Arckray's POV
While King Daemon and I were dining in an exquisite chamber, I suddenly heard loud noises from outside.
The Helian King seemed serious despite hearing the shouts.
Cassius and I exchanged glances, sensing that something was amiss.
"Stay here, Arkcray. Do not leave this room until I tell you. I don't want any harm to come to you." King Daemon said before he left the chamber.
Once the king was gone, I peered out the window to see what was happening outside, but all I could see was smoke, though I could hear the shouts of people.
I attempted to open the door, but it was locked from the outside, trapping me inside.
"It seems something unpleasant is happening outside, Cassius!" I exclaimed.
"I will go and see what is happening and why they are shouting." Cassius said, slipping out of the window.
What could be happening?
I felt anxious for all the Apollans.
I paced around the room, unable to sit still as I waited for Cassius to return.
After five minutes, Cassius appeared, visibly exhausted.
"What is happening outside?" I asked.
"It's not good, Arkcray! The Helians have captured all the Apollans, causing chaos out there!" Cassius replied.
"What about King Gideon and Augustus?" I inquired.
"They have also been captured by the Helian soldiers. This is what happens when a kingdom is not well-versed in warfare! Tsk! Anyone can easily conquer us!" Cassius lamented.
"But most kingdoms have never attempted to conquer us, even the Helians! Why now? Why is this happening?" I questioned, feeling bewildered.
"We will find out the answers eventually! For now, we need to escape from this room." Cassius said.
"But where will we go? How can we escape from the Helians' watchful eyes?" I asked Cassius.
"I'll take care of it, just wait for me! I'll open the door from the outside." Cassius said, rushing off.
Luckily, I had a clever cat father who despite being preoccupied with food most of the time, he really have some skills!
After three minutes, the door finally opened, and I anxiously waited for Cassius.
However, when the door fully swung open, I noticed that there were no more Helian soldiers around, only Cassius standing outside.
"Where are the soldiers?" I asked.
"Don't ask questions, Arkcray! Hurry! Come with me!" Cassius said, and we both ran.
"It's challenging to run in a long skirt!" I complained, lifting my flowing dress as I ran.
"Tsk! Stop talking! They might hear us, those Helians have keen hearing!" Cassius scolded.
As we passed through a secret passage in the house we were staying in, it seemed like there were no other people around except for Cassius and me.
"Is this where we're hiding, Cassius?" I whispered.
"Keep quiet or else I will scratch you with my claws!" Cassius whispered back.
"I'll scream even louder if you do that!" I retorted.
"You're so disobedient!" Cassius replied in annoyance.
"Where are we going, Cassius?" I whispered, "What about our people?"
"We can't handle or rescue everyone! We'll seek help from my friends in the Kingdom of Ikarus!" Cassius said.
"Kingdom of Ikarus? Where is that? And who are your friends? Are they cats too?" I asked.
"Just follow me!" Cassius said.
As we emerged from the secret passage, hidden in a secluded area, my two eyes saw that they had captured the two kings, and they were bound and being led towards a large carriage.
"Cassius! King Gideon and King Augustus!" I cried, wanting desperately to help them but feeling helpless because I lacked skill in combat!
"We can't do anything right now, Arkcray! We'll come back for them! Let's escape!" Cassius urged.
"If only I knew how to wield a weapon, we could save all the Apollans!" I worriedly replied.
"It's too late to regret now, Arkcray, but I promise we will free the Apollans. The Helians won't kill them because the Apollans are needed by all races for their healing abilities." Cassius assured.
"Where is Arkcray, the dancing girl? Why did she escape from my chamber?" King Daemon shouted.
My hand trembled with anger as I saw him.
I made a mistake.
He isn't really nice or good.
He is a detestable king!
I should not have talked to him! If only I had known his plan!
"Soldiers! Find Arkcray! The woman I want to make my queen cannot escape!" King Daemon ordered.
"You're disgusting!" I muttered to myself.
"Come on! They might find us soon!" Cassius said.
As I gazed at King Daemon from my hiding spot, I vowed to rescue the Apollans from his clutches. I made sure he would regret capturing our race.
And then I followed Cassius, who was running swiftly towards a place called the Kingdom of Ikarus. I had never heard of it before.
What should Cassius and me should expect in that place? But I hope we can seek help and I want to learn how to wield a weapon. That way, when we eventually save the Apollans, I wouldn't be afraid anymore.
Wait for me, King Gideon and King Augustus, the dancers who have supported me, and all my Apollan friends. I will return!
I will come back for all of you and set you free!
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...
After three days of traveling...
"Are we still far, Cassius? I'm exhausted! It's so difficult to walk in women's shoes! My feet are covered in blisters!" I complained, lifting my legs with every step since my feet were already bleeding from continuous walking.
"We're almost there! Just endure a bit longer, or if you can't, just walk barefoot!" Cassius replied.
"What are we going to gain in Ikarus? Will they help us free the Apollans from the Helians?" I asked Cassius, as I groaned in exhaustion from walking.
"They are my closest friends." Cassius said.
"Who are they? Are they talking cats like you?" I asked, "What is special about the Kingdom of Ikarus?" I inquired.
"It is a kingdom known for their expertise in weapon forging." Cassius explained.
"Weapons?" I questioned, "I need that! I need to learn how to wield a weapon! Let's go, Cassius!" I said, suddenly feeling energized.
"But you can't just use those weapons right away. It requires proper training, and without any knowledge, you'll have a hard time using them." Cassius explained.
"I'll do whatever it takes to learn. Even though the Apollans don't possess magic, I still want to learn how to handle a weapon! With that, I can fight!" I declared. "So, let's go! I'm excited to reach the Kingdom of Ikarus! I need to learn to fight for our race! I'm angry, Cassius, angry at all the Helians, especially King Daemon! He took advantage of the kindness of the Apollans!" I added, quickening my pace.
"Hey! Wait for me! You don't even know the right direction!" Cassius shouted.
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...
After nearly another hour of travel, we finally reached the entrance of Ikarus, and outside stood sentinels armed with large weapons, deterring anyone from attempting to fight them!
As we stood before the guards, they immediately blocked our way with their sharp spears.
"Who are you, and what is your purpose in the Kingdom of Ikarus?" one of the guards asked.
"Hello! I'm Arkcray, and this is my cat, Cassius!" I said with a smile. "We come from Apollo. I hope you won't harm us since we come from the land of healers."
"We don't accept any visitors, even if they are from Apollo. You may leave, sir." the guard replied.
"I'm a woman! Can't you tell from my attire?" I asked, showing off my smooth legs.
"Arkcray, your makeup has smudged so you don't look like a woman anymore. Plus, you look dirty." Cassius whispered.
"Why didn't you tell me? How embarrassing!" I whispered back.
"You can both leave now!" the guard stated firmly.
"How stingy! You're so ugly!" I exclaimed in annoyance, and suddenly, I found a spear pointed at my face. "Just kidding! Hehe! I'm leaving!" I shouted, distancing myself from them.
"It seems we won't be able to enter Ikarus so easily without a reason." Cassius remarked.
"Why didn't you mention that you were meeting your friends?" I asked.
"Do you think they would allow a cat like me?" Cassius questioned.
"Just sneak in by yourself first." I replied.
"I can't leave you here, Arkcray! You're crazy!" Cassius replied irritably.
"My cat dad loves me so much! Come on! I'll even give you a kiss!" I said, laughing, as I hugged Cassius.
"Stop it, Arkcray! We need to find a way to get in!" Cassius said.
"The question is, how?" I answered.
I looked around with Cassius to find a way to sneak into the Kingdom of Ikarus.
And as we observed, we saw a carriage that seemed to be entering Ikarus.
"Cassius, do you see what I see?" I asked.
"I think I know what you want to do. But how about you, Arkcray? I can slip inside the carriage, but what about you?" Cassius asked me.
"Arkcray will handle that! When it comes to mischief, I lead the way. Hehe!" I grinned.
"Whatever you're planning, I hope you succeed." Cassius said.
"Come on, while they're still far, I need to execute my plan!" I whispered to Cassius, and we hurried toward the path of the carriage.
There, I placed a stone covered in dirt. And at the moment the carriage hit that stone, I would begin my plan as if I were the one they accidentally ran over!
Mehehe!
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...
"Here it comes! The carriage is arriving! Let's hide, Cassius!" I whispered.
Both Cassius and I waited for the carriage to reach the trap I had set, so I could execute my plan.
After a minute...
(Thud!)
"What happened!" shouted the man driving the carriage as he came to a stop.
Fortunately, his carriage was too high for him to see me on the ground. So, I secretly lay down in front of his carriage and started my act.
"Ouch! You ran over me! Aaack!" I screamed.
"Oh, my goodness!" exclaimed the man as he quickly got off and approached me. "Are you alright, sir?"
"Alright? Do I look alright to you? You ran me over with your huge carriage, and now you're asking if I'm alright? Are you serious?" I replied in annoyance, pretending to be in pain. "My dreams are shattered! I won't be able to walk anymore! All I wanted was to go home to Ikarus! Huhu! And you run me over! Unbeknownst to me, innocently walking on the road!"
"But I didn't see you earlier." the man said.
"I told you I got run over, and now you're arguing? Ouch! Huhu!" I continued.
"I apologize, sir. Let me escort you to Ikarus." he said.
"Very well!" I said. "Do you have any water? I'm thirsty." I sniffled.
"Yes, I have water inside my carriage. Come with me." he said, offering his arm as he guided me into the carriage.
Hehe! I'm really good at acting. Wahaha!
Once inside the carriage, the man handed me a cold drink of water.
"Sorry again for injuring you. We're leaving now, and you can rest here." he said.
"That's fine. I'll just rest here. Ouch! Ouch!" I said, pretending to be weak and in pain in my lower back.
As the man left, he closed the carriage door, and Cassius immediately appeared beside me.
"You're something else, aren't you? You even asked for water!" Cassius exclaimed, irritated.
"Leave me alone! I was thirsty, and we're here now, so let's make the most of it!" I replied.
"Where are you from?" a guard asked outside the carriage, causing Cassius and me to fall silent and hide, fearing they might look inside the carriage and see us.
"I am from the Kingdom of Aramedia and the things I carry are ingredients for cooking." the man driving the carriage answered.
There, Cassius and I heard as the carriage was opened, and I curled up in the corner, making sure we wouldn't be seen.
"You're alone?" the guard asked.
"I have a companion, a man." the carriage driver replied.
"There's no one here." the guard said.
"Oh, is that so? Perhaps he left." the man responded.
"You may proceed into Ikarus." the guard said.
Cassius and I grinned widely, almost hugging each other tightly because we were finally able to enter the Kingdom of Ikarus!
And then, we felt the carriage start moving again as the man drove it.
I peered out the window and saw Ikarus, which looked entirely different from Apollo. Here, weapons are being sold everywhere, men and women are competing in battles, and children are practicing with swords, bows, spears, and various other weapons.
Customs and ways of life truly varied from kingdom to kingdom. I couldn't help but feel nostalgic for my own Kingdom that I grew up in.
"Do you think we can free the Apollans from Helios, Cassius?" I asked.
"That depends on whether my friends here in Ikarus can help us." Cassius replied.
"Who are they?" I asked again.
"They are called Ikarians, the people who reside in Ikarus, the ones we're looking for." Cassius explained. "But the one I want to speak to now is my friend, Zephyr. He is a skilled warrior with the power of speed."
"That Ikarian you're referring to sounds impressive. I hope he can teach me how to use a weapon! Maybe even a sword! I bet I would look handsome while wielding a sword?" I chuckled.
"I'd rather not say anything, Arkcray." Cassius replied.
After a while, the carriage came to a stop, and the man opened the door.
I greeted him with a smile, which surprised him.
"I thought you were gone!" he exclaimed.
"I just fell asleep! Hehe! Thank you so much for helping us get inside Ikarus. I'm telling you, you will be blessed by our deity for your kindness! Next time, I'll buy plenty of ingredients from... what was the name of your kingdom?" I asked.
"Aramedia, sir. Thank you very much." the man replied.
Cassius and I then got off the carriage.
"No, we should be the ones thanking you. Because of you, we're one step closer to freeing a captive kingdom." I said with a smile.
"It's my pleasure." the man replied.
"We'll go ahead. Until we meet again." I said, and Cassius and I started walking to find the Ikarian friend he mentioned, Zephyr.
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...
After thirty minutes of exploring Ikarus...
"So, Cassius, have we gone around Ikarus already, and not a single person has seen your friend named Zephyr! Are you sure he's still alive?" I asked anxiously, with my feet exhausted. Plus, I'm still dressed as a girl, so I'm really attracting attention from the Ikarians!
"I don't know what happened to him because it's been a long time since we last saw each other. Let's not stop. I believe we'll find him eventually." Cassius replied.
"But before that, can we eat?" I asked.
"Where will we eat? We don't have money!" Cassius answered.
"We have a little left from our celebration earnings, right?" I asked.
"I used it to buy fish. Hehe!" Cassius replied.
"You're hopeless! You find us something to eat!" I replied annoyed.
"Fine! Fortunately, I still remember some places here in Ikarus. I know where we can find good and affordable food." Cassius said, and we started walking with him perched on my head.
"How long have you been here? And why did you come here?" I asked.
"It's been a long time, and I met Zephyr here. To be honest, we used to be enemies because of a woman, but in the end, both of us were not chosen by the woman we loved, so we remained friends when it came to fighting." Cassius explained.
"Wait, aren't you a cat? What battles are you talking about?" I asked.
"Seems like I need to confess the truth to you because we're no longer in Apollo, and it seems like we have many challenges ahead of us." Cassius said.
"I'm mad at you! Hmmp! If there hadn't been any trouble, you wouldn't have told me?" I said annoyed.
"You know, you're acting more and more like a girl. I'm the one who raised you. I made sure you grew up as a man!" Cassius said.
"Anyone would be mad if they were betrayed!" I retorted.
"Alright, I'm sorry I didn't tell you before. But you didn't really need to know back then. But now, because things have changed, you need to understand. I wasn't really a cat." Cassius said.
"Were you a lizard?" I jokingly asked.
"You're so shameless!" Cassius replied. "I used to be a human who was turned into a defenseless cat!"
"Oh? Really? Why did you become a cat? Maybe you were a disobedient person back then?" I asked, chuckling.
"Ah! It's because I desired more than my status in life. I impregnated a deity." Cassius confessed.
"Wow! You're something else! You even captivated a deity? I wonder what you looked like when you were still human?" I wondered.
"Most likely, I was a handsome warrior, and all women were drawn to me. That's why I even captivated a deity. Haha!" Cassius replied.
"It's a good thing you became a cat! That's punishment for people like you, disobedient ones! You didn't even spare a deity!" I said. "But what is your true lineage when you were still alive? Are you from Apollo, or did you come from another Kingdom?"
"Looks like we're here, at our dining place." Cassius said, and when I looked ahead...
"Are you sure, Cassius? We're going to eat here? It looks like a storm passed through this dining place! And no one seems to be able to eat here! It's all dusty, and it looks like an old house!" I said, annoyed.
"Don't be so picky! You're really acting like a girl! We just need a place to eat! Come in!" Cassius shouted.
"You want me to enter this dining place? What if someone attacks me here? It's better if you go first since you know the place!" I replied. "Why are you trying to let me go inside first when I don't even know how to fight? You're a lousy cat, you know that?" I said.
"You're such a coward!" Cassius said, and he entered the place first, so I followed. "Is there anyone here?"
I looked around and felt disgusted because of the foul smell and the dirty tables and chairs that seemed untouched for a long time. But you can tell it's a dining place because of the abandoned utensils.
As we looked around, a basin suddenly fell in the kitchen, so I ran towards Cassius and lifted him up to use him as protection against whoever was inside that disgusting dining place!
"Put me down! You're such a coward, Arkcray!" Cassius angrily said.
"Fine, then! That's how you treat an Apollan who doesn't know how to fight, huh? You're getting us in trouble even though I'm incapable of fighting! You're such a great cat, huh?" I sarcastically said.
"You're so cowardly!" Cassius said. So, I headed towards the entrance of the kitchen while I'm carrying Cassius with me.
And what did I do? Haha! I threw Cassius inside the dark kitchen!
"You're shameless, you coward, Arkcray! I'll scratch you once I get close to you!" Cassius shouted.
"Did you see anything inside?" I asked Cassius.
But he didn't say anything, so I got worried.
"Cassius? Are you still there?" I asked.
But he still didn't answer, and I got even more anxious.
"This is not a good joke, Cassius! Don't scare me like that! I'm not going in there!" I shouted.
"Arkcray! Help me! I stepped on a trap for mice! Hurry!" Cassius shouted.
"I have to go in there? No way!" I shouted.
"Turn on the light!" Cassius shouted.
"Does the electricity work in this dining place?" I asked.
"Just do it!" Cassius shouted again.
So, I took a deep breath and knew I had to be strong.
I realized that if I'm already scared here, how will I save my friends from Helios?
That's right!
"You're brave, Arkcray!" I shouted and entered the kitchen.
But because it was dark and I couldn't see anything!
"Where's the light here?" I shouted.
"What are you doing here?" a man said from outside the diner.
So, I screamed and quickly ran out of the kitchen out of fear.
But when I stepped out of the kitchen, I bumped into a very huge man, causing me to fall to the ground and sit down.
"I-I'm sorry!" I nervously said to the intimidating man with brown skin, a serious expression, a large build, and wounds on his arms. He was holding a dead wild boar with one hand!
"Why did you come here?" the man in front of me asked.
"W-w-we were just about to eat, sir!" I stammered, trembling and nervous.
"Where is your companion?" the man asked.
"H-h-he's inside the dark kitchen!" I answered anxiously.
The man seemed to sniff the air and his eyes suddenly widened.
He took out a knife from one hand, and I trembled even more in fear!
"Please spare me! Don't hurt me! Don't turn me into an ingredient in your food! I'm not tasty! I'm just skinny! You won't get any meat or fat from me!" I pleaded, kneeling down and praying!
Huhuhu!
After a few moments, someone threw a fish from the kitchen towards the man's face, and I was surprised when he caught it.
"That's impressive!" I exclaimed, amazed, as I smiled at the intimidating man.
"Your senses are still sharp, my friend." Cassius said as he emerged from the kitchen, strutting with his head held high!
But... Cassius called him a friend?
That means... the man in front of me is Zephyr?
"Oh, it's you, Cassius. What brings you to Ikarus? I thought you would just stay in Apollo." the man said.
"We have a long story. But where is Zephyr?" Cassius asked.
Ah... He's not Zephyr. Haha! Good thing! Because I would really be scared of him and embarrassed if he were Zephyr!
"He's on his way here. He got delayed because he was carrying a big buffalo." the man replied.
"A buffalo? He's strong enough to carry a buffalo alone?" I asked.
"Who is this little guy, Cassius?" the man asked, looking at me.
"He is Arkcray, the baby I told you about, whom I took care of, so I stayed in Apollo." Cassius replied.
"Ah, so he's the baby you raised." the man said. "I'm Yazid, one of Cassius' friends." he introduced himself to me, the terrifying man with a huge body!
"A-Arkcray!" I said.
"Don't be afraid of me. I won't harm a friend." Yazid said seriously.
I looked at Yazid with my eyes almost twitching, making sure he doesn't turn me into minced human meat!
"You're shamless, Arkcray, and you're acting like you weren't taught proper manners!" Cassius said annoyed.
"You never really taught me! You're just showing off! You only taught me how to steal food!" I said and licked Cassius.
"I really don't know what to do with this child!" Cassius said.
"You really don't know how to take care of someone. I don't know why you took him in." Yazid said to Cassius, then he looked at me. "Remind me, and I'll sew clothes for you. It seems that you don't have anything to wear aside from that destroyed garment."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Yazid! You're so reliable! Unlike your friend Cassius, who is so arrogant!" I shouted.
"Just start cleaning this diner!" Cassius said annoyed.
"Hmmp!" I said and took the cleaning supplies, starting to wipe the dusty tables.
While I was cleaning, Yazid and Cassius seemed to be having an intense conversation inside the kitchen.
I wonder what they're talking about?
Perhaps they're exchanging stories about what happened in Apollo, considering they haven't seen each other in a while.
I didn't interfere and continued cleaning.
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...
Even the floor, I need to scrub it so hard because it's all mud. It's difficult to clean while wearing women's clothes. However, I have no choice but to endure it.
And while I was scrubbing the floor on my knees, I felt as if someone was touching and caressing my thigh from someone behind me!
When I looked at my thigh, it was a man's hand!
So, my eyes widened, and I got annoyed!
"This lady is so smooth." said the man touching my thigh!
And when he looked at my face...
"Ha! I thought you were a girl!" he exclaimed.
"Who are you?" I asked while sitting on the floor, holding the cloth I was using to wipe the floor that I'm ready to throw it at him!
A man with tan skin like Yazid, but his body is just right and handsome. Maybe, his body is similar to General Silas', and he has a scar on his left eyebrow. He looks fierce, with thick eyebrows, and seems untrustworthy. He's the type that women chase after because he's handsome but won't take any of them seriously.
"I should be the one asking you that. Who are you? And why are you here in Yazid's restaurant?" he asked and sat in front of me, bringing his face close to mine and then smelling me.
"Why are you smelling me? How rude!" I replied, annoyed.
"I'm smelling to determine if you're really a man or a woman. I couldn't tell because when you turned around, I really thought it was a woman's body because it's fair and smooth." that man said and continued smelling me!
"I'm a man! Do you want me to show you my private parts?" I replied, annoyed.
"Let me see?" he said with a smirk, seeming unbothered.
"Oh, whatever! I have male parts!" I answered.
"Or maybe you're just pretending to be a man?" he asked.
"Do you want me to throw this cloth at you? Or maybe shove it in your face?" I angrily asked.
He just winked and stood up.
"You're quite beautiful for a guy, huh?" said the man in front of me.
"Zephyr, where is the buffalo?" Yazid said as he stood next to me.
My eyes widened, and I stared at the man in front of me whom Yazid called Zephyr.
"You're Zephyr?" I asked, pointing at his body.
"Why? Who are you?" Zephyr asked, annoyed. "Looks like I want to have some human meat soup for today." he said with a grin while looking at me!
"I'm not tasty!" I said.
"I feel... you're delicious." Zephyr said again, raising his eyebrows while looking at my thigh!
So, I covered it with the clothes I was wearing, "Rude! You're even lusting after a man like me?"
"Let me see your breasts?" Zephyr said with a grin.
"I have no words! I have a male body!" I said, "Do you want me to pour this dirty water on you? Or smash this bucket on your face?" I angrily asked.
He just smirked and stood up.
"You're also quite brave, huh?" said the man in front of me.
Then, Cassius suddenly jumped onto my head!
"Cassius? Why did you come here?" Zephyr asked.
"I'll tell you later, you and Yazid, so it's just one story." Cassius replied.
"Alright, alright, it looks like I'll prepare a lot of alcohol tonight! We have a lot to talk about, my friend, Cassius!" Zephyr said with a laugh.
"Drinking? I thought we came here to ask for help? Besides, it doesn't seem like this Zephyr can help us, Cassius! It's just a waste of our trip! And he's rude!" I said, annoyed.
"Hey, who did you bring to our place, Cassius? Why did you bring a brat? What's her name?" Zephyr asked.
"I'm not a brat! In a moment, I'll pour this dirty water on you! And I am a 'He'!" I angrily replied.
"He's Arkcray, the baby I took care of in Apollo." Cassius replied to Zephyr.
"A baby you took care of in Apollo?" Zephyr asked in surprise, touching his chin and seemed to be thinking, "Ah! He's the-" he added but stopped himself from speaking.
I looked at Cassius, who seemed to have lowered his eyes while looking at Zephyr.
"Do I need to know something? Are you hiding something from me again, Cassius?" I asked.
"I'm not hiding anything from you, Arkcray! Just keep cleaning!" Cassius replied, annoyed.
"Right! Keep cleaning, you brat! Haha!" Zephyr teased.
"I'm not a brat! Can't you see?" I shouted and made sure to show my annoyance.
"Hmm, are you angry, Arkcray?" Zephyr asked as he approached me.
"Don't talk to me! We came here and traveled with Cassius for someone like you? If I had known what kind of person you are, I wouldn't have come." I said.
Zephyr stood next to me and spoke to me again.
But because he was so close, I moved a bit because I was annoyed with him!
"Sorry if I said something unpleasant. Cassius already mentioned to me why you're here." Zephyr replied.
"You should leave! Now that you know, you're asking for forgiveness?" I said, annoyed, "Just because you're strong or skilled, doesn't mean you can belittle me! Yes, we don't know much about handling weapons, but we shouldn't be treated as lower-class!"
"Forgive me." said Zephyr and tried to hug me.
"Let go of me!" I said and removed his hand from my shoulder.
"What should I do to stop you from getting annoyed at someone like me?" Zephyr asked.
"There's nothing! My annoyance towards someone like you won't disappear!" I replied, "Just leave!"
And Zephyr finally left.
He didn't even do anything to make his apology more sincere?
He really is a useless creature! Argh!
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...
After almost thirty minutes, I could already smell the delicious food Yazid was cooking, but my irritation towards Zephyr wouldn't be overcome!
I don't want to see him!
It would only ruin my appetite!
And as I looked around, Zephyr sat beside me again, holding a plate.
But I avoided looking at him because I was annoyed by his face!
"Let's Eat, Arkcray." Zephyr said, "I've given you my favorite part of the buffalo."
"Will that make me happy?" I asked irritably.
"I don't know, but you're acting so fussy, like a woman!" Zephyr said irritably.
"Just leave if you're going to annoy me." I said.
Zephyr let out a sigh and put his right hand on my head, forcefully turning my face towards his!
With our faces so close to each other, I swallowed hard and fell silent.
"Eat, I know you're hungry! I'm hungry too because Yazid won't give me any food unless you eat!" Zephyr said with a smile.
"I'll be content with that?" I said, smiling.
"You're so stubborn!" Zephyr said.
"Indeed!" I replied.
However, our stomachs growled simultaneously, and we fell silent.
Zephyr took a deep breath and composed himself.
"Don't be stubborn. Just eat." he said calmly. "Sorry again for earlier. Zephyr was wrong, and he has a bad attitude. He's the one without a heart."
"Well, at least you know." I said, smiling.
"I'll teach you how to handle a weapon." he said.
"Really?" I said, smiling, feeling relieved.
"Eat first." he replied.
"What kind of weapon are you going to teach me? Is it a sword? Spear? Arrow? Hammer?" I asked excitedly.
"A fan." he replied with a smile.
"A fan? But that's a weapon for women!" I said.
"Got a problem with that? You're the one I'm going to teach, and you still act so superior?" Zephyr asked.
"Even a sword or a bow will do! Why a fan?" I said.
"Because your body won't be able to handle a sword. It's better for you to use a fan. It's lightweight and easy to handle, especially..." he said, coming closer to me, "It will suit you."
"It doesn't suit me to use a fan! You're teasing me again!" I said.
"Do you still want to save the Apollans from Helios?" he asked.
"Yes..." I replied, sighing, "But I wanted a sword. So when they see me, they'll be impressed!"
"Stand up." Zephyr said, and I stood in front of him.
He stared at me for about 10 seconds without saying a word, so I waved my hands in front of him.
"What happened to you? Why are you staring blankly?" I asked.
"It's nothing. Don't mind it. I just have a strange feeling." he said. "Hold this." and he handed me the sword he had behind him.
But when I held it, it almost fell to the ground because it was so heavy.
"Why is it so heavy? Why does it look so light when you held it?" I shouted while trying to lift his sword from the ground.
"I told you, the sword is heavy for someone like you. It's better for you to use a fan." Zephyr said.
"Well, I can't do anything about it! It's better to have a weapon than none at all!" I said.
"But even with a fan as your weapon, it won't be easy to use. You'll have to use your whole body, and it will feel like you and the wind are one before you can fully use it." Zephyr said.
"I'll manage it for the sake of my kin! And I'll make sure to avenge them against the Helians!" I said.
I raised my hand and started jumping around, happy that I finally had a weapon to learn, even if it was just a fan.
"You act just like a woman." Zephyr said with a smile while shaking his head. "And you're even dressed like a woman. I really thought you were a lady earlier."
"That's why King Daemon was attracted to me, right? Because he thought I was a woman!" I said.
"Even I fell for it." he said.
"Huh? What are you saying?" I asked.
"Nothing. Go back to the kitchen and tell Yazid that I already feed you before I devour you! I can eat you even if you are a human." he replied, and I quickly entered the kitchen.
"What weapon is Zephyr going to teach you, Arkcray?" Cassius asked me.
"He said it's a fan! Hmmp! I want a sword or at least a bow, but having something is better than nothing." I said, starting to wash the dishes.
"A fan? It's harder to use compared to a sword. Do you think you can handle it?" Yazid asked.
"I'll learn it no matter what." I said.
"It will take years before you can use it properly." Yazid said.
"Years? I could understand if it were months! But years?" I asked.
"I think Arkcray will learn it in no time, Yazid. This one learns quickly, just lazy," Cassius said.
"There you go, Cassius! You're praising me and then adding a bad comment!" I said.
"Do the dishes!" Cassius said.
"Hmmp!" I grumbled and asked Yazid, "Your cooking is delicious, Yazid, but why isn't anyone eating here?"
"Many people eat here. But since my wife, who used to help me, passed away, I lost my will to cook." Yazid said.
"That's sad. But don't worry, Yazid! We'll bring back the former glory of your restaurant! With a little cleaning and tidying up, it will be presentable again! Arkcray will take care of it! We'll surpass all the other restaurants here and invite all the Ikarians to taste your cooking once more, Yazid!" I said, smiling.
"Thank you, Arkcray." Yazid said seriously.
...
...
...
After I finished washing the dishes, I stepped out of the restaurant and noticed Zephyr practicing his swordsmanship. I couldn't help but smile as I watched him skillfully wield his sword.
He seemed to be dancing with the wind, and he looked so handsome doing it.
"Oh, you're done washing the dishes." Zephyr said. "Let's go, I'll accompany you to buy your outfit."
"I just need to inform Cassius." I said, smiling. "Cassius! Zephyr and I are going out!"
"Don't wander too far from Zephyr! You're not familiar with Ikarus. There are Ikarian who court men, even if they're men themselves." Cassius shouted.
"Fine!" I exclaimed and approached Zephyr.
"You heard what Cassius said, don't stray too far from me." Zephyr said.
"Fine! I'm under strict watch here!" I said, annoyed.
"Let's go! There's too much talking." Zephyr said, and we started walking towards the marketplace.
...
...
...
"The clothing here in Ikarus is different from Apollo. The ones here are sturdier compared to our delicate fabrics!" I remarked as I looked around. "Can I choose my own outfit?"
"This is my money, so I'll be the one to pick your clothes." Zephyr replied with a smile.
"Tsk! Do I have any say in this?" I asked.
"No, so just keep quiet." Zephyr replied with a grin, and he seemed so happy walking along, his eyes beaming with joy.
And as I noticed that we were heading towards the section with women's clothing...
"Wait! The men's clothing is over there! Why are we here with women's clothing?" I asked.
"This suits you! Hmm!" Zephyr said as he took out a feminine outfit that looked very revealing!
"Are you serious? You want me to wear that?" I said, annoyed.
"Why not? It looks good on you." Zephyr replied with a mischievous smile.
"Tsk! Because I'm not a woman!" I said.
"Does this suit him?" Zephyr asked the shopkeeper.
The shopkeeper laughed and nodded.
"Tsk! Fine, you two are in cahoots!" I retorted.
"You look beautiful for a man. Even your current attire suits you." the shopkeeper said.
"I'm not happy about this!" I said.
"Forgive him. He has a hot temper. He's like a woman who has her period every day." Zephyr jokingly told the shopkeeper.
"Are you tired of women, Zephyr, that you're now attracted to a beautiful man like him?" the shopkeeper joked.
"This one? I won't entertain that. Even if the world crumbles, I still won't like him because his attitude is beyond redemption." Zephyr said to the shopkeeper.
"Same here! If I were to like a man, I'd be more interested in Yazid because he's kind and helpful! Unlike you, always teasing!" I said to Zephyr.
"But you can't deny the beauty of the man you're with, Zephyr. His charming face is quite unique." the shopkeeper said.
"Ha! That's always the case. I'm too attractive that I'm often mistaken for a god. I always get that. Hehe!" I said.
"Enough, this guy's ego is bloated." Zephyr said annoyedly and pulled me to look at other clothes.
"Let's not fool around here! Let's buy real clothes for a real man like me!" I said.
"This is my money, so I'll be the one to buy clothes for you. If I want you to wear feminine attire, that's what I'll buy." Zephyr replied.
"Ugh! You're worse than Cassius, honestly!" I said.
"Fine, men's clothing then." Zephyr said.
"Finally!" I replied with a smile.
And as we returned to the section with men's clothing...
"Do you have any clothes that reveal the thighs, arms, and stomach?" Zephyr asked a vendor.
"Wow, really? Then I should've worn women's clothing if that's what you're looking for in men's clothing!" I said.
"Just kidding!" Zephyr replied, laughing.
"You're on your own! I'm not amused by your jokes!" I said, rolling my eyes at him.
"I think this would suit you, Arkcray." Zephyr said, showing me a blue kimono made of a beautiful shimmering silk.
I smiled at Zephyr, and he finally chose a normal outfit after his little escapade!
"You can change your clothes now. There's a small room nearby where you can do that." Zephyr said.
I entered the dressing room while Zephyr waited outside, keeping watch over me.
Since it was only a curtain separating the room...
"Don't come in or peek, Zephyr! I'm undressing!" I said.
"I have no plans to look at your body." he replied.
"Good!" I said as I started putting on the blue kimono.
"Hmm? This outfit suits me." I thought as I admired myself in the mirror in front of me.
Finally, I wouldn't be mistaken for a woman anymore!
I'm handsome again!
"I'm done, Zephyr," I said.
However, Zephyr suddenly entered the dressing room where I was changing and seemed surprised.
He held my cheeks and stared at my face.
"Why?" I asked as I looked up at him.
He gently caressed my cheeks, which startled me.
"Stop it, Zephyr!" I said annoyedly and removed his hands from my face.
"Is this really you?" he asked and showed me a paper.
On the paper was a warning about a female dancer from Apollo being sought by King Daemon. There was even a drawing that closely resembled me! Because it was me!
I swallowed nervously and looked at Zephyr.
"The Helians are spreading the search for the female dancer. The one in the picture looks so much like you. But who is she?" Zephyr asked.
"It's me! I pretended to be a woman before. I caught the attention of King Daemon, but when he took over Apollo, Cassius and I managed to escape!" I whispered.
"I need to hide you right now!" Zephyr said.
"Why?" I asked.
" We looking for this woman! Have you seen her around here?" a man outside the dressing room shouted.
"They're Helians outside, patrolling every kingdom!" Zephyr whispered.
"What? They'll capture me if they see me right now! That can't happen!" I said anxiously.
"I'll take care of you, Arkcray." Zephyr whispered, and I hugged him tightly, feeling the warmth of his body.
There, I heard the curtain of the dressing room, where Zephyr and I were, being pulled open...
"Why are you hugging each other inside this dressing room? Turn around and introduce yourselves! Perhaps, sir, you're hiding the female dancer who is currently in your embrace!" the Helian soldier said.
He couldn't see my face as Zephyr's large frame covered me.
I was trembling with fear, as they were about to discover me!
Then I felt the Helian soldier grab my hand and tried to pull me towards him!
Zephyr tried to stop him by holding me tightly.
"Don't resist! Introduce yourself! Perhaps, you're the female dancer I'm looking for! If you don't want anyone to get hurt, give me the creature you're currently embracing!" the Helian soldier said, forcefully trying to separate me from Zephyr.
Will they catch me so soon?
It can't be!
End of Chapter 3