Nextgen Kids: Legend of the Nine Newborn

The Endless Hunger

Well, I think it's time for the traditional Arc Flashback!

Gourmet 17: The Endless Hunger

300 years plus a couple universes ago

The land had been decimated by a war between the Alternians and the Gem Empire. Dust swept across the ruined homes where not a sign of life remained. Still, Froese crossed this deserted landscape, hoping for a single sign of life. But it was clear to any outsider that the pure white angel in the velvet dress was the only strong source of life here. As she turned around the corner of a half-building, she noticed a wood casket. It was ragged, but somewhat intact. Froese approached the casket and opened it. "Huh?"

There was a troll inside, about 12 years old. He wore a black top with gray shorts, but was dirty and starved. "..." Feeling the air of outside touch his weak skin, he cracked open his dark eyes. His first sight being that of a lovely, silver-eyed angel put him at ease. "Who are... you?"

"I'm Froese. Are you... the only one?"

"...I don't know."

"Do you have a name?"

"...Acacia. Nnnn..." He struggled to lift himself up.

"You poor thing. You haven't had a single bite in ages, have you?"

"I... No."

Froese was a year older than him and a head taller, not to mention well fed, so she could pick him up with ease. She put him over her shoulders and flapped her feathered wings, taking him away from the deserted town.

...

It was the warmest soup Acacia had ever tasted. She made it with simple ingredients... but it restored him to his very soul. "You see, Arceus?" Froese spoke. "I knew it wasn't pointless."

"I suppose you were right." Arceus smiled. And yet, the Supreme God thought to himself, But those who had perished can easily return. Death has little meaning in this chaotic realm...

"So, you're an attendant to God Arceus." Acacia said.

"A trainee attendant, but yeah."

"Well... thank you for the meal." The boy smiled. "But I... have nowhere to go back to, do I?"

"You can stay here! Stay as long as you want!"

"Is that really okay?"

"Absolutely. Eternity can fly by easily." Arceus said.

"Plus, you look like you can use some more nutrients." Froese figured. "I was actually going to search for some ingredients afterward. We're getting a little low, so..."

"Can I come with you?"

"Hehe, are you that hungry?"

"Well, no, but... I just want to be with you."

A tint of red appeared on Froese's face. "Okay!"

That was one of Arceus's fondest memories, the beginning of their travels. Froese drove a small clam carriage that was pulled by flying fish. They flew to Planet Duglas, the Land of Dew and Glass. It was a world of tall grass with colored ornaments, where civilization was built inside giant fish bowls under a sky of swirly blueness. Froese taught Acacia how to fish as they explored the grass woods. They caught a Christmas Koi, a Zipeel, and a blue Heptapus. The tastes of the fish pumped Acacia with adrenaline and inspiration. He wanted to travel some more, and Froese gave him the luxury.