The Hero and The White Bear

The sun set behind the line of pine trees spanning out towards the vast forest beyond, lightning it aflame in an amber glow. The clouds in the sky moved quickly along with the icy winter wind, with it beckoning the night sky to take over once again. Birds like small black dots rose from the deep forest, swirling upward and spreading out before once again settling in a new place. The valley was quiet, covered in the blanket of night and covered by the vast mountains to the west. A river flowed through like a snake, giving fresh water from the mountain range accessible to animals and humans alike. The broken remains of the former civilization disappeared into the landscape, the ground painted white with snow along the edges of the tribe. 

Within the boundaries of the tribe, life swirled about in happy flurries. A large fire burned in the middle of the compound, with a group dancing around it in a fevered celebration. As the full moon rose, so did the smell of cooked food rise to surround the tribe. People brought out large plates filled to the brim with meats and stews, pickled vegetables and puddings making the children squeal with excitement. The herd of sheow moved together closer to the excitement, grazing on the thinned grass left by the frosty air. They lumbered about together, close to stay warm, each one swaying their large horns to keep the others away from their precious grass and hay. As the food was placed down in a large circle around the fire, swarms of people came forth to partake in the great feast. Deer meat, alcohol, pig, and a few turkeys that had been caught were cooked up with herbs and spices. Potatoes were boiled and to be served with salt and soured cream. A berry jam was set aside with bread and puddings. Mother's scold their children who tried to grab at the desserts first, and grandparents suck their grandchildren those sweets behind the parent's back. At the northern head of the gathered sat Sitria in her glory. The white bear's fur seemed to glow in the light of the fire, the dark sky becoming filled with stars behind her. Sitting by her were the two siblings, covered in warm furs and happily eating together. To their side was their uncle and the priestess. 

On occasion, people came up to offer their happiness at Kumako's return home. They were given gifts, offered up to them with great reverence and bowed heads. Presents of drink, teas, warm furs, and other goods were given up to the siblings. A thanks for their efforts to save their tribe, as well as a show of the newfound status they now held. A great victory was won, and music in their name was written and played out. The flute and drums matched with skillful strings run out in the cold night's air, beckoning all to hear the good news of the return of goodness to the tribe. It was considered a marking of good times to come, a mark of hope in the shape of a bear. This night would be remembered for years to come, and would be the first night that Sitria the goddess realized how much she had truly missed humanity. 

As she watched the humans dance and eat, a longing in the pit of her stomach grew. The cold air seems to be the only reminder of the bitter truth looming over them. Her domain had long since been forgotten by her, these people and their costumes foreign and strange. Yet within them she found solace. It had been long since she last recalled why she wanted to protect these creatures so feeble and weak. Humans were never in her own image, and the earth itself knew humanity was different from itself. These creatures sang new songs with old purpose, and they danced to show both joy and sadness all at once. They held each other and ate until they were so full they felt sick. They were animals, and yet the tears they shed and the laughter that burst from their chests were not that of simple creatures. 

The goddess watched every human that passed and wondered their name. Who were they? Why were they here? For what purpose did they give the gifts that they had, and why did they smile like that? A small fight had been won, yet a war still waited for them beyond the horizon. A war that she realized they were being forced to fight, one they had not started or even wanted to partake in. A strange painful sensation built within her heart. It ate away at her slowly, like a rot. Seeing these people so happy brought her joy and yet the looming chaos threatened to destroy that joy. Destroying the joy that was so precious and pure. And who's fault would it be if it was successful in consuming all before it but hers? The fate of humanity laid within the palms of humans, no longer a goddess of epic strength and power. The fate of the world itself, the precious world she had so desperately wanted to see grow, was now in jeopardy. How does a goddess come to terms with her failures to protect her world and her people? So long she spent slumbering within her tomb, certain that her sacrifices had been enough and would always be enough. Yet that was not the reality of this world. Even without realizing, chaos itself had stolen everything from her. Chaos, it was always chaos. The unpredictable force in which destroyed everything that she loved so dear. 

Sitria for the first time wished that she could pray. To whom, she was not sure. She wanted to pray that they would succeed in their mission, and that these humans were strong enough to overcome what she had failed to overcome. She wanted to pray that she would be able to lead them to happiness after, that they would all be able to share in this joyous feast many times again together. Her happiness was forever connected to that of Kumako's, and she would never be able to break that bond. 

"Sitria?" Kumako broke the stream of thoughts that she had caught herself in. The great white bear turned her large head towards the small human, her eyes softened with affection and weakness. 

"Yes?" The goddess asked with a quiet voice. Her mouth barely moved when she spoke. 

"You were spacing out for a bit there. Everything okay?" Kumako asked, shifting so that they were facing her properly. Their eyes seemed to shine with the winter evening sky, bright and full of light despite the cold. Their hair was a bit messy, curling up at the ends with streaks of light making it shine. She could have sworn that their hair looked almost white at the roots, but perhaps it was a trick of the moonlight. 

"Yes. I was simply reflecting, that is all." Her windchimed voice floated across the cold air effortlessly. "It is just nice to see humanity thrive like this. It has been so long since…" Her voice fluttered off to nothing. Kumako tilted their head, and Sitria found herself smiling. "I suppose it does not matter that much. I am simply content, and I wish to remain this way." An unspoken resolve formed between the two of them. Their desires were the same, and it did not need to be spoken. 

"It seems like it wasn't that long ago we first met, and now it almost feels like we have always been traveling together. Funny, isn't it?" The young hero beamed, leaning against the great bear's soft fur. 

"I suppose. Though you still are rather childish.. I guess I have grown rather fond of your company. At least you know how to listen to direction well." 

"Sure sure. Whatever you say." Kuma closed their eyes. 

The sky was clear and calm. The clouds had moved quickly away leaving only the stars glimmering hopefully against the dark. The frigid air made everything seem so crystal clear. A victory for humanity against the ever creeping darkness. Even within the despair of winter, hope shone on and returned with the dawn of this era. The White Bear and the Hero would save humanity.