Feel like I introduced this too soon... but I'll make it work...
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The Concept of a Heart-
Chapter Six-
The Hated Ones

As the traveling foxes continued to lessen their distance between them and Uron, Xen felt afraid the whole time. He was afraid of finding out who he truly was. For his whole life he had wondered who he was, why he even existed, his very purpose for existing, and everything that made up who he was. But thinking about it more, he began to realize that there may be aspects of his being that no one would ever accept. He didn’t know what that was though. Even if he didn’t know what it was, he was afraid anyone else would figure it out before he did. Xen was literally afraid to say and do anything at this point. So far his companions did not question why he stood in the back of the party, or why he was always so slow to reply to questions or requests.
It started to snow again, but compared to the mountains, the snow in the Marsh Plains was much more trivial. Touda did not even complain despite it aggravating his already sensitive nose. Most of that day was of him sneezing. Xen was concerned he was going to get him or the other two sick as well. When Aerobolt told him that the otters of Uron were extraordinary healers, Xen instantly wondered what Touda thought. But his only response was “Ah-choo”. Xen couldn’t help but laugh a little at that. At least he responded this time! But like Touda usually is, there was hardly an elaboration to be found. This instance however, Xen enjoyed.
The Marsh Plains was very boring. Just an empty field and the belligerent river snaking close by, furiously streaming quickly towards where they were heading, apparently frustrated that it cannot reach and kill the foxes. Xen looked into the angry water and sighed. He wondered if everyone’s life was as turbulent. Aerobolt was obviously so. And Touda’s lack of confidence and his irritability caused by it was an indication… but what about Cloud? From what Xen knows of this apprentice was that his life had been pretty easy. Sheltered. Oblivious to hardships. Xen almost envied him. If only his life were as easy. And Xen still couldn’t shake the feeling his life was only going to get even harder.
It took two uneventful days for the foxes to reach the river otter settlement of Uron. Aerobolt halted them just a few hundred yards from the mostly sandstone buildings. Why were these buildings mostly sandstone? Then Xen remembered. The desert was very close by.
“Careful,” Aerobolt said, “As friendly as the otters usually are they are very jumpy and vigilant creatures. The Kobold Bandits constantly attack here if you are wondering why.” Aerobolt explained. Just then the tall grass rustled and before Xen could jump back in surprise and fright, a short creature jumped out. Its brown and tan fur, short limbs, thick tails, and webbed paws glistened with water. This had to be an otter. They swim despite the frigid and volatile river they live on? Xen admired their capabilities already…
“Halt! Who goes there!?” said the otter in a demanding, slightly accented voice. Xen smelled fish on his breath. He held up a spear in defense. A few seconds later and the otter’s green eyes lit up in recognition. He lowered the spear. “Ah! Well if it isn’t Aerobolt! The hero who saved us from starvation in the floods last summer! You are welcome anytime in Uron! Who are these foxes you are with though?” he added with a tinge of distrust.
Aerobolt whispered to his companions. “Don’t mind Kalaus. He is prejudiced against foxes because of what one did months ago. I’ll explain later.” To Kalaus he added, “These are my traveling companions this time, Kalaus. Touda, Cloud, and Xen.” At each name he said, he indicated the fox it belonged to. Xen jumped slightly when his name was mentioned. “There is an imbalance at Hydyraen we need to address. My “brethren” may be up to no good again.” Aerobolt put air quotes around the word “brethren”.
Kalaus looked at Aerobolt’s companions. The otter’s handsome emerald eyes crossed over Xen and Xen felt paralyzed when they did. “I see… Is there anything you need from Uron?” Just then, Touda sneezed violently. Kalaus understood. “Ah I see. Anything else?”
“Just a renewal of our supplies. Uron is the last settlement there is before Hydyraen after all,” Aerobolt said.
“And for good reason,” Kalaus said with a snarl. “Those no good Shadow Vulpines are constantly raiding the closest towns they can get their paws on. They don’t come this far because the Kobold Bandits already pester us, but…” he shook his head. “We’ll help you out, but know that it is tough to do so in the winter. Our crops and supplies are no good, even with Cavra’s help with the ships.”
Aerobolt nodded. “We understand and we are grateful for your help. Just let us know if there is anything we can do for you.”
Kalaus only nodded as he turned around to lead the foxes into Uron. His short legs made him waddle slightly. The sight made Xen laugh to himself. As they walked into the tall grass, Xen lost sight of Kalaus completely. Such good cover for hiding, Xen observed.
“So how have things been in Uron lately, Kalaus?” Aerobolt asked curiously.
“Fine enough, Aerobolt. Thanks to you helping us endure the floods and getting us supplies for the survival of our village really did save our lives. We are still grateful for your help,” Kalaus’s voice sounded from somewhere in front of them.
“So you now know that not all foxes want to kill you?” Aerobolt pressed on, making it apparent he wanted to put Kalaus under pressure.
Kalaus’s voice hardened. “Perhaps not. But I am still keeping an eye on all you vulpines. Guardian or not, you still seem shady to me,” he said.
Aerobolt sighed. “Never going to have your trust are we? I mean you seem to trust the Kobold Warriors more than us. And the Kobold Bandits are what you guys are always facing…”
“I have my reasons for thinking this way,” Kalaus said warily.
“It involves more than just a Shadow Vulpine murdering chief Jormund’s predecessor doesn’t it?” Aerobolt asked.
Kalaus did not respond right away. Then he said with a lot of obvious hesitation, “So what if it does?”
“Then I might understand you more. Then I might forgive your currently unjustified hatred towards us more,” Aerobolt answered calmly.
Kalaus stopped talking. As they walked slower, Xen assumed the otter was deep in thought. He wondered what had happened to him to make him dislike foxes so strongly. “I-I don’t want to talk about it,” he said with pain etched in his voice.
Aerobolt nodded. “Though I understand divulging into this would hurt, without adequate reason, I still declare your prejudice unjustified, you know that right?” Xen was a little shocked by how little sympathy Aerobolt displayed to the hurting otter. Why was he not so forgiving to this otter? Aerobolt continued when Kalaus still did not respond. “I thought along the same lines you did Kalaus. But then I met Shade and Storm and all the other Guardians. They proved me wrong. There are good foxes out there! Why can’t you realize that…?”
Kalaus sighed and stopped at the edge of the tall grass. “Foxes hurt me more than you could imagine, Aerobolt. You may have had the harder life, but I have to admit, I am emotionally weak compared to you. Unlike you I cannot let go of a grudge. Even if I want to.”
“K-Kalaus…” Aerobolt didn’t seem to know what to say next.
“You know the way to Mairce’s inn, right? I have to go alert Jormund of your presence,” Kalaus said without hiding his bitter emotions. When Aerobolt nodded, Kalaus turned left and walked quickly away.
Then Aerobolt looked over to the rest of them. “I… guess there is more to Kalaus than I thought… E-even though knowing it all would justify his phobia of us, it is not of our business…”
Touda shook his head. “But after all we did for him and Uron… It just doesn’t seem right,” he said. Immediately after he sneezed again.
“Maybe not, but we have to accept it unless he wishes to divulge the truth to us. Until then, or until his prejudice actually hurts one of us, we’ll leave him be. Let’s get to Mairce now,” Aerobolt said, pointing to one of the few wooden buildings up ahead along the river. Without another word, he began leading the others towards it. As Xen passed by the mainly sandstone homes of the otters, he noticed that many of them had what appeared to be small streams connecting them. These creatures must be highly oriented to swimming than he had initially thought. For Xen, the thought of getting his fur wet unsettled him. For that he had to admire these otters’ enthusiasm towards the water. Aerobolt stopped. “Here.” He opened the door. Instantly the strong odor of medicinal remedies slammed into Xen’s nose in full force. Xen almost instantly burst out coughing. He followed Aerobolt in despite the smell becoming stronger. All smells seemed to coalesce in this building. From sweet to sour to bitter to acrid to flowery, just about everything at once. And each one pummeled Xen’s nose until he let out a wheeze. Was this and apothecary or an inn?!
“Oh?” came a female voice that made Xen jump. “Guardians? This is a surprise; I didn’t think you foxes were needed anywhere right about now,” said Mairce the Innkeeper.
“We are, Mairce. I’m glad nothing has happened yet. But a couple of days ago an imbalance of Darkness was measured. I assume the Shadow Vulpines are up to something again as they usually are,” Aerobolt answered.
“I see. And I assume you need a place to stay as well as a renewal of your supplies?” When Touda sneezed, “And a cold remedy? Our supplies are limited because of this winter, but anything for the Guardians of Life,” Mairce said sincerely.
Aerobolt flushed. “P-please, we don’t need special treatment, though it is much appreciated,” he said.
Mairce bowed. “It is no problem. Please take any room you like,” she indicated the left staircase. “I hope your stay here will be better than last time,” she added.
“Yeah, last time Kalaus practically kidnapped me and forced me to meet Jormund,” Aerobolt said with humor instead of grudging. “By the way, has he made any moves on you lately? It is obvious… he is infatuated by you…” Aerobolt brought up awkwardly.
Mairce sighed. “I know… but he won’t get the memo. I do not want a mate. I know how relationships can get, and I am not sure companionship is worth that risk. What about you Aerobolt? Have you ever thought about settling down for a mate? I assume you are at that perfect age right now.”
“I never really thought of it. I don’t think it quite so necessary. Plus with my turbulent life, a mate would make things… complicated… to say the least,” Aerobolt answered. Xen did not know Aerobolt did not want a mate. Then Xen thought to himself. ‘What about me? Would I want a mate?’ He thought about it. The thought of settling down with a vixen did not make him feel very eager to have a mate. Vixens were always demanding and hard to understand. At least reynards are easy to get along with and relatable. Stubborn and lazy though… But those aren’t terrible qualities to him! If vixens were more like that Xen wouldn’t think it so bad. Xen always felt like he got along with reynards easier anyways. A mate just might not be in his future. But for once, Xen did not necessarily mind.
“I see. Though I can see that a lot of vixens would love to cuddle up to you, Aerobolt considering who you are,” Mairce said with a mischievous smile.
M-Mairce!” Aerobolt flushed deeper.
“Come on Aerobolt. Who wouldn’t want to be mates with someone like you?! I bet even some reynards would be willing to commit revaera just to be with a hero like you!” Mairce continued.
‘R-revaera? What’s that?’ Xen thought curiously.
Aerobolt was getting even more flustered and embarrassed. “Please stop that!” was all he could say. Mairce laughed at that.
“You know I’m just kidding! Revaera are highly frowned upon as you know,” she said. “But I am serious about thinking just about anyone wanting to be with you!” she winked as Aerobolt flushed deeper. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to prepare your companion a cold remedy.” And with that, she disappeared into a side room.
Cloud giggled. “You just had to ask her about Kalaus didn’t you?” he smirked.
Aerobolt shook his head. “Shut up, Cloud,” he said good-naturedly. “Come on. Let’s go upstairs. It can’t be that far from nightfall now.” And without regard to his companions, Aerobolt started up the creaky stairs to the inn side of the building. Xen was burning with curiosity of what he had just heard. Mates? Revaera? Companionship? Xen found it interesting though he was too young to feel any of that yet. But still he remained curious. He wanted to know more. He wanted to ask Aerobolt what he knew about it all. He shrugged to himself. Maybe a companion or mate might help him find a purpose in life. Might give him someone to live for, to root for, to fight for, to die for. Xen like that thought of that.
When they reached the room, Xen was flabbergasted by how small the beds were. He and Cloud may not have too much trouble fitting, but the older two foxes might. Xen felt sorry for them. Not as sorry for Touda, but he still would hate to be in his paws.
“I had forgotten how small otter beds are. Because of how small otters are,” Aerobolt said, staring at one. Just then, Mairce reappeared in the doorway.
“Sick one.” She pointed to Touda. “Please come with me so you can receive your remedy.”
Touda sighed. “Alright then. Achoo! So glad this accursed cold can end now,” he sniffed as he followed Mairce back downstairs. Xen looked at Aerobolt. Then he looked at Cloud. ‘I want to talk to him alone! Cloud, please get out!’ he said in his mind.
“Aerobolt?” he began nervously.
“Yeah Xen?” Aerobolt turned to greet him.
“Can I talk to you, please?”
Aerobolt seemed surprised at first. Then he nodded. “A-alright then. What would you like to talk about?”
Xen hesitated. He looked at Cloud. “C-can we talk alone?” he hoped he did not offend Cloud when he asked that. But Cloud did look offended.
“Aw what!? What can you talk about that I can’t be here for!?” he spat. “Fine! I don’t want to talk to you anyway!” and he furiously strode out of the room and slammed the door. ‘That did seem uncalled for and out of nowhere,’ Xen had thought. He hoped they could still be friends. “Sorry…” he said too late.
“Don’t mind him, okay? He’ll get over it. So… what did you want to talk about, Xen?” Aerobolt looked at the apprentice with genuine curiosity.
“What Mairce talked about when we were downstairs. Mates,” Xen said with slight hesitation.
Aerobolt seemed genuinely surprised. “Mates?” Whatever for?” he asked.
“Like… if they could really… help… someone. Especially someone who feels like they don’t have a purpose. Like me,” Xen said slowly and awkwardly.
Aerobolt looked at the apprentice with unreadable eyes. “You know I can’t really answer that because I never had a mate myself. I don’t know for sure if they’d help. I… I’d assume it could be both ways. They could help. But they could hurt too. It depends on whom you go with to be mates and all,” he said uncertainly.
“Y-yeah… I guess so…” Xen conceded. He had not really given that much thought, that they might hurt more than help. He pictured himself with a vixen, but he thought her attitude might hurt someone like him too much. But a reynard…. No. That’s absurd. Reynard and reynard can’t ever be together. It’s inconceivable! But there was the other term he heard. “And… what are revaera…?” he asked.
Aerobolt stiffened. “Why do you want to know that?”
Xen was taken aback by Aerobolt’s reaction. “J-just curious is all!” he said quickly.
Aerobolt shook his head. “It’s a topic better left unmentioned. It cannot be brought up lightly. Revaera are, as Mairce said, not welcome in Nyethra. I… personally disagree with her, but I am still very uncomfortable talking about it.”
“But!” Xen protested. “I really want to know! What can be so bad about it!?”
Aerobolt sighed. “I ask that question too… But no good answer is ever given. In the eyes of countless Nyethrans, they just… are…”
Xen thought for a moment. “Is it like… Kalaus’s prejudice on us foxes?” he asked.
Aerobolt shook his head. “Maybe, maybe not. While foxes are not quite so universally hated since Kalaus is the only otter who hates us, revaera are.”
“But why…?”
“They say that revaera are not natural. That they are not meant to exist at all. And that they area a violation to the way life works. And an abomination in Iridescence’s eyes. I… like I said, I disagree but…”
“But…?”
“It is still a serious topic to bring up!” Aerobolt seemed very uncomfortable. As sorry as Xen felt for the hero, he had to know what revaera were.
“I want to know what they are though!” he said boldly even though it hurt him a little bit.
Aerobolt sighed. For a few minutes he did not reply. He must have been contemplating what would happen if he spoke. Xen hated he was prolonging it. Xen was confident he was going to get his answers this time. “Alright. Fine. I’ll tell you.” Aerobolt said at last.
“Thank you, Aerobolt,” Xen said relieved he convinced him.
“The first thing you need to know about revaera is that they are rare. Very much so. They say only one in a hundred is a revaera. But this could also be because so few could be open about it. For all we know there could be much more than we think. But they are all in hiding because of how hated they are,” Aerobolt started.
“What are they if they are so rare or in hiding like that?” Xen’s curiosity was peaking.
“You know how Mairce joked that other reynards, as in, male foxes, would be willing to commit revaera and couple up with me, because of how popular I am right?”
Xen nodded. “Yes I remember. And I did not really think about it then. Other reynards? In a relationship with you? It sounds… so farfetched,” he said uncertainly.
Aerobolt shook his head. “That’s just it. That is what revaera is. When two creatures of the same gender enter a romantic relationship like that, and are seriously committed to as such. They don’t even have attraction to that of their opposite gender as the norm clearly states. Revaera literally means, reversed love,” he said in a low voice.
Xen was taken aback. So relationships like that do exist!? He was speechless. He couldn’t react to being proven wrong like that! Aerobolt looked at him sympathetically.
“We are hated so much that once found, we are usually sentenced to death. Torturous. Death. As I said, I do not find anything abhorrently wrong with our existence. We are just… hated because we are different. And they believe that in the Guardian of Life’s mind of all deities we are the true nature of scum of Nyethra’s life. We are hated far more than the Shadow Vulpines, more than any other malevolent organization out there. All because of who we love. And I find no justice in that. At all. I have made it a bit of a goal to end such groundless hatred towards revaera as well as foxes. A bold goal that I realize may be fruitless. But I won’t just give up,” Aerobolt said with determination.
Xen just looked at him, muzzle open. “S-so you said… we… and us… and our… d-does that mean…?” he asked unsteadily.
Aerobolt nodded slowly. “I personally believe I am revaera. Though I have no real interest in having a mate, if I do take one, I see myself with a reynard much more than a vixen. I can’t… see myself connecting with a vixen as well as I do with a reynard,” he said uncomfortably.
Xen just remembered what he thought of not long ago. “R-really…?” he asked wide-eyed. He did not want to confess to Aerobolt he had been feeling the same way just now. Xen did not want to think about the possibility of him being revaera. If they were indeed hated to such extremes, he did not want to be a part of it! He hoped if he’d wanted a mate soon, it’d be with a vixen! Whether he thought he got along with them well enough or not!
Aerobolt nodded again. “We are the hated ones, Xen. Foxes. Revaera. Even though I am considered a hero throughout Nyethra, I have two reasons to be hated. No else knows I identify myself as revaera. In fact, I’m not sure yet. As I said, I have no interest in taking a mate right now anyways. Some say it’s a choice. Some say it’s a mental condition. I think they are all wrong. It’s an aspect of one’s personality that makes them more special!” Then Aerobolt’s gaze hardened. “But what do you, a creature that just learned of our existence, think of it all?”
Xen thought long and hard. Like Aerobolt, he couldn’t find anything outright harmful of this unusual phenomenon. It’s outlandish. It seems impossible. It does seems like a mental state of being that is incorrect. But what is there to hate if it doesn’t harm anybody? Xen shook his head. “It’s… really out there… that something like this exists… part of me thinks it is a mental condition; it’s just that out there to me! B-but… if it doesn’t hurt anybody… then what is there to hate?” he asked.
“Exactly. I’m glad you understand. You are too young to be thinking about this stuff, but keep this in mind. When you do think about looking for a mate, if you find someone is a revaera, treat them like they are just another fox, because in reality that is what they are!” Aerobolt said in a low, serious voice.
Xen nodded. Of course he would. They are not looking to hurt people like the irony of their enemies. But Xen couldn’t shake what he felt before out of his head. The admiration he felt for Aerobolt and Cloud. Could it have been more than just simple admiration? Could it be something deeper? Xen couldn’t shake the thought that maybe he was revaera as well. And that made him more scared of his uncertain and unpredictable future even more. He had wanted to be different. Extraordinary even! But not in a case like this!
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Check out my whole series! http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/5340298/
Start from the beginning! http://www.furaffinity.net/view/14666208/
Start from the TRUE beginning! http://www.furaffinity.net/view/11187661/