The new day dawned. The storm's finally gone. Sunlight shone down onto the forest and the living as well.
Ori bathed on the warmth of the sun while unconscious. He laid prone and vulnerable on the earth. During the day, things would be safer for other faces to come out of hiding. Among them were the long-eared creatures from before. Their curious eyes saw a safe opportunity to approach. They couldn't comprehend how someone could glow. They quickly gathered around the spirit.
These creatures were the Moki, friendly and zestful beings that meant no harm to anyone. They are covered by brown fur all over their backside and white on their front. Long tipped in white tails complemented their long body. Their ears were pointy and big, with a puff of soft fur protecting the interior of their ear canal. They have glowing eyes, some of the gold color and some green, with brown rings around them like those of a panda. Although the Mokis are quadrupedal creatures by nature, they can support themselves on two legs and walk normally.
"Again?" The first one asked.
"You saw that too, right? The Light!"
"Many booms last night!"
"Glow is pretty…"
Basking their eyes on his form wasn't enough, they needed to have contact. One of the curious beings stretches their arm and pokes Ori's back, recoiling their hand immediately after.
"What happened?"
"Is it toxic?"
"Are you okay?"
"Danger?"
Many of them were insecure, so they sought information with the bravest one. The daring one was in shock, his hand felt funny for a moment.
"I… don't know…" The brave one replied to the many questions.
"Touch again, but longer! Tell us what you feel."
They would do it again. Slowly he approached Ori's back and fully rested their small hand on him. It wasn't anything alien. He felt the spirit's soft white fur, the warm skin, the back muscles, and something exotic; a palpable energy… The energy of the Light.
"So? How does it feel?"
"Weird? Poisonous?"
"Is it healthy to touch?"
"Are you there, Mokk?"
Each one of them was overflowing with curiosity and questions. The one known as Mokk was relatively frozen as he studied the soothing flow of the spirit's energy running through his body.
"Mokk is in danger! Stuck!"
"It is a trap of the Decay!"
"Shh! I am not mesmerized!" Mokk calmed them. "I just… felt my mind relaxing, my breathing easing. Fascinating..."
"Is good?"
"Maybe you feel sick?"
"Need soup?"
Mokk facepalms. "Quiet, you all. I am fine. And no, this guy is not toxic to the touch. But he... is indeed exquisite."
"He? Guy?"
"How do you know?"
"I just do… It's a male, okay? Now, give me a break, I am as intrigued and baffled as all of you."
"How exquisite? Could be tasty?"
"Tasty with soup?"
"No, not for eating. We should bring him to Kwolok." Mokk informed.
"Can we touch?"
"I want to get in touch."
"Feels good right?"
"Ahm… Let's calm down, shall we?" Mokk nervously asked.
"If you can, we can!"
"Touchy, touchy!"
They feel too excited and Mokk doesn't seem too worried about it. They can touch a little. It wouldn't hurt. Right?
"Okay, feel free, but be careful. I don't want any of you stacking on him." Mokk instructed.
They go in, starting slowly to not disturb the mysterious being of the Light. One little paw finds the surface of Ori's body, then a second and a third. Some stay still relaxing with the energy while others slide their hands on his fur. They are so amazed. Never before have they seen a being like Ori. Small groups satisfied their curiosity in turns.
After basking on the soothing light energy he carries, the mokis start to check what else they can find peculiar.
"The ears are stiff but floppy!"
"Quite long too. Like ours!"
"Squishy horns." One played with Ori's tuft-horns
"Look, he has… What is this on his hind paws?"
"Those are hooves." Instructed Mokk. "Interesting hm? His front paws are normal, I doubt that he runs on all fours."
"Hooves?" They touch Ori's feet. "Is very hard, like rock! Isn't this uncomfortable?"
"Why hard paws when rest is soft?"
"Tail is not so long. See!"
"Pull the tail. Pull it!"
"No no, don't-"
A cheeky moki pulls the spirit's tail to see if anything fun would happen. To their surprise, Ori groans, something provoked him to feel pain. The moki all feel startled.
"Why did you do that?" Mokk asked the misbehaved one. "What would happen if someone pulled your tail?"
"it would hurt…" The scolded one replies, receiving a nod from Mokk.
"Correct. Then explain to me why you would pull the tail of someone you don't even know? Because they can't fight back? This is not funny, you better watch yourself forward on." The lecture comes firmly, impacting the small one duly.
"And what about you?" Mokk then addressed the person who made the suggestion.
A session of lectures began and all others took a bit of distance from the spirit. The younger ones seem to give a lot of respect towards the oldest.
"Ahmm… Hello?" A voice none of them recognized reached them. The spirit had awoken. Ori raised to his knees and watched the group of moki.
Needless to say that almost all moki darted away in panic. He's awake! Run! But Mokk stayed behind not sharing the same fear the others had. In a way, Mokk knew that Ori is not hostile. Or at least, not yet.
Once again Ori did not want to scare them, but at least one didn't run.
"I am sorry. I did not wish to…"
Mokk approaches, now feeling freer since he doesn't have to watch over the younger ones. Mokk kept a fascinated look on his face.
"Don't worry. They get all scared when in the face of anything slightly unknown."
Ori observed that they all move with four legs but like to stand on two when still. This one in front of him does the same. Mokk got very, very close, almost touching their noses. Ori draws back before Mokk raises to stand.
"I've never seen someone like you before." He reaches out to aid Ori to stand. "You're no moki, I can tell. Your ears are too sloppy."
It was difficult to drop his guard since everything Ori had gone through… but the moki didn't seem dangerous, no claws, no sharp teeth, no frightening eyes… Ori takes a deep breath and accepts the aid, grabbing Mokk's hand and raising to his feet. Ori doesn't feel recovered from last night. His arm was still broken and perhaps even sick from the cold he had to endure.
"My name's Mokk the Brave, and yours?" The moki introduced himself.
"I am Ori. A pleasure meeting you."
"The pleasure is mine. Say, how were you sleeping unprotected like that?"
Ori sneezes.
"Oh, seems the cold has gotten you." Mokk observed and giggled.
Ori sneezes again. "I had to fight in that storm." He explains
Mokk feels shocked. "You fought the Decay? In that storm? No way! Wait, don't tell me you fought the howler."
Ori thinks for a moment. "Howler? You mean the wolf?"
Mokk gasps. So that explains how he saw the wolf running away in flames. This person must be the cause of it.
"You sent the howler to run! Incredible… Nobody had such courage before! Nobody could match the Night Hunter!
"You are even braver than me! How shameful!" Mokk releases a heroic laugh. "I will be stronger! Just you wait!" He laughs more.
Ori had difficulty sharing the same joy Mokk had. Pain from the previous day lingered, still struck his senses. Mokk pays attention to Ori's distinct signs of discomfort.
"Hm... I think we should not waste time. You're hurt…"
Ori sneezes once more.
"...And sick."
"Don't worry about me." Ori interjected. "I need to find an owlet that fell here last night. Do you know where… she could be?"
Mokk thinks for a moment and shakes his head, but sees a possible way to help.
"Perhaps I know where to find your answer. We have our eyes almost everywhere around here. Let's get to the Wellspring Glades and check out Kwolok."
The other moki came back. They leave hiding, approaching slowly since Mokk is not scared. They borrow courage from the bravest among them.
"We are the Moki, one of us must have seen your owlet. But first, you require care and a bath." Mokk smiles, welcoming the strange being of light to their midst.
"Not evil?"
"Friend?"
"New friend?"
"Exquisite friend."
The Moki… Ori remembers from Tokk that they could be of help. Mokk whistles loudly to pull the attention of all mokis around.
"Everyone! Listen to Mokk the Brave! We have a new friend! Let's bring him home and to Kwolok. He needs immediate care!"
The mokis cheered gathering around the frail spirit, they all lifted and carried him like a treasure that needed protection. With Ori secured, the moki started to march.
"All set, so let's move!" Mokk gave the order.
"You guys don't need to carry me. I can walk." Ori felt embarrassed with so many hands carrying him. Finishing with a new sneeze.
"No way, You are not optimal for such a thing. Just relax and let us take you home."
They went through the forest. Through the wide marsh and by pathways that were concealed by the gloom of the night. The daylight was warming. Much more of the wilderness could be noticed: Withered flora, tainted water, polluted air, dry soil, and the hostile fauna… Many elements that showed Ori he was far from home. To his relief, he could relax now, the moki didn't show to be the same as the creatures he had met. Ori wondered how Tokk could be doing, and of course, Ku. In his mind stormed the pain of responsibility for the little owl. Innocent and defenseless… alone somewhere in this place. Ori prayed that Sein had her soul safeguarded until he reached her.
The moki sang to keep the mood uplifted. Their voices formed a sweet coral that united to recite words of courage and perseverance. Mokk takes the lead and the moki follows up repeating the lyrics.
"Hope that the Light is to come! We must not relent for her grace's undone!"
"When fear strikes our heart, her grace's glory will not set us apart!"
What are they singing about? Where are they taking Ori? Ori decided to just relax and not provoke his broken arm or wounds. Yet he felt odd to meet such sympathetic creatures in this strange land. The march went on, slowly progressing by Mokk's request to not disturb the spirit. They sang a lot about an entity of perseverance and bravery.
"Wow, you guys are good singers!" Ori complimented their performance.
"Thanks!" Mokk replied flattered. "Kwolok's who taught it to us!"
Mokk had said that name a variety of times already. Who could it be?
"Who is this Kwolok?" Ori asked in curiosity.
"Kwolok is very wise!" Said one moki.
"Both mossy and wide!" Said another.
"He is a guardian of life!" Said the third one.
"Yep, that is right." Mokk added. "Kwolok is the Voice of the Forest and our protector. We can't wait to introduce you to him. You'll probably like him."
The Voice of the Forest… What could that mean? New questions appeared but which is more important right now? Ori wondered if he should ask more about the so-called "Her Grace'' or Kwolok himself… Yet, as much he desired to ask, Ori also just wanted to rest. Maybe once they arrive, he will get the answers he seeks.
The scenery was tranquil and the trip soothing while it lasted. The forest from this point on was lively and more greenish without the influence of the Decay. They arrive in a great forest glade. A space without many trees but had many houses and handmade constructions around their trunks and branches. Huts of straw, bridges, and vines were everywhere. Flowers of blue glow were hung in many places.
Many more moki swarmed the place, climbing and sliding down vines. Not only them, but other races were here too… Ori did not recognize them, but they did not seem hostile. Some were four-armed, some looked like lizards, and some unique. It seemed a very busy place in a way, but the place too had hazards. Dangerous thorns and big holes on the soil were in many places. It would be easy for accidents to happen.
"Here we are. Welcome to the Wellspring Glades!" Mokk presented Ori the place. "This is our newest home. Where we can be safe from the Decay."
Many more moki was curious to see what Mokk had brought home this time. They watch from the high vines and treetops with fixed eyes. Their gaze is almost overwhelming to the spirit that just arrived but Ori tries to not pay attention.
"Hey guys!" Mokk shouts to all hear. "I've brought a new friend!"
"Mokk!" A deep voice answered. A four-armed creature with a mane of white hair around his head approaches a bit grumpy. "I hope you didn't bring a poisonous slime or a hive of wasps! I swear I'll make the next hut out of your hide!"
"Hello, Grom!" Mokk replied to the angry individual. "I found someone with greater courage than all of us together!"
Grom also has three eyes, a white beard, and a muscular build, just by seeing the details, Ori could guess he uses or used to do the heavy lifting.
"Oh? Why don't I feel convinced?" Grom asked with provoking intent.
"Listen, he sent the howler to run! He survived an encounter with the Night Hunter!"
Grom unleashes a peal of vivid laughter, unbelieving what he just heard. "What? Come on! Tell me some other joke please!"
"Laugh all you want you dumb beetle, you are just jealous I found a hero!"
"Woah woah. Let us see what you have brought all right? I am hungry anyway! Haahahahaha!"
With unbreakable confidence, Mokk presents the spirit for all to see clearer. The laughter of the four-armed creature begins to cease and he grows serious in amazement.
"Woah… Woah… Woah! Mokk… You've found…"
"See? This one here is not a moki… I don't know what he is… ahm…"
Mokk turns to Ori.
"Excuse me, but what are you?"
"A spirit." Grom answered. "A Guardian Spirit! It can't be…"
Grom goes pale, not showing the playful behavior anymore.
"A spirit? From the tales, Kwolok told us?" Mokk asked. "Really?"
"A spirit?" More moki arrived curiously. "What is a spirit again?
"Wait! I see! I saw! I know! Yes! No! TOO MUCH!" An orange chameleon with a white underside appears and feels crazy scribbling a journal in hands, meticulously recording details on it. "He arrived at night! Shocking and frail! He has jumped six times, crouched twice! Ran two hundred meters and suffered many attacks from the forest! And-"
"Shush, Motay. There is no harm in having a little calm." Another creature appears. A big beaver with green and white fur tried to calm the crowd. "Let us give our guest some space, please."
"I heard spirit? A spirit from the tales?" "Spirit?" "Where?" "Let me see!"
More and more moki were engaged to see the visitor. Their numbers are large, hundreds of them were bursting in curiosity and increasing the crowd over the spirit.
"Uh-oh… I think this is growing out of hand…" Mokk analyzed the situation and formulated a plan for Ori not to be overwhelmed.
"Meena! Help me out here!" Mokk shouts and a grown-up moki descends from the high huts and lands in the middle of the crowd.
"It's almost lunchtime! Everyone to your posts!" Meena ferociously instructs, hitting two large ladles to make a loud noise.
The younger moki obey and disperse in both loyalty and fear. It appeared unwise to anger her. The path was cleared and was much less noisy. Meena was a sturdy being, a strong moki with great responsibilities. After dealing with the crowd, she can't help but focus on Mokk.
"Mokk, I see that the expedition went alright. You were caught in the storm weren't you?" She asked in a serious stare but genuinely worried.
Mokk feels shy. "Ahm… I am alright. Yeah… we were caught but nobody was hurt. Thank you for helping me."
Meena smiles relieved, affectively rejoicing. "I'm glad. Welcome back."
Then she turned to Ori who was impressed that she made the huge amount of moki run away. Like Mokk, Meena seemed older and tougher than the majority of the moki.
"It is an honor to see a spirit with my own eyes. I am Meena, the Spunky." She presented herself with a bow. "Mokk, do tend to his wounds. I will keep things even around here."
"Thanks, Meena!" Mokk replied with joy. "Come, Ori. Let's get moving."
"You're welcome."
Mokk helped Ori to get along to their objective while the villagers were in a state of awestruck. Some are even stunned still.
"A spirit… here?" Grom punched himself to test if it wasn't a dream. "Tuley, you saw that too, right?" He asked the beaver.
Tuley: "Definitely… Perhaps the visions Kwolok told for years could come to fruition…"
Motay: "Tuley, Grom, I saw much. Noted. I studied. He is important, yes! But hurt!" The chameleon begins to scribble. "He fought wolf! Courageous!"
Grom: "No way." He started to believe. "By the Light of Seil... I want to see how Kwolok will react. Let's go."
Motay: "Oh, let's get sneaky? Yes. I am stealthy!" The chameleon began to blend with the environment.
Tuley: "Well, why not I guess?" Tuley hardly fought the curiosity and began going with them.
...
The path leads to a hollow. Statues of stone imaged as toads were around as well more of the blue-glowing flowers. By the ambiance, they seemed to walk in a ruined and flooded temple. This area reached the waters of the marsh but what made the temple sink was unknown. Ori followed as instructed by Mokk, who was in charge to aid him to find clues about Ku's whereabouts. To find the being called Kwolok.
"Mokk, is he too far away?" Ori asked with visible distress. He could not endure walking much more.
"We're almost there." Replied the moki.
After brief more turns in the flooded temple. They find themselves on the outside where a large pool of mucky and inky water rested undisturbed ahead. The place seemed normal, a healthy flora surrounded the pool. Roots descended from the nearby trees to the pool as well.
"Here we are. This is the pool of Kwolok! This area connects the great marsh and our village. We can quickly make visits to him and seek wisdom!"
"But… Nobody's in the pool?" Ori observed.
"Ah, let me wake up that old thing." Mokk inhales deeply to whistle loudly and makes a call. "Kwolooook!"
The murky waters start the bubble soon after the call. Tremors shake the earth all around, turning it much more difficult for Ori to keep balance. Mokk comes to the rescue, aiding him to stand firm before the quakes. Something big emerges from the pool, raising the waters as it oozes down its great body to splash back down. A being covered in green moss and foliage reveals itself. A giant and powerful toad, with clear traces of old age molded on their face. Their limbs were green with many lively leaves… it almost seemed the toad was one with the earth. The lower parts of its body were still concealed under the murky waters.
"Harrunk!" The big frog yawned and, sleepily, sought out the visitors. His gaze quickly finds the mark. "Oh Mokk, what do you bring me this time? Is it edible?"
"Hello, O Great One! I don't have food this time! But I have found a spirit!" Mokk communicates with the great being.
Ori was in awe. Before him was a huge toad, but they seemed not to have any shadow affinity.
"A spirit, in my swamp?" Kwolok asked, shocked, squeezing their eyes to see better. "Oh, so my visions… Oh..."
The toad gets a bit more serious all of sudden and directs its gaze down to Ori.
"Welcome, little one. Our forest has been waiting for your arrival. I am Kwolok, bearer of Her Grace's might, The Voice of the Forest, Guardian of the Marsh."
Ori would try to ask away what matters the most right now, but Kwolok already had his face read.
"I see that you're in a state of emergency. There is something that demands your attention. What bothers you little one?" Kwolok encouraged Ori to let out his worries.
"I must find a lost owlet in this forest! Please do you know where she fell?" Ori asked, bearing through the pain of almost shouting.
Kwolok takes a moment...
"The moki have told me… Your friend has fallen in their graveyard." Kwolok informed in an unceremonious tone. "She fell far to the east, where their somber roosts haunt."
Ori's distress peaks, he feels frozen by the toad's words. It could only mean danger!
"Little one, you're hurt and require rest. I would insist that you accept the healing of my fragment of Her Grace."
A tiny orb of golden Light flies around the toad and descends towards the spirit. It circles him releasing ever tinier sparkles of Light that fall on Ori, ultimately healing his wounds. Ori witnessed a miracle of rejuvenation. His broken arm was healed and his agility returned. He tests walking and doesn't feel pain anymore. He shows a gleeful expression to be restored but he could not yet drop what mattered the most.
"Thank you… but how…" Ori was grateful towards the old toad, who just smiled as the tiny orb flew back to him.
"We will have more time to talk later, little one. Right now, you must make haste to your friend. The waterways in this temple are the only way to reach her. However, the path has grown foul and impassable. All other ways were blocked for our safety. Again, it should be explained later.
"We will assist you in rescuing your friend. Mokk will accompany you to the Wellspring Mill that lies still and ever silent. Were you to set its wheels in motion, the water would flow clear once more and this passage shall be secure again. Go west, repair the great mill, show this forest the Light is not yet gone."
Ori was speechless. Could Kwolok know that Ori was trained in ways of combat? In a way, does he expect spirits to have this prowess? His ears tilted to a sound coming from behind them. The other villagers were peeking and once found out, they approached.
"Hello, my friends. I see we all are intrigued by our new visitor." Kwolok spoke.
Grom, Tuley, Motay, and a few younger moki reveal themselves.
Grom: "Uh… I am sorry for my rude reception. I never thought Mokk would find a spirit. It is a great joy to have your kind around us again."
Kwolok: "Perhaps there is time for a little presentation, little one. The ones you see here are habitants of the Wellspring Glades. They are survivors that had to leave their homes due to the corruption of the forest. The four-armed creature is Grom, a Gorlek, constructor of our village.
Kwolok: "The beaver is Tuley. An expert in gardening and a great listener."
Tuley: "Greetings, my friend. I've seen many novelties since I fled my frozen gardens after the storm, but a spirit...I'm not complaining, mind you, I hope we can get along."
Kwolok: "The chameleon is Motay, an enthusiast for details of his targets. We promise he respects your privacy and means you harm, but you might be chased by him while you venture out there."
Motay: "I am stealthy! I am most honored to have more information about you… Ori, was it?" He writes down the name. "You nice, you interesting. I look forward to noting down your feats, so show me more."
Though the presentations were heartwarming, Ori was feeling out of place. This is not where he belongs. He turns to Kwolok.
Ori: "In what forest we are?"
Kwolok: "You are in Niwen."
Niwen…? It was clear that he was not in Nibel any longer, but knowing the new name did not comfort his troubled heart. Ori had vestiges of old memories. Thinking about it, the name Niwen is not unfamiliar… Where did he hear that before?
Kwolok: "You are Nibelian, are you not? I can tell for your bluish glow."
Ori: "Yes, do you know my homeland?"
Kwolok: "I've never been there, but I heard many tales of how serene the forest of Sein is."
Ori: "What has happened here? Why is the presence of the Decay so powerful? Don't tell me..."
Kwolok: "I shall explain later. Now, you should make haste to your friend. Mokk can explain on the way too."
Kwolok gazes at the crowd forming on the entrance, telling them to give way to the curiosity. Quickly they step out of the passage, forming a path for Ori to follow.
Kwolok: "Please, forgive our strange hospitality, I believe many might be overly attached to you, especially the young moki." He laughs. "You mustn't worry, no one here bites. They are simply impressed by your nature."
Ori felt an unnerving feeling towards the spirit kind. He grew worried but had no time to think.
Mokk: "Thank you, Kwolok! We will be on our way!"
Kwolok nods, dismissing them to their mission. Mokk pulls Ori and they leave the flooded temple, returning to the village.
"So, what did you think? I feel you are perplexed." Mokk asked, judging Ori's quiet behavior.
"I… need time. Mokk, what has happened in this place?"
Mokk checks the surroundings and notices there were many moki in hiding, spying on them.
"Hmm, I can tell you, but probably would be better doing so close to Meena."
"Why?" Ori questioned.
Mokk gave Ori a sign to check around. His heavy mind was unable to detect clear, careless noises. Once glaring around, on the bushes and vines connecting bridges from tree to tree, he noticed the younger eyes still extremely curious, tempted to pounce.
"Wait… what these moki want?"
"Why, you of course. We moki are too curious and our young are restless. Believe me, when I say, they will overwhelm you if caught inattentive. So it is recommended to have my or Meena's escort around here. Would you like to let them meet you?"
"Ahm… Sure." Ori gazed back to the many eyes, curious just like them. "It can't be so bad, I think."
It couldn't hurt to wait just a moment right? These little guys are so curious. Ori allowed himself to rest a moment. Even with the responsibility he carried for Ku, even in the strange place he finds himself, at that moment, he thought of doing something for the little ones around.
"Hey, guys, come down here! The spirit wants to meet you all!" Mokk called.
After the call, naturally, they approached, slowly making sure everything was okay to make contact. Firstly they sniff the air with small steps.
"Hey there." Ori greets the closest moki. "What is your name?"
It was weird to see their eyes so amazed. Why are they so impressed? The moki doesn't reply but continues to approach slowly.
"I see that you are not familiar with spirits. Does my Light mesmerize you?"
"So glowy..." A moki said.
"Marshmallow?" One was drooling and got smacked. "Ow!"
"Not food, stupid."
"A spirit…?"
They begin talking one by one, allowing themselves to bask on the unfamiliar being. They had heard tales, stories of what spirits were capable of. In such tellings, brave warriors of the Light fought for the safety of the forest. Long ago, their kind teemed to every corner, but now it turned out to be simply memories that were shared across generations.
"Yes, I am a spirit." Ori replied. "As you can see, the Light is an element that I can control."
Ori creates an orb of Light on the palm of his hand, showing to the moki a bit of his magic. Undoubtedly his spectators were fascinated with the desire to see more, so Ori throws the orb upwards and their eyes follow the shine. Once it reaches the maximum height, Ori snaps his fingers and the ball bursts confetti-like sparkles all over. They feel impressed by the show and that was surprisingly refreshing for Ori. To see so many faces rejoicing upon a simple trick had its charm.
"Wow! Do it again!"
"The Light is so cool!"
Backed away, Mokk stood watching as Meena joined him.
"Hey, Mokk, I see the spirit is giving them attention." Meena observed.
"Yep, look at their fascinated faces." Mokk laughs. "This is priceless!"
"It's been long since I last saw them so overjoyed." Meena feels happy and sad at the same time. She dives into painful memories.
"Oh, Meena, it's hard to overcome what we lived, but we must smile. For them." Mokk tried to comfort her. "Lio would hate to see you like that."
"I'm sorry, it's just hard to let go… Everything is so difficult… Was this what Her Grace sought?" Meena's golden eyes held back tears.
"I miss Lio too… We all do. That is why we must be strong. Like Lio, we carry his dreams and courage. Not only him but Heila, Pily, Bik, and all others that went ahead of us. We don't know anything about the Light but maybe something is about to change."
Another firework is shown and sparkles are released for the cheering moki to see in a bright show, getting them more excited.
"Smile for the old, smile for the young." Mokk recited. "A smile may remove fears, doubts and heal a weary soul. It is the warmest greeting."
"I know… You didn't need to repeat that." Meena grunted, getting a chuckle from Mokk.
"Sorry, sorry. I just like their wisdom. Like them, we may be able to raise all these brats in here. May Her Grace grant us courage."
"...Indeed." Meena frowns towards Mokk's last sentence but tries to calm down. "But enough of that, I am ruining the mood. I wouldn't like the spirit or the small ones to see me like this."
"Alright. Let us watch the show a little then, shall we?"
The two eldest moki settled to watch while Ori entertained all. It seemed they craved a new source of fun a long time, and seeing how Ori could provide as such, he permitted himself to enjoy himself a little more.
"Want to see something even better?" Ori asked his audience.
"Yes!" They tell in unison.
"So, move a little bit away, everyone."
The moki spread giving the spirit more space.
"Now use the Light! We want to see!" One eager moki tells.
With the Spirit Arc, Ori aims for the sky and fires many arrows that reach their height and start to descend. Like the orbs, the arrows behave similarly. With a snap of fingers, the arrows burst like fireworks with sound and pretty lights, cheering with the crescendo of how the light dances in the air. These sparkles persist, they take different shapes. Particles of magic form butterflies, birds, and even mokis. This trick Ori learned by watching Ario trying to be artistic during their time together. It was fairly simple, but one enough to impress them. During the said show, Mokk stood up and prepared to set motion to their objective.
"Meena, I will be going out with Ori to the Wellspring Mill, okay? Take care of the small ones."
"You're leaving again?" Meena was unhappy to hear. "You barely arrived after that storm. And you're going to that dangerous place? You should rest!"
"Nothing to worry about! I can deal with anything and keep the spirit protected!" Mokk laughs heroically. "For I am Mokk the Brave! The most courageous moki that ever existed!"
Meena smiles at his unbreakable self-esteem. Such a trait was rare and Meena loved to see Mokk always trying to boost the morale of everyone in such dire times they lived. For her, Mokk was the beacon of Light they searched…
"Copy that. I will be waiting for you. Safe travels."
"Be right back, Meena."
…
Meanwhile, in Nibel, the concern of a mother starts to erupt. A mother that awaited the entire night for them to come back. Naru awaited for them...
"Gumo gumo? Oh, Gumo! (Hey, Naru? Oh, you haven't slept!") Gumo noticed Naru's sleepy state. She didn't rest. She couldn't. She needed to know where they were. The concern was ruining her smile and happiness…
"Gumoo, GuMo Gumo! gUmO gUMO gumo. (Please, go rest! You aren't doing any good to yourself. They are probably sleeping on the Zephyr right now.)"
Naru feels a spark of hope. "The Zephyr? Oh… Maybe you're right, maybe they just settled there for a sleepover. Oh, silly me getting all worried like this!"
Naru stood up, scratching her sore eyes after watching the skies for so many hours. She calms down. They are fine. Children are sometimes naughty.
Still… Naru could not shake the longing she already had for them. Going on a sleepover without letting the parents know was a bit cruel. Naru decided to pay them a little visit, she just wanted to make sure they are okay.
"Gumo, I am going there. I wish to see them."
"Gumo? Gumo gumo. GuMO guMo. (So soon? The day just dawned. Maybe they're still sleeping.)"
"Maybe, but just let me be sure, please."
Naru was suffering, it would be for the best to allow her to see them. So they walked the path to the Zephyr. Hopefully, they're already awake.
While Naru was on her way, the Zephyr's crew were still sleeping, except for one. Franz yawns on the crow's nest of the ship.
"Ey, nice day. Everything so peaceful and all..." He ponders a moment and thinks in something mischievous. "Yo, would be a shame if someone yelled from up here like a moron for no good reason to check if the others are up. Oh boy… Lucky me I reserved two bottles of refined wine."
Franz drinks the bottles quickly and sips all the contents. In a moment he feels so dizzy and everything looks like it is moving.
"Now we talking! *hic* Shey wouldn't beat up a drunk friend would shey?" He gathers as much air as possible, filling his lungs to unleash a good morning crow like a rooster.
"Wakey wakey, shun - SHOOOOOOOOOOOOO- *hic* OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-"
An arrow tipped with a fist is shot at the bird. Ario awake stressed, almost with the desire to kill a friend. Franz takes a punch on the face and is taken down from the nest. He lands headfirst on the ship's deck.
"Stupid Quito..." Ario said, pissed. "Give me a good reason to not make you our dinner."
"Aye, captain! Ey! I was *hic* very nice shere, oi! I am a good bird. *hic* I want compliments!"
"Did you hide wine in your nest?" Ario draws a long bothered sigh. "Remember me to not allow you to get drunk ever again. Tsk, how dare you ruin my sleep."
"Good morning." Daruk showed up.
"Heya." Layla follows up.
"Ey! I know what's up! *hic* Shay, it's time to shet shail!"
"Shut the hell up before I silence you for good!"
"Aww~~ I love ya too! *hic*"
Ario feels really tempted to make a public execution but tries to hold firm. Breathing exercises come in handy here.
"Easy there, cap." Daruk spoke up. "You are not yourself when angry. Don't you want to de-stress on a snow wall?"
"I am fine. I will relax in just a moment. Actually, bury that bird in snow and leave him there."
"Surely." Daruk complied, delivering a chilly experience for the playful bird.
"Much appreciated."
Ario gave focus to Layla that was a bit quiet on the ship's edge. She seemed afflicted. Her inner thoughts were featured clear as day.
"Hey, you okay?" Ario asked her.
"I am okay, don't worry. I… I just think I will miss this place and their company…"
Ario could guess as much. He shares an empathetic smile to comfort her.
"Why, my beloved daughter, you can stay if you so wish. You don't have to be tied to me. You practically overcame your phobia already. Now, you may be wanting to search for your dreams."
Layla takes a long moment.
"I… just don't know what I feel… It would be better if we all could be together. Don't you agree?"
"You mean about taking Ori and Ku with us? I... wished I could do that, but you agree with me that Ku is not prepared for this. I also find it unfair to separate her from Ori."
"Then let's remain for one more year, please." Layla pleads. "She can fly now. One more year and she'll be grown enough."
"What about Naru?" Ario asked. "Think about her position too. She's a mother who sacrificed everything to be able to care for Ori. To see both her greatest treasures and reason to live to depart will be a bit harsh."
"I don't wish to strike lady Naru like that… but..."
"Naru is wise, she would not deny Ori and Ku's right to grow by themselves. Like a mother, she certainly understands that she can't hold their hands forever. That said, I could agree to stay one more year though..."
Layla rejoices at the last statement. "Really?"
Ario was afflicted too… He only wished Ori and Ku would live in peace, out and away from possible dangers out there. But to simply increase distance will only hurt their hearts. Unfortunately, it seems some bonds are hard to let go of. And more, there was no real need to rush.
"I have been thinking about that… more than I would've liked… " He ponders how Ori was demoralized recently. "The more I try to be tough, the more I seem to realize I don't have strength for that. I don't understand..."
"Hey, hey. I know what this is called~" Layla teasingly hinted.
"Don't you dare." Ario speaks up grumpy.
"L-o-v-e!" She reveals and Ario rolls his eyes. "You can't help but worry about every single detail of their well-being right? Almost like a super protective parent! You care. Your heart can't rest without knowing they are safe and close to you."
"Zip it, girl. Unlike you, Ori is not my child nor my responsibility." He argues.
"Aw, gonna deny it? You have lost much before right? Maybe that's the cause of your confusion. Maybe breaking your bond with him is causing a similar pain that you felt ages ago."
Ario feels embarrassed. "I am not losing Ori or anything. I am protecting them."
"From what? From the world? We trained him for that! What if he desires to travel with us? Have you considered that?" Layla pressured him.
Ario breaks eye contact. A bit of guilt arrives for being so overprotective. "I think... he deserves a peaceful life after what he had to endure here."
Layla gives him a moment of reflection, going closer, and leans on him.
"Why would you stay another year then?" Layla asked, calmly.
"Because… that would make Ori happy." He replied, shyly. "I think Ku would perhaps miss us too. She is not aware of our goals or why we would leave."
"See?" Layla reconfirmed. "You see Ori as one of your own, perhaps even as a younger brother. He's part of the crew, isn't he? You don't have to suffer, not again. Make it official, invite them to come on board."
"You're starting to provoke me, Layla. Ori is already part of our crew and family. There, I said it. Happy?"
"That's more like it! So please continue what you were originally speaking. I would love to hear more."
Ario sighs defeated. "Goddammit." he thinks to himself, how things get out of control like that?
"Fine. I'll relent a little." Ario's scarf blows in the wind. "We shall stay for a while longer for them specifically. I will invite Ori and Ku to come with us. However, I want to warn Naru beforehand; Respect whatever decision she makes; Make sure she will be fine. As for Ori, I wonder if he would celebrate..." He starts to imagine.
Layla feels elated, she hops in place with the news. "Of course he will!"
Ario chuckles. "You only heard the good part, didn't you?"
As they talked, Ario heard Naru's footsteps along with Gumo's.
"Oh, it seems Naru is coming here. Ori is probably with her, so play nicely. Let's share the news slowly."
"Alrighty~" Layla replied, so content.
Naru and Gumo arrive and they are welcomed to the place. Naru was anxious, she needed to make sure as quickly as possible. She believed with heart they were sleeping with friends.
"Hello guys, you're all awake?" Naru observed.
"Yeah, some rooster in here made sure of that." Replied Ario, twitching his ears and grunting low.
"Oh, wonderful. I prepared breakfast. Please, tell Ori and Ku to come."
An obnoxious silence erupts after her request. Ario and Layla feel insecure.
"Ahm… lady Naru, Ori, and Ku are not here." Layla informed.
A shock cracks the mother's hope. "...What? They're not with you?"
The dread at the mother's face feels alarming. The mood switches rapidly. Ario and Layla can easily detect Naru was stressed and worried. Layla descended from the ship to approach. But Ario remained rather frozen.
"Did… did something happen?" Layla asked.
"Are you sure they're not hiding in the ship?"
Layla takes a hesitant moment, but couldn't lie. She shook her head in response, holding a concerned look. Naru is hit, she was on the verge of crying.
"They have not returned since they took off. I've been waiting for them the entire night!"
Naru hadn't slept last night, they could see it clearly in her eyes with dark circles. The unpleasant news comes with weight. Layla falls silent, incapable to console the troubled mother, and seeks an answer with Ario. Who was just as helpless.
Ario still processed the unsettling news. No…no, no! Just when he thought of seeing their smiles anew. How could that have happened? An accident? What happened to them!? His mind raged, frustrated, negating the reality. But it settles in. The truth was present with Naru. Ario could not evade it...
Ario: "Ori and Ku… are missing…?"
...
A/N: Heya, guys. I am unsure if these notes are required, but I felt it could be important so here's a bit of insight from me.
As you may have seen, my changes, aka original parts will be kicking in subtle and drastic ways from here forward. Not only that, but canon characters may be specifically different from what one could deduce from them in-game. Personality and charismatic wise.
It was informed on my very first note, however, I feel that one can feel displaced as the story goes on. So, just wanted to remind you that Will of the Wisps is not a simple story. And mine, will not be either.