Tales of Time

Meeting of The Greats

[Cole Vesorolth & InfernalTempest]

There was only silence.
Which honestly made sense, mostly because each of these—correction, both of these Greats were in the middle of a war right now. The others still have yet to arrive, only irritating Cole further.
Pacing around upon the cliffside: the silver-haired, black-horned, head-feathered, chiguin scowled. Sighing as the four red wings upon his back puffed up in agitation. If this kept up, he was definitely going to lose his shit. Time was not something he took lightly, and being kept waiting just made things even worse.
The wind blew through his mane as he finally turned to face the only other person here.
“At least,” Cole sighed, walking up to them with a blank stare, “Someone made it on time.”
“... Yes. I… I am here.” The teal haired, scar covered, Aves Arian began rather quietly. Not actually knowing what to say. They weren’t fond of interactions, especially interactions involving powerful strangers whom of which they knew nothing about (besides his name, of course). They probably should have done their research. Nevermind, now wasn’t the time, “Are we to wait for the others to arrive, or shall we begin the meeting now?”
Cole sighed once more before wandering to the very edge of the cliff and taking in the ocean breeze.
“I suppose we don’t actually have any other choice,” he gave the latter a small glance, “Time is of the essence, or as mortals seem to say these days…”
Casually, the chiguin flicked his wrist as he pointed at the other, “So, you… You are InfernalTempest, right? The InfernalTempest?”
“I… Well, I… Yeah?”
“Former Prince of Aves Aria, founder of The Feathered Council, and now Final Act to The Freedom Fighter. That InfernalTempest?”
“... Y-Yes… How do you know—”
“Let’s just get straight to the point.” Cole abruptly interrupted as he crossed his arms. He seemed to tower over InfernalTempest who was currently sitting upon a large boulder, avoiding the other’s gaze, “We were all supposed to have a discussion about the ongoing war, but since it’s just you and me (for now), let’s change the topic.”
Confused and silent, InfernalTempest nodded sheepishly.
They had no idea where this was going but didn’t want to question it. They’d just let the Guardian continue; hear him out and all that.
“What was Aves Aria like?”
. . .
“... Excuse me—pardon?”
“What was Aves Aria like?”
Cole repeated, averting his glare ever so slightly. This clearly seemed like an embarrassing and touchy topic that he tried concealing to the best of his abilities. But InfernalTempest could see right through him.
Honestly, it made sense. Cole, even though he was a chiguin and chiguins, were seen as Aves Arian divinity back when Aves Aria was even a thing; Cole wasn't born during that time. He was born after the Civil War, the falling out, and the planet’s eventual demise. InfernalTempest was really the only original proof that the world even existed. Besides the stories and Legends, of course. Then again, InfernalTempest could barely remember most of what happened. It has been over one thousand years after all. Who would?
The latter, original Aves Arian, paused to think. This was definitely not something they were even mildly prepared for regardless of their amnesia. Especially not mentally, so their mind was currently a jumbled mess. They tilted their head, trying to come up with a definitive answer without sounding corny or confusing.
“W-Well…” InfernalTempest started in a sheepish voice, “It… It was definitely home…”
“... Hm…” Cole mumbled, “Home…”
Once more, the two lingered in heavy silence. All that could be heard were the calming sounds of waves hitting against sharp rocks and sea birds squawking like there was no tomorrow.
InfernalTempest fidgeted, trying to think of what else to say without making this more awkward, but all the words slipped their mind. Frankly, they already felt like they were going to have a panic attack.
“The orb-set on this planet is quite gorgeous, isn't it?”
The chiguin started, changing the subject completely. Gaze now falling upon the beautiful view in front of them.
“Sunset?”
“Yes, orb-set.”
“... Orb-set?”
“The ‘sun’ falling behind the horizon isn't an actual sun. It is a planet able to act like a sun.”
“Wouldn't that kind of just consider it a sun, though?”
“... True, but scientifically, it isn't a sun.”
“Excuse me, but I question why we are even using science in a world like this one. For example: we have an unbelievably large ocean, and yet it never rains. Ever.”
“And how do you know that?” Cole smirked slightly. At least he was enjoying this conversation.
InfernalTempest merely continued with his intellectual glasses on. Not even noticing how comfortable the other had gotten. Frankly, this was a sure fire sign that the two have now become something related to companions, at least.
“My abilities allow for me to check weather patterns on certain surfaces. And this further proves my point about science. How is science going to help with anything when we already use logic defying powers daily?”
“... Touche.” Cole replied with a light chuckle.
“Hmph, see…” InfernalTempest pouted before letting out a soft laugh.
It was nice talking to someone for a change. Someone who really understood them. And clearly, the Aves Arian thought they won this debate, so that was a plus.
“However…” Cole continued with a very smug expression on his face, “I think this debunks your claims.”
He snapped his fingers, and with that, it began to rain. Pouring down like a waterfall, no less.
InfernalTempest scoffed playfully and gave Cole a child-like glare, “That is not helping your case at all here. Using your powers isn't science.”
“And? Who said it was?”
“Wha—Hey! You are not winning this conversation.”
“I never said I was going to, so don't get your tail feathers in a twist.”
“You are insufferable.”
“Thank you, I very much appreciate it.”
After quite a long pause of staring at each other with smug or devilish expressions, the two burst out laughing. The rain water shook off of them as if they were dogs.
This really did feel nice. Maybe talking to someone else during this horrid war wasn't as bad as they thought it was. Maybe opening up to someone wasn't as bad as they thought it was.
InfernalTempest opened their mouth to say something, but before any more words came out, a loud wind whipping sound erupted beside the two. A figure coming into view.
Finally, the other member(s) have arrived.