Deviation Actions
Literature Text
Wakfu
Loyalties
Chapter 05
Atonement
The Brotherhood of Tofu was divided, not by different opinions but by tasks. Tristepin and Ruel decided to deal with the magical ice, though neither of them was certain about how to break the large blocks, let alone melt them. Yugo set out to find anything useful to warm up those encased in the ice in case Tristepin and Ruel would find a way, while Evangelyne and Amalia remained with the children and Dofus to keep an eye out for trouble. Though, it was very quiet. Nobody had come up to Harebourg's trophy room after the wedding was canceled due to Yugo's interference and the reveal of the truth behind Count Harebourg's intentions. There was no resistance or retaliation from Frigost, not yet at least.
Alys was devastated by the discovery of Joris imprisoned in the ice, but she kept herself poised enough to not look all too distraught. It was still too confusing to make any sense out of the whole situation ad mystery… she had to keep a leveled head. She was worried, however, so incredibly worried. Her hands were freezing cold, the warmth of her Wakfu no longer having an effect. The ice Harebourg was able to control was unbreakable. She tried though, the desperation to get Joris out making her determined to find a weak spot in the count's icy prison. She had been channeling her Wakfu through the palm of her hands against the thick ice, but the warmth didn't cause it to melt or crack and hardly penetrated the surface. It was a demoralizing truth.
"You managed to get us out of the ice with your new powers, Pinpin. You think you can try it on these blocks?" Ruel pondered as he stood beside the Iop, thoughtfully stroking his beard while his eyes remained on the back of the Eliatrope who kept pressing her glowing hands against the ice. Taking those ice blocks down was one thing, breaking them and getting those kept inside out was another. He had tried to damage it with a good whacking of his shovel but the ice refused to budge, and, by the looks of it, neither an Eliatrope's powers had an effect on it.
"I could give it a shot," the Iop said with pursed lips, not certain how to call upon the strange powers which had suddenly awoken inside him during the showdown far below. He flexed his fingers and cracked his knuckles as he crossed the small distance to Alys and the three ice blocks, saying apologetically with a smile to not startle the Eliatrope while he peeked over her shoulder," 'scuse me, Alys. I'll take it over from here."
Alys looked up with a hint of bewilderment after she heard Tristepin, having gazed upon Joris' hidden visage lost in thought and worried while the cold numbed her fingers. The familiar glow of Wakfu faded underneath her skin when her hands reluctantly slipped away from the smooth but freezing surface, the small nod she gave Tristepin and the few steps she took back showing she complied. She hoped he was able rid the ice like he did earlier… She wanted to know if all three captives were alive and well. She slightly turned her head when she felt a warm comforting hand on her shoulder, seeing Ruel smile at her to assure her everything would be alright. She gave him a faint smile in return before she looked back to Tristepin and the block of ice Joris was held in, watching the ginger warrior peer at the palms of his hands before he began to furiously rub them together. The orange glow from before steadily reappeared the quicker he rubbed his hands as if he was trying to stoke a campfire with nothing but two sticks, and soon enough his hands were aglow.
The moment Tristepin somewhat hesitantly laid his hands against the ice, his awakened powers instantly dealt with the ice like it was nothing but butter in a frying pan. It surprised even him how fast the ice melted with a mere touch, having hardly put any pressure against the icy surface. Ruel and Alys rose a hand or arm to shield their eyes against the cloud of steam the rapidly thawing ice spewed forth, the heat from Tristepin's glowing hands making quick work of Joris' icy prison.
The small form of the Bontarian master sat knelt on the floor before Tristepin after the steam settled, heavily shaking as he kept himself propped up on a hand. Water dripped from his coat and mantle, though the small droplets froze over fairly quick in the chilly environment, not granting the shivering master any respite or a chance to warm up.
Alys left Ruel's side to lower herself down in front of Joris after it became apparent he was conscious and completely free from his imprisonment, the worry she felt making her careful in her doing. He appeared to be freezing, not a surprise after he was kept in a solid block of ice. She hesitated to touch him before reluctantly reaching out to lay a hand on his shoulder, their eyes meeting after he quickly lifted his head in startle and looked at her from under his hood, visibly quivering with an arm wrapped tightly around himself.
His rapid breathing left him with white puffs of chilled air, his teeth clattering as he asked," ah-Alys, i-is that y-you...?" He was surprised to see her as he pushed through the confusion, his large eyes betraying the bewilderment he felt. The last thing he remembered was the basement of the bazaar, after he was restrained and immobilized by dragon slime. Sipho. Harebourg. Ush. They were all there, having ambushed him. The cold hazing his mind and senses made it difficult to think, though there was a sharp hint of suspicion present when he eyed Alys after she nodded in silent answer to his question. Was it really her or more shapeshifter trickery? Where exactly was he, and where were Keke and Atch?
"It's me," the Eliatrope whispered softly. She had no idea how he ended up here with Kerubim and Atcham, all three encased in ice and put on display with the rest of preserved monsters, heroes and artifacts. It was yesterday since last she saw him in Sadida before he left with Otomaï and Adamaï. Why was he here in Frigost without them and instead with the two Ecaflips? It wasn't making any sense…
She took her hand away from his shoulder after she felt a heavy tremor go through the small master, an audible shiver accompanying the shudder. She swiftly sat up to undo her torn overcoat before slipping it off with a shrugging of her shoulders and arms, not hesitating to wrap it around him and grant him some warmth. She didn’t say anything while pulling the brown fur of her coat around his neck and over his mantle, the look on her face telling Joris enough even though his bewilderment only grew with her actions. It was a good thing his face was shrouded or else things would get rather awkward between them, as they did times before. Her coat and its thick fur trim were warm and dry, however...
Another cloud of steam washed over the ones by the two remaining ice blocks before the distinct sound of clattering teeth gave away that Tristepin managed to successfully free one of Joris' feline companions. Kerubim sat curled up like a ball after the steam dispersed, his wet but thick tail swept around him while he clutched for his arms and shoulders.
"Mister Crepin."
He opened one eye after a familiar voice called out his name, realizing it was Alys. He seemed perplexed to see her and Joris before a heavy shiver made his surprised expression twist into one of misery, his fur soaked and freezing cold.
"Keke, are y-you alright?" Joris asked while Alys held a hand out to beckon Kerubim closer, the old Ecaflip shuffling stiffly towards them before he was pulled into the Eliatrope's embrace after taking her held-out hand. They were no longer in Bonta, that was for certain. Was this Frigost?... it appeared so. Harebourg did say he had an idea of what to do with them before everything went black. Joris took a moment to observe the surroundings and figure out where exactly they were, until Alys wrapped an arm around him and gently pulled him against her side, the motion causing him to freeze and tense up in utter surprise rather than the cold.
"I-I wi-ill be fi-i-ne, P-papa," Kerubim said while trembling, his stuttering voice a little muffled after Alys drew him closer to warm him and the Bontarian master. He softly purred in appreciation for her care, nuzzling away to steal some warmth while trying to make sense of the situation.
Alys looked up to Tristepin when neither Joris or Kerubim vocally objected to being held close to chase the cold away, saying with a grateful and relieved smile," thank you, Percedal."
He sheepishly smiled and rubbed the back of his neck with an embarrassed shrug, the Eliatrope's gratitude making him modest and self-aware. He was quite a hero this day; he liked it. "It was nothing." He still had one block of ice to deal with, but perhaps he should wait until Yugo returns with something to warm the freed captives up. They didn't seem to be doing all that well.
"Goddess, you are ice cold," Alys said softly but worried, rubbing Joris' and Kerubim's arms to try and warm them. The cold of the magical ice was persistent, clinging onto Jthem. She was starting to feel cold as well, the magical chill trying to spread and penetrate her skin. This wasn't going to work in the long run...
Ruel grimaced before he nodded in acknowledgment and said while thinking about what he could possibly do to help because Yugo had yet to return," I'll see if I can whip something up in my digger to warm them. Come along, Junior." The Drheller was quick to follow after Ruel jogged away, needing to make a long descent down and long ascent back up the tower. At least there was plenty of Gobball milk left in the digger to heat up. It should pick the three Bontarian right up if he managed to bring it back before it all would grow cold.
Alys shifted to sit down in between Kerubim and Joris while a deep breath left her, her fingers digging into Joris' arm as the worry continued to linger. She didn't dare to do more towards the master, not after what he did in Sadida. There was still uncertainty, enough to make her reluctant towards him. There were more pressing matters, like the many questions which remained unanswered.
A portal opened shortly after Ruel took his leave from the trophy room before a few wrapped up pieces of cloth fell through and hit the floor with a light bounce. Yugo revealed himself soon after, peeking through the portal to make certain he was in the right place before stepping through and picking up the small bundles he found elsewhere in the tower. "I found some cloaks," he said as he looked around after the Zaap closed behind him, holding his findings against his chest while focusing on Evangelyne and Amalia," any luck?"
Evangelyne pointed to where Alys, Joris and Kerubim sat quietly under the watchful eye of Tristepin, " you're right on time. Pinpin dealt with two of the cubes by now and from the looks of it, they could definitely use those cloaks."
Yugo's face brightened up when he looked to where Eva pointed, seeing two of the three imprisoned friends were free from the ice. He quickly made his way over to hand over the cloaks without delay and said with his usual upbeat nature," good to see you out of those. What ever happened to you? Where is Adamaï?"
Alys smiled to Yugo as she took the cloaks from him and unwrapped one of them to drape it around the shivering Kerubim, the poor Ecaflip quickly huddling away within the thick cloth to try and hide from the freezing cold, even though it still clung to his fur. She kept her eyes on him as she unfolded another cloak and pulled it around herself to chase the chill away, before tenderly laying a hand on his back. Kerubim let out a long but pleased sigh when Alys' hand rubbed his back and used the cloak like an oversized towel, drying off the wet and cold residue of the magical ice. She was about to offer Joris the remaining cloak to replace her torn overcoat for something more suitable against the cold, though stopped herself when she caught the puzzled look in Joris' eyes as he gazed up to Yugo.
"Adamaï…?" Joris asked, his eyes narrowing within the shadow of his hood before his gaze began to move about to try and recall the last time he saw the dragon," I wouldn't know… It has been a long time since I have seen any of you."
The young Eliatrope slowly shook his head, the smile he wore shifting into an expression of disbelief as his thoughts were unable to add things up. "No… No, you, Ad and Otomaï left Sadida yesterday to find two of the Dofus. Don't you remember?" Yugo looked scared all of a sudden, if not worried when Joris gave off a sense of cluelessness after listening to him.
Joris' eyebrows grew together into a thoughtful yet confused frown before he glanced sideways towards Kerubim, seeing the old cat was just as confused. He tried to make sense of it all, recalling if his last memory truly was fighting against Harebourg's ice before he suddenly said in realization," Sipho." Kerubim's ears perked up a little at the name's mention before the feline nodded in quiet agreement, understanding what Joris was thinking while Alys and Yugo were the ones looking lost. "Tell me about everything that happened the last few days, Yugo."
Yugo couldn't help but feel a sensation of dread spook through his chest after Joris asked him to recite the recent events. Did he forget...? What or who was Sipho? Where was his brother? "Sadida is struggling against the flood. With the Eliatrope Dofus gone missing, you informed us that Count Harebourg held two of them in his possession and that he was willing to exchange them for Amalia's hand, to form a union between Frigost and Sadida. You believed to know where two of the other Dofus were and therefore took Adamaï and Otomaï with you to retrieve them, while we escorted Amalia to Frigost. It… it all was a ruse."
"It definitely was," Joris said grimly, finally able to finish the puzzle which confused him and everyone present," a few months ago, I was ordered by the King of Bonta to retrieve all six Eliatrope Dofus." He adjusted Alys' coat around his shoulders, taking note of the holes and tears in the blue fabrics. It seemed the count's so called plan had some manner of an effect, although foiled by the looks of it. "We managed to collect all of them and returned to Bonta to begin preparations for leaving the Dofus in the king's care. Unfortunately, we were ambushed shortly after we arrived home and were discussing the next phase of our plan. Sipho, a shapeshifter, managed to infiltrate our home by taking on Atcham's appearance." Joris glanced over towards the Ecaflip which was still encased in ice, coming to the conclusion that it wasn't Sipho. That thought was a relief, but still a worry. "Count Harebourg and Ush Galesh were with him, each taking two of the Dofus elsewhere; to here and Ecaflipus, the divine dimension of Ecaflip. I am sorry, Yugo… but I fear that the Joris you think me to be was nothing but Sipho or someone else in disguise."
A soft gasp sounding next to him caused Joris to turn his head ever so slightly and peer past the edge of his hood, seeing Alys holding an expression of pure shock on her face and a hand clasped over her mouth. She looked mortified for what was but a second, her complexion having grown pale. Though, the look of horror was pushed aside fairly quick when her eyes met his, deliberately averting her gaze. She swiftly rose to a standing after she made the realization she had vocally, but unintentionally, reacted to the revelation, turning herself away to hide the disgusting and sick feeling which welled up in her stomach.
Adamaï was gone and Joris wasn't the one who--Who was it if not him? Who did she--Goddess no, she didn't want to know. How could she not have noticed? She fell right for it even though she knew something was off! And she thought that they--that he… Her fingers pressed into her cheek while she tried to force her line of thought to stop and disappear, feeling violated, scared, worried and confused as she stood with her back towards the others to hide her panic and shame.
Yugo was just as shocked as his sister by the foreboding news that his brother was not with Joris but someone who was able to shapeshift. Where did this Sipho take Adamaï and for what purpose? Did Otomaï know about the charade or was he deceived as well? Where had they gone?
"We were unable to stop them," Joris said with a brooding tone after he decided to leave Alys be and continue to clear the air from any confusion and misunderstandings," the last thing I remember was Harebourg imprisoning us in ice."
Kerubim added somberly while sitting huddled away in the cloak Yugo brought them," as you can see... his plan was to add us to his frozen collection of heroes." He looked miserable though his ears slightly perked up when the Enutrof and his familiar returned with two mugs.
"We wanted to tell you about our mission but the king of Bonta wished to keep it secret, as did the Council of Twelve. I'm sorry, Yugo… Alys," Joris said as he held back on letting his teeth clatter when a shiver washed over him, the tip of his nose looking blue from the cold he still experienced. The small master was about to glance to the female Eliatrope standing behind him to bring his apology better across when Ruel presented the two mugs to him and Kerubim, distracting him for a moment before he eagerly took the warm drink. "Thank you, Ruel," he and Kerubim said in unison, the heat of the warmed milk and ceramic rather painful against his chilled fingers.
Ruel smiled to them with a little nod after handing over the drinks he prepared in his digger and hurried back with, knowing it was the least he could do for them," you're welcome."
"But... this Sipho who impersonated you, why did he take Adamaï along?" Yugo asked, sounding troubled though who could blame him? They had all been tricked," and what does he want with the Eliatrope Dofus?"
Joris glanced up to Yugo from below his hood and shook his head, not yet having taken a sip from his warm milk. "I have no idea," he admitted, knowing it wasn't what anyone wanted to hear," we faced three formidable opponents within the bazaar, but someone smarter is pulling the strings in all of this."
The young Eliatrope couldn't help but glower in worry, mumbling softly as he couldn't see anything positive with his brother gone missing," Adamaï... they trapped him."
"Don't worry, Yugo," Amalia spoke up with more optimism than Yugo could muster and winked at him after everyone came closer to be a part of the ongoing conversation," we'll find out who is responsible. You know your brother is quite resourceful and can take care of himself."
Alys remained behind Joris and Kerubim, nervously fidgetting with the cloak she wore while she kept silent and listened to what was said. Sipho… She took a deep breath to suppress the mixture of emotions she felt, feeling rather sick though she tried to remain composed and hide what she was going through. This wasn't the right time to feel like a fool for not having seen through the changeling's disguise… Thinking about the precious moment he stole from her only made her angry. Frankly, she wasn't certain how to feel after learning the truth, but what she did know was that she needed to focus and bring some order to her mental disarray. It still hurt, however, more than she thought it would.
"What about the count's ice blocks? How did you manage to break them? They are known to be indestructible," Joris said with skepticism but also curiosity. He was grateful for the rescue, though it was puzzling that this small group had found a way to break the demigod's magical ice. Atcham was still frozen at this time. Would they be able to get him out, too?
Evangelyne leaned to the side so she could look past Amalia to Tristepin, asking him while she grinned a little smugly," why don't you show him, Pinpin?"
Tristepin set his children down to make his way over towards the lone ice block Atcham was encased in, rubbing his hands together to prepare himself for repeating the earlier process. It seemed like an Iopish attempt at first until the familiar golden glow returned, emitting from the tip of his fingers all the way down to his wrists. He placed his glowing hands against the ice, steam forming at the touch after the ice couldn't withstand the heat. It melted incredibly fast until Atcham stood shivering in a puddle of what was left of the ice block, looking to be in pure agony with confusion written all over his face.
Alys brushed past a perplexed and dumbfounded Joris, the master unable to fathom what he just witnessed while the female Eliatrope made her way towards Atcham and removed her cloak from around her her shoulders. "I think my mind is still a bit frozen..." Joris uttered," I just saw you do something impossible!" This was not in the capabilities of an Iop, not as far as he knew. No mere Disciple of Twelve could have dealt with the ice as swiftly and simple like Tristepin had done.
"Iops have no word for impossible, Master Joris," Tristepin said after he placed his hands together and bowed somewhat to be respectful towards the Bontarian master, laying down the Iop philosophy as if what he managed to do was ordinary… even though it puzzled him just as much.
Alys faintly smiled to Atcham after she came closer, the poor feline visibly quivering as he tried to warm his claws by cupping them over his stumpy snout and blow into them. "Here..." she whispered to him as she rose the cloak she held and pulled it around him, carefully tucking the thick fur collar around his long thin neck to distract her thoughts by caring for those who mattered to her.
He looked surprised to see her while he stared at her from over his knuckles, his attempt to warm himself proving to be futile. He closed his eyes and broke the stare when the chill made him shudder, blindly reaching for the cloak she draped around him to wrap it tighter around himself. "T-thank you, p-princess," he shivered with a strained but grateful smile before he walked with her to Kerubim and Joris, feeling she supported him as they walked. "P-please lend me y-your fur, Dearubim, b-before I freeze to death," he said with clattering teeth as he squatted down in between his family and brushed up against Kerubim, purring as he huddled close to steal some of his warmth. His fur was wet, however, not very pleasant...
Joris smiled with a hidden sense of relief and let his head rest against Atcham's shoulder after the feline snuggled in between him and Kerubim, pleased to know both Ecaflips were safe and fine after the whole ordeal. He glanced to Alys when she knelt down behind his sons, watching her rub Atcham's back to help to warm him as the lack of fur caused him to struggle. She was as caring like she always was, especially towards the two elderly Ecaflips, but it was obvious something heavy was on her mind. Was it the worry for Adamaï and Sadida? It was his best guess.
The Brotherhood of Tofu watched on while their thawed allies were cared for, the need for a plan remaining unattended in the air. "What a strange family," Evangelyne commented as she observed the four seated on the cold floor, smiling as though there was still trouble brewing, the threatening atmosphere within the tower was completely gone," you don't see that every day." Two old Ecaflips and a little man of unknown origins, all somehow related or connected to one and another. It was indeed odd.
"Heh, that's for sure," Tristepin agreed as he watched along, though his cheery attitude suddenly into one of confusion. He seemed bewildered or spooked by something, looking around as if he was trying to find something in particular before he asked nobody in particular," what is happening…?" He looked down to his children after they picked up there something being wrong with their father, asking them," do you hear a strange noise too?"
Both Elely and Flopin shrugged in answer before Rubilax's amused snickering could be heard, the Shushu sword hanging in its holster from the Iop's belt," and what was bound to happen, happened. Our favorite idiot finally lost it after too many hits on the head!"
Tristepin ignored Rubilax's little jokes as his eyes kept wandering, trying to figure out what was happening. There was a voice, a male voice… and only he could hear it from the looks of it. "Is…" he stammered," is anyone there?" His question made a few of the Brotherhood look his way and come closer in curiosity, understanding something was wrong as the ginger warrior began asking for something or someone to make their presence known. There was but a short moment of silence after his question before his sudden loud and ecstatic voice caused several to reel back or flinch in startle. "Master Goultard!" he shouted from the top of his lungs while the others stared at him as if he'd lost his mind," incredible! You are still alive…? What about your fight against Rushu?"
Glances were exchanged between the onlookers when Tristepin appeared to have a conversation with someone, a certain Goultard. Some knew of him, either having heard of him or had the privilege to meet the Iop. He was a mysterious character and not much was known about him, but those who delved into the history of Twelve or had lived for a long time knew about the Iop's antics.
"But… where are you?" Tristepin asked, unaware he was being stared down while he continued to have a conversation with someone nobody else could hear," I should come visit with Eva and the kids!..." Finally he felt many eyes burning upon his back. He looked at everyone with a mixture of surprise and realization before he cracked an uncertain smile and rubbed the tip of his scarred ear," I uhh… you see, Master Goultard is talking in my head. He managed to defeat Rushu and became the new master of Shukrute!"
Yugo and Alys glanced towards each other when Tristepin so casually mentioned the lord of the Shushus and the dimension which was the Shushus' home, both having visited Shukrute though under different circumstances. It felt strange to learn Rushu was defeated after personally witnessing his strength and power. Their quiet exchange quickly returned to Tristepin however, the Iop having a lot of explaining to do.
Tristepin turned away from everyone as they looked at him in quiet disbelief and skepticism, whispering with a nervous frown," Master Goultard, they are all looking at me like I am the last of the Iop." A moment of silence before he chuckled, though it died off just as quickly before he muttered," I don't understand." He kept his back towards everyone, hiding his torn expression until he straightened up and unsheathed Rubilax to hold him as if he was requested to do so. "Done," he complied to the voice only he could hear, ignoring the confused look the eye in the sword's hilt gave him until it changed into that of perplexity.
"Goultard!" Rubilax said surprised as he was finally able to pick up on the voice Tristepin heard, proving his friend hadn't gone mad after all," how are you doing, old friend?"
The Brotherhood and Joris' small group were beginning to grow anxious after being left out of the ongoing conversation, some of them were itching to jump in but it appeared it would remain between Tristepin and Rubilax for now… However, the chat they were having sounded like it was taking a darker turn rather than being a reunion between old friends.
"Tell me what…?"
Rubilax suddenly looked oddly flustered after Tristepin spoke up, seeming to question whatever Goultard had said and made Tristepin question the Iop. The Shushu stammered with obvious uncertainty and concern, asking Goultard," isn't it too soon? I don't think he is ready."
"Not ready for what?... Stronger than what?" Tristepin took a moment to think as he listened," oh! Yes, I have been feeling pretty badass these days, especially today! I even managed to conjure up some impressive powers just by rubbing my hands together." His confidence shrunk when he brought a hand up to stroke his thick hair and pouted a little as he replied to Goultard's voice," I saw strange images… with people I don't know. It's as if they are someone else's memories."
The overdone clearing of Rubilax's non-existent throat made all present focus to shift him, the Shushu sword held up before Tristepin," okay fine, seems I don't have a choice so if I could have all of your attention! The revelation I am about to share requires you to hold onto your underpants." He sounded serious though not everyone seemed convinced after being left out of whatever was going on, the skepticism remaining thick. "Goultard and I have been hiding something from you. Nothing all too serious, just a minor detail…" he said nonchalantly. If he had shoulders, he would have casually shrugged," Tristepin is not the one you think him to be. In reality, Pinpin-- is a woman!"
He sounded sincere and very serious yet those last three words had everyone react in pure shock or amusement as it was very unexpected to hear such with the severity of the current situation, gasping in surprise, confusion or disgust. Rubilax's laughter echoed through the icy hall, the reactions he witnessed all priceless. He wouldn't forget those all too soon! Even Tristepin's family reacted in a way he never expected; it was glorious!
"Sorry! I couldn't help myself," he snickered before growing a little more serious," alright, what I will tell you is that Tristepin isn't an ordinary Iop… He is the Iop." All the Shushu got were empty looks which showed nobody understood what he was trying to get at. Was it another joke? If it was, nobody was getting it this time around. He grunted in annoyance as what he was trying to say flew over everyone's heads, grumbling," do I need to draw you a picture? The Iop. Pinpin. He is the Iop God!"
Another wave of shock washed over everyone present, though this time there was no amusement, no grinning or inward chuckles. All there was was utter bafflement.
Ruel was the first one to recover after the truth sunk in, muttering with something which could be described as discomfort and deep thought," it was easier to believe he was a woman…" Pinpin a God. It was indeed difficult to progress, though Rubilax remained uncharacteristically quiet, his teasing demeanor completely gone to allow what he said to make sense and be accepted. It was the truth.
The children were, of course, ecstatic by the news about their father being a God, but they were the only ones to feel as such. Tristepin had trouble comprehending what was told, not wishing to believe it yet he had seen the proof, even felt it. His sudden new powers, the flashback-like images he saw before he blanked out downstairs. Was is true…? Was he truly-- "The… the Iop God?" He slumped down to a sitting upon the floor when all his strength left him along with any sense, his Iop mind not able to wrap itself around it all.
"I still find it hard to believe, Rubilax," Amalia said before she glanced towards Evangelyne as the Cra appeared to be badly shaken up by the revelation.
She had a hard time coping with the sudden truth about her lover. Divinity demanded many responsibilities... and immortality. What was this going to do to their relationship? Their family? "This better not be another Shushu trick!" she snapped to Rubilax, not wishing to believe any of it.
"Centuries ago," Rubilax explained when he was no longer held up by Tristepin and had a good view of everyone gathered around the Iop," the Iop God was forced to come down to the World of Twelve to face a dreadful trial… but he discovered he enjoyed mortality and decided to give up his godly status to continue living a simple life. Up until this day, it was his son Goultard who carried the torch."
"His son Goultard?" Evangelyne asked, making a terrifying realization," you… you have other children? …Other families?" Her question was directed at Tristepin, the fear and denial clear in her green eyes though her whole body was showing it. To think Tristepin wasn't just hers, that he had been with others long before her… it was scary and made her question her lover's loyalty.
"It is more complicated than that, Evangelyne. Pinpin is a reincarnation of the Iop God. It is him..." the Shushu stated," but not exactly either. He could have lived for a few more centuries without ever finding out about this."
Tristepin felt a pang of guilt for something he couldn't even remember doing, asking with a tone in his voice not many had heard before," cen-centuries…?" Fright. He was scared. Was he able to live for so long? Was he immortal? Was he truly a God? He didn't understand what was happening.
"You are a God, Pinpin. Gods usually live for quite a while."
Evangelyne also had trouble understanding, especially accepting. She averted her gaze to not give into the anger she felt while she bitterly asked," but why now...?" Why indeed. Why did his supposedly divine powers return to him? What had he or she ever done to have this misfortune crashing down onto them? He only just proposed to her... Is their engagement already in jeopardy? And what of the children?
"Extreme emotional shock," Rubilax explained, sounding rather nonchalant about it as if this breaking news didn't phase him in the slightest," it was triggered when he was about to lose what is most precious to him; his children."
A tense silence fell over the large hall before it was broken by an abrupt gasp which escaped an extremely shocked looking Tristepin after everything suddenly fell into place… and proved to be too much to handle for him. He slumped and fell backward before he hit the floor, fainting on the spot. Evangelyne was the first to react when her lover lost consciousness, swiftly crossing the short distance to kneel by his side and grab for his face to cup his cheeks," Pinpin!"
"Seems he couldn't take it," Ruel said with worry as he watched Evangelyne hold onto Tristepin with an agonized expression, the Cra scared to her wits. It was a shocking experience, but no one could possibly imagine how badly it affected Tristepin and Evangelyne. Their relationship was at stake with this revelation.
The concern for Tristepin kept other worries at bay. Nobody thought about the Dofus or what was to happen to Sadida as all eyes were on the unconscious Iop resting in Evangelyne's lap. After time crawled by and the silence began to weigh down onto everyone, the familiar golden glow which overtook Tristepin earlier slowly began to envelop him once more.
"Pinpin...?" Evangelyne asked as she hoped the glowing was a sign of him waking up, though the warm glow only intensified while his eyes remained closed. What was happening to him? She panicked, uncertain what to make of it," why is he glowing this way?"
"Calm down, Eva," Rubilax's groggy voice sounded though it became reassuring the more he spoke," the big dork is only somewhat weakened. You should let him rest; it was a lot to take in at once for such a small brain. Not to mention that he is currently receiving a very big chunk of divine energy." The aura which surrounded Tristepin validated the Shushu's words. Whatever the energy was he was receiving, it made him glow like the sun. It was a sign of divinity.
Amalia seemed to be oddly relieved by Rubilax's explanation, bringing herself down next to Tristepin to hold her hands over him to feel the warmth of his aura. "Pinpin as a God! I can't believe it!" She was grinning all pleased, matching the children's enthusiasm about the Iop having unknowingly been a God all this time. This could only be good for anyone involved.
"I have been on this world for a very long time, and yet there are always more surprises to be found," the Bontarian master said while observing the Brotherhood and the new reincarnation of the Iop God, remaining in the warmth of Alys' coat he kept wrapped around him. The festered chill of the magical ice was gone from his small body, the revelation of Tristepin's divinity having granted him enough time to thaw, drink, warm up… and think. While everyone was distracted, he had taken note that precious time was slipping away.
"Eva, this is fantastic!" the princess said while grinning to the Cra," this means he can help save Sadida!"
Evangelyne gave a small smile in return before she brought her green eyes down to the Iop resting in her lap, saying while she tenderly caressed the side of his face," he doesn't seem fit to save anything right now." She paused in her caress when one of his eyes slightly opened, her hand resting against his cheek as he slowly became aware of her presence.
"Nevertheless." Joris rose to a standing and took off the overcoat to hold it in a hand, knowing it was time to act rather than continue to linger on what Tristepin was or wasn't and could or couldn't do. "Time is running out and we're still missing four of the Eliatrope Dofus. I will track down Ush and get back the two Dofus he stole. It's the only lead we have for now…"
Alys took her hands away from Kerubim and Atcham's backs after Joris stood up, watching him from under the wheat colored bangs which fell before her face while she thought about the plan he laid out. It was indeed time to act, though she couldn't help but wonder what she was going to do. Uncertainty ruled inside of her.
"We don't need the Dofus anymore with a God on our side!" Amalia said with the same pleased grin when she turned her large brown eyes towards the master and the small group seated next to him, her enthusiasm making her naive. The very thought that they had a God among their midst and could save the Tree of Life was all she wished or could think about; nothing else mattered.
Joris looked disapproving of the princess' ignorance but remained respectful towards her as he stated the obvious," we cannot leave them in the wrong hands, Princess. It would be foolish to do so." It didn't matter if only an Eliatrope could use the power of the Dofus; they were still vital and too important to leave lost and unattended. Besides, he was partially at fault for what had happened. He had to make amends... He turned around to hand Alys her coat and gave her a thankful nod, seeing her avert her eyes from him while she gingerly took the coat from him and clutched it against her chest. She was blushing for some reason, and also distracted and distant from what he could tell.
"Great!" Atcham suddenly called out after he brought himself up and grinned like he wasn't shivering and freezing only moments before, his confidence shining," this is our chance to get revenge against Ush. I'm in!" He glanced down to Alys before holding a claw out to help her on her feet, the Eliatrope quietly accepting his gesture. He didn't know how long he was stuck in the ice, but he was itching for a good fight. The beating he received from Ush back before they were kidnapped was still unresolved; he would get his vengeance for that defeat through a rematch.
Kerubim was a little slower with scrambling up to his feet, his thick fur somewhat dry though it was Ruel's generous warm beverage which helped the fuzzy feline to become his old self again. "As for me, I haven't visited Ecaflipus in a long time. Opportunity makes the kitty." It was a simple reason, he himself not aching for a fight. He would come along to retrieve the Dofus from his older brother, knowing the Ecaflip dimension by heart.
The small master frowned disapprovingly after the Ecaflips expressed they would join him, saying objectively with a shaking of his head," kids, I'd rather have you return to the Sadida Kingdom with our friends." Their surprise didn't go by unnoticed; even Alys seemed to frown at Joris turning down the offers to help," you're still weak and… well, not that young anymore." The smile he gave was supposed to reassure his sons, yet all he received in return was a rough scoffing of disapproval.
"You'd leave your sons behind, you disgraceful father?" Atcham asked with a defying and lecturing tone as he crossed his spindly arms and stuck his pointy chin up in the air, his brother mimicking him as they disagreed with Joris trying to keep them out of harm's way. They could handle themselves like they had done before; the master should know this and have some faith in them.
The small master looked uncertain as his gaze fluttered in between the two felines before Alys stepped forth and lay a hand on Atcham's shoulder, looking like she was choosing their side in the matter… which she did. "I'll come with you. I too have a score to settle with Ush… and if he has two of the Dofus, then all the more reason for me to join you." She could see the white of his teeth in the shadow of his hood when Joris opened his mouth to object but she was quicker," I won't take no for an answer, Joris." It was difficult to look at him without being reminded of what had happened in Sadida the day before, but this… this was something she had to do for the future of her people and Sadida. Her own feelings shouldn't get in the way of her duties, for this was far too important.
His eyes narrowed as he watched all three of them, knowing full well he was outnumbered and that they wouldn't listen if he would try to change their minds. He didn't know what was truly bothering the female Eliatrope but she seemed determined enough to venture into the unknown that was the divine Ecaflip dimension, to take back what was stolen from her people. He remained silent to no longer object though turned his head a little when Yugo came closer, watching him intently from the shadow of his hood while quietly wondering if he was coming along as well.
Yugo looked at his sister with troubled big eyes, asking her after she stepped closer and knelt before him to touch his arms," but what about Adamaï? What if Ush has him?" He was still worried about his brother, and rightfully so as the dragon's current fate was still unknown.
"We will find Adamaï if he is in Ecaflipus, Yugo," Alys said softly in the attempt to have her king trust her," and if not, then I'll force Ush to tell us. He is bound to know where Sipho has taken him…" She grimaced in concern after she witnessed Yugo struggling with thoughts and desires, saying to him with a more serious tone as she cupped his cheek and held her frayed coat out to him," you should return to Sadida with everyone else to try and figure out where the remaining two Dofus are. Sadida needs you more than we do, Yugo… and we have dealt with Ush before. We know what to expect… hopefully." She hoped he would comply. If Sipho truly didn't take Adamaï and Otomaï to wherever the other Dofus were claimed to be, they still needed to be found somewhere… and soon. The threat of Ogrest wasn't over, hanging in the air like a thick fog. Iop God or not, the Dofus remained a crucial part in the salvation of Sadida.
Yugo slowly nodded after he listened, his hands clenching into fists before his nodding became more confident and his worried expression hardened. "Be careful," he said as he took the held out bundle of blue cloth and brown fur from Alys like a silent acceptance, allowing her to join Joris. He would leave this to them, though doubt gnawed at him after all which had happened and what was at stake. His sister looked proud of him after her hand slipped away from his cheek and she rose to a standing, though he knew the familiar glint in her eyes and the faint smile she held; she was worried, like him.
Joris glanced to Kerubim after the young king agreed on staying with the Brotherhood and return to Sadida, saying only the Ecaflip's name as if it were enough to make clear what he wanted," Keke."
Fully understanding what Joris expected from him, the old feline began to search for something in his mouth before he stuck out his tongue, presenting something shiny and golden on the very tip of it. It was a small piece of golden kibble, hardly anything special at first glance until Kerubim took it from his tongue and threw it away. It bounced several times across the icy floor with a soft ticking before a gaping hole appeared underneath it, the portal it summoned a swirling vortex which led into a pastel yellow light. It was menacing to behold, not to mention exceedingly rare but it was no threat; it was a gateway to the dimension Kerubim and Atcham called home.
Atcham was the first to leap into the summoned portal with a loud yowl and no hesitation, eager for the thrill which was to be gained from chasing after Ush and the Dofus. Kerubim was a little less enthusiastic than his brother but jumped in with blind faith, soon followed by Joris and Alys as time was precious and growing short. There was no time for doubts or more goodbyes. The portal sealed behind them after all four plunged into the whirlpool of light, leaving the Brotherhood of Tofu behind with a very troubled Iop God.
With the six Eliatrope Dofus gone missing and Ogrest being on the brink of flooding the Sadida kingdom with his tears and tantrums, the race against the clock begins. Who will come to Sadida's aid and who was responsible for the Dofus' disappearance? Loyalties will be tested when different opinions and views emerge with the impending threat while several people need to take on new responsibilities to ensure the future for the World of Twelve and its inhabitants.
Will our heroes be willing to make the required sacrifices or will personal interests, jealousy, affection, guilt or duty stand in their way?
Chapter list:
Chapter 01: Wakfu: Loyalties - Prelude
Chapter 02: Wakfu: Loyalties - The Gathering Storm
Chapter 03: Wakfu: Loyalties - Beneath The Ice
Chapter 04: Wakfu: Loyalties - Reclamation
Chapter 05: Wakfu: Loyalties - Atonement
Chapter 06: Wakfu: Loyalties - Roll of the Dice
Chapter 07: Wakfu: Loyalties - Turn of the Cards
Chapter 08: Wakfu: Loyalties - From Past To Present
Chapter 09: Wakfu: Loyalties - Watch The Skies
Chapter 10: Wakfu: Loyalties - Nocturne
This fan fiction is dedicated to my faithful
shippers. Thank you all for your support.Writing and Alys belong to me
Wakfu and related characters belong to Ankama
Cover created by LandOfDream
