Love Poison No Cure Needed

Kayad's hunt 3.6

Kayad stared down at his phone at the blank screen. No new messages. Three days since he’d heard directly from Sorrel after he’d sent the message saying he would be working on his studies before the weekend. The only contact he’d had was an email that asked about the way of answering a particular alchemy question. When Kayad had responded to that email he’d received no other response.

When Kayad tried to call Sorrel the phone either rang out unanswered or went directly to message bank. Even the message bank was the default one as Sorrel obviously hadn’t thought to make a custom message.

Kayad hadn’t realised how horrid waiting could be. He’d waited before and it had been fine but now after having all but obtained what he wanted and then its sudden loss was particularly hard. He rather wanted to find a way to wreck whatever had taken Sorrel’s attention. If Alchemy ceased to exist, then there would be no distractions.

Still Kayad restrained his desire. For all that he wanted to eliminate the competition he wouldn’t malign Sorrel’s hard work.

Kayad decided that maybe there had been an issue with the phone and so he stood up and headed out of the Riven Time clubhouse. He made his way over to the Bloodied Petal club house and looked in. the sound of laughter and games could be heard from the back area. Kayad brushed his hand over one of Ivan’s tendrils in greeting before he headed further into the clubhouse.

In the back area he found all the members but Sorrel with the addition of Dimitri gathered around a large table with a board game spread out across it. Kayad waited for a lull in their actions before he asked, “Has anyone seen or heard from Sorrel recently?”

The room fell silent as the group turned to face Kayad. Then they collectively shook their heads before William added,” No, since he said he was going to study he’s been ghostly silent. I thought he was hanging out with you since he normally disappears for ages when that happens.” William shrugged but then frowned.

“I haven’t seen or heard from him since then either.” Kayad said. With a shake of his head as the group was apparently not going to be of help in Kayad search he turned away and left.

Once he exited the building, he looked over at Cleo but decided against asking. The dryads were a strange lot despite everything they would not say where Sorrel was since Sorrel hadn’t told him.

What was even more concerning was that Noir had been moving around to where Sephy had been watching for the vine and yet also hasn’t seen Sephy. Kayad had watched the club most of yesterday but hadn’t seen Sorrel. While he’d been told when he tried to enter that Sorrel was busy. Similarly, Sorrel’s bike remained parked at the back of the club the entire time.

As Sorrel wandered back towards the Riven Time clubhouse his phone dings, but it is not Sorrel’s tone. Resigned but seeking a distraction Kayad pulled the phone out. His eyes narrowed at the displayed sender.

Chen Yan was an Aquarian realm dragon. The water based Realmskin led the Thrashing Tide club and while not antagonistic with Kayad’s club they were not friends for casual conversation either.

Kayad clicked to open the message which simply said, ‘have you lost something?’

Kayad rolled his tongue across his teeth as he contemplated the viability of sea snakes for dinner. AS Kayad replied he changed direction crossing sideways through the BIRD to the entrance of the Thrashing Tide clubhouse.

“Sheesh, no need to be so serious. I promise he’s fine. Perfectly fine. I completely don’t know why he didn’t share, it's not like it's embarrassing.” Chen painted after he raced down to the entrance. He deftly grabbed the two sirens that had stepped out to meet Kayad and tossed them back through the door.

“I’m waiting.” Kayad replied though his tone was not as dark, and he slightly relaxed his tense shoulders.

“He’s been swimming at the Pacific Aquatica or more specifically from what I overheard he’s been learning to swim like a human.” Chen explained as he pulled his phone out and showed Kayad a photo of Sorrel floating in the pool while listening intently to the words of a Selkie and Gorgon who floated next to him.

“Eddy and Meg are nice and decided to help out.” Chen explained and then added at the sight of Kayad’s darkening face, “They’re a nice couple, engaged since young and very happy with it. Absolutely no interest in romancing anyone else. I swear.” Chen held a hand up by his head as he clarified.

Once again Kayad relaxed the dark look fading while he in turn felt disappointed in himself. He should have been aware that Sorrel wouldn’t have covered swimming yet since that Sorrel had not participated in the first round of swimming competitions in the summer because of that.

“can you take me tomorrow?” Kayad asked. He wouldn’t let Sorrel see him, and potentially be upset that what he’d been disguising was uncovered. He just wanted to check on him. Just wanted real reassurance that he was fine.

“Sure, I’ll let you know when to meet me.” Chen shrugged easily and then waved when Kayad turned to go. Kayad headed back to his room to get his bathers out while he contemplated which disguise charm to wear. It couldn’t be too extravagant as that would trigger the protections at the private pool, but he needed something subtle but sufficient to prevent Sorrel recognising him at a glance.

It would be best if he changed not only hair and eye colour but also skin colour so that no twinges of recognition would come through when they went to the amusement park. This way Kayad would have the chance to get a read on Sorrel’s level and then he would know how to help without making Sorrel feel like he was being catered to.

After pulling out the small crate from his wardrobe Kayad pawed through it for a moment tossing aside one charm after another aside until he settled on one that turned his hair blonde, his eyes blue and gave him a warm sun-touched skin colour. Yes, that would do nicely.