King

CHAPTER XIV

Since we didn’t have much to do, Al decided that we should probably have our check-up. He wanted to check if there were any changes in our body and in our magic.

“Alright, Elle, you go first,” Al said and I walked to a chair.

They placed some wires on my body and stared at the monitor. After a few minutes they removed the wires and let me go. Zyn was next and they did the same thing.

“It seems that both of you grew stronger. Your mana’s seem to have increased over the past few days.” Al said with satisfaction.

“What about you, Al?” Zyn suddenly said after Al’s announcement.

“What about me?” Al asked with his eyebrows furrowed.

“Aren’t you going to have your check-up?” Zyn asked with his eyebrow raised.

“Why would I need that?” Al asked after scoffing.

“You’ve been stressed lately,” Zynrick said with concern.

“I don’t need a check-up. I’m fine.” Al said and attempted to leave but Zyn stopped him by grabbing his arm. Al glared at Zynrick but he didn’t budge. Al was about to say something when I intervened.

“Come to think of it, you’ve gotten thinner over the past month. You even look pale now.” I said while examining his figure.

Now that Zyn recommended that Al needs to have a check-up, I realized that he’s always put us first. Though he seems like he doesn’t care it just sunk in my head that he was actually taking care of us properly.

“You’re just overthinking,” Al said and rolled his eyes before shaking Zyn’s hand from his arm.

“Al, you need to have your check-up.” Zyn insisted. I could hear the concern in his voice as he said that.

“Zyn’s right, you need to take care of yourself,” I added, hoping Al would listen this one time.

“If I go will you two stop bothering me about?” Al asked after releasing a sigh.

“Yes,” Zyn and I said.

“You’re telling me to have my check-up when you practically are one of the reasons why I’m stressed.” Al whispered before adding, “Get prepared. We’re going in an hour.” After saying that he walked out of the door.

“I didn’t need to hear that,” I whispered before leaving to get myself prepared.

We arrived in the hospital and I was amazed. “So, this is what a hospital for humans look like,” I whispered in pure awe at the improvement.

“Yeah, it’s not that different from what the lab offers us,” Zyn said casually.

“What do you mean by that? The technology and equipment we use for you are more advanced than what an average hospital can offer.” Al said. He sounded offended by what Zyn said.

“Then why don’t you have your check-up at the lab?” I asked because it really was way more advanced then we shouldn’t have gone through the trouble to get here.

“It’s for people like you,” Al said, “It’s not for humans,”

“Oh,” I said because there was nothing else I could say.

“We’ll wait for you here,” Zyn said when we arrived in front of a door. There were long chairs lined up from one side of the hall way and we sat there as Al went inside.

 “Hey, Zyn, is being a human that different from being someone with powers and magical abilities?” I asked because I don’t get the reason for building a different facility for humans alone.

“Well, yeah, they’re weaker. They’re also defenseless. Why are you asking me this? Weren’t you with humans before?” Zyn said in an uninterested tone but I didn’t mind.

“Well, yeah, I know that they’re a whole lot weaker than humans but I don’t see that much of a difference between our races.” I answered honestly. Though humans think that we look down on them some of us actually see them as an equal.

“That’s true,” Zyn said before silence before silence enveloped the both of us.

After a few minutes of waiting, Al came out of the room and approached us.

“You’re done?” Elle asked as we walk down the hall.

“Yeah,” Al answered while rubbing his nape.

“What did they say?” Zyn asked with concern.

“Well, the doctor said that I should take some medicine and rest. He also told me to stop stressing myself.” Al said answered and Zyn nodded.

““Did he prescribe any medicine?” Zyn asked while eyeing the paper in Al’s hand.

“Yeah, we’ll have to buy them at the pharmacy.” Al said and gave Zyn a piece of paper

I looked at the paper Al gave Zyn and my eyebrows immediately met.

“I couldn’t understand anything,” I thought while looking at it. I’m sure that I know how to read but what the hell are those scribbles? Is this how people write in their era?

 “What do we do after that?” I asked while looking at them alternately.

“We’ll go home,” Al said making me frown. We went out of the lab only to go back there again.

I was about to protest when Zyn said something, “Let’s grab a meal before going home,” He said and I felt a little bit better. At least we won’t go back immediately.

We bought medicines at the place they call pharmacy. I looked at the medicines and I was amazed that there were different kinds. I didn’t know that medicine can be compressed into tablet nor are they turned into liquid.

“Where do you want to eat?” Al asked as we wait for a ride.

I shrugged because I don’t know anything about this place aside from the places we went to.

“Zyn, you choose, you were the one who proposed it,” I said because it doesn’t seem like Al had any intentions of thinking of a place to eat at.

“What about a ramen house?” Zyn asked while looking at me.

“Why would you choose a ramen house?” Al asked with his eyebrows furrowed.

“Why are you disagreeing? You asked us,” Zyn asked and squinted his eyes at Al.

“Fine,” Al said surrendering quickly. I was actually surprised that Al didn’t fight Zyn this time.

After deciding to eat at a ramen house, we rode a taxi.

“I didn’t know the Kingdom of the Rising Sun became part of this country,” I said when we got out of the taxi.

“They didn’t,” Zyn said making me look at him.

We entered the place and it had such a strong Rising Sun feel to it.

“Is this a gift to the person you call the president?” I asked because it was beautiful. It captured the feel of the kingdom of the Rising Sun.

“No, someone just got inspired with the food and decided to build their business with the theme of the Kingdom of the Rising Sun.” Al explained making my jaw drop.

This era truly is amazing.

“Okay, that’s so convenient. Now, I don’t need to go to the Kingdom of the Rising Sun if I want to eat their food.” I commented after we settled on a spot to seat on.

We ordered and I was amazed by the taste of the food they served us.

“I can’t believe it tastes better than the ramen I used to eat whenever I visit the Kingdom of the Rising Sun.” I said out loud after eating. Zyn chuckled while Al just shook his head in embarrassment.

After eating we headed out. We also decided to walk to the lab even though it was far away. Of course, Al protested but Zyn and I won anyway.

While waiting for our turn to cross, my attention was grabbed by the news that was being shown on one of the public building television.

“Why does he look familiar?” I said when I saw a man being interviewed.

“That’s Emperor Nuan Zhang of the Kingdom of Ping Deng,” Al explained.

I started at the screen intently as I try to recall why he looks so damn familiar.

“You probably know him from your time.” Zyn said. He probably noticed that I was trying my best to remember who that man is.

“Well, he’s been the emperor of Ping Deng for the past thousand years. He’ll definitely look familiar to you.” Al explained. Now, we were all looking at the screen.

“No, wonder he looks that old,” I couldn’t help but comment.

While we were busy looking at the screen people were starting to bump onto us so we looked ahead and realized that it was already time to cross the road. We were quietly walking when loud music caught my ear. I turned around and saw a colorful place. It was glowing with different colors inside. It also looks like people were having fun inside so I pulled Zyn and Al beside me.

“What’s that place?” I asked while pointing at it.

“It’s an arcade. It’s where children play.” Zyn answered while looking at it.

“Let’s go inside,” I said. It looked so fun inside.

“I didn’t know that you’d be attracted by a place like this,” Zyn commented but I just ignored him.

“It’s for children, Elle,” Al said making me turn my head towards him.

“I don’t care. I just want to experience it.” I said while glaring at him. We didn’t have this during our time so I can’t help but want to go in.

“Give her a chance to have her fun. We’re taking this day as a break anyway.” Zyn defended. I gave Al a victorious expression and he rolled his eyes at me.

“I know that we’re taking a break but we’re already old.” Al said and placed his hands on his pockets while looking at the arcade.

“The doctor said that you should relax. Let’s go in, it looks fun inside.” I said and grabbed his arm to pull him inside but he shook me away.

“No,” He said firmly and started to walk away.

“I’m trying to help you relax. This is why you’re always stressed.” I said while following him.

“This isn’t my type of relaxation. It’s for kids.” He said.

“You’re just no fun. No wonder you look like an old man,” I said and stopped walking.

Al stopped after hearing what I said. He turned around and walked towards me before saying, “Fine,”

I excited pulled him with me. When we got inside we saw Zynrick holding coins inside.

“Why are you ready with tokens?” Al asked while looking at Zyn.

“I knew Elle could drag you in here.” Zynrick said making Al shake his head.

“Let’s go play,” Zyn said and gave me a bunch of coins.

We went to different games and I can tell we all had fun.

“I didn’t know you have such a bad aim,” Zynrick commented while we shoot basket ball balls in the moving ring.

“Shut up,” Al said and continued to shoot balls but he kept on missing.

“This game is rigged!” He complained when he got the lowest score.

“Let’s go to a different one,” He said and walked away. Zyn and I looked at each other and laughed before tailing Al.

We then tried DDR and it was fun. I didn’t know that Al was amazing at it. Since I was the one who sucked at it Al and Zyn competed with each other. I didn’t know that they were amazing at that game.

We continued to play games and when it was already late we decided to leave. We won a few tickets and decided to exchange it with a bear. Though we exchanged it, no one wanted to take it so when we saw a kid crying to her mom for a teddy bear we decided to give it to her.

“I told you it was fun,” I said when we were finally outside.

“Fine, you’re right,” Al admitted. He had a smile on his face. It was the first time I saw him smiling and he actually looks cute.

“I’m hungry,” Zyn suddenly said while rubbing his stomach.

“Why don’t we eat before going back to the lab?” I suggested and they both nodded in agreement.

“Alright, but I’m picking the place,” Al said and we didn’t complain.

“Where do we eat, then?” Zyn asked as we wait to a taxi.

“The Blood Rose,” Al answered making Zynrick’s eyes grow wide.

“But it’s expensive there,” Zyn said while looking at Al but Al just looked unbothered.

“It’s fine. We can splurge once in a while,” Al casually. He even shrugged his shoulder.

“Fine, as long as you’re paying,” Zyn said and looked away.

 Al rolled his eyes and said,“I pay for everything if you’re forgetting,”

“Oh, yeah,” Zyn said and chuckled. Al just rolled his eyes at Zyn and hailed a cab.

Once we got inside, I felt underdressed. Everyone was wearing a fancy dress or a tuxedo. I looked at what we were wearing and it was just casual clothing. I somewhat felt uncomfortable when people were looking at us.

“Are you alright?” Zyn asked and I nodded even though I wasn’t.

I could still remember that I was never underdressed. Though I have my memories sealed I could still remember Athaeas telling me that appearance matters. That carrying yourself is one of the most important things when being with people of higher positions and just by looking at the people here, I can tell that they were powerful.

“Well, you look uncomfortable,” Zynrick said but I just smiled.

“It’s fine,” I said while trying to ignore the gazes of the people around us.

“Don’t feel uncomfortable. They’re staring because of me so don’t worry.” Al said confidently.

“Why would they stare because of you?” I asked.

“Sir,” I heard someone call out. I then saw a butler standing in front of us. “I see that you have company.” He said and looked at Zyn and I.

“Is it the usual spot?” He asked and Al nodded.

“Please follow me,” He added and walked ahead of us.

As we follow him I noticed that the place we entered doesn’t have a lot of people.

“Here you are, sir. Do you have any requests?” He asked while looking straight at Al.

“I’ll just have the menu,” Al answered and the butler left.

“Why do you have a butler here?” I couldn’t help but ask.

“He’s not a butler. He’s a waiter.” Al answered and took a sip of the wine that was in front of us.

“Why does it seem like he knows you? Are you a regular here?” I asked and he answered with a nod.

“I’m one of the valued customers here. This place is for people of position and I’m one of the head researchers in the Magic Reservation Centre. I’m also the son of the most amazing doctors in Cleindor. Of course, I’ll be treated specially.” He said with confidence. My jaw dropped at what he said. I didn’t know that he was this important.

After that conversation, we ordered our food and had a few small talks. We were talking about the games we played in the arcade when the butler came with our orders.

“The food is amazing,” I said when we were done eating.

“Everything you eat tastes amazing to you,” Al said while looking at his phone.

“That’s because we don’t have any of this before.” I defended.

“Well, it’s good that you appreciate what our era has to offer.” Zyn said and smiled at me.

“Should we leave?” Al said while looking at us.

“Okay, but let me go to the washroom first.” I said and stood up.

“Alright,” Al said and called the waiter.

After doing my business, I got out of the washroom. As I was walking towards our table, I accidentally bumped onto someone. I looked up and apologized but he just squinted his eyes at me.

“Watch where you’re going, miss,” He said and walked away.

I followed him with my gaze and saw that he walked towards the emperor we were talking about earlier. I noticed that he whispered something to the emperor and the emperor looked at me. I immediately lowered my gaze and quickly returned to where Al and Zyn are.

“What’s with the face?” Zyn asked while looking at me.

“I bumped onto someone on the way here. I didn’t know who he was but it seems like he’s close to the Emperor we saw on the television.” I said. I thought Al would scold me or say something but he just calmly stood up.

“Don’t worry about it. It was probably just a petty servant. Besides, the emperor wouldn’t get mad nor will he do anything to you because of such a small thing. He’s a wise and calm man.” Al said. “Let’s leave. I’m tired.”

“Okay,” I said and we left.

When we arrived at the lab I thought we would immediately go back to our respective rooms but Zyn and I were surprised when Al suddenly said, “Thank you,” while smiling at us.

“Oh my gosh, is that you?” Zyn teased while acting surprised.

“I didn’t know you could make that kind of expression.” I teased as well.

Al’s face turned red by our teasing and he yelled, “Shut the f**k up!”

“Just go to sleep,” He said and walked away.

Zyn and I looked at each other. “I guess this is good night then,” Zyn said and I nodded.

“Yeah, sleep well.” I said and went to my room.

I was preparing to go to sleep when I heard someone knock on my door. I opened it and saw Erin standing there with a shy smile on her face. “May I enter?” She asked when I just stared at her.

“Yeah, of course,” I answered. “What made you visit?” I asked as we sat on my bed.

“Do you not want me here?” She asked and I immediately shook my head.

“It’s not that. It’s just that, it’s been a while since we talked.” I answered a bit awkwardly.

She smiled at me and said, “Yeah, that’s true. I just came because I wanted to, you know, catch up.”

“Sure, what do you want to talk about?” I asked and she started telling me stories and gossips. I don’t know what time we went to sleep but when we did I was able to sleep soundly.

“I hope when we finally find Athaeas we’ll have more days like this.” I whispered before drifting off to sleep.