As the final hours neared and everyone prepared themselves to return to their original worlds, Icetales remembered the last conversation he had with his sister Seventh at Spirits’ Edge…
“…So, thou art considering defying our father, Tenth.”
“Yes. This is what must be done. I must do it to save our people and the other kingdoms from his wrath.”
“Hm. A half-blood as a monarch of Borealis… This is such an undesirable outcome.”
“It is still far better than keeping him on the throne, so that he start a senseless war and spill innocent blood. I shall not let that happen. I… am ready for the task.”
“…Very well. So, thou will be returning to our world at this moment? I have left the notes as that fire demon asked me, so that thou will not forget what thou must do.”
“Much appreciated. But… No. Not yet. I must run a few last errands before departure…”
After taking a deep breath and readying his heart and mind, Icetales strode toward the exit of his temporary house. He stared at it for a while, as if trying to get some remaining memento that will not last, and with a heavy heart he closed the door…
———
Final Tango with Cynthian
It felt a tad strange to be wearing those robes after not wearing anything other than his ribbon for months, but Icetales had to admit that Cynthian had done a superb job with their attires.
They found a private spot by the lake, with the moon reflected on the clear water. The two spent a few minutes talking about their goals back home, as if to make sure that they could carry a piece of those words with them. Cynthian told him to hold his head high, and face his father with all he got.
“I have faith in you, Icetales.”
With his heart brimming with reassurance, Icetales invited her to one last dance, so that they would end everything with joy, not sadness.
Yes, a quadruped dancing with a biped brought some challenges, but it was still such a lovely moment, with a soft music playing in the background. Body against body, feeling each other’s heart beating against their respective chests, and finally an embrace.
“We shall see each other again someday, my love…”
———
Reading by the Lakeside with Saltriv
Ah, yes. The lake was surely Icetales’ favorite spot, and he was delighted to see Saltriv there, enjoying some sunrays.
The two conversed for a while, with Saltriv talking about their desire to write books someday, and Icetales humored them with some books he had written during his time in his world. Stories of legends, myths and folklore from his world; tales of hope and self-sacrifice; books of arcane witchcraft from other dimensions.
After reading some notes together, Saltriv gave one last hug to Icetales with their vines, and Icetales reciprocated that by wrapping his tails.
“Good luck with thy goal, Saltriv. I am sure thou will accomplish great things!”
———
Hearts of Battle and Darkness, ft Brisa and Owen
Icetales wasn’t too surprised to see them hanging out by the training room, ready to spar for one last time. It sure brought back memories of when the two taught him the first tricks to become a proper battler.
How much things had changed, indeed.
Icetales was quick to request one last training session, so that he could get ready to face his father. Owen had an interesting idea: trying to replicate the Chaos Scythe by bending a Protect and empowering it with flames.
After all, Icetales had to be ready to fight a scythe-wielding demon, so why not train with another scythe-wielding demon?
Hours passed, with Icetales cutting through fire and electricity with his dark powers. The darkness that was going to destroy other darkness… He felt his spirit shining despite all of that, and his heart became stronger and sturdier with each passing minute.
He felt… ready.
But of course, the two had some final encouraging words…
Brisa meets with Icetales to thank him for everything he's done for the team, and for him humouring her Colo matchup requests. The team wouldn't have been nearly as effective without his support, his bravery, and his unyielding endurance. Good luck back home with yer shitty pa, fella. You'll be alright.
At hearing this, Icetales smirked and wagged his tails. “I shall. Many thanks for everything, you two. I would not have come this far without your help and friendship… I wish you both all the best with your future endeavors, too.”
———
Demonic Foxes Meet
That hybrid between a Giratina and a Zoroark — Kora, right? — seemed particularly interested in both Icetales and Petram, for two different reasons. Icetales was somewhat weirded out by the antics of the Zoroark, while Petram found him hilarious.
They showed off their respective demonic powers and talked a bit about their respective worlds, before parting for destinations unknown.
———
Talking About Legends with Koamaru
Ah, yes. The library was such a nostalgic place, and Icetales found it amusing that some of the books he had written were already exposed on the shelves.
In fact, it seemed that Koamaru had a couple of them in his stash of books, and Icetales approached his young friend.
They talked about their missions back home, and Icetales once more reminded him that he would cheer for Koamaru, even if his mind were to forget everything. In exchange, Koamaru thanked the fox for all the words of encouragement, and wished him best of luck with his family and father.
They shared one last hug, fur brushing fur, and traded one last moment with some fresh tea.
———
Tea Party with Mellow
Of course, Icetales had plenty of tea to share, and what better way than to have some Teatime with Mellow?
The two enjoyed some nice tea together, and Icetales wished her best of luck with her job and activities back home.
They shared one last hug and went to their respective ways… and the Ninetales froze when he found out that all his money was gone.
“Well, I’ll be darned…”
———
Stargazing with Bahamut and Celeste
It was always a pleasure to look at the stars with Celeste, and Icetales was pleased to have managed to find Bahamut and look at the stars together. Sure, Bahamut was the same old dragon with a pragmatic point of view, but Icetales appreciated that, anyway.
Celeste… Well, there were still the weird feelings that they had never fully tackled, but it is not like they had time to work on them anymore — soon, they would forget everything.
Icetales could almost swear that Bahamut was thinking that they should better take a room for themselves or something. He had no way to tell, however.
Still, despite the awkward atmosphere, it was a pleasant time for him.
———
[to be continued]
