Marcus kept his promise and just watched as things unfolded, three months of pure entertainment as the two grew closer as the days went by, which suited him as Arceus might be more flexible about the jewel. life. One day even he ate some watermelon as a snack while he was a spectator of that interesting romantic novel, it was his "training" for the day. He saw everything from a window not far away, far enough to be able to hear the conversations that arose from those interactions and far enough away so that they would not notice his presence.
But also during that time Marcus noticed something curious about Arceus, it was strange that Arceus had allowed Damos to get so close to him that he even agreed to be his lover. Marcus didn't beat his chest for religion but he knew her almost at the same level as an average Gaspar and he knew very well that that was very out of place. It was not to despise Damos but he himself did not see something remarkable in him for Arceus to have such an attachment, if he had something in mind it is that Arceus had standards and the fact that Damos was a Gaspar was not a real reason for him anymore. with that it would have allowed all of the above. So he sacrificed his spare time and went straight to the archives of the Archesian religion, specifically the archives that talked about Arceus and perfection.
After analyzing and thinking a lot about everything he had collected, he came to the conclusion that Arceus was doing everything out of pity.
According to what was established in perfection, NOBODY was worthy of Arceus and his family, but also according to this same one, the gods had selective empathy. So Marcus came to the conclusion that Arceus seeing the enormous enthusiasm and efforts of Damos but at the same time realizing that he did not have the necessary qualities to even be a contact of great importance, decided to allow him to approach him since he empathizes with his cause. and how sad it would be if he refused and established the long-awaited friendship, but things got out of control since to his surprise, Damos had fallen in love with him. Arceus could refuse but out of the pity of imagining that Damos would spend his whole life with someone he didn't completely love, he gave in to being his lover with the relief that it would be temporary torture. He sacrificed his godlike perfection out of pity caused by his natural empathy, he couldn't let a human live with such destroyed illusions.
After creating that hypothesis he put it to the test, he watched in greater detail what they both did and listened with much more attention to his talks.
He analyzed everything he had collected in all that time and came to two conclusions:
The first says yes, Arceus was probably faking it in front of a totally deluded Damos. This could be considered thanks to some documents that Pablo wrote with data that Mew told him about him, Arceus could easily hide his emotions and feelings as long as he did not exceed the limit of what was "tolerable", and apparently Damos had not yet reached that point. limit.
While the second pointed out that it was possible that Arceus did love Damos, that this was not acting, that there was nothing behind it and that it was simply a misinterpretation on his part. This could be considered since Arceus's attitude could not be valued or denied since at first glance knowing if he was acting or not was impossible to decipher, as well as it could be false it could also be real.
Marcus couldn't tell which of the two was correct, he was in a 50/50, it could be or it couldn't be. Solving that question became the last piece of the puzzle to define which way all this was going.
Just as Marcus was searching for that puzzle piece, three months had passed and to his and Damos' surprise, the crews that went to explore the Alola region had returned to Hisui. Among them the crew of the Michina empire, where Martha and Beder were included.
Both returned very excited for so much they had lived, a little tanned and with a backpack full of parchments, souvenirs and food each brought from there.
All the contents of those scrolls were full of information about the region, its environment, some of the Pokémon that inhabited the region, such as their communities, their mythology, legends, religion, etc.
Damos was surprised, seeing each of the records captured and most impressively, seeing two possible new records of two gods. His favorite record was an illustration depicting the appearance of the gods who were called "Solgaleo, god of the sun" and "Lunala, goddess of the moon". He loved that drawing, not only for what was captured but also for how he made it look, that drawing was made by Beder and if Damos admired anything about his assistant, it was his innate ability to draw.
Both Beder and Martha began to help him organize the information, shape it, and integrate it into the still incomplete lore. Something that was getting more complicated than usual because apparently the information brought from Alola was incomplete, something was missing, and that is that Martha and Beder only asked to gather information from only three of the four islands that made up the region. So there were missing details that made a big difference, even with this Damos's obligation was to unite them with whatever information, something that exhausted him a lot since he was under the moral obligation to give the information one hundred percent verified since that is what dedicated.
Damos did not ask Arceus for help as Pablo and Ava did at the time, he did not want to receive the help of his god so that he could feel useful and competent by his own means and he did not want to feel so favored by the relationship he had with the.
His two ancestors had something of their own to tell and highlight, Pablo was a great researcher before Mew and a great lecturer without him, Ava on her side a great explorer of the seas before Latitas and Latios and a great geographer without them, logically At the very least, Damos had to do something for himself like ordering the mythology without your help.
In that hectic week, when he met with Arceus, the latter noticed his remarkable tiredness and overwhelmed by so much psychological pressure. He tried to help him, guide him or at least give him a hint to make the organizing process easier, however, Damos was subtly but adamant in refusing his help whenever he was offered. However, Damos tried to be affectionate, pleasant and tender as always since after all Arceus deserved the best of him... But... Even with that, was he sure that the god loved him?
That doubt, that damn doubt clung to his mind and awakened all his previously sealed insecurities, he was supposed to be clear that his dear Arceus had sincere love for him but the doubt returned thanks to a talk with his wife, Martha.
It was a Friday afternoon, talking to her wife personally about how proud and grateful he was for her, her great performance in the investigation, and her great attitude.
—Are you really the one who discovered the Solgaleo and Lunala duo?! For the love of Arceus, Martha I'm really so impressed by you!— She congratulated Damos upon seeing in detail everything his wife had done, especially the drawing she made about the recently discovered gods.
—And there are still a few pieces missing, darling! One of the islands still needs to be explored, but it was time to return according to the captains leading the crew, I hope to return next month —
— I see, I hope to go with you one of these days. Ava's hat, scarf and jacket have been protected for many centuries and it is time for a Gaspar to bring them to light again — Damos said with a wink, there was a decree that if a Gaspar left the lands of Hisui, automatically has the right to wear the iconic royal blue hat, the leather jacket of the same color and the fine silk scarf encrusted with a lapis lazuli of the great Ava.
Martha was tenderly affected by the attitude of her opponent, so in order to catch up on her life (since the rest of the week has only been homework and more homework about mythology and her lore) she decided to start a more conversation with her husband —And tell me, how have you been in these months?—
—No big deal, preparing everything for the expected return of the jewel of life and collecting all possible information extracted from Arceus himself, but only the necessary— Damos replied in a cheerful, calm and natural way as if nothing had really happened even though he himself knew that it was the opposite —Although sadly, Arceus and I won't see each other that much after I give him the jewel— He said with a slightly less positive tone, but not enough to show his true feelings.
—I really hope so— Martha answered dryly, coldly and a little annoyed.
Damos didn't expect such a reaction from his wife, so he got excited about it. —By Arceus! Not even teenagers dare tremendous blasphemy!— Someone refusing the company of a god was just common behavior of a spoiled and unruly teenager. knowledge of what he was talking about, but not someone with maturity.
Martha knew immediately that Damos didn't like her comment at all and she had to explain herself — Damos, p-please just listen to me! Believe me this is not the blasphemy it seems to be— Martha said trying to calm a Damos quite shocked by that comment — Look, I know it really is an honor for you to be able to speak and live fully with Arceus, you even have the fortune to to have a very good friendship with him, to have his help and support... But don't forget your place in this existence and what you mean to someone like him. You know very well that for him we are the lowest of creation without counting the yo kai; he considers us imperfect beings only because of the action of one person and a few more that he could not personally refer to, but despite that he is also merciful precisely for that, because of the pity we cause him. Maybe yes, that he gave us the jewel as a thank you, but it could also have been because of the pity they caused him to see them in such an unfortunate situation— Martha swallowed with difficulty, what she was going to say to Damos was going to hurt him and she was going to hurt him. I knew — Even their friendship may be out of plain and simple pity.
Damos didn't say a word, he just thought about how that could be and how it could be possible despite everything.
- I don't know... Maybe it's because of the same pity that he couldn't bear to see you go unnoticed in history outside of your title of his savior, in simple favors you could see this pity or also in compliments from him. ..— Martha suggested with regret in her voice, it hurt her to tell him what she believed to be true.
Damos remembered some of the words that Arceus had said to him: "I don't want to see you force your heart to give the depths of your being to someone you simply reject in that deep aspect", "But that's just the technical , because apart from that you are totally worthy", "Since I know that you want to get valuable information from me then I will be generous with you".
The first sentence reflected Arceus's feeling for not being able to bear to see Damos' situation and that as a result of not putting up with what it caused him, he decided to accept but not for real pleasure, the second sentence, if the filter of romanticism was removed, he continued to remember the reality that Damos was still unworthy and the third emphasized a favor, just as in the first sentence it emphasized that his action was something like a favor rather than something that he was truly born to do.
—I just want you to keep that in mind so you don't get your hopes up too much— Martha finally added with concern.
Damos thought for a moment, nothing came out of his mouth, the only thing he could think of was the genuine concern that Martha had for him— I appreciate your concern wife and faithful companion, so that you are calmer I will take it into account— Damos said in a calm and friendly way, as if it didn't affect him. —Do you think it's over for today, Martha? You've been working with me a long time on this and you deserve a break so can you ask Beder to come with me? — Martha accepted, she thanked for that act of courtesy and went to look for her husband's assistant.
Hours passed and it was already night, everything was almost complete except for two things:
1.- Characters were missing in the compilation, not just one but several, but that was the only thing that was certain, from then on nothing was known about them
2.- Solgaleo and Lunala had spent centuries or millennia without hinting at their presence in their own region, something that quite disconcerted them since that was anything but common. All the gods of that type always gave a constant presence in the region where they were worshiped the most or it was known that there somewhere, they lived peacefully.
—This is really strange, I still can't believe that gods as important and imposing as the two of them aren't inhabiting and taking care of their own region— Damos said with confusion, while reasoning the situation of Solgaleo and Lunala.
—Yeah, I don't even have any idea what happened here, but according to what they told me and informed me, it's something they prefer to avoid thinking about because they feel somewhat... Abandoned, but only a little because after all the guardian spirits of Alola were created precisely to protect the population of that region—
—And here we go with another question. From what or who do these guardians protect the region? Could it be that this has to do with unknown Pokémon? —
—Tapu Koko, Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu and Tapu Fini. Each of them take care of an island in the region and they don't leave there, but what do they protect them from?... That's the question— Beder said while putting on a somewhat funny thoughtful expression if you look at him carefully and then got up from the table full of files —Wow! There was no time to go deeper! No way, as long as we can't return to Alola and finish off the last island in the region, you'll have to take care of this yourself— Beder said as he prepared to leave—I'm saying this because it's my two days off because... You know , Weekend!— He finally raised his arms in an animated way at the end of his sentence.
—You're right... I mean, you've worked for a long time on this, at least you deserve to be respected those days— Damos said with weariness in his voice but with that kindness and attitude that characterized him.
—Thank you, my friend, but if you want you can also rest a little these two days to come and—
—No, no, no! This is a situation of historical importance and if I want things to turn out great I need to work hard on this! There's no time for breaks!— Damos said sure of his words, suddenly moving away exhaustion and getting great optimism out of nowhere.
—Well, you can also resort to the simplest, ask Arceus about it, I highly doubt he won't give you something— Beder advised and then winked in complicity. Then he opened the door and left the room, then shouted with great emotion and relief — FREEDOM!
Damos was left alone, the thought of the possible pity overwhelmed him a bit since just thinking about Arceus doing him "favors" for that feeling made his heart heavy. He tried for a few minutes to continue, but the tiredness was stronger and he decided to postpone the work for the next day, he left that disastrous room almost dragging himself. He walked tiredly, passing through the rooms of the temple without thinking about anything or anyone, until he passed by the room where the jewel of life was kept. Out of the corner of his eye he saw that someone was there, he looked out to get a better look at who was there and saw that that someone was Marcus, strangely with a glass of water and a rag at hand.
—What are you doing, Marcus?— Damos asked, behind him.
Marcus jumped a little in surprise, but the scare passed quickly when he recognized the voice of his partner and turned around— Oh, Damos! Good to see you here, I'm not doing anything, I'm just cleaning the jewel so it's not dusty and... Don't lose its effectiveness — Marcus explained happily.
Damos looked at Marcus strangely and also noticed a base that held the relic —First of all: I'm 99% sure that it doesn't work like that, I don't think an object of that nature loses power because it's dirty; Second: What is that? —
—It's a base that I ordered a few days ago, so I wouldn't have it in that dusty box where we had it— Marcus answered, nonchalantly — Ah! And look what I ordered too—Marcus added with great enthusiasm; he left his glass of water and his cloth on a small table and from a corner he took out a scepter —Look at this scepter! I had it created to make it easier to carry from one place to another—
—I think you ordered that to be done a little late, because it won't be long before the deadline ends — Damos answered with sympathy when seeing that situation.
—Oh Damos, you know it's not like that— Marcus said mischievously—It's obvious that we have secured the jewel, thanks to... The peculiar relationship that both have—.
Damos began to feel uncomfortable with the conversation—I haven't talked to Arceus about it and I doubt very much that just for me he's willing to weaken more than he already is, because don't forget that he's still recovering from the meteorite —
Marcus had managed to hear Damos and Martha's conversation, so he took advantage and pulled out his best card —Well, if he doesn't do it for you, he'll do it out of PITY— Upon hearing that word, Damos felt a huge pain in his throat and his state of mood abruptly fell silent; while Marcus was implementing the bases to reach the conclusion of his little investigation— You know better than anyone that the help and existence of several of our gods are based on that, protecting poor and vile humanity. Or is the existence of Latios and Latias, the trio of the lake and surely more that we still do not know born to take care of humanity and keep them stable? The same humanity that is so despised, the same humanity that despite its unfortunate behavior and "dangerousness" continues to be cared for and given tools for its prosperity.— Marcus exclaimed without censorship in any of his words and cheekily, but always with great spirit and charisma —So it's just a matter of that you ask him for it in his next meeting and that's it, regardless of the reason why he agrees, the important thing is that he does it, he will do it as long as this request does not exceed his limits— Marcus finished with that, leaving his precious new scepter in its place , took the glass of water and rag and proceeded to leave, leaving an emotionally shattered Damos behind.
Damos leaned against the wall in anguish, trying to calm his emotions and cushion those sentimental blows. For him it was very painful just to think about that possibility, but when he became aware of his situation as a human again, realizing that as a person he had nothing remarkable for his greatness and Arceus's selective empathy... He realized that if that possibility existed and that it was better to get used to the idea, because if it were to be confirmed then the blow would not be so strong since it would already receive several while the idea is mentalized. So with the thought of Arceus's possible true motives, he pulled himself together again and continued on his set route to his room. "Today nothing can get worse", he thought to himself.
He entered his room and got a big surprise, Martha was waiting for him, but not in the conventional way. She was lying on her side, naked and was only covered by the sheets of the bed, looking at him in a seductive and flirtatious way, wanting to have action that night.
—Martha! What are you doing?!— Damos asked, surprised to see such an unexpected situation.
—Continuing with your dynasty, darling— Martha replied with seduction in her voice.
At that moment, Damos did not feel capable of doing that with her, so he tried to avoid the situation —Honey, just like you women, we men can also find ourselves tired for that... It will be another time— He answered with nerves that he tried to hide with cordiality.
—You promised me you'd be more attentive to me when I got back— Also, Marcus has just informed me that I will have to leave again for Alola the day after tomorrow, he told me that he demanded a one-month trip to investigate the missing island and believe me, both things will totally suit you—
Damos didn't know how to act in that situation, he looked at Martha so he thought to himself: "You can, you already did it once and it was with whomever you wanted... Besides, she's your wife, you've been married to her for a year and always She has been by your side and you owe her even this... And... You can't deny that those feminine curves, that honorable D-cup bust and her long, straight hair don't attract you, she loves you and you appreciate her . Do it".
—Well... I-I'm a man who d-delivers what he promises so I d-owe you— Damos said nervously because of the nature of the situation.
Then the wedding night finally took place, it was an interesting night for Damos, he felt the desire of the moment, he felt the passion in each movement and he felt the sweetness of each kiss and each caress. But everything was not with the same degree and intensity as the first time, especially the feeling he had for his companion. It was strange, there was a bond but it was not the same, it was a strange feeling because that spark that made the moment so special was missing. He would have continued to feel that way if it weren't for the fact that Martha, at the moment of falling asleep, stayed hugging him, but not before expressing how much her love for him was.
That night hug gave warmth to that night and contrasted a lot with that coldness of Arceus when he simply turned and fell asleep without even wishing him a good night. Arceus had only made a sentimental speech, expressed his great weariness and slept facing the opposite side, still not even seeing his direction. Damos wasn't an expert in body language but that could just as easily be chance as it could be an indication of a possible painful truth.
Damos decided to stop thinking about it for a while, finally he had faith that everything was real, that the deity's feelings were reciprocated love and he consoled himself with the excuse that he should understand it because it was something new for his beloved deity .
To be continue...