Valery standing at the edge of her and her dad's favorite spot

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A podium stands at the center of the memorial, adorned with floral wreaths and photographs of the departed guardians, capturing moments of joy and camaraderie. Candles flicker, their flames dancing in rhythm with the emotions of those in attendance.

"By now, you all know of the attack on our beloved city." Ash starts. "Thanks to the unending efforts of our crew, the Devil's Own were beaten back and the majority of the city folk have been saved. However, it's a sorrowful win. We took a hard hit. Their goal was to wipe out the council. And they almost succeeded. Cliff, Ruben, Axel, Kayli, and Kaycee, have joined the Angels. Friends. Family. And." Ash pauses to look at Valery, sorrow deep in his eyes. "Father. None deserved to leave us like this. The last." He pauses to steady his breath.

"The last life they claimed was Liana. Her presence here will be greatly missed. All paid a heavy price to help give us this victory. May the angels grant them a place of honor in the heavens. But we proved we cannot be pushed and bullied. We are starting to hold our ground and make a statement. Show them we won't go down easily." Ash pauses, looking around at the gathered Guardians, all dressed in dark colors, eyes haunted.

"Everyone's hearts are heavy. Each person here has lost someone they know and loved." Valery clings to Trent as tears start to roll down her face. Trent wraps his arms tight around her. Valery keeps her eyes on her mother up on stage, in line with all the other council members. Her mom's doing her best to stand strong, but she's barely managing to hold on as Ash talks.

"My condolences go out to everyone. Schedules will be cut back this week, allowing time for grieving. However, standing on the brink of war, we can't stop completely. With the loss of a few council members, a new generation needs to be prepared to take their places." He steps back in line to let Tessa, head of Information step up.

"It's been a while since new Council members have been elected, I'll explain how it works." She starts, eyeing up the crowd. "At least two Guardians will be chosen for each position needed to be filled. Being elected to the Council is a high honor you are not forced to carry out. Until you are sworn in, you can decide that you don't want the position. They will all train while keeping up their normal Guardian duties. When one for each position is chosen and training is complete, only then will you be sworn in as a council member. The selected Guardians have already been chosen and shall report at the council table at seven A.M. tomorrow morning. Potential head of strategy. Trent Phillips and Gavin Yang."

Claps and cheers run through the room Valery pulls back to look at Trent as he stands ramrod straight, shock passing over him. "You didn't know?" Valery murmurs.

"No." He whispers his eyes on Tessa. "I don't want it. I'd rather fight and protect on the field. I don't want the background work."

Valery nods, laying her head back on his shoulders.

"Potential head of accounting." Tessa continues as the cheers die out. "Angela and Sandra."

More cheering as Valery turns to look at Angela, a look of pride crossing across her face, her eyes shining.

She isn't going to turn that down, Valery realizes.

"And finally." Tessa begins again. "For potential head publicist, Savannah and Helen."

Valery focuses back on her mom. Her eyes red, straining from the effort to not break down on stage. Straining to stand strong for the group.

So quick, and Dad's position is being filled. The last time this was done, they took seats together. Now, she's going to be working with someone new.

"The position of leader cannot be decided as easily" Tessa continues. "The Council has decided that instead of bringing in a new leader on the brink of war, Ash will step up and fill the role. Everyone is dismissed. My condolences to everyone."

"Get in the car." Trent meets her, catching her outside the door of the conference room.

"What?"

"I have a sweater for you in the car. So get in." Trent holds up his keys, jingling them. Valery sighs and does as he asks.

Trent drives them just outside the city, into a grassy field. "Go on." Trent nods up the hill. Valery looks at him, shocked. "I know this is you and your dad's spot to watch the sunset, the way it reflects into the river below and casts its shade over the forest. I know. Go up, see if you can find your peace with him. I'll stay here, giving you space and keeping an eye out. Go."

Valery gives him a small smile, wipes away some tears, and plants a small kiss on his cheek. "Thank you."

Trent places his forehead against hers. "Go." She nods, opens the door, and starts her way up the hill.

"Dad," Valery calls as she sits down at the base of the tree. "Dad, I'm here." Her eyes dance across the sky alive with color, trying to find any type of clue as to what's going on in her mind. "What are you trying to tell me?"

Sunset comes and goes, casting its colors over the world and fades into darkness. No answers from her dad and Trent doesn't bother her. He watches her pace and rage from below, sitting on his car hood, hand lightly resting on his sword hilt. Stars twinkling in the night sky, Valery makes no move to join him. Muscles tight, his vision limited, he stands up and starts pacing the bottom. The wind shows him Valery's mom approaching and on the other side of the hill, he makes no move to intercept her.

"MOM!" Valery calls in shock as she spots her mom round to the top of the hill.

"Honestly Valery." Her mom pants, crossing her arms with a scowl. "Do you have any idea how worried I've been? I've been looking for you since the meeting."

"Since the meeting mom?" Valery scoffs and turns back to the field that stretches out before her, leading to the western woods. "You can't even wrap your head around it and yet you're scolding me. Funeral. You've been searching for me since his funeral."

"You missed him being laid to rest." Beth continues.

"I feel closer to him out here anyway. I didn't miss it."

"What are you doing out here anyways?"

"Conversing with Dad. Well." Valery takes a deep breath, and it hitches, getting caught in her throat. Valery wipes away an escaped tear. "Trying to."

"You must stop running away like this, just slipping out on your own. You know they are out after you, why are you out here by yourself?"

"Running away?" Valery whirls to face her mother. "Disappearing? God, stop Mom. That is NOT what happened! We can't all be a robot like you, always locking our emotions away. I needed time to feel, to get myself straight, ok? I'm not alone, Trent brought me out here, you would have seen his car if you had only taken the time to look instead of making assumptions. I'm not young and dumb anymore, why can't you see that?" Valery turns to look back over the field. "It is some cruel joke that I'm stuck here with you. Dad would have understood and brought me out here himself."

"There is no reason to be rude, I'm trying to show concern here!"

"You shouldn't have to try."

"He was so much better at this than I." Beth takes a deep breath and sits down on the grass. "He was always gun-ho to be a parent. Knew that's what he wanted out of life. Me, I was always obsessed with my career. But he's gone now." Beth pats the grass beside her.

Her hackles up, Valery sighs and sits down beside her.

"Your dad is- was the better parent. No doubt. You had a connection with him I know I will never ever meet. But he is gone, and it's up to us to pave a way without him. And I don't want to lose you too. So how about we make a deal? Now, I know I will never be able to fill the hole he left, but, I will work on being the best dad I can be, meanwhile, you keep working on being the best Guardian you can be. Deal?"

Valery sighs and takes in the night sky. "Deal." She shakes hands with her mom.

"I don't want you to feel like you're stuck with me." Beth gives Valery a playful nudge and stands up. "Take your time, I will see you when you're ready."

"Thanks Mom."

Beth waves over her shoulder and continues her way down the hill.