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The morning dew drops clung to the blades of grass. The birds whispered a soothing melody as if they knew the person at the grave site needed a source of comfort. The sunlight danced as it kept appearing and disappearing from the clouds moving with the gentle breeze.
Iko’s steps were careful and measured. She knew her rusted android body could give out if she were to misstep. She didn’t age with wrinkles, gray hair, or aching joints. Instead, her torn skin fibers, out-of-date programming, and patches of discoloration all marked her age. With quiet breaths, she kneeled down in front of graves. The dew drops under her weight finally became voluminous enough to let go and seep into the ground.
She had read the graves over and over again.
Linh Cinder/Selene Blackburn
21 December 109 - 20 July 199 T.E
Beloved Queen, Empress, Mother, Wife, and Friend
A mechanic’s soul that became the world’s savior now among the stars.
Kaito of the Eastern Commonwealth
7 April 108 - 9 August 201 T.E
Beloved Emperor, Husband, Father, and Friend
A dedicated, benevolent leader’s soul now among the stars.
Now, it was August 19th, 201. Kai had died 10 days ago in his sleep. He was well. He gave no warning as he smiled and bid his family goodnight. Iko had visited him that night and he had laughed at one of her stupid quips and wished his great grandson good luck on his upcoming exams. All was well.
Morning came. Suddenly, all was not well. Iko’s final friend had died. She felt like a child who had run to the ice cream truck only to find that there was no ice cream left for her. Like the rest of the Rampion crew, Kai decided to join them in the stars. After 75 years of the Lunar Revolution, they were united and seeing each other together. They were starting a new life or dancing with peace. She didn’t know. She couldn’t see her friends in the stars. She couldn’t pass away like they could.
For once, she felt like an android. For all the human qualities she had, death is one she lacked. She didn’t mind not aging, not having children, and everything else. She did mind being left alone in the world. Of course, she wasn’t alone alone. The Rampion crew’s children and grandchildren, even great-grandchildren, loved her like the immortal, fun aunt she was to them. The world, now filled with less hatred for androids and cyborgs, adored her for being the pioneer and vocal android that helped fill the world with light. She enjoyed and loved it all, but it wasn't the same. The last person who understood her, every wire and cog, had left her . The android was loved and had many companions, but Iko was alone.
She let out a watery laugh and turned to Cinder’s grave. “You know,” she whispered, “I took care of him like you asked. But, he couldn’t live without you. He loved you too much where your absence was a broken vase for him. There were too many pieces missing for him to feel whole. He would forget that you were gone. Sometimes, he would sit in the garage waiting to surprise you with an old wire he found or another mechanical part. But you were gone and he would wait. Then, he would realize that you were gone and would sleep with a broken heart.” The words came faster and more blubbered as her emotions took over like a strong waterfall. “He said, ‘I can’t wait to see her’ the day before he died. I thought he was just saying things, but truly couldn’t wait anymore. Now, he’s with you and I hope you are both happy.”
An incomprehensible noise emitted from her sound system. She usually had to be aware to emit any human noise, but this was done out of her control. She would have liked to think that this was her crying. She couldn’t produce any tears, but she could show her sadness. She brushed the graves, removing the little dirt and dust that dared to sit on top. The flowers cheerily swayed in the breeze as they gave little life to the desolate graves. There were always fresh flowers in the Imperial graveyard. Once wilted, they were exchanged for new ones by the workers.
Iko wondered. The Rampion crew were buried in different places. Kai and Cinder were here, Scarlet and wolf in France, Cress and Thorne in the American Republic, and Jacin and Winter on Luna. She wondered when was the last time the rest of them received fresh flowers or were simply cleaned. She was sure that their children and close ones must maintain them, but not in the luxury Kai’s and Cinder’s would be maintained.
“Iko?”
She turned dejectedly towards the source of the voice. Selena, now Emperor Rikan’s youngest daughter, sat next to her. She looked like Cinder with her mousy hair bangs framing her face and tan skin. Her right hand was cybernetic as she had lost it in an accident when she was a teenager. She turned towards the graves. “Hi grandma, grandpa.” She smiled.
They sat in silence for a bit, allowing the warm rays to soak in the skin. The birds tittered more frequently and the dew drops were starting to disappear. She noticed one to the right slowly dripping, in quiet, small drops, and seeping into the deep brown of the Earth. They left silently, as if they didn’t want to make a commotion with their absence. The dewdrops, which were so evident in the morning, had now disappeared without a trace. They had let go. Perhaps, she should do the same.
She took Selena’s cybernetic hand and clasped it within her own. “Selena, will you do me a favor?”
Selena blinked. “Of course. Anything.”
“I’m ready to rest. I want you to destroy my chip and burn whatever is left of this body. Then, bury my ashes.” She said, straightforwardly.
“What? NO! Iko, what are you saying? Why are you trying to leave us?!” She demanded.
Iko had felt bad upon seeing tears in her eyes, but she needed this. “Selena. I have lived my life. I am grateful to have lived this life, but I am not living anymore. I am surviving. My friends and the people I know have gone into the stars. I know I can not follow them there, but I can at least be at peace. What’s the point of living another 100 years without any will to actually live it? Everyone’s time comes to an end and I am no different. So, please , fulfill this request for me.”
Selena vigorously shook her head. “No, Iko. You have us. We can’t lose you. We just lost grandpa and now we have to lose you? Dad, Auntie, and all of us will be devastated. You can live even when they’re gone. I am sure grandpa and grandma would want you to be happy and live.” Iko didn’t respond. Selena was young, so she couldn’t understand and Iko didn’t blame her. In Selena’s eyes, Iko had a lot more to live for just like Selena had. She would have normally told Rikan, Peony, or Jinsu, but they were all distraught with Kai’s death. She didn’t want to add to their grief.
Iko took her torched and rundown hands and hugged Selena. She felt her tears drip onto her shoulder. Selena’s body shook as she gripped Iko with such ferocity that she could feel it in her wiring. Iko stroked her hair. “When you were born, no one could breathe. You were small, too small and ill. The doctors didn’t know how to help you and no one expected you to survive. Your parents were afraid that they would lose their only daughter. Cinder kept hope for them. She believed you were strong. She had faith that you would fight your way through. She watched over you until you miraculously recovered. Your father named you Selena, after your grandmother because you are as much a fighter as Cinder was. The same passion and love that flowed through her veins now flow through you. And they will flow through your child when they’re born.”
Selena lifted her head. “Why are you telling me this? I know this story. Dad and Mom have told me hundreds of times.” She took her palm to wipe her eyes.
Iko smiled. She used her thumb to wipe Selena’s fresh tears under her eyes. Her brown eyes looked at her questioningly. She wore the same look Cinder did whenever she questioned Iko. She knew her answer. “Because you are afraid. You are afraid that you will lose the last part of your grandparents. You fear that you won’t be able to connect with them when I am gone. ” Selena’s eyes widened in recognition. “Grief is an emotion we can not recognize because it leaves us hollow. Despite feeling hollow, it also feels heavy. The pain, happiness, love, anger, and everything hit us and we try to remember what was once there. You’re grieving, Selena. Keeping me alive won’t help your grief. Grief only passes when we learn to let go.”
Selena nodded in her embrace. More tears escaped Selena’s eyes. “Alright Iko, I’ll fulfill your wish on one condition.” Selena wore a tight smile as if she should even consider telling Iko her condition. She learned in Iko’s ears and whispered.
Despite the graveyard being eerily quiet, not even the birds could hear what Selena had to say. Iko heard everything and smiled. She nodded, confirming that she accepted her condition. Selena choked out a laugh of relief and embraced Iko.
One year later
Selena looked at the beautiful potted plant. She gingerly touched its full leaf and allowed her five-month baby girl to do the same. The plant’s leaves bounced with life as it happily took in sunlight and the air.
She giggled at her baby’s fascination as her father walked in. He wore a gentle smile himself. “So, how is Iko doing?” he inquired.
She looked at the plant. She saw the full leaves, strong stems, and beautiful flowers that emerged. “I think she’s doing great. Poppy was able to touch her leaves without trying to chew on them.”
“Good, I don’t think Iko would be appetizing.” He chuckled
Selena nodded. They had done as Iko had wished, but her condition was to memorialize her ashes in a plant. She was glad Iko had agreed. She could rest and be with them, just like her grandparents. She bit her lip. “Do you miss Grandpa and Grandma, Dad?” she asked. She knew it was a stupid question, but she had to know.
Her dad seemed to think wistfully. “Everyday. There’s not a day that goes by without thinking about my parents. Although, I wish I told them ‘I love you’ more. There were many times where they said it and for some reason I just didn’t say it back.”
“I’m sure they didn’t take it personally, Dad.” she hummed.
“Yes, I know…” He sighed. Her father wrapped an arm over her shoulder and patted the baby’s head. Selena took in the plant one last time. She saw the morning dew cling on to some of the leaves that she hadn’t touched. It was not long ago that she herself had felt like a dew drop who desperately clinged on to her losses. But, she learned to let go just like Iko had wanted her to.
“Thank you, Iko…” she whispered to no one in particular, “For everything….”
Iko didn’t respond, but her leaves shook vertically as if she was acknowledging her gratefulness. She turned away, cradling her baby close as she took in the breeze and sunlight. She walked away towards her home as the Iko swayed in the wind, her leaves trembling a quiet goodbye.