the_isle | You're From The Isle If Anybody Asks

First Awareness

Those used to this by now probably knew what it meant when they felt their magic return for a moment. For the rest, suddenly their powers were back. Just for a few minutes, but a lot could be done in a few minutes. If the person even noticed their powers were back, that is.

Of course those on the shore might have seen the hazy indistinct shape through the barrier coming closer, might have seen the moment the hole in the barrier opened. Might have seen King Ben leading people down a gangplank through the barrier with crates of supplies....

Unions, Re And Otherwise

Once the supplies were unloaded, the barrier was sealed up again. King Ben seemed to be in charge during the unloading, Once the barrier was closed again, by the green magic streaming from the Queen's finger, it was Mal who seemed to be in charge.

"Alright, listen up. We have 2 hours and the clock is ticking. I'm not FG but we're keeping to a deadline anyway. If you want to come to Auradon or know someone you want us to bring back, you have 2 hours to convince us. You and everyone else, sharing the same 2 hours. Along with anyone who has a supply request for our next visit, or updates. Those of you bringing supplies to the school, time to get cracking. Two hours passes faster than midnight at the ball."

Those Who Left

(Please TL Here for boat and Auradon Shenanigans. TY)

Those What Remain

Once those going back to Auradon had left and the barrier was back in place, it was for those who remained on the Isle to sort the supplies and figure out how to get done everything that needed to be done with the people that remained.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

He scoffed at that. "I'd say the opposite is far more likely," he said. "But while it's true that most of them are human, or at least appear to be so, they have no intention of attacking us. In fact they'll likely be bringing certain supplies; I'm hoping for some tools to help us better clear away those cursed thorns, and perhaps some soap, among other things."

"Regardless of their race, however, they are guests, and I expect them to be treated with the respect that guests are due. Is that clear?"

Chara's small form was shaking. "I... I won't let them hurt you or Chell or Moon or anyone...."

"As I said, they mean us no harm," he said. "Their intent is to help. In fact, speaking of Moon, I intend to ask if any among their number might be able to help him and restore him to his right mind. Or at the very least if they might be able to craft a proper piece to cover the back of his head."

"Humans don't help monsters like us..." whispered. Chara let go of Foulques to hunch in and rub at their wrist absently

"These humans do, and they have," he said. "They provided the blankets and warm clothing that we've been using, and the popoto plants that we harvested those we've been eating from."

"....Why? What do they get out of it?"

"I questioned as much myself when last I spoke to the young King," he said as he finished gathering up what he needed to take back to the building with him, "albeit not so directly. He claims that they help simply because they wish to and because they feel it's right, calling it community rather than charity. Irritatingly earnest as the boy is, I have no reason to doubt his words. And while it's entirely possible that others among his people may have motivations unknown to him, that does seem to be the prevailing sentiment."

After a brief pause, he said, "This is a far kinder world than yours or mine, and he is a King who has the luxury of extending kindness and clemency to all without fear. It is a luxury that many would find enviable... including myself."

Chara hesitated. "King dad guy is a good king who tries to take care of everyone... but he's a monster.... so that makes sense..."

"Kindness is less dependent on one's race than it is on one's circumstances," he said. "People like you and I have learned to fear first, and offer kindness later, if at all. Whereas the two Kings we've known have learned the opposite. They can extend the hand of friendship without fear that that hand may be bitten."

"It is no easy thing, to rise above such fear; I know this better than most. But I believe that you can do it, at least until our guests leave."

"You...? You were afraid?" they asked, seeming like they weren't sure if he was being serious or just trying to make them feel better.

"Of course," he said, gesturing for them to follow him back to the school. "Anyone who tells you they've never known fear is a liar; it's something that everyone, no matter their race, must live with. The ability to rise above it, however, to stand firm in the face of it when needed, is not nearly so universal a thing. It's something I have struggled with, and continue to do so."

They followed close. "I didn't think adults were supposed to be afraid... That when you grow up the fear goes away and you know what to do..."

"Heh...", he gave the barest of rueful chuckles. "It would be a wonderful thing if it were so; I suspect that a great many worlds would be far happier for it."

"But no, growing older doesn't make one immune to fear. You learn and grow, become stronger and hopefully wiser. You gain more experience, and learn better how to deal with emotions like fear and sorrow. And what you fear changes as your life does; for example, I no longer fear thunder as I did when I was a little boy. Time has taught me that it's merely noise, and while levin storms require caution, they always pass, and the rains they bring nourish the land."

"The time will come for you too when many of the things you now fear will seem like mere trifles. But they will be replaced with new fears to challenge you. That is why it is important to learn to stand firm in the face of fear, to not act rashly and give in to panic. Our fears grow with us; so must our courage."

Edited Date: 2025-03-19 06:04 am (UTC)

"What... What if I am not so good at courage as everyone else?" Chara asked in a small whisper.

'Then you're in far better company than you believe,' was his initial thought, but he didn't voice it. True though it may be, it was unlikely to be helpful. Instead, he said, "Tell me, if there was some other skill you wished to improve, how would you go about it?"

"Uh uh, I know a trick question to make me learn something when I hear one!" Being Toriel's adopted second kid, there were a fair number of those. "You want me to say practice then you're gonna say I have to practice doing scary things and then I just wind up screaming a lot. Nuh uh."

He gave a short huff of mingled amusement and annoyance. "Even if you saw through it, you answered your own question regardless," he said. "Proving that you knew the answer all along, you just didn't like it. Unfortunately for you, truths like that have an irritating habit of not changing to suit our preferences."

"The only way to become braver or more skilled is with work and time. There is no shortcut, no spell or potion or hidden secret. Merely gradually acquired knowledge and applied effort. But unlike some, you have at least one comfort; you need not strive for such things alone."

"I'm not going to just keep doing scary things! If that's the only way to get braver I'll tay a scardy cat!" They crossed their arms and huffed.

"Hardships and frightening situations will come, and you will have to face them, whether or not you wish to," he said. "That is the nature of the world. Courage is in how you react to them, in being able to meet them with composure and resolve." Would that the guildmaster could hear him now, espousing the very notions he'd once scoffed at. But he'd already learned the madness of his own false 'courage', so he turned to the only other definition of courage that he knew.

"Courage is not, as some would have you believe, a lack of fear. Nor is it to be confused with recklessness. It lies in feeling fear, but not allowing that fear to control your actions. To face the cause of that fear without succumbing to panic or despair. This, I believe, you are capable of doing, if you're willing to put forth the effort."

"I just want to keep you safe till we can figure out where Asriel is and then bring both of you back home..." A small shoulder slump. "But I don't think I can keep anyone safe..."

"Wishing to keep others safe is a noble goal," he said. "But if you're unwilling to dedicate yourself to the time and effort required to gain strength, skill, and courage, then a goal is all that it will remain. I believe you have the potential to be the sort of strong protector you wish to be, and am willing to help you become such, but if you refuse to make the effort, there's very little I or anyone else can do."

"So... I have to start beating people up to get stronger?" Chara asked, clearly thinking about those disturbing flash forward memories...

"No," Foulques said. "You're in no way ready to train against an actual opponent, and even should you reach that point, the goal will be to train, to develop your strength and skill, not to 'beat someone up'. We'd begin with simple exercises to build your strength and endurance, things like running laps, stretching exercises, lifting increasingly heavy weights, and doing sit-ups and push-ups. Committing to doing these regularly will not only help you grow stronger, but also demonstrate self-discipline, another important trait for a protector."

"Well.... at least it isn't doing scary things. Can we start now instead of having to be around the humans?"

"I'm afraid not," he said. "They'll be arriving soon regardless of what anyone here wishes, and there are things I must needs discuss with them. You needn't accompany me if you don't wish to, but whatever you do, I expect you to behave like a civilized child in their presence, not a wild animal."