Chapter 5: Soul Storm
Melekinope was practically bouncing as he and his three comrades crossed the plains with the humans. Red XIII was with them as well, but he insisted on running alongside.
This is the greatest! he cried, weaving his way next to Plain Dasher.
She warked in acknowledgment, acting years younger than she ever had at the ranch. Oye, look there to your left, Melekinope. Other Chocobos!
Melekinope turned his head to the wild chocobos who stood still watching the small party as they dashed acrossed the plains. 'Ello `ello! he warked out happily.
All but one of them turned away, the one left sneering at them.
Plain Dasher sighed. We don't talk to the wild ones, Melekinope. They think it's foolish for us to work with the humans after what they've done to the planet.
The planet? What do you mean?
Humans have been destroying the planet for as long as they've existed. she began, turning her attention back to the direction they were going. But not all humans are like that. Some are trying their best to save it. Maybe someday you will see the planets scars, then you will understand. It's,... It's not something I can describe to you.
Melekinope fell silent. Scars of the planet? All he had ever know was the green grasses and wild creatures that once in a great while decided to stray close to the ranch. Yet another reason why I need to see the world, he thought angrily, wondering if any of the humans they were carrying were responsible for any of these scars.
How... How do they scar the planet? he asked after some time, curious.
Plenty of ways. The vehicles they use pollute the air, along with some of the machines they use for their everyday living. The waters they pollute with their garbage... But the worst is the actual planet scars. They use these strange machines to draw up the energy of the planet and process it into something called Materia. And all that's left behind is a withered piece of the land that cries out in pain. Her voice was filled with loathing and bitterness.
But still, he didn't understand. How was it possible to scar the Earth? Didn't, if you scratched it, made divots, the grass grow back, creatures still tread upon it? Why wasn't it possible for it to recover as it always did?
Could it be that horrible? He thought, shaking his head. If so, he could see why the wild chocobos detested him and the others. Mother, is that why we were wild? Did we detest the humans?
Melekinope wished he knew. He wished more than anything he could run to his mother and ask all his questions, know all the answers. But would she even know them all? Plain Dasher was worldly, but didn't know everything herself. Why would his mother be any different?
Because she's my mother. She protected me with her life. She would know.
**************************************************************************************
Melekinope's mood had fallen since his little discussion with Plain Dasher. He didn't exactly detest the humans who rode him and the others, but he didn't feel the same anymore. More than ever now, he had to see the world, had to see what had been done to it. See what he could do.
Not that there's anything you can do, he thought angrily to himself. You're just a Chocobo. What can you do?
Would the Healing spell work on something like that? He had never tried it on anything, not even really himself. Would it work?
The night fell upon the small, galloping band of travelers and their mounts, providing them plenty of light with he full moon and starlit sky. Cool, spring breezes chilled the heat and lather that had begun to build up on his legs and flank, but he hardly felt tired. His mind wouldn't let him.
Finally, they stopped for the night, the humans and the tiger sleeping on the warm earth in their sleeping bags, some of their snores scaring away the crickets and other night creatures in the area that sang their nightly chorus.
All of the other chocobos curled up into bright yellow balls of feathers, sleeping away from all the running. Melekinope couldn't sleep, not even if he tried. Staring up at the stars, he thought, thought of everything that happened to him, and everything that he wanted to happen.
What kind of world have you brought me into, mother? He wondered, his eyes awed by the multitude of the starts, something he never grew tired of seeing. The humans rule us, the humans destroy us, and those who are free seem to do nothing to stop them. Why?
But not all humans are like that. Some are trying their best to save it, Plain Dasher had said. He wanted to know for sure. Which ones were the ones who destroyed it, and who were the ones who were trying to save it?
The world... It's a much more complicated place then you though, he scolded himself. Maybe you aren't ready to venture out into it...
Oye, are you thinking again, Melekinope? Plain Dasher mumbled out of her sleep.
No, you old fart, he kidded her with her nickname. Go back to sleep.
AIIIE, a youngin' telling ME when to sleep... she droned off back to sleep.
Melekinope couldn't help but look over at his old friend with an equivalent of a smile.
You've raised me like a mother, he though, protected me, helped me through all my tough times. Shown me more than anyone else ever has. I shall miss you....
**************************************************************************************
Just past midday, another spring storm was brewing in from the west. The winds had grown colder and stronger as dark, ominous clouds rolled over slowly like giant, fluffy rocks in the sky.
The group had paused at the edge of the swamp, which to Melekinope, truly was an ugly site. It looked as if the Earth had simple rotted away in it's spot, the puss that seeped out from it green, thick, and smelly. He almost was too sickened by the sight and smell to stick his feet into it. Here and there, thick, brown grass type plants stuck up out of the swamp water, looking lonely and sick in their surroundings. Beyond the swamp, they could all see the edge of the mountain where it grew up from the earth, almost as if it were keeping the rest of the world safe from the ugly, smelly swamp.
Well, here we are! Plain Dasher called out to everyone. Once we cross this, it's back home to warm stalls and sweet greens for us!
They all warked in happiness, Melekinope trying his best to sound excited as well.
"Okay everybody, let's do this. Remember to keep the chocobos moving in zigzags. There'll be less of a chance for one of the snakes to catch up with us." Cloud instructed on his mount.
All the humans nodded, gathering the reigns tighter.
Oye, they shouldn't worry, just leave it all to us, eh? Plain Dasher said with a wink.
They all warked in agreement, pawing at the water-soaked ground in eagerness.
Run hard, and run fast. Let's show them snakes that us chocobos'll never be caught by their smelly likeness!
Everyone grew in excitement at her words.
With `hiays' from the humans, they were off, their clawed feet trying to find traction in the muddy earth.
The swamp waters were deep, coming up nearly to their chests. The humans were kneeling in racer fashion on the birds, Red XIII doing his best to stay clinging to Barret's back, trying not to get wet. Melekinope almost recoiled from the waters. They were warm, that was a plus, but were thick, and it seemed the more they disturbed it, the more odoriferous the smell seemed to get. He tried his best to keep his mouth open, to breath through that way, but water was being splashed up into it, and he finally decided the taste was worse than the smell as he choked on the pungent liquid.
Everyone was running side by side, going their absolute fastest as if it were a race. In a strange way, Melekinope was enjoying it, finally managing it figure out how to run breast deep in the water. Aeris was enjoying it almost as much as he was, shouting words of encouragement to him over the splashing and warking of the other chocobos. The other humans began to get wrapped up in the excitement as well, also shouting and `hiaying' their mounts.
Oye! See you on the other side! he warked happily to Plain Dasher, pulling slightly ahead of her as a tease.
Aiee, you evil bird! Picking on an old lady such as myself! I was one of the best, ya know?
Was! he teased, the others laughing at him joking.
Heads up! One of the larger birds, slower than the others so slightly behind Melekinope, called out. The snakes are chasing us!
All the better! the one carrying Cloud cried out, putting on a bit more speed.
They all began running at their top speeds, dashing about here and there in strange zigzag patterns, the rippling water behind them which was the snake, having a hard time trying to chase just one. As a result, it began to slow down, unable to maneuver as well as the fast avian sprinters.
Melekinope reached the shore almost a minute before any of the others, trying his best to shake the disgusting water from his feathers and flank.
Oye, you are a fast bird! Plain Dasher wheezed as she finally made her way next to him. All of the others were also a bit worn out, drained from all of their all-out running.
Had one of the best teachers! he said happily as Aeris began to dismount him.
No, that was all you, Melekinope. I gave you none of that. she said as Tifa began to unbridle her.
Aeris had already undid his bit and bridal, tucking it into the saddlebags on his back so that he wouldn't have to run with it in his mouth on the way back. "Thank you, Black Storm." She whispered into his feather-covered ear holes. "You were a good chocobo. Thank you."
Melekinope warked his thanks back, nuzzling her shoulder as the other humans and Red XIII began to walk away towards their destination. He didn't want her leave. He wanted her to take him with her. He could take her anywhere she wanted, as long as she and the other humans took him with them.
It would be so much easier if they stole me, he though miserably as Aeris backed away.
The other chocobos and himself rested as they watched the small group of travelers made their way closer to the mountains without them. Before they were completely out of sight though, Aeris turned around, waving. He wished more than anything he could wave back. Instead, he warked as loud as he could, doing one round of the dance.
Oye, time to get back. Should be back at the ranch by midday tomorrow. Plain Dasher sighed as a gentle shower began to come down on them.
They all nodded, taking another minute to rest before they started wading back into the swamp.
Melekinope didn't move.
Plain Dasher, already knees deep in the water, looked back. Melekinope, what's wrong? C'mon, let's go.
He took a step back, shaking by the mere thought of what he was about to do, I... I'm not going back.
What? What's this?
I'm sorry, Plain Dasher. It's something I have to do.
She slowly climbed back out of the water, approaching the black bird. Come one now, remember your duties! Your Joe's and Aria's now, no more of this nonsense.
It's not nonsense! he shouted, flapping his wings. I never chose to be owned, I was born of the wild! I want to see the world, and it's in my full right to be able to!
Your responsibilities first belong to helping Joe and Aria and making them happy. You can't give that up unless they allow you! Aria loves you, she trusts you'll return with the rest of us!
Guilt raged through his entire being, making him shake harder as the rain pound down heavier now. I...I can't. I'm going to do this, Plain Dasher. I'm sorry. Slowly, he turned around and began to walk away.
It'll be easier this way, to turn around, he thought to himself, the guilt eating away at him.
Behind him, he could here the others questioning Plain Dasher what was happening. She remained silent until finally, she burst, I won't allow you to break her heart!
Before he even knew what was going on, Melekinope was rammed in his side, suddenly knocked to the ground. He slowly looked up, clearing his head. Plain Dasher...why?
You forget who you belong to, your place. she practically growled, standing over him in the rain.
Melekinope working his way back to his feet, still slightly in shock. Please, Plain Dasher, don't do this. You know how much this means to me.
That doesn't matter. You're coming back with us!
Turning again, he ignored her, continuing his lonely walk.
Behind him, he could hear her running up to him, and at the last instant, he whipped around, dodging to the side.
Plain Dasher stood in the spot he had been in, her wings clapped together before her. Had he stayed in the same spot, he would have been knocked unconscious from the blow.
No! he warked back, swinging his arm around.
She back up, bringing her leg up to sweep his wing away. Then, almost instantly, she leaped at him with a taloned kick.
Melekinope moved to the side, Plain Dasher's attack slow in her old age.
She quickly swung her wings around again, then rotating that with trying to kick him.
Melekinope continued to move from side to side, dodging and blocking. She'll never give up, he though to himself, already growing tired of the fight. And I don't want to hurt her anymore than I have to...
As fast as he could to avoid the blows, he turned and began to run full speed, his legs not entirely recovered from the earlier run. I won't fight her, I won't!!!
NOO! he could hear her cry, running after him.
He knew she was slower. She was older, weaker, and not able to recover as fast as he could. Without even knowing where he was going, he ran alongside the swamp, hoping the soft, muddy earth would slow her down even more. Risking a quick glance back, he found that he had been right. Plain Dasher had already begun to slow down, she'd never be able to catch up to him now.
After what finally seemed like forever, Melekinope finally began to slow down, every muscle in his body screaming for a rest, his chest rising and falling heavily with lack of breath.
The rain was coming in sheets now, thundering in the distance as the wind pulled at his rain-soaked feathers. Unable to go any farther, he collapsed. Fatigue settled in, and he fell asleep.
For only the second time in a year, he dreamed of his mother.
Standing over him in the storm.
Protecting him.
Melekinope was practically bouncing as he and his three comrades crossed the plains with the humans. Red XIII was with them as well, but he insisted on running alongside.
This is the greatest! he cried, weaving his way next to Plain Dasher.
She warked in acknowledgment, acting years younger than she ever had at the ranch. Oye, look there to your left, Melekinope. Other Chocobos!
Melekinope turned his head to the wild chocobos who stood still watching the small party as they dashed acrossed the plains. 'Ello `ello! he warked out happily.
All but one of them turned away, the one left sneering at them.
Plain Dasher sighed. We don't talk to the wild ones, Melekinope. They think it's foolish for us to work with the humans after what they've done to the planet.
The planet? What do you mean?
Humans have been destroying the planet for as long as they've existed. she began, turning her attention back to the direction they were going. But not all humans are like that. Some are trying their best to save it. Maybe someday you will see the planets scars, then you will understand. It's,... It's not something I can describe to you.
Melekinope fell silent. Scars of the planet? All he had ever know was the green grasses and wild creatures that once in a great while decided to stray close to the ranch. Yet another reason why I need to see the world, he thought angrily, wondering if any of the humans they were carrying were responsible for any of these scars.
How... How do they scar the planet? he asked after some time, curious.
Plenty of ways. The vehicles they use pollute the air, along with some of the machines they use for their everyday living. The waters they pollute with their garbage... But the worst is the actual planet scars. They use these strange machines to draw up the energy of the planet and process it into something called Materia. And all that's left behind is a withered piece of the land that cries out in pain. Her voice was filled with loathing and bitterness.
But still, he didn't understand. How was it possible to scar the Earth? Didn't, if you scratched it, made divots, the grass grow back, creatures still tread upon it? Why wasn't it possible for it to recover as it always did?
Could it be that horrible? He thought, shaking his head. If so, he could see why the wild chocobos detested him and the others. Mother, is that why we were wild? Did we detest the humans?
Melekinope wished he knew. He wished more than anything he could run to his mother and ask all his questions, know all the answers. But would she even know them all? Plain Dasher was worldly, but didn't know everything herself. Why would his mother be any different?
Because she's my mother. She protected me with her life. She would know.
**************************************************************************************
Melekinope's mood had fallen since his little discussion with Plain Dasher. He didn't exactly detest the humans who rode him and the others, but he didn't feel the same anymore. More than ever now, he had to see the world, had to see what had been done to it. See what he could do.
Not that there's anything you can do, he thought angrily to himself. You're just a Chocobo. What can you do?
Would the Healing spell work on something like that? He had never tried it on anything, not even really himself. Would it work?
The night fell upon the small, galloping band of travelers and their mounts, providing them plenty of light with he full moon and starlit sky. Cool, spring breezes chilled the heat and lather that had begun to build up on his legs and flank, but he hardly felt tired. His mind wouldn't let him.
Finally, they stopped for the night, the humans and the tiger sleeping on the warm earth in their sleeping bags, some of their snores scaring away the crickets and other night creatures in the area that sang their nightly chorus.
All of the other chocobos curled up into bright yellow balls of feathers, sleeping away from all the running. Melekinope couldn't sleep, not even if he tried. Staring up at the stars, he thought, thought of everything that happened to him, and everything that he wanted to happen.
What kind of world have you brought me into, mother? He wondered, his eyes awed by the multitude of the starts, something he never grew tired of seeing. The humans rule us, the humans destroy us, and those who are free seem to do nothing to stop them. Why?
But not all humans are like that. Some are trying their best to save it, Plain Dasher had said. He wanted to know for sure. Which ones were the ones who destroyed it, and who were the ones who were trying to save it?
The world... It's a much more complicated place then you though, he scolded himself. Maybe you aren't ready to venture out into it...
Oye, are you thinking again, Melekinope? Plain Dasher mumbled out of her sleep.
No, you old fart, he kidded her with her nickname. Go back to sleep.
AIIIE, a youngin' telling ME when to sleep... she droned off back to sleep.
Melekinope couldn't help but look over at his old friend with an equivalent of a smile.
You've raised me like a mother, he though, protected me, helped me through all my tough times. Shown me more than anyone else ever has. I shall miss you....
**************************************************************************************
Just past midday, another spring storm was brewing in from the west. The winds had grown colder and stronger as dark, ominous clouds rolled over slowly like giant, fluffy rocks in the sky.
The group had paused at the edge of the swamp, which to Melekinope, truly was an ugly site. It looked as if the Earth had simple rotted away in it's spot, the puss that seeped out from it green, thick, and smelly. He almost was too sickened by the sight and smell to stick his feet into it. Here and there, thick, brown grass type plants stuck up out of the swamp water, looking lonely and sick in their surroundings. Beyond the swamp, they could all see the edge of the mountain where it grew up from the earth, almost as if it were keeping the rest of the world safe from the ugly, smelly swamp.
Well, here we are! Plain Dasher called out to everyone. Once we cross this, it's back home to warm stalls and sweet greens for us!
They all warked in happiness, Melekinope trying his best to sound excited as well.
"Okay everybody, let's do this. Remember to keep the chocobos moving in zigzags. There'll be less of a chance for one of the snakes to catch up with us." Cloud instructed on his mount.
All the humans nodded, gathering the reigns tighter.
Oye, they shouldn't worry, just leave it all to us, eh? Plain Dasher said with a wink.
They all warked in agreement, pawing at the water-soaked ground in eagerness.
Run hard, and run fast. Let's show them snakes that us chocobos'll never be caught by their smelly likeness!
Everyone grew in excitement at her words.
With `hiays' from the humans, they were off, their clawed feet trying to find traction in the muddy earth.
The swamp waters were deep, coming up nearly to their chests. The humans were kneeling in racer fashion on the birds, Red XIII doing his best to stay clinging to Barret's back, trying not to get wet. Melekinope almost recoiled from the waters. They were warm, that was a plus, but were thick, and it seemed the more they disturbed it, the more odoriferous the smell seemed to get. He tried his best to keep his mouth open, to breath through that way, but water was being splashed up into it, and he finally decided the taste was worse than the smell as he choked on the pungent liquid.
Everyone was running side by side, going their absolute fastest as if it were a race. In a strange way, Melekinope was enjoying it, finally managing it figure out how to run breast deep in the water. Aeris was enjoying it almost as much as he was, shouting words of encouragement to him over the splashing and warking of the other chocobos. The other humans began to get wrapped up in the excitement as well, also shouting and `hiaying' their mounts.
Oye! See you on the other side! he warked happily to Plain Dasher, pulling slightly ahead of her as a tease.
Aiee, you evil bird! Picking on an old lady such as myself! I was one of the best, ya know?
Was! he teased, the others laughing at him joking.
Heads up! One of the larger birds, slower than the others so slightly behind Melekinope, called out. The snakes are chasing us!
All the better! the one carrying Cloud cried out, putting on a bit more speed.
They all began running at their top speeds, dashing about here and there in strange zigzag patterns, the rippling water behind them which was the snake, having a hard time trying to chase just one. As a result, it began to slow down, unable to maneuver as well as the fast avian sprinters.
Melekinope reached the shore almost a minute before any of the others, trying his best to shake the disgusting water from his feathers and flank.
Oye, you are a fast bird! Plain Dasher wheezed as she finally made her way next to him. All of the others were also a bit worn out, drained from all of their all-out running.
Had one of the best teachers! he said happily as Aeris began to dismount him.
No, that was all you, Melekinope. I gave you none of that. she said as Tifa began to unbridle her.
Aeris had already undid his bit and bridal, tucking it into the saddlebags on his back so that he wouldn't have to run with it in his mouth on the way back. "Thank you, Black Storm." She whispered into his feather-covered ear holes. "You were a good chocobo. Thank you."
Melekinope warked his thanks back, nuzzling her shoulder as the other humans and Red XIII began to walk away towards their destination. He didn't want her leave. He wanted her to take him with her. He could take her anywhere she wanted, as long as she and the other humans took him with them.
It would be so much easier if they stole me, he though miserably as Aeris backed away.
The other chocobos and himself rested as they watched the small group of travelers made their way closer to the mountains without them. Before they were completely out of sight though, Aeris turned around, waving. He wished more than anything he could wave back. Instead, he warked as loud as he could, doing one round of the dance.
Oye, time to get back. Should be back at the ranch by midday tomorrow. Plain Dasher sighed as a gentle shower began to come down on them.
They all nodded, taking another minute to rest before they started wading back into the swamp.
Melekinope didn't move.
Plain Dasher, already knees deep in the water, looked back. Melekinope, what's wrong? C'mon, let's go.
He took a step back, shaking by the mere thought of what he was about to do, I... I'm not going back.
What? What's this?
I'm sorry, Plain Dasher. It's something I have to do.
She slowly climbed back out of the water, approaching the black bird. Come one now, remember your duties! Your Joe's and Aria's now, no more of this nonsense.
It's not nonsense! he shouted, flapping his wings. I never chose to be owned, I was born of the wild! I want to see the world, and it's in my full right to be able to!
Your responsibilities first belong to helping Joe and Aria and making them happy. You can't give that up unless they allow you! Aria loves you, she trusts you'll return with the rest of us!
Guilt raged through his entire being, making him shake harder as the rain pound down heavier now. I...I can't. I'm going to do this, Plain Dasher. I'm sorry. Slowly, he turned around and began to walk away.
It'll be easier this way, to turn around, he thought to himself, the guilt eating away at him.
Behind him, he could here the others questioning Plain Dasher what was happening. She remained silent until finally, she burst, I won't allow you to break her heart!
Before he even knew what was going on, Melekinope was rammed in his side, suddenly knocked to the ground. He slowly looked up, clearing his head. Plain Dasher...why?
You forget who you belong to, your place. she practically growled, standing over him in the rain.
Melekinope working his way back to his feet, still slightly in shock. Please, Plain Dasher, don't do this. You know how much this means to me.
That doesn't matter. You're coming back with us!
Turning again, he ignored her, continuing his lonely walk.
Behind him, he could hear her running up to him, and at the last instant, he whipped around, dodging to the side.
Plain Dasher stood in the spot he had been in, her wings clapped together before her. Had he stayed in the same spot, he would have been knocked unconscious from the blow.
No! he warked back, swinging his arm around.
She back up, bringing her leg up to sweep his wing away. Then, almost instantly, she leaped at him with a taloned kick.
Melekinope moved to the side, Plain Dasher's attack slow in her old age.
She quickly swung her wings around again, then rotating that with trying to kick him.
Melekinope continued to move from side to side, dodging and blocking. She'll never give up, he though to himself, already growing tired of the fight. And I don't want to hurt her anymore than I have to...
As fast as he could to avoid the blows, he turned and began to run full speed, his legs not entirely recovered from the earlier run. I won't fight her, I won't!!!
NOO! he could hear her cry, running after him.
He knew she was slower. She was older, weaker, and not able to recover as fast as he could. Without even knowing where he was going, he ran alongside the swamp, hoping the soft, muddy earth would slow her down even more. Risking a quick glance back, he found that he had been right. Plain Dasher had already begun to slow down, she'd never be able to catch up to him now.
After what finally seemed like forever, Melekinope finally began to slow down, every muscle in his body screaming for a rest, his chest rising and falling heavily with lack of breath.
The rain was coming in sheets now, thundering in the distance as the wind pulled at his rain-soaked feathers. Unable to go any farther, he collapsed. Fatigue settled in, and he fell asleep.
For only the second time in a year, he dreamed of his mother.
Standing over him in the storm.
Protecting him.