Destiny Voyage (Completed)

Convincing Cats Part III

Destiny Voyage- Convincing Cats 3.3

“Huh?” the young man spoke as he blinked his red eyes for a moment of confusion, his lips open and hanging in misunderstanding. “Please come with me and go home.” Sora murmured quietly, barely above a whisper and she averted her green eyes in slight embarrassment. “Sora. . .” he gently called the young woman’s name and squeezed her hands in comfort.

Sora looked up into his rose-coloured eyes, a bit mystified. Those eyes that she had once known ever since her childhood years, those passionate ruby red eyes had changed now to look like soothing rosy red warmth that reminded her of flames from a cosy fireplace.

“I’m… not Robin.” He looked at the young woman with nothing more but a sheepish smile that betrayed such heavy and startling information. Sora instantly threw him a ferocious glare, her jade green eyes narrowing at the white-haired male in hot and burning anger. “Don’t mess with me like this Robin.” she told him with a small frown.

“Sora, dear . . . I really am not the person that you seek.” He remarked along with a small chuckle that did not help the situation at all. Sora became clearly distraught with his words, eyes widening and frown deepening ‘How could he not be Robin?’ she thought perplexed. ‘This was the person that I had seen last night, the one who gave me the red rose and-‘ her thoughts were cut off.

“I have been actually searching for him too, Sora.” He confessed to the brunette young lady. Sora immediately pulled her hand away from his, almost slapping away the hand in shock. “W-who are you?!” the young woman interrogated the person in front of her; swiftly grabbing a cake knife- Sora pointed it at him. “Talk.” she told him with gritted teeth. ‘The man fooled me! H-he took advantage of me and the current situation.’ She fumed to herself, irritation her strongest feeling at the moment.

“Honey dear, please put that knife down and calm yourself.” It was all he uttered as his brows were furrowed together in slight amusement and his eyes looked at the young woman gently. “You might cut yourself with that you know?” he added with concerned gentleness that irked Sora. To the brunette those eyes that peered kindly at her was instead those of a predator who enjoyed the sight of his prey suffering while thrashing around to escape- it was nothing but futile attempts to them.

“I will not!” Sora stubbornly declared and inched the knife closer, ready to aim and slice without further hesitation. The young man simply looked at her in dismay, shaking his head slightly for a moment before he picked up his fork. Sora prepared herself for any possible retaliation that the unknown figure could do against her.

Instead he looked at the woman in a jest manner for being so tense at his simple and mundane actions. Then he proceeded to swiftly pierce a strawberry using a fork that it shook Sora, mistaking it for an attack before she frowned slightly- her eyes still piercing into the male, looking for any signs of threat that he would warrant.

He brought the strawberry ever devastatingly slow to his lips; he pricked the sweet pink fruit with his clear white teeth. Pink-reddish liquid burst and stained his lips like blood. He glanced at the young lady for a moment, taking note of how she not-so-subtly stared at him, as he then licked his lips in quiet satisfaction and glee. It seemed he still got it.

Sora snapped herself out of the stupor and mentally berated herself for staring at Robin’s doppelganger unknowingly and ever so easily. “I do not wish to make myself seemingly boastful… but what can a cake knife do to harm the man who guards this room?” he rhetorically questioned in a ‘matter of fact’ tone as he continued to enjoy the luscious and lavish sweetness of the fruit.

Sora looked behind herself, she suddenly remembered the bipolar man who had earlier blocked her from entering the upper room chamber. He was huge and muscular man that seemed really tough and sturdy; it appeared to her that even a knife wouldn’t scratch him or make a dent. The woman sighed in defeat as the young man in front of her then used his fork to lower the woman’s own knife. Sora dropped both of her hands on the table cloth, sulking a bit at her situation.

“There, there darling- don’t look so down.” He remarked comfortingly and patted her hand; she quickly pulled it back as if struck by a rod. “You had really impressed me with such a feisty approach.” He laughed a bit, ever so merry yet still sounding so alluring in the young woman’s ears. Sora inwardly winced for herself- what made her act this feminine? Was this the power of people who were not Merchants? Was it even a power at all?! Was the warning of the Guild Master more dangerous than she assumed was true?

“I was actually having second thoughts on the length of my lifespan.” He added with an enthralling grin, his teeth not showing off the small fang that Robin had once possessed. “Please allow me to explain my course of actions and just hear me out okay?” he requested ever so gracefully. Sora couldn’t help but nod simply at the sound of his voice and his plea.

“And please-No choosing of utensils for my utter demise as well.” He chuckled eyeing the fork and spoon in front of Sora as he then lifted his cup to sip his tea. “Do you not simply enjoy hot Earl Grey tea to help you soothe yourself after a hard day?” he sighed whimsically after asking her the question, his tone showing immense longing and loneliness that surprised her and shook her to the core.

She somehow felt the same.

All those years, it was only herself that she relied on. . .

“Cut to the chase please.” Sora sighed at him tiredly while looking out the window, her face resting on one hand. “I need to get back home soon.” The stars had been shining in the dim sky already- were they looking for her? Had they been worried of where she was by now? She believed probably not.

“Oh where are my manners.” He remarked in surprise, “I offer my sincerest apologies for taking up so much for your time.” He bowed his head slightly and smiled apologetically, a bit sad as well that she even felt bad for rushing him.

It seemed he was longing for companionship. . .

He did seem rather alone, staying in his chambers all by himself.

Sora inwardly scolded herself- it was not the time to feel empathetic and nostalgic.

“My name is Roswell Williams, a pleasure to meet and converse with you Miss Sora.” He introduced and extended his hands. Sora reached out and shook his hand; while Roswell’s other hand enveloped hers like a true politician. “I’m Sora Hisako- and the feelings are somewhat mutual…” Sora remarked unsure of how to react. The man simply chuckled at her reply and nodded his head, amused at her blunt honesty.

“You are from Miss Viola’s guild, yes?” he guessed almost correctly to the brunette’s shock. “Yeah, yes I am- a guild member in the process.” Sora clarified. “However I am sure that I’ll be one pretty soon.” the young woman replied with easy confidence. “I can figure that much, usually missions like these are too boring for the veterans.” He explained thoughtfully to which she felt embarrassed all of the sudden.

“With people like Robin simply running away from their duties and obligations- any person would not be interested in catching a person who decided on their own to leave.” Roswell carefully stated. “Unless you give it to young women and they’d endlessly pursue him.” He chuckled to himself, finding it somewhat funny.

Sora however was barely amused, she assumed he thought it was an inside joke that the two of them could share. However, Robin was too troublesome back then in their childhood to even gain a single admirer. Actually the male had his fair share of whopping from women.

He looked at the young woman for a moment and stopped, clearing his throat. “I do not mean to include you in those ‘young women’ who’d drop anything to pursue Robin despite being of that fairer sex.” He sheepishly explained to Sora, uncharacteristically rubbing his nape as if thoroughly embarrassed.

“Uh huh… thank you very much.” Sora replied to him a bit awkward. She was after Robin after all. Not for some obnoxious reason like if she had been some other woman but still…?

“So anyways um . . .?” Sora questioned, trying to continue the conversation despite the awkward silence after the statement. “Ah yes, do you have any questions yourself my dear Sora?” he gently probed. “Um well…” Sora blushed slightly as he called her ‘dear’ once more. Of course she realized it was a mannerism of his or a strange habit to speak to strangers so affectionately.

“Are you a contender as well for the payment?” the brunette interrogated him. “You are after Robin as well right?” Sora added, a bit confident in her suspicion.

“Well not precisely, I am not after the million worth of gold coins that my family has offered to pay anyone who finds him.” He shrugged nonchalantly as Sora was stunned to meet someone not interested in a million gold coins! “But of course I’d look for him.” ‘His family would pay that much of gold to find Robin?!’ She thought in shock, barely able to stop her jaw from dropping.

“He’s your brother?!”Sora then gasped in realization. “He’s my brother.” Roswell simultaneously said at the same time as her. He laughed while the young woman let her mouth fall down, she was gawking. “Jinx” He said comically while the brunette merely face-palmed at the realization. She never knew that Robin had been so-damn rich. Damn was even an understatement to the amount of riches they were perhaps holding.

“So if you don’t mind me asking…” Sora then began respectfully, knowing now that this person was kind of like her ‘client’- in finding Robin. She inwardly slapped herself; Rose had influenced her too much. “Not at all, please continue Miss Sora.” Roswell simply urged as he looked at her earnestly. She was hesitant to voice out her question, it seemed a bit offensive to ask- especially out of all the kindness that had been bestowed to her this evening.

“W-…Why did he leave?” Sora murmured quietly, as if afraid to break the peace. ‘If it was me- I would have stayed no matter how strict my parents were as long as I had that amount of gold as inheritance.’ she considered to herself, figuring that she needed not to do anything if she even had that amount as an inheritance- but his family had been willing to just toss it away like that for a simple search and capture mission.

“Ah yes, I am not so sure myself.” He replied with such speed that it seemed to not faze him at all or even had any afterthought at her question. “I-I see…. I wouldn’t have left if it were me. He’s acting a bit stupid if you asked me.” Sora remarked bravely, if she had to say it for herself. “I wouldn’t miss the chance to live luxuriously!” she sheepishly smiled after the statement.

“Well I guess he doesn’t want to be held back like you I suppose.” Roswell smiled faintly. “He doesn’t like the obligation being notoriously wealthy does- he simply wants to flirt with every woman in this Capital and if possible spend his time sleeping in meadows and finally to travel back ‘home’.” He shared to the young woman and Sora quirked a brow at the word home.

“Home? And where would that be?” Sora probed the male to explain further. “He had surrogate parents when he was lost as a young kid. He was happy there that it seemed he wanted to actually return to such a traditional and slightly dangerous area.” he added as a memory flooded back into the young lady’s mind.

- - - - - - - - - -

“Ugh my goodness, I’m so tired of cleaning and polishing each and every single day the weapons and armoury.” The young boy complained as he stamped his foot in displeasure. “Why can’t we do something fun?” he grumbled underneath his breath as he wiped off some soot off of a metallic knight’s boot.

It was sparkly shiny now by the way.

The little girl understood- it could get boring a bit and frustrating. “Well how about we spice things up a bit today?” she grinned. “Let’s go to a super-secret place I found!” she declared. “Don’t we have to ask permission first?” the boy asked.

“You just have to promise not to tell anyone okay- pinkie promise?” she smiled while holding out her pinkie. “Alright then peasant girl, I ‘Pinkie promise’ you as an assurance I give.” The boy promised and clutched her finger with his. He rolled his eyes a bit at the cliché of it all but simply played along.

“Yay~ Now please close your eyes.” She smiled once more and the boy shook his head. “Nu-uh. Last time I did that you pushed me into a mud hole.” The boy complained at the girl to which she merely giggled at.

A blush spread on the male’s cheeks. Why were girls always giggling?

“I really promise that I’ll show you the place but the way to it is a secret so close your eyes or we’re not going.” She pouted at him so he closed his eyes.

She reached out and held his hand, he blushed slightly. “Hey!” he started but was cut off. “Do you want to scrape your knee or not? Just hold on.” She told him and pulled him away for a few minutes.

“Okay open your eyes!” she said gleefully. She smiled at the boy’s eyes lighting up. “Woah! This is so cool! I never knew this dump could have a place like this.” He remarked in amazement and surprise.

“What are you calling dump?!” the girl frowned and bonked his head to which he once again began complaining about.

She threatened him to never bring himself back if she kept calling this place a dump and so he dutifully shut his ‘yapping’ up as she described it. . .

- - - - - - - - - - - -

“I… see.” She quietly accepted the piece of substantial information into her mind. He hadn’t wanted to leave but he still left her and their place. Some parts were confusing to her now of what was really true. She inwardly sighed- she had to really find the person to clear things up with him.

“It’s getting late- shall I have some of my men escort you in a carriage to your premises?” Roswell inquired softly. The young woman smiled but shook her head. “Thank you for the offer but I can walk back home. I’ll update you if I ever saw him.” She responded gratefully to the young man.

“Thank you.” He graciously remarked. “I’ll always find you around here no?” she asked and he sheepishly smiled. “Well most of the time but there are other places you can find me. You can head here though and leave a message for me or have my men escort you to my location. Whatever you prefer and feel comfortable with Miss Sora.” He smiled gentlemanly.

“Ha ha… I’ll leave a message.” She remarked shyly. “Oh I see… well sometimes I do hope you can join for me though?” he wistfully questioned. “Yeah as long as your bodyguard lets me in then I see no problem.” She laughed a bit. “I’ll replace him then hmm...” he begun pondering to himself.

“Don’t fire him!” Sora quickly disagreed and he chuckled. “I’ll assign him elsewhere.” He remarked and she sighed in relief. If that man knew she was the reason- he’d hunt her down for sure.

“Well good bye then sir Roswell?” she awkwardly waved. “Roswell will do.” The man replied with a sincere smile.

Roswell escorted her out of the boutique and bid her goodbye.

- - - - - - - - - - -

We were walking for around thirty minutes or more by now. I was idiotic- why would we let a stranger explore the Capital all by herself? Raiden massaged his forehead trying to calm himself down from all the irritation he was feeling within himself that was brewing.

“We’ll find her Raiden- don’t worry.” Haichi smiled at him comfortingly as Raiden rolled his eyes a bit. “Of course we will- but seriously next time can you create a human leash based from a metal dog leash? She needs to be guarded constantly.” Raiden told him, slightly straining to be humorous.

~ Haichi’s perspective~

“Of course we will find her- she gets punished after this.” Raiden smirked and looked at him. “You should create a human leash so that she won’t be able to escape or misbehave.” He chuckled darkly.

End of Perspective:

“So . . . you’re helping out a friend of yours?” the young man quirked a brow at the young woman in front of him. “Yes so please come with me!” Cosette bowed her head ever so respectfully. “I’ve heard that excuse several times and then before I know it- many women try to jump on my bones.” The young man laughed a bit to which the lady blushed heavily in embarrassment.

She wasn’t a girl like that!

She considered herself as modest and kept to herself. She would never blatantly do such a thing like that, even when she was known to be an absolute beauty to people from far and wide places and often stole the hearts of young men, and sometimes even women!

However the blonde girl took it all in stride. She was calm and patient, she needed to do it so that her dear teammate would be able to join the guild and their team. She finally wished to have a fellow girl teammate. She looked at him with azure blue eyes in determination. “Please come with me unless you want to get hurt.” she threatened ever so daintily.