"I'd rather love you, then serve you" (Katemau)

chapter 1 "new ally"

3rd POV

As days passed, aphmau would occasionally glance at the massive ship, being an eye sore when she remembered. She has not seen Katelyn ever since her encounter, making her feel even more nervous. Aphmau was currently with Lucinda drinking tea, sitting at the dining table, still looking at the ship.

“Hey, I know you're nervous. But she hasn't done anything to alarm you. I've asked around in the area when I'm out of town, and many people say that Katelyn sticks to her word.” Lucinda explained, taking a sip of her tea.

“It's not that.. I just can't shake the feeling of danger being so close.. Even if she doesn't LIKE Zane, she still works for him. Meaning if zane ever found out that she was in my region, he might send her to kill my people.” Aphmau leaned on the table and rubbed her head, stressed.

Lucinda pursed her lips and hummed, showing her uneasiness as well. Aphmau then took a small glance at the window and she immediately sat up, staring. Curious, Lucinda did the same and her eyes slightly widened.

Katelyn was seen walking in the town, alone. She had no guard accompanying her, which made it unusual. They watched her approach a woman with pink hair and cat-like features, she seemed startled as her ears were pushed back and her tail swung around. The two talked and Katelyn could be seen nodding through the process, with a smile she waved and she began to walk again. Only difference was that she was now approaching her home.

“Oh shoot. She's coming, do you think it's good or bad news? Do I look presentable??” Aphmau stood up, panicked and fixing herself.

“Woah calm down. If anything it's more likely an update. And why do you care about looks now?  You normally could care less when visitors come and find you, you're always in the same uniform.” Lucinda said, leaning on the chair.

“It's a Jury of nine! I have to look decent as a lord.” Aphmau sat back down with an embarrassed look.

The door knocked and Aphmau quickly stood up once more and walked to the door. She opened it up and found Katelyn standing at the door. She had a friendly expression, almost trying to seem approachable.

“Good afternoon lord Aphmau. I'm here to give you a small update. Since I am currently residing in your village, I feel like you deserve to know my investigations updates.” Katelyn responded, trying to smile.

“I would appreciate that actually.” Aphmau said, taking a small breath of relief.

Aphmau invited Katelyn inside. She told her to take a seat and introduced Lucinda to her. Lucinda stood up and took out her hand, beginning a hand shake.

“Good to finally meet you. You have quite a reputation.” Lucinda said, waiting.

Katelyn gladly took her hand and shook it. “Good to meet you too. I've heard your name. Didn't think you were a witch though.”

“So being a witch is bad now?” Lucinda responded, lifting an eyebrow.

“Only if you wanted it to be.” Katelyn responded, neutral.

Aphmau felt a slight tension, but she could not tell if it was friendly or not. So she decided to break it and start the conversation.

“So you're here to update me, you said?” aphmau said, laughing slightly.

“Oh yes. I'm sorry, I forgot. I wanted to let you know that I actually concluded my investigations. I have full evidence that it was a cold blooded murder from Zane. I really did care for Jeffory; so to retaliate, I'll no longer be working for him but work for you. I hope you accept me as your guard.”

Aphmau remained quiet but shocked.  She didn't understand why she wanted to work for her specifically. But with a wavy sigh, she smiled warmly, a slight red spreading on her cheeks unknowingly. 

“Well if that is your decision, then so be it. I'll gladly accept you, Katelyn the fire fist as my personal guard.” aphmau responded, happy.

Lucinda seemed shocked, seeing how quickly her decision was. One moment she feared for the safety of her people, and now she is gladly accepting the help and protection of the very person she feared.

“I'm so happy to know you accept me. Now, Zane doesn't know I'm here, he thinks I'm off on a different mission that I completed before getting here. I'll stay docked at the dock for the meantime, and I'll make sure your people are safe while I stay hidden. Now if Zane contacts me again, then I will have to leave.” Katelyn explained, smiling.

“That's completely okay. As long as you protect me and my people, I'll be happy.”  aphmau responded, smiling as well.

“Then I'll be on my way. Thank you for accepting me, Lord Aphmau. I'll protect you with my life.”  Katelyn bowed her head, and a slight color flashed in her armor.

Aphmau looked confused, not understanding why her armor suddenly flashed. Lucinda then Placed her hand on her shoulder and smiled.

“When a trained soldier or guard makes a declaration of protection to a lord, their armor will flash and is now engraved in their armor.  Now when a guard kills or lets their lord die, that is when they turn into a Shadow knight.” Lucinda explained.

Aphmau nodded, now understanding the situation. She then told Katelyn to raise, and dismissed her. Katelyn obeyed and left, happy.

Once she was out of the house, Lucinda turned to aphmau, raising an eyebrow.

“How come you accepted her help? Were you NOT just scared of her?” Lucinda asked.

“I don't know. Something inside me was telling me to accept her help. It's weird.” Aphmau explained, touching her chest.

Lucinda noticed the hand motion and tilted her head. “What do you mean?”

“Well. When I see her, my heart races, my face also feels warm and I can't help but feel anxious when she's around. I also don't understand but I feel safe around her, almost like I knew she wouldn't hurt me.” Aphmau explained.

“Have you ever had a crush on someone?” Lucinda asked, randomly.

Aphmau looked at her, shocked and confused.

“N-no.. , I don't have time for that.”

“Not even when you were younger?” Lucinda asked once more.

“I don't think so..”

“Hmph.. okay,” Lucinda said, also heading out.

“Why do you ask?” Aphmau asked, confused.

“Oh, nothing. Just a thought.” Lucinda said, now leaving the house, excusing herself.

Aphmau stood in her own house, confused but also happy. She was just happy to know she now had a new ally on her side.