Questing for the Sun 32

[CENTER]Chapter 32: Late Night Guest

Questing For The Sun

<<<Carmen Saeki>>>[/CENTER]

Laura giggled weakly in his arms, half limp and very satisfied looking as he carried her.

Carmen himself was exasperated, if a bit smug, as he eyed the Wizard in his arms, “So, what have we learned?” He honestly didn’t know what to expect so he was keeping his mind open.

“I should seduce kitsunes more often,~” She purred, “And get tied up for you again…”

He snorted faintly, that was about what he expected, really, “You’re just lucky I was with you,” He said, “Otherwise you’d still be in whatever position the sisters put you in,” He added with a chuckle.

“That doesn’t sound too bad,~” She retorted with a loopy smile, “Being pampered for hours sounds lovely…”

Carmen just chuckled, “So, how badly are you going to tease Annabeth and Helena when we get back?” He asked.

“I was gonna sleep,~” She replied, “So relaxed, so sleepy.~” She did seem rather dead in his arms… though it was, admittedly, mostly from raw exhaustion. “Put me in one of their beds… it’ll be funny.”

Carmen just shook his head as the front door opened and he stepped in, “Pleasant visit?” A maid asked, and though she stayed bowed Carmen could just hear the amusement in her voice.

“Very.” Carmen said dryly, “Have the others returned?

“Oh yes, they are in the dining hall; though Annabeth and Helena managed to get into a fight with a yokai in the city,” She replied, “They survived with minimal injuries.”

“Of course they did.” Carmen said with a shake of his head, “I’ll check on them after I put this one to bed.” He added, “... Did they mention the reason for the fight, actually?”

“They both claimed different things, I suspect illusions are the cause,” She answered, “Shall I make you tea, master?”

“Yes, please,” Carmen said, “Surprise me with the blend. Now, let me get this lump in bed.”

With that he made his way to Helena’s room and tucked Laura in as she requested and, after ensuring she was comfortable, he left the room and decided to leisurely wander. He’d never really stayed here long enough to learn where everything was so it didn’t seem like a bad idea to explore a little.

“She’s a hungry girl, isn’t she?” Came a giggling whisper as he passed by a shrine to his mother, the miko there grinning mischievously, “It is good that you are not the only one that can satisfy it… and good that she has such a focus on making you happy.”

Carmen wasn’t even surprised, “Gossiping with mom again?” He asked dryly as he turned to face the miko.

“I am her miko after all, it’s practically part of the job.” Sad thing was she wasn’t wrong, “But we’re both genuinely happy for you both.”

Carmen just smiled, “Thank you.” He said, “Though I am curious, has anything happened in the Heavenly realm? I know many gods don’t appreciate foreigners.”

“Not particularly,” She replied, “There was a duel fought, but as I recall it was over something quite minor. Something about food groups?”

Carmen just shook his head, not getting it either. Though he was surprised, to the best of his knowledge even if the gods of Japan rarely went against his mother it certainly didn’t stop them from grumbling over whatever offended their sensibilities. It was possible they’d learned to be subtle about it, but honestly in his experience gods and subtle didn’t really mix.

“There was also the implication that Bast was only allowed in because Amaterasu liked cats,” She continued, “But neither of the two said anything against that either. It is rather amusing, if I’m telling the truth.”

“And there it is,” Carmen thought with a faint chuckle, “You’re not wrong.” He said with a shake of his head, “It didn’t hurt, certainly. The fact that Bast’s completely gorgeous helped as well.”

“And being attached to your future wife,” She noted with a touch more smugness than he’d normally expect from the girl. “Of course, there is also the matter of your stalker.”

“If it’s who I think you mean? Then that was largely due to me not really thinking things through,” Carmen said.

The miko giggled at that. “I see you haven’t noticed,” She said, “I’ll not spoil things.~”

“... Keep your secrets then…” Carmen was reasonably sure that if his stalker wasn’t a voyeuristic Love goddess of the Greek persuasion then his stalker didn’t mean him any harm.

“Mmm, I shall, my Lord!~” She teased with a smile.

Carmen just rolled his eyes before continuing his wandering. Though he kept thinking on it and finally recalled that ninja clan all those years ago and the girl. But that was years ago, surely she’d forgotten about him by now? Snorting he shook his head and decided to focus on heading to the sitting room where some tea was waiting for him!

Helena looked bruised but smug, stretching as one of the maids pressed an icepack against their head. “Hey Carmen! I knew it was too peaceful.” She paused for a moment, “Shinigami are assholes.”

“You taunted him!” Annabeth countered, “You didn’t have to brag about how many monsters you’ve killed, which still isn’t very much!”

“Neh,” She replied, sticking her tongue out at her, “They asked for it.”

“... She what…” Carmen deadpanned as he took a seat and poured himself a cup of tea and took a fortifying drink to prepare himself for whatever foolishness the Greek Demigod had committed.

“Ok, so there was this weird guy being all mysterious and creepy,” Helena started to explain, Annabeth’s hands slowly making their way to her face, “So I asked them why they were being weird and creepy. Then he says something like ‘it isn’t your time yet, but if you keep calling me creepy it will be’-”

Annabeth interrupted her, “They said that they were just doing their job and it wasn’t your time!”

Helena ignored this correction, “So I asked them if they were hunting someone they should pick on someone their own size. Then we fought and I won!”

Carmen just motioned to a maid, and in quiet Japanese asked for something a little stronger. He had a feeling he was going to need it, “Helena… you lovely tomboy you. Why… did you get in a fight with Shinigami? Who are Agents of Death and are, quite literally, able to decide if you cross over earlier than you’re fated?” He asked dryly.

“I didn’t know that’s what he was!” She replied, “He was being creepy and stalkerlike and didn’t say anything helpful!”

Carmen just looked at Annabeth, “Could you describe the Shinigami, please?” While Shinigami had a tendency to be somewhat eccentric to cope with the job, the amount of Shinigami that had those specific quirks were rather small.

“Uhh, pale, kinda tall, dark clothing…” She described, scratching her chin, “That’s about it, really.”

“Hmm… did he wear Kabuki makeup?” Carmen asked.

“What type of makeup?” She asked, “We aren’t Japanese, remember?”

“Ah, my mistake…” He said, “Kabuki makeup is elaborate, stylized makeup worn by actors in Kabuki theater. It's used to convey a character's personality, status, and emotions to the audience,” He explained.

“Oh, I didn’t see any makeup,” Helena said, “He was just weird and creepy.”

“Hmm, well unfortunately I can’t tell you who it is,” Carmen said, “Most Shinigami have a tendency to be eccentric to varying degrees as a method of coping. I could make an inquiry but I don’t think it would amount to much. Though I’m surprised Dove didn’t put a stop to it.” Actually now that he mentioned it… “Actually… where is Sally? I would’ve thought she’d be here with you two.”

Annabeth coughed as Helena grinned and said, “We might have tricked her into going on a date with Dove.”

“Really?” Carmen just shook his head, “Well Sally deserves some happiness in her life after dealing with that… Jabe or whatever his name was.” He added with a shrug, “And I’m sure mom wouldn’t mind having him stationed as her guide whenever she is in Japan,” He added with a small amused smile.

“She doesn’t even realize she’s on a date either,” Annabeth said with a smirk, “We’re thinking of telling her when she gets back.”

“You know, I know three sisters that could give Sally an excellent spa treatment,” Carmen said, “She’d received quite a glow up. I’ll even tell them not to play their usual games as well, after all I don't want Sally smitten by the Kitsune sisters too.”

“There’s a story there,” Helena noted with a grin, “What happened?”

“Well, without giving anything away cause I want you two to meet them yourselves eventually, they’re three sisters that absolutely love to tease people,” Carmen said, “And if you meet their criteria? Oh well… you’ll see.”

“Well, how did it go with Laura?” She asked, sensing blood in the water like the sharks she was surely related to, “Is she still there?”

“Oh she’s sleeping it off,” Carmen said, “I put her to bed.”

“That good?” She asked, eyebrows raised, “It takes a lot to wear her out…”

“You’ll have to see yourself,” Carmen said as he sipped his tea.

“Ok, now you’re just being a tease yourself!” Helena accused, “You’re evil, you know that?”

“Well I had to pick up a few traits from my teacher,” Carmen said airly.

“Which one?” Annabeth asked.

“... All of them actually,” Carmen said thoughtfully, “You know it never occurred to me but all of my teachers have either been sadists to a degree or playful hardasses… strange…”

“I think,” Helena started, “You might have a type.”

“I… can’t really deny that…” Now thinking about it, every woman he had been attracted to were either ruthless teases or just ruthless… certainly something to meditate on.

“Oh, we got a note for you in the mail,” Annabeth said, pushing Helena off herself (making the girl flail and yelp in surprise) and pulling out an envelope from her jacket.

“Really? Odd…” Carmen muttered as he accepted the envelope, “Wonder who this is from…” He mumbled as he looked it over.

The envelope was unadorned, other than his name it had no return address or anything, though the wax seal holding it closed looked vaguely familiar. Breaking the seal he pulled the note out and started reading it curiously.

“To give you a sporting chance,” It started, “we are taking the time to inform you that you are the target of a graduation exam for one of our disciples. They are free to complete their mission in any way they desire as long as that mission is complete. Your companions will not be harmed, of course, unless they attack the disciple.”

“-Our regards are given without further note.”

“Hmm…” Carmen tapped his chin before looking at the seal once more, “Well, this is unexpected…”

“What’s it say?” Helena asked, slowly floating water over Annabeth’s head, something the girl didn’t notice.

“Apparently, I’m the target of a ninja graduation exam,” Carmen said, “So don’t attack any ninjas.”

“... Does that mean they’re going to try to kill you or what?” Helena asked. It looked like Annabeth was going to ask something as well, but it was at that moment the water dropped and made her splutter, soaking her clothes clean through.

“I don’t think so, the note certainly didn’t seem threatening,” Carmen said, “Also consider who my mother is, I’m fairly sure if someone tried to assassinate me that person, and their entire clan or village, would be reduced to ash within moments.”

“Well… that’s something,” Annabeth said, “Also you’re sleeping on your own tonight, Helena. I will not keep you warm.”

Carmen snorted, but didn’t comment.

“It does explain why the letter was just on the table and none of the maids said where it came from,” Helena noted, grinning wide, “Maybe they’ll try to steal something, or someone, away from you?”

“Or perhaps it’s a test of stealth?” Carmen mused.

“Maybe,” Annabeth sighed, “But if it’s that, should we say something if we see them? That would be a failure of their test, right? They really didn’t give enough information to us.”

“Well from my admittedly very limited knowledge? During tests like this the disciple is watched over by a more experienced ninja,” Carmen said, “To both serve as a safe net in case things get too dangerous for the student, and to evaluate the student. But yes, generally if the disciple is caught it would reflect very poorly on their results.”

A letter floated down from the ceiling at that moment. It felt very cheeky.

The contents of the note backed up that feeling, “Only if getting caught is not part of the plot. Your upstairs bathroom window is open and unlocked, as is the second guest bedroom on the third floor, east corridor. Neither were what we used to get in, but this was too easy. Please try harder, thank you.”

“... And they’re already inside…” Carmen just shook his head, “It feels odd getting a security lesson from a ninja… feels vaguely nostalgic actually.” 

“... They’re very polite for professional assassins and thieves,” Annabeth noted, “And, wait, isn’t that Helena’s room?”

“Well just because they’re professional killers doesn’t mean they don’t have manners.” Carmen said, “And yes, it is.”

The demigod coughed. “I left it open because it was stuffy in there,” She admitted, “I didn’t think we’d be fighting ninjas.”

“You won’t be fighting them,” Carmen said, “I don’t want to explain to the Greek gods why two of their demigods died here. Japan doesn’t need divine help to suffer tsunamis, thank you very much,” He added dryly before standing up, “Well, I’m going to find our ninja guest. Helena, don’t get into any fights. Annabeth… make sure she doesn’t start any fights please.”

Annabeth cackled as Helena pouted, “I make no promises, but I’ll try.”

“That’s all I can ask,” Carmen said, “And don’t pout, you know you deserved that.” 

With that he left the sitting room and decided to go on a search.

It didn’t take him long to find something, though the shadowy form was certainly not the actual ninja. “Your future wife is quite innocent seeming in her rest,” they said, voice heavily distorted, “Paranoid as well, if it were not for your grandmother’s gifts I’d not have been able to enter the room…”

“Laura is like that,” Carmen said, “She’s a professional paranoid, I still have quite a lot to learn from her regarding magic.”

“And yet… she has expressed interest in meeting the ninja you are destined to take as yours, how odd,” They replied, “We shall speak again later, I’ll be watching you.”

“Destined to take as… ah… well then…” Carmen shook his head, “I suppose they didn’t move on after all…” He muttered.

Still, there wasn’t much he could do about it at this point aside from telling his maids to lock down the house; and the utility of that was… questionable at best. So, really, he should just… go to sleep, he supposed. It was getting late enough for that and it wasn’t as though getting paranoid would help either.

Shaking his head he decided to do his evening routine before retiring for the night.

He’d only been asleep for, maybe, an hour before he felt his bed shift under him, someone getting into it, getting over him. “You are a light sleeper, aren’t you?” Her voice was soft, quiet, and low.

“Mmm, generally yes,” Carmen said as his eyes opened, “Been a long time since then. I still remember playing ninja in the woods with you. Still haven’t forgotten the time you threw a real shuriken and stuck it in my ass, princess,” He teased.

“It has been quite long, hasn’t it?” She asked, “You are my target, I could have killed you in your sleep, a simple gas attack would do it…”

“You could’ve,” Carmen acknowledged, “But the note didn’t seem threatening. And well… I’m sure your clan and village would prefer to continue existing. Mom’s something of a helicopter parent… it happens when you’re her only living son.”

“I was assured that, were you to die as such, she would not retaliate… but you are correct, that was not my mission,” She whispered, getting closer to his face, “My mission was intelligence gathering. You should have locked your bag up.”

Carmen just sighed, “I swear…” Shaking his head, “Did you find what you need princess? I hope you didn’t pilfer too much, I remember how you would steal my snacks.” 

“Of course, I already passed the test,” She said, “I am a full kunoichi now… and I remember your promise to us, Carmen Saeki.”

“Congratulations, I knew you’d do it.” And he wasn’t being sarcastic either, “And a promise, hmm? I wonder what it could’ve been?” Maybe it was the fact it was midnight and demigods of sun gods don’t function at their best in darkness, but he teased her.

“Something that will have to wait for your own teacher’s approval, I think,” She replied, leaning down and whispering into his ear in a way that sent shivers down his spine, “But I don’t think she’ll resist it… I’ll give her two days to recover her wits.”

“Yeah, that sounds fair,” Carmen said with a chuckle before he gave the ninja a hug, “But it’s good to see you again, I was worried you’d forgotten about this foolish demigod.”

Her soft, cotton, clothes felt nice to the touch. “Why would I have? You didn't.”

Carmen chuckled, “Touche. Besides, how could I forget someone that I learned your clan arts beside?” He said, “It's hard to forget a cutie like yourself.”

“I would offer to keep you warm tonight, but it would be rude to your beloved cat,” She replied, pulling away from him, “Sleep well, my destined partner.~”

She leapt off soon after, smoke that smelled vaguely of death enshrouding her and hiding where she went from sight.

Carmen just chuckled, “Is it odd that I find that smell pleasant?” He mused, “What do you think, Bast?”

“Perhaps you think of hunting?” The goddess asked, hopping out of a nearby cat statuette, “And you know she wasn’t after information, right?”

“I’m foolish, but I’m not stupid,” Carmen said dryly, “If it was information then the last place she’d look was my bag. Besides, if she found anything in there I’d honestly be impressed, I think I’ll have to take a day and empty it out just to find out what’s all in there.”

“Oh no, she absolutely took things out of your bag,” She replied shamelessly, “I didn’t stop her because it was funny. Also she stole that cake you were saving.”

“You know, I want to be mad but I can’t.” Carmen said, “Mainly because I was going to visit her compound and surprise her with it. I missed her birthday while I was questing after all, and well… she has a sweet tooth she doesn’t get a chance to indulge in.”

“Right, but she also stole the fruit tarts Laura bought,” Bast added with a smirk, “I don’t think she knew they were Laura’s…”

“Eh, I’ll get Laura some new ones,” Carmen said, “But… she is pretty territorial over her snacks… hmm, what do you suggest I do to appease the irate Wizard when she finds out?”

“Oh, just leave her in the room with the ninja girl alone for a bit,” Bast replied, “It would be amusing. To me.”

“Mmm, and if I don’t want to throw my ninja to the wolves? Or in this case the lion?” Carmen asked with a chuckle.

“She has a preference for chocolate,” She replied, sounding sad. “Are you sure you don’t want to leave her alone with Laura for, oh, two or three hours?”

“We’ll see,” Carmen said, “Honestly? My concern stems more from her being moody. She’s just as likely to try to have sex with her, honestly.”

“Nah,” Bast’s head shook, “That’s a reward in her mind. Tied up, bound, gagged, and forced to watch as she eats food in front of her though…”

“Well, you’d know best seeing as you’re sharing her body,” Carmen said, “Now, I believe the ninja said something about not wanting to be rude? Need someone to cuddle?” He added curiously.

“Oh no, your mother is much more pleasant to lie next to,” She replied with a wave of her hand, “Much warmer there and she has a grand weakness for soft and fuzzy things.”

“You know, I’d be insulted if I didn’t agree with you,” Carmen said, “So what’s up, Bast?” He added as he rolled onto his side and propped his head up.

“You called me,” She replied snootily, “I was watching because I thought it was amusing, but you called me.”

“Touche.” Carmen admitted, “Though honestly I didn’t know you were watching until she made that comment about being rude to you. But I suppose it was obvious in hindsight really.”

“Oh no, she was talking about being rude to Laura,” She replied, “Because she wants to get both of you in her palm.”

“Ah, fair enough,” Carmen said, “Well, sorry to pull you away from whatever you were doing.”

“Napping in a sun goddess’s lap,” Bast replied with a nod, “Very important, I must get back to it.” As her words reached his ears… she collapsed as a pile of sand.

“She’s getting showier and showier…” Carmen muttered, shaking his head.

Though he couldn’t deny she was right, he certainly remembered fondly growing up with mom showing him around the gardens of her palace and falling asleep with his head in her lap. The fact that he woke up with his hair done and wearing makeup? That annoyed him, but the napping? Worth it.

Ten out of ten, would do it again.

Of course, he did have his own sleeping to get back to as well.

He barely noticed how his blankets shifted to better cover him as he closed his eyes and let the night take him away.

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