Whenever there's a funeral in movies, it rains. One of my English teachers used to say that that was for thematic effect, that it symbolized sadness and tears. That's why it's such a cruel joke that today is so beautiful; the sky is clear and the sun shines warmly over the graveyard. I guess this is how Kasper would have wanted it though. Warm.

Dante has taken this the hardest. He blames himself for what happened to Kasper, but I know that this is all my fault. No one really blames me anymore, with the possession and all, but I can tell they're all really scarred by what I showed them.

Up by the gravestone, the pastor finishes the funerary rites and invites up those who wish to lay flowers on the headstone. Dante goes first, sniffling and whipping his tears on the sleeve of his black button-up. Just watching him like this brings a lump to my throat. I've caused so much damage.

Emma and Liam stand side by side next to me, holding hands. I don't really remember when they started, but now it seems like their together. Kaishi stands away from our little group, under the shade of a willow. The dead branches sway in the light breeze.

Mr. A couldn't make it to the service. He's been more than busy trying to track down Myra, or Sabrina, or whatever she goes by nowadays. I think I speak for everyone on the team when I say I couldn't care less.

The service concludes with a benediction, and we are dismissed. The memorial lunch is being hosted back at the Department, but I take my time getting back to the car. I feel like if there was just something more we could have done...

"Kyle"

I whip around, looking for whoever just whispered my name. Everyone from my entourage is leaving; Emma and Liam still holding hands, followed by Kaishi and Dante. I spin around once more, and there in front of me, kneeling by one of the graves, is the single person I've loved and hated the most in my entire life. Amy.

"What are you doing here? Haven't you caused enough damage?" I spit, folding my arms.

Amy doesn't appear to be offended by my words, but she frowns slightly. Her eyes shine with compassion and something else. Pity?

"The Amy you saw after my death was a shade, a demon posing as me to gain control of your body. Kyle, it's me. The real me."

And like that, every ounce of hatred, and fear, and anger is replaced with absolute relief. I know she is telling the truth. Amy stands and walks towards me. Her white sundress ruffles slightly in the breeze, her wavy hair blowing off her shoulders in red-copper ringlets. This is not the decaying demon Amy. This is Amy like she was in life; vibrant, beautiful, alive.

She takes my clammy hand in her cool gentle ones. "Kasper is going to be okay now. She is in a good place. I'll take care of her."

"Amy, I'm so sorry that all of this happened. I'm sorry you died. I'm sorry I couldn't save you. I'm sorry I couldn't protect my friends."

"There are things in this world that you cannot control. It was simply my time to go, just like it was Kasper's."

I shuffle my feet. "It hurts so much. Losing someone. Will it ever get easier?"

"Not right away. Over time it will." Amy's gaze suddenly hardens. "Kyle, I came here to warn you of something. There are dark days ahead for you and your friends; very dark days. You will face more death and sorrow before your trials are finished. You will encounter new people, people like you and your team. Help them find their way, or you will all be destroyed."

"What are you talking about?"

"I've said enough. Go now Kyle. Comfort your friends, and remember I will always love you. Oh, and one more thing: don't be afraid to kick some bad guy ass for me." Amy smiles, then leans in and kisses me on the cheek. I feel a warm tingling throughout my body, radiating from my cheek down to the tips of my fingers and toes. I close my eyes, and when I open them, Amy is gone.

"Hey Kyle, let's get a move on!" Liam shouts from somewhere behind me.

As I walk to the car, I can't shake Amy's words from my mind.

There are dark days ahead.

We'll be ready.

THE END

XxXxX

And that's the end of Follow Me Down! Who has enjoyed this little adventure? Even though I know I'm not the best author out there, I'm glad to have worked with all of your characters, and I look forward to continuing to develop them in the future! I can't believe this journey has ended, but I can't wait for the next one to begin! Which brings me to my next point...

The opening chapter of Cindered Bones will be up sometime this weekend, so keep an eye out! Thank you to all who reviewed, and thanks for reading! God bless, and peace out!