#risk taker (makoton)

[earthendandinbetween]

While the revival of a dead god had the karmens, the patapons, and the zigotons riled up, Makoton faces his own problems living out in the wild with Aiton and Slinky.

The urge to prove himself that he is strong enough to protect himself, that he is strong enough to protect Aiton is still strong. The worry and distrust of Calle’s group and the ever lingering danger of the Dark Heroes weighed heavy on his mind, constantly.

At any moment anybody could strike and ruin his hopes of ever getting things back to normal. Whether it be from the demons the patapons were trusting and housing, or an ambush by those that had betrayed and tried to murder Madfang...He wasn’t sure. But he needed to train, get stronger, get better.

Find a way to protect them all in this new world. Slinky, Naughtyfins, whatever she liked to be called moment to moment always told the yariton not to worry so much, that they would be ok. That the sun would shine eventually if they kept working to move forwards. Makoton disagreed. Things were more tense than they had ever been before, and if the three of them didn’t work enough to build enough defenses then they were as good as dead.

The fact she did not take him seriously with that drove him mad. Fine, he would train alone. He could be strong enough for all of them.

His rage and stress led the zigoton to a strange being, one that he had never seen before. One that seemed kind enough as they talked, admired his strength, and told him what he knew in his heart. That he was right to train so hard, that this was truly the end of the world and he needed to prepare.

It took more than a few meetings for his suspicion to finally die down, and for this mystery being to tell him what he wanted to hear. That any akumapon is a threat. That he was right in everything. This ‘Suto’ being seemed smarter than most, as they told him of the things they observed with the patapons, with him.

They promised he could trust them in this world. That he could be strong enough to keep his loved one safe.

That he was smarter than those patapons.

He was. He knew he was. But it was good to finally be validated in his paranoia.

And so, he agreed to train with Suto. To take care of things to the best of his abilities.

[earthendandinbetween]

I need to try and get things going again in posting the ideas of this au again sooo here’s some current timeline stuff after the last oneshot of makoton running away: - Makoton runs away to join Naughtyfins and Ragewolf/Aiton in the wild. Aiton tries to argue this for a while, as it’s dangerous out there and he’s worried what could befall Makoton out here, especially if the Dark Heroes show up. Makoton argues back that the tribe are all traitors accepting demons and other outside help connected to their enemy, and that he isn’t any safer there. Naughtyfins is quicker to accept his presence and helps Aiton relax into knowing that at least with them, Makoton can have an eye kept on him.

- Suto, the original almighty, has once again made themselves known to Calle in their attempts to gain their powers back from her. After being chased off and noting the group had been warned not to trust them, they begin to look elsewhere to try and cause problems to regain their ‘rightful place’. This includes noting Makoton’s distrust of Calle and the others, and beginning to scheme what they can do to get him to trust them instead.

- Sonarchy notices that Covet is becoming more keen on keeping an eye on him much more often, not taking his excuses as easily. This puts a wrench in his plans with Mecha Hoshipon, and he temporarily sends the star to stay put with the patapons while he works on trying to appease his mother’s suspicions.

[earthendandinbetween]

Lots of patapon doodles from the past few days.

[earthendandinbetween]

Hey come on, don’t you trust the star?

[earthendandinbetween]

Makoton you are very paranoid an disrespectful, man.

Early morning, he wouldn’t typically leave in the early mornings, mostly because the yariton would be stopped by any number of hideout residents trying to prevent him from his goals and attempts.

The only difference this time? Makoton wasn’t planning on coming back. This place was full of liars and traitors, he didn’t need that distraction here. He didn’t need to be apart of those tricked and eventually killed by the demons let in and distractions openly accepted. Messages from a metal star? Hah, they would believe anything that thing said so far. It was clearly from those dark heroes, it had always been around them. Eventually it’ll lead them astray and massacre the lot.

...And at this point? Who cared what happened to them? A group of liars and scammers, convincing anyone that they were in the right for choices. Pathetic.

He wasn’t coming back. Maybe Aiton had the right idea in not coming to the hideout, even if for a different reason than he would have. And if the other yariton was not coming back? He would just go out there and live with him. Perhaps that fish-like friend he’s made as well. He’d be fine out there.

The zigoton closed the leather pack he had set up. He hadn’t many possessions, making packing a few blankets and various other tools easy enough. Anything leftover in his makeshift house didn’t matter. Pictures of old tribemates, generals--- he didn’t need a reminder of how they all left him for dead with the demons and then expected him to accept the ‘innocent’ ones into his life. The hypocrisy of not doing dangerous stunts, only to do them on their own.

The expectation of him to carry the torch of being a general in the future. To lead others like he was led. No.

He was a leader, sure, but not in that way. He would never cross these lines of expectation. Paranoid, he was constantly called. And...And perhaps that was right, but better than being complacent in his role.

See something wrong, point it out. And he had enough of pointing out the wrong and being brushed aside. Good riddance.

“Makoton, where are you going?” He froze slightly at the voice of another zigoton.

“Well, Gong,” The yariton didn’t bother to turn, only taking a few steps forwards, “That’s not your business anymore.”

“Of course it is,” The tateton half grumbled, “Makoton, as your general I have to discourage you from-”

“No, you’re not,” It was blunt, but held a hint of venom in it, “You’re absolutely not.”

“Wh...What are you talking about?”

“You’re not my general, I don’t answer to you.”

“You’re being insane,” Gong stepped infront of him, eyebrow lowered in a half glare, “You’re letting your paranoia go too far.”

“I think that’s for me to decide,” The zigoton pushed the general out of his face, stretching his shoulders to carry his pack more comfortably, “Out of my way.”

“I can’t let you do this. I’d be a fool to.”

“You’ve done an awful lot of being a fool already,” Makoton bit back, “This would be the first sane thing you’ve done in a way.”

“You don’t understand-”

“Of course I do. You have no rule over me. No one here does. I’m leaving, don’t you get that?”

It was quiet for a moment, the steps of the general ceasing with a sigh.

“Makoton-” Gong wasn’t allowed to continue, being cut off immediately before the sentence could begin.

“I think it’s very clear,” Makoton continued to walk, voice slowly fading out as he was focused towards his destination, “You’re not my general. Not anymore. You won’t see me again, mark that down.”

[earthendandinbetween]

some stuff

[earthendandinbetween]

Makoton, please stop being so paranoid about everything. I’m begging.

The yariton growled slightly, pressed behind one of the makeshift homes in an attempt to hide from an attempted ‘game’ that two scorpion helmed akumapons had tried to start with him. Not now, not ever would he ‘play nice’ with any of these demons. They were tricksters, and that fact was proven constantly by their oh-so-harmless pranks and tiny tricks here and there. This was clearly a setup to lull the tribes into a false sense of security! Two spies brought in by another demon to slowly map out all the troops in the hideout and--- wipe them out eventually! This wasn’t good, not by a long-shot.

Makoton wasn’t the only one worried about the potential threats this could bring! He had asked other zigotons in the hideout about it as well from time to time, but they always leaned back that all the leaders in this area were fine with it all! As if. Calle was overly optimistic, Gong was, in his mind, a hypocrite and probably unfit to be a general any longer, and--- and even Spiderton had disagreed with him! Of all the nonsensical things that could happen, having the kibaton that very very outwardly disliked the akumapon general had even stated that ‘he’s not much of a threat here’.

It didn’t matter, he’d keep bringing attention to it, just to soil any plots of relaying any information back to the Dark Heroes or that-- that star. If one eye was kept on them at all times, they’d have to stay pacifist in the hideout, lest anyone else catch on to their ploys. Demons from the underworld and two tribes vying to just survive weren’t a good mix.

...Even if it was simply Kharma’s fault, to some extent, the fact they remained there and continued to fight only proved they deserved to remain there. It was easy enough to rationalize...If he didn’t think too hard about it. That morality was out of the question when it came to the possible end of the world here.

The pittering of feet caught the zigoton’s attention, pulling him up into a defensive position. It was always best to be alert, anything could happen around here. So much more hostile and confusing than back home, so he adjusted himself accordingly. He didn’t care if it made him seem insane, he just had to keep himself and Aiton safe--- No matter the costs. No matter the opinions of others. True soldiers kept the honor of their tribe, something he was certain his two so-called generals had clearly forgotten.

“Oh! Over here!”

“Over there? Are you sure?”

Makoton’s eye squinted in annoyance, balling his fists to seem just a little more intimidating. He was well aware he was much smaller than the two akumapons as they rounded the corner to spot him, but he certainly could try to chase them off from himself.

“We found you!” It was in such perfect sync, something that creeped him out to no end, “Good hiding spot!”

“I didn’t want to be found,” He hissed back, glancing about for an opportunity to scurry off again, “I’m not playing a game with you.”

“You’re not?”

“But you’re really good at this one!”

“Yeah, we could-”

“Back off!” Makoton stepped forwards, causing the two yaripons to take a few steps back in response, confusion clear, “I don’t want anything to do with either of you. I know what you’re up to and I’m not going to let you get away with it, got it?”

“Did he find out about a prank we planned?”

“I don’t think so? Did we prank him recently?”

“I don’t remember that.”

Listening to their constant chatter caused the zigoton to twitch slightly. They knew very well what he meant! They just wanted to try and make him question his own ideals.

“Scram you little creeps,” He grumbled, “You know exactly what I meant. Get lost and stay out of my way.”

The two scorpion helmed yaripons exchanged glances, whispering and shrugging to eachother before giving Makoton one more questioning look with the tilt of their heads.

“Well, whatever we did...”

“We sure are sorry if it caused this much of an issue!”

The zigoton opted to cross his arms, disinterested in conversing with them any further. It wasn’t worth his time or energy to play ‘friends’ with them.

“Well um---”

“Should we find someone else?”

"Yeah! Yeah, I know someone who we could bother!”

Soon after, the duo of akumapons disappeared the way they came, scrambling off to another resident of the hideout to play ‘games’ with. He almost suspected they were trying to corner him out here, but--- that would surely give away their plans.

...He’d keep that in mind from now on though, it was always a possibility.

Can’t be too unaware around here.

[earthendandinbetween]

To answer those questions:

I imagine that once an Archfiend’s boss creature is defeated, their hold over that mask is weakened once they leave to join the others that were defeated to regroup, therefore during the entire time Madfang/Aiton’s Archfiend is around, he’s 100% Madfang. Very anger filled, very confident. Constant need to prove himself is something added in, though.

Once the memories kick in after the Archfiend leaves, however, it’s more of a 50%/50% split on it. Since he’s still donning the mask, he has uncontrollable bouts of rage still, but also retains his much softer demeanor he had before. This is also what happened to Gong at first as well, until he got help when he joined up with the others/ had his mask removed.

As for Makoton, he’s definitely there in the background of the main group, mostly tracking Madfang and attempting to reason with him at times when he can be found, but so far in the timeline, not much as changed. He’s...worried and taking a lot more bolder risks with it all. There’s been talk of trying to send him back over the bridge to prevent any huge trouble, but it’s not been successful. They’re both rather determined zigotons in the end, after all. He’d find some way to get back and start all over on his own plans. The rest of it all? Doesn’t exactly matter to him.

[earthendandinbetween]

Another short, this time with Makoton and Calle

He thought he had snuck away easily, without a single one of either two obnoxious tribes noticing or following him. And yet, as Makoton stood at the edge of the hill towards the birch forest, a lighter pair of footsteps were fading in behind him.

How many times was he going to have to tell them all that they couldn’t stop him? That he was going to keep trying to get Aiton back? There was nothing that they could say or do that would make him stop. The zigoton was going to make sure whoever this was would leave him be.

“Makoton?” Came the soft voice of the patapon’s Almighty. Of course it had to be that nosy deity…

He admitted, though halfheartedly, that at least it was a friend rather than one of the other troops or generals. Still, Makoton could tell what was coming, an attempt to sway his mind.

...At least Calle would back off quickly.

“Can I help you?” He hissed lowly, taking a few steps forwards down the incline, “I can’t talk for very long.”

“I know you’re upset with all of us,” She followed suit, head tilted low with empathy, “I understand some of the way others have worded things can be a bit--- Cruel sounding to sound the least...”

“I’m not here to listen to your explanations,” The yariton grumbled, turning his back on the deity, “I’ve said it once, I’ll say it a million times over. I’m not ever leaving him alone out there.”

A silence took over for a moment, giving Makoton the hope that he had already won the argument and could just leave already. This was always more trouble than it was worth for the others. What did it matter if he put himself in danger? It was his choice.

“I know. And I don’t blame you for being so determined,” Calle responded, catching up to his side, “I truly don’t.”

“Well, then what do you want?” He rolled his eye, pushing away from the patapon, “What’s the point of this?”

“Makoton. You and Aiton are my friends,” The deity ‘smiled’, “I kept you both from getting killed in the beginning… I don’t want to sit idly by while you’re both in trouble.”

“...And?” His brow quirked up in slight surprise. This was very different from all the other conversations he had in the past.

“I’m coming with you, is what I’m saying.”

“Y...You’re what?” The yariton’s confusion was visible in both voice and expression, “...You’re not trying to stop me?”

“No. I’m not,” Calle hummed, “No one can stop you. I can only make sure you stay safe.”

“Well,” This was, to him, the only sensible response he had gotten this entire time, “...Hurry up then. I want to be back by sunset, before anyone notices. Don’t get in my way.”

“I won’t. Promise. We’ll get him back.”

“...I’ll get him back. Of course I will.”

[earthendandinbetween]

Gong tries to talk to Makoton about going off after Madfang,

“You’ve been out here all night,” Calle’s voice called out, footsteps slowly approaching the sandy hill he had been keeping watch on, “Please. I’m sure he’ll be back by morning-”

Gong simply held a hand out to silence her, gripping his scythe slightly tighter. The hint of exhaustion was prevalent, but this wasn’t something he was not used to. He had stayed watch much longer than this before.

“And I will be here when he returns,” The response was short, hoarse. Speech wasn’t exactly the first thing on his mind at the moment.

“Or,” She stepped slightly closer, voice soft and uncertain, “You can rest, and I can keep vigil for the rest of the night for you.”

“No.”

Typically, the general’s words would not be so short, so curt and without an air of respect to them. It’s different, though, when it’s in-regards to one’s own tribe. When one sees the same error repeated time and time again. Gong’s gaze shifted temporarily, eyeing the deity’s every move with a hint of skepticism in her intentions at the moment. Did she not see the direness of the situation? Surely she had to have. This soldier was a friend of hers as well.

“...It has to be me,” He stated after an uncomfortably long silence, “If it were one of your soldiers, I’m sure you would wish to be the first to greet them as well.”

There was a dip of the head, a sigh followed by a quiet, “If you insist.”

And then, his focus was turned back to the horizon, looking past the scaling trees that surrounded the field just outside of the hideout’s reach. The dark blues were slowly beginning to fade to a lighter color,  leading him to believe that sunrise was just around the corner.

A hand gripped his shoulder lightly, bringing an odd sense of feeling grounded. He hadn’t realized the shift between consciousness over the monotonous, ever watchful gaze he had held for hours.

“Gong?” Calle half whispered, “...I’m sure he’s going to be alright.”

The general gently shrugged the touch off, offering a chuckle and a sarcastic tone, just to appear as everything was normal. That the ever looming stress of the end of the world was not as severe as it seemed.

“Do not patronize me, Almighty. I am strong enough to handle this on my own.”

The deity’s soft stepped picked up again, returning back towards the hideout, fading off into the rest of the sounds the night brought. Silence once more reigned, bringing a maddening worry that had been present the entire time.

Questioned lingered and split off into different outcomes, running into the endless train of thought that--- Perhaps the soldier he was waiting for would not come home. That he had once again foolishly put himself in harm and danger instead of waiting for a proper command or answer.

Though painful, it would not be surprising. No, it would be quite inline. Headstrong and stubborn, but incredibly loyal. He admired those traits with a slight frustration present.

To be young and believe one is stronger than anything due to that. Foolish, but admirable. Of course he would think such, he was the same once upon a time. But, everyone must grow eventually. Whether they learn the hard way or not.

And as the night faded to day, a faint figure came from the forest, black and reddish tones noticeable even through the distance. Alive, and most likely dejected and angry. That, from what Gong had heard, was typically how he returned in the mornings. A fiery rage filled with demands for revenge for what had been done to his loved one. The question that perhaps, if he had been there to stop the other---

Many other sentences, curses, and hurt.

Unfortunately, he knew he was only about to contribute to that anger, even if only for a moment. His orders needed to be known.

This could not continue like this.

The yariton’s gaze was cast downwards as he marched--- slogged up the hill, dirt kicking up from the effort it took to raise himself high enough to reach the edge. His arms twitched slightly, a barely known acknowledgment that he had seen the general as he tried to continue past towards the tents in the hideout.

“Makoton,” Gong’s tone was firm, but held an air of hesitation to it that he tried to push down. This needed to happen, “We need to talk.”

A pause in step, yet the zigoton in question refused to turn, to make eye contact. Form hunched, riddled with exhaustion and a numbing anger that could not be quelled easily.

“I have nothing to say to you,” Was the response growled, “You can’t stop me from going after him.”

A twinge of annoyance rung in his form as he stood, inhaling sharply to regain his patience. This was common between the two as of late. An attempt at reasoning that was always quickly scorned or shoved away like it was a foolish or unneeded opinion.

“Listen,” The general kept back the bite in his tone, trying to prevent the situation from escalating more than necessary, “I understand the wish to chase after Madfang, believe me I know the power those masks have over one. However, Makoton-”

“Aiton. His name is Aiton.” Makoton had turned slightly, enough for the glare he held to be seen, “Do not call him that. He’s apart of our tribe. You know his name. I don’t call you ‘Ravenous’ now do I?”

With a sigh, Gong slowly shook his head, “I apologize. I had grown used to that name. Aiton. I remember him well, of course I do, I have not forgotten a single one of you. Now, please, listen to me without interrupting.”

A silence hung in the air, signaling the urge to continue in his words before the yariton lost interest and fled once more.

“I know you love him. I get the want to protect those you hold close, but--- What you are doing is foolish. You are running away alone, without backup, and--- You are risking your life every single time.”

“And? I don’t care what happens. I’m going to bring him back. I’d do anything to keep Aiton safe! What does it matter if I’m risking myself? It’s no different than anything in the past! Isn’t that the ‘warrior’s way’ or something?”

Gong winced slightly at the mockery of his own words, his motto of life and death, how every battle and every choice is just how a warrior must live. This was different. This was preventable.

“Yes. A warrior’s life is full of strife and choice,” He held his breath for just a moment, shaking the exhaustion from himself, “But your death is preventable, and therefore I must keep you from making this choice.”

Makoton gave a harsh laugh, casting his spear aside with a stomp of his foot, “Oh? Preventable? Just like you prevented your own death back in our territory? You preach the need to give up certain battles, to sit back sometimes and think things through--- But look at you! You’ve died once and constantly push into situations that aren’t your business.”

“Makoton, I am your general! I have to make sure my tribe stays alive. Aiton made his choice when he took that mask-”

“Made his choice?” The raise in tone was enough to take the general slightly aback, “You mean when he was tricked and pulled in by the rest of them? Just like you were? You tell me not to get in the way of the Dark Heroes, not to fight them! You tell me that the mask’s effects have to be broken on their own, that he will come back when he’s ready-”

“And he will, I assure you,” Gong lifted a hand passively, pleadingly, “Aiton truly loves you. He is hiding to keep you safe from harm. You have always looked out for him, and you have to let him go for now.”

“Let him go? Let him go?” Makoton’s tone had boiled over, unleashing all the pent up rage he had most likely built over the night, “You’re telling me to let him die out there? You of all people? Telling me to let someone go? The same general who went off on his own to make friends with someone from the same demonic tribe that helped cause this entire mess? Hah! You decided that since the akumapons were once apart of the zigoton tribe that it was perfectly logical and sensible to entrust one of their generals! You, the same zigoton that saw what their little leading star had done to me! And you! You! You’re telling me to let Aiton go off on his own, with the possibility of him being gone forever?”

“Makoton-”

“No, don’t you dare speak over me. What have you done for this situation? You at anytime--- You could’ve talked sense to him when you wore your mask! You could’ve done anything this whole entire time he’s been on the run. But no. You sit here. You do nothing. You preach that this is just how things have to be, that it’s up to him to break free- that chasing him will only lead to further harm.

What--- What kind of general abandons one of his own soldiers like this?”

The last line struck a nerve with the zigoton general, causing his posture to stiffen, muscles tense with a hurt and anger that tore away the monotonous night he had. He had always been there to care for his soldiers. This was no different. It wasn’t his fault that the yariton couldn’t see the whole of the picture.

“I,” His breath was sharp, edging on his own break in rage that he forced back, “I have not abandoned Aiton. I am truly sorry that you do not see why it’s important to let him be for now, but I promise I have always had the tribe’s best interests in-mind. I could not bare to see unneeded death again. Not like this.”

“You,” It was a weak laugh that died off in the other’s throat as he turned back towards the hideout, “You’re pathetic.”

And as Makoton’s footsteps carried off into the distance, the general fell to his knees. Exhaustion, frustration, and a bit of hurt lingering. This wasn’t how it should be.

...In the end, perhaps he should heed his own advice.

To let one make their own choices. This, this was just how it had to be. There was no use talking sense into one whom already has their heart set on something.

That did not mean, however, that it did not hurt.

[earthendandinbetween]

So what were the relationships between the generals like? Especially after makoton kinda left gong for dead—

Also Aiton and Makoton are gay and in love here right?? /hj

Here's a post about spiderton/gong/kuwagattan's current interactions

As for Makoton leaving Gong for dead? He can't exactly blame him for that in this AU, he simply wanted to get Aiton to safety after Calle well...accidentally killed Gong. Neither of the zigotons really knew what to do other than retreat and take his helm. There's no hard feelings.

Also absolutely. 100%

[earthendandinbetween]

Madfang moments :(

“Stop following me,” Though the growl was harsh, there was a hint of sadness lingering behind the words as Madfang continued traveling west of the fields, “There’s too many creatures out this way to hurt you.”

“No! Aiton, listen to me!” The yariton did not break his stride, beginning to sprint as the wolf-masked Dark Hero picked up his pace, “Please!”

There was a soft pause in words before Madfang spun around, slamming his claws into the earth with a resounding rumbling sound and almost roar-like howl. His chest puffed out a few times from taking in ragged, anger-fueled breaths that slowly died off into a grumble of pain. He didn’t want to act like this. Not to Makoton. He told him time and time again he couldn’t stay in the hideout, that he would be glad to meet every now and then--- But the zigoton wouldn’t listen, demanding that the wolf listen to him instead.

It...was frustrating. Beyond the anger the mask gave him, it was irritating to be treated like he could not make his own choices, that he did not know what was best for himself.

...He did not want to take this anger out on him, though. Makoton was hurt as well, this wasn’t ever going to be easy. One day, if he could conquer this mask, he could rejoin, but for now that was a simple pipe-dream.

“No. Listen to me,” He hissed, lifting himself back up to his full height, “I do this for your own good. You say I wouldn’t hurt you or the hideout, but--- You don’t know that. I don’t know that. The slightest wrongdoing to me can cause a spiral of revenge-fueled rage. I haven’t conquered my mask. I am not exactly who you know.”

“Aiton--- Of course I know you,” Makoton attempted to reason, taking a few wide steps towards the wolf, “I love you. I need you to come home.”

“...I love you too, you know this,” Madfang crouched, enough to let their foreheads touch momentarily, “This is why I stop to see you. However, it is not safe for any of us if I were to return in this state. The Dark Heroes are aware I am alive and want me dead, and I cannot control my rage yet. Any number of things could go wrong.”

“We could protect you! I promise.”

“...But could I protect you?”

Both parties paused, with only the calls of the various creatures further beyond the fields audible. He had hoped the expression the yariton was holding was that of recognition, yet...He knew the stubbornness he held more than anyone else. This was not going to persuade him to stop risking his life out here alone. One of the main reasons the wolf had not gone further out. He would be responsible should the zigoton he cared the most about died while hunting him down.

He couldn’t handle such.

“Makoton,” His voice softened, much closer to how he once sounded in the past, “I’ve always trusted you with all of your plans. I need you to trust me now. Don’t hunt me down beyond the fields, it isn’t safe alone.”

“...I can’t do this without you, Aiton.”

“And you won’t,” The wolf’s ears gave a twitch, “And even if the worst is to come, I promise we will always meet again. Now please, go home. This isn’t the end. Not yet.”

[earthendandinbetween]

Makoton being very headstrong again

Strange, how stress can drastically change one’s opinions and personality. The yariton beside her very rarely showed many traces of the determined, yet kind personality she had first met, becoming much colder and snappier upon joining in at the hideout. Perhaps, just perhaps, this only meant that Calle had not known Makoton as well as she first thought. It wasn’t like she had seen him often prior to the bridge’s construction, with everything that happened.

Could she truly blame him for the burning anger he held, after the occurrences before and after crossing the bridge? No, not truly. He had been tricked into fighting for a demonic star, and then lost Aiton soon after. She felt, though harsh at times, the anger was well justified. Mostly.

“We’ve walked this path before,” The deity whispered softly, glancing about the white and black spotted birch as they passed, “I recognize the rock formations.”

“I know,” Though quiet, Makoton’s tone was still somewhat sharp, “Aiton was patrolling here a few weeks ago. I suspect he’ll come back again.”

“You don’t think he’s left the Field of Angry Giants?”

“...No. He might have gone as far as the Snowfields, but, He’s mentioned he’s wary of traveling further out.”

“Afraid of the Akumapons or Bonedeth patrols spotting him, right?”

Makoton simply nodded, picking up his pace to be just slightly ahead of the deity. Night was slowly approaching, but, he had told her he had no intentions of returning until morning. Calle agreed to help before, so, she was going to keep her word. She wasn’t going to give him more reasons to scorn the hideout, not now. The only thing she could hope for, is that the wolf-masked zigoton they were seeking would finally agree to come back with them. He had just as much of a place as anyone else, and perhaps---

Perhaps this could ease some of the tensions in the end.

Throughout the traveling they stopped by a few notable rock formations, pausing for any signs of anyone passing through, or to see if anything would happen. When it did not, the yariton would nudge her and they would move silently along again. It worried her, the constant silence with very little occurring. How often had he done the same thing before she joined in? Reeling in the same disappointment over and over? Or when he would spot Aiton, and the masked Dark Hero would flee soon after.

She couldn’t quite comprehend it all. And maybe, she wasn’t supposed to. This was just how things were when one had little help from others. She firmly remembered Makoton’s previous requests to set up patrol groups, only to be shot down by the two zigoton generals. Spiderton thought it was too risky and that if the Madfang personality shone again, it could lead them into a trap. Though, he had eventually told Makoton should they see Aiton on their morning patrols, he would do his best to help. And Gong...She couldn’t quite understand his reasoning in things sometimes. He stated that should Aiton wish to return, it would have to be on his own. This forceful searching only drove him out further. It was going to be his choice in the end, not anyone else’s and that they should leave it all be.

...Calle wasn’t sure she agreed with the statement. And she deeply knew how much Makoton despised that advice. With the lack of progress made, however, she couldn’t help but see a minor bit of truth in such. He was afraid. They all were, in the end, when it came to the possible end of the world.

A grumble brought her thoughts back to the current situation, watching as the yariton turned swiftly around, clutching his spear tightly.

“We can’t cover enough ground on our own!” He shouted, eye narrowing fiercely, “We could be just missing him, or in the wrong area entirely!”

“Makoton,” Calle approached carefully, “Don’t lose hope. We’ll find Aiton eventually.”

“I haven’t it’s just---” He paused, eye lighting up with an idea, “Your remaining patapons! We could have our own patrol group. No one else is doing the right thing!”

The deity froze in her tracks, glancing away towards the darkening horizon. Her remaining troops? She couldn’t, she would have already offered had the option been available from the start. They were too involved in plans to keep watch over forts, or help the generals at base work towards the next siege or counterattack to the remaining Dark Heroes. There weren’t enough of them to make this work, not like how the yariton would want. Plus, the conflicts this would cause...She had already been warned not to encourage this obsessive search. The wrench and slow this could all put into keeping the lands safe.

“Calle?” Makoton murmured, slowly taking on an expression of betrayal, “Why aren’t you saying anything? ...We...We could fix this.”

With her head bowed and eye creased in worry, she couldn’t come up with any words. He was her friend, she didn’t want to deny him vocally, it...hurt her too much to do such. Makoton was relying her as his last hope and she was letting him down like the rest. She didn’t want to, but the protection of the lands was far more pressing.

“I...I would be glad to continue helping you myself,” Calle managed, keeping her tone light as if it would counteract any of the rage and hurt she knew was coming.

“Of course,” The zigoton huffed coldly, “I should’ve guessed that you’d let me down too.”

“Makoton, I’m sorry,” She responded, “It’s not that I don’t want to. There’s just--- There’s not enough of us. It’s crucial we keep planning to drive the Dark Heroes and their Archfiends back or--- Or there won’t be a world to find Aiton in. I can’t spare a single one of my remaining tribe. I promise you, if I had even a few more, I would’ve offered this to you in a heartbeat.”

His brow softened, dropping the spear he had clutched with a dull thud to the dirt below, “...I see. At least you have a better excuse than my so-called generals. They are cowards who pretend to care for their tribe members.”

“...They mean well,” The deity tried to reason, “They don’t want either of you hurt by this.”

“Hm...And yet one of them still entrusts an akumapon to be within our camp,” Makoton’s voice held a deep bitterness, “Is that really keeping us all safe?”

“Makoton-”

“Don’t. I know what I’m talking about. Those demons aren’t trustworthy.”

Calle sighed, dropping the subject before it could really begin. He had a right to worry about such things. She could only hope he would change his mind eventually.

“Look,” She stepped a bit closer, watching as the zigoton stepped a few steps back in response, “You and I will keep looking, alright? We can fix this.”

“...I can,” Makoton corrected, “I’m not...I’m not so sure about you. Not really.”

She understood. Perhaps he only saw her as trying to pacify him.

...And perhaps she was, in an odd way through her attempts to help.

[earthendandinbetween]

Cause then one day you’ll bite the big one, everyone will move onto somebody new. It’s just like Vera Lynn, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square in 1940 I still connect with every single thing she sang (Everything I couldn't say, I can feel it killing me) A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square in 1940

Oh, we’ll meet again