Alphonse, Kirie and Asa stood just inside the open, massive doors and took one final look around the Submerged Oasis. The light dimmed as the rippling sun was obscured by a thick blanket of what looked like clouds. The faceless statues flanked either side of the pathway like guards protecting an honored procession.
Rinka stood in front of them with hands overlapped and resting on the front of her dress. Her emerald hair flowed over her shoulders and brushed the ground as she made a grateful bow. Alphonse returned the gesture with arms stiff at his side as he attempted to control his emotions.
About a month had passed since that fateful day when Kirie found him broken and near death in the dungeon. Asa had nursed him back to health and stayed by his side for many days after. Rinka provided him with a means of survival, which would also help ease them back into society. It allowed him to continue on the path towards his main goal.
The precarious gift, the Construct Contract, created a bond that transcended beyond deals of sacrifice. Alphonse no longer saw his negotiations in such way. A different connection formed, one that he hoped would continue to grow and change through future hardships -- maybe even through happiness when he built his new home.
"Well, the time has come," Rinka said. Her arms fell to her sides in a more relieved stance as she looked at each of them in turn. "It's strange. In a way, the three of you find yourselves in a similar situation. The world is foreign to you, despite the differing circumstances."
Kirie hoisted her axe up and tapped the handle on a shoulder. "Means there's plenty for us to discover."
"Everything is new," Asa said. "It will be nice experiencing them together."
"For sure," Alphonse said. He bowed to Rinka. "Thank you for everything."
He felt those words alone were not enough to express how he felt. If not for them, he'd surely be dead.
Rinka turned away from them slightly and rested a hand on her cheek. She made an almost imperceptible movement as one of her fingers brushed under her eye.
Alphonse wasn't given the chance to reassure her as she took a few steps forward and closed the remaining space between them. She reached for him and readjusted the shawl draped over his armor. It felt like a mother readjusting her son's tie one last time before he went out into the real world. Her hands stopped, and Alphonse tilted his head in plain confusion when she made no indication of stepping away.
He fumbled with some words and was cut short when she suddenly embraced him. Being this close, he had forgotten how tall she was, and he was by no means short. Her face was hidden as her cheek pressed up against his. Alphonse's arms froze at his side and he went rigid.
'Calm calm calm calm,' Alphonse thought.
"Take care of my daughters," she whispered. She took a stuttering breath before she released him.
Alphonse nodded. "Of course."
Rinka looked to Kirie and Asa. "And you two, try not to cause him trouble."
Kirie's jaw dropped at the remark. Asa shook her head, as if she fully expected it.
Kirie jabbed a finger at Alphonse. "What the hell? You give this guy a hug and that's all we get?"
Asa sighed. "Yes, of course, Mother."
Alphonse's grin widened under his scarf, and he pulled his hood down slightly to conceal his eyes. When he glanced up, Kirie had already moved within a foot of him and gave him an indignant scowl. She pressed closer into his space and nearly stepped past him.
"Y'know," she said, "Your stupid grin is so damn big that it's pulling your scarf up. What's so funny?"
Alphonse rested a hand under his chin as he pretended to consider the question. "Well, I did receive some wonderful gifts. And I got a hug from your gorgeous-"
He felt a sharp pain on the back of his head, and his eyes suddenly saw the floor. He had braced himself for the inevitable blow, but it still hurt.
'Totally worth it,' he thought.
She was about to punch him again when Rinka stood between them. Kirie and Asa pressed together as their mother wrapped her arms around them. Alphonse looked up and saw the tearful streaks on Rinka's cheeks as she held them in a quivering embrace. Even Asa and Kirie's eyes appeared glossy in the faint light. Kirie tightened her mouth and balled her fists as she struggled with the brimming tears. Asa barely maintained her composure as she hid her face in the lengths of her healers robe.
"Don't worry," Asa said, returning the hug. "We'll protect each other."
"Yeah, including this guy, I guess," Kirie added. She winked at Alphonse and motioned for him to join the group hug.
He lowered the scarf and feigned confusion as he pointed at himself, and Kirie rolled her eyes at his attempt to lighten the mood.
Alphonse halted mid-step when her expression changed and caught him off guard. What he saw was probably the most genuine smile that few had ever seen from the warrior catgirl. For that brief moment, she seemed like an entirely different person. He was surprised by how much the expression suited her.
It spurred him to join, and Kirie made sure to pull him into the hug with his last few tentative steps. Asa assumed Kirie's usual role by mussing up his hair and giving him a playful smile.
Alphonse hadn't felt anything so pure and heartwarming in what seemed like years. Even in his own world he always felt distant. Maybe he never understood the real connotation behind the words 'family' and 'friend.' Perhaps he viewed them too lightly. He couldn't be sure. After the betrayal, he thought he could never consider anything close to the true meaning.
But then he met two beastkin...
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