Chapter -112: Mother May I?
The following morning Sarajin and Temporis arose from their slumber in the wastelands to the sound of birds chirping overhead.
After stretching their limbs and cleaning up from their latest meal, they were ready to tackle the new day. Temporis left the decision of how to go up to Sarajin though.
"So where to go first?" She prodded with a curious grin.
"Hmmm," Sarajin thought to himself, "We've got to check on every Tribe. We won't be able to get this done in a day, that's for sure..."
As his mind wandered, so too did his heart towards home, thanks to the birds soaring through the skies above.
He smiled and looked at Temporis with certainty, "First I think I'll stop by home and let my parents know how I'm doing. Can you meet me at the entrance to Tanglefae?"
"So a quick home visit then a check-up on Rosebud and Ividae, yeah? Alright! But don't keep me waiting too long or I'll go on ahead of you!"
The two sealed the vow to meet up quickly with a resounding clap of their hands. Temporis then sprung off her merry way while Sarajin took flight to the skies above.
Darting straight for his floating home, the breeze passed him by quickly. He has long since abandoned the need to innovate with his ability to fly. Now he could enjoy the skies like every bird, and there was nowhere he couldn't reach.
There was no place he was happier, and he shouted and cheered, performing a few loops and twists to prolong the excitement just that little bit longer.
But obligations were obligations and so he kicked up the pace and finished the journey home.
It was probably hard to believe but this place had changed a little bit in the preceding years. More houses had been built and the farm area had been expanded to include more cows and chickens, along with a vegetable garden that his father helped maintain.
This has led to the people of Arc Hurricanos having less pale complexions and more energetic days. Playing around wasn't just something the kids could enjoy, but the grown-ups could too.
Some of the kids Sarajin used to play around with had gotten married and had kids of their own.
When he walked through the city he did so standing tall and welcoming to each and every one of his neighbors. A lot of them were happy to greet him, and he greeted them back.
He was caught by surprise crossing the rope bridge home when a huge flock of birds fluttered off into the sky. The feeling of their flaps upon his skin made him chuckle and smile some more.
"Nowadays we don't need to use our birds to take crops from Tanglefae or fish from Aquamoria." It put his heart at ease knowing that he had helped make these positive changes to their way of living, and maybe, made him a little prideful too. But he knew there was no harm in that.
The only thing that could spoil his mood was when he gazed off to the South and saw the lonesome ledge where he once sat and shared time with someone he called a friend...
But he let those feelings go with a rough sigh, and focused on the last steps home.
His dad had expanded the house to give him more room to live on his own, but the two buildings were still joined together at the hip.
He froze in front of the doorstep and saw Moses perched at his usual spot. He gave him a gentle pat on the head and he flapped his wings up to caw in delight.
"Good to see you too, Moses." He whispered, trying to keep his return a surprise.
But as he parted the cloth door he found his mom peeking around the corner of the kitchen and it made his heart jump.
"Welcome home, dear!" She said in her usual dulcet tone.
She walked out and continued to clean a plate off with her rag. There was a little gray in her hair now but she had plenty of color in her cheeks and today at least, seemed to be in good health.
He slowly made his way into the living room and got goosebumps at the homely atmosphere he's come to love.
"There's no place like home." He whispered.
He then followed his mom as she walked on over to the chair, where his dad currently sat. He was in better shape these days with a proud expression and more welcoming demeanor. Sadly, age and stress still did their damage and he has grown a few wrinkles and gray hairs recently.
After his dad handed his mom his empty glass of milk she pecked him on the cheek and he smiled. She then returned to the kitchen and Sarajin spoke up.
"Hey mom, hey dad. You look comfortable today!" He proclaimed.
"I'm enjoying my relaxation while I can," His dad said, "The fields will need to be toiled today."
As he got up from his chair Sarajin flinched and remarked, "T-That's today? Oh no, that slipped my mind."
"Heh," His dad smirked as he approached him, laying a hand on his shoulder and guiding him towards the table, "I can tell you've been busy. Come, tell me how things are on the surface."
And there was definitely a story to tell about the last couple of days. The woman of their lives provided the two men with drinks as Sarajin told the whole tale.
His father looked perturbed by the end and furrowed his brows, "So the armies of the other Tribes are already beginning to move."
"Yeah." Sarajin nodded.
His dad gestured a finger from out beside his glass and remarked, "Don't worry about the fields today, son. Just focus on making sure the other Tribes will be ok."
"You sure?" Sarajin stuttered, "B-Because if we work together it'll only take a few-"
His dad's smile spread with mischievous intent behind it, "And let you keep that girl you like waiting? Sarajin, didn't I teach you better manners than that?"
"O-Okay..." Sarajin said, blushing brightly.
His dad then slowly laid the cup down and let it linger in his grasp. He let out a long sigh and whispered beneath his breath, "So Ophelia did have a child..."
Sarajin could barely make it out though and murmured, "You say something, dad?"
"Only to myself." He replied with a tinge of melancholy.
He then looked him dead in the eyes and said, "Just worry about your business for now, my son. And please..."
His expression looked like it aged decades in a second as he sighed, "DON'T get into another fight with a giant Rot Walker..."
"S-Sorry, I'll try not to." Sarajin chuckled dryly and then stood up, bringing his empty cup over to his mom and kissing her lightly on the cheek.
"Wish I could stay longer, mom! I'll be back in a few days though."
As he turned around though, so did she, with a firm and definitively authoritative voice, "Sarajin."
He froze on the spot and quickly turned around, "W-What is it mom?"
She put her plate down and poised her hands down before her waist. She then closed her eyes and said with the utmost sincerity, "Could you take me down with you to the surface?"
Sarajin's eyes shot open and his voice got jittery, "Y-You want to do what?"
She returned his confusion with a smile and he shook his head, wondering in a somewhat nervous tone, "B-But mom, what about your health?"
She tried to dull a light cough by planting her fist before her mouth, knowing it'd just worry her son more. But nevertheless she mustered up the will to look him straight in the eyes and say in a somewhat raspy voice, "Thanks to you both, I've been feeling a little healthier. I think I can manage going down for today at least."
"Besides, if the war between the Tribes kicks up, who knows if I'll ever get a chance to see the world the way you two have."
That was the statement that solidified the strength of her determination in her two favorite men's eyes. Sarajin and his dad looked at one another and Sarajin quietly asked, "Is it alright with you, dad?"
He closed his eyes and sighed, then stood up and put his hand on both of their shoulders, "I've probably stolen our son's attention for too long lately. You two enjoy yourselves down there, but don't push yourself, ok Misty?"
"Don't worry. I'll have Sarajin return me at the first sight of blood."
With her assurance given there was really nothing left for Sarajin to do but bring her along with him. They walked out of the house hand-in-hand and said one last farewell to Darnia before making their way over to the edge.
Sarajin had to be careful to not break his mother's hand while walking with her. She was so delicate, like a flower, not really built for the excitement and thrills he experiences while flying.
He could almost remember a time where she had to bend down to kiss him. Now their roles were reversed, but he still loved the warmth of her lips on his cheeks just as much.
Eventually they made it to the edge of the city and Sarajin bent down beside her, "Hop on and hold on tight mom. It's a bumpy ride."
"Heh heh," She giggled tenderly, "I'm flattered, honey, but aren't you forgetting that I'm a citizen of the Wind as well?"
"W-Wait..." Sarajin watched in a panic as his mom took one light step off the edge of the city and looked like she was walking on empty air.
She kept moving forward with the breeze lifting her up under her poncho. She turned around and raised her hands slightly, looking like a true beauty of the sky.
"Mom..." Sarajin was agape with awe.
"Sorry I won't be able to fly as fast as you though, honey."
Sarajin stood with a smile and shook his head happily, "That's fine with me, mom."
The two took flight side-by-side, his mom welcoming the fresh air with a soothing moan. Sarajin couldn't take his eyes off of her, either out of worry or due to awe at her determination.
They went at her pace and that included their descent. She wasn't used to the lower pressure of the surface and Sarajin didn't want her getting dizzy.
He'd suffer Temporis taunting him about being late later, right now it was about him and his mom.
The unmistakable sight of Temporis' striking pink hair guided mother and son to the entrance of Tanglefae, where it seemed their guest was just about to leave them behind.
"HEY!" Sarajin shouted merrily.
Temporis turned around and tucked her hands behind her head as the two descended before her.
Sarajin guarded his mom from the front when it looked like she might have a rough landing. But she gently laid her hand down on his and brushed them away, strutting upright with all her strength.
"About time!" Temporis declared, "Oh?"
Temporis leaned forward and tilted all the way to her right and then to her left, scanning this lovely lady over with a teasing grin, "Is this who I think it is?"
Sarajin's mom laid her fingertips over her mouth and giggled, "You must be the young lady who has been watching over my son. Temporis, right?"
Temporis sprung upright and tucked her hands behind her back, "That's me alright! Pleasure to finally make yer acquaintance Mrs. S!"
"Please, call me Misty." She replied, extending her hand out and ruffling Temporis' hair.
Temporis froze up with a red glow in her cheeks. She drew her hands up towards the spot where she was touched and then grinned with one eye winking at Sarajin, "Ah, so that's who you picked that habit up from!"
Sarajin nervously rubbed the back of his head but was just happy that the two were hitting it off smoothly and with minimal embarrassment on his end.
Temporis then giggled and inquired, "So should I expect your dad to come along shortly?"
"He's busy today, unfortunately." Sarajin replied.
"Ah, that sucks. Maybe next time!" Temporis shrugged and then wandered up beside Sarajin's mom, holding on to her arm and walking her towards the forest entrance.
"H-Hey!" Sarajin extended his hand out in a mild state of panic.
Temporis looked over her shoulder and said, "C'mon Sarajin, I wanna talk with your mom!"
"Heh heh, you sure have energy to spare, don't you?" His mother replied in a humored tone.
Sarajin's shoulders slumped and he mumbled in a worried tone, "Please handle her with care, Bunny..."
Temporis was already busy prying her open for all she was worth, "So c'mon, I wanna hear EVERY embarrassing story from Sarajin's childhood!"
"Well when he was five years old-"
"MOM!"
The two led Misty along on a journey through the wonders this colorful forest had to offer.
What she lacked in enthusiasm she more than made up for with the lengths she spent nurturing every plant she liked with her frail hand.
There was no rush to get to the village and so the two watched over her, though Sarajin was constantly on edge with worry.
But the worst thing that happened was that she sneezed a couple times. She made a really cute and youthful noise when she tried to suppress it.
When they were getting close to the village, Sarajin pulled aside in private and laid his hand against a tree. He then rustled the petals from the branches so they fell around his mother like snowflakes.
She brushed her hands up and her face lit up with joy and wonder. She slowed her pace and began to twirl around, using the wind to guide the petals around and join her in dance.
Sarajin's expression settled into a sense of amazement as he watched her move so smoothly, looking more alive than she ever had before.
But when he looked over at Temporis she looked sad watching this. It was subtle but for her, made it that much more notable.
He didn't want to sour the mood by focusing on that though.
Sarajin stopped the petals once his mom was at the entrance to the village, where she then slowed down with a few bounds and then bowed her head, spreading her poncho while Temporis summoned a few hands of aura to act as a clapping audience.
"Thank you." Misty whispered.
Sarajin then walked on up ahead, brushing the remaining petals off her dress, before turning her around to face the village.
"Here we are, mom. This is Tanglefae."
The forest village and it's people were relatively the same as always...Surprisingly so actually. There wasn't any sense of unease in the way the people moved or acted. They were still handling their plants with care, and soaking in the rays of sun peeking through the canopy.
Misty moved on ahead and was given plenty of time to soak in the scenery and take in the scent of the towering oaks.
Of course, she did have some familiarity with the place, given all the herbs she puts into her diet. But this was her truly experiencing the forest for the first time. And she just felt like a perfect fit for the culture in Sarajin's eyes.
While she was busy enjoying herself, Sarajin took a closer look around. The only thing that caught his attention, however, was that the river trickling through the village seemed to be thinner than the last time he was here.
"Hmmm..." He propped a hand on his hip and put that in the back of his mind for now.
"Sarajin," His mom remarked a fair distance away, "When will I get to meet your friend here? Carmine, I believe his name was?"
"Heh, knowing ol' Rosebud, he's probably lazing away on top of Ividae at the moment." Temporis pointed out.
"I'm glad you're still able to be blunt in these uncertain times." Spoke an eloquently soothing voice.
Sarajin and Temporis looked to their right to see a five foot nine man with carmine red hair and violet eyes, wearing a dashing coat made of two giant pink-white hibiscus leaves, the top half acting as a popped collar that's curling towards his shoulders.
Dandelion stems and sunflower seeds helped hold the coat together. On his right eye he wears a monocle with a lens made of thin and hardened sap attached to a leaf with a hole cut into it. His hair looked refined and went no longer than the back of his neck.
A familiar leafy garment stuck out underneath his coat, and finally, this familiar face had decided he needed to put on some wooden shoes to look somewhat presentable to his guests.
He wore a serene smile and in his presence, Temporis grinned and approached them with her hand raised high, "Hey Rosebud! Long time no see!"
The man stared at her hand with a dull expression and then shrugged. She proceeded to drop her hand and groan, "Still got to work on your social cues..."
Sarajin walked up to them and said, "Carmine, it's pretty rare to see you in the village. How are you doing?"
The man, identified as their dear friend Carmine Rose, waved his hand up beside his face and looked a little perturbed, "I wish I came here with good news, my friend. But there's nothing good to be said about war."
"Oh no..." Sarajin whispered, "Did another Tribe attack?"
"Not yet," Carmine replied, leading Sarajin to sigh in relief prematurely, "But that doesn't mean they haven't acted."
Carmine gestured out to his left and whispered, "You've noticed the declining water flow already, I presume?"
"Yeah." Sarajin nodded, with Temporis doing the same.
"So we're the only ones who have." Carmine said in a worried tone.
"The other villagers haven't picked up on it?" Temporis wondered.
"The changes to the environment are too subtle to pick up on." Carmine replied.
Sarajin told him, "Well don't worry, I was planning to make a visit to Aquamoria next, so I'll ask around while I'm there."
Carmine bowed and smiled, "Thanks, Ividae's been worried sick that something may have happened to their Titan."
"How is Ividae doing lately?" Sarajin moved on to next.
"They're on the move through the forest right now to fortify our defenses." Carmine said.
"It probably won't do you guys any good if Canofloe comes after you first." Temporis pointed out, being honest at probably not the best of times.
Sarajin turned to her swiftly and remarked, "Sir Valflame wouldn't do that."
Which led to Carmine letting out a concerningly long hum, "I wouldn't be too sure about that. While I was making my way to the village I spotted the flames of a few horse manes at the Southern border."
"Mrrr..." Sarajin groaned in discomfort, "You're kidding me, why would he be sending scouts?"
He nevertheless shook his head and resolved then and there to his friend, "Well if Canofloe does attack, Temporis and I will be here to keep the forest safe."
Carmine closed his eyes and bowed his head, "Thank you, Sarajin. And Ividae gives their thanks too."
When he rose back up he chuckled and remarked, "But enough about the war. Are you going to introduce me to the lovely lady standing beside you?"
Sarajin turned and almost had his heart jump out from his mother standing right next to him, "M-Mom?! How long have you been standing there for?!"
"Oh for a while now," She lightly brushed her fingertips towards Carmine and chuckled, "Don't stop just because I'm here. I'd love to learn how my son's handling things down here."
"So you're the frail mother I've heard so much about." Carmine walked up to her and then got on one knee, bringing her hand up and kissing it on the back.
He then looked her in the eyes and whispered softly, "I must have misheard though, because your beauty and delicate features are as sublime as any flower."
Sarajin rubbed the back of his head and blushed, "C-Carmine...is...is there any particular reason you're hitting on my mom?"
"Oh hush, honey," Misty said with a tad bit of bluntness, returning the modest gesture unto Carmine's own hand, "Thank you for being there for my son."
"What are friends for?" Carmine replied with a light blush in his own cheeks.
The two then stood up and Carmine held his hand before his chest with a smile, "You do seem to be in good health these days."
"It helps to treat every day like a new experience." Misty said.
"A woman after my own heart." Carmine added.
"Carmine. Seriously. Stop." Sarajin whispered, sounding a little feral and blunt. But he quickly recoiled and realized that he was acting a little rude.
He shook those feelings loose and then planted a hand on his hip, "We've still got to show her around the rest of the village. Will you be joining us?"
"Just until we get to Mos' place. Then I'll need to report on the movements of the other Tribes," He gestured kindly towards Misty and told her, "I would like to recommend some good fruits to eat while you're here."
"Hmm, you'll have to try hard to surprise me," Misty chuckled, "My two men have spoiled me rotten on all sorts of fruits and vegetables."
"Well, madam, there's still plenty of experiences you can only find here," Carmine turned to the rest of the village and held his hand towards her, "May I?"
She took his hand and nodded, "Please."
As the two walked off and seemed to have a merry time whispering secretively to one another, all Temporis could say was, "Wow, I can't tell who won over who first."
"C-Can we just...not, talk about this?" Sarajin grunted through gritted teeth.
Temporis stood in front of him with her fingertips over her grin and started to tease, "Somebody doesn't want to share their mother!"
"Mmrrr..." Sarajin glared her way and caused her to giggle louder as she spun around, walking off with her hands behind her head.
Sarajin eased up a little by telling himself, "Why am I worried...? At least she's getting to enjoy herself..."
So he made himself forget about it by engaging in his mom's enjoyment of the splendor of Tanglefae. She got to enjoy a few fruits she never had before and liked most of them. The one with a bitter, pulpy taste caused her to throw up.
But fortunately Mos was there to provide her stomach with a remedy to help the fruit digest and prevent further upsets. Then she got to introduce herself and sort of bridge the generation gap between father and son.
Since Ividae was preoccupied she didn't get a chance to see them but they still managed to milk a few hours worth of exploration out of the village and forest.
She had to take a lot of breaks to catch her breath but so far her illness wasn't acting up. Sarajin still clung to her side though, just to be safe.
However they eventually had to get a move on to their next destination and said goodbye to Mos and Carmine, with Sarajin promising to come visit him once he knew more about the other Tribes' doings.
They followed the path out and along the way, Misty had the biggest smile on her face as she walked between the other two.
"Did you have a good time?" Temporis asked.
"I would almost want to move here, but..." Misty raised her poncho to wipe off a bit of moisture on her face, "Ooh, this humidity is such a pain in the butt though."
"Heh! Well, I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, Misty."
Misty then turned to her quiet son and wondered, "So you said we're going to Aquamoria next?"
Sarajin had been deep in thought until she said that. His expression sprung to attention and he realized, "Right. Aquamoria...Speaking of warm temperatures."
But as they started to leave the forest the leaves in the trees rustled to their left. Sarajin looked over and saw a leaf and stem growing out of the bushes, big enough to act as shade.
The leaf was lowered to tickle the side of Sarajin's face until he cracked a smile and chuckled, grabbing the stem and plucking it out from the bush.
"Thanks, Ividae." He whispered.
He then handed the leaf over to his mom and said, "Here mom, you'll want some shade where we're going next."
Her eyes lit up and she accepted the leaf like a child getting a new toy, "Oh this is wonderful!"
She then leaned past her son and waved at the bushes, "Thank you, Ividae."
The bushes rustled like a wave, and the three of them smiled and chuckled. Then, all they had to do was go a little ways to the North to arrive at their next destination.
Though for the sake of keeping Misty cool as long as possible they tried to stick to the border. She wasn't having any of it though, and dipped her toe into the hot grains of sand.
"Ooof!" She hopped back and wiggled her singed toes in the air.
Sarajin turned around on the spot and groaned in concern, "Mom...!"
He held her gently by the shoulders and looked down. Her feet were already red. He bit his teeth down in a hiss and murmured, "I should have made you some shoes before we got here. Sorry..."
Misty smiled and didn't seem deterred in the slightest, "Don't worry about it. Just take out your sword and help me cut off parts of my poncho. I have an idea."
"Wh-What?" Sarajin said all flabbergasted as his mom turned and started to help him draw his sword. He put his hand down to stop her.
"Mom, I can make you shoes." He said in a firm, polite tone.
"Or I can wrap 'em up in aura if you'd like!" Temporis offered.
"I want to experience the feeling of sand between my toes," She said softly but firmly, "The stitching of my poncho will make that possible without worrying about the heat. Don't worry, I can sew it back together later. Now hurry up, son."
She didn't leave them much other choice but to go along with her whimsy. With a little bit of cutting and tying, she quickly had a nice soft pair of socks with plenty of tiny gaps to give her the sandy experience she desired.
But she had to get one quick test in and stepped onto the beach with full force. She then began to twirl around on one foot, shifting further and further along the shoreline.
She quickly lost her balance but Sarajin ran up and caught her by the back. She had a big blush in her cheeks and giggled like a girl half her age, "See? Nothing to worry about."
Sarajin helped her up and whispered, "Mom, you're giving me plenty to worry about..."
She reached up and rustled his hair a little, "Oh don't be like your father now."
She gave him some quick pats on the cheek and then grabbed hold of her leafy umbrella in both hands. Temporis waltzed up beside them and declared, "Ok! Let's head to the village!"
They took their time crossing the shore. While there wasn't much to offer Misty in terms of sights, she still greatly admired the beauty of the sparkling sea and even had a couple mini-freak outs when the fish leaped out.
But as they made their way into the village proper, Sarajin felt something different about the mood. Everyone was running around preparing to fish or soak in the sun's rays, sure, but the excitement levels weren't as high.
"So where should we start?" His mother broke his train of thought.
Sarajin quickly turned to Temporis and whispered, "Can you show my mom around? I'm going to try and find Lulu."
Temporis flicked a thumbs-up and a wink and Sarajin gave her a thumbs-up back, "Thanks."
He then walked away from his mom, turning around to let her know, "I'll catch back with you two in a bit!"
"Hmm?" His mom hummed curiously.
But Sarajin was already off on his own in search of the loud-mouth, boisterous lass. But if he ran into Brine first, that'd work too.
Fortunately he found his target standing all by herself close to the southern border. Still as short and short-tempered as ever, she seemed especially pissed off today, what with the way she had her arms crossed and was digging a hole with her toe taps.
"Lulu?" Sarajin said with a cautious approach.
She jolted right around with a glare more fitting for a shark but then eased right up, having already paralyzed Sarajin in fear.
"Sarajin?" She said with a mix of bitterness and tiredness. She threw her hands up and said in her usual accent, "Couldja have picked a better time to drop by?"
"What's the matter?" Sarajin said, remaining perfectly calm.
"Oh nuthin'," She murmured while shaking her head. Then with a tense glare out her side she grit her teeth and muttered, "The last couplea days have just put some gray hairs on me head, that's all."
"...Did another Tribe attack?" Sarajin voiced his concerns.
"Oh of course! We were caught in a three-way laceration with those Icebeards and Fireheads from the West," Lulu cracked a grin and laid a hand on her hip, "Caught the Icebeards' leader running with their tail between their legs though."
"That must have been after we scared Colrez off from Oreore," Sarajin deduced, then gulped, "Nobody died, did they?"
"There were some cuts and bruises but we managed to make it out unscathed," Lulu then put that fierce glare back on and muttered, "Nah, the reason I'm more fired up than a cook-off is because of that wench."
She gestured her thumb over her shoulder and Sarajin looked past her to see a group of Aquamorians gathered around two men concealed in white robes laced with gold and a woman standing atop a pedestal between them.
She was radiant like she had dipped herself in the sun. Her garb consisted of a simple long white dress with a black rope around her waist and a ringed cloth around her neck. It offered a generous view of her breasts from the side.
She guarded her arms and silver and gold braces but left and shoulders and hands unprotected. Her feet were laced with fancy white and gold heel slippers. But what was truly divine about her was the presence of a large, levitating golden wheel with eight spokes behind her.
It was a divine light that brightened her silver-like hair and gave her a heavenly glow around her face, similar to an angel. While her gray eyes frolicked among her peers, soaking in their admiration and love. Finally, her hair was curled at the sides of her face.
"Who is that?" Sarajin wondered, allured by her immense, warm presence.
"She's an eel's, what she is." Lulu barked out in disgust.
"Her and her school of devout followers wormed their way into our village and started blabbing their mouth off," She started to grind her teeth together and clenched her fists by her hips, "And these idiots are gobbling it all up!"
Sarajin turned to his side and stared long and hard at this woman. She cast her words out towards the audience and they all bobbed their heads obediently in agreement. What he noticed, however, was that almost every person in the audience was just as old as him or younger.
"But that powerful glow around her..." Sarajin remarked, "Is she a Light elemental user from Caimanabal?"
"Whoever she is, she's very beautiful." A sudden remark from his mother shocked him into turning right, where he saw her and Temporis had been standing there for quite a while.
He didn't really have it in him to gripe about this and instead tried to focus, with great resistance on his end, on the mysterious waif.
"Hey, Bunny..." He whispered her way, "Who is this woman?"
The two walked up while Temporis provided an answer, "If I had to take a guess, she's probably the leader of Caimanabal."
"The leader?!" Sarajin blurted out, "Well...that would explain her powerful presence."
"It's almost like the inverse of Ophelia's...Guess that'd make sense but..." Sarajin squinted her way and wondered, "Wouldn't that mean she has a pact with their Titan too?"
After a short pause the lady's sermon seemed to be drawing to a close, and with it, she descended from her pedestal and waved to the crowd.
"What is her name?" Sarajin then asked.
"Mother Divine." Temporis quickly answered.
"What a pretentious load of squid shit..." Lulu grumbled.
"Mother...Divine." Sarajin murmured to himself, tracking the woman's movements as she passed through the crowd.
For a brief moment, the woman paused and tilted her head to the right. Sarajin felt an icy chill sting through his heart, and it almost looked like the woman was smirking.
"...!" He laid a hand on his chest and watched the woman continue to walk. But following her wake were a few members from the crowd.
"Where are they going?" Misty asked.
"Probably to Caimanabal," Temporis remarked, "It and Obscura acted as neutral zones/sanctuaries the last time the war happened."
"I remember Valic mentioning that long ago," Sarajin remarked, "So everyone following Mother Divine's just...leaving their home behind to take residence in Caimanabal?"
"Bah!" Lulu grunted, crudely gesturing her hand at the departing crowd, "All she's done is bite her fangs into their hearts and poisoned their minds with false promises!"
"YA HEAR ME?!" She screamed at the top of her lungs, "YER COWARDS! AND TRAITORS! I don't ever wanna see yer faces around here again!"
A couple of them gave a passing glance back but Lulu was powerless to watch them leave her sight forever.
"Ghhh...!" She swung her fists down and stamped the sand underfoot, looking like her rage would bring her to tears, "How could they just cast off from their birthplace so easily...?"
"I don't understand myself." Sarajin muttered.
"I think I get it," Temporis interjected, "Look at how young all those people were. They weren't born during war times. They got to know uninterrupted peace most of their lives."
"And now that all that violence came knocking on their doorstep they're rightfully scared out of their minds cause they realized...'We can die.'"
"Divine presence or not, I doubt that lady needed to try hard to convince anyone to leave."
It was harsh, as expected of her, but perhaps it was the truth Lulu had to be forced to confront. But she was not someone who took weakness as something easily accepted. No, she turned around with tear-dripped eyes and growled, "I'm the only protection they need, damn it!"
Misty walked on up to her and put a hand on her shoulder, looking her right in the eyes with a guiding warmth in her voice, "You're a good leader. Don't give in to despair."
Lulu let out a sniffle and then chuckled, wiping her tears off on her arm and chiding herself, "Look at me. Here I got a guest and I'm too busy acting like an angry child to greet them."
She put her arms under her chest and tried to put on a smile, "Thank ya for the kind words stranger. What's yer name?"
"My name is Misty Stratos."
"Stratos?!" Lulu spat up, quickly turning to face Sarajin while pointing at the lady in front of her, "This is yer mum?!"
"Yep!" Sarajin nodded with a smile.
"Huh, yeah, I can see it now..." Lulu said while rubbing her chin. Then, with a fierce grin she seemed to be returning to her normal self, "Name's Lulu Coraline. It's a pleasure to welcome ya into our home, Mrs. Stratos."
"Please please, just call me Misty."
"Ok ok, I'll concede to that," Lulu said with her hands thrown up in defeat, "Well, sorry ya had to see me like that. Kinda embarrassing really"
"It's alright," Misty chuckled, "As long as my son's around, your Tribe will be protected in the future."
Lulu turned to him with a dry smirk, "Yeah, yer son's grown into a fine young man if I do say so myself..."
She shook her head and groaned, "Definitely more of a grower than that bumbling student of mine..."
"Oh yeah, how is Brine doing these days?" Temporis wondered.
"Oh fine! Still got quite a ways to go, but he's been workin' his way up to bigger and bigger fish," Lulu said with a mild hint of pride, "Ya wanna go say hi? He's probably out toilin' away on the docks."
"That'd be nice. I want my mom to see everything I've gotten to see." Sarajin remarked.
"Great! Then let's start at the docks!" Lulu said with a resounding clap.
The four made their way over there. Along the way though Temporis and Lulu stuck close together and engaged in a conversation.
"So have you had any luck with that warning I gave ya?" Temporis started off with.
"Nah, no signs of 'em so far. Ya sure we'll find one of 'em here?" Lulu commented back.
"Huh?" Sarajin interjected with mild curiosity, "Oh, are you two talking about the Ten Sages?"
They both looked over their shoulders and Lulu nodded, "Yeah. Ain't heard a peep out of 'em still."
"Come to think about it we forgot to ask Carmine if he's noticed their presence in Tanglefae." Sarajin murmured.
"I'm sure he would've brought it up if it was important." Temporis assured him.
"Shouldn't you know where each of the Sages operate?" Sarajin said, unsure if he hadn't gotten this answer before or not.
"I told you before, I don't know what every Sage looks like. The only time I got to meet all of them at once was when Lilith dragged me back home when the black monster attacked."
Temporis put her hands behind her head and shrugged, "Otherwise the only other ones I have the closest attachment to were Uncle Nimus and my dad."
"And that horrible Nimus abandoned Arc Hurricanos." Misty remarked with surprising scorn.
"Mmm..." Went Sarajin with disdain.
Temporis gestured her hand aside as she remarked, "The Elegant Strider is stationed here but honestly? They'd be crazy to try and blend in with the populace."
"How come?" Lulu remarked.
"Because Aurians lack the right cells in their skin to get tans," Temporis answered swiftly, "They'd stick out like a sore thumb here."
"Buuut then again from what I recall that Sage is also one of the four younger ones, so maybe they'll screw up."
"Right, I remember you telling me that four of the Sages aren't that much older than me." Sarajin interjected.
"Well, we'll keep an eye out for 'em and let you know if we spot 'em." Lulu said, patting Temporis on the back.
"I just wish we knew what they were planning." Sarajin remarked.
"Justek would know..." Temporis murmured under her breath.
"Huh?"
"Nothing! Finally, we're at the dock!" Temporis ran on ahead to the briny boards and gestured Misty over towards her.
Sarajin stood by his mother's side and held her hand, "Watch your step, mom."
"So this is where my son caught us all those delicious fish." Misty remarked, eyeing all the young achievers fishing to their heart's content.
"Yea, yer son's been a pretty decent fisherman in his time here," Lulu remarked, "Though he hasn't been around much lately."
"I've been busy training in the other Tribes. Sorry, Lulu." Sarajin hastily apologized.
"Ah no sweat off my brow," Lulu winked, "Just know yer welcome to come here for a break anytime ya want."
She then turned around and muttered under her breath, "Now where is that guppy..."
Sitting on the right side of the docks was a young man who honestly, hadn't changed too much from when Sarajin and Temporis first met him. He had simply grown into his body. He was a little more muscular, and his vest and shorts were more sparkly white than blue, and he'd even grown a little stubble around his face.
But otherwise he was the same old Brine Aqua, just now as an adult.
At his side was a burlap sack with bait and tackle, and a three-pronged weapon known as a trident. In his hands was his trusty fishing rod, right in the midst of hoisting a fierce biter onto dry land.
"HEAVE HO!" Brine shouted with delight as he pulled up a fish nearly as long as he was tall and started splashing him with drops off it's tail.
But Brine pinned him down to the docks until it breathed its last breath.
"Nice catch, Brine!" Sarajin shouted.
Brine flinched and then smiled upon looking over his shoulder.
"Oi, stranger! Ain't you a sight for sore eyes?" Brine rose with a cheerful demeanor and ran up so the two of them could engage in a powerful handshake. Sarajin's hand felt a little sore in the aftermath but he shook the pain off with a smile.
"You've gotten stronger since we last saw each other!"
"Ha, same could be said of you chum!" Brine reached up and patted him on the shoulder, "So what brings ya around today? Ain't seen ya in a while."
"I'm taking my mom on a tour of the surface."
Brine recoiled with widening eyes that soon were beaming around his friend's side to see the demure lady standing behind him, "No kidding eh? She's yer mum?"
"Hello there," Misty waved, "You must be Brine Aqua. I am Misty Stratos."
"Well, it's a pleasure to meet such a fine and dazzling pearl of the sky." Brine said with a big goofy grin.
"Oh not you too..." Sarajin groaned while pinching his forehead.
"What? What?" Brine said with a puzzled look.
Lulu walked past Sarajin and slapped him on the back, "Oh dontcha worry yer britches, Sarajin. Not like this boy's got any game."
"PLEASE stop..." Sarajin groaned, with both Temporis and Misty giggling at his expense.
Brine then glanced to his left and found Temporis looking and smirking at him with clear mischievous intent on her face.
"'Ello Temporis, how you doing?"
Temporis tucked her hands behind her back and waddled up right next to Brine with her smile slowly growing wider. She stood directly in front him and he nervously inched back as that little smile released a quiet chuckle.
"Uhh, are ya ok?"
Temporis raised her fingertips before her mouth and grinned as wide as she could go, "Y'know, I've had the hardest time coming up with a nickname for you. But I FINALLY got the perfect one for ya!"
"W-What?" Brine said with his voice getting a little shrill.
"Shrimp!" Temporis announced with aplomb.
"Why that name?!" Brine said with outrage.
Temporis shrugged her hands up and shook her head almost out of pity, "Sorry man, but out of our little friend group, you're stuck as the shortest."
"T-That can't be true...!" Brine seemed to be suffering a bit of a breakdown, "You ain't seen what Justek-"
"Nope!" Temporis delighted in saying, "Ol' four-eyes is the tallest of us now by a long shot!"
"Ya gotta be kiddin' me!" Brine exclaimed, crudely gesturing at Temporis, "Ya'd be shorter if it wasn't for yer shoes!"
"Noooo I still think I'd be a centimeter or two taller," Temporis snickered, "It's ok Brine, there's nothing wrong with being short. I'm sure you've got...pfft, other qualities."
"Ya know? Yer damn right I do!" Brine proclaimed, "I'm a damn good fisherman! Look!"
He reached into the pocket of his vest and pulled out a hook made out of a pearl, "Even won my first competition recently!"
"Ooooh, not bad. Whaddya think, Lulu?" Temporis gestured her way.
"Eh, he's done pretty good..." Lulu barely constrained her snicker, "For a shrimp!"
"Teacher!" Brine shouted, the three other girls laughing.
Sarajin crossed his arms and was trying not to snicker himself, "Come on guys, go easy on him."
Brine tucked his hook away and grumbled, "Easy for ya to say you big sprout."
Misty walked in-between the others and remarked, "I didn't really get to see the whole fishing process just now. Could you please show me how you do it, Brine?"
Brine lightened up a little and rubbed the back of his head vigorously, flashing his more aligned smile, "Sure thing, Mrs. Stratos!"
"Misty." She asserted quietly.
"Ok, fine," Brine then gestured at Sarajin and declared, "Hey! Ya oughta join me, chum!"
"I-I, should I...?" Sarajin swung his hands in the air and chuckled, "I don't know, it's been a while. Mom should-"
"I'd love to see you fish son." Misty said, a tender look in her eyes.
"Yeah but I left my rod at home, and..." Sarajin was showing a terrible resistance when it came to fending off his mom's earnest request.
With a soft and humble smile, Sarajin stood tall and sighed, "Haaa, I'll be right back!"
"Woo hoo! The Chum Brothers are back together again!" Brine cheered as Sarajin flew off to grab the fishing rod.
He returned and the two took turns fishing just like when they were younger with a captivated audience behind them.
Brine caught more fish, bigger fish, but Sarajin still managed to snag a few really delicious looking ones. They then returned to the shore with lightened hearts and had a good time grilling them up in the center of the marketplace.
Sarajin introduced his mom to all the people who taught him a thing or two about fishing and then they enjoyed their meals to the fullest.
By the time they were done though, Sarajin could tell that his mom was starting to run out of steam. Even she couldn't hide it.
So after some farewells to Lulu and Brine and a promise to return to help soon, Sarajin and Temporis helped guide Misty back towards the wastelands.
Misty then returned the now wilting leaf umbrella to Sarajin and undid her custom socks, tucking the material away in her pockets.
"I know, honey...You don't have to say it." She said, sounding a little disheartened.
Her smile shone brighter than the morning sun, her eyes closing with a sense of comfort and renewal towards life.
"I think I truly understand just what it is you're fighting for now, Sarajin," She whispered, "Every day should be like this. So never forget what you're fighting for, ok?"
"Mom..." Sarajin pulled himself in and gave her a hug, "I wish I could've taken you elsewhere today."
"I've seen enough. Give me a little time to rest, and you can show me around other places," She hugged him back but she felt so light, almost like she wasn't touching him at all, "I know things are going to get tough. But you're my son. Just remember...I'll always be there to help you relax."
"Thank you mom. I really needed to be reminded of that," Sarajin gave her a couple gentle pats and then forced himself to smile as he pulled away, "You be safe on the way back now, ok?"
She nodded and then levitated off the ground like an angel ascending to heaven. She gave one last wave to the two and then flew off back home, taking her time as the sun was beginning to set in the east.
Temporis continued to wave her off as she walked up beside Sarajin, whispering in an oddly serious tone, "...Your mom is pretty cool, Sarajin."
Sarajin gave her a blank stare, watching her stretch her arms above her head and crack some bones, "Weeeell I know it's early, but how about you set us up a camp and let's settle in for the day?"
She walked on ahead and seemed to be lacking the usual spring in her step.
"Bunny..." Murmured Sarajin, as he followed her to the eastern side of the shores of Aquamoria to set up camp for the night...
Next Time: Parental Guidance