The night was silent and void of the moon, much like his thoughts. Raiden couldn't think, a scowl settling on his maw.
So he stood, his back to the shoreline, his expression unreadable. Clutched in his talons was a crumpled letter, belonging to Mariko's new precious horde. There was nothing in particular that stood out about this one. Contained inside was a humble greeting, hopes of seeing one another, and a promise. He grimaced. The realistic part of himself wanted her to stop any hope of fulfilling such a request, but Raiden didn't have the heart to tell her otherwise.
A harsh gust tossed and turned the grass and trees, bowing from the force.
He was upset. A sudden thought came to mind, and he instantly shoved it further into the furthest recesses of his mind. Shame filled him, threatening to boil over.
Why? Why must she always-
He heard the water first, the familiar sounds of a slow rippling tide, then a shadow looming over him.
"Mo'o." Plainly stated, hollow as he felt now. He didn't turn to face her as she breached the surface. Now he did, out of politeness, and instantly regretted it.
The Gyarados' face was filled with concern as she approached the shore. Did she know what he was thinking? "Raiden. You are isolating yourself… again." She added more quietly at the end. "Do you not feel the urge to reach out and speak with me when you are troubled like this?"
"I can handle it myself." Like he always had done.
Resting her claws in the sand, Mo'o said, "But you are no longer alone."
She always did this, used words and a soothing voice to beckon him.
Raiden shook his head. "Why?"
"Why…?"
Raiden scowled. "Why do you care so much?" His face was as turbulent as the wind beginning to stir around them. "You should stick to what you promised me and nothing more." Power to face what may come in the future.
She flinched, "Raiden." She inhaled, her expression becoming more resolute. "This is what you need as well. Come here." She made a gesture with her claw.
Begrudingly, he stepped forward until they were mere inches apart. "What is it?"
"Listen."
"I'm-"
"Truly listen to." She leaned in close. "Raiden… Are you jealous?" Mo'o asked tentatively.
His lip rose silently into a snarl, "I met others to talk to, as she did. Why would I?"
"That does not answer me."
He snorted, averting his face from her. "…Maybe I was," he admitted quietly. Mariko was at her most radiant that evening. He had never seen her so happy, except in her younger days; when she was a small chick, she followed his every move.
Slow down, brother! I wanna swim with you!
To see her happily conversing with others, strangers, with ease, while he struggled, he felt a disgusting sensation shove its way down his throat. And he didn't know why.
"I don't… know. I should be happy for her. She's able to talk to others." He kept remembering the way she chimed happily, so fondly of this Goomy in particular that listened to her plights. He growled in the back of his throat, wings in the air. "It should have been me. She should have told me these things that bothered her! Not these nobodies who have no place in her life!"
Mo'o looked at him gravely. "Would you have listened to her? Would you have opened your ears, your heart, if you hadn't attended the festivities with her?"
He faltered. He didn't want to think of the possibilities if he hadn't left with her.
"So now you understand." Mo'o smiled widely. "Both of you opened your hearts to others other than each other."
"You smile like this is a good thing."
"It is!" She cradled his face, squished his cheeks. "You're still young, my child. Fending for yourself and your sister at quite a young age. Younger than you should have. This pursuit of power, you believe you need, is merely a step. You need to grow first before you properly fill the role you desire."
Raiden huffed. He batted her claws away with a brush of the wing. "Easy for you to say." At her raised brow, he groused, "You had an easier time. A god's blessing, I take it?"
"I did not. You understand, correct…? I was once a Magikarp. Very weak. Maybe you know of them?"
Who didn't? He used to hunt down a few that washed ashore. "I didn't know you came from a Magikarp."
"Yes. I was a small one," she said. "Hardly worth the time for anyone to snack on. But I was quick, I was smart. I never let anyone know where I was, and I could escape before anyone knew I was there. The local god took notice. He gave me a test, believing I would succeed, and I became as you know me now."
"I-I… " He was lost for words.
"It was what I earned for the trial and merit. I wish.." She sighed. "This duty has left me somewhat isolated. I see you two struggle, and I want better for you both. I want you and Mariko to thrive. You are too young to seek this strength you want so quickly. You have yet to enjoy the joys youth has to offer you. I want this for you. You both."
Raiden appeared torn. "Why?"
Mo'o cocked her head. "It's natural to see young children want them to prosper?" She hesitated, clasping her claws together. "Like children, I never had."
His eyes flashed, his expression grew hardened. "I'm not your child."
She reeled back. "No, no. You are not but… it doesn't stop the urge…"
He turned his back to her. "You don't need to concern yourself with us like that." Before she could say more, he took off to the skies, a flash of lightning coursing in his wake.
She sighed, watching his shadow. "We have a long way to go…"
Art by belongs this person.
