[fanfiction/multi-chapters]: Myth - Chapter 3
Title: Myth - Chapter 3
Beta-reader: astrangerenters
Rating: PG-13 to NC-17 (for violence, blood and explicit sex scene)
Pairing: Sakumoto (main), Masatoshi
Genre: AU, action, humor
Summary: Jun's opinion about Astarope
DISCLAMER: I own nothing. And the plot comes from Rick Riordan, a damn good writer!
***
Chapter 3
Something is strange with this girl.
I might not be Athena’s son, but I know when something’s fishy. Just by the way the guys are looking at her…even Sho! It’s not really weird though. I remember the time when he had a crush on that Hungarian girl…Gabriella I think. But in the end it was just a crush (believe me, my Mom is Aphrodite, Goddess of Love so I know the differences between Love and a simple crush!)
There are two things that make me think there’s something bizarre with this Astarope. The first one is that during the break lunch, Satoshi offered her his lunch! I mean…Satoshi! Our cute and kind Satoshi who would tear off your arm if you try to eat his lunch! And he seemed so sad when she refused and told him that she wasn’t accustomed to Japanese food. Then she left with Satoru, one of our classmates who shouted happily that he knew a Greek restaurant. Since when do we have a Greek restaurant around here?
The second thing is: she doesn't have a heart. I try to find it; sometimes people’s hearts can be hard to find (because of a heartbreaking memory most of the time), but in the end I always find it. And in Astarope’s case, she doesn't have one. Not at all.
She’s not human.
During our lunch break, I try to speak with Sho about that thing he wanted to talk about earlier. But that stupid man doesn’t even remember it; he’s too preoccupied with Astarope’s absence.
I’m not jealous. I don’t need to be. I can attract people, but only the ones who haven’t found their soul mate yet. And when those people come to see me…I always end up finding their soul mate for them: that’s why I’m popular. People think it’s because I sleep with most of them, but I haven’t…except for Masaki and Satoshi.
So Astarope isn’t one of Aphodite’s daughters, because she wouldn’t attract everyone if it was the case. And why does she only appeal to the guys? I think I know who she is but…I can’t remember. After classes, I need to investigate.
“Aaah, I already miss her,” sighs Kazunari as he slumps onto his desk.
“Satoru’s soooo lucky! I’ve should have moved first,” whines Masaki.
It seems like Satoru isn’t as lucky as my friend thinks, because when class resumes Satoru was nowhere to be found.
“Ah!” The new girl exclaims as she stands up after the teacher notices Satoru’s absence: “He said he wasn’t feeling well and went to the nurse's office. I think Greek food isn’t good for him.”
It’s enough for the teacher, and he restarts his class with no further delay; but really…where is that Greek restaurant?!
Just like in the morning, all the guys have their eyes glued to Astarope; I can feel jealousy coming from the girls and to tell the truth it’s really unbearable; my head is on the edge of exploding.
“Are you alright?” Sho asks me in a whisper as we stand up, and the day is finally over.
I nod slightly; I think my face is showing the bad headache I’m having right now. However this little and innocent question from Sho makes me feel a bit better; at least he doesn’t seem as seduced as the others…he still cares a bit for me.
“You should rest a bit.” Masaki always has kind advice to share.
It’s strange, but as we get away from the classroom it seems like my friends aren’t as hypnotized as they were. Maybe I was wrong? Maybe their strange behavior was induced by something in the classroom and not Astarope? But it doesn’t explain her lack of heart nor Satoru’s disappearance.
“I will stop at the nurse's office before getting back. You guys just have to go first,” I say as casually as I can. I need to be alone to investigate and the first place is the nurse's office. Satoru’s well known for his strong stomach; that guy has eaten and drunk a lot of things you wouldn’t even want to touch; such as 7 years old soda (with Satoshi’s help) and even Masaki’s dishes (I don’t know what the ingredients were); and he has never been sick, so I don’t think Greek food will beat him.
I sit in a corner opposite to the nurse’s office door and read a book waiting for the last students to leave their classes and the corridor. Just as I am about to enter the nurse’s office, my ears catch a soft melody coming from the music classroom; someone (very talented!) is playing a sort of melancholic song, and it kind of cures my headache. I really want to know who’s playing but right now I have more important business.
My investigation doesn't last long; when the nurse tells me that Satoru hasn't been here, I I'm not particularly surprised. Since the beginning I know that Astarope lied.
But why?
When I come back into my and Kazu’s room, the others are already here except for Satoshi.
“Do you feel better?” Asks my roommate without his eyes leaving his dear video game.
“Yeah thanks. By the way Masaki, is Satoru in your room?” Maybe our classmate didn’t go to the nurse’s office after lunch break and went into his room instead, the room he shares with Masaki.
But my friend only shakes his head before reading his manga again. That’s really strange; Satoru seems to have disappeared suddenly, and I’m the only one caring (or aware?) about it.
Sho is sitting behind my desk and as always he’s the only one who takes his studies seriously while the others are playing. I throw myself onto my bed and for just a minute let myself forget about Satoru because if there’s one thing in the world that I like the most, it’s when Sho is studying.
As I pretend to sleep while laying on my stomach and resting my head between my crossed arms, I can stare at him as much as I want without being noticed (he wouldn’t notice me as he’s too absorbed in his work anyway). I like it when he’s silent and focused on something, his lips moving slightly as he quietly reads his book. Sometimes when the problem is too complex Sho frowns cutely as he lets out a soft grunt. But the thing I like the most is when he’s done. Every time it’s the same: he puts his pen down, closes his book and finally (the best part) throws his head back and stirs as he sighs loudly in contentment.
I lower my face and hide my eyes behind my arms as he turns around; then after a few seconds I stir as well and pretend I’m waking up slowly. Masaki knows just like me that Sho is done because as soon as Sho had closes his book, Masaki has tossed aside his manga and picked up his mathematics book before jumping on Sho.
“Pretty please?” he asks with his puppy eyes. He perfectly knows that our dear Sho can't resist. I sometimes use this trick as well, but it seems that it works better for Masaki than me. The truth is that Sho knows I can do my homework without help, but sometimes I prefer looking like an idiot and sitting near him for an hour or two just to feel his hot breath on my neck.
While Masaki and Sho are working at my desk, I stand up and sit next to Kazunari on his bed, where he's still completely focused on his game. As always this brat will use his speed to steal Sho’s notebook and cheat without feeling guilty. And I am the one who gets called a son of a bitch?!
Something seems missing in this room and I know very well what it is, or more particularly who: Satoshi. Even though my friend is the most calm and silent from the group I can still tell when he’s not around.
“Have you seen Satoshi?”
“Nope!” answers Kazu, sticking out his tongue as his fingers push furiously on the buttons. “He said he was going to the music room when we left the classroom,” he adds after (I think) beating the boss’s stage.
So that was Satoshi I heard when I was in front of the nurse's office? I never knew our dear sleeping leader was so talented!
I’m torn from my thoughts when Masaki and Sho laugh loudly. Those two…sometimes I really can’t understand them. What’s so funny about mathematics?
“Could you tell me why you’re at my desk since you have your own?”
“Right…Sorry about that,” apologizes Sho while rubbing the back of his neck.
I should have shut up because soon the both of them wished us good night before leaving our room. Stupid me!
As soon as the door closes Kazunari kicks me out of his bed. I could argue as much as I want about being nice with friends, but he would only smirk at me without even leaving his DS. For a while the only sound filling the room is Kazu’s game BGM and his sighs when something comes into my mind. Since class had ended, no one had spoken about Astarope; the whole day they were literally drooling and kissing the ground she walked on, and now nothing.
“Say…about that girl…” I try suddenly.
“What girl?” he asks grumpily. I know I’m bothering him.
“Astarope.”
The minute I’ve pronounced her name, Kazu puts his DS on the bed and turns his face towards me, and he seems angry.
“Don’t touch her! I saw her first!” he warns defensively.
“W-what?! No. You’re wrong, I have no interest in her. Not at all!”
“Liar! How is it even possible?!” he exclaims. “Have you watched her?! She’s so cute! And pretty and smart and pretty and nice and….did I say she was pretty?”
“What’s wrong with you suddenly? I’ve never seen you like this before, at least not over a girl!” His shining eyes as he talks about Astarope really scare me.
“Try to guess? You’re the son of the Love Goddess, you should know,” he says as he lets his head fall on his pillow and sighs from happiness.
I’m really worried when I see him hugging another pillow strongly and starting to list all the things he loves in Astarope. This talk wouldn’t bother me if it was about another girl, but Astarope has no heart and it’s totally impossible to fall in love with someone like her. I don’t want to even talk about that with him. I’ve seen how he reacts when I say her name. I don’t want to fight with one of my friends. I wonder if the others are like Kazunari. Tonight I will go in Sho and Satoshi’s room to see if it’s the same.
At night, when Kazu is sound asleep I pull the cape from under my pillow and in the blink of an eye I disappear. I will never be grateful enough to my mom for this present; it’s so useful. I walk slowly towards the door and quietly exit the room. I could go through the corridors with my eyes closed because I know the way by heart. Honestly, I’ve been doing the same thing night after night since Aphrodite gave it to me. I’m not some kind of voyeur or a scary stalker (though some nights I’ve been in Sho’s room at the ‘right moment’); it’s just that I miss the times when Sho and I slept next to each other when we were only kids; his presence always made me feel at ease and secure but I’m too proud to say it out loud. I wonder if tonight he will notice my presence just like the night before; I think it’s because he’s aware of his powers now and can use them without realizing.
I turn at a left corner and finally I’m in front of the door I know so well. I look from left to right and when I’m sure no one is around, I turn the doorknob slowly and try to not make a sound. As expected, Sho’s sleeping soundly (well it’s 2 a.m) and it seems like Luck is with me tonight because he doesn’t wake up. Quietly I reach his bed and sit on the ground; this way I can look at his sleeping face comfortably.
Satoshi isn’t on his bed, and it’s not like he went to the bathroom because his covers are neatly folded. He hasn’t come back yet?!
I’m torn from my thoughts as I hear Sho’s voice calling my name. Though I’m still wearing my cape, his eyes are fixed on mine; his skills are getting better day by day!
I sigh and uncover my head and smile at him. “How did you know?”
“Don’t really know,” he says sleepily as he stirs. “It felt like you were here, that’s all.” He then moves and makes room for me.
“Where’s Satoshi?” I ask worriedly.
“I don’t know. I haven’t seen him since this afternoon.”
“Aren’t you worried?” This is not like Sho. He’s always the one worrying about everything usually.
He shrugs. “It’s not like it’s the first time it's happened. From time to time he’s out to paint something outside and doesn’t come back before the Sun rises…”
We hear a splashing noise from Satoshi’s side of the room, and it gives us a start; it’s only Aglaope in her fishbowl.
“Sho. I have something to tell you but… promise me you won’t be mad at me.”
“And when was the last time I was mad at you?” he chuckles.
“Well. If I remember correctly…two weeks ago.”
“That’s because you made Masaki cry!” he argues defensively.
“Sorry, but I thought that a 20 year old grown man wouldn’t believe that eating grape pips would make grapes grow inside one’s stomach! It’s not my fault if he’s an idiot!”
“He’s not an idiot. He’s just a bit too much…err…naïve.”
“Which is the politically correct way to call an idiot an idiot.”
“Whatever.” He sighs in defeat. “I promise I won’t be mad this time okay?”
I nod and breathe deeply as I try to find the right words to put it. “I think…Astarope isn’t human.” I close my eyes and wait for Sho to yell at me; it’s not that I’m scared of him but Sho has always been the one who has a bad temper.
“You’re right.” And his answer surprises me. So I’m not the only one who has doubts about her? This is normal actually, since Sho’s Athena’s son he knows the wrong from the right…
“She’s an angel…”
WHAT?!
I stare at him and that stupid smile on his face is irritating. He’s also under her spell?!
However we don't have the time to quarrel because suddenly Aglaope and Arimaspi become noisy and very agitated. The little owl flies until it lands on its owner’s head and pulls on Sho’s hair with his claws. I try to help Sho but Arimaspi bites me and screeches loudly; then Aglaope jumps out of its fishbowl and falls next to it.
“What’s going on?!” exclaims Sho as he stands up.
I quickly put the golden fish in the fishbowl and catch the owl with Satoshi’s covers. Sho and I stare at each other, out of breath.
That’s when someone knocks at the door.
Sho opens it and a sleepy Masaki with a cute bed hair is looking at us a bit angrily.
“Do you know that it's the middle of the night and people need some sleep?”
The funny fact with Masaki is that he’s very cheerful during the day, even a bit of an idiot at times and really kind; but when he’s sleepy…you don’t want to meet him in a dark alley, and that idiot actually can be smart when it comes to revenge (especially if you wake him up too early).
Sho apologizes and explains that the pets were acting strangely all of a sudden. Masaki sighs as he enters the room and walks listlessly towards Aglaope. Our tall friend kneels in front of the fishbowl and rubs his tired eyes.
“Wait! Slowly! I can’t understand anything!” he whines as he makes signs to the fish.
“What does she say?” I ask, a bit worried; whenever one of our pets acts strangely, it's not a good omen.
“Blatoshi…something about err…bloo…blooming…bowling? You mean bowling, right? And err… blender?” Masaki then stands up and turns to face me.
“It’s something about some bowling and blender party.”
I stare at him dumbfounded. That doesn’t make any sense!
“Can you really talk with animals?!”
“Yes I can!” he replies angrily; his pride hurts. “I’m sorry the bubbles coming out from her mouth don’t help me!”
Sho comes towards us and plunges his hands in the water, taking the fish carefully in his hands. The poor little pet opens and closes its mouth rapidly and Masaki nods; this time he seems to understand.
“Now, that makes sense!” he says with a small smile. “But I think you’re overreacting, my cutie. Aren’t you a bit jealous?” He giggles as he takes Aglaope from Sho’s hands and puts her into the water once again.
“She said that Satoshi is in the music room with Astarope and that he’s in danger.” He laughs as he heads to the door.
I stop him by holding his shoulder and force him to face me and Sho (who’s laughing as well).
“Come on Jun…I’m sleepy and even if I like my little Aglaope, I think it’s mean of her to say those awful things about the beautiful Astarope. She’s too nice to hurt someone.”
“Well, certainly she breaks some hearts…” adds Sho sadly, and Masaki nods once again.
I can’t decide if they're making me feel sick or angry; it’s not like they were truly themselves. But still, our friend is in danger and they don’t seem to care at all! For Sho I can understand; however Masaki is another story…
If I’m correct and if Astarope isn’t human then I don’t have one single chance against her alone. I need to take these two idiots with me, but they won’t follow me if I say I want to kill her. My special skill is needed here: reverse psychology.
“Fine. You two can stay here and sleep or do whatever you want, while Satoshi and I will be alone with Astarope. Who knows? Maybe one of us will get lucky?” I trail off as I head towards the exit.
Just like I’ve planned, both push each other to be the first in the corridor, and in no time we are running towards the music room.
Unfortunately the room is empty by the time we arrive. We have no clue where Satoshi and that creature could be. Suddenly Masaki gasps and as I turn to face him I see his hand clenched on his chest, where his heart is beating.
Sho asks him what’s wrong and as always, Masaki doesn’t know (but I know what’s going on, and knowing the truth isn’t reassuring.)
Out of the blue we hear some noise coming from a room nearby, the sound of water. I’m the first one out of the music room and I run as fast as I can, heading for the pool. With all my strength I push the swing doors and stop dead in my tracks when I see Satoshi trying to keep his head above water while Astarope is pulling him under. Just before I dive into the water I hear Sho saying with a stupid voice "Astarope is here! Hi Astarope!"
“Oh Gods Satoshi!”
I knew Masaki would be useful; all he needs is to see Satoshi in danger, just like when Sho saw I wasn’t feeling well earlier. Love is a strange but powerful feeling for humans, and nothing can beat it when it’s sincere.
I swim as fast as I can and finally reach Astarope and Satoshi in the middle of the pool. My friend is struggling and desperately trying to stay above the water; I need to move quickly. I dive and grab the girl’s legs or what I think are her legs but as soon as my fingertips touch her skin I know something is wrong. There’s no skin but scales. I knew Astarope wasn’t human; she’s in fact a siren! No wonder I didn’t fall for her; those creatures have no heart, no emotion and despite their beauty in appearance, they’re ugly inside. Thanks Mother for being insubstantial; you protected me.
The creature is damn strong; her big tail escapes my hold and punches me right into the face, sending me to the other side of the pool, a bit knocked out. I need some help, I can’t do it by myself, and right now Masaki is trying to help Satoshi get out of the water. I have to distract her but how?
Water splashes in every direction; Masaki, Satoshi and my voices echo in the huge room but soon everything become calm, just for one second before a piercing scream fills the room. Masaki, Satoshi and I cover our ears, the sound becoming unbearable. I open one of my eyes and feel my heart skip a beat when I see Sho behind Masaki, his broadsword in his hand lifted above Masaki’s head.
“Sho! No!”
My shout must have alerted Masaki because he turns around and avoids the mortal blow in the nick of time. Both of them start a strong fight on the edge of the pool, and Astarope decides to use this moment to grab Satoshi once again and dives with him until the bottom of the pool.
My friends are all in danger and I can’t think properly what to do. Who should I help first? My best friend? The faithful one? Or my precious one?
“One down, three to go!” I hear as I think deeply. While I was debating who I should save first, Astarope had drowned Satoshi and now it is my turn. I barely have the time to understand that I am already under water. My lungs hurt like hell suddenly; I’m suffocating and my vision becomes blurred.
In a last attempt I bite her forearm which holds my right shoulder and I’m finally free. I try to surface but just as I’m breathing heavily I feel an unbearable pain on both sides of my neck. On the right side Astarope is biting me while her nails as sharp as razors dig on the left side; soon the water around us is becoming red and I can’t help but scream painfully.
Then I hear a splash once again and soon Astarope is screaming as well and more blood fills the water. As I’m free from Astarope’s hold my hand automatically goes to my neck as I’m brought back to the edge of the pool. I lift my head slightly and see who my savior is: Athena’s son.
A piercing scream comes once we touch the edge of the pool, and both Sho and I look at Astarope, struggling in the middle of the pool with a huge and shining arrow through her chest right in the middle of where her heart should be. I look to the side and see Masaki, tears running down his cheeks though he’s totally wet with his bow in one hand.
Soon Astarope's corpse disappears just like Masaki’s bow; Masaki then runs around the pool and pulls Satoshi’s still body out from the water.
“Satoshi. Satoshi! Wake up! Please wake up!” Masaki shouts as he performs CPR.
“Please! Don’t leave me!” My heart hurts and I close my eyes as I feel Sho’s hand gripping my arm tightly.
“That’s exactly why I don’t want to be a demigod.” Sho’s voice is like a whisper, as if he doesn’t want to disturb Masaki's desperate calls.
I’m about to reply when we hear coughs and Satoshi is turning on his side. We wait impatiently as we watch Masaki helping Satoshi to sit and when our tall friend hugs Satoshi and smiles at us, Sho and I let escape a breath we didn’t know we were holding.
After a while, both Satoshi and I are on Masaki and Sho’s backs respectively as the boys lead us into our rooms. We’re all silent, maybe because we’re awfully tired after such a fight; there’s still a long path before becoming heroes.
We enter my room naturally and notice that Kazu is still sound asleep.
“Jun, can I borrow your bathrobe for Satoshi?” Masaki asks me, and I nod quietly.
I chuckle as I watch the both of them arguing shyly. “I can do it myself, Masaki!”
“You almost died. There’s no way I will let you do it yourself,” argues the taller one as he takes Satoshi’s wet shirt off; and soon the ‘nurse’ blushes slightly when his ‘patient’ is half naked on my bed.
As I’m watching that cute scene silently, Sho comes back and kneels in front of me, opening a first aid kit. His gentle fingers on my chin force me to turn my face and I can see Sho making a face; something tells me that the bite isn’t pretty. As he disinfects the wound delicately, he apologizes for earlier.
“This is not your fault. You were under her spell just like the others.”
“I’m Athena’s son. I know wrong from right. I should have known…”
“As I said this is not your fault. Only pure love can break the spell.” I feel his hand on my neck stop suddenly and when I try to look at him, he’s avoiding my eyes by looking at the ground.
“Sho...I...”
“Would you excuse us, but we will leave first. Satoshi needs some warm clothes,” Masaki cuts me short as he pulls on Satoshi's hand, forcing him to follow him into the corridor. The both of them say good night before closing the door.
We fall into a silence for a long time, Sho focusing on my wounds. I hate being Aphrodite’s son sometimes because I can feel his heart beating so fast; if only I were a mere mortal.
[Previous Chapter] - [ Next Chapter]
**
Note : Sorry for the wait but I was quite busy last week >_<
I hope the change of POV in this chapter didn’t disturb you. This is because despite my bias (XD) and the fact that Sho’s the main character in this story I want the others characters having their place in the story as well (after all this is an Arashi fanfiction and Arashi consists of 5 men right? ^^)
A special thanks to astrangerenters , because she really helps me A LOT! And my English sucks so this a very hard (you can say it…it’s like hell) for her to correct me ^^” Thank you very much!
See you! ^o^
Beta-reader: astrangerenters
Rating: PG-13 to NC-17 (for violence, blood and explicit sex scene)
Pairing: Sakumoto (main), Masatoshi
Genre: AU, action, humor
Summary: Jun's opinion about Astarope
DISCLAMER: I own nothing. And the plot comes from Rick Riordan, a damn good writer!
***
Chapter 3
Something is strange with this girl.
I might not be Athena’s son, but I know when something’s fishy. Just by the way the guys are looking at her…even Sho! It’s not really weird though. I remember the time when he had a crush on that Hungarian girl…Gabriella I think. But in the end it was just a crush (believe me, my Mom is Aphrodite, Goddess of Love so I know the differences between Love and a simple crush!)
There are two things that make me think there’s something bizarre with this Astarope. The first one is that during the break lunch, Satoshi offered her his lunch! I mean…Satoshi! Our cute and kind Satoshi who would tear off your arm if you try to eat his lunch! And he seemed so sad when she refused and told him that she wasn’t accustomed to Japanese food. Then she left with Satoru, one of our classmates who shouted happily that he knew a Greek restaurant. Since when do we have a Greek restaurant around here?
The second thing is: she doesn't have a heart. I try to find it; sometimes people’s hearts can be hard to find (because of a heartbreaking memory most of the time), but in the end I always find it. And in Astarope’s case, she doesn't have one. Not at all.
She’s not human.
During our lunch break, I try to speak with Sho about that thing he wanted to talk about earlier. But that stupid man doesn’t even remember it; he’s too preoccupied with Astarope’s absence.
I’m not jealous. I don’t need to be. I can attract people, but only the ones who haven’t found their soul mate yet. And when those people come to see me…I always end up finding their soul mate for them: that’s why I’m popular. People think it’s because I sleep with most of them, but I haven’t…except for Masaki and Satoshi.
So Astarope isn’t one of Aphodite’s daughters, because she wouldn’t attract everyone if it was the case. And why does she only appeal to the guys? I think I know who she is but…I can’t remember. After classes, I need to investigate.
“Aaah, I already miss her,” sighs Kazunari as he slumps onto his desk.
“Satoru’s soooo lucky! I’ve should have moved first,” whines Masaki.
It seems like Satoru isn’t as lucky as my friend thinks, because when class resumes Satoru was nowhere to be found.
“Ah!” The new girl exclaims as she stands up after the teacher notices Satoru’s absence: “He said he wasn’t feeling well and went to the nurse's office. I think Greek food isn’t good for him.”
It’s enough for the teacher, and he restarts his class with no further delay; but really…where is that Greek restaurant?!
Just like in the morning, all the guys have their eyes glued to Astarope; I can feel jealousy coming from the girls and to tell the truth it’s really unbearable; my head is on the edge of exploding.
“Are you alright?” Sho asks me in a whisper as we stand up, and the day is finally over.
I nod slightly; I think my face is showing the bad headache I’m having right now. However this little and innocent question from Sho makes me feel a bit better; at least he doesn’t seem as seduced as the others…he still cares a bit for me.
“You should rest a bit.” Masaki always has kind advice to share.
It’s strange, but as we get away from the classroom it seems like my friends aren’t as hypnotized as they were. Maybe I was wrong? Maybe their strange behavior was induced by something in the classroom and not Astarope? But it doesn’t explain her lack of heart nor Satoru’s disappearance.
“I will stop at the nurse's office before getting back. You guys just have to go first,” I say as casually as I can. I need to be alone to investigate and the first place is the nurse's office. Satoru’s well known for his strong stomach; that guy has eaten and drunk a lot of things you wouldn’t even want to touch; such as 7 years old soda (with Satoshi’s help) and even Masaki’s dishes (I don’t know what the ingredients were); and he has never been sick, so I don’t think Greek food will beat him.
I sit in a corner opposite to the nurse’s office door and read a book waiting for the last students to leave their classes and the corridor. Just as I am about to enter the nurse’s office, my ears catch a soft melody coming from the music classroom; someone (very talented!) is playing a sort of melancholic song, and it kind of cures my headache. I really want to know who’s playing but right now I have more important business.
My investigation doesn't last long; when the nurse tells me that Satoru hasn't been here, I I'm not particularly surprised. Since the beginning I know that Astarope lied.
But why?
When I come back into my and Kazu’s room, the others are already here except for Satoshi.
“Do you feel better?” Asks my roommate without his eyes leaving his dear video game.
“Yeah thanks. By the way Masaki, is Satoru in your room?” Maybe our classmate didn’t go to the nurse’s office after lunch break and went into his room instead, the room he shares with Masaki.
But my friend only shakes his head before reading his manga again. That’s really strange; Satoru seems to have disappeared suddenly, and I’m the only one caring (or aware?) about it.
Sho is sitting behind my desk and as always he’s the only one who takes his studies seriously while the others are playing. I throw myself onto my bed and for just a minute let myself forget about Satoru because if there’s one thing in the world that I like the most, it’s when Sho is studying.
As I pretend to sleep while laying on my stomach and resting my head between my crossed arms, I can stare at him as much as I want without being noticed (he wouldn’t notice me as he’s too absorbed in his work anyway). I like it when he’s silent and focused on something, his lips moving slightly as he quietly reads his book. Sometimes when the problem is too complex Sho frowns cutely as he lets out a soft grunt. But the thing I like the most is when he’s done. Every time it’s the same: he puts his pen down, closes his book and finally (the best part) throws his head back and stirs as he sighs loudly in contentment.
I lower my face and hide my eyes behind my arms as he turns around; then after a few seconds I stir as well and pretend I’m waking up slowly. Masaki knows just like me that Sho is done because as soon as Sho had closes his book, Masaki has tossed aside his manga and picked up his mathematics book before jumping on Sho.
“Pretty please?” he asks with his puppy eyes. He perfectly knows that our dear Sho can't resist. I sometimes use this trick as well, but it seems that it works better for Masaki than me. The truth is that Sho knows I can do my homework without help, but sometimes I prefer looking like an idiot and sitting near him for an hour or two just to feel his hot breath on my neck.
While Masaki and Sho are working at my desk, I stand up and sit next to Kazunari on his bed, where he's still completely focused on his game. As always this brat will use his speed to steal Sho’s notebook and cheat without feeling guilty. And I am the one who gets called a son of a bitch?!
Something seems missing in this room and I know very well what it is, or more particularly who: Satoshi. Even though my friend is the most calm and silent from the group I can still tell when he’s not around.
“Have you seen Satoshi?”
“Nope!” answers Kazu, sticking out his tongue as his fingers push furiously on the buttons. “He said he was going to the music room when we left the classroom,” he adds after (I think) beating the boss’s stage.
So that was Satoshi I heard when I was in front of the nurse's office? I never knew our dear sleeping leader was so talented!
I’m torn from my thoughts when Masaki and Sho laugh loudly. Those two…sometimes I really can’t understand them. What’s so funny about mathematics?
“Could you tell me why you’re at my desk since you have your own?”
“Right…Sorry about that,” apologizes Sho while rubbing the back of his neck.
I should have shut up because soon the both of them wished us good night before leaving our room. Stupid me!
As soon as the door closes Kazunari kicks me out of his bed. I could argue as much as I want about being nice with friends, but he would only smirk at me without even leaving his DS. For a while the only sound filling the room is Kazu’s game BGM and his sighs when something comes into my mind. Since class had ended, no one had spoken about Astarope; the whole day they were literally drooling and kissing the ground she walked on, and now nothing.
“Say…about that girl…” I try suddenly.
“What girl?” he asks grumpily. I know I’m bothering him.
“Astarope.”
The minute I’ve pronounced her name, Kazu puts his DS on the bed and turns his face towards me, and he seems angry.
“Don’t touch her! I saw her first!” he warns defensively.
“W-what?! No. You’re wrong, I have no interest in her. Not at all!”
“Liar! How is it even possible?!” he exclaims. “Have you watched her?! She’s so cute! And pretty and smart and pretty and nice and….did I say she was pretty?”
“What’s wrong with you suddenly? I’ve never seen you like this before, at least not over a girl!” His shining eyes as he talks about Astarope really scare me.
“Try to guess? You’re the son of the Love Goddess, you should know,” he says as he lets his head fall on his pillow and sighs from happiness.
I’m really worried when I see him hugging another pillow strongly and starting to list all the things he loves in Astarope. This talk wouldn’t bother me if it was about another girl, but Astarope has no heart and it’s totally impossible to fall in love with someone like her. I don’t want to even talk about that with him. I’ve seen how he reacts when I say her name. I don’t want to fight with one of my friends. I wonder if the others are like Kazunari. Tonight I will go in Sho and Satoshi’s room to see if it’s the same.
At night, when Kazu is sound asleep I pull the cape from under my pillow and in the blink of an eye I disappear. I will never be grateful enough to my mom for this present; it’s so useful. I walk slowly towards the door and quietly exit the room. I could go through the corridors with my eyes closed because I know the way by heart. Honestly, I’ve been doing the same thing night after night since Aphrodite gave it to me. I’m not some kind of voyeur or a scary stalker (though some nights I’ve been in Sho’s room at the ‘right moment’); it’s just that I miss the times when Sho and I slept next to each other when we were only kids; his presence always made me feel at ease and secure but I’m too proud to say it out loud. I wonder if tonight he will notice my presence just like the night before; I think it’s because he’s aware of his powers now and can use them without realizing.
I turn at a left corner and finally I’m in front of the door I know so well. I look from left to right and when I’m sure no one is around, I turn the doorknob slowly and try to not make a sound. As expected, Sho’s sleeping soundly (well it’s 2 a.m) and it seems like Luck is with me tonight because he doesn’t wake up. Quietly I reach his bed and sit on the ground; this way I can look at his sleeping face comfortably.
Satoshi isn’t on his bed, and it’s not like he went to the bathroom because his covers are neatly folded. He hasn’t come back yet?!
I’m torn from my thoughts as I hear Sho’s voice calling my name. Though I’m still wearing my cape, his eyes are fixed on mine; his skills are getting better day by day!
I sigh and uncover my head and smile at him. “How did you know?”
“Don’t really know,” he says sleepily as he stirs. “It felt like you were here, that’s all.” He then moves and makes room for me.
“Where’s Satoshi?” I ask worriedly.
“I don’t know. I haven’t seen him since this afternoon.”
“Aren’t you worried?” This is not like Sho. He’s always the one worrying about everything usually.
He shrugs. “It’s not like it’s the first time it's happened. From time to time he’s out to paint something outside and doesn’t come back before the Sun rises…”
We hear a splashing noise from Satoshi’s side of the room, and it gives us a start; it’s only Aglaope in her fishbowl.
“Sho. I have something to tell you but… promise me you won’t be mad at me.”
“And when was the last time I was mad at you?” he chuckles.
“Well. If I remember correctly…two weeks ago.”
“That’s because you made Masaki cry!” he argues defensively.
“Sorry, but I thought that a 20 year old grown man wouldn’t believe that eating grape pips would make grapes grow inside one’s stomach! It’s not my fault if he’s an idiot!”
“He’s not an idiot. He’s just a bit too much…err…naïve.”
“Which is the politically correct way to call an idiot an idiot.”
“Whatever.” He sighs in defeat. “I promise I won’t be mad this time okay?”
I nod and breathe deeply as I try to find the right words to put it. “I think…Astarope isn’t human.” I close my eyes and wait for Sho to yell at me; it’s not that I’m scared of him but Sho has always been the one who has a bad temper.
“You’re right.” And his answer surprises me. So I’m not the only one who has doubts about her? This is normal actually, since Sho’s Athena’s son he knows the wrong from the right…
“She’s an angel…”
WHAT?!
I stare at him and that stupid smile on his face is irritating. He’s also under her spell?!
However we don't have the time to quarrel because suddenly Aglaope and Arimaspi become noisy and very agitated. The little owl flies until it lands on its owner’s head and pulls on Sho’s hair with his claws. I try to help Sho but Arimaspi bites me and screeches loudly; then Aglaope jumps out of its fishbowl and falls next to it.
“What’s going on?!” exclaims Sho as he stands up.
I quickly put the golden fish in the fishbowl and catch the owl with Satoshi’s covers. Sho and I stare at each other, out of breath.
That’s when someone knocks at the door.
Sho opens it and a sleepy Masaki with a cute bed hair is looking at us a bit angrily.
“Do you know that it's the middle of the night and people need some sleep?”
The funny fact with Masaki is that he’s very cheerful during the day, even a bit of an idiot at times and really kind; but when he’s sleepy…you don’t want to meet him in a dark alley, and that idiot actually can be smart when it comes to revenge (especially if you wake him up too early).
Sho apologizes and explains that the pets were acting strangely all of a sudden. Masaki sighs as he enters the room and walks listlessly towards Aglaope. Our tall friend kneels in front of the fishbowl and rubs his tired eyes.
“Wait! Slowly! I can’t understand anything!” he whines as he makes signs to the fish.
“What does she say?” I ask, a bit worried; whenever one of our pets acts strangely, it's not a good omen.
“Blatoshi…something about err…bloo…blooming…bowling? You mean bowling, right? And err… blender?” Masaki then stands up and turns to face me.
“It’s something about some bowling and blender party.”
I stare at him dumbfounded. That doesn’t make any sense!
“Can you really talk with animals?!”
“Yes I can!” he replies angrily; his pride hurts. “I’m sorry the bubbles coming out from her mouth don’t help me!”
Sho comes towards us and plunges his hands in the water, taking the fish carefully in his hands. The poor little pet opens and closes its mouth rapidly and Masaki nods; this time he seems to understand.
“Now, that makes sense!” he says with a small smile. “But I think you’re overreacting, my cutie. Aren’t you a bit jealous?” He giggles as he takes Aglaope from Sho’s hands and puts her into the water once again.
“She said that Satoshi is in the music room with Astarope and that he’s in danger.” He laughs as he heads to the door.
I stop him by holding his shoulder and force him to face me and Sho (who’s laughing as well).
“Come on Jun…I’m sleepy and even if I like my little Aglaope, I think it’s mean of her to say those awful things about the beautiful Astarope. She’s too nice to hurt someone.”
“Well, certainly she breaks some hearts…” adds Sho sadly, and Masaki nods once again.
I can’t decide if they're making me feel sick or angry; it’s not like they were truly themselves. But still, our friend is in danger and they don’t seem to care at all! For Sho I can understand; however Masaki is another story…
If I’m correct and if Astarope isn’t human then I don’t have one single chance against her alone. I need to take these two idiots with me, but they won’t follow me if I say I want to kill her. My special skill is needed here: reverse psychology.
“Fine. You two can stay here and sleep or do whatever you want, while Satoshi and I will be alone with Astarope. Who knows? Maybe one of us will get lucky?” I trail off as I head towards the exit.
Just like I’ve planned, both push each other to be the first in the corridor, and in no time we are running towards the music room.
Unfortunately the room is empty by the time we arrive. We have no clue where Satoshi and that creature could be. Suddenly Masaki gasps and as I turn to face him I see his hand clenched on his chest, where his heart is beating.
Sho asks him what’s wrong and as always, Masaki doesn’t know (but I know what’s going on, and knowing the truth isn’t reassuring.)
Out of the blue we hear some noise coming from a room nearby, the sound of water. I’m the first one out of the music room and I run as fast as I can, heading for the pool. With all my strength I push the swing doors and stop dead in my tracks when I see Satoshi trying to keep his head above water while Astarope is pulling him under. Just before I dive into the water I hear Sho saying with a stupid voice "Astarope is here! Hi Astarope!"
“Oh Gods Satoshi!”
I knew Masaki would be useful; all he needs is to see Satoshi in danger, just like when Sho saw I wasn’t feeling well earlier. Love is a strange but powerful feeling for humans, and nothing can beat it when it’s sincere.
I swim as fast as I can and finally reach Astarope and Satoshi in the middle of the pool. My friend is struggling and desperately trying to stay above the water; I need to move quickly. I dive and grab the girl’s legs or what I think are her legs but as soon as my fingertips touch her skin I know something is wrong. There’s no skin but scales. I knew Astarope wasn’t human; she’s in fact a siren! No wonder I didn’t fall for her; those creatures have no heart, no emotion and despite their beauty in appearance, they’re ugly inside. Thanks Mother for being insubstantial; you protected me.
The creature is damn strong; her big tail escapes my hold and punches me right into the face, sending me to the other side of the pool, a bit knocked out. I need some help, I can’t do it by myself, and right now Masaki is trying to help Satoshi get out of the water. I have to distract her but how?
Water splashes in every direction; Masaki, Satoshi and my voices echo in the huge room but soon everything become calm, just for one second before a piercing scream fills the room. Masaki, Satoshi and I cover our ears, the sound becoming unbearable. I open one of my eyes and feel my heart skip a beat when I see Sho behind Masaki, his broadsword in his hand lifted above Masaki’s head.
“Sho! No!”
My shout must have alerted Masaki because he turns around and avoids the mortal blow in the nick of time. Both of them start a strong fight on the edge of the pool, and Astarope decides to use this moment to grab Satoshi once again and dives with him until the bottom of the pool.
My friends are all in danger and I can’t think properly what to do. Who should I help first? My best friend? The faithful one? Or my precious one?
“One down, three to go!” I hear as I think deeply. While I was debating who I should save first, Astarope had drowned Satoshi and now it is my turn. I barely have the time to understand that I am already under water. My lungs hurt like hell suddenly; I’m suffocating and my vision becomes blurred.
In a last attempt I bite her forearm which holds my right shoulder and I’m finally free. I try to surface but just as I’m breathing heavily I feel an unbearable pain on both sides of my neck. On the right side Astarope is biting me while her nails as sharp as razors dig on the left side; soon the water around us is becoming red and I can’t help but scream painfully.
Then I hear a splash once again and soon Astarope is screaming as well and more blood fills the water. As I’m free from Astarope’s hold my hand automatically goes to my neck as I’m brought back to the edge of the pool. I lift my head slightly and see who my savior is: Athena’s son.
A piercing scream comes once we touch the edge of the pool, and both Sho and I look at Astarope, struggling in the middle of the pool with a huge and shining arrow through her chest right in the middle of where her heart should be. I look to the side and see Masaki, tears running down his cheeks though he’s totally wet with his bow in one hand.
Soon Astarope's corpse disappears just like Masaki’s bow; Masaki then runs around the pool and pulls Satoshi’s still body out from the water.
“Satoshi. Satoshi! Wake up! Please wake up!” Masaki shouts as he performs CPR.
“Please! Don’t leave me!” My heart hurts and I close my eyes as I feel Sho’s hand gripping my arm tightly.
“That’s exactly why I don’t want to be a demigod.” Sho’s voice is like a whisper, as if he doesn’t want to disturb Masaki's desperate calls.
I’m about to reply when we hear coughs and Satoshi is turning on his side. We wait impatiently as we watch Masaki helping Satoshi to sit and when our tall friend hugs Satoshi and smiles at us, Sho and I let escape a breath we didn’t know we were holding.
After a while, both Satoshi and I are on Masaki and Sho’s backs respectively as the boys lead us into our rooms. We’re all silent, maybe because we’re awfully tired after such a fight; there’s still a long path before becoming heroes.
We enter my room naturally and notice that Kazu is still sound asleep.
“Jun, can I borrow your bathrobe for Satoshi?” Masaki asks me, and I nod quietly.
I chuckle as I watch the both of them arguing shyly. “I can do it myself, Masaki!”
“You almost died. There’s no way I will let you do it yourself,” argues the taller one as he takes Satoshi’s wet shirt off; and soon the ‘nurse’ blushes slightly when his ‘patient’ is half naked on my bed.
As I’m watching that cute scene silently, Sho comes back and kneels in front of me, opening a first aid kit. His gentle fingers on my chin force me to turn my face and I can see Sho making a face; something tells me that the bite isn’t pretty. As he disinfects the wound delicately, he apologizes for earlier.
“This is not your fault. You were under her spell just like the others.”
“I’m Athena’s son. I know wrong from right. I should have known…”
“As I said this is not your fault. Only pure love can break the spell.” I feel his hand on my neck stop suddenly and when I try to look at him, he’s avoiding my eyes by looking at the ground.
“Sho...I...”
“Would you excuse us, but we will leave first. Satoshi needs some warm clothes,” Masaki cuts me short as he pulls on Satoshi's hand, forcing him to follow him into the corridor. The both of them say good night before closing the door.
We fall into a silence for a long time, Sho focusing on my wounds. I hate being Aphrodite’s son sometimes because I can feel his heart beating so fast; if only I were a mere mortal.
[Previous Chapter] - [ Next Chapter]
**
Note : Sorry for the wait but I was quite busy last week >_<
I hope the change of POV in this chapter didn’t disturb you. This is because despite my bias (XD) and the fact that Sho’s the main character in this story I want the others characters having their place in the story as well (after all this is an Arashi fanfiction and Arashi consists of 5 men right? ^^)
A special thanks to astrangerenters , because she really helps me A LOT! And my English sucks so this a very hard (you can say it…it’s like hell) for her to correct me ^^” Thank you very much!
See you! ^o^