Sugar Free
(Part 1-4)
Dragato
Dragato
The land shook and trembled as another bomb was set off in the small town of Kalmari. Dragato, the one responsible for it, beamed when he received the praise from his 'awesome' mentor, Sir Ramset.
"Amazing like always, Dragato." Ramset said as he gave him a pat on the head. A few feet from the pair, Falspar looked on in envy and gave a small huff. Slightly waving at the Sasuke to get his attention, he decided it was his turn to get some well deserved recognition.
"Hey, Teacher Ramset, watch this!" Falspar quickly lit one of the bombs and darted straight up the pillars of rocks next to him to gain some height for his throw.
'Oh, I'm going to look so cool.' Falspar thought as he hopped to another rock. As he made his way to the highest stone, Falspar accidentally lost his footing and started to fall back. This resulted in Dragato frantically calling out to his comrade while Ramset dashed to the little warrior before the bomb went off.
"Hold on, I got ya." Ramset called as he swiftly scaled the pillars. He caught the frightened Puff and knocked the bomb out is his hand. Falspar couldn't help but gasp in awe when his teacher kicked it out of sight before it exploded moments later.
"Wooooow!" Falspar's eyes lit up from how cool he looked. "That was so amazing!!"
Ramset gently placed him back on the floor with the other, and gave a small chuckle from the compliment. "Thank you, but for now...how about you leave the cool moves to yours truly. We'll work on your style once you've mastered the basics."
"Hm!!" He gave a nod as the both followed the Sasuke to their bags since it was time to pack up for lunch.
Usually each teacher would take their own students out, but Ramset suggested at the end of each week, everyone should get together and meet up for lunch. Bate and Gordon agreed to the idea, and the group decided that Bate's home would be the perfect place to spend the remainder of the afternoon playing and relaxing.
"Hurry, Teacher Rasmet!!" Both students called in unison as they ran to see their friends. The Sasuke gave a smile and picked up the pace as well.
"Look! Dragato and Falspar arrived!" Meta called to the others who were helping Bate set the picnic table. Arthur and Nonsurat immediately looked at Bate for permission, and the elder slightly nodded for them to go. The trio dashed to their comrades and started to happily chat about their day. The three teachers watched as the little group dispersed into a playful game of tag, and Bate couldn't help but smile.
"For once, you actually had a good idea." He spoke as he set the pitcher of lemonade in the center.
"Whatever, Bate, you know my ideas are always good." He smirked and continued to watch them.
"So, how was training today?" Gordon asked, watching the scene as well.
Ramset gave his spiky friend a cheesy grin and started to boast about his students. "Lemme tell you something, Gordy. Any day training those two is amazing. Of course, you wouldn't know 'cause they prefer my class over yours any day."
Gordon just rolled his eyes. "Says you...." He mumbled and pointed to Bate's home. "How about you quit boasting who's better and get the rest of the plates in the kitchen."
"Psh- There's no need to be jealous~" Ramset joked and made his way to the house.
As Ramset took his leave, Gordon stared off in the distance and noticed Meta brought out his prized candy jar to share it with the others. "Bate, did you refill Meta's jar?" It seems pretty full compared to yesterday."
He saw his friend flinch, and the elder just stubbornly looked away. "He asked since he was going to share it with the others, that's all." He ended it at that as he watched Meta give out a small handful to each comrade.
"Such a sweet tooth. Reminds me of someone, ey?" Gordon playfully nudged Bate.
"Hush." He mumbled, not wanting to get into a petty argument.
"Hey, Gordy." Ramset called out, holding one of the dishes. "Where do you want me to put-"
The Sasuke froze in fear for a moment when he saw Meta's jar, and he quickly ran to the group. "Dragato!!!" He shouted and forcefully pulled the warrior away from everyone.
"T-Teacher Ramset..." Dragato whined from the sudden interruption, but quickly stopped when Ramset took the handful of candy Meta gave him and put it back in the jar. The little Puff cowered when he saw the disappointing look on his mentor's face, and turned away from the group as he became more flustered from it.
"Ramset!" Gordon called out when he saw the sudden outburst. "Bate just bought it yesterday, it's not expired or anything." Gordon said as he thought that may have been the issue.
"N-no, it's not that." Ramset's voice wasn't his usual chipper self, and Dragato's wings lowered when his mood started to change. The Sasuke nudged the warrior away from the group and pointed to the table. Dragato gave a sad nod and followed his orders without a word.
"Ramset, what's wrong?" Bate asked once he made his way to the group. "You didn't inform us Dragato was grounded." He said, suggesting he was on punishment for breaking one of his rules and was banned from sweets.
"N-no...he's not grounded...." He looked over at Dragato and saw the warrior frighteningly shake his head. Bate and Gordon noticed and curiously looked back at Ramset. The Sasuke, however, dismissed their questions. "It's nothing." He said as he went to the table to join his student.
"That....was odd. What do you think that was about?" Gordon whispered to Bate.
"Hmmmm...cavity, maybe?" Bate said after thinking it over for a bit. "Ramset's probably too ashamed to admit it."
"Seems to be the case, I honestly can't think of anything else..." Gordon, too, pondered but drew a blank. He gave a shrug and decided there was no reason to pursue it any longer. He called the other 4 warriors from behind to head to the table so they could finally start lunch.
---
Chapter 2
Meta happily chomped away at his sandwich at an alarming speed which caused Bate to speak up.
"Chew, Gumball. The last thing I need is one of my students choking."
"S-sorry, Teacher." He swallowed and tried to take smaller nibbles as instructed. "Oh, but can I have some more juice, please?!!"
"Me too!" Arthur said, holding out his cup towards his direction.
"And me!!" Falspar cheeped.
The elder stood up and filled or topped everyone off, that is, except for Dragato. Bate noticed he didn't even touch his drink, which was a bit odd in his opinion.
"Hmmm..." He sat back down and saw that he and Ramset were still fairly distracted since the candy jar incident. "Dragato...would you like something else to drink?" Bate offered.
The warrior uncomfortably shifted in his seat when he spoke, and quietly responded in a low voice. "Just...water, please."
Bate gave a nod and stood up once more to head back to the house. "Do...you think you could help me? I need to bring out one more dish, so I could use a pair of extra hands."
Dragato hesitated, but eventually got up to follow the elder. Bate opened the door and stepped aside to let him enter. The little warrior kept quiet as he followed Bate into the kitchen where he brought out another cup and filled it with water. He handed it to him, and Dragto quietly thank him as he began to drink.
Bate made his way to the counter and grabbed the large plate in the center. "Meta and the others helped Gordon make the dessert." He said and proceeded to show him the large strawberry cake. "I'm sure Ramset wouldn't mind, so would you like to sample a small bit of it?"
He figured a very small slice without Ramset knowing wouldn't hurt. Even when he was in his worst of moods, Bate would still be lenient when it came to Meta or Arthur for dessert. He saw Dragato's eyes lit up in excitement, but it didn't last long as he quickly stepped away; his mood shifting back to its guarded self.
"Ummm...no thanks..." He shook his head and focused on his drink.
'Hm?' Bate rubbed his head in confusion. Surly a cavity wouldn't cause him to become this weary. Falspar had one a few months back, and Ramset wasn't as nearly as this protective and disapproving. Maybe, it wasn't a cavity? But...if it wasn't, what in sweet Nova would cause not only Dragato to become this cautious, but Ramset too...
"Dragato, is there something you and Ramset would like to tell me?" He asked, "I couldn't help but notice that the two of you are acting quite unusual."
"O-oh....ummmm....N-no...we're fine." He said, nervously sipping his drink as he tried to avoid any of his questions.
"Well, it doesn't seem that way." He kneeled down and lifted his mask. "Are you sure? I know I'm nothing like your mentor, but if something's troubling you, Gordon and I will always be available to lend an ear."
Bate thought his kind words would help, but.....
Dragato's face started to heat up in embarrassment, and he pushed himself away from the elder. The warrior dropped his drink in the process, and ran out of the house in tears.
That....wasn't the reaction he was hoping to get. Ramset ran in not a second later and glared at Bate. "What did you say to Dragato, you idiot!!! I thought you were going to get him water, not make him cry!!"
"Me? You're the one who started this whole mess!" Bate barked, "If you told me what was troubling the two of you from the start, I wouldn't had to ask Dragato myself!"
"It's not your job to interrogate my students." He snapped back, "If I said nothing's wrong, then you and Gordon need to butt out and mind your own business."
"But the thing is, something is wrong." Gordon spoke from behind and summoned his hand to push Ramset away from Bate. "And what's more troubling is that you're not telling us. What's wrong, you don't trust us or something?"
"W-what? N-no!" Ramset shook his head. "It's nothing like that! Dragato just...."
"Teacher Ramset!!" Falspar cut in and ran to his mentor before he had the chance to explain. "Dragato ran off! I tried to calm him down, but he just pushed me away and headed to the forest!"
---
Chapter 3
"You're a complete idiot, you know that, Ramset!!!" Bate lashed out at the figure riding on his back and continued to flap his wings, "Why in Sweet Nova didn't you tell me he was diabetic?!!!"
Bate wanted nothing more than to beat the absolute crud out of Ramset for not telling him about Dragato sooner, but seeing as he was trying to head to the forest as fast as he could, it'll have to wait. Once the pair made it to the entrance, Ramset jumped off of Bate's back and gave a small sigh.
"Dragato made me promise." He said as his voice wasn't nearly as hostile as before. Bate, who followed behind as they entered the forest, wasn't too fond of the answer that was given to him.
"Ramset, I could understand if it was something petty, but if it's concerning the health of those two, I need to be informed. Hiding it, especially if it could get Dragato sick, was an extremely stupid, irresponsible move on your part."
"I...understand, and I'm sorry, alright?" Ramset huffed as he, too, was having a hard time dealing with it when Mends told him earlier that month. "It's been difficult monitoring Dragato, that's why I reacted the way I did when he was about to eat the candy Meta gave him. He doesn't take this seriously, and I wanted to wait before telling you until I've....I dunno, had everything managed on my end."
"Well, you've sure done a magnificent job so far." Bate rolled his eyes and continued to search for the Puff. "What in Sweet Nova did you think Gordon and I would do, huh?"
"Bate, I know you and Gordon wouldn't have done anything to hurt him, believe me. Dragato's just been a bit embarrassed about it, okay? I wanted to wait for my own, selfish reasons, but Dragato's had reasons as well. I mean, haven't you ever felt that way before?"
Bate's temper started to simmer down once Ramset finished, and the elder gave a sigh as he thought back to his younger years. Even now, he could sort of relate to the young Puff, but even so- it would've been helpful for Dragato if at least someone other than Ramset knew. "Fine, fine. I guess I could understand why he'd be so hesitant to tell us. How about I talk to him once we find him, I'm sure I can find a way to help."
"You better. Dragato's going to be so mad when he finds out I told you about it. He better forgive me once you're through talking to him."
"I have a way with words, trust me." He reassured and followed the Sasuke to his home when they were unable to spot him in his usual hiding areas. Ramset scaled the large tree and motioned Bate to follow closely. When their pair made it to the top, Ramset opened the door and made his way to the pairs room. The quiet sobs he heard on the other end caught the attention of both adults, and Bate gave an encouraging nudge for him to open it.
The loud creek caused the whole room to be filled with silence, and Ramset couldn't help but feel guilty when he saw the look of betray on Dragato's face.
Dragato knew he broke his promise.
---
Chapter 4
"T-teacher Ramset, y-you promised you wouldn't say anything!" Dragato's voice began to tremble as more tears started to fall when he saw the other figure behind him.
"I...I know, but..." He nervously entered the room with Bate by his side. "You ran off crying, Dragato, I had to tell him. I know you didn't want anyone to find out, but Bate can help. Please, give him a chance, alright?"
Dragato turned his attention to Bate who quietly stood by. The child's cheeks changed to a soft hue of pink before turning away. "N-no. J-just leave me alone."
"Dragato, please-" Before Ramset could finish, Bate walked forward and pointed to the door once he locked eyes with his friend. Taking the hint, Ramset gave a silent nod and quietly walked out to leave the pair to themselves. He truly hoped Bate would be able to mend this whole mess he caused.
Dragato didn't speak a word when the elder sat on the small bed besides him as he was too scared to do so. Like Falspar, he didn't know much about Bate. He only spent a small time around him, and half the time it seemed like he just wanted to be left alone. Of course, he does know he's caring and protective; why else would Meta hang out with him? But....there is a small part of him where he does greatly fear the old knight.
"Dragato..."
He quickly tensed up once he heard his name.
"I understand that you and I don't talk as much as, let's say.....Ramset or Falspar. I don't know much about you compared to your mentor, and I'm sure you don't know anything about me aside from that one teacher who sleeps all the time. But be that as it may, I care for you just the same as Meta and Arthur. If something's troubling you, I don't want you to think that you can't come to me or Gordon." Bate explained, giving him a small pat on the back. "I know how flustered you are about it right now, but the two of us can honestly help."
"How?" Dragato stubbornly looked up, not believing him. "You can't make it go away."
"I'm aware of that, but you can still talk to us if you ever need someone."
"W-why? There's no point...." He softly mumbled as he reached up to wipe his tears. "You don't have it, so how could you even understand? Teacher Ramset doesn't either, all he's been doing is telling me that I can't eat this or drink that, and I can't stand it anymore. I just want everyone to leave me alone...I just...." His voice started to get softer as he finished the lat sentence. "I just want everything to go back the way it was."
Bate motioned his wing forward to hug the troubled warrior when he started to cry again. "It's going to be all right, settle down." He quietly hushed and comforted the Puff until he was calm once more. After a few minutes, Bate decided to speak up in hopes to get through to the stubborn child.
"I know you won't believe me when I say this, but I really do understand where you're coming from."
"N-no you don't." He shot down his words and crossed his arms when Bate was still being persistent about it. "You're just saying that."
"Of course not, I have no reason to lie to you, Dragato." Nova, his stubbornness could easily match his own. So maybe words alone wouldn't help as he's clearly not moved by anything he's saying.
"You're dealing with something none of us have, so I get why you don't think we would understand. While I may not know exactly what you're feeling at this very moment, constantly monitoring my health is something I've been dealing with for a very long time. So in a way, I can relate on some parts."
While his arms were still crossed, Bate noticed he slightly glanced his way with his brow quirked. The elder sheepishly rubbed his head and reached under his pauldron to explain. "You don't live with me unlike your three comrades, and we don't see each other as often for you to take notice. Then again, I don't tend to talk about it as I can be a bit reserved about it too. I suppose....I'm no better, huh?
"Amazing like always, Dragato." Ramset said as he gave him a pat on the head. A few feet from the pair, Falspar looked on in envy and gave a small huff. Slightly waving at the Sasuke to get his attention, he decided it was his turn to get some well deserved recognition.
"Hey, Teacher Ramset, watch this!" Falspar quickly lit one of the bombs and darted straight up the pillars of rocks next to him to gain some height for his throw.
'Oh, I'm going to look so cool.' Falspar thought as he hopped to another rock. As he made his way to the highest stone, Falspar accidentally lost his footing and started to fall back. This resulted in Dragato frantically calling out to his comrade while Ramset dashed to the little warrior before the bomb went off.
"Hold on, I got ya." Ramset called as he swiftly scaled the pillars. He caught the frightened Puff and knocked the bomb out is his hand. Falspar couldn't help but gasp in awe when his teacher kicked it out of sight before it exploded moments later.
"Wooooow!" Falspar's eyes lit up from how cool he looked. "That was so amazing!!"
Ramset gently placed him back on the floor with the other, and gave a small chuckle from the compliment. "Thank you, but for now...how about you leave the cool moves to yours truly. We'll work on your style once you've mastered the basics."
"Hm!!" He gave a nod as the both followed the Sasuke to their bags since it was time to pack up for lunch.
Usually each teacher would take their own students out, but Ramset suggested at the end of each week, everyone should get together and meet up for lunch. Bate and Gordon agreed to the idea, and the group decided that Bate's home would be the perfect place to spend the remainder of the afternoon playing and relaxing.
"Hurry, Teacher Rasmet!!" Both students called in unison as they ran to see their friends. The Sasuke gave a smile and picked up the pace as well.
"Look! Dragato and Falspar arrived!" Meta called to the others who were helping Bate set the picnic table. Arthur and Nonsurat immediately looked at Bate for permission, and the elder slightly nodded for them to go. The trio dashed to their comrades and started to happily chat about their day. The three teachers watched as the little group dispersed into a playful game of tag, and Bate couldn't help but smile.
"For once, you actually had a good idea." He spoke as he set the pitcher of lemonade in the center.
"Whatever, Bate, you know my ideas are always good." He smirked and continued to watch them.
"So, how was training today?" Gordon asked, watching the scene as well.
Ramset gave his spiky friend a cheesy grin and started to boast about his students. "Lemme tell you something, Gordy. Any day training those two is amazing. Of course, you wouldn't know 'cause they prefer my class over yours any day."
Gordon just rolled his eyes. "Says you...." He mumbled and pointed to Bate's home. "How about you quit boasting who's better and get the rest of the plates in the kitchen."
"Psh- There's no need to be jealous~" Ramset joked and made his way to the house.
As Ramset took his leave, Gordon stared off in the distance and noticed Meta brought out his prized candy jar to share it with the others. "Bate, did you refill Meta's jar?" It seems pretty full compared to yesterday."
He saw his friend flinch, and the elder just stubbornly looked away. "He asked since he was going to share it with the others, that's all." He ended it at that as he watched Meta give out a small handful to each comrade.
"Such a sweet tooth. Reminds me of someone, ey?" Gordon playfully nudged Bate.
"Hush." He mumbled, not wanting to get into a petty argument.
"Hey, Gordy." Ramset called out, holding one of the dishes. "Where do you want me to put-"
The Sasuke froze in fear for a moment when he saw Meta's jar, and he quickly ran to the group. "Dragato!!!" He shouted and forcefully pulled the warrior away from everyone.
"T-Teacher Ramset..." Dragato whined from the sudden interruption, but quickly stopped when Ramset took the handful of candy Meta gave him and put it back in the jar. The little Puff cowered when he saw the disappointing look on his mentor's face, and turned away from the group as he became more flustered from it.
"Ramset!" Gordon called out when he saw the sudden outburst. "Bate just bought it yesterday, it's not expired or anything." Gordon said as he thought that may have been the issue.
"N-no, it's not that." Ramset's voice wasn't his usual chipper self, and Dragato's wings lowered when his mood started to change. The Sasuke nudged the warrior away from the group and pointed to the table. Dragato gave a sad nod and followed his orders without a word.
"Ramset, what's wrong?" Bate asked once he made his way to the group. "You didn't inform us Dragato was grounded." He said, suggesting he was on punishment for breaking one of his rules and was banned from sweets.
"N-no...he's not grounded...." He looked over at Dragato and saw the warrior frighteningly shake his head. Bate and Gordon noticed and curiously looked back at Ramset. The Sasuke, however, dismissed their questions. "It's nothing." He said as he went to the table to join his student.
"That....was odd. What do you think that was about?" Gordon whispered to Bate.
"Hmmmm...cavity, maybe?" Bate said after thinking it over for a bit. "Ramset's probably too ashamed to admit it."
"Seems to be the case, I honestly can't think of anything else..." Gordon, too, pondered but drew a blank. He gave a shrug and decided there was no reason to pursue it any longer. He called the other 4 warriors from behind to head to the table so they could finally start lunch.
---
Chapter 2
Meta happily chomped away at his sandwich at an alarming speed which caused Bate to speak up.
"Chew, Gumball. The last thing I need is one of my students choking."
"S-sorry, Teacher." He swallowed and tried to take smaller nibbles as instructed. "Oh, but can I have some more juice, please?!!"
"Me too!" Arthur said, holding out his cup towards his direction.
"And me!!" Falspar cheeped.
The elder stood up and filled or topped everyone off, that is, except for Dragato. Bate noticed he didn't even touch his drink, which was a bit odd in his opinion.
"Hmmm..." He sat back down and saw that he and Ramset were still fairly distracted since the candy jar incident. "Dragato...would you like something else to drink?" Bate offered.
The warrior uncomfortably shifted in his seat when he spoke, and quietly responded in a low voice. "Just...water, please."
Bate gave a nod and stood up once more to head back to the house. "Do...you think you could help me? I need to bring out one more dish, so I could use a pair of extra hands."
Dragato hesitated, but eventually got up to follow the elder. Bate opened the door and stepped aside to let him enter. The little warrior kept quiet as he followed Bate into the kitchen where he brought out another cup and filled it with water. He handed it to him, and Dragto quietly thank him as he began to drink.
Bate made his way to the counter and grabbed the large plate in the center. "Meta and the others helped Gordon make the dessert." He said and proceeded to show him the large strawberry cake. "I'm sure Ramset wouldn't mind, so would you like to sample a small bit of it?"
He figured a very small slice without Ramset knowing wouldn't hurt. Even when he was in his worst of moods, Bate would still be lenient when it came to Meta or Arthur for dessert. He saw Dragato's eyes lit up in excitement, but it didn't last long as he quickly stepped away; his mood shifting back to its guarded self.
"Ummm...no thanks..." He shook his head and focused on his drink.
'Hm?' Bate rubbed his head in confusion. Surly a cavity wouldn't cause him to become this weary. Falspar had one a few months back, and Ramset wasn't as nearly as this protective and disapproving. Maybe, it wasn't a cavity? But...if it wasn't, what in sweet Nova would cause not only Dragato to become this cautious, but Ramset too...
"Dragato, is there something you and Ramset would like to tell me?" He asked, "I couldn't help but notice that the two of you are acting quite unusual."
"O-oh....ummmm....N-no...we're fine." He said, nervously sipping his drink as he tried to avoid any of his questions.
"Well, it doesn't seem that way." He kneeled down and lifted his mask. "Are you sure? I know I'm nothing like your mentor, but if something's troubling you, Gordon and I will always be available to lend an ear."
Bate thought his kind words would help, but.....
Dragato's face started to heat up in embarrassment, and he pushed himself away from the elder. The warrior dropped his drink in the process, and ran out of the house in tears.
That....wasn't the reaction he was hoping to get. Ramset ran in not a second later and glared at Bate. "What did you say to Dragato, you idiot!!! I thought you were going to get him water, not make him cry!!"
"Me? You're the one who started this whole mess!" Bate barked, "If you told me what was troubling the two of you from the start, I wouldn't had to ask Dragato myself!"
"It's not your job to interrogate my students." He snapped back, "If I said nothing's wrong, then you and Gordon need to butt out and mind your own business."
"But the thing is, something is wrong." Gordon spoke from behind and summoned his hand to push Ramset away from Bate. "And what's more troubling is that you're not telling us. What's wrong, you don't trust us or something?"
"W-what? N-no!" Ramset shook his head. "It's nothing like that! Dragato just...."
"Teacher Ramset!!" Falspar cut in and ran to his mentor before he had the chance to explain. "Dragato ran off! I tried to calm him down, but he just pushed me away and headed to the forest!"
---
Chapter 3
"You're a complete idiot, you know that, Ramset!!!" Bate lashed out at the figure riding on his back and continued to flap his wings, "Why in Sweet Nova didn't you tell me he was diabetic?!!!"
Bate wanted nothing more than to beat the absolute crud out of Ramset for not telling him about Dragato sooner, but seeing as he was trying to head to the forest as fast as he could, it'll have to wait. Once the pair made it to the entrance, Ramset jumped off of Bate's back and gave a small sigh.
"Dragato made me promise." He said as his voice wasn't nearly as hostile as before. Bate, who followed behind as they entered the forest, wasn't too fond of the answer that was given to him.
"Ramset, I could understand if it was something petty, but if it's concerning the health of those two, I need to be informed. Hiding it, especially if it could get Dragato sick, was an extremely stupid, irresponsible move on your part."
"I...understand, and I'm sorry, alright?" Ramset huffed as he, too, was having a hard time dealing with it when Mends told him earlier that month. "It's been difficult monitoring Dragato, that's why I reacted the way I did when he was about to eat the candy Meta gave him. He doesn't take this seriously, and I wanted to wait before telling you until I've....I dunno, had everything managed on my end."
"Well, you've sure done a magnificent job so far." Bate rolled his eyes and continued to search for the Puff. "What in Sweet Nova did you think Gordon and I would do, huh?"
"Bate, I know you and Gordon wouldn't have done anything to hurt him, believe me. Dragato's just been a bit embarrassed about it, okay? I wanted to wait for my own, selfish reasons, but Dragato's had reasons as well. I mean, haven't you ever felt that way before?"
Bate's temper started to simmer down once Ramset finished, and the elder gave a sigh as he thought back to his younger years. Even now, he could sort of relate to the young Puff, but even so- it would've been helpful for Dragato if at least someone other than Ramset knew. "Fine, fine. I guess I could understand why he'd be so hesitant to tell us. How about I talk to him once we find him, I'm sure I can find a way to help."
"You better. Dragato's going to be so mad when he finds out I told you about it. He better forgive me once you're through talking to him."
"I have a way with words, trust me." He reassured and followed the Sasuke to his home when they were unable to spot him in his usual hiding areas. Ramset scaled the large tree and motioned Bate to follow closely. When their pair made it to the top, Ramset opened the door and made his way to the pairs room. The quiet sobs he heard on the other end caught the attention of both adults, and Bate gave an encouraging nudge for him to open it.
The loud creek caused the whole room to be filled with silence, and Ramset couldn't help but feel guilty when he saw the look of betray on Dragato's face.
Dragato knew he broke his promise.
---
Chapter 4
"T-teacher Ramset, y-you promised you wouldn't say anything!" Dragato's voice began to tremble as more tears started to fall when he saw the other figure behind him.
"I...I know, but..." He nervously entered the room with Bate by his side. "You ran off crying, Dragato, I had to tell him. I know you didn't want anyone to find out, but Bate can help. Please, give him a chance, alright?"
Dragato turned his attention to Bate who quietly stood by. The child's cheeks changed to a soft hue of pink before turning away. "N-no. J-just leave me alone."
"Dragato, please-" Before Ramset could finish, Bate walked forward and pointed to the door once he locked eyes with his friend. Taking the hint, Ramset gave a silent nod and quietly walked out to leave the pair to themselves. He truly hoped Bate would be able to mend this whole mess he caused.
Dragato didn't speak a word when the elder sat on the small bed besides him as he was too scared to do so. Like Falspar, he didn't know much about Bate. He only spent a small time around him, and half the time it seemed like he just wanted to be left alone. Of course, he does know he's caring and protective; why else would Meta hang out with him? But....there is a small part of him where he does greatly fear the old knight.
"Dragato..."
He quickly tensed up once he heard his name.
"I understand that you and I don't talk as much as, let's say.....Ramset or Falspar. I don't know much about you compared to your mentor, and I'm sure you don't know anything about me aside from that one teacher who sleeps all the time. But be that as it may, I care for you just the same as Meta and Arthur. If something's troubling you, I don't want you to think that you can't come to me or Gordon." Bate explained, giving him a small pat on the back. "I know how flustered you are about it right now, but the two of us can honestly help."
"How?" Dragato stubbornly looked up, not believing him. "You can't make it go away."
"I'm aware of that, but you can still talk to us if you ever need someone."
"W-why? There's no point...." He softly mumbled as he reached up to wipe his tears. "You don't have it, so how could you even understand? Teacher Ramset doesn't either, all he's been doing is telling me that I can't eat this or drink that, and I can't stand it anymore. I just want everyone to leave me alone...I just...." His voice started to get softer as he finished the lat sentence. "I just want everything to go back the way it was."
Bate motioned his wing forward to hug the troubled warrior when he started to cry again. "It's going to be all right, settle down." He quietly hushed and comforted the Puff until he was calm once more. After a few minutes, Bate decided to speak up in hopes to get through to the stubborn child.
"I know you won't believe me when I say this, but I really do understand where you're coming from."
"N-no you don't." He shot down his words and crossed his arms when Bate was still being persistent about it. "You're just saying that."
"Of course not, I have no reason to lie to you, Dragato." Nova, his stubbornness could easily match his own. So maybe words alone wouldn't help as he's clearly not moved by anything he's saying.
"You're dealing with something none of us have, so I get why you don't think we would understand. While I may not know exactly what you're feeling at this very moment, constantly monitoring my health is something I've been dealing with for a very long time. So in a way, I can relate on some parts."
While his arms were still crossed, Bate noticed he slightly glanced his way with his brow quirked. The elder sheepishly rubbed his head and reached under his pauldron to explain. "You don't live with me unlike your three comrades, and we don't see each other as often for you to take notice. Then again, I don't tend to talk about it as I can be a bit reserved about it too. I suppose....I'm no better, huh?
-To be Continued-
Artist Comment:
Date: N/A
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A 4 part chapter set featuring Dragato. There will be more soon, but here's the first part of them!
Date: N/A
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A 4 part chapter set featuring Dragato. There will be more soon, but here's the first part of them!
Species © Nintendo/ HAL Laboratory
Interpreted characters created from said species © Rhylem
Interpreted characters created from said species © Rhylem
