Hey minna! This fic isn't dead yet! It's only been a month lol. I'm sorry i couldn't post sooner, I've been a bit more busy lately, plus writing my other fic. I don't plan on abandoning this though.
I'm not really good with action/fighting scenes too well, so please forgive me if anything doesn't meet your expectations!
Hope this isn't too long for you.
You don't want to keep reading me talk about stuff, let's get on with it.
Douzo!
~~~~~
Takamina's POV
"Ahhh~ this is going to be a good day~" I exclaim as I stretch my arms out before getting out of bed.
I'm going to meet Acchan again~ I feel so excited just thinking about it. I don't know what it is about her for sure, but I like her. She's nice. And really pretty. Hehe. I'm glad I made a new friend and it's her. I hope this day passes by quickly so that I can go meet her already.
I look at the clock and its 9:47am.
"Yabai! I overslept! I'm gonna be late for the 10 o clock match!"
I hurry to get dressed and rush out of my room with a granola bar in hand as a quick breakfast snack.
I rush out of the student's quarters, and away from the main building. From there I run across the field towards our academy's colosseum.
Our colosseum is modeled after the original Colosseum in Rome, though when it was a lot newer and whole. Not half broken and whatnot as you might've seen in books and pictures.
Walking down a path that leads towards the Colosseum, I’m met with fork in the path. The right path leads to the Colosseum. I turn left. I’m not going to that Colosseum. I’m going to our simulation Colosseum. Yeah, simulation. We have one of those. With the help of many Roman engineers, architects, and children of the Minerva, we’ve been able to recreate the colosseum built in with scientific advanced technology suitable to our needs. It’s where we hold games to fight various monsters without any real danger, run obstacle courses, and a series of other games and battles that we can’t do in our remake of the original colosseum.
Entering the simulation Colosseum, I walk into the stands and into a booth overlooking the arena. In the booth I find Kitarie sitting in a chair in front of an elaborate setting of computer technology used to create the simulations. She’s typing a series of codes into the system, and presses a variety of colored buttons and knobs. Standing behind her, is Mariko-sama. She has one hand on her hip, and the other on the back of Kitarie’s chair. Her eyes are locked onto a screen in front of her and Kitarie. Without so much as looking at me, she speaks.
“Takamina, about time. Your match is about to start. Hurry and prepare yourself. You will be up against Sae this time.”
Ooohh how fun. I nod my head and leave the booth. I head down into the armory and equip myself with armor and a gladius. Taking up a shield, I hurry out of the armory and go to stand in front of a gate that leads into the arena of the Colosseum.
I wonder to myself what Mariko-sama has in store for us this time. Our battles here you see, are not always taking place in an arena like setting. For all we know, we could be battling in a deserted city, a forest, a desert, or even on top of a building. The simulation colosseum allows those who are in the arena to see what the people in the booth want them to see. It creates multiple environments for us to battle in to give us real life experience in those settings. The images we see not only look real, but feel real. It’s as if they really are there and are real. Even the creatures. Unfortunately they are so real, that they can hurt us, but they can’t kill us. If that makes any sense.
The gate begins to open, and all I see is a bright white light. When the light disperses and I am able to see my surroundings, I notice, I’m in the woods.
I take a few steps forward and take in my surroundings. The black gate is behind me, next to it is a pink flag. In front of me, far ahead somewhere on the other side of the woods, I know that Sae is there. I need to get to her gate. This match, is a one on one game of capture the flag. Rules are somewhat different though, I have to not only capture her flag, I have to search and locate a pillar somewhere in these woods and place the flag on top. Also, I have to do all that before she finds my flag too. So better hurry.
Cautiously easing my way deeper into the woods, I keep all my senses alert for even the slightest movement. What I have to keep an eye out for is not just Sae and her flag, it’s also whatever else Mariko-sama had placed in here, and I doubt they’re friendly.
The bush just ahead of me several feet way moves. I immediately dart my eyes towards the bush and equip my sword into my hand. I ease slowly towards the bush. The bush moves again and I hold my breath. Expecting a hostile creature of some sort to jump out and attack me, I raise my weapon ready to kill the thing. Suddenly, what appears to be a small, dark, furry creature jumps out towards my face. Out of reflex, I immediately slice the creature in half and it falls to the ground with a bloody thud. I look down at the ground and see what was apparently threatening me. It was a squirrel.
I let out a groan. “Are you freaking kidding me Mariko-sama! Is that all you’ve got to send to me? A freaking squirrel? What happened to all the mythological monsters?” I poke the unfortunate critter with my sword. Ugh, somehow, I just hate squirrels. Annoying pests. I watch as it disperses into nothingness as it was only a simulated squirrel. Good riddance. I continue on my way through the woods.
~~~
After some 30 minutes or so, I’m finally on the other side of the woods, I think. No sign of Sae. She’s probably close to my flag by now. I look around and search for the gate. Noticing it a little ways from me, I hurry to it and grasp the green flag that hung by the gate. Luckily it’s small, so I roll it up and tuck it into my boot since I have nowhere else to put it. Well this has been easy so far. That’s strange. It shouldn’t be this easy, where’s the challenge? I shrug to myself and go back deep into the woods in search for the pillar.
After a long while of searching, I’m carefully trudging through the woods when I cross blades with Sae.
She jumps out of nowhere with a battle cry and rushes me with a golden spear. Startled by her loud and sudden appearance, I barely dodge her attack with a cut on my arm. Note, we can definitely harm and disable each other here, but by no means are we allowed to fatally wound or kill the other, just like the simulation creatures.
I quickly get myself a good distance away from her and hold a fighting stance. Sae whips around and readies herself, the point of her spear facing me. In addition to being equipped with a spear, Sae is wearing a dark steel chest plate and an iron helmet. Staring me down, she waits for me to make a move.
I oblige to her silent wishes and raise my gladius. Then with a cry, I go in to attack her, and she follows suit. I attempt to lunge and slash at her multiple times, and every time she dodges them and counters with her spear. What’s more, is that she is able to land several cuts on me. Dang this girl is fast, how can she dodge and counter my every attack? Ugh, I’m at a disadvantage, swords aren’t good matches for weapons such as spears, lances, and the like.
For the next 5 minutes we’re at it. Sae’s barraging me with a series of attacks and swift movements while I can only dodge and defend myself almost helplessly. Ugh, what do I have to do to get away from her? I need to find the pillar already so this can be over!
Sae quickly removes a dagger form her boot and throws it at me. I duck and it ends up stabbing a tree behind me where my head should have been. What the heck?? That could’ve killed me! We’re not supposed to be killing each other, she acts like we’re supposed to be at each other’s throats. I look to Sae and she smirks at me. I glare angrily at her and then remember that she’s always like this. Picking fights and starting stuff, always wanting to fight someone; battles are her forte. Well of course, she’s the daughter of Mars for crying out loud, I should’ve expected she’d be like this and not go easy on me. Ok Takamina, let’s try to fight more cautiously. Before I can take one step towards her, the ground begins to shake.
A large roar sounds from deeper within the wood a little ways from us. We direct our full attention to where the roar was coming from, tense, and weapons at the ready.
Silence. No movement, no nothing, the air is quiet.
Then, one second I’m positioned on the ground facing the direction of the sound, the next, I’m painfully hurtling through the air and I slam into a branch in a tall tree. Ugh, that’s gonna bruise. My mind is spinning, I can’t think straight, what the hell just happened?! Realizing I’m in a tree, I try to maneuver myself down the tree. Usually, I find this one of the easiest things to do, but this time? Uh uh, nope! It hurts to move, and I’m still in shock from that sudden impact. Ughhhhhh what the crap did this to me?! I swear..
Sitting up now on the branch, I just realized I don’t even have my gladius with me. It’s down on the ground. I look down from the tree towards where Sae and I were standing like 30 seconds ago. I notice that Sae’s still there, spun around, and she’s fighting a Minotaur. Ehhhhhhhhh?? It was that?? How did it even get behind us, I thought it was ahead of us?! Argh, I hate those things! Big, ugly, and hella strong. Seriously.
Oh crap, Sae looks like she’s in trouble. I need to get down there, and fast. Judging from the height I’m at and how I still can’t move all that well, it doesn’t look I’ll be getting down anytime soon. Great.
“Ugh, gods, why can’t I just fly down or something?” Something then clicks in my head.
“Oh wait, duh, I can. Bakamina, what’s wrong with you?”
I slowly inhale, exhale, then try to stand up on the branch. “Ugh, it’s actually been awhile since I’ve done this…”
Looking down, I mumble under my breath, “Thank you, Jupiter…” Then I step off branch.
I don’t fall tothe ground though, if you’re wondering. After stepping off the branch, I find myself suspended in midair. Well of course, having summoned the winds to me, I’m able to use them to fly. Perks to being the daughter of Jupiter huh.
I quickly rush to Sae’s side after picking up my gladius. I come in between the two, and slice off one of the Minotaur’s horns, making it cry in agony.
“I can handle it myself” Sae huffs.
“Doesn’t look like it. You were about to get mauled.”
Before she can answer the minotaur rushes in to attack us both. We dive out of the way and it rams into a tree. Does no damage though, as it turns around ready to charge at us again.
“We ought to kill this thing already” I say
“Duh, no shit.”
Now, we fight the minotaur together.
You’d think, all it could take it one good stab and whoop, it’s dead, but nope. Mariko-sama had it programmed to be able to take us on. Way to make it difficult.
As Sae attempts to stab the monster in multiple places at the front, I fly in and slash at its head from above.
“Die you cursed mutant!” Sae yells.
As we fight, we end up forcing it deeper into the woods and fight it there. Out of the corner of eye, I see a tall structure. It’s the pillar! If I can get to it, this simulation will end!
I attempt to fly towards to pillar to end this once and for all, when something catches my foot. It’s Sae.
“Where do you think you’re going Takamina? We’re not done here yet! We have our own battle to finish!”
“Yeah? Then let go of me and I can finish it!” I gasp. “Behind you!!” I scream at Sae.
Sae turns around and it met with the roaring face of a charging minotaur.
“Shit, just go!” She let’s go of me, and charges the minotaur herself. She’s got guts.
Taking the flag out of my boot, I quickly zoom over to the pillar before the minotaur does any real damage on Sae. Not that he can anyways, but still, it’s dangerous. Floating over the pillar, I set the flag on top. It glows and then everything becomes immersed in a white light. I can’t see anything. A moment later, the light disperses. Sae is stabbing at air, the minotaur’s gone, and we’re not in the woods anymore. We’re in the middle of the arena, the simulation is gone.
~~~
After that, Sae leaves after telling me she’s gonna set us up with a one on one battle sometime. Joy. I then go to meet Mariko-sama in the booth, and she shares with me her thoughts.
“Oi, Takamina, you did well out there. Why didn’t you just fly in the first place to get the flag though?”
“Ah… I forgot.”
“Baka. By the way, I enjoyed watching the two of you fight. Got many wounds?” She smiles sadistically.
I scoff. “Yeah, no thanks to you! Why the hell did you send that minotaur to us in the middle of a game??”
“You asked for it. Wanted something more challenging, there. I gave you challenging.” Ugh I hate it when she’s right. I wave her off.
“Yeah, yeah, I know. Ok I’m gonna go hit the showers. See you later.” I leave the booth.
~~~
After showering and getting dressed in the shower rooms, I walk out and into the hallway and see Miichan yelling at me from a distance.
"Oi! Takamina! You're needed in the meeting room in 15 minutes! You guys are discussing the War Games!" Miichan calls out to me.
"Ah! Ok! I’ll just head there now!" I call back. Thank the gods for Miichan. As the daughter of Mercury, she never fails to give me messages and reports. I then head towards the meeting room in the main building.
Upon arriving, I poke my head inside the room to find everyone either seated at the rectangular table in the center of the room, or up and about.
At the table there are 8 seats, 1 at each end, and 3 each on the remaining sides. Starting with the seat closest to me on the left side, it’s Sayanee, Sae, Mayu, and then Mariko-sama at the head of the table. Then on the right there’s 2 empty seats, then Yuihan. From here, on the far side of the room, I notice Yukirin by herself, leaning against the wall dressed in all black clothing and staring intently at a small figure seated at the table whom of which is Mayu. Mayu is talking excitedly to Sae. Beside Sae, Sayanee is conversing with Yuihan. And clinging to Sayanee from behind, is Milky. She's standing behind Sayanee, leaning against her back, with arms around her neck and a small smile on her face. Then I take moment to look at Mariko-sama. She appears to be in deep thought as she's leaning forward, arms folded on the table, her eyes unfocused, like they're wandering aimlessly. Looking at the scene before me, I feel the need to step in and get this meeting started.
"Ahem" I cough as I step into the room.
Everyone stops what they're doing and looks at me expectantly. Well all except Mariko-sama, whom is still in deep thought.
"Oi! Mariko-sama!" I call her but she doesn't give me any indication that she heard me.
I walk over to her and give her a nudge. She flinches and looks up at me, her eyes become unclouded and more focused. She remembers where she is and realizes that everyone is looking at her. Embarrassed, Mariko turns a light shade of pink and apologizes.
"Ne, Mariko what were you thinking about?" I ask her.
"Nothing" she replies. I guess I'll leave it at that for now.
I walk back over to the opposite end of the table from Mariko-sama and take my seat. Milky detaches herself from Sayanee and goes around the table to take the seat beside Yuihan. Meanwhile, Yukirin moves away from the wall and quickly appears in the seat at Mariko's left, beside Milky.
"Okay! So what do we have here so far?" I ask the group.
Mariko sits up, composed, and replies, "We got a folder from Togasaki-san with details on the games."
She holds up a manila folder and then slides it to me. I open it up and look at its contents curiously.
"Huh? This really isn't much. There's only a single sheet of paper here saying that the games will be held in 4 months. What are the games to be held though? Shouldn't we know or have an idea so we'll be better prepared?"
"Yeah. Though the thing is, we're supposed to come up with them." Mariko replies bluntly.
"What?! Maji de?? I thought they were already decided?"
"No. It seems that this year, the students will decide the games." Mayu answers.
"We didn't do that last time, the higher-ups planned everything for us." Yukirin adds.
Sae also comments, "Yeah, they did. This'll be the first time that we plan the games. Takamina, you wouldn't know though, since you weren't here yet."
Ah. Oh yeah, I forgot about that. I've only been here for 3 years, so I haven’t experienced the games yet. Out of everyone in this room, only Mariko, Sae, Yukirin, and Mayu have been in the games because they've been here longer.
"So... why are the students going to come up with the games and not the adults?" Sayanee asks curiously.
"Because adults always ruin the fun. The ideas they come up with are not always the best. People will complain. And sometimes, it's not fair if they decide everything for us. It's always better to consider the thoughts and feelings of the students too. We all want to have fun. So with this, we have the chance to be responsible and show the higher-ups just what exactly we're capable of, and at the same time, have some fun." Mariko-sama concludes.
I look around the table and everyone else is nodding their heads in agreement. I still don't understand something.
"So just deciding the games makes us responsible?" That can't just be it.
Mariko-sama looks at all of us darkly.
"It will not be just us deciding the games." What does she mean? I don't get it. Everyone else looks just as confused as I do.
The room is quiet until Mariko announces,
"We must work together with the Greek demigods to plan the games."
"WHAT?!" The whole table screams outraged. I look around the room, seems like I'm not the only one surprised. Sayanee has a hand over her mouth in shock, and Milky and Yuihan's jaws had fallen. Mayu was wide-eyed, and Yuki was emitting a dark aura. Sae had stood, knocking her chair over in the process, her hands flat on the table, eyes blazing.
The room then erupted into a series of questions and exclamations.
"Who in their right mind would let us 'work' with them Greeks??"
"Yada. I'm not going to get along with them."
"The Greek demigods are awful and unreasonable! They won't listen to anything we say!"
"Why work together with them?! We're supposed to fight each other in the games!"
"They're only going to make sure they have everything their way!"
"I will not stand for this. I am not going to work with those things."
"We HAVE to work TOGETHER with the GREEKS??"
Mariko-sama raises her hands up as a gesture to silence us.
"We don't 'fight' at the games. It's supposed to be a friendly competition between opposing schools. And this year, we cannot decide all this by ourselves. The Greek demigods are to work with us, and so a momentary peace is required between our two campuses if we're going to make this work."
"Peace?! You expect us to make peace with them?!" Sae angrily says.
"We always fight when we meet. We could never get along before, how can we get along now?" Yuki raises her eyebrow.
"Mariko, we don’t want this!" Mayu pouts.
I let out a loud groan. The thought of getting along with them sickens me. Why the Greeks?? Ughhh I don't want to work with them...
Mariko-sama glares at us.
"Do you think I want to do this? I hate those Greeks as much as any of you do. I don't have the power to change what must be done. The decision came from above, if you want to complain, complain to them." She looks pointedly around the room then continues.
"We don't have a choice. Togasaki-san and the Greek headmaster require it. It must be done if we want the games to be held this year."
Ehhhhhhh. I roll my eyes. Just great.
"To avoid as much trouble as possible, each school is going to send 2 demigods as representatives for their campus to a select location in the city to discuss the games. Fair enough?"
...
Everyone mumbles in agreement.
"The question is... who are the two going for us?" Milky inquires.
Good question. Then suddenly,
"I'll go!! Let me go Mariko! Who knows what those Greeks are up to, if they try anything, I'll be sure to put them in their place." Sae eagerly proclaims with a mischievous grin and a fire in her eyes.
"No, Sae. You're only going to provoke a fight with them, and that is the last thing we need." Mariko sternly replies.
"Tch." Sae then stalks towards the wall and slouches against it in silent anger and annoyance.
Hmm. I can see perfectly where Mariko-sama is coming from. Since Sae is the daughter of the Roman god of war, Mars. She will take any opportunity to war with the Greek demigods. It's best if she stays here for the meantime.
"Any more volunteers?" Mariko-sama looks around at the table.
We all look at each other curiously. Who else in their right mind would volunteer to meet up with Greeks? I for one, don't want to go.
After a moment of silence, Mariko-sama speaks again.
"Okayy... since neither of you are willing to go. I'll go. And the other will be..."
Everyone stiffens as she eyes everyone at the table. She smirks at us in amusement then calls out the name.
"... Takamina."
Oh. Joy.
I groan out loud again as everyone else breathes out in relief.
"Do I have to go?" I whine at her.
Mariko-sama gives me a menacing glare, and I immediately shut up. Rule #1 about Mariko-sama. Never make her angry. She is the daughter of one of the Big 3, the god Neptune, ruler of the seas. She has the power to, and will use it, to beat anyone and everyone who goes against her to a pulp, and she NEVER loses.
She then gives me an explanation.
"Takamina, you might by far be the best choice to come with me to discuss the games with the Greeks."
I raise my eyebrow. Is she serious?
She looks at me at sighs.
"You already know why Sae can't go...” She takes a moment to look at Sae who rolls her eyes at her and mumbles "Tch."
"Yuki will put them off. As the daughter of Pluto, the Greek demigods might think something is up and be hostile towards us. Plus, her mood and dark aura doesn't really help us." She nods towards Yukirin.
I turn my head towards her and she's just sitting silently. At the mere mention of her name she emitted a small dark aura that could be felt from around the room, making everyone tense.
"Yukirin! Stop that, everyone's gonna think you're bad or plotting something." Mayu stares at Yuki with concerned eyes. Yuki looks at her, and then after a moment, the aura is gone.
As everyone relaxes, Mariko continues.
"And though you all have been here together for 3 years, Takamina. You are more experienced than Sayanee and Milky. Both in terms of leadership, and skills. Therefore, you are the most qualified to go."
"What about Mayu?" I nod my head towards Mayu.
"Yukirin wouldn't dare let her go near the Greeks without her. So she's staying here."
"Oh. That makes sense. Yuki's so overprotective when it comes to Mayu. Guess it's that weird motherly sense huh?"
"Mmm... or probably something more than that."
Huh? What does she mean?
Mariko claps her hand together and closes the meeting.
"So it's settled! Takamina and I are going to go see the Greek demigods. Any objections? No? Good. Dismissed. Takamina, stay behind for a bit, I need to talk to you."
Great.
Everyone else then goes on their separate ways. Mayu walks out the door quickly followed by Yuki. Sayanee leaves with Milky clinging to her, Yuihan following them. Before stepping out of the room, Sae takes one last glance at Mariko-sama and I. She sticks her tongue out at Mariko-sama. Mariko-sama narrows her eyes at Sae, at which Sae proceeds to quickly leave.
Now it’s just me and Mariko.
Mariko-sama walks over towards a window on one side of the room that overlooks the school courtyard. She then turns to me and speaks.
"Takamina, the meeting will take place at a cafe in one month. Gives us plenty of time to come up with ideas for the games and events. We're also dealing with Greek demigods here so who knows? They really might try something on us. So prepare yourself."
"Oh. Ahm... Is that it?" I shyly ask her. I really hope so.
"Yeah, you can go now." She waves me off as she looks out a window on the far wall.
"Oh. Ok...” I hurry up and leave, and I can't believe that's it. She had me stay after the meeting just to tell me that? Psh, she could've just told me sooner. I walk briskly through the hallways towards the student's quarters. Ugh, what a day so far. The match at the Colosseum was intense, (or well it was more like a game) and then the meeting afterwards? Yeah, this been a long day for me. I need to relax, and then i'll be meeting Acchan. Ahh I can't wait~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Acchan POV (earlier same day)
I wonder what Takamina is doing... I think to myself as I look out the window during class. The teacher is droning on about something having to do with the demigod hero Odysseus. This is the most boring class yet, all we learn about is the histories of famous demigods and heroes of the past. I'm not really interested in the past. I want to know more about what the future holds. And I want to have fun.
My thoughts return to my meeting with Takamina. That was such an unpleasant first meeting, why did we have to meet like that? I was such a mess. Ugh. At least it's forgotten about... I think. I'm pretty sure this time, our 2nd meeting will go a lot smoother. Well hopefully...
Drowning in my thoughts about Takamina and how we will meet later, I fail to notice the 3 demigods sitting at the back of the classroom behind me, speaking in hushed voices about myself.
--- (At the back of the classroom) ---
"Ne ne, NyanNyan. Is there something different about Acchan over there?" NyanNyan then looks over at Acchan.
"Eh? I don’t know... I don't see any difference? Did she do something to her hair?" She narrows her eyes in confusion.
"No! The atmosphere around her is somewhat different. Like she seems more... happy? No wait it's something else... How should I describe this?"
"Ehh how should I know? Yuu-chan I don't know what you're talking about."
"Oi. What are you two going on about?" A third girl buts in.
"Tomochin! Hey! Look over there, at Acchan. What do you see?" Yuko points to Acchan.
"Eh? Eto... Acchan? Ahm... She's looking out the window in a daze it seems... why? Oh wait... I think I know where you're going with this..." Tomochin looks at Yuko who's now grinning at her.
"Hehehe let's confirm our thoughts. I have a feeling I might be right." Yuko winks at Tomochin and leads the small group towards Acchan's desk when the class is dismissed.
--- (Back to Acchan's POV) ---
I feel someone tap on my shoulder as the rest of the class leaves to who knows where. I snap out of my daze and turn around to see Yuko all up in my face.
"What the heck?"
Startled, I lean back. She responds by continuing to lean forward towards me.
"Ano... Why are you grinning at me? You're creeping me out."
I notice behind her are Haruna and Tomochin, and they're also looking at me expectantly. I feel really uncomfortable in this position.
"Ne ne, Acchan." Yuko continues grinning at me eagerly.
"H-hai?"
"You like someone don't you?"
"E-eh??"
"No wait. Let me rephrase that. Ahem. You're in LOVE with someone aren’t you?"
She lets that sink in, and then...
"EHHHH?!? Ie ie ie ie ie... no you're wrong...”
"Oh? Am I?"
I nod my head quickly. Then I wonder, am I in love? I don't think I should even call it that yet... Yet.
"Ehhhh honto ni? Okay fine, if you insist...” Yuko straightens up, arms crossed, and gives me a look.
"What?"
"Then let me ask you this. Did you meet someone?"
"....."
Yuko and Haruna gasp.
"You did didn't you?!"
"Who was it?"
"Is she cute?? Well, assuming it's a she. Is she hot? Does she have a nice body? What about those oppai? Does sh--- ITAI! NyanNyan!"
NyanNyan who just hit Yuko, looks around the room innocently like she hadn't done anything wrong, while Yuko just narrows her eyes at her.
"Hey, I was just curious" she explains.
"Yeah. Right." Haruna mumbles.
As Yuko tries to explain herself to Haruna, Tomochin then moves in front me.
"Just ignore the little lovers quarrel over there. It happens. Anyways, would you mind telling us who this person is? Because it seems to us you're distracted because of this person."
"Distracted. Pshh nooo I'm not distracted, I...” My voice trails off as Tomochin points to my notebook on my desk in front of me. It has Takamina's name written on it. Huh? When did I write it??
"Ooooohhh Takahashi Minami. So it's a girl!" Yuko is now leaning forward from behind me and towards my notebook.
"What's she like?"
Ears open, they all look at me expectantly. Again. Ugh.
"Eto... she's a really nice person. She's funny and cute. She can be sweet and I think a little shy--”
"She doesn't sound interesting." Yuko suddenly lets out a yawn.
Haruna hits Yuko again.
"Yuu-chan! That's not nice to say! Acchan, she sounds like a really lovely person." Haruna smiles at me.
Tomochin adds, "And it seems like you really like this person at least, maybe a crush?" she winks at me. I blush at the thought.
"We're just friends. And I just met her." I stammer.
"Well I think you guys should be more than friends! I may not know too much about her, but she sounds like she'll be someone who can make you happy."
"Un. Acchan, maybe you should think about developing your relationship with her?"
"Yeah! Acchan go for it! You should have someone special in your life~’
I stare at everyone. Why is it that all of sudden they want to be involved in my love life? I'm not even sure about my own feelings towards Takamina. Us? In a relationship? I turn a light shade of red. I admit, it'd be kind of nice...
"Un! I'll see about it you guys" I give them a shy smile, and they look thrilled.
"Yatta! One day then, introduce us ne? Hehe"
"Ok...”
All of sudden, Haruna gasps.
"What??" We all stare at her.
"Ano... I forgot. We're supposed to be meeting up with the others to talk about the upcoming games...” She shyly replies.
"Eh?? I almost forgot too. When??" Yuko asks her.
"Eto... Now."
"EH? Yabai! We're late! Come on guys, follow me!" Yuko then runs out of the room with us in pursuit.
She leads us towards the top of the Institute, and we're led onto the roof. Why the roof you may ask? I have no idea. This does not seem like the ideal place to hold a meeting.
I take in my surroundings and notice a small group of people sitting on the floor near a corner of the roof. I watch as Yuko walks towards them and calls out to someone.
"Oiii! Sayaka! We're here!"
The group turns to look at us. A tall, muscular, exotic looking girl, with long dark brown hair stands up and puts her hands on her hips.
"Oi. Where were you?" She demands.
Yuko rubs her hand behind her head and replies,
"Gomen ne, Sayaka. Lost track of time."
"Well we already started talking about it...”
"Ehhh?? Without us?!"
"Un."
"*sigh* ok then" Yuko then looks at the 3 other girls with Sayaka.
"Oi. What's with them?" She nods her head towards them.
I turn my attention away from Yuko and Sayaka to the 3 girls. They don't look so happy... In fact, they look pretty pissed.
"Yuko. I've got some news." Sayaka says warningly to Yuko. Yuko raises her eyebrow. I look at them in confusion. Tomochin and Haruna lean forward curiously.
"Go on...”
"It's about the planning of the games. You see, we're supposed to plan this... with the Roman demigods... and peacefully."
Silence. Yuko just stares at Sayaka like she said something crazy, and Haruna stiffens at the mention of the roman demigods. Tomochin's mouth is open in disbelief, and I for one find myself curiously excited. Now I know why those girls over there looked so pissed.
All of a sudden, Yuko busts down laughing. We all stare at her. After a minute, her laughter dies down, and she wipes a tear and speaks.
"Ahh~ that was a good laugh. You're joking right?" Yuko gives Sayaka an unsure smile, in which Sayaka's face remains stoic.
One of the 3 girls suddenly gets up.
"This is not a joke! Does she look like she’s joking?? Look at our faces. Do any of us look like we're laughing?? We have to work with those shitty people!”
"Jurina! Calm down... just sit down. Please..." One of the other girls, had tugged on the hem of Jurina's shirt and was looking at her with concerned eyes.
"Rena-chan..." Jurina mumbles and then takes another look at Yuko and sits. Anger and resentment still seen in her eyes. It doesn't look like it's for Yuko though.
Yuko doesn't say anything and just stares at the ground.
Sayaka sighs and then looks at the rest of us.
"You guys, look. It's obvious that we all hate the Romans and don't want to work with them, let alone get anywhere near them. Well we didn't ask for this, none of us did. But if the games are going to work out this year then we're going to have to deal with it. Understand?" She looks around at all of us, and everyone reluctantly nods.
"Okay good. Now, before I mention something pertaining to the games, I want to make sure we all know each other. Yuko, is she the new girl you've been talking about?" She gestures to me.
"Oh! Yes, she is. Acchan, introduce yourself."
"H-hai. Maeda Atsuko desu. You all can call me Acchan though." I bow my head a little towards Sayaka and the other girls.
Sayaka nods her head.
"As you might already know, I'm Akimoto Sayaka. Also, daughter of Ares, and Yuko's room-mate."
The 3 girls sitting on the ground get up and introduce themselves. Having cooled down a bit, Jurina tries to be more cheery and goes first.
"Hi! Matsui Jurina desu. Just like Yuko, I am a daughter of the goddess Athena." She grins at me. Wait a second. What.
"Wait, Yuko's the daughter of Athena?!" I whirl around to face the subject of my surprise.
Yuko looks at me and shrugs her shoulders.
"Eto... I didn't tell you?"
I shake my head.
"Oh. Huh... I really thought I did. Whoops. Guess I didn't. Hehe." She winks at me.
Ehh. So Yuko is Athena's daughter... I wouldn't have guessed. I don't think I should mess with her. Or Jurina for that matter. Children of the goddess of war and battle strategy. Shouldn't trifle with them. I turn my attention back to the other demigods. One steps forward.
"Hello, I'm Matsui Rena." Eh? Matsui? Is she and Jurina related? Before I can ask, she continues.
"And no, Jurina and I are not related. We don't have the same parents. I am the daughter of the Olympian god Apollo." Ohhh okay. She takes a step back as the last girl introduces herself.
"Hi Acchan, I'm Kasai Tomomi, but you can call me Tomo." She smiles at me. Ooh well she seems nice. They all do actually.
Sakaya then steps in.
"Alright, everyone already knows everyone else. So then good. Now we all know each other." Was there a point to this? Apparently not, it's only for the sake of introductions.
Sayaka clasps her hands to together.
"I wanted to tell you guys we're going to draw sticks."
Eh?
"What? Why, what for?" Haruna asks her. Yeah, why? This is kind of random.
"Ano... we have send 2 reps to a select location in the city to meet up with the Roman demigods."
"EHH?!" The whole group sounds.
"Yeah, again, not my decision, so everyone take a stick." She holds out a bunch of sticks that came out of nowhere.
Everyone starts to grab at the sticks hesitantly. When we all look at our sticks, and we all find that Yuko and I got the shortest ones.
"That's it! Yuko and Acchan are going!" Sayaka announces.
Yuko groans out in frustration and starts complaining how the sticks were rigged. She went on about how she got the shortest stick because she's the shortest. What kind of logic is that?
Tomo walks up to us.
"Hey, you guys. Your meet with the Romans will be held in a month, so be prepared." She warns us.
"How do you know?"
"I was told? Duh. Sayaka's not the only one who knows things around here." Oh. That's why.
"Don't forget." She reminds us as she leaves the roof with Tomochin. Huh. I didn't know they're close. I wonder what their relationship is.
The others then begin leaving as they felt that the meeting is over. It wasn't even much of a meeting to begin with. But then again, half of us weren't even here and was late. So we missed a lot and didn't talk much.
I see Jurina and Rena leave the roof hand in hand. Aww that's cute, they're so close. Sayaka also then takes her leave too, leaving me, Yuko, and Haruna alone.
Once they're out of sight. Yuko proceeds to groan out her frustrations once more about her having to meet up with the Roman demigods.
"Arghhhhhhjbdiqjsbxoxownq why do I have to go??" She starts pacing around in a circle.
"Well why not?" I ask her.
She stops and stares at me like I'm crazy. I continue.
"I mean, well, are they really that bad? I'm really curious, I want to meet a Roman demigod." I smile shyly.
She continues to stare at me as I was of another world. Then gives me a look of disgust.
"Acchan. Let me tell you something...” She walks over to me then puts an arm over my shoulder.
"These people... The Romans, should not be taken lightly. They are barbaric, harsh, and cruel. It always seems like they're planning something awful for us."
"Ano... Is that true? Have you met one before?”
“… no… but I’ve heard many awful stories about them! I know of Greek demigods who have come into contact with the Romans and it never has ended well so trust me! I’ve got good sources. The Romans aren’t like us.”
I’m not convinced.
“What if you're wrong about them?"
"And what if I'm right! Acchan. Trust me. Again, those good for nothing Roman demigods are not like us. We've been fighting each other for generations. Just like they say, always have always will. Things never will go smoothly when we're around each other."
"Ehhh... sou desu ka?" I mumble.
"Un. When we go meet the Romans, be weary. And we're definitely not going there to make friends. It's only for a serious discussion regarding the games. That's it. Heed my words. Don't ever befriend one. Because Romans demigods can never be trusted." She stares into my eyes as she says the last few sentences, then starts to walk away.
"Come on Haruna, ikou." She exits the roof.
Haruna glances at me and gives me a sad smile, her eyes distant. She then turns away and follows Yuko.
Now it's just me on the roof. I think about what Yuko had just told me, and I can't help but doubt her. Roman demigods are just people too aren’t they? Why are they made out to be so horrible? Everyone here seems to hate them, I just don't understand.
Shaking my thoughts away, I exit the roof of the Institute, reminding myself that I'm going to go meet Takamina.
(Later, in the city)
I'm running through the city, hoping that I'm not late. I walk around on the street in which we parted ways the previous day. Where is she? I can't seem to find her... oh wait. Found her. I had spotted her a little ways away from me standing under a tree. I could tell it was her since she was so small. She was wearing a cute white skirt with a banana parka, and a red bow on her head. Haha kawaii~ Leaning against the tree, head down, she was shifting her feet around impatiently, waiting for me.
I hurry over and call out to her.
"Takamina! Sorry to make you wait."
She looks up and smiles widely at me then shakes her head.
"No no, I wasn't waiting long. I just got here." She's a terrible liar, but I thought it was sweet. She then continues.
“Shall we go?” She offers me her hand. I smile at her, placing my hand in hers, we start walking together. Smiling, and laughing happily, we enjoy each other’s company.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Takamina POV
I've been meeting with Acchan for about a month now and we've gotten so close within this short time span. Sometimes, it feels like I've known her for so much longer, even though I haven't. It's amazing how much we've bonded. And I have to admit, I've come to the realization that I have feelings for her, growing stronger and stronger every time we meet. I didn't know what it was at first with her, I just liked her, and before I knew it, I was already in too deep. I fell in love with the beautiful girl named Maeda Atsuko.
I want to tell her, make my feelings known, confess. But I feel it is too soon to tell her... we haven't even known one another long. And what if she doesn’t feel the same way? I don’t want to get rejected.
She laughs at my jokes though, that lifts my spirits... unless, she's laughing at me. I don't know how to feel about that. Ugh, I don't know what to do!
I groan out in frustration as I pick at my food in front of me. I'm sitting at a table in our academy's dining area. Someone then taps me on shoulder from behind. I turn around to find Miichan, Yuihan, Paruru, and Mariko standing there looking at me curiously.
"Ne, Takamina, what's got you all frustrated?" Miichan asks.
Mariko adds, "You can tell us while we sit here." Without waiting for a response, they all proceed to sit at the table with me. Okayy.
I sigh. Might as well tell them, I kind of need advice. Before I can speak, Miichan holds up her hand.
"Wait, Takamina. You're having love problems aren’t you?"
"Eh?! How'd you know?"
Miichan: "Well it's kind of obvious you know since lately, you've looked distracted and dazed."
Yui: "You've also been sighing a lot."
Paruru: "And you've been scolding us less.”
They all nod thoughtfully.
Ugh. These girls. They pay too much attention of me.
Mariko shakes her head at me, and as if reading my mind she speaks.
"You're just making it way too obvious. Takamina, you're not really a closed book."
Are my feelings really that obvious? Has Acchan noticed?? No no... it can’t be. I don't think I'm that obvious around Acchan. I feel worried.
Mariko continues. "So tell us, what's going on?" She leans forward on the table.
Hesitantly, I answer. "T-There’s this girl I really like and... I'm afraid of rejection...”
"Awww our cute little leader is afraid of rejection." Miichan mocks me in a baby voice, and I glare at her. She gets flicked in the head by Mariko-sama.
Mariko: “Don’t mind her. Takamina, if you really like this girl, then don’t be afraid to tell her your feelings.”
“Yeah but like, what if she’s disgusted by me after I tell her and then comes to hate me and then never talks to me again and then never meets me again and then eventually forgets all about me?! I start hyperventilating.
“Whoa calm down Takamina, no need to be all negative.” Mariko-sama puts a hand on my shoulder.
“Yeah, think more positive. I’m sure she won’t reject you, in fact, she might just like you back.” Miichan reassures me.
“How can you be so sure?”
“Just don’t worry about it. She does. ‘Cause I mean, who wouldn’t fall for the great Takahashi Minami’s charm?” They all start laughing as I narrow my eyes at them.
“Hey! What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Trust us Takamina, we’re not making fun of you.” Miichan stifles a laugh. They were so making fun of me. I just don’t get how.
I decide to just wave them off. “So? What should I do you guys?”
“Ask her out on a date!” Miichan exclaims excitedly.
“A date?! We’re not even dating??”
“Just because you guys aren’t dating, doesn’t mean you can’t go out on a date. But if you insist, then don’t call it that. Just ask her out somewhere and then tell her how you feel there. And like, you know, make it somewhat special.”
“Special huh… I’ll think about it. Where should I take her out though??”
Miichan: “Dinner!”
Paruru: “Movies?”
Yuihan: “A concert”
Mariko: “I don’t think a concert is a good place for a confession, and those other two are too typical for a date, what about an amusement park?”
“That’s no different! People always goes on dates there!”
Miichan: “Yeeaaahh but a lot of friends go too, and it’s more fun than all those other places, Mariko-sama might have just made a good suggestion. So what do you say Takamina??”
“An amusement park eh… well you guys do have a point. It easier to come up with something romantic there anyways so yeah, okay I’ll invite her out there.”
“Yatta!” They all cheer happily for me, encouraging me to go out there and get whom will later become the love of my life.
Thanking them, I look at the time and realize it’s almost time to meet Acchan. Great! I can go ask her today, I hope she’ll go with me~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Acchan POV (late at night)
Asjdfroihenvakmwjflkya! I squeal into my pillow as I flop down into my bed. Takamina asked me out to the amusement park! Ohmygosh she was so adorable when she asked me ahhh~
*Flashback*
Takamina and I were walking side by side in the usual park talking and laughing. All of a sudden I felt a tug on the hem of my shirt. I turned my head and noticed Takamina had stopped a bit behind me. She was holding my shirt and her head was down, face, clearly red. Concerned, I asked her the obvious.
“Takamina, is something wrong?”
She shook her head briskly and mumbled that she kind of wanted to ask me something. She looked so nervous and she kept fidgeting. Kawaii!
“Nee, Takamina, what is it?”
“Eto.. if you don’t mind that is… will you…”
“Sorry I didn’t catch that, could you say that louder?”
“*cough* I said, will you go to the amusement park with me?” She lifted her head and gave me shy smile while rubbing the back of her head with her hand.
Wait. Did Takamina just asked me out on a date? A DATE? OMG I can’t believe what I just heard, she asked me out! Oh yeah I should answer her.
Quickly clearing my thoughts, I decided to tease the expectant, anxious Takamina.
“Are you asking me out on a date?” Takamina turned red, startled by the sudden question.
“Eto… ….” She started mumbling a string of incoherent words.
I laughed. She’s so cute when she’s flustered. Noticing that I’m laughing at her, she pouts at me. Awwh I’ll just give a straight answer.
“Sure, I’d love to the amusement park with you.” I smile.
Her face immediately lit up to one of pure relief and happiness. She pumped her fist in the air and yelled “Yatta!” Kawaii~ Can she not get any cuter?
Eagerly, she asked me if tomorrow afternoon was good, and I nodded my head yes.
She smiled at me and then said she had to go, in which I replied, “Ah. Ok then, matashita. Can’t wait for our date.” I winked at her. Blushing again for the nth time that day, she takes her leave and I head back to Institute.
*Flashback ends*
Ahhh~ I can’t wait~ gosh I’m so impatient. Tomorrow huh? I wonder what I should wear? I think to myself sit up on my bed. I get up and rummage through my wardrobe. After a good 3 hours, I sit on the floor exasperated.
“Ugh! There’s nothing to wear!” I whine to myself.
As I sulk, Haruna walks in and freezes. She takes in her surrounding with a look of horror on her face. As she looks around our room, I follow her gaze and turn to see our room. I gasp. Tons of clothes are scattered throughout the whole room. Blouses and dresses in piles all over the floor, skirts and jeans strung onto the bed and thrown onto a nearby dresser, a mound of shoes by the door. The room is a total mess. I’ve been here for the past few hours, when did any of this happen?
“What. Happened?” Haruna slowly turns to me, mouth agape.
“I have a date tomorrow with Takamina and I don’t know what to wear!” I cry.
Haruna just stares at me. After a solid 10 minutes of me sitting in awkward silence, Haruna tosses me a key. I look at her questioningly.
“The key to my closet.” She explains. “You can borrow whatever is necessary for your date.”
“REALLY???” Gods is this happening? A daughter of Aphrodite is letting me borrow her clothes! Their clothes are freaking GORGEOUS. I jump up and hug Haruna, thanking her a thousand times, and then I run over to her locked closet.
“ON ONE CONDITION” She says. I freeze, and wait for her to continue.
“1. Clean up this mess you made, I’m not sleeping in a dirty room. And 2. Don’t you dare mess up my closet or I will kill you.” She stares me down. Yeah, ok. Will do.
“Got it. Clean mess. Don’t make another. Crystal Clear.” I look at her pleadingly.
After a moment, “Go.” Then she leaves our room, and I immediately go immerse myself into the all the wonderful beauties of Haruna’s closet.
~~~
Much later, I’m laying on my bed again. I finally was able to find the perfect outfit, and clean up the mess I had made. Gods, I’m pooped. Tomorrow… date with Takamina. Oh yeah, and the meeting with the Romans is also tomorrow huh… I almost forgot. Oooh interesting. Tomorrow’s gonna be fun. Thinking of what awaits me the next day, I slowly drift off to sleep.
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AN: My bad, if the end is like the first chapter. It's been a while since i posted, so i kind of forgot what i wrote heheh.. Oh well... I'll leave it at that.
Topic: What Can't Be...Is - Chapter 3 (Read 5870 times)