Chapter 11: In the Heart of the Tower
Zayn awakened, nestled within the playful embrace of the Nimbus. As his eyes blinked open, he was greeted by the sight of the sentient cloud gently undulating around him. It was as if he were cradled in a soft bed, cushioned on all sides by billowing puffiness. The cloud mimicked Zayn's emotions, morphing into shapes that reflected his whims - a comforting, nonverbal communication that deepened their unique bond.
Leisurely, Zayn stretched and rose, extricating himself from the playful cocoon of the Nimbus. He was greeted by the sight of Yajirobe, the bulky, rough-edged samurai he'd seen in the anime.
Zayn remembered Yajirobe as a bit of a glutton, always prioritizing his own survival. The reality of the man in front of him matched his recollection, his scruffy appearance and unrefined demeanour. There was an undercurrent of unease in their interaction, a friction that seemed to emanate from Yajirobe.
"Well, looks like you're finally awake," Yajirobe grumbled, peering at Zayn. "Korin wants me to show you around."
Zayn nodded, even as he felt a mild discomfort. He knew it wasn't possible to be liked by everyone, but the tension was palpable. As Yajirobe led the way, Zayn followed, Nimbus frolicking by his side, sensing his uncertainty.
"Here's the living quarters. Not much to see. You've already met Korin. This is where I stay," Yajirobe pointed to a door slightly ajar, the room beyond cluttered and chaotic.
As they ventured deeper into the tower, Yajirobe's gruff exterior slowly softened, unveiling the loneliness masked beneath the rugged veneer. The man was an enigma, his rough edges concealing a hidden depth Zayn hadn't anticipated.
"This here is the kitchen," Yajirobe said, his eyes lighting up with anticipation. "Best part of the tower, if you ask me."
As they explored further, the Nimbus darted towards an area Yajirobe was hesitant to approach. In front of them was a room radiating an ethereal glow, filled with what looked like small, plump legumes. Zayn recognized them immediately as Senzu Beans, the magical cure-all of the Dragon Ball world.
"Hey, hey! Nimbus, no! He's not supposed to go there!" Yajirobe protested, trying to intercept. But the Nimbus only billowed defiantly, parting to let Zayn see the beans. There was a brief standoff between the samurai and the cloud, an uneasy tension filling the air. Finally, Yajirobe backed down, grumbling under his breath.
"Alright, fine! You've seen it now, happy? Just don't touch anything," he said begrudgingly, a hint of defeat in his eyes.
From Yajirobe's perspective, the outsider seemed more threatening now, displaying an uncanny affinity with the Nimbus cloud. He couldn't comprehend why the cloud, so unyielding to him, would submit to Zayn. His instinctual wariness of Zayn amplified with each passing moment. Zayn had insinuated himself into their lives, even managed to charm the Nimbus cloud. He couldn't help but feel a prickling sensation of fear and jealousy. 'Who was this man, really? This isn't a homeless shelter so why are we starting to home weirdoes now.'
The air of mystery surrounding Zayn was unsettling, leaving Yajirobe grappling with an onslaught of unnamed fears and mistrust.
Zayn couldn't ignore the wave of discomfort that washed over him as he picked up on Yajirobe's passive-aggression. It was like a persistent undercurrent, subtle but undeniable. Despite this, he found within himself a sense of indifference towards the samurai's petty attempts at unsettling him. Yes, it was annoying, even slightly grating on his nerves. However, Zayn knew he had more pressing concerns. He couldn't afford to get embroiled in needless conflict. His focus was survival and understanding this world better, not winning the favor of an individual who seemed intent on misunderstanding him. So, despite the prickling annoyance Yajirobe instilled in him, Zayn chose not to let it consume his thoughts. He would maintain his distance, observe, learn, and keep moving forward.
The Nimbus cloud, with its whimsical dances and playful attitudes, provided a comforting presence amidst the tension. It seemed to grasp his predicament, aiding him in ways that surprised even Zayn.
Despite the underlying friction, Yajirobe and Zayn shared a meal in silence. Zayn pondered his place in this world, where he was simultaneously a stranger and yet strangely familiar to its magical elements.
After the meal, Yajirobe withdrew to his quarters. Zayn, left to his own devices, decided to explore further, the Nimbus accompanying him. In every corner, he found traces of the extraordinary. Artifacts that defied the laws of physics, items infused with magic beyond his comprehension. All the while, the Nimbus guided him around the tower, its movements echoing his excitement and curiosity.
At the sound of a rustling noise, Zayn turned to see Korin emerging from the shadows. The wise feline observed him, eyes glinting with intrigue. "You've caused quite a stir today, Zayn," he began, his voice smooth yet firm. "I noticed Yajirobe's reaction to your interaction with the Nimbus."
Zayn shrugged, a nonchalant edge to his voice as he responded. "Yajirobe seems wary, but I can't concern myself with his insecurities. Trust is a two-way street, and it'll come in due time, if it's meant to."
Korin nodded, his feline features taking on a thoughtful expression. "Yajirobe has always been a solitary man, suspicious of newcomers. The Nimbus' affinity towards you, something he's long coveted, didn't help matters."
There was a pause, during which Zayn thought about what Korin had said. The silence was finally broken by Korin. "You shouldn't let it bother you, Zayn. Yajirobe might appear rough around the edges, but he's not a bad person. Give him time, he'll come around."
Zayn, for 2 seconds mulled over Korin's words that he did not ask for, and then his thoughts drifted back to the practicalities of his new life. "Korin," he began, looking towards the sage cat, "I've been meaning to ask, I need to visit a city nearby to pick up some supplies. Could you direct me to the closest one?"
Yajirobe, overhearing the conversation, snorted from his corner. "Not your babysitter," he grumbled, his tone dismissive. "Go ask that Nimbus of yours, it seems to be all over you anyway."
Zayn rolled his eyes, deciding not to rise to Yajirobe's petty remark. Instead, he turned back to Korin, awaiting his response.
Korin simply chuckled at Yajirobe's comment before answering. "West City isn't far from here. You should be able to find everything you need there. Do you need me to draw a map or something?"
Zayn shook his head, "No, that's okay. As long as you point me in its general direction, I think I can manage." He appreciated Korin's offer but preferred relying on his own skills.
Korin obliged, providing Zayn with a basic understanding of the direction towards West City. With a nod of appreciation, Zayn turned towards the Nimbus, which had been frolicking nearby. It stilled at his approach, solidifying into a sturdy cloud beneath him. With a final glance at Korin and Yajirobe, he hopped onto the Nimbus.
As the cloud effortlessly lifted off the ground, Zayn felt a thrill of excitement surge through him. The wind brushed against his face, the landscape below shrinking as he ascended higher. With the tower growing smaller behind him, he began his journey towards West City.
As the silhouette of Zayn on the Nimbus became a speck in the sky, Korin turned to Yajirobe. The gruff warrior was standing with his arms crossed, his expression an intricate mix of annoyance and something that Korin recognized as begrudging concern.
"Yajirobe," Korin started, his voice gentle yet firm, "You've been quite bitter about Zayn's arrival. Is there something you're not saying?"
Yajirobe huffed, shuffling his feet in apparent discomfort. "It's nothin'," he mumbled, refusing to meet Korin's gaze.
Korin didn't respond immediately, instead, choosing to patiently wait for Yajirobe to elaborate. This was a familiar dance between them. Yajirobe often hid his feelings behind a wall of gruff indifference, and Korin knew that pushing him wouldn't help. So, he waited.
"Okay, maybe it's not 'nothin'," Yajirobe finally admitted, uncrossing his arms and looking up at the sky. "It's just... Why him, y'know? Why's the Nimbus so taken by him?"
Korin nodded in understanding, his eyes reflecting the wisdom of countless years and an undertone of amusement. "Ah, Yajirobe," he echoed, his voice a melody of comprehension and gentle chiding. "I think you're more aware of the answer than you pretend to be."
Yajirobe merely responded with an irked grunt, his expression obscured by his curtain of unkempt hair
Undeterred, Korin pressed on, his voice taking on a more compassionate tone. "The Nimbus, an age-old companion of mine, possesses a unique gift to perceive the purity in one's heart. It gravitates toward those who bear no ill will. Perhaps it's not about 'why him,' Yajirobe, but rather, 'why not you?' Reflect on that."
Yajirobe blinked in surprise, his usual scowl momentarily slipping. "Uh... yeah, sure," he mumbled, uncharacteristically taken aback by Korin's insight.
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Flying_Camel_ Just wanted to drop in and say that every single comment you guys leave really makes my day. They may seem small, but to me, they're a big deal. Even if they're few and far between, they're like little sparks of motivation that keep the story going. So, feel free to let me know your thoughts. Every comment counts!
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