(Oh and when Tetsu says things like "my love", I see the two as having a sort of soul mate relationship. They love each other, but not in the way a boyfriend/girlfriend love each other...it's deeper than that...hard to explain).The warm campfire crackled deep within the forests of Sholazar Basin. Relaxed, Rhyela stretched and scanned her eyes over the area. Apollyon’s large figure could be seen just outside the fire’s glow, standing ever-vigilant as he watched for unseen dangers in the night. Dante rested at Rhyela’s side, tail twitching periodically as he slept. Shikon lay next to Dante – she was becoming fonder of him as the group spent more time together. And Jasmine, Rhyela’s newest companion and the reason the group found themselves in the Basin to begin with, was sleeping soundly in the branches of a tree nearby.
Tetsusaiga, his large head resting on Rhyela’s lap, broke the silence. Rhyela, he whispered, how long have we traveled together?
Rhyela thought for a moment, stroking Tetsusaiga’s gray mane. “It has been many years, my friend,” she said at last.
Tetsusaiga emitted a low purr. When we first met, you were like a lion cub; unsure and scared, looking for your place in the world. But over the years, I have watched you grow into a true huntress. Where before you stumbled, now you soar. You’ve even earned the respect of the King of Sholazar.
Rhyela glanced down at her friend, trying to read his expression. But he continued, And during this time, I have come to realize something... Tetsusaiga paused for a moment, seemingly trying to think of what to say. I grow old, Rhyela, and I don’t know when my time will come…
“Don’t say that!” Rhyela interrupted, causing Dante to stir beside her. Her grip on Tetsusaiga’s mane tightened, and she felt a lump forming in her throat.
And unlike other lions, I do not have a pride to call my own.
“What do you mean, Tetsu? You have us, we are your pride, are we not?!”
Yes, but that is not the same. I have no kin, no legacy to pass on to the next generation. It is the lions’ way to ensure that the strongest bloodline be passed on. Rhyela, I have no such legacy. When I die, my legacy dies with me.
“That’s not true!” Rhyela cried. “I…we will always remember you!” Rhyela knew what it was that Tetsusaiga was trying to say, but she did not want to hear him say it.
Rhyela, I have given this much thought and I feel that the time has come that we must part ways for a time. I wish to start a family, I long to have a mate, and cubs, and a territory. I love you as my pride but I must fulfill this desire! Please understand, Rhyela…
Rhyela, crying now, bent and buried her face in Tetsusaiga’s mane. “I…I understand.” She attempted to gain her composure, but seemed to choke on her words. After several minutes of silence and intermittent sobbing, she finally sat straight and placed her hands upon his head. “Tetsusaiga, I shall grant you this wish. You have done so much for me, and for our pride. You have granted me wisdom of a hundred lifetimes, and shown compassion that rivals Elune’s own. I am forever indebted to you, my friend. If all you ask in return is my… ‘permission’ to start a family, then I shall gladly give it.”
Tetsusaiga began to purr and said, I thank you, my love.
Rhyela awoke at dawn to find her companions playing and eating. Jasmine taunted Apollyon from her perch in the tree, ruffling her azure plumage and squawking merrily. Apollyon growled playfully as he tried to shake the massive tree by butting his head against it, but to no avail. Dante and Shikon were sharing what appeared to be a fresh catch – a large river frenzy that was without a doubt no match for the powerful spirit creatures. Tetsusaiga, however, was nowhere in sight. Rhyela’s heart sank. Had Tetsusaiga already left on his own, without saying good-bye? Suddenly, from the trees to her left, Rhyela heard a loud, exuberant roar as Tetsusaiga emerged, snapping at the heels of a fleeing longneck grazer. Rhyela smiled. Tetsusaiga pawed at the terrified animal’s hind legs, and then skillfully darted to the side as the beast released a powerful hind kick. Finally, he stopped his pursuit and let the poor creature dart frantically out of sight. He was acting like a kitten again, toying with his food.
When he saw Rhyela watching, he proudly strutted to her side. I had a wonderful nights’ sleep, my dear. Are you hungry?
Rhyela glanced at the now mostly-devoured frenzy. “Not really,” she replied.
Well then, where are we headed to?
Rhyela sighed. She wasn’t sure whether Tetsusaiga intended to leave soon, or if he had changed his mind altogether regarding the previous night’s discussion. Tetsu seemed to read her concern, and pressed his forehead to her hanging hand. “Shall we return to the Barrens?” she said as she choked down her swelling heart.
Tetsusaiga looked up at her, his blue eyes piercing hers. The lions of the Barrens were already a weak breed, even those many years ago. They grew lazy, and therefore they grew weak. The males were small as they never challenged one another, and the females didn’t hunt, but scavenged. That arrogant cub Humar can have them. No, I do not wish to return there. There must be a land where the lions are fierce and worthy. I want a family that reminds me of this one.
“Alright then, Tetsu, we will find what you seek.”
Shikon had overheard the conversation, and stalked to Rhyela’s other side. Winterspring, she said. My memory of my previous life fails me, but I remember one thing, and that is the name of Winterspring. I do not know what it means, but I believe you may find your answers there.
Rhyela thought for a moment, and then smiled. “Of course!” she exclaimed, “I made a brief visit to Winterspring a few years ago, and the word in Everlook was that there was a breed of feline in the wilderness there that was beautiful, yet deadly. Many hunters wished to tame them, but few succeeded. Tetsu, I think it’s worth looking into.”
Tetsusaiga leaned against Rhyela’s legs, Then what are we waiting for?
It took about a week to travel to Winterspring, but when they arrived in the snowy wilderness, Tetsusaiga’s spirits rose. What a harsh land!
“Is it too cold? I know you were born in the Barrens, and this is quite a contrast to the land you hail from”.
After being in the many places I’ve been while at your side, this is a sunny day in paradise.
Rhyela laughed. “Then shall we continue?” As they trudged through the moist, glittering snow, Rhyela could swear she heard roaring in the distance. But, maybe it was just the wind. Tetsusaiga’s senses, however, seemed alert. Their journey took them far into the northern reaches of the land, and finally Tetsusaiga stepped in front of Rhyela, stopping her in her path.
I’m afraid this is where the path ends, he said.
“But we haven’t quite reached the mountains yet,” Rhyela replied.
Yes, but what I mean to say is that the land beyond here becomes quite dangerous. I sense some very powerful beasts nearby, and I do not wish you to come to harm on my behalf.
Realizing that this was where they must part ways, Rhyela fell on her knees and began to sob uncontrollably. The tears froze to her cheek, but she paid them no mind. Her heart was a storm of emotions: sad, happy, scared…
Tetsusaiga slowly walked to her side and put his face against hers. Please do not cry, Rhyela, for this is not the end, but the beginning. I must do this for myself. But when the time comes, I will call to you. When you feel my heart longing for yours, come back to me. I will be waiting for you.
Rhyela nodded, and embraced her friend in the fiercest hug she had ever given. “I want to meet your family when I come back, my love. Now go! Go and find your destiny, and make a legacy that will never be forgotten!”
She stood abruptly, and Tetsusaiga turned, and sprinted off into the blinding snow at the foot of the mountains. Once he disappeared from sight, she heard one final, triumphant, elated roar carry over the wind.
Though her heart ached like it had been stabbed by Frostmourne itself, she remembered Tetsusaiga’s words and knew that someday, they would meet again. She nodded to herself, and turned and resumed her journey the way it had began – without Tetsusaiga.
When Rhyela returned to Everlook, her four remaining companions were eagerly awaiting her. Rhyela smiled, and realized that while she had lost her first love, she was not alone. As long as she lived, and carried their memories with her, she would never be alone.
/tear
But it does make me feel better knowing that it's not permanent.
