Chapter 3
Obeying Orders?
Seliph sighed again, adding another count to him looking at his bed, although he had lost count a while ago. It was currently noon and their father was busy inspecting their escape tunnels for the day so none of the three kids would have training today. Of course, Seliph didn't feel like playing or doing anything much for that matter, just sitting on this stool and just staring around at nothing.
His eyes trailed around their room, finding their resting spot on his bed, again. Despite it being obscured, Seliph could almost see the key through the straw that made his bed from his imagination alone.
Slowly, his head fell as he mulled over all the things going on. Mom and Dad trust me to keep that key safe and if something goes wrong use it to open mom's drawer and take its contents, and go to the tunnels with my brothers and wait till things are clear.
Shifting a little on his stool, Seliph looked at the window, wondering what his brothers were doing right now. Probably messing around. His eyes narrowed as he leaned over and rested his chin on his propped up arms. They're so stubborn. I bet they wouldn't listen to me even if I did want to take them. He paused for a bit, not sure how to feel about these thoughts. Sure, the two were twats at times, but it hadn't bothered him too bad before. I just…want this to be over. Leaning back on his stool, Seliph looked straight up at the ceiling, rocking the stool back and forth with his body, although having it dangerously leaning close to falling over. Like, who knows. Maybe we won't be… He gulped as he finished that thought with the word "attacked".
Unfortunately, his gulping lead to him leaning a little too far back, causing him to fall over and hit the floor with a hard thud. He let out a groan and rubbed his head. Growling angrily, he kicked the stool away from him as he sprawled down on the floor, still cupping his head in his hands. Stupid stool. Slowly, he relaxed on the ground. At least it's good to know Uncle Tethe is coming soon. Mom and dad didn't seem pleased when mentioning it to us, but Uncle Tethe is always a nice thing. I hope when he does gets here things I won't have to worry about that blasted key, or this stupid plan, or that damn 'attack' or any of this mess.
A knock on the door snapped him away from his thoughts and glued his gaze to the door.
"Seliph, are you in there?" his mom's voice asked, from the other side.
"Yes, ma'am." Seliph sat up, crossing his legs and cupping his hands in the middle, trying to look composed for his mother.
Freya opened the door, looking around at the room first before her son. "I heard a noise in here and just wanted to check on you. Are you doing okay?" She started stepping in, but paused when Seliph said he was fine. "What made that noise?"
Seliph pointed to the stool.
"Oh…" Freya walked over to the stool, bent down, and set it back upright. "Seliph, are you sure you're fine?"
"Why wouldn't I be?"
"Well," Freya walked over to the window, looking out at the white, overcast sky. "Training yesterday was a bit rough on you. I-"
"I can handle it," Seliph interrupted, looking to the side as he reached out for one of Jaron's balls.
Freya paused, a serious look crossing her face. Despite Seliph being a tough boy and capable of handling things Freya could easily tell he was still bothered. She looked at him directly, walking a few steps towards him and asked. "Seliph…are you worried about the news?"
Seliph started fiddling with the ball in his hands, keeping his head low. "…No"
"Is that a lie?" Freya got on a knee, bending her neck to move her head closer to his.
Seliph didn't reply.
"Seliph, you don't need to lie to me. I know it's hard with all this knowledge and I'm sorry I had to thrust this on you so suddenly."
Seliph scowled. "I can handle it," Seliph stated, a little bit firmer than last time.
Freya gave a small snort in the face of his defiance. Standing up and looking down at him, Freya asked him in a calm yet authoritative tone. "Where did you hide the key?"
Seliph pointed to his bed.
Freya smiled a little as she looked at the bed. "In a spot easy to access, while at the same time not directly in the middle of the room. Good choice for a hiding spot."
Her compliments eased him a little, leading to him letting calm down slightly. "Mom…" his mother looked at him, while he kept his gaze to the floor. "Who would attack us over that key?"
Freya walked over and once more moved her face in front of his. "Some bad group."
"Why do they want whatever is in your drawer that this key unlocks?" Seliph looked up at her, his eyes clearly desperate for answers but were keen on keeping respect.
Trailing her eyes to the side, Freya let out another small, almost noiseless snort as debated on what to say. After a few uncomfortable seconds, Freya spoke softly, "Because it is something they don't want us to have. Something that if studied could potentially undermine their aims."
Seliph cocked his head slightly. "How come?"
Freya looked back him and smiled, "Don't worry about that." She moved her claws on his shoulders and licked his face to try and ease his tension. To her dismay, the unwillingness to elaborate seemed to bother him more.
"Why can't I know?" Seliph inquired, looking at her directly. "Why won't you tell me? Wouldn't it be better if I knew what we're dealing with?"
"Seliph, I don't want to worry you more than you already are."
"You think telling me what we're going against would make me worry more?" Seliph spat, going to stand up, shrugging her arms off him. "Just go on and say it. Tell me what I'm up against so I know what bastards are putting my family in danger."
"Seliph." Freya stood up. "That's enough tone. If you want to talk with me, then don't shout."
"Talk to you huh? More like talking to someone that treats me like a child." Seliph crossed his arms and looked to the side.
"Seliph, you are a child."
This answer made Seliph tense up. He gave a little snarl.
"Seliph…look at me," Freya commanded. Seliph didn't comply till she asked him again in an authoritative tone. As he struggled to look at her, a mix of anger and nervousness making it hard for him, Freya got on her knee and in a calm tone said, "I'm sorry I can't tell you. Seliph, I…it's not like I don't trust you. You're a strong, young mon, but I don't want you to understand who they are right now."
"Why not?" Seliph demanded, gaining confidence from wanting to hear her answer.
"Because when you find out how big the world can be you can never lose it. Seliph, as your mother, I want to keep you safe from as much as I can. I know one day you'll be confronted with it and you'll be in a world where you can see them, but right now you aren't ready for such things. You're twelve. Please…try and understand I don't want to expose you to something that could harm you if you aren't ready."
"And if we are attacked?"
Freya sighed, pulling him close for a hug. "If we are…then know I have faith you will do the right thing."
Seliph gave a lackluster, "Sure."
These words hit her a little hard. Freya, pulled Seliph closer as she tensed. "I'm sorry." She sniffled a little, causing Seliph focus on her. "I'm sorry this is happening. I never wanted it to, and I'm so…sorry."
Seliph froze, not knowing what to say or do. He couldn't must any words to say, despite him wanting to comfort her too. It was then Seliph felt it. His mother was shaking slightly. She never shook when hugging him. Slowly his eyes feel, his mind focusing on one thought that crossed his mind. She's scared? Mom is scared still? But this isn't like when she gave me the key…
This thought worried him, leading him to pull out of Freya's grip almost by instinct. It was that moment he could see Freya eyes. They had a few tears, looking at him with a mix of sadness and worry, but far rawer than any other kind he's seen before. Even when he saw her scared with the key, it was still his strong mother, but her face now. It looked like how he felt that night.
"Seliph, I'm-" she wiped her eyes, stopping her sentence.
"M-Mom." Seliph reached out his hand towards her, but stopped before he even got it above his waistline.
"I'm alright," Freya said, looking at him with a smile that looked like it was taking effort. Suddenly, her eyes widened as she gasped. "Oh, I almost forgot."
"What?"
Freya got up and moved her claw on his back. "I need you to go find your brothers; they went in the forest to play."
Seliph blinked a few times, flabbergasted at his mother's change in mood.
"Bu-but mom."
Her claw started moving him unwilling towards the door. "Now, now, we have to get things ready for your Uncle when he gets here. I'll need you boys' help." After giving him a little nudge forwards she smiled and said, "I'll tell you three what to do when you get back."
Despite still processing this abrupt shift, Seliph nodded slightly and started walking out.
Once outside their home and venturing into the forest, Seliph thought about his mother's face at that one moment. She's been bothered by it too…probably more than I ever have been. And here I go, yelling at her. Seliph side-swiped a small branch as he walked on. Of course, she'd be worried, but you were too busy with yourself to see it. Arceus… Stopping for a second, Seliph leaned on a tree for a second to think about all this. I…I need to apologize to her. It wasn't fair of me to just accuse her like that. Looking back at the direction he came from, able to make out their hut barely, Seliph nodded as a promise to himself. This gave him motivation to hurry over to find Jaron and Ciecro.
After a while of trekking through the forest, checking specific spots they would all play, and ensuring they weren't the escape tunnel into the mountain, Seliph finally heard the sound of his brothers.
To his surprise, it sounded like shouting. He was about to rush off, concerned they were in trouble when he stopped him rush to focus on the context of what was being hashed out.
"Are they…arguing?" Seliph thought aloud. Stealthily, he followed the noises till he noticed there was a clearing up ahead. Deciding to get a view first, Seliph snuck behind some brush, got onto his stomach, and crawled as slow and carefully as he could to prevent detection. Finally, he reached a spot where he could see beneath the base branches of the brush as they shielded him mostly from view.
There they were, Ciecro and Jaron, yelling at each other.
What are they fighting about now? The Frogadier wondered, tilting his head as he propped his head on his arms to hear the scene play.
"Come on, Ciecro, it has to go on this string here. How do you expect to get this rock on it?"
"Can't yah jus' tie it up or somethin'?"
"It'd take too much string you dolt. We have to finish this before he gets here, now go get a smaller rock."
"Hey! Yah said foh me tah find a rock I liked an' I found dat one. So put it on dere, shrimp."
"Moron, we're making this to say sorry. This isn't some little arts and crafts shit."
"Fine, if yah won' tie it on, den I'll do it."
"As if, I said go find a smaller rock."
"No, so give it here an' lemme do it."
The two's bickering grew and grew till, predictably, they started tussling. Shouting whatever mean insult they had in their mental queues as they struggled for dominance while their amused brother watched from his hiding spot.
As he watched the two fighting his eyes fell on the object they were working on. It looked like a bit of strong string and two little rocks. For a second, Seliph didn't pay attention to the scene and just thought about everything. A small smile formed on his face, appreciating their attempt to make him a gift even if they wound up fighting instead.
Guess that makes sense. Those two always needed me to get along. Seliph crawled into the open and after dusting himself off headed over to the two. Crossing his arms and grinning down, Seliph casually asked, "Hey bros, what are you two fighting about now?"
The two froze in place. Ciecro, currently on top, twisted his head to look straight up at Seliph's amused smile. "Uhm…notin'" Ciecro said, with a little bit of a squeal in his voice.
"This nothing?" Seliph asked with a mischievous smile, holding up the string in view.
"Uh…" Ciecro tried thinking for a minute, till he gave up after Jaron sighed.
"Okay, you got us." Jaron gently pushed Ciecro off, rubbing his arm as a guilty, caught look crossed his face. "I just…wanted to apologize."
"Apologize?" Seliph walked over to the two and sat down.
"Well...if I hadn't, you know, distracted you back then you wouldn't have missed." Jaron wiped his snout as his head went downcast. "I'm sorry." Before Jaron could react, Seliph was upon him. Giving him a big hug around his shoulders. "H-huh?"
"I forgive you, Jaron. It was mostly my fault anyways." Seliph pulled back, keeping his arms on the Totodile's shoulders as the youngest brother stared surprised back at the oldest. "I'm sorry you thought I was mad at you. I wasn't mad at you at all, just myself."
Jaron looked down for a second, before looking back at his brother with a little grin. "So we both screwed up, huh?"
"Yep." Jaron fell into Seliph with a hug of his own. Their embrace was interrupted by some giggling from Ciecro. "What's so funny?" Jaron asked, backing off for a second.
"Guess it's because unlike yah two, I'm not a screw-up."
The two looked at one another and proceeded to tackle Ciecro, pinning him down as the three laughed. "Screw up my tail!" Jaron shouted smiling, pinning one of Ciecro's arms down while Seliph got the other.
"What should we do with him, Jaron?" Seliph asked, with a fiendish smile cropping over his face.
Jaron formed his own fiendish grin, albeit far more mischievous than Seliph's.
"Uh, yah know I was jus' jokin', right? Lemme go, Jaron! Sel-heh…Sel-hahahaha." Ciecro couldn't speak from the sheer amount of laughter as Seliph tickled Ciecro's sides with his free hand. Ciecro writhed around, first threatening and later begging for Seliph to stop.
"Say you're a screwup, and we'll let you go," Jaron answered, laying down his terms of release.
Ciecro's spine wouldn't give in…at least for the first ten seconds of asking. It was around the fifteen mark of torture tickling that Ciecro submitted and said, "Alrigh', yah win! Hahaha, I'm ahah a hahahaha screwup hahahehehe too."
With the goods delivered, Jaron nodded and the two let go. Of course, as Seliph let go, Ciecro lunged at him trying to pin him. The two wrestled a little while Jaron watched, till he was dragged in by a spare arm from Seliph, cupping him in a headlock while Ciecro nuzzled Jaron's head with his Charmander hands.
After about ten minutes of non-stop roughhousing the three finally broke up and just took a second to catch their breaths.
"Dat was fun," Ciecro cheerfully said, panting a bit as he leaned back on his arms.
"Yeah," Seliph replied, crossing his legs and resting his arms on his knees. "So, Jaron." Jaron looked back at Seliph, as the Frogadier asked. "What exactly were you two doing?"
"Oh, right." Jaron got up and walked back to pick up the string and a couple of stones. As he headed back, Jaron explained, "We were making something for you, but I guess we were too busy arguing and being slow to get it don-"
"Yah mean, yah were," Ciecro objected, crossing his arms.
"I mean we were," Jaron countered, as he sat back down in his spot on the dirt. "And by we, I mean mostly you."
"Oh yeah!"
"Yeah!" The two stared at each other fiercely, about ready to go at it again till their intense gaze was interrupted by a rough yet playful tapping their shoulders with a simper.
"Hey, don't start again you two, else you're never going get it done."
The two sighed and gave an agreeing nod. Jaron put the string and three stones out in the middle of their sitting circle.
"So, you both were making a … necklace?" Seliph guessed, rubbing his chin while looking down at the parts.
"Uh-huh." Jaron nodded.
Ciecro leaned in and pointed to the string. "Yah see, we were plannin' tah use dis string with dese stones tah make a necklace fo' yah, tah sorta like give yah a remindeh dat we're wit yah." Puffing his chest a little with pride, Ciecro added at the end while pointing at himself, "Deh stones were my idea."
"Oh?" Seliph tilted his head and leaned in closer.
"Yep," Ciecro repeated, pointing to the rocks. "Yah see, each one is suppose' tah be one of us. Red is me, White is you and Blue is-"
"I wanted to say that!" Jaron piped.
"It's okay, Jaron. This is from both of you after all." Seliph patted Jaron's back, convincing Jaron not to start once again with Ciecro. "So, how about we finish this."
"Well…" Jaron rubbed his chin as he looked at the necklace. "The string is too strong to get all three of these one here."
Seliph pondered for a second before announcing with a smile. "True, unless."
Both Ciecro and Jaron looked at him confused, till they saw Seliph take off a few frubbles and begin attaching them to the stones and set them facedown so the frubbles wouldn't get any dirt on them.
Then Ciecro took the string and attached each one to it with Jaron doing the finishing touches with a double knot. "There!" Jaron exclaimed with glee as he held it out front, the three staring at their finished product.
"Try it on," Ciecro urged Seliph.
"Alright." Seliph gently took the necklace from Jaron, who was biting his lip a little from worry that the hole wasn't big enough.
To Jaron's dismay, his fears were correct since Seliph couldn't put it on over the head. "Oh no." Jaron's head fell, but didn't stay down for long as Seliph reminded him that the stones were connected with frubbles. "Oh right, so they won't slide off or anything if we need to untie it."
Giving a confirming nod, Seliph did just that; he untied the necklace and carefully put it back one, making sure to tie it once more. "There."
"It looks good on you," Jaron complimented.
"Eh, it'd look betteh on mom, bu' it's fine on yah" Ciecro bluntly stated.
"Better than if you wore it," Jaron teased.
"I concur," Seliph joined in, as the two looked at Ciecro mischievously. "It might catch fire if Ciecro wore it." The two chuckle, much to Ciecro's annoyance.
"Y'all're jerks." Ciecro pouted.
Jaron shook his head as he pointed out, "You started this bro; you gotta pay up."
"I was jus' bein' honest, yah shrimp," Ciecro argued.
"So were we," Jaron countered.
"Were not!" Ciecro snarled, taking a step toward Jaron.
"Were too!" Jaron retaliated, pushing against Ciecro's head with his.
"Guys!" They both looked at Seliph, who had his arms crossed and was shaking his head. "Do you have to fight over everything?"
Jaron's head tilted down a little, while Ciecro crossed his arms and looked to the side. They both were grabbed around their necks and pulled into a big hug from their brother. "Don't feel bad, I love you two just the way you are. even if you fight a lot, you both at least care."
Jaron's eyes lit up as Ciecro formed a little grin as they shared in. "Sorry, we're such bickerers."
"Yeh."
"Well, I haven't been a perfect older brother either, but…thank you for making me this gift. It means a lot to me."
"Dat's dah point." Ciecro chimed as he looked up at his older brother's eyes. "Somethin' nice fo' yah to make yah happy."
"Uh-huh." Jaron looked up to Seliph as well. "And don't worry, you're a great older brother."
Seliph just looked at the two, smiling boys in the eyes. It felt good, no great, to just be here far from worries or keys. Just here with his bros, who he knew cared even in their naivety. I'm so glad I have you two. Seliph thought in his head as he rubbed their heads with his hands, making them chuckle a little. You both are better little brothers than I give you credit for…no, you both are the best little brothers I could ask for.
O
Gathor and Freya were sitting at the family table watching their kids at the window. The sun was about halfway past the tree lines now so the sight was very enticing to the trio of children.
"How long is he gonna keep us waitin'?" Ciecro whined in impatience.
"Your uncle will get here when he gets here," Freya answered, clenching her fist a little.
"Mom." Jaron turned around and innocently asked with a curious look. "Are you really gonna punch his face in?"
Freya's face instantly shot red as she asked, "W-who told you that?"
"Now, now, hun." Gathor patted Freya's still clenched fist and cupped it in his two claws. "I tink it's pretty obvious fo' even a kid tah figure it out."
Freya was at a lot for words for either Gathor's attempt of a joke or simply covering for Jaron. She was about to protest but as she was about to speak Gathor lean in closer and kissed her snout.
"Jus' don' kill him. Migh' scare deh kids."
Freya smirked. "Did you tell Jaron that?"
Gathor growled a little as he looked at her with a fierce look. "Maybe, interrogate me and find out."
"With pleasure." Freya leaned in and the two started igniting the flame figuratively, making Jaron cringe in disgust.
"Blegh," Jaron said, loud enough for his parents to hear it as intended and shifted back in his seat to the horizon. The Totodile, rested his snout on the windowsill and just blankly stared at the trees tops, slightly swaying as the sun's circle slowly started creeping below them. "I hope he gets here soon. I don't remember much about him."
"You were three. But don't worry, he'll get here soon I'm sure," Seliph answered, joining Jaron on resting his head on the windowsill, but more his head on his arms crossed. "I mean he probably doesn't remember the route well."
"Yeh," Ciecro agreed with a snort. "Well he betteh, else I'm gonna-"
"You're gonna what?" Seliph asked, giving him a smug look.
"I'm gonna hide in some bushes an' pounce on 'im." Ciecro did a few visualizations for his brothers of him pouncing from the stool he sat in.
"Pounce at him like that and I bet he'd laugh more than get scared." Seliph smirked at Ciecro, who crossed his arms and gave him a sneer.
Jaron was keeping his eyes on the window, although the back and forth of Seliph's teasing and Ciecro's stubbornness were amusing. Suddenly, something moved in the distance near some brushes. Squinting his eyes, the Totodile got up and leaned in closer, till finally a mon with red and white colors stepped into view, brushing leaves off his shoulder with his Blaziken hands.
"He's here!" Jaron gleefully shouted. The two stopped arguing and immediately joined Jaron in staring at their uncle as he headed towards them. Jaron turned around to tell his parents but stopped in surprise at neither at the table. "Mom? Dad?" Seliph and Ciecro turned around and were also surprised by the disappearance of their parents. A bolt locked. The kids looked at the door, quickly rushing to it.
Ciecro stood on his toes and tried to twist the knob, but it wouldn't budge. "Locked?"
Realizing their parents and must be already outside, the kids rushed back to the window and peered outside. Sure enough, there were their parents, waiting about a third of the way from the house, looking rather cynical.
"Freya, big sister, long time no see," The three head their cheerful uncle called out with a big smile and an accompanying wave. However, their mom remained silent with only a scowl to greet him. An uneasy chill filled the child's nerves. So far, their mom's expression didn't change even as their uncle got closer and closer.
"Seliph," Jaron said, taking his view from the scene to Seliph, "Was mom like that last time Uncle Tethe came to see us?"
"I don't believe so but it was a long time ago," Seliph replied, glancing at Jaron for a second.
"You think he's in trouble wit her?" Ciecro added. They looked back and saw Tethe was now almost within three feet of the Charizard. The Blaziken reached out his hand but was instead socked in the face by a pissed off Freya.
"What? Come on, at least give me some kind of smile or greeti-"
He didn't get to finish. Tetheron went spiraling to the ground from a strong jab to the cheek from an angry Freya.
The three kid's eyes winced at this scene play.
"Why in Arceus's name are you here‽" Freya demanded seizing him from the ground by his throat and holding him in the air with one both hands.
"Wow," Tetheron laughed along with a few coughs. "You can still punch me off my feet. I traveled a long way to get here so mind not squeezing so ti- ack!"
"Answer the damn question, you pathetic twat!" Freya roared, tightening her grip on the neck of her choking, antagonizing brother.
"Ack, fine! Fine!" Tetheron choked. Once she had given him enough slack to speak without having to struggle, Tetheron confessed, "I came because I was worried about you."
"You pathetic, prideful, useless stain! How could you come here when you know full well why we're here‽ Nasch spaces these visits out for a damn good reason, and yet you still came. You stupid, shrimpy, moronic, idiotic, poor excuse for a Norfarion elite!"
"Look I was worried, okay," Tetheron snapped back. Freya paused in her ranting as the Blaziken looked at the side. "I didn't want to just sit back and wait for news to happen or not. It's just you, Gabber, and three kids all alone."
After a few seconds of contemplating, Freya let him go. "I can handle myself."
"I know you can," Tetheron replied, rubbing his neck as he stood up. "I just wanted to help you both…even if it wasn't for long. Besides," Tetheron crossed his arms and gave a little grin, "despite your abilities sis, you aren't exactly the best at surviving when you don't have your tools and things."
"Did you go all sentimental just to add more snark at the end?" Freya snarled.
"Hey, somebody's gotta inspire your kids."
Freya stretched her arm to slug him once again, before it was grabbed by Gathor's. "Yahr nimrod of a brother is already here, Freya. Yah can't send 'im back now not wit dem mons nearby. 'Sides, It'll be good tah have 'is help in case we need tah figh'."
Freya didn't reply, just wretched her hand free from Gathor while looking at the side, growling a little. "I'll be talking with you later," Freya informed Tetheron, who nodded in understanding.
The serious look vanished quickly, as the Blaziken strolled on past the two, towards the house. "Alright, now where are my energetic nephews? Been dying to see them again."
"He's such a damn child," Freya muttered as her brother walked up to their hut.
"But a helpful, damn child," Gathor snorted, forming a grin where his frown was. "Yah know he's jus' worried for yahs." Gathor cupped her hands in his and looked at the Blaziken, waving at the kids through the window.
Freya's anger was sapped to slight guilt but also concern. "I just…"
"Hey." Gathor moved one of his claws to her chin and moved it slightly. "I know. Yah want 'im tah be safe an' whatno'. Yah both work like dat."
Slowly a small, comforted smile replaced Freya's former dissidence. "Alright." She nuzzled his neck, leading to Gathor giving a pleasured growl.
Their moment was interrupted by Tetheron calling out. "Uhm, mind if you open the door for me?"
Freya face-palmed as Gathor laughed.
"Well den, shall we all ge' comfy." Gathor walked for the house, pulling Freya by the hand.
Anxiously, the three children waited at the door, as the bolt was undone. Once the door swung open and their uncle stood in the doorway, the three kids all lunged at him, shouting. "Uncle Tethe!"
Tetheron caught all three, bracing back on his knee to prop himself. Laughing, the Blaziken set them down and rubbed their heads one at a time. "Well now, you three are gonna need to get fatter if you're gonna bring me down."
"We'll reach dat point someday!" Ciecro assured as if issuing a challenge. "An' not by gettin' fat."
Tetheron laughed and knelt down to Ceicro. Gently patting Ciecro's head Tetheron answered, "Just worry about beating me in a battle someday."
Ciecro hugged Tetheron's neck, giving a big smile. "I'll beat yah so bad. Even baddeh dan mom."
"That's not a very tall bar," Tetheron goaded, looking at his sister.
"Losing to me isn't something to be proud of," Freya reminded him.
Tetheron chuckled. "Fair enough, sis."
"Uhm Uncle Tethe." The Blaziken looked at Ciecro as the little Charmander asked, "Why did mom punch yah an' den choke yah?"
Both he and Freya blushed from the naïve inquiry. Tetheron rubbed the back of his head and weakly laughed. "She just sometimes has to show me who's in charge, right sis?" Tetheron looked at her in a jesting manner.
Freya sighed, planting her palm on her face once more. The six Norfarions then congregated around the table, talking, catching up, bragging, and enjoying each other's company as the last bits of the sun's circle dripped below the trees.
O
Freya and Tetheron sat at the living room table, the only light coming from a single candle on the table. The door was locked, the window was closed and locked, and the kids were in their rooms with their father.
Without a word, Freya reached out for her cup of water, pulling it close to her side while staring at her barely visible reflection in it.
Tetheron was twiddling with his thumbs, staring straight down like a kid when they were about to get lectured for being in trouble. Tensing up a little as he heard his sister sigh, Tetheron looked up to his older sister with a serious look, more forced than actual confidence.
"I'm confident you know what I'm going to ask." Freya looked over to him, their eyes locked in a manner that only added to the tension.
Tetheron remained silent, thinking it over while looking at the locked, wooden window shutters. He moved his hand and held it outwards, his palm turned to cup a tiny flame forming in the middle of it. "Before you lecture me for breaking form, don't try and act like you wouldn't do the same thing."
Freya's eyes narrowed, whatever sympathetic look they had now replaced with a realist bluntness. "That is irrelevant." Tetheron's eyes narrowed as well, as the flame he held out in his palm got slightly larger as Freya placed her arm on the table and rested her head on it. "I want you to tell me exactly why me and Gathor were sent here."
He gave her a scowl as the flame evaporated with a clench of his fist. They kept their gazes locked, neither backing down till Tetheron growled before leaning back into his chair and propping his legs on the side of the circular table. "To study the Red Eye's formula sample Nasch acquired."
"Correct," Freya said, taking a sip of her drink. "And why can't they simply have researchers, synergenists or simple biologists look into it back home in Norfair?"
Tetheron rolled his eyes and looked away from her. "Stop talking to me like I'm a child."
Freya didn't reply immediately, just looking at the flame trickling between them. "I want you to understand the gravity of this."
"You think I don't?" Tetheron set his legs down and firmly glared at her. "I read the reports of their attempts to steal the formula, I'm well aware of what it took to get it, and I agree with Nasch's decision."
"Then why are you here risking us more?" Freya demanded, in a commanding tone.
"I told you why. Because I just couldn't take it anymore," Tetheron snapped back. "I haven't seen my older sister in five years… five years, Freya."
Freya's eyes lowered slightly, looking to the side as she listened.
"I understand the rules and why you had to be on this task, but Arceus damn do I hate the reasons." Tetheron leaned in closer as he looked at her. "Did you hear about father?"
Freya shot her gaze back. "What about him?"
"Exactly." Tetheron slouched back in his chair. "It's like you don't exist anymore."
"That was the point of me coming here," Freya argued.
Tetheron tensed, his arms crossed and eyes looking downwards. "I needed to see you all. Gathor, my nephews, you. I just…needed to come here. I want to help you."
"What are you trying to tell me?" Freya inquired, almost as if Tetheron never spoke at all.
With a slightly hurt look, Tetheron looked to the side and mumbled, "Father passed away three weeks ago."
Freya's eyes widened, almost like his words had been a dagger plunged in her stomach. Before she could formulate words, Tetheron spoke again.
"I know you weren't very close to him, but at the same time, you know what that means. Half of my family is off here on Triacal in the middle of nowhere, researching a formula that would give those red eyes terrorists ample reason to kill all of you."
"Tetheron…" Freya didn't know what to say.
"I know what I did…was wrong, but I'll accept whatever punishment Nasch will give me. I want to be with you all. I don't care what you think of me, you're still my older sister, and I'll gladly take a hit to the stomach if it means you come out okay."
Freya growled softly as her fists clenched firmer around her cup. "It's not just some punishment, Tetheron. We're talking about court-martial."
"You think I came here not knowing that?" Tetheron accused.
"No, I bet it wouldn't have stopped you." Shooting him a firm stare, Freya added with. "Which is exactly why I'm mad at you for throwing yourself just to see me."
Tetheron paused, not replying but keeping a firm, defiant look back at Freya. After taking a moment to gather her thoughts, she took a deep breath, looking at him straight in the eyes with a calm look, and said, "This situation is much bigger than you or me. I understand more than you think I do. I've missed you and Friega as well. I haven't even met her kids in person, but I understand why I can't just leave and do that, for anyone. Doing so would only put my family here at risk and all the mons that my research results could potentially help."
Disapproving and bothered, Tetheron kept silent, staring at the floor like a kid sulking from a punishment.
"But…" Tetheron raised a brow as she looked at him with a sincere smile and continued, "I am glad you're here." Getting out of her seat, Freya walked over to the window, feeling the lock with her claw as she stared idly at the small line of blue light coming through the middle.
"And you're probably right."
He raised a brow as Freya undid the lock.
"I would have done the same thing," Freya answered, opening the shutters to let in the moonlight. "But even if I would that doesn't make it right." She turned around and stated, "So, since you will be staying then you'll need to follow any orders me and Gathor give you without question."
Tetheron smirked as he rested his arm on a knee and jokingly replied, "So is this your excuse to get me to do chores?"
"This is me compromising and saving your ass." Freya walked back to her seat while giving him an understanding look. "I know you meant well, but deviating from the plan could put us all at risk. The big reason why they sent me and Gathor out here was so that there wouldn't be the risk of an information leak or a traitor on the Red Eye's payroll selling us out."
"Yeah, I know." Tetheron sat back up and moved his arms on the table. "I am … sorry for causing all-"
Freya raised a claw for him to stop. "I'll talk with Nasch but I want you to understand what we're dealing with here. A group that wants to keep whatever dark secrets lie in that liquid I have locked up hidden from the world. You're a grown male Tetheron and I'm going to treat you like one. Can I trust you?"
Tetheron smiled and nodded. "I'll be damned if I stand idly while my big sister gets all the punches."
"Let's just hope it doesn't come to that," Freya added, taking another sip of her drink.
"True." Tetheron leaned back in his seat and propped his legs up once more, looking at the rooftop.
Once she set her cup down, Freya's eyes shifted from infected by her brother's energy to more melancholy. "I hope his burial was good."
"Dad's?" Tetheron clarified.
"Yes. I wish I could have been there to help you two."
Tetheron made a little noise, attempting to lighten the mood and lessen her guilt load. "Nah, it wasn't that hard. Just make a little speech and all that. The usual Norfarion style send off and the rest is boring add-ons, though Friega managed to make it bearable if not too elaborate, heh."
"That sounds like her. I hope one day Nasch can find a way for her to come so she can meet the boys." Freya looked at the door behind her specifically the light beneath it, where the faint shadows hinted at some fun happening inside. "I wonder if dad would have liked them."
Tetheron joined her in looking at the door. "I dunno. Maybe Seliph, but the others are a bit young for his taste." At last, Tetheron took a sip of his own drink. "I'll always be impressed at how oblivious that old coot could be. We could be invaded and he wouldn't notice."
The two chuckled for a few seconds. "Speaking of invasion," Freya began, taking another sip from her drink. "How are the tensions between the clans and collective?"
"About as good as before you left," Tetheron answered.
"Still that bad…" With a heavy sigh, Freya looked at her drink once again, slightly wobbling it in her grasp.
"You'd think three hundred thousand years would be enough to make things cool down, but nope." Tetheron gave a wave of his arm for emphasis. "Still about ready to tear into the other or at least expecting the other one to do it."
"The Collective isn't exactly friendly with the clans and vice versa. It was our ancestors that invaded and controlled them till Mextrein won independence three hundred thousand years ago. Since then it's just been mild skirmishes, mild scoffing, and other peacetime tensions," Freya pointed out. "I'm more amazed either side hasn't full on-invaded yet."
"Well, Bermuda's bad enough to get their attention." Tetheron formed a little diamond shape in his hands. "That place is a shithole right now, what with everyone up for grabs. Though, I gotta say the Amestrian and Yveshian tension has us busy too." Tetheron shrugged his shoulders. "But in all honesty, why can't mons just get along? Live and let live?"
"I'm guessing you mostly refer to the clans and the collective," Freya rested her head on her arm again as Tetheron snapped saying,
"Bingo. I mean, I'm no peacemaker, but come on." Tetheron pointed at his sister as he added, "I mean, fucking Nasch is half Sorphian and half Norfairon yet he's doing well."
"Nasch earned his spot from hard work, effort, and winning trust." Freya set her empty cup aside and gazed at him. "And it's not like there aren't groups that still distrust him for the 'half-blood' part he shares with Sorphia. There's history to unpack and all."
"Fuck those guys." Tetheron looked towards the window and exclaimed, "Nasch has done more good for Norfair than whatever Sorphian complaining punk has done in their local bar." Tetheron stood up and with a mocking tone said, "Duh, like I know, this Nasch has done like a lotta things, but he's part Sorphian and that's baaaaaaad.!"
Freya sighed and shook her head, albeit slightly amused at Tetheron's childish antics. "Maybe you are a child."
Taking it as a tease, Tetheron smirked back. "Better to be a child than boring."
Freya rolled her eyes, countering with, "Better to be boring that snapped in half by a boring person."
"As the Amestrians would say." Tetheron gestured his arm out and pulled the other claw to his chest almost as if singing to his dear sister. "Touché"
Freya smacked his arm away, chuckling a little with her brother. "Well, I suppose we should let the kids back in." Freya got out of her seat and stretched her wings as Tetheron opened the door.
"Hey kids, I'm free fr-" Tetheron exclaimed just as he swung the door open. Before he could finish, Ciecro pounced at him but was caught by his larger uncle.
"Damnit, yah didn' fall!" Ciecro growled, sulking as Tetheron held him outright at arm's length.
"Well, get a little bit bigger and maybe I will," Tetheron encouraged the little Charmander while giving him a big bear hug, making Ciecro giggle.
Looking up at his uncle, Ciecro asked, "Hey, Uncle Tethe, can yah play wit me?"
Tetheron moved his hands away from Ciecro and propped them into a thinking position. "Hmm…Hhhmmmm…" For a few minutes, Tetheron just kept pretending to think, which was starting to make Ciecro lose his patience.
"Heh, stop torturin' dah boy Tetheron," Gathor laughed, scooping Ciecro up in one arm.
"Very well," Tetheron nodded, "What shall we do then?"
"Battle!" Ciecro blurted out with excitement.
"It's too late for that." Freya entered and shut the door behind her. "It's almost time for you three to go to bed."
"But mom," Ciecro pleaded.
"No "but mom"'s Ciecro. You know the rules." Freya picked Ciecro from Gathor's arm and set him down.
"Aww, but Freya," Tetheron added in, taking a similar tone to Ciecro's pleading but with a teasing grin on his face.
"Don't you dare start," Freya ordered. "They need their sleep."
"True, but." Tetheron got on a knee, scooped Ciecro, and lifted him on top of his head. "If I wear this little guy out, he'll be lights out faster than a Volbeat after three hours of flying."
While not exactly convinced by his rather exaggerated analogy, Freya looked at Ciecro who was giving her his "desperate" look. Gritting her teeth, she tried to fight the cuteness of her Charmander son, but finally she caved, grouchily grumbling out, "You have ten minutes before I drag you back in."
Tetheron held his hand up for Ciecro to slap it with his tinier ones and the two victors proceeded outside, celebrating their win over Freya's stubbornness, who was starting to regret her decision.
At least, till Gathor put his arms around her neck and nuzzled her from behind. "Want to go watch the kids play?" He asked her.
"I wouldn't mind that," She answered, moving her tail slowly around his. Gathor moved his head slightly away from her so his Feraligatr jaw could kiss her on the cheek.
"Hey, Gathor!" Tetheron boomed, causing the two to give him annoyed glances at ruining their moment. "Maybe I can battle you after this little guy," Tetheron asked, pointing to Ciecro who was also behind this idea.
Gathor rolled his eyes. "Naw," he answered.
"Oh come on, you fatty. It'll be good for you."
Freya looked at Gathor and back to Tetheron. "I think you mean it'd be good for you Tetheron."
The Blaziken rolled with the verbal punch and just asked again. "Come on Gathor, I want to see what you can do."
"Yeah!" Ciecro backed up, almost mindlessly supportive.
Gathor snorted as he stepped from Freya. "Fine, but yah primed if yah tink yah can win." He growled at the Blaziken as he walked past, while Tetheron smirked at him competitively.
"I hope you're ready for broken legs." Freya crossed her arms and shook her head. "He hates getting interrupted."
"I'll keep that in mind." Tetheron spun around and followed Gathor outside, with Ciecro still clinging on his head.
Freya was about to follow, but quickly took a second to check on Seliph and Jaron, who were busy playing a game in the corner. "You two want to join us?"
"No," Jaron answered, carefully studying the board.
"When we finish we can," Seliph added.
Satisfied with Seliph's answer she nodded and headed out.
"You think we'll be done by then?" Jaron asked, keeping his eyes on the board.
"I dunno." Seliph returned his gaze to the checkers board and said, "Okay, it's your move."
"I know," Jaron roughly replied, frustrated that it was still his turn after what felt like an hour of studying the board. After a while of pondering, Jaron moved a piece only to wind up being jumped thrice by one of Seliph's pieces. "Come on!" Jaron growled as he rested his snout on the floor, frustrated.
"Yeah, sorry bro, but you left an opening and all."
Jaron rolled onto his back and stared at the ceiling, bummed.
Seliph raised a brow as he leaned toward Jaron a little. "You okay?"
Jaron sighed and just muttered, "I'm gonna lose to you anyway."
"Well with an attitude like that." Seliph pointed out, as Jaron rolled back on his stomach.
"But you're better than me at this game," Jaron argued, sulking.
Seliph shrugged. "Well, I have to be better than you at some things, else what kind of an older brother would I be?" Seliph jested.
Jaron wasn't amused by the joke. "You mean everything," Jaron muttered, turning his gaze towards the wall to his right.
Seliph raised a brow. "Come on, Jaron, don't be like that. You're better than me at a lot of things."
"Like what?" Jaron asked, lazily looking up at his brother. As Seliph started thinking, Jaron's look fell to the pieces on the board, still resting there and mocking him almost. Such a stupid play that anybody would know not to do, at least anybody but him. The checkers lead to him thinking about other instances, other screw ups, even the recent one with Seliph.
After what felt like ages, Seliph finally gave his answer, albeit with a rather weak smile. "You're better at biting than me."
Jaron's eyed him with an unconvinced look. "Hooray," Jaron grumpily said, rolling his eyes.
"Well that's just one thing," Seliph encouraged.
Unfortunately, this didn't help Jaron's mood at all. "I'm stupid." Seliph's eyes widened at the sudden out loud thought from Jaron. "I make stupid checker moves, I make noise, and I can't even make a gift without you needing to make it."
Seliph leaned in closer, concerned.
Jaron sniffled a little, moving his claw to one of the pieces and tapping one of his claw nails on it. "I just wanted to make you something, but you had to help me get it done. I'm stupid, not strong like Ciecro or smart like you." Jaron made little sad noises as he just lazily sprawled on the floor, eyeing the piece with a saddened gaze.
"Jaron, you're not st-" Seliph paused for a second, trying to think of what to say. What can I say to cheer him up? He isn't stupid just young and he at least cared enough to … cared! Seliph snapped his fingers. "Hey, Jaron." Seliph crawled over to Jaron's side and informed him. "I thought of something else you're better at than me."
"What…" Jaron said, not out of curiosity, but just more or less just a normal response.
"You're a better brother than me."
Jaron instantly shot his stare at Seliph, sitting up in complete shock at Seliph's comment. "H-huh? No, I'm not." Jaron protested as he shifted to face Seliph directly, "I made you mess up and I couldn't make your gift."
"Buuuuuut, you were just cheering me on, and you wanted to make that gift to cheer me up and say sorry." Seliph patted Jaron on the shoulder. "I wouldn't have done that as soon as you did. I probably would have just said sorry instead of make a gift to make you feel better."
Jaron's stare slowly changed from surprise to actual curiosity. "…A…are you sure?"
"Sure I'm sure." Seliph looked at the board and Jaron's gaze followed his. "I'm lucky to have a brother like you. I know you've got my back since you care and you know what?"
"What?" Jaron leaned in closer, wondering what Seliph was getting at.
"That's something I'm learning from you. To be a good older brother and well…I'll do my best. I'm on your team Jaron, and I always will be, just like how you're always on mine."
Jaron looked down, wiping his eyes a little as a smile formed on his face. A few noises came from him, like he was trying to say something, but they were replaced with Jaron quickly hugging Seliph's, squeezing him as tight as he could.
Seliph gave a chuckle as he patted Jaron's back, glad that he succeeded.
It wasn't long before Jaron looked up to him, looking better. "Thanks Seliph," Jaron said, quickly retreating one of his arms to rub his snout and sniffle. "I'm glad you're my brother too."
"Yeah." Seliph pulled Jaron back in with his arms and Jaron hugged around Seliph's abdomen. "We're brothers Jaron and always will be."
"Always," Jaron started smiling a content smile, even after Seliph broke their hug. "You, me, and Ciecro," he gleefully said, cupping his arms near his stomach.
Seliph nodded. "Well, if we aren't going to play anymore, guess we should put this aw-"
"Uhm…" Jaron interrupted, his hands started fiddling. "I'm feeling…better now, so how about we play again?"
"I thought you didn't want to play anymore." Seliph grinned, already knowing the answer.
"Well." Jaron's hands shifted to rubbing his arm as he fumbled for an answer. "I gotta beat you once so let's play again!" He showed Seliph a competitive smile, hoping this would convince his older brother.
Seliph chuckled to himself at Jaron's obvious but well-intentioned lie. Sure you do. Crawling over to his side, Seliph started resetting the board for their next game, with Jaron's help of course.
O
The trees swayed in the nighttime breeze as the stars above glistened brightly, not hindered by any town or city lights. It was a beautiful sky to look up at although that would have to wait. Today was the day he'd do it. Today was the day that Ciecro would beat Tetheron in a battle the Charmander told himself, snarling slightly with anticipation.
Just across the path that cut through to their house where his goal, Tetheron, was stretching for the battle. Tetheron definitely was tall, just about the size of dad, but that didn't matter. Ciecro had a plan, and when the opportunity struck he'd use his secret weapon.
After finishing his pre-battle stretches, Tetheron stood up and stared at his "ready to play" nephew. His eyes went right as Ciecro's went left, both looking at Gathor, standing in the middle of the path about ten yards from the door to their house.
"Okay, yah both ready?" he called out to the combatants.
Tetheron nodded and Ciecro shouted, "Yeah!"
Gathor nodded, crossing his arms as he spoke. "Dis'll be a battle by dah Norfarion combat rules fo' youth. Moves may only be used by dah kid. Deh one who gets 'is opponent to yield firs' is dah victor."
Tetheron gave a third finger up as Ciecro twitched for the battle to start already.
Seeing confirmation. Gathor swung his arms and tensed them at his sides, and shouting, "Clash!"
Tetheron was the first to move. Charging forwards while bent low, he blazed the distance between him and Ciecro in a matter of seconds. Leaping while spinning for a jump side kick, Tetheron twisted his body further to bring his leg sharply down on the little Charmander.
Despite how fast Tetheron moved, Ciecro managed to dive for the side, scrambling back to his feet as Tetheron pushed forwards and put a handspring's distance between him and his nephew.
Smirking, Tetheron faced Ciecro. "Good dodge, but that's just a fraction of what I can do."
Ciecro frowned, putting on his serious face as he kept a steady look on his Uncle. Okay, I gotta be careful. Uncle Tethe's legs are talleh dan me so I gotta wait fo' dah openin' I need. Till den, play soft.
By this time, Gathor had walked backwards back to the house, enjoying the show. He gave a little grunt at Tetheron's threat and turned around only to be surprised at Freya's very stern look. It took him a second to notice it wasn't him she was staring at. "Yah havin' one of dem motherly moments?" Gathor asked, joining her side.
She gave him a disapproving look and said, "No you idiot."
Gathor raised a brow and inquired, "den what's got yah look-"
"Ciecro can take a beating, but I wish Tetheron would…" Freya looked down for a second and mentally facepalmed as she added, "tone it down with the strikes."
Gathor nudged her with his elbow and said jokingly, "So yah are havin' one of dem motherly moments."
"You want our son to have a broken skull?" She gave him a serious look. "I know you won't take it too far, or at least don't take it too far now. But Tetheron is acting like he's fighting yo- Ciecro look out!" she shouted, although to her relief Ciecro had already evaded the axe kick levied at him.
Gathor crossed his arms and watched, his jesting gaze going as he assured her with, "Tetheron ain't stupid. He knows Ciecro is jus' a kid."
"I know." Freya sighed. "Maybe it's just something else."
"Oh?"
"My brother's rather…well…" Freya looked at Gathor and asked, "Did you ever break any bones as a kid?"
Gathor scratched his chin, pondering. "A few."
Freya returned her focus to the fight, not exactly happy about that answer. "I just hope Ciecro can handle whatever Tetheron throws at him."
Gathor put his arm over Freya's shoulder and leaned his head on hers. "He will. Wanna know why?"
She gave him a curious look as Gathor pointed to her. "He gets 'is stubbornness from yah."
Freya gave a little smile at the jest with a good point to it. She looked back at the battle, focusing on Ciecro's attempts at evading getting hit or slammed and narrowed her eyes. "You can beat him Ciecro!" she shouted.
"Give dat cock a surprise he'll neveh forget."
While appreciative of the cheering, Ciecro couldn't really divert any attention towards them. It was taking a lot to simply evade all Tetheron was throwing at him and without giving Ciecro an opening.
After dodging a few more kicked, Ciecro spied Tetheron go for a leg sweep. Attempting to jump over it, Ciecro suddenly spied Tetheron shift his hips the other way. Quickly, Ciecro's eyes managed to spy Tetheron sweeping with his other leg, this one aimed properly. With a hard whack, Ciecro was sent into the grass rolling a little before stopping on his stomach.
Freya gasped and Gathor scowled. She managed to avoid rushing over to him, waiting to see if he was still in it and sure enough, Ciecro started getting up. Filled with relief, Freya sighed as Gathor clapped and praised his son.
"Good block. Dat was some fast tinkin'."
Ciecro had gotten on his feet by this time, looking at his parents' proud faces. He then looked at Tetheron, who was nodding agreement. Dad…Mom… Ciecro rolled his arms and crossed them for a Norfarion defense. I gotta win now.
Tetheron charged once more, Ciecro waited as Tetheron got closer. Once the Blaziken was close enough Ciecro switched arms facing outwards as Tetheron went for an axe kick once more. This time, Ciecro shifted just enough to avoid it, while pushing at it with his arms, using the upper part of the X they formed to ensure he didn't miss. Due to Ciecro's interference, Tetheron had to move his arms down to catch himself, allowing Ciecro to pounce at his shoulder.
"Hey!" Tetheron exclaimed, but it was too late.
Ciecro pushed off the grip he had on the shoulder and did a hard jab on Tetheron's neck. The force wasn't enough to bring Tetheron down but was enough to distract him. Ciecro inhaled and blue fire started appearing in his mouth. Dragon Rage! He shouted in his head, unleashing it with all his might, or at least he would have.
To his dismay, his move was halted by Tetheron pushing up with his shoulder, throwing Ciecro off balance. As the Charmander fell from the shoulder he fired his move out in surprise, striking near the side of the house. Ciecro hit his side with a thud as he rolled on his stomach. No, not- too late. He felt Tetheron's hands pin him by his upper back. Ciecro started pushing against it, ranting, "No fair! I had you!"
Tetheron just laughed, keeping him down till ten seconds had passed. "That makes ten," he gleefully spoke, finally releasing his nephew.
Ciecro rolled on his back, disappointed and mad at himself. Sitting up, Ciecro grumbled, "I almost had it but…"
"Hey sport, you did very well." Tetheron bent his legs as he moved his head more to Ciecro's level. "Not many ten-year-olds can say they've pushed an axe kick."
"Bu' I had yah righ' dere," Ciecro protested, standing up and staring at his Uncle with frustration in his orange eyes. "I coulda won if I wasn' so shrimpy." Ciecro's arms hung low.
"Well, on the plus side, you won't be shrimpy forever." Tetheron rubbed the little one on his head, getting Ciecro to eye-lock with him once more. "And if you can do what you did tonight now, imagine what you can do when you're older. Best to learn how to do things now so you're even stronger later."
Ciecro smiled a little as he took those words to heart. "I'm gonna be tuff an' strong like mom, dad, and yah."
Tetheron grinned as he picked up Ciecro and set him on his shoulders. "Well, I like the idea of being a role model." The two headed back to the watching parents, both with pleased looks on their faces.
Freya walked over to her son, picking him off of Tetheron's head and nuzzling him as a non-verbal way to say she was proud of his performance.
Gathor smacked Tetheron on his shoulder, bragging, "Gotta say, if my boy can do dat to yah, yah ain't got much of a chance come our age."
"Oh shut up you big jaw." Tetheron countered, "I just hope he doesn't talk like you when he's older."
Gathor laughed. "He's been talkin' like me since he could talk."
Tetheron raised a hand to his beak and looked at Freya. "Speaking of talking. Why does he talk like Gathor?"
"Oh, that." She cradled Ciecro on his back as she explained, "You see, Gathor was the one to teach him Unown so he sort of caught onto the speech."
"What was going through your head when let your western husband teach him how to talk?" Tetheron quizzically looked at her as Gathor punched his arm.
"And what's wrong wit dah way I talk?" Gathor gave him a stern looked as Tetheron rubbed his shoulder.
"I'm just saying, why him and not the other two?" Tetheron quickly recovered.
Gathor snorted and crossed his arms as Freya rocked Ciecro. "Well, Ciecro didn't start talking till three, which was near the time Jaron was so I handled Jaron and Gathor handled Ciecro."
Tetheron nodded in understanding. "Guess that's fair."
"Now abou' yah earlier comment." Gathor stepped in front, pinning Tetheron to the door, making Ciecro shoot up from the drowsiness he was getting from being in his mother's arms. "What's dah problem wit me teachin' my son how tah talk."
Tetheron started fumbling over his words trying to come up with a reason. "Well, it's not that it is…well a problem, per se, it's more of…well the way you…sometimes you-" This messy display was finally ended with Freya walking up to Gathor.
"How long are you going to torture my brother?" She raised a brow as Gathor looked at her, forming a malicious smile.
"Gotta have my fun now and den." He let Tetheron go, who gasped in relief.
"Wait," he panted. "So…I'm not in trouble?"
"Obviously not." Freya shook her head. "Did you forget Gathor's sense of humor comes from terrorizing things?"
As the memories flooded back, Tetheron just shrank down, completely embarrassed he fell for Gathor's basic bluff.
"What can I say?" Gathor opened his mouth and pointed to his teeth before continuing with, "Dese get dah job done."
"Oh shut up," Tetheron grumbled as, Freya, Gathor, and Ciecro laughed. Freya then walked over to him and offered a hand, which he begrudgingly took. However, the force of the pull was more than Tetheron was expecting, sending him into a kiss on the cheek from Freya. "Never change brother." She said with a sincere smile, Gathor putting his arm over Tetheron's shoulder and nodding in approval.
Tetheron rubbed the back of his head, rather embarrassed but the good kind. "Thanks sis," was all he could say, and was all head really needed to. With smiles, the four headed back inside for bed, uncertain for the future but glad to have each other's company.