Destiny Voyage (Completed)

Convincing Cats Part II

Destiny Voyage- Convicing Cats Chapter 3.2

She barely stopped her mouth from sputtering out in shock. Three days?! That amount of time seemed impossible- the Capital was so huge and she barely knew any of the routes.

Yet she had already agreed to it and so Sora simply bowed her head, her brown hair falling on her face a bit. The guild master handed her another piece of paper with the words: ACCEPTED and shush her out of her office with her magenta colored lips smile.

“I’ll be expecting you pretty soon Sora- I have high hopes for you darling~”she bided out to her as a short farewell,her delicate fingers waving at the youngster.

Meanwhile, her teammates were waiting just outside for their hopefully new team member. Actually they all had different feelings, each one of them wishing different things. Cosette, now of course she did feel odd that Raiden and Sora were already that close. . .

It took her months before Raiden started opening up to her! However she was the sole female in their group, despite having another female may mean competition- she need not to worry. She was confident in herself and that Raiden liked her back, even more than he liked Sora.

Cosette really wanted to have a female teammate, it would mean more thinking than just brawn and brute force that Raiden often used and Haichi always relented. Those two knuckleheads were always getting themselves into trouble so she was glad that someone levelheaded was going to be in their group at last.

Now, Haichi had another set of feelings. He was unsure if Sora would be able to get in, there were a lot of complications and situations to consider. First of all, she did prove useful- using her own wits and available items to catch a thief that had made Raiden chase after the thief for some period. It meant she had more brains than Raiden in his opinion.

However, as the law had always stated, Merchants would provide their necessities and never in partaking a battle on their own. Of course having a team is some sort of loophole- but there was a reason for such a law. If a Warrior could fight their way out, perhaps with a rare Mystic or the Mystic healing the Warrior then they would become strong.

When aided by a Creativist like himself? The team would be unstoppable! However, a Merchant? What could she do? All Merchants do was get items, make items, sell items, profit from items, lose items- it was always about their produce and income. That was what only mattered to them, in his own observation.

It seemed Sora was an exception- despite the restaurant being pricy, she allowed them to eat there. Whether out of graciousness or being a pushover, it meant that money was not everything. It meant she was willing to spend her time on something more valuable, albeit killing monsters is not really a child play.

Honestly, he also felt embarrassed that he was unable to provide her adequate place to stay. He was concerned of what his parents’ reactions would be and did not consider that it would have led to some unwanted scenes and incidents with Sora and his dear friend Raiden. Sure he expected that they would be unable to get along but. . .

They were almost going to kiss in front of him when he arrived earlier in the morning- maybe even more if he had went a minute later or so. He was unsure of whether to trust Sora or Raiden on who actually started it or if it started at all, but what was important that Cosette did not have to see anything of it. Sure he would have gained a chance maybe?

Haichi just really wanted to be with his dear friends, and he wished that Sora could be included into those group of people who hold a special place in his heart.

Last was Raiden, he had kept a stoic and poker face while waiting for Sora. He wanted her out of their lives, he believed that she did not deserve to fight. Merchants were incapable to fight, she had to stay where she was born. For her own safety- it did not matter that he secretly wanted her to stay with them.

No meaning to that! He only wanted someone to clean his sword and wipe his other weapons, that was all. He did not remember or let the fact that they nearly kissed and slept beside one another get to his head at all. To tell the truth, it was quite disengaging. Even more that Haichi saw them and Cosette nearly did too.

A blush erupted on his cheeks as the frown on his face, tilted up just the littlest bit for the minute. He remembered last night, the way that she fell asleep and he comforted her with a song that he held quite dear. It soothed the young woman quite well, and then he carried her in his arms. To him, it was such a scene.

He would never admit it to anyone, but it felt like she belonged in his arms. Raiden already had some sort of protectiveness for the young brunette lady, but then again it was because she unknowingly showed her weak side- as a Warrior it was normal to feel obliged to help anyone who sought after their help.

Even more was the fact that she was a helpless lady. Well not entirely, he was impressed by how she had used her brain and managed to surprise the thief for the briefest moment and managed to get her money back . . . not entirely helpless but he would prefer her safety over his own goals. . .

“So how did it go?” Cosette looked up from where she was seated and saw her with a folder in hand. She immediately hid it in her bag.

“I’m in~!”Sora announced while showing off her paper.

Raiden gaped and Haichi had to close his mouth. “What did you do?”

“I have to do boring and simple missions first before becoming official.” She grinned slightly a bit worn out. “So you guys still have some time as a trio.”she smiled. “I better actually start working on it- I have a 3 day deadline!” she complained.

“So. . .?”Haichi started out a question.

“Um you guys better get onto your usual routine and I’ll see you at Raiden’s house tonight?” she smiled thinly.

“Oh okay.”Raiden nodded, “We better get assigned missions then you two.” He told his two members. “I’ll go to the tasking officers- you guys just wait here. See you later Sora.” He waved dismissively and left.

“I better get going two guys.” Sora smiled at them and started to walk away.

“I guess it’s just the two of us-“ Haichi started.

“Uh I just have one thing to ask of Sora- be right back.” Cosette quickly told Haichi and caught up to Sora.

“Um Sora-chan. . .?”she started out. The young woman looked back at her surprise “Yes?”she questioned.

“What did Miss Viola gave you as a mission?”Cosette asked quietly while eyeing the folder.

“Uh nothing- just boring and dull work.” Sora smoothly says and shrugged. “You can trust us Sora- we’re your teammates.”Cosette softly said.

“Haist. One can’t really hide from another woman no?”Sora sheepishly smiled and opened her folder to show the case.

Cosette’s eyes widened. “He is. . .”she stumbled over her own words.

“Should have dragged him out while he was asleep no?”Sora laughed somewhat croakily.

“Definitely.”Cosette replied and sweat-dropped. “Well I’ll keep an eye out for him as well.”she smiled softly. “Then electrocute him.” She finished daintily.

Sora cringed immediately,”Not necessary. He’s just needed to be captured and returned safely to his home.” Cosette’s mouth shaped into an ‘oh’and blushed madly. “I see- will talk to him then.”

“Thank’s Cosette for all your assistance.”the girl replied before closing the folder. “Well I better get going.”she told her and waved her hand.

“See you later.”

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

Sora really didn’t know where to go, it appeared like she was just going around in circles and lastly it seemed like she was finally getting lost as well. ‘Boy are you one lucky girl Sora.’ she thought to herself.

She looked up at the sky; it was slowly turning into a colorful array of oranges, blues and purples. The sun was slowly settling down in its place in between the mountains.

Sighing slightly to herself- She had to go back home to Raiden’s place. Sora then begun tracing her steps back almost literally.

Trying to find locations that she could remember . . . a flower boutique. Yes perhaps she did find myself enamoured with flowers in all honesty. What she told Cosette was a bit of an overstatement in the wrong direction.

There had been actually some outside displays of flower varieties that gave off sweet-smelling scents that made one want to stay in a garden or create one of your own.

Or in Sora’s case- find a flower field and roll around in the dewy grass. That was the life that had been so easy and pleasant; it wasn’t usually supposed to be that relaxed in reality.

Sora’s eyes fluttered slightly when she inhaled the pleasant smell of lavender and rosemary. The place had also included fresh herbs and even featured a cute little nook with tables and chairs if you order fresh steaming tea.

She smiled somewhat dopily just staring at the featured displays of pre-arranged bouquets of flower. Each flower was holding a special message to the one who understands their language.

Like the red rose, symbolizing a deep romantic love that was alive or blossoming depending if the rose was still a bud or had opened already.

Sora’s cheeks tainted slightly at the remembrance of last night. Clearly he had been very drunk to act in such a flirtatious manner.

She now then turned to leave but a figure just walked past her and entered the little boutique. The chimes of a tinkling little wind-pipes had sounded along with the bells to signal the presence of a guest.

It struck her in the last second as the door closed that it was him.

Those white silverish hair and that posture that exuded and oozed with confidence effortlessly.

Sora never expected to be this lucky. She saw him in just the first day. This must be too good to be true.

Quickly she went inside the boutique as well. It was actually quite bigger than it appeared- an extension of a second upper chamber had also been present.

The atmosphere had a lovely and bright fresh feeling despite it being nearly night. He was nowhere to be seen from here so Sora proceeded to head up into the second floor.

A male figure was in between of the stairs plus glass doors to the room in the second floor. “Um. . .”

“What are you doing here? Is there any invitation?” He questioned while looking down at her. ( Literally T.T )

“I’m just looking for someone.” Sora explained trying to be smooth as she twirled a brown lock with her finger, “Just let me look around quick.” she pouted her pink lips and tried to peer through the semi-translucent glass. The male blocked Sora’s view. “What gives?!” Sora sighed, grumbling under her breath.

“There is no one here that you are looking for.” He grunted and Sora quirked a brow at such an odd statement. “The only exit is downstairs- I’m sure that a young white-haired male is present here.”she crossed her lanky arms stubbornly and glared at him.

The man glared back with an extreme amount of venom. “What do you dare call the person?”he growled.

“R-Robin!”Sora stammered-shouted as a reply. “I’m looking for a man named Robin!” she firmly stated despite her wobbly knees shaking a bit and palms starting to sweat.

The male figure seemed to have cooled down somewhat oddly and shook his head. “Nope. No Robin here.”he answered as smooth as a butter.

Sora’s eyes narrowed at him. How could he have even known?! This guy was pretty suspicious or had a severe case of bipolarity.

He cleared his throat and he touched his ear for a second. “If you want to enter and see the person who is inside then go ahead little miss.”he bowed his head and opened the door.

Sora really felt nervous about the sudden shift of nature of the man but she decided to suck it up and entered the room.

Sweet melodic music welcomed the young lady as well the pleasant scent of rosemary and mint seemed to be filling the entire room.

“All the world is dear. . .

When my love is lying near. . .

Oh, to linger here,

Far from all I fear. . .

Hold me unto you

No one but you

No one but you. . .

Love is like sailing by moonlight

Reading the stars. . .

Navigating by night. . ”

His voice was so enchanting and spellbinding . . . like that of scintillating sirens from books, myths and tales of old. It was like she was frozen in place and unable to move but merely absorb the mesmeric voice of his as time simply stood still.

“How are you?”a soft and gentle voice woke me up from my stupor.

“Huh?”Sora blinked her eyes for a moment- clearly being lost in a daze before blushing stupidly.

“Sorry. . . you just played so well.”she stated with utmost sincerity, with a sheepishly smile. “Never thought you would have been into instruments.”Sora added quietly.

The man looked at her for a moment of slight confusion before simply smiling. “Please have a sit miss. . .?”he stopped for a moment and pulled a seat from a small table fit for two.

She blinked once. “Uh Sora.”she awkwardly replied and settled herself on the comfy chair.

“It’s nice to see guests every once in a while. I tend to keep myself recluse.”the young man explained as he picked up a tea kettle and poured some fresh hot tea onto a cup with saucer.

It was Sora’s turn to be a bit bespectacled at his statement remembering last night. “To keep away from women chasing you I suppose?”Sora probed.

He laughed quite melodically. “My oh my- you certainly have your own charm.”he told the girl as he served the cup for her and then poured his own. “I do have some admirers but I simply wish for them to appreciate beyond how I look.”he shared and sipped some of his tea.

“Just like you adored the playing of the piano. Music is a wonderful outlet of one’s soul. You can share how joyful or sorrowful you are even in a single line.”he continued as some waiters entered the vicinity.

They were served biscuits and a whole strawberry short cake. He rubbed the back of his nape and glanced at Sora with a sheepish smile. “I have a fondness for sweet food. I hope this does not upset any planned dinners.”he said as he sliced two pieces of cake and served it in plates.

Even his speaking voice was so alluring. “Ah no it won’t.”Sora smiled in return. He had been taking over the entire conversation but it seemed that he wouldn’t be going anywhere.

A very different aura from the male who had flirted ever so upfront albeit sweetly to the woman last night. It bothered her a great deal and still was quite attracted to this person’s way of dealing with her right now.

Despite his presence ever so comforting there must be things that she must accomplish. . . she must-

“May I ask why are you staying here in the Capital? You just arrived recently I perceive.”he had flung another way to keep the conversation flowing.

“Well . . . it had always been my dream to become more than what I had been born into.” Sora then paused for a moment not sure if she had to explain any further.

“Oh . . . and that is to become what?”” the man continued to question me.

“I’m not sure- I just know that I want to defend and contribute to our nation. Right now I am training to become a warrior. Recently I have joined a guild that was started by Guild Master Viola.”Sora finished somewhat reluctantly. ‘A mission to find and bring you to her. . . but I’m sure you just won’t plainly agree.’the young woman decided inwardly while looking at the current situation he was in.

“Wow that is such a very noble dream. You remind me of someone I once knew very well. . .”he spoke a bit somberly as she couldn’t figure out how my face looked at that moment.

“Your methods are a bit unconventional. Maybe you could practice medicine or creating gadgets to enhance our daily lives and maybe become a politician to gain significant influence no?”

“I really want to defend people from the gross nature of our world.”Sora replied grimly, her fingers twiddling as she tried to keep herself composed. A hesitant smile crossed her lips as she looked at him.

“Not much people are aware. . . or even believe in those monsters that you are speaking of.”he interjected, giving the young woman some pieces of fresh information as well as a very disarming smile that could make a girl swoon.

“I am simply not aware. . . I have had a real experience of sorts.”Sora spoke out slowly. If others had figured they might have taken her an asylum or experimented on so she had kept shut.

“Ah- I see.”the young man spoke quietly. “If I had only been present then that incident might have not occurred for you Sora.”he murmured quietly and look somewhat frustrated.

“Oh. . .Robin what matters now is in the present and I need you to come home now.”Sora whispered gently and held his hand.