Chapter 64 - What Was He Thinking? (Patreon)

Mayalyn Aloyhee

Unable to stand being in the Aahmra’s estate a moment longer, Mayalyn fled to her father’s home. Her real home. She threw open the sturdy door and stalked upstairs to her room where she paced back and forth across the soft carpet.

What just happened? What is Uncle thinking?

I’m supposed to be learning to instill aura into the makerdrive, not marrying a complete stranger that we just met today. Even if he is the Koroko!

My duty is to the people, not some pervert. This entire situation is preposterous and I will not stand for it!

Her leg lashed out and smashed into a wicker chest full of old tools and failed contraptions that scattered across the floor..

Why am I always letting my emotions make a mess of things?

She took a deep, calming breath and cleaned her floor before leaning against the wall with one of her first inventions clutched in her fingers

Uncle doesn’t want to rely on the drives to protect Azurlight anymore. With access to tier five beasts, he can finally ascend and beat the alphas himself.

He doesn’t think I’m needed, so he’s selling me off to get what he’s always wanted. Great Grandpa, what would you say to him if you were still here?

As she always did when she thought of the Maker, her eyes trailed to a painting in his likeness on her wall.

A scholarly mouseman with spectacles stared back at her. She loved the slight smile and softness of his gaze, which she secretly knew was directed at the woman reflected in the mirror, her great grandmother.

“Your inventions have kept us safe for so long. How can Uncle just throw away your legacy like this?”

I hate that I understand what Uncle is thinking. There are only two makerdrives left and we still haven't figured out how to replicate them.

We can’t expand or explore, we can’t even maintain the farms safely anymore. Always stuck, always afraid. Only a few hunters are brave enough to leave. How much more could we do and build if we could freely mine the mountain, or scavenge the beaches?

What Jiran is offering really is priceless to the People. It all comes back to ascending. What would it be like if there were no alphas on the island? We could safely explore, grow anything in any field, couples could have more than two children. There would be so many more babies…

The thought of offspring rapidly escalated to its obvious conclusion and steam began leaking from her ears as her head grew hot.

Concentrate Maymay!

I’ll do anything for the People, even marrying someone I just met today. No matter what, we must have access to those beasts.

That vile bastard! How dare he hold that over our heads.

Ugh, who am I kidding, the fact he bargained something so precious for me. I should be flattered.

After all…

The core in her chest skipped a pulse and her breath caught as she recalled his words.

‘I found something I’m far more interested in.’

She clearly recalled his lips moving as he mouthed the words that resonated in her soul: ‘It's you.’

No! He'll be the same, once he knows more about me, he'll name me just like the others. He already did once, even if he claims he didn’t mean it.

I need to get ready. I’m going to have to dance with him. It’s tradition. What should I wear? Dammit, I should have taken that stupid dress from Mirapa. She is never going to let me live this down.

Mayalyn rummaged through her closet and dresser knowing there was nothing there other than her jungle leathers and shop duds.

“Ancestors, please don’t let me mess this up on the very first day!” She pressed her hands together with closed eyes.

Ancestors… That’s it! Great Grandmother’s dress!

She dashed out of her room and into the attic where the dress still hung on a mannequin in the corner beneath a white sheet. She gently removed the fabric and looked at the old gown, done in the style the Maker had popularized when he was still alive.

Am I really going to wear this? It's beautiful and soft and I bet Great Grandmother was so pretty in it. This is so embarrassing! Pox you, Jiran. I can’t believe you’re making me do this.

She gently removed the dress and turned to leave but stopped as she remembered the jewels the Maker had made to go along with the dress. She grabbed those as well and swiftly changed before running her fingers through her hair.

She arrived at the stage only a few minutes later and already most of the town was present. When she felt their eyes on her and heard their laughter, she nearly fled to the safety and comfort of the Maker’s lab.

It’s just the People, Maymay. They are much less scary than beasts and you face them all the time. You can do this. You want to do your duty, don’t you?

Yes. I do.

With a nod to herself, and the needs and desires of her people at the forefront of her thoughts, she gathered the strength to boldly walk into the crowd.

She found him immediately as he was relaxing in the seat of honor near the Aahmra’s dais. Sora and Sharra were hanging on his arms, pressing themselves into his side. Her anger spiked as the two floozies giggled at something he said.

Of course those two would be all over him. How could they ever resist being near the center of attention?

Her core was thrumming in her chest as she pressed deeper into the crowd. His eyes suddenly snapped to her. As their glowing intensity bored into her, her instincts screamed to run, burrow, and hide but she slammed them down.

Without the slightest moment of hesitation, he stood up and walked purposefully toward her. The bunnygirl and gazellegirl he left in his wake wore matching scowls as they saw the target of his attention.

Mayalyn had never seen the duo so dejected and nearly laughed out loud until she realized Jiran was already halfway to her with that serious look on his face.

Chewpa droppings! What do I do?

She frantically cast about for something, anything to look at other than his glowing green eyes.

Seeing the banquet table and the massive amount of fresh tier four meat heaped upon it, she changed directions. Her stomach dropped as Jiran moved to intersect her.

The jeers and laughter pressed in on her as the crowd thickened near the banquet table.

“She’s wearing a dress?! Impossible!”

“I didn’t even know that tomboy owned a dress, it’s rather fetching, where do you think she found it?”

“She must have borrowed it from her sister. She should have just come in her usual dusty apron.”

“Absolutely. It’s going to be so sad when she gets someone’s blood on it.”

“We need to talk, it’s important.” Jiran was suddenly there in front of her speaking in a quiet, yet stern voice.

Please, don’t do this to me! This is so embarrassing already.

She felt her claws creeping out of her fingers as survival instincts flared. She nearly allowed them to sink into her palm, but the thought of getting blood on the priceless dress stopped her.

Keep it together, Maymay!

Not trusting her voice, she nodded and he grabbed two plates of food before leading her to the edge of the stage where they had the smallest modicum of privacy. He sat so close to her, his shoulder brushed against her and her entire body bristled at the touch.

Did you have to sit so close to me?!

“The two of you misunderstood me completely. I was trying to convince your uncle to train me in the ways of aura. I straightened things out with him after you left.”

For what felt like the tenth time that day, her brain ceased functioning as he dropped yet another rock into the placid pool of her life. The scene within the Aahmra’s dojo played out once more.

She saw his lips moving, mouthing the words, and finally realized the truth.

His sounds never match the movement of his lips. He wasn’t whispering ‘It’s you.’ Stupid Maymay, stupid!

“Y-you’re serious?” She heard herself whisper.

“I’m always serious,” Jiran quipped.

“No, you most certainly are not. You are a vile prankster,” She fired back as a familiar boiling heat began climbing up her neck.

“Hey! I take my pranks very seriously,” She saw right through the faux hurt on his face.

She rolled her eyes and distracted herself by poking the food on her plate.

“I’ve seen you eat so I know how much you can shovel into that tiny stomach of yours. Are you perhaps waiting for a chance to feed me again?” He opened his mouth wide and said, “Aaaaahh!”

For a split second, she was impressed he could hold such an annoying, childish grin with his mouth open so far.

“You are such an idiot.”

All the heat in her belly and neck was suddenly replaced by an overwhelming urge to giggle. Tinkling laughter flowed out of her, taking with it the stress from her insane day.

Jiran of Feylon

Jiran waited patiently with his mouth hanging open like an idiot. He raised his eyebrows suggestively while slowly nodding his head.

“I’m not going to feed you! Now, shut your mouth, you look like a gorper fish.”

“A gorgeous fish? I’ve never heard of anyone who would call a fish gorgeous. Wait, are you into fish?!”

“Do you ever shut up?” She crammed a huge piece of meat into her mouth while looking away from him.

Jiran was about to tease her again when the Aahmra cleared his throat and sent a ripple of aura through the area that was impossible to ignore. Once all eyes were on him, he raised his hands dramatically.

Jiran nearly dropped his plate when the mouseman’s aura flexed into a bubble of force a meter thick that completely encased the stage.

“Everyone has arrived so the festivities may begin!”

Wow, he’s a monster. His aura is way more powerful than he showed me in the field. So, everyone gathers up here and he protects them all night while they party? That man is a true champion of the people.

Cheers erupted from the crowd. They were so loud, the ground shook beneath the stage and platters of food tipped over.

Now it’s starting to feel like a party!

“I would like to introduce my newest disciple, Jiran of Feylon. He personally hunted these betas and has graciously offered to share them with us. Tonight's celebration is in his honor!”

Jiran felt a nudge of aura from behind and instantly understood its meaning. He hopped to his feet and waved both arms above his head in a friendly greeting before sweeping into a low bow before the entire town.

“Thank you for your hospitality!”

Several voices in the crowd cheered while most just observed him with confused smiles.

Suddenly the powerful beat of drums echoed across the stage, reflected from the Aahmra's aura, and washed over the crowd again. The signal for the real festivities to begin. Controlled pandemonium erupted as the town went wild, music blared, and alcohol flowed.

The four hunters he fought earlier that day pushed through the mass of people and approached. The huge bullman squinted one eye his way before a huge smile spread across his face. He handed Jiran a mug of something that smelled both sweet and sour before bellowing far louder than necessary.

“Let’s see how Ghostface holds his liquor!” Everyone within earshot hollered and stomped their feet as Jiran raised the mug to his lips.

Jiran matched the man’s grin before drinking the entire mug in one pull. The panther laughed and gave him a hearty hug and a slap on the back before making way for the tiger and bunny to do the same.

“What’s your name, big guy?” Jiran eyed the bullmans huge frame and back-slapping-potential skeptically.

“Bron,” The bullman said while flexing one of his massive arms.

“This here’s Char,” He grabbed the unwilling panther around the shoulders, pulling him in for a hug.

The other two hunters had already beat a hasty retreat after giving Jiran a wink and a wave.

They totally just dumped this big guy off on me and took off, didn’t they?

Jiran shook his head with a smile and reached for the next round of drinks, brought to them by a girl with a friendly smile.

“Jiran. Nice to meet you Bron and Char. No hard feelings, right?”

“Huh? Hard feelings? For what? You’re weird Ghostface! It’s time to shut up and drink up!” He yelled before slamming down another mug.

Luckily, a long line of people interested in talking to him squeezed Bron out of the way. He took his time answering their questions about the empire while avoiding telling them how he arrived on the island as he enjoyed the rich flavors of his second drink.

Every time his mug reached the bottom another one would magically appear in his hands and before long, he started to feel a dizzying warmth spread through his body.

Should I use restoration?

Foresights not acting up, I’m not getting any quests to fight for my survival or kill a rampaging beast. These people wouldn’t be so relaxed and happy if we were in any danger. Why shouldn't I let loose and enjoy myself?

This is exactly what adventures are all about!

For a time, he allowed himself to be swept along by smiling faces, revelry, and cheer as he patiently answered the same questions over and over. The sound of shattered glass nearby caused him to look over at Mayalyn. A stunning older woman with the ears of a gazelle was standing over her with her finger in the girl's face.

“You look beyond foolish in that dress, child. Your arms are far too muscled, completely unbefitting of a woman. There is dirt beneath your nails. You’re not wearing that jewelry correctly at all. You could have at least taken five minutes to clean and brush your hair!”

“You are the daughter of my beloved now. I was loath to let you get away with your barbaric tinkering and wandering behavior before, but things are different now. You will present yourself in a way that does not shame us or you will not present yourself at all.”

That must be the beast of an aunt she mentioned.

Mayalyn took a step back from the woman as tears appeared at the corners of her eyes.

Jiran saw the vicious glint in the older woman’s eyes that could only mean trouble.

“Honestly that jewelry is just atrocious to begin with. I have much nicer pieces you can borrow next time."

Suddenly, Mayalyn went from meek and scared to a threatening crouch as her claws extended.

“How dare you insult the Maker’s work!” Her seething hiss turned to a growl that Jiran felt deep within his own chest.

Damn, that’s doing something for me right there.

Jiran didn’t hesitate, he simply walked over to the girl, grabbed her small hand in his, and dragged her toward the music.

“W-what are you doing?” she yelped while stumbling behind him.

“Dancing, obviously.”

“Why are you dragging me with you? Let go of my hand!”

“How are we going to dance if I don’t hold your hand? C’mon princess, I shouldn’t have to explain how dancing works.”

When she stopped resisting a second later, Jiran spun her around in a circle to the beat of the music. Her wild blue hair flew through the air and the tips of her ears lightly brushed his arm that was extended above her head.

So soft!

The barrage of drinks was beginning to set in and he was having trouble maintaining his balance as they twirled with awkward steps. Her foot landed on his and she barked a nervous laugh that he gladly matched. A minute later, the song ended. She turned to leave but he held her hand and spun her again as the next melody began.

Fathers it feels good to let go for a change. I was wrong, this day could get a little better.

Jiran ran his eyes over Mayalyn's people as they spun. He soaked in the revelry and joy painted on their smiling faces and for a moment lost himself in a fantasy of a world free of the constant threat of beasts.

Then he remembered the girl in his arms. Her face was turned to the side but he could see the heat in her cheeks.

This. All of this. It's worth fighting for. I'm glad I have the opportunity to help some of these people ascend. Someday, I'll make sure the empire can celebrate like this too.

The next song ended and Mayalyn's hopeful eyes were impossible to resist. Jiran spun her again to the sound of more tinkling laughter. The following song she was wrested from his grip by a very insistent older woman. Jiran was happy to oblige any who dared to challenge his skills.

The singing and dancing turned to a blur as time wore on. Jiran found himself on the receiving end of a long line of dance partners who came one after another. He quickly adapted to their foreign steps and lost himself in the music and movement.

Drinks flowed and Restoration kept him at the perfect balance between tipsy and drunk as he thoroughly enjoyed the celebration.

When two familiar girls were up next, Mayalyn cut the line and dragged him away from the dancing.

"Why are you still here?" She demanded with her arms crossed.

"I was just enjoying the festivities. Is there somewhere else I should be?"

"Of course there is! The Aahmra agreed to train you, do not take his teachings lightly. You should be resting in preparation for the trials to come."

Jiran looked around, realizing for the first time he had no idea where he was supposed to sleep.

They probably don't have an inn, remote island and all that.

"I don't suppose you know where—

"You are hopeless," she interrupted with an eye roll.

"Follow me, I'll show you where the guest rooms are for the Aahmra's disciples."

Jiran walked with long strides to keep up with her quick steps as she led him off the stage. Walking through the protective aura was like entering a new world as sound and light vanished revealing a serene, dark night.

She put a finger to her lips before hustling away through the streets. She led him back to the estate courtyard and into a side building where dozens of bunkbeds were crammed into a large room.

Bron was asleep on the floor, a line of drool leaking from his loudly snoring mouth.

"Sleep well, Jiran of Feylon. Tomorrow, your training begins.

"Goodnight, Princess," Jiran waved but she was already gone.