Guardian Of Hope and Salvation

“E never favored my methods. I’m too overzealous and mistakably built the platform that made him so loved. I made such large messes that he always had to clean. It was ironic, really.” Kite removed his hat to pat MixPlix on the head. “I did everything I could to be seen as better. But it never really worked. I was just making pointless messes.”

Thinking about all of it made Kite’s blood boil but there was a quell in it that was seemingly provided by his realm. Was pouring all of this out helping? Of course not. That couldn’t be the case. 

“I’m surprised you ever looked up to me. I’d think that you would essentially hate me so much that you looked down on me. Guess I was wrong.”

      Honestly, he’s pretty sure even Ms. Jury didn’t favor his methods very much. But out of all of them, she also probably understood why he does this as well. It’s what is needed in any realm, it’s something no one can really escape from. Things get destroyed, but then things grow from such things as well. Sometimes she would help with that, sometimes Ivan would help the people with that.

      Though for Ivan himself, it is still very hard for him to really understand. But as they spoke, he is at least getting pieces of it. Even if he could just barely fit the puzzle together, he will be patient with Kite as always.

      “If you say so. Just don’t nag me about such things, that’s all I ask,” he said to the other. He never liked speech about being good and how he could get better. But he didn’t exactly mind people talking about it as long as it wasn’t the only thing they spoke about. Though he knew that Inverted probably wouldn’t nag. He was rather respectful and nice. So he would at least hear him out.

      “She’s… been through a lot,” he said slowly. “She had an abusive care taker before I took her in. He was horrible to her and even killed her multiple times and then reset her. The scum bag didn’t even reset her scars on her arms,” as he spoke, his tone got angry. His fists clenching. If he knew what he did to Eri, he would have done more than take an arm of Overhaul.

     Shigaraki dipped his head when the door was held open for him and he traveled inside. He slowly headed towards the living room and then the kitchen, getting a drink for himself, then looked to Inverted, “Do you want anything to eat or drink?” he asked.

      “I understand.” His mind is set on his path, there’s probably nothing he can do when it comes to redirecting him. Who knows, perhaps there is a sliver of hope to him still. He believes in this..But he shouldn’t force it, that will only end badly if he interferes too harshly on someone’s life. That much he knows..

      “The poor thing..” He spoke softly, seeming sad now in his features. The guardian can only imagine with such a horrible event like that..Honestly, he wished that Jury was here. Perhaps she could at least have a look at her to make sure she’s fully okay. But knowing her, Ms. Jury probably wouldn’t go too far with it. As the Guardian of Life, she also couldn’t interfere and influence the notion of it too much. But she does at least help when she can.

The girls looked at each other and back at him “Oh wow!” Bree jumped up and down “How amazing is that” she cheerfully said. The female peacock smiled” come we’ll introduce you to the other” Patter Peacock told him. The girls were ushering him to the town. There were any female Enchantimals, many different animals and talking, laughing, and just getting along. Danessa was beside him and chuckled “See, they like you” she pointed out.

Bree went ahead and told everyone about him. The girls placed their stuff down and all went to him. They were in aww and carious about him.

      Ivan froze in place for a moment, he wasn’t always used to this sort of welcoming after all. It would either be met with utmost confusion, curiosity, or even just stayed away from him for looking so odd. So it took a minute for him before he allowed himself to go with the flow. Following the direction they continued to usher him to as he looked between all of them.

      “I-I see.” He said with a bit of a chuckle.

      Once they had made it to their town and they pretty much ceased from guiding him here, Ivan had his hands cane which he had in front of him now. The most they all know now is that he is a Guardian of Hope and Salvation named Mr. Inverted..for the most part. And now they looked to him as though they had many questions in mind already. Danessa even stumbled and saw his own pocket dimension after all. It’s his way of travel..Scratching his cheek, he decided to start it off small for them. Not wanting to overwhelm them with too much information. His pocket dimension might suffice for now.

Kite fiddled with his cane a bit, holding it behind his back. It may’ve just been that he was in his own realm but the chaos in his mind was eerily calm. In a way, it was a break. 

“Mortal concepts are very much inferior. They change so much with time that there’s really no point in keeping track of it.” He puts a hand over his gem. “I did. I truly did. Now, it’s more of a mortal fear. He was always E’s favorite. So special, so kind, so… too forgiving. Being a man of the spotlight, I craved that attention.”

“When he left for his final venture, it seemed as if he came back changed somehow. Perhaps it tested him too much. I guess the violence of battle was a little much for him.” Kite began to pace around the ring. “I pushed him too far and we collided. I scorched his back beyond recognition and he tore me to pieces with barely any hope of regenerating anew. Lost my sight in my right eye but it was worth it to see him torn from that pedestal and almost remade. I call you brother because it is what I’m used to. Perhaps you’re slightly more deserving of that title.”

“Does that answer your question?” The guardian paused in his pacing to look to Ivan, a faint smile on his face.

      It was more than enough to answer Ivan, honestly. Though, now the Guardian has to take the time to think on it, honestly. How he should take this answer and how he should move forward with it. He hated him so much then, that much has always been true it seems. He just never thought that there was also jealousy involved in the mix. Without having much thought, Ivan even thought aloud.

      “I always thought that was you in the spot light. I thought either you were the favorite, or E just cherished us all. I don’t really do much after all, compared to the lot of you..Ms. Jury, Mr. Henderson, even you. You all have done a lot and even have abilities that benefits the world than I do. I was never jealous of it, however. I was fine with just being the one to talk to the mortals and helping whoever and however I can. Learning from Ms. Jury has especially been helpful to me. Henderson can sometimes be a strange one to interact with--but you had always been the one I looked up to.”

      “You’re correct, forcing someone onto a new path to be ‘good’ would not make a happy life. Especially when you force someone to be with those that turned their backs on you when you needed them most…” he said with a hint of annoyance in his tone. “But, I am mostly saying this so you don’t waste your time trying to sway my views. You can try if you’d like, I just feel like it’d be a waste of your time and breath,” he told Inverted. He was pretty set on destruction and making a new world ideal for him and the others. But the other didn’t want to force his views on him, which would be nice. 

       Despite being the worst villain, he did hold kindness to those he held close, his allies and anyone he deemed a friend or family. He also did have honesty in him, he didn’t really like to lie unless necessary. And definitely didn’t want to lead people on unless needed.

      Good, it seemed the other would be fine with staying. He had a feeling Inverted could just portal home, but honestly, if he did that, would he ever see him again? He wanted to get to know him better.

      “She won’t be phased by you. She’s seen Nomu and other people who are far more scarier than you are. In fact, you’re hardly scary. Not at all,” he replied. “I should mention I do have a son too, but right now he’s spending time with some of the others. So he won’t be around until tomorrow. He wouldn’t be bothered by you at all, considering his own appearance.”

     Shigaraki turned on his heels and waved a hand for the other to follow. Heading his way to the house.

      Of course! This was a lesson he honestly has learned with his brother especially. The two never got along, one that finds joy in destruction while the other is trying his best on helping those in need. He still isn’t sure on his relationship with the Guardian in question, but for now he’s just trying to deal with it calmly. There are also incidences where he met villains and just horrible people in general that found joy in what they do. Thinking on them, it had Ivan grip slightly on where his gut is. Gripping on his attire as he was reminded on the large stab wound beneath it.

      He looked to the other and tilts his head slightly, “It wouldn’t be a waste of time. Every attempt means something at least, even if it were to fail. It helps me understand things better as my time goes on.” He said as he walked by Shigaraki’s side. Their thoughts were valid, their views and their opinions of things, he isn’t supposed to change people. He’s supposed to help. Give them a chance to have a sort of impact on their life. Something that would at least either help it along a calmer path, or one that they can be happy with the results. So long as it was in his namesake anyway. There’s a lot to it that even he is still learning as time and generations go by so quickly.

    He blinks and tilts his head. How the other man looks? Unsettling? What? Not in the least. Even though he was trapped in that vault for 200 years he had not been kept ignorant. He grew used to seeing humans with mutation quirks in news broadcasts that his brother would show (always biased, always trying to get the First to give in).

    “You don’t look unsettling at all, Mr. Inverted.” Tenshi reassures him. “A mutation quirk or leftover gene can make people look all sorts of ways. You’re perfectly fine.” Though most of society accepts quirks, he knows that there are still fringe groups out there that see drastic changes in appearance as a bad thing. It’s so sad…

    “Some company would be nice, as long as I’m not keeping you from anything.”

      “Ah! Thank goodness, I was worried that I might still stand out too much.” Mutation quirks? Ah--he’s pretty sure he’s heard this phrase once or twice before? Can someone be mutated so far as to look even close to how he is? Very interesting! It’s probably why everyone here looked so diverse in terms of appearance.

      Though, it seems like after asking a question like that, the other had probably grown a little calmer by Ivan’s presence now. With that, he wondered if perhaps he’s running from someone then. Making sure not to bump into someone that’s associated with whatever it may be. Poor guy, he wanted to be sure that he remained healthy and well at least. He can’t just leave him out like this on his own. And if they needed to, he could help get away from situations with a swift portal escape.

The guardian was silent for a long moment before he turned to look at Ivan. His expression was blank for a second before he smiled lightly. Kite took a step towards Ivan but paused a few feet away.

“I don’t get tired, really. Everything I do is to fulfill the only purpose I have. It makes me happy…elated almost. Excited beyond words.” His smile grew. “If I didn’t perform as I do, I wouldn’t fulfill my purpose. It’d just be a waste of time.” Kites expression returned to a less manic and more calm one.

“I don’t exactly take breaks. Work must always be done. It doesn’t make me nearly as happy if I were to slack off.”

      “You don’t..?”

      While it would usually upset him to no end knowing this, Ivan took a moment to at least hear him out first. The more he talked about his work..honestly, in a way, he was understanding what he meant. It’s scary of course--especially with how much he’s smiling just thinking about the destruction he could cause. It’s like how Ivan felt when he’s able to help someone. How happy it makes him that he’s able to help them in their time of need. It’s..really odd.

“Four huh?” she asked still having her smile on her face. She’ll aks more question later, for now, Danessa happily waved to her friends “Girls!” she said as her friend ran up to her along with their besties. A female bunny with pink hair was overly excited to see Danessa. 

Bree turned her head to see the male “WOW” she was examining him in amazement “ Mr Inverted, this is Bree Bunny, and this is Patter Peacock, Sage Skunk, and Felicity Fox. There’s much more, but we give are close to each other” she said as the girls waved happily at him.

      Ivan remained still for the most part. Observing her friends and the way they get along with one another. He even looked to their animal traits, seeing as no matter what the group, it seems like they’ll all just get along no matter the difference in dynamic. Perhaps an active Enchantimal could be the best of friends with an introverted, more reserved one. Interesting.

“We can do much more if we want to” her doe eyes brighten “I believe all worlds are special, so I whole-heartedly agree with you,” she resumed walking “Guardian of Hope?” she likes that “I never met a guardian before” Danessa looked forward as she saw her village “There, Wonderwood Villege, where my friends and I live” she added as her friends were waving.

      “Oh, I’m sure! If you were to train your healing abilities and such, I’m confident that you’ll be doing some amazing magic.” Though, it almost seems like there isn’t much need of that sort of training. Though in his eyes, it might do them good if they were to start doing something like that. It would at least prepare them in case anything truly bad happens here. “Well..there’s four of us Guardians. At least--the ones that the God known as E has created. I’m sure there are plenty of other Guardians as well. I’ve just never met others like myself or my..family..? I’m not sure on what to call them still..”

Kite’s expression was unreadable. It seemed as if he was… disappointed almost. It was almost surprising that Ivan had nothing more to say. Perhaps it was Kite who’d finally said too much? Probably not. 

“It’s fine. If you wish to say nothing more, that’s fine by me.” He turned on his heel to walk to the center of the circus ring. “You can take your leave or stay, either one I don’t really care for. I’ll simply be here if you need anything or something like that.” He tapped his cane on the ground, bringing up a few smiling pillars and what seemed to be books on each one. 

Despite his back being turned, Kite’s posture was visibly more relaxed. It was difficult to place what his attitude was. Relieved? Calm? Disappointed? Who knows but it was a change, for sure.

      He felt really bad about that. If he leaves now then it would all be for nothing. It was already strange enough as is that he didn’t hear much from Kite after having said so much to him already. Looking down at the ground, Ivan took this moment to think it over. To try and pick back up what he wanted to do in the first place. Sighing softly as he walked over to the other. He can’t just leave here like that, right?

Sprint looked up at Ivan and smiled happily. Danessa watched Sprint and giggled lightly “I never heard that before, like a dream” her arms were behind her back “My kind always wanted to know what the other worlds are like, but we can’t go to different worlds. We’re all created to serve our purpose. I’m a doctor. I heal anyone how needs it. We have no leader either” Danessa was on her knees as the girl closed her eyes while holding a leaf in her fingers. The leaf turned into butterflies and flew around them.

      “Mm..The other dimensions I..I can at least say they are interesting. Every single one are unique, much like how your world is. However..there are so many conflicts and dangers, I wouldn’t want to risk your little friends or yourselves. But..perhaps one day, I can let you guys at least have a look at them. But we’ll have to be very careful, of course..”

      He stopped his tracks as soon as she knelt down. Watching her work her magic, curious on what would happen. Seeing the leaf slowly form into butterflies--it is quite unique and cute in it’s own way.

      “Well, I should right now tell you, just so it’s not a surprise later. I am a villain. The King of the underworld at that. I’m the biggest villain there is out there right now,” he said to the other. He didn’t want to seem like he was tricking Ivan into thinking he was good or anything. “So if you mean everyone, good for you. You don’t favor heroes or those ‘good’ people in the world,” he said, using air quotes on the word good. He only hoped that this guy wouldn’t shove down his throat how he should change his ways and be good. But then again, Shigaraki didn’t know all that much about Inverted other than he seemed pretty cool in his books.

      The villain watched the other stab the air with the cane for a portal to appear. He glanced into the portal and nodded his head, “Well would you look at that, it’s my house. You’re pretty good with those portals,” he complimented and stepped inside, going to the other side to his home. He then beckoned the other to come along.

     “You know, if you wish to stay in this world for a bit longer, I do have a spare room you can stay in. The bed is already cleaned and made up. I do warn, I do have a child that lives with me. But I see you as no threat to her.”

      He froze after hearing that. Looking to Shigaraki with wide eyes as he heard his title. What he’s done, what he was known for in this world. For a moment, that stuck to him. Looking to him almost with disbelief. Can someone who had been so nice be all of what he had said? What happened to him? What made him go to this path? Then again, the more..odd part of his mind sort of chimed in. It’s that very honesty he was showing at the moment to Ivan--a complete stranger..He could do as he pleases, no one was forcing him to be nice. Yet this is the interaction the two has had thus far.

      In a weird way, it made him happy. It only further made him want to help him. The guardian nodding to the other’s statement as he added, “Everyone is equal. I firmly believe in that. I will not tell you on..what I assume everyone else has tried telling you. The path I try to lead is one that would at least be peaceful enough. Forcefully changing someone to be on..a ‘side’ I’ll call it..I don’t think it would make them truly happy. Equal grounds at least, perhaps then there might be good in everyone.” He said as he let’s Shigaraki go through the portal

“I’m still surprised you’re quite easy to vent. Odd that such a form would make you so willing to talk rather than cower. I’ll keep that in mind for the future, I suppose.” Kite fiddled with his cane, looking at the gem end for a moment before looking back to Ivan. “You may be in my realm but you’re free to voice your opinions of me. You’re…different from Corrupt. Not so willing to claw my throat out or see me shattered.” 

The guardian made a motion for Ivan to continue speaking. Expression more relaxed and blank if anything. He was… comfortable with Ivan for the time being. No real danger of seeing him lash out.

“Go on, say what you want to say. I won’t fight it or hurt you for now. It’d be a boring and weak tactic anyways.” 

      For the future? What does this mean? So much was going through his mind that he’s failing to find the words to speak anymore. At the moment, he’s pretty much just biting his tongue. The mention of his counterpart however..It saddened him a little. He looked to Kite, now wondering on just..what happened between the two as well. Was it the pint up hate that overtook Corrupt in his own way? Did he not try to speak them out first? Then again, perhaps Kite was also especially different back then.

      It was also a small reminder that he isn’t truly his Kite. It’s odd, thinking about that. To know that this one has basically gone through everything with one Ivan. Dealing with all those terrible things. And then there’s himself. The one who went through the events and many more events in a better light. It honestly made him feel terrible, thinking about it all this way. Made him feel a little selfish. It also made him feel lost..As though..perhaps he shouldn’t even be here. He’s been on his own for a while now--he isn’t even sure on where Jury or Henderson are.

      “Anyone in need?” he asked, giving the other a look over. Did they just generalize the good people as anyone, of did he truly mean everyone and anyone? The more the other spoke, the more intrigued about him Shigaraki became. Most people simply sided and helped the heroes or average citizens. Never the villains. Yet, this character, was openly helping him and seemed to mean ANYONE. He thought on it for a moment, then decided he wanted Inverted to stick around for a bit longer, or at least try to get him too. He did have a spare room in his house he could stay. And Eri loved visitors as long as they weren’t scary.

       Shigaraki could test out if his All For One could reach out to other powers. After all, powers were powers. Just in this world, they had another name. But in the end, he didn’t really want to. This individual was helping him. Not only that, from the powers he spoke of, none really fancied his tastes. He was a hand to hand combat person and never used weapons. He didn’t need to turn into a bunny, he already had shadows, and he had his vortex quirk. He didn’t really need anything else off the other. Even if he did, he probably wouldn’t. People didn’t want to see you again after you steal things off of them.

      Those who became quirkless, did suffer, their lives becoming unimportant and meaningless. Quirks were important, even though there were amounts of people born without a quirk, they lived pretty low lives and many weren’t able to make themselves out as anything. Quirks were something to be proud of and use, no matter how small it was. Though what made it worse, was Shigaraki went after those with strong quirks. So those he takes from, have their lives flipped upside down. A strong quirk to completely powerless.

      “Yeah, no stress really. Though the voice in my head can be troublesome,” he admitted. The man waved a hand and then pointed towards a large lit up building. “My home, I wanna say it’s about a half hour travel from here, that way,” he told the other. “It’s surrounded my trees and woods, if that helps..”

      “Of course. There are many that need help. I don’t see why I shouldn’t help anyone in need.” He keeps using that word. Be it that way or not, it is true that Ivan does what he can to not look at the good or evil all the time. The hopes he could feel in people is what helps him most. Hope comes in many forms too, so he tries to be careful with them. One can hope for a better life, the other hopes to destroy such life. In the end, even with those with a more ‘evil’ hope, Ivan does what he can to perhaps lead them to a better path. Not to convert the evil to good--but hopefully one where they could reflect on themselves and take time to themselves. Ivan doesn’t want to leave anyone behind, he wants to do what he can to help anyone.

      Suppose that’s where the ‘Salvation’ part comes in with the title. But either way, Ivan still didn’t want to be too much of a bother. He wouldn’t want to shove himself into someone’s life all of the sudden.

“Oh yes, we’re called Enchantimal. We’re humanoid beings with animal characteristics such as ears and tails, who are bonded with a matching animal through an unspecified ritual. Some Enchantimals even have two companions” she laced her fingers together “We can do magic as well, but we can’t do magic powers for selfish purposes” she stretched her back with her arms high “We’re all friendly and peaceful, no conflicts or anything. No one knows about our world, this is a very peaceful world where we don’t judge anyone base on their appearance” 

      Is it that peaceful here? Nothing to endanger them aside from possibly the weather? Kite would probably jump at the chance if he ever hears of a place like this. Nothing should be too peaceful, at least he’s pretty sure that’s how he works with his title. Best not to bring it up to the Guardian. Though he does fear that he’ll just find this place anyway, no matter the efforts.

Kite removed himself from Ivan’s lap and stood up, dusting himself off and correcting his attire. He snapped his fingers and his cane appeared in hand. He… wasn’t sure what to think now that he was back to his old self and having heard all that Ivan had to say. It was a strange sensation, really. 

“You know I find no value in keeping animals around. Circus animals, perhaps, but not Pets. Either way, it was intriguing to hear all that, most certainly.” He bent over to look at Ivan. “I had a sneaking suspicion that you hated me, of course, but never could I have dreamed that you’d be so vocal about it.” 

It was surprising to see Kite wasn’t smiling in regards to this revelation. He seemed…passive for once. Being in such a position couldn’t so easily have changed his thoughts of his brother, right? Perhaps not.

      The guardian flinched and remained still as Kite spoke. He wasn’t sure on how to feel about the situation, honestly. He said so much to Kite’s face, essentially. Grabbing his cane and having that close to him now as he’s pretty much just ready to leave after an interaction like this. Guess now he knows that Kite has the ability to change his form as well. Good to know..he guessed..