"You sure you okay?" Serenity asked, sitting by Chris in a chair she'd pulled close to him as he nibbled on a small sandwich from one of the nearby buffet tables. "Would you stop worrying? I'm fine already." he scowled. "I mean, I appreciate the thought but really, look at me." he added, the Pokemon doing just that. "Why you think I'm asking?" Serenity scowled back, only to get a "Bah" and a wave from the stubborn man beside her. On his opposite side, Rose was nibbling on small sandwiches of her own, perking her ears with a quiet squeal from the taste. "Heh... Spared no expense with this stuff, even the food is something you'd normally only get at some ritzy five star kind of place. We all deserve to taste the high life now and then, yeah?" Chris grinned, making her pause and look at him curiously before showing a slightly guilty tint in her expression. "What's wrong?" he asked. "Would you mind... Telling just how much you've spent?" Alicia chimed in from across the table. "Uhh... What does it matter?" Chris answered, raising his brow. "It have to be a lot... Those humans you have line up after work was done, you give them lots of money on top of what already spend too, right?" Serenity reminded, making Chris show agitation from their focus being on what was spent rather than the event itself. "I said money wasn't a problem, we have more than plenty, before and after all of this. As far as those workers, I paid them extra because of what they did. In three days all of this happened, so it was the least I could do." he affirmed, raising his cup of tea to his mouth to brush off the pressure. "When you offer to help someone, you either give it your all, do all you can, or you may as well not even bother." he affirmed.
"Well said young man." a voice called, making the group turn to see Barnack approaching. "That was the same mentality I had during my time in office. You hold onto that ideal and you'll go far." he added, tapping his forehead as he stood in his suit, looking official and on duty despite the festive event around him. "I would like to offer some form of reimbursement though. Doing so much for our city, it's only right we help alleviate the cost." he point out. "Nah... Every penny is worth it. Besides, that's the whole point. An outsider stepping in to fix all of this has a bigger impact, I think." Chris explained. "If the government had paid for repairs, people would have just shrugged off the issue and thought the problem was solved. The people who actually knew about the damage and cared at least... The only reason this event is getting so much reach is because of the way we're doing this now." he went on, looking around. "When the people cause trouble, it's also the people who should be willing to stand up and fix the problem. Otherwise it's no different than a child breaking a window, and a father fixing it with little more than a slap on the wrist, if that. There's no consequence or impact, and just makes it happening a second time more likely because the child knows someone else will deal with stuff and nobody will really care in the end. Something like this shouldn't be seen as such a normal or expected thing, and after what we've done... It won't be. Because it's not going to be the government working to prevent it, but the people themselves who will find their own inspirations, their own reasons to protect the place with their own hands... It's the people of a society who should carry the responsibility to protect it, and shoulder the burden when they fail to do so." Chris affirmed.
Hearing this, the girls eyes widened from his philosophical shift with the former mayor beside him, while Barnack himself merely looked at the young man before him with all the more intrigue. "My my..." he muttered before showing a smirk. "I like your gusto, I'll say that much. A shame more of our youth can't share such a sense of importance in our societies today." he sighed with his arms crossed. "Well, it's a matter of how much you're willing to let the people stand on their own two feet. If everyone knows someone else will always be there to burp them and shield them from every obstacle and hardship, they'll never grow into someone worth the land they stand on." Chris affirmed, showing a rare glimpse of understanding beyond his years while the girls looked at one another with collective "Wha?" expressions, suddenly unfamiliar with the man they usually felt they knew so well while Barnack blinked at him. "Responsibility is what separates men and women from children, that's the lesson being taught here tonight." Chris insisted, tapping his finger on the table. "We all have our roles to play Mr. Barnack, and our biggest mistake is letting someone else take the blame and cover the costs of what we've done. When one of us screws up, it's a failure on all of our parts... I think if more people felt that way, attacks like this would be far fewer and between, if they happened at all. And the issues you had to fight for? What I'm saying works for that too. Maybe you wouldn't have had to fight if we taught people to look at the love between ourselves and see it's no different than what's shared between those who are different from the beginning, instead of those beside you telling the world their view of normal and causing the problem from the start." Chris lectured.
"...What you did was great Mr. Barnack, but it was a problem those before you in the same seat you claimed that started it all. It wasn't the fault of the people so much hatred and bigotry was in the hearts of so many, it began with those who lead them and enforced their ideals on the masses generations ago. You solved a large portion of the mess on your end, and now it's up to the people to solve the remainder of that mess, to clean things up and heal the society around them." Chris finished, sitting back in his seat with his thoughts finished. "This is just what it looks like... Don't thank me for this, thank your people for finding the room in their hearts to look past what those before you put in their minds, and realize we all have our place, no matter the opinions of those who think they are in control of them." he added, making the former Mayor look around. Returning his focus to Chris, he merely put a hand on his shoulder in a silent "You're right" manner, nodding before turning and taking his leave, leaving Chris looking at his cup before glancing at the back of the man as he walked off. "...Wo--ow.." Rose muttered in a drawn out manner, looking at him wide eyed. "My word, what in the world was that?" Alicia asked. "That heavy... Not like you at all." Serenity added, all three looking at him like a stranger in their midst. "Uhh..." Chris replied, scratching his cheek. "Sorry about that... There's some stuff I get into with a little more... Passion... Than other things." he explained. "We know that, you've kinda been that way before." Rose assured. "This time was just more..." Alicia added, trying to point out her thoughts. "Manly... I like way you stand up, even if you sitting down." Serenity giggled, hugging against his side.
"I wouldn't be a man worth following if I didn't from time to time, right?" Chris smirked, making Alicia and Rose look at one another before showing smiles of their own and nodding before his expression turned sly. "Or are you telling me you're just into me for my looks?" he asked, taking Serenity by the chin while leaning close to her making the Pokemon blink at him and flush before he pulled away with a chuckle, leaving her clearing her throat as she looked down and fidget. "Anyway... Yeah... You girls should know there's more to me by now. All of us are still full of surprises in our own ways." he nodded. "So tell me, which performance is your favorite so far?" he asked, steering the conversation elsewhere. As the minutes passed, hustle and bustle returned to the stage as it was prepped for the performance that would star Barnack himself, with the crowd watching curiously as they chat. "The humans are still putting stuff in baskets." Rose point out, turning their attention to the sisters and those who offered to help taking more donations. "Mm... Looks the amount is weakening though... Once performances kick back up it should go back the way it was." Chris point out, keeping tabs on how much cash was coming in. "One wonders how much you've brought in thus far." Alicia added, making him smirk again. "I'm sure we're doing pretty good... We've got things set up for outside donations too, folks can chip in from anywhere in the world, so long as our reach is as far as I think it is." Chris assured, looking back at the stage with a smirk of confidence. Reflecting on what he'd said, the girls looked at his face in silence, thinking of the times he'd stood up in the past and took the brunt of the fight of others atop his shoulders, just as he was doing now.
Though he was childish so often, to the girls there were times when his shoulders were broader than any man's could be, and it was in moments like this which earned him admiration unparalleled. In the world, so many would run from wars, with countless turning a blind eye to the chaos unfolding, and yet since knowing him Chris was always running to the front lines, acting as a one man army that inspired others to join his causes. Having already saved them, the girls thought back on the way he'd lift so many from the brink of death back on the Guardian, and as they looked around them, the one who'd became their alpha was bringing together an entire society before their eyes, making them look at one another and smile in contentment from their choice in who they would support. "Eh? What's with those looks?" Chris asked, blinking at the girls making them jolt. "Ah... Nothing really." Alicia chuckled. "Just thinking about how much we love you." Rose giggled. "Humans... Not know how lucky they are." Serenity smirked, giving him a nudge further peaking his curiosity as he tilt his head, giving a "Huh" and "Thanks" in response. After a moment, one of the sisters went on stage and called for everyone's attention, announcing that the next performance, and likewise another special guest was about to begin. "Ah... Now it's Barnack's turn..." Chris muttered before showing another smirk. "With him and Holly giving us a hand, we should do just fine." he nodded with arms crossed, the girls turning their attention back to him as he downplayed his own role in the success of the event. "They okay... But you real reason it do good." Serenity affirmed, making him glance at her with "Thanks" in response as the lights suddenly dimmed.
*(IMPORTANT NOTICE)* LISTEN WHILE READING IS MANDATORY FROM HERE ON!! As you read, it will be up to you to decide when you are done listening to each song. It's made clear when each performance ends, so you can either stop when the story basically tells you to, or of your own accord.
If needed, pause reading the chapter here and take a break to give yourself time to ready yourself for the mood to follow, or take care of any tasks that need be so you needn't interrupt yourself partway through reading.
With that out of the way, enjoy Part 3 of the Save the Temple finale fans of TOTGM! Thanks for sticking with it thus far as another saga of this ever sprawling series reaches its spectacular climax!
Next thing everyone knew, they were startled by the sound of an abrupt shout through the speakers, followed by a chant of sorts as the lights dimmed further to a near dark state. On the stage, a white light glowed showing the silhouettes of beings big and small walking along, looking as though stalking in a crouched state as mist effects began spreading around the stage. In their hands, torch-like fires could be seen wafting about as they moved, and as the figures took their places they began to move and sway in a calm, dancing manner along with the chanting. To the side of the stage, another figure could be seen walking along with a mic, with Chris giving a "there he is..." remark and chuckling as he and the girls watched, the figure heading to the center of the stage as those around him made way, looking as though parting and bowing in respect. Once he reached the center of the stage, the figure let out another shout with his arms out, slowly raising them as a theatrical screen that had been lowered behind him depicted a sunrise slowly looming over a savannah, spreading a soft glow throughout the chamber that gave it a redish-orange tint. Outside the structure, the lights changed to make the walls of the temple reflect a similar scenario, with projectors aiding to show silhouettes of trees around the building. With the tempo gradually increasing, the lights on the stage revealed men and women alike dancing with their torches, and in their midst were Alolan Marowack that had been rushed in to take part alongside their trainers, their variant forms a rare treat for those watching as they point out the talented creatures dancing about. All the while yellow's began mixing with the colors in and around the temple, like a new day donning with the performance to come.
"From the day we arrived... On this planet..." Barnack began to sing, drawing everyone's attention as they began pointing out the idol. "There's more to see, than can ever be seen... More to do, than can ever be done..." he went on, reaching out to the audience. As he walked along the stage, silhouettes of various Pokemon could be seen strolling through and flying above the savannah on screen and along the temple walls outside, including species like Dodrio and Rhyhorn on the ground, and creatures like Combee and Fearow in the air. "It's the circle of life!" Barnack sang, accompanied by a flash of lights both within and outside the temple. "Through despair, and hope... Through faith, and love... Till' we find a place!" he affirmed, turning with his hand out as spotlights came on and directed towards a male and female Pyroar walking on and along the stage toward Barnack, with him approaching the duo in turn. "In the circle... The circle, of life..." Barnack cooed into his mic, meeting the duo on the center of the stage and turning to the crowd as the two Pokemon sat proudly at each of his sides and gazed upon the audience alongside him, making Barnack appear like a king himself. "Would a Ms. Tsarea please join me on stage at this time?" the former mayor asked while the instrumental portion played, making a spotlight appear on the Mother in the crowd. Blinking curiously, she calmly took to the stage and approached Barnack herself, with the man turning to her and offering a bow before raising. "Tonight... We will affirm your place in this city, just as we have for so many others... I hope you'll forgive us for what we've overlooked, accept our apologies, as well as our efforts to right the wrongs against you." he spoke in his mic, the crowd silent as he turned to them.
"It's the circle of life!" he repeat, with Tsarea now at his side between the two Pyroar, looking like protectors of the newfound unity being shown between them. "Through despair, and hope! Through faith and love!" Barnack affirmed, and as he sang, different screens around them panned between his and Tsarea's faces, while others panned along the proud stances of the Pyroar by their sides. Reaching the end of the song, Barnack repeat his line of "The circle of life!" once more before all those holding torches gathered around them, holding them high above Barnack and Tsarea to emphasize everyone's right to freedom, liberty, and a place all could call home while the Marowack sat with their legs crossed and torches across their laps, their performance now finished with heads lowered in contentment. With the depiction of the savannah fading and the lights within and around the temple returning to their former state, a roaring applaud returned to the chamber and the portion of the city surrounding the plaza outside, with many shouting Barnack's name in excitement from seeing their former leader back in the limelight. "Ha... I've still got it..." he chuckled, looking at the mic in his hand. "You enjoyed singing when you were the mayor as well, did you not?" Tsarea point out, getting an "Oh?" and a raised brow from Barnack as he turned to her. "You paid attention to me?" he asked. "It's the duty of all citizens to listen to those who lead them, just as it's our duty to listen to He who put our leaders where they stand. All who rule us are chosen by His hand, and act as His voice and make His will known." Tsarea explained with a bow. "We have a duty to respect that." she added. "All that is, all that will be, and all who will make it happen, all of it is at His discretion." she added.
"You act as though you have wronged us and our temple, as does Holly, but the fires started here weren't flames of destruction, but of healing. Through one disaster, many blessings are possible, and as a result, here we are, here you are tonight." Tsarea smiled, making Barnack's eyes widen in surprise. "Through sacrifice, much can be gained. This is how society exists, how it evolves. Much can be done to harm our existence with one another, yet by that same token, much can be done to make us thrive in ways never seen before." Tsarea assured before turning toward Chris and the girls while they were distracted with their own conversations. "Many wish for a better tomorrow to arrive sooner, but with patience, it will come... He always delivers a solution when the time is right." she nodded. "Ah... So you believe God brought us that young man?" Barnack asked. "...Just the same as He brought you to us, dear Mr. Odama." Tsarea point out, looking at him in a warm manner. "Know that He is proud of you, as are we all. One could not ask for a better son to carry out His will." the Mother affirmed, turning to Barnack and nodding. "You were His chosen one, as is Holly, and that group over there... I am blessed to live in this time in which I can see so many chosen do so much to help and heal our struggling world. To live under Him and the likes of you and Holly, one could not ask for a more privileged existence." Tsarea praised. "Thank you... For serving as our Mayor." she finished, leaving Barnack silent for a moment before looking at his mic and having the male Pyroar hold it in his maw. "Ms. Tsarea... Forgive me but, may I?" Barnack asked, offering an embrace of which the Mother accepted. "I am honored, my child." she smiled.
Catching this on camera, the news outlets broadcast the embrace to those watching around the world, zooming in on the two before watching as they backed from one another, after which Barnack placed a hand on Tsarea's shoulder and shook her hand. Still holding the mic in its mouth, the Pyroar's teeth clicked its switch on, after which Barnack could be heard on all the speakers saying "The real honor is having you serve this temple." making the audience in the chamber and plaza look at one another and grin before applauding all the more, making the two jolt and turn with embarrassed smiles on their faces. "Alright... One down... One to go..." Chris muttered at his table, holding his hand up. "After that... I go back up... So..." he added, showing three fingers. "Just three more to get through, then we can start wrapping things up, and see what the haul is..." he nodded. "What... ARE you going to perform next?" Alicia asked. "Well..." he paused, looking at the girls curious faces. "One is gonna be about the similarities between what humans and Pokemon have endured... The other thing..." he suddenly winked. "Is for you girls, so it's a secret." he teased. "That not fair..." Serenity scowled. "Putting it that way just makes us wanna know more." Rose agreed. "Hey, you asked." Chris grinned. "It's what's coming up that's gonna take a lot of focus for me though... I'll be helping out with Barnack's next song." he added. "I thought you say you take break while they sing?" Serenity reminded. "Well, for the most part, but... His suggestion really gave me some ideas I'd love to try out. It's a song that would help me put some... Artsy flare into this whole thing." Chris tried to explain. "Flare...? Haven't we seen enough of that already?" Alicia asked, reminding of the effects and fireworks.
"This will be a... Different kind of flare... Something nobody's seen before." Chris assured. "I'm... Pretty sure most of what you've done tonight hasn't been seen already." Rose smiled nervously. "Just wait and watch." he affirmed, rubbing the rabbit on the head. "The whole theme of this thing is going for an unforgettable vibe, so I'm gonna push it to the limit." he added with a confident fist clenched. "Well... I suppose that passion is another charm of yours." Alicia surrendered, letting him keep his excitement. "There's not much time between his songs so I'd better get ready... If you wanna see what I have planned, I suggest you girls head out into the plaza." Chris hinted before standing and heading off. "There he goes again..." Rose smiled. "More work..." Serenity sighed. "Come now, best we not keep thinking like that. It will only spoil things." Alicia warned. "I guess... He say go outside, so we better go." Serenity nodded while pointing her thumb toward the entrance, the two nodding in turn. "Ah, there he is!" Barnack waved as Chris approached him and Tsarea on stage. "Not a bad job there Mr. Mayor." Chris grinned. "I always did have a knack for this kind of thing." Barnack chuckled. "Glad you enjoyed! Just doing my part." he added, shaking Chris's hand. "All of you have done so much for this temple... I thank you once again." Tsarea chimed in, making both turn to her. "Bah, no need. Its been fun!" Chris assured with a wave as preparations for the next song began, with sisters of the church taking the stage and lining up like a choir. "You know... You never told me what your plan is..." Barnack point out, returning his focus to Chris. "You said you were interested in lending a hand with this next song, but I'm curious as to how so." he added.
"You'll see... Everyone will. You just make sure to do your part in here." Chris answered, making Barnack raise an eyebrow. "In... Here...?" he pondered as Chris watched the sisters position themselves among men that were hired to aid the choir while the orchestra before the stage began readying themselves as well. "I'd better be off..." Chris smirked, looking back at the two. "Get ready for a real show this time." he grinned before hurrying along, leaving Barnack and Tsarea looking at one another intrigued. As the minutes passed and the stage was prepared, high atop the temple Chris stepped out from a door onto the roof, the crisp night air wafting against him as he made his way to the edge of the rooftop and looked down at the unsuspecting people below. Looking closely, he spotted the girls, looking like dots as they made their way down the stairs below. "Heh... They're gonna love this..." he grinned. "This is a waste of my power..." Ninetales suddenly echoed in his mind. "Aw come on, I know you've had some fun too. Besides, if you didn't see any value in this, you would've shot me down the second I brought it up... You've seen what we've pulled off so far, and look at the affect it's had on these people." he point out. "Don't worry... There's not much left to do." he assured, stepping back from the edge before looking toward the aurora above. "Time to go..." he muttered, taking a breath before Ninetales energy swirled around his feet and launched him skyward, leaving a trail of fire behind him, one of which the people below took notice of and point out curiously, making the girls look up as well. "There he go..." Serenity muttered. "And going rather high at that... What is he up to?" Alicia asked, all the while within the temple the next performance had begun.
Within the temple, Barnack took the center stage once again, standing under the spotlight with the lights having dimmed and a soft glow placed upon the choir lined behind him. Keeping his head lowered, he began to sing "Baba yetu" by himself, slowly raising it just before lights flashed on from beneath the feet of the choir behind him, the men and women joining in with their own "Baba yetu!" lines. High in the sky above, Chris hovered among the northern lights in a meditative pose, his legs crossed as he took deep breath's to calm and ready himself as the aurora waved and curved around him. Listening closely to the music echoing from the temple below, his power began to waft freely around him, building until he heard the lines "Utuokoe, na yule, milele na milele!" and, upon that final word emphasized by Barnack on stage, Chris thrust his arms out before clasping his hands together, and upon doing so, created a brilliant flash like that of a newborn star, and as the choir joined the song in full below, the power within him burst free along the aurora lights, and through his willpower and creativity, Chris transformed the aurora in the sky into a tapestry, his own canvas on which he brought the forms of Pokemon from around the world to life. Watching in awe below, those in attendance began seeing almost every Pokemon you could think of walking and flying along the northern lights, as if their shadows had been cast on a radiant wall. From the humble Caterpie to the majestic Cresselia, from the entire Eevee line strolling along to the legendary bird trio and the likes of Entei and his companions, there was no Pokemon a keen eye couldn't spot as Chris masterfully manipulated his power so his creations followed the swaying aurora.
And where he hovered, in the center of it all, Chris brought forth an almighty-sized re-creation of the face of Arceus, making it appear as if looking down at those standing beneath it all as more and more Pokemon appeared from where he hovered, spreading further and further along the lights. In this moment, it was as though every species had joined in a migration over the city, strolling and flying above all those below. And soon, it wasn't just Pokemon, but humans were added into the mix, walking alongside all of the Pokemon along the aurora. Down in the plaza, Rose suddenly shout "Look there!!" while pointing excitedly, making Serenity and Alicia follow her signal before spotting themselves together along the aurora, causally making their way along the lights with what was clearly meant to be Chris in their midst making the trio smile. Suddenly finding more to point out, the girls found another Entei, looking as though slowly running with a man on his back, his hand pointing forward meant to be the original Smith back when he fought for the Arceanic one hundred years prior with a Cofagrigus and many Yamask following behind. Elsewhere a woman could be seen followed by a Dartrix, and behind her strolled a man with two Pyroar behind him, meant to be the current and past Mayor's of Yulema City, something that caught the attention of others as they point out the sight themselves. "Wouldn't that be...?" Alicia suddenly point, showing an area where a group of people were followed by a Milotic, with a short looking man walking with a cane in their midst meant to be Gerald followed by his Milotic with the family he worked for. Though sights like these would blend in for many, those who knew of Chris's journey and relationships could spot them with relative ease.
Elsewhere, the deity of the Valley, Froslass, could be seen hovering above groups of humans as though guiding them along their journey, something that caught natives attention in particular. "Stretching yourself thin." Chris heard Ninetales echo in his mind, only to get "Quiet" in response from him as sweat, despite the cold of the altitude, could be seen on his face as he struggled to maintain the illusion, its scale pushing his limits like that of a puppeteer stringing along thousands of creations, his arms swaying about like a monk as he channeled the power being sent in all directions. As the instrumental portion kicked in once more, Chris tensed up as he readied himself for the next part of his spectacle, hearing "Careful" from Ninetales. "I always... Finish what I set out to do... All or nothing..." Chris affirmed, and as the choir began loudly chanting their final verses, echoing "Baba yetu!" once more, he reached out and gave his fists a sudden yank, and like stickers peeling from a wall, the countless Pokemon lining the northern lights freed themselves from their canvas, and with a loud "Go!" Chris sent them charging down to the city below. Watching in awe, everyone's eyes widened as a stampede of Rapidash raced down from the heaven's, making countless duck in surprise as the illusions pulled themselves up and hurried along above them, running throughout the city as every Legendary flew about and dropped from the sky, from the bird trio soaring over the city, to the Regi line landing atop the temple and raising their arms while Latio and Latias rocket through the air, even the Alolan Guardians paid a visit while Lugia and Ho-Oh perched atop Yulema's equivalent of Big Ben with their wings spread and heads lift skyward.
With the rooftops of the city and sky full of Pokemon from all over the world, it was a spectacle the likes the world would never see again as Chris worked with the music to inspire those below him. And once the music finally neared its end, the choir's tone calming into a cooing chant, all of the creatures he'd brought forth began returning to the sky, gathering around him at first slow, then rapidly as they raced until becoming nothing more than a blur of energy spiraling. Pulling his arms in, Chris then thrust them out, making the energy explode outward in all directions, the shimmering remnants then raining down like a golden shower on the city below. Holding their hands out, those below would best describe it akin to fairy dust as it landed on them and gathered in their palms, fading away as quickly as it gathered on their bodies as the song came to an end and the shower like that of magic vanished in the wind. Unable to respond properly in the moment, all those in the plaza could do was look at the sky in silence, many with their mouths open slightly as they processed what they'd just experienced. It was awe of a different sort from the otherworldly performance as the girls shared similar silence. High above them, Chris took a breath and sighed before letting himself fall back towards the temple, landing on its roof with a weakened stance. "I warned you" Ninetales echoed in his mind. "I'll be fine..." Chris assured with a wave. "Just need a minute." he added before heading toward the door before him, not bothering to wait for applause this time. Within the chamber where Barnack had performed with the orchestra and choir, he along with many others were looking at the monitors which had broadcast the performance outside.
"Hard to believe what a guy can pull off." Holly spoke, walking up behind Barnack making him jolt and turn to her. "Yes... That young man is full of surprises." he admit with a smile. "A human and a Ninetales, one within the other, able to channel that kind of power between them... No relationship quite like it." he added, looking toward the large glass dome above them. "Something wrong?" Holly asked, giving a curious look. "We think it a spectacle... But what of the others?" Barnack replied, referring to those in the varying branches of government they worked alongside. "Sticks in the mud really, but they tend to be that way about everything. You know that." Holly shrugged. "Yes... I also know what they can do to those who they deem a threat." Barnack warned, making his successor glance away. "We've both been on that end of the stick, huh?" Holly admit, her predecessor turning back to her. "What you told me about that young man, the... Vibes... You get from him, you say it makes you support him, but the qualities you call admirable will put others on edge... I feel the same as you do about this one, but that's not to say danger won't come in the future, even from those meant to be your allies. Be careful Holly." Barnack warned. "They won't hesitate to deal with something that puts their own faiths and power at risk, even if it means putting you down in the process. Our constitution, it grants us equal powers to protect the people and each other, but all too often they can be used to our detriment just the same. Rather than seeing this as a benefit to our city, I don't see our... Friends... Taking our actions tonight very well, even if publicly they say and act otherwise." he point out cautiously.
"You told me you brought him to the Yule House when he arrived to warn him about being seen as a threat... The reason wasn't because of his Pokemon or his power alone though. It was because of his influence, wasn't it?" Barnack asked, making Holly look at him for a moment before sighing with a smirk. "...The stiffs insisted on it, so I wouldn't doubt it... You know, some of them did business with those goons from that cruise company Nakazaki took down.." she confirmed with a "Nothing gets past you" look in her smile. On the sidelines, Mother Tsarea was listening in on the conversation, thinking their words over while reflecting on her visions. Suddenly feeling a twinge run through her mind, she sensed Chris's return within the temple and quietly made her way off as the two finished their talks and Barnack turned to the crowd, his mic back on and a smile on his face. Ready to make his own speech to the crowd, Tsarea in the meantime made her way along a corridor and began climbing the stairs leading to the roof that Chris had taken, and once near the top the Mother found him sitting while catching his second wind, leaning back in what he thought was his own solitude. "Are you... Alright, child?" she asked, stepping further up making Chris jolt and immediately shoot up. "Hey there! I'm good." he smiled, his hand raised in greeting. "You know... Our kind is more in tune with others than most species, especially when it comes to humans..." Tsarea reminded, sitting by his side with a "May I?" and getting a nod from him. "Forgive me but... I've been keeping watch over you... I can sense what helping our temple has done." she confessed, making Chris blink at her before looking ahead. "Got mixed feelings on others looking into my mind you know..." he answered.
"Serenity did that for a little while... I didn't like being read like a book by her either." he added, explaining his reasoning. "I think she still has a habit of doing it though... Just without telling me." Chris scowled, reflecting on how Serenity keeps mothering him. "It's nature, not a habit." Tsarea affirmed. "Our kind are incapable of stopping it. Though we can train ourselves through force of will to shut out the thoughts and feelings of others, when it comes to those we care for, it can be especially trying to avoid knowing what's going on within." Tsarea replied, looking at him as he rubbed the back of his head. "I get that but... I still don't like being an open book. I want people to... NOT... Worry about me, that's the point. It just causes trouble and..." he paused before glancing at the Mother with an "It holds me back" remark, getting an "I see" in turn from her. "Care and worry, none of us are truly capable of controlling it. We may try to restrict it, but there is no immunity... Did you know, that when our kind is particularly bonded to another, we can even feel their pain?" Tsarea revealed, making Chris glance at her. "It's true... Though we don't show the marks, the pain is there... When you are tired, she feels your fatigue. And... When your are cut..." the Mother hinted, subtly referring to his fight at the Pizzeria making him sigh. "I see." Chris nodded. "We know when those we love are in distress, when they are in harms way, and we hone in on that, take action... You cannot stop nature, no matter how hard you try." the Mother smiled. "And it is that very nature which makes this role so suitable for me... And why it brought me all the way up here to you." she went on. "Would you mind if a curious woman asks... What drives you?" she asked.
"What do you mean?" Chris replied, the two turning toward one another. "To do all that you do, what drives you?" she repeat. "Well... Ninetales really, it's the role I've got in life. Helping folks is what I was born to do." he answered. "She guides me along and I just figure things out as I go. She gives the directions, I give the... Style... In how it's taken care of." Chris tried to explain. "But isn't there more to it than that? Personal drives?" she pushed, making him think it over further. "I dunno... I just know how it felt growing up without someone you need around. I mean, I had people that helped me along, but still... There were others I wish could have been there..." Chris point out, thinking about his parents. "The feeling of being put on someone else's shoulders, of responsibility being tossed around... Doesn't put a good vibe in my stomach." he admit, looking around them at the walls. "That's why... I prefer to take things on myself, to be responsible. To take charge with my own hands. If there are things I can do..." he paused, thinking back on when he was given to his grandfather. "Even if it's hard... I won't give up on it... Even if there are good reasons to, even if it seems like the better option..." he went on, looking up. "I want to try, I have to. That's all there is to it." he nodded, looking back at Tsarea as she focused on him in silence. "You have much pain in those words..." she replied, making him focus ahead instead. "I only say it because of your tone and expressions, on my word as a servant I have not looked further than that." she vowed, raising her hand to assure him she wasn't invading his mind. "...Yeah, it's okay." he assured, looking at her with a small smile. "I just... Want to prove I deserve what I have... And the opportunities I've been given." he affirmed with a clenched fist.
"It was my old man, my gramps, I mean, that left me all the money I've got, and with it, I've spent every day trying to find ways to put it to good use. Up until now it mostly went toward the girls. Helping them move on and forget their pasts and stuff... I used it for a Hospital back in Millennium City, but what it's being used for now..." he paused, looking around them once more. "This... It feels so much... Bigger, you know? I mean, helping out the Hospital was great, but this... It's pretty amazing." he chuckled, showing a more positive side once again as Tsarea merely looked at him. "I want to do this... I have to. And it's not just because of Ninetales really, but... Something tells me it's gonna have a real impact, more than anything else I've done, and it's... Exciting." Chris explained, leaning back against the steps. "I... May be a little tired... But there's plenty to keep me going. I've got all the drive, the inspiration I need to see this thing through. Don't you worry about that." he added, giving Tsarea a thumbs up, after which she showed a smile and reached out, placing her hand over his. "I've said this once before tonight... Now it deserves to be said again." she replied, making him show a curious look. "A father could not ask for a better son." she affirmed, getting a "Wha?" from him. "Father..." Tsarea replied, pointing upwards. "Son..." she added, pointing to him making Chris show a hint of embarrassed redness in his face. "Yeah... Appreciate it." he thanked, remembering his meeting in the mountains. "...That's someone else I'm trying to prove I'm worth it to." he confessed, suddenly looking slightly troubled again. "I just don't wanna fail expectations, you know? From..." Chris paused, thinking about his grandfather and the elders to the God which she alluded to. "Anyone..." he added.
"Dear child, when someone truly loves you, there can be no disappointment. Perhaps sadness, but never that." Tsarea assured, lifting his chin. "To be disappointed in your child means to regret their very birth upon this world, for the work put into the creation of its body by their Earthly mother, and the soul within crafted by the Father above us all. You are loved by both, of that there can be no doubt, and you shall forever be." she smiled warmly, making Chris's eyes widen. "You are a child of light, a man of good. With your riches you give, with your heart you consider. With your mind your bring wonders and with your power you deliver life itself to those who would otherwise be lost to us. You are what we call a deliverer, and those with that title have always left an eternal mark on mankind never to be forgotten. This world is full of our Father's beloved Wooloo, but very few are chosen, destined to be the shepherds which lead them. You are turning out to be quite the shepherd my child..." Tsarea praised, suddenly noticing tears in the corners of his eyes. "Oh my..." she muttered, making him jolt and quickly start wiping them away. "S-Sorry... For some reason certain things always do that..." Chris confessed, getting an apology from Tsarea with him assuring her it was fine in turn. "The girls always tell me I'm a softie." he laughed in an embarrassed manner. "A gentle man begets a gentle family. It's nothing to be ashamed of. Many would envy the women who find a man with both, a strong arm to protect them, and a tender heart to console them." Tsarea admit. "It's no surprise you've found three..." she added, a mischievous smirk on her face. "Though as the Mother of such a place as holy as this I would never allude to anything indecent of course." she added with her hands together.
"Ah ha..." Chris replied, giving her a "sure" kind of smirk of his own before looking down the stairs in front of them. "...Appreciate you talking like this, was nice." he nodded. "It's what a Mother does. I sense all in need within and around these walls and tend to them justly, so long as they are willing to accept me." she answered. "And even when I am rejected, I still do all that I can to ease the burden of those who suffer. That is why these walls welcome all, regardless of how some may see me." she added, making Chris look at her before taking a breath and standing.
"Well then... Lets get back to changing how those people feel, yeah?" he asked, reaching out to Tsarea as she looked up at him before taking his hand and standing. "We've got a party to wrap up, so lets get back to work." Chris insisted before making his way down the steps, Tsarea's eyes on his back as the tired fighter put on his best face for their cause...
