51 The one I hurt the mos (1/2)

The wind blew the leaves to interrupt the awkward silence between serpentine fox and lynx.

Ken noticed phantom chains that seemed to bind the other creature. (Fine, we can talk,) Ken growled unhappily. (First, what do you mean you didn't curse my little brother?) He focused on the chains to see if he could figure out more.

The pipe fox relaxed a little bit and came closer. (Your little brother was going to die by human weaponry. He asked me for help and I gave it. After that, I was saddened because he seemed to have forgotten me and left. I never saw him after that. Now a question for you; are you tamed or wild?)

(I'm a wild Lynx.) Ken replied confidently. (What are those black chains binding you?)

(What black chains? And can you prove that you are a wild lynx. With the way you act around that human, you seem very tame to me.)

Ken looked over at the dazed Princess to confirm she couldn't see what was happening before walking over to a tree. He lifted his leg, watered the tree and shoved dirt over top of it.

(What are you doing? This is my territory!) The other spirit beast shouted angrily.

Ken moved the dirt again to reveal the Lyngurium. (You wanted proof that I am not tamed. Despite being disgusting, here it is.)

(That still doesn't give you the right to mark up my territory!)

Ken laughed. (Chill, by the way what are you?) He continued to observe the chains.

[You have observed the chains of a harmful contract. These particular chains are unholy in nature.]

The fox turned his head. (I'm a pipe fox and a strong one at that.)

(I see, and I found an answer to my earlier question about those chains.)

The pipe fox looked back. (Oh? Tell me about these non-existent chains you disrespectful cat.)

(Those chains I can see are your contract with some other being, an unholy one at that. You asked me if I was a wild lynx but it seems you yourself are bound.)

The foxes eyes dilated. (How did you know about my contract?)

(Because, I can see what is real. What is real is this, you did curse my little brother when you gave him power. After he left the mist, he was treated as an evil creature. The fish he caught turned rotten and he almost died. If it wasn't for my human friends, like Princess here, I don't know the type of fate he would have faced.)

The pipe fox paused. (I... If anyone is to blame it is the humans who hunted down all our friends. They should pay for what they have done! I… I miss them so much. I know you and your brother probably miss all of your friends too. We should be allies not enemies.)

Ken sighed. (Who said we were either? You sound just like the type of human you hate.) He walked closer. (Sure, you are getting your revenge. But you are blind to the fact that you are hurting countless innocent creatures. That contract of yours is harming you and others needlessly. Besides,) he turned to face his friend. (Princess isn't like other humans. If there is any human I could call a good friend, it would be her.)

The fox grew angry at being called out. (Oh? She isn't like the others? Let's prove it.) The pipe fox fell into a slumber.

The earlier stunned Princess seemed to half-wake up. ”Oh, she really is a strange human.” Princess's mouth said. ”Her memories…”

”So, how long are you going to observe my memories friend?” The girl questioned as her eyes flipped to full clarity.

Her eyes half dimmed once more. ”You are awake? How long have you been awake for?”

Princess smiled as light returned to her eyes. (I woke up when Ken created Lyngurium.) She turned to face her friend with a sympathetic smile. (By the way, now I know why you wanted me to get rid of it. That really is a gross crafting material. I know it is awkward but you could have just told me what it was.)

Ken hid his face in embarrassment. (Really? You saw all of that?)

The girl nodded. ”Yep, I should thank you. The smell brought me to my senses I just wanted to see how far the two of you would talk before I needed to join in.”

Her eyes dimmed once more. ”Fine, After scanning through some of your memories I understand a bit more about who you are. Unlike other man children, you understand pain. I will give you your body back and we can talk properly. I will concede to the fact that you are not like other humans.”

The girl's eyes regained clarity as they moistened.

The pipe fox jolted awake. (Tell me, what is your relationship with the other Bringer?)

Princess wiped a tear from her eyes. (I also was able see some of your memories. We aren't too different. But I am not sure I understand your question. What is a Bringer?)

The pipe fox turned away. (A Bringer is one who can utilize their powerful emotions to affect the things around them. There was one near you when I sent my demonic illusion to drag you here. That staff of yours was very troublesome to my original plans.)

”Oh!” (You must be referring to my older brother, Jericho. Why do you ask?)

(I will tell you more if it becomes relevant. But as I scanned through your memories I am very confused on one thing. How do you not feel hatred? Everyone important to you, except your brother was taken from you. Why? Am I wrong for feeling angry?) The pipe fox was confused.

Princess stood and walked over to the creature and held out her hand. (I was angry for a long time when it first happened. I felt wronged. I felt that life was cruel. I wasn't much different than you. If it wasn't for my brother's music and meeting my two best friends, I would probably still be hurt and angry as a result.)

(Then, did you lash out?) The pipe fox questioned as she turned to face the outstretched hand with caution.

The girl nodded. (Yes, and the person I hurt the most was my brother. I know he still suffers because of my past choices. But, there is one thing I learned because my brother chose to be a much more mature person than me. He didn't retaliate against me and my harmful actions. He shared with me his wisdom.) She inhaled. (As the one still here, I survived the emotional burden of my loved ones passing. The pain and sadness are still there, but because of him and his kindness I was able to see there were still good people in the world. I was able to see that I could form new bonds that gave me hope again.) She paused.

Ken sighed. (We have been friends for a few years now and you never told me this.)

Princess smiled sadly as she faced her friend. (That is because I didn't want you or Alex to pity me. The pity I received from teachers and many others stung and only added to my own pain. You and Alex treated me like a normal person and it was fun being around you. I preferred that friendship over one where you felt concerned or bad for me.)

She turned back to the pipe fox. (So, because of how I felt, I don't pity you but I do understand the pain of losing everyone. So, instead of a pity party how about being friends? You do not have to stay in this dark place forever. You can return to your dark place as often as you need. I won't try to solve your problems or try to make you feel better, but I will be here for when you want to solve your problems or want to feel better.)