elijah listened to the rain pattering against his umbrella, watching the droplets fall from the edges of the nylon canopy over his head. his raven hair fell into his eyes as the breeze brushed past, sending chills up his spine. the sound of the rain presented a good alternative to the eulogy. he glanced around at the other generals, then at the few soldiers he could see at the corners of his vision. most of the others were behind him. he looked back at the headstone briefly, exhaling a soft sigh.

andre blanchet. before two weeks ago, he'd been the oldest general they'd had in the korian army. seventy-nine years old, and in perfect health. he'd been like a father to all of the younger generals, elijah included, and a mentor to the older ones. elijah's hands trembled with frustration as he forced himself to ignore the pressure building behind his eyes. perhaps if he didn't acknowledge it, he wouldn't cry. he knew the other generals were doing the same thing he was.

he didn't want to listen to the eulogy. it was shallow, so bland. 'he fought bravely for our country for many years. he will be missed.' it almost made him scoff.

he will be missed. nothing about how he died saving lieutenant baudelaire. nothing about how he always bought the other generals a drink on their birthday, or how he planned mixers for the new recruits. nothing. it was a disgrace.

elijah sniffled, forcing himself to remain stationary until the end of the ceremony. he stared at the headstone for a few moments before he hurried to catch up with the other generals. he wasn't surprised when the usual chatter of the soldiers didn't begin. everyone had known blanchet.