The Remainder of the Equinox

Chapter Nine

Light streamed in through Zenyatta's open window. The hustle and bustle of the city below was enough to wake anyone up, but it was only the sweet smell of spring that made him able to get up for the day. Finally, it was the Vernal Equinox. Usually the temperatures wouldn't rise until a while into April, but today was an exception. The cool breeze flooded into the room. He smiled as the small wind chimes sang after months of keeping silent and collecting dust. The light that bounced off of the golden walls was quite a sight.

Every year, he would save this one day to plan a picnic, just for himself. He would walk to the park a few blocks away and enjoy the changing of the seasons for a few hours. If he was lucky, he would spot a bee, or a butterfly. He rolled out of his bed and dressed quickly.

He fished the old homemade basket out of a box. Zenyatta paused for a moment and looked fondly at it for a few minutes. Memories of him and his brother resurfaced, each learning how to weave and braid baskets of their own. He remembered that his brother was better at the craft and coached him on complex patterns he could never get the hang of.

While he wasn't one to get caught up in the past, he let himself relive this one. Just this once.

The snowy air of the mountain swept into the monastery, but the only ones caught off guard were the new monks. They all shivered and rubbed their skin for warmth, muttering about the lack of fabric. They weren't used to such freezing temperatures like Zenyatta and the other monks that had been there for years and years before. In fact, the only thing he really needed was a pair of pants. He knew that clothing wasn't a main priority, therefore it was rare to see another monk in a full outfit. Besides, there were others that needed it more than him.

He looked down and studied the basket he was finally able to complete. After years and years of practice, he finally made the perfect basket. No tears, no cracks, not even a split. It was a simple weave, but to him, it was a priceless piece of his life.

His eye caught the sight of his brother. For once, he wasn't surrounded by flocks of monks or reporters. He was just walking around, studying the others at work. Maybe he could get a few minutes alone with him for once in a while

"Mondatta!" He rushed up to greet his brother and show off his basket. "How have you been?"

"I've been well," he responded. But yet, he did not look well. Dark circles entrapped his eyes, which drooped low. Frown and worry lines decorated his face, making him look years older. His perfect poise had been forgotten. For the first time in a long time, Zenyatta witnessed him looking tired. Red flags flew in his head, shouting at him that something was on the horizon, but he chose to stay silent. The only time he looked like this was when something terrible happened at a march they were attending. He could almost feel the ghosts of pain from the scratches and bruises on his skin, and the sting in his eyes. Zenyatta hadn't attended another march since then. "And you?"

"I have been well, also." He held up his fine creation to Mondatta's eyes. Pride rushed through his veins as a smile spread across his brother's face. It wasn't his practiced smile he used on crowds or the public eye; it was a natural and genuine smile that would warm even the coldest of hearts. He hadn't smiled like that in a while.

"Zenyatta! You've improved greatly. The Iris has guided you well. May I?" He lifted the basket gently and studied it. "It's truly a piece of art."

"Thank you, brother."

"Brother Mondatta?" A voice came from behind. "It is time to leave." The two guards everyone had come to know had arrived. Once again, it was time for another rally in another place. On multiple occasions, Zenyatta had expressed his concerns about the few safety measures that were taken. Every time, Mondatta reassured him that he was safe, and he knew how to deal with outbursts. But he knew he couldn't.

He watched as his brother gave a goodbye and walked out of the front doors.

BAM!

A sudden slamming noise tugged him away from memory lane. He was so surprised that he ended up dropping the basket. It wasn't harmed, thank goodness.

"Zen! Whatcha got there?" Genji plucked the basket from the ground and spun it around on his index finger. "Are you going into the woods to give your grandmother bread or something?"

"I'm going out on a picnic. It's only fair to do so on such a fine day." Zenyatta took back his basket and began to pack food. "I thought you had classes."

"Not until later. Can I come?" His friend leaned on the counter and put on his best puppy-dog face. He didn't really need too, as he wouldn't turn down a friend. Who could ever turn down a face like that? He thought. It was nice to be alone for a while, but it was nicer to share his time with someone close to him. Especially Genji, who would start the most interesting conversations. He helped out with packing, and within minutes they were off.

The moment he stepped outside, it was like a giant exhale that had been held in for too long was released. It was a cool, cloudless day. He expected seeds to begin germination around this time.

"I am not looking forward to spring cleaning this year," Genji snorted. He headed in the direction of the bus stop, but Zenyatta just started to walk towards the park. "Where are you going? The stop is this way!"

"It would be a waste to not walk," he replied, securing the basket on his arm. His friend grumbled something under his breath, but jogged to catch up. He seemed to have a change of heart once he noticed all of the miraculous things taking place all around them. It was beauty at its finest.

They arrived at the park a few minutes later. Almost no one else was there except for an old man feeding the geese. The fountain in the middle of the park was finally running again. The water ran smoothly through the air and collected in the base below. The curves and swirls were intoxicating to look at. The statues of the water bearers were small and elegant. The grass was a little overgrown, but it had a nice green tint to signify it was still alive. Some trees were still bare, but most had a giant flare of soft pink. Cherry blossoms decorated the sky and ground.

They picked a spot that gave them a great view of everything the park had in store. The wind was soft, so they had almost no trouble laying the blanket down. Zenyatta sat and closed his eyes. The sunlight warmed his face. He thought about photosynthesis, and how the plants first had to get sunlight to start making food. Did they feel the light and warmth as humans did? Did they feel anything? They were alive, but were they sentient? He was in the middle of an internal debate about rational, scientific fact and the thought of all living things when Genji spoke up. "So... do you come here often?"

"I suppose," he said, not opening his eyes. "It's truly a lovely place." Again, his friend spoke under his breath, then made a sound like he was choking. "What?"

"Nothing." He heard the basket being opened. Genji took out a bag filled with something that sounded small and round. Like the daredevil he was, he reached into the bag without looking and plucked out whatever it was. It was a raspberry. The sweet juice exploded on his tongue. If he was honest, spring was his favorite season. Everything was just beginning. He plucked out another raspberry and popped it into his mouth.

"Have you ever dated anyone before?" The question seemed like it was blurted. Like he couldn't wait any longer to ask. Zenyatta's eyes sprung open and tilted his head at Genji. His heartbeat picked up. "W-well, y'know. We're friends! We have to... have to get to know each other some more!" He sputtered out. "I've dated plenty of people! I'm, uh, single right now, of course. Not that you would care or anything. But I'm not saying you're rude, you might care, c-cause we're good friends, y'know?" Once he started, he didn't stop. He continued to ramble on and on about his different exes, some of which he was still good friends with. He didn't show it, but inside his chest, Zenyatta's heart gave a painful twang. Just good friends?

Finally, he said, "No, I haven't."

"And then she- huh?"

"I haven't been in any sort of romantic relationship with anyone. Nor am I currently." He tilted his head back and closed his eyes again. He picked another raspberry and tried to act nonchalant.

"Oh. Okay. I was just curious, I'm not asking for any reason." Zenyatta got the feeling he was lying, but he said nothing. Still, a growing warmth spread throughout his body as Genji continued to talk about who-knows what.