Season 2
Party!
Scene 0
December 30, 2017. As usual, Iro organized a long, three-day New Year's Eve party. People from different cities, states, countries, cultures, races and even planets were invited. The party was huge. Usually held in a kind of ballroom/hotel in a pocket dimension created by Iro himself. This time, however, as the parties are held in the summer... how about changing the layout a bit?
A hotel by the beach, with special rooms for each of the guests. This time, everyone was invited by letter, where you could choose your room and, if you wanted to, add more than one person to the same room - family, friends and even a lover. A little past the hotel, a sidewalk led down to the beach, with a strip of sand and then the sea. It even looked like a real beach, but it had all been artificially created. Still, it was a beautiful beach. Perhaps too much effort had gone into creating a nice party for Mia. A devoted man, how cute, huh?
- A beach party? - Mia looked at the invitation
- Yes! - Iro replied, looking proud
- So - She jotted something down on the card - I want to share a room with Kiri!
- ah - He looked at her - ok, ok...
- What's wrong?
- Nooothing...
- I'll give attention to you too! But let's face it, you're the host of the party. You're not going to sit still in your room, I know, I know you.
- You're right - he laughed
- And Kiri would be alone if she didn't go with me.
- Xaphan?
- They're not close enough to be in the same room...
- Eh... I thought they were dating.
- Not at all! Xaphan's anti-social, and Kiri's all over the place. They don't match.
- Opposites attract, you know. And you're anti-social too!
- Only at parties - She laughed
At Mio and Yuki's (and now Kieza's, too):
- Are you staying in the same room as Phaniel? I can stay in Zenska's - Kieza said
- I don't mind sharing a room with Phaniel, but who would Yuki stay with?
- Sora? I don't know...
- Hmm... that's a good idea. I imagine Aisa will stay with Andou.
- Probably...
- Okay! You'll stay with Zenska, I'll stay with Phaniel and Yuki will stay with Sora.
- HELLO? - Yuki overheard the conversation - WHO LET IT??? WHY DO I HAVE TO STAY IN THE SAME ROOM AS SORA?
- We're staying in rooms next to each other! Relax, Yuki - Mio replied
- BUT!!!!!!!!!!!!? She has Aisa, no?
- Yuki, we always celebrate New Year's Eve here. We're only staying for one day, just to enjoy the beach and that's it. There's no need to complain so much.
- You two are friends, why is it so bad to share a room with her? - Kieza asked
- Kieza, you wouldn't understand. Sora's funny and all, but when you spend more than two hours in the same room with her, you get angry.
- I'm sure she wouldn't like to hear you say that - She replied - and I'm her friend too, and I disagree with that statement.
- Okay, so you're wrong - She shrugged
- huh - She sighed - Well, Mio, are you going to keep the rooms like this? If Yuki complains so much, I don't mind sharing a room with Sora or Yuki...
- Oh no! I don't want the same room as Kieza! - Yuki said
- Damn, you don't want anything! - She replied
- Bro, I already have to put up with you every day, and on New Year's Eve? You're crazy!
- I'll keep the rooms that way. Yuki, if you don't like it, you don't have to go to the party.
Scene 1
It's December 30th, the first day of the New Year's Eve party. The guests have been instructed to keep the letter sent to them until the day of the party. So, as in previous years, they could just touch the invitation and they would be sent on their way. It was 10am and a few guests were already arriving. Most preferred to find their rooms in the hotel, store their belongings and go to the beach. Because of this, the beach took a while to fill up. As it was extremely long and large, it would have been difficult to fill it up. Of course, Iro took all this into consideration. Especially when his girlfriend has a social phobia. As the Ocean family would only be staying a short time, they were one of the firsts to arrive:
- LOOK AT THAT SUN!!!!!!!!!!!
Yuki ran down to the sand. Typically, like her style, she wasn't wearing a bikini, but instead a long T-shirt and some kind of shorts. Her sister followed shyly behind:
- Yuki, CAREFUL!
Even though most of the time Mio hid her body, when it came to the beach, it was a bit difficult. She was wearing a bikini with thin straps, tied in the middle with a bow, and the same way at the bottom, with two bows on each side, it was obviously dark cyan:
- WAAAAAIT!!!
The woman was carrying a large number of bags as she tried to catch up with her sister:
- Let me help you. - Phaniel said, picking up most of the things Mio was holding
Although he had no shirt on, he was wearing a light jacket over it, which clearly didn't match his shorts. There was another rarity, even though his hair was in dreads, it was loose! For Mio, she was more than satisfied with this sight:
- Oh, thank you!
- Do you want me to help with the rest? - Kieza was right behind her
She was wearing a swimsuit tied at the back, with a slight cleavage at the breasts, which, unlike Mio's, was a much more vivid green. Her hair was typically tied up in a bun. This outfit showed off her large dragon tattoo on her leg even more. Now that the two of them had appeared, Mio was holding nothing. The three of them found a spot not so far from the sea, but not so close to the sidewalk. They set up a parasol, some chairs and towels. As usual, Mio had also brought a reasonable amount of food. She settled into a chair in the shadow:
- Hey - Kieza said - aren't you going to the sea?
- I thought you were going - said Phaniel, as he took off his jacket.
- HEYYYYY!!!!!! GUYS, THE SEA IS FINE! - Yuki shouted in the distance
- Well, Phaniel, I think I'll go...
Just then, when they both looked in Yuki's direction, she had just been hit by a big wave:
- she's okay... right? - The woman said
- I don't care if she's not - he replied
- You two can go! I'm going to stay here for a while - Mio said
- Okay! - The other replied
- Are you going to be alone?
It was Mia, who was arranging her things a little to the side of Mio. The girl was wearing a bikini with two straps tied in bows, on the chest there were several ruffles, while the bottom was not very low cut, in a light blue, very delicate color:
- Kiri, come and help me! - She had trouble opening the parasol
Kirisaki arrived a little later, due to the size of the bags she was carrying. She threw them all on top of the towel Mia had laid out. She was wearing micro-shorts and a strawberry-print strapless shirt, which showed two straps of a possible bikini she was wearing underneath. In general, Kirisaki didn't seem to want to go into the sea either. This became much more obvious when, after the two of them had finished organizing their things, she settled down on a beach chair and put on her sunglasses:
- Ah... Mio, I think you've got company now.
- Hahahaha - she laughed - later, I've brought some food, come back and get it! I brought a lot on purpose!
- OK! Thanks~
- Are you going into the sea alone?
- No, I wanted to find Iro.
- Hmm, I didn't see him.
- I'll manage! - She said goodbye as she walked along the sand
The silence was relaxing, the waves of the sea lapping at the sand, a few excited conversations and shouts sometimes coming in with the waves. Mio could relax, just as she looked out at the others in the sea, laughing at one of them being carried away by the waves. Then, after a while, she could hear a commotion, a little distant, but not so much:
- ANDOU!!!!! - It was Aisa
She was also wearing a swimsuit, one-shouldered, but with cleavages at the waist, reddish in color. Incredibly, she was as elegant as ever. The woman had barely finished organizing herself, but she was already screaming in despair. Andou, on the other hand, as usual, was wearing shorts with ridiculous prints, but the most eye-catching thing was the surfboard he was holding as he ran towards the sea:
- I'M A PRO AT THIS! - He replied
- I think he's going to fall off...
Sora was wearing a pink bikini, the top was triangular, the bottom not too low-cut, simple. Her hair was completely braided:
- Aaand... he fell - she continued
- Ahh, Andou! - Aisa walked up to him
The other, who had stayed behind, was looking around, probably looking for Yuki:
- Mio! - She waved back when she found her
- If you're looking for Yu, she's over there in the sea - She pointed at her.
- Thanks Miooo!
- And later I've brought you some food, come and get it!!!
- GOOT IT!! - She ran to the sea
Meanwhile, Mia walked calmly along the sand. It was already a little later, around 11 o'clock, and the beach had filled up a bit more. However, it seemed that, as well as the beach being incredibly long, there were fewer guests, or perhaps most of them hadn't arrived. To Mia's disgrace, she had been walking for a long time and there was no sign of Iro:
- Haaah - she sighed - what a drag! The sand is getting hot... I just wanted to go in the water - She looked out to sea
Of course, for Kirisaki, who was made of fire, the sea was her greatest enemy, but for Mia, what more could she want than to spend days enjoying a nice beach?
- Is the little girl lost?
It was an unfamiliar, yet sweet, gentle voice. It seemed to be a woman, a little shorter than 1.70m, with curly turquoise hair and dark skin that highlighted her emerald green eyes. She was wearing a high-necked bikini that was cleaved on the shoulders, but a skirt with ties at the waist that completely covered her legs, both in navy blue. In her left eye, there seemed to be some Egyptian make-up, as well as a slight beauty mark below it:
- Excuse me, who are you? - Mia asked
- Oh, of course! How rude of me! You can call me Ms. Mistery!
- Okay! My name is Mia!
- You looked lost... was I wrong?
- It depends, hahah. I'm looking for my boyfriend, who's also hosting the party...
- Hmm... what's he like?
- Hi? You were invited to this party and you don't know Iro?
- Ahm, I came at someone else's invitation... - She laughed lightly
- Ah, I see! Yeah, Iro said that some specific people don't necessarily need to be invited to come here...
- Yes. They're usually celebrities or something...
- Yeah... - She agreed - WAIT? - She looked at Ms. Mistery - YOU...?
- No, no! - She laughed - But the person who invited me is a celebrity. But I lost her...
- What a shame! Look, I want to go back to my place, I really want to get in the water.
- It's better, you look tired.
- You're right. - She sighed - I'll be going then!
Ms. Mistery watched Mia walk away. She started to stagger, probably from the heat:
- Mia! I'm coming with you - she held her before she fell - can you walk?
- ah... thank you - Her vision was a little blurry. She looked at Ms. Mistery - you're very beautiful, you know that?
- Hahahah~ - She looked embarrassed - Come on, you're not in your right consciousness - She held her by the arm, helping her to walk
After a while, Mio saw two figures forming on the horizon. It seemed to be Mia and another unknown woman. Seeing that she was having difficulty walking and being helped by this woman, she got up and went over to them:
- What happened? - She was worried
- Oh, Mia said she was looking for Iro, and as she was very tired I decided to bring her back.
- Aww... come, come, her parasol is here.
The two of them carefully placed Mia on one of the chairs. Mio quickly reached for some cold water and offered it to her:
- My name is Mio, and you?
- Ms. Mistery - she smiled
- Nice to meet you Ms. Mistery! Have you met Mia before?
- No, no - She laughed - I just met her!
- And you came with someone else?
- Yes... but I lost her - she sighed
- Well, if you want, you can stay with us, then! I've brought plenty of food, and we'll have lunch in a bit.
- Oh, if I'm not too much trouble...
- Oh, come on!
- Mia, are you better? - The woman crouched down in front of the other
- Ah... yes, more or less. I wanted to get into the sea....
- You can't yet - Ms. Mistery said
- That's right! - Mio agreed - it's sunny, so you'd better recover a bit before going into the sea!
- Okay... - she mumbled
- I'll stay with you, Mia, if you need anything. It's not like I have anywhere else to go, either - she laughed.
- Well, Ms. Mistery, I'm on this umbrella next to you. If you need anything...
- Did something happen to Mia? - Aisa was coming from the other parasol
- Oh, she probably has sunstroke. - Mio replied
- And who would you be? - She looked at Ms. Mistery
- I've just met Mia and Mio! - She stood up, greeting Aisa - I'm Ms. Mistery!
- Nice to meet you, I'm Aisa! Oh yeah! Mio said she brought lunch, I brought lunch too - She laughed lightly - so it's great that we have more people!
- Hahaha - Ms. Mistery laughed - thank you so much for your hospitality!
The three of them sat around Mia and chatted for a while:
- Over there by the sea there's Kieza, who's living with me now. Yuki, with the white hair over there, is my sister.
- Oh, really? You seem so different...
- Mio looks more like the older sister than Yuki!
- True, Aisa. - She sighed - well, that man is my boyfriend!
- If that's what we're talking about, that guy over there... - She looked at Andou - AH! Is he still trying to surf??? - Just then he fell over - frankly...
- Your boyfriend? - Ms. Mistery said
- Yes... and that girl with the braided hair is my little sister.
- Didn't you two go to the sea for some reason?
- I don't like it very much. - Mio commented
- I wanted to read my book - Aisa said
- And I hate the sea! - Kirisaki joined the conversation, she seemed to have woken up
- Kiri! Woke up? - Mio said
- Ahamm... - She stretched - wow, who's that?
- Ms. Mistery, nice to meet you! - She smiled
- Kirisaki! The pleasure is all mine! - She smiled back - Have someone ever told you that you're beautiful?
- Ah... - Ms. Mistery looked away
- You're right! I love your makeup, it's kind of Egyptian, isn't it? - The one with the black hair said
- I like your skirt... - Aisa commented
- Oh, stop it, I'm get shy like that - She laughed embarrassedly
The four of them were chatting animatedly, and it took a while for the heated conversation to be interrupted:
- Ahhh how I love the beach~ - It was an unfamiliar voice
- I agree, sister! - Another voice, a little thinner
- I hate the beach - And another voice
The first one was about the same height as Ms. Mistery, with long white hair and red eyes. She was wearing a black bikini, kinda low-cut, with several ties at the back and waist. The other was much shorter, the same height as Mia, with medium pink hair, the same color as her eyes, wearing a bikini with lots of ruffles and flower prints. The last one had long black hair, just like her eyes, and, in contrast to everyone else, was wearing a gray sweatshirt, even though she wasn't wearing shorts or pants:
- Agh Chizuro! You can take that sweatshirt off! - The one with the white hair complained
- Don't annoy me, Shiroh, I'll just leave! - She protested
- Don't fight... don't fight... - The shorter one got in between them
- Look, you're hurting Urash!
- ahh - She rolled her eyes, crossing her arms
- Guys... let's enjoy the beach... - Urash was still trying to calm them down
On a parasol not far away, the five of them watched the incredible dynamics of the three new visitors:
- I didn't expect to see them here - Aisa commented
- Neither did I. - Mio said
- Iro really has his contacts, hm? - Ms. Mistery said
- Haha - Kirisaki looked incredulous, even though she was laughing - the Commander of Olympus and her sisters???? Holy shit.
- How about we get them to play volleyball? - Mia finally seemed to come to her senses
- That's not a bad idea... - the redhead said
- It would be interesting. - Ms. Mistery added
- Did anyone bring a ball? - Aisa asked
- ME! - Mio stood up and walked over to her parasol
- Then - Kirisaki stood up - let's go!
Scene 2
- Look there - She said
Sora, Yuki, Phaniel and Kieza played volleyball in the sea, then had competitions or threw water at each other. In general, they had a lot of fun:
- What, Sora? - Yuki said
- Over there! - She pointed - that's Shiroh!
- Yeah, followed by one with black hair and another with pink hair... it's not that hard to recognize...
- They have a very striking dynamic - She commented
- Who? - Kieza said
- Oh yeah, you must not know them - Sora said
- It's nothing much - The other added - just the Commander of Olympus. The one who commands all the Gods and Celestials who live there. In other words, possibly the strongest being in the entire universe - She turned towards Shiroh, watching her - at least, in theory.
- Yeah, I still think you, as Chronos, is stronger.
- Who knows? In any case, she has more courage and dedication than I do.
- Yes, have you heard her story?
- They're playing volleyball. - Phaniel commented
- Do you want to go there too? - Kieza said
- Hm, I'll pass - Yuki shrugged
- I'll pass too! - Sora replied straight away
The two watched Kieza and Phaniel join the volleyball:
- Do you want to walk on the sand? - The eldest asked
- Yes!
They got out of the sea and started walking in the opposite direction. Yuki led the way, while Sora watched her from behind. Over the last few months, Sora had thought a lot about all this, about the questions that had stayed with her since 2015. Honestly, 2018 was just beginning, and it would be three years since she had denied all of this. How much longer was she going to let all this drag on? It was already making her impatient, anxious, restless.
"When you look at the situation we're in... isn't it kind of perfect?" - She thought - "Everyone around me has fallen in love with someone, and they've worked hard for it, and they've gotten results"
Over the last two months, Sora thought that maybe if she tried, she would achieve something too. Motivated by this, she spent days and days considering the ideal moment, how she should say it. By the time she realized it, they were both a long way from everyone, there were few people on that part of the beach. How far had they walked? She swallowed. She should work up the courage:
- Yuki- - she said, a little nervously - I... was thinking...
Even though a conversation had started, given that the two had been completely silent the whole time, they continued walking:
- you know... uhm... - She looked at her - about you and me... - She started to get nervous, Yuki didn't seem to want to stop walking, was she even paying attention? - I've put this off too long, but I can't keep it to myself any longer.
She couldn't keep her gaze fixed, she looked at the ground, the sea, the beach and every time her gaze stopped on Yuki, she got more nervous:
- first... I... thought you were very pretty-
- The sea - She finally said something - the sea is very pretty, isn't it? - She stopped walking, her gaze fixed on the horizon
Sora was finally able to look at her, albeit in profile. Was she even listening to what she was saying? Why had she interrupted her? Then she made the terrible mistake of looking into her eyes. What an idiot. Frankly, she was a complete idiot. That same damn look. That same expression she always make when she wants to finish a subject, when Sora has been too intrusive, it's your typical "don't talk about it anymore" sign. Those eyes. That gaze that will never be hers. That already have another owner. How could you think this would work out? It was just rash. So that's it, it's over?
- I like you, Yuki. - She murmured
Even with her head down, she could feel Yuki's gaze fixed on her. She didn't have the heart to see her now. She wanted to cry. Why did that fucking heart have to like someone who would NEVER have eyes for her? Why, why?
"Yuki, at least answer me. Give me an answer. Don't pretend you didn't hear me"
She decided to raise her head and look her in the eye. Ah. She'd been an idiot again, a child, rash. That dead eye, looking at her with pure disgust. It was a clear sign: she shouldn't broach the subject, she shouldn't insist. Why should she?
- Why? - She let her thoughts escape, and immediately regretted it
As if Yuki's expression wasn't already in utter disgust, it seemed to have gotten worse. She just stared at Sora. Without saying anything:
- You still haven't answered me - she finally said something - about the sea.
Huh? Was she REALLY going to pretend that none of that had happened? Sora had just said her deepest feelings, and NOTHING, NOTHING? Was that it, she was just going to disregard her feelings? Yuki already knew that. Hah, of course. She's a Chronos, an omniscient being, there's no point in lying to her, she reads behind any lie. She's always knew. From the very beginning. Sora had only been innocent to think that she might have a chance, that if she tried hard it would work out. Still... she didn't want to just let her feelings be thrown aside. She could try, yes, she would:
- Did you even listen to everything I told you? - She protested
- Sora - That sent shivers down her spine, she had never said her name so coldly, so distantly. Of course, she was setting limits - I'm not talking about that.
Okay. She'd tried. It was useless. Continuing would only hurt her even more. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, it had always been obvious. It was futile to chase after a woman who never had, and never would have, eyes for her:
- you're right - her voice broke, holding back the tears - the sea is pretty... really - She said as she stared at Yuki, smiling slightly
She lowered her face, she had to be strong. Don't cry now, not in front of her. Not now, not yet. She took a deep breath:
- Forget it - She began to move her hands in the air
Enchantments of this kind can only be done with the permission of some Chronos. As Yuki is the only one, and Sora is close to her, she was given a free pass. In other words, she could perform any spell that affected time, without having to ask anyone's permission. She knew that this was an even more childish attitude than all of hers in the last few minutes. Still, she wanted to cling to any thread of hope:
- You'll forget all this. You'll forget who I am. As if neither of us had ever spoken to the other. We're total strangers - She had one hand above her head
Yuki's eyes were blank, lifeless. After Sora finished the spell, she observed the woman's half-awake state with a pained smile:
- That's a goodbye. Just go back to Mio, as if nothing had happened. None of them will miss me, so it shall be done.
She closed her eyes, just listening to the other woman's footsteps moving away. She slowly lowered her head, immersed in thought:
- Why? - Her voice broke into sobs - why...?
She finally collapsed completely. She had held it all in for SO long. She could finally get it off her chest. And she did. She was far away from anyone. She screamed, sobbed, cried, kicked the sand, messed up her hair. She could be as dramatic and exaggerated as she wanted:
- WHY????? - She was kneeling on the sand, which was wet not only from the waves, but from her incessant tears - I tried so hard. I avoided it when you didn't want to talk about something, I respected your space, even when I was curious. When you complained about Mio, I listened to you, I heard you, I helped you. When you went to the bar, I accompanied you, making sure nothing went wrong. I called you to my house on purpose, because you hated seeing Mio and Phaniel together. I respected ALL your childishness. Because I knew you did the same, even if silently. You read me like an open book. When I was sad, you didn't turn to me and say "you're sad, do you want to talk?", but you asked me out. You made me laugh, you watched something with me, you kept me company. And that was it, that damn attitude of yours that made me fall completely in love. Your typical way of silently helping others, of showing affection in your own way. Of not admitting all this, but in the end really being someone who cares... of pretending to be someone cruel, distant and rude, who feels superior, but deep down is just a soft heart, like your sister. Why... why? If you're all that, if I fell in love with the consideration you have for other people's feelings... why did you act so INDIFFERENT when I declared? Why?
Her knees ached from the pebbles in the sand. She stood up. Her hair was already a mess, disgusting. Nothing mattered. She walked away, getting further away. Because of the spell, they wouldn't miss her for a long time. For the first time in a long time, Sora was expressionless. She just walked in complete silence along the beach. She looked like a zombie.
Scene 3
The volleyball was very lively: Mio, Phaniel, Kieza, Kirisaki and Chizuro against Mia, Shiroh, Ms.Mistery, Urash and Aisa. It was close, but it was clear that Shiroh's team had the advantage:
- WATCH OUT, MIA! - Shiroh shouted
Chizuro's cut ball seemed to have been especially aimed at her, after all, she was the weakest member of that team:
- I got it! - Ms. Mistery arrived in time to save the ball
The teamwork of the two teams was exceptional, even though the vast majority of those involved had only just met:
- Mine! - Kirisaki said, receiving the ball perfectly
Then Mio cut the ball back, which was immediately received by Aisa. And so the game flowed, it even looked like a competition between professionals. In fact, at this point, none of them cared about the score or the number of sets, they had lost all track of time. The game was too much fun. And with that, they hardly noticed that lunchtime was approaching. Until a figure began to form in the distance:
- Is that Yuki? - Aisa was the first to notice
- Hi? - Mio turned around - yes, it is! What time is it?
Mia left the court, seeing that the game had stopped:
- It's 1pm!
- OH MY! I've lost all track of time!
- Me too - Aisa had one hand on her face
- It's been a long time since I've had so much fun at a game! - Shiroh commented
- You're right, sister! - Urash agreed
- It's great that we have so many people! Aisa and I prepared a lot of lunch - She laughed
The group began to gather the towels, chairs and parasols, forming a large space to fit everyone. Just then Yuki arrived:
- What's up, Yu? - Mio said - Where were you?
- I went for a walk.
- You've arrived at a great time!
- hooohh~ - Shiroh looked Yuki up and down - it's an honor to meet the one and only Chronos in person!
- Thank you. - she replied
- You're a Chronos? - Ms. Mistery said - how incredible!
- Stop, stop - She laughed - I get embarrassed like that~ - She joked
- Stop pretending to be humble - Phaniel protested
- Yeah! Who was complaining that they didn't want to stay in the same room as me? - Kieza also complained
- Blah blah blah, I'm not listening!!!!
- Stop fighting! - Mio raised her voice - sit down to eat!
The meal was more like a feast. Mio had rice, some healthy sandwiches, salad, a fried egg and cake. Aisa had brought carbonara, more salad, orange juice and pudding for dessert:
- WOOOW~ - Shiroh looked at it almost drooling
- I'm sorry, as I'm vegan I'll have to stick to salads and rice... I'm sorry - Urash commented
- In that case! - Mia commented - I'm a vegetarian, so I brought a pot of salad especially for me - She laughed - I can share it with you!
- That's great, then! Thank you so much!
And so they all ate in a warm atmosphere, getting to know each other, exchanging topics, common tastes, experiences:
- So you're made of water, and she's made of fire? - Urash said
- Yes! - Mia laughed
- How did you meet? - Chizuro said
- We studied at the same place, but the story is more complicated than that.... - She looked at Kirisaki
- We've had ups and downs - She laughed - but today we live together!
- And you're living together because Kieza destroyed her house? - Shiroh said, almost laughing - what a situation!
- Look.. - Kieza was also trying not to laugh - yeah... you can laugh, I know...
- Hah! Shiroh can't say much - Chizuro commented - the number of times she almost set our house on fire because she tried to cook something...
- HEY! I'm getting better, okay?
- It's true, sister! Shi's been trying really hard! - Urash said
- But it's really amazing to think that you're from Dìxía! - Shiroh said
- We must give credit to Mio! - Aisa commented - She dedicated herself to restoring the city from the start!
- Oh come on - she got shy - it's no big deal...
- No, I think Mio deserves all the recognition and more - Phaniel said - it's admirable how much she dedicates herself to others...
- stop~
- ugh - Yuki rolled her eyes
- Well, the Commander deserves her credit too - Mia said - after all, it was because of your sacrifice that the war was brought to an end. You saved the city you were in and then removed the former Commander from the throne, making every effort to stop the war.
- Hah, you praise me too much - She laughed awkwardly - I didn't work alone, you know. I had help from Chizu, Urash - she crossed her arms - not to mention Nakano...
- Ju, Bby, and Ouhi! - Urash added
- Fuan... - Chizuro added
- Yes - She replied - even though times were hard, I miss those days. I was your age - She looked at the group
- Still! - Mia said - The courage it takes to face the Commander of Olympus is incredible!!! That alone is to be admired!
- Thank you, thank you~
And so the lunch went. Everyone getting to know each other, exchanging warm words. It was definitely a friendship that would last for a long time.
Scene 4
- Huhh... - She was confused, maybe perplexed, no, what the hell was that supposed to be?
The girl was lying right where the sea water was, so part of her body was soaked and the other dirty with sand. Her hair was a complete mess, but she didn't seem to mind. Her eyes were empty, she stared into nothingness:
- Are you alive? - She nudged the girl's head with her foot - hello?
- huh...?
Sora raised her face, someone was bothering her depressed state. After walking for an indeterminate amount of time, she got tired and decided to lie down on the sand. She would be happy to die there. Her life no longer had any meaning. Well, she knew she was just being melodramatic, but she wanted her little moment of theatrics. The blazing sun obscured the face of the figure right in front of her, making it difficult to discern who that person was. She got up and sat down on the sand. She straightened her hair as much as possible and looked again in the direction of the person:
- So you're really alive - she said
A little taller than 1.60m, long matte green hair, big pink eyes with long eyelashes. She had two large wings, which were probably eight meters long, a complex halo and a tail full of thorns with an ace of spades on the end. Her body was slender, made even more so by her high-necked bikini with a triangular cleavage at the breasts:
- who... is you?
Honestly, she looked like she was seeing an angel after she had died and gone to heaven. However, she knew that this was impossible. She stood up, wiping some of the sand from her body:
- Tekina Gaiko, or just Gaiko - she held out her hand - it's nice to meet you!
- I'm Sora!
- And what are you doing there? I thought you were a dead body!
- ah... - She looked away - no big deal
- Don't lie to me~ I can smell it - She seemed to smell something, taking a deep breath - I can smell a broken heart on you.
- OI? - She was incredulous. What kind of weird clichéd book phrase was that?
- HAHAHAHAH! Did I get it right? It was just a hunch. Although, since I'm a Succubus, maybe I'm more sensitive to it.
Oh no. What a bad time to bump into a Succubus. That was bad news:
- Relax Sora~ I'm not going to do anything to you - She smiled - you're not my type... and I'm not cruel enough to want to eat someone with a broken heart like that...
- huh - She didn't like how she emphasized "eat".
- So! It's not good to stay out in the sun like that, you know? Where are your family and friends? It's past lunchtime, have you eaten anything? It's easy to get sunstroke on beaches like this!
- Oh... I haven't eaten anything.
- Then let's go! I imagine your friends are over that way, aren't they? - She pointed behind Sora
- Yeah... - She was shaking her head - but I don't want to go back there.
- Hm... well, I can walk you back to the hotel, then.
- ah... - She had remembered that she shared a room with Yuki
- You'd better get your things and go. You don't seem to be in the mood for a New Year's Eve party! It happens, you know, that's why we celebrate it every year.
She looked at Gaiko in surprise. Was she really going to listen to the advice of a Succubus?
- Not to mention that there's food there too!
- You're right... will you come with me?
- Of course!
The two started walking towards the hotel, away from the sea and towards the sidewalk. When the building was much more visible, after a long walk, another pair came from the opposite direction:
- Hey - Sora said - Zenska?
- Sora, what a coincidence! - She waved cheerfully
The woman was wearing a black bustier-like bikini with micro denim shorts. From the look of her, she didn't seem to have been in the sea yet:
- Did something happen?
Then she noticed a girl standing next to her:
- and who would that be?
The girl was just under 1.60m, with short curly blonde hair and eyes as blue as the sky. A small pair of wings and a shiny halo. Now that was the definition of an angel. She was wearing a white swimsuit with a small skirt:
- That's Rayii! I got a bit of sunstroke, as my skin is sensitive, and ended up meeting her, who helped me!
- So that's why you disappeared - Gaiko had her arms crossed, looking annoyed
- You guys know eachother? - Sora said
- Yes, we're friends - The Succubus replied
- Ah Gaiko~ you know! I found Zen having a bad time and I couldn't ignore it!
The woman looked Zenska up and down, seeming to analyze every inch:
- Your name is Zenska, then? I'm Gaiko - she smiled
Rayii saw that and rolled her eyes:
- And that one next to you, Gaiko?
- That's Sora! She's been rejected by someone - She sounded happy as she said it
- HEY!
- Sora... - Zenska looked at her - you...
- I don't want to talk about it.
- HAHA!!! Welcome to the team! - She patted her on the back - I know how it is! It's a good thing you're not underage anymore, we'd spend the rest of the night drinking!!!
-Huh, how does a beautiful woman like that suffer for love? - Gaiko said
- Long story, long story!
- Rayii says you have sunstroke, do you need anything?
As this conversation began, Rayii sneaked up on Sora:
- Let's leave the two of them. You were going back to the hotel? I'm going with you.
- ah, ok, ok!
- OK! - She patted both Zenska and Gaiko on the back - I'm taking Sora, take care!!!
Then the two girls left:
- Look - Gaiko looked around - my parasol is a bit far from here, would you mind coming with me?
- No, no! No problem at all!
- I'll cover you with my wings - she smiled, as one of her huge wings was placed above Zenska, casting a shadow on her
- Thank you very much - she smiled back
The two of them walked along the sidewalk, taking advantage of the palm trees' shadows:
- I'm sorry if the question sounds invasive... I was just curious - Zenska said - since you have a tail, wings and a halo...
- I'm a Succubus - she smiled, she seemed proud of it
- ah... - She was surprised
- I guess you're a human, huh? - She ran her tongue under her lips, she seemed to be contemplating a meal in front of her.
- I am, I am... - Zenska seemed to understand the situation she was in very well - and... - She looked away - how were you invited here?
- An acquaintance of mine was invited - she replied - and you?
- Hah - she giggled - besides being the host's ex, I also worked for him.
- Oh, so you...
- But I've discovered that my business is with women, actually.
- ah~ - She giggled
They both walked for a while longer:
- This is it, sit down, please - she said as she helped Zenska.
- Thank you.
Now that she was finally seated, she could observe Gaiko more calmly. Wow. What a woman. Of course, she was a Succubus, impossible not to be attractive. But still, she was so gorgeous, if she died right then, she'd be happy:
- There's some cold water here... I can try to make some wind with my wings, in case you need it...
- Thank you, thank you, but I think I'm better now.
- Still, sit for a while. It's good to rest, and so far you've been walking.
Zenska finished the bottle she had been given:
- If you're a Succubus... just out of curiosity, what is your friend, Rayii?
- A Cupid! - She laughed
- Hahah, you make a good pair, hm?
- You're right.
Scene 5
- Maybe I sound a bit ignorant, but... you're a goddess, aren't you?
Rayii followed Sora through the corridors of the hotel, which were quite large:
- Wow, how could you tell?
- I live in Olympus, I'm a Cupid... so I can identify Gods easily... I believe.
- How interesting! I'm the Goddess of Time, to be precise.
- Oh my God! What an honor, then!
- Relax with that, I'm fine!
- Gaiko had said you were heartbroken...
Sora's expression quickly sulked:
- you meddle a lot, huh?
- ah... sorry - Rayii ducked her head
- I'm kidding - she laughed out loud - yeah, I tried to declare my love to a woman... - She shrugged - I failed miserably, in fact I always knew that. She already likes someone else.
- Ah - Rayii looked at her, she seemed to understand that feeling - well... - She smiled bitterly - I think I understand you.
- What? That's strange... I thought Angels couldn't feel feelings... is it any different with Cupids?
- No, no! No kind of Angel can feel - She laughed - But maybe that's because I'm always messing with people's feelings.
- That makes sense. Cupids can alter any feeling, isn't that how it is?
- Not really. There's this stereotype that Cupids bring couples together, but that's not quite true. After all, not even Gods can create feelings. We can only make feelings clearer and/or intensify them momentarily. Generally, each Cupid specializes in a specific one. Of course, I'm the clichéd Cupid who makes love happen.
- Ahh, got it! Sorry, it's been a while since I've been back to Olympus, so I'm out of the loop.
- Relax!
- So what? Do you use a bow and arrow like a generic Cupid?
- Nope! You can do it with just a physical touch, there are Cupids who do it like that, but I like to use a sniper!
- WHAT? - She was incredulous - YOU SHOOT PEOPLE?????
- HAHAHAHAHAH!!! It's like that, but it doesn't hurt and the person doesn't even notice! In fact, the magic is so subtle that even when I touch someone, they don't even feel it.
- Hmm, that makes sense. My room is here, thanks for joining me!
- You're welcome! - She waved goodbye
Sora went into her room and quickly organized all her things. Luckily, she hadn't taken too many things out of her suitcase, as she had just arrived and wanted to go to the beach. As soon as she left the room with her suitcase packed, she bumped into Aisa, also with her suitcase packed:
- ...Aisa?
- Oh, I'm so lucky to see you here! We're on our way back!
- Are you spending New Year's Eve at Mio's?
- That was the plan... but... I didn't want to dare - She laughed - how about me, you and Andou celebrating together? I think it's also good to give Mio and Phaniel more privacy, they'll already have to worry about Yuki and Kieza...
- GREAT! Great idea!
- Really? I thought you'd want to spend it with Yuki...
- No, no! I think it's good to give them space too. Are we going?
- Uhum! Andou's going to be late.. haah, he's been surfing all afternoon...
- and he's terrible at it.
- It's okay... as long as he doesn't get hurt.
- Yeah - She shrugged
Meanwhile, with Mio:
- Have you packed your things? - Kieza arrived with her bag
- Yes! - Mio replied - YUKII, LET'S GO!
- Can't she be more efficient? - Phaniel grumbled
- Calm the fuck down! - Yuki came out of the other room
- So, isn't Aisa coming with us? - Kieza said
- No, she wanted to stay with Andou. - Mio said
- Less people - Yuki said
- Strange, I haven't seen Iro until now... - Kieza said
- You're right - Mio replied
- He must be busy with something else. - Yuki said
Time passed and the 31st had finally arrived. Aisa's family, as well as Mio's, had already left the hotel to celebrate the New Year in their own homes. This was also common among the other guests, so the number of people had dropped considerably.
Scene 6
Some rearranging of the rooms had to be done, as a large number of guests had left from the 30th to the 31st. Mia, Kirisaki, Ms. Mistery and Shiroh were heading towards the beach:
- Chizu and Urash wanted to go back... - She sighed
- Ahh, so that's why you were in the same room - Mia commented
- Yes, the one who invited me also decided to come back - Ms. Mistery replied
- Hmm, I heard that Zenska left too - she continued
- Oh yeah! - Kirisaki said - she seems to have made friends with another woman, you were still on the beach so you didn't meet her.
- What do you mean?
- I went back to the hotel earlier, remember? Then I met Zenska and... - She thought - was it Gabriel?
- A woman called Gabriel, wasn't it Gabriela?
- I don't know, it was something like that! They were together, so as I knew Zenska, she asked me where her room was. It seemed that Zenska had sunstroke and had to go home...
- Yes, Zen has very sensitive skin...
- And then this "Gabriel" went out with another girl, shorter, she even introduced herself to me... - She thought - was it Rafael?
- Kiri... two girls, one called Gabriel and the other Rafael... it doesn't make much sense - She looked disgruntledly at the redhead.
- Hum... - Shiroh seemed to be thinking too - did they have a halo and wings?
- Yes!
- Haha, then it's kind of funny how you're confused! I know them both, their names are Gaiko and Rayii.
- It makes sense.
- NO! It doesn't make sense! "Gaiko" and "Rayii" have nothing to do with "Gabriel" and "Rafael" - Mia argued
- But if they have wings and halos, aren't they angels? - Ms. Mistery entered the conversation - And those are the names of biblical angels, aren't they?
- Yes - Shiroh replied - that's why I found the confusion funny...
- So I got it right by getting it wrong!
The four of them had arrived at the beach, organizing their parasols, towels and belongings:
- There are four of us - Shiroh stretched - let's have a rematch? - She smiled
- I'm in! - Kirisaki tied up her hair
- This time I win! - Mia looked excited
- Just don't get hurt, hm? - Ms. Mistery said
- Look who's talking~ - The one with the white hair joked
- I came out unscathed in the last match, I don't know what you're talking about.
- Yeah, yeah! - She shrugged - 2 or 1?
- Okay!
They split up into groups after the game: Mia and Ms. Mistery got 2, Shiroh and Kirisaki got 1:
- Mia, I'm not going to take it easy on you, okay? - Kirisaki said
- It's okay Kiri, have I ever not taken you seriously???
- HAHAH! Do I finally get to scratch your little face?
- Still with this talk?
- Take it easy. - Ms. Mistery said
- They're both in their prime, leave them alone~
And on another day, the four of them spent a long time playing volleyball, and later, when the sun was out, they were forced to stop and have lunch:
- So, what did you bring? - Shiroh said, sitting down
- Nothing much... since there's going to be supper - Mia replied - ahm, but I brought a special lunch for myself, if you don't mind...
- Relax, what do you think - the one with the white hair said - we're going to steal your salad?
- I would. - Kirisaki said
- That's why I brought salad in addition to mine! - She complained
- How selfish Miaaa~ will you give me some of your salad! It looks so good! - It was strange to see the famous "Commander of Olympus" acting like that
- Come on, behave, Shiroh! - Ms. Mistery complained - there's more than enough salad for us, don't steal it from Mia.
- Thank you Ms. Mistery... - The girl sighed - my salad is safe!
- Common! I just wanted a bit more salad.
That was the end of their lunch, after which they took a break to go swimming in the sea. And so it was their New Year.
Final Scene
- Wow, how beautiful!
It was New Year's Eve and, as usual, there was a fireworks display. On the beach, especially, the show was even more beautiful:
- Really... it's incredible.
Ms. Mistery, Kirisaki, Shiroh and Mia were still in the sea, watching the show from there. On the sand, but not far from where they were, Iro seemed to have his eyes on his girlfriend more than on the show. In Dìxía, at Mio's house, Phaniel, Kieza and Yuki were also watching the fireworks:
- Now that the city is fuller... there seem to be more fireworks, right - Kieza commented
- All thanks to Mio - Phaniel said
Leaning on the window, holding a glass of champagne, was Yuki. In complete silence. Next door, Aisa and Andou were watching the show together. Sora, however, decided to watch from her bedroom window. However, it was Yuki who caught her eye more than the fireworks:
- At least you don't seem to remember - She muttered
Zenska, from her own house, was also watching the sky:
- Haaaah - she sighed - why did I have to leave the party early?
And elsewhere, Rayii and Gaiko were also watching the spectacle:
- In the end you accompanied that Human, but you kept her alive?
- Look, keeping a supplier isn't bad at all...
- Hmm, I know...
- Anyway, it's kind of a bummer for me to commit a mass murder right on New Year's Eve, isn't it? - She laughs
- You never cared for these Human festivities...
- Yeah, that's a good point. Anyway - Shhe looked up at the sky - it's pretty, even if it is noisy.
Still, it seemed that not everyone enjoyed watching the fireworks. New Year's Eve wasn't good news for everyone:
- what futility - She said
A figure emerged from the shadows, illuminated by the rain of colors from the fireworks. About 1.55m tall, with large rabbit ears, her body seemed to be made of metal. White hair, with a few red strands. Below her right eye is the "diamonds" symbol from the deck of cards, in the other is "spades", on her lips is "hearts" and, curiously, on her left ring finger is "clubs". She swings a playing card, which is strangely stained with blood:
- have fun while you still can - she continued
The girl turned her face away, looking at a body:
- and this is mine!
She crouched down and picked up another playing card, which was stuck in the body:
- I think cleaning up to start 2018 off right is a great idea, hm? - She smiled
- And what are you doing here?
It was Cheng, who didn't seem at all happy to meet this girl:
- Oh~ Cheng! I miss you - She smiled
- Are you going to answer my question?
- I thought you knew, hm, after all, weren't you the one who killed Mary? - She frowned
- And? - She shrugged
- In that case - her tongue clicked - you wouldn't mind if I killed you, or Gaiko?
- Get to the point. - She seemed to lose patience - I hate people who just talk and talk.
- You're like that, you know that, right? You're one of those people who starts to reveal the whole plan, and then the protagonist has time to run away!
- Shut up. Speak up, Hellen (it reads as "eren").
- I find it curious - She turned away - that after years... the Deck is united again. Although it would be more complete if Mary hadn't been murdered.
- And if that idiot hadn't disappeared - She commented - then does that mean that Gaiko is here too?
- Yes... but I can't say about her intentions.
- In that case. If I kill you and her-
- HAHAH! Oh, I didn't know you were a comedian, Cheng. - You can even try to kill Gaiko... but you underestimate us too much. You're still a child, put yourself in your place! - She said with superiority
- In fact, as I've continued to age even in the years I've been dead, I'm actually older than you. Even though I'm trapped in the body of a little girl.
- Oh, yeah? - she smiled - Remember, I used to be your leader - she pointed at her - but you've never bossed me around. And you won't. I've been called here, and you have to obey me. Isn't that what you were told?
- I had my suspicions - she mumbled - so you're the one she called.
