literature

The Gift of Faith

Deviation Actions

Published: Apr 8, 2016

914 Views

Literature Text

KANE

Kane walked through the main den area. There would normally be a smile on his face, he would be so full of joy, and pride. Today however, was a different situation. He had never had a feeling like this before, it was like rocks were pelting his head and stomach, and he just wanted it to go away. This feeling started in him when Raphael became sick with Pneumonia.

Raphael wasn't just his best friend, he was one of his dearest family members. He always wanted to spend time with him, and he loved all the times they had together. Hearing that he was so sick, made Kane so concerned for him. He prayed to The One when he heard about what happened, and he kept on praying ever since. He wanted to see him so badly, and comfort him in any way.

He reached the main den site, where he was supposed to be. He knew that there would be at least one other wolf there, a wolf that was probably more concerned for Raphael than Kane was, his Aunt Athena. Kane had no clue if she was going to let him in the den, he had heard that many wolves wanted to see him, but Aunt Athena wouldn't let them. Kane just wanted to be with him so bad, he hoped she would say yes.

He stood at the lip of the den entrance, not being able to see Raphael. Tears began to swell in his eyes, at the mere thought of not being able to see him. He tried to call out to Aunt Athena, but he tried to fight the tears in his eyes. "A...Aunt Athena?" His voice cracked when he called out, and at that very moment, tears fell from his face. Kane just kept thinking in his head what he had thought before: "Why Raphael? Why couldn't it have been me?"He tried to keep his head high, but the tears in his eyes were becoming heavy from his thoughts.

ATHENA // RAPHAEL

Nothing I can do. The thought brought another spear of pain through her chest with every heartbeat. Nothing anyone can do. Once again, Athena was helpless and the Great Spirit had turned His face from her. Raphael coughed pitifully in her paws, and a fresh wave of fear washed over the mother that each ragged breath would be her son's last. Why did the One see fit to give her such blessings, only to steal them away so cruelly?

Her back face the entrance to the den, thick coat shielding Raphael from the chill of the winter outside. Athena did not at first notice that Kane had found his way to them. Everyone knew the Lady was not permitting any visitors, as such she'd hardly expected to find one. But at the plaintive cry of her nephew, Athena started, turning quickly. "Kane!" The motion jostled Raphael, but he barely reacted save a faint whimper.

Another wave of pain crashed over her.

"Oh, sweetheart," She replied in a strained voice. "No, don't say that. Don't even think it." Even though Athena begged her God the same question, over and over. More than anything she wanted to tell Kane that Raphael would be fine, and soon they'd play together again. But how could she, when the boy was unable to even open his eyes?

After a moment of hesitation, she sighed softly, "Come here, Kane." She invited, welcoming him into the sanctuary where no others could enter. Ever since Raphael had taken sick, Kane had been distraught. She wasn't sure if showing the pup would help anything... but none of the children had seen Cricket for weeks.

For once, words failed Athena. She wasn't sure how conscious Raphael was, and her own heart was too wounded to offer comfort.

KANE

Kane heard his aunt call for him to enter. He slowly walked in the den, and stood next to his aunt when he saw Raphael. His eyes were closed, and his body was curled up in a ball. He could hear the wheezing breath of his friend. His eyes watered even more, and he nose began to get runny as well. Just the sight of Raphael's condition made him want to cry.

Kane wanted to help in any way, but he couldn't think of anything to do. That is, until he thought of something. He walked over to Raphael, and laid down next to him. He then tried to talk to him, to make him feel better."Raphael, I hope you get better soon. I miss the times were we played together, and when we laughed together." Kane began to choke from his words, trying to hold back the tears to speak to him."I'm sure aunt Athena misses those fun days, when it was just the three of us." His eyes were flooding with tears now, and he couldn't hold it back.

"I don't care what the others say, about you not being strong enough. They're wrong. You are the strongest wolf in the whole pack Raphael, and don't let anyone else tell you different." He then looked up to his aunt, with his tears still falling from his eyes, but a smile on his face. Something told him that Raphael wasn't the only person who needed to hear this, his aunt needed to hear this as well."Raphael is strong aunt Athena, I know it."

ATHENA //RAPHAEL

Athena couldn't help it any longer. Closing her eyes tightly, the Lady was forced to look away as tears rolled down her cheeks in dark lines. It was unseemly, especially in front of the children. In tense silence, she struggled to regain her composure. If I had such faith... would it save him? It was a pointless question. For all her prayers, it seemed Raph was only getting sicker and no miracles had been forthcoming. Athena could not bring herself to believe more strongly than she had in the beginning, and with each passing day hope grew more difficult to summon forth.

From her lap, Cricket stirred. He could barely keep his eyes open, his breath was a shallow wheeze. But he smiled when he saw Kane. The young wolf tried to lift his head, but soon surrendered the attempt. It didn't seem to frustrate him. "Rem-member when we used to tell each other riddles?" Raph asked, "We n-ever did ha-ave a..." A fit of coughing bent him over, the runt curling into himself. Athena bristled, eyes wide as she turned back to look at the pups.

"...Winner." He rasped meekly, as the heaves subsided to whimpers. His smile faded, though his gaze remained soft.

"Raphael..." Athena began, but hesitated. She was torn between fear of him straining himself, and fear of him wasting away here, in darkness and silence. Would it hurt? Could it help? It had been so long since her little Cricket had smiled...

KANE

Kane was surprised to hear a voice coming from next to him, but it was a voice that he wanted to hear so badly. It was Raphael, and his face produced the biggest smile that Kane ever had. Tears were rolling from his eyes, and tail started to wag profusely. He sat closer to Raphael, and coiled his neck around his best friend. Tears were rolling from his eyes, and his voice started to crack a bit.

He then started to give Raphael kisses on his forehead, smiling the whole time."I'm so glad that you're okay." He then heard his best friend talking about the riddle games that they always played together."Yeah, we never could find a winner, but I bet I have a riddle for you." Kane then tried to think of a riddle, and one that Kane wanted to make from the heart. He made sure to say it to where his aunt, and Raphael could hear it.

"It is as strong as a mountain, and cannot move,
It's soul is unyielding, tried and true,
A wolf with the strength of 1000 bears,
But as loving as The One, because he cares."

RAPHAEL

Raph gave a single, hoarse huff that was probably supposed to be a giggle. Kane had never been shy about giving affection, but that didn't bother Raph. So many of the others avoided him, treated him like he was wrong somehow, as if they were afraid of him... but cousin Kane had never seemed to think of Raphael as different in any way at all.

When the pale cub finished talking, Cricket's brow furrowed. He was tired, and it was hard to think. Soul unyielding? Loving as the One? Usually Raph knew at least were to start, but this time, he was completely flummoxed. He looked up at his mother, but she seemed distant, dazed, and he didn't want to bother her when she seemed more tired than him.

Then it hit him! It made perfect sense! "A-aron." Cricket asserted, swishing his tail. Of course! Aaron was the hero in all the stories Mama told them about. He was the reason Aryn existed. One of the Vicars had finally explained Aaron was more of an idea than an actual wolf, but his story was made up from the actions of all the great heroes of the pack. That had to be it!

"D-iid I g-get it?" He croaked.

KANE

Kane stayed by Raphael's side as he tried to guess the answer to his riddle. Kane thought that he wasn't going to get it right, because of what the answer was. Kane knew the strongest wolf in Aryn, both in mind and spirit. Kane could only hope to be half as strong as the answer to his riddle. When Raphael gave an answer, Kane could only smile at him. He then gave him a lick on his forehead."No, it's not him. It's you." Kane then wrapped his neck around Raphael's, to give Raphael warmth and to make him feel better."You are the strongest wolf I've ever met Raphael, and my greatest friend." Tears began to roll off of Kane's face as he spoke, feeling so tired after being so worried for Raphael, but now that he knew that he was going to be safe, Kane could relax now. He stayed where he was, wrapping Raphael in his fur for warmth, and staying by Raphael and Athena in the den. He knew his aunt was loving and kind, and that she needed some comfort as well. He looked up to her with a smile, before starting to doze off a bit because of how tired he was.

image courtesy of fetishfaerie-stock · skin by neurotype-on-discord

Summary:
Kane visits an ailing Raphael and attempts to make his friend feel better by playing a game of riddles.
Kane's faith casts light on Athena's own doubts, and offers much needed comfort to both mother and child.
(Takes place directly before Athena leaves to ask Fellfang for aid)