Chapter 23: A Whiff of Change
The Dining Dorm gradually became louder with the dinnerwares clinging against each other as time slowly moved on. Most of the tables were filled, leaving only a few insipid seats for the latecomers. Zoras laughed, yelled, and whispered throughout the building.
Mikau's table was filled with a mixture of seafood. The empty plates piled on top of one another as the group ate away with no held back. Among the bottomless bellies, Mikau and Japas had consumed the most victuals. Nearby Zoras occasionally glanced at them, awed by the display.
"So what are you planning to take?" Evan asked as he gulped down a mini eel with one bite.
"Don't know. Haven't decided yet," Mikau answered as he pulled a fat shrimp out of Japas' mouth. "You?ve already ate too much of this. Save some for the others."
"Man, you just don't want me to eat it," Japas pouted. He swiftly glided his large hand over a plate of lobsters.
"Why don't you take Self-Defense Class?" Tijo asked. He casually picked the meats off the Fur Crab with grace. "Your arm blades would be very useful in that class."
"Yeah. That?s a good suggestion," Mikau eyed his best buddy.
Japas smirked. "Is that a look of challenge?"
"What do you think?"
"It's not very wise for you two friends to battle it out in that subject," Tijo advised. He slowly placed the vacant crab shell onto the side. "It might shatter your long-lasting relationships by fighting each other."
Japas didn't say anything. He gritted down his teeth with force. He could feel the darkness of rage brewing inside his body. Why does that Tijo guy always acted as if he knows it all? He thought angrily. That Bottom- feeder...
"Nah. Me and old Fishy-Boyo here are old pals now," Mikau waved off the outlook. "We know when not to cross the line." Even as he said this, he was not sure if that was true anymore as he stole a peek at Japas.
"Mikau, are you going to take any music courses?" Lulu asked.
Looking up, the Zoran Hero smiled. "Absolutely. I love music. Why wouldn't I take it?"
"Then let's hope that me and you will be in the same class with Lulu and Evan," Tijo smiled. "I'll be honored if I can observe your skills by your side."
Mikau laughed as he patted the Zora's back.
Japas stared at his plates. After struggling with his inner turmoil, he looked up with a bleak expression. "Well. It's getting late. I think I'll go now." Getting up, he was preparing to leave. He felt someone grabbing his left arm. Glancing down, he saw Mikau staring at him.
"Why leaving so soon? We've only been eating for an hour or so," the Zoran Hero said.
Yanking his arm away, Japas smiled as warmly as he could. "No. I think I have enough for one night." Looking around the table once, he bowed his head. "Good night." He stomped away.
"Mikau. Really. I wonder why your friend is acting like this," Tijo shook his head in disappointment. ?Somehow, his temperament is not high class.?
"Eh? Don't worry. He's always like this." Yet inside Mikau's mind, he knew that Japas was faking his emotions. He knew that Japas was repressing his thoughts and actions with great endeavor. He would have to talk to his pal, privately, later on. He needed to find out just what was going on inside the teenager's head.
* * *
Mikau quitted the meal and went back to the Study Dorm at midnight. Inside the vast building, most students were asleep already. Only a few still lingering around in the central hall. Along the way to his private chamber, he had spent a few minutes in the Zora Shop in one of the hallways. In there, he bought two ornaments for himself. One was a golden wrist bracelet, and the other one was a golden neck bracelet with a red ruby that had been driven into the center of the metal. Both shined with brightness as the silver lights were reflected off the surface of the gems. He fitted them on. In his right hand, he jingled the change as he casually walked toward his own domain. He was planning to visit Japas first before he turned in, however, when he knocked on the door he received no reply. Shrugging, he went into his own room and closed the door.
It was the next morning that Mikau had met Japas in the hall. They both greeted each other, but other than that, they didn't say much. During the long and agony week, both of them had finished selecting their courses. Japas' were as followed:
1. Guitar Lesson
2. Physical Education
3. Mathematic
4. Ocean Geography
5. Band
Mikau's were:
1. Guitar Lesson
2. Self-Defense
3. Mathematic
4. Singing
5. Band
"Why in the world would you want to take Math for?" Mikau asked one day in his buddy's room.
Shrugging, Japas gave a lame excuse: "Because I have to fill in the last empty space."
Sighing, the Zoran Hero slumped his shoulders without energy. Then he studied the kid's face. After a while, he said, "Can I ask you a question?"
"Shoot."
"What happened that day?"
Japas looked up from his sheets. "Huh?"
"You've suddenly walked out on us that night. I want to know why."
"Oh puh-leeze. There can be millions of reasons why I've stopped eating and headed back here."
Mikau leaned back onto his arms. The bed was soft and comfortable. His eyes narrowed a little. "Japas. I've known you for years. Your lies won't work on me."
Tilting his head to the left, Japas heaved a deep sigh. "Okay. Why don't YOU tell me what's my main reason?"
"Because you are not very fond of Tijo, is that right?" Mikau said slowly.
"No..."
"Look. Even if you deny the fact that you hate the guy, at least tell me WHY you hate him."
"Why do I have to answer to you? Don't I get to have some privacy?" Japas inquired with reluctance.
Standing up from the bed, the Zoran Hero began to pace around the room. He stopped and turned to his cohort. "Because I am worried about you."
Japas laughed bitterly. His body shook with amusement.
"I've noticed that you have changed quite a bit," Mikau frowned as he continued to study the expressions.
"I haven't changed a bit. I am still the same, Mr. Zoran Hero."
"You've become quite a clown. You hardly treat anything seriously. I am sure that even you've noticed that yourself."
Yawning, Japas stood up. He threw his papers to the side. A few landed in the water. He walked over to the door and opened it. "Don't worry so much! I won't turn into a hoodlum or somethin'. I'll see you later!"
Mikau was going to say more but Japas had already left. He growled under his breath as he , too, exited the room.
* * *
Two more weeks had gone by pretty rapidly. The classes had already begun. Everyone went back down into the water through the tunnel in front of the dorm. At first, the Zoras shuddered when the cool water splashed onto their naked bodies, or clothes for the females, since they were already used to the dry air. The University building was awfully large. They would have gotten lost if there were no maps placed around the place.
Mikau and Japas found themselves in the same Guitar Lesson, whereas Lulu, Evan, and the Zoran Hero were in the same Singing Class. In the Band Class, everyone was together. The teachers in the University had a higher standard than the High Schools. They were fairly nice, and they were helpful. During the first day, the same old routines started as the instructors took attendance, told the students their expectations and rules, and handing out books.
In the Guitar Lesson, Japas and Mikau sat together side by side behind the first arc shaped desk on the right side of the room. Japas had an advantage in class. He could sleep as long as he didn't snore, or he didn't fall over to the side while the teacher was giving lectures. His elongated fins had covered his eyes. But Mikau knew when Japas was sleeping. He knew the Zora's tricks all too well. Professor Liki, which was their instructor, didn't notice it.
Mikau had perceived that he was getting more and more attention as days grew on. People had started to notice his tattoo and his jewelries, which had made him extremely uncomfortable. Japas was literally sleeping through every class the whole time. In Band, the group had brought their instruments to class. They played a simple melody for the teacher, Professor Skylight, who commended on their awesome skills. There were far fewer students in that period, since only a scarce number of Zoras were interested in music or in pursuing their career in the path of music.
As always, Japas remained uncomfortably silent when Tijo was around, brandishing his good manners and wonderful vocabularies in his conversations. Mikau just hoped that nothing drastic would force his best friend to do things that he would regret later on.
Self-Defense Class was Mikau's favorite. Though even he was highly trained in tactic combat, he still had much to learn. When his coach, Coach Flamingbor, saw his extended arm blades, he was instantly enthused. One day after class, the adult told the Zoran Hero that he would teach him a technique that only Zoran Heroes could do. Not the electric attack, but a rare and very useful attack.
In Math for Japas, he had gotten the identity of 'Clowning Japas'. He had made so many jokes, that most the class times were being used up for laughing. Even his female teacher couldn't help but to halt the lesson mid- way to listen to the comic story. Mikau just groaned as he rubbed his temples. Sometimes he would grab Japas' arm and dig his fingers deep into the flesh to keep his friend from making another one. But that didn't stop the comedy Zora to continue spreading out his talent.
Months had gone by. Both Zora brothers were starting to see each other less and less outside the class time. One of the factors was that they had too much homework to do in their free time. Another factor was that both Zoras had their own group of friends to meet, to associate. Though Mikau didn't want to admit it, but he had somehow detected a rapid change in Japas' personality. He knew that he should have kept an eye on his buddy the moment that Japas began to use the Ira Language during normal chatting.
"Japas. Since when do you have the habit of using Ira in your tongue?" Mikau asked one day when another rude word was being pronounced. The sixth time that day.
They were hanging around in the central hall one afternoon. The school had ended hours ago. The place roared with noise as students talked to each other in different kinds of languages.
Waving his hand, Japas replied: "Since a long time ago?"
"I don't like you using those kind of words."
"Here we go again. Are you my father or somethin'?"
"No, I am just concerned that's all."
Pushing Mikau away from him playfully, Japas laughed. "You don't need to worry about me. I can take care of myself."
The Zoran Hero was seriously annoyed when his friend shoved him while he was trying to get some sense into the teen. "I am humorless right now. Really. Don't touch me." Then he noticed the rings on Japas' fingers. "You bought them?"
Glancing down at his hand, the Zora grinned. "Not really. Old Randtas bought them for me."
There were three rings on Japas' fingers. Red, yellow, and green. They glittered with luster.
Mikau swallowed hard. "Really? Tell me something. What kind of guy is 'Old Randtas'?"
"Just an ordinary guy. Nothing special about him." Japas eyed him tiredly. "Are you just going to question about my personal life for the rest of the night?"
"If I have to."
"Look. Just... just leave this whole thing as it is, all right? I am getting sick of it now. And besides, what's wrong with friends buying things for you?"
Mikau clicked his tongue. He leaned against the wall with Japas in front of him. "Well. I am just not used to have you swearing all over the place around me."
"For the Sea Goddess' sake, Mikau! There's nothing wrong with saying a few profanities! You can't always be a perfect guy with all your perfect sentences and... and your perfect body!"
"You are not really listening to me anymore," Mikau's tone of voice cooled.
"Aww, come on! I AM listening to you right now, aren't I?" Japas bellowed with laughter as he again, pushed Mikau lightheartedly.
Without warning, the Zoran Hero grabbed the arm, ducked around it while twisting it one-eighty. He got behind Japas' back and kicked at one of the legs at knee level, forcing the Zora to fall down on one knee. With his left arm, he held Japas' throat in a lock.
"I said don't touch me right now. I am really pissed off at the way you've been acting lately," Mikau's voice trembled as he tightened his grip.
"Yeah? Well, who's making you controlling me and my life right now?"
"No one. I am trying to help you as a friend!"
"Friend?" Japas spat at the word. "Is this how you treat your friend?"
"When I am very P.Oed, yes."
Japas whirled three-sixty on the floor counter-clockwise. He extended his left leg, knocking Mikau's from behind. The Zoran Hero yelped in surprise as he lost his balance. Standing up forcefully, Japas reversed the twist on his right arm and pulled Mikau's over his shoulder. With a yell, he turned his body the opposite direction and flung Mikau over his head.
The teenager slammed heavily onto the solid floor on his back with a grunt. Students around them watched on with fascinations. Panting, he glared up at Japas, who was towering overhead, smirking.
"You are not the only one with the skills. I have to go now, catcha later!" He ran away before Mikau could say a comeback.
~End Chapter 23~
Author's Note: Starting from the beginning of this story, the atmosphere is kind of light, and happy. Sort of. And, in order to make this story even more interesting, I've decided to put in some more conflict scenes between Mikau and Japas.
This situation is pretty much the same as the real life. Friends can change over time. They can change from good to bad, from bad to good, or from bad to worse. I hope you guys like how I've setted up this chapter.
The Dining Dorm gradually became louder with the dinnerwares clinging against each other as time slowly moved on. Most of the tables were filled, leaving only a few insipid seats for the latecomers. Zoras laughed, yelled, and whispered throughout the building.
Mikau's table was filled with a mixture of seafood. The empty plates piled on top of one another as the group ate away with no held back. Among the bottomless bellies, Mikau and Japas had consumed the most victuals. Nearby Zoras occasionally glanced at them, awed by the display.
"So what are you planning to take?" Evan asked as he gulped down a mini eel with one bite.
"Don't know. Haven't decided yet," Mikau answered as he pulled a fat shrimp out of Japas' mouth. "You?ve already ate too much of this. Save some for the others."
"Man, you just don't want me to eat it," Japas pouted. He swiftly glided his large hand over a plate of lobsters.
"Why don't you take Self-Defense Class?" Tijo asked. He casually picked the meats off the Fur Crab with grace. "Your arm blades would be very useful in that class."
"Yeah. That?s a good suggestion," Mikau eyed his best buddy.
Japas smirked. "Is that a look of challenge?"
"What do you think?"
"It's not very wise for you two friends to battle it out in that subject," Tijo advised. He slowly placed the vacant crab shell onto the side. "It might shatter your long-lasting relationships by fighting each other."
Japas didn't say anything. He gritted down his teeth with force. He could feel the darkness of rage brewing inside his body. Why does that Tijo guy always acted as if he knows it all? He thought angrily. That Bottom- feeder...
"Nah. Me and old Fishy-Boyo here are old pals now," Mikau waved off the outlook. "We know when not to cross the line." Even as he said this, he was not sure if that was true anymore as he stole a peek at Japas.
"Mikau, are you going to take any music courses?" Lulu asked.
Looking up, the Zoran Hero smiled. "Absolutely. I love music. Why wouldn't I take it?"
"Then let's hope that me and you will be in the same class with Lulu and Evan," Tijo smiled. "I'll be honored if I can observe your skills by your side."
Mikau laughed as he patted the Zora's back.
Japas stared at his plates. After struggling with his inner turmoil, he looked up with a bleak expression. "Well. It's getting late. I think I'll go now." Getting up, he was preparing to leave. He felt someone grabbing his left arm. Glancing down, he saw Mikau staring at him.
"Why leaving so soon? We've only been eating for an hour or so," the Zoran Hero said.
Yanking his arm away, Japas smiled as warmly as he could. "No. I think I have enough for one night." Looking around the table once, he bowed his head. "Good night." He stomped away.
"Mikau. Really. I wonder why your friend is acting like this," Tijo shook his head in disappointment. ?Somehow, his temperament is not high class.?
"Eh? Don't worry. He's always like this." Yet inside Mikau's mind, he knew that Japas was faking his emotions. He knew that Japas was repressing his thoughts and actions with great endeavor. He would have to talk to his pal, privately, later on. He needed to find out just what was going on inside the teenager's head.
* * *
Mikau quitted the meal and went back to the Study Dorm at midnight. Inside the vast building, most students were asleep already. Only a few still lingering around in the central hall. Along the way to his private chamber, he had spent a few minutes in the Zora Shop in one of the hallways. In there, he bought two ornaments for himself. One was a golden wrist bracelet, and the other one was a golden neck bracelet with a red ruby that had been driven into the center of the metal. Both shined with brightness as the silver lights were reflected off the surface of the gems. He fitted them on. In his right hand, he jingled the change as he casually walked toward his own domain. He was planning to visit Japas first before he turned in, however, when he knocked on the door he received no reply. Shrugging, he went into his own room and closed the door.
It was the next morning that Mikau had met Japas in the hall. They both greeted each other, but other than that, they didn't say much. During the long and agony week, both of them had finished selecting their courses. Japas' were as followed:
1. Guitar Lesson
2. Physical Education
3. Mathematic
4. Ocean Geography
5. Band
Mikau's were:
1. Guitar Lesson
2. Self-Defense
3. Mathematic
4. Singing
5. Band
"Why in the world would you want to take Math for?" Mikau asked one day in his buddy's room.
Shrugging, Japas gave a lame excuse: "Because I have to fill in the last empty space."
Sighing, the Zoran Hero slumped his shoulders without energy. Then he studied the kid's face. After a while, he said, "Can I ask you a question?"
"Shoot."
"What happened that day?"
Japas looked up from his sheets. "Huh?"
"You've suddenly walked out on us that night. I want to know why."
"Oh puh-leeze. There can be millions of reasons why I've stopped eating and headed back here."
Mikau leaned back onto his arms. The bed was soft and comfortable. His eyes narrowed a little. "Japas. I've known you for years. Your lies won't work on me."
Tilting his head to the left, Japas heaved a deep sigh. "Okay. Why don't YOU tell me what's my main reason?"
"Because you are not very fond of Tijo, is that right?" Mikau said slowly.
"No..."
"Look. Even if you deny the fact that you hate the guy, at least tell me WHY you hate him."
"Why do I have to answer to you? Don't I get to have some privacy?" Japas inquired with reluctance.
Standing up from the bed, the Zoran Hero began to pace around the room. He stopped and turned to his cohort. "Because I am worried about you."
Japas laughed bitterly. His body shook with amusement.
"I've noticed that you have changed quite a bit," Mikau frowned as he continued to study the expressions.
"I haven't changed a bit. I am still the same, Mr. Zoran Hero."
"You've become quite a clown. You hardly treat anything seriously. I am sure that even you've noticed that yourself."
Yawning, Japas stood up. He threw his papers to the side. A few landed in the water. He walked over to the door and opened it. "Don't worry so much! I won't turn into a hoodlum or somethin'. I'll see you later!"
Mikau was going to say more but Japas had already left. He growled under his breath as he , too, exited the room.
* * *
Two more weeks had gone by pretty rapidly. The classes had already begun. Everyone went back down into the water through the tunnel in front of the dorm. At first, the Zoras shuddered when the cool water splashed onto their naked bodies, or clothes for the females, since they were already used to the dry air. The University building was awfully large. They would have gotten lost if there were no maps placed around the place.
Mikau and Japas found themselves in the same Guitar Lesson, whereas Lulu, Evan, and the Zoran Hero were in the same Singing Class. In the Band Class, everyone was together. The teachers in the University had a higher standard than the High Schools. They were fairly nice, and they were helpful. During the first day, the same old routines started as the instructors took attendance, told the students their expectations and rules, and handing out books.
In the Guitar Lesson, Japas and Mikau sat together side by side behind the first arc shaped desk on the right side of the room. Japas had an advantage in class. He could sleep as long as he didn't snore, or he didn't fall over to the side while the teacher was giving lectures. His elongated fins had covered his eyes. But Mikau knew when Japas was sleeping. He knew the Zora's tricks all too well. Professor Liki, which was their instructor, didn't notice it.
Mikau had perceived that he was getting more and more attention as days grew on. People had started to notice his tattoo and his jewelries, which had made him extremely uncomfortable. Japas was literally sleeping through every class the whole time. In Band, the group had brought their instruments to class. They played a simple melody for the teacher, Professor Skylight, who commended on their awesome skills. There were far fewer students in that period, since only a scarce number of Zoras were interested in music or in pursuing their career in the path of music.
As always, Japas remained uncomfortably silent when Tijo was around, brandishing his good manners and wonderful vocabularies in his conversations. Mikau just hoped that nothing drastic would force his best friend to do things that he would regret later on.
Self-Defense Class was Mikau's favorite. Though even he was highly trained in tactic combat, he still had much to learn. When his coach, Coach Flamingbor, saw his extended arm blades, he was instantly enthused. One day after class, the adult told the Zoran Hero that he would teach him a technique that only Zoran Heroes could do. Not the electric attack, but a rare and very useful attack.
In Math for Japas, he had gotten the identity of 'Clowning Japas'. He had made so many jokes, that most the class times were being used up for laughing. Even his female teacher couldn't help but to halt the lesson mid- way to listen to the comic story. Mikau just groaned as he rubbed his temples. Sometimes he would grab Japas' arm and dig his fingers deep into the flesh to keep his friend from making another one. But that didn't stop the comedy Zora to continue spreading out his talent.
Months had gone by. Both Zora brothers were starting to see each other less and less outside the class time. One of the factors was that they had too much homework to do in their free time. Another factor was that both Zoras had their own group of friends to meet, to associate. Though Mikau didn't want to admit it, but he had somehow detected a rapid change in Japas' personality. He knew that he should have kept an eye on his buddy the moment that Japas began to use the Ira Language during normal chatting.
"Japas. Since when do you have the habit of using Ira in your tongue?" Mikau asked one day when another rude word was being pronounced. The sixth time that day.
They were hanging around in the central hall one afternoon. The school had ended hours ago. The place roared with noise as students talked to each other in different kinds of languages.
Waving his hand, Japas replied: "Since a long time ago?"
"I don't like you using those kind of words."
"Here we go again. Are you my father or somethin'?"
"No, I am just concerned that's all."
Pushing Mikau away from him playfully, Japas laughed. "You don't need to worry about me. I can take care of myself."
The Zoran Hero was seriously annoyed when his friend shoved him while he was trying to get some sense into the teen. "I am humorless right now. Really. Don't touch me." Then he noticed the rings on Japas' fingers. "You bought them?"
Glancing down at his hand, the Zora grinned. "Not really. Old Randtas bought them for me."
There were three rings on Japas' fingers. Red, yellow, and green. They glittered with luster.
Mikau swallowed hard. "Really? Tell me something. What kind of guy is 'Old Randtas'?"
"Just an ordinary guy. Nothing special about him." Japas eyed him tiredly. "Are you just going to question about my personal life for the rest of the night?"
"If I have to."
"Look. Just... just leave this whole thing as it is, all right? I am getting sick of it now. And besides, what's wrong with friends buying things for you?"
Mikau clicked his tongue. He leaned against the wall with Japas in front of him. "Well. I am just not used to have you swearing all over the place around me."
"For the Sea Goddess' sake, Mikau! There's nothing wrong with saying a few profanities! You can't always be a perfect guy with all your perfect sentences and... and your perfect body!"
"You are not really listening to me anymore," Mikau's tone of voice cooled.
"Aww, come on! I AM listening to you right now, aren't I?" Japas bellowed with laughter as he again, pushed Mikau lightheartedly.
Without warning, the Zoran Hero grabbed the arm, ducked around it while twisting it one-eighty. He got behind Japas' back and kicked at one of the legs at knee level, forcing the Zora to fall down on one knee. With his left arm, he held Japas' throat in a lock.
"I said don't touch me right now. I am really pissed off at the way you've been acting lately," Mikau's voice trembled as he tightened his grip.
"Yeah? Well, who's making you controlling me and my life right now?"
"No one. I am trying to help you as a friend!"
"Friend?" Japas spat at the word. "Is this how you treat your friend?"
"When I am very P.Oed, yes."
Japas whirled three-sixty on the floor counter-clockwise. He extended his left leg, knocking Mikau's from behind. The Zoran Hero yelped in surprise as he lost his balance. Standing up forcefully, Japas reversed the twist on his right arm and pulled Mikau's over his shoulder. With a yell, he turned his body the opposite direction and flung Mikau over his head.
The teenager slammed heavily onto the solid floor on his back with a grunt. Students around them watched on with fascinations. Panting, he glared up at Japas, who was towering overhead, smirking.
"You are not the only one with the skills. I have to go now, catcha later!" He ran away before Mikau could say a comeback.
~End Chapter 23~
Author's Note: Starting from the beginning of this story, the atmosphere is kind of light, and happy. Sort of. And, in order to make this story even more interesting, I've decided to put in some more conflict scenes between Mikau and Japas.
This situation is pretty much the same as the real life. Friends can change over time. They can change from good to bad, from bad to good, or from bad to worse. I hope you guys like how I've setted up this chapter.