Mega Dragon: Harbinger of Death

THE BALL (2)

“Wait, you think Ara and Zenon have a thing for Aroha?” Vela asked. But she seemed less surprised than they expected.

“Yes. And I got all jealous and lashed out. Wait, why don’t you seem surprised? I expected like a heavy gasp from you or something?” Zhiyi asked. Even Aroha, who minutes ago would have wanted the earth to swallow her, was interested in Vela’s answer.

“I can certainly see why. I wouldn’t be surprised if it were any of you. Besides, why do you think the king wanted you two in the capital so badly?” Vela said.

It was the first time they had heard that. King Reagan Croft was trying to matchmake his son Ara with one of the Renoff daughters? Why didn’t their parents ever mention it?

“Oh, don’t be surprised you’re hearing it for the first time. The grand healer was the one who mentioned it. Apparently, it was a personal conversation between her and the king. I doubt Ara even knows about this either,” Vela added.

Aroha and Zhiyi were silent for a while. They knew how much the king admired their parents but not to this extent. While it might have been good news to Zhiyi before, she knew that Ara was interested in Aroha and not her. The same with Zenon as well.

“Which begs the question, which one will you be going with to the ball?” Vela asked.

“There’s a ball?” Aroha asked. They had been so engulfed in their training that they had almost lost all contact with the outside world. They hadn’t received not sent a letter to their parents in the past week. But a ball at such an ominous time seemed too brazen. Foolish even.

“There’s so much going on. The contest coming up is enough of a headache and now the capital is planning a ball? Don't you think it unwise? I think we're being too relaxed here,” Zhiyi said.

Vela was amused. Maybe because it had a while but Aroha and Zhiyi were new to the ways of the capital. King Reagan Croft would never allow his hands to be forced. Except in the case of an all-out war, he would never change his plans. Things must go as usual. He would never let his enemies perceive him as weak. A stubborn man he was. But so far, it had always worked out. One way or the other Croft kingdom had always solved their problems, and this time wasn’t looking any different.

“What would you have the king do? Cancel all plans? Be on constant watch? Planting fear in the hearts of the people? That would be exactly what the enemy would want, hence their incessant, yet futile attacks,” Vela said. She wasn’t really trying to convince them. She just found debating with Zhiyi a fun sport. Aroha wasn’t the type to keep up with a debate. She’d either resort to trading fists, throwing a fit, or walking away entirely. Although the last option was a rare occurrence. She would start with throwing a fit and most times ended up throwing her fists. Zhiyi was the more reasonable one.

“That is saying that we know what the enemy’s intention is. For all we know, we could be playing right into their hands. They are aware that the king wouldn't budge and they are operating under that cover. Don't you think that the atmosphere we’re providing is allowing them move freely?” Zhiyi said. Without her knowledge, she was playing right into Vela’s hands.

Vela also believed that they were being too carefree. They might have two of the most powerful people on all of Maori, but the enemy was well aware of that before they staged repetitive attacks on the capital. It didn't stop them in any way and they were still at large. It terrified Vela sometimes that they might have found a way to deal with the two – Ara and Zenon. If that was the case, then there was no one else that couldn't take care of, even though they were still many competent warriors in Croft kingdom.

“You're right. But if there's one thing we know, it's what we want to do. And that is to host a ball and a contest after. If it coincides with what the enemy wants, that's their problem. If they get in our way, we simply take care of them,” Vela said. She was seconds away from bursting into a peal of laughter. Zhiyi could see that much.

“You're messing with me, aren't you?”

“Of course. And by the way, I wholesomely agree with you. But, I don't make the rules. If you have a problem with it, you know who to talk to. I'm sure he'll grant you an audience,” Vela teased, but she wasn’t lying either. The king would grant an audience to either of the Renoff girls in a heartbeat. But Zhiyi would never go that far. Aroha on the other hand was a different matter. But she was more concerned about something else – as Vela had rightly asked, who would she go with you the ball of both prince Ara and prince Zenon approached her. All the girls in Croft kingdom would be dying to go with any of the two princes but there was a high chance that both of them would ask her. What a life!

“So, Aroha. Back to my question. Which one? Or do you have no preference?” Vela asked.

“Can't we just go back to training?” Aroha cried.

“We could. But only after you answer.”

“I haven't really thought about it. But maybe---”

“Zenon,” Aroha and Zhiyi chorused.

She could read her sister like a book. Well, anyone with half a brain and at least one eye could see the chemistry between those two. Especially after the last time. If Ara had any intention of getting Aroha, then he would seriously have to step up his game.

Somehow, Zhiyi found herself rooting for Ara. She really didn't know why, but she favored the idea then she did of Aroha and Zenon, even though that was the ship currently sailing. She wasn't sure if she wanted to interfere or not, but she certainly enjoyed being a spectator. That would not last for long, however.

“I see. This year's ball should be fun. The king is even going as far as to invite a few other kingdoms. Talk about being reckless because you have a son,” Vela goaded. But it wasn't just any son. It was Ara Croft. And it was more than enough reason to be reckless.

The girls hadn’t talked for too long when they were joined by Ara and Kiro.

“Where’s Zenon?” Ara asked.

“Just left. He needed a rest I believe,” Vela replied. Their conversation had made Aroha too shy to utter a word.

“Kiro, who are you taking to the ball?” Zhiyi asked. She needed to take the attention away from Ara.

“A ball? Where?” Kiro was just as lost as they were.

Of course. He was in the same training camp as them. He was out of touch with the world as well. Seeing how much he lacked in etiquettes, she wasn't sure he was into those sort of things.

“Would you mind going with me?” Zhiyi asked much to everyone's shock. Except for Kiro. If he was surprised, then he was doing an excellent job at hiding it.

“Sure,” he replied blandly.

Vela and Aroha were dumbfounded. But Zhiyi had to. She didn't want to be caught up in their love web. Maybe she might have a chance in the future, but not because one of them couldn't get Aroha. Or at least not immediately. She needed her space and a clear head and Kiro would give her just that. She wasn't emotionally attached to him and he didn't seem like he was into her either. He didn't seem to be into anyone in fact. Or anything. And he certainly was presentable if he touched himself up a bit. He could even be considered attractive if he had a more friendly expression on his face. It was different from Aroha’s angry countenance. It was depressing. Although now they could blame it on the training, he had always been like that since the day they saw him. Maybe he just wasn’t cut out for the hard work. He should have been born a noble then. Life didn't allow people of his class such luxury.

“Oh wow. My student for a date before I did. I should find a way to punish you,” Ara teased, but it became a thing of worry when he began to squeeze Kiro’s neck with his arm a little too tightly.

“So, Aroha. What do you say? Would you accompany his awesomeness to the ball?” Ara said with one of his many poses.

There it was. Ara proposed. If he had done it less annoyingly, maybe she would have been flustered. But his dramatic acts snapped her back to her senses. She wanted to turn him down immediately but thought against it. What if Zenon didn't propose or was already taken? She wouldn't be able to go back to Ara. And even though she had the best options that Maori had to offer they probably were her only options. She would have to go to the ball alone or worse, not go at all!

Wait, why was she so worried about the ball? In the past, she would have cared less about a social gathering, but every bit of her wanted to attend. She was thrilled by the idea. How had the capital courier corrupted her so quickly? Maybe next time she would try to fight it. It was too late now. She could always try another time, but there was no way she would miss the ball.

“Yes,” Aroha replied. Vela and Zhiyi were stunned by her answer. She certainly preferred Zenon, so what changed? They expected that she would try to stall by telling him she would think about it or something. But she just gave a straight answer. Yes!

“I look forward to giving you a pleasant outing,” Ara grinned. It was at times like this that she remembered he was a prince. His chivalry and charm screamed royalty. And he was inordinately confident – arrogant. But not without reason. His was surely justified.

It hadn’t been long when Ara proposed that Zenon showed up. From how stiff the air was, he could tell something was up, but he decided against asking. It didn't look like they wanted him to know.

“I'm back,” he said. The air grew even stiffer. “What did I miss?” he ended up asking.

“Zhiyi asked me to the ball, I said yes. Ara asked Aroha, she said yes. I guess that's about it,” Kiro said with his usual disregard for awkward moments.

Zenon looked a little disappointed. He was going to ask Aroha about her believed he had time. He didn't want to distract her and he ended up losing her all together. Had he and Ara discussed this, he would have known his plans and they would have come to a decision before then. He was certain Ara was aware of his interest and he was aware of his. But why were they avoiding the topic? Not once had they brought it up.

Even Kiro could see the disappointment in Zenon’s eyes. “You need not worry. You're not the only one here who doesn’t have a date. Vela here is still single,” Kiro said innocently, but the scorn in their eyes should have been enough of a message to shut him up. Rather, he decided to try to fix the situation himself.

“Besides, a hotshot like could easily get a date. I was just lucky that Zhiyi decided to ask me. As weird as that is.”

“Kiro, you can stop talking now,” Zhiyi said. She finally saved him from his own self.

“I know you’ve already said yes to Ara, but I’ll take my chances. Will you go to the ball with me, Aroha?”