Author's notes: I'm sorry this has taken so long. I was in a bad place when it came to writing anything. So many struggles, distractions, goings-on and Writer's Block happened. But I did manage to finish this chapter about a week ago. I just took too long to edit it, as usual. I hope you enjoy this long-awaited chapter. But there is an intent for me to edit all prior chapters, including rewords and additions. Soon, you can re-read the chapters with these necessary changes if you want to. There may be some extra bits, more logical bits and reworded moments to fit with how I write. And definitely punctuation changes. I seem to struggle with correctly placing commas, full stops and other punctuation, which Grammarly highlights for me. But I don't bother checking through the many other suggestions Grammarly has because it usually means rewording entire paragraphs.
I really hope I can get back into writing again.
Chapter 8: His Choice
He has to marry Ijiera?
Akuco could not believe what it was he had just heard. How could he possibly do that when his feelings for her are not even mutual? The only future he wants is with Sheisk. The only family he wants is with Sheisk. And now that this 'bombshell' has been dropped by Reptilitz, he cannot think straight anymore.
As he sits outside in the fresh air after leaving the table because he needed some space, his head down, he only wishes to return home and never return. All of the questions they asked seem pointless now. And how will Ijiera take all this? They not only put him on the spot, but they put Ijiera there, too. How can he explain himself if any one of them brings up another question about what just conspired at dinner? But he also has a hidden anger for the one who started the whole thing.
His father.
This is all your fault, dad! If you had only damn well told me before I left, I'd never have been in this mess! And now they all know that I only love Sheisk. What can I do? Maybe I could just run away with her, but that would put us into exile from our home. Marrying Ijiera means that I can't be with Sheisk. Or can I? Can I still have Sheisk? Would I have to father two different clutches? How would Sheisk take it? Would I even be allowed to? He pauses. Gah! The more I think about it, the more I confuse myself, and the more I get angry with dad for not having the gall to let me know! He slams his fist into the step he is sitting on harder than previously intended, holding his hand, trying to hide his pained face through his scowl.
"Did that hurt?" A recognisable voice asks from right beside him.
Michelangelo. It just had to be Michelangelo. Akuco thinks to himself with annoyance before he answers him. "Yes. It did. Ow…" he says, still holding his wrist as he glances at Mikey for just a moment, seeing a walking stick opened out like a flower at his side. Knowing the Brotherhood would not leave their brother to walk about alone, he looks around and notices Leo standing a short distance away, nodding his head towards Akuco in understanding.
"So what's the matter?" Mikey asks as Akuco sees Leo casually lean himself against a wooden pole before he looks back at Mikey now giving him a glance of concern. "Last I heard, you were having dinner with Ijiera's family."
"I was. They each had a question to ask me, which I could answer fine at first. But then both Ijiera and Kamara ask their questions, personal questions. They put me on the spot, and then the chief lectures me. So now I'm here, angry with everything! Myself! Them!" He pauses, then mumbles angrily under his breath. "My father!"
"I'm sure they never meant to cause you any stress. They just wanted to know what you are like. You know, what you do and stuff. There's no harm in that, is there?"
"There is if they expect me to abide by a custom and then learn that I can't possibly do so. All because my father refused to tell me the truth about my visit here!" He clenches his other fist and raises it, ready to slam it down, but instead of contacting a hard surface, he meets the flesh of Mikey's palm.
"Relax, Akuco. Calm down." He gently places Akuco's fist down. "I'm sure they'll explain. That's the whole reason why relationships exist. They'll learn your boundaries. They'll discover who you are and what your choices eventually become. So, in a way, it's learning." He pauses. "Believe me. The first thing Reptilitz will do is apologise. I know Ijiera and Kamara will, too. They put you on the spot, so it's their duty to. And the chief. He is most likely discussing with everyone else in the room as we speak, how they will approach this new situation. And they'll listen to what you have to say if I know them right."
"I guess. Thanks, Mikey, for discussing this with me. But I'm not sure how it'll turn out. They all know now who Sheisk is to me. How can I possibly join our two tribes together after letting the truth slip like that? I messed up big time."
"No, you didn't. You just gave them something else to think about. Yes. You let slip that Sheisk is the one you want in your future, but I'm sure they'll find a compromise. Besides, you still have time. So don't waste it mulling over what went wrong. Just go back and see what they have to say. And definitely enjoy your meal. It was made with you in mind."
"Okay. Thanks, Mikey. But shouldn't you be resting?"
"I'm resting right now." He attempts to lean himself back, perhaps not knowing or simply forgetting that nothing is behind him. "Ahhhh… whoa!"
"Mikey!" Leo yells, just about to charge towards his brother.
Akuco holds out his arm to catch Mikey, saving Leo the trouble as he sighs in relief. "I meant proper. You're badly injured."
"I'll be alright in a few weeks," he proudly states. "Can't keep it so my brothers can do nothing but baby me. It isn't fair on them." He forces himself to stand with his walking stick and then heads back to his brother. "Thanks for catching me. I forgot there was nothing there." He pauses before Leo heads on over to take Mikey back under his care. "But yeah." Mikey turns his head to face Akuco once more. "Don't leave it where it's at, Akuco. Discuss with Ijiiera's family. You all need to for this to work."
"Alright. I'll try. Thanks, Mikey."
"Save me some pie, yeah…" Leo slaps him on the head. "...Ow… Hey!" Mikey frowns at his brother for the unprovoked hit. "I can't help it! I'm hungry!"
"And you will remain hungry until Akuco's meal is finished."
"No fair! The pie looked so tasty," Mikey complains as the pair disappear again.
I guess it can't be helped. Akuco thinks to himself. I must go back inside and face whatever it is they have to say. Without further ado, Akuco stands to his feet and heads back inside, ready to face the discussion with Ijiera's family or, in a more appropriate sense, Reptilitz himself.
Brazenly entering the dining hall, the glares Akuco receives look cold. Or perhaps it is just him believing that they are. He would not put it past them if they hated him right now. Ijiera cannot help but avert her eyes upon seeing him, yet Akuco notices the hope still there as she shies a glance his way. Heading towards them, Akuco bows his head in respect for the family before attempting to lower himself into a regal bow. Reptilitz, however, stops him from the deference by placing a hand on his chest.
"Now, now, Akuco. There is no need for that," he begins, coaxing Akuco to return to his prior position. "Raise your head, son."
"But…" Akuco tries, but Reptilitz simply does it for him, placing a hand under his chin and carefully lifting his head so he can look him in the eyes.
"Yes, this news about you and Sheisk was a surprise to all of us. But we understand and have all discussed and come to a compromise."
"You have?"
"Yes. We can tell how much Sheisk means to you and can see how much respect you have for Ijiera. You still have two years before the marriage, after all. Why not use that time to share everything you have for Sheisk?"
"But, when the two years are up, I won't be able to be with her anymore."
"That is not true, Akuco," Kamara states. "You can still be with her. Our hope is that you make a choice all your own. You can choose to marry Ijiera, or you can choose not to. It's entirely up to you. She knows, as do you, that her duty is to unify our two clans."
"We will understand your decision," Reptilitz continues. "But our compromise is this. If you choose Sheisk over Ijiera, then your son from your union with her would be the one to marry Ijiera's future daughter. If you choose Ijiera, you must figure out how to manage your relationship with Sheisk. But if you choose both, you must decide how to manage both relationships."
"Huh?" Akuco does not understand the final compromise. Would that even be allowed? Having two wives? I mean. I love Sheisk with all my heart. How could having a child with another work? My feelings for Sheisk are too strong. What I had with Ijiera was young love before my heart yearned for another. But then the war happened. We lost half our race from both tribes before the Brotherhood arrived and fixed everything. Then we had to deal with more loss years later, after Druqaorok's exile and those who followed him. I can understand my father's choice now. We need to unify our sister tribes once more. We need to increase our numbers before another war happens. Before Druqaorok drums into more of our clan to follow him. But could it work? Two wives? Two families? I mean. Seeing Ijiera again for so long brought back memories of our younger days. But do I really have feelings for Ijiera, too? Could we still marry despite not wanting any hatchlings together? There's too much to think about. I'm really not sure.
"Is everything okay, Akuco?" Okano asks him, wondering why he is silent all of a sudden.
"Oh, sure," Akuco tries. "Everything's fine. I was just thinking, that's all."
"I see."
"But I wonder." He looks back to Reptilitz. "Is it even allowed? Having two wives, I mean?"
"Of course it is, Akuco. It is just a rare occurrence, is all." He pauses, a little surprised about Akuco's sudden question. "Y-you don't have to decide on this now, Akuco. Think about it over dinner." He bows his respects to Akuco.
"I guess we can only wait for your decision, Akuco," Leculx ascertains. "Father won't enforce it. Take your time to decide."
Reptilitz makes a grunt of satisfaction. "On behalf of all of us, I apologise for the questions and the 'putting you on the spot' debacle." He walks back to the head of the table. "Now then. Let us finish our meal, shall we?" Kamara, Okano, Leculx and Ijiera return to their seats at the table after Reptilitz sits down. With a small pause, Akuco does the same, sitting back down beside Ijiera, the same look in her eyes from before. That hope that Akuco will consider her father's offer. He believes her feelings for him must be true. The meal is finished without so much as a whisper from everyone in the room and a choice he may or may not regret.
The decision for Akuco to enter Reptilitz's study must have surprised him, but it made sense as he would just be in the way of the rest of the family if he stayed put. A distraction from their chores. But it also made Akuco think. What would his chores be? If he were to marry into this family, what would they have him do? He is used to his chores back home, the gathering in the swamp and the housework when it is his turn. Even the times he had to help his father with adding to his home tribe. But it seems everyone in the family besides Reptilitz does the chores, so would there be anything for him to do? Would he even be expected to?
Yet, while in the room, knowing how busy the others must be, there is an air of calm. The entire space is clean and tidy, the incense burning on the corner of the desk. What is that calming scent? It is a smell he has never smelled before.
"Ah, hello, Akuco." Akuco takes a whiff of the scent in the room before exhaling serenely, not even worried that Reptilitz must have noticed him do so. "I see you like the scent. It came all the way from Arîndgale."
"That's across from the mountains, isn't it?"
"Yes," Reptilitz casually answers with a smile.
"But the smells. What are they? I don't know them at all."
He titters. "Neither do I, I'm afraid. It was mentioned that the scents are Ylang-Ylang, Vetiver and Valerian, but I wouldn't know where to begin describing them. But it certainly grounds, inhibits and relaxes, doesn't it?"
"Yes. All my stress has simply gone."
"I apologise that today has been stressful for you."
"It has, ever since I woke up this morning. All my chores I had to do. It all got so messed up, and then the Brotherhood arrived. I had to escort them through the swamp for their mission at the Cerbist Ruins." He pauses, knowing Reptilitz more or less knows what else happened after all that. "And you know what happened after that."
"Indeed. So you've had a busy day. I wish I could have adventures like you."
"You still could, you know."
"Running the tribe takes all day, Akuco. There are so many things that need doing. By the time it's all over, the day is already gone. And that's just how it works, I'm afraid." He pauses. "I wish I had more time, but I never get much chance. Running the tribe is an adventure in itself. Something new always crops up from somewhere. Sometimes, even the unexpected. Which is why it's always nice for someone else to spend time with Ijiera and my family when I can't." He pauses with a smile. "And I really would like that someone to be you, Akuco. But it isn't up to me. It's up to you." He takes a breath, giving the same regard he did at dinner—that look of acceptance.
Yes, despite how Akuco made everyone feel, including Ijiera, he still treated her with the same respect he did when he first saw her again after so long, and in moments, she was warming up to him again. He could tell Reptilitz was watching them. And he has had plenty of time over the meal to make a choice all his own, without the input of everyone else in the room. By the way Reptilitz is acting now, he clearly wants to know and is ready to hear this decision.
"Well, don't keep me in the dark. What is your decision?" Reptilitz eagerly asks, leaning closer to him over his desk.
"My decision is to marry them both," Akuco answers a little too surely, but he cannot help it. The scents and Reptilitz's words have coaxed him into a sense of serenity, so much so that he is not even feeling any ounce of self-doubt or self-control. In a way, he had been lured into a false sense of security. "Or, have I decided too quickly, too surely?"
"So, you will consider polygamy," Reptilitz remarks with a smile. "I see. Understandable."
Akuco frowns. "Polygamy? What's that?"
"It is the practice of having more than one wife or husband. In your case, two wives. And I can see why you would decide this."
"You can?" His frown turns into one of perplexity.
"Yes. As we all know, your heart belongs to Sheisk, but your duty to your tribe is also where your heart belongs. And, in a way, you still may have feelings for my daughter, even though it was young love when it flowered. You were only eight years old at the time. And then, as we all experienced, the war, keeping our tribes apart."
"Yes. We had to rebuild. Everyone had to."
"And that is when, I presume, you had a heart for someone else." He looks at Akuco with the intent to listen, clasping his hands together over his desk.
"It was. But Sheisk was also young love, only, it remained for the following years. My feelings for her."
"I see."
"But what happens now?" Akuco asks. "Now that I've made my decision, that is."
"Nothing. You just do what it is you do best. You have nothing to worry about and nothing to organise. After all, there are still two years before Ijiera comes of age. And in those two years, your decision could easily change again. That is why you are considering polygamy but are still unsure if it is right. And I will understand if you only consider Ijeira as a best friend and not a future wife because you are much more mature now. She does have her own little secret, too."
Akuco goes back into thought after what Reptilitz has said. I guess he would know my choice is still an unsure one. I was just telling him what he wanted to hear. It isn't one of purity. I need a lot more time to make this decision. And Ijiera has a secret? I wonder if she'll tell me, not that it's my place to pry on the matter, so I won't. I'll just wait and see. But why would he consider Sheisk as my little secret despite learning the truth after I blurted it out for all to hear? Would he have already known, even if I said nothing?
"Anyway. Why not use the time you have now to do as you please."
"But I want to do something to be helpful."
Reptilitz simply just laughs, but Akuco is being serious about this. As he refrains from changing his stern glance under his frown, Reptilitz's countenance changes.
"Very well, then. If you must, I'll make sure to give you a list of things to do for the morning, Akuco. Not that you need to. You're our guest."
"I know, but I can still help out." He pauses. "I want to help out."
"Okay. Seeing as you have made up your mind. I have something that needs delivering to the war chief." After speaking, he stands to his feet and disappears behind his desk before reappearing carrying a large box. He then heads to Akuco and gently places it on his arms like it was as light as a feather, yet when he lets it go, Akuco nearly falls forward under the sudden weight. "Sorry. I forgot to mention. It's heavy."
"No, kidding…" Akuco says under strain, struggling to carry the weight as he bends his body in a way that should help him. Ultimately, he just feels like a fool with his legs open wide and bent.
"I can take it back and do it myself if you can't handle the weight, Akuco." Reptilitz offers. "But don't think you are expected to be helpful here."
"I…" Akuco uses all his might to place the box back on the desk. "Sorry. What is in there?"
"His weights. And some new swords. They were made specifically for him, from Dëviend."
Before Akuco can say another word, there is a knock on the chief's door. Akuco turns himself towards it, a little surprised.
"Yes. Come in," Reptilitz calls, and in comes Ijiera, giving Akuco a smile that explains more than he wants it to.
"Your bath is ready, Akuco."
Bath?! When was I to have a bath? Akuco thinks, not even sure he can believe this. Ijiera ran him his bath.
"Hmm? I see you have other plans, Akuco." There is a pause. "Be gentle with him, Ijiera. He's quite fragile." He then laughs a little too inappropriately.
"Father! It's nothing like that!" Ijiera yells, frowning at him rather unladylike and almost stomping her feet.
"Relax, Ijiera." He raises his hands in defence. "I was only making a jest. You're still too young to be washing Akuco for him."
Akuco wonders to himself now what exactly is going to happen to him. Is that what she was gonna do to me? Wash me? That wouldn't be right. She's not mature yet. Sheisk, on the other hand. She can wash me any time she likes. He then blushes, thinking about Sheisk that way.
"Father! Stop it! I wasn't gonna be washing him!"
Reptilitz just laughs again.
"Ugh! Come on, Akuco!" Ijiera grabs him by his arm and yanks him out of her father's study, but already Akuco imagines Sheisk washing him in his bath, all along his ridges and the sensitive places only she can touch. He receives a rap on his snout as a result. "Hey! Stop thinking about me washing you!" She yanks him even more, almost pulling his arm out of its socket.
"Ow… Hey! Ijiera! My arm is still attached, you know!" Akuco complains, holding a hand to his snout where she rapped him out of the blue. "And what was that for?"
"Sorry, Akuco. But you were thinking about me washing you."
"No, I wasn't." I was actually thinking about Sheisk doing that. Maybe I could bathe with Sheisk next time. We've already slept with each other. How bad could it be? Or would I lose control like I must have done last night? I remember doing something, but then it's all a blank. "Why would I make you feel uncomfortable with me? That wouldn't be fair." He states, his thoughts opposite to his words.
"I guess. But damn. I hate it when father does that!"
"Tell me about it. My father does the same thing. Make inappropriate jokes."
"Doesn't it get under your scales?"
"Of course it does. He embarrasses me when he jokes like that."
"Mine too." After the pulling stops, Akuco finds himself in the bathroom, with an already steaming bath waiting for him. "Anyway. Here you are. Your bath. Mother told me to run you one."
"Thanks, Ijiera."
"Do you need any help with your clothes?"
"I should be fine. Thanks for the offer."
"Alright. Call me if you need me, okay?"
"Sure."
"Bath towels are on the rack. And there are some hangers here for your suit."
"Thanks." He waits until Ijiera leaves the room before undressing himself accordingly and hanging up his suit. After heading to the bath, he tests the water, then takes off his loincloth and bandages before stepping in and settling himself to rest all his aches and pains away. He is glad his wounds are beginning to seal, but that still does not mean he will not be cautious of them, that is, if he does not forget. He gets the feeling, however, that he is staying overnight in the clan, for the swamp can be even more dangerous at night. And this bath is miles better than a shower from home.
Initially, Akuco had hoped the day would be over after his bath so he could rest after his eventful day. However, he glances at the suit Ijiera made him for the evening meal, clothes he still needs to get used to if he were to stay in this tribe for the future or even if his tribe were to join with their sister tribe as one. Should he wear them for the celebration? Sure, so long as he does not ruin it. He would not mind all the noise, tribal members he does not know, drinks and food because he loves to celebrate with his family when he has no need to remain contained. Celebrations are not formal occasions, so he can let loose however he pleases as long as no rules are broken. Yet, thinking back to Sheisk's hatching day party only yesterday, he feels like he might have broken the rules towards the end. Knowing his father, it would only get brought up to embarrass him in front of others if he indeed knew. But he will never forget what happened between him and Sheisk last night. He snuck away and took her to his bed, and that was the last anyone saw of them before the new dawn. Part of him wishes Sheisk would be there tonight just so he could experience her body all over again, yet something also tells him that no one from his tribe will be there due to the dangers the swamp poses at night.
He wished Ijiera had never noticed his silent agony as she checked on him in the act of patching up his side with one of the towels he had dried himself with, for his deep wound decided it would be perfect to open up the moment he clambered out of the bath. But it was obvious she did because Kamara came in moments later with a first aid kit and advanced for him. He could not even make it to his loincloth before she reached his side and started dabbing it with a gauze dipped in sterile water, using the towel to stem the bleeding as best she could.
"Ow…" Akuco hisses, jerking and regretting staying in that bath for the length of time he did.
"Akuco. Keep still, please," Kamara cautions him as she cleans his dylaroc scars.
"But it hurts, Kamara."
"Serves you right for spending so long in the bath Ijiera made for you," she remarks quickly but compassionately.
"The bath was so nice, though, especially after the day I've had today."
"I know, but you must consider recent wounds that could still open up. No one heals in a couple of hours. It can take days, weeks or even months. Your wounds aren't fully healed yet, Akuco."
"My wounds are an inconvenience! That's all!" He exclaims loudly, then regrets raising his voice at Kamara. "I'm sorry." He lowers his head shamefully.
"It's okay, Akuco. I understand," she replies kindly. "You don't like it when you are seen as weak. But I don't see you as weak. You're still going strong despite your injury, and Ijiera admires you for that."
"She does?" Akuco cannot believe Ijiera would think something like that about him, as he lifts his head in surprise.
"Of course. No one else around her age that she knows, not counting her older siblings, has the endurance and stamina like you do."
However, Akuco lowers his head again, mumbling to himself knowing why Kamara showed up in the first place. "Even though injuries like these just prove how useless I am." He is quickly cuffed mildly on his snout by Kamara. "Hey…"
"Don't say such things, Akuco," she interrupts by placing a finger over his lips, glaring at him with a look of warmth instead of distaste. "You are not useless. These are just experiences to learn from."
"But still…"
"Uh, uh, uh. No buts, Akuco."
He looks away, shaking his head. "You won't understand."
"Won't I?" Kamara remarks, cleaning his back scar next. "You do realise I have a husband just like you, Akuco."
"Chief Reptilitz isn't like that." Akuco refuses to believe her.
"How would you know? You haven't known him all your life like I have. And now he cries at the tiniest of splinters in his finger."
"Really?"
"I'm not lying. It's actually quite funny. Ever since he became a father, everything about him changed. What used to not bother him now fazes him immensely."
Does that mean I will change? Would fathering Sheisk's children make me change? Would I be less prideful of myself, and not want to hide what I consider is weak?
Kamara carefully wraps up Akuco's scars in new clean bandages. "There. All finished."
"Thanks." He quickly grabs his loincloth, uneasy after what Kamara may have seen.
"And don't worry. Your secret is safe with me." She winks before leaving the bathroom with the bloodied towel in hand.
Akuco puts his loincloth on, then advances for his suit before dressing himself for the celebration yet to start. Maybe he could speak to Ijiera privately, knowing all her chores would be finished by then. There has to be someone else she likes in her clan. It cannot just be him she wants. She has not seen him for eight years after all, so there must be someone else. But would he hurt her feelings if he asked her? He can only find out.
The evening celebration starts well on this dry, crisp night after the toast for the tribe's future. Mikey, of course, has the piece of pie that Akuco had asked to save for him, and he enjoys every bite while sitting at the table. Much more fun than what Akuco is doing, representing Reptilitz like he has to for his father back at home. Why can he not just enjoy himself already? He has not even truly decided to marry Ijiera yet, and already, tribesfolk are shaking his hand and congratulating him on his unity with her. He can only feign his distaste with an intriguing smile to hide the truth.
How long is this going to take? Will I have to do this every time in the future if I decide to proceed with this? I get enough of this at home when an important figure arrives, followed by those who come along.
Reptilitz leans close to his ear, whispering. "It won't be long now, Akuco." Akuco assumes he means the representing, so his boredom must have been as clear as day on his face. "Once we get through this last batch of important members, we can enjoy ourselves."
"Wonderful," Akuco says satirically with a roll of his eyes.
"A satirist, eh? Very good. Always nice to bring something new to the clan. I shall expect great things from you."
"As great as representing you is, chief, I'm getting closer to a yawn."
"I apologise." Reptilitz lowers his head. "This will be the first and last time, I assure you. I know your father has you do this back at your clan." He then returns to his prior position to await the important clan members, but Akuco cannot help but notice Raphael snickering his way. He glares at him before mouthing, 'How would you like to take my place?' Raph's remark is a gesture of his hand in Akuco's direction before walking off with a minor grimace.
"Hah! You got played, my brother." Akuco hears Leonardo remark Raph's way.
"Akuco, yes. Very good." A burly male stranger suddenly states as he takes Akuco's hand and yanks it with a strong handshake, the instance he appears in front of him. Akuco almost cries out in pain. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you. Good luck with your future unity." He pats Akuco on the back with such force it nearly knocks him to the ground, and then he heads off proudly.
"Ow…" Akuco cries with a grimace of pain, shaking his arm and straightening his back to ensure they both still work.
In moments, an older stranger about the same age as Reptilitz with a mage's stave takes his hand and pulls it close to his chest. "Good tidings for your future unity, young one. I'll be waiting to introduce them to their new clan." He then heads off, just like the last guy.
"Huh?" Akuco can only blink, as the last ones to congratulate him are not so sudden with their appearances or words. They simply resort to 'congratulations' or 'good tidings', much to his surprise, and he does his best to smile despite his earlier confusion. It is then that Reptilitz takes his hand before patting him on his back in a manly hug.
"Thank you, Akuco. You can now enjoy yourself tonight," he states while releasing him, but the pause explains that he noticed his confusion. "Pay no mind to Ucuthroa and Raptil. They have their uniqueness, though, I'll give you that."
"But why does everyone seem to believe I have decided to marry Ijiera, chief? You stated yourself that I am just 'considering' polygamy. I haven't made that decision yet, not completely."
"News travels fast and tends to get mixed up sometimes. Don't worry. I'll inform them myself that it is not set in stone, but that can wait until tomorrow. Though, in a way, I guess they all want you to marry Ijiera when she comes of age. Maybe there is something about you that they like and trust." He pauses. "Heh. You've been here for less than a day, and already everyone is showing you their respect. But you've made it through the formalities, so enjoy yourself." He releases Akuco's hand. "You now have free roam, Akuco. So have fun."
"Thanks." After Reptilitz heads off, he directs his attention to the turtles and Kaietha, walking up to them so he can relax for a bit.
"Everything okay, Akuco?" Leonardo asks him.
"Yeah. I can finally sit down and relax for a bit."
"For sure."
"Thanks for saving me some pie, Akuco," Mikey praises. "It was amazing."
"No worries. We can't have you starving, now can we?"
In moments, Don arrives with a full tray of meat and vegetable skewers, holding it out for everyone at their table. "Hippesiton skewers, anyone?"
"You're singing my song, Don," Mikey states before grabbing three for himself.
"There's plenty for all, but no more for Mikey." He smiles.
"Hey…" Mikey complains with a mouthful. "...I'm hungry…"
"I would say there's a pile of popcorn, but you'll break something with all that extra weight."
"There's popcorn?!"
"No, Mikey. There isn't," Leo ensures him. "Try not to think with your stomach, okay."
"But stomach thinking is the best thinking," Mikey remarks. "Mmm…" He rubs his belly. "Popcorn with honey drizzle, hazelnuts and cream sounds amazing. I'll make that when I get back."
"Yes, Mikey." Leo rolls his eyes. "We'll
"May I?" Akuco asks, holding out a hand towards the tray.
"Sure. You need it after surviving those formalities, especially the ones from Ucuthroa and Raptil." He holds out the tray, so Akuco takes two for himself. "They can be too much, so don't think that was only for you. It's why Raphael enjoys their company when he's here. Especially Ucuthroa's."
"Raph! The host will be speaking in a moment!" Kaietha calls after him, reaching for the tray in Don's hands and taking two skewers for herself.
"Coming!" Raph calls back before hurrying to her side. He directs his gaze at Akuco. "Don't think you'll play me like that again, Akuco." He punches his fist into his hand, clicking his knuckles with a menacing grin and laugh. Something tells him that Raph will enjoy beating him up in the future, but does that mean they want him to travel back with them? "This just adds to your beat down later."
"Looking forward to it," Akuco replies sarcastically.
"Quiet, please, boys. Chief Reptilitz is about to speak," Kaietha cautions.
"Thank you, one and all, for bearing through those formal proceedings!" Reptilitz shouts, carrying his voice for the whole crowd to hear. "The time for celebration is now! So sit back, relax and unwind to your heart's content! We have an array of activities and a brilliant show for the finale! I assure you! This shall be a night you will all remember!" The entire tribe fills with cheers and applause before the stage show begins as a hoard of the clan head on over.
Only a short time passes before a clan member comes to the table Akuco, Kaietha and the Brotherhood are sitting at. They have drinks and more nibbles, which Mikey is snacking on, and an oil heater to keep them warm for the chilly evening.
But in the clan member's hands is something that looks like a brochure. She hands it around to those offering to take it, then bows her thanks before heading off to other tables. Akuco is reading it without interruption, that is, until Raph starts raising his voice in joy after a pause.
"Oh ho ho! YES! WRESTLING! I'm there!"
Before Akuco could yell at him for scaring him out of his scales, Raph was already gone, the brochure still fluttering back towards the table. "Huh?"
"Pay no mind to Raph, Akuco. He loves wrestling. He goes absolutely crazy for it," Leo states before catching the brochure as it was just about to rest on the table. He begins to read over it, nodding in comprehension at what he must be seeing. "I see. No wonder he wants to take part."
"Why does he want to?" Akuco asks.
"Have you read the next page?"
"Not yet." He turns to the next page, quickly noticing the wrestling and the name Ucuthroa. It states that the winner will be given a prize and a chance to wrestle Ucuthroa himself. "He wants to wrestle Ucuthroa?"
"Do you remember when I stated that Raph enjoys Ucuthroa's company, Akuco?" Donatello asks him.
"Yes."
"He's the only one who can outmatch Raphael in a duel of sheer strength when you don't count our father. Our sensei."
Their father? Akuco wonders to himself. Who is he? Why do they call him sensei? And if he can beat Raphael, the strongest one of the Brotherhood, then is he as strong as Ucuthroa?
"The thing is," Don continues. "Raph has never been able to beat him. So even if he makes it to the final, which of course he will, he'll still get defeated by Ucuthroa. It's how he learns. If I were him, I wouldn't pass up this moment to learn from the strongest, and for free."
"That reminds me," Mikey begins. "I can still beat him, and I'm the weakest one here."
"Don't start that again, Mikey. We've heard that story countless times."
"I haven't," Akuco states, intrigued.
"It all started…" Mikey tries, but he is quickly cut off.
"Let's just skip it entirely," Kaietha interrupts, her hand raised.
"Hey, Kaietha! I wanna tell it!" Mikey complains.
"If you tell it, Mikey, you'll bore his tail right off."
"But it's my story…" his voice trails off.
"Anyway. I don't know much of the details, but basically, it was when the turtles took part in what is called the Battle Nexus Championships in the Battle Nexus. A universe that connects all the multiverse. The best fighters from around the multiverse go there to participate, battle and learn from their defeats."
"Could I take part?" Akuco asks.
"Anyone could, Akuco, but you'd need the training first, or you'll be defeated in the preliminary round without your opponent even trying. So it is not recommended until you are completely ready and are invited by the Daimyo. Our father never told us. He just stated that we should stay behind, yet we still followed him anyway because we were concerned about him leaving us," Leo affirms. "We realised quickly, after getting caught up in the battles, that we weren't ready. The best fighters that take part are often known and feared in their own worlds, so you can understand how skilled or dangerous they might be."
"I see."
"To continue," Kaietha says. "After Mikey won his first match, he had to battle his brother Raphael, and he defeated him simply by making him angry so much that he became blinded by his rage. Before Raph realised, he was defeated by Mikey without him even trying."
"And even better," Mikey cuts in. "I had no malicious intent. I didn't want to strike my brother down like most of my other opponents wanted to when fighting me. In a way, Raphael defeated himself on his own accord."
"Then I guess that explains it. I need to be as good as all of you." Akuco states, glancing at each of them in turn.
"That can take months or even years, Akuco," Kaietha presses. "You would need to be dedicated to your training. And even then, the world can be a dangerous place."
"Exactly. I need to keep my clan safe. I can't do that if I can't even defeat a dylaroc."
"Akuco, we've been through this," Don states. "You lasted against and survived a fatal wound from a dylaroc. Isn't that good enough?"
"I lasted and survived, yes. But none of what happened to me would've happened if I could've just made the brute run for the trees when it mattered the most."
"You saw all five of us working together to draw the beast away, right?" Leo questions.
"Yes. You made it look simple."
"And I can tell you. It wasn't simple. Despite the team effort, we still struggled to subdue it. As all five of us struggled against it, how would just one of us manage it? Raph was right when he yelled at you to run. It wouldn't have been possible for him to hold that monster back like he did for long, and he's our strongest."
"I see your point."
"Apex predators are one thing. But an apex predator and a megafauna is a totally different experience," Don states matter-of-factly.
"Anyone up for seconds?" Mikey asks, eyeing the tray again and directing the attention back to him.
"Alright, alright." Don places the tray on the table. "You need to keep your strength up, anyway, so you can heal."
"Thanks, Donny." Mikey goes straight to grasping four more, then looks to a clan member about to speak.
"The tournament is about to begin! Any last registrations are in order for a chance to wrestle our champion, Ucuthroa! Who has what it takes?!"
"Are you coming to watch with us, Akuco?" Leo asks.
"Sure." I wouldn't even mind taking part just to show Raphael up, but I don't want to ruin this suit. I doubt Ijiera would appreciate all her hard work being for nothing. What if I'm needed for something far more important? And besides. If I ever had to fight Raphael, I probably would be beaten. He then heads over with the Brotherhood to watch the wrestling while Donatello walks beside Mikey. Akuco understands Don is there in case his brother needs him, and believes they each take turns to watch their injured brother.
They arrive and get front-row seats to witness Raphael wrestle his heart out when the event begins. Others are seated, too, all around the circular arena, some with drinks as the smell of alcohol and food surrounds them. Crash mats are outside the arena at every edge because wrestling can be very physical. He understands enough about it since Judo is similar, which is what he has been taught. Overall, it is all about strength, control, balance and tactics. But then, would it not be an unfair advantage, for the tribal members each have their large tails? Raph is the only one without such an extremity.
"How is Raph going to win?" He asks Leonardo, coaxing him to look his way. "I mean. Like mine, their large tails could easily be used to keep themselves from falling. So isn't it an unfair advantage?"
"I'm sure there are rules that state that the use of the tail is a foul. And it's not just wrestling. It's Judo and Sumo, too."
"I didn't see that in the brochure."
"That's because it wasn't in the brochure. It's on the board over there." He points towards the object in question, down beside Ucuthroa, who respectfully nods at Akuco. He is just sitting there wearing the champion belt. But there is no sign of Raphael or the other competitors unless they are hiding amidst the crowds. Akuco directs his attention to the board, noticing what Leo had seen.
"Oh? I see." So does that mean Ucuthroa knows Judo, Wrestling and Sumo? How would he not confuse one with another?
Soon, the speaker enters the wrestling ring, calling out for all to hear that the event will start momentarily. Once Ucuthroa is mentioned as the defending champion, he stands to his feet and performs a power play, removing his champion belt and holding it up above his head for all to see. After a few moments, he places it back around his waist and returns to his seat overlooking the entire arena. The speaker then calls out all the competitors' names as they begin to reveal themselves amidst their power plays from the crowds, including Raphael, one of the last to be called.
Raphael flips into the arena with style, using the wire as leverage, stomping his feet powerfully down. The force has him backflip and then land again on one foot and one knee, with a fist punching down to show off his hidden strength. The force of his landing is clearly heard, yet Akuco notices some competitors eyeing him with looks of disdain and distaste, hiding their intentions. Ucuthroa, however, is certainly interested, making it rather obvious that both he and Raph have a history between them. The bell dings and the brawls begin.
The first rounds are over as quickly as they began, Raph at the top with the fastest times. Akuco had been cheering him on, especially after witnessing him throw one opponent over the wire entirely. He made them land on their back atop the crash mat right in front of him, and that was after a full head-over-tail flip. Clearly, large tails are nothing compared to him. He undoubtedly relishes in the attention he gets, loving every moment.
"Yep. That's Raph, alright," Don begins. He had clearly noticed Akuco's interest in his brother's ways, coaxing a glance his way. "He takes this sort of thing way too seriously. Always ending the rounds without considering they are supposed to last."
"Are they supposed to last, though?" Akuco asks with a little wonder. "I mean. This isn't exactly official. There's no time limit, is there?"
"The audience would expect a longer fight, but this is Raph we're talking about," he states. "He tends to go overboard."
"I kinda guessed, what with his constant references to wanting to give me a beating later. I hope that isn't what he only cares about. Beating on someone just because he wants to."
"Raph likes to beat many things up," Mikey begins. "Including someone as innocent and fragile as me."
"Innocent my foot, Mikey," Leo states with jest. "You always bring out the worst in our brother."
"That's my charm for you."
"I've noticed he rather enjoys beating on you, Mikey," Kaietha affirms. "That, and getting his own back for all of your constant irritation."
Mikey is left speechless before the bell dings for the next rounds to start, and in moments, Raph is back in the ring, all bigheaded and gloating with his arms high, waving for all the crowd. It is not until he is sent face first into the canvas by the full force of another brawny Evari Havara, amidst many yells and groans from the crowd, that he realises he cannot gloat anymore as he takes the brunt of the impact before turning it into a recovery tactic. This is what Akuco is most surprised by. Raph's quick reflexes, and by the final set of his second match, his opponent is pinned down just like all the other losers from all the other fights amidst a ten count. But he could have sworn Raph's opponent was Ucuthroa, just younger.
Akuco wishes the fights would last all night. Still, in no time at all, the champion battle between Raphael and Ucuthroa is about to go underway, as the pair stare each other down, performing a power show to entertain the onlookers who are already anticipating this fray to end all frays. There is so much noise going on that he is surprised he has not gone deaf yet. But where was the medal Raph was given after he won the main tournament, earning his right to wrestle Ucuthroa himself?
"Are you ready!" Ucuthroa yells towards Raphael.
"I am so ready for this!" Raph remarks with glee, a huge joyous grin on his face. "You're going down this time, Ucuthroa!"
"Looking forward to it! Do your worst!"
The pair clash and scrum amidst battle cries, powerful throws, slams and quick escapes, but by the end of the last set of the final round, Raph is lying on the canvas front first, unable to escape Ucuthroa's pin as the referee slams his hand down for the ten count. Akuco witnessed this defeat right after the moment Raph was tossed into the wire with a skilful throw and caught again upside-down. He was then slammed into the canvas headfirst amidst the hold before Ucuthroa ended it with a seated position—a move Akuco had never seen before. The force of the impact sounded like it could have been heard a mile away.
"And ten!" The referee shouts for all to hear before Ucuthroa releases Raphael.
"And he does it yet again!" The referee yells, causing Ucuthroa to raise his arms to relish in his win.
Raph holds his head in pain after he attempts to stand. "Oh, man. That piledriver was a doozy." Akuco hears him say to himself. "How was I supposed to anticipate that?" He loses his balance and falls again, right into Ucuthroa's lowered arm. "I don't feel so good."
"Everything okay, Raph?" His question has a caring tone as he looks at him with concern.
"Maybe I need a lie-down," he admits, holding his head again.
"Here. Let me aid you," he offers, helping Raph out of the ring and to a bench before returning to the crowd's roars as he shows off his strength for the last time in a power show. By the end, he is holding up the champion belt above his head, egging the crowd on to cheer for him even more.
"Ucuthroa! The Tank! The Powerhouse! Keeps his title of Defending Champion!" Shouts the referee as he holds out his arm towards Uuthroa. "Will he ever be defeated?! We shall see! Next time!"
"Is he okay?" Akuco asks the others while attempting to look at all of them, referring to Raphael hoping one of them would answer. As he does so, he notices their concerned looks at each other.
"He hasn't taken a hit like that in quite some time," Leo discloses before he stands to his feet. "I think it's best we go check on him, guys." He looks to the others at his table, causing Don and Kaietha to stand as well before all three of them head off, leaving Akuco with Mikey.
"Em." Akuco is speechless. Was the hit that bad on him? Now I'm worried.
"Raph'll be fine," Mikey acclaims, giving Akuco reason to look his way with disbelief.
"The others don't seem to agree with you. I'm concerned. He didn't look quite right after that slam he took."
"He's taken powerful hits before, just not in a while. He's built like a tank, so I know he'll pull through."
"Either way. I'm going to check on him, too."
"Alright, alright. I'll go, too." Mikey lowers his head away from Akuco and mumbles as he struggles to keep eye contact with him. Akuco believes he may be feeling some guilt after his words. "Just because he's my brother and all." He stands to his feet and limps on over with his walking stick, Akuco keeping close to him in case he falls.
Upon arrival, Akuco notices Kaietha holding an ice bag to Raphael's head. It does not look as serious as he thought, after all, and in moments, Raphael is sitting up looking better already, his medal round his neck. Perhaps he could not wear it until the champion battle was finished. Ucuthroa walks down the steps from the ring and heads to Raphael, who is already raring to go. "Alright!" He punches his fist into his hand. "Time for a rematch, Ucuthroa!"
"I admire your spunk, Raphael," Ucuthroa commends, his hand on Raph's shoulder. "But you need to accept this defeat."
"Huh?"
"Don't get me wrong. I really enjoyed our match. You proved to me that you have gotten much stronger since our last scrummage. Your stamina and strength are remarkable. You had me on the ropes for set two! But even after that finisher of mine, you're still up and raring to go. It's your superpower. But no matter how often you fight me, it will always end the same way. Your pride gets to your head, and then you yourself are slammed right back into the canvas. It is that which you need to conquer first."
"I see. Thank you, Ucuthroa. I needed that. I've blown off so much steam now that I just want to celebrate."
Ucuthroa slams his palm onto Raphael's shell amidst a loud and joyous laugh. It is all he can do with the gesture, as an attempt to pat him on his back. "And so we shall! Drinks are on me!"
"Awesome!"
Ucuthroa stands to his feet before glancing at Akuco. "Ah, Akuco! You should come and join us!"
"I'd love to, sir, but I'm not exactly old enough to…"
"Nonsense!" His booming laugh is almost deafening as he raises his brawny arms, making himself look twice as large as he already is.
Akuco feels tiny compared to him. His face then contorts into a frightened guise, but before he can run, he is grasped around his upper chest tightly and lifted off his feet in a grand masculine hug. He can do nothing but flail his legs like a frightened hatchling. "Please, sir! Put me down!" His voice is quivering. "I'd r-rather have the gr-ground under my f-feet! P-please!" He is returned to his feet with a sigh of relief, but Ucuthroa's palm slams onto his back with such force it nearly sends him flying into the ground. He has to really force himself to balance just to stay standing. "Guh! Ow…" He grimaces in pain despite knowing Ucuthroa is just being friendly, albeit a little too much.
His laugh booms yet again. "You can handle a drink or three!"
Akuco grimaces. Why does he have to be so loud? My ears!
"Come on, Akuco. Celebrate with us. Please," Raphael pleads, something Akuco never even knew he could manage.
He sighs. "Alright. Just one." I guess tonight will be just like Sheisk's hatching day party, minus the wrestling ring. No. I know my limits. I shall not suffer a hangover! That, I promise!
All seven of them then head straight to the outdoor bar as the wrestling ring is taken down.
Settling down at the table they await their drinks to be brought over, but already Raphael and Ucuthroa are taking part in an arm wrestle across the table, with everyone else watching. Raphael is sent rolling along the ground in glorious defeat. As he stands, Leo is sent flying into him, followed by Don just when they both stand up, and Ucuthroa never even batted an eyelid. Akuco snickered as he saw the other two brothers fail at arm wrestling the beast.
"Okay. Remind me again why I even thought I'd beat him," Don avers as he clambers to all fours.
"Beats me," Leo states, helping him up. "I don't even know why I tried."
"Did you have to send them both crashing into me?" Raph asks underneath a complaint, standing to his feet again.
"Sorry. Guess I don't know my own strength."
"My turn! My turn!" Mikey yells suddenly.
"Are you kidding me? You're in no condition to…" Kaietha tries, but Ucuthroa is already sent hurtling across the ground, much to everyone else's surprise.
"What?" Don, Leo, Raph and Kaietha question in perplexed unison, but Akuco understands why Mikey won. Ucuthroa simply let him.
"Alright. Move aside, Mikey," Kaietha orders him, also quick to realise why he won. "Leave it to a lady to prove this isn't just a coincidence."
"Alright," Mikey says, moving aside so she can sit in his place.
Ucuthroa returns to his feet and heads back, ready to arm wrestle Kaietha, and after a tense pause, Ucuthroa is sent hurtling away again.
"Hah!"
"Awesome!" Mikey gives her a high three.
"This is starting to look like favouritism," Don complains.
"Looks to me like somebody's jealous," Raph fist bumps Don's shoulder in jest, then whispers in his ear. "It's simple. Mikey is also a girl Ucuthroa can't possibly be mean to."
"What was that?!" Mikey quips, glaring at him suddenly.
"No. He was just being nice," Leo acclaims.
"Your drinks," A member of the bar says before placing their drinks on the table.
"Thank you."
"Enjoy." They then head off to collect empty glasses.
"And now a toast! To Akuco's future," Ucuthroa avers, raising his glass as everyone else does before they all chink their glasses together and take a much-deserved swig. It is then that Ijiera arrives, taking Akuco's hand.
"Ijiera? What's all this about?" Akuco asks, looking at his hand and then glancing at her with a little shock.
"For your dance, silly."
"Dance? But…"
"It's just one, Akuco. We're supposed to be the ones to start it all. And this also opens up the other small games, now that the wrestling is over."
"I really wished I'd be able to beat you this time, Ucuthroa," Raph sadly says, lowering his head shamefully. "That was the only reason I chose to wrestle in the first place."
"And you will, Raphael." He places a hand on Raph's shoulder. "Right after you conquer your own weakness. You should feel proud of yourself. You made it to the finals, earned a prize and won a set against me."
"I did, didn't I?" He slams his fist onto the table. "Yes! And I'll never forget it, either!" He looks to Kaietha and his brothers, holding out the medal proudly for all to see. "I told you I could win stuff."
"We never doubted it for a second, Raph," Leo remarks with a heartfelt gesture. His hand at Raph's heart. "And we were all there to witness it, too."
"Come on, Akuco. Let's go already," Ijiera presses.
"Alright, alright." He stands to his feet and backs away from the bench. "But I'm not very good at it."
"Don't be silly, Akuco. Everyone can dance." She holds his hand to her chest. "And you'll enjoy it, too." In moments, she is pulling him alongside her towards the central dance floor.
"Good luck, Akuco!" He hears Mikey yelling his way.
Reaching the central dance floor, Ijiera is still holding Akuco's hand. He looks around and sees everyone gathering to watch their dance, even Ucuthroa, the Brotherhood and Kaietha. But can he really dance? He must have done so at Sheisk's hatching day party. He closes his eyes and tries to remember, but all he recalls is the amount of mistakes he made then. Sheisk never seemed to mind, though, despite how often he stepped on her feet or tripped over her tail, but this is so different. The entire clan will be watching them. He always got nervous when Sheisk asked him to dance with her, but luckily, little to no one was watching. Dancing with another girl he does not even have true feelings for, plus an entire clan watching, is bringing his nerves up tenfold. And by the look on Ijiera's face, she is clearly noticing.
"Akuco, relax." She looks him in the eyes. "You'll be fine."
"But… Everyone is watching. I'm so nervous. And when I'm nervous, I make mistakes."
She repeats herself, assuring Akuco at the same time. "You'll be fine." She starts positioning him correctly just as the music begins to play, wrapping his arm around her waist and making his other hand interlock with hers. Then, without question, she starts leading Akuco in time with the dance, giving him a reason to feel less insecure and more confident in himself. "There we go. See. Just dance as though you are dancing with Sheisk."
Sooner or later, more and more couples join them on the dance floor, marking the official opening of all the small games and the rest of the evening. Yet, despite the dance feeling natural to Akuco as time passes, he still wonders something. Does Ijiera have a heart for someone else? Does she still have that hope in her eyes that he considers her father's offer? "I've been wondering something, Ijiera," he begins, spinning her around once before they return to their original positions.
"What's on your mind?"
"If this isn't too personal of a question, then I'd like to know." He twists along with her as they make an arch with their arms, repeating the move back to the starting point and making eye contact with her again. "Has there been anyone else besides me?"
"What do you mean?"
"You know. Someone else you may have felt something with. Like, for example, me and Sheisk." He gives her a look of wonder.
"Em. I'm not really sure. Maybe there was someone else, but it didn't exactly last. Especially when it came to a change in my hormones. I was the problem, though, not him. And I realised that the older I got. My duty to unify our two clans is my main concern right now. But I understand you don't have the same feelings for me as you do with Sheisk."
"Is it ever a problem for you?" He asks, trying to remain sincere.
"Not really. I mean. We did like each other a lot when we were younger, but then the war and the fights happened, and then we didn't see each other for a while. Things change all the time, and that includes true feelings."
"How did you feel when we met again this morning after so long?"
"I guess, in a way, I was glad to have met you again. But if you mean my feelings, they weren't entirely the same as they were back then." She pauses as they repeat the dancing. "What about you?"
"It's hard to say. Deep down, I still remember you. And you are beautiful, I must say. But at the same time, Sheisk is there in my mind. When you and I met again after so long, I remembered our childhood and the young love we shared. That's why I think your father wants us to marry because we were happy together. But then, as you know, the war started, and changes occurred.
"I saw Sheisk again once the carnage stopped, and my childhood memories with her came to fruition. I was overjoyed to see her again. So I guess, in a way, I always had feelings for her, even though I didn't know it."
"I see."
"And when we started growing up, our love for each other just continued to blossom. Yes. I still remembered you, but she was the future that I wanted in my life. She still is now.
"I consider you a best friend now because deep down, I feel that marrying you is wrong." Ijiera looks at him with a silent understanding, but he feels as though he has said too much, hurting her feelings with the truth he was trying to keep to himself. "Maybe I shouldn't have said all that. I feel like I've hurt your feelings," he says, changing the subject.
"You haven't, Akuco. It's always best to be true to oneself and others…"
"But it's not, though, Ijiera," he interrupts, wanting to push his point across. "The truth can hurt. My duty for my clan, and your duty for yours, still gets in the way of things now. Especially because there is no telling when another war may occur."
"And we still have two years. A lot can change in two years."
"That isn't the point, though. Our duties must come first…" Ijiera silences him with a finger on his lips.
"Shh, Akuco."
"But…" Ijiera shakes her head at him.
"Yes. It is true that our duties must come first. But what's the point if we're not happy about it? I, too, feel like us being more than best friends is wrong." She pauses, and Akuco assumes it is because she remembers her other love again. "My feelings for him and my feelings for you are entirely different as well. Despite hoping you would accept my father's offer, I've had much time to consider them. But seeing him won't happen anymore."
"Why, though? If you still remember and have feelings for him, then why wouldn't seeing him again happen?"
"Because of where he is now. Another continent entirely."
"Oh?"
"Since the last war, his family thought it would be best to leave this continent, so they moved away." She sadly lowers her head as they sway in unison to the music.
"Ijiera?"
"My duties as my father's daughter are why I can't just leave home. And he isn't exactly the son of a chief. The one I still have true feelings for, that is. His family are carpenters and boat makers. So he's nothing special." Akuco notices that she is blushing.
"He must be special to you. You're blushing."
"Am not?" She smiles at him. Classic denial. Exactly like how he acted in the past when anyone mentioned Sheisk and him as girlfriend and boyfriend.
"That smile tells me otherwise." He simply smiles back. "You must be happy after sharing your thoughts about him, though."
"Yes."
"What's his name?"
"Timsah." Akuco looks at her, not at all surprised that she would answer him so forwardly. "Like I said. Nothing special. Not even his name."
"But it rolled off your tongue like it was natural. That's gotta mean something."
"I guess. I still receive letters from him, and he receives them from me in return." She pauses. "But what will you tell your father?" She asks, changing the subject entirely.
"I haven't gotten that far yet. I haven't even managed to return home, so I'll think about it when I do."
"Sorry. My father likes things to be perfect. You are staying in the clan tonight, though, right?"
"I have no choice. The swamp is far too dangerous right now, especially with the tide coming in. Less land to walk on and more aquatic predators to contend with. The bloodsuckers there also tend to hunt at night." He pauses, remembering an experience when he got trapped in the swamp during his first time gathering alone. He had to contend with more than just crocasiles and bloodsuckers that day. The ecosystem he once knew had completely changed in mere moments. He was only safe amidst the trees in a hammock under a protective net to keep the bloodsuckers out. And even that had to be crafted by hand with whatever it was he could find. "Of course, that also means the dylarocs can't prowl like they usually do. That's why they tend to only hunt at dawn and dusk. So I can rest easy tonight, knowing a dylaroc attack won't happen any time soon."
"Great!" As the song changes, she lets him go, much to Akuco's surprise.
"Have I offended you?"
"No, Akuco. The music we had to dance to is over now. We don't have to dance together anymore."
Akuco takes her back into his arms. "But I was enjoying it." He smiles. "Can we not just dance together without a care in the world and enjoy this night for the both of us?"
"Sure, Akuco. If that'll make you happy."
"It'll make you happy, too."
"Thanks." She hugs him and smiles before they continue to dance until they cannot dance anymore.
By the time the night is over, with many games played, stage performances fulfilled, and fireworks now booming, Akuco is in high spirits and enjoying a good drink with all his friends. His head will certainly hurt by the morning, but he will never forget this night or the laughter and talks between them.
So much for promising never to get a hangover as he swigs yet another bottle of wine amidst the explosions overhead.