Chapter 8

Persephone's Folly

Mikan closed her eyes as the make up artist skilfully applied some cosmetics on her face. She is currently getting ready for the Vogue photo shoot with the Greek Mythology Modern Goddesses theme. They will use the scenic and azure beaches of Thailand as their backdrop for this shoot. Miguel showed them some sketches planned for their shoot and they were breathtaking! If only she weren't a little tired because of last night, she would probably be much excited!

God, she had an exhausting night, the worst possible night that can possibly be. After she and Zi Shu joined the others for dinner, the suffering started.

She had to stomach Keiko's vigorous flirtations with Natsume all the way through dinner.

She painstakingly ignored Natsume's death glare every time her eyes met his heated ones across the table.

She struggled to keep a straight face while he and Keiko danced together, with Keiko's body grinding provocatively towards Natsume.

All through out, her only consolation is Zi Shu's supportive presence. He never left her side and he amused her with his witty and wicked jokes concerning Keiko. She did laugh with some of them although her laugh is a little lacklustre because somehow... she can feel Natsume's eyes on her... She left immediately after coffee and dessert, pleading a terrible headache. Zi Shu courteously escorted her towards the door of her room and bade her goodnight.

She was not expecting Natsume to be here in Thailand. What a twist of fate. Earlier that day, she cursed him for his lengthy absence. Now that he's here... she was actually unprepared for what she felt when she first saw him last night. Unexpected pleasure pierced her heart when she saw his familiar face. Don't be stupid, Mikan! Get a grip on yourself... She scolded herself. You cannot possibly felt joy when you saw that bastard! You're just glad because now that he's here, you will be able to continue your revenge. He is your enemy; Natsume is the one who hurt you! Your only goal right now is to make him pay... immensely.

She took a deep breath and organized her thoughts. Keiko is proving to be a big obstacle on her plans. Of all the men in the world, why did she have to choose Natsume? Why did she have to settle her big claws on him and act like a complete slut in front of him? It's really irritating and nauseating to watch, so please. She has to act quickly; she could not possibly afford to lose more time. Luckily, she knows Natsume... and that gives her an advantage against Keiko.

Mikan donned on an almost translucent, champagne coloured gown beaded with glossy tiny pearls. It has a very full skirt with layers and layers of lace that makes Mikan feel like a princess. The hairstylist arranged Mikan's hair into a big pile of curls while a coronet of blue flowers woven into her hair. The blue flowers are called Narcissus, a three-petalled flower that looks like an iris. She looks breathtaking... she has a quality that gives her an ethereal and delicate glow.

Zi Shu, dressed and looked magnificent in his modernized Greek God costume, entered the dressing room and let out a loud whistle of appreciation. "Wow, a true goddess indeed!"

Mikan rewarded him with a graceful curtsey. "Thank you."

"I just came from the set, had my shots taken with Keiko. I must say she looks quite beautiful too in her sea green gown. She is still at the shoreline having her shots taken. She's the modern Aphrodite." Zi Shu announced sarcastically.

Mikan stood at the front of the mirror and scrutinized her reflection because anytime from now it will be her turn for the shoot. "Really?" She replied unenthusiastically.

Zi Shu's mouth curved into a mysterious smile. "Guess who suddenly turned up to watch the shoot?"

"Who?" Mikan asked absently as she tucked a strayed hair into her ear.

"Natsume." Zi Shu declared quietly.

Mikan's hand froze on air as she stared at him in bewilderment. "He's here?" Mikan asked again to confirm.

"Yup. I heard Keiko invited him. She gushed to everyone how close and intimate they were last night. Rumour is... they left together last night... " Zi Shu said, sympathy evident in his voice.

Mikan felt bile rose up from her throat. For a second there, she felt sick.

Zi Shu walked hurriedly towards her and laid a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Are you alright, Mikan? You became quite pale."

Mikan smiled shakily. "Of course, I'm fine. It's not as if I'm affected! Why should I be? Really, that's ridiculous! "

Zi Shu stared at her expression thoughtfully. "If you say so." He finally conceded.

"Now, come on and let's go! I don't want to be late for the shoot." Mikan picked up her skirts and hurried towards the door.

"Hey, you didn't tell me which modern Goddess are you! I heard you particularly chose this goddess." Zi Shu reminded her.

"Well... That's my secret." Mikan replied with a mocking smile at him.

Mikan's location for the shoot is at a beautiful cliff stranded perilously at the edge of the hill. However, the risk is very much worth it! The cliff is brimming with a garland of beautiful flowers, with the deep blue sea as its background. Mikan sat at the middle of the garland, the sea breeze flowing through her hair. Her face is turn towards the sea, a serene smile on her lips. The vision of her is stunning and dramatic.

"Beautiful, Mikan!" Miguel praised as he kneeled in order to take a better-angled shot.

"Now this time, I want to do more shots of you lying down with your face towards the camera." Miguel instructed. Mikan obeyed the instructions and the shots became even more impressive, because she the scenery cradled her wonderfully like a true goddess of nature.

After half an hour, Miguel finally put down his camera. The rest of crew clapped their hands for Mikan's performance, because, undoubtedly, her pictures are the best yet again. Zi Shu walked towards her and Miguel then gave her a mocked salute.

"Bravo, Mikan! Congratulations." Zi Shu praised her.

"You portrayed your goddess really well, Mikan. You managed to capture the right amount of melancholy yet at the same time, make it beautiful. You're really a talented model." Miguel commented, deep admiration evident in his voice.

"Thanks, Miguel. You're a great photographer too. One of the best I've work with. Too bad that this is the last shoot for Vogue, I'm going to miss you." Mikan responded honestly.

Miguel smiled at her affectionately then consoled her. "Don't worry, we'll work together again."

"Too bad that Keiko wasn't here to watch your photo shoot." Zi Shu sighed exasperatedly. Mikan threw him a warning glance at the hidden jibe on his words.

Miguel nodded. "Yes, she left with Natsume after her shoot. Keiko's version of Aphrodite is good too, for she is undoubtedly beautiful."

"But I bet you will agree with me Miguel, if only she portrayed it more modestly..." Zi Shu trailed off.

And to Mikan's surprise, Miguel laughed favourably. "I absolutely agree."

Zi Shu beamed at Miguel, making his boyish good looks even more handsome. "I bet you wouldn't want to work with her again..."

Miguel shrugged. "Not if I can't help it."

"Our Mikan is the simply the best, don't you think? She's beautiful and talented, not to mention kind and easy to work with." Zi Shu bragged suddenly.

"Definitely the best. If I were a man, I could not ask for more."Miguel confirmed with a bobbed of his dark head.

Mikan's lips started to twitched. She appreciates the fact that both of the man are cheering her on.

Zi Shu finally put a protective arm around her. "Now let's all return to the hotel to get some rest. Tonight's farewell/celebratory party is bound to get interesting."

Mikan motion to her extravagant gown unhappily. "You guys go ahead. I have to return to the dressing room. I cannot possibly walk on the hotel looking like this."

"Okay, see you later. Don't be late. Come on, Miguel, let's go to the bar and have a drink." Both the men walked away deep in conversation, like two mischiefs that are plotting something.

Mikan rush towards the makeshift and temporary dressing room near the beach and found it empty. She sank towards a white wicker chair exhaustedly as she let the air conditioner cool off her heated body. The sun's heat outside is actually tolerable but wearing a gown with a skirt like hers is equivalent of being inside an oven. She closed her eyes and tried to relax as tiredness and lack of sleep finally took a toll...

"Late night?" A deep and familiar hard voice interrupted her solitude.

Mikan bolted right up from the chair, shock coursing into her body. "What are you doing here? I though you left with Keiko."

Natsume shrugged. "She was feeling faint. I took her to the hotel."

"Oh..." Mikan replied, she doesn't know what to say because he really caught her off guard.

"Does Christopher know what you're doing?" Natsume demanded, his eyes took on a steely glint.

Mikan blinked. "I beg you pardon?"

"You're cheating on Christopher with Zi Shu!" Natsume accused harshly.

Mikan's forehead knotted in confusion. Natsume think she's having an affair with Zi Shu? Is he out of his mind? Is that why he keeps throwing furious glances on her last night?

"Zi Shu is a close friend. He's engage to be married!"

"That still doesn't mean you're not lovers."

"For Pete's sake Natsume, we are not lovers! We were never lovers!"

"That's not what I saw last night. You two were being too touchy to be just friends."

"Zi Shu is just that type of person. It doesn't mean anything! And who are you to judge me? According to the rumours, you and Keiko left together last night."

A muscle move in Natsume's jaw, it's very obvious that he is trying really hard to control his temper. "I've only escorted her to her room."

"Yeah right! Don't bother to deny it. It's not exactly I care whether you slept with her!"

"You're damn right, it's none of your business!"

"Which means what I do is none of your business either. You don't care anyway!"

"You're wrong! I do care!" Natsume shouted back at her.

Mikan stared at him in helpless wonder, her mouth hanging open. For a moment, Natsume appears to be shocked with his self too. He recovers instantly and he closed the distance between them and yanked her arm into a vicious grip.

"I'm your friend and I will not allow you to act like a slut in front of everybody. I met Christopher... he's a good guy. I don't want him to be cuckolded by someone as vain and selfish like you!"

Mikan snapped her hand away from his grip and slapped his cheek as hard as she can! It made a stinging sound and Mikan staggered back with shock. It's not really her intention to hit him, but she was so hurt with his words that she just cannot help herself. During their relationship, she has never shown any kind of violence towards him at all.

Natsume rubbed his now reddening cheek and stared at her furiously. "That still doesn't prove anything. It just confirmed how totally change you've become ever since we last saw each other."

Mikan turned away from him sharply; she would rather die first before he can catch the sight of the glistening tears in her eyes.

"No words? Cat got your tongue?" Natsume laughed callously.

Natsume studied her with barely veiled contempt. She's not only a great model, but a great actress as well. Did she really think she could fool him? When Keiko caught him watching Mikan, she told him about the well-known liaison between Zi Shu and Mikan. They've been lovers for years! She left with Zi Shu last night and for him, that is proof enough of their relationship. His stomach somersaulted with the thought of her and Zi Shu doing something intimate. His mind just cannot accept it that Mikan is not the one he loved seven years ago... she's now become a slut who has no morals or whatsoever.

"I'll see you later tonight. Goodbye, Mikan. Or should I say... Persephone?" Natsume questioned her scornfully.

Mikan gaped at him in shock, her eyes widening. "How did you know I'm Persephone?"

"The flowers on your hair were a dead giveaway. Persephone love Narcissus." And with that last parting shot filled with sarcasm, Natsume left the room.

Mikan straighten out her back rigidly as she stared defiantly at her reflection. A short black satin and strapless dress with narrow diamante belt fitted her like a glove. Her hair stylishly tousled and drape on one smooth shoulder. She misted herself liberally with her favourite perfume, whose name coincidentally fitted the occasion, Seduction.

All ready for battle, Mikan thought derisively.

She should have known that Natsume would realize her as Persephone! What a smart bastard...She acknowledged reluctantly. Mikan's lips twitched with amusement at the memory of Hotaru once calling Natsume, the Hades of Alice Academy. Hotaru was very angry at that time with Natsume that she likened him with the God of the underworld. It was around the start of their relationship and Hotaru complained about Natsume's extreme possessiveness that Mikan had barely time with her other friends.

They studied Greek Mythology during their High School years and Mikan's favourite story is Persephone's abduction. Persephone is a beautiful and kind-hearted goddess who loves to play around with nature. She especially adores flowers, like purple crocuses, royal blue irises and sweet-smelling hyacinths. One day, she spotted a three-petalled flower that looks like an iris, a flower named Narcissus. She was so enchanted with the flower that suddenly, the earth began to shake and split into two. Hades came out in a golden chariot and before she can utter a world, she was whisked off in her feet and was taken in the underworld. Hades made her his wife, and thus, made her the queen of the underworld. Persephone was unhappy and miserable for sometime, because she missed the beautiful world above, especially her friends and the warm sunshine. While Persephone was away, the world suffered as well. The flowers failed to bloom, the earth slowly withered and become barren. Persephone's worried mother, Demeter, and together with the people of the mortal world, demanded Persephone to be return on earth. But before she was released to Hermes, who had been sent to retrieve her, Hades tricked her into eating pomegranate seeds, which forced her to return to the underworld for a season each year. When Demeter and her daughter were reunited, the Earth flourished with vegetation and colour, but for four months each year, when Persephone returned to the underworld, the earth once again became a barren realm. The story is an origin story to explain the seasons on earth, winter, spring, summer and fall.

After Mikan's relationship with Natsume, she realized why she loves the story so much. For she is Persephone, the foolish Persephone! Because of her folly, she will never be able to escape Natsume. Her love for him is the cause of her downfall. She let it consume her entire being making her unwisely dependent on it. That's why when her love was cruelly crushed... it almost killed her. Her love for Natsume is long gone, but up to now, she still can't break free. Just like the way Persephone has to return to Hades every season.

It was a full hour after Natsume left that comprehension hit her. His brutal and cruel behaviour is reminiscent of the way he acted once during their relationship when he caught her kissing somebody on his cheek. He practically dragged her away and lashed out on her then kissed her viciously. He told her to stay away from other men for she is only his. In the end, he admitted of acting unconventionally at that time because he was jealous. Jealous! Yes, the great Natsume Hyuuga, can become insanely and unreasonably jealous whenever his possessions are threaten.

Though Mikan knows Natsume's spiteful outburst to her a while ago is just a product of his tumultuous emotions, his words still hurt her. A little, she conceded. Who would not be angry when called a slut? He is way out of line to call her that, and he still deserved the slap she gave him! She is willing to let it go, of course, for the sake of her revenge. He would eventually pay all the mean things he did to her! So now... her new plan is to make Natsume Hyuuga even more jealous! Some people think that Natsume may be a quiet and composed person... but just beneath his exterior, lays a very dangerous temper just waiting to explode. And tonight, she's going to test that temper until he burst out! Then he will come to her... alone. She is sure of it.

Mikan made her way down on a magnificent long staircase, with Zi Shu at the bottom waiting for her. She offered one glove hand and he kissed it courteously.

"You look particularly pretty tonight."Zi Shu whispered softly on her ear as he led her to the bar.

"I have a mission." Mikan winked seductively at him.

Zi Shu wiggled his eyebrows comically. "Dare I ask what the plan is?"

"Let's just say... I'm tired of acting meek and not playing the game."

And as if on cue, Keiko arrived with Natsume. Keiko looked stunning on a scarlet and long velvet gown. Keiko practically glowed as she fluttered her eyes flirtatiously at Natsume. Together with Natsume's good looks, they make a very handsome couple. Mikan eyed the couple with deadly intent, a frosty smile on her lips. Zi Shu followed her gaze, his eyes dawning with understanding.

"I see... But you cannot do it alone. Let me help." Zi Shu offered mischievously.

"And me too." Miguel suddenly came from behind then and grinned at them impudently.

Mikan spared them both with a grateful look. She really needs allies right now.

"Then... let the games begin." Mikan announced softly.

Gosh... this chapter is the longest I've ever written. I've always love Greek mythology and Persephone's story is really my inspiration for this chapter. Well, I hope you guys will be able to grasp the concept of this chapter. Sorry to leave in such a cliff hanger. This chapter took longer than I expected. Next chapter is going to be exciting! Just imagine a battle between Mikan, Zi Shu and Miguel against Keiko. And expect another BIG and sizzling confrontation between Mikan and Natsume!

To clear things out, Natsume was so mean to Mikan because Keiko told him that Mikan and Zi Shu are sleeping with each other. Mikan decided to ignore Natsume's cruel actions because she realized he's just jealous. She still plans to continue her revenge. She plans to make Natsume even more jealous, because he will definitely seek her out again! She plans to get him alone, and she cannot do that because Keiko is always at Natsume's side (and besides, Natsume is very furious with her so it is unlikely he will talk to her unless provoke).

By the way, I created a poll for this fan fiction. I think there's a link on my profile. I'm not sure (author grimaces). WHAT GENDER DO YOU THINK SHOULD HOTARU AND RUKA'S NEW BABY BE? Here's the choices: a) A baby boy, a mini Hotaru b) a baby boy, a mini Ruka c) a baby girl, a mini Hotaru d) a baby girl, a mini Ruka... Please vote and if the link is not in my profile, then just include your votes on your reviews... Arigatou...

I upload a new chapter every week, as you probably noticed, particularly, Monday or Tuesday. I am reviewing for my board exams (this coming October), so sorry I cannot upload more frequently than that. I get the urge to write whenever the reviews are piling. So support my story guys, and give comments and suggestions! (author grins)

-KuroTenshi11-- you will definitely hate Keiko more on the next chapter... don't worry, I'll teach Keiko a lesson next chapter!

akerue-- don't worry... I pretty much get it that all my readers hate Keiko... so glad you understand that villains do add a certain thrill...

kyria hyuuga-- you're Natsume's sister? So nice to meet you!

aegyo-- thanks so much for the praises! Do drop by and give a review for the next chapter...

KMAC 08-- yeah... Natsume is always smokin hot...

sayeessha-- hey, I answered your private message... thanks, I really racked my best to dressed Mikan prettily everytime... after all, she's a model..

Irumi Kanzaki-- yup, he's from it started with a kiss... I was wondering if anyone of you would notice... hehe...really love his character and I still got a hangover because I just finished They Kiss Again..

Amaya05-- thanks! Yes, it's still going to take a while before Natsume finds out...

ecyoj06-- I can say Natsume is willing to compete... though he still doesn't realize it yet...

aliceacademy8-- I'm glad Natsume saw the kiss too... serves him right! Hehe. Natsume is really a stock investor, although part time. I mention it on the 1st chapter.

Fujiwara Yuri-- yup, Mikan is jealous though she is not willing to admit it... hehe...

Little-Miss-Gigglex-- yup, but will Sexbomb Natsume fall into Keiko's stinking arms? Hmmmmm

k0nek0-- thanks for always reviewing.. you're so great...

Youichiix33-- yup, he's from iswak... really love his character and I still got a hangover because I just finished They Kiss Again... thanks for reviewing and good luck on your English subject!

krishaNe--- yes, because Christopher is a threat, because let's face it, he's kinder than Natsume. He's good looking and rich as well.

Rachelandthecupcakecrusades-- you're lucky to have a friend like Zi Shu!

Cutenatsumexmikan-- thanks for the review...don't worry, keiko is going down next chapter.

KiNoMoTo18-- yes, it's a little hard to imagine Koko being serious but I think he can be a dependable friend when time calls for it...i like your ideas... thanks so much!!

BiTtEr-SwEeT-cHeRrY-- thanks for giving a review... yes, the plot thickens... hope you like the story so far...

My Hopeless Romantic-- I really like your comments because their so insightful, thanks Anna... I love Zi Shu's character as well... What do you think of Natsume on this chapter?

niceladysakura-- love your review! Yup, actions speak louder than words, but it would be nice to hear it too... we can't blame Mikan...what can you say about what's happening in Thailand so far?

ichigo kimmie-- wow, thanks... liking my work to shoujo mangas is really flattering... please review the next chapter...

chiyuusaku-- thanks! Really work hard to keep my work original. Feel free to ask whenever you read something that puzzles you...