Chapter : 43 (The Elixir Arena 1)

The Elixir Arena stood tall as a skyscraper and was beautiful like a precious droplet of elixir, with a brownish-green dessert colour that blended in with the area. It looks like a ring torus whose 3/4th was buried in the desert sand, and the centre hollow space acts as a plaza space with a barrel vaulted roof. A tall parabolic cone-shaped tower with flashy neon lights stood in the middle like a guardian sword placed up front. On the way to the arena, it was filled with lush green leisure pocket spaces where one could enjoy the scenery or take a rest. From the approaching pathway, the neon lights could be seen.

The neon lights were pricking my eyes as I peered at the parabolic design, which made me nauseous.  We entered the elixir arena. I had hostility towards this place. Sometimes I wonder why I always get lured by other words.

"Whatever happens, happens." I told myself  and compelled to think there was no overcrowding. However, reality hit hard.

"Why are we here again? I asked with a troubled look.

"To have some fun and teach Zekrom how to drive a spaceship." Famara said as he shifted his gaze towards the holographic advertisement for the machete knife. After looking at the price tag, he distanced himself with a machete knife.

"Remember, boys, we are here to train ourselves not to buy overpriced objects."

The holographic billboards were everywhere, advertising their product with the cleavage of the female body.

Nonetheless, we passed all hurdles with bravery. Some just couldn't resist, like Zekrom, who was drooling over the droids.

Finally, we arrived at the spaceship driving area. It was as big as 4 earthling football grounds, yet the colour and lighting were soothing to my eyes. 1 plus for them. 

There were many flying cars, and virtual reality simulators of spaceships were aligning with each other. The cheering and howling were bleeding to my ears. 

Meanwhile, Zkerom salivated over mecha and flying cars. He ran towards the holographic purple car, and his fingertips touched it. Looking pathetic, as it seemed he was delighted. 

 The simulator was like an arcade game but a little bigger. Even others could see by holographic images.  

Of course, in the capitalist dystopian world, nothing was free, including the fun activities. For every hour, you have to pay 120 sols or 2 quarts, per person.  

"Aren't you going to check them?" Famara asked me, observing my stern face. 

"I forbade myself to have any fun or thrills until this week." Hearing this, Famara's lips twitched, and looked at me with pity eyes.

"Sometimes you sound like trained soldiers. Have you ever thought that you are not a slave to anyone?"

 "Nope! This is how my etiquette teacher trained me so I could be a good prince for my country. "

"Besides, I deserve that." I said, keeping a proud smile on my face.

He patted my head with a sort of affection which I didn't dislike. If I lied, I wouldn't envy Zekrom, who was having fun and crashing other cars again and again.

Famara's gaze shifted over my shoe, which was torn and had a hole. I put my shoes back on in embarrassment.

 "I can see your tan thumb. This show needs replacement." I looked at my shoes, dejected by the fact I couldn't afford new shoes.

"This is not a good idea, as Julie will be mad at us. She is already tensed with the budget of the month." 

"Julie, I will handle her. Shall we buy a new pair of shoes for you?" Famara heard my wish. Maybe this was a miracle day for me.

These second-hand shoes, which I purchased from Cosmopolitan Island. It cost me only 50 sols; however, it tattered in the nuclear fission explosion.

My nemesis was coming, sweating like a fountain. His cheerful expression and beaming smile were eyesores to me.

"Famara, you told me you would teach," he grumbled, crossing his hands.

"After buying new shoes for him, I will teach you how to drive; till then, you can just follow the manual." He said this, held my hands, and departed from the driving arena.

Zekrom snarled and made an ugly face as he was envious of me. Satisfying to see that!

We arrived on the 5th floor, where there were many vending machines.

There was a red shoe vending machine

around the corner. The shoe vending machine makes customised shoes at affordable prices. Additionally, the pair of shoes' materials are biodegradable but tough.  

There is no need for a salesperson to flatter or judge. Also, it would come in different colours and patterns. 

"Size, colour, or do you want any logo?" The AI of the vending machine asked me.

" 7, indigo. Yes, I want you to draw a symbol of infinity." I answered with a straight face. 

"The shoe will be prepared in 20 minutes.

The cost of material and service will be 120 sols." Famara put cash in the money hole. 

The shoe vending machine mechanism was like a 3D printer. However, for the cartilage, they used fibres from plants and some secret ingredients. It was really one of its kind, despite copying everything from Igrius Super Mall.

"Until the shoes are customised, how about we stroll the shops?" Famara suggested. 

I nodded my head, as I wasn't doing anything now.

There were many shops and flashy neon sign boards flying in the sky. A few drones were monitoring our activities. The security was tight here, as many patrol dog guards and infrared cameras were installed everywhere. 

We saw a juice vending machine, and it had cute stickers of fruits. Gazing at the vending machine, my throat started drying. As if my brain was telling me I needed to quench my thirst. 

"Want some?" 

Famara bought apple juice for me and a can of beer for himself.

"Were you furious or humiliated when I slapped you?"

I shook my head, grimacing at the sudden question. 

Words escaped from his lips: "I didn't have any intention to punish you. You are more mature and fragile for your age. It's just that what you did wasn't good." Famara spoke in a low voice. Afterward he hid his face under a beer can.  Although I could see his red ears.

"I really appreciate your kindness and for taking me into your home."

Afterwards, we didn't say anything to each other, but I would remember this moment forever. 

We set foot in the driving area and saw in holographic screen Zekrom crash his car into others.  His learning abilities were either really low or he exceeded my expectations of stupidity.

"Are you trying to kill others?" I howled, side-eyeing him. 

"No, he humiliated me by saying that I am a bad driver." Again, Zekrom crashed his car into a stranger.

And the game was over with thud and bang noise.

The artificial simulator had a good sound system, so anyone could hear the crash sound. Another thing was that there was no one here in the simulator besides the weeping kid and Zekrom.  

*Crash.*  The boy came out of the car with teary eyes. 

After this, Zkerom told me he met a man who was teaching him. He had brown skin, mismatched eyes, and curly, reddish-wavy hair. He was wearing a bracelet of infinity. It seemed familiar to me.

"The youngest princess of Igrius and youngest secretary head of EEO (Extremist Endangered Organisation)

is here with us. Applaud for the princess, Lynna Pandora." Anchor said in a melodious voice.

My attention shifted to the programme. As  I saw my sister Lynna Pandora on the screen.  Her devilish smile was giving  me errie  and uncertainty.  She was wearing a lilac dress, and her black hair was braided as it resembled her nature. She has dark blue eyes, unlike my grey eyes. Lynna looked hideous. 

The announcer asked her the next question. "Princess Lynna, how do you feel about becoming the youngest head secretary of EEO?"

"I am grateful and anxious for having responsibility on my shoulders.  But I can do it for my minority and endangered species." She answered with a fake smile.

I was blissful to see my sister on screen but anxious. Something might  go wrong.  

Happiness doesn't last.