Chapter 2: A new member and a dream at seashore
Shinjuku Ward, Shinjuku Academy, Dormitory One
The sun was starting to show its rays on the window of the bedroom, a buff dark-haired young man was still sleeping comfortably in the bed, his arms over his head and snoring lightly, another figure was watching him sleep at his side silently, a little goat man dressed in a fancy suit with a naughty expression with his hands supporting his face while he lies at his master's side in bed, after watching the young man sleep some minutes more, the goat man check the smartphone's watch to confirm the time, then this little imp stands up and floats in air to wake up the young man.
-Master Jūtarō, good morning!, it's zero seven hundred hours, time to rise and shine!- but his master was still sleeping, keeping the same expression in his face, he talks to himself.
-Well, now that nobody is here…let's make some music!- the little goat takes a frying pan and his golden cane to make loud noise to wake up the young man, the noise was too loud to startle him and make him scream a little and fall from his bed, then the young man rubs his nape with both hands because of the pain from the fall, starts to yell to his roommate,.
-Hey!, Salomon, stop!, I'm already awake!-, after seeing his master awaken and standing up, the goat stops making noise.
-Geez, why did you have to wake me up like that? - Jūtarō, still sleepy goes to the bathroom while he asks to Salomon.
-Well, if you had wake up with my first warning, I wouldn't have to use the pan…and…were you dreaming with something…special, Master, uh? -Salomon answers with to his master.
-Nah, just sleeping- the young man just responds while puts toothpaste over his toothbrush.
-Master, do you remember what day is today? - Salomon asks again with curiosity during his master's cleaning routine, Jūtarō stops brushing his teeth to remember what day was, but he just stays in silence.
-Did you forget it, right?!, you forget it! -Salomon gets anxious for the lack of an answer.
-I didn't forget it, I was just teasing you because of your alarm- Jūtarō watches him anxious and almost crying to say him his answer.
-You're so mean, Master! How dare you to tease such cute familiar like me! – Salomon changes his expression of anxiety to a pouting face.
-I'm really sorry Sal, I promised you today you will become member of my guild and meet my friends- Jūtarō just tells him about the promised day while he embraces Salomon to apologize.
-and Master…you think… will they accept me and get to like me?...- Salomon accepts his apologies, but later he asks again.
-You will like them, I'm sure of it- the young man replies with a smile to his little butler and friend, the little capra therian rests a little more assured after their little conversation, Jūtarō gets ready finally to go to school, but before go, his familiar stops him to handle in his master's hands a box enveloped in a colorful fabric.
-umm…? What's this? - the young man asks confused by this act.
-I-it's a lunch I made to you, Master…I-I made some stuffed rice balls…I learned to made them with Snow- Salomon replies with shameful voice and his face was getting red turning away his eyes from his master.
Jūtarō smiles and takes the bento box, for some seconds he gazes upon the ring in his left index finger, remembering when he went to the old building of the academy to recover his past memories from past time loops and save Salomon.
-Master?...Do you hear me?...Master?- the familiar notes this and tries to snap out his master back to reality.
-sorry Sal, what you're saying again?-Jūtarō then comes back from the memory to hear his familiar trying to make him react.
-I said you will getting late Master!- Salomon replies to his master, the summoner checks the time in his smartphone to see his familiar was right, it was almost 7:40 am.
-Damn!, come on Sal, get into the phone, quick!- Jūtarō commands his familiar before run to the school, Salomon dives into the magical hexagram into the phone, his master then proceeds to run faster than ever to don't come late to the first period of the day.
Shinjuku Academy, Classroom 2-B
-Well class, anybody knows what have in common the majority of myths aPround the creation of the world? extra credits to the next exam who responds correctly…-Mr. Mononobe was giving his world history lesson, the topic: Greek Mythology, the most confident students were giving their answers, but Mr. Mononobe pointed to one of Jūtarō's friends.
-Can you answer me…Kengo Takabushi?- the surly teenager wasn't paying attention like always, but when he heard his last name he rises up from his desk alarmed and tries to answer.
-Umm…a couple…?- the buff boy answers and the rest of the classmates were expecting to him to get a wrong answer to laugh of him.
-That's…correct…-but the teacher said something unexpected to him for a first time, all in the class were flustered.
-Ok…what Takabushi said was correct, a couple is the common issue in the majority of stories about creation of the world, which can be Adam and Eve in Christianism, Izanagi and Izanami in Shinto, and in this case, the first titans in Greek Culture, according to stories and folklore, the world born at first from chaos, in certain myths, after the chaos was put in order, the first titans born from Okeanos...the ocean for common folk, this were Ophion and Eurynome, the first couple and creators of the world according to Pelasgian creation myth, another common topic in Greek myths is parents being overthroned by their own children…-the teacher compose himself to continue with his subject.
Jūtarō was taking notes until he listened the names of Ophion and Eurynome, he couldn't be helped remember when Old Ophion became an Exception over Roppongi Hills Skyscraper while his younger self was helping him, throwing compliments and telling about how he missed his spouse, but when his teacher mentioned Eurynome, something in his chest was making him a little sad.
-…some historians, scholars and experts believe the titaness Eurynome and oceanid Eurynome are the same deity, the foster mother of the rejected smithing god Hephaestus, but that hasn't been proven right or wrong since then…- Mr Mononobe was keeping on with his class, one fairy transient girl asked if he believed the same thing, Mr. Mononobe just answered
-Sometimes, there are too many coincidences that guide you to the truth of things, depends of the subject in question- the bell sounds to announce the end of school time, the class bows to their teacher by Shiro's command as class representative.
-You'll have homework for next class, an investigation about Greek mythology, you can choose the topic, well, see you next class…-.Mr Mononobe tells about their next homework before go to the teacher's room to attend another business, After their teacher went out from the classroom, the summoners stayed at last having a conversation.
-Man, I can't believe I got extra credits for the next exam! I was waiting for a lecture, but not this! – Kengo exclaimed with joy because of his lucky answer.
-That was just dumb luck, Kengo, if you could put attention in class as you give attention in fighting, you wouldn't need me to give you last minute cram-lessons- Shiro lectured his friend about this subject.
Ryota meanwhile was checking the App to see if any other members has come to the safehouse, Toji and Moritaka were talking about training tips, and Jūtarō was gazing upon his ring remembering about the assault to Kamata Crafters' Workshop, and about that shy and desperate man who tried to retain him to save him from a possible war in Tokyo in his efforts to stop the time loops once for all, after that incident, he kept in contact with Hephaestus and the rest of Kamata Guild, Jūtarō was in debt with him for repairing Boundless Tail and for give him the key to save Salomon, with the pass of time he got used to remembering those alternate timelines, mainly the timeline where they lived together, Jūtarō started to develop some feelings toward Hephaestus, at first it was pity for him, with time, it changed to a feeling of compassion, developing into a growing friendship to both, lastly this feeling become an unspoken secret crush for Hephaestus, his mind was submerged in memories until he heard Ryota's announcement.
-Guys, Hanuman sent a message, says he's waiting in safehouse with Agyo and R-19 to meeting- the chubby summoner and healer of the group tells to his friends.
-Ok guys, meeting today, see you in safehouse in 30 minutes- Shiro warns aloud to the guilds' members, Jūtarō stayed at last after his friends went to leave their belongings in the dormitory, to get some time with Salomon.
- Ok Sal, you can get out now-The young man calls to his friend through the phone after check nobody else was close to the classroom.
-Ah! Master, I was getting bored alone in my room until you called me…- Salomon came out from his magical circle, stretching his body to then talk with his master.
-Well, it has been a long day to me too, and about today…are you ready to meet them, Sal?- Jūtarō sees him still stretching himself and talks to him.
-I'm…a little worried about this, Master, Do you think I must bring a gift or something to this meeting?... -Salomon replies and asks him with some nervousness in his voice.
-That would be nice Sal, what about get some Rainbow Buns from Ebisu Teahouse before go to the safehouse, OK?...- his summoner answers with likeness to his familiar's idea, Salomon nods reassured and goes back to the phone.
Shinjuku Station, Shinjuku Summoners' Safehouse
The Summoners' Guild safehouse was bustling with its members enjoying their hobbies while they're waiting for their Guild Master, except Shiro, Toji and Moritaka, Shiro preparing some papers for the meeting and Toji meditating as part of his training, while Kengo punches his sand bag in the corner while Ryota and Hanuman were playing a fighting videogame against Agyo and R-19, meanwhile in another wall of the building, Moritaka was concentrating in giving some maintenance to his sword Sacred Artifact, after finishing his papers, Shiro notes Jūtarō entering to the safehouse to finally start the meeting.
-Can I have your attention please?, It's meeting time!- Shiro announces but everybody else was concentrated in their own business.
-I said…IT'S MEETING TIME!- Shiro yells louder this time, everybody else pays attention…except for Toji who was still in meditation.
Jūtarō gets close to his half transient friend to check him if something was wrong, Toji doesn't responds to the efforts of Jūtarō, but suddenly, the young dragonborn notes Toji was sleeping and snoring while he was meditating, Shiro watches this and taps Toji's shoulder to wake him up, the young half-breed wakes up.
-W-what?…something happened, Shiro?- the young samurai trainee wakes up, Shiro just tells him about sleeping in meditation and Toji blushes because of shame and covers his face with his armed hand, after this little interruption, the meeting finally starts with Shiro requesting the main points of their meeting.
-Ok members, first I want to initiate our meeting with some announcements: Arc will not come in a long time, they went to help Ueno Guild with their investigations and clarify some facts about the experiments in Otemachi, but they told us that in case of something happens, they will bring us all the help we could need-, Shiro tells this notice with some weight, this makes some members get sad because their honorary member and reformed Guild Master of Otemachi Genociders will not come back soon, Shiro continues with the next theme on the list.
-Ryota, you went to get info with Maria and Arsalan in the Aoyama Guild about the other guilds besides the Warmongers, right?, can you tell us about your results?- the secretary of the guild asks to Ryota about his reunion with the Missionaries.
-It's a shame, but there's not much intel about the other guilds, just about that angel Michael is not the Guild Master of his guild, but just the vice-master, they call themselves Rule Makers and many of the guild members of Aoyama move to join them, mainly angels, and about the last guild, nothing yet, there's not info, sorry about it…- after that, the chubby boy finishes his report.
-What?!, nothing about them yet?!, has been passed almost 2 months after Babalon and Surtr were attacked by those feathery twerps…and nothing else has happened?!, what are they playing those damn bastards?!...Kengo gets frustrated and enters into the discussion aloud, Shiro asks Kengo to calm himself.
-Now that we know they have info about previous time loops, we can assumed they will not move in a time to make us vulnerable until it's the right time to start their agenda, about my last meeting with Roppongi Tycoons, their Guild Master requested me to make surveillance into their members in case of a possible act of espionage along with Tadatomo, right now he's watching them to inform us later- Toji enters in the debate to give his opinion, Shiro thanks Ryota and Toji for their reports.
-Ok, now… R-19, any news about activities around other guilds in your investigation?...- Shiro asks to the newest member of the guild, an android shaped like a middle school boy offered by Tsukuyomi, the Kabukicho Outlaws' Guild Master to join them.
-Negative…activities from minor guilds has been decreased by activities from Warmongers Guild in 60%, Ikebukuro Berserkers are still in standby mode with Hongo Guild vice-master in their facilities about their investigation with the secret room left behind by Wisemen Guild Master…- the young robot gives his report.
-That's true, during my afternoon trainings in the dojo, I have seen less rookie hunts than before like R-19-dono said, it's starting to give me some unconformity, some of my acquaintances are feeling uneased now, even they don't come to the dojo lately- the Canis transient Moritaka gives his opinion with uncorformity.
-Not just that, many dissolved guilds are being targeted by those Warmongers to join them even more than before because of their info manipulation skills... it gives me heebie-jeebies just thinking about it…-Hanuman now gives his testimony with a expression of disgust and shock.
-Agyo, are you ok?- Jūtarō notes the little dog therian Agyo hasn't said anything in their meeting, just pondering with sadness in his eyes, the young temple guardian doubts to say about his feelings at first, but yields to his Guild Master's question.
-It's just…with all of this happening…I'm afraid the temple could be closed or worse, disappear by all of these things…and…what kind of temple guardian I would be if I let this happens?!…my grandfather would be disappointed and sad because I didn't do anything to save it!,…I don't want to lose my home and my friends!- Agyo answers and starts to cry with these frightening thoughts, Jūtarō gets close to embrace him and console him, the summoners feel bad for their friend, but R-19 watches the scene with a strange curiosity about Agyo's emotional reactions.
-Hush now Agyo, I understand you are afraid for all this things, but we must be strong in this time, I can promise you that when everything finishes, your grandfather will be proud of you for protect your home- the Guild Master keeps comforting the dog therian.
-…really?- the little dog therian asks in a pleading way with some whimpering in his voice, Jūtarō smiles and nods to him to make him feel better, after venting out his fears, Agyo feels some relieved.
-Now for the last point of our meeting, our Guild Master has an announcement to us- Shiro says to announce the meeting's last topic, Jūtarō takes the word and starts to give an introduction.
-Well guys, it's not easy to say this but…there's something you must know…I have been hiding something to you since I came to Tokyo…- the Summoners' Guild Master said this to his friends and get surprised with his declaration, but they keep listening to know more.
-When I woke up in the park and before meet Ryota…I thought I was alone but there's someone who made me company at first…and well…everytime you saw me having those times talking alone…it was because I was talking with that familiar...and…it's better if you finally meet him now…-after that confession, Jūtarō takes his phone out from his pocket and turns it on, the screen shines and a hexagram of light appears in air illuminating the area with a bright light, the light dissipates to then show the capra therian floating in air and presenting himself with joyful expression.
-HI!, my name is Salomon and I'm Master Jūtarō's familiar and personal butler, nice to meet you!-, after his presentation, the summoners are confused and surprised at the same time releasing a loud exclamation.
-WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!-, Salomon seeing their first impression gets scared and hides behind his master.
-You had this therian in your phone all this time?!, and you neither take the responsibility to told us earlier?!- Shiro still with confusion and surprise asks to Jūtarō about Salomon.
-Sorry, but it was because he was invisible at first, only I could see him…and another few transients…but after what happened in Kamata Tech, I went to the old building's library to recover my memories from past loops, and save him…after that, he started to being visible to others, and…I thought it would be good if he could be a new member, I trust him and if you can give me an answer...well…what you say?...Jūtarō replies keeping a hand in Salomon's back, after their Guild Master made clear the issue, his friends make a little team back to discuss this business.
-He can be part of the Guild if you want…-Shiro says at first about the result of the team back.
-But he will be in a trial period during the next month…if he doesn't commit any suspicious act or something that endanger the guild, he will be welcomed as full member of our guild-Toji takes the word in a serious tone pointing to Salomon.
-OH!, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!, I promise you'll not be disappointed, I'll show all of you I'm worthy of your trust like my master!, and to show my gratitude…TA-DAH!, I bring fresh-made Rainbow Buns from Ebisu Teahouse!- after hear their resolution, Salomon takes Shiro and Toji's hands in gratitude for their announcement later Salomon draws a hexagram in air with his cane to take out the box with Rainbow Buns, Ryota stands up to make some tea, but Salomon stops him before get to the teapot.
-Excuse me, but I brought some black tea too!- Salomon replies and draws another hexagram in air to take an elegant tea set, but when he disposes to pour some tea, the teapot doesn't pour the liquid at first, Salomon checks the teapot with a shake and moves his cane to fill the teapot magically, now he backs to pour tea but instead of a gentle stream, the teapot goes crazy and unleash a powerful explosion of warm black tea, all the safehouse is stained, even the summoners couldn't avoid this.
-SALOOMOOOON!- after this accidental first impression, Salomon stays in shock when hears that yell from his Master.
Shinjuku Academy, Dormitory One
Jūtarō was in the bathtub rubbing tea stains from his skin while Salomon at the other side of the tub was playing with his rubber duck, Salomon's body was submerged at his eyes level, having a blank stare to his duck touching it with his finger, the young summoner sees him like this and tries to say something, but the little demon turns around to don't see his master because of shame.
-...look Salomon, I'm sorry for yelling at you, it's not your fault that teapot went crazy and we had to clean all the safehouse, or when Mr. Triton and Mr. Jinn lecture all of us about come after the curfew again, everybody has accidents, but you don't have to feel bad about it…-Jūtarō sighs and tells him what was in his mind that moment, Salomon stays quiet until say something in a shameful way.
-But…but I ruined everything I planned for this day Master, now they will think I'll never be part of the guild…- the little butler replies, Jūtarō gets closer to his familiar, grabs him from his sides to tickle him to make him laugh, Salomon can't resists to his Master's tickling attack and tries to defend himself splashing him, their bathtub battle finishes when they get out from water to dry themselves.
-and…what you think about your new friends now?- The summoner makes some questions to his little butler Salomon, who keeps drying his fur with the hair dryer and brush it.
-they are nice, I think, but that Sakimori guy is kinda scary, he gives me heebie-jeebies when he looks at me…-the transient responds to Jūtarō, his master calms him telling about how was Toji when they met and the young man proceeds to help Salomon with his back's fur.
-Salomon…what is really this ring?, do you know anything I need to know?...- Jūtarō asks him a question he had in his mind since the happenings in the school's old building, Salomon was silent after hear that question, he turns around to see the ring in his master's hand and face his master to answer him with seriousness about it after sigh to compose himself a little.
-Master…That ring…Father left to me to keep it safe until find a worthy heir and give it…I cannot say anything about Father because I promised don't reveal his identity, but he wants to free Tokyo from the walls too, I don't know what kind of power has that ring, but what I know is you must never give it up, is like, you're the only one who can use it- Salomon tells him that answer, Jūtarō has a moment thinking about Salomon's answer to finally talks back.
-it's all you can say about this ring, Sal?...- he says in a concerning and serious tone in his voice.
-Sorry, it's all I know...- the little demon responds to the last question.
The summoner observes the ring one last time and eyes back to his butler saying an "I believe you" to him to not betray their newfound trust, then Jūtarō has an idea to know at least a little more about his new sacred artifact.
-...hmmm…maybe I should go to Kamata Tech and ask Hephaestus to analyze it, he could discover something new…- the summoner thinks in loud voice, Salomon listens to his master, and with a naughty face he question his master motives while he floats in air.
-Do you really will go to Kamata to ask them to analyze it, master?...or… it's for another motive, huh?...like wanting to see somebody you know and estimate a lot lately…someone brooding and shy…with fire in its eyes maybe?...- that last teasing was emphasized with a light eyebrow movement from the little butler, Jūtarō blushes a little thinking about the person Salomon is hinting at him, then the young man snaps out to take a pillow and throw it to Salomon to stop his teasing act.
After a long day at school and the guild's meeting, Jūtarō and Salomon sleep calmly in the bed, Salomon tucked in Jūtarō's arms like a baby, while the summoner says Hephaestus' name at sleep, after that he says another name, one he heard at History class, but is unintelligible to his own ears or another one.
In a dream
Jūtarō feels a bright light shining around him, so bright that can disturb him even with closed eyes, after cover his eyes with a hand, he opens them to get used to the light until it dissipates, it reveals an empty shore, the sea was in high tide, white sands and some rocks at the beachline were the most outstanding features, the young man listens a song in the air, a beautiful yet sad song with a string instrument and a female voice humming, Jūtarō follows the music's direction until see a woman seated in a rock humming and playing a strange string instrument he never saw before except in his history book, a lyre, the lady who was playing that tune had silver long hair styled in a half ponytail, her lightly tanned skin had some scars, but that didn't affected her beauty, her light and antiqued dress was turquoise as the sea, her eyes were intensely violet and her voice was sweet and mature, her humming and music felt like velvet to the ears, Jūtarō get a little closer to see her better, but the lady get startled at him and stops playing her lyre to hide behind the rock.
-Sorry, sorry, it wasn't my intention scare you ma'am, I just wanted to keep listening to your song…-the summoner apologizes for scaring her.
-W-who are you?...y-you're not from here, right?...- the woman gets out behind the rock with a little tremble in her voice.
-I'm Jūtarō, and sorry for disturb you ma'am, but I came here suddenly and I don't know what to do to come back- Jūtarō then tries to calm her and present himself to her.
–Jū...tarō?…that is a rare name…call me Eury, n-nice to meet you- The lady tries to reassure herself and answer, after their respective presentations, Eury sits back to her rock and Jūtarō sits at her side in the sand, she backs to her lyre and resumes her tune.
-It's was a nice song, did you make it?- Jūtarō asks her about the song when Eury's performance was done.
-Yes, I made it, at first it was made to my lost husband, and then, I used to play it to my lovely son, my little spark of hope, he must be a man now… a kind and strong man with his own family…but…I can't stop thinking he still needs me wherever he is- the lady answers with sadness remembering her beloved ones.
-Then, why don't you go with your son?- Jūtarō then asks her again about her son.
-I wish I could, but in our circumstances, is impossible, I had to leave him against my will while he was still a child, I couldn't keep him with me anymore, and it hurts me everyday since then…I only wish to see him just one more time…- the lady, still with sadness, told him back. After hear her answer, Jūtarō tolds to Eury about Tokyo, the transients and the Gates, after hear the young man about his current world, Eurys' sadness changes to a glint of hope in her eyes.
–Jūtaro, can you help me with something, please?...-Eury asks him something important to him while she holds his hands in a pleading way, the young man nods with his hands in hers to calm her, but suddenly, his ring starts to shine brightly and a magical circle shines at Jūtarō's feet causing a strong wind current to blow opening a gate toward sky, his body starts to float and be aspired by the gate while he still holds Eury's hands.
-If you come back to your Tokyo, please…find my son!, tell him I'm sorry for left him, that I miss him and I will love him forever, that being his mother was and is the best thing that has happened to me in my life!- she tells him her pleading aloud with tears in her eyes.
-What's the name of your son?!-, Jūtarō still holds her hands but the gate is getting stronger while he asks her aloud a last question before being sucked to the portal in sky in a last effort while Eury tries to answer him back with loud voice because of the strength of the gate.
-His name is…- she says her son's name, but Jūtarō can't listen to her because the strength of the wind currents overlaps any other sound, the young man is sucked up to the sky and cross the portal while the last image of that woman burns in his mind, keeping in mind her last will before go away from that shore in a flash of rainbow light.
Suddenly, Jūtarō awakens in his bedroom, Salomon still sleeps in his arms telling nonsense in his own dreams, he notes warm tears in his cheeks, a feeling of heat runs in his left hand, he rises to check it slowly to don't wake up Salomon, the ring in his left index finger is giving a warm heat and gleaming in a dim golden light.