Stranded part 1: Castaway-12 (Patreon)

What if the other minotaurs/Zawwupe are not as friendly as he is? What if he's taking you there as slave? What are they gonna do to you? What's going to happen? Zuko gives no answer to all these questions, even if you already know some words, these are complex things to ask. The language barrier is still a thing between you and him, but he seems optimistic about the plan, and from what you understand, his village is not too far. "Eno Xuch fuprinv", Xuch means day, eno means one, so... that's it! You spend some more time with him in the cave, that gives you the chance to understand a few more words. As soon as you get out of the cave, Zuko says a lot of things, probably warnings, only to roll his eyes and snort in the end, noticing you didn't understand a thing. The similarities between your gestures are impressive, though, makes you wonder. He kneels next to a black pond under a peculiar looking tree and uses the liquid to paint his muzzle, hands and feet "Oh, i thought it was a tattoo too, what is...?" He shows you, apparently that liquid keeps insects away and covers your smell or something, so he invites you to spread it on you. "Fuck, i hope it's not toxic for humans..." you groan.

He takes your hand and colours it black. "You really need to touch me this much?", "Injoyhj fipp ouh chea in un teak fihteah htij", he grins while inviting you to paint your feet as well. "Fine...", he splashes it on your head and rubs it in, covering the upper half of it then nodding, with a snort, as usual. "Alright, then...", you stand up, "Let's go to your village"

You're imrpessed by the fascinating plants and flowers you see along the way. Most of the animals and vegetation is bioluminescent, you've seen it before, but now that Zuko is guiding you, you can actually take a look around and observe the new world around you. Zuko walks fast, he's used to do that barefeet so you try to keep up despite how uncomfortable this is. He stops in front of a plant, grabs his knife and cuts some leaves before giving them to you "Thanks...?" He shows you to roll them around your feet with a gesture "Oh... thanks" He might have noticed your discomfort... he's really observing, afterall.

You walk all day, but every time you try asking some questions, despite doing that very quietly, he interrupts you "Jiponyo" That must mean "shut up" or something like that. You walk all day, take only a couple of breaks, drinking and eating while you walk. You didn't eat much in the last three days, so Zuko grabs some fruits while you walk behind him, and simply stretch his arm behind his back to give them to you, without turning around or saying anything. Does he really cares about you? Are all the zawwupe like him or he's particularly friendly? Will any of these fruits have some side effects? You're kidna worried, but you keep walking.

What terrifies you the most is the same question you asked yourself before: what is gonna happen once you'll reach his village?