IDBIRR Chapter 17: Just the Two of Us.

Rain.

It's a gloomy weather that may pour most of us a sour mood. When Rain comes, the playful children run back to their homes, sad because they are unable to go outside because of the moisty weather. Housewives, Nannies, Caretakers-- Upset that their laundry will get soaked or unable to dry in time. As the majority of people prefer a happy, sunny or cloudy day, as well as the safety a clear blue sky can deliver-- Believe, that there may come a great moment even in a sour weather.

Fate. Is like a song that plays out.

Given any, under any other circumstances, works it's wonders-- may it be sudden, expected to be, anywhere, anytime, before and after, day or night, the past or future, everything is predestined to play from start to finish. If interpreted in another way: Deus Vult, as god wills it. Destiny shall be carried out by the heavens, as we call it-- Fate.

As how fate works it's own wonders, it is a concept of the universe-- reality's order, or perhaps it's a natural law that cannot be interrupted. It is just destined to ravel the past, future, and present in it's tune. Even if someone were to manipulate someone else's fate, it is only a matter of fact as fate wills them to change it. You could even say--- It's the only thing that cannot be naturally, logically, or illogically manipulated by any interior or exterior power. May it be a power that's powerful enough to bend the rules of reality or something that mayhaps bypass any other boundaries of reality, the fact that Fate's will-- still remains true and permanent.

Big Boss: "Have ya heard of the story of the 'Lone Girl who yearns another's touch within the Endless Stars'?"

As one of fate's many constructs, a mixture of a sour weather and two lonely people is enough to prove it's undeniable rule.

It's will shan't be interrupted, lest you be the Devil who defies it-- then it will do anything in order to heed it's own will.

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The lone wolf continues.

A Wolf and a Golem, two creatures of tales told in fantasies. Both having no relation to their kind, yet, fate have brought them together. As for it's reasons? No one knows, who would? Fate itself does not exist as an individual. Only that it carries out it's rule not to be judged or questioned, but only to exist as a concept of the known universe and let it flow naturally.

Big Boss: "She--- existed before all, before everythin' else. Before gods were born to our world, before time had started to move, before everythin' else, She came first."

The golem lay under it's leaf umbrella, listening to it's friend. The sound of heavy rain, pouring on top of it's green shade.

Big Boss: "She, who must not be named, was the very first primordial being. She gave birth to gods, to universes, to worlds, to anything else that came before that. Yet, even though she gave birth to everythin', she remained alone."

"Her very existence was that of loneliness, for loneliness, and by loneliness. She could not embrace warmth or cold, love or hate, passion or apathy. If so, she as a whole does learn how to embrace somethin', it will be the coming of the end."

"Since her true name was not allowed to be spoken by all, she was given another name by her sons and daughters--- Fate, is what they called her."

"Her children, the first beings that came after her, the Gods--- would cry and yearn for her embrace. Yet she could not deliver her children's simple request not because she doesn't want to and not because she scorns her children, but because she cannot be with them, with anythin' at all."

Before there was nothing, there was Fate. She was the starting point of it all, the beginning of the end.

She had the power to do anything, yet she cannot hold everything.

"So in order to be with everythin' she loved, she chose to be with everythin'."

A Crack! She had burst into many pieces! Shattering herself into millions and trillions, an infinite amount of her pieces scatter all over. It was like an enormous explosion, a Big Bang!

The First Primordial being, The Mother to all the Stars in the sky, was no more. And then-

The known universe was born! Planets flew and stars lit the endless darkness! Every part of her being expanded infinitely.

Her children were shocked, their mother had suddenly disappeared, but at the same time she was everywhere and anywhere. As if the divine intervention that prevented her to be with them suddenly perished along with her.

Everyone rejoiced, her children finally able to feel the warmth and embrace of their mother.

It was a blessing, but a curse at the same time. Fate, who has finally existed everywhere and anywhere, was unable to express herself anymore.

She became mute, expressionless, idle, unfeeling and emotionless. It was like she had become a corpse, lifeless and incapable of thought.

Her wish to be with everyone was fulfilled, but at the price of something great, she had lost herself from eons.

They say that with "great power" must also come with "great responsibility".

And so her children thought that she had to pay the price of using her great power for their selfishness.

The Gods wept. Their greed, their wish to be embraced by their mother became her own demise.

In the end, they received what they yearned for.

But at what cost?

Was it their power? could it be their divinity? or perhaps they had lost their will to continue?

No. It was their Mother's affection.

Before they realized it, their and Fate's obsession to finally embrace each other--- ended in a silent ambience in the void.

Forever, regretting their choices for eternity.

Big Boss: "And that is how this world came to be."

It wasn't quite clear in the golem's facial expression, but his body's reaction to how this fantasy world came to be was obviously shocked. Twitching in place, the golem was astounded.

"That's their version of the Big Bang Theory?!?" he thought.

The Big Boss laughs in delight, seeing the obvious reaction from the little golem. He expresses his gratitude for listening to his story by excitedly continuing their conversation.

Big Boss: "Grahahahahaha!!! I could tell, young lad! It sounds like an absurd fairytale, yea?"

The golem nods, still amazed of the truth.

Big Boss pulls out a book from his back, seemingly making it look like he pulled it out magically.

Big Boss: "But believe it or not. The presence of magic is evident for thousands of years now. How else do we explain such divine constructs?"

In his hand, he carries the book of "Fate", the tale of the lonely mother he had just told. Caressing it ever so gently, just a gaze of it's appearance brings a gentle smile to his face. The book in his hand was old, it's cover was already worn, but the inside was kept neatly. There was not a single page of it that was torn or ripped apart, only that it looked old. He took so much love and care for something like a book, freely showing a variety of emotion just from one glance to his expression.

At that very moment, Angus came to question himself. Right in front of him, a very gentle man sat in his throne. How come, despite having such a wild and beastly appearance, can he express so much emotion into one object.

A conflict of thoughts came to his mind.

"Is he really the enemy?"

"Is killing the only way out of this?"

"I want to hear more stories from him."

"Why must we hurt others in order to gain?"

Conflict arises whenever there's a cause for it. In this case, emotion was felt by someone who could not ever know how to feel.

Jealousy aroused inside of the little golem, but what came with it was an even greater emotion, respect and admiration. He could not believe that the threat who posed such great risks to his life, could show such humanity despite being a fearsome beast.

It was then he had come to his own realization; that the werewolf wasn't an enemy he should fear, but a person he can sympathize with.

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Violence can never be an answer, it is only a question answered by all those who reply to it.

The first question was asked by the wolf. Seeing a helpless little golem, he thought of many ways to approach the weakling that lay before him. And it was answered by, "Helping it out". Just a simple motive was enough to have the gears of fate to spin.

And the second question of violence was already solved--- with "doubt". Angus had already started to doubt the intentions of the wolf. This proceeding event that of which will lead to a greater clash in the near future is what would create their bond as friends, who only happened to answer a question to themselves.

Like a loving mother who only looks for the best for her children, Fate had brought them together. It was already set in stone, the beginning of a wonderful end.

Big Boss: "They said, a star had been born-"

Lost in it's own thoughts, Angus broke free of the conflicts that erupted in his mind. His confusion and doubts disperse at a mere soft tone of the wolf's whisper.

Big Boss: "In this book, it said that a fortunate star was born right after the collapse of the very first Star (Fate)."

It was bright, brighter than any star that existed.

Big Boss: "It burned, hotter than any star that existed."

A big blue orb of burning hot flames, it's heat that could burn and annihilate the gods, revealed itself as a vessel that only ressembles that of their late mother's appearance. It was the only surviving piece that their mother had left them, to make them feel that her burning love would never extinguish.

It was a sign of hope but at the same time, it was her raging anger.

"She hated her existence. She loved everythin' that she created, yet loathed herself."

When it revealed itself to it's children, they cried. They soon realized, how much their mother had loved them even without their touch. That, despite eternal isolation, her hate for herself--- her burning pain, was as strong as her affection for her young.

The wolf chuckles.

Big Boss: "You remind me of this fairytale's mother."

It took him by surprise. Angus, who was absorbed in Tood's story, did not expect such a sudden remark coming from his enemy.

Big Boss: "You...have a burnin' passion in your eyes. Just like the Star that resembles the blue scenery of the sky and sea."

Angus looks at Tood, confused and estranged. He twitches in place, as if taken aback. He stands up to deny his claim, but stops and hesitates in place.

He, learned to question himself. Just himself.

Tood glances at his book and lays it beside him. He returns his gaze at Angus and smiles.

Big Boss: "Just now, you were jealous of me. Yea?"

Caught red handed. Angus who became flustered, tried to deny once more, but Tood only shrugged it off with a laugh.

Big Boss: "I too, am jealous of you."

With only a single and simple phrase, Angus who was flustered, came to a full stop. Never had he once ever heard someone say those words to him.

He was jealous?

Of what exactly?

Why would he be jealous of a monster that has nothing but except his will to survive no matter what?

Previously, there was a huge gap between them. They were complete strangers, acquaintances if you could butter it up. They had no business to be involved with each other's business.

Tood could've left Angus to die on his own. Angus could've died on his own without his small and simple help. You could say...it was fate, that Tood offered his help.

*Pat*

*Pat*

Patting the place beside where he sat down, Tood gestures Angus to sit beside him.

And with those small taps, it was strangely heard clearly amidst the loud roaring of thunder and rain.

A gap was closing. From strangers, to acquaintances. From the admirer to the admired. A gap was slowly closing between them.

Thousands and thousands, millions and millions of raindrops fell that day.

Angus took one step forward. With each step he took, small puddles splashed and raindrops roared like thunder.

It was a blue and gloomy atmosphere. Yet bonds can still be formed under it's tears.

Every bit of that moment as he walked forward, became a serene and calming pleasant feeling. All the noise he heard would soon dissipate into the void, every presence would become absent. He felt a sense of fulfilment, that he came to become close with someone.

All of it didn't matter to him. His problems, his worries, his fears, the disturbance, rain, and noise. What only mattered was the accepting position that the man had offered him.

A place to stay beside the person who learned to communicate with him.

Just like the gray clouds releasing the rain, Angus threw away all that bothered him and decided to approach the very thing that bothered him the most.

Acceptance.

In his past life, never did he felt the sensation of acceptance. He would be rejected, ignored, and thrown away soon after he had become so twisted with greed and power. There never was any given moment where he felt any genuine affection. Angus never had the chance to experience true love and comradeship from none other than his family.

It was a world of opportunities. And with every opportunity, everyone has a choice to make. One can rise or drag someone else down.

It was his first time being called to someone's side. It was then he felt the need to accept that position. That he should accept that place as his own. That he would disregard everything, except the thought of leaving his side.

With every step he took. Time began to slow down, he yearned a company, he yearned it so badly. He wanted to be beside someone who would even want to be accompanied by him. It was so endearing, the world he viewed upon has become slow and precious, a priceless moment he wished would last forever.

It has been one hundred years since he held a conversation with someone. Why would he consider the thought of rejecting someone, when he only felt rejection his whole life?

Who wouldn't want that?

Why wouldn't you want to stay with someone who would be willing to accept you no matter what you would be?

With just a simple gesture, a very special moment can be made. And Angus regarded this very special moment, to be something he could not ever learn to forget.

He was accepted by someone he feared as someone who would inevitably become his enemy.

Big Boss: "Come, sit. Over here. I require your presence beside mine."

Climbing up the small steps to his porch. Angus sits beside him, fidgety and shy. There are many questions that linger inside the young monster's head. For once, he is trusting of an enemy he should be aware of. With a carefree mind, Angus tends to put himself in danger so easily. But this time, it was a hunch, a hunch that releases all of his tense thoughts and just throw himself into the devil's palm.

Just like in the near future, Tood hungs his head up. Looking at the sky above his lodging.

Big Boss: "It's..."

Angus waits for his next words. He judges Tood's mannerisms, figuring out what could be in his mind with his observation. In his past life, observation was Angus' greatest quirk. With his keen observation: he can take notes, memorize, study, picture, analyze, and record anything that he sees or hear in the present situation. He was considered a genius back in his life in which his observation had carried and supported his previous life until the day that he died. But as humans carry a limiter that gets worse as they age, Angus's genius would have only lasted a few more decades if he had lived longer. Fortunately, after reincarnation he was reborn into a body with nigh limitless potential.

Golems do not suffer of old age, instead, they recover with the help of mineral consumption-- preserving their nigh perfect state.

To put it simply, his observation has reached beyond humane levels. It was just simply inhumane.

And in Angus' perspective, Tood wanted to apologize but hesitation is what kept him at bay.

He would not know until later of what Tood wants to apologize for, but he could take a wild guess about what it could be.

And it would be for his wrong approach from the start of it all.

He was a complex person, Angus' impression of Tood Raid was like a wild storm that never ceases to twist and surprise you. He would be nice, strict, talkative, goofy and wise for him. A neighbor you can get close to.

Big Boss: "Hmm...It's- nothing actually."

Dodging what he was about to say, he immediately picks up a quick new conversation to cover up the awkwardly weird tension he just created. He was defeated by his own cowardice to make amends.

With a single cough, he sat straight and looked at the abandoned leaf that Angus just left.

Big Boss: "As for why I am jealous of ya...let's just call that topic for another day."

Angus, dissapointed of not learning the truth. Decides to mope. Tood snickers seeing his little attitude and pats his back, in an attempt to cheer him up.

Big Boss: "Oh don't ya be like that lad! Just think of it as...me bein' a little bit shy eh? I'll definitely tell ya, a'right?"

Tood giggles, as if he was comforting a child he was robbed of raising for himself. Deciding that if he cannot make the child in his bits of memories happy, then he wouldn't miss the chance that was given to him right beside him.

Although it was a sweet thought to somewhat compensate for the daughter he had lost in his broken memories, he would still realize that all his doing is wrong and selfish.

Lacking of any genuine memories he could truly trust, he was afraid of dying alone.

To not know one's self is a fate worse than death itself. Waking up in a strange place, not knowing where you are or who you are is like seeing yourself in a long nightmare you can't ever wake up from.

It would feel like you do not know everyone, including yourself. Isolating you from everyone, including yourself.

It was a dreaded thought that continued to linger in his head. He sought to die fighting with his self-hatred alongside someone he could make a bond with.

It was a selfish desire that prevented him from letting Angus escape from his clutches.

And even in the near future, he would still regret his decisions. His stomach would churn from a more intense hatred, with the fact that he knows he would drag Angus back to him as he would not consider the thought of leaving his side.

Tood also knew, the little golem has grown attached to him. It was a sin, a very selfish sin.

From the very beginning, he had constructed it all. From the very moment he felt he finally met his own match. Tood yearned to die by his side.

He turns toward the little golem, in his mind he wants to apologize, but he couldn't risk the thought of making Angus become distant.

In the end of it all, Angus was still a living being. Tood understood that. He deserves his own freedom, he deserves to see the outside world. He knew that the little monster was curious, that he wished to run outside and embrace the world for what it was. If he were even to apologize right now, he would not stop or kill Angus from running away from him. Because he knew he deserve to be free from the cage that he created.

So he didn't apologize. He decided to keep being selfish even until the end.

Big Boss: "Ngg...I really suck."

Angus' curiosity perks up, becoming completely distracted with his observation of Tood.

Tood sighs and relaxes, he felt that even if for a short period of time-- He would loosen up, completely put his guard down and let them both spend the rest of their time with idle chit chat.

Big Boss: "A'right, let's continue on with the star that burned brighter than anyone. Shall we?"

Angus excitedly nods and sat comfortably by his side. It was only just the two of them. Soon after that, Tood would offer to play a game and in the next he would teach Angus how to deal with monsters and how to fight them like one. It was all in preparation to beat Tood regardless of Angus' realizing it. He taught someone weaker than him, hoping that they would knock some sense into his thick noggin.

For once, after awakening into a new monstrous body. Leading towards a new life full of doubt, anger and misery--- Tood chose to smile genuinely in the most tender and honest expression he could give. He learned to grow fond of someone who was even stronger than him as they were also gravely weaker.

He slowly became honest with himself, leading towards where we currently are-

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*The Present*

Big: "You're going to die after I bust out my super duper secret move, ya little twat! Uwoooohhhh!!!"

Angus: [Bring it on old man! I'll also bust out my super duper ULTRA move on you!!!]

This is a time of which two idiots were born to shake up the world. To make the gods tremble. And let the stars know of their everlasting shining light.

Fate looks upon her two children, knowing that they have met for a cause that will change history as they know it.

Everything can play out like a record from a vinyl.

Previously, that wasn't the first day that Tood offered his leaf umbrella, in fact, that happened a few days ago after he saw Angus at the brink of death. A storm had reached and stayed above the lands where the Labyrinth was located in which kept the sour weather that still prolonged even until then.

Every song has their own mood to create their own variety. And as their fate brought them together, all it took was a sour and gloomy mood to make them a memorable tune to listen in.