Chapter 669: I lied (1/2)
'One mess into the next. What's wrong with trying to procrastinate. Annoying,' paused on the sloped tiled roof, '-forgot about the invasion of Alphia. Arda's sorted for the unseen future. Mother will do a great job; the Federation will regain its strong core. The Wracia Empire's trouble, they've allied to a new continent. In a way, I can expect Alphia to join the Federation. Self-sustaining in a time of crisis won't be great. Hades' arrival couldn't have come at a better time. Great upheaval lingers.'
”Igna, Igna,”
”Where are you?”
”Igna?”
”Big brother?”
”Little pest?”
”Little pest?” the forehead crinkled, ”-Aunt Elvira…”
”Any idea?” wondered Julius.
”Call him,” said Eira.
”No need,” he leaped off the roof, ”-what's the matter, can't I have a rest?”
”No rest for you,” Courtney shook her fingers, ”-boy, we have much to discuss.” The somewhat silent backyard dismantled before his eyes. The close entourage of important figures sneakily guided him up the stairs, night fully settled as did the backdoor.
Not long after, a helicopter arrived for the Duchess, lady Elvira, and Shanna. Important matters were told over the phone. Hereon, the town-halls prior capacity eased to only a few. To help against the famine, Igna, on days of idleness, gave lessons on Dungeon Style Cooking. Eating monsters was a strange idea, still, many had tried in desperation. The last lesson ended on a simple spell, Monster Affliction, an incantation abled to prevent a monster corpse from disappearing. Alta handled most matters with flare and commendable stride. Her entourage grew by the addition of the traveler he met on the road.
'Oh crap, I forgot about Aceline and the other.' The next day rose in the company of a loud engine, the unconscious Eira, Julius, and Lizzie awoke to a change of scenery. ”What's this?”
”We're in Rotherham,” said Igna, ”-I asked for Éclair to hitch us a ride. You three were sound asleep, a little teleportation seamlessly helped us home.” The private runway held a few more planes readied to takeoff. The morning began at the sound of transported cargo. ”Not to be a pain, big sister, you ought to leave for Alphia right away. I heard things aren't looking great. Best be at his side and firm the vows of marriage. I doubt the latter to be public,” he grasped her hand, ”-congratulations and good luck on the new life, Empress.”
”Drop the title,” her cheeks flushed, ”-we're still family, don't forget it,” one arm wrapped around Igna whilst the other invited Julius and Lizzie, ”-come 'ere.”
”Good luck, big sister,” said Julius, ”-I hope you have a great life.”
”Same here,” smiled the slightly taller Lizzie, ”-have fun.”
”I will,” she stepped away, ”-Igna, truly, thank you for everything, I can finally face the future without regret.”
”Keep the gratitude, I'll require a few favors soon, trust me.”
The silvery hair swayed, ”-I'll be waiting,” her arm rose to Staxius's signature gesture. One moment present, the next, disappeared before a passing cargo relay cart.
”Cousin, I'm glad you were here.”
”Don't mention it, Igna. I'll head to the agency. You ghosted Aceline, she won't be happy.”
”Tell me about it,” and there he left hand in hand with Lizzie.
'I can finally breathe a sigh of relief,' the sleeping Vanesa showed no inkling of motion. '-Time to head out.' Once again, he stood solemnly in the company of his shadow. The trip proved useful in countless ways. Settled on an early promenade, the would-be hot sun but smiled coyly behind clouds.
Paint to the right, paint to the left, a dirtied unbuttoned white shirt floated about a focused artist buff body. Sculptures, statues, and paintings layered one above the other. An ajar window gave onto a foggy back alley. Footsteps ambered onto the polished floored corridor. A knock immediately reached for the handle, *click,* ”-I've brought breakfast.”
”Set it on the table.”
”Come on, you haven't eaten anything since last night. I don't care if the body is godly, taste the food, it's awesome.”
”Nike,” a harsh side-glance, ”-I need to prove my worth to that brat. I can't standby and allow for the work to be deemed trash. My pride as the goddess of arts and craft stands on the line.”
”Whatever dude. I tried to be a good friend… the straightforward approach is the reason why you're still a virgin.”
”EXCUSE YOU?” he coughed, ”-the hell you mean?”
”Chill, it's obvious.”
”Nike,” a tone of shock baffled the room, ”-have I heard such vulgar words from the mouth of a goddess?”
”Look down, we're not goddesses anymore. We're men, and I personally enjoy the chance of pace. No more being tactful, I can say whatever the hell I want. Besides,” he skipped closer, ”-thousands of years and not even once have you enjoyed the what the carnal pleasures have to offer.”
”Stop, I don't care for such trivial matters. True the gender has changed – however, I won't be prey to the vices of the mortal realm.”
”Boring.”
'What's his problem,' frowned Thena, '-I choose to be chaste. Besides, I won't so much care for the other gender. Focus on the paintings, I swore to have the boy sing my praise.'
Another pair of footsteps echoed along the corridor, one of which was drowned by the cacophony of morning shows. Feet on the table and snacks in hand, Thena's repulsed glance at Nike's laughter bore no response. The footsteps closed the gap till the door.
*Knock, knock,*
”Someone's at the door,” cried Thena.
”Answer it then,” replied Nike.
”DUDE I'M PAINTING.”
”You're close to the door. Move your arse and open it.”