Remembering the Dead

[sweetcandygirl]

Harley Quinn is seated on a large rock in the Nexus today. She seems to already to be in the Halloween spirit, as the colorful young woman is dressed as a circus ringmaster. But despite her colorful costume, her usual energetic spirit seems to be missing today.

She has a bouquet of flowers in her hand. And takes one of the flowers, then slowly removes the petals of the flower one-by-one, scattering them underneath her.

"This year is going to be the first time that I am not in Arkham, during a death-a-versary. And I am not really sure what I should do?" She bites her bottom lip for a moment. "How do you remember those who are gone, without letting the memories overwhelm you?"

Comments

[chiron_survivor]

The sudden appearance of the chocolate bar makes her giggle. "Thanks," she says, before opening the wrapping and breaking off a piece.

"It doesn't have to be a picture." She smiles reassuringly. "Anything that reminds you of them would work. Even just writing their name down on a piece of paper. And any place can be a shrine, too. So long as it won't be disturbed."

[sweetcandygirl]

"I still have his jacket... he gave it to me, when it was raining." Harley frowns for a moment. "But I would rather keep it. Keep wearing it."

[chiron_survivor]

"He sounds like a good friend," she says sincerely. She eats a bit of the chocolate, trying to think of a suggestion for Harley, but coming up with nothing.

"Do you want to talk about him?" she asks instead. "That sometimes helps, too."

[sweetcandygirl]

Harley pulls her knees to her chest for a moment. "All Diablo wanted was to be left alone. And then we got forced into that mission."

"Floyd kept pushing him to use his powers. But it was because all of us were trying so hard just to survive."

"And then... he burned himself all up. Protecting us."

[chiron_survivor]

She's never heard of Diablo before, but she doesn't need to know anything about him to hear Harley's guilt over a teammate sacrificing his life for her. She's guessing that Harley doesn't let a lot of people get close to her. For her to call someone a friend is high praise.

"I can see why it's hard to remember him without getting overwhelmed," she says quietly.

[sweetcandygirl]

Harley has learned to keep people at a distance. Friends only cause heartbreak.

"Yah... plus I am here. And the rest of the team ain't."

[chiron_survivor]

"That's hard, too," she agrees. "You can share your memories with them. Or your grief." That feeling she knows all too well. She's the only one who mourns her Cylon ex-boyfriend, she's pretty sure. At least she has a photo of him, but she can't put in the shrine...

"Do you want to take a walk and see if we can find a shrine here? Or something that reminds you of your friend?"

[sweetcandygirl]

"Sure!" Harley jumps down from her perch. It is mostly offer of company that soothes her heart the most.

"Are you familiar with the Day of the Dead custom at all, Adia?"

[chiron_survivor]

That's something Adia can easily provide. She waits for Harley to join her, then heads towards one of the nicer residential districts. If she recalls correctly, there's a nice park that is good for walking around.

"Is that an Earth holiday?" She smiles apologetically. "I'm not familiar with that one, no."

[sweetcandygirl]

"The Day of the Dead is a celebration of both life and death in which families remember the deceased." Harley explains. "People visit graves. They bring flowers. Food. And they just celebrate together."

[chiron_survivor]

"That sounds nice... we didn't have a holiday like that on Leonis. Visiting graves was a personal thing." She looks at Harley thoughtfully. "Is that a holiday you celebrate? Or was it one your friend celebrated?"

[sweetcandygirl]

"It is a holiday mostly celebrated in Mexico. And Diablo... was Hispanic."

[chiron_survivor]

She's heard of Mexico. The term Hispanic is new to her, but she's able to infer its meaning from the context. "Maybe that's something you can do, then. Honor him on the Day of the Dead." She gestures back the way they came, past a line of townhouses (and a giant fishbowl), over to where the Shopping District is. "I'm sure there are people here who celebrate. Earth holidays are the most popular in the Nexus."

[sweetcandygirl]

"I could get some Sugar Skull makeup." Harley can't help herself. "Maybe I could decorate your face too!"

[chiron_survivor]

"Sugar skull makeup?" she repeats cluelessly. "And, ah, sure. Whatever you like." If that helps Harley honor her friend, Adia is happy to go along with it.

[sweetcandygirl]

"Great! Let's find some makeup." Oh Adia. You just agreed to play dress up with Harley.

[chiron_survivor]

"Right now?" She may not be familiar with sugar skulls, but she might have an inkling of what she's gotten herself into. "Um, well... then I guess we should head to the shopping district instead?"

[sweetcandygirl]

"We can get the supplies now. And do the makeup bit later. Whatever works for you." Harley smiles.

[chiron_survivor]

"I have time for both." She smiles back, tempted to share her good news now that Harley is in better spirits. "We, um... the Fleet found a new home."

She changes direction while she speaks, away from the quiet residential neighborhood and towards the Shopping District. Fortunately there is a cross street that will take them right there.

[sweetcandygirl]

"A new home?" Harley tunes her attention to Adia for a full moment. She then hugs Adia, picking her up slightly off the ground.

"That is wonderful to learn! I am so happy for you."

[chiron_survivor]

Adia squeaks as she is lifted up, then laughs and returns the hug. "Thanks." She smiles brightly at her when she's set back down. "The war's over. We found a planet that's --" she laughs again, running her hands through her hair. "Gods, I don't even know how, but it's Earth. Like the one you're from. Not the one we found that was already destroyed."

All those years of hoping to find Earth, and she ended up on the one she least expected.

"The last time we talked, your words meant a lot to me. I don't think I would have been as determined otherwise."

[sweetcandygirl]

"I hope it is a better Earth than the one where I came from. Mine had a few too many crazies running around it." Harley shrugged her shoulders.

"I inspired you? Awww gawsh Adia! You inspired me. I tried being a Doctor for a little bit. And I think I helped someone."

[chiron_survivor]

"No, it's, um... there are humans there, but they've only recently developed agriculture." She doesn't know much about Harley's Earth, but it's easy to make some assumptions. "We've made peace with the rebel Cylons, and, um... you know, I was always really terrified of the Centurions -- they're the robots who are still inorganic -- but I met one and it was nice? To me, anyway."

"Of course you inspired me." She grins at her friend, happy to have had the chance to tell her that. She blushes a little when Harley compliments her in turn. "That's great! The Nexus could use someone with your skills. Who'd you help?" She holds up a hand and adds quickly, "Wait, wait, never mind. Doctor-patient confidentiality, right?"

[sweetcandygirl]

"Sounds like you picked a good time to land on Earth then. All the interesting stuff is just around the corner..."

Harley nods. "Got it in one, Adia. Can't tell you anymore than that it felt good to help someone else."

[chiron_survivor]

"I think at this point I'll take boring over interesting, if it means peace and quiet," she replies with a laugh. "Anyway, I still have the Nexus if I want an adventure." The possibility of trouble in the Nexus doesn't seem so scary now that she has a safe home to return to.

She gives Harley a proud smile. Good for her for sticking to her ethics. "Are you going to make that a regular thing? Goodness knows some people here could use someone to talk to."