Chapter 20
"It seems after all this time, I do get to see my son, fully grown." Mare stepped close, embracing his son.
"Father…" Shadow hesitantly hugged him back. "Forgive me, for not realizing the truth sooner…"
"You were but a boy when it happened, you couldn't have remembered exactly how I was." Mare looked around. "I'm glad to see you found love. The way you rushed to defend them, so, which is it?"
"Huh?" Shadow was caught off guard by the question.
"I'm assuming one of those two sneasel there, given they rushed to defend you as you had for them." Mare gestured to Anelace and Blade. "The male or the female?"
"Blade, the male." Shadow spoke more confidently. "I, forgive me, I am overwhelmed."
"I suppose you would be." Mare released Shadow and hovered to the still frozen genesect in the room. "Shockwave. Last time I saw you, you shot me with your cannon. Nearly killed me as well. Allowed Naraku into my body." The violet darkrai stared coldly. "A shame for you then that I endured." Mare lifted his hand in front of the genesect and with a flex of his clawed hand, a shock wave left his hand, the force of which shattered the genesect entirely.
"You, killed him?" Shadow had moved to Blade, hugging the sneasel tightly.
"You were planning to do the same." Mare glanced back. "I know what love does to us my boy, they hurt the ones we love, and we make certain, they cannot hurt anyone again."
"Shadow, I was so scared…" Blade said as he held tight to the darkrai.
"I know darling, I am sorry I could not protect you better." Shadow tilted the sneasel's head up to look him in the eyes. "I promise, I will always protect you."
"And if you fail to protect him?" Mare asked looking back. There was no malice behind the question, but a sorrow.
Shadow gave a stern look. "I will not."
*Firelink West*
Pyre was still riding on Tin's shoulders, even though he'd gotten some energy back. The charmeleon had taken them into one of many small shops. This one was a game store.
"So, how would my little hero like a present for saving me?" The charmeleon smiled.
"Well what would it be?"
"Any game ya want! I'll buy it for ya 'kay?" Tin smiled, letting Pyre down. "Go ahead and look around."
Pyre nodded and wandered off looking at some games.
"So, this is where ya went hiding?" A voice came from beside Tin.
Glancing over there was a Gabite, wearing baggy pants and a shirt that fit far to tight to his body, accentuating his muscles.
Though Tin couldn't help but wonder how he managed to put it on. "Oh, Placi. What's up?"
The Gabite, Placi, came closer. "Could ask you the same thing, what gives man ya said you'd meet at your bar yesterday! And you haven't replied to my texts."
"Couldn't be helped, I got hurt, and huh…" Tin checked his pockets. "Did I leave my phone at the hotel or the hospital? I've been out of sorts lately, sorry Placi. Didn't think you'd be so upset."
"Tin, I found one!" Pyre came rushing over holding a small video game case.
"Oh this a new one?" Tin took the game and looked it over. "Whole Knight, Gossamer Tune." The case had what appeared to be a masked bug welding a large needle on the cover.
"Yeah, been waiting forever for it to come out!" Pyre smiled happily.
"Well, then guess my little hero gets his new game." Tin hugged him.
"This must be Pyre." Placi spoke up leaning down and looming over Pyre. "Cuter than ya said he was Tin."
Pyre blushed at the compliment.
"Don't tease him Placi." Tin shook his head.
"Oh, guess I should introduce myself. The name's Placi Dusax, but Placi is fine." The Gabite held out his single claw. "And I'm Tin's best friend!"
Pyre reached out and shook it. "Nice to meet ya Placi! Ya must be cool if you're friends with my big brother!" The charmander smiled.
Placi gave Tin a look. The charmeleon seemed to get it. He pulled out some cash, handing it and the game to Pyre. "Here, go buy your game, and we can head home."
The little charmander gave a big grin and hurried to the front desk. Both Tin and Placi watching as he did, taking in his cute form.
"Damn, he is way Sexier than you said Tin."
"Shut up!" Tin slapped him. "S-sorry."
"Jeez, I'm not gonna steal him, but I mean, little dude has legs, and I think we were both looking under that cute tail. Cool little blue flame he's got though."
"I get it, you like my little brother." Tin made a surprisingly cute pouting face.
"Hey, you're still the hottest char I know." Placi winked "but, what say we have some fun with the little guy. I got some stuff back at my apartment."
"Hmm, he's pretty tired, maybe we shouldn't." Tin replied, genuinely concerned for Pyre. "I got hurt pretty bad, he used aura to help heal me. He's really exhausted."
Placi however had an even more mischievous grin. "Well imagine that, he's already weakened and sensitive, let's make the most of the cute little guy." Placi got close. "Say yes, and I'll do that thing you like, with my tongue."
Tin shuddered. "Alright fine, but just cause I know he'll enjoy it."