Crossing of the Paths

Book 1: Desert Wind - Chunk 5

The Crossing of the Paths
Second Edition
By MMM/AJ
Part I: Desert Wind

A/N: Greetings readers! This chunk is an extra-special one for me, since it features a very poignant scene that ties back to Mewtwo's original uncut backstory. No spoilers here, but those who bought the DVD version of the film Mewtwo Returns will know what I'm talking about. It also features yet more lore dumping from some of those old cut flavor paragraphs, as well as yet another important action scene. Also, check out this chunk's attached image for a fun little extra: An excerpt of the notes Mewtwo takes on the Gerudo language during this chunk! I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 11: Taji Alirha

A gigantic table had been set up in the central plaza of Ven'rakesh that night. They had emptied all the market stalls and brought all their smaller wooden tables together to form one large central table where dozens of Gerudos were sitting together laughing, drinking, and making merry. They were all waiting for the food for their impromptu feast to arrive. Tonight they were having a feast to honor everyone involved in killing the Molduga, including a somewhat awkward but happy Mewtwo. This was the first time he'd ever had a celebration held in his honor; it felt strange and almost unearned in a way, but it was also somewhat pleasant too. It helped that he was sharing the spotlight with Madiri and Kalana as well, so he didn't have all of the eyes of the tribe on him all the time. The entire population of Ven'rakesh was in attendance, though most wouldn't fit around the main table and were either milling about and chattering or sitting at smaller tables that they had brought along. Water carriers were hauling large ceramic jugs full of water around the crowd and filling mugs as people waited for the food to arrive. Then Kalana appeared out of the crowd and sat down on Mewtwo's right while giving him a firm pat on the back.

"Food should be ready soon. Feeling hungry, Molduga Slayer?"

"Quite hungry, though I hardly feel worthy of such a title when I didn't strike a single blow against the creature." Mewtwo replied.

Madiri, who was sitting to Mewtwo's left, chimed in immediately. "Nonsense, you don't need to have cast any blows to have earned the esteem that's due to you. I don't think I need to tell you that that stunt with the kick was an uncommon show of selflessness and bravery! There are members of the Rakeshan guard with less nerve than that."

At that point a procession of Gerudos emerged from one of the nearest buildings. All of them were carrying huge ceramic platters that were loaded up with fresh-cut steaks. The meat was a dull shade of greenish-brown and was still steaming hot with lines of grilled blackening crisscrossing the surfaces of each cutlet. They passed out ceramic plates to everyone as they walked and placed the platters in the center of each table, and Gerudos began to skewer up cutlets and put them onto their plates. Once a plate and silverware were set in front of Mewtwo he eagerly forked up a cutlet for himself.

The meat was surprisingly tough; Mewtwo was taken off guard by how much work he had to put in to cut it with his knife. Fortunately it also had plenty of marbling, so when he finally tried a bite he found that the flavor was impressively good despite the chewiness of the meat. He and the rest of the Gerudos were just starting to tuck into their meals when Hadara stood up at the far end of the table and called out for attention. The crowd raised their heads and went quiet.

"Sav'saaba everyone. Tonight we are gathered together for two reasons. The first one you already know; we feast to honor the names of our heroic Molduga Slayers. Kalana Quindalo, Madiri Vatorsa, and Mewtwo, as well as all of the Rakeshan guardswomen who responded to the call of the warning horn and who helped construct the slingshot. It is because of all of you that not a single life was lost in the chaos that took place earlier today. Each person played a part in slaying the beast whose meat we now dine upon. Though a special honor is due to the previously named three who stood upon the sands and faced the yawning jaws of oblivion so that their sisters could escape to safety with their lives. Kalana, Madiri, Mewtwo, your bravery in the face of mortal peril is a credit to the spirit of the Rakeshan Tribe and the Gerudo people as a whole. It is because of the continued deeds of people like you that the four tribes continue to survive despite the ravages of the Vile Desert and the predation of the Sulaaq."