~A week later~
“What?!!” Keito screamed at Daiki as he returned to his office from his vacation with Yuki. “What do you mean you haven't done any research?!!” He grinned and apologized, “Sorry, when Yuki said you were taking a week off from this locket stuff... I assumed I got a break too.” He groaned, “We just lost a weeks worth of research! We could've found out our last power! Then we could have found out what happens when all the gods are together! Or why these specific gods have their power within the locket in the first place!”
“Ok, truthfully, I wouldn't have been able to figure out any of that on my own.” Daiki stated as he growled, “Urgh... just start researching! Yuki will be here any minute to give us a hand--”
“Guys!” Yuki shouted as she rushed in, excitedly, almost tripping over the mess within their office. But she completely ignored it as she beamed happily, “I found something! Check this out!” She slapped a document onto their desk as Keito read out loud, “Legend states that Pandora's box wasn't the only restricted object within the Gods world. Another, held by Gaea herself, contained something that no one should ever open. No one bothered looking for it, fearing that whatever was contained within it, was far worse than what Pandora had unleashed.” Yuki beamed excited as Daiki and Keito gave her a confused look.
“I don't see how this helps. We already knew this.” Keito stated as she sighed, “Come on guys. Think. We already know what was held within the box. 8 Olympian powers. But why would Gaea or the Gods even think about putting their powers within her locket? And why would Gaea hide it away if it was the God's power?”
“Well Hakufu doesn't seem to like it.” Daiki stated. “It can be a burden.”
“Point taken. But...” she thought. “I think she hid it for another reason. A safety reason. Here's another article you can read.... where's the box? I want to take a look at it.” Daiki gave it to her as he then joined Keito to read the other document.
“The battle between the Titans and the Olympians lasted millenniums. A long, blood-shedding battle of family and Gaea had watched it all happen. Seeing her children and grandchildren until her grandchildren's prevailed put Gaea in distress. But she was happy that it was finally-”
“Aha!” Yuki cheered, interrupting Daiki's reading. They turned to her as she pointed of the etchings on the box. “Look at this!”
“Yea... the gods and Gaea. We seen that--”
“Have you looked at it closely?” she pointed out. “You're archaeologist! You should take note of every little detail on these things.” They looked, but Yuki could see that they were both still unsure of what to look for. She sighed, “Seriously... what would you guys do without me? Look at the Gods faces.”
“They seem normal.” Daiki said as she said, “They seem hesitant.” Keito looked closely and indeed their faces looked as if they were concerned or unsure of what Gaea's was going to do with their powers. “They look.... reluctant.”
“Exactly.” Yuki beamed. “I believe they didn't want to give up a portion of their powers. Gaea just extracted some from them.” Daiki lit up, “So the Gods didn't exactly have a say in it. Maybe they didn't even know some of their powers had even been extracted.”
“Okay... so they had their powers extracted... that doesn't really help us.” Daiki stated. “They didn't want to have some of their powers drains... that just leads us to more questions. It doesn't answer any of our prior questions.”
“Well, it can help with finding out why they're in the locket.” she thought. “Gaea might have gotten tired of the fighting and wanted to prevent it from happening again. The Titans were already in Tartarus so she just needed to limit the Gods.”
“But then why didn't she take Are's power? He's the God of War.” he pointed out. She thought, “Are's could be the last God power...”
“Then what about Athena? She has the wisdom that could help in battle.”
“That's true...”
“Yea, we need to know why she chose these specific God's to extract the power from... and why only 8. I'm sure she could've gotten all of them.”
“There's so many Gods!”
“But she's mother Earth--”
“Of course! Why didn't I see that before?!” Keito, who had been staring at the box the entire time spoke up. He pounced on Yuki, hugging her happily. “Yuki you're a genius!” However, it was Yuki's turn to be confused, “Okay... what did I do?”
“Did you notice the drapery on the 8 Gods?” he beamed. “There's two different designs, a male and female design!”
“What?!” she squealed excited, grabbing the box. The Goddess's drapes were more dress like and dainty whereas the Gods, masculine. She then noticed, “5 masculine Gods, 3 feminine Goddesses.... The last power belonged to a God!”
“Alright!” Daiki grinned. “So if its just the major Gods mentioned in Greek mythology... that leaves... Ares and Hades.” Yuki cheered, “We've got it done to the last two! As soon as we figured this out maybe well get some answers!”
“Hopefully we will!” Keito smiled. “Let the others know to look out for people similar to these Gods.”
~Animal Shelter~
“Really?” Hakufu said excited. “That close! Great! Will you be able to figure out how to get rid of the powers then?”
“We'll do our very best.” Yuki smiled as Kaori thought, “Hmm... what do you think will happen? When we all unite? Will something happen?”
“We're hoping for it.” she replied. “Otherwise. We've reached a dead end. If we find the last power, what else is there to do? We're already confused on how to get the powers back into the locket... that's why we're trying our luck with the unity of all the powers.”
“I guess... but im just looking at both sides of the coin. What if nothing happens? What will we do next? Just live with our powers?” Kaori thought. She shrugged, “We won't know until you're all together.”
“Hey. I hate to be the bearer of bad news... but I have a bad feeling of finding this last god.” Kei stated.
“Why's that?”
“Are's was the hot-headed god of war right? Not exactly reassuring to know we'll be looking for someone who resemble him. Same thing with the God of the Underworld.” he pointed out. Rini smiled, “But remember, they don't need to exactly be like them. Look at Hakufu and Shirika.”
“But there was still something similar.” he said worried.
“Barely anything.” Hakufu answered. “Besides, maybe whoever it is got Are's hot-temper... that's not so bad. As for Hades... maybe a loner.”
“Good point...” Kei sighed.
“I'm sure there's nothing to worry about, Kei. The other powers chose good people. What makes this last one any different?” Yuki pointed out. Kaori then thought, “So someone hot tempered or a loner? Is that what we're going with?”
“I guess so.” Rini beamed. Hakufu smiled, “I'll start looking. My shift's just about done.” She ran to the back as Yuki sighed, “She's certainly excited to get rid of her powers...”
“Well, what do you expect?” Kei added. “Having the power over fire? It's very destructive.”
“Well if you think about it that way.” Kaori disagreed. “I think it makes her a great light. You do know because of Hephaestus' power of fire, he was able to blacksmith weapons for the Gods to use in order to defeat the Titans right? His powers is a saving grace. Which is how Hakufu should think of it.”
“That's a very good point.” Yuki beamed. “I see I'm not the only mythology expert here. Maybe you should help out with some research too.”
“Haha, I'm no history teacher, but I definitely know a good deal on mythology.” she giggled. Then Yuki lit up, “Wait! That might be it!”
“What?” Rini wondered as she explained, “Hephaestus' powers might be in the locket because he contributed a lot to the God and Titan War. Maybe the Gods who contributed the most between the war between mother Gaea's children and grandchildren are the one's she believe needed to be limited on power so she took some of their powers when they weren't looking!”
“Wow... you got all that from a little thought I had on Hephaestus?” Kaori said amazed.
“I can find plenty of connections.” Yuki beamed, heading for the door. “I'll tell you more at the meeting tonight. Don't be late!”
“No promises.” Kaori giggled as she took off and they went back to work.
~That Evening at World Cuisines~
“To think we're so close... “ Chiharu said excited as Keito explained to them their findings. Ryosuke nodded, “So Ares or Hades... which do you suppose it will be?”
“Hades would be pretty cool. Think he could bring back the dead?” Kaori teased as Kei gave her a look, “How is that cool? That's freaky!”
“It could happen. Maybe the person with his power is a grave digger or something.” she shrugged as Rini giggled, “Or a funeral planner.”
“What if it was Ares?” Rena thought. “We should think of both possibilities.” Shirika thought, “The God of war right? Maybe some sort of strategist.” Yuki shook her head, “That might be more of Athena's expertise. Perhaps a military student--”
“Hey... sorry we're late.” Hikaru beamed as he and Yuya entered the restaurant. They looked to see most of everyone there. The only ones missing were...
“Where's Hakufu?” Yuya wondered.
“Not sure.” Yui stated. “Kota, Satomi, and Yuto aren't here yet either...”
“I think Hakufu might be out looking for that power. She seemed really eager when we told her the news.” Yuki stated. Daiki thought, “Well, she has been wanting to get rid of her powers since the beginning so its nothing surprising.”
“As for the other three... I'm not to sure...” Yuri stated as Ryutaro added, “My brother was out on a date with Satomi. I think they should be on their way. I'm not sure about Yuto though?” They all turned to Kaori as she gave a look, “Why are you all looking at me?”
“You don't know where he is?” Chiharu questioned as she shook her head, “No. If any of us does it should be you. You work with him after all.”
“But aren't you two dating too?” Ryosuke questioned as a huge blush crept onto Kaori's face. “T-That's not true! What the hell?! One date and everyone thinks we're together?! Seriously?!”
“Calm down. No need to get all defensive...” Kei told her. “He knows this meetings important. He should be on his way. Let's just continue our conversations.” Yui summarized what had happened with the last God to Hikaru and Yuya.
“So... we might finally get answers on all this...” Hikaru smiled ecstatic. “It does sound exciting. I'd probably be out there looking with Hakufu too if I'd known sooner.” Yuya asked, “So what's the plan now? Just keep searching?”
“Yea. At least until we figure out more information.” Daiki stated. Mai then questioned, “But... do we really have that much of a better chance finding this last God power? I mean, sure we know its down to two gods, but anyone can relate to them one way or another.”
“We're just gonna have to continue to do our best.” Yuki sighed. “it was already a miracle finding you all. The locket hasn't reacted at all since you were all found months ago.” Rena then sighed, “Hey, I know its kinda late in the game... but I am really curious to see where all this information is coming from. I think we've all had a glimpse of the locket, but I'm sure we all want to observe it too.”
“Alright. Next meeting well bring it.” Keito stated. “We'll also bring the box it was found in. Anything else?” A phone rang as Mai quickly pulled it out, “I'll be back...” She walked out of the room answering her phone as Yuri stated, “Well for one thing, make sure everyone's here. Three powers aren't here. They're the ones who should be attending every meeting.” Ryutaro answered, “So what if my brother's a little late. We all still have lives to live. You can't expect everyone to show up on time.”
“What I expect is for them to at least show up to the meetings.” He responded. “I'm willing to help out but the powers should be focusing on this too. You said he was on a date, yet why aren't they here to participate? This is all about them. What's happening to them. So they should be expected to be here.”
“Look, I get where you're coming from...” Chiharu said. “But maybe he got stuck in traffic or something. He wants to know about all this just as much as the rest of us. I'm sure they all have perfectly good excuses for not showing up.” Kaori nodded, “Let's just say that this meeting was planned last minute so its fine that some of us weren't present. End of story. We'll just give a 24 hour notice before the next--”
“Guys!” they all turned to the door where Mai was panicking in. “Satomi called! T-There was an accident!”
~Celestial Hospital~
“Excuse me!” Mai quickly called the nurse as the front desk. “We're looking for Yabu Kota and Sugimoto Satomi. Are they alright?!”
“Calm down miss.” she replied. “All of you need to wait here in the waiting area. There are way too many of you to visit.” Ryutaro pleaded, “I'm Kota's little brother. Please let me see him.” She nodded, “I can only let a few visitors in at a time, but you can. Give me a moment to locate their rooms.” The large group took up almost the entire waiting room as Kaori asked, “Mai... what exactly did Satomi say?”
“... All she told me was that she and Kota were in the hospital.” she sighed. “She mentioned.. something moved into the road as they were driving and Kota tried to avoid it and swerved. They crashed into a lamp post... and it fell on his car.” There was silence as Kei, trying to be optimistic said, “Well... Satomi should be alright if she was able to call. That's good news.”
“She had a bit of a concussion and a few bruises.” Mai stated. “But...”
“My brother...” Ryutaro worried. There was silence as the nurse soon approached them, “I can take in 4 people at a time for each of your friends.” Ryutaro, Rena, Keito, and Yuki went to see Kota and Mai, Rini, Hikaru and Daiki went to see Satomi.
“Kaori where you going?” Kei asked as she got up. She answered, “I'm gonna call Yuto and Hakufu. Let them know what's up...”
“Don't you think you should-” Shirika began but was cut off.
“I don't want to be sitting here all depressed waiting to find out how their doing.” she said. “I don't know them very well. But I know they're strong. They'll be alright.” She walked out as Kei sighed, “I hate it when she does that...”
“What?” Yuri questioned. “Wanting to inform the others? That sounds like a good-”
“Not that. She's finding excuses.” he sighed. “She's worried and scared. And when that happens, she gets teary and she hates people seeing her cry.” Ryosuke said, “It's understandable. Even if we haven't know each other very long, we should be looking out for each other...”
“Yea. It is... I'm gonna check up on her.” Kei said as he headed towards the door.
“Hey...” Daiki said as he came back to the group.
“How is she?” Shirika quickly asked. Daiki replied, “Satomi is fine. She's just really shaken up. No need to worry too much. Any news about Kota?”
“Not yet...” Chiharu sighed as Yuya told them, “No news is better than bad news.”
“Yea, but... its still doesn't stop the worry.” Yui responded sadly. Yuya tried to comfort his sister as Yuri looked at Shirika shaking a bit.
“Hey... are you alright?” he questioned. She nodded slightly but soon stood up, “I'm gonna check up on Satomi...”
“I'll come-”
“It's ok.” she said. “Only one person can go since only Daiki came back. I'll be quick.”
“What are you planning?” he wondered as she smiled confidently, “I've got another chance. I have to make sure Satomi and Kota will be okay. I won't let what happened to Sho happen again.” Daiki gave her a look, “You're gonna-”
“Yup.” she said. “Don't worry. I'll make sure to do it carefully. I won't get spotted.” Daiki led her away as they rest of them waited once again, unsure of what to do. Ryosuke was sitting with Chiharu, trying to make her smile and stop worrying while Yuya let his sister rest on him. Yuri just walked, pacing back and forth.
“Guys...” they heard as they all quickly turned to Yuki who looked a bit panicked. She took a quick glance, “Where'd Shirika go?!”
“She went to check on Satomi--” Yui stated tired as Daiki soon returned. Alarm filled Yuki as she fretted, “Get her over to Kota quick! He's--”
“Today just keeps getting worse.” Kei said rushing back in. “Kaori took off somewhere. I think she got a call from Hakufu.”
“What's so bad—”
“She turned to an eagle. On her own will.” he said seriously. “It has to be serious. I'm going after her.” He left again as Ryosuke groaned, “What the hell is up with all this luck we're getting?!”
“That could be good news!” Chiharu stated, trying to be optimistic. “Hakufu was looking for the last God! What if they found whoever it is?!”
“Guys! We have a bigger emergency!” Yuki interrupted. “Kota's having trouble breathing! Get Shirika ASAP!”
~In Satomi's hospital room~
“So much better...” Satomi sighed as Shirika touched her forehead. “The headache stopped. You're a miracle worker, Shirika.” She smiled, “Your cuts and bruises should disappear in a few minutes...”
“Thanks. I owe you one.”she beamed as Mai smiled happily, “I was so worried, Sato! I thought I was gonna lose my best friend!”
“I only got a few cuts stop over reacting.” she giggled. Hikaru then asked, “Satomi, what happened exactly? What made you guys crash?”
“Didn't Mai tell you? Something ran right into the middle of the street.” she stated as he nodded, “I know but what? What would run right into the street?” Satomi thought, “I'm not too sure... It was too dark to see... all I can remember was a dark shadow... a large dark shadow.”
“So more likely it was someone?” Rini said worried. “Did you hit them?!”
“No, Kota swerved and missed them--” she then remembered. “KOTA?! How's Kota?!” NO one replied as she quickly got up, “What room is he--”
“SHIRIKA! Hurry!” Daiki called as he rushed in. “Kota needs your help!”
~Back in the waiting room~
“Damn it... I hate that we can't do anything!” Yuri groaned as he sat there impatiently. Rini, Hikaru, and Mai had returned as well as Rena and Yuki whereas Satomi and Shirika joined Ryutaro and Keito with Kota.
“We're all in the same boat, Yuri.” Yui stated. “Shirika is the only one who can. So let's just have faith in her, that she has enough power to help.” He nodded as Rini hung up her cell phone, “Kei can't find my sister, and she's not answering her phone. He's on his way back.”
“Hopefully, she and Hakufu will have some good news to bring.” Ryosuke sighed. Rena nodded, “I really don't think we should worry anymore. Satomi's alright, Shirika's healing Kota as we speak and we're close to finding the last power.”
“You make a very good point, however, we don't know how close we are to finding that power.” Yuki thought realistically. “I know Hakufu was looking for them and Kaori went to help her out, but that doesn't mean they found the power.”
“I could be another--”
“EMERGENCY!” they all heard a familiar voice cry as three people barged into the hospital doors. Nurses rushed over as Mai squealed as she saw all the blood dripping between the three people. Daiki held her as she tried to get the image out of her mind when Rini panicked, “Kaori!” That's when the others spotted her, next to the other two dripping in blood.
“And that's Hakufu!” Yuya noticed as he and Rini tried to make their way over, but the other Nurses pushed them away. Whoever was with them was put on a stretcher as the nurses quickly led it to the ER. Kaori and Hakufu were quickly pulled to hospital rooms to get cleaned up.
~In Kaori and Hakufu's hospital room~
“Kaori!” she heard her sister cry as she rushed into the room, glomping her in a hug.
“Ow... easy there, Rini. I'm ok.” she smiled.
“But you were bleeding like crazy-”
“That wasn't my blood.” she stated as Kei came in screaming, “Where the hell were you?! What happened?!” At the same time, Yuya had rushed over to Hakufu, “Hey, you alright?!” As Kaori and Kei argued, Hakufu nodded, “yea... I'm fine.”
“What happened, Hakufu?” Yuki questioned as she entered. “Who was that... bleeding when you came in?” She hung her head worried, “T-There was a fight.... and we... we saw him. Yuto and I. The last God power was there....” Silence had entered the room then as she said seriously, but at the same time fear rang through her voice, “Hades' power.”
No comments:
Post a Comment