of hardship we all endured fighting with Rothschild... but for him... for his father and I as well..."
The leaders looked out the window as the car turned right, finding themselves amidst a cemetery. The Ottawan Hero and his best friend were kneeling beside a tombstone. As the car rolled to a stop, Archie looked down at the steering wheel.
"For us... October 2nd isn't a very pleasant day... As it is the day I lost my wife, my son Scott lost his mother, and Perseverance... lost his grandma."
Quite tears streamed down the older man's face as they watched Perseverance place flowers in the vase of the gravestone. He couldn't speak if he wanted to. The world had been saved, the tyrant defeated... and yet so much-darkened sadness filled his heart on this day.
Keith, Demi, Liam, and Morgan stood in silence next to Archie. The Admiral ordered his sailors to begin playing a melody. It was soft and sweet, played at a low and slow pace. Scott ordered his marines to attention as the hero removed the pinned-on medal one of the heteromorph children he'd saved had given him. He placed it on the headstone as a marine came and fastened it down. As the marine left the area, the hero forced himself to his feet. As he stood fully upright, he bit his lip to keep from crying. As he joined the other soldiers, Archie led the other leaders down to the tombstone. After the older man had laid down his flowers for his lost infant son, then one for his wife, the four leaders were ushered down by the Admiral. As they knelt to see the full gravestone, the Admiral spoke softly to them.
"While the rest of the city smiles and cheers, with stomachs full of food and booze, they come here. This was something Perseverance wanted for them. Sixteen warriors, hand-picked by Major Akira, guard the cemetery, six of which guard these two tombs with orders to kill on sight anyone who hasn't been cleared to visit. Please respect this ceremony as it is one of the last connections the three of them share with someone who shared such light after losing her firstborn son and carrying on for their sake."
As the Admiral left them, Keith removed his hat and placed two golden coins on each grave, then joined the hero. Demi and Liam left pearls from the Northeastern shore on the graves and joined the line. Morgan placed her hand on the stones and placed a wood-burned art piece of the early family next to the graves and joined the hero. The Admiral gave the order for the music to fade out, and everyone left, everyone except Archie. He placed a candle on each grave as the six warriors bowed to him, and resumed their watch.
As he climbed into the car, the rest of the ride was silent. Once they reached the festival, Perseverance opened the door and ushered them into Oktoberfest.
As they got out, the leaders said not a word about what they'd seen nor what had happened. Perseverance ate with them for a bit but then went down by the river, alone. The vestige of Stagolee and Mammy sat beside him.
"It's hard to lose someone..." Mammy said, wiping her eyes with Charlie's handkerchief.
Stagolee took off his hat and stepped onto the water. As he did, he turned to the hero. "I never got a chance to say the things I wanted to... You never got yours to prove yourself to her... you have five minutes."
The vestige seemed to vanish into the water and was replaced by...
"I-is that..."
The woman made of water was in her Sunday best, a smile on her face as per her usual. Perseverance tried to speak, but tears were the only thing he could say. She hugged him, just the way he'd always remembered.
"You never had to prove anything to me. I knew you would do something great. That's why I never stopped smiling."
"I-I... I failed in other ways..."
"You never had to do something to earn the love I shared. You just had to be you."
A silent stream of tears flowed from the hero's eyes as he held her until the time ran out. As she returned to the water, she left him one last thing to stew on.
"I am proud of you. Never stop being better than you were yesterday."
As she vanished, Stagolee returned to find the hero sobbing on the ground in silence.
"I wish I could give you more time... but the balance of spirits and mortals... voodoo isn't meant for...
"Thank you." Said the Hero standing up.
"But..."
"Voodoo wasn't used, Stagolee. Otherwise, she wouldn't have shown up."
The vestige nodded and returned to him. Perseverance walked to the Reddick Mansion, closed the door behind him, and went to bed, knowing tomorrow was going to be a busy day...
On October 2nd, 2022: Patricia May passed away, peacefully in her sleep. Hopefully reunited with her infant son.
Rest in Peace, Grandma. You helped many, smiled lots, and inspired those around with courage and light many still haven't forgotten nor ever will. You taught me many things, helped me inspire others, and gave me the courage to inspire & help others just as you did. I will never forget you or the time I spent with you.
~ The Ghost of Ottawa