Chapter 8 - Tales Of The Past

(Author's note: I'm really sorry I haven't written a new chapter in a while! You since the pandemic started, I've had writer's block for over a year and I'm sorry about that but hey! I'm back babey! I really hope you guys enjoy this chapter I put a lot of effort into it!)

"Do I really need to listen to all of this Aurora?!" complained Seedos as Aurora was dragging him by his hand while Babochka was walking next to her.

"YES! By Antu's burning soul! How can you not know your own island's history?!" exclaimed Aurora in an angry tone of voice.

"I wasn't even born on this island and I know the entirety of this island's history!"

"I was never taught about it alright?! Besides seeds are more interesting than some stupid gods!" exclaimed Seedos as he angrily crossed his arms. Aurora's response to that was to trip him. Babochka giggled as she saw Seedos trip.

"Ow! What is your problem!?" he growled at her, turning his head around to give her a glare.

"Oh sorry my leg slipped- what the hell do you think is my problem?! You can't just disrespect Antu and Kueyen! They're very much real and you d-don't want to taste Antu's wrath!" she stuttered as she bit on her nails nervously and her eyes darted around nervously. She swore that when Seedos said that, the sun became brighter and the heat became slightly stronger.

"...Okay? Uh..." he was lost for words, he never saw Aurora panic just like Doc Patch before. Maybe she was right? Nah that can't be true.

Aurora cleared her throat and fixed her posture, "Look, I'm not forcing you to believe in them. I only want you to learn about your island history. It's embarrassing to not know it. Trust me, you don't want to be the laughing stock of the village."

"I already am. Not to mention some gardeners chase me away by threatening to hit me with their shovels." explained Seedos, unfazed.

"I'm sorry Aurora, you may not know this but I was raised in the swamp since I ran away there when I was little, so I have no idea about Anahu and Kahuyen or whatever their names are."

There was an awkward silence until Babochka broke it with an ecstatic tone of voice, "I want to hear more about them, Aurora!" she smiled as she looked up at the witch.

Aurora smiled warmly down on Babochka and nodded. "Alright, come on you two. Come with me to Sherbet Dawn Cave. I want to show you something." she said as Baboshka happily hopped while walking beside Aurora with enthusiasm, while Seedos still having his arms crossed, he followed them, mumbling angrily about something.

About 10 minutes of walking, the three of them arrive. Seedos looks up as soon as he hears Babochka gasp, his eyes actually widen in shock as he looks at the cave, it's full of ancient paintings. All beautifully painted and some nicely carved into the walls.

"What are these...?" he asks as he glances quickly at Babochka who's excitedly looking at all the drawings with interest.

Aurora chuckles, "These are cave paintings. It should be obvious. These have been made many generations ago, before any of us or our parents were even alive. Thousands of years these have been here, untouched. After all, if anyone was to destroy them would get punished by Antu's thunder or his burning flames. Antu is this guy right here!" explained Aurora as she pointed at the big drawing of a man with sun mask with flames surrounding him.

Babochka's eyes shone and Seedos looked surprised. "Can you tell us any cool stories about him?" asked Baboshka as she titled her little head.

Aurora laughed and nodded, "Of course! There is plenty. However before I do that, I want to tell you the story of how Piñata Island became what is today! Now, pay attention." said Aurora as she sat down on a rock and Seedos and Babochka sat on the ground, listening to Aurora carefully.

"Many years ago, Piñata Island used to be a simple island with no inhabitants whatsoever, it was just a barren land. Antu who's the god of the sun, created the grass and the mountains, he used his burning soul which we know as the sun that we see up in the sky, to provide warmth and light to the island. Kueyen who's the goddess of the moon, created the trees, the rivers and the plants. However both Antu and Kueyen together, created piñatas. Antu created the diurnal piñatas while Kueyen created the nocturnal piñatas." explained Aurora as she used her finger to point to at each different distinct drawing.

Seedos just followed Aurora's finger and listened, he still wasn't buying any of it but if it means for him not to made fun of even more than he already is by others, then he better pay attention. He just hopes it's not one of Aurora's 'jokes'. Last time she pulled at joke on him, she tried to convince him that the world was ending since there was a giant thunderstorm which made Seedos panic. Let's just say that he ended up punching Aurora's arm by the end of it.

Aurora continued since she had to stop for a second to breathe. It seems she gets really carried away when it comes to that topic.

"One thing you need to know is that Antu and Kueyen are partners, and all relationships have arguments from time to time...Once one of their arguments got so bad that out of rage, Antu created the Desert Dessert by using his burning flames and thunder. Meanwhile out of her sorrow, Kueyen created the Piñarctic using her powerful rain and cold wind. When both of the realised their mistakes, it was already too late to do anything. The damage was already done and there was nothing both of them could do. Both gods haven't spoken of that incident ever again since they're really embarrassed by this stupid mistake. Eventually they reconciled and their love for each other became even deeper."

That's certainly interesting. At first Seedos thought he wouldn't be interested at all but oh well, it doesn't mean he'll believe in these gods though. He just wants to live his life while collecting and taking care of seeds.

Babochka eagerly raised her hand up as if to ask a question. "Oh! Oh! Did one of them create flutterscotches?" asked the little girl as she looked at Aurora with a big smile.

"Yes Babochka, one of them did create the flutterscotches. In fact it was Antu!" responded Aurora as she smiled back at the little girl.

Seedos rolled his eyes, can Aurora just finish telling him his stories so can leave? He must take care of his seeds, and his shellybeans might be worried for him. Seedos pondered in his thoughts before Aurora waved her hand in front of his eyes.

"Hey Seedos, I think I know a story that might interest you a lot." Aurora smirked as Seedos simply let out a huff of dissatisfaction.

"I promise it will! Ehem. This story is about the forbidden seed of the highlands!" exclaimed Aurora which made Seedos jump. Wait. Did she say 'seed'? Now things finally got really interesting!

"Back when everyone on Piñata Island lived in tribes, Antu and Kueyen would always keep a watchful eye on the mortals. The only mortals they could interact with without scaring the living hell out of them were healers. Back then, instead of doctors and nurses we had healers. One healer by the name of Rootlos once went up to the mountains during winter at the full moon to talk to Kueyen. Seeking her guidance, during a tough time since his tribe was sick. Kueyen blessed him with a gift, a blue crystal looking seed, which was said to grow into a crystal blue herb that was said to cure any illness..."

Aurora used her magic to make a quick image of what the seed and the herb looked like.

Seedos stared in awe, that seed was gorgeous. If there is a chance that a seed like that is still out there, he won't think twice and he'll just take it and treasure it.

"Rootlos eventually came back with the seed to his tribe and the tribe rejoiced when he came back with good news, however his twin brother Kallos was jealous and at that moment he yanked the seed out of Rootlos' hand and ate it in front of everyone who stared at him in shock and disbelief. Kallos was promptly banished but his punishment didn't end yet. Kueyen caught news. of what happened and she was outraged. Once Kallos travelled up to the Highlands, a violent rainstorm hit which nearly caused a flood."

Seedos couldn't believe what he was hearing. How can someone be that selfish? Not to mention eat a precious seed like that?!

"Kallos saw a woman in a blue mask approach him with glowing eyes. That's when the woman became bigger and bigger, she was as tall as the mountains. Kueyen herself appeared in front of him, she glared down at him as she spoke: 'Your selfishness is beyond cruel. Your soul will know no peace, not even in death. A mortal like you should face yourself and be ashamed of what a cowardice act you've committed.' and then at that moment - BOOM!" roared Aurora as she stomped the ground loudly.

It made Babochka let out a loud eep before running towards Seedos and hiding behind him. Seedos himself got frightened for a second but he wanted to know more.

"A thunder struck him, miraculously he lived, sort of, but he did end up rolling backwards and landing in the swamp. His appearance started to change, his eyes became black while his pupils became white. His hair had a few silver streaks and his skin became really pale and he had a long scar on his face all the way to his stomach. He looked as if he was half dead. Kueyen told him that from this this forward he's cursed, he can't eat, drink or feel warmth, he will live for a long time and the only way he can be free is if Kueyen deems his punishment to be enough and lifts the curse. Rumours say he's still roaming around during rainstorms, especially at night." finished Aurora as she took a deep breath and exhaled with a smile on her face.

Seedos just sat there, trying to process everything he was just told. Hold on a second.

"Hey Aurora? I have a question. Is there anymore of those magical seeds somewhere spread around the island?" asked Seedos out of curiosity.

"I'm not sure...hmm...the only way for you to find out is for you to go looking for it." she shrugged at him.

"Oh and one more thing...that Kallos guy. When you said he was cursed, the description you gave sounded very similar to...uh..." Seedos trailed off, which made Aurora slightly concerned.

"Dastardos..." said Babochka, finishing the sentence for Seedos. This made Aurora's eyes widen.

"Oh um...yes...I suppose so but Dastardos and Kallos are way different from each other despite looking alike. Dastardos needs life candy to stay alive, at least I think that's the case while Kallos doesn't need anything to keep on living." explained Aurora as she fixed her pretztail hat and chewed on her fingernails. The mere mention of Dastardos makes her nervous.

After about 5 minutes of awkward silence, Aurora sighed and then quickly smiled as if pretending that this whole topic wasn't discussed. "I think that's all for today! I hope you enjoyed me telling toy stories about the past haha! If you want to hear more just ask me and I'll be happy to tell more stories. Now come Babochka, I need to take you back to your parents before they start getting worried." said Aurora as Babochka nodded and took her hand. Both of them walked off, leaving Seedos alone.

Seedos walked towards the cave paintings and looked at the drawing supposedly of Kallos and gave it a good stare. "I'm going to talk to Dastardos about this...maybe my bro knows something about this story..." said Seedos to himself, he then started to make his way home.

...

"Bah what a bunch of nonsense!" exclaimed Professor Pester, it turns out that he was spying on the three this entire time but he wasn't the only one. His Ruffians where spying on them too except they spent most of their time fighting each other than actually listening.

"You imbeciles! Come here and help me destroy those paintings! I'll show everyone what I think of their little 'stories'! I'll show everyone that these are nothing but a bunch of lies and they will are worship me instead! Victory will be mine!" he laughed as he took out a green spray can and started vandalising the paintings.

The Ruffians didn't move an inch, instead they appeared to be scared, as tried to stop Pester but he just kept pushing them away. The Ruffians ran off scared as soon as they heard a thunder strike so where nearby.

"Where do you think you're going?! Come back here right now! Taffly brains!" shouted Pester furiously. He then turned around and laughed as he looks at what he's done.

"Oh no! Who could've done such a terrible thing?! Hahaha! The one and only, the most handsome man on Piñata Island, me! Professor Pester!" he cackled loudly.

At that moment a thunder stroked near his foot and a fire started. That certainly caught his attention, "What? Oh nice try moron! Next time aim better-AAAAAA!" before he could finish, another thunder stroke but this time it hit him which send him screaming and flying.

As soon as Pester was gone, the thunder stopped. And miraculously, the paintings got restored back to normal. Clearly he upset a particular god of the sun who clearly wasn't happy with what just happened.