Chapter 61

"We're so beating you girls down!"

"Don't come crying if you lose, boys!"

"Keep telling yourself that, little princesses~"

"You boys are nothing without Maccus on your team! At least we are built for swimming!"

That was the conversation Arthur heard while Legosi was observing the two schools arguing: Gryphon Cross and Selkie Girls. The other three academies watched them with utter confusion because those teams were the only ones where both carnivores and herbivores seemed to co-exist.

Their argument was more gender-based then anything.

Arthur swivelled his ears to absorb every single sound that was around him. Slowly, his hearing was getting better. It was a blessing to know that the speakers were very far behind while Arthur felt that he and his two friends were sat in the middle row.

Of course, he could be wrong!

Arthur clapped and cheered when the whistle blew and the sounds of swimmers splashing into the water were heard. Cherryton's students were shouting and encouraging their swimmers to win the competition. But the voices behind him said otherwise.

"Typical of bats," a female student scoffed. "They can't choose a side even when it hits them."

"He's blind but he's a traitor!"

"Traitor! Traitor! Traitor!"

Arthur whipped his head behind to the source of the sound, his fangs protruding out. "Stop it! I am not a traitor!"

But Arthur was only responded with jeers and cruel laughter. He lowered his ears, fumbling in his pockets for his small earbud headphones to at least block the sounds with music. He will have to ask Haru or Legosi about who won.

He doesn't mind on whoever wins so long as his old friends are alright and not starting another brawl with the Selkie Girls. He remembered their squabbles all-too well during summer camp when he was younger. Mostly, Sameer tried to be the peacemaker while Naia the leopard seal and Maccus the hammerhead shark would be the ones fighting.

Honestly, he wondered all these years if those two have a thing for each other?

Needless to say, he would like to talk to his friends once the swimming competition is over. For now, he wants to clear his mind by playing his favourite movie soundtracks while drinking his hot milk tea in a flask.

...

"Hah! I had you beat!"

"Just by a nose away!"

The swimmers had finished the competition, which was the mid afternoon. Some of the students have dispersed for lunch while Arthur remained in the seats. Only after he was tapped on the shoulder, the Honduran white bat unplugged his earbud headphones.

"So," Arthur perked his ears. "Who won?"

"You won't believe it!" Haru chuckled, lifting Arthur up to stand. "Your old school won and Cherryton was third in place. The crowd went crazy! Also the nosy newspaper club took some photos and videos about two of your friends fighting."

"Oh? Which one?"

"Arthur!" a booming voice almost made him jump. "So, these are your old friends, huh? Aoba, you're not going to believe this! Hurry up!"

"Hello, Bill," Arthur chuckled, using his wing to feel whoever was close to him. It was the comforting smooth scales of Sameer. When he opened his mouth, he could make out a bit of the shape of an eagle and a sheep with horns.

"So, these are your Cherryton friends, Arthur?" Sameer enquired while gazing at them with those carnelian eyes. Somehow, the animals feel compelled under those gaze. Arthur didn't know that he was standing between his friends from both school.

"Oh yes! Guys, this is Legosi, Haru, Bill, Els and Aoba," Arthur introduced each one of his Cherryton classmates he considered as friends. "And everyone, these are my friends from Gryphon Cross while Naia is from Selkie. We meet during summer camp."

"Yep!" said Naia proudly. "I love my girls but I'd rather hang out with these guys. More excitement and adventures. Shame this place doesn't have a lake that leads out into the open sea..."

"But it was Arthur would made everything like an adventure!" Beppi added.

But the Cherryton students were surrounding the hammerhead shark and Egyptian cobra. Bill chuffed softly. "Damn, I didn't know aquatic animals can walk on their tails. Hey, can you understand us?"

Maccus said nothing.

Arthur smiled, patting his friend for assurance. "Bill, Maccus is a bit shy with others. It'll be a while before he warms up."

"So this is Aoba," Sameer hissed, craning himself so that he is the same height as the bald eagle. Most of the students were shocked when Sameer flared his hood a bit to make himself more intimidating. "You've been taking care of our Arthur, I hope?"

"Arthur's my closest friend," Aoba clicked his beak, in case this cobra was about to strike despite his tone meaning no harm. "He's been good adjusting here despite the chaos."

"Plus, he's good with music," Els added, making Arthur fluffed up his fur in embarrassment. The Gryphon Cross boys murmured in agreement.

"So, Arthur told me that you three are from the drama club," said Sameer with a smile before lowering his head towards the dwarf rabbit. "And you, must be Haru, yes? The bossy bunny whipping Arthur into shape?"

"What?!" Haru exclaimed incredulously making everyone step away a little bit. "Arthur, you think of me as a bossy bunny?"

Arthur raised his wings in protest, fur bristling and ears down. "Haru, I-I only said that because I think of you as an older sister. Older siblings are supposed to be bossy to keep everyone in check?"

Haru softened her expression and held Arthur's wing. "Of course. Sorry Arthur."

"It's okay. So, shall we head to the cafeteria before a small tour around the school?"

"Sounds like a good idea," Aoba pipped in. "Maybe we can also show you the drama club since we are rehearsing. I bet Sanu doesn't mind some guests."

"What I really want to see is Mizuchi," Beppi teased, patting Arthur on the head much to his annoyance. "Where is she?"

"She has some thing to take care of before joining me," Arthur explained.

Just then, everyone of them heard a crash and a scream following after.

...

Dr Kirk had not expected this.

If Ten could've told him earlier, he would've wore something that wouldn't restrict his movement. They were at the jump centre where animals go to have their exercise involving jumping on trampolines or just plainly have fun.

He was clearly exhausted physically but was feeling refreshed mentally!

"I never had this much fun since a family gathering," he laughed, hanging upside down on one of the tree poles. Ten was resting under him, panting from the workout. She was smiling at the sight of the Honduran white bat.

"I come here sometimes to relieve some stress. So, I can tell you are very close with your son. But don't you think it's dangerous that he doesn't have a guide or an aide to help him around? No offence."

"None taken," Dr Kirk smiled. "Ever since Arthur was a pup, my parents and I decided to teach him the basics even when he was blind. On top of that, learning braille was an experience for me since it is like decoding a message. So not to worry! I trust my son and how he manoeuvres around."

Ten's tail swished slightly. She would never consider a male to be this caring about their child. She knew from experience with her ex and the cost of her eye. But there was an air of sadness lingering on him. She placed a single finger under his chin.

"Are you okay?"

"I am but I have some thoughts about what to expect once Arthur graduates. He will get his flying license and can decide whether to work or go to university. If anything happens, I am going to do my best to help him because I love him. What if...what if it is not enough?

"Kirk!" Ten scolded the old bat. "I may not know you both personally but from what I saw, you are a good father. Other males should follow your examples and any female would want that in a a male."

Dr Kirk adjusted his glasses before leaning down close to her face. Their faces were inches away from each other.

"Ten..."

Looking around, Ten was making sure that there was no one looking at them because she was about to do something they both might regret or accept it later. Slowly, she brought his face closer and kissed him on the lips briefly.

Dr Kirk's amber eyes widened but began to kiss back, even biting her lips a bit to tease her.

Little did he know that someone was watching the both of them!