God Rising: Battle of Atela 69 Chapter 16 Stereotype

Darren hurled himself to the bed "What a night" He moaned into the cushion and grabbed a handful of the furry sheets. He steadied his breath as he recalled his daring move. He gulped then turned to his side, looked at his hand and noticed it was still trembling. He used every muscle in his body to stifle his whimper and he couldn't believe he faked his courage so well.

He didn't know how long his few minutes of courage would last, but he was lucky it worked. If it didn't, she would have taken him for granted and called her guards to throw him out "Arm is so lucky…" He frowned after calling her name. A few minutes passed and he repositioned himself to sleep. He couldn't wait to get the gem. He hoped the Queen wouldn't change her mind despite the blackmail. If that possibility did happen, Artemis would have to trade her virgin blood for it.

*

Darren took in a deep breath, then bent a knee. Shani threw the stone at him, "Take it! But do not forget our agreement. If you do anything contrary, I will kill you" Darren picked the stone, bowed then left. 'Close call' He was relieved. His eyes widened the moment he spotted Artemis at the palace gate. 

He halted once he stood a few feet apart from her "We're not going yet" He said, then his eyes studied her from head to toe 'A boy again…' He sighed before moving forward.

"Why aren't we going yet? I don't want to stay here anymore" She rubbed her arms, feeling the hairs on her skin rise. The area reminded her too much of  the awful night prior. She wanted to get away from it all. 

She scurried after him and screamed "Answer me." 

"Just be patient. Where we're going is not too far away." They moved through the crowded market place, and Darren kept watching out for the clothes store he came across during his night stroll. A smile appeared on his face once he saw the mud brick shop, and large the bird sign on it. 

"What is this place?" 

"Just come in" He grabbed her arm, then moved into the store selling adventure gears. Artemis eyes sparked once her eyes met with the beautiful blades hung up on the walls. Darren was busy talking to the smith while Artemis continued to fantasize wielding one of those mesmerizing swords of different kinds.

"Arm" Darren called, and she turned back to see him holding a black overall perfectly tailored with expensive threads "Under that cape you're still naked. Put this on, or else the wind will expose your exposed bum." 

Her cheeks reddened, and she screamed "shut up" before charging into the changing room. Two minutes later, she stepped out with her face still completely flushed "I like it. I want it" She pressed her lips into a thin line, and Darren smiled "Don't you want to hear my opinion of things?" 

"Shut up! You said I can have anything I choose."

"That's not what I was—"

"Buy it and let's go!" 

"Jeez, I simply wanted to say it looks great on you." His words caused her face to blush much more "Screw you!" She stomped out with her head held down

"That asshole! He's treating me like some kind of baby!" 

"Hey arm" He called, looking around for her, and he spotted her leaning against a pole "We still need to eat breakfast, and food to hoard for our journey."

"I'm not—" She was about to deny her hunger, but her stomach did the talking, and it growled really loud. "What's going on today?" She placed her arms around her empty stomach and lowered her body a bit.

Something about Darren that day was strange. Why wasn't he asking questions? Why wasn't he reacting to her switched appearance? Why was he acting like nothing ever happened, and most importantly, why did he save her? She needed his help back then, but with her attitude towards him, she wondered why he took the risk and interfered with Shani's plans.

She followed him back to the restaurant they'd stopped at the first time they'd arrived. He requested his usuals, and gave Artemis the menu to settle on her decision, but she didn't let out the slightest peep. To avoid breaking his promise, he waited for her to choose, and tried to persuade her to eat. All were to no avail. She'd regret it eventually.

After Darren finished eating, they both got up and left to find a camel. His impassive attitude was bugging her. She wanted to know what was going on with him.

"Hey, are you the real Darren?"  She asked as he climbed up the camel. He took a gander at her then smiled.

"What if I'm not?" 

She was about to unsheathe her sword when he spoke again "I'm the same beastman you know and loathe, Darren Livingston." 

"Prove it." 

"Well, that's a difficult—" Artemis swung her blade towards his neck, but halted by a hairsbreadth before he could complete his announcement. .

"I said prove it!" 

"We've both been cursed." 

She sheathed her sword "Right. No one but us knows about that. You're the same wimp I know." She got on the camel "About yesterday… If you tell anyone else about what you saw, I'll kill you." 

"Alright" He said serenely, and it aggravated her. 

Zircon opened up at the wrong tike "Congrats, I believe the gem has been—" Artemis slammed the book shut then switched her gaze to Darren's back.

"Why are you acting nice to me? Why did you save me? Why are you pretending like nothing happened? Is it all to taunt me? Is it Pity?" 

"Didn't you need my assistance?" 

"That doesn't answer my question!" Her tone was growing louder and harsh "Why are you pretending to be comfortable around me? Just tell me why?"

He didn't say a word, and it agitated her to get off the camel, then draw out her sword. 

"What's the meaning of this Artemis?" Zircon and Darren were both confused. What had gotten into her all of a sudden?

She pointed the blade at him, fixing her hand around the handle "I challenge you to a duel Darren Livingston. You've mocked me long enough!"

Chapter end