"He said to wait at- Oh, there he is."
Standing out among the crowd of people amidst the busy lobby, Zenon awaits us wearing his full get-up, complete with mask, hair dye, and everything. Bearing his gloom and intimidating air when I first met him, he seems to make people distance themselves as he is using the public waiting space. Seeing him alone as he fumbles through his glass tablet, I raise my arms to greet shouting:
"Zenon!"
Even from behind his mask I can tell he smile as the scary mood turns bright as he heard me. He waves back shouting:
"Over here, Sova! It seems we're both early."
(I really should clear the misunderstanding fast, but how?)
As I ponder, his mood seem to plumet seeing Yoo-Ah. He folds his arms saying:
"Hmph, so you really are tagging along."
Yoo-Ah bravely stand up to him and look up replying:
"Of course! Just know that the third wheeler here has already been determined!"
"Quite a brave thing to utter for someone so aware of her position."
Sparks scatter as they exchange glares but I separate them saying:
"Please, that's enough. I don't wish to see two of my friends fighting!"
Stunned by my reactions they back away, Yoo-Ah adjusting her cloak while Zenon tighten his gloves saying:
"Either way, I have the transport ready like I promised. Follow me now."
"Oh? Are we using the trains again? I wonder what the view will be like?"
Zenon shakes his head replying:
"Oh, no, no, no, we'll be moving by ship."
"S-Ship?"
"Ship!?"
"Sad to say, but even now the roads and railways are still closed for non essential passengers so the only way to move freely is by air... Royalty privilege. Of course, I taken into account of your fear of height, so we'll be flying in the lower altitude to avoid ship sickness as well. And if you wish, you can always stay inside, the ship is so stable that you definitely won't feel like you're flying."
"T-That's very considerate of you-"
"No! Sova! Don't be fooled by such simple gesture! Huuum!"
Yoo-Ah shield me from Zenon as she then says:
"Just like last time you're too kind for your own good! I must protect you from predators like him!"
"Hehe, you're simply lucky I'm in this position. Now, follow along."
Following behind Zenon while I ignore the many stares we're amassing, Zenon leads us outside as I get to see the city slowly becoming more active by the day. Easily passing through the enamoured guards and into the streets, many cast side glances as they see us walking about even fron their transports. Probably because my face has been plastered all over alongside Yoo-Gisa but many seem to be more surprised than excited to see me, only to stop when they see Zenon leading the way.
Snow falls while my breathe becomes visible from the cold as I wonder how long winter last. The sun is high while the rural streets hustle and bustle with life and the surprising sight of children playing around as we pass on by.
"Say, where are we heading, Zenon?"
"To the northern port, that's where I park my ship. We'll be heading for the stations first-"
Yoo-Ah upon hearing that sticks close hiding behind me as she grabs my shoulders saying:
"Hum! You can't fool me! This is a long detour towards the station! You think I'll let you?! Don't listen to him, Sova! Follow me, we can just meet him at the northern port now that we know where he's going!"
"Huh?"
Before I could process Yoo-Ah turns us around and Zenon reach his arm out saying:
"Halt! I believe there's nothing wrong with wanting more time do we?"
"At least ask first!"
Seeing the two argue I cut in saying:
"Enough! Stop it, both of you."
The two turn to look at me as I push them apart and continue saying:
"We're here togther as a team and help each other out. I don't know why you two are so vitriol toward each other but that need to stop... Or I will head to the coast alone!"
" "Huh?!" "
I grab both their hands and drag them along saying:
"I don't want you two to get hurt while the invasion stars. So, work together and help each other. There's too many deaths already."
"..."
"..."
Zenon and Yoo-Ah nod in silence as they let me lead them. I take in the cold air as the sound of cheers and celebration still echo throughout the city.
***********************************
"I should've known you'll get us lost. But hey, I finally got time to spent with you like intended, so let's eat!"
Zenon exclaims as he picks up his fork and hand us over our meals which is a plate of different coloured squishy substance. I hang my head saying:
"Sorry, I guess I got caught up in the heat of the moment."
"Hum! Hum! Don't be sorry! You're just worried! Problem is that even though this ship's big, it has proper kitchen!"
"The fact that we have such a big yatch is already a great thing. Besides, even though all this ready to eat meals are not as good as her hand cooked meals, it's still a blessing."
Zenon speaks as he chows down on his meal and Yoo-Ah hesitantly grabs some of the meal and could barely move her hands.
"What's wrong Yoo-Ah? Is it not to your liking? Here..."
I pull her hands and eat the jelly at her fork and is surprised by the tasty meal and can't wait to taste my own. I quickly chew and swallow and smile as to assure her saying:
"See? It's edible! And this is surprisingly good!"
Yoo-Ah troubled by my words shakes her head replying:
"I'm just not used to instant food since it's forbidden at home but I can't let you down!"
Yoo-Ah takes a small bite on the meal and I turn to Zenon who finished his meal already asking:
"Say, Zenon..."
"Hmm?"
Zenon who's wiping his mouth leans forward with morbid curiosity and I asks,
"I just realize but don't you have your duty to do as prince? I know it's a bit late to ask but do you actually have time to do all this while the Kingdom is in such a state?"
Zenon hang his head and sigh, acknowledging my words with a nod he leans back replying:
"That's true... Let's just say the Colonel's purge and the civil war has thrown my political career out the window. Long story short, I'm nothing but a potential liability with my influence and affluent as it may lead to a disorganized effort if I try to make any moves."
Zenon looks out the small window outside and continue saying:
"The best I could do is simply retire then transfer my remaining power and wealth to my family and the ruling party, which is what I did to help with the revitalization efforts."
He smacks the table as if he's showing something off, and with a big smile he shouts:
"This ship's the only thing left of me and the items inside of it! So yeah, I do need to work and get paid in this quest, lest I'll be sleeping on the streets or I'll be damned if I return home and get trapped behind Kim-Yi's grasp! I am close to pretty much becoming an exile by this point as well."
"That's... Sad to hear? And a very inspiring start!"
Yoo-Ah hearing his story hangs her head low and starts chowing down on the food in a flash. She push the plate aside shouting:
"Thank you for the food! Now you're the only one left, Sova!"
"R-Right!"
Yoo-Ah looks at Zenon with less sternly and indifferent as I wonder if Zenon's story did something.
"Oh, right! You two can choose whichever room you wish to use. My room would be the last one on the hall, so make yourself comfortable."
"Thanks!"
"Oh? Then let's tour the whole ship. I'm curious to what ships are like now that I can somewhat comfortably ride one."
Zenon nods saying:
"Heh, there's nothing much to see inside but... Well, I guess if you don't mind looking outside, there's tons of natural wonder this Kingdom can offer."
"Oh! Then I wanna see!"
As we carry our bags to our rooms with my meal in hand, Zenon brings me to the deck where I can't help but hold on to Yoo-Ah as I realize...
"Wait, the ship can move on its own? And wait, when did we even take off?"
The view of the hangar Zenon parked this ship is replaced by a beautiful never white landscape. Rivers froze while the roads are somewhat being filled eith travelers and refugees converging over the camps erected outside the Blue Walls of Meondosi.
(I guess the aftermath is still happening).
Beyond the fields are the great mountains... Which names I still can't remember.
"It's been around 2 months since you arrived Sova and look how much this place has changed!"
"2 months? You've only been here for that long and somehow accomplish this much? Quite impressive."
"I can't say I'm proud of it."
"What do you mean!? You arrival here is pretty much destiny! For bad or for worse, I say I'm happy to met you!"
Yoo-Ah hugs me tight in return for my panic grab while Zenon shakes his head as he leans towards the fence hearing her words saying:
"Don't spout such forboding words, Yoo-Ah Ssi. Those kinds of words are only for when you're an elderly."
"I say whatever I want! Hum!"
The sun's shine upon its peak while Yoo-Ah and Zenon watch upon the peaks beyond. It never stops to amaze me how some things are just magnificent when you peer from a different angle.
(Is this what it truly feels to view the world from above?)
I can feel my hands loosening and I take a few steps to hold the fence and eat my meal with Yoo-Ah still holding me.
"One step at a time."
I say to myself as we enjoy our travel and lunch.
***********************************
"Hum! Hum! I suppose everything is possible when you're royalty! I mean, who's bright idea was it to install a dressroom on such a ship!?"
Yoo-Ah shouts from inside the bathroom as she's inspecting the place. I lay upon the large soft bed that feel like floating on clouds replying:
"Dressroom? Oh, you mean the toilet? I don't think it's bad. From my personal experience, I think it's great that you are always close to a washroom."
As the sun descend and the moon rises, Yoo-Ah and I choose a single room to stay together. Despite a place for one person, this place has a large bed and more space to place more. Even more amazing is the decor and furnishing Zenon went to accommodate us.
"Sova! As a girl, you can't say that! Especially in public! Or in a guy's room!"
"Huh? What do you mean? I mean I remember you using the word bathroom? Or is this a language difference thing?"
"It isnt! Bathroom is fine since everyone knows you're going to bath! But you have to be subtle with your words when it comes to other stuff! Like you can't just say you want to go poop, but say something else like putting on makeup!"
"That's stupid and where do you even learn that?"
"What do you mean stupid!? All girls do so to guys! Especially idols, they can't reveal such an opening!"
"I think know who told you those stuff. Girls sure are making a lot of effort for-"
(Wait...)
Noticing the isolation and closed curtains, I decided now is the perfect opportunity and rise from my slumber. Walking infront of the bathroom door, finding Yoo-Ah inspecting every nook and cranny from under the sink to behind the mirror, I enter the bathroom and grab her attention. Yoo-Ah turns around shouting:
"Hum! I'm going to wash my hands!? See! That's a proper way to say it! But hold on! I'm still inspecting this place! I can't trust him when he might set this place up! And who puts a healing kit under the sink!?"
Yoo-Ah continues to scramble on the floor when I gather my courage to shut the doors and,
*Click*
"Hum?"
Yoo-Ah look back at me bewildered as she stands waiting for an answer but... I corner her between the shower and pin her there between my arms.
"HUM!?!??!?"
Her face burns red to her ears as she opens her eyes wide from my actions.
"S-S-S-Sova? W-What's you today!?"
She stutters and is barely able to get any words out as her mouth. Her voice soften but I continue to follow Moriz's technique, the Kabedon!
(This is it! If words won't convince them...)
"I'll make you believe with undeniable proof!"
"Huh? Hum!? Hueeh!?"
Yoo-Ah tries to push me away shouting:
"W-WAIT!!! I-I'M NOT READY!!!"
But with my strength I easily stood my ground and lean closer to grab the hand on my chest, Yoo-Ah's eyes myanders around and spin in a spiral as she then shut her eyes muttering:
"I should've known better when Jana Ssi said you confess to her. I didn't think my first kiss would be taken this way... Hum....!"
Yoo-Ah puckers her lips as she braves herself, ignoring her weird act I pull her hand down saying:
"Remember when you stopped me at the throne room? I said it before, I'm actually a man. So..."
"Hum? Huh!?!!?!?!?"
As her hand reach my crocth Yoo-Ah opens her bloodshot eyes. Her shock turns to terror as she then,
*Grab*
"Un~! C-Can you feel it? Like I said, I'm a man-"
*Thump*
"Huh?"
Yoo-Ah fell on her knees with a nosebleed and peaceful smile as if her soul has left her body.
"Yoo-Ah!"
In a bit of a panic, I scrambled for some medical supplies but found none other than the healing crystal which doesn't do nothing in my hands, even with my weird magic. I ended up using some tissues to plug her nose and lay her down on the bed as I contemplate my actions...
(I must bring this to my grave or else... Yoo-Sui might be the one to put me there. Now I feel terrible when she trusted me, what have I done!?)
"But, I can't stop now if I wish to work with them... I suppose Moriz' isn't overreacting when he did that... Right, if touching it is too much then maybe..."
***********************************
(He said this is his room).
*Knock* *Knock*
"Excuse me... This is Sova, can I come in?"
*Crash*
"H-Huh!? Truly!? Give me a moment!"
Choosing the most distant room to probably give us some space, I could hear rumblings inside his room before he opens his door with a loud,
*Slam*
With his arm against the side as to block the entrance to his room, he gives a smile saying:
"E-Evening Sova, what brings you here?"
He pokes his head out looking left and right before then continue saying:
"I'm surprised Yoo-Ah Ssi is not following you. (And is this really happening?)"
While Zenon's pinching his cheeks, I quickly answer back reply:
"Oh, she... Fell asleep after a bit of a mishap, but d-don't worry, she's fine!"
Zenon raise his eyebrow with doubt written all over him but he sighs and seems to let it slide with a huge grin replying:
"Whatever, she seems to always be loud. Come on in and what kind of drink do you want? Back at the train you seem to like soda, I got plenty here so you want some?"
"Really!? Yes please!"
Zenon leads me inside, and I notice his room is quite fulled with many memorabilias of many things. Like posters of famous adventurers, collection of photos, and paintings, weird toys and patchworks of items. Then there's his side of armoury full of all sort of weapons, armours, and gadgets. Alongside his weapons are shelves filled to the brim with tomes and books while the place near his bed are all filled with weird black boxes, devices small enough to be handheld, a large TV and couches.
"It's a bit embrassing for you to look at my room so intently, Sova."
"S-Sorry!"
"It's fine."
He leads me near the bed as he then opens up a fridge at the corner asking:
"Say, what kind of brand do you like? We have international drinks from the Zhixi corp like Pups and Cook, or you wanna try some local brands like Milkiss which is like milk soda?"
"There's milk with soda!? I want to try one!"
"Hoh? I thought I'm the weird one for liking milk soda. Here, have as much as you want."
Carrying a handful, he placed down stacks of can down and I can't help but grab one and open it up easily with plunging my finger in shouting:
"Thank you so much!"
Before gulping it down and feel the cold creamy and sweet satisfying taste. Realizing the can is but only a bit bigger than my hands, the drink is finish before I'm satisfied.
"Glad to see you like it too. (Yes point up- wait! Do I still even need one?)"
Zenon pumps his hand up as quickly as he pulls it down. Sitting across me at his bed, he fidgets his thumb while he opens his drink differently and asks:
"S-So, what prompt you to visit me?"
"Ah, right!"
(I almost forgot!)
I put the drink down and stare right at Zenon with determination which cause him to gulp down his drink.
"Zenon- No, Yeon-Seyong."
"Y-Yes!?"
"Since we're all allies, I don't wish to hide anything between us."
"Huh? Where is this coming from?"
"Since I'm now helping out the kingdom, we're all allies trying to repair... What I did."
Zenon eyes widened a bit as he finally seems to calm down. He leans back with sigh of relief replying:
"Ah, I see... Sheesh... Phew..."
"What's wrong?"
"N-Nothing! You know Sova, I don't really blame you for what happened really."
"What, why!? I mean, isn't it because of me the civil war started?"
"Then let me answer you with another questions. Are you the one that spurned Iseon-Hyung to betray us?"
"Spurned? Well, I don't-"
"Are you the one who rally and help Iseon with dividing the court and raise the armies for the revolt?"
"No, but it doesn't change the fact that if it wasn't for me... He probably wouldn't have met with Ptelophy and start doing what he's done."
"I don't know who that is but in the end of the day, you're nothing more than a puppet really. Force to play upon the strings higher than you. In the end, you did fight alongside us and stop him did you not? As for Iseon-Hyung...
Many upon the upper echelons already knows his resentment towards the kingdom. He's already a complicated individual the court find hard to balance around. You don't have to worry about the inner politics and working of the kingdom, leave that to Mi-Ok Ssi and elder Hwang-So nim. You're already doing more than enough for an outsider."
Zenon stands and pat me on my shoulders as he seem to try and calm me down. He then fell upon his bed saying:
"Haah, we just have to follow our own compas. That's what being an adventurer is all about! So, is that the secret you're trying to ask?"
"No..."
"Huh?"
I stand and jump on top of him as he's still laying down. My long blonde hair brushes upon his face as he then shouts:
"Huh!? Eh? W-Wait! Wait! Wait! Sova!"
Zenon's eyes zaps left and right as cold sweat starts to become visible from his face. He tries to push me away by grabbing my arms but I clench at his shirt to stay at my place which cause his whole face to burn red up to his neck.
"The secret I must share with you... Is something else."
"I can't tell if this is a dream or not anymore!"
"Yeon-Seyong, we're partners and close friends now aren't we? Can I call you Seyong?"
"H-Huh? O-Of course!"
Seyong answers back half heartedly and I shake him up and down to get his senses back shouting:
"Focus! No matter how much I tell people they'll never believe it, so that's why... As partners, I must show it to you."
(Since making Yoo-Ah touch fainted her, I thought it would work since Yuria reached out but... Maybe showing it is best, though I didn't get the chance last- what am I thinking!?)
My fingers seems to dig into Seyong's chest but he doesn't seem to care replying:
"P-Partners!? Of course! Definitely! If this is a dream, don't wake me up now, me!"
I can feel his wide opened eyes drilling holes to me as he leans forward to look closer. I stood on his bed, with him under me I unbutton my pants which cause him to lean even closer. My hands halted last time as I feel myself burn.
(All at once!)
*Swoop*
(I actually did it!?!??)
I push my pants down and Seyong watches with bathed breathe only to agasp in terror. His eyes roll backward and lightning seem to struck over his head as he fell back, closing his eyes to sleep...
Seeing Seyong lay unconscious like Yoo-Ah, I pull my pants back up and slowly descent from the bed...
(Why!? Why is it hard to accept when Yoo-Sui seem to accept it simply by probably listening to Sis Yuwei or Ji-Hyun and Clara knowing I'm a man).
As both of them now lay unconscious upon their own bed, I peek over Zenon's window and see the moon has peaked over the shade of green and countless rivers while the soft street light glow seems like fireflies.
"Let's call this a night. Thanks for talking with me- wait... If he's unconscious, how are we suppose to control this ship?"