Story: Meanwhile... Purity of Heart

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Mission 14 - Epilogue	
 Meanwhile... Purity of Heart - Part 2
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Despite the perpetual mist surrounding the island, the sky above it is crystal clear, as if the island is stuck in the eye of a storm, its iris filled with many coloured lights as they dance across the heavens mirroring the motions of the gentle waves lapping at the shores. The lights reflect on the crystal-like surfaces of the icy formations and the blankets of white covering the island, a gentle fall of snow sparkling like the stars above as it falls to the ground.
Inside a lonely wooden home, though usually uninhabited, there now rises the soft sound of flipping pages and papers being moved in the reigning quiet. A soft, warm glow of fire illuminates its windows and around the frame of the door. Inside, a figure peers at the various journals and maps in front of him, his claws tracing unmarked patterns before jotting things down in a separate journal.
With a sign, the figure scratches his neck as he closes the journal before making his way to the door to leave the warm shelter. Once they made sure to push the door shut behind them, the lone figure casts a look up the mountain side before he treks his way forward. Small wisps of vapor come forth with every breath as he reaches their destination in the form of a shrine of sorts near a relatively large lake. They join the larger figure standing there in silence; neither say a word, until the larger figure turns to face the newcomer.
: So. I assume you will be leaving soon...
: Yes, I have decid’d on my plans, an’ th’ best route to my destination.
: (sighing) You have only been on the island for a few days. I think you should delay your departure.
: Hmm, tha’ so? An’ why would tha’ be?
: Am I not allowed to enjoy your company? I have not grown tired of you yet, despite the amount of less pleasant phases you have gone through.
: May I remind you, you haven’t been very talkative th’se past few days, since I announc’d my plans.
: It’s obvious ‘nuff you disapprove of ‘em, but can’t supply me proper reason as to not go through wit’ ‘em.
: (with a toss of their flowing mane) Who can convince you of anything?
: An’ let’s not forget, you also haven’t answer’d my questions ‘bout th’ others, for you fear tha’ givin’ me tha’ information will only confirm my decision.
: ...
: ‘Course, stayin’ silent on th’ matter speaks volumes.
: ...
Bál lets the silence sit for a moment, staring sidelong at the legendary’s increasingly-souring visage before continuing with a lazy shrug.
: An’ tha’s why you wish me to stay longer. To deny th’ inevitability of me leavin’ to do somethin’ you don’t want me to do an’ refuse to tell me certain things ‘bout it - all th’ while, you realise by me not knowin’, you also put me at more risk. An’ you think tha’ by buyin’ more time and procrastinatin’, you can find a way to change my mind an’ solve your dilemma.
: But you already realis’d that you can’t change my mind ‘cause-
: You are as insufferably stubborn as a Mudsdale! (snorting) Your headstrong attitude will be the end of my sanity.
: I’m not wrong.
: Bál, you are dealing with forces far beyond your capability to deal with. I know you know this, despite your disregard of valuing those of my likeness as “gods.”
The Typhlosion huffs and crosses his arms, but doesn’t interrupt the legendary otherwise, and the Suicune continues with a scuff of their paw on the snow.
: And that is my fault, as I did what I did, by taking you in instead of returning you to your people, making you my champion, because I-
The Suicune pauses, regathers their thoughts, and resumes with a narrowing of their gaze across the frozen lake.
: It is all due to my own weaknesses, and it is my responsibility. Perhaps I should have handled things differently, and yet I could not bear to not do it again just as I did.
The Typhlosion sighs and scratches his neck before giving the legendary beast a smirk.
: In your defense, I don’t think anyone really expect’d you to excel at this whole thing. Least of all you, since you were so against it before, as I’ve been told. But then ‘gain, you didn’t have th’ best example. You, however, still gave Fortuna a run fo’ her money… you might be in th’ only one in his’ory to have done so.
: (smiling) Indeed, but I doubt I am the only one... never would have imagined that would have become your problem, though.
: I kinda made it my problem, so tha’s on me. I don’t regret it either… most of th’ time.
: You are doing a good job - I hope I can claim a little credit in that.
: … I’m glad you did wha’ you did too.
: (peering at Bál) Hmm?
: (shrugging) I’m happy wit’ how things turn’d out, tha’ you took me in, I wouldn’t wish for it to not have happen’d. I have nev’r wished for tha’, despite wha’ th’ others said.
: I guess I’m sayin’ I’m happy you took tha’ chance, wit’ me, despite your position on th’ matter...
A moment of silence passes as Bál stares across the lake. No response comes from the Suicune: the legendary beast may have known that already, and they did not know the proper words to respond. And maybe no response was necessary.
: I do wish things could be more like before. I blame myself for putting you under all this pressure - I know, I understand what you will reassure me of. I do not control you, it was by your own choice as well.
: What I mean is, I hardly see you, and when I do you look ready to fall apart. And you will tell me you are fine. Yet I cannot help but worry, as you tell me of all the reasons I have not seen you, everything that happened, what you have accomplished and been a part of.
: And I am proud, you know this, I am always proud. But I am also frightened. And I do not want to add any more to all the risks you face by sharing what I know.
: Worse of all, when you finally seem to relax, you are already ready to leave again, throwing yourself at the frontlines ready to shoulder the weights of the world. And I find myself selfishly not wanting to give up the opportunity to have you here, in a moment of peace, far away from what can harm you.
The Suicune looks up at Bál , not overly surprised to see him continuing to stare across the lake in silence, and the legendary frowns before continuing.
: … I know I will ask you, even though I should not. I know the answer. And yet I ask. Especially when I know what evil lies out there.
: (finally responding, gesturing with a paw towards the wintry surroundings) An’ I know it too, which is why I face it. I’m not alone: many stand behind me, wit’ me, an’ there will be more to join me ‘fore I’m done.
: Including this king Alaric of yours?
To the Suicune’s amusement, Bál harrumphs, stomping a foot like a petulant child: that brought back memories.
: If he’d stop fightin’ me on everythin’. He’s so st-
: Stubborn?
: I was goin’ to say stupid, but he’s honestly both. He seems to be dead set on his way of thinkin’ an’-
: That sounds familiar.
: No, you don’t understand - he doesn’t listen to any reason or arguments as to why he’s wrong!
: (laughing) That seems even more familiar.
: Sure, have your fun. I try to consider oth’r options, if they make sense ‘nuff. I trust some people ‘nuff to think things through.
: I hope some do. Last time you were here, you told me you tried to stab Kyogre. I honestly wish that had been a joke.
: Fo’ someone who scream’d so much, he had rather thick skin.
Suicune gives him a funny look, their snout wrinkling at the bridge. But Bál ignores the look, instead clasping his hands behind his back and beginning to pace (if only to regain feeling in his feet).
: Eith’r way, I know I am right in this. I’m not th’ only one who agrees on tha’. Many think he’s a joke of a king. Don’t get me wrong, I find his attitude admir’ble in ways-
: Oh?
: I do. Bu’ he’s a king. He shouldn’t be out on th’ front lines, just askin’ for an arrow to find its mark. Even wit’out bein’ th’ king, meanin’ well won’t save him in a battle. An’ where would tha’ leave his kingdom?
: As I mention’d ‘fore, at least th’ queen an’ his advisor seem more sensible, though I don’t trust th’ latter, to be th’ most honest. An’ th’ captain of his guard, we don’t get along. He copied th’ king’s bias, so tha’ is no surprise.
: Yes, from what I gather, that Charizard is a hothead, not unlike yourself. Regardless, King Alaric must have his reasons for being that way. Have you ever considered talking things through?
: He doesn’t want to talk. He immediately rebels ‘gainst anythin’ I say.
: You did go behind his back when establishing the guild there, even placing a spy in his midst… How is Matteo, anyway?
: Fine. An’ this again? Maybe if he wasn’t off in Sazanami gettin’ caught up in a war, I would’ve had Matteo ask him.
: No, you would not have.
: Right, ‘cause he would’ve said no.
: Maybe if you asked, or he had met you with the attitude you tend to have.
: Matteo though could have managed, despite him outing himself as a spy. You made it quite difficult for him, but he was taught a way with words I failed to even remotely convey to you.
: Fact is, you gave Alaric a pretty bad first impression. Unfair too, as you already formed your judgement on him before ever meeting him in person. Then when he does meet you, you immediately criticize his every move, go behind his back to get your way, and are revealed to have spied on him for nearly two years before ever bothering to show yourself to help out earlier.
: And of course, you continue to meet his attitude with your own.
: (huffing) Then again, you always have been difficult with dealing with certain people though, especially authority.
: (jokingly) Can’t blame my lack o’ social skills on me - look ‘round you, this is where I was rais’d. Not much for practice.
: (with mock offense) Well, excuse me for not providing enough interaction with others.
: Sorry, I was jokin’. I do know I can be a bit... “me.”
: You are not so great in the pulling of jokes either: another point where I dropped the “Bal.”
: (rolling his eyes) Or maybe it is you who should get off th’ island more…
: Eith’r way, even if I would try to be more “friendly” an’ ignore th’ headache he gives me - an’ yes, point made - he’s made his judgement already now too.
: As for th’ things I want him to do, he’s formed an unfair judgement there also. When it comes to Veethrfölnir, he judges th’ whole nation based on th’ actions of two of its citizens. I took offense to tha’.
: Fritlof and Bard?
: Fritlof an’ Bard.
: Would you believe me when I say I understand where he is coming from? If I know poor Læghelmine’s plight, fortune favours that I hardly deal with their true extent, due to your presence.
: I do understand, but-
: You butt heads because you are both hard-headed. You cannot blame him for not trusting what he does not know much about, same for you. I hardly believe you have been honest about yourself to him, or anyone, for that matter.
: It… wouldn’t be easy to explain.
: No... but you could, for one, mention your Veethrfölnir roots. Or perhaps finally give in to Læghelmine’s plea to take up your birthright-
: (with a barely-contained groan) Why did you have to bring tha’ up? I already dealt wit’ him before I came here! Tha’ birthright lost meanin’ long ago.
: I was not aware birthrights expired.
: Either way, I am just saying if you take that position, it will be easier.
: (whirling around with an eyebrow raised) You just want me clos’r to here.
: (tilting his head) Of course I do, but that was not my point.
: Isn’t it, though?
: If you want me to be honest, I’ll be sure to mention tha’ Fritjof an’ Bard goin’ to Aether might’ve been my fault.
: You didn’t-
: Not on purpose, an’ I’m not sure, but they might’ve overheard me speak wit’ Læghelmine.
: In that case, I am sure Læghelmine meant for them to hear you gossiping. They will do anything to send them off.
At this, Bál simply shrugs and starts walking off back towards the wooden home, and the Suicune follows after him, their steps light and airy over the snow while the Typhlosion sinks in the slush.
: Don’t matter. Eith’r way, I will have to deal wit’ th’ snake ‘gain once I find Lugia.
: …
: As I explain’d to you, you might as well tell me. You can’t dissuade me, I’m goin’ anyway. Lugia hasn’t kept contact, we need to know why.
: It is a precognition, Bál. A very bad feeling.
: Then th’ situation wit’ th’ others has digressed?
: Darker and darker still. I can sense their presence, but I fear for them, and then - more than that, a darkness that claws, trying to get a hold of me.
Bál frowns, his eyes filling with a worry and dread that makes the Suicune cringe for being the bearer of such news… but it is far too late to stop now.
: I dream of their shrine, and their shadow lies overcast, covering me as ash. Flames lick at my skin, and then I wake with a filth that I cannot cleanse. Without my purification powers, I would not have stood so long against it-
: -even with them, I don’t know how long I will last.
Bál stops walking, his fur bristles, and his visage darkens. Subconsciously, he reaches for the brooch shaped much like his guardian’s horn.
: Th’ shrine. I suppose I’ll start my search th’re, to be sure. It might explain Lugia’s absence, though then I fear wha’ I might find.
: No!
: You should fear it, and stay far away! I forbid it.
: Suicune, wha’ would you ask of me? To stay here?
: If wha’ you fear happens, you know wha’ it could mean. For you, for me - you wouldn’t want me near you, to stain your conscience tha’ way.
: I would severe the bond, find a way-
: Th’ need to go remains-
: My very essence screams at me - that if you leave now, I will not see you again.
: Then you were right; by tellin’ me, you have only shown me why I must go.
: Why are you like this-? We can send someone else, someone less “valuable”-
: If you’re suggestin’ we sack some poor fellow, you surprise me. No, I’ll get it done.
: There are sure to be better ways then sending you alone-
: Not aft’r wha’ you told me. I’ll bring a small party.
: Even then, it is - Someone is here!
: (sniffing) Calm down. It’s probably them: speak of th’ devils, an’ they shall appear.
Bál starts walking again in a brisk pace pass his home towards the shore, trying to but not quite able to ignore the legendary’s wild eyes.
: Those three are there, yes, but-
: Don’t tell me they brought someone?
: Someone fell in the water.
: Who? Fritlof?
: No, they did bring someone-
: WHO?
: The one in the water is not Fritlof, she says-
Bál resists the urge to shout; fortunately, the Suicune finally gives a definitive answer before he needs to repeat himself yet again.
: An Umbreon prince?
: Son of a-!
: Bál!
Bál is already gone, running on all fours, snow splaying in his wake. The Suicune hears a loud splash of water before shaking themselves out of their daze and pursuing.
Bál holds the unconscious, nearly frozen prince close to his chest, the water from his fall forming frost in his fur as it comes in contact with the icy winds. Bál flares his flame and intensifies his body heat; Suicune doesn’t complain, instead their long strides make short work of the distance from shore to Bál’s home. It isn’t long before Bál slides from Suicune’s back, balancing the Umbreon on one arm while opening the door with the other.
Suicune enters behind his charge, without as much as a whisper. The Typhlosion, still having only one arm freed, grabs some blankets from the nearby cabinet and sits on one knee next to the fire. Resting the blankets aside, he unclasps Nicholas’ cape, belts, and weapons and places them to the side. He sets the boy down on a blanket, quickly rising himself to grab something from yet another cabinet filled with jars and baskets of herbs, grunting as he does not seem to find all he is looking for. Instead, he settles for grabbing a couple of ingredients and placing them on his desk, as well as a small container already filled with some kind of salve.
Returning to the prince, he opens the jar and puts some of the liquidy putty on his own claws, before softly rubbing it into the boy’s pawpads and between his toes. He then wraps the Umbreon in multiple blankets before laying him back on the other next to the fire.
Grabbing some wood from the nearby pile to feed the fire and blowing an ember-filled breath to set them aflame, the hearth returns the offering with a light and warmth that soon spreads through the cabin. He casts a look into the kettle hanging above the flame, pleased to still find water inside.
Finally, he heaves a sigh and moves to his desk, moving aside his papers and grabbing a mortar, pestle, and a knife, and starts to work on his concoction… not pausing in his work to shoot Suicune a quick glare.
: Not tha’ I don’t enjoy th’ quiet, but if you could stop snoopin’ into th’ kid’s soul long ‘nuff to tell me wha’s on your mind.
: (sitting down next to Nicholas) I needed to check, but his soul is very pure, uncharacteristically so.
: Tha’ hunk of stone an’ metal doesn’t look like much, but she’s a good judge of character.
: Eith’r way, he’s a good kid, bit rebellious an’, like his father, quick to throw himself into th’ fray, but-
Bál is interrupted by Suicune’s snort and smirk, and he cocks his brow at the legendary curiously.
: That sounds like you, yet you never did grow out of the phase.
Shaking his shaggy head, Bál puts the mortar down on the desk and makes his way towards the kettle resting over the fire, taking it off to use for his potion.
: I am no prince nor king, I am th’ leader of th’ free swords. Throwin’ ourselves in th’ fray is basically wha’ we do.
: An unfortunate fact. However, as we touched upon earlier, you, not unlike a king, have obligations elsewhere that you choose to ignore.
: (pouring the kettle’s water into the mortar) It isn’t th’ same, an’ as I stated, it’s an obligation of mine no longer, arguably never was. Th’ task belongs to ‘nother.
: There are those that would disagree with your sentiment.
: Let ‘em disagree.
: Læghelmine-
: Like they have no ulterior motives, as do you by bringin’ this up ‘gain. I’m goin’, an’ tha’s final.
: As for Læghelmine, they just want me to be here to manage th’ bears-
 BANG! The door practically flies off its hinges as it is kicked in by a large, furry foot, and Bál jumps, the kettle clanging to the floor, and lets a string of curses loose that makes Suicune flush with both revulsion and anger: just as a pair of faces peer into the house with cheesy grins.
 & : The party has arrived!!
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Mission 14 - Epilogue	
 Meanwhile... Purity of Heart - Part 2
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Category:Meanwhiles
Category:Arc 2
Category:Veethfölnir
Category:Bears