Chapter 153 - Festival

---A quick heads up, I'm unsure how many chapters I'll be to do this week. I literally can't write/read without getting a headache/eyestrain so doing this physically hurts right now. Hopefully, it'll be gone soon enough but it's fucking up any progress I want to make.

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"You know Petra, this is first outfit you've gotten me wearing that isn't causing me to blush"

"Heh, that's a real shame Ikarus. You'd think the pinkness and flowers would do the job"

"I mean, that's not great but it's way more comfortable than I first realized. If it was black like yours but flowerless, then it would be perfect"

"Heh... I'm depressed now Ikarus"

Having both gotten dressed up in those yakuta kimono-robe things, me and Petra are currently off towards the location of our date and like with this anime world we're currently in, what else would it be other than a nighttime festival?

Both of the outfits happen to be flowery but mine is a slightly reddish-pink while Petra's, is mainly black. I think it's because of the fact they aren't revealing and are really comfortable I'm not getting embarrassed? It would be a little better if it wasn't pink but hey, I've definitely got to get one of these for relaxing. Maybe just a bit looser as well.

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https://i.ibb.co/cJvYb3G/Ikarus-Kimono.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/jWHwQdW/Petra-Kimono.jpg

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"So... we're definitely heading to a festival Petra, right?"

"Heh, looks like you guessed correctly Ikarus. Have long forgotten memories of having visited one of these as a child, so thought it could be nice to go together. Think that would've been on Earth as well"

Petra has memories of a nighttime festival like this? At least that kinda confirms my suspicions from long ago, Petra was most likely Asian back on Earth but then again, loads of other countries have nighttime festivals so... Ah, Petra was Asian, that's what I'm sticking with.

. Now all that's left to confirm is Ariza but the current theory is that she's Spanish. We both know where me and Zeki are from, both our lands are famous for good ol-colonizing or pointless wars about oil after all. Even if my island helped out with all that bullshit, no wonder I'm not a huge fan of endless deserts.

Anyways, should probably focus on this upcoming date really, I'm looking forward to this now. Sure, we should probably focus more on getting to the Underworld but this extra day is basically nothing. I hope it's fine anyways.

"Have you two got tickets or do you wish to purchase some?"

Having just arrived to the place in question, we're asked that by a guy at the gate to the festival. I assume he's a guy from the voice but he's as faceless as everyone else in this world.

"Tickets? You need those to enter?"

"Heh, don't worry Ikarus, got us both covered"

Petra gives the guy both tickets and he happily lets us through.

"Thank you ladies, hopefully you enjoy the occasion"

We then both walk past him and the sight of the crowded but colourful festival floods our eyes. We've got game stalls, food stalls, dancing areas, prize scoops, basically anything you can imagine at an Asian style festival. I'm more used to the European or Western version of these but it's still pretty dope though.

I'm assuming we're going to ignore all the dancing and that sort of thing since Petra already knows I have two left feet. Seriously though, you won't ever be catching this bird dancing even if my blood alcohol level is through the limit!

While we're walking through the faceless crowds though, mostly the part with all the market stalls, I notice two of our fellow classmates wearing yakutas as well. To actually think both of them can still stomach each other.

"Is that... No way, those two aren't going on a date, right!?"

"Heh, seriously doubt it Ikarus. Might be better off leaving them alone"

Both Zeki and Ariza are together enjoying the occasion and I'm pretty certain only as friends though, they would never do something like the hand holding me and Petra do all the time. I'm a little surprised Natty and Charlotte aren't here but they have to keep that relationship hidden I suppose... Sighhh, I really am getting tired of this dungeon now, let's just try to enjoy this for Petra's sake Ikarus.

Anyways, both of us ignore those two purposely trying not to be seen and once out of sight, it's time to decide what to actually do.

"So, what are we going to do first Petra? Play some games or stuff ourselves like pigs? I'm guessing the food of choice all involves it being on sticks?"

"Heh, have you also got some memories of something like this Ikarus?"

"No no, this is just me remembering a little about cartoons. We're guaranteed to find something with bean paste inside or something named yaki..."

"Ikayaki! Get your ikayaki here!"

"We sell taiyaki here as well!"

"Ignore all them, we have yakisoba!"

Speak of the devil and thou shall release Japanese street food to the world! I rarely had the chance to try stuff like this so let's stuff our faces then!

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We queue to go buy a load of things for several different places, get the food and then go to find a bench to eat everything. Stuffing our faces full with all this Japanese goodness would be great and all, but at the end of the day, I'm Ikarus. Normal doesn't apply to me.

"Enjoying that Ikarus? You don't seem to be that happy about it all"

Like Petra being the Goddess she is, hiding such distaste really is problematic. I'm not the biggest fan of all this...

"Eh, It's alright I guess? Imma be honest with you Petra... I don't actually like soy sauce"

It's madness, right? I can't use chopsticks or like soy sauce, what sort of weeb am I!? It's kinda a problem here as well because most of the street food seems to be drenched in the stuff, even things you wouldn't think have that flavouring.

The fish shaped, taiyaki cake thing is quite nice but feels more like a gimmick then something you'd want to pig out on, basically just a tourist trap. I'm sorry but normal cake is way better and you can't convince me otherwise! I'm so brilliant at ruining these sorts of moments...

"Heh... that might be a dealbreaker Ikarus. How could we ever get married if you don't like soy sauce?"

"Haw haw, very funny Petra. I guess I can stomach it just for you"

"Heh, no need for that Ikarus. The definitely have some sweeter stuff around here, let's take a further look..."

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"What is it with food on sticks at these places? Seriously though, I was making a joke but everything is served like that!"

Having just stuffed a huge cotton candy all to myself and now questioning if I really needed all that sugar, we're now off to a different part of the festival and my moaning always makes the situation better.

"Heh, it is pretty convenient though Ikarus. You want me to get you a balloon or watch a kiddie show?"

I get that's she's teasing and all but hell no! There's something else I really don't like in that direction...

"You can Petra but I'm good. I'm staying the hell away from over there"

The problem with the shows around this place seems to be focused around kids and doing stuff like making balloon animals and things like that. It's not a problem if you're into that sort of stuff and a child. There's a huge issue about the entertainers around this place which don't actually seem to fit the vibe... clowns...

"Heh, never realized you had such a phobia Ikarus"

"It's not a phobia! Clowns are insanely freaky and no one should like them, anyone who dislikes clowns should be seen as the normal lot!"

Petra chuckles at my dislike of them but I'm more than justified! It has nothing to do with the serial killers who were clowns or anything like that, they are just Satan spawn! Even just looking at that evil painted face is sending shivers down my spine. How kids seems to like such a thing is beyond me.

I'm not a huge fan of mime's or those fake statues as well but I'm starting to think it's just a phobia of people who have their faces painted now.

"Heh. If you don't want to do that, we can always go play one of the games around here"

"Erm... eh, why not then? Let's go do that... sorry I'm being so awkward with everything though"

It does need to be said. This is something Petra wanted to do and all I ever seem to do is complain about everything, it makes me wonder why she even likes me at times...

"Heh, don't worry about it Ikarus. Truthfully, the only good memory I have of these places is watching the fireworks display at the end, the rest of it wasn't even that great. Just spending any time with you is more than enough"

"Jeez, don't be saying stuff like that, you'll end up turning me into a right lovestruck idiot"

"Heh, love you too Ikarus"

"Urgh, you too Petra"

Of course, the urge to kiss now comes in at full swing but we must contain ourselves for a little longer. Moving on, we finally arrive at many of the game booths around here and something catches my eye a little.

"Step right up, step right up and you may be able to win a prize! All you have to do is hit as many as possible within thirty seconds! Prizes from the top row are worth five hits and it goes down from there"

'I still can't get to grips with the faceless NPCs around here but maybe we can give this a go'

I mean, it's that shooting the ducks carnival game! Except the water pistol has been replaced with a toy bow and the ducks aren't inside the barrels. Eh, at least it's roughly the same.

"Heh, you mind if I go first Ikarus?"

"Of course not, you go Petra"

Petra gives the NPC some money and then readies herself with the tiny bow made for kids. The arrows kinda reminds me of mini little toiler plungers with the ends being like that but you're just noticing strange things again Ikarus.

"Ready... set... go!"

The time sets off and all the plastic ducks start moving along at a pretty decent speed with there being two rows going in separate directions. Despite the choice of having quite the few ducks to shoot at appearing briefly in front of the small barrels, this could be quite the tricky game to win...

The first arrow flies straight into the body of one of the ducks and sticks...And then another shot rapidly follows it up hitting another... And then another...

Petra's shooting leaves nothing to be desired completing all five easily under ten seconds. Despite it being really short, it actually garners a few witnesses who even cheer at her accomplishment. That game would've been hard for pretty much anyone else so I guess it makes sense. There's no reason for me to get excited though. I mean, it's perfect Petra after all, as if she would suck at archery even with her blindness.

"Wow, you really are brilliant at this! Any prizes that strike your fancy?

"Heh, which one would you like Ikarus?"

"Seriously Petra? Why would I want a... plushie..."

Almost as if my jaw hits the floor, I spot a plushie that looks absolutely perfect. That's copyright infringement but I don't care! It's beautiful...

"...That black and white one at the top. It has to be that; I don't even want a go now seeing that nothing can compare"

"Okay then, I'll get it down for you"

Being passed the plushie by the stall owner, I can't help grinning my face off looking at Petra and even hugging the stupid thing. It's looks so freaking similar!

Black flowing hair, grey deadish eyes and even has white samurai robes on... is it called a plush or plushie? Oh, I don't care, this is perfect! The Petra plushie! This clearly isn't a coincidence but pure fate!

"Heh, can't believe I now have to compete against a toy Ikarus"

"Normally, I'd say something witty in response Petra, but you seriously have no idea how much I freaking love this! It's like a tiny version of you! I need to get one of these made in the real world because I actually love it!"

"Heh, glad you like it Ikarus"

Happily walking around with it now on my shoulder, it seriously is brilliant. At least Petra is finding my stupid joy funny, I'm not kidding about this thing though. I've never seen any reason to have teddies or toys until this exact moment and being an ex-guy has no effect on my reasoning here. An actual Petra plushie, it's like pure perfection!

Anyways, we end walking to a small hill and quickly setting up a blanket to sit on. Presumably, it won't be long till the fireworks start and we happen to have found a really empty spot far away from prying eyes. It would be great to make out here except the obvious fact we'll get kicked out of this place the second we do. That's if we're trusting the Goddess Aphrodite, I assume she's telling the truth but you never know.

Still should wait a little longer till I repay Petra for the gift she won for me though. Maybe i'll try toying with her a bit...

"Getting to watch a firework display with Petra and plushie Petra, this day will definitely be up there with the bes-..."

"..."

Almost as if she can't control herself, Petra throws herself into my embrace and initiates a kiss! Why the hell did she do that!?

'Really Petr-...'

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...

"O-Oh, come on Petra! Couldn't you have just waited till at least the fireworks started!?"

"Heh, it was you own fault really Ikarus, had to assert my dominance over that plushie or I'd have lost you forever"

(Zeki) "What the fuck!? What the hell did we do Ariza!?"

"Ariza? You just called me by name Zeki!"

"Of course I did, it's not like I can call you brother anymore! What the actual fuck did we do!? We fucking kissed!?"

"Are you okay Nat?"

"Yeah, just give me a second Lotte... need to readjust. That body felt so natural, my head can't get to grips with it all"

Waking up back inside that perverted house with the love heart bed, everyone is obviously a little shocked at what went on while I'm just focusing on the fact Petra ruined our date.

Sighhh... I know Petra's not being serious right now but couldn't she have waited a little longer? Eh, probably not, maybe the thought of seeing me so happy made her lose control? Can't say I blame her if that's the case, seeing Petra get that excited over something would make me do the same, probably.

As for everyone else, the memories of what happened inside there seem to be flowing and nothing seems to be forgotten unfortunately. I was hoping we may get a cliché where everyone who was braindead is oblivious to what happened but this world is much crueller than that.

We should probably try and give Nathan a hand who looks like he's just seen a ghost being turned back into normal but at the same time, we've got Zeki who looks like he's about to go on the war path.

(Petra) "Zeki, if we hadn't done what we had done, we would've remained in there forever. In what situation would you have ever kissed Ariza on purpose?"

(Ikarus) "Yeah kid, it was unavoidable. We're both sorry but it had to be done"

Both me and Petra trying to justify it isn't doing anything for him, this is something Zeki can understandably not accept.

"I know I wouldn't but still... it's too fucking much. We kissed like we were in love, Ria's going to kill me"

"Zeki, they had no choice and she'll understand why. It's not like we feel anything now, right? Just imagine it's like a European thing greeting your friends or something like that"

Ariza's analogy may sound weird but it may just work for the shellshocked Zeki. I don't think it is though...

"Maybe, but that doesn't make me feel any better..."

Zeki leaves the building making me and Petra obviously feel even more guilty about what happened, what else could we have done though? Literally coming from his own words, he never would've kissed Ariza so we had to do it. The only other solution would've been changing couples about.

Seriously though, out of all of us, who would Zeki be most willing to kiss? There's the problem, I couldn't make a case for a single person he'd be willing to do it to even as a sacrifice. No, there's no point justifying it anymore, it had to be done...

If only their memories of that place had disappeared, things could've been much smoother. Zeki doesn't seem like he can forget this and even Nathan seems a little weirded out after being back in his normal body. I guess gender bending isn't for everyone, he was pretty cute as Natty I suppose.

'Let's just get a move on and forget this place... I already miss my Petra plushie...'

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(Ariza) "Would anyone like some tea?"

(Zeki) "..."

(Ikarus) "Yes please"

(Petra) "Yeah Ariza"

"No thank you Ariza-sama"

"Me and Lotte are both good for now"

After completing the place, flying for a few hours and resting overnight, we're now out in a makeshift camp out in the vast plains and things are still a little awkward around here. I think that's the main reason for Ariza offering tea, to help settle things around here. Maybe she's more British than I first thought, offering tea in stressful situations was something I used to do.

The atmosphere around this camp has been a little iffy because of what happened, most have gotten over it now but there's always going to be an obnoxious red phoenix still a little pissed. I'm thinking of someway we can make it up to Zeki but this might just be one of those things we best just leave behind and no longer speak on.

I'm pretty sure the main reason Ariza's not that effected by it is because she's always seen Zeki like a close friend. For Zeki, it's obviously more like a sibling thing... just look at me. Stop thinking about it Ikarus, nothing good is going to come from this so just leave it!

Anyways, me and Petra chill for a little while in each other's arms while the atmosphere still stinks. Roughly at the same time Ariza is giving both us lovebird's tea, Aesa decides to give me a heads up.

[<Just a reminder Ikarus has unlocked new ability from that dungeon, although it isn't anything to get excited by>]

'Thanks Aesa, I'll deal with it tomorrow'

Oh yeah, Aesa mentioned that shortly after leaving the building about a new ability being unlocked. It's going to be something love related so I'm putting it off for the time being. Already pretty adamant it's going to be trash so putting it off for a little while.

Ah, the token thing as well, there was a big coin on that love heart bed after we came too that we took. It looks unimpressive as hell but at least it's good to know we've definitely completely one, no idea how the token even got there but magic reasons probably.

Anyways, taking a quick sip of the tea, I notice something kinda strange...

"That's pretty sweet Ariza, how many sugars did you put in this?"

"Yeah, Ikarus is right, same thing for mine"

Considering I've got a sweet tooth and even I'm finding it really sweet, did she forget how many to use? I'll still drink it regardless, just a little odd really.

"Is it? Mine tastes fine though, I can make another batch if it's not good"

(Ikarus) "No need Ariza, we'll still drink it regardless"

(Petra) "..."

While me and Petra are drinking this, an eery smile seems to appear on Zeki's face witnessing us drink said tea... wait...

"This is karma orangey and sis. You both poisoned us in there so you're now getting payback, that sweetness is something I added"

(Ariza) "What... did you do Zeki?"

"Payback kid? You... haven't poisoned this tea, right? Shouldn't you be focusing more on the Goddess who did this then targeting us!?"

Da fuck!? Zeki's poisoned us!? And why is Petra not looking that concerned about it?

"Yeah, I will get her back one day as well but you two are also to blame. That tea Ariza just made also has a secret ingredient I dropped it your cups while she was pouring it. An eye for an eye and all that, you two will definitely enjoy that aphrodisiac..."

And just like that, Zeki switches form and flies off into the distance. At least it's good his payback only involves a love potion and not actual poison... wait, this isn't fucking good!

"Fuck! I'm going to beat him to a pulp Petra!"

Of course, I'm going to be pissed, how dare he decide when me and Petra are going to screw! That's what's guaranteed to happen now, right? There's no way we're going to be able to keep our hands off each other and he knows it! This doesn't even sound that bad except I've been dreading taking that potion again, it's actually quite the intelligent type of revenge from Zeki but still!

"I'm sorry he did this to you two... Zeki! Get back here you idiot!"

Ariza's already run off in search of telling Zeki off while the other couple aren't too sure what to make of this. They've seen us both take this potion before but not when I was madly in love with Petra, we may need to exclude ourselves for the night as well...

"Heh, considering what Zeki's capable off Ikarus, this really is nothing. What I did in there was much worse"

"You're not the only one taking the blame for that Petra, I'd have done the same exact thing even knowing beforehand. *Sighhh*... Let's just get through this and hopefully not end up killing each from you know what"

"Heh, no promises Ikarus"

Once me and Petra get through whatever we're about to do, he's either going to die or turn into a eunuch. My bird kick has been neglected for way too long...