Chapter 2
The first thing he did was shower. Amai stripped away the clothing he had been forced to wear for nearly a week straight, he could finally change out of them and put on something fresh. But first, he needed to clean himself off. Perhaps at the same time he could try washing away the disgusting look everyone gave him at the meeting. Yet in the shower, he couldn't help but ponder over what Garou said and the Soothsayer's final words. He knows they were directed at him, but what did it mean?
He didn't really care for the moment. All that mattered was the hot water and the cleansing sensation that washed over his body. With his shower done, he placed on his favorite robe and walked out on to the balcony.
Amai Mask took in the smell of the night air. He savored it for it tasted like freedom. He thought for certain Garou would have taken everything from him, his rank and hero status. However, he found himself surprised, as Garou didn't do anything of the sort. Granted, he was reduced to Rank 2 now, but Rank 1 is easy to reclaim. It won't be long until Hunter takes his promotion into S Class, in fact, he thought he would have done so during the meeting. And yet, he remains in Class A Rank 1.
The Association has placed Amai under house arrest as well, he can leave when he has heroic duties to fill, however he is no longer allow to go out and do any movies, shows, modeling or music until farther notices.
"It's as if they are giving me a vacation!" he said with a smirk on his face. "I could use the down time."
Venturing back inside, he wondered about his apartment suite, wondering what to do with his time off. Or was that part of the punishment? Would it drive him stir crazy? Would he go mad out of boredom? But then, he remembered what Garou said. He was still going to punish him, but never mentioned as to how he would go about doing it! Curiosity got the better of Amai Mask, he began to put himself in Garou's shoes, wondering what he would do, how he would go about doing it. A mere beating wouldn't be sufficient; after all, he recovers rather quickly from many wounds. So that wouldn't do.
What if he is kept at Rank 2? Hunter has more than enough strength to stand in the top of A Class, would that be punishment enough?
Then, he kept thinking of what he did to Snek. He nearly went through with the deed of eating him alive because he couldn't handle the hunger of Garou's body. No doubt there will be hell to pay for that, and yet, Garou never mentioned any of it!
"What are you planning?' Mask asked aloud.
Then, there was the meeting, and what Garou claimed to be the soothsayer's final words. They still haunted him, but he tried to ignore the sensation.
Perhaps he wouldn't put too much thought into it, after all, what could Garou do? What's the worst he could try and pull on him? Either way, Amai Mask was prepared. He would be ready for what is in store and could handle anything thrown his way!
"Whatever you have in store, Garou. Rest assured. I'm ready for it!" Amai yawned aloud, he stretched himself out, showered once more and got ready for bed. Tomorrow will be the first day of his forced vacation.
It will be one to remember!