Leaving his mother for only a brief moment, Jowy went to look at his father. Marcel's face appeared peaceful, perhaps even hopeful for the future. Jowy remembered those harsh feelings of hatred towards his father. But seeing his father now, he wondered what it was all for, how redundant his hatred was. Petty hatred for someone who was, in truth, very close to him. He gave his father one last solemn look.

Goodbye...father.

He returned to his seat and to comforting his mother. He couldn't bring himself to cry like her. But at a time like this, his mother needed someone to cry on.

The priest approached the family, and with Jowy's consent, he opened the gates to let the visitors in. In a matter of minutes, thousands gathered in tears to see the passing on of a dear business colleague, and to give sympathy to the family. While Rosa nodded and cried, Jowy served as more than a solemn eye pleaser as he gave calm words of hope, reassuring handshakes and the occasional hug. He felt that at a time like this, someone had to comfort the others.

Nanami came in, holding a frightened Pilika by the hand, and followed by Wolf, who was looking a bit confused. She paused upon entering, and searched the crowded room for the face of her friend, whom she knew would need her. Pilika was the first to spot Jowy and wretched her hand free of Nanami's.

"Jowy-niichan!" she exclaimed and attached herself firmly to Jowy's leg, snuggling close. Nanami shouldered her way through the crowd of people who were offering Jowy ackward condolences, and faced her friend. She looked into his eyes, and saw the pain she had felt when her grandfather had died, and when she had learned that Jowy and Makoto were both dead.

Nanami wrapped her arms around Jowy in a feirce, friendly hug, careful not to step on Pilika. The voices droned on, all sounding the same, all in the same voice. Nanami felt tears burning in her eyes, she remembered the voices, unfeeling, unknwoing, and treating her like she was a disease, don't get to near, you'll die.

"I'm so sorry," she whispered softly into his ear, and let him go, and smiled forcefully, Jowy tried to smile back, but neither was in the mood, and the result was pathetic. Nanami brushed her hand across her eyes, she knew that crying was natural at times like this, but it still felt wrong to cry in front of people.

"Jowy-niichan?" Pilika tugged on Jowy's pants. She was confused. She wanted to know what was going on.

Jowy hoisted Pilika in his arms and gave her a warm hug. 'Now we have something in common, Pilika.' he thought.

"Why don't we sit down?" Nanami suggested, as the funeral ceremony began. They found seats up front, reserved for the family. Many business friends and some other Atreides family members each took turns saying their little speeches. All were the same, how Marcel was a great man, how he lived his life, and how he touched theirs, while throwing in an occasional funny moment for humor. The masses do want to hear of the good things the person did during a time like this, but it made the impression that Marcel was a saviour, some sort of high figurehead to be put on a pedistal. Not a human being with flaws. Some even sang songs in Marcel's honor - some tribute, some were Marcel's old favourites.

Before Jowy realized the time, he heard the head of ceremony say, "Now adressing the crowd is the new head of the Atreides Clan, Jowy Atreides."

The audience clapped politely. Nanami smiled and squeezed his shoulder, conveying through the seemingly small gesture, that it would be ok.. Jowy walked on the platform as composed as possible. He reached in his right pocket for his prepared speech. But as he watched the crowd giving him their full attention, something inside him ached. They weren't here to listen to some lies or prepared words to falsely stir their hearts. They were here to listen to him speak and, above all, mourn the loss of a great man.

'I change my mind.' he thought and placed the speech back in his pocket. 'Some things are meant to be said from the heart.'

Jowy approached the podium. The noises of the colleagues, friends, and fellow citizens fell into a quiet murmur in his presence. He tried his best to appear calm and in control. The tears were blinked away before they could form. Taking a deep breath, he addressed the crowd.

"Friends, colleagues, and citizens of Highland."

A hushed silence fell through the crowd as they awaited to hear the elder Atreides' words.

"Marcel Atreides... was a great man. He had ambitions to bring prosperity to Highland. He was quick to create new businesses which not only helped himself, but also others. Many times he became so wrapped in his work, he appeared to never take care of his family's emotional needs, or be around. I regret to say I knew only a few sides of him. Now, after his sudden death, I realize what he has been trying to each me, and perhaps all of us. He wanted us to grow independant without his aid - he is only an example in which to follow. Had I realized sooner, I would perhaps remember father as fondly as the rest of you.

"But now, it's time to move on. I believe in seeing the past as life's lessons for the future. There is no use in trying to change what has already been done. Rather, trying to change what has already been done for the better. But if there's one thing I wish to go back and change, it's preventing the massachre at the Unicorn Brigade. I too lost someone dear to me - my best friend. I'll never forget the memories we've shared...nor everything we've done together..."

He choked back some tears. "However... I won't live with regret. For their sake and all of ours, father's life, and their lives must won't be wasted in vain. As the new head of the Atreides Clan, I will try to help others less fortunate by seeking out the cause of the Unicorn Brigade massachre, as well as aid the families of the lost ones. I realize this gesture will not cover the deep emotional scars we -- you all bear. It is the least I can do for now...."

With a solemn salute preformed in the Unicorn Brigade, Jowy left the platform.

The head of ceremonies resumed his place. He opened his mouth to speak when he was interrupted by a shrill cry.

"Jowy, you imposter!"

All eyes turned towards the direction of the voice. The crowd broke into quiet murmurings for who should appear but Marco Atreides. The young boy was furious, red-faced and panting from running.

"Stop standing there pretending to be something you're not!" Marco cried. "You're not my real brother. You're not even father's real son! You're nothing but a pretender, a thief who stole everything away from me!"

The crowd murmured amongst themselves. Jowy couldn't protest. After all, Marco was right.