I'm lead back to Leon's room where he beckons me over beside him at the small fountain in the corner of the room I remember seeing beforehand but never asked about.
Leon doesn't look at me, only the water in the fountain as he speaks. "Earth. Filled with ridiculous wishes as usual. I guess it's because Earth is so dirty compared to the Heavens."
I feel a bit offended by his harsh words. As I try to think of something to snap back at him with, Leon hovers his hand over the fountain and in disbelief an image appears on the surface of the water. An image of a young boy and an elderly lady.
My eyes widen ad I lean forward. "Whoa…what is—"
"It's a reflecting pool." Huedhaut says.
I jump at the sight of him, noticing him and Teorus had entered when I wasn't looking.
Teorus peers over my shoulder. "Wishes that are strong enough to reach us become visible in this reflecting pool."
"And so…that's what your powers are there for, to grant those wishes that appear." I say before anyone can explain what I already have figured out.
No one compliments at the fact that I figured the rest out, as Huedhaut speaks. "The department of Punishments also use the reflecting pool."
"Punishments?" I look up at Huedhaut.
"They handle humans who do evil deeds and punish them." Huedhaut says,
"Buuut, only the Minister's have a reflecting pool in his room. While the rest of us share a reflecting pool to grant wishes." Teorus chimes.
"Oh…interesting…" I nod, as the information processes.
"Take a break, Grandma. I can do it."
A voice of the young boy from the reflecting pool has me suddenly focused.
The old woman speaks to the young boy. "I'm fine. I'm not tired yet."
The boy then mumbles. "If only I were stronger…I would be able to take care of my grandma. God, please give me the strength to protect my grandma."
Pfftt…seriously kid? I can't help but think. I watch as the kid pleads to the gods without even trying to find his own strength, his own will within himself to do what he wishes.
Leon snorts. "Pfft, what a joke."
He suddenly takes my hand in his, before I have anytime to react he snaps his fingers with his other hand. Then I notice soft ripples dance across the water at the sound of his snap.
"I'm exhausted. That's enough for today." Leon sighs.
Vega then bursts into a panic. "B-but you've only done one!"
"If I say I'm finished, then I'm finished." Leon declares harshly. "Go and tell Karno that using my powers on earth burns up my energy."
A nervous Vega steps back. "I've never heard you say you're tired before, Lord Leon."
With a disgusted look on his face, Leon responds. "Because Earth is filthy and impure."
Leon begins to walk to his bed, gently letting go of my hand, as it leaves a numbing sensation. And I notice now how my heartbeat is going a mile a minute, figuring it was because I didn't expect such a soft touch, to hold my hand in such a way.
"Hey look, I can carry heavy stuff now!"
I look back at the fountain when I hear the boy shout excitedly.
His grandmother suddenly surprised replies. "Look at you! Now I'll have to get you to carry more things for me."
As much as I thought that the boy's wish was ridiculous, I can't help but reveal a small smile and shake my head at the happiness that I now see. "Wow…you did that?"
"Whatever. It's nothing that special." Leon lazily says as he is sprawled on his bed.
Vega sighs. "Leon is always like this! He never watches the reactions after he grants their wishes."
"My job is to grant wishes. I don't care about what happens afterward." He says.
"Well that's his choice I guess." Then a sudden thought pops into my mind. I cheekily turn to face Leon. "But, you know, granting people's wishes to fulfill their happiness, I think that's a form of love." I say, totally pulling that out of my ass.
"Pfft…whatever. It's my job." Leon put his arms behind his head as he closes his eyes.
"I have to admit, I never would have believed something as this could be real. I mean as much as I think this kid's wish was ridiculous, I guess I have to say that it was amazing what you did."
Leon's eyes shoot open, and sits up. "Weren't you the one who called me twisted just the other day?" He shakes his head. "You sure are a fickle woman."
I roll my eyes. "That's not quite what I mean…" I sigh. "Sure, I might have said your idea on the topic of love is messed-up but it's how you see it when it comes to women who might be of use to you. But what you just did there, "I point to the fountain, "that boy's simplistic wish, that was something I would have never expected from you, Leon. And claiming it's 'your job', well I don't think you would have granted a wish like that if you didn't love what you do."
Why must he think this way?
Leon sits up. "Whatever. I just remembered something very entertaining."
I turn away, with a shake of my head and a roll of my eyes, as what I said went in one of his ears and out the other. "Oh…I could only imagine what you have planned."
Even when I'm turned away from him, I can feel Leon's eyes sinking into the back of my head, urging me to face him. And when I cautiously do, I notice one side of his mouth curling up into a full-on grin. The next thing I know, he's beside me, placing his hand around my shoulder, his other hand lifting, preparing for a snap.
"What are you—" I try to say something but it's too late the second Leon's snap echoes.
There's a flash of white and the next thing I know me and Leon stand before a huge bath
It's a large round room with white marble walls and tiled floors with golden accents and trims. It didn't take long before my focus of the interior was interrupted by a stripping Leon, gracefully taking off each article of clothing.
"Oh my god! Could you not have warned me?!" I shout, shielding my eyes.
I hear a soft splash and Leon laugh. "You should be honored to see a god like this, let alone serve me."
Terrified of what the answer maybe I ask. "And how exactly do you want me to serve you while you're in the bath?"
"I wish to drink." He responds.
"I don't think that's very safe." I say.
"Not if you remain with your eyes covered like that. Now, come here and pour me a drink."
I grumble some insults under my breath as I carefully turn around and find myself staring at a Leon, leisurely soaking in the bath. He leans back, elbows propped up on the edges of the bath, allowing the steam to rise as water rolla off his hair and down his neck. He stares back at me with alluring eyes.
"Hurry up and get over here." He lifts his hand beckoning me over with his index finger.
"And what would you like me to pour you?" I say, revealing my empty hands.
"Go to Hue, he'll have some alcohol." Leon tilts his head back, closing his eyes, sinking a bit lower into the water.
"Okay." I say, turning around and heading for the door.
"And do not keep me waiting." He strictly speaks.
I walk as quickly as possible without trying to show my panic. I retrieve the alcohol from Huedhaut who showed some concern but still managed to tease me. Once I return, from the heat of running back and forth and the heat from the steam in the bath, I remove my hoodie and wrap it around my waist revealing a white T-shirt I have on. I then kneel beside Leon and pour him a glass.
It's silent for a moment as Leon drinks. The graceful movement from how he holds the glass in his long slender fingers lifting the glass until the rim is pressed against his lips. I look him over as he finishes his drink, and waving the cup over to me, demanding another glass full.
"Are you sure?" I ask. "Maybe you shouldn't drink so fast, especially when you're in the bath. In fact, you shouldn't be drinking at all in the bath. It's sort of dangerous…" I trail off when I see the look of a displeased Leon. I clear my throat. "Just saying…"
Leon smirks. "Listen to you, telling a god such ridiculous human nonsense. Don't humans enjoy drinking the bath?"
"Um…well some do. I guess it depends." I mumble, as I pour more alcohol into his glass. He's not completely wrong but his knowledge of humans is totally inaccurate. Probably best not to say anything to upset him, he might order me to join him. I can feel the goosebumps crawl along my skin.
Clearing my throat, I change the subject. "I can't get over the size of this place, who knew you would have a bath this huge. Just when you think this place couldn't get any bigger." I lowly laugh at myself, more embarrassed of how lame I sound.
Leon abruptly stands, showing his glistening chest and lower body as he finishes his drink.
I avert my eyes right away, holding the bottle up in front of my face. "Oh my god! Seriously? Is it so hard to warn me?"
Leon laughs. "Another drink."
Embarrassed, I shakily I pour him another drink, trying not to stare. Just then I notice something on Leon's chest. "Hey…that mark." I set the bottle down.
Leon bringing the cup to his lips pauses. "What about it?" He looks at me displeased.
"It looks like it's faded." I tilt my head, as I continue to stare.
Setting his cup down, in surprise he looks at his mark. "Really?"
"Yeah," I lean in and point at it, nearly touching his skin. "The coloring looks dulled a bit."
A small genuine smile can be seen on Leon's lips as he stares down at his mark. "Interesting…" Then he forms his regular arrogant smirk.
I sit back, cross-legged on the edge of the bath. "If you don't mind me asking…." I pause for a moment. "How did you get your mark? Teorus mentioned something about it earlier…about how you…defiled a goddess?"
Leon turns to look at me.
I awkwardly fiddle with my hands. "I-I guess it was stupid to ask you how when I somewhat know from what Teorus said—"
"Asking a god's sin? You really don't know what's good for you."
"Well, I'm just curious, you don't have too—"
I go to stand up but there's a sudden force against my body that has my view of the bath flipped upside down. I realize I'm on my back, with Leon pinning me down.
A moment of silence as I try to process what's happening. Seeing the sharp gaze of Leon's golden eyes casting down on me. Water droplets roll off his body and hair, landing on me as they do. A couple droplets fall into my eye, blurring my entire vision. Suddenly the scene around me changes into a dark
"Do you really care to see what I did to defile the goddess?" He says.
I take a deep breath, I grit my teeth and manage to wiggle one of my wrists free. "Get off me!" I scream. My hand in the form of a fist swings upward at Leon, but as it's inches from his face he grabs it, looking at me amusingly.
"Heh…" He lowly chuckles and pins my wrist back again. "Just so you know this view isn't that bad."
Noticing his eyes cast a little lower, I follow and see my short is soaked and transparent. I scream, "Oh my god! Pervert! Get off me!" I squirm as I feel Leon's one hand hold both my wrists above my head, while his other hand extends towards my face. My vision blurs as water droplets drip from his hand and onto my face. The scene before my changes of dark hooded figures stand around me. Looking side to side I see I'm laying on a stone table, dressed in white, wrists chained. I try to break free but I can't, I try to scream but I'm out of breath, gasping for air. Just then one of the hooded figures comes over with a branding iron, that's glowing red.
"No please!" I manage to scream the words, squeezing my eyes shut.
Then I hear a familiar chuckle and when I open my eyes I'm back in the grand bath, laying on the tiled floor, and Leon pinning me down, smiling devilishly.
"That's not a bad face…it turns me on." He leans in closer so his breath tickles my face.
Blinking repeatedly to make sure I'm back in reality and muster up my strength. "Agh!" I grunt, managing to free one of my hands. Balling it up into a fist and aiming it Leon's face.
He catches it instantly, holding on to it. "I will explain to you what really happen then."
"Can you let me go then explain it to me?!" I yell.
Ignoring my request, he speaks. "There was a goddess who made advances towards me, followed me, came after me. I don't ever intend to touch women I can't use. So, when I rejected her, she went crazy and ended up falling from grace."
I carefully watch as he speaks, noticing the angry yet hurtful expression on his face. Then a question pops into mind. "Um…sorry for my lack of intelligence in my goldfish type mind but what does it mean to fall from grace?"
Leon smirks, amused at my response. "It's when a god or goddess is forced out of the heavens, never to return again. Everything that makes a god, the stars in their eyes and powers will be gone for good as well."
My eyebrows knit together, slightly confused. "Wait…and so the king sinned you for this goddess that went bat-shit crazy after being rejected?"
"The king stated that I refused the advances of a noble goddess, causing her to god mad. But she did that all on her own. So, the way to erase my sin, I thought, would have been to give you pleasure, as you are reincarnated goddess. Even though you and that goddess are two different people, but I figured it was worth a try." Leon pauses for a moment before continuing. "After all my problem was essentially refusing to 'love' a goddess…but I never would of thought that simply doing my work would make the mark fade."
"Yeah…I guess…" There's a moment of silence between us before I yell. "NOW will you get off me?!"
Leon doesn't show any sign of moving
I struggle against him, figuring if he wasn't going to move then I will, but I hear him scoff.
"Do you think I'm going to try something with you?"
I stop and look up at him and just when about to say something he laughs.
"What a joke…who would want you."
I felt a jab at my heart as I scowl at him. "Wow. Gee, thanks."
With his hands still pinning me down I can feel and see him shaking as he tries to hold down a burst of laughter. Regaining his usual composure, he returns his gaze to me. "No need to be so full of yourself. I guess even aa goddess changes when she is reincarnated as a human."
"Oh my god, I get it! I don't need you to keep kicking me down when I'm already down! J-just hurry up and atone your stupid sin and go back to freakin' Pluto or wherever the hell you came from."
Just then I hear the door open. Both Leon and I tilt our heads up and see Teorus and Ichthys stroll in, half naked with towels around their waists.
"Whoa, are we interrupting?" Teorus stopping in his tracks when he sees me and Leon.
Ichthys excitedly smiles. "Hey, no long time no see!"
Are you kidding me?! There going to be no help…
"Still hanging out with the Department of Punishments' problem child, Teorus?" Leon asks, unimpressed.
Teorus shrugs. "I don't like the Department of Punishments, but Ichthys is easy to talk to." He happily responds.
"Hey, goddess you should come by out place sometime and let us use our powers." Ichthys says with a beaming smile that then quickly vanishes. "Because if not, we'll be stuck doing paperwork, and Scorpio will be grumpier than usual."
I roll my eyes. "Well if coming by your guys place doesn't have me end up in this condition, I would love too."
"Pftt…with the way that lowly scorpion constantly frowns he probably likes being 'grumpy'." Leon says.
Ichthys then gets a serious look on his face. "You wouldn't know it but Scorpio isn't all that bad. So. what if he's a little short tempered, rude and selfish…"
From the way Ichthys describes him, its funny how Scorpio and Leon don't get along.
"The way you tell it doesn't sound like he has many good points." Teorus says.
"Aaaannnyywaayyss, you should come by and hang with us." Ichthys says, smiling again. "and hey, If I save you from Leon, will you come by and let us use your powers?"
It's then that I notice now that the two gods are closer that the towels Teorus and Ichthys are wearing aren't covering as much as I thought. I avert my eyes as my brain tries to focus but the everything is scrambled. "Uh well…c-could you cover up! It's hard to know where I should look right now!"
Ichthys teases by trying to stay in my line of sight. "It's okay, you can stare at me all you want."
Leon releases him from his grasp, smiling that usual dashing yet cruel grin, amused by the embarrassment that I'm having to suffer through.
That's what he must be thinking now…if he can't give me pleasure to erase his mark of sin, all he can do is use me to get his work done and torture me till I die of embarrassment. That son of a b-
Then I feel a tug on my arm that hoists me back on my feet. I notice its Ichthys holding onto my arm.
"There you go." He says.
I sigh. "Thanks."
"Do you mind if I try it out?" He then asks.
Try 'it' out? Oh! He must mean my powers so he can do the snappy thingy. "Uh…sure.".
"Oh, but…you know this would be more interesting." With a evil grin, Ichthys abruptly releases me, and I feel myself falling back.
Before I have any time to react I'm submerged into the depths of the water. In an unexpected situation and loss of focus, I'm not able to find the ledge, steps or even bottom of the bath. I panic as I flail trying to find it in myself to remember the one or two swimming lessons I took as a child. But to no avail.
Damn it, I'm going to drown.
