CHAPTER 212- SOMETHING LONG NEEDED

[Keeno POV]

Over the next week nothing much had happened. I was helping with whatever was going on with Freya as much as I could, and it was having an effect, but the farther we went, the more frequent and potent whatever it was, was getting. Ama had returned after a few days, but with no new information since the Ocean Goddess was holing herself up, apparently extremely depressed by something to the point of almost violently refusing any and all visitors.

On the topic of whatever the strange feathers and creatures of the night that have been haunting the bridge, new developments had occurred. Several people who had feathers vanished in the night. It caused a lot of chaos at first, but the next night they were returned, severely drained, but otherwise healthy. The stranger part was, most of the victims were men.  There were a few women too, but only a handful. When a few of the more conscious ones were questioned, they refused to say anything helpful other than to just ignore whatever it was and to continue on. One even decided to just stay where he was, leaving his convoy entirely. I thought there must have been some kind of mental manipulation magic or something at play, but Ama said there wasn’t anything of the sort. I did question if she knew what was going on, and aside from her saying she may have some idea, she didn’t give any details due to “lack of information.”

Mostima said that it might be something to do with those new monsters we found while traversing the jungle, and looking back on how they acted back then, it made sense that was the case. Ama didn’t confirm or deny anything, though I feel that might have been due to her not wanting any more connection to how those monsters acted.

‘Ama, you don’t have to be embarrassed about what they do, even if you took a major role in their creation. I mean, we aren’t much better when we’re together.’

{I know that, what I’m embarrassed about is the lack of shame. I know I’m not the one who made them that way, but if this is the way Fu and Moco wanted them to be, then what does this say about them?}

‘…We need to make sure Red and Ortilinde don’t get corrupted.’

{Agreed…Hmm?}

‘Ama?’

[Amaterasu POV]

Walking into my home were two guests. In front was Hresvelgr carrying a box while behind her, almost hiding, was Phobos.  I couldn’t stop an agitated twitch from my tails at seeing him, so I decided to ignore him until I couldn’t.

“Hello Amaterasu, I’ve brought over those things you asked me to make. Don’t know what you wanted with small scale dimensional pockets, but it seems interesting. Once you finish with whatever it is I’d love to have one.”

I blushed a little at Hresvelgr’s innocent request knowing what I was going to use those for, but I internally shook my head to clear my thoughts.

{Thank you, Hresvelgr.  I’ll see what I can do, but it’s going to be a while since I’ll need to test things out once the final version is made.}

“Alrighty.  Now, I’d love to stay and chat with you and little miss Keeno, but first, there is something long overdue that needs to be said.”

Hresvelgr stepped aside and basically pushed Phobos in front of me.  For the first time in all my existence, I saw he actually seemed remorseful. His eyes were sunken and he had dark shadows under them like when mortals lose sleep for a long time. His normally well groomed appearance was anything but and he faintly smelled of alcohol.

“Now, my dear Phobos, you’ve put this off for far too long.”

Hresvelgr’s sweet tone hardly masked her exasperation.

Phobos looked up at me and then fell to his knees, bowing in supplication.

“Amaterasu, oh great Goddess of Life, Sun, and Magic-”

“Cut it out with the theatrics, it won’t sound genuine.”

“…Amaterasu…Miss Keeno, I truly, with all my being, apologize. I know this is many, MANY years too late, but it needs to be said. I, in my arrogance, have cause both you and Miss Keeno many troubles. I won’t make any excuses, what I did was unforgivable and has caused no small amount of problems, especially for Miss Keeno. I find it hard to find the words to express my apologies.”

I was stunned. To think Phobos of all people was here, bowing in front of me, groveling apologies. I looked over at Hresvelgr who had a satisfied smile.

“When my dear Phobos here told me about his hand in Miss Keeno’s situation and why the two of you, quite rightfully, hate him-” At this barb Phobos seemed to start shaking-“I was livid. When he asked me why, I gave him a few hints, and he figured the rest out himself.”

“Yes.  Even when I did what I did, my reasonings were just shallow excuses. I never took into account the feelings of those affected and how it may hurt the two of you. Nothing I can say can truly show how much I am sorry for doing that.”

“Dear Phobos, you are starting to sound condescending and sarcastic.”

“…”

{*Sigh*Phobos, while I still don’t forgive you, I’ll at least consider your apology. I don’t know what Keeno thinks since she’s been silent this entire time, but when she does respond, I’ll let Hresvelgr know. For now, just please leave. And Hresvelgr…thanks?  I really don’t know how to respond to this right now, but feel free to come and visit whenever.}

Phobos slowly rose to his feet and Hresvelgr wrapped her arms around his and dragged him off.

{…}

“I’m thinking it’s good I wasn’t there in person today.”

{Mm.}

In Keeno’s voice I could hear a simmering anger. I didn’t blame her for it because I felt the same, but I will at least commend him on finally apologizing properly.  We continued to sit in silence, neither of us knowing what to say, though the ever present worry started creeping back into Keeno’s mood from what I could feel through our connection. We really needed to figure out what was going on with Freya and the ocean.

Chaos Realm:

Luna: Payto.

Hmm?*drip*

Luna: I’m worried about Keeno’s friend.

They will find answers soon.*drip drop*

Luna: They better!

Trust me.*drop*

Luna: Also…why are you soaking wet?

Nykuro: Nye he he!

Luna: Ah.