Disclaimer: I do not own Fire Emblem or anything associated with it.
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Last time on Blue Wolf...
"Stop it! Stop it now!" Micaiah yelled, running in-between the two of them. "That's enough!"
"Get out the way, Micky," Khimari denied, growling at the knight.
"I know you two fought each other in the war," the girl responded. "I know you have a bad history. But right now, we're all fighting to free Daein! Can't you put it aside before you kill each other?"
"...As you wish, Maiden. I apologize for my behavior," the Black Knight complied, sticking his sword in the ground lightly.
"...Listen here, oh great Black Knight," Khimari started, as he reverted into his Beorc form. Walking past the Silver-haired Maiden, he continued until he was right in front of the knight's covered face. "Whatever you helped Micaiah with, you're still in hellfire with me. Ike may be a more sensible person with time and place, but I am not. If you move out of line, one time. Try one thing. Move the wrong direction. Ruffle even one fur on my body the wrong way or threaten any one from my family or my friends while we're helping them fight Daein, I will personally make sure that you die slowly, brutally and painfully. And I will take pleasure in ripping that helmet off along with your head." The sheer poison in the wolf's words made Micaiah's very skin prickle with fear.
"Mess up, and I will make you suffer," Khimari hissed before turning his back and leaving the three Beorc alone in the small forest clearing.
XXXXX
"Khimari!" Micaiah called after the Laguz to no avail. Sighing in frustration, she turned back to the Black Knight. "I apologize for his outburst, Sir Knight. I didn't mean for you to be attacked like that."
"You have done no harm, fair Maiden," the former Daein Rider dismissed. "Our history is not of any concern."
"Well, it should be," Sothe grumbled. "Micaiah, let's get back." Nodding, the three headed back to base camp. Following the short trek, an almost immediate silence fell over the camp as the Black Knight's presence became known to the soldiers of the Daein Liberation Army.
"...Is it really him?" one soldier said in a gathering crowd.
"The Black Knight is back?" whispered another.
"He's alive?"
"Where has he been?"
"Didn't they declare him dead?" Ignoring all of the chatter, Micaiah turned to Sothe.
"Sothe...Can you check on Khimari for me, please? I'll come by afterwards, but I want to make sure he's alright."
"...Fine," the rogue agreed, only after coming to a conclusion that Micaiah asked him to do that so that he wouldn't have to suffer being in the same space as Izuka and the Black Knight at the same time. Separating from the light mage and the living legend of Daein's past, Sothe took the short trip over to the Laguz tent, quickly finding out that Khimari never actually entered the tent. Instead, the wolf sat at the root of a tree humming a song as he uprooted grass from the dry soil. Walking up to the blue wolf, Sothe took a big breath at the incoming conversation.
"...She sent you?" the wolf asked him.
"Yeah…I can't believe this…"
"Who are you telling? This whole month has been a complete show of crazy people." Without a way to reply to that, the rogue simply let out a hum of confirmation to show that he was indeed actively listening to the wolf. "Sothe...You really care for that Micaiah, don't you?"
"...Where did that come from?" the Beorc asked, completely taken off-guard by the question.
"Answer the question, weed-head."
"...Yeah, I do. She's the closest I've ever been with anybody, and I'd do anything for her."
"Keep her grounded after Daein gets its freedom," the wolf told him, looking off into a set of trees. "You guys will have a lot of work ahead of you, and she'll need your support and your voice."
"Why are you telling me all this?" Sothe asked. "Are you talking about the Black Knight's reappearance?"
"Only in part."
"Then what's the whole picture?"
"Sparkle Girl is a good person, I believe it," the wolf replied. "I've seen it...but she's gullible to a fault. She wouldn't make it if the wrong people put ideas in her head."
"What...people? Micaiah wouldn't listen to just anyone."
"Concerning Daein, she would," Khimari refuted. "As bad as a Daein choked to death by Begnion is, a Daein once again set on a needless warpath is just as, if not, worse. We don't need that again."
"War? But we wouldn't be able to do anything with the little supplies we have now…"
"Not just war, it applies to many things. King Caineghis taught me better than that," the wolf prince amended. "I guess what I'm trying to say is to never forget who you are."
"Okay...but why?" Sothe asked, still skeptical of why this conversation was taking place.
"...Just a feeling from a crazy wolf. I sincerely hope my gut is wrong on this one."
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Early next morning…
On a desolate hilltop, a blue wolf stood watching the earliest rays of the morning pierce the dark sky. Sure, sunsets were way better to watch than sunrises, but the dawn rays of sunshine had their own beauty, the wolf convinced himself.
"Out again, young Khimari?" Volug asked as he walked up to the wolf.
"Did Mom send you?"
"I asked to search on my own accord," the brown Laguz clarified, before dropping something on the ground. Looking over, Khimari's eyes widened when he found it to be a slightly-worn circular drum that he remembered to be from Hatari. "I kept it for when we found you."
"...Thank you, Volug," Khimari replied as he sniffed the small object. Once again, memories of him as a young child playing with the drum to the point of driving his mother insane flooded his mind with nostalgia and longing for the past. "Are you ready to leave today?"
"It's quite hard not to be. We're not exactly packing."
"True...What do you remember about our old home? You know...before everything that happened."
"I remember...quite a bit. I was about seventeen years of age when we had to abandon our mountain home, so I wasn't as attached as many others were. Still, I have memories of my parents, as well as my uncle and cou…"
"Were you going to say cousin?" Khimari asked, leading the brown wolf to nod in confirmation. The prince knew of Volug's parents, as his mother made the trip to Hatari and told the young blue wolf many stories about her mate and brother, but a cousin was completely unknown.
"Yes, young one."
"Does it...hurt too much to tell? You don't have to say anything if you don't want to."
"No, it is of no concern, young Khimari," Volug eased, though Khimari felt as if he wasn't really telling the whole truth. "My uncle was one who hated our lack of communication policies and eventually left in protest of it before I was born. About a year before we left, he visited us and told me, along with my parents, the entire truth."
The...truth? About what?" Khimari asked cautiously.
"Apparently, he had lost his Laguz form after taking a Beorc mate while on his travels outside of Kucha, our ancestral home. After leaving behind his mate and child, my cousin, he returned, completely distraught and in pain."
"...What...What happened to him? Did you ever meet your cousin?"
"No, none of us has ever met his child. Even then, they would probably be around, if not, over forty, given the time progression," Volug explained. "The only knowledge I know of him was that his name was Volke."
"...Did you say Volke?"
"Yes, young Khimari...Is something the matter?" Volug asked rhetorically. It was quite obvious from the Hatarian prince's expression that something had completely broken his mental state into a million metaphorical pieces.
"I know...knew a Volke from the war," Khimari explained. "He's an assassin that we had worked with for a while…."
"Truly? Then he may be…"
"I'll make sure you two can meet….somehow," Khimari resolved, knowing that the task would be next to impossible given Volke's HIGHLY reclusive nature. "It's the least I can do."
"...Thank you young Khimari, though you need not trouble you-"
"Yadda yadda, let us worry about your wellbeing sometime, Volug," Khimari interrupted. "Now, let's get back to the tent before Tora eats the rest of the food we caught last night."
"Yes, my young prince," Volug said without any qualm, though it pleased the blue wolf to see his uncle figure's tail wagging in obvious pleasure. The two Hatarians walked along the path back to the tent in comfortable silence until a distressed shout sounded in the air.
"Begnion is attaining Nevassa! Begnion is attacking Nevassa!" a soldier screamed. Soon enough, a giant uproar had begun to sound throughout the camp as more people became aware of the apparent situation.
"Volug, tell Mom and the others I'll be back," Khimari said, his expression hardening. "I'll go check to see what's going on."
"At once, young Khimari," the brown wolf agreed, speeding back to the Laguz tent while Khimari rushed his way through the camp to find Micaiah and Sothe. Fortunately, no one stopped him on his quick dash to the sleeping tents of the Dawn Brigade. News traveled quickly, the wolf observed as the entire core of the small group had already gathered around to hear what was amiss.
"Khimari, what's going on? Is there an attack happening?"
"Apparently, a soldier came running in about Begnion attacking Nevassa," the wolf confirmed. "They must want to go down fighting until their last breath."
"We have to do something! I'll go talk to Prince Pelleas immediately," Micaiah resolved.
"I'll go with you," Sothe tagged along, the two subsequently running by themselves to find the Daein prince.
"I'll go get everyone else ready," the wolf told the remaining members. "You guys get prepared along with the other Daein soldiers." Speeding off, the first place he went to was to Zihark's tent, where the swordmaster sat in a position with a confused look on his face, most likely from the jumbled commotion from outside. "Zihark!"
"Ah, Khimari. I assume something is happening outside?"
"Yup, and not the best thing, either," Khimari grimly stated. "Nevassa's being attacked, so we have to be get ready to head out and fight."
"I see...I'll be ready in a few moments."
"When you finish, go meet up with the Dawn Brigade. I have to get everyone else informed." Nodding, Zihark got to his feet with a bit more pep in his step while Khimari left the Beorc's tent, his new course set on heading back to his mother and the others to get them ready for any case of action.
"Prince Khimari, how are things?" Volug asked the moment he stepped in the tent, with everyone already expecting to hear something.
"We need to be ready to help out Micaiah and the others at any moment. It seems this Begnion attack is more than a kick to the leg."
"Man, and just when we thought we were clear!" Tormod complained, getting up and quickly gathering his tome despite his clear lack of enthusiasm at fighting against.
"Sucks, doesn't it? Sure it does. But we have to go," Khimari said. "Now, I'll go back to the other group and see how they're faring." Before anyone could even get in another word, the blue wolf had already bolted out of the tent hellbent on getting things together the best he could.
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A little while later…
After the news of Nevassa's attack by Begnion spread like wildfire, the Daein Liberation Army quickly assembled, with the Dawn Brigade at the head of the force to directly attack the Daein Keep and drive the last of Jarod's men away-for good.
"How are we looking?" the wolf asked Edward, the closest to him as everyone stayed in a small group (with the exception of Tormod and the other desert people since the sage still didn't trust anyone enough, understandably.)
"We're just waiting on Micaiah and...Oh look, there she is! With Prince Pelleas and the Black Knight as well!" the swordsman announced. Looking over, the wolf noted that the group of people indeed had walked out of the tent, coming onto the hill that overlooked the camp. Ashnard's son walked ahead of them, taking a place in front of everyone as if he were about to give a speech. Curious to see what kind of speech would be given, the wolf quickly barked to shut up the surrounding people.
"...Soldiers of the Daein Liberation Army!" Pelleas started, his nervousness obvious as the prince was shaking even to his fingers. The Beorc's fear-scent expanded so far that Khimari could taste the discomfort. "Heed my….no…" he stopped, looking down for a second. Not sure what to think, some of the Daein soldiers started to look around in confusion. "Hear my words! I am Pelleas, true prince of Daein."
"...Yes, we know who you are, Milord!" A random soldier yelled back. "We ought to by now," he added, causing a small laughter among the men that deflated Pelleas' attitude even more, if that was even possible.
"And...uh, so…" His incoherent ramble gave pause to many soldiers, who had then started wondering if the prince was doing okay. Breathing deeply through his nose, Khimari mentally rolled his eyes at Pelleas' misfortune. Not that he had a problem with stage fright, but the poor kid looked like he was about to faint on the spot.
Before the chatter could spread even louder among the collective group, the Black Knight, who was previously in the background, walked up and stabbed his sword, the holy Alondite, into the ground. Although simple, the action brought a deep silence to the entire campsite.
"...And so…" Pelleas started, the color returning to his face as he refocused his eyes on the crowd with a greater confidence than before. "My beloved friends and comrades dear. With thanks to all of you, our capital at last lies close. If we do not act...If we turn back, the war still ends with us as the proud victors. Daein's rule will still fall back within our hands. If we fight today to free this town, the empire may once again become enraged. Thus...Daein's fortune would turn to ash. But while I speak...Nevassa's hardship grows!" the prince continued, his speech reaching a climax. Our brothers suffer, our sisters die, and I...I cannot, and will not ignore the barbarity of this situation. No man can, and certainly no prince...I cannot look away while my people suffer. And so...I ask...to all of you…" The Daein heir took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment before once again sweeping the crowd with his gaze.
"Will you join me!?" he howled. A shocked silence stood over the campgrounds before a soldier's cry broke the air.
"Long live the prince!" After the one, a small chorus of shouting soldiers soon turned into a resounding salute of Prince Pelleas and a cheer for the incoming fight for Daein's freedom. Slightly impressed with the speech, Khimari mulled his options for keeping tabs on the Daein prince as he walked over to where Volug and the Dawn Brigade waited, at the head of the Liberation Army where Micaiah and Sothe, followed by Tormod's group as well as his mother and Rafiel, would join them shortly.
'He certainly seems like a good kid...Hopefully he stays that way,' the blue wolf concluded internally as the rest of the group finally arrived.
"Company, at attention!" Micaiah called, bringing all eyes to her and Sothe, who stood by her side. "Our objective is to save the town and take the keep! Now, move out!" At her beckon, Hatari's lost prince moved out one last time with the Dawn Brigade to fight against Begnion's terror in Nevassa.
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A little while later…
"Liberation Army, attack!" Micaiah announced as they reached the walls of Nevassa. As planned, the bulk of the soldiers quickly dispersed in groups on the streets of the Daein capital, engaging any Begnion troops that were in the area. Considering that the Daein soldiers had much better knowledge of the terrain, they quickly gained the upper hand in the conflict.
"Where's the Keep?" Khimari asked Sothe after biting a mage on his neck.
"It's that way. I know an alleyway shortcut," the rogue responded. "Micaiah!"
"Right," she responded, already knowing what Sothe wanted. "Dawn Brigade, follow me and Sothe!" Taking the lead, the two led the smaller group at the heart of Daein's Liberation efforts to a large building that seemed to overlook a great portion of the city. "We're here...Let's go in befo-"
"DIE!" a scream interrupted. Looking back, they found a swordsman brandishing his sword with Micaiah directly in his path. Instantly, both the Black Knight and Sothe stepped forward to protect the light mage, though neither of them would be able to engage the Begnion soldier as Khimari ended him with a pair of claw strikes to the arm and neck.
"Got to be quicker than that," the wolf playfully admonished the two.
"Thank you," Micaiah thanked. "Come on, everybody!" Following her lead, the small group entered the Keep to see a ridiculously large set of staircases, as well as some ledges and rails, most likely meant for a last-ditch defensive effort. "...I wonder where Jarod is," she thought aloud. The building had proved abnormally silent as they entered.
"NOW GO!" a yell echoed from the top of the expansive area.
"That shout...Jarod!" Micaiah caught, before balling her fists. "For Daein's sake...this time, I WILL end him." Not long after his shout, Jarod's last soldiers quickly surrounded the Dawn Brigade, ready to do damage. "Be careful of the attacks from the ledges! Everyone forward!"
Listening to the Silver-Haired Maiden, Khimari and Nailah stuck closely together as they took the front line. With their strong bond that they shared, they took on the Begnion soldiers in a seemingly synchronized fashion, rushing through enemies with a graceful ease. Running up the first set of stairs, another pair of myrmidons and an axe fighter attempted to rush them. "Hold on, Mom!" Khimari growled as the queen was about to pounce. "The sword on the left is toxic. I'll handle it." Nodding, Nailah pounced on the axe fighter while the wolf prince attacked the two swordsmen. Biting the arm of the one with the Venin Edge, he twisted his body, making the enemy drop his weapon. Before he could recover the sword, Khimari filled him with a swipe to the throat, before turning and killing the other with a bite to the same place.
Reuniting with his mother, Khimari and Nailah advanced, this time being joined by Rafiel, Sothe and Micaiah, who joined by way of ledge hopping. "How's everything on your end?" Khimari asked the Branded girl.
"We're doing fine. Tormod, Maurim and Volug stayed behind to deal with some reinforcements from outside the building," she informed. "It's time for us to end this. Jarod's right over that staircase."
"Alright, let's...Oh, you have GOT to be kidding me!" Khimari suddenly snapped as the air around them grew hotter and his fur stood on end. "Everyone, RUN!" he howled, bolting quickly to the aforementioned staircase with everyone hot on his tail. Thankfully, they had made enough distance to avoid the Meteor spell that would've engulfed all of them in a large ball of fire. "Who in the world does that inside a building? I can't wait to get out of this country…"
"I'll go take care of the fire mage," Sothe told the Laguz.
"I'll go with you. Micaiah, take care of Mom and Rafiel, please." With the girl's nod, Khimari went with Sothe to snuff out the mage with the Meteor spell, instantly encountering resistance in the form of two armored knights and a bowman guarding the magic user. Blasting forward, Khimari gave one knight a fatal pair of claw strikes to the abdomen, deeply cutting the man as Sothe cut the throat of the other. Avoiding a stray arrow from the archer, Sothe moved to handle the soldiers as Khimari pounced on the mage, who hadn't yet finished a chant for another meteor spell.
With a killing bite, Khimari waited for Sothe to finish the archer before beckoning the teen over to the apparent passageway to further inside the keep, where a halberdier in deep-red armor stood at guard.
"You...one of those odd sub-humans that witch brought with you," the man started, before his eyes widened at Khimari's transformation. "Hold...The Gallian diplomat!"
"Glad you know me. Jarod, is it? You give off a horrible first-impression," Khimari insulted.
"Pah! Coming from a foul beast such as you, that's a compliment. Were you the one who doomed us to this wretched ending from that little...girl?"
"Blame yourselves. Sanaki wouldn't have had to do all of this if you hadn't treated all these people like trash."
"They are trash! A fuddlesome pack of curs to be beat and pushed into submission until they obey like the dogs that they are! That irksome child knows nothing about the real world.
"Looks to me like you're the one who knows nothing, you bumbling idiot. Then again, I wouldn't expect a nameless Senate lackey like you to understand much to begin with."
"What was that? Enough! I won't hear another word from a beast who would align themself with an enemy."
"Unfortunately for you, I have just as much reason to hate Begnion as I do Daein," Khimari shrugged as he began to transform. "But since Sanaki is a decent ruler, I'll just make do killing you, instead."
"Insufferable sub-human! You'll make a nice rug." Charging at the wolf, Jarod jumped and attempted a spinning strike with his lance. Used to sparring with Nephenee, a far better soldier in his totally unbiased opinion, Khimari rolled around the strike, quickly straightening out to catch the Begnion madman on the leg with a claw swipe. Hissing in pain, Jarod tried to jump back, in vain as Khimari pounced too quickly to avoid.
Suffering a blow to his midsection, Jarod growled as he found himself surrounded by the rest of the Dawn Brigade, with the silver-haired witch looking at him with...pity. Oh, how he hated that look.
"I regret...nothing," Jarod shouted, even as Khimari gave a deeper swipe to his side, making the man bleed profusely. "I did it...my way...You win, Priestess," he said, looking at Micaiah with pure hate and venom in his eyes. "Enjoy...it while...you can...Be...cause...soon...er or lat-" He never finished as he fell to the ground, dropping his weapon as he continued to bleed out.
"Let me put you out of your misery," Sothe offered, walking up and dealing the final blow to the man that terrorized the Daein populace for so long.
"...We...did it," Micaiah said, closing her eyes and putting her book up to her chest. "We...We've taken back our country!"
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That night…
Everyone ready to go?" Khimari asked the group. Although the bulk of the Daein Liberation Army had taken to celebrating their victory over Begnion's Occupational forces, the wolves, as well as Tormod and company had used the time to prepare their belongings and any supplies for the trip to Gallia.
"Yup! We're all good to go," Rikari confirmed, cloaked like everyone else. For sake of avoiding any suspicion, everyone except Khimari had a cloak on to avoid any trouble on their journey.
"Are you really leaving already?" Micaiah asked as she and Sothe walked up to the group. "Is there truly no way you can at least stay for the feast? You deserve this just as much as we do!"
"Well…"
"Sorry, Micky," Khimari interrupted, taking the lead on the conversation. "We understand, but sincerely, we need to leave for everyone's sake. It wouldn't do to have a bunch of Laguz crash Daein's celebration dinner, and if I have to stay around certain people for longer than two seconds, I'm not sure I won't kill them on the spot."
"...Okay...I just wish…" Beginning to break down, Tormod quickly moved to grab the light mage's hand.
"Ah, don't cry! I hate it when girls cry!" the Beorc tried to fix. Trying to stop her tears, Micaiah nodded before walking a little ways away in order to wipe her face off. While he and Maurim went over to help the Silver-haired Maiden, Sothe stayed with the rest of the Laguz present.
"So...um...Take care of yourselves," Sothe awkwardly told Khimari and company. "It's...well...good that you came to help us...So, thanks."
"I can't believe Sothe said thanks," Rikari snorted. "Maybe Tormod will start growing." As Tora and Khimari chuckled at the veiled insult, Sothe turned a critical eye to the wolf who he had worked with in the Mad King's War three years ago.
"You little…"
"Alright, kids. Settle down," Khimari interrupted, ruffling both their heads. "While I go get Mom, finish saying goodbye and all that other stuff." Leaving the others to finish whatever they had left, Hatari's prince went a little further into the forest before a voice called out to him.
"Prince Khimari. Over here." Turning around, the wolf found himself surprised to see Almedha of all people standing behind him.
"I'll be darned. You actually came to say goodbye? After what I said?" Khimari started, honestly thinking that she would be the type to hold a deep grudge. After all, dragons may live long, but grudges can be eternal.
"...I've come to ask a request of you," the woman said, completely avoiding his comment.
"And that would be?"
"Tell my father...That I will contact him soon. I'm just not ready yet, however...soon I will be."
"...Okay. I can work with that."
"...Thank you," she curtly said, before taking her leave of him.
"Khimari? We are here," another voice called. Looking over, he found it to be his mother, as well as Rafiel and Volug.
"There you go! Now, all we need to do is get the rest." Taking point, the blue wolf took them to rejoin with the rest of the group, who were still talking to Sothe and Micaiah. "Alright, it's time to go, everyone!" Khimari told the group.
"...Um...what?" Tormod asked in complete confusion.
"You spoke in ancient...again," Tora clarified.
"Oh, I did? Sorry! It's time for us to go," Khimari sheepishly translated. "Living with Leanne really has my head kerfuffled sometimes." Turning back to the two Daeins, he quickly gave a small nod to the two. "Be safe and make good decisions, you two."
"Yes, Khimari. We will," Micaiah agreed, doing her best not to cry even more. Deciding to help a little, the wolf gave the Branded a hug.
"Okay everyone," the wolf started after finishing the hug. "It's time for us to head out. Hopefully, we can get near the border by tomorrow evening."
"Til' next time!" Tormod shouted as they walked away. "We'll meet again!" he said as Micaiah and Sothe eventually left everyone's line of sight.
"We're actually gone...I can't believe we saw Sothe again," Rikari noted.
"...Volug," Nailah suddenly called. "Stay with Micaiah for the time being."
"Mom? Are you sure about that?" Khimari asked, inwardly shocked with the decision made.
"I have a feeling she'll need some extra support around for a while. It's the least I can do."
"...If you say, so…" Khimari caved, admittedly not happy about being separated from Volug after just seeing him again after all this time. "Be careful, Volug."
"You as well, young prince. By your leave, my Queen," the brown wolf said before leaving the rest of the group.
"Where's he going?" Tormod asked.
"To stay with Micaiah for a while. Don't worry about it, it'd be better that we get going." Without any other questions, the group started their trek back to the land of Gallia.
XXXXX
Two days later….
"Okay, I'm lost. Where are we going?" Tormod asked as they passed yet ANOTHER field of grain. They had already crossed Riven Bridge yesterday, and according to the wolf, had been making good time on their way back to Gallia.
"We're going to Ohma," Khimari answered. "A quick little pit stop."
"A pit stop? What could POSSIBLY be here?" Tora asked, rolling his eyes.
"Okay, my mate lives here. And also, don't you live in a desert? You're one to talk about living in the middle of nowhere."
"Whatever. Let's just see Nephenee and get this over with," the red wolf huffed.
"We have to see Brom, too," the blue wolf added. "I have to let him know how Meg is doing, since that's his daughter and all."
"So, I finally get to meet her? How interesting," Nailah commented.
"Yeah, you'll like her," Khimari reassured as he led the group through the Crimean countryside until they finally arrived at a small house on the outskirts of the village. Transforming, Khimari let out a howl to let her know of his arrival. "Wow, that was quick!" he noted as a figure moving towards them became apparent. Starting his own approach, the group had no choice but to follow the blue wolf or stay back and look at grass until they left the little hick town.
"Khimari! You're back!" the mint-haired girl greeted before kissing her boyfriend on the lips. "How ya been? I ain't seen ya in a while."
"Just peachy, but I have someone for you to meet." Without another word, he grabbed the halberdier's hand and walked her up to Nailah and the rest of the group. "Mom, meet Nephenee. Nephee, meet my mom."
"Oh, you done finally found her!" the country girl noted with great happiness as she hugged the wolf. "I'm so happy y'all are together again."
"Ahem…" Nailah coughed, bringing the attention back to her.
"Oh, um...How do I-" Nephenee muttered before doing a clumsy bow to the white wolf. "Pleased to meet you, your...Highness?" she questioned, giving Khimari a confused look that begged for his intervention.
Fortunately, she didn't need it as Nailah simply laughed it off. "You don't have to do that, little Beorc. I wouldn't want you to catch a cramp with that awkward positioning...Nephenee, was it?"
"Uh, yes ma'am!"
"You're a pretty girl. Be careful with my son. He's a magnet for trouble."
"She approves!" Khimari shouted in glee, making Nephenee sigh with relief.
"Nephenee! Where ya at!?" a voice shouted out. Looking towards her house, the group saw a medium-sized woman walking towards them, with three kids following behind her. Coming up to the group, her eyes widened when she saw a whole bunch of Laguz standing outside their house. "Oh, Khimari! How ya been, child?"
"Just fine, ma'am. Sorry for interrupting, but I just wanted Nephenee to meet my mother," he quickly explained, knowing that the woman was very straightforward.
"Is that her?" Nephenee's mother asked, pointing at Nailah. After Khimari nodded confirmation, she let out a hum. "You got a lot of skin showing, ma'am. Want me to give ya a jacket or something?"
"Ma! Don't be so rude!"
"I ain't say nothin' wrong! Lady probably would be cold at night, that's all!"
"...Thanks for the offer, but I have plenty enough fur to stay warm. It's a pleasure to meet you…"
"Oh, just call me Stephanie! Yup, that's mah name!" she said, reaching out a hand to shake. Accepting the offer, the two mothers smiled as the three boys started to crowd around Khimari.
"Hey, Khimari! I made me a mud sculpture yesterday!" one of them said. "It was giant!"
"Don't believe Devin!" the second one, who had a red shirt on, rejected. "That thing was about the size of my pinky toe!"
"Shut up, Ricky!" Devin returned. "You're just jealous cuz mine was better!"
"I ain't jealous 'bout no mud that got ya chased by pigs!"
"Khimari, did ya bring something this time?" the third child directly asked the wolf, ignoring the other two.
"Devin! Ricky! Get your tails back in that house 'til I get back!" Nephenee's mom yelled. "And Jimmy, I done told you a million times 'bout asking folk for everything they got!"
"Kids, I recommend running," Khimari smiled at all of them as he took off a piece of rope and gave it to their mother, who promptly folded it like a belt.
"NO!" the kids yelled as they ran away from their mother with reckless abandon.
"Welp, I gotta get goin', y'all. Nice to meet ya, ma'am, and good to see ya 'gain, Khimari. Make sure that ya don't parade around with all them folk behind ya, though. Some folk here still been testy 'bout y'all two." Leaving her daughter alone, Nephenee's mother waved before turning back to fully focus her attention on getting back to the house.
"I guess we need to get a move on, as well," Khimari sighed. "Hate to leave so soon, but the sooner we get to Gallia, the better."
"Oh, well...that's alright, I guess. You goin' to see Brom and them?"
"Yup! Can you come with us? At least that way, we'll get more time."
"Fine with me!" With all considered, the small group started their way down more fields to the other side of town where Brom's family stayed.
"So, you were in this war with Khimari?" Nailah started while they walked. "Where did you two meet?"
"Well, ma'am...He rescued me from a prison cell. I was scared at first, but everything fixed itself straight in the end."
"Ah, very romantic," she teased.
"Yup! Much more romantic than fighting over a fish," Khimari butted in, much to Nailah's displeasure.
"...Ranulf told you that story?"
"Among other things...You were some crazy people back in the day, Mom," the wolf answered with a grin on his face. Unable to keep it in, Nephenee let a small chuckle out of her mouth.
"Jeez, can we get a move on? We'll be grass by the time we leave this place," Tora complained once again.
"Enjoy it, Tora! Maybe the plants will make you more pleasant when you get back to Begnion," Khimari joked, making the red wolf scowl while his orange-haired brother burst out laughing with Tormod.
"...Stupid wolf," he grumbled, before going on a quiet tangent that even Nailah couldn't resist laughing at.
"Well, we're here," Khimari announced between laughs. "And there's Brom!" he yowled, before waving to the large man in a white shirt who was walking to his house.
"Well, if it ain't Khimari and Nephenee!" the round man bellowed. "How y'all folk been? I ain't seen ya in a long spell, Khimari!"
"Seems that way. I imagine everything's going well, here?"
"You better believe it! I just got home from the farming market! Everything's blooming like ya wouldn't believe! This year's season looks to be a great one!"
"Good news! I just wanted to let ya now Meg is in Daein and that she found her "Pookums." When the heck did ya send her to Zihark?"
"It was nice ol' while ago! He's a decent little fella, and Meg told me she was a grown flower. I ain't wanna let her go, but sometime ya gotta let birds fly, ya know? How's my little girl doing?"
"She's doing amazing," Khimari answered with a smile. "She's with very good company."
"That's good enough to hear! Welp I ain't gonna...Wait, I don't recognize that one," he suddenly started when he recognized Nailah's presence. "Y'all found another wolf up there?"
"Oh, sorry! Brom this is my mom," Khimari sheepishly explained. "That's the reason I left Gallia for a while."
"I see! Such a fine young woman she is, too!"
"Thank you, kindly," she curtly said with a soft expression on her face.
"You got a good kid here! Helped me out with the crop last year after my back gave out for a few days!" he boomed out. "I'm glad to see y'all again, and nice to meet you, ma'am."
"Likewise."
"We'll see ya again, Brom!" Khimari waved as the burly man returned to inside his house. "Alrighty...Now it's time to go all the way, to Gallia."
"Welp...I guess this is it, huh?" Nephenee said, still holding the blue wolf's hand.
"Actually...I have to tell you something really quick, if ya don't mind."
"Um..No, no problem at all."
"Sorry y'all, we'll be back," Khimari told everyone else before guiding the halberdier to a more private location.
"...These are some very interesting Beorc," Nailah commented. "I'd have never thought these varieties existed."
"They're a lot more friendly than the Beorc in Begnion, right Tora?" Rikari followed.
"...I suppose so."
"They live very simply off the land and share together in harmony," Maurim said. "It's a very peaceful lifestyle."
"...I wonder what things would be like if we had farms in Hatari…" Nailah muttered.
"What do you mean?" the green tiger asked.
"As you may know, our land is a giant desert," the queen said. "So much green vegetation like this is relatively unheard of. Our main diet consists of meat and whatever we can find in nearby oases, which usually isn't more than our water supply."
"So life without veggies and fruit?" Tormod asked with eyes wide open. "How do you do that?"
"We just do. Even while we were here, fruit was hard to come by."
"Pardon my question, but didn't the wolf tribe live in Gallia? Surely there is fruit there," Maurim asked.
"Not quite. We were outcasts for a long time among our fellow Laguz. We lived in the frigid mountains, living off fish from the river and whatever prey we found along the small strip of forest on the mountain basin. We...were more or less forbidden from having any contact with Gallia."
"...Why?" Tormod asked.
"Unfortunate circumstances. I don't even know the full story, and no one does I can think of. It's ancient history at this point, so I don't really think of it."
"So...How'd you find Ranulf?" Rikari asked.
"He found me," the wolf queen corrected. "Before we left, we had a policy of non-communication with all Gallians that extended for many generations. Ranulf believed wolves were a fairy tale until he met me during a hunting trip he took by himself. After our initial meeting, I broke the policy every time we met."
"...Yet you maintained the policy when you became queen?" Tora asked.
"Not by desire," she admitted. "I had wanted much more for the wolves than being a fairy tale in the cold mountains that our own Laguz brethren didn't know exist. Unfortunately, the Kings of Gallia, Phoenicis and Kilvas were adamantly opposed to having any sort of relations with us."
"King Caineghis? And even King Tibarn? But they were really helpful to us!" Rikari burst.
"All the more surprising," the white wolf returned. "By the time of our departure from Tellius, we were not on good terms at all. Hearing that Khimari was welcomed at the Gallian royal palace is still a shock to me."
"Perhaps it is a way to attempt atonement for past misgivings," Maurim suggested.
"Could be. We'll just wait and see, won't we?" Nailah shrugged as Khimari came back to the group.
"Okay, sorry to keep you waiting everyone. We can go ahead now."
"Took long enough," Tormod muttered. "I'm about to explode in boredom!"
"You seemed very interested in Mom's tale, Tormod," Khimari mentioned. "Did I misinterpret?"
"Wait, you were listening?"
"...Let's go, Tormod," Khimari sighed as he slapped his forehead.
It amazed the wolf how dense that kid was sometimes.
XXXXX
Three days later…
After taking a quick stop in Ohma, and the base of the Greil Mercenaries (Khimari left a simple note to the group), the group had finally reached Gallia. "We'll be in the capital any moment now," Khimari announced to the group, before seeing his mother look around at the surrounding environment with great curiosity. "Mom? Are you alright?"
"Hm? Oh, it's nothing, my cub," she answered after being snapped out of her sightseeing. "I simply have never been this deep into Gallian territory before. It's...different."
"It is enchanting to see such deep forests after so much time in the desert," Rafiel admitted. "Tellius' natural beauty has escaped my sight for so long…"
"We're here," Khimari said as they left the forest of trees to reveal a bustling city of Laguz walking around everywhere. The capital city of Zarzi was still as lively as ever, it seemed. "Okay, time to go to the palace. If we're lucky, Reyson and Leanne will be there, Rafiel."
"Lucky? Do they leave often?"
"Not often, but it's a common occurrence for them to leave for Phoenicis for about a week or two at a time. Since Tibarn had watched over Reyson so long, they've forged a very deep bond with each other," the wolf explained.
"I see...Even so, I cannot stop the tingle of excitement from spreading throughout my body," the heron admitted.
"It's okay, Rafiel. Don't get too excited just yet," Nailah soothed as they walked along, receiving many strange looks along the way.
"Umm...did we do something wrong?" Tormod asked. "Everyone's looking at us."
"Remember, Tormod. I'm the only wolf that's been seen in Gallia for decades...until today, that is," Khimari reminded. "The stares are common."
"Is that so?" Nailah grumbled, seemingly deep in thought about something.
"Pretty much," he responded as they finally arrived at the front of Castle Gallia.
"Halt! Who-Prince Khimari!" a blueish-haired tiger said, before bowing.
"Hello, Kyza. I hope you don't mind me entering, but I have some company. Is Reyson and Leanne here?"
"Yes, sir! They are currently with the King at the moment in his chambers. Shall I-"
"Don't worry. You already do so much," Khimari interrupted. "I'll just take them up there myself. It'll be a nice surprise."
"Uh-As you wish, my Lord." Breathing loudly in irritation, Khimari beckoned the group to follow him inside the royal palace, where he led them up a large case of stairs to reveal Lethe once again on door duty.
"You've returned?" the cat asked upon seeing the wolf.
"Yup! And...you're still stuck at the door? Did you make someone mad or something?"
"Do not mock me…" Lethe warned. "The King is currently with the Seneres Herons."
"Even better, thanks for letting me know!" Khimari said.
"...I'll let him know you are here." Leaving, everyone waited as Lethe went to get permission for the prince to enter.
"She's still an uptight one, isn't she?" Rikari asked.
"Little one! Do not be so rude," Maurim chastised.
"She's gotten a lot better," Khimari reassured with a laugh. "Just not when she's stuck guarding the throne room. She even went for a swim one time when she was off-duty."
"Really? Lethe swimming?" Tormod repeated in disbelief. It was common fact that the cat HATED getting her fur wet for any reason.
"Well, I had to...motivate her into the water, but it was definitely a joy to watch." Before anyone could say something else, the cat returned to the doorway where she was guarding.
"The King will see you now," Lethe curtly said. Nodding, Khimari gave his thanks to the cat before leading everyone into the throne room.
As they entered, the figures of King Caineghis, Reyson, Leanne, Giffca and Ranulf became apparent. Instantly, a stunned silence filled the entire room as the two groups of people laid eyes on each other. Slowly, Reyson and Leanne walked up to Rafiel with disbelief and relief filled with their eyes. Although Ranulf stayed his post, his eyes brightened up in a way thought impossible upon seeing Nailah, to the point where Khimari's Laguz Gem started to look dull in comparison.
"...My dear siblings...Reyson and Leanne," Rafiel said as he approached the two. "How great it is...After all this time…" Breaking down into tears, the three hugged each other as Khimari decided to explain things to King Caineghis.
"Sorry for not explaining things before I arrived, King Caineghis. We had...a few extra tag-alongs than anticipated."
"Worry not, young Prince. Ranulf...You may take your leave of us. I will allow you to...reconcile with your mate before we converse officially."
"Thank you, my King! At your leave," the blue cat accepted excitedly, seemingly floating down to his mate and child.
"Nailah…"
"Shh...Let's enjoy the moment," the wolf queen hushed before leaning in for a kiss…
...A kiss that quickly turned into a makeout session. Rolling his eyes, Khimari turned back to Tormod and his band of Laguz who witnessed the two reunions taking place. "I told you. I'm getting a sibling on the way any day now."
"...Yup," Tora bluntly agreed, wondering how in the world those two could go for so long without stopping.
"Well, they have...twenty something years to make up on, so I'll leave them alone for a while."
"No, you're coming with us," his father said.
"I have to look at you two eat each other's face the whole day?" Khimari indignantly asked.
"Khimari, do as your father says," Nailah followed, making everyone chuckle at the wolf's expense.
"..." Khimari found himself speechless as his jaw literally dropped in disbelief at what he heard. "You know what...I'm only going to listen because I know you've waited my whole life to be able to say that line."
"I will maintain the Serenes Herons and your guests, Prince Khimari. You have nothing to worry about," the Gallian King promised. Once again thanking the lion for his generosity, Khimari, Ranulf and Nailah quickly found themselves out of the palace and into the streets.
"You have no idea how much I've missed you, Ranulf," Nailah said when they found a quiet clearing, putting her head against his chest.
"I think I may have a little idea on this one, Nailah," the cat returned, hugging her closer. A little ways off, Khimari again rolled his eyes, though he couldn't stop smiling at the sight of his parents reunited. The sight that he'd been waiting most of his life for had finally happened.
The family had finally been united. "Khimari, come here," Ranulf said. As he walked up, Khimari was about to ask what happened before the cat reached up to his neck to take off the Laguz Gem. "I believe you should have this back."
"Thank you, Dad," the blue wolf said as he reattached the necklace on his neck. "It's good to be back."
"So, did you make it back to Hatari?" he asked.
"Not quite...We had crossed the desert already when he found us," Nailah answered. "Rafiel felt a special tug of some sort pulling him to a place, which is where we stayed until Khimari found us."
"Yup! Then after a little...excitement, we made it down here!" Khimari finished.
"Excitement? Oh, Khimari, what have I told you about getting in trouble?" Ranulf sighed.
"Not to do it. But this is me you're talking about," he reminded.
"Right, you are…"
"Well, Ranulf, don't be so quick to criticize him. After all, we did some...interesting things back in the day."
"Oh? So Dad wasn't always a stickler for rules."
"It was only because you or that crazy grandfather of yours dragged me into it! I didn't want to do any of those pranks."
"Well, you knew we didn't communicate with the outside world, so you had to be the one to do it."
"Exactly what is it?"
"Some things are meant to stay in the past," Ranulf dodged, giving Nailah a look that dared her to tell their son whatever 'it' was.
Unfortunately, Ranulf forgot that Nailah was Khimari's mother for a reason. "He put ivy leaves outside his parent's den. They were itching for a whole month as if they had fleas!"
"WOW!" Khimari yelled, bursting into a great laugh. "I would've loved to see that!"
"When they found out it was me, I was chewed out so bad that I had to come to the palace to do supervised work. It was after that I started working there and became an aide to Skrimir, who was much younger at the time."
"See? Not all things end badly," Nailah smiled, making Ranulf roll his eyes.
"Anyways...Since we're sharing stories, I guess I'll tell the time your mother thought she was being attacked by a fish."
"Ranulf! What have I..." As the two went back and forth with each other, Khimari listened to every word with a content smile on his face, laughing often, and occasionally joining in the banter. Before the three even knew what was happening, the sun had already begun its descent under the horizon.
"We've been out the whole day…" Khimari remarked before a growl came from his stomach. "And I haven't eaten a thing since…"
"Well, I guess it's time to hunt, I suppose," Nailah said. "Meet back here?"
"That'll work. Then we'll get back to the palace," Ranulf agreed. With everyone on one accord, the three went on a quick hunt, easily finding prey in the dense Gallian forests. Reuniting in a matter of minutes, they shared their prey, which included a rabbit from Khimari, a squirrel from Nailah and a shrew from Ranulf.
"I keep the rabbit!" the blue wolf declared before tearing into his food. Shaking their heads, the older couple decided to swap prey, since Ranulf enjoyed squirrels and Nailah hated taking the fur off of squirrels. Eating with a quiet silence, the three swiftly finished their meals in a matter of moments. "Time to go back, I guess."
"Better to move with haste. I don't want to overextend our time out," Ranulf suggested. Bounding through the forests, the three quickly found themselves back in the royal palace, where everyone had been since they left.
"You're back at last!" Rikari shouted as they entered the room.
"You three certainly took your time," Reyson commented. "The sun has nearly vanished from the sky."
"We noticed," Khimari dryly responded, though the smile still hadn't left his face as of yet. "So, how is Rafiel settling in?"
"He has already paid a visit to our father," the white-winged prince responded. "Thankfully, there's enough space for him to join Leanne and I in our quarters."
"That's good...Where has King Caineghis gone?"
"I am right here, young prince," said the lion as he appeared, walking into the throne room alongside Giffca, his shadow. "As for the conversation, Queen Nailah, do not worry. We can postpone it until the morrow. Shall I order a room be prepared for you?"
"Thank you, King Caineghis. I'll not need a room, however. I'll just share with Ranulf."
"Don't make too much noise tonight," Khimari muttered under his breath before getting a slap to the back of his head from the white wolf.
"I..see. Well, I shall be in an advisory meeting before retiring to my quarters. May you enjoy your stay."
"Yes, King Gallia. Thank you again," Nailah repeated. With that, everyone else left the throne room as King Caineghis prepared for his meeting. "Do you have to return for the meeting?"
"Unfortunately, I do. Don't worry about it, though," Ranulf eased.
"Well, we'll take a field trip while you're there, then!" Khimari suggested.
"To where, exactly?" the cat asked.
"Curiosity kills the cats, so I won't answer your question," the blue wolf quipped, much to Ranulf's annoyance.
"Okay. Just remember to keep him out of trouble," he said to his mate, who sighed.
"I'll try." Satisfied with that answer, Ranulf left the group alone.
"...So what do we do? Are we going with you two?" Rikari asked.
"As a matter of fact, you are," Khimari confirmed. "...You as well," he added, looking at Tormod and Maurim.
"Khimari...where…" Nailah started before her eyes opened in realization. Her expression hardened as she now understood what her son wanted to do. "...Okay."
Flashing her a small smile, Khimari led everyone except Vika outside of the palace before bounding off to the southeast. Going slow enough that everyone could keep up with him, Khimari raced through the sleeping forests before he arrived at the entrance to a cave between a small valley and a mass of rich undergrowth.
"...What's here?" Tora questioned, truly curious about where the cave led.
"...Our old home," Nailah answered, taking the lead as the group entered the passageway. "See, we wolves lived under the mountains in a large system of caves and tunnels, as well as the many valleys and snowy peaks," she explained. "Here, we had all we needed to survive...Until Begnion found us and attacked." Walking farther, the large cave passageway turned into an expansive room with multiple caverns leading in and out to many directions. "This room was where we'd usually eat together, having conversations and playing around. Also, mother wolves would leave their cubs here to have a chance to stretch their legs outside somewhere."
"Wow...This is amazing," Tormod said in awe.
"Although very few people outside of our tribe knew this place existed, we still guarded our borders fiercely," Nailah continued.
"What's that?" Rikari asked, pointing at something that seemed to be encased in ice by a rock. Bounding over to it, Khimari's eyes quickly widened as he realized what was over there.
"Rikari wa-"
"AH!" the orange wolf screamed, jumping back in surprise and fright.
"What happened?" Maurim asked, running up to the teenage wolf with plenty of concern in his gaze. As the rest of the group congregated to where Rikari was, what they saw sickened them to their stomach.
A little wolf Laguz, frostbitten for a long time if the blue skin meant anything, had a dagger in his back and a terrified expression glued onto his face. "By the goddess…" Maurim breathed in horror.
"...When I first came here, bodies of Begnion soldiers and wolves alike littered the ground everywhere," Khimari explained, with a sorrowful look in his eye. "I've tried since to bury all of the wolves out of respect, but the ice had grown too thick in some places for me to dig them out...Like this one."
"...Khimari?" Tormod called. "I can...help get them out, if you want."
"You would do that?" Nailah called in surprise. "...Thank you. I'll be looking around if you need me." With that, Nailah left the group as Tormod used his fire magic to melt the ice that encased various dead wolf Laguz around the area. As Khimari took the corpses, Rikari, Tora and Maurim would assist in burying their fallen brethren. Since the wolf prince had already taken the liberty of putting most of the wolves to their final resting place, they finished relatively quickly.
"...I'll go find Mom," Khimari told the rest of them, before following her scent into what was the 'throne room' of the wolf tribe. In reality, it was a small place where a small stream ran through the back of the room from a natural spring higher up in the mountain. "...Mom? Are you alright?"
"Yes...Just saying goodbye," she answered, standing over one last body that was frozen in a semi-thick layer of ice.
"...Who is…"
"My father...Your grandfather," she again answered, trying to prevent tears from falling down. "Can you get Tormod? This is the last one, I believe." Silently nodding, the wolf returned back to the main cave room to fetch the fire sage so he could unfreeze the wolf's body. "...I'm sorry you never got to meet your little grandcub, Papa. You would've loved him." Khimari heard her as he and Tormod walked up to the room. Instantly, the blue wolf felt his heart break for his mom as he stopped moving for a moment.
"...Khimari? Are you alright?" Tormod whispered.
"...Yeah, I'm fine," he answered after a long pause and a deep breath. "Let's get him out so we can get back to the palace. Moonhigh will be coming soon." Going further, Nailah stepped back so Tormod could thaw out her father's corpse, before dragging him out with Khimari's help to the last hole that Tora, Rikari and Maurim made. "...That's it," he said heavily, closing his eyes in respect for all of his wolf family.
"...Come on, Khimari. We're...done here for now," Nailah said. Nodding, her son once again took point as they bounded off again into Gallia's forests on their way back to the palace, with a solemn silence dominating the entire forest, as if paying its respects to the fallen wolves.
"Here, I'll take you to your rooms," Khimari said as they entered the palace. First, he took Tormod and the group to their quarters, where Vika had already been, since she stayed to talk to the heron siblings, presumably about ravens or other bird things, Khimari guessed. Next, he took his mother up to Ranulf's room, where the cat still hadn't returned from the meeting yet. "Wow, they'll be there until sunrise at this point."
"Well, anyways...Thank you for taking me back," Nailah said, before hugging her son. "It was worth it to see him one last time."
"No problem...Get a good sleep, Mom. See you in the morning." In response, Hatari's queen kissed her son on the forehead before she went into the room. Closing the door for her, Khimari sighed before once again leaving the Gallian palace.
XXXXX
A little while later…
Although the first rays of sunlight would come pretty soon, Khimari had decided that it'd be better to do the trip now rather than wait later. Exiting the cave of his tribe, Khimari walked through the plains of the land until he had arrived at a small pond with reeds. As the wind quietly blew, the water rippled lightly, slightly distorting the wolf's reflection.
Hearing footsteps, Khimari raised his head to see a bald man with a large moustache and intimidating presence walking towards him. "What warrants the trespass, Prince of Wolves?" he interrogated with a booming voice.
"Hello to you, too, King Goldoa. And a smile would go a long way, too," the wolf responded, smiling when the man's gaze became even more critical, something he didn't know was possible. "I found your 'long lost' daughter, Almedha." The black dragon grunted in surprise as his eyes widened and became more focused, which the wolf had now come to interpret as the man being REALLY surprised about something. "She's in Daein, and even had a child. I talked to her, but she thought you wouldn't want to see her since she broke the almighty policy."
"...Hmph…"
"Would it kill you to say something? You haven't seen her in a long time. Even a century as to be SOME time for you fossils."
"I will await her call. Did you give her a sending stone?"
"Of course, I did," the wolf replied, rolling his eyes. Although Kurthnaga actually gave it to her, the wolf assumed that the king still didn't know that his son had accompanied him to Daein, and had planned to keep it that way. "She said she'd be ready to talk soon, but had to mentally prepare. She's been through a lot, you know."
"...Has your mother returned?" he suddenly asked.
"Actually, yes, she has. She's staying with me in Gallia's royal palace for the time being along with Rafiel, Reyson's brother."
"Another Serenes survivor has been found?" he asked, once again showing the slightest change in expression.
"Yup! He apparently ran into Mom and had been living with her in Hatari after escaping. I imagine that they won't be happy when he tells the truth of the Serenes Massacre, though." In response, the dragon king simply grunted as a way to tell the wolf to continue. "Although no one really cared about Begnion killing my tribe, most people thought Ashnard alone planned the whole genocide of the herons. Rafiel told me on the way back about how the Begnion Senate were the real masterminds of the ordeal. Something's bound to happen knowing how hot-headed Reyson and Tibarn are."
"...They will haphazardly cause conflict. They have not yet learned to not breed strife."
"Well, as true as that is, why don't you help keep them out of fighting?"
"Goldoa will not move. We-"
"Don't associate with the outside world, blah blah. I've heard that speech a million times, and I've told you you're wrong a million times," Khimari interrupted. "Have you ever thought that maybe even a word from you would make a difference?"
"For generations, Goldoa has sworn its covenant to the goddess and hasn't fallen into needless war, unlike the rest of the continent. We maintain our own order to fulfill our promise to the Goddess Ashera."
"No offense, but that strict 'order' has led to countless heartaches and bad things, including for you and your family. Loosening up a little won't instantly make you evil."
"You have not lived long enough to understand, Prince Khimari."
"Or maybe you've lived too long to understand," the blue wolf scathingly returned. "Do you think Yune would appreciate you being such a stick in the mud? She believes in peace just as much as Ashera would."
"...Without order, there would be no peace. What has life to gain, prince, without a rule to follow? Without the goddess' covenant? You have already seen war befall Tellius three years ago. You know the truth of Yune and Ashunera, a truth lost to time, yet you still defend a continent of citizens who refuse, fail and betray repeatedly obeying the Goddess' law. What does chaos have to offer you?"
"..." Khimari stayed silent at the question, looking down. "I don't have the answer, yet. But I'll keep searching until I find it. When I do, I'll be back."
"Hmph." Without another word to say, the dragon king turned his back and started his walk away from the prince.
"Ya know...Take a walk to the mountain peak one of these days," Khimari said. "Maybe looking at the rest of the world will remind you of how beautiful it can be." King Deghinsea stopped for a moment, before continuing his walk back to Castle Goldoa without another word. Sighing, Khimari went back into the cave to return to Gallia.
XXXXX
A/N: And, that's it, folk! Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Holidays to everyone else! Hope y'all enjoyed this chapter, and remember to fave, follow and review. See y'all later!
Blizzard, out!