M11: Meanwhile... Consequences

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Not long after the Aetherians left for home...
The drum beats ended long ago: the hunt for Taro has been called off, for now. Ugalik walks through the camp, waving to her tribe mates in a cheery manner… only, some don’t return her gesture. In fact, though the looks of desperation have disappeared, her people now look anxious, even wary: had something else happened that she wasn’t aware of? Her father would know, and so she makes her way to his tent, quickly ducking inside to find Tuaq staring blankly into his fire pit.''
: Father, I must speak with you abou… What’s wrong?
: Nothing.
: Really. Because the last time you had that look on your face was when you broke your flipper and couldn’t slide for a month.
: (with a sigh) Ahh, yes, I remember that. You followed me around all that time, kept me company, made sure I didn’t hurt myself further. Even drew little doodles on my bandage: how kind and thoughtful you were.
: (crossing her arms) Okay, spill it: something’s bothering you.
: … Come, sit by me.
Ugalik arches her eyebrows but obeys the command, plopping onto the packed-dirt floor next to her father. The Walrein pauses to gather his thoughts, then begins to speak:
: Before anything else, let me first say that I am so very proud of you, my daughter. You suspected Taro of his treachery from the very beginning, and despite obstacles -- including myself, I might add -- you managed to expose him and chase him from the tribe. True, he has not been found yet, but I am convinced that he will emerge from hiding once more.
: And when he does, we’ll be ready.
: Indeed...
: … except for you.
: I don’t understand.
: Uga, I’m so sorry, I… The elders and I, we had a meeting after Taro fled, and they wanted to--
: I’m banished, aren’t I?
: … Yes.
: Can’t say I’m surprised. Many of the elders were loyal to Taro, and it most likely made them angry when I stopped his master plan.
: “Angry” is understating it. The rage I saw in their eyes, Uga, I could hardly believe it!
: And their suggested punishment was much worse…
: … My head?
: I couldn’t let them, Uga, not to you. So I convinced them to simply banish you -- not out of Naklin, mind you, just from the tribe.
: Banishment is not simple, Father. Why couldn’t you just tell them to drop the charges? I was right, wasn’t I?!
: Of course you were. But as you said, most of the elders have fully adopted Taro’s beliefs, and any “injustice” against him stings like the harshest wind. They would not see reason, no matter what I said.
: (laying a flipper on Ugalik’s arm gently) Believe me, Uga, you will come home again someday… but Taro has made deep cuts in this community, and scars like that take time to heal.
: (lets the flipper stay on her shoulder for a moment before taking it in claw and squeezing it) … I wish you luck, Father.
: Same to you… I-I’ll walk you outside.
The walrus slowly pulls his flipper from his daughter’s grasp, and the two of them leave the tent, neither of them speaking as one walks and the other pulls himself across the snow. Eventually they reach the edge of the camp: two familiar figures stand in the distance, and Ugalik offers both of them a quick nod before giving Tuaq a swift hug.
: Promise that you will stay strong and not let those elders get away with their treachery.
: (in a growl) They will be miserable for their rest of their earthly lives, that I swear.
She pulls away from Tuaq, grim-faced, and leaves the Netsilik tribe, crossing the snowy expanse towards the two ice-tree Pokémon ready to take her to her new home.
: Xú is going to hate me.
: Correct.
: D-Don’t say thaaat, the general will understand. You were only helping your tribe, yeaah?
: Fat lot of help I was, getting myself banished.
: Could be worse. Could have no life.
: Tuggy’s right, you’re still alive, and that’s something, ehh? Now come, you shall stay in the town with me until you are back on your feet.
: That won’t take long. I have no intention of sitting on my butt and doing nothing.
: Mark my words, I will track down that traitor and bounce him around like a ball -- so he better enjoy his freedom while he can!
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