"Is that...?"
"I think it is!"
A pair of young, passing snowsquallers spot the lone hero as he advances toward his destination. He hums a quiet tune, similar to that of a lullaby. The two girls rush over and stop the boy in his tracks.
"Hm-?" Sirius, in his oblivion, is unaware of why he's been halted.
"You're Sirius, right?!" a girl asks. She bounces up and down, unable to sit still due to her excitement.
"Yeah..."
"I told you!" The girl nudges the other. "You're the one who saved us, right? You slayed the monster?" Her smile is infectious.
"..."
"...?"
Sirius doesn't know how to react. While it's true he delivered the final blow, Sirius can't bring himself to say that he's the one who deserves praise. His accomplishment rings hollow in his ears.
It doesn't feel like his own. It doesn't even feel like reality.
He doesn't even know how he did such a thing. Or why he did it at all.
"...I can't take all the credit. Everyone else paved the way for me."
He lands on a neutral approach. Both admitting to and denying his involvement. These girls got their hopes up to meet the savior of the outpost... He can't just go and disappoint them, right?
The two girls, with cheesy smiles, turn to each other and giggle.
"He's so humble!"
"How modest..."
Sirius scratches the nape of his neck, unsure of how to proceed.
"Can we get your autograph?!"
"Autograph?" Sirius is stunned. No one has ever asked one of him. "...Uh, sure."
"Hehe... Here!" The giddy girl hands over a prepared ink claw and a strip of thin cloth. "I want to be a warrior when I grow up, and I want this to be my grip wrap when I do!"
"Me too!" the other girl offers up a similar cloth. "What better motivation is there than an autograph from the hero?"
-Hero... huh?
"Ah... I see," Sirius gives the two a meek smile. He takes the two cloths and kneels down to use his knee as a surface.
As the two girls giggle and grow in excitement, Sirius stares down at the cloth.
He taps the pen against the strip, a sudden emptiness coming over him.
...
Not only can he not shake the feeling of this being wrong, but something far more sinister creeps into his thoughts.
-My signature...
He's written it many times over the course of his life. But for some reason...
I can't remember.
...
"Is something wrong?" one of the girls questions.
"Hm? Oh- no... I just spaced off for a second. I guess my head is still a little messed up from the battle."
"Oh- I'm sorry! I didn't mean to push you if you're still recovering-"
"No, no, it's alright. It's just an autograph, I can manage." Sirius quickly scribbles a makeshift signature and hands it to the girl. He does the same with the other cloth and the pen. "Here you are."
"Thank you, Mr. Hero! We'll treasure them forever!"
"Yeah, we will! Thank you for saving the outpost!"
The two girls giggle and skip away, clutching the cloths in their hands. Sirius' actions have filled them with joy...
"..."
Sirius watches the pair drift off, a lingering sense of loss hanging over him. He stands up, brushing off the snow from his knees, and silently continues on his way.
Nearing the king's quarters, a familiar voice calls out to the boy.
"Ah, Sirius! There you are!"
Turning around, his amber eyes find the one-armed man.
-Carpi...
Sirius hasn't seen the man since he saw Aureole hugging him. The image hangs over his head, but Sirius can't bring himself to feel any ill-will toward the man. After all, they share a special relationship.
Sirius literally chopped his arm off.
"Oh, how are you doing?" The boy's eyes are naturally drawn to the man's missing appendage. The nub is tied with the excess length of his sleeve.
"I'm doing well," Capri notices his gaze. "Though it's been taking a bit of readjusting." He waves his arm in the air with a playful smile on his face.
"Ha..." A sudden wave of awkwardness washes over him. How do I react to that?? "I'm glad to hear it."
"In all seriousness though... thank you. You and the ember saved my life. I don't think I got the chance to properly thank you both."
"Don't worry about it, I'm sure anyone else would have done the same."
"Most people wouldn't just break someone's arm and then immediately chop it off," Carpi chuckles. "But I digress, thank you. For everything. You even managed to kill that monster which cursed me to begin with... You did something I couldn't even imagine doing. You're amazing, Sirius."
"..."
The man's heartfelt words leave the boy speechless. This onslaught of praise he's been given is too much to bear. His achievement doesn't feel his own, yet others adore him like it was.
"Left you mute, did I? I know, I have quite a way with words."
"Ha, someone's humble..."
"I take pride in my modesty," he smirks, placing his hand on his hip. "Oh, before I forget, would you mind giving my thanks to Aureole?"
"Hm? Uh, sure... What for?"
"Well, my home was damaged during the mother's attack. That, mixed with my recently lost arm, everything just became a little too much... She must have noticed because she came over and chatted with me for a bit."
"..."
"She managed to help me calm down and assured me that everything would be alright. She was kind and very thoughtful with her words. It meant a lot to me, though it was a bit embarrassing being hugged by a girl half my age..."
-So that's what she was doing...
A tired laugh escapes the boy. Always overthinking.
"I'll make sure she receives your gratitude. Especially that last part."
"You sure are something else, huh?" Capri laughs, he's enjoying every bit of this conversation. "Well, I'm sure the king wants to see you, so I'll leave you be for now. Thank you again, both for saving me and everyone else."
Something akin to pride takes root in Sirius' chest. But he swiftly suppresses it. Unsure of how to rebuttable, he begrudgingly accepts the thanks.
"...You're welcome."
With a satisfied grin, Capri begins to make his leave. Waving with his amputated arm, Capri exclaims one more piece of information.
"Sirius! If I ever have a kid, I'll name him after you!"
With that, the man disappears behind a building.
...
...
"...Please don't do that."
-That's a bit overkill, no?
Sirius can't help but imagine the scenario in his head. It is quite the humorous one.
⧗⧖⧗⧖⧗
Pressing past the praise and admiration, and finally arriving at the damaged door, Sirius steps through.
Immediately upon entry, his nose is swept in an astounding aroma. It reminds him of his mornings at the mansion.
Slipping off his shoes, Sirius rounds the corner into the large, square room. Compared to when he first stepped foot in this building, this place is a mess. But, seeing everyone in such high spirits as he enters, it feels just as welcoming. If not more so.
Aureole, Pholy, Cilas, Rawlin, and the king stand together in the center of the space. King Bora's throne remains unscathed despite the other damages, but he refuses to sit on it. Everyone is on equal footing here.
Except Pholy, of course, who is much shorter than the rest.
"Sirius!" The king erupts, his eyebrows skyrocketing. "Haha! Our hero has come, alas!"
"Ha... sorry, did I keep you waiting?"
"Nonsense my boy!" Bora approaches Sirius, a massive smile on his face. Rawlin, who is off to the side, retains a similar expression. "...I'd have waited the rest of my life for a chance to speak with you again."
Sirius' heartstrings strum. Such kindness is unprecedented, he believes. But, even Sirius cannot deny how good it feels.
"...I- I'm honored."
"No need to maintain such formalities. You are one worthy of undying praise, and will forever be held as one of the brightest lights in my eyes." The king rests his hands on Sirius' shoulders. "Sirius... you have my unwavering gratitude and respect."
Sirius is lost in the man's kindness.
"...I..."
"You are a remarkable child. And a remarkable warrior. Should you ever need assistance in the future, please, do not hesitate to call my name."
...
"...Thank you."
Bora nods, his sincerity encapsulated in a smile.
"Now," the man turns to face Rawlin. "I assume you are itching to discuss other matters?"
"All in good time," Rawlin replies brightly. "I believe all my trusted partners here deserve their necessary praise. Each one of them contributed greatly. I fear your outpost would be nothing more than a burning memory if any of them weren't here."
A satisfied expression lies on his masked face.
"You certainly have a way of placing people in your debt," Bora sighs. "But, I wholeheartedly agree. Thanks to all of your efforts, our lives may finally resume. As we speak, healthy warriors are fetching herbs for the ill and administrating them accordingly. Though we may have suffered unprecedented loss and must bear those scars for the rest of our lives, everyone seems to be back in high spirits. We all are looking towards the future again."
The room is basked in an indescribable warmth, likely radiating from this man. Pholy playfully nudges Aureole, joyous expressions on them both. Cilas and Rawlin allow the king to soak in his happiness. It seems they all have just finished eating as well, Cilas' cooking from the smell of things.
Sirius looks around the room, observing everyone's smiles. He can't but feel a bit melancholic. A bit out of place. The natural smiles he sees... why won't appear for him?
His scan lands him on the corner of the room, where he finds a boy leaning against a wall. Quilo. Their last interaction was when the boy demanded Sirius to be successful. And that he was.
The boy lifts his head and meets Sirius' gaze. After a brief moment, a weak smile spreads across his lips.
Not used to such an expression on the boy's face, Sirius returns with a similar one.
"Now," the king continues. "As I am healthy again, and our crisis is averted, I take it you wish to discuss trade? That was the original purpose of your visit, yes?"
"That's right," Aureole claims. "Would you be willing to resume it?"
"You needn't worry. I will inform our merchants that they are free to travel again. I never intended to halt our trade to begin with. I know how much our herbs support those in Lunalir... I wouldn't dream of cutting our ties."
"I'm happy to hear it," Rawlin says. An emotionless grin sits beneath his nose.
"Hm, something tells me that you wish my gratitude to extend further. Is that correct, Lord Rawlin?"
"I see age hasn't tampered your observation abilities."
"Please, I am not that old."
-Is he going to ask about the map? Is it okay for everyone else to hear?
"I want you to ensure something."
"Ensure?"
-?
"I want you to ensure that Aureole is the one to receive all the credit for saving this outpost and felling that beast."
"Oh?"
"Wha-!" Aureole is shocked by the lord's statement. Pholy and Sirius are also caught off guard. "No no no no that isn't necessary-!"
"Calm yourself," Rawlin responds. "Think about it for a moment. With the election approaching, you need all the publicity you can muster. If you try to run against her with your current status and achievements, it's a slaughter waiting to happen."
"Maybe so, but I can't just rob everyone else of their feats. I don't deserve any-"
"You do wish to become queen, don't you?"
Rawlin's question is firm, as is his expression.
"Well, I... yes, but-"
"Then take this seriously. Slaying a city-destroying beast and resuming trade with one of our most important partners are massive achievements that commoners will be unable to scoff at. Don't throw away everything you've worked for out of consideration for others."
"...I..."
"The lord is correct," King Bora butts in. "Seeing all you've done for me and my people, it would be shameful of me not to support you in this upcoming election. Besides, I believe Kynn and the others will be happy to oblige. He is not one to stress about the glory. Nor do I believe your friends are."
"Is it... really alright?"
"Of course it is," Pholy grabs Aureole's hands. "Sirius, Rawlin, and I are here to support you to begin with. We're not here so our names can be engraved in history, we're here so yours can be."
Aureole is at a loss for words. She looks to Sirius, who gives her a quiet nod. Both he and Pholy aren't exactly fans of attention to begin with, so this works out beautifully for them. Besides, part of the reason he is here is because of her.
-I will make her queen. I promised myself that.
"O-Okay then..." Aureole succumbs. "If you all are alright with it..."
"Good," Bora claims. "I will see to it that the merchants and any travelers are aware of this decision. And I will also do my best to support you in the future, Miss Aureole."
"T-Thank you, your majesty. You are too kind."
"Do not mention it. It is the least I can do."
"..." Rawlin's gaze is slanted downward. His smile is masking something else.
"Is there anything else you wish to ask of me, lord?"
"As it so happens..." Rawlin turns toward Sirius. It's time. "I wanted to discuss something a bit... discrete."
"...That being?" The king's expression dampens. He's been anticipating this moment, it seems.
"I'm sure you are well aware of the current state the world is in. Crops withering prematurely, more and more animals going extinct, death rates on the rise..."
"I am aware of these occurrences. What is your point?"
"The world is dying as result of the witch. And I- ...we, have taken it upon ourselves to find and rid the world of her."
...
...
"Huh!?" Pholy and Quilo blurt in unison.
Aureole and Cilas had been previously informed, but it seems Pholy was not. The king is also riddled with surprise, but far less so. This isn't quite what he was anticipating.
"You seek the witch? And wish to kill her?"
"Correct. And it has come to my attention that the old king of Alsi came into possession of a map. A map to the Witch of Death."
...
"...."
The king is silent, his gaze fixated on the blindfolded man. Bora stands firm, the air around him falling stiff. Tensions have risen between the pair.
"As it so happens, my dear partner, Sirius, is a Witch Spawn. I'm sure you were already aware of such a fact, but, were you also aware of his circumstances?"
"...Circumstances?"
-So that's where he's going with this...
"Yes, I'm not sure how informed you are of Witch Spawns, but you are aware that they are born from the witch, yes?"
"..." Bora nods.
"Well, are you also aware that they have had a life before this one? ...After facing death in their previous life in another world, Witch Spawns are reborn into this one."
"..." The king turns to Sirius for confirmation. Sirius nods, assuring the man it is the truth.
"Once they are reborn into this world," Rawlin continues. "The memories of their past life begin to vanish over the course of a year."
"..."
"Sirius, having died and becoming a Witch Spawn, now faces such memory loss. My wish is to yes, confront the witch and rid her from this world, but also to have her keep Sirius' memories from completely disappearing."
"...Is that so?"
"Yes, your majesty, so I ask you... no, I beg you... Lend me your map. And allow me to fulfill my own wish, as well as Aureole and Sirius'."
Rawlin bows his head.
A strained silence looms over each of their heads.
"..."
"..."
"...Sirius?" The king states his name as a question.
"Y-Yes?"
"Is all of this true?"
-...Everything Rawlin said is what he's told me. My memories are undoubtedly disappearing, that part is factual. Rawlin's story checks out with what he's told me, but... Are his motives really that simple?
"Yes. My memories are going away. We believe the witch will be able to stop them from doing so."
"..."
"..."
The King thinks long and hard. His mind is seemingly racked with thoughts and questions.
But ultimately... he caves.
"Very well," he states. "I do indeed have such a map in my possession."
A twisted smile morphs onto the lord's sunken head. Swiftly removing it, he positions himself upward to face his complaint.
"I thank you wholly, your majesty-"
"Dad!" Quilo pushes himself off the wall. "You can't seriously think about giving it to them! I know they saved you and everyone, but- But that map is one of our family's heirlooms. You even told me to never say anything about it-!"
"I know... This may seem unfair and excessive, but... I have the utmost faith in this boy."
"...In me?" Sirius asks.
-He's willing to give me something this important? I know I helped him but... Quilo is right. This is too much. He shouldn't just blindly trust someone he hardly knows.
...
"That's right," Bora assures. "Therefore..."
The king steps over to his throne. The wooden chair is as solid as ever.
Reaching out his arm, the king gathers snow from a small crack in the wall. The white powder enters the space and begins stirring in a large circle. Swirling the encroaching snow around the throne, the vortex activates a mechanism beneath the seat.
Mechanical sounds ring out from under the floor. The twisting spiral of snow begins to rise, consuming the throne in its entirety. A white tornado encases the chair, blowing violent gusts of wind around the room.
Shielding their eyes with sleeves, the lord and his servants are entranced by the display. Pholy holds Aureole close, her emitted heat burning stray snowflakes.
Amidst the condensed blizzard, the throne begins to ascend. Upon its lift, the king's fist clenches and swiftly releases. The swirling snowstorm begins to disperse, leaving a looming haze in the air.
The winds die down and the fog settles. Uncovering their vision, Rawlin and the others watch as the throne is raised upward. From under the chair, a sturdy, box-shaped device comes into view. The box scales above the floor, lifting the throne with it.
The box continues to raise until it reaches the king's shin in height. The mechanical sounds quiet down and come to a stop. Once the contraption has fully succeeded in its purpose, Bora kneels down toward the box.
Rawlin steps to the side to get a better view. His intrigue has peaked.
On his knee, the king brings his hand to his mouth. Revealing his teeth, Bora stabs his thumb into a canine and drags the tooth across his skin. Piercing the skin, the cut produces a thin line of blood from his finger.
Without a moment's delay, the king takes his bleeding thumb and drags it across the box's surfaces. Smearing the crimson liquid, Bora waits a moment. Everyone silently observes his every action.
As the blood soaks into the solid, a faint glow emits from within the metal. A clanking noise comes from the box, and suddenly, the face of the cube drops. Sirius finally understands what is happening. This box was a safe, needing the blood from the king to open.
With the cover gone, the safe's contents are revealed. Inside the box lies a single sheet of an old, off-white fabric.
The king grabs the sheet with his clean hand and turns to face the group. More specifically, to face Sirius.
"Sirius," Bora locks eyes with the boy. "What do you say to an oath?"
"An oath?"
"A solemn promise. With the goddess Alsi as our witness."
"What sort of oath, exactly?"
The king extends his arm carrying the map.
"Grab hold."
Sirius reluctantly does as he is told. Taking hold the opposite end of the fabric, with Bora grasping the other, Sirius is overcome with a strange sense of determination.
-What is this feeling? What's going on?
"I hereby grant you, Sirius, and you alone, permission to wield this map. You may carry forth and examine its properties as you wish, allowing no other to do the same. For if another is to hold this chart, may their body burn to ash."
"..."
Yet another weight lands on Sirius' shoulders.
The others in the room are left with no chance to speak. Nor the desire to.
Rawlin's expression is one of irritation. Annoyance masked by a blank expression.
If his eyes were to be unveiled... what anger would lie within them?
"In a year's time, must you return to me which I have given. My family's blood has been entrusted with this relic... If anything is to happen to it, may your mind melt with your flesh. Am I understood, Sirius?"
The boy's mind is racked with thoughts and concerns. Is this really something he should be entrusted with?
Amongst his distress, Sirius finds it within himself to remain calm. And he carefully comes to a conclusion.
-I need to save my memories. I can't afford to pass up this opportunity. A chance like this won't come again... I don't want any more regrets.
...
"Understood."
Observing the boy's resolution, Bora nods.
"Then it is done. May this oath carry forth and bind our beings until its end."
With those final words, the king releases his grip on the map.
The map sits firmly in Sirius' grasp.
A torrent of relief strikes the boy, relaxing his muscles and mind. His fleeting determination is washed away as well. The king watches Sirius' expression, a smile creeping onto his lips.
"I've never seen you so serious," Sirius jokes. "It's like you were a completely different person."
"Haha, oaths are not something to fool around with. Oaths are invaluable contracts between individuals with everlasting impacts. If I dared to mince my words, you could have been killed in an instant."
...
"...Seriously?"
"Haha! You needn't worry so much! I've made plenty of oaths in my time, I would never allow such a thing to occur."
"If you say so..."
Sirius can't help but feel like he just avoided another near-death experience. His heart won't stop pounding.
Before Sirius can fully process his thoughts, Rawlin begins to walk over.
"I take it your oath will still allow us to view its contents, yes?" Rawlin questions. His tone is rather stiff and unfriendly.
"Correct. You are simply not allowed to hold it."
"How bothersome..." the lord mumbles. Rawlin approaches Sirius and places his hand on the boy's shoulder. "Now then... if you would, Sirius."
"Right..."
Sirius snaps out of his daze and lifts the map.
Only to find...
It's blank.
...
Sirius swiftly turns it over, only to find the back blank as well.
"Um..."
Disappointment begins to flood his mind.
"What is the meaning of this, Bora?" Rawlin glares. "Are you messing with us?"
Aureole, Cilas and Pholy crowd over. Their shock connects each of them.
"Why is it blank?" Aureole asks.
All of them murmur to themselves, Bora observing silently overhead.
"Dad?" Quilo is equally as concerned. "It's blank? Why? I thought..."
Bora cuts his son off by placing his large hand on the boy's head. Ruffling up his hair, the king begins to chuckle.
"Sorry, I had almost forgotten..."
The man's tune is a positive one.
"Forgotten what?" Rawlin demands. He is the only one angry.
With a hefty sigh, the king begins...
"Supposedly, when a new witch is born... they are given a map. It is said their map is bound to their bodies, unable to be wielded by another. Much like the oath we just shared. The fabric Sirius has in his hands is merely a copy of said map. Written in shadow script."
Rawlin suppresses a snicker, a malicious grin forming on his lips.
"You've got to be shitting me..." the lord mumbles.
"Shadow script?" Sirius repeats. "What's that?"
"That's the language of the Shades, right?" Aureole questions.
"Correct," Bora assures. "My ancestor was approached by a Shade who copied the map long ago, and after forging an oath, the Shade relinquished the map it had drawn. Why my ancestor made the deal for a map only Shades can read, I know not."
"Huh..." Pholy seems to grasp the situation. "So if we want to read this 'map' we need a Shade?"
"I would assume that to be the case."
"Hm..." Cilas breaks his own silence. "It seems we will need to pay a visit to the Forest..."
"It appears so..." the lord agrees. His mood oddly lightens.
"I apologize for the inconvenience," Bora bows. "Especially after making such a dramatic vow."
"It's alright," Sirius assures the man. "I'm still just surprised you gave it to me."
The king grins, giving a weak chuckle.
"I fear this conversation has dallied too long. I hear my people are going to have a bonfire tonight. After some rest, I think you all should join them."
"A bonfire?"
"Yes, it used to be a common occurrence around here, but after the hoarbanes showed up we were fearful fire might pique their interest."
"Makes sense..."
"Yes, so please, feel free to relax and enjoy the celebration. It is in all of your honor, after all."
With the conversation coming to a close, Pholy presents a final display of gratitude and departs, dragging Aureole along with her. Sirius begins to follow them out but stops himself at the doorway. A lingering question is ready to be let loose.
"Hey, um..."
"Hm?" Bora saves his fleeting play of thanks.
"Why did you choose me? ...Why can only I hold this map?" The page clutched tightly in his palm, he glances back at the man he shares an oath with.
-We barely even know each other. It hasn't even been a week since we've met. Why entrust someone like me with something this important? It doesn't make any sense.
The king, speechless for a moment, softens his features. A warm smile protrudes from his lips, and the man's kind eyes fall onto Sirius'.
"Why do you think? Hm... if by the time you come here next, you haven't figured it out, I'll tell you."
"..."
-Why do I think...?
"Deal?"
"...Yeah, deal."
With a final farewell, Sirius escapes into the blinding white of the outside.
Left to themselves inside the king's quarters, Rawlin and Cilas linger. Cilas awaits his lord's instruction, but the man awaits himself.
"Is there something you wish to discuss, Lord Rawlin?"
"..."
"...?"
"...No, not now. I think I'll take up your offer and enjoy the bonfire."
With those emotionless words, the lord heads for the exit. Cilas bows and thanks the king before following suit.
The door closes quietly.
⧗⧖⧗⧖⧗
Twilight seeps into the skyline.
What should be the loneliest hour, is full of celebration and joy.
Among those parading is a lumalin. Aureole, after finally escaping Pholy's choke-hold, sneaks back over to the king's quarters.
The girl's crunching steps lead her to the front door. Her hopes of relieving some of her regrets command her every action. Reaching for the door handle, the wooden barrier suddenly slides open.
"Oh-!"
Inside the building stands a young boy with messy white hair. For someone only fourteen, he appears rather mature.
"..."
"Ah, Quilo!" A sudden wave of anxiety washes over her. "Just the guy I was looking for..."
"What do you want?" The boy's tone holds both confusion and resentment.
"I- I just wanted to..." Aureole releases a long sigh. "I wanted to apologize again."
"...Don't bother. He's better now, that's all that matters."
"Well, still, I promised you I'd protect him and I messed it up. If only I could get my powers under control... maybe then I could have..."
"..."
"I'm not asking you to forgive me, just... I want you to know that I really am sorry."
"..."
"..."
Quilo, finally breaking his emotionless mold, sighs.
"I heard you were a great help during the battle... so... thank you."
"..."
Aureole is left speechless. Never in a million years did she expect to hear those words.
"Don't get me wrong, I'm still angry at you. But, I'd be stupid not to recognize what you did, so... thank you." The boy seems to be imitating his father in a way. He struggles to get those last words out. "Just don't expect me to be buddy-buddy with you or the lord..."
Quilo nudges past the girl and wanders off into the snow.
Still stunned by his words, Aureole stands firmly in place. Her head rotates to watch the boy escape, and that he does.
While she still feels something is left to be desired, for now, she accepts his answer. Something in that boy's heart is turning. With a small grin upon her face, she turns and goes to greet the parade.
⧗⧖⧗⧖⧗
Black veils the sky.
Colors litter the darkness. Faded greens and blues, tiny white dots, small dashes of violet...
Sirius stares up at the universe above, basking in its entirety. Back on his old world, light pollution removed any chance of seeing the stars like this. But here in this lonely outpost, far removed from other populous, the night sky shines.
Well, maybe not fully. Before him lies a towering pile of dry wood, alight in a golden blaze. A massive bonfire burning bright against the black backdrop. Surrounding the flame is everyone in the outpost healthy enough to attend.
They are faces Sirius recognizes, but does not know.
All of them let loose, enjoying themselves to the fullest after having to endure for so long. Laughter and smiles fill the scene.
Pholy, Aureole, and the others all chat away with squallers who wish to thank them. And Sirius is no exception. Sitting alone on a log by the fire, waves of people come to greet and thank him.
Many are warriors. Apart from chatter and congratulations, they also inform Sirius on things he had neglected to take notice of. For instance:
All other groups, one, two, and four all managed to successfully make it back with no casualties. During the battle, group four saw no action as group three took care of everything. Groups one and two reconvened with group four and told them to retreat back after noticing the dome Rawlin placed around the arena. Without being able to enter and help, they left for more reinforcements. By the time they got back and gathered a few non-warrior healers, Kynn and everyone had returned.
A few members of group four apologize for being useless, but Sirius assures them there is no need.
After the initial surge of praise concludes, Sirius sits in solitude. Staring into the fire.
A sudden thought crosses his mind. Reaching to where his dagger should be, he finds only the hilt. The claw with which he struck the mother is gone.
Holding the clawless dagger, Sirius can't help but marvel at how it's still intact. He'd damaged and lost his last one, but this one miraculously survived.
"Admiring the craftsmanship?"
A snowsqualler with long, white hair tied into a ponytail sits down beside him. A friendly smile rests on his lips. In one hand he holds a cup of water, and in the other a guitar. New strings seem to have been added, though the dent in the wood still remains.
"Something like that..."
Kynn hands Sirius the glass, sets down his guitar and reaches for something at his hip.
"Mine's also gone," Kynn says, pulling out a clawless dagger. "Everyone's has. The claws apparently disappeared once the mother died. Which I find a little strange, considering they kept form after the hoarbane the claws came from died. I guess that's just the power of a curse..."
"Huh..." Sirius attaches the hilt back in place and turns back toward the fire. "How are you feeling? Good enough to tell everyone I deserve all the praise, I presume?"
"Hehe, what, not a fan of the attention? ...I'm feeling... good. It feels like... something heavy has been lifted off my shoulders. Like things are finally starting to move forward again."
His words sting with familiarity.
"That's great," Sirius turns toward the boy. But, rather than finding joy in Kynn's eyes, Sirius finds a deep longing instead, despite the genuine smile.
"But, you know..." The boy's voice switches tone, to one more delicate. "There's this... There's this pain clinging to me. It... keeps following me... like smoke around a fire."
"..."
"I feel like I've lost something other than my mom. Like maybe a part of myself..."
"...What would that be? Your purpose again?"
"No, it's... not that. I know what I need to protect now. I'm not sure what it is... I've gotten closure. I've avenged my mom, I've finally told Nuray I loved her... but something still feels like it's missing."
...
A quiet stillness consumes the two.
Amongst the parading squallers, only the crackling of flames is heard to them.
...
"To be honest," Sirius starts. "It feels like I robbed you."
"Robbed me?"
"Like I took away your chance of truly completing your goal. You wanted to avenge your mother more than anything, and you did, but... I'm still the one who did it."
"Not at all... Listen... out there during that battle, I let arrogance get the better of me. I wasn't making the right decisions, and if it wasn't for you... I would have died for real. This feeling I have now would be meaningless then. I'm sorry."
"...You don't need to apologize."
"To also be honest... I think it's better that you did it. If I had been the one... I'm not sure I could forgive myself... I'm still not sure I can."
"Forgive yourself? For what?"
"...My mom once told me... to only use violence when needed. When someone threatens to harm those you care about."
"..."
...
Both their bodies face the fire. Embers dance in the stillness of this moment.
...
"I broke that promise."
"..."
"Ever since that monster showed up, this rage has been boiling inside me. Like something primal wants to unleash... I mean, the first thing I did when I saw you was challenge you to a duel. Ha... that feels so long ago now. And then... there was your... friend."
A mixture of anger and pain warp Kynn's expression. Sirius can't tell which one takes focus.
"..."
"Before all of this happened... I never dreamed of hurting someone else. But... I wanted to... I wanted to kill him..."
"..."
"...Sirius?"
"...Yeah?"
"Does it feel good to hate someone?"
...
"I don't know..."
"Do you hate someone?"
A moment they shared previously flashes into his mind.
-'I try not to hate people. Sometimes, people just are, you know? People are impulsive and reactionary. They do things without meaning to or realizing the consequences.'
His father crosses his thoughts. He had told Quilo that he hated his father. Maybe in that moment it was true. Maybe it still is. But thinking of him now... a more accurate word comes to mind.
Resentment.
He has shared good memories with his father. He simply chooses to ignore them. He knows that.
Maybe it isn't hatred, or maybe it is, but as of now... he'll view it as resentment.
Apart from the pitying eyes of others, he finds no hatred for anyone else. Only...
"One person."
One person who he knows better than anyone. One person who he doesn't understand. One person who infuriates him to no end. One person who he sees everytime he stares into a mirror.
"Do you like hating them?"
"No... I hate that I hate them."
...
...
Shrouded in their own burning world, Kynn exhales a frosted breath.
"Well then, that settles it."
"Hm?"
"I've always made it a point not to hate people. I shouldn't go breaking my philosophy now, right?"
"..."
"I won't forgive your friend. I don't see there ever being a day that I do. But... I won't hate him. You needn't worry, I won't be swept away by vengeance or anything trying to kill him. I was raised better than that. I will only use violence when needed... that's the way it should be."
"...Good for you, man." A slim smile sits on Sirius' face. "Figuring everything out for yourself."
Kynn snorts.
"Ha... I wish. Now that all of this is over... I need to figure out what to do with the rest of my life. I spent so long trying to help my mom... and now I'll be protecting Nuray... But, is this place really where I should be?"
"What do you mean? I thought you loved being a warrior?"
"I do... But something about it just feels so... wrong. Like I'm betraying my mom. Like I'm betraying myself."
"...Betraying yourself, huh?" Having done such a thing his entire life, he chooses his next words carefully. "I may not be the best person to tell you this, but... you shouldn't only live for other people. Even if it's your mom."
"..."
"...You need to live for yourself. First and foremost. And do what you want to do... otherwise... you'll only keep living to regret it."
"..." Kynn is uncharacteristically quiet. Something like a soft frustration is building up inside him. "I don't want to regret things anymore... I know she wouldn't want me to think like this, but..." Kynn pulls out a small sack from his pocket, he's clutching it tightly. Very tightly. "This bag of nem is worthless now..."
"..."
"Ha... What is this? Why am I so angry with myself-? It's just money... But I spent so long..." The fissures in his voice break through. Kynn's nose scrunches, twisting his face into a bitter expression.
"..."
"Sirius... What am I supposed to do?"
The boy's sound is so weak, it's hard to believe he almost killed the mother. His desperate cry for an answer is only heard by someone who still needs to find theirs.
"..."
Sirius doesn't know how to respond. Giving life advice has never been his strong suit.
"..." Kynn presses his hand against his forehead. The bag of nem falls into his lap. His frustration has dwindled into a silent sulk.
Sirius has seen this strong warrior be weak before, but this is something different. Something much closer to home, something he can relate to, if only slightly...
Maybe, just maybe, he can give him a nudge in the right direction.
"...This may be presumptuous of me, but... Would you want to join us?"
"...Huh? Join you? What do you mean?"
"Well... with the election coming up... We could use the help. Maybe a bodyguard, or as an ambassador or something... I'm sure there's something you could do to help. And I'm sure everyone would welcome you, especially after all that's happened..."
As Sirius continues to try and make an "offer", Kynn can't help but start to smile. His frustration is subsided as he sees the boy ramble on. Sirius is so awkward it's hard to take him seriously. Kynn's smile slowly morphs into a laugh.
"Uh," Sirius stops his train of thought. It seems his plan worked. "I don't think I said anything giggle-worthy."
"That was a very poor attempt at an offer, you know? Leave the outpost and Nuray... you gotta be kidding me." Kynn seems to have caught onto Sirius' plan.
"To be fair," Sirius matches the lighthearted vibe. "Our mansion has plenty of room for both of you. Though it'd mean I'd have more chores to do..."
"And leave Nola alone with only the bippies? You believe I'm so heartless?"
"I'm sure she could dig a hole in the backyard to live in."
The two share a chuckle. The bonfire finally feels warm again.
"Sorry Sirius... I don't want to get involved in any politics outside of my own." A smile firm on his face, Kynn turns to the boy beside him. "You're right... I should continue doing what I want to do... So, for now, I still have my duty to serve my king. I have my duty to protect Nuray. I need to protect the family I have left... That's what I want to do."
"..." Sirius' only response is a grin.
"I don't think I can spare to protect anyone else. There's only so many people I can. I don't want anyone else to slip through my fingers..." Kynn clenches his fists. "So while I can't accept your offer now... Maybe one day in the future... I can assist you."
"I'll hold you to it."
"Feel free." A fire seems to be lit in the boy's eyes, one other than the blaze before him.
"Are you... going to tell her that?"
"...I'll need some courage. But... I think I will. It's time I tell her what I've decided."
"I wish you the best of luck," Sirius replies. The response came out before he could even think. It's as if he's naturally programmed to respond in such a way. Though, his true thoughts lie elsewhere... on his own mother.
-I wonder if I'll be able to tell you something like that one day, mom.
"You're an interesting guy, Sirius..."
Caught off guard by Kynn's sudden claim, a nagging guilt creeps over his shoulders. Why am I thinking about my mom right now? This isn't about me...
"...Can you stop lying lying like that?"
"Hm? It's an honest compliment," Kynn teases.
"No... there's nothing interesting about me..."
...
Their quiet is interrupted by a squaller walking over.
"Hey Kynn, you still up for it?"
After a brief moment's thought, "...Yeah, I'm ready now."
"Alright, we've got your spot ready for you." The squaller runs off behind the fire.
Grabbing his guitar, Kynn stands up and turns toward Sirius.
"...I'd argue the selfless hero of the outpost is a pretty interesting guy from achievements alone."
"..."
"Plus, you gave me the courage I needed to do this..." Without explanation, Kynn begins scurrying off. "Oh- you might want to get a better seat. You'll want to see the stars for this, trust me. It makes the atmosphere ten times better."
"Uh...sure..."
With a final wave, Kynn runs off toward the squaller, guitar in hand.
⧗⧖⧗⧖⧗
-Selfless... No... I'm no hero...
Heeding Kynn's advice, Sirius steers away from the roaring flames.
Searching for someone he knows, Sirius stumbles across a certain butler. Cilas stands off on his own, gazing off into the starlit horizon.
"What are looking at?" Sirius comes up beside the mustached man.
"I find snowfall to be quite the beautiful sight to behold."
"It is pretty..."
The butler is elsewhere in his mind. Sirius doesn't have the heart to rip him away from that place. Luckily, the man does so himself.
"Apologies, we haven't had time to converse recently, have we?" Cilas begins a proper conversation.
"Yeah, I guess not..."
"I trust you've been studying?"
"Haha... ha... yeah..." Sirius prays the man isn't being serious. The butler's tone is always rather indifferent and hard to piece an emotion to. But a certain warmth always underlines his words.
"I jest, I know you've been far too busy for such matters. It's best to do the things you must first. Besides, you have the rest of your life to learn."
"Right..."
"Is something troubling you?"
"Hm? Troubling me? No, nothing like that... why do you ask?"
"...Hm."
"...?"
"Do you know why I like the snow?"
"Huh? No... why?"
"It listens. It doesn't try to make you feel better. It doesn't make you feel like your problems are invalid. It exists quietly and humbly, gently falling, softly landing, carefully listening... It doesn't try to change your emotions. It lets you have your own."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"Hm, I believe I should return to Lord Rawlin's side. It has been nice chatting with you, Sirius."
"Yeah, it has."
-I don't really know if that classifies as a "chat"...
"Always remember that there are people who wish to listen to you. If you find yourself unable... you'll always have the snow to fall back on."
"..."
The butler faces back toward the fire to find the lord. Cilas departs and Sirius does the same.
Finding a log removed from everyone else, the bonfire's light doesn't shine nearly as bright. Sirius plants himself on the wood and finds the back of Kynn's head in front of him. The boy is outlined by firelight and surrounded by other squallers.
Placing his father's guitar firmly in his arms, Kynn strums its restored strings.
The sound gathers everyone's attention.
In the past, Kynn would always play a song during every bonfire he took part in. After hearing him progress so much, Nuray eventually forced him into it. She also always wanted him to sing, but he was found unfit for that role by majority vote. While wordless, his songs were always the highlight of the night, typically carrying with them a cheerful, hopeful tune...
And while this victory certainly calls for one of those, Kynn has something else in mind...
"Everyone!"
Kynn's voice reaches far, silencing all conversations.
"Before I begin this... rusty performance, I'd like to share some of my thoughts with all of you."
No one makes a sound. The boy has all of their attention.
"I know this month has been the hardest of all of our lives... It certainly has for me, but... I want to thank each and every one of you. Not just our warriors and guards who kept us safe, but all of you. If it wasn't for you all lending each other your support and taking care of one another, I don't think we could have done any of this. You kept our hope alive... You kept our flames from dying out... Just knowing that when I got back from battle, I'd come home to see all of your faces again... It let me keep fighting. It let all of us keep fighting.
We've faced so much uncertainty these past weeks, that it's going to be hard to get back to normal. All of us have new scars we'll need to bear for the rest of our lives. But, I'm certain that as long as we can continue to be a community like this... We'll be just fine. This is a victory for all of us and that is reason for celebration, but... And I know I usually play songs you all can dance to... But, I wrote a special song I'd like you all to listen to...
We've all lost so much... Many of us have lost loved ones to those monsters... And while I'm sure they're happy in the Convergence, I'd still like to commemorate the lives we lost. So... I hope you'll listen."
Kynn bows and sits down quietly.
No one makes a sound. They all await the boy's song.
Kynn grabs the guitar's neck and strums it gently.
Under his breath, in a shaky voice for no one to hear, he whispers...
"For you, mom..."
A somber, beautiful sound begins to play.
Kynn strums each string with raw emotion. A song charged with lingering grief, his sense of loss heard with every cord.
The boy's playing is heard as a cry, invoking a vast sense of loneliness. He pours his tragedy into every note.
The universe above hears the boy's story and begins to cry.
Blue streaks of light fly across the sky. Meteors shower the stars, weeping to the squaller's song.
Those around the fire sit silently, staring up at the souring stars.
The crackling of flames pairs with the acoustic melody.
Firelight tears stream down Kynn's cheeks. It seems he still had some bottled up.
Emotions swell up in Sirius' throat. Ones he can't explain.
Quietly, a figure sets down beside him.
Pholy. The ember curls in her knees and stargazes with the boy.
In a voice so quiet it could be a whisper, the girl begins to speak. Thankfully, they are too far from anyone to hear.
"Rough day?"
"I'd say it's been more tame than the last few," Sirius responds. "Though I'm not the biggest fan of all this praise."
"I feel you there. When we got here everyone was all 'Why's an ember here? is she going to kill us?' and now... Things feel okay. Albeit very awkward."
Sirius chuckles faintly.
"I sometimes forget you don't like attention."
"What's that supposed to mean-?"
"Nothing at all, I don't know what you mean."
"Mmmhmmm..."
Kynn's song continues to play. Fire-born embers dance across the crying sky.
"..."
Sirius' eyes fixate on a singular star. The brightest one he sees.
His mind races with the happenings of today. The praise he's been giving, the compliments... all so much in such a short time. From people who are truly grateful...
These thoughts tighten his chest and cause his throat and burn.
"Is something troubling you?" Pholy asks gently. It's rare to see her so well-behaved and silent.
"Hm? Huh... No, I just..."
-Cilas asked the same thing...
"..."
Remembering the butler's words, Sirius peers down at the warmly lit snow.
-Someone wants to listen... Maybe just this once... I guess it wouldn't hurt.
"You know, all my life I've been praised and told I was amazing. But... I never understood why. As a kid, sure, i was decent at some stuff... but... it got to a point where... I never did anything with my life. I was average or below at everything I did, no special talents, no hobbies, no dreams I worked towards... I did nothing and yet... so many people told me I was great."
"..." Pholy sits quietly listening.
"When I was younger I might have believed them but as I got older... their words rang hollow. They held no weight. Just obligatory praises dished out to boost a kid's confidence. Every time someone congratulated or thanked me, or said how good I was at something... It didn't feel right. It was all so fake. Accomplishments never felt like my own. I drove myself to ignore and hate any praise I was given."
"..."
"But... here, for maybe the first time I can remember, it sort of feels like... i did something. I was a part of something. Like I actually helped these people... me. For the first time in my life the words "thank you" don't feel entirely fake. Maybe... there is truth behind their smiles."
"..."
The song reaches its climax. Overpowering emotions spill out into the notes
"Them thanking me just feels so... surreal. Like maybe... just maybe, I'm worthy of something like this. Maybe I am someone's hero... Maybe I did make a change. Maybe I am finally changing..."
The stars, the fire, the music, the release...
One of these, if not all of them, ignites the spark of emotion within Sirius. The thought of him becoming someone better... Someone deserving of praise and admiration... The thought of it makes him cry.
Gentle teardrops roll down his cheeks. Feeling their warm embrace, Sirius snaps out of his trance. He takes his sleeve and wipes away the water, but the stains remain.
His gaze pivots to Pholy, who is smiling at him.
"Ha-" Sirius' throat is dry. "That sounded a bit too egotistical, didn't it?"
"...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."
...
Sirius holds back another wave of tears, but one manages to slip by.
-Proud of myself...
"Thank you... that means a lot."
Her response is a smile, as she faces back toward the fire.
Sirius, processing all of his emotions, feels a warmth from deep inside his chest.
A glimmer of beauty is stabbing through, but it isn't quite ready to break free.
But for now, the boy can't help but feel a little more connected to the people around him.
The final cord is strummed and Kynn's song comes to a beautiful end.