In the final minutes of rooting time, when all is silent, a boy wanders away from his new home.
The squaller's hair is tied into a long, undercut ponytail. His icy eyes glisten under the setting moon.
Crossing the still outpost, quiet comforts him. After playing his song last night, he hasn't been able to take his mind off this goal. Sirius' words have filled the boy with the motivation to do this.
Crunching the condensed snow beneath his feet, he arrives at his destination.
His old home.
Ravaged by the mother, the house remains in ruin. This place once laced with memories, sits as but a shell of its former self. An unrecognizable husk of the home he grew up in.
Standing where the front door should be, Kynn hesitates the proceed inside. Memories of the last time he was here play in his mind. The image of his mom vanishing before his eyes... His desperate cries for her not to go... All of it floods back to him.
Drawing in a breath, the boy steps within the nonexistent boundary.
His path before was littered with rubble and shattered glass. This time, the trail to his destination has been cleared. They must have cleaned up a bit...
With rubble as his backdrop, Kynn heads for the clearing. Right where his mom's room used to be.
...
A small rock stands where she took her last breath.
Kynn, finally seeing it with his own eyes, kneels down.
Words are engraved on the stone.
'Rina. May your warmth last eternal.'
The phrase stings his heart. Maybe he's not ready for this... Maybe...
No. It's time. He won't back away.
Sucking in a large breath, Kynn begins to smile.
"Hi, mom..." His sound is the same as when he always talked with her. He does his best to be upbeat, but the melancholy holds a firm grasp on his throat. "It's been a while... I'm sorry I didn't come when they buried you... I... wasn't quite ready yet... I'm still not sure if I am."
Kynn feels the same way as when he was by her bedside. He's never been sure if his words were ever being heard. But, this time especially... As he gazes at the snow, he has the creeping feeling... that she's listening.
That this time, he'll be heard.
"It's kind of strange, it's been so long since I've spoken with you outside your room. Though, I guess in a sense we're still in it... I'm sorry it's so early too, I just wanted to... speak with you alone for a while..."
-I'm still stalling...
"You're probably waiting for me to get to the point, huh? Ha..." Clearing his throat, the boy steels himself as much as he can. "I... wanted to tell you something. A couple of things, actually... First, I want to apologize... for yelling at you. I was so angry... I'd never felt anything like that before. I know you loved dad, and yet I cursed you for it... I'm sorry. I don't feel that anger anymore, at least not right now."
A bittersweet feeling arises in his chest. This is going to be harder than he thought.
"Second, I wanted to thank you. I know you might say you were just doing what a mother should, but... you did so much for me. You gave me so much...
You built this home. You taught me how to take care of myself. How to take care of others... You taught me how to love and how to treat others. You taught me how to live. While you weren't the biggest fan of me becoming a warrior, you supported me every step of the way. You helped fuel my passion. You gave me a reason to do good. You gave me the ability to confide in others... You gave me strength.
Ever since I was little, I've always wanted to repay you in some way. But I never knew how... I learned guitar, hoping you'd enjoy the songs I'd play... but you never got to hear them. I saved up nem to buy you everything you needed... but I never got to spend it. I protected the outpost, hoping to keep you safe... but you still ended up this way.
I was angry at myself for the longest time... but, I know that's not what you would have wanted. You wished the best for me. You wanted me to live my own life... You never would have wanted me to stress over repaying you..."
Emotions swell, burning his throat and stinging his eyes.
"Which brings me to my last point... I think I'm ready. I'm ready to move on with my life..." His expression softens, as to assure her he'll be fine. "I wasn't strong enough to protect you, mom. But I promise, I'll keep everyone I hold close safe... including myself. I know you've never been fond of me being a warrior, and at times I felt guilty, but... I don't regret walking this path.
Sometimes, I need to be myself. I thought that without you... I had lost me, but that was ignoring everything else I've built for myself. You've never liked my passion for fighting, and while I'd do anything for you... I can't keep living only for you. I need to live for myself now. It's time I let myself do what I love. It's time I let myself love.
Who knows, maybe one day... I can come talk to you again, with a child of my own."
A fully-fledged smile appears between his lips. All of his heartache suppresses itself and lets his happiness shine through.
"I hope you're sleeping peacefully. I hope you found dad, if he's there too...
I hope you'll watch me continue to grow.
I don't know what the future holds... or how I'll change with it... But just know, that for now and forever...
I love you, mom."
...
Dawn breaks over the horizon and illuminates the world below.
The boy's tears pour out and melt away in the morning light.
With his heart spilled out to her and his mind ready to embrace it...
A new day begins.
⧗⧖⧗⧖⧗
In the early minutes of budding time, when all is silent, a boy awakens in a familiar room.
From behind his long eyelashes, amber irises greet a wooden ceiling. Surprisingly, the drowsiness he usually feels is subsided. Shifting his body upwards, he takes in the dusty interior of the medical hut.
They had let him crash here again last night since many patients were removed from their care. That, and the fact that Kynn's shed is damaged and the squallers don't wish for Sirius to rest in such conditions. Their savior deserves better.
Instinctively, Sirius' eyes land on where Aureole was when he last awoke. But she isn't there.
-Why would she be...? Man, I'm creepy...
Pushing the thought aside, the boy swings his feet over the bed frame. Taking his callused hands to his eyelids, he rubs them gently. The conversation from the night proceeding comes to mind.
-"Maybe I did make a change. Maybe I am finally changing..."
"Why did I say that...?" he cringes at his past self.
-"I can't speak for your past life, but... you are changing. Little by little. I'm sure you'll do even greater things, and one day... even be proud of yourself."
"..."
The boy looks down at his worn hands. Despite being healed a multitude of times... the proof of his achievement is etched in his palms.
-Did Aureole let me keep these marks...?
A word flashes into his thoughts.
Connection.
"...Is this what it feels like?"
The bonds he's forged over the past week project in his memory. In the end, everyone pulled through...
The lies, the inability, the being unneeded, the feeling alone...
-Did I... make it all up?
He wavers.
The darkness he's dwelled in his whole life... was it all his own design?
The compliments, the praise, the affirmation... all the words his companions have spoken...
Were they not all lies?
...
-I don't know.
Amidst his inner struggle, Sirius catches a whiff of something. Himself.
"I smell like bonfire..."
Grabbing a complimentary towel, Sirius wraps it around himself and heads outside.
He remembers hearing about the bath being out back. An outdoor bath sounds nice on paper... but when put into practice, it may not be the greatest idea considering the "outside" is a freezing snowfield.
Goosebumps flare up over his entire body. The boy prays the bath is a hot one.
Trudging his bare feet through the thick snow, he hastily makes his way to the fence and swings it open. Within the high, wooden walls is an area reminiscent of a hot spring spa back on Earth. The ground is a clean, gray rock encircling a steaming pool of water.
The water's rising vapor sends relief down Sirius' spine.
-It's a hot tub... Bless you, goddess Alsi... or whatever your name was.
Throwing the towel beside the bath, a bitter chill embraces Sirius' naked body. Unable to withstand its bite, Sirius betrays all lessons lifeguards have taught him and runs. Leaping into the air...
Sirius jumps in to embrace the warmth... but is met by none.
He should have studied hydrology more.
Plunging into frigid waters, every fiber of his being tightens and constricts. His capacity to breathe also seems to have vanished. He stands frozen surrounded by tiny ice particles. It doesn't even feel cold, it just hurts. If he wasn't awake before, he sure as hell is now.
Regaining his mobility somewhat, Sirius slowly turns around to get out. His pursed lips convey the devastating disappointment he feels. Escaping the pool, Sirius gradually bends down to nab his towel. Eventually doing so, he wraps his cold, naked body and waddles to the exit.
Trekking his numb toes back through the snow, he arrives at the doorway to the hut. Steadily sliding open the door, a slim figure, in expensive pajamas, is seated in the lobby. A steaming cup of tea is squished between her pale fingers.
Aureole is hunched over trying to wake herself up by smelling the liquid. She too spent the night here. As she takes a sip of the tea, she hears the door open behind her. After adjusting her posture, she turns her head.
Immediately upon seeing the semi-naked boy, she spits out every last drop of her tea.
Aureole has seen Sirius with his clothing ripped, but never has she seen so... much. He is a lot more lean and muscular than she thought. This sudden revelation paired with the sheer unexpectedness of the situation sends her into an equal state of shock as Sirius.
Sirius stares blankly into the room in front of him, wet hair concealing half his vision. Finding the source of the noise, Sirius frowns at the sight of her. He can't help but wonder how he finds himself in these situations.
...
A long, awkward quiet is drawn between them.
Cold wind continues to assault the boy's back as he can't bring himself to close the door. Or to move at all.
"Um," Aureole manages to croak out. "S-Sirius what are you... why are you...?"
"The water lied."
"...Wha-? Ah-! Sirius your lips are blue!"
"Oh... is that so?" Sirius is too cold to comprehend what she said. He might as well be in another dimension.
Aureole bursts out of her chair and hurries to drag Sirius inside.
"You're freezing! And why are you all wet?!" Aureole pulls the boy inside and shuts the door behind him. "At this point, I'm convinced you are a water magnet."
"I t-thought it was a hot tub," his teeth chatter as he speaks.
Aureole sets the shivering boy down by where she was seated.
"Geez... Pholy just left so she can't warm you, I'll go run to my room and grab you some blankets!" With that, she goes and does exactly that. As fast as she can without a second thought, she pulls the blankets off the bed she slept on and throws them over Sirius.
Still sopping wet, Sirius wraps himself in the blankets.
"Thank you," he mutters.
"I should have gotten you a towel first, huh...?"
Sirius slowly extends a thumbs-up out from within the sheets. "It's okay, these are pretty warm."
Aureole's ears wiggle, a small hint of embarrassment creeping up.
"Here, drink some of this," Aureole hands him her cup of tea. "It's just tea."
"Thank you," Sirius accepts the gift. Taking a sip, a burning warmth caresses his chest. It feels nice. "Oh- That's good. I've never had tea before, I didn't know it was this good..."
"You've never had tea before?"
Sirius shakes his head. "I don't think so. I always put off trying it for some reason."
"Hm, well this was made with some of the snowsqualler's world-famous tea herbs. Sorry to say, but any other tea you'll try will be a downgrade from this."
"Did they hire you for marketing or something?" Sirius jokes.
Aureole giggles.
"Hehe, they wish," the girl's worries subside. A smile rests between her lips. "No, but the lady who gave me it was very sweet. She was so proud of herself after hearing that I liked it. She ran home to tell her husband, so I was waiting here until she got back."
A smile appears on Sirius' face too. A warm, comfortable smile.
Outside the walls, as seen through the window, snow begins to fall. A gentle, calming rain of powder. Catching its descent in the corner of her eye, the girl turns her winged back away. Aureole presses her palm against the glass and stares up at the sky.
Glancing out at the dancing snowflakes, Sirius is struck by a thought. Retaining his smile and calm demeanor, the boy brings it into conversation, though he fears it may dampen the mood.
"Random question."
"What is it?"
"How can I be proud of myself? Like... truly proud?"
"Um..." Aureole is caught off guard. She ponders to herself a moment. "Sorry, I'm not really sure how to respond."
"Hm..." Sirius' curiosity takes hold of him. "Would you say you're proud of yourself? And everything you've done in your life?" His light tone of voice is a sheer contrast to the heavy weight of the question presented to her.
"..."
"Feel free not to answer, I don't mean to put you on the spot."
"No, no, it's okay," Aureole considers his question carefully. Her mind spirals into the life she has led. All of her achievements and admirations, as well as her frustrations and regrets. Her feelings accumulate into an honest reply. "No. I can't say that I am."
...
"If you'll let me, what would make you proud of yourself? If anything?"
Aureole's gradient eyes follow the snow as it falls. She finds Sirius reflected in the window, that smile still residing on his lips. A creeping, quiet guilt hangs over her shoulders.
"I'm not sure," she responds. "Maybe... if I accomplish my goal... then I will be."
"Becoming queen?"
Aureole hesitates to respond. Her mind is seemingly elsewhere. Somewhere as dark as the wings shrouding her shoulders.
"Yeah... Maybe."
Sirius can tell immediately by the sound of her voice that she's lying. His heart is struck by a sharp pang, but only for a moment.
-Something else, then... But what? It... probably doesn't have anything to do with me.
"..."
"Um, what about you?" An urgency lies in her words, she wants to change the subject. Still, her sound remains as soothing as ever.
"Hm?"
"If you manage to meet the witch... and you get her to let you keep your memories... would that make you proud of yourself?"
...
"I'm not sure... I can't be sure until I do it, I suppose."
-Keeping my memories... yes, that's my goal. Everything I do is for the sake of accomplishing that. If I do, it'll be the first time in my life that I changed my life for the better. It'll be the first time I ever accomplished anything of meaning.
But... would just completing that task make me proud? If not, then what would make me proud of myself? Is just changing enough? Would I be proud of myself if I changed? No... it's deeper than that. There are other goals, things I've always wanted...
Sirius stares at the back of Aureole's head. Her messy, long, teal hair reminds him of all the times he's seen it. It's only been a couple of weeks and yet... a desire has been forming deep within him. A yearning that has long existed, but has only been amplified since his demise.
If I can form connections with others...
If I can be happy...
Would I be proud then?
...
"I guess that's true. I won't know either until it happens."
Pulling himself out of thought, Sirius tries to steer the conversation away.
"Oh? Someone's confident they'll win the election."
"That's not what I meant!" She spins around, suppressing a grin. She too abandons the path her mind was leading her down.
"Hehe," Sirius gives a short chuckle. Unsure of how to continue the conversation, his eyes wander downwards. "You know... for a minute there I forgot I'm basically naked."
Her ears twitch and flush a pale red.
"Oh... Right..." Her eyes wander in a different direction.
"I should probably go get changed."
"Mm, that's probably smart."
⧗⧖⧗⧖⧗
Seeing how the threat of hoarbanes has diminished, the need to dress lightly has vanished along with them. Throwing on a long-sleeved shirt and a hefty coat, Sirius makes his way outdoors once again. This time, the cold isn't so... cold.
Aureole seems to have gone off somewhere. Without a body to follow, the boy wanders into the main streets.
After the extensive celebration last night, one would expect the outpost to be calm and settled. But the reality is quite the opposite. Silence is instead replaced with the hammering of nails on wood.
It seems as if everyone in the outpost is helping rebuild. Even the children who were once too mortified to move have come around, helping adults carry out rubble. Sirius dodges stacks of debris being moved by squallers. Everyone is moving, no one is wasting any time on getting this place cleaned up.
Smiles reside on the faces of the squallers. Despite the tragedy they've just endured, no one seems to be held back by the experience. The time for mourning is done. Even those who have lost their home and families... readily assist others in the project.
If it wasn't clear enough last night, the sense of community in this outpost is on another level. Everyone supports, trusts, and cares for one another so seamlessly...
Guilt crosses into his thoughts. Kynn's words last night suddenly spring to mind.
Despite being here for a week, he didn't make an effort to know any of these people, save a select few. While everyone was out fighting and risking their lives for each other...
-I only did this for my memories... I'm no selfless hero...
Amidst the passing snowflakes, stands a burning ember.
Pholy, forging a blazing ball of pink flames, burns stray wood and cloth. To make way for others to excavate the items buried beneath, the ember acts as a living flamethrower. After each pile, the squallers thank her, a large contrast to her treatment when she first arrived.
They all respect her deeply. She did save most of their lives, after all.
After she finishes up a set, Sirius steps forward.
"Well, aren't you just a ray of sunshine?"
"Quite indeed, would you like to be burned by one such ray?"
"Hm, it pains me to say, but I'll have to decline. Besides, your flames aren't nearly as hot as the sun," he teases, knowing she'll take the bait.
"Is that so? Would you like the find out? I'm happy to use you as a test dummy." She ignites a small ball of fire in her palm.
"Hm, maybe some other time. I'd prefer not to go back to the medical huts anytime soon."
"Oh you wouldn't need to worry about that-! I would incinerate your entire body so there would be nothing for them to heal."
"You make a tempting offer..."
Pholy grins and dismisses her blaze. "You seem to be in a good mood. I almost forget you have a way with words."
"What is that supposed to mean...? Anyway... Let's just say I had a very eventful morning and am wide awake."
"Oh?"
"Don't worry about it," Sirius shuts her down. He would much rather prefer if the incident stayed between him and Aureole. "Seems like everyone is working hard... Including you, which is surprising."
"I'm going to ignore that last comment," she says, lighting a few strains of her hair on fire. "But you're right. Everyone here is counting on me now, so I kind of have to oblige. I can't say I'm the biggest fan of all the respect and attention, but it sort of feels... nice... to be relied on."
"I get what you mean."
Pholy extinguishes her fervor and gazes out at the working squallers. Her fushia eyes fill with subtle longing.
"I like to be more of an observer. Someone who quietly watches others live their lives."
"...You and me both," Sirius states, matching her line of sight.
He isn't quite sure what she's looking at. Whether it's something specific or the scene in its entirety. Either way, she's entranced herself with that view.
"I think it's beautiful, don't you?"
"What?"
"What people are capable of. What people create and how they can fill those creations with emotion."
"..."
Many moments flash through his mind. Nola's hole, Kynn's song, Rawlin's barriers... But the scene before them displays it the clearest.
"I hope one day I can make something like that..."
...
...
For a girl always acting so fierce and fiery, in this instant...
She sounds so vulnerable.
...
While the boy doesn't know her story, or what she dreams of, he feels one thing is for certain...
"I'm sure you will."
"Thank you... that means a lot."
...
...
Their stillness is strung along with the sounds of construction.
Whatever longing lies within her buried heart, has yet to be revealed. But that blazing shell can only hold for so long.
"Come on, we should probably lend a hand."
"Right," Pholy says, knocking herself out of her daze.
"Stealing my line..." Sirius shakes his head. "Shameless."
"I will seriously burn you."
⧗⧖⧗⧖⧗
A couple of hours pass in what seems like seconds.
The sun hangs high in the surprisingly clear sky.
Though the temperature here is still well below freezing, Sirius finds himself sweating. Believe it or not, moving wooden beams around is pretty draining.
Setting down on a pile of rubble, Sirius catches his breath. A friendly squaller comes by and offers him a glass of water. Unsure of how to refuse, Sirius accepts and drains the liquid down his throat. Its cold sting feels blissful.
Now fiddling with the cup, a familiar half-face stops in front of the boy.
"Quite the restless, hard worker aren't we?"
"It sure beats doing nothing."
"Hm," Rawlin smirks. "You sure care a lot for these folk, don't you?"
"..."
"Saving their outpost, now helping rebuild it... They must mean a lot to you."
-That tone of voice... why does he have to say it like that? Why does he always have to get into my head? You know they don't...
"Is it your goal to mess with me?"
"I'm just testing theories and gathering your intelligence level."
"And what do you gain from doing that?"
-He's going to say something vague like "insight" again.
"Hmm... insight, I suppose."
-This guy...
Sirius sighs extensively and stands up.
"Did you need something?"
"So rude... We are getting ready to depart back to the manor. You should pack your things and make your way to the main gate."
"Aye aye captain," Sirius sluggishly salutes.
Rawlin suppresses a chuckle and begins to walk away.
"I haven't heard that phrase in a long time... Oh-" the lord turns back around. "You might want to hurry, your fellow sailor is about to be discharged."
"Fellow sailor... Ah-"
-Korlin.
It's been a while since I've last seen him.
"Ciao!" Rawlin says, departing ever so graciously.
Processing the interaction for a moment, Sirius shakes it off and heads for where he awoke.
The walk there is pleasant and rewarding. Smiles sit on almost all the squaller's faces. Most of the rubble has been cleared away, so some have already begun patching up their houses. Some are starting new homes from scratch.
It may be a tough task, but their expressions tell him they're more than ready for it. A hopeful determination rests within all their eyes. They fought for this, the worst part is over with, and now all that comes is the dawn.
Sirius grabs his few items and stuffs them in his bag. He thanks the staff and heads out the door.
There, leaning against the outside wall is a snowsqualler with a glorious undercut ponytail. Upon spotting Sirius, Kynn presses off against the building and grins.
"Yo."
"Yo," Sirius mimics.
"I guess it's that time, huh? It feels like you only just got here. And yet, somehow, it feels like I've known you my entire life."
"I guess I just have that effect on people," Sirius jokes.
A smile sits firmly on his lips. "Come on, you down for one last little chat?"
Sirius follows Kynn along what he labeled the "scenic route" but it doesn't quite live up to the name. Construction sort of takes away from any possible snowy scenery. Sirius also deduces this is just a longer way of getting to the main gate.
"It's amazing isn't it?" Kynn asks. "Everyone is still mourning their losses, but they keep pressing forward. Life keeps going. It will keep going. This outpost will rebuild, and we'll all become so much stronger... And one day, this tragedy will be but a distant memory."
"It is pretty amazing."
"Right? Even though we were all tight-knit before... this experience has left us more connected than ever. I guess in some messed up way I have to thank the hoarbanes."
"I wouldn't go that far."
"Maybe you're right... Too soon," Kynn is as cheerful and charismatic as when they first met. "So, how'd you like my song last night? I couldn't find you afterward. It was pretty great, right?"
"Oh? Are you seeking validation from me?"
"Well excuse me for being a person with feelings."
Sirius chuckles. "It was a beautiful song."
"Thank you," Kynn accepts Sirius' sincere reply. "...Do you think it reached her?"
"I'm sure it did. It reached everyone there last night, that's for sure."
Kynn's cheeks uplift. "That's good... Oh yeah, this morning, I... I spoke with my mom. I told her all the things I wanted to say. The things I couldn't tell her before."
"That's great," Sirius smiles.
"Yeah... I'm so glad... I just hope I won't mess it up."
"..."
"I hope I can show her the things I want her to see."
"In time I'm sure you will. But, just take things one at a time. You just saved the outpost after all, I think you can afford to rest a while."
"...You're right," Kynn's smile is almost contagious. "Man, I wonder what Chip would think of me now..."
Sirius decides not to pry on this "Chip" character.
"..."
"You're a good listener, Sirius."
"A good listener? You think?"
"Yeah, you're always quiet when someone speaks their heart out. It's rare to find someone like that. Of course, Nuray does it too, but for a guy, it's fairly rare," Kynn laughs at his own comment. "Your silence speaks volumes, though I doubt you mean it to. Sometimes people just want someone to listen and not portray their ideals onto them."
-Like snow...
"..."
"Though, you do usually give some advice afterward. But, you always wait. And I appreciate it. I'm sure everyone does."
Kynn's genuine compliment resonates in Sirius' heart. He's always hated his own silence, as he just never has anything to say. But if that trait of his is something others like... maybe it isn't so bad.
"...I don't know how to respond to that," Sirius laughs it off.
"Oh? Is that blush I see? Has the mighty Sirius fallen victim to my charms?"
"Careful. You have a girlfriend now. Can you really afford to be flirting with me?"
"Hmm... You have a point," Kynn fails to contain his laughter. "I think it's alright, she knows you're my favorite sacrificial partner."
"Sacrificial partner, huh? I'm not sure how I should take that..."
"At face value of course. Because it's true. You risked your life to save everyone here."
"..." There it is again. That lingering guilt. "...I think you have the wrong idea about me. I'm not quite the selfless hero you think I am."
-I only did it so I could get closer to keeping my memories. My actions, my intents... all of them were driven by selfishness.
"That so?"
"Yeah, I didn't do it for anyone else. I just... did it for my memories."
"Sirius, do you know what one of your biggest weaknesses is?"
"My ability to change the tone of a conversation?"
"There's that, but... You fail to be honest with yourself. Instead, you blindly assume and adapt to everything around you, without focusing on what you want or how you feel."
"..."
"You're lying to yourself."
"..."
"..."
"I guess that's where we differ. Sometimes, it feels like I'm too honest with myself."
"And do you trust this honesty?"
"..."
"Sirius, is a reason you don't trust others... because you don't even trust yourself?"
...
-I don't. I... don't...
"...I don't know how to respond to that either."
"Hm, maybe I should tackle this a different way..." Kynn ponders to himself a moment. "Ah- got it... Sirius, do you consider me a friend yet?"
"...I..."
-A friend? Do I? I don't- What do I say?
"Hm, how about this... When you were going to kill the mother... were you ready to die?"
-Ready to die? It's true that I'm not sure why I did it so willingly, but... I was just doing it for my memories... If it means risking my life to save them, I will. It's not about whether I was ready to die or not, it was a necessity...
But, come to think of it... I'm always throwing myself into dangerous situations. Like when I first met Aureole and chased after the wailian, or all those times I fought against the hoarbanes... Or that one time I saved Canopus from a group of bullies...
Around everyone but me, Canopus was much quieter when he was young. I was the one person he'd let loose with. But that silence of his made him a prime target for bullying in his class. Even though they were basically toddlers, those kids were ruthless. Even so, maybe it wasn't right for me to slap them and make them cry. Sure, I was only three or so years older, but still...
Huh? What was I thinking about again...?
"I'll take your hesitation as a sign you'll understand eventually," Kynn breaks Sirius' train of thought.
"..."
The pair arrive at their destination.
A familiar wooden carriage stands in front of the gate. One white-furred manfi is attached to the drooping reigns. Beside the vehicle, a coated man with dark, messy hair and a small horn sticking out his forehead chats with Rawlin.
Torque.
-He's still alive...
The cheery man spots his old traveling companion.
"Ah! Sirius!" Torque jogs over and places his hands on his hips. "It's good to see ya again! You've been busy from what I've heard!"
"It's good to see you too," Sirius sounds confused. "Why are you here? I thought you were going to see your brother."
"Ah, that... Well, after I outran a pack of hoarbanes and crossed the border, I took a day's rest. Then, once I met up with Rawlin and confirmed your arrival, he persuaded me to start heading back here once I was ready."
"And by persuaded I assume he paid you off?"
"Haha! Guilty..."
"But wait, that would have been at least a day before we killed the mother... He told you to return despite not knowing it was safe?"
"Hm? What do you mean? When we met up he told me the situation was already defused and that the hoarbanes had already left..."
"What..."
Sirius trails off into his thoughts.
-But that would mean... Did he already know we were going to kill the mother...?
"Oho! If it isn't Pholy and Miss Aureole!"
The man's booming voice detaches the boy from his spiral. Sirius looks to Rawlin, who leisurely chats with Cilas.
-Rawlin... What are you hiding?
"Torque!" Aureole's surprise is evident. "You're safe!"
"That I am!" The man pats Sirius on the shoulder and goes to greet the girls.
The three converse joyously. Sirius takes a backseat to collect his thoughts, forgetting the squaller beside him.
"He seems like a jolly fellow. Reminds me of Bora when I was a kid. Like a big ol' teddy bear."
As if the mentioning of his name were a summoning spell - King Bora arrives.
"A teddy bear, huh? I'm not sure how to feel about such a depiction," the king jokes.
"You should feel honored, your majesty," Kynn is quick to reply. "Being a teddy bear is one of a king's greatest honors."
"Oho, then I will take my title with pride."
Quilo trails his father's footsteps. He looks at Sirius as if having something to tell him.
Noticing his gaze, Quilo nods his head to the side, signaling for Sirius to follow. Sirius tries to slip away, but before he can, Kynn slaps his shoulder.
"Sirius. Next time we meet, I'll be expecting your answer." A warm smile rests between his lips, one of unfiltered friendliness.
"...Yeah," Sirius agrees. His mind cycles back to his last conversation with Bora. "You sound just like his majesty." With that, Sirius steps off to the side.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Kynn asks Bora.
The king only chuckles in response.
Quilo stuffs his hands in his pockets. His words struggle to form out of his mouth.
"Um, Sirius."
"What's up?"
"I'm... I'm sorry for how I acted before," the boy's words are heartfelt and heavy. "I was just... so angry. But, I know that I was being unfair, so I... I apologize." The future king bows his head, regretful of his past actions.
"It's all good," Sirius assures him. "I never took it to heart. I know you were just frustrated."
"...Thank you. Um... I... I-" Quilo struggles again to share his thoughts. "I want to try and talk more with people. I want to... I want to stop hating people."
Sirius' eyes widen. This boy has changed so much in such a short time. He's almost envious.
"That's great. I wish you luck."
"Thank you again, Sirius. You're... a good person. Is it okay if I call you... a friend?"
...
Sirius is speechless. He feels his heart has dropped in his chest.
He doesn't want to lie to the boy.
Unsure of how to act, Sirius throws on a convincing smile. One he's worn a thousand times.
"Of course. But... I think you have something mixed up."
"Hm?"
"I'm... not a good person. But, thank you. For the sentiment."
While a little confused, Quilo smiles regardless.
"You don't have to lie to yourself too, you know."
"..." First Kynn, now Quilo... Am I really just deceiving myself...? Sirius grins and almost chuckles.
"...I know."
...
As squallers gather around, Sirius says his farewells to more and more people.
The guards, the warriors, Carpi...
His rounds lead him to both Nuray and Nola.
"It's kind of strange," Nuray says. "I've hardly spoken with you, but it feels like I've known you through Kynn."
"I feel the same," Sirius chuckles.
"I can't thank you enough. For everything. Truly... Thank you for looking after Kynn, and for letting him move on." Her smile overflows with gratitude.
"I'm not sure I can take credit for that..."
"Hey now," Nola wraps her arm around his shoulder. "Don't forget about our little business arrangement, yeah? You still have that bag of bippie fur?"
"Huh? Oh, I do actually! It's in my bag, I'll make sure to give it to him when I see him again."
"Hehe, alright, I'm counting on you!"
...
Sirius groups back up with Rawlin and the others.
"Say your goodbyes to all your friends?" Rawlin asks.
"Must you mock me at every opportunity?"
"I am your employer, I do have that right," Rawlin smirks. "Now then... we're just waiting on... Ah, here he is."
The clamor and chatter of the squallers quiets.
Two guards escort a hooded individual.
Simply by the way the figure walks...
-Korlin...
The boy dons the same blood-stained clothes he wore all those days ago. Only, there's the new addition of a black, hooded shawl wrapped around his shoulders. From here, it's hard to tell what expression lies on his sunken face.
Murmurs and insults sound throughout the crowd. As far as the snowsquallers are concerned, this boy caused the destruction of their outpost. It's no wonder they hold him in animosity. Quilo's face scrunches but quickly suppresses. Even Kynn's features distort.
Chains dangle from his bleeding wrists. There is clear evidence of abuse.
Whether it was self-inflicted or not is what's unclear.
Squallers avoid him like a plague. They space as far away from him as possible as he approaches the carriage. Cilas and Rawlin observe the boy's movements quietly. Aureole looks as if she's ready to run toward him. Pholy seems to be the one most anxious.
Unfortunately for Torque, he is unaware of what's transpired. And so...
"Aha! Korlin! My kindred spirit, why are you all up in chains?"
Korlin's escort comes to an end. The boy is within touch proximity.
The boy slowly lifts his head, revealing the lifeless husk of a human.
He looks terrible.
Tired.
So, so very tired. He hasn't slept a wink this entire time. Even before coming to this outpost, he hadn't rested, but this... This is inhuman.
He looks absolutely dead inside.
Eye bags weigh beneath his shine-less eyes. Scratches and scars mark his pale complexion. His hair is matted and dry.
"Hi... Torque..."
The boy's voice is raspy and frail.
"Oh..." Torque's demeanor changes immediately. He quickly adapts to the tonal shift and lowers his voice. "You look terrible..."
"Sorry..."
The guards remove the chains from his wrists. Without a word, Korlin stumbles into the corner of the open carriage. The boy sinks into a ball and covers his head.
...
...
"I suppose I shouldn't pry..." Torque tells himself.
"Yeah..." Pholy replies.
"Well then!" Rawlin claps his hands and throws on a grin. "I guess that's your cue to leave before things get too awkward."
"It's a little late for that..." Pholy stabs.
"Are you not coming with?" Sirius questions.
"Hm? Oh no, Cilas and I will hang back for the day. I have more matters to discuss with the king. Besides, someone needs to bring the carriage we rode here back. That, and I need to report back to the nobles of our success here."
"Ah, that makes sense."
"Why? Will you miss me that much?"
"No one said that."
"Ouch. You wound me..."
Sirius, Aureole, Pholy, and Torque hop onto the carriage and get ready to depart.
Vigor is restored within the squallers, as they send off their heroes.
King Bora steps forward with words of parting.
"Miss Aureole. Pholy. Sirius... I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Meeting you all was surely a gift from Alsi herself. I will forever be in all of your debts. If you ever have need of something from our country, please do not hesitate to ask. Be it manpower or resources, I will humbly lend you our assistance."
"Thank you, King Bora," Aureole bows. "We are grateful for your hospitality and understanding. Know that we too will be happy to assist you in anything in the coming times. I pray for your continued health and prosperity."
The king smiles warmly.
"You will make a fine ruler one day. I will make sure all of the glory here is yours."
His comment catches her off guard.
"Th-thank you, your majesty..."
Bora turns to Pholy.
"For a long time, our people feared embers. Being beings made of flame, you were a natural enemy to us centuries ago. But now... You've shown us how blind we were. You and your kind will be forever welcomed here, Pholy. You are an extraordinary person, and will burn brightly in my heart forever."
Washed with sudden praise, Pholy's head steams in embarrassment.
"I- Uh... Th-thanks... You're too kind..." She holds her hand to her face and turns away.
Finally, the king faces Sirius.
"I know any words I say to you will be that of repetition, so I will keep this brief..."
"..."
"Thank you, Sirius. You are a wonderful person. And the greatest human I have ever met. Do not forget that."
A warmth spills into Sirius' chest. His mind is wiped clean of any contradicting thoughts.
"Oh... Th-thank you..."
The king nods and faces back toward the crowd. "Everyone! Please send off our heroes with everything you've got!"
The outpost erupts with cheer.
All of these people, all victims of the hoarbanes, have come together to send them off. Not a single one doesn't call out.
Their voices resonate within Sirius. Their affection, their hearts, their admiration... all of it pools into him.
"Sirius."
Sirius looks down off the carriage to find Kynn.
"What's up?"
"Remember what I told you, okay? And... embrace the connections you've made. Trust in the people you've met. Trust in others... and be honest with yourself. Maybe then, you'll find that thing you're looking for."
"...Thanks. I'll try."
-I want to.
"Good," Kynn gives Sirius a cheesy smile. "Well then, until we mee-"
"I hope you find that something."
"..." Kynn's features soften. "Yeah, I'll find that something. Just you wait."
Sirius nods, a genuine smile brimming beneath his nose.
The carriage swings around and they begin to depart.
The faces of everyone in the outpost stare back at him.
Kynn, Nuray, Nola, King Bora, Quilo, the guards and warriors, even Carpi...
All of them watch him leave, glad he was here.
With all these people surrounding him... All of these people he's helped and protected... All of them sending him off with smiles...
Sirius can't help but feel a little more connected to those around him.
...
Perhaps the most surprising part is Quilo.
The boy jumps up and down, surprising his own father and those others around him. His enthusiasm toward Sirius and others has gone drastically up. Bora can't help but feel proud. He can't help but feel grateful.
"Come again!" Quilo shouts. His voice rises above the other countless screams. "I hope to see you again someday!"
Sirius stares back and smiles.
"Mm..." he whispers to himself. "May we meet again... And maybe then... I'll be able to call you a friend."