29 The Chubby Boy (1/2)
When Arnin stepped into the large academy, what he noticed was the bustling of students going left and right. Kids were walking in groups, discussing different topics with passion. One could see their eyes blazing with fire, which showed that these were the newly accepted students. Other people who were a little older didn't have the same look. They were more serious and even somewhat dull, which distinguished them as returning students.
The robes everyone wore were very similar. They were white, however each of them had a large butterfly imprinted on the front and back, located on the chest and upper back respectively. The only difference that could be seem was the color of the butterfly. The robes that Lilise and Elidia wore had a green butterfly; the children walking by sometimes had green as well, or blue and many other colors. Arnin was the exception in the group of students. Not only did he not have a butterfly on his robe, but rather his robe itself was a navy blue color. There was a large black Moth on his chest and upper back, while the shoulders had an insignia with multiple marks. It was a robe that stood out quite a bit, even attracting some of the students.
”Who is that? Why is his robe different than ours?” The first student asked his friend. He carried a look of awe. He didn't know who Arnin was, but the different robe most likely signified something important.
”You don't know? That robe is only worn by the students of the Moth group. We can't compare to them, so don't make trouble.” The student friend quickly explained. Although they were all about the same age, these students had large mouths. They spoke loudly and because of the loudness of the first student, other people began to notice Arnin as well. This was the one thing Arnin wanted to avoid. Although he made trouble with some of the teachers, he wanted to stay low in the academy so that he could get his work done undisturbed.
”Let's go talk to him. He may become our friend.” Some of the students began to have ideas of befriending Arnin. They were young and they only thought about making friends with others, especially if they stood out. None were like the sly old foxes which would secretly scheme different ways to build a good relationship, and then use that to their advantage. These students had innocent thoughts of befriending the stylish Arnin.
”You go first.” The students began to bicker amongst themselves, which gave Arnin a headache. He decided to quickly leave the area and find his lodgings and also to get Lilise and Elidia sorted out.
”Lilise, Elidia, let's go find where you will be staying. I need to know where you will be so that if anything happens, I don't have to search aimlessly.” Arnin spoke with a dull expression before walking forward. The two girls nodded their head.
”Wow, do you guys see that tiger behind him? It's so cool.” Some of the children noticed Vilis walking in through the gates and couldn't help but gasp. They didn't seem to consider him a threat since he was in the academy.
”You guys want to go and pet him?” One of the boys asked his friends.
”You can go. I'm too scared.” His friends didn't follow his mindset however, the young boy was determined to pet Vilis.
He quickly followed behind Arnin with his fastest speed.
”Wait, hey!” Arnin turned around only to find a boy running towards him. The boy was around the same age as Arnin and had short brown hair. He was a little chubby which was clearly shown as he ran. His flabs vibrated like a bouncing water balloon. Wrinkles spread, and it looked quite hilarious. Arnin, didn't show much of an expression, however Lilise and Elidia found it hard to hold their laughter in.
”Yes?” Arnin asked. He wanted to quickly get things sorted out and begin cultivating. Also, he need to go and find out how his classes would work with the Mark Master task he was assigned. Plus, he need to quickly practice some more marks, since he had only succeeded in making one mark so far.
”Umm… can I touch your beast? Only for a sec, it won't take long.” The chubby boy asked with some hesitation. However, the more he looked at Vilis, the more excited he got.
Arnin smiled at the boy before nodding his head. It was only something simple as touching, and it would take about a second.
”Really? Haha!” The chubby boy's eyes began to sparkle as he walked towards Vilis. At first the beast growled, however Arnin glared at him, making the beast reluctantly agree. The chubby boy first placed his hand on the side before placing two hands, then he touched the fur with his head. Next thing you know, he is clinging onto Vilis.
”Haha! This feels so good. I could stay like this forever.” The chubby boy fell into his own dreams the second his whole body clung onto the beast. Vilis looked at Arnin for help, his eyes were becoming watery which could be interpreted as him saying, 'Get this kid off me!'.
Arnin walked over to the chubby kid before tapping his shoulder.
”You seem to really like beasts, huh?” Arnin noticed that the chubby kid did not show any fear. He looked at Vilis the way one would look at a lover.
”Of course! They are the greatest creatures in the world. If only I could be one too.” The chubby boy put on a face of sadness and reluctance. Arnin was surprised by his words, but he then thought of an idea.
”What do you think of my beast?” The chubby boy touched the fur once again before putting his face back onto Vilis.
”What do I think? If I wasn't a human boy, I would marry this beast. Wait, can I still marry him?” The boy began to seriously contemplate, which caused Arnin to become a little flabbergasted.
This kid was really weird, however Arnin noticed that he really did seem to like beast, although maybe a little too much.
”If you are interested, why don't you become my Beast sitter? You can look after him while I am busy. In return, not only will you be able to hang around my beast, but I can even teach a thing or two to you.” Arnin really needed to find someone to take care of Vilis. Because he would be going to classes and even working at the Mar Master department, Vilis might become irritated. If the chubby guy would look after him, then Arnin would be able to get rid of one problem off his shoulder.
”Really? Do you mean it? Do you truly mean it?” The boy's blue eyes sparkled when he heard what Arnin said.
”So, what's your name?” Arnin began to walk away while the chubby kid followed with his hand firmly planted onto Vilis, unwilling to let go.
”My name is Akig and I hail from the great village in the east.” Arnin didn't care where he came from. He nodded his head slightly before reaching an area where a long line was. Kids that wore the white robes stood in an orderly fashion, however it was filled with chatter. Arnin sighed when he saw how long the line was.